Anaerobic bacteria

J Infect, 1990 Sep, 21(2), 143 - 50
A study of three blood culture media for isolating genital mycoplasmas from obstetrical and gynaecological patients; al-Zahawi MF et al.; Mycoplasma species are often found colonising the female genital tract . Their ability to become invasive and pathogenic, however, is often ignored, since attempts may not be made to culture these organisms from the bloodstream . We have investigated the ability of three types of blood culture media to support the growth of genital mycoplasmas . The media studied included brain-heart infusion broth, brain-heart infusion broth supplemented with 30% V/V sucrose and fastidious anaerobe broth . Genital mycoplasmas were cultured from the latter medium only . Since this was the sole medium which was liquoid-free, the inhibitory effects of liquoid on Mycoplasma spp . is discussed . This study comprised an investigation of 75 patients in obstetric and gynaecological wards with postpartum or post-operative fever . Genital mycoplasmas were isolated from five (6.7%) patients, four with Ureaplasma urealyticum and one with M . hominis . The value of considering these organisms in the differential diagnosis of fever in 'at risk' patients and of including appropriate media for their isolation is emphasised.

Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis, 1990 Sep, 9(9), 667 - 71
Evaluation of two media for antibiotic susceptibility testing of anaerobic bacteria using the receiver operating characteristic procedure; Castel O et al.; Wilkins-Chalgren agar and Meat-Yeast agar were evaluated as media for antibiotic susceptibility testing using 112 anaerobic bacterial strains . The results obtained with the two media using the diffusion method were compared with those obtained by the dilution method as reference method . The results were analyzed by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) procedure allowing a graphic representation of sensitivity and specificity of the technique for each cut-off value . The area under the ROC curves was calculated to compare the accuracy of the two methods . Six antibiotics were tested including amoxicillin, cefoxitin, piperacillin, doxycycline and clindamycin . For amoxicillin and clindamycin, the two methods showed a high and identical discriminative power for distinguishing susceptible bacteria from the others . Diffusion in Wilkins-Chalgren agar appeared better than diffusion in Meat-Yeast agar for separating resistant bacteria from bacteria of intermediate susceptibility (amoxicillin p less than 0.005; clindamycin p less than 0.04) . For other drugs, diffusion in Wilkins-Chalgren agar always had a discriminative power higher than that obtained with diffusion in Meat-Yeast agar for separating susceptible bacteria from the others (cefoxitin p less than 0.0005; piperacillin p less than 0.02; doxycycline p less than 0.05) . The Wilkins-Chalgren agar medium thus appeared superior to the Meat-Yeast agar medium using the ROC evaluation method, which would deserve wider utilization in the field of microbiology.

Infect Dis Clin North Am, 1990 Sep, 4(3), 539 - 50
Vertebral osteomyelitis; Sapico FL et al.; Vertebral osteomyelitis can be caused by a variety of microorganisms . The hematogenous pyogenic form is characteristically a disease of people over age 50, predominantly in the male population, and most frequently caused by S . aureus . In IVDAs, however, younger patients and a heavier predominance of males are seen, and P . aeruginosa is one of the most commonly seen pathogens . The disease is generally monomicrobial, unless it is secondary to a contiguous process such as a pressure sore, in which polymicrobial infection with participation of anaerobes is the general rule . Lumbar, greater than thoracic, greater than cervical involvement is the rule in the general population, but cervical spine involvement is frequently seen more often than thoracic involvement in IVDAs . Diabetic patients are over-represented among patients with vertebral osteomyelitis, and they also have a tendency for higher morbidity and mortality . Simultaneous involvement of adjacent vertebral end plates and the intervening disk is the general rule . The vertebrae are generally involved, and the posterior elements of the spine are involved infrequently . Posterior element involvement is seen more commonly in actinomycosis, coccidioidomycosis, and neoplasms . Newer diagnostic modalities, such as CT, MRI, and radionuclide scans, may detect the disease earlier than conventional radiographs . Immunobilization by bed rest and appropriate antimicrobial therapy are generally sufficient in the therapy of pyogenic, as well as tuberculous, vertebral osteomyelitis . In selected circumstances, such as in the presence of marked instability of the spine, the presence of new neurologic deficits, or with progression of previous neurologic deficits, surgical intervention may be necessary . With prompt diagnosis and proper management, the prognosis should generally be good.

J Clin Periodontol, 1990 Sep, 17(8), 570 - 4
Microbiological and clinical effects of a dentifrice containing zinc citrate and Triclosan in the human experimental gingivitis model; Jones CL et al.; A partial mouth experimental gingivitis model was employed to establish the effect of a dentifrice containing 0.2% Triclosan and 0.5% zinc citrate on the development of chronic gingivitis . In addition, changes in the plaque flora associated with the developing gingivitis have been monitored . Following a period of stringent oral hygiene, volunteers were allocated to 1 of 2 treatment groups . A toothshield was constructed to fit 4 posterior mandibular teeth . During the 21-day experimental period test or placebo dentifrice was applied to the experimental teeth via the tooth shield . The toothshield also prevented plaque removal from those teeth during habitual brushing of the remaining dentition . Supragingival plaque was collected at baseline and day 21 for analysis of the total bacterial flora . At the end of the experimental period, plaque and gingivitis had developed in both groups . However, the test group had significantly less plaque and gingivitis than the placebo group . The microbiological data demonstrated that plaque from the test group contained significantly lower numbers of anaerobes compared to plaque from the placebo group . This was considered particularly significant as these bacteria are generally associated with chronic inflammatory periodontal disease . There was also a trend for the numbers of actinomyces to decrease in plaque from the test group but not in the placebo group.

Arch Monaldi Mal Torace, 1990 Sep-Oct, 45(5), 401 - 10
{Cefotetan treatment of suppurative bronchopulmonary syndromes sustained by anaerobic germs}; Caputi M et al.; The Authors have analyzed the effect of Cefotetan in 20 patients affected by bronchopulmonary pathologies supported by anaerobic bacterium . During 7 days doses of 50 mg . pro Kg/pro die were given . From beginning to end of the treatment clinical, hematochemical and radiological data were evaluated . Bacteriological analysis was made on samples drawn with BFS according to a traditional method and with microbiology specimen brush . Almost all the patients (95%) realized improvements in clinical symptomatology and in radiological picture.

Dtsch Z Mund Kiefer Gesichtschir, 1990 Sep-Oct, 14(5), 325 - 9
{Bacterial growth on carcinomas of the oral mucosa}; Liebermann B et al.; Carcinomas of the oral mucosa are colonized by a variety of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria . Apart from the normal flora of the oral cavity also organisms of pathogenic potential are found, which may cause postoperative wound infections . A specific antibiotic prophylaxis regimen in extensive head and neck surgery requires identification of the pathopotent organisms and sensitivity testing followed by perioperative individual antimicrobial chemoprophylaxis management . The results of an additional bacteriological examination of the surrounding pharyngeal flora showed no major difference to the range of organisms found in the carcinoma.

Am J Obstet Gynecol, 1990 Sep, 163(3), 968 - 74
Amniotic fluid glucose concentration: a rapid and simple method for the detection of intraamniotic infection in preterm labor; Romero R et al.; The purpose of this study was to determine whether amniotic fluid glucose concentrations is of value in the rapid diagnosis of intraamniotic infection . Amniocenteses were performed in 168 patients with preterm labor and intact membranes . Amniotic fluid was cultured for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, as well as Mycoplasma species . The prevalence of positive amniotic fluid cultures was 13.6% (23/168) . Patients with positive amniotic fluid cultures for microorganisms had significantly lower median amniotic fluid glucose concentrations than patients with negative amniotic fluid cultures (median 11 mg/dl, range 2 to 30 mg/dl vs median 28 mg/dl, range 3 to 74, respectively; p less than 0.001) . Amniotic fluid glucose concentrations below 14 mg/dl had a sensitivity of 86.9% (20/23), a specificity of 91.7% (133/145), a positive predictive value of 62.5% (20/32), and a negative predictive value of 97.8% (133/136) in the detection of a positive amniotic fluid culture . Amniotic fluid glucose determination is a rapid, sensitive, inexpensive, and simple test for the detection of intraamniotic infection in women with preterm labor and intact membranes.

J Chromatogr, 1990 Aug 31, 515, 415 - 34
Applications of high-performance liquid chromatography in bacteriology . I . Determination of metabolites; Lucarelli C et al.; The chemotaxonomic approach to the identification of pathogenic bacteria for clinical purposes is surveyed . Primary interest is focused on the applications of HPLC to the determination of metabolic products from anaerobic bacteria . The use of HPLC is attractive as different classes of short-chain acids can be determined in a single analysis . Chromatographic conditions are extensively described, emphasizing the effects of changing variables on the HPLC profiles of analytes . The application of labelling procedures to bacterial metabolites can markedly increase the sensitivity of the analysis of pathological fluids . HPLC appears to be potentially useful in clinical bacteriology for the diagnosis of anaerobic infections.

Biochem Biophys Res Commun, 1990 Aug 31, 171(1), 313 - 8
Purification and characterization of two proteins with inorganic pyrophosphatase activity from Desulfovibrio vulgaris: rubrerythrin and a new, highly active, enzyme; Liu MY et al.; The inorganic pyrophosphatase activity of a soluble extract from the strict anaerobe, sulfate-reducing, Desulfovibrio vulgaris, is readily resolved into two peaks . After purification, two active proteins with very dissimilar properties are obtained . One is the non-heme iron-containing rubrerythrin, with a specific activity of 350 pyrophosphate hydrolyzed, min-1, mg protein-1 . The other, a protein of Mr = 39,000, with a specific activity of 12,000.

Postgrad Med, 1990 Aug, 88(2), 99 - 100, 103-5, 108
Peritonsillar abscess . Why aggressive management is appropriate; Petruzzelli GJ et al.; Peritonsillar abscess is the most common deep neck infection in adults . Infections develop from purulent material collecting in the fascial spaces lateral to the capsule of the palatine tonsil . Infections are usually polymicrobial, and a significant number of anaerobes are isolated . The cornerstone of therapy is drainage of the abscess . With cooperative patients, careful permucosal needle aspiration is an accepted method of primary therapy . Large or recurrent abscesses require otolaryngologic consultation for adequate incision and drainage . Tonsillectomy may be necessary to prevent re-formation of abscess in patients with a history of recurrent tonsillitis.

Australas Radiol, 1990 Aug, 34(3), 256 - 9
Necrobacillosis; Adler J et al.; Necrobacillosis is a severe septicaemic illness caused by the gram negative anaerobe, Fusobacterium necrophorum, that typically occurs in previously healthy young adults following a mild sore throat . Radiological changes in the chest are prominent and include rapidly developing empyema, pneumonic consolidation, cavitation and pneumatocele formation . Metastatic abscesses in other sites are also seen . The clinical setting and time course are in marked contrast to the presentation of most anaerobic pleuro-pulmonary infections . Two cases are described, in one of which the outcome was fatal . Both displayed marked chest disease as an early manifestation of their illness . As the condition is relatively uncommon, radiological diagnosis demands a high index of suspicion in order to facilitate early treatment.

Nippon Geka Gakkai Zasshi, 1990 Aug, 91(8), 972 - 9
{Preoperative oral antimicrobial bowel preparations in elective colorectal surgery}; Ono S et al.; Colorectal surgery is associated with high incidence of postoperative wound infection due to contamination of the field of operation by organisms from the intestine . A consecutive series of 300 patients undergoing elective operations on the colon and rectum, was studied to determine the efficacy of oral antibacterial preparations on the influence of intestinal organisms at operation and the incidence of postoperative wound infection . The patients were divided into four groups as their preoperative bowel preparations as follows; 1st group: mechanical preparation alone, 2nd group: mechanical preparation and oral kanamycin, 3rd group: mechanical preparation and oral kanamycin and metronidazole, and 4th group: mechanical preparation and oral polymyxin B and metronidazole . The results of bacteriological studies on specimens taken by swab from colonic lumen and wound at operation showed effectiveness of kanamycin and polymyxin B against aerobic gram-negative rods and metronidazole against anaerobes . The rates of postoperative wound infection were 47.5% in 1st group, 27% in 2nd group, 12% 3rd group, and 2.7% in 4th group, respectively.

Biopharm Drug Dispos, 1990 Aug-Sep, 11(6), 465 - 75
Microbially controlled drug delivery to the colon; Rubinstein A; The human gastrointestinal tract consists of a highly complex ecosystem of aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms that plays a significant role in the metabolism of nutrients as well as drugs . In the colon, bacteria ferment various types of substrates that are not susceptible to digestion in the small intestine . This arouses interest in specific drugs, drug delivery systems, and prodrugs that escape small bowel digestion, arrive intact, and are absorbed or degraded in the large bowel . For the past forty years, experience has been gained with the azo prodrug of 5-amino salicylic acid, salazopyrine, which is cleaved by colonic bacteria to its parent drug . Some laxative drugs were also reported to degrade into active metabolites in the colon . Lately equally interesting and more sophisticated microbial controlled delivery systems, have been developed based on similar principles.

Mil Med, 1990 Aug, 155(8), 345 - 7
The medical management of acute appendicitis in a nonsurgical environment: a retrospective case review; Adams ML; The treatment of acute appendicitis in remote environments without the capability of surgical intervention appears to be effective when using antibiotic protocols active against both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria . A review of nine such cases treated with various antibiotic protocols was conducted and demonstrated good response in all patients . This aggressive medical management frequently resulted in complete resolution of symptoms in patients who later required elective appendectomy or who had recurrences, with similar symptoms requiring acute appendectomies . A strong index of suspicion for appendicitis must be maintained in these cases and one must rely on the medical documentation of the initial episode and proceed with a thorough surgical evaluation.

J Ind Microbiol, 1990 Aug, 5(6), 365 - 74
CP-60,993, a new dianemycin-like ionophore produced by Streptomyces hygroscopicus ATCC 39305: fermentation, isolation and characterization; Cullen WP et al.; CP-60,993, 19-epi-dianemycin, is a novel polycyclic ether antibiotic produced by Streptomyces hygroscopicus ATCC 39305 . Fermentation recovery, purification and crystallization were achieved using standard procedures . CP-60,993 was characterized as a monocarboxylic acid . Elemental analysis suggested a molecular formula of C47H78O14 for the free acid and C47H77O14 Na for the sodium salt . Crystalline from CP-60,993 sodium salt shows the following properties: m.p . 193-205 degrees C, E1%(1 cm) = 157 at 232 nm, {alpha}25 degrees C(D) + 11.0 (c 1, methanol) . The structure, determined by MS, PMR and CMR, differs from dianemycin only in the stereochemistry at position 19 . This was confirmed by X-ray crystallography carried out on the rubidium salt of CP-60,993 . It exhibited activity in vitro against Gram-positive and anaerobic bacteria, efficacy against Eimeria coccidia in vivo in poultry, and stimulation in vitro of rumen propionic acid production.

