Bactericidal

Exp Hematol, 1986 Mar, 14(3), 207 - 14
5-Fluorouracil effect on cultured murine stem cell progeny and peripheral leukocytes; Donowitz GR et al.; Pretreatment of mice with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) depletes total marrow cellularity but leaves a residual population of cells with enhanced regenerative capability . Using the long-term Dexter liquid culture system, we studied the effects of 5-FU on murine marrow cells and their production of pluripotent stem cells (CFU-S) and monocyte-granulocyte precursors (CFU-C) . We also examined oxidative and bactericidal activity of neutrophil progeny of marrow cells in culture to determine the effect of 5-FU on effector cell activity . As an in vivo comparison, effector cell activity of neutrophils from peritoneal exudates of 5-FU treated animals was examined . C57B1/6J mice were treated with 5-FU, 100 mg/kg or 150 mg/kg, 4-7 days prior to marrow cell harvest and culture . Total cell counts, CFU-S, and CFU-C were all reduced compared with values from saline-treated controls . Over time, cell production from 5-FU marrow increased, reaching supranormal levels by 2-3 weeks of culture . The neutrophil progeny obtained from these marrow cultures showed normal reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium dye (NBT), but abnormally low chemiluminescence . In contrast, neutrophils from peritoneal exudate of 5-FU-treated animals showed normal chemiluminescence, but abnormally low reduction of NBT . Normal bactericidal activity was exhibited by both neutrophil progeny from marrow cultures and by neutrophils from peritoneal exudates of 5-FU-treated animals . The present data indicate that mouse marrow cells surviving 5-FU have an enhanced proliferative capacity in vitro and are capable of producing neutrophil progeny that, despite some abnormalities of oxidative function, have normal bactericidal capability.

Jpn J Pharmacol, 1986 Mar, 40(3), 478 - 80
Effects of taurine on neutrophil function in hyperlipidemic rats; Masuda M et al.; In dietary hyperlipidemic rats, an increase in serum lipid level may cause an increase in membrane lipid level of the neutrophils, and phagocytosis and bactericidal capacity may be thereby lowered . Treatment with taurine (470 mg/kg/day, p.o.) strengthened the bactericidal capacity of neutrophils which was decreased by cholesterol diet feeding, as the capacity was stronger on the 40th day than that in animals fed laboratory chow . The results suggest that taurine may play an important role in the mechanism of host defense through the neutrophil function.

J Neurol Sci, 1986 Mar, 73(1), 73 - 7
Neutrophil function in Duchenne muscular dystrophy; Karagol U et al.; Spontaneous migration, chemotactic and bactericidal activity and nitroblue-tetrazolium (NBT) reduction by neutrophils from patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy were evaluated using quantitative techniques . Significant reductions in spontaneous migration and chemotaxis were found in the DMD group when compared with a control group of subjects . No significant differences were found in bactericidal activity or NBT reduction . The findings suggest that there is a defect in the contractile system or cell membrane function of neutrophils in DMD and that the genetic defect is expressed in leucocytes as well as other tissues.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1986 Mar, (3), 62 - 5
{Immunological status of monkeys during acclimatization and its correction with levamisole}; Voskanian NA et al.; The work presents the results of investigations, carried out in different monkey species, on the physiological norms as regards the bactericidal factors of neutrophilic polymorphonuclear leukocytes in the blood, nonenzymatic lysosomal cationic proteins and myeloperoxidase, as well as on changes in these characteristics in monkeys at different periods of their acclimatization at the Institute of Experimental Pathology and Therapy, Sukhumi . The possibility of correcting the characteristics under study by means of the immunostimulating agent levamisole is shown.

J Neurol Sci, 1986 Mar, 73(1), 1 - 10
Granulocyte dysfunction and myotonic dystrophy; Friedenberg WR et al.; A 52-year-old Caucasian male with typical features of myotonic dystrophy (MD) developed a lung abscess and was found to have a mild atypical cyclic neutropenia . Granulocyte function testing revealed a defect in phagocytosis, bactericidal activity and chemotaxis . The defects were less severe at the nadir of the granulocyte counts . Skin windows demonstrated that the granulocyte defects were not just an in vitro artifact . The patient was treated with lithium carbonate and improved . Mobilization into a skin window and clinical MD were unchanged . Studies of his 10 children and 2 siblings, including granulocyte function tests and complete neurological evaluations were obtained . The 4 children with abnormal parameters of granulocyte function all had definite evidence of MD . Two children had equivocal findings of MD and the others were normal . There was minimal evidence of granulocyte dysfunction in these children . Twelve of 19 unrelated patients with MD had evidence of impaired granulocyte function with the most consistent defect being chemotaxis in response to bacterial factor . Mild granulocyte dysfunction is frequently associated with MD, but severe dysfunction with many defects is uncommon but can occur, as in this family . There was a tendency for the more severely afflicted members of this family to have more pronounced granulocyte dysfunction . Longitudinal testing in this family may determine any relationship between the granulocyte dysfunction and the onset of MD, as well as any correlation with the progression of the disorder . MD patients who develop infection should have granulocyte function tests as part of their evaluation.

J Periodontol, 1986 Mar, 57(3), 172 - 5
Effects of the inorganic salts sodium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, and magnesium sulfate upon the growth and motility of Treponema vincentii; Wolinsky LE et al.; The use of inorganic salt solutions as chemotherapeutic agents in the control of periodontal disease has received considerable attention in the past few years . Although some research has been published on their clinical effectiveness, little is known about their therapeutic activity and bactericidal effects upon oral spirochetes . The present study investigated the effects of varied concentrations of NaCl, NaHCO3, and MgSO4 upon the in vitro growth and motility of Treponema vincentii . Growth determinations were performed using a turbidiometric analysis at 545 nm . Motility was qualitatively studied by direct examination of 200 treponemes in a wet mount specimen . Samples were taken at 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours following inoculation with the treponemes . Concentrations of 0.5 M NaCl, NaHCO3, or MgSO4 totally inhibited the growth and motility of T . vincentii over a 96-hour period . Salt concentrations less than or equal to 0.10 M had little if any effect upon growth and motility . The data support the hypothesis that the bactericidal and antimotility effects of these salts are related more to their concentrations than to the presence of a specific inorganic ion . They also suggest that motility may be a valid indicator of bacterial viability . Before the clinical significance of the results can be ascertained, human studies are needed to establish sulcular salt concentrations which can be achieved with local irrigation and to determine how long bactericidal concentrations can be maintained.

Ann Surg, 1986 Mar, 203(3), 246 - 9
PMN superoxide radical production following a metabolic-endocrine simulation of trauma; Moon BC et al.; Serious infections following major trauma remain inexplicably high . Metabolic and endocrine changes after injury have been suggested as being responsible for many of the documented defects in the polymorphonucleocyte (PMN) . The in vitro bactericidal activity of normal human PMNs has been examined in this laboratory by assaying the activity of the PMN membrane bound enzyme NADPH oxidase and hence O2- production of the PMN in a metabolic/endocrine milieu designed to simulate moderately severe trauma . This was accomplished by incubating the PMN with physiological and trauma serum concentrations of insulin, glucose, cortisol, epinephrine, and glucagon . The results indicate that the O2- production of the PMN is significantly enhanced in this environment . It would appear that exogenous glucose alone was responsible for this enhanced O2- production.

Infect Immun, 1986 Mar, 51(3), 942 - 7
Iron, siderophores, and the pursuit of virulence: independence of the aerobactin and enterochelin iron uptake systems in Escherichia coli; Williams PH et al.; Many strains of Escherichia coli isolated from extraintestinal infections of humans and domestic animals are able to synthesize two siderophores, aerobactin and enterochelin . Although aerobactin has a dramatically lower affinity for iron than enterochelin, it has been shown to provide a significant selective advantage for bacterial growth in conditions of iron limitation, such as in the body fluids and tissues of an infected animal . We have used streptonigrin, which is bactericidal in the presence of iron, as a probe to determine levels of free intracellular iron during bacterial growth promoted by the two siderophores . A strain with only enterochelin remained sensitive to the bactericidal action of streptonigrin, suggesting that assimilated iron was contributed to an intracellular pool from which the rate of its withdrawal for growth is probably concentration dependent . On the other hand, a strain that synthesized aerobactin alone became resistant to streptonigrin, indicating that iron complexed with aerobactin was not made accessible to streptonigrin and suggesting that it may be channeled directly to where it is required for growth . Aerobactin, probably because it is repeatedly reusable, efficiently stimulated bacterial growth at external concentrations some 500-fold lower than those of enterochelin . Moreover, the effective concentration, and thus the siderophore activity, of enterochelin but not of aerobactin was significantly reduced by the presence of human serum in the medium . Differential regulation of the genetic determinants of the two siderophores resulted in preferential induction of the aerobactin system in the presence of unsaturated levels of transferrin and lactoferrin.

Am J Vet Res, 1986 Feb, 47(2), 429 - 32
Polymorphonuclear leukocyte function in cattle with left displaced abomasum with or without concurrent infections; Gyang EO et al.; Cattle submitted to the University of Minnesota for surgical correction of left displaced abomasum (LDA) were examined for the in vitro phagocytic and bactericidal activities of their polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) . The PMN from cattle with LDA with or without concurrent infection had depressed phagocytic function when compared with PMN from healthy animals (controls) . Those with concurrent infection had phagocytic activities lower than those in the group of cattle with LDA without any concurrent infection, and the former group was also observed to have depressed intracellular killing . Cattle with LDA complicated by infection were the only group in which phagocytic function was altered during surgical correction of LDA (and recovery) . Treatment of PMN from both groups of affected cattle with levamisole in vitro enhanced intracellular killing, but had no effect on phagocytosis.

Br J Dermatol, 1986 Feb, 114(2), 251 - 4
Discoid lupus erythematosus-like lesions in an autosomal form of chronic granulomatous disease; Stalder JF et al.; Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is characterized by a bactericidal defect involving the oxidative metabolism of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PML) and is most often transmitted as an X-linked trait . The cutaneous features of this disorder include infections and lupus-like rashes . These have been described in female carriers as well as in males with the disease . Two cases of siblings presenting an autosomal form of CGD syndrome, with lupus-like cutaneous manifestations, are reported here.

Infect Immun, 1986 Feb, 51(2), 373 - 7
Bactericidal effect of lactoferrin on Legionella pneumophila; Bortner CA et al.; Lactoferrin, an iron-binding protein found in mucosal secretions and in specific granules of polymorphonuclear leukocytes, has been shown to be bactericidal for a variety of organisms . In this study, the effect of lactoferrin on Legionella pneumophila was investigated . Purified human apolactoferrin was bactericidal for the Knoxville 1 strain (serogroup 1), with a 4-log decrease in viability within 2 h at 37 degrees C . Killing was dependent on the iron-free state since iron-saturated lactoferrin had no activity . Guinea pig passage of this strain did not affect its sensitivity to lactoferrin . Treatment of the cells with dilutions of the lactoferrin resulted in correspondingly reduced killing . Activity was temperature dependent; there was no loss of viability at 1 or 22 degrees C and slightly enhanced killing at 41 degrees C . Addition of Mg2+ blocked bactericidal activity . In addition, mature human milk, a lactoferrin-containing mucosal secretion, was also bactericidal for L . pneumophila . As demonstrated with the purified lactoferrin, bactericidal activity was lost when the milk was iron saturated.

Eur J Clin Microbiol, 1986 Feb, 5(1), 79 - 87
Technical aspects and clinical correlations of the serum bactericidal test; Standiford HC et al.; A review of the studies using 50% human serum as a diluent for the serum bactericidal test has shown correlations with patient outcome . Human serum used as diluent of the patient's serum appears to be essential because of high protein binding of some antibiotics . An inoculum of 10(5)-10(6) bacteria/ml and a bactericidal criteria of 99.9% killing are technical aspects that have gained popularity . Careful timing of serum collection for the assay is important . Neither the macrotube nor microtiter techniques are entirely satisfactory . The latter method, however, has the advantage of being more reproducible than the macrotube method, less cumbersome and requiring less serum . Preliminary guidelines for performing and interpreting the test are provided . Future research should be directed toward making the microtiter technique more sensitive for identifying antibiotic tolerance, developing effective methods to eliminate the need for human serum as a diluent and obtaining more clinical correlations.

Eur J Clin Microbiol, 1986 Feb, 5(1), 67 - 70
Value of the serum bactericidal test in management of patients with bacterial endocarditis; Mellors JW et al.; A review is given of the available clinical data on the prognostic value of the serum bactericidal test in the treatment of patients with bacterial endocarditis . It is concluded that the test, even when performed in a standardized manner, does not provide useful information for the majority of patients with bacterial endocarditis . Until further clinical data are available, routine performance of the test in patients with bacterial endocarditis is not recommended.

J Antibiot (Tokyo), 1986 Feb, 39(2), 294 - 303
Synergism of cephalosporins at subinhibitory concentrations and polymorphonuclear leukocytes on phagocytic killing of Escherichia coli and its mode of action; Watanabe Y et al.; The interactions between subinhibitory concentrations of cephalosporins and polymorphonuclear leukocytes in the killing of a strain of Escherichia coli are described and an attempt is made to define the responsible mechanism . Ceftizoxime was the most potent agent tested . Pretreatment of the E . coli strain with subinhibitory concentrations of ceftizoxime increased the susceptibility to both; phagocytic killing activity of the polymorphonuclear leukocytes and bactericidal activities of the oxygen metabolites and the granule extracts . A most interesting result was the increased susceptibility of the ceftizoxime-treated E . coli to killing by beta-glucuronidase which normally is not bactericidal . It is suggested that the augmented killing could be due to bacteriolysis by beta-glucuronidase.

Infect Immun, 1986 Feb, 51(2), 594 - 9
Environmental modulation of lipopolysaccharide chain length alters the sensitivity of Escherichia coli to the neutrophil bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein; Weiss J et al.; We have shown previously that the sensitivity of Escherichia coli to the neutrophil bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein (BPI) depends mainly on the polysaccharide chain length of outer membrane lipopolysaccharides (LPS) (J . Weiss, S . Beckerdite-Quagliata, and P . Elsbach, J . Clin . Invest . 65:619-628, 1980) . Thus, rough strains of E . coli producing only short-chain LPS are more sensitive to BPI than smooth strains that produce LPS with varied chain lengths . We now show that changes in the bacterial growth environment can modify BPI sensitivity of smooth E . coli as much as 30-fold depending on the bacterial strain and the growth conditions examined . Changes in BPI sensitivity paralleled differences in binding affinity of E . coli for BPI and closely correlated with changes in the chain length of LPS produced under different growth conditions, as assessed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis . No concomitent changes in either the number of LPS molecules per cell or the bacterial protein profile were detected . Rough strains showed little or no growth-dependent variation in BPI sensitivity, further indicating that subtle alterations in bacterial constituents other than LPS do not significantly affect bacterial sensitivity to BPI . Thus, the BPI sensitivity of E . coli can be modulated not only by the genotypic conversion of the LPS phenotype, but also by environmental effects on LPS-polysaccharide formation in wild-type strains.

Microb Pathog, 1986 Feb, 1(1), 15 - 32
The role of complement in inflammation during experimental pneumococcal meningitis; Tuomanen E et al.; The mechanism whereby an effective bactericidal inflammatory reaction develops in the subarachnoid space is not clearly defined . While normal cerebrospinal fluid is deficient in complement, immunoglobulin and leukocytes, these serum components appear in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) during the course of bacterial meningitis . Using a rabbit model of pneumococcal meningitis we examined the role of the alternate complement pathway in three early events important to the defense of the subarachnoid space: leukocyte chemotaxis, phagocyte mediated bacterial killing, and clearance of bacterial components from the cerebrospinal fluid space . Rabbits treated with cobra venom factor to deplete complement were inoculated intracisternally with encapsulated (type II or XIX) pneumococci . Following complement depletion, there was a dramatic (at least 100-fold) decrease in the LD50 for these strains . Nevertheless, complement depletion did not affect the magnitude of CSF leucocytosis or the rate of clearance of bacterial particles from CSF . A short delay in the appearance of leukocytes in CSF was found in the absence of complement . The major effect of complement depletion, however, was to diminish the efficiency of leukocyte mediated killing of encapsulated bacteria in the CSF . Although the short delay in the onset of leukocytosis in the complement depleted animals is consistent with a chemotactic role of complement in the normal animal, the quantitatively normal leukocytosis in the complement depleted rabbits clearly indicates that important chemotaxins other than complement function in CSF . Inhibition of leukocytosis by indomethacin and diclofenac suggests that metabolite(s) of the arachidonic acid pathway may perform such a chemotactic role . A major role of complement in the defense of the subarachnoid space appears to be as an opsonin needed for the effective bactericidal activity of leukocytes . It is the lack of this function that best explains the greatly decreased LD50 value of encapsulated pneumococci in the complement depleted animal.

Arch Surg, 1986 Feb, 121(2), 157 - 62
Trauma serum suppresses superoxide production by normal neutrophils; Lanser ME et al.; The effect of trauma serum on superoxide production by normal neutrophils was studied in 47 serum samples from 18 patients with multiple trauma . Ten patients became septic and eight patients remained nonseptic . Incubation in trauma serum significantly suppressed superoxide production by normal neutrophils compared with incubation in normal serum: 3.6 +/- 1.44 vs 4.04 +/- 1.64 nmole of superoxide produced by 10(6) neutrophils (mean +/- SD) . There was no difference in the suppressive effect between septic and nonseptic trauma serum samples . The chemiluminescence response of normal neutrophils was likewise suppressed following incubation in trauma serum compared with incubation in normal serum . The chemiluminescence response correlated with superoxide reduction of cytochrome C . In addition, the chemiluminescence response was significantly less in septic-trauma serum than in nonseptic-trauma serum . Suppressive serum was found to inhibit the neutrophil-membrane depolarization response to latex particles, as measured by flow cytometry . We conclude that trauma serum suppresses superoxide production by normal neutrophils, and that such suppression can be detected reliably using the clinically applicable technique of chemiluminescence . A normal chemiluminescence response excludes serum-mediated suppression of neutrophil superoxide production . In addition, chemiluminescence may be of value in detecting altered resistance to sepsis following injury, while superoxide determinations do not seem to be helpful in this regard . The mechanism of action of the suppressor may involve reversible inhibition of membrane depolarization necessary for the production of bactericidal oxygen species.

J Immunol, 1986 Feb 1, 136(3), 963 - 70
Interferon-gamma induction by lipopolysaccharide: dependence on interleukin 2 and macrophages; Blanchard DK et al.; Bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced fresh murine splenocytes to produce interferon (IFN)-alpha/beta presumably by stimulation of the B lymphocytes and macrophages . However, when the splenocytes were "aged" for 24 to 72 hr in culture before addition of the LPS, the IFN response was significantly increased and was determined to be predominantly IFN-gamma . Because low levels of interleukin 2 (IL 2) were found to be spontaneously produced by the unstimulated splenocytes during the "aging" process, the effect of IL 2 on IFN induction by LPS in fresh splenocytes was examined . The addition of LPS to freshly prepared splenocyte cultures that were treated with human IL 2, either native or recombinant, before exposure to the LPS resulted in the LPS inducing large amounts of IFN-gamma . IL 2 alone induced little if any IFN in the splenocyte cultures . Depletion of T cells and large granular lymphocytes (LGL) from the cultures by anti-Thy-1.2 antibodies plus complement abrogated IFN-gamma production, and the addition of polymyxin B to "aged" splenocyte cultures resulted in loss of IFN production in response to LPS . Cultures that were enriched for T cells and LGL by passage through nylon wool produced significant amounts of IFN-gamma in response to LPS only if first treated with IL 2 . Furthermore, the addition of splenic adherent cells to purified nylon wool-non-adherent (NWNA) cells augmented IFN-gamma production, whether or not the NWNA cells were pretreated with IL 2 . This enhancement appeared to require direct contact between adherent cells and NWNA cells, because physical separation abrogated IFN production . The addition of recombinant IL 1 or LPS-conditioned supernatants of macrophage cultures did not replace adherent cell activity . These data demonstrate that LPS, which predominantly induces IFN-alpha/beta in fresh murine splenocytes, is able to stimulate T lymphocytes to produce IFN-gamma if the T cells are first exposed to endogenously produced or exogenously applied IL 2 . Because IFN-gamma is a potent activator of the bactericidal and cytocidal potential of macrophages, the induction of IFN-gamma by bacterial LPS may play an important role in resistance/recovery mechanisms against bacterial infections.

Immunol Lett, 1986 Jan, 12(1), 5 - 9
Modification of the neutrophil Fc receptor by neutrophil granule products: its significance for phagocytosis and bactericidal activity; Luciak M et al.; Preincubation of neutrophils with various amounts of autologous neutrophil granule products induced a dose-dependent decrease in neutrophil Fc receptor expression . However, neutrophil granule products did not affect the neutrophil phagocytic and bactericidal activities.

Infect Immun, 1986 Jan, 51(1), 282 - 5
Bactericidal effect of normal swine sera on Treponema hyodysenteriae; Joens LA et al.; Treponema hyodysenteriae was incubated in 20% normal swine sera (NSS) at 37 degrees C for 4 h, and viability was determined by a plate dilution method . NSS was bactericidal for nonpathogenic T . innocens and avirulent T . hyodysenteriae, but not for virulent T . hyodysenteriae isolates . Heat inactivation at 56 degrees C for 30 min, treatment with EDTA or EGTA {ethylene glycol-bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N-tetraacetic acid}, or removal of immunoglobulin M eliminated the bactericidal activity of NSS . However, removal of the alternate complement pathway with 10 mg of bentonite per ml did not remove bactericidal activity of NSS . Incubation of virulent isolates of T . hyodysenteriae in the presence of specific antisera plus NSS resulted in bactericidal activity . These data suggest that complement and natural antibody may be involved in protecting the host from T . innocens or avirulent T . hyodysenteriae and that T . hyodysenteriae antibody plus complement are involved in protecting convalescent pigs from re-exposure to swine dysentery.

J Pharmacol, 1986, 17 Suppl 1, 51 - 62
{Evaluation of the posology of antibiotics}; Carbon C et al.; The determination of the dose regimen of a new antibiotic is difficult because a dose/effect relationship cannot be established in patients with an infectious disease . The optimal dose is usually extrapolated from combined data provided by in vitro and in vivo microbiologic toxicologic and kinetic studies . Additional data ought to be produced in the future such as: kinetics of cidal effect in vitro, of the post antibiotic effect, of drug concentrations at the sit of infections itself, of the cidal serum activity in volunteers and patients; how these parameters are modified when modulating the mode of administration of the drug ought to be studied as well . The optimal dose, once it is roughly evaluated from classical studies, has to be adjusted: either by decreasing the dose, through an appropriate program of clinical trials with non-threatening life infections; or by increasing the dose in severe infections, through an in-depth analysis of new data available because of the improvement of: the design of clinical trials, the sensitivity of analytical techniques, the standardized serum bactericidal tests, the sophisticated monoparametric animal models simulating human infections, our knowledge of drugs mechanisms of toxicity . Establishing a rational dose regimen obviously requires a long-term multidisciplinary approach of the problem.

Res Exp Med (Berl), 1986, 186(3), 209 - 14
Operative cholangiography with an antiseptic contrast solution . An experimental study in dogs; Orda R et al.; A new antiseptic contrast material, composed of sodium diatrizoate-meglumine diatrizoate and PVP-iodine solutions, was prepared and tested for operative cholangiography . It was tested in vitro, and in vivo in dogs and displayed satisfactory contrast radiologic features, and strong and rapid bactericidal action without detectable side effects . It seems to be promising in reducing the risk of bacterial spread during cholangiography.

Int J Nucl Med Biol, 1986, 12(6), 453 - 6
The role of detergent in labeling of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae bacteria; Gerlach GF et al.; The chelating agents oxine, acetylacetone, tropolone, and 2-mercaptopyridine 1-oxide were analysed for their suitability in labeling the bacterium Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae (E.r.), strain B10, with 111In and 67Ga . The labeling conditions were improved . The bactericidal activity of the labeling process was investigated . The different chelates did not result in a significant difference in labeling yield . The addition of 0.01% detergent to the labeling buffer doubled the labeling yield up to 45% . Labeled bacteria were injected intravenously into rats . The percentage organ distribution was determined and compared with a control group.

Ann Inst Pasteur Microbiol, 1986 Jan-Feb, 137A(1), 45 - 53
Antimycobacterial spectrum of colistin (polymixin E); Rastogi N et al.; Minimal inhibitory concentrations and minimal bactericidal concentrations of colistin (polymyxin E) were determined for the type strains of fifteen mycobacterial species . Colistin was found to be active against pathogenic species Mycobacterium xenopi, M . intracellulare, M . tuberculosis, M . fortuitum and also against the rapidly growing, non-pathogenic species M . phlei and M . smegmatis . The discriminatory potential of susceptibility to colistin as a test was investigated on 25 strains of the M . fortuitum/M . chelonei complex, and also on 11 strains of the M . avium/M . intracellulare complex . The experimental data indicated the potential of colistin susceptibility testing for discriminating M . fortuitum from M . chelonei.

J Fr Ophtalmol, 1986, 9(8-9), 523 - 32
{Toward a rational strategy in the treatment of postoperative bacterial endophthalmia}; Salvanet-Bouccara A et al.; 18 cases of bacterial endophthalmitis are reported . From bacteriological, epidemiological, pharmacokinetic data, we can propose a management of infectious endophthalmitis based on the two following rules: systematic intraocular fluid aspiration, on emergency, for stained smears (as real bacteriological extemporaneous investigations) and cultures; initial wide spectrum antibiotherapy with a quick adaptation to gram stain and culture identification . The antibiotics are selected according to their intraocular penetration, safety and spectrum . The intraocular bactericidal concentration requires the association of systemic, peri-ocular, and intraocular antibiotherapy, before the settlement of irreversible retinal lesions . By vitrectomy, the infected vitreous may be cleared, and intraocular drugs diffuse more easily.

Med Microbiol Immunol (Berl), 1986, 175(6), 341 - 53
Interaction of beta-lactam antibiotics with the bactericidal activity of leukocytes against Escherichia coli; Dalhoff A; The effect of beta-lactam antibiotics on phagocytosis and intracellular killing of four isogenic Escherichia coli strains differing in their 0- and K antigens was studied by adopting the rat polyvinyl-sponge model . The penicillins mezlocillin, ticarcillin and piperacillin rendered all four isogenic E . coli strains more susceptible to intraleukocyte killing; the cefalosporins tested exhibited inhomogenous effects; lamoxactam was marginally effective, whereas cefoxitin was completely ineffective; cefotaxime caused an increase in intracellular killing of the capsule-defective mutant only . The beta-lactam promoted increase in intracellular killing could be inhibited by alpha-methylmannoside but not by alpha-methylglucoside . Free-flow electrophoretic separation of mezlocillin-treated bacteria and guinea pig erythrocytes revealed that co-migration of E . coli and erythrocytes respectively could be inhibited by alpha-methylmannoside but not by alpha-methylglucoside . These data indicate that mezlocillin interferes with the mannose sensitive adhesins of E . coli.

Kosm Biol Aviakosm Med, 1986 Jan-Feb, 20(1), 4 - 12
{Prospects for using ultraviolet radiation in protracted space flights}; Panferova NE; The data concerning UV-effects on the human body and the environment are reviewed as applied to long-term flights . It is concluded that UV-radiation can be used in long-term space flights in view of its vitamin-forming, desensitizing, bactericidal, and supporting properties to improve the environment and to prevent adverse effects of space flight factors.

Eur J Immunol, 1986 Jan, 16(1), 7 - 11
An inherited deficiency of the third component of complement, C3, in guinea pigs; Burger R et al.; Hereditary deficiency of the third component of complement, C3, is found very seldom in the human . C3 deficiency is associated with severe bacterial infections revealing the central role of C3 in complement activation via the classical or alternative pathway . We describe a new hereditary C3 deficiency in strain 2 guinea pigs . Serum from these animals had a markedly reduced lytic activity in a standard assay for complement-dependent, antibody-mediated cytotoxicity . In functional assays of individual components, the hemolytic activity of the components C4, C2, C5 and of factors B, D and H was in the normal range . The functional C3 titer, and similarly C3 antigenic activity in the serum of these C3-deficient animals (C3D) was on average only 5.7% of normal activity . Typing the animals with alloantisera or monoclonal antibodies to guinea pig Ia-antigens revealed that the C3D animals had the major histocompatibility complex-haplotype of inbred strain 2 guinea pigs (B.1, Ia.2,4) . The C3 defect is not linked to the major histocompatibility complex and, in addition, is not linked to a C3a receptor deficiency . Macrophages and hepatocytes of the C3D animals have an unimpaired capacity for synthesis and secretion of C3 as measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay . There was no indication for hypercatabolism of normal C3 by the animals as shown by plasma clearance of 125I-radiolabeled C3 . Thrombocytes of the C3D animals responded normally to stimulation with purified C3a in an ATP-release assay without an indication for a desensitization in vivo . Possibly the fault resides in an enhanced susceptibility of their own C3 to proteolysis . However, C3 partially purified from the plasma of the C3D animals or secreted by hepatocytes exhibited no obvious structural differences to purified normal C3 in sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis or in immunoblotting . The C3D serum had a reduced bactericidal activity compared to normal or to C4-deficient serum . Nevertheless, the animals are apparently healthy without an indication for increased frequency of bacterial infections . These guinea pigs provide an unique model for analysis of the biological functions of C3 in vivo and in vitro without the need for artificial C3-depletion procedures with all their known and unknown side-effects.

Arch Surg, 1986 Jan, 121(1), 50 - 5
Effect of transfusion on immune function in a traumatized animal model; Waymack JP et al.; Blood transfusions repeatedly have been shown to prolong allograft survival, probably by stimulating suppressor T lymphocytes . The effects of transfusions on immune function in traumatized patients has not previously been investigated . We investigated the effects of transfusions on the immune system using a burned rat model . The transfusions were found to have no effect on the white blood cell counts, differential cell count, or neutrophil migration and bactericidal index . Those animals that received transfusion did exhibit impaired cell-mediated immunity and macrophage migration . Blood transfusions seem to increase further the immunosuppression seen with trauma and surgery.

Infection, 1986, 14 Suppl 4, S250 - 3
Study of the cerebrospinal fluid penetrability of ofloxacin; Stubner G et al.; In patients with different neurological diseases with blood-brain barrier dysfunction subjected to diagnostic CSF-tap, simultaneous determinations of ofloxacin concentrations in serum and in CSF were carried out . The results show that ofloxacin penetrates well into the CSF achieving adequate bactericidal concentrations against most of the common causative pathogens of meningitis.

Vox Sang, 1986, 51(4), 270 - 7
Opsonic and complement-dependent bactericidal activities of various immunoglobulin preparations for intravenous use; Yasuda H et al.; Some effector functions of various immunoglobulin (IgG) preparations have been compared . Tests for opsonic activity were performed in vitro with human peripheral blood leukocytes and in vivo with mice . The augmentation effects on luminol-dependent chemiluminescence were investigated with human leukocytes . The complement-dependent bactericidal activities were tested with Escherichia coli . Five IgG preparations: pH 4-treated preparation (IG-100), polyethyleneglycol-treated preparation (PEG-G), sulfonated preparation (S-G), pepsin-treated preparation (Pep-G) and a preparation for intramuscular use (GGN) were studied . The results were as follows: (1) IG-100 and PEG-G exhibited strong activities in all test systems; (2) GGN showed a strong opsonic activity; (3) S-G showed relatively weak activities in all test systems, but the revertant S-G preparation exhibited somewhat stronger activities in all systems, and (4) Pep-G showed weak or no activity in all systems . These results suggest that the IgG molecules in IG-100 and PEG-G preparations have satisfactory effector functions . On the other hand, IgG molecules in S-G and Pep-G preparation may have significant deficiencies in their biological functions.

Zh Nevropatol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova, 1986, 86(2), 232 - 6
{Various indices of immunity in patients with alcoholic delirium}; Chemnyi AB et al.; Seventy-four patients with alcoholic delirium were studied for the parameters of the T- and B-system of immunity and natural resistance . The patients versus normal donors presented a statistically significant decrease in the number and proliferative activity of T-lymphocytes, an increase in IgA, as well as a reduction in levels of lysozyme, complement and bactericidal activity of the serum . The presence of immunological shifts after the completion of detoxifying therapy suggests that treatment should be continued even after the disappearance of psychic disturbances.

