Indian Pediatr, 2004 Nov 7, 41(11), 1155 - 1157 Early onset Neonatal Sepsis due to Morganella morganii; Dutta S et al.; Two neonates, both 32-weekers, developed Morganella morganii sepsis on the first day of life . They presented within a day of each other, primarily with respiratory signs . In both cases there was a history of spontaneous premature rupture of membranes, exposure to a single dose of ampicillin ante-partum, and similar antibiograms . No common source could be identified. Przegl Lek, 2004, 61(4), 421 - 6 {Envenoming by Malayan cobra (Naja naja sputatrix)--case report}; Ciszowski K et al.; Malayan cobra (Naja naja sputatrix) is the venomous snake of the Elapidae family which involves at least three species of Asian spitting cobras, according to the new taxonomy . This snake occurs naturally in the southeastern Asia and in Poland it is kept only in the private breedings . Its venom mainly contains neurotoxins which have paralyzing activities to the nervous system and cardiotoxins which act cytolitically . The present study shows a case of the forty-one-year-old man professionally engaging in venomous reptiles who was bitten in his left ring finger by the Malayan cobra . No general symptoms, especially neurotoxic, were observed in the patient after the snake bite, but there was a significant local tissue injury including necrosis . In the bite site the infection with Morganella morgani developed with consequent phlegmona within the hand and the forearm . Additionally, features of haemolysis and injury of muscles with the elevated level of serum creatine phosphokinase (CPK) were present . The local injuries of tissues were treated surgically including the amputation of the bitten finger which has undergone the necrosis . No specific antivenom was used in the treatment. Drugs, 2004, 64(19), 2221 - 34; discussion 2235-6 Prulifloxacin; Keam SJ et al.; Prulifloxacin, the prodrug of ulifloxacin, is a broad-spectrum oral fluoroquinolone antibacterial agent . After absorption, prulifloxacin is metabolised by esterases to ulifloxacin . The drug has a long elimination half-life, allowing once-daily administration . Ulifloxacin is generally more active in vitro than other fluoroquinolones against a variety of clinical isolates of Gram-negative bacteria, including community and nosocomial isolates of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., Proteus, Providencia and Morganella spp., Moraxella catarrhalis and Haemophilus spp . The activity of ulifloxacin against Pseudomonas aeruginosa varies between countries . Gram-positive organisms, including meticillin- or oxacillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus spp . and Italian community isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae are susceptible to ulifloxacin . Activity against Spanish strains of S . pneumoniae is moderate . In well designed clinical trials, good clinical and bacteriological efficacy (similar to that of ciprofloxacin, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid or pefloxacin) was seen with prulifloxacin 600 mg once daily for 10 days in patients with acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis or complicated lower urinary tract infections (UTIs), and with single-dose prulifloxacin 600 mg in acute, uncomplicated lower UTIs . Prulifloxacin was generally well tolerated in clinical trials, with a similar tolerability profile to that of ciprofloxacin. FEMS Microbiol Lett, 2004 Sep 1, 238(1), 139 - 44 Salicylate decreases production of AmpC type beta-lactamases and increases susceptibility to beta-lactams in a Morganella morganii clinical isolate; Tavio MM et al.; The effect of salicylate, a marRAB inducer, on the resistance to beta-lactams was characterized in an AmpC beta-lactamase hyperproducer Morganella morganii clinical isolate (the M1 strain) . Results were compared with those of the effect of salicylate in a wild-type M . morganii strain . Salicylate induced a decreased susceptibility to nalidixic acid, norfloxacin and tetracycline and simultaneously increased the susceptibility to beta-lactams apparently due to the repression of AmpC beta-lactamase synthesis in the M1 strain . Likewise, salicylate only repressed 46 kDa outer membrane protein expression in the wild-type strain, since the clinical isolate M1 did not express it. Transfus Med, 2004 Jun, 14(3), 237 - 40 Morganella morganii causing fatal sepsis in a platelet recipient and also isolated from a donor's stool; Golubic-Cepulic B et al.; Bacterial contamination of blood products causes significant patient morbidity and mortality . Contaminated platelet transfusion is a frequent cause of bacteraemia and sepsis because of the storage conditions of platelets . A fatal case of Morganella morganii platelet transfusion associated with sepsis is described, along with procedures traced back to the isolation of M . morganii from a donor's stool . Molecular typing was performed, and the same M . morganii strain was found in blood and post-mortem organ cultures of platelet recipient and platelet bag and in the donor's stool . The route of contamination is unknown . The contamination could be due to either insufficient venipuncture site disinfection or the donor's transient bacteraemia . Patient died 5 days after the transfusion. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem, 2004 May, 68(5), 1046 - 50 Improving the pyrophosphate-inosine phosphotransferase activity of Escherichia blattae acid phosphatase by sequential site-directed mutagenesis; Mihara Y et al.; Escherichia blattae acid phosphatase/phosphotransferase (EB-AP/PTase) exhibits C-5'-position selective pyrophosphate-nucleoside phosphotransferase activity in addition to its intrinsic phosphatase . Improvement of its phosphotransferase activity was investigated by sequential site-directed mutagenesis . By comparing the primary structures of higher 5'-inosinic acid (5'-IMP) productivity and lower 5'-IMP productivity acid phosphatase/phosphotransferase, candidate residues of substitution were selected . Then a total of 11 amino acid substitutions were made with sequential substitutions . As the number of substituted amino acid residues increased, the 5'-IMP productivity of the mutant enzyme increased, and the activity of the 11 mutant phosphotransferases of EB-AP/PTase reached the same level as that of Morganella morganii AP/PTase . This result shows that Leu63, Ala65, Glu66, Asn69, Ser71, Asp116, Thr135, and Glu136, whose relevance was not directly established by structural analysis alone, also plays an important role in the phosphotransferase activity of EB-AP/PTase. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo, 2004 Mar-Apr, 46(2), 59 - 62 Epub 2004 May 05. Detection of Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio cholerae in oyster, Crassostrea rhizophorae, collected from a natural nursery in the Cocó river estuary, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil; de Sousa OV et al.; Oysters are edible organisms that are often ingested partially cooked or even raw, presenting therefore a very high risk to the consumers' health, especially in tropical regions . The presence of Vibrio cholerae and Vibrio parahaemolyticus in oysters sampled at an estuary in the Brazilian northeastern region was studied, with 300 oysters tested through an 8-months period . The salinity of the water at the sampling point varied between 3% and 27 . V . cholerae was the most frequently detected species (33.3% of the samples), and of the 22 V . cholerae isolates, 20 were identified as non-O1/non-O139, with two of the colonies presenting a rough surface and most of remaining ones belonging to the Heiberg II fermentation group . V . parahaemolyticus was isolated from just one of the samples . Other bacteria such as Providencia spp., Klebsiella spp . and Morganella morganii were also isolated. Acta Ophthalmol Scand, 2004 Jun, 82(3 Pt 1), 306 - 10 Bilateral endogenous bacterial endophthalmitis: a report of four cases; Christensen SR et al.; PURPOSE: To present and discuss four cases of bilateral endogenous endophthalmitis . METHODS: An observational study of four patients aged 55-80 years, seen within a 2-year period . All had diagnostic and therapeutic vitrectomy . The antibiotic therapy was guided by analyses of cultures of blood and vitreous . RESULTS: Blood cultures demonstrated Streptococcus pneumoniae in two patients and Staphylococcus aureus and Morganella morganii, each in one patient . The findings corresponded with culture findings from vitreous material in two patients . The primary foci for the metastatic spread of infection were endocarditis, discitis and a subdural abscess of the lumbar spine, urinary tract infection, and infection of a recent hip alloplasty, respectively, in the four patients . Five eyes became blind, whereas three eyes recovered to visual acuity of 0.25-0.67 . CONCLUSIONS: Endogenous bacterial endophthalmitis usually leads to total loss of vision . The disease is acute and the time span for intervention limited . We believe that an active therapeutic approach including intravitreal antibiotics and vitreoretinal surgery saved three eyes from blindness. Jpn J Antibiot, 2003 Dec, 56(6), 574 - 83 {Surveillance of susceptibility of clinical isolates to cefmetazole between 2000 and 2002}; Abe T et al.; The antibacterial activity of cefmetazole (CMZ) against clinical isolates from 15 medical institutions all over Japan was evaluated yearly for two years from June 2000 to March 2002 and compared with that of other parenteral beta-lactams, cefazolin (CEZ), cefotiam (CTM), sulbactam/cefoperazone (SBT/CPZ), and flomoxef (FMOX) . In the first surveillance from June 2000 to March 2001, 575 isolates of 13 species were tested, and 548 isolates of the same 13 species were tested in the second surveillance from April 2001 to March 2002 . In these surveillances spanning two years, the MIC90s of CMZ against the bacterial species tested hardly differed . Changes in percent resistance of each species to CMZ (MIC of CMZ > or = 32 micrograms/mL) were as follows: methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA, 0%-->0%), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA, 73%-->87%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (19%-->32%), other coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp . (other CNS, 13%-->18%), Escherichia coli (4%-->1%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (3%-->4%), Klebsiella oxytoca (0%-->0%), Proteus mirabilis (2%-->2%), Proteus vulgaris (14%-->7%), Morganella morganii (7%-->0%), Providencia spp . (17%-->0%), Peptostreptococcus spp . (0%-->0%), Bacteroides fragilis (10%-->11%), and other Bacteroides spp . (79%-->88%) . The change in percent resistance of MRSA, S . epidermidis, other CNS, and other Bacteroides spp . tended to increase . In addition, the percent resistance of B . fragilis was 10% . It is necessary to pay much attention to the trends observed in these species . Compared to other drugs tested, against MSSA, the activity of CMZ was inferior to that of CEZ, CTM, and FMOX and superior to that of SBT/CPZ . Against MRSA, S . epidermidis, and CNS, the tested drugs exhibited little activity . Against Gram-negative bacteria, the activity of CMZ was almost superior to that of CEZ and CTM, and inferior to that of FMOX . Against B . fragilis and other Bacteroides spp., the activity of CMZ was almost superior to that of CEZ and CTM, and comparable to or inferior to that of SBT/CPZ and FMOX . No remarkable changes in the activity of CMZ were observed in this study compared with studies conducted before CMZ was launched . This result suggests that CMZ still maintains potent activity. J Infect, 2004 Feb, 48(2), 206 - 8 Enterococcus casseliflavus bacteremia . Case report and literature review; Pappas G et al.; Motile Enterococci are rare causes of enterococcal bacteremia, usually in immunocompromised patients . We describe a case of polymicrobial bacteremia, including Enterococcus casseliflavus, Escherichia coli, and Morganella morganii, in an 80-year old woman, shortly after a liver biopsy performed to exclude cholangiocarcinoma . We further discuss the unique genetic characteristics and the clinical significance of such isolates, such as their intrinsic resistance to vancomycin, and the low virulence exhibited clinically . Further workup on the mechanisms of motile Enterococci resistance to vancomycin could probably yield useful information in achieving new ways of facing resistance attributed to the more usual, and malignant Enterococci. J Food Prot, 2004 Jan, 67(1), 124 - 33 Putrescine, cadaverine, and indole production by bacteria isolated from wild and aquacultured penaeid shrimp stored at 0, 12, 24, and 36 degrees C; Benner RA Jr et al.; Putrescine, cadaverine, and indole production capabilities of bacteria isolated from wild domestic and aquacultured Ni-caraguan penaeid shrimp in progressive decomposition states were evaluated . The numbers and types of microorganisms responsible for the production of putrescine, cadaverine, and indole in wild and aquacultured shrimp increased with increasing decomposition temperature and time . Throughout the storage experiments, mean aerobic plate counts (log/g) ranged from 4.5 to 9.7 and 4.5 to 9.0 for domestic and Nicaraguan shrimp, respectively . Vibrio spp . were more prominent in Nicaraguan shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) than in domestic shrimp (Litopenaeus setiferus and Litopenaeus brasiliensis) . The only amine-producing (putrescine) microorganism isolated from wild and aquacultured shrimp at all temperatures of decomposition (0, 12, 24, and 36 degrees C) was Shewanella putrefaciens . On the basis of putrescine production by S . putrefaciens at 0 and 12 degrees C and putrescine production by S . putrefaciens, Vibrio spp., and Morganella morganii at 24 and 36 degrees C, putrescine should be considered a potential chemical indicator of decomposition in shrimp. Arch Pediatr, 2004 Jan, 11(1), 37 - 9 {Morganella morganii and early-onset neonatal infection}; Boussemart T et al.; Morganella morganii is an opportunistic gram-negative bacterium, resistant to ampicillin, and scarcely involved in early-onset neonatal sepsis . CASE REPORT: After a premature rupture of the membranes, a pregnant patient received prophylactic amoxicillin per os . She developed chorioamnionitis . Her infant was diagnosed with early-onset sepsis . Maternal and baby's blood cultures grew M . morganii . Both the mother and the infant were successfully treated with a third-generation cephalosporin and an aminoglycoside . DISCUSSION: The influence of a prior antibiotherapy on the emergence of M . morganii vertical infections is discussed. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis, 2004 Jan, 23(1), 53 - 6 Epub 2003 Dec 02. Two cases of systemic Candida glabrata infection following in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer; Ibara AS et al.; Presented here are two cases of systemic Candida glabrata infection diagnosed in two expectant mothers and their fetuses at 34 and 22 weeks' gestation . The underlying risk factors in case 1 were in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer, recurrent yeast vaginitis and two intravenous injections of betamethasone . The risk factors in case 2 were in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer, recurrent yeast vaginitis, antibiotics for treatment of a urinary tract infection due to Morganella morganii and amniocentesis . In both cases, vaginal fluid yielded growth of a yeast that was not identified . Candida glabrata was isolated from samples obtained from the mothers and their babies . Since Candida glabrata lacks hyphae, membranitis and infection of the fetuses were demonstrated only on slides stained with Gomori Grocott and periodic acid-Schiff . Both cases suggest that for such pregnancies the follow-up of vaginal fluid should include the identification of any yeasts grown on selective Candida medium . In case of premature rupture of membranes, systematic sampling of mothers and their infants or fetuses should be associated with microscopic study of placentas, membranes and stillborn fetuses with Gomori Grocott and periodic acid-Schiff staining techniques. J Chin Med Assoc, 2003 Sep, 66(9), 555 - 9 Endoscopic treatment in a patient with obstructive jaundice caused by pancreatic pseudocyst; Yeh CL et al.; We report a case of chronic alcoholic pancreatitis with obstructive jaundice due to compression of the common bile duct by pancreatic pseudocyst . Ultrasonography and computed tomographic scan on admission demonstrated an 8 cm cystic lesion located at the head of the pancreas . Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) revealed a segment of narrowing at the distal common bile duct which was compressed by the pancreatic pseudocyst . Communication between the cyst and pancreatic duct was also noted . Bacteriological examination of cystic contents yielded the growth of Proteus vulgaris, Morganella morganii, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa . The patient was treated with broad-spectrum antibiotic, endoscopic sphincterotomy, endoscopic nasopancreatic duct drainage, and transpapillary pancreatic endoprosthesis . Jaundice subsided gradually during admission and a marked reduction of pancreatic pseudocyst was found 18 months after discharge. J Dairy Sci, 2003 Oct, 86(10), 3313 - 20 C-reactive protein and antibacterial activity in blood plasma of colostrum-fed calves and the effect of lactulose; Schroedl W et al.; Several milk proteins are very important for immunological defense and can be absorbed in the intestine of calves in the first hours after birth . The influence of colostrum intake and the effect of additional lactulose application on the concentration of C-reactive protein (CRP) in blood were investigated . The CRP is known as a mediator of innate immunity . Results were compared to the bovine acute phase protein haptoglobin, and to lactalbumin, lactoferrin, and immunoglobulins in plasma from calves . After colostrum intake, the concentration of most proteins were strongly increased . The data show, for the first time, a significant increase of CRP in the blood of calves 1 d after colostrum intake (nonlactulose group, n = 10), and an even more significant increase in CRP concentration (1 d postpartum) was measured in the group of animals with additional application of lactulose (lactulose group, n = 10) when compared to the nonlactulose group . In an in vitro assay with the plasma of these animals, an increased bactericidal activity was detected against Morganella morganii (1 d postpartum) in both groups, but again a higher activity occurred in the lactulose group . The results of these investigations emphasize the importance of colostrum intake during the first hours after birth for the defense potential of newborn calves . In addition, lactulose may have a positive effect in the period of passive transfer of colostrum proteins and in the immune defense. Pediatr Nephrol, 2003 May, 18(5), 468 - 70 Epub 2003 Apr 03. Antibiotic prophylaxis by low-dose cefaclor in children with vesicoureteral reflux; Kaneko K et al.; Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (SMX/TMP) and nitrofurantoin are the most frequently used agents for prophylaxis to reduce the risk of recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) in children with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) . Nitrofurantoin, however, is not available in Japan and increasing resistance of organisms to SMX/TMP has recently raised doubts about its effectiveness as a prophylactic agent . This study was conducted to investigate whether antibiotic prophylaxis using low-dose cefaclor can effectively reduce the risk of recurrent UTIs . Thirty-nine children (31 male, 8 female) with primary VUR were enrolled . Ages varied from 0.5 to 111 months (mean 10.6 months) . A prophylactic dose of 5-10 mg cefaclor per kg per day was given 1-3 times daily depending on the patient's age . Mean duration of prophylactic treatment was 15.5 months . Eleven children (ten male, one female) developed breakthrough UTIs during a total of 606 months treatment (or about one further infection in 55 months) . Resistance to cefaclor was noted in three organisms: Enterococcus spp., Morganella spp., and Pseudomonas spp . Evidence of antibacterial activity was present in the morning urine samples from all of seven children tested . Cefaclor was well accepted and tolerated by all subjects . None withdrew from the study because of side effects . These results suggest that cefaclor can be an alternative choice for prophylactic treatment because of its safety, good compliance and low rates of resistant Escherichia coli. Microbiology, 2003 May, 149(Pt 5), 1285 - 95 An inducible tellurite-resistance operon in Proteus mirabilis; Toptchieva A et al.; Tellurite resistance (Te(r)) is widespread in nature and it is shown here that the natural resistance of Proteus mirabilis to tellurite is due to a chromosomally located orthologue of plasmid-borne ter genes found in enteric bacteria . The P . mirabilis ter locus (terZABCDE) was identified in a screen of Tn5lacZ-generated mutants of which one contained an insertion in terC . The P . mirabilis terC mutant displayed increased susceptibility to tellurite (Te(s)) and complementation with terC carried on a multicopy plasmid restored high-level Te(r) . Primer extension analysis revealed a single transcriptional start site upstream of terZ, but only with RNA harvested from bacteria grown in the presence of tellurite . Northern blotting and reverse transcriptase-PCR (RT-PCR) analyses confirmed that the ter operon was inducible by tellurite and to a lesser extent by oxidative stress inducers such as hydrogen peroxide and methyl viologen (paraquat) . Direct and inverted repeat sequences were identified in the ter promoter region as well as motifs upstream of the -35 hexamer that resembled OxyR-binding sequences . Finally, the 390 bp intergenic promoter region located between orf3 and terZ showed no DNA sequence identity with any other published ter sequences, whereas terZABCDE genes exhibited 73-85 % DNA sequence identity . The ter operon was present in all clinical isolates of P . mirabilis and Proteus vulgaris tested and is inferred for Morganella and Providencia spp . based on screening for high level Te(r) and preliminary PCR analysis . Thus, a chromosomally located inducible tellurite resistance operon appears to be a common feature of the genus Proteus. J Immunol, 2003 May 1, 170(9), 4564 - 71 B1 cells contribute to serum IgM, but not to intestinal IgA, production in gnotobiotic Ig allotype chimeric mice; Thurnheer MC et al.; B1 cells are a significant source of natural serum IgM, thereby serving as a first line of defense against systemic bacterial and viral infections . They can migrate to the intestinal lamina propria and differentiate into IgA-producing plasma cells and thus might play a similar role in mucosal immunity . To investigate the contribution of B1 cells to the intestinal IgA response induced by the commensal flora in immunocompetent animals, we generated gnotobiotic and conventionally reared Ig allotype chimeric mice . In this system B1- and B2-derived Abs can be distinguished based on different allotypes . FACS analysis of peritoneal cavity cells and analysis of B1- and B2-derived serum IgM indicated stable B1/B2 chimerism and the establishment of a functional B1 population . Monoassociation with either Morganella morganii, Bacteroides distasonis, or segmented filamentous bacteria induced germinal center reactions in Peyer's patches and led to the production of intestinal IgA, partially reactive with bacterial Ag . A considerable amount of serum IgM was B1 cell derived in both monoassociated and conventionally reared mice . However, most of the total as well as bacteria-specific intestinal IgA was produced by B2 cells . These data suggest that intestinal IgA production induced by commensal bacteria is mainly performed by B2, not B1, cells. Scand J Infect Dis, 2003, 35(2), 98 - 103 Bacteraemia due to tribe Proteeae: a review of 132 cases during a decade (1991-2000); Kim BN et al.; To characterize the clinical features of bacteraemia due to tribe Proteeae, 132 cases among 130 patients from 1991 to 2000 were analysed . The organisms included the Proteus species in 63 cases (P . mirabilis in 41, P . penneri in 2 and P . vulgaris in 20), the Providencia species in 8 (P . rettgeri in 3 and P . stuartii 5) and Morganella morganii in 61 . Morganella bacteraemia occurred more frequently in the hospital (70.5%) . Biliary and hepatic diseases were predominant in cases with Morganella bacteraemia while cardiovascular, urological and neurological diseases were more common in cases with Proteus bacteraemia . Biliary drainage catheters had more frequently been placed in cases with Morganella bacteraemia (39.3%, p < 0.001), and urinary catheters more frequently in cases with Proteus bacteraemia (17.5%) . Biliary infection was most common in cases with Morganella bacteraemia (49.2%), while urinary tract infection (UTI) was most common in cases with Proteus bacteraemia (47.6%) . Mortality directly related to bacteraemia due to tribe Proteeae was 20.8% (22.6, 50.0 and 15.0% for Proteus, Providencia and Morganella bacteraemia, respectively) . In conclusion, Morganella bacteraemia was most frequently associated with biliary infection, while Proteus bacteraemia was most frequently with UTI . Providencia bacteraemia was relatively uncommon and it can be associated with infections other than UTI. Klin Monatsbl Augenheilkd, 2003 Mar, 220(3), 207 - 9 {Morganella morganii endophthalmitis after vitrectomy: case report and review of the literature}; Zaninetti M et al.; BACKGROUND: Postoperative bacterial endophthalmitis are caused in 80 % of the cases by the patient's own flora . Most of the time, bacterial agents are Gram-positive ((2/3) of cases) and more rarely Gram-negative ((1/3) of cases) . Usually, Pseudomonas sp, Proteus sp or Klebsiella sp are isolated, but very rarely Morganella morganii . HISTORY AND SIGNS: We describe a case of a Morganella morganii endophthalmitis which occurred after a vitrectomy . THERAPY AND OUTCOME: Bacterial examinations disclosed the presence of Morganella morganii in the vitreous . An aggressive treatment (intravitreous {ceftazidim, vancomycin}, topical {gentamycin, chloramphenicol} and intravenous {imipenem, ofloxacin} antibiotics) was introduced . In spite of this treatment, the outcome was not favorable . CONCLUSIONS: Post-vitrectomy endophthalmitis is very rare and the isolation of a Gram-negative bacteria, in this case Morganella morganii, is infrequent . The outcome of these infections is often poor despite the introduction of a rapid, specific and aggressive treatment. J Antimicrob Chemother, 2003 Apr, 51(4), 895 - 904 Epub 2003 Mar 13. What have we learnt from community-acquired infections in Hong Kong? Ling JM, Lam AW, Chan EW, Cheng AF. This study was initiated throughout Hong Kong, to reveal the characteristics of community-acquired infections . All specimens collected by general practitioners from infected patients were followed prospectively, and those that were culture-positive were analysed . Four thousand seven hundred and forty-one specimens were collected from 3977 patients by 89 doctors from July 2000 to October 2001 . The most common specimens were throat swabs (33%), urine (26%) and sputa (16%) . The average culture-positive rate was 28% . The most common organisms were Escherichia coli (18%), beta-haemolytic streptococci (15%) and Staphylococcus aureus (12%) . Fluoroquinolone resistance was relatively high (up to 35%) in organisms commonly causing urinary tract infection (E . coli, Proteus and Morganella) . Although none of the pneumococci was resistant to penicillin 1 mg/L, the proportion with intermediate resistance (0.1-1 mg/L) was alarming (81%) . There were three strains of methicillin-resistant S . aureus . A decrease in ampicillin resistance but a high prevalence of macrolide resistance were noted in Haemophilus influenzae . All Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates were resistant to penicillin, up to 79% to the fluoroquinolones, 15% to spectinomycin, but all were susceptible to ceftriaxone . Respiratory pathogens (Streptococcus