Staphylococcus aureus

J Immunol Methods, 1983 Apr 29, 59(2), 217 - 20
A simple quantitative protein A micro-immunoprecipitation method; assay of antibodies to the N and H antigens of poliovirus; Vrijsen R et al.; Staphylococcus aureus (Cowan strain I) was used to absorb immune complexes from antiserum to poliovirus to which labeled N or H poliovirus antigens had been added, and the radioactivity in the pelleted organisms and in the supernatant was measured . Excellent agreement was obtained between values calculated separately from the pellet and supernatant readings, validating the use of supernatant measurements from a microtitration plate method.

J Biol Chem, 1983 Apr 25, 258(8), 4890 - 4
Characterization of monoclonal antibodies specific for the Lewis a human blood group determinant; Young WW Jr et al.; Four hybridoma cell lines were derived from the spleen cells of mice immunized with the neutral glycolipids of human meconium . The antibodies secreted by these lines were specific for the Lewis a antigen of the human Lewis blood group system as determined by solid phase immunoassay using synthetic carbohydrate antigens and by plate binding assay and thin layer chromatography-autoradiography using natural glycolipid antigens . Coating protein A-bearing Staphylococcus aureus with one of the antibodies yielded a stable reagent that produced rapid agglutination of Lewis a positive human erythrocytes . The fine structural specificity of these antibodies was assessed by competition radioimmunoassay using synthetic structural analogs of Lewis a conjugated to bovine serum albumin . One antibody was specific for the Lewis a trisaccharide (Gal beta 1 leads to 3(Fuc alpha 1 leads to 4) beta GlcNAc), while a second recognized the entire Lea (1 leads to 3) beta Gal tetrasaccharide . The third and fourth were directed at topography largely provided by only the alpha Fuc and beta GlcNAc units . These monoclonal antibodies not only represent potentially useful reagents for detecting the Lewis a antigen but also provide a system for studying precise relationships between anticarbohydrate antibody structure and binding specificity.

J Mol Biol, 1983 Apr 25, 165(4), 754 - 5
Determination of the sequence which spans the beginning of the insertion region in Anacystis nidulans flavodoxin; Tarr GE; Anacystis nidulans flavodoxin is one of the long chain flavodoxins (Mayhew & Ludwig, 1975) . Comparisons of its structure with the structures of shorter chain species (main text: Ludwig et al., 1982) show that in A . nidulans flavodoxin most of the extra residues occupy a region adjoining the third helix and the fifth strand of parallel sheet . The sequences of peptides isolated after cyanogen bromide cleavage and after digestion with Staphylococcus aureus protease, reported here, fit into the electron density map of A . nidulans flavodoxin, starting near the middle of the third helix, and verify that the major insertion interrupts the fifth strand of parallel sheet.

Sem Hop, 1983 Apr 21, 59(16), 1249 - 51
{Non-tuberculous abscesses of the psoas . A case of apparently primary abscess of the psoas due to Staphylococcus aureus}; Prier A et al.; Abscess of the psoas, which is a well recognized complication in tuberculous osteoarticular infections, can also occur in certain regional diseases of the bones or viscera: common germ osteitis, diverticulosis, colic cancer, appendicitis and, above all, Crohn disease . Abscess of the psoas can also present as an apparently primary pyogenic muscular infection . A case is reported of an abscess of the psoas due to Staphylococcus aureus, which occurred spontaneously in an apparently healthy 50-year-old woman, was cured by surgical drainage, and whose course confirmed its primary nature.

J Am Vet Med Assoc, 1983 Apr 15, 182(8), 814 - 6
Anaerobic bacteria associated with osteomyelitis in domestic animals; Walker RD et al.; Specimens of bony tissue or adjacent soft tissue from 19 animals with osteomyelitis were cultured aerobically and anaerobically . Fourteen specimens (74%) yielded anaerobic bacteria in pure culture or mixed with aerobic or facultative anaerobic bacteria . The most predominant genus encountered was an obligate anaerobe, Bacteroides . The most frequently isolated Bacteroides species was Bacteroides asaccharolyticus, which was isolated 5 times . The most frequently isolated anaerobe was Peptostreptococcus anaerobius, which was isolated 6 times . Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were the most frequently isolated aerobic bacteria, with 7 and 6 isolates, respectively.

Eur J Biochem, 1983 Apr 15, 132(1), 215 - 8
Evidence for homologous repeating segments within the elementary polypeptide chain of guinea pig thyroglobulin; Palumbo G et al.; In this paper we report on the peptide maps of the three polypeptides produced by reduction of denatured 19-S thyroglobulin from guinea pig . These maps were obtained by both chemical cleavage (CNBr) and by limited enzymatic proteolysis (Staphylococcus aureus SV 8 protease) . Analysis of these peptides showed a strict correspondence among the electrophoretic bands produced by cleavage of the guinea pig thyroglobulin components . These results support the idea that thyroglobulin, even though it has an apparently complex molecular structure, contains polypeptide sequences which are repeated in the elementary chain . Since similar structures should correspond to similar functions, each of these regions may work as a functional domain for the biosynthesis of the thyroid hormones.

Science, 1983 Apr 15, 220(4594), 316 - 8
Toxic shock syndrome and lysogeny in Staphylococcus aureus; Schutzer SE et al.; Lysogeny, or the presence of temperate bacteriophage, was demonstrated, by means of two Staphylococcus aureus indicator strains, in 11 of 12 strains of S . aureus isolated from patients with toxic shock syndrome . Only 1 of 18 strains of S . aureus that were not associated with toxic shock syndrome showed the presence of bacteriophage . A laboratory strain of S . aureus was lysogenized by bacteriophage from two of the toxic shock-associated strains . These results add support to the theory that lysogeny by one or more bacteriophage in certain strains of S . aureus may be responsible for the pathogenesis of toxic shock syndrome.

Virology, 1983 Apr 15, 126(1), 73 - 86
Temperature-sensitive membrane association of pp60src in tsNY68-infected cells correlates with increased tyrosine phosphorylation of membrane-associated proteins; Garber EA et al.; Incubation of membrane vesicles from normal and Rous sarcoma virus-transformed chick embryo fibroblasts (CEF) with {gamma-32P}ATP resulted in the phosphorylation of a large number of proteins . The major differences observed between the membrane vesicles of untransformed and transformed cells were: (1) a 5- to 10-fold increase in the proportion of labeled phosphotyrosine in transformed vesicles and (2) the phosphorylation of pp60src in vesicles from transformed cells . Of the many proteins labeled in vitro, only pp60src was immunoprecipitated by TBR serum . Phosphorylation of the immunoprecipitated pp60src occurred on tyrosine in the 26-kDa carboxy-terminal Staphylococcus aureus V8 protease fragment . pp60src was not phosphorylated in vitro in membrane vesicles prepared from tsNY68-infected cells grown at the nonpermissive temperature . The proportion of labeled phosphotyrosine in membrane proteins from tsNY68-infected cells grown at the nonpermissive temperature was only slightly increased relative to that observed in membranes prepared from normal cells . Subcellular fractionation indicated that while pp60src was membrane associated in tsNY68-infected cells grown at the permissive temperature, pp60src was chiefly soluble in tsNY68-infected cells grown at the nonpermissive temperature . Temperature-sensitive membrane association of pp60src in tsNY68-infected cells was also observed by indirect immunofluorescence microscopy . When membranes were prepared from tsNY68-infected cells that had been downshifted from the nonpermissive to the permissive temperature, the reappearance of in vitro phosphorylated pp60src and the increase in the proportion of labeled phosphotyrosine in membrane vesicles correlated with the kinetics of src immune complex kinase reactivation and membrane association of pp60src.

Biochim Biophys Acta, 1983 Apr 13, 751(2), 145 - 52
A comparative study of enzymatic digestion profiles of apolipoprotein B from four human subjects; Easley CW et al.; A methodological approach for comparative structural study of apolipoprotein B has been developed . Low-density lipoproteins from four human subjects were digested in three separate enzyme systems, utilizing trypsin, chymotrypsin and Staphylococcus aureus protease V8, each in the presence of 1% sodium dodecyl sulfate . The peptides were separated by electrophoresis on polyacrylamide gels in SDS; the stained gels were scanned spectrophotometrically to produce characteristic profiles . Comparison of the profiles revealed good reproducibility and a high degree of similarity among the different subjects . Of the four subjects studied, one subject had one apparent difference in the tryptic digest profile and also in the S . aureus protease V8 digest profile . The structural significance of these variations can be evaluated only after a larger number of subjects, including those presented here, have been examined; this study is now in preparation.

Biochim Biophys Acta, 1983 Apr 6, 729(2), 249 - 57
Binding of autologous IgG to human red blood cells before and after ATP-depletion . Selective exposure of binding sites (autoantigens) on spectrin-free vesicles; Muller H et al.; Binding of autologous IgG to fresh, ATP-depleted red blood cells as well as to spectrin-free vesicles was studied by a non-equilibrium binding assay using 125I-iodinated protein A from Staphylococcus aureus . IgG binding was 14-times higher to spectrin-free vesicles than to ATP-maintaining red blood cells and 4-times higher than to ATP-depleted erythrocytes from which these vesicles were released . Protein A binding to vesicles that were released from washed and nutrient-deprived erythrocytes, was dependent on added autologous IgG . However, spectrin-free vesicles that were spontaneously released from erythrocytes conserved in whole blood, bound similar amounts of protein A with or without added autologous IgG (0.45-0.55 ng/micrograms band 3 protein) . These findings demonstrate that opsonization of spectrin-free vesicles by autologous IgG occurs not only in the test tube, but also under blood blank conditions . The binding characteristics of IgG to spectrin-free vesicles are indicative of a natural autoantibody rather than an unspecific binding of autologous IgG . The preferential binding of IgG to spectrin-free vesicles implies a selective exposure of corresponding autoantigens in membrane regions that have lost cytoskeletal anchorage and bud off.

Am Surg, 1983 Apr, 49(4), 179 - 81
An outbreak of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a large medical center; Gerken MV; The charts of 100 patients with methicillin-resistant, gentamicin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MSRA) were reviewed after an outbreak of MSRA occurred in our hospital . The location of the patients at the time of first positive culture was studied . The NICU was the most common location (24%) . The burn unit accounted for nine per cent, and the remaining patients were widely distributed among the surgery services . Patterns of transmission were difficult to determine, and even with strict measures, complete eradication of the organism has not yet been achieved . Vancomycin, a potent and nephrotoxic antibiotic, is the treatment of choice.

Vet Immunol Immunopathol, 1983 Apr, 4(3), 307 - 17
A radiolabeled staphylococcal protein A assay for detection of anti-erythrocyte IgG in warm agglutinin autoimmune hemolytic anemia of dogs and man; Kaplan AV et al.; A cell wall protein from Staphylococcus aureus, Protein A, (SpA) has been shown to have the ability to bind the Fc region of most mammalian IgG molecules . This study uses this unusual property as the basis for a quantitative assay for erythrocyte (RBC) bound antibodies . Test serum is incubated in a suspension of normal RBC's . The cells are then washed and incubated with 125Iodine-labeled SpA (125I-SpA) . After incubation cells are pelleted and bound radiolabeled SpA counted . This procedure has been performed using canine anti-goat RBC (DagRBC) serum and human anti-D serum (positive controls) to establish the kinetics of the SpA reaction in the above system . The results indicate that SpA binds to red blood cells as a function of membrane bound antibody . RBC's incubated with indirect Coombs positive sera bound 42.6% and 43.3% of the 125I-SpA, as compared to 19.2%, the upper limit of the 95% confidence interval (n = 9) for normal sera . Furthermore, significant binding was observed for certain indirect Coombs negative (direct Coombs positive) sera indicating that the SpA assay is more sensitive than the indirect Coombs test . The SpA system should provide the clinician with an inexpensive, sensitive, quantitative assay for the diagnosis of warm agglutinin autoimmune hemolytic anemia, as well as other autoimmune disorders involving membrane bound IgG.

Microbiologica, 1983 Apr, 6(2), 121 - 32
Comparison between five methods for the separation of IgM; Negro Ponzi A et al.; Five serum fractionation methods were examined with regard to their suitability for use in the demonstration of specific IgM antibodies . It was found that Protein A - Sepharose CL - 4B chromatography leads to higher IgM recovery than absorption with whole Staphylococcus aureus (58% as opposed to 40%) . It is also cheaper, since this absorbent can be reused . Contamination with 2-5% IgG and about 70% IgA is encountered with both methods . Quaternary aminoethyl (QAE) - Sephadex chromatography gives excellent IgM recovery (97%) and its cost and execution time are the lowest . IgG and IgA residues are 2% and 53% respectively . Ultrafiltration results in poorer recovery of IgM (31%) . However, the sample volume can be brought back to its initial value, or concentrated still further . IgG and IgA residues are 2% and 14% . The cost of the method and the time needed for its execution are relatively high . Gel chromatography is the only method to give a completely IgG- and IgA-free IgM fraction . The percentage of IgM recovered varies in accordance with the ratio between the volume of the sample and that of the column . Very high values may be obtained, but at the expense of heavy dilution . The cost is low, but the method requires a considerable amount of time . In short, none of the five methods is clearly superior to the others . Whether or not a given method is chosen will thus depend on the relative importance attached to the percentage of IgM recovered, the presence or otherwise of IgA, sample dilution, cost, and rapidity of execution.

Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1983 Apr, 23(4), 571 - 6
In vitro activity of rifampin in combination with oxacillin against Staphylococcus aureus; Maduri Traczewski M et al.; The in vitro activity of rifampin alone and in combination with oxacillin was determined for 75 Staphylococcus aureus strains (64 susceptible and 11 resistant to oxacillin) . Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimal bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) were determined by broth microdilution; antibiotic combinations were evaluated by microdilution checkerboard and time-kill studies . The 90% MIC of rifampin was less than or equal to 0.015 micrograms/ml after both 24 and 48 h of incubation . The 90% MBC of rifampin was less than or equal to 2.0 micrograms/ml on subculture at 24 h of incubation and less than or equal to 0.5 micrograms/ml on subculture at 48 h . MIC checkerboards with oxacillin-susceptible strains revealed an additive or indifferent effect in 35 strains (55%) and antagonism in 29 strains (45%) . MBC checkerboards performed by subculture at 24 h demonstrated antagonism for all but one of the oxacillin-susceptible strains, with sub-MBCs of rifampin impairing the bactericidal activity of oxacillin . MBC checkerboards performed by 48-h subculture revealed antagonism with 37 strains (58%); in 26 additional strains (40%), a synergistic, additive, or indifferent effect was observed at low antibiotic concentrations, but antagonism was seen at higher concentrations . Time-kill studies tended to show indifference rather than antagonism with oxacillin plus rifampin . In checkerboards performed with oxacillin-resistant strains, the addition of rifampin did not improve oxacillin inhibitory or bactericidal activity to a clinically significant extent; however, the addition of oxacillin improved the bactericidal activity of rifampin at easily achievable serum concentrations.

Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1983 Apr, 23(4), 526 - 30
Membrane potential in anaerobically growing Staphylococcus aureus and its relationship to gentamicin uptake; Mates SM et al.; The electrical potential (delta psi) across the cytoplasmic membranes of Staphylococcus aureus cells growing under aerobic and anaerobic conditions was determined by measuring the equilibrium distribution of {3H}tetraphenyl phosphonium . In conjunction, gentamicin uptake and killing were studied in the same cells under identical conditions . Under aerobic conditions, delta psi was -169 mV, gentamicin uptake was readily demonstrable, and the number of viable cells decreased by almost four orders of magnitude in the presence of antibiotic . In contrast, delta psi was -142 mV anaerobically, gentamicin uptake was essentially nonexistent, and the aminoglycoside had no effect on viability . Remarkably, when the ionophore nigericin was added under anaerobic conditions, delta psi increased to the level observed aerobically, gentamicin uptake tripled to about 18% of the aerobic level, and viability decreased by one order of magnitude . The results are consistent with other observations (Mates et al., Proc . Natl . Acad . Sci . U.S.A . 79:6693-6697, 1982), indicating that the relationship between delta psi and gentamicin uptake is gated, and suggest that diminution of delta psi may be an important factor in aminoglycoside resistance under anaerobic conditions.

J Clin Gastroenterol, 1983 Apr, 5(2), 159 - 63
Gastric infarction: a complication of endocarditis due to Staphylococcus aureus; Patel RM et al.; We describe a 62-year-old man with diabetes mellitus and peripheral vascular insufficiency, with an ulcer on his foot which led to staphylococcal septicemia, endocarditis, and disseminated intravascular coagulation . All these factors contributed to thromboembolic occlusion of the terminal arteries and veins supplying the stomach, causing gastric infarction.

J Appl Bacteriol, 1983 Apr, 54(2), 257 - 61
Enterotoxin production by atypical Staphylococcus aureus from poultry; Evans JB et al.; Phenotypically typical Staphylococcus aureus was isolated frequently from the necrotic bone and liver of poultry suffering from femoral head necrosis . Occasionally strains were isolated that differed from typical Staph . aureus in one or more of the major diagnostic tests, i.e . coagulase production, anaerobic fermentation of mannitol and production of a heat-stable deoxyribonuclease . Such atypical strains were also isolated from nasal swabs of healthy birds . Tests for enterotoxin production demonstrated that some atypical strains from both sick and healthy birds are capable of producing staphylococcal enterotoxins.

J Antibiot (Tokyo), 1983 Apr, 36(4), 391 - 7
Studies on a new antibiotic M-92 produced by micromonospora . V . Mechanism of action of the component VA-2; Tani K et al.; Effects of VA-2, a component of quinoid antibiotic M-92, on the incorporation of radioisotope-labeled compounds into the cells of Staphylococcus aureus were studied . Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) synthesis was immediately inhibited by the addition of VA-2 . Significant inhibitions of ribonucleic acid and protein syntheses and minor reduction of peptidoglycan synthesis were observed after a short delay . VA-2 immediately induced the degradation of DNA prelabelled with {14C}thymidine in the cells of S . aureus . In the examinations using E . coli enzyme and calf thymus DNA as a template, VA-2 prevented DNA-dependent DNA polymerase reaction . The inhibition of DNA polymerase I reaction was fairly reversed by increasing the concentration of template DNA, but slightly by that of the enzyme . Agarose gel electrophoresis showed that VA-2 elicited an extensive cleavage of PM2 cccDNA . VA-2 caused a primary conversion of the cccDNA to ocDNA at a low concentration (0.2 micrograms/ml), while at high concentrations (2.0 and 20 micrograms/ml) it cleaved the cccDNA to ocDNA and linear DNA progressively . These cleavages were observed even at 0 degrees C as well as at 37 degrees C, and were enhanced with the addition of a reducing agent such as 2-mercaptoethanol or sodium borohydride.

Drug Intell Clin Pharm, 1983 Apr, 17(4), 283 - 5
A mild case of toxic shock syndrome; Ponte CD et al.; The toxic shock syndrome (TSS) most often is seen in young, healthy women who become symptomatic during menstruation . The association between TSS and the use of tampons is strong . The symptoms usually begin suddenly and are often nonspecific . Prostration and hypotensive shock can occur within 24 hours . Milder forms of the disease also may be seen . The overall mortality rate is approximately 8 percent . This report describes a mild case of TSS in a young, healthy, 16-year-old female who developed symptoms during menstruation . She had been using regular-size tampons, which were changed frequently, but she did not change tampons during the night . A positive cervical culture for Staphylococcus aureus confirmed the diagnosis . The patient responded to supportive care and intravenous oxacillin . Her generalized maculopapular rash disappeared within 24 hours of admission, and her hands began to desquamate by the time of discharge . The patient was urged to avoid the use of tampons for four months subsequent to discharge.

Am J Gastroenterol, 1983 Apr, 78(4), 235 - 40
Infectious complications of the peritoneovenous shunt; Prokesch RC et al.; The peritoneovenous shunt has been recently advocated to relieve massive ascites refractory to medical therapy . Several complications of the shunt have been described but the incidence of infection has not been elucidated . We reviewed the records of all patients undergoing peritoneovenous shunt at the Emory University Affiliated Hospitals from 1975 to 1980 . Eighty-five peritoneovenous shunts were done in 56 patients . Eighteen of the shunt insertions (21%) were followed by a major infection--eight bacteremias, eight peritonitis, and nine wound infections . Most infections were caused by aerobic gram-negative bacilli or Staphylococcus aureus . Fever was common (62%) in the immediate postoperative period but was not clearly related to infection, or the administration of antibiotics or antipyretics . Shunt removal appeared to be necessary in treating bacteremic patients but not in patients with only peritonitis or wound infections . Infection is a common complication of the peritoneovenous shunt and may limit its usefulness.

Cancer Res, 1983 Apr, 43(4), 1842 - 6
Effects of in vitro hyperthermia on human natural killer cells; Kalland T et al.; The present study demonstrates that human natural killer (NK) cells isolated from peripheral blood of normal individuals are highly sensitive to hyperthermia . The effect was time and dose dependent, and treatment of peripheral blood lymphocytes at 42 degrees for 1 hr almost completely abolished NK activity . The effect was not a consequence of cell death since only a small decrease in cell viability was observed and the viability of density gradient fractions enriched for NK activity was normal . Analysis of NK activity at the single-cell level by application of a conjugation assay in agarose revealed that hyperthermia interfered with target cell binding as well as the lytic cycle . Attempts to rescue NK activity after hyperthermia treatment by incubation overnight with human alpha-interferon or activation in mixed leukocyte culture was unsuccessful, indicating that even pre-NK cells are heat sensitive . In contrast, the proliferative response to alloantigens in mixed leukocyte culture and to the T-cell mitogen concanavalin A was unaffected . Hyperthermia exposure of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte generated in mixed leukocyte culture immediately before assay against allogeneic blast cells strongly inhibited their activity . Some alterations in the kinetics of stimulation with the B-cell mitogen Staphylococcus aureus bacteria were observed after heat exposure although maximal stimulation was at control levels . Thus, NK cells, including their precursors, seem to be preferentially sensitive to hyperthermia among various lymphoid subclasses.

Trop Doct, 1983 Apr, 13(2), 57 - 60
Postpneumonic pleural suppuration in children; Anyanwu CH et al.; Postpneumonic pleural suppuration is a common condition seen in paediatric practice in Nigeria . One hundred and twenty cases seen at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, over a 4-year period were reviewed . The patients were aged between 1 1/2 months and 16 years . History of antecedent measles was elicited in 27 of the children, and 70% of the patients presented to the hospital later than 7 days after the onset of symptoms of pleura suppuration . From the pleural aspirates of 106 cases (88.3%) Staphylococcus aureus was cultured in 31.2%, but there were no organisms cultured in 39.4% . Twenty-nine children were treated by chemotherapy only; 11 of them (37.9%) died . Sixty-eight cases had tube drainage of the pleural collections, with 6 deaths (8.8%) . Twenty-three patients had thoracotomy, evacuation of the suppurative lesion and decortication of the lung, with no mortality . There was overall hospital mortality of 14.2%, the highest mortality being in children who had associated measles, gastroenteritis, anaemia or malnutrition . Early surgical drainage by tube thoracostomy or by thoracotomy and decortication in addition to appropriate and adequate antibiotic therapy is the treatment of choice.

J Antimicrob Chemother, 1983 Apr, 11(4), 385 - 9
Ventricular cerebrospinal fluid concentrations of trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole; Wang EE et al.; Ventricular cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole (TMP-SMZ) concentrations were measured in 15 patients . At varying times, not exceeding eight hours prior to surgery, each patient received a dose of 5 mg/kg TMP with 25 mg/kg SMZ as a 1 h intravenous infusion . The mean ventricular CSF TMP concentration was 1.1 mg/l with a range of 0.5-3.2 mg/l . The SMZ concentration was 17.9 mg/l with a range of 5-40 mg/l . There was no apparent relationship between achievable CSF concentrations and the time elapsed after drug administration . The CSF concentrations were achieved despite the lack of meningeal inflammation . In 11 of 14 patients, the levels exceeded the minimum inhibitory concentrations for Staphylococcus aureus and Staph . epidermidis.

J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg, 1983 Apr, 85(4), 527 - 31
Surgical treatment of purulent pericarditis in children; Morgan RJ et al.; Since 1971 we have seen 15 children with the diagnosis of purulent pericarditis . The causative organism was Hemophilus influenzae in seven, Staphylococcus aureus in three, and five were due to other organisms . In one child the diagnosis was unsuspected until autopsy . The other 14 patients were all treated with intravenous antibiotics to which the organism was sensitive . One child had an immediate pericardiectomy because of tamponade . The other 13 patients had pericardiocentesis for diagnosis and initial therapy . Pericardiocentesis alone resulted in recovery of four patients and failed in nine, including all seven patients with H . influenzae . These nine had recurrent tamponade or a persistent picture of sepsis that was unresponsive to repeated pericardiocenteses and necessitated operative intervention . The procedure used was subxiphoid tube drainage in two patients . One recovered and the other required further operation . The remaining seven patients were treated with pericardiectomy . All pericardiectomy patients recovered without complications or recurrent symptoms . Survivors are asymptomatic with no evidence of pericardial constriction . We recommend immediate pericardiocentesis for diagnosis and initial therapy . Early pericardiectomy should be performed if the causative organism is H . influenzae, if tamponade occurs after initial pericardiocentesis, or if fever persists despite appropriate antibiotics.

Am J Dis Child, 1983 Apr, 137(4), 361 - 4
Treatment of Staphylococcus aureus infections in children in office practice; Disney FA et al.; One hundred five Staphylococcus aureus infections occurring in 79 children who were seen in a private office practice were evaluated for response to antibiotic therapy . The value of in vitro disk susceptibility testing in directing antibiotic selection in treatment failures was also examined . Of the total episodes studied, the types of infection studied included vesicular pyoderma (48%), secondary pyoderma (13%), bullous pyoderma (5%), furunculosis (14%), carbunculosis (12%), cellulitis (3%), suppurative otitis media (4%), and paronychia (2%) . Comparative treatment efficacy was obtained with perioral erythromycin estolate and erythromycin ethylsuccinate, cefaclor and cephalexin, and clindamycin hydrochloride and dicloxacillin sodium . Penicillin V potassium, ampicillin, and topical bacitracin were generally ineffective . In 23 patients, 27/105 infections were initial treatment failures . Antibiotic disk susceptibility testing predicted these clinical failures and/or the antibiotic that would produce a clinical response in 21 of these 23 patients, suggesting that this office procedure can be of considerable value.

J Bacteriol, 1983 Apr, 154(1), 406 - 12
Confirmation of protoplast fusion-derived linkages in Staphylococcus aureus by transformation with protoplast DNA; Stahl ML et al.; Transformation provided definitive evidence for linkage between tyrB282::Tn551 ermB321 and omega (Chr::Tn551)34, and thus between the separate large linkage groups containing these markers, in Staphylococcus aureus NCTC 8325 . Transformation also defined the chromosomal loci for the purC193::Tn551 and omega (Chr::Tn551)42 markers and the linkage of a tetracycline resistance marker (tet-3490) with a fusidic acid resistance marker (fus-149) . The use of DNA isolated from protoplasts under conditions that reduced hydrodynamic shear greatly facilitated the demonstration of most of these linkages . These results provide direct evidence confirming several of the linkages predicted by a microcomputer-assisted protoplast fusion analysis in a previous study (M . L . Stahl and P . A . Pattee, J . Bacteriol . 154:395-405, 1983); those markers whose predicted linkages were not confirmed by transformation are probably separated by chromosomal distances that exceed the limits of detection by transformation, even with protoplast DNA.

J Bacteriol, 1983 Apr, 154(1), 395 - 405
Computer-assisted chromosome mapping by protoplast fusion in Staphylococcus aureus; Stahl ML et al.; Protoplasts of genetically marked derivatives of Staphylococcus aureus NCTC 8325 were fused with polyethylene glycol and regenerated without selection . Recombinants possessing one specific resistance marker from each parent were selected from the regenerated population and scored for seven or eight unselected markers . The results of these 9- and 10-factor crosses were entered directly into a programmed microcomputer from prescored replica plates . The data then were condensed into an array of phenotypes, together with the frequency with which each occurred . Further analyses by computer included the calculation of coinheritance frequencies for all possible pairs of markers; after entering a proposed order for the markers being analyzed, the minimum number of crossover events required to generate each phenotypic class was calculated . The linkage relationships of markers, based on the protoplast fusion data, were entirely consistent with the linkage relationships of markers already known to exist within each of the three linkage groups previously defined by transformation . The fusion data defined an arrangement of the three linkage groups into a circular chromosome map and predicted the approximate location of four previously unmapped markers (tet-3490, fus-149, purC193::Tn551, and omega {Chr::Tn551}42) on this map.

Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1983 Apr, 23(4), 610 - 3
Methicillin-resistant septal peptidoglycan synthesis in a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strain; Wilkinson BJ et al.; In a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strain, electron micrographs showed that cell wall septa continued to be formed in the presence of methicillin, although they became distorted and enlarged . The results indicated that peripheral cell wall synthesis was inhibited . It is concluded that a methicillin-resistant mode of septal peptidoglycan synthesis is an important determinant of methicillin resistance.

