Infect Immun, 1976 Feb, 13(2), 634 - 42 Antigenicity of the M proteins of group A hemolytic streptococci: further evidence for shared determinants among serotypes; Wittner MK; Shared antigenic determinants between M proteins of group A streptococci appear to be widespread among serotypes . This is demonstrated by the ability of purified M proteins to absorb opsonic antibody from a variety of heterologous antisera prepared against whole cells or purified M proteins . This absorption procedure has the capacity to separate passive mouse protecting and passive hemagglutinating antibodies from opsonic antibodies measured in vitro . When whole cells or M proteins are used as heterologous absorbents, immunoglobulin may be recovered from the cells or precipitates . The recovered antibody has most of the opsonic and some of the precipitating qualities of the original unabsorbed serum, but hemagglutinating titers are significantly lower . These data provide additional evidence that shared antigenicity among M proteins can be the result of common antigenic determinants . Arguments are presented that these cross-reactions are not the result of a nonspecific protein fraction associated with purified M proteins. Infect Immun, 1976 Feb, 13(2), 619 - 26 Activity of two Streptococcus mutans bacteriocins in the presence of saliva, levan, and dextran; Delisle AL; The extracellular dextrans produced from sucrose by Streptococcus mutans strains BHT and GS-5 did not prevent the synthesis or release of active bacteriocins by these two strains . In addition, several streptococci that were genetically sensitive to these bacteriocins, and that could synthesize a variety of extracellular dextrans and levans from sucrose, remained phenotypically sensitive when grown in the presence of sucrose . Bacteriocin activity was not altered by treatment with high-molecular-weight dextran or by human saliva . The bacteriocins produced by, and active against, S . mutans thus appear to be capable of acting in vivo and may play a role in regulating the bacterial ecology of the oral cavity. J Immunol, 1976 Jan, 116(1), 86 - 8 The effect of heat-killed streptococci on the survival of heart grafts in inbred strains of mice; Davis WC et al.; Studies with inbred strains of mice revealed that exposure to type 12, Group A, beta-hemolytic streptococci affects the host response to heart grafts implanted in the ear . Intraperitoneal injection of streptococci 10 days before grafting led to curtailed survival of syngrafts without altering the normal rejection time of allografts . Similar sensitization, combined with local injection of streptococci into the graft site at the time of grafting, was followed by rapid rejection of both syngrafts and allografts . The time interval between exposure and grafting was critical . Injection with streptococci 5 days before grafting led to a prolonged survival of allografts and no demonstrable effect on syngrafts . In contrast, injection of streptococci 15 days before grafting did not alter survival of either type of graft . The data indicate heart grafts implanted in the ear may serve as a useful model for the study of the host responses to streptococcal antigens. J Dent Res, 1976 Jan, 55, A154 - 65 Strain typing of oral streptococci by the use of bacterial antagonism; Kolstad RA; Strain-typing methods utilizing microbial antagonism have been developed for S sanguis and for S mutans . The inhibition observed resembled that of bacteriocins . Inhibition within the species S sanguis was obtained with group D streptococci and facultative members of the genus Bacillus . Thirty-three inhibitors were paired (not in all possible combinations) with 37 isolates of S sanguis . Depending on the inhibitor, growth of between 15 and 85% of the sensitive indicators was halted . Three of the inhibitors manifested identical patterns of inhibition . Of the 37 S sanguis isolates, 34 exhibited individual patterns of inhibition . The three exceptions could be differentiated by their antagonism against sensitive indicators of S mutans . Variations in susceptibility to antagonism produced by group D streptococci allowed each of ten strains of S mutans to be typed . Present work for typing the oral streptococci is focused on computer-assisted searches for minimal typing sets . S mutans is sensitive to inhibition by some members of the species S sanguis . From a group of 58 challengers, 44 inhibited at least one of ten strains of S mutans, and 11 strains of S sanguis were able to halt the growth of half or more of the sensitive indicators . These results are useful not only for strain typing but form the basis for in vivo competition studies. Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek, 1976, 42(1-2), 9 - 12 Antibacterial activity of delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol; Van Klingeren B et al.; The minimum inhibiting concentrations (MIC) of delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) for staphylococci and streptococci in broth are in the range of 1-5 mug/ml . In the same range, both compounds are also bactericidal . In media containing 4% serum or 5% blood the antibacterial activity is strongly reduced (MIC 50 mug/ml) . Gram-negative bacteria are resistant to THC and CBD. Scand J Dent Res, 1976 Jan, 84(1), 1 - 10 The predominant cultivable organisms in juvenile periodontitis; Slots J; Quantitative and qualitative examinations of the predominant cultivable microflora of the advanced tissue destruction (pocket) associated with juvenile periodontitis and of control pockets without loss of attachment were carried out by using anaerobic tube culture technique . The microflora from the control sites consisted primarily of streptococci, Gram-negative rods, and Gram-positive rods . In contrast, the test pockets had a relatively stable and characteristic microflora, dominated by various Gram-negative, anaerobic rods . The Gram-negative rods were divided into main groups, but a satisfactory classification of many of these microorganisms could not be performed with the methods used and the data available . The predominating Gram-negative rods differed from individual to individual . The role of the Gram-negative rods in the etiology of juvenile periodontitis is unknown . Some potential pathogenic mechanisms of these microorganisms are discussed. J Dent Res, 1976 Jan, 55, A96 - 102 Cellular fatty acid composition of Streptococcus mutans and related streptococci; Lambert MA et al.; The cellular fatty acid composition of 18 strains of Streptococcus mutans and 17 isolates of related streptococci were examined by gas-liquid chromatography . The cultures could be divided into two distinct groups on the basis of their fatty acids . The first group, which included S mutans and S salivarius, contained palmitic (16:0), octadecenoic (18:1), stearic (18:0), eicosenoic (20:1), and eicosanoic (20:0) acids . The presence of the two 20-carbon fatty acids distinguished S mutans and S salivarius from all of the other species . Two of the S mutans cultures were further distinguished by the presence of 19-carbon and 21-carbon cyclopropane acids . The second group included S sanguis, S mitis, S uberis, and a culture of Lancefield group C streptococci . The percentages of the major acids (16:0, 18:1, and 18:0) found in these species were essentially identical . A culture of Lancefield group E streptococci contained large amounts of 16:1 and 18:1 and small amounts of two unidentified acids which were not present in any of the other cultures. J Dent Res, 1976 Jan, 55, A166 - 76 Physiological classification of oral viridans streptococci; Hardie JM et al.; The human mouth harbors large numbers of a variety of greening streptococci . For many years the classification and nomenclature of these organisms have been confused, but recent studies have clarified the situation considerably . Five distinct species can be distinguished among the oral streptococci S mutans, S sanguis, S mitior, S milleri, and S salivarius, and these may be identified using a simple scheme consisting of seven physiological tests . Further subdivisions within these species may be achieved using serological methods . A small number of oral streptococci remain which cannot easily be identified with existing schemes . These may represent additional species that, as yet, have not been adequately described . There seems little justification for continuing the practive of calling all alpha-hemolytic streptococci simple "Streptococcus viridans". J Int Med Res, 1976, 4(3), 176 - 8 Treatment of skin and soft tissue infections with cefadroxil, a new oral cephalosporin; Cordero A; Oral cefadroxil in doses of 0-6-1-8 g per day given on twice or three times daily schedules was effective in the treatment of thirty-six patients with infections such as abscesses, carbuncles, cellulitis, furunculosis and impetigo . Staphylococcus aureus strains and beta-haemolytic streptococci, alone or in combination, were cultured from lesions before treatment . In vitro studies with test discs showed that all the organisms were sensitive to cefadroxil, but twenty-three of twenty-nine S aureus strains and one of the seven streptococci strains were resistant to penicillin G . Pre- and post-treatment laboratory tests of renal, hepatic and haematopoietic functions produced no evidence of drug toxicity . The cefadroxil dosage effective in this study is lower than that recommended for currently available oral cephalosporins, which must be given on a four times daily schedule. Infection, 1976, 4(4), 196 - 203 Viridans streptococci associated with periapical dental abscesses; Wickremesinghe R et al.; Viridans streptococci isolated in apparently pure culture from periapical dental abscess have been examined . It has been found that each abscesses is associated with only one type of a given species of Streptococcus . The distribution of types of Strep . mitis found in abscesses differed from the distribution in healthy mouths, but no particular type occurred significantly more often in abscesses than in mouths. Ann Biol Clin (Paris), 1976, 34(5), 329 - 33 {The diagnosis of a group of Streptococci . 1 - Comparative study of various techniques for the extraction of the polyoside antigen from Streptococci}; Bergogne-Berezin E et al.; The present importance of streptococcal pathology implicates the identification of the streptococcal groups . The authors have carried out a comparative study of the various methods of extraction of the group specific antigen . They demonstrated the advantages and disadvantages of each method and consider the pronase extraction method to be the simplest, the most rapid and the most specific. Ann Biol Clin (Paris), 1976, 34(6), 415 - 21 {Group diagnosis of streptococci . II . - Comparative study of precipitation technics in liquid and gelified media}; Bergogne-Berezin E et al.; The identification of the antigenic group of streptococci is based on an interphasic precipitation reaction in liquid medium (Lancefield) . The authors propose to adapt to the identification of streptococcal groups, the techniques of precipitation in gel medium, They compare in 220 strains the techniques of immunodiffusion (Ouchterlony) and immunoelectro-osmophoresis, giving their preference to the latter which is safe, specific, economic and rapid. Ann Biol Clin (Paris), 1976, 34(3), 229 - 34 {Simple and rapid technic of grouping of streptococci}; Laban P et al.; The authors propose a simple and rapid technique of grouping of streptococci . Streptococcal extracts were obtained by the action of nitrous acid at laboratory temperature . Serogrouping was carried out by electro-immunodiffusion . A study was made of 200 strains of hospital origin . The qualities of specificity and sensitivity of the method proposed are emphasized. Scand J Immunol, 1976, 5(4), 383 - 90 Natural infection of man with group A streptococci . Levels; restriction in class, subclass, and type; and clonal appearance of polysaccharide-group-specific antibodies; Riesen WF et al.; The level of antibodies specific for the two serologically distinct polysaccharides of group A and group A-variant streptococci was investigated in human sera by a modified Farr technique . Whereas there was an obvious relationship between the anti-streptolysin O titer and the level of group-A-specific antibodies, suggesting a recent streptococcal infection with group A streptococci, this correlation was not apparent for the level of group A-variant antibodies . There is evidence suggesting that children have significantly lower group A polysaccharide antibody levels than adults; this is not true of their group A-variant antibody levels . There was an apparent restriction of groups A- and A-variant-specific antibodies to the kappa light-chain type and IgG2 heavy-chain subclass . Whereas only one serum contained group A-specific antibodies also associated with IgG3 heavy chains, nine sera contained anti-group A-variant-specific antibodies with both IgG2 and IgG3 heavy chains . No anti-polysaccharide activity was detected in the IgM and IgA class of serum antibodies . Anti-group A and anti-group A-variant antibodies of human sera are restricted with respect to