Infect Immun, 1975 Dec, 12(6), 1231 - 6 Antigenic variation of Streptococcus mutans colonizing gnotobiotic rats; Bratthall D et al.; Strains of Streptococcus mutans representative of serotypes b and d exhibited antigenic variation in both the oral cavity and in the intestinal canal of gnotobiotic rats . Laboratory-maintained cultures did not vary . The antigenic alterations observed were: (i) loss of detectable levels of both weakly reacting "strain" antigens and the type antigen; (ii) decreased production of the type antigen; (ii) production of altered type antigen; and (iv) production of an antigen not possessed by the parent strain . Immunization of animals before monoinfection with S . mutans strain Bob-1 (serotype d) appeared to increase the rate of emergence of antigenically altered mutants in the intestinal canal, and more diversely altered isolates were obtained . Antigenic variation may account in part for the variation noted by several investigators in attempting to immunize animals against S . mutans-induced dental caries. Jpn J Antibiot, 1975 Dec, 28(6), 758 - 66 {Clinical studies on OE-7 chiefly in the treatment of acute respiratory infections (author's transl)}; Sato M et al.; The results of clinical studies on OE-7 (erythromycin stearate, enteric coated granule) were as follows . (1) Thirty-two cases with respiratory infections were treated OE-7 by the oral route of 300 mg every 6 hours in 5 cases and 400 mg every 8 hours in 27 cases . In 28 of 32 cases (87.5%) OE-7 was effective . Gram-positive cocci, namely pneumococcus, alpha- and beta-streptococcus, staphylococcus etc . are the most important pathogens in acute respiratory infections statistically and the most of them are susceptible to many chemotherapeutic agents, especially to erythromycin and penicillin . This is the case also with our studies . Acute exacerbation of asthmatic patients are frequently complicated with secondary respiratory infections caused by those pathogens and sometimes this condition in turn exacerbate asthmatic states . In our studies OE-7 displayed a good effect to such cases . (2) As the side effect gastrointestinal disturbances were slightly observed in 8 of 32 cases and allergic reactions in none . Hepatic and renal function test examined in 17 cases revealed no change after treatment . (3) The mean serum concentration of OE-7 by the oral route of 300 mg every 6 hours revealed about two times higher levels than by the same route of 400 mg every 8 hours, the peak was both reached after 3 hours after ingestion 1.96 mcg/ml and 0.97 mcg/ml respectively . This experiment was done for 5 healthy persons in the condition of free food ingestion and cross over in one week interval. J Bacteriol, 1975 Dec, 124(3), 1475 - 81 Mannitol transport in Streptococcus mutans; Maryanski JH et al.; A hexitol-inducible, phosphoenolpyruvate-dependent phosphotransferase system was demonstrated in Streptococcus mutans . Cell-free extracts obtained from mannitol-grown cells from a representative strain of each of the five S . mutans serotypes (AHT, BHT, C-67-1, 6715, and LM7) were capable of converting mannitol to mannitol-1-phosphate by a reaction which required phosphoenolpyruvate and Mg2+ . Mannitol and sorbitol phosphotransferase activities were found in cell-free extracts prepared from cells grown on the respective substrate, but neither hexitol phosphotransferase activity was present in extracts obtained from cells grown on other substrates examined . A heat-stable, low-molecular-weight component was partially purified from glucose-grown cells and found to stimulate the mannitol phosphotransferase system . Divalent cations Mn2+ and Ca2+ partially replaced Mg2+, while Zn2+ was found to be highly inhibitory. J Dairy Sci, 1975 Dec, 58(12), 1822 - 7 Sodium cloxacillin for treatment of mastitis in lactating cows; Davis WT et al.; Sodium cloxacillin was used to treat 107 cows affected with acute mastitis and 138 affected with subclinical mastitis . Based on the application of conservative bacteriologic criteria, the cure rate was 53% for acute staphylococci mastitis and 65% for subclinical staphylococci mastitis . The cure rate for Streptococcus agalactiae infections was 91% in acute conditions and 92% in subclinical conditions . The cure rate was 73% for the acute infections and 88% in cases of subclinical infections when Streptococcus spp . "non ag" was the cause . Daily milk production had no effect on response rate . No adverse reactions due to treatment were reported by any investigator. Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1975 Dec, (12), 82 - 5 {The palatine tonsils and immunity . Report VII . Soluble factors produced by the lymphocytes of the palatine tonsils in vitro}; Vizirenko LV et al.; A study was made of the production of a blastogenic factor and lymphotoxin in the cultures of lymphocytes of the palatine tonsils removed from patients with chronic tonsillitis; the activity of this blastogenic factor and lymphotoxin was studied in the test-cultures of autologous and allogenic lymphocytes and the transplantable HeLa cells . The antigens of the pathogenic streptococcus and staphylococcus induced production of the blastogenic factor and lymphotoxin; as to the antigens of saprophytic bacteria-they produced no such action . The antigen-specific blastogenic factor intensified the immune response to the homologous antigen, whereas the factor obtained in stimulation of lymphocytes with PHA-to all the microbial antigens under study. J Med Chem, 1975 Dec, 18(12), 1191 - 4 Quinazolines as inhibitors of dihydrofolate reductase . 3 . Analogs of pteroic and isopteroic acids; Hynes JB et al.; A series of 19 quinazoline analogs of pteroic and isopteroic acid was prepared with particular emphasis being placed upon carboxylic acid esters . Each compound was evaluated as an inhibitor of the dihydrofolate reductases from rat liver as well as from Streptococcus faecium . Several of the more potent inhibitors were found to be inactive against L1210 leukemia in mice at low dose levels and were lethal to mice at 100 mg/kg . Six compounds were also evaluated for antimalarial activity against Plasmodium berghei in mice . Three of these were found to be curative at higher levels, while the remaining compounds were found to be toxic. J Infect Dis, 1975 Dec, 132(6), 689 - 93 Influenza alone and in sequence with pneumonia due to Streptococcus pneumoniae in the squirrel monkey; Berendt RF et al.; Squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus) inoculated intratracheally with 10(4.2)-10(8.2) egg median infectious doses (EID50) of type A influenza virus (H3N2) responded with clinical illness including such signs as fever, sneezing or coughing, coryza, and increased respiratory rates . Necropsy studies performed six days after inoculation revealed bronchopneumonia in addition to a mild tracheitis . Squirrel monkeys given 10(5)-6 x 10(8) colony-forming units (cfu) of Streptococcus pneumoniae intratracheally died four to six days later after developing severe illness characterized by fever, bacteremia, lethargy, anorexia, coughing, labored breathing, and bronchopneumonia . Monkeys given 770 cfu of S . pneumoniae responded with less severe symptoms and survived . Four squirrel monkeys inoculated with 10(8.2) EID50 of virus and then 102 hr later with 770 cfu of S . pneumoniae developed severe disease; three of the four animals died within 40 hr . At necropsy these monkeys had more extensive and severe bronchopneumonia than was seen in monkeys infected with either organism alone. Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1975 Dec, (12), 91 - 5 {Comparative study of the antigens of Streptococcus group A . Rport I . Comparative characteristics of the immunologic activity of partially purified M-protien and the cytoplasmic protective antigen}; Evseev VA et al.; Experiments were conducted on mice . A study was made of the protective properties of the cytoplasmic fraction of streptococcus, group A, Type 1 and of an antigen isolated from it by sedimentation with ammonium sulfate, in comparison with M-protein partially purified by the method of Lancefield and Perlman . Cytoplasmic antigen was not inferior by immunogenicity in comparison with M-protein . In difference from the latter, it was thermolabile and sensitive to the action of hydrochloric acid . The protective antigen was revealed in the cytoplasm not only of the virulent, but also of avirulent strains of streptococcus devoid of M-protein. Infect Immun, 1975 Dec, 12(6), 1341 - 8 Antigens of Streptococcus mutans: characterization of a polysaccharide antigen from walls of strain GS-5; Wetherell JR Jr et al.; A cell wall-associated polysaccharide antigen was isolated from Streptococcus mutans GS-5 and appeared to determine serotype c specificity . Ouchterlony double-diffusion analysis of crude formamide extracts derived from purified cell walls of two serotype c strains (GS-5 and JC-2) showed complete identify when reacted with anti-GS-5 sera . Immunoelectrophoresis of this extract demonstrated the typical mobility for this serotype as described by others . Column chromatography on BioGel P-100 of the crude formamide extracts derived from GS-5 walls resulted in a single antigenic peak being resolved . This material, when loaded onto a diethylaminoethylcellulose column and eluted with a linear gradient of ammonium carbonate (0.0 to 0.2 M), was resolved further into two serologically reactive peaks (I and II) . Only two consituents, rhamnose and glucose, were detected in the purified column fractions . Peak 1 had a rhamnoseto-glucose molar ratio of 0.9:1.0, and peak II, the major resolvable fraction, had a molar ratio of 1.7:1.0, The peak II ratio was very similar to that found in the formamide extract residue pellet (1.6:1.0)9 Ouchterlony analysis of the crude formamide extract and the purified fractions revealed only partial identify between peaks I and II but complete identify between peak II and the crude extract . Likewise, immunoelectrophoresis showed no differences in mobility of peak II and the crude extract, whereas peak I moved towards the cathode . Possible structural relationships between the two antigenic fractions are discussed below . Hapten inhibition studies suggested that an alpha-glucosyl group is at the immunodeterminant site of the antigen. Infect Immun, 1975 Dec, 12(6), 1307 - 12 Suppressor T cells and host resistance to tye 111 pneumococcus after treatment with antilymphocyte serum; Barth RF et al.; The antibody response to type III pneumococcal polysaccharide (SS-II) was significantly increased in mice treated with antilymphocyte serum (ALS) . BALG/c mice given 0.25 ml of ALS on days -1, 0, and 1 relative to the days of immunization with 0.5 mug of SSS-II had a 20-fold increment (11,383 increased to 199,917) in the number of splenic plaque-forming cells enumerated on day 5 compared with untreated, immunized controls . This effect has been attributed to the elimination of subpopulation of thymus-derived lymphocytes (T cells) that has suppressor function . The present series of experiments relate the augmented antibody response to SSS-II in mice treated with ALS to increased host resistance after infection with Streptococcus pneumoniae, type III (Pn-II) . The 50% lethal dose of Pn-III in niminnunized mice was 102 and the 100% lethal dose was 103 organisms . Mice immunized with 0.5 mug of SSS-III and challenged 5 days later with Pn-III were completely protected against a dose of up to 108 organisms . Mice treated with 0.25 ml of ALS on days -1, 0, and 1, immunized with SSS-III on day 0, and challenged with 2.5 X 10(9) Pn-III on day 5 had a mean survival time of greater than 100 h compared with 16 h for immunized non-serum-treated controls . Animals given a single injection of ALS before immunization showed no increase in resistance, whereas mice treated after immunization had significant prolongation of survival times . Untreated, immunized mice challenged with 5 X 10(9), 1 X 5 X 10(8) Pn-II survived 14 to 19 h, whereas ALS-treated animals had mean survival times of 48, 174, and 222 h, respectively . These findings suggest that immunoregulatory T cells may have a biologically significant effect in a narrow zone in which the normal host immune response is insufficient but still potentially capable of providing some additional degree of protection if suppressor cells are elimated. J Bacteriol, 1975 Dec, 124(3), 1142 - 7 Chemotaxis of a motile Streptococcus toward sugars and amino acids; van der Drift C et al.; A motile Streptococcus was isolated and its chemotactic behavior toward sugars and amino acids was studied . Motility was optimal in the presence of an exogenous energy source and a nonionic detergent, e.g., Tween 80 or Brij-36 . Both glucose and pyruvate could serve as energy source . Chemotaxis toward leucine was optimal at pH 7 to 8.5 and a temperature between 30 and 37 C . The Streptococcus showed a chemotactic response toward a variety of sugars . All commonly occurring L-amino acids, except alanine, asparagine, aspartate, glutamate, arginine, and lysine, were attractants . From concentration response curves the thresholds, peak concentrations, and optimal responses were determined. Kardiologiia, 1975 Nov, 15(11), 44 - 8 {Clinical evaluation of delayed and immediate hypersensitivity to antigens of the connective tissue, myocardium and hemolytic Streptococcus in patients with rheumatic fever}; Mazine NM et al.; The results of a study of some humoral and cellular immunological reactions to antigens of the myocardium and connective tissues of cardiac vlaves, as well as to those of the haemolytic Streptococcus in rheumatic patients are presented . Antibodies