Int J Immunopharmacol, 1986, 8(5), 487 - 98
Stimulatory effects of muramyl dipeptide and its butyl ester derivative on the proliferation and activation of macrophages in vitro; Schindler TE et al.; Muramyl dipeptide (MDP) and the butyl ester derivative, N-acetylmuramyl-L-alanyl-D-glutamine-alpha-n-butyl ester (MDP{Gln}OnBu), were shown to induce the in vitro proliferation of oil-induced guinea pig peritoneal exudate cells (PEC) . Both agents induced 10-20 fold increases in tritiated thymidine incorporation in PEC cultures . The maximal effects occurred in 72 h cultures stimulated with either 0.1 microgram MDP or 10 micrograms MDP{Gln}OnBu . The mitogenic effects of MDP appeared to be mediated by a macrophage product detected in the supernatants of MDP-stimulated cultures . Supernatants of MDP- or MDP{Gln}OnBu-stimulated PEC cultures were also inhibitory to normal fibroblast growth and cytotoxic to L929 tumor cells . These results indicated that these agents may stimulate macrophages by modulating secretory functions . In addition, either peptidoglycan was capable of activating bactericidal activity in in vitro macrophage cultures . Initial studies of possible mechanisms of action revealed an early increase in the level of cyclic GMP . The possible role of cyclic GMP in mediating the stimulation of macrophage secretory processes is discussed.

Eur J Clin Pharmacol, 1986, 29(5), 587 - 90
In vitro effect of fansimef on human neutrophil and monocyte function; Kharazmi A et al.; The effect of Fansimef, a recently registered triple combination of mefloquine, sulfadoxine and pyrimethamine (10:25:1) on human peripheral blood polymorphonuclear and mononuclear leucocyte function was studied . At clinically obtainable concentrations Fansimef had no effect on leucocyte viability, it did inhibit neutrophil chemiluminescence and it had no effect on other major functions, such as chemotaxis, NBT reduction, superoxide production, phagocytosis and the bactericidal activity of phagocytic cells.

Acta Morphol Neerl Scand, 1986, 24(3), 223 - 34
Morphological effects of high dose neomycin sulphate on the small and large intestine; Van Leeuwen PA et al.; The morphology of the intestinal wall and the activity of certain mucosal enzyme systems in the course of neomycin treatment were evaluated . Conventional and, to study the role of the bacterial flora, germ-free rats received 500 mg neomycin daily by stomach tube . Rats were sacrificed after seven days and small intestine (proximal and distal part) together with segments of the colon were removed and prepared for histochemistry . The colon and proximal small intestine of untreated conventional and germ-free animals did not show appreciable differences in staining activity after treatment with neomycin . Neomycin diminished both in normal and germ-free rats the activity of NAD tetrazolium reductase, succinate dehydrogenase, esterase, alkaline phosphatase and acid phosphatase in the distal small intestine . The findings of this study indicate that explanations for the beneficial effects of neomycin on hyperammonemia in liver disease should not only include the bactericidal action of neomycin but also its influence on absorption and metabolic functions of the mucosal cells.

Scand J Infect Dis Suppl, 1986, 49, 140 - 5
Interaction between viral and bacterial infections in the respiratory tract; Degre M; Interactions between different infectious agents often modify the outcome of an infection, compared to the course of infections caused by only a single agent . Virus infection in the respiratory tract influences several host defense factors and thereby paves the way for subsequent bacterial superinfection . Combined viral-bacterial infection aggravates the clinical disease and the final effect can often be defined as synergistic . Besides local defense factors such as mucociliary flow and bactericidal activity, which are modified by general viral factors, or the immunological response, direct interaction between bacteria and cells is also modified in some systems . An effect can be mediated by regulatory substances like interferons.

Folia Haematol Int Mag Klin Morphol Blutforsch, 1986, 113(4), 491 - 8
{The effect of the cell separation procedure on neutrophilic granulocyte function . II . Research on the bactericidal capacity and the NBT reduction ability of isolated granulocytes}; Lehmann R et al.; The investigations were aimed at examining the impact of methodically simple separating and enriching techniques for gaining granulocytes on the bactericidal capacity and NBT reduction in isolated granulocytes . For this purpose, granulocytes were gained by the technique of sedimentation and flotation . Granulocytes isolated by the cell separator Haemonetics model 30 were used as reference material . The findings of the investigations together with those of previous studies revealed no indication of the granulocyte function and morphology being damaged by the separating techniques used.

Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis, 1986, 9(2-3), 285 - 95
Clinical results obtained in cattle and swine by means of biological immunostimulators; Galassi D et al.; The conditioned infections due to opportunistic organisms, can be controlled by biological immunostimulators . The POLI-IF (Newcastle virus plus endotoxin of E . coli and Freund's incomplete adjuvant) rapidly induces the aspecific immunity . Given twice with 7-10 days interval in between, on occasion of a programmed stress (weaning, transport, crowding) it proved its efficacy in artificially suckled calves and in weaning piglets . The field trials, carried out on 2,782 treated calves in comparison with 2,909 untreated controls and on 4,387 piglets in comparison with 4,461 untreated controls, revealed statistically significant differences for P less than 0.005 among the groups of treated and control animals . The immunostimulator reduced the incidence of the disease, dead and discarded animals, as well as it shortened the mean duration of the disease in single heads . Though the way the POLI-IF acts is not perfectly known so far, yet it increases the serum bactericidal activity and the circulating leukocytes, while it induces high levels of IFN . In our opinion the activity of the POLI-IF is bound to 3 factors at least: activation of the complementary fractions, mobilization of the immunocompetent cells, induction of IFN.

Vet Med Nauki, 1986, 23(7), 47 - 52
{Importance of humoral resistance factors in pig breeding}; Khristev KhG et al.; Studied was the age-associated dynamic of gamma globulins and of the bactericidal and lysozyme activity of the blood serum in 30 pigs on a swine-breeding complex . It was found that the bactericidal activity was well manifested in 1- to 3-day-old pigs: 58.2-67.5 per cent . In newborn pigs prior to sucking no bactericidal and lysozyme activity was found . By the tenth to 20th day the bactericidal activity sharply dropped, and later on it slowly rose . Lysozyme activity showed a rising trend from birth up to the 30th day . No gamma-globulins were found in newborns prior to sucking . Their level proved highest in 1- to 3-day-old pigs, and lowest-in 20-day-old ones . Digestive disorders up to the 5th day following birth prevented the utilization of gamma-globulins in colostrum 50 per cent and more.

Int J Immunopharmacol, 1986, 8(7), 789 - 97
The effect of gliotoxin upon macrophage function; Eichner RD et al.; Gliotoxin, a metabolite of the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus, inhibited phagocytosis of particulate matter by rodent macrophages . In addition, adherence to plastic surfaces by peritoneal and alveolar rodent macrophages, human peripheral blood monocytes, mouse secondary fibroblasts and L929 cells was differentially inhibited by gliotoxin . Electron microscopy which confirmed the inhibition by gliotoxin of phagocytosis of carbon particles by rodent macrophages also revealed gliotoxin-induced morphological alterations . Gliotoxin selectively affected glucose metabolism and macromolecular synthesis of rodent-derived cells and inhibited the basal rate of H2O2 production by human polymorphonuclear neutrophils; bactericidal activity of resident peritoneal macrophages was also abrogated . These gliotoxin-induced changes in cell function and metabolism occurred at concentrations well below generalized toxic levels.

Acta Microbiol Pol, 1986, 35(1-2), 15 - 27
Bacteriolytic effect of cessation of glucosamine supply, induced by specific inhibition of glucosamine-6-phosphate synthetase; Chmara H et al.; The antibiotic tetaine (bacilysin) and its C-terminal epoxyaminoacid--anticapsin--are powerful inhibitors of glucosamine-6-phosphate synthetase (EC 5.3.1.19.) in cell-free extracts of Escherichia coli K-12 . Tetaine acts on growing cells as a bactericidal agent . This bactericidal action, measured from 10 to 160 muM concentration, is a consequence of the induction of lysis of growing cells . The induction of lysis by tetaine is compared with the lytic action of some beta-lactams . Hypertonic medium, destruction of the antibiotic, presence of chloramphenicol or the addition of N-acetylglucosamine protect E . coli K-12 cells against lysis induced by tetaine . These effects are compared with those observed in the presence of penicillin G . The results indicate that inhibition of early or late stages of peptidoglycan synthesis all result in more or less the same consequence, i.e . death via cell lysis.

Tubercle, 1985 Dec, 66(4), 261 - 6
The effect of lymphokines on the ability of macrophages to protect mycobacteria from a bactericidal antibiotic; Altes C et al.; Murine peritoneal macrophages protect Mycobacterium intracellular from amoxycillin added to the culture medium . This protective effect is enhanced by the addition of macrophage-activating lymphokines, although in the absence of amoxycillin these lymphokines cause macrophage-mediated inhibition of the organisms . Thus about 10 times more organisms survive exposure to 100 microgram/ml of amoxycillin for 3 days in the presence of lymphokine-activated macrophages than in their absence, whereas without amoxycillin the reverse is true . These findings suggest that in this in vitro system lymphokines cause stasis rather than kill of the organisms . The possibility that lymphokine-induced bacteriostasis protects mycobacteria from antibiotics in vivo is discussed.

Am Rev Respir Dis, 1985 Dec, 132(6), 1278 - 80
Dynamic aspects of the in vitro chemotherapeutic activity of ansamycin (rifabutine) on mycobacterium intracellulare; Perumal VK et al.; The in vitro action of ansamycin against Mycobacterium intracellulare was studied using continuous, dynamic (a rapidly falling off concentration simulating that existing in vivo in humans), and pulsed exposures . Ansamycin at a concentration of 5 micrograms/ml showed bactericidal activity starting from as early as 3 days after constant exposure . In the dynamic model with the drug present in bactericidal concentration for only 2 h a day, bactericidal activity was demonstrated . With pulsed exposure, a minimal period of 72 to 96 h is necessary for effective inhibitory action.

Chemioterapia, 1985 Dec, 4(6), 445 - 53
Ellipticines: correlation between in vitro DNA intercalation and physiological properties?
Bertrand JR, Giacomoni PU.
The in vitro DNA-intercalator ellipticine and five of its derivatives have been investigated for some of their physiological effects on several Escherichia coli strains . The highly water-soluble, quaternarized derivatives of ellipticine have no bactericidal effect and do not induce the synthesis of rec A protein . Ellipticine itself, as well as the derivatives obtained by adding an amino or an hydroxyl substituent in position 9, promotes the induction of rec A protein and is cytostatic on some bacterial strains . The non-intercalating brominated derivative is a strong bactericidal agent, which apparently promotes the lysis of the bacteria . At low concentrations, it slightly induces the synthesis of rec A protein . We conclude that there is no correlation at all between the physiological properties of the ellipticines and their physico-chemical behavior in vitro.

J Dent Res, 1985 Dec, 64(12), 1371 - 3
Adsorption of antibiotic TA to dental hard tissues; Manor A et al.; Antibiotic TA (TA) is a wide-spectrum, bactericidal antibiotic produced by Myxococcus xanthus strain TA . It was previously demonstrated that TA binds tightly to soft tissues while retaining its bactericidal activity in the bound form . The present study was undertaken to investigate TA adsorption to dental hard tissues . Slabs of dental tissues that had been cut from periodontally-involved extracted human teeth were treated with TA and then washed in saline with shaking (saline being replaced every 15 minutes) . After 30, 60, and 120 minutes of washing, 45, 39, and 27% of the input TA activities were retained on the slabs, respectively . The tooth-bound TA was released slowly into the aqueous medium in active form . Similar experiments with beta-lactam antibiotics resulted in no significant adhesion to the slabs . The study demonstrates that TA binds tightly to dental tissues while retaining its bactericidal properties.

HNO, 1985 Dec, 33(12), 545 - 7
{Cefotetan in the treatment of sinusitis--a kinetic study}; Schulte-Mattler K et al.; Recent clinical experience shows that in treating sinusitis by tetracyclines more and more cases appear which are resistant to therapy . Cephalosporins are suitable as alternative medical treatment because of their good bactericidal effect . The pharmacokinetic qualities of Cefotetan, a new cephamycin-antibiotic, in plasma and sinus mucosa were examined in treating 13 patients . After an intravenous bolus-injection of 2 g Cefotetan the mean initial plasma concentration was 275 mg/l . After 1, 2 and 6 hours the plasma levels were 160, 96 and 39 mg/l . The average concentration in sinus mucosa reached 42.3 mg/l, 30.9 mg/l, 29.4 mg/l and 33.6 mg/l after 10, 60, 120 and 180 minutes . The pharmacokinetic properties of Cefotetan promise successful clinical application in the treatment of bacterial sinusitis.

Vestn Khir Im I I Grek, 1985 Dec, 135(12), 54 - 8
{Importance of the indices of immunity for predicting the course and assessing the effectiveness of the treatment in acute suppurative lactation mastitis}; Belokurov IuN et al.; The examination of 47 patients with acute purulent lactation mastitis and 14 patients with the resulting sepsis has shown a decreased level of nonspecific resistance factors . Generalization of the purulent process is characterized by disturbed humoral and cellular links of immunity . The dynamic research of immunity factors can give an estimation of the effectiveness of the chosen treatment and prognosis of possible complications . The general bactericidal activity of blood may be considered one of the most informative indices showing the direction of the process.

Chemioterapia, 1985 Dec, 4(6), 463 - 6
Effects of a new quinoline derivative, ciprofloxacin, on some professional phagocytic cell functions; Delfino D et al.; This study reports the effects of ciprofloxacin on in vitro chemotactic, phagocytic and bactericidal activity of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes, human mononuclear cells differentiated in vitro and rat peritoneal macrophages . After in vitro preincubation with different concentrations of ciprofloxacin, acridine orange vital staining for phagocytosis and killing and the Boyden chamber for chemotaxis evaluation were used . Results obtained with different cell types showed no negative effects on the different functions tested, even at concentrations ranging from about 100 micrograms/ml.

J Antimicrob Chemother, 1985 Dec, 16(6), 709 - 12
Comparison of agar dilution, microtitre broth dilution and tube macrodilution susceptibility testing of ciprofloxacin against several pathogens at two different inocula; Gombert ME et al.; The susceptibility of six different genera of organisms to ciprofloxacin was determined by the tube macrodilution, broth microdilution and the agar dilution methods.The minimal inhibitory concentrations of ciprofloxacin determined by the broth microdilution and the agar dilution methods correlated well with each other, but in general the tube macrodilution technique gave somewhat higher results . Raising the initial inoculum of the tested organisms from 1 X 10(5) to 1 X 10(7) cfu/ml did not result in a significant increase in the minimal inhibitory or bactericidal concentrations of ciprofloxacin.

J Hosp Infect, 1985 Dec, 6(4), 413 - 8
Peri-incisional mezlocillin versus rectal-metronidazole for wound infection prophylaxis; Porteous C et al.; One hundred and forty patients who underwent appendicectomy were included in a prospective randomized trial to compare the ability of preoperative rectal metronidazole and peri-incisional mezlocillin to prevent wound infection following appendicectomy . The results show that bactericidal local tissue levels of mezlocillin were uniformly achieved using the peri-incisional technique . The wound infection rate for the metronidazole group was found to be 15.9% and did not significantly differ from the wound infection rate when mezlocillin was used (10.4%) . Peri-incisional mezlocillin therefore appears to be a viable prophylactic technique against wound infection following appendicectomy and may offer a cheaper alternative to intravenous intra-operative metronidazole administration in cases when pre-operative metronidazole suppositories have been omitted . The peri-incisional mezlocillin technique is also suitable for routine prophylaxis against wound infection following appendicectomy.

J Embryol Exp Morphol, 1985 Dec, 90, 389 - 407
Isolation, characterization and localization of a lectin within the vitelline membrane of the hen's egg; Cook GM et al.; A lectin with an affinity for certain sulphated polysaccharides, such as fucoidin and dextran sulphate, has been isolated from the vitelline membrane of hens' eggs and purified to homogeneity as assessed by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis . Polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies have been raised to the lectin and used in indirect immunofluorescence microscopy to localize the agglutinin in the outer layer of the vitelline membrane, where the lectin persists prior to the breakdown of the vitelline membrane . The quantity of lectin extracted from the two layers of the membrane, which have been separated by the method of Bellairs, Harkness & Harkness (1963), correlated well with the results of immunofluorescence microscopy . Sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the two layers of the membrane indicates that each layer has a distinctive polypeptide composition, the outer layer containing in particular lysozyme and avidin . The evidence obtained in this study indicates that the lectin is not involved in adhesion of the blastoderm to the vitelline membrane; neither is it involved in the expression of the blastoderm nor in maintaining the strength of the membrane . The possible roles in promoting transport of solutes across the membrane as well as providing bactericidal properties to the egg are discussed.

Inflammation, 1985 Dec, 9(4), 375 - 87
Modulation of locomotor activity of polymorphonuclear cells by cationic substances and cationic lysosomal fractions from human neutrophils; Nitzan DW et al.; Seven cationic substances--human and egg-white lysozyme, RNase, protamine, histone, poly-L-lysine and poly-L-arginine; five cationic lysosomal fractions from human polymorphonuclears (PMNs); RNA; poly-L-glutamic acid; DNA; heparin; endotoxin; mastocytotropic agent compound 48/80; and cytochalasin B were tested for the influence on chemotaxis and random migration of human PMNs using under-agarose migration and Boyden chambers with two filters and {51Cr}PMNs . The above substances were either preincubated with PMNs, added to chemoattractants, or used instead of chemoattractants . In under-agarose migration method chemotaxis was inhibited by 11-35% when egg-white lysozyme, protamine, heparin, endotoxin, or compound 48/80 was added to the cells . High concentration of cytochalasin B inhibited chemotaxis by 73% . Cationic fractions I and V and low concentration of cytochalasin B enhanced chemotaxis by 11%, 41%, and 30%, respectively . When human and egg-white lysozyme, DNA, or cytochalasin B was added to the chemoattractants, motility of PMNs was inhibited . Cationic fractions II and V from human PMNs, when used as chemoattractants, enhanced cellular motility by 143-167% . Random migration was enhanced by heparin and inhibited by cytochalasin B and by cationic fractions from human PMNs . These findings suggest that various cationic and anionic substances and cationic fractions from human PMNs have heterogeneous influence on random migration and chemotactic activity of human PMN . Analysis relating chemotaxis to phagocytosis and to intracellular bactericidal activity (ICBA) has shown several patterns . Protamine, poly-L-lysine, poly-L-arginine, and agent compound 40/80 all inhibit chemotaxis and enhance phagocytosis and ICBA; cationic fractions II and V enhanced all three functions, whereas cytochalasin B suppressed phagocytosis and ICBA and had concentration-dependent modulatory influence on chemotaxis . It implies diverse mechanisms of action and possible impact on inflammatory reactions.

Methods Find Exp Clin Pharmacol, 1985 Nov, 7(11), 585 - 7
Innate bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity of normally sterile human body fluids; Brodersen A et al.; Forty-four cerebrospinal fluids and 14 pleural fluids were tested for innate bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity against six pathogens . Innate activity was demonstrated in only two cerebrospinal and two pleural fluids . Serum static and cidal activity was demonstrated in four specimens from patients with negative fluid activity . The conclusion is that innate static and cidal activity in serum is not usually present in cerebrospinal and pleural fluid.

Eur J Pediatr, 1985 Nov, 144(4), 301 - 5
Generalised glucosephosphate isomerase (GPI) deficiency causing haemolytic anaemia, neuromuscular symptoms and impairment of granulocytic function: a new syndrome due to a new stable GPI variant with diminished specific activity (GPI Homburg); Schroter W et al.; A new glucosephosphate isomerase (GPI) variant is described which is characterised by very low specific activity in erythrocytes, granulocytes and muscle tissue, nearly normal stability, normal kinetic properties and a decreased electrophoretic mobility . The propositus suffers from a complex syndrome involving erythrocytes (congenital haemolytic anaemia), granulocytes (decreased production of superoxide anion and reduced bactericidal activity in vitro) and the neuromuscular system (myopathy, mental retardation) . It is suggested that the clinical syndrome results from generalised GPI deficiency due to a decreased specific activity of the variant enzyme, which cannot be compensated by an increase of de-novo synthesis of GPI protein even in cells exhibiting active protein synthesis such as granulocytes and muscle cells.

J Clin Microbiol, 1985 Nov, 22(5), 863 - 4
Serum bactericidal activity against Legionella pneumophila; Plouffe JF et al.; Two strains of Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 (UH1 and RH1) were incubated in fresh human serum . The UH1 strain was serum resistant, whereas the RH1 strain was serum susceptible . The bactericidal activity of fresh serum was abrogated by heating . Serum resistance of L . pneumophila strains may correlate with increased virulence.

Z Lebensm Unters Forsch, 1985 Nov, 181(5), 422 - 6
{Reduction of the transfer of surface active agent residues in food}; Helmschrott D et al.; Surfactants used for cleaning and disinfection in food production and food processing can form residue on treated materials . Upon sequential contact of these materials with foods these foods may become contaminated . Different materials (steel, acrylonitrile rubber, polypropylene, polyamide, methyl methacrylate) were treated with aqueous solutions of dodecyl-trimethyl-ammoniumchloride, a bactericidal quaternary ammonium compound, and stearyl alcohol oxethylate, a nonionic surfactant . The adhering amounts of surfactants were measured by a radio tracer technique . It was analysed, how much of the adhering surfactants could be removed with water depending on rinsing time, water temperature, flow velocity, and number of rinsing cycles . It has furthermore been determined to what extent adhering surfactants are rinsed off by milk and juice.

Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol, 1985 Nov, 10(2), 165 - 70
Phagocytic activity and bactericidal capacity of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in children with recurrent otitis media; Lalchev S et al.; In 19 children with recurrent otitis media the phagocytic activity of blood granulocytes was studied and indirectly also their bactericidal capacity by means of the NBT test and myeloperoxidase activity . The mean value of granulocytes containing latex particles was 44.32% in the patients group, which differed significantly from the mean value established in controls: 66.54% . The mean phagocytic number in the patients group, 1.82 was also significantly diminished in comparison to controls: 2.41 . The average number of nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT)-positive cells in patients, 86.74% as well the mean myeloperoxidase index, 2.52 did not differ from the mean control values, 92% and 2.42, respectively . In two patients a lower percentage of NBT-positive cells was determined . They are probably heterozygous carriers of an enzyme deficiency related to a depressed bactericidal activity of phagocytes . Patients with recurrent otitis media should be tested on possible phagocytic dysfunctions which may be helpful in understanding the pathogenesis of infections and also in identifying infants at particular risk of otitis media.

Monatsschr Kinderheilkd, 1985 Nov, 133(11), 913 - 7
{Function of breast milk macrophages}; Speer CP et al.; Human milk is a suspension of viable cells . Macrophages are the most abundant cells, comprising 40-80% of the total cell count . The present study was initiated to examine the principal cell functions of phagocytic milk macrophages: adherence, chemotaxis and phagocytosis-associated bactericidal oxidative metabolism . Adherence of milk macrophages to nylon wool was significantly decreased when compared with blood monocytes . In addition chemotaxis of macrophages in response to C 5a or a synthetic chemotactic peptide was also decreased . However, macrophages produced oxygen intermediates (O2-), H2O2) to a similar extent as blood monocytes after stimulation of the "oxidative burst" with phorbol myristate acetate or opsonized Candida particles . Macrophages cultured in vitro in endotoxin-free medium without serum lost the ability to produce oxygen metabolites over the course of a few days . Partial restoration of the oxygen radical production could be detected in macrophages exposed to bacterial lipopolysaccharide, i.e . endotoxin (LPS, 10 ng/ml) . Endotoxin, which is present in the gut even of newborns might provide enough stimulation to maintain macrophages in the "primed" state . We conclude that oxygen metabolites released from milk macrophages are highly reactive and could contribute essentially to the protection of neonates against microbial infections.

Anasth Intensivther Notfallmed, 1985 Oct, 20(5), 277 - 81
{Principles of the prevention of pneumonia by the intratracheal instillation of aminoglycoside antibiotics}; Rommelsheim K et al.; In long-term respiration the descension of the pharyngeal contents into the tracheobronchial system appears as unavoidable as the colonisation of the oropharynx with pathogens . On the other hand, elimination of the descended pathogens from the trachea and the bronchi by setting up an antibiotic barrier represented by the aminoglycoside antibiotics, can prevent colonisation of the lower respiratory passages . As a matter of fact, the aminoglycoside antibiotics exercise, first of all, rapid and bactericidal action, and secondly a spectrum of pathogens . Intratracheal application of 4 X 40 mg tobramycin daily, distributed over 24 hours, leads in the case of persons with healthy kidneys to serum levels between 0.4 and 0.7 micrograms/ml . Side effects are mainly seen in patients with restricted renal function in the form of cumulative serum concentrations . At present there are no alternative possibilities of prophylaxis against the sequels of descension.

Vet Q, 1985 Oct, 7(4), 277 - 82
Lactic acid as a decontaminant in slaughter and processing procedures; Snijders JM et al.; An attempt was made to interrelate the data obtained in experiments conducted by our Department along beef, veal and pig slaughter lines, using lactic acid (LA) for the decontamination of carcasses, cold and hot boned primal cuts, slaughter byproducts, and butcher's knives . First and foremost it was observed, that provided Good Manufacturing Practices are strictly followed, the microbial load of carcass surfaces will be substantially reduced . LA-decontamination may result in an additional reduction . Since in the early post-mortem period bacteria are not yet attached to the meat surface, LA-decontamination should preferably be applied to the hot carcass . It was demonstrated that, dependent on mode and duration of application, LA sprays not exceeding 1% v/v (beef), 1.25% v/v (veal) and 1.5% v/v (pork) resulted in acceptable carcass colour scores . Blood spots, which are particularly prone to discolouration by lactic acid application, should be removed at an early post-mortem stage e.g . by strong showering . The difference in surface pH between LA-treated and control carcasses disappeared within 72 hours post-mortem . Veal longissimus chops treated with LA solutions up to 2% v/v were not identified by a consumer taste panel as significantly different from controls . The 'immediate' bactericidal effect of LA-decontamination for beef, veal and pig carcasses, as well as for pig liver and veal brain, amounted to approximately 1.5 log cycles for the aerobic colony counts, strongly dependent on substrate and conditions of decontamination . In addition, a 'delayed' bacteriostatic effect was observed during storage, which is probably the result of a prolonged lag phase of acid-injured micro-organisms surviving lactic acid decontamination.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Eur J Clin Microbiol, 1985 Oct, 4(5), 493 - 7
Effect of chlorhexidine and acetic acid on phagocytosis by polymorphonuclear leucocytes; van Saene JJ et al.; The effect of two disinfectants, chlorhexidine and acetic acid, on host leucocytes and bacteria was studied . At a concentration of 50 mg/l, chlorhexidine was found to be bactericidal without interfering with leucocyte function . A concentration of 500 mg/l of acetic acid was neither leucotoxic nor bactericidal . Effects equivalent to the aforementioned were achieved in serum by increasing the chlorhexidine concentration by a factor of 20 and the acetic acid concentration by a factor of 5 . Acetic acid reduced leucocyte function more rapidly than it killed bacteria . On the basis of these findings, chlorhexidine is to be preferred for local application in burn wounds to prevent colonisation and infection.

Indian J Lepr, 1985 Oct-Dec, 57(4), 780 - 9
Computerized mathematical model of M . leprae population dynamics during multiple drug therapy; Almeida JG et al.; A computerized mathematical model of M . leprae populations during multiple drug therapy (MDT) was constructed . Relevant published information available to date was fed into it, and reasoned assumptions were made . From the model, it seems likely that MDT steadily selects bacteria resistant to the most powerful of the three drugs used: unless the individual bactericidal potencies of the drugs balance one another . If the drugs used have differing potencies, cure probably hinges on treatment being continued until all metabolically active bacteria are killed . Withdrawal of treatment before that could lead to relapse with bacteria resistant to the most powerful of the drugs used.

Pathol Biol (Paris), 1985 Oct, 33(8), 843 - 6
{In vitro activity of Septivon-Lavril toward mycoplasma pathogenic to humans}; Bonissol C et al.; Septivon-Lavril is bactericidal in vitro towards species of mycoplasmas responsible for vaginal infections and their complications (U . urealyticum and M . hominis) and for the Stevens-Johnson syndrome (M . pneumoniae) . As the active doses are inferior to those recommended for external use, this product, Trichlorocarbanilide, presents a clinical interest.

Toxicol Appl Pharmacol, 1985 Sep 30, 80(3), 446 - 56
Evaluation of host resistance and immune function in cadmium-exposed mice; Thomas PT et al.; Adult female B6C3F1 mice received distilled water only or water containing 10, 50, or 250 ppm of cadmium chloride (CdCl2) for 90 days . Body weights were measured weekly . On selected days during exposure and on Day 91, Cd tissue concentrations were measured along with changes in primary antibody responses . On Day 91 mice also received a primary challenge with various infectious agents . T- and B-cell mitogenesis, natural killer (NK) cell function, delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) as well as macrophage bactericidal activity, and phagocytosis were measured . There was no change in body weight gain, organ weights, or in humoral immunity during treatment even though cadmium had accumulated in significant quantities in the tissues . Compared with controls, exposure to cadmium had no statistically significant effect on mortality and mean survival time following primary or secondary challenge with any of the infectious agents . However, there was a dose-related, increased susceptibility to Herpes simplex type 2 virus . T- and B-lymphocyte proliferation was significantly reduced, and macrophage phagocytosis was significantly increased following cadmium exposure . NK cell activity was augmented, but not significantly . Macrophage bactericidal activity and DTH were not significantly altered.

JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr, 1985 Sep-Oct, 9(5), 559 - 65
The Henry M . Vars Award . The effect of lipid emulsions on reticuloendothelial system function in the injured animal; Hamawy KJ et al.; Use of intravenous lipid emulsions in trauma and sepsis still remains controversial . In order to examine the impact lipid emulsions have on host defense against bacterial infection during total parenteral nutrition (TPN), 56 male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent jugular cannulation and were randomly divided into three groups, each receiving one of three TPN regimens . All regimens delivered approximately 250 kcal/kg X body weight/day, of which 12.5 g were as amino acids . Group 1 received 100% of the nonprotein calories as glucose (AA + G) . Group 2 was given 50% of the nonprotein calories as a longchain triglyceride emulsion (100% LCT) . Group 3 received 50% of nonprotein calories as a mixed lipid system, composed of medium- and long-chain triglycerides (75% MCT/25% LCT) . After 24 hr on intravenous nutrition, all animals received bilateral septic femur fractures and were continued on TPN for 3 days . On the last day, the level of bacteremia and the in vivo response to an intravenous challenge of 59Fe-labeled Escherichia coli were examined . Three days following the septic injury, animals given MCT as part of their lipid calories were not bacteremic, whereas the other groups had greater than 10(2) cfu/ml of blood . Animals receiving TPN with MCT sequestered a greater percentage of exogenously administered bacteria in the liver and sequestered less in the lung compared to animals given 100% LCT (p less than 0.05) . From these data, we conclude that parenteral nutrition formulas where LCT has been partially replaced with MCT may better support host bactericidal capacity than similar regimens comprised of LCT as the sole lipid source.

Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1985 Sep, 28(3), 389 - 92
Efficacy of cefmenoxime in experimental Escherichia coli bacteremia and meningitis; Kim KS; Cefmenoxime, a new semisynthetic cephalosporin structurally similar to cefotaxime, was evaluated for its activities in vitro and in vivo against a K1 Escherichia coli strain in comparison with activities of cefotaxime and ampicillin . In vitro the MICs and MBCs of both cefmenoxime and cefotaxime were the same, 1/16th and 1/32nd those of ampicillin, respectively . The efficacies of cefmenoxime and cefotaxime against experimentally induced E . coli bacteremia and meningitis in newborn rats were similar and significantly better than that of ampicillin as judged by bactericidal titers of blood and cerebrospinal fluid, rapidity of clearance of bacteria from blood and cerebrospinal fluid, and incidence of meningitis in animals with bacteremias . The efficacy of cefmenoxime or cefotaxime measured by impact on mortality was influenced by the size of bacterial populations . The mortality was significantly greater in rats with bacterial counts before therapy of greater than or equal to 10(6) CFU/ml of blood than in animals with lower counts . Overall, the in vivo efficacy of cefmenoxime was similar to that of cefotaxime; thus it could be useful in the therapy of neonatal E . coli infection.

