Bacteriological

Surg Gynecol Obstet, 1976 Mar, 142(3), 377 - 80
Acute gastroduodenal lesions related to severe sepsis; Le Gall JR et al.; To determine the incidence of acute gastroduodenal lesions during severe sepsis, prospective endoscopies were performed in two groups of critically ill patients . The criteria of selection ruled out the incidence of other factors, such as shock, acute renal or respiratory failure . Evaluation of sepsis by clinical and bacteriologic criteria and endoscopic examination were performed in a double blind study . In the group of 14 patients with sepsis, 19 fibroscopies showed abnormalities of mucosa in all of them . In the group of 16 patients with sepsis, 23 fibroscopies showed either superficial lesions or normal mucosa . The difference between the incidence and the severity of acute lesions in the two groups studied was highly significative, p less than 0.001 . Besides, gastroduodenal lesions became worse when sepsis prolonged, while they improved dramatically when focal infection and septicemia were eradicated . These data strongly suggest that severe sepsis per se can provoke acute digestive damage.

Pediatrics, 1976 Mar, 57(3), 387 - 91
Relapse of Hemophilus influenzae type b meningitis after combined antibiotic therapy: report of a case; Feldman WE et al.; Antibiotic therapy of bacterial meningitis is being reevaluated due to reports of ampicillin-resistant strains of Hemophilus influenzae type b . The infant reported had a relapse of H . influenzae type b meningitis after an excellent clinical and bacteriologic response to an initial course of combined antibiotic therapy including chloramphenicol . This relapse is postulated to be due to localized cerebral vasculitis which was not treated for a sufficient period of time during the initial course of therapy . The patient responded well to a second course of penicillin and chloramphenicol . Since the use of pencillin and chloramphenicol will be increasing, the clinician should be aware that bacteriologic relapse of H . influenzae type b meningitis may occur with chloramphenicol therapy.

Ann Sclavo, 1976 Mar-Apr, 18(2), 268 - 76
{Mycobacterial infections in man: bacteriological, clinical and epidemiological evaluation (author's transl)}; Mandler F et al.; At present time the direct microscopy of acid-alcohol fast bacteria includes Mycobacteria, Nocardia, "rhodochrous complex" . Direct microscopy is suitable to identify visible and not viable bacteria, the debacillization curve and the fall and rise phenomenon . Strains of M . tuberculosis complex are frequently with partial virulence low infectivity, and are modified by drugs . Little or no reaction to PPD is present.

Ann Sclavo, 1976 Mar-Apr, 18(2), 125 - 36
{Statistical research into the diagnostic methodology in bacterial infections of the respiratory system as at present practised by various centres (author's transl)}; Rigoli E et al.; A research program has been carried out using a questionnaire to survey statistically the diagnostic methods obtaining in the bacteriological examination of sputum . Of the 336 forms sent to: 1 . all the regional, 2 . most of the provincial, 3 . some local, hospital laboratories, only 48 were returned . From these limited numbers we have extracted the data discussed in the present paper.

Zentralbl Bakteriol {Orig B}, 1976 Mar, 161(5-6), 408 - 16
{Hygienic and bacteriological comparative studies in 50 hospitals . III . The efficacy of sterilization (author's transl)}; Wittig JR et al.; As part of an investigation carried out in 50 hospitals we particularly checked the sterilisers available for proper functioning and correct operation . The work group examined 461 sterilisation programmes in 338 sterilisation units (176 autoclaves, 153 hot-air apparatus and 9 ethylene oxide units) during the daily routine operation . The group carried out biological and physical inspections and carefully recorded the faults and deficiencies detected during the sterilisation procedure . It was found that only in 22% of the hospitals was a proper functioning and correct operation of all the sterilising units in use ensured . Technical faults and errors in operating the equipment and especially in the loading in 23% of the programmes prevented sterility . Almost 50% of the hot-air sterilisers and about a quarter of the autoclaves fail to produce a consistent satisfactory effect . The incidence of errors which occurred with ethylene oxide sterilisation cannot be generalised, since only a limited number of units were checked . A breakdown by functional areas and wards indicates that serious errors occur not only in the centralised large units but also in little-used small autoclaves in peripheral areas . A comparison with the literature shows that our results do not differ to any appreciable extent from those obtained by other workers, over the last twenty years . Here systematic inspections by external control authorities could improve the situation within a few years . Regular inspections to be carried out by the hospitals themselves using modern test methods are necessary, and need internal record-keeping . In spite of this, we cannot at present do without external inspections . We pin our hopes mainly in regular and thorough expert training of the staff and on much closer cooperation between hospital and hygienist.

Zentralbl Bakteriol {Orig B}, 1976 Mar, 161(5-6), 399 - 407
{Hygienic and bacteriological comparative studies in 50 hospitals . II . The role of staff in the distribution of pathogenic organisms in surgical wards (author's transl)}; Pfeiffer EH et al.; Before hygienic measures are recommended to a hospital it is absolutely necessary for the source of infection and the paths of infection - both possible and to be expected - to be clearly established . In order to be able to evaluate the paths of spread, one of the basic prerequisites would be to carry out examinations with a view to determining the number of persons who are carriers of pathogenic germs . To this effect, bacteriological samples of the right hand, the skin at the forehead/hairline, the coat in the area of the navel and the throat were taken from the nursing staff in surgical wards in 50 different hospitals . At the same time details of hand disinfection and hand drying were collected by questioning and local inspection . In at least one of the 4 swabs from 72 persons (= 38%) and in two or more swabs from 26 persons (= 14%) . Staph . aureus was detected . The hair was the most contaminated area, followed by the coat and hands, while the throat was the least contaminated zone . To prevent pathogenic germs being spread by hand, alcohol-containing preparations were prevalently used (in 79% of the wards inspected) . The hygienic hand disinfection was inadequate in 53% of the surgical wards . In four wards the hands were washed with soap exclusively . 35% of the surgical wards used common towels and disposable towels were used almost as frequently . In the remaining cases common and disposable towels were employed simultaneously . Storage of the used and unused disposable towels was in the main unsatisfactory . In view of the conditions met with in the various hospitals, proper hand disinfection must be insisted on, i.e . the hands must first be disinfected with a tested preparation and then washed, as may be required . If time plays a major role, alcohol-containing preparations should be used . Towels for common use must no longer be available in hospitals because they are important carriers of pathogenic germs.

Ann Sclavo, 1976 Mar-Apr, 18(2), 308 - 21
{Serological researches in the bacterial respiratory tract infections (author's transl)}; Visconti A; Previous studies on the serological diagnosis of the lower respiratory tract infections caused by bacteria have been reviewed . The most significant results have been up to today obtained with the double immunodiffusion technique (Ouchterlony) for detecting different, specific and aspecific, bacterial precipitins in the serum of the patients, and with the immunoelectrophoresis which allows to distinguish specific precipitine lines from the aspecific ones . Among the other immunological methods, bacterial agglutination, passive haemagglutination, cross-over-immunoelectrophoresis, complement fixation, and immunofluorescence have been only occasionally used, but further comparative studies are needed and suggested to establish their diagnostic value . Other technical problems, as purity of antigens or cross-reactivity of antibody or antibodies level evaluation, are raised and discussed . Further improving of the serological methods would allow their routine use in clinical bacteriology as a useful tool in the assessment of pathogenicity of the bacterial species in the sputum and in the ethiological diagnosis of broncho pulmonary infections, at least of those cases in which exclusive relaying on sputum cultures could be fallacious.

Gastroenterology, 1976 Mar, 70(3), 408 - 12
The clinical value of ascitic fluid culture and leukocyte count studies in alcoholic cirrhosis; Kline MM et al.; Because of the paucity of studies establishing the accepted leukocyte count is sterile ascites, less than 300 WBC per mm3 with 25% polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocytes, peritoneal fluid WBC counts and bacterial cultures were studied in 63 consecutive hospitalized patients with alcoholic cirrhosis and ascities . In 58 culture-negative patients the ascitic fluid WBC count range was 28 to 1800 and 50% of counts were greater than 300 WBC per mm3 . The percentage of PMN leukocytes ranged from 2 to 98% . Five patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP), proven by positive cultures, had an ascitic WBC count range of 300 to 6320 WBC per mm3 and a PMN leukocyte range of 20 to 76% . Physical findings did not allow clear separation of the two groups . Anaerobic organisms were not found . It is concluded: (1) differentiation of SBP from sterile ascities relies on prompt ascitic fluid bacteriology; (2) the improved survival of 40% of SBP patients in this study may be related to an increased awareness of the entity and early treatment.

J S Afr Vet Assoc, 1976 Mar, 47(1), 19 - 22
The "herd approach" to bovine reproductive disorders . Part I: The diagnosis and management of infectious infertility; Retief GP et al.; The authors describe the methods employed by the Artificial Insemination Section of the Division of Veterinary Services in collaboration with the Reproduction and Bacteriology Section of the Veterinary Research Institute, Onderstepoort when herds are examined for infertility . A "herd" rather than an "individual animal" approach is advocated and certain infectious causes of infertility are discussed.

Rofo, 1976 Mar, 124(3), 278 - 84
{Bacteriological investigations in radiological clinic (radiographic apparatus, rooms and personnel) (author's transl)}; Frik W et al.; The importance of X-ray departments as a potential source of infection with hospital organisms was investigated by examining a number of radiographic rooms and comparing these with two private dwellings . It was found that there was a higher incidence of organisms than in private homes, but this was considerably less than on wards . Particularly high numbers of organisms, including pathogenic ones, were found on radiographic apparatus which was inaccessible, and on sponge pillows . Regular disinfection reduced the number of organisms almost to the level of an operating theatre . A visit to the X-ray department does not present a significant risk of infection; nevertheless, hygiene can be markedly improved by appropriate changes in the rooms and by carrying out methods of disinfection.

Am J Surg, 1976 Mar, 131(3), 319 - 23
Laparoscopy in general surgery; Gomel V; In the last seven years laparoscopy has become increasingly popular in North America . The procedure has been mainly embraced by the gynecologist . Other specialities have been relatively slow in recognizing its value . Laparoscopy has wide applications in general surgery . It is a useful tool in blunt abdominal trauma and often prevents laparotomy . In patients with acute abdominal conditions, when findings are atypical, uncertainty in diagnosis may be resolved by laparoscopy . In patients with malignant disease it permits assessment of the extent of the lesion and enables accurate selection of the mode of therapy . Numerous procedures per laparoscopy, including biopsies, division of adhesions, cholangiography and collection of samples for bacteriologic studies, may be carried out simultaneously . Complication associated with the procedure are few but may be severe . These can be avoided by careful adherence to proper technic.

Ann Sclavo, 1976 Mar-Apr, 18(2), 165 - 74
{Aerobic flora examination of sputum (author's transl)}; Zubiani M et al.; The routine bacteriological test of expectorate, except for mycobacteria, is usually unsatisfactory . There is a need of standardization which results in the present paper from a comparison between the data obtained by two different laboratories on the same samples . It is possible to achieve reasonable and uniform results establishing a uniformity of some procedures, namely; collection of specimens, homogenization, number and type of media, interpretation of data and so on.

