Bacteriological

Vet Med (Praha), 1982 Aug, 27(8), 449 - 58
{Differences in susceptibility of cows, in half-sisters by the same sire to mastitis}; S'tavikova M et al.; The set of 9,555 cows, Bohemian Spotted breed, was studied if the sires contributed significantly to higher resistance, or on the contrary to susceptibility, of daughters to mastitis . The study was performed in 67 groups of half-sisters . Statistically highly significant (P less than 0.01) and significant (P less than 0.05) differences were proved as regards the frequency of bacteriologically positive and negative half-sisters in 36 groups as compared with the frequency ratio of positive and negative animals in the population . The daughters of 20 sires were more influenced in the positive sense, i . e . they suffered from mastitis less frequently than the daughters of 16 sires with a higher occurrence of the disease.

Gut, 1982 Aug, 23(8), 706 - 9
New disinfecting apparatus for gastrointestinal fibre-endoscopes; O'Connor HJ et al.; Bacterial contamination of gastrointestinal fibre-endoscopes is a potential source of clinically significant infection . Aqueous 2% alkaline glutaraldehyde adequately disinfects fibre-endoscopes but may cause serious sensitivity reactions among endoscopy staff . A new 'closed-system' disinfecting apparatus is described that disinfects with glutaraldehyde for 30 minutes before an endoscopy session, for two minutes between patient procedures, and for 10 minutes before storage . Bacteriological cultures of the endoscope after disinfection were virtually sterile . Extremely low glutaraldehyde vapour levels were detected by gas chromatography in endoscopy room air during disinfection procedures . This relatively simple apparatus offers rapid, effective, and safe disinfection of fibre-endoscopes.

Clin Exp Immunol, 1982 Aug, 49(2), 317 - 24
Improved leucocyte migration inhibition response of leucocytes from lepromatous leprosy patients with hapten modified M . leprae; Fotedar A et al.; Two acetoacetylated derivatives of Mycobacterium leprae with variable hapten groups and a conjugate with tetanus toxoid were prepared . These were tested as antigens along with unmodified M . leprae in the leucocyte migration inhibition response of leucocytes from clinically, bacteriologically and histopathologically confirmed cases of lepromatous leprosy . LMI response was poor with M . leprae, but was significantly enhanced with acetoacetylated M . leprae.

Jpn J Antibiot, 1982 Aug, 35(8), 2015 - 21
{Clinical studies on cefmenoxime in the intensive care unit}; Taenaka N; Two to 6 g of CMX was administered daily to 9 patients who were admitted to ICU, i.e . 5 cases with pneumonia and 4 with sepsis . In all cases, CMX was administered concomitantly with aminoglycoside which had been administered, and additional administration of other antibiotics was avoided . Bacteriologically, P . aeruginosa was isolated from 4 cases, K . pneumoniae from 4 cases, S . marcescens, P . mirabilis and P . cepacia respectively from 1 case . The CMX treatment was considered effective in 4 of 5 pneumonia cases and in 3 of 4 sepsis cases . In total, 7 of 9 cases responded effectively . The clinical effective rate was 77.8% . Elevation of GOT and GPT values was noticed in 1 case, however, the causality with CMX administration was unclear.

Am J Surg, 1982 Aug, 144(2), 257 - 61
Short-term systemic prophylaxis with cefoxitin and doxycycline in colorectal surgery . A prospective, randomized study; Ivarsson L et al.; The efficacy of cefoxitin or doxycycline as antibiotic prophylaxis in colorectal surgery was compared in 102 elective operations . Both drugs were used perioperatively only . Cefoxitin was used in 55 cases and doxycycline in 47 . Ten patients in the cefoxitin group and 4 in doxycycline group had wound infections . Three intraabdominal abscesses were seen, one after cefoxitin and two after doxycycline prophylaxis . All three were due to anastomotic leakage . Bacteriologic studies revealed no negative ecologic effects of prophylaxis . The short-term prophylaxis used did protect against serious infectious complications . The extended spectrum of cefoxitin provided no added benefit in prophylaxis . Patients with inflammatory bowel disease treated preoperatively with salicylazosulfapyridine run a greater risk of postoperative infection in spite of the prophylaxis.

Schweiz Med Wochenschr, 1982 Jul 17, 112(29), 1049 - 54
{Traveler's diarrhea}; Markwalder K et al.; Travelers' diarrhea is of concern to practitioners in temperate countries in two ways: people ask advice for effective prophylaxis before they leave for tropical regions, and returning travelers often complain of diarrhea after a journey to the tropics . Diarrhea at the beginning of a trip to southern regions is mainly due to bacterial pathogens; later, a parasitic origin for diarrhea becomes an increasing possibility . A rational and economic diagnostic approach to the diarrhea of returning travelers does not necessarily and always include bacteriological stool cultures . Situations warranting a wait-and-see symptomatic treatment are discussed . The authors believe that chemoprophylaxis for traveler's diarrhea should not be prescribed as a general measure.

Ann Acad Med Singapore, 1982 Jul, 11(3), 458 - 63
Immunology in Singapore--past and future; Chan SH; In the past, immunology in Singapore was mainly confined to serology for the diagnosis of certain infectious diseases . Postgraduate education for immunology was not well developed and its undergraduate training was restricted to a few lectures within bacteriology . With the establishment of the W.H.O . IRTC in 1969, training and research in immunology were further developed and a group of scientists and technicians to conduct research work was subsequently built up . This enabled the Centre to provide some immunological services to the Government and University, and soon extended these to our neighbouring countries as well . Further research and the maintenance of international standards are essential for the future development of immunology in Singapore . And this is only possible with the moral and financial support of the Government, University and private granting bodies.

Ann Osp Maria Vittoria Torino, 1982 Jul-Dec, 24(7-12), 251 - 9
{Endocervical and vaginal changes in women wearing IUD's}; Botta G et al.; The authors have studied the endocervical and vaginal changes in common vaginal smears from IUD supplied women . 521 smears from IUD supplied women have been comparized with 500 "normal" smears and 210 from women affected by lesions of the cervix uteri . The results point out that the IUD seems to be the cause of two different alterations: 1) bacteriological changes; 2) cytological changes . 1) There is a noticeable increase in mixed bacterial population and trichomonas; this picture corresponds to the one in women with cervical ectopia . 2) Cytologically there is an increase in parabasal-like cells as those from areas of squamous metaplasia . The Aa . assume that probable hormonal or mechanical changes may cause a squamous metaplasia of the cervix uteri in IUD supplied women . These stimuli themselves are the probable cause of the microbial morbid variations.

J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino), 1982 Jul-Aug, 23(4), 338 - 43
Pneumococcal aortic valvar endocarditis with atrio-ventricular perforation; Louagie Y et al.; A case of pneumococcal endocarditis, complicated by a left ventricular-right atrial fistula and a rapidly progressing cardiac failure in a 56 year-old man, is reported here . In the acute period, an aortic valve prosthesis was installed and the atrio-ventricular fistula was closed with patches of pericardium . After serious post-operative complications, the patient left the clinic, cured of his bacterial endocarditis . He unfortunately died two months later of a massive myocardial infarction caused by a previously unrecognized atheromatous stenosis of the anterior descending branch and occlusion of the circumflex vessel . The authors discuss the bacteriological, anatomopathological and clinical aspects of this rare complication of bacterial endocarditis in light of the current available literature.

Ann Intern Med, 1982 Jul, 97(1), 18 - 21
Antibiotic therapy of acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis . A controlled study using tetracycline; Nicotra MB et al.; We conducted a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial in 40 patients to evaluate the need for antibiotics in acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis . All patients were sufficiently ill to require hospitalization although none needed ventilatory support; the presence of pneumonia was excluded . Treatment consisted of bronchodilators, corticosteroids, and either tetracycline, 500 mg, or placebo by mouth every 6 hours for 1 week . Arterial blood gases, spirometric tests, bacteriologic evaluation of sputum, and patient and physician evaluation of the severity of illness were assessed at the beginning and end of the study . All patients improved both symptomatically and by objective measures of lung function . At the end of the study period there were no differences between those patients receiving tetracycline and those receiving placebo . We conclude that antibiotic therapy is not needed in moderately ill patients with exacerbations of chronic bronchitis.

Laryngoscope, 1982 Jul, 92(7 Pt 1), 732 - 8
Evaluation of orbital cellulitis and results of treatment; Schramm VL Jr et al.; Optimal management of patients with orbital cellulitis depends on how accurately the disease is classified and on the appropriateness with which antibiotics and surgery are used to treat the disease . Therapy must be adjusted on the basis of the extent of the disease . In order to determine the balance of treatment modalities which is most beneficial for certain disease presentations, we reviewed a series of 303 patients with orbital cellulitis . The anatomical and bacteriological etiology of the disease was determined in each case on the basis of the examination, visual acuity, results of sinus radiography, results of culture, ultrasonography, and computerized tomography . To avoid the 5% complication rate that occurred in this series, an evaluation and treatment protocol is recommended.

Crit Care Med, 1982 Jul, 10(7), 444 - 7
Colonization of the gastric contents in critically ill patients; Hillman KM et al.; In a study of 28 ventilated patients in the ICU, cimetidine was ineffective in maintaining gastric pH above 4 . Quantitative and qualitative bacteriological examination of daily gastric aspirates showed that when the pH was above 4, there was rapid colonization with high counts of organisms, predominantly coliforms . Progressive colonization by yeasts, independent of pH, was noted in nearly one-half of the patients . Gastric colonization has possible implications in terms of crossinfection of development of aspiration pneumonia . As these are seriously ill patients with compromised gastrointestinal (GI) barriers and decreased immunity, the large numbers of bacteria or their endotoxins may contribute to the high incidence of septicemia.

Lepr India, 1982 Jul, 54(3), 448 - 53
Solid, fragmented and granular index as one of the parameters in drug trials; Sharma VD et al.; A bacteriological study of the skin smears of 108 bacteriologically positive cases of leprosy, 30 of them untreated, has been undertaken . In each case solid, fragmented and granular (SFG) index, bacteriological index (BI) and morphological index (MI) of skin smears from 4 sites were calculated . The results show that SFG index together with BI can be used as one of the parameters in drug trials . The importance of SFG index in research and as a routine laboratory procedure in leprosy control units undertaking multi drug therapy is discussed.

Rev Ig Bacteriol Virusol Parazitol Epidemiol Pneumoftiziol Pneumoftiziol, 1982 Jul-Sep, 31(3), 205 - 10
{Incidence and prevalence of chronic pulmonary tuberculosis in the Cîmpulung-Argeş district 1972-1980}; Diaconescu M et al.; The study concerns 53 cases of chronic and hyperchronic pulmonary tuberculosis followed over a period of 9 years (1972-1980) . These cases are analysed from the viewpoint of the frequency of the disease in relation to age, sex and environment, as well as from the viewpoint of the localization, morphology, and bacteriology of the lesions . References are further made to causes which lead to chronicization of pulmonary tuberculosis starting from the cases in this group . The efficiency of the strictly supervised treatment is evaluated by the dynamics of chronic pulmonary tuberculosis over the 9 year period, as well as problems related to socio-professional rehabilitation of the patients.

Sem Hop, 1982 Jul 1, 58(26-27), 1617 - 21
{Skin flora of the hands, elbow-hollow and fore-arm (author's transl)}; Reverdy ME et al.; During five years, the values of the skin flora of the hands, fore-arm and elbow-hollow were studied on volunteers, especially five of them . Samples were taken according to the washing method . Results show important quantitative variations of the flora between the differents volunteers and even for a same volunteer . In the five long term followed subjects, the differences were: 2.17 log 10 for aerobic flora and 1.97 log 10 for aeroanaerobic flora of the hands, 3.90 log 10 for aerobic flora and 3.88 log 10 for aero-anaerobic flora of the fore-arm, 2.95 log 10 for aerobic flora and 3.35 log 10 for aero-anaerobic flora of the elbow-hollow . These variations remained independent of the season . According to these variations, already notified by others authors it is suggested first to standardize sampling and bacteriological methods, second to develop multicentric programs in view to increase the number of subjects to be included in the study.

S Afr Med J, 1982 Jun 5, 61(23), 871 - 2
{The relationship between bacterial sputum analysis and infection}; Opperman JC; Sputum specimens were examined microscopically for the presence of squamous epithelial cell (SECs) and leucoctyes . Where less than 10 SECs and more than 25 leucocytes per low-power field were present, pathogenic organisms were isolated from 84% of patients with pulmonary infections . Sputum specimens which did not comply with these requirements showed a weaker correlation and more non-pathogenic organisms of the buccal cavity were isolated . The bacteriological isolates in sputum specimens and the clinical conditions with which they were associated in this series, are described.

Jpn J Antibiot, 1982 Jun, 35(6), 1395 - 8
{Studies on fortimicin in the field of ophthalmology}; Matsuya N et al.; Bacteriological and clinical studies of fortimicin in the field of ophthalmology were performed and the results obtained were as follows . 1 . The concentration of fortimicin in serum, primary aqueous humor and secondary aqueous humor after intramuscular injection of 30 mg/kg to rabbit reached the peak value of 23.36 microgram/ml after 1/2 hour, 6.07 microgram/ml after 1 hour and 60.6 microgram/ml after 1 hour, respectively . 2 . The concentration of fortimicin in primary aqueous humor after subconjunctival injection of 10 mg (0.5 ml) in the rabbit eye reached the peak value of 8.06 microgram/ml after 1/2 hour . 3 . The concentration of fortimicin in plasma and primary aqueous humor after intramuscular injection of 200 mg in patients of cataract before operation reached the value of 8.85 microgram/ml and 0.74 microgram/ml after 1 hour . 4 . Fortimicin was administered to 5 cases of internal hordeolum and 2 cases of corneal ulcer . Clinical effects were excellent in 3 cases, good in 2 cases and fair in 2 cases . Side effect was observed diarrhea, but the causal relationship with fortimicin was unknown.

Can J Microbiol, 1982 Jun, 28(6), 667 - 71
The occurrence of filamentous fungi in drinking water distribution systems; Nagy LA et al.; The densities of filamentous fungal colonies, together with physicochemical and bacteriological parameters, were assessed in a chlorinated and unchlorinated drinking water distribution system at eight separate times over a period of 1 year . Filamentous fungal colonies were enumerated by membrane filtration on Czapek-Dox agar . The mean number of filamentous fungal colony-forming units per 100 mL of drinking water was 18 in the unchlorinated and 34 in the chlorinated system . The majority of filamentous fungi isolated wee saprophytic Deuteromycotina . The four most frequently occurring genera were Penicillium, Sporocybe, Acremonium, and Paecilomyces . In the chlorinated system, only physicochemical parameters correlated with observed fungal frequencies, whereas in the unchlorinated system, none of the parameters exhibited significant correlations with fungal numbers.

Am Rev Respir Dis, 1982 Jun, 125(6), 681 - 3
Rifampin-containing chemotherapy for pulmonary tuberculosis associated with coal workers' pneumoconiosis; Jones FL Jr; The outcomes of 20 anthracite miners with coal workers' pneumoconiosis and culture-proved pulmonary tuberculosis treated with rifampin-containing chemotherapeutic regimens were determined by a retrospective review . Their mean age was 65 yr, and the duration of underground dust exposure averaged 27 yr . Nine miners had simple pneumoconiosis, 11 had progressive massive fibrosis, and 13 had cavitary disease; 3 also had extrapulmonary disease . All patients were given rifampin (mean, 12 months in survivors) plus one or more other effective agents; the mean duration of treatment with 2 or more drugs was 17 months . Follow-up averaged 46 months in those surviving more than 1 yr . Sputum cultures became negative and remained so within 3 months in 17 patients and within 5 months in the remainder . Eighteen patients survived more than 1 yr after completing chemotherapy . No clinical, radiologic, or bacteriologic relapses were observed during follow-up, but 5 patients died of nontuberculous causes . These results are superior to those reported previously in patients with coal workers' pneumoconiosis treated for pulmonary tuberculosis with regimens not containing rifampin . They suggest that treatment of tuberculosis in coal workers, even in the presence of progressive massive fibrosis and cavitary disease, can yield results as favorable as in nonpneumoconiotic patients provided the initial treatment regimen includes rifampin plus one or more other effective agents.

Biull Eksp Biol Med, 1982 Jun, 93(6), 122 - 3
{Development method providing fine-grain electron microscopic radioautographs}; Pal'tsyn AA et al.; A modification of the development of electron microscopy autoradiographs with p-phenylenediamine is suggested . The development in the mode described was found fairly convenient for bacteriological studies . The method provides small silver grains specific in shape, which leave open the greater part of a bacterium even in the presence of considerable accumulation of silver grains . The grains can be readily counted . The development results are reasonably reproducible.

Parasitology, 1982 Jun, 84(Pt 3), 511 - 26
Growth of Trypanosoma cruzi in vitro: development and application of a continuous-flow culture system; Williams GT et al.; The design and operation of a modular, bacteriological continuous-flow culture system have been adapted for the growth of Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigotes in simple monophasic media . The system was designed to achieve a minimum of 200 days of continuous culture and provision was made for the continuous supply of medium and collection of parasites under sterile conditions . The system provides large quantities of epimastigotes with homogeneous morphology and uniform viability . The system also lends itself to the analysis of the factors which affect parasite growth . We examined the effects of changes in environmental parameters on epimastigote growth rate . Optimal growth was observed at 27 degrees C . The rate of stirring of the culture had a small but definable effect on the growth rate, which was greatest at 80 rp.m . Growth was only slightly affected by the level of dissolved oxygen between 10 and 50% saturation, but was inhibited at higher concentrations . Growth was slower at extreme values of pH but showed a broad optimum around pH 7.4.

Am J Clin Nutr, 1982 Jun, 35(6), 1490 - 6
Enteral nutrition by nasogastric tube in adult patients treated with intensive chemotherapy for acute leukemia; de Vries EG et al.; In this study, nutritional status 3 wk after starting 20 induction course of chemotherapy with enteral nasogastric tube feeding was compared to the nutritional status after 35 courses with a normal oral hospital diet . Tube feeding consisted of 2000 to 3000 cal daily of a hospital made pasteurized formula or sterile Nutrison RTS . In the group fed by nasogastric tube the mean weight loss was significantly smaller (p less than 0.01) and there were fewer patients with a severe weight loss of more than 5% during the first 3 wk (p less than 0.01) than in the hospital diet group . Serum albumin reduction of more than 10% was present in 4/20 and 23/35 for each group respectively (p less than 0.01) . Bacterial contamination occurred in the pasteurized hospital-made formula which led to Pseudomonas septicemia in one patient . During a short-term catabolic state (3 wk) sterile feeding by nasogastric tube can prevent weight loss and hypoalbuminemia in most patients . Bacteriological control of the food and supply system is mandatory in granulocytopenic patients.

Jpn J Antibiot, 1982 Jun, 35(6), 1523 - 52
{Comparative study on cefmetazole and cefazolin in the treatment of suppurative otitis media}; Baba S et al.; Cefmetazole (CMZ) was compared to cefazolin (CEZ) for efficacy and safety in the treatment of suppurative otitis media (including acute otitis media and chronic otitis media in acute aggravating stage) under well controlled clinical trials . The therapeutic effects were analyzed statistically in 172 patients (82 administered CMZ, 90 administered CEZ) . The adverse reactions were also analyzed statistically in 199 patients (CMZ 99, CEZ 100) in whom the judgement was possible . 1 . The efficacy rate of CMZ (72.3% for good to excellent response) was assessed by physicians in charge to be similar to that of CEZ (59.3%) . This was the same being assessed by the committee, too (CMZ 64.6%, CEZ 56.7%) . 2 . When patients were classified into 2 groups (acute otitis media, chronic otitis media in acute aggravating stage) with respect to diagnosis, statistically significant difference in clinical efficacy assessed by physicians in charge was observed in the cases with chronic otitis media (CMZ, CEZ) . In addition, the improvements of flares on the drum membrane and the mucous membrane of eardrum were significantly better in the CMZ group than in the CEZ group . 3 . Bacteriologically, 16 cases (19.8%) of S . aureus were resistant to CEZ, while only 1 case (1.2%) to CMZ . CMZ was judged to be effective in 5 of the 6 cases in which CEZ-resistant strains were detected . 4 . Side effects were found in 2 cases (2.0%) treated with CMZ: one complained of retching and abdominal pain and the other developed skin eruption . On the other hand, only 1 case (1.0%) developed skin eruption in the CEZ group . These results suggest that CMZ is a new antibiotic agent which is highly valuable in the treatment of suppurative otitis media.

J Clin Neuroophthalmol, 1982 Jun, 2(2), 77 - 83
Is penicillin therapy always infallible in syphilis?
Collart P, Poitevin M.
Penicillin is undoubtedly the antibiotic most effective on Treponema pallidum, but is it possible to prescribe it according to a standard regimen? Experimentation proves that such a uniform therapeutic plan cannot be determined for the following reasons: 1) Treponema pallidum may divide every 30 to 33 hours, but this concept is only established during the period of exponential growth in the initial lesion . Moreover, if Treponema pallidum are very quickly disseminated throughout the organism, then they do not divide at the same rate . In addition, we take into account a whole series of factors which can interfere with their rate of multiplication . 2) A penicillinemia of 0.03 U/ml may kill all the Treponema pallidum when they divide, but Dr . Eagle's data, although this would be a fairly active serum level, showed that the effective maximal serum concentration should be far higher, about 0.820 U/ml . The experimental data prove it is not possible to point out an accurate correlation between blood and tissue levels; thus, the penicillin levels in the cerebrospinal fluid are about 1/100 lower than those obtained in the serum . Among other factors it is necessary to take into account not only the age of the patient but also the penicillin complex chosen . Although the total of injected penicillin can be the same, the kinetics of serum levels are essentially variable, both regarding the increase of levels and duration according to the drug used . 3) As noted it follows that penicillinotherapy prescribed early with high and prolonged doses may allow a bacteriologic sterilization of primary syphilis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Br Med J (Clin Res Ed), 1982 May 29, 284(6329), 1594 - 6
Sterile microenvironment in prevention of wound infection; Scott JM et al.; A prospective controlled trial was carried out to assess the effect of using a wound isolator on reducing postoperative infection . A total of 291 patients undergoing hip pinning for fractures of the neck of femur entered the trial and were allocated at random to have their wound contained in a wound isolator (study group) or dressed with a standard gamma-irradiated adhesive dressing (control group) . The bacteriological flora of the patient was monitored before, during, and after operation and that of the ward before and after . No significant difference was found in the flora of the wards in which the patients were nursed . On several occasions the source of the infective organism was traced to the ward but never to the theatre . The isolator prevented direct contamination and airborne cross-infection of the wound and appreciably reduced the rate of infection.

Lancet, 1982 May 29, 1(8283), 1199 - 202
Once-monthly rifampicin plus daily dapsone in initial treatment of lepromatous leprosy; Yawalkar SJ et al.; In an international multicentre controlled single-blind trial of 93 previously untreated lepromatous leprosy patients the therapeutic effects of adding rifampicin, 450 mg/day orally or 1,200 mg once monthly in a single oral dose, to dapsone (50 mg/day orally) for the first 6 months of treatment were compared . Clinical and histopathological improvements and bacteriological regression, indicated by the decreases in the bacterial and morphological indices of the skin and nose-blow smears, were satisfactory and practically identical after 6 months' treatment . The once-monthly rifampicin schedule was better tolerated than the daily one . In view of the good therapeutic efficacy and tolerability, the much lower cost of treatment (about one-tenth of that of the daily rifampicin regimen) and the possibility of administration under supervision, once-monthly rifampicin given in a single oral 1,200 mg dose should be recommended, along with a standard dapsone regimen, for large-scale, initial, and intensive combination treatment of patients with lepromatous and borderline-lepromatous leprosy, to help prevent an increase in dapsone resistance . A third antileprosy drug (e.g., clofazimine) may be added to this initial dual-treatment regimen.

Sem Hop, 1982 May 27, 58(21), 1301 - 4
{Comparative study of the bacteriologic value of samples taken by transtracheal aspiration or fiberoptic bronchoscopy}; Peltier P et al.; To evaluate two methods of obtaining lower respiratory tract secretions, fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FB) and transtracheal aspiration (TA) were performed in ten patients . FB used an open-end brush-in catheter . TA was performed as described by Pecora . TA gave significantly better sensitivity and specificity (3/5 and O false positive results respectively) than FB (2/5 and 5 false positive results) . TA gives specimens which reflect the bacterial flora of the lung more reliably than those taken during FB.

Clin Chim Acta, 1982 May 20, 121(2), 265 - 70
Determination of endotoxin using fluorescent probe; Yoshida K et al.; Bacterial endotoxin induces gel-formation of amebocyte lysate . This gelation test, the limulus test, was first described by Levin and Bang {1} . The limulus test has been widely used for the detection of endotoxin, not only in fundamental bacteriological research but also in clinical diseases {2} . Although the technique of the limulus test is simple, the endotoxin level can not be determined quantitatively . We developed a method to determine the endotoxin in physiological saline solution and glucose solutions using a fluorescent probe, fluorescamine.

Schweiz Med Wochenschr, 1982 May 15, 112(20), 713 - 8
{Beta-lactamase producing gonococci in the Zurich region . Epidemiology and sensitivity to various antibiotics}; Eichmann F et al.; In a period of 15 months 601 patients (440 males, 161 females) with uncomplicated genital gonorrhea were examined bacteriologically and clinically . Diagnosis was by microscopy and culture . The sensitivity of the gonococci strains to antibiotics was tested by agar disc and the agar plate dilution culture media . 10 cases of penicillinase producing gonococci strains were found among the 601 isolates . The presence of beta-lactamase activity in all strains was confirmed by the chromogenic cephalosporin test . PPNG strains proved to be highly resistant to penicillin . These strains (PPNG) have been imported from South East Asia and West Africa . Among the isolates, only 2 cases of the South East Asian strains displayed the common tetracycline resistance . All PPNG strains were sensitive to spectinomycin and cefuroxine.

Arch Otolaryngol, 1982 May, 108(5), 315 - 8
Nasal obstruction . Adenoiditis vs adenoid hypertrophy; Kveton JF et al.; The terms "adenoiditis" and "adenoid hyperplasia" are often used interchangeably to describe posterior nasal obstruction in children, tending to obscure indications for adenoidectomy . To more clearly define the role of the adenoid bed in nasal obstruction and its relationship to aural disease, we examined tissue obtained at adenoidectomy from 22 children via the quantitative bacteriological technique . In three patients, adenoidectomy was performed for nasal obstruction alone, in nine patients for serous otitis media and nasal obstruction, and in ten patients for nasal obstruction with serous otitis media and recurrent bacterial otitis . Using the criteria that 10(5) bacteria per gram of tissue indicates infection, 90% of the patients in the last group had infected adenoids vs 8% of the patients in the first two groups . Quantitative immunoglobulin levels, WBC counts, or preoperative antibiotic therapy was not helpful in determining which patients had infected adenoids . Pressure-equalizing tubes were placed when appropriate . A follow-up of nine to 22 months is included.

Rev Infect Dis, 1982 May-Jun, 4 Suppl, S122 - 8
Comparative properties of spiroplasmas and emerging taxonomic concepts: a proposal; Davis RE et al.; The major serogroups and distinct subgroups of spiroplasmas seem to represent distinct species . The scheme of classification into these groups was initially based on serologic properties and later supported by the results of studies of DNA-DNA homology and polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic analyses of cellular proteins . Because separate subgroups within the same major serogroup cross-react in growth inhibition tests and other serologic tests, a taxonomic scheme is proposed which implies that certain major criteria for species differentiation within the genus Mycoplasma cannot be appropriately applied to the genus Spiroplasma without modification . Nevertheless, the grouping scheme and proposed speciation satisfy requirements for a species concept that is utilitarian and operational and consistent with recommendations by the International Committee on Systematic Bacteriology, Subcommittee on the Taxonomy of Mollicutes.