J Clin Microbiol, 1983 Apr, 17(4), 567 - 70
Evaluation of a commercial counterimmunoelectrophoresis kit for detection of Staphylococcus aureus teichoic acid antibodies; West TE et al.; A commercial kit from Diagnostica, Inc., Miami Fla., was studied for its ability to detect antibodies to the teichoic acids of Staphylococcus aureus . A comparative study of the Diagnostica counterimmunoelectrophoresis (CIE) system and our gel double-diffusion method was undertaken with 156 serum samples from 142 patients . Included were 25 cases of staphylococcal and non-staphylococcal endocarditis, 30 cases of S . aureus bacteremia, 19 cases of nonbacteremic S . aureus infection, 39 cases of hospitalized patients without a staphylococcal infection, and 29 normal controls . Agreement between methodologies was attained in 138 (88.5%) of the 156 samples tested and in 127 (89.4%) of the 142 patients . Of 13 patients with culture-proven S . aureus endocarditis, significant antibody titers were found in all patients (100%) by CIE and in 12 patients (92.3%) by double diffusion . No significant titers were found in normal sera by CIE, but four sera were positive by double diffusion . Of 80 sera from patients with no evidence of S . aureus infection, 4 (5.0%) were positive by CIE and 7 (8.8%) were positive by double diffusion . The Diagnostica CIE kit appears to provide a suitable means for the detection of deep-seated S . aureus infections.

Exp Eye Res, 1983 Apr, 36(4), 537 - 42
Large-scale preparation of gamma-crystallin and fractionation by chromatofocusing; Bloemendal H et al.; Large quantities of calf gamma-crystallin can be prepared by a single and rapid salting-out procedure . The final product is indistinguishable from the gamma-crystallin fraction obtained after gel filtration of a 15000 g lens protein supernatant over Sephadex G 200 . Further fractionation is achieved by the mild procedure of chromatofocusing yielding six to eight subfractions . The latter have been characterized by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) in 6 M-urea, SDS-gel electrophoresis, partial digestion with Staphylococcus aureus protease and amino acid analysis.

Infect Immun, 1983 Apr, 40(1), 284 - 91
Identification of immunogenic and antibody-binding membrane proteins of pathogenic Trichomonas vaginalis; Alderete JF; Characterization of immunogenic Trichomonas vaginalis membrane proteins was accomplished by using extrinsically and intrinsically labeled organisms and a highly sensitive and specific radioimmunoprecipitation procedure . Intact motile trichomonads were compared with detergent extracts as a source of antigen in radioimmunoprecipitation experiments . Approximately 20 proteins accessible to antibody were identified and ranged in molecular weight from 200,000 to 20,000 . Localization on the parasite surface of the highly immunogenic membrane proteins was attempted by using, as the indicator system, formaldehyde-fixed protein A-bearing Staphylococcus aureus pretreated with the various antiserum reagents and incubated with live, motile parasites . Also, indirect immunofluorescence with fluorescein isothiocyanate--anti-rabbit immunoglobulin was also employed after incubation of organisms with either control serum or antiserum from immunized rabbits or after treatment of trichomonads with the immunoglobulin G fraction from each respective serum . No immunoglobulin G antibody appeared to be directed at the anterior trichomonal flagella or the posterior axostyle, whereas strong fluorescence was detected throughout the rest of the T . vaginalis surface . The biological significance of these data is discussed.

Pathology, 1983 Apr, 15(2), 169 - 74
Gentamicin resistance in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus; Townsend DE et al.; Gentamicin resistance has been studied in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains, from Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH) and Sydney . Gentamicin resistance was transferred in mixed cultures to a plasmid free strain, and the determinants were examined . The Sydney strain had high level resistance to gentamicin, tobramycin, kanamycin and neomycin which was carried on a c.34 megadalton plasmid . The gentamicin resistant RMH isolates all had a determinant which conferred low level resistance to gentamicin, tobramycin and kanamycin and appeared to be chromosomal in one isolate, on a plasmid of c.28.5 megadaltons in another and on a plasmid of c.18 megadaltons in the other isolates . It is suggested that a gentamicin resistance transposon is being transferred in the MRSA at RMH.

J Bacteriol, 1983 Apr, 154(1), 479 - 87
Insertional inactivation of staphylococcal methicillin resistance by Tn551; Berger-Bachi B; Transposon Tn551 was translocated into the chromosome of a methicillin-resistant (mec) strain of Staphylococcus aureus by heat inactivation of a thermo-sensitive plasmid carrying Tn551 and selection for erythromycin-resistant (Emr) survivors . Two independent chromosomal insertions of Tn551 were obtained which reduced the level of the methicillin resistance by a factor of 50 to 100, making the strains phenotypically methicillin sensitive (Mecs) . Each of the Tn551 insertions was on the largest fragment produced by EcoRI digestion of the chromosomal DNA of these strains . The integration sites lie about 1 kilobase apart . These Mecs strains reverted to Mecr at frequencies of 2.4 X 10(-8) and 3.6 X 10(-5), respectively . The majority of Mecr revertants still were Emr; only a few lost the Emr phenotype concomitantly with reversion to the Mecr phenotype . Hybridization data with labeled Tn551 showed complex rearrangements and deletions in the region of the insertion . These two Tn551 insertions do not lie on the same linkage group, II, as the mec determinant . The phenotypic expression of methicillin resistance, therefore, is also dependent upon a chromosomal genetic marker not physically linked to the mec determinant.

J Virol, 1983 Apr, 46(1), 29 - 41
Mapping of multiple phosphorylation sites within the structural and catalytic domains of the Fujinami avian sarcoma virus transforming protein; Weinmaster G et al.; The phosphorylation sites of the P140gag-fps gene product of Fujinami avian sarcoma virus have been identified and localized to different regions of this transforming protein . FSV P140gag-fps isolated from transformed cells is phosphorylated on at least three distinct tyrosine residues and one serine residue, in addition to minor phosphorylation sites shared with Pr76gag . Partial proteolysis with virion protease p15 or with Staphylococcus aureus V8 protease has been used to generate defined peptide fragments of P140gag-fps and thus to map its phosphorylation sites . The amino-terminal gag-encoded region of P140gag-fps contains a phosphotyrosine residue in addition to normal gag phosphorylation sites . The two major phosphotyrosine residues and the major phosphorserine residue are located in the carboxy-terminal portion of the fps-encoded region of P140gag-fps . P140gag-fps radiolabeled in vitro in an immune complex kinase reaction is phosphorylated at only one of the two C-terminal tyrosine residues phosphorylated in vivo and weakly phosphorylated at the gag-encoded tyrosine and at a tyrosine site not detectably phosphorylated in vivo . Thus, the in vitro tyrosine phosphorylation of P140gag-fps is distinct from that seen in the transformed cell . A comparative tryptic phosphopeptide analysis of the gag-fps proteins of three Fujinami avian sarcoma virus variants showed that the phosphotyrosine-containing peptides are invariant, and this high degree of sequence conservation suggests that these sites are functionally important or lie within important regions . The P105gag-fps transforming protein of PRCII avian sarcoma virus lacks one of the C-terminal phosphotyrosine sites found in Fujinami avian sarcoma virus P140gag-fps . Partial trypsin cleavage of FSV P140gag-fps immunoprecipitated with anti-gag serum releases C-terminal fragments of 45K and 29K from the immune complex that retain an associated tyrosine-specific protein kinase activity . This observation, and the localization of the major P140gag-fps phosphorylation sites to the C-terminal fps region, indicate that the kinase domain of P140gag-fps is located at its C terminus . The phosphorylation of P140gag-fps itself is complex, suggesting that it may itself interact with several protein kinases in the transformed cell.

Cell Immunol, 1983 Apr 1, 77(1), 196 - 201
OKT4/8 ratio in the blood and in the graft during episodes of human renal allograft rejection; von Willebrand E; We have analyzed the frequency of T helper (Th) and T suppressor/killer (Ts/k) lymphocytes in the blood and in the renal allograft during episodes of rejection and during quiescence . Monoclonal OKT4 and OKT8 antibodies were used to mark the Th and Ts/k cells, respectively . Density centrifugation-separated mononuclear leukocytes and FACS IV cell sorter or the Staphylococcus aureus rosette assay were used to determine the ratio in the blood, with concordant results . Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) and the Staph . assay were used to demonstrate the lymphocyte subtypes in the graft . The mean OKT4/8 ratio in the blood was significantly lower in the transplant recipients than in healthy controls (1.1 +/- 0.7 vs 1.8 +/- 0.2, respectively, P = 0.000) . The individual variation was, however, high and no correlation between the OKT4/8 ratio in the blood and the inflammatory episodes in situ was observed . During 19 of the 25 episodes of inflammation, the dominant lymphocyte subtype in the graft was the Ts/k cell . In the remaining six cases it was the Th cell . All rejection episodes of the former type were reversible, in the latter type, four out of six were irreversible.

J Biol Chem, 1983 Mar 25, 258(6), 4019 - 25
The distribution of phosphorylation sites among identified proteolytic fragments of mammalian neurofilaments; Julien JP et al.; Neurofilaments were treated with chymotrypsin or with Staphylococcus aureus V8 protease (V8 protease) and the proteolytic fragments in soluble and particulate centrifugal fractions were identified by immune blotting, using antibodies raised against the Mr = 68,000 (P68), 145,000 (P145), and 200,000 (P200) subunits . The data provide further evidence that each of the three subunits has a different disposition within the filament . A Mr = 160,000 fragment of P200, which may correspond to the side arm projections on neurofilaments, was released into solution by chymotrypsin . In contrast, the proteolytic fragments of P68 and P145 were recovered mainly in the particulate centrifugal fraction, indicating that the two subunits are more closely associated with the filament backbone . Proteolytic cleavage studies on neurofilaments that were 32P-labeled in vivo indicated that the phosphorylated domains in P200 and P145 are localized in a restricted segment of each subunit, which occurs between the chymotryptic and V8 protease cleavage sites . No 32P was associated with the bulk of chymotryptic fragments, which are found in the particulate fraction, are about 40,000 daltons in size, and derive from all three neurofilament subunits . Most of the phosphorylation sites in neurofilaments are peripherally located in the projection domain of P200, suggesting that phosphorylation may modulate interactions between neurofilaments and other neuronal components.

J Biol Chem, 1983 Mar 25, 258(6), 3936 - 41
Isolation and characterization of actin from Entamoeba histolytica; Meza I et al.; Actin has been identified and purified partially from trophozoites of Entamoeba histolytica HMI-IMSS by a procedure that minimizes proteolysis . In cellular extracts, Entamoeba actin would copolymerize with muscle actin, but would not bind to DNase I or form microfilaments . Fractionation of the extracts by DEAE-cellulose and Sephadex G-150 chromatography yielded a purified actin that would copolymerize with rabbit skeletal muscle actin or polymerize alone into long filaments at 24 degrees C upon addition of 100 mM KC1 and 2 mM MgCl2 . These filaments are not cold-stable and will depolymerize at 4 degrees C in 1 or 2 h . Entamoeba actin filaments bind phallotoxin with the same affinity as muscle actin and decorate with rabbit skeletal muscle heavy meromyosin . Entamoeba actin filaments activate the Mg2+ ATPase of heavy meromyosin to the same Vmax as muscle actin, but the Kapp is 2.8 times higher . Entamoeba actin is a single species with a slightly higher molecular weight than muscle actin (45,000) and a more acidic pI (5.4) . The purified actin does not bind to DNase I, produce inhibition of the enzymatic activity, or block the binding of muscle actin . Comparison of the peptides obtained by limit digest with protease V8 from Staphylococcus aureus shows sequences with common mobility between alpha-actin and Entamoeba actin, but additional peptides are present which may account for the different properties of the Entamoeba actin . Finally, in vitro translation of mRNA from trophozoites produces a single polypeptide equivalent to the molecule purified from Entamoeba extracts.

Lancet, 1983 Mar 19, 1(8325), 615 - 8
Growth of toxic-shock-syndrome strain of Staphylococcus aureus after enzymic degradation of 'Rely' tampon component; Tierno PM Jr et al.; beta-glucosidase, cellulase, alpha-mannosidase, beta-galactosidase, and N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase were tested for their ability to hydrolyse the carboxymethylcellulose contained in 'Rely' tampons (R-CMC) . The end-products of the hydrolysis were determined by chromatography . Only beta-glucosidase and cellulase hydrolysed R-CMC and the major product detectable after enzymic degradation was glucose, as confirmed chromatographically and by the glucose oxidase test . The enzymic-degradation products of R-CMC were able to support the growth of a toxic-shock-syndrome strain of Staphylococcus aureus . This finding suggests that as it is degraded by enzymes in the vaginal cavity R-CMC may become an exogenous source of nutrients for pathogenic organisms.

Eur J Biochem, 1983 Mar 15, 131(2), 383 - 6
Physicochemical characterization of a fast refolding monomeric class I fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase from Staphylococcus aureus; Rudolph R et al.; The class I fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase from Staphylococcus aureus is proposed as a good candidate for thermodynamic and kinetic studies on protein folding . The monomeric enzyme (molecular weight 35 000 +/- 1000) has been previously described as 'unusually heat-stable' {F . Gotz et al . (1980) Eur . J . Biochem . 108, 295-301} . In the present paper we show that the enzyme is reversibly denatured at relatively low temperature (26-39 degrees C), as determined by protein fluorescence and far ultraviolet circular dichroism; the van't Hoff enthalpy of the thermal unfolding is 355 +/- 63 kJ/mol . The dichroic absorption shows that the aldolase is extensively unfolded in 6 M guanidine/HCl . Complete reactivation of the guanidine-denatured enzyme in the test solution is extremely fast (less than 10 s in the temperature range from 24.6 degrees C to 7.7 degrees C) . Reactivation ought to be much slower if isomerization reactions around at least some of the ten Xaa-Pro peptide bonds were rate-limiting for reactivation.

Sem Hop, 1983 Mar 10, 59(10), 671 - 5
{Clinical and etiological aspects of erythema multiforme . A propos of 40 cases}; Maleville J et al.; The authors analyse 40 cases of erythema multiforme (including twenty children under fifteen) seen over a five-year period at the Sick Children's Hospital in Bordeaux, Bullous erythematous target lesions of the skin were associated, in most cases, with pluri-orificial ulcerations on the mucous membranes and, less frequently, with more or less severe systemic or visceral symptoms . Borderline cases were observed, associating features of erythema multiforme simplex and of Lyell disease with variable degrees of dermoepidermal blistering and epidermal necrosis . Infection (32.5% of cases) is a more common etiology in children than in adults; the main pathogens are herpes simplex virus, vaccinia pox virus, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae . Drug-induced forms (37% of cases), which are more often seen in adults than in children, are usually due to sulfonamides or antiinflammatory agents . In 30% of cases, no etiology could be demonstrated . Attention is drawn to the frequency of facial vespertilial erythema, as well as the possible occurrence of severe conjunctival sequellae . The connections between erythema multiforme, fixed drug-induced eruptions, and Lyell disease are discussed: only the last, which implies dermoepidermal cleavage, can be categorized with erythema multiforme . The staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome, in which the epidermolysin of Staphylococcus aureus type II 71 is responsible for a superficial cleavage, proceeds from entirely different mechanisms and should be regarded as totally distinct from erythema multiforme.

Bull Eur Physiopathol Respir, 1983 Mar-Apr, 19(2), 107 - 10
{Effects of a controlled Staphylococcus aureus infection on the renewal of endoalveolar cells}; Fritsch P et al.; We have studied, in rats, the influence of the intratracheal injection of 30 X 10(6) Staphylococcus aureus upon the differential count and renewal of the cell populations extracted by pulmonary lavage . In vivo labelling of alveolar macrophages was performed by intratracheal injection of 125I iododeoxyuridine, and the evolution of the labelled population was quantitatively followed up after scheduled sacrifice . Dividing cells were also identified at all times in the lavage population, after incorporation of (3H)-thymidine in vitro and autoradiography . The injection of Staphylococcus aureus induced an acute inflammatory process followed by the migration of polymorphonuclears, lymphocytes and macrophages mainly during the first 24 hours . Later on, no viable bacteria were observed and the cell populations returned to control values . Kinetic parameters were found varying as a function of the cell type . The early increase of macrophages was mainly produced by the migration of monocytes, which exhibited a shorter lifespan in alveolus than did resident macrophages . The inflammatory reaction observed, whilst inducing a considerable modification of the cell distributions, did not significantly modify the lifespan of macrophages located within alveolus before the aggression.

Ann Microbiol (Paris), 1983 Mar-Apr, 134A(2), 169 - 75
{Demonstration by electrosyneresis of 2 exfoliation serotypes produced by Staphylococcus aureus}; Piemont Y et al.; The method described allowed a rapid, easy and reliable detection of exfoliative toxin produced by Staphylococcus aureus . A new culture technique of S . aureus strains and the detection of exfoliative toxin by electrosyneresis are described . This could replace the new-born mouse test . Such a method was useful for epidemiological studies because a lot of strains of S . aureus could be screened for exfoliative toxin production; thus the serotype of the toxin (ETA or ETB) was also determined.

Infection, 1983 Mar-Apr, 11(2), 77 - 83
The role of antibodies against alpha-toxin and teichoic acid in the diagnosis of staphylococcal infections; Julander IG et al.; An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used with purified alpha-toxin and teichoic acid preparations to measure the IgG and IgM response in Staphylococcus aureus infections . After determining antibodies in a normal population, cut-off levels were set for all age groups . ELISA with alpha-toxin was more sensitive than the antistaphylolysin neutralization test (ASTA) . Determining IgM antibodies with the two antigens was found to be of limited diagnostic value . Positive IgG titers against alpha-toxin were found in 21 of 27 patients (78%) with endocarditis, 11 of 14 (79%) with complicated septicemia, eight of 20 (40%) with uncomplicated septicemia and in 12 of 22 (54%) with chronic osteomyelitis . The IgG responses to teichoic acid and alpha-toxin were somewhat different when measured by ELISA, and the parallel performance of the two assays resulted in improved serological diagnostics . The number of positive patients increased to 89%, 86%, 65% and 64%, respectively, in the four groups with a diagnostic specificity of 93% . In septicemic staphylococcal infections, the diagnosis could be established in all patients (28 of 28) with adequately spaced paired samples.

Pediatr Infect Dis, 1983 Mar-Apr, 2(2), 105 - 9
Median sternotomy wound infections in children; Edwards MS et al.; Nine children (25 days to 15 years of age) with infectious complications of median sternotomy are described . Six infections were superficial and in three the sternum and/or mediastinum was involved . Risk factors predisposing to sternal wound infections in six patients were a pump bypass time in excess of 1 hour, excessive postoperative bleeding, low cardiac output for 24 hours or more postoperatively, reexploration for control of bleeding and inadequate antimicrobial prophylaxis . Eight infections were diagnosed at a mean of 15 days postoperatively (range, 5 to 30 days), and chronic sternal osteomyelitis was diagnosed 4 years after operation in one patient . Stability of the sternum was a critical feature differentiating between superficial and deep wound infections . Staphylococcus aureus or Staphylococcus epidermidis was isolated from the wound and/or blood of five patients, and Gram-negative enteric rods were isolated in three patients (two with sternal osteomyelitis and mediastinitis) . Local debridement was sufficient for adequate drainage in four patients, but reexploration for debridement and rewiring of the sternum or drainage of mediastinal contents was required in four . All patients improved initially following drainage and administration of parenteral antibiotics for a mean of 12 (superficial infection) or 28 (deep infection) days . Two patients developed chronic sternal osteomyelitis, and one died due to rupture of a mycotic aneurysm of the aorta 7 years postoperatively.

Can J Microbiol, 1983 Mar, 29(3), 297 - 302
Survival in foods of Staphylococcus aureus grown under optimal and stressed conditions and the effect of some food preservatives; El-Banna AA et al.; Staphylococcus aureus was grown in a rich peptone medium which became alkaline with continued incubation . Cells were grown at 37 degrees C and in the same medium containing 1 M NaCl at 46 degrees C, a temperature at which this organism can grow only when protected by NaCl . Cells of these cultures are hereafter called 37 degrees C-cells and 46 degrees C-cells, respectively . The 37 degrees C-cells harvested when the pH was 7.1 to 7.7 had decimal reduction times (D60-value) of 1.8 to 3.1 min in 50 mM pH 7.2 Tris buffer . The D60 value of 46 degrees C-cells tested in the same way, harvested from cultures at pH 6.6 to 7.6, ranged from 5.3 to a maximum of 12.8 min . In milk, green beans, peas, or beef slurry, the D60-value of 46 degrees C-cells was about four times higher than that of 37 degrees C-cells . Length of survival after freeze-drying in skim-milk powder exposed to air was longest for the cells with the highest D-value . In freeze-dried peas and media acidified with acetic and lactic acids, 46 degrees C-cells survived longer than 37 degrees C-cells . However, the sensitivity of the two kinds of cells to potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, and sodium propionate was essentially the same, but the 46 degrees C-cells were more resistant to butylated hydroxyanisole and sodium nitrite.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 1983 Mar, 45(3), 1140 - 3
Modified method for production and purification of Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin B; Melconian AK et al.; A medium containing 4% bio-trypcase and 1% yeast extract was used for the production of Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin B . The yield obtained was estimated at 200 micrograms of enterotoxin per ml of S . aureus S-6 culture supernatant . The purification method involves chromatography on Biorex 70 resin, isoelectric focusing, and gel filtration on Sephadex G-100 . The purified enterotoxin (isoionic point, pH 8.55) was shown to be homogenous protein with a molecular weight of 29,000 when tested by gel electrophoresis.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1983 Mar, (3), 68 - 71
{Threshold doses of Staphylococcus aureus and the dynamics of leukocyte phagocytic activity in relation to the concentration of the causative agent in the blood}; Chudner VZ et al.; The study of the phagocytic characteristics of leukocytes at different concentrations of Staphylococcus aureus, carried out in 18 persons, has revealed that the mechanism of phagocytosis cannot be triggered only by the presence of the infective agent in the blood; to trigger this mechanism, the concentration of the infective agent in the blood must reach a definite liminal level (for S . aureus this level is 0.5 X 10(6) microbial bodies per ml) . A further rise in the concentration of the infective agent leads to the increase of the efficiency of phagocytosis as indicated by a curve resembling the exponential logarithmic function . When the concentration of S . aureus in the blood exceeds 1 X 10(9) microbial bodies per ml, no essential effect on the increase of phagocytic characteristics is observed.

J Dairy Sci, 1983 Mar, 66(3), 548 - 55
Somatic cell count, electrical conductivity, and serum albumin concentration for detecting bovine mastitis; Sheldrake RF et al.; Cell concentration, electrical conductivity, and serum albumin concentration of milk were evaluated for predicting infection status of quarters in three herds . Probability of misclassifying quarters was lowest for cell concentration . For discriminating quarters infected with Staphylococcus aureus from quarters free from infection, probability of misclassification for cell concentration ranged from 8 to 20% among herds . For electrical conductivity probability of misclassification ranged between 22 and 32%, whereas for serum albumin the range among herds was from 15 to 48% . Among herds there was also considerable variation of the trait, which minimized the probability of misclassification . Cell concentrations for the three herds were 158, 200, and 251 x 10(3) cells/ml whereas for electrical conductivity counts were 4.6, 5.8, and 6.5 mS/cm . For electrical conductivity and serum albumin comparisons within cow by differences and ratios from different quarters yielded little advantage over absolute estimations . For a single sampling, cell concentration provided the most accurate prediction of quarter infection status . We suggest that 200 x 10(3) cells/ml should be the threshold above which quarters are considered likely to be infected with a major pathogen.

J Dairy Sci, 1983 Mar, 66(3), 542 - 7
Lactation stage, parity, and infection affecting somatic cells, electrical conductivity, and serum albumin in milk; Sheldrake RF et al.; Effects of stage of lactation and parity on cell concentration, electrical conductivity, and serum albumin concentration of milk from quarters of known infection status were examined . For quarters free from infection, somatic cell concentration rose from 80 to 160 x 10(3) cells/ml between 35 and infected with Staphylococcus aureus the increase was from 250 to about 1000 x 10(3) cells/ml . As lactation number advanced, there was little change in cell concentration for quarters free from infection, whereas for quarters infected with Staphylococcus aureus, cell concentration rose from approximately 450 x 10(3) cells/ml for first lactation to about 1500 x 10(3) cells/ml for cows in their sixth or more lactations . Trends in electrical conductivity were similar to those for cell concentration, with the main influence on electrical conductivity being Staphylococcus aureus infection . For serum albumin concentration only the effect os stage of lactation was significant . Concentration of serum albumin rose from 150 mg/liter at the beginning of lactation to 280 mg/liter at 215 days postpartum . Effects of stage and number of lactation were minor compared with effects of infection by Staphylococcus aureus.

J Clin Microbiol, 1983 Mar, 17(3), 524 - 8
Characterization of the hemolytic activity of Staphylococcus aureus strains associated with toxic shock syndrome; Chow AW et al.; The hemolytic activity of 32 vaginal isolates of Staphylococcus aureus from patients with typical toxic shock syndrome (TSS) was contrasted with that of 50 vaginal isolates from patients without TSS, using a standardized inoculum (10(5) CFU) on 5% sheep blood agar after 48 h of incubation under 30% CO2 . Additionally, 7 nongenital isolates from patients with nonmenstrual TSS and 57 strains of nongenital control isolates were included for comparison . Vaginal TSS strains were significantly less hemolytic than non-TSS S . aureus strains of either genital (P less than 0.001) or nongenital (P less than 0.01) origin . Vaginal TSS S . aureus strains were also less hemolytic than were nongenital TSS S . aureus strains (P less than 0.02) . This reduced hemolytic activity of genital TSS S . aureus strains may provide a useful marker for screening and further delineation of toxigenic S . aureus associated with menstrually related TSS.

J Antimicrob Chemother, 1983 Mar, 11(3), 263 - 9
Gentamicin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus--a new mechanism?
Cutler RR.
Six multiply-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus were cured of their gentamicin resistance . For three strains, the loss or reduction of aminoglycoside-modifying enzymes in the sensitive variants was accompanied by an increase in intracellular gentamicin accumulation, confirming that modification of the antibiotic was associated with its impaired uptake . Resistance in the other three strains, however, did not show this association . For one strain the loss of gentamicin resistance was associated with a loss of enzyme production, but both resistant and sensitive variants accumulated {3H} gentamicin at the same rate . The sensitive variants of the two remaining strains showed no increase in {3H} gentamicin accumulation but still produced aminoglycoside-modifying enzymes, and it is suggested that the broad-spectrum aminoglycoside resistance of these two strains is due to some hitherto undescribed mechanisms of resistance rather than an alteration of the ribosomal target.

J Antimicrob Chemother, 1983 Mar, 11(3), 233 - 8
Effect of protein binding on antibiotic activity in vivo; Merrikin DJ et al.; Using a group of penicillins all belonging to the same chemical class, antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus was determined in vitro and also in vivo by use of an intraperitoneal infection in mice . The compounds all showed essentially the same level of activity in vitro but differed markedly in their activity in vivo . This activity in vivo could be correlated directly with the extent of binding in mouse serum.

Infect Immun, 1983 Mar, 39(3), 1236 - 42
Effect of highly purified coagulase and culture filtrate on virulence and immunity of a coagulase-negative mutant of staphylococcus aureus BB; Hasegawa N et al.; The virulence of the coagulase-deficient mutant BB-Cgl- 1301 (50% lethal dose {LD50} for mice by the intravenous route) was compared with that of its parental strain, Staphylococcus aureus BB . The BB strain produced free coagulase of serotype I, whereas the mutant 1301 did not . Mice were infected with strain 1301, alone or in combination with a highly purified coagulase type I or type II solution, or with concentrated culture filtrates of parent strain BB or mutant strain 1301 . The ratios of the LD50S of 1301 and its combinations to that of BB ranged from 34.9 to 461 . Combining strain 1301 with a concentrated culture filtrate of BB (BB-CF2.5) was the most effective for enhancement of its virulence . When mice were infected with a combination of strain 1301 and BB-CF2.5, the LD50 of strain 1301 (1.72 mg of cells {wet weight}) was decreased to 0.13 mg (1.3 x 10(8) CFU) . This LD50 yielded the smallest ratio, 34.9, as compared with the LD50 of BB (0.00373 mg) . In contrast, when the mice subcutaneously immunized with strain 1301 and BB-CF50 were intravenously challenged by strain BB, the LD50 for the immunized mice was 17.4 times the LD50 for the unimmunized control mice (0.0429 mg as compared with 0.00246 mg), indicating that combination was the most effective for enhancement of mouse immunization with strain 1301 . However, combining strain 1301 with the highly purified sample of coagulase increased neither the virulence nor the immunizing power of mutant strain 1301.

Arch Dis Child, 1983 Mar, 58(3), 180 - 3
Pseudomembranous croup; Henry RL et al.; During a 2-year period, 7 children were seen with a severe form of laryngotracheobronchitis associated with sloughing of the respiratory epithelium and profuse mucopurulent secretions . We have called this condition pseudomembranous croup . The children had severe upper airways obstruction, appeared toxic with high fever, and were older than the typical age group for viral laryngotracheobronchitis . Lateral x-ray films of the airways showed subglottic narrowing and often these suggested the presence of radio-opaque foreign material in the tracheal lumen . At endoscopy, in addition to pseudomembrane in the subglottic region and trachea, there was thick mucopus and debris, and in some cases these changes extended into the bronchi . An artificial airway was required in all except one, and even after intubation it proved difficult to maintain the airway . Staphylococcus aureus was the most common pathogen isolated from tracheal cultures but other organisms were grown.

Pediatrics, 1983 Mar, 71(3), 392 - 7
Endocarditis in high-risk neonates; Oelberg DG et al.; The clinical spectrum of neonatal endocarditis, including bacterial and nonbacterial types, is examined in five case reports that were drawn from nursery experiences over a recent 2-year period . In contrast to previous reports of 100% mortality from neonatal endocarditis, one patient survived . Changing heart murmur and hematuria were most frequently associated with bacterial and nonbacterial endocarditis in four of the five cases . Pulmonary hypertension, thrombocytopenia, and coagulopathy were also associated with nonbacterial endocarditis . Echocardiograms were performed on four of the patients; only one was suggestive of endocarditis . Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from both cases of bacterial endocarditis, including the single survivor . Thus, it is suggested that the initial antibiotic coverage of any neonate with the clinical syndrome of sepsis, hematuria, and a heart murmur include antistaphylococcal coverage for the possibility of bacterial endocarditis.