pneumoniae, beta-haemolytic streptococci and H . influenzae) were relatively susceptible to the newer fluoroquinolones (0-2%, 0.5-6% and 2% resistant, respectively) or third-generation cephalosporins (0-2% resistant) . The distribution of organisms and their antibiotic resistance varied over time . Thus frequent surveillance is needed to provide information on the drugs of choice for different infections. Carbohydr Res, 2002 Oct 8, 337(18), 1697 - 702 Structural investigation of the O-specific polysaccharides of Morganella morganii consisting of two higher sugars; Kilcoyne M et al.; The lipopolysaccharide of the bacterium Morganella morganii (strain KF 1676, RK 4222) yielded two polysaccharides, PS1 and PS2, when subjected to mild acid degradation followed by GPC . The polysaccharides were studied by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, including two-dimensional COSY, TOCSY, NOESY, 1H,(13)C HMQC, and HMBC experiments . Each polysaccharide was found to contain a disaccharide repeating unit consisting of two higher sugars, 5-acetamidino-7-acetamido-3,5,7,9-tetradeoxy-L-glycero-D-galacto-non-2-ulosonic acid (a derivative of 8-epilegionaminic acid, 8eLeg5Am7Ac) and 2-acetamido-4-C-(3'-carboxamide-2',2'-dihydroxypropyl)-2,6-dideoxy-D-galactose (shewanellose, She) . The two polysaccharides differ only in the ring size of shewanellose and have the following structures:Shewanellose has been previously identified in a phenol-soluble polysaccharide from Shewanella putrefaciens A6, which shows a close structural similarity to PS2. J Microbiol Immunol Infect, 2002 Sep, 35(3), 191 - 4 Morganella morganii causing solitary liver abscess complicated by pyopericardium and left pleural effusion in a nondiabetic patient; Tsai WC et al.; Morganella morganii is a rare cause of solitary liver abscess in Taiwan . The complication of pyopericardium and pleural effusion in nondiabetic patient with solitary liver abscess are also rare . We present a case of a 48-year-old nondiabetic woman who experienced with epigastric discomfort 1 month prior to admission . Chills and fever developed 2 weeks before admission . Physical examination on admission revealed engorgement of the jugular vein over the right neck, precordial friction rubs, and tenderness over the right upper quadrant of abdomen . Chest film showed mild cardiomegaly and left pleural effusion . Computed tomography of the abdomen showed liver abscess, left hepatic lobe, pyopericardium, and left pleural effusion . M . morganii was isolated from 2 sets of blood cultures, one set of hepatic pus culture, and one set of pericardial pus culture . After pigtail drainage of liver abscess, pyopericardium for 12 days, and ceftriaxone intravenous administration for 19 days, the patient was discharged in stable condition. Protein Eng, 2002 Jul, 15(7), 539 - 43 Enhancement of nucleoside phosphorylation activity in an acid phosphatase; Ishikawa K et al.; Escherichia blattae non-specific acid phosphatase (EB-NSAP) possesses a pyrophosphate-nucleoside phosphotransferase activity, which is C-5'-position selective . Current mutational and structural data were used to generate a mutant EB-NSAP for a potential industrial application as an effective and economical protein catalyst in synthesizing nucleotides from nucleosides . First, Gly74 and Ile153 were replaced by Asp and Thr, respectively, since the corresponding replacements in the homologous enzyme from Morganella morganii reduced the K(m) value for inosine and thus increased the productivity of 5'-IMP . We determined the crystal structure of G74D/I153T, which has a reduced K(m) value for inosine, as expected . The tertiary structure of G74D/I153T was virtually identical to that of the wild-type . In addition, neither of the introduced side chains of Asp74 and Thr153 is directly involved in the interaction with inosine in a hypothetical binding mode of inosine to EB-NSAP, although both residues are situated near a potential inosine-binding site . These findings suggested that a slight structural change caused by an amino acid replacement around the potential inosine-binding site could significantly reduce the K(m) value . Prompted by this hypothesis, we designed several mutations and introduced them to G74D/I153T, to decrease the K(m) value further . This strategy produced a S72F/G74D/I153T mutant with a 5.4-fold lower K(m) value and a 2.7-fold higher V(max) value as compared to the wild-type EB-NSAP. Scand J Infect Dis, 2002, 34(7), 534 - 5 Early-onset neonatal sepsis caused by vertical transmission of Morganella morganii; Casanova-Roman M et al.; The onset of Morganella morganii infection within the first 72 h after birth has only been reported on 1 occasion . The authors describe a second case in which M . morganii was cultured from both the neonate's blood and the mother's lochia . The infant was successfully treated with cefotaxime and gentamicin. Gastroenterology, 2002 May, 122(5), 1346 - 54 Monoassociation of SCID mice with Helicobacter muridarum, but not four other enterics, provokes IBD upon receipt of T cells; Jiang HQ et al.; BACKGROUND & AIMS: Recently, a number of animal models for different aspects of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have been developed . The aim of this study was to use one of these to determine whether particular, ostensibly innocuous, intestinal bacteria could provoke or exacerbate IBD . METHODS: Conventionally reared C.B17 SCID mice were compared with germ-free and gnotobiotic mice, monoassociated with 1 of 5 intestinal bacteria, after transfer of CD45RB(high) CD4(+) T cells from conventionally reared congenic BALB/c mice . Recipient mice were monitored over 7-12 weeks for clinical signs of IBD, and tissues were analyzed by histology/flow cytometry for abnormal inflammation and CD4(+) T cell outgrowth . RESULTS: Neither germ-free mice nor mice monoassociated with segmented filamentous bacteria, Ochrobactrum anthropi, a nonpathogenic mutant of Listeria monocytogenes, or Morganella morganii developed any signs of IBD . In contrast, mice monoassociated with Helicobacter muridarum displayed an accelerated development of IBD in 5-6 weeks compared with 8-12 weeks observed in conventionally reared mice . The outgrowth of CD4(+) T cells in spleen and large intestine of H . muridarum monoassociated mice, as well as in conventionally reared mice was significantly higher than that in the other monoassociated mice . CONCLUSIONS: Among the intestinal bacteria tested, H . muridarum can serve as a provocateur of IBD in this model. J Wildl Dis, 2002 Jan, 38(1), 199 - 201 Morganelliasis pneumonia in a captive jaguar; Choi JH et al.; Suppurative bronchopneumonia was discovered in a 6-yr-old male jaguar (Panthera onca onca) that died after a 1 wk history of anorexia, depression, and respiratory difficulty . Morganella morganii was isolated as a pure culture from the lung, spleen, and heart blood . This is the first record of M . morganii induced pneumonia in a jaguar. J Bacteriol, 2002 Feb, 184(4), 936 - 46 Identification and characterization of pvuA, a gene encoding the ferric vibrioferrin receptor protein in Vibrio parahaemolyticus; Funahashi T et al.; We previously reported that Vibrio parahaemolyticus expresses two outer membrane proteins of 78 and 83 kDa concomitant with production of siderophore vibrioferrin in response to iron starvation stress and that these proteins are the ferric vibrioferrin receptor and heme receptor, respectively (S . Yamamoto, T . Akiyama, N . Okujo, S . Matsuura, and S . Shinoda, Microbiol . Immunol . 39:759-766, 1995; S . Yamamoto, Y . Hara, K . Tomochika, and S . Shinoda, FEMS Microbiol . Lett . 128:195-200, 1995) . In this study, the Fur titration assay (FURTA) system was applied to isolate DNA fragments containing a potential Fur box from a genomic DNA library of V . parahaemolyticus WP1 . Sequencing a 3.2-kb DNA insert in one FURTA-positive clone revealed that an amino acid sequence deduced from a partial gene, which was preceded by a full-length gene (psuA) encoding a receptor for a siderophore of unknown origin, was consistent with the N-terminal amino acid sequence of the 78-kDa ferric vibrioferrin receptor . Then, the full-length gene (pvuA) encoding the ferric vibrioferrin receptor was cloned and characterized . The deduced protein encoded by pvuA displayed the highest similarity (31% identity; 48% similarity) to RumA, a ferric rhizoferrin receptor of Morganella morganii . Primer extension and Northern blot analyses indicated that psuA and pvuA constitute an operon which is transcribed from a Fur-repressed promoter upstream of psuA . The product of the pvuA gene and its function were confirmed by generating a pvuA-disrupted mutant, coupled with genetic complementation studies . A mutant with disruption in the upstream psuA gene also displayed a phenotype impaired in the utilization of ferric vibrioferrin. J Food Prot, 2001 Dec, 64(12), 2015 - 9 Growth and histamine formation of Morganella morganii in determining the safety and quality of inoculated and uninoculated bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix); Lorca TA et al.; The objective of this study was to determine the effect of normal microflora and Morganella morganii on histamine formation and olfactory acceptability in raw bluefish under controlled storage conditions . Fillets inoculated with and without M . morganii were stored at 5, 10, and 15 degrees C for 7 days . Microbial isolates from surface swabs were identified and screened for histidine decarboxylase activity . Olfactory acceptance was performed by an informal sensory panel . Histamine levels were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography and fluorescence detection . While olfactory acceptance decreased, histamine concentration and bacterial counts increased . Storage temperature had a significant effect on histamine levels, bacterial counts, and olfactory acceptance of the bluefish . Inoculation with M . morganii had a positive significant effect on histamine formation for bluefish held at 10 and 15 degrees C (P < 0.0001) . The results of the study will serve in supporting U.S . Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations regarding guidance and hazard levels of histamine in fresh bluefish. J Clin Invest, 2001 Nov, 108(9), 1349 - 57 Antibacterial effect of human V gamma 2V delta 2 T cells in vivo; Wang L et al.; V gamma 2V delta 2 cells, a class of T cells found only in primates, are reactive to nonpeptide organophosphate and alkylamine antigens secreted by bacteria and parasites . These cells make up 2-5% percent of human peripheral blood T cells but expand to make up 8-60% of peripheral blood T cells during bacterial and parasitic infections . We show here, using a chimeric severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mouse (hu-SCID) model, that human V gamma 2V delta 2 T cells mediate resistance to extracellular gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and gram-negative (Escherichia coli and Morganella morganii) bacteria, as assessed by survival, body weight, bacterial loads, and histopathology . Surprisingly, this bacterial resistance was evident 1 day after infection, and bacteria were cleared well before gamma delta T cell expansion was detected 6 days after infection . Decreased resistance in V delta 2 T cell-depleted hu-SCID mice correlated with decreased serum IFN-gamma titers . Intravenous treatment of infected, reconstituted hu-SCID mice with pamidronate, a human V gamma 2V delta 2 T cell-specific aminobisphosphonate antigen, markedly increased the in vivo antibacterial effect of V gamma 2V delta 2 T cells . Therefore, this large pool of antigen-specific, yet immediately reactive memory human V gamma 2V delta 2 T cells is likely to be an important mediator of resistance against extracellular bacterial infection and may bridge the gap between innate and acquired immunity. Inorg Chem, 1996 Oct 23, 35(22), 6429 - 6436 Coordination Chemistry of the Carboxylate Type Siderophore Rhizoferrin: The Iron(III) Complex and Its Metal Analogs; Carrano CJ et al.; Rhizoferrin is a member of a new class of siderophores (microbial iron transport compounds) based on carboxylate and hydroxy donor groups rather than the commonly encountered hydroxamates and catecholates . We have studied the coordination chemistry of rhizoferrin (Rf), as a representative of this group, with Fe(3+), Rh(3+), Cr(3+), Al(3+), Ga(3+), VO(2+), and Cu(2+) . The metal complexes have been studied by UV-vis, CD, NMR, and EPR spectroscopies and mass spectrometry . The formation constants for the iron complex have also been measured and yield a log K(LFe) of 25.3 . The Rh and Cr rhizoferrin complexes are unusual in that they appear to adopt a chirality about the metal center that is the opposite of the native iron analog . Several of the alternative metal ion complexes are found to have biological activity toward Morganella morganii in a plate type assay. J Food Prot, 2001 Oct, 64(10), 1556 - 64 Identification of bacteria crucial to histamine accumulation in pacific mackerel during storage; Kim SH et al.; Bacterial growth and histamine formation in Pacific mackerel during storage at 0, 4, 15, and 25 degrees C were monitored . To identify bacterial species contributing to histamine formation, several groups of bacteria were isolated by using selective media under temperatures corresponding to the various storage conditions . Initially, low counts of bacteria were found in the gill, skin, and intestine of fresh fish, and only weak histamine formers were found in the gill . Histamine was found in the muscle when fish were stored above 4 degrees C, and aerobic plate counts reached 10(6) CFU/g . When fish became unsuitable for human consumption by abusive storage, toxicological levels of histamine were always found . The highest level of histamine formed was 283 mg/100 g in 2 days . The optimum temperature for supporting growth of prolific histamine formers was 25 degrees C . The most prolific and prevalent histamine former was Morganella morganii, followed by Proteus vulgaris, both of which were isolated on violet red bile glucose (VRBG) agar . At 15 degrees C, a significant