Nouv Presse Med, 1976 Feb 28, 5(9), 573 - 4
{Gonococcal septicemia . 1 case}; Chousterman M et al.; This paper describes a case of disseminated gonococcal infection, a rare disease in France . A 41 year-old woman was hospitalised with acute polyarthritis and characteristics skin lesions . Jaundice and liver function abnormalities are difficult to interpret due to a preexisting alcoholic cirrhosis . The possibility of an endocarditis is raised because of a systolic murmur heard at the base of the heart . Bacteriological identification of N . Gonorrhoeae is carried out in blood culture; it has also been recovered by scrapings of a cutaneous bullae by staining only . Therapy was instituted by daily intravenous penicillin G sodium 50 000 000 u . and intramuscular gentamicin 160 mg for 45 days . There resulted good clinical and bacteriological response . The elements of clinical and bacteriological diagnosis, as well as the therapy are discussed.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1976 Feb, (2), 75 - 8
{Determination of natural foci of tularemia in the Tuva ASSR}; Antsiferov MI et al.; Eleven strains of tularemia causative agents were isolated in 1974 in bacteriological study of ixodes ticks Dermacentor nuttalli (13088 in all) by biotests on albino mice . Tularemia was confirmed retrospectively in two humans who contracted the disease from ondatra cadavers . Skin allergic test with tularin was used to examine 1733 residents of seven populated localities; a positive result was obtained in 2 persons . Finally, in examination of 240 sera of cattle agglutination reaction proved to be positive in 6 cases in titres of from 1:20 to 1:80 . Thus, natural nidality of tularemia in Tuva was established for the first time.

J Am Vet Med Assoc, 1976 Feb 1, 168(3), 220 - 2
Observations on bacteriologic isolation from pairs of quarter-milk samples; Postle DS; Observations are reported on the agreement of bacteriologic isolation between 11,917 pairs of quarter-milk samples collected as either duplicate samples (both samples collected during 1 farm visit) or consecutive samples (2 samples collected at different milkings) . Better agreement was found for duplicate samples (95.5%) than for consecutive samples (88.5% for interval of 2 to 7 days and 81.3% for interval of 8 to 16 days) . From these observations, it was estimated that for diagnosing an intramammary infection, the examination of a single quarter-milk sample would be expected to have an error of approximately 3%.

Arch Otolaryngol, 1976 Feb, 102(2), 87 - 9
Actinomycosis of the face and neck; Fradis M et al.; Cervical actinomycosis is a rare condition . During the last six years, five patients were hospitalized in our department, suffering from swelling in the region of the face and neck that was identified bacteriologically as Actinomyces israelii . Soft tumors of the head and neck that do not respond to common antibiotic therapy should arouse the suspicion of actinomycosis.

J Hyg (Lond), 1976 Feb, 76(1), 49 - 56
The preparation of simulated water samples for the purpose of bacteriological quality control; Gray RD et al.; As part of the bacteriological quality control programme of the Public Health Laboratory Service, we were asked to investigate the possibility of providing simulated water samples for distribution to the laboratories . For this purpose it was necessary to find some means whereby suspensions of coliform organisms and Escherichia coli could be kept relatively stable in number at room temperature for a period of 7-10 days . This, it was finally found, was best achieved by adding selected strains of the organisms to improved formate lactose glutamate medium (Gray, 1964) without the lactose but with added boric acid to a final concentration of 1-8% . The procedures adopted in the successful quality control programme are described.

J Hyg (Lond), 1976 Feb, 76(1), 1 - 10
Bacteriological evaluation of a mobile laminar cross-flow unit for surgery, under laboratory circumstances; van der Waaij D et al.; A mobile laminar cross-flow unit for surgery has been evaluated by the use of an experimental bacterial aerosol of Escherichia coli in different concentrations, generated at several different sites . A separate ventilation system, mounted underneath the table, produced an almost downward directed curtain of sterile air along both sides of the table . When the velocity of the air stream, discharged by the cross-flow unit, was adjusted at 0-50 m./sec . at 2 m . from the filter face (at the head end of the operation table), the surface of the table could be maintained free of bacterial settling even after aerosolization of heavily concentrated suspensions of 10(8) bacteria/ml . at different sites outside the enclosure and underneath the table as well.

Lancet, 1976 Jan 24, 1(7952), 162 - 3
First-line chemotherapy in the retreatment of bacteriological relapses of pulmonary tuberculosis following a shortcourse regimen; Bacterial endocarditis at Blegdamshospitalet in Copenhagen 1944-1973; The clinical pattern of 34 cases ob subacute bacterial endocarditis (SBE) and 46 cases of acute bacterial endocarditis (ABE) is outlined . In the SBE group the mortality was 9% and the incidence of major complications during the treatment period was 15% for cerebrovascular accidents, 9% for other systemic or pulmonary emboli and 9% for congestive heart failure indicating valvular damage . In 31 bacteriologically proven cases growth was obtained in 68% of all blood cultures, and in 94% of the cases at least one positive culture was among the first 5 ones drawn . In the ABE group the overall mortality was 72% and mortality for cases occurring after 1960 was 58% . Major factors contributing to death were valvular incompetence, uncontrolled infection and embolisation . In order to reduce major complications and resulting disability in SBE it is suggested that treatment be started on clinical suspicion as soon as 5 blood cultures have been drawn over a period of 48 hours . Attempts to reduce mortality in ABE may include cardiac surgery in the acute phase.

Ann Chir Gynaecol Suppl, 1976, 65(1), 22 - 6
Peritoneal lavage with doxycycline in acute diffuse peritonitis; Haffner JF et al.; Peritoneal lavage with ten hourly repeated instillation-drainages of one litre lavage fluid containing 50 mg doxycycline (Vibramycin Pfizer) was carried out on six patients suffering from diffuse peritonitis due to perforated appendicitis . Bacteriological specimens were obtained both from the perforation in the appendix and the peritoneal fluid at operation and the doxycycline concentrations in blood and lavage fluid were determined at intervals up to 72 hours postoperatively . All the patients recovered, but the lavage was considered a failure in one case as a small abscess and multiple adhesions were found at reoperation 1 1/2 months later . Bacteriological swabs from the perforated appendix and the peritoneal fluid usually contained the same bacteriological species, and as a rule several species were isolated . Doxycycline compared favourably with ampicillin as regards bacterial sensitivity, but the difference was too slight to be of practical importance . Doxycycline was absorbed very rapidly from the peritoneal cavitiy, and due to its slow excretion a cumulation occurred . In this small series doxycycline did not appear to give any real advantage over ampicillin, but it may be considered the drug of choice in patients with penicillin allergy, and in those who fail to respond to ampicillin.

Health Lab Sci, 1976 Jan, 13(1), 11 - 9
High-purity water supplies for biomedical research laboratories; Deroos R et al.; A quantitative bacteriological survey of high-purity water systems used in biomedical research laboratories at the National Institutes of Health revealed great variations among the systems . In general, distilled water had significantly lower contamination levels than deionized water . Interviews with investigators revealed their conceptions about the importance of bacterial contamination in high-purity water and some expectations about bacterial quality . Guidelines are suggested for the use of water from systems of varying quality.

Dev Biol Stand, 1976, 31, 265 - 7
{Brucellic mammitis in sows}; Gogoasa V; In a herd of pigs, 31% presented serological reactions positive or doubtful to brucellic infection; in 15% of the sows the mammary glands were swollen and purulent; the retromammary ganglions were enlarged and hemorrhagic . Bacteriological examination of the pus of mammary lesions showed the presence of Brucella suis, which confirmed the diagnosis of brucellic mammitis in the sows . The purulent discharge of the mammary lesions, diluted with physiological serum, agglutinated with the antibrucellic serum and this fact may constitute, together with other means of investigation, a method of rapid diagnosis.

Dev Biol Stand, 1976, 31, 136 - 40
{Serologic diagnosis of bovine and ovine brucellosis by a buffered antigen test}; Trap D et al.; In the first part the authors compare the results of the test effected by means of a buffered antigen (EAT) whose cellular concentration was about 10%, with those of slow seroagglutination (SAW) and complement fixation (FC) . Like the complement fixation, the buffered antigen test is more specific than seroagglutination . On the other hand, with such an antigen concentration the test lacks sensitivity . In the second part the authors compare the results obtained by these three tests--but this time utilizing a buffered brucella antigen of cellular concentration of approximately 5%--on bovines and ovines whose infection had been determined bacteriologically . The authors have established, under these conditions, that the buffered brucella antigen test allows the screening of a greater number of infected animals than does the SAW or even the FC . Both for bovines as well as ovines, the agreement between SAW and EAT equals 89%; betueen FC and EAT it reaches 93%; in case of disagreement it is always the EAT which is positive.

Acta Med Scand, 1976, 199(3), 151 - 5
Bacteriological and clinical evaluation of different dialysate delivery systems; Dawids SG et al.; In the period 1964-74 four different dialysate delivery systems have been used in our department . 1) Central mixing of dialysate using tap water and a dialysate delivery line with "dead ends" resulting in stagnant dialysate . 2) Central mixing of dialysate with cold distilled water, otherwise equal to system 1 . 3) Local mixing of dialysate with cold distilled water, delivered through a line with "dead ends" resulting in stagnant water . 4) Local mixing of dialysate with distilled water, cooled to 25 degrees C just prior to use, reduced "dead ends" and monitored constant overflow to drain through the water supply line . The bacterial contamination of the four systems was examined and related to the clinical occurrence of pyrogenic and other reactions . An improvement was noted with the change from central to local mixing of dialysate (system 3) but complete sterility and virtual freedom from clinical reactions were first obtained in system 4 . It is concluded that the use of sterile or near sterile dialysate is recommendable.

Surgery, 1976 Jan, 79(1), 89 - 96
Infection control in cardiac surgery; Clark RE et al.; This report relates the results of a multifaceted, 4 year program directed toward reduction of infection in patients undergoing cardiac operations and extracorporeal circulation in a large teaching hospital . Retrospective analysis of all superficial and deep wound infections and prosthetic valve infections for the period of 1966 to 1970 and a prospective study of the period of 1970 to 1974 were made . The multifaceted program begun in 1970 consisted of (1) renovation of a cardiac operating room with incorporation of a high flow, vertical unidirectional ventilation system, (2) change in the gown and draping material for improvement of barriers to bacteriologic shedding, (3) frequent steam sterilization of prosthetic valves, (4) routine use of an antistaphylococcal agent in patients receiving valve replacement, and (5) an unannounced bacteriologic monitoring program of the cardiac operating room personnel . Studies of airborne particulates and bacteria and adequacy of skin preparation and hair removal also were conducted . The studies showed that (1) a high-flow HEPA filtered vertical ventilation system and altered operating room clothing reduced the concentration of airborne particles and the concentration of bacteria at the wound by a factor of 10 compared to conventional operating rooms, (2) the incidence of markedly contaminated scrubbed and unscrubbed hands decreased, (3) shedders and carriers were identified, and (4) current patient skin preparation and hair removal practices were satisfactory . The results of the program were a reduction of the deep wound infection rate from 2.9 to 0.6 percent (p less than 0.01) and a concomitant total wound infection decrease from 6.6 to 3.3 percent . Prosthetic valve infection rates decreased fourfold, from 5.6 to 1.4 percent . It is concluded that careful attention to possible endogenous sources of infection from the patient and a multifaceted program directed to exogenous sources of infection can lower infection rates in cardiac surgical patients.

