Streptococci

J Clin Periodontol, 1979 Feb, 6(1), 33 - 6
Experimental transient bacteraemias in human subjects with clinically healthy gingivae; Silver JG et al.; Thirty-six subjects with no evidence of clinical gingival inflammation underwent a standardized toothbrushing procedure . Blood specimens, obtained from a vein in the antecubital fossa during the last 30 seconds of brushing, were cultured under aerobic and stringent anaerobic conditions . Three subjects exhibited detectable bacteraemias, Propionibacterium sp . being isolated from two of the subjects, while Actinomyces sp., Streptococcus sanguis and Streptococcus mitis were isolated from the third . The implications of these results are discussed.

Dtsch Zahnarztl Z, 1979 Feb, 34(2), 165 - 7
{Plaque flora and dental caries . I . Occurrence of Streptococcus sanguis types in caries-free and caries susceptible school children}; Ranke E et al.; The reported results suggest that changes in dental plaque flora and its importance for cariesinitiation in man can only be learned about by 1) investigation into different pre- and early caries phases, 2) by still more differentiation of potentially cariogenic microorganisms, according to their biochemical behavior, and 3) by considering other factors influencing the dental plaque flora like toothbrushing habits . The data presented suggest that Strep . sanguis type I and IIW might cause cariesinitiation with daily toothbrushing individuals.

J Dent Res, 1979 Feb, 58(2), 665 - 9
A simple ultrasound method to characterize in vitro plaque inhibition activity; Lim JK et al.; A method employing ultrasound vibration for evaluating in vitro plaque derived from Streptococcus mutans was developed . It successfully detected small changes in the cohesive/adhesive characteristics of deposits briefly exposed to several antibacterials and "antiadherents" . Increased structural fragility and diminished plaque growth were generally associated with the antibacterials.

J Dent Res, 1979 Feb, 58(2), 656 - 9
Changes of serological activity by alpha-L-fucosidase isolated from Streptococcus sanguis ATCC 10557; Shizukuishi S et al.; alpha-L-Fucosidase isolated from the growth culture of Streptococcus sanguis ATCC 10557 acted on H- and Leb-blood group substances in porcine gastric lining, human gastric lining, human ovarian cyst fluid and human whole saliva, with consequent loss of H- and Leb -activities and a concomitant increase of Lea activity.

J Exp Med, 1979 Feb 1, 149(2), 327 - 39
Immunodeterminant specificity of human immunity to type III group B streptococcus; Kasper DL et al.; The type III polysaccharides of group B Streptococcus in its native state chemically consists of glucose, galactose, glucosamine, and sialic acid . The core of this polysaccharide lacks sialic acid and precipitates with type III antiserum to give a partial identity with the precipitate between the native antigen and this serum . The core determinant is immunochemically similar to the capsular polysaccharide of type XIV Streptococcus pneumoniae, while the native type III group B streptococcal polysaccharide does not cross-react with type XIV pneumococcal antiserum . In human sera, it is antibody directed to the native antigen which correlates very highly with opsonic immunity (r = 0.94) while a poorer correlation exists between antibody to the core antigen and opsonins (r = 0.51 P less than 0.001) . In natural infections, as association exists between low levels of maternal antibody to the native antigen and risk of disease in the infant . This association is not true for antibody to the core structure, where both infected infants and their mothers have much higher levels of antibody to the core than the native antigens . Infected infants are also more likely to respond to infection by developing antibody to the native antigen . Immunization of 12 adults with multivalent pneumococcal polysaccharide induced significantly better antibody response to the core antigen than to the native, and this vaccine induced opsonic activity in only one recipient . Immunization of adults with type III group B streptococcal antigens induced antibody to the native determinant which correlated with opsonic activity . Therefore, it would appear that native group B streptococcal polysaccharides will provide the best candidate antigens for immunization.

J Bacteriol, 1979 Feb, 137(2), 735 - 9
A plasmid in Streptococcus pneumoniae; Smith MD et al.; Plasmid deoxyribonucleic acid has been detected in three related laboratory strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae . Strains D39S, R36, and R36NC each contain a minimum of two copies per cell of a 2.0-megadalton plasmid (pDP1) . A plasmid twice as large as this smaller one is also present in much lower quantity in these strains, but neither plasmid is present in four strains related to these or in a drug-resistant clinical isolate from Paris . The plasmid yield was not amplified in the presence of chloramphenicol . No phenotype has been correlated with the presence of pDP1, which has existed in strains carried for many years in laboratory collections.

Microbiol Immunol, 1979, 23(3), 159 - 66
Bacteriocinogeny and antibiotic resistance of naturally occurring strains of Streptococcus mutans; Katayama A et al.; We studied bacteriocinogenies and antibiotic resistances of naturally occurring strains of Streptococcus mutans isolated from different sources . It was found that naturally occurring strains from humans and rats were distinguished by their bacteriocin susceptibilities and production . We had a few incidences of tetracycline resistant strains only among those isolated from rats . It is quite interesting that none of the resistant strains we collected produced bacteriocins.

J Immunol, 1979 Jan, 122(1), 54 - 60
Inhibition of complement-mediated lysis of sheep erythrocytes by cell-free preparations from Streptococcus mutans BHT; Silvestri LJ et al.; A cell-free extract from the spent medium of Streptococcus mutans BHT was tested for anti-complementary activity with sheep erythrocytes (E) as target cells . It was determined that this extract was enriched for extracellular lipoteichoic acid (LTA) and that the LTA bound to the surfaces of sheep E . Furthermore, sheep E, sheep E plus antibodies (EA), and sheep cells in the intermediate stage of complement (C) component fixation EAC14 became refractory to C-mediated lysis after treatment with the LTA-rich extract . Sheep E in the intermediate states EAC142 and EAC1423567 were unaffected despite the fact that LTA could be detected on the surfaces of these cells with the passive hemagglutination procedure . Preliminary results showed that the C inhibitory activity co-purified with LTA, and LTA (both crude and purified) from other bacteria were anticomplementary . Both crude extracellular material from S . mutans BHT and partially purified extracellular LTA from the same bacteria caused consumption of whole human C activity.

Acta Otorhinolaryngol Belg, 1979, 33(6), 927 - 35
{Orbital involvement in acute sinusitis in children}; Sariban E et al.; We review the literature on orbital involvement in acute sinusitis in children . Because of the potential severity of the disease which may be life threatening a vigorous treatment is required . Hemophilus Influenzae is a major cause of orbital cellulitis followed by Staphylococcus Aureus and group A streptococcus . Because of the emergence of Ampicillin-Resistant H . Influenzae strains in Belgium, chloramphenicol should be included in the initial therapy in combination with a penicillinase resistant semisynthetic penicillin . Therapy is adjusted as soon as the results of bacterial culture are known . Surgical establishment of sinus or abscess drainage is required if the child is severely ill or failed to respond to medical treatment . A treatment protocol is proposed.

Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek, 1979, 45(1), 25 - 33
Streptococcus mutans and dental caries in humans: a bacteriological and immunological study; Huis in 't Veld JH et al.; Plaque samples from caries-active subjects showed a higher incidence of S . mutans than plaque samples from caries-free subjects . This was especially evident in approximal incisor plaque . S . mutans serotype d was almost exclusively present in approximal plaque obtained from caries-active subjects . Tooth surfaces infected with S . mutans still harbored this micro-organism 10 months later, while uninfected tooth surfaces remained free of S . mutans . Caries development predominantly occurs on those tooth surfaces which harbor relatively high percentages of S . mutans (> 5%) . It is unlikely that serum or saliva antibodies against S . mutans play a major role in the protection against dental caries in these caries-free subjects since subjects with the greatest number of decayed surfaces showed the highest antibody titre as measured by haemagglutination or by the enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA).

Microbios, 1979, 26(104), 95 - 101
Inhibitory activity of Streptococcus mitis against oral bacteria; Vernazza TR et al.; The antagonistic properties of three strains of Streptococcus mitis were investigated . They were found to inhibit a wide range of oral bacteria; Gram-positive and Gram-negative, facultative and anaerobic species being susceptible . The S . mitis strains were shown to be producing hydrogen peroxide, this being partially responsible for the aerobic inhibitory activity . A second inhibitory factor(s) was also produced, aerobically and anaerobically, although this could not be isolated . A limited characterization of this factor was undertaken using plate cultures.

Biol Bull Acad Sci USSR, 1979 Jan-Feb, 6(1), 55 - 62
Lipid composition of cells and its variation during degradation of a culture of Streptococcus diacetilactis; Batrakov SG et al.; The process of dying of a culture of Str . diacetilactis under conditions of prolonged culturing is accompanied by substantial changes in the composition of the cell lipids . In the lipids of young cells the basic components are mono- and diglucosyldiglycerides, as well as phospholipids--two glucophospholipids, cardiolipin, and phosphatidylglycerin; triglycerides and sterols are present in negligible amounts . As the Str . diacetilactis culture develops and undergoes degradation, an increase is observed in the total amount of extractable lipids . In this case the fraction of phospholipids increases (chiefly on account of cardiolipin), while the fraction of neutral glucolipids decreases . It was shown that in cell homogenates there is a negligible peroxidation of lipids, which is intensified as the culture dies off . There is a parallel acceleration of the uptake of O2 by cell suspensions from cultures of different ages . The detected changes in the lipids are correlated with the morphological and physiological indices of the state of the culture.

Helv Paediatr Acta, 1979, 34(6), 563 - 76
{Bacterial meningitis in newborn infants . A retrospective study from a pediatric clinic 1967-1978}; Bieler-Niederer E; A total of 22 newborn infants (14 boys, 8 girls) have been admitted and treated for bacterial meningitis in the University Pediatric Service of Geneva over a period of 11 years (May 1967 to May 1978) . The three most common infectious agents were: Group B beta-hemolytic Streptococcus (6/22 cases), Escherichia coli (6/22 cases), and Listeria monocytogenes (4/22 cases) . Thirteen of the 22 infants died (a 59% mortality, in keeping with that observed in other centers) . Follow-up of the nine survivors showed a relatively favorable course from a developmental and neurological point of view . Only two of the infants have significant sequelae . Factors predisposing toward the occurrence of neonatal meningitis are a small birth weight, premature rupture of the membranes, and perinatal maternal infection . Prevention of neonatal meningitis is therefore very much dependent upon good perinatal care of the mother . Treatment of neonatal meningitis is impaired by the poor diffusion of antibiotics through the blood-brain barrier . Intrathecal antibiotics were used in 4 cases in this series, and three of these 4 patients died: intrathecal antibiotherapy is obviously not a good solution . Molecules with a better diffusion such as chloramphenicol should be considered with renewed interest.

Microbiol Immunol, 1979, 23(9), 849 - 57
Cariogenic virulence of Streptococcus mutans AHT mutants with altered in vitro adherence abilities in hamsters; Kishimoto E et al.; Plaque-forming ability and cariogenic virulence of Streptococcus mutans AHT mutants having varying in vitro adherence abilities were studied in hamsters reared on a high sucrose diet over a period of 64 days . The parent wild-type strain produced heavy plaque and extensive carious lesions on molars . However, mutants M1, M2, and M13, which have lost the ability to form adhesive deposits on glass when grown in sucrose broth, and mutant M9, which adheres firmly to glass but in an extremely small amount, could not be recovered from the mouths of animals even after repeated inoculations at weekly intervals throughout the experimental period . Mutant M35, which produces a large amount of loosely adhering deposits in vitro, became established and persisted on molars, but its recovery was extremely low . None of the mutants, including M35, significantly produced plaque and caries in hamsters . Possible causes of this inability to form plaque and the avirulence of mutants are discussed.

Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand, 1979, 58(3), 317 - 9
Maternal sepsis, uterine rupture and coagulopathy complicating cervical cerclage; Lindberg BS; A previously healthy woman with a Shirodkar cerclage for cervical incompetence had a spontaneous rupture of the membranes at the 37th week of pregnancy . Three days later after a short period of weak labor pains, she developed a severe sepsis, uterine rupture and coagulopathy leading to renal failure, beta-hemolytic streptococcus group B and peptostreptococcous could be cultured from the amniotic fluid immediately after rupture of the membranes and from the uterus and placenta.

J Infect Dis, 1979 Jan, 139(1), 1 - 8
Circulating immune complexes in experimental streptococcal endocarditis: a monitor of therapeutic efficacy; Bayer AS et al.; An important problem in the management of infective endocarditis has been the delineation of laboratory procedures that are sensitive, reliable indicators of therapeutic efficacy . Because circulating, complement-containing immune complexes of the IgG type (CICs) have been demonstrated in most humans with infective endocarditis, serum CIC levels during the natural course of the infection and in response to penicillin therapy were studied in 42 rabbits with right-sided endocarditis due to Streptococcus salivarius . A significant rise in the level of CICs in both 21 control rabbits and 21 treated rabbits was observed after induction but before treatment of infective endocarditis (P less than 0.01) . In the 17 successfully treated rabbits, CIC levels fell sharply during the first week of therapy and remained at preinduction levels thereafter (P less than 0.005) . In contrast, CIC values did not change significantly either in control animals or in the four treated animals with refractory endocarditis, although in the latter animals, serum bactericidal titers remained less than or equal to 1:32 . These findings suggest that serial measurements of CIC levels during antimicrobial therapy of infective endocarditis may aid in monitoring therapeutic efficacy.

Arch Neurol, 1979 Jan, 36(1), 27 - 8
Cystic fibrosis with brain abscess; Duffner PK et al.; A 21-year-old patient with cystic fibrosis developed bilateral brain abscesses due to anaerobic Streptococcus . This rare association presents an interesting etiologic study.

Rev Infect Dis, 1979 Jan-Feb, 1(1), 39 - 54
Mode of action of beta-lactam antibiotics; Tipper DJ; Biochemical investigations of the mode of action of beta-lactam antibiotics have focused on the interaction of these drugs with sensitive enzymes and penicillin-binding proteins in vitro and on the correlation of these data with physiological responses to the drugs . The classical response is inhibition of growth and cell death followed by lysis; however, the bacteriostatic response to penicillins, which is seen in certain bacterial species such as Streptococcus mutans and in mutants of species such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, is also described . The biochemical data remain consistent with the acyl-D-alanyl-D-alanine donor substrate analogue theory, but multiple targets with differential sensitivity to different beta-lactam antibiotics exist . The relationship of these targets to penicillin-binding proteins and their possible functions in cell growth and division are discussed.

Poumon Coeur, 1979, 35(6), 383 - 90
{Studies in the BALB/c mouse of the efficiency of spraying as compared to other inoculation ways for immunostimulant (author's transl)}; Fontanges R et al.; The of efficiency of spraying as compared to intranasal and digestive ways was tested on Balb/c mouse by using on the one hand an immunostimulant product and on the other various types of test : Myxovirus influenzae by aerosol, Streptococcus pyogenes intranasally, Klebsiella pneumoniae intraperitoneally . Results showed that in the case of influenza virus the immunostimulant inhaled as liquid aerosol or powder aerosol, or deposited on the nasal mucosa was very active . When the test germ was Streptococcus and the contamination intra-nasal, only the homologous way was efficient . When the test germ was Klebsiella pneumonia all inoculation forms except powder aerosol were effective . The comparative study of aerosols granulometry helps grasping this phenomenon.

Ciba Found Symp, 1979, (77), 85 - 101
Neonatal group B streptococcal infection; Reid TM et al.; Group B streptococcus is now recognized as a major cause of serious neonatal infection . Between January 1973 and July 1979 35 infants with 'early onset' group B streptococcal infection were admitted to the Special Nursery, Aberdeen Maternity Hospital . Ten infants died, nine of whom were of low birth weight . Current research is directed towards defining 'high risk' groups and establishing an effective means of prevention . The concept of early administration of antibiotics to 'high risk' infants, particularly those of low birth weight, is recommended . While there is already evidence in support of the effectiveness of such an antibiotic policy, the nature of protective immunity and the place of immunoprophylaxis have yet to be clarified . Analysis of our data suggests that vaginal carriage of group B streptococcus is not associated with the mother's blood group but there appears to be an increased incidence of neonatal group B streptococcal infection in infants of mothers of blood group B.

J Hyg Epidemiol Microbiol Immunol, 1979, 23(4), 407 - 16
Diagnostic utilization of hemolytically active exosubstances of certain gram-positive bacteria . I . Detection of staphylococcal hemolysins with prepurified preparations of staphylococcal beta-toxin and CAMP-factor of Streptococcus agalactiae; Skalka B et al.; The authors have modified the one-plate method for the detection of staphylococcal hemolysins . They recommend to use in this method a prepurified form of staphylococcal beta-toxin and of streptococcal CAMP-factor instead of the exclusively beta-tonin-producing strain of Staphylococcus aureus and instead of the intensively CAMP-test positive Streptococcus agalactiae strain, respectively . The authors determined concurrently staphylococcal hemolysins, using a three-plate method in which alpha-antitoxin was employed, to ensure a better evidence of alpha-toxin . A total of 494 staphylococcal strains were examined by both methods . Of this number, 446 Staphylococcus aureus strains were of diverse host origin and 48 were coagulase-negative staphylococcal strains . On the basis of the various hemolytically active staphylococcal toxins, the authors recommend the suggested modification of the one-plate method for their routine detection.

Microbios, 1979, 25(99), 7 - 18
Purification and properties of a protein surface antigen of Streptococcus mutants; Russell MW; A protein, designated antigen III, was extracted from cells and culture supernatant of Streptococcus mutans serotype c, and purified by ammonium sulphate precipitation followed by chromatography on anion-exchanged and gel filtration columns . Monospecific antisera were raised by injecting purified antigen III in rabbits . Antigen III prepared from cells and supernatants appeared identical by reaction with antisera and were of similar chemical composition and physico-chemical properties . Antigen III was resistant to most proteolytic enzymes, but pepsin digestion decreased its molecular weight from 44,000 to 24,000 without destroying antigenic activity . Immunofluorescence showed that antigen III was located at or near the cell surface of S . mutans serotypes b, c, e and f.

Ann Biol Clin (Paris), 1979, 37(4), 207 - 12
{Interest of stimultaneous determination of antistreptolysins and antideoxyribonuclease B in streptococcal infections (author's transl)}; Scheftel JM; The determination of antistreptolysin O (ASLO) and antideoxyribonuclease B (ADNase B) was carried out on a sample of 199 sera from normal subjects and on a sample of 4019 sera from patients admitted to the Strasbourg University Hospital Center . The sera of hospital origin were divided into two groups . The first group (n = 3889) consisted of sera taken at random, the second group (n = 130) corresponded to patients in whom we isolated a streptococcus of group A . The results obtained show that the distribution of ADNase B and ASLO of normal subjects follow a logarithmic distribution . The geometric averages of the titres DNAase B and ASLO of normal sera and of the first group of hospital origin are scarcely different, whereas the geometrical means of the titres of the second group of sera of hospital origin are quite different and two or three dilutions higher . We noted that the titres of DNAase B and ASLO were in agreement in 84% of cases in the whole group of hospital sera . Among the cases of discrepancy, the negative ASLO and the positive DNAase B corresponded mainly to streptococcal infections.

Paediatrician, 1979, 8(5-6), 307 - 24
Acute poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis . A review of recent developments; Rodriguez-Iturbe B et al.; This revision is concerned with controversial aspects of the etiopathogenesis of acute poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis (APSGN) and with recently published clinical, serologic, immunohistologic and prognostic data . The putative nephritogenic antigens in group A streptococcus are discussed and the pathogenetic alternatives of exogenous (streptococcal) versus autologous (streptococcal-induced) immune complex (IC) disease are analyzed . The possible role of antiglobulins is reviewed in the light of the work that shows high titers of rheumatoid factor activity in the serum, as early as the first day of clinical APSGN, and glomerular-fixed anti-IgG in the biopsies of these patients . Circulating IC have been documented to be more frequent in the first week of the disease (2/3 of patients) that at a later date . Cryoglobulins are present in most cases tested in the first week, and elevation of serum IgG and IgM levels is found in over 90% of the patients . From the immunohistologic viewpoint, emphasis is made in recent work indicating IgG localization in the dermal papillae of uninvolved skin, which may be of potential diagnostic significance . Review of the published data on the prognosis of APSGN suggest that this issue is far from settled . Attention is called to the fact that the conflicting opinions may reflect different interpretations of possibly not too different data.

Ann Microbiol (Paris), 1979 Jan, 130 A(1), 23 - 7
Loss of plasmid-mediated resistance after conversion of a group B streptococcus strain to a stable cell wall deficient variant; Schmitt-Slomska J et al.; A group B streptococcus strain carrying plasmid DNA determining resistance to several drugs was converted by penicillin to cell wall (CW) defective and then to CW deficient variants (L-forms) . The stable CW deficient variants became susceptible to antibiotics in study . Dye-buoyant density analysis of the DNA of CW deficient variants showed that the loss of antibiotic resistance was associated with the loss of extrachromosomal DNA.

Exp Cell Biol, 1979, 47(4), 258 - 68
Biological activity of synthetic subunits of streptococcus peptidoglycan . I . Pyrogenic and thrombocytolytic activity; Rotta J et al.; The ability of some synthetically prepared analogues of Streptococcus peptidoglycan subunits (dipeptide, tetrapeptide, glycodipeptide and glycotetrapeptide) to cause fever in rabbits and lysis of rabbit blood platelets was studied . While di- and tetrapeptides did not exhibit these activities, glycodipeptides and glycotetrapeptides displayed pyrogenic and thrombocytolytic activities comparable with those of natural peptidoglycans.

Pharmazie, 1979, 34(2), 68 - 9
Studies in potential organo-fluorine antibacterial agents . Part 2: Synthesis and antibacterial activity of some new fluorine-containing 3.5-disubstituted isoxazoles; Joshi KC et al.; A series of new fluorine-containing 3,5-disubstituted aryl/alkylisoxazoles has been synthesized by the condensation of hydroxylamine with appropriate beta-diketones in the presence of pyridine and characterized by IR and 1H NMR spectral studies . These isoxazoles have been screened for their antibacterial activity against the gram positive bacteria, Staphylococcus albus, Streptococcus nonhemolyticus and the gram negative bacterium Escherichia coli.

Scand J Infect Dis, 1979, 11(1), 35 - 8
Recurrent group B streptococcal infections: Report of three cases; Ruiz-Gomez D et al.; The group B streptococcus has become a leading cause of neonatal infection . Despite the increasing incidence of this infection, recurrence in the same patient is extremely uncommon . This report describes three infants with proved recurrent group B streptococcal disease . All patients were treated with benzylpenicillin for at least 10 days, but, after a symptom-free interval, each developed symptoms again . Whether the illness in these patients represents a relapse or a true reinfection is difficult to determine . Various possibilities are discussed . The development of a recurrent infection indicates that presently recommended therapy may be inadequate in certain instances . Comments about epidemiology, clinical picture, antibiotic sensitivity studies, and immunity are made along with speculations about possible approaches to treatment and prevention of this infection.

Rev Infect Dis, 1979 Jan-Feb, 1(1), 202 - 5
Cefoxitin in treatment of obstetric and gynecologic infections; Sweet RL et al.; Cefoxitin was found to be an effective and safe agent for the treatment of infections of the female genital tract that were associated with a variety of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, including Streptococcus, Escherichia coli, and Bacteroides species . The overall clinical response was 91% . The major cause of failure was the presence of an abscess requiring surgical drainage . Both the intravenous and the intramuscular routes of administration for cefoxitin were tolerated well or moderately well by most patients.

Med Pediatr Oncol, 1979, 7(3), 285 - 97
The incidence of post-splenectomy sepsis and herpes zoster in children and adolescents with Hodgkin disease; Green DM et al.; The occurrence of sepsis due to Streptococcus pneumoniae and Hemophilus influenza and of herpes zoster (HZ) was reviewed in a series of 72 consecutive, previously untreated children and adolescents with Hodgkin disease . There was not a statistically significant difference in the risk of developing sepsis within five years of diagnosis between patients who had (16.6%) or had not (6.2%) undergone splenectomy . Sepsis occurred most frequently among patients treated initially with total nodal irradiation and combination chemotherapy . The estimated risk of HZ during the first five years after diagnosis was 34% . Patients treated initially with irradiation and combination chemotherapy had a significantly greater risk of developing HZ than patients treated initially with only irradiation (P less than 0.05) . Although trends were present which suggested that splenectomy and the extent of disease at diagnosis may influence the occurrence of HZ, these did not achieve statistical significance . Survival was not influenced by the occurrence of HZ.

Infection, 1979, 7(4), 176 - 9
Ceforanide (BL-S786) in the treatment of community-acquired bacterial pneumonia; Wallace RJ Jr et al.; Ceforanide (BL-S 786) is a new long-acting parenteral cephalosporin which has the major pharmacologic advantage of requiring only twice a day dosage . We treated 28 adult patients with community-acquired bacterial pneumonia using doses of 500 or 1000 mg every 12 hours . Twenty-four of 28 infections were due to Streptococcus pneumoniae and/or Hemophilus influenzae, and all pathogens were susceptible in vitro to both cephalothin and ceforanide . Patients were treated for a mean of 7.5 days, and all showed a good clinical and radiographic response with no mortality . Of the 13 patients with H . influenzae, the organism could still be recovered during therapy in 9/12 and post therapy in 3/8 . One clinical superinfection (sepsis due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa) occurred during therapy . Side effects with therapy included thrombocytosis (15), asymptomatic eosinophilia (5), and mild elevation of the serum transaminases (3) . These studies suggest that ceforanide is a safe and effective agent for the treatment of adult patients with bacterial pneumonia due to S . pneumoniae; further experience in therapy of H . influenzae is needed because of frequent failure of ceforanide to eradicate this organism from the sputum.

Pharmacol Ther Dent, 1979, 4(2-4), 73 - 80
The evaluation of tiodonium chloride as an antiplaque and anticaries agent . III . Evaluation of the antiplaque potential of tiodonium chloride utilizing a rat model; Miller CJ et al.; Tiodonium chloride (4-chlorophenyl-2-thienyliodonium chloride), when used in a twice daily mouthrinse at a concentration of 0.3% for either one or four weeks, inhibited dental plaque formation in rats that had been inoculated with Streptococcus mutans 6715-15 and Actinomyces viscosus T-6 . Mouthrinses containing 0.1 and 0.2% tiodonium chloride were also effective in inhibiting plaque, but not as consistently as the 0.3% level.

Pharmacol Ther Dent, 1979, 4(2-4), 59 - 64
The evaluation of tiodonium chloride as an antiplaque and anticaries agent . I . Preliminary in vitro and in vivo studies; Sabourin JR et al.; Tiodonium chloride was evaluated for its efficacy against Streptococcus mutans . Depending upon the concentration used, it was found to have either bacteriocidal or bacteriostatic activity against S mutans and ti inhibit the accumulation of plaque formed in vitro by this organism . When applied as a mouthrinse in hamsters infected with S mutans, tiodonium chloride significantly reduced the accumulation of dental plaque . Chlorhexidine gluconate was tested as a positive control in the in vivo experiment.

J Dent Res, 1979 Jan, 58(1), 516 - 24
Modification of human parotid saliva proteins by oral streptococcus sanguis; Choih S et al.; Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was used to analyze the effect of Streptococcus sanguis on the anionic proteins in human parotid gland saliva . Cell-free culture supernatants and washed-cell preparations from 23 strains of S . sanguis caused marked modification of various salivary proteins . Control studies showed that the alterations in protein profiles by the bacteria were not due to attachment of protein to the cells . Protease inhibitors were used to confirm that proteolysis by distinct enzymatic activities was responsible for most of the modifications . There was no discernible relationship between the degradation patterns and the various immunologic or genetic groups of S . sanguis . Proteins which contained high concentrations of proline were extensively degraded by S . sanguis . This effect could be blocked with the protease inhibitor phenylmethyl-sulphonyl fluoride.

Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz), 1979, 27(6), 853 - 9
The effects of combined action of beta-lactame and aminoglycoside antibiotics on resistant strains of streptococcus group D; Zaremba L et al.; The aim of the paper was to study the effect of benzylpenicillin, cloxacillin and ampicillin in combination with streptomycin, kanamycin and gentamicin on antibiotic-resistant strains of Streptococcus group D . Most frequently the synergistic effect was observed when cloxacillin was combined with streptomycin (76%), cloxacillin with kanamycin (63%) and benzylpenicillin with streptomycin (53%) . In some cases the synergistic effect was so pronounced that MIC of two antibiotics used in combination was equal or lower than levels of these antibiotics in patients sera . It is assumed that these combinations may have therapeutic meaning.

Ciba Found Symp, 1979, (77), 247 - 60
Perinatal infections: prevention of long-term sequelae; Hanshaw JB; All the congenital infections and most of the natal and postnatally acquired infections of man are associated with disease of the central nervous system and long-term sequelae in the survivors . The most important perinatal pathogens in this regard are group B streptococcus, Escherichia coli and other coliform bacteria, cytomegalovirus, Toxoplasma gondii and herpes simplex virus . All these agents are the subject of active and, in some instances, promising investigation . The strategies for prevention are discussed here . Recent clinical trails of two cytomegalovirus vaccines (Towne 125 and AD 169) are considered in detail.

J Immunol Methods, 1979, 31(3-4), 303 - 14
Radioimmunoassay of class-specific antibodies to Streptococcus mutans in monkey serum and saliva; Walker J et al.; A radioimmunoassay (RIA) has been developed to measure class-specific antibodies to Steptococcus mutans in the serum and saliva of monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) . Anti-human immunoglobulin antibodies purified by affinity chromatography on immobilised monkey immunoglobulins and labelled with 125I were employed . Formolised cells of S . mutans and an extract of culture supernatant adsorbed to polystyrene wells were used as solid-phase antigens . The coefficients of variation for IgG, IgA and IgM assays were less than or equal to 10% for both antigen systems . Two monkeys were immunised with formolised cells of S . mutans by subcutaneous injection and subsequent instillation of bacterial cells into their right parotid ducts . IgG, IgA and IgM antibody responses to S . mutans in samples of serum and saliva were quantitated by RIA . Immobilisation of purified components of S . mutans on polystyrene wells enabled the measurement of antibody response to a number of antigens to be made . The RIA is a sensitive, reproducible and quantitative method of measuring serum and salivary antibody responses in monkeys.

Exp Pathol (Jena), 1979, 17(7-8), 420 - 8
Immunofluorescent and immunoelectron microscopic demonstration of primate heart muscle antigens cross-reactive with Streptococcus pyogenes; Wagner M et al.; The presence of antigens in heart muscles cross-reactive with antibodies against Streptococcus pyogenes were examined in heart samples of seven primate species (chimpanzee, rhesus macaque, stump-tailed macaque, hamadryas baboon, capuchin monkey, green monkey and patas monkey) . Cross-reactive antigens were localized by means of the indirect immunofluorescent technique in nearly all samples tested . The fluorescence pattern was the same as found in the heart muscle of other mammals . Using the indirect immunoferritin technique the substructural distribution of the antigens was investigated in heart muscle of rhesus macaque and hamadryas baboon . Beside the location on the cell surface the antigens were also demonstrated within the cell . Above all there was a strong labelling along the intercalated discs and in the sarcoplasmatic reticulum.

Microbiol Immunol, 1979, 23(2), 61 - 70
Serotype-dependent inhibition of glucan synthesis and cell adherence of Streptococcus mutans by antibody against glucosyltransferase of serotype e S . mutans; Hamada S et al.; A crude glucosyltransferase (GTase) preparation was obtained from the culture supernatant of Streptococcus mutans strain MT703 (serotype e) by 50% ammonium sulphate precipitation . Antiserum specific against the GTase was prepared by immunizing rabbits intramuscularly with the GTase in Freund incomplete adjuvant, followed by GTase without adjuvant intravenously . Gamma globulin fractions of the antiserum and normal serum were partially purified by 1/3 saturated ammonium sulphate precipitation . The antibody strongly inhibited the GTase activity (greater than 90%) of type c, e and f S . mutans, whereas the GTase of type a, d and g was not affected by the antibody . The GTase from type b S . mutans was slightly inhibited . The adherence of viable cells of type c, e, and f S . mutans to a glass surface due to synthesis of glucan by the cell-associated GTase was also significantly inhibited by the antibody to the enzyme . These results suggest that type c, e, and f and types a, d, and g S . mutans can be separated into two major groups in terms of the immunological relationship of GTase.

J Dent Res, 1979 Jan, 58(1), 461 - 83
Serological properties of Streptococcus mutans from humans and some animals; Sato M; The development of a simple but reliable diagnostic method of identifying and grouping S . mutans was undertaken . There were three specific antigens of S . mutans, and the slide agglutination test was found to be a good method using three specific antisera . The distribution of S . mutans groups in the Japanese and some animals was studied.

Acta Derm Venereol, 1979, 59(5), 460 - 3
Quantitation of skin bacteria: lethality of the wash solution used to remove bacteria; Bloom E et al.; A widely used technique for the quantitative removal of bacteria from the skin uses a detergent, Triton X-100 (p, t-octylphenoxynonaethoxyethanol), to remove and suspend the bacteria . We determined the half-life for the survival of five common skin bacteria suspended in the solution . The shortest-lived was Streptococcus pyogenes with a half-life of 0.9 hours . All of the others (Propionibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Klebsiella pneumoniae) had half-lives of 1.5 hours or longer . K . pneumoniae, the only Gram-negative species tested, had a half-life of more than 30 hours . Thus, a one hour delay in plating and incubation of samples suspended in this detergent solution inhibits quantitation of most species tested.

J Immunol Methods, 1979, 27(3), 283 - 91
Soluble antigen extracts used as blocking agents to obtain specificity in serotyping of Streptococcus mutans; Wong MC et al.; Specific immunofluorescent (IF) conjugates were prepared for Streptococcus mutans serotypes d and g . Serotype specificity was obtained by blocking the cross-reacting antibodies with soluble antigen extracted from cells of the cross-reacting strains . Soluble antigen extracts are particularly useful in obtaining specificity with quantities of conjugates that are too small to be efficiently subjected to adsorption procedures . They also can be used advantageously to block traces of cross-reactivity that frequently remain with conjugates that have been subjected to conventional adsorption procedures . S . mutans isolates from dental plaque samples were identified as belonging to serotypes d or g on the basis of IF staining with conjugates that were made type-specific by blocking the cross-reacting antibodies with appropriate soluble antigen extracts.

Rev Infect Dis, 1979 Jan-Feb, 1(1), 55 - 63
Genetic determinants of microbial resistance to antibiotics; Young FE et al.; Emergence of antibiotic resistance is related to the ease of mutation, to the extent of exchange of genetic information in bacteria by conjugation, transformation, and transduction, and to the large-scale use of antimicrobial agents in the biosphere . In addition to the development of resistance through chromosomal mutation and exchange of chromosomal genes among organisms, there is a more profound enlargement of the gene pool by the dissemination and amplification of plasmids . Two examples of the exchange of antibiotic resistance are analyzed: the transfer of plasmids from Bacteroides fragilis to Escherichia coli and the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains of STreptococcus pneumoniae . Plasmids encoding antibiotic resistance in B . fragilis were transferred to E . coli by DNA-mediated transformation and conjugation . The beta-lactamase in the transformants and transconjugants displayed the same substrate specificity and electrophoretic mobility as the donor strain . The plasmid apparently was integrated rapidly into the chromosome of the recipient strain . Multiple antibiotic-resistant strains of S . pneumoniae were analyzed for plasmids, and none were detected . Furthermore, no evidence of linkage between the traits of multiple antibiotic resistance was observed . beta-Lactamase was not detected in the penicillin-resistant strains; therefore, it is likely that the resistance in these strains was chromosomal rather than plasmid-mediated . The range of genetic exchange and the use of Koch's postulates in determining the genetic mechanism of antibiotic resistance are illustrated and discussed.

Infect Immun, 1979 Jan, 23(1), 68 - 79
Regulation of lactose catabolism in Streptococcus mutans: purification and regulatory properties of phospho-beta-galactosidase; Calmes R et al.; Phospho-beta-galactosidase (P-beta-gal), the enzyme which catalyzes the first step in the metabolism of intracellular lactose phosphate, occurred at high specific activity in the cytoplasm in 12 of 13 strains of streptococcus mutans grown on lactose but not other carbon sources . The P-beta-gal from S . mutans SL1 was purified 13-fold using diethylaminoethyl-cellulose ion exchange and agarose A--0.5 M molecular exclusion column chromatography . The molecualr weight of the enzyme was estimated to be 40,000, and its pH optimum was 6.5 in three different buffer systems . P-beta-gal activity was inhibited by Co2+, Zn2+, and Cu2+, but other cations, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, orthophosphate, and fluoride had no effect upon enzyme activity . The kinetic response of P-beta-gal to a model substrate, o-nitrophenyl-beta-D-galactopyranoside-6-phosphate, obeyed Michaelis-Menten kinetics, and the Km for this substrate was 0.19 mM . In addition to being under genetic control, P-beta-gal activity was regulated by a number of biologically active metabolites . Enzyme activity was inhibited in a sigmoidal fashion by phosphoenolpyruvate . The M 0.5 V value for phosphoenolpyruvate was 2.8 mM, and the Hill coefficient (n) was 3 . In addition, P-beta-gal exhibited strong inhibition by ATP, galactose-6-phosphate, and glucose-6-phosphate . In contrast to inhibition of P-beta-gal activity by phosphoenolpyruvate, the inhibition exerted by ATP, galactose-6-phosphate, and glucose-6-phosphate obeyed classical Michaelis-Menten kinetics; the Ki values for these inhibitors were 0.55, 1.6, and 4.0 mM, respectively.

Chemotherapy, 1979, 25(1), 9 - 13
Laboratory studies with BL-S 578 (Cefadroxil) a new broad-spectrum orally active cephalosporin; Ripa S et al.; BL-S 578 (Cefadroxil) is a new orally active semisynthetic cephalosporin antibiotic with broad-spectrum antibacterial activity . The new compound was evaluated in vitro in comparison with cephalexin . Some properties studies such as, antibacterial activity, binding with serum proteins and stability in acid and neutral solution at 37 degrees C for both cephalosporins were similar . In experimental infections of mice, the protective action of BL-S 578 was more effective than cephalexin against Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae . BL-S 578 was more resistant than cephalexin to the beta-lactamases produced by Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli.

Lab Anim Sci, 1978 Dec, 28(6), 686 - 90
Prevention of cervical lymphadenitis in guinea pigs by vaccination; Mayora J et al.; Cervical lymphadenitis, caused by beta hemolytic Streptococcus of Lancefield's group C, was experimentally produced in guinea pigs . Experimental transmission of cervical lymphadenitis was successful when a scratch in the oral mucous membrane was inoculated with a strain of the causative organism which had been isolated during an epizootic of cervical lymphadenitis . Animals without a mouth lesion did not develop the disease when inoculated in the same manner . Another strain, obtained from the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC-12960) was also used . This latter strain was found to have a low degree of pathogenicity for guinea pigs, and it was used for immunization experiments . Seventy-nine percent of animals inoculated orally with strain 12960 withstood later challenge with the virulent strain, whereas only 5% of the controls withstood the same challenge.

Nouv Presse Med, 1978 Dec, 7(45), 4111 - 4
{Articular and muscular manifestations of bacterial endocarditis . 11 cases (author's transl)}; Rodriguez C et al.; We report 11 cases of bacterial endocarditis with muscular and articular manifestations seen over the past ten years . There was arthralgia in 7 cases, vertebral pain in 7 cases and myalgia in 3 cases . Arthritis consisted of a monoarthritis of the ankle in 2 cases and oligoarthritis in 2 cases . There were also 2 cases of lumbar spondylodiscitis and 1 of finger clubbing in the series . The underlying heart disease was a valvular lesion of the left side of the heart in 10 cases out of 11 and the organism isolated by blood culture was a streptococcus in 9 cases and a staphylococcus in 11 . We emphasis the need for early diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic therapy, in the absence of which the course may be fatal in the short term, as it was the case in one of our own patients.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 1978 Dec, 36(6), 785 - 9
Serological studies of a host range mutant of a lactic streptococcal bacteriophage; Jarvis AW; A host range mutant was isolated from a bacteriophage that attacked Streptococcus cremoris 114 . The mutant was able to adsorb and grow on S . cremoris 266, where the parent phage could not . The mutant phage was unable to adsorb to the original bacterial host, S . cremoris 114 . The change in host range was accompanied by an alteration in the neutralization antigen as shown by a change in neutralization rate by an anti-phage serum . Serum-blocking experiments confirmed the difference in neutralization antigen between parent and mutant phages . The two phages nevertheless had similar complement fixation antigens, confirming that one was a mutant derived from the other . A distinction between complement fixation and neutralization antigens, similar to that found for the coliphages and staphylococcal phages, has therefore been demonstrated for two lactic streptococcal phages.

Infect Immun, 1978 Dec, 22(3), 721 - 6
Impaired colonization of gnotobiotic and conventional rats by streptomycin-resistant strains of Streptococcus mutans; Bammann LL et al.; Colonization of streptomycin-resistant mutants derived from Streptococcus mutans strain LB1, a human isolate, and strain FA-1, a rodent isolate, was studied in gnotobiotic and conventional rats . Mutants resistent to 2.0 mg of streptomycin per ml were isolated by using both stepwise (suffix "R"M) and one-step (suffix "R"1) selections . Rats were infected with mixtures of parental and streptomycin-resistant strains, and the proportions of each strain present in samples from the intestinal canal, tongue dorsum, teeth, and fissure plaque were determined . Combinations of strains investigated were LB1 and FA-1"R"M; FA-1 and LB1"R"M; LB1 and LB1"R"1; FA-1 and FA-1"R"1 . In gnotobiotic rats, nonresistant strains predominated in every oral sample studied at 7 and 21 days after infection . Similarly, when conventional exgermfree rats were infected with FA-1 and FA-1"R"1, FA-1 dominated in all samples . Streptomycin-sensitive revertants were not detected in rats monoinfected with strains LB1"R"1 and FA-1"R"1 for 21 days . No antagonistic interactions were observed between the strains in in vitro experiments . Streptomycin-resistent mutants attached to hydroxyapatite treated with rat or human saliva in equal or higher numbers than did parental strains . However, parental strains appeared to grow faster in Trypticase soy broth then streptomycin-resistant mutants . These observations indicate that induction of streptomycin resistance frequently impairs the colonization properties of S . mutans strains, possibly by altering their rate of growth.

South Med J, 1978 Dec, 71(12), 1530 - 3
Botryomycosis: first report of human brain involvement; Wu WQ et al.; A 57-year-old man, previously well except for dental caries and a history of Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, presented with marching right-sided motor seizures of sudden onset . Cerebral arteriography and scan demonstrated an avascular left frontal lobe mass . At operation, it was identified as an abscess and was totally excised . Histologically, granules resembling those seen in actinomycosis were demonstrated in the abscess wall, but special stains revealed gram-positive cocci in chains within and outside the granules . Fungal spores, mycelia, or branching filamentous structures were absent . Acid-fast stains were negative, and alpha-hemolytic streptococcus was recovered in pure culture from the abscess . While the patient was convalescing with penicillin therapy, a dental survey revealed the presence of periodontal abscesses which were drained by exodontia . Culture of the tooth sockets showed alpha-hemolytic streptococcus and Staphylococcus aureus . The literature on this relatively rare bacterial disease which histologically resembles actinomycosis is reviewed.

Am J Clin Pathol, 1978 Dec, 70(6), 948 - 50
Meningitis caused by Streptococcus dysgalactiae in a preterm infant; Quinn RJ et al.; This report describes a case of meningitis caused by a Lancefield group C streptococcus (Streptococcus dysgalactiae) in a 9-week-old infant . Bacteria of this group rarely cause serious infections in man . The organism was identified as a member of Lancefield group C by the acid extraction method and as S . dysgalactiae by biochemical tests . The patient's condition responded well to penicillin and tobramycin therapy, with no obvious neurologic sequelae.

Infect Immun, 1978 Dec, 22(3), 714 - 20
Streptococcus mutans dextransucrase: stimulation by phospholipids from human sera and oral fluids; Schachtele CF et al.; Serum, gingival crevicular fluid, and parotid, submandibular, and labial minor gland saliva from four individuals stimulated glucan formation from sucrose by the Streptococcus mutans strain 6715 dextransucrase (EC 2.4.1.5) . At final dilutions of 1:10 all of the fluids stimulated crude enzyme preparations approximately 1.8-fold . The fluids stimulated the purified water-insoluble glucan-synthesizing form of the dextransucrase approximately 3.2-fold and the water-soluble glucan-producing form of the enzyme approximately 2.4-fold . The fluids all contained concentrations of stimulatory material that could be reduced to undetectable levels only after dilutions of greater than 1:1,000 . The increased rates of glucan formation caused by the fluids and dextran were additive, indicating that stimulation by the fluids was primarily due to interactions with entities other than glucan primer molecules . In contrast, the elevated levels of glucan formation in the presence of the fluids was not further enhanced by the addition of lysophosphatidylcholine . Lysophosphatidylcholine purified from parotid and submandibular saliva by solvent extraction and thin-layer chromatography stimulated the dextransucrase as effectively as egg yolk lysophosphatidylcholine . Thus, phospholipids normally found in human oral fluids can enhance the activity of an enzyme believed to be directly associated with the cariogenic potential of S . mutans.

Scand J Dent Res, 1978 Dec, 86(6), 459 - 69
Combined extracellular sucrolytic enzyme power from a strain of Streptococcus mutans, and purification results; Aksnes A; Streptococcus mutans has been shown to produce extracellular invertase, dextransucrase, and levansucrase . The purpose of this work was to study the relative quantities of these enzymes in pure culture supernatant, and in samples from commonly used purification methods . The strain "Ingbritt" was selected because it is a well-defined human strain, available, and with well-known growth requirements . The samples were incubated with sucrose for the determination of free monohexoses, and the polysaccharide from ethanol precipitation was hydrolyzed as previously described . In cell supernatant the inversion effect exerted 75% of total sucrolytic power, the dextransucrase 20% and the levansucrase 5% . No method, tested in this work, could separate all the activities completely.

J Bacteriol, 1978 Dec, 136(3), 900 - 8
Co-induction of beta-galactosidase and the lactose-P-enolpyruvate phosphotransferase system in Streptococcus salivarius and Streptococcus mutans; Hamilton IR et al.; The addition of lactose, galactose, or isopropyl-beta-D-thiogalactoside (IPTG) to glucose-grown cells of Streptococcus salivarius 25975 resulted in the co-induction of both the lactose-P-enolpyruvate phosphotransferase system (lactose-PTS) and beta-galactosidase, with the latter the predominant metabolic system . With various strains of Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sanguis 10556, on the other hand, the lactose-PTS was the major metabolic pathway with beta-galactosidase induced either to low or negligible levels . In all cases, induction of the lactose-PTS resulted in the concomitant induction of 6-P-beta-galactosidase . The induction by lactose of both the lactose-PTS and beta-galactosidase in all strains was repressed by glucose and other catabolites, notably, fructose . Induction of beta-galactosidase in S . salivarius 25975 by IPTG was, however, relatively resistant to glucose repression . Induction experiments with IPTG and lactose suggested that a cellular metabolite of lactose metabolism was a repressor of enzyme activity . Exogenous cAMP was shown to reverse the transient repression by glucose of beta-galactosidase induction in cells of S . salivarius 25975 receiving lactose, provided the cells were grown with small amounts of toluene to overcome the permeability barrier to this nucleotide, cAMP, was however, unable to overcome the permanent repression of beta-galactosidase activity to a significant extent under these conditions.

Jpn J Exp Med, 1978 Dec, 48(6), 545 - 51
L-forms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa . 3 . The serological cross-reactions among stable L-forms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, L-form of Streptococcus pyogenes and mycoplasmas; Yamamoto A et al.; The serological cross-reactions among stable L-forms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, or of Streptococcus pyogenes and mycoplasmas were investigated in passive hemagglutination (PHA) and agar gel diffusion tests . (1) PHA active fraction which reacts most strongly with homologous serum was obtained from the sodium dodecyl sulfate soluble fraction of L-form membrane after disruption by Braun cell homogenizer . (2) Antiserum prepared against L-forms in rabbits showed high-level stimulation of PHA antibodies, while it showed little stimulation of agglutinating antibodies . (3) In PHA and agar gel diffusion tests, antiserum to L-form of P . aeruginosa strain IFO-3,455 reacted with L-form of strain N-10, which is serologically different in serotype from strain IFO-3,455 . Furthermore, the two L-forms of P . aeruginosa cross-reacted with a L-form of S . pyogenes . 4) L-forms of P . aeruginosa and S . pyogenes did not react with five strains of mycoplasmas in PHA and agar gel diffusion tests.

J Gen Microbiol, 1978 Dec, 109(2), 313 - 7
The uptake of choline by Streptococcus pneumoniae; Thomas AM et al.; Uptake of choline, a structural component of pneumococcal C- and F-teichoic acids, into bacteria growing in a defined medium was very efficient with an uptake constant ({S}10 5) of 3.2 microns . It was inhibited by iodoacetate, dinitrophenol and oligomycin but not by structural analogues of choline . Ethanolamine, however, was transported in the absence of choline but with a reduced affinity ({S}0.5 71.4 microns) . The same constitutive system was probably used by both ethanolamine and choline . It is suggested that this system required ATP and probably involved choline kinase.

Biochem J, 1978 Dec 1, 175(3), 1033 - 42
The structure of C-polysaccharide from the walls of Streptococcus pneumoniae; Poxton IR et al.; The well-known immologically active component of pneumococci, C-polysaccharide, is a teichoic acid that can be isolated from the cell walls and purified by Sephadex and ion-exchange chromatography . Further details of the structure of C-teichoic acid were established by chemical degradation, including hydrolysis in acid and alkali, treatment with HF, periodate oxidation and methylation . In addition, the use of 13C n.m.r . has confirmed some of these structural features and resulted in a proposal for the order of substituents, the location of positions of substitution and the configuration of anomeric centres in the repeating unit of the polymer.

J Infect Dis, 1978 Dec, 138(6), 872 - 6
In vivo activity of amoxicillin and ampicillin against gram-positive bacteria: results of prophylactic studies; Grunberg E et al.; In prophylactic treatment of intraperitoneal infections with Streptococcus pneumoniae (types 1 and 2) and Streptococcus pyogenes in mice, amoxicillin had a definite advantage over ampicillin in terms of protective effect . When the infecting agent was given to mice so as to produce an infection in the brain or lung (for example, S . pneumoniae given intracranially or intranasally), amoxicillin was also more effective prophylactically than ampicillin.

Rev Can Biol, 1978 Dec, 37(4), 273 - 89
Streptococcus mutans, an assessment of its physiological potential in relation to dental caries; Ruby JD et al.; Streptococcus mutans converts low levels of sucrose to lactic acid, but at high levels favours synthesis of glucans for plaque accumulation . Thus, the continued exposure to sucrose fluxes would select microorganisms in the oral cavity (S . mutans being a prototype) with highly specialized adaptation and potential dental caries activity . The bacteria that have evolved physiological systems to function efficiently under these conditions are the lactic acid bacteria . These organisms survive in environments where carbohydrate availability is constantly changing . High tolerances to acidic environments may be an important determinant in establishing the ecology of the carious lesion . Also, the intercellular polysaccharide storgae (glycogenamylopectin) and extracellular polymer reserves (levan and soluble glucan) are important during carbohydrate depletion . Further, the formation of insoluble glucans is a prerequisite for the caries process on smooth surfaces of teeth through plaque development . These conditions could result in an increase in S . mutans and cariogenic microorganisms . As a result, this process may be best understood as a manifestation of an amphibiotic shift.

J Gen Microbiol, 1978 Dec, 109(2), 313 - 7
The uptake of choline by Streptococcus pneumoniae; Thomas AM et al.; Uptake of choline, a structural component of pneumococcal C- and F-teichoic acids, into bacteria growing in a defined medium was very efficient with an uptake constant ({s}05) of 3.2 micrometer . It was inhibited by iodoacetate, dinitrophenol and oligomycin but not by structural analogues of choline . Ethanolamine, however, was transported in the absence of choline but with a reduced affinity ({s}0.5 71.4 micrometer) . The same constitutive system was probably used by both ethanolamine and choline . It is suggested that this system required ATP and probably involved choline kinase.

Biochemistry, 1978 Nov 28, 17(24), 5275 - 81
Acyldiglucosyldiacylglycerol-containing lipoteichoic acid with a poly(3-O-galabiosyl-2-O-galactosyl-sn-glycero-1-phosphate) chain from Streptococcus lactis Kiel 42172; Koch HU et al.; The lipoteichoic acid of Streptococcus lactis Kiel 42172 was isolated . The lipid portions were released by HF and were established to be 3-O-{O-alpha-D-galactopyranosyl-(1 leads to 6)-alpha-D-galactopyranosyl}-2-O-alpha-D-galactopyranosyl-sn-glycero-1-phosphate, they are joined by phosphodiester bonds nosyl)}glycerol . The repeating units of the hydrophilic chain were established to be 3-O-{O-alpha-D-galactopyranosyl-(1 leads to 6)-alpha-D-galactopyranosyl}-2-O-alpha-D-galactopyranosyl-sn-glycero-1-phosphate; they are joined by phosphodiester bonds at carbon atom 6 of the galabiosyl residues . The innermost unit is linked to the glycolipid by a phosphodiester presumably at C-6 of the outer glucosyl moiety . The hydrophilic chain is 7.4--11.8 units in length, measuring 12--19 nm is extended conformation . The content of 2.7--2.96 acyl groups per 2 glucosyl residues indicates that 70--96% of the glycolipid consists of acyldiglucosyldiacylglycerol . The novel poly(glycosylgly-cerophosphate) structure provided for the first time the oplipoteichoic acids are the sn-1 isomer which has previously been suggested from biosynthetic studies (Glaser, L., & Lindsay, B . (1974) Biochem . Biophys . Res . Commun . 59, 1131--1136).

Neurosurgery, 1978 Nov-Dec, 3(3), 385 - 91
Subdural empyema in Africans in Rhodesia; Glasauer FE et al.; Subdural empyema was encountered in 44 African patients in Rhodesia during the period from 1970 to 1974 . Subdural empyema seems to be a relatively frequent occurrence in Africans . Sixty-eight per cent of the patients were below the age of 20 years, and males predominated . More than half of the patients had either a history or evidence of an infectious process outside the central nervous system, and about 60% demonstrated focal neurological signs . The diagnosis was confirmed by either surgery or postmortem examination . Cultures of available specimens were positive in 50% . The predominant organisms identified were Streptococcus, followed by Staphylococcus . Surgical treatment consisted mainly of multiple burr holes, drainage of the empyema, and irrigation . The mortality rate in this study was 59%, and some recognizable contributing factors are elaborated . In the discussion the authors compare these observations with pertinent reviews from the literature . Some of these findings correlate well with other reports, whereas other observations are attributed to factors partly inherent in the socio-economic structure of the African population in Rhodesia.

Infect Immun, 1978 Nov, 22(2), 585 - 96
Synthesis, transport, and secretion of plasma proteins by the livers of control and Streptococcus pneumoniae-infected rats; Little JS; The synthesis, intracellular transport, and secretion of plasma proteins by the liver was studied in both control and Streptococcus pneumoniae-infected rats . Rats were injected with {3H}leucine; at various time intervals, the components of the intracellular secretory system were isolated . The isolation and partial characterization of rough microsomes, smooth microsomes, and Golgi from both control and infected animals are described . After infection, the specific activity of the label in the homogenate and in all isolated cell fractions was significantly increased . In both control and infected animals, the kinetics of labeling suggested that the secretory pathway of the newly synthesized protein was from the rough endoplasmic reticulum to the smooth endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi and finally to the circulation . Even though infected animals synthesized, transported, and secreted significantly more plasma protein, infection did not significantly alter the secretion time (time between injection of isotope and appearance of labeled protein in the circulation) . It is concluded that, after S . pneumoniae infection, the liver still maintains its capability to perform the basic functions of protein synthesis, intracellular transport, and secretion and that newly synthesized plasma protein follows the same intracellular pathway in both control and S . pneumoniae-infected rats.