to 4 antigens were deter mined, to cellular form of immunity was examined by the method of leucocytes migration inhibition . The studies have indicated that in rheumatism, hupersensitivity of a delayed and non-delayed type manifests itself . The activity of the inflammatory process, its severity, the nature and severity of carditis are to a great extent reflected by the connective tissue antibodies to the basic substance, especially to the structural glycoprotein of the valves . In cases of the most unfavourable clinical forms of the rheumatic process the signs of streptococcal sensitization and autoallergy to both musclular and connective tissue cardiac structures are especially vivid. J Biochem (Tokyo), 1975 Nov, 78(5), 879 - 87 Structural differences in fructans elaborated by streptococcus mutans and Strep . salivarius; Ebisu S et al.; D-Fructans synthesized from sucrose by cell-free systems of strains of Streptococcus mutans and Strep . salivarius have been shown by methylation and enzymatic studies to have different glycosidic linkages . The cold water-insoluble D-fructans from Strep . mutans strain BHT and JC-1 have inulin-type structures consisting beta-(2 leads to 1)-D-fructofuranosidic linkages, with average repeating units of 8 and 27 sugar residues, respectively, whereas the water-soluble fructan from Strep . salivarius strain HHT has a levan-type branched structure consisting beta-(2 leads to 6)-D-fructofuranosidic linkages with an average repeating unit of 9 sugar residues . The solubility properties of these fructants are discussed on the basis of the structural differences. Proc Soc Exp Biol Med, 1975 Nov, 150(2), 498 - 502 Virulence of Streptococcus mutans: biochemical and pathogenic characteristics of mutant isolates; Michalek SM et al.; The in vitro dextran-sucrase activities and adherence to glass of S . mutans 6715 and PS14 wild types and mutants were quantitated and compared with their in vivo cariogenicity in young, gnotobiotic rats . In general, S . mutans PS14 mutants B414 and B421 and 6715 mutant C4 demonstrated less dextran-sucrase activity and adherence than parental strains and caused fewer carious lesions in gnotobiotic rats . Rats monoinfected with either PS14 mutants B414 or B421 had less plaque and viable S . mutans in plaque than rats infected with parental strain . Both S . mutans 6715 mutants C211 and C229, demonstrated greater enzyme activity and adherence than the parental strain and produced more carious lesions. Prikl Biokhim Mikrobiol, 1975 Nov-Dec, 11(6), 927 - 32 {Preparation of cell walls of group A Streptococcus . Methods of disintegration, isolation and control}; Blinnikova EI et al.; A method for disintegration of cells of group A streptococcus on the Edebeau extrusion press was developed . The level of disintegration was controlled by cell count in stained preparations, Coultier electronic counter and electron microscope . The streptococcus cell disintegration in the Edebeau extrusion press at a temperature of --40 degrees, a pressure of 3200 kg/cm2 and two cycles of the process was completed by 96-98%. Prikl Biokhim Mikrobiol, 1975 Nov-Dec, 11(6), 813 - 8 {Changes in the intracellular pool of free amino acids of Streptococcus lactis under different cultivation conditions}; Egorov NS et al.; The intracellular pool of free amino of Streptococcus lactis--lysine producer contains a good number of amino acids when cultivated on the corn medium . Glutamic acid, proline, alanine, lysine, leucine, histidine and arginine are in predominance . An almost complete amino acid pool develops at an early exponential phase of Str . lactis growth under stationary cultivation conditions . The content of free amino acids increases 4-fold during the transition from the early exponential phase to the stationary phases under submerged cultivation conditions . This can be attributed to a more intensive amino acid exchange during the medium stirring than during stationary cultivation. J Gen Microbiol, 1975 Nov, 91(1), 92 - 8 DNA base sequence homologies among strains of Streptococcus sanguis; Coykendall AL et al.; DNA was isolated from 19 strains and substrains of Streptococcus sanguis and analysed for guanine plus cytosine (GC) contents and base sequence homologies . Three groups could be discerned: group 1 strains had 40-8 to 42-8 mol % GC; group 2, 42-7 to 44-0 mol % GC; group 3, 43-8 to 46-4 mol % GC . DNA homologies between groups 1 and 3 were 40 to 60% at 67 degrees C and 40% at 72 degrees C . The homologies of group 2 towards groups 1 and 3 were much lower . Strains in groups 1 and 3 hydrolysed arginine and aesculin and fermented inulin; group 2 strains did not . Groups 1 and 3 could be considered subspecies of S . sanguis . Group 2 should not be considered S . sanguis. Scand J Haematol, 1975 Nov, 15(4), 306 - 11 Mechanism of anaemia in experimental bacterial endocarditis; Joyce RA et al.; Rabits with Streptococcus viridans aortic valve endocarditis develop anaemia and reticulocytosis which increase with the duration of infection . Mean red cell counts decreased from 6.05 +/- 0.29 X 10(6) per mul before infection to 4.10 +/- 0.18 X 10(6) per mul after 11 to 20 days of endocarditis and reticulocytes increased from 1.16 +/- 0.14 X 10(5) per mul to 4.91 +/- 0.83 X 10(5) per mul after more than 20 days of endocarditis . The anaemia could not be explained by intravascular haemolysis . Anti-erythrocyte antibodies were not detected . Splenomegaly was a consistent finding and also increased with the duration of infection . Red cell half life (T1/2) was shortened to 4.7 +/- 0.3 days in rabbits with endocarditis compared with normal T1/2 of 11.1 +/- 0.5 days . The T1/2 of red cells from infected animals was prolonged when measured in noninfected rabbits and splenectomized animals had a mean red cell T1/2 of 9.25 days after three weeks of infection . These studies suggest that splenic enlargement associated with infection results in red cell sequestration, a mechanism not well recognized as contributing to the anaemia of endocarditis. Infect Immun, 1975 Nov, 12(5), 1195 - 205 Analysis of growth rate in sucrose-supplemented cultures of Streptococcus mutans; Daneo-Moore L et al.; In the presence of sucrose, Streptococcus mutans grows in large glucan-containing aggregates . Because of reports of linear rather than exponential growth of sucrose-grown cultures, the kinetics of growth of sucrose-grown cultures of S . mutans strain OMZ-176 were compared with those of glucose-grown cultures . Culture turbidity measurements indicated that growth of sucrose cultures was slower, did not follow exponential kinetics, and slowed and stopped at lower absorbance values than did glucose-grown cultures . However, measurements of the rates of accumulation of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), ribonucleic acid (RNA), and protein using fully equilibrated radioactively labeled precursors of each of these macromolecular species in sucrose and glucose-grown cultures showed that: (i) for glucose cultures the synthesis of each of the three informational molecules occurred at the same exponential rate, which was identical to the rate of turbidity increase; (ii) for sucrose cultures each macromolecular species was synthesized at the same exponential rate and these rates were identical to the rate of increase of turbidity of the glucose-grown culture for periods of up to 7 h . Furthermore, the ratios of DNA to RNA, RNA to protein, and protein to DNA for the sucrose cultures were identical to those for the glucose cultures for up to 10 doublings . From these data it was concluded that in the presence of sucrose S . mutans grows in a balanced fashion at the same exponential rate as it does in glucose . The deviation from an exponential growth model of the absorbance in sucrose cultures was attributed to an optical artifact due to the formation of large glucan-containing aggregates of cells . The addition of dextranase to sucrose cultures resulted in cultures which increased in turbidity at the same exponential rate as glucose-grown cultures, without affecting the rate or extent of macromolecular synthesis. Am Rev Respir Dis, 1975 Nov, 112(5), 651 - 6 The effects of dehydration on the radiologic and pathologic appearance of experimental canine segmental pneumonia; Caldwell A et al.; In an attempt to determine whether dehydration (intravascular fluid depletion) alters the radiologic or histologic picture of segmental Streptococcus pneumoniae pneumonia, we induced pneumonia in 2 groups of dogs, group 1 (normally hydrated) and group 2 (dehydrated) . Five hours after the intrabronchial instillation of a brain-heart-Streptococcus pneumoniae mixture, all chest radiographs of dogs in group 1 and 2 were compatible with segmental alveolar pneumonia . Histologic lung sections obtained as early as 2.5 hours after infusion of the brain-heart-Streptococcus pneumoniae mixture revealed intra-alveolar edema with a minimum of leukocytes . By 24 hours after infusion, both groups showed marked intra-alveolar collections of edema fluid, fibrin, and leukocytes . We conclude that in a canine model, moderate dehydration has no effect on the radiologic or histologic features of Streptococcus pneumoniae pneumonia. J Nucl Med, 1975 Nov, 16(11), 1085 - 6 Radiometric identification of Streptococcus Group A in throat cultures; Larson SM et al.; Streptococcus Group A may be identified in simulated and patients' throat cultures by the selective inhibition of Group A streptococcus carbohydrate metabolism in the presence of specific antisera. Can J Surg, 1975 Nov, 18(6), 531 - 5 Growth of common bacteria and Candida albicans in 10% soybean oil emulsion; Deitel M et al.; Bacterial and fungal growth in 10% soybean oil emulsion (Intralipid) and 5% fibrin hydrolysate in 5% dextrose was studied at 4, 25 and 37 degrees C . Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Str . fecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans were grown in broth at 37 degrees C, diluted in saline and inoculated into each of the two preparations as well as a mixture of the two . Growth was measured at 24, 48 and 72 hours . In 10% soybean emulsion, all bacteria except S . pyogenes multiplied, but in fibrin hydrolysate-dextrose solution the only organism of those studied to grow was S . aureus . In the hydrolysate-dextrose-lipid mixture, all organisms multiplied except S . pyogenes and P . aeruginosa . C . albicans grew in all solutions tested . While at 4 degrees C, organisms did not multiply . The fibrin hydrolysate-dextrose solutions given by infusion into a central vein for hyperalimentation have been shown to support predominantly fungal growth, and contamination of the solution and ultimately of the indwelling catheter is a constant hazard . Because both bacteria and C . albicans grew equally well in 10% soybean oil emulsion, its use as a caloric source when infused into a central vein may increase the occurrence of sepsis . When this emulsion is used to provide essential fatty acids or calories, it should be given via a peripheral vein, so that a central catheter will not be contaminated. J Lab Clin Med, 1975 Nov, 86(5), 713 - 21 Characterization of the antibody response to type 12 M protein of group A streptococcus; Noble RC et al.; Group A streptococcal M protein is defined by its ability to stimulate type-specific precipitating and protective antibodies . Type 12 M protein was prepared by the acid-heat extraction of whole cells and ammonium sulfate precipitation . Acrylamide gel electrophoresis of the resulting M protein revealed multiple protein bands . The acrylamide gel was divided into three parts and protein from each part was tested for the ability to stimulate antibodies in rabbits . Only the proximal two portions of the gel produced protective antibody as measured by the long-chain and mouse-protective tests . Protein in all sections of the gel stimulated the production of precipitating and hemagglutinating antibodies . A low level of protective antibody as measured by the indirect bactericidal test was present only in the antisera to Part 1 of the gel . The results indicate that M protein stimulates antibodies with different functions. Schweiz Med Wochenschr, 1975 Nov 1, 105(44), 1417 - 20 {Proceedings: Experimental endocarditis . Experimental basis and prophylaxis}; Freedman LR; A simple model has been developed for the production of bacterial endocarditis in rabbits . The principle depends on the insertion of a polyethylene catheter into the venous or arterial system so that the tip rests in the heart cavity in which endocarditis is to be established . After catheter placement, intravenous injection of any one of a variety of microorganisms regularly produces infective endocarditis . The characteristics of the infection in rabbits are similar to those observed in infective endocarditis in man . The production of streptococcus viridans infections in previously immunized animals leads to the development of diffuse glomerulonephritis . Translating antibiotic doses on a weight basis, prophylactic antibiotic treatment programs recommended in man have been shown to be ineffective in rabbits . If the activity of antibiotics in this model infection in rabbits can be assumed to be comparable to that in man, it is necessary that we reconsider the currently accepted recommendation for prophylaxis and treatment of infective endocarditis in man. Bol Med Hosp Infant Mex, 1975 Nov-Dec, 32(6), 991 - 1002 {Primary prevention of rheumatic fever . Occurrence of beta hemolytic Streptococcus of the A group in 11,314 students in Magdalena Contreras}; Rodriguez RS et al.; A study was made in 11,314 school-age children to determine the prevalence