Acta Neurol Latinoam, 1976, 22(1-4), 158 - 67
{Abdominal complications of the ventriculo peritoneal derivations}; Calvo A et al.; Thirty-nine ventriculo-peritoneal shunts in children have been analyzed since 1962 to 1976 at the Neurological Institute in Montevideo . In these cases there were 8 important abdominal complications (20%): 7 were associated with ventriculitis, all with infiltration or fistula on the trajet, 3 cases were operated on because of intestinal occlusion, 1 of them with perforative acute peritonitis . In the others, gastric distention, abdominal distention, and transient ileus were found . Five patients died, 4 of them with ventriculitis, 3 children who had suffered ventriculitis, survived . They overcame their hydrocephalus by means of ventriculo-atrial shunts, afterwards their infection was cured . From the result of the test of these cases it is gathered in view of a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt disfunction, that it is necessary to: 1) As far as possible rule out ventriculitis . 2) In cases in which ventriculitis should be proved to exist and with a peritoneal reject, after the infection has been cured, one should not insist with the ventriculo-peritoneal diversion, because in this case the possibility of the relapse taking into account the abdominal intolerance, increases . After the ventriculitis should be got over with a proper bacteriological control, a ventriculo-atrial shunt must be performed . 3) The changing of the form of the divertion system is considered immediately after an abdominal aseptic intolerance is present (ileus, ascites, etc.), due to the double risk of intestinal occlusion or ventriculitis.

Z Erkr Atmungsorgane, 1976, 144(1), 45 - 52
{Present possibilities of antibiotic therapy in chronic non-specific respiratory diseases (author's transl)}; Kirsten D et al.; Due to the mainly infectious genesis drug-therapy with antibiotics is essential in chronic non-specific respiratory diseases . But they are only indicated when a bacterial infection is suspected . The broad spectrum antibiotics usually have a reliable efficacy . Bacteriological examination is no obligate supposition . But it is necessary if new drugs with limited effectiveness are intended to be given . In most cases of chronic bronchitis an intermittent application is sufficient . A continuous treatment is indicated only in a few cases . Some details of antibiotic therapy (kind of drugs, dosage, duration of treatment, side-effects etc.) are discussed . The possibility of antibiotic therapy in respiratory virus infections is inquired.

Med Cutan Ibero Lat Am, 1976, 4(5), 365 - 70
{New drugs in the treatment of leprosy}; De Las Aguas JT; Two groups of patients were chosen for this treatment; the first group of 14 patients was treated with a daily dose of 600 mg . of Rifampicine and the second group with Rifampicine associated with Isoprodian (1-2 tablets) . In the first group clinical and bacteriological improvement was apparent . This was parallel in bacteriological and morphological index . Two patients became negative in nasal mucous . Tolerance was good and number of leprosy reactions 65% . In the second group clinical improvement was good in general but one case that presented a continuous polyneuritis and hepatic intolerance . Bacteriological results were lightly lower than the first group and the number of leprosy reactions 85% . This treatment is considered inferior to the sulfons, which is very expensive . A longer period of time will be needed to appriase results.

Ann Rech Vet, 1976, 7(4), 383 - 96
{Demonstration of a protocol for obtaining germ-free chickens}; Le Bars J; A simple and reliable technique for obtaining germ-free chickens was investigated . Various disinfection tests of the material and the eggs have been performed with chemical agents . The weak frequency of internal contamination of the eggs (0.4 p . 100), if collected in good hygienic conditions and dipped the same day in a I per 100 solution of mercuric chloride, allows sterile hatchings in 100 fertilized eggs batches to be obtained . The sterilization of the isolator-hatching box was performed by pulverization of a I per 100 solution of quaternary ammonium, followed by a formaldehyde fumigation . The material passed through an antiseptic bath (liquid-lock) of I per 100 quaternary ammonium in water . This technique yielded 250 chickens, in 12 successive lots, that were bred until 15 days to 6 weeks, without bacteriological contamination.

Ann Ist Super Sanita, 1976, 12(2-3), 121 - 8
The importance of hygienic practices during the collection and bottling of mineral water; Windle-Taylor E; Natural water suitable for direct bottling must be clear, colourless, and free from objectionable taste and odour . The mineral content must be limited in amount, otherwise the water would come within the medicinal water category . There should be no detectable organic matter present and the water must be of the highest bacteriological quality -- virtually sterile - and should remain in this condition during the collection and bottling processes . In order to achieve and maintain this high quality, the gathering grounds of the source must be protected from pollution; the construction of the well or spring must be such as to prevent external contamination, as also should be the collecting and bottling apparatus . Personnel employed in the factory should wear protective clothing and be regularly checked as to their freedom from waterborne infectious diseases . Control of the water as to its hygienic quality should be by regular and frequent analysis of samples of the water and the air at various points in the process and in the factory . A new problem that has arisen and has to be faced in this situation is the risk of contamination by certain materials in contact with the water that may contain substances that encourage the growth of saprophytic bacteria which would contaminate by the production of taste, odour, discolouration, cloudiness and definite evidence of microbial growth . It is emphasized that the extent of this new problem is not yet delineated and that methods of laboratory control and safeguards against such happenings are still evolving.

Lepr India, 1976 Jan, 48(1), 24 - 30
A trial of long-acting sulphonamide R.O . 4-4393 (fanasil) in treatment of cases of lepromatous leprosy with repeated E.N.L; Ekambaram V et al.; A trial of long-acting Sulphonamide RO.4-4393 (Fanasil) in the treatment of Lepromatous Leprosy patients with repeated E.N.L . is reported in this paper . There were 9 patients treated with Fanasil in this trial for a period of 2 years . The results of the trial have shown that the treatment with Fanasil helps to prevent the occurrence of E.N.L . under treatment with D.D.S . In addition, even after the completion of treatment with Fanasil, these patients seem to be stabilised and are able to tolerate D.D.S . But, the clinical and Bacteriological progress under Fanasil therapy is not satisfactory.

Poumon Coeur, 1976, 32(5), 227 - 32
{Evaluation of functional repercussions of pulmonary tuberculosis sequelae . Apropos of 112 cases}; Moneger P et al.; In a retrospective study of 112 observations, the authors studied the sequelae on respiratory function in pulmonary tuberculosis bacteriologically cured . With the help of a standardized clinical enquiry they defined three groups of patients: groupe I, 31 patients with parenchymatous sequelae but free of bronchopathy and parietal sequelae; groupe II, 45 patients presenting besides parenchymatous sequelae signs of chronic bronchopathy; group III, 36 patients with parietal sequelae . Complementary examinations confirmed the frequency and degree of functional respiratory alterations: --ventilatory handicap in 87% of cases; --scintigraphic lacunae much wider than the radiological images, in more than half of the cases; --hematosis disorders in 65% of the 73 patients tested; --pulmonary arterial hypertension, at least in effort, in 62% of the 58 patients examined by microcatheter . The study by groups showed the particular severeness of an association of tuberculosis sequelae with chronic bronchitis . The existence of parietal sequelae is an additional feature of severeness . The presence of functional deficiences, all the more serious that they are evaluated late; suggests a progressive worsening of these patients' respiratory condition.

Bull Pan Am Health Organ . 1976;10(3):UNKNOWN.
Tuberculosis control in the Americas: current approaches; Pio A et al.; Tuberculosi remains a serious public health problem in the Americas, and it has not declined as rapidly or as much as experts projected it would in the 1940's . Scientific advances in control of the disease over the last three decades have produced effective chemotherapeutic agents, established the immunizing capacity of BCG vaccine, and demonstrated the superior value of bacteriologic diagnosis in symptomatic individuals over mass community x-ray surveys, which are both inefficient and costly . They have also shown that most cases can be treated on an ambulatory basis, obviating the need for the lengthy hospital stays which have heretofore weighed so heavily on budgets . By standardization of control methods, both for diagnosis and for chemotherapy, these tasks can be taken on by polyvalent staff in the general health services, whose wide coverage places them in a position to reach a much larger segment of the population than that attended by the traditional vertical system . To a greater or lesser degree, all the countries in the Americas are beginning to orient their strategies in this direction, and some of them already have considerable progress to report.

J Hyg Epidemiol Microbiol Immunol, 1976, 21(2), 207 - 13
Leptospirosis infection through insemination of animals; Kiktenko VS et al.; The semen of animals in spontaneous and experimental leptospirosis was investigated by bacteriological, immunological and biological methods . It has been found that pathogenic leptospirae (L . pomona, L . hebdomadis) are well preserved in the semen and in media used for its dilution . Leptospirae are eliminated with the semen . The initial strain of the agent was isolated from the semen and secretions of 6 out of 26 experimentally infected rabbits and 4 spontaneously recovered bulls (L . hebdomadis) . Specific leptospiral antibodies appear in the semen of infected animals . The dynamics of the titre of these antibodies corresponds to the dynamics of the antibody titre in the blood . It is recommended to use the semen for the agglutination reaction . The application of semen infected with pathogenic leptospirae for artificial insemination causes the animals falling ill with leptospirosis accompanied by abortions, reduced fertility and stillbirths of rabbits.

J Hyg Epidemiol Microbiol Immunol, 1976, 20(2), 207 - 13
Leptospirosis infection through insemination of animals; Kiktenko VS et al.; The semen of animals in spontaneous and experimental leptospirosis was investigated by bacteriological, immunological and biological methods . It has been found that pathogenic leptospirae (L . pomona, L . hebdomadis) are well preserved in the semen and in media used for its dilution . Leptospirae are eliminated with the semen . The initial strain of the agent was isolated from the semen and secretions of 6 out of 26 experimentally infected rabbits and 4 spontaneously recovered bulls (L . hebdomadis) . Specific leptospiral antibodies appear in the semen of infected animals . The dynamics of the titre of these antibodies corresponds to the dynamics of the antibody titre in the blood . It is recommended to use the sement for the agglutination reaction . The application of semen infected with pathogenic leptospirae for artificial insemination causes the animals falling ill with leptospirosis accompanied by abortions, reduced fertility and stillbirths of rabbits.

Ann Rech Vet, 1976, 7(1), 9 - 23
Vaccination against bovine brucellosis with a low dose of strain 19 administered by the conjunctival route . III . -- Serological response and immunity in the pregnant cow; Plommet M et al.; Seventy-four heifers, 7 to 12 months old, were randomized in four groups: group A, 8 heifers as controls; group B, 19 heifers vaccinated subcutaneously with 9 X 10(10) Brucella abortus strain B 19; group C, 19 heifers vaccinated as in group B, then revaccinated by the conjunctival route 6 to 8 months later with 5 X 10(9) bacteria; group D, 28 heifers vaccinated twice by the conjunctival route with the same dose and time intervals as in group C . Serological responses in agglutination, complement fixation and Rose Bengal tests were typical of those following standard vaccination with Strain B 19 in group B . Iu group C after the booster vaccination, there was a transient rise in titers which lasted about 3 months . Iu group D, titers were infrequent, low, and lasted no more than 8 weeks, after both primary and secondary vaccination . Fifty of the heifers, when 4 1/2 to 6 1/2 months pregnant, were challenged by the conjunctival route, with 16 X 10(6) B . abortus strain 544 . Calves were born at full term (greater than or equal to 264 days) to 1/7 heifers in group A, 6/12 in group B, 8/II in group C and 14/19 in group D . Serological tests every two weeks after challenge; bacteriological examination of vaginal mucus, colostrum, foetuses and dead calves; bacterial enumeration of ten mixed samples of lymph nodes and organs taken at slaughter about 6 weeks after parturition, were made to determine the infection status of the heifers . Brucella was isolated at some time from 7/7 heifers in group A, II/I2 in group B, 6/I2 in group C and I4/I9 in group D . Five heifers (2 in B, I in C, 2 in D) cleared themselves of infection between parturition and slaughter, The average degree of infection per group at slaughter, expressed as a logarithmic index of the number of Brucella isolated from the ten samples, was significantly lower in the three vaccinated groups than in the controls, and in groups C and D than in groups B, and it was not significantly different in group C and D . For field vaccination, a booster vaccination by the conjunctival route, as in group C, would provide more protection than the standard vaccination without serious interference in routine diagnostic tests . Two vaccinations by the conjunctival route, as in group D, would be simpler, more economical and at least as effective as the standard system of vaccination, and would have the advantage that vaccination could be done at nay age without risk of serological response.