An Esp Pediatr, 1982 May, 16(5), 377 - 82
{Appendicular peritonitis: antibiotics and complications (author's transl)}; Eizaguirre I et al.; A retrospective study of the complications and bacteriologic findings in a group of 500 appendectomies in children under seven years is reported . A prospective trial on 64 appendiceal peritonitis revealed that there were no significant differences between two antibiotic policies (clindamycin plus gentamycin vs . cefoxitine alone) in regard to postoperative septic complications . Nevertheless, both policies significantly decreased the number of intraabdominal abscesses as compared with the treatments applied during the years of the retrospective study . No improvement was observed in the number of wound infections.

Res Vet Sci, 1982 May, 32(3), 387 - 8
Failure to demonstrate the maintenance of leptospires by house mice (Mus musculus) in the south east of England; Hathaway SC et al.; A total of 272 house mice (Mus musculus) were trapped in farm buildings at four widely separated locations of south east England and examined for serological and bacteriological evidence of leptospiral infection . Only two low titres to autumnalis antigen (1:20 and 1:40) were recorded and all mice were bacteriologically negative . The absence of leptospiral infection in the house mouse in south east England is an interesting ecological finding, as this species is a maintenance host for ballum in many countries and also a common carrier of several other serovars . The source of ballum infections in domestic stock in England remains unknown.

Ophthalmology, 1982 May, 89(5), 492 - 8
Orbital abscess . Presentation, diagnosis, therapy, and sequelae; Krohel GB et al.; Fifteen cases of orbital abscess were reviewed . Significant morbidity occurred despite treatment with intravenous antibiotics and surgical drainage . The complications included visual loss to less than 20/200 (four patients), residual proptosis (two patients), residual diplopia (two patients), osteomyelitis (one patient), and death (one patient) . Seven patients reported no pain . Fever was absent in eight patients . Four patients had normal white blood cell counts . Many of these patients had received inappropriate or inadequate doses of oral antibiotics before referral . Partially treated cases of orbital abscess may not manifest the expected clinical findings of orbital infection . Four patients presented in an insidious fashion with symptoms evolving over weeks to months . Their subacute presentations in the absence of fever, pain, or elevated white blood cell count mimicked the onset of orbital tumors . CT scan failed to detect an abscess in two cases . Conjunctival and nasal cultures were not helpful in determining the bacteriologic etiology of these infections . Surgical drainage and appropriate antibiotic therapy is the definitive treatment of orbital abscess.

Can J Surg, 1982 May, 25(3), 304 - 7
The conduct of cholecystectomy: incision, drainage, bacteriology and postoperative complications; Lewis RT et al.; The benefits of some ancillary techniques of cholecystectomy are exaggerated by retrospective study of selected patients . Therefore, the authors performed a prospective, randomized study of 100 consecutive patients who underwent simple elective cholecystectomy for chronic cholecystitis and cholelithiasis . No patient was excluded because of incomplete hemostasis or fear of bile leakage . The frequency of pulmonary complications and wound infections was independent of the type of incision--vertical or subcostal . Peritoneal drainage was found to be unnecessary . Short-term drainage may increase the frequency of postoperative fever, but did not increase pulmonary complications or wound infections . In these patients, intra-abdominal sepsis is rare; wound infections were uncommon and the gallbladder bile was usually sterile and not the cause of postoperative infection.

J Assoc Off Anal Chem, 1982 May, 65(3), 602 - 7
Detection of invasiveness of mammalian cells by Escherichia coli: collaborative study; Mehlman IJ et al.; In a collaborative study of 2 standard procedures (Procedure I, presented in J . Assoc . Off . Anal . Chem . 60, 546-562 (1977) and Procedure II in the Bacteriological Analytical Manual, 1978), 7 laboratories evaluated the invasive potential of Escherichia coli . Monolayers of HeLa cultures were infected with E . coli (infectivity ratio 100 bacteria/mammalian cell) suspended in 2 menstrua: heat-inactivated fetal bovine serum (Procedure I) and 0.2% bovine albumin Fraction V dissolved in Earle's buffered salts (Procedure II) . After uptake of the bacteria, intracellular growth, and differential staining, the percentages of HeLa cells containing a minimum of 5 bacteria were determined microscopically . All laboratories correctly identified invasiveness of E . coli by Procedure I; 5 of 6 laboratories recognized invasiveness by Procedure II . Although Procedure I was more reproducible than Procedure II, repeatability did not differ significantly . Procedure I was adopted official first action for presumptive recognition of invasiveness in E . coli.

Clin Nephrol, 1982 May, 17(5), 262 - 5
Tuberculosis affecting a cadaveric renal allograft; Walker JF et al.; Tuberculosis is one of the more serious infections complicating renal transplantation . Although the incidence appears to be low, a dose of prednisone greater than 10 mg daily has been associated with a more severe form of disease . A case of tuberculosis with renal allograft involvement is described with documented bacteriological and radiological involvement in which treatment was successful with anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy . Deterioration in renal function did not occur . The prophylaxis of patients undergoing transplantation with a history of tuberculosis and the features, diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis affecting a renal allograft are discussed.

J Dent Res, 1982 May, 61(5), 665 - 72
Degradation of luting cements measured in vitro; Mesu FP; The described method of measuring degradation of luting cements in vitro, by which various media, including bacteriological, can be used, gives results indicating that degradation is a more complex process than could previously be measured . Degradation appears to be a process following a sequence of absorption, disintegration, and solution . Factors, such as cement, thickness of the cement layer, molarity, and pH of the medium, affect, mostly by interaction, the degradation speed . Though the clinical predictability of this test method is not yet determined, it gives the opportunity to measure the various stages of degradation and to appoint the different factors affecting this process . Clinical tests based on the same principle are in progress.

JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr, 1982 May-Jun, 6(3), 232 - 5
Bacterial safety of reconstituted continuous drip tube feeding; Hostetler C et al.; Chemically defined diets require reconstitution and transfer to a delivery system . When reconstituted High Vivonex was noted in our Medical Center to be bacteriologically contaminated, we instituted a series of control procedures . We then reevaluated bacterial growth in reconstituted High Nitrogen Vivonex and diluted Isocal under ward conditions . The mixtures were prepared with sterile water versus tap water, using a hand washed blender versus a machine washed blender . We also investigated the bacteriological effect of blast freezing reconstituted High Nitrogen Vivonex . All preparations of the nonfrozen High Nitrogen Vivonex showed occasional low level contamination, although quantitative cultures did not show logarithmic growth over eight hours of observation . No growth occurred in the blast frozen High Nitrogen Vivonex or in the Isocal . We conclude that reconstituted High Nitrogen Vivonex and diluted Isocal may be prepared and hung safely for eight hours, and that blast freezing of High Nitrogen Vivonex is bacteriologically safe . As a result of our initial findings of bacteriologic contamination, we believe a program for bacterial monitoring of the tube feeding is desirable.

J Med Microbiol, 1982 May, 15(2), 181 - 7
Identification of Legionella pneumophila antigens and antibodies by immunoferritin electron microscopy; Rodgers FG; Material from 18 lungs positive for Legionella pneumophila and 21 strains of legionella grown on bacteriological media or in the yolk sac of fertile hen's eggs were examined by direct negative stain and immunoferritin electronmicroscopy . The 18 lung samples and all preparations of cultivated organisms showed the presence of bacteria with the typical morphology of L . pneumophila . By immunoferritin electronmicroscopy, with specific antisera, it was possible to serogroup the organisms . The immunoferritin method in reverse made it possible to detect and titrate antibody in sera from patients . Direct and immunoferritin electronmicroscopy were as sensitive as immunofluorescent antibody tests for detecting the antigens and antibodies of Legionnaires' disease . Additional advantages of the ultrastructural technique are discussed.

Monatsschr Kinderheilkd, 1982 May, 130(5), 287 - 91
{Infectious gastroenteritis in childhood (author's transl)}; Leidel J et al.; Stool specimens from 126 children with acute gastroenteritis and from 42 controls were screened bacteriologically and virologically including electron-microscopy . Rota viruses were found in 36.5% of the children with diarrhoea, enteropathogenic E . coli in 13.5% and candida in 7.1% . These pathogens were not found in the controls . Enteroviruses were found in almost the same frequency in both groups (13.5% in children with gastroenteritis, 16.6% in the controls) . The etiologic role of adenoviruses, which could be seen in 5.6% of the diarrhoea group, remains unexplained.

Pharm Weekbl Sci, 1982 Apr 23, 4(2), 49 - 56
A new approach to sterilization conditions . The IMO concept; van Asten J et al.; The sterilization requirements for medical/pharmaceutical applications are traditionally based on an extensive overkill . In the past few years, however, an evolution towards bioburden related sterilization processes has been started (F0 theory) . Especially manufacturers of large volume parenterals have - forced by the thermolability of the product - contributed to this development . In this paper both philosophies are combined, resulting in a concept in which the bacteriological and physical bases of the sterilization process are mathematically related by using the F0 theory and by introducing an Imaginary Micro-Organism (IMO) . The IMO concept provides the opportunity for anyone in the field of sterilization to raise the quality control level, which can be achieved by: - selecting optimum sterilization conditions without performing pre-sterilization counts: - step by step introducing the pre-sterilization count which results in even more favourable sterilization conditions.

Wien Med Wochenschr, 1982 Apr 15, 132(7), 161 - 7
{Vienna and Budapest in Semmelweis' life work}; Antall J; Both Budapest and Vienna played a dominant role in the life of Semmelweis and this fact should mean connection and not separation in scientific research and interpretation . The Hungarian capital was his birth place, the scene of his education and partly also of his university studies, the city where he became professor, wrote his papers, propagated his doctrine and became a partaker of the spiritual workshop of the Pest medical school . Vienna was the city where--impressed by the second Vienna medical school--his medical view was formed, the place of the conception of the "Semmelweis doctrine" and also of his tragic death . Born in a German speaking family which was deeply rooted in historical Hungary, he was bilingual through all his life, avowed himself however as Hungarian . It should be avoided to make him either a hero of the barricades or an opportunist . By defining the etiology of puerperal fever and by elaborating the methods of its prevention he became a great figure of scientific research . As to the essence of the Semmelweis doctrine there is no place for debates of priority . The doctrine was confirmed in the era of bacteriology.

Sem Hop, 1982 Apr 15, 58(15), 936 - 8
{Spontaneous peritonitis in a cirrhotic patient (author's transl)}; Mottier D et al.; A case of spontaneous peritonitis in a cirrhotic patient is reported . Because of marked peritoneal and hemodynamic signs, exploratory laparotomy was decided on . Such cases of spontaneous peritonitis, which mimick surgical affections, are very uncommon . Onset is usually insidious with increasing hepatic fluid as the only sign . Bacteriologic examination of the peritoneal fluid is often negative . Diagnosis should be considered if cytology shows more than 75 polynuclear leukocytes per mm . When bacteriology is negative, association of an aminoside with penicillin G and metronidazole seems to be the most satisfactory combination.

Jpn J Antibiot, 1982 Apr, 35(4), 884 - 91
{Clinical evaluation of cefoxitin in treatment of infections in obstetric and gynecologic field (author's transl)}; Cho N et al.; Ten patients (8 with moderate or severe infections, 2 for prevention of postoperative infections) were treated with cefoxitin . The patients were given cefoxitin of 2 approximately 9 g, given once, or in 2 approximately 3 divided doses . Clinical efficacy was good in 7 cases, fair in 2 and poor in 1 . Transient nausea and vomiting occurred in 1 patient when a direct intrauterine injection (1 g of cefoxitin) was given, however, no side effects were observed in the other patients . The result of this study demonstrates that cefoxitin when given massively is effective in achieving bacteriologic and clinical cure in treatment of infections and for prevention of postoperative infections in the field of obstetrics and gynecology.

Clin Otolaryngol, 1982 Apr, 7(2), 81 - 6
Bacteriological studies after obliterative mastoid operations; Ojala K et al.; This study evaluates the post-operative bacteriology and the clinical state of postoperatively infected ears which were operated on using obliterative techniques and relates these bacteriological findings with the disease present . Out of the 85 ears with post-operative infection, the discharge was mucous in nine ears, mucopurulent in 18 ears, and seropurulent in 34 ears . Twenty-four ears were moist . Epitympanal or antral cholesteatoma was noticed in seven ears and meso- or hypotympanal cholesteatoma in 12 ears . The post-operative Valsalva-test was positive in 61 ears and negative in 24 ears . The types of bacteria did not significantly depend on the quality of the post-operative discharge, existence of post-operative cholesteatoma, or clinical function of the Eustachian tube (estimated by the Valsalva test) . This study indicates that the bacteriology of the post-operatively moist or discharging ear does not significantly depend of the clinical state of the ear, nor can it be predicted on the basis of the clinical picture of the ear . A bacteriological examination of the ear seems to be the only way to control chemotherapy properly.

J Am Vet Med Assoc, 1982 Apr 1, 180(7), 747 - 9
Inadequate skin preparation as a cause of intravenous catheter-related infection in the dog; Burrows CF; Eight-eight dogs admitted to the intensive care unit of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine were studied to determine the frequency of intravenous catheter-related infection . Dogs were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups . In group 2, the skin was scrubbed with an iodine soap before final rinsing with alcohol and tincture of iodine . After withdrawal of each catheter, its tip was examined by bacteriologic culture, and the limb was examined for signs of phlebitis . Bacteria were isolated from 24 (48.9%) catheter tips in group 1 and from 6 (15.4%) in group 2 (P less than 0.005) . Phlebitis was evident in 6 dogs in group 1, and in 1 dog in group 2 . One death occurred in group 1, from causes possibly associated with catheter infection . These data suggest that catheter-related infection may be wide-spread in the dog and that it can be reduced by meticulous skin preparation.

Ann Emerg Med, 1982 Apr, 11(4), 205 - 7
The bacteriologically battered baby: another case of Munchausen by proxy; Hodge D 3rd et al.; We present a case in which a mother who had had self-inflicted infections as a teenager also caused life-threatening infections in her year-old child . After testing for and treating various immunologic deficiencies without success, it was apparent that the infection was caused by contamination of intravenous sites . Strict isolation of the patient, with restricted and observed visitations by the mother, was the critical step in stopping the infections . Because the woman took her child to several emergency departments, this case is presented to alert emergency personnel to this entity and to explain some of the dynamics and the social issues that cause the problem.

Laryngoscope, 1982 Apr, 92(4), 370 - 8
Ludwig's angina: an update; Patterson HC et al.; Despite a reduction in preantibiotic mortality rates that exceeded 50%, Ludwig's angina remains a potentially lethal entity primarily because of rapidly progressive airway obstruction . Since the reports of several large series in the 1940's, there have been put sporadic case reports because of widespread use of antibiotics in orodental infection, improved dental care, as well as adherence to strict diagnostic criteria . Since this entity is now uncommon, unnecessary delay in diagnosis and management may occur and may result in serious complications . This presentation will consist of an historical review, discussion of pathogenesis followed by clinical presentation, bacteriology and treatment, as well as a detailed analysis of our most recent 20 cases . There were no complications and no deaths . The infection resolved with medical therapy in 11 patients, while 9 patients required surgical procedures . Penicillin, clindamycin or chloramphenicol were started initially in all cases . Four of these 9 patients developed a localized abscess, while on antibiotics, which required drainage . Tracheotomy or intubation was necessary in 7 patients . Early and aggressive use of appropriate antibiotics and protection of the airway are the mainstays of a successful treatment regimen . Judicious surgical intervention is indicated in those patients who develop localized abscesses while on antibiotics or are unresponsive to medical management.

Surg Gynecol Obstet, 1982 Apr, 154(4), 557 - 60
Incidence of wound infection for common general surgical procedures; Coles B et al.; Postoperative wound infection remains a ubiquitous problem with serious consequences, especially with regard to prolonged convalescence and in a source of physical and financial burden to the patient . Wound infection occurred in 13 of 1,346 of the patients during a single recent 12 month period with commonly performed surgical procedures at a large midwestern hospital . The bacteriologic findings of these infections was diverse.

J Dairy Sci, 1982 Apr, 65(4), 659 - 64
Electrical conductivity of milk for detection of mastitis; Fernando RS et al.; The potential value of electrical conductivity of milk as a screening test for subclinical mastitis was evaluated . Conductivity of foremilk and of postmilking strippings from 368 quarters of 92 cows was measured . Infection status of quarters was determined by bacteriological analysis of strict foremilk samples . Infections were classified as by primary or secondary pathogens, depending on the importance of the isolated organism as a mastitis pathogen . Somatic cells were counted on foremilk samples . Milk conductivity increased with infection . Conductivity of postmilking strippings was higher than that of foremilk in samples from quarters infected by primary pathogens . By thresholds which correctly classified at least 90% of normal quarters, accuracy of identifying primary pathogen infections by absolute conductivity was 62.8 and 96.2% with foremilk and postmilking strippings . Differential conductivity and combination of absolute and differential methods also were evaluated with the latter being the most effective . Number of quarters with elevated conductivity of postmilking strippings tended to be higher when somatic cell count was greater than 500,000/ml in both normal and infected groups . Conductivity of milk seems to hold promise as an indicator of subclinical mastitis.

Fertil Steril, 1982 Apr, 37(4), 557 - 64
The relationship of pyospermia and seminal fluid bacteriology to sperm function as reflected in the sperm penetration assay; Berger RE et al.; The relationship of the parameters of seminal fluid analysis (SFA) and seminal fluid leukocyte concentration to the in vitro sperm penetration assay (SPA) was studied in 217 men from infertile couples . Significant positive correlations were found between the SPA and sperm count, sperm motility, and morphologically normal sperm . The total number of leukocytes per milliliter, the number of polymorphonuclear leukocytes per milliliter (PMN), and the number of lymphocytes per milliliter were negatively correlated with the results of the SPA . The strongest correlation with an abnormal SPA (less than 11% of eggs penetrated) was the presence of greater than or equal to 1 PMN/100 sperm (8.17 increased relative risk of an abnormal SPA) . The most important predictor variables of the percent penetration of the sperm penetration assay were total numbers of leukocytes per milliliter, sperm count, and sperm motility . Microbiologic studies of semen were not correlated with SPA results or number of leukocytes in the semen.

Gut, 1982 Apr, 23(4), 297 - 303
Technical hazards of using nutritive mixtures in bags for cyclical intravenous nutrition: comparison with standard intravenous nutrition in 48 gastroenterological patients; Messing B et al.; Three methods for dispensing nutritional solutions are compared in 48 patients with gastrointestinal diseases on intravenous nutrition during 3582 days . The protocol for intravenous nutrition applied by the nursing team and the solutions used were the same in the three groups . In group A standard bottles were used, while in group B, 31PVC-disposable bags were used--with fat emulsion included (group B1) or with fat excluded (group B2) . When fat was excluded from the bags it was infused separately from a bottle . The mixtures were made under laminar flow by the nursing team who applied a strict protocol which included bacteriological testing . The infection rate observed in the bags was 0.046% . The rate of septic complications was not significantly reduced in group B2 or B1 compared with group A; the type of container used was therefore unimportant and the key was the aseptic handling of the intravenous solutions . The rate of mechanical complications, mainly due to catheter obstruction, was higher (p less than 0.001) when fat was included in the bags--that is, in group B1--than in groups B2 and A . For 26 patients a cyclical regime of intermittent feeding was easier to manage when bags were used . In group B, this system replaced the continuous method n 75% of all therapeutic days without adverse effect; it improved compliance and allowed ambulatory treatment . The use of cyclical feeding with separate fat infusions has further reduced the hazards of intravenous nutrition and allowed the development of a programme that can be implemented at home.

Lepr India, 1982 Apr, 54(2), 256 - 62
Clinico-pathological study of so-called immune zones in leprosy; Sahni U et al.; The clinical, bacteriological and histopathological features were studied in 20 cases of Leprosy (10 LL + 10 BL) from the so-called immune zones i.e . axilla, groin, and a narrow transverse band of skin over the lumbosacral region of the body . Apparently uninvolved skin over the chest was studied as control site . In the so-called immune sites, the clinical lesions of leprosy were noted in 40% of the cases (7 LL + 1 BL), AFB (both solid and granular forms) were detected in the smears of 45% cases (8 LL + 1 BL) and the histopathological evidence of the disease was observed in almost all the sites studied (100%) . The results obtained in the present study revealed that practically no area on the surface of skin is immune to leprosy.

Rev Ig Bacteriol Virusol Parazitol Epidemiol Pneumoftiziol Pneumoftiziol, 1982 Apr-Jun, 31(2), 159 - 66
{Bacteriological examination of the sputum in support of a rational antibiotic therapy of bronchopulmonary infections}; Buiuc D et al.; An algorhythm of bacteriological investigation of the sputum is suggested for the etiological diagnosis of acute bronchopulmonary infections with pathogenically-conditioned bacteria . This investigation avoids misleading results, and provides, in a minimal time interval, both the first empiric criteria for the application of antibiotherapy--a definition of the microscopy category of the infecting pathogenically-conditioned bacteria--, and the second one, namely the antibiogram of the primary culture . This algorhythm is based on: decontamination of the sample by repeated washings; microscopical screening of the sample's quality, according to the ratio between inflammatory cells, squamous epithelial cells and the fibrin exudate; the qualitative bacterioscopic examination; the semi-quantitative culture of the sputum with the antibiogram on the primary culture; identification of infecting pathogenically-conditioned bacteria by confrontation of the microscopic significant amounts; inflammatory cells on the smear prepared directly from the sputum; the antibiogram on sub-cultures of the infecting, pathogenically-conditioned bacteria . Of high significance for the etiologic implication is the association of the inflammatory cells in quantities equal or greater than 13 organisms per microscopic field of pneumoncocoid bacteria, equal or greater than 20 organisms per microscopic field of the haemophilloid germs (with a significance threshold of 5%), and equal or greater than 18 organisms per microscopic field of neisseroid germs (at a significance threshold of 0.27%).

Fortschr Med, 1982 Mar 25, 100(12), 510 - 5
{Current notes on the clinical aspects of tuberculosis}; Blaha H; First a review is given about the situation of tuberculosis in Western Germany in general . The knowledge about tuberculosis is diminishing together with falling numbers of incidence . Half of the general practicians do not see a case of tuberculosis by year . The incidence of bacillary tuberculosis has fallen from 44 per 100 000 in 1960 to 15 to 20 per cent 100 000 in 1980 . Diagnosis gets more difficult, differential diagnosis more important . We have to rely quite frequently--besides on bacteriology--on histological diagnosis with all its pitfalls . Military tuberculosis can easily be missed . Figures on bronchoscopy and perbronchial biopsies are given . The relative importance of "mycobacteriosis" other than tuberculosis is growing . The problem of bacterial resistance is unchanged over the last 10 years . Treatment results are good: a conversion rate of more than 98% after 2 years is given by the "Arbeits- und Forschungsgruppe Tuberkulose in Bayern" . Patients compliance is not always easily obtained . Tuberculosis is, in spite of its slowly declining slope, one of the most important medical problems in the world . The "Curatorium Tuberculosis in the World" takes care of the problem.

Sem Hop, 1982 Mar 4, 58(9), 561 - 2
{Relapse of Addison's disease after apparent recovery : a case-report}; Heim J; In our observation, antituberculous therapy was given systematically, although neither interview nor bacteriology had provided unequivocal evidence of tuberculosis . Corticosteroid withdrawal by the patient was uneventful . After, withdrawal, the 17 OH steroids and the response to metyrapone were normal . The water load test was normal . After insulin, only cortisol levels did not increase . Salt-loss with hyponatremia then occurred spontaneously ; 17 OH steroids were low and did not increase after corticotrophin.

Med Trop (Mars), 1982 Mar-Apr, 42(2), 173 - 6
{Bacteriological aspects of traumatisms caused by animals (author's transl)}; Peloux Y et al.; Bacterial complications of traumatisms caused by animals are very frequent if no proper therapy is applied . Germs detected in the wounds caused by cold-blood animals or by invertebrates are mostly represented by bacterias of telluric origin (responsible of gas gangrene, tetanus...) with the eventual worsening effect of venom . Germs detected in the wound caused by warm-blood animals have their origin in the dental commensal flora in which anaerobic germs prevail . Pasteurellosises are specially feared after animal bites but human bites too must not be neglected . Therapy first target must be the elimination of anaerobic conditions and antibiotherapy is required for every deep injury.

Arch Androl, 1982 Mar, 8(2), 97 - 105
High-resolution protein patterns of human expressed prostatic secretion: a new tool for the diagnosis of prostatitis; Balerna M et al.; Expressed prostatic secretions (EPS) obtained from 62 infertile and urological patients have been analyzed for their protein content by sodium dodecylsulfate electrophoresis and isoelectrofocusing . Independent cytological and bacteriological screening on the same EPS samples was carried out to detect prostatic inflammation . EPS from both urological and infertile patients without inflammation had simple and characteristic protein patterns . Important qualitative and quantitative differences in the protein composition of EPS from patients with severe dysspermia or prostatic inflammation were found . The comparison of EPS protein patterns with those of seminal plasma obtained from the same patients led to the detection of a characteristic group of low-molecular-weight bands that were not of prostatic origin.

Public Health Rep, 1982 Mar-Apr, 97(2), 127 - 33
The status of tuberculosis control in New York City; Vennema A; Problems in tuberculosis control still exist in New York City . They range from an increase in the incidence of the disease to the discovery of new cases in children under 5 years of age . Ninety-three percent (1,395) of the cases reported in 1980 were verified by cultures positive for tuberculosis . The rest of the cases in the 1980 tuberculosis disease count were verified by histology or a physician's recommendation for treatment with two or more antituberculosis drugs . Of the tuberculosis at extrapulmonary sites, pleural meningeal and miliary tuberculosis, as well as genitourinary tuberculosis, ranked high in incidence in 1980 . New tuberculosis cases occurred in all age groups, but the 37 cases in the age group 0-4 years is alarming and indicates a high rate of transmission of tuberculosis from parents to children . Performance indicators of the Centers for Disease Control show that in terms of drug continuity, completion of treatment, and bacteriological conversions to negative, a great deal needs to be done in New York City . The tuberculosis mortality rate for the city has been showing a steady decline over the years; it was 1.8 per 100,000 population in 1980.

Rev Infect Dis, 1982 Mar-Apr, 4(2), 411 - 8
Combination of trimethoprim with sulfonamides other than sulfamethoxazole; Bernstein LS; Early in the development of trimethoprim (TMP), the response to the drug was less than enthusiastic . Preliminary clinical trials were performed with sulfonamides that were unsuitable partners . On the basis of bacteriologic and pharmacokinetic evidence, sulfamethoxazole (SMZ) was chosen for the fixed-ratio (5:1) combination with TMP . Possible criteria on which to base the choice of a sulfonamide partner for TMP have been delineated . The theoretical considerations may be questioned in view of limited clinical experience with some combinations and lack of controlled comparisons in well-designed clinical trials with others . Objective proof of the clinical superiority of newer TMP-sulfonamide combinations over TMP-SMZ is required.

Pathol Biol (Paris), 1982 Mar, 30(3), 155 - 9
{Immediate hypersensitivity in brucellosis . New data (author's transl)}; Quaranta JF et al.; The presence of clinical manifestations of the "immediate hypersensitivity" process has been frequently described in veterinarians, bacteriological laboratory technicians and some patients with chronic brucellosis . We have looked for the presence of specific IgE in these conditions . Twenty-four patients, three months at least after the acute phase of their brucellosis, were given exploration of their humoral, cellular and specific immunity against brucellosis . For this purpose, beside usual classical tests: serodiagnosis, total and specific IgE assays, intradermoreaction and lymphoblastic transformation test with specific antigen (PI fraction) and an adaptation of human basophil degranulation test (HBDT) with PI fraction were performed on all 24 patients . Exploration of immediate hypersensitivity allows us to show neither an abnormal increase of hyper-IgE frequency nor an increase of anti-brucella specific IgE . HBDT is positive in 41 p . cent of the patients . It confirms that immediate hypersensitivity exists . HBDT gives justification for trying desensitization which has been proposed in the past . HBDT will possibly allow us to evaluate desensitization effectiveness.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1982 Mar, (3), 48 - 52
{Use of the antibody neutralization reaction (after cultivation) for the diagnosis of intestinal coli infection}; Levi MI et al.; The combined bacteriological and serological method (viz., the antibody neutralization test after the short-time cultivation of the tested material on solid culture media) was used for the etiological diagnosis of intestinal E . coli infection and proved to be more effective in the study of sporadic and group infections than the bacteriological method.