Vet Pathol, 1978 Nov, 15(6), 770 - 5
Absence of bacterial adherence in the establishment of experimental mastitis in mice; Anderson JC; The possibility of adherence of Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli or Streptococcus agalactiae to the epithelium of the mammary gland was investigated by inoculating them into this gland of mice . S . aureus, S . epidermidis and E . coli did not adhere to alveolar epithelium in suckling or non-suckling mice . S . agalactiae adhered to alveolar epithelium in non-suckling mice but adhesion was not sufficiently strong to withstand suckling . Bacterial adherence probably does not play a significant role in the establishment of mastitis by these organisms.

J Med Microbiol, 1978 Nov, 11(4), 453 - 62
The characteristics of M proteins purified by column chromatography with hydroxyapatite from acid extracts of Streptococcus pyogenes of types 1, 3, 6, 12 and 17; Vosti KL; Purified M proteins were recovered from acid extracts of Streptococcus pyogenes, M-types 1, 3, 6, 12 and 17, by elution from columns of hydroxyapatite of the proteins precipitated with ammonium sulphate . M protein free from non-type-specific antigens was recovered only from M-type 12 . Although similar fractions were not recovered from M-types 1, 3, 6 and 17, purified preparations containing a single cross-reactive antigen were obtained . In addition to the M proteins associated with cross-reactive antigens, type-specific antigens that did not stimulate opsonic antibodies were isolated from revealed molecular weights that ranged from 32,000 to 63,000 daltons, total amino acid compositions that were similar, and N-terminal amino acids that were variable.

South Med J, 1978 Nov, 71(11), 1450 - 1
Group B streptococcal osteomyelitis in adults; Stevens DL et al.; Osteomyelitis due to group B Streptococcus occurred in two adult male patients . Both patients responded to parenteral penicillin G . A review of the literature verifies that group B Streptococcus has been an exceedingly rare cause of osteomyelitis in adults.

Dtsch Zahnarztl Z, 1978 Nov, 33(11), 763 - 5
{Spectrum of pathogens in odontogenous abscesses in the patients of the Tübingen Department of Maxillofacial Surgery}; Schmelzle R et al.; Bacteriological examination and evaluation of 475 smears of pus taken from odontogenous abcesses showed that the spectrum of pathogens is extremely broad . Chemotherapy therefore should not be started before the pathogen has been identified and an antibiogram has been made due to possible resistance on the part of the microorganisms . Clindamycin may be used for "blind treatment" until the bacteriologic findings are available because it is effective against streptococcus and staphylococcus as well as gram-negative asporous anaerobes . The risk of the possible ineffectiveness of clindamycin against gramnegative anaerobes however must be taken . Clindamycin and gentamicin together may be helpful in life-threatening situations because the combination covers an extremely broad spectrum of possible pathogens.

Dtsch Zahnarztl Z, 1978 Nov, 33(11), 760 - 2
{Microbial and resistance spectrum of jaw infections}; Reychler H et al.; According to this investigation, antibiotic treatment of odontogenous abcesses should be directed primarily against streptococcus and staphylococcus, even if gram-negative pathogens have apparently increased . The response on the part of streptococcus to antibiotics has not changed essentially during the last five years . Staphylococcus however has developed a resistance to penicillin and ampicillin.

Dtsch Zahnarztl Z, 1978 Nov, 33(11), 752 - 9
{Odontogenic soft tissue abscesses in the maxillofacial region . An analysis of 1386 cases from 1957--1976 at the Northwest-German Dental Clinic in Hamburg}; Lentrodt J et al.; Between 1957 and 1976, 1386 patients with odontogenous abscesses in the area of the mouth, jaw, and face were treated on an in-patient basis at the Hospital for Jaw Surgery (Nordwestdeutschen) in Hamburg . The catamneses of these patients were evaluated noting the localization and frequency of each abscess, the age and sex distribution of the patients, and the possible teeth responsible for the abscess . Any pathogens demonstrated were carefully recorded . The degree of sensitivity and/or resistance of the various groups of pathogens were also included in the study, particularly streptococcus and staphylococcus . Uncritical and undifferentiated administration of antibiotic therapy for pyogenic inflammations in the area of the mouth, jaw, and face is not to be recommended.

J Dent Res, 1978 Nov-Dec, 57(11-12), 1036 - 42
Effect of salivary pellicle formation time on in vitro attachment and demineralization by Streptococcus mutans; Zahradnik RT et al.; Enamel subsurface demineralization induced by Streptococcus mutans was significantly reduced by seven-day saliva pre-treatments conducive to the formation of enamel pellicles . A two-hour saliva pre-treatment was ineffective . Results suggest that the protection provided by long-term pellicles may relate to changes in ionic transport rates rather than cell attachment.

J Dent Res, 1978 Nov-Dec, 57(11-12), 1028 - 35
Purification and some properties of alpha-L-fucosidase isolated from Streptococcus sanguis; Shizukuishi S et al.; alpha-L-Fucosidase acting on naturally occurring substrates was highly purified from the growth culture of Streptococcus sanguis ATCC 10557 . The molecular weight of the enzyme was approximately 120,000 and the optimal pH was at 5.5 . The purified enzyme showed specificity toward the linkage of alpha-(1 leads to 2) fucosides in oligosaccharides and glycoproteins . The enzyme released L-fucose from glycoprotein in human parotid saliva.

Vopr Virusol, 1978 Nov-Dec, (6), 690 - 5
{Experimental study of Coxsackie-streptococcal infection}; Kogut EP et al.; The pathological process due to Coxsackie A18 virus and hemolytic streptococcus infection was studied in adult white mice . Their synergistic effect was established as manifested by longer periods of virus detection in the blood and heart and the detection of the streptococcus in animals infected with an 8-fold lower dose . In cases of combined infection, signs of dystrophy, destruction and proliferation developed in the myocardium reaching the highest intensity when the virus and the microbe had been inoculated simultaneously.

J Med Chem, 1978 Nov, 21(11), 1141 - 6
Synthesis and biological activities of some uronic acids, uronates, uronamides, and urononitriles of pyrimidine nucleosides; Schinazi RF et al.; The 5'-hydroxymethylene function of several uracil and cytosine nucleosides has been modified to produce a variety of uronic acids, uronates, uronamides, and urononitriles of 2'-deoxy-beta-D-erythro-pentofuranosyl- and beta-D-arabino-pentofuranosylpyrimidines . In addition, the 5 position in many of these nucleosides has been substituted by a halogen atom . Twenty-one of the 35 compounds synthesized and examined for biological activity have not been previously reported . The purity of the products was measured by a high-pressure liquid chromatographic method . They were then evaluated as potential growth inhibitors of murine Sarcoma 180 cells in culture, of herpes simplex virus type 1 in vitro, and of Streptococcus faecium, a folic acid or deoxythymidine dependent bacterial strain . The ability of these nucleoside analogues to inhibit the phosphorylation of deoxythymidine by herpes simplex virus type 1 encoded pyrimidine deoxyribonucleoside kinase was also investigated and a structure-activity relationship examined.

Zentralbl Bakteriol {Orig A}, 1978 Nov, 242(2), 181 - 6
Characterization of plasmids in bacteriocin producing strains of Streptococcus faecium; Keness J et al.; Four bacteriocin (enterocin) producing strains of Streptococcus faecium were examined for extrachromosomal DNA . Three strains proved to harbor minicircular plasmid DNA of uniform length as evidenced by CsCl ethidium bromide density centrifugation and electron microscopy . Molecular weight determination obtained through contour length measurements showed 2.4 X 10(6) dalton for S . faecium 25, 3.4 X 10(6) dalton for S . faecium 3 and 3.8 X 10(6) dalton for S . faecium 59 . Elimination experiments for bacteriocin production with intercalating dyes proved sterile . The role of these plasmids remains for the time being unknown.

Med Care, 1978 Nov, 16(11), 962 - 70
Quality assurance through automated monitoring and concurrent feedback using a computer-based medical information system; Barnett GO et al.; A computer-based medical information system (COSTAR) has been used to support a quality assurance program where the data collection is an integral part of the patient care recording activity and, therefore, does not require a separate abstracting or encoding process . This program utilizes concurrent audit to detect deficiencies in patient care, and automatic rapid feedback to the responsible provider in time to allow the provider to correct the deficiency . This system has been demonstrated to improve follow-up of throat cultures, positive for Group A Beta hemolytic streptococcus . It is well accepted by the medical staff whose practice is being audited . Because the data are collected as part of the routine operation of COSTAR, the computer monitoring and feedback have only a small incremental cost.

J Bacteriol, 1978 Nov, 136(2), 465 - 76
In vivo regulation of glycolysis and characterization of sugar: phosphotransferase systems in Streptococcus lactis; Thompson J; Two novel procedures have been used to regulate, in vivo, the formation of phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) from glycolysis in Streptococcus lactis ML3 . In the first procedure, glucose metabolism was specifically inhibited by p-chloromercuribenzoate . Autoradiographic and enzymatic analyses showed that the cells contained glucose 6-phosphate, fructose 6-phosphate, fructose-1,6-diphosphate, and triose phosphates.Dithiothreitol reversed the p-chloromercuribenzoate inhibition, and these intermediates were rapidly and quantitatively transformed into 3- and 2-phosphoglycerates plus PEP . The three intermediates were not further metabolized and constituted the intracellular PEP potential . The second procedure simply involved starvation of the organisms . The starved cells were devoid of glucose 6-phosphate, fructose 6-phosphate, fructose- 1,6-diphosphate, and triose phosphates but contained high levels of 3- and 2-phosphoglycerates and PEP (ca . 40 mM in total) . The capacity to regulate PEP formation in vivo permitted the characterization of glucose and lactose phosphotransferase systems in physiologically intact cells . Evidence has been obtained for "feed forward" activation of pyruvate kinase in vivo by phosphorylated intermediates formed before the glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase reaction in the glycolytic sequence . The data suggest that pyruvate kinase (an allosteric enzyme) plays a key role in the regulation of glycolysis and phosphotransferase system functions in S . lactis ML3.

Johns Hopkins Med J, 1978 Nov, 143(5), 165 - 8
Fulminant pneumococcal bacteremia in an asplenic chronic hemodialysis patient; Latos DL et al.; A chronic hemodialysis patient, previously splenectomized because of trauma in conjunction with gastrectomy, developed bacteremia with type 18 Streptococcus pneumoniae and died within 13 hours of onset of symptoms . Characteristics of this illness were severe hypoglycemia, pneumococci visible on peripheral blood smear, disseminated intravascular coagulation, neutropenia, and in vitro hemolysis . Splenectomy should be considered with caution in uremic patients and in renal transplant recipients because of the increased risk of fulminant bacteremia . Polyvalent pneumococcal vaccine may be helpful in preventing this syndrome in such asplenic patients.

J Biol Chem, 1978 Oct 25, 253(20), 7202 - 6
Carbohydrate on human factor VIII/von Willebrand factor . Impairment of function by removal of specific galactose residues; Sodetz JM et al.; Human factor VIII/von Willebrand factor protein containing 120 +/- 12 nmol of sialic acid and 135 +/- 13 nmol of galactose/mg of protein was digested with neuraminidase . The affinity of native factor VIII/von Willebrand factor and its asialo form for the hepatic lectin that specifically binds asialoglycoproteins was assessed from in vitro binding experiments . Native factor VIII/von Willebrand factor exhibited negligible affinity while binding of the asialo derivative was comparable to that observed for asialo-alpha1-acid glycoprotein . Incubation of asialo-factor VIII/von Willebrand factor with Streptococcus pneumoniae beta-galactosidase removed only 62% of the galactose but abolished binding to the purified hepatic lectin . When the asialo derivative was incubated with purified beta-D-galactoside alpha2 leads to 6 sialyltransferase and CMP-{14C}NeuAc, only 61% of the galactose incorporated {14C}NeuAc . From the known specificites of these enzymes, it is concluded that galactose residues important in lectin binding are present in a terminal Gal/beta1 leads to 4GlcNAc sequence on asialo-factor VIII/von Willebrand factor . The relative ristocetin-induced platelet aggregating activity of native, asialo-, and agalacto-factor VIII/von Willebrand factor was 100:38:12, respectively, while procoagulant activity was 100:100:103.

Biochim Biophys Acta, 1978 Oct 12, 526(2), 547 - 59
Studies on extracellular proteases of Streptococcus sanguis . Purification and characterization of a human IgA1 specific protease; Labib RS et al.; Extracellular caseinolytic activity was found in the culture fluid of Streptococcus sanguis ATCC 10556 grown in a dialyzed culture medium . This activity was due to multiple proteases that differed in their elution from hydroxyapatite, sensitivity to enzyme inhibitors, specificity and optimum pH . IgA protease, which splits human immunoglobulin A1 into intact Fc and Fab could be effectively separated from these relatively non-specific proteases and purified to apparent homogeneity in 20% yield by a five-step procedure . Although the bulk of the dextran sucrase activity was separated from the IgA protease, a small amount of sucrase activity remained with the final IgA protease preparation . In polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis at pH 9.5 both activities were located in the single protein band detected in this preparation . A quantitative method for the assay of IgA protease was developed, based on radial immunodiffusion to quantitate the Fab produced . This was used to follow the specific activity and yield during purification, and to characterize some of the catalytic properties of the enzyme . At an enzyme/substrate ratio of 1: 400 (w/w) the protease could effect 50% proteolysis of IgA in overnight incubation at 37 degrees C . The optimum activity was at pH 8.0, and 50% inhibition was achieved at 4 . 10(-4) M o-phenanthroline or 8 . 10(-4) M ethylene diamine tetraacetate . Concentrations of diisopropyl phosphofluoridate, phenylmethyl-sulfonyl fluoride, iodoacetate and p-chloromercuribenzoate up to 10(-2) M were without effect on the IgA protease activity . Full reactivation of the chelator inhibited enzyme could be achieved by the addition of Mg2+, Mn2+ or Ca2+.

Arch Microbiol, 1978 Oct 4, 119(1), 31 - 6
Hydrolysis and synthesis of ATP by membrane-bound ATPase from a motile Streptococcus; van der Drift C et al.; ATPase was detected in the membranes of a motile Streptococcus . Maximal enzymic activity was observed at pH 8 and ATP/Mg2+ ratio of 2 . Mn2+ and Ca2+ could replace Mg2+ to some extent . Besides ATP, GTP and ITP were substrates . The enzyme was inhibited by N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide but not by sodium azide, uncouplers or bathophenanthroline . An electrochemical gradient of protons, which was artificially imposed across the membranes of Streptococcus cells by manipulation of either the K+ diffusion potential or the transmembrane pH gradient, led to ATP synthesis . ATP synthesis was abolished by proton conductors, an inhibitor of the ATPase or an increase in the extracellular K+ concentration . A comparison between the phosphate potential and the electrochemical proton gradient showed that the data found are in agreement with a stoichiometry of 2 protons translocated per molecule ATP synthesized.

Infect Immun, 1978 Oct, 22(1), 52 - 6
Effect of immunization on susceptibility to experimental Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sanguis endocarditis; Durack DT et al.; It has been asserted that humoral immunity is an important potentiating factor in pathogenesis of infective endocarditis, in that prior immunization to certain bacteria may predispose the host to endocarditis caused by those organisms . If so, possible future vaccination of humans with streptococcal antigens for the prevention of dental caries might increase the susceptibility of the population to streptococcal endocarditis . To examine this hypothesis further, we immunized rabbits with killed Streptococcus sanguis or Streptococcus mutans . After complement-fixing antibody had developed, the rabbits were tested for susceptibility to experimental infective endocarditis . Rabbits with high titers of complement-fixing antibody to the infecting organism developed streptococcal endocarditis less often (13%) than animals with lower titers (69%; P less than 0.0002) . These findings do not support the hypothesis that pre-immunization predisposes to infective endocarditis and lend no credence to the concept that vaccination of human subjects against dental caries might increase their susceptibility to streptococcal endocarditis . On the contrary, the results of these experiments indicate that specific antibody can confer relative immunity to infective endocarditis.

Infect Immun, 1978 Oct, 22(1), 107 - 18
Purification of lipoteichoic acids by using phosphatidyl choline vesicles; Silvestri LJ et al.; Lipoteichoic acid (LTA) is a component of nearly all gram-positive membranes and recently has been found to be excreted into growth media by certain lactic acid bacteria . Cell-free extracts of LTA are usually contaminated with proteins, polysaccharides, and nucleic acids, thus causing problems to investigators studying the true biological function(s) of LTA . This report describes the preparation of purified extracellular LTA of Streptococcus mutans BHT and intracellular LTA of S . mutans AHT by three techniques: gel filtration, hydrophobic interaction chromatography, and adsorption to phospholipid vesicles . Gel filtration, the most commonly employed method for LTA purification, was found to remove nucleic acids, teichoic acids, and much polysaccharide while greatly concentrating LTA . But gross amounts of antigenic carbohydrate and protein remained associated with the LTA preparation . Hydrophobic interaction chromatography employing octyl Sepharose-4B allowed the separation of protein but not polysaccharide from partially purified BHT LTA preparations . By means of a new technique described in this paper, synthetic membranes (vesicles) were found to effectively separate all contaminants from the intracellular (AHT) and extracellular (BHT) LTA of S . mutans . This rapid method, on a comparative basis, proved to be the most effective approach for the purification of LTA from two widely differing sources.

J Dairy Res, 1978 Oct, 45(3), 433 - 44
The metabolism of {14C}bicarbonate by Streptococcus lactis: the fixation of {14C}bicarbonate by pyruvate carboxylase; Hillier AJ et al.; The fixation of {14C}bicarbonate into aspartate by Streptococcus lactis C10 was achieved by the combined reactions of pyruvate carboxylase (E.C . 6.4.1.1) and glutamate-oxaloacetate transaminase (E.C . 2.6.1.1) . The pyruvate carboxylase from Str . lactis C10, which was most active at pH 8.0, was activated by the divalent metal ions Mn2+, Mg2+ and Co2+, and inhibited by sulphydryl reagents . The enzyme was inhibited non-competitively by aspartic acid and competitively by oxaloacetate.

J Dairy Res, 1978 Oct, 45(3), 423 - 31
The metabolism of {14C}bicarbonate by Streptococcus lactis: the synthesis of succinic acid; Hillier AJ; Whole cells of Streptococcus lactis C10, when incubated with an energy source, converted fumarate to succinate and malate to lactate . Cell-free extracts of Str . lactis C10 contained fumarate reductase, but no aspartase, adenylosuccinate synthetase and lyase or argininosuccinate synthetase and lyase activity could be detected . Cells grown in the presence of {14C}bicarbonate produced labelled succinate during the synthesis of purine bases . However, the amount of succinate produced by this pathway only accounted for approximately one-sixth of the succinate produced by the cells.

Arch Sci Med (Torino), 1978 Oct-Dec, 135(4), 623 - 36
{Epidemiology of group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus in the school population of Pordenone Province}; Canterin AA et al.; During the winter months of 1976-1977, our group carried out an epidemiological study in the school population aged 7 years and 10 years respectively, living in the towns of Pasiano (pop . 6,389) and Zoppola (pop . 7,383) in the province of Pordenone . The aim of the study was to determine the incidence of individuals in the school-age group having group A beta haemolitic streptococcus in the pharynx . The results of the study showed a high incidence of children with a positive throat swad . Of the 284 scholars examined, 107 (45.7% of the entire population examined) were carriers, in the pharynx, of group A beta haemolytic streptococcus.

Infect Immun, 1978 Oct, 22(1), 286 - 7
Activation of the alternative complement pathway by a streptococcal lipoteichoic acid; Fiedel BA et al.; A glycerol lipoteichoic acid antigen from Streptococcus pyogenes 1-RP41 was found by rabbit erythrocyte hemolytic assay to activate the alternative complement pathway in human sera . Over a narrow concentration range of the teichoic acid, complement consumption was dose dependent, whereas at higher concentrations of the acid complement consumption could not be detected.

J Pediatr, 1978 Oct, 93(4), 578 - 83
An etiologic shift in infantile osteomyelitis: the emergence of the group B streptococcus; Edwards MS et al.; Twenty-one infants from six to 52 days of age (mean 23.3 days) with osteomyelitis were studied between 1965 and 1977 . The etiologic agents were group B streptococcus (8), staphylococcus aureus (6), gramnegative bacilli (4), Streptococcus pneumoniae (1), and unknown (2) . Patients with group B streptococcal osteomyelitis were characterized by an uncomplicated neonatal course, single bone involvement with a predilection for involvement of the proximal humerus, and lack of inflammatory signs . In contrast, patients with osteomyelitis due to other organisms frequently had had manipulative procedures predisposing to infection and were more likely to have multiple bone involvement, fever, and leukocytosis at the time of diagnosis . Functional impairment was detected in only one of 17 patients evaluated a mean of 36 months after diagnosis.

Br J Ophthalmol, 1978 Oct, 62(10), 729 - 31
Streptococcus suis type II (group R) as a cause of endophthalmitis; McLendon BF et al.; A case is reported of a patient with bilateral endophthalmitis, meningitis, sensorineural deafness, labyrinthitis, and septicaemia due to Streptococcus suis type II (group R) . The organism is known to produce epidemic meningitis, septicaemia, and purulent arthritis in piglets, but human infection is rare, and no other case reports of ocular infection are known . The organism was sensitive to penicillin at a minimum inhibitory concentration of 0.03 mg/1.

Infect Immun, 1978 Oct, 22(1), 18 - 21
Evidence that L-rhamnose is the antigenic determinant of hyporesponsiveness of BALB/c mice to Klebsiella pneumoniae type 47; White-Scharf ME et al.; The genetic polymorphism in early, immunoglobulin M, responsiveness to the Klebsiella pneumoniae type 47 polysaccharide (K47-PS) is determinant specific, and L-rhamnose is probably the determinant against which differential responsiveness is expressed . This is inferred from tests of the response to the cross-reacting Streptococcus pneumoniae type 23 and non-cross-reacting pneumococcal polysaccharides of known chemical construction . B10.2/Sn new-line mice are high responders and BALB/c mice are low responders to K47-PS . Upon immunization with killed S . pneumoniae type 23, these strains produce cross-reacting antibody to K47-PS . The cross-reacting antibody responses of these strains are congruent with their responses to K47-PS.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1978 Oct, (10), 69 - 72
{Autolysis of hemolytic streptococcus group A}; Dmitrieva NF et al.; As revealed, autolytic enzymatic system of hemolytic streptococcus, group A, expressed the maximal activity at the end of the exponential growth phase . Autolysis was accompanied by the release of N-acetylaminosugars and of free amino group . Optimal conditions for the lytic system function were chosen (composition, ionic strength, and buffer pH) . The activating action of trypsin and chemotrypsin was demonstrated.

Lab Anim, 1978 Oct, 12(4), 181 - 3
The isolation of carbon dioxide-requiring (carboxyphillic) type 19 pneumococcus (Streptococcus pneumoniae) from diseased guinea-pigs; Sebesteny A; Type 19 pneumococcus was isolated only in anaerobic cultures from tissue fluids of guinea-pigs suffering from exudative pericarditis and pleuropneumonia . The organism was pathogenic to mice even after 40 subcultures . Further study showed it to be carboxyphilic rather than anaerobic . The necessity of specifying various atmospheric conditions in the diagnostic bacteriological isolation routine is emphasized.

J Clin Microbiol, 1978 Oct, 8(4), 355 - 9
Capillary precipitin typing of Streptococcus pneumoniae; Russell H et al.; The Neufeld test is presently the method of choice for typing Streptococcus pneumoniae . Although the test is reliable and relatively easy to perform, a simpler test, not requiring microscopic examination, would facilitate large-scale testing . A capillary precipitine test has been designed and tested for its usefulness in typing pneumococci . The type-specific carbohydrate antigens were obtained from broth culture supernatants . The antigens were reacted with type-specific antisera in glass capillary pipettes . Results from 82 reference antigens and 166 antigens from diagnostic pneumococcal strains showed that the reactions ere specific, and the results agreed with Neufeld test results . These results indicate that the precipitin test is as specific as the Neufeld test . The test is easy to perform, requires small amounts of antiserum, and can be completed in a short period of time.

J Infect Dis, 1978 Oct, 138(4), 480 - 7
Modification of otitis media following vaccination with the capsular polysaccharide of Streptococcus pneumoniae in chinchillas; Giebink GS et al.; An animal model was used to determine whether vaccination with the capsular polysaccharide of Streptococcus pneumoniae could alter the development of experimental otitis media induced by the same type of S . pneumoniae as the vaccine . Following vaccination with the capsular polysaccharide of S . pneumoniae type 7, 36(63%) of 57 chinchillas seroconverted with at least a 100% increase in concentration of antibody in serum which remained elevated for at least six weeks . The middle ears of 23 chinchillas that were vaccinated and seroconverted, 13 that were vaccinated and did not seroconvert, and 47 that were not vaccinated were inoculated with S . pneumoniae type 7 . Vaccinated animals that seroconverted developed otitis media as readily as nonseroconverting and unvaccinated animals but had fewer pneumococci in their middle ears, a lower incidence of bacteremia, and lower mortality rates during the first week after inoculation of bacteria . Animals that did not seroconvert showed no evidence of modification of their middle ear infections . These results indicate that type 7 pneumococcal capsular polysaccharide vaccine is antigenic for the chinchilla and modifies experimental otitis media due to type 7 S . pneumoniae.

Antibiotiki, 1978 Oct, 23(10), 872 - 4
{Nisin formation by immobilized cells of the lactic acid bacterium, Streptococcus lactis}; Egorov NS et al.; The problem of microbial cell immobilization at present attracts the ever increasing attention of the scientists, since such organisms may be the source of various enzymes . Production of nizin by the immobilized cells of Str . lactis was studied . It was found that the cells of Str . lactis incorporated into polyacrylamide gel produced nizit on definite media . Still, the amount of the antibiotic was 2-3 times lower than in case of using free cells . The effect of a number of factors on the process of immobilization was studied and the influence of some factors, such as temperature, pH, aeration on nizin synthesis by the immobilized cells of the streptococcus was elucidated . Optimal conditions for nizin biosynthesis by the immobilized cells of Str . lactis were developed.

Infect Immun, 1978 Sep, 21(3), 896 - 904
Antigens of Streptococcus sanguis: purification and characterization of the b antigen; Appelbaum B et al.; The antigen defining Streptococcus sanguis serotype 2 has been designated the b antigen . This antigen can be detected in extracts, obtained from whole cells by autoclaving (Rantz and Randall extraction), as a single precipitin band using a reference antiserum (M-5) . However, the extract can also be shown to contain a teichoic acid using anti-polyglycerol phosphate serum . This teichoic acid does not contain the antigenic determinant for group H specificity . Studies of the b antigen have been hampered because of the difficulty in separating the b antigen from the teichoic acid using ion-exchange and molecular sieve chromatography . However, a relatively pure preparation has been obtained by affinity chromatography using anti-polyglycerol phosphate serum coupled to Sepharose . The isolated b antigen is a typical streptococcal cell wall polysaccharide composed of glucose, rhamnose, and N-acetylglucosamine in a molar ratio of 2.5:1.0:0.1 . The antigen appears to have a single antigenic determinant closely related to isomaltose (glucose alpha-1,6-glucoside) based upon hapten inhibition studies.

Infect Immun, 1978 Sep, 21(3), 1010 - 9
In vitro colonization of Streptococcus mutans on enamel; Tinanoff N et al.; An in vitro model consisting of enamel from extracted human molars, suspended from wires in inoculated culture tubes, was used to study the adhesion of bacteria to enamel . Under conditions in which there was no macroscopically visible plaque formation, electron micrographs showed no bacterial deposits on the enamel surface . In samples where Streptococcus mutans attached to enamel, an extracellular, pellicle-like material was associated with the bacteria adjacent to the enamel . This material appeared to bind to the enamel surface and to mediate bacterial attachment . Membrane-filtered (Millipore Corp.) saliva deposited a thin surface layer on the enamel, but there were no observable alterations of S . mutans attachment to enamel pretreated with saliva . It was noted that Bratthall serotype c and e strains of S . mutans, when grown in glucose-containing medium, attached, although less tenaciously, to enamel and nichrome wires . Chemical and gas chromatographic analyses of cell-associated materials formed by serotype c and e strains cultured in glucose-containing medium revealed low amounts of glucose-positive material and no polymer linkages characteristic of glucan; yet the same strains cultured in sucrose-containing medium had relatively high amounts of glucose-positive material, with polymer linkages-characteristic of glucan . Serotype a, b, and d strains could attach only in sucrose-containing media.