level of histamine was still produced in fish muscle, although prolific histamine formers were less frequently detected than at 25 degrees C . The isolates on thiosulfate citrate bile salts sucrose (TCBS) agar were weak histamine formers and identified as Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio alginolyticus . At 4 degrees C, less than 57.4 mg/100 g of histamine was found in fish stored for 14 days . Most isolates were natural bacterial flora in the marine environment and identified as weak histamine formers . At 0 degrees C, neither histamine former nor histamine production was detected up to 14 days of storage. J Am Acad Dermatol, 2001 Oct, 45(4), 537 - 41 Gram-negative bacterial toe web infection: a survey of 123 cases from the district of Cagliari, Italy; Aste N et al.; BACKGROUND: Foot intertrigo is mostly caused by dermatophytes and yeasts, less frequently by gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria . Nevertheless, the importance of polymicrobial infections and especially colonizations of Pseudomonas aeruginosa can cause therapy problems in relation to antibiotic resistance and the risk of potentially lethal complications . OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the main epidemiologic and clinical features of intertrigo from gram-negative bacteria, the function of promoting factors, and the measures taken to treat and prevent this disorder . METHODS: Between 1989 and 1998, 123 cases of intertrigo from gram-negative bacteria were observed at the Cagliari University Dermatology Department . Routine clinical and blood examinations, repeated bacterioscopic and mycologic examinations, cultures aimed at identifying the responsible bacteria, and antibiograms were performed . RESULTS: P aeruginosa was found to be the prevailing pathogen, both alone and associated with other gram-negative bacteria (such as Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Morganella morganii) and gram-positive bacteria . Clinical manifestations were similar in the majority of patients: erythema, vesicopustules, erosions, and marked maceration caused by abundant, malodorous exudate . Lesions affected the interdigital spaces of both feet and frequently extended to the planta and the back of the toes . Patients complained of burning and pain . Successful therapies were achieved with combined topical and systemic treatment; to avoid the risk of antimicrobial resistance, the choice of the active antibiotic was guided by antibiograms . CONCLUSION: In all symptomatic toe web infections, the presence of gram-negative germs, such as P aeruginosa, should be investigated to avoid the risk of treatment failures and more severe local or systemic complications. Indian J Pediatr, 2001 Jul, 68(7), 671 - 2 Early onset mixed Morganella and Klebsiella sepsis in a neonate; Maheshwari A et al.; A premature baby girl was delivered vaginally to a mother who had an otherwise normal pregnancy, and spontaneous premature onset of labour . She had early onset neonatal sepsis with pneumonia . The baby's blood culture as well as the amniotic membrane culture grew Morganella and Klebsiella . She recovered on appropriate antibiotics . This is only the second reported case of early onset neonatal sepsis due to Morganella . The literature is reviewed. Scand J Infect Dis, 2001, 33(7), 553 - 5 Fatal septicemia and meningitis due to Morganella morganii in a patient with Hodgkin's disease; Samonis G et al.; A unique case of spontaneous Morganella morganii meningitis in a patient with stage IV Hodgkin's disease, following hematogenous spread from the urinary tract, is described . Late initiation of appropriate antibiotic treatment was probably responsible for the fatal outcome . This case illustrates the pathogenic potential of M . morganii in immunocompromised hosts. Farmaco, 2001 May-Jul, 56(5-7), 433 - 6 Chemical composition and cytotoxic and antimicrobial activity of Calycotome villosa (Poiret) link leaves; Loy G et al.; The chemical composition of the essential oil and methanol extract of Calycotome villosa (Poiret) Link leaves collected in Sardinia (Italy) has been studied by analytical and spectroscopic methods . Falcarinol and some alcohols, terpenes, furan derivatives, and paraffins have been isolated from the essential oil . Thirteen alkaloids and falcarinol have been identified in the chloroform fraction of the basic methanol extract . Six flavonoids and four anthraquinones have been isolated in the chloroform fraction after acidification of the basic methanol extract . The cytotoxic and antimicrobial activities have also been evaluated . The essential oil, the methanol extract in toto, and the fraction of the basic extract showed strong cytotoxicity, whereas the fraction of the acid extract showed lower cytotoxicity . Furthermore, this fraction showed good antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus lentus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Providencia rettgeri, and Morganella morganii . It can therefore be stated that this plant's cytotoxicity is prevalently due to falcarinol. Rev Hosp Clin Fac Med Sao Paulo, 2001 Mar-Apr, 56(2), 59 - 62 Necrotizing fasciitis in a newborn infant: a case report; Krebs VL et al.; We report the case of a one-day-old newborn infant, female, birth weight 1900 g, gestational age 36 weeks presenting with necrotizing fasciitis caused by E . coli and Morganella morganii . The newborn was allowed to fall into the toilet bowl during a domestic delivery . The initial lesion was observed at 24 hours of life on the left leg at the site of the venipuncture for the administration of hypertonic glucose solution . Despite early treatment, a rapid progression occurred resulting in a fatal outcome . We call attention to the risk presented by this serious complication in newborns with a contaminated delivery, and highlight the site of the lesion and causal agents. J Formos Med Assoc, 2001 Apr, 100(4), 277 - 80 Multiple myeloma associated with extramedullary plasmacytoma causing nerve root compression: a case report; Hu KC et al.; Multiple myeloma associated with extramedullary plasmacytoma at initial presentation is rare . We describe a 45-year-old female patient with an initial presentation of low back pain and right side L5, S1 radiculopathy . There was no evidence of vertebral involvement but an epidural tumor was found later during neurosurgical intervention . The final diagnosis was immunoglobulin G, kappa multiple myeloma complicated with spinal root compression by an extramedullary plasmacytoma . No osteolytic lesion was noted over the length of the spine . Pathology revealed high-grade plasmablastic myeloma . During the clinical course, the patient was refractory to induction chemotherapy, and there was progressive deterioration of renal function . Urinary tract infection by Morganella morganii and pulmonary infection of unknown cause developed 5 months later, and the patient died. Vet Pathol, 2001 May, 38(3), 336 - 9 Immunohistopathologic demonstration of pleuropneumonia associated with Morganella morganii in a piglet; Ono M et al.; Serofibrinous pleuropneumonia in a piglet was examined microbiologically and immunohistopathologically . Large numbers of Morganella morganii were isolated from the pneumonic lesion, but no other pathogens were identified . A large amount of M . morganii antigen was demonstrated, and its distribution was closely associated with the histologic lesion . This finding suggests that pleuropneumonia in piglets might be caused by M . morganii. Chemotherapy, 2001 May-Jun, 47(3), 157 - 69 In vitro and in vivo antibacterial activity and pharmacokinetics of SC-002 and its derivative, SC-004: new oral cephalosporins; Nagate T et al.; SC-002 is a novel oral cephalosporin possessing a unique thiadiazolylethenyl moiety at the 3 position . In the present study, it was the most active against gram-positive bacteria among oral cephalosporins such as cefdinir (CFDN), cefpodoxime, cefditoren and cefaclor (CCL) . It was equal to or 16 times more active than CFDN against standard and clinical strains . In particular, against clinical isolates of Morganella morganii and Haemophilus influenzae, SC-002 was 8-64 times more active than CFDN . The antibacterial activity of SC-002 against some beta-lactam-resistant strains was superior to that of CFDN . The in vivo antibacterial activity of SC-004, a pivaloyloxymethyl ester of SC-002, was 1.2-8 times more protective against systemic infections due to Streptococcus pneumoniae, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae than that of CFDN . The therapeutic effects of SC-004 on experimental respiratory tract infections caused by S . pneumoniae or H . influenzae were superior to those of CFDN and CCL . SC-004 showed higher and longer-lasting blood levels and higher urinary excretion in pharmacokinetics in mice . J Antimicrob Chemother, 2001 Feb, 47(2), 207 - 10 Plasmid-mediated and inducible cephalosporinase DHA-2 from Klebsiella pneumoniae; Fortineau N et al.; A Klebsiella pneumoniae strain resistant to cefoxitin and oxyimino-cephalosporins was cultured from a child hospitalized in Paris, France, in 1992 . This isolate harboured a beta-lactamase gene located on an approximately 200 kb non-self-transferable plasmid . The beta-lactamase identified, DHA-2, shared 99% amino acid identity with the AmpC enzyme of Morganella morganii . DHA-2 was a point-mutant derivative of DHA-1 identified previously in a Salmonella enteritidis isolate . DHA-2 expression was inducible due to an ampR regulatory gene . This is the first report of an inducible and plasmid-located cephalosporinase from K . pneumoniae. Appl Environ Microbiol, 2000 Nov, 66(11), 4615 - 9 Natural antibiotic resistance of bacteria isolated from larvae of the oil fly, Helaeomyia petrolei; Kadavy DR et al.; Helaeomyia petrolei (oil fly) larvae inhabit the asphalt seeps of Rancho La Brea in Los Angeles, Calif . The culturable microbial gut contents of larvae collected from the viscous oil were recently examined, and the majority (9 of 14) of the strains were identified as Providencia spp . Subsequently, 12 of the bacterial strains isolated were tested for their resistance or sensitivity to 23 commonly used antibiotics . All nine strains classified as Providencia rettgeri exhibited dramatic resistance to tetracycline, vancomycin, bacitracin, erythromycin, novobiocin, polymyxin, colistin, and nitrofurantoin . Eight of nine Providencia strains showed resistance to spectinomycin, six of nine showed resistance to chloramphenicol, and five of nine showed resistance to neomycin . All 12 isolates were sensitive to nalidixic acid, streptomycin, norfloxacin, aztreonam, cipericillin, pipericillin, and cefotaxime, and all but OF008 (Morganella morganii) were sensitive to ampicillin and cefoxitin . The oil fly bacteria were not resistant to multiple antibiotics due to an elevated mutation rate . For each bacterium, the number of resistant mutants per 10(8) cells was determined separately on rifampin, nalidixic acid, and spectinomycin . In each case, the average frequencies of resistant colonies were at least 50-fold lower than those established for known mutator strain ECOR 48 . In addition, the oil fly bacteria do not appear to excrete antimicrobial agents . When tested, none of the oil fly bacteria produced detectable zones of inhibition on Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, or Candida albicans cultures . Furthermore, the resistance properties of oil fly bacteria extended to organic solvents as well as antibiotics . When pre-exposed to 20 microg of tetracycline per ml, seven of nine oil fly bacteria tolerated overlays of 100% cyclohexane, six of nine tolerated 10% xylene, benzene, or toluene (10:90 in cyclohexane), and three of nine (OF007, OF010, and OF011) tolerated overlays of 50% xylene-50% cyclohexane . The observed correlation between antibiotic resistance and organic solvent tolerance is likely explained by an active efflux pump that is maintained in oil fly bacteria by the constant selective pressure of La Brea's solvent-rich environment . We suggest that the oil fly bacteria and their genes for solvent tolerance may provide a microbial reservoir of antibiotic resistance genes. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol, 2000 Sep, 50 Pt 5, 1869 - 75 Classification of Proteus vulgaris biogroup 3 with recognition of Proteus hauseri sp . nov., nom . rev . and unnamed Proteus genomospecies 4, 5 and 6; O'Hara CM et al.; Strains traditionally identified as Proteus vulgaris formed three biogroups . Biogroup 1, characterized by negative reactions for indole production, salicin fermentation and aesculin hydrolysis, is now known as Proteus penneri . Biogroup 2, characterized by positive reactions for indole, salicin and aesculin, was shown by DNA hybridization (hydroxyapatite method) to be a genetic species separate from biogroup 1 and from biogroup 3 which is positive for indole production and negative for salicin and aesculin . In this study, 52 strains were examined, of which 36 strains were Proteus vulgaris biogroup 3, which included the current type strain of the species P . vulgaris (ATCC 29905T), and compared to seven strains of Proteus vulgaris biogroup 2 and nine type strains of other species in the genera Proteus, Providencia and Morganella . By DNA hybridization, these 36 strains were separated into four distinct groups, designated as Proteus genomospecies 3, 4, 5 and 6 . DNAs within each separate Proteus genomospecies were 74-99% related to each other in 60 degrees C hybridization reactions with < or = 4.5% divergence between related sequences . Proteus genomospecies 3 contained the former P . vulgaris type strain and one other strain and was negative in reactions for salicin fermentation, aesculin hydrolysis and deoxyribonuclease, unlike the reactions associated with strains considered as typical P . vulgaris which are positive in reactions for salicin, aesculin and DNase . Genomospecies 3 can be distinguished from Proteus genomospecies 4, 5 and 6 because it is negative for Jordan's tartrate . Proteus genomospecies 4, containing five strains, was differentiated from Proteus penneri, genomospecies 3 and 6 and most, but not all, strains of genomospecies 5, by its ability to ferment L-rhamnose . Proteus genomospecies 5 and 6, containing 18 and 11 strains, respectively, could not be separated from each other by traditional biochemical tests, by carbon source utilization tests or SDS-PAGE of whole-cell proteins . In an earlier publication, a request was made to the Judicial Commission that the former type strain of P . vulgaris (ATCC 13315) be replaced by P . vulgaris biogroup 2 strain ATCC 29905T, a strain considered more biochemically typical of P . vulgaris strains . This would have the effect of assigning the name P . vulgaris to P . vulgaris biogroup 2 . Since this request has been acceded to, the name Proteus hauseri is herein proposed for Proteus vulgaris genomospecies 3 . Its type strain is ATCC 700826T . Proteus genomospecies 4, 5 and 6 will remain unnamed until better phenotypic differentiation can be accomplished . All Proteus genomospecies were similar in their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns . Nineteen strains were isolated from urine, four from faeces, two from wounds, nine from other human sources and two from animals. Clin Microbiol Rev, 2000 Oct, 13(4), 534 - 46 Classification, identification, and clinical significance of Proteus, Providencia, and Morganella; O'Hara CM et al.; This review presents the current taxonomy of the genera Proteus, Providencia, and Morganella, along with the current methods for the identification of each species within the three genera, incorporating both conventional biochemical and commercial methods . While all of these organisms are ubiquitous in the environment, individual case reports and nosocomial outbreak reports that demonstrate their ability to cause major infectious disease problems are presented . Lastly, anticipated antimicrobial susceptibility patterns are reviewed . Many of these organisms are easily controlled, but the advent of newer and more powerful antimicrobial agents has led to some problems of which laboratorians need to be aware. Hepatogastroenterology, 2000 Jul-Aug, 47(34), 932 - 6 Palliative percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage of gallbladder empyema before laparoscopic cholecystectomy; Tseng LJ et al.; BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study is conducted to evaluate the feasibility of percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage prior to laparoscopic cholecystectomy for the treatment of gallbladder empyema . We also determine the sonographic findings, causative organism, clinical signs and symptoms, laboratory data, associated underlying medical disorders and the complications related to both cholecystostomy and laparoscopic cholecystectomy . METHODOLOGY: One hundred and forty-five cases of gallbladder empyema were included in this study which was composed of 80 males and 65 females, aged 22-94 years with a mean age of 71-years . All patients underwent percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage under ultrasound and fluoroscopic guidance, and laparoscopic cholecystectomy was carried out thereafter . We analyzed the clinical presentations (signs, symptoms, laboratory and ultrasonographic findings, concomitant medical disorders), causative organisms and the complications related to percutaneous cholecystostomy and laparoscopic cholecystectomy . RESULTS: Percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage was performed successfully in all patients within 48 hours after clinical diagnosis of acute cholecystitis . Complications related to percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage were bile leakage after tract dilatation noted in 2 patients (1.4%), and 20 (14%) patients had pain at the puncture site which radiated to the right shoulder during the procedure, but resolved spontaneously within an hour later . On admission, 102 (70%) patients presented as right upper quadrant pain, 39 (27%) as epigastric pain, 90 (62%) as fever, 108 (74%) patients had leukocytosis, and 33 (22.7%) patients were septic . AST and ALT were elevated in 57% and 51% of patients, respectively . Alkaline phosphatase was elevated in 56% of patients, and 34% of those patients had combined common bile duct stones . Gallbladder stones were documented in 135 (93%) patients, while the remaining 10 (7%) cases were acalculous . Five (3.4%) patients had combined gallbladder adenocarcinoma, 7 (4.8%) had liver abscess, while 13 (9%) had biliary pancreatitis . The ultrasonographic findings included gallbladder distension (93%), wall thickening (90%), pericholecystic fluid accumulation (15%), intraluminal sludge or stone (93%) and intraluminal air (13.9%) . Bile culture were positive in 83% of the cases and showed gram-negative bacteria in 75%, gram-positive in 30%, anaerobes in 7%, while no growth in the remaining 17% of the cases . The common pathogens were Escherichia coli (57%), Enterococcus (27%), Klebsiella pneumonia (18%), Morganella morganii (7.6%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (4.1%) and Salmonella (0.7%) . The total postoperative complication rate was 17%, which included wound infection, bleeding, subhepatic abscess, cystic duct stump leak, common bile duct injury and pneumonia . Postoperative mortality was 2.6% . Conversion rate to open cholecystectomy was 27% . Clinical conditions improved within 48 hours after cholecystostomy in 93% of patients . Time interval between cholecystostomy and elective cholecystectomy was 2-21 days with a mean of 4 days . Total hospital stay was 5-38 days (mean: 11 days) . CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage is a safe and effective procedure for the initial management of gallbladder empyema . We highly recommend this preoperative drainage procedure in patient with sepsis, and for those high-risk patients such as old age and with underlying medical illnesses . This procedure can stabilized the patient so that an appropriate therapeutic planning can be achieved. Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 2000 Sep, 44(9), 2537 - 9 TEM-72, a new extended-spectrum beta-lactamase detected in Proteus mirabilis and Morganella morganii in Italy; Perilli M et al.; A new natural TEM-2 derivative, named TEM-72, was identified in a Proteus mirabilis strain and in a Morganella morganii strain isolated in Italy in 1999 . Compared to TEM-1, TEM-72 contains the following amino acid substitutions: Q39K, M182T, G238S, and E240K . Kinetic analysis showed that TEM-72 exhibits an extended-spectrum activity, including activity against oxyimino-cephalosporins and aztreonam . Expression of bla(TEM-72) in Escherichia coli was capable of decreasing the host susceptibility to the above drugs. Eur J Med Chem, 2000 Jun, 35(6), 567 - 76 Homology-based molecular modelling of PLP-dependent histidine decarboxylase from Mmorganella morganii; Tahanejad FS et al.; The 3-D structural information is a prerequisite for a rational ligand design . In the absence of experimental data, model building on the basis of a known 3-D structure of a homologous protein is at present the only reliable method to obtain structural information . A homology model building study of the pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP)-dependent histidine decarboxylase from Morganella morganii (HDC-MM) has been carried out based on the crystal structure of the aspartate aminotransferase from Escherichia coli (AAT-EC) . The primary sequences of AAT-EC and HDC-MM were aligned by automated alignment procedure . A 3-D model of HDC-MM was constructed by copying the coordinates of the residues from the crystal structure of AAT-EC into the corresponding residues in HDC-MM . After energy-minimization of the resulting 3-D model of HDC-MM, possible active site residues were identified by fitting the substrate (l-histidine) into the proposed active-site . In our model, several residues, which have an important role in the AAT-EC active-site, are located in positions spatially identical to those in AAT-EC structure . The back-bone of the modelled active site pocket is constructed by residues; Gly-92, Gly-93, Thr-93, Ser-115, Asp-200, Ala-202, Ser-229 and Lys-232 together with residues Asn-8, His-119, Thr-171, His-198, Leu-203, His-231, Ser-236 and Ile-238 . In the ligand binding site, it appears that the HDC-MM model will position l-histidine (substrate) in the area consisting of the residues; Glu-29, Ser-30, Leu-38, His-231 and Lys-232 . The nitrogen atom of the imidazole ring (N2) of the substrate is predicted to interact with the carboxylate group of Ser-30 . The alpha-carboxylate of histidine points toward the Lys-232 to have electrostatic interaction with its side chain nitrogen atom (N(Z)) . In conclusion, this combination of sequence and 3-D structural homology between AAT-EC and HDC-MM model could provide insight in assigning the probable active site residues. Appl Environ Microbiol, 2000 Jul, 66(7), 2811 - 6 Phosphorylation of nucleosides by the mutated acid phosphatase from Morganella morganii; Mihara Y et al.; A novel nucleoside phosphorylation process using the food additive pyrophosphate as the phosphate source was investigated . The Morganella morganii gene encoding a selective nucleoside pyrophosphate phosphotransferase was cloned . It was identical to the M . morganii PhoC acid phosphatase gene . Sequential in vitro random mutagenesis was performed on the gene by error-prone PCR to construct a mutant library . The mutant library was introduced into Escherichia coli, and the transformants were screened for the production of 5'-IMP . One mutated acid phosphatase with an increased phosphotransferase reaction yield was obtained . With E . coli overproducing the mutated acid phosphatase, 101 g of 5'-IMP per liter (192 mM) was synthesized from inosine in an 88% molar yield . This improvement was achieved with two mutations, Gly to Asp at position 92 and Ile to Thr at position 171 . A decreased K(m) value for inosine was responsible for the increased productivity. Eur J Med Chem, 2000 Mar, 35(3), 283 - 9 Quantum mechanical study of the intermediates formed following the reaction of the histidine decarboxylase's substrate and inhibitors with coenzyme; Tahanejad FS et al.; Histidine decarboxylase catalyses the decarboxylation of l-histidine to histamine using pyridoxal-5'-phosphate (PLP) as coenzyme . The PM3 quantum mechanical conformation method of analysis and heat of formation calculation were carried out for intermediates which are probably formed during the interaction of histidine (substrate), (s)-alpha-methylhistidine, (s)-alpha-hydrazinohistidine, (s)-alpha-fluoromethylhistidine and (s)-alpha-difluoromethylhistidine (inhibitors) with PLP-dependent histidine decarboxylase from Morganella morganii . The results suggest that the structures of the intermediates before and after decarboxylation were found to exist in a conformation showing a planar arrangement of the double bonds with the pyridoxylidene ring and the bond to the carboxyl group being perpendicular to this plane . After decarboxylation, all the double bonds are in the plane of the pyridoxylidene ring which facilitates the electron displacement for the following protonation at C(alpha) . The values of the enthalpy for intermediates would increase the probability of their formation in the enzyme's active site which are consistent with all available stereochemical and mechanistic data. J Clin Microbiol, 2000 Apr, 38(4), 1688 - 93 Evaluation of the Sirscan automated zone reader in a clinical microbiology laboratory; Medeiros AA et al.; We compared readings of Kirby-Bauer plates by the Sirscan, an automated image analyzer that measures zone diameters, to those of experienced clinical microbiologists measuring zones with a hand-held caliper interfaced to a computer and with a ruler . To read plates of Escherichia coli, Morganella morganii, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa containing 12 antibiotic disks the Sirscan took 11 s; technologists took 28 s by caliper and 39 s by ruler . Reading times of four different technologists ranged from 22 to 44 s with the caliper and 10 to 12 s with Sirscan . Upon repeated testing zone size variation rarely exceeded 3 mm by caliper and 1 mm by Sirscan . Over a 4-month period, 368 clinical isolates were tested prospectively by both methods in the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory of the Miriam Hospital . There was good correlation of zone sizes for most antibiotics, but Sirscan zone diameter measurements tended to be 3 to 5 mm larger than caliper readings for ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, aztreonam, erythromycin, clindamycin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole . Very major errors (resistant by caliper and susceptible by Sirscan) occurred with 10 of 3,770 readings (0.3%), mainly where breakpoint criteria lacked an intermediate zone . They occurred in testing staphylococci with amoxicillin-clavulanate (5 of 127 isolates, 3.9%), pseudomonas with piperacillin (1 of 28, 3.6%), coagulase-negative staphylococci with oxacillin (2 of 74, 2.7%), gram-negative bacilli with cefuroxime (1 of 209, 0.5%), and mixed species with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (1 of 366, 0.3%) . The Sirscan zone reader facilitates accurate, fully quantitative susceptibility testing in clinical microbiology laboratories. Int J Antimicrob Agents, 2000 Mar, 14(2), 157 - 60 Decreased permeability and enhanced proton-dependent active efflux in the development of resistance to quinolones in Morganella morganii; del Mar Tavio M et al.; Five quinolone-resistant strains were developed from a clinical Morganella morganii isolate (M1 strain) which was susceptible to nalidixic acid and fluoroquinolones . All five in vitro selected mutants showed diminished norfloxacin accumulation and two of them also decreased the expression of the AgO in the outer membrane lipopolysaccharide with respect to their parent strain and to the M . morganii NCTC-235 type strain . Likewise, the M1 strain did not express a 37-38 kDa protein and accumulated less norfloxacin than the M . morganii NCTC-235 strain . The decreased norfloxacin uptake in the five mutants