J Fam Pract, 1983 Mar, 16(3), 616 - 7, 620
Toxic shock syndrome associated with diaphragm use; Hyde L; PIP: A case report is presented of toxic shock syndrome associated wtih diaphragm use . The patient, an 18-year old white woman, gravida 1, para 1, was in good health prior to the reported episode . She had a low transverse cesarean section for fetal distress 3 months prior to admission and had not yet resumed menstruation . 48 hours prior to admission, after unprotected intercourse, she developed a vaginal discharge requiring the use of a pad . 12 hours later she used a diaphragm, left it in place overnight, and failed to remove it the next morning . During the day pelvic and lumbar pain developed, followed by vomiting and a fever as high as 103 degrees Farenheit . That evening, 12 hours before admission, the diaphragm was removed with drainage of copious purulent discharge . The edges of the diaphragm and the discharge were blood streaked . She also developed a diffuse macular blanching rash, sparing only the circumoral region . At the time of admission the following morning her blood pressure was 60/0mmHg; pulse, 180 beats/minute; and temperature, 102 degrees Farenheit . Significant physical findings included the rash, conjunctivitis, a pharyngeal infection, and a lack of adenopathy . Pelvic examination showed a vaginal discharge, a very tender, slightly enlarged warm uterus, and normal adnexa . Cultures of the vaginal discharge were positive for Staphylococcus aureus, resistant to penicillin and ampicillin, and sensitive to methicillin, cephalothin, erythromycin, colistin, chloramphenicol, tetracycline, sulfisoxazole, and aminoglycoside antibiotics . The white blood count rose from 11,000/mm on admission to a high of 13,000/mm with a left shift the next day . The patient received 1.2 million units of intravenous penicillin every 4 hours, 80 mg of gentamicin every 8 hours, and 300 mg of clindamycin every 6 hours, as well as fluid replacement of 2 g of methylprednisolone followed by 1 g every 6 hours . The shock, fever, and rash resolved in the following 48 hours . 2 days after admission there was circumoral exfoliation . The discharge and electrolyte and renal abnormalities cleared in 3 days . Laboratory abnormalities corrected in 24-48 hours except for liver function tests . After 8 days in the hospital, the patient was discharged on 500 mg of cloxacillin every 6 hours . This particular case is unusual because it began with development of a vaginal discharge without vaginal obstruction, developed during a 24-hour period when a diaphragm was in place, and was not associated with menstruation . Whether the discharge represented staphylococcal infection is unknown, but the diaphragm certainly seems to have contributed to the course of events .

J Allergy Clin Immunol, 1983 Mar, 71(3), 324 - 30
IgE production in vitro by human blood mononuclear cells: a comparison between atopic and nonatopic subjects; Hemady Z et al.; In vitro IgE synthesis by blood mononuclear cells from atopic patients and nonatopic subjects was examined . A total of 1 X 10(6) mononuclear cells cultured in RPMI-1640 and 10% fetal calf serum with or without cycloheximide was found to be optimal to detect de novo synthesis . A modified Phadebas IgE paper radioimmunosorbent test was employed for the quantitation of supernatant IgE concentration . Kinetic studies indicated that about half the peak amount of IgE is secreted within the first 2 days and the maximum concentration is reached at day 7 . Mononuclear cells obtained from six of six atopic patients with eczema and elevated serum IgE levels and 22/33 atopic patients without eczema spontaneously synthesized significant amounts of IgE in vitro . We failed to detect de novo IgE synthesis by the cells obtained from 40 nonatopic controls . Polyclonal activators such as pokeweed mitogen . Staphylococcus aureus Cowan I, concanavalin A, and phytohemagglutinin failed to induce or enhance in vitro IgE synthesis in normal and atopic subjects . These findings indicate that the study of immunoregulation of IgE synthesis in man will be difficult to accomplish until new methods are developed that allow induction of the IgE response in vitro in nonatopic subjects.

J Bone Joint Surg Am, 1983 Mar, 65(3), 371 - 80
Experimental osteomyelitis: description of a canine model and the role of depot administration of antibiotics in the prevention and treatment of sepsis; Fitzgerald RH Jr; Osteomyelitis of the proximal portion of the tibia was consistently produced in the dog by the instillation of a suspension of Staphylococcus aureus about an intramedullary foreign body consisting of acrylic bone cement . The clinical, histological, and roentgenographic manifestations of the infectious process were consistent with those of subacute osteomyelitis, such as may be encountered in infections following total joint arthroplasty . The osteomyelitic process persisted in six of the seven tibiae even after removal of the acrylic bone cement . Using this model, gentamicin-impregnated acrylic bone cement (Palacos) prevented the development of osteomyelitis in nine of ten tibiae that were concomitantly exposed to Staphylococcus aureus in concentrations ranging from 1 x 10(3) to 1 x 10(9) organisms . However, Palacos in bulk form was ineffective in the treatment of three of five tibiae in which osteomyelitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus was already established . Clinical Relevance: A variety of new antimicrobial agents has been introduced, but evaluation of the value of these agents in infections of the musculoskeletal system has relied almost exclusively on clinical trials . Preclinical trials in an animal model could permit earlier detection of promising agents and proper dosage schedules . Newer surgical procedures utilized in the treatment of osteomyelitis, such as local muscle flaps and free vascularized flaps, could also be evaluated to determine how they influence the local blood supply and microbial persistence . In addition, the animal model might aid in the evaluation of newer and non-invasive diagnostic scanning techniques used in the study of infection.

Zentralbl Bakteriol Mikrobiol Hyg {A}, 1983 Mar, 254(1), 34 - 41
New possibilities of staphylococcin detection in the exfoliatin-producing strains of staphylococcus aureus; Skalka B et al.; C . renale was found to be highly sensitive to the effect of bacteriocin produced by the exfoliatin-positive strains of S . aureus . The sensitivity of other indicator organisms used was determined through descending series of C . pseudodiphtheriticum, C . diphtheriae, S . aureus strains Oxford 209P, UT 0017, and Wood 46 . Strains of C . pyogenes only produced contradictory results which made any satisfactory interpretation impossible . A modification of the simultaneous bacteriocin-detection method of exfoliatin-positive S . aureus strains, which use suspension of an indicator strain in nutrient agar to obtain lawn homogeneity, has been employed . The use of the modified method together with C . renale to serve as the indicator strain represents a rapid and reliable test suitable for routine diagnostics.

Plasmid, 1983 Mar, 9(2), 126 - 37
DNA homology between the arsenate resistance plasmid pSX267 from Staphylococcus xylosus and the penicillinase plasmid pI258 from Staphylococcus aureus; Gotz F et al.; A 29.5-kb plasmid, pSX267, from Staphylococcus xylosus DSM 20267 was found to code for arsenate, arsenite, and antimony (III) resistance . The isolated plasmid was transformed into S . aureus, where the same resistances were expressed . It was of special interest to see whether pSX267 showed any DNA sequence homology with the well-studied penicillinase plasmid from S . aureus pI258, also conferring arsenate, arsenite, and antimony III resistance . By the use of the Southern blotting technique, it was found that DNA sequence homology exists in the region of arsenate, arsenite, and antimony resistance, in addition to the region where the origin of replication, the incompatibility, and the replication A function were mapped on pI258 . This finding was confirmed by electron microscope heteroduplex analysis, which allowed a correlation between the genetic and physical maps of pI258 and pSX267 . Duplex DNA was formed at the arsenate operon of pI258, with a length of 2.6 kb, and at the incompatibility and replication A region, comprising a length of 2.5 kb . Adjacent to this latter region, two small regions of DNA homology were present, with lengths of 0.2 and 0.27 kb . Both plasmids share approximately 20% DNA sequence homology . The DNA homology of the arsenate, arsenite, and antimony III resistance coding regions between pI258 and pSX267 indicate that these plasmid-determined resistance markers are highly conserved and distributed among different staphylococcal species.

Infect Immun, 1983 Mar, 39(3), 1041 - 7
Antigen analysis of several pathogenic strains of Trichomonas vaginalis; Alderete JF; Analysis of several human strains of Trichomonas vaginalis and one bovine strain of Tritrichomonas foetus was accomplished with standard sodium dodecyl sulfate-gel electrophoresis and fluorography technology . Highly motile, live trichomonads were radiolabeled, and total trichloroacetic acid-precipitated proteins were electrophoresed . Complex protein profiles of the various human strains of T . vaginalis were obtained with proteins ranging in molecular weight from 20,000 to greater than 200,000 . The parasite biosynthesis of the Coomassie brilliant blue-stained protein bands was demonstrated by efficient radiolabeling of trichomonads with {35S}methionine or a 3H-amino acid digest before electrophoresis and fluorography . Immunogenic trichomonal proteins were then identified by a radioimmunoprecipitation method . A detergent extract of {35S} methionine-labeled T . vaginalis proteins was mixed with serum from an immunized rabbit or pooled sera from subcutaneously infected mice and soluble antibody-antigen complexes isolated by adsorption to protein A-bearing Staphylococcus aureus . The radiolabeled protein antigens were then identified by gel electrophoresis and fluorography . Immunized rabbit serum and pooled sera from challenged mice contained high-titered antibody which reacted with numerous high- and low-molecular-weight proteins . Individual subcutaneously infected mice were found to possess identical antibody responses to these immunogenic trichomonal proteins . A high degree of serological cross-reactivity among the various trichomonads was demonstrated . No differences in the composition of immunogenic proteins were observed among cultures grown in vitro for various lengths of time under the experimental conditions employed . Finally, electrophoretic analysis of cloned colonies of T . vaginalis organisms revealed no differences in their protein composition . The biological relevance of these observations is discussed.

Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1983 Mar, 23(3), 450 - 7
In vitro susceptibility patterns of methicillin-resistant and-susceptible Staphylococcus auerues strains in a population of parenteral drug abusers from 1972 to 1981; Markowitz N et al.; Since 1980, infections caused by methicillin-resistant (MR) Staphylococcus aureus have been epidemic among Detroit-area parenteral drug abusers . Because of the increasing importance of this pathogen, in vitro susceptibilities were compared for 39 isolates of MR S . aureus from 1980 to 1981, and for 56 strains of methicillin-susceptible (MS) S . aureus from 1972 to 1981, recovered from drug abusers with community-acquired infections . Agar dilution studies were performed at 35 degrees C, and minimal inhibitory concentrations were determined after incubation for 18 and 48 h . MR S . aureus exhibited cross-resistance to other beta-lactam antibiotics which frequently required 48 h for expression . MR S . aureus isolates were also resistant to tetracycline, clindamycin, tobramycin, and amikacin . All MR S . aureus isolates investigated synthesized an aminoglycoside 4'-nucleotidyltransferase . Emergence of resistance to cefotaxime, tetracycline, and clindamycin was noted among current MS S . aureus isolates . Vancomycin, fusidic acid, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, and rifampin were the most active agents against MR S . aureus and were equally effective against MS S . aureus.

JOGN Nurs, 1983 Mar-Apr, 12(2), 94 - 9
Toxic shock syndrome and other tampon related risks; Cibulka NJ; Most of the recent cases of toxic shock syndrome (TSS) reported have occurred in menstruating women and adolescents although some cases have been reported in nonmenstruating women, children, and men . The disease is characterized by sudden onset of high fever, vomiting, and diarrhea and can rapidly progress to hypotension and shock . Tampon use has been linked to development of toxic shock syndrome, and Staphylococcus aureus has been cultured from a significant number of cases . The exact roles played by both Staphylococcus aureus and tampons in the pathogenesis of toxic shock syndrome remains unknown . Tampons also have been associated with other health problems in women . Nurses can advise preventive measures to reduce the risks of developing toxic shock syndrome and other tampon-related problems.

Infect Control, 1983 Mar-Apr, 4(2), 100 - 2
Injuries of hospital employees from needles and sharp objects; Jacobson JT et al.; During a 30-month period in our 570-bed private community hospital, employees reported 218 injuries from needles and other sharp objects . Five of these injuries were from needles used on patients known to be hepatitis B surface antigens (HBsAg) positive . Four were from blades or scalpels used on HBsAg positive patients . Another needle injury resulted in serious Staphylococcus aureus infection . Thirty-three percent of the injuries were from improperly disposed objects, generally in trash baskets in patient rooms . Housekeeping employees were the "innocent victims" of more than one-half of the injuries from such improperly disposed objects . A survey of reporting practices revealed housekeepers reported all their injuries . Underreporting was identified as a problem with laboratory personnel and nurses who tended to make their own judgment concerning the extent of the injury . An effective innovation resulting from our survey was the use of plastic irrigation bottles as an inexpensive and readily available container for disposal of sharps.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1983 Mar, (3), 36 - 40
{Molecular profile of mitogen-active metabolites of Staphylococcus aureus}; Iliushin VA et al.; A fraction with a molecular weight of 16000-24000 was isolated from 5-day S . aureus broth culture grown in the dialysate of Martin-Hottinger broth . At a concentration of 2-15 micrograms/ml this fraction induced the nonspecific blast transformation of human blood lymphocytes with the stimulation index 99.6 +/- 15.2 (72-hour cultures) . The mitogenic fraction was immunochemically inert and unrelated to the main part of biologically active components, resistant to heating at 100 degrees C for 10 minutes and to lyophilization, inactivated (by 84.2%-73.7%) by pronase and trypsin, not inactivated by specific immunosorption . Mitogenically active metabolites are regarded as a separate type of biologically active S . aureus products.

J Neurochem, 1983 Mar, 40(3), 652 - 60
Structural and metabolic relationships between goldfish brain glycoproteins participating in functional plasticity of the central nervous system; Schmidt R et al.; Ependymins beta and gamma (MW 32,000 and 26,000 daltons) are two secreted goldfish brain glycoproteins that exhibit a specifically enhanced turnover rate when the animals successfully acquire a new pattern of swimming behaviour . Both proteins are bound identically to concanavalin A and can be isolated from brain extracellular fluid and from brain cytoplasm by lectin affinity chromatography . Radioimmunoassay data, using purified 125I-labeled ependymins and antisera directed against ependymin beta or ependymin gamma, show complete cross-reactivity between the two proteins . It is demonstrated by Scatchard-plot analysis that the antisera recognize identical immunological determinants in both proteins . The amino acid composition of the ependymins is similar, and several identical polypeptide fragments are obtained after limited proteolysis with Staphylococcus aureus protease . The proteins are capable of forming complexes of the compositions gamma 2, beta gamma, and beta 2 . A protease present in the extracellular fluid of goldfish brain promotes proteolysis of ependymin beta to ependymin gamma . The finding that ependymin gamma is physiologically derived from ependymin beta suggests the possibility that ependymin beta might exert its biological function during consolidation of new behavioural patterns via smaller polypeptide fragments.

Bioorg Khim, 1983 Mar, 9(3), 315 - 29
{Primary structure of the elongation factor G from Escherichia coli . VII . Study of peptides generated during hydrolysis of the T4 fragment by glutamic proteinase from Staphylococcus aureus}; Alakhov IuB et al.; For fragment T4, obtained on limited trypsinolysis of the G-factor, the amino acid sequence embracing 76% of its structure has been determined by analysis of peptides resulting from the fragment T4 cleavage with staphylococcal glutamic protease . These data permitted to assemble into one polypeptide chain 7 out of 12 earlier characterized cyanogen bromide peptides contained in the fragment T4.

Cancer Res, 1983 Mar, 43(3), 1420 - 5
Modulatory activity of chemotherapeutic agents on phagocytosis and intracellular bactericidal activity of human polymorphonuclear and mononuclear phagocytes; Pruzanski W et al.; Thirteen chemotherapeutic agents were tested for modulatory activity on phagocytosis by human granulocytes and monocytes . Phagocytosis, phagocytic index, and intracellular bactericidal activity were assessed using Staphylococcus aureus, smooth strain of Escherichia coli, and latex particles . Modulation of phagocytic activity depended on the type of particle used and the presence of serum in the medium . Testing granulocytes, only 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea suppressed phagocytosis of all three types of particles used for ingestion . Other drugs suppressed either phagocytosis of E . coli and S . aureus or of one of the bacteria and latex particles . Three drugs enhanced ingestion of latex particles . The most pronounced modulation of phagocytosis was observed in conditions similar to those in vivo, namely, when serum was added to the medium and when the cells were exposed for longer time to the drugs . In the absence of serum, very little modulation of phagocytosis was observed, and only 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea retained strong suppressive activity . Intracellular bactericidal activity was markedly suppressed by 7 of 13 drugs tested . Monocytes were less influenced by chemotherapeutic agents, their phagocytic activity being either suppressed or enhanced . The influence of chemotherapeutic agents on phagocytosis must be taken into consideration when assessing defense mechanisms and susceptibility to infection in patients with malignant diseases.

Plasmid, 1983 Mar, 9(2), 147 - 58
Aminocyclitol resistance in Staphylococcus aureus: presence of plasmids and aminocyclitol-modifying enzymes; Gray GS et al.; Aminocyclitol resistance in Staphylococcus aureus has been investigated by the analysis of the plasmids and aminocyclitol-modifying enzymes present in several clinical staphylococcal isolates . All of the strains tested were resistant to a broad range of aminocyclitols and contained large plasmids which encoded a variety of aminocyclitol-modifying enzymes in addition to other antibiotic resistances . All strains expressed multiple aminocyclitol-modifying enzymes . The plasmids present in these strains appear to be related by virtue of their similar restriction endonuclease digestion patterns . The plasmids are related and differ by the gain or loss of small DNA segments, one of which encodes erythromycin and kanamycin resistance.

Scand J Immunol, 1983 Mar, 17(3), 241 - 9
In vitro effects of cyclosporin A on human B-cell responses; Berger R et al.; The in vitro effects of cyclosporin A (CsA) on T-cell-dependent and T-cell-independent mitogen responses of human B cells were studied . T-cell-dependent, pokeweed mitogen (PWM)-induced B-cell proliferation and B-cell differentiation to Ig-secreting cells were significantly inhibited by CsA, when purified B cells were cultured with T-cell helper factor containing supernatants instead of T cells . This indicates that the inhibitory effect of CsA on T-cell-dependent, PWM-induced B-cell proliferation and differentiation is not exclusively due to direct effects on helper T cells . B-cell proliferations induced by anti-IgM antibodies and by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria were also found to be sensitive to CsA . Since both types of reactions are T-cell-independent, the concept that responses of human B cells can also be affected by CsA in ways that seem to be independent of the well-documented direct effects of CsA on T cells is further supported . This seems not to be a general phenomenon, however . Epstein-Barr-virus-induced activation of human B cells, as reported previously and also observed by us, is completely insensitive to CsA . It seems, therefore, that certain B-cell activation mechanisms are sensitive to CsA while others remain unaltered . The difference between these two reaction patterns cannot be exclusively explained by a T-cell dependence or T-cell independence of these responses . CsA effects on certain functional B-cell subsets or interference with accessory cell mechanisms might be responsible.

Arch Surg, 1983 Mar, 118(3), 281 - 4
Staphylococcus in toxic shock syndrome and other surgical infections . Development of new bacteriophages; Altemeier WA et al.; Recent studies of Staphylococcus aureus isolates from patients with toxic shock syndrome (TSS) have shown the dominance of phage type 29/52 with the capacity to produce pyrogenic exotoxin C and enterotoxin F . They also showed that 29% of the isolates were nontypable and 90% of them had similar toxigenic properties . The existence of unknown and important phages in this disease was postulated . Five new phages were then developed and used for typing three groups of staphylococcal isolates: 236 from patients with TSS, 67 from patients without TSS, and 159 from patients with infected burns . Results showed a high correlation between the lytic action of the new phages and the 29/52 phages, and an additional typing capability in 35% of the previously nontypable TSS isolates, emphasizing further the potential of bacteriophage typing of S aureus in these infections.

J Hosp Infect, 1983 Mar, 4(1), 19 - 29
Bacteria isolated from deep joint sepsis after operation for total hip or knee replacement and the sources of the infections with Staphylococcus aureus; Lidwell OM et al.; A wide variety of bacterial species, many usually regarded as of low pathogenicity, were isolated from septic joints after operation for total hip or knee joint replacement in a multi-centre trial of ultraclean air in operating rooms . The prophylactic antibiotics generally used appeared to reduce considerably the rates of infection with most species but to be ineffective against 'gut' organisms . For about half the septic infections involving Staphylococcus aureus nasal swabs had been obtained from the patient and operating staff at the time of operation for insertion of the prosthesis . Strains of Staph, aureus isolated from these and from the infected joints were phage typed and tested for antibiotic sensitivity . A probable source among the carriers was found for seven out of the 14 infections and a possible source for another five . Very small numbers of Staph . aureus were needed to initiate infection.

Scand J Immunol, 1983 Mar, 17(3), 211 - 23
Effect of interferon on cell proliferation and generation of cytotoxic potential in mixed autologous and allogeneic lymphocyte cultures; Argov S et al.; Autologous and allogeneic mixed lymphocyte cultures (AMC and MLC) were assayed for blastogenesis, generation of cytotoxic potential, and the effect of interferon (IFN-alpha) on these features . The cells of the mixed cultures lysed K562, Daudi, and autologous and allogeneic phytohaemagglutinin blasts . Stimulator-specific cytotoxicity was observed only in MLC . B blasts induced with Staphylococcus aureus were only affected in a stimulator-specific manner . Short-term IFN treatment of the MLC-derived effectors before the lytic assay enhanced the nonspecific component of cytotoxicity . Cell proliferation was considerably lower in AMC than in MLC . This was decreased when IFN-alpha was added at the initiation of the cultures . The presence of IFN influenced the generation of lytic potential . Comparison of the lysis of the different targets exerted by MLC-activated cells suggested that the specific component was more substantially elevated than the nonspecific one . It is likely that the IFN induced such modifications in the culture conditions that favoured the proliferation of the specific clone . Re-exposure of lymphocytes cultured in the presence of IFN to another dose of IFN before the assay had no influence on their lytic potential.

Acta Virol, 1983 Mar, 27(2), 110 - 8
Vesicular stomatitis virus phenotypically mixed with retroviruses: an efficient detection method; Zavada J et al.; Two methods of assaying vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) particles phenotypically mixed with retrovirus-coded antigens were compared . Each of them detected phenotypically mixed particles with different minimum proportion of surface glycoprotein molecules of the donor virus, and consequently also profoundly different proportions of VSV virions containing retrovirus antigens . Only a low proportion (10(-4) of VSV virions grown in XMuLV-infected rabbit SIRC cells behaved as pseudotypes, resistant to anti-VSV serum and neutralized by anti-XMuLV serum . VSV produced in mouse L cells did not contain significant titre of pseudotype particles in the neutralization test . However, when immunoprecipitation was used with corresponding antibody and Staphylococcus aureus cells, almost 100% of the VSV virions produced in L cells and in XMuLV-preinfected SIRC cells were found to contain MuLV-related antigen molecules.

J Immunol Methods, 1983 Feb 25, 57(1-3), 99 - 109
Production and characterization of mouse antibodies against the brain lipid sulfatide; Hofstetter W et al.; One of the lipids in the myelin sheet is sulfatide, a galactosphingolipid . Our aim was to develop a test system to detect and characterize antibody against this lipid . Mouse anti-sulfatide antibody was estimated by a solid-phase microtube assay with labeled Staphylococcus aureus protein A . With labeled rabbit anti-mouse Ig antibody, there was no difference between mouse anti-sulfatide serum and control sera from animals immunized with unrelated antigens . Results show that BALB/c mice produce antibodies against sulfatide if this low molecular weight compound is injected together with cholesterol, lecithin and bovine serum albumin . The antisera are specific for sulfatide but crossreact with galactocerebroside . However, mouse IgM antibody binds to sulfatide-coated polyvinyl plates non-specifically . Thus, only test procedures which avoid detection of IgM antibody can be used to estimate antibody specific for sulfatide and probably also for other lipophilic compounds.

J Immunol Methods, 1983 Feb 25, 57(1-3), 353 - 61
A micromethod for the separate evaluation of phagocytosis and intracellular killing of Staphylococcus aureus by human monocytes and granulocytes; Marodi L et al.; A micro-assay has been developed for the separate evaluation of phagocytosis and intracellular killing of Staphylococcus aureus by human monocytes and granulocytes . The minimal number of phagocytes required for the investigation of these functional activities of phagocytic cells has been established by performing phagocytosis and intracellular killing experiments at various cell concentrations, bacteria-to-cell ratios, and volumes . The results of these experiments revealed that phagocytosis can be measured in a reliable way, at bacteria-to-cell ratios of 5:1 and 1:1 (cell concentration 5 x 10(6)/ml), in a suspension of 200 microliters . The rate of intracellular killing by monocytes and granulocytes can also be measured with a total phagocytic suspension of 200 microliters and a cell concentration of 5 x 10(6)/ml . From these results it can be concluded that for an independent determination of the phagocytosis and intracellular killing of micro-organisms, 400 microliters of 5 x 10(6) phagocytes/ml is required, i.e., a total of 2 x 10(6) phagocytes . This number of granulocytes can be obtained from 1-2 ml of blood; for monocytes 4-8 ml of blood is required.

J Immunol Methods, 1983 Feb 25, 57(1-3), 227 - 33
Crosslinkage of antibodies to staphylococcal protein A matrices; Gyka G et al.; Crosslinkage of anti-human albumin (anti-HSA) with varying concentrations of glutaraldehyde to Staphylococcus aureus Cowan 1 (SpA-Staph) and to staphylococcal protein A-Sepharose (SpA-Sepharose) was tested . A concentration of 0.0075% glutaraldehyde was found efficient for an almost complete covalent binding of IgG to the matrices . The antibody activity of crosslinked anti-HSA SpA-Staph and anti-HSA SpA-Sepharose was more than 60 and 90% respectively compared with the corresponding noncrosslinked immunosorbents . Antigen was recovered with intact antigenic properties by elution with 3.5 M MgCl2.

J Biol Chem, 1983 Feb 25, 258(4), 2668 - 73
Peptide mapping of the human transferrin receptor in normal and transformed cells; Stein BS et al.; Human transferrin receptor protein from various human cell lines in tissue culture (phytohemagglutinin-activated lymphocytes, normal embryonic fibroblasts (WI-38), a choriocarcinoma (Be Wo), an epidermoid carcinoma (KB), and a metastatic breast carcinoma (MCF-7)) was metabolically labeled with {35S}methionine and purified by two methods . The first method involves affinity chromatography of the transferrin receptor with a transferrin-linked Sepharose 4B resin . The second method involves direct immunoprecipitation of the receptor protein with a goat polyclonal antibody raised against placental transferrin receptor . Additionally, transferrin receptor from normal gestational placenta was similarly radiolabeled with {35S}methionine and subsequently purified with transferrin-bound resin . Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the reduced receptor isolated by both purification techniques revealed an Mr = 94,000 protein to be present in all cells assayed for this study . Partial proteolytic digestion with Staphylococcus aureus protease followed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed identical mapping patterns of the Mr = 94,000 protein isolated from each cell line, irrespective of the isolation technique employed to purify the receptor . These findings indicate an identical peptide structure of the human transferrin receptor in cells with a differentiated function for iron metabolism, in normal cells undergoing mitosis, and in neoplastic cells in long term culture, within the limits of detectability of the proteolytic digestion maps.

N Z Med J, 1983 Feb 23, 96(726), 119 - 22
Hospital-acquired infection: a five year study at Taranaki Base Hospital; Hettiaratchy IG; A five year experience of the incidence of hospital-acquired infection in a 400-bed general hospital is described . The overall rate of nosocomial infection was 4.1 percent with a four-weekly range of 2.1 percent to 6.0 percent . Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were the major pathogens . Multi-resistant and gentamicin-resistant bacteria were distinctly uncommon . Five small clusters of infection were detected.

Anal Biochem, 1983 Feb 15, 129(1), 156 - 61
An analytical method for the selective retrieval of iminobiotin-derivatized plasma membrane proteins; Zeheb R et al.; An analytical method for the selective retrieval of surface plasma membrane proteins which have been covalently "tagged" with the low-molecular-weight ligand 2-iminobiotin has been developed . Retrieval is based upon the specific interaction between the 2-iminobiotin molecule, avidin, antiavidin antibody, and insoluble protein A from Staphylococcus aureus . Conditions for the reaction include moderately basic pH (8.0-9.0) and moderately high ionic strength (300 mM NaCl) . The retrieval reaction is insensitive to 4% (w/v) Triton X-100, NP-40, and Lubrols PX and WX and is inhibited by octyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside and Ammonyx-LO . Large numbers of samples can be processed quickly and simultaneously . Immunoprecipitated proteins can be readily released into solution by incubation in the presence of either low pH, biotin, or sodium dodecyl sulfate.