Wien Klin Wochenschr, 1978 Sep 1, 90(16), 603 - 11
{The mitral valve prolapse syndrome and its complications (author's transl)}; Knapp E et al.; Out of 1800 patients examined for valvular heart disease, 19 were found to have the mitral valve prolapse syndrome (MVPS) . The relevant literature is reviewed and the epidemiology and aetiology of the disease are discussed . 50% of the patients had a history of endomyocarditis . The special diagnostic value of echocardiography is emphasized . Sudden death (observed in 2 young patients) and the grave complication of bacterial endocarditis (observed in 3 patients and usually caused by Streptococcus viridans) can occur in this condition . Prophylactic therapy with beta-blocking drugs and antibiotics seems warranted . The case history of one patient with MVPS under observation for eight years, who developed bacterial endocarditis from a dental focus is reported in greater detail as a typical case.

J Bacteriol, 1978 Sep, 135(3), 900 - 10
Inhibition of peptidoglycan biosynthesis at a postcytoplasmic reaction in a stable L-phase variant of Streptococcus faecium; Gregory WW et al.; Cultures of a stable L-phase variant of Streptococcus faecium F24 produced and retained peptidoglycan precursors intracellularly over the entire growth cycle in a chemically defined medium . The identity of the most abundant precursor, UDP N-acetylmuramyl-L-alanyl-D-glutamyl-L-lysyl-D-alanyl-D-alanine (UDP-MurNAc-pentapeptide), was confirmed by demonstrating in vitro the presence of enzymes required for the cytoplasmic stage of peptidoglycan biosynthesis . The initial membrane-bound reaction in peptidoglycan biosynthesis involving phospho-MurNAc-pentapeptide translocase and undecaprenyl-phosphate membrane carrier was catalyzed by protoplast membrane preparations but not by L-phase membrane preparations . However, both protoplast and L-phase membranes incorporated radioactivity from dTDP-L-{14C}rhamnose, the presumed precursor to a non-peptidoglycan cell surface component, into high-molecular-weight material . dTDP-L-rhamnose did not accumulate in growing cultures but was synthesized from D-glucose-1-phosphate and dTTP by cell-free extracts of the streptococcus and L-phase variant . Neither rhamnose- nor muramic acid-containing compounds were detected in culture fluids . It is suggested that continued inhibition of cell wall biosynthesis in this stable L-phase variant is the result of a defect expressed at the membrane stage of peptidoglycan biosynthesis specifically involving the translocation step.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1978 Sep, (9), 21 - 3
{Intracytoplasmic membrane structures in the L forms of the hemolytic streptococcus}; Rimkunas AI et al.; In studying the submicroscopic structure of the L-form of streptococcus, group A, isolated from the heart tissue of rabbit there were revealed intracytoplasmic membrane structures . Ring lamellar structures were most frequently revealed in the spheroid cells with dense and loose cytoplasm . They were also found in dense cytoplasm of elementary bodies . Myelin-like structures or those resembling a bundle of microtubules were less incident . Fibrillar structures collected into bands, 64--140 nm in with, and located on one or both sides of the cells beside the cytoplasmic membrane were revealed in the spheroid cells . Individual fibrillae, 8 to 10 nm in diameter, adhered one to another, interlaced, and were sometimes located in parallel . The fibrillar band was loose in the lysed cells.

Zentralbl Bakteriol {Orig A}, 1978 Sep, 241(3), 301 - 7
Paracoagulation of fibrinogen in vitro and in vivo by protein T of Steptococcus pyogenes; Ludwicka A et al.; Protein T was isolated from type 12 Streptococcus pyogenes cell wall by digestion with CNBr-sepharose linked trypsin and purified by ion exchange chromatography on QAE Sephadex A-50 . Homogenous and not contaminated with other streptococcal proteins, antigen T, possesses paracoagulating activities similar to the effect of protamine sulphate . Protein T, applied intravenously to mice, accumulated mainly in kidneys and resulted in deposition of fibrinogen and its derivatives.

Zentralbl Bakteriol {Orig A}, 1978 Sep, 241(3), 286 - 93
Streptococcal protein T induced hyperdelayed sensitivity and lymphocyte stimulation; Ludwicka A et al.; T protein was isolated from Streptococcus pyogenes types 1 and 12 by application CNBr-sepharose-trypsin and purified by ion exchange chromatography . It was indicated that purified T1 and T12 proteins have lymphocyte transforming activity . It was also observed that T12 protein induces immediate and delayed type hypersensitivity in guinea pigs previously sensitized with T12 antigen emulsified with complete FREUND's adjuvant.

Infect Immun, 1978 Sep, 21(3), 940 - 5
Characterization of group A streptococcal T-12 protein purified by ion-exchange column chromatography; Ludwicka A et al.; The aim of the present study was to describe the physicochemical characteristics of streptococcal T antigen . T protein isolated from Streptococcus pyogenes type 12 (R53/1077, Colindale) and purified by ion-exchange column chromatography resulted in a preparation that was homogeneous when tested electrophoretically (in two systems, in presence and in absence of sodium dodecyl sulfate) and by gel filtration on Sephadex G-100 . The purified T antigen was resistant to enzymatic degradation by trypsin and pepsin . It formed a single precipitin line with standard T-12 antiserum and was not contaminated with group A carbohydrate and M protein . The molecular weight of protein T, determined by means of polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and calculated from its amino acid composition, was about 39,000 . The molecular weight of this protein, determined by means of high-speed sedimentation equilibrium, ranged between 80,000 and 120,000 . Glutamic and asparatic acids, lysine, alanine, and leucine were the predominant amino acids.

Scand J Dent Res, 1978 Sep, 86(5), 412 - 4
Contamination of toothpaste and toothbrush by Streptococcus mutans; Svanberg M; Toothbrushes and toothpaste tubes used by persons infected with S . mutans were examined for the presence of this microorganism . Fifteen minutes after brushing greater than 10(6) S . mutans were isolated from the toothbrushes and after ordinary storage for 24 h 10(4) were recovered . From two out of 10 toothpaste tubes S . mutans was isolated from the orifice of the tube . The implications of these findings for the spread of the microorganism are discussed.

J Periodontol, 1978 Sep, 49(9), 462 - 4
The incidence of transient bacteremia during periodontal dressing change; Wampole HS et al.; Twenty patients undergoing treatment for periodontal disease and not receiving antibiotics, volunteered to donate blood for culture studies to determine the incidence of transient bateremia during the dressing change and suture removal 1 week after periodontal surgery . Each patient contributed 20 ml of blood prior to the dressing change and an additional 20 ml during suture removal . The samples were cultured both aerobically and anaerobically . Bacteria were demonstrated in five out of 20 postoperative cultures (25%) . This incidence approached statistical significance at the 0.05 level using Chi-square analysis with a Yates correction . All species were identified as belonging to the genus streptococcus . None of the blood specimens obtained prior to dressing change exhibited bacterial growth . Although the incidence of bacteremia in this study was not statistically significant at the 0.05 level, it may be clinically significant that five out of 20 patients demonstrated transient bacteremia . Commercial materials and equipment are identified in this report to specify the investigative procedures . Such identification does not imply recommendation or endorsement or that the materials and equipment are necessarily the best available for the purpose . Furthermore, the opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not to be construed as those of the Army Medical Department.

J Dent Res, 1978 Sep-Oct, 57(9-10), 940 - 6
Effect of fluoride topical solutions on enamel demineralization by lactate buffers and Streptococcus mutans in vitro; Zahradnik RT et al.; Applications of APF and NaF solutions to extracted human teeth reduced the extent of enamel subsurface demineralization induced by colonization of S . mutans but were ineffective against demineralization by acid lactate buffers . It is concluded that the CaF2 formed on the tooth surface during the treatment is responsible for the protection observed.

J Dent Res . 1978 Sep-Oct;57(9-10):932.
Fermentation characteristics of strains of Streptococcus mutans; Lyon TC Jr; Realization of the important role of Streptococcus mutans in the initiation of dental caries has resulted in extensive studies of all its biologic characteristics . The ultimate goal is to control or eliminate it from the oral cavity . One means of accomplishing this is to reduce or eliminate its carbohydrate source . This study reports those carbohydrates which Streptococcus mutans cannot metabolize.

J Dent Res, 1978 Sep-Oct, 57(9-10), 910 - 4
Adsorption of Streptococcus mutans on chemically treated hydroxyapatite; O'Brien WJ et al.; Adsorption of Streptococcus mutans on hydroxyapatite and chemically treated hydroxyapatite was studied . Zeta potentials of the surfaces were measured . Chemically treated hydroxyapatite gave higher zeta potentials and lower S mutans adsorption.

J Periodontal Res, 1978 Sep, 13(5), 474 - 85
The in vitro inhibition of microbial growth and plaque formation by surfactant drugs; Baker PJ et al.; Several cationic, mixed and amphoteric surfactants were tested for their antimicrobial activity and ability to inhibit the formation of in vitro plaque by oral microorganisms . All had antimicrobial activity against Actinomyces viscosus . Actinomyces naeslundii and Streptococcus mutans . Cationic surfactants were comparable to chlorhexidine in antimicrobial activity but were less effective in inhibiting plaque formation . Amphoteric surfactants were less effective than other detergents in antibacterial activity and had very limited capacity for the inhibition of plaque formation . Comparison of drug structure provides evidence that surfactant substantivity to saliva-coated enamel is a cation active process . Saliva was found to have an antagonistic effect on the activity of cetylpyridinium chloride but not on Triburon.

JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr, 1978 Sep, 2(4), 507 - 18
Protein-sparing therapy during pneumococcal infection in rhesus monkeys; Wannemacher RW Jr et al.; A model was developed in the rhesus monkey to determine if the marked wasting of body proteins associated with sepsis could be prevented by an intravenous supply of various nutritional substrates . All monkeys were given a basic infusion of 0.5 gm of amino acid nitrogen/kg body weight via an indwelling catheter in the jugular vein . Three groups were given diets with no added calories, 85 calories/kg from dextrose or 85 calories from lipid . In each group, six monkeys were inoculated with 3 x 10(8) Streptococcus pneumoniae and four with heatkilled organisms . In the monkeys infused with the amino acids alone, pneumococcal sepsis resulted in a fourfold increase in loss of body proteins compared with calorie-restricted controls . Addition of 85 calories/kg/day of either dextrose or lipid reduced body wasting associated with infectious disease . The calories from lipid were utilized bythe septic host as a source of energy, with a slightly reduced efficiency when compared with the isocaloric infusion of dextrose . The nitrogen sparing of the fat emulsion could not be accounted for by its glycerol content . Therefore, the septic monkey seemed to utilize fatty acids as an energy substrate.It appears that the carbohydrate calories tend to favor the synthesis of peripheral proteins (associated mainly with skeletal muscle), while lipid calories favor synthesis of visceral proteins such as plasma albumin and acute-phase proteins.

Infect Immun, 1978 Sep, 21(3), 978 - 88
Mechanism of coaggregation between Actinomyces viscosus T14V and Streptococcus sanguis 34; McIntire FC et al.; Actinomyces viscosus T14V and Streptococcus sanguis 34 coaggregate by a mechanism which is not inhibited by 1 M NaCl, is dextran independent, requires calcium, is pH dependent with an optimum at pH 8.0 to 8.5, and appears to require the interaction of a protein or glycoprotein on A . viscosus with a carbohydrate on S . sanguis . The coaggregation is inhibited more than 80% by 0.01 M lactose, 0.02 M beta-methyl-D-galactoside, or 0.05 M D-galactose; inhibition of coaggregation was less than 10% in 0.1 M alpha-methyl-D-galactoside, melibiose, maltose, cellobiose, sucrose, and a number of monosaccharides . At very high concentrations of enzyme, protease from S . griseus destroyed the reactive site on A . viscosus but not on S . sanguis . Both were totally resistant to dextranase . Periodate (0.01 M; pH 4) inactivated both bacteria . The ability of S . sanguis to coaggregate with A . viscosus was not destroyed by phenol-water extraction at 65 degrees C for 15 min . When the bacteria were cultured under specified conditions, the coaggregation was highly reproducible . Under the same conditions, T14AV, the avirulent mutant of A . viscosus T14V, did not coaggregate with S . sanguis 34 . Electron microscopic studies of coaggregates, labeled immunochemically with antibody to A . viscosus, indicated that fibrils on A . viscosus may be involved in the coaggregation.

Infect Immun, 1978 Sep, 21(3), 1003 - 9
Factors affecting the aggregation of Actinomyces naeslundii during growth and in washed cell suspensions; Miller CH et al.; Various factors affecting the aggregation of Actinomyces naeslundii strain 12104 were studied . When the pH of glucose-supplemented growth medium fell below 5.5, the cells aggregated and formed microbial masses which tenaciously adhered to the culture vessels . When the organism was cultured in the same medium in the absence of glucose, maximum growth was reduced and the final culture pH values remained above 6.5, but the cells were more dispersed and nonadherent . Adjusting the final pH of these cultures to below 5.5 with HCl caused the cells to aggregate . Cells from unsupplemented cultures with final pH values of 6.7 were washed by centrifugation, dispersed by vigorous shaking, and suspended in buffer at pH values ranging from 4.5 to 8.0 . Aggregation (expressed as the percent reduction of optical density at 520 nm after incubation at 37 degrees C) occurred rapidly at pH values below 6.0 but did not readily occur at higher pH values . Aggregation of strain 12104 in washed cell suspensions was induced by low pH and influenced by cell concentration and ionic strength of the environment . Low pH values also induced aggregation in washed cell suspensions of Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sanguis, Streptococcus salivarius, and Actinomyces viscosus.

Genetics, 1978 Sep, 90(1), 1 - 18
Genetic studies of acridine-induced mutants in Streptococcus pneumoniae; Gasc AM et al.; The mutagenic properties of acridines on pneumococcus are described . All seven acridines tested were mutagenic at the amiA locus conferring a resistance to 10(-5) M aminopterin . The effects of quinacrine were more specifically investigated . It was observed that: mutants can be obtained only by treatment of exponentially growing cells; a sharp maximum mutagenic effect occurs at a concentration slightly lower than the bacteriostatic value; and the amount of quinacrine required to yield the maximum mutagenic effect decreases with the pH of the medium . Moreover, the number of mutants detected after quinacrine treatment varies from locus to locus . The majority of quinacrine-induced mutants are readily reverted by quinacrine, but not by nitrosoguanidine treatment . This suggests that in pneumococcus quinacrine induces mainly frameshift mutations . A further study of the revertants obtained by quinacrine treatment of quinacrine-induced mutants strengths this interpretation: most of the revertants result from a mutation at the same site; some partial revertants exhibiting an intermediate resistance to aminopterin were found to contain two very closely linked mutated sites, each mutation conferring the maximum level of resistance to aminopterin . Thus, the majority of quinacrine-induced mutants at the amiA locus of pneumococcus consists of frameshift mutations . Nearly all of the isolated mutants induced by quinacrine as well as other acridines belong to the low efficiency class of transformation . It was concluded that the mismatch resulting from the pairing between the wild type and the frameshift-containing sequence is recognized by the excision-repair system involved in the discrimination function in a way similar to that in which it recognizes mismatched base pairs between a transition mutation and the wild-type sequence.

Am J Clin Pathol, 1978 Aug, 70(2), 296 - 300
Chronic granulomatous disease with leukocytic glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in a 28-month-old girl; Corberand J et al.; A 28-month-old girl, whose parents are first cousins, was hospitalized following a series of severe infections . Results of functional granulocytic tests permitted the diagnosis of chronic granulomatous disease (lack of nitroblue tetrazolium dye reduction, impaired bactericidal activity for Staphylococcus aureus but normal activity for Streptococcus foecalis) . Random migration was also impaired, and leukocytic glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) activity was decreased (37% of the normal mean) . In contrast, erythrocytic G6PD activity was normal . Similar leukocytic studies of both parents revealed a moderate decrease of the mother's leukocytic G6PD activity (62% of the normal mean) . This case represents an additional argument in favor of the recessive autosomal transmission of chronic granulomatous disease in females.

J Med Chem, 1978 Aug, 21(8), 828 - 9
In vitro antiplaque properties of a series of alkyl bis(biguanides); Coburn RA et al.; A series of eight alkyl bis(biguanide) analogues of alexidine, N,N''''-1,6-hexanediyl bis{N'-(2-ethylhexyl)imidodicarbonimidic diamide} (1), was prepared . Five of these analogues constituted a series isolipophilic with 1 but with varying bridge length between biguanide moieties . The compounds were evaluated in vitro for antibacterial and antiplaque properties against Streptococcus mutans, Actinomyces viscosus, and Actinomyces naesludii . One analogue, N N,''''-1,6-hexanediyl bis{N'(n-octyl)imidodicarbonimidic diamide}, appeared to be more effective than either 1 or chlorhexidine against this spectrum of dental plaque forming microorganisms.

Infect Immun, 1978 Aug, 21(2), 567 - 74
Inhibitory effects of extracellular products from oral bacteria on human fibroblasts and stimulated lymphocytes; Higerd TB et al.; Extracellular products of 12 strains of Streptococcus mutans and 5 additional species of oral bacteria were analyzed for their ability to inhibit proliferation of fibroblastoid cells (HeLa and AV3) and blast transformation of human peripheral blood lymphocytes obtained from normal individuals . Products from S . mutans strains AHT and BHT, Streptococcus intermedius, and Actinomyces viscosus inhibited {3H}thymidine uptake by fibroblastoid cells and phytohemagglutinin-stimulated lymphocytes . Products from S . mutans E49, Streptococcus salivarius, and Actinomyces naeslundii inhibited blast transformation of human lymphocytes but did not significantly inhibit the growth of fibroblastoid cells . Preparations from S . intermedius gave the greatest inhibitory activity against both target cell types; initial characterization of this preparation suggested a single factor active in both assays, in that the heat lability and Sephadex G-200 elution profile were similar for the inhibitory activity seen with the two cell types . The molecular weight of the inhibitor, estimated by gel filtration on Sephadex G-200 and Ultragel AcA34, was approximately 160,000 . The results strongly suggest that oral bacteria produce heat-labile substances that interfere with fibroblast proliferation and alter the lymphocytic immunological response.

Acta Pathol Microbiol Scand {B}, 1978 Aug, 86(4), 179 - 83
Acid-soluble nucleotides of Acholeplasma (Mycoplasma) laidlawii A; Virkola P; A study was made of the acid-soluble nucleotides present in Acholeplasma (Mycoplasma) laidlawii A during growth . The nucleotide pool of this organism is meagre, both qualitatively and quantitatively . The main nucleotides are uridine mono- and diphosphates, and none of the more complex nucleotide compounds, such as uridine diphosphate (UDP) sugars or sugar peptides, required for cell wall formation, were detected . The nucleotide composition of A . laidlawii A is compared with that of the Streptococcus L-form.

Biull Eksp Biol Med, 1978 Aug, 86(8), 207 - 9
{Common antigens of stable group A streptococcal L forms and muscle fibers of human myocardium}; Beletskaia LV et al.; The immunofluorescence method was used to demonstrate that the antigens of stable streptococcus L-forms and of the cytoplasmic membrane of human myocardium muscle fibers were common . The common antigen was included into the composition of the surface membrane of the muscle cell adjacent to the sarcolemma, and of the transverse tubule membranes of the sarcoplasma reticulum passing in the Z-band region of the muscle fiber sarcomeres . The reactions is completely prevented by the exhaustion of the anti-serum to the antigen of the L-forms with the homogenate of human myocardium tissues or a suspension of the L-form cultures grown both on meat and on casein media . Exhaustion with tissue homogenate of other organs (the liver) or with concentrated nutrient medium practically failed to influence the extent of this reaction . The authors believe that the commonnes of the antigens of stable L-forms of streptococcus, group A, cultures and of the myocardium could serve as one of the causes of prolonged persistence of L-forms in human and animal organism.

J Bacteriol, 1978 Aug, 135(2), 373 - 8
Aerobic growth thermograms of Streptococcus lactis obtained with a complex medium containing glucose; Monk PR; With different culturing methods both simple and complex thermograms were obtained with Streptococcus lactis grown aerobically in a complex medium containing growth-limiting concentrations of glucose . The thermogram profiles have been interpreted in relation to growth rate, glucose degradation, and molar growth yields calculated for different time intervals during growth.

J Exp Med, 1978 Aug 1, 148(2), 435 - 50
Secretion of lysosomal hydrolases by stimulated and nonstimulated macrophages; Schnyder J et al.; Peritoneal macrophages were obtained from untreated mice and from mice treated with thioglycollate medium (TA), proteose peptone medium (PP), or a suspension of streptococcus A cell wall material (SA) . The biochemical and secretory properties of these cells in long term cultures (up to 2 wk) were compared . TA-elicited macrophages contained more protein, lactate dehydrogenase, lysosomal hydrolases, and in particular, more plasminogen activator than the other cells studied . All types of macrophages studied were found to release considerable amounts of lysosomal hydrolases (beta-glucuronidase, N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase, alpha-mannosidase, and acid phosphatase) into the medium . Release was independent of phagocytosis and must, therefore, be regarded as true secretion . In both elicited and nonelicited macrophages, the rates of lysosomal enzyme secretion were virtually identical in the presence and in the absence of serum, and they were not enhanced by increasing serum concentrations . Lysosomal enzyme secretion in macrophages appears to depend on protein synthesis, since it was blocked by low concentrations of cycloheximide which neither affected cell viability nor lowered the intracellular enzyme levels . The amounts of lysosomal hydrolases secreted were highest in TA-elicited macrophages . The rates of secretion of PP- or SA-elicited and of nonelicited macrophages were about one-fourth of that of the TA-elicited cells . This difference, although significant, is much smaller than that observed for the secretion of plasminogen activator which was 20-50 times higher in TA-elicited cells . Acid glycosidases were also found in the peritoneal lavage media used for cell harvesting from both treated and nontreated mice . This indicates that active secretion of lysosomal hydrolases may be an in vivo property of the macrophage.

Infect Immun, 1978 Aug, 21(2), 412 - 6
Increased susceptibility of splenectomized mice to infection after exposure to an aerosolized suspension of type III Streptococcus pneumoniae; Coil JA et al.; Most reported experimental studies concerning the effect of splenectomy in animals have shown enhanced mortality from pneumococci injected either intravenously or intraperitoneally . We have developed a laboratory model in which mice are exposed to type III Streptococcus pneumoniae via an aerosolized atmosphere, thus closely approximating the route of human infection with this organism . Ninety-one male Swiss mice (mean weight 26 g) were divided into three approximately equal groups of control, sham-operated, and splenectomized animals . Two weeks later they were exposed for 30 min in individualized compartments within a confined chamber to an aerosolized atmosphere producing a uniform challenge of 5.9 X 10(9) colony-forming units per ml of pneumococci . A statistically significant increase (P less than 0.01) in mortality was demonstrated in the splenectomized group over the pooled sham-operated and control groups . The animal model used in these investigations can be applied to the study of infections acquired by the respiratory route in numerous experimental designs.

J Clin Invest, 1978 Aug, 62(2), 373 - 8
The effect of complement depletion on lung clearance of bacteria; Gross GN et al.; We have investigated the effect of hypocomplementemia on early pulmonary clearance of four species of bacteria . The experiments were performed in an inbred animal model to minimize immunologic variability . Complement was depleted by cobra venom factor, and activity in serum was monitored with a phagocytic assay . Bacterial specific antibodies were examined by an indirect radioimmunoassay, and animals with high levels of activity were excluded from anaysis . 4 h after aerosolization with Streptococcus pneumoniae, complement-depleted animals had cleared only 75% of the initial number of organisms, whereas saline-treated controls cleared 91% (P less than 0.01) . Aerosolization with Pseudomonas aeruginosa was followed at 4 h by a twofold greater growth of organisms in the complement-depleted animals (446% of original deposition) as compared to the saline-treated controls (211% of original deposition) (P less than 0.02) . Clearance of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus were similar in complement-depleted animals and saline-treated controls . These experiments suggest that hypocomplementemia predisposes to bacterial pneumonia and may explain the high incidence of pulmonary infections in patients having impaired complement activity . Our results further indicate that varying defense mechanisms may be involved with clearing the lung of differing bacterial species.

Infect Immun, 1978 Jul, 21(1), 345 - 7
Enhanced glucosyltransferase activity in penicillin-treated cultures of Streptococcus mutans; Janda WM et al.; Penicillin-treated cultures of Streptococcus mutants GS-5 produced elevated levels of extracellular glucosyltransferase activity.

Infect Immun, 1978 Jul, 21(1), 320 - 7
Characterization of glucosyltransferase-deficient, plasmid-containing mutants of Streptococcus mutans LM-7; Donkersloot JA et al.; The possibility that glucosyltransferase (GT)-mediated insoluble-glucan synthesis from sucrose is controlled by the 3-megadalton plasmid pAM7 in Streptococcus mutans LM-7 has been examined . A low-sucrose agar medium was developed to readily detect and quantitate presumptive GT-negative mutants . Such mutants were isolated from Todd-Hewitt broth cultures grown either with or without sodium dodecyl sulfate (10 microgram/ml) or acriflavine (0.5 microgram/ml) at frequencies ranging from about 0.01 to 1% . Independently isolated mutants had the following characteristics: (i) cells were virtually devoid of cell-associated GT and did not aggregate upon addition of sucrose; (ii) cell-free culture fluids synthesized 10X less insoluble glucan than those of the parent; and (iii) cultures grown with sucrose did not form adherent deposits on the wall of the culture tube, as is typical of S . mutans . Both parent and mutants formed relatively little soluble glucan in 1-h assays . Three independently isolated mutants and the parent were found to contain similar amounts of plasmid DNA . Analysis by sucrose density gradient centrifugation and agarose gel electrophoresis did not reveal a size difference between the plasmids from parent and mutants . These results show that (i) S . mutans LM-7 generates GT-deficient mutants at relatively high frequency that still contain a 3-megadalton plasmid; (ii) both cell-associated and extracellular GT levels are depressed in the mutants, which suggests that these activities are directly or indirectly controlled by the same gene or by genes that segregate as a unit.

Arch Inst Cardiol Mex, 1978 Jul-Aug, 48(4), 735 - 45
{Levels of total hemolytic complement, C3, C4 and antibodies against the myocardium in rheumatic fever}; Martinez RD; The levels of the hemolytic complement (UH 50%), C3, C4 and the antibodies against myocardium and against the antigenic fractions of myocardium precipitated with ammonium sulphate were studied in 8 patients with active rehumatic fever (ARF), 28 with inactive rheumatic fever (IRF) and 26 people without cardiopaties (NI) . The UH 50% was low in 2 out of 36 patients with rheumatic fever (RF) . C3 was normal and C4 low in 12.5% of the ARF patients . C3 had subnormal values in 25% and C4 in 33% of IRF patients, this last value had a stadistic significant decrease with respect to the values of C4 in normal people . The 36 patients with RF had antibodies against the myocardium and also against the heart antigenic fractions precipitated with 10% ammonium sulphate . 11.5% of the normal group had anti-myocardial antibodies and none had antibodies against the fractions . The levels of anti-streptolysin-O and C-reactive protein were higher in the ARF group than in the patients with IRF or the normal people . The participation of the hemolytic complement, the anti-myocardium antibodies, the anti-streptococcus antibodies and the cytophilic activity in the etiopathogeny of rheumatic fever is discussed.

Obstet Gynecol, 1978 Jul, 52(1 Suppl), 25 - 45
Acute necrotizing fasciitis of the endopelvic fascia; Pruyn SC; A patient with an extensive necrotizing infection of the endopelvic fascia is presented . Cultures and tissue sections revealed the organisms responsible to be a mixed infection of Bacteroides, Staphylococcus, and Streptococcus . Hypertension and diabetic vascular disease were felt to contribute to the initiation of the disease process in this unusual site.