Ann Anesthesiol Fr, 1976, 17(1), 37 - 43
{Treatment of septicemia and severe infections with a cefradine-tobramycin combination}; Gouin F et al.; The cefradine-tobramycine association was used in 11 cases of septicaemia and in 10 cases of non-septicaemic severe poly-infections . In 15 cases, the treatment was undertaken because of the serious state of the patients before the bacteriologic results were known . This association is characterized by its great effectiveness and its very good tolerance, mainly from the renal point of view . The results shown here corroborate those two elements.

Scand J Infect Dis, 1976, 8(3), 185 - 8
The dilemma of partially treated bacterial meningitis; Mandal BK; An analysis of 62 patients with pyogenic meningitis is presented, 23 (37%) of whom had received pre-diagnosis antibiotic therapy . Positive bacteriological identification could be achieved in 73% of the partially treated group as opposed to 97% in the previously untreated group but otherwise such pre-treatment made little impact on the diagnosis, characteristic cerebrospinal fluid changes sufficient for diagnostic purpose being present in all but one case . The study also fails to demonstrate any advantage of immunoelectroosmophoresis over conventional bacteriology in the problem cases of partially treated bacterial meningitis.

Dev Biol Stand, 1976, 33, 57 - 62
Experiments with a model of aerosol immunization of mice and swine against Erysipelothrix insidiosa (E . i.); Petzoldt K et al.; Whole antigens as well as antigen fractions from E.i . were tested as aerosol vaccines . The aerosol produced by a jet nebulizer (Pari, Standard 088) with a capacity of 15 1 air per min and about 10g vaccine per hour was tested by size measuring of the aerosol particles and bacteriological evidence of E.i . in lung tissue . The main concern of the studies was to test the immunogenicity for laboratory animals which were exposed to the vaccines in a modified Henderson apparatus or in boxes of 30 1 respectively . Vaccination trials with conventional mice and piglets did not produce 100% protection against challenge infection by aerosol or subcutaneous route . Experiments with gnotobiotic piglets resulted in sufficient immunity against aerosol challenge with 100 LD50 when aerosols with living avirulent bacteria (strain B 10) were applied three times for one hour or once during three hours . A commercial vaccine from lyzed bacteria immunized only when aerosols were applied three times for three hours . For further immunological evaluation the sera of piglets were tested by means of an indirect fluorescent technique and by other serological methods.

Vet Med Nauki, 1976, 13(2), 78 - 82
{Comparative diagnostic studies of epididymitis in rams caused by Brucella ovis}; Bakurdzhiev K et al.; Semen samples taken from 21 rams with pronounced pathologic changes were studied in a complex way to establish the etiology contributing to the deterioration of the semen quality . The complement-fixation test was applied with blood serum and semen plasma along with the microscopic study of the semen for the excretion of Brucella ovis organisms and a clinical examination . The following results were obtained: 1 . The semen plasma of 90.5 per cent of the rams was positive for Brucella ovis . A total of 80.9 per cent were CFT-positive, and the same per cent of the animals were positive for the excretion of Brucella ovis organisms with the semen . The three diagnostic methods give equally positive results in 84.2 per cent of the cases . 2 . The clinical examination revealed gross lesions in the genital apparatus in 33.3 per cent of the investigated animals, which coincided with the results obtained through the above-mentioned three methods in 85.9 per cent of the cases . 3 . The simultaneous application of the blood serum and semen CFT, the bacteriologic investigation of the semen, and the clinical examination makes it possible to establish the etiology responsible for the defective spermogram of the rams studied.

Dev Biol Stand, 1976, 31, 131 - 5
Problems in the diagnosis of bovine brucellosis; Nicoletti P; In any disease eradication program, it is the unusual animal which assumes the greatest importance . There are no easy formulae for the diagnosis of brucellosis and many problems remain to be solved . A large variety of diagnostic methods has been studied and each has advantages and limitations . Simple agglutination tests will surely remain the basis for examinations of large numbers of sera and they should often be used only for screening . Selected supplemental tests are often necessary to confirm preliminary test findings . Any diagnostic procedure should not fail to correctly identify infected cattle and interpretations of results should not lead to excessive overcondemnation . Serologic methods must always be evaluated through bacteriologic attempts . There is no substitute for expertise to constantly study disease patterns in individual cattle and herds.

Klin Padiatr, 1976 Jan, 188(1), 8 - 16
{The milk-kitchen situation 1975 (author's transl)}; Palitzsch D; Results of the second enquiry organished by the milk-kitchen commission of the German paediatric Association . Questionnaires were sent to 500 German and foreign paediatric and obstetric departments . In paediatric departments not much has changed since the first enquiry five years ago . As then 85% of paediatric departments have a central milk-kitchen . Food is - in the main - prepared once in 24 hours . One half of them use milk powder, fluid food has risen only slightly . Bacteriologic controls of food and personel are unfortunately carried out only at too long intervals . In departments for premature infants the one-way bottle with uperised milk has been widely accepted . Almost all obstetric departments have abandoned their central milk-kitchens and provide fluid nourishment except where they are connected with the central milk-kitchen of a paediatric department . Since almost all directors of departments replied, the present result is representative and shows little change . The reasons for this are discussed and the need for careful control of feed-preparation and cooling chains emphasized . According to a recommendation of the German paediatric Association to the national Ministry of Health the handling of food for babies in paediatric departments should be brought into line with the regulations.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1976, (12), 117 - 20
{Use of the neutralization test for mass population studies}; Vasileva AV et al.; The authors applied the antibody neutralization test (ANT) for detection of causative agent of intestinal infections in feces of healthy population in Turkmenia . Some part of the material was studied in parallel with the aid of the ANT and by the bacteriological method . As a result of comparison it appeared that in using the ANT causative agents of intestinal infections were revealed much more frequently than by the bacteriological method; in this connection this serological method can be recommended as an auxiliary one for the diagnosis of intestinal infections.

Zentralbl Gynakol, 1976, 98(25), 1556 - 8
{Influence of amnioscopy on the development of fetal infection}; Higier J et al.; Bacteriologycal examinations of vaginal swabs from the cervix obtained during 45 amnioscopies, demonstrated a rise in culture positivity after the 2-nd and 3-rd amnioscopies . Bacteriologycal examinations in the same women on the 2-nd and 3-rd days of puerperium demonstrated a change of bacterial flora with appearance of more virulent flora . The problem of possible "ascending" infections or hospital infections is discussed.

Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg, 1976, 70(3), 217 - 8
The bacteriological diagnosis of pyogenic meningitis from cerebrospinal fluid dried on filter paper; Whittle HC et al.; Cerebrospinal fluid from patients with pyogenic meningitis in two rural hospitals in Nigeria was dried on filter paper and sent by post for analysis in a reference laboratory . Microbial antigens were detected by counter-current immunoelectrophoresis in 78 of the 142 specimens (55%) . This method of detecting antigens deserves further application for epidemiological and diagnostic work in developing countries.

Z Erkr Atmungsorgane, 1976, 144(1), 78 - 83
{Morphological and bacteriological investigations of pulmonary apical scars (author's transl)}; Eckert H et al.; 207 apical lung pieces of 128 autopsies with macroscopical visible changes of so called pulmonary apical caps were investigated with histologic and bacteriologic methods . Histologically, 19% of all cases showed tuberculous changes, 43% suspicious tuberculous changes and 38% no tuberculous changes . Mycobacteria were found only in one case by bacteriological methods . The morphological results were correlated with the findings of mass chest x-ray (so-called VRRU) . It became evident, that half of all chest x-rays was normal, only one third showed pathological changes and the other third was not registered by the dispensary.

Microbios, 1976, 17(70), 207 - 12
Evaluation of alternate coupling reagents to replace alpha-naphthyl amine for the detection of nitrate reduction; Miller K et al.; Four naphthyl compounds, N,N,dimethyl-1-naphthylamine, N-1-naphthyl-ethylene-diamine dihydrochloride, 8-amino-1-naphthol-5-sulphonic acid, and 1-dimethylamino naphthalene-5-sulphonic acid, were evaluated as replacements for alpha-naphthyl amine in the bacteriological nitrate reduction test . These compounds were observed for their ability to detect standardized nitrite concentrations and nitrate reduction in eight bacterial cultures . The results indicated both N,N,dimethyl-1-naphthylamine and N-1-naphthyl-ethylene-diamine dihydrochloride, at concentrations of 0.035 M, were satisfactory alternatives . The working concentration of the latter might be reduced, as indicated by the results of sensitivity tests.

J Int Med Res, 1976, 4(4), 265 - 71
Comparative efficacy and safety of cephradine and cephalexin in children; Mouallem R; Cephradine was compared to cephalexin a randomized, double-blind study for the treatment of bacterial infections in 162 children between four months and eleven years of age . In addition to evaluations of clinical and bacteriologic responses to therapy, the relative safety of the two cephalosporins was assessed for all children, including eight who were not included in the evaluation of drug efficacy . The children in the efficacy evaluation had either lobar pneumonia or skin infections and received oral suspensions of cephradine (25-110 mg/kg per day) or cephalexin (25-150 mg/kg per day) for five to fifteen days . Overall clinical and bacteriologic responses were nearly identical in the two groups, and both antibiotics proved to equally safe and effective for use paediatric practice.

Poumon Coeur, 1976, 32(4), 161 - 7
{Pulmonary, pleural and pericardial manifestations of rickettsiosis}; Pieron R et al.; The authors report four observations of rickettsioses with R . conori (3 cases) or R . mooseri (1 case) with pericardial, pleural or pulmonary manifestations (2 cases) . On this occasion, they recall that diagnosis of rickettsiosis can only be made on precise conditions: compatible clinical syndrome, significantly increasing then decreasing antibodies level, negative bacteriological and viral investigations and effectiveness of particular antibiotics . They also recall the main characteristics of pericardites, pleurisies, and pneumopathies produced by rickettsiae, probably more frequently than previously thought.

Arch Gynakol, 1976, 221(1), 17 - 28
{Investigation of the dalcon shield by scanning and transmission electronmicroscopy and bacteriologic studies (author's transl)}; Wagner H et al.; Bacteriologic studies and ultrastructural examination (scanning and transmission electron microscopy) was performed on twenty eight Dalcon Shields and the corresponding uteri . Microbiologic organism were detected in various degree . The results were compared with clinical results especially in regard to septicaemia in patients carrying the device.