the number of clonotypes that are shown by isoelectric focusing . The most heterogeneous sera contained roughly ten clonotypes. Microbios, 1976, 16(65-66), 153 - 68 Variation of M protein with sequential transfer of group A streptococci in semisynthetic media; Pine L; The growth and production of M protein by 18 strains of Streptococcus pyogenes of different M types were compared in semisynthetic media having either starch or Tween 80 as binders of oleic acid and either acid-hydrolysed casein or casitone as a source of amino acids . Most strains of M-type 12 showed substantial loss of M protein synthesis within several sequential transfers in the casein hydrolysate-Tween (CH-Tw) medium, but M protein synthesis was brough to its original concentration by a single transfer to semisynthetic medium to which 4% (v/v) horse serum or 50% (v/v) Todd Hewitt broth had been added . Six of eight strains of M-type 22 showed a complete loss of M antigen within one ortwo transfers in the CH-Tw medium . Re-initiation of M protein synthesis required the presence of both Todd Hewitt broth and horse serum . No evidence was found correlating loss of M protein to synthesis of proteinase since proteinase was not formed in the CH-Tw medium . Although the genetic loss of M protein synthesis did occur with one strain, the experimental results emphasized that variation in specific concentration of M protein or cessation of its synthesis resulted primarily from the absence of nutritional factors regulating its synthesis. Eksp Med Morfol, 1976, 15(3), 152 - 5 {Development of delayed hypersensitivity in rats with streptococcal myocarditis and arthritis}; Vulkova B et al.; The authors induced streptococcal myocarditis and arthritis in rats by means of three methods . They proved the development of late hypersensitivity in the experimental animals by determining skin sensitivity and by transfer of lymphocytes and leucocytes from animals with myocarditis and arthritis of healthy recipients . The maximal percentage of animals with late hypersensitivity was obtained in the groups, in whom leucocytes from rats with arthritis were transfered . The arthritis was caused by administration of alive streptococcal culture (at 14 days intervals) three times . Recipients of leucocytes from rats with adjuvant arthritis and streptococci were next . The smallest percentage of successful transfer of late hypersensitivity was obtained in recipients of leucocytes, isolated from animals with streptococcal arthritis and myocarditis, induced after single contamination with alive streptococcal culture. Acta Odontol Scand, 1976, 34(6), 329 - 43 Turku sugar studies X . Occurrence of polysaccharide-forming streptococci and ability of the mixed plaque microbiota to ferment various carbohydrates; Gehring F et al.; Dental plaque samples collected from the subjects during the last 20 months of the 2 year trial were subjected to quantitative and qualitative analysis of the occurrence of S . mutans, S . sanguis, S . salivarius and the total growth on phenol red agar . Lyophilized plaque samples were homogenized and incubated on a sucrose containing medium under anaerobic conditions . In addition, the pH-values were measured after incubation of the mixed plaque flora in media containing 1% respectively xylitol(X), sorbitol, sucrose (S), fructose (F) or no carbohydrates . The results show a significantly lower incidence of S . mutans in the X-group relative to the S- and F-groups . The corresponding difference could not be observed between the S- and F-groups . The logarithmic means and standard deviations of the colony counts of S . sanguis, S . salivarius and total bacteria yielded no significant differences between the 3 sugar groups during the test period . Repeated pH-measurements, carried out at the 4, 12, 18 and 24 month phases, showed that, except in the presence of X, the mean values all fell below the pH-limit of 5.5 . In the course of the study, no evidence was obtained of adaption of mutation enabling acidogenic decomposition of X . These findings emphasize the importance of low acidogenic potential in dental plaque, generally paralleled by a low incidence of dental caries. Zentralbl Gynakol, 1976, 98(17), 1075 - 8 {Infections in newborn infants caused to B-streptococci}; Gunther E et al.; An increased morbidity by Streptococcus agalactiae (group B streptococci) during the perinatal period was to be found in some countries since 1961 . Six cases of group B streptococcal meningitis were confirmed by the Central Streptococcus Laboratory of the GDR from July to December 1975 . Therefore it is necessary to look for group B streptococcal infection in certain cases of diseases of the newborn . In a short review of literature the clinical signs (acute onset with respiratory distress, sepsis or late onset with meningitis), prevalence, source of infection and therapy (ampicillin or a combination of penicillin G and gentamicin) were summarized . The diagnosis is confirmed by isolation of group B streptococci. Veroff Pathol, 1976, 100, 1 - 87 {Posttraumatic pyogenic and granulomatous encephalitis . An animal experimental contribution on inflammation (author's transl)}; Schachenmayr W; The present studies were performed to elucidate the factors responsible for the relative resistance of the brain to bacterial infections . As a model, group A streptococci were used to produce an experimental brain infection in mice . Attention was focussed on the activity of brain macrophages, the function of which to date is poorly understood . The primary purpose of the experiments was to compare the types of inflammation elicited in the brain by the injection of either killed or living group A streptococci . As a result, two fundamentally different types of encephalitis were observed histologically . A granulomatous inflammation was induced by killed streptococci; when deposited in the brain by intracerebral injection, these were phagocytosed by invading mononuclear macrophages and polymorphonuclear granulocytes during the first day p.i . There was no necrosis of brain tissue excepting the stab wound at the site of injection . The number of granulocytes in the inflammatory infiltrates decreased during the first week p.i . whereas, during the same period, the number of macrophages forming granuloma-like cell accummulations increased . At the beginning of the third week a fading of the granulomatous encephalitis was observed . In contrast, living streptococci produced a pyogenic inflammation of the meninges as well as of the grey and white matter in the region of the stab wound combined with extended tissue necrosis surrounding deposits of bacteria . This pyogenic infection progressed until the end of the first week, forming a brain abscess . A phlegmonous spreading of the pyogenic inflammation predominantly in the white matter and pyocephalus internus was also observed . In contrast to the increase of mononuclear macrophages in the border zone of the abscesses, the granulocytic inflammation decreased . During the second and third weeks p.i . granulation tissue consisting of proliferating connective tissue cells, macrophages and lymphocytes replaced pyogenic necrosis . A secondary purpose was to determine the fate of living and killed streptococci within the pyogenic and granulomatous encephalitis . In these studies immunohistologic, electron microscopic, bacteriologic and serologic methods were employed in addition to the techniques already mentioned . In the majority of the experimental animals streptococci were killed by granulocytes within the first week after injection of the living bacteria . At this time, most of the streptococci were contained within granulocytes and macrophages located to the periphery of the brain abscesses . Corresponding to the granulomatous encephalitis produced by injection of killed streptococci it was possible to detect persistent cell wall material in macrophages by immunohistology . By electronmicroscopy streptococci and their cell walls were found within the phagocytic vacuoles of macrophages . During the course of degradation the group-specific cell wall carbohydrate was enzymatically converted into the group A-variant specific structure... Scand J Infect Dis, 1976, 8(3), 219 - 21 Neonatal osteomyelitis caused by group B streptococci; Ragnhildstveit E et al.; A 3-week-old infant with a group B streptococcal osteomyelitis is described . On admission swelling and fluctuation were combined with local erythema in the right ankle joint region . Group B streptococci, type Ib, were isolated both from blood and from the local focus in the ankle . The diagnosis was further confirmed by X-ray examination showing a lytic lesion in the talus . The child was successfully treated with penicillin, initially in combination with kanamycin. Scand J Infect Dis, 1976, 8(3), 217 - 8 Streptococcus zooepidemicus (group C streptococci) as a cause of human infection; Kohler W et al.; Cervical lymphadenitis with high fever and respiratory distress in a 3-year-old boy is reported . Group C streptococci were isolated from the boy's throat and these were identified as Streptococcus zooepidemicus . The patient recovered after treatment with penicillin . Strep . zooepidemicus is extremely rare as a causative organism of human infections . Even symptomless carriers are very rare . Group C streptococci isolated from humans normally belong to the species Strep . equisimilis. Scand J Infect Dis, 1976, 8(3), 161 - 4 Streptococcal types in impetigo and acute glomerulonephritis among children in Addis Ababa; Axemo P et al.; Studies on the streptococcal epidemiology of impetigo in children below 12 years of age in Addis Ababa indicated that most streptococci isolated belonged to the classic serological impetigo strains . Streptococcal type 9 seemed to be a new impetigo strain . Several cases of severe acute glomerulonephritis on impetigo basis were observed during the study. Scand J Infect Dis, 1976, 8(3), 157 - 60 Microbiological aspects on peritonsillar abscesses; Flodstrom A et al.; In 37 patients with unilateral quinsy put was collected with a syringe technique and bacteriologically examined . Beta-hemolytic streptococci were isolated from 17 abscesses; in 8 of these, however, together with other bacteria, mainly anaerobes . Anaerobic bacteria, often more than one species, were found in 28 abscesses . Streptococcal serology including AST-O, Streptozyme and separate ADNAse test showed high titres or titre rises in 22 out of 30 examined cases . There was one case with beta-hemolytic streptococci in the abscess but negative serology . In the remaining cases a possible primary etiological role of anaerobes is suggested . The effect of combined surgical drainage and treatment with antibiotics (ampicillin or penicillin V) was good. Arch Exp Veterinarmed, 1976 Jan 1, 30(1), 145 - 50 {Artificial intranasal bacterial invasion in the newborn calf . 1 . Quantitative assessment of nasal secretion for certain groups of bacteria}; Schulze F; A technique has been developed for quantitative assessment of nasal secretion for the presence of specified groups of bacteria, as a contribution to microbiological treatment of the problem of artificial intranasal bacterial invasion in newborn and nursed calf . Some 10(6) to 10(7) bacteria were recorded from each gram of nasal secretion in calves exposed to natural bacterial invasion . Micrococci and green diplococci were very rare, with only 10(3) to 10(4) or hardly up to 10(5) bacteria per gram of nasal secretion . Streptococci were irregularly found in smaller counts . Bacteria of the coli group went up steeply on the second or not later than the third day of age, and the rise continued to the ninth day . Coliform germs accounted for high or even the highest percentage in total invasion during that period of time. Infection, 1976, 4(1 Suppl), 40 - 8 The incidence and aetiology of respiratory tract infections in general practice--with emphasis on Mycoplasma pneumoniae; Mardh PA et al.; The incidence of respiratory tract infections in patients seeking medical advice at a community care centre (Dalby) during 1973 and 1974 was studied . About every third patient seen at this primary health station presented with signs of such infections . In the age groups less than 10, 10-19, 20-39, 40-59 and greater than or equal to 60 years, respiratory tract infections accounted for 65, 45, 32, 18 and 9% of the fotal number of diagnoses made during 1974 . The aetiology of acute respiratory tract infections in a series of patients seen at this health station was studied . The series included randomly selected cases, but excluded children under seven years of age and patients presenting with signs of acute otitis media and tonsillitis . Attempts to establish the aetiology were made on the basis of the history, the clinical examination, and cultures for beta-haemolytic streptococci and Mycoplasma pneumoniae, complement foxation tests for influenza A and B, para-influenza 1, 2, and 3, adeno, cytomegalovirus and respiratory syncytial virus, and Chlamydia psittaci . Paul-Bunnell test and tests for cold agglutinins were also performed . With this test battery, an aetiological