Am J Vet Res, 1978 Jul, 39(7), 1181 - 3
Immunity to Lancefield's group E Streptococcus: passive protection of swine; Jenkins EM et al.; Healthy swine from one source were randomly allotted to 3 groups of 3 pigs each . Troup I and II pigs were parenterally dosed with serum obtained from swine in the convalescent stage of streptococcic lymphadenitis of swine . Group III pigs were contact controls . The swine of all groups were orally exposed to Lancefield's group E Streptococcus sp . During the next 3 weeks, the controls evidenced little resistance to the development of streptococcic lymphadenitis of swine, whereas the principals evidenced considerable resistance to development of the disease.

Arch Intern Med, 1978 Jul, 138(7), 1097 - 9
Streptococcus bovis bacteremia and underlying gastrointestinal disease; Murray HW et al.; Twenty-six adults with Streptococcus bovis endocarditis and ten with bacteremia alone were studied to determine possible portals of entry . Of 36 patients (17 with endocarditis, eight with bacteremia alone), 25 had gastrointestinal lesions or manipulation . In 22, the gastrointestinal tract appeared to be the source of S bovis bacteremia . Four patients had either carcinoma of the colon (two) or potentially malignant villous adenomas (two) when first seen because of S bovis bacteremia . None of these, nor two other patients with benign colonic polyps, had bowel-related symptoms or signs prior to admission . Since S bovis is a normal intestinal tract inhabitant, bacteremia may frequently be associated with bowel lesions . Streptococcus bovis bacteremia may provide an early clue to the presence of serious and clinically unexpected gastrointestinal disease . Gastrointestinal tract evaluation should be part of S bovis bacteremia patient management, with or without endocarditis.

Circulation, 1978 Jul, 58(1), 111 - 9
Technetium-99m stannous pyrophosphate imaging of experimental infective endocarditis; Riba AL et al.; Technetium-99m stannous pyrophosphate (99mTc-PYP) cardiac scintigraphy was performed in 15 rabbits with experimental Streptococcus sanguis aortic valve infective endocarditis . The animals were imaged five to seven days after the administration of bacteria, and in each case abnormal accumulation of the tracer was visualized in the region of the aortic valve . Three types of cardiac scintigraphic patterns were demonstrated: focal, multifocal and extensive, each correlating well with the anatomical extent of the lesion as defined by gross pathology . Tissue distribution studies demonstrated a 30 +/- 5.3 (mean +/- SEM) fold excess of radionuclide uptake in the infective endocarditis lesion compared with that of normal myocardium . Imaging of excised hearts from four animals showed an excellent correlation with in vivo imaging as well as gross pathology . Five animals with nonbacterial thrombotic aortic valve endocarditis demonstrated similar scintigraphic and tissue distribution results . In contrast, four normal animals failed to demonstrate abnormal 99mTc-PYP cardiac scintigrams or tissue uptake . This study demonstrates that 99mTc-PYP cardiac scintigraphy is a sensitive technique to detect experimental aortic valve endocarditis.

J Dairy Sci, 1978 Jul, 61(7), 964 - 9
Hygiene in the prevention of udder infections . VI . Comparative efficacy of a teat dip under experimental and natural exposure to mastitis pathogens; Philpot WN et al.; Efficacies (reduction of new intramammary infections) of a bronopol teat dip under experimental exposure to Streptococcus agalactiae and Staphylococcus aureus were 41.7 and 54.4% . Under natural exposure, efficacy was 35.0% (P greater than .05) against Streptococcus species and 50.0% against Staphylococcus aureus during the first 9 mo of a 12-mo trial when favorable milking equipment and labor conditions prevailed . Corresponding figures were 20.0 and 13.0% during the last 3 mo following onset of malfunctioning equipment and deterioration of labor services.

J Dairy Sci, 1978 Jul, 61(7), 956 - 63
Hygiene in the prevention of udder infections . V . Efficacy of teat dips under experimental exposure to mastitis pathogens; Philpot WN et al.; Efficacy (reduction of new intramammary infections) was determined against Staphylococcus aureus in 14 trials and against Streptococcus agalactiae in 5 trials . Against Staphylococcus aureus seven 1% iodophor products had an average efficacy of 89.9% while three .5% iodophor products averaged 76.4% . A solution of sodium dichloro-s-triazenetrione reduced infections 79.0% and 2% dodecyl benzene sulfonic acid was 50.4% effective . Efficacies of two quaternary ammonium products at .18 and .5% were 84.8 and 60.9% . A placebo vehicle and .15 M saline as teat dips reduced infections 8.9 and 9.2% . Infection rates with Streptococcus agalactiae were low; efficacy ranged from 50.5 to 100.0%, average 65.6% . The model of experimental exposure provided a better estimate of effectiveness of a teat dip than would be possible under conditions of most commercial dairying.

Obstet Gynecol, 1978 Jul, 52(1), 53 - 5
Puerperal infection due to group A beta hemolytic streptococcus; Ogden E et al.; A cluster of 5 patients with puerperal infection due to group A beta hemolytic streptococcus (GABHS) is described . The most striking clinical signs included the early onset of uterine tenderness followed by an abrupt temperature elevation to greater than or equal to 102 F . At the time of uterine tenderness (Day 2, postpartum), 4 of 5 patients had gram-stained lochial smears showing a predominance of gram-positive cocci . The cluster of cases occurred with no source of the infection identified after 365 culture attempts . Therapy was rapidly successful with intravenous penicillin.

J Dairy Sci, 1978 Jul, 61(7), 950 - 5
Hygiene in the prevention of udder infections . IV . Evaluation of teat dips with excised cows' teats; Philpot WN et al.; Suspensions of Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were used to contaminate teats excised from cows . Commercially available teat dips were applied for evaluation of comparative germicidal activity . Iodophors, sodium hypochlorite, and sodium dichloro-s-triazenetrione were highly effective against all four test organisms . Quarternary ammonium, chlorhexidine, and cetylpyridinium chloride were effective against Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus agalactiae but not Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa . Bronopol and 8-hydroxyquinoline sulfate were marginally effective on the two Gram positive organisms and ineffective on the two Gram negatives . Three of the dips were ineffective against all four pathogens; two were in nonaqueous bases, and the other was a blend of pine oil and antibodies with udder origin . In other trials, iodophor at .3% titratable iodine was highly effective against Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus agalactiae . Products containing .5 and 1% iodophor maintained effectiveness after each was used to dip 140 teats under conditions of commercial dairying . Logarithmic reduction in the geometric mean number of organisms recovered from teats was more meaningful for evaluating data than percent reduction.

Infect Immun, 1978 Jul, 21(1), 206 - 12
Lactate dehydrogenase mutants of Streptococcus mutans: isolation and preliminary characterization; Hillman JD; Mutants of Streptococcus mutans were isolated which lack the enzyme activity L (+)-lactate dehydrogenase . Reversion studies indicate that the genetic defects are in the structural gene for the enzyme . The mutants produce less titratable acid from glucose, adhere better to hydroxyapatite, and accumulate more plaque when grown in the presence of sucrose than does the parent strain . These findings suggest a possible use for the mutants as effector strains in the replacement therapy of dental caries.

J Bacteriol, 1978 Jul, 135(1), 78 - 89
Glycolipids stimulate DNA polymerase activity in a DNA-membrane fraction and in a partially purified polymerase system extracted from pneumococci; Zerial A et al.; We have assayed the ability of various lipids to affect DNA polymerases activity in a DNA-membrane complex extracted from Streptococcus pneumoniae by the Sarkosyl-M-band technique . In addition, to determine which DNA polymerases were affected by the lipids, we partially purified three DNA polymerase activities from cell lysates, the first such demonstration outside of Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis . Glycolipids are unique among polar lipids in stimulating the rate and extent of DNA polymerase activity in M-bands and in Sarkosyl lysates from which the M-band is derived . It appears that they exert this stimulatory effect, in part, by removing (neutralizing) detergent molecules which act as inhibitors, as well as by substituting for the detergent, thereby creating a favorable environment for the polymerases involved in DNA synthesis . That the stimulatory effect is not simply a detoxification of the detergent was shown by two observations . One, phospholipids, although interacting with Sarkosyl and therefore "potentially" capable of detoxifying the system, did not stimulate DNA polymerase activity in vitro . Two, glycolipids were capable of stimulating the activity of at least two DNA polymerases partially purified from cell lysates in the absence of any Sarkosyl . The stimulatory effect was greater for a polymerase that had four characteristics similar to those observed with polymerase III in other organisms.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1978 Jun, (6), 134 - 6
{Alimentary outbreak of streptococcal angina}; Lyskovtsev MM et al.; The authors describe an outbreak of alimentary angina occurring at one of the large enterprises of Perm in April, 1975--185 persons fell ill in the course of 3 days . The diagnosis of follicular angina was made in 61.6, of lacunar--in 38.4% of cases . Mild course was noted in 63.9, moderately severe--in 31.4, and severe--in 4.7% of cases . All these patients catered at the same place and ate sour cream . Hemolytic streptococcus was isolated in bacteriological examination of the nasopharyngeal mucus in 39 to 51 patients examined, as well as of the cook and confectioner of the catering establishment.

J Clin Microbiol, 1978 Jun, 7(6), 529 - 32
Brain abscess due to Streptococcus MG-intermedius (Streptococcus milleri); Melo JC et al.; Three cases of brain abscesses due to Streptococcus MG-intermedius are reported, and the literature pertaining to this subject is reviewed . The importance of careful and complete identification of these etiological agents of infection is stressed . The clinical presentation, the origin of S . MG-intermedius producing brain abscess, and its relation to hepatic abscesses and endocarditis are discussed.

Infect Immun, 1978 Jun, 20(3), 652 - 9
Interaction of glucosyltransferase with the cell surface of Streptococcus mutans; Kuramitsu HK et al.; The partially purified glucosyltransferase (GTF) fraction synthesizing primarily water-insoluble glucans, GTF-A, and the homogeneous fraction synthesizing water-soluble glucans, GTF-B, were utilized to assess the binding of GTF activity to the cell surface of Streptococcus mutans GS-5 . Growth of the cells in either Todd-Hewitt broth or a chemically defined medium did not appear to affect the ability of the cells to bind either enzyme fraction . Heat inactivation of the cells did not singificantly reduce the interaction of the enzymes with the cells . Cell surface glucan molecules appear to be involved in GTF binding to the cells because: (i) dextranase or alpha-1,3-glucanase treatment of the cells markedly reduced enzyme binding; (ii) the inclusion of soluble dextrans in the binding assays reduced both GTF-A and GTF-B binding to the cells; and (iii) pretreatment of the cells or the GTF-B fraction with soluble dextrans before binding significantly reduced enzyme binding to the cells . In addition, enzyme binding appears to require a cell surface protein component because Pronase, but not trypsin, treatment of cells reduced enzyme binding . Furthermore, the removal of a portion of the cell surface GTF-glucan complex with 3 N NaCl appears to provide additional binding sites for the enzymes . These results are interpreted in terms of the mechanism of the conversion of extracellular GTF to the cell-associated form.

Infect Immun, 1978 Jun, 20(3), 592 - 9
Effect of sucrose in culture media on the location of glucosyltransferase of Streptococcus mutans and cell adherence to glass surfaces; Hamada S et al.; Streptococcus mutans strain B13 (serotype D) almost exclusively produced free glucosyltransferase (GTase) in the culture supernatant when grown in sucrose-free TTY broth medium, which was composed of Trypticase (Baltimore Biological Laboratory {BBL} Cockeysville, Md.), tryptose (Difco Laboratories, Detroit, Mich.), yeast extract (BBL), salts, and 1% glucose . Organisms grown in sucrose-free TTY broth retained very weak cell-associated GTase activity and did not adhere significantly to glass surfaces in the presence of exogenous sucrose . If sucrose was added to TTY broth, however, GTase was found on the cell surface where cell-bound, water-insoluble glucans were synthesized . Most commercially available products of Todd-Hewitt broth were found to contain trace amounts of sucrose, as did Trypticase soy broth (BBL), whereas brain heart infusion broth (Difco and BBL) was found to be essentially free of sucrose . Almost all detectable GTase activity was cell associated when S . mutans B13 was grown in Todd-Hewitt or trypticase soy broth . Heat-treated B13 cells grown in Todd-Hewitt broth and cell-free, water-insoluble glucans bound free GTase and produced marked adherence in the presence of sucrose . Experiments strongly suggest that the binding sites for free GTase are the surface glucans, and cell-associated and extracellular GTases are most likely alternate states of the same enzyme protein.

Carbohydr Res, 1978 Jun, 63, 223 - 39
The dextran acceptor reaction of dextransucrase from Streptococcus mutans K1-R; McCabe MM et al.; Soluble dextransucrase activity(ies) was eluted with a solution of clinical dextran from the insoluble dextran--cell complex produced by Streptococcus mutans K1-R grown in the presence of sucrose . Studies of the dextran acceptor-reaction of the soluble enzyme-preparation indicate that it is highly specific for dextran of high molecular weight . Increased dextran synthesis in the presence of dextran acceptor and the apparent inhibition of this stimulation by higher concentrations of dextran result from product modification rather than a direct effect on the level of enzyme activity . The results demonstrate that the potentially water-insoluble structure synthesized by dextransucrase on exogenous, soluble dextran acts as a more-efficient acceptor than the soluble dextran . The role of the acceptor reaction in the biosynthesis of complex dextrans is discussed.

Cutis, 1978 Jun, 21(6), 806 - 10
Erythema nodosum . A review; Soderstrom RM et al.; Erythema nodosum is not an uncommon dermatologic entity . Sarcoidosis and streptococcal infection have become the two most common causes, while tuberculosis was the predominant etiology prior to the use of isoniazid . Histoplasmosis and coccidioidomycosis are two important geographic considerations . Laboratory tests should include a PPD test, chest x-ray, throat culture for beta-streptococcus, and ASO titer determination as a minimum . Symptomatic treatment remains unsatisfactory in many cases, although recent success has been reported with oral potassium iodide.

Arch Otolaryngol, 1978 Jun, 104(6), 333 - 5
Lactate dehydrogenase as a measure of inflammation in experimental otitis media; Hanson DG et al.; A reliable animal model for acute otitis media due to Streptococcus pneumoniae was used to study the accumulation of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in middle ear effusion during acute pneumococcal otitis media and after penicillin treatment . The findings indicate that LDH levels rise in the middle ear effusion during the early phase of acute infection and decrease as the infection resolves over time . Penicillin treatment affects the natural course of infection by resolving most visible signs of inflammation and by sterilizing the middle ear . However, once middle ear infection was established, penicillin treatment did not reduce the elevated levels of effusion LDH, suggesting that inflammation persists after sterilization of infected middle ears.

Onkologie, 1978 Jun, 1(3), 106 - 11
{Clinical and immunological studies with OK-432 (Streptococcus pyogenes) on immunotherapy in cancer patients}; Micksche M et al.; In a phase I study, the bacterial vaccine OK-432 (streptococcus pyogenes) was investigated in eight patients with advanced malignant tumors . Besides a fever reaction after i.v . application no toxic side effects were observed . Additionally, its therapeutic effectiveness could be demonstrated by i.v . and local therapy . There was also observed an increase of lymphocyte blastogenesis response in patients under treatment with OK-432.

J Gen Microbiol, 1978 Jun, 106 Pt 2, 337 - 42
Isoelectric focusing studies on the beta-fructofuranosidases and alpha-glucosidases of Streptococcus mitis; Sund ML et al.; Extracts of Streptococcus mitis ATCC 903 were analysed for beta-fructofuranosidase and alpha-glucosidase activities by isoelectric focusing in thin-layer polyacrylamide gels combined with zymogram procedures . Three bands of activity were visualized in the gels after incubation with sucrose (pI 4.05, 4.25 and 4.85) and three other bands after incubation with p-nitrophenyl alpha-D-glucopyranoside (pI 3.90, 4.45 and 4.65) . The enzymes responsible for the reaction with sucrose were identified as beta-fructofuranosidases (EC 3.2.1.26) for the following reasons: identical enzyme bands were visualized in the gels after incubation with raffinose; no enzyme bands appeared in the gel after incubation with the alpha-glucosides maltose, turanose, trehalose and melezitose; and the soluble fraction hydrolysed sucrose to equimolar amounts of glucose and fructose.

Biull Eksp Biol Med, 1978 Jun, 85(6), 715 - 8
{Dynamics of formation of antibodies of different immunochemical types to several L-forms and mycoplasmae}; Goncharova SA et al.; Both IgM- and IgG-immunoglobulins were revealed in the sera of rabbits immunized with L-forms of hemolytic streptococcus, group A, and Mycoplasma fermentans . In the process of immune response the hemagglutinin titres proved to increase, with IgG antibodies prevalence in the hyperimmune sera.

Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol, 1978 Jun, 45(6), 955 - 8
Brain abcess following dental infection; Henig EF et al.; A 48-year-old woman underwent root canal treatment of the upper left lateral incisor and lower right second premolar . Close to the conclusion of the endodontic treatment she complained about headaches . Later on, because of aggravation of her condition, with headaches, fever, malaise, weakness, and numbness of the right limbs, she was admitted to the hospital . The disease progressed to an epileptic state, with appearance of a right hemiparesis . A brain scan and carotid arteriogram revealed the presence of a mass occupying the left parietal space . Craniotomy disclosed an abscess containing yellow pus from which Streptococcus viridans was cultured . After thorough surgical cleansing of the area, removal of the bone for decompression, and treatment with ampicillin the patient improved gradually and slowly regained the mobility of her right side.

J Am Dent Assoc, 1978 Jun, 96(6), 1025 - 7
Asymmetrical dental caries and Streptococcus mutans infection; Svanberg M et al.; A 27-year-old woman chewed unilaterally and had restorations and caries only on the right side of the dentition . The left side had a greater amount of soft and hard deposits and more severe periodontal disease . Plaque samples from occlusal and interproximal tooth surfaces were collected and cultured . The proportion of Streptococcus mutans of the total anaerobic count in the plaque samples from the right side was 1,000 to 10,000 times as high as from the left side . The proportion of S mutans of the total streptococcus was 6% to 20% on the right and less than 1% on the left side.

Arch Intern Med, 1978 Jun, 138(6), 931 - 4
Infective endocarditis caused by Streptococcus bovis resistant to the lethal effect of penicillin G; Savitch CB et al.; Penicillin G alone is generally recommended for the treatment of infective endocarditis caused by Streptococcus bovis because clinical isolates of S bovis are represented as being uniformly and markedly susceptible to penicillin G . However, two strains of S bovis recovered from two patients with bacterial endocarditis were resistant to the lethal effect of penicillin G . Combination therapy, cefazolin sodium and gentamicin sulfate in patient 1 and penicillin G and gentamicin in patient 2, was necessary; synergy, as manifested by lethal activity against the infecting strains, was demonstrated in the laboratory . We stress the need to determine the minimal lethal concentration of penicillin G for clinical isolates of S bovis . Until such information is available, particularly in life-threatening infections, combination drug therapy, consisting of an aminocyclitol added to a beta-lactam antimicrobic, should be used.

Z Immunitatsforsch Immunobiol, 1978 Jun, 154(3), 197 - 207
Type-specific and non-type-specific reactions of purified M protein preparations; Kuhnemund O et al.; M proteins of type 1 and type 12 Streptococcus pyogenes were extracted by means of phage-associated lysin and purified by ion-exchange chromatography on CM and DEAE cellulose . Molecular weight distributions were studied by gel chromatography on Biogel A 0.5 m in a 6 molar urea solution and by SDS electrophresis . Serological activities were studied by the complement-fixation reaction and immunodiffusion and were compared with the estimated molecular weights . Type-specific and non-specific activity was found to be located on the same polypeptide chain of a size of 2 X 10(4) daltons (type 1) and 1.5 X 10(4) daltons (type 12) . These serologically active chains are in preparations purified by chromatographic methods accompanied by polypeptides of different sizes which are held together by noncovalent bonds thus forming molecules above 4 X 10(4) daltons.

J Bacteriol, 1978 Jun, 134(3), 1074 - 80
Relationship between cellular autolytic activity, peptidoglycan synthesis, septation, and the cell cycle in synchronized populations of Streptococcus faecium; Hinks RP et al.; Synchronized, slowly growing (TD = 70 to 80 min) cultures were used to study several wall-associated parameters during the cell cycle: rate of peptidoglycan synthesis, septation, and cellular autolytic activity . The rate of peptidoglycan synthesis per cell declined during most of the period of chromosome replication (C), but increased during the latter part of C and into the period between chromosome termination and cell division (D) . An increase in cellular septation was correlated with the increased rate of peptidoglycan synthesis . Cellular autolytic capacity increased during the early portion of C, reached a maximum late in C or early in D, and declined during D . Inhibition of DNA synthesis during C prevented the decline in autolytic capacity at the end of the cell cycle, caused a slight reduction in the rate of peptidoglycan synthesis, delayed but did not prevent septation, and prevented the impending cell division by inhibiting cell separation . Inhibition of DNA synthesis during D did not prevent the increase in autolytic capacity during the next C phase, but, once again, prevented the decline at the end of the subsequent cycle . Thus, increased autolytic capacity at the beginning of the cell cycle did not seem to be related to chromosome initiation, whereas decreased autolytic capacity at the end of the cell cycle seemed to be related to chromosome termination . The data presented are consistent with the role of autolytic enzyme activity in the previously proposed model for cell division of S . faecium (G.D . Shockman et al., Ann . N.Y Acad . Sci . 235:161-197, 1974).

Infect Immun, 1978 Jun, 20(3), 619 - 26
Immunogenic properties of the glucosyltransferase from Streptococcus sanguis OMZ 9: kinetic study of inhibition by antibodies; Klein JP et al.; An anti-glucosyltransferase serum was prepared against a pure enzyme preparation from Streptococcus sanguis OMZ 9, which synthesized both soluble and insoluble dextran . Sera, crude gamma globulins, and antibody fractions obtained after gel filtration on a Bio-Gel P200 column were used to study enzyme-antibody interactions . A strong inhibition of glucosyltransferase activity was obtained only with the purified antibody fraction . Kinetics studies showed that the anti-glucosyltransferase antibodies acted as noncompetitive inhibitors with respect to the substrate (sucrose) . The addition of primer dextran in the reaction mixture during preincubation produced a diminution of the inhibition, and the antibodies acted as mixed type inhibitors with respect to dextran . The simultaneous addition of dextran and antibodies can protect the enxyme against antibody inhibition.

J Infect Dis, 1978 Jun, 137(6), 818 - 21
Antibody response to capsular polysaccharide vaccine of Streptococcus pneumoniae in patients with nephrotic syndrome; Fikrig SM et al.; Twenty-three normal subjects and 19 patients with nephrotic syndrome were vaccinated with tridecavalent pneumococcal capsular polysaccharide vaccine of Streptococcus pneumoniae . The antibody response of the nephrotic patients to pneumococcal capsular antigens was equal to that of the control subjects . These findings indicate that patients with nephrotic syndrome, despite hypogammaglobulinemia, can mount an adequate antibody response to pneumococcal polysaccharides and that there is no evidence of suppressor thymus-derived (T) cells of dysfunctioning bone marrow-derived (B) cells in these patients.

Biochim Biophys Acta, 1978 May 25, 529(2), 250 - 62
On the relationship between glycerophosphoglycolipids and lipoteichoic acids of gram-positive bacteria . III . Di(glycerophospho)-acylkojibiosyldiacylglycerol and related compounds from Streptococcus lactis NCDO 712; Laine RA et al.; 1 . Streptococcus lactis NCDO 712 contains at lease three unusually polar glycerophosphoglycolipids . One of them was composed of D-glucose, glycerol, fatty acid ester, and phosphorus in the molar ratio of approx . 2 : 3 : 3 : 2 . The structure was established as 1,2-di-O-acyl-3-O-{6-(sn-glycero-1-phospho-3-sn-glycero-1-phospho)-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 leads to 2)-(6-O-acyl-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl)}-glycerol . 2 . The second glycerophosphoglycolipid was shown to have the same core structure but is lacking the carbohydrate-linked fatty acid . The third glycero-phosphoglycolipid is a glycosylated derivative of the first one bearing an alpha-galactosyl residue at position 2 of the inner glycolipid-linked glycerophosphate moiety . 3 . These novel phosphoglycolipids are considered to be the so far missing link between simple glycerophosphoglycolipids and lipoteichoic acids of Gram-positive bacteria.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 1978 May, 35(5), 872 - 7
Production of branched-chain volatile fatty acids by certain anaerobic bacteria; Allison MJ; Net production of isobutyric acid, isovaleric acid, and 2-methylbutyric acid by cultures of Bacteroides ruminicola and Megasphaera elsdenii on media that contained Trypticase or casein hydrolysate continued (up to 5 days) after growth had ceased . Only trace quantities of these acids were produced in a medium that contained a mixture of amino acids that did not include the branched-chain amino acids . M . elsdenii produced increased quantities of the branched-chain fatty acids in a medium that contained Trypticase when glucose was reduced or eliminated from the culture medium . However, B . ruminicola produced increased quantities of branched-chain fatty acids and of phenylacetic acid from Trypticase when glucose was supplied at 3 mg/ml rather than at 1 mg/ml . Single strains of Streptococcus bovis, Selenomonas ruminantium, Bacteroides amylophilus, and Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens did not produce branched-chain fatty acids.

Infect Immun, 1978 May, 20(2), 578 - 80
Isolation and characterization of a Streptococcus mutans bacteriocin inhibitor from Streptococcus pyogenes; Perry D et al.; An inhibitor of Streptococcus mutans strain GS5 bacteriocin was released from a bacteriocin-sensitive strain of S . pyogenes by sonic treatment and partly purified by gel filtration on a Sepharose 6B column . The inhibitory factor was sensitive to heat, trypsin, and periodate and possessed a molecular weight of approximately 93,000 . This factor may be the receptor for the S . mutans bacteriocin.

Infect Immun, 1978 May, 20(2), 512 - 8
Heterogeneity of group A streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin type B; Barsumian EL et al.; Streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin type B purified from culture filtrates of either the NY-5 or T-19 strain of group A streptococcus was found to be heterogeneous in charge . Three protein fractions with isoelectric points of 8.0, 8.4, and 9.0 were isolated by differential solubility in ethanol and acetate-buffered saline followed by isoelectric focusing and shown to be antigenically identical to streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin type B . The molecular weights of all three fractions were approximately 17,500, as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, with aggregates forming in the presence of hyaluronic acid . Only the pI 8.4 fraction showed the characteristic activities of streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin in rabbits: pyrogenicity and ability to enhance susceptibility to lethal endotoxin shock . The pI 8.0 and pI 9.0 fractions were not pyrogenic, but could be used to immunize against pyrogenicity . These two fractions failed either to enhance lethal endotoxin shock or to immunize against enhancement activity . When the isolated fractions were electrofocused again they appeared heterogeneous, suggesting an instability of the B toxin molecular forms.

J Med Microbiol, 1978 May, 11(2), 193 - 6
Interaction between erythromycin and lincomycin in Streptococcus pyogenes; Annear DI; Ten strains of Streptococcus pyogenes isolated were moderately resistant to erythromycin and highly but paradoxically resistant to lincomycin, and they showed antagonism between the two antibiotics . Another strain was moderately resistant to erythromycin and sensitive to lincomycin, and it showed synergism between the two antibodies.

Am J Hosp Pharm, 1978 May, 35(5), 561 - 6
Evaluation of pharmacist management of streptococcal throat infections in a health maintenance organization; Davis S; A program within a health maintenance organization in which pharmacists were delegated the responsibility of treating and managing adult patients whose throat culture results were positive for group A, beta-hemolytic Streptococcus was evaluated . Results of 50 patients who received diagnostic throat cultures and treatment from internists, physician's assistants and nurse practitioners were compared with results of 58 patients treated and managed by pharmacists who followed procedures defined by physicians . Six hypotheses were tested with respect to the pharmacy program: (1) provider time is saved; (2) the time between throat culture and therapy initiation is shortened; (3) there are fewer return sick visits; (4) there are more reculture follow-up visits; (5) the medication regimen which exhibits a higher rate of cure (oral vs injection) is used more often; and (6) cost savings are realized . Hypotheses 1, 2 and 6 were supported by the results, 3 and 4 were possibly supported, and 5 was not testable . Pharmacists appeared to be as effective as the other practitioners in the management and treatment of streptococcal sore throat.