J Biol Chem, 1990 Jul 15, 265(20), 11508 - 16
Characterization of a tungsten-iron-sulfur protein exhibiting novel spectroscopic and redox properties from the hyperthermophilic archaebacterium Pyrococcus furiosus; Mukund S et al.; The archaebacterium, Pyrococcus furiosus, is a strict anaerobe that grows optimally at 100 degrees C by a fermentative-type metabolism in which H2 and CO2 are the only detectable products . Tungsten is known to stimulate the growth of this organism . A red-colored tungsten-containing protein (abbreviated RTP) that is redox-active and extremely thermostable has been purified . RTP is a monomer of Mr = 85,000 and contains approximately 6 iron, 1 tungsten, and 4 acid-labile sulfide atoms/molecule . Titrations using visible spectroscopy were consistent with the oxidation and reduction of the protein each requiring two electrons/molecule, suggesting that these metals and the sulfide are arranged in two redox active centers . P . furiosus ferredoxin served as an electron acceptor for the protein . Dithionite-reduced RTP exhibited a remarkable and complex EPR spectrum at 6 K with g values ranging from 1.3 to 10.0 . This was shown to arise from the spin-coupling interaction of two paramagnetic centers . One (center A) has a S = 3/2 spin system (effective g values: gx = 3.33, gy = 4.75, and gz = 1.92, where D = 4.3 cm-1 and lambda = 0.135), whereas the EPR properties of the other (center B) could not be deduced . Nevertheless, theoretical analyses show how the redox properties of both centers may be determined using EPR spectroscopy . Their midpoint potentials (Em) at 20 degrees C and pH 8.0 are -410 mV (center A) and -500 mV (center B) with an effective potential for the spin coupled system (Em, A + B) of -505 mV . The Em values are dependent on temperature (delta Em/delta T = -2 mV/degrees C between 20 and 70 degrees C) and pH with pK alpha values of 8.0 (A) and approximately 8.5 (B) . The Em values at 100 degrees C, the growth temperature, were estimated at -590, -650, and -660 mV for centers A, B, and A + B, respectively . These data indicate that RTP catalyzes a dehydrogenase-type reaction of extremely low potential, which involves the transfer of two protons and of two electrons, to and from two adjacent and interacting but nonidentical metal centers.

J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr, 1990 Jul, 11(1), 109 - 14
Hyperosmolal formula in neonatal piglets: effects on gastrointestinal hormone concentrations, enteric bacterial titers, and small intestinal histology; Szabo JS et al.; Ingestion of hyperosmolal formula (HOF) by neonatal piglets has been shown to cause significant time-dependent reduction in phase 3 myoelectric activity, which persists in the terminal ileum . To determine whether a single hyperosmolal meal leads to elevated concentrations of gastrointestinal (GI) hormones that inhibit intestinal motility and/or promote bacterial proliferation and disruption of intestinal mucosa, we studied 20 healthy neonatal piglets following feeding with an increased HOF (872 +/- 32 mOsmol/kg, n = 10) and commercial pig milk formula (481 +/- 41 mOsmol/kg, n = 10) . Gastrin, secretin, cholecystokinin, and motilin concentrations were determined by radioimmunoassay during fasting and postprandial periods (15, 30, 45, 120, 180, and 240 min) . Gastrin concentrations were significantly increased at 15 and 30 min following a hyperosmolal meal (p less than 0.01), but there were no statistical differences in GI hormone concentrations between groups . These transient elevations of gastrin concentrations are associated with significant postprandial reductions in phase 3 small intestinal myoelectric activity (SIMEA) that we have observed . Aerobic bacterial titers were not significantly different between proximal and distal small intestinal segments or between experimental groups, and anaerobic bacteria were seldom recovered . Thus, SIMEA was not sufficiently altered to produce significant bacterial proliferation . Small intestinal histology, assessed by light microscopy, showed normal proximal and distal small intestinal mucosa in 8 of 10 piglets from each group . Therefore, orogastric instillation of a single hyperosmolal feed does not result in intestinal mucosal damage . Further studies are warranted to determine the effects of hyperosmolal feeds when additional risk factors exist in the neonate.

Jpn J Antibiot, 1990 Jul, 43(7), 1225 - 9
{Influences of postoperative prophylaxis treatments on vaginal bacteria flora at hysterectomy}; Chimura T et al.; We performed abdominal hysterectomy and administered aztreonam (AZT) for prophylaxis of postoperative infections, and investigated influences of the antibiotics on vaginal bacterial flora . The obtained results are summarized as follows . 1 . Patients administered with AZT were studied (n = 48) for bacteria isolated from their vaginae preoperatively and at the 7th and the 14th days postoperatively . Groups of patients administered with cephalothin (CET), cefamandole (CMD) and latamoxef (LMOX) were also studied for comparison . 2 . In the AZT group, the rate of isolation of aerobic Gram-positive bacteria was high (68.8-81.4%) whereas those of aerobic Gram-negative and anaerobic bacteria were low . 3 . When changes in isolation frequencies of bacteria from the subjects preoperatively to postoperatively were compared, the following tendencies were observed: increase in the rate of aerobic Gram-positive bacteria was larger in the LMOX group than in the AZT group whereas decrease in the rate of aerobic Gram-negative bacteria was largest in the LMOX group followed by the AZT group then by the CMD group . Rates of decrease of anaerobic bacteria showed similar tendencies to the latter . Isolation rates of Candida sp . showed the largest increase in the LMOX group, followed by CET, CMD then AZT groups.

Cesk Epidemiol Mikrobiol Imunol, 1990 Jul, 39(4), 193 - 200
{Noxythiolin VUFB as part of antimicrobial prophylaxis and therapy in inflammatory intraabdominal complications in surgery}; Vyhnanek F et al.; The author investigated the antimicrobial action of noxythioline, prepared by the Research Institute for Pharmacy and Biochemistry in Prague, in laboratory work as well as under clinical conditions . In the laboratory investigation the author assessed the minimal inhibitory concentration against aerobic and anaerobic bacteria within the range of 512-2048 mg/l, which is sufficient from the aspect of the noxythioline concentration (2.5%) used in clinical work . In the clinical part of the investigation noxythioline was administered to 58 patients hospitalized at the surgical clinic of the Medical Faculty of Hygiene in Prague in 1988-1989 . In 13 patients it was used prophylactically in planned or acute intraabdominal operations . Therapeutically it was used in 45 patients operated mostly on account of intraabdominal diseases complicated by peritonitis or an abscess . Preliminary results confirmed the satisfactory effect of noxythioline VUFB which is comparable with Noxyflex S of Geistlich Co.

Antibiot Khimioter, 1990 Jul, 35(7), 23 - 5
{Experimental criteria for interpretation of bacterial sensitivity to dioxidine determined by diffusion from the disks}; Ponomareva TR et al.; Antibacterial activity of dioxidine against aerobic and facultative anaerobic organisms under conditions of anaerobiosis i . e . conditions really observed for example in abscess cavities or necrotic tissues is 30 to 100 times as high as that under aerobic conditions . There is a relationship between sensitivity of bacteria to dioxidine under aerobic and anaerobic conditions which is expressed by the regression equation . Therefore, comparison of the MICs determined under anaerobic conditions with the growth inhibition zones formed by disks with the drug under aerobic conditions is possible . The MIC of dioxidine was determined under anaerobic conditions for 179 clinical strains of aerobic and facultative anaerobic bacteria and the growth inhibition zones of the same bacteria under aerobic conditions were evaluated with the use of disks containing 100, 75, 50, 25, 20, and 15 micrograms of the drug . The border line . MIC differentiating between resistant and sensitive strains was chosen to be equal to 4 micrograms/ml . Differentiation of the strains into sensitive and resistant ones by the values of the growth inhibition zones was performed with the method of error minimization described by C . Metzler and R . De Haan in 1974 . Disks containing 25 micrograms of the drug allowed one to differentiate the strains under aerobic conditions into sensitive and resistant ones: the growth inhibition zones greater than 11 mm corresponded to the sensitive strains (the MIC smaller than 4 micrograms/ml) and the growth inhibition zones smaller than 11 mm corresponded to the resistant strains (the MIC greater than 4 micrograms/ml).

Arch Esp Urol, 1990 Jul-Aug, 43(6), 597 - 600
{Perineo-scrotal gangrene (Fournier's gangrene)}; Ruiz Rubio JL et al.; Four cases of perineoscrotal gangrene are reported herein . All were immune-suppressed and three were diabetics . Its primary focus was in the GU tract or intestine . Culture was positive for Gram-negative aerobes and anaerobes . Early aggressive surgery and adjuvant antibiotic therapy achieved an excellent survival rate.

Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis, 1990 Jul-Aug, 13(4), 353 - 5
Broth-disk elution tests to predict the susceptibility of anaerobic bacteria to the ampicillin-sulbactam combination; Jones RN; The ampicillin-sulbactam Wilkins-Chalgren agar dilution MICs (2 ratios) were compared with the results of broth-disk elution (BDE) tests using various numbers of disks corresponding to elution breakpoints of less than or equal to 8:8 micrograms/ml, less than or equal to 16:8 micrograms/ml, and less than or equal to 16:16 micrograms/ml . This study showed that a 2:1 ratio MIC test and a 16:8 micrograms/ml BDE breakpoint were best for anaerobic organisms; a recommendation consistent with susceptibility testing criteria for rapidly growing aerobic species . The addition of four ampicillin disks (10 micrograms) and four ampicillin-sulbactam discs (10:10 micrograms) to 5 ml of thioglycolate broth was recommended . This test would achieve greater than 99% comparative accuracy to MICs determined with the reference National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards agar dilution method.

Ugeskr Laeger, 1990 Jun 18, 152(25), 1822 - 3
{Pyometra without accompanying malignant uterine disease}; Rasmussen KL et al.; Twenty-two cases of non-malignant pyometra which were observed during a period of 15 years are described . 22% were recurrences . All of the women were postmenopausal with discharge and haemorrhage as the commonest symptoms . Pyrexia was rare . Pyometra cannot be excluded or diagnosed by means of gynaecological examination . In cases of suspected pyometra, thorough cervical dilatation and curettage are recommended . Antibiotics should only be administered if there is evidence of invasive infection, in the form of pyrexia, generalised malaise or altered laboratory parameters . In cases such as these, preparations which are effective for aerobic and also anaerobic bacteria should be employed . Follow-up control every six months is recommended on account of the great tendency to recur.

J Am Vet Med Assoc, 1990 Jun 15, 196(12), 1965 - 6
Identification of anatomic features of the equine clitoris as potential growth sites for Taylorella equigenitalis; McAllister RA et al.; A median clitoral sinus, as a space canalized from epithelial cells, was distinguishable developmentally in equine fetuses from 33-mm crown-rump length (CRL) to 500-mm CRL (including a mule of 21-mm CRL) . In saggital sections of the clitoris of a 480-mm CRL fetus, indentations under the transverse frenular fold were identified as lateral sinuses of the clitoris . Unlike the median sinus, they were shallow; it therefore could not be anatomically substantiated that the lateral sinuses were of sufficient depth to support the growth of the partial anaerobe Taylorella equigenitalis, the organism of contagious equine metritis . This study indicated excision of the lateral clitoral sinuses was unnecessary for treatment of contagious equine metritis.

J Biol Chem, 1990 Jun 15, 265(17), 9842 - 9
Purification and characterization of a microbial, NADP-dependent bile acid 7 alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase; Franklund CV et al.; A constitutively expressed 7 alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (7 alpha-HSDH) has been purified over 1200-fold, to apparent homogeneity, from an intestinal anaerobic bacterium . The purified protein had a subunit molecular mass of 32 kDa as judged by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis . Sepharose CL-6B gel filtration gave a native molecular mass estimate of 124 kDa, suggesting that this enzyme existed as a tetramer of identical subunits . Sulfhydryl reactive compounds were potent inhibitors of 7 alpha-HSDH activity, however, metal ion chelators had no effect upon catalytic activity . The purified enzyme was highly NADP-dependent . Bile acid substrate utilization studies revealed that the enzyme was specific for the oxidation of an unhindered 7 alpha-hydroxyl group . A wide variety of bile acids and analogs were used as substrates including glycine and taurine conjugates, and methyl esters, amines, and bile alcohols . The purified 7 alpha-HSDH obeyed Michaelis-Menten kinetics . Hanes plots of substrate saturation kinetics revealed that most bile acid substrates had Km values ranging from 4 to 20 microM, while Vmax was 601 and 674 mumol/min/mg in the direction of bile acid oxidation and reduction, respectively . Primary kinetic plots and product inhibition patterns were consistent with an ordered sequential mechanism, with NADP(H) binding first . The N-terminal amino acid sequence analysis of the purified enzyme revealed a striking homology to several short, non-zinc alcohol/polyol dehydrogenases and a putative, cholate-inducible, hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase from the same organism . The high specific activity together with the stability, substrate range, and ease of purification, make this enzyme an excellent candidate for use in quantitating primary bile acids both in laboratory and clinical samples . Spectrofluorometry allowed for the quantitation of as little as 10 nM of both free and conjugated primary bile acids.

Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1990 Jun, 34(6), 1262 - 7
In vitro activities of irloxacin and E-3846, two new quinolones; Garcia-Rodriguez JA et al.; Irloxacin and E-3846 are two new fluorinated quinolones . We evaluated the activities of these antimicrobial agents, ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, enoxacin, pefloxacin, norfloxacin, and nalidixic acid against 1,161 bacterial strains . Ciprofloxacin was the most active quinolone . Irloxacin did not show great activity . The activity of E-3846 against gram-negative bacteria was similar to those of ofloxacin and pefloxacin, and E-3846 was the most active quinolone against gram-positive bacteria and anaerobes.