Scand J Urol Nephrol, 1976, (30 Suppl), 19 - 22
On bacteriological problems in the REDY dialysis system; Sonderstrup J; During a series of dialyses with the REDY absorbent dialysis system, samples for bacteriological examination were drawn from different parts of the system . The REDY cartridge, both unused and after dialysis, was submitted to bacteriological examination by the drawing of samples from its four layers . Bacteria grew from the different layers of the cartridge with decreasing frequency from the bottom layer upwards . There was bacterial growth both in samples taken from unused cartridges and in samples from cartridges at the conclusion of dialysis . An attempt to sterilize the bottom layer of the cartridge by irradiation had no apparent effect on the incidence of growth . There was no growth in the dialysate, while bacteria could be cultured from both sides of the membrane of the dialyzer as well as from the solution of concentrate . Bacteria are probably found in the urease layer of the unused cartridge and may multiply during dialysis, leak out into the dialysate, and be trapped in the dialyzer . It is concluded that bacteriological contamination of the system should be avoided by the use of a suitable and effective sterilization procedure.

Scand J Gastroenterol, 1976, 11(3), 263 - 72
Susceptibility of the liver and biliary tract to anaerobic infection in extrahepatic biliary tract obstruction . III . Possible synergistic effect between anaerobic and aerobic bacteria . An experimental study in rabbits; Lykkegaard Nielsen M et al.; The pathogenicity of single anaerobic, single aerobic, and mixed anaerobic and aerobic bacterial inocula was studied in 3 groups of 12 rabbits with biliary tract obstruction . B . fragilis, ss . fragilis and E . coli serotype 01: K1: H7 were used . The investigation was made 7 days after bacterial inoculation and included bacteriological studies of the liver and bile as well as studies of liver function and morphology of the liver and biliary tract . Inoculation of 10(5)-10(6) E . coli did not cause biliary tract infection, liver abscesses or death . Inoculation of 10(9) B . fragilis caused biliary tract infection in 83% and liver abscesses in 17% of the animals inoculated, without any mortality . Combined inoculation with B . fragilis and E . coli in reduced doses significantly increased mortality (42%) and frequency of liver abscesses in surviving animals (86%) . All abscesses, however, yielded pure culture of B . fragilis only . 84% of the animals inoculated with B . fragilis alone or with B . fragilis in combination with E . coli developed biliary tract infection with B . fragilis, the bile yielding from 10(7)-10(9) B . fragilis per ml, gallbladder bile yielding significantly higher bacterial counts than common duct bile . E coli was never recovered from bile in surviving animals but from both bile and blood in animals not surviving the experimental period.

Res Vet Sci, 1976 Jan, 20(1), 6 - 9
The specificity and sensitivity of the fluorescent antibody test in cattle experimentally infected with Mycobacterium avium and Mycobacterium johnei; Gilmour NJ et al.; In five calves experimentally infected with Mycobacterium avium and in 10 with M johnei it was shown that the serological response by the fluorescent antibody (FA) test was specific . The serological response in the M avium infected calves was transitory and lasted up to five months . The first evidence of a serological response with the FA test in the M johnei dosed calves occurred at four months, and all calves had reacted by nine months after dosing . At the 23 tests carried out between four and 32 months after dosing, when the experiment was terminated, an average of 5-8 animals was positive at any one test . Johne's disease was confirmed bacteriologically and histologically in six of the 10 calves though none had shown clinical signs.

Res Vet Sci, 1976 Jan, 20(1), 10 - 2
The specificity and sensitivity of the fluorescent antibody test for Mycobacterium johnei infection in abattoir and culled cattle; Gilmour NJ et al.; In a series of 100 cattle in which there was no bacteriological or histopathological evidence of Mycobacterium johnei infection there were four positive reactions to the fluorescent antibody (FA) test with M johnei antigen and 20 to the complement fixation (CF) test . In a second series of 118 culled adult cattle M johnei infection was found in 26 . The FA test was positive in 16 and the CF in 12 of those infected cattle . In 92 cattle with no evidence of M johnei infection the FA test was positive in seven and the CF test in 22.

Nephron, 1976, 16(4), 318 - 21
A simplified method of percutaneous allograft biopsy; Buselmeier TJ et al.; Although the renal allograft represents only a single-functioning kidney, it lends itself readily to biopsy from a percutaneous approach . Previous contraindications to percutaneous biopsy of a single normally situated kidney do not apply to the renal allograft because of its altered extraperitoneal and superficial location . The transplant operative note and palpation serve to adequately localize the kidney without the need of fluoroscopy, metal tagging or other X-ray techniques . The cortex may be safely approached through a perpendicular plane directed toward the lower pole or a tangential plane directed toward the lateral curvature of the allograft . The fibrous capsule's resistance to the neddle passage helps localize the periphery of the kidney . Hemostasis is augmented through manual pressure and subsequent pressure dressing . The technique was used in 62 renal biopsies in 62 different patients . Adequate material for microscopic and bacteriologic evaluation was obtained in all cases . There were three episodes of gross hematuria, but no prolonged bleeding, significant perirenal hematoma formation, infection or decreasing renal function after the biopsy procedure.

Leber Magen Darm, 1976, 6(1), 19 - 24
Puncture of the gallbladder during peritoneoscopy - technique and diagnostic relevance (author's transl)}; Ropertz S et al.; Peritoneoscopic puncture of the gallbladder for transvesical cholecysto-cholangiography and for aspiration of bile for chemical and bacteriological analysis is performed rather rarely because of a seemingly high rate of complications . The risk however is low if an appropriate technique is used . In our series the gallbladder was punctured in 110 cases; a local peritonitis subsiding under conservative treatment occured as a complication in only one case . Peritoneoscopic puncture of the gallbladder is indicated in the following conditions: extrahepatic occlusion of the bile duct system of unknown origin, nonvisualization of the gallbladder during cholangiography, biliary dyskinesia, typical biliary colics with normal X-ray findings . In addition, gallbladder puncture should be done if any suspicion of gallbladder disease arises during peritoneoscopy . The procedure as well as technical variations for cholecysto-cholangiography and for X-ray investigation of the pancreatic duct system are described.

Stain Technol, 1976 Jan, 51(1), 55 - 7
New source for positive controls used for the identification of spirochaetes in tissue sections; Elias JM et al.; Lyophilized T . pallidum is recontituted or purchased as a suspension, evenly dispersed, made into smears using alcohol-cleaned slides and a bacteriological platinum wire loop . Smears are air dried for 15 minutes and fixed in concentrated formaldehyde fumes for 30 minutes and stored at room temperature . These preparations are used as positive controls for conventional silver impregnation techniques recommended for spirochaete detection in tissue sections.

Forensic Sci, 1976 Jan-Feb, 7(1), 9 - 22
Experimental investigations in post-mortem protein degradation; Bonte W et al.; Samples of thoracic fluid were obtained at regular intervals from the putrefying bodies of dead dogs . For quantitative estimation of the proteins two-dimensional immunoelectrophoresis was employed and for the amino acids and amines two-dimensional thin-layer chromatography . The results lead to speculation that the initially lagging proteolytic changes are due to catalysis of autoenzymes, whereas bacteriological processes are responsible for a distinct acceleration from the 20th day after death . At this time the amino-acid concentrations showed a marked increase, which is followed by a maximum of bacterial growth, that ultimately leads to a sudden regression of amino acids . Simultaneously amines appear . The drying up of the thoracic cavity after 35 to 45 days marks the change from liquefaction to the terminal decay.

Arch Invest Med (Mex), 1976, 7(1), 23 - 8
{Counter-immunoelectrophoresis in the diagnosis of meningoencephalitis by Diplococcus pneumoniae and Hemophilus influenzae}; Ruiz-Gomez J et al.; The presence of antigen of D . pneumoniae and H . influenzae was detected by counter-immunoelectrophoresis (CIE) in 113 LCR of children with central nervous system (CNS) infection (17 viral, 70 bacterial and 6 tuberculous) . From 41 normal children spinal fluid was obtained and used as control . Precipitation band was not observed in normal children cases of viral and tuberculosis meningitis . In 21 cases of bacterial meningitis, D . pneumoniae and H . influenzae was isolated in six cases each . In six cases of bacterial meningitis were positive both bacteriological study and CIE . In 49 cases in which culture was negative only 13 gave positive CIE . When other strains of bacteria were isolated, no positive band was detected with CIE . This technic was regarded as useful for detecting etiologic agent in purulent meningitis.

Lancet, 1975 Dec 6, 2(7945), 1105 - 9
Controlled trial of intermittent regimens of rifampicin plus isoniazid for pulmonary tuberculosis in Singapore.
{Selective kidney angiography . Indispensable diagnostic method in urogenital tuberculosis}
Heinze HG, Eisenberger F, Pfeifer KJ, Klein U.

Selective angiography of the kidneys was performed in 119 patients with urogenital tuberculosis . The diagnosis was confirmed by bacteriological and/or histological examinations . Diagnostic value . Under optimal technical conditions changes of the small renal arteries even in the parenchymal stage I of renal tuberculosis can be seen . These cannot be diagnosed with other methods . In stage II and III the degree of destruction and the localisation of the specific process can be demonstrated more efficiently by angiography than by urogram . In stage III/3 (kidney without function) the differential diagnosis between tuberculosis and the late form of polycystic renal disease is possible . Therefore the selective renal angiography ought to be performed more frequently for intensive diagnosis and also to reach a definite diagnosis before surgical procedures . Special surgical planning is more precise and knowledge of vascular anatomy reduces the operative risk.

J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry, 1975 Dec, 38(12), 1170 - 6
Hypertrophic granulomatous cranial pachymeningitis causing progressive blindness in a chronic dialysis patient; Feringa ER et al.; A patient on chronic haemodialysis because of renal failure developed progressive visual field loss and eventual blindness . A postmortem examination indicated that the blindness was caused by granulomatous thickening of the pachymeninges which constricted the optic nerves as they passed through the optic foramina . Exhaustive bacteriological and histopathological studies failed to identify a specific cause for this hypertrophic cranial pachymeningitis.

Vestn Khir Im I I Grek, 1975 Dec, 115(12), 32 - 4
{Appendicular form of intestinal yersiniosis}; Antonov VI et al.; The authors report twenty three cases of intestinal yerseniosis revealed among 575 patients operated upon for acute appendicitis . The diagnosis was supported bacteriologically and serologically . The disease proceeded with a predominant involvement of the appendicular process . Various forms of acute appendicitis were observed . Common appendicitis was noted in 6 cases, phlegmonous--in 15, gangrenous--in 2.

Trop Geogr Med, 1975 Dec, 27(4), 351 - 3
Pulmonary tuberculosis in diabetes mellitus; Doost JY et al.; In 217 patients with diabetes mellitus, 32 (14.7%) had also pleuropulmonary tuberculosis confirmed by bacteriologic or histologic means . Either unilateral or bilateral lower lobe involvement was seen in 20 patients (62.5%) . Of these, 75% were febrile, the response to antituberculous drugs was slower than in patients with apical lesions . Confirmation of tuberculosis was also more difficult in patients with lower lobe disease . The prevalence of tuberculosis in diabetic patients must be considered and the disease should be especially suspected in diabetic patients with lower lobe lesions.