Trop Geogr Med, 1982 Mar, 34(1), 29 - 34
Bacteriological survey of leptospirosis in Zaria, Nigeria; Diallo AA et al.; A total of 252 rodents were trapped in the environs of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, over a two-year period, of which 221 were brown field rats (Arvicanthus niloticus) . Only these were found positive (4.5%) . Titers were detected against Leptospira interrogans, serovars australis, icterohaemorrhagiae, tarassovi and hardjo . All positive sera except one reacted against a single serovar . Eight isolates were obtained from field rats: five were serovar australis, one ballum and two unidentified . Five isolates were recovered from 74 bovine kidneys examined: one was serovar pyrogenes and four unidentified . One unidentified isolate failed to react with any of the 16 screening leptospira antisera and another was tentatively considered to be serovar ballum . Two isolates, one ballum and one unidentified, were recovered from the Kubani stream waters . No leptospira was isolated from piggery sewage effluents collected at Kano and Kaduna . It is suggested that serovar ballum be included in any screening battery for leptospirosis in man and animals in Nigeria.

Laryngoscope, 1982 Mar, 92(3), 278 - 86
Panel discussion: pathogenesis of otitis media . Bacteriology and immunology; Lim DJ et al.; Three features of otitis media with effusion (OME) are important in understanding its pathogenesis: 1 . it is most common among children, when the eustachian tube is poorly developed; 2 . it is most common during the winter months, when the common cold is prevalent; and 3 . bacteria are found in a large number of middle ear effusions from OME patients . Although middle ear effusions are conventionally thought to be sterile, numerous recent investigations favor a bacterial pathogenesis of OME . Four possibilities can be considered: 1 . bacteria are modified by antibiotics or antibodies, causing a lingering inflammation; 2 . early antibiotic treatment may interfere with the development of local immunity; 3 . bacterial antigen trapped in the middle ear causes immune injury leading to OME; and 4 . bacterial endotoxin and inflammatory mediators cause middle ear effusions.

Am J Physiol, 1982 Mar, 242(3), F293 - 6
Marshall Barber and the origins of micropipette methods; Terreros DA et al.; Current methods for the study of renal physiology depend heavily on the use of micropipettes fashioned from glass capillary tubes . The technique for making glass micropipettes and manipulating them in the field of a compound microscope appears to have been invented about 1904 by Marshall A . Barber, a bacteriologist at the University of Kansas . Barber's methods were passed on and successively modified by G . L . Kite and R . Chambers, and were finally adapted for renal studies by A . N . Richards . The apparatus for perfusing isolated segments of renal tubules in vitro is remarkably similar to the original device used by Barber over three-quarters of a century ago.

Ann Ophthalmol, 1982 Mar, 14(3), 280 - 2
Chronic ulcerative conjunctivitis in a patient with alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency; Tabbara KF et al.; A 62-year-old woman had chronic bilateral conjunctival ulceration of the palpebral and bulbar conjunctivae . Conjunctival scrapings for viral, chlamydial, and bacteriologic studies were unrevealing . A conjunctival biopsy specimen was taken and submitted for histopathologic and immunofluorescent studies . Hematoxylin-eosin-stained tissue sections showed lymphocytes, plasma cells, and eosinosphils . Laboratory findings showed serum alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency . alpha-1-Antitrypsin has a molecular weight of approximately 60,000 and inhibits a number of proteolytic enzymes including cellular trypsin, elastase, collagenase, and proteases . The deficiency of alpha-1-antitrypsin may have caused such enzymes to perpetuate the tissue damage, thus eventuating in chronic ulcerative conjunctivitis . The association of deficient alpha-1-antitrypsin with chronic ulcerative conjunctivitis could thus have been coincidental or a contributing factor to the conjunctival disease.

Vet Rec, 1982 Feb 27, 110(9), 194 - 6
Unsuccessful attempts to collect ova by surgical fixation of uterine catheters in superovulated cows; Baker AA et al.; Attempts were made to collect ova from superovulated cows by surgically fixing indwelling silastic balloon catheters in the uterine lumen . No ova were collected from the four catheterised cows and it was shown that ovarian activity was depressed . In this group, only 16 ovulations occurred compared with six control cows in which a total of 121 ovulations were recorded and 84 ova were collected . Also the ovaries of the catheterised cows had six large cysts, whereas no cysts were recorded in the control cows . The catheters flushed perfectly and bacteriological cultures of the flushing and uteri showed that no infections had occurred . The cows tolerated the catheters extremely well . There was no depression in appetite nor was any abnormal behaviour recorded . However, the severe depression of ovulation and the formation of ovarian cystic follicles prevents the technique from having any practical application as a means of collecting ova.

Sem Hop, 1982 Feb 25, 58(8), 473 - 4
{Clinical and pathological study of a peculiar form of tuberculous meningitis: diagnostic and therapeutic problems (author's transl)}; Boudouresques J et al.; The authors report a case of tuberculous meningitis in which multiple bacteriological samples were negative during the eleven months of the clinical course . There were no other visceral localizations . The fatal outcome was due to vascular lesions (multiple cerebral infarcts), and to CSF flow disorders . The findings of cranial computerized axial tomography and of the pathological examination are reported.

J Med Microbiol, 1982 Feb, 15(1), 141 - 7
Quantitative methods for studies on vaginal flora; Wilks M et al.; Three recently described methods for quantitative sampling of the bacterial flora of the vagina were evaluated and none proved satisfactory . In a third of the samples, paired swabs showed large differences between the two weights of vaginal secretion collected by this method, and the recovery rate of bacteria deliberately added to test swabs was unsatisfactorily low . A calibrated loop gave a wide variation in the amount of secretion collected, due to variations in density and viscosity of the secretion . When secretion was collected with a calibrated pipette, it was often difficult to expel the collected volume from the pipette for testing . The simple weight-based method was devised in which a loop was used to collect an undefined volume of secretion for weighting in a tube of transport medium before homogenisation and quantitative bacteriological testing . Initial assessment indicates this to be a satisfactory method for quantitative studies of the vaginal bacterial flora.

An Esp Pediatr, 1982 Feb, 16(2), 176 - 80
{Intervertebral disk infection in children (author's transl)}; Lopez Ros S et al.; Discitis, or infection of an intervertebral disk, is a diagnostic challenge in the preschool age, unless there is good reason for suspicion . Two children, two and four years old, are discussed here . They had abdominal pain for several days, difficulty in movement and anomalous sitting postures . In both, L4-L5 was affected, and laboratory, including bacteriology, studies were negative, except for leucocytosis and slight-to-moderately elevated sedimentation rates . The diagnoses were confirmed by lumbar spine X-rays, though not until the third week after onset of symptoms . Discussed are the values of bone gammagraphy in early diagnosis, favourable clinical evolution in spite of an abnormal radiological picture, and treatment.

J Clin Pathol, 1982 Feb, 35(2), 219 - 22
Osteomyelitis and septic arthritis caused by Kingella kingae; Davis JM et al.; The clinical and bacteriological findings in two cases of osteomyelitis and one case of septic arthritis caused by Kingella kingae are presented . This appears to be the first report providing clear evidence for a pathogenic role for this species in bone and joint infections.

Pathol Biol (Paris), 1982 Feb, 30(2), 92 - 6
{Skin flora of the hands, elbow-hollow and fore-arm (author's transl)}; Reverdy ME et al.; During five years, the values of the skin flora of the hands, fore-arm and elbow-hollow were studied on volunteers, especially five of them . Samples were taken according to the washing method . Results show important quantitative variations of the flora between the different volunteers and even for a same volunteer . In the five long term followed subjects, the differences were 2,17 log 10 for aerobic flora and 1,97 log 10 for aero-anaerobic flora of the hands, 3,90 log 10 for aerobic flora and 3,88 log 10 for aero-anaerobic flora of the fore-arm 2,95 log 10 for aerobic flora and 3,35 log 10 for aero-anaerobic flora of the elbow-hollow . These variations remained independent of the season . According to these variations, already notified by others authors it is suggested first to standardize sampling and bacteriological methods, second to develop multicentric programs in view to increase that number of subjects to be included in the study.

Z Orthop Ihre Grenzgeb, 1982 Feb, 120(1), 5 - 9
{The patellar focus, a rare form of localization of bone tuberculosis}; Richter R et al.; Patellar foci of any origin are very rare . Form 1955 to the end of 1979, 9 patients underwent patellar surgery in our hospital . 7 of these patients had tuberculosis, whereas in one case the patient had chronic nonspecific osteomyelitis, and in one case we were unable to clarify the underlying cause of the focus, neither from the histological nor from the bacteriological aspect . All tuberculous foci, one of which had penetrated into the knee joint, were situated in the corpus of the patellar . In a 10-year old girl, the entire patellar was infected with tuberculous foci . In the anterior-posterior x-ray film, the processes mainly presented a circular appearance . Their diameter different between 6 and 25 mm . In one of the foci, two sequesters were conspicuous, and one in another patient . 6 of the patients had an active organ tuberculosis at the same time, or reported on a specific disease during anamnesis . The period from the onset of complaints until diagnosis had been established, was on the average 14.4 months with the 7 patients under investigation (average age 29 years, 4 female/3 male) . In view of the fact that all the patients reported here were late cases, the results of the combined drug and surgical removal of foci (filling of the surgical cavities with spongiosa) must be classified as good . One knee joint had to be stiffened by operation . There were no reactivations within an average followup period of 3 years.

Sci Total Environ, 1982 Feb, 22(3), 235 - 41
Heavy metal content of oysters from the Lynher Estuary, U.K; Bland S et al.; The concentrations of As, Cd, Hg, Pb and Zn have been determined in oysters and sediments from the Lynher Estuary, U.K . The sediments contained high levels of Cu, Fe, Pb and Zn probably associated with run off from a metalliferous catchment area and high Hg associated with a local sewage input . In contrast, the analyses of the oyster tissue showed that only Cu and Zn were concentrated in the flesh . The majority of samples contained coliform bacteria in excess of 1000 organisms per ml of tissue . It is concluded that the quality of the oysters from this fishery was limited by the bacteriological cleanliness rather than toxic metal content.

Am J Clin Pathol, 1982 Feb, 77(2), 184 - 90
Cost effectiveness of quality control in bacteriology; Bartlett RC et al.; The cost effectiveness of quality control in bacteriology stipulated by regulators is not established . The authors evaluated 111 surveillance procedures applied to 54 different operations; 100 had been performed in the authors' lab between 1965 and 1980, 91 of which had been performed 50 times . Forty-six conformed to CLIA requirements (CLIA-P) . Thirty-seven others were CLIA-P, which had been modified (CLIA-PM) by reducing frequency and extent because few or no deficiencies had been observed . Eight others were devised by the authors (HH-P) . The number detecting deficiencies, the per cent, and the mean per cent of deficiencies detected were: CLIA-P, 31, 67%, 3.5%; CLIA-PM, 8, 22%, 2.1%; HH-P, 8, 100%, 8.8% . Compliance with CLIA would cost HH $20,700/year (3.4% of total bacteriology laboratory cost) . HH-P would cost an additional $9000/year . Discontinuation of CLIA-P not detecting deficiencies would reduce HH costs by $2900/year . Application of other low yield CLIA-P only to new lots of selected dehydrated media and fresh batches of selected reagents would reduce cost further by $2000/year.

Doc Ophthalmol, 1982 Jan 29, 52(3-4), 339 - 45
The phlycten, a come-back?
Koppert HC, van Rij G.
In February 1980 acute keratoconjunctivitis was seen in a girls' class in a school in Rotterdam . Bacteriological and virological examination was performed on 20 girls . The agent causing this epidemic could not be demonstrated . Three patients had phlyctens at the limbus . In the year following this observation (March 1980 till March 1981) 42 cases of phlyctenular keratoconjunctivitis were examined prospectively . The condition was most commonly seen in 13- to 18-year old girls . The phlycten can be considered as an elementary form of inflammation in the conjunctiva and cornea, based on an immune reaction of the delayed type (Gell and Coombs' type IV) . The hypersensitivity to tuberculin, which was formerly an important feature of this inflammation ('scrofulous ophthalmia'), is of little importance in the Netherlands at the present day . However, in every case of phlyctenular keratoconjunctivitis tuberculosis should still be excluded by the medical history, and if necessary by a Mantoux reaction.

Sem Hop, 1982 Jan 21, 58(3), 139 - 42
{An empirical combination of antibiotics used in aplasias during chemotherapy for acute malignant hemopathies (author's transl)}; Fiere D et al.; Continuous infusion of amikacin, cotrimoxazole and carbenicillin was the second empirically established combination of antibiotics used when fever occurred during the induction phase of chemotherapy in sixty-five patients (58 acute myeloid leukemias, 5 acute lymphoid leukemias, 2 non Hodgkin lymphomas) . Clinical evidence of infection was available in 25 cases and the infection was bacteriologically documented in 19 cases . Therapy was successful in 57 patients (89%) . When infection was clinically or bacteriologically documented tha success rates were 92 and 82% respectively . The average length of treatment was ten days . In 25 patients receiving 2 g of amikacin in continuous infusion, the mean serum concentration was 15,9 micrograms/ml; in 17 patients receiving 3 g, the mean serum concentration was 19,4 micrograms/ml.

Eur Surg Res, 1982, 14(6), 401 - 8
Glucan-induced enhancement of host resistance in experimental intraabdominal sepsis; Lahnborg G et al.; Glucan, a 1-3-polyglucosidic component of the cell wall of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, was evaluated for its ability to alter survival in rats with induced intraabdominal sepsis . In four groups, each of 15 rats, the bacteriological flora was changed into that of humans by giving the animals a meat chew . Intraabdominal sepsis was induced by resecting 1 cm of the intestine and reimplanting it in the abdominal cavity after reestablishing the intestinal continuity by one-layer end-to-end anastomosis . The rats were injected with either glucan or isovolumetric saline or benzylpenicillin or glucan plus benzylpenicillin . The results indicate no significant difference in mortality rate between the groups treated with either glucan or benzylpenicillin on the one hand and, on the other, the group given saline alone . However, the group treated with glucan plus benzylpenicillin differed significantly from the control group given just saline . The bacterial flora did not seem to be influenced by glucan administration . It is concluded that glucan has a clear effect on the survival rate of rats with induced peritonitis, probably by enhancing the activities of the reticuloendothelial system--an important part of the total host resistance.

Neurochirurgie, 1982, 28(6), 379 - 82
{Bacteriologic monitoring of external ventricular drainage in children}; Santini JJ et al.; The authors report 27 cases of external ventricular drainage employed in children . The usage of this technique caused neither infection nor surinfection in any of the cases . It is difficult to interpret the analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid thus obtained . Decisive criteria for recovery or non infection can be derived by studying the isozymatic profile of the L.D.H . (lactic dehydrogenase).

Cancer Immunol Immunother, 1982, 13(2), 75 - 84
Autologous anticancer antigen preparation for specific immunotherapy in advanced cancer patients . A phase I clinical trial; Slanetz CA Jr et al.; A phase I clinical trial was performed to detect adverse reactions in far advanced cancer patients treated with a unique specific cancer immunotherapy . The vaccines consisted of autologous tumor cell membranes and manganese phosphate gel . From 133 patients admitted into the trial, 95 vaccine batches were made . No batch was toxic in animals . One batch was bacteriologically contaminated . Sufficient patients survived or complied to receive 32 complete and 23 partial courses for a total of 707 SC and ID injections . Minor swelling and occasional minimal pain occurred at injection sites . There were two possible vaccine-related systemic reactions but no evidence of tumor transplantation, tumor acceleration, sepsis or autoimmune disease . Subjective and objective improvement occurred in a number of patients . The vaccines are safe . Their efficacy must be determined . The value of ID vaccine skin testing and the unexpectedly little bacteriological contamination require further study.

Arkh Patol, 1982, 44(11), 24 - 30
{Characteristics of the infectious process in animals susceptible and resistant to glanders}; Ferster LN et al.; Combined bacteriological, pathomorphological, luminescent-serological, and electron microscopic studies were used to elucidate some aspects of pathogenesis of glanders in animals with different susceptibility to this infection . The animals highly susceptible to glanders (golden hamsters) were shown to develop the infection of the sepsis type with granulomas of the exudative nature . In the animals highly susceptible to glanders the bacteria were proved experimentally to parasitize in a rod-shaped form within macrophages of the spleen, liver, and lungs as well as extracellularly . In white mice resistant to glanders the infection developed as chronic septicemia with granulomas of the exudative-proliferative nature . Glanders bacteria in this animal species undergo L-transformation.

Immunol Commun, 1982, 11(5), 377 - 86
Alloantigen-mediated adherence of rat hepatocytes to antibody-coated polystyrene dishes; Hunt JM et al.; Rat alloantigens expressed on normal hepatocytes have been utilized in a cell "panning" procedure to mediate the haplotype-specific adherence of collagenase-isolated hepatocytes to antibody-coated polystyrene dishes . A polyvalent F344 anti-WF alloantiserum was prepared by immunizing F344 rats with WF tissue . The alloantibody IgG purified from the alloantiserum, when reacted with either WF or (WF X F344)F1 hybrid rat hepatocytes, caused the adherence of these hepatocytes to bacteriological-grade polystyrene dishes coated non-specifically with a xeno-antibody, rabbit anti-rat IgG . Similarly-treated hepatocytes of the F344 strain, which lack WF alloantigenic determinants, failed to be adsorbed above background level to the coated dishes.

IARC Sci Publ, 1982, (41), 345 - 55
N-nitroso compounds in gastric juice and their relationship to gastroduodenal disease; Walters CL et al.; Of the N-nitroso compounds derived from precursors in gastric juice, only a very small proportion are in the form of volatile N-nitrosamines . However, about 40% of the remainder can be converted by methylation into a form(s) suitable for gas chromatography . In this way, at least 20 individual peaks were detected with the Thermal Energy Analyzer as detector . N-Nitroso compounds have been determined as a group in the fasting gastric juice of normal individuals and patients with conditions including duodenal ulcer, gastric ulcer, atrophic gastritis, pernicious anaemia, gastric carcinoma, dyspepsia with normal endoscopy or subjected to operative procedures, such as vagotomy or partial gastrectomy . Both the levels of N-nitroso compounds and pH values increased significantly with age in normal subjects and in those with pathological conditions . Sex and cigarette smoking had no significant influence . In particular, a positive correlation was found between pH and the level of N-nitroso compounds, with a p value of less than or equal to 10(-6) . Their concentration rose from a geometric mean of 0.11 mumol.1(-1) at pH 1.0-1.5, to a value of 1.3 mumol.1(-1) within the pH range 6.5-9.0 . Whilst quantitative bacteriology was not carried out, a highly significant relationship was also observed between the concentration of N-nitroso compounds and the availability of nitrate-reducing bacteria . Thus, conditions conducive to gastric cancer are associated with higher levels of compounds responding to group analysis as N-nitrosamines and/or N-nitrosamides.

Zentralbl Chir, 1982, 107(13), 768 - 72
{Anti-infectious regime and bacteriological status}; Siggelkow G; The functioning of our anti-infectious regimen now working over a period of 7 years with 4 checks per year has been controlled . The wound infection rate came up to a percentage of 1.55 . Blunders concerning chemical disinfection especially could be detected in spite of check-ups made every 3 months.

Rev Fr Mal Respir, 1982, 10(4), 249 - 58
{Bacteriology of bronchial secretions . Proposals for a practical attitude in bacterial respiratory tract infections}; Touaty E et al.; The inadequacy of the standard bacteriological method in the study of expectorations is unanimously accepted . Oropharyngeal contamination of specimens largely explains why this examination is a poor index of the causative organisms in bacterial respiratory infections . In a mixed clinical situation with few or non-specific signs of bacterial infection and of variable severity, the physician should answer two questions: 1) Is it a bacterial infection? 2) What is the causative organism? and their corollary: 1) Should one prescribe an antibiotic? 2) Which one? Only culture of blood or pleural fluid allow an accurate reply to these questions in about 50% of cases and they are the indispensable investigations of reference . Initial efforts undertaken to improve the standard examination of expectorations never overcome the stumbling block of oro-pharyngeal contaminations . The bacterial count of expectorated bacteria, a non traumatic method, represents some real progress . In 50% of cases it enables a predominant pathogen to be identified before any antibiotics are given . Bronchoscopy diminishes contamination, allows direct sampling and the inspection and biopsying of bronchial mucosal lesions and aids drainage in very suppurative disorders . Trans-tracheal puncture avoids oropharyngeal contamination in the majority of cases and appears to provide reliable results much more often . A pragmatic approach is recommended according to the clinical picture . Bronchial and limited alveolar infections which are well tolerated, heal without exception on blind antibiotic therapy . In suppurating infections (bronchiectasis, cavitating pneumonias), the yield and the reliability of the examinations are increased . Serious bacterial infections, by their extent or by their site, justify a more aggressive diagnostic and therapeutic attitude . It should be stressed, however, that death caused by inadequate antibiotic therapy remains the exception when one or two successive courses of antibiotics have been prescribed for the pathogens presumed responsible according to the clinical picture or found after one or more bacterial examinations.

Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis, 1982, 5(1-3), 359 - 68
{Activities of the diagnosis centre of the Institut Pasteur de Lyon 1976-1980}; Lery L; A report is presented of five years of work in the Rabies Diagnosis Centre at Lyon . This Centre, supported by the Ministry of Health at the Institut Pasteur of Lyon, investigates the diagnosis in animals of having contaminated humans . During these five years 4012 samples from animals were analysed, 179 of which being diagnosed as rabid (i.e . 4.53%) . Four samples from humans were also analysed, one of which being positive . Data collected concerning rabid animals are compared to national or regional data . Studies of various methods used (immunofluorescence test, inoculation in mice, histology--Dr . J.-A . Grimaud and Dr . M . Chevallier) for diagnosis allowed evaluation of each of them . Some of these analyses were completed by bacteriological studies (Dr . E.-N . Guillermet) . Besides this diagnosis the Centre takes part in epidemiological study of the disease, maintains a virus collection and allows diagnosis of other zoonosis or anthropozoonosis useful for veterinarians and for better protection of human health.

Arch Otorhinolaryngol, 1982, 234(3), 219 - 23
Chronic myringitis and chronic suppurative otitis media; Hoshino T et al.; Thirty-four chronic myringitis cases were examined by otoscopy, pure tone audiometry, tympanometry, skull X-rays, and bacteriologic study of otorrhea . Five atypical cases are presented in detail . Three of these five cases had a perforation of the tympanic membrane preceding the appearance of typical chronic myringitis . The remaining two cases showed a transient small tympanic membrane perforation during the long course of chronic myringitis . These cases suggest that chronic myringitis could occur in some chronic suppurative otitis media and that myringitis could cause tympanic membrane perforation.

Vet Med Nauki, 1982, 19(2), 76 - 83
{Bacterial contamination, clinical and pathohistological findings in the sex organs of cows following parturition}; Radoslavov V et al.; Studied were a total of 119 cows of the Bulgatian Brown breed in different physiologic status at various numbers of days following parturition . Thirty-seven of the animals showed puerperal endometritis, while the remaining showed a normal course during puerperium . Uterine secretion and biopsic material for bacteriologic and histologic investigation were taken from all cows . Sixteen species of organisms were isolated from the animals with endometritis, and 12 species - from those with normal puerperium . Highest bacterial counts in both groups were found on the eighth to twelfth day, however, with the endometritis-affected cows they remained at a comparatively high level up to the 40th day after giving birth . With the cows of normal puerperium the bacterial count was found to drop abruptly after the twelfth day . No correlation was found between the bacterial and the histologic finding . Histologically, recovery processes set in by the 25th-30th day and clinically, the involution of the uterus set in by the 30th-35th day after calving.

Infection, 1982, 10 Suppl 2, S74 - 8
{Diseases of the lungs caused by legionella species (author's transl)}; Fleurette J et al.; Ever since the 1976 Philadelphia epidemic and the isolation of the causative organism by MacDade in 1977, numerous clinical, epidemiological and bacteriological papers have stressed the significance of the "new" causative organisms responsible for serious cases of pneumonia . On the basis of knowledge available at present, the Legionellaceae family accounts for these bacteria . There are five different species in the genus Legionella: L . pneumophila, L . micdadei, L . bozemannii, L . dumoffii and L . gormanii . L . pneumophila occurs most frequently and has six serogroups (Serogroups 1-6), the first of which is the most important . Legionelloses, the diseases caused by these organisms, occur epidemically, endemically or sporadically . In clinical terms, these are acute cases of pneumonia which occur especially frequently in older persons and immunocompromised hosts . The course is severe in such patients . There is increased lethality . Erythromycin, rifampicin and cefoxitin are the most effective antibiotics . After the culture has been made in the suitable milieu and the material obtained by pulmonary aspiration has been inoculated into guinea pigs, the bacteriological diagnosis is made by direct immunofluorescence . The serological diagnosis is based on evidence of serological changes demonstrated by the indirect immunofluorescence test.

Curr Med Res Opin, 1982, 8(2), 97 - 103
The use of netilmicin in a district general hospital; Mummery RV; Twenty patients with a variety of serious or difficult infections and 5 additional orthopaedic patients with clinical evidence of post-operative wound infection were treated with netilmicin . The results indicate that twice daily dosage with 150 mg intramuscularly, either alone or in combination with other antibiotic therapy, was highly effective . Overall, 25 (96%) infections responded clinically and 19 (73%) were improved bacteriologically . There was no evidence of ototoxicity: a number of patients had impaired renal function which developed during therapy, but all returned to normal or pre-treatment levels by the time that treatment was completed, despite the fact that 15 patients were receiving diuretics . It is suggested in view of its effectiveness, more predictable serum levels after standard dosage and apparent lack of toxicity, that netilmicin should be considered as the first choice aminoglycoside antibiotic instead of gentamicin.

Laryngol Rhinol Otol (Stuttg), 1982 Jan, 61(1), 17 - 9
{A clinical and experimental study on precious metal ventilation tubes (author's transl)}; Heumann H et al.; Incompatibility reactions which lead to a profuse aural discharge and often necessitate the removal of the ventilation tube occur in approximately 10% of patients if ventilation tubes made of synthetic materials are used . We have used golden and other precious metal alloy grommets in patients after extensive bacteriological and animal experiments . The most important advantage is the oligodynamic action which gives the surface of the ventilation tube repellent properties against bacteria . The drainage function is excellent due to the smooth surface structure and no incompatibility reactions were seen.

Zentralbl Gynakol, 1982, 104(5), 268 - 87
{Genital tuberculosis of women (author's transl)}; Renziehausen K et al.; Genital tuberculosis of women, one of the extrapulmonary forms of tuberculosis, has remained to be in existence, though morbidity and mortality of the disease are on a declining trend . Affected are women of all age groups . A general account is given of gynaecological and obstetric aspects relating to the clinical pattern of genital tuberculosis, with reference being made to the author's own findings recorded from 155 patients in ten years, on the basis of bacteriologically or histologically secured diagnosis . These results have reaffirmed the need for complex diagnosis, therapy, and aftercare for female patients with genital tuberculosis . It is a challenge which, together with the demand for thorough prophylaxis, cannot be met unless meaningful interdisciplinary cooperation is ensured.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1982 Jan, (1), 58 - 63
{Spread of whooping cough among adults today}; Okinshevich EA et al.; Epidemiological surveys with the use of the clinical and bacteriological methods of examination were carried out in 107 foci of pertussis in families (283 adults), 25 foci in children's institutions (103 employees) and 1 focus in a surgical department for infants (29 adults) . The infection was shown to be widely spread among adults at present: 23.7% in the surveyed families, 10% in children's institutions and 6.9% in the surgical department for infants . In the familiies, 26.2% of the adults were the first to fall ill with pertussis . no essential differences in the terms of the release of the infective agent, as well as in the course of the disease, in adults and in vaccinated children were found . Antiepidemic measures in respect to adult pertussis patients is proposed.