J Clin Microbiol, 1990 Jun, 28(6), 1380 - 4
Description of a medium for isolating Anaerobiospirillum spp., a possible cause of zoonotic disease, from diarrheal feces and blood of humans and use of the medium in a survey of human, canine, and feline feces; Malnick H et al.; Anaerobiospirillum spp., motile, spiral anaerobic bacteria, have been implicated as a cause of diarrhea and bacteremia in humans . Anaerobiospirillumlike organisms and Anaerobiospirillum succiniciproducens were reported from 17 cases of diarrhea . Sixteen of the patients did not have any underlying disorders and recovered from the infection; the other one, who had a heart defect, did not . The formulation of a selective medium for Anaerobiospirillum spp . has enabled a survey of human, cat, and dog feces as possible sources for these anaerobic bacteria . Anaerobiospirillum spp . were not isolated from 527 "normal" human feces but were found in both cat and dog feces . We also describe biochemical tests and API ZYM results of A . succiniciproducens and anaerobiospirillumlike organisms.

Surg Gynecol Obstet, 1990 Jun, 170(6), 527 - 32
Appendicitis in children; Putnam TC et al.; A study of 406 consecutive children operated upon for appendicitis from July 1982 to July 1987 was compared with a previously published study of 657 children with the same diagnosis operated upon between 1972 and 1982 . This was done to determine if the methods of therapy continue to yield low complication rates and zero mortality rates . The routine use of antibiotic coverage for both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria in perforated appendicitis resulted in low complication rates, 3.2 per cent for major and 2.5 per cent for minor complications . Major complications included small intestinal obstruction and intra-abdominal abscess . Minor complications included wound infection and prolonged ileus . These rates are similar to those of the first investigation . The mortality rate continued to be zero . Complete peritoneal lavage was used in patients with generalized peritonitis or extensive localized peritonitis . Operative lysis of adhesions for small intestinal obstruction was required in four of these patients . This did not occur in patients with perforated appendicitis with abscess formation or more localized peritonitis who had no lavage . The technique rather than the disease process may be responsible for the complication.

J Indian Med Assoc, 1990 Jun, 88(6), 154 - 6
Anaerobic bacterial flora of wound sepsis; Arora S et al.; Two hundred specimens from wound infection (surgical and non-surgical) were cultured for the isolation of anaerobic and aerobic bacteria . Positive cultures were obtained in 174 (87%) and 26(13%) were sterile . Anaerobes were isolated from 31(17.8%), as single culture in 6(3.4%) and as mixed culture with aerobes in 25(14.3%) . Amongst anaerobes, anaerobic cocci were predominant (45.9%) . Of aerobes Staph pyogenes (35%) was predominant . Metronidazole was the most effective drug against anaerobes and gentamicin against aerobes . No significant difference was noted in antimicrobial susceptibility of anaerobes of surgical and non-surgical wounds . Among aerobes high resistance was observed in surgical wounds.

Probl Vet Med, 1990 Jun, 2(2), 348 - 61
Bacteremia and septicemia in small animal patients; Nostrandt AC; Bacteremias and septicemias are diagnostic and therapeutic challenges . Disseminated bacterial infections may be associated with a number of different conditions and can present with any of a wide variety of clinical signs . Additionally, they are often complicated by the adverse effects of an overzealous immune response in the patient . The most immediately severe and life threatening of these complications is septic shock, a frequent sequela to bacteremia characterized by endotoxin-producing gram-negative microorganisms . Infection with any of a large number of gram-positive or gram-negative aerobes or anaerobes is possible, as is mixed infection . Definitive diagnosis of bacteremia is by repeatable isolation of the pathogen(s) from culture of the patient's blood . Successful therapeutic outcome is dependent on early diagnosis and prompt treatment with a prolonged course of high doses of bactericidal antibiotics, facilitated by in vitro sensitivity testing.

Hinyokika Kiyo, 1990 May, 36(5), 627 - 9
{Fournier's gangrene: a case report}; Moriguchi H et al.; A 40-year-old male was admitted complaining of high grade fever, pain, redness and swelling of the right scrotum, right perineum and right flank region . He had no apparent history of previous infection or diabetes mellitus . At the time of admission, the scrotum was partly necrotic with repulsive feculent pus discharge and there was crepitus on palpation of involved areas . Culture of purulent discharge yielded the growth of anaerobic organisms . Surgical drainage was performed immediately and debridement of necrotic tissue in the involved areas was often repeated . At the same time, the patient received antibiotic therapy that included agents effective against anaerobic bacteria . However, the scrotal skin developed gangrene and the right testis hung suspended with cord exposed . This testis was intact . The scrotal skin defect was cured using a skin graft, after the infection had been brought under control.

Antibiot Khimioter, 1990 May, 35(5), 40 - 1
{Antibacterial chemotherapy in anaerobic osteomyelitis caused by gunshot wounds}; Shcherbin FG et al.; Thirty three patients with a 7-year history of chronic gunshot osteomyelitis were examined . Non-sporogenic anaerobes were isolated from 28 patients . Gram-positive cocci and gram-negative rods predominated in the anaerobic microflora . Radical surgical interventions combined with adequate antibacterial chemotherapy yielded satisfactory results . The postoperative cavities were drained to provide aerobic conditions in all the parts . Antibacterial drugs and in particular dioxidine solutions and KF were used locally . When antibioticograms were available 7 to 10 days after, the antibiotics in combination with enzymes such as terrylitin and lidase were used with constant irrigation of wounds with furacillin or boric acid solutions . In the empirical therapy, the following scheme was most frequently used: 600 mg of lincomycin, thrice, intramuscularly; 80 mg of gentamicin, thrice, intramuscularly and as an obligatory agent 500 mg of trichopol, thrice, orally . After availability of the antibioticograms the use of the antibiotics was adjusted and continued up to 10 to 12 days . In severe cases 0.1% solution of dioxidine was used intravenously drop-wise in a dose of 300 mg 2 times a day as well as tiberal or clindamycin, intravenously, drop-wise . The antibacterial drugs were added to the drainage until the latter was removed . Relapses of the disease over 4 years were observed only in 3 out of 26 operated patients.

Minerva Stomatol, 1990 May, 39(5), 357 - 60
{Inhibition of the immune response due to the volatile fatty acids produced by anaerobic bacteria in the periodontal pocket}; Eftimiadi C et al.; Short-chain fatty acids produced by anaerobic bacteria of the periodontal pockets inhibit lymphocytes activation . The highest degrees of immunosuppressive activity is produced by butyric acid.

Zhonghua Wai Ke Za Zhi, 1990 May, 28(5), 278 - 80, 317-8
{Comprehensive study of percutaneous transhepatic aspiration bile culture and cholangiography}; Wang ML; In this study, the results of transhepatically aspirated bile culture, and cholangiography done in 220 cases with biliary tract diseases were presented . Aerobes and anaerobes were found in 76.4% and 64.7% of all samples respectively . Patients with partial common bile duct obstruction from stricture and choledocholithiasis had markedly higher positive cultures than that with simple gallbladder stones and complete common duct obstruction secondary to carcinomas of the pancreas or ampulla . Bile culture from patients with symptomatic cholangitis was much more often positive than those with asymptomatic cholangitis . It was also found that patients with positive bile cultures were more prone to after-PTC acute cholangitis . This study suggested that bile organisms are mainly from the gut, bile organisms and bile duct obstruction are two major causes of acute cholangitis, abrupt elevation of bile pressure during PTC procedure was also a causing factor of acute cholangitis . The authors advocate the comprehensive and prophylactic use of antibiotics both effective to aerobes and anaerobes in the treatment of biliary tract infection.

Presse Med, 1990 Apr 4, 19(13), 625 - 8
{An imipenem-cilastatin combination in the treatment of infection in hemato-oncology}; Espinouse D; The efficacy and tolerability of imipenem-cilastatin were studied in 66 haemato-oncology patients from 16 centres presenting with a bacteriologically proven infection; 29 of the patients had neutropenia (less than 500/sq.mm) . The drug was given as monotherapy in 30 cases, as bitherapy in 29 cases and as tritherapy in 7 cases . The initial clinical diagnosis was septicaemia in 29 patients, various severe infections in 31 and fever of unknown origin in 6 . The infection was bacteriologically documented in 55 patients; the remaining 11 patients were kept in the study and the results of their treatment were taken into account . One-hundred and fourteen bacterial strains were isolated, including 64 Gram-negative organisms, 48 Gram-negative organisms and 2 anaerobes . Treatment was discontinued in 4 patients, due to lack of response in 2 and to adverse events (haemolytic shock, Lyell's syndrome) in 2 . Five patients died during the study: 4 of an underlying pathology, the infection having subsided, and 1 of persistent infection and the above-mentioned Lyell's syndrome . Clinical success was achieved in 63 patients (95.5 per cent), including 27 of the 29 patients with neutropenia (93.1 per cent) . Among the 114 strains isolated, 106 were eradicated, 5 persisted and only 1 became resistant (outcome not available in 10 cases) . Apart from the haemolytic shock and Lyell's syndrome, haematological and hepatic alterations were minor and not obviously due to imipenem-cilastatin . Three cases of colonization and 3 cases of superinfection were recorded during the study.

Presse Med, 1990 Apr 4, 19(13), 616 - 9
{Value of an imipenem-cilastatin combination in surgery and surgical care units}; Bouletreau P; One-hundred and ninety-nine patients with severe infection caused by susceptible organisms were treated with imipenem-cilastatin administered intravenously in doses of 31 mg/kg/day on average . The drug was given alone in 71 per cent of the cases and with another antibiotic (usually an aminoglycoside) in 13 per cent . In 57.4 per cent of the patients several micro-organisms were involved . Clinical success was achieved in 169 patients (84.9 per cent), 129 of whom (64.8 per cent) were cured and 40 (20.1 per cent) were improved . Failure was observed in 30 patients (15.0 per cent) . Fifteen patients died during treatment; death was directly related to the infection in 5 and occurred while the infection had clinically regressed in 5; in the remaining 5 patients persistence of the infection played a determinant role in the fatal outcome . In 15 patients the lack of clinical improvement under imipenem-cilastatin required by 5/65 Pseudomonas strains and 2/56 Anaerobes strains initially isolated, or to superinfection, or to persistence of the initial strain in the focus of infection . Treatment was discontinued in 8 cases due to adverse events (skin intolerance 4, thrombocytopenia 4) . There was no statistically significant difference in the outcome of patients treated with imipenem-cilastatin alone or combined with another antibiotic.

Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol, 1990 Apr, 35(1), 69 - 73
Gardnerella vaginalis in posthysterectomy infection; Kristiansen FV et al.; Eighty-six women were admitted for abdominal hysterectomy . Preoperatively, 43 women were culture-positive for Gardnerella vaginalis from the cervical os, and 43 women were culture-negative . Postoperatively, 18 patients developed inflammation; among those 14 patients from the culture-positive group were infected, whereas only 4 patients from the culture-negative group developed inflammation . The difference between occurrence of G . vaginalis and the absence of the bacteria in patients with postoperative infection is highly significant . No such increased risk of postoperative infection was correlated to the isolation of any other microorganism looked for viz . aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, yeasts, viruses or chlamydiae . G . vaginalis may play a causative role in the development of posthysterectomy infection.

J Clin Microbiol, 1990 Apr, 28(4), 795 - 7
Effect of altered headspace atmosphere on yield and speed of detection of the Oxoid Signal blood culture system versus the BACTEC radiometric system; Weinstein MP et al.; The one-bottle Oxoid Signal blood culture system altered to provide a more aerobic bottle headspace was reassessed in a comparative study versus the two-bottle BACTEC radiometric system in 5,426 blood cultures . The BACTEC system detected more microorganisms (P less than 0.02), particularly anaerobes (P less than 0.05) and fungi (P less than 0.05).

J Bacteriol, 1990 Apr, 172(4), 2065 - 70
Catabolic thiosulfate disproportionation and carbon dioxide reduction in strain DCB-1, a reductively dechlorinating anaerobe; Mohn WW et al.; Strain DCB-1 is a strict anaerobe capable of reductive dehalogenation . We elucidated metabolic processes in DCB-1 which may be related to dehalogenation and which further characterize the organism physiologically . Sulfoxy anions and CO2 were used by DCB-1 as catabolic electron acceptors . With suitable electron donors, sulfate and thiosulfate were reduced to sulfide . Sulfate and thiosulfate supported growth with formate or hydrogen as the electron donor and thus are probably respiratory electron acceptors . Other electron donors supporting growth with sulfate were CO, lactate, pyruvate, butyrate, and 3-methoxybenzoate . Thiosulfate also supported growth without an additional electron donor, being disproportionated to sulfide and sulfate . In the absence of other electron acceptors, CO2 reduction to acetate plus cell material was coupled to pyruvate oxidation to acetate plus CO2 . Pyruvate could not be fermented without an electron acceptor . Carbon monoxide dehydrogenase activity was found in whole cells, indicating that CO2 reduction probably occurred via the acetyl coenzyme A pathway . Autotrophic growth occurred on H2 plus thiosulfate or sulfate . Diazotrophic growth occurred, and whole cells had nitrogenase activity . On the basis of these physiological characteristics, DCB-1 is a thiosulfate-disproportionating bacterium unlike those previously described.

Oral Microbiol Immunol, 1990 Apr, 5(2), 90 - 4
Improved detection of oral spirochetes with an anaerobic culture method; Umeda M et al.; A method for routine culturing of oral spirochetes was studied in periodontitis patients and subjects with healthy gingivae . Subgingival plaque bacteria, including oral spirochetes were cultured anaerobically using the steel wool jar method, the glove-box procedure and the plate-in-bottle method . They were also observed directly with a phase-contrast microscope . The number of colonies of recovered spirochetes was significantly higher with the plate-in-bottle method when Medium 10 (M10) or M10 supplemented with 10% rumen fluid was used . In almost all cases, spirochetes were detected with this culture method . The ratios of spirochetes from patient samples, cultured by the plate-in-bottle method, and of other microorganisms, cultured in Eggerth-Gagnon (EG) medium by the steel wool jar method, were almost identical of those observed by phase-contrast microscopy . These results indicate that it can be just as possible to culture certain oral spirochetes as other anaerobic bacteria.

Am J Med, 1990 Mar 23, 88(3C), 34S - 37S; discussion 38S-42S
Gram-negative bacillary pneumonia in the nosocomial setting . Role of aztreonam therapy; Cook JL; Gram-negative bacterial pneumonia is the leading cause of fatal nosocomial infection in this country . Predisposing factors include altered upper respiratory tract flora and altered barriers that normally protect the sterile lower respiratory tract from invasion by pharyngeal bacteria . Aztreonam, which is highly active against most gram-negative pathogens and which does not cause nephrotoxicity, has been evaluated in the treatment of nosocomial pneumonia . In vitro and pharmacokinetic data on aztreonam indicate that this agent provides an alternative agent for use when resistance to cephalosporin and aminoglycoside antibiotics has developed . Data further suggest that aztreonam may interact synergistically with aminoglycosides against gram-negative pathogens . Clinical study supports the usefulness of aztreonam against gram-negative nosocomial pneumonia . Since aztreonam is inactive against gram-positive and anaerobic bacteria, it must be used in combination with other antibiotics when these pathogens are suspected.