J Infect Dis, 1978 May, 137 Suppl, S133 - S138
Cefamandole vs . procaine penicillin for treatment of pneumonia due to Streptococcus pneumoniae: a random trial; Plaut ME et al.; The efficacy and safety of cefamandole nafate and penicillin G procaine suspension were compared in the treatment of pneumococcal pneumonia in hospitalized adults . One hundred thirteen patients with clinical and radiographic evidence of pneumococcal pneumonia were randomly assigned to receive 600,000 units of procaine penicillin intramuscularly every 12 hr or 500 mg of cefamandole intramuscularly every 6 hr . The two groups were comparable with regard to patient type and extent and severity of pneumonia . Alcohol abuse was a host factor in 31% of all patients in the trial . All strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae isolated were inhibited by less than or equal to 1.6 microgram of cefamandole/ml . Of 58 patients treated with cefamandole, 50 had a satisfactory response, as did 46 of the 55 patients treated with penicillin . Results of tests of liver function were abnormal (primarily, elevated levels of transaminase or alkaline phosphatase) in 38% of the entire group of patients and occurred with equal frequency in patients receiving cefamandole or penicillin . Side effects during therapy, including superinfection, occurred equally with either drug . In a random trial, cefamandole was as effective and safe as penicillin in the treatment of pneumococcal pneumonia in adults.

Arch Intern Med, 1978 May, 138(5), 805 - 6
Streptococcal endocarditis initially seen as septic arthritis; Good AE et al.; Two patients were initially seen with culture-positive streptococcal arthritis as an early manifestation of bacterial endocarditis . The organisms were an alpha-hemolytic, nongroup D streptococcus and a beta-hemolytic, group b streptococcus . One patient had a persistent septic monarthritis; the other had migratory arthritis in which a positive synovial culture was followed by a negative culture from the same joint before antimicrobial treatment was started . This experience suggests that some sterile synovial aspirates encountered in patients with bacterial endocarditis may be explained by delay of arthrocentesis.

Cancer, 1978 May, 41(5), 1949 - 58
Bacterial infections in pediatric Hodgkin's disease: relationship to radiotherapy, chemotherapy and splenectomy; Donaldson SS et al.; The occurrence of bacterial infections (B.I.) among 181 children with Hodgkin's disease (121 with splenectomy, 60 without splenectomy) was analyzed . Twenty-seven B.I . occurred among 22 children and included 15 episodes of bacteremia-meningitis in 14 children . B.I . occurred in all age groups, but bacteremia-meningitis occurred most commonly in splenectomized children 10 years of age or less . The frequency of B.I . in splenectomized children receiving radiotherapy was 1.4%, compared to 18.3% among those receiving chemotherapy (p less than 0.05); the frequency of B.I . among non-splenectomized children receiving radiotherapy was 2.8%, compared to 23.1% among those receiving chemotherapy (p less than 0.05) . There was no difference in the probability of B.I . as a function of splenectomy for the corresponding groups, although all cases of Streptococcus pneumoniae and Hemophilus influenzae bacteremia-meningitis in splenectomized children . Overwhelming postsplenectomy bacteremia infection not related to active disease or treatment occurred in 3/121 (2.5%) children, accounting for only one fatality (0.8%).

Mikrobiologiia, 1978 May-Jun, 47(3), 479 - 84
{Lytic enzymes produced by Actinomyces levoris}; Shmakova ZF et al.; The composition of the enzyme complex produced by Actinomyces levoris which exhibits lytic action on the cell walls of Streptococcus lactis was studied by gel filtration on Sephadex G-25, ion exchange chromatography and isoelectric focusing . The complex was found to contain at least seven enzymes having different isoelectric points and substrate specificity . The enzymes were divided into three groups . (1) The enzyme with pI 10.2 seems to be a specific glucosidase; it possesses a high activity of the cell wall lysis and lacks a proteolytic activity . (2) The enzymes with pI 9.2 and 9.0 are, apparently, specific lytic proteases; they display both lytic and proteolytic activities . (3) The enzymes with pI 10.0, 9.5, 5.7 and 4.2 are, presumably, non-specific lytic proteases; they have a low lytic activity and a high proteolytic activity.

Mol Biol (Mosk), 1978 May-Jun, 12(3), 511 - 7
{Participation of rat immunoglobulin light chains of the kappa and lambda type in formation of antibodies to the polysaccharide of group A streptococcus}; Krylov MIu et al.; The role of light kappa and lambda chains and also allelic variants of kappa chains of rat immunoglobins in the formation of antibodies to beta-N-acetyl-glucosamine polysaccharides of streptococcus group A of inbred rat strains MSU, WAG, August and hybrids of the first generation (MUS X WAG)F1 and (MSU X August)F1 was studied . From individual sera of immune rats fractions of specific antibodies to beta-N-acetyl-glucosamine were isolated . These antibodies differ in their affinity to antigenes . The retio of molecules with kappa and lambda light chain types was determined for the fraction of specific antibodies . The ratio of molecules kappa and lambda depends on the affinity of antibodies to beta-N-acetyl-glucosamine and on the genotype of the animals studied . Data obtained allow to conclude that differences in the functional activity of lambda chains between strains WAG and August, on one hand, and strain MSU, on the other, do exist . Functional differences releaved between these rat strains were confirmed by analyzing corresponding antibody fractions to beta-N-acetylglucosamine in F1 hybrids . Differences between allelic variants of kappa chains in the formation of antibodies to beta-N-acetylglucosamine of polysaccharides were not found.

J Virol, 1978 May, 26(2), 221 - 5
Transfection of Streptococcus pneumoniae with bacteriophage DNA; Ronda C et al.; It was possible to transfect Streptococcus pneumoniae with DNA obtained from a newly isolated bacteriophage, diplophage-4 (Dp-4) . Optimal frequency of transfection (0.9%) required the use of a nuclease-defective mutant; with wild-type bacteria, the transfection frequency was about 100-fold lower . Transfection requires physiological conditions that appear to be similar to the competent state needed for genetic transformation (A . Tomasz, J . Bacteriol . 91:1050--1061, 1966).

J Clin Microbiol, 1978 May, 7(5), 459 - 62
Diagnosis of pneumococcal pneumonia by antigen detection in sputum; Miller J et al.; Pneumococcal polysaccharide was detected by counterimmunoelectrophoresis in the sputum of 20 of 26 (77%) adults with community-acquired pneumonia and a positive sputum culture for Streptococcus pneumoniae . The test was negative in 29 pneumonia patients with negative sputum culture for S . pneumoniae.Pneumococcal antigen was also detected in the sputum of six of nine adults with chronic bronchitis and a positive sputum culture, but was not detected in expectorated respiratory secretions of 22 pneumococcal carriers with colds . Pneumococcal antigen could also be detected in sputum by immunodiffusion; antigen titers varied from 1:2 to 1:256 . These results strongly suggest that the detection of pneumococcal antigen in respiratory tract secretions indicates infection caused by S . pneumoniae.

J Clin Microbiol, 1978 May, 7(5), 426 - 7
Gentamicin-blood agar for isolation of Streptococcus pneumoniae from respiratory secretions; Schmid RE et al.; Previous studies have suggested that the yield of Streptococcus pneumoniae from respiratory secretions can be increased by using a 5% sheep blood agar plate supplemented with 5 microgram of gentamicin (GBA) per ml . We report our experience with 245 lower respiratory specimens in which this method was compared with 5% sheep blood agar (SBA) alone . Of 35 specimens with growth of S . pneumoniae on either plate, 21 were detected exclusively on SBA, whereas only 3 were detected on GBA alone (P less than 0.01) . By subculturing representative alpha-hemolytic colonies from the final 169 specimens, the yield of S . pneumoniae was increased by 27% compared with the number of identifications that could be made directly from the primary culture . Minimal inhibitory concentrations of gentamicin for the last 25 isolates were greater than or equal to 8 microgram/ml . Our results do not substantiate the previous observations that S . pneumoniae from respiratory secretions gives an increased yield in cultures on GBA.

J Bacteriol, 1978 May, 134(2), 483 - 91
Aspartokinase of Streptococcus mutans: purification, properties, and regulation; McCarron RM et al.; Aspartokinase from Streptococcus mutans BHT was purified to homogeneity and characterized . The molecular weight of the native enzyme was estimated to be 242,000 by gel filtration . Cross-linking of aspartokinase with dimethyl suberimidate and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the amidinated enzyme in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate showed the enzyme to be composed of six identical subunits with a molecular wieght of 40,000 . The optimal pH range for enzyme activity was 6.5 to 8.5 . The apparent Michaelis-Menten constants for aspartate and ATP were 5.5 and 2.2 mM, respectively . The enzyme was stable within the temperature range of 10 to 35 degrees C . Aspartokinase was not feedback inhibited by individual amino acids, but was concertedly inhibited by L-lysine and L-threonine (93.5% inhibition at 10 mM each) . The inhibition was noncompetitive with respect to aspartate (Ki = 10 mM) and mixed with respect to ATP . L-Threonine methyl ester and L-threonine amide were able to substitute for L-threonine in feedback inhibition, but the requirement for L-lysine uas strict . The feedback inhibitor pair protected the enzyme against heat denaturation . Aspartokinase synthesis was repressed by L-threonine; this repression was enhanced by L-lysine, but was slightly attenuated by L-methionine.

J Am Vet Med Assoc, 1978 Apr 15, 172(8), 943 - 6
Osteomyelitis in the dog: a review of 67 cases; Caywood DD et al.; The clinicopathologic aspects of bacterial osteomyelitis in 67 dogs were compared . The femur, humerus, metacarpals, metatarsals, and phalanges were the bones most commonly affected . In most dogs, the infection was attributed to repair of fracture by open reduction . Staphylocuccus spp and Streptococcus spp were the organisms most frequently isolated . Most dogs had chronic osteomyelitis at the time of initial examination.

S Afr Med J, 1978 Apr 8, 53(14), 541 - 2
The bacteriology of chronic destructive pneumonia; Appelbaum PC et al.; Thirty-four patients with chronic destructive pneumonia (CDP) were investigated bacteriologically and mycologically; specimens were obtained by transtracheal aspiration, percutaneous lung puncture, and open lung biopsy . Anaerobes were isolated in the absence of aerobes in 1 case while specimens from 9 patients yielded aerobes only . In 16 patients both groups of organisms were cultured . Streptococcus viridans was isolated in 12 cases and fungi in 2 cases . Specimens from 8 patients were sterile on culture . All patients had been treated with various antibiotic combinations before specimens were taken . Aerobes, particularly Gram-positive cocci, and anaerobes probably play an important synergistic role in the pathogenesis of CDP.

Mol Gen Genet, 1978 Apr 6, 160(2), 203 - 8
Specific inactivation of heterospecific transforming DNA by a factor derived from Streptococcus sanguis lysates; Raina JL et al.; A heat-sensitive factor obtained from lysates of competent Streptococcus sanguis cells reacts specifically with native DNA of heterospecific (S . pneumoniae or calf thymus) origin . In vitro it does not alter the double or single strand length of the DNA, nor does it affect uptake of the DNA by compentent S . pneumoniae cells in DNase I-resistant form . Following uptake, however, DNA previously exposed to the factor loses over 90% of its biological activity . Reaction of heterospecific DNA with the factor is competitive, suggesting a competition for binding to the factor . Heating treated DNA prior to its reaction with recipient cells, apparently by irreversibly dissociating the factor, restores to the DNA its original potential transforming activity . Specific activity of the factor can be increased in cells grown under certain conditions; this increase is blocked by erythromycin.

Med J Zambia, 1978 Apr-May, 12(2), 42 - 5
Bacterial pneumonias in the rural society of Solwezi District of the North-Western Province of Zambia; El-Amin AM; Bacterial pneumonias form the major cause of admission for bronchopulmonary infections at Solwezi General Hospital . The figures obtained from this study may represent the rate of incidence and prevalence of bacterial pneumonias in the other districts of North-Western Province of Zambia . The major bacterial organisms involved in pathogenesis of these pneumonias are streptococcus pneumoniae, pneumococcus, staphylococcus aureaus . In none of the cases could tuberculosis bacilli or fungal organism be detected . The patients affected essentially belong to the young and middle age group with predominance of males over females . The involvement of both lungs in the pneumonic process is one of the most interesting findings in this study as it was encountered in 28 patients (25.68%) . This could be explained on the basis of low resistance of the afflicted to bacterial infection . Inspite of the severity of pneumonias there was a relatively good response to the general antibacterial chemotherapy and hence 83 patients (76.06%) have had complete resolution of their lesions and the overall rate of mortality was only 2.77% . The main cause of mortality was, however acute respiratory insufficiency and failure . Another interesting point in this study is the involvement of the right lower lobes more than the other lobes of both lungs.

Infect Immun, 1978 Apr, 20(1), 296 - 302
Evidence for a disseminated plasmid in Streptococcus mutans; Macrina FL et al.; Based on a survey of 86 isolates, approximately 5% of all naturally occurring strains of Streptococcus mutans contains a 3.6 X 10(6)-dalton (3.6-megadalton) multicopy plasmid of unknown function . The amount of plasmid deoxyribonucleic acid per chromosome varies from 2 to 6% depending on the host strain . About 13% of the total covalently closed circular deoxyribonucleic acid in each of the four plasmid-containing strains consists of dimeric molecules, with interlocked circular forms predominating . Site-specific restriction endonucleases have been identified that cleave this 3.6-megadalton plasmid at single and at multiple sites . Each of the four plasmids is cleaved once by the HindIII and BamHI restriction enzymes . The HpaI, TaqI, and HhaI enzymes generate two, five, and six components, respectively, and the digestion products of each of the four plasmids are identical . Because the four plasmid-containing S . mutans strains are physiologically unique with respect to one another, we conclude this plasmid to be a disseminated extrachromosomal element in S . mutans.

Infect Immun, 1978 Apr, 20(1), 20 - 4
Substances that interfere with action of viridin B, a Streptococcus mitis bacteriocin; Dajani AS et al.; Several body fluids and various substances were examined for their effects on the action of viridin B, a Streptococcus mitis bacteriocin . Heme has been shown previously to interfere with viridin B action . In the present study, peroxidase and catalase, but not superoxide dismutase, interfered with the bacteriocin . Sulfhydryl-containing compounds had no effect . Trypsin, protease, and amylase exhibited interfering capacities . Of various body fluids tested, serum, saliva, and leukocyte lysate interfered with viridin B . The activity in leukocyte lysate was probably due to myeloperoxidase . Salivary activity was likely due to both peroxidase and amylase . Interfering activity in serum was neither complement dependent nor antibody mediated and was probably due to a combination of enzymatic activities . Temporal studies with these agents suggested more than one mechanism of interference with viridin B.

Jikken Dobutsu, 1978 Apr, 27(2), 177 - 81
{Three cases of hemolytic Streptococcus infection in guinea-pigs (author's transl)}; Ito M et al.; Three cases of naturally occurring hemolytic streptococcus infection were detected in guinea-pigs which had been delivered from different sources to the Division of Animal Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, during the period from November, 1976, till February, 1977 . The clinical manifestations of the infection were differentiated into two types; ie, the acute type with sepsis and pneumonia as main pathologic changes, and the chronic type with abscess formation of submaxillary lymph node . Streptococcus zooepidemicus was isolated from the conjunctiva of about 56% of these guinea-pigs . Healthy guinea-pigs housed with spontaneously infected ones in the same cage suffered from the infection, showing manifestation and pathologic changes similar to the spontaneous cases . Some of them, however, remained apparently healthy for about 2 months harboring the organisms in the conjunctiva or nasal cavity . It is presumed that such carriers become a source of the infection in nature.

Arch Dermatol, 1978 Apr, 114(4), 581 - 3
Necrotizing fasciitis; Koehn GG; Two patients had limited necrotizing fascilitis . The morbidity and mortality from this infectious necrotizing process of the superficial fascia have not changed significantly since its initial description in 1924 . The characteristic clinical findings of necrotizing fascilitis makes early recognition possible . Within 24 to 48 hours, redness, pain, and edema rapidly progress to central patches of dusky blue discoloration, with or without serosanguineous blisters . By the fourth or fifth day, these purple areas become gangrenous . Although necrotizing fascilities originally was associated exclusively with beta-hemolytic Streptococcus, recent cases have shown a variety of bacteria . The essential treatment remains wide local surgical debridement.

Am J Vet Res, 1978 Apr, 39(4), 695 - 8
Aerobic bacterial flora of the prepuce, urethra, and vagina of normal adult dogs; Ling GV et al.; Staphylococcus aureus and Mycoplasma spp were the most frequently isolated aerobic microorganisms in specimens obtained from the prepuce and the urethra of 20 normal, adult male dogs . Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus canis were the most frequently isolated bacteria in specimens collected from the vagina (in the area of the urethral orifice) of 20 normal intact bitches and 20 spayed bitches . A significant difference was not found in the observed frequency of occurrence of any of the microorganisms isolated from the intact vs the spayed bitches.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 1978 Apr, 35(4), 743 - 9
Use of extractable adenosine triphosphate to estimate the viable cell mass in dental plaque samples obtained from monkeys; Robrish SA et al.; The viable cell mass in plaque samples obtained from monkeys was estimated by determining the concentration of extractable adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and total cell mass was estimated by measuring the protein content . The results were expressed in terms of the specific ATP and protein contents of Streptococcus sanguis . The viable counts estimated by these techniques were comparable to or exceeded viable counts obtained by other investigators using conventional bacteriological methods.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1978 Apr, (4), 62 - 7
{Cellular immunologic reactions in mice tolerant to the transplantation antigens after immunization with the cross-reacting microbial antigens}; Ogurtsov RP; In combined administration of cyclophosphamide and lymphocytes of mice (CC57BR XX C3H) F1 to mice CC57BR there was observed a tolerance to alloantigens of mice C3H . Immunization of the tolerant mice with the vaccines of streptococcus, group A, and Candida albicans, containing antigens similar to the transplantation ones, led, to the partial destruction of the tolerance . This was expressed in the reduction in the CC57BR mice of the survival of skin allotransplants of mice C3H and the appearance in the lymphoid organs of lymphocytes with the cytotoxic activity against the allogenic target cells . In case of the tolerance destruction the amount of the recipient's lymphocytes forming rosettes with the erythrocytes of mice C3H remained unchanged, but the stem cell count fell in the spleen and the lymph nodes . The total amount of the T- and B-lymphocytes in the lymphoid organs was unchanged in destruction of the tolerance.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1978 Apr, (4), 110 - 2
{Submicroscopic structure of the streptococcal L forms isolated from a living body}; Rimkunas AI et al.; The authors studied in the L-forms of streptococcus induced in the living organism . Submicroscopic structure of the L-forms under study was analogous to the L-forms of the museum streptococcus strain and to the L-forms of some other bacteria . As revealed on the ultra-thin sections of the protoplast-like cells the intracytoplasmic membrane structures were located close to the cytoplasmic membrane and also passed through the whole cell in the form of a band . The latter was in contact with the nucleotide . The elemental bodies were found in the vesicular and the protoplastic cells, and also in the space between the cells; sometimes they formed groups surrounded by a membrane.

J Clin Microbiol, 1978 Apr, 7(4), 385 - 8
Serological reactions of the genus Peptostreptococcus; Graham MB et al.; White male New Zealand rabbits were immunized with soluble antigen preparations (SP) of the following gram-positive anaerobic cocci: Peptostreptococcus anaerobius ATCC 27337 and VPI 5737; P . micros VPI 2618; Streptococcus morbillorum ATCC 27527; P . parvulus VPI 5229; and P . productus ATCC 27340 . SP were reacted with homologous and heterologous rabbit antisera in immunodiffusion, immunoelectrophoresis, indirect fluorescent-antibody, and tanned-cell passive hemagglutination tests . Even though each antiserum reacted strongly with its homologous SP, no interspecies reactivity was observed except between P . productus antisera and P . parvulus SP by the passive hemagglutination test . Antisera prepared to both strains of P . anaerobius reacted with the other strain in all serological tests.

Can J Microbiol, 1978 Apr, 24(4), 372 - 80
Kinetic analysis of batch and continuous culture of Streptococcus cremoris HP1; Rogers PL et al.; The growth of Streptococcus cremoris on a semidefined medium was studied at initial lactose concentrations of 0.2-5.0% in batch culture, and in lactose-limited chemostat cultures at 0.5% lactose . Kinetic analysis of the batch data, using statisitcal techniques, indicated the importance of lactose limitation and lactic acid inhibition of the growth of S . cremoris . A model for the biomass production, lactose utilization, and lactic acid production in batch culture was proposed . In continuous culture, it was found that steady state populations were maintained at higher dilution rates (D = 0.6-0.7 h-1) than the maximum predicted by batch culture (0.56h-1) . No evidence for a selection of fast growing mutants was obtained . Copious growth adhering to the walls of the fermentor (i.e . wall growth) occurred very rapidly at higher dilution rates and this undoubtedly affected steady-state growth and wash-out and, as a consequence, the apparent maximum dilution rate.

J Dent Res, 1978 Apr, 57(4), 631 - 5
The determination of antibody to Streptococcus mutans serotypes in saliva for children ages 3 to 7 years; Everhart DL et al.; The saliva of 29 children ages 3 to 7 years was followed by indirect immunoflourescence to determine the antibody reacting with the 5 different serotypes of S mutans . Fluorescent antisera specific for alpha chain and gamma chain were used . Statistical analysis of the data demonstrated a significant negative correlation between antibody of immunoglobin class (IgA) to S mutans type b and the decayed, extracted and filled surfaces of deciduous teeth.

J Clin Invest, 1978 Apr, 61(4), 1107 - 10
Immunogenicity of polysaccharides from type III, group B Streptococcus; Baker CJ et al.; The immunogenicity and safety of two polysaccharides isolated from type III, group B Streptococcus, were tested in adults selected for existing low concentrations of natural antibody to the capsular polysaccharide of this organism . Both vaccine preparations (trichloroacetic acid and EDTA) were found to lack pyrogenicity and toxicity for experimental animals . A single 50-microgram subcutaneous injection of either polysaccharide in human subjects elicited significant increase in antibody concentration in immunized compared with control individuals receiving phosphate-buffered saline . Antibody responses were maximal by 2 wk and remained at 21 wk after immunization . Vaccine-induced antibody was primarily of the IgG class . Of the two vaccines, the larger molecular size polysaccharide was significantly more immunogenic . Although no systemic reactions were recorded, mild transient local reactions occurred in 45% of vaccinees.

Lancet, 1978 Apr 1, 1(8066), 693 - 5
Passive immunisation with serum and immunoglobulins against dental caries in rhesus monkeys; Lehner T et al.; Active immunisation with Streptococcus mutans induced protection against dental caries in rhesus monkeys, and this was associated with serum antibodies . Passive transfer of immune serum with IgG, IgM, and IgA antibodies to Strep . mutans failed to induce protection against dental caries . However, when separated IgG, IgM, and IgA sera were given, IgG induced significant protection but IgA or IgM antibodies to Strep . mutans did not . IgA and IgM may compete or interfere with the protective effect of IgG antibodies, and the ratio of IgG/IgA and IgG/IgM antibodies might be an important factor in immunisation against dental caries.

J Antibiot (Tokyo), 1978 Apr, 31(4), 359 - 62
Semiautomated turbidimetric microbiological assay for cefazaflur; Pitkin DH et al.; A quantitative semi-automated turbidimetric bioassay for cefazaflur, using Streptococcus faecium as the indicator, is described . Assays were run at pH 6.5 approximately 7 for 3.75 hours at 37 degrees C using 2 approximately 12 microgram cefazaflur per ml assay broth for standards . The dose response line was plotted point to point using the natural log of the absorbance vs natural log of the concentration . This assay is both accurate and precise and is more rapid than traditional plate assays for antibiotics.

J Dairy Sci, 1978 Mar, 61(3), 344 - 51
Mastitis infection from abrupt loss of milking vacuum; Thompson PD et al.; During a single reversal trial of two 2-wk experimental periods, teats of all glands of 12 Holstein cows were subjected to a milking routine conducive to large vacuum fluctuations and flooded teat cups . High pathogen contamination was produced by continuous infusion into the long milk tube of 10(10) colony-forming units of Streptococcus agalactiae per min . At each milking, teat cups of control glands (two per cow) were clamped at the short milk tube and removed after milk ceased flowing . As inflations were opening, we subjected teats of the remaining (treated) pair of glands to abrupt vacuum drop by venting the long milk tube at its connection to the bucket of the milking machine . Excluding glands infected at starts of periods, 10 (22%) of 45 treated glands versus 2 (5%) of 43 control glands became infected with Streptococcus agalactiae (criterion: Wisconsin mastitis test rise plus positive culture at two consecutive milkings) . We concluded that the rapid airflow toward teats which resulted from sudden vacuum loss characterizes vacuum abnormalities associated with increased risk of mastitis infection.

J Clin Invest, 1978 Mar, 61(3), 731 - 7
Selective induction of an immune response in human external secretions by ingestion of bacterial antigen; Mestecky J et al.; Ingestion of capsules which contained killed Streptococcus mutans by four healthy human subjects led to the appearance of specific antibodies in external secretions . Salivary and lacrymal antibodies were detected within 1 wk of ingestion and continued to increase throughout a 14-day immunization period, with a gradual decline during the 2 ensuing months . A second period of immunization resulted in a pronounced increase of specific antibody levels which occurred earlier than in the primary immunization period and reached peak levels by day 10 . No change was detected in serum antibody levels throughout either immunization period . The antibody activity in all secretions was associated with the immunoglobulin A class, as determined by immunochemical analyses . These data indicate that ingestion of bacterial antigens selectively stimulates the immune response in secretions.

J Bacteriol, 1978 Mar, 133(3), 1212 - 23
Fate of homospecific transforming DNA bound to Streptococcus sanguis; Raina JL et al.; The fate of {3H}DNA from Streptococcus sanguis str-r43 fus-s donors in {14C}S . sanguis str-s fus-r1 recipients was studied by examining the lysates prepared from such recipients at various times after 1 min of exposure to DNA . The lysates were analyzed in CsCl and 10 to 30% sucrose gradients; fractions from the gradients were tested for biological activity and sensitivity to nucleases, subjected to various treatments and retested for nuclease sensitivity, and run on 5 to 20% neutral and alkaline sucrose gradients . The results demonstrate that donor DNA bound to S . sanguis cells in a form resistant to exogenous deoxyribonuclease is initially single stranded and complexed to recipient material . Donor DNA can be removed from the complex upon treatment of the complex with Pronase, phenol, or isoamyl alcohol-chloroform . Within the complex, donor DNA is relatively insensitive to S1 endonuclease but can regain its sensitivity by treatment with phenol . With time the complex moves as a whole to associate physically with the recipient chromosome . After a noncovalent stage of synapsis, donor material is covalently bonded to and acquires the nuclease sensitivity of recipient DNA, while donor markers regain transforming activity and become linked to resident markers.

JACEP, 1978 Mar, 7(3), 83 - 7
Treatment of common dog bites: infection risk factors; Callaham ML; In a retrospective study of 106 patients with complete follow-up of dog bites treated in the emergency department the following factors greatly increased the risk of infection: age greater than 50 years, delay in seeking treatment, location on an upper extremity, and puncture wounds . Debridement and irrigation decreased the incidence of infection, and sutured wounds were not more likely to become infected than those left open . Prophylactic antibiotics provided no benefit in this series . In the literature, overall infection rates varied widely according to the various patient populations . Up to 50% of infections from dog bites are caused by pasturella multocida, and the remainder by a wide range of organisms, including streptococcus . Ninety-five percent of these organisms will be sensitive to penicillin.