compared with the M . morganii NCTC-235 strain was due to an enhanced proton-dependent active efflux plus a pre-existent decreased expression of a 37-38 kDa protein in the parent strain. J Food Prot, 2000 Feb, 63(2), 277 - 80 Application of the Bigelow (z-value) model and histamine detection to determine the time and temperature required to eliminate Morganella morganii from seafood; Osborne CM et al.; In New Zealand, the product most frequently implicated in cases of scombroid or histamine poisoning is the hot-smoked fish, kahawai (Arripis trutta) . A properly controlled heating step in the production of hot-smoked seafood could eliminate bacteria able to convert the amino acid histidine to histamine . In this study, we determined the core temperatures and times required during hot smoking of kahawai to eliminate histamine-forming bacteria and to ensure a final product that will not produce histamine if subsequent temperature abuse occurs . Morganella morganii strains previously isolated from portions of hot-smoked kahawai with elevated histamine levels were inoculated onto product to be tested . A variation of the Bigelow or z-value model was used to generate a thermal death time graph, where the production of histamine, in a heat-treated and subsequently temperature-abused sample, was scored as a positive value (growth) and the absence of histamine was scored as a negative value (no growth) . From a line fitted to the data, calculated times for the elimination of histamine-forming bacteria at test temperatures of 58, 59, 60, 61, and 62 degrees C were estimated to be 15.27, 8.81, 4.79, 2.68, and 1.46 min, respectively, giving a z value of 3.85 degrees C . This approach to thermal death determination, based on the presence or absence of a bacterial metabolite, proved to be an efficient way to determine the thermal regime required to eliminate bacteria capable of converting histidine to histamine on kahawai. J Food Prot, 2000 Feb, 63(2), 244 - 51 Histamine and biogenic amine production by Morganella morganii isolated from temperature-abused albacore; Kim SH et al.; Histamine-producing bacteria were isolated from albacore stored at 0, 25, 30, and 37 degrees C . They were screened using Niven's differential medium, and their histamine production was confirmed by high-pressure liquid chromatography analysis . The optimum temperature for growth of histamine-producing bacteria was 25 degrees C . The bacterium producing the highest level of histamine was isolated from fish abused at 25 degrees C . It was identified as Morganella morganii by morphological, cultural, biochemical, and antimicrobial characteristics and by the Vitek microbial identification system . The M . morganii isolate was inoculated into tuna fish infusion broth medium, and the effect of temperature was determined for microbial growth and formation of histamine and other biogenic amines . The isolate produced the highest level of histamine, 5,253 ppm, at 25 degrees C in the stationary phase . At 15 degrees C, histamine production was reduced to 2,769 ppm . Neither microbial growth nor histamine formation was detected at 4 degrees C . To determine whether the isolate can also produce other biogenic amines that can potentiate histamine toxicity, production of cadaverine, putrescine, serotonin, tryptamine, tyramine, phenylethylamine, spermidine, and spermine by the isolate was also monitored . Cadaverine, putrescine, and phenylethylamine were detected with microbial growth in the tuna fish infusion broth medium . The optimum temperature for cadaverine, putrescine, and phenylethylamine formation was found to be 25 degrees C, as it was for histamine. J Perinatol, 1999 Oct-Nov, 19(7), 533 - 5 Fatal early onset infection in an extremely low birth weight infant due to Morganella morganii; Ranu SS et al.; OBJECTIVE: This paper reports a case of chorioamnionitis due to Morganella morganii in a mother who presented with ruptured membranes at 24 weeks' gestation and was treated with dexamethasone and prophylactic ampicillin . Her premature infant developed severe early onset infection due to the same organism and expired . STUDY DESIGN: A clinical case report of M . morganii infection complicating preterm rupture of membranes is presented . Possible risk factors for maternal and neonatal infection with this organism as well as the therapy of neonatal M . morganii infection are discussed . RESULTS: Risk factors in the mother included having a cervical cerclage in place and treatment with dexamethasone and prophylactic ampicillin . The major risk factors in the infant were maternal chorioamnionitis and extreme prematurity . The mother responded to treatment with ampicillin, metronidazole, and gentamicin following delivery and had an uncomplicated recovery . Her infant developed severe early onset M . morganii infection complicated by neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and severe acidosis and expired . Postmortem cultures of pleural fluid, peritoneal fluid, and blood were positive despite treatment with gentamicin, an antibiotic to which the organism was sensitive . CONCLUSION: M . morganii may cause serious infection in pregnancy and in the neonatal period . The use of dexamethasone and prophylactic ampicillin may have increased the risk of infection with this ampicillin-resistant organism . The failure of gentamicin to sterilize the infant's blood and body fluids emphasizes the necessity of treating such infections with a combination of an aminoglycoside and a third-generation cephalosporin, such as cefotaxime. Eur J Biochem, 2000 Feb, 267(3), 666 - 76 The hybrid-cluster protein ('prismane protein') from Escherichia coli . Characterization of the hybrid-cluster protein, redox properties of the {2Fe-2S} and {4Fe-2S-2O} clusters and identification of an associated NADH oxidoreductase containing FAD and {2Fe-2S}; van den Berg WA et al.; Hybrid-cluster proteins ('prismane proteins') have previously been isolated and characterized from strictly anaerobic sulfate-reducing bacteria . These proteins contain two types of Fe/S clusters unique in biological systems: a {4Fe-4S} cubane cluster with spin-admixed S = 3/2 ground-state paramagnetism and a novel type of hybrid {4Fe-2S-2O} cluster, which can attain four redox states . Genomic sequencing reveals that genes encoding putative hybrid-cluster proteins are present in a range of bacterial and archaeal species . In this paper we describe the isolation and spectroscopic characterization of the hybrid-cluster protein from Escherichia coli . EPR spectroscopy shows the presence of a hybrid cluster in the E . coli protein with characteristics similar to those in the proteins of anaerobic sulfate reducers . EPR spectra of the reduced E . coli hybrid-cluster protein, however, give evidence for the presence of a {2Fe-2S} cluster instead of a {4Fe-4S} cluster . The hcp gene encoding the hybrid-cluster protein in E . coli and other facultative anaerobes occurs, in contrast with hcp genes in obligate anaerobic bacteria and archaea, in a small operon with a gene encoding a putative NADH oxidoreductase . This NADH oxidoreductase was also isolated and shown to contain FAD and a {2Fe-2S} cluster as cofactors . It catalysed the reduction of the hybrid-cluster protein with NADH as an electron donor . Midpoint potentials (25 degrees C, pH 7.5) for the Fe/S clusters in both proteins indicate that electrons derived from the oxidation of NADH (Em NADH/NAD+ couple: -320 mV) are transferred along the {2Fe-2S} cluster of the NADH oxidoreductase (Em = -220 mV) and the {2Fe-2S} cluster of the hybrid-cluster protein (Em = -35 mV) to the hybrid cluster (Em = -50, +85 and +365 mV for the three redox transitions) . The physiological function of the hybrid-cluster protein has not yet been elucidated . The protein is only detected in the facultative anaerobes E . coli and Morganella morganii after cultivation under anaerobic conditions in the presence of nitrate or nitrite, suggesting a role in nitrate-and/or nitrite respiration. Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 2000 Jan, 44(1), 222 - 5 A novel integron in Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis, carrying the bla(DHA-1) gene and its regulator gene ampR, originated from Morganella morganii; Verdet C et al.; The genetic organization of the gene coding for DHA-1 and the corresponding ampR gene was determined by PCR mapping . These genes have been mobilized from the Morganella morganii chromosome and inserted into a complex sulI-type integron, similar to In6 and In7 . However, they are not themselves mobile cassettes . This integron probably includes a specific site for recombination allowing the mobilization of diverse resistance genes, as observed for bla(CMY-1) and bla(MOX-1). Biometals, 1999 Sep, 12(3), 209 - 18 Molecular recognition of synthetic siderophore analogues: a study with receptor-deficient and fhu(A-B) deletion mutants of Escherichia coli; Gaspar M et al.; The biological activity of six synthetic siderophore analogues (two dihydroxamates, two trihydroxamates, one tetrahydroxamate and one 3-hydroxy-4(1H)pyridinone) has been studied in Escherichia coli, Morganella morganii 13 and Proteus mirabilis 8993 strains by using growth promotion tests . Various transport-deficient mutants of E . coli were used to study the route of entry into gram-negative bacteria . The results indicated that the synthetic hydroxamate compounds are transported via Fhu-mediated transport systems, although receptor specificity was low . This could be proven by using a delta (fhuA-B) E . coli mutant as a control in which growth promotion by natural hydroxamates was completely abolished, suggesting that a periplasmic binding-protein-dependent transport system (FhuB, C, D) is required for the transport of all synthetic ferric hydroxamate complexes . Although utilization of the synthetic hydroxamates was generally lower than that of the natural siderophores, differences in growth promotion could be detected . Highest activity was observed with the dihydroxamate DOCYDHAMA ligand which supported growth at concentrations < 1 mM . In comparison with other polyamino-polyhydroxamate ligands studied, this dihydroxamate ligand has an extra diamide backbone that could be important for the interaction with the receptors or with FhuD . The synthetic trihydroxamate and tetrahydroxamate ligands showed a relatively low siderophore activity . Studies with Proteus and Morganella in the presence of increasing bipyridyl concentrations showed a decreased growth promotion with the synthetic ferric hydroxamates, suggesting the involvement of a reduction step during iron mobilization or an increased toxicity of bipyridyl . This was not observed in the case of the 3-hydroxy-4(1H)pyridinone where bipyridyl had no effect. J Bacteriol, 1999 Nov, 181(22), 7107 - 14 Isolation, cloning, and expression of an acid phosphatase containing phosphotyrosyl phosphatase activity from Prevotella intermedia; Chen X et al.; A novel acid phosphatase containing phosphotyrosyl phosphatase (PTPase) activity, designated PiACP, from Prevotella intermedia ATCC 25611, an anaerobe implicated in progressive periodontal disease, has been purified and characterized . PiACP, a monomer with an apparent molecular mass of 30 kDa, did not require divalent metal cations for activity and was sensitive to orthovanadate but highly resistant to okadaic acid . The enzyme exhibited substantial activity against tyrosine phosphate-containing peptides derived from the epidermal growth factor receptor . On the basis of N-terminal and internal amino acid sequences of purified PiACP, the gene coding for PiACP was isolated and sequenced . The PiACP gene consisted of 792 bp and coded for a basic protein with an M(r) of 29,164 . The deduced amino acid sequence exhibited striking similarity (25 to 64%) to those of members of class A bacterial acid phosphatases, including PhoC of Morganella morganii, and involved a conserved phosphatase sequence motif that is shared among several lipid phosphatases and the mammalian glucose-6-phosphatases . The highly conservative motif HCXAGXXR in the active domain of PTPase was not found in PiACP . Mutagenesis of recombinant PiACP showed that His-170 and His-209 were essential for activity . Thus, the class A bacterial acid phosphatases including PiACP may function as atypical PTPases, the biological functions of which remain to be determined. J Antimicrob Chemother, 1999 Sep, 44(3), 359 - 65 Antibiotic sensitivity of bacteria associated with community-acquired urinary tract infection in Britain; Barrett SP et al.; Twelve laboratories in different parts of Britain each supplied approximately 80 consecutive urinary bacterial isolates from community patients . All strains were identified by a central laboratory, where sensitivity to a variety of orally administered antimicrobials was determined by microtitre broth dilution . 