J Am Acad Dermatol, 1985 Sep, 13(3), 444 - 9
Isolation and characterization of the Lyme disease spirochete from the skin of patients with erythema chronicum migrans; Berger BW et al.; The Lyme disease spirochete, which had previously been isolated with difficulty from human skin lesions of erythema chronicum migrans of Lyme disease, was grown from six of fourteen skin biopsies cultured in a newly modified Kelly's medium . In two instances the Lyme disease spirochetes that were grown were also seen in histopathologic sections . Organisms grew in clumps in liquid culture medium . All six isolates reacted with a monoclonal antibody to a 31,000-dalton outer membrane protein . Only three of six reacted to a monoclonal antibody to a 34,000-dalton outer membrane protein, suggesting that different subtypes of this organism may infect man . Penicillin, erythromycin, and minocycline were bactericidal agents to all six spirochetes . These in vitro findings may be helpful in determining specific antibiotic treatment of Lyme disease, which was previously based primarily on clinical observations.

J Antimicrob Chemother, 1985 Sep, 16(3), 287 - 96
Inhibition of penicillin-binding protein 3 of Escherichia coli K-12 . Effects upon growth, viability and outer membrane barrier function; Curtis NA et al.; A temperature-conditional, cell-division mutant of Escherichia coli K-12 possessing a thermolabile penicillin-binding protein (PBP) 3 was isolated . The mutant phenotype was due to a lesion in the pbpB gene . This mutant, and leu+ pbpB co-transductants of E . coli C600 grew as rods at 30 degrees C but were converted to filaments at 42 degrees C upon denaturation of PBP3 and concomitant cessation of cell division . These strains have been used to study the consequences of the specific inhibition of PBP3 of E . coli K-12 upon growth, viability and outer membrane integrity . Our results indicate that the singular inhibition of PBP3 is bactericidal in E . coli K-12, even though the turbidimetric response of the bacteria in broth culture suggests bacteriostasis . Furthermore, filament formation is accompanied by disruption of outer membrane barrier function, as witnessed by the rapid leakage of periplasmic beta-lactamase . This latter finding was confirmed by observing the lytic effect of a sub-inhibitory concentration of cefsulodin on filaments of E . coli K-12 induced by PBP3-specific beta-lactams . The impact of these results upon the testing of beta-lactam sensitivity of E . coli K-12 is discussed.

J Exp Med, 1985 Sep 1, 162(3), 877 - 89
IgG bearing covalently bound C3b has enhanced bactericidal activity for Escherichia coli 0111; Joiner KA et al.; The mechanism was sought by which bactericidal IgG for E . coli 0111 (strain 12015) increases the bactericidal efficiency of C5b-9 . IgG did not affect the distribution of C3 deposition on the O-Ag capsule and the outer membrane of 12015, suggesting that bactericidal IgG was not directing complement activation to different sites on the bacterial surface . However, one-fifth of the C3 that was deposited in the presence of IgG attached covalently to the antibody molecule . Covalent complexes between purified C3b and IgG were prepared in order to study the role of C3b-IgG in the bactericidal reaction . 8-10-fold less C3b-IgG than IgG was necessary to sensitize 12015 for serum killing . When aggregates were eliminated from the C3b-IgG and IgG preparations by sucrose density gradient ultracentrifugation, C3b-IgG remained three- to fourfold more effective than IgG on a molecule-for-molecule bound basis in mediating the serum bactericidal reaction . These results suggest that formation of C3b-IgG during the serum bactericidal reaction is critical for killing, and have important implications for the development of effective bactericidal vaccines.

J Immunol, 1985 Sep, 135(3), 2074 - 83
Mechanism of priming of human neutrophils by a soluble lymphoblastoid cell factor; Cross AS et al.; Treatment of human neutrophils (PMN) with a cytokine-like factor in the supernatants of human lymphoblastoid cells (Raji) increased the random mobility and enhanced the migration of treated cells in response to other chemoattractants nearly 21/2-fold, although the supernatant itself was not a chemoattractant . Supernatant treatment also increased the adherence of bacteria threefold and the bacterial killing fourfold compared with PMN treated with control media . In examining the metabolic basis for the enhanced bactericidal ability, we observed a significant increase in spontaneous hexose monophosphate shunt activity of Raji cell supernatant (RS)-treated neutrophils even in the absence of additional stimuli . RS-treated PMN also had significantly enhanced production of superoxide anion and chemiluminescence response upon subsequent stimulation with a variety of soluble and particulate stimuli . Unlike other agents that prime neutrophil activation, however, the factor(s) in RS did not cause degranulation . It also differed in its ability to progressively enhance PMN functions with a longer period of preincubation (up to 3 hr) . These data suggest that the RS factor(s) primes neutrophils by a unique mechanism . The neutrophil-enhancing activities of RS, which are the opposite of those activities described for leukocyte inhibitory factor, eluted off a Sephacryl S-200 column at approximately 30,000 m.w . This factor expands the relationship between neutrophils and lymphocytes, and may be a useful agent to provide valuable insights into the mechanism of respiratory burst activation and regulation.

J Antimicrob Chemother, 1985 Aug, 16(2), 243 - 51
Effect of phenoxymethylpenicillin and erythromycin prophylaxis on anaerobic bacteraemia after oral surgery; Josefsson K et al.; The effect of antibiotic prophylaxis on bacteraemia was assessed in 60 oral surgery operations . Fifty-one patients were divided in three groups receiving a 2 g dose of phenoxymethylpenicillin, a 0.5 g dose of erythromycin or no prophylaxis . During operation, the total numbers of bacteria were lower in the antibiotic groups than in the non-treatment groups (P less than 0.05) . The number of patients with anaerobic bacteraemias, however, were similar in all three groups . The incidences of bacteraemia 10 min after operation were significantly lower in the antibiotic groups (P less than 0.05) . The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of phenoxymethylpenicillin were below 2 mg/l in 93% of the strains and the minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) were below this value in 80% of the strains . The MICs of erythromycin were below 2 mg/l in 80% of the isolates, and the MBCs were between 4-32 mg/l in 62% of the isolates.

Mol Gen Mikrobiol Virusol, 1985 Aug, (8), 29 - 31
{Structural separation of the functional loci of bacteriophage T4 short fibrillae}; Kurits TS et al.; Short-tail fibers (STF) of bacteriophage T4 are a polyfunctional protein . STF appears to be a trimer of gene 12 product . The modified trimers, consisting of fragments of gene 12 product with mol mass 45 and 50 Kd, respectively, were isolated by limited proteolysis with trypsin and papain . The isolated trimers retained their bactericidal activity but were unable to complement the fiberless phage particles . The results obtained suggest that STF loci responsible for bactericidal effect are separated from the loci involved in interaction with the base plate.

Q J Med, 1985 Aug, 56(220), 431 - 7
Serum bactericidal and opsonic activities in patients with non-alcoholic cirrhosis; Akalin HE et al.; The increased susceptibility to infection suggests that patients with cirrhosis have abnormalities in host defense mechanisms . In the present study, serum bactericidal and opsonic activity were evaluated in patients with non-alcoholic cirrhosis . Seven (28 per cent) of 25 patients had diminished bactericidal activity and 14 (61 per cent) of 23 were found to have reduced opsonic activity . Serum C3, C4, and CH50 concentrations were significantly low in patients with diminished bactericidal activity . There was a strong correlation between complement levels and bactericidal activity . Deficient bactericidal and opsonic activities may explain the increased susceptibility to infections in patients with cirrhosis.

Infect Immun, 1985 Aug, 49(2), 365 - 70
Antibodies to O-antigen of lipopolysaccharide are protective against neonatal infection with Escherichia coli K1; Pluschke G et al.; Monoclonal IgM specific for the O18 antigen conferred passive protection to 1-week-old rats against bacteremia and killing after oral challenge with O18:K1 Escherichia coli . Specific protection of the pups was also achieved by immunizing the pregnant rats with purified O18 lipopolysaccharide . We suppose that most human newborns that are colonized by potentially invasive K1 E . coli are protected by the transplacental transfer of anti-lipopolysaccharide immunoglobulin G, and we suggest that treatment with such antibodies might in the future be considered a therapeutic option . Rat serum from 1-week-old animals had only about one-third of the complement hemolytic activity of adult rat serum . This low level of hemolytic activity correlated with a relatively poor bactericidal activity in antibody-dependent and antibody-independent bactericidal in vitro assays . Monoclonal anti-O18 immunoglobulin M, although protective in vivo and bactericidal when added to adult rat serum, only poorly inhibited the multiplication of O18:K1 cells in serum from 1-week-old rats . This suggests that other elements of host defense besides complement participate in antibody-mediated in vivo protection.

Biochem J, 1985 Jul 15, 229(2), 453 - 8
Ionophore activity of sarcotoxin I, a bactericidal protein of Sarcophaga peregrina; Okada M et al.; When Escherichia coli was treated with sarcotoxin I, a potent bactericidal protein of Sarcophaga peregrina (fleshfly), K+ inside of the cells leaked out rapidly and the ATP pool of the cells rapidly decreased . These results suggested that the bactericidal effect of sarcotoxin I was due to its ionophore activity, and that it blocked the generation of ATP by inhibiting formation of the proton gradient essential for oxidative phosphorylation . This was confirmed by use of an uncA mutant, which was much less susceptible than the wild-type strain to sarcotoxin I under fixed ionic conditions.

Ann Surg, 1985 Jul, 202(1), 111 - 8
Serum-mediated depression of neutrophil chemiluminescence following blunt trauma; Lanser ME et al.; To investigate one possible mechanism responsible for decreased neutrophil bactericidal activity following trauma, the chemiluminescence response of normal neutrophils was measured following incubation in nonseptic and septic serum from 19 blunt trauma patients . Incubation of normal neutrophils in septic patients' sera (61 studies) resulted in a marked decrease in the chemiluminescence response (36 +/- 26% of control), compared to incubation in nonseptic sera (92 studies, 80 +/- 53% of control; p less than 0.005) . This difference between nonseptic and septic serum was apparent immediately after injury, prior to the development of sepsis (47 +/- 4% versus 77 +/- 12%; p less than 0.05) . The depression of the CL response was due to a suppressive factor present in septic patients' sera . This factor was nondialyzable and was present in high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) fractions containing protein of molecular weight 50 to 100,000 . Removal of albumin using Affigel-blue did not remove the suppressive factor . In contrast to the suppressive effect of septic trauma serum, septic patients' neutrophils had a normal chemiluminescence response after their isolation and washing . We conclude that trauma results in the generation of a serum factor that suppresses neutrophil chemiluminescence and that is present in greater amounts in patients who eventually become septic . This factor may be responsible for the decreased bactericidal activity and depressed host defense following injury.

Surgery, 1985 Jul, 98(1), 25 - 9
Inhibition of povidone-iodine's bactericidal activity by common organic substances: an experimental study; Zamora JL et al.; An in vitro study demonstrated that some organic substances commonly present in the surgical field inhibit the bactericidal activity of dilute povidone-iodine solutions . The degree of inhibition was inversely proportional to the concentration of the povidone-iodine solutions and it was greatest by blood, followed by pus, fat, and glove powder . The pattern of bacterial kill was virtually identical for all the strains tested . The most likely explanation for this phenomenon is that iodine is bound by the organic substances, decreasing the iodine available for bacterial kill . To obtain an optimal benefit, we suggest eliminating these substances from the operative site or wound when possible before the use of povidone-iodine solution.

Ann Acad Med Singapore, 1985 Jul, 14(3), 508 - 14
Tuberculosis chemotherapy today; Dutt AK et al.; Effective chemotherapy of tuberculosis not only reduces morbidity and mortality, but it is a powerful mechanism to control further spread of infection . Although conventional therapy for 18-24 months is highly effective, a major disadvantage is non-compliance of patients in completing the full course of therapy . With better understanding of bacteriologic action of many antituberculous drugs, the disease can now be cured in six to nine months of bactericidal chemotherapy . Isoniazid and rifampin for nine months, either given daily throughout or initially for one month followed by twice weekly administration for another eight months, is highly effective for cure of the disease . However, this is not recommended for patients in developing countries due to high frequency of initial isoniazid resistance . Bactericidal therapy with four drugs (streptomycin or ethambutol (25 mg/kg), isoniazid, rifampin and pyrazinamide) daily for two months followed by isoniazid and rifampin daily or twice weekly for another four months is very effective . In suspected or proved isoniazid resistance, the therapy has also proven effective . However, therapy may also be changed during the continuation phase to streptomycin, rifampin and pyrazinamide daily or twice weekly for another four to six months . The treatment of extrapulmonary tuberculosis, alone or when associated with other medical disorders, is the same as for pulmonary tuberculosis . There are several short course regimens available for use in developing countries while keeping in consideration the shortage of major drugs and financial constraints . Modern short course chemotherapy has the potential advantage of success in developing countries by increasing the population of patients completing therapy.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Jpn J Antibiot, 1985 Jul, 38(7), 1761 - 8
Protection by glucose and derivatives against the lethal toxicity of mitomycin C in bacteria; Nagamatsu T et al.; Agents capable of preventing the toxicity of mitomycin C (MMC) were investigated by a cytotoxicity assay utilizing the E . coli strain WP2 uvrA, a strain sensitive to the bactericidal action of MMC . Of various compounds, mixtures, and rat tissue extracts assayed, the solution of liver extracts and yeast extracts and DULBECCO's modified EAGLE's medium (DMEM) exhibited potent activity in protecting the cells against the MMC toxicity . A further analysis of the individual components of DMEM revealed that glucose is the active principle responsible for the protection seen with DMEM . A similar protection has been observed with the use of mannose, mannitol, 2-deoxyglucose, D-glucuronic acid, glucosamine, and N-acetylglucosamine of 16 sugar derivatives tested . The protection by glucose was specific to treatment of cells with MMC but not with UV-irradiation, cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (II), 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide, or furylfuramide . Unlike the bacterial cells, there was no protective response in the mammalian cells in culture and in mice, given a lethal dose of MMC, concurrently with glucose or each derivative . The possible mechanisms involved in this prevention of MMC toxicity by glucose are discussed.

J Antimicrob Chemother, 1985 Jul, 16(1), 61 - 5
The activity of imipenem on Legionella pneumophila, with a note on the treatment of two cases; Farrell ID et al.; An in-vitro assessment of the activity of imipenem, a new carbapenem beta-lactam antibiotic, was undertaken on isolates of Legionella pneumophila . The minimum inhibitory concentrations of imipenem were in the range 0.03 to 0.25 mg/l and turbidimetric studies showed that imipenem had a marked bactericidal effect which was more pronounced than that seen with either rifampicin or erythromycin . Two patients with legionella pneumonia were successfully treated with imipenem as part of a clinical trial of the drug.

Biull Eksp Biol Med, 1985 Jul, 100(7), 53 - 5
{Comparison of the oxygen absorption processes during phagocytosis by polymorphonuclear leukocytes from conventional and specific-pathogen-free C57BL/6 strain mice}; Larina LL et al.; Oxygen consumption was compared during phagocytosis of killed S . aureus by peritoneal polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PNL) from conventional mice and C57BL/6 mice free of pathogenic agents . The rate of oxygen consumption by PNL during phagocytosis was 3 times higher in conventional mice than in C57BL/6 mice free of pathogenic agents . The latter mice can be used as a suitable model for studying diverse effects on the most important component of the bactericidal mechanism of PNL.

Infect Immun, 1985 Jul, 49(1), 238 - 43
Effect of estrogen (17 beta-estradiol) on the susceptibility of mice to disseminated gonococcal infection; Kita E et al.; Studies of the effect of sex hormones on the susceptibility of mice to the disseminated gonococcal infection demonstrated significantly enhanced susceptibility of mice injected with estrogen (17 beta-estradiol) . In mice treated with estradiol, bacteremia progressively developed within 12 h postinoculation and mice died within the next 6 h, whereas bacteremia in mice treated with progesterone was completely cleared within 3 h postinoculation . The administration of estradiol affected the function of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) responsible for eliminating gonococci, but the administration of progesterone did not . The bactericidal activity of PMN mediated by myeloperoxidase was affected by estradiol, but the capacity of PMN to release superoxide anion was not . Furthermore, peritoneal cell analysis demonstrated that the infiltration of PMN in the peritoneal cavity of estradiol-treated mice significantly decreased when mice were injected intraperitoneally with gonococci . These effects on PMN by estradiol may play an important role in the enhanced susceptibility of estradiol-treated mice to gonococcal infection.

Biochem Pharmacol, 1985 Jun 15, 34(12), 2083 - 90
Inhibition of neutrophil function by hydrogen peroxide . Effect of SH-group-containing compounds; Rajkovic IA et al.; Stimulated neutrophils generate appreciable amounts of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) which may be responsible for auto-oxidative injury and damage to adjacent cells . In the present study we describe inhibitory effects of H2O2 on neutrophil phagocytosis, bactericidal activity and associated metabolic processes as well as the effect of non-protein SH-compounds on H2O2-treated cells . Preincubation of neutrophils with low concentrations of H2O2 (1 mumoles/5 X 10(6) cell) results in delayed phagocytosis of Escherichia coli, which returns to normal levels in the later stages of incubation, while the activity of the HMPS and the production of O-2 and H2O2 remain unaffected . Bactericidal activity of the cells was more sensitive to peroxide treatment and even at low concentrations H2O2 induced some inhibition (12.2%) of neutrophils' capacity to kill E . coli . Increasing the concentrations of H2O2 in the preincubation mixtures resulted in a progressive decline in the neutrophils phagocytic and killing capacity for E . coli and was accompanied by inhibition of HMPS activity and the release of granule enzymes but not of O-2 or H2O2 . The H2O2/O-2 molar ratio of peroxide-treated cells was elevated by up to 26.7% and this was followed closely by the reduction in the intracellular levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) . Incubation of H2O2-treated neutrophils with all five SH-compounds used in the study resulted in the improvement of the phagocytic capacity of the cells . Improvement of the bactericidal capacity and degranulation responses of H2O2-treated neutrophils was achieved by incubation with cysteine, penicillamine, alpha-MPG and MMPC but not GSH . Stimulus-dependent H2O2 production by H2O2-treated cells, the H2O2/O-2 molar ratio and the intracellular levels of GSH remained unaltered after treatment with SH-compounds . The data shows that SH-compounds, in addition to their antiinflammatory properties, also have the ability to reverse the oxidant-induced inhibition of neutrophil function, a property of potential therapeutic significance.

Infect Immun, 1985 Jun, 48(3), 759 - 62
Inhibition of serum bactericidal reaction by lipopolysaccharide; Sansano M Jr et al.; An Rc-mutant of Escherichia coli that lacks UDPgalactose 4-epimerase grows normally without galactose but makes lipopolysaccharide lacking most of its carbohydrate . Exogenous galactose overrides the mutation and results in the formation of a complete lipopolysaccharide, thereby producing a smooth phenocopy . The smooth phenocopy was much more resistant to the bactericidal activity of normal human serum than was the rough phenotype . More complement was utilized by the rough mutant in the bactericidal process than by the smooth phenocopy . An antiserum was prepared in rabbits to a specific outer membrane protein in the mutant bacterium, the lambda receptor, whose expression could be suppressed by the addition of 10 mM maltose . The effect of the O-antigen in the lipopolysaccharide produced by the smooth phenocopy on the binding of antibody to the lambda receptor was determined . The smooth phenocopy exhibited significantly less binding of antibody than did the rough phenocopy . In addition, expression of the lambda receptor had little effect on the binding of antibody to the lambda receptor in the smooth phenocopy but caused significantly increased binding in the rough mutant . The results suggest that the increased resistance to the lethal action of normal human serum shown by the smooth phenocopy may be due to the blocking of antibody binding sites by the O-antigen of lipopolysaccharide, thereby preventing activation of the classical pathway of complement.

Eur J Clin Invest, 1985 Jun, 15(3), 138 - 40
Bactericidal activity of ascitic fluid in patients with nephrotic syndrome; Akalin HE et al.; Patients with nephrotic syndrome are unusually susceptible to infections, including primary peritonitis . In this study, we have evaluated nine adult patients with nephrotic syndrome and ascites for ascitic fluid bactericidal activity, complement and immunoglobulin concentrations . Eight of nine patients had diminished ascitic fluid bactericidal activity while twelve control peritoneal fluids had normal bactericidal activity . Complement (C3 and C4) and immunoglobulin (IgG and IgM) concentrations were significantly lower in nephrotic syndrome ascitic fluid than peritoneal fluid from normal subjects . These findings may explain the high occurrence rate of primary peritonitis in nephrotic patients with ascites.

Zentralbl Bakteriol Mikrobiol Hyg {B}, 1985 Jun, 181(1-2), 71 - 80
Bactericidal effects of photochemical smog constituents produced by a flow reactor . III . Communication: determination of mutagenic effects of photochemical smog on E . coli K 12 343/113; Nover H et al.; The multipurpose strain E . coli K12 343/113 allows the simultaneous detection of different DNA alterations such as base-pair changes, frameshifts and deletions . The investigations show the detection of mutagenic potency in the mixture which is called photochemical smog, produced by a flow reactor . Responsible for these effects were ozone and hydrocarbon-radicals, but not NOx, hydrocarbons (propene, isobutene, trans-2-butene) and peroxiacetylnitrate (PAN) . In the given conditions these mutagenic substances are involved in DNA alterations like base-pair changes and deletions due to the amounts of colonies in the gal+-, MTR-, and arg+-system . No frameshifts could be detected in the nad+-system.

Zentralbl Bakteriol Mikrobiol Hyg {B}, 1985 Jun, 181(1-2), 121 - 31
Cleaning and disinfection of knives in the meat industry; Snijders JM et al.; The effect of disinfection of knives with water of 82 degrees C (180 degrees F) strongly depends on the amounts of protein and fat present on the tools . When fats or proteins are absent, even a high bacterial contamination on a stainless steel plate will be completely eliminated by immersion in water of 82 degrees C during 1 s, whereas even after 10 s immersion does not give satisfactory results if a high degree of fat and protein contamination is present . By adding lactic acid to hot water the bactericidal effect may be improved, although the results are far from optimal . Apparently, optimal disinfection of contaminated knives is extremely difficult to attain without the use of mechanical forces such as a high pressure water jet to remove the dirt . Therefore a special disinfection unit was designed in which apart from the factors cleaning time and temperature, the effects of mechanical forces could be determined . By increasing water pressure the cleaning effect was improved . Adding lactic acid to the spraying water made it possible to lower water temperature and water pressure, which, among other things, resulted in a lower climatological strain at the place of work . The thermodisinfector (a modified dish-washer) appear to be a good alternative for cleaning and disinfection of tools if the requirement is dropped that every worker had to have a disinfection facility within his immediate reach . The practical application of such equipment is discussed.

J Anim Sci, 1985 Jun, 60(6), 1500 - 7
Mineral X disease interactions; Miller ER; The ability of animals to cope with infection may be influenced by mineral nutrition, in particular Mg and P of the macroelements and Zn, Fe, Cu and Se of the trace elements . Deficiencies of Zn, Fe, Cu and Se have resulted in a lowered resistance to disease either through an impaired immune response or faulty leukocyte function . The role of Se in bactericidal action of the phagocytes is associated with oxidative functions believed important for killing phagocytized bacteria . The role of these and other essential elements in disease prevention is an important area of animal nutrition research.

Infect Immun, 1985 Jun, 48(3), 652 - 7
Inhibitory effect of estradiol-17 beta and progesterone on bactericidal activity in uteri of rabbits infected with Escherichia coli; Matsuda H et al.; The influence of ovarian hormones at different estrous stages on the bactericidal activity of the uterus in rabbits was investigated . When Escherichia coli cells were inoculated in ligated uteri, the survival period of the bacteria in the uterus at the luteal phase was clearly longer than that at the follicular phase . At the luteal phase, high levels of plasma estradiol-17 beta and progesterone were detected . A luteolytic treatment with prostaglandin F2 alpha and human chorionic gonadotropin at the luteal phase lowered plasma progesterone levels and prompted bacterial clearance from the uterus . In ovariectomized rabbits, E . coli from the uterine exudates was not detected 6 days after the inoculation in both the nontreated and estradiol-17 beta-treated animals . In the progesterone-treated rabbits, the survival period of E . coli was longer than that in the nontreated and estradiol-17 beta-treated animals . When estradiol-17 beta and progesterone at the ratio of 1:100 were administered concurrently, E . coli survived for the longest period in the rabbits treated with various doses of different hormones . Formalin-killed E . coli cells were inoculated into the uterine lumen, and 4 h later the proportion of heterophils phagocytizing the bacteria dropped in the progesterone-treated rabbits and in the estradiol-17 beta- and progesterone-treated rabbits, but there was no significant difference in heterophil numbers among the rabbits treated with different hormones . The present results suggest that progesterone inhibits the bactericidal activity of the uterus and that estrogen concurrently secreted at the luteal phase promotes the inhibitory action of progesterone, although estrogen alone hardly affects the uterine defense . In addition, the lowering of the bactericidal activity of the uterus at the luteal phase may be attributable to lower activity of phagocytosis by heterophils infiltrated into the uterine lumen.

Proc Soc Exp Biol Med, 1985 Jun, 179(2), 254 - 8
Elimination of mycoplasma contaminants from cell cultures with animal serum; Nair CN; Repeated treatment with guinea pig or rabbit serum, but not with human serum, was found to eliminate mycoplasma contaminants from mammalian cell cultures as judged by staining with the fluorescent dye Hoechst 33258 . Following treatment with rabbit serum and several passages, M . hyorhinis could not be detected by staining, isolation on agar, or specific immunofluorescence in a human prostate carcinoma cell line heavily contaminated with this organism . There was no evidence for the involvement of antimycoplasma antibodies in the bactericidal activity of rabbit serum . Mycoplasmacidal activity of rabbit serum was associated with a heat-labile component(s) which could be inactivated by incubation of the serum with goat antirabbit complement component C3.

Blood, 1985 Jun, 65(6), 1382 - 90
Abnormal adherence-related functions of neutrophils, monocytes, and Epstein-Barr virus-transformed B cells in a patient with C3bi receptor deficiency; Buescher ES et al.; We evaluated a 3-year-old female patient with leukocytosis, recurrent infections, severe periodontal disease, and a history of delayed separation of the umbilical stump . This patient's polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) had normal membrane depolarization responses, normal oxygen metabolism, normal granule secretion responses, normal bactericidal activity, and normal C3b rosetting . However, by fluorescent cell analysis and C3bi rosetting, it was determined that her cells lacked the C3bi receptor . In addition, the patient's PMNs showed markedly abnormal chemotaxis, adherence, and aggregation responses, and partial abnormalities were detected in PMN spreading and phagocytosis . Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed that the subject's neutrophil cytoplasts were missing a 180,000-dalton moiety . Her monocytes also had defective chemotaxis and failed to adhere and grow normally in culture . Epstein-Barr virus-transformed B cells from the patient lacked an aggregation response to phorbol myristate acetate . Laboratory and clinical evaluations of this patient's mother showed no abnormalities . These studies demonstrate that C3bi receptor deficiency can be associated with functional abnormalities in multiple myeloid cells and that the absence of C3bi receptor is associated with abnormal adherence-related functions of these cells.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1985 May, (5), 76 - 8
{Assessment of peripheral blood monocyte function in pulmonary tuberculosis patients}; Shatrov VA et al.; As the result of the study of the peripheral blood monocyte function in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis, the ingestive capacity of monocytes has been found to be suppressed, which indicates the pathological state of oxygen-dependent mechanisms governing the bactericidal activity of cells, the most pronounced disturbances of monocyte functions being observed in patients with fibrous-cavernous and disseminated tuberculosis.

Pediatr Infect Dis, 1985 May-Jun, 4(3), 309 - 14
Infection in the immunocompromised host; Steele RW; The largest numbers of immunocompromised pediatric patients are neonates and children who are managed in intensive care units . Therapeutic principles that apply to the classic neutropenic cancer patient are also relevant for these categories; maximum doses of bactericidal antibiotics given for longer periods should be used . Pediatricians should also be acquainted with those unusual infectious processes associated with specific immune deficits so that appropriate empiric therapy is selected . A protocol for managing the neutropenic patient with fever is discussed.

J Infect Dis, 1985 May, 151(5), 859 - 68
The induction of meningeal inflammation by components of the pneumococcal cell wall; Tuomanen E et al.; Pneumococcal cell wall induces meningeal inflammation in rabbits injected intracisternally with greater than 10(5) cell equivalents . Both of the major cell wall components, teichoic acid and peptidoglycan, contribute to this inflammatory activity although responses differ depending on the chemical nature, size, and complexity of these fractions . Challenge with teichoic acid (membrane or wall associated) results in greater inflammation at 5 hr than at 24 hr . Degraded teichoic acid is inactive . In contrast, the inflammation caused by whole cell wall or high-molecular-weight peptidoglycan-containing fractions increases in intensity from 5 to 24 hr . Peptidoglycan fractions lose activity at 24 hr when hydrolyzed to disaccharide-stem peptide moieties . Generation of free cell wall components in cerebrospinal fluid as, for example, during treatment with antibiotics that are bacteriolytic as well as bactericidal, could contribute to increased inflammation in the subarachnoid space.

Monatsschr Kinderheilkd, 1985 May, 133(5), 284 - 90
{Progressive-septic granulomatosis: improved prognosis with early diagnosis and targeted therapy . Report of 5 cases}; Kremens B et al.; The clinical and laboratory findings in chronic granulomatous disease are illustrated by five case reports . Biochemical studies of the neutrophil bactericidal defect have revealed several molecular forms of the disease . Specific therapeutic action is nowadays possible, after early diagnosis of the condition by nitroblue-tetrazolium test and chemiluminescence . Infections are treated using antibiotics and antimycotics which penetrate well into granulocytes; additional surgical intervention or granulocyte transfusion may be necessary . Prolonged infection-free periods are achieved under prophylactic sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim therapy, promising an improved prognostic outlook for patients with chronic granulomatous disease.

J Infect Dis, 1985 May, 151(5), 878 - 82
Development of bactericidal antibody during Branhamella catarrhalis infection; Chapman AJ Jr et al.; The recent observation that Branhamella catarrhalis may cause a variety of infections in humans has stimulated interest in human host defenses against this organism . We encountered 21 patients with B . catarrhalis infection: seven with pneumonia, 13 with a purulent exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, and one with purulent sinusitis . Normal human serum (NHS) demonstrated no bactericidal activity against 20 of the 21 isolates . In contrast, 7 of 19 acute and 18 of 20 convalescent sera demonstrated significant bactericidal effects against the corresponding B . catarrhalis isolate . Heating convalescent sera to 56 C for 30 min abolished bactericidal activity . This activity was restored by NHS but not by complement-rich guinea pig serum . Selective blockage of the classic complement pathway eliminated bactericidal activity, whereas selective blockage of the alternative pathway did not . IgG isolated from convalescent serum plus NHS was bactericidal for the corresponding B . catarrhalis isolate . These results suggest that most patients with pulmonary infections due to B . catarrhalis develop a convalescent IgG antibody response that mediates serum bactericidal activity by the classic complement pathway.

J Infect, 1985 May, 10(3), 194 - 203
Studies on ciprofloxacin therapy of experimental Legionnaires' disease; Fitzgeorge RB et al.; The concentration of ciprofloxacin in the serum and tissues of normal guinea-pigs was monitored after intramuscular and oral administration . Significant concentrations were attained in the kidneys, but higher doses were required before serum and lung concentrations became measurable . Ciprofloxacin, given parenterally, prevented pyrexia and death of guinea-pigs infected by aerosols of Legionella pneumophila . Although it markedly reduced the number of bacteria in the lungs, it did not prevent the development of pulmonary lesions . Ciprofloxacin administered orally was not so effective in preventing death, although pyrexia was prevented and numbers of bacteria in the lungs of guinea-pigs were reduced . The low minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations of ciprofloxacin against L . pneumophila together with the in vivo results observed suggest that this antibiotic could be of value in the treatment of human beings suffering from Legionnaires' disease.

Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1985 May, 27(5), 695 - 700
Response of Legionella pneumophila to beta-lactam antibiotics; Weisholtz S et al.; Legionella pneumophila Philadelphia strain 1 grown in vitro contained five penicillin-binding proteins that were accessible to the antibiotic in membrane preparations and in live cells as well . The bacterium had reasonably low MICs of several beta-lactam antibiotics and was susceptible to both the bactericidal and the lytic activity of these drugs . An unusual feature of the response of this bacterium to penicillin treatment was that cell lysis as determined by decrease in culture turbidity and release of intracellular macromolecules was not accompanied by degradation of the peptidoglycan.

J Infect Dis, 1985 Apr, 151(4), 682 - 90
Phagocytosis and killing of Brucella by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes; Young EJ et al.; Although cellular immunity involving activated macrophages is important in resistance to Brucella, serum factors and polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNLs) play some role in the initial response to infection . The interaction between human PMNLs and virulent and attenuated strains of Brucella abortus and Brucella melitensis was studied by in vitro techniques . Virulent and attenuated strains of both species were rapidly phagocytosed after opsonization with normal human serum (NHS); nonopsonized bacteria were not phagocytosed . In contrast, NHS devoid of detectable antibodies was bactericidal for strains of B . abortus but not of B . melitensis . In addition, intracellular killing of ingested bacteria was shown for virulent B . abortus but not for B . melitensis . Ultrastructural studies revealed morphological alterations in about one-half of phagocytosed B . abortus and B . melitensis after incubation for 10 min; thereafter, nearly 100% of B . abortus showed some degree of degeneration, whereas B . melitensis remained intact during 120 min of observation.

Clin Exp Immunol, 1985 Apr, 60(1), 203 - 6
Hydrogen peroxide and superoxide production by peripheral blood monocytes in leprosy; Sharp AK et al.; Susceptibility to infection with Mycobacterium leprae, the causative organism of leprosy, is the result of a defect in cell-mediated immunity (CMI) . The co-operation of macrophages and T lymphocytes is known to be essential for competent CMI response . In this study we have examined peripheral blood monocytes from a range of leprosy patients in an attempt to identify a possible defect in macrophage function . The ability of these cells to produce hydrogen peroxide and superoxide, two bactericidal metabolites of the monocyte/macrophage, has been measured . Monocytes from leprosy patients were found to be capable of producing normal amounts of hydrogen peroxide and superoxide, and no differences in production were found between tuberculoid, lepromatous and control monocytes . These results suggest that macrophages in leprosy are competent, and that probably a T lymphocyte defect contributes to susceptibility to this disease.

Boll Soc Ital Biol Sper, 1985 Mar 30, 61(3), 453 - 9
{Morphological, ultrastructural, cytochemical and functional analysis of neutrophils deficient in myeloperoxidase}; Lanza F et al.; Eighteen patients with established hereditary myeloperoxidase deficiency underwent morphological, ultrastructural, cytochemical and functional analysis in order to correlate the lack of peroxidase from phagocytes with other leucocyte activities . Cytochemical and ultrastructural findings only confirmed the peroxidase defect in neutrophil and monocyte population, whereas normal peroxidase activity was detected in eosinophil granulocytes ("Alius-Grignaschi anomaly") . Morphological analysis, as determined by both ligh and electron microscopy, showed in two patients with total MPO-deficiency a large number of neutrophils (50-60%) with nuclear abnormalities very similar to Pelger-Huet's heterozygous form (two lobed neutrophils having a typical pince-nez appearance and a nuclear chromatin coarser than that of normal PMNL) . Other 2 cases displayed a 50-60% five-lobed neutrophils, as occur in congenital nuclear hypersegmentation of PMNL . These findings suggest that Alius-Grignaschi anomaly and Pelger-Huet syndrome can be found associated in the same individuals, since both these abnormalities have a genetic origin . Finally, since an impaired bactericidal and fungicidal activity was observed, no patients displayed particular susceptibility to persistent or severe infections, thus confirming the presence of MPO-independent enzymatic systems.

Jpn J Antibiot, 1985 Mar, 38(3), 813 - 21
{Prolonged action preparation of cefaclor}; Sakamoto T et al.; This study was conducted to develop a prolonged action preparation of cefaclor (CCL) which can offer, with the twice-a-day administration, as much effectiveness as its conventional preparation (Kefral capsule) with the 3 times-a-day administration . Absorption site of CCL in gastrointestinal tract, preparation form (enteric coated granules) which slowly release CCL, dissolution property of the form, and mixed ratio of the form and rapid release form (nonenteric coated granules) were studied and complex granules consisting of 40% of nonenteric coated granules and 60% of enteric coated granules which dissolve at pH 6 were chosen as a prolonged action preparation of CCL . Bactericidal activity of the prolonged action preparation (S6472) was confirmed to be the same as that of the conventional preparation by comparative viable cell count study in which concentrations of CCL simulated to plasma concentrations following the administration of S6472 at the dosage of 375 mg b.i.d . and the conventional preparation at the dosage of 250 mg t.i.d . were used . From the above, S6472 is considered to be a prolonged action preparation of CCL which serve our purpose . Since S6472 can be given with the twice-a-day administration, its daytime administration is not necessary . Therefore, S6472 is considered to be much useful preparation for the patients.

J Dent Res, 1985 Mar, 64(3), 431 - 6
Effects of a Fusobacterium nucleatum extract on immunoregulation in mice; Yoshie H et al.; The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of an extract of Fusobacterium nucleatum on humoral and cell-mediated immunity and phagocyte functions in mice . The extract was obtained from the heat-inactivated supernatant of sonicated F . nucleatum . Mouse splenocytes were cultured with sheep red blood cells (SRBC), and antibody formation was assayed by counting the plaque-forming cells (PFC) . After C3H mouse skin was grafted onto the BALB/c mouse, cytotoxicity of BALB/c mouse splenocytes to L-cells was enumerated, T- and B-cell blastogenesis was determined by the uptake of 3H-thymidine . In vivo phagocyte functions were measured using carbon clearance test, bactericidal, and acid phosphatase activity assays . The number of SRBC-specific and non-specific PFC in splenocytes stimulated with the extract increased 2.5-8.7-fold over that of unstimulated splenocytes . Cytotoxicity of splenocytes from the extract-injected mice decreased in a dose-dependent fashion at 12 days after grafting . T-cell mitogenicity of the extract was observed . The carbon clearance rate was reduced, and bactericidal and acid phosphatase activities were elevated by the extract injection of the mice . In conclusion, F . nucleatum extract has an adjuvant effect on humoral immunity, and a suppressive effect on cell-mediated immunity and activated phagocyte functions.

Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1985 Mar, 27(3), 340 - 2
New cephalosporins cefotaxime, cefpimizole, BMY 28142, and HR 810 in experimental pneumococcal meningitis in rabbits; Tauber MG et al.; Four new cephalosporins, cefotaxime, cefpimizole (U 63196E), BMY 28142, and HR 810 were evaluated in experimental pneumococcal meningitis . Cefotaxime penetrated only moderately into the cerebrospinal fluid of rabbits with meningitis, whereas cefpimizole, BMY 28142, and HR 810 all exhibited unusually good penetration . The bactericidal activity in infected cerebrospinal fluid was comparable for the four drugs.

Crit Care Med, 1985 Mar, 13(3), 143 - 50
Quantitative analysis of polymorphonuclear leukocyte superoxide anion generation in critically ill children; Zimmerman JJ et al.; Apart from its well-known bactericidal action, superoxide anion produced by activated polymorphonuclear leukocytes is believed to be involved in pathophysiology of diffuse capillary leak syndromes, e.g., adult respiratory distress syndrome and septic shock . Neutrophil NADPH oxidoreductase, the superoxide anion synthetase, was assayed in blood samples from a variety of critically ill children . Neutrophils from patients with evidence of diffuse capillary leak syndrome had significantly depressed enzyme specific activity as compared to neutrophils from healthy controls or intensive care patients without evidence of diffuse capillary leak . These data along with additional in vitro findings support the contention that previously activated granulocytes may be refractory to subsequent activation, and that such behavior may represent an intrinsic defense mechanism to minimize inflammatory amplification autoinjury.

J Hosp Infect, 1985 Mar, 6 Suppl A, 25 - 32
A physico-chemical study of PVP-I solutions leading to the reformulation of 'Betadine' preparations (5% PVP-I); Pollack W et al.; Detailed study of various povidone-iodine (PVP-I) and Lugol's solutions has demonstrated that bactericidal potency, as well as skin sensitivity, correlates directly with the mass of elemental iodine that can be extracted by the immiscible solvent, n-heptane . This study, using various extractant volume ratios, revealed that the concentration of I2 that can be extracted can be described by two exponential equations of the form Y = a e-kv . Where Y is the concentration of I2 extracted, v is the volume ratio of solvent used and a and k are constants . At low volume ratios, only the most easily extracted I2 is removed corresponding to the replaceable free I2 in the iodophor solution; whereas at higher extractant volume ratios, only the true reservoir I2 is involved . From the two exponential extraction equations can be described two new potency terms that define bactericidal potency and safety . The significance of the two terms, "relative potency factor' (RPF) and "maximum potency factor' (MPF) are described in detail with their relevance to a new "Betadine' solution containing 5% PVP-I.

J Bacteriol, 1985 Mar, 161(3), 944 - 8
Genetic study of the functional organization of the colicin E1 molecule; Suit JL et al.; Colicin E1 fragments obtained by genetic manipulations of the ColE1 plasmid were tested for bactericidal activity, binding to bacterial cells, and reactions with a series of anticolicin monoclonal antibodies . Two of the fragments were also tested for ability to form channels in liposomal vesicles . The results are in agreement with studies from chemically and enzymatically derived colicin fragments, assigning the receptor binding activity to the central part of the molecule and the killing activity to a region near the carboxyl terminus.

Clin Nephrol, 1985 Feb, 23(2), 101 - 4
Diminished bactericidal activity in megalocytic interstitial nephritis; Cledes J et al.; The first case of favorable evolution under conservative treatment for acute renal failure caused by megalocytic interstitial nephritis and the ongoing transitory impairment of the polymorphonuclear bactericidal ability are described . This case report has been included in a critical overview of the cases previously reported.

Burns Incl Therm Inj, 1985 Feb, 11(3), 185 - 91
Phagocytic activity of polymorphonuclear leucocytes in burns; el-Falaky MH et al.; The phagocytic function of neutrophils has been studied in 50 Egyptians of both sexes and of various ages, suffering from burns of different depths and extents, and the results compared with data from 50 normal persons of similar sex and age . The nitro blue tetrazolium test (Gifford and Malawista, 1970), and the bacterial killing test (Quie et al., 1967), have been used during the first 24 hours, and then repeated at weekly intervals for 4 weeks . The phagocytic power showed no change during the study except in two patients with extensive burns during fatal septicaemia . The bactericidal capacity, and the formazan cell formation showed similar changes with a steady decrease from the first to the third weeks, followed by a rise during the fourth week . Similar changes were noticed in the serum albumin levels . The decline was more marked in burns of more than 50 per cent of the body surface area and during severe sepsis . Improvement coincided with healing.

Acta Pathol Microbiol Immunol Scand {C}, 1985 Feb, 93(1), 31 - 6
Functional properties of polymorphonuclear leukocytes accumulated in a skin chamber; Scheja A et al.; Polymorphonuclear leukocytes harvested from a skin chamber were compared with peripheral blood leukocytes by examining their migration under agarose, their bactericidal capacity and their chemiluminescence . The chamber leukocytes were chemotactically de-activated and their bactericidal capacity reduced . The chemiluminescent response of chamber leukocytes was increased . In response to stimulation with formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (first peak), chemiluminescence was far more marked in chamber leukocytes (10-30 times) than in blood leukocytes, whereas in response to stimulation with opsonized zymosan it was only moderately more marked (3-5 times) . Exposed to zymosan activated serum, blood leukocytes showed a similar functional modification as leukocytes harvested from a skin chamber, and our findings suggest that the altered function of leukocytes at an inflammatory focus is largely the result of their exposure to chemotactic factors.

J Med Microbiol, 1985 Feb, 19(1), 77 - 84
Susceptibility of Mycobacterium leprae to the bactericidal activity of mouse peritoneal macrophages and to hydrogen peroxide; Sharp AK et al.; Macrophages from athymic nude mice were infected in vitro with Mycobacterium leprae to study the intracellular fate of this organism . Using the proportional bactericidal test, we have shown that the viability of M . leprae declines rapidly within these macrophages, although results of clearance experiments demonstrate that live and killed organisms are cleared at comparable rates . We have also shown that M . leprae is susceptible to the bactericidal effects of hydrogen peroxide and we suggest that hydrogen peroxide generated by macrophages is responsible for the killing of intracellular M . leprae.

Ann Fr Anesth Reanim, 1985, 4(6), 500 - 4
{Anomalies of the membrane receptors of blood phagocytic cells in nosocomial pulmonary infections}; Martin C et al.; Patients in intensive care units have frequent and severe opportunistic bacterial pneumoniae, even if they were previously free from respiratory disease . A search was made in these patients for possible immune deficiencies . Granulocyte and monocyte phagocytic activities were studied separately in 17 patients with bacterial bronchopneumonia (male: 13, female: 4; age: 41 +/- 5 yr) . The ability of three types of particles (opsonized zymosan, immunoglobulin coated and glutaraldehyde-treated sheep red cells) to trigger ingestion was measured . Cells were tested either in normal AB serum or in the presence of patient's serum . A substantial 40% decrease of the fraction of granulocytes ingesting zymosan was found in our experimental conditions (p less than 0.001) . Activity with the other particles was not significantly altered . Patients' sera were at least as efficient as a pool of normal sera in opsonizing zymosan . Furthermore, no phagocytic inhibitor was found in the patients tested . Underlying mechanisms for these abnormalities remain unknown, but a better understanding of the aetiology of the altered bactericidal function of phagocytic cells is required before suggesting immunomodulating treatments.

Ter Arkh, 1985, 57(12), 16 - 9
{Characteristics of the functional activity of leukocytes in diabetes mellitus}; Galenok VA et al.; A study was made of the mechanisms of leucocyte phagocytic and bactericidal activity with relation to Staph, aureus and the NBT-test in simple and simulated variants in 71 patients with diabetes mellitus . A compensatory elevation of the phagocytic index and the phagocytic number was found in all the patients with a decrease in phagocytosis completion which testified to the internal defects of bactericidal activity which, according to the NBT-test results, consisted in insufficient activity of oxidation enzymes . The stimulated NBT-test showed a decrease in phagocytic potentialities in patients with diabetes mellitus . Phagocytosis defects in type I and type II diabetes mellitus were more noticeable in a severe and labile course of the disease.

Immunol Lett, 1985, 11(3-4), 253 - 9
Experience with a skin chamber technique for leucocyte migration studies; Forsgren A et al.; An in vivo skin chamber method using lesions obtained by suction was evaluated . Neither dyspigmentation nor scarring were seen after 2 mth . The number of leucocytes accumulated in the collection chamber was correlated to the area of the lesion . Reproducibility remained essentially unchanged over an extended period and was 19% for one chamber and 13.6% for determinations with two chambers . No correlation was found between results obtained with the skin chamber technique and with chemotaxis or random migration as determined by an underagarose technique . When factors influencing in vivo and in vitro migration were studied, it was found that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs when given to arthritis patients or healthy volunteers inhibit leucocyte migration in vivo while in vitro migration was unchanged . Activated serum and LTB4 attracted leucocytes both in vivo and in vitro . The attraction by serum appeared at least partly to be caused by C5a . Polymorphonuclear leucocytes harvested from skin chambers were chemotactically deactivated and their bactericidal capacity reduced . The chemiluminescent response to formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine and opsonized zymosan was increased . Exposed to zymosan activated serum, blood leucocytes showed a similar functional modification as leucocytes harvested from a skin chamber, and our findings suggest that the altered function of leucocytes in an inflammatory focus is largely the result of their exposure to chemotactic factors.

Arch Otorhinolaryngol, 1985, 242(2), 167 - 76
Cochlear ototoxicity of chlorhexidine gluconate in cats; Igarashi Y et al.; Chlorhexidine gluconate is a derivative of chlorhexidine and is a popular disinfectant with a strong bactericidal action that is widely used for preoperative sterilization in ear surgery . The purpose of this investigation is to ascertain the potential ototoxicity of this agent . After topically applying chlorhexidine gluconate solutions to the middle ear cavities of 12 cats, we observed the excised cochleas using both scanning and transmission electron microscope studies . Either 0.05% or 2% chlorhexidine gluconate solutions were infused into the right ear of the test animal through one of two tubes chronically installed in the tympanic bullae . The left ears were utilized as controls and were infused with sterilized physiological saline . The solutions were administered once every other day for three separate infusions . Nine animals were decapitated 7 days after the third application, while the other three animals were sacrificed at 4 weeks . In the 2% chlorhexidine group, we found that hair cells in the organ of Corti had degenerated and had lost their hair bundles over a wide range . This pathology was more marked in the lower cochlear turns . In the animals sacrificed at 4 weeks, the injuries present seemed to have progressed . Even at a clinical concentration of 0.05%, chlorhexidine caused intracellular degeneration but with little surface damage . Our findings would suggest a cause of hearing loss when chlorhexidine is used clinically in the ear.

Thymus, 1985, 7(5), 271 - 8
The influence of thymus extract (TFX) on the phagocytosis and the bactericidal capacity of polymorphonuclear neutrophils from patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus; Wysocki H et al.; The influence of thymus extract (TFX) on phagocytosis and bactericidal capacity of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) from patient with insulin-dependent diabetes was studied . In previous observations PMN from these patients revealed the serum-related defect of bacterial killing . The preincubation of cells with standard dose of TFX significantly increased ingestion rate and recovered the bactericidal capacity to normal values . The augmentation of bactericidal capacity due to preincubation with TFX appeared to be dose-dependent and not related to other blood cells participation . The increase of bacterial killing was also evident, when TFX was applied after phagosome formation . The presented studies indicate that, among numerous peptides, thymus extracts contain those exerting their hormone-like activity on polymorphonuclear neutrophils . The observations may be of clinical importance.

Ann Med Interne (Paris), 1985, 136(3), 210 - 2
{Effect of ethanol on human polynuclear neutrophils . In vitro and in vivo study}; Laharrague P et al.; Human polynuclear neutrophilic function was studied to determine the role of alcohol in the increased susceptibility to infection of chronic alcoholics: in vitro studies investigated the effects of different concentrations of ethanol; in vivo studies included comparison with healthy subjects after alcohol intake, with excessive drinkers without liver disease and with chronic alcoholics with confirmed cirrhosis . In vitro depression of polynuclear neutrophilic function was observed only with significantly higher concentrations of ethanol than encountered clinically . In social and excessive drinkers, phagocytosis was decreased but there was no change in bactericidal activity . On the other hand, in cirrhotic alcoholics chemotaxis, phagocytosis and bactericidal activity were all significantly reduced . A direct action of alcohol alone on polynuclear function would not seem to be the cause of the increased risk of bacterial infection of chronic alcoholics.

Microbiol Immunol, 1985, 29(2), 127 - 41
Bactericidal effect of fatty acids on mycobacteria, with particular reference to the suggested mechanism of intracellular killing; Kanetsuna F; The effect of fatty acids on Mycobacterium smegmatis was examined in vitro at pH 5.0 to 7.0 to determine the role of fatty acids in the intracellular killing of mycobacteria . Unsaturated fatty acids showed strong bactericidal activity in low concentrations (0.005 to 0.02 mM), whereas saturated fatty acids, except for lauric and myristic acids, were not very effective even at a concentration of 0.2 mM . Addition of a saturated fatty acid (palmitic or stearic acid) to an unsaturated fatty acid (oleic or linoleic acid) did not strongly interfere with the bactericidal effect of the unsaturated fatty acid at pH 5.0 and 6.0 . Ca2+ (3.0 mM), Mg2+ (1.0 mM), and gamma-globulin (0.4%) showed weak reversal effects on the bactericidal activity of unsaturated fatty acids at pH 5.0 and 6.0 . Serum albumin and serum showed strong reversal effects . The concentrations of each fatty acid in a mixture (molar ratio, 1:1:1:1) of oleic, linoleic, palmitic, and stearic acids required for the killing of M . smegmatis in the presence of 2% serum (bovine, rabbit, or human) were 0.05 to 0.10 mM at pH 5.0 and 6.0 and 0.05 to 0.20 mM at pH 7.0, depending on the serum used . The susceptibilities of M . kansasii, M . bovis strain BCG, and M . tuberculosis to the mixture of the four fatty acids in the presence of 2% bovine serum were similar to that of M . smegmatis, although M . fortuitum was more resistant.

Dev Comp Immunol, 1985 Winter, 9(1), 77 - 84
Hydrocortisone suppresses the chemiluminescent response of striped bass phagocytes; Stave JW et al.; Phagocytic cells obtained from the pronephros of striped bass (Morone saxatilis) were exposed in vitro to various levels of hydrocortisone acetate . This treatment reduced the normal ability of the cells to generate a chemiluminescent response when exposed to bacteria or phorbol myristate acetate . Although the levels of hydrocortisone were higher than is physiological for fish, suppression was dose dependent and was not attributable to a reduction in cell viability . Whereas phagocytic chemiluminescence has been linked to the respiratory burst and bactericidal activity, the possibility exists that stress-induced elevations in serum corticosteroids lead to increased susceptibility to infection.

J Antimicrob Chemother, 1985 Jan, 15 Suppl A, 257 - 60
Influence of ampicillin elimination half-life on in-vitro bactericidal effect; White CA et al.; Escherichia coli ATCC 12407 was exposed in an in-vitro kinetic model to multiple dose ampicillin regimens differing in simulated drug elimination half-life but with equal dosage intervals and similar dose levels . Bacterial sensitivity was monitored during drug exposure . Greater bactericidal effect was observed with long half-life regimens . The development of rapid low-level resistance was not influenced by the half-life . Results suggest that in-vivo drug activity may be improved by increasing the drug elimination half-life.

Ann Plast Surg, 1985 Jan, 14(1), 33 - 6
The use of Clinitron therapy unit in the immediate postoperative care of pressure ulcers; Dolezal R et al.; The conventional postoperative care of patients undergoing pressure ulcer operations is complicated and unsatisfactory . In an effort to improve this care, we used the Clinitron therapy unit, which provides a true flotation environment for the patient . The surface pressure on the skin constantly remains below the capillary closure pressure of 32 mm Hg, and therefore no change in the patient's position is required as with the other beds currently used . Its special design creates a bactericidal fluid medium in which the temperature can be controlled . Our experience with 16 patients using the Clinitron in the immediate postoperative period has been encouraging . Comments from the patients and the nursing and medical staff, as well as advantages and disadvantages of this modality are discussed.

Can J Surg, 1985 Jan, 28(1), 39 - 46, 49
Host-defence mechanisms in surgical patients: a correlative study of the delayed hypersensitivity skin-test response, granulocyte function and sepsis; Christou NV; To identify associations between abnormal measurements and development of life-threatening surgical sepsis, host-defence parameters were assessed in 2202 patients upon admission to hospital for operation . Measurements included the response to delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) skin-test antigens, circulating blood-cell counts and hemoglobin levels, neutrophil adherence, chemotaxis, phagocytic and bactericidal function, and circulating serum albumin, serum globulin, serum immunoglobulin and complement levels . Sepsis was considered to be present when there was bacteremia, proven cholangitis or intracavitary abscess proven by operation or autopsy . The admission DTH response stratified patients into a reactive group (responding to two or more antigens out of five, 1373 patients), a relatively anergic group (with a response to one antigen, 306 patients) and an anergic group (with no antigen response, 523 patients) . Sex, age and type of disease were similar in the three groups . There were abnormalities in neutrophil adherence, neutrophil chemotaxis, serum albumin and blood hemoglobin levels in all groups, compared with out-of-hospital controls . The reactive group had an 8% sepsis rate and a mortality of 4%, compared with 21% and 15% in the relatively anergic and 33% and 31% in the anergic groups respectively (chi 2 = 186, p less than 0.0001) . The same observation was made in 1184 patients who were studied preoperatively: sepsis rates were 8%, 16% and 31% in the reactive, relatively anergic and anergic groups respectively (chi 2 = 76, p less than 0.0001) and mortality was 4%, 12% and 27% respectively (chi 2 = 99.7, p less than 0.0001).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Hokkaido Igaku Zasshi, 1985 Jan, 60(1), 125 - 33
{Evaluation of bacterial growth rate by the ATP-bioluminescence method (luciferase assay)--comparison with conventional methods and application to clinical studies}; Tono-oka T et al.; Bacterial growth rate was evaluated by estimating the increase in ATP content of cultures of bacterial suspensions using luciferase assay, and the method was applied to the estimation of bactericidal activity of serum and anti-bacterial activity of antibiotics . The results obtained were as follows: The bacterial numbers or bacterial growth rate determined by the ATP-Bioluminescence method was in accordance with those by CFU assay and spectrometrical assay by optical density readings . Furthermore this method was confirmed to be non-time-consuming and more simple than other methods . Using this method, anti-bacterial activity of fresh serum was evaluated . The serum suppressed the growth rate of E . coli, Str . fecalis, CBS, Kleb . pneumoniae and Staph . aureus at least for 2 hours . Heat-inactivated serum and absorbed serum with bacteria tended to lose such suppressive effect . Thus the main effective factors seem to be complements and specific antibody . The anti-microbial activity of antibiotics was enhanced by addition of fresh serum to bacterial cultures, and the results were not in accordance with those by the conventional Disc method . Thus the sensitivity test under the influence of fresh serum is recommended in order to know the clinical effect of antibiotics . These results suggest the usefulness of ATP-Bioluminescence method in the clinical laboratory examinations or investigations.

JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr, 1985 Jan-Feb, 9(1), 23 - 7
Immune function during intravenous administration of a soybean oil emulsion; Ota DM et al.; The effect of a continuous infusion of a soybean oil emulsion on immune function was evaluated in 40 malnourished patients who were randomized to receive preoperatively either a 25% glucose-5% amino acid solution (group G) or a 15% glucose-3.3% Intralipid-5% amino acid solution (group G-F) . Average length of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) was 10.3 +/- 0.9 days for group G and 9.0 +/- 0.8 days for group G-F . Initial nutritional status and response to TPN were similar for both groups . Immune function was assessed before TPN and after nutritional repletion prior to surgery for each patient . The levels of immunoglobulins, C3, C4, circulating B lymphocytes and T lymphocytes, suppressor T lymphocytes, natural killer cell activity, and monocytes were normal before TPN and after nutritional therapy . However, the total number of T cells and helper T cells were low before TPN and remained so after TPN . In addition, lymphocyte function measured by the lymphocyte blastogenic response to phytohemagglutinin and pokeweed mitogen was depressed prior to TPN and was not improved by either regimen . Neutrophil chemotaxis and bactericidal activity were not affected by either nutritional regimen while neutrophil phagocytosis was enhanced before TPN and remained elevated throughout TPN with either regimen . There were no differences in infection rates during TPN . The addition of Intralipid to the TPN regimen did not alter immune function in these patients who showed depressed cell-mediated immunity before TPN compared with the standard glucose TPN regimen.

Dev Pharmacol Ther, 1985, 8(4), 219 - 31
Pharmacokinetics and cerebrospinal fluid penetration of ceftazidime in children with meningitis; Blumer JL et al.; The single dose pharmacokinetics and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) penetration of ceftazidime were determined in 10 children with bacterial meningitis . Serum ceftazidime pharmacokinetics showed a distinct age dependence in which the clearance in children less than 1 month of age was markedly reduced . Ceftazidime concentrations in CSF, which ranged from 1.4-8.5 micrograms/ml, exceeded the minimum bactericidal concentrations for infecting pathogens throughout the 8-hour sampling period . These concentrations were found to be independent of CSF cell count, protein concentration or the day of therapy on which the study was performed . The ratio of CSF to serum ceftazidime concentration increased with time, suggesting that ceftazidime was cleared more slowly from CSF than from peripheral blood . Our data support the initiation of a study comparing the efficacy of ceftazidime to conventional therapy in children with bacterial meningitis.

Immunol Lett, 1985, 9(1), 33 - 7
Ability of rosetting or non-rosetting individual control and inflammatory macrophages to kill Escherichia coli X43 intracellularly; Rhodes JM et al.; An autoradiographic method combined with a rosette technique was used to assess the bactericidal activity of individual control and inflammatory peritoneal macrophages (PM phi) in the presence or absence of expression of Fc receptor for IgG (FcR) . There was a lack of FcR reactivity in a certain percentage of both categories of PM phi exposed to E . coli X43, a bacterium which is readily phagocytosed in the presence of specific antibody . Both rosetting and non-rosetting PM phi were capable of phagocytosing E . coli X43, but inflammatory PM phi showed a marked reduction in their capacity to ingest these bacteria compared with control PM phi . Once ingested the E . coli X43 were killed equally well by non-rosetting and rosetting control and inflammatory PM phi.

J Antimicrob Chemother, 1985 Jan, 15 Suppl A, 293 - 6
Effects of sub-bactericidal concentrations of antibiotics in experimental models of endocarditis; Drake TA et al.; Subinhibitory and sub-bactericidal concentrations of antibiotics significantly influence host-bacterial interactions . This paper reviews the pathogenesis of endocarditis and examines how subinhibitory concentrations of antibiotics may influence the course of the disease . At present significant effects have been documented only for the stage of bacterial adherence to the damaged valve.

Eur J Respir Dis Suppl, 1985, 139, 76 - 81
Acute effects of tobacco smoke on alveolar macrophages cultured in gas phase; Voisin C et al.; With a culture technique in gaseous phase which permits a direct contact between cells and the atmosphere, without any liquid interposition, we studied the short-term effects of tobacco smoke on guinea pig alveolar macrophages (AM) . Tobacco smoke had a cytotoxic effect on AM as evaluated by the decrease in cell ATP content, total smoke appearing more toxic than the gas phase . Toxicity of smoke gas phase is also ascertained by morphologic cell changes in electron microscopy and by a decrease in cell bactericidal activity . The large variation in AM susceptibility is not related to cell content in superoxide dismutase but seems to be in good correlation with AM glutathione content, especially when cells are cultured with N-acetylcysteine . However, the protective glutathione action is not total and seems less important than the one observed with a low concentration of NO2 (0.2 ppm/24 hours).

Allerg Immunol (Leipz), 1985, 31(1), 3 - 15
{The physiological and diagnostic importance of lysozyme in cow's milk}; Grun E; The enzyme lysozyme (earlier muramidase) is one of the factors of the non-specific defense mechanism of the mammary gland . It represents a regular constituent of milk, which despite its very low content in milk determines the health condition of the udder and its defending ability against infectious agents . Therefore, a review is given on the factors influencing the lysozyme content in bovine milk, its significance for the bactericidal effects of milk, its changes in mastitis and the resulting possibility of its introduction in diagnostic work, and the therapeutical use of milk rich in lysozyme.

Ter Arkh, 1985, 57(1), 109 - 11
{Immune reactivity indices of workers in the manufacture of viscose}; Popova NL et al.; A total of 300 workers engaged in viscose industry were examined for leukocyte blast transformation, spontaneous and complement rosette-formation, blood serum immunoglobulins, bactericidal activity of blood serum, lysozyme titre, phagocytic activity of neutrophils, and the NBT test . The data obtained attest to the changes in the total nonspecific body responsiveness of the workers examined . The character and degree of the changes in cellular and humoral immunity were marked by cycles, depending on the workers' record . The changes in the total nonspecific responsiveness were found to persist for a long time even after discontinuation of the contact with carbon disulfide.