J Clin Pathol, 1975 Dec, 28(12), 993 - 6
Pseudomonas putrefaciens as a cause of infection in humans; Debois J et al.; Pseudomonas putrefaciens, a strongly H2S-producing pseudomonad, was isolated from 10 human infections over a two-year period . In one patient the organism was repeatedly isolated from a phlegmone developing in the depth of a varicose leg ulcer . This is the first report on the occurrence of Ps . putrefaciens in humans outside the USA and the first to provide the detailed account of a clinical observation where the opportunistic pathogenic role of this unfamiliar organism has been sufficiently documented . Data are presented on the bacteriological properties and on the antibiotic sensitivity of Ps . putrefaciens.

Acta Pathol Microbiol Scand Suppl, 1975 Dec, 83(6), 590 - 4
The serology of Bordetella bronchiseptica isolated from pigs compared with strains from other animal species; Pedersen KB; The serology of freshly isolated strains of Bordetella bronchiseptica from pigs and some other animal species was studied by the agglutination and agglutinin absorption tests . Differentiation was made between heat stable O-antigens and heat labile K-antigens . All the strains examined contained a common O-antigen (1) . In addition, three heat stable antigens were detected . The heat labile antigens of freshly isolated strains were found to be very different . The major antigens 2 and 3 were not found in combination . A common weak K-antigen (1) was found in all strains . The pig strains were found to be serologically identical (0, 1, 2; K 1, 2) . The same serotype was isolated from a rabbit . Another rabbit strain was found to be similar to a strain isolated from an SPF-rat (O, 1, 3; K 1, 3, 4) . The antigenic pattern found in two cat strains was O 1, 3; K 1, 3 . Typing of freshly isolated strains from pigs with monospecific factor sera confirmed that all the strains so far examined were serologically identical . This uniform serology hampers epidemiological studies of porcine bordetellosis by antigenic analysis . The occurrence of serologically different serotypes of B . bronchiseptica is of significance in the diagnostic bacteriology since the final diagnosis must be confirmed by a serological test.

Tubercle, 1975 Dec, 56(4), 329 - 34
The ABO and rhesus blood groups in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis; Viskum K; During the 3 year period 1970-1972 a total of 554 patients were notified for the first time as having bacillary or abacillary pulmonary tuberculosis in the Municipality of Copenhagen; 99 per cent of these patients were typed according to the ABO and rhesus system . The bacillary patients showed an excess of group O and AB and a deficit of A and B as compared to the general population . The deviations were statistically highly significant for group O and A . The distribution according to the rhesus system did not deviate from the expected pattern . The ABO and rhesus distribution of the abacillary patients did not differ significantly from the expected pattern . During a follow-up period of 2-5 years after the initial diagnosis 104 bacillary patients died; the ABO pattern among the survivors was now closer to the normal; this resulted from a high number of deaths from tuberculosis among patients of group O and a low number among those belonging to group A . More rhesus negative patients died from tuberculosis than rhesus positive . It is concluded that a study of the ABO and rhesus pattern among the tuberculosis patients becomes biased if a break-down by bacteriological findings and history is not made . It is also important that the study covers all patients who contract tuberculosis within a certain period, as the longevity of the patients is apparently to some extent dependent on their blood group.

Tubercle, 1975 Dec, 56(4), 253 - 67
Pulmonary tuberculosis in Scotland: a national sample survey and follow-up (1968-70) . 1 . The characteristics of the cases notified in 1968; Heffernan JF et al.; A survey has been undertaken of a 50 per cent random sample of 865 patients notified as having pulmonary tuberculosis in 1968 in Scotland . The estimated notification rate for the total population was 33.3 per 100,000 . The highest rate for males was 89.8 for those aged 55 or more and for females 29.5 for those aged 25 to 54 . The rates for bacteriologically confirmed cases were 51.6 and 16.0, respectively, for these two groups . An independent radiological assessor reported the characteristic appearances of active tuberculosis in 50 per cent of the chest radiographs . Nearly half the patients were referred by general practitioners and 20 per cent were hospital inpatients when diagnosed . Contacts and mass radiography services produced many fewer cases and the proportion of infectious cases in these groups was low . The notification procedure is discussed and it is suggested that as progress towards eradication is made notification information is inadequate, and that standardised supplementary information on severity of disease and infectiousness should be collected, annually or periodically.

Am Rev Respir Dis, 1975 Dec, 112(6), 765 - 72
Lifelong follow-up of inactive tuberculosis: its value and limitations; Nakielna EM et al.; There are 14,552 inactive cases of tuberculosis in British Columbia, representing 0.6 per cent of the population . The prevalence of inactive tuberculosis in 7 times higher among Indians than in the remainder of the population . Among all inactive cases, 60.5 per cent of patients had "good" chemotherapy, whereas 13.2 per cent had poor chemotherapy and 26.3 per cent had no chemotherapy . The risk of reactivation in those who received "good" chemotherapy was 2.2 cases per 1,000 persons per annum, whereas for those with poor and no chemotherapy, the risks were 7.8 and 6.7 cases per 1,000 persons per annum, respectively . One third of a sample of all inactive cases were found not to comply with the existing policy of lifelong annual examinations . Of the remaining two-thirds, one-half attended regularly and one-half, irregularly . All reactivations occurring during the 3-year period between 1971 and 1973 were reviewed . The pattern of attendance of these patients during a 3-year period immediately before the year of reactivation was similar to that of the sample of all inactive cases . Sixty per cent of reactivations occurring among "attenders" were diagnosed at such annual examinations . The bacteriologic status of reactivated disease was reviewed; 78 per cent were culture positive . Of patients who had received previous chemotherapy, 45 per cent had organisms that were resistant to one or more of the 3 primary antituberculous drugs, whereas previously untreated groups showed a much lower figure, 7.8 per cent . On the basis of the findings of this study, recommendations are made in relation to future policy of management of inactive cases of tuberculosis.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1975 Dec, (12), 43 - 6
{Some aspects of the use of the level of bacteriological confirmation in the epidemiological analysis of dysentery morbidity}; Strikovskaia IKh et al.; On the basis of studying the seasonality and the age composition of dysentery morbidity in comparison with the corresponding levels of bacteriological confirmation the authors suggested a method of recalculation of morbidity with consideration to this parameter . This method could be used in epidemiological analysis.

Tubercle, 1975 Dec, 56(4), 324 - 8
Microbiology of cutaneous tuberculosis; Sharma RC et al.; Detailed bacteriological characteristics including drug sensitivity of 12 mycobacteria isolated from 51 cases of different types of cutaneous tuberculosis were studied; no mycobacterium could be isolated from remaining 39 cases . Nine were identified as M . tuberculosis and 3 as 'anonymous' mycobacteria . Acquired resistance to one or more than one drug (streptomycin, isoniazid, PAS and thiacetazone) was observed in 3 out of 9 strains of M . tuberculosis . All the 'anonymous' strains were resistant to all the drugs except ethionamide and ethambutol.

Tubercle, 1975 Dec, 56(4), 269 - 94
Tuberculosis in Tanzania: a national sampling survey of drug resistance and other factors; Comparative study of virological infections in asthmatic and nonasthmatic children; The author shows complex analyses: clinical, laboratory, X-rays, bronchoscopical, bronchographical and measuring lung function tests as well as the serological examinations in blood serum of both groups of asthmatic and nonasthmatic children with virological infection . The calculation of statistically significant differences between the various diagnostical results of both groups has confirmed that in asthmatic children virological infection of the respiratory tract, pathological findings in X-ray and lung function tests, bronchiectasis and secondary bacteriological invasion occurs statistically significantly more often than in nonasthmatic children.

Sem Hop, 1975 Nov 9, 51(44), 2665 - 72
{Bone marrow biopsy in the diagnosis of hematopoietic tuberculosis}; Alterescu R et al.; The authors report 6 cases of tuberculosis of the bone marrow, in which the diagnosis was made by biopsy . Three of these cases, included peripheral blood abnormalities, such as pancytopenia, whereas in the three other, nothing special was found on routine blood examination . All the patients, except one who died from intercurrent infection, became cured thanks to anti-tuberculosis treatment . Marrow biopsy thus permits early diagnosis, miliary tuberculosis, even when usual radiological and bacteriological investigations are negative.

Can Med Assoc J, 1975 Nov 8, 113(9), 848 - 9
Drug resistance in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis; Cheung OT; A review of the records of 984 patients admitted to hospital from 1970 through 1973 with bacteriologically proven pulmonary tuberculosis showed bacterial resistance to one or more antituberculosis drugs in 103 (10.5%) . Among the patients who had had previous drug treatment for tuberculosis the prevalence of drug resistance was 20% in the Canadian-born patients and 69.4% in the recent immigrants . Among the patients who had had no previous drug treatment the prevalence of drug resistance (primary resistance) was 2.7% in Canadian-born patients but 11.4% in recent immigrants . Because of the higher prevalence of drug resistance among recent immigrants and the finding in recent years that increasingly more tuberculosis patients in Ontario are recent immigrants, drug resistance in this group is likely to assume even more importance in the future.

Prostaglandins, 1975 Nov, 10(5), 769 - 77
Prostaglandins and cholera: the occurrence of prostagland in-like smooth muscle contracting substances in cholera diarrhoea; Okpako DT; Prostaglandin-like smooth muscle contracting substances were identified in acid lipid extracts of diarrhoeal faeces taken from patients presenting clinical symptoms of cholera . Five out of the eleven cases studied were bacteriologically confirmed as cholera . The PG-like activity in the individual samples ranged from 3-27 mg PGE2 equivalents /ml of diarrhoeal stool . Parallel bioassay and thin-layer chromatographic analysis of the extracts indicated that about 60% of the activity was due to an F-type PG, 15% to an E-type PG and the rest to unidentified lipid substanc(s) . It is proposed that increased PG production in cholera (indicated by these findings) may at least contribute to the disease.

Cancer Res, 1975 Nov, 35(11 Pt . 2), 3388 - 94
The epidemiology of large bowel cancer; Wynder EL; Results from epidemiogical studies have provided clues as to etiological factors involved in the development of large bowel cancer . Overnutrition, especially in terms of dietary fat consumed, appears to be a key etiological variable affecting the rate of colon cancer . Epidemiologists can provide the leads for chemists and bacteriologists to pursue in population groups and for experimentalists to test in laboratory animals . Coordination of and cooperation between many disciplines is necessary in order to contribute to the prevention of this man-made disease.

Ateneo Parmense Acta Biomed, 1975 Nov-Dec, 46(6), 521 - 33
{Aerobic bacterial flora in the bile (author's transl)}; Sianesi M; Bacteriological investigation was carried out on bile samples obtained during surgery from patients with multiple diseases of the biliary tract . This study, aimed only at the aerobic biliary flora, showed that the highest incidence of gacteria in the bile was found in repeat surgery for post-operative stenosis of the hepatic bile duct; second in order was lithiasis of the common bile duct . The antibiogram results on the bacterial species isolated are reported.