Biochem Biophys Res Commun, 1990 Mar 16, 167(2), 568 - 74
Quinone mediated ATP production in the filarial parasite Setaria digitata; Santhamma KR et al.; The cattle filarial parasite Setaria digitata, a facultative anaerobe which is reported to be cyanide insensitive, lacks cytochromes and presents many unique characters . Experiments showed the occurrence of two lower quinones Q6 and Q8 and its rapid synthesis is revealed by a {14C} acetate incorporation study . A schematic quinone mediated hydrogen peroxide production with the generation of ATP through oxidation of substrates has been proposed . Search for specific blockers at the level of quinone might prove to be an effective measure for the control of filarial parasites and thereby filariasis.

Hua Xi Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao, 1990 Mar, 21(1), 107 - 10
{Application of ion chromatography to identification of anaerobic bacteria}; Fan X et al.; The fatty acids of anaerobic bacteria were detected by ion chromatography (IC) . The results showed that 11 kinds of standard fatty acids could be analyzed within 15 min, and just needed 1 injection sample . The fatty acids patterns of 40 strains of anaerobic bacteria detected by IC were essentially the same as that by gas chromatography (GC) reported by VPI . In comparison with GC, IC has further advantages: pretreatment is simpler, both volatile and non-volatile fatty acids can be analyzed at the same time, and formic and lactic acid can be well analyzed.

Rozhl Chir, 1990 Mar, 69(3), 135 - 8
{A case of anaerobic emphysematous cholecystitis with a subhepatic abscess}; Dvorak J et al.; The authors describe their own observation of a complicated course of emphysematous cholecystitis caused by anaerobic microorganisms . An extensive subhepatic abscess was involved which developed as a results of emphysematous cholecystitis diagnosed by sonographic and CT examination . After two operations on account of the abscess and a phlegmon of the abdominal wall the patient recovered . The authors emphasize that early diagnosis and adequate treatment calls for collaboration of clinicians, microbiologists and roentgenologists.

J Clin Pathol, 1990 Mar, 43(3), 253 - 6
Comparison of solid media for cultivation of anaerobes; Heginbothom M et al.; Two commercial agar media for the cultivation of anaerobes were compared with four other media for their ability to support the growth of a wide range of anaerobes from clinical specimens of subgingival plaque . Fastidious anaerobe agar (FAA, Lab M) and anaerobe agar (GAA, Gibco) allowed better growth of the pure cultures than the other media . FAA recovered the highest numbers of bacteria from subgingival plaque specimens which were composed predominantly of anaerobes . GAA performed poorly with these samples . It is concluded that FAA seemed to be superior to the other media tested for the cultivation and recovery of anaerobes.

J Vet Pharmacol Ther, 1990 Mar, 13(1), 76 - 80
Pharmacokinetics of tinidazole in the horse; Pyorala S et al.; Serum tinidazole concentrations were monitored in five clinically healthy adult horses after intravenous (i.v.) and oral administration of the drug (15 mg/kg and 25 mg/kg, respectively) . After i.v . administration, the mean residence time was 7.0 h, the elimination half-life 5.2 h and the body clearance rate 1.6 ml/min/kg . The distribution volume was found to be 660 ml/kg . After oral administration, the mean residence time was 8.5 h, the absorption half-life 1.1 h and the bioavailability essentially 100% . In view of the in-vitro sensitivities of various anaerobic bacteria, a dosage of 10-15 mg/kg of tinidazole, orally, at 12-h intervals, can be recommended for the treatment of anaerobic infections in horses.

J Reprod Med, 1990 Mar, 35(3 Suppl), 333 - 8
Ticarcillin/clavulanate for the treatment of female genital tract infections . Efficacy, safety and comparative microbiology; McGregor JA; In an open study, ticarcillin/clavulanate was used to treat upper genital tract infections in 91 women . The clinical success rate was 92% in outpatient-acquired salpingitis (pelvic inflammatory disease), 50% in salpingitis with tuboovarian abscess, 85% in postpartum endometritis, 87% in endometritis after chorioamnionitis and 90% in postoperative parametritis . The primary adverse reaction was diarrhea, in 10 patients . Among the 129 aerobes isolated, 18 (14%) were beta-lactamase positive, as were 32% (20/63) of the anaerobes.

Infect Immun, 1990 Mar, 58(3), 619 - 24
Mortality and bacteriology of sepsis following cecal ligation and puncture in aged mice; Hyde SR et al.; Epidemiologic data suggest that elderly adults are more susceptible to invasive bacterial infection by indigenous gut flora than are younger adults . The purpose of this investigation was to characterize a murine model of clinically encountered peritonitis in the aged . We subjected three different age groups (young, 16 weeks; mature, 12 months; senescent, 24 months) of C57BL/6NNia mice to surgically induced peritonitis by the cecal ligation and puncture procedure . Senescent mice died in a significantly shorter time following surgery than mature mice (median time to death, 24.4 versus 38.5 h, respectively; P less than or equal to 0.001) . Blood, liver, spleen and occasionally, ceca were obtained at 2 and 12 h after the cecal ligation and puncture procedure and immediately following death, to characterize the bacterial kinetics of the model . Qualitative and quantitative aerobic, anaerobic, and coliform cultures were performed . No age-related differences were found in the types of bacteria isolated throughout the time course of progressive sepsis . In mice in the mature and senescent age groups, at 2 and 12 h postsurgery, gram-negative anaerobes and gram-positive aerobes predominated in all tissues that were cultured . At the time of death, however, blood and tissue isolates consisted predominantly of coliform bacteria . The shift from mixed infection during sepsis to predominantly gram-negative bacterial infection reflected a similar progressive shift in bacterial types found in the cecum . At death, senescent mice had 100-fold fewer coliform bacteria in the bloodstream than those found in mature mice (2.5 x 10(9) versus 4.6 x 10(11), respectively) . The increased sensitivity of aged mice to invasive bacterial infection documented in this series of experiments accords well with human epidemiologic experience and demonstrates the appropriateness of the model for continued investigations of sepsis in the aged.

J Reprod Med, 1990 Mar, 35(3 Suppl), 353 - 8
Ticarcillin/clavulanate . An alternative to combination antibiotic therapy for treating soft tissue pelvic infections in women; Faro S; Soft tissue pelvic infections--i.e., postpartum endometritis, endometritis, pelvic inflammatory disease and pelvic cellulitis--are predominantly polymicrobial . The microflora of these infections consists of a mixture of gram-positive and -negative bacteria, including aerobes and facultative and obligate anaerobes . Clindamycin plus gentamicin has been the principal antibiotic combination utilized for treatment of these infections . Ticarcillin/clavulanate appears to be an excellent replacement for initiating empiric therapy for these infections because of its safety and broad spectrum of activity, which includes gram-negative and -positive aerobic and anaerobic bacteria.

J Reprod Med, 1990 Mar, 35(3 Suppl), 348 - 52
Infectious morbidity in gynecologic oncology; Graham JE Jr; Infectious complications are the most frequent cause of death in cancer patients . Broad-spectrum antibacterial therapy is dictated by the polymicrobial nature of infections encountered in gynecologic oncology and is imperative in the empiric therapy of febrile granulocytopenic patients . In addition, the potential for infectious complications after radical pelvic surgery to remove malignancies has influenced most gynecologic oncologists to recommend prophylactic antibiotics . However, the choice of appropriate antibacterial therapy in gynecologic oncology patients is complicated frequently by impaired renal function secondary to cancer chemotherapy or associated with age in this generally elderly population . In addition, the potential cost- and time-saving advantages of simplified antibacterial regimens have resulted in a reexamination of the standard aminoglycoside-containing multiple-drug regimens . The efficacy and safety of monotherapy with broad-spectrum beta-lactam antibiotics or beta-lactam-antibiotic/beta-lactamase-inhibitor combinations, such as ticarcillin/clavulanate, remain to be confirmed in gynecologic oncology patients . The broad spectrum of ticarcillin/clavulanate, including gram-negative and -positive aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, seems plausible for the treatment of these potentially devastating infections.

J Trauma, 1990 Mar, 30(3), 324 - 7
Aeromonas hydrophila water-associated traumatic wound infections: a review; Semel JD et al.; The bacterium Aeromonas hydrophila is commonly found in natural bodies of water, and is a potential invasive pathogen for those who suffer trauma while submerged in water . Five patients treated by the authors and 18 previously reported patients were reviewed to further define the characteristics of A . hydrophila wound infections . Although Aeromonas has been isolated from salt and brackish water, all 23 cases occurred following contact with fresh water . Signs of infection usually appeared 8-48 hours following puncture or laceration injury . The foot or leg were most commonly involved . Infection was frequently rapidly progressive; fascia, tendon, muscle, bone, or joint involvement occurred in 39% of cases . In addition to A . hydrophila, other aerobic and anaerobic bacteria were found in 48% of cases . Aeromonas infection should be suspected in cases of early and rapidly progressive wound infection following trauma in fresh water . Broad-spectrum antimicrobial therapy and appropriate surgical care should be promptly instituted.

Int J STD AIDS, 1990 Mar, 1(2), 122 - 5
Microbiological flora in men with non-gonococcal urethritis with particular reference to anaerobic bacteria; Woolley PD et al.; In a microbiological study of the urethral flora in men with non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU), Chlamydia trachomatis (isolated from 30% of men) was the only organism isolated significantly more often from men with NGU than controls (P less than 0.01) . Bacteroids species, especially of the melaninogenicus-oralis group, were the predominant anaerobic bacterial isolate from both men with NGU (isolated from 24%) and controls (isolated from 30%) . There was no evidence that aerobic bacteria, anaerobic bacteria or herpes simplex virus made a significant contribution as primary pathogens in non-chlamydial NGU . Gram-positive cocci were the only anaerobic organism isolated more often from chlamydia-positive men (29%) than chlamydia-negative men (16%) with NGU (P less than 0.01) . The significance of this remains unclear.

Biochim Biophys Acta, 1990 Feb 9, 1037(2), 161 - 4
Phosphofructokinase from a vertebrate facultative anaerobe: effects of temperature and anoxia on the kinetic parameters of the purified enzyme from turtle white muscle; Brooks SP et al.; The effects of low temperature and anoxia were determined on phosphofructokinase (PFK) purified from white skeletal muscle of the freshwater turtle, Pseudemys scripta . These effects were assayed by comparing PFK kinetic constants measured at a high (20 degrees C) and low (6 degrees C) temperature using enzyme obtained from animals held under normoxic and anoxic conditions . When assayed at 20 degrees C, PFK from anoxic animals had a lower Ka for phosphate, a lower Ka for AMP and showed no inhibition with increasing concentrations of ATP (up to 10 mM) when compared to enzyme from normoxic animals . At 6 degrees C, anoxic enzyme had a higher Km for fructose 6-phosphate and a higher I50 value for citrate with respect to normoxic enzyme . Decreasing temperature also had a differential effect on PFK kinetic parameters depending on the source of the enzyme . When normoxic enzymes were compared at 20 and 6 degrees C, the enzyme measured at 6 degrees C showed a lower Km for ATP and a lower Ka for AMP . Comparison of anoxic enzymes at these two temperatures showed that anoxic PFK at 6 degrees C had a higher Ka for phosphate, a higher Ka for AMP, and a larger Hill coefficient . A comparison of maximal velocities at varying temperature showed that normoxic enzyme (Q10 = 2.22) was more temperature sensitive than the anoxic enzyme (Q10 = 1.80) . It is possible to interconvert the normoxic and anoxic forms of PFK by incubating normoxic enzyme with the active subunit of protein kinase, suggesting that the kinetic changes observed during anoxia resulted from enzyme phosphorylation . These data are discussed with respect to the mechanisms underlying white muscle function during diving and hibernation in red-eared turtles.

J Clin Microbiol, 1990 Feb, 28(2), 246 - 8
Evaluation of two single-plate incubation systems and the anaerobic chamber for the cultivation of anaerobic bacteria; Downes J et al.; Three systems that are available for the incubation of anaerobic organisms were evaluated to assess their ability to support the growth of 25 anaerobic stock strains and to successfully recover anaerobic bacteria from clinical specimens . These were the anaerobic chamber, the Anaerobic Pouch System Catalyst-Free (Difco Laboratories, Detroit, Mich.), and the Bio-Bag Environmental Chamber Type A (Marion Scientific, Div . Marion Laboratories, Inc., Kansas City, Mo.) . Three study centers were involved, the Wadsworth Anaerobe Laboratory (Los Angeles, Calif.), the Good Samaritan Hospital (San Jose, Calif.), and the Massachusetts General Hospital (Boston) . A total of 171 anaerobic organisms were isolated from 49 clinical specimens that were cultured at the three test centers . Of these, 169 (99%) were recovered from media that were incubated in the anaerobic chamber, 163 (95%) were recovered from the Anaerobic Pouch, and 147 (86%) were recovered from the Bio-Bag . A similar trend was seen with the stock strains, in which the anaerobic chamber often supported better growth of the organisms than did either of the bag systems.

J Theor Biol, 1990 Jan 23, 142(2), 201 - 21
Hyperoxidant states cause microbial cell differentiation by cell isolation from dioxygen; Hansberg W et al.; A general theory giving an explanation of microbial cell differentiation is presented . Based on experimental results, an unstable hyperoxidant state is postulated to trigger differentiation . Simple rules, involving the reduction of dioxygen and the isolation from dioxygen by diverse mechanisms, are proposed to govern transitions between the growth state and the differentiated states . With this view, common features of microbial differentiation processes, dimorphic growth, cell differentiation in dioxygen evolving phototrophs and in anaerobes are analyzed . The theory could have implications for understanding cell differentiation in higher organisms.

Ugeskr Laeger, 1990 Jan 15, 152(3), 157 - 60
{Factors determining the development of wound infection after appendectomy}; Vennits BP et al.; In order to illustrate which factors are of significance for the development of wound infection after appendectomy, an extensive prospective material of 2,097 patients submitted to appendectomy was analysed . Regression analyses demonstrated that age alone, employment of preoperative antibiotics (cefoxitin) and patient delay (time from onset of symptoms till admission) were of significance . The present authors conclude, on the basis of this material, that all patients over 25 years of age should be given preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis which covers aerobic and also anaerobic microorganisms . If a gangrenous or perforated appendix is found, antibiotics should be administered intraoperatively if prophylactic treatment has not been administered . In cases of perforation, antibiotics should be administered postoperatively for 72 hours.