Arch Surg, 1985 Jan, 120(1), 104 - 9
Determination of C3b receptors on normal and patient polymorphonuclear neutrophils with C3b-coated fluorescent microspheres; Ogle JD et al.; A method, devised in the authors' laboratories, for the determination of C3b receptors on normal and patient neutrophils using C3b-coated fluorescent microspheres, was applied to the quantitation of C3b receptors on the neutrophils of several patients suffering from burns and trauma and a patient with pancreatitis . From three to 11 days in the clinical course the relative number of C3b receptors was, or rose to, two to ten times the number of receptors present at later times in the clinical course and, in most of the cases studied, the increase in C3b receptor number coincided with enhanced neutrophil bactericidal function . The rise in C3b receptor number was ascribed to up-regulation by C3a and C5a des Arg from complement activation and also, in the cases where sepsis occurred, to the presence of bacterial chemotactic peptides . Preliminary experiments with zymosan-activated serum and the chemotactic peptide N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine confirmed this explanation.

Allerg Immunol (Leipz), 1985, 31(1), 37 - 43
Macrophage functions in aging: effects of vitamin C deficiency; Ganguly R et al.; Groups of young adult and senescent guinea pigs were fed normal and vitamin C deficient diets for 4 weeks and tested for their peritoneal macrophage functions . Serum levels of vitamin C in deficient animals indicated a progressive state of ascorbic acid deficiency and correlated well with the clinical signs and symptoms of scurvy . Fewer macrophages were obtained from the peritoneal cavities of deficient animals and morphologically they were smaller in size . Adverse effects of vitamin C deficiency were enhanced in aged animals . Significantly greater number of aged animals died by 4 weeks of deficiency . Deficient senescent animals had greater decline in macrophage random migration and bactericidal capacity . Following phagocytic stimuli, superoxide anion generation also significantly decreased . Data suggest that vitamin C deficiency might affect macrophage functions in the aged more profoundly and could compromise parameters of host defenses effective against microbial infections.

Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz), 1985, 33(6), 741 - 53
The influence of isoprinosine (ISO) on some cell immunity parameters in mice infected with influenza viruses and in mixed viral-bacterial infections . II . Phagocytosis and bactericidal activity of granulocytes; Kowalska M et al.; The influence of ISO on some stages of the phagocytosis was examined . Namely, the capacity for absorbing and intracellular killing of bacteria in animals infected with influenza viruses and with mixed, viral-bacterial infections was considered . The stimulative influence of the drug was observed . It was particularly visible with the viruses adapted to mice . The influence of the drug is probably in some way specific.

J Immunol Methods, 1984 Dec 31, 75(2), 265 - 74
Monoclonal antibody activity against native and denatured forms of gonococcal outer membrane proteins as detected within ultrathin, longitudinal slices of polyacrylamide gels; Poolman JT et al.; Monoclonal antibodies were used to analyze the antigenic properties of denatured and native forms of gonococcal outer membrane proteins . The protein samples were only partially dissociated by treatment for 30 min at 40 degrees C with 0.1% (w/v) SDS, 0.5% (v/v) Triton X-100, and then processed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis without boiling . The resulting pattern included the native aggregated and trimeric forms of protein I and III as they exist in the gonococcal outer membrane, as well as the denatured monomeric forms . Two methods were compared to analyze these gels: gel immunoradioassay (GIRA), and Western blotting . With GIRA longitudinal 50 micron thin slices, up to 40 identical copies per gel, were produced with a microtome cryostat . These slices were exposed to the monoclonal antibody and antibody binding was detected by 125I-protein A and autoradiography . Serotype-specific, monoclonal antibodies reacted most commonly with the native polymeric form of gonococcal protein I and less frequently recognized the denatured, monomeric form . Monoclonal antibodies that recognized the polymeric form of protein I frequently produced antibody-mediated, complement-dependent, bactericidal activity for gonococci bearing the same protein I serotype . The antigen specificity of these functionally relevant antibodies could not be characterized by the Western blotting procedure, which produced incomplete transfer to nitrocellulose paper of the polymeric, high molecular weight protein aggregates . A third technique, radioimmunoprecipitation using partial dissociating conditions, did not permit differentiation between proteins I- and III-specific monoclonals after analysis of the precipitated material by denaturing SDS electrophoresis.

Quad Sclavo Diagn, 1984 Dec, 20(4), 460 - 8
{Granulocyte function in Duchenne's progressive muscular dystrophy}; Adami Lami C et al.; We studied the in vitro function of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in 14 patients affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy, aged 2-14 years, especially the chemotaxis and the bactericidal activity . The chemotaxis appeared significantly reduced, while the bactericidal activity was sometimes reduced, sometimes increased . In this disease the polymorphonuclear leukocytes seems to have a reduced capacity of movement; probably this phenomenon is connected with an alteration of the muscular cellular apparatus, which perhaps is related with an electrolytic intercellular inequality . These findings are consistent with the definition of Duchenne muscular dystrophy as a systemic disease of the membrane with alterations not only of striped muscular fibers, but of various cells and tissues.

J Surg Res, 1984 Dec, 37(6), 448 - 52
Role of the liver in host defense to pneumococcus following splenectomy; Grover GJ et al.; Splenectomy is associated with increased susceptibility to bacterial infection, and this is thought to be primarily due to a decrease in clearance of bacteria from the blood . The purpose of the present study was to determine if splenectomy could increase susceptibility to pneumococcus type 3, which is cleared primarily by the liver in rats, and if hepatic function is altered by splenectomy . Splenectomy increased the mortality of rats challenged iv with pneumococcus . Heat-killed, 51Cr-labeled pneumococci were rapidly cleared by the liver and splenectomy did not alter the initial clearance rate or the initial hepatic uptake of bacteria . Injection of viable pneumococci showed that blood levels were unchanged at 30 min but were much greater 5 hr after challenge in splenectomized animals . Hepatic uptake of viable pneumococcus was also not changed at 30 min after injection but at 5 hr the number of bacteria in the liver was greater in the splenectomized animals . This suggests an impairment in hepatic bactericidal function . Another contributing factor may have been that the hepatic bactericidal capacity was overwhelmed by the pneumococci which would normally have been killed by the spleen . Lung localization of viable bacteria was increased initially but there was no decrease in pulmonary bactericidal function . Thus, splenectomy increased susceptibility to a bacteria cleared primarily by the liver which was attributed to an impairment of hepatic bactericidal function and/or an inability of the liver to compensate for the loss of splenic function due to a saturation of the bactericidal system.

Zentralbl Bakteriol Mikrobiol Hyg {A}, 1984 Dec, 258(4), 457 - 63
Phenotypic modification of the reactivity in human serum of Escherichia coli K1 isolates; Livey I et al.; Three Escherichia coli strains producing the K1 antigen and shown to be resistant to the complement-mediated bactericidal action of human serum when grown in batch culture, were cultivated in the chemostat under conditions of carbon-, nitrogen-, magnesium- and phosphate-limitation . All strains were fully serum resistant when grown under carbon-limiting conditions but became phenotypically serum sensitive when limited by magnesium . One strain, belonging to serogroup O7:K1, also displayed serum sensitivity when nitrogen limited and showed an intermediate serum response when phosphate was used as the limiting nutrient.

J Pharm Pharmacol, 1984 Dec, 36(12), 824 - 30
Quantification of uptake of liposomal carboxyfluorescein by professional phagocytes in-vitro . A flow microfluorimetric study on the J774 murine macrophage cell line; Stevenson M et al.; Unilamellar egg phosphatidylcholine/cholesterol liposomes containing carboxyfluorescein were prepared by an ether injection method . The ability of cells of the J774.2 murine macrophage cell line to incorporate the liposomal fluorophore during incubation at 37 degrees C was measured by flow microfluorimetry . Liposomes incorporating additional phosphatidylserine or phosphatidic acid were taken up much more avidly than those lacking these phospholipids and the greatest uptake of carboxyfluorescein was observed with the phosphatidylserine species . Calculation of the number of liposomes taken up, greater than or equal to 0.2% of the number given, showed that this was an inefficient process . However these uptake data support previous findings based on the intracellular bactericidal activity of liposomal antibiotics determined in an identical in-vitro system.

J Hosp Infect, 1984 Dec, 5(4), 431 - 7
Prevention of bacterial colonization of wounds at operation: comparison of iodine-impregnated ('Ioban') drapes with conventional methods; Lewis DA et al.; Forty-five patients undergoing clean elective inguinal surgery were randomly allocated to receive one of three skin preparations, (1) alcoholic povidone-iodine ('Betadine') alone, (2) the same covered with an incise drape ('Steri-Drape'), or (3) an iodine-containing incise drape ('Ioban') alone . The first two preparations were superior in reducing bacterial colony counts measured on skin with cotton swabs and impression cultures . There were no clinical postoperative wound infections in any group but it is suggested that although the use of an iodine-containing incise drape alone is attractive, its bactericidal action is inferior to conventional preparations.

J Biol Chem, 1984 Nov 10, 259(21), 13560 - 6
Nonintercalative antitumor drugs interfere with the breakage-reunion reaction of mammalian DNA topoisomerase II; Chen GL et al.; Many intercalative antitumor drugs have been shown to cleave DNA indirectly through their specific effect on the stabilization of a cleavable complex formed between mammalian DNA topoisomerase II and DNA (Nelson, E.M., Tewey, K.M., and Liu, L.F . (1984) Proc . Natl . Acad . Sci . U.S.A . 81, 1361-1365) . Antitumor epipodophyllotoxins (VP-16 and VM-26) which do not intercalate DNA can similarly induce protein-linked DNA breaks in cultured mammalian cells . In vitro studies using purified mammalian DNA topoisomerase II show that epipodophyllotoxins interfere with the breakage-reunion reaction of mammalian DNA topoisomerase II by stabilizing a cleavable complex . Treatment of this stabilized cleavable complex with protein denaturants results in DNA strand breaks and the covalent linking of a topoisomerase subunit to the 5'-end of the broken DNA . Furthermore, epipodophyllotoxins also inhibit the strand-passing activity of mammalian DNA topoisomerase II, presumably as a result of drug-enzyme interaction . The agreement between the in vivo and in vitro studies suggests that mammalian DNA topoisomerase II is a drug target in vivo . The similarity between the effect of epipodophyllotoxins on mammalian DNA topoisomerase II and the effect of nalidixic acid on Escherichia coli DNA gyrase suggests that the cytotoxic action of epipodophyllotoxins may be analogous to the bactericidal action of nalidixic acid.

Kidney Int, 1984 Nov, 26(5), 733 - 40
Analysis of peritoneal macrophages in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients; Goldstein CS et al.; Peritoneal macrophages (PMC) from patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) were compared to peritoneal macrophages from healthy volunteers and to peripheral blood monocytes (PBM) from CAPD patients, hemodialysis patients, and healthy volunteers . PMC from CAPD patients had morphology similar to PMC and PBM from healthy volunteers . HLA-DR antigen and Fc receptors were present on the cell surface . These monocytes had similar sequential morphologic changes in long-term culture compared to PBM from healthy volunteers . Phagocytosis, hydrogen peroxide generation and bactericidal activity were the same in PMC from CAPD patients as in PBM from healthy volunteers . Chemotaxis and eicosanoid precursor uptake studies suggest that PMC from CAPD patients may be relatively immature bone-marrow-derived cells . Although these cells function well as phagocytes, further study is warranted to define their immune competence, many components of which develop during differentiation into mature macrophages and may therefore be deficient in patients undergoing CAPD.

J Histochem Cytochem, 1984 Nov, 32(11), 1204 - 10
Immunocytochemical localization of lysozyme and alpha-1-antichymotrypsin in the term human placenta: an attempt to characterize the Hofbauer cell; Braunhut SJ et al.; The intracellular localization of lysozyme (LSZ) and alpha-1-antichymotrypsin (A1Ac), glycoproteins associated with macrophages, was used to confirm the monocytic lineage of the Hofbauer cell and to assess the maturity of its macrophage function . The peroxidase-labeled antigen method was used to localize these proteins, as well as immunoglobulins, light chains, and albumin, in Bouin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections of 24 normal term placentas . The demonstration of the latter substances was used as an indication of passive diffusion or phagocytosis of serum proteins resulting in intracellular localization unrelated to synthesis . In all the placentas examined a strong cytoplasmic reaction for A1Ac was seen in the Hofbauer cells . The same cells on adjacent sections did not stain for LSZ, while the occasional maternal macrophage and numerous polymorphonuclear leukocytes in the intervillous spaces gave a positive reaction . The detection of A1Ac supports the contention that these cells are macrophages, previously suggested by their phagocytic capability and the demonstration of Fc receptors and nonspecific esterases . Since they do not appear to contain LSZ, a bactericidal enzyme, we propose that these cells are not fully differentiated macrophages, and the lack of this enzyme may have some relevance to the pathogenesis of certain placental infections.

Vet Pathol, 1984 Nov, 21(6), 587 - 91
Pathomorphology and pathogenesis of bacterial meningoventriculitis of neonatal ungulates; Cordy DR; Bacterial meningoventriculitis was studied in 26 neonatal ungulates . Preceded by a substantial bacteremia, usually due to Escherichia coli, the fibrinopurulent inflammation involved leptomeninges, choroid plexuses, and ventricle walls, but largely spared the neuraxial parenchyma . It is proposed that this surface-relatedness results from the transport of bacteria by monocytes of low bactericidal power, migrating by normal pathways to maintain significant surface populations of macrophages . The neuraxial parenchyma is spared because of its normal lack of a macrophage population . A similar pathogenesis would hold for the frequent concurrent appearance of serositis and synovitis.

Clin Orthop, 1984 Nov, (190), 89 - 95
Use of antibiotic-containing bone cement; Murray WR; Erythromycin and colistin (or other thermostable antibiotics) may legally be added to polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) for use in the fixation of prostheses to bone . The antibiotics are leached or rapidly released from the combination in bactericidal concentrations . They do not reduce the strength characteristics of the cement below acceptable standards, nor do they change its handling characteristics . Erythromycin alone was used in 1112 total hip arthroplasties between 1971 and 1976, with an infection rate of 0.98% . Erythromycin-colistin bone cement was used in 786 total hip arthroplasties from July 1976 to December 1980, with a deep-wound infection rate of 0.4% . Erythromycin-colistin-containing bone cement is safe and effective in treatment of and prophylaxis against deep-wound infection in total joint arthroplasty.

Clin Orthop, 1984 Nov, (190), 31 - 5
Principles of antibiotic usage; Quintiliani R et al.; New antibiotics must demonstrate an advantage over older agents with respect to therapeutic efficacy, protection against infection, toxicity, cost, and pharmacokinetic properties before they can be approved for public consumption . In order to use antibiotics properly, we must know more about whether certain organisms are resistant or sensitive to the drug; it must also be determined how sensitive or resistant the bacterium is to the drug and how long serum and tissue levels remain above inhibitory or bactericidal concentrations of the drug for the suspected or proven pathogen . Cost issues and potential for adverse reactions must also be considered . In brief, to prevent or treat infections the clinician must be familiar with the microbiology, pharmacology, toxicology, and cost of antibiotics.

J Leukoc Biol, 1984 Oct, 36(4), 545 - 8
The iron-hydrogen peroxide-iodide system is fungicidal: activity against the yeast phase of Blastomyces dermatitidis; Sugar AM et al.; A series of experiments show the potency of a newly described microbicidal system, involving iron, H2O2, and halide, in killing a fungus (Blastomyces dermatitidis) . B dermatitidis has previously been shown susceptible to the myeloperoxidase-H2O2-halide system . The present studies show killing of either of two strains in 1 hour if Fe++ at 5 X 10(-5)M, H2O2 at 5 X 10(-5)M and Kl at 5 X 10(-4)M are all present (P less than 0.001) . EDTA, a Fe++ chelator, abrogates killing . The mechanism presumably utilizes hydroxyl radical, since an inhibitor, ethanol, also neutralizes the system . The bactericidal and fungicidal system is of great potential importance in vivo.

Eur Heart J, 1984 Oct, 5 Suppl C, 21 - 3
Bacteriological assistance for optimal antibiotic therapy of endocarditis; Rosin H et al.; The specific anatomical changes of the infected valvular tissue demand the best bactericidal antibiotic therapy of endocarditis . However, quantitative antibiotic sensitivity testing and determination of the bactericidal effectiveness is not sufficiently routinely practised . It is presented how appropriate bacteriological assistance to achieve the optimum antibiotic therapy for endocarditis leads to favourable clinical results . Establishment of reference laboratories for quantitative antibiotic sensitivity testing in every case of endocarditis is proposed . Active cooperation between these centres would provide excellent data for method and result comparison.

Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1984 Oct, 26(4), 578 - 9
Pharmacokinetics and bacteriological efficacies of apalcillin and cefpiramide in experimental pneumococcal meningitis; Sato K et al.; Rabbits with experimentally induced pneumococcal meningitis were given single 25-mg/kg doses of apalcillin or cefpiramide . Mean percentages of the drug concentration in cerebrospinal fluid versus that in blood serum were 7.6% with apalcillin and 3.9% with cefpiramide . Bactericidal activity in cerebrospinal fluid resulted in mean reductions of from 4 to 5 log10 CFU/ml, and cerebrospinal fluid cultures became sterile for four of six animals treated with each drug.

Am J Vet Res, 1984 Oct, 45(10), 2170 - 4
Hereditary anomaly of neutrophil granulation in Birman cats; Hirsch VM et al.; A hereditary anomaly of neutrophil granulation in purebred Birman cats was described with respect to genetic, electron microscopic, histochemical, and functional characters . The trait was inherited in an autosomal recessive manner and was prevalent in the population studied . Affected cats had fine eosinophilic granules in the cytoplasm of neutrophils . The granules had normal morphology as determined by electron microscopy and did not stain for acid mucopolysaccharide . Bactericidal activity, phagocytosis, and oxidative function of affected neutrophils were not different from those of unaffected neutrophils . The anomaly was concluded to be an alteration in the content of lysosomal granules with increased affinity for acidic dyes.

Zentralbl Bakteriol Mikrobiol Hyg {B}, 1984 Oct, 179(5), 449 - 56
{Preparation and properties of chlorination-damaged P . aeruginosa suspensions}; Schubert R et al.; The preparation of suspensions of bacterial cells impaired by the action of chlorine require a very accurate standardization of all the procedural detail of controlled experimental impairment by chlorine . All measures suitable to spread the kinetics of reduction of bacterial numbers in time will facilitate the reproducibility of results . The exact amount of hypochlorite--determined experimentally prior to the actual test--is transformed to chloramine at 0 degrees C then a defined quantity of bacteria is added . After different periods of contact samples are taken and stabilized by adding thiosulphate of sodium . When the bactericidal action is not abrupt but sufficiently drawn out a relatively high proportion of bacteria impaired by chlorine but still viable is obtained (50-90%) . In suspension the proportion remains relatively stable during storage in the refrigerator (4 degrees -6 degrees C) . Resuscitation experiments carried out with suspensions of organisms damaged as explained above showed resuscitation times of 3 h in casein soy broth not to grow as well as those after 24 h of resuscitation . Obviously the process of reparation after impairment by chlorine must be assumed to be relatively slow under these conditions.

Acta Leprol, 1984 Oct-Dec, 2(2-4), 259 - 66
Macrophage activity in Mycobacterium leprae infection; Sharp AK et al.; The outcome of an M . leprae infection is likely to depend upon the balance between the invading organism and the host's immune response . Macrophages are known to play a major role in this response and because M . leprae is an intracellular parasite, being found commonly in the macrophages of infected hosts, we have attempted to examine the macrophage/M . leprae relationship . Our model has been the athymic nude mouse which has been shown to be susceptible to lepromatous infection but whose macrophages when cultured in vitro actually kill phagocytosed M . leprae . We have shown that in vitro this killing effect is probably mediated, at least to some extent, by macrophage-generated hydrogen peroxide . Further, we have examined macrophages from nude and normal mice at various stages of M . leprae infection in time of their ability to produce hydrogen peroxide and superoxide . It would appear from our results that activation of macrophages to produce these two bactericidal metabolites increases with increasing bacterial load . However, it would seem that T-cell mediated mechanisms are also required for effective control of infection as the hyperactive macrophages seen in the nude mouse are unable to control M . leprae growth in contrast to the limited infection seen in normal mice.

Acta Leprol, 1984 Oct-Dec, 2(2-4), 211 - 26
Macrophage interaction with mycobacteria including M . leprae; Ryter A et al.; Resistance properties of pathogenic mycobacteria to macrophage bactericidal activity seems to be due mostly to the composition and constitution of their cell walls . In the case of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, sulfatides and polyglutamic acid could be implicated in the phenomenon of fusion inhibition between phagosomes and lysosomes . M . leprae and M . lepraemurium, which do not seem to inhibit fusions are protected by a thick electron transparent zone (ETZ) that seems to be composed of mycosides . This layer would inhibit lysosomal enzyme diffusion inside phagosomes . As ETZ does not exist in mycobacteria before their phagocytosis, we have tried to see when and how it is formed inside macrophages . We have compared ETZ formation in M . leprae and M . avium which both contain mycosides . These two species were allowed to be phagocytized by mouse bone-marrow derived macrophage and samples were taken for electron microscopy during the first hours of phagocytosis and also during several weeks of incubation . In M . avium ETZ appeared within 1 to 2 hours after phagocytosis . It seems to be formed by a sort of swelling of the thin electron transparent layer of the bacterial cell wall . This swelling occurs only in regions where the external polysaccharide layer of M . avium starts to disappear . After 1 to 3 hours, this layer was completely absent and all bacteria were enveloped in a thick ETZ . In M . leprae, the ETZ is also formed within one hour after ingestion . However, the presence in some bacteria of a very thin dense layer located at the original place of the outer dense layer of the cell wall does not fit well with the idea of ETL swelling . In addition, the appearance of a thick dense layer located between the ETZ and the phagosome membrane is not yet understood . The ETZ formed also rapidly in macrophages infected with heat killed cells of M . avium or M . leprae . This shows that its formation does not require the active participation of the bacterium . As already proposed ETZ seems to lessen considerably the diffusion of lysosomal enzymes towards the bacterium in both species . In M . leprae it seems especially efficient because despite acid phosphatase activity found in many phagosomes, neither the number of bacteria per macrophage nor their state of degradation changed during 3 and a half months of macrophage culture.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

J Antimicrob Chemother, 1984 Oct, 14(4), 427 - 30
Diffusion of ceftriaxone into the cerebrospinal fluid of adults; Chandrasekar PH et al.; Fourteen adults, three recovering from bacterial meningitis, were given a single 2 g dose of ceftriaxone or three 2 g doses at 12-hourly intervals . The mean per cent penetration of drug into cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) across uninflamed meninges was 1.5% . These levels, although low, are bactericidal in vitro against most pathogens causing meningitis.

Postgrad Med, 1984 Sep 15, 76(4), 79 - 86
Hematogenous osteomyelitis . Untangling the diagnostic confusion; Kasser JR; Hematogenous osteomyelitis is a disease of children which if diagnosed accurately and treated promptly will result in neither loss of life nor loss of function . Aggressive aspiration and biopsy yields a high rate of positive cultures . Oral antibiotics have a role in the treatment of osteomyelitis if monitoring can assure bactericidal levels and if 100% compliance is insured . Aggressive aspiration and biopsy to increase diagnostic accuracy is an important aspect of therapy.

J Immunol Methods, 1984 Sep 4, 72(2), 411 - 20
A simple rapid technique to measure neutrophil or serum bactericidal activity; Knowles DJ et al.; A rapid and simple technique to measure both serum and neutrophil bactericidal activity is described . It is based on microtitre equipment and avoids the cumbersome and time consuming serial dilution and plate counting of conventional experiments . A constant concentration of neutrophils and/or serum is incubated with a series of dilutions of bacterial suspensions . Bacterial survival is estimated at various times from their ability to form colonies on agar and the results conveniently expressed as the largest bacterial population that can be eliminated by either neutrophils or serum alone . The technique is as simple and quick as a standard microtitre MBC test commonly used for antibiotics and scoring of the results takes only a few seconds per sample . Data are presented showing the close correlation between results obtained using this technique and those from conventional tests of neutrophil bactericidal activity and phagocytosis-associated chemiluminescence.

Mikrobiologiia, 1984 Sep-Oct, 53(5), 861 - 3
{Carotenoid pigments and the enhanced resistance of Pseudomonas methanolica to the action of ultraviolet radiation}; Naumov GN et al.; The correlation was studied between the elevated resistance of Pseudomonas methanolica, a facultative methylotroph, to the bactericidal action of UV (254 nm) and the content of a pink pigment in this organism . Absorption spectra of cell extracts containing the pigment were recorded . The ethanol and acetone extracts had two absorption maxima at 420-430 and 500-510 nm, respectively, which was typical of carotenoids . The culture with the pigment and its variant without the pigment had nearly identical survival rates . Therefore, the elevated resistance of P . methanolica cells seems to stem from the activity of DNA reparation cellular systems rather than from the presence of carotenoid pigments in the cells.

Nippon Yakurigaku Zasshi, 1984 Sep, 84(3), 283 - 92
{Role of taurine in neutrophil function}; Masuda M et al.; The influence of taurine on neutrophil phagocytic and bactericidal capacities and lysosomal enzyme-releasing ability was evaluated in the present study using neutrophils obtained from casein-elicited rat peritoneal exudates . Taurine was dissolved in drinking water at a concentration of 0.3%, and the solution was given to rats for 1-21 days (460 mg/kg/day) . Taurine concentration in the serum increased with the term of its administration, while in the neutrophils, it increased significantly after administration for 1 or 3 days . When administered for 7 or 10 days, however, no difference was noted from the control group, but then the concentration remarkably increased after 21 days of administration . The bactericidal capacity of the neutrophils against Escherichia coli was strengthened as their concentration of taurine increased; phagocytic capacity was also strengthened . The release of myeloperoxidase following phagocytosis of yeasts increased with administration, while the release of beta-glucuronidase, lysozyme and lactate dehydrogenase, which are induced by N-formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine, were inhibited . The hypotonic hemolysis of erythrocytes was also inhibited . Taurine decreased the fluorescence depolarization of diphenylhexatriene, indicating an increase in membrane fluidity . These results suggested that taurine strengthens both phagocytic and bactericidal capacities of neutrophils by increasing the fluidity of neutrophil membrane and membrane stability and thus plays an important role in the mechanism of host defense.

Antibiotiki, 1984 Sep, 29(9), 653 - 7
{Action of bioglycans from marine invertebrates on macrophage functioning}; Besednova NN et al.; The data on the absorption and bactericidal function of macrophages are presented . It was shown in vivo that bioglycans 42 and 106 had a stimulating action on phagocytosis of Y . pseudotuberculosis and S . typhimurium capable of persisting in macrophages for prolonged periods . Addition of the bioglycans to the cultures of the macrophages from intact animals increased the absorption activity of the macrophages and somewhat potentiated their bactericidal activity . Under the action of the bioglycans the level and rate of the carbon clearance in the blood flow increased . The results of the study are promising for adequate control of infections caused by intracellularly located pathogens.

Blood, 1984 Sep, 64(3), 635 - 41
Kinetics and mechanism of the bactericidal action of human neutrophils against Escherichia coli; Hamers MN et al.; A mutant strain of Escherichia coli (E . coli ML-35) was used to follow the kinetics of phagocytosis, perforation of the bacterial cell envelope, and inactivation of bacterial proteins by human neutrophils . This particular E . coli mutant strain has no lactose permease, but constitutively forms the cytoplasmic enzyme beta-galactosidase . This implies that the artificial substrate ortho-nitrophenyl-beta-D-galactopyranoside cannot reach the beta-galactosidase unless the bacterial cell envelope has been perforated . Thus, the integrity of the E . coli envelope can be measured simply by the activity of beta-galactosidase with this substrate . Indeed, ingestion of E . coli ML-35 by human neutrophils was followed by perforation of the bacteria (increase in beta-galactosidase activity) . Subsequently, the beta-galactosidase activity decreased due to inactivation of the enzyme . With a simple mathematical model and a curve-fitting computer program, we have determined the first-order rate constants for phagocytosis, perforation, and beta-galactosidase inactivation . With 32 normal donors, we found an interdonor variation in these rate constants of 20% to 30% (SD) and an assay variance of 5% . The perforation process closely correlated with the loss of colony-forming capacity of the bacteria . This new assay measures phagocytosis and killing in a fast, simple, and accurate way; it is not hindered by extracellular bacteria . Moreover, this method also measures the postkilling event of inactivation of a bacterial protein, which permits a better detection of neutrophils deficient in this function . The assay can also be used for screening neutrophil functions without the use of a computer program . A simple calculation suffices to detect neutrophil abnormalities . Neutrophils from patients with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) showed an impaired rate of perforation and thus also of inactivation . Neutrophils from myeloperoxidase-deficient patients or from a patient with the Chediak-Higashi syndrome only showed a retarded inactivation of beta-galactosidase, but normal ingestion and perforation . The role of myeloperoxidase in the killing process is discussed . Although myeloperoxidase does not seem to be a prerequisite for perforation, it probably plays a role in bacterial destruction by normal cells, because the inactivation of bacterial proteins seems strictly myeloperoxidase dependent.

J Biol Chem, 1984 Aug 25, 259(16), 10404 - 13
Chlorination of endogenous amines by isolated neutrophils . Ammonia-dependent bactericidal, cytotoxic, and cytolytic activities of the chloramines; Grisham MB et al.; Isolated human neutrophilic leukocytes were stimulated to produce hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and to secrete cytoplasmic granule components including myeloperoxidase into the medium . Myeloperoxidase catalyzed the oxidation of chloride (Cl-) by H2O2 to yield hypochlorous acid (HOCl), which reacted with endogenous nitrogen compounds to yield derivatives containing nitrogen-chlorine (N-Cl) bonds . Compounds available for reaction with HOCl were ammonia (NH+4), taurine, alpha-amino acids, and granule proteins and peptides that were released into the medium . A portion of the N-Cl derivatives formed under these conditions accumulated in the extracellular medium . These long lived oxidizing agents were characterized as hydrophilic, low molecular weight, mono-N-chloramine (RNHCl) derivatives based on their absorption spectrum, ability to oxidize 5-thio-2-nitrobenzoic acid and to chlorinate ammonia (NH+4), and behavior upon ultrafiltration, gel chromatography, and extraction with organic solvents . The RNHCl derivatives were of low toxicity, but reacted with NH+4 to yield the lipophilic oxidizing agent monochloramine (NH2Cl) . Therefore, the addition of NH+4 conferred bactericidal, cytotoxic, and cytolytic activities on the RNHCl derivatives . The results indicate that taurine and other neutrophil amines protect neutrophils and other cells against oxidative attack by acting as a trap for HOCl and by competing with endogenous NH+4 for reaction with HOCl . However, the RNHCl derivatives act as a reserve of oxidizing equivalents that is converted to a toxic form when an increase in NH+4 concentration favors formation of NH2Cl.

Biochem J, 1984 Aug 15, 222(1), 119 - 24
Mode of action of a bactericidal protein induced in the haemolymph of Sarcophaga peregrina (flesh-fly) larvae; Okada M et al.; The mode of action of a bactericidal protein (sarcotoxin I) purified from the haemolymph of Sarcophaga peregrina (flesh-fly) larvae was studied, focusing attention on its effect on the function of the membrane of Escherichia coli . Sarcotoxin I almost completely blocked the uptakes of tetraphenylphosphonium ion and proline, which are known to be driven by a membrane potential, indicating that this protein disrupts the membrane potential of bacteria.

Can Med Assoc J, 1984 Aug 15, 131(4), 332 - 5
Invasive aspergillosis in a "healthy" patient; Ascah KJ et al.; A case of invasive aspergillosis complicated by the formation of an aspergilloma is described . The patient, a 48-year-old man, was apparently healthy except for mild alcoholic steatosis of the liver . A review of the literature revealed that 5 of the 14 previously reported cases of invasive aspergillosis in seemingly immunocompetent hosts were associated with liver disease . Immunologic investigation in this case revealed transient cutaneous anergy during the acute illness and normal lymphocyte function . Assessment of polymorphonuclear leukocyte function, however, showed abnormalities of phagocytosis as well as impairment of intracellular bactericidal activity . These abnormalities may have contributed to a relative immunodeficiency . Impairment of immune function may play a role in the pathogenesis of invasive aspergillosis in some apparently healthy patients.