of streptococcus pyogenes group A . The children studied belonged to a low socioeconomic group of one of the political boroughs of the Federal District . The prevalence found was 6.86% . There were no differences in the percentage of carriage according to the school surveyed or the school grade studied . However, marked differences were found when the presence of arthralgias was related to the carriage of streptococcus . Children complaining of artharlgias showed twice as much streptococcus in their pharynx than the ones not carrying it. Appl Microbiol, 1975 Nov, 30(5), 855 - 61 Characterization of an extracellular dextranase from Fusarium moniliforme; Simonson LG et al.; An extracellular dextranase (EC 3.2.1.11) was purified approximately 75-fold from cell-free culture filtrates of Fusarium moniliforme . The purified dextranase was of the endo type, and isomaltose was identified as the primary end product of dextran hydrolysis . The molecular weight of the dextranase was determined to be 39,000 by gel permeation chromatography . The enzyme was most active at pH 5.5, and the temperature optimum was near 55 C . Activity was not inhibited by either ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid or iodoacetate . The Km for dextran with an average molecular weight of 10,000 was estimated to be 1.1 X 10(-4) M . The electrophoretic mobility of the dextranase was distinctly different from that of a Penicillium-derived commercial dextranase . The F . moniliforme dextranase was also found to differ from the commercial preparation by its greater relative activity against glucans isolated from Streptococcus mutans. N Engl J Med, 1975 Oct 16, 293(16), 798 - 801 The radiographic resolution of Streptococcus pneumoniae pneumonia; Jay SJ et al.; To determine the characteristics of the radiographic resolution of bacteremic Streptococcus pneumoniae pneumonia we examined serial chest roentgenograms in 72 patients . Consolidation disappeared in all patients by eight to 10 weeks; volume loss (9 per cent), plural disease (9 per cent), and stranding (19 per cent) often persisted beyond eight weeks . Resolution occurred earlier in patients less than 50 years old (P less than 0.05) and in the absence of alcoholism and underlying airways disease regardless of age (P less than 0.05) . Delayed clearing occurred when these complicating factors were present in patients over 50 . Lung cancer was not responsible for delayed resolution of pneumonia . We conclude that an appropriate interval for serial radiographic examinations after therapy for pneumococcal pneumonia is six weeks. Infect Immun, 1975 Oct, 12(4), 934 - 7 Production of elevated levels of dextransucrase by a mutant of Streptococcus mutans; Schachtele CF et al.; A mutant (S19) of Sreptococcus mutans strain 6715 which produces elevated levels of dextransucrase (EC 2.4.1.5) was isolated . Soluble enzyme in culture supernatant solutions from S19 polymerized the glucosyl moiety of sucrose into alcohol-insoluble and water-insoluble glucans at a rate three to six times greater than that of the parent strain . Washed-cell suspensions of S19 also contained increased amounts of cell-associated enzyme . Adherence of S19 to glass in the presence of sucrose occurred at twice the rate of strain 6715 . The Km values for sucrose and primer dextran were similar for the mutant and parent enzymes . Mutant S19 should facilitate studies on the mechanism of adherence of S . Mutans and the control of dextransucrase production by this bacterium. Cornell Vet, 1975 Oct, 65(4), 492 - 9 Radiographic method for anatomic study of the teat canal: characteristics related to resistance to new intramammary infection during lactation and the early dry period; McDonald JS; An in vivo radiographic method to determine teat canal anatomy has shown that resistant quarters had teat canals with a smaller diameter than that of susceptible quarters . The length of the teat canal did not appear to be related to resistance to new intramammary infections . These findings relate to new infection caused by Aerobacter aerogenes, Streptococcus agalactiae, and Staphylococcus aureus . Quarters guarded by teat canals with larger diameter were less resistent to new infection during both lactation and the early dry period compared with quarters guarded by teat canals with small diameter. Infect Immun, 1975 Oct, 12(4), 901 - 9 Characterization of group A streptococcal R-28 antigen purified by hydroxyapatite column chromatography; Johnson RH; Purified R-28 antigen from an M-protein-poor, R-antigen-rich strain of group A Streptococcus was prepared by sequential treatment of an acid extract of whole cells with ammonium sulfate fractionation and hydroxylapatite (HA) column chromatography . Purified R-28 antigen was eluted only with 0.10 M sodium phosphate, pH 6.7 . Findings on quantitative amino acid composition, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis pattern, and HA column elution pattern were similar but not identical to those previously reported for streptococcal M-proteins . Rabbits immunized with either HA-purified R-28 antigen or heat-killed cells developed two pepsin-sensitive, trypsin-resistant immunodiffusion lines of identity against HA-purified R-28 antigen but failed to form bactericidal antibody . One of these two lines formed a line of identity with R-28 antigen prepared by trypsinization of whole cells . The other line remained undefined, although it appeared not to be either streptococcal group A carbohydrate, M-protein, T-antigen, polyglycerophosphate, E4 antigen, or M-associated protein; by enzymatic criteria it is an R-antigen . Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of HA-purified R-28 antigen revealed multiple serologically active charge and size isomers . These findings suggest possible structural similarities between group A streptococcal M-proteins and R-antigens and also indicate that the same purification techniques may be utilized to study these protein antigens if the proper strain of Streptococcus is chosen. J Bacteriol, 1975 Oct, 124(1), 562 - 3 Glucose-6-phosphate-dependent pyruvate kinase in Streptococcus mutans; Yamada T et al.; Pyruvate kinase of Streptococcus mutans JC 2 had an absolute and specific requirement for glucose-6-phosphate . Inorganic phosphate was a strong inhibitor . The enzyme required K+ or NH4+ and Mg2+ or Mn2+ . S . mutans FIL and E 49, Streptococcus bovis ATCC 9809, and Streptococcus salivarius ATCC 13419 had also glucose-6-phosphate-dependent pyruvate kinases, whereas Streptococcus sanguis NCTC 10904 had an enzyme activated by fructose-1,6-diphosphate. Infect Immun, 1975 Oct, 12(4), 881 - 7 Purification and serological characterization of a type-specific antigen of Streptococcus equisimilis; Woods RD et al.; A microtiter complement fixation (CF) procedure was developed for use in detection of antibodies in sera of swine and rabbits vaccinated with Streptococcus equisimilis . Crude ultrasonic as well as acid-extracted preparations contained CF antigen, but the ultrasonic procedure resulted in a higher yield of active antigen . Evidence of serotype specificity with varying degrees of cross reactivity was detected with the CF procedure when representative strains of four different serotypes of S . equisimilis were compared by using their respective unadsorbed antisera . Fractionation of crude sonic extract or acid extract by centrifugation, precipitation with ammonium sulfate, and chromatography on carboxymethyl cellulose yielded a purified, type-specific antigen that reacted only with the homologous antiserum in the CF test and formed a single band by immunodiffusion . Complement-fixing antibodies in immune swine sera were predominately immunoglobulin G. Infect Immun, 1975 Oct, 12(4), 791 - 8 Serological purification of polysaccharide antigens from Streptococcus mutans serotypes a and d: characterization of multiple antigenic determinants; Linzer R et al.; The polysaccharide antigen preparations from serotype a and serotype d strains of Streptococcus mutans contained both a serotype-specific antigenic determinant and a common a-d antigenic determinant, as demonstrated by agar gel diffusion studies and a quantitative cross-precipitin assay . The chromatographically purified antigens were isolated by a method which depended on their serological specificity to determine if these two antigenic determinants were located on the same molecule . The a and d polysaccharides were recovered from specific antigen-antibody complexes and characterized with respect to their immunological specificity and chemical composition . Agar gel diffusion tests demonstrated that, in both the a and d preparations, the serotype-specific antigenic determinant and the common a-d antigenic determinant were present in one molecule. Genetics, 1975 Oct, 81(2), 223 - 41 Genetic hybridization at the unlinked thy and str loci of Streptococcus; Ravin AW et al.; The sanguis and pneumoniae species of Streptococcus were used as recipients in transformations from str+ to str-r and from thy- to thy+ . The str-r mutations in the two species had been previously shown to be allelic . Homology of the thy- mutations in the two species was demonstrated in the similar phenotypic properties they conferred (death in the absence of thymidine, lack of thymidylate synthetase) . The str and thy loci are unlinked in each species.--- When the two species are transformed by both homospecific and heterospecific DNA, the efficiency is always lower in the heterospecific cross . The efficiency of heterospecific transformation is considerably lower at the thy than at the str locus . DNA was extracted from recipients that had integrated markers of heterospecific origin . When such hybrid DNA is tested on the original recipient species, the heterospecific markers are usually as efficient as homospecific markers . When tested on the original donor species, however, the hybrid DNA is usually more efficient than heterospecific DNA . This is true for both thy and str transformation . -- -- Forty independent thy+ hybrids were obtained in the cross of sanguis thy- recipients with pneumoniae thy+ DNA . These hybrids fall into a number of classes based upon the relative efficiency with which their extracted DNA's are able to transfer the thy+ marker into pneumoniae thy- cells . The most efficient of these DNA's exhibits about 20% of the efficiency of homospecific pneumoniae thy+ DNA and three orders of magnitude greater efficiency than heterospecific sanguis thy+ DNA . Thus, very little of the inefficiency of heterospecific transformation of the thy locus is ascribable to a classic restriction mechanism . Rather, the wild-type thy+ loci in the two species appear to differ at multiple sites, and independent heterospecific transfers result in differential extents of integration of these sites . On this basis, the thy+ loci of the two species differ at a greater number of sites than do the respective str+ loci. Infect Immun, 1975 Oct, 12(4), 910 - 8 Effect of pneumococci on blood clotting, platelets, and polymorphonuclear leukocytes; Guckian JC; Infections due to Streptococcus pneumoniae and products from the organism have been associated with alterations in blood clotting and function of platelets . Pneumococci and pneumococcal polysaccharide shortened the clotting times of whole blood, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and platelet-poor plasma (PPP) in vitro . Clotting times of PPP and PRP from C6-deficient animals were likewise decreased . The bacteria had no effect on the one-stage prothrombin time or the partial thromboplastin time when the organisms were used as activating agents . Platelets aggregated in the presence of pneumococci, but aggregation was prevented by the addition of cyclic adenosine 3', 5'-monophosphate (cAMP) . Furthermore, cAMP corrected the shortened clotting time of PRP in the presence of pneumococci . The clumping and release of polymorphonuclear coagulant that was induced by pneumococci was not prevented by cAMP . Thus, pneumococci exert several dose-dependent thromboplastic effects: (i) release of platelet thromboplastic substances; (ii) a direct thromboplastic effect; and (iii) release of polymorphonuclear coagulant. Infect Immun, 1975 Oct, 12(4), 772 - 8 Pneumococcal type-associated variability in alternate complement pathway activation; Fine DP; Opsonization of Streptococcus pneumoniae may be mediated by the alternate complement pathway . To study the importance of this interaction to human disease, complement consumption by pneumococci of various serotypes was measured in humwn serum chelated with ethyleneglycoltraacetic acid, a substance that blocks the classic but not the alternate complement pathwway . Serotype I, in contrast to all other types studied, lacked ability to consume complement in this system . The ability for serotypes III, IV, and VIII to activate the alternate pathway could be eliminated by prior serum absorption at O C with they type in question, a condition that would remove antibody but not complement . Types VII, XII, XIV, and XXV readily activated the alternate pathway in unabsorbed and absorbed sera . Differences could not be related to properties of the capsules . It was concluded that types I, III, IV, and VIII lack intrinsic ability to activate and thus be opsonized by the alternate complement pathway, although types III, IV, and VIII can do so in concert with specific antibody . The fact that these same types are especially prominent in human disease suggests that the ability to evade opsonization by the alternate complement pathway in pre-antibody phases of infection may be a virulence factor in pneumococci. Br Med J, 1975 Sep 6, 3(5983), 568 - 70 Isolation and characterization of an aetiological agent in Whipple's disease; Clancy RL et al.; A cell wall deficient form of an alpha-haemolytic streptococcus was grown from a prolonged monolayer cell culture of a lymph node taken from a patient with Whipple's disease . Serological cross reactivity was shown between the organism and the material within Whipple's disease macrophages positive for diastase-resistant periodic acid-Schiff (D./P.A.S.) . In vitro studies characterized the organism as a facultative intracellular parasite which caused the accumulation within cells of D./P.A.S.