diagnosis was obtained in only 33% of the 101 patients studied . The findings suggest an infection with M.pneumoniae in 16%, with beta-haemolytic streptococci in 9%, and with viruses (adeno and para-influenza) in 7% of the patients . The present communication highlights the role of M.pneumoniae in upper respiratory infections, as few data have appeared on such infections in patients seen in general practice . The difficulty of establishing the aetiology of respiratory tract infections and the consequent treatment dilemma is discussed. Immunol Commun, 1976, 5(1-2), 41 - 51 Identification of group a streptococci by reverse passive hemagglutination; Edwards EA et al.; A method for preparing sensitized human O erythrocytes with specific antibody is reported . Whole sera or 40% ammonium sulfate insoluble globulin fractions did not satisfactorily sensitize erythrocytes to agglutinate in the presence of either group specific polysaccharide of group A beta-hemolytic strepticocci or antigen produced during colony formation . Antibody purified by affinity chromatography sensitized the erythrocytes to rapidly agglutinate in the presence of either antigen . No spontaneous or "pseudo-immune" agglutination occured when the sensitized erythrocytes were suspended in human serum . Such sensitized human cells, while more difficult to prepare than sensitized staphylococci, should be suitable for detecting bacterial or viral antigens in vivo. Scand J Infect Dis, 1976, 8(2), 83 - 7 A retrospective study of the occurrence of beta-haemolytic streptococci of various Lancefield groups in routine cultures from the County of Uppsala; Bengtsson S et al.; During the months October to December of the years 1971-1974 the incidence of beta-haemolytic streptococci of the Lancefield groups, A, B, C and G from patients in the County of Uppsala was studied . The proportion of culture positive patients increased during the period studied from 7.2% to 13.7% . The increase was not only due to group A . In cultures from the respiratory tract the finding of group A streptococci increased from 4.1% to 10.7% and group C from 0.1% to 1.6%, while group B and G streptococci remained constant . In cultures from wound infections the percentage of patients culture positive for group A streptococci increased from 6.2% to 8.7%, group B from 0.8% to 1.9%, and group G from 0.5% to 0.9%, while group C remained constant . During the same months of the years 1972 to 1974 the frequency of sera with an antistreptolysin O titre of more than 1 000 U/ml increased from 0.6% t0 2.3% in the same region . A clinical study of scarlet fever and pharyngotonsillitis at the Department of Infectious Diseases showed a similar trend concerning group A streptococcal infections . These results stress the great importance of group A beta-haemolytic streptocci in human infections and indicate that the recent interest in non-group A infections should be continued. Scand J Infect Dis, 1976, 8(2), 79 - 81 The persistence of group B streptococci in families; Bergqvist G et al.; Four years ago the relative occurrence of group B streptococci was studied in a group of 118 term pregnant women of which 17 were B-streptococcal carriers . Of these, 15 were investigated in connection with the delivery . 11 of these women were reexamined 45-50 months after delivery together with their families . A high frequency of positive cultures without symptoms (50%) was found in this small group of women and their husbands compared with male and female control groups . Persistence seems to be common, a fact to be remembered in subsequent pregnancies. J Hyg Epidemiol Microbiol Immunol, 1976, 20(1), 61 - 75 Complex surveillance of Streptococcus pyogenes . III . Immunological characteristics of streptococcal resistance in blood and new aspects of type nonspecific protection; Kahlich R; The influence of nonspecific immunity factors in indifferent human blood on the resistance of M non-typable field streptococci and collection M strains in the absence of anti-M antibodies was studied . The experimental results indicate that primary resistance is conditioned on balanced equipment of the strain with M protein and the nonspecific cofactor receptor {R} . Disbalanced strains were strongly phagocytized, with participation by nonspecific opsonins (complement C3 and nonspecific cofactor), irrespective of their M protein content . M + R--disbalance (selected collection strains) and M--R + disbalance (field strains on artificial media) were observed . The M and R resistance factor equipment of the streptococci probably represents plus and minus variants in the diverse process of the asymptomatic dissemination and pathogenic activity of streptococci in the human population . The given results are manifestly related to the general manner of existence of streptococci, to questions of conditional pathogenicity and to the concept of nonspecific defence against streptococci. Scand J Dent Res, 1976 Jan, 84(1), 20 - 8 A method for studying adherence of oral streptococci to solid surfaces; Olsson J et al.; The adherence of different streptococci to test pieces of glass, human enamel and whale dentin carried in the mouth or immersed in saliva or bacterial suspensions was studied by examining the number and frequency of microorganisms which were selectively desorbed by a standardized washing technique . The results obtained from in vivo and in vitro experiments were similar in principle . The proportion of streptococci obtained in the first washing resembled that found in the saliva, but with more vigorous washing the proportion of S . sanguis increased while that of S . salivarius decreased . This illustrates that different microorganisms can attach to solid surfaces with different strengths . The applicability of the method was tested by treating dentin surfaces with fluoride solutions and by incorporating sucrose in the test solution . The fluoride treatment reduced while the sucrose addition increased the number of streptococci which could be removed from the surfaces. Allerg Immunol (Leipz), 1976, 22(2), 197 - 225 {The immunobiology of M-proteins of Streptococcus pyogenes . III . Immunization of rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta)}; Kohler W et al.; Rhesus monkeys were used for the examination of immunogenicity of various preparations of M-antigens of Streptococcus pyogenes, types 1, 12, and 19 . The antigens were applied in various dosages, but always with alumniumhydroxide as adjuvant . The challenge infection was provided by the homologous type, in some cases by an additional heterologous type . After intravenous infection all the animals fell ill, as the high dose of infective agents led to poisoning . The majority of immunized animals, however, did not show an increase of antistreptolysin titers with the type 1-infections - a sign of the absence of any reproduction of the injected streptococci in the animal organism . This behaviour was also observed in animals where no protective antibodies (bactericidal and long-chain antibodies) were verified before the infection . The electrocardiographic findings also indicate the protective effect of M-protein vaccines . In all control animals changes were seen which indicated an acute myocarditis . Normal electrocardiograms were obtained from the monkeys which had been immunized and afterwards infected . The administration of antigen every two weeks over a period of one year did not lead to the occurrence of any visible allergy in the skin test . The lymphocyte transformation test showed an increased rate of transformation in some immunized and infected animals, but this is not type-specific. Allerg Immunol (Leipz), 1976, 22(2), 171 - 8 {The immunobiology of M-proteins of Streptococcus pyogenes . I . Isolation and purification of M-proteins from group A streptococci (Streptococcus pyogenes) type 1}; Kuhnemund O et al.; Streptococci of group A, type 1, are lysed by use of phage associated lysin, which is characterized as a N-Acetyl-D-glucosaminidase . This enzyme has no proteolytic activity . Type specific protein antigens are isolated and purified by ion exchange chromatography on CM-cellulose and DEAE-cellulose of the crude extract, concentrated by precipitation with ammonium sulfate . The immunization tests are carried out on monkeys and rabbits. Acta Derm Venereol, 1976, 56(2), 139 - 47 Generalized pustular psoriasis . A report on thirteen patients; Lindgren S et al.; Generalized pustular psoriasis shows a fluctuating pattern, its course varying with time and from patient to patient . The prognosis and results of treatment are therefore extremely difficult to assess . The patients in this series have been followed up by us with regard to the natural course of the illness including complications and precipitating factors . Oral drug therapy has suprisingly often provoked acute pustular eruptions, and these patients have also strikingly often and rapidly developed contact allergy to topical applications . The undesirable effects of long-term systemic corticosteroid therapy have been confirmed in this series, chiefly by severe rebound phenomena, notwithstanding that such treatment has proved the only means of rapidly reversing life-threatening states . The effects of methotrexate and hydroxyurea were at times good but, not uncommonly, mediocre and occasionally even useless . Large doses of antibiotics have also failed to achieve the results described by others . On the contrary, secondary infection with beta-hemolytic streptococci has caused serious problems in several cases . Apart from careful protection from infection and precipitating factors, little can be done to influence the course of generalized pustular psoriasis, but trial with cytostatics is justified during severe bouts, pending the appearance of new lines of therapy. Infect Immun, 1976 Jan, 13(1), 69 - 77 Immunochemical analysis of distinct cellular antigens isolated from a nontypable bovine strain of group B streptococci; Toole B et al.; Four immunologically distinct antigens were isolated from a bovine strain of group B streptococci, designated 14 Mi . Chemical analysis indicated that two of the cell surface antigens consisted of glucose, galactose, and glucosamine, whereas the other cell surface antigen, an acidic protein, contained a predominance of aspartic acid, glutamic acid, and alanine . A cell wall-associated triheteroglycan consisting of galactose, glucose, and glucosamine was isolated from strain 14 Mi by 10% trichloroacetic acid . Immunochemical studies suggested that this glycan is type specific and consists of an immunodominant alpha-linked galactosyl-glucose disaccharide. J Dent Res, 1976 Jan, 55, A80 - 6 Application of fluorescent antibody methods in the analysis of plaque samples; Thomson LA et al.; Direct FA staining for S mutans serotypes may be performed on smears made from plaque or strain isolates and on colonies attached to agar plates of black membrane filters . Staining with single conjugates directed to S mutans serotypes (a to e) as well as with polyvalent a-, b-, d-, f-fluorescein label and c-, e-rhodamine label conjugates indicate that serotype c is the most common . This is in agreement with many reports by other investigators . Cross-reactions with many S mutans conjugates occurred with organisms resembling Lancefield groups C and G streptococci. Res Exp Med (Berl), 1975 Dec 30, 166(3), 265 - 73 {Renal changes by treatment with azatioprine (author's transl)}; Wehner H; Results of three months' treatment of 10 glomerulonephritic, 10 normal guinea pigs and of 10 normal rats with imurek (20 mg/kg/day) were as follows: 1 . The morphological picture of glomerulonephritis was demonstrable even three months after treatment with imurek . 2 . Predominant glomerular changes were demonstrated in both of guinea pigs and rats after treatment with imurek . These changes consisted of mesangial activation, focal glomerular necrosis and deposits of an amorphous clumped material in the mesangium . 