J Biol Chem, 1984 Aug 10, 259(15), 9603 - 6
Cytochrome b, flavins, and ubiquinone-50 in enucleated human neutrophils (polymorphonuclear leukocyte cytoplasts); Lutter R et al.; Neutrophilic granulocytes contain an oxidase system in their plasma membrane that can be activated to generate superoxide radicals and hydrogen peroxide . Cytochrome b, flavoprotein, and ubiquinone-50 have been proposed as components of this oxidase system . These components have been quantitated, but the results are obscured by different isolation procedures for plasma membranes from resting and activated neutrophils . This problem has now been avoided by the use of enucleated neutrophils (polymorphonuclear leukocyte cytoplasts), which are almost completely devoid of intracellular structures but contain an intact, activatable oxidase system (Roos, D., Voetman, A.A., and Meerhof, L.J . (1983) J . Cell Biol . 97, 368-377) . Membranes of resting and phorbol myristate acetate-stimulated cytoplasts contain equal amounts of cytochrome b (4 pmol/milliunit of alkaline phosphatase) and also equal amounts of noncovalently bound FAD (2 pmol/milliunit of alkaline phosphatase) . These findings refute the hypothesis that incorporation of cytochrome b and/or a flavoprotein into the plasma membrane constitutes the mechanism of activation of the oxidase system . Ubiquinone-50 is present neither in intact neutrophils nor in cytoplasts, excluding a role for this compound in the generation of bactericidal oxygen species by neutrophils.

Blood, 1984 Aug, 64(2), 400 - 5
Paralysis of phagocyte migration due to an artificial blood substitute; Lane TA et al.; We investigated the effect of a candidate artificial blood substitute, Fluosol-DA (FDA), on human neutrophil function in a serum-free medium . In a 50% (vol/vol) mixture with polymorphonuclear cells (PMN), FDA had no effect on PMN viability, phagocytosis, superoxide anion generation, degranulation, or bactericidal activity . In striking contrast, the random migration and chemotaxis of PMN to both f-Met-Leu-Phe (fMLP) and activated serum were inhibited by 98% +/- 2%, 95% +/- 2%, and 88% +/- 6%, respectively . Inhibition of chemotaxis by FDA required no preincubation, was dose-dependent (50% inhibition {ID50} with a 14% vol/vol mixture with FDA), and was fully reversible by washing PMN free of FDA after one hour but not after 18 hours of incubation (32% +/- 11% inhibition of chemotaxis) . FDA itself was not chemotactic and did not impair either the chemotactic activity or binding of fMLP to PMN . FDA also inhibited PMN adhesion (ID50, 9 +/- 1 vol/vol%) . The inhibitory component of FDA was found to be its detergent additive, Pluronic F-68, which inhibited random migration, chemotaxis, and adhesion with ID50s of 1.4, 2.4, and 2.9 mg/mL, respectively (equivalent to FDA concentrations of 5, 9, and 11 vol/vol%, respectively) . All the other components of FDA were noninhibitory . Plasma samples from humans injected with 8 mL/kg FDA and plasma samples from rabbits injected with 16 mL/kg FDA or an equivalent concentration of Pluronic F-68, when mixed with autologous PMN, also severely inhibited PMN chemotaxis . We conclude that exposure of PMN to clinically relevant concentrations of FDA inhibits PMN migration, presumably due to inhibition of adhesion . The inhibitory effect is entirely due to the detergent, Pluronic F-68 . Artificial blood substitutes containing Pluronic F-68 may compromise the ability of PMN to prevent or effectively control microbial infections.

Br J Dermatol, 1984 Aug, 111(2), 159 - 68
Effects of in vitro PUVA on human leukocyte function; Bredberg A et al.; Human polymorphonuclear and monomorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL and MMNL) were exposed in vitro to 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP, 0.1-80 micrograms/ml) and/or UV-A radiation (0.03-2 J/cm2) and then analysed for the following functions: chemotaxis, bactericidal activity and proliferation in response to mitogen stimulation . The functions of PMNL became depressed only at a high PUVA dose level (about 20 micrograms/ml of 8-MOP plus 2 J/cm2 of UV-A), whereas with MMNL chemotaxis was inhibited at 1 microgram/ml of 8-MOP plus 2 J/cm2 of UV-A and lymphocyte proliferation was diminished at 0.1 microgram/ml plus 0.1 J/cm2 . Since with the MMNL, as compared with the PMNL, a longer time period was present between PUVA exposure and analysis, and since no difference between these cell types in trypan blue exclusion could be seen, the relative sensitivity of the MMNL functions was taken as evidence of DNA damage being a mechanism for the observed PUVA-induced effects.

Am J Med, 1984 Aug, 77(2), 233 - 42
Short-course chemotherapy for tuberculosis with mainly twice-weekly isoniazid and rifampin . Community physicians' seven-year experience with mainly outpatients; Dutt AK et al.; The general medical community in the United States has been rather slow in adopting short-course bactericidal chemotherapy for tuberculosis despite the clear demonstration of the advantage by several carefully controlled clinical trials . Reported herein is experience between January 1976 and December 1982 in 1,028 patients with bacteriologically proved pulmonary tuberculosis treated for nine months with isoniazid (300 mg) and rifampin (600 mg) daily for one month followed by twice-weekly isoniazid (900 mg) and rifampin (600 mg) for the other eight months . They were treated by 45 local practitioners and supervised by public health nurses through 60 Arkansas Department of Health chest clinics in the state . Outpatient therapy was mostly self-administered in the routine treatment program . Overall success was achieved in 95 percent of the 751 patients who completed therapy; in 21 (2.8 percent), sputum cultures failed to convert to negative, and 15 (2.1 percent) have had relapse since therapy was stopped . Therapy could not be completed in 26.9 percent due to deaths, drug toxicities, relocation, refusal, etc . Of 21 bacteriologic failures, 18 patients developed isoniazid resistance and were treated with additional two bactericidal drugs . Most of the relapses (nine of 15) occurred within 12 months after chemotherapy was stopped . However, four relapses occurred quite late during follow-up . Only three of 15 patients with relapse showed isoniazid resistance . Side effects of the drugs were encountered in 10.3 percent, but major toxicities occurred in 3.2 percent (hepatitis in 2.6 percent, hematologic effects in 0.6 percent) . Clinical surveillance for toxicity is preferred over routine and regular biochemical monitoring . Patient acceptance of the regimen was excellent, and compliance was good . Short-course chemotherapy is effective, with low drug toxicity, reduced cost of drugs, and ease of direct supervision when needed, and is acceptable to patients in routine treatment.

Pediatr Res, 1984 Aug, 18(8), 770 - 2
Monoclonal antibody 2-2-B kills K1-positive Escherichia coli in conjunction with cord blood neutrophils and sera, but not with spinal fluid; Cross AS et al.; In conjunction with 400 ng/ml murine monoclonal antibody of the IgM class, cord neutrophils were able to kill K1-positive Escherichia coli in an in vitro opsonophagocytic assay . Neither adult nor cord neutrophils mediated bacterial killing in the absence of this monoclonal antibody . This bactericidal capacity was observed with eight of 11 (73%) but not all cord neutrophil samples, and under conditions of bacteria to neutrophil ratios as high as 15:1 . Increasing the monoclonal antibody concentration up to 12 micrograms/ml paradoxically resulted in significantly lower amounts of bacterial killing . All 11 cord serum samples had sufficient complement activity to permit this monoclonal antibody to function; however, neonatal cerebrospinal fluid was not an effective complement source . We conclude that this monoclonal antibody may be a useful adjunct to conventional therapy of invasive disease caused by K1-positive E . coli; but it would have to work at the bacteremic phase of infection.

Cancer, 1984 Aug 1, 54(3), 400 - 10
Adriamycin impairs phagocytic function and induces morphologic alterations in human neutrophils; Vaudaux P et al.; Normal human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) were preincubated in vitro with methotrexate, 5-fluorouracil, vincristine, cisplatin, Adriamycin (doxorubicin), and daunomycin for 15 hours before being tested in a phagocytic-bactericidal assay . Anthracycline-treated PMNL were defective in phagocytosis and killing of the bacteria, in contrast to the other chemotherapeutic agents which allowed the PMNL to remain functional . The defect of Adriamycin-treated PMNL resulted from decreased ingestion: 3 micrograms/ml Adriamycin inhibited by 50% of the uptake of Oil Red-O particles . In this assay, the proportion of noningesting PMNL increased from less than or equal to 20% with 0.62 micrograms/ml to greater than or equal to 90% with 10 micrograms/ml Adriamycin . Electron microscopy revealed that Adriamycin-inactivated PMNL had rounded up, were depleted in glycogen, and had undergone profound nuclear changes . RNA and protein synthesis in PMNL were also affected . Adriamycin, besides producing neutropenia, may decrease the phagocytic function of circulating PMNL.

Clin Exp Immunol, 1984 Jul, 57(1), 249 - 55
Constant defect in neutrophil locomotion but with age decreasing susceptibility to infection in Shwachman syndrome; Ruutu P et al.; Chemotaxis, phagocytosis and bactericidal activity of neutrophils obtained from eight patients with Shwachman syndrome were studied repeatedly over a 9 year period . In a membrane filter the patient neutrophils migrated both toward casein and toward zymosan activated serum significantly less than did the control cells . Chemokinetic migration in casein was likewise significantly impaired . As determined by agarose assay, random locomotion of the patient neutrophils was significantly depressed . The differences in phagocytosis and bactericidal activity between the patients and the control subjects were not significant . However, phagocytosis by neutrophils obtained from healthy subjects was significantly impaired in sera from four patients, compared with that in control sera . The follow-up study showed the neutrophil migration defect to be constant in repeated tests, whereas infectious episodes diminished in number after the patients reached the age of 3-7 years.

Dent Clin North Am, 1984 Jul, 28(3), 563 - 79
Problems of medication with the pediatric patient; Brandt SK et al.; During the course of dental treatment, when it is necessary to prescribe pharmacologic agents for the pediatric patient, a drug should be selected that is not only effective but also available in a readily acceptable form . Dosages should be considered carefully . Rather than attempting to adjust adult recommendations, established guidelines for children should be utilized . Manufacturer's doses should be followed when available . If a child frustrates efforts toward treatment and does not respond to nonpharmacotherapeutic management approaches, premedication should be considered . The practitioner should have a thorough medical history before deciding to employ outpatient sedation . This history can be helpful in selecting the most appropriate regimen . Very young children and severely compromised patients are not good candidates for sedation and are best treated under general anesthesia . Narcotic analgesics are rarely indicated for control of pain following dental treatment in children . Nonnarcotic preparations are very effective and will suffice for most procedures . Because prolonged bleeding has been demonstrated, aspirin should be used with caution in surgical cases . Oral administration is recommended for most dental infections requiring antibiotics . In instances when severe infection is encountered, the parenteral route is suggested . A narrow-spectrum, bactericidal agent is preferred; barring allergy, penicillin is the usual drug of choice . When antibiotic prophylaxis is indicated, adherence to American Heart Association guidelines is strongly encouraged.

Vopr Pitan, 1984 Jul-Aug, (4), 42 - 4
{Effect of vitamin E on T and B lymphocyte numbers in the peripheral blood and various indicators of nonspecific immunity}; Pletsityi KD et al.; It has been shown in experiments on mice, guinea-pigs and rabbits that additional administration to the animals of vitamin E provokes an increase in the content of T lymphocytes in the peripheral blood without exerting any effect on the content of B lymphocytes . Such an addition also markedly stimulates natural killers of spleen lymphocytes . The complementary, lysozyme and nonspecific bactericidal activity of blood serum remains unchanged in this case.

Infect Immun, 1984 Jun, 44(3), 581 - 6
Bactericidal and cytotoxic effects of hypothiocyanite-hydrogen peroxide mixtures; Carlsson J et al.; Lactoperoxidase catalyzes the oxidation of thiocyanate by hydrogen peroxide into hypothiocyanite, a reaction which can protect bacterial and mammalian cells from killing by hydrogen peroxide . The present study demonstrates, however, that lactoperoxidase in the presence of thiocyanate can actually potentiate the bactericidal and cytotoxic effects of hydrogen peroxide under specific conditions, such as when hydrogen peroxide is present in the reaction mixtures in excess of thiocyanate . The toxic agent was also formed in the absence of lactoperoxidase in a reaction between hypothiocyanite and hydrogen peroxide . Sulfate, sulfite, cyanate, carbonate, and ammonia, which have been postulated to be formed in the chemical oxidation of hypothiocyanite by hydrogen peroxide, were not bactericidal and did not potentiate the bactericidal effect of hydrogen peroxide . Cyanosulfurous acid, the only other postulated product of the chemical oxidation of hypothiocyanite by hydrogen peroxide, may be the killing agent.

Tsitologiia, 1984 Jun, 26(6), 713 - 8
{Complex study of the oxidative metabolism of peritoneal macrophages attached to glass}; Mertsalova LV et al.; A method of obtaining a peritoneal macrophage enriched population on a slide in a special chamber has been worked out and tested . It has been shown that such cells keep specific morphological and functional peculiarities, including the ability to phagocytosis . They are in active state and can be utilized for studying the biological oxidation processes . A relative activity of oxidative metabolism of key enzymes has been evaluated . The possibility of studying the respiratory chain activity in these cells was shown by polarographic and fluorescent methods . Alternative oxygen-dependent systems were investigated . It was determined that NADPH-oxidase of peritoneal macrophages attached to a slide, responsible for "the respiratory burst" formation and defining their bactericidal properties and peroxide generating ability, is in the active state.

Pathol Biol (Paris), 1984 Jun, 32(5 Pt 2), 619 - 22
{Microbiologic study of a new disinfectant: decyloxy-3-hydroxy-2-amino-1-propane hydrochloride}; Beerens H et al.; Decominol exhibits bactericidal activity in a concentration of 0.05% (NF T 72-151) . This concentration is increased five-fold in the presence of an albumin-yeast extract mixture, and 2.5-fold in the presence of hard water (60 degrees French) . At pH 5.0, 0.5% concentration is not bactericidal (NF T 72-171) Fungicidal activity (T 72-201) is weak at 20 degrees and 50 degrees C and the sporicidal tests (T 72-231) establish the lack of sporicidal activity at 10% . Decyloxy-3 hydroxy-2 in 0.2 amino-1 propane hydrochloride to 1.5% concentrations used in a meat-canning factory ensures satisfactory disinfection of correctly cleansed surfaces . It also proves useful for sterilization of circuits where it can be used as an adjunct to the lethal action of heat.

Pathol Biol (Paris), 1984 Jun, 32(5 Pt 2), 615 - 8
{Bactericidal activity of various disinfectants with or without interfering protein substances}; Chantefort A et al.; Determination of bactericidal activity of 15 disinfectants by AFNOR standard NF T 72-151 (in distilled water) and AFNOR standard NF T 72-171 (in the presence of protein) provides practical guidelines for optimal use of the different available products . Inhibition by dirt is weak for products composed chiefly of phenol derivatives, while it is very strong for quaternary ammonium compounds as well as chlorine which therefore require prior cleansing of surfaces to be disinfected . Two strains (out of the five indicated by AFNOR standards), i.e . P . aeruginosa and M . smegmatis, are especially resistant when residual organic material is present . According to specific conditions of use, such as whether surfaces are clean or dirty, or whether a hospital or food factory is involved, appropriate AFNOR standards must be chosen to study the activity of disinfectants in various settings and on different strains.

Pathol Biol (Paris), 1984 Jun, 32(5 Pt 2), 607 - 10
{Experimental models for the study of antiseptics}; Bourlioux P et al.; Determination of the bactericidal concentration of antiseptics in vitro is now standardized, allowing interesting comparisons . Conversely, measurement of this activity in vivo in man is difficult since results are dependent upon skin sampling techniques and variations in bacterial growth from individual to individual and from one site to the next . Skin sampling can be standardized by using the hologenic Hairless mouse as an experimental model (skin needle biopsy and crushing) . However, variations from one animal to the next remain a problem, even though results are very similar to those found in man . We therefore used monoxenic Hairless mice contaminated with S . aureus, S . epidermidis and P . aeruginosa . All experiments on these animals demonstrated consistency of bacterial cutaneous and digestive growth over time and smallness of variations in bacterial flora from animal to animal . We advocate use of this second model for standardization of evaluation of bactericidal activity of antiseptics.

Pathol Biol (Paris), 1984 Jun, 32(5 Pt 2), 623 - 7
{Bactericidal efficacy of a disinfectant by AFNOR standards NF T 72-150 and NF T 72-151 . A collaborative study}; Chantefort A et al.; In this collaborative study, 23 French laboratories measured the bactericidal activity of the same disinfectant, a phenolic compound, on 3 bacterial strains (P . aeruginosa, S . aureus, and M . smegmatis), by AFNOR standards NF T 72-150 (dilution-neutralization method) and NF T 72-151 (membrane filtration method) . Minimal bactericidal concentrations determined by both methods were identical or very similar (deviation by one dilution only) . Thus, both standard methods produce the same results . Only three laboratories gave erroneous results . The twenty others found bactericidal concentrations which can be considered as correct (between half and double of calculated mean) in 80 to 95% of cases, depending on methods and strains . It may be estimated that 8 laboratories out of 10 master AFNOR techniques for evaluation of antiseptics and disinfectants.

Surg Gynecol Obstet, 1984 Jun, 158(6), 535 - 40
Depression and delayed recovery of alveolar macrophage function during starvation and refeeding; Shennib H et al.; Malnourished patients are particularly vulnerable to pulmonary infection . In this study using a rat model, starvation was found to depress significantly the phagocytic capability of pulmonary alveolar macrophages which play important roles in the local cellular defenses of the lung . Intracellular bactericidal function of the alveolar macrophages was not affected . On refeeding, in spite of the rats regaining their body weights and the recuperation of certain systemic immune indexes, there was a delay in the recovery of alveolar macrophage phagocytic function.

Blood, 1984 Jun, 63(6), 1361 - 8
Oxidative mechanisms utilized by human neutrophils to destroy Escherichia coli; Passo SA et al.; Serum-opsonized bacteria are efficiently ingested and killed by neutrophils within the phagocytic vacuole, where they are exposed to an array of reactive oxygen metabolites and toxic lysosomal components . Although bacteria may be destroyed by oxygen-independent mechanisms alone, many types of bacteria are not killed effectively unless they are attacked by oxygen metabolites . However, the apparent inability of extracellular scavengers, or inhibitors, of oxygen metabolites to gain access to the phagocytic vacuole makes this system difficult to evaluate . Therefore, we investigated the ability of neutrophils triggered with phorbol myristate acetate to destroy unopsonized E . coli in a serum-free model system . Neutrophils incubated with phorbol myristate acetate at a cell-to-bacteria ratio of 1:4 caused a greater than 95% reduction in colony-forming units (CFU) of E . coli in 60 min at 37 degrees C . Destruction of E . coli by the stimulated neutrophils was dependent on neutrophil number, stimuli concentration, and the incubation period . The neutrophil-mediated bactericidal effect was stimulated by superoxide dismutase, but was inhibited by catalase, azide, or compounds known to scavenge hypochlorous acid . Although stimulated neutrophils can generate long-lived endogenous N- chloroamines , these compounds did not play a direct role in destruction of E . coli in our model system . However, in the presence of exogenous iodide, endogenous N- chloroamines exerted a powerful bactericidal effect . Finally, neutrophils triggered with opsonized zymosan could also mediate E . coli destruction by a qualitatively similar process . Thus, we have demonstrated that neutrophils have the potential to utilize the myeloperoxidase system to generate bactericidal quantities of a species with characteristics similar to, if not identical with, hypochlorous acid.

Am J Med, 1984 May 15, 76(5A), 193 - 207
Bacterial meningitis in the patient at risk: intrinsic risk factors and host defense mechanisms; Scheld WM; Bacterial meningitis remains a relatively common disease worldwide (40,000 cases per year in the United States) and the mortality rate has not improved in over 30 years . Certain host factors increase the risk of acquiring meningitis and include: age (increased at extremes of life), male sex, low socioeconomic status (crowding), black race, recent nasopharyngeal carriage of a virulent strain, absence of specific bactericidal antibody, maternal factors at birth (neonatal disease), various immunologic defects (neonates, antibody or terminal complement component deficiency, splenectomy, and immunosuppression including the acquired immune deficiency syndrome), and certain chronic diseases (such as alcoholism, cirrhosis, and diabetes mellitus) . Bacterial meningitis represents an infection in an area of impaired host resistance . The blood-brain barrier is a major protective mechanism for the central nervous system against circulating bacteria . However, once bacteria gain entry into the subarachnoid space, host defenses are inadequate . Polymorphonuclear leukocytes are at a disadvantage in the fluid medium of the cerebrospinal fluid and surface phagocytosis is inefficient . In addition, antibody and complement concentrations are low (or absent) in purulent cerebrospinal fluid early in the disease course . Functional opsonic and bactericidal activity is lacking; therefore, efficient phagocytosis of encapsulated meningeal pathogens is limited . The result is huge population densities (often 10(7) to 10(8) cfu per milliliter) of bacteria in cerebrospinal fluid . This finding suggests that bactericidal antibiotics with cerebrospinal fluid concentrations much greater than the minimal bacterial concentration of the pathogen are optimal for therapy of meningitis; this principle has been shown in experimental animal models and supported by therapeutic studies in human subjects.

Pathol Biol (Paris), 1984 May, 32(5), 455 - 8
{Treatment of bone infections with gentamicin-containing acrylic cement beads . Prognostic value of the study of the suction drainage fluid}; Borderon E et al.; Treatment of bone infections with gentamicin-PMMA beads is an adjunct to conventional surgery . Early failures occurred in a number of cases, due to technical problems, such as incomplete debridement, residual alloplastic material, or gentamicin-resistant pathogens . To evaluate short term results of the method, clinical and bacteriological pre-therapy data were compared with results obtained two and six weeks after surgery, in 25 patients . Gentamicin concentrations, gentamicin levels/MBC for gentamicin, and bactericidal activity in secretions collected from suction drainage were not correlated with outcome . Cultures from the drains were the best parameters: cultures remained positive throughout follow-up in patient with poor clinical results.

Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1984 May, 25(5), 556 - 9
Pharmacokinetic properties of mezlocillin in newborn infants; Odio C et al.; The pharmacokinetic properties of mezlocillin were evaluated in newborn infants . Mean peak and trough concentrations of drug in plasma, after 75 mg of mezlocillin per kg given intravenously, were 252 and 72 micrograms/ml, respectively, in infants who were less than 38 weeks gestation and less than or equal to 7 days old, compared with 139 and 9 micrograms/ml, respectively, in infants greater than or equal to 38 weeks gestation and greater than 7 days old . The mean elimination half-life values were from 4.5 h in preterm infants who were less than or equal to 7 days old to 1.8 h in term infants greater than or equal to 7 days old . Median peak and trough bactericidal titers of drug in plasma from neonates treated with mezlocillin were 1:8 and 1:4, respectively, against a resistant (minimal bactericidal concentration, 512 micrograms/ml) Escherichia coli strain and 1:64 and 1:32, respectively, against a susceptible (minimal bactericidal concentration, 2 micrograms/ml) E . coli strain . We propose a dosage schedule of 75 mg of mezlocillin per kg administered every 12 h to preterm (gestational age less than 38 weeks) infants less than or equal to 7 days old, every 8 h to preterm infants greater than 7 days old or term infants less than or equal to 7 days old, and every 6 h to term infants greater than 7 days old.

Peptides, 1984 May-Jun, 5(3), 489 - 94
Synthesis and biological activity of {L-3,4-dehydroproline3}-tuftsin; Amoscato AA et al.; A 3,4-dehydroproline analogue of tuftsin (L-Thr-L-Lys-L-Pro-L-Arg) was prepared by the solid phase synthetic method . Following reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) purification, the analogue was compared to tuftsin for its ability to to enhance the chemotactic, bactericidal and phagocytic activities of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) . Both tuftsin and {delta 3-pro3}- tuftsin elicited a similar significant chemotactic effect at a concentration of 10 micrograms/ml . A slight suppression of the chemotactic activity was observed with tuftsin at 10(-3) micrograms/ml and with {delta 3-pro3}-tuftsin at concentrations of 10(-3), 10(-2) (significant) and 10-1 micrograms/ml . Although similar bactericidal activities were observed for both peptides, PMN exposed to {delta 3-pro 3}-tuftsin exhibited increased phagocytic indicies 2-4 times that of tuftsin-treated PMN at concentrations of 0.4, 0.6 and 1.0 microgram/ml.

J Immunol, 1984 May, 132(5), 2582 - 9
An outer membrane-disorganizing peptide PMBN sensitizes E . coli strains to serum bactericidal action; Vaara M et al.; The small cationic outer membrane-disorganizing peptide PMBN sensitized four smooth, encapsulated strains of Escherichia coli (serotypes 02:K1, 04:K12, 018:K1, and 018:K5) to the lethal action of serum . The concentrations of PMBN required were low (0.3 to 1.0 microgram/ml) . One E . coli strain (IH 11030; 075:K5) remained virtually resistant to serum and also to anti-075 hyperimmune serum plus complement (C) even in the presence of PMBN . This strain was nevertheless sensitive to the outer membrane permeability-increasing action of PMBN . In the bactericidal system, PMBN could be replaced by high concentrations of lysine20 or protamine but not lysine4 . The PMBN-dependent bactericidal activity of GPS was abolished by heating or zymosan treatment that inactivate its C but not by lack of the action of the classical pathway of the C in C4-deficient GPS . PMBN formed a bactericidal system also with normal rabbit, rat, and human serum but not with mouse serum . The bactericidal system against E . coli 018:K1 and its derivative EH 817 (018:K1-) was found to require a factor that can be removed from normal sera by absorption with a rough E . coli strain . This factor could be replaced by specific anti-018 antibodies . The bactericidal activity of fetal calf serum plus PMBN against E . coli 018:K1 was enhanced by normal rabbit or anti-E . coli 018 hyperimmune serum . We suggest that PMBN unshields the deep structures and the hydrophobic membrane milieu of the outer membrane and facilitates the insertion of the membrane attack complex of the C into this milieu.

Hautarzt, 1984 Apr, 35(4), 175 - 81
{Clinical course and pathomechanisms of chronic granulomatosis}; Czarnetzki BM et al.; Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is characterized by frequent uncontrollable infections which often lead to death in early childhood . The first clinical signs may be confined to the skin and manifest themselves as abscesses, pyoderma, eczema or draining sinuses . Frequently, lymph nodes, spleen, lungs or liver are also involved . The basic defect is a failure of leukocytes to kill certain bacteria or fungi . The exact biochemical defect is however not yet known . The diagnosis of CGD is based on the clinical picture and on a defect of the granulocytes, as proven by bactericidal, NBT-reduction or chemiluminescence tests . In most and possibly in all of the cases, the disease is X-linked, and the CGD-gene has been regionally assigned to the X-chromosome . The existence of a second type of CGD with autosomal recessive inheritance has been assumed by several authors . In order to improve the prognosis of CGD, it is essential that the disease is diagnosed as early as possible so that prompt treatment can be given.

Klin Monatsbl Augenheilkd, 1984 Mar, 184(3), 233 - 7
{Pros and cons of preservatives in eyedrops . Questionnaire for practitioners and experimental studies with reference to the requirements of the German Pharmacopoeia of August 1978}; Conrads H et al.; The first part of this paper deals with the regulations in the DAB 8/78 stating that eye-drops are to be preserved . A questionnaire prepared by the German Association of Ophthalmologists is analyzed . The four questions put to 353 ophthalmologists and answered by 350 of these concern the need for unpreserved eye-drops because of the danger of allergization; the expiry date once the bottle has been opened; infections due to eye-drops without preservatives; and the need for eye-drops made up by pharmacists . The second part deals with studies on the pH-values of lacrimal fluid in cases of normal and decreased lacrimation, as well as with the bactericidal action of the normal tear fluid containing lysozyme and lactotransferrine and various eye-drops containing preservatives . The authors conclude that the general addition of preservatives to eye-drops, especially to those containing antiphlogistic and astringent substances, is unnecessary . Concerning the expiry date on the bottle, it is suggested that the period of use be extended to three months, thus helping to cut costs.

J Infect, 1984 Mar, 8(2), 118 - 22
Defective phagocytic and bactericidal function of polymorphonuclear leucocytes in patients with beta-thalassaemia major; Skoutelis AT et al.; The phagocytic and bactericidal activity of polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNL) obtained from 50 non-splenectomised patients with homozygous beta-thalassaemia was studied . Polymorphonuclear leucocytes suspended in the serum of patients from whom they were derived ingested fewer Escherichia coli, 72.2 +/- 21.8 (mean +/- s.d.) per 50 PMNLs compared with 144.5 +/- 36.8 bacteria phagocytosed by PMNLs from healthy volunteers and suspended in normal serum (P less than 0.01) . Killing of ingested bacteria by the PMNLs from patients was also significantly reduced . These abnormalities are in part serum-associated and are due to the presence of heat-labile inhibitor(s) in the patients' serum . When PMNLs from patients were suspended in patients' heat-inactivated serum, phagocytosis increased to 99.2 +/- 29.2 (P less than 0.01) . Similar improvement was noted in PMNL bactericidal activity . These abnormalities provide additional information that helps to explain the increased susceptibility to bacterial infections of patients with homozygous beta-thalassaemia.

J Antibiot (Tokyo), 1984 Mar, 37(3), 260 - 6
Inhibition of DNA replication and membrane transport of some nutrients by clazamycin in Escherichia coli; Hori M et al.; Growth of Escherichia coli in a nutrient medium was inhibited by 100 micrograms/ml of clazamycin and at this concentration, the viable cell number decreases slowly . Elongated cells were observed in the treated cultures . The bactericidal activity was abolished by high concentrations of either sucrose or sorbitol but not by chloramphenicol . Non-growing cells suspended in a medium devoid of both carbon and nitrogen sources were killed by clazamycin more rapidly than cells in a rich medium . Incorporation of radioactive thymidine, uridine, leucine and N-acetylglucosamine into cellular macromolecules was inhibited to a similar extent . Permeability of N-acetylglucosamine and leucine was blocked by clazamycin . On the other hand, membrane transport of thymidine was only slightly inhibited . Thymidine-derived radioactivity accumulated as dTTP in the cells suggesting that DNA synthesis was blocked at the polymerization step . DNA synthesis in toluene-treated cells was also sensitive to clazamycin while the repair DNA synthesis induced by bleomycin in these cells was not . DNA-repair deficient mutants of E . coli were as sensitive to clazamycin as their DNA-repair proficient counterparts.

J Dairy Sci, 1984 Mar, 67(3), 614 - 9
Assessment of hemolytic and bactericidal complement activities in normal and mastitic bovine milk; Rainard P et al.; Bactericidal and hemolytic complement activities were investigated in 51 quarter milk samples of 13 cows in late lactation . Hemolytic activity was in all of the samples but one, after accounting for whey inhibitory activity . Mean hemolytic activity and inhibitory activities were .18 and .34 complement hemolytic units . Inflammation, in relation to infection status, increased hemolytic titers and heat-labile bactericidal activities of milk . Correlation coefficient was .76 between albumin content of milk serum and hemolytic titer of samples from infected quarters . Normal milk decreased bactericidal titer of bovine serum against a serum-sensitive Escherichia coli strain . When compared to veronal buffer saline solution, milk did not accelerate decay of hemolytic activity over 7-h incubation at 39 degrees C . Taken together, these results suggest that the adverse effect of milk on both hemolytic and bactericidal activities of complement is limited and might be of significance essentially before full establishment of the inflammatory reaction to bacterial invaders.