J Clin Pathol, 1982 Jan, 35(1), 94 - 100
System for laboratory proficiency testing in bacteriology: organisation and impact on microbiology laboratories in health care facilities funded by the Ontario Government; Whitby JL et al.; The Ministry of Health requires that all medical laboratories in the Province of Ontario participate in a laboratory proficiency testing program (LPTP) . In bacteriology compliance has been excellent . Eighty-six laboratories, for various reasons over the period under review, have surrendered their licence or, because of poor performance on LPTP test surveys, have had their licence withdrawn by the Ministry . The highest percentage of withdrawals occurred in small hospitals in isolated areas . In April 1979 there were 249 participating laboratories . Participants' results are first analysed by computer, and, subsequently, approximately 20% of participants' reports are reviewed by the Committee . Various Committee actions ensue: correspondence with the laboratory director regarding errors; an offer of a visit; and possibly a report via a senior LPTP committee to the Ministry that a laboratory is non-proficient and, in LPTP's terms of reference, non-remediable . Subsequent Ministry action might be the withdrawal of a laboratory's licence . However, this last recourse only occurs when educational efforts have proved ineffectual . Overall, performance in LPTP bacteriology surveys has improved over the period 1975-8, with 68% of 263 laboratories achieving a score of 70% or higher and 26% of 263 laboratories scoring less than 60%.

Early Hum Dev, 1982 Jan, 6(1), 15 - 23
Evaluation of infectious episodes in neonates using a new procedure for the nitroblue tetrazolium test; Dalens B et al.; A new procedure for the NBT slide test for peripheral blood neutrophils has been tested . 255 neonates were studied of which 63 served as control cases . Among the 114 term infants, 37 were patently infected, 30 suspicious and 47 non-infected . The latter did not significantly differ from control cases, whereas suspicious and infected infants were credited with significantly higher NBT scores . 78 infants were preterm, 31 of which were patently infected, 22 suspicious and 25 non-infected . NBT scores of infected and suspicious infants were significantly higher than those of non-infected infants, but, as previously reported, scores of preterm infants were systematically and significantly lower than those of full-term infants of the same bacteriological class . Threshold values are suggested; they could represent an accurate diagnostic aid in the early differentiation of healthy infants from high-risk infants regarding bacterial infections.

Soc Sci Med, 1982, 16(9), 997 - 1004
Hansen's Disease in the United States; Hudson T et al.; This article offers a general overview of Hansen's Disease (leprosy) and examines in some detail the spatial characteristics and demographic profiles of known sufferers . Over the years the pejorative labels attached to the disease and the societal and psychological attitudes which produce and accompany them have stigmatized leprosy sufferers . Unfortunately this stigma has often pre-empted rational understanding and treatment . Contrary to popular belief, leprosy, caused by the bacteriological agent Mycobacterium leprae, is relatively non-contagious and can be rendered completely non-contagious by chemotherapy . Incidence rates in the United States are extremely low (0.08 per 100,000 in 1979), but have shown a slight if erratic increase since 1942 . Most of this can be attributed to increases in the number of foreign born cases; a result of immigration from areas of higher incidence (e.g . Southeast Asia, Latin America) . Six states, California, Texas, Hawaii, New York, Florida, and Louisiana accounted for over 80% of the 1432 cases reported in the United States between 1967 and 1976.

Scott Med J, 1982, 27 Spec No., S24 - 7
Respiratory tract infections caused by beta-lactamase producing organisms treated with augmentin; Mehtar S; Twenty-three patients were treated with Augmentin for severe respiratory tract infections caused by beta-lactamase producing organisms . The success rate, clinically and bacteriologically, was 19 out of 23 . One non beta-lactamase producing H . influenzae, and three mixed organisms including Staph aureus accounted for the four failures . The elimination of the organisms, sensitive to Augmentin were quick and clinical improvement was seen in 72 hours . The only side effects noted were nausea in three patients, which abated on taking the tablets with meals . Augmentin is a useful drug in the treatment of respiratory tract infection particularly in acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis.

Clin Ther, 1982, 4(6), 510 - 4
A comparison of cinoxacin and co-trimoxazole in the treatment of cystitis; Schneider RE; This paper describes a study of patients with cystitis treated with 1 gm/day of cinoxacin or four tablets/day of co-trimoxazole (trimethoprim, 80 mg, and sulfamethoxazole, 400 mg), both drugs given twice a day for 14 days . Of the 64 patients with cystitis, complete bacteriological data were available for 27 patients in the cinoxacin group and 23 patients in the co-trimoxazole group . In most instances, the infecting organism was Escherichia coli . Twenty-six (96%) patients who received cinoxacin and 22 (96%) patients who received co-trimoxazole had a satisfactory clinical response . Two patients on cinoxacin became reinfected with a new pathogen, and one had a recurrence of infection with the same pathogen; on patient on co-trimoxazole became reinfected with a new pathogen . Adverse reactions were reported by six (19%) of the 32 patients in the cinoxacin group, none of whom discontinued therapy, and by 18 (56%) of the 32 patients in the co-trimoxazole group, five of whom withdrew from the study . These differences between the groups were significant (P less than 0.05) . It is concluded that cinoxacin is an effective, well-tolerated agent for use in cystitis caused by the common pathogens.

Acta Paediatr Scand Suppl, 1982, 299, 51 - 7
Donor breast milk; Baum JD; A simple system for the collection and storage of human milk, as a voluntary community activity, is described . The case is made for preferring drip breast milk as the main source of human milk for the milk bank . The central place of precise pasteurization is emphasised as the essential feature for maintaining bacteriological quality control and simplicity of organisation . The suitability of donor breast milk for the nutrition of the low birthweight infant is discussed and evidence presented to indicate that low birthweight infants fed exclusively on donated human milk are of similar size to control term infants when assessed at 18 months corrected postnatal age . Emphasis is placed on the importance of controlled trials in relation to all innovations in feeding of low birthweight infants.

J Reprod Fertil Suppl, 1982, 32, 181 - 5
Results of concurrent bacteriological and cytological examinations of the endometrium of mares in routine stud farm practice 1978-1981; Wingfield Digby NJ et al.; The results of 4024 concurrent endometrial swab and smear tests taken from maiden, barren and post-parturient mares during early oestrus, before coitus demonstrated the practical value of these tests in routine stud farm practice . The use of cytological examinations provided a more direct diagnostic test for acute endometritis and this increased the accuracy of interpretation of the bacteriological findings.

Arzneimittelforschung, 1982, 32(10a), 1368 - 75
{Alteration of cartilage by microbial agents and granulocytes}; Drommer W et al.; Severe polyarthritis was induced in 42 SPF piglets by subcutaneous and intraarticular infection in one joint of the bacterium Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae (Serotype B, strain T 28), which in its chronic stage morphologically resembles human c.P . The light and electron microscopic examination of the articular cartilage and synovial membrane reveals a parallel evolution of hyaline cartilage degeneration, and activation and proliferation of synovial lining cells . The initial cartilage alteration with demasking of collagen fibrils and focal degeneration of chondrocytes in the erysipelas model is caused by direct action of the microbial agent, fibrin and few granulocytes Erysipelothrix bacteria and neutrophilic granulocytes are able to invade the superficial and intermediate cartilage layers . This model is not considered a suppurative infectious arthritis . In chronic villous erysipelas polyarthritis, which develops without the presence of neutrophils in the cartilage, the invasively growing synovial pannus dominates, which deeply destroys the pre-damaged cartilage, resulting in macroscopic focal or wide-spread cartilage erosion . We consider the poorly vascularized cartilage and the particular fibrosis suitable sites for the extremely long (up to three years) persistence of this microbial agent . The persistence of the agent is considered necessary for the persisting immunological reactions and the perpetuation of erysipelas polyarthritis . With longer duration (1-3 years) of experimental erysipelas polyarthritis the number of bacteriologically positive arthritic joint decreases . Microscopically, the causative bacteria may only sporadically identified.

Vet Med Nauki, 1982, 19(5), 40 - 4
{Counterimmunoelectrophoresis in the diagnosis of infectious epididymitis in rams}; Ivanov P et al.; Both the 'counter' immunoelectrophoresis method and the complement-fixation test were employed to study a total of 767 samples of blood sera taken from rams . Five-hundred and seventeen of these were taken from ram flocks in which the infection was recorded by the clinical and the bacteriological method and the remaining 517 samples were taken from rams of intact flocks . A comparative evaluation was made of the two methods for the diagnosis of the disease when the animals were alive . Results made it clear that the 'counter' immunoelectrophoresis method was advantageous and could be used as a perspective adjunct in diagnosing the disease.

Acta Paediatr Acad Sci Hung, 1982, 23(3), 357 - 60
Isolation of aerobic bacteria from the placenta; Kovalovszki L et al.; Cultures for aerobic bacteria were prepared from 353 placentas . Specimens were taken from the chorion after removing the amnion . The specimens were immersed into Stuart transport medium . Microscopic examination of the placenta and cultures from the throat and ear of newborns were also done . The rate of positive bacterial cultures was 16% . Chorioamnionitis was found in 15% . The proportion of chorioamnionitis caused by aerobic bacteria was 44% . The rate of positive bacterial cultures from the placenta in the group of newborns with clinical signs of intrauterine infection was 63% . Bacteria can be present on the chorionic plate without any histological evidence of chorioamnionitis . Bacteriological examination of the placenta is therefore mandatory when amniotic fluid infection is suspected.

Acta Leprol, 1982 Jan-Jun, (86-87), 35 - 45
{Current data on the bacteriology of leprosy}; Grosset J et al.; Microscopic examination and mouse foot-pad inoculation are the main tools in Mycobacterium leprae bacteriology . Microscopic examination enables to calculate bacteriological (IB) and morphological (IM) indexes . The former scores the density of acid-fast organisms in the lesions and the latter scores their viability since only solidly stained acid-fast organisms are likely to be alive . Mouse foot-pad inoculation provides the opportunity for studying the growth curve of M . leprae . Alterations of this growth curve under drug therapy enable to assess the antileprosy activity of drugs and to determine the drug sensitivity of organisms . Acquired and primary drug resistances to DDS are to date the most important events in the chemotherapy of leprosy . Researches are in progress on mice with congenitally reduced immunological capacity (nu/nu mice) and on antileprosy vaccination . Although no decisive advances have been obtained in these fields, researches in progress are promising.

Z Erkr Atmungsorgane, 1982, 158(1-2), 95 - 100
{The epidemiological effectiveness control of antituberculous measures in the experimental territories}; Chomenko AG; Report on the effectiveness of antituberculous measures in 8 experimental territories of USSR . These territories were organized in 1972 . Measures for the control of tuberculosis are comprehensively performed and checked . Repeated mass x-ray examinations of the whole population (covering more than 90%) have produced a marked reduction of tuberculosis incidence already within 2 to 3 years . The intensified bacteriological diagnostic with cultures increased the portion of positive cases up to 55-60% . Other important indices for the assessment and evaluation of the tuberculosis situation are discussed . The portion of negativations and cavity clomre could be markedly improved by a centralized control of the treatment results.

Rev Argent Microbiol, 1982, 14(2), 77 - 84
{An enzootic of colibacillus enterotoxicosis in calves}; Fain Binda JC et al.; In December 1979, an enzootic with a high rate mortality diarrhea in few days old calves, fed artificially, began on a rural farm, located in El Trebol (provincia de Santa Fe) . Bacteriologic studies allowed the isolation of Escherichia coli from both blood and mesenteric lymph nodes . Symptoms were reproduced in two healthy calves injected with a toxin made from this bacteria . Autopsy of one of these calves revealed congestion and hemorrhagic disseminated in the intestinal mucus membrane together with infarcted mesenteric lymph nodes . This coli enterotoxicosis extended until March 1980, was the worst pathology affecting the farm during the last ten years (Tables 2, 3) . The mortality from this enzootic increased six times as compared with four month period from 1970 to 1979, and it was doubled during January and March (Table 4) . The predisposing factors that give rise to this illness and the bacterial etiology of which was demonstrated by experimental methods are discussed.

Pol Arch Weter, 1982, 23(2), 73 - 82
{Activity of various enzymes of the intestinal mucosa in spontaneous colibacteriosis in pigs}; Katkiewicz M et al.; The aim of this work was to find out the histochemical activity of alkaline and acid phosphatases, and nonspecific esterases in intestinal mucosa in spontaneous swine colibacillosis . The investigated animals were divided into 3 groups: I--oedema disease (12 pigs), II--enetrotoxemia due to E . coli (8 pigs), III--control animals (5 pigs) . The above grouping was based on the clinical, bacteriological and post-mortem examination . A slight increase of alkaline phosphatase activity in the jejunum and ileum of sick pigs was observed . The acid phosphatase activity decreased in the duodenum of oedema diseased pigs, while it increased in the cecum and colon--comparing with the control and enterotoxemia groups of animals . The decrease of acid phosphatase activity was observed in the jejunum and ileum of the enterotoxemia group of animals . The difference in the activity of nonspecific esterases concerned only the cecum and colon of diseased pigs, where its decrease was observed.

Arkh Patol, 1982, 44(11), 78 - 85
{Legionnaires' disease (etiology, epidemiology, morphology and pathogenesis of "legionnaires" disease)}; Shtern RD et al.; A review of the world literature on the "Legionnaires' disease", an infectious disease which was designated in 1979 as "legionellosis" and described in three different clinicoanatomic forms is presented . These forms differ both in manifestations of the disease and in species of the causal agents, legionellae, united in a genus Legionellaceae . Particular attention in the review is paid to morphological lesions observed in legionelloses (macro- and microscopic, and ultrastructural) . The necessity of a careful histobacterioscopic examination of tissues in suspected cases of legionellosis and additional crucial bacteriological and serological examinations is noted . Since in the majority of the observations the main pathological process was represented by pneumonia (pleuropneumonia with frequent abscessing), the main differential diagnostic features of legionellosis pneumonia and its differences from other similar infectious diseases are described.

Neurochirurgie, 1982, 28(5), 325 - 9
{Importance of the bacteriologic study in brain abscess . Comparison of the evolution of bacteriologic and therapeutic results in a series of 102 cases}; George B et al.; Progresses in bacteriological study have been analyzed on 102 cases of intracranial infections between 1968 and 1980: sterile cultures decrease from 56% to 11,5%, rate of isolation of anaerobic and association of aero-anaerobic bacteria increase respectively from 10 to 40% and from 2 to 17,1% . Clinical results progress in close relation; the mortality rate decrease from 11,5% to 8,3% as well as morbidity rate from 33% to 19,4% . Moreover clinical results are worse when the bacteriological study fails to isolate any germ: mortality 15,7% and sequellae 53,5% . The best results are observed in the group of anaerobic infections: mortality 4% and sequellae 26,6% . Lastly, the interest of the systematic research of particular bacteria such as capnophilic or microaerophilic bacteria or mycobacterium tuberculosis (2 cases) is underlined . This work emphasizes the importance of the bacteriological study for the management of intracranial infections and the improvement of the clinical results.

Med Cutan Ibero Lat Am, 1982, 10(3), 159 - 64
{Indeterminate Hansen's disease}; Pereira Junior AC et al.; The AA have characterized undifferenciated or indeterminate forms of Hanseniasis on the clinical, immunological, bacteriological and histological aspects . They too signaled the epidemiological importance and demonstrated its position in the statistics showing it to be the prevalent form of the disease . In 90 patients from Rio de Janeiro they discussed the many clinical manifestations and the therapeutics, prognosis, evolution and most important manners to discovered new cases.

J Int Med Res, 1982, 10(5), 348 - 50
A clinical evaluation of Suprapen (amoxicillin plus flucloxacillin) in the management of childhood thoracic empyema; Anyanwu CH; Twenty-one children, all suffering from thoracic empyema, were treated with a combination of antibiotic therapy (Suprapen) and tube thoracostomy . A satisfactory clinical response with radiological and laboratory confirmation was seen in all but one patient, thus obviating the need for major surgery . Suprapen may be considered as a first line antibiotic in such cases of pleural sepsis in the absence of bacteriological confirmation of infection.

Ann Biol Clin (Paris), 1982, 40(3), 259 - 68
{Complementary studies in acute bronchopulmonary infections except tuberculosis}; Peltier P et al.; Development of a strategy for the investigation of pulmonary infectious disease is aimed at identifying the organism responsible for the infection in order to prescribe the appropriate antibiotic therapy . Factors involved in the choice of a method are the underlying condition (healthy, high risk or immunodepressed subject), the type of infection (primary, secondary), the technical abilities of the medical and bacteriological team and finally the value of the different techniques of isolation . The latter must provide a specimen which is not contaminated by the oropharyngeal flora . Their reliability involves definition of a reference method which can be used to test the other techniques in comparison, and requires comparison of the bacteriological results obtained with clinical and radiological data as well as the results of the resultant therapeutic decision . Indirect methods of investigation (blood cultures, serological studies) are relatively unfruitful . Criteria of value of direct methods of investigation are defined and applied to each method (expectoration, transtracheal aspiration, bronchial fibroscopy, transparietal puncture) . On the basis of data in the literature and their own results, the authors undertake an analytical then comparative (in a given patient) study of the different methods, and identify their indications.

Ann Biol Clin (Paris), 1982, 40(3), 223 - 6
{The bacteriological and immunological diagnosis of Legionnaires' disease}; Dournon E; There has been very rapid progress in knowledge concerning Legionnaires' disease and the Legionella . Relatively simple and reliable diagnostic techniques are already available . Isolation of Legionella is now possible as a result of the development of sensitive and specific culture media . Detection of the organism in pathological material by direct immunofluorescence leads to emergency confirmation of the diagnosis in approximately 50% of cases . Finally, serology using a specific antigen often leads to a suspicion of Legionnaires' disease a few days after its clinical onset . It provides late confirmation in the immense majority of cases . These three techniques will no doubt be followed by others which will further facilitate the recognition of Legionnaires' disease, a not uncommon and grave illness.

Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand, 1982, 61(3), 243 - 6
Metronidazole prophylaxis in abdominal hysterectomy . A double-blind controlled trial; Manthorpe T et al.; The use of prophylactic metronidazole in electric total abdominal hysterectomy was evaluated in a prospective, double-blind randomized study . The rate of complicated wound healing was 18% in the metronidazole group and 13% in the placebo group . The bacteriologically confirmed wound infection rate was 3.9% in both the metronidazole and the placebo group . Only one of the infections was anaerobic and it appeared in the placebo group . No pelvic infections were observed in either of the groups and hospital stay was the same in both . Peroperative investigations of the vaginal flora showed significantly fewer anaerobic strains in the metronidazole group than in the placebo group.

Zentralbl Chir, 1982, 107(12), 727 - 36
{Our surgical heritage . History of modern surgery: a brief survey . I}; Schmitt W; A short review is given that deals with modern surgery beginning from 1880 . This amazing development began with general anaesthesia, anti- and asepsis . Its further progress till to the present time resulted mainly from research in bacteriology X-ray technique, endoscopy, chemotherapy, anaesthesiology, biochemistry, immunology and last not least from better knowledge of protein-, water- and elektrolyte metabolism . Thanks to microsurgery organ transplantation and replantation of severed limbs became possible: a new dimension of surgery.

Med Cutan Ibero Lat Am, 1982, 10(1), 37 - 40
{Dermatitis of the scrotum}; Woskoff A et al.; The scrotal dermatitis is a syndrome with itching, oedema, scales and lichenification . Those symptoms change according to the aetiology agent . In the research of mycological and bacteriological elements was found "Candida" and staphilococus as the most common agent . This aetiology agent on an abnormal skin plus the rubbing and the soaking can explain the pathogenesis of this dermatosis.

J Med Virol, 1982, 10(3), 171 - 9
Variance in rotavirus infection rates in different urban population groups in South Africa; Schoub BD et al.; Rotavirus infection in black infants contrasts markedly with that of white infants in being much less common and showing no seasonal variation . In this multicentre study in Johannesburg, the aetiology of winter infantile gastroenteritis in black, coloured, and white infants was investigated . Stools were examined by electron microscopy and also by enzyme-immunoassay to detect subparticular antigen which may be missed by electron microscopy in patients presenting late in the course of the illness . Stools were also examined bacteriologically by conventional techniques . Rotavirus was the most common pathogen in all three population groups with bacteria playing a relatively minor role . Striking differences were observed in the rotavirus rates between the three groups . Infection in the whites was five times more common than in the blacks (60% versus 12%) with the coloureds intermediate at 40% . The hypothesis was put forward that the relative protection of the black population may be due to a greater degree of colonization of neonates, thus inducing protection against symptomatic infection at the target age of 6 to 24 months . This may well have important implications in immunoprophylaxis . The reason for the lack of seasonal variation in the black population is still unclear.

Contrib Gynecol Obstet, 1982, 9, 100 - 12
Placental morphology of low-birth-weight infants born at term; Garcia AG; Gross and microscopic examination in 50 placentas of low-birth-weight infants showed: (1) hematogenous infection (74%); (2) placental circulatory disturbances related to maternal hypertension (14%); (3) abnormal placentation (6%); (4) isolated villous dismaturity (4%), and (5) diffuse chorioangiomatosis (2%) . As the main placental lesion associated to low-birth-weight in this series was hematogenous infection, the author stress the validity of the virologic, bacteriologic and parasitologic examination of the placenta combined with the morphologic one in the detection of the etiology of intrauterine infection.

Rev Ig Bacteriol Virusol Parazitol Epidemiol Pneumoftiziol Pneumoftiziol, 1982 Jan-Mar, 31(1), 25 - 30
{Bacteriological and epidemiological observations on atypical mycobacteria isolated at the laboratory of the Cluj-Napoca Tuberculosis Hospital}; Fanea E et al.; Excluding cases of clinically manifest mycobacteriosis atypical mycobacteria can be detected in the excreta of healthy subjects, of tuberculous patients, or of other patients suffering from other diseases, without any major clinical implication . In certain environment conditions however epidemiologic manifestations may be induced by these organisms, of the hospitalism type . Atypical strains of the mycobacteria isolated over a period of 10 years represent 3.17% of all isolated strains . The highest percentage according to the Runyon groups were found in the IV-th group (43%), followed by the II-nd group (with 42%), and the III-rd group (with 11%) . Diffusion of mycobacteria from the II-nd and the IV-th Runyon groups has determined hospitalism phenomena that developed in two distinct epidemic outbreaks determined by different factors.

Curr Med Res Opin, 1982, 8(2), 82 - 8
Long-term, low-dose treatment with pivmecillinam alone and in combination with pivampicillin in patients prone to recurrent bacteriuria; Barclay RP et al.; The results of three separate studies aimed at evaluating the efficacy of long-term, low-dose treatment with pivmecillinam alone, and in combination with pivampicillin, in patients prone to recurrent bacteriuria, are presented . Overall, pivmecillinam and pivmecillinam/pivampicillin appeared to be equally effective, both clinically and bacteriologically, in a group of elderly subjects treated for 6 months . Pivmecillinam was also used successfully for up to 1 year in 10 out of 12 children in whom prophylactic therapy was indicated . The various regimens employed were without any significant toxic effects and were well tolerated.

Curr Med Res Opin, 1982, 8(2), 104 - 12
Cefotaxime ("Claforan') in routine hospital use; Connelly K; A multi-centre study was carried out in 327 patients with a wide variety of moderate to severe infections . Patients were treated with cefotaxime at the recommended dosages and, in most cases, as the sole antibiotic . The bacteriological eradication rate was 83% while 92% of clinically assessable cases were successful; 3% of cases relapsed and 5% failed to respond . There was a low incidence of side-effects.

Infection, 1982, 10(2), 90 - 6
Mecillinam alone and in combination with ampicillin or moxalactam in experimental Escherichia coli meningitis; Schaad UB et al.; The activity of mecillinam, ampicillin and moxalactam alone and in combination was determined in a lapin meningitis model and a mouse meningitis model against two Escherichia coli strains isolated from infants with meningitis . Both strains were highly susceptible in vitro to the antibiotics, and responded well in systemic mouse protection tests (PD50 less than 4 mg/kg) . Continuous infusion of mecillinam in the lapin model over nine hours was effective in sterilizing the CSF of three of four animals infected with one strain . This prompt bacteriologic response to mecillinam alone precluded the possibility of constant infusion administration for synergy studies . Therefore, single dose administration was used to demonstrate the synergistic potential of mecillinam with ampicillin in the lapin meningitis model against the E . coli Kl # 2 strain . The combination of moxalactam and mecillinam was synergistic against the E . coli Kl # 2 strain in the mouse meningitis model . The synergistic potential of these combinations could not be reliably predicted by in vitro tests, time kill curves or systemic mouse protection tests.

Infection, 1982, 10 Suppl 3, S128 - 30
{Comparison of effect and tolerance of mezlocillin with carbenicillin in the treatment of bacterial infections}; Tkacz B et al.; Of 60 patients who were suffering from bacterial infections, 30 were treated with mezlocillin and 30 with carbenicillin in a randomized study . The patients received the recommended daily doses of 16 g and 30 g, respectively . Clinical efficacy was found in all patients . Mezlocillin eliminated the strains more reliably than carbenicillin . The bacteriological success rate was 27/30 and 16/30, respectively . We should also take into account the fact that the six patients with cholecystitis who were treated with carbenicillin could not be controlled after treatment.

Infection, 1982, 10 Suppl 3, S121 - 4
Mezlocillin and carbenicillin: a clinical comparison of serious systemic infections in surgical patients; Lewandowski A et al.; Eighty patients suffering from severe cases of systemic surgical infections were enrolled in a prospective, controlled randomized study to compare mezlocillin and carbenicillin . The daily dosage was chosen according to international recommendation, i.e . 4 g mezlocillin 6-hourly and 5 g carbenicillin 4-hourly . A clinical, bacteriological and combined "overall" evaluation was made . There was a distinct trend in favour of the mezlocillin group which was not statistically significant . The treatment was well tolerated; no side-effects were observed.

Prog Pediatr Surg, 1982, 15, 173 - 80
Abdominal tuberculosis in children; Madhok P et al.; Fifty cases of abdominal tuberculosis, seen over a 10-year period, are reviewed . A mass in the abdomen, with or without intestinal obstruction, was the commonest mode of presentation . Biochemical, haematological and bacteriological tests were of limited help in making a definite diagnosis, which was largely based on laparoscopic findings or on biopsy material obtained at operation . Laparoscopy was considered a simple, safe and reliable method for diagnosis, and it was at times possible to avoid a laparotomy . At operation, only the minimum of surgery was attempted . Division of bands, adhesiolysis, and conservative resection were performed, according to the intraoperative findings . Bypass operations are reserved for duodenal obstruction or extensively involved bowel . The prognosis was found to be excellent and the mortality negligible.

Tijdschr Diergeneeskd, 1981 Dec 15, 106(24), 1272 - 80
{Cleaning and disinfection of cattle trucks (author's transl)}; Osinga A et al.; When the Order on 'Disinfection of Motor Vehicles and Trailers, 1976' failed to fulfil its purpose in practice, the present authors made a closer examination of the bacteriological state of cattle trucks, both before cleaning as required by law and after cleaning and disinfection . The supposition that loading platforms lined with aluminum are more readily cleaned than are wooden platforms, was verified by the results . Moreover, it was found that aluminium-lined platforms can be adequately cleaned with cold water . Markedly superior results are not obtained when hot water (approximately 80 degrees C) is used . An effective disinfectant should be applied after cleaning to reduce bacteriological contamination to a further extent . When the loading platforms have been cleaned using a high-pressure syringe, satisfactory results are obtained by disinfection with a one per cent solution of Halamid or a solution of Stafilex (750 ppm of active chlorine) . To ensure an effective control of disease in animals, the loading platforms of cattle trucks should be cleaned and disinfected daily after use . The above disinfectants are useful for this purpose but sodium hydroxide is unsuited because of its corrosive effect.