J Biol Chem, 1983 Feb 10, 258(3), 1637 - 44
Photoaffinity labeling of the chick progesterone receptor proteins . Similar hormone binding domains detected after removal of proteolytic interference; Birnbaumer M et al.; Chick progesterone receptor subunits A and B have been photoaffinity-labeled using {3H}R5020 ({17 alpha-methyl-3H}17,21-dimethyl-19-nor-pregn-4,9-diene-3,20-dione) by a modification of the procedures previously reported by our laboratory (Dure, L . S., IV, Schrader, W . T., and O'Malley, B . W . (1980) Nature (Lond.) 283, 784-786) . {3H}R5020 binds to the same receptor sites as authentic progesterone, and has an apparent Kdiss of 2.0 nM . Use of a CuSO4 filter raised the coupling efficiency to 5% and labeled exclusively the receptor proteins . Smaller labeled macromolecules were found to be proteolytic fragments of receptors . The protease(s) could not be inhibited by any of the commonly used protease inhibitors . However, the proteolytic activity was completely removed by passage of crude receptor preparations through phosphocellulose columns . Receptor preparations, photoaffinity-labeled after this procedure, showed exclusively one radioactive band at Mr = 79,000 (subunit A) or Mr = 108,000 (subunit B) with no detectable side-reaction products . Labeled receptors A and B were digested with Staphylococcus aureus V8 protease to yield smaller {3H}R5020-protein fragments derived from both . Molecular weight estimates (Mr = 9,500) and apparent isoelectric points indicate similarities of these regions of both A and B . The photoaffinity protocol described here thus provides a method for study of the hormone-binding domain of progesterone receptors and of receptor proteolysis in crude extracts.

J Clin Gastroenterol, 1983 Feb, 5(1), 77 - 80
Toxic shock syndrome presenting as postoperative diarrhea in a postmenopausal woman; Brier AM; Three days after laminectomy, toxic shock syndrome (TSS) presented as acute diarrhea, rash, and fever in a 62-year-old postmenopausal woman . Forty-eight hours later, the full syndrome of TSS developed . Exploration of a benign-appearing wound revealed an occult Staphylococcus aureus infection . This report and literature review underscore the need to consider TSS in the differential diagnosis of acute diarrhea regardless of age, sex, race, and menstrual status, particularly when there has been recent soft tissue infection, injury, or surgery of any type.

J Dairy Res, 1983 Feb, 50(1), 3 - 8
Use of lyophilized skin for testing the bactericidal activity of teat disinfectants; Bramley AJ et al.; The bactericidal activities of various concentrations of 3 disinfectants commonly used for teat disinfection were compared in vitro using small discs of pig skin previously contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus . Solutions containing 40 g/l Na hypochlorite, 25 or 50 g/l chlorhexidine digluconate or iodophor containing 5 g/l iodine were found to have equivalent or superior bactericidal activity to a solution containing 10 g/l Na hypochlorite . This in vitro technique offers a convenient alternative to in vivo tests for teat disinfectants and with minor modifications could be applicable to the testing of skin antiseptics in general.

Hautarzt, 1983 Feb, 34(2), 55 - 8
{Toxic shock syndrome}; Barran W et al.; The toxic-shock syndrome (TSS) is a recently recognized syndrome characterized by sudden onset of high fever, vomiting, and diarrhea with rapid progression to hypotension and shock . It is caused by one or more not yet clearly defined exotoxins from staphylococcus aureus . The disease primarily affects young women using tampons during their menstrual periods, although it occurs also in non-menstruating women and in men . In these cases extragenital staphylococcus aureus infections are found . Since 1981 the toxic-shock syndrome associated with menstruation has occurred less frequently, whereas the non-menses-related toxic-shock syndrome appears with similar frequency . The syndrome resembles Kawasaki disease (mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome) in several aspects, namely fever, rash with subsequent desquamation, and cardiovascular involvement . However, shock, which is prominent in toxic-shock syndrome, is not usually seen in Kawasaki disease.

Eur J Radiol, 1983 Feb, 3(1), 1 - 2
CT in idiopathic pyogenic myositis of the iliopsoas muscle . A report of 2 cases; Kvernebo K et al.; Pyogenic myositis of the iliopsoas muscle may occur as a primary clinical entity of an idiopathic nature, or more commonly secondarily to an adjacent disease process . We report 2 cases of idiopathic pyogenic infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus . This disease entity is rare in temperate climates . CT combined with clinical and biochemical information enabled the correct diagnosis, and appropriate treatment could thus be started.

Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1983 Feb, 23(2), 338 - 40
Comparison of concentrations of rifampin and a new rifamycin derivative, DL 473, in canine bone; Iversen P et al.; Constant-infusion experiments were performed in 14 dogs to determine the penetration into bone of rifampin and a new C-3 substituted rifamycin, DL 473 . The drugs were assayed in cortical bone and medulla from tibia-femur and cortical and cancellous bone from rib . After identical dosage, the concentrations of DL 473 appeared to be higher, except in the medulla, although the serum concentrations of rifampin were almost twice as high as those for DL 473 . The concentrations of both drugs in all bone areas were several times higher than their minimum inhibitory concentrations against pathogenic Staphylococcus aureus.

Neurosurgery, 1983 Feb, 12(2), 142 - 7
Penetration of nafcillin, methicillin, and cefazolin into human brain tissue; Frame PT et al.; To determine the penetration of the antistaphylococcal antibiotics, nafcillin, methicillin, and cefazolin, into brain tissue, we gave to each of 27 patients undergoing craniotomy and brain biopsy one of the antibiotics in a 2-g intravenous infusion just before operation . At the time of brain tissue removal (30 to 225 minutes after the start of the infusion), a serum specimen was obtained, and tissue and serum were assayed for antibiotic concentration . Eleven of 13 brain specimens contained detectable nafcillin concentrations between 0.36 and 11 micrograms/g of tissue (mean, 2.7 micrograms/g for all 13 specimens) . Fourteen of 18 brain tissue specimens contained detectable methicillin concentrations between 0.56 and 5.0 micrograms/g of tissue (mean, 2.0 micrograms/g for all 18 specimens) . Ten of 11 brain tissue specimens contained detectable cefazolin concentrations between 2.0 and 40 micrograms/g of tissue (mean, 10.6 micrograms/g for all 11 specimens) . Each antibiotic penetrated "abnormal" brain tissue better than "relatively normal" brain tissue . Because nafcillin is more active against Staphylococcus aureus, we conclude that nafcillin is preferable to methicillin for the therapy of central nervous system staphylococcal infections . Cefazolin achieves higher brain tissue concentrations than the penicillins, but has not been clinically evaluated for the therapy of central nervous system infections.

J Cell Biol, 1983 Feb, 96(2), 443 - 8
Identification of fodrin as a major calmodulin-binding protein in postsynaptic density preparations; Carlin RK et al.; A major protein of postsynaptic densities (PSDs), a doublet of 230,000 and 235,000 Mr that becomes enriched in PSDs after treatment of synaptic membranes with 0.5% Triton X-100, has been found to be identical to fodrin (Levine, J., and M . Willard, 1981, J . Cell Biol . 90:631) by the following criteria . The upper bands of the PSD doublet and purified fodrin (alpha-fodrin) were found to be identical since both bands (a) co-migrated on SDS gels, (b) reacted with antifodrin, (c) bound calmodulin, and (d) had identical peptide maps after Staphylococcus aureus protease digestion . The lower bands of the PSD doublet and of purified fodrin (beta-fodrin) were found to be identical since both bands co-migrated on SDS gels and both had identical peptide maps after S . aureus protease digestion . The binding of calmodulin to alpha-fodrin was confirmed by cross-linking azido-125I-calmodulin to fodrin before running the protein on SDS gels . No binding of calmodulin to beta-fodrin was observed with either the gel overlay or azido-calmodulin techniques . A second calmodulin binding protein in the PSD has been found to be the proteolytic product of alpha-fodrin . This band (140,000 Mr), which can be created by treating fodrin with chymotrypsin, both binds calmodulin and reacts with antifodrin.

Int J Pept Protein Res, 1983 Feb, 21(2), 209 - 15
Complete amino acid sequences of two protease inhibitors in the venom of Bungarus fasciatus; Liu CS et al.; Two analogous protease inhibitors, VIIIb and IX in the venom of Bungarus fasciatus were reduced and carboxymethylated . Tryptic peptides were separated by cellulose thin-layer peptide mapping technique, and amino acid sequences were analyzed by DABITC/PITC double coupling method . Alignment of all tryptic peptides was established by analyses of chymotryptic peptides and further confirmed by Staphylococcus aureus V8 protease digestion . IX consisted of 65 amino acid residues . VIIIb consisted of 62 residues, identical to the N-terminal 62-amino acid sequence of IX.

Ann Rheum Dis, 1983 Feb, 42(1), 67 - 74
Concentrations of some antibiotics in synovial fluid after oral administration, with special reference to antistaphylococcal activity; Sattar MA et al.; One of 4 antibiotics with antistaphylococcal activity was given in a conventional oral dose for one day to each of 20 hospitalised patients with synovial effusion of a knee joint requiring aspiration . Serial synchronous samples of serum and synovial fluid (SF) were taken over 36 hours through indwelling cannulae . No morbidity was experienced either during or after this procedure . Satisfactory antistaphylococcal concentrations in SF were achieved with sodium fusidate (500 mg 8 hourly) and amoxycillin (250 mg 8 hourly) . Cephradine (500 mg 6 hourly) frequently failed to reach the minimum inhibitory concentration for Staphylococcus aureus in the SF, and flucloxacillin (250 mg 6 hourly) was unpredictable in its penetration of the synovial space . Wide interpatient variation of both serum and SF concentrations was found . Our results indicate that sodium fusidate is an appropriate early treatment for a nonresistant staphylococcal joint infection . Amoxycillin is a suitable alternative or second antistaphylococcal drug and would also be appropriate initial therapy when the infecting organism is unknown . We strongly recommend that SF antibiotic concentrations be measured, to ensure adequate penetration of the synovial cavity, in the treatment of septic arthritis.

J Infect Dis, 1983 Feb, 147(2), 352 - 7
Treatment of experimental chronic osteomyelitis due to staphylococcus aureus with vancomycin and rifampin; Norden CW et al.; Vancomycin was used alone and in combination with rifampin in the treatment of experimental osteomyelitis due to Staphylococcus aureus in rabbits . Treatment with 60 mg of vancomycin/kg of body weight twice a day for 28 days was ineffective in sterilizing infected rabbit bones . Rifampin (40 mg/kg) injected once a day for 28 days sterilized 57% of infected rabbit bones . Treatment with a combination of vancomycin and rifampin for either 14 or 28 days was significantly more effective than either drug used alone, sterilizing 84% and 90%, respectively, of the infected bones of treated animals . A possible explanation for the failure of vancomycin when used alone may be that its in vitro activity against the infecting strain of S . aureus (as measured by minimal inhibitory concentrations or minimal bactericidal concentrations) was substantially less under anaerobic conditions (that is, at partial pressures of oxygen analogous to those in osteomyelitic bones) than under aerobic conditions.

J Infect Dis, 1983 Feb, 147(2), 236 - 42
Production of staphylococcal pyrogenic exotoxin type C: influence of physical and chemical factors; Schlievert PM et al.; Physical and chemical factors that may affect the growth of strains of Staphylococcus aureus that are associated with toxic-shock syndrome were examined for their effect on expression of pyrogenic exotoxin type C (PE-C) . Significantly more PE-C was made when cultures were incubated at 37 C rather than at 30 C, although bacterial growth was similar at the two temperatures . Furthermore, 32-fold more toxin was made aerobically versus anaerobically for the seven strains tested, whereas only a twofold difference in bacterial growth was seen . Maximal toxin production occurred at pH 7 and pH 8, although the strains grew well in the range of pH 6 to pH 8 . Glucose had little effect on growth and toxin production at levels from 0 to 0.3% but suppressed bacterial growth and, more extensively, toxin production at a level of 3% . Significant amounts of PE-C were made in beef-heart medium, brain-heart infusion broth, and Todd-Hewitt broth, but lesser amounts were made in trypticase soy broth.

South Med J . 1983 Feb;76(2):271.
Fatal subscapular staphylococcal abscess; Handorf CR; A previously healthy 19-year-old man had a Staphylococcus aureus subscapular abscess after trauma to the shoulder, leading to sepsis, pneumonia, and death . Subscapular abscesses are infrequently described and might represent diagnostic difficulty to the clinician as well as to the unwary autopsy pathologist.

J Nucl Med, 1983 Feb, 24(2), 110 - 3
Predicting the cure of osteomyelitis under treatment: concise communication; Graham GD et al.; The right tibias of sixty-six rabbits were injected with a suspension of Staphylococcus aureus and sodium morrhuate . After four weeks, 43 rabbits developed osteomyelitis and were started on a course of antibiotics . During treatment a gallium-67 scintigram was obtained every two weeks, for up to 10 weeks . During the treatment weeks, 25 rabbits developed negative gallium-67 scintigrams and were killed . All 25 had negative bacteriologic cultures of the right tibia . At the end of 10 wk after start of treatment, the 18 rabbits with persistently positive scintigrams were killed . Eleven of these had positive bacteriologic cultures of the tibia, and seven were negative . The findings suggest that sequential gallium-67 scintigrams may be useful in predicting the cure of osteomyelitis during treatment.

Clin Pediatr (Phila), 1983 Feb, 22(2), 101 - 3
Fournier's syndrome in infants . A review of cases from Ibadan, Nigeria; Adeyokunnu AA; Six children aged between 3 and 12 weeks were treated for Fournier's syndrome in our hospital between 1972 and 1979 . Circumcision, diaper rash, and perianal skin abscesses were suspected as portals of entry for pathogens initiating the lesions . In two cases Staphylococcus aureus was isolated . Medical treatment of the gangrenous area proved successful in all cases, and the children survived with no appreciable scrotal skin loss or adhesions . Our results confute the approach of previous workers, most of whom have advocated aggressive surgical management in a devastating illness like Fournier's gangrene.

Am J Vet Res, 1983 Feb, 44(2), 247 - 53
Association of increased estradiol and progesterone blood values with altered bovine polymorphonuclear leukocyte function; Roth JA et al.; Polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) function and serum concentrations of estradiol, progesterone, and cortisol (hydrocortisone) were monitored concurrently in clinically normal cows during the estrous cycle . Five parameters were used to evaluate PMN function: (i) random migration under agarose, (ii) ingestion of 125I-labeled Staphylococcus aureus, (iii) nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction, (iv) iodination, and (v) antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity . Increased serum estradiol concentrations were associated with enhanced random migration, but had no apparent effect on NBT reduction, iodination, or ingestion of S aureus by bovine PMN . Increased serum estradiol was also associated with increased serum cortisol . Increased serum progesterone values were associated with a depression of NBT reduction and iodination by PMN, but with enhanced random migration and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity . These results indicate that physiologic changes in steroid hormone values during the normal estrous cycle of the cow are associated with alterations in PMN function.

Zentralbl Bakteriol Mikrobiol Hyg {A}, 1983 Feb, 253(4), 466 - 75
{Demonstration of enterotoxin in Staphylococcus aureus cultures by the ELISA test and the microslide test}; Lenz W et al.; 340 S . aureus strains, isolated either from routine food test samples, or from food leftovers, from healthy or sick persons in cases of suspected food poisoning in various places of the Federal Republic of Germany, were tested for enterotoxin production . The enterotoxin types A, B and C (SEA, SEB and SEC) were determined both by the ELISA and the microslide test (MS-test), the enterotoxin types D and E by the MS-test only . Comparison of the two test methods clearly shows that the ELISA technique is superior to the MS method: The sensitivity of the ELISA was at 2.5 ng, whereas that of the MS-test was limited to approximately 1 microgram . The ELISA revealed 6.2% more of the strains as enterotoxin producers, and reproducibility of the test results was also better with the ELISA than with the MS-test . Furthermore, the ELISA is far more efficient, consuming less test reagents, and with a capacity for testing more strains in a shorter time procedure . The incidence rate of the various enterotoxin types, referred to one representative strain each per outbreak of food poisoning or group of persons investigated, is as follows: 45.3% SEA, 17.2% SEB, 23.4% SEC . The incidence rate of SED, SEE or SE-type combinations was less than 5% . In sick persons, SEA- and SEC-producing strains occurred within the same range, i.e . 34.8% and 30.4% respectively . SEA-producing S . aureus strains had the highest frequency in food samples (61.5%) and in healthy individuals (53.6%).

J Parasitol, 1983 Feb, 69(1), 54 - 9
Protein antigens of Theileria parva macroschizonts and immune precipitation studies; Creemers P; The proteins of purified macroschizonts from Theileria parva, T . lawrencei, and T . taurotragi were analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis . The major proteins of all species had molecular weights of 120,000, 70,000, 65,000, 62,000, 55,000, 44,000, and 35,000 . All further experiments were carried out with T . parva . Using 125I surface labelling it was established that proteins with molecular weights of 70,000, 50,000, and 44,000 were membrane constituents . Staphylococcus aureus protein A-mediated immune precipitation studies with 125I-labelled lysates of macroschizonts and a rabbit anti-macroschizont serum specifically recognized proteins with molecular weights of 120,000, 91,000, 70,000, 62,000, and 35,000 . A small proportion of sera recovered from Theileria immune cattle specifically recognized proteins with molecular weights of 180,000 and 70,000 in macroschizont-lysates.

J Immunol, 1983 Feb, 130(2), 773 - 6
Staphylococcus aureus protein A induces the production of interferon-alpha in human lymphocytes and interferon-alpha/beta in mouse spleen cells; Smith EM et al.; Human and mouse lymphocytes produced IFN-alpha and IFN-alpha/beta, respectively, when incubated with highly purified Staphylococcus aureus protein A (SPA) . Maximum IFN induction occurred when lymphocytes were incubated with SPA at 250 to 500 micrograms/ml for 24 hr . The SPA induced-IFN were identified by neutralization of antiviral activity with specific antisera . A commercial preparation of SPA was found to induce both HuIFN-alpha and HuIFN-gamma, with the latter comprising over 90% of the antiviral activity . The SPA preparation that induced IFN-gamma was shown by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to be contaminated with 5% S . aureus enterotoxin A (SEA), a potent T lymphocyte mitogen and IFN-gamma inducer . Preincubation of the commercial SPA with a specific antiserum to SEA blocked the induction of IFN-gamma and had no effect on IFN-alpha production . SEA is a very potent IFN-gamma inducer, effective at concentrations of 1 ng/ml or less . Thus, very minor contamination of SPA by SEA or other IFN-gamma inducers could be responsible for previous reports that SPA induces IFN-gamma in lymphocytes or that SPA behaves as a T cell mitogen.

Aust J Exp Biol Med Sci, 1983 Feb, 61(Pt 1), 91 - 104
Binding of murine IgM and monoclonal IgM/A (k) hybrid anti-type III pneumococcal polysaccharide (SIII) antibodies to staphylococcal protein A; Kearney R; Evidence is produced to show that two specific subclasses of IgM antibodies are formed during the primary immune response to Type III pneumococcal polysaccharide (SIII) in mice . The IgM proteins can be divided into two groups based on different reactivities with protein-A . As with human IgM subclasses, it is proposed to call the two IgM subclasses IgM1 and IgM2, where the latter is defined by the ability to react with protein-A of Staphylococcus aureus . Only the IgM molecule which reacted with protein-A produced passive haemolysis in the presence of guinea-pig complement . Results also show that the IgA anti-SII activity in serum of SIII-immune mice on day 5 of the primary response is due to hybrid IgM/A(k) antibody which is undetected by conventional methods for enumerating antibody-forming cells because cells producing IgM/A antibody develop direct plaques with guinea-pig complement . A monoclonal IgM/A(k) anti-SIII produced from spleen cells 5 days after injection of 10 micrograms SIII plus pertussis vaccine exhibited similar properties to molecules with mu and a-determinants in serum . The IgM/A hybrid antibody reacted strongly with protein-A and produced passive haemolysis of SIII-coated erythrocytes in the presence of guinea-pig, but not mouse, complement . Despite its specificity for the capsular antigen of Type III pneumococci, the IgM/A hybrid antibody conferred only temporary immunity in mice challenged with viable pneumococci . The nature and properties of IgM/A antibodies as well as those of the subclasses of IgM may give important clues to the genetic regulation and expression of antibody production . These findings may provide an explantation for some of the anomalies in various areas of immunological research.

Kidney Int, 1983 Feb, 23(2), 312 - 9
Host immune status in uremia . IV . Phagocytosis and inflammatory response in vivo; Nelson J et al.; Infection is a frequent complication and cause of death in renal failure, but the association between uremia, depressed immune status, and susceptibility to infection is far from proven . In the present studies, the effect of uremia on the inflammatory response and phagocytic ability was investigated in an animal model . The inflammatory response, as measured by the ability of leukocytes to mobilize into subcutaneous implanted sponges, was impaired at 6 hr but was normal 24 hr after implantation . The peripheral blood response of uremic animals to the leukocytosis promoting protein from Bordetella pertussis was similar to that of control animals . Reticuloendothelial clearance of labelled albumin was unimpaired but catabolism of this substance was reduced significantly in uremic animals . The ability of the uremic host to clear an intravenous challenge of virus was also depressed . Phagocytic and bactericidal capability of polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocytes, measured in vitro by latex ingestion and phagocytosis and killing of Staphylococcus aureus, was normal . PMN phagocytic function in vivo was determined by the clearance of viable Escherichia coli from subcutaneously implanted sponges and no significant difference between control and uremic groups was found . These studies have further defined the effect of uremia on immune mechanisms and support our contention that uremia per se is not a major factor contributing to the compromised immune status in this host.

Lab Anim Sci, 1983 Feb, 33(1), 90 - 4
Management of septicemia in rhesus monkeys with chronic indwelling venous catheters; DaRif CA et al.; Twenty venous-catheterized, septicemic rhesus monkeys from two laboratories were studied . The most common isolates from the bloodstream were Klebsiella oxytoca from the monkeys in one laboratory and Staphylococcus aureus from those in the other . Five septicemic monkeys from the two laboratories, each with a central venous catheter, received repeated courses of antibiotics to which the infecting organisms were sensitive . Their catheters, however, were not removed . All five monkeys improved clinically, permitting continued use of the catheters . However, until the catheters were removed, bacteria were isolated repeatedly from the bloodstream . Two therapeutic regimens for the management of bacterial septicemia then were compared . Under both regimens, animals with positive blood cultures were treated for 10 days with appropriate antibiotics based on bacterial sensitivity testing . In one group of 10 monkeys, the indwelling venous catheters remained in situ during treatment . In a second group of 10 monkeys, catheters were removed at the time antibiotic therapy was initiated . When catheters were not removed, septicemia recurred 3 to 5 days after antibiotics were discontinued . In contrast, when catheter removal accompanied antibiotic therapy, resolution of the septicemia occurred within 3 to 5 days . Thus, catheter removal was required for elimination of bacteria from the bloodstream of septicemic monkeys with long-term indwelling central venous catheters.

Am J Vet Res, 1983 Feb, 44(2), 304 - 5
Relationship between penetrability of the papillary duct (teat) and phagocytic capability in lactating dairy cows; Lefcourt AM et al.; To determine whether there is a reciprocal relationship between penetrability of the papillary duct of the teat (streak canal) and phagocytic capability, 3 cows with highly penetrable papillary ducts and 3 with ducts highly resistant against penetration were identified, using a penetrability assay . Leukocytes harvested from milk from these cows were tested for their capability to phagocytose Staphylococcus aureus . Phagocytic capability was found to be independent of the ability of microorganisms to gain access to the interior of the mammary gland.

Eur J Biochem, 1983 Feb 1, 130(2), 253 - 9
Proteolytic cleavage of Hansenula anomala flavocytochrome b2 into its two functional domains . Isolation of a highly active flavodehydrogenase and a cytochrome b2 core; Gervais M et al.; In a previous work, we have described the tryptic cleavage of yeast flavocytochrome b2 into its two functional domains: a cytochrome b2 core and a flavodehydrogenase . The lactate dehydrogenase efficiency of the latter was, however, dramatically low, only about 1% that of intact flavocytochrome b2 . Our present study concerns a new flavodehydrogenase derivative of Hansenula anomala flavocytochrome b2 which spontaneously dissociates from the cytochrome domain when the polypeptide bridge connecting them is cleaved by Staphylococcus aureus V8 protease I . This flavodehydrogenase was purified and some of its functional and structural properties were studied . It presents an exceptionally high lactate dehydrogenase activity, about 80% that of flavocytochrome b2 . This result clearly demonstrates that the cytochrome domain is not necessary for the lactate dehydrogenase function and suggests an autonomous folding for both domains . Our results are discussed in terms of 'gene fusion'.

Acta Pathol Microbiol Immunol Scand {B}, 1983 Feb, 91(1), 83 - 8
Rapid detection of herpes simplex virus and varicella-zoster virus in clinical specimens by the use of Staphylococcus aureus rich in protein A; Mogensen SC et al.; Herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 and type 2 and varicella-zoster virus (VZV) were detected in cytospin preparations from clinical material by using specific antisera and Staphylococcus aureus, Cowan 1 strain, rich in protein A (SRA) . Virus was isolated in tissue culture from 22 of the 30 specimens submitted for examination . Eighteen isolates showed cytopathic effect characteristic of HSV infection and 4 of VZV . In the cytospin preparations of the same samples HSV was detected in 15, two contained too few cells to allow a reliable diagnosis and one sample was negative when the SRA reagent was used . In the cytospin preparations of 2 of the 8 samples, which did not show cytopathic effect on isolation in tissue culture, HSV was detected by the SRA . This points to the possible presence of inactive virus in the specimens . All 4 cases of VZV infection were diagnosed correctly with the staphylococcal reagent . No reaction was observed between VZV antigens and rabbit anti-HSV sera . Cells in which viral infection was detected by specific antisera and SRA did not show staphylococcal adherence to their surface after interaction with normal rabbit or normal human serum . Similarly, cells from healthy donors, treated with positive and negative sera were found negative . The method is easy to perform and results can be obtained within three hours from the time specimens are received at the laboratory . Its use offers a rapid diagnosis in suspected cases of herpetic infections in which early therapy is recommended.

Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci, 1983 Feb, 24(2), 253 - 7
Enzymatic disaggregation of the infected rat cornea; Badenoch PR et al.; Analysis of cell populations in the cornea may be performed rapidly and accurately employing the technique of enzymatic disaggregation . To illustrate this method normal rat corneas and corneas infected 24 and 48 hours previously with Staphylococcus aureus were disaggregated in a solution containing pancreatin and collagenase . The cells released were counted and identified morphologically . These results were compared to cell counts made from histologic sections . Over 95% of the corneal cells were viable after the disaggregation and leukocytes obtained from the infected corneas retained their phagocytic capacity . This approach allows sensitive analysis of cell populations in a wide range of corneal conditions, including infection and allograft rejection.

Infect Immun, 1983 Feb, 39(2), 939 - 47
Isolation and characterization of a bacteriophage factor that confers competence for genetic transformation to an exfoliative toxin-producing strain of Staphylococcus aureus; Jackson MP et al.; Competence for genetic transformation in an exfoliative toxin-producing strain of Staphylococcus aureus was shown to be dependent on a virion factor that was isolated from a crude bacteriophage 80 alpha lysate . This competence-conferring factor was completely separated from infectious virus particles after either centrifugation through a neutral sucrose velocity gradient or fractionation on a Sepharose 2B gel . Since the competence-conferring factor tends to aggregate, optimal separation was obtained after treatment of the phage factor with the detergent Nonidet P-40 . The competence-conferring factor had a molecular weight between 3 X 10(6) and 20 X 10(6) and an approximate sedimentation coefficient of 252 . The factor was neutralized after interaction with antiserum prepared against isolated infectious 80 alpha virions . Electron microscopy of transforming cells that were exposed to isolated competence-conferring factor revealed a significant number of abnormally long and aggregated phage tail-like structures attached to the surface of recipient cells . This phenomenon was only observed in the presence of donor DNA, indicating that a phage tail-DNA-surface receptor complex might be one of the early steps in DNA-mediated transformation of S . aureus.

Presse Med, 1983 Jan 15, 12(2), 77 - 81
{Relation between bacterial sensitivity to antibiotics and the consumption of antibiotics . 2 : Study carried out on Staphylococcus aureus at the Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital from 1975 to 1980}; Bismuth R et al.; From 1975 to 1980, computerized data on the sensitivity of 11 342 strains of S . aureus to the main antibiotics were evaluated in relation to drug consumption and hospital activity . Sensitivity to tetracyclines and chloramphenicol increased by 7.3% and 11.4% respectively, but sensitivity to gentamicin decreased by 12% . There was no change in sensitivity to other antibiotics . In vitro response to methicillin was found to have a considerable influence on changes in sensitivity . Sensitivity to tetracyclines increased among methicillin-sensitive strains, while methicillin-resistant strains became more sensitive to chloramphenicol and less sensitive to gentamicin . During the same period, the consumption of chloramphenicol, tetracyclines and aminoglycosides decreased by 84%, 54% and 15% respectively . Hospital activity remained unchanged . The fact that methicillin-resistant strains failed to become more sensitive to the main antibiotics, with the exception of chloramphenicol, might be due to antibiotic pressure in intensive care units where these strains are usually isolated.

Biochem Biophys Res Commun, 1983 Jan 14, 110(1), 8 - 14
Amino acid sequence of bovine heart cytochrome oxidase subunit IV (Albany); Reimer NS et al.; The preliminary data on the amino acid sequence of subunit IV from bovine heart cytochrome oxidase (Albany) is presented . The subunit consists of 97 amino acids linked together in a single polypeptide chain . The sequence was established by the isolation, purification and sequencing of some of the tryptic, chymotryptic and thermolytic and Staphylococcus aureus protease peptides . This subunit is present in all cytochrome oxidase preparations . It corresponds to polypeptide VIa in cytochrome oxidase (Aachen) and subunit a in cytochrome oxidase (Eugene).