65.1% of isolates were Escherichia coli, 23.4% 'coliforms' other than E . coli, 4.6% Proteus and Morganella spp., 1.8% Pseudomonas spp., 2.4% enterococci, 0.7% group B streptococci, 1.5% coagulase-negative staphylococci and 0.5% Staphylococcus aureus . Using previously published breakpoint sensitivity values, 98.9% of all isolates were found to be sensitive to norfloxacin and to ciprofloxacin, 95.7% to co-amoxiclav, 86.8% to nitrofurantoin, 77.4% to cephalexin, 75.6% to trimethoprim, 75.0% to cephradine and 51.7% to amoxycillin . There were some differences in sensitivities between centres, particularly those of the cephalosporins . Using standard breakpoints, submitting laboratories were found to overestimate sensitivity to nitrofurantoin and to underestimate sensitivity to the quinolones and to co-amoxiclav; there was considerable overestimation of sensitivity to cephalosporins. J Food Prot, 1999 Sep, 62(9), 1033 - 7 Biogenic amine survey and organoleptic changes in fresh, stored, and temperature-abused bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix); Gingerich TM et al.; Changes in histamine, putrescine, and cadaverine concentrations in bluefish filets (Pomatomus saltatrix) stored at 5, 10, and 15 degrees C were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography . An organoleptic assessment was conducted simultaneously with the biogenic amine analyses . The histamine levels found in fresh bluefish obtained from wholesale seafood distributors ranged between <1 ppm and 99 with an average of 39 ppm . Putrescine and cadaverine were not found in fresh bluefish . Fish fillets stored at each of the three temperatures developed histamine . The greatest accumulation of histamine was observed in fish stored at 15 degrees C, which developed histamine levels as high as 2,200 ppm . Putrescine levels increased at each temperature during storage . Cadaverine was present only in uninoculated bluefish stored at 15 degrees C . Histamine achieved higher levels in bluefish pieces inoculated with Morganella morganii, which demonstrates that bluefish support bacterial histamine formation . Histamine levels at each temperature exceeded the 50-ppm advisory level established by the Food and Drug Administration before 100% sensory rejection . Standard plate counts increased during storage of fish at all temperatures, but the correlation between histamine levels and standard plate count was not significant. J Clin Microbiol, 1999 Sep, 37(9), 2840 - 7 Molecular characterization of the genera Proteus, Morganella, and Providencia by ribotyping; Pignato S et al.; The so-called Proteus-Providencia group is constituted at present by three genera and 10 species . Several of the recognized species are common opportunistic pathogens for humans and animals . Different methods based on the study of phenotypic characters have been used in the past with variable levels of efficiency for typing some species for epidemiological purposes . We have determined the rRNA gene restriction patterns (ribotypes) for the type strains of the 10 different species of the genera Proteus, Morganella, and Providencia . Visual inspection of EcoRV- and HincII-digested DNA from the type strains showed remarkably different patterns for both enzymes, but EcoRV provided better differentiation . Both endonucleases were retained to study a large number of wild and collection strains belonging to the different species . Clinical isolates of Proteus mirabilis, Proteus penneri, Morganella morganii, and Providencia heimbachae showed patterns identical or very similar to those of the respective type strains, so that groups of related patterns (ribogroups) were found to correspond to the diverse species . On the contrary, distinct ribogroups were detected within Providencia alcalifaciens (two ribogroups with both enzymes), Providencia rettgeri (four ribogroups with EcoRV and five with HincII), Providencia stuartii (two ribogroups with EcoRV), Providencia rustigianii (two ribogroups with HincII), and Proteus vulgaris (two ribogroups with both enzymes) . The pattern shown by the ancient P . vulgaris type strain NCTC 4175 differed considerably from both P . vulgaris ribogroups as well as from the newly proposed type strain ATCC 29905 and from any other strain in this study, thus confirming its atypical nature . Minor differences were frequently observed among patterns of strains belonging to the same ribogroup . These differences were assumed to define ribotypes within each ribogroup . No correlation was observed between ribogroups or ribotypes and biogroups of P . vulgaris, P . alcalifaciens, P . stuartii, and P . rettgeri . Since, not only different species showed different rRNA gene restriction patterns, but also different ribogroups and ribotypes have been found in the majority of the species, ribotyping would be a sensitive method for molecular characterization of clinical isolates belonging to the genera Proteus, Morganella, and Providencia. Phytother Res, 1999 Aug, 13(5), 448 - 50 Antimicrobial activity of Elaeocarpus sphaericus; Singh RK et al.; Antibacterial activity of petroleum ether (PE), benzene (BE), chloroform (CE), acetone (AE) and ethanol (EE) extracts of dried Elaeocarpus sphaericus fruit was investigated against 28 gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria using the disc diffusion and plate dilution methods . The AE fraction showed marked antimicrobial activity against ten organisms . BE was active against Salmonella typhimurium and Morganella morganii, and EE against Plesiomonas shigelloides, Shigella flexnerii and Sh . sonneii . The alkaloids and flavonoids present in the plant appear to be of chemotherapeutic interest . Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi (Taipei), 1999 Jul, 62(7), 438 - 42 Prevalence of Proteus species in urinary tract infections in a regional hospital in Trinidad; Orrett FA; BACKGROUND: Proteus bacteria are a well-known cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs) . The prevalence of UTIs is high among catheterized patients and those undergoing manipulation of the urinary tract . This study assessed the prevalence of UTIs due to Proteus species, the predisposing factors, complications and extent of antimicrobial resistance at a regional teaching hospital . METHODS: Urine samples in sterile containers from inpatients and outpatients were inoculated onto cysteine lactose electrolyte deficient agar and sheep blood agar plates with calibrated (0.001 ml) platinum loops and incubated aerobically at 35 degrees C to 37 degrees C for 18 to 24 hours . A colony count of 10(5) bacteria/ml or more was the criterion for significant bacteriuria . Proteus spp were identified and classified into four groups . Susceptibility testing was performed via the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion technique on Mueller-Hinton agar using ampicillin (10 micrograms), tetracycline (30 micrograms), nalidixic acid (30 micrograms), gentamicin (10 micrograms), nitrofurantoin (30 micrograms), co-trimoxazole (30 micrograms) and cefuroxime (30 micrograms) . RESULTS: Of 1,397 urine specimens from hospital and community patients, 414 had one or more species of bacteria isolated, of which 74 (17.9%) were Proteus spp . Hospital-acquired UTIs accounted for more than two-thirds (51/74, 68.9%) of Proteus spp isolates, while community-acquired UTIs accounted for approximately one-third (23/74, 31.1%) of all Proteus isolates . The prevalence of Proteus UTIs in males was 34 of 184 (18.5%) and was slightly higher than in females (40/230, 17.4%) . P mirabilis was the most frequently isolated Proteus sp (55/74, 74.3%), followed by P vulgaris (9/74 . 12.2%), Morganella morganii, (7/74, 9.5%) and Providencia rettgeri (3/74, 4.0%) . Forty-nine of 55 (89%) P mirabilis isolates were biotype 2 . Catheterization was the most common predisposing factor in 32.4% of hospital-acquired Proteus UTIs . More than 92% of Proteus isolates were sensitive to gentamicin and nalidixic acid, whereas, ampicillin (35%) and tetracycline (18%) were the least effective drugs . CONCLUSIONS: Proteus was isolated from about 18% of patients with significant bacteriuria . Most isolates occurred in hospitalized patients with indwelling urinary catheters and in patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy, diabetes and prostatectomy . Proper catheter care may improve infection control and reduce the morbidity of UTIs associated with Proteus spp. Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1999 Mar-Apr, (2), 8 - 10 {The use of minipigs to produce diagnostic sera for the serological identification of bacteria in the genus Morganella}; Gurdina VV et al.; Mini-pigs of the Svetlogorsk breed were immunized with vaccine prepared from of M . morganii culture; the culture had been grown in a liquid nutrient medium, obtained from casein hydrolysate, in flasks placed in a thermostatically controlled shaker to the phases of exponential growth and cell growth deceleration . O-agglutinating sera thus obtained were specific . The highest antibody level was detected in the serum obtained as the result of the immunization of guinea pigs with the vaccine prepared from the culture on the phase of exponential growth . This serum retained its properties after storage for 9 months . Heterologous antibodies occurred in the sera under study not more frequently than in rabbit sera and practically in the same titers. Infect Immun, 1999 Apr, 67(4), 1992 - 2000 Segmented filamentous bacteria are potent stimuli of a physiologically normal state of the murine gut mucosal immune system; Talham GL et al.; Segmented filamentous bacteria (SFB) are autochthonous bacteria inhabiting the intestinal tracts of many species, including humans . We studied the effect of SFB on the mucosal immune system by monoassociating formerly germfree C3H/HeN mice with SFB . At various time points during 190 days of colonization, fragment cultures of small intestine and Peyer's patches (PP) were analyzed for total immunoglobulin A (IgA) and SFB-specific IgA production . Also, phenotypic changes indicating germinal center reactions (GCRs) and the activation of CD4(+) T cells in PP were determined by using fluorescence-activated cell sorter analyses . A second group of SFB-monoassociated mice was colonized with a gram-negative commensal, Morganella morganii, to determine if the mucosal immune system was again stimulated and to evaluate the effect of prior colonization with SFB on the ability of M . morganii to translocate to the spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes . We found that SFB stimulated GCRs in PP from day 6 after monoassociation, that GCRs only gradually waned over the entire length of colonization, that natural IgA production was increased to levels 24 to 63% of that of conventionally reared mice, and that SFB-specific IgA was produced but accounted for less than 1.4% of total IgA . Also, the proportion of CD4(+), CD45RBlow T cells, indicative of activated cells, gradually increased in the PP to the level found in conventionally reared mice . Secondary colonization with M . morganii was able to stimulate GCRs anew, leading to a specific IgA antibody response . Previous stimulation of mucosal immunity by SFB did not prevent the translocation of M . morganii in the double-colonized mice . Our findings generally indicate that SFB are one of the single most potent microbial stimuli of the gut mucosal immune system. Enferm Intensiva, 1998 Jul-Sep, 9(3), 115 - 20 {Descriptive study of infections caused by central venous catheters with peripheral insertion}; Rodriguez Castro G et al.; OBJECTIVE: To know the infection rate for central venous catheters inserted via a peripheral vein (CVCIPV), the microorganisms involved, and the incidence of complications derived from catheter infections . METHOD: A prospective study carried out in the ICU of the Hospital de la Princesa in 1997 . Clinical and microbiological data were collected from all patients with CVCIPC . Cultures were made of the intravascular segment (semiquantitative-quantitative procedure) and blood if symptoms or signs of infection were observed . Data were recorded from 72 catheters in 72 patients . RESULTS: Fifty-one (70.8%) catheters were cultured, of which 47 (92.15%) were sterile . Infection was associated with the catheter in 3 cases (5.8%) and bacteremia, which was complicated by septic shock, was associated with the catheter in 1 case (1.4%) . The microorganisms found were Serratia marcescens, Morganella morgani, and Staphylococcus epidermidis . CONCLUSION: Central venous catheterization via a peripheral vein had a low rate of infectious complications. Endoscopy, 1998 Oct, 30(8), 708 - 12 Microbiological examinations and in-vitro testing of different antibiotics in therapeutic endoscopy of the biliary system; Lorenz R et al.; BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Prior to endoscopic therapeutic procedures, no antibiotic prophylaxis is administered routinely . Because of the reported incidence of infectious complications, which may reach up to 10%, a prospective study was undertaken to investigate the effects of a prophylactic dose of cefuroxime on the incidence of bacteremia and clinical signs of infection, but no significant effects could be demonstrated . In addition to this published work, blood and bile cultures obtained in this trial were also investigated, and the in-vitro susceptibility to several antibiotics was tested in order to recommend the appropriate substances . PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ninety-nine consecutive patients (51 men, 48 women; mean age 61.4 +/- 17 years) with biliary obstruction who underwent an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) or percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography with drainage (PTCD) were included . Sequential blood cultures were taken before and up to 60 minutes after the endoscopic intervention . Bile cultures were obtained in 56 patients with biliary drainage . Aerobic and anaerobic cultures were prepared from all obtained specimens and the isolated organisms were identified . In the case of positive cultures, an in-vitro resistance test for 15 different antibiotics was performed . RESULTS: The incidence of bacteremia was 11.1% (n = 11), and 16 bacteria were isolated . Twelve different microorganisms were detected, with Escherichia coli found in four cases . From 41 positive out of 56 prepared bile cultures (73.2%), 91 isolates were found with 25 different species . A single agent was detected in eight cases (19.5%), while a mixed growth, with pathogens ranging from two to six species, was found in 33 cases (80.5%) . The seven most frequently isolated germs were E . coli and Enterococcus (each n = 19), Klebsiella (n = 10), Streptococcus viridans (n = 9), Staphylococcus epidermidis (n = 5), Morganella morganii (n = 4), and Bacteroides fragilis (n = 3), representing 76% of all agents . Examination for fungal infection revealed positive cultures of Candida albicans in 16.1% of bile cultures (nine of 56) . Interestingly, the use of proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs), with a consequent rise in the gastric pH value, led to an increase in the rate of bacteremia to 26.2% (five of 19) compared to the other patients not on PPIs (n = 80), who developed bacteremia in only six cases (7.5%; p = 0.02) . In-vitro testing of different antibiotics was carried out in 73 isolates . Imipenem showed the best antimicrobial activity (98.4%), followed by trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole (90%), amoxicillin plus clavulanic acid (87.3%), vancomycin (82.4%), and ofloxacin (76.9%) . CONCLUSIONS: Escherichia coli was found to be the pathogen most frequently detected in blood and bile following endoscopic interventions in the biliary tract . Enterococci, Klebsiella and Streptococcus viridans were found in bile cultures with an incidence exceeding 10% . In view of the in-vitro test results, possible side effects, and contraindications, amoxicillin plus beta-lactamase inhibitors or quinolones are considered to be suitable antibiotics for the prophylaxis of biliary infections. J Bacteriol, 1998 Dec, 180(23), 6415 - 8 A family of stability determinants in pathogenic bacteria; Hayes F; A novel segregational stability system was identified on plasmid R485, which originates from Morganella morganii . The system is composed of two overlapping genes, stbD and stbE, which potentially encode proteins of 83 and 93 amino acids, respectively . Homologs of the stbDE genes were identified on the enterotoxigenic plasmid P307 from Escherichia coli and on the chromosomes of Vibrio cholerae and Haemophilus influenzae biogroup aegyptius . The former two homologs also promote plasmid stability in E . coli . Furthermore, the stbDE genes share homology with components of the relBEF operon and with the dnaT gene of E . coli . The organization of the stbDE cassette is reminiscent of toxin-antitoxin stability cassettes. Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1998 Sep-Oct, (5), 20 - 2 {Comparative study of Morganella and Providencia bacteriophages}; Gabrilovich IM et al.; 7 strains of M.morganii phages and 7 strains of P.rettgeri phages were isolated from lysogenic cultures and the environment . The main biological properties of these phages were studied . The phages under study formed independent taxonomic groups . These phages were found to be highly specific and capable of being used for the identification of bacteria. Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1998 Sep-Oct, (5), 6 - 9 {Physiologic-biochemical features of Morganella under various conditions of cultivation}; Gurdina VV et al.; The parameters of the cultivation process and the content of protein and polysaccharide in M.morganii cells grown under the conditions of submerged cultivation in 2 nutrient media having different composition were studied . The study revealed that the highest values of specific growth rate and the maximum yield of biomass were observed during cultivation under the conditions of medium values of oxygen concentration in the medium (pO2 = 20-30%) . The content of protein in bacterial cells was practically independent on the growth phase of the culture, with the exception of cultivation processes in carbohydrate-free media with the use of "old" seed material (48-hours agar culture) when protein content in the cells was higher in the exponential phase . The content of polysaccharide in bacterial cells, its maximum level observed at the exponential phase, considerably dropped at the growth deceleration and stationary phases. Br J Dermatol, 1998 Sep, 139(3), 520 - 1 Ecthyma gangrenosum-like eruption associated with Morganella morganii infection; Del Pozo J et al.; Ecthyma gangrenosum is considered as a pathognomonic sign of Pseudomonas aeruginosa sepsis . Lesions similar to ecthyma gangrenosum may be caused by other organisms . We report a case of an ecthyma gangrenosum-like eruption caused by Morganella morganii, a Gram-negative bacillus. Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin, 1998 Jun-Jul, 16(6), 261 - 4 {Bactericidal activity and capacity for selection of mutants resistant to imipenmen and meropenem in strains of Proteus, Morganella and Providencia}; Villar HE et al.; BACKGROUND: To compare the bactericidal activity and frequency of mutation for meropenem and imipenem against Proteus mirabilis, Morganella morganii and Providencia rettgeri . MATERIAL AND METHODS: Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were determined by agar dilution method . Bactericidal activities were evaluated by killing curves method employing 4 and 16x MIC . One-step resistant mutant selection was performed by spreading more than 5 x 10(8) UFC/ml on cystine-lactose-electrolyte deficient agar containing 4 times the MIC of meropenem or imipenem . RESULTS: MIC were 8 to 16 times lower for meropenem . After 24 h, bactericidal activity was observed for meropenem at 4 and 16 x MIC against 76.7 and 100% of the strains in comparison to 26.7 and 83.3% with imipenem . After 24 h incubation with imipenem, re-growth occurred in 80 and 90% of P . mirabilis and M . morganii strains, respectively . Imipenem resistant mutants were selected from 3 strains of P . mirabilis . One of them was stable and MIC of meropenem and imipenem were 8 to 16-fold higher . CONCLUSIONS: From the laboratory point of view we consider that meropenem is more active against Proteeae because it was more potent in terms of inhibitory and bactericidal activity . In addition the risk to select for resistant mutants was significant with imipenem and P . mirabilis. Nippon Jinzo Gakkai Shi, 1998 Jul, 40(5), 354 - 8 {A female case of Fournier's gangrene in a patient with lupus nephritis}; Kohagura K et al.; Infection is one of the common causes of death in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) . It is associated with the use of immunosuppressive agents, renal failure, and increased disease activity . Fournier's gangrene is a necrotizing fasciitis occurring in the genital region . It is rare, but can be crucial if surgical drainage is delayed . We report a female case of Fournier's gangrene occurring in a patient with lupus nephritis and chronic renal failure . The patient was a 21-year-old female with chronic renal failure due to lupus nephritis . She had suffered from watery diarrhea one month before admission . It improved after increasing the dose of prednisolone, but, she was complicated with Bartholin abscess . The vaginal pain rapidly spread to the left lower quadrant abdomen despite treatment with oral cephalosporin . Focal incision was performed and black fluid emerged with a foul smell . Pelvic computed tomography (CT) revealed many bubbles in that region . She was found to have septic shock on transfer to our hospital . Thereafter, emergency debridement was performed, followed by antibiotic therapy and hyperbaric oxygen therapy . Organisms were found to be 5 anerobes, such as Bacteroides species, and 3 aerobics, such as Morganella morganii . Fournier's gangrene was improved via these treatments, but she needed maintenance hemodialysis . Fournier's gangrene complication should be considered in SLE with urogenital infection. Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1998 Sep, 42(9), 2352 - 8 Salmonella enteritidis: AmpC plasmid-mediated inducible beta-lactamase (DHA-1) with an ampR gene from Morganella morganii; Barnaud G et al.; DHA-1, a plasmid-mediated cephalosporinase from a single clinical Salmonella enteritidis isolate, conferred resistance to oxyimino-cephalosporins (cefotaxime and ceftazidime) and cephamycins (cefoxitin and moxalactam), and this resistance was transferable to Escherichia coli HB101 . An antagonism was observed between cefoxitin and aztreonam by the diffusion method . Transformation of the transconjugant E . coli strain with plasmid pNH5 carrying the ampD gene (whose product decreases the level of expression of ampC) resulted in an eightfold decrease in the MIC of cefoxitin . A clone with the same AmpC susceptibility pattern with antagonism was obtained, clone E . coli JM101(pSAL2-ind), and its nucleotide sequence was determined . It contained an open reading frame with 98 . 7% DNA sequence identity with the ampC gene of Morganella morganii . DNA sequence analysis also identified a gene upstream of ampC whose sequence was 97% identical to the partial sequence of the ampR gene (435 bp) from M . morganii . The gene encoded a protein with an amino-terminal DNA-binding domain typical of transcriptional activators of the LysR family . Moreover, the intercistronic region between the ampC and ampR genes was 98% identical to the corresponding region from M . morganii DNA . AmpR was shown to be functional by enzyme induction and a gel mobility-shift assay . An ampG gene was also detected in a Southern blot of DNA from the S . enteritidis isolate . These findings suggest that this inducible plasmid-mediated AmpC type beta-lactamase, DHA-1, probably originated from M . morganii. J Zoo Wildl Med, 1998 Jun, 29(2), 171 - 6 Bacterial isolates from California sea lions (Zalophus californianus), harbor seals (Phoca vitulina), and northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris) admitted to a rehabilitation center along the central California coast, 1994-1995; Thornton SM et al.; In 2 yr of bacteriologic culturing of 297 California sea lions (Zalophus californianus), 154 harbor seals (Phoca vitulina), and 89 northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris) stranded alive along the California coast, the most frequent isolates from inflammatory lesions in live animals were Escherichia coli, Streptococcus viridans, Listeria ivanovii, beta-hemolytic Streptococcus spp., and Enterococcus spp . This is the first report of L . ivanovii isolation from a marine mammal . The common isolates from lung and liver in animals dying during rehabilitation were E . coli, Salmonella spp., Klebsiella spp., Pseudomonas spp., Aeromonas spp., Proteus spp., and Staphylococcus aureus . The most common isolates from brain were Enterococcus spp., E . coli, Klebsiella spp., and Pseudomonas spp . Ocular lesions were seen most often in harbor seals and elephant seals, from which the isolates cultured included Pseudomonas spp., Enterococcus spp., Streptococcus viridans, E . coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus spp., Morganella morganii, Moraxella spp., beta-hemolytic Streptococcus spp., and L . ivanovii . Nine different Salmonella serotypes were isolated from 49 animals; S . newport was the most common . These results should enable those working clinically with these species to make logical decisions in choosing initial antimicrobial therapy. Jpn J Antibiot, 1998 May, 51(5), 346 - 61 {Pharmacokinetic, bacteriological and clinical evaluation of tazobactam/piperacillin in pediatrics}; Iwai N et al.; Pharmacokinetic, bacteriological and clinical studies were performed in pediatrics on tazobactam/piperacillin (TAZ/PIPC), a combined drug of a new beta-lactamase inhibitor tazobactam and piperacillin at a ratio of 1:4 . 1 . Serum levels and urinary excretions of TAZ, PIPC and desethyl piperacillin (DEt-PIPC), a metabolite of PIPC, after one shot intravenous administration of 50 mg/kg of TAZ/PIPC to two children (6-7 years old) were investigated . The serum TAZ level at 0.08 hour was 50.8-51.0 micrograms/ml after administration . Then TAZ concentrations gradually decreased with half-lives of 0.38-0.45 hour, and reached 1.0-1.4 micrograms/ml after 2 hours and was not detected after 3 hours and 6 hours . Serum PIPC levels at 0.08 hour was 167.0-231.0 micrograms/ml after administration . Then PIPC concentrations gradually decreased with half-lives of 0.41-0.55 hour, and reached 1.2-2.4 micrograms/ml after 3 hours and was not detected after 6 hours . DEt-PIPC was detected slightly in serum . A ratio of TAZ to PIPC was about 1 to 4 in serum at each time . Urinary recovery rates of TAZ in the first 6 hours after administration of TAZ/PIPC were 33.5-90.1% and those of PIPC were 41.9-77.8% and those of DEt-PIPC were 1.5-2.8% . 2 . TAZ/PIPC was administered to 27 pediatric patients (their ages ranged between 2 months and 11 years old) with various infections, and clinical and bacteriological effects and adverse reactions were investigated . Single doses were 26.2-55.6 mg/kg, frequencies of administration were 3-4 times a day, and durations of administration were 3 1/3-7 1/3 days, and total dosages were 4.5-33.75 g . Clinical effects were evaluable in 26 cases . Responses were rated as "good" in acute purulent tonsillitis 1 case and acute purulent otitis media 1 case, as "excellent" in acute sinusitis 1 case, as "excellent" in 2 and "good" in 1 out of 3 cases of acute bronchitis, as "excellent" in 13 and "good" 2 out of 15 cases of acute pneumonia, as "excellent" in acute urinary tract infection 2 cases and as "excellent" in acute enteritis in 1 case, acute appendicitis in 1 case and lymphadentis in 1 case . In all cases, the results were rated as "good" or "excellent" . Antimicrobial effects against a total of 10 strains identified or assumed to be pathogenic bacteria were evaluated . The 10 strains of bacteria included 4 strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae, 3 strains of Haemophilus influenzae (2 strains beta-lactamase producing), 2 strains of beta-lactamase producing Moraxella catarrhalis, 1 strain of beta-lactamase producing Morganella morganii . All the bacteria listed here were judged to have been eradicated . Adverse reaction was observed in 1 case with mild diarrhea . As abnormal changes in laboratory data, leucocytopenia in 1 case, elevation of GOT . GPT in 2 cases and eosinophilia in 1 case were observed . On the basis of the findings, TAZ/PIPC was considered to be effective and safe in the treatment of pediatric infections. Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1998 Aug, 42(8), 2125 - 7 Molecular characterization of a TEM-21 beta-lactamase in a clinical isolate of Morganella morganii; Tessier F et al.; A clinical isolate of Morganella morganii, with reduced susceptibility to expanded-spectrum cephalosporins and aztreonam, was found to produce an extended-spectrum beta-lactamase with a pI of 6.4 . The nucleotide sequence of the encoding gene was that of the gene encoding TEM-21 . This is the first molecular characterization of an extended-spectrum beta-lactamase in M . morganii. Biotechnol Prog, 1998 Mar-Apr, 14(2), 241 - 7 Bacterial acid phosphatase gene fusions useful as targets for cloning-dependent insertional inactivation; Thaller MC