3 . In some animals, streptococci and staphylococci could be cultivated from the blood of the vena renalis and from the renal surface . The results of the present study indicates that treatment of glomerulonephritis with immunosuppressiva is not always effective . It is probable that morphological deteriorations may be caused by a direct effect of the immunosuppressiva on the renal structure. N Z Med J, 1975 Dec 24, 82(554), 417 - 8 Antibiotic sensitivity in hand infections; Pringle KC; A survey of patients presenting for primary treatment of infected lesions on their hands was carried out . Eight-nine lesions were cultured from which 116 organisms were isolated . The main organisms were coagulase-positive staphylococci . In 24 cases these were acting in concert with group A beta-haemolytic streptococci . Of the coagulase-positive staphylococci isolated, 19 percent were resistant to sulphonamides, and only 45 percent were resistant to penicillin. N Z Med J, 1975 Dec 10, 82(553), 377 - 8 Streptococci and viruses in association with rheumatic fever in Wairoa; Chilvers CD; An analysis of 398 viral cultures from 151 children belonging to 101 families carried out in the Wairoa area in 1963: with an analysis of 169 throat swabs taken from the same group of 50 patients for the months of May, June, July and August 1974, and the incidence of the haemolytic streptococcus as found from the Wairoa Hospital laboratory cultures for 1974 is reported. Jpn J Exp Med, 1975 Dec, 45(6), 457 - 66 Isolation and properties of a streptococcal hemolysin formed in the presence of colistin; Fujita M et al.; The strains of beta-hemolytic streptococci capable of producing streptolysin S, Su and Blackmore, were found to be useful in acquiring CIH (colistin-induced hemolysin), while C203U strain, which produces only streptolysin O, was ineffective in this respect . In these experimental series, much amounts of coccal cells from exponential phase of culture were necessary for obtaining good results and for its reproducibility . Further experiments showed that an oligoribonucleotide, rich in guanylic residu, separated by DEAE-cellulose column chromatography could be favourably compared with RNase-core in production of CIH in the medium . Yield of this hemolysin was fully dependent upon the concentration of K+ (100 mM), Mg2+ (10 mM) ions and maltose (5 mM) contained in the reaction medium, respectively . When one of three components was omitted, CIH was not obtained, even though colistin and oligoribonucleotide were present . Additionally, crude preparation of CIH was fractionated on DEAE-cellulose column, resulting in isolation of two peaks (F-I and F-II) with hemolytic activity . Considering the response of two hemolytic fractions to various inhibitors and activators, F-II is likely to correspond to streptolysin S, while F-I may, at least, be a segment differed from the streptolysin, S and O. Zentralbl Bakteriol {Orig A}, 1975 Dec, 233(4), 452 - 63 Lipoproteinase of group A streptococci and the antibodies in human sera; Iontova IM et al.; The possibility of revealing lipoproteinase (serum opacity factor--OF) in hydrochloric and alkaline extracts from streptococcal cultures and the possibility of concentration and purification of this enzyme by means of gel-filtration and ion-exchange chromatography have been confirmed . When studying antibodies to OF in the blood of healthy and sick people, we were able both to reveal and to determine the titre of antibodies to OF of different serological M types (2, 4, 22/12, 22 and 49) in the sera under study (170 sera from the same number of persons) . In groups of healthy people, anti-OF antibodies were shown to be present with a high frequency as well as in patients . But the titres of antibodies in the former were lower than in the latter . Most sera (32%) neutralized OF of one serological type and only 3% all types of enzymes used . The type-specificity of the anti-OF antibodies was shown . The data obtained are yet insufficient for epidemiological or clinical analysis but they point out the possibility of using the anti-OF test for these purposes. Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1975 Dec, (12), 78 - 82 {Role of anaerobic streptococci in human pathology . Report I . Etiological significance of anaerobic streptococci in chronic tonsillitis}; Stovbun FI et al.; The authors describe a method of isolation of anaerobic streptococci from the blood . A high seeding efficiency of anaerobic streptococci from the depth of the tonsils (75.1%) and from their surface (59.7%) and also from the blood (36%) pointed to the leading role of these microbes in the etiopathogenesis of chronic tonsillitis . In healthy individuals anaerobic streptococci are revealed (by culture method) on the surface of the tonsils but rarely (6%) . Str . micros are the most incident in chronic tonsillitis (in 85.3% of cases-from the depth of the tonsils and in 77.5%-from the surface), whereas Str . anaerobius and Str . intermedius occur in individual cases only (8.4-7.5% and 6.3-15%, respectively) . Pure culture of Str . micros was found in 36% of cases . Pathogenetic scheme of development of bacteriemia in chronic tonsillitis and rheumatism is presented . The isolated cultures were found to be resistant to the widely-used antibiotics. Am J Dis Child, 1975 Dec, 129(12), 1449 - 51 Streptococcal osteomyelitis and arthritis in a neonate; Hutto JH et al.; A 42-day-old female infant had neonatal pyogenic arthritis and osteomyelitis due to an unusual combination of streptococcal organisms . Group B streptococci produced an osteolytic lesion in the proximal end of the humerus and suppurative arthritis of the corresponding shoulder . An enterococcus was responsible for the occurrence of arthritis and subluxation of the hip. Infect Immun, 1975 Dec, 12(6), 1375 - 85 Production and properties of an extracellular bacteriocin from Streptococcus mutans bacteriocidal for group A and other streptococci; Paul D et al.; An extracellular bacteriocidal substance is produced by a serotype c strain of Streptococcus mutans in liquid meduim during the stationary phase of growth . The lethal effect of the substance was demonstrated by the decrease in viable counts of a standardized suspension of group A streptococci in broth . No lysis of affected cells was observed and no changes in appearance of these cells was seen in electron micrographs . The material was effective against certain strains of immmunological groups A, C, D, G, H, L, and O streptococci . It was inactive against strains of S . mutans belonging to the a, b, c, and d serotypes, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli . The factor was purified 273-fold from the culture fluid by column chromatography . It was sensitive to trysin and Pronase and resistant to catalase . It possessed a molecular weight of more than 20,000 and was not dialyzable . The properties of this substance indicate that it is a bacteriocin . Group A streptococci, which had been treated with antiserum specific for the cell wall group and type antigens, were susceptible to the bacteriocin . Streptococcal strains resistant to the lethal action of the bacteriocin adsorbed the bacteriocin from the solutions, as did the sensitive cells . The bacteriocin was not adsorbed at 0 C. J Clin Microbiol, 1975 Dec, 2(6), 504 - 9 Influence of the collection and transport of specimens on the recovery of bacteria from peritonsillar abscesses; Hallander HO et al.; In 30 patients with peritonsillar abscesses, pus was obtained by aspiration and by taking a swab after incision; bacterial recovery was compared . Although processed in the laboratory within 2 h, swab speciments gave results comparable to syringe specimens in only 9 of 13 patients with beta-hemolytic streptococci and 7 of 25 patients with anaerobic bacteria . Both kinds of microorganisms were lost in some cases but appeared as additional flora in others . The poor results from the swab technique was ascribed to overgrowth of respiratory flora contaminating the sample after incision . In aspirated pus kept in the syringe, or transferred to anaerobic transporters, the microbial flora was unchanged for 24 to 48 h . Some anaerobes also survived on agar slants for 24 h, but specially designed anaerobic transporters are recommended. J Oral Pathol, 1975 Dec, 4(6), 307 - 23 The reaction of salivary substances with bacteria; Ericson T et al.; Reactions between selected strains of oral streptococci and saliva were studied spectrophotometrically . The curves of absorbance (700 nm) versus those of time were sigmoidal for aggregating saliva-bacteria mixtures . Whtn the logarithm of the ratio of the change in absorbance to the remaining absorbance was plotted against the reaction time, straight lines were obtained . At a fixed concentration of bacteria, the slope of these lines for a series of dilutions of a selected saliva sample was a parabolic function of the volume of saliva in the reaction mixtures . A model for the aggregation reaction was developed which explained the shape of these parabolic curves . The parameters of the model can be calculated from the experimental data and can be used to estimate the concentration of aggregation-inducing substances in undiluted saliva . A method for calculating the specific rate constant for the binding of free cells to aggregates was developed . This rate constant is a characteristic feature of a given aggregation reaction and can, in principle, be used to distinguish between aggregation-inducing substances of different molecular structures. J Clin Invest, 1975 Dec, 56(6), 1364 - 70 Adherence of bacteria to heart valves in vitro; Gould K et al.; The abilities of 14 strains of aerobic gram-positive cocci and gram-negative bacilli to adhere in vitro to human or canine aortic valve leaflets were compared . 2-mm sections of excised valve leaflets were obtained by punch biopsy and were incubated under standardized conditions in suspensions of bacteria . Valve sections were subsequently washed and homogenized, and quantitative techniques were used to determine the proportions of bacteria from the initial suspensions that had adhered to the valve sections . Comparable results were obtained when these adherence ratios were determined by two independent methods based either on measurements of bacterial viability or of radioactivity in 51Cr-labeled bacteria . For each bacterial strain, the adherence ratio was constant over a wide range of concentrations of bacteria in the incubation medium . Strains of enterococci, viridans streptococci, coagulase-positive and coagulase-negative staphylococci and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (adherence ratios 0.003-0.017) were found to adhere more readily to valve sections than strains of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae (adherence ratios 0.00002-0.00004) . The organisms that most frequently cause bacterial endocarditis were found to adhere best to heart valves in vitro, suggesting that the ability to adhere to valvular endothelium may be an important or essential charcteristic of bacteria that cause endocarditis in man. Br J Vener Dis, 1975 Dec, 51(6), 401 - 4 Group B streptococci in venereal disease clinic patients; Wallin J et al.; The isolation rates of group B streptococci for 457 men and 300 women attending a venereal disease clinic were 16-4 and 20-6% respectively . The frequencies were significantly increased by using a selective medium and by taking specimens from the female urethra as well as the cervix . In contrast to gonorrhoea the presence of group B streptococci could not be related to promiscuity . In addition, the isolation of group B streptococci was found to be independent of a concomitant gonococcal infection . This study indicates that group B streptococci have little relation to the clinical signs and symptoms of genital infection, such as dysuria, discharge and inflammatory mucosal reaction. Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1975 Dec, (12), 71 - 4 {Characteristics of beta-hemolytic streptococci secreted in children in various climatic zones}; Gladkova KK et al.; A study was made of the level of carrier-state, serological characteristics, virulence and toxigenicity of beta-hemolytic streptococci isolated from children in two towns with a different incidence of scarlet fever located in the contrast climatic zones . It was found that the level of carrier-state of beta-hemolytic streptococci and biological properties of the circulating strains were important factors associated with the incidence of scarlet fever. Arch Environ Health, 1975 Nov, 30(11), 538 - 45 Sulfuric acid and streptococci clearance from respiratory tracts of mice; Fairchild GA et al.; The inhalation of 15 mg/cu m (3.2mu count median diameter) of H2SO4 aerosol for four hours after exposure to radioactive aerosol resulted in a reduction in the rate of clearance of nonviable streptococci from the lungs and noses of mice . A second exposure to H2SO4 lasting 90 minutes (15 mg/cu m, 3.2mu count median diameter) for four days prior to the radioactive aerosol resulted in a reduced rate of clearance of nonviable streptococci from the noses but not the lungs . Neither of these exposure regimens caused an alteration in the rate of reduction of viable streptococci from the lungs or noses . Inhalation of 1.5 mg/cu m of H2SO4 (0.6mu coung median diameter) for four daily 90-minute exposures prior to, or for four hours after exposure to Streptococcus caused no alteration in the normal rate of clearance of viable or nonviable streptococci from the noses or lungs. Schweiz Med Wochenschr, 1975 Nov 1, 105(44), 1433 - 8 {Proceedings: Chemotherapy of bacterial endocarditis}; Luthy R et al.; The present concepts of antibiotic therapy in bacterial endocarditis are reviewed . Recommendations for the treatment of the most frequent pathogens -- streptococci of the viridans group, enterococci, staphylococci -- and for unknown organisms are presented . Antimicrobial therapy directed against gramnegative organisms, especially of the pseudomonas group, and against anaerobic bacteria is briefly discussed . The presence of renal impairment calls for adjustment of dosage; relevant nomograms are published in the literature . Probenecid may be added to the antibiotic therapy to increase serum levels of penicillins and some cephalosporins, though