Can J Microbiol, 1975 Nov, 21(11), 1788 - 97
Bacterial growth in seafoood on restaurant premises; Venkataramaiah N et al.; Operational guidelines for a chain of the newer type of seafood restaurants and take-out stores were derived from plots of bacteriological and trimethylamine changes during the preparation and storage of cod fillets, shrimp, and clams . If fish is to be defrosted at room temperature it should be washed and portioned within 14 h . Subsequent storage at 5 degrees C should not exceed 72 h and once removed from the refrigerator it should be fried within 3 h . New stores should consider improved methods of defrosting . Trimethylamine content was a more sensitive measure of quality loss than bacterial growth . Shrimp quality can be improved by emphasizing the way shells are removed because most of the contamination was external . Shrimp shelled while still frozen had the best potential keeping quality . Clam meat is handled less and is always held at 5 degrees C; but bacterial growth indicated that it should not be held on the premises for more than 3 days including the time necessary for defrosting . Batter prepared fresh daily can be feft at room temperature . Frying can obliterate poor handling procedures, but adequate cooking is essential under any conditions . Clams are a gourmet item but the practice of cooking them lightly at customer request proved inadvisable.

Acta Otolaryngol, 1975 Nov-Dec, 80(5-6), 399 - 409
Acute otitis media . A clinical bacteriological and serological study of children with frequent episodes of acute otitis media; Branefors-Helander P et al.; A series of episodes of acute otitis media was studied with reference to bacterial findings and specific serological responses in 48 children with histories of frequent episodes before . D . pneumoniae and H . influenzae were the most frequently isolated pathogens . Re-isolations after therapy were often made in episodes with slow healing or therapeutic failure . Most children harboured pathogens in nasopharynx even when they had no signs of respiratory tract infections . Homologous relapses were seen only in few cases and never with pneumococcus type 3 and only once with H . influenzae type b . Specific serological responses were demonstrable generally in children over 2 years of age . D . pneumococcus type 3 and H . influenzae type b generally provoked antibody response . No levels indicating immunoglobulin deficiencies could be found in the children.

Orthop Clin North Am, 1975 Oct, 6(4), 1105 - 14
Contamination of the operative wound; Fitzgerald RH Jr et al.; A study of the bacteriologic environment of the conventional operating rooms in the hospitals used by the Mayo Clinic orthopedic surgical section revealed several areas of potential contamination of the surgical wound . Such areas included the back table and the unsterile suction receptacle . Use of an impermeable hood with a large mask diminished contamination of the instruments and the wound originating in direct fallout from members of the surgical team . Irrigation of the operative wound with 0.1 per cent neomycin solution for brief periods was not as effective as previously thought . The level of airborne bacterial contamination in the operating room can be reduced by limiting the traffic and controlling the activity and the number of operating room personnel . Although none of these factors could be directly related to operative wound sepsis in any of our studies, their potential was obvious . They can be controlled by the methods we have described.

Ann Clin Res, 1975 Oct, 7(5), 331 - 3
Inactive pulmonary lesions: a potent risk factor of tuberculosis; Vaara J et al.; Case histories and previous chest X-ray films of 142 patients with bacteriologically confirmed active pulmonary tuberculosis from eastern Finland were re-examined . In 18% of the series the disease was a reactivation of previously diagnosed and treated tuberculosis . In 70% of the patients with first clinical attack of tuberculosis, previous RP-films revealed fibrotic lesions in the lungs . Only 23% of the whole series had no previous abnormality on chest X-ray examination or previous clinical tuberculosis . Fibrotic pulmonary lesions are therefore a significant risk factor in the epidemiology of pulmonary tuberculosis, which has been given too little attention.

Clin Radiol, 1975 Oct, 26(4), 461 - 9
Pulmonary lesions due to opportunist mycobacteria . (Review includes 30 cases of M . kansasii infections); Anderson DH et al.; The apparent increase in the incidence of opportunist mycobacterial pulmonary infection is assessed . The clinical, bacteriological and radiological characteristics of 34 cases of such infections seen over a period of ten years in Sheffield are reviewed . The typical radiological appearances consisting of cavities, fibrosis and opacities are described and illustrated . There has been in the past conflicting reports on the specificity of such radiological features; it is concluded that although such appearances are not pathognomonic, their presence should arouse suspicion of such an infection and this should be confirmed or refuted by bacteriological investigations.

Br J Urol, 1975 Oct, 47(5), 481 - 7
Conservative management of renal tuberculosis; Horne NW et al.; The conservative management of 60 patients suffering from renal tuberculosis is reported . Following chemotherapy, bacteriological conversion to negative was obtained in all patients . 2 patients (3-3%) relapsed due to failure to take adequate treatment . Evidence of ureteric obstruction was obtained in 30 patients (50%)--23 at the time of diagnosis, 6 during treatment and 1 at the time of relapse . Following corticosteroid treatment relief of obstruction was obtained in 72% . Nephrectomy was carried out in 4 patients (6-7%) but in only 1 of these was the operation carried out for reasons which we now consider valid.

Laryngoscope, 1975 Oct, 85(10), 1689 - 97
Laboratory diagnosis of laryngeal disease; Michaels L; The most important method used in the laboratory diagnosis of laryngeal disease is histological examination of material removed at biopsy . Surgical and technical aspects of this procedure are discussed . A review of diagnoses made of laryngeal biopsies in a single year by the writer's laboratory is given together with a brief description of the pathology of the commonest non-malignant conditions . The handling of laryngectomy and block dissection specimens in the laboratory is described . The parts played by the cytology, bacteriology and virology laboratories in laryngeal diagnosis are briefly reviewed.

Orthop Clin North Am, 1975 Oct, 6(4), 915 - 21
Antibiotic management of acute osteomyelitis and septic arthritis in children; Rhodes KH; Optimal antibiotic management of children with acute bone and joint infections depends on early clinical diagnosis, careful search for the infecting organism, and institution of vigorous surgical therapy . Because antibiotic treatment must be initiated before confirmatory laboratory data are available, clues to the bacteriologic etiology must be sought . Knowledge of the patient's age, the clinical circumstances of the infection, and the associated physical findings may provide a presumptive bacteriologic diagnosis . Gram-staining of the surgical aspirate or tissue may provide immediate information about the nature of the pathogen . Definitive culture results and antibiotic sensitivities may be useful in modifying therapy, if necessary . It is advocated that antibiotics be given parenterally for the full course of therapy because of the seriousness of the infection and the importance of high blood and tissue levels . To determine a response to therapy, frequent careful physical examinations along with periodic roentgenograms and sedimentation rate determinations are indicated . Because long-term, high-dose antibiotic-therapy can produce side effects, it is essential that studies be done to monitor any potentially harmful effects on organ systems.

J Am Vet Med Assoc, 1975 Oct 1, 167(7), 603 - 4
A microbiologic study of the urban gray squirrel; White FH et al.; Bacteriologic, virologic, and serologic examinations were conducted on 180 urban gray squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) during a 1-year period in a metropolitan area . Evidence was not found of infections with leptospires, enteric or other bacteria, rickettsial agents, Francisella tularensis, or arthropod-borne viruses . The squirrels were remarkably free of evidence of bacterial or viral infections of importance to man and lower animals.

J Clin Microbiol, 1975 Oct, 2(4), 277 - 80
New technique for quantitative bacteriological sampling of wounds by velvet pads: clinical sampling trial; Raahave D; A new surface sampling method, the velvet pad rinse technique, was compared with the velvet pad imprint method, in a randomized bacteriological sampling trial, using surgical wounds to evaluate quantitative results . The efficiency of bacterial recovery was increased 20-fold by the new technique, and the improvement was ascribed in particular to the introduction of a procedure of rinsing the velvet pad after sampling.

J Prosthet Dent, 1975 Oct, 34(4), 428 - 34
Physical and mechanical properties of nystatin-containing denture liners; Douglas WH et al.; The mechanical and physical effects of the presence of nystatin in three denture liners were investigated . In general, the modified materials were softer, showed greater strain, and demonstrated permanent set under compression for the duration of the tests . However, the degree of change in properties appeared unlikely to lead to reduced clinical performance . The most significant change was a great increase in the equilibrium capacity for water in the case of the modified liners . This may enhance the pharmacologic effectiveness of these liners by encouraging the release of nystatin at the tissue surface . Bacteriologic and clinical studies continue to investigate the possibility that modified semipermanent liners (Coe-Supersoft) may reduce the recurrence of denture stomatitis.

J Reprod Fertil Suppl, 1975 Oct, (23), 231 - 4
Influence of intrauterine saline infusion upon the oestrous cycle of the mare; Arthur GH; The effect of intrauterine saline on reproductive function was studied by infusion of mares in anoestrus, dioestrus, oestrus and prolonged dioestrus . Anoestrous mares were unaffected except near the beginning and end of the breeding season when anovulatory heats were induced . Dioestrous mares infused between Days 5 and 9 returned to heat an average of 3-8 days earlier than expected, and infusions during dioestrus were followed by ovulatory heats of normal fertility . Three mares in prolonged dioestrus showed ovulatory heats within 3 to 9 days of infusion . Infusions during oestrus had no appreciable effect . Repeated infusions were clinically harmless but post-infusion bacteriological swabs from the uterus were positive . In two cases studied, infusion was followed by a fall in peripheral plasma progestagen concentrations . Evidence was obtained that vaginal and cervical dilatation and oxytocin were not involved in the mechanisms and it is postulated that the luteolytic effect of intrauterine saline is mediated by prostaglandin.

Am J Clin Pathol, 1975 Oct, 64(4), 518 - 24
Control of cost and medical relevance in clinical microbiology; Bartlett RC; Government and third-party payers are applying increasing effort to control rising medical laboratory costs by restricting laboratory budgets . This threatens quality in clinical microbiology, where lack of automation has hampered increased productivity . A solution was sought by curtailing work on duplicates and specimens of poor quality using empirically derived objective criteria . One to 43% of specimens of various types were of insufficient quality to warrant planting, and 6-95% of isolates obtained in mixed culture were not subject to complete bacteriologic work-up because of evidence of superficial contamination . Combined with other controls this reduced bacteriology laboratory costs by 12% . Simultaneously, preliminary reports of examination of direct smears were provided for most specimens, and telephone reports were rendered when processing was incomplete to allow prompt resubmission of specimens . The impression that the information contributed to more rapid accurate diagnosis and treatment of infectious disease was gained.

Rev Ig Bacteriol Virusol Parazitol Epidemiol Pneumoftiziol Pneumoftiziol, 1975 Oct-Dec, 24(4), 227 - 30
{Abacillary cavitary pulmonary tuberculosis not treated with bacteriostatics}; Deutsch M et al.; A study was carried out on 48 cases of tuberculosis with a clinical and radiologic symptomatology but negative at the repeated bacteriologic examinations . The results suggested that these might be cases of spontaneous recovery since there were no evolutive radiologic signs . Although the lack of contagion may be admitted these cases especially the young children should be isolated and kept under radiologic and bacteriologic surveillance for at least three years.

Tropenmed Parasitol, 1975 Sep, 26(3), 312 - 22
The El Tor cholera epidemic in Togo (West Africa) 1970-1972; Bockemuhl J et al.; The course of the El Tor cholera epidemic in Togo (November 1970 to January 1973) is reported . 561 cases were confirmed bacteriologically, but a total of about 1000 cases is estimated . Both sexes were affected equally . The disease mainly occurred in adults; 23% of the patients belonged to the age group of 30 to 39 years . A case fatality rate between 4 to 10% was stated which depended on the facilities of medical treatment . The outbreaks were generally characterized by a protracted propagation . The epidemic was limited to the southern parts of the country within the zone of equatorial climate . A season-related development was observed with a marked increase of the incidence in the dry season . The methods of laboratory diagnosis are described, and the measures of cholera control are reported.