J Gen Microbiol, 1978 Mar, 105(1), 29 - 38
Purification of the extracellular opacity factor of a strain of group A Streptococcus M type 2; Martinez OV et al.; The extracellular Opacity Factor elaborated by a strain of group A streptococcus M type 2 was purified by ammonium sulphate precipitation, DEAE-cellulose and hydroxylapatite column chromatography and Sephadex G-200 gel filtration . Gel filtration experiments indicated that the Opacity Factor is consituted of high molecular weight proteins or protein aggregates which appear to dissociate into subunits of 66000 minimum molecular weight as determined by sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis . The purified preparations had no group A carbohydrate of T protein antigens . Passive haemagglutination and indirect immunofluorescence tests indicated that Opacity Factor is distinct from the M type 2 protein antigen.

Blood, 1978 Mar, 51(3), 475 - 8
Lack of protective effect of autotransplanted splenic tissue to pneumococcal challenge; Schwartz AD et al.; Studies in animals and clinical experience in patients have demonstrated that splenectomy may lead to an increased susceptibility to infection . The infections are usually caused by encapsulated bacteria such as penumococcus . It has been shown in a variety of experimental animals that autotransplanted splenic tissue is capable of regenerating into implants that are microscopically indistinguishable from normal spleen and of restoring a number of normal splenic functions . The response to intravenous challenge with Streptococcus pneumoniae, type 25, was therefore studied in control, asplenic, and autotransplanted Sprague-Dawley rats . Despite previous observations that a number of immune functions can be restored in this animal model by autotransplanted splenic tissue, the present study indicates that splenic tissue autotransplants do not restore the ability to resist intravenous pneumococcal challenge.

Rontgenblatter, 1978 Mar, 31(3), 160 - 3
{Mycotic aneurysm of superior mesenteric artery (author's transl)}; Andresen J et al.; Reference is made to a case of mycotic aneurysm of the superior mesenteric artery caused by bacterial endocarditis with streptococcus feacalis combined with reversible neurologic complications . On account of improvement in the treatment a careful radiological examination is very important with exact account of the size and localisation of the aneurysm . Our patient was successfully treated with aneurysmectomia and reconstruction of the vessel by transplantation of a vein.

Am J Vet Res, 1978 Mar, 39(3), 511 - 6
Bovine antibody against Streptococcus agalactiae, type Ia, produced by preparturient intramammary and systemic vaccination; Yokomizo Y et al.; Four pregnant heifers were immunized by the intramammary route with killed or live Streptococcus agalactiae vaccine, and a 5th heifer was vaccinated by the intramuscular route with killed vaccine . Antibody in the colostrum from vaccinated and non-vaccinated glands was compared . Antibacterial glands was compared . Antibacterial antibody titers of the 4 immunoglobulin classes were determined by indirect fluorescent antibody assay . Although the content of immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1), IgG2, and IgM in the colostrum from the vaccinated glands was not substantially different from the nonvaccinated glands, IgA content was considerably greater in the former . Antibody specific to S agalactiae was isolated from all colostrum samples . The mouse passive protection test and Ouchterlony analysis were used to demonstrate the presence of type-specific antibody to Ia strain used for vaccination . The passive mouse protection test also was useful to compare the protective capacity of specific S agalactiae, type Ia, antibodies of immunoglobulin classes IgG, IgM, and IgA . Increased protective capacity of IgM and IgA over IgG1, on a weight basis, was demonstrated . The present study indicates that S agalactiae preparations, when introduced into the mammary gland, can give rise to local antibody synthesis in the vaccinated glands.

Community Dent Oral Epidemiol, 1978 Mar, 6(2), 97 - 102
Actual caries development compared with expected caries activity; Rundegren J et al.; In 18 schoolboys, 16 years old, the actual caries development during 1 year was compared with the expected caries activity which was predicted from evaluations of four selected tests: (1) the buffer capacity, (2) the titer of Streptococcus mutans in stimulated whole saliva, (3) clinical evaluation of rate of plaque formation, and (4) a quantitation of a salivary agglutinin reacting with a serotype c strain of S . mutans . According to previous experiences the estimated value for each factor was classified for each individual either as a negative (carries-provoking) or as a non-negative factor . The score of negative factors could thus vary between 0 and 4 for each individual . A good relationship was observed between the caries increment during 1 year and the sum of the scores from the tests representing expected caries activity . This observation indicates the possibility of selecting the most caries susceptible individuals in a population by using the four parameters . A selection can be made from two or three of the tests but then the degree of differentiation becomes lower . No parameter could singly be used as an indication of the potential caries activity in the individual test.

Pathol Biol (Paris), 1978 Mar-Apr, 26(3-4), 173 - 80
{Increased resistance of streptococcus pneumoniae to antibiotics and prevalence of their capsular serotypes (author's transl)}; Goldstein FW et al.; From January 1970 to December 1976, 867 strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae isolated from clinical specimens were routinely typed and tested for sensitivity to 12 antibiotics . The prevalent serotypes were 19, 23, 6, 3, 7 and 14 . Twenty seven p . cent of the strains were found resistant to tetracycline, and 4,2% were resistant to tetracycline and chloramphenicol . Two strains were resistant to erythromycin . The minimal inhibitory concentrations of penicillin G, cephalotin, chloramphenicol, tetracycline, minocycline and erythromycin were determined by the agar dilution method on 80 strains . The incidence of tetracycline resistant strains increased from 10% to 40% . These strains were less susceptible to minocycline when tested in vitro and they were clinically resistant . Chloramphenicol resistant strains are isolated since 1972 and represented in 1976 more than 6% of the isolates . They belong to 14 different serotypes . We have previously reported that resistance to chloramphenicol is due to a chloramphenicol-acetyl-transferase which is probably plasmid mediated . The epidemiological and clinical implications of these results are discussed.

J Bacteriol, 1978 Mar, 133(3), 1224 - 31
Fate of heterospecific transforming DNA bound to Streptococcus sanguis; Raina JL et al.; The fate of 3H-labeled str-r fus-s DNA from Streptococcus pneumoniae, bound after a 1-min uptake to 14C-labeled str-s fus-r S . sanguis recipients, was followed by techniques previously developed for analyzing the fate of homospecific DNA . Heterospecific S . pneumoniae DNA was bound and formed complexes with recipient protein in a manner similar to that of homospecific DNA but transformed relatively poorly . The rate at which complexed heterospecific DNA becomes physically associated with recipient DNA, and at which donor markers are integrated into the chromosome, was slower than in the case of homospecific DNA . In addition, about half of the heterospecific donor counts initially bound in trichloracetic acid-insoluble form were gradually solubilized and released from the cell . The association of heterospecific DNA with the recipient chromosome was more unstable than that involving homospecific DNA, since only associations of the former type were largely dissociated by isolation and resedimentation . The donor DNA-containing material so dissociated had the same sedimentation properties as complexed heterospecific DNA before association, indicating that the complex of single-stranded donor DNA and recipient protein formed on uptake moves as a whole from its site of formation to synapse with the chromosome.

J Dairy Sci, 1978 Feb, 61(2), 233 - 8
Change in udder health and overmilking; Natzke RP et al.; Removing milker units as soon as milk flow stopped was compared to milking for a fixed time of 12 min in an 8-wk trial with 60 cows . Teats were dipped in broth culture of approximately 10(9) colony forming units per ml of Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, and Streptococcus uberis for 4 wk . More new infections of quarters occurred in the 12-min group . In trials 2 and 3, 20 additional cows were milked with automatic milking machine detachers and 20 cows were milked with a flow control unit for 12 min each trial . New infection rates were highest in the two groups milked for 12 min . Age for lactation and cows were associated with most of the variation in the new infection rate . Cows with pointed teat ends had the highest rate of new infection . Effects of fixed-time milking on increased mammary infection and clinical mastitis were small.

Pediatrics, 1978 Feb, 61(2), 235 - 7
Group C streptococcal surgical wound infections transmitted by an anorectal and nasal carrier; Goldman DA et al.; Streptococcus equisimilis (Lancefield group C), an unusual cause of nosocomial surgical infection, was isolated from two orthopedic postoperative wound infections . Both operations had been performed by the same surgeon within a three-day period . Examination of the surgeon revealed perianal dermatitis from which S . equisimilis was isolated . The organism was also recovered from the surgeon's nose and rectum . The wound infections responded to treatment with penicillin derivatives . The surgeon was successfully treated with topical bacitracin and oral penicillin and vancomycin . This report documents the pathogenicity of the C Streptococcus in postoperative infection and suggests a possible nosocomial source of the organism.

Infect Immun, 1978 Feb, 19(2), 477 - 80
Virulence of Streptococcus mutans: comparison of the effects of a coupling sugar and sucrose on certain metabolic activities and cariogenicity; Ikeda T et al.; A coupling sugar preparation (sucrose-free {CSSF}), which contains a mixture of sugars, oligosaccharides, and oligosaccharides terminated at the reducing end by sucrose, served as a substrate for growth and acid production by Streptococcus mutans 6715 . However, CSSF was a poor substrate for cellular aggregation, glucosyltransferase activity, plaque formation, and adherence of cells to glass surfaces . In the presence of sucrose, CSSF inhibited glucosyltransfer activity and adherence of cells . The substitution of CSSF for sucrose in a rat diet significantly reduced caries score . Furthermore, rats fed diets containing sucrose and CSSF had significantly fewer carious lesions than did rats fed a sucrose diet.

Am J Vet Res, 1978 Feb, 39(2), 325 - 8
Immunity to Lancefield's group E . streptococcus: flank inoculation of susceptible and immune swine; Jenkins EM et al.; Healthy swine flank inoculated with Lancefield's group E Streptococcus sp developed characteristic signs of streptococcal lymphadenitis of swine; however, abscesses were found in prefemoral lymph nodes rather than in cervical lymph nodes . After 6 months, swine (recovered from the cervical form of streptococcal lymphadenitis of swine caused by oral exposure to group E Streptococcus) were flank inoculated with group E Streptococcus sp . Only transitory signs of diseases developed and abscesses did not develop in the prefemoral lymph nodes.

J Infect Dis, 1978 Feb, 137(2), 176 - 81
Bacterial adherence to virus-infected cells: a cell culture model of bacterial superinfection; Sanford BA et al.; MDCK cells (a line of stable canine kidney cells) infected with influenza A/NWS/33 virus (a neurotropic variant of the Wilson Smith strain) were tested with 18 selected bacterial species to determine whether mammalian cells become susceptible to bacterial adherence as a result of virus infection . Cell monolayers were washed and examined microscopically for adherence . Bacteria of only two of 18 species were seen to adhere to the infected cells: a group B Streptococcus and Streptococcus sanguis . Control monolayers were negative for adherence . Pretreatment of virus-infected cultures with mouse ascitic fluid containing antibody to influenza A virus completely blocked adherence of the bacteria . Further testing with the strains representative of the five serotypes of group B Streptococcus disclosed that adherence occurred with types Ia, Ic, and II, but not with types Ib and III.

J Clin Microbiol, 1978 Feb, 7(2), 153 - 7
Hemolytic mutants of group A Streptococcus pyogenes; Owens W et al.; Hemolytic mutants of Lancefield strain SS-95 and ATCC 19615 Streptococcus pyogenes were produced by treatment with N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine . These mutants contained the same levels of streptolysin O, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotidase, deoxyribonuclease, and hyaluronidase . The mutants were deficient in streptolysin S, as was the naturally occurring nonhemolytic Lowry strain . The mutants retained their pathogenicity for mice and, when reisolated from the dead animals, produced the mutant hemolytic pattern.

J Bacteriol, 1978 Feb, 133(2), 852 - 9
Genetic analysis of antibiotic resistance in Streptococcus pyogenes; Stuart JG et al.; The genetics of antibiotic resistance in mutant strains of Streptococcus pyrogenes was studied . Utilizing a type 6 strain (9440) primarily resistant to strepttomycin (Strr), classes of mutant strains were isolated that were resistant to one of the following antibiotics: rifampin (Rifr), erythromycin (Eryr), thiostrepton (Tstr), spiramycin (Sprr), fusidic acid (Fusr), gramicidin (Grcr), ethidium bromide (Ebrr), kanamycin (Kanr), neomycin (Neor), oleandomycin (Oler), gentamicin (Genr), and novobiocin (Novr) . Transduction experiments separated antibiotic resistance markers into two distinct groups: transducible markers, including Fusr, Bacr, Ksg+, Spcr, Eryr, Sprr, Rifr, Stlr, and Tstr (Bacr, Ksgr, Spcr, and Stlr refer to resistance to bacitracin, kasugamycin, spectinomycin, and streptolydigan, respectively), and nontransducible markers, including Grcr, Ebrr, Kanr, Neor, Oler, Genr, and Novr . By means of two- and three-point crosses, transducible markers (excluding tst) were located in three separate linkage groups . spr was found to be linked with ery and spc in the order spc-ery-spr, whereas in a separate linkage group the order was determined to be str-fus-bac-ksg . The third linkage group contained the rif and stl markers.

Arch Neurol, 1978 Feb, 35(2), 114 - 5
Group B streptococcal meningitis associated with a CSF fistula; Lentnek AL et al.; An elderly man had group B streptococcal meningitis . The infection may have seeded the meninges through a rhinocerebral fistula . Despite the frequency of nasopharyngeal colonization with this organism, reports of adult meningitis secondary to group B Streptococcus are rare; to our knowledge, no previous cases specifically associated with rhinocerebral fistula have been described . Reasons for the discrepancy between the frequency of nasopharyngeal colonization and the rarity of meningitis are suggested.

J Dent Res, 1978 Feb, 57(2), 373 - 9
Compounds which affect the adherence of Streptococcus sanguis and Streptococcus mutans to hydroxyapatite; Liljemark WF et al.; Several compounds were evaluated in an in vitro assay system for their ability to block the adherence of Streptococcus sanguis to saliva-coated hydroxyapatite and Streptococcus mutans to dextran-coated hydroxyapatitite . Fatty acids, ranging from C-12 to C-20, the enzyme amylase, chlorhexidine, human sera, and several serum proteins blocked S sanguis adherence to saliva-coated hydroxyapatite . Chlorhexidine blocked S mutans adherence to dextran-coated hydroxyapatite, but human sera and serum proteins did not . The effects of these compounds on the adherence of these organisms to hydroxyapatite may help in the development of specific plaque control methods for use in human populations.

J Dent Res, 1978 Feb, 57(2), 384 - 7
Experimental formation of "corn cob" in vitro; Takazoe I et al.; Organisms isolated from corn cob were examined for aggregation with Bacterionema matruchotti . Such aggregations, interpreted as corn cob formation, in vitro, occurred with five isolated identified as Streptococcus sanguis . A cell-surface component of Streptococcus sanguis or a phospholipid-related substance of Bacterionema matruchotii appeared to be involved.

J Dent Res, 1978 Feb, 57(2), 380 - 3
The effect of some divalent cations on extracellular polysaccharide synthesis in Streptococcus salivarius; Boyd RF; The amount of extracellular insoluble polysaccharide produced by Streptococcus salivarius can be effected by some divalent cations . Calcium at concentrations of 1 X 10(-3) and 10(-4) M caused a reduction in polysaccharide synthesis . Magnesium at 1 X 10(-3) M inhibited extracellular polysaccharide production but at 1 X 10(-4) M had little effect . Manganese was without effect on polysaccharide synthesis . Zinc at 1 X 10(-3) and 1 X 10(-4) M caused a substantial increase in extracellular polysaccharide synthesis.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1978 Feb, (2), 106 - 10
{Role of various diseases of the upper respiratory tract in the epidemiological process of streptococcal infections}; Dodonov VN et al.; Investigations conducted with the use of a specially elaborated method revealed a specific association of some (15--24%) of diseases diagnosed clinically as "acute respiratory affection" (ARA) with streptococcus infection . This was also confirmed by detection of an epidemiological association of ARA with scarlet fever revealed in some child collective bodies . The data obtained pointed to the definite role played by such diseases in the epidemic process in streptococcus infections.

Int J Clin Pharmacol Biopharm, 1978 Feb, 16(2), 78 - 82
Cefazolin in the treatment of pneumonia; Raff MJ et al.; Cefazolin is a semi-synthetic derivative of cephalosporin C that has a lower cross-immunogenicity with penicillins than do the other cephalosporins . This agent was evaluated as an alternative to penicillin in the therapy of patients with pneumococcal pneumonia . Thirty patient were treated with cefazolin, most receiving 125 or 250 mg IM every 12 hours for 5-10 days . Satisfactory clinical responses were obtained in 29 of these 30 patients, and none complained of pain following IM injections . Three patients developed eosinophilia while receiving cefazolin, and one of these also had a maculopapular eruption that may have been an allergic reaction to cefazolin . Serum levels of cefazolin were measured at 1, 6, and 12 hours after administration . Susceptibilities of 100 isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae, including these patients' organisms, were determined by broth dilution . Both cefazolin and cephalothin were bactericidal for all 100 isolates at concentrations of 2 microgram/ml or less . Cefazolin appears to be an entirely adequate alternative to penicillin for the therapy of pneumococcalpneumonia . This agent is effective in low dosages, and adequate serum levels are maintained for long periods of time, permitting twice-daily administration.

Infect Immun, 1978 Feb, 19(2), 745 - 8
Observation of beta-hemolysis among three strains of Streptococcus mutans; Wolff L et al.; Streptococcus mutans is normally alpha- or gamma-hemolytic on blood agar plates . However, three recently isolated S . mutans strains were observed to elicit beta-hemolysis . The production and nature of a hemolytic substance were studied.

J Med Microbiol, 1978 Feb, 11(1), 7 - 14
The ability of smooth and rough strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae to activate human complement by the alternative pathway; Edwards M et al.; Three capsulate pneumococcal strains of serotypes 1, 2 ans 3, and one non-capsulate strain of serotype 47, were found to activate human complement by the alternative pathway to a similar extent over the concentration range examined . Nevertheless, the capsulate strains, in contrast to the non-capsulate, are known to require complement attachment for phagocytosis and it is therefore postulated that the toxic by-products released cause the wave of oedema characteristic of pneumococcal lobar pneumonia.

J Lab Clin Med, 1978 Feb, 91(2), 280 - 94
Oxygen uptake and lung function in mice infected with Streptococcus pneumoniae, influenza virus, or Mycoplasma pulmonis; Korotzer TI et al.; Model systems of respiratory infection in mice were established with Streptococcus pneumoniae, influenza virus, and Mycoplasma pulmonis . The LT50 for S . pneumoniae was 2 1/2 days, for lethal influenza 6 days, and for M . pulmonis 5 days . Morbidity in sublethal influenza infections reached a peak during days 5 to 10, with recovery indicated by the third week . The course of each pulmonary infection was followed by use of the animal's maximal ability to consume oxygen (VO2max by determining the weight, compliance, and stability of the excised lung, and in some cases by following O2 consumption of minced tissue . Depression of VO2max began early in each infection; reductions ranged from 9% at the peak of sublethal influenza infection to 50% 12 to 48 hr before the LT50 of fatal infections . The depressions were not relieved by 100% O2 . The noninvasive VO2max test, evoked by cold air, was simple, rapid, and reproducible and appeared to serve as a quantitative measure of over-all function during infection . Each type of infection caused an increase in lung weight, with the largest noted during fatal Mycoplasma illness and lethal influenza . The effects on lungs by influenza and M . pulmonis infections were similar but could be differentiated from those with S . pneumoniae . With sublethal influenza, CL was reduced 30% between days 5 to 10, with recovery by the third week . Ctis was not affected . M . pulmonis infections and lethal influenza caused depressions in CL of over 60% by day 4 but only a 30% decrease in Ctis . The data suggest that the decreased compliance in influenza and M . pulmonis infections was due primarily to increased surface tension . In contrast, S . pneumoniae did not affect compliance.

Lancet, 1978 Jan 28, 1(8057), 178 - 81
Immune response after splenectomy; Sullivan JL et al.; The immune response to intravenously administered bacteriophage phiX 174 and subcutaneously administered tridecavalent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine was studied in 31 patients with anatomical or functional asplenia . Antibody responses to primary immunisation with phiX 174 were significantly decreased while clearance was normal . Secondary responses were quantitatively normal; however, production of antibody did not switch from IgM to IgG as seen in controls . All groups of asplenic patients accept those patients with Hodgkin's disease demonstrated significant seroconversions in response to pneumococcal polysaccharide antigens . One patient with Hodgkin's disease, treated with local irradiation only, demonstrated normal responses to pneumococcal capsular antigens . 10 of the 12 capsular antigens for which antibody was measured stimulated threefold increases in antibody in the 26 asplenic patients without Hodgkin's disease, which is similar to that observed in controls . Since the majority of cases of overwhelming postsplenectomy infection are caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, all patients with either anatomical or functional asplenia should receive pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine.

Vet Rec, 1978 Jan 14, 102(2), 35 - 8
Apparatus for pasteurising teat cup liners between cows in a herringbone parlour; Box PG et al.; In a herringbone milking parlour, teat cup liners were deliberately contaminated in turn with Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus agalactiae and Sterp uberis . Contamination was achieved by filling the liners with milk that contained 10(6) test organisms per ml . After the clusters had been back-flushed with water at 85 degrees C for five seconds, normal swabbing methods failed to recover any contaminating organisms from the teat liners in 56 tests out of 64 . After 10 seconds back-flushing no recoveries were made in the same number of tests . The apparatus developed to effect this back-flushing for a particular herringbone parlour is described, with details of its routine use during milking . For a 100-cow herd, the running cost of such equipment using a five-second back-flush is estimated at no more than 4 pounds per week and, in its present form, would not add more than 10 seconds to the total milking time for each cow . Improvements in design of the apparatus, and in milking techniques arising from the routine use of the device, are also considered.

Microbios, 1978, 21(84), 109 - 26
A quantitative ultrastructural and chemical investigation of the accumulation of iodophilic polysaccharide in two cariogenic strains of Streptococcus mutans; DiPersio JR et al.; The amount of intracellular, iodophilic, glycogen-like polysaccharide (IPS) present in cells of two strains of Streptococcus mutans at various stages of growth in a chemically defined medium was determined by quantitative electron microscopy . The results obtained were then compared with the chemically determined, iodophilic polysaccharide content of cultures . The ultrastructural method used determined the fraction of area of central longitudinal sections of individual cells occupied by stained granules, and was therefore capable of determining amounts of polysaccharide in cells starved of glucose . Although the results of the two methods showed very good quantitative correlation, the ultrastructural method allowed study of glycogen synthesis on a cellular basis, and detected some heterogeneity in amounts of IPS stored by individual cells . The ultrastructural method also permits the detection of much smaller amounts of stored IPS than does the chemical method.

Arkh Patol, 1978, 40(12), 23 - 9
{Allergic orchitis in animals caused by streptococcal sensitization}; Ogurtsov RP et al.; Guinea pigs and mice develop orchitis after immunization with killed streptococcus groups A (type 12) cells in complete adjuvant . In guinea pigs the process is characterized by the atrophy of spermatogenous epithelium of the testicles, and in mice by the disappearance of mature spermia from convoluted seminiferous tubules . Globulin fixed on spermia was detected in testicles of the immunized mice . Guinea pigs and mouse sera contained antibodies reacting with spermatid and spermatozoid structures of normal testicles . Immunized guinea pigs showed positive reactions of blast-transformation of lymphocytes and skin reactions of the delayed type to testicle antigens . The development of orchitis in guinea pigs and mice correlates in time with the appearance of antibodies and the development of the delayed type hyperseusitivity to the testicle antigens.

Adv Exp Med Biol, 1978, 107, 859 - 68
Extrachromosomal gene systems in Streptococcus mutans; Macrina FL et al.; 1) Four of 86 S . mutans strains of human origin harbor a 3.6 Mdal multicopy plasmid while 2 of 13 strains of rat origin carry multiple copies of a 2.3 Mdal and 2.5 Mdal plasmid . 2) There is no evidence to support that any of these plasmids confers clinically or ecologically important phenotypes . 3) The restriction endonucleases Hind III and Bam HI cleave the 3.6 Mdal plasmid once, thus facilitating the use of this extrachromosomal element in gene cloning systems.

Adv Exp Med Biol, 1978, 107, 749 - 59
Multiple forms of dextran-binding proteins from Streptococcus mutans; McCabe MM et al.; We have isolated a series of five proteins which appear to possess characteristic individual capacities for synthesizing dextrans and binding dextrans . Our suggestion that these proteins comprise an isozyme-like distribution of lectin and enzyme activities is, of course, very speculative and remains to be rigourously confirmed . However, the very identification of these several dextran binding proteins provides a biochemical basis to explain numerous observations suggesting that more than one mechanism for dextran binding is possessed by S . mutans (for instance: 24-27), especially the observations with mutants (24) . These proteins probably are the molecular determinants of host infection by S . mutans and may prove to be potent immunogens for use in a vaccine . The presence of a dextran-binding lectin in S . mutans implicates this bacterial lectin in the earliest stage of infection: Attachment to host tissues . The multiplicity of proteins possessing characteristic dextran-synthesizing and dextran-binding capacities indicates the complexity of the adherence mechanisms evolved in S . mutans . Experiments with other bacteria (10-12, 28) suggest that bacterial lectins, in concert with host tissue carbohydrates, may be the molecular mediators of host recognition and subsequent initial attachment of bacterial cells to host tissues in non-pathogenic as well as pathogenic bacteria.

Adv Exp Med Biol, 1978, 107, 737 - 48
Dextran/glucan binding by Streptococcus mutans: the role of molecular size and binding site in agglutination; Wu-Yuan CD et al.; 1) S . mutans strains of serotypes a, d and g were strongly agglutinated with soluble glucans and dextran T2000 . Homologous glucan did not in all cases produce agglutination . 2) The quantity of low molecular weight dextrans bound (T20 and T70) does not correspond to the agglutination induced by glucan or T2000 . 3) The agglutination and binding of high molecular weight glucan by B13 cells was sensitive to heat, trypsin, dextranase, EDTA, SDS and urea, whereas no inhibition of binding of T20 and T70 was seen . 4) Pretreatment of B13 cells with anti-d, or anti-glucan sera, or Con A, RCA I, or RCA II completely inhibited agglutination by T2000 and caused a significant reduction of the binding of glucan . No reduction in the binding of T20 and T70 occurred . 5) An agglutination-negative mutant was agglutinated by sucrose but not by T2000 or high molecular weight glucan . It bound normal levels of T20 and T70 . 6) The results indicate that B13 cells possess multiple glucan binding sites and that the site responsible for agglutination consists of both polysaccharide and protein . 7) Inhibition studies on agglutination and adherence using B13 cells indicate that the two processes involve different mechanisms.

Adv Exp Med Biol, 1978, 107, 727 - 36
Interaction of Streptococcus mutans glucosyltransferases with antibodies; Kuramitsu HK et al.; 1) The GTF-A and GTF-B activities of serotype (c), (e), and (f) organisms are antigenically more closely related to each other than to the comparable enzymes from organisms of the other four S . mutans serotypes . 2) The adherence-inhibiting antibody in anti-GTF-A appears to be mediated against a heat sensitive cell surface antigen of S . mutans - most likely GTF activity . However, unequivocal proof of this conclusion awaits the preparations of homogeneous GTF-A preparations.

Adv Exp Med Biol, 1978, 107, 717 - 25
Streptococcus mutans dextransucrase: phosphoglycerides and the detection of inhibitory antibodies in sera; Schachtele CF et al.; 1) Rabbit and human sera contain high concentrations of phospholipids which can interact with dextransucrase causing enhanced glucan production . 2) Antibody in sera capable of blocking glucan synthesis can be accurately detected by adding excess LPC and dextran to the enzyme prior to incubating with antiserum and assaying with sucrose.

Adv Exp Med Biol, 1978, 107, 639 - 47
Modification of in vitro adherence of Streptococcus mutans by plant lectins; Staat RH et al.; 1) Several plant lectins inhibit in vitro adherence of S . mutans to smooth surfaces . 2) Initial attachment of S . mutans appears to be independent of sucrose-derived glucans . 3) Blockage of adherence is possibly due to lectin interaction with basic amino acid residues on the cell surfaces.