a major drawback is its side effects . Clinical experience teaches that every recrudescence of bacterial endocarditis adds permanent damage to an already impaired valve . Hence it is of utmost importance that the aim of antimicrobial therapy should be a 100% cure. Schweiz Med Wochenschr, 1975 Nov 1, 105(44), 1421 - 7 {Epidemiology and clinical aspects of infectious endocarditis}; Nager F et al.; There has been a change in the epidemiological, etiological and clinical pattern of infective endocarditis . This changing pattern has been substantiated by comparison of 156 cases of infective endocarditis seen over the period 1947-1957 (period I) and 227 cases treated during the period 1961-1974 (period II) . Epidemiologically the pathomorphosis consists in a slight decline in "medical" cases, contrasted with a marked increase of--predominantly acute--cases after cardiac surgery . Etiologically the change is characterized mainly by a reduction of streptococci (61%/33%) and a much higher incidence of virulent organisms, especially staphylococci (3%/21%), as the infective agent . With regard to the clinical picture of infective endocarditis, the changing pattern is apparent in an increase in atypical and misleading features and an often oligosymptomatic presentation . In period II the classical signs were more often absent . The difference in the course of infective endocarditis consists in a higher hospital mortality during period II . In this period the main cause of death was refractory heart failure, often provoked by acute rupture of the aortic valve . The factors which may be responsible for this change and the clinical implications are discussed . The difficulties in early diagnosis and the role of misleading symptoms of this still "malignant" disease are outlined . Special interest is focused on the diagnostic problems involved in recognizing acute endocarditis, right-heart endocarditis and acute rupture of the aortic valve. Prikl Biokhim Mikrobiol, 1975 Nov-Dec, 11(6), 819 - 23 {Comparative study of moderate and virulent phages of mesophilous lactic acid streptococci}; Mytnik GL et al.; A method has been developed to identify phage containing mesophilous lactic acid streptococci . The method is based on the chloroform treatment of young cultures . The isolated moderate phages P4St and P6St are morphologically identical and serologically related to one another and to virulent phages P1Sv, P2Sv, P3Sv, P12Sv, P13Sv that can be isolated in industrial phagolysis. J Med Microbiol, 1975 Nov, 8(4), 503 - 11 Enumeration of beta-haemolytic streptococci on normal skin by direct agar contact; Brown J et al.; Normal skin sites in children from a population in which streptococcal impetigo is endemic were examined for the presence of beta-haemolytic streptococci by a direct agar-contact technique . Ninety-eight of 554 samples (18%) were positive for these organisms . Penicillin prophylaxis reduced the frequency of isolation of streptococci from the normal skin for a period of 3 weeks, perhaps accounting in part for the lower isolation rate in this than in earlier studies . Numbers of streptococcal colony-forming units in positive samples were generally low, both in terms of absolute numbers isolated from the surface area sampled and in comparison with numbers of other aerobic flora recovered . The presence of streptococcal pyoderma at the time of agar contact was not necessarily associated with the presence of or with increased numbers of streptococci on samples obtained from normal skin sites . Low counts were consistently found in early summer and higher counts in some samples in late summer . In a simultaneous comparison of paired samples taken from adjacent sites, the frequency of detection of streptococci by direct agar contact compared favourably with that obtained with a moist-swab method . The increased frequency of detection by the agar-contact method appeared to be related to an increased sensitivity for the detection of low numbers of streptococcal colony-forming units on the normal skin. Nord Vet Med, 1975 Nov, 27(11), 529 - 43 Preweaning mortality in pigs . 7 . Polyarthritis; Nielsen NC et al.; The incidence and causes of polyarthritis in sucking pigs were studied in herds with 2,936 litters during a 2-year period . Among pigs more than 3 days old, the average morbidity rate was 3.3 per cent and the mortality rate amounted to 1.5 per cent (Table I) . Among herds the morbidity ranged from 0.9 to 7.0 per cent and the mortality due to polyarthritis from 0.5 to 2.8 per cent . The incidences of polyarthritis were higher in the progeny of gilts than in the progeny of sows of other age groups (Table II) . No consistens correlation between litter size at birth and the mortality rate due to polyarthritis was found (Table III) . Cases of polyarthritis were observed in 17.8 per cent of the examined litters . Death due to polyarthritis occurred in 10.8 per cent of the litters (Table I); 67.3 per cent of the fatal cases occurred sporadically with only one pig lost per litter (Table IV) . The mortality due to polyarthritis appeared to be higher in male pigs (Table V) . An analysis of some possible contributory factors showed that the frequency of polyarthritis was adversely affected by new introduction of female breeding stock, clipping of the canine teeth and tail docking in the new-born, and by occurrence of skin diseases in individual piglets (Table VI, IX & XII) . No obvious relation was found with such factors as: season of the year, sow's health condition, herd size (Table I), or hygiene level in the individual herds (Table VIII) . Death due to polyarthritis occurred most frequently in pigs 2--4 weeks of age (Table X) . The pathological lesions, which varied according to the duration of the inflammation and to the aetiology, are described . Arthritis was most frequently observed in the larger limb joints, although every joint may be affected (Table XI) . In the majority of the cases a meningoencephalitis was present . A survey of other concomitant, complicating or possible predisposing lesions are presented (Table XII) . The bacteriological examination of joints and other organs Table XIII) showed that haemolytic streptococci by far dominated as causative organism . Staphylococci species and E . coli were isolated from affected joints in 6.4 per cent and 4.3 per cent of the pigs, respectively . C . pyogenes and E . rhusiopathiae were rarely encountered in these sucking pigs with polyarthritis . Aspects of the epidemiology and pathogenesis are discussed in regard of minimizing the losses due to polyarthritis/meningitis in sucking pigs. J Gen Microbiol, 1975 Nov, 91(1), 119 - 26 A new M-type of group A streptococcus of clinical importance in pyoderma and pharyngitis; Dillon HC et al.; A new M-type of group A streptococcus, provisionally designated type 65, is described . The vaccine and other initially isolated strains of this type attracted attention because of the T-agglutination reactions 2/25, not previously encountered among pyoderma streptococci . The investigations characterizing the strains as members of a new type were done with streptococci isolated from patients with pyoderma . However, type 65 was subsequently found to cause both pyoderma and acute pharyngitis . The T-2 agglutination reactions encountered with original members of this type, plus the cross-reactions later seen with type 65 antiserum and M-type 2 streptococci, prompted a comparison of this new type with M-type 2 streptococci, including those with the T-2 agglutination and others with the 8-25-Imp . 19 complex . The two M-antigens were clearly distinguished from one another in reciprocal bactericidal and precipitin tests with absorbed antisera . They were further distinguished in that all type 65 strains were opacity-factor (OF) negative, whereas type 2 streptococci were uniformly OF-positive . Most M-type 65 strains subsequently found in surveillance studies were shown to be members of the 8-25-Imp,19 T-complex . Type 65 is thus a newly described type which shares with M-types 55 and 57 a commom T-agglutination pattern and, like members of these types, fails to produce opacity factor . In our colleciton of strains, from both pyoderma and pharyngitis, shown to be members of the 8-25-Imp . 19 complex, and OF-negative, only type 65 has been identified to date . In contrast to types 55 and 57, the new type 65 does not appear to be of major importance in causing acute glomerulonephritis. Arch Intern Med, 1975 Nov, 135(11), 1493 - 7 Recognition of streptococcal pharyngitis in adults; Walsh BT et al.; In order to devise a strategy for the management of acute pharyngitis, the clinical features of 418 adults with sore throat were noted and throat cultures were obtained . Patients with cultures positive for group A beta-hemolytic streptococci had a significantly higher (P less than or equal to .01) frequency of recent exposure to streptococcal infection, pharyngeal exudate, enlarged or tender cervical nodes, and high fever (greater than or equal to 38.3 C {101 F} . Patients with negative cultures complained more frequently of cough . On the basis of these symptoms and signs, a clinical algorithm was developed and discriminant function scores were computed that identify patient populations with different probabilities of having streptococcal pharyngitis . The patients with moderate and high probabilities included 91% of patients with positive cultures but only 67% of the total patient population . These methods could be the basis for more efficient evaluation of adults with sore throat. J Pediatr, 1975 Nov, 87(5), 784 - 7 Possible nosocomial transmission of group B streptococci in a newborn nursery; Steere AC et al.; Within a six-day period in March, 1974, three infants born at a hospital in central Arkansas developed meningitis caused by group B, type III Streptococci . Three factors suggested nosocomial transmission of the organism in the nursery: (1) the three infants were born in a six-day period, (2) four weeks after their infants' births, none of the parents had positive cultures for group B streptococci, and (3) 31% of infants born in the hospital in March were colonized with group B, type III streptococci, while in April, after control measures in the nursery were instituted, only 2% of infants were colonized with this type (p less than 0.0002) . Colonized infants were treated with penicillin, but follow-up cultures at two and six weeks showed that half the infants tested were still colonized . The number of personnel colonized with group B streptococci was not significantly different in personnel exposed to infants when compared with those that were not, and handwashing and environmental cultures were negative for group B streptococci . The results of this investigation give additional support to the concept that nosocomial transmission of group B streptococci can occur and may be effectively interrupted by control measures in the nursery. Beitr Pathol, 1975 Nov, 156(2), 128 - 44 Animal experimental studies on chronic granulomatous inflammation and T-lymphocyte-system; Heymer B et al.; The presence of lymphocytes in chronic granulomatous inflammations is frequently thought to indicate that thymus-dependent cellular immune mechanisms are involved in the pathogenesis of such processes . Therefore, in the present studies, a model of a granulomatous heaptitis (induced by heat-inactivated group A streptococci) was used to determine whether liver granulomata, consisting of macrophages and lymphocytes, could also be evoked in neonatally thymectomized or in congenitally thymus-deficient nude mice . The morphological (light and electron microscopical, immunohistological) investigations were supplemented with selective determination of T- and B-lymphocyte function . The thymus-deficient mice, after injection of streptococci, developed liver granulomata that did differ neither quanlitatively nor quantitatively from those of control animals with thymus . Lymphocytes were found within the granulomata in both animal groups . There was no evidence for functional disorder of the RES in thymus-deficient mice; on the contrary, RES-activity seemed to be increased . Phagocytosis of streptococci, their intracellular breakdown and streptococcal antigen-degradation occurred as fast or faster in such animals . PHA- and LPS-stimulation of spleen lymphocytes indicated a considerable depletion of T-cells in neonatally thymectomized mice and a complete absence of T-cells in congenitally thymus-deficient nude mice . However, radioimmunological determination of antibodies to group A streptococcal carbohydrate revealed that both groups of experimental animals possessed functionally active B-cells . Therefore, the granulomatous hepatitis described here can be defined as a focal reaction of the liver RES with "B-lymphocyte trapping" . Cellular immune mechanisms are not involved in the pathogenesis of these lesions. Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1975 Nov, (11), 27 - 31 {Transduction of streptomycin resistance in group A streptococci by virulent streptococcal phage CA1}; Zal'tsman LG; The author studied the Smr transduction in hemolytic streptococci, group A, by the virulent CA1 phage . This phage differed from the A12 and A25 by the spectrum of lytic activity and was affiliated to them serologically . In comparable experiments CA1 phage exceeded A25 phage by the transducing activity . Phage CA1 transduced the cultures of various serological types . The efficiency of transduction depended on the multiplicity of the infection (the optimum--0.1--0.03), the age of the recipient culture (the optimum--1--2-day) and the time of phenotypical expression (the optimum--2--3 hours) . It was possible to increase the frequency of transduction by one order with the aid of UV irradiation . Still a theoretically possible output of the transducers determined by calculation was not reached because of some abortiveness of the process. J Dent Res, 1975 Nov-Dec, 54(6), 1107 - 14 Effect of trace elements on dissolution of hydroxyapatite by cariogenic streptococci; Herbison RJ et al.; The effect of low levels of strontium, boron, lithium, molybdenum, and fluorine, alone and in combination, on hydroxyapatite solubility, bacterial growth, and acid production in five antigenic types of Streptococcus mutans was investigated . Pour plates containing synthetic hydroxyapatite were used to compare dissolution of hydroxyapatite . The colonies of the five antigenic types of S mutans produced zones of dissolution that were measured . Acid production and growth were studied in broth culture media . The results show that low levels of strontium and fluorine can significantly reduce demineralization of synthetic hydroxyapatite by S mutans in vitro. Agents Actions, 1975 Oct, 5(4), 345 - 53 Changes in cellular enzyme levels and the inhibition of selective release of lysosomal hydrolases from macrophages by indomethacin; Finlay C et al.; Indomethacin increases the cellular levels of several lysosomal enzymes in cultures of mouse peritoneal macrophages exposed to the drug for periods of time ranging from one day to four weeks . This increase can be blocked by puromycin, an inhibitor of protein synthesis . Pretreatment of macrophages with indomethacin inhibits the selective release of lysosomal enzymes induced by a C-mucopolysaccharide peptidoglycan complex purified from the cell walls of Group A streptococci. J Bacteriol, 1975 Oct, 124(1), 55 - 61 Regulation of lactate dehydrogenase and change of fermentation products in streptococci; Yamada T et al.; Streptococcus mutans JC 2 produced mainly lactate as a fermentation product when grown in nitrogen-limited continuous culture in the presence of an excess of glucose and produced formate, acetate, and ethanol, but no lactate, under glucose-limited conditions . The levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in these cultures were of the same order of magnitude, and the activity of LDH was completely dependent on fructose-1,6-diphosphate (FDP) . The intracellular level of FDP was high and the level of phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) was low under the glucose-excess conditions . In the glucose-limited cultures, all glycolytic intermediates studied, except PEP, were low . S . mutans FIL, which had an FDP-independent LDH and similar levels of glycolytic intermediates as S . mutans JC2, produced mainly lactate under glucose-excess or under glucose-limited conditions . LDH of Streptococcus bovis ATCC 9809 was dependent on FDP for activity at a low concentration of pyruvate but had a significant activity without FDP at a high concentration of pyruvate . This strain also produced mainly lactate both under glucose-excess and glucose-limited conditions . The levels and characteristics of these LDHs were not changed by the culture conditions . These results indicate that changes in the intracellular level of FDP regulate LDH activity, which in turn influences the type of fermentation products produced by streptococci . PEP, adenosine 5'-monophosphate, adenosine 5'-diphosphate, and inorganic phosphate significantly inhibited LDH activity from S . mutans JC 2 and may also participate in the regulation of LDH activity in other streptococci. Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1975 Oct, (10), 70 - 4 {Effect of nucleic acids on the outcome of acute streptococcal infection}; Khodyrev AP; The work is devoted to the experimental study of the effect of exogenous heterologous RNA and DNA on the outcome of infection caused by streptococci--virulent and of low virulence, of the 1st and 2nd serological types of group A, in mice . It was found that the severity of the outcomes of the infectious process was not associated with the type of nucleic acids, but was determined by the dose and the periods of their administration in relation to the time of infection of the animals and the streptococcus virulence . Aggravation of the outcomes of the infection under the effect of exogenous RNA and DNA was accompanied by an increase in the virulence of the causative agent. Infect Immun, 1975 Oct, 12(4), 750 - 3 Cellular location of streptolysin O; Calandra GB et al.; Streptolysin O was measured in subcellular fractions of group A streptococci obtained after preparation of protoplasts in a hypertonic buffer containing raffinose . Most of the activity was located in the periplasm (the region between cell wall and membrane) and did not differ in several characteristics from that of extracellular streptolysin O . Of the enzymes used as subcellular markers, aldolase and maltase (cytoplasmic) and acid phosphatase (membrane associated) were in the same fractions as found in other bacteria . However, the location of alkaline phosphatase differed from that of other bacteria in the most of the activity was in cytoplasm rather than in the periplasm. J Immunol, 1975 Oct, 115(4), 1002 - 6 Immunochemical properties of streptococcal M protein purified by isoelectric focusing; Cunningham M et al.; Electrofucusing of an alkaline extract of type 24 streptococcal M protein yielded an antigenic fraction that was type specific and apparently homogeneous . The haptenic nature of this fraction was suggested by its inability to precipitate type-specific antiserum or to induce opsonic antibodies in rabbits, despite its ability to strongly inhibit opsonization of homologous-type streptococci by M antibody . The fraction migrated as a single band upon electrophoresis in sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) acrylamide gel . The mobility of the protein band was consistent with a molecular weight of 36,500 daltons . In some experiments using larger quantities of protein, a second faint protein band with an average molecular weight of 70,000 was observed, suggesting the presence of dimers of the 36,500-dalton protein . Amino acid analysis showed the predominant amino acid to be glycine followed by aspartic acid and glutamic acid . Moreover, this M protein fraction was free of non-type-specific immunotoxic properties in guinea pigs and in man . Although apparently not immunogenic, this nontoxic fraction may provide a useful tool to study the relationship of the type-specific protective moiety to potentially harmful "impurities" in M protein vaccines. Dis Mon . 1975 Oct;:1-40. Streptococcal infections--updated; Wannamaker LW et al.; Streptococci are amont the most common bacterial pathogens physicians encounter in practice . Infections with streptococci continue to occur with significant frequency despite the general sensitivity of these organisms to a variety of widely used antibiotics . In newborn infants and other special patient groups, streptococci may produce fulminant and fatal sepsis (Table 1) . In normal children and adults, infections usually are short term and often mild or unrecognized but with the possibility of resulting, unpredictably, in nonsuppurative complications some weeks or months later . Although scarlet fever has become an unusual and clinically attenuated disease, its rashless analog, streptococcal pharyngitis, presents thorny problems in the differential diagnosis of symptomatic patients and in the detection of subclinical infections . Erysipelas now is a rare disease, but recent studies have confirmed that streptococci often are the primary etiologic agent in impetigo, another type of skin infection--with peculiar bacteriologic and epidemiologic features . Infections with group D streptococci have always been a special case because of their frequent resistance to penicillin, and group B streptococci (also somewhat resistant) present special problems in the perinatal period . Streptococci may appear in unexpected places or guises (see Table 1) . Thus, the modern physician has little reason to relax in his vigilance for and knowledge of streptococcal infections. J Hyg (Lond), 1975 Oct, 75(2), 185 - 94 Endemic infection in surgical wards; Berbee GA et al.; Endemic infection in male surgical wards has been studied during three periods . There was some infection due to gram-negative bacilli, though Staphylococcus aureus remained as the single most important pathogen even in the absence of epidemic spread . Beta haemolytic streptococci were isolated in large numbers from the lesions of four patients with deep wound infection . Changes introduced in the pattern of post-operative care reduced sepsis due to Staph . aureus, reduced the severity of wound infection and apparently decreased the need for antibiotic therapy . Patients who became infected were retained in hospital longer than those who escaped clinically apparent infection. Experientia, 1975 Sep 15, 31(9), 1064 - 5 The methylation of mercuric chloride by human intestinal bacteria; Rowland IR et al.; Most strains of staphylococci, streptococci, yeasts and E . coli isolated from human faeces, could synthesize methylmercury compounds . In contrast, few strains of obligate anaerobes could do so . Up to 6 ng methylmercury/ml were formed in 44 h from 2 mug mercuric chloride. N Engl J Med, 1975 Sep 4, 293(10), 463 - 8 Spinal epidural abscess; Baker AS et al.; Thirty-nine patients with spinal epidural abscess were evaluated at the Massachusetts General Hospital between 1947 and 1974 . Twenty had acute symptoms, and purulent epidural collections were present; 19 had prolonged courses, and epidural granulation tissue was observed at operation . Staphylococcus aureus was the most common etiologic agent (57 per cent), followed by streptococci (18 per cent) and gram-negative bacilli (13 per cent) . The source of infection was osteomyelitis in 38 per cent of cases and bacteremia in 26 per cent . In 16 per cent epidural abscess was due to postoperative infection . The progression from spinal ache to root pain to weakness followed by paralysis continues to be characteristic of spinal epidural abscess . Although the disease is uncommon, the complications are so serious that prompt diagnosis and treatment are of paramount importance . The combination of back pain with fewer and local tenderness is an indication for cerebrospinal-fluid examination and, depending on the results, immediate performance of myelography. Ann Microbiol (Paris), 1975 Sep, 126(2), 251 - 4 {Grouping of streptococci by means of antibodies adsorbed to staphylococcal "protein A" (author's transl)}; Wautelet J et al.; The method described by Krinvall, using antibodies adsorbed to "Protein-A" containing staphylococci, can be applied for the serological grouping of A, B, C, F and G streptococci . The results are improved by replacing the whole trypsinized cells, as reported by Christensen et al., by an enzymatic extract of the polysaccharide . The reaction is easy, specific, rapid and cheap. Acta Diabetol Lat, 1975 Sep-Dec, 12(5-6), 327 - 37 Multiple complications in severe diabetic ketoacidosis . A short review of the literature; Clarke BF et al.; Diabetic ketoacidosis may be associated with a wide variety of complications, some of which are uncommon and not widely appreciated . A case of severe ketoacidosis with multiple complications including septicaemia, pneumomediastinum, gastro-intestinal haemorrhage, magnesium depletion and multiple mononeuropathy is reported in a 17-year old girl who made a successful recovery . The patient had not taken insulin for almost 4 days, had no preceding illness and was admitted in a near moribund state with hypothermia (34.2 degrees C), hypotension (80/50) and an arterial pH less than 6.8 . There was a leukocytosis 41,200, the blood culture grew haemolytic streptococci and chest radiology showed pneumomediastinum . I.v . therapy was continued for some days and the patient developed clinical features of magnesium depletion . During the recovery period she developed multiple mononeuropathy . A brief review of these complications is given. Arzneimittelforschung, 1975 Sep, 25(9), 1365 - 9 Staphylococcal micrococcins . III . Antibacterial and therapeutic properties; Hameister W et al.; Micrococcin M, micrococcin M1 and eight micrococcin M derivatives, and two peptide antibiotics produced by micrococci and staphylococci were investigated for their antibacterial activity and therapeutic value . These antibiotics appeared to act solely on Gram-positive bacteria, especially on staphylococci and streptococci, in quite low concentrations in vitro and exerting both bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects . Gram-negative bacteria were virtually not susceptible . Resistance to micrococcins developed very rapidly, due to existence of numerous primarily resistant cells in sensitive populations . Complete cross-resistance resulted from acquiring resistance to one of the micrococcin antibiotics . Therapeutic effects are poor, as micrococcins are not absorbed from the injection site or from the intestinal tract after peroral administration . Importance of micrococcins in nature may be high, especially when ecology of normal bacterial flora and carriage of staphylococci and streptococci are concerned. Infect Immun, 1975 Sep, 12(3), 586 - 91 Cross-reactions of Streptococcus mutans due to cell wall teichoic acid; Chorpenning FW et al.; Antisera to the whole cells of Streptococcus mutans cross-reacted with antigen extracts from four other gram-positive species, as well as with those of three other oral streptococci . Similarly, antisera to these bacteria cross-reacted with extracts from S . mutans and with those from each other . Using a purified phenol extract of the walls of S . mutans, which was identified by chemical, immunochemical, and enzymatic analyses as glycerol teichoic acid, the cross-reactions were shown to be specific for a determinant of the teichoic acid backbone . Results were confirmed in immunodiffusion tests where clear bands of identify were shown . These observations point out the need for caution in sereological research empolying extracts of gram-positive bacteria and may be of interest in investigations of periodontal disease. Zhonghua Min Guo Wei Sheng Wu Xue Za Zhi, 1975 Sep, 8(3), 218 - 22 {Identification of Group A streptococci from throats of school children in Northern Taiwan}; Tai FH et al.; A total of 2,750 strains of beta-hemolytic streptococci was isolated from 10, 510 throat swabs collected from school children in the Taipei area . Most of them were classified as group A (61%) and group G (34%), and about 5% belonged to other groups or unclassified strains . 1, 772 strains of beta-hemolytic streptococci isolated from healthy school children, and 69 strains from sick school children were grouped by the Lancefield precipitin test, fluorescent antibody technique and/or bacitracin paper disk method . A satisfactory correlation (over 90%) was obtained by the latter 2 methods, when compared with the results of the Lancefield technique . The occurrance of false negative or false positive was only 1 or 5%, respectively. J Clin Microbiol, 1975 Sep, 2(3), 173 - 7 Application of counterimmunoelectrophoresis in the identification of Streptococcus pneumoniae in clinical isolates; Sottile MI et al.; The use of counterimmunoelectrophoresis (CIE) as a diagnostic tool in infectious diseases is becoming more widespread . This study was undertaken to determine the possible use of CIE in the more rapid identification of Streptococcus pneumoniae in clinical isolates . Typing sera were obtained from the Statens Seruminstitut, Denmark . Sixty-seven out of 68 pneumococcal isolates that were optochin sensitive and bile soluble were typed by CIE . One isolate was nontypable even after mouse passage . An additional three isolates that were optochin resistant were considered to be pneumococci on the basis of the bile solubility test and their typability by CIE . Seventy-seven alpha-streptococci were tested for the presence of cross-reacting capsular antigens . Fifty-three alpha-streptococci showed no cross-reactions using the omniserum . Precipitin bands were obtained with the omniserum with 10 of the isolates, but these did not react with type-specific antisera . However, 14 isolates did react with the type-specific pneumococcal antisera . The sensitivity of the test was increased by sonicating whole-cell suspensions before electrophoresis was carried out . Mueller-Hinton broths were inoculated with presumptive pneumococcal colonies that formed the predominant or only colony type on primary blood agar plates . These cultures required a 4-h incubation period with an initial inoculum of 10(6) viable organisms/ml before a precipitin band could be detected . Precipitin bands were observed in 54 out of 56 (97%) broth cultures of pneumococci that had been incubated for 4 h at 37 C . These data suggest that CIE could be a useful tool in the identification of S . pneumoniae isolated from clinical specimens. Pathol Biol (Paris), 1975 Sep, 23(7), 575 - 83 {Serological screening of streptococci . Comparison of 2 methods of slide agglutination, one with streptolysin alone, the other with several enzymes (Streptozymes)}; de Rautlin Y de la Roy; Using 100 sera randomly selected, the clinical characteristis of which were known, we compared two methods of rapid detection of streptococcal infections by slide agglutination . One was the classical latex test for detection of anti-streptolysin O, the other was the streptozyme test . The latter reagent detects the presence of 5 streptococcal antibodies, anti-streptolysin O, anti-streptokinase, anti-streptohyaluronidase, anti-desoxyribonuclease and anti-nicotinamide-adenine-dinucleotidase . It was found to be more sensitive than the latex test, for antistreptolysin O . Estimations of A.S.K . and A.S.H . confirmed also the greater specificity of the streptozyme test and showed that, thanks to the presence of supplementary enzymes, it may be positive earlier than the A.S.O . latex test . Finally, used as a semi-quantitative method, streptozyme is useful to follow up approximately in the laboratory, the course of streptococcal infections. Zentralbl Bakteriol {Orig A}, 1975 Sep, 233(1), 24 - 34 Bacteriophage P13234mo-mediated intra- and intergroup transduction of antibiotic resistance among streptococci; Malke H et al.; Numerous streptococcal strains representing serogroups A, C, and G were tested for transducibility to antibiotic resistance by the temperate Group A streptococcal phage P13234mo . The resistance markers carried by Group A donor strains included the ERL1 factor determining inducible resistance to erythromycin, lincomycin and streptogramin-B type antibiotics as well as chromosomally located mutations for streptomycin and spectinomycin resistance . ERL1, presumably of plasmid nature, was transduced to each of the 36 Group A strains, 10 of the 16 Group C strains, and 1 of the 10 Group G strains tested . Transduction of streptomycin and spectinomycin resistance occurred at lower frequencies than ERL1 transduction, the percentage of transducible Group A strains was lower for these markers than for ERL1, and intergroup transduction was not observed . The effective in-vitro dissemination of resistance factors such as ERL1 by broad host range phages like P13234mo may have some bearing on the marked increase of the incidence of erythromycin and lincomycin resistant streptococci of several serogroups in clinical specimens. Z Immunitatsforsch Exp Klin Immunol, 1975 Sep, 150(2), 124 - 37 {The typing of group A haemolytic streptococci . V . Communication: type differentiation within the T-complexes 3, 13, B3264 by means of monospecific T-antisera (author's transl)}; Kohler W et al.; Monospecifically reacting T-antisera can be prepared by the absorption technique of Takizawa, Akiyama and Miyamoto for the Streptococcus pyogenes types 3, 13, B3264 and by conventional techniques for the types 41 and 56 . The findings were confirmed by correlation of the T-type with the M-type . This method to a large extent enables typing of group A-streptococcal strains with the T-complex 3, 13, B3264 . M-precipitation allows this to a far lesser degree, since M-antigens are produced by only a fairly small percentage of these types . Approximately 90 percent of the 1132 strains agglutinating with T 3, 13, B3264-complex antiserum could be assigned to one of these 3 types by use of monospecifically reacting T-antisera . The epidemiological analysis is considerably improved by this system . The results of the T-typing are in agreement with the outcome of the serum opacity reaction (SOR) . Strains belonging to types 3, 41 and 56 react negatively in the SOR, strains of type 13 and B3264 show a positive SOR . The types 33, 43, 52 and 53 possess an identical T-antigen, so that monospecifically reacting T-antisera could not be prepared for these types. J Clin Invest, 1975 Aug, 56(2), 319 - 30 Chemotherapy of experimental streptococcal endocarditis . IV . Further observations on prophylaxis; Pelletier LL Jr et al.; The ability of antibiotics to prevent Streptococcus sanguis endocarditis was tested in rabbits . Only vancomycin or a combination of penicillin G plus streptomycin always prevented infection when administered as a single dose . A loading dose of 30 mg/kg of phenoxymethyl penicillin (penicillin V) followed by additional 7.5 mg/kg doses for 48 h proved to be the only successful prophylactic program that could be given orally to man . Cefazolin alone or with streptomycin in multiple doses was also an effective alternative to penicillin or penicillin derivatives . Erythromycin uniformly failed to protect animals from bacterial endocarditis but showed greater prophylactic efficacy when a low inoculum of streptococci was used. Antibiotiki, 1975 Aug, 20(8), 721 - 5 {Erythromycin and oleandomycin concentration in the body of angina patients taking the preparations orally}; Liashenko IuI; The antibiotic levels in patients suffering from angina were studied with the agar-diffusion method . The drugs were used orally in single and multiple doses (every 6 hours): erythromycin in doses of 4000 and 6000 gamma/kg and oleandomycin in doses of 4000 and 8000 gamma/kg . When erythromycin was used in a single dose of 4000 gamma/kg, its levels in the objects tested, i.e . the blood serum, saliva, mucus from the tonsil surface and tissue did not reach the concentrations corresponding to the sensitivity levels of the microbes to the antibiotic (0.75 gamma/ml) . When the drug was used every 6 hours, the concentration increased . Still, it reached the above level only in the blood and tonsil surface mucus . Only when the antibiotic was used repeatedly in doses of 6000 gamma/kg, its levels in the examined objects reached 0.75 gamma/ml . When oleandomycin was used in single and repeated doses of 4000 gamma/kg, its levels were always lower than those providing sensitivity of beta-hemolytic streptococci to it (1.0 gamma/ml) . The antibiotic use in doses of 8000 gamma/kg provided the required level in all the object examined. Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1975 Aug, (8), 15 - 20 {Patterns in the epidemic process of scarlet fever in various territories differing in respect of climate and geography}; Dodonov VN et al.; Observations carried out in Ashkhabad and Petrozavodsk permitted to reveal specific features of the epidemic process in scarlet fever at the territories differing in climato-geographic respect . This was expressed in a different level of morbidity, differences in the character of periodicity, seasonality and age structure of morbidity . Along with this there were noted differences in the spread of the carrier state of hemolytic streptococcus and of their biological properties, and also in the process of immunity formation in the population . The data obtained suggest that one of the causes of epidemiological differences in scarlet fever detected in the southern and the northern districts were peculiarities of the immunological reactivity of the population and a difference in the carrier state of the highly toxigenic streptococci. J Med Microbiol, 1975 Aug, 8(3), 455 - 7 Observations on group-F streptococci from human sources; Wort AJ; In a 4-year study, 22 strains of group-F streptococci were isolated from children and puerperal women . All were isolated in mixed culture but were associated with sepsis or other pathological conditions . It appears that this organism may be an opportunistic pathogen and that its habitats include the gastrointestinal tract and the vagina as well as the throat. Monatsschr Kinderheilkd, 1975 Aug, 123(8), 588 - 92 {The changing clinical pattern of rheumatic fever (author's transl)}; Jungst BK; During the last years a remarkable change in the pattern of rheumatic fever has been observed . Severe carditis and polyarthritis have almost disappeared . Accordingly the mortality rate decreased considerably milder forms of rheumatic fever may become a diagnostical problem so that adequate therapy may be delayed . These cases may present as chronic heart disease with an unspecific history . The modified Jones criteria alone have limited value . Laboratory tests are increasingly important . Not only improvement of hygiene or therapy with Penicillin are causes for the declining incidence of rheumatic fever, but also the change in the behaviour of Streptococci . This assumption will be supported if the equally dranged course of scarlet fever and the uniform ASO-titers in children as a measure for contacts with Streptococci are taken into account. Infect Immun, 1975 Aug, 12(2), 293 - 302 Prevention of Streptococcus mutans infection of tooth surfaces by salivary antibody in Irus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis); Evans