S Afr Med J, 1981 Dec 12, 60(24), 932 - 4
A clinical trial of a combination of amoxycillin and flucloxacillin in amputations for septic ischaemic lower limb lesions; Robbs JV et al.; The incidence of sepsis after amputation with or without a proximal arterial reconstructive procedure in 24 patients presenting with septic ischaemic lower limb lesions and who received a parenteral combination of amoxycillin and flucloxacillin (Suprapen; Bencard) is compared with that in a similar control group of 22 patients who received antibiotics only if postoperative sepsis developed . There was no significant difference in the incidence of sepsis in the arterial reconstruction wounds . Amputation stump sepsis occurred in 33.3% of patients receiving prophylactic antibiotics compared with 72.7% of the control group . The difference is statistically significant . A similar significant difference was found among 32 patients submitted to primary amputation without an arterial reconstructive procedure . Bacteriological data are discussed.

Hansenol Int, 1981 Dec, 6(2), 130 - 5
Leprosy classification for use in control programs; Bernardi C et al.; Some classifications of Leprosy currently in use are reviewed and the difficulties of their application in field work are analysed . While it is recognized the scientific value of these classifications in order to identify precisely the clinical, bacteriological, histological and immunological aspects of the disease, an alternative simplified classification is suggested, to be used in control programmes . In this classification clinical forms that require the same public health action are put together . Thus, clinical forms are reduced to three basic groups . The clinical and laboratory criteria which define each group are presented, as well as the correlation between this simplified classification and the classic one.

Zentralbl Bakteriol Mikrobiol Hyg {B}, 1981 Dec, 174(5), 443 - 52
{Hygienical assessment of swimming pool water covers made of plastic (author's transl)}; Becker-Birck J et al.; Swimming pool water covers made of different plastics were investigated in laboratory experiments . The possible influence on the chemical and the bacteriological water quality (test bacterium Ps . (fluorescens) was observed . Strong-PVC-plastics proved to have no respectively hardly any chemical or bacteriological influence on the water quality . PE-soft-plastics showed clearly higher chlorine consumption and TOC counts . The influence on bacterial growth was here either inhibition or of nutrient character . A direct colonisation of the plastic was not to be seen--neither in vivo nor in vitro . There are no principal objections against the use of plastics swimming pool covers from hygienical point of view . Some limitating aspects are discussed.

J Infect Dis, 1981 Dec, 144(6), 570 - 4
Preliminary serologic evidence for a pathogenic role of Branhamella catarrhalis; Leinonen M et al.; Branhamella catarrhalis has been suspected, on the basis of bacteriologic culture results, to have a pathogenic role in 6%-9% of cases of acute otitis media as well as in other upper respiratory tract infections . Serologic evidence of this role was obtained with use of an enzyme immunoassay to detect antibodies to B . catarrhalis . The presence of both IgG and IgA antibodies to Branhamella in the serum and/or middle ear fluid (MEF) of children with acute otitis media correlated with the isolation of B . catarrhalis from cultures of their MEF . An increase in titer of antibodies to Branhamella between acute-phase and convalescent-phase serum samples was found in 10 of the 19 children with otitis media from whom B . catarrhalis but no other pathogen was isolated from the MEF . Such an increase was found in none of the 14 children with otitis media caused by other organisms.

Tijdschr Diergeneeskd, 1981 Dec, 106(23), 1208 - 14
{Inflammatory lesions caudal to the costal arch following ovariohysterectomy in dogs (author's transl)}; Lubberink AA et al.; Over a period of thirty months, twenty-two dogs showing inflammatory lesions caudal to the costal arch following ovariohysterectomy were submitted for examination . Seventeen patients showed fistulae, four showed painful swellings and one patient showed a fistula on one and a swelling on another side . After the findings on physical examination, the results of bacteriological haematological and radiological studies are reported . Surgical procedures consisted in laparotomy through the median line and/or local exploration of the region of the flanks, which led to laparotomy in some cases . The prognosis was bad in these cases; of eighteen patients with fistulae, only six, and of four patients showing swellings two recovered . The findings in six dogs submitted for post-mortem examination are reported.

J Hyg (Lond), 1981 Dec, 87(3), 407 - 12
The bacteriology of recurrent pyogenic cholangitis and associated diseases; Wong WT et al.; Ninety-five patients with recurrent pyogenic cholangitis had a range of specimens taken at laparotomy for bacterial culture . Bacteria were isolated from 68% of cases . Escherichia coli was the predominant pathogen . Other aerobic and anaerobic intestinal bacteria were also isolated . Liver biopsy, bile and gallstones were the most rewarding specimens for culture . Infection was usually localized, but systemic infection occurred occasionally . The site of infection is probably in the liver parenchyma; however, the route by which intestinal bacteria invade the liver is not known . Sixty per cent of the cases of recurrent pyogenic cholangitis had gallstones and 20% were infected with Clonorchis sinensis.

Int J Lepr Other Mycobact Dis, 1981 Dec, 49(4), 383 - 92
The histological course of reactions in borderline leprosy and their outcome; Ridley DS et al.; The histological course and the outcome of reactions was followed in 12 patients who were all in the borderline (BT-BL) zone of the spectrum at some time during the reaction . In eight patients the reaction proved to be of the upgrading or reversal type with a shift in classification toward the tuberculoid pole . In two patients the reaction was of the opposite downgrading type, and in two there was no significant change in classification as a result of the reaction . Early reactions were characterized by edema and an increase in the number of lymphocytes which was more marked in upgrading than downgrading reactions, but at this stage the outcome could not be reliably predicted . In the acute stage necrosis was apparent in severe cases and was followed by giant cell formation and the evolution of the granuloma cells depending on the direction of the shift: organized clusters of mature epithelioid cells in upgrading, macrophages in downgrading . At all stages the collagen of the dermis might be involved in varying degree, which in extreme cases included fibrinoid necrosis and scarring in the late stage . The histology is compared to that of tuberculin reactions . All cases were bacteriologically positive at the onset of the reaction . The results were consistent with the view that these reactions are delayed type hypersensitivity phenomena associated with the unmasking of bacterial antigen in nerve or other protected sites, or with an increase of hypersensitivity as a result of treatment . They demonstrate the evolution of a granuloma in mycobacterial disease.

Aust Vet J, 1981 Dec, 57(12), 543 - 7
An abattoir survey of tuberculosis in feral buffaloes; Hein WR et al.; Tuberculosis lesions were found in 193 (1.7%) of 11,322 buffaloes examined during routine post-mortem inspection at 2 export abattoirs . The prevalence of tuberculosis in buffaloes supplied from 17 separate farms ranged from 0.3% to 8.22%, with the highest levels occurring on the coastal plains . Lesions were confirmed to one major body region in 50 of 72 randomly chosen cases of tuberculosis and to 2 or more regions in 22 cases . Thoracic lesions occurred in 65 of the 72 cases, abdominal lesions in 19, head lesions in 18 and carcase lesions in 9 . In the thoracic cavity, lesions occurred most frequently in mediastinal and bronchial lymph nodes . In the head region the retropharyngeal lymph node was most frequently involved, in the abdominal cavity, the liver, and in the carcase, the deep inguinal lymph node . Tuberculosis lesions in buffaloes had a lardaceous consistency and were paler in colour and less calcified than those normally exhibited by cattle . Mycobacteria were isolated from 30 to 31 lesion samples submitted for bacteriological examination . Of the isolates, 25 were identified as Mycobacterium bovis, 3 as M . avium-intracellulare-scrofulaceum complex, one as M . fortuitum and one as M . flavescens . The M . bovis isolates from buffaloes showed minor cultural differences to those normally characteristic of bovine isolates.

Clin Obstet Gynecol, 1981 Dec, 24(4), 1227 - 43
Nongonococcal pelvic inflammatory disease; Grimes DA; PIP: Several obstacles to the investigation of nongonococcal pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) are described . The incidence and selected epidemiologic features of this disease are reviewed along with the major nongonococcal pathogens and their treatment, and several theories of microbial etiology are summarized . The late sequelae from this disease are also described . Conventional techniques of diagnosing acute PID seem to be imprecise when applied to nongonococcal PID . Its clinical presentation is often unlike gonococcal PID, but signs and symptoms frequently lead to incorrect diagnosis . Most studies of acute PID lack an objective case definition . Some authors advocate wider use of laparoscopy in diagnosing acute PID, but cost remains an important limitation . The visual criteria for diagnosing PID may be so stringent that mild or early cases of endosalpingitis are missed . The external appearance of the fallopian tube may not be an accurate reflection of pathology involving the lumen . The bacteriology of acute PID seems to vary geographically . The time when the patient seeks medical attention for PID may influence the results of bacteriologic studies . The recovery rates for potential pathogens in acute PID may not accurately reflect the microbial etiology . There may be errors of underdiagnosis and overdiagnosis . In 1976, over 229,000 cases of gonorrhea associated with PID were reported in the U.S., and at least as many nongonococcal cases were estimated to have occurred . Most studies of the epidemiology of acute PID have not distinguished between gonococcal and nongonococcal disease . In the U.S., nongonococcal anaerobic and aerobic bacteria can be isolated from 46-90% of culdocentesis or laparotomy specimens of patients with acute nongonococcal PID . Experiments with grivet monkeys support an etiologic role for chlamydia trachomatis in acute PID . Mycoplasmas are widely found in the genital tracts of sexually active women, but their role in causing acute PID appears less certain than that of chlamydia trachomatis . Actinomycosis represents a unique nongonococcal PID related to IUD use . The optimal treatment for nongonococcal PID is unknown, but tetracycline and its derivatives are effective against a broad spectrum of nongonococcal organisms . Abscesses and infertility are serious complications of nongonococcal PID . Continued research needs to clarify the epidemiology, treatment, and prevention of this important disease .

Br J Urol, 1981 Dec, 53(6), 621 - 3
Prostatodynia--physiological characteristics and rational management with muscle relaxants; Osborn DE et al.; Patients with a clinical diagnosis of prostatodynia were evaluated by bacteriological, urodynamic and psychological means . In a prospective study 27 patients were entered on a trial of phenoxybenzamine, baclofen and placebo . A 50% symptomatic response was reported with phenoxybenzamine.

Am J Surg, 1981 Dec, 142(6), 752 - 5
Management of central venous catheters using a wire introducer; Graeve AH et al.; The wire introducer method is a satisfactory technique for management of central venous catheters if bacteriologic monitoring of the removed catheter is used to determine whether the introduced catheter should be allowed to remain . The data indicate that when central venous catheters become infected, they do so through the whole length of the catheter, from subcutaneous tunnel to intravascular tip . An intravenous catheter which produces negative cultures can be safely changed by the introducer method aseptically . An infected catheter must be removed as soon as the diagnosis is apparent, since the replacement catheter will be seeded by the colonized tract . Blood specimens drawn through central venous lines do not reflect the status of the line itself but rather the presence or absence of systemic bacteremia.

AJR Am J Roentgenol, 1981 Dec, 137(6), 1213 - 20
The many radiologic facies of pneumococcal pneumonia; Kantor HG; In 1978, 89 patients were treated for (S . pneumoniae) pneumonia at New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center . Only 40 cases met rather strict diagnostic criteria . Of these, 12 demonstrated the classical consolidative (air space) pattern usually ascribed to this disease . A bronchopneumonic (patchy) pattern was demonstrated in an equal number of patients; interstitial (irregular linear) infiltrates were manifest in nine cases and a mixed interstitial and patchy presentation shown in seven cases . Absence of the consolidative pattern does not exclude pneumococcal pneumonia . Bacteriologic investigation is required to determine the proper diagnosis and course of therapy.

J Infect Dis, 1981 Dec, 144(6), 499 - 508
Cleavage of C3 by neutral proteases from granulocytes in pleural empyema; Suter S et al.; The possibility of direct inactivation of C3 by granular enzymes from polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNLs) in pleural empyema was examined . As a group, pleural empyema from 10 patients with purulent effusions and a positive bacteriologic culture cleaved significantly more 125I-labeled C3 bound to Sepharose (18.4% +/- 7.3%) than did 19 sterile pleural effusions (2.4% +/- 0.9%; P less than 0.001) and sonicates from bacterial strains commonly found in empyema (1.4% +/- 0.2%) . Granular enzymes from 7 X 10(6) PMNLs cleaved 78.5% of 125I-labeled C3 bound to Sepharose . When proteolysis of 125I-labeled C3 after incubation with pleural empyema or PMNL granular enzymes was examined with polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, breakdown products were similar . Granulocyte elastase-like activity was detected in four samples of pleural empyema . Granulocyte elastase inhibitors, as well as 10% human serum, effectively suppressed cleavage of C3 and elastase-like activity . In pleural empyemas, granula enzymes from PMNLs, especially elastase, apparently contribute to low complement-mediated opsonic activity by direct inactivation of C3.

Tijdschr Diergeneeskd, 1981 Nov 15, 106(22), 1142 - 58
{Gynaecological complications following ovariohysterectomy in dogs, due to: (1) Partial removal of the ovaries . (2) Inflammation of the uterocervical stump (author's transl)}; Okkens AC et al.; Of the total number of dogs with complications following ovario-hysterectomy submitted during the period from January 1977 to July 1979 (109), fifty-five showed gynaecological symptoms such as discharge of the vulva (28), attractiveness to male dogs (37), periods of heat (28) and pseudopregnancy (14) . In addition to a general clinical examination, the dogs (forty-two of these fifty-five weighing more than 20 kg) underwent a selective gynaecological examination usually consisting in clinical, cytological and bacteriological studies and estimation of the progesterone level of the peripheral blood . At the same time, the progesterone levels of the peripheral blood of six beagles were studied for comparative purposes during pro-oestrus, oestrus and metoestrus; the maximum progesterone level was recorded about day 20 and varied from 35 to 60 ng/ml . The average progesterone level was determined in thirty-nine beagles during anoestrus and found to be 0.24 +/- 0.02 SEM ng/ml . The basal progesterone level was determined in eight dogs in which total ovariohysterectomy had been performed (0.14 +/- 0.02 SEM ng of progesterone /ml) . When a cytological study was done in the dogs with residual ovarian tissue, an oestrus pattern was observed in 39 per cent of the cases, the progesterone level of the peripheral blood being above the basal level in 70 per cent of the cases . Remnants of ovarian tissue were removed during laparotomy in forty-seven dogs, on the right side in forty-one cases and on the left in twenty-two cases . The uterocervical stump was shortened when uterine tissue was probably or obviously present . The uterine stump was more or less severely inflamed in nineteen cases . The procedure was confined to shortening of the uterocervical stump in eight dogs in which ovarian tissue was not found to be present . The inflamed stump contained an unabsorbable ligature in seven dogs, the uterocervical stump of the eighth dog not being examined.

Ann Plast Surg, 1981 Nov, 7(5), 354 - 6
Monitoring, banking, and clinical use of amnion as a burn wound dressing; Thomson PD et al.; The preparation of human amniotic membrane obtained from cesarean delivery placentas for use in the treatment of acutely burned pediatric patients is presented . The technique of membrane harvesting and cleansing, bacteriological monitoring during various phases of preparation, and a method of ultracold long-term banking are described . A total of 187 membranes were stripped under aseptic conditions, cultured, treated in 0.025% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) for one minute and recultured . Fourteen organisms were recovered prior to NaOC1 treatment, and only 8 organisms after treatment . Amnions that grew any organism after hypochlorite treatment (23%) were deemed unsuitable for clinical use . Clinical experience with amniotic membranes in 36 acutely burned patients suggests that amnion is a cost-effective biological dressing, acceptable as an immediate dressing on superficial second-degree burns . It is also acceptable as an adjunct to meshed autograft over fascia, and as a temporary covering on recently excised wounds prior to autografting.

Monatsschr Kinderheilkd, 1981 Nov, 129(11), 645 - 7
{About the incidence of chronic airway diseases in infants and children (author's transl)}; Szekely E et al.; Based on the experiences with 1,500 infants and children, hospitalized during a five-year period, who had undergone clinical, routine laboratory, immunological bacteriological, allergological, X-ray, oto-rhino-laryngological, spirometrical and bronchological examinations performed by unchanging teams using the same methods and instruments, it was found that the cause of respiratory diseases in a comparatively high number of patients were developmental anomalies, that it is important to look for tracheal stenoses, that there is chronic bronchitis in infants and children, that sinusitis maxillaris or shortage of immunoglobulins are relatively rare, and that selective bacteriological cultures are not very often positive . These results emphasize the importance of carefully differentiating between the various forms of respiratory diseases in infants and children.

J Assoc Off Anal Chem, 1981 Nov, 64(6), 1465 - 9
Comparison of yeast and mold counts by spiral, pour, and streak plate methods; Zipkes MR et al.; Foods with naturally occurring yeast and mold were used in a comparative study of 4 plating techniques . Oats, green beans, and cheese were incubated for 3 and 5 days at 25 degrees C . Although 3 days of incubation would be sufficient for yeast, 5 days were necessary for the mold count . The percent recovery of yeast and molds by the spiral and streak methods ranged from 200 to 357% compared with the pour plating method described in the Bacteriological Analytical manual (BAM) . The spiral method had the highest overall recovery and the lowest replicate plating error.

Rev Infect Dis, 1981 Nov-Dec, 3(6), 1251 - 4
Who introduced typhoid vaccination: Almroth Write or Richard Pfeiffer?
Groschel DH, Hornick RB.
The British pathologist Almroth Wright generally is credited with the initiation of typhoid vaccination in 1896 . His claims of priority were challenged as early as 1907 in favor of Richard Pfeiffer, a German bacteriologist and a student of Robert Koch . A review of the original literature of the 1890s and the early 1900s revealed that several groups were working on typhoid vaccine at the same time and that the credit for the initiation of typhoid vaccine studies should be shared by these two great researchers.

Jpn J Antibiot, 1981 Nov, 34(11), 1465 - 9
{Clinical trials of cefmetazole on the bacterial infections of the skin (author's transl)}; Matsumoto T; Cefmetazole (CMZ) was applied to the subjects with infectious skin disease of more than middle severe cases in the present study, and the following results were obtained . 1 . The clinical effects were as follows: among 15 clinical cases, 1 remarkably effective and 14 effective cases were observed, with 100% of effectiveness . 2 . Bacteriological effects were as follows: 11 strains of S . aureus and 4 strains of S . epidermidis were isolated and all of them disappeared by the administration of CMZ . 3 . Sensitivity test using a disc method showed that good sensitivity of better than (++) was obtained by CMZ and CEZ for all tested bacteria . 4 . CMZ showed excellent clinical effects on the subjects to which oral cephalosporins and penicillins were not effective . 5 . No undesirable side effects ascribable to the CMZ administration were observed.

In Vitro, 1981 Nov, 17(11), 997 - 1003
Covert infection of a mouse mammary tumor cell line with Mycoplasma hyorhinis: cosedimentation with mouse mammary tumor virus in sucrose density gradients; Sydiskis RJ et al.; Supernatant fluids from cultures of a mouse mammary tumor (MT) cell line were found to produce a specific cell detachment effect when inoculated into HeLa cells . The cell detachment factor (CDG) responsible for this effect was examined . Repeated attempts to cultivate this CDF in bacteriologic, fungal, and mycoplasma media were unsuccessful . However, using the DNA fluorochrome staining technique and specific immunofluorescent staining procedures, the CDF was identified positively as a noncultivable strain of Mycoplasma hyorhinis . It was also noted that this CDF could be labeled with {3H}uridine in MT cell cultures, concentrated, and banded at a density of 1.18 g/cm3 when centrifuged to equilibrium in a 20 to 60% sucrose gradient . Using a multiple antibiotic treatment regimen, the MT cells were "cured" of the M . hyorhinis contaminant . Re-infection of these cells with an exogenous strain of M . hyorhinis resulted in the same cell detachment effect, and this strain when labeled with {3H}uridine also sedimented at a density of 1.18 g/cm3 . The salient feature of these studies is that M . hyorhinis sediments at the same density of mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) in sucrose density gradients . This was demonstrated by sucrose density gradient analyses of a purified sample of MMTV, assaying for reverse transcriptase activity, and a {3H}uridine labeled sample of the M . hyorhinis present in the MT cell cultures.

J Wildl Dis, 1981 Oct, 17(4), 489 - 96
Leptospirosis in free-living species in New Zealand; Hathaway SC et al.; A total of 1296 free-living mammals and birds of 12 species was examined for serologic and bacteriologic evidence of leptospiral infection . Endemic infection with serovar ballum was found in several introduced species of mammals . Endemic ballum infection is not recognized in the same species in Great Britain, their country of origin . Possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) were found to have a high prevalence of infection with balcanica, a serovar that has been isolated from possums in Australia and from cattle, pigs and humans in Eastern Europe . Free-living lagomorphs and deer were both serologically and bacteriologically negative . Waterfowl were bacteriologically negative, and only one serological titre was found.

Z Orthop Ihre Grenzgeb, 1981 Oct, 119(5), 540 - 3
{Treatment of chronic osteomyelitis with Taurolin-Gel (author's transl)}; Gotz J et al.; A study was made to ascertain the effect of Taurolin {Bis-(1-dioxo-perhydro-1, 2, 4-thiadiazinyl-4)-methan}*-Agarose resp . Taurolin -Collagen, using as model a chronic osteomyelitis in a dog's femur . The result was verified by means of X-rays, bone scans, intermittent bacteriological checks and, finally, histology . Taurolin, a chemotherapeuticum derived from the aminosulfonic acid, Taurin, was proven to be compatible . It led to regression of the osteomyelitis.

Plast Reconstr Surg, 1981 Oct, 68(4), 588 - 92
Polymyositis, prednisone, and pheomycotic cyst; Greis A et al.; An immunosuppressed patient with polymyositis presented with an apparent ganglion of the left foot . During the operative procedure, a cystic mass inconsistent with a ganglion was excised and immediately sent to the Quantitative Bacteriology Laboratory . A rapid slide examination revealed yeastlike bodies present in the tissue . The remainder of the tissue was sent to pathology for special staining . The H&E and GMS stains revealed findings compatible with the diagnosis of a pheomycotic cyst, and the appropriate cultures confirmed this . This represents an unusual opportunistic infection in an immunosuppressed host . As more patients are managed with immunosuppressive drugs, this diagnosis will need to be considered much more frequently if treatment is to be effective.

Sem Hop, 1981 Sep 18-25, 57(33-36), 1413 - 6
{Mycotic aortic aneurysms (author's transl)}; Brauner M et al.; Mycotic aortic aneurysms were detected in four men aged between 47 and 73 years . The infective nature of the lesion was obvious in one case, while in the other three cases the diagnosis was suspected after radiological examination and confirmed by pathological and bacteriological investigations of the aneurysm wall . Radiological signs which suggest the presence of an infective aneurysm include rupture of the aneurysm, a rapidly progressing course, and unusual locations or morphology . Diagnosis is important as therapy differs from that of other types of aneurysm.

Rev Infect Dis, 1981 Sep-Oct, 3(5), 878 - 84
Basis for lack of drug susceptibility of atypical mycobacteria; David HL; The patterns of multiple-drug resistance of the nontuberculous mycobacteria as judged from population analysis of recent isolates are described . In this article the various possible mechanisms of drug resistance in these mycobacteria (high frequencies of spontaneous mutation, drug-resistance factors, permeability, and exclusion) are analysed in light of current evidence . Epidemiologic and bacteriologic arguments are presented that appear to refute the hypothesis that high frequency of spontaneous mutation and drug-resistance factors explain multiple-drug resistance . Preliminary work suggesting that resistance in nontuberculous mycobacteria may be caused by the failure of antibiotics to reach the cytoplasmic membrane is discussed.

Rev Infect Dis, 1981 Sep-Oct, 3(5), 871 - 7
Application of pyrolysis mass spectrometry to the classification and identification of mycobacteria; Wieten G et al.; Application of modern pyrolysis techniques offers the possibility for mass spectrometric analysis of complete bacterial cells . It was shown that pyrolysis mass spectra provide fingerprints of mycobacterial cells that are characteristic on the (sub)species level . Computer-aided comparisons of the spectra for mycobacteria were used for identification of unknown strains as members of either the "tuberculosis complex" (Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterium bovis-BCG, M . bovis) or of the group referred to as "atypical mycobacteria." Pyrolysis mass spectrometry was performed with a completely automated instrument, and spectra were evaluated by two computerized numerical methods . The first method has general applicability to mass spectrometry data, while the second was devised for the routine identification of the "tuberculosis complex." With use of the latter method, 125 strains were identified . A positive correlation of 94.4% was found between the results of this method and the results of the usual bacteriologic procedures; 1.6% of all strains were given a falsely negative identification, and 4.0% were given a falsely positive identification.

Rev Infect Dis, 1981 Sep-Oct, 3(5), 1090 - 2
Pulmonary disease due to atypical mycobacteria: a retrospective study from South India; Ramakrishnan CV; Of 4,943 patients admitted to various chemotherapy studies over the past two decades at the Tuberculosis Research Centre, Madras, India, 21 were found to be repeatedly excreting mycobacteria other than Mycobacterium tuberculosis . The chest radiographic appearance of these patients was similar to that of those patients with tuberculosis . Thirteen patients yielded repeat isolates identified as photochromogens, especially those patients who had not previously had tuberculosis . Cultures from the remaining patients were positive for nonchromogens . Occupational exposure to dust was common . Follow-up studies indicated radiographic improvement in nine patients and a bacteriologic normal status in eleven . Ten patients had died . Results of antituberculosis drug regimens were variable, but response was considered unsatisfactory in nearly 50% of the patients.

Rev Infect Dis, 1981 Sep-Oct, 3(5), 1064 - 7
Surgical management of pulmonary disease due to Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare; Corpe RF; Of 131 patients with pulmonary infections due to Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare, 124 had excisional surgery plus chemotherapy . Seven had definitive thoracoplasties . Postoperative complications of various degrees developed in 24% of those who had surgery . Bronchopleural fistulae requiring thoracoplasties occurred in seven patients . Nine patients died in the postoperative period . The sputum of 93% of the patients became negative for M . avium-intracellulare, and 5% of the patients had bacteriologic relapse . Only two of the 122 patients who survived surgery died from progressive pulmonary infection due to M . avium-intracellulare.

Am J Vet Res, 1981 Sep, 42(9), 1494 - 7
Indirect hemolysis test in the serodiagnosis of bovine brucellosis; Nicoletti P et al.; An indirect hemolysis (IHL) test was compared with 4 other serologic procedures in sensitivity and specificity, using bacteriologic findings from cattle in Brucella-infected herds . The test was more sensitive than the complement-fixation and tube agglutination tests, was similar to the Rivanol test, and was slightly inferior to the card test . It was more specific than the Rivanol, card, and tube agglutination tests, but had less specificity than the complement-fixation test . Results of all procedures were affected in varying degrees by the method of vaccination and time period of sample collections after vaccination . Twenty vaccinated Brucella-free adult cattle were also studied, using the IHL and other tests . Only a few cattle that were previously vaccinated had reactions to the IHL test.

Res Vet Sci, 1981 Sep, 31(2), 169 - 73
Serological and bacteriological survey of leptospiral infection in pigs in southern England; Hathaway SC et al.; A total of 597 pigs were examined for serological and bacteriological evidence of leptospiral infection . The sample comprised 189 porkers, 205 baconers and 203 sows . Sera were tested against 17 antigens from 16 serogroups and the overall prevalence of titres was 15.7 per cent . The lowest prevalence of titres was found in porkers (10.0 per cent) . The highest prevalence of titres to an individual antigen was recorded with bratislava, a member of the Australis serogroup, with 12.2 per cent of pigs positive . Copenhageni titres were present in 1.8 per cent of the sera and sporadic titres were recorded to various other antigens . Leptospires were isolated from five pigs . Four isolates were identified as belonging to the Icterohaemorrhagiae serogroup and one to the Hebdomadis serogroup . The serological to bacteriological ratio for the Icterohaemorrhagiae serogroup was 11:4 . The virtual absence of titres to pomona and tarassovi, the two serovars most commonly maintained by porcine populations in other countries, confirms the results of earlier serological surveys.