Rev Infect Dis, 1990 Jan-Feb, 12 Suppl 2, S223 - 30
Anaerobes: problems and controversies in bacteriology, infections, and susceptibility testing; Finegold SM; Three key questions are discussed in this manuscript: (1) What is the clinical relevance of anaerobic bacteriology? (2) How can the microbiologist, with limited and decreasing resources, perform reliable, detailed studies of anaerobic bacteriology? (3) When and how should susceptibility testing be done with anaerobes? If the clinician knows the usual bacteriology of various types of infection and how this may be modified by pathophysiologic processes in the host or by prior therapy, he/she can use a logical empiric approach to treatment of the patient . As to the microbiologist's dilemma, it is not realistic or rational for a microbiologist in a nonteaching hospital to do detailed bacteriologic studies and routine anaerobic susceptibility testing . The resources available should be committed primarily to the patient who is seriously ill . Such allocation of resources, of course, requires repeated and effective communication between microbiologist and clinician.

Rev Infect Dis, 1990 Jan-Feb, 12 Suppl 2, S218 - 22
Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of anaerobic bacteria: review and update on the role of the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards; Thornsberry C; The National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS) has published a standard method (M11-A) and alternative methods (M17-P) for susceptibility testing of anaerobic bacteria . (These will be combined in the next edition of M11.) Even though M11-A describes the "standard reference" method, there is not agreement as to which method, if any, is the "best" method . In recent years NCCLS subcommittee members have realized that results obtained by microdilution or disk elution may vary markedly from those obtained with the reference agar dilution method . Furthermore, they have recognized the difficulty of relating in vitro susceptibility results to clinical success or failure . In response to these problems, the NCCLS convened a working group to consider recommendations about susceptibility testing . This group has concluded that for most individual patients a susceptibility test may not be required but that present methods can be useful for comparisons of the activity of various drugs and for surveillance of resistance patterns.

Rev Infect Dis, 1990 Jan-Feb, 12 Suppl 2, S127 - 32
New methods for identification of obligate anaerobes; Phillips I; Anaerobes are identified in the clinical laboratory to provide a microbiologic diagnosis for the individual patient as well as information on pathogenicity and epidemiology . The level of identification required in each context should be discussed and agreement should be reached . New methods of identification available, or likely to become available, include nucleic acid and immunologic probes, protein electrophoresis, peptidoglycan analysis, detection of volatile metabolic products, and detection of enzymes . The last of these has been widely adopted for the production of commercially available identification kits . All the methods require critical assessment before they are introduced into routine service.

J Perinat Med, 1990, 18(2), 139 - 43
Effect of the feeding practices on the establishment of bacterial interactions in the intestine of the newborn delivered by cesarean section; Bezirtzoglou E et al.; The purpose of this study was to clarify the role of the intestinal anaerobe bacteria colonizing the intestine of the newborn delivered by cesarean section . The intestinal bacterial colonization of 18 newborns delivered by cesarean section was assessed sequentially over the first 14 days of life . Emphasis is placed on C . perfringens and upon interaction to other bacteria . Correlation was made with the infant feeding mode . Microbial studies were realized in anaerobic conditions using Columbia blood agar simple and supplemented with antibiotics . Artificial alimentation seemed to favour C . perfringens installation, in contrast to the maternal one which promote B . bifidum proliferation . Antagonism between these bacteria seems to be established in the newborn intestine, via the alimentation.

Arch Microbiol, 1990, 153(3), 267 - 71
Strain DCB-1 conserves energy for growth from reductive dechlorination coupled to formate oxidation; Mohn WW et al.; Strain DCB-1 is a strict anaerobe capable of the reductive dechlorination of chlorobenzoates . The effect of dechlorination on the yield of pure cultures od DCB-1 was tested . Cultures were incubated with formate or H2 as electron donors and CO2 as a putative carbon source . Relative to control cultures with benzoate, cultures which dechlorinated 3-chlorobenzoate and 3,5-dichlorobenzoate had higher yields measured both as protein and cell density . On the media tested the apparent growth yield was 1.7 to 3.4 g cell protein per mole Cl- removed . Dechlorination also stimulated formate oxidation by growing cultures . Resuspended cells required an electron donor for dechlorination activity, with either formate or elemental iron serving this function . Resuspended cells did not require an electron acceptor for formate consumption, but reductive dechlorination of 3CB to benzoate stoichiometrically stimulated oxidation of formate to CO2 . These results indicate that DCB-1 conserves energy for growth by coupling formate, and probably, H2 oxidation to reductive dechlorination.

Arch Microbiol, 1990, 153(3), 264 - 6
Reductive dechlorination of 3-chlorobenzoate is coupled to ATP production and growth in an anaerobic bacterium, strain DCB-1; Dolfing J; Thermodynamic data that the reductive dechlorination of 3-chlorobenzoate is exergonic have led to the hypothesis that this reaction yields biologically useful energy . This hypothesis was tested with strain DCB-1, a dehalogenating bacterium . The organism was grown under strictly anaerobic conditions in vitamin-amended mineral medium with formate plus acetate as electron donor and 3-chlorobenzoate as electron acceptor . The cell yield increased stoichiometrically to the amount of 3-chlorobenzoate dechlorinated . No growth was observed in the absence of 3-chlorobenzoate, or when 3-chlorobenzoate was replaced by benzoate . To obtain further evidence on that energy is derived from dechlorination, 3-chlorobenzoate was added to starved cells . This amendment resulted in an increase in the ATP level of the cells at 10 nmol per mg protein versus 3 nmol per mg protein in non-amended controls . These data indicate that the reductive dehalogenation of chlorinated aromatic compounds can be coupled to a novel type of chemotrophy.

Rev Infect Dis, 1990 Jan-Feb, 12 Suppl 2, S157 - 60
Capnophilic and anaerobic bacteremia in neutropenic patients: an oral source; Baquero F et al.; The currently accepted empiric antibiotic therapy for bacterial infections in neutropenic patients may not cover the possibility of capnophilic and anaerobic bacteremia . Many of these infections develop in patients with severe mucositis or periodontitis, and the type of organisms recovered also suggests an oral source of infection . We present two cases of bacteremia in neutropenic patients who had been empirically treated with ceftazidime and piperacillin plus amikacin . In the first case a beta-lactamase-producing strain of Capnocytophaga ochracea was isolated; in the second case bacteremia was due to a mixture of Leptotrichia buccalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum . These observations emphasize the necessity for a reevaluation of the possible use of antimicrobial agents active against beta-lactamase-producing capnophilic organisms and anaerobic bacteria during empiric therapy in neutropenic patients with an oral source of infection.

J Clin Microbiol, 1990 Jan, 28(1), 27 - 31
Adherence of skin bacteria to human epithelial cells; Romero-Steiner S et al.; Aerobic and anaerobic bacteria isolated from human axillae were tested for their capacity to adhere to buccal epithelial cells, immortalized human epithelial (HEp-2) cells, and undifferentiated and differentiated human epithelial cells . In general, both aerobic and anaerobic diphtheroids adhered better to differentiated human epithelial cells than to HEp-2 and undifferentiated human epithelial cells (P less than 0.05) . Mannose, galactose, fucose, N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, and fibronectin were also assayed for their capacity to inhibit the adherence of diphtheroids to human epithelial cells . A great deal of variability was observed in the capacity of the latter compounds to inhibit the attachment of aerobic diphtheroids to undifferentiated and differentiated epithelial cells . Overall, mannose appeared to be best at inhibiting the adherence of the aerobic diphtheroids to undifferentiated human epithelial cells . Galactose, fucose, N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, and fibronectin showed a greater capacity to inhibit attachment of aerobic diphtheroids to differentiated than to undifferentiated human epithelial cells . The inhibition of adherence to differentiated human epithelial cells varied with the microorganism and the compound tested; however, the highest and most consistent inhibition of adherence (76.1 to 88.6%) was observed with a 5% solution of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine . The in vitro adherence and adherence inhibition assays presented here demonstrate that a number of adhesins and receptors are involved in the adherence of skin bacteria to human epithelial cells and receptors on human epithelial cells are apparently altered during differentiation.

Chest, 1990 Jan, 97(1), 69 - 74
Yield of percutaneous needle lung aspiration in lung abscess; Pena Grinan N et al.; STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy of PLA with a thin needle in the bacteriologic diagnosis of patients with lung abscess and in demonstrating possible coexistence of an underlying lung carcinoma, and the influence of this technique in the treatment and outcome of these patients . DESIGN: Case series . SETTING: Tertiary university referral center . PATIENTS: Consecutive sample of 50 patients with clinical picture suggestive of pulmonary infection and single or multiple cavitation of at least 1 cm in diameter on chest x-ray films, and lack of clinical suspicion of active pulmonary tuberculosis . One patient was excluded from the study after demonstration of tuberculosis by PLA . INTERVENTIONS: Lung aspirates were obtained under fluoroscopic guidance by introduction of a 22-gauge disposable spinal needle within the abscess cavity and were immediately transported to the bacteriology laboratory and pathology department for processing . All patients were initially treated with clindamycin . Tobramycin was added in all those patients with hospital-acquired infection, lack of foulness of sputum, and those who were initially severely ill . Definite treatment was based on the results of bacteriologic cultures . MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Cultures of LAs were positive in 82 percent (40/49) of patients . In 20 cases the isolates were monobacterial (13 aerobic bacteria and seven anaerobic) . In the remaining 20 cases, cultures grew more than one kind of bacteria (four exclusively aerobic, five exclusively anaerobic, and 11 mixed), with an average of 3.25 types of bacteria per case . Anaerobes were found as a single bacteria or associated with other aerobic bacteria in only 58 percent (23/40) . The results of LA cultures led to change in the initial antibiotic trial in 23 patients (47 percent) . Of ten cases in which bronchogenic carcinoma was demonstrated, cytologic study of LA was done in nine, and eight had positive cytologic yield . Pneumothorax occurred in seven cases (14 percent) as the sole complication . CONCLUSIONS: (1) Percutaneous lung aspiration had a high diagnostic yield and accuracy in our series, with a relatively low incidence of complications . (2) Anaerobic bacteria were less frequently implicated in our cases than previously reported . This finding led to significant changes in the initial empiric antibiotic treatment.

Adv Biochem Eng Biotechnol, 1990, 42, 27 - 62
Microbial aggregates in anaerobic wastewater treatment; Kosaric N et al.; The phenomenon aggregation of anaerobic bacteria gives an opportunity to speed up the digestion rate during methanogenesis . The aggregates are mainly composed of methanogenic bacteria which convert acetate and H2/CO2 into methane . Other bacteria are also included in the aggregates but their concentration is rather small . The aggregates may also be formed during acetogenesis or even hydrolysis but such aggregates are not stable and disrupt quickly when not fed . A two stage process seems to be suitable when high concentrated solid waste must be treated . Special conditions are necessary to promote aggregate formation from methanogenic bacteria but aggregates once formed are stable without feeding even for a few years . The structure, texture and activity of bacterial aggregates depend on several parameters: (1)--temperature and pH, (2)--wastewater composition and (3)--hydrodynamic conditions within the reactor . The common influence of all these parameters is still rather unknown but some recommendations may be given . Temperature and pH should be maintained in the range which is optimal for methanogenic bacteria e.g . a temperature between 32 and 50 degrees C and a value pH between 6.5 and 7.5 . Wastewaters should contain soluble wastes and the specific loading rate should be around one kgCOD(kgVSS)-1 d-1 . The concentration of the elements influences aggregate composition and probably structure and texture . At high calcium concentration a change in the colour of the granules has been observed . Research is necessary to investigate the influence of other elements and organic toxicants on maintenance of the aggregates . Hydrodynamic conditions seem to influence the stability of the granules over long time periods . At low liquid stream rates, aggregates may starve and lysis within the aggregates is possible which results in hollowing of aggregates and their floating . At high liquid stream rates the aggregates may be disrupted and washed out of the reactor as a flocculent sludge . Methanogenic bacterial aggregates have been successfully applied in many full scale installations, especially for sugar beet, potato, pulp and paper mill, and other soluble wastes . The UASB reactors used for these treatments are simple in construction and handling which result in rather low total costs . A further and wider application of UASB reactors and methanogenic aggregates for various industrial wastewaters is expected.

Scand J Infect Dis Suppl, 1990, 70, 91 - 101
Antimicrobial prophylaxis in oral surgery; Heimdahl A et al.; Postsurgical infections after oral surgery in healthy patients are almost exclusively wound infections caused by aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms endogenous to the oral cavity . Available data indicate that, in otherwise healthy patients, infectious complications after dentoalveolar surgery are decreased after penicillin prophylaxis . However, prophylaxis is still not recommended as a routine procedure, because wound infections are generally mild and easy to deal with . In maxillofacial surgery evidence exists that short term prophylaxis is preferable to long term; however, no definite proof is available to indicate that prophylaxis is preferable at all . In patients with locally or systemically reduced defence mechanisms, antimicrobial prophylaxis is generally advocated . Best defined regimens for antimicrobial prophylaxis in oral surgery concern patients at the risk of endocarditis, while guidelines still have an empiric base in immunocompromised patient groups.

Scand J Infect Dis Suppl, 1990, 70, 36 - 44
Antimicrobial prophylaxis in elective colorectal surgery and appendicitis; Roland M; The purpose of this presentation is to evaluate the role of anaerobic and aerobic microorganisms in postoperative infections after colorectal surgery and appendicitis, and to evaluate when antimicrobial agents should be administered prophylactically in conjunction with these operations . In one multicenter study, prophylactic regimens against anaerobic and aerobic microorganisms were compared for durations of one and three days after colorectal surgery . In another multicenter study, the effect of a regimen against anaerobes used alone or in combination with an agent against aerobes in one preoperative dose were compared . The different types of operations had different potential for postoperative infections . An antimicrobial agent against anaerobic microorganisms given as one preoperative dose may suffice in surgery on the upper part of the colon, but a combination with an agent against aerobic bacteria is recommended in rectal surgery . The effectiveness of agents against anaerobic and aerobic bacteria in preventing postoperative infections after appendectomy in cases of gangrenous or perforated appendicitis without general peritonitis were compared in another study . This concluded that an agent against anaerobes is recommended when the appendix is gangrenous or perforated.