Poumon Coeur, 1983, 39(2), 95 - 100
{Secondarily infected pneumatocele, eosinophilia and excess production of IgE manifesting as Buckley's syndrome in an adult}; Tonnel AB et al.; The hyper IgE syndrome develops in childhood and leads to repeated infectious episodes, usually of staphylococcus aureus origin and affecting mainly the skin and pulmonary parenchyma . It may be associated with a predominantly facial atypical dermatitis and more rarely with allergic manifestations . Biological tests show mainly an eosinophilia and a hypergammaglobulinemia E alone without modifications in other immunoglobulin types . Disorders of neutrophil and monocyte chemotaxis are inconstant findings . The initial mechanism of the affection appears related to a deficit in suppressive T function selectively acting on the IgE isotype.

Ann Immunol (Paris), 1983 Jan-Feb, 134C(1), 93 - 104
Functional activities of alveolar macrophages in rat exposed to hyperoxia (normobaric O2); Jacquet B et al.; Pulmonary alveolar macrophages (PAM) from rats exposed to 100% normobaric oxygen for 24, 48 and 65 h were collected by bronchoalveolar lavage . The cell yield was not modified by a 24 h exposure, but after 48 h, the number of PAM decreased and polymorphonuclear leucocytes were found in the lavage liquid . These modifications were amplified after a 65-h exposure . The percentage of uptake of Staphylococcus aureus after 30 min of incubation with PAM from rats exposed for 24 h and 48 was unchanged . No impairment of intracellular bactericidal activity toward S . aureus could be demonstrated in PAM from rats exposed to O2 for 24 h . After 48 h of O2 exposure, a slightly significant decrease in intracellular bactericidal activity was found only after 120 min of incubation . Nitroblue tetrazolium reduction and chemiluminescence were measured in PAM from O2-exposed and control rats: no modification could be demonstrated after 24 and 48 h of exposure . These results suggest that the PAM is relatively resistant to oxygen toxicity.

Chir Pediatr, 1983, 24(2), 85 - 94
{Pyogenic sacroiliac arthritis in children . Analysis and commentary apropos of 7 cases}; Daudet M et al.; Seven cases of pyogenic arthritis of the sacro-iliac joint in children were observed between 1968 and 1981 . Their analysis is discussed with the conclusions of the too much rare publications in the recent literature . Taking in to account the anatomic particularities the necessity of very precise roentgenographic technics in order to assess the sacro-iliac joint, especially in children because of incomplete ossification, the authors replace this pathology into the osteomyelitis in children . From the clinical aspects of the disease, with its typically localized pain, and its acute clinical and biological septicemic syndrome, the authors attempt to demonstrate that the classical idea of a delayed diagnosis, is not absolute . Even in this particular localization, an early "up to date" diagnosis is possible allowing rapid treatment with efficient antibiotherapy directed towards the responsible germ after their isolation (especially staphylococcus aureus) . Indubitable progress has been gained with systematic radio-nuclide bone scanning in emergency.

Avian Dis, 1983 Jan-Mar, 27(1), 157 - 60
Studies on the pathogenesis of staphylococcal osteomyelitis in chickens . II . Role of the respiratory tract as a route of infection; Mutalib A et al.; Groups of 6-week-old broiler chickens were exposed to Staphylococcus aureus by aerosol, intratracheal or intravenous (control) inoculation . No lesions were produced by aerosol . A single dose of up to 5 X 10(10) organisms given intratracheally failed to produce any lesions . Single or repeated doses of 5 X 10(11) organisms given intratracheally resulted in osteomyelitis in a low proportion of chickens.

Avian Dis, 1983 Jan-Mar, 27(1), 141 - 56
Studies on the pathogenesis of staphylococcal osteomyelitis in chickens . I . Effect of stress on experimentally induced osteomyelitis; Mutalib A et al.; A single strain of Staphylococcus aureus was used to study the pathogenesis of osteomyelitis in chickens . The disease was consistently reproduced in 6-week-old broiler chickens when 1 X 10(5) or more organisms were given intravenously . Severe feed restriction, debeaking, and single or multiple injections of corticosteroids delayed the appearance and decreased the severity of lesions due to staphylococcal infection . This increased resistance was associated with increased numbers of circulating heterophils and monocytes . No correlation between the presence of tibial dyschondroplasia and osteomyelitis was found.

Toxicol Appl Pharmacol, 1983 Jan, 67(1), 49 - 54
The effects of acrolein exposure on pulmonary antibacterial defenses; Astry CL et al.; Inhalation exposure to acrolein induced a dose-dependent impairment of pulmonary antibacterial defenses in mice . Animals exposed to 3 or 6 ppm of acrolein were increasingly less effective in inactivation of aerogenic challenges of 32P-labeled Staphylococcus aureus . Acrolein concentrations greater than 6 ppm caused increased sensory irritations, but no additional impairment of lung antibacterial resistance . Influenza A viral pneumonia in mice also suppressed pulmonary bacterial activity . Mice convalescing from moderate viral pneumonia became severely deficient in antibacterial defenses when exposed to acrolein . Whether the viral-induced impairment in pulmonary defense delayed the inactivation or allowed the proliferation of bacteria was dependent upon the dose of acrolein . The present study demonstrated that an underlying infectious disease process compounded the pulmonary toxicity of acrolein such that normally moderate toxicity was elevated to a virtual abolition of antibacterial defense mechanisms.

Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1983 Jan, 23(1), 142 - 50
Determination of minimum bactericidal concentrations of oxacillin for Staphylococcus aureus: influence and significance of technical factors; Taylor PC et al.; The minimum bactericidal concentration of oxacillin for Staphylococcus aureus was shown to be considerably influenced by technical and definitional factors, particularly by the survival of some organisms on the walls of test tubes and by the growth phase of the inoculum . Attention to technical detail greatly improved reproducibility, and log-phase cultures of all strains showed greater than 99.9% killing in 24 h, at or close to the minimum inhibitory concentration, including eight strains described as tolerant . Some strains showed the paradoxical phenomenon of having more survivors in higher concentrations above the minimum bactericidal concentration . An accepted reference minimum bactericidal concentration procedure is needed for establishing clinical correlates and for a review of endpoint criteria . Routine minimum bactericidal concentration tests on S . aureus should be interpreted with great caution.

J Antimicrob Chemother, 1983 Jan, 11(1), 21 - 6
In-vitro effects of vancomycin, rifampicin, and fusidic acid, alone and in combination, against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus; Foldes M et al.; Minimal inhibitory and minimal bactericidal concentrations were determined for eighteen methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates, the majority also resistant to gentamicin, obtained from the blood of bacteraemic patients . Fifty per cent of organisms had a greater than four-fold difference in M.I.C . and M.B.C . for vancomycin, 83% for rifampicin, and 89% for fusidic acid . In-vitro effects of two-drug combinations of vancomycin, rifampicin, and fusidic acid demonstrated neither synergy nor antagonism when measured by a checkerboard dilution technique . The relevance of these findings to choice of therapy of serious infection due to methicillin-gentamicin resistant Staph . aureus is yet to be determined.

J Gen Virol, 1983 Jan, 64 (Pt 1), 135 - 47
Comparative immunological and biochemical analyses of viruses in the Venezuelan equine encephalitis complex; Kinney RM et al.; Unclassified Venezuelan equine encephalitis (VEE) viruses Tonate (TON), Bijou Bridge (BB), Paramana (PARA), 71D-1252 and Cabassou (CAB) were characterized serologically and biochemically . The envelope glycoproteins of these and nine other VEE viruses representing VEE subtype variants I-AB, I-C, I-D, I-E, II, III and IV were separated by column isoelectric focusing . The E1 and E2 glycoproteins of all the Zwittergent-dissociated VEE viruses focused at pI 6.3 to 6.9 and pI 8.6 to 9.3 respectively . Haemagglutination-inhibition and neutralization tests using rabbit sera to the E2 glycoprotein of TON, BB and PARA viruses showed them to be indistinguishable from each other and closely related to prototype subtype III virus Mucambo (MUC) . VEE strain 71D-1252 was also serologically closely related to prototype MUC virus . We proposed that MUC, TON and 71D-1252 VEE viruses be classified subtype III viruses, designated variants III-A, III-B and III-C respectively . CAB virus, which is not closely related to other VEE isolates, may represent a new VEE subtype (V) . SDS-PAGE resolved the capsid protein (35 to 36 kdal) and two major envelope glycoproteins of 50 to 51 kdal (E1) and 51 to 58 kdal (E2) for all VEE viruses except CAB; the two glycoproteins of CAB virus co-migrated by PAGE with apparent identical mol . wt . of 51 kdal . Limited digestion of SDS-dissociated virus proteins with Staphylococcus aureus V8 protease produced identical peptide maps for serologically indistinguishable viruses . Oligonucleotide fingerprinting of virus RNA supported the close serological relationships observed at the genome level.

J Infect Dis, 1983 Jan, 147(1), 16 - 22
Antibody response to peptidoglycan during staphylococcal infections; Wheat LJ et al.; Levels of antibodies to peptidoglycan were measured by solid-phase radioimmunoassay in 76 patients with Staphylococcus aureus infections and 44 patients with infections caused by other bacteria . Levels of IgM antibodies to peptidoglycan were elevated in 24% of the patients with endocarditis or complicated bacteremia caused by S . aureus, 21% of those with serious infections caused by other gram-positive cocci, none of those with less serious infections caused by S . aureus or gram-negative bacilli, and 5% of the normal controls . Levels of IgG antibodies to peptidoglycan were elevated in 50% of the patients with endocarditis or complicated bacteremia caused by S . aureus, 3% of those with less severe infections caused by S . aureus, 17% of those with infections caused by other gram-positive cocci, 20% of those infections caused by gram-negative bacilli, and 5% of the normal controls.

Infect Immun, 1983 Jan, 39(1), 383 - 7
Characterization of Staphylococcus aureus isolates from patients with toxic shock syndrome, using polyethylene infection chambers in rabbits; Scott DF et al.; Isolates of Staphylococcus aureus from patients with toxic shock syndrome (TSS) were compared with non-TSS strains of S . aureus with respect to their virulence in rabbits . When the organisms were injected into subcutaneous chambers (perforated polyethylene golf balls) to assess virulence, a rapid mortality was observed with TSS but not with non-TSS strains . Of 16 TSS strains, 11 caused lethal infections in 33 rabbits tested, and none of the 5 control strains caused mortality in 10 rabbits . This evidence of enhanced virulence associated with TSS strains did not appear to be associated with the size of the inoculum . In addition, strains which produced lethal infections appeared to do so despite a reduction in the size of the original inoculum during the first 24 h . All of the TSS strains and none of the non-TSS strains elaborated extracellular protein(s) with a neutral pI when grown in a dialyzed beef heart medium . No other physiological difference was noted between the TSS and non-TSS strains.

Ann Rech Vet, 1983, 14(1), 13 - 20
{Attempts at preventing experimental Staphylococcus aureus mastitis by immunization and intramammary insertion of a polyethylene device (Stérilait)}; Poutrel B et al.; The susceptibility of lactating cows to experimental challenge with two strains of Staphylococcus aureus was investigated 30 days after calving . These cows were previously immunized during the dry-period and udder quarters were fitted at drying-off with a polyethylene intramammary device (IMD) . Incidence of infection recorded in device-fitted quarters and control quarters was not significantly different . There was no difference between IMD-fitted and control quarters in milk yield, contents in butterfat and protein . Lactose mean concentration was significantly decreased in milk collected from quarters fitted with polyethylene loop (P less than 0.05) . The somatic cell counts in milk from quarters depended on: a) fraction collected, b) time of sampling, c) presence of intramammary loop, d) result of experimental challenge . Milk somatic-cell counts determined at mid-lactation for fractions collected before udder stimulation and total milk in IMD fitted quarters were greater than for control quarters (P less than 0.05) . In general, these differences were greater in quarters which were experimentally infected than uninfected quarters . The count in total milk collected at mid-lactation for uninfected device-fitted quarters averaged 720 000 cells/ml.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 1983 Jan, 45(1), 1 - 5
Effects of egg yolk and salt on Micrococcaceae heat resistance; Verrips T et al.; The heat resistance and growth possibilities of various members of the Micrococcaceae in egg yolk and egg yolk with added salt were determined . Egg yolk alone protected members of the Micrococcaceae considerably against heat . Whereas in water Staphylococcus aureus S6 had a decimal reduction time (D) value of 66 s at 55 degrees C, its D value in egg yolk at the same temperature was 246 s . In salted egg yolk (water activity, 0.95), S . aureus S6 had a D value of 180 s at 66 degrees C and was largely inactivated during the pasteurization processes currently applied . Micrococcus saprophyticus and S . epidermidis (D value of each under the same conditions, 390 s) could survive such treatments to a certain extent and can thus spoil commercial egg yolk.

Ecol Dis, 1983, 2(4), 337 - 41
The relationship of ABO blood groups to bacteremia; Pinaroc MF et al.; ABO blood types of patients with positive blood cultures were compared with those of patients with negative blood cultures and blood bank work-ups . The proportion of blood types in patients with positive blood cultures and blood bank work-ups was very similar . However the proportion of patients with negative blood cultures, though statistically insignificant, appeared to be different . Also, proportions of blood types of patients having Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia suggest that patients with type A blood may be slightly more prone to S . aureus bacteremia than those of other types . Results show that there is no apparent statistically significant correlation between blood group type and the occurrence of bacteremia in the small population studied; however, a more exhaustive study might find otherwise.

Hybridoma, 1983, 2(4), 393 - 402
Monoclonal antibody to human eosinophils recognizing 95 kD surface membrane antigen; Foon KA et al.; Mice were immunized with purified eosinophils obtained from patients with the idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome . A hybridoma initially producing an IgM antibody which switched to an IgG1 antibody was selected for cloning and further testing . This IgG1 antibody reacted with human eosinophils, granulocytes, monocytes and large granular lymphocytes, but did not react with T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, platelets, erythrocytes, or a panel of human leukemia cells and cell lines . Bone marrow analysis revealed staining of myeloid precursor cells but not erythroid precursors or plasma cells . This IgG1 antibody had no effect on aggregation of granulocytes, lysozyme release, superoxide production, chemotaxis, or killing activity; however, there was some stimulation of beta-glucuronidase secretion . While the antibody did not augment the killing of Staphylococcus aureus by granulocytes, the antibody itself was bactericidal . By immunoprecipitation of granulocytes, eosinophils and monocytes, a molecule with a molecular weight of 95 kD was identified.

Clin Ther, 1983, 6(1), 18 - 21
Cefoperazone in the treatment of osteomyelitis; Biehl G; Twenty-six patients (aged 20 to 78 years) with osteomyelitis of the lower extremity (22) and infections of the spine (4) were treated with the broad-spectrum antibiotic cefoperazone . Staphylococcus aureus was the major pathogen isolated . A complete cure was obtained in 18 (69.2%) of the 26 patients treated; an additional four patients (15.4%) demonstrated a satisfactory clinical result without complete eradication of all baseline pathogens.

Clin Invest Med, 1983, 6(4), 293 - 9
Staphylococcus aureus latex agglutination (Lat-SA) test for the diagnosis of S . aureus infection; Wang D et al.; Animal models were established for Staphylococcus aureus generalized infection (septicemia), and for localized S . aureus infection (osteomyelitis and empyema) to evaluate the possible use of a S . aureus latex agglutination (Lat-SA) test as an indicator of S . aureus infection . Plasma, obtained from animals before and after S . aureus challenge, was used for the test . In the models of generalized infection, all nine rabbits and 13 of 20 (65%) rats had a positive Lat-SA test together with a positive blood culture . Only 3 of the 14 (21%) rats with negative blood cultures after S . aureus challenge had a positive test (P less than 0.05) . In the models of localized infection, plasma samples were positive in all animals at some time after bacterial challenge, even if the animal was not bacteremic . Aspirates from bone marrow (2/2) for the osteomyelitis model and pleural exudate (2/2) for the empyema model were Lat-SA test positive and yielded S . aureus on culture . Plasma obtained from these animals before injection with bacteria were all negative by the Lat-SA test, as were plasma samples obtained from two rabbits after injection with S . epidermidis . Since these models mimic human disease, the Lat-SA test may be useful as a diagnostic aid for S . aureus infection in man . Further studies will be necessary to evaluate this.

Zentralbl Gynakol, 1983, 105(22), 1409 - 12
{The toxic shock syndrome}; Wilken H; The toxic shock syndrome in a serious disease . It occurs predominantly in menstruating women using tampons . About 40 deaths are associated with toxic shock syndrome . In the majority of cases Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from cervix and vagina . Most of the cases were observed in United States.

Vet Med Nauki, 1983, 20(8), 67 - 71
{Presence of enterotoxin D in Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from food products}; Peeva T et al.; Studied was the capacity of 243 S . aureus strains to produce enterotoxin D after they were isolated from food products . It was found that 3.3 per cent of the strains produced enterotoxin D, the simultaneous production of A and D toxins being established in 2.5 per cent of the cases . The detection of an enterotoxin of such antigenic type pointed to its demonstration in cases of food intoxication as well as when hygiene control of food products was carried out.

Ann Fr Anesth Reanim, 1983, 2(6), 415 - 6
{Temporomandibular staphylococcal arthritis}; Alazia M et al.; Two cases of temporo-mandibular joint infection with several blood cultures positive for Staphylococcus aureus are reported . Positive diagnosis depended on the importance of the pain and trismus, as well as the lack of abscess formation . The rapid development of ankylosis requires treatment to be started as soon as the first signs appear.

Vet Med Nauki, 1983, 20(5-6), 57 - 63
{Clinical, cytological and microbiological studies of the MMA syndrome}; Bozhkova G et al.; Clinical, cytological, and microbiological investigations were carried out of a total of 793 sows in the course of 10 days after farrowing . It was found that the MMA syndrome was manifested in the first days following farrowing with higher temperature, changes in the genital organs with a purulent discharge from the first to the third day, and lesions in the mammary gland with inflammatory processes or decrease in the milk secretion . The cell content of milk of the diseased sows was higher . The microbiologic study of uterine, vaginal, and milk secretion led to the isolation of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus epidermidis as well as mixed infections and other bacteria as causative agents of MMA.

Eur J Nucl Med, 1983, 8(10), 447 - 9
Radiochemical quality control of 99mTc-labelled immunoglobulin G by immobilised protein A from staphylococcus aureus; Sundrehagen E; Large fractions of immunoglobulin G (IgG) from mammalian species show high affinities for protein A isolated from staphylococcus aureus . The radiochemical purity of 99mTc-labelled IgG was determined by means of protein A, covalently bound to sepharose, by a column radiochromatographic technique and by a simpler and more rapid technique in vials . Different labelling methods produced different radiochemical purities . Limitations and applications of the testing systems are discussed.

Acta Chir Scand, 1983, 149(7), 663 - 8
Enclosure of bacteria within capillary multifilament sutures as protection against leukocytes; Osterberg B; The effect of leukocyte against Staphylococcus aureus in the presence of capillary multifilament suture materials was observed in an in vitro phagocytosis test . The leukocytes had a phagocytic effect against bacteria in the culture medium but not against bacteria in the suture threads . The bacteria enclosed in the interstices of the suture threads could multiply there, and 'leakage' of bacteria from the thread to the surrounding medium maintained a high bacterial presence despite the phagocytic activity of leukocytes in the medium . Adherence of leukocytes to suture materials was studied in experiments with 51Cr-labeled leukocytes . There was no significant leukocyte penetration into the two capillary multifilament suture materials in the tests . Bacteria enclosed in the interstices of capillary multifilament suture threads appear to be protected from the phagocytic action of leukocytes and thus can support and prolong the course of an infection.

Scand J Infect Dis, 1983, 15(3), 257 - 65
Intravenous drug addiction--staphylococcal septicemia--pulmonary embolism: a triad pathognomonic for tricuspid valve endocarditis?
Julander I, Arneborn P, Back E, Hoglund C, Svanbom M.
28 patients (29 episodes) presenting the triad of intravenous narcotic drug addiction, Staphylococcus aureus septicemia and septic pulmonary embolism were examined for the presence of tricuspid valve endocarditis . In a prospective study, 12/13 patients examined by echocardiography had vegetations on the tricuspid valve, in 6 detected by M-mode, in 5 by 2-D technique, and in one by both methods . In 4 patients with tricuspid endocarditis, no significant murmurs were heard . Similarly, in a retrospective study, 5/16 patients not subjected to echocardiography had no murmurs consistent with tricuspid valve endocarditis . One of these patients died . In 2/16 patients the diagnosis was verified at autopsy and in 1 at heart surgery . In both groups, altogether 11 patients never developed murmurs, in 7 of them despite demonstrable vegetations . Therefore, we consider the triad to be pathognomonic for tricuspid valve endocarditis, provided that no peripheral source of emboli is present . Consequently, patients fulfilling these criteria should be treated as suffering from endocarditis . Echocardiographic examination does not seem necessary in patients with a typical clinical picture but may be helpful when chest X-rays are inconclusive or complications are suspected.

Microbiol Immunol, 1983, 27(9), 749 - 55
Induction of L-phase variant from protoplast of Staphylococcus aureus; Makino T; Protoplasts of Staphylococcus aureus 209P and Cowan 1 were induced by treatment with lysostaphin . These protoplasts were sensitive to detergent, a low concentration of sodium chloride and low temperature . Almost all protoplast cells spread on CLYS agar medium (casein hydrolysate, yeast extract, Na-lactate, and NaCl) formed typical L-form colonies . Horse serum (0.25%) and Mg2+ (100 mM) are essential factors for formation of the L-form colonies of 209P . In the case of Cowan 1, Mg2+ was not required . The active factor(s) in horse serum was heat-resistant and protein in nature.

Arch Orthop Trauma Surg, 1983, 102(1), 23 - 7
Methicillin induced drug-fever during treatment for acute post traumatic osteomyelitis and septic arthritis; Stein H et al.; High dose intravenous methicillin therapy is a common form of treatment for post traumatic acute osteomyelitis and septic arthritis, with positive staphylococcus aureus cultures . A high and spiking fever, persisting in the face of adequate antibiotic therapy, presents a difficult diagnostic dilemma in such patients . In seven patients, methicillin induced drug fever was found to be the cause of such as persisting pyrexia, inspite of an adequate antibiotic regime . This diagnosis must be established by a cautious clinical evaluation and by a careful elimination of all other causes for fever . Upon discontinuation of methicillin, the body temperature reverted to normal within 24 h.

Immunol Commun, 1983, 12(4), 375 - 85
Defective mononuclear phagocytic function in mice homozygous for the cribriform degeneration autosomic recessive mutation; Cerquetti MC et al.; Decreased lung clearance of Staphylococcus aureus has been reported in mice homozygous for the cribriform degeneration (cri) autosomal recessive mutation . In the present study, the phagocytic capacities of alveolar and peritoneal macrophages were quantitated by applying kinetics of the first order reaction criteria . The characteristics of the pulmonary and peritoneal mononuclear cell populations from mutant and control mice were indistinguishable . The kinetic assays revealed decreased phagocytosis work in both alveolar and peritoneal macrophages from cri/cri mice . The results lend support to this mutation as a possible model system to study the early stages of lung disease physiopathology in cystic fibrosis.

Immunol Commun, 1983, 12(6), 573 - 91
Perfusion of canine serum over Staphylococcus aureus Cowan 1: Evidence for release of protein A and changes in specific antibody activity; Balint J Jr et al.; Sera from three normal dogs were assessed for levels of Clq binding IgG and complement consumption after perfusion over Staphylococcus aureus Cowan I (SAC) . Increased levels of Clq binding IgG were detected after perfusion of sera over SAC and were associated with complement consumption . Canine antiserum to human erythrocytes were also perfused over SAC and assessed for Clq binding IgG and hemolytic activity . Increased levels of Clq binding IgG in post-perfusion samples were detected which were associated with a decrease in hemolytic activity . IgG was determined to be present in molecular weight fractions greater than 200,000 M.W . in post-perfusion chromatographically fractionated sera . Moreover, 5% polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitated IgG from post-perfusion sera was functional in antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity assays . Putative staphylococcal protein A isolated from post-perfusion sera produced a precipitin band in double diffusion agarose gel studies when reacted with normal human and canine sera . A polypeptide co-migrating with purified protein A could be detected by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) analysis of the post-perfusion isolated protein A . Addition of purified protein A to canine antiserum resulted in decreased hemolytic activity of the serum which was associated with increased levels of Clq binding IgG.

J Am Coll Nutr, 1983, 2(3), 205 - 13
Effects of antigen stimulation and interleukin-1 on in vivo splenic zinc changes in the A/J mouse; Flynn A; The roles of zinc in immune responses continue to be defined and its impact on a broadening list of immune functions reported . Fundamental to the operation of zinc-dependent processes may be shifts in tissue zinc . Since the spleen is a site of activation, proliferation, and differentiation of lymphocytes, we examined changes in copper and zinc levels in spleens of antigen-stimulated A/J mice . Antigen stimulation with human immunoglobulin G and heat killed Staphylococcus aureus was compared with the actions of a nonantigenic inflammatory agent CaCl2 . Between-group variations in copper and zinc with antigen treatment were compared in heart, liver, and spleen tissues . The zinc contents of spleens from antigen-treated mice were elevated, as were liver levels of the essential trace element . There were no significant increases in copper levels associated with antigen treatment . CaCl2-treated animal spleens demonstrated decreases in spleen copper and zinc content that were related to weight changes in the spleens, but not to specific treatment effects . Changes were suggestive of Interleukin-1 (IL-1) actions, which led to direct studies of IL-1 actions on splenic zinc . Partially purified IL-1 was injected into the tail vein and heart of A/J mice; liver and spleen zinc levels were determined 16 and 40 hours after injection . Significant increases in liver and splenic zinc concentrations were measured at both time intervals after IL-1 treatment . Antigen stimulation and, more directly IL-1, were related to stimulated increases in splenic zinc.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

J Am Intraocul Implant Soc, 1983 Summer, 9(3), 293 - 6
Protective barrier effect of the posterior lens capsule in exogenous bacterial endophthalmitis: an experimental pseudophakic primate study; Beyer TL et al.; Five Rhesus monkeys underwent cataract extraction and intraocular lens implantation . The right eyes had extracapsular extraction, implantation of a Shearing J-loop posterior chamber lens, and primary posterior capsulotomy . The fellow eyes had extracapsular extraction, subtotal posterior capsulectomy, a limited anterior vitrectomy, and anterior chamber implantation of a modified J-loop Sinskey-style intraocular lens . One to two weeks postoperatively, we inoculated the anterior chamber of each eye with 10,000 Staphylococcus aureus organisms . After enucleating the eyes, we obtained anterior chamber and vitreous cultures and examined the gross pathologic specimen for vitreous clarity 72 hours after inoculation . Twenty percent of right eyes had infection of the vitreous cavity, whereas in the fellow eyes, 80% demonstrated vitreal infection by examination of the sectioned gross pathologic specimens . Sixty percent of the left eyes had positive vitreous cultures . These findings suggest that the posterior capsule acts as a barrier to prevent the spread of infection from the anterior chamber to the vitreous cavity in experimental, primate pseudophakia.

Immunol Commun, 1983, 12(2), 215 - 21
Adaptation of a protein a binding assay for measurement of immune complexes in sera of rats; Siag WM et al.; We describe a simple and sensitive method for the detection of circulating immune complexes (CIC) in rats and have applied the method to test sera from tumor-bearing rats . CIC were precipitated preferentially with 6% polyethylene glycol, dissolved, and then bound to Staphylococcus aureus that are Protein A (PA) positive . Rabbit-anti-rat IgG (RARG) antibodies were then added and followed by 125I-PA . The RARG sandwich antibody enhanced the sensitivity of detection of CIC in rats at least 5 fold compared to that observed using 125I-PA without RARG.

Vision Res, 1983, 23(3), 267 - 73
A rapid sensitive radioimmunoassay for rhodopsin: development and application; Peterson RJ et al.; Antisera have been raised against unbleached chromatographically pure bovine rhodopsin . A rapid sensitive radioimmunoassay (RIA) has been developed for rhodopsin, employing {125I}rhodopsin labeled using the Bolton-Hunter reagent . Protein A-bearing Staphylococcus aureus cells are used to precipitate the immune complex . Subpicomolar amounts of rhodopsin can be determined when the RIA is performed in the dark using any of nine different detergents tested . When the RIA is performed using bleached rhodopsin, the results are dependent upon the detergent in which the assay is performed . Bleached rhodopsin is most immunologically similar to unbleached rhodopsin in the mildest detergents and less similar in harsher detergents . One and a half times more bleached rhodopsin is required to compete to the same extent as unbleached rhodopsin when the RIA is performed in digitonin . Results for other detergents are: sucrose monoester, 5.0; CHAPS, 64; sodium cholate, 91; octylglucoside, 250; Triton X-100, 430; Emulphogene, 570; Ammonyx LO approximately 14,000; CTAB, unmeasureable . Other species of rhodopsin were tested as competitive in the RIA . Pig rhodopsin is 1/100th as effective a competitor as bovine rhodopsin, rat 1/200th, and frog 1/800th.