Acta Pathol Jpn, 1981 Sep, 31(5), 791 - 7
Subacute necrotizing lymphadenitis --a clinicopathologic study; Fujimori T et al.; This report describes the clinical and pathologic findings of 21 patients with subacute necrotizing lymphadenitis (N.L.) . Clinical features of all but 2 patients were as typically described in the literature; young age, enlargement of cervical or axillary lymph nodes, slight to moderate fever with poor response to antibiotics, and invariable spontaneous resolution . Two patients showed atypical clinical findings; remittent high fever with profound prostration in both patients, generalized lymphadenopathy in one, and being a Caucasian in the other . Systemic symptoms resolved gradually, and both patients are now doing well . One patient, however, underwent a staging laparotomy due to a misdiagnosis as unclassifiable lymphoma of the lymph node biopsy . Biopsies of the lymph nodes from all patients demonstrated the typical pathologic features of N.L.; i.e., an intensive proliferation of leukocytes were characteristically absent . Bacteriologic and serological studies were negative . We conclude that some patients with N.L . run a protracted course with remittent high fever before spontaneous resolution and that a correct pathologic diagnosis helps precluding unnecessary diagnostic or therapeutic measures on such patients.U

Dis Colon Rectum, 1981 Sep, 24(6), 456 - 61
Supralevator abscess: diagnosis and treatment; Prasad ML et al.; Anorectal suppurations are quite common . Supralevator abscesses, previously regarded as a rare subgroup, were seen in 9.1 per cent of 506 patients admitted to Cook County Hospital in a two-year period . Aggressive supportive management was followed by early, adequate drainage through the rectum whenever indicated . When fistulas were identified, either a primary fistulotomy or a two-stage fistulotomy using a seton was performed in the majority of cases . Important factors in the prevention of morbidity and mortality included debridement of all necrotic tissue, careful bacteriologic studies and judicious use of antibiotics, close postoperative observation, and long-term follow-up of the patients.

J Hand Surg {Am}, 1981 Sep, 6(5), 506 - 9
Hemophilus influenzae cellulitis of the hand; Scott FA et al.; Hemophilus influenzae type b cellulitis of the hand is a rare infection presenting mainly in the 2-month to 3-year age group . Three proven cases and one clinical case are reported, and the bacteriology and management are discussed . Most of these infections respond to ampicillin and/or chloramphenicol . One must include H . influenzae type b in the differential diagnosis of cellulitis of the hand in this age group and specify this possibility on all cultures so that appropriate identification of the organism can be made.

J Clin Ultrasound, 1981 Sep, 9(7), 389 - 96
Ultrasound gray-scale pattern and guided aspiration puncture of abdominal abscesses; Schwerk WB et al.; Various ultrasound gray-scale patterns of 45 consecutive abscesses were studied in 43 surgical and medical patients . Eleven abscess formations were unsuspected clinically, 27 had developed as a postoperative complication; 25 collections (55.6%) presented with an anechoic appearance, and 15 (33.3%) showed a mainly fluid pattern but contained a few nonreverberatory echoes . Five abscesses (11.1%) appeared with a complex solid-like pattern with large amounts of internal echoes . A total of 28 ultrasound guided diagnostic fine-needle aspirations of abscesses were performed on 26 patients without serious complications . All the aspirated samples yielded material sufficient for cytological or bacteriological examinations . Percutaneous fine-needle aspiration guided by sonography is recommended as a safe and useful diagnostic measure to confirm the nature of an ultrasonically displayed abdominal lesion suspected to be an abscess . Results from both sonography and confirmatory aspiration provide detailed topographic and diagnostic information for the choice of surgical or nonoperative management of abdominal abscess.

Endoscopy, 1981 Sep, 13(5), 207 - 10
Laparoscopy in fever of unknown origin - study of seventy cases; Solis-Herruzo JA et al.; Laparoscopy was performed on 70 patients with FUO after clinical review and when bacteriological, serological and radiological investigations had failed to reveal the diagnosis . Laparoscopy proved helpful in making the diagnosis in 68.4% of these patients; in 44.2% it provided a definite diagnosis, and in 24.2% it contributed significantly to the establishment of a diagnosis . Laparoscopy was of most use (76.6%) in those patients with physical signs or biochemical results suggestive of an abdominal disorder . In the absence of such sign laparoscopy was helpful in only 20.0% of patients . There was no mortality, and morbidity was insignificant . It is our conclusion that laparoscopy can be recommended in FUO, particularly in patients with signs of abdominal disease.

J Invest Dermatol, 1981 Sep, 77(3), 325 - 30
The relationship between bacteria and the abnormal follicular keratinization in acne vulgaris; Lavker RM et al.; The structural organization and bacteriological profile of follicular casts and early comedones in prepuberal children were investigated . Follicular casts were present in all samples but were not as abundant as usually seen in older individuals with acne . When examined with the light microscope, all casts and comedones were composed of numerous layers of horny cells and sebum, but were devoid of bacteria . Neither follicular casts nor comedones yielded bacteria when cultured . Electron microscopy of the follicular casts revealed the presence of small round, discrete lipid droplets, and alternating dense and less dense lamellar configurations within the horny cells . Some horny cells closest to the sebum-filled lumen contained large lipid masses, resulting in "balloon-shaped" regions . Prepuberal follicular horny cells contained all of the abnormalities usually seen in follicular casts and biopsy material from acne patients, which suggests that these casts are potential comedones . These aberrations occurred in the complete absence of bacteria indicating that bacteria are not essential to the formation of casts or comedones . Furthermore, our findings indicate that bacteria play little if any role in the initial events of pathological keratinization.

Tijdschr Diergeneeskd, 1981 Aug 15, 106(16), 806 - 9
{Lesions in slaughtered animals . III . Multiple abscesses in pigs (author's transl)}; Soethout AE et al.; Bacteriological examinations in accordance with the Meat Inspection Regulations were made in pigs with multiple abscesses . The findings by six meat inspection services were collected . A total number of 2,380 pigs with multiple abscesses underwent bacteriological examination which was positive for bacteria in 778 cases (32.7 per cent) . Bacteriological examination of pigs with multiple abscesses is recommended prior to pronouncing any verdict other than condemnation, particularly when conditional permission to slaughter has been granted.

Lancet, 1981 Aug 15, 2(8242), 349 - 52
Survey of antibiotic prescribing in a district general hospital . I . Pattern of use; Moss F et al.; In a survey of all antibiotic prescription in a district general hospital during November, 1978, the reason for each prescription was determined by a brief interview with the prescriber . 28% of all inpatients received antibiotics . Older patients were prescribed antibiotics more often than were younger patients . Ampicillin was the most frequently used antibiotic, accounting for over 40% of prescriptions . Over 70% of antibiotic courses were stated by the prescriber as being for the treatment of infection and the remainder were said to be prophylactic . Although 80% of the antibiotics were assessed as suitable treatment for the stated infection, most of the patients were treated without bacteriological evidence of the infecting agent and, for these patients, prescribers were unable to specify the pathogen against which treatment was intended in 50% of the courses they initiated . Only 7% of antibiotics prescribed for conventional surgical prophylaxis fulfilled all the criteria used to assess the suitability of choice of drug and the method and timing of its administration.

Mod Vet Pract, 1981 Aug, 62(8), 590 - 4
Milk gases, mastitis and milking machines; Noorlander DO et al.; Recent studies both in the field and in research laboratories demonstrate that pressure changes within a milk machine system can cause bacteria-laden milk droplets to be introduced into the teat during milking . The injection of milk droplets into the teat cistern by pressure differentials across the teat orifice is dependent upon: dissolved gases in the milk, the level of vacuum, the time the teat is exposed to vacuum after the end point of milking, and the resistance of the teat wall to collapse in response to the internal vacuum space within the teat cistern after milking . Recent evidence using scanning electron microscopy, supported by field studies, demonstrates manufacturing problems of teat cup inflations as they relate to bacteriologic contamination in the environment of the teat . A new approach is needed in mastitis control research to include an independent agency for the evaluation of milking machines as they relate to tissue damage and microbial recontamination of the teat orifice.

Anaesthesist, 1981 Aug, 30(8), 427 - 9
{Bacteriological and technical testing of an 0.2-micrometer air-eliminating infusion filter (author's transl)}; Beham A et al.; The elimination of bacteria from an i.v . solution and the flow rate of different solutions were tested using an 0.2 micrometer Pall Ultipor Filter . The filtration under the influence of gravity as well as under the increased trans-filter pressure was able to eliminate microbial contamination completely . In a second test an interdependence between viscosity and the flow rate of solutions could be shown.

Br J Surg, 1981 Aug, 68(8), 565 - 8
Single dose doxycycline prophylaxis and peroperative bacteriological culture in elective colorectal surgery; Tornqvist A et al.; A prospective study was performed on 196 consecutive patients undergoing elective colonic surgery to evaluate the prophylactic effect of a single dose of doxycycline . The patients were randomized into four groups: group I 200 mg i.v . preoperatively, group III 600 mg i.v . preoperatively, group III 600 mg i.v . postoperatively, and group IV 200 mg i.v . preoperatively and 200 mg i.v . daily 3 days postoperatively . The rate of septic complications for the different groups were: I 13 per cent, II 7 per cent, III 20 per cent, and IV 19 per cent . There was no statistically significant difference in occurrence of septic complications between the groups . The degree of bacterial contamination during operation was estimated by culture from wound irrigation fluid and from cotton swabs . Bacteria were recovered from the irrigation fluid in 97 per cent, while culture from cotton swabs proved to be much less sensitive . A high number of bacteria in the irrigation fluid was significantly correlated to a high complication rate . It is suggested that direct plating from irrigation fluid can be used for defining a high risk group of patients in colonic surgery.

Am J Clin Nutr, 1981 Aug, 34(8), 1548 - 51
Nitrogen balance during recovery from secretory diarrhea of cholera in children; Mahalanabis D; This study describes nitrogen balance in children during recovery from severe cholera (bacteriologically confirmed) . The subjects were six male children aged 12 to 24 months and weighing 6.29 to 9.86 kg (on recovery) . They initially presented with dehydration and base deficit acidosis due to acute watery diarrhea . Nitrogen balance promptly improved with milk feeding even before diarrhea was fully controlled and irrespective of the clinical severity of the disease . There was no increase in stool volume and systemic acid base status remained unaffected when milk feeding was introduced . There was little nitrogen loss in the stool and the apparent absorption of protein was substantial . The negative nitrogen balance that occurred was largely due to the lack of intake . Early feeding and liberal intake appears to produce a more favorable impact than the cautious introduction of food . The common practice of restricting food during recovery from acute diarrhea is inappropriate in cholera.

Cancer, 1981 Jul 15, 48(2), 419 - 24
Evaluation of a protective environment in the management of granulocytopenic patients: a comparative study; Ribas-Mundo M et al.; Fever, clinical infection, bacteriologically documented infection, and death from infection were evaluated in 95 consecutive uninfected patients with severe granulocytopenia (less than 0.5 x 10(6)/liter) . Patients were randomly allocated to reverse isolation and prophylactic oral nonabsorbable antibiotics or to open ward care . The microbiologic surveillance of air samples and stool cultures showed reduction of pathogenic organisms in patients treated in protective environment units . There was a statistically significant reduction in the incidence of fever (80% vs . 39.6%; P less than 0.001), clinical infections (55.3% vs . 25%; P less than 0.01), bacteriologically documented infections (53.2% vs . 20.8%; P less than 0.01), and deaths from infections (25.5% vs . 8.3%; P = 0.02) in patients treated in a protective environment as compared with patients treated on the open ward.

S Afr Med J, 1981 Jul 11, 60(2), 64 - 7
Tuberculosis prevalence survey in the Daveyton (Benoni) urban black community; Fourie PB et al.; A sample of urban Blacks from Daveyton, Tvl, randomly selected to fully represent the parent community, was investigated for bacteriological prevalence of chest abnormalities associated with tuberculosis among adults, as well as for hypersensitivity to tuberculin in children . Radiological evidence of tuberculous lesions was demonstrated in 4.8% of subjects, half of whom were regarded as active cases . In the light of a bacteriological prevalence of 0.7% the radiological prevalence may be an overestimate, particularly since the 1978 incidence rate according to notification figures tends to support the prevalence survey estimates.

Z Gesamte Hyg, 1981 Jul 7, 27(7), 541 - 3
{The problem of inflammatory diseases of the adnexa in intrauterine contraception}; Neumann HG et al.; PIP: Of a total of 102 laparoscopically confirmed inflammatory diseases, 20 patients (19.6%) were found to have an IUD . Thus, this group of patients is manifestly overrepresented compared with the frequency in the female population in the catchment area (5.3% had IUDs) . In 13 of these 20 women, bacteriological examinations were carried out intraabdominally and directly from the IUD . Anerobic germs on the IUD were identified in 10 cases . Cultures from 8 IUDs from women without clinical symptoms, revealed anerobic germs in each case . Abscess-forming processes of adnexa were twice as frequent among women with IUDs as in those not using this method of contraception . In patients with an inflammatory disease of the adnexa, the diagnosis should be confirmed by laparoscopy; in the cases of those women with IUDs, the IUD should be removed, bacteriological tests should be carried out, and antibiotic therapy effective against anerobic germs should be administered in each case . (author's)

G Batteriol Virol Immunol, 1981 Jul-Dec, 74(7-12), 320 - 34
{Vaginal bacterial flora under normal conditions and in frequently encountered gynecological pathologies}; Zunin A et al.; The bacterial flora of the female reproductive tract is a central point for the study of infectious diseases in obstetrics and gynecology . The vaginal flora contains a large variety of bacterial species, including both aerobic and anaerobic organisms . The reading of the cultures obtained from vaginal specimens in women with genital tract infections is often hard, because some organisms which are normally present in vagina may sometimes involve infectious processes . Bacterial flora was studied in 126 healthy women, in 120 with symptoms of vaginitis, in 28 with inflammation of the cervix and in 102 women previously treated for vaginitis . Comparison among the groups shows little differences in the microbial population between healthy women and patients with genital tract infections . The use of a questionnaire and the obstetrical examination were very important . As quantitative studies are fundamental, the use of methods for semiquantitative bacteriology at least have been necessary to evaluate relationships among vaginal organisms.

Can J Comp Med, 1981 Jul, 45(3), 304 - 9
Bovine paratuberculosis III . An evaluation of a whole blood lymphocyte transformation test; de Lisle GW et al.; A whole blood lymphocyte transformation test was used to examine cattle with varying degrees of infection with Mycobacterium paratuberculosis . Minimally infected animals characteristically responded to johnin purified protein derivative in the lymphocyte transformation test but did not routinely react on serological and/or skin testing . Heavily infected animals showed considerable variation in their lymphocyte transformation responses to antigen and some of them were consistently unresponsive . Antigen induced lymphocyte transformation reactions were recorded in 7.6 to 41.5% of uninfected animals whose infection status was determined by bacteriology and/or histopathology . The number of positive reactions recorded in uninfected animals depended on the population, the larger percentage being found in a herd with a proven history of paratuberculosis . The potential of lymphocyte transformation as a diagnostic test for bovine paratuberculosis is discussed.

Arch Surg, 1981 Jul, 116(7), 885 - 7
Controversial aspects of appendicitis management in children; Bower RJ et al.; The areas of controversy in appendicitis management in children include antibiotic usage, drainage of the peritoneal cavity, and closure of contaminated incisions . Our results and bacteriologic data suggest that gentamicin sulfate and clindamycin phosphate should be routinely used in cases of suspected perforation, that only selective and limited use of drains is warranted, and that delayed primary closure should be used in all cases with perforation.

J Laryngol Otol, 1981 Jul, 95(7), 701 - 6
Local acriflavine: a new therapy for rhinoscleroma; Shaer M et al.; Fifty patients with rhinoscleroma have been studied clinically, histopathologically and bacteriologically before, during and after the local application of acriflavin solution, in different concentrations, over an eight-week period . The results have been encouraging . Local acriflavine solution, in a concentration of 2 per cent, has been shown to be an effective and safe remedy for rhinoscleroma.

Head Neck Surg, 1981 Jul-Aug, 3(6), 475 - 81
Massive necrotizing infections of the neck; Krespi YP et al.; Necrotizing fascitis of the head and neck is a rare condition with only 7 cases recorded in the literature . Two cases are presented in which there was massive necrosis of the soft tissues of the neck with extension into the mediastinum . The offending organisms were a mixed bacterial flora which produced gangrene accompanied by subcutaneous emphysema . Both patients were successfully treated with a regimen of intravenous antibiotics, fasciotomy, radical debridement, and hyperbaric oxygenation (1 case) . The clinical features, bacteriology, and treatment of necrotizing faciities are reviewed.

Surgery, 1981 Jul, 90(1), 117 - 9
Actinomycosis of the common bile duct presenting as chronic cholecystitis; Hadley DA et al.; Actinomycosis of the common bile duct can masquerade as cholecystitis . This is the first report of a case . The bacteriologic and pathologic characteristics are described . This opportunistic saprophytic organism took advantage of 15 years of prednisone therapy for rheumatoid arthritis . The actinomycosis was successfully treated with tetracycline-deoxycycline for 6 weeks.

Infect Immun, 1981 Jul, 33(1), 186 - 92
Development of a radioimmunoassay for Escherichia coli heat-stable enterotoxin: comparison with the suckling mouse bioassay; Giannella RA et al.; Escherichia coli strains which produce heat-stable enterotoxin (ST) are usually identified by demonstrating the production of ST . At present, ST can be detected only by bioassay methods . Recently, we purified E . coli ST, which enabled us to develop a radioimmunoassay for ST . Radioiodination of ST was performed by the lactoperoxidase method, which resulted in a high specific activity and retained the biological activity of St . Anti-ST antisera were raised in goats by injecting the goats with pure ST coupled to bovine immunoglobin G . Antibody titers ranged from 1:8,000 to 1:40,000 . Using these reagents, we examined assay conditions thoroughly and found that a 14- to 18-h incubation at 4 degrees C in sodium acetate buffer with an ionic strength of 120 mM (pH 6.2) gave maximal sensitivity and reproducibility . Free ST was separated from antibody-bound ST by dextran-coated charcoal . This radioimmunoassay accurately and reproducibly measured ST in the range from 50 to 500 pg of ST per tube and could quantitate ST accurately in complex bacteriological media . This assay was specific for STa, measured human and porcine STa equally well, and did not cross-react with STb, with several other enterotoxins, or with various gastrointestinal peptides . Intact disulfide bridges in the ST molecule were required for immunoreactive activity.

Am Fam Physician, 1981 Jul, 24(1), 165 - 70
Legionnaires' disease: an update; Ackley AM; Legionella pneumophila is transmitted by aerosolization of water or dust from soil . There are six serotypes and four newly recognized related organisms . Sporadic cased of Legionnaires; disease are more common than epidemic case and are less likely to be suspected . Most reporters cases are characterized by severe pneumonia . Bacteriologic culture is the preferred method of diagnosis, but most cases are identified by the indirect fluorescent antibody method . Erythromycin is the drug of choice.

Invest Urol, 1981 Jul, 19(1), 31 - 3
Bacterial prostatitis: treatment with carbenicillin indanyl sodium; Mobley DF; The efficacy and safety of carbenicillin indanyl sodium were evaluated in 16 patients with acute or chronic bacterial prostatitis . Each patient received carbenicillin indanyl sodium (Geocillin) tablets, at a dosage of two 500 mg tablets (each tablet equivalent to 382 mg of carbenicillin) four times daily for either 14 days (acute patients) or 28 days (chronic patients) . Clinical and bacteriologic success rates, based upon 4 week post therapy followup, were 93 per cent and 75 per cent respectively . There were no adverse reactions . Results with cephalexin in a concurrently treated alternative therapy group were generally unsatisfactory . Further evaluations of carbenicillin indanyl sodium in this treatment of resistant populations are clearly warranted.

Crit Care Med, 1981 Jul, 9(7), 546 - 8
Contamination rate of sterilized ventilators in an ICU; Comhaire A et al.; The risk of ventilator-associated infection was studied by bacteriological monitoring of different parts of 25 ventilators functioning in a surgical ICU . Although patient tubings were not changed throughout the study, colonization of tracheal tube was found invariably to be the first phenomenon . All tracheal tubes were infected by day 9 . Contamination of the expiratory limb paralleled contamination of the tracheal tube with a lag period of 2-4 days . Colonization of the inspiratory limb was a delayed and slow phenomenon which never occurred before the patient was infected . Humidifiers were found clean after the patient was disconnected . It is concluded that an adequately sterilized ventilator is not a source for hospital-acquired pulmonary infection, and that special attention to the care of tracheal tube and clinical cleanliness are of major importance to prevent infection.

Vet Med (Praha), 1981 Jul, 26(7), 411 - 8
{Bovine leptospirosis in the South Bohemian Region}; Dvorakova L; In the years 1976 to 1979, 10 345 blood samples of clinically healthy cattle and aborting cows were examined; 11% of the samples contained positive antibody titers to L . grippotyphosa (7% in non-aborting cows, 3.2% in non-aborting heifers, 12% in aborting cows, 8% in aborting heifers) . The samplings were repeated within the range of three weeks to three months: the antibody titer increased in 11.8% of samples, 10.9% of samples were unchanged and in 77.2% of samples the titers dropped . Out of 9918 blood samples taken after abortion, the titer 1 :800 for L . grippotyphosa occurred 269 times, titer 1 :1600 192 times, 1 :3200 61 times, 1 :6400 22 times, 1 :12800 10 times, 1 : 25 600 occurred twice . Most of the positive titers were recorded in March - 16%, in September, October and November it was about 14% and in the other months the value was still lower . In stables with a greater per cent of the positive titers of antibodies to L . grippotyphosa, mastitis of obscure etiology occurred, along with abortions at the end and beginning of gravidity . During incidental slaughters in slaughter-houses nephritis from parenchymatous to interstitial form was observed in seven cows with the titers higher than 1 :1600; the nephritis was accompanied by granular adipose dystrophies and numerous infarcts in kidneys, the bacteriological picture was negative.

Rev Ig Bacteriol Virusol Parazitol Epidemiol Pneumoftiziol Pneumoftiziol, 1981 Jul-Sep, 30(3), 151 - 6
{Attitude toward patients with pulmonary pathological images supposed to be tuberculosis but without bacteriological confirmation}; Mihailescu P et al.; In view of establishing an attitude toward patients with pathological pulmonary images, suspected of tuberculosis but without bacteriological confirmation, a study was organized in an area serviced by 9 offices of phthisiology . A total of 154 such cases were identified between 1st January and 30th April 1978 . These were followed up and controlled by radiological as well as bacteriological examinations for a period of one year . The anti-tuberculous treatment did not have to be applied except when the diagnosis was confirmed as tuberculosis . In 11 of the patients (7,1%) the diagnosis was made from the start, and it was established that they had active, non-bacillary pulmonary tuberculosis . In another 49 patients (31,8%) the suspicion was abandoned, and tuberculosis . In another 49 patients (31,8%) the suspicion was abandoned, and various other pulmonary affections, but not tuberculosis, were diagnosed, either of chronic or acute type . The remaining 94 patients (61,1%) remained suspected of tuberculosis . In 16 of them, in spite of the provisions made in the protocol of the study, anti-tuberculous treatment was applied . Of them 3 died of pulmonary cancers during the follow-up . The remaining suspects were not treated . Five of them (7,3%) have developed active tuberculosis, bacteriologically confirmed in 3 of the cases . The rest had a normal eventless evolution . The authors consider the careful investigation and follow-up of suspects for a period of one year as the most correct attitude in such cases.

Scott Med J, 1981 Jul, 26(3), 250 - 3
Pertussis in pregnancy; MacLean DW et al.; During the period July 1979 to April 1980 four pregnant women in one general practice were found to be suffering from pertussis . The diagnosis was based on clinical and serological evidence . The paper gives a clinical and bacteriological account for their progress and that of their babies . The possibility of pertussis occurring in expectant mothers at the present time is stressed.

Z Hautkr, 1981 Jul 1, 56(13), 847 - 50
{First appearance of penicillinase-producing gonococci at Bremen (author's transl)}; Thimm K et al.; Three cases of penicillin-resistant gonorrhoea were detected at Bremen during a period of 3 months: in a tourist and 2 sailors . The infections had been acquired in Thailand, Africa, and USA, respectively . In all 3 cases penicillinase-producing strains of gonococci were isolated, resistant to penicillin in concentrations of 20 micrograms/ml and more . Patients were successfully treated with spectinomycin . The identification of penicillinase-producing strains of gonococci is of major epidemiological importance . Therefore, bacteriological investigations including sensitivity tests and, if necessary, penicillinase-tests should be done in each case of penicillin-resistant gonorrhoea . Relevant cases should be reported to the Venereal Diseases and Treponematoses Unit at Geneva, Switzerland.

Sem Hop, 1981 Jun 18-25, 57(25-28), 1161 - 71
{Syphilis . An up-to-date physio-biological view of the main topics . IV.--The problem of the treatment by penicillin (author's transl)}; Collart P et al.; Can penicillin be considered as an infallible treatment for syphilis? Some practitioners have hoped and even believed that this antibiotic would be able to eradicate this infection . To support their thesis, they have put forward an uniform standard therapeutic plan capable of being applied to any stage of the disease and which is based upon the following syllogism: a) all T.p . would divide every 30-33 hours . b) a level of penicillinemia of 0.03 IU/ml would destroy all Treponema when they divide . c) thus, a penicillin therapy administered 3 times giving such levels in serum during a period of 33 hours would produce a bacteriological sterilization of the infected organism . But statistics have shown that these conceptions were wrong . As a matter of fact: 1) every biological research has clearly proved that it is wrong to assert such a rhythm of division for all T.p . Since this multiplication is submitted to a succession of factors that we know more or less well, thus, during the latency phase, T.p . vegetate inside the tissues without apparently multiplying so quickly . 2) For lack of being able to cultivate T.p., it is not possible to state which is the activity level of penicillin on this germ . 3) Finally, the kinetic elimination of penicillin varies extremely, particularly depending on the drug which is used with patients, and on the localization of these germs . All experimental and clinical studies agree and insist on the fact that penicillin therapy must be given early in the infection, at a prolonged and high dose; results having to be estimated on the serological answers, especially with repeated TPI and FTA tests . As far as the late phases of the disease are concerned, for lack of being able to cultivate T . pallidum and because we do not have any absolute criterion of any bacteriological sterilization, the serological answers being often positive, circumspection has always to be a rule: it is better to admit what we do not know rather than to assert without any proof.

Br Med J (Clin Res Ed), 1981 Jun 13, 282(6280), 1925 - 8
Effect of vaccination on severity and dissemination of whooping cough; Grob PR et al.; A study was undertaken in general practice to clarify those factors, especially vaccinations, that influence the clinical picture and infectivity of whooping cough in the community . Although the range of the disease encountered was fairly mild, its duration was notable (mean +/- SD 50.9 +/- 32.1 days) . By using multiway contingency table analysis it was found that in the more severe cases of whooping cough vaccination significantly shortened the illness (p less than 0.005) and reduced the number of coughing spasms (p less than 0.025) . The protective effect of the vaccine was most notable in modifying infectivity within the family: 19% of vaccinated family contacts of index patients in whom the disease had been confirmed bacteriologically developed the disease when exposed to it compared with 72% of non-vaccinated contacts (p less than 0.001) . These results show that whooping cough vaccination modifies the clinical illness and offers a worthwhile degree of protection to children exposed to the disease.