Br J Surg, 1975 Sep, 62(9), 697 - 700
Acute cholecystitis; Raine PA et al.; One hundred and fifty-six successive patients have been admitted with the clinical diagnosis of acute cholecystitis and have been treated by operation on the next operating list . The diagnosis was correct in 154 and a diagnostic pathway has been determined . The clinical features, investigations, bacteriology and pathology are discussed . There is an increased need for choledochotomy in acute cholecystitis and this bile is more commonly infected than in the elective patient . It is suggested that those with infection can be identified prior to operation and should be treated with antibiotics on admission . The morbidity of operation on patients with uninfected bile is no greater than in those receiving elective surgery, and operative treatment is recommended for both groups of patients.

J Clin Pathol, 1975 Sep, 28(9), 746 - 9
A practical system of bacterial nomenclature; Black WA; It is unlikely that any serious attempt will be made to standardize bacterial nomenclature on a national or international scale until the implementation of the proposed revision of the International Code of Nomenclature of Bacteria on 1 January 1980 . In the meantime, the lack of such standardization poses major problems in communication between the laboratory and the clinican and also causes difficulties in the latter's reading of the bacteriology literature . The present communication proposes interim regional voluntary standardization of bacterial nomenclature as a solution, and outlines a system of nomenclature which could be used on such a regional basis . The system is specifically designed to demonstrate clearly the relationships between bacteria.

Am Rev Respir Dis, 1975 Sep, 112(3), 331 - 40
Pulmonary melioidosis . Observations in thirty-nine cases; Everett ED et al.; During the 6-year period from 1965 through 1970, 39 patients with pulmonary melioidosis were treated at Fitzsimons Army Medical Center . Although this is a disease with a well-defined endemic area that does not include the United States, cases will no doubt continue to be seen in this country . These cases may result from acute infection in the endemic area, with subsequent travel to this country, or from delayed reactivation of a latent infection acquired months or years earlier . Given the potential for occurrence of this disease in the United States, continued awareness by the medical profession is important . The typical patient with subacute or chronic pulmonary melioidosis presents with fever, productive cough, weight loss, and a history of visiting an endemic area sometime in the past . Chest radiographs disclose upper lobe infiltrates and/or cavitation, suggesting granulomatous disease . With careful bacteriologic examination, sputum cultures are positive for Pseudomonas pseudomallei, which is susceptible to tetracycline, chloramphenicol, sulfonamides, and kanamycin . The titer of the indirect hemagglutinating antibodies will almost always be greater than 1:40 . Most patients respond to therapy with tetracycline alone of in combination with chloramphenicol . Occasionally, a patient may require surgical intervention; if so, ideally the sputum should be negative, and a lobectomy, rather than segmentectomy, should be performed.

Am J Vet Res, 1975 Sep, 36(9), 1401 - 2
Comparative study of Mycoplasma pulmonis and Mycoplasma gallisepticum infections in turkey sinus; Sanger VL; Infraorbital sinuses of young turkeys were injected with virulent strains of Mycoplasma pulmonis and Mycoplasma gallisepticum to compare the diseases caused by the 2 agents . Mycoplasma pulmonis did not cause visible swelling from large quantities of mucous exudate in the sinuses, such as occurs with M gallisepticum, and it could not be recovered by bacteriologic culture technique after 3 weeks . However, slight exudate did accompany the M pulmonis infection . Similarities between the disease caused by M pulmonis and that caused by M gallisepticum included lymphocytic infiltration in the submucosa, swollen epithelial cells, and loss of cilia from sinus epithelial cell surfaces . This strain of M pulmonis, which is pathogenic for rats, was only mildly pathogenic for turkeys and the infection did not persist for long.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1975 Sep, 0(9), 68 - 71
{Utilization of a solid nutrient medium for the serological method of detecting the causative agent of typhoid in patients' feces}; Levi MI et al.; The causative agent of typhoid fever can be revealed in feces of patients not only by the bacteriological, but also by the serological method, if the material is preliminarily grown on hard nutrient media; Ploskirev's medium proved to be the optimal . It is suggested that microbial cultures left on the ager in Petri dishes after the bacteriological study should be used for bacteriological analysis . In a number of cases it was possible to reveal the causative agent of typhoid fever in feces by the serological method, although no coproculture was isolated bacteriologically.

J Clin Pathol, 1975 Sep, 28(9), 750 - 2
Evaluation of a dehydrated test strip for the detection of yeasts; Davies RR et al.; Use of a dehydrated test strip for the detection of yeasts is compared with traditional culture on Sabouraud's agar containing 50 mug/ml chloramphenicol . While the selective medium of the strip is satisfactory for the isolation of species of Candida, Torulopsis glabrata grows only very slowly . The strip has the advantage of a long storage life without deterioration, but a high cost may preclude general usage . The numbers of yeasts collected by a bacteriological swab disadvantages of the selective medium, and the value of direct microscopy in the examination of vaginal swabs are discussed.

Tubercle, 1975 Sep, 56(3), 219 - 26
Notes on the organization of tuberculosis bacteriology and its quality control; Marks J; The time-scale of tuberculosis allows the centralization of identification and sensitivity tests on positive cultures with the advantages of better efficiency, economy and safety . The system operated in England and Wales is described with its methods of quality control . The incidence of false resistance in new cases is less than 0-1 per cent and that of missed resistance little more . Arguments are advanced against the use of blind chemotherapy on new patients in Britain.

MMW Munch Med Wochenschr, 1975 Sep, 117(37), 1469 - 74
{Mycoplasma in inflammatory diseases of the resporatory tract (author's transl)}; Meier J et al.; Methods for the serological and bacteriological investigation of mycoplasma and the clinical symptoms in infections with identified mycoplasma are described . The significance of mycoplasma in inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract is a matter for discussion according to present knowledge . The pathogenicity of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in atypical pneumonias can be considered confirmed according to the availabile literature; its importance for other inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract, particularly for chronic bronchitis, is not yet sufficiently clear . Further specific studies are necessary with a selected, reliable series of patients under carefully defined precautions.

Chest, 1975 Sep, 68(3), 302 - 6
Endotracheal antibiotics for the prevention of tracheobronchial infections in tracheotomized unconscious patients . A comparative study of gentamicin and aminosidin-polymyxin B combination; Klastersky J et al.; Endotracheal administration of gentamicin has been compared to the endotracheal administration of aminosidin plus polymyxin B as a preventive measure against tracheobronchial infections in 25 and 22 tracheotomized patients respectively who had been admitted to a neurosurgical unit . Both series were comparable as far as underlying disease, duration of hospitalization, surgical therapy . Both regimens were similarly effective from the bacteriologic and clinical points of view . Both regimens were similarly effective in preventing colonization of bronchial secretions by potential pathogens and were associated with a similar frequency of infectious episodes (eight in each group) . The use of aminosidin-polymyxin B combination was associated with a lower incidence of emergence of gentamicin resistant strains, but the endotracheal administration of gentamicin was better tolerated than that of the combination . It is concluded that the combination of aminosidin-polymyxin is a useful alternative to gentamicin for the prevention of bronchopulmonary infections in unconscious tracheotomized patients.

Rofo, 1975 Sep, 123(3), 203 - 6
{Endobronchial brush biopsy}; Gullotta U; Bronchial brushing under fluoroscopy control is used in the diagnosis of pulmonary lesions which are beyond reach of the bronchoscope . A small nylon or steel brush is passed through a bronchial catheter and tissue material from the lesion is taken for cytologic and bacteriologic studies . The technique described is easy to learn, relatively safe, is well tolerated by patients and gives good diagnostic results.

J Clin Pathol, 1975 Aug, 28(8), 664 - 9
Some observations on cooling in laboratory autoclaves; Everall PH et al.; Cooling times for various autoclave loads were recorded using thermocouples . Loads which may be encountered during normal laboratory working require between 17 and 174 minutes to cool to 100 degrees, C and up to 260 minutes to cool to 95 degrees C . Such long cooling times had an adverse effect on nutritive properties of bacteriological culture medium . Observations are made on some factors which influenced the cooling times, and the need for artificially assisted cooling is stressed . Recommendations are given for the safe operation of laboratory autoclaves.

Thorax, 1975 Aug, 30(4), 447 - 51
Intraoperative autologous blood transfusion: report of a technique; Khan RM et al.; Using a simple and relatively inexpensive technique, blood was salvaged during major thoracic and cardiovascular surgery in 34 cases . Detailed haematological, biochemical, and bacteriological studies were carried out, with red cell survival studies . It has been shown that cellular as well as non-cellular elements of the blood were well preserved with little or nor bacterial contamination . It has been suggested that this form of autologous blood is a more suitable form of blood replacement than donor blood.

Arch Intern Med, 1975 Aug, 135(8), 1063 - 5
Abuse of antibiotics . A study of patients attending a university clinic; Chretien JH et al.; Self-treatment with antibiotics was evaluated among patients at a university health service in an 18-month period . Sixty-two students ingested antibiotics, usually tetracycline (40%) or penicillin (21%), for varying intervals before seeking medical care . Respiratory symptoms were the most common reason (40%) . The most frequent drug source was residual medication obtained by prescription from a private physician for a prior illness (43%) . Although self-therapy was of short duration, the negative bacteriologic cultures obtained on our evaluation in all but four patients challenged precise diagnosis . The findings indicate that inappropriate use of antibiotics by patients would be curtailed by prescribing only the exact amount needed for a given illness and by emphasizing the need for completion of the course of therapy.

Am J Epidemiol, 1975 Aug, 102(2), 185 - 90
Tuberculin sensitivity in a high-risk canine population; Snider WR et al.; An epidemiologic study of tuberculosis in dogs exposed to humans with recently reported tuberculosis was undertaken in Philadelphia between July 1966 and June 1968 . A total of 29 dogs meeting the criteria for inclusion in the high-risk population were studied by history, physical examination, intradermal tuberculin tests, and radiographic and bacteriologic examination . Ten of the 29 dogs showed positive responses to US Department of Agriculture (USDA) standard mammalian tuberculin . Positive tuberculin tests to second strength PPD were demonstrated in five of the 10 responders to USDA mammalian tuberculin . No physical, radiographic or bacteriologic evidence of tuberculosis was found in any of the high-risk animals examined . In a comparison group of 70 dogs without knwon exposure to tuberculosis, two positive responses to USDA tuberculin were demonstrated and none to PPD.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1975 Aug, (8), 129 - 33
{Approximate assessment of the successfulness of bacteriological and serological methods of studying rodents in natural plague foci}; Smirnova OA et al.; On the basis of the study of two mathematical models of the epizootics the authors suggest a criterion for the determination of the correlation of the value of the results of bacteriological and serological examination of rodents in the natural foci of plague . In accordance with the criteria obtained an evaluation was made of this correlation for Pallasiomys meridianus of the left and right banks of the Volga . It appeared that the calculated assessment of the value of the results of the two methods under study correlated satisfactorily with the data obtained in practice during the epizootologic examination of the Volgo-Urals natural focus of infection.

J Hyg (Lond), 1975 Aug, 75(1), 113 - 9
Bacteriological tests as indices for the development of off-flavours in cream; Taylor MM; Bacteriological tests alone are not capable of predicting the keeping quality of cream, since taints can develop which are due to non-bacterial action . When spoilage is due to bacterial growth, the water agar test was found to be more accurate than other tests that were examined.

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