Nephron, 1983, 34(2), 87 - 92
Monocyte-mediated suppression of mitogen responses of lymphocytes in uremic patients; Osaki K et al.; In the present experiment, we investigated the mechanism of the suppressed mitogen responses of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from uremic patients . We used phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and concanavalin A (Con A) as T cell mitogens, pokeweed mitogen (PWM) as a T cell-dependent B cell mitogen, and Staphylococcus aureus Cowan I (STA) as a T cell-independent B cell mitogen . PBMC from uremic patients showed significantly suppressed responses to PHA (p less than 0.05), Con A (p less than 0.05) and STA (p less tha 0.01) compared with those from healthy controls, but there was no significant difference in PWM response . However, these suppressed responses to PHA and Con A were markedly restored by depletion of phagocytic cells from PBMC . Although STA responses were also restored markedly in uremic patients, some patients still showed lower responsiveness to STA indicating the possibility of functional B cell defects . To further clarify the mechanism of the suppressed responses to mitogens, PBMC or nonphagocytic cells from uremic patients were cocultured with control T cells in the presence of PHA, or the effects of adherent cells from uremic patients on PHA responses of autologous or allogeneic control T cells were studied . From these experiments, it was suggested that the suppressed responses of PBMC to mitogens in uremia were mediated by monocytes.

Chemotherapy, 1983, 29(2), 116 - 20
Effects of subminimal inhibitory concentrations of aminoglycosides on the penicillinase production of Staphylococcus aureus; Stessman J et al.; The effects of subminimal inhibitory concentrations of kanamycin, amikacin and gentamicin on the production of penicillinase by Staphylococcus aureus were tested on 12 penicillin-resistant strains . Of the 36 experiments performed, 16 (44%) displayed an increase and 9 (25%) produced a decrease in the penicillinase activity of the strains . These effects were observed at concentrations ranging from 1:2 to 1:2,048 of the respective minimal inhibitory concentration, irrespective of the susceptibility of the strain to the aminoglycoside drug.

Scand J Infect Dis Suppl, 1983, 41, 97 - 104
Serological diagnosis of Staphylococcus aureus septicaemia and endocarditis by means of crossed immuno-electrophoresis; Espersen F et al.; The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were determined for serological diagnosis of Staphylococcus aureus endocarditis and septicaemia by means of crossed immuno-electrophoresis with intermediate gel . The antibody responses to S . aureus antigens in sera from 19 patients with S . aureus endocarditis and 51 patients with S . aureus septicaemia were compared with findings in 30 patients with non-S . aureus endocarditis and 30 patients with non-S . aureus septicaemia . Two of 55 S . aureus antigens, no . 18 (cross-react serologically with cell wall teichoic acid) and no . 46 of the reference pattern, were useful for serological diagnosis . The precipitin score, taking into account both the total number of precipitins and their titres, was the most useful diagnostic criterion . The present method can be used in selected cases to discriminate between S . aureus and non-S . aureus endocarditis . In cases with septicaemia only a positive test is of clinical value.

Scand J Infect Dis Suppl, 1983, 41, 79 - 86
The effect of staphylococcal peptidoglycan on polymorphonuclear leukocytes in vitro and in vivo; Verhoef J et al.; The ability of Staphylococcus aureus to resist phagocytosis by polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) is thought to be an important virulence factor for this microorganism . We have studied the effect of peptidoglycan (PG) on PMN function in vitro, and on the induction of leukopenia in vivo . Phagocytosis and chemotaxis by human PMN were both inhibited in vitro by prior incubation with as little as 2.5 micrograms PG/ml . Control PMN phagocytized 85% of added bacteria, while PMN treated with PG for 30 minutes phagocytized only 45% of the bacteria . Also, PG-treated PMN did not migrate towards an attractant . Suppression of PMN function by PG could be abolished when PG was incubated with antiserum raised in rabbits against PG . PMN incubated with PG generated a burst in oxygen metabolism as measured by the emission of chemiluminescence . When PG (500 micrograms) was given to rats or guinea pigs, the animal developed an early leukopenia which paralleled a drop in blood pressure and in thrombocyte levels, and in the concentration of hemolytic complement . Leukopenia was less in animals treated with cobravenom; an agent known to deplete complement . Antihistaminics had no effect on the induction of leukopenia by PG . We conclude that PG may be at least partly responsible for leukopenia sometimes observed in patients with life-threatening staphylococcal infections, and this leukopenia might be due to a direct or indirect toxic effect of PG on the PMN.

Scand J Infect Dis Suppl, 1983, 41, 67 - 78
Recognition of Staphylococcus aureus by human phagocytes . Signals and disguises of the bacterial surface; Peterson PK et al.; Phagocytic cells provide the host its major defense against invasive Staphylococcus aureus, and the staphylococcal surface, by its influence on phagocyte recognition, is a primary determinant of the function of these cells . The peptidoglycan component of the cell wall plays a key role in both opsonic and chemotactic recognition, mediated by IgG, C3b, and C5a, respectively . While cell wall protein A inhibits opsonic recognition by polymorphonuclear leukocytes, it promotes an opsonin-independent mechanism of phagocytosis by human macrophages which possess cytophilic IgG . By masking cell wall-associated opsonic molecules, capsular polysaccharides inhibit recognition, a phenomenon that is overcome by specific anti-capsular antibodies . It is proposed that impaired phagocyte recognition is a basic element in the pathogenesis of staphylococcal endocarditis, and progress in the prevention and treatment of this infection may depend on understanding the basis for this host defense defect.

Scand J Infect Dis Suppl, 1983, 41, 38 - 48
Staphylococcus aureus septicaemia and endocarditis at the University Hospital in Lund 1976-1980; Hedstrom SA et al.; During the period 1976-1980 Staphylococcus aureus was found in 265 blood cultures from 13 clinics for adult patients at Lund Hospital . Criteria of septicaemia were fulfilled in 169 patients, 65 had transient bacteremia and 31 cases were not evaluable . Concerning bacteriological data no Staphylococcus phage type dominated and strains resistant to antibiotics other than penicillin were very few . On the average 74% of the strains produced penicillinase with a successive increase during the study period . The incidence of septicaemia was highest in the decade 61-70 years of age . In patients with hospital-acquired septicaemia (n = 99) the main portals of entry for infection were vascular and/or surgical wounds (confirmed by phage typing in 93%) . Patients with community-acquired septicaemia (n = 70) often had skin lesions but only a few cultures were taken . Only 4 patients were drug addicts . In 28 patients with no obvious portal of entry 14 nasal cultures were performed . Eight of ten positive cultures showed the same strain in nares as in blood at onset of sepsis . Secondary infectious foci were most frequent (26%) in patients with community-acquired infection . Endocarditis were found in 19 patients, 11 were diagnosed at autopsy . In staphylococcal endocarditis the mortality was 68% compared to 10% in septicaemia without endocarditis . In septic shock, compromised hosts and in connection with chronic diseases the mortality rates were 39%, 26% and 29%, respectively.

Scand J Infect Dis Suppl, 1983, 41, 30 - 7
Staphylococcus aureus endocarditis in Denmark 1976-1981; Frimodt-Moller N et al.; Clinical and bacteriological information on Staphylococcus aureus endocarditis from hospitals all over Denmark in the period 1976-1981 was reviewed in 119 cases, 61 females and 58 males . Patient ages ranged from 16 days to 85 years, with a median age of 63 years . The overall mortality was 71% . The mortality correlated significantly with such factors as age, hospital-acquired infections and resistance to penicillin in infecting strains . Hospital-acquired infections occurred in 38% of the patients . The distribution of phage types among strains isolated from blood cultures from patients with endocarditis corresponded to that of strains from other septicaemia cases . Group I and group III strains and strains of the 94, 96 complex comprised 74% of the phage types of the present material . Infections of the skin were the most common portal of entry for the infecting strains . Apart from drug addicts, of which 11 cases were included, mortality did not correlate with the presence of any underlying diseases.

Scand J Infect Dis Suppl, 1983, 41, 177 - 86
Therapy of staphylococcal septicaemia in compromised hosts; Solberg CO et al.; Despite advances in antibiotic therapy, infection remains one of the major causes of death in compromised patients, and the severity of the underlying disease often determines the outcome of the infectious disease . During a 5-year period (July 1, 1974--June 30, 1979), septicaemia was diagnosed in 604 patients admitted to Haukeland Hospital, and 175 (29%) of these patients died . 640 septic episodes occurred in the 604 patients, and 684 bacterial strains were isolated from the blood . Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis accounted for 96 (14%) and 45 (6.6%) of the causative strains, respectively . 85 patients had septicaemia caused by S . aureus and 40 by S . epidermidis . 19 (22.4%) patients with S . aureus septicaemia and 9 (22.5%) with S . epidermidis septicaemia died . 12 of 21 (57%) patients with S . aureus or S . epidermidis septicaemia and underlying malignant disease died and only 16 of 104 (15%) patients with staphylococcal septicaemia and non-malignant disease . More than 96% of the S . aureus strains were susceptible to isoxazolylpenicillins, cephalothin, lincomycin or gentamicin, but only 18% to benzylpenicillin . The S . epidermidis strains were less susceptible to lincomycin and gentamicin . Single antibiotic treatment (a penicillin, cephalosporin or vancomycin) seemed as effective in staphylococcal septicaemia as combined penicillin/aminoglycoside therapy or other combinations . In compromised patients staphylococcal septicaemia is often fulminant, and antimicrobial therapy must be started as soon as specimens for microbiological cultures are obtained . So far, there is no clinical proof that antibiotic combination therapy is superior to single drug treatment . However, if penicillins can not be used or the response to single drug therapy is poor, combination therapy should be considered.

Scand J Infect Dis Suppl, 1983, 41, 140 - 3
The clinical significance of serological methods in the diagnosis of staphylococcal septicaemia and endocarditis; Christensson B et al.; In comparison to healthy controls we have found that patients with endocarditis and septicaemia caused by Staphylococcus aureus show significantly higher antibody levels against either S . aureus peptidoglycan, crude staphylococcal antigen or alpha-toxin . The serological methods used in these studies were radio-immunoassays . These results have now been further evaluated concerning their clinical significance . The occurrence rate of S . aureus endocarditis and septicaemia at the clinic was 0.36% and 2.0%, respectively, during the study period . In spite of relatively high levels of test specificities, 93.8-96.9%, the predictive values for positive test results were low, 2.7-23.2% . Using the PG-assay, satisfactory predictive values of 100% together with a sensitivity of 95.2% could nevertheless be reached in the screening for S . aureus endocarditis, if the upper normal limit was raised.

Mol Gen Genet, 1983, 191(2), 201 - 6
Isolation and complementation of temperature-sensitive replication mutants of Staphylococcus aureus plasmid pC194; Iordanescu S et al.; Temperature-sensitive replication (Tsr) mutants have been isolated from the Staphylococcus aureus plasmid pC194 . For three of the four mutant plasmids tested (pSAO801, pSAO802, and pSAO804) the segregation kinetics suggested a complete block of plasmid replication at 43 degrees C . The replication defects of three mutant plasmids: pSAO802, pSAO803, and pSAO804 could be complemented by recombinant plasmids carrying a segment from either the wild type or the other mutant, pSAO801 . There was no complementation when the segment carried by the recombinant plasmid was derived from one of the three complementable mutants . These data were taken as evidence for the involvement of a diffusible, plasmid-encoded product, RepH, in pC194 replication . The complementation of the fourth Tsr mutant, pSAO801, could not be tested due to an abnormal susceptibility of this mutant to the incompatibility expressed by recombinants carrying segments derived from pC194 or its mutants . A single mutation was found to be responsible for both pSAO801 instability and its altered incompatibility properties but the nature of the defect has not yet been elucidated.

Acta Neuropathol Suppl (Berl), 1983, 8, 89 - 102
Pathophysiological aspects of blood-brain barrier disturbances in experimental brain tumors and brain abscesses; Hossmann KA et al.; Experimental tumors and abscesses were produced by intrahemispheric inoculation of a blastomatous glial cell clone and of staphylococcus aureus, respectively . In both models severe vasogenic brain edema developed . The site of the barrier lesion was identified by systemic application of Evans blue or peroxidase, and the spread of edema by immunoautoradiographic localisation of extravasated serum proteins . In both experimental conditions, serum proteins accumulated diffusely in the white matter of the ipsilateral hemisphere, although the barrier lesion was strictly confined to the pathological focus . Water content of the edematous white matter in the vicinity of tumors and abscesses increased from 69.1 to 80.6 and 82.3 ml/100g w.w., respectively . This increase was associated with a volume-dependent decrease of flow, a parallel increase of sodium and an increase of extravasated serum proteins . The latter was determined by a newly developed immunochemical approach with appropriate corrections for the intravascular fraction of total serum protein content . The calculated concentration of sodium in edema fluid of tumors and abscesses amounted to 132 and 129 ueq/ml, respectively . The concentration of serum proteins was 8.7 and 6.4 mg/ml, respectively . Protein content of edema fluid, in consequence was less than 10% of blood serum . This suggests that fluid accumulation in vasogenic edema cannot be explained by the oncotic properties of extravasated proteins alone.

Biomed Pharmacother, 1983, 37(9-10), 429 - 33
{Oxacillin and gentamicin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: surveillance and development over a period of 6 months}; Petit JC et al.; An outbreak of nosocomial infections caused by oxacillin and gentamicin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus occurred over a 3 month period in the intensive care unit of a 371-bed hospital . Four patients were infected . S . aureus isolates were resistant to multiple antibiotics beside oxacillin and gentamicin . They exhibited identical antibiotic susceptibility pattern and identical phage type (47/54/75/77/84/85) . A subsequent survey of oxacillin-resistant S . aureus was conducted in the hospital during a 6 month period . Bacteriophage typing was performed on 52 isolates of oxacillin-resistant S . aureus . Seventeen were non typeable . Fourteen had the same phage type (or a minor variant +/- 2 numbers) as that of the previously isolated S . aureus . The antibiotic susceptibility pattern of 10 of the 14 isolates was identical to that of the epidemic strain . The antibiotic susceptibility patterns of 2 isolates differed from it with respect to the resistance to one antibiotic among those tested (these two isolates were obtained from patients that received the particular antibiotic before the isolation of the Staphylococcus) . The 7 patients from whom these 12 S . aureus were isolated were staying in the intensive care unit except one who was hospitalized in this unit several months ago . Among the personnel screened, two intensive care unit nurses were found to be nasal carriers of oxacillin resistant S . aureus . One strain had the same phage type as that of the epidemic strain but its antibiotic susceptibility pattern was different . Room-mate to room-mate spread within the intensive care unit may be responsible for the perpetuation of the epidemic strain.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Scand J Infect Dis, 1983, 15(3), 267 - 70
Sternal and costochondral infections with gentamicin and methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus following thoracic surgery; Cafferkey MT et al.; Six patients in a thoracic unit developed sternal osteomyelitis and costochondritis following median sternotomy . Five of the patients were operated on in another hospital . Gentamicin and methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus was isolated in pure culture in each case . The S . aureus isolate from 2 patients was of the same phage type suggesting cross-infection . Antibiotic prophylaxis administered in the perioperative period was ineffective . One patient, treated with amikacin (to which all of the strains were sensitive in vitro) and cefuroxime, died from overwhelming infection in spite of debridement and resuturing of the wound . The remaining 5 patients were cured with vancomycin therapy usually coupled with surgical intervention.

J Hyg Epidemiol Microbiol Immunol, 1983, 27(1), 77 - 84
Transfer of antibiotic resistance between strains of Staphylococcus aureus in mixed culture of donor and recipient cells; Janosek J; A procedure for demonstrating transferability of resistance to antibiotics between strains of Staphylococcus aureus in mixed donor and recipient culture is described . The method appears suitable for use even in field laboratory conditions . The laboratory-derived S . aureus mutant 5849-fur-r, rif-r was used as the recipient and the 53 multiresistant strains of S . aureus isolated from clinical material served as donors . The transferability of antibiotics resistance was confirmed in 26.4% of strains; the transfer of tetracycline resistance occurred at highest frequencies and was found to be most intensive.

J Infect Dis, 1983 Jan, 147(1), 137 - 43
Vancomycin treatment of bacteremia caused by oxacillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: comparison with beta-lactam antibiotic treatment of bacteremia caused by oxacillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus; Craven DE et al.; The epidemiology and therapy of 29 episodes of bacteremia caused by oxacillin- and aminoglycoside-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (OARSA) were compared with 29 episodes of bacteremia due to oxacillin-sensitive S . aureus (OSSA) that occurred during a 36-month period . Patients with bacteremia due to OSSA were younger (P less than 0.05) and were admitted more frequently with acute traumatic injury (P less than 0.01) . The overall survival rate one month after persistent bacteremia was 74% for patients with OARSA bacteremia treated with vancomycin compared with 70% for patients with OSSA bacteremia treated with a beta-lactam antibiotic . The results indicate that vancomycin is an effective antibiotic for the treatment of bacteremia caused by OARSA and suggest that its effectiveness is comparable to that of beta-lactam antibiotic treatment of bacteremia due to OSSA.

J Orthop Res, 1983, 1(2), 136 - 43
Comparison of cartilage destruction between infectious and adjuvant arthritis; Smith RL et al.; The timing and molecular profile of cartilage destruction in Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus infectious arthritis and killed Mycobacterium butyricum adjuvant arthritis are presented . Infectious arthritis was studied for 3 weeks; cartilage samples were analyzed at 2, 10, and 21 days . At 48 h postinfection, glycosaminoglycan content was reduced by 20% (p less than 0.05) in E . coli infected knees and by 42% (p less than 0.05) in tibial plateau cartilage of S . aureus infected knees . By the 3rd week of infection, glycosaminoglycan losses amounted to as much as 73% (p less than 0.005) . In comparison, collagen losses were not significant prior to the 3rd week of infection, at which time 42% (p less than 0.05) was lost . Adjuvant arthritic tibial plateau cartilage was examined at 1, 3 and 12 weeks . Glycosaminoglycans decreased by 42% the 1st week, plateauing at 62% by the 3rd and 12th weeks . Collagen degradation began at 3 weeks (28% loss, p less than 0.10) and by the 12th week was reduced by 49% (p less than 0.005) . Analysis of the individual species of glycosaminoglycan showed a parallel loss of chondroitin sulfate and keratan sulfate . Fractionation of glycosaminoglycans with respect to size produced no evidence of shortened chains in cartilage from infected joints . Hyaluronic acid losses were greatest when collagen was significantly decreased . The pattern by which chondroitin and keratan sulfates are lost demonstrates that a prominent feature of infectious and noninfectious inflammatory arthritis is a rapid loss of proteoglycan subunits that precedes collagen loss.

Chemotherapy, 1983, 29(3), 218 - 24
In vitro activity of pristinamycin against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus; Mutton KJ et al.; An agar dilution technique was used to determine the MIC of pristinamycin for 124 clinical isolates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus . All were inhibited by less than or equal to 0.5 mg/1, quite similar to the sensitivity of a number of methicillin-sensitive strains . MICs obtained using a microdilution method were also comparable . Antagonism was seen with the combination of pristinamycin and erythromycin.

Scand J Immunol, 1983 Jan, 17(1), 51 - 9
Mitogen-induced switching of immunoglobulin heavy-chain class secretion in chronic B-lymphocytic leukaemia and immunocytoma cell populations; Juliusson G et al.; Lymphocytes from peripheral blood, bone marrow, and lymph nodes from six patients with chronic B-lymphoproliferative disease were studied . Two of the patients had a polymorphic immunocytoma with surface membrane immunoglobulin phenotype mu kappa . Four patients had chronic B-lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) with the phenotypes mu kappa, mu delta kappa, mu lambda, and mu delta lambda, respectively . In no case did the monoclonal cell populations express gamma chains on the surface, and none produced monoclonal immunoglobulin in vivo . The malignant B lymphocytes were cultured in the presence of polyclonal B-cell activators . Immunoglobulin secretion was detected with the protein A plaque assay and with a modification of the reversed haemolysis-in-agar plaque assay . Immunoglobulin secretion was induced in four of the cell populations . In both the immunocytomas and in one of the CLL cell clones the heat-inactivated Staphylococcus aureus strain Cowan I induced secretion of IgG, as well as IgM, associated only with the same light chain as was expressed on the surface of the unstimulated cells . Thus, mitogens can induce immunoglobulin secretion in vitro in malignant B lymphocytes, and Cowan I bacteria also have the ability to induce a switch of immunoglobulin production from IgM to IgG in a fraction of the leukaemic cell populations.

Rev Argent Microbiol, 1983, 15(4), 227 - 31
{Resistance of Staphylococcus aureus to methicillin}; Roncoroni AJ et al.; Data on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus have not been presented before in Argentina . Due to non adequate microbiologic techniques, this phenomenon may be overlooked . Heterogeneous strains are only detected with 5% NaCl agar, low temperature (30 degrees C) or prolonged incubation and/or high inocula (10(6) C.F.U.) . Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of methicillin were studied by the agar dilution technique in antibiotic medium number 4 with and without 5% salt . This study was performed for 107 strains at 37 degrees C, after 24 and 48 h incubation, with an inoculum size of 10(6) CFU . S . aureus strains were considered resistant whenever MICs were greater than or equal to 8 mg/l . Forty seven (44%) methicillin-resistant strains were detected . Thirty one were high level resistant mutants and sixteen showed the heterogeneous phenomenon . Due to the high frequency of resistant strains among clinical specimens in this country, the routine use of elaborate screening tests with special media and or prolonged incubation time is justified.

Dev Neurosci, 1983-84, 6(6), 335 - 44
Peripherin, a new member of the intermediate filament protein family; Portier MM et al.; Peripherin, a Triton-insoluble protein, whose distribution was found to be restricted to neurons in the rodent and human peripheral nervous system, was characterized by its electrophoretic features (isoelectric point: 5.6; molecular weight: 56,000 daltons) and by its peptidic map after limited proteolysis . Comparative peptide analysis of the 70,000-dalton subunit of neurofilaments (70K NFP), vimentin and peripherin, was performed by two different methods; limited proteolysis with Staphylococcus aureus V8 protease yields a different peptidic map for each protein; treatment with N-chlorosuccinimide, which cleaves preferentially at tryptophan residues, yields only two peptides from each protein: the size of the two fragments indicates that these proteins possess a single tryptophan residue located in the central part of the molecule . A rabbit antiserum raised against mouse peripherin decorated an intracellular filamentous network in mouse neuroblastoma NIE 115 cell line . The IgG fraction of the antiserum recognizes peripherin and the smallest subunit of the neurofilament triplet (70K NFP)--but not vimentin--whereas a monoclonal anti-70K NFP recognizes only the 70K NFP . Moreover, peripherin displays the common antigenic determinant shared by all intermediate filament proteins . Hence, we propose that peripherin represents a new member of the intermediate filament protein family, and might belong to the neurofilament class.

Scand J Infect Dis Suppl, 1983, 41, 132 - 9
Serological diagnosis of deep Staphylococcus aureus infections by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for staphylococcal hemolysins and teichoic acid; Granstrom M et al.; An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used with a purified alpha-toxin preparation to measure the serum IgG, IgM and IgA response in staphylococcal septicaemia and endocarditis . ELISA for IgG antibodies against alpha-toxin was found to be more sensitive than the neutralization test (ASTA) . IgM and IgA antibody determination was found to be of limited diagnostic value . A correlation between IgG antibodies to alpha-toxin and purified beta-toxin was found in ELISA, although antibody determination to beta-toxin was a less sensitive diagnostic method . The highest diagnostic sensitivity in deep staphylococcal infections was obtained by parallel performance of ELISA to alpha-toxin and purified teichoic acid . By this approach, 32/35 (91%) patients with endocarditis, 12/14 (86%) with complicated septicaemia and 15/22 (68%) with uncomplicated septicaemia showed increased titres in samples drawn between days 7-30 of disease . Diagnostic sensitivity was further increased to 31/32 (97%) positive patients, when paired or multiple samples from patients with septicaemic staphylococcal disease were analysed.

J Immunoassay, 1983, 4(4), 373 - 93
Diagnosis of acute acquired toxoplasmosis with the enzyme-labelled antigen reversed immunoassay for immunoglobulin M antibodies; Franco EL et al.; The reversed enzyme-labelled antigen immunoassay (R-EIA), based on the capture of serum immunoglobulin M antibodies (IgM) and subsequent addition of Toxoplasma gondii soluble antigen tagged with peroxidase and substrate, was evaluated comparatively with the IgM-indirect immunofluorescence test (IgM-IIF) for the detection of anti-toxoplasma IgM antibodies in sera from individuals with diagnosed acute acquired toxoplasmosis . Additional serum groups from normal healthy individuals and sera presenting possible nonspecific reactivities were also evaluated . Complete specificity of R-EIA was shown . There was no correlation between the magnitude of R-EIA results and IgM-IIF titers, but a positive (although not linear) correlation was found between R-EIA and the IgM-IIF titers obtained after adsorption of sera with Staphylococcus aureus protein A . Direct labelling of the antigen by a simple coupling technique facilitated the assay standardization and improved its signal-to-noise ratio.

Scand J Infect Dis Suppl, 1983, 39, 97 - 9
Influence of amoxycillin and cefaclor on the colonization resistance of oropharynx; van Saene HK et al.; A randomized, double-blind, controlled trial was carried out to compare amoxycillin and cefaclor in the treatment of respiratory tract infections in general practice . Their effect on the microflora of the oropharynx, their clinical effectiveness, side-effects and the incidence of superinfections were monitored . Amoxycillin and cefaclor were given three times daily in a dosage of 375 and 250 mg, respectively, for 7 days . In 72 patients treated with amoxycillin, the oropharynx became colonized with resistant Gram-negative rods in 24, with Pseudomonas in 1, with Staphylococcus aureus in 3 and with yeasts in 2 patients . In 67 patients treated with cefaclor only 2 patients became colonized with Gram-negative rods . In the amoxycillin group, 5 superinfections developed within 4 weeks after treatment . No superinfection occurred after treatment with cefaclor . Clinically, cefaclor was more effective than amoxycillin and showed fewer side-effects.

Clin Exp Hypertens A, 1983, 5(7-8), 941 - 59
Structure of mouse submaxillary gland renin; Misono KS et al.; To determine the structural basis for the highly specific action of renin, structural features of the active site and the complete amino acid sequence of mouse submaxillary gland renin were determined . A rapid method was developed for a large scale purification of renin from mouse submaxillary gland . The active site of renin was shown to consist of 2 aspartyl residues, 2 tyrosyl residues and one arginyl residue, the structures analogous to the active site of pepsin and other acid proteases . Renin was found to consist of one heavy chain (Mr = 31,036) and one light chain (Mr = 5,458) connected by a disulfide bridge . Amino acid sequences of these chains were determined using overlapping peptides generated by cleavage with cyanogen bromide, trypsin, Staphylococcus aureus protease and Lysobacter enzymogenes endoproteinase Lys-C . Sequences involving 2 catalytically essential aspartyl residues 32 and 215, characteristic to acid proteases, were found identical with pepsin, penicillopepsin and chymosin . The sequence of L-chain was homologous with carboxyl terminal region of porcine pepsin in 46% of amino acid residues . H-chain showed 41% homology with 284 residues on the amino-terminal side of the porcine pepsin molecule . Residues identical in renin and acid proteases are distributed throughout the length of the molecules, suggesting a similarity in their overall structure.

Arch Virol, 1983, 76(4), 359 - 63
Enzymatic cleavage of a glycoprotein of respiratory syncytial virus; Spring SB et al.; The 75K glycoprotein of the A2 strain of respiratory syncytial virus was cleaved by digestion with trypsin or Staphylococcus aureus protease V8 . The fragments resulting from trypsin digestion were 40K and 29K; those from the Staphylococcal protease were 49K and 37K.

Adv Shock Res, 1983, 9, 241 - 55
Influence of septic peritonitis on circulating fibronectin, immunoglobulin, and complement: relationship to reticuloendothelial phagocytic function; McCafferty MH et al.; This study was designed to quantify the changes in the major serum opsonins--ie, fibronectin, IgG, and C3--during Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli peritonitis as they may functionally relate to RES phagocytic function . Both forms of peritonitis were characterized by acute depletion of fibronectin, IgG, and C3 within 6 h . By 24 h, C3 levels had returned to control levels in both groups . IgG levels remained depressed 24 h following the induction of E coli peritonitis but had normalized by 24 h after Staph aureus challenge . In contrast, fibronectin was markedly elevated by 24 h with both E coli and Staph aureus peritonitis . Hepatic RES phagocytic function was significantly stimulated following induction of either Staph aureus or E coli peritonitis . The rapid increase in fibronectin as well as RES activation during septic peritonitis may represent a generalized host-defense response.

Acta Paediatr Scand, 1983 Jan, 72(1), 87 - 91
Endotoxin clearance by exchange blood transfusion in septic shock neonates; Togari H et al.; The role of exchange transfusion with fresh whole blood in septic shock infants was evaluated . Endotoxin was positive in 8 of 10 infants and completely removed from 6 by exchange transfusion . All 6 infants with negative endotoxins after exchange transfusions survived, but 2 with positive reactions died despite the exchange transfusion . Staphylococcus aureus was cultured in the blood from 2 infants with negative reactions and one of them survived . These findings suggested that the clearance of endotoxin has an important role in exchange transfusion among septic shock neonates.

Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1983 Jan, 23(1), 98 - 104
Binding of monobactams to penicillin-binding proteins of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus: relation to antibacterial activity; Georgopapadakou NH et al.; A series of novel monocyclic beta-lactam antibiotics having side chains related to penicillin, piperacillin, azlocillin, and cefotaxime were examined with respect to binding to essential penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) in Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus . In the penicillin series, there was poor binding to all essential PBPs of E . coli (greater than 100 micrograms/ml) but good binding to PBPs 1, 2, and 3 of S . aureus (approximately 1 microgram/ml) . In the piperacillin and azlocillin series, there was good binding to PBP 3 of E . coli (0.1 microgram/ml) and PBPs 1, 2, and 3 of S . aureus (approximately 1 microgram/ml) . In the cefotaxime series, there was generally good binding to PBP 3 of E . coli (0.1 micrograms/ml) but poor binding to PBPs 1, 2, and 3 of S . aureus (greater than or equal to 100 micrograms/ml) . With a few exceptions in the cefotaxime series, antibacterial activity paralleled essential PBP binding . Binding studies with radioactively labeled compounds revealed no additional essential monobactam-binding proteins in the two organisms . The studies suggest that monobactams are intrinsically active against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria; the activity spectrum of a given monobactam is determined by the binding to essential PBPs, which in turn is determined by the nature of the substituents on the beta-lactam nucleus.