West Afr J Med, 1990 Jan-Mar, 9(1), 1 - 5
The pattern of presentation of foot lesions in Nigerian diabetic patients; Akanji AO et al.; Foot lesions constitute an important cause of morbidity and mortality in Nigerian diabetics, yet remain poorly characterised . We, therefore, prospectively studied 50 diabetics with 84 major foot lesions over a three-year period at Ibadan, Nigeria . Sixty eight percent of the patients were illiterate and 80% ignorant regarding the importance of footcare . Duration of diabetes was significantly longer in these patients (p less than 0.05) than in age- and sex-matched diabetics without foot lesions . The prevalence rates of neuropathy (68%), foot ischaemia (54%), hypertension (42%) and nephropathy (20%) in diabetics with foot lesions were higher than in previous reported groups of Nigerian diabetics . The initiating factors were predominantly trivial trauma and "spontaneous" blisters . Sixty percent were anaemic at presentation, while short-term glycaemic control was generally poor . Mixed bacterial organisms were cultured in 70% of the cases, with anaerobes presumed present in 33% . Chronic osteomyelitis (38%) and soft tissue changes (35%) were the commonest foot x-ray findings . Some aspects of prevention of foot lesions were discussed.

Vestn Dermatol Venerol, 1990, (7), 23 - 5
{The ultrastructure of anaerobes isolated from the urogenital tract of women}; Dmitriev GA et al.; Electron microscopic (ultrathin sections) examination of culture strains of vaginal Gardnerella and bacteroids isolated in aerobic conditions from urogenital tract of women suffering from Gardnerella infection was carried out . Structural analysis of the bacteria is presented, i.e . their shape, size, morphology, and features of multiplication.

Arch Histol Cytol, 1990, 53 Suppl, 209 - 18
Macrophage and tissue changes in the developmental phases of secondary lymphoedema and during conservative therapy with benzopyrone; Piller NB; The normal role that the macrophage plays in tissue homeostasis is presented along with the morphological and functional changes that occur to the macrophage population as the lymphoedema progresses from the latent to the chronic phase and then with the treatment with a representative benzopyrone called coumarin . Underlying the lymphoedema, there is a chronic inflammation . It is this, in association with the accumulating protein and the subsequent alterations it produces in the tissues that attract monocytes and macrophages to the affected area . Despite the fact that macrophages are facultative anaerobes, and that larger numbers than normal accumulate, the tissue conditions result in a depression in their activity levels . Apart from these tissue conditions there is the possible production of deactivating proteins such as transforming growth factor beta 1 and 2 . Evidence for this deactivation comes from enzymatic studies in which levels of typical macrophage enzymes are reduced and from morphological work which has shown a reduction in pseudopods and a tendency to accumulate large amounts of lipid in their vacuoles . As a consequence of this deactivation further protein accumulation occurs thereby osmotically attracting fluid . Also there is a tendency for the tissues to become fibrotic as the balance between collagen lysis and deposition shifts towards the latter since it has been shown that macrophages have an important role in collagen lysis . The administration of coumarin stimulates the macrophages resulting to their return to normal or supranormal activity levels within the lymphoedematous tissues . As well as this there is an increase in macrophage numbers . The reasons for stimulation are uncertain, however, alterations in the fine structure of the proteins and complement which make these more attractive for phagocytosis seem the most likely . The end result is an rapid enhanced breakup of the excess interstitial protein and the removal of the osmotically attracted fluid together with a more gradual removal of the deposits of fibrotic tissue by the non-stimulated macrophage . Clinically this manifests itself as a softening of the tissues, a reduction in circumference of the lymphoedematous extremity, a return to normal tissue remodelling processes and a range of subjective improvements for the patient.

Rev Pneumol Clin, 1990, 46(3), 91 - 7
{Thoracic actinomycosis . Report of 8 cases}; Patey O et al.; We report 8 cases of thoracic actinomycosis, a disease which is now uncommon owing to the widespread use of antibiotics and which is caused by anaerobic filamentous bacteria living as saprophytes in natural cavities . Recent pathogenetic data, such as propagation by continuity or blood stream, as well as bacteriological and clinical data (mediastino-pulmonary, pleural, parietal, cardiac and disseminated lesions) are reviewed . Diagnostic problems are due to the difficulties encountered in trying to isolate the saprophytic organism, and pathological examination is often required for the diagnosis . Treatment is basically medical and consists of penicillin G or A administered for prolonged periods . Nitroimidazoles are ineffective against these anaerobic bacteria.

Henry Ford Hosp Med J, 1990, 38(1), 28 - 32
Cervicofacial actinomycosis in children; Friduss ME et al.; Actinomycotic infections, once common in humans and cattle, are now rare causes of disease in man . This general group of organisms belongs taxonomically between the true bacteria and the fungi; however, the organisms behave clinically like true anaerobes . The organism, although phagocytized by the host cells, is not killed . Therefore, it is defined as a facultative intracellular parasite of the host . The protean manifestations of actinomycotic infections often mimic infectious processes, such as osteomyelitis or granulomatous disease, as well as neoplasia . It is therefore important for the surgeon to include actinomycosis in the differential diagnosis of cervicofacial masses in children as well as in adults . Being an anaerobe, the organism is difficult to culture and the diagnosis must be considered at the time of biopsy of a cervicofacial mass or when culturing a sinus tract . A case of a 12-year-old girl seen at Children's Hospital of Los Angeles prompted the review of our experience with this disease . In this child, actinomycosis presented as an expansile mass in the mandible . From 1956 to 1986, five children were treated for cervicofacial actinomycosis . Detailed case analysis, pathophysiology, clinical characteristics, and current treatment recommendations are presented.

Scand J Infect Dis Suppl, 1990, 68, 19 - 22
The pharmacokinetics of oral quinolones (norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin); Alestig K; The newer fluoro-quinolones including norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin are all characterized by a good penetration into tissues and cells . In contrast to beta-lactam antibiotics, these quinolones often achieve tissue concentrations which are several times higher than concurrent serum levels . Therefore, MIC values should not be related to serum concentrations only, when possibilities for the use of quinolones in tissue infections are discussed . Following oral administration, norfloxacin and ciprofloxacin are well absorbed and the bioavailability of ofloxacin is almost 100% . Absorption is delayed but not reduced by food . Ofloxacin is mainly excreted unchanged; norfloxacin and ciprofloxacin are metabolized to some extent, but most metabolites are biologically active . Half-lives of the drugs are 3-6 hours and they may therefore be administrated twice daily . These quinolones are excreted by glomerular filtration and tubular secretion but also via faeces . Dose reduction is needed only in patients with severe reduction of kidney function . It has been suggested that when renal function is reduced an increased transintestinal passage of the quinolones may result . In the intestines the quinolones seem to be bound to faeces; anaerobes are mainly unaffected by these antibiotics.

Bull Mem Acad R Med Belg, 1990, 145(3-4), 175 - 82; discussion 182-3
{Antiseptic properties of saliva and metabolism of activated oxygen in neutrophils: comparison of the 2 enzymatic bactericidal systems and of their behavior in an acid environment}; Courtois P et al.; Growth control of anaerobes in the oral cavity, is secured--among other means--by: 1) phagocytosis of opsonized bacteria; 2) synthesis of hypothiocyanite by the salivary peroxidase system . The former may be inhibited by bacterial acid byproducts . As for the salivary hypothiocyanite, it proved itself able of hindering in vitro the growth of bacterial strains known as customary periodontal pathogens . Its possible effectiveness in vivo remains however hypothetical in the case of deep gingival pockets according to the poor diffusion there of salivary components.

Crit Rev Biotechnol, 1990, 10(2), 119 - 27
The use of microbial membranes to achieve anaerobiosis; Adler HI; The cytoplasmic membranes of many aerobic and facultative bacteria contain enzymes that catalyze the reduction of dissolved oxygen to water . Preparations of small particles derived from such membranes can be filter sterilized without loss of the oxygen-reducing enzymes . These particle preparations can be used to produce anaerobic conditions in a variety of biological environments . They have been shown to stimulate the growth of many anaerobic bacteria and can also be used to stabilize oxygen-sensitive chemical reagents . The particle preparations are stable for long periods of time . They are functional over a pH range and temperature range frequently encountered in biological systems . Various techniques for using the particles are presented . The advantages and limitations of this new approach to achieving oxygen-free conditions are discussed.

Clin Ther, 1990, 12 Suppl B, 43 - 53
Intra-abdominal sepsis: a medical-surgical dilemma; Hackford AW; Much progress has been made in our understanding of the pathophysiology of intra-abdominal infection over the past 100 years . By 1900, investigators had evidence of both an aerobic and an anaerobic component in these infections . By the 1970s, the role of gram-negative aerobic organisms in peritonitis and the role of anaerobes in abscess formation were emerging . Improved culture techniques have demonstrated the true polymicrobial nature of intra-abdominal infection . In our most recent study, an average of 3.9 isolates per patient was cultured . Because of the mixed flora present in these infections, antibiotic regimens must be active against both aerobes and anaerobes . This coverage has usually been accomplished with combinations of antibiotics, although some newer, single-agent regimens may also be effective . Even with our increased knowledge, intra-abdominal infection followed by sepsis remains the most common cause of death among patients in the intensive care unit . Mortality is associated with multiple, recurrent, or persisting abscess; positive blood cultures; and organ failure . Surgery, if indicated, should be undertaken before the onset of significant organ failure . Reducing the mortality from organ failure will depend more on the ability to modulate the metabolic and immune pathways that lead to sepsis than on the development of broader-spectrum antibiotics and more aggressive surgical algorithms.

NCI Monogr, 1990, (9), 111 - 6
Monotherapy for empirical management of febrile neutropenic patients; Rubin M et al.; New fever in a neutropenic patient mandates prompt institution of empirical broad-spectrum antibiotics . Traditional empirical regimens have relied on combinations that include an aminoglycoside . However, certain classes of newer antibiotics (e.g., third-generation cephalosporins, carbapenems, quinolones) include agents with a broad spectrum and high bactericidal activity that may provide therapeutic alternatives to combination regimens . We previously compared empirical monotherapy with ceftazidime to a combination regimen of cephalothin, gentamicin, and carbenicillin and found the regimens comparable with respect to percentage with success (survival without change of initial regimen; 62% vs 67%), success with modification (survival with additional antibiotics; 33% vs 29%) and failure (death; 5% vs 4%) . Imipenem has a broader in vitro spectrum of activity than ceftazidime, particularly against gram-positive organisms and anaerobes, raising the possibility of equivalent or even improved efficacy as monotherapy . Accordingly, we are prospectively randomizing febrile, neutropenic patients to either empirical ceftazidime or imipenem therapy . Imipenem appears to be comparable to ceftazidime in this ongoing study but has not resulted in fewer modifications or secondary infections . Studies assessing the role of quinolones in the management of neutropenic patients are under way.

Zahn Mund Kieferheilkd Zentralbl, 1990, 78(3), 247 - 51
{The bacteriology of normal wound healing following tooth extraction with special reference to anaerobic microorganism diagnosis}; Stiebe B et al.; In 10 patients with indication to tooth extraction swaps from the microbiotopes "sulcus/gingival pocket", "root canal", "socket" and "extraction wound 2 and 7 days after extraction" were investigated bacteriologically . The anaerobic-aerobic mixed flora with predominance of anaerobes verified in the microbiotopes "sulcus/gingival pocket", "socket" and "extraction wound 2 days after extraction" was identically . The flora of the root canal was distinguished by a smaller amount of microbes with predominance of aerobes . In the 7 days old extraction wound only single aerobes could be verified whereas anaerobes were missed totally.

Drugs Exp Clin Res, 1990, 16(9), 461 - 7
Pharmacology of cefminox, a new bactericidal cephamycin; Watanabe S et al.; Cefminox is a new cephamycin antibiotic possessing a D-amino acid moiety derived from D-cysteine at the C-7B side chain . Cefminox is active against a wide range of bacteria, especially Gram-negative and anaerobic bacteria . Cefminox shows excellent in vivo efficacy (ED50) which is higher than would be expected from its in vitro activity (MIC) . Moreover, cefminox possesses more potent activity in suppression of bacterial regrowth than other cephems . These phenomena are surmised to be caused by strong bactericidal activity which is attributed to a dual action mechanism.

Drugs Exp Clin Res, 1990, 16(9), 445 - 9
Antimicrobial activity of E-4441, a representative azetidine quinolone; Esteve M et al.; E-4441 is a third-generation difluoroquinolone characterized by the presence in position 7 of an azetidine ring, disubstituted in position 3 by amine and methyl groups . E-4322 is another difluoroquinolone which differs from the former in having a 3-acetidinol substitution in position 7 . E-4441 shows satisfactory levels of activity, both in vitro and in vivo, its activity against G(+) aerobic bacteria and anaerobic bacteria being generally notable.

Chirurgie, 1990, 116(4-5), 401 - 3
{Antibiotic prophylaxis in abdominal surgery}; Rotman N; In order to compare the efficacy of antibiotic therapy using Cefalozin or Cefotaxime, 3,137 patients operated with an abdominal approach were included into a multidepartmental prospective study by lot . The patients were distributed into 4 levels according to the degree of intraoperative contamination and to the risk factors they presented . The patients in each level were distributed by lot into three treatment groups: 1) Cefalozin, 2) Cefotaxime, 3) no treatment . The antibiotics were delivered perioperatively in 3 doses of 1 g every eight hours . The patients having had colic surgery or operated for peritonitis were excluded from the study . The number of intestinal wall abscesses was significantly lower in the treated groups, except in level 3 (contaminated surgery) . The percentage of postoperative peritonitis was twice lower in the treated groups than in the control group . There was no difference between the treated groups . The patients included in the treated groups were given significantly less antibiotics than the patients of the control group . As far as costs are concerned, antibiotic prophylaxis with Cefalozin is effective in all procedures of abdominal surgery in which the degree of contamination by anaerobes is low.

Z Med Lab Diagn, 1990, 31(8), 445 - 52
{The direct detection of volatile fatty acids by gas chromatography in microbiological diagnosis}; Socolowsky S et al.; The gas chromatographic analysis of volatile fatty acids (VFA) is of great significance in the diagnosis of anaerobes and anaerobic infections, respectively . The ether extraction commonly used for this purpose is relatively consuming in time and material . In this relation, the presented method of detection of VFA in the aqueous phase directly shows essential simplifications but has a lower sensitivity . Therefore, this method cannot replace the ether extraction to investigate broth cultures of anaerobes for taxonomical purposes . But it enables the determination of VFA with sufficient sensitivity in clinical materials of patients . Herewith, the detection of acetic acid only indicates an infection without anaerobes if the concentration is higher than 20 mg/100 ml . On the contrary, a high correlation exists between the detection of n-butyric acid as well as isovaleric acid and the cultural isolation of anaerobic microorganisms.