-positive material . These results suggest that a pathogenic bacterium is the essential aetiological agent and that the culture of Whipple's disease tissues in hypertonic media may have practical value. Appl Microbiol, 1975 Sep, 30(3), 374 - 80 Amino acid requirements and proteolytic activity of Streptococcus sanguis; Cowman RA et al.; The growth response of Streptococcus sanguis groups 1:A and 1:B in a complete chemically defined medium was not influenced by the oxygen concentration of the growth atmosphere . All of the cultures required cysteine and arginine; tyrosine and branched-chain amino acids were frequently required . Proteolysis of casein, mucin, and the anionic proteins of germfree rat saliva by S . sanguis was demonstrated . Hydrolytic activity toward casein was found in the soluble contents of the cells and in the cellular debris after disruption of the cells, with the soluble fractions exhibiting greater proteolytic activity toward casein . The soluble fractions from S . sanguis did not hydrolyze mucin, but this substrate was hydrolyzed by the cell debris fraction . When the amino acid requirements and proteolytic activity of S . sanguis and S . mutans were compared, these two oral streptococcal species exhibited distinct and characteristic differences. Res Vet Sci, 1975 Sep, 19(2), 115 - 9 Studies in atypical Streptococcus equi; Woolcock JB; An atypical variety of Streptococcus equi is described . It was shown to be deficient in capsular material, to be very virulent for mice and to possess a cell-wall protein similar to the M-like protein of classical Str equi . Antiserum prepared against classical Str equi effectively opsonised the atypical strains, and induced the formation of long chains by these atypical strains . It is possible that this variant of Str equi can be used to overcome many of the current problems associated with the manufacture and use of strangles vaccines. Lab Invest, 1975 Sep, 33(3), 316 - 23 Myocardial cell damage during experimental infective endocarditis; Tomlinson CW et al.; Infective endocarditis was induced in 15 catheterized rabbits by a single intravenous injection of Streptococcus viridans and the papillary muscles from the left ventricle were examined for histologic and ultrastructural changes at 3 and 6 days of infection . Papillary muscles from 10 normal and 12 catheterized uninfected animals were used for comparison . Catheterized animals, infected and uninfected, had cardiac hypertrophy and papillary muscles which showed an increase in myofiber size and some interstitial edema . The muscle from infected hearts had areas of focal necrosis, diffuse monocytic infiltration, and loss of normal myocardial architecture . The papillary muscles from catheterized uninfected animals showed some degree of mitochondrial and sarcotubular swelling as well as contracture of myofibrils; the infected myocardium exhibited dramatic changes in ultrastructure such as mitochondrial swelling and destruction, sarcotubular swelling, separation of the intercalated disc, and myofibrillar contracture and disruption . These histopathologic and ultrastructural changes in papillary muscles from rabbits with bacterial endocarditis are indicative of the presence of myocardial cell damage. J Antibiot (Tokyo), 1975 Sep, 28(9), 681 - 8 Transduction of drug resistance to tetracycline, chloramphenicol, macrolides, lincomycin and clindamycin with phages induced from Streptococcus pyogenes; Ubukata K et al.; Strains of Streptococcus pyogenes isolated from pediatric patients with acute infections which were resistant to one or more of the antibiotics, tetracycline (TC), chloramphenicol (CP), macrolide antibiotics (erythromycin, kitasamycin, oleandomycin, josamycin), lincomycin (LCM) and clindamycin (CLM), were used for transduction of drug resistance . These drug-resistant strains were treated with mitomycin C to induce phages and transduction of drug resistance was attempted by means of phages so induced . It was found that transduction of resistance to the above antibiotics was possible . The transductants obtained on TC-containing selective agar plate were resistant to TC alone while those produced on CP- or erythromycin (EM)-containing selective agar plate were resistant to CP, macrolide antibiotics (Mac), LCM and CLM . From this finding, it was inferred that transduction of resistance to TC, CP, Mac, LCM and CLM via phages occurred in two different patterns, i.e., transfer of resistance to TC alone and that of resistance to CP, Mac, LCM and CLM . All of the transductants obtained were found to belong to group A . In T-typing, they were of the same T-12 type as the donor and recipient strains in a majority of cases though some were not typable. J Biol Buccale, 1975 Sep, 3(3), 223 - 32 {Influence of various anions and biological macromolecules on bacterial aggregation in vitro}; Belcourt A; The effects of various anions on experimental bacterial aggregation has been studied with Streptococcus mutans OMZ 175 and Actinomyces viscosus X1, using an experimental system, based on the measurement of optical density in an aqueous polyethyleneglycol medium . Monovolent anions (acetate, chloride and fluoride) and sulphate had no effects on bacterial aggregation in salivary concentrations . However carbonate, mono and dihydrogenophosphates gave an important aggregation in relatively small saline concentrations . The study of the aggregation of Strep . mutans OMZ 175, grown in presence of sucrose for 12 to 96 hours, showed an increased aggregation of the micro-organims up to 24 hours . For longer incubation times, aggregation decreased . Finally a calcium precipitable salivary glycoprotein, at small concentrations, gave a bacterial aggregation of about 25% and may be important in dental plaque formation. Dtsch Zahnarztl Z, 1975 Sep, 30(9), 611 - 3 {Dosage and cariostatic effect of mutanase in a rat experiment}; Guggenheim B et al.; In caries tests on rats, mutanase (mu-1,3-glucanglucano-hydrolase) was admixed in different quantities to a cariogenic diet . The animals were fed eight times a day with a feeding machine for 25 days . A highly significant inhibition of fissural caries was achieved by concentrations of over 50 MU per gram of diet . As a simultaneous plaque reduction was not observed, the effect of the enzyme appears to be due to reduced adhesion or colonization capacity of streptococcus mutans strains in the fissures. J Dent Res, 1975 Sep-Oct, 54(5), 972 - 7 Structure-activity studies on inhibition of Streptococcus mutans by long-chain aliphatic diamines; Bass GE et al.; A series of long-chain aliphatic diamines, R1R2N(CH2)mNR3-CnH2n+1' was tested for in vitro inhibition of Streptococcus mutans . In general, high activity was found for all analogs with alkyl chains containing 14 to 18 carbons . The nature of the substituents on the remainder of the alkylenediamine were of secondary importance . N-hydroxyethyl substituents tend to decrease activity . Good correlations of activity with quadratic functions of diamine critical micelle concentrations were obtained. J Dent Res, 1975 Sep-Oct, 54(5), 968 - 71 Quantitative studies of in vitro inhibition of Streptococcus mutans plaque formation by organic amines; Bass GE et al.; The abilities of five, long-chain aliphatic monamines to inhibit the deposition of plaque formed by Streptococcus mutans on stainless-steel wires were determined . The compounds along with their relative inhibitory potencies that were studied are N-methyltetradecylamine, hexadecylamine, dodecylamine, N-ethyldodecylamine, and octylamine . Activities are compared with critical micelle concentrations, partition coefficients, and quantum mechanical charges on the amine nitrogens. J Am Dent Assoc, 1975 Sep, 91(3), 606 - 9 Prevalence and localization of Streptococcus mutans in infants and children; Catalanotto FA et al.; The prevalence and localization of Streptococcus mutans in the oral cavities of 92 children was investigated . The ages of the children ranged from newborns to 5 years . The edentulous newborns and infants with only their deciduous incisors did not harbor S mutans on the mucous membranes or the smooth surfaces of the incisors . As the number of erupted deciduous teeth increased, there was a gradual increase in the isolation of the organism . The greatest isolation frequency of S mutans, 46.3%, occurred in those children with a complete deciduous dentition and contact between the deciduous molars . The interproximal areas where there was molar contact were the most frequent sites of early colonization of S mutans. Acta Ophthalmol (Copenh), 1975 Sep, 53(4), 522 - 36 Endophthalmitis following cataract extraction . A study of 24 cases in 4,498 operations; Fahmy JA; The incidence of postoperative endophthalmitis in a series of 4,498 consecutive cataract operations, performed in a period of 10 years, was examined and found to equal 0.533% . Paracentesis of the anterior chamber was done in two cases and revealed Staphylococcus albus to be the causative organism in both instances . Conjunctival cultures were recovered in a further 17 cases, and showed S . albus in pure culture in eight cases and in combination with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteous morgani in two cases . Streptococcus haemolyticus was isolated in pure culture in one case, while the cultures from six other patients were negative . The role of such factors as age, diabetes mellitus, chronic bronchitis, "weak ocular tissue", and persurgical complications which predisposed to postoperative infections was examined and found to have no significance on the occurrence of endophthalmitis in the present study . The visual end results were assessed and showed a better prognosis than generally expected . Of 24 cases, five achieved good visual acuity (6/6-6/12), 13 had a useful vision (6/18-6/60), while five remained actually blind (less than 6/60) . In only one case was the eye enucleated . Methods of treatment and prophylaxis are described and discussed . A total suppression or elimination of all regional bacteria at the time of surgery seems to be the logical goal. Infect Immun, 1975 Sep, 12(3), 668 - 78 Characterization of an antibody directed against a surface component of normal and pleomorphic cells of Streptococcus sanguis; Eisenberg RJ et al.; Whole cells of Streptococcus sanguis were utilized as an immunoadsorbent to purify large quantities of an antibody (S1) directed against a cell surface component . The S-1 antibody was isolated from antisera to normal (N) and pleomorphic (O) cells by a similar adsorption-elution procedure . The S-1 antibody isolated from antisera to N cells reacted in gel diffusion in identify with the S-1 antibody to O cells, indicating that the antigen which binds S-1 antibody (Ag-1) may not be radically altered when cells become pleomorphic . The S-1 antibodies directed against both N and O cells had restricted heterogeneity, indicating that for both types of cell Ag-1 may have a simple repeating structure . However, N cells were agglutinated to a greater extent by S-1 antibody than O cells . In addition the distribution of the bound S-1 antibody became altered as the cells became pleomorphic . Utilizing the technique of indirect immunofluorescence we observed that the S-1 antibody was distributed evenly on the surface of N cells . As the cells became pleomorphic, the antibody appeared to bind preferentially at the cell poles (capping) . Later, as the cells became more grossly deformed, additional bands of immunofluorescence appeared to bisect the cells . Electron microscopic analysis indicated that the bound antibody was not associated with septal notches . The results suggest that the arrangement rather than the immunological properties of Ag-1 became altered as cells became pleomorphic. Infect Immun, 1975 Sep, 12(3), 512 - 20 Relationship between cell-bound dextransucrase and the agglutination of Streptococcus mutans; McCabe MM et al.; Dextran-induced agglutination of Streptococcus mutans cells is independent of cell-bound dextransucrase activity . Toluene extraction or the presence of Hg2+ or Cu2+ markedly decreased or completely abolished cell-bound dextransucrase activity without adversely affecting dextran-induced cell agglutination . Cells treated by heating at 100 C until cell-bound dextransucrase was completely inactivated continued to agglutinate when induced by dextran-induced cell agglutination resulted from cell treatment with trypsin and several other enzymes, as well as from ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid treatment, without a corresponding loss of cell-bound dextransucrase activity . Cells possessed a greater avidity for branched dextrans of low molecular weight than for linear dextrans of the same weight, indicating that size alone does not determine the efficiency of dextran as an inducer of agglutination . Divalent metal ions were required for both sucrose- and dextran-induced agglutination of S . mutans K1-R cells . Although normal cells of strain 6715-49 did not appear to require divalent cations for agglutination, heat- and ethlyenediaminetetraacetic acid-treated cells specifically required Ca2+ . The role of Ca2+ in cell agglutination may be either to activate the cell-surface dextran receptor or to form specific intercellular Ca2+ bridges. J Med Chem, 1975 Sep, 18(9), 909 - 12 Methotrexate analogs . 