RT et al.; Four irus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) were immunized with Streptococcus mutans 6715 killed cells and cell products by injection in the vicinity of the major salivary glands and by instillation into the parotid glands via the ducts . After immune group and a sham-immunized control group of monkeys were infected orally with viable strain 6715 organisms . Dental plaque samples were taken at intervals from the buccal and lingual grooves of the first permanent molars . These samples were evaluated for recovery of strain 6715 by cultural methods . In addition, individual samples were taken from 10 representative tooth surfaces and were evaluated by indirect immunofluorescent staining for strain 6715 . Results showed that immune monkeys had fewer infected surfaces and fewer organisms on the infected surfaces than the control animals . These studies indicate that salivary antibody to cariogenic streptococci inhibits implantation of these organisms in dental plaque and may be protective against dental caries. Am J Obstet Gynecol, 1975 Aug 1, 122(7), 820 - 3 The influence of advancing gestation on group B streptococcal colonization in pregnant women; Baker CJ et al.; An investigation to determine the throat and vaginal colonization rates of group B streptococci among second- and third-trimester pregnant women was performed . Group B streptococci were recovered from 25.4 per cent of third-trimester and 14.8 per cent of second-trimester parturient (p = less than 0.025) . Serotype distribution of isolates was similar among these two study groups . No significant differences in colonization rates were noted on the basis of age, race, parity, or complications of pregnancy.However, postpartum fever occurred in 22 per cent of colonized and only 4 per cent of noncolonized second-trimester parturients . The reason for this significant increase in group B streptococcal colonization rates with advancing gestation remains speculative. Vet Med (Praha), 1975 Aug, 20(10), 447 - 54 {Use of the immunofluorescence technic for the routine diagnosis of group B Streptococci}; Kubin V et al.; The authors tested the use of the immunofluorescence technique for the routine examination of milk samples for the contamination with group B streptococci (Str . agalactiae) . The conjugates were prepared from rabbit sera; the rabbits were immunized by a polyvalent vaccine containing the antigens of all six types of Str . agalactiae . The non-specific reactions of conjugates with some streptococcus strains of group C were reduced by a single-stage inhibition with a titrated solution of the serum of non-immunized healthy rabbits, used as a diluent of lyophilized conjugates . If the producer enterprise maintains the quality of conjugates, the results of the immunofluorescence examination of milk samples for Str . agalactiae contamination are comparable with the results of the cultivation procedure . The method can be recommended mainly for the final examinations of sanitated herds where it may reveal positive cows which were not detected by the cultivation method . Besides the described indications, immunofluorescence can be used as an equal-value method to replace the cultivation procedure in the cases of emergency situations. Vet Med (Praha), 1975 Aug, 20(8), 447 - 54 {Use of immunofluorescence technic for the routine diagnosis of group B Streptococci}; Kubin V et al.; The authors tested the use of the immunofluorescence technique for the routine examination of milk samples for the contamination with group B streptococci (Str . agalactiae) . The conjugates were prepared from rabbit sera; the rabbits were immunized by a polyvalent vaccine containing the antigens of all six types of Str . agalactiae . The non-specific reactions of conjugates with some streptococcus strains of group C were reduced by a single-stage inhibition with a titrated solution of the serum of non-immunized healthy rabbits, used as a diluent of lyophilized conjugates . If the producer enterprise maintains the quality of conjugates, the results of the immunofluorescence examination of milk samples for Str . agalactiae contamination are comparable with the results of the cultivation procedure . The method can be recommended mainly for the final examinations of sanitated herds where it may reveal positive cows which were not detected by the cultivation method . Besides the described indications, immunofluorescence can be used as an equal-value method to replace the cultivation procedure in the cases of emergency situations. Antibiotiki, 1975 Aug, 20(8), 714 - 7 {Sensitivity to doxycycline (vibramycin) of the microflora isolated from the patients in a therapeutic clinic}; Tydel'skaia IL et al.; Sensitivity of microflora to tetracycline, oxytetracycline, chlortetracycline and doxycicline was studied . A total of 237 pure cultures of Strep . viridans (54), beta-hemolytic streptococci (27), pathogenic staphylococci (52), non-pathogenic staphylococci (53) and Coli bacteria (51) were tested with the agar-diffusion method using standard discs . Doxycicline was most active and chortetracycline was least active . The maximum sensitivity to doxycicline was found in beta-hemolytic streptococci (85.4%) and the minimum sensitivity to that antibiotic was found in Coli bacteria (39.2%) and Strep . viridans (35.6%), which was superior to that with respect to the other tetracyclines . Coincidence of the clinical effect with the microflora sensitivity and high percentage of sensitivity to doxycicline among Staph . aureus, which is important in treatment of severe infections caused by the organism were observed. Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1975 Aug, (8), 49 - 53 {Antibodies to the lipoproteinase of group A hemolytic streptococci in the blood of healthy and ill persons}; Iontova IM et al.; In examining 170 samples of blood sera of healthy and sick individuals it was shown that with the aid of a simple and express antilipoproteinase test it was possible not only to reveal, but also to determine the titre of specific antibodies to the lipoproteinases of various serological M-types (2, 4, 22/12, 22 and 49) of a hemolytic streptoccus, group A . The antibodies to the enzymes were frequently revealed in the sera of adults and older children . The results obtained were still inadequate for the epidemiological or clinico-immunological analysis, but pointed to the principal possibility of using the antilipoproteinase test for the mentioned purpose. Eur J Immunol, 1975 Aug, 5(8), 511 - 7 Idiotype suppression . II . Amplification of a suppressor T cell with anti-idiotypic activity; Eichmann K; Guinea pig IgG2 anti-idiotypic antibody (aId2) against the strain A/J antibody A5A has a suppressive effect on the expression of the A5A idiotype in adult A/J mice immunized with Group A streptococci . High doses of aId2 cause an immediate but transient suppression, whereas low doses of aId2 result in a delayed but chronic suppression which lasted for more than 1 year without any indication of recovery . Chronic suppression is transferred by as few as 10(5) spleen cells, but an interval of 6 weeks after transfer is required for completion of suppression . The suppressive capacity of aId2-induced suppressor cells was virtually inexhaustable in 4 consecutive transfers spaced at 3 month intervals . The suppressor cell is a T cell which adheres to histamine-rabbit serum albumin-Sepharose 2B columns. Br Med J, 1975 Jul 26, 3(5977), 199 - 201 Pyogenic cocci in infantile eczema throughout one year; Smith RJ et al.; To determine the source of pyococci causing attacks of sepsis in infantile eczema 20 patients with continuing eczema were followed up for one year, regular swabs being taken from the skin, nose, throat, and family contacts . The staphylococci were phage typed and the streptococci serologically typed . Staphylococci of the same phage type in most cases remained in reservoir sites on the skin and coincidently in the nose . Staphylococci causing attacks of clinical sepsis arose from these persistently colonized sites . Staphylococci of the same phage type were also common in family contacts . Streptococci of the same group in most cases did not remain on the skin . Streptococci causing attacks of clinical sepsis arose as new infections from external sources, sometimes from throat infections in the patient or family contacts . Strains of streptococci which are known to be associated with glomerulonephritis were isolated . It has been confirmed that staphylococci resistant to neomycin and sodium fusidate quickly emerge after the topical use of these antibiotics . Streptococci are highly resistant to neomycin and gentamicin, and moderately resistant to sodium fusidate, so the use of these antibiotics in topical steroid preparations will have little effect in preventing further attacks of clinical sepsis in these patients. Med Microbiol Immunol (Berl), 1975 Jul 2, 161(3), 193 - 201 Morphological and immunological characteristics of Streptococcus pyogenes, group A, type 50; Wildfeuer A et al.; Streptococcus pyogenes, group A, type 50, in contrast to other group A streptococci, causes spontaneous disease in mice thereby providing a suitable experimental model for the study of human streptococcosis . Type 50 possesses various peculiar morphological and immunobiological characteristics and under certain conditions forms and extremely thick non-antigenic capsule which seems to interfere with the binding of antibody . This interference is most likely responsible for the difficulties in detecting type 50 streptococci in the tissues of infected mice by immunofluorescent staining . Whereas the surface components (hyaluronic acid, M-antigen) of the type 50 Streptococcus exhibit several uncommon features, the more deeply located cell wall antigens, like peptidoglycan and C-carbohydrate, do not differ in either their chemical constituents or their serological reactions from the comparable components of other group A streptococci. In Vitro, 1975 Jul-Aug, 11(4), 230 - 3 Bacteriological activity in unfiltered calf sera collected for tissue culture use; Orr HC et al.; Bacteriological tests were made on 24 lots of unfiltered calf serum collected for subsequent use as a component of tissue culture media . The examination included the isolation and identification of bacteria, assay of phages, and demonstration of endotoxin material . Only Gram-positive bacteria were isolated and 96% of the sera were contaminated with bacteria . The prevalent strains of bacteria found were Bacillus species and streptococci and 63% of the sera coagulated Limulus amebocyte lysate . More than 90% of the lots contained phages demonstrable with the C-3000 strain of Escherichia coli . Only one lot of the serum was found to be free from bacteria, phages, and endotoxin by the tests used. J Bacteriol, 1975 Jul, 123(1), 174 - 8 Nuclease content of group H Streptococcus strain Challis cell surface extracts inactivating transforming deoxyribonucleic acid; Starosciak BJ et al.; Besides the competence factor (cpf), the activity of nuclease present in cell surface extracts (iF) is most likely necessary for the occurrence of competence in transformation of Challis strain and other group H streptococci . Very small amounts of iF activity were available . For this reason there were no data on nucleases occurring in iF preparations . In our previous studies, three deoxyribonucleases (endonucleases) were isolated and partly purified from stationary Challis strain cells . In the present work, due to the application of stationary-phase cell endonucleases, gel electrophoresis, and the immunological method, we found that two of these nucleases occur in Challis strain iF preparations . These two nucleases are present in larger amounts at the cell surface only in cells originating from the early-logarithmic-phase culture . Only in this phase does competence occur in the Challis strain . Antibodies against the three endonucleases of the Challis strain do not block the occurrence of competence . We suggest that an increase in the permeability of the cell membrane for intracellular nucleases independent of cpf activity is a stage in the maturation of competence. J Exp Med, 1975 Jul 1, 142(1), 165 - 79 Multiple mouse-protective antibodies directed against group B streptococci . Special reference to antibodies effective against protein antigens; Lancefield RC et al.; The data presented in this paper establish the finding that multiple specific protective antibodies exist in rabbits in response to immunization with Group B streptococci . The summary in Table I indicates the serological types into which Group B streptococci have been divided on the basis of their antigenic composition . This classification is dependent upon passive protection of mice with antibodies directed against the specific antigens, and types are defined in these terms . Heretofore, it was thought that type-specific polysaccharides accounted for all such protection in Group B streptococci . Certain exceptions of cross-protection between types due to minor polysaccharide determinants soon appeared; cross-protection reactions based on protein d