Biochim Biophys Acta, 1984 Mar 1, 797(3), 302 - 11
Changes in streptonigrin lethality during adaptation of Escherichia coli to picolinic acid . Correlation with intracellular picolinate and iron uptake; Yeowell HN et al.; Uptake studies with {14C}picolinate and 55Fe3+ have provided an explanation for the change in streptonigrin killing on adaptation of Escherichia coli to picolinate, in terms of the available iron within the cell . When picolinic acid is added to a growing culture of E . coli an interval of bacteriostasis ensues; this adaptation period is followed by resumption of exponential growth . Addition of picolinate (4 mM) to a log phase culture of strain W3110 gave protection from the lethal action of streptonigrin (30 microM) when the two agents were added simultaneously . In contrast streptonigrin killed cells that had adapted to picolinate; however, a preincubation of adapted W3110 with phenethyl alcohol protected the cells from streptonigrin lethality . {14C}Picolinate uptake studies showed that initially picolinate entered the cells, but that it was excluded from adapted cells; addition of phenethyl alcohol permitted the entry of picolinate into adapted W3110 . The changes in streptonigrin killing parallel the changes in concentration of intracellular picolinate, which can chelate the iron required by streptonigrin for its bactericidal action . 55Fe3+ uptake studies showed that initially picolinate prevented iron accumulation by strain W3110, whereas adapted cells did take up iron in the presence of picolinate . Addition of phenethyl alcohol prevented any observed uptake of iron by adapted W3110 . This modulation of iron transport by picolinate also affects streptonigrin lethality . Experiments with iron transport mutants showed that picolinate acted on both the enterochelin and citrate routes of uptake . Therefore picolinate affects the concentration of available iron within the cell both by (a) its intracellular presence resulting in chelation of iron and (b) its action on iron uptake; these effects explain the change in streptonigrin killing on adaptation of E . coli to picolinate.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1984 Feb, (2), 87 - 8
{Determination of the bactericidal strength of alveolar macrophages by using the NBT test}; Gracheva MP; The NBT test on alveolar macrophages can be used for the indirect evaluation of their bactericidal potency . This test has made it possible to show that the development of the tuberculous process in the lungs is characterized by the increasing intensity of the reduction of NBT by alveolar macrophages, which indirectly indicates their considerable bactericidal potency . But 3-4 weeks after infection macrophages, though capable of considerable bactericidal action, do not react to stimulation by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Arch Surg, 1984 Feb, 119(2), 199 - 204
Oxygen as an antibiotic . The effect of inspired oxygen on infection; Knighton DR et al.; Granulocytes' in vitro bactericidal capacity for certain bacteria depends on an adequate environmental oxygen supply . Oxygen available to granulocytes in infected tissue is decreased by local conditions and can be altered significantly by small changes in its inspired concentration . We modified Burke's and Miles' bacteria-injection model in animals to test the effect of breathing 12%, 21%, and 45% oxygen on the size of lesions produced by intradermal injections of Escherichia coli . Moderately increased inspired oxygen concentrations (fraction of inspired oxygen {Flo2}) significantly decreased the size and number of necrotic lesions, whereas hypoxia increased both . Increasing Flo2 to 45% after three and 24 hours of hypoxia also significantly decreased lesion size . Suppression of infection by moderate hyperoxia is comparable with that reported by Burke after timely, adequate doses of type-specific antibiotics.

Mutat Res, 1984 Feb, 135(2), 87 - 96
Inhibitory effect of saturated fatty acids on the mutagenicity of N-nitrosodimethylamine; Negishi T et al.; Saturated fatty acids, C5-C12, inhibited the mutagenic activity of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in E . coli WP2 uvrA/pKM101 . The inhibition by laurate (C12) was due to the suppression of the enzymatic demethylation of NDMA, whereas that by caprate (C10) was simply due to the bactericidal effect of the fatty acid . Caproate (C6) did not affect the NDMA-demethylase, and evidence is presented to show that the inhibition of mutagenesis by caproate was a result of its interference with the uptake of NDMA metabolites into bacterial cells . Possible biological significance of the inhibition is discussed.

Arch Biochem Biophys, 1984 Feb 1, 228(2), 439 - 42
Comparison of myeloperoxidase and hemi-myeloperoxidase with respect to catalysis, regulation, and bactericidal activity; Andrews PC et al.; It has been demonstrated previously (P.C . Andrews and N.I . Krinsky (1981) J . Biol . Chem . 256, 4211-4218) that human leukocyte myeloperoxidase, an alpha 2 beta 2 enzyme, can be cleaved by mild reduction and alkylation to an alpha 1 beta 1 structure that we have termed hemi-myeloperoxidase . The native enzyme and hemi-myeloperoxidase have the same specific activity in a Cl--independent peroxidase assay and identical visible spectra under either oxidized or reduced conditions . This paper compares other properties of native and hemi-myeloperoxidase . Both enzymes are inhibited by high concentrations of H2O2 in an identical fashion . Both enzymes showed identical regulation by pH and Cl- . The utilization of Cl-, as assayed by chlorination of diethanolamine, was moderately decreased in hemi-myeloperoxidase . This reduction in chlorination was not reflected in a bactericidal assay, where again, hemi-myeloperoxidase was identical in activity to native myeloperoxidase.

J Pharm Pharmacol, 1984 Feb, 36(2), 90 - 4
An in-vitro model of intracellular bacterial infection using the murine macrophage cell line J774.2; Stevenson M et al.; A simple model of intracellular bacterial infection based on the ability of the macrophage cell line J774.2 to phagocytose Escherichia coli in a reproducible manner is described . Viable counting of intracellular bacteria and microscopic examination of infected macrophage cultures after treatment with fluorescent E . coli antibody showed that the bacteria multiplied within the J774.2 cells . Viable intracellular bacteria may be used to study the activity of bactericidal and bacteriostatic drugs within the macrophage . The low apparent intracellular bactericidal activity of streptomycin, which was time- and concentration-dependent, accords with a low permeability of the J774.2 macrophages to this antibiotic . An exclusively intracellular infection could be achieved by inactivation of non-phagocytosed extracellular bacteria by streptomycin treatment of infected macrophage cultures . Under appropriate conditions intracellular bacterial viability was unaffected.

Sem Hop, 1984 Jan 12, 60(1), 5 - 9
{Treatment of human brucellosis with rifampicin}; Godeau P et al.; Rifampin, which exhibits good intracellular diffusion and in vitro bactericidal activity on brucella, is effective in experimental brucellosis in mice, without selection of resistant strains . It was therefore legitimate to use rifampin in man since conventional treatment of acute brucellosis is followed by recurrence in 15% (tetracycline alone) or 3.7% (streptomycin-tetracycline combination) of cases . Rifampin was given to 13 patients with brucellosis (acute brucellosis in 8, osteoarticular brucellosis in 3 and chronic brucellosis in 2) . Rifampin was given as sole therapy in a daily dosage of 600 to 1 200 mg . A tetracycline was subsequently needed in three cases, in combination with rifampin in two, and as replacement therapy in one . Treatment lasted 20 to 60 days in acute brucellosis and 2 to 15 months in other forms . Only one failure was recorded among the 11 cases of acute or localized brucellosis . Conversely, effectiveness of rifampin proved incomplete (1 case) or null (1 case) in chronic forms . The satisfactory effectiveness of rifampin is confirmed by a review of the literature which found 17 reports addressing the subject . These include 324 cases of brucellosis treated by rifampin, as sole therapy in 255 patients, with only 24 failures ascribable to faulty dosage . Indeed, rifampin must be given for at least 30 days, in a minimal daily dosage of 600 mg or 10 mg per kg, in a single dose . Cotrimoxazole is an antagonist and should not be associated with rifampin . Conversely, tetracyclines are synergistic and their association, which is useless in acute brucellosis, is helpful in localized and chronic forms.

Biochim Biophys Acta, 1984 Jan 11, 769(1), 57 - 66
Interaction of a polymeric biguanide biocide with phospholipid membranes; Ikeda T et al.; Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and fluorescence polarization methods have been used to study the interactions between phospholipid membranes and a polymeric biocide, poly(hexamethylene biguanide hydrochloride) (PHMB) . It was found that PHMB had very little effect on neutral lipids such as phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), whereas it greatly reduced the phase transition temperature of phosphatidylglycerol (PG), an acidic lipid found in bacteria . Although the corresponding monomeric biocide had a similar effect on the PG bilayer, the behaviour towards mixed lipid bilayers of PC and PG has been shown to be completely different for the polymeric and monomeric biocides: viz . the former can induce isothermal phase separation into a PHMB-PG complex domain and a PC-enriched domain, whilst the latter cannot . This may account for the great difference in bactericidal activity between them . It is suggested that PHMB interacts primarily with negatively charged species in the membranes, inducing aggregation of acidic lipids in the vicinity of the adsorption site, where higher fluidity and higher permeability are expected . The results have shown that two factors might be crucial in the cidal activity of such types of cationic disinfectants as biguanides: phase separation and interaction with the hydrocarbon interior of the membranes . Polymeric biocides could be particularly effective by virtue of their ability to combine hydrophobic character and multiple charges within a single molecule.

Eur J Nucl Med, 1984, 9(5), 216 - 9
Radiochemistry and biostability of autologous leucocytes labelled with 99mTc-stannous colloid in whole blood; Hanna R et al.; Autologous leucocytes were labelled in whole blood by phagocytic uptake of 99mTc-stannous colloid . This colloid has a mean particle size of 1.5 micron and labels leucocytes with 81% efficiency . Individual cell uptakes were: granulocytes 42%, monocytes 39% . Isotonic sodium citrate added after the labelling procedure did solubilise excess colloid but was not necessary for adequate removal of excess colloid . Labelled leucocytes were shown in vitro to be viable and maintain normal bactericidal and chemotactic capacity . Biodistribution, clearance rates and dosimetry are presented . These results indicate that autologous leucocytes can be efficiently labelled with 99mTc-stannous colloid with good residual cell function.

Ann Biol Clin (Paris), 1984, 42(1), 95 - 9
{Macrophage phagocytic function}; Vray B; Described a century ago by Metschnikoff , phagocytosis plays an essential role in the defence of organisms faced with bacterial infection . Phagocytosis is ensured essentially by neutrophils and macrophages . In cases of inflammatory response, chemotactic factors induce an afflux of neutrophils which predominate at the site of infection for the first few hours . Then macrophages intervene to try and eliminate the infectious agent . If the latter can be rapidly ingested and degraded, the inflammatory response will gradually dwindle . On the other hand, if the infection persists (bacteria resistant to phagocytosis, or to bactericidal agents), the inflammatory response will become chronic . Macrophage anti-bacterial activity is therefore essential and can be broken down into several stages: first chemotaxis, which initiates macrophage migration towards the inflammatory focus . Then adherence to bacteria, via opsonins and membrane receptors . This binding releases an intra-cytoplasmic signal which governs the following stages, i.e . actual ingestion (phagocytosis), then enzymatic destruction within phagolysosomes " bactericidosis " . The phase of recognition and membrane binding to bacteria thus occupies an important place in the physiological role of macrophages . Two receptors are especially involved: the Fc receptor and the C3b receptor . The ingestion phase appears to be initiated by the redistribution of these membrane receptors, which first reform in "micro-clusters" (reversible small aggregates), then in "clusters" (irreversible larger aggregates), which finally become "patches" and "caps" . " Bactericidosis " then ensures in most cases the disintegration of the infectious agent, by systems that can be either dependent or independent of oxygen . The main techniques for the study of macrophage phagocytosis are briefly reviewed.

Can J Microbiol, 1984 Jan, 30(1), 81 - 90
The role of Thiobacillus albertis glycocalyx in the adhesion of cells to elemental sulfur; Bryant RD et al.; Thiobacillus albertis, a newly characterized acidophilic Thiobacillus sp., was found not to be dependent on physiological conditions such as pH, cellular energy, or peripheral cell envelope sulfhydryl groups for attachment to elemental sulfur (S0) . Heat-killed cells or those pretreated with sulfhydryl reagents (iodoacetate or iodoacetamide) were able to adhere to S0 in comparable numbers as assayed by epifluorescence microscopy . In addition, iodoacetate and iodoacetamide were found to be bactericidal, the former more potent than the latter . Sodium lauryl sulfate was found to cause nearly complete detachment of T . albertis cells from glass slides implicating its glycocalyx for this cell-glass attachment . In addition scanning electron microscopy visually revealed T . albertis cellular adhesion to S0 was due to the organism's threadlike glycocalyx material interacting with the sulfur surface . It was concluded that T . albertis glycocalyx plays an important role in the attachment to solid surfaces (glass or S0) . In addition T . albertis was shown to colonize S0 surfaces by microcolonies.

Gerontology, 1984, 30(2), 120 - 4
Lysozyme and other measures of immunity in young, mature, and aged rats; Sherman AR et al.; Lysozyme, peroxidase, serum proteins, and immunoglobulins were measured in young (1 month), mature (13 months), and aged rats (25 months) . Circulating levels of immunoglobulins G and A increased with maturity as did the globulin fraction of serum protein . Concentration of the bactericidal enzyme, lysozyme, was significantly increased in serum and kidney and significantly decreased in spleens of aged rats.

Br J Haematol, 1984 Jan, 56(1), 45 - 54
Granulocytic cryopreservation: further studies on the pathogenesis of impaired cellular function; McCarthy DM et al.; The effects of different methods of purifying peripheral blood granulocytes on their functional capacity after cryopreservation have been studied . The standard method of isolating granulocytes by centrifugation through Lymphoprep sensitizes cells to damage induced by subsequent cryopreservation . Some of this damage occurs during addition of cryoprotectant and we describe how to add and remove dimethyl sulphoxide without impairing cell function . The granulocytic function that suffers most during cryopreservation is granulocyte migration . This impairment may be partially due to uncontrolled entry into the cell of calcium . In contrast the bactericidal capacity in vitro is not so greatly reduced and ability to reduce nitroblue tetrazolium redox dye even less so.

Pediatr Res, 1984 Jan, 18(1), 30 - 4
Complete deficiency of adenine phosphoribosyltransferase: a report of three cases and immunologic and phagocytic investigations; Kishi T et al.; The levels of adenine phosphoribosyltransferase (APRT:EC 2.4.2.7) were determined in red blood cells (RBCs), peripheral mononuclear cells (MNCs), and polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNLs) from normal controls and from two families with APRT deficiency . No APRT activity was demonstrated in MNCs and PMNLs of patients with complete deficiency of RBC-APRT . APRT deficiency occurs not only in RBCs but also in MNCs and PMNLs . Immunologic and phagocytic examinations showed normal hemogram and serum immunoglobulin levels, and normal E-rosette forming cells and surface immunoglobulin-bearing cells . Lymphocyte blastogenesis in response to phytohemagglutinin and lymphocyte differentiation to cytoplasmic immunoglobulin-producing cells induced by pokeweed mitogen were normal . No major defects were apparent in natural killer activity . Phagocytic functions were normal as tested by bactericidal activity, O2-consumption, chemotaxis, and chemiluminescence response.

J Am Vet Med Assoc, 1984 Jan 1, 184(1), 101 - 2
Osteomyelitis; Harari J; Osteomyelitis can be diagnosed by clinical, radiographic, and bacteriologic evaluation of the patient . An aggressive medical approach utilizing appropriate bactericidal antibiotics is required, along with surgical intervention in chronic cases.

Eur Surg Res, 1984, 16(2), 127 - 30
Effects of CO2 laser on the healing of experimental colon anastomoses; Ferulano GP et al.; Anastomotic leakage after colonic resection still remains a troublesome complication of major clinical significance . Systemic (nutritional status, blood viscosity) or local factors (contamination by local germs, suture technique) seems to be implicated in the healing process of the suture line . The CO2 laser as a cutting procedure in colonic resection should provide a useful tool for its accuracy and the bactericidal properties . We have tested the strength of an end-to-end anastomosis of rat colon resected by CO2 laser, scalpel and diathermy, respectively, by measuring the bursting pressures at different postoperative days . The present study shows that the use of CO2 laser resulted in a significant increase of colonic bursting pressure at the anastomotic site.

Infect Immun, 1984 Jan, 43(1), 43 - 8
Activation of jird (Meriones unguiculatus) macrophages by the filarial parasite Brugia pahangi; Jeffers GW et al.; Peritoneal macrophages from Mongolian jirds (Meriones unguiculatus) with either lymphatic or intraperitoneal infections of Brugia pahangi were studied to determine the effects of infection on macrophage function and morphology . Macrophages were collected at 40, 90, 140, and 200 days after inoculation of infective third-stage larvae and assayed for phagocytic and bactericidal activity by the acridine orange method and for morphological changes by light and electron microscopy . Significant increases in phagocytic and microbicidal activity (P less than or equal to 0.01) were observed in peritoneal macrophages collected from jirds with intraperitoneal infections when compared with peritoneal macrophages from jirds with lymphatic infections and resident peritoneal macrophages from normal, noninfected jirds . Morphological changes in peritoneal macrophages from jirds with intraperitoneal infections were similar to those found in thioglycolate-elicited macrophage populations . Granuloma formation was also observed in the peritoneal cavities of intraperitoneally infected jirds . The peritoneal cavity may serve as a model to study cell-worm interactions in filarial nematode infections.

Arch Surg, 1984 Jan, 119(1), 83 - 9
Sequential prospective analysis of the nonspecific host defense system after thermal injury; Deitch EA et al.; The nonspecific host defense system of 66 patients with thermal injuries was studied prospectively . Our goal was to correlate the magnitude of injury with changes in host defenses and to determine if the responses of patients with and without sepsis were different . Eighteen patients experienced one or more septic episodes . Synchronous serial measurements of circulating fibronectin levels, neutrophil locomotive activity and phagocytosis, and intracellular killing in all patients showed that multiple components of the nonspecific host defense system were impaired after thermal injury . The depression of random migration and chemotaxis and the magnitude of the initial depression in serum fibronectin levels were related to the severity of injury but did not predict sepsis . Only a decrease in neutrophil bactericidal activity or a secondary depression in the serum fibronectin level was associated with the onset of sepsis.

Scand J Infect Dis Suppl, 1984, 42, 99 - 109
The use of beta-lactam antibiotics in infections--an overview; Quintiliani R; Any new antibiotic must be compared with older agents with respect to therapeutic efficacy, protection against infection, toxicity, cost and pharmacokinetic properties . For a new drug to be considered an "advance", it should achieve some definite advantage in one or more of these areas . By expanding their microbiologic activity and by killing many organisms at extremely low concentration, a number of new beta-lactam antibiotics have become useful agents in the therapy of difficult infections, particularly those occurring in patients with generalized immunodeficiencies or those occurring in body sites of localized immunodeficiency . Of additional clinical relevance has been the ability of some of these new drugs to replace the necessity of combination antibiotic therapy, reducing the chances for adverse reactions . To use the new beta-lactam antibiotics properly, one must now know much more than whether an organism is merely resistant or sensitive to the drug . One must know how sensitive and how resistant the bacterium is to the drug and for how long do serum and tissue levels remain above inhibitory or bactericidal concentrations of the drug for the suspected or proven pathogen . Of course, we cannot forget the cost of the drug and its potential for adverse reactions . In brief to prevent or to treat infections, the clinicians must be familiar with the microbiology, pharmacology, toxicology and cost of antibiotics.

Kroc Found Ser, 1984, 16, 209 - 19
Mechanical and biochemical aspects of leukocyte interactions with model vessel walls; McIntire LV et al.; Leukocytes in flowing blood are continually undergoing collisions with the blood vessel walls . Whether these collisions result in adherence depends on a delicate balance between the fluid mechanical drag force, which tends to dislodge the PMNL, and the adhesive force generated at the area of contact with the endothelium . Local blood flow rate controls the first of these forces, with the important parameter being the velocity gradient at the wall (wall shear rate) . The detailed morphology of the endothelial cell and the PMNL upon collision and the biochemical state of these cells determine the adhesive force, because this force is a product of the strength of interaction times the area of contact . If a leukocyte flattens out or spreads on the vessel wall surface, it will reduce the hydrodynamic drag and increase the area of contact, leading to a more stable adhesion . In the normal circulation, a significant fraction of the PMNL appear to be attached to the endothelium, particularly in the low flow venules . This leukocyte fraction is what hematology texts refer to as the marginal pool . The adherent PMNL are a dynamic population in the sense that some return to the circulation, some move through the endothelial cell mono-layer into the extravascular space, and others remain "attached" to the endothelial cells but roll along the surface in the flow direction . An equilibrium number is maintained under normal conditions by recruitment from the circulating pool . Increased blood flow rate will increase the hydrodynamic force, tending to dislodge the PMNL, but will also (at least in large vessels) increase the number of collisions of circulating PMNL with the vessel wall by increasing the effective "diffusion" coefficient of the leukocyte . Thus if one studied the kinetics of PMNL adhesion on an initially clean endothelial monolayer surface under flow, increasing the whole blood flow rate would probably increase in initial rate of attachment but may decrease the equilibrium number of adherent leukocytes (Fig . 5) . The degree of cooperation in vivo between PMNL and endothelial cells required to enable the leukocytes to perform their bactericidal functions is fascinating . This type of interdependency also appears to be necessary in the inflammatory response {Wedmore and Williams, 1981} . Fluid mechanical forces in addition to biochemical events are crucial in regulating these interaction processes in vivo . In vitro models for examining PMNL adhesion should include control of the local fluid mechanics.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Acta Paediatr Hung, 1984, 25(1-2), 39 - 53
Activity and characteristics of inflammatory effector cells in newborns; Csorba S et al.; To investigate the aspecific activity of inflammatory effector cells (mononuclear and polymorphonuclear leukocytes) of newborn babies, a comparative study was performed of chemotactic and random filter motility, phagocytic activity, and bactericidal capacity of these cells, of the electron microscopic counterparts of these activities, the serum factors influencing motility and of the content and ratio of cyclic nucleotides present in the cells of subjects of different ages . It was found that chemotaxis of the mononuclear and polymorphonuclear leukocytes is a gradually maturing function; its deficiency observed during the neonatal period is not caused by a depressed excitability by chemical agents, by the presence of inactivators of chemotactic factors or of chemotaxis inhibitors . It is the low serum levels of total complement, C 3, IgG, IgM and properdin that explain the reduced chemotactic mobility . In addition to these factors reduced leukocyte flexibility, condition and activity of the flexibility, condition and activity of the microtubular and microfilamentary system depending on calcium ion and cyclic nucleotide concentrations, and an eventual immaturity or exhaustion of certain intracellular enzymes also play a part . In respect to orientation towards chemical stimuli, the leukocytes of the newborn largely differ from those of children or adults . Similarly, a difference in uptake and elimination of bacteria and in ultrastructural changes accompanying these processes can be demonstrated between newborn and adult cells . The aspecific cellular functions, the reduction of which plays an important part in the weak resistance of the newborn, also depend on certain properties of the infective agents.

J Inherit Metab Dis, 1984, 7(1), 12 - 4
Immune functions in methylmalonicaciduria; Church JA et al.; A variety of phagocytic cell and lymphocyte assays were employed to evaluate the immune status of four patients with methylmalonicaciduria . One patient had a depressed absolute granulocyte count and two patients had depressed neutrophil and monocyte chemotactic responses . All subjects had normal neutrophil phagocytic and bactericidal activities . One patient had a decreased T-cell number; blastogenic responses to phytohaemagglutinin and pokeweed mitogen were normal in all subjects . B lymphocyte measurements were variably abnormal; two children had decreased B-cell numbers; two had marginally decreased IgG levels; a third had an undetectable rubella titre; and two had elevated serum IgE concentrations . In vitro exposure of normal cells to methylmalonic acid concentrations up to 50 mg/100 ml did not affect chemotactic or lymphoproliferative responses . In conclusion, although B-cell function may be affected, no consistent abnormality of lymphocyte or phagocytic cell functions could be attributed to the metabolic disorder.

Arch Surg, 1984 Jan, 119(1), 57 - 60
Inhibition of bacterial clearance in the guinea pig by fluid-phase C3b; Ogle CK et al.; The large-molecular-weight activation product C3b of C3, the third component of complement, loses its opsonic properties when it is free in solution (fluid phase) rather than attached to a particle, eg, a bacterial cell . Human fluid-phase C3b, which has been shown in vitro to be an inhibitor of the bactericidal function of human neutrophils, was injected intradermally or intraperitoneally into guinea pigs along with various species of bacteria, and the clearance rate of the bacteria was measured . The injected C3b caused a large increase in the time required for the clearance of the bacteria . The inhibition by C3b of clearance of the injected bacteria was dependent on the bacterial species; bacteria that depended strongly on complement for opsonophagocytosis was cleared at a much lower rate in the presence of fluid-phase C3b than were bacteria that did not have the corresponding dependence on complement.

J Immunopharmacol, 1984, 6(4), 277 - 89
Genetic resistance of mice to persistent infection with Mycobacterium lepraemurium in vitro: association with macrophage bactericidal responsiveness to lymphokines and dissociation from production of hydrogen peroxide by macrophages; Sankaran K et al.; Peritoneal and splenic adherent macrophages (SAC) from M . lepraemurium susceptible (C3H/HeJ) and resistant (C57B1/6J) mice were studied for their abilities to generate H2O2 in vitro . Unexpectedly, SAC from the susceptible C3H/HeJ strain produced more H2O2 than those of the resistant C57BL/6J . In vivo sensitization with M . bovis (BCG), or C . parvum increased production of H2O2 by SAC from both strains, whereas in vivo sensitization with M . lepraemurium enhanced H2O2 production only in the C3H/HeJ susceptible strains . In vitro addition of a crude lymphokine enhanced H2O2 production by C3H/HeJ SAC more than by C57BL/6J SAC . In vitro addition of M . lepraemurium caused an inhibition of H2O2 production by SAC from both strains but the inhibition was greater for the resistant C57BL/6J strain . M . lepraemurium phagocytosed in vitro by untreated peritoneal macrophages of both mouse strains were morphologically altered to the same extent . However, the addition of lymphokine dramatically increased the degree of bacterial lysis in only the C57BL/6J strain . These results, support the view that H2O2 plays a limited, if any, role in the protection of the host from M . lepraemurium and may even contribute to susceptibility by inhibiting the host's immune response.

Infect Immun, 1984 Jan, 43(1), 289 - 93
Effect of ammonia on in vivo and in vitro immune responses; Targowski SP et al.; The effects of exposure of animals to ammonia on their delayed type of dermal response, the mitogenic and antigenic responses of their lymphocytes, and the bactericidal and phagocytic activities of their alveolar macrophages were examined . Experimental guinea pigs vaccinated with Mycobacterium bovis BCG were exposed to 3.75 micrograms of ammonia per dl of air (50 ppm) or 6.75 micrograms of ammonia per dl of air (90 ppm), whereas control animals also vaccinated with BCG were maintained in the normal environment . The delayed type of dermal response to tuberculin injected 3 weeks later was significantly (P less than 0.05) less in experimental animals exposed to 6.75 micrograms of ammonia per dl than in control animals . In vitro, the response of blood lymphocytes and bronchial lymphocytes to phytohemagglutinin, concanavalin A, and tuberculin stimulation was significantly (P less than 0.01) less than the response of lymphocytes from control animals . The response of normal blood lymphocytes to phytohemagglutinin incubated in medium containing 1 or 10 mg of ammonia per dl was significantly (P less than 0.01) reduced as compared with the response of lymphocytes incubated without ammonia . The viability of lymphocytes incubated with these concentrations of ammonia was significantly (P less than 0.01) affected . There was no significant difference in the bactericidal or phagocytic activities of alveolar macrophages collected from animals exposed to ammonia and control animals . However, ammonia added to the culture of alveolar macrophages from normal animals significantly inhibited their bactericidal activity.

Adv Cyclic Nucleotide Protein Phosphorylation Res, 1984, 17, 183 - 7
Bordetella adenylate cyclase toxin: entry of bacterial adenylate cyclase into mammalian cells; Confer DL et al.; We have identified an adenylate cyclase toxin in urea extracts and culture supernatant fluids of Bordetella pertussis (2) . The ability of this toxin and the lack of a strong correlation between its activity and adenylate cyclase activity found in urea extracts suggest that it is an oligomer of readily dissociable subunits . The mechanism by which Bordetella adenylate cyclase toxin interacts with target cells is unknown, but polyvalent cations are necessary . Neutrophils exposed to the toxin acquire a 39,000 Mr protein that can also be photoaffinity labeled with 32P-ATP . We anticipate that this protein will prove to be a catalytic component of Bordetella adenylate cyclase toxin . Susceptible cells exposed to Bordetella adenylate cyclase toxin are functionally aberrant . In phagocytes, decreased bactericidal capacity may be important in the pathogenesis of human whooping cough and other Bordetella infections occurring in domestic animals . The effects of the toxin on neoplastic cells may offer new insights into the factors controlling their growth and differentiation . Bordetella adenylate cyclase toxin is a unique bacterial product . Further purification and characterization of this toxin will add to our understanding of cell-protein interactions and pathogen-host relationships.

Farmakol Toksikol, 1984 Jan-Feb, 47(1), 81 - 4
{Effect of a number of immunostimulating preparations on the intracellular bactericidal systems of peripheral blood neutrophils}; Ratnikov VI et al.; Administration of methyluracil (20 mg/kg), dibasol (2 mg/kg), prodigiosan (5 micrograms/kg) and levamisole (2.5 mg/kg) to rabbits was followed by stimulation of phagocytic activity of peripheral blood neutrophils . As regards the degree of the effect, the drugs might be arranged in the following way: prodigiosan greater than levamisole greater than methyluracil greater than dibazol . The induction effects of levamisole and prodigiosan on the activity of the myeloperoxidase bactericidal system and alkaline phosphatase in leukocytes correlated with an increase in their functional activity . In contrast to the drugs indicated, the phagocytosis-stimulating action of methyluracil on peripheral blood neutrophils was not apparently mediated via the bactericidal systems studied but via other mechanisms one of which might be activation of nucleo- and proteinosynthesis . In the dose indicated dibasol did not produce any essential effect on the phagocytic response and intracellular bactericidal systems of phagocytes . All the drugs under study did not produce any effect on the neutrophil content of non-enzymatic cation proteins.

Allerg Immunol (Leipz), 1984, 30(3), 127 - 38
{Tuftsin}; Mucke D; Literature review . The tetrapeptide tuftsin (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg) is cleaved off the carrier IgG molecule enzymatically and stimulates the phagocytic and bactericidal activity of polymorphonuclear leucocytes and macrophages . The action of tuftsin is mediated by specific receptor sites on the surface of these cells . Its antitumor activity has been shown in vitro as well as in vivo . The influence of tuftsin on the major metabolic processes of the cell (hexosemonophosphate shunt; cAMP/cGMP; Ca++-distribution; redox reactions) is the basis of its mode of action.--The feature of tuftsin and its low toxicity make it a useful agent for immunotherapy.

Acta Med Scand, 1984, 216(2), 179 - 86
Effects of human interferon preparations on neutrophil function; Uden AM et al.; We have studied effects of two partially purified human leukocyte (alpha) interferon (IFN) preparations (PIF-A and PIF-B) and a highly purified fibroblast (beta) IFN on the functional activity of normal human neutrophils (PMNs) . In vitro, PIF-B conferred a significant and dose-dependent enhancement of chemiluminescence (CL) induced both by phagocytosis and a soluble stimulus, f-Met-Leu-Phe, and decreased killing of Staph . aureus . In contrast, PIF-A caused only a slight inhibition of bactericidal activity and had no effects on CL . beta-IFN had no effects on either bactericidal activity or CL . Migration under agarose was decreased with all of the IFN but phagocytosis and release of enzymes was not affected . PMNs from seven patients treated with PIF-A for multiple myeloma exhibited increased CL responses but no other PMN functions were affected . The findings that human IFN preparations affect PMN functions indicate that high-dose IFN therapy of immunocompromised patients should be carefully evaluated for the possibility of increased infectious complications.

Folia Haematol Int Mag Klin Morphol Blutforsch, 1984, 111(5), 589 - 94
Phagocytosis and neutrophil bactericidal capacity in patients with uremia; Wierusz-Wysocka B et al.; The phagocytic activity and bactericidal capacity of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) were evaluated in patients with advanced chronic renal failure . The studies were made in patients undergoing hemodialysis, maintenance peritoneal dialysis as well as in nondialysed patients . Evaluations were carried out by using of the recently described fluorochrome microassay which enabled these parameters to be estimate independently . The phagocytic activity was seriously diminished in nondialysed patients, whereas it was similar to controls in those hemodialysed and undergoing peritoneal dialysis patients . In all evaluated groups of patients the bactericidal capacity was significantly reduced . The lowest values could always be observed in nondialysed patients . The decrease of bactericidal capacity was significantly more evident in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis as compared with those hemodialysed . The obtained results confirm some previous reports suggesting the impairment of PMN function in uremic patients . This results in their increased susceptibility to infection . They also reveal the existence of a close relationship between the extent of observed dysfunctions and the management applied.