6 . Replacement of glutamic acid by various amino acid esters and amines; Chaykovsky M et al.; A series of methotrexate (MTX) analogs was prepared in which the glutamic acid moiety is replaced by various amino acid esters and amines . The synthetic method consisted of the reaction of 4-amino-4-deoxy-N10-methylpteroic acid with various reagents to form intermediate mixed anhydrides, which then reacted with amino acid esters or amines to give the MTX analogs . These compounds were tested for antibacterial activity against Streptococcus faecium and for antitumor activity against L1210 leukemia in mice . Several compounds showed significant antibacterial activity; the MTX homocysteinethiolactone and MTX aspartate analogs showed marginal in vivo antitumor activity. Biull Eksp Biol Med, 1975 Sep, 80(9), 111 - 5 {Morphological changes in the internal organs in chronic streptococcal infection}; Gusman BS et al.; A histological and histochemical study was made (for a period of from 24 hours to 27 weeks) of the internal organs of albino mice after a single intraperitoneal injection of the L-forms of beta-hemolytic streptococcus, group A . The following progressive pathological process (myocarditis, hepatitis, pyelonephritis) developed against an intense allergic background with a resultant systemic lesion of the tissues. Infect Immun, 1975 Sep, 12(3), 475 - 9 Variation in internal polysaccharide synthesis among Streptococcus mutans strains; Freedman ML et al.; Five strains, representative of Streptococcus mutans genetic group III antigenic group d, synthesized and degraded less intracellular polysaccharide (IPS) then 17 strains representative of other S . mutans groups . The strains that synthesize IPS degraded it rapidly . The production of acid in titratable amounts from endogenous IPS was usually complete within 1 h . IPS synthesis in S . mutans increased abruptly at culture glucose concentrations between 0.2 and 0.5% and was quantitated as both iodine-and glucose oxidase-positive material in cell hyrolysates . IPS degradation was measured by acid production in a pH-stat maintained at 7 . The existence within group III d of a strain recently shown to be cariogenic in experimental animals suggest that IPS may not be a prerequisite for virulence in these cariogenic bacteria. JAMA, 1975 Aug 25, 233(8), 894 - 5 The diagnostic value of sputum culture in acute pneumonia; Thorsteinsson SB et al.; In a prospective study of patients with acute pneumonia, the results of bacteriologic analysis of sputum, transtracheal aspirate (TA), and bronchial aspirate (BA) were compared . Streptococcus pneumoniae was grown from all three sources as the predominant organism in 13 of 16 cases; the remaining three patients had nonbacterial lung disease . These data support the traditional concept that culture of the sputum is highly reliable in providing a correct diagnosis in acute pneumonia. Br Med J, 1975 Aug 23, 3(5981), 474 - 8 Epidemiology of rheumatic heart disease in black shcoolchildren of Soweto, Johannesburg; McLaren MJ et al.; A survey to determine the prevalence of rheumatic heart disease (R.H.D.) in Black children was conducted in the creeches and primary schools of the South Western Townships of Johannesburg (Soweto) . A total of 12 050 Black children were examined by 10 cardiologists in May to October 1972 . The overal prevalence rate of R.H.D . was 6.9 per 1000, with a peak rate of 19.2 per 1000 in children of the seventh school grade . The maximal age incidence was 15-18 years and there was a female preponderance of 1 6:1 . A rise in prevalence occurred with increasing family size . Most children (92%) were asymptomatic, and in 82.5% R.H.D . was diagnosed for the first time during the school survey . The commonest valve lesion was mitral regurgitation, which was present in 93% and occurred as an isolated lesion in 47.5% . Lancefield's group A beta-haemolytic streptococcus was isolated from the throats of 52 per 1000 Soweto children . The auscultatory features of a non-ejection systolic click and late systolic murmur were prevalent (13.9 per 1000) and had several epidemiological factors in common with R.H.D . A comprehensive preventative campaign is urgently needed in South Africa, directed at both primary and secondary prophylaxis of R.H.D . The socioeconomic status of the community must be improved if optimal prevention is to be achieved. J Biol Chem, 1975 Aug 10, 250(15), 5818 - 25 Purification and properties of citrate lyase from Streptococcus diacetilactis; Singh M et al.; Citrate lyase from Streptococcus diacetilactis has been purified to yield a protein that was homogeneous as judged by sedimentation velocity and sedimentation equilibrium experiments . The enzyme's sedimentation coefficient is 16.8 S and its molecular weight is around 585,000 . It contains three nonidentical subunits of about 53,000, 34,000, and 10,000 daltons . The enzyme in its active form contains an acetyl group which turns over during the citrate cleavage reaction . Removal of the acetyl group inactivates the enzyme . The deacetyl enzyme can be partially reactivated by acetylation with acetic anhydride . The enzyme undergoes slow "reaction-inactivation." The rate of inactivation is first order and the rate constant of inactivation is much lower than that for a similar inactivation process of the citrate lyase from Klebsiella aerogenes . Like the latter enzyme it contains stoichiometric amounts of phosphopantothenate . The enzyme is inactivated at pH greater than 8.1 and the presence of citrate provides protection against this inactivation . Sedimentation studies of the enzyme at pH 8.7 indicate that the enzyme is dissociated, which may account for the inactivation . The enzyme is immunologically different from citrate lyases of K . aerogenes and Escherichia coli. Am Ind Hyg Assoc J, 1975 Aug, 36(8), 584 - 94 Sulfuric acid effect on the deposition of radioactive aerosol in the respiratory tract of guinea pigs; Fairchild GA et al.; The effect of inhalation of sulfuric acid (H2SO4) aerosol on respiratory deposition of radiolabeled streptococcus aerosol was investigated in guinea pigs . A 60 minute exposure to 3020 mugm/m3 H2SO4 (1.8 mum CMD) resulted in a 60% greater total respiratory deposition rate than control animals and a proximal shift in the regional pattern of deposition to the nasopharynx . Dose-response experiments revelaed that a concentration of 30 mugm/m3 H2SO4 (0.25 mum CMD) also induced a proximal shift in the regional pattern of particle deposition but in this instance the shift was to the trachea . The interrelationship between mass concentration of H2SO4 and its particle size to the interpretation of these results is discussed . A hypothesis concerning the relationship of these data to previously reported respiratory physiologic effects of H2SO4 inhalation and to a pathophysiologic mechanism which may underlie effects attributed to sulfur oxides by epidemiologic studies is described. Infect Immun, 1975 Aug, 12(2), 309 - 17 Dextranases from oral bacteria: inhibition of water-insoluble glucan production and adherence to smooth surfaces by Streptococcus mutans; Schachtele CF et al.; The effect of dextranases (EC 3.2.1.11) from the oral isolates Actinomyces israelii and Bacteroides ochraceus on water-insoluble glucan production by the Streptococcus mutans dextransucrase (EC 2.4.1.5) and sucrose-dependent adherence to smooth glass surfaces by S . mutans was studied . Collection on membrane filters of water-insoluble polysaccharides synthesized from radioactive sucrose was used to demonstrate the marked sensitivity of insoluble glucan formation to the presence of dextranase . Concentrations of A . israelii dextranase as low as 0.002 U/ml inhibited insoluble glucan formation by 60% . Similar results were obtained the the B . ochraceus enzyme . An assay for sucrose-stimulated adherence of S . mutans to smooth surfaces involved attachment of radioactively labeled nongrowing cells to the bottom of glass scintillation vials . This facile and sensitive assay was utilized to demonstrate that sucrose-dependent adherence was affected by low levels of dextranase from either A . israelii or B . ochraceus . Enzyme at 0.005 U/ml reduced adherence of S . mutans by 80% . Treatment of S . mutans cells previously attached to glass with low concentrations of the dextranases resulted in removal of 50% to 60% of the bacteria . The results indicate that dextranase-producing oral bacteria may affect sucrose-dependent colonization of S . mutans on the tooth surface and offer a possible explanation for both the difficulties involved in implanting this bacterium into the human mouth and the limited intraoral transmission of S . mutans from one tooth surface to another. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol, 1975 Aug, 40(2), 219 - 34 Bacterial endocarditis: a retrospective study; Mostaghim D et al.; A retrospective study was done on patients admitted to the University of Michigan Hospital from 1962 to 1972 with a diagnosis of bacterial endocarditis . The findings in the group studied indicate that Streptococcus viridans was the predominant causative organism, males were affected three times as often as females, erythromycin was effective against organisms of oral origin, dental procedures were not definitely established as responsible for the onset of the disease in any of the cases, and rheumatic heart disease and congenital heart disease were the predominant, but not the only, predisposing factors. Vet Med (Praha), 1975 Aug, 20(10), 483 - 7 {Activity of lactate dehydrogenase in the milk serum of dairy cows in relation to the possitive response to the mastitis NK-test}; Kovac J et al.; The level of total lactate dehydrogenase activity in dairy cow milk serum was studied in sets of quarter-udder milks showing different degrees of a positive response to Mastitis test-NK . The bacteriological examination for Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus dysgalactiae, Streptococcus uberis, Staphylococcus aureus, and for coliform germs was performed at the same time . Increasing positiveness of the response to Mastitis test-NK was found to be accompanied by an almost proportionate increase of the total lactate dehydrogenase activity level in milk serum . The bacteriological finding was not correlated with increasing positiveness of the response to Mastitis test-NK . New aspects of various diseases of the mammary gland and the possibility to diagnose mainly the latent stages of these diseases are analysed in a discussion. Vet Med (Praha), 1975 Aug, 20(10), 455 - 61 {Sensitivity of Streptococcus agalactiae and Staphylococcus aureus strains to antibiotics in Slovakia during 1974}; Havelka B; In 1974, the State Veterinary institutes in the Slovak Socialist Republic studied the sensitivity of 4420 strains of Streptococcus agalactiae and 1056 strains of Staphylococcus aureus to eight antibiotics . The strains were isolated from milk samples obtained from dairy cows suffering from mastitis . 100 per cent of the strains of Streptococcus agalactiae was sensitive to ampicillin, 99.23% to erythromycin, 98.70% to oxytetracycline, 93.02% to bacitracin, 90.77% to chloramphenicol, 41.97% to penicillin, 12.39% to neomycin, 9.73% to streptomycin . As to the strains of Staphylococcus aureus, 98.68 were sensitive to chloramphenicol, 98.50% to ampicillin, 97.92% to erythromycin, 94.98% to oxytetracycline, 93.85% to neomycin, 92.67% to bacitracin, 87.50% to streptomycin, and 46.24% to penicillin . The results are discussed in relation to the use of antibiotics in the treatment of mastitis in dairy cows. Vet Med (Praha), 1975 Aug, 20(8), 483 - 7 {Activity of lactate dehydrogenase in the dairy cow milk serum in relation to positive mastitis test NK}; Kovac J et al.; The level of total lactate dehydrogenase activity in dairy cow milk serum was studied in sets of quarter-udder milks showing different degrees of a positive response to Mastitis test-NK . The bacteriological examination for Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus dysgalactiae, Streptococcus uberis, Staphylococcus aureus, and for coliform germs was performed at the same time . Increasing positiveness of the response to Mastitis test-NK was found to be accompanied by almost proportionate increase of the total lactate dehydrogenase activity level in milk serum . The bacteriological finding was not correlated with increasing positiveness of the response to Mastitis test-NK . New aspects of various diseases of the mammary gland and the possibility to diagnose mainly the latent stages of these diseases are analysed in a discussion . milk serum, optical test; lactate dehydrogenase level; bacteriological finding. Vet Med (Praha), 1975 Aug, 20(8), 455 - 61 {Sensitivity of Streptococcus agalactiae and Staphylococcus aureus to antibiotics in the Slovak Socialist Republic in the year 1974}; Havelka B; In 1974, the State veterinary institutes in the Slovak Socialist Republic studied the sensitivity of 4420 strains of Streptococcus agalactiae and 1056 strains of Staphylococcus aureus to eight antibiotics . The strains were isolated from milk samples obtained from dairy cows suffering from mastitis . 