Braz J Med Biol Res, 1990, 23(3-4), 333 - 5
Blood glucose changes in the blue crab Callinectes sapidus Rathbun on transfer from sea water to air; Santos EA et al.; Intertidal decapods regulate their blood glucose with a significant but transitory (60 min) increase upon exposure to atmospheric air, and this has been considered to be an adaptative response related to the almost complete lack of the Pasteur effect in facultative anaerobes . In these animals we would not observe an increase in substrate availability to cope with the small amount of energy furnished by anaerobic pathways but rather a general metabolic depression . However, this hypothesis has never been tested by conducting similar experiments with infralittoral species . For this reason, groups of five Callinectes sapidus were transferred from sea water to atmospheric air and their blood glucose levels were determined 15, 30, 60, 120 and 240 minutes afterwards . Glucose levels increased gradually from 16.41 +/- 4.45 mg/100 ml to 127.18 +/- 33.40 mg/100ml (mean +/- SEM) . The linear relationship between time of exposure and glucose levels suggests that intertidal and infralittoral species present different mechanisms of blood glucose regulation.

Perit Dial Int, 1990, 10(1), 97 - 8
Peritonitis following colonoscopy in a peritoneal dialysis patient; Ray SM et al.; A 65-year-old woman on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) developed blood-tinged dialysate and bacterial peritonitis following a colonoscopic polypectomy . She grew multiple anaerobic organisms in her dialysate despite antibiotic prophylaxis with vancomycin and gentamicin prior to the procedure . This case confirms the need for broad spectrum antibiotic prophylaxis prior to colonoscopic procedures, especially if polypectomy is planned . The antibiotic chosen should cover anaerobes as well as gram-positive and gram-negative enteric organisms . We suggest the use of ampicillin, clindamycin, and an aminoglycoside antibiotic for this prophylaxis.

Biodegradation, 1990, 1(1), 1 - 7
Fermentative degradation of dipicolinic acid (pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid) by a defined coculture of strictly anaerobic bacteria; Seyfried B et al.; Degradation of dipicolinic acid (pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid) under strictly anaerobic conditions was studied in enrichment cultures from marine and freshwater sediments . In all cases, dipicolinic acid was completely degraded . From an enrichment culture from a marine sediment, a defined coculture of two bacteria was isolated . The dipicolinic acid-fermenting bacterium was a Gram-negative, non-sporeforming strictly anaerobic short rod which utilized dipicolinic acid as sole source of carbon, energy, and nitrogen, and fermented it to acetate, propionate, ammonia, and 2CO2 . No other substrate was fermented . This bacterium could be cultivated only in coculture with another Gram-negative, non-sporeforming rod from the same enrichment culture which oxidized acetate to CO2 with fumarate, malate, or elemental sulfur as electron acceptor, similar to Desulfuromonas acetoxidans . Since this metabolic activity is not important in substrate degradation by the coculture, the basis of the dependence of the dipicolinic acid-degrading bacterium on the sulfur reducer may be sought in the assimilatory metabolism.

Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis, 1989 Dec, 8(12), 1111 - 6
Quinolone antibacterial agents for the treatment of genitourinary tract infections; Babinchak TJ et al.; The fluoroquinolones have expanded the therapeutic options available for the treatment of genitourinary tract infections . Their ease of oral administration, favourable pharmacokinetics, low incidence of adverse reactions, and broad spectrum of in vitro activity against aerobic and facultative organisms make them especially suitable for treating bacteriuria, particularly when pathogens are resistant to other available oral agents . Their efficacy has also been established in the treatment of prostatis, gonorrhea and chancroid . They have lower in vitro activity against chlamydia, ureaplasma and anaerobes, and their role in the treatment of non-gonococcal urethritis, vaginitis and acute pelvic inflammatory disease is less well established.

Aust N Z J Surg, 1989 Dec, 59(12), 953 - 7
Design and trial of a metronidazole loading dose regimen for patients undergoing emergency surgery; Ioannides-Demos LL et al.; A dosing regimen for administration of metronidazole to patients undergoing emergency surgery was designed using pharmacokinetic data . Computer estimates of the pharmacokinetic parameters from normal volunteers were used to determine a loading dose protocol that would achieve plasma metronidazole levels above 6.2 micrograms/mL, that is, above the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of most pathogenic anaerobic bacteria, at the time of surgery . The protocol aimed to identify the minimum intravenous metronidazole dose in combination with a rectal suppository regimen . This was calculated to be a 1 g (two 500 mg) metronidazole rectal suppository dose administered when the decision to operate was made, followed by a 200 mg intravenous dose at the induction of anaesthesia if the time to surgery was within 1-8 h . This protocol was tested in 10 patients undergoing emergency abdominal/pelvic surgery . All patients in the trial were found to have levels well above the MIC at the time of surgery (mean = 17.06 micrograms/mL, s.d . = 4.76) . It is concluded that appropriate use of metronidazole suppositories can minimize intravenous dosage requirements for metronidazole under conditions of emergency loading as well as elective surgery.

J Clin Microbiol, 1989 Dec, 27(12), 2637 - 9
Controlled comparison of a new Becton Dickinson agar slant blood culture system with Roche Septi-Chek for the detection of bacteremia and fungemia; Reimer LG et al.; Two commercially available agar slide blood culture systems, Septi-Chek (Roche Diagnostics, Div . Hoffmann-La Roche Inc., Nutley, N.J.) and VACUTAINER agar slant (Becton Dickinson {BD} Vacutainer Systems, Rutherford, N.J.), were compared in 5,628 paired blood cultures from adult patients . The systems were inoculated with equal volumes (5 ml) of blood . There was no statistically significant difference between the two systems in the overall recovery of clinically important microorganisms; however, significantly more Escherichia coli (P less than 0.05) organisms were detected in the Septi-Chek system . Concurrently, significantly more contaminants (P less than 0.001) also were present in Septi-Chek bottles . When microorganisms grew in both systems, there was no significant difference in the time to recovery of important organisms, except that anaerobes were detected more quickly in the BD system . This study suggests that the BD VACUTAINER agar slant is an acceptable alternative to the Septi-Chek system for routine blood cultures.

Pediatr Clin North Am, 1989 Dec, 36(6), 1551 - 69
Modern assessment of tonsils and adenoids; Brodsky L; Modern assessment of the tonsils and adenoids is based on an appreciation of new concepts pertaining to the pathogenesis of tonsil and adenoid disease . Recognition of the emergence of beta-lactamase-producing and encapsulated anaerobic bacteria in the tonsils and adenoids should lead to a reconsideration of present therapeutic recommendations for antibiotic therapy in infectious tonsil and adenoid disease . The performance of a precise history, use of a standardized physical examination, and judicious use of laboratory evaluation are all necessary for appropriate patient management and improved communication between the pediatrician and otolaryngologist . Thus, appropriate recommendation for tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy will enhance their benefits, and the result will be happier and healthier children.

Oralprophylaxe, 1989 Dec, 11(4), 127 - 30
{Microbiological findings of subgingival plaque during long-term experimental gingivitis in humans}; Brecx M et al.; During six month of abolished oral hygiene and concomitant development of gingivitis, the buccal subgingival microbiota was studied by darkfield microscopy as well as by cultural methods . Five dental students gave written informed consent and participated in this trial . In darkfield microscopy there was a slow reduction in the proportion of coccoid forms concomitant with an increase in the proportion of rods, while spirochetes were rarely detected during the entire experimental period . However, the cultural data revealed a decrease of the Gram-positive facultative and an increase of the Gram-negative anaerobic microorganisms after 6 months of abolished oral hygiene . The bacteriological data show, that in buccal sites--even after 6 months of abolished oral hygiene--the subgingival microflora reflects a population typical only for an initial lesion.

Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1989 Dec, 33(12), 2137 - 9
Susceptibility of anaerobic bacteria to ALP 201; Nord CE et al.; The activity of ALP 201 against 350 strains of anaerobic bacteria was determined by an agar dilution method . Its activity was compared with those of piperacillin, cefoxitin, imipenem, clindamycin, metronidazole, and chloramphenicol . ALP 201 and imipenem were the most active agents tested . Based on these results, ALP 201 appears to be a promising antimicrobial agent for anaerobic infections and warrants further clinical investigations.

Vet Microbiol, 1989 Dec, 21(2), 139 - 46
Preliminary study of the anaerobic bacteria isolated from subgingival plaque from sheep; McCourtie J et al.; A preliminary study was made to determine the genera of cultivable anaerobic bacteria which could be isolated from subgingival plaque of sheep . Samples were taken from 10 sheep on farms with a known record of broken mouth periodontitis . For assessment of the sampling technique, samples were also taken from freshly exposed tooth roots in killed sheep . The bacteria isolated on several selective and non-selective media were identified to genus level by a combination of Gram reaction, colony morphology and gas chromatographic analysis of volatile and non-volatile fatty acid metabolic end products . At least 10 different genera were isolated and these findings are discussed in relation to the bacteriology of human periodontitis and recent studies of sheep broken mouth periodontitis.

Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis, 1989 Dec, 8(12), 1064 - 7
Susceptibility of anaerobic bacteria to the new streptogramin RP 59500 in vitro; Nord CE et al.; The activity of the new streptogramin RP 59500 in vitro was determined against 380 strains of anaerobic bacteria by an agar dilution method and compared with that of pyostacine, piperacillin, cefoxitin, imipenem, clindamycin, metronidazole and chloramphenicol . RP 59500 and imipenem were the most active agents tested . On the basis of these results, RP 59500 appears to be a promising antimicrobial agent for treatment of anaerobic infections, further clinical investigations being warranted.

Gynecol Oncol, 1989 Nov, 35(2), 233 - 5
Response of lower genital tract flora to external pelvic irradiation; Gordon AN et al.; Endocervical and vaginal cultures were obtained every week from patients undergoing external pelvic irradiation for gynecologic malignancy . Gram-positive aerobes accounted for 52 to 56% of isolates, gram-negative aerobes accounted for 15 to 16%, and anaerobes accounted for 29 to 32% of all isolates prior to therapy . No significant changes occurred during or after completion of radiation for the group . In individual patients, however, over 50% of organisms found on initial culture were no longer present on completion of external therapy.

Indian J Med Res, 1989 Nov, 89, 435 - 8
Biotypes of Gardnerella vaginalis isolated from non-specific vaginitis patients in Bombay; Pandit DV et al.; The incidence and prevalent biotypes of G . vaginalis in patients with non-specific vaginitis from Bombay, was studied . Of 300 patients screened, 105 were diagnosed to have nonspecific vaginitis (NSV) . G . vaginalis was isolated from 71 per cent patients with NSV; 34.6 and 29.3 per cent G . vaginalis were belonging to biotypes 5 and 1 respectively . In 55 per cent patient, G . vaginalis was associated with anaerobes . None of the isolated strains of G . vaginalis was sensitive to 5 micrograms metronidazole disc whereas 93 per cent of the strains were sensitive to 50 micrograms metronidazole disc.

Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd, 1989 Nov, 49(11), 972 - 6
{Clinical relevance and pathognomonic significance of Actinomycetes colonization of intra-uterine devices}; Eibach HW et al.; Microbiological investigations were carried out on 524 intrauterine pessaries (IUP) from 488 patients . All patients underwent a gynecological examination on the occasion of IUP extraction . An actinomycete colonization of the extracted IUPs could be detected by culture in 8% of the cases . Actinomyces israelii was cultured most frequently . The raised detection of anaerobic bacteria in the endocervix of patients with actinomycin detection constitutes a potential danger for these women with regard to the development of genital actinomycosis . In addition, the clinical parameters document a higher susceptibility of these patients to ascending genital infections . The infectious morbidity is significantly raised.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1989 Nov, (11), 19 - 23
{The taxonomy of obligate anaerobic bacteria}; Kochemasova ZN et al.; Studies on the chemotaxonomy of obligate anaerobic bacteria have been made . The combination of gas chromatography and mass spectrometry with computer-assisted analysis, permitting the multicomponent analysis of all products of bacterial metabolism and bacterial cell components, has been shown to be a research method, quite suitable for such studies . The chromatographic profiles of the end products of metabolism in anaerobic cultures of different age have been found to differ not in the set and number of peaks indicating various metabolites, but only in the concentration of metabolites, increasing in the process of prolonged incubation . The authors believe that the national microbiological "library" of the chromatographic profiles of anaerobic organisms should be created and the album of typing chromatographic profiles should be published; besides, data on new profiles should regularly appear in magazines.

J Antimicrob Chemother, 1989 Nov, 24(5), 657 - 66
An increase in the antimicrobial activity in vitro of fosfomycin under anaerobic conditions; Inouye S et al.; Fosfomycin showed lower MIC values under anaerobic culture conditions than those under aerobic conditions for four Gram-positive and 18 Gram-negative bacterial isolates . The degree of change in MICs was dependent on the culture media and strains tested . The growth-inhibitory diameter in the paper disc assay increased in parallel with the decrease in the redox potential of the agar medium . Bacteriolytic activity was also potentiated in anaerobiosis . The increase of the bio-activity of fosfomycin in anaerobic culture was neither due to the change of medium pH nor to the change of mobility of drug in agar . However it is possible that the uptake of fosfomycin through the cell membrane increased in anaerobiosis . The anaerobic MICs of fosfomycin were better correlated than the aerobic MICs with the ED50 values in a mouse systemic infection model.

Health Phys, 1989 Nov, 57(5), 791 - 800
Role of various microorganisms on Tc behavior in sediments; Pignolet L et al.; Marine bacteria (Moraxella sp., Planococcus sp . and a mixed population of anaerobes) from a coastal sediment were found to concentrate Tc . Maximum concentration of this element occurred during the stationary phase of growth of the bacteria, at low redox potential . A metabolic process seems responsible for Tc concentration by bacteria, in which it binds to high molecular weight cellular constituents . Polysaccharidic polymers, which were visualized around the bacterial cells with the scanning electron microscope, might bind Tc, but direct experimental evidence in favor of this hypothesis was not yet obtained . The role of sedimentary bacteria in the behavior of Tc in the marine environment is briefly discussed . The action of sulfate-reducing microorganisms is considered.