Sem Hop, 1981 Jun 8-15, 57(21-24), 1063 - 75
{Syphilis . An up-to-date physio-biological view of the main topics . III -- The problem of immunity (author's transl)}; Collart P et al.; The problem of immunity in Syphilis is a very complex problem which is tightly bound to healing . But for lack of being able to grow T . pallidum and as we are without any absolute criterion of bacteriological sterilization, the only method we have to be able to consider this study is to have recourse to experimentation upon animals . Two theories had been proposed to give an explanation about this phenomenon occurring during a late treated syphilis: on one side, for Kolle, Evers and Neisser, immunity in syphilis would be due to a premunition given by the only persistence in the organism of T.p . having still kept all their virulence . On the other hand, as far as Chesney and Kemp are concerned it would be a true immunity, obtained before the application of any therapeutic treatment, but which is not due to persistence of T.p . in tissues . However, recent works have proved, and this has been confirmed by several searchers, that a penicillin therapy, even at a high dose, given six months after the infection outset, is no longer able of destroying all T.p . Immunity in syphilis would then be due to a modification of tissular receptivity kept by the persistence of T.p . vegetating in the organism in a commensal state . As far as the nature of this immunity is concerned, all the present research would lead to prove that this refractory state would not be due to tumoral properties, but more likely to tissular properties and probably to cell mediated phenomena . Similar research carried out in man has created an opportunity to demonstrate these facts similar to those observed in experimentations upon animals . They particularly prove that a persistent serology over a long period is not due to a "cicatrice serologique" (Serological marker) but to the keeping of T.p . in a quiescent state . However, it is a more or less relative immunity which is concerned, depending upon a very large number of factors that are far from being elucidated.

S Afr Med J, 1981 Jun 6, 59(24), 851 - 4
The Widal test in the diagnosis of typhoid fever in the transvaal; Somerville PC et al.; We analysed the results of the Widal test in the northern and eastern Transvaal in relation to bacteriologically confirmed cases of typhoid fever, patients suspected of having the disease, febrile patients without typhoid fever and healthy individuals . Titres of 1:200 or greater for either H or O agglutinins were recorded for 75,2% of patients with bacteriologically proven typhoid fever, 4,6% of healthy subjects residing in an endemic area and 7,5% of patients presenting with non-thyroid fevers . Age, sex and region were found to affect the percentage of positive tests recorded . Despite these failings, the Widal test was found to be of value in the diagnosis of typhoid fever . The concept of a diagnostic titre was considered unreliable, but considered in conjunction with the clinical picture, O or H agglutinin titres of 1:200 or more may be regarded as strong presumptive evidence of typhoid fever.

Tubercle, 1981 Jun, 62(2), 79 - 94
A third study of case-finding methods for pulmonary tuberculosis in Kenya, including the use of community leaders; Nsanzumuhire H et al.; Five methods of identifying tuberculosis suspects were investigated in the Machakos District of Kenya by: (1) 3-monthly interrogation of the Community Elders, (2) interrogation of household heads, (3) identifying suspects amongst outpatients attending local health units, (4) examination of patients registered during the previous 10 years in the District Tuberculosis Register and also (5) their close contacts . Sputum was bacteriologically examined by smear and culture from suspects found by all the methods . The initial interrogation of the Elders yielded 216 suspects, of whom 9 were culture-positive, including 6 smear-positive . Reinterrogating the Elders 4 times at 3-monthly intervals produced a further 114 suspects including 4 culture-positive cases (3 being smear-positive) . The examination of a second sputum specimen from suspects after a 3-month interval yielded 4 further culture-positive cases (all smear-negative) but the examination of a third specimen after a further 3 months yielded no further cases . A single interrogation of 1093 household head suspects yielded 22 culture-positive cases, including 11 smear-positive . The response in 5 health units covering a population of about 24 500 was poor . During a 2-year period only 109 suspects were recorded; 7 were culture-positive, including 3 smear-positive . Of 61 cases of tuberculosis registered during the previous 10 years, 8 were currently culture-positive, 5 being smear-positive . Of 318 household contacts of these cases, 6 were culture-positive cases, 2 being smear-positive . The problems presented by different active case-finding methods are discussed, identifying those that appear promising and those unpromising.

J Epidemiol Community Health, 1981 Jun, 35(2), 139 - 45
Whooping cough in relation to other childhood infections in 1977-9 in the United Kingdom; Stewart GT; Estimates based upon notifications indicate that there was in the 1977-9 triennium in the United Kingdom the largest outbreak of whooping cough for 20 years or more . During this triennium there was also a sharp increase in other infections diseases of childhood, notably in non-notifiable respiratory infections . Isolates of certain respiratory viruses ran in parallel and collectively outnumbered those of Bordetella pertussis during the period of increase in notifications . There was highly significant positive correlation between isolates of B pertussis and of ECHO viruses, of Mycoplasma pneumoniae and rhinoviruses and, in Scotland only, of Coxsackie virus . Deaths in which whooping cough was certified as the immediate of underlying cause were lower than in previous outbreaks . Only a minority were bacteriologically confirmed . A closer study of the outbreak in Glasgow disclosed considerable variations in notification procedure and lack of correlation with isolates of B pertussis at the peak of the notification period . Attack rates calculated from notification were higher in deprived areas . Birth cohort studies showed a significantly higher proportion of notifications in unvaccinated children aged 1-4 and this was confirmed in family studies of clinical whooping cough in home contacts . But, overall, about 35% of reported cases were children who had received three injections of triple vaccine . Acceptance of pertussis vaccine fell sharply in 1975 but about 95% of unvaccinated children in age groups 0-5, including the 1977 and the 1977 and 1978 birth cohorts, either escaped infection or were not notified.

J Clin Pathol, 1981 Jun, 34(6), 637 - 41
Data handling and reporting for microbiology specimens with a small laboratory computer system; Landowne RA; A small laboratory computer system designed for general application in chemistry, haematology, and urinalysis has been adapted for the bacteriology section of the laboratory using the same available programming routines . Specimens are requisitioned according to predetermined common site codes, with both preliminary and final reporting allowed for where desired . Sensitivity data also appended and entered where required, even for different organisms in the same culture.

J Virol Methods, 1981 Jun, 2(6), 349 - 56
A modified technique for the detection of hepatitis B virus-specific DNA polymerase; Fang CT et al.; A modified and improved technique for the detection of hepatitis B virus-specific DNA polymerase activity is described . DNA polymerase is released from Dane particles by mixing samples with the detergent Nonidet P-40 and beta-mercaptoethanol . After incubation of pretreated samples with a reaction mixture containing tritiated thymidine-methyl-5'-triphosphate (3H-TTP), DNA is precipitated onto a trichloroacetic acid (TCA)-treated paper . Unincorporated 3H-TTP is then chromatographically eluted with a 5% TCA solution and precipitated counts are determined . A sample is considered positive for DNA polymerase if the incorporated counts are significantly higher than the counts of a group of negative control samples . The modifications include pretreatment of the paper with TCA, chromatographic elution of unincorporated 3H-TTP with TCA solution, prefiltration of the sample through bacteriological filters, and use of sound statistical methods for evaluation of data . These changes have led to a highly reproducible, reliable and sensitive technique . The coefficient of variation of negative control samples from various test runs was in the range of 2.7-8.5% . A linear relationship between incorporated counts and DNA polymerase concentration was shown . A total of 419 serum samples from asymptomatic HBsAg-carrying blood donors were tested . Twenty-three (5.5%) of these were found to contain detectable DNA polymerase activity . All 23 samples also contained HBeAg.

J Clin Pathol, 1981 Jun, 34(6), 651 - 4
Impaired bacteriological responses in babies after maternal iron dextran infusion; Webster MH et al.; The effect of a total dose infusion of iron dextran in pregnancy on 15 mothers and their babies was compared with 19 controls . The bacteriostatic effect and opsonising ability of the sera, of babies born to the treated mothers, were considerably impaired . This was associated with a significantly lower transferrin concentration in these mothers . Although these in vitro tests were not associated with an increase in overt infection during the perinatal period, they suggest the need for caution in the use of total dose infusions in pregnancy.

J Hyg (Lond), 1981 Jun, 86(3), 237 - 45
Aspects of the epidemiology of bovine tuberculosis in badgers and cattle . I . The prevalence of infection in two wild animal populations in south-west England; Barrow PA et al.; The prevalence of infections caused by Mycobacterium bovis was estimated in two populations of wild animals in the south west of England . A variety of mammalian species was trapped on farm land where incidents of infection with tuberculosis had occurred in cattle . Bacteriological analysis of lymph node samples and lesions showed that the only animals acting as a reservoir for M . bovis were badgers . Examination of arthropod ectoparasites of infected badgers proved negative for M . bovis and suggests that these are unlikely to act as vectors in transmission of the disease.

Hansenol Int, 1981 Jun, 6(1), 71 - 82
An inquiry into the adoption of the term Mycobacterium hansenii; Rotberg A; An inquiry was made among various organs of the Public Health Service of the State of S . Paulo, Brazil, members of the Scientific Council and Editorial Board of "Hansenologia Internationalis", and Professors of Dermatology, Bacteriology, Neurology, Pathology and Preventive Medicine of Brazil, having in view the possibility of using the term Mycobacterium hansenii in that periodical, as a substitute for Mycobacterium leprae . The results were considered favorable to the change and led to the adoption of the new term by the Institute of Health, which publishes the periodical . The First Congress of Hansenology of the Endemic Countries and the Third Brazilian Congress of Hansenology, held in Rio de Janeiro, November 1980, were informed of the change and resolved to introduce Myco . hansenii as a synonym for Myco.leprae, upon a recommendation of their Workshops on Bacteriology . Appeals are made to the International Committee of Systematic Bacteriology and Societies of Bacteriology of the whole world to study the grave moral, social, medical and preventive problems caused by the "bacteriological stigma" in endemic Christian countries.

Am J Forensic Med Pathol, 1981 Jun, 2(2), 139 - 42
Legionnaires' disease at autopsy; Pounder DJ et al.; Sporadic deaths from Legionnaires' disease may escape detection at autopsy . Known epidemiological and clinical features of the disease should arouse suspicion and prompt appropriate bacteriological studies . The pathological findings in Legionnaires' disease are almost entirely confined to the lungs and are not distinct from any other severe bacterial bronchopneumonia . The causative organism, Legionella pneumophila, is difficult to identify on a Gram stain but will stain nonspecifically with the Giemsa, Warthin-Starry, and Dieterle techniques . The direct fluorescent antibody method allows specific identification of Legionella in paraffin-embedded tissue sections.

Med J Aust, 1981 May 30, 1(11), 571 - 3
Diagnostic laparoscopy: role in management of acute pelvic pain; Murphy A et al.; Laparoscopy is valuable in the definitive diagnosis of pelvic pain of uncertain aetiology . A clinical diagnosis of pelvic pain was made in 67 patients, but was confirmed by laparoscopy in only 34 . In 36 patients in whom a clinical diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy had been made this was confirmed at laparoscopy in 21, while six of 26 positive laparoscopic diagnoses of ectopic pregnancy were unsuspected clinically . Acute pelvic inflammatory disease was diagnosed correctly on clinical grounds in only eight of 22 patients; in the other 16 patients the diagnosis was first made at laparoscopy . In these 16 patients there was poor correlation with the bacteriological results of cervical smears and cultures . Of 30 patients in whom a preoperative clinical diagnosis had not been made, laparoscopy showed normal pelvic viscera in 12 . Similarly, in another eight of the 68 patients thought to have organic pelvic pathology on clinical grounds, the laparoscopic findings were normal . Apart from establishing a definitive diagnosis, laparoscopy has been found to be a safe procedure, and one of considerable cost effectiveness in terms of hospital stay.

Sem Hop, 1981 May 18-25, 57(19-20), 989 - 1000
{Syphillis . An up-to-date physio-biological view of the main topics . II- The evolutive process of experimental syphilitic infection and a comparison with clinical symptoms in man (author's transl)}; Collart P et al.; For lack of being able to grow Treponema pallidum, the only possibility that we have to study its biological behavior is to have recourse to experimentation upon animals . The stade comprising primary and secondary syphilis is characterized by visible "warning signals" which are not serious for the patient himself . But all their importance lies in the fact that they reveal the dissemination of T . pallidum inside the whole body . Thus, the healing alone or the disappearance of the lesion does not necessarily mean that it is cured . As a matter of fact, after that phase, infection may proceed "a bas bruit", as a chronic affection, which will come to light later, 10 to 15 years or more after the primary stage, as a visceral phase involving mainly cardiovascular or central nervous system . Those impairments cannot then be cured . Now, during that long period of latency, we are totally without any absolute criterion of "bacteriological sterilization", for we do not know precisely the physio-pathological meaning of these numerous serological reactions which are at out disposal and subsequently we are obliged to interpret them through divergent opinions because these techniques are not established on scientific method but are based upon empiric knowledges.

Sem Hop, 1981 May 8-15, 57(17-18), 857 - 68
{Syphilis . Current physiobiological data . I . The bacteriological problem}; Collart P et al.; For lack of being able to grow Treponema pallidum, the only method which allows us to study the biology of this germ and the physiopathology of this infection lies in researches in experimental syphilis . After pointing out the different aspects of Treponema pallidum, either with light microscopy or electron microscopy, the authors review the different kinds of reproduction suggested by syphiligraphs, the recent trials to cultivate the treponema, and the processes of elimination . Then, they examine the biological properties and the antigenic structure of T.p . as it has been established by comparison with cultivable spirochetes . To end with, the authors show that both the TPI test and the FTA test are two very specific reactions; these tests mean nothing but the fact that the patient has been in contact with the antigens of Treponema pallidum and the quantitative tests cannot be considered as expressing the infectious potential capacity.

J Biomed Mater Res, 1981 May, 15(3), 363 - 81
Adsorption characteristics of plasma fibronectin in relationship to biological activity; Grinnell F et al.; We studied the adsorption properties of plasma fibronectin (pFN) on wettable tissue culture (TC) dishes and nonwettable bacteriological (BAC-T) dishes in relationship to its biological activity of promoting fibroblast spreading . The binding of pFN to the dish surfaces was found to be very tight and partially resistant to treatments with 1M NaOH, 2% SDS, 8M urea, or 6M guanidine HCl . Only the combination of trypsin (1 mg/ml) followed by 1M NaOH resulted in complete recovery of surface bound material . The amount of surface bound pFN did not directly correlate with its activity when comparing TC and BAC-T dishes . At low concentrations, more pFN adsorbed onto the surfaces of BAC-T dishes than TC dishes, but the adsorbed material was biologically less active on BAC-T dishes . At high concentrations, pFN adsorbed similarly on both dish surfaces reaching a maximum level of 320 ng/cm2 or 4.4 x 10(11) molecules/cm2 . The possibility was considered that pFN unfolded into an inactive conformation when adsorbed on BAC-T dishes at a low concentration but that at high concentrations, molecular packing requirements prevented unfolding . Evidence in favor of this hypothesis was the observation that addition of 50 micrograms/ml of serum albumin simultaneously with low pFN concentrations resulted in adsorption of pFN on BAC-T dishes in an active conformation even though the amount of adsorbed pFN decreased . Competition experiments between pFN and other proteins were carried out, and it was found that pFN has a much higher affinity for BAC-T or TC dish surfaces than albumin or fibrinogen . It was also found that mild heat denaturation of albumin increased its affinity for the surface by an order of magnitude.

J Clin Lab Immunol, 1981 May, 5(3), 175 - 9
The influence of opsonization with specific antibody and complement on the nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction of neutrophil granulocytes . A methodological study and a clinical application; Urban T et al.; The NBT reduction of granulocytes, increased in the presence of bacteria, was further enhanced bl specific antibody . The enhancement was dose-dependent and increased by complement . Clinically, the NBT test was used for measuring specific antibody in sera from patients after severe infections . With sera from 10 out of 14 patients with proven or suspected septicemia the NBT reduction was enhanced because of the presence of specific antibody . These results correlated well with the bacteriological findings and supported the view that the bacteria isolated from blood were relevant for the disease.

J Am Geriatr Soc, 1981 May, 29(5), 232 - 5
Comparison of silver sulfadiazine, povidone-iodine and physiologic saline in the treatment of chronic pressure ulcers; Kucan JO et al.; The presence of bacteria and local infection is an important factor in the local management of chronic pressure ulcers . For successful closure of the ulcer, the bacterial count should be 10(5) or less per gram of tissue in the granulating wound . In a prospective randomized study of 45 (eventually 40) hospitalized patients, silver sulfadiazine (Silvadene) cream and povidone-iodine (Betadine) solution were compared to physiologic saline for effectiveness in preparing pressure ulcers for closure . Quantitative bacteriologic techniques on tissue biopsy specimens were used for objective evaluation . In 100 percent of the ulcers treated with silver sulfadiazine cream (15 patients) the bacterial counts were reduced to 10(5) or less per gram of tissue within the three-week test period, compared to 78.6 percent in those treated with saline (14 patients) and 63.6 percent in those treated with povidone-iodine solution (11 patients) . Moreover, the ulcers treated with silver sulfadiazine cream responded more rapidly, with one-third showing bacterial levels of less than 10(5) within three days, and half within a week.

Jpn J Antibiot, 1981 May, 34(5), 651 - 4
{Clinical experience with cefotiam in the field of pediatrics (author's transl)}; Takashima Y et al.; A clinical study on cefotiam (CTM) was performed in the field of pediatric infection, and the following results were obtained: The number of cases studied were six including 2 cases of U.T.I., 1 case of vaginitis and vulvitis, 1 cervical lymphadenitis, 1 absence of thigh and coxitis . Clinical responses to CTM were excellent in 3 cases, good in 1 cases but there was 1 exception who dropped out because of concurrent use of other antibiotics . As for bacteriological responses, CTM eliminated the pathogens E . coli and P . mirabilis from U.T.I., Staph . epidermidis and P . morganii, from vaginitis and vulvitis, H influenzae and Str . pneumoniae from cervical lymphadenitis and Staph . aureus from abscess of thigh . No side effect was observed except 1 case who showed an elevation of GOT, GPT and LDH . It is uncertain, however, wether this abnormality was resulted from the use of CTM or not, because the other antibiotics were used also.

Tijdschr Diergeneeskd, 1981 Apr 15, 106(8), 407 - 10
{Lesions in slaughtered animals . II . Inflammation of the tail and embolic pneumonia in pigs (author's transl)}; van den Berg J et al.; In 4,724 fattening pigs with inflammation of the tail and embolic pneumonia, a bacteriological examination was made in accordance with the Meat Inspection Regulations . The results of bacteriological examination were positive in 1,248 (26.4 per cent) of these animals . It is recommended consistently to make a bacteriological examination in animals showing these lesions . Any verdict by the inspector, other than condemnation, can only be rendered following bacteriological examination carried out in conformity with the Meat Inspection Regulations.

Br Med J (Clin Res Ed), 1981 Apr 11, 282(6271), 1189 - 91
Bacteriological colonisation of uterine cavity: role of tailed intrauterine contraceptive device; Sparks RA et al.; Intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCDs) are thought to cause pelvic inflammatory disease by allowing vaginal bacteria to pass into the uterus along the tail of the device . In this study the uterine cavities of 22 women using an IUCD were examined by a multiple biopsy technique . All five uteruses with a tailless IUCD were sterile but 15 out of 17 with a tailed device contained bacteria . The bacteria had not reached the fundus and most were commensals . The bacteria were not introduced by insertion of the IUCD as bacteria were present in several cases long after insertion . No differences in bacterial count were found between monofilamentous and multifilamentous devices . Bacteria were cultured from only four devices, which suggested that the bacteria adhere to the endometrium and not to the device . The bacteria in the cavity represent interference by the tail with the protective mechanisms of the uterus, which explains the increase in pelvic inflammatory disease in IUCD users.

J Embryol Exp Morphol, 1981 Apr, 62, 183 - 202
On the control of the trophoblastic giant-cell transformation in the mouse: homotypic cellular interactions and polyploidy; Ilgren EB; Trophoblastic tissues grown under different conditions in vitro display distinct patterns of cellular growth . Thus, trophoblast cultured on 'bacteriological grade' plastic surfaces remained in suspension culture as rounded tissue fragments . Such tissues maintained numerous cell contacts and remained, in turn, largely diploid . Trophoblast explanted on a 'tissue-culture grade' substrate formed monolayers . These contained fewer cell contacts and had more giant nuclei than the rounded tissues . Finally, if trophoblast was dissociated and grown as attached single cells, so that cell contact was minimal or absent, the single-cell preparations contained more giant nuclei than tissues grown either as monolayers or in suspension . These results suggest that changes in tissue shape and the number of cell contacts can modify the growth of mouse trophoblast and alter its ability to become giant.

J Dairy Sci, 1981 Apr, 64(4), 678 - 82
Effect of length of milking interval and fat content on milk conductivity and its use for detecting mastitis; Fernando RS et al.; Foremilk and strippings were obtained from 20 cows at the morning and evening milkings where the milking intervals were 14 h and 10 h . Infection status was determined by bacteriological analysis . Conductivity of foremilk and strippings was determined . Cows then were switched to 12 h milking interval, and conductance of foremilk and strippings from both milkings was determined . Conductance of foremilk samples increased after longer milking interval . Accuracy in detecting infections by primary pathogens via conductivity of foremilk was also greater following the long interval . Conductivity of foremilk from morning and evening milkings were, however, similar when the milking interval was even . Conductivity of strippings was affected less by milking interval . Conductance determination on quarter samples from 28 cows on both a whole and fat-free basis indicated an inhibitory effect of milk fat on conductivity . Conductivity of skimmed strippings samples was greater than that of skimmed foremilk samples, indicating higher electrolyte in strippings, and may explain why conductivity of strippings is not significantly lower than of foremilk in spite of the higher fat content in the former

J Wildl Dis, 1981 Apr, 17(2), 183 - 9
Experimental Brucella suis type 4 infections in domestic and wild Alaskan carnivores; Neiland KA et al.; Beagle dogs were readily infected by 1.3 x 10(8) colony forming units (cfu) of Brucella suis type 4 administered either on canned dog food, or intraperitoneally . Such infections were afebrile and otherwise asymptomatic and without any obvious gross lesions . Inoculation of 10(8) cfu B . suis type 4 intraperitoneally into two gravid wolves (Canis lupus) resulted in infections in both animals . About 24 days later they gave birth, apparently at full-term, to two (both alive) and six (two alive and four dead) pups, respectively . Pups born alive died within 24 hours . A black bear (Ursus americanus) infected with between 10(8) and 10(9) cfu yielded serologic and bacteriologic data similar to that derived from the observations on beagles and wolves . Two grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) were both infected by exposure to 1.3 x 10(9) csf B . suis type 4 placed on canned dog food . Antibody titres reached very high levels within the first two months of infection.

Z Orthop Ihre Grenzgeb, 1981 Apr, 119(2), 193 - 205
{Diagnosis of focal spinal diseases - a critical review}; Enderle A et al.; The article offers a critical review of the diagnosis of focal diseases of the vertebral column, based on 200 histological vertebral column examinations . The findings obtained by means of the roentgenological, histological and bacteriological examinations can be subdivided into 6 groups: 1 . Non-specific and specific cases of spondylitis (59 patients); 2 . Systemic malignant diseases and primarily malignant tumours (23 patients); 3 . Metastases (71 patients); 4 . Benign tumours (11 patients); 5 . Miscellaneous cases (28 patients) and 6 . Unclarified cases (8 patients) . The authors comment on the following points with specific reference to the results obtained by them: a) Possibilities and limitations of roentgenological diagnosis: roentgenologically, the inflammatory diseases are most easy to identify, but is not always possible to differentiate safely between non-specific, specific and plasmacellular spondylitis . There are clear limitations to the diagnosis of the type of focal diseases of the spinal column; this applies particularly to the benign and malignant types of tumours . b) Necessity of arriving at an accurate diagnosis: it is imperative to aim at an accurate diagnosis before any meaningful therapy can be initiated . The mandatory need for this is explained via examples covered by the present study . c) Closed or open biopsy: it is shown by means of a review of the literature that open biopsy yields more representative material for the histological examination than closed needle biopsy . It goes without saying that this is a true prerequisite for an accurate histological diagnosis . In this connection, the authors go into the details of the difficulties governing any histological examination . d) informative value of further additional examinations: Scintigraphy, tomography and computer tomography may be valuable aids in the discovery and better visualisation of a vertebral focus, but they are not helpful in arriving at a diagnosis regarding the type of focus involved . Laboratory examinations are not very helpful, either . e) Accuracy of the authors' own diagnostic measures: in spite of open biopsy, 177 cases only out of 200 (88%) could be diagnosed on a purely histological basis . In 12 further cases, diagnosis was established after correlation of the histological finding with the x-ray film . 8 cases (4%) could not be clarified . In 7 patients (3.5%) it must be assumed that the focus was not located despite open biopsy.

Laryngoscope, 1981 Apr, 91(4), 575 - 82
Management of nasal septal abscess; Ambrus PS et al.; Nasal septal abscesses are uncommon . Sixteen cases from the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary were reviewed retrospectively and are presented . The diagnosis, bacteriology, and pathophysiology are discussed . Immediate therapy is indicated to avoid cosmetic deformity or intracranial infection . Treatment is based on diagnostic needle aspiration, antibiotic coverage and surgical drainage.

J Clin Microbiol, 1981 Apr, 13(4), 720 - 2
Legionella micdadei (Pittsburgh pneumonia agent): direct fluoresent-antibody examination of infected human lung tissue and characterization of clinical isolates; Cordes LG et al.; Legionella micdadei (Pittsburgh pneumonia agent) was identified by direct fluorescent-antibody (DFA) examination of lung tissue in six of seven persons diagnosed previously as having L . micdadei pneumonia only by histopathology and in four persons who also had positive cultures of the organism . No cross-reactions occurred with monospecific DFA conjugates prepared against Legionella pneumophila serogroups 1 to 6, Legionella bozemanii, Legionella dumoffii, and Legionella gormanii . One person had L . pneumophila serogroup 6 identified by DFA examination of lung tissue and subsequent culture of stored pulmonary secretions . Characterization of the four strains of L . micdadei revealed specific DFA reactions, bacteriological behavior, and cellular fatty acid composition that allow identification of the organism . DFA testing appears to be a sensitive method for identifying L . micdadei prescent in human lung tissue or cultured on artificial media.

Immun Infekt, 1981 Apr, 9(2), 43 - 9
{Bacteriological examination of bronchitis and pneumonia . Part I: Is sputum an appropriate material to be examined?--a literary review (author's transl)}; Schonard G et al.; In a literary review the respiratory tract in its physiological condition, the causative agents of bacterial pneumonias and bronchitides are taken into consideration as are also concerned with the question of the suitability of sputum as a material to be examined by infections of the lower respiratory tract which above all with regard to the diagnostic value to other materials as transtracheal aspiration (TTA), bronchial aspiration (BA) and lung aspiration (LA) specimens.

Am J Epidemiol, 1981 Apr, 113(4), 423 - 35
Transmission of multiple drug-resistant tuberculosis: report of a school and community outbreak; Reves R et al.; An outbreak of tuberculosis in 1976 was caused by mycobacteria resistant to isoniazid (INH), streptomycin (SM), and para-aminosalicylic acid (PAS) . High rates of infection associated with exposure to the index case suggested that transmission of resistant organisms had occurred, and the subsequent appearance of bacteriologically proven INH-SM-PAS-resistant tuberculosis in four school contacts of the index case confirmed this fact . Retrospective investigation revealed that the school outbreak was part of an ongoing community outbreak dating back at least to 1964 . Through the use of case histories, drug-susceptibility patterns, and phage typing, 15 documented and seven presumed INH-SM-PAS-resistant, epidemiologically linked cases were found; two of these persons died of tuberculosis . Six additional cases with INH-SM-PAS resistance that could not be epidemiologically linked to the outbreak were also identified . The potential of drug-resistant strains for causing disease in humans should not underestimated.

Rev Ig Bacteriol Virusol Parazitol Epidemiol Pneumoftiziol Pneumoftiziol, 1981 Apr-Jun, 30(2), 111 - 4
{Dynamics of bacterial populations in experimental destructive pulmonary tuberculosis under treatment}; Golisevskaia V; An experimental model of cavitary tuberculosis in the animal was used, induced in rabbits, guinea-pigs or rats, and the effect of three therapeutic regimens was followed, that contained the tuberculostatics listed below: -- INH + RMP + protinamide (I); - INH + RMP + SM (II); - INH (III) . In the animals that were sacrificed periodically a quantitative evaluation was made, by seeding of organ samples in culture media, of the dynamics of bacterial populations isolated at 1, 3 and 5 months after the start of the treatment . The best results were obtained with the therapeutic regimen nr . II . The association of INH to RMP leads to a rapid decrease in the number of germs . The complete recovery of the animals however was not obtained, according to histological and bacteriological criteria.