100 per cent of the strains of Streptococcus agalactiae was sensitive to ampicillin, 99.23% to erythromycin, 98.70% to oxytetracycline, 93.02% to bacitracin, 90.77% to chloramphenicol, 41.97% to penicillin, 12.39% to neomycin, 9.73% to streptomycin . As to the strains of Staphylococcus aureus, 98.68 were sensitive to chloramphenicol, 98.50% to ampicillin, 97.92% to erythromycin, 94.98% to oxytetracycline, 93.85% to neomycin, 92.67% to bacitracin 87.50% to streptomycin, and 46.24% to penicillin . The results are discussed in relation to the use of antibiotics in the treatment of mastitis in dairy cows. Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1975 Aug, (8), 62 - 7 {Production of sera for determining group A Streptococcus using the precipitation in gel reaction}; Borodiiuk NA et al.; The sera of rabbits immunized with the culture of streptococcus, group A, treated with pepsin were studied by the immunodiffusion methods . The sera intensively reacted with the polysaccharide of the streptococcus, group A, but not with the polysaccharide of the streptococcus of A-variant and with the proteins contained in the hyfrochloric extracts of group A . Some of the sera contained antibodies to polyglycerophosphate and antigen E4 which could be eliminated by sorption of the sera with the culture of the streptococcus of A-variant treated with pepsin . Despite the sorption, individual sera reacted with the hydrochloric extracts obtained from the streptococcus, group L, or the S . aureus . The sera reacting with the polysaccharide of group A could be used for the identification of streptococcus, group A, by the method of precipitation in gel . The advantages of the method consist in its simplicity and distinct result, which can be obtained in two hours. J Hyg (Lond), 1975 Aug, 75(1), 69 - 78 Streptococcal infection in young pigs . IV . An outbreak of streptococcal meningitis in weaned pigs; Windsor RS et al.; Twenty-eight pigs died in an outbreak of streptococcal meningitis in an East Anglian herd . Most were 10-14 weeks old . The outbreak lasted from January to April and was finally controlled by antibiotic therapy . A similar number of losses had occurred in the previous year though no diagnosis had then been made . The causal agent appeared to be a haemolytic streptococcus belonging to group D and provisionally designated Streptococcus suis type 2 . It is probably identical with de Moor's group R streptococcus which causes a similar disease in the Netherlands . It is serologically distinct from Streptococcus suis type 1 which causes meningitis in piglets . Type 2 infection in pigs appears to be widespread in England and Wales and to occur in animals up to the age of at least 14 weeks . A comparison is drawn between Str . suis meningitis in pigs and group B streptococcal meningitis in human infants. Am J Obstet Gynecol, 1975 Aug 1, 122(7), 876 - 9 The bacteriology of acute pelvic inflammatory disease; Chow AW et al.; PIP: Simultaneous cervical, cul-de-sac, and blood cultures were taken from 20 patients with acute pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in order to study the micro-biology of this disease . To determine the value of cul-de-sac cultures, they were also obtained from 8 healthy controls . The cultures were carefully collected, transported, and processed in order to maximize the recovery of of aerobes and anaerobes . Positive cul-de-sac cultures in 90% of the cases yielded 48 microorganisms . Anaerobes were isolated from 10 of the cases (predominately Peptococcus and Peptostreptococcus) and were exclusive isolates in 3, whereas aerobes (predominately Streptococcus) were exclusive in 8 patients . Only 1 cul-de-sac culture yielded N . gonorrhoeae, and the 8 control cultures were all negative . On the other hand, cervical culture yielded 77 microorganisms (only 15 of which were found in simultaneous cul-de-sac cultures), and N . gonorrhoeae was found in 13 patients . All blood cultures were negative . It is concluded that the primary role of gonococcus may be to allow normal vaginal flora to gain access to the upper genital tract . Confirmation of this possibility would mean that cervical gonococci isolates are not necessarily responsible for upper genital tract symptoms, and erradication of this organism may, therefore, not be adequate therapy for PID . Culdocentesis is of great value in diagnosing the specific microbes in acute PID and can be safely performed after the possibility of unsuspected tuboovarian abscesses has been eliminated by careful bimanual examination . Infect Immun, 1975 Aug, 12(2), 281 - 92 Antibody response in the parotid fluid and serum of Irus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) after local immunization with Streptococcus mutans; Emmings FG et al.; The antibody response of Macaca fascicularis in parotid saliva and serum to local immunization by two routes with Streptococcus mutans was studied and compared over 1 year . Antibodies were titrated and classified by indirect immunofluorescent staining using specific antiglobulin conjugates . Antiglucosyltransferase activity was assayed by an enzyme inhibition test . Animals were immunized first by injecting formalin-killed bacterial cells and cell products subcutaneously into the vicinity of the four major salivary glands . The monkeys were next immunized by retrograde instillation of antigen into the parotid duct . Extensive subcutaneous local immunization gave a serum response only . After parotid duct immunization, high titers of immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibody, along with traces of immunoglobulin G (IgG) immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibody, appeared in the parotid saliva, and in the serum high titers of IgG antibody were present along with lower titers of IgA and IgM . IgA antibodies in parotid fluid were shown by double immunofluorescent staining to be associated with antigenic determinants which cross-reacted with an antiserum directed to human secretory component . Titers in parotid fluids and sera fell sharply when immunization was stopped . This response pattern was reproducible . High concentrations of antibody capable of inhibiting glucosyltransferase prepared from S . mutans were found in the sera, but relatively little was detected in the parotid fluids . Extensive immunization via the parotid duct resulted in transient functional impairment of the gland, as evidenced by diminished salivary flow rates . We conclude that parotid ductal immunization can be an effective method for stimulating a salivary secretory IgA antibacterial antibody response. J Infect Dis, 1975 Jul, 132(1), 20 - 7 Asymptomatic epidemic acquisition of group A Streptococcus: antibody response to extracellular and type-specific antigens; Ayoub EM et al.; The antibody response of 40 institutionalized children involved in an epidemic associated with asymptomatic pharyngeal acquisition of a group A, M-11, T-11 typeable Streptococcus was studied . Titers of antibody to streptolysin O and to deoxyribonuclease B determined in sera collected from patients within two weeks of positive throat cultures were significantly higher than those in sera of controls (P smaller than 0.001) . However, there was no rise in antibody titers in sera obtained from these patients after an interval of three weeks . Type-specific antibody to the group A Streptococcus (type M-11) was assayed in the sera of 24 patients . No detectable antibody activity was found either in the initial sera or in sera collected eight months after the epidemic . Thus, the asymptomatic nature of this epidemic could not be attributed to the presence of detectable type-specific antibody in this population at the time of the epidemic . These observations suggest that asymptomatic pharyngeal acquisition of group A Streptococcus may occur in epidemic fashion in certain populations and may not be associated with evidence of an antibody response to the streptococcal organism. J Infect Dis, 1975 Jul, 132(1), 55 - 61 Spread of Streptococcus pneumoniae in families . I . Carriage rates and distribution of types; Hendley JO et al.; The mechanisms by which Streptococcus pneumoniae spreads from person to person are poorly understood . In this study, optimal methods for sampling, isolation, and identification of S . pneumoniae from healthy carriers were investigated . Factors influencing carriage rates were analyzed . Findings included the importance of pharyngeal rather than of nasal sampling in adults, the greater sensitivity of mouse inoculation compared with direct streaking of blood agar plates, and the superiority of the Quellung reaction with omniserum over the optochin disk as a means of identification of S . pneumoniae . Carriage rates were highest in children of preschool (35%) or grammar school (29%) age and in adults with preschool children in the family (18%) . Rates were lowest in adults without preschool children in the family (2%-9%). J Biol Chem, 1975 Jul 10, 250(13), 4937 - 44 The structure of the mutant dihydrofolate reductase from Streptococcus faecium . Partial sequence and order of the limited tryptic and cyanogen bromide peptides; Gleisner JM et al.; The major form of dihydrofolate reductase from a methotrexate-resistant mutant (strain A) of Streptococcus faecium var . Durans has been purified on a large scale . Amino acid analysis of this form of the enzyme (isoenzyme 2) reveals an absence of cystine or cysteine, and sedimentation studies indicate a molecular weight of 20,800 . The NH2-terminal sequence was determined by Edman degradation of the intact protein and the COOH terminus by selective tritiation and by carboxypeptidase treatment . After the action of trypsin on the citraconylated protein, seven of the expected nine peptides were purified from the digest, and after cyanogen bromide treatment of the unmodified protein, all seven of the anticipated peptides were isolated . The amino acid composition of all of these peptides has been established as well as their complete or partial sequences . From the results it was possible to order these peptides within the sequence and to establish the sequence of the NH2-terminal 60 residues and the COOH-terminal 11 residues. J Biol Chem, 1975 Jul 10, 250(13), 4945 - 54 The structure of the mutant dihydrofolate reductase from Streptococcus faecium . Amino acid sequence of peptide CNBr 7 and complete sequence of the protein; Peterson DL et al.; The complete amino acid sequence of the mutant dihydrofolate reductase from Streptococcus faecium var . Durans strain A has been determined by sequence analysis of peptides produced by tryptic, chymotryptic, thermolytic, and mild acid cleavage of the large peptide CNBr 7 and from previously reported studies . The sequence of the S . faecium enzyme is compared to the reported sequence of dihydrofolate reductase from Escherichia coli and the two are shown to contain two domains of substantial homology . One of these domains consists of the NH2-terminal 60 residues and is considered to contribute the dihydrofolate binding site . The second domain probably contains the dinucleotide binding structure . Comparison of the sequences of the dihydrofolate reductases with those of larger dehydrogenases of known structure failed to show any evidence for homology . Considerations of size and predictions of secondary structure also suggest that the second domain in the reductases has no structural similarity to the nucleotide binding site in the larger dehydrogenases . It is concluded that the two reductases are related, although distantly, but that they have evolved from an ancestral protein different from the primitive predecessor of the other oxidoreductases. Genetics, 1975 Jul, (3), 421 - 43 A transforming marker that produces merodiploids with high efficiency and stable transformants with low efficiency in Streptococcus; Ravin AW et al.; A mutation (ery-r8) conferring a high level of resistance to erythromycin in the Challis strain of Streptoccus sanguis can be transferred to wild-type erythromycin-sensitive recipients via single molecules of donor DNA . The transformants thus produced are of two types: (1) cells slightly more resistant to erythromycin than wild-type and capable of segregating (at a frequency of 2 X 10(-4)/bacterium/generation) either wild-type or highly-resistant cells like the original donor type; (2) cells phenotypically and genotypically identical to the original donor type . The unstable diploids (ery-r8/+) occur with a frequency equivalent to that obtained with high-efficiency (HE) markers, whereas the stable donor-type (ery-r8) transformants occur with about five hundred times lower frequency . Penetration of the wild-type recipient by more than one molecule of DNA bearing the ery-r8 marker increases by as much as seven times the incidence of stable transformants . UV-irradiation of molecules bearing the ery-r8 marker diminishes their ability to cooperate in producing a stable transformant, although the UV sensitivity of stable transformant production by a single DNA molecule is not different from that of diploid production . Hence, stable transformants do not appear to be produced by a process typical of low efficiency (LE) markers, which are generally highly sensitive to ultraviolet irradiation . Moreover, stable ery-r8 transformants are produced with equally low frequencies in strains of S . pneumoniae that discriminate (hex+) and fail to discriminate (hex--) between HE and LE markers . We postulate that all transformations by the ery-r8 marker result in ery-r8/+ diploids, and that segregation results in the infrequent stable transformants of the original donor type . This hypothesis is supported by the observations that rifampin treatment of ery-r8/+ populations increases the frequency of segregation and similar treatment of wild-type recipients under-going transformation by the ery-r8 marker increases the frequency of stable transformants.