Surgery, 1983 Jan, 93(1 Pt 2), 197 - 200
Metronidazole as a prophylactic agent in wound infection after colon surgery; Hinchey EJ et al.; Metronidazole was the most effective antianaerobic agent tested in an in vitro system that used a high-density inoculum of mixed enteric organisms . A prospective randomized clinical trial assessing metronidazole and neomycin against erythromycin and neomycin as preoperative bowel preparations demonstrated a marked reduction in the anaerobic flora of patients receiving metronidazole . A second trial revealed that intravenous metronidazole administered 1 hour before and at 8 and 16 hours after the operation provided similar protection against wound infection . Our total experience with 181 patients receiving metronidazole either by mouth or intravenously was three wound infections caused by aerobic enteric organisms, as incidence of 1.6% . There was no wound infection owing to anaerobic organisms of gut origin . The residual problem was that of six wound infections resulting from Staphylococcus aureus presumed to be of skin origin.

Rev Argent Microbiol, 1983, 15(3), 147 - 55
{Cottage-industry and semi-industrial ice-creams . Incidence of Staphylococcus aureus and enterotoxigenicity}; Rivas M et al.; Sixty seven samples of ice-creams were taken from seven different semi-industrial and small-scale shops . 43.3% of the samples were positive for the investigation of Staphylococcus aureus in 1 g; 88% showed less than 10 St . aureus in 1 g; 10.5% between 10 and 100 and 1.5% between 101 and 1,000 . In 29 strains was investigated enterotoxigenicity, as well as the response to different biochemical tests and the susceptibility to antibiotics: 21% of the strains were toxigenic (4 produced enterotoxin A, 1 enterotoxin B and 1 enterotoxins A and D) . There was no difference between the toxigenic and non-toxigenic strains when biochemical tests were performed (catalase test, coagulase test, thermostable nuclease production, anaerobic utilization of glucose and mannitol, gelatin and casein hydrolysis, production of hemolysins and pigments) . All the strains showed susceptibility to different antibiotics . On the basis of the present study it is proposed to incorporate in article 1075 of the Argentine Food Code the limit of 100 Staphylococcus aureus in 1 g of ice creams.

Chemotherapy, 1983, 29(6), 419 - 27
Synergism of the antimicrobial agents miconazole, bacitracin and polymyxin B; Cornelissen F et al.; The antibacterial activity of a combination of miconazole with bacitracin against Staphylococcus epidermidis or Staphylococcus aureus, was greater than the sum of the effects observed with the two drugs independently . Since no uptake changes were observed, this synergism may originate from a combined effect of miconazole and bacitracin on the biosynthesis of the carrier lipid, undecaprenyl-phosphate, resulting in an impairment of cell wall integrity . The synergism between these drugs and polymyxin B may be due to an increased accessibility of the cell membrane to polymyxin B . Miconazole and bacitracin, alone or in combination, are completely inactive against Escherichia coli . Since polymyxin B disturbs the permeability barrier and stimulates the uptake of miconazole, the synergism of polymyxin B, miconazole and bacitracin may originate from the ability of miconazole and bacitracin to penetrate the bacterial membranes in the presence of polymyxin B.

C R Seances Soc Biol Fil, 1983, 177(2), 211 - 6
{Relation between cyclic AMP and phagocytosis in human monocytes}; Merdrignac G et al.; The involvement of cyclic adenosine 3'-5' monophosphate (cAMP) in the regulation of human monocyte phagocytosis of staphylococcus aureus in vitro was demonstrated by assay of adenylate cyclase (AC) and cAMP phosphodiesterase (PDE) . Phagocytosis was associated with diminished AC activity (p less than 0,05) and concurrently increased PDE activity (p less than 0,005) . Transmission electron microscopy provided evidence that these changes coincide with peak phagocytic activity occuring 10-20 minutes after the start of phagocytosis.

Intervirology, 1983, 20(1), 42 - 7
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) antigens on HSV-transformed rat cells can be demonstrated by rosette formation with Staphylococcus aureus protein-A-coated sheep red blood cells; Nachtigal M et al.; Two rat embryo cell lines transformed by herpes simplex virus (HSV) and four tumor cell lines derived from inoculation of HSV-transformed cells formed rosettes after treatment with rabbit or human anti-HSV IgG and sheep red blood cells coated with protein A of Staphylococcus aureus, Cowan I strain . The frequency of rosette-forming cells after treatment with rabbit anti-HSV IgG at a concentration of 0.01 mg/10(6) cells varied between 41.6 and 73% depending on the cell line . Pretreatment of HSV-transformed cells with rabbit anti-HSV IgG Fab prevented rosette formation after treatment with rabbit or human anti-HSV IgG . Trypsin digestion of transformed cells reduced significantly the proportion of rosettes formed with human or rabbit anti-HSV IgG . The microscopic visualization of rosette formation on HSV-transformed cells is consistent with the expression of HSV-specific antigens on the cell surface.

Arzneimittelforschung, 1983, 33(4), 578 - 9
{Concentrations of cefotiam in serum, heart valves, muscle and adipose tissue during heart surgery}; Just HM et al.; In 20 patients undergoing heart surgery, concentrations of cefotiam (Halospor) in plasma, heart valves, muscles and subcutaneous tissue were determined after intravenous injection of 2 g . Within 5 h cefotiam serum concentration declined from 18 micrograms/ml to 7 micrograms/ml, the concentrations in heart valves declined from 22 micrograms/g to 4 micrograms/g . In heart valves the concentrations during heart surgery were high enough to inhibit most Staphylococcus aureus, E . coli and Klebsiella strains.

Biomaterials, 1983 Jan, 4(1), 44 - 8
Synthesis of N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide copolymers with antimicrobial activity; Solovskij MV et al.; Copolymers of N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide which contained up to 20 mol % of p-nitrophenyl esters of N-methacryloylated oligopeptides, and of N-methacryloylaminophenoxyacetic acids (o-, m-, p-) have been prepared . The aminolyses of these polymers with tert . butylamine, ampicillin and 6-aminopenicillanic acid were kinetically characterized . Based on these results polymer bound ampicillin and polymer bound 6-aminopenicillanic acid were prepared . These preparations possessed antimicrobial activity; they inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus 209 P.

Scand J Infect Dis Suppl, 1983, 41, 19 - 29
Frequency, phage types and antibiotic resistance of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from blood cultures in Denmark 1975-1981; Rosendal K et al.; In the period 1975-1981, 4060 cases of Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia were recorded in Denmark, and the corresponding strains were examined . The percentage of strains, resistant to penicillin only, rose to 82, and the percentage of multiply-resistant strains fell to five . Newer phage types (94, 96 and 95) increased from 10% to 27% of the material . These strains were usually resistant only to penicillin, but produced large amounts of penicillinase . The ample penicillinase production has also been characteristic for previous epidemic strains, and it is furthermore correlated to mortality . The overall mortality of 34.6% was lower than that of the preceding period . Mortality rates were highest in elderly patients, nosocomial cases, patients with serious primary diseases and endocarditis cases.

J Immunopharmacol, 1983, 5(1-2), 77 - 91
Bacteria-immune system interactions . IX . Modulation of human and murine cytotoxic reactions by crude lipoteichoic acid extracted from Staphylococcus aureus; Whigham EA et al.; Crude lipoteichoic acid extracts of Staphylococcus aureus (SA-LTA) or Bacillus glogigii (Bg-LTA) inhibited cytotoxic reactions when added at day 0 to human or murine mixed lymphocyte reactions (MLR) . The inhibition was dose dependent, and at low Sa-LTA concentrations it did not require reduction of thymidine incorporation into effector lymphocytes . In the murine system, Sa-LTA was a much more potent inhibitor than Bg-LTA . LTAs of both origin also could inhibit cytotoxic reactions when bound to stimulator cells . However, the LTA derivatized stimulator cells were much more inhibitory in the human than in the murine MLR . The inhibition of human cytotoxic reaction by Sa-LTA derivatized stimulator was not associated with a significant reduction of thymidine incorporation in effector cells.

J Hyg Epidemiol Microbiol Immunol, 1983, 27(2), 155 - 62
Transferability of antibiotic resistance determinants in strains of Staphylococcus aureus belonging to different phage groups; Janosek J et al.; A total of 107 donor strains of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from clinical material, with a high incidence of multiresistant strains belonging predominantly to phage group III, were tested for transmission of determinants of resistance to 6 antibiotics using mixed cultures of donor strains and the recipient Staphylococcus aureus strain 5849-fur-r, rif-r . The capability of strains to transfer resistance markers to the recipient was found to depend neither on phage group nor phage type to which the donor strain belonged, but strains possessing multiple resistance to antibiotics effectuated transfers at comparatively higher frequencies.

Mol Gen Genet, 1983, 190(2), 271 - 7
Cloning and expression of the staphylokinase gene of Staphylococcus aureus in Escherichia coli; Sako T et al.; Restriction fragments of DNA from bacteriophage S phi-C of Staphylococcus aureus which carries the gene for staphylokinase, one of the plasminogen activators, were cloned onto plasmid pBR322 . Recombinant plasmids carrying the 2.5 kilobase pair segment of S phi-C DNA confer on Escherichia coli cells the capacity to synthesize staphylokinase . The enzyme is synthesized in amounts comparable to that found in S . aureus, and irrespective of the orientation of cloned fragments and their insertion site on pBR322 . The active enzyme produced by E . coli cells is preferentially recovered from the periplasmic space and in part excreted into the culture medium . It is indistinguishable from the enzyme produced by S . aureus in molecular weight, as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and in antigenicity, as determined by the micro-Ouchterlony precipitation test.

Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1983 Jan, 23(1), 151 - 60
Conjugational transfer of gentamicin resistance plasmids intra- and interspecifically in Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis; McDonnell RW et al.; We have previously reported the transfer of gentamicin resistance (Gmr) plasmids in a mixed culture inter- and intraspecifically between strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis isolated at Michael Reese Hospital (Jaffe et al., Antimicrob . Agents Chemother . 21:773-779, 1982) . We have now shown that representatives of these plasmids were transferred between apparently nonlysogenic strains of S . aureus either in mixed culture in broth or by filter-mating on agar medium . The mechanism of transfer appeared to be conjugation . A transferable Gmr plasmid (pSH8) mobilized or cotransferred a tetracycline R-plasmid and a chloramphenicol R-plasmid that were not independently transferable . The transfer of Gmr plasmids was accompanied by a high incidence of deletion mutations with varied loss of plasmid resistance determinants and, with some mutants, loss of the ability to effect self-transfer . Restriction endonuclease digestion of pSH8 and its deletion mutants made it possible to assign the property of self-transfer to a specific segment of the pSH8 genome and provided the basis for a physical and genetic map of that plasmid . Similar Gmr plasmids from S . aureus strains isolated in locations remote from Michael Reese Hospital had resistance determinants and transfer properties comparable to those of pSH8 . Our observations provide evidence for the conjugal transfer of some staphylococcal plasmids, apparently independent of the presence of phage . This mechanism may be of significance in the intra- and interspecific dissemination of resistance to aminoglycosides and other antibiotics in Staphylococcus spp.

Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1983 Jan, 23(1), 138 - 41
Retrospective study of the toxicity of preparations of vancomycin from 1974 to 1981; Farber BF et al.; A retrospective chart review of 98 patients treated with 100 courses of intravenous vancomycin was undertaken to better define its toxicity . Most of the patients carried diagnoses of Staphylococcus aureus or Staphylococcus epidermidis infection . Auditory toxicity was not seen, and fever and rash occurred in only 1 to 3% of the subjects . Phlebitis was noted in 13% of the cases and required discontinuation of therapy in 2% . Therapy was complicated by neutropenia (polymorphonuclear leukocyte count, less than or equal to 1,000 cells per cm3) in 2% of the patients but was rapidly reversible . Nephrotoxicity was uncommon (5%) and reversible in subjects receiving vancomycin alone, even when the therapy was continued . However, 35% of the patients receiving vancomycin with an aminoglycoside developed significant elevations in serum creatinine . Although this high incidence may have been due to the patient population selected or to the aminoglycoside therapy alone, the possibility of additive toxicity between vancomycin and the aminoglycosides should be considered.

Acta Microbiol Pol, 1983, 32(4), 398 - 404
The survival of Staphylococcus aureus in raw milk with different cell count; Bassalik-Chabielska L et al.; The antibacterial activity of the individual udder quarter milk sample cannot be evaluated by the number of somatic cells . Milk with the highest number of cells is not always the most bactericidal . However, when the data were obtained from a material large enough for statistical calculations, negative and highly significant correlation coefficient (-0.465, P less than or equal to 0.01) between number of somatic cells in milk and number of bacteria surviving in it, and negative and significant correlation coefficient (-0.203, P 0.05) between number of somatic cells in milk and number of bacteria surviving in whey, were found . Results of the analysis of variance demonstrated highly significant differences as regards number of cells and bacteria surviving in milk and in whey between cows, quarters and stimulation time . Nevertheless, among ten investigated cows, three cows with high cell count and high antibacterial activity in milk and whey, highly reacting to stimulant, were found.

Acta Microbiol Pol, 1983, 32(3), 245 - 56
Naturally occurring drug resistance plasmids in hospital strains of Staphylococcus aureus; Mlynarczyk G et al.; A genetic analysis of multiply inorganic salts and antibiotic--resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus was performed . Experiments designed to show reversion of organisms to antibiotic and inorganic salt susceptibility, as well as studies on the influence of ultraviolet irradiation of phage on the transduction frequencies of the resistance markers, indicated that determinants of chloramphenicol, tetracycline, aminoglycoside antibiotics, inorganic salts, and penicillin resistance in hospital strain are present on separate plasmids . Transduced by us plasmids pN742 and pN794 determined resistance to neomycin, kanamycin, paromomycin, lividomycin and streptomycin.

Cancer Immunol Immunother, 1983, 14(3), 196 - 201
Immunochemical characterization of a human high molecular weight--melanoma associated antigen identified with monoclonal antibodies; Wilson BS et al.; Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel analysis of a high molecular weight (HMW) human melanoma associated antigen (MAA) defined by murine monoclonal antibodies revealed a number of distinct polypeptides ranging from 80,000 up to 280,000 daltons, in addition to an extremely heterogeneous group of components distributed over a wide range in apparent molecular weight (300,000-700,000 daltons) . The 280,000 dalton and the larger heterogeneous molecular weight material are glycosylated since they are labeled with 3H-sugars . The HMW-MAA is readily solubilized in the absence of detergents and the entire series of polypeptides fractionates together in the void volume of a Sephadex G200 column . Peptide maps of the various polypeptides of the HMW-MAA, generated by Staphylococcus aureus V-8 protease, are essentially the same except that some of the proteolytic fragments derived from the lower molecular weight polypeptides (80,000 daltons) are present in greater amounts than are similar fragments derived from the larger molecular weight polypeptides; the latter finding suggests that the complexity in molecular weight of the MAA may reflect combinations of several base subunits . Proteolytic cleavage of the HMW-MAA generates a number of peptides ranging in molecular weight from 77,000 daltons to less than 12,000 daltons, which still react with monoclonal antibodies and can distinguish monoclonal antibodies specific for different antigenic determinants of this MAA.

Diagn Immunol, 1983, 1(3), 261 - 5
Infection and T lymphocyte subpopulations: changes associated with bacteremia and the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome; Fishman JA et al.; Patients with bacteremia, bacterial endocarditis, or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) were prospectively studied using monoclonal antibody reagents to assess alterations in T-lymphocyte subpopulations . Patients with endocarditis had significantly higher ratios of T-helper (OKT4+) to T-suppressor-cytotoxic (OKT8+) cells than did patients with bacteremia alone . Staphylococcus aureus endocarditis patients had a mean ratio of 8.49 (range 4.73-22.36) while S aureus bacteremia had a mean ratio of 2.75 (range 2.15 to 3.21) . Similar results were found with Staphylococcus epidermidis endocarditis (mean 1.62) and bacteremia (mean 1.23) . Klebsiella pneumoniae endocarditis (5.10) and sepsis (4.32), and E coli bacteremia (2.15) . Nine male patients with AIDS had markedly depressed ratios (mean 0.25, range 0.04 to 0.67) while eight male homosexuals with unexplained lymphadenopathy ("pre-AIDS") had normal or increased ratios . Bacteremic infections are associated with an increased OKT4+/OKT8+ ratio with the degree of increase dependent upon virulence, location, and duration of infection . The immunomodulating effects of infection are manifested in changes in T-cell subsets, and these measurements can be useful in clinical management.

J Biol Chem, 1982 Dec 25, 257(24), 14788 - 94
Fibronectin binding to Staphylococcus aureus; Proctor RA et al.; Bacteria are able to interact with a number of macromolecules which act as opsonins or tissue-adherence factors . Because soluble fibronectin may be important factors . Because soluble fibronectin may be important in the phagocytic removal of bacteria and insoluble fibronectin may serve as a bridge between bacteria and host tissues, we have characterized the binding of soluble plasma fibronectin to Staphylococcus aureus as a first step to understanding these interactions . The binding of 125I-fibronectin to clinical and laboratory strains of S . aureus was studied . Bound fibronectin was separated from free fibronectin by centrifugation . Specific binding was determined by subtracting the amount bound in the presence of excess fibronectin from the total amount bound . We found that (i) fibronectin bound saturably, irreversibly, and noncovalently to S . aureus when the binding reaction was carried out at pH 7.4 or greater; (ii) S . aureus harvested in logarithmic phase of growth from media buffered to pH 8.4, and from brain-heart infusion media which demonstrated the greatest number of fibronectin-binding sites; (iii) high molecular weight dextrans, fibrinogen, cyanogen bromide fragment 7 of collagen, cationic proteins, dibromide fragment 7 of collagen, cationic proteins, dithiothreitol, and protein A did not alt er fibronectin binding to S . aureus; (iv) nonsaturable binding occurred below pH 7.0 with peak binding occurring at pH 5.8; and (v) there were marked differences in the amounts of fibronectin that bind to different strains of S . aureus . S . aureus ATCC 25923, when harvested in logarithmic phase of growth from tryptic soy broth and tested for fibronectin binding in (2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid-buffered saline, pH 7.4, had 7500 binding sites/organism with an apparent association constant of 5.6 X 10(9) M-1.

Biochemistry, 1982 Dec 21, 21(26), 6879 - 83
Interaction of Staphylococcus aureus delta-lysin with phospholipid monolayers; Bhakoo M et al.; The interactions of purified staphylococcal delta-lysin and melittin with various phospholipid monolayers containing different polar head groups and fatty acid moieties and with monolayers of cod and sheep erythrocyte lipids at various initial film pressures (pi i) were studied by using the Wilhelmy plate method . In each case the final increase in surface pressure (delta pi) was a linear function of pi i . In the case of delta-lysin, the critical pressures (pi c, the extrapolated values of pi i at delta pi = 0) for phosphatidylcholines with different fatty acid chain length, dipalmitoylphospholipids with different polar head groups, and cod or sheep erythrocyte total lipids fell within a relatively narrow range whereas melittin showed a much wider range . The collapse pressures of the delta-lysin and melittin films at the air-water interface when adsorbed from the hypophase were very similar . delta-Lysin showed little or no specificity in its interactions with all types of lipid films studied, whereas melittin showed preferential interaction with films of acidic lipid, similar to the specificity reported for cardiotoxins of Naja mossambica mossambica described by other workers.

Biochim Biophys Acta, 1982 Dec 20, 709(2), 273 - 83
Comparisons of highly purified hepatic microsomal cytochromes P-450 from Holtzman and Long-Evans rats; Ryan DE et al.; The present study describes the purification and characterization of strain variant forms of a major phenobarbital-inducible microsomal hemoprotein, cytochrome P-450b, from Holtzman and Long-Evans rats . The strain variant hemoproteins cannot be resolved by sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis, but can be partially separated in two-dimensional isoelectric focusing SDS gels . If, however, sodium tetradecyl sulfate is incorporated into the one-dimensional gel system, separation of the cytochromes P-450b is achieved . Minor structural differences are detected in the peptides of the cytochromes P-450b following limited proteolysis by Staphylococcus aureus V8 protease, cleavage by cyanogen bromide, or reverse-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography of tryptic peptides . The strain variant cytochromes P-450b are immunochemically and spectrally indistinguishable . The optical spectra of the ferric and ferrous hemoproteins are identical, as are the CO- and ethylisocyanide-reduced difference spectra . Ferrous cytochromes P-450b from both rat strains effectively bind metyrapone with equivalent affinities . In addition, the cytochromes P-450b do not differ in their catalytic activities toward benzphetamine, hexobarbital, benzo {a}pyrene, zoxazolamine, 7-ethoxycoumarin, estradiol-17 beta and testosterone . Cytochrome P-450c, the predominant isozyme inducible in rat liver by 3-methylcholanthrene, was purified from Holtzman and Long-Evans rats . Cytochromes P-450c from both rat strains are indistinguishable based on electrophoretic, immunological, spectral and catalytic properties . Minor structural differences in the cytochromes P-450c were revealed in the reverse-phase high-pressure liquid chromatographic profiles of the tryptic peptides of these hemoproteins, but not in the peptides generated by limited proteolysis or cleavage with cyanogen bromide.

J Biol Chem, 1982 Dec 10, 257(23), 13877 - 9
A lymphoma protein with an in vitro site of tyrosine phosphorylation homologous to that in pp60src; Casnellie JE et al.; The major in vitro substrate for a tyrosine protein kinase in the particulate fraction of the lymphoma cell line LSTRA is a protein of molecular weight of 58,000 (pp58) (Casnellie, J . E . Harrison, M . L., Pike, L . J., Hellstrom, K . E., and Krebs, E . G . (1982) Proc . Natl . Acad . Sci . U . S . A . 79, 282-286) . In order to determine if this protein was related to pp60src, the transformation-specific protein from Rous sarcoma virus, partial proteolysis maps of in vitro 32P-labeled pp58 and pp60src were prepared using Staphylococcus aureus V8 protease and papain . The maps were clearly different, indicating the pp58 is distinct from pp60src . However characterization of the tryptic fragment containing the single site of in vitro tyrosine phosphorylation in pp58 has revealed that the amino acid sequence around this site is extremely homologous to, if not identical with the sequence around the site of tyrosine phosphorylation in pp60src.

Biochim Biophys Acta, 1982 Dec 6, 709(1), 1 - 7
Molecular organization of human L' and L pyruvate kinases; Simon MP et al.; Extremities, peptide maps and phosphorylatable site localization of human erythrocyte L' and liver L pyruvate kinases (EC 2.7.1.40) were investigated . L' and L subunits seemed to have similar, blocked NH2 termini and differ in their sensitivity to carboxypeptidase A, that is to say in their C-terminal ends . After digestion by Staphylococcus aureus V8 protease, the phosphorylated sites of both L' and L subunits were located on those peptides which were different in L' and L, that is to say on the C-terminal sides . A mild proteolytic attack of the native tetrameric enzymes by trypsin partially degraded the phosphorylatable peptides without removing the phosphoserine residue; in the same conditions, chymotrypsin split off this phosphorylated residue and subtilisin totally degraded the phosphorylated peptides . From these results it appears, therefore, that age-dependent proteolytic degradation of L' subunits in old red cells involves the C-terminal side of the molecules, ultimately resulting in cleavage of the phosphorylated site . Since erythrocyte L' and liver L subunits are encoded by different species of messenger RNAs, our results indicate, in addition, that these messenger RNA species should differ by their 3' coding sequences.

J Antibiot (Tokyo), 1982 Dec, 35(12), 1700 - 4
Increase of cardiolipin content in Staphylococcus aureus by the use of antibiotics affecting the cell wall; Kariyama R; Effect of antibiotics affecting cell wall synthesis on phospholipid composition in Staphylococcus aureus 209P was examined . Each antibiotic was added in the middle exponential growth phase and the growth was followed turbidimetrically . Penicillin, fosfomycin, cycloserine, moenomycin and cefazolin caused a leveling off of turbidity and growth to cease without lysis . Enramycin and bacitracin were bacteriolytic . Bacteriolytic antibiotics caused a greater increase of cardiolipin content than those that were non-bacteriolytic . The amount of phosphatidylglycerol decreased in proportion to the increment of cardiolipin content . Since bacteriolytic antibiotics bind to undecaprenol, the role of cardiolipin was discussed in relation to the mechanism of synthesis of cell surface materials.

Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek, 1982 Dec, 48(5), 447 - 55
A simple purification method for enterotoxin F produced by Staphylococcus aureus and some properties of the toxin; Notermans S et al.; Staphyloccoccus aureus enterotoxin F (SEF), which is associated with S . aureus strains isolated from toxic-shock-syndrome patients, was purified by successive chromatography on CM sephadex C-25 and gelfiltration on sephadex G-75 . When tested by disc-polyacrylamide gel-electrophoresis the toxin migrated as a homogeneous protein . In SDS-polyacrylamide gel-electrophoresis three protein bands were observed . The main component had a mol wt of 23 000 and the two minor components had a mol wt less than 13 000 . By iso-electric focussing a main protein band with an iso-electric point of 7.2 was obtained . The LD50 for rabbits (3-3.5 kg) by subcutaneous and intravenous application of SEF was 6 micrograms and 180 micrograms, respectively . Antibodies to SEF prepared in a sheep did not react with other staphylococcal enterotoxins (A to E).

J Pediatr Surg, 1982 Dec, 17(6), 975 - 8
The sore psoas: a difficult diagnosis in childhood; Smith S et al.; Nontuberculous psoas abscess is an unusual disease of childhood . The symptoms closely mimic those of other disorders and delay of treatment is commonplace . Eight children (age range 1.5-12 yr) have been treated for psoas abscess . Each presented with a history of fever (38-40 degrees C) and pain . The pain was localized to the hip (3-right, 4-left) and aggravated by ambulation in 7 cases . In 6 children, there was associated lower abdominal tenderness and flexion of the involved hip at rest with resistance to extension . Only 1 child was correctly suspected of having a psoas abscess . Delay in appropriate therapy averaged 5 days (range 1-20 days) . Five children underwent joint aspiration and an additional 3 underwent abdominal exploration prior to diagnosis . Surgical drainage was subsequently performed in each case . A retroperitoneal approach, either flank or inguinal, was employed . Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from all cultures . Primary psoas abscess is seldom included in the differential diagnosis of septic lower abdominal and/or lower extremity pain . It should, however, be considered, particularly in the child with classic findings of psoas irritation.

J Biochem (Tokyo), 1982 Dec, 92(6), 1933 - 9
Purification and properties of a novel lipase from Staphylococcus aureus 226; Muraoka T et al.; A novel lipase of Staphylococcus aureus 226 was purified by ammonium sulfate precipitation followed by successive chromatographies on hydroxylapatite, Sephadex G-200 and G-150 . This method gave 385-fold purification of the enzyme from the culture medium in a yield of 25% . The purified enzyme appeared homogeneous on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and isoelectric focusing . The purified lipase hydrolyzed all the triacylglycerols and 1-monoacylglycerols tested, showing maximal activity with trilaurin and 1-monoolein . Furthermore, 2-monoolein was also found to be one of the best substrates for the lipase . The optimum temperature of the purified enzyme was 60 degrees C with triolein . The molecular weight of the enzyme was reduced in the presence of sodium deoxycholate and was estimated as 34,000 by gel filtration and its isoelectric point as 9.7 . Mg2+ and Ca2+ ions enhanced the enzymatic reaction, whereas Mn2+ ions were inhibitory . p-Chloromercuribenzoate, iodoacetamide, and N-ethylmaleimide did not inhibit the enzyme.

Gann, 1982 Dec, 73(6), 850 - 3
Establishment of hybridoma clones which produce anti-chick embryo DNA polymerase alpha monoclonal antibodies; Matsukage A et al.; Four hybridoma clones which produce monoclonal antibodies against chick embryo DNA polymerase alpha have been established . Antibodies produced by the four clones all belonged to the gamma 1-type IgG and precipitated enzyme activity in the presence of Staphylococcus aureus cells . An affinity column prepared with one of the monoclonal antibodies (clone 6-1E) and protein A-Sepharose retained DNA polymerase alpha activity as well as the 135,000 approximately 150,000 and 50,000 approximately 60,000 dalton polypeptides of this enzyme . Thus, the antibody is specific to DNA polymerase alpha.

Tijdschr Diergeneeskd, 1982 Dec 1, 107(23), 889 - 95
{Staphylococcus aureus in poultry slaughter lines}; Notermans S et al.; The skins of slaughtered poultry were studied for the presence of Staphylococcus aureus in eight poultry-processing plants . Bacteriophage typing showed that S . aureus persisted as 'house bacteria' in all slaughter lines under investigation . As a result of this fact, broilers became contaminated with S . aureus during the process of slaughter . The number of S . aureus organisms finding their way to the carcasses may vary from less than 10/g . of skin to greater than 50,000/g . of skin from one day to another when samples are taken . This finding is evidence of the fact that disinfection occurs at irregular intervals . However, the persistence of particular phage types in processing plants also suggests that the apparatus employed cannot be effectively cleansed and disinfected by a simple procedure.

Infect Immun, 1982 Dec, 38(3), 981 - 5
Biological effects of the interaction of staphylococcal alpha-toxin with human serum; Gemmell CG et al.; The alpha-toxin (hemolysin) of Staphylococcus aureus is known to be an important determinant of pathogenicity although its precise role in the process of infection is not understood . In this study, the interaction of alpha-toxin with the human complement system was evaluated in terms of its effect on the opsonic activity of serum for S . aureus . Phagocytosis by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes was studied by measuring the uptake of preopsonized radiolabeled bacteria . It was found that alpha-toxin-treated serum had reduced opsonic activity and that this change was associated with complement consumption via the classical pathway . Levels of C3 to C9 were reduced in proportion to the amount of toxin added to the reaction mixture; levels of C2 were markedly reduced but those of factors B and D of the alternative pathway were unaltered in the presence of alpha-toxin . Heat-inactivated toxin, which had no hemolytic activity, also interacted with the complement system but with a significantly reduced effect . In addition, alpha-toxin behaved as a chemotaxinogen for polymorphonuclear leukocytes: human serum was activated by the toxin . These studies demonstrate that the interaction of staphylococcus alpha-toxin with human serum affects two important aspects of the host response to the staphylococcus.

Infect Immun, 1982 Dec, 38(3), 960 - 8
Structural analysis of chlamydial major outer membrane proteins; Caldwell HD et al.; The primary structure and surface exposure of the major outer membrane protein (MOMP) isolated from 14C intrinsically or 125I extrinsically radiolabeled Chlamydia trachomatis serotypes D/UW-3, G/UW-57, H/UW-4, I/UW-12, and L2/434 and the Chlamydia psittaci meningopneumonitis strain were analyzed by two different peptide-mapping techniques . Radiolabeled proteins were digested with either Staphylococcus aureus V8 protease, the patterns of peptide fragments produced being displayed by sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis, or alpha-chymotrypsin, the peptides being analyzed after separation by high-voltage electrophoresis and thin-layer chromatography . The comparative structural data obtained from these two different techniques were remarkably similar . From these data, the following points could be made . (i) MOMPs are structurally heterogeneous between members of chlamydial species; the C . psittaci MOMP was clearly distinct from each of the C . trachomatis MOMPs . (ii) Considerable structural homology occurs among MOMPs from different C . trachomatis serotypes; however, distinct differences in the primary structure of each C . trachomatis MOMP were evident . (iii) These observed differences were most obvious in peptide maps of MOMPs isolated from chlamydiae that had been surface labeled by lactoperoxidase-mediated radioiodination . The surface-exposed portions of the MOMPs from serotypes L2 and D were very similar . In contrast, those from serotypes G, H, and I were quite different . These structural data are in agreement with the serospecificities described for these proteins.

Infect Immun, 1982 Dec, 38(3), 1033 - 6
Chronic glucocorticosteroid therapy impairs staphylococcal clearance from murine lungs; Nugent KM et al.; Since the clearance of Staphylococcus aureus from murine lungs after aerosol exposure depends only on regional defense processes and does not require the recruitment of neutrophils or other systemic factors, we used this model for pulmonary clearance to evaluate the effect of chronic glucocorticosteroid therapy on intrinsic pulmonary defense responses . Mice treated with oral prednisolone for 2 or more weeks had delayed clearance of S . aureus at both 6 and 22 h after aerosol exposure . Mice treated with prednisolone for 1 week had delayed clearance at 22h, and mice treated for 2 days had normal clearance . In mice that had been treated for 2 weeks, clearance returned to normal after 2 weeks off therapy, but not after 1 week . Prednisolone did not appear to alter the number of phagocytes in bronchoalveolar spaces or their ingestion capacity . These results suggest that chronic steroid therapy can alter pulmonary clearance functions independent of any effect on immune or inflammatory responses.

Arch Ophthalmol, 1982 Dec, 100(12), 1968 - 71
Phlyctenulae and catarrhal infiltrates . Occurrence in rabbits immunized with staphylococcal cell walls; Mondino BJ et al.; Rabbits immunized with a preparation of Staphylococcus aureus cell walls (CWs) mixed with complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) showed vascularized, elevated nodular infiltrates of the cornea or peripheral corneal infiltrates separated from the limbus by al lucid interval in 14 of 20 eyes (70%) after topical challenge with viable S aureus . The number of corneal lesions after topical challenge in this group differed statistically from that in normal rabbits or in rabbits immunized with S aureus peptidoglycan (PG) mixed with CFA, protein A (PA) mixed with CFA, or normal saline mixed with CFA . Skin tests in rabbits immunized with SWs mixed with CFA showed Arthus reactions to CEs, PG, and ribitol teichoic acid and delayed hypersensitivity reactions to CWs and PG . The results of the present study indicate that immunization with CW antigens of S aureus is associated with the development of phlyctenulae and catarrhal infiltrates of the rabbit cornea.

Ann Surg, 1982 Dec, 196(6), 715 - 9
Comparative influence of blood-borne nonbacterial particles and Staphylococcus aureus on fibronectin, complement and immunoglobulin; McCafferty MH et al.; Opsonic fibronectin deficiency has been documented in septic injured patients and suspected to reflect acute depletion due to blood-borne nonbacterial particulates . In the present study, the comparative effect of intravenous infusion of heat-killed Staphylococcus aureus or gelatin-coated nonbacterial test particles on immunoreactive fibronectin, IgG and C3 was investigated . These two test particles were selected because of their known dependence upon adequate opsonization for efficient RES phagocytic removal . The intravenous injection of gelatin-coated RE test lipid emulsion (50 mg/100 gm body weight) resulted in an acute depletion of serum fibronectin with no major alteration in circulating IgG or C3 . This selective depletion of fibronectin was followed by a rapid restoration and elevation of fibronectin level within 24 hours . In contrast, intravenous infusion of heat-killed S . aureus (1 X 10 11/rat) resulted in an acute depletion of fibronectin and C2 within 60 minutes . The deficiency of these opsonic proteins after bacterial challenge was followed by elevation of fibronectin and normalization of C2 . IgG was not significantly changed at any time . The decline in fibronectin and C3 was greater with an increase in bacterial dose . These studies emphasize the specificity of the opsonic deficiency induced by gelatin-coated particles . Additionally, the suggest that opsonic deficiency with S . aureus bacteremia may be, in part, functionally related to disturbances of fibronectin . The role of fibronectin deficiency in documented states of opsonic deficiency with sepsis warrants consideration.

Cancer Treat Rep, 1982 Dec, 66(12), 2027 - 31
Phase I trial of Staphylococcus aureus Cowan I immunoperfusion; Messerschmidt G et al.; Staphylococcus aureus Cowan I has shown antitumor activity in in vitro and in animal tumor models . It is hypothesized that this antineoplastic effect results from the interaction of protein A on the cell surface of Cowan I strain S . aureus and immunosuppressive circulating immune complexes . Therefore, we treated five patients with ex vivo plasma immuno-perfusion over killed and fixed S . aureus Cowan I . Toxic effects were marked in all patients and appeared to be related to the plasma volume infused and rate of infusion . Toxic reactions occurred in the cardiovascular, respiratory, and hematopoietic systems . No responses even minimal or transient, were observed in this phase I trial . This toxicity may be reduced if the rate of plasma infusion decreases.

Cancer Res, 1982 Dec, 42(12), 4970 - 4
Mechanism of regression of mammary adenocarcinomas in rats following plasma adsorption over protein A-containing Staphylococcus aureus; Ray PK et al.; The plasma from 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene-induced mammary tumor-bearing rats was adsorbed ex vivo with nonviable protein A-containing Staphylococcus aureus Cowan I and then injected into the rats, along with its original blood cells . Tumors in the treated rats showed significant (p less than 0.005) growth inhibition . There were fewer metastatic nodules; cellular cytotoxicity in the presence of plasma was augmented, and there was increased antitumor cytotoxic antibody activity in treated rats . Plasma from sham-treated rats, however, showed blocking activity . It appears that plasma perfusion over S . aureus decreases blocking activity and augments antitumor immunoreactivity of plasma . The exact mechanism by which growth of 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene-induced mammary tumors was inhibited in these treated Sprague-Dawley rats is not known . However, it is hypothesized that the observed tumor regression is at least partly attributable to the augmentation of antitumor immunoreactivity in the treated animals.

Ann Ophthalmol, 1982 Dec, 14(12), 1183 - 8
Presumed blastomycosis endophthalmitis; Bond WI et al.; A 49-year-old outdoor laborer had an endophthalmitis in one eye and small posterior segment lesions in the other, as well as raised lesions on his skin . The diagnosis of disseminated North American blastomycosis was established by the performance of a biopsy on one of the skin lesions . The ocular inflammation slowly improved with intravenous amphotericin B therapy, and the ocular lesions, presumably caused by Blastomyces dermatitidis, were followed clinically for six months . The patient died of a hospital-acquired pneumonia caused by Staphylococcus aureus.

NIPH Ann, 1982 Dec, 5(2), 51 - 6
Staphylococcal infections among newborn babies in two towns in north Norway; Skjerven O et al.; 1137 newborn infants in the towns of Harstad and Tromso were examined for Staphylococcus aureus . The children were followed for two months after birth, and 10% showed signs of infection . The first symptom occurred on the average on the ninth day of life, while the average stay in the maternity ward was six days . 85% of those being regarded on clinical grounds as infected with S aureus showed growth of this bacterium on cultivation of the specimens taken . Over 80% of the strains were resistant to penicillin G/V and approximately 11% resistant to fucidic acid . Resistance to other antibiotics was not found to present any problem . A survey of staphylococcal infections among the newborn should include both the stay in the maternity ward and the first week at home.

Nurs Clin North Am, 1982 Dec, 17(4), 665 - 75
Home management of the adult patient with leukemia; Dwyer JE et al.; The many changes that have occurred within the medical profession and among the public are taking long-term care out of the hospital and placing it back into the home . Attitudes toward cancer have altered, as seen by the rapid growth of the oncology specialty as well as the willingness of the community to allow those with cancer to return to a viable status . Even the individual who must face end-stage disease can now rest comfortably in the privacy of his or her own home, surrounded by loved ones . Improved nutritional efforts during periods of active therapy are reducing the side effects and improving the tolerance of highly cytotoxic drugs . Thus, acute episodes of treatment are shortened, allowing for earlier discharge . Individuals are demanding accurate information regarding their disease and its treatment . Patients are catalysts for their own recovery as they become more active participants in their care . Some are even choosing not to undergo suggested therapies and are returning home to put their lives in order and let disease processes take their natural course, even until death . As for leukemia, more supportive measures such as blood component therapy and evaluative work-ups are being offered on an outpatient basis . Patients are learning self-care measures to counteract or minimize side effects to chemotherapy or radiation therapy . Thus, overwhelming infection is of less risk and hospitalization is shortened . Infection, especially from Staphylococcus aureus, still remains a major cause of death of patients with leukemia . However, one must consider how prevalent this organism is in the hospital environment . Home care management is improving; care can be as comprehensive as one might need or receive in the hospital setting.

Aust J Exp Biol Med Sci, 1982 Dec, 60(6), 643 - 54
Cellular basis for differences in humoral immune responses of sheep immunized with living or killed Staphylococcus aureus vaccines; Kennedy JW et al.; An immunohistological study was made of immunoglobulin-containing cells and antibody-containing cells in abscesses/granulomas which formed at the injection site, draining popliteal nodes and contralateral popliteal nodes of sheep given either a living Staphylococcus aureus vaccine (Group L), a killed S . aureus vaccine with Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA) (Group K) or FCA alone (Group C) . The injections were made subcutaneously in the hind legs and second injections were given 4 weeks later in the same site . Very large numbers of IgM-containing cells were found in granulomas of Groups K and C at 1 week post-injection (PI) but by 2 weeks PI only small numbers were recorded . Following booster immunization, the numbers of IgM-containing cells were greater in abscesses from sheep in Group L than from granulomas from sheep in Group K . Levels for Group C remained low after 1 week PI . There was evidence that the very early IgM-containing cell response in Group K was largely unrelated to specific anti-staphylococcal antibody synthesis . The IgG2-containing cell response was significantly greater than the IgG1-containing cell response in abscesses and nodes in Group L . In contrast, for animals in Groups K and C the IgG1-containing cell response predominated over the IgG2-containing cell response in granulomas and draining nodes . There were generally greater numbers of cells containing anti-staphylococcal antibody in abscesses/granulomas and nodes in Group L than in Group K.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 1982 Dec, 44(6), 1459 - 62
Selective isolation and enumeration of low numbers of Staphylococcus aureus by a procedure that relies on elevated-temperature culturing; Van Doorne H et al.; A procedure for the selective detection of Staphylococcus aureus was elaborated, consisting of three parts: (i) enrichment in liquid Baird-Parker medium; (ii) isolation on Baird-Parker agar incubated at 43 degrees C, and (iii) confirmation by means of the test for thermostable nuclease . Elevated-temperature incubation of Baird-Parker medium did not make it inhibitory to cells stressed by heat treatment or osmotic shock.

Clin Exp Immunol, 1982 Dec, 50(3), 661 - 8
Activation of human basophils by staphylococcal protein A . I . The role of cyclic AMP, arachidonic acid metabolites, microtubules and microfilaments; Marone G et al.; Protein A from Staphylococcus aureus (Staph A) induces histamine secretion from human basophil leucocytes in the concentration range 10(-4) - 10 micrograms/ml . This reaction has great similarities to that of antigen or anti-IgE-induced release . It is characterized by a two stage reaction, requires extracellular calcium and is optimal at 37 degrees C . The rate of release is similar to that of IgE-mediated reactions . Histamine release induced by Staph A is inhibited by metabolic inhibitors, drugs which increase intracellular cyclic AMP levels, inhibitors of lipoxygenase pathways and a phospholipase A2 inhibitor . D2O and cytochalasin B which affect microtubules and microfilaments respectively, enhance histamine release induced by Staph A . These results suggest that Staph A-induced release is modulated by intracellular cyclic AMP, arachidonic acid metabolites, requires energy and is enhanced by the disruption of microfilaments and stabilization of microtubules.

J Cell Biol, 1982 Dec, 95(3), 909 - 17
Hormone-induced protein phosphorylation . II . Localization to the ribosomal fraction from rat exocrine pancreas and parotid of a 29,000-dalton protein phosphorylated in situ in response to secretagogues; Freedman SD et al.; In the preceding paper, we demonstrated that the endogenous phosphorylation of a protein with a molecular weight of 29,000 was enhanced by various secretagogues in rat pancreatic and parotid lobules, the phosphorylation of this protein correlating both temporally and in a dose-dependent fashion with secretory protein discharge . In the present study, we established a specific methodology to characterize this phosphoprotein . Once established, this 29,000-dalton phosphoprotein was then followed selectively and quantitatively throughout subcellular fractionation procedures . Analysis of two-dimensional polyacrylamide gels demonstrated that proteins with similar mobilities (Mr 29,000; pl greater than 8.4) were affected by cholecystokinin octapeptide and isoproterenol in rat pancreatic and parotid lobules, respectively, suggesting that the same 29,000-dalton phosphoprotein was covalently modified in both tissues . Cellular fractionation studies using differential velocity and sucrose density gradient centrifugation revealed that the 29,000-dalton phosphoprotein copurified with the rough microsomal fraction of pancreas and was highly enriched in ribosomal fractions of both pancreas and parotid . Electrophoresis in two dimensions confirmed that the 29,000-dalton polypeptide that was resolved directly from stimulated cells and from ribosomal fractions exhibited a common mobility, and apparent identity of the species was strongly suggested when the 29,000-dalton polypeptides from both sources were compared by peptide mapping following limited digestion with Staphylococcus aureus V8 protease . This phosphoprotein was tentatively identified as ribosomal protein S6 after analysis by pH 8.6/4.2 two-dimensional PAGE.

J Hyg (Lond), 1982 Dec, 89(3), 499 - 505
Enterotoxin production by strains of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from clinical and non-clinical specimens with special reference to enterotoxin F and toxic shock syndrome; de Nooij MP et al.; Enterotoxin production by strains of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from clinical specimens of human and animal origin and from healthy human carriers was investigated . All nine patients admitted to hospital with symptoms of toxic shock syndrome (TSS) yielded enterotoxin-producing strains of S . aureus . Eight of these produced staphylococcal enterotoxin F (SEF) . A significantly smaller proportion of strains (42% of 50 strains tested) isolated from other clinical specimens of hospitalized patients produced SEF . Production of SEF by strains isolated from clinical specimens of animal origin (48 strains) was not observed . Twenty-nine per cent of 24 S . aureus strains isolated from noses of hospital staff produced SEF . This result was not significantly different from that obtained from strains isolated from clinical specimens other than TSS . A similar percentage of strains isolated from healthy human carriers outside hospital produced SEF (25% of 24 strains tested) . The results indicated that enterotoxin production, especially that of SEF, is associated with S . aureus isolated from patients suspected of TSS . There was no indication of an association between S . aureus isolated from other staphylococcal infections and SEF production . All strains were phage typed and 79% of the strains belonging to the international phage-group I produced SEF . All strains lysed by phage 187 were found to produce SEF.

AJR Am J Roentgenol, 1982 Dec, 139(6), 1077 - 82
Acute osteomyelitis: advantage of white cell scans in early detection; Raptopoulos V et al.; Acute osteomyelitis was induced in 18 rabbits after direct injection of a solution of Staphylococcus aureus culture into a proximal tibial metaphysis . Serial plain radiographs and radionuclide studies with indium-111 oxide labeled while blood cells and technetium-99m methylene diphosphonate were performed over the next 4 weeks . Visual and quantitative analysis by measuring the isotope activity of 111In and 99mTc over the infected tibias as compared with the opposite bones revealed that the white blood cell scans were positive in 15 (83%) of the 18 rabbits during the first week after injection of the microorganism . During the same period, the 99mTc bone scans were positive in only 22% of the animals (p less than 0.005) . In the animals that survived, both white blood cell and bone scans were positive during the second week, and thereafter, the bone scans revealed consistently higher activity than was observed with white blood cell scans . Computed tomography performed in six rabbits revealed an increased attenuation coefficient of the medullary cavities in the infected bones of four animals during the first week and of one more during the second week . Plain radiographs became positive after the 12th day . Results indicate that in patients with suspected acute osteomyelitis, white blood cell scans and probably computed tomography can detect the disease earlier than 99mTc bone scans and plain radiographs.

Biochim Biophys Acta, 1982 Nov 30, 699(2), 77 - 83
Two different species of messenger RNAs specify synthesis of M1 and M2 pyruvate kinase subunits; Levin MJ et al.; A study was performed to determine whether M1 and M2 pyruvate kinases were synthesized under the direction of one or two messenger RNAs . We compared M1 and M2 pyruvate kinases purified from fresh tissues with those neosynthesized under the direction of messenger RNAs from tissues synthesizing either M1 or M2 . RNA was isolated from rat muscle, lung, spleen and kidney by ethanol precipitation in 7 M guanidium chloride, translated in rabbit reticulocyte system and newly-synthesized pyruvate kinase subunits were purified by microimmunoaffinity chromatography . Pyruvate kinase from fresh muscle and spleen was purified in one step by a similar process . Muscle and spleen RNA directed the synthesis of M subunits with molecular weights of approx . 61000 and 62000, respectively, the same as those of the corresponding fresh tissue monomers . In addition, peptide maps obtained by partial digestion of neosynthesized M1 and M2 with V8 protease from Staphylococcus aureus confirmed that these polypeptides were clearly different.

J Biol Chem, 1982 Nov 25, 257(22), 13520 - 6
Evidence for structural similarities in the multiple forms of aortic and cartilage lysyl oxidase and a catalytically quiescent aortic protein; Sullivan KA et al.; Lysyl oxidase purified from urea extracts of various connective tissues resolves into multiple catalytically functional species upon chromatography on DEAE-cellulose in 6 M urea . The four enzyme species of bovine aorta retain their original chromatographic behavior on DEAE with time of storage and after purification to homogeneity by gel exclusion chromatography . The peptide maps of each aortic enzyme partially digested by STaphylococcus aureus V8 protease are very similar to each other, as are the peptide maps of complete tryptic digests of each enzyme . Such similarity also exists between the peptide maps of the aortic enzyme and the urea-extractable lysyl oxidase of bovine cartilage, as well as with the peptide maps of a catalytically quiescent protein resolved from the aortic enzyme by gel exclusion chromatography . The substrate activity profiles of the multiple aortic enzyme species are also extremely similar . Although the origin of the enzyme multiplicity remains to be established, there is evident structural and catalytic similarities between the enzyme forms.

Biochemistry, 1982 Nov 23, 21(24), 6103 - 11
Effect of lysine modification on the activity of the sigma subunit of Escherichia coli RNA polymerase; Narayanan CS et al.; The function of lysyl residues of the sigma subunit of the RNA polymerase from Escherichia coli was investigated by chemical modification with trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) . Following reaction with TNBS, analysis of the modified sigma indicated that trinitrophenylation was limited to the epsilon-amino groups of lysyl residues . Progressive loss in the activity of sigma followed increasing trinitrophenylation as assayed by the ability to stimulate RNA polymerase core enzyme in a reaction directed by T7 DNA . Modification of five lysyl groups resulted in the complete loss of sigma activity . Kinetic analysis indicated that one lysyl group is critical for the function of sigma . TNP-sigma was able to form a holoenzyme complex with a binding affinity comparable to that of sigma . Promoter recognition studies were done by using HindIII fragments from T5 DNA . The TNP-sigma core complex was unable to form a tight binary complex with the T5 promoters . Studies on RNA chain initiation were carried out by using d(A-T)n and T7 DNA templates . TNP-sigma was unable to stimulate RNA chain initiation by core polymerase . Limited proteolytic digests of TNP-sigma or sigma using Staphylococcus aureus V8 protease were analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis . The results suggested a change in the conformation of sigma following trinitrophenylation.

Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1982 Nov, 22(5), 781 - 4
Influence of subinhibitory concentrations of penicillin, cephalothin, and clindamycin on Staphylococcus aureus growth in human phagocytic cells; Elliott GR et al.; After an initial 2-h incubation with phagocytic cells, the growth of surviving intracellular Staphylococcus aureus was examined in the presence of subinhibitory concentrations of penicillin, cephalothin, and clindamycin . One-tenth of the minimal inhibitory concentrations of these antibiotics markedly reduced bacterial growth in normal polymorphonuclear leukocytes . In contrast, when human alveolar macrophages were studied, no inhibition of growth was seen . Subinhibitory concentrations of these antibiotics and polymorphonuclear leukocytes acted synergistically to reduce intracellular survival of S . aureus . This synergy did not appear to be dependent upon the microbicidal potential of the leukocyte respiratory burst, since no differences were found when polymorphonuclear leukocytes obtained from patients with chronic granulomatous disease were compared with those from normal donors.

Am J Sports Med, 1982 Nov-Dec, 10(6), 371 - 4
Furunculosis in a high school football team; Bartlett PC et al.; An outbreak of Staphylococcus aureus furuncles (boils) occurred among 26 members of a central Illinois high school football team . A total of 55 boils were reported with a diameter of induration ranging from 0.25 to 6 inches (mean = 1.25 inches) . Eighty-nine percent of the boils were located on the extremities, and 70% were known to have developed following a bruise or break in the skin . The development of boils was associated with prior bruises and open wounds . Use of skin lubricant, elbow and forearm pads, whirlpool bath, and athletic tape were also associated with the development of boils, but were not judged to be causal . Rather, these factors most likely reflected attempts to protect areas of compromised skin which were at high risk of developing boils . Lack of hot water and soap for showering may have facilitated the occurrence of the outbreak by discouraging players from showering . Other variables examined, but excluded as important factors, were the sharing of football pads, the sharing of towels, the laundering of athletic clothes, and the position played on the football team.

J Med Microbiol, 1982 Nov, 15(4), 441 - 9
The action of cells from patients with chronic granulomatous disease on Staphylococcus aureus; Segal AW et al.; Contrary to current opinion, neutrophil leucocytes from patients with the inherited immunodeficiency syndrome chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) killed 80% of ingested Staphylococcus aureus . Bacterial killing was not impaired by increasing the ratio of bacteria to cells from 1:1 to 10:1 . The organisms that survived within the patients' cells did not themselves appear to constitute an unduly resistant subpopulation because they were killed when exposed to fresh cells, and no growth phase of a synchronous culture was found to be particularly resistant . The pH within the phagocytic vacuoles of CGD neutrophils and monocytes is abnormally low and methylamine, which has been shown to normalise this vacuolar pH, improved killing . Clumped bacteria appeared to be more resistant to killing than dispersed ones, suggesting that organisms near the centre of a clump might be protected from the toxicity of the compromised killing systems in cells of these patients.

J Pharm Sci, 1982 Nov, 71(11), 1297 - 8
Determination of sodium fusidate and fusidic acid in dosage forms by high-performance liquid chromatography and a microbiological method; Hikal AH et al.; A new High-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method for the assay of sodium fusidate (I) or fusidic acid in dosage forms was developed and compared to a microbiological assay . A linear relationship was obtained between absolute peak area and amount of I(r = 0.99+) in the 50-1000-microgram/ml range . In the microbiological assay, Staphylococcus aureus (NCTC 6571) was the test organism, using an agar diffusion technique . With five test levels of the standard, potencies were interpolated from standard curve using a log transformation straight-line method with least-squares fitting (r = 0.99+) . Both methods were applied to assay I (or fusidic acid) in tablets, a suspension, and an ointment . Excellent agreement was observed between results of the two methods.

Vet Microbiol, 1982 Nov, 7(5), 485 - 91
Staphylococcus aureus isolated from poultry in Australia . II . Epidemiology of strains associated with tenosynovitis; Kibenge FS et al.; Bacteriophage typing of Staphylococcus aureus from different outbreaks of tenosynovitis in broiler breeder replacement chickens showed that, although a mixture of phage types was present on affected farms, there was a predominant phage type isolated from lesions of affected chickens . The predominant phage type isolated from chickens in different outbreaks was variable . The source of S . aureus associated with tenosynovitis appeared to be a resident population present on the skin.

Vopr Virusol, 1982 Nov-Dec, 27(6), 667 - 71
{Serological foundation for the persisting circulation of influenza viruses A(HON1) and A(H2N2) among children}; Ivanova NA et al.; Examinations by the HI test of 652 sera from children aged from 9 months to 13 years revealed antibodies to A/Singapore/1/57 (H2N2) in 0.9% and A/PR/8/34 (H0N1) in 1.2% of the children . The specific nature of the activity of the sera was proved by neutralization tests and by treatment of the sera with Staphylococcus aureus adsorbing IgG class antibodies . Antineuraminidase antibodies to these viruses were also detected . Examinations of 247 paired sera from children revealed seroconversion to hemagglutinin and neuraminidase of A/Singapore/1/57 and A/PR/8/34 in 2% and 0.4%, respectively . These results testify to continuing circulation in the human population of influenza A virus subtypes of no current epidemiological importance.

J Clin Microbiol, 1982 Nov, 16(5), 973 - 5
Serodiagnosis of acute hepatitis B virus infection by a modified competitive binding radioimmunoassay; Schable CA et al.; Using the Staphylococcus aureus absorption method, we have modified a commercial radioimmunoassay kit for the determination of total antibody to hepatitis B core antigen so that we can now determine the predominant globulin species of that antibody . One-hundred percent of acute hepatitis B sera had a predominance of immunoglobulin M antibody to hepatitis B core antigen, whereas immunoglobulin G antibody to hepatitis B core antigen was predominant in 98.2% of chronic hepatitis B surface antigen carriers . With this test and the commercially available tests for immunoglobulin M anti-hepatitis A virus, one can now reasonably differentiate acute hepatitis B from non A/non B hepatitis in a chronic hepatitis B surface antigen carrier.

Am J Trop Med Hyg, 1982 Nov, 31(6), 1260 - 72
Identification of a new Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus from Brazil; Calisher CH et al.; Two strains of recently isolated Venezuelan equine encephalitis (VEE) complex virus from southern Brazil, avirulent for 6- to 8-week-old mice and short-haired guinea pigs, were characterized by biologic, serologic, and biochemical means . They were shown serologically to represent a single, newly recognized variant of subtype I . Two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) of ribonuclease T1 digests of viral ribonucleic acid showed considerable homology between the genomes of the new variant prototype and variant IA . Three structural proteins were visualized by discontinuous sodium dodecyl sulfate-PAGE (SDS-PAGE) . Although the smallest protein of both recent isolates migrates with the capsid proteins of other subtype I viruses, the larger structural proteins of the new variants differ in molecular weight from the E1 and E2 envelope glycoproteins of the other subtype I variants . The new isolates produced peptide fragment patterns that were identical to each other, but different from the patterns of other subtype I viruses, following SDS-PaGE of dissociated virions digested with Staphylococcus aureus V8 protease . Since these two isolates were from Culex (Melanoconion) species mosquitoes and from a bat (Carollia perspicillata), were postulated that this is an enzootic VEE virus variant for which the classification IF is suggested.

What Is Water Purification?, What Is Dna?, What Is Genetics?, What Is Genetic Engineering?, What Is Molecular Microbiology?, s, Bacteria, c, Microbiology, n, Microorganisms, e, Microorganism, i, Bacteriology, r, Microbiological, c, Fermentations, e, Haemophilus, r, Escherichia coli, o, Pseudomonas, n, Pichia, i, Streptococcal, s, Escherichia coli, e, Staphylococcus, c, Escherichia coli, o, S. cerevisiae, o, Streptococci, r, Yeasts, e, Petri dish, n, Bacillus, s, Staphylococcus, e, Bacteriological, o, Escherichia coli, a, Aeromonades, s, Denitrifying, o, Biodegradation

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

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

Last modified: May 25, 2005