Infect Immun, 1983 Dec, 42(3), 1195 - 7
Human polymorphonuclear neutrophil functions are unaffected by human interferon-alpha 2; Farr B et al.; Leukocyte-derived interferons have been reported to enhance the functions of polymorphonuclear neutrophils . This study reveals no effect of the highly purified recombinant DNA-produced human interferon-alpha 2 on the oxidative, chemotactic, adherent, phagocytic, and bactericidal activities of human polymorphonuclear neutrophils in vitro.

Eur J Clin Invest, 1983 Dec, 13(6), 489 - 94
Defective neutrophil motility in patients with primary ciliary dyskinesia; Valerius NH et al.; Microtubules are important in the regulation of the motile functions of a variety of cells, including leukocytes, ciliated cells and spermatozoa . Polymorphonuclear leukocyte function was studied in ten patients with primary ciliary dyskinesia, an inherited disorder of microtubules in sperm tails and cilia . Neutrophil chemotaxis in Boyden chambers was slightly reduced, but only one patient showed a migration below normal values . In vivo mobilization of polymorphonuclear leukocytes into skin windows was also slightly decreased . In contrast, neutrophil polarization and orientation was normal . The bactericidal activity of neutrophils from patients with primary ciliary dyskinesia was normal, while the ingestion of bacteria was decreased . The abnormalities of neutrophil function in patients with primary ciliary dyskinesia are related to motility . It is suggested that the microtubule defect responsible for the abnormal pattern of ciliary beating is a general abnormality also responsible for the depression of polymorphonuclear leukocyte motility.

Infect Immun, 1983 Dec, 42(3), 1055 - 66
Membrane changes induced by exposure of Escherichia coli to human serum; Kroll HP et al.; The effect of bactericidal concentrations of lysozyme-free human serum on parameters of membrane integrity has been studied in serum-susceptible and serum-resistant Escherichia coli strains . Serum treatment released all of the alkaline phosphatase from the periplasmic space of two rapidly serum-susceptible strains but did so at different rates . In contrast, no periplasmic enzyme was released from two serum-resistant strains or from one moderately susceptible smooth strain . Lysozyme-free serum and heat-inactivated serum released comparable amounts of 86Rb+ from preloaded cells at comparable rates, regardless of serum susceptibility . Serum decreased the rate of phospholipid biosynthesis in both serum-susceptible and serum-resistant strains . In susceptible but not in resistant strains, intracellular ATP pools were depleted after serum exposure . Outer membranes and cytoplasmic membranes were prepared from serum-treated E . coli, and assays for C3 and C5b-9(m) were performed . With rapidly susceptible strains, C3 deposition on the outer membrane without attachment of C5b-9(m) occurred during the short prekilling phase . Subsequent bacterial killing was accompanied by deposition of C5b-9(m), which was recovered with C3 exclusively in outer membrane fractions with increased density and by eventual total loss of recoverable cytoplasmic membranes . Minimal deposition of complement components, without accompanying cytoplasmic membrane loss, occurred with serum-resistant strains . Loss of recoverable cytoplasmic membrane was not due to the action of either serum or bacterial phospholipase A . The results raise the possibilities that C5b-9(m) primarily damages the outer membrane and that the bacteria themselves actively participate in the ensuing, as yet unclarified, metabolic reactions that finally lead to their death.

Acta Pathol Microbiol Immunol Scand {C}, 1983 Dec, 91(6), 361 - 5
Effect of sodium benzoate on polymorphonuclear leukocyte function; Johansen KS et al.; Sodium benzoate is widely used as a food preservative and reputed to be a scavenger of hydroxyl radical (.OH) . The effects of sodium benzoate on the function of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) stimulated by S . aureus or the chemical agent, phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) were examined in vitro using assays of chemiluminescence (CL), total bactericidal activity, intracellular recovery of bacteria, as well as release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), lysozyme and superoxide anion (O2(-)) . Sodium benzoate decreased chemiluminescence, superoxide anion and lysozyme release by PMN stimulated with S . aureus but did not similarly affect these responses of PMN to the chemical agent, PMA . The ability of PMN to kill S . aureus was also impaired by sodium benzoate and associated with a reduced number of intracellular bacteria recovered after 90 minutes incubation . LDH release from PMN was not demonstrable at concentrations of sodium benzoate below 100 mM indicating that damage can not account for these findings . The underlying mechanism of the altered bactericidal function of PMN treated with sodium benzoate appears to be a result of decreased uptake of S . aureus.

Infect Immun, 1983 Dec, 42(3), 907 - 13
Role of the capsule and the O antigen in resistance of O18:K1 Escherichia coli to complement-mediated killing; Pluschke G et al.; Epidemiological data show that O18:K1 Escherichia coli is a common cause of neonatal bacteremia and meningitis . These bacteria were capable of multiplying in the bloodstream of newborn rats and were resistant to the bactericidal effects of complement in the absence of specific antibodies . The roles played by the O antigen and the K antigen in complement resistance were analyzed by comparing the bactericidal effects of normal sera and of sera deficient in various complement components or in immunoglobulins . These sera were tested on O18:K1 bacteria and on mutants lacking either the lipopolysaccharide O antigen or the K1 capsular polysaccharide . In addition, O1:K1 cells, which can cause pyelonephritis but which are rare in newborn meningitis and which do not multiply in the bloodstream of newborn rats, were also examined . Different mechanisms of protection against the alternative and classical pathways were recognized: K1-positive cells were resistant to the bactericidal activity of sera deficient in classical complement pathway components, whereas K1-negative cells were sensitive to these sera . Based on these results and on those from complement fixation assays, the K1 sialic acid polysaccharide impedes the activation of, and thus protects the bacteria against, the alternative complement pathway . Not only the K1-negative mutant cells but also O1:K1 bacteria and mutants lacking the O18 oligosaccharide repeating units of the lipopolysaccharide were sensitive to the classical complement pathway . These bactericidal effects were observed even in the absence of specific antibodies . It is proposed that both the K1 capsule and the O18 oligosaccharide restrict antibody-independent classical pathway activation by shielding deeper structures on the cell membrane that are capable of activating this pathway.

Isr J Med Sci, 1983 Nov, 19(11), 998 - 1000
Therapy of acute bacterial infections with cefaclor in a pediatric population: an open assessment; Iancu TC et al.; Cefaclor, a new semisynthetic cephalosporin, was given orally as a suspension to 22 infants and children with acute otitis media and or/other infections, mainly of the respiratory tract, suspected to be of bacterial origin . The drug was found to be very easily accepted by the patients, and no side effects were encountered . Most patients became asymptomatic within 48 hours . Cefaclor is active against most bacteria producing acute otitis media, including ampicillin-resistant Hemophilus influenzae, and seems to be an effective bactericidal agent in the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections . Caution is recommended when used in bacteremic infants who do not respond promptly to therapy, in view of the poor cerebrospinal fluid levels of the drug and the danger of meningitis.

Pediatr Infect Dis, 1983 Nov-Dec, 2(6), 442 - 5
Galactose inhibition of neonatal neutrophil function; Kobayashi RH et al.; To investigate possible causes for the significantly increased incidence of sepsis observed in galactosemic neonates, the in vitro effect of galactose on neutrophil function in healthy newborns was studied . Neutrophils from 25 normal newborns and 23 normal adult volunteers were incubated with 100 mg of glucose per dl, 300 mg of galactose per dl and 300 mg of galactose plus 100 mg of glucose per dl, respectively . Tests for neutrophil function included chemiluminescence (CL), chemotaxis (CTX) and adherence . Neutrophil CL (measure of bactericidal activity) was significantly depressed by galactose in both adults (30.2%) and newborns (59.5%); however, neonatal neutrophil function (CL) was depressed to a much greater extent than in adults . CTX was also significantly depressed by galactose in newborns but not in adults . Supplementing the galactose-containing medium with glucose restored both CL and CTX function to normal in adults . However, only CTX was restored in newborns, while CL remained markedly depressed . Neutrophil adhesion, a function which is not energy-dependent, was not affected by galactose in both adults and newborns . These findings indicate that depressed neutrophil function by galactose or its metabolites may contribute to the high incidence of sepsis in galactosemic neonates.

Bull Soc Pathol Exot Filiales, 1983 Nov, 76(5), 657 - 67
The bactericidal and opsonic effects of serum from patients with sickle cell anaemia; Luo NK et al.; The bactericidal and opsonic activity of serum from 12 homozygous sicklers was compared with that of a single control pool of healthy nonsickler African serum . Factorially designed experiments were used to calculate 4 indices which were expressed as the ratio of test to control . Using S . enteritidis and normal human neutrophils viability indices (VI) were calculated for serum, for ingested organisms and for cells + serum, together with a phagocytic index (PI) for cells . Only 1 of the 12 sickler sera gave values equal to that for the control, the remainder showing marked deviation . The survival of organisms in sickler serum was 3 times that in control serum . Phagocytosis by neutrophils in the presence of test sera was only 10% of that in control sera and survival of ingested bacteria was 6 times greater . In the presence of neutrophils overall bacterial survival was 22 times greater for sickler than for control serum.

Infect Immun, 1983 Nov, 42(2), 802 - 11
Intracellular location of Mycobacterium leprae in macrophages of normal and immune-deficient mice and effect of rifampin; Mor N; Soon after more than 10(6) Mycobacterium leprae, freshly harvested from armadillo liver or harvested and 60CO irradiated, were inoculated into the hind footpads of either normal or thymectomized and irradiated (T900R) mice, the organisms were found to reside within phagosomes of polymorphonuclear and mononuclear cells . On the other hand, 7 and 8 months after 10(4) freshly harvested M . leprae were inoculated into the footpads of normal or T900R mice and the organisms had multiplied to their maximum in the normal mice, many organisms, largely intact by electron-microscopic criteria, were found to reside free in the cytoplasm of the footpad macrophages, whereas damaged organisms were contained within phagosomes . After 11 months, many intact organisms were found to lie free in the cytoplasm of the macrophages of T900R mice, whereas only damaged intraphagosomal M . leprae cells were observed in the macrophages of normal mice . Finally, a remarkably large proportion of damaged extraphagosomal M . leprae was found in T900R mice administered rifampin for 2 days in a bactericidal dosage . It appears that M . leprae multiplies free in the cytoplasm of the footpad macrophages of infected mice, whereas the M . leprae cells resident within the phagosomes of the macrophages are dead . As the result of treatment with rifampin, the organisms appeared to have been killed in their extraphagosomal location, only afterwards being incorporated into phagosomes . However, the intracellular site in which M . leprae is killed in the course of an effective immune response remains unclear.

J Immunol, 1983 Nov, 131(5), 2563 - 9
Studies of the mechanism of bacterial resistance to complement-mediated killing . V . IgG and F(ab')2 mediate killing of E . coli 0111B4 by the alternative complement pathway without increasing C5b-9 deposition; Joiner KA et al.; The mechanism of antibody-dependent complement-(C) mediated killing of Escherichia coli 0111B4, strain 12015 (12015), was examined . 12015 was resistant to serum killing when incubated in hypogammaglobulinemic serum (H gamma S) or pooled normal human serum (NHS) that had been previously adsorbed to remove specific antibody (Abs NHS) . Presensitization with immune rabbit serum or purified immune rabbit IgG resulted in 1 to 3 log killing when 5 X 10(8) colony forming units (CFU)/ml were incubated in 10 to 40% Abs NHS . Binding of 125I-C3 and 131I-C9 to the bacterial surface of the presensitized and the nonpresensitized strain was quantitated when these organisms were incubated in 10, 20, and 40% Abs NHS . Stable binding of up to 3.0 X 10(5) molecules of C3 and 8.0 X 10(4) molecules of C9 to presensitized and nonpresensitized isolates occurred in the highest concentration of serum, but there was no killing without presensitization . Similar results were found when Abs NHS was chelated with ethylene bis glycoltetraacetic acid containing 2 mM MgCl2 (Mg EGTA) to block classical pathway activation, indicating that antibody mediated the bactericidal reaction through the alternative pathway . Deposition of C3 and C9 and killing of 120 15 in 10% Abs NHS or 10% H gamma S was measured after presensitization with increasing amounts of IgG, F(ab')2, or Fab' . There was a dose-dependent increase in C3 deposition and killing, but only minimal change in C9 binding when 1.0 X 10(3) to 3.2 X 10(4) IgG or F(ab')2/CFU were bound to the bacterial surface . In contrast, there was no increase in C3 or C9 binding and no bacterial killing when 1 X 10(3) to 3.4 X 10(4) molecules Fab'/CFU were bound to the bacterial surface . These experiments show that immune IgG and F(ab')2 can mediate killing of E . Coli 0111B4 by the alternative pathway without changing the extent of terminal C component attachment to the bacterial surface.

Gastroenterology, 1983 Nov, 85(5), 1017 - 22
Double-blind comparison of bismuth subsalicylate and placebo in the prevention and treatment of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli-induced diarrhea in volunteers; Graham DY et al.; Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli cause most traveler's diarrhea in Third World countries . We tested bismuth subsalicylate as prophylactic therapy and as treatment for enterotoxigenic E . coli-induced diarrhea . Thirty-two healthy hospitalized volunteers were challenged orally with enterotoxigenic E . coli, strain H10407 (serotype 078:K80:H11) . Administration of 600-mg doses of bismuth subsalicylate or placebo was begun 8 h before bacterial challenge . Doses were taken at 8 h and 2 h before, and at 2 h and 4 h after, the E . coli challenge and were continued four times a day for 3 additional days . The maximum prophylactic bismuth subsalicylate dose was 9.6 g . Those experiencing diarrhea were rerandomized to receive bismuth subsalicylate or placebo, given as 300 mg every 30 min for a total of 2.4 g of bismuth subsalicylate, in eight doses . Diarrhea occurred in 9 of the 16 (56%) subjects receiving placebo and in 2 of the 15 (13%) subjects receiving bismuth subsalicylate, p less than 0.03 . This study confirms the effectiveness of bismuth subsalicylate in preventing traveler's (enterotoxigenic E . coli) diarrhea, and shows that bismuth subsalicylate in other than liquid form is effective . Enterotoxigenic E . coli were recovered less frequently from those receiving bismuth subsalicylate than from those receiving placebo, suggesting that bismuth subsalicylate prevents diarrhea by reducing the number or multiplication of enterotoxigenic E . coli . In vitro studies revealed that bismuth subsalicylate and its components each were bactericidal at concentrations possibly attained during the clinical trial.

Int Surg, 1983 Oct-Dec, 68(4), 323 - 4
Synergistic bacterial gangrene and allied lesions: a unified etiological theory; Mbonu OO et al.; Synergistic bacterial gangrene is a distressing and destructive mixed infection where early recognition is essential . It is suggested that synergistic bacterial gangrene with its allied states may be manifestations of the same process with a wide spectrum . Prompt and appropriate bactericidal therapy may arrest spread before tissue destruction makes radical and immediate surgical intervention, with its attendant high mortality, inevitable.

J Antimicrob Chemother, 1983 Oct, 12 Suppl C, 21 - 7
Effects of subinhibitory antibiotics on bactericidal activity of chronic granulomatous disease granulocytes in vitro; Silva J Jr et al.; Experiments were performed on leukocytes from patients with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD), incubated with subinhibitory concentrations of antibiotics (clindamycin, methicillin and N-demethyl-lincomycin) . Results indicate a minor enhancement of bactericidal activity . This improvement occurred in both CGD homozygotes and one heterozygote and may indicate a future role for the use of low dose antibiotics to augment immune defences such as granulocyte function.

J Bone Joint Surg Am, 1983 Oct, 65(8), 1087 - 98
Two-stage reimplantation for the salvage of infected total knee arthroplasty; Insall JN et al.; The results of eleven two-stage reimplantations to salvage eleven infected total knee arthroplasties in ten women (seven with osteoarthritis and three with rheumatoid arthritis) were evaluated after an average follow-up of thirty-four months . The staged procedures included removal of all of the components of the prosthesis and all cement, then six weeks of parenteral antibiotic therapy (monitored by maintaining serum bactericidal levels at a peak dilution of 1:8), and finally reimplantation with a total condylar-type prosthesis . All antibiotics were discontinued after reimplantation . At follow-up, no patient had had a recurrence of the original infection, but one had a hematogenous infection with a different organism secondary to an infected bunion . The results after reimplantation were rated excellent in five knees, good in four, and fair in two . Weakness of the extensor mechanism with an extension lag was the most frequent complication . We do not believe that antibiotic therapy alone is adequate for the management of an infection around a prosthesis . The method described appears to be effective but it is costly and time-consuming . The surgical procedures and medical management are technically difficult, often special equipment and a custom-made prosthesis are required, and there are no shortcuts.

Br J Haematol, 1983 Oct, 55(2), 203 - 15
Impaired chemiluminescence and bactericidal killing by neutrophils from patients with severe cobalamin deficiency; Skacel PO et al.; Neutrophil function was examined in 24 patients with megaloblastic haemopoiesis due to vitamin B12-or folate deficiency . Defective bactericidal activity was demonstrated in the B12-deficient group only and was associated with normal phagocytic activity but impaired intracellular killing . Luminol amplified luminescence was consistently low in B12-deficient subjects with RBC counts of less than 2 X 10(12)/l . These defects were not seen in the folate-deficient cases although isolated abnormalities were present in those who were also alcoholic.

Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1983 Oct, 24(4), 463 - 7
Correlation of in vitro time-kill curves and kinetics of bacterial killing in cerebrospinal fluid during ceftriaxone therapy of experimental Escherichia coli meningitis; Decazes JM et al.; Ceftriaxone was highly active in eliminating Escherichia coli from the cerebrospinal fluid of rabbits infected with experimental meningitis . However, concentrations equal to or greater than 10 times the minimal bactericidal concentration had to be achieved to ensure optimal efficacy (rate of kill, 1.5 log10 CFU/ml per h) . In contrast to other beta-lactams studied in this model, ceftriaxone concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid progressively increased, whereas serum steady state was obtained by constant infusion . The percent penetration was 2.1% after 1 h of therapy, in contrast to 8.9% after 7 h (P less than 0.001) . In vitro time-kill curves done in cerebrospinal fluid or broth more closely predicted the drug concentrations required for a maximum cidal effect in vivo than that predicted by determinations of minimal inhibitory or bactericidal concentrations.

S Afr Med J, 1983 Sep 3, 64(10), 346 - 8
Effects of cefotaxime on neutrophil and lymphocyte functions; Van Rensburg CE et al.; The effects of cefotaxime on neutrophil functions in vitro were investigated . The in vivo effects of intramuscular injection of 1 g cefotaxime on mitogen-induced lymphocyte transformation as well as neutrophil functions were also studied . Cefotaxime in vitro significantly inhibited migration of neutrophils towards endotoxin-activated serum at a concentration of 10(-3)M and towards the synthetic chemotactic tripeptide N-formyl-L-methionyl-L-leucyl-L-phenylalanine at a concentration of greater than 10(-5)M . Post-phagocytic hexose-monophosphate shunt activity was unaffected in vitro by cefotaxime . Post-phagocytic myeloperoxidase-mediated iodination, however, was inhibited only a concentration of 10(-3)M . In vivo studies before and after injection of therapeutic doses of cefotaxime caused no changes in neutrophil functions, but injection of cefotaxime showed that the drug binds to neutrophils . This was confirmed by assaying cefotaxime levels before and after addition of the drug to neutrophils . The neutrophils also released the bound antibiotic, which retained bactericidal activity.

Jpn J Antibiot, 1983 Sep, 36(9), 2521 - 8
{Clinical effect of cefroxadine on surgical infections}; Aikawa T et al.; Cefroxadine (CXD), an orally active cephalosporin antibiotic, has a broad spectrum and a bactericidal action . The efficacy of CXD in the surgical field was investigated and the following results were obtained . CXD was administered to 31 cases in all; 13 cases with mastitis, 9 with wound infection, 4 with infected atheroma, 3 with periproctal abscess and 2 with phlegmon, respectively . The daily dose was ranged from 750 mg to 1,500 mg . Clinical effects were good in 27 cases and fair in 4 cases, and the effective rate was 87.1% . As to side effects, a slight diarrhea was observed in 1 case, but the symptom was disappeared after 2 days without a special treatment.

Eur J Pediatr, 1983 Sep, 140(4), 329 - 30
Impaired metabolic function of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in glycogen storage disease Ib; Gahr M et al.; To elucidate the basis for the recurrent infections in patients with glycogen storage disease (GSD) Ib we tested polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) function in one patient . Bactericidal capacity and phagocytosis-induced O2 consumption were reduced . Also, phorbol myristate acetate-stimulated superoxide production and glucose oxidation through the hexose monophosphate shunt were diminished compared to control subjects . Therefore it could be speculated that in PMN of patients with GSD Ib, glucose-6-phosphate has no access to the enzymes of the hexose monophosphate shunt due to a transport-related defect as shown for glucogenesis in hepatocytes.

J Infect, 1983 Sep, 7(2), 118 - 24
Polymorph function, complement and immunoglobulins in Nigerian patients with pneumococcal infections; Onyemelukwe GC; Polymorphonuclear function was found adequate in vitro in Nigerian patients with pneumococcal infections by a bactericidal assay against type I pneumococcus in the same opsonin system . In the classical complement screening 40 per cent of the patients had values below 50 per cent of standard, perhaps reflecting deficiencies of the early classical pathway components.

Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1983 Sep, 24(3), 429 - 31
In vitro activity of amoxicillin in combination with clavulanic acid against Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Cynamon MH et al.; The comparative in vitro activity of amoxicillin alone and in combination with clavulanic acid against 15 isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis was evaluated by broth dilution susceptibility testing . Amoxicillin inhibited 4 of 15 isolates at 8 micrograms/ml or less but was not bactericidal against any of the isolates at that concentration . Amoxicillin in combination with clavulanic acid was bactericidal for 14 of 15 isolates tested at an amoxicillin concentration of 4 micrograms/ml or less and a clavulanic acid concentration of 2 micrograms/ml or less.

J Med Chem, 1983 Sep, 26(9), 1329 - 33
Aza analogues of lucanthone: synthesis and antitumor and bactericidal properties; Croisy-Delcey M et al.; Three types of aza analogues of lucanthone were synthesized for evaluation as antitumor drugs . None of the compounds was found to have significant cytotoxic effects either on Friend tumor cells or on L1210 leukemia cells . However, one of the target compounds, 5,10-dihydro-10-oxo-1-{{3-(diethylamino)propyl}amino}-3-methylpyrido {4,3-b}quinoline, was shown to have noticeable antibiotic properties.

J Hosp Infect, 1983 Sep, 4(3), 245 - 55
A comparison of triclosan and chlorhexidine preparations with 60 per cent isopropyl alcohol for hygienic hand disinfection; Bartzokas CA et al.; Four detergent preparations containing triclosan; two alcoholic products, containing triclosan and chlorhexidine respectively, and a detergent preparation containing chlorhexidine were compared with 60 per cent isopropyl alcohol following a single hand wash using Escherichia coli as the test organism . In vitro tests indicated that all had a high activity against hospital pathogens . The triclosan-containing preparations exhibited a significant pathogens . The triclosan-containing preparations exhibited a significant residual activity . Experiments in volunteers showed that 0.5 per cent alcoholic triclosan was significantly more effective than all other preparations tested . All the detergent preparations had an effect similar to that of 60 per cent isopropyl alcohol . None of the seven products evaluated was significantly less bactericidal than 60 per cent isopropyl alcohol.

Environ Res, 1983 Aug, 31(2), 340 - 54
Rabbit alveolar macrophages after inhalation of soluble cadmium, cobalt, and copper: a comparison with the effects of soluble nickel; Johansson A et al.; Rabbits were exposed to aerosols of chlorides of cadmium, copper, and cobalt (0.4-0.6 mg/m3 as metal) for 1 month (5 days/weeks and 6 hr/day) . The effects of alveolar macrophages were compared with earlier reported effects of nickel chloride (0.3 mg/m3 as Ni) . Effects of Cd2+ exposure resembled those of Ni2+ exposure . The number of macrophages in lavage fluid and the variance of cell diameters were thus increased and many cells contained lamellated inclusions . Contrary to macrophages from Ni2+-exposed rabbits, the surface of about 50% of the cells had cytoplasmic blebs . However, such cells were rarely seen by scanning electron microscopy . There were significantly more polymorphonucleated neutrophils and small lymphocytes, suggesting lung parenchymal damage . Cells from Cd2+-exposed animals, like cells from Ni2+-exposed ones, showed an increased oxidative metabolic activity after stimulation with Escherichia coli bacteria . Bactericidal capacity, on the other hand, tended to be enhanced rather than decreased, as in the nickel experiment . After CO2+ exposure, the number of macrophages was slightly increased in the lavage fluid and the cells showed an increased metabolic activity both at rest and upon stimulation with bacteria . Cu2+ exposure gave a slight increase in lamellated inclusions in the macrophages.

South Med J, 1983 Aug, 76(8), 1008 - 10
Hematologic and immunologic abnormalities in anorexia nervosa; Kay J et al.; Anorexia nervosa has been associated with various hematologic and immunologic abnormalities, including characteristic bone marrow changes, red cell acanthocytosis, leukopenia, complement deficiencies, and defective bactericidal activity of granulocytes . Dietary and psychogenic factors may play a role in these abnormalities, which are readily reversible after resolution of the underlying anorectic state . Although clinical data are conflicting, anorectic patients may have an increased susceptibility to infection.

Anal Biochem, 1983 Jul 15, 132(2), 345 - 52
Assay method for myeloperoxidase in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes; Suzuki K et al.; A simple assay method for measuring myeloperoxidase (MPO) has been developed . MPO is found in polymorphonuclear leukocytes and is important as a bactericidal agent in the presence of H2O2 and halide ions . This improved assay method is based on work of Andrews and Krinsky using tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) a noncarcinogenic substrate . By assaying MPO under optimal conditions of TMB at 1.6 mM, H2O2 concentration of 0.3 mM, pH 5.4, and incubation temperature of 37 degrees C, sensitivity of MPO measurements increased eightfold in comparison with the original TMB method . A method has been established to determine absorbance at 655 nm of the reaction mixture by incubation for 3 min and then stopping the reaction by the addition of pH 3.0 buffer . An attempt was also made to raise the sensitivity by using 3,3'-dimethyoxybenzidine (DMB), a carcinogenic substrate . The improved TMB method was 34 times more sensitive than the DMB method.

Pediatrics, 1983 Jul, 72(1), 88 - 92
Neutrophils and zinc in infection-prone children with sickle cell disease; Carpentieri U et al.; Neutrophils can be distinguished as EA negative (EA-N) or EA positive (EA+N), according to rosette formation with sheep erythrocytes . EA- neutrophils show a bactericidal activity 50% to 70% lower than EA+ neutrophils . Thirty children with sickle cell disease were studied during steady state and crises/infections, together with matched control children . EA+ and EA- neutrophils, zinc levels in the body, and frequency of previous bacterial infection were evaluated . Sixty percent of the patients (18/30) had zinc deficiency (zinc less than 8.5 micrograms/10(10) RBC): of this group, more than three fourths (14/18) had a high frequency of infections (greater than or equal to 3/yr) and most of those (11/14) also had an increased percentage of EA- neutrophils (80% to 85% v 35% to 45% in control subjects) . Only 4/18 of patients with zinc deficiency had a low frequency of infections, and only one of these four had a higher percentage of EA- neutrophils . In patients with normal zinc levels (12/30 or 40%), only three had frequent infections, but only one of these had an increased percentage of EA- neutrophils . The number of EA+ neutrophils increased after stimulation with epinephrine or during crises/infections . In six patients with more pronounced zinc deficiency and more severe crisis/infection, a delay in the increase of EA+ neutrophils occurred and was corrected by treatment . These findings suggest that a higher percentage of neutrophils with less bactericidal activity in many children with sickle cell disease and zinc deficiency may be a factor in the higher incidence of infections noted in these patients, and zinc might play a role in the formation, release, and activity of neutrophils.

Am J Med, 1983 Jul, 75(1), 91 - 6
Fasting-enhanced immune effector mechanisms in obese subjects; Wing EJ et al.; Acute nutritional deprivation occurs frequently in clinical practice, yet little data exist on its effect on immune host defenses . To investigate this question, various immune parameters were studied in 15 obese subjects before and after a 14-day fast . Blood monocyte bactericidal activity and natural killer cell cytolytic activity were enhanced by fasting: monocyte killing increased in 12 of 14 subjects (p less than 0.05) and natural killer cell activity increased an average of 24 percent in 13 subjects tested (p less than 0.02) . Starvation also enhanced parameters of humoral immunity as evidenced by increases in serum concentrations of IgG, IgA, and IgM (p less than 0.01) . By contrast, lymphocyte blastogenic responses to the mitogen phytohemagglutinin were modestly decreased . Peripheral blood leukocyte counts, including neutrophils, T cells, and B cells, did not decrease significantly . These results indicate that fasting has differential influences on immune function rather than a uniformly deleterious effect . Of potential import, this nutritional alteration appears to actually enhance certain effector functions of the host defense system.

Boll Ist Sieroter Milan, 1983 Jul, 62(3), 268 - 72
Neutrophyl function in children with chondrodystrophia calcificans congenita: evidence for defective chemotaxis; De Martino M et al.; Some neutrophil functions (superoxide anion production, bactericidal activity and chemotaxis) have been examined in four children with Chondrodystrophia Calcificans Congenita . Superoxide anion production and bactericidal activity were in the normal range, but a defect in cellular chemotaxis has been proved . This finding account for predisposition to infection which is frequently present in these patients, and may include this disease among those syndromes in which a deficiency of the immune system is associated with growth failure.

Zentralbl Bakteriol Mikrobiol Hyg {A}, 1983 Jul, 255(1), 132 - 7
Antigens and toxic components of Legionella in pathogenesis and immunity; Wong KH et al.; Legionellae are opportunistic facultative intracellular pathogens with several antigens and toxic components which may function synergistically in contribution to pathogenesis and immunity . The serogroup specific antigens are associated with endotoxic activities of the bacteria and are potent adjuvants in inducing hypersensitivity and potentiating antibody responses to various antigens . Two protein toxins interfere with oxidative metabolism of host cells and are potential inhibitors of intracellular bactericidal activities . Tissue damage in the host appears to be caused by lysis of infected cells with release of toxic substances of host and bacterial origins . In host defense, the serogroup antigens provide primarily group-specific immunity, and the acid soluble protein toxin induces cross-protection among different serogroups . The combined effects of antibodies to these antigens in promoting phagocytosis and abrogating toxicity would enhance intracellular killing of the invading bacteria . The serogroup antigen complexes may also function as a potent adjuvant to modulate host responses to the invading bacteria.

J Gen Microbiol, 1983 Jul, 129 (Pt 7), 2021 - 7
Effect of nutrient depletion on sensitivity of Pseudomonas cepacia to phagocytosis and serum bactericidal activity at different temperatures; Anwar H et al.; Pseudomonas cepacia grown under different specific nutrient depletions in batch culture showed varying degrees of sensitivity to engulfment and killing by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) and to killing by human serum . Resistance to killing by the combined action of PMN and serum in while blood was found to increase in the following order of depletions: glucose less than iron less than sulphate less than phosphate or ammonium less than magnesium . There was also an increase in resistance to killing by whole blood with decrease in temperature, except that carbon-depleted cells remained very sensitive irrespective of temperature . Cells in the exponential phase of growth also showed a consistent increase in resistance as the temperature was decreased . Similar, but smaller effects were observed with oxygen-depleted cells . The increase in killing by whole blood as the phagocytic temperature was raised correlated with an increase in the number of bacteria ingested per PMN . A pattern of serum sensitivity was observed with cells grown under different nutrient depletions similar to that for whole blood . But in all cases whole blood was 6 to 10 times more effective than serum alone in killing the cells at 37 degrees C.

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