--In producing the ery-r8/+ transformant the r8 allele is integrated close to the site of its wild-type homolog, since single molecules of DNA from this transformant can be shown to carry both alleles . Segregation of either the ery-r8 or + allele is not detectably enhanced by acridine orange or thymidine deprivation.--The ery-r8 marker occurs close to a site of mutation (ery-r2) which confers erythromycin resistance upon ribosomes . When the r2 and r8 markers are jointly transferred, ery-r2-r8/+ genomes are produced in which the r2 marker is stably integrated but the r8 marker is unstably adjoined to its wild-type homolog . Thus, the duplicated region can be quite short . When the ery-r8 marker is stably integrated, the region of the marker is refractory to subsequent transformation . Markers with properties like ery-r8 are not particularly rare, being found with a frequency of about 4% among spontaneous mutations to erythromycin resistance. J Biochem (Tokyo), 1975 Jul, 78(1), 225 - 7 Structural determination of glucans from Streptococcus mutans JC-2 (dental caries bacterium) by carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance; Usui T et al.; The 13C NMR spectra of glucans from Streptococcus mutans JC-2 show that those glucans have alpha-(1,3) and alpha-(1,6) linkages. Infect Immun, 1975 Jul, 12(1), 69 - 75 Virulence of Streptococcus mutans: a sensitive method for evaluating cariogenicity in young gnotobiotic rats; Michalek SM et al.; Gnotobiotic rats infected with Streptococcus mutans 6715 at 19 days of age and fed a purified diet (305) containing 5% sucrose developed extensive caries lesions on all molar surfaces within 16 days (35 days of age) . Approximately twice as many lesions developed when infected rats were maintained until 45 days of age, whereas noninfected rats did not develop caries when fed diet 305 . Gnotobiotic rats infected with S . mutans 6715 and fed a purified diet containing no sucrose (300) until day 25 and subsequently fed diet 305 for 10 days developed lesions similar to rats fed diet 305 for 16 days . Furthermore, rats infected with S . mutans 6715 and fed diet 300 until 45 days of age developed approximately one-half the smooth surface lesions as infected rats fed diet 305 for the same length of time . The level of caries on buccal and proximal molar surfaces in 45-day-old gnotobiotic rats varied when animals were infected with S . mutans AHT, BHT, NCTC 10449, 6715, or LM-7 . Animals infected with S . mutans AHT showed more severe lesions on the buccal surfaces than those observed in animals infected with the other strains of S . mutans tested, whereas S . mutans 6715 caused significantly more caries on proximal surfaces . On the other hand, rats infected with S . mutans LM-7 exhibited the lowest level of caries on all molar surfaces of the five strains of S . mutans tested. Carbohydr Res, 1975 Jul, 42(2), 339 - 45 Structural characteristics of native and enzymically formed dextran of S . sanguis ATCC 10558; Arnett AT et al.; The structure of the native dextran produced by Streptococcus sanguis ATCC 10558 was analyzed by g.l.c.-m.s . of the methylated alditol acetates derived from the polymer . The results indicate that the polymer contains D-glucosyl residues substituted at C-6 or C-3, or both, as well as unsubstituted D-glucosyl residues . These data aially purified dextransucrase on sucrose . The proportion of D-glucosyl residues substituted at C-3 is diminished in this case . It is concluded that several enzymes are involved in the dextran synthesis. Am J Vet Res, 1975 Jul, 36(7), 1001 - 7 Concentration of lactoferrin in milk of normal lactating cows and changes occurring during mastitis; Harmon RJ et al.; The mean lactoferrin (Lf) concentration determined by electroimmunodiffusion (EID) assay of whey preparations from 80 quarters of 20 normal lactating cows was 0.35 mg/ml . The mean alpha-lactalbumin (alpha-LAC) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) concentrations were 2.01 mg/ml and 0.29 mg/ml, respectively . The mean was significantly related to cell count (P smaller than 0.01), BSA (P smaller than 0.05), stage of lactation (P smaller than 0.05), and milk production (P smaller than 0.05) . The Lf-milk production relationship was the only negative correlation . In 11 cows with mastitis, there was a significant (P smaller than 0.01) increase in mean Lf concentration in infected quarters from 0.55 mg/ml on day 1 of the infection to 1.89 mg/ml by day 3 . By day 15 clinical signs had subsided and mean Lf concentrations had decreased to near day 1 values . On day 3 quarters infected with coliform bacteria (clinical mastitis generally more severe) had mean Lf values more than twofold greater than those quarters infected with species of Staphylococcus or Streptococcus (milder clinical signs) . Noninfected (control) quarters of cows having coliform bacteria-infected quarters had slightly increased mean Lf concentrations, where Lf concentration in contral quarters of cows having quarters infected with gram-positive organisms remained unchanged. J Dent Res, 1975 Jul-Aug, 54(4), 857 - 66 Investigation of possible solvents for extracellular polysaccharides from Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sanguis; Lamberts BL et al.; The solubilities of extracellular polysaccharide fractions produced by 14 oral streptococcal strains were compared in water, aqueous lithium and guanidine salt solutions, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and a 9:1 DMSO-water mixture . The best results for solubilizing the fractions were obtained with the DMSO-water mixture procedure, which used the water and DMSO in sequence . By this method all fo the fractions were solubilized. J Dent Res, 1975 Jul-Aug, 54(4), 829 - 35 Failure of rabbit anti-Streptococcus mutans serum to penetrate in vitro plaque; Jenzano JW et al.; An indirect fluorescent antibody technique indicated that specific antiserums did not penetrate in vitro plaque formed by Streptococcus mutans . Specific reactions did occur between the antiserums and antigens in the surface layers of plaque globules . Measurements of plaque diameters indicated that the serums exerted a nonspecific effect of enhancing plaque growth. Mikrobiologiia, 1975 Jul-Aug, 44(4), 736 - 41 {Some properties of bacteriophages isolated in brynza manufacture}; Tsaneva KP; According to the spectrum of lytic action towards 253 strains of Streptococcus lactis, 75 bacteriophages were subdivided into eight groups . According to their antigenic properties and morphology of their particles, the phages can be divided into three groups . Only two types of negative colony were found in the phages . The results of this study may be used to select bacterial strains during production of cheese. Mikrobiologiia, 1975 Jul-Aug, 44(4), 637 - 40 {Effect of age and the amount of inoculate on the growth of Streptococcus lactis and its formation of nisin}; Egorov NS et al.; The cells of Streptococcus lactis, strain MGU, synthesize considerable amounts of nisine in the course of their growth . The rate of metabolic processes is not increased by stirring if the medium is complete and easily assimilated . Utilization of a young inoculate (1.5, 3, and 6 hours) reduces the process of nisine production by 1.5--2 times . The amount of the inoculate exceeding 1.5 volume percent has no significant effect on the biosynthesis. Br J Nutr, 1975 Jul, 34(1), 153 - 62 Protein quality of feeding-stuffs . 7 . Collaborative studies on the microbiological assay of available amino acids; Boyne AW et al.; 1 . Twenty-two samples of high-protein feeding-stuffs, sixteen of them fish meals, were used in a collaborative study of the precision and the limits of discrimination of the Streptococcus zymogenes assay procedure, as applied to the estimation of available methionine, tryptophan and isoleucine contents . 2 . All the participating laboratories ranked the test samples in much the same sequence with respect to content for all three amino acids . There were apparently systematic differences between laboratories which impaired the precision of some of the estimates, and these were greatly reduced by including common reference sample in the tests as an auxilliary standard . 3 . Values for available methionine content for eleven test samples were highly correlated (r 0.86) and quantitatively similar to those obtained for chick growth assays, but those for available tryptophan content were markedly lower and were probably in error. J Immunol, 1975 Jul, 115(1), 80 - 4 Activation of alveolar macrophages after lower respiratory tract infection; Johnson JD et al.; Alveolar macrophage function has been studied in relation to bacterial infection of the lower respiratory tract . First, LRT macrophages were examined after exposure of rabbits to Listeria monocytogenes aerosols . Macrophages obtained from the LRT of animals 10 to 48 days after infection were activated, as evidenced by greater adherence to culture dishes and increased ability to ingest and kill both the original infecting organism and unrelated organisms, when compared to normal alveolar macrophages . Next, the in vitro effects on normal alveolar macrophages of incubation supernatants of control and antigen-stimulated lymphocytes (LRT and lymph node) from animals infected with L . monocytogenes or Streptococcus pneumoniae were evaluated . As manifested by increased adherence and phagocytosis, and an enhanced nonspecific bactericidal activity, alveolar macrophages were activated by the antigen-stimulated supernatants . These stimulated lymphocyte supernatants contain lymphokines (MIF), but the exact nature of the alveolar macrophage activating factor(s) remains to be determined . These observations, together with recent evidence that alveolar macrophages respond to lymphokines (MIF), suggest that the effector mechanism for cell-mediated immunity in the LRT is intact. Carbohydr Res, 1975 Jul, 42(2), 325 - 38 Purification and characterization of a glycosyltransferase complex from the culture broth of Streptococcus mutans FA1; Scales WR et al.; The extracellular glycosyltransferases from Streptococcus mutans FA1 were purified by using the following procedures: ammonium sulfate precipitation, poly-(acrylamide) gel filtration, DEAE-cellulose chromatography, and agarose-gel filtration . The dextransucrase and levansucrase activities were purified 350- and 500-fold, repsectively, and the ratio of the two activities remained almost constant throughout the purification . Both enzymes have a pH optimum of 6.0, a Km for sucrose of 55mM, and isoelectric points of 3.7 and 4.6 . The enzymes are inactivated by repeated freezing and thawing, but retain partial activity even after heating at 100 degrees . The enzyme preparation contains a carbohydrate moiety which does not appear to be either bound levan or dextran. J Infect Dis, 1975 Jul, 132(1), 62 - 8 Spread of Streptococcus pneumoniae in families . II . Relation of transfer of S . pneumoniae to incidence of colds and serum antibody; Gwaltney JM Jr et al.; Factors that affect the spread of Streptococcus pneumoniae and the antibody responses associated with colonization were studied in 64 families for periods of eight to 52 weeks . Surveillance included daily recording of respiratory symptoms and bimonthly pharyngeal cultures for identification of the pneumococcal carrier state . Rhinovirus cultures were included for a portion of the study period . Intrafamilial carriage of a single type of S . pneumoniae and simultaneous spread to more than one family member were commonmspread often occurred in association with an upper respiratory tract infection; simultaneous transmission of S . pneumoniae and a rhinovirus was documented . Preexisting, type-specific serum antibody did not prevent acquisition of homotypic S . pneumoniae but did appear to shorten the duration of pharyngeal carriage . Sera of all 11 adults had greater than 150 ng of antibody nitrogen/ml of homotypic serum antibody (measured by a radioimmunoassay) before colonization . In contrast, only one of 13 preschool children had homotypic antibody concentrations of this magnitude before colonization . A threefold or greater rise in the concentration of homotypic antibody occurred in 13 of 24 children (54%) after acquisition of S . pneumoniae; the increase in antibody concentration was associated with illness in six of the children . On the other hand, acquisition of S . pneumoniae in adults was not associated with an increase in concentration of homotypic serum antibody. Z Immunitatsforsch Exp Klin Immunol, 1975 Jul, 149(2-4), 320 - 30 Interaction of peptidoglycans with anti-IgGs and with complement; Bokisch VA; This report describes the interaction of peptidoglycan (Streptococcus group A, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Micrococcus lysodeikticus) with 2 serum mediator systems, namely with the anti-IgG system and with complement . The observation that the majority of rabbits hyperimmunized with A-variant streptococcal vaccine produced anti-group carbohydrate antisera containing anti-IgGs and antibodies directed to peptidoglycan suggested that the production of these 2 latter antibodies was related . This view was supported by the finding of a monoclonal 7S anti-IgG with antibody specificity for the pentapeptide of peptidoglycan as evidenced by inhibition of the coprecipitation of 7S anti-IgG with antigen-antibody complexes by the pentapeptide . Inhibition of the anti-idiotype reaction by the pentapeptide provided further evidence for the antibody specificity of 7S anti-IgG for peptidoglycan . When added to normal human sera all peptidoglycan preparations inhibited the hemolytic activity of the sera . Consumption of C3 in C2 deficient serum and consumption of C2 in normal serum indicated the activation of both known complement pathways . Activation of the classical pathway of complement was more efficient since 50 mug of peptidoglycan consumed approximately 70% of C2 per ml normal serum whereas more than 2 mg of the same preparations was required to inactivate 17-24% of C3 in C2 deficient sera . Each of the different peptidoglycan preparations consumed similar amounts of complement in all 20 sera tested . This finding suggested that activation of the classical complement pathway by peptidoglycan was not mediated by anti-peptidoglycan antibodies present in only 20-40% of normal human sera. Z Immunitatsforsch Exp Klin Immunol, 1975 Jul, 149(2-4), 273 - 82 The effect of some bacterial products on temperature and sleep in rat; Masek K et al.; The lipopolysaccharides from P . aeruginosa, S . minnesota and mucopeptide from Streptococcus group A injected intravenously into rats induce a dose-dependent changes of temperature . Simultaneously, a profound disturbance of sleep occurs . The administration of salicylate, which markedly suppressed the fever does not influence the mucopeptide-caused sleep disturbance . The most prominent change in the sleep pattern is a marked decrease of the total time of paradoxical sleep . The measurement of turnover rates of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and noradrenaline (NA) in hypothalamus and midbrain, areas involved in temperature and sleep control, after injection of streptococcal mucopeptide demonstrated a significant increase of 5-HT turnover in both areas during fever and paradoxical sleep deprivation . Small electrolytic lesions of the dorsal raphe nuclei which are the largest collection of neural cells containing 5-HT completely eliminated the pyrogenic potency of mucopeptide . The findings suggest that some bacterial products might increase the body temperature through the interference with activity of 5-HT-containing neurons of the raphe complex. Z Immunitatsforsch Exp Klin Immunol, 1975 Jul, 149(2-4), 265 - 72 The thrombocytolytic activity of bacterial peptidoglycans; Ryc M et al.; The peptidoglycan of group A Streptococcus prepared by hot formamide or TCA extraction has an expressive ability to lyse rabbit blood platelets in vitro . Initial changes in the ultrastructure of platelets can be observed after 10 minutes incubation of rabbit platelets with 0.1 mug of Streptococcus peptidoglycan per ml . The submicroscopic alterations are characterized by changes of the shape and damage of the limiting membrane of the platelets . Larger amounts of peptidoglycan (10 mug/ml and more) cause total destruction of platelets; only remainders of the limiting membrane and free granulomers can be seen . Peptidoglycans of Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus exhibit a comparable effect on rabbit platelets . There are substantial differences in the sensitivity of blood platelets of different animal species to the streptococcal peptidoglycan . Rat platelets exhibit a similar thrombocytolytic effect after the Streptococcus peptidoglycan treatment as rabbit ones; however, the development of comparable changes in their submicroscopic structure needs a dose of peptidoglycan 10(2)-10(3) times higher . Platelets of guinea-pig, dog, cat, calf and human appear to be quite resistant under analogous conditions to as such a high dose of Streptococcus peptidoglycan as 500 mug/ml. Z Immunitatsforsch Exp Klin Immunol, 1975 Jul, 149(2-4), 157 - 64 Immunochemical studies with synthetic immunogens chemically related to peptidoglycan; Seidl PH et al.; Rabbits were immunized with synthetic immunogens HSA-(Gly-L-Ala-L-Ala-D-Ala-D-Ala)39 and HSA-(Gly-gamma-D-Glu-L-Ala-D-Ala-D-Ala)40, respectively . Antibodies against HSA-(Gly-L-Ala-L-Ala-D-Ala-D-Ala)39 showed a strong precipitin reaction with the homologous antigen, with HSA-(Gly-gamma-D-Glu-L-Ala-D-Ala-D-Ala)40 and with solubilized peptidoglycan containing peptide subunits with C-terminal D-alanyl-D-alanine . The albumin-peptide conjugates also cross-reacted with rabbit antisera to Streptococcus A-variant, which contain antibodies directed against the peptide moiety of peptidoglycan . The proof for identical determinant groups of peptidoglycan of Streptococcus A-variant and HSA-(Gly-L-Ala-L-Ala-D-Ala-D-Ala)39 was furnished by Ouchterlony gel diffusion studies and by the appropriate inhibition tests of the quantitative precipitin reaction . Immunization of rabbits with HSA-(Gly-gamma-D-Glu-L-Ala-D-Ala-D-Ala)40 yielded antisera which, besides the specificity of antisera to HSA-(Gly-L-Ala-L-Ala-D-Ala-D-Ala)39, showed an additional specificity. Eur J Biochem, 1975 Jun 16, 55(1), 141 - 6 The structure of dihydrofolate reductase . Identification of methionine residues carboxymethylated by iodoacetate with loss of catalytic activity; Gleisner JM et al.; Dihydrofolate reductase from the amethopterin-resistant mutant (strain A) of Streptococcus faecium var . Durans was reacted with iodo{14C}acetate according to three procedures; (a) in the absence of an inhibitor, (b) in the presence of aminopterin, and (c) in absence of inhibitor, but after treatment with unlabeled iodoacetate in presence of aminopterin . The first and last procedures resulted in the loss of approximately 90% of the catalytic activity, whereas in the presence of aminopterin essentially no activity was lost . Peptides were produced from all three labeled proteins by tryptic digestion after citraconylation of the lysine residues . From the amino acid compositions and partial amino acid sequences of these peptides the position of all modified methionines in the sequence was determined . The extent of labeling at each methionine, in enzyme labeled in the different procedures, indicated that methionines 28 and 50 may be at the binding site for inhibitors and that residue 50 is less accessible to iodoacetate than is residue 28 . It is likely that carboxymethylation of residue 28 is responsible for the loss of enzyme activity. Can Med Assoc J, 1975 Jun 14, 112(13 Spec No), 59 - 63 In vitro sensitivity of hemophilus influenzae and streptococcus pyogenes to co-trimoxazole; Leers WD; The invitro testing of Hemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pyogenes for co-trimoxazole sensitivity requires certain "defined" media that have to be free of inhibitory substances . The use of Columbia agar base with Fildes extract for H . influenzae or of blood agar for S . pyogenes may produce "false-resistant" strains . The addition of thymidine phosphorylases in the form of gentlylysed horse blood (2 to 10%) does not remove all inhibitors in those tests, especially where "undefined" agar bases are used, and results in scanty growth of H . influenzae; the addition of more than 2% results in dark plates, making reading of sensitivities difficult . Fildes agar for testing H . influenzae may be made with enriched sheep or horse blood if the proper "defined" agar base is used . The use of Wellcotest or DST (Oxoid) agar is recommended with Fildes extract for H . influenzae or with blood for S . pyogenes for in vitro testing for co-trimoxazole sensitivity . The addition of thymidine phosphorylase in the form of 2% lysed horse blood does not interfere with reading . However, it results in scanty growth of H . influenzae . Proper inoculation of plates is important . The growth on the plates should be light, dense, but not confluent . Heavy growth may render some strains "false-resistant" even when defined media are used . Our results indicate that many of the previously reported resistant strains of H . influenzae and S . pyogenes may have been "false-resistant" because of the use of "undefined" media . We believe that, in view of our results, respiratory infections may be treated with co-trimoxazole until bacteriologic studies prove that this treatment is contraindicated, since H . influenzae and S . pyogenes are usually found sensitive in vitro under proper conditions. Jpn J Antibiot, 1975 Jun, 28(3), 353 - 62 {Clinical study on amoxicillin in otorhinolaryngological field (author's transl)}; Hommura Y et al.; Clinical effect of amoxicillin was evaluated in 29 cases of the acute infections of ear, nose and throat: 8 cases of acute purulent otitis media, one case of acute otitis externa, one case of furuncle of the ear, 2 cases of acute sinusitis, 12 cases of acute lacunar tonsillitis, 2 cases of pharyngolaryngitis, one case of acute cervical lymphadenitis, one case of phlegmon of the face and one case of acute gingivitis . The following results were obtained from the clinical and laboratory studies . 1) The therapeutic results were excellent in 18 cases, good in 5 cases, fair in 3 cases and poor in 3 cases . The effect was observed in 79.3% of the patients treated . 2) The causative bacteria were: 3 strains of beta-Streptococcus hemolyticus, 4 strains of Hemophilus, 4 strains of Staphylococcus aureus, one strain of Diplococcus pneumoniae, one strain of Gram-positive Diplococcus and Gram-negative Bacillus . Clinically good results were obtained in patients infected with beta-Streptococcus hemolyticus, Hemophilus and Diplococcus pneumoniae . 3) No side effect was observed with amoxicillin, except slight diarrhea in one case . This side effect disappeared by cessation of the administration . 4) No unfavourable influence was noticed on peripheral blood, liver function nor renal function by administration of amoxicillin . 5) From the results of this series, amoxicillin seems to be useful in the treatment of acute infections of the ear, nose and throat. Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1975 Jun, (6), 52 - 6 {Induction of autologous tissue disorders in animals tolerant to cross-reacting microbial antigens}; Ogurtsov RP; Injection to newborn C3H mice of streptococcus, group C, or C . albicans vaccines prevented in adult mice induction of the skin autotransplant affection caused by the immunization of these animals with the mentioned microbial vaccines . In response to the immunization with the streptococcus or monilia vaccines the tolerant mice displayed a reduction in the number of cells reacting with the microbial vaccines in the immunoadhesion and blasttransformation reactions; their cytotoxic activity in respect to the syngenous target cells was also diminished. Antibiotiki, 1975 Jun, 20(7), 613 - 7 {Effect of proteolytic enzymes on the antimicrobial activity of antibiotics}; Maloman EN et al.; The results of the studies on the effect of chemotripsin on the antimicrobial activity of monomycin against laboratory cultures, such as Staph . aureus 209 P, E . coli M38 and Streptococcus zymogenes and 20 clinical strains isolated from patients with purulent peritonitis are presented . The studies were performed with the method of two-fold serial dilutions . It was found that chemotripsin decreased 3.2.10-2.6.10(5) times the MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) and the bactericidal concentration of monomycin . The presence of fibrin in the medium inhibited 4-128 times the antibacterial effect of monomycin . The potentiating effect of chemotripsin on monomycin could be explained by both a better "contact" of the antibiotic with the microbes and an direct increase in the antibiotic sensitivity of the microbial cells . Combination of monomycin with chemotripsin provided the use of decreased doses of the antibiotic . It is an effective means of overcoming the antibiotic resistance in pathogenic microbes. J Dairy Res, 1975 Jun, 42(2), 327 - 39 Acid phosphatases activity in cheese and starters; Andrews AT et al.; The acid phosphatase activity levels in a number of Greek cheeses and in Cheddar cheeses were found to be unaffected by storage for up to 18 months and 12 months respectively . In Cheddar cheese, starter organisms made an insignificant contribution to this activity . Studies of acid phosphatase prepared from Streptococcus cremoris-lactis NCDO 762 starter cultures showed that the enzyme was of high molecular weight and largely particle-bound . The pH of optimum activity was 5-2 and the enzyme was inhibited by F-minus,Al-3+, a number of heavy metals, oxidizing agents and sulphydryl-modifying reagents . Kinetic measurements at pH 5-2 gave a Km value for p-nitrophenyl phosphate of 1-2 mM . Orthophosphate, pyrophosphate and isoelectrically precipitated casein behaved as competitive inhibitors to the hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl phosphate with Ki values of 1-2 mM, 1-0 mM, 1-0 MM and 1-1 mM respectively . In spite of this binding to the enzyme, casein provided a very poor substrate for the starter acid phosphatase . The properties of acid phosphatase present in Cheddar cheese made with Str . cremoris NCDO 924 starter were consistent with the enzyme being exclusively of milk origin and small differences between this and the acid phosphatase previously isolated from bovine milk were attributable to the binding of peptides produced during the cheese maturation to the enzyme molecules . It was concluded that in cheese, phosphatase action was due largely to the enzyme of milk origin, with that provided by the starter being of minor importance. J Clin Invest, 1975 Jun, 55(6), 1357 - 72 The role of superoxide anion generation in phagocytic bactericidal activity . Studies with normal and chronic granulomatous disease leukocytes; Johnston RB Jr et al.; The capacity of human phagocytes to generate superoxide anion (O2-), a free radical of oxygen, and a possible role for this radical or its derivatives in the killing of phagocytized bacteria were explored using leukocytes from normal individuals and patients with chronic granulomatous d