Adv Exp Med Biol, 1978, 107, 369 - 81
Antibodies against Streptococcus mutans and glucosyltransferases in caries-free and caries-active military recruits; Hus in 't Veld J et al.; 1) Plaque samples from caries-active recruits showed a higher incidence of S . mutans than plaque samples from caries-free recruits . The persistance of the S . mutans serotypes in the individual plaque samples attested to the consistency of S . mutans in human dental plaque . 2) S . mutans serotype d is predominantly present in approximal plaque of caries-active subjects . 3) Serum antibody titers against S . mutans are higher in caries-active individuals . 4) Sera from caries-free or caries-active individuals inhibit the insoluble glucan synthesis by the cellbound GTF to the same extent . 5) It is unlikely that antibodies against S . mutans in parotid saliva or serum play a major role in the protection against dental caries in Dutch military recruits.

Adv Exp Med Biol, 1978, 107, 355 - 67
Salivary IgA antibodies to antigens from Streptococcus mutans in human dental caries; Challacombe SJ; 1) Subjects of low caries experience (DMF 7) had significantly lower IgA antibody titers to antigens from S . mutans serotype c than subjects of high caries experience (DMF 13) . 2) Subjects with carious lesions and a high DMF had significantly lower salivary antibody titers than subjects without carious lesions . 3) Sequential studies revealed that in the absence of caries salivary antibody titers decreased over a 9 month period . 4) Treatment of caries was associated with a rise in salivary IgA antibodies . No significant changes were associated with the development of caries . 5) No relationship with caries experience was found with antibodies to S . mutans BHT (serotype b), S . sanguis OMZ-9 or S . mitis CHT . 6) The results do not support the hypothesis that salivary antibodies in man play a role in protection against caries.

Adv Exp Med Biol, 1978, 107, 349 - 54
Antibodies reacting with Streptococcus mutans in secretions from minor salivary glands in humans; Krasse B et al.; 1) Antibodies reacting with S . mutans in secretions from minor salivary glands in humans were determined by a modified Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay . 2) IgA antibodies reacting with S . mutans serotype c were found in all samples examined . 3) The antibody level in the secretions of the minor salivary glands varied considerably between different subjects and was considerably higher than that of parotid saliva . 4) A variation in antibody concentration over time was observed in some individuals . 5) Topical application of a streptococcal vaccine consisting of formalin killed cells increased the level of antibodies in the secretions of one person . In two persons no effect was observed.

Adv Exp Med Biol, 1978, 107, 261 - 9
Effective immunity to dental caries: selective induction of secretory immunity by oral administration of Streptococcus mutans in rodents; Michalek SM et al.; 1) The selective induction of secretory antibody is antigen dose dependent . A dose of 10(7) or 10(8) S . mutans CFU (per gram of diet) elicited a significant response, while a higher dose (10(9) CFU/gram) resulted in an apparent state of unresponsiveness . 2) A lowly virulent mutant of S . mutans 6715 (C4) induced protective s-IgA antibodies against challenge with a highly virulent species (C211) . Cross protection among serotypes of S . mutans has been achieved . 3) Bovine milk with antibodies to S . mutans significantly reduced the level of caries lesions in rats fed this lyophilized milk and challenged with the homologous, virulent S . mutans strains.

Adv Exp Med Biol, 1978, 107, 177 - 84
Induction of secretory antibodies in humans following ingestion of Streptococcus mutans; McGhee JR et al.; 1) Ingestion of Streptococcus mutans antigen by human volunteers induced the selective appearance of antibodies in saliva and tears but not in serum . 2) These antibodies were associated with the IgA class as determined by enhanced or blocked agglutination, immunofluorescence and gel filtration . 3) A second series of antigen ingestion resulted in a secondary response in these secretions characterized by an earlier appearance of antibodies which reached higher titers than in the primary response.

Jpn Circ J, 1978 Jan, 42(1), 30 - 2
Significance of measurement of antihyaluronidase activity in rheumatic fever; Watanabe N; In recent years, rheumatic fever seems to have decreased but rheumatic heart disease with latent onset appears to persist in similar frequency . Measurement of AH along with ASO is required in rheumatic heart disease with latent onset, for more definite diagnosis, therapy and suggestion for the mode of living . For the diagnosis of rheumatic fever in acute stage, serological reactions for hemolytic streptococcus other than ASO should be done along with ASO . In our cases, ASO titer was high in 84.5% of cases, but either ASO or AH titer was elevated indicating positive reaction for hemolytic streptococcus in 100% of cases.

Acta Otolaryngol, 1978 Jan-Feb, 85(1-2), 149 - 52
Cytolytic activity of tonsil cells; Gjulling EV et al.; The ability of normal canine tonsil cells, and that of humans with chronic tonsillitis, to lyse heteroerythrocytes in vitro is shown . Heterologous erythrocyte destruction by tonsil cells is markedly increased after immunization of the animal . Tonsil cells of patients with chronic tonsillitis lyse the erythrocytes coated with streptococcus and staphylococcus antigens more actively . An experimental tonsillitis increases the ability of tonsils to lyse erythrocytes . Since cytolytic activity of tonsil cells is not altered by the removal of phagocytes and treatment with antiglobulin serum, one can presume that it is caused by T-lymphocytes.

Infect Immun, 1978 Jan, 19(1), 217 - 24
Effective immunity to dental caries: dose-dependent studies of secretory immunity by oral administration of Streptococcus mutans to rats; Michalek SM et al.; Rats (COBS/CD) provided Formalin-killed Streptococcus mutans 6715, C211 in their drinking water (10(8) to 10(9) equivalent colony-forming units {CFU} per ml) had high levels of specific antibodies in saliva, colostrum, and milk . Rats provided a lower concentration of S . mutans antigen (10(7) CFU per ml) in water had agglutinin titers in secretions that were similar to those in controls . Gnotobiotic rats provided S . mutans antigen in food (10(7) to 10(8) equivalent CFU per g of diet) manifested a secretory immune response as evidenced by the presence of specific immunoglobulin A antibodies in saliva, colostrum, and milk . Gnotobiotic rats provided a higher concentration of antigen (10(9) CFU per g) in food had levels of specific antibodies in their secretions that were similar to those in controls . No significant antibody activity to S . mutans was observed in sera of any group of animals . Furthermore, the presence of specific salivary immunoglobulin A antibodies in gnotobiotic rats correlated with a reduction in the level of plaque, numbers of viable S . mutans in plaque, and levels of S . mutans-induced dental caries . This paper discusses the importance of antigen dosage for induction of a secretory immune response that is protective against S . mutans-induced dental caries.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 1978 Jan, 35(1), 84 - 8
Compact liquid nitrogen storage system yielding high recoveries of gram-negative anaerobes; Gilmour MN et al.; A simple and compact system suitable for the preservation of fragile gram negative anaerobes and other bacteria in liquid N2 has been developed . Polypropylene straws used as specimen containers can be used easily within glove bags of anaerobic chambers, and their small size greatly increases the number of cultures which can be stored . Ancillary equipment and methods developed are described . The overall system was tested, using Streptococcus mutans, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and Selenomonas sputigena . Various basal suspending fluids and cryoprotective supplements were studied . With fast rates of freezing and thawing, survival recoveries of the test microorganisms ranged from 80 to 100 percent of the input colony-forming units in a complex medium broth base without cryoprotective agent addition, and they consistently were 100 percent when 0.4 mM polyvinylpyrrolidine was used . Overall, cryoprotection by polyvinyl pyrrolidine was superior to that from glycerol or dimethyl sulfoxide, the latter yielding recoveries similar to or less than those obtained with no cryoprotectant additive . All microorganisms were recoverable after storage for 1 year.

J Bacteriol, 1978 Jan, 133(1), 231 - 9
Tween 80 effect on glucosyltransferase synthesis by Streptococcus salivarius; Wittenberger CL et al.; Streptococcus salivarius (ATCC 25975) produced very low or nondetectable amounts of the extracellular enzyme glucosyltransferase (GTase) when grown in a chemically defined medium . The addition of Tween 80 to this medium resulted in the production of markedly enhanced levels of the enzyme . Oleic acid, the methyl ester of oleic acid, and sucrose each could not substitute for Tween 80 in this regard . The surfactant had no direct activating effect on performed enzyme activity . Tween 80 also stimulated the production of GTase by concentrated cells suspended in defined medium during a time when no measurable growth occurred . Under these conditions, the stimulatory effect of Tween 80 was blocked by chloramphenicol . It was further found that the surfactant dramatically stimulated the differential rate of GTase synthesis . These and other data strongly suggest that Tween 80 stimulates the production of extracellular GTase by acting either directly or indirectly at the level of enzyme synthesis.

Prikl Biokhim Mikrobiol, 1978 Jan-Feb, 14(1), 38 - 43
{Lysis of the cell walls of streptococcus group A by Streptomyces griseus pronase}; Savel'ev EP et al.; The effect of Streptomyces griseus pronase on Streptococcus group A cell walls was studied . Cell walls were shown to be lysed by pronase, the lysis level being dependent on the molarity of the potassium-phosphate buffer used . With an increase in the buffer molarity from 0.005 M to 0.05 M lysis of cell walls decreased from 70-80% to 30% . By DEAE-cellulose chromatography lysates were separated into two fractions the first of which contained a group specific polysaccharide . A preparative method of obtaining a group specific polysaccharide of Streptococcus group A using Streptomyces griseus pronase under mild conditions is described.

Infect Immun, 1978 Jan, 19(1), 107 - 15
Specificity of salivary-bacterial interactions: role of terminal sialic acid residues in the interaction of salivary glycoproteins with Streptococcus sanguis and Streptococcus mutans; Levine MJ et al.; Four highly purified salivary glycoproteins were used to study salivary-bacterial interactions . One pair of glycoproteins was mucin-like in composition, whereas the second pair was not . By an agglutination assay, it was found that only the mucin-glycoproteins agglutinated Streptococcus sanguis and S . mutans . Removal of sialic acid from these molecules resulted in a loss of agglutination of S . sanguis but not of S . mutans . The agglutination phenomenon was shown to require a salivary macromolecule of at least 150,000 daltons.

Microbios, 1978, 21(85-86), 185 - 212
Regulation of the synthesis of M protein by sugars, Todd Hewitt broth, and horse serum, in growing cells of Streptococcus pyogenes; Pine L et al.; Various sugars were tested for their effect on the differential rate of synthesis of M protein during the growth of Streptococcus pyogenes strain 0055 M12T12 . In a semisynthetic medium alone, a high rate of M protein synthesis occurred with glucose as a substrate; decreasing rates of synthesis occurred with sucrose and trehalose, in that order, although the rates of growth were approximately equal with all sugars . A period of derepressed synthesis of M protein occurred in the lag phase of growth and in the stationary period as the substrates were being depleted . Although glucose inhibited the utilization of other sugars, diauxie was not apparent from the growth curves . However, synthesis of M protein followed strong diauxie curves with a reduction in rate of synthesis during the utilization of the second sugar . With glucose as a substrate, 2-deoxyglucose showed a strong permanent repression of M protein synthesis, whereas both glucose and 2-deoxyglucose caused temporary repression when sucrose was the substrate . Horse serum increased the rate of synthesis of M protein in a manner very similar to that caused by adding cyclic AMP, although quantitative analyses suggested that cyclic AMP, per se, was not the effector in horse serum . Addition of Todd Hewitt broth permitted the organisms to grow on phosphorylated sugars . Although the rates of growth on phosphorylated sugars were similar to that obtained with glucose, M protein was not synthesized when a phosphorylated sugar was the sole substrate . The addition of phosphorylated sugars with glucose or sucrose as substrates strongly repressed the synthesis of M protein with glucose-1-phosphate and with fructose 1,6-diphosphate repressing M protein synthesis the most . Clearly, M protein synthesis, which was not required for growth, was preferentially induced by glucose as compared to the other sugars and was dependent upon the metabolic route by which glucose was utilized.

Microbios, 1978, 21(83), 23 - 32
The influence of certain growth conditions on the phosphatase activity of Streptococcus mutans grown in batch and continuous culture; Greenman J et al.; Acid phosphatase activity was detected in Streptococcus mutans strain NCTC 10832, and both acid and alkaline phosphatase in strains 2M2 and K1R . In batch culture, activity was maximal by mid exponential phase for 2M2 and at the end of this phase for NCTC 10832 . Alkaline, but not acid, phosphatase activity of 2M2 and K1R increased when the inorganic phosphate in the medium was low; this was considered due, at least partly, to inducible or derepressible enzymes . In continuous culture, acid phosphatase activity of NCTC 10832 varied with the sugar substrate . The activity was increased by cell disruption and the degree of this increase for cells grown on different sugars parallelled the amounts of extracellular, insoluble polysaccharide produced on those sugars . Activity was highest for glucose-grown whole cells and for sucrose-grown disrupted cells.

J Hyg Epidemiol Microbiol Immunol, 1978, 22(3), 294 - 305
Complex surveillance of Streptococcus pyogenes . IV . The phenomenon of interference of human serum under the conditions of the bactericidal test; Kahlich R et al.; The phenomenon of interference of human sera under the conditions of the bactericidal test was described . In the presence of these sera, secondarily non-resistant strains of Streptococcus pyogenes were capable of vigorous growth and anti M 12 bactericidal activity was impaired . The factor was found in the albumin fraction and has probably the character of a blocking cytophilic lymphokin . It can markedly distort the interpretation of the bactericidal test.

Acta Pathol Microbiol Scand Suppl, 1978, (271), 41 - 63
Electron-microscopic demonstration of Streptococcus mutans in 5-day-old experimental dental plaque using immunohistochemistry; Berthold P et al.; The present work described the distribution of horseradish peroxidase reaction product obtained after immunohistochemical staining of consecutive ultra-thin sections of 5-day-old experimental dental plaques using differently absorbed anti-S.mutans sobrinus, anti-S.mutans mutans, and normal rabbit lambda-globulins . It was found that an in situ identification of S.mutans subspecies sobrinus could be obtained using thoroughly absorbed anti-S.mutans sobrinus gamma-globulins and consecutive sections . The anti-S.mutans mutans gamma-globulins were after tests on pure cultures of several oral bacteria found to cross-react with S.milleri . Furthermore, crude and absorbed normal rabbit gamma-globulins were observed to contain antibodies that cross-reacted with several plaque microorganisms.

J Immunol Methods, 1978, 21(1-2), 1 - 10
Improved immunoadsorption procedure with anion-exchange bacterial cell columns; McKinney RM et al.; Bacterial cell columns for immunoadsorption were prepared with Streptococcus cells and triethylaminoethyl cellulose (Cellex-T) matrix material as a model system . Good column flow properties and satisfactory retention of the cells were obtained with ratios as high as 2 ml of packed cells/3 g dry weight of cellulose . Anion-exchange fractionation of whole serum by the Cellex-T was prevented by using 0.25 M NaCl in the developing buffer . Antibodies were adsorbed directly from whole serum and recovered in high yield by desorption at pH 2.3 . Pre-exposing bacterial cells to formalin and washing them with acetone was necessary to ensure that they remained on the columns . One strain of Streptococcus salivarius (SS 908) was satisfactorily retained on a column only after cells were labeled with fluorescein isothiocyanate and washed with acetone . The means by which Cellex-T retains bacterial cells appears to be a combination of electronic attraction and physical entrapment.

Infection, 1978, 6(2), 50 - 3
Risk factors in early-onset neonatal group b streptococcal infections; Stewardson-Krieger PB et al.; Newborn infants with "early-onset" disease due to group B beta hemolytic streptococcus were studied over a 40-month period . Clinical presentations included asymptomatic bacteremia, mild transient illness, respiratory distress, meningitis, and overwhelming sepsis . Chronologically, 18 were ill at birth; 10 became ill after a symptom-free period; and four were asymptomatic . Sixty-six percent of the cases weighted less than 2500 grams, and 56% were born to mothers whose amniotic membranes were ruptured for over 20 hours . All 15 of the deaths occurred in low birth weight infants who were criticially ill from birth . A review of 128 consecutive deliveries of infants weighing under 2000 grams revealed 28 cases with prolonged ruptured membranes, and three of these 28 infants developed group B streptococcal infection . The infant of the colonized gravid woman in premature labor or with prolonged ruptured membranes is clearly at risk, and these results suggest that the management of "early-onset" disease should begin prior to delivery.

Vopr Virusol, 1978 Jan-Feb, (1), 79 - 81
{Study of the effect of rimantadine on the course of mixed viral-bacterial infection in albino mice}; Zastavnyi IV et al.; The results of the study of rimantadine effectiveness in a viral-bacterial infection in white mice caused by a mixture of influenza A2 virus (10 LD50) and hemolytic streptococcus group A (350 million bacteria) . The drug showed no prophylactic or therapeutic effect in the mixed infection, whereas in influenza infection in the animals which served as a positive control rimantadine had marked antiviral activity (P less than 0.001) . It is assumed that the lack of the drug effectiveness against the mixed infection is due to the formation in the animals of virus-microbe complexes which are conducive to an increase of infectious virus titers and virus resistance to various treatments.

Br J Dermatol, 1978 Jan, 98(1), 53 - 62
Streptococcal impetigo and acute glomerulonephritis in children in Cairo; el Tayeb SH et al.; Impetigo contagiosa in Cairo affected young children of both sexes, the face being the main site . Post-impetigo nephritis, confirmed by a low serum C3 level and by urinalysis, occurred in only 11% of cases . Streptococcus pyogenes strains were recovered from 84% of the skin lesions . Sixteen types were identified according to their T-protein, and most infections were associated with T3/B3264, T13/B3264, T5, T11, T12, T8/25/Imp 19 and T14/49; the majority of these types were also recovered from houseflies . The types isolated from cases of post-impetigo nephritis were T4 (M 60), T14/49 (M49), T8/25/Imp 19 (mostly M 55) and T11 . Seventy percent of the patients infected with T4 (M 60) and 40% of those infected with T14/49 (M 49) developed nephritis . Strains isolated from the skin bore a closer resemblance to those isolated from the nose than to those found in the throat . The ASO response was poor in uncomplicated impetigo but the titre rose more aften in post-impetigo nephritis.

Scand J Dent Res, 1978 Jan, 86(1), 35 - 42
Intrafamilial levels of Streptococcus mutans and some aspects of the bacterial transmission; Kohler B et al.; The number of S . mutans (S.m.) in saliva of parents and their children was studied . Thirty-six children, 4 1/2-5 years old, and their parents participated . A quantitative correlation was found between the number of S.m . in the mothers and their children . The degree of infection also seemed to reflect the caries experience of the child . When adults with different levels of S.m . in saliva contaminated metal spoons with saliva, a correlation between the salivary count of S.m . and the number of microorganisms transferred to the spoon was found . The survival of S.m . on saliva-contaminated test-plates was tested . After 7 h the number of viable S.m . had decreased considerably but a few cells could be found after 24-48 h . To study the presence of S.m . on objects in the city often touched by hands, MSB-containing agar dishes were pressed against several objects such as doorhandles . Only four out of 24 objects were found to be contaminated by S.m.

Zahn Mund Kieferheilkd Zentralbl, 1978, 66(8), 771 - 5
{On the isolation of streptococcus mutans from human dental plaques (author's transl)}; Klimm W et al.; Using morphological and biochemical criteria, it was possible for Streptococcus mutans to be isolated, in one case, from the bacterial plaques obtained from three test subjects . The colonies of this clearly identified species were characterized by a granular surface resembling frosted glass, had attached to them a shining bubble, and were seen to split mannite and sorbite in the absence of conversion of glycerol.

Microbios, 1978, 23(93-94), 136 - 46
Glycosyltransferases of Streptococcus mutans strain Ingbritt; Russell RR; The glycosyltransferases of S . mutans strain Ingbritt have been resolved by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, followed by incubation in the presence of non-ionic detergent to restore enzyme activity . A group of high molecular weight proteins synthesizing glucans has been identified, as well as three distinct fructan-synthesizing activities . The glucan-forming enzymes have been purified by affinity chromatography on insoluble glucan, followed by gel chromatography in SDS, and antiserum to the purified enzymes has shown that they are antigenically identical within serotypes c, e and f, and cross-react strongly with serotype b.

Adv Exp Med Biol, 1978, 107, 303 - 15
Passive immunization with antisera to Streptococcus mutans in the prevention of caries in rhesus monkeys; Lehner T et al.; 1) The immunological mechanism of protection against dental caries has been investigated by passive immunization with antisera to S . mutans in the rhesus monkey . 2) Passive immunization with separated IgG, IgM and IgA from sera of immunized monkeys supports the concept that IgG, unlike IgA or IgM antibodies are protective . 3) The role of cell-mediated immunity has been explored by the use of transfer factor . This showed that protection against dental caries can be elicited by passive transfer of whole immune serum and cellular immunity, but not by cellular immunity or immune serum alone . 4) The results of active and passive immunization suggests that immuno-regulation of T and B cell interactions plays an important part in the effector mechanism of opsonization, phagocytosis and killing of S . mutans.

Adv Exp Med Biol, 1978, 107, 281 - 92
Antigens of Streptococcus mutans implicated in virulence--production of antibodies; Ciardi JE et al.; The present studies assayed antibody activities in serum and saliva of animals immunized by different routes, with cells of S . mutans or cell-free preparations containing GTF, FTF, LTA and/or dextranase synthesized by S . mutans . The results show that the type of immunogenic preparation and the route of its administration can elicit different antibody response and may in part explain the disparity of results achieved by different investigators . The results further emphasize the need to use standardized preparations and carefully described protocols for vaccination.

Scand J Infect Dis Suppl, 1978, (11), 1 - 46
Isolation care of infection-prone burn patients; Ransjo U; An experimental and clinical study of spread of colonisation between burn patients, and their susceptibility to infection, was performed . Burn patients' polymorphonuclear neutrophil granulocytes (PMN) functioned poorly, particularly during the second week after injury which coincided with maximum growth of bacteria in the burn wound . Patients with large burns often dispersed S . aureus and Ps . aeruginosa but also beta-hemolytic Streptococcus to the air of their rooms . Airborne transfer of these bacteria was practically eliminated by nursing in single isolation rooms with plenum ventilation . In such rooms, cross-contamination was carried mainly via clothes . Patients with small burns sometimes were important sources of such contamination although they dispersed little bacteria to the air . A thorough change of barrier dress after close contact nursing delayed the first exogenous S . aureus colonisation until after the time of greatest impairment in PMN functions . A further reduction in cross-contamination would be possible with barrier garments impermeable to fluids and bacteria on points of contact, as shown in experiments with plastic apron as protective dress . Measurements of penetration through fabrics of particles suspended in air, commercially used, did not correlate to the performance of garments made from the fabrics in experimental nursing and clinical use . Bacteria were shown to penetrate fabrics through rubbing, particularly when wet where the microcolonies present on the cloth were separated into smaller units . An instrument was designed which measured such penetration, and was used to select fabrics for barrier garments . Tightly fitting barrier garments increased the disperal of bacteria from clothes worn underneath them . The wearing of barrier garments should therefore be restricted to close contact nursing . An open-roofed plastic patient isolator was designed and built . It did not appreciably reduce cross-contamination and gave psychological and practical problems . It seemed not to be a realistic alternative to better protective garments in isolation rooms.

Acta Microbiol Pol, 1978, 27(4), 353 - 8
Mutants of Streptococcus lactis subsp . diacetylactis lacking diacetyl reductase activity; Arora BC et al.; Three strains of Streptococcus lactis subsp . diacetylactis, namely DRC-1, DRC-2 and DRC-3 which produced diacetyl up to 120 h of incubation were exposed to the ultraviolet irradiation as well as N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (NTG) to isolate mutants lacking diacetyl reductase activity . UV irradiation did not produce any isolate completely devoid of diacetyl reductase activity, though, 99.5% loss in activity could be achieved . NTG treatment proved to be more effective and seven survivors exhibiting complete loss of diacetyl reductase activity were recovered . These altered characteristics were retained on repeated subculturing.

Adv Exp Med Biol, 1978, 107, 695 - 701
Fimbriae of Actinomyces viscosus t14v: their relationship to the virulence-associated antigen and to coaggregation with Streptococcus sanguis 34; Cisar JO et al.; 1) Fimbriae from A . viscosus T14V may be similar to those found on other bacteria . 2) The antigenic difference between virulent and avirulent A . viscosus T14 appears to be of a quantitative rather than a qualitative nature and is related to fimbriae and not to the cell wall polysaccharide . 3) Coaggregation between A . viscosus T14V and S . sanguis 34 is mediated by fimbriae on the former which have specificity for beta-linked galactosyl residues.

Acta Pathol Microbiol Scand Suppl, 1978, (271), 3 - 37
Some immunohistochemical experiments aiming at the electron-microscopic in situ identification of a dental plaque microorganism--Streptococcus mutans; Berthold P et al.; The aim of the present investigation was to test a procedure useful for the electron-microscopic in situ identification of the presumptive cariogenic microorganism Streptococcus mutans (serotype d) growing in the human dental plaque . For this purpose, different parameters of an indirect immunohistochemical method were tested in three sets of experiments . In experiment set I, all serological and histochemical procedures were performed en bloc on specimens fixed only with glutaraldehyde before embedding in Vestopal W . Different marking substances, such as ferritin, alkaline phosphatase and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) were tested . The en bloc method using HRP-labelled antibodies was found useful for staining of in vitro-grown bacteria but failed when applied to dental plaque . In experiment set II, ultrathin sections of glutaraldehyde-fixed and glycol methacrylate-embedded in vitro-grown bacteria were section-stained . The bacteria became outlined with a highly electron-dense HRP reaction product which accumulated on top of the cell envelope . The same type of HRP reaction product was found on some bacteria in the 2-day-old dental plaque after section-staining . This system was further tested in a series of controls also using consecutive serial sections . In exp . set III, a number of different stationary and transient oral bacteria were immunohistochemically section-stained . A cross-reaction with bacteria belonging to S.salivarius was discovered and removed by absorbing the anti-S.mutans serotype d serum with S.salivarius (NCTC 8618).

Dna, Prokaryote, Genetics, Bacteria, Genetic Engineering, Bacteriology, Bioremediation, Microbiology, Food Microbiology, Microorganisms, Staphylococcus Aureus, Bacterium, Listeria Monocytogenes, Microbe, c, Molecular Microbiology, a, Microbes, g, Water Purification, m, Microorganism, s, MIC, Amino Acid, Denitrifying, p, Bacterium, y, Streptomycin, e, Bacteriophages, a, S. cerevisiae, p, Fermentations, s, Bacterium, e, Bactericidal, a, Cephalosporin, s, Halophilic bacterium, y, Escherichia coli, m, Lactobacillus, c, P. aeruginosa, a, Bactericidal, c, Erwinia, b, Prokaryote, p, Gram negative, s, Bacillus subtilis, e, Bacterial, b, Schizosaccharomyces, s, Escherichia coli, m, Erwinia, c, Microbial, w, E. coli, e, Flavobacteria, b, Antibacterial, s, Cell suspension, p, Bacillus subtilis, m, Kluyveromyces, Thermophiles,

Scientific Publications - Work Done by Microbiology Reader Bioscreen C
Agricultural Microbiology Anaerobic Microbiology Antimicrobial Susceptibility Artificial Atmosphere Bioassay of Antibiotics Biofilm Microbiology Bioreactor Technology Biotechnology Cell Biology Clinical Microbiology Environmental Microbiology Experiments with Yeast	Fermentation Food Microbiology Functional Genomics Gene Technology Growth Media Development Growth Rate and Lag Time Industrial Microbiology Medical/Pharmaceutical Field Microbiological Assay Microbiological Research Microbiology of Cosmetics go to a specific theme...	Military Microbiology Molecular Microbiology Mutagenicity and Genotoxicity Oral Microbiology Patents Postantibiotic Studies Soil Microbiology Spore Microbiology Veterinary Microbiology Waste/Wastewater Treatment Water Microbiology Wine Microbiology

� 2005 Transgalactic Ltd (manufacturer of Bioscreen C software) | Privacy Statement | P.O. Box 1393, 00101 Helsinki, Finland, phone: +358 9 85172920, fax: +358 9 8749481, e-mail: microbiology@bionewsonline.com

Last modified: May 25, 2005