Schweiz Rundsch Med Prax, 1981 Mar 24, 70(13), 561 - 7
{Secondary effects and complications of new intra-uterine devices (author's transl)}; Revaz C; PIP: New IUDs, especially copper devices, have reduced the incidence of pregnancy, expulsion, pain, and bleeding complications, but the risks of ectopic pregnancy and of infection and subsequent sterility have not entirely disappeared . New solutions to the problems of hemorrhage and expulsion include Progestaserts which release a daily dose of progesterone into the uterine cavity, longer-lasting copper devices, devices which release levonorgestrel or antifibrinolytic substances, and devices especially designed for postpartum or postabortal insertion . Some studies have indicated that insertion during the menstrual cycle has little influence on the incidence of side effects . Pregnancy rates with different IUDs vary between .5 and 2.8%, and 30 to 50% of pregnancies with an IUD in place terminate in 1st trimester spontaneous abortions . Removal during pregnancy reduces the risk of abortion by half and reduces the risk of premature labor . IUDs in pregnant women should be removed whenever possible to reduce the risk of septic abortion, and the pregnancy should thereafter be regarded as high risk . Ectopic pregnancy is 10 times more likely in IUD users than for non-IUD users . Risk of expulsion, widely reported as 2 to 15% after 1 year, diminishes after age 30 and increases with parity . Excessive bleeding causes removal of IUDs in 13% of cases; none of the proposed remedies for excessive bleeding and pain have been truly satisfactory . The rate of perforation is generally estimated at 1.2/1000 insertions and is related to the skill of the inserter . IUD wearers have 4 times more risk of pelvic inflammatory disease and childless users have 7 times greater risk than nonusers . A careful gynecological examination with bacteriological study should be performed before each insertion and high risk patients including young nulliparas and women with numerous sexual partners should be carefully watched . To avoid complications, the devices should be carefully inserted and all contraindications should be observed .

Br Med J (Clin Res Ed), 1981 Mar 14, 282(6267), 875 - 8
Percutaneous needle biopsy of the lung; Allison DJ et al.; A total of 160 percutaneous needle biopsies of pulmonary lesions were performed in 149 patients . Cytological and bacteriological examination of the biopsy material yielded clinically useful information in 87% of these patients . False-negative diagnoses were made in 6%, but there were no false-positive diagnoses . In most patients the biopsy obviated the need for a diagnostic thoracotomy . The principal complication of the procedure was pneumothorax, which occurred in 24% of patients; the pneumothorax, however, was usually very small and only two of these patients required treatment with a pleural drain . There were no deaths in the series . It is concluded that percutaneous needle biopsy is an effective and relatively safe method of obtaining diagnostic material from a pulmonary lesion.

JAMA, 1981 Mar 13, 245(10), 1032 - 6
Infection of pulmonary artery catheters in critically ill patients; Michel L et al.; Bacteriologic cultures were performed on the tips of pulmonary artery catheters removed from 153 critically ill patients, who had required pulmonary artery catheterization for management of hypovolemic or septicemic shock or for hemodynamic monitoring during mechanical ventilation with positive end-expiratory pressure . Positive results were obtained in 29 (19%) of the cases . Infection of indwelling pulmonary artery catheters may result from contamination during placement or removal or from transient or persistent bacteremia . Colonization was probable in 17 cases, and contamination in 12 . There were no instances of sepsis definitely attributable to the catheter . Positive catheter-tip culture was associated significantly with known presence of a focus of infection before catheter insertion and with periods exceeding four days that the catheter remained in place.

Fortschr Med, 1981 Mar 12, 99(10), 357 - 60
{Treatment of chronic bronchitis with azidocillin and co-trimoxazole}; Gonschewski HH et al.; In a controlled blind study sputum of 84 patients suffering from chronic bronchitis was bacteriologically examined prior to treatment . Hereby resistance against azidocillin was exhibited by six of the pathogenic agents or the suspected ones; the bacteria in 18 samples of sputum showed resistance against co-trimoxazol . Azidocillin demonstrated, as opposed to co-trimoxazol, slight yet not significant advantages in the elimination of the agents . Azidocillin was, however, significantly superior to co-trimoxazol in the physicians total assessment, which included the clinical process as well as the components of the sputum . According to the results of our investigations, the treatment of chronic bronchitis can be started without examining the sputum . However, in patients showing exacerbation of chronic bronchitis with life-threatening complications, the sputum should be examined before medication is conducted . In such cases we recommend the treatment to be started immediately with an appropriate bactericide like azidocillin and to be continued till the result of the antibiogram is finally established.

Br J Anaesth, 1981 Mar, 53(3), 283 - 93
Hexobarbitone disposition at different stages of intensive care treatment; Rietbrock I et al.; The pharmacokinetics of hexobarbitone were investigated in 22 patients in an intensive care unit . The results were compared with those obtained in a healthy group for three time periods: 3rd or 4th day (I), 5-8th days (II) and 13-29th days (III) of treatment . Hexobarbitone 7.32 mg per kg of body weight was administered by i.v . infusion in 60 min . At the end of the infusion, the mean plasma concentration of group I was 71% greater than control group; groups II and III were near to control . In all patients the post-infusion concentration-time course of hexobarbitone could be described by two-compartment kinetics . The biphasic decrease in plasma concentration of hexobarbitone was more rapid in groups II and III, than in either the control group or in group I . At the beginning of treatment patients generally showed an unchanged hexobarbitone half-life, a slightly decreased plasma clearance, a reduction of approximately 50% of the initial distribution volume . (V1) and a reduction of 44% of the distribution volume at steady state . In groups II and III the mean of these values were comparable to control . However, plasma clearance had increased by about 87% in group II compared with control, and after 2-3 weeks (group III) by about 143% . Correspondingly, half-life was reduced by 45% and 58% respectively . The pharmacokinetics were not related to change in liver function . The presence of clinical and bacteriological signs of septicaemia was closely associated with an enhanced hexobarbitone clearance.

Gut, 1981 Mar, 22(3), 234 - 6
Oesophageal tuberculosis: four cases; Dow CJ; Four Asian patients presented with dysphagia . In each case the oesophagus was involved by adjacent tuberculous subcarinal glands . The lungs were clear and symptoms of systemic illness were minimal . Findings at oesophagoscopy were non-specific and early diagnosis rested on a high index of suspicion and a strongly positive Mantoux test . Bacteriological proof was obtained early in only two of the cases.

Surg Neurol, 1981 Mar, 15(3), 178 - 81
Extraosseous extradural tuberculous granuloma of the cervical spine: a case report and review of intraspinal granulomatous infections; Reichenthal E et al.; A 70-year-old woman presented with a 5-month history of tetraparesis . Her cerebrospinal fluid and roentgenographic examination of the cervical spine were both normal . Myelography showed an extradural type of spinal cord compression at the C7 level . At operation, an extraosseous extradural mass of granulation tissue was removed, which proved on histological and bacteriological examination to be a tuberculous granuloma.

Int J Lepr Other Mycobact Dis, 1981 Mar, 49(1), 37 - 41
Renal functional status in lepromatous leprosy; Bajaj AK et al.; Renal functional status was evaluated in 122 patients with lepromatous leprosy . Renal functions were found to be markedly impaired in patients with erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL) in the active or quiescent phases . Although uncomplicated lepromatous leprosy patients did show significant renal impairment as compared to healthy controls, the degree of impairment was less than that of the reactive cases . Diminished endogenous creatinine clearance and proteinuria were the common abnormalities detected . Serum creatinine was significantly increased only in reactive cases . Blood urea was found to be marginally increased in a few patients although not to a statistically significant degree . Renal involvement did not bear any relation to the duration of illness or to the Bacteriological Index.

J Infect, 1981 Mar, 3(1 Suppl), 21 - 6
Management of presumptive bacterial meningitis in childhood: a practical approach; De Mol P et al.; Precise bacteriological diagnosis in acute meningitis is sometimes difficult . The present study, in which 59 of 97 children received chemotherapy for presumptive bacterial meningitis and of whom only 40 were subsequently proved to have a bacterial aetiology, reflects this . The diagnostic data from these 97 patients have therefore been reviewed in an attempt to identify factors which may assist discrimination of bacterial from non-bacterial meningitis . A decision plan for the management of suspected bacterial meningitis, based on these results, is suggested.

Tubercle, 1981 Mar, 62(1), 13 - 29
Ethambutol plus isoniazid for the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis--a controlled trial of our regimens; Granulocyte transfusions in acute leukaemia . Regeneration of granulopoiesis as determining factor of survival; 40 patients with acute leukaemia and severe granulocytopenia were treated with granulocyte transfusions for bacteriologically documented or clinically suspected septicaemia . The patients received an average of 5 transfusions each with 2.1 X 10(10) granulocytes per m2 body surface area per day . 26 patients showed clinical benefit from transfusion therapy as documented by the course of blood cultures, local lesions and fever . Only patients with regeneration of granulopoiesis had definite benefit from granulocyte transfusions . All other patients died ultimately from septicaemia.

Acta Chir Belg, 1981 Mar-Jun, 80(2-3), 99 - 105
{Parenteral nutrition in gastro-intestinal surgery (author's transl)}; Rosa MP et al.; Forty-two postoperative patients received by parenteral route on 24 hours a total of 2,610 calories by means of a simultaneous infusion of 1,500 ml Trive 1000 and 1,500 ml 10% invert sugar through a central venous line . Of those 42 cases 12 had peritonitis with 7 of them an enteric fistula, 18 underwent an extensive bowel resection and 12 suffered malnutrition secondary to their primary pathology . The average duration of parenteral nutrition was 13 days and the average hospital stay 27 days . No major metabolic derangement was noted except for a temporary transient elevation of SGOT and AF . A systematic bacteriological study of the perfusion lines disclosed an associated morbidity of about 6% . We are convinced that with the used solutions the postoperative catabolism can be managed successfully and that the association of aminoacids, lipids and glucides as used by us facilitates, nursing care.

Acta Chir Belg, 1981 Mar-Jun, 80(2-3), 107 - 12
{In hospital and at home parenteral nutrition with a single unit (author's transl)}; Maurage H et al.; Parenteral administration of a nutritive mixture in a disposable bag prepared in a specialized center reduces the incidence of complications and allows for ambulatory treatment at home . The authors use a nutritive mixture of glucose solutions, amino-acids and lipids in a single bag . Turbidity studies, morphometric evaluation, the macroscopic aspect of the emulsions as well as bacteriological studies have demonstrated the stability of the solution for 5 days when kept at 4 degrees C . Forty-nine cancer patients benefited by this therapeutic modality . Four patients developed an infection in conjunction with the advent of temporary personnel in specialized unit . One patient developed cholestatic jaundice . All 5 recovered . No other patient suffered from a complication due to this technic of parenteral nutrition . One patient has been treated for 3 months of which 1 month at home . Another one is still on total parenteral nutrition 9 months later with 8 months at home without any complication.

Onderstepoort J Vet Res, 1981 Mar, 48(1), 7 - 12
The efficacy of bacteriological procedures for the isolation of Brucella abortus from abattoir material; Herr S et al.; A process of emulsifying and centrifuging abattoir specimens before plating out is described . Brucella abortus was isolated more successfully by this process than by conventional methods, especially in low grade infections . The 5 different media used were equally effective in our attempts at isolation, but growth did not necessarily occur on all 5 plates . In dairy cows, specimens from supra-mammary lymph nodes, udder and iliac lymph nodes accounted for a high percentage of positive isolations.

Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg, 1981 Mar-Apr, 89(2), 288 - 93
Otitis media, cleft palate, and middle ear ventilation; Meyerhoff WL et al.; Chinchillas with unilateral tympanostomy tubes in place underwent palate-clefting in an effort to determine the histologic and bacteriologic effects of using tympanostomy tubes in the treatment of otitis media . The tympanostomy tube appeared to almost totally eliminate the occurrence of middle ear effusion but had much less, if any, effect on eliminating the middle ear inflammation which occurs in the clefted chinchilla.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1981 Mar, (3), 79 - 83
{Experience with a bacteriologic and serologic study of a tularemia epizootic in rodents in a natural focus of the meadow and field type}; Meshcheriakova IS et al.; The autumn-winter (1977-1978) tularemia epizootic in small murine rodents was revealed and studied at the natural focus of the meadow and field type in the south of the Moscow Region . The efficacy of the serologic method (the antibody neutralization test) of studying the organs of the caught rodents and the bodies of dead rodents was found to be greater than that of the traditional bacteriologic methods (26.6% and 9.6%, respectively) . The serologic study of 908 specimens of avian excrements collected during the period from autumn to spring (1977-1978) revealed that tularemia antigen could be constantly detected, starting from October . The serologic method was effective when used both for the early and retrospective detection of the infective agent and allowed to characterize the epizootic process in greater detail.

Med J Aust, 1981 Feb 21, 1(4), 181 - 4
Melioidosis in the Northern Territory of Australia; Rode JW et al.; Melioidosis is being diagnosed with increasing frequency in the northern part of the Northern Territory, but the mortality rate remains high in the acute septicaemic form of the disease largely because of associated chronic debilitating illnesses . This paper reviews epidemiological and clinical features of human melioidosis in 37 cases seen between 1960 and 1979 . Infection with Pseudomonas pseudomallei is most often contracted during the wet season by persons who have regular contact with soil or ground water, probably through pre-existing skin lesions or penetrating wounds and, occasionally, through the genitourinary tract . The clinical features of melioidosis are protean, and definitive diagnosis can only be made by bacterial culture . Certain strongly indicative features, however, may justify vigorous early treatment with antibiotics (tetracycline or doxycycline in some combination with chloramphenicol, kanamycin or trimethoprim/sulphamethoxazole) which can be life-saving in fulminant septicaemic melioidosis . These indicative features are a severely prostrating fever with signs of respiratory tract infection in a patient with a chronic debilitating condition (particularly chronic alcoholism, diabetes mellitus, malnutrition or leprosy), with regular soil contact, and with chronic or recurrent skin lesions or a recent history of a penetrating wound . In subacute or chronic forms of melioidosis, which usually localize in an organ system, the diagnosis is commonly an unexpected bacteriological finding and the prognosis is generally good.

Sem Hop, 1981 Feb 18-25, 57(7-8), 361 - 4
{Imported malaria at the CHU in Rouen (author's transl)}; Brasseur P et al.; In the Bacteriology-Parasitology laboratory of CHU in Rouen, we diagnosed from 1970 to 1978: 49 cases of imported malaria and 3 cases following transfusion of blood by finding of erythrocytic parasite . It is necessary to report: 26 more cases, diagnosed by immunologic test (IFI) which, being the total number reported to 78 . 71,5% of the cases of imported malaria were caused by Plasmodium falciparum, including one fatal case of cerebral malaria . Patients were europeans (45%) and immigrants living in Rouen (55%) who were returning from an endemic area and did not receive chemoprophylaxis or did not take it correctly . In front of actual increasing number of imported malaria cases, it is essential to inform travellers on the risk involved and importance of chemoprophylaxis.

Nature, 1981 Feb 12, 289(5798), 588 - 90
True morphology of the Azotobacteraceae-filterable bacteria; Lopez JG et al.; The history of bacteriology up to the 1950s contains many references to filterable forms of bacteria but misconceptions regarding the nature of filterability eventually made the entire phenomenon an unresolvable paradox . Although the existence of filterable azotobacter has often been reported, so much doubt in these results has been expressed that now Bergey does not even mention filterability . In 1965 we reported the resistance of soil azotobacter to gamma rays and concluded that the possibilty of a very small Azotobacter form could not be dismissed and as a result of studies on survival in soil, we suggested the possible existence in soil of a still undiscovered phase of the Azotobacter cyst . We report here the discovery of these small, soil azotobacter and provide evidence to support this claim.

Helv Paediatr Acta, 1981 Feb, 36(1), 31 - 41
{Clinical significance of placental inflammatory infiltrates}; Fete R et al.; 103 placentas and their annexes obtained from 103 normal pregnancies leading to live-born infants were examined for inflammatory lesions . Inflammatory reactions of variable importance and localisation were seen more often when pregnancy exceeded 40 weeks gestation and when the Scanlon test was positive . No significant correlation could be drawn between gestational infection, premature rupture of the membranes, the aspect of the amniotic fluid, and the bacteriology of the material from the external auditory canal of the newborn . Although almost half of the placentas (47.5%) had inflammatory infiltrates, none of the newborn infants showed clinical evidence of infection . The authors discuss possible explanations for these anatomo-clinical discrepancies.

Rev Rhum Mal Osteoartic, 1981 Feb, 48(2), 127 - 32
{Gonococcal arthritis}; Delauche MC et al.; Gonococcal arthritis, a rare complication of gonorrhoea, more frequent in women, causes polyarthritis in 75% of cases or monoarthritis . An erythematous skin rash or acute pustular rash (40%), recent signs of genital infection (75% of cases in man, less than 50% in women) suggest the diagnosis . The gonococcal nature of the arthritis is confirmed by isolation of the germ in the joint fluid, the blood and the skin biopsies . In about half the cases, these bacteriological investigations are negative, but the diagnosis remains very probable if the germ is isolated from one or other of the primary foci of the infection: ureter, cervix, vagina, rectum and even pharynx . The rapidly favourable course under antibiotic treatment with penicillin or ampicillin confirms the diagnosis . The pathogenesis of arthritis is a direct toxic action of the gonococcus on the synovial membrane and the periarticular structures . The role of circulating immune complexes recently demonstrated in gonococcemia is probably not relevant.

Rev Rhum Mal Osteoartic, 1981 Feb, 48(2), 101 - 6
{Pubic and ischio-pubic osteitis . Bacteriological and histopathological study of the pubic bone}; Arlet J et al.; The authors present 11 cases of pubic or ischio-pubic osteitis of which ten had undergone bone biopsy by aspiration, needle biopsy, or surgery . In 7 cases, a germ was isolated by culture of the bone sample . In 2 cases, there were purulent and necrotic lesions on pathological examination of the fragment . In 6 cases, the bony lesions were mainly of the marrow with fibrosis and lymphocyte-plasma cell infiltration . In 5 of these 6 biopsies, the bacterial culture was positive . This subacute mononuclear osteitis may thus be a variety of bacterial osteitis . All the patients were treated with antibiotics which seemed necessary.

J Dairy Sci, 1981 Feb, 64(2), 241 - 8
California Mastitis test guide of selective dry cow therapy; Poutrel B et al.; California Mastitis Test scores and bacteriological analysis of quarter foremilk samples from 133 cows of three herds were used to determine which quarters or cows to treat in a selective dry cow therapy program . Effect of score, week of the test, and type and number of intramammary infections were examined . Score was independent of the type of intramammary pathogen infection . When all positive reactions were considered, approximately 80% of the infections by major pathogens were diagnosed on a single milk sample taken at either 8 or 4 wk before drying off . At 8 and 4 wk, 13 and 23% of samples from uninfected quarters or quarters infected with minor pathogens had positive reactions . Selective treatment of all cows that had one or more positive quarters led to treatment of twice as many quarters than if only positive quarters were treated . The most discriminating, simplest, and economic method of selective treatment was one test on quarter foremilk samples collected 8 wk before the expected dry-off and dry treatment of all positive mammary quarters.

Am Rev Respir Dis, 1981 Feb, 123(2), 165 - 70
Controlled clinical trial of five short-course (4-month) chemotherapy regimens in pulmonary tuberculosis . Second report of the 4th study . East African/British Medical Research Councils Study.
{Newer aspects of the electrophoretic mobility test after stimulation of human lymphocytes with PPD}
Gerstner L.

The Electrophoresis-Mobility-Test is a modified Macrophage-Electrophoretic-Mobility-Test by using sheep erythrocytes, tanned and stabilized by sulfosalicyl acid . The test is used to demonstrate specific sensibilised T-lymphocytes in cell culture after having them isolated from human venous blood and after stimulation with antigen . 34 tests were done by stimulation with antigen PPD, the lymphocytes having been taken from patients with positive Tuberculin-Tine-Test . All tests were bacteriologically and cytologically controlled and only 9 could be used finally as a base for statistical control by using x2- und t-tests and histogram . A special attention was payed to the aggregation of monocytes and their morphological changes in cell culture . Every single test is not statistically significant, but the results of the whole lot give an attest of the concept of the EM-Test, which can be reproduced with a probability of about 60%.

Fertil Steril, 1981 Feb, 35(2), 194 - 8
Culture of seminal fluid in a fertility clinic; Lewis RW et al.; To determine whether the culture of seminal fluid in a fertility clinic is of importance, bacterial cultures were obtained in a consecutive series of 96 patients . Routine bacteriologic cultures were performed within 1 hour of collection . Ureaplasma urealyticum (T-mycoplasma) cultures were also obtained in the last 31 of the patients in this series . Of these 96 patients, 11% showed significant bacterial growth (greater than 10(4) colonies/ml) in the semen specimens, 8% in those patients with normal semen analyses and 14% in those with abnormal analyses . Fifty-eight per cent of semen specimens were positive for U . urealyticum . In reference to normal and abnormal semen analyses the distribution was the same regardless of the presence or absence of U . urealyticum . Antibiotic treatment resulted in minor changes in motility and morphology in a few patients despite conversion to a negative culture . Cultures were also coordinated with microscopic urinalysis and the presence of white blood cells or bacteria in stained smears of semen . There were no significant differences between groups with positive or negative cultures . Trichomonas vaginalis was not seen.

Obstet Gynecol, 1981 Feb, 57(2), 243 - 8
Quantitative transcervical uterine cultures with a new device; Knuppel RA et al.; This study was initiated to examine the ability of a new device to take transcervical cultures of the endometrial cavity in the normal and postpartum uterus . Quantitative bacteriologic assessments were made . The results show there is a millionfold increase in the mean concentration of bacteria cultured from the infected puerperal uterus when contrasted with cultures from nonpregnant women and those who have just undergone repeat cesarean section . The authors conclude that the new device obtains cultures transcervically with marked reduction in contamination; however, some method for quantification of bacterial populations must complement the culture so that results differentiate between colonization and infection.

Med J Zambia, 1981 Feb-Mar, 15(2), 29 - 32
Bacteriology of rural water supplies of Mutenda community district of Chingola, Zambia; Fayinka OA; The sources of water supply for drinking and other domestic uses available to the rural population of Mutenda was analysed bacteriologically by standard techniques (Presumptive and Differential Coliform tests (Wilson et al 1935), Ministry of Health (1946) . The water sources include wells, bore holes, springs and rivers . Assessment of suitability by standard criteria showed that, the bore hole water was the only source of supply bacteriologically safe for drinking . The need for further research on the microbiology of surface and underground water resources is stressed . Reassessment of the standards for water quality, which have largely been based on the experience from waters in temperate, more developed countries and development of suitable tests for sound epidemiological studies to establish realistic standards applicable to the developing countries is advocated.

J Am Vet Med Assoc, 1981 Jan 15, 178(2), 143 - 5
Prevalence and persistence of Brucella abortus strain 19 infections and prevalence of other biotypes in vaccinated adult dairy cattle; Nicoletti P; The prevalence and persistence of Brucella abortus strain 19 shedding from the udder were studied in adult cattle in infected dairy herds that were vaccinated by 4 methods . Specimens were cultured from 1,736 cows in 55 vaccinated herds . Of the 744 brucella isolates, 98 were strain 19 and were from cattle in 25 of the herds . Shedding was highest among conjunctival vaccinates (1.4%) and higher in those given the standard subcutaneous dose (0.83%) than in those given a reduced subcutaneous dose (0.45%) . Isolations were not made from intradermally vaccinated cattle . The persistence of strain 19 shedding was related to the length of time after the initial isolation . Approximately 20% of the shedders that remained in the herds were seropositive 13-18 months later . Cattle were selected for bacteriologic studies largely on positive results of rivanol or complement-fixation tests inasmuch as the card and tube agglutination tests were unreliable . Of the 646 field strain isolates, 95.8% were biotype 1, 2.5% were biotype 2, and 1.7% were biotype 4.

N Z Med J, 1981 Jan 14, 93(675), 8 - 9
Bacteriological aspects of a case of Brucella suis infection; Garner JG et al.; Brucella sinus biotype 1 was isolated from the blood of a 55 year old Tongan woman patient in Auckland Hospital . Problems in identification of this organism are described and discussed

Med Clin (Barc), 1981 Jan 10, 76(1), 8 - 13
{Fever of unknown origin . A study of 100 cases (author's transl)}; Barbado Hernandez FJ et al.; This report concerns the analysis of 100 cases of fever of unknown origin, defined according to the criteria of Petersdorf and Beeson . An etiological diagnosis could be reached in 77 cases, distributed as follows: infections, 32 cases; tumors, 14 cases; collagen diseases, 13 cases; various etiologies, 18 cases; and idiopathic, 23 cases of whom 20 had selflimited fever . There were 51 male and 49 female . The incidence of infectious diseases was significantly higher below age 40 when compared with the group of collagen diseases . Recurrent fever was common (43 cases) while continuous fever was unusual (3 cases) . Recurrent fever was most frequent in neoplastic diseases, the difference in relation to the other groups being statistically significant (p less than 0.05) . Chills, diffuse perspiration and myalgia were more frequent in infectious diseases (p less than 0.01) than in the other groups . Collagen diseases had significantly higher (p less than 0.05) white blood cell counts than neoplastic diseases, while the latter had significantly higher (p less than 0.01) serum lactic-dehydrogenase and alpha 2 globulin levels than infectious and collagen diseases . Hepatosplenomegaly was present more frequently in neoplastic than in infectious diseases . When evaluating diagnostic procedures it was noted that invasive techniques (arteriography, biopsy, laparoscopy, laparotomy) were essential to arrive to the final diagnosis in 47 cases, while noninvasive procedures (serological and immunological tests, bacteriology, conventional radiology, clinical course, and response to therapy) were sufficient in 22 cases . In eight cases the etiology of the fever could only be determined by post-mortem examination.

Am J Obstet Gynecol, 1981 Jan, 139(1), 38 - 40
Maternal and cord blood complement activity: relationship to premature rupture of the membranes; Levy DL et al.; Human complement levels are known to reflect the presence of clinical infection, with low levels indicative of increased utilization in the body's immune response . Premature rupture of the membranes (PRM) is associated with an increased maternal-fetal infectious morbidity, yet histopathologic and bacteriologic parameters often do not reflect this . In this prospective study maternal and cord serum total hemolytic complement activity (CH50) was measured in 102 patients without evidence of infection, with and without PRM, to determine if there exists within the maternal-fetal unit an immunologic response to this event . It was found that maternal serum CH50, regardless of length of gestation, is similar to that of the nonpregnant adult population, except in cases of PRM greater than 12 hours in which it is significantly lower . The CH50 in term newborn infants was significantly lower than that of matched maternal samples and dropped with decreasing gestational age . CH50 in cord serum from babies of mothers with PRM failed to show a significant decrease when compared to those of mothers without PRM.

Am Heart J, 1981 Jan, 101(1), 37 - 45
M-mode echocardiographic observations during and after healing of active bacterial endocarditis limited to the mitral valve; Sheikh MU et al.; Analysis of 99 M-mode echocardiograms recorded during and up to 144 months after healing of active bacterial endocarditis limited to the mitral valve in 27 patients disclosed the following: (1) Little to no change occurred in the echocardiographic size of the vegetations during the first 6 weeks after diagnosis and institution of appropriate antibiotic therapy unless a major systemic embolus occurred . (2) The echocardiographic size of the vegetations did not determine the amount of cardiac damage or dysfunction produced by the valvular infection . (3) The larger the vegetations by echocardiogram, the greater was the likelihood of a clinical event compatible with a systemic embolus . (4) The gravest prognostic sign yielded by the echocardiogram was evidence of rupture of chordae tendineae . (5) Although a useful adjunct to diagnosis before appropriate antibiotic therapy was instituted, once bacteriologic cure was achieved, the echocardiogram was of limited value in delineating an active from a heated vegetation . (6) The echocardiographic appearance of the vegetations was not determined by the type of infecting bacterium.

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