J Am Vet Med Assoc, 1989 Nov 1, 195(9), 1225 - 9
Comparison of bacteria isolated from specimens obtained by use of endoscopic guarded tracheal swabbing and percutaneous tracheal aspiration in horses; Sweeney CR et al.; Results of bacteriologic culture of specimens obtained from 14 horses with pneumonia and from 15 horses that were clinically healthy (nonpneumonia group) were compared . Specimens were obtained by use of an endoscopic guarded tracheal swabbing method and percutaneous tracheal aspiration . The percentage of agreement between the 2 tracheal specimens for the horses of the pneumonia group was 79% for aerobic isolates and 100% for anaerobic isolates . The percentage of agreement between results of the 2 tracheal specimens for horses of the nonpneumonia group was 80% for aerobic organisms and 93% for anaerobic organisms . The endoscopic guarded swabbing method described here for obtaining specimens from the lower airways for bacteriologic culture did not always prevent contamination . Results of the study suggested that this endoscopic swabbing technique has merit and should be considered as an alternative to the tracheal aspiration method . Pseudomonas sp and any anaerobic bacteria that are isolated must be viewed as potential contaminants of the endoscopic swab specimen and may not be involved in the primary pulmonary disease.

J Antibiot (Tokyo), 1989 Oct, 42(10), 1460 - 4
Isolation and characterization of hypeptin from Pseudomonas sp; Shoji J et al.; An antibiotic, named hypeptin, was isolated from the culture broth of a strain of Pseudomonas sp . The antibiotic was extracted with butanol and purified by chromatography on a Sephadex LH-20 column . The antibiotic is basic in nature . The dihydrochloride is soluble in aqueous alcohols and positive to ninhydrin and Sakaguchi's reaction . A molecular formula, C44H71N13O15.2HCl was indicated by microanalysis and secondary ion MS . The IR spectrum and acid hydrolysis indicated it to be a peptide antibiotic . The stereochemistries of the amino acids produced by hydrolysis were clarified by HPLC using a chiral column . The antibiotic is active in vitro against a wide variety of anaerobic bacteria and aerobic Gram-positive bacteria.

Z Gesamte Hyg, 1989 Oct, 35(10), 596 - 8
{Direct gas chromatography analysis of volatile fatty acids and lactic acids in microbiological diagnosis}; Socolowsky S et al.; The gas chromatographic analysis of short-chain fatty acids is of great significance in the rapid diagnosis of anaerobic infections and bacterial meningitis . A new analytical method is presented detecting lactic acid without prior derivatisation in addition to volatile fatty acids in the aqueous phase directly . Lactic acid levels greater than 30 mg/dl are measured in cerebrospinal fluids of patients with acute bacterial meningitis . The sole detection of acetic acid in concentrations higher than 20 mg/dl indicates aerobes in clinical materials . A high correlation exists between the determination of n-butyric acid as well as iso-valeric acid and the occurrence of anaerobic bacteria.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 1989 Oct, 55(10), 2527 - 31
Reductive dehalogenation of dichloroanilines by anaerobic microorganisms in fresh and dichlorophenol-acclimated pond sediment; Struijs J et al.; We investigated the transformation of 2,4-dichloroaniline (2,4-DiCA) and 3,4-DiCA to monochloroanilines (CA) in anaerobic pond sediment . Dechlorination of 3,4-DiCA to 3-CA started after a lag period of 3 weeks and was complete after an additional 5 weeks . Although 2,4-DiCA disappeared over 8 weeks, the appearance of a CA product could not be detected . In contrast, anaerobic bacteria in pond sediment acclimated to dehalogenate 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DiCP) or 3,4-DiCP rapidly dechlorinated 2,4-DiCA and 3,4-DiCA without any lag time . By comparison, anaerobic sediment bacteria acclimated to 3,4-DiCA rapidly degraded 3,4-DiCP without a lag . In all cases, the CA products were stable for the duration of the experiments . It is concluded that cross-acclimation occurred.

J Am Podiatr Med Assoc, 1989 Oct, 79(10), 482 - 5
Foot infections in patients with diabetes mellitus; Sapico FL; Foot infection is the single most common reason for hospitalization of the diabetic patient . A combination of host factors, including neuropathy, angiopathy, and immunopathy, combine to make the diabetic foot infection the most severe infection commonly seen by podiatrists . If inadequately treated, the likelihood of morbidity or mortality is high . The presence of anaerobic bacteria as a predominant type of organism makes diagnosis and antibiotic selection complicated.

J Hosp Infect, 1989 Oct, 14(3), 209 - 15
Infectious complications during therapy of acute leukaemia in Saudi Arabia; el Saghir NS et al.; In 40 febrile neutropenic episodes during the induction and consolidation chemotherapy of acute leukaemia in Riyadh, 51% of organisms causing septicaemia were gram-negative, 26% gram-positive, 8% anaerobes and 15% fungi . In 21 (52%) febrile episodes there were pulmonary infiltrates; of the 12 where aetiology was known, six were due to fungi . Pulmonary infiltrates progressed to adult respiratory distress syndrome and death in nine instances . There was no significant occurrence of parasitic and tropical infections . The results show that the pattern of infection, during therapy of acute leukaemia in developing countries, may have important differences when compared with western centres . Empiric amphotericin B may need to be introduced at an earlier stage in patients with persistent fever or progressive pulmonary infiltrates.

Acta Paediatr Jpn, 1989 Oct, 31(5), 609 - 14
Bacterial meningitis caused by Veillonella parvula; Nukina S et al.; A three-year-old girl injured her right eyelid with a toothbrush . The wound was sutured . Swelling of the eyelid, high fever and vomiting developed in spite of oral antibiotics for seven days . The findings of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were white blood cells (WBC) 26,368/mm3 (90% polymorphs), protein 127 mg/dl, and sugar 0 mg/dl . Although Gram negative organisms were seen on the smear, aerobic culture was sterile . Later culture of CSF on admission grew anaerobic bacteria: Veillonella parvula . Intravenous administration of penicillins with cefotaxime (CTX), or of fosfomycin (FOM) were ineffective . Chloramphenicol (CP) cured the patient without neurological sequelae . There were no abnormal findings on brain CT scan . This is the first report of Veillonella meningitis . V . parvula appeared to have invaded the CSF from the abscess of the eyelid . It is necessary to consider anaerobic meningitis when there is a preceding pyogenic infection in the head.

J Pak Med Assoc, 1989 Oct, 39(10), 259 - 62
Hepatic abscess among Iraqi patients; Mahdi NK et al.; Hepatic abscess was studied in 21 established cases in Basrah hospitals (Southern Iraq) during 1985 to 1988 . Age of patients varied from 19 to 60 years . There were 7 females and 14 males and most of them from urban areas . All patients had a single abscess and the common site affected was the right lobe . Microorganisms isolated from 19 patients included a variety of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and a protozoan Entamoeba histolytica . Escherichia coli was the most common etiologic agent for the pyogenic abscesses . Therapy was a combination of an open surgical drainage and antimicrobial agents . Usually the drug regimen included metronidazole in combination with either tetracycline, ampicillin or gentamicin . No mortality was recorded on a long-term sequelae.

Br J Dermatol, 1989 Sep, 121(3), 337 - 44
The bacteriology of chronic venous ulcers treated with occlusive hydrocolloid dressings; Gilchrist B et al.; The bacterial flora of chronic venous ulcers treated with an occlusive hydrocolloid dressing were studied over a period of 8 weeks . A novel exudate sampling method was used in an attempt to isolate anaerobic bacteria . The flora was generally stable . Once a species was present, it remained with the exception of Pseudomonas, which appeared to be inhibited by the dressing . Twelve out of 20 ulcers contained anaerobic bacteria and healing did not appear to be impaired by the presence of any particular species of bacteria.

Am J Obstet Gynecol, 1989 Sep, 161(3), 808 - 12
Evidence relating bacterial vaginosis to intraamniotic infection; Silver HM et al.; We performed a two-part study to determine relationships of bacterial vaginosis and intraamniotic infection . In the first part of the study, we determined whether bacterial vaginosis organisms (Gardnerella vaginalis, Mycoplasma hominis, and anaerobes) were associated with each other in the amniotic fluid of 408 cases of intraamniotic infection . In the second part, we determined the association of bacterial vaginosis itself with intraamniotic infection in 125 cases at high risk for intraamniotic infection . Strong associations were observed among the bacterial vaginosis organisms in amniotic fluid (p less than 0.01 to p less than 0.001) . Women with bacterial vaginosis were more likely to develop intraamniotic infection than those without bacterial vaginosis (69% vs . 46%, p = 0.03) . Women with bacterial vaginosis were more likely to have G . vaginalis and M . hominis in the amniotic fluid (p less than 0.01 and 0.04, respectively) . These observations implicate bacterial vaginosis as a cause of intraamniotic infection.

Am J Vet Res, 1989 Sep, 50(9), 1454 - 9
Rapid presumptive diagnosis of anaerobic infections in animals by gas-liquid chromatography; van den Bogaard AE et al.; The detection of volatile fatty acids (VFA) by gas chromatography of 85 purulent specimens from abscesses or pyogenic infections in cats, dogs, rodents, and ruminants was compared with the results of bacteriologic culturing, and proved to be a rapid means of presumptively diagnosing anaerobic infections . Of 83 bacteriologically positive specimens, 52 (61%) yielded obligate anaerobes and in 50 specimens, 1 or more VFA (butyric acid, isobutyric acid, valeric acid, isovaleric acid, caproic acid, or isocaproic acid) was detected . Forty-six specimens were positive for culturing of anaerobes and for detection of 1 or more of these VFA . By contrast, pus from infections caused by (facultative) aerobic microorganisms contained no VFA or only acetic and/or propionic acid.

Compendium, 1989 Sep, 10(9), 514 - 9
An overview of Gly-Oxide liquid in control and prevention of dental disease; Stindt DJ et al.; Removal of dental plaque is the generally accepted method of preventing and controlling periodontal disease . Several studies have identified bacterial plaque as the primary etiologic factor in periodontal disease . However, many individuals have difficulty in mechanically removing plaque or may have physical limitations that hinder their ability to effectively brush and floss . Consequently, in recent years, the search for an agent to remove or inhibit dental plaque has intensified . Numerous studies have been conducted to investigate the effectiveness of various agents in removing or inhibiting plaque . In its Technical Report No . 26, the Federation Dentair Internationale provides a comprehensive overview of the efficacy of antibiotics, antiseptics, chemical agents, irrigation, pastes, and slow release devices in plaque removal and inhibition . Addy has suggested that investigation of oxygenating mouthrinses as antiplaque agents deserves attention because of their potential ability to affect the anaerobes responsible for periodontal disease . The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the role of one oxygenating agent, carbamide peroxide in glycerol solution, in the prevention and control of periodontal disease.

Vopr Med Khim, 1989 Sep-Oct, 35(5), 71 - 5
{Quantitative gas chromatographic determination of volatile fatty acids in express diagnosis of nonclostridial anaerobic infection}; Maiakova TI et al.; Gas chromatographic procedure was used for quantitative estimation of metabolic {volatile fatty acids (C2-C6)} of anaerobic bacteria in express diagnosis of nonclostridial anaerobic infection in surgical patients with purulent bacterial destruction of lungs and with abdominal impairments as well as in patients with calculous cholecystitis . Only traces of acid metabolites were detected in donor blood . A 10-30-fold increase in their content in blood of patients with surgical and gynecologic sepsis enabled to diagnose the anaerobic form of the disease.

J Chromatogr, 1989 Sep 1, 493(2), 257 - 73
Gas chromatographic-mass spectral studies after methylation of metabolites produced by some anaerobic bacteria in spent media; Carlier JP et al.; The gas chromatographic analysis of metabolites such as volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and non-volatile fatty acids (NVFAs) for identification of anaerobic bacteria is now widely performed . Cultures of anaerobes tested for NVFAs as methyl esters were found to contain several unidentified compounds not previously detected and/or reported with methylation procedures . Gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric studies demonstrated that these compounds correspond to the methyl esters of both saturated and unsaturated short-chain fatty acids, and also of 2-hydroxy and 2-oxo acids . The distribution of these acids among different species of anaerobes was determined and their amounts were measured . The effects of supplementing the culture medium with either glucose or amino acids on the production of these acids are described . The use of very polar stationary phases is suggested for a better separation of all NVFAs.

J Antimicrob Chemother, 1989 Sep, 24 Suppl A, 113 - 7
Susceptibility of anaerobic bacteria to meropenem; Nord CE et al.; The activity of meropenem was determined against 350 strains of anaerobic bacteria by an agar dilution method . It was compared with those of piperacillin, cefoxitin, imipenem, clindamycin, metronidazole and chloramphenicol . Meropenem and imipenem were the most active agents tested . On the basis of these results, meropenem appears to be a promising antimicrobial agent for anaerobic infections and warrants further clinical investigation.

Minerva Stomatol, 1989 Aug, 38(8), 819 - 22
{Inhibition of the adhesiveness and proliferation of gingival fibroblasts induced by short-chain fatty acids produced by anaerobic bacteria}; Eftimiadi C et al.; Short-chain fatty acids produced by anaerobic bacteria inhibit attachment and proliferation of gingival fibroblasts . Butyric acid, at concentration normally present in periodontal pockets, produced the highest degree of activity.

Tunis Med, 1989 Aug-Sep, 67(8-9), 563 - 5
{Pseudotumoral pelvic actinomycosis in a woman who had been using an IUD for 15 years}; Ben Nasr R et al.; PIP: A 56-year-old woman was referred to a hospital in Tunis for a tumor of the right ovary . The patient had had 11 term pregnancies and had been using an IUD with no medical supervision for 15 years . She complained of recent constipation and weight loss . The uterus was of normal size but of hard consistency and fixed to the sacrum . A cervical smear was normal . The patient was found to be anemic and the sedimentation rate was accelerated . A diagnosis of probably malignant tumor of the right ovary was made and a hysterectomy with bilateral ovarectomy was performed after laparotomy . The patient left the hospital after receiving a prescription for ampicillin and was lost to follow-up . Histological examination showed the mass to be comprised of inflammatory fibrous and granulomatous tissue with numerous abscesses of a filamentous, strongly eosinophilic character suggesting actinomycosis . Pelvic actinomycosis is a rare chronic infection caused by a gram positive anaerobic bacteria, Actinomyces Israeli . The clinical signs usually include anemia, weight loss, and pelvic mass . Clinical diagnosis is difficult, and diagnosis is usually based on histological and bacteriologic examination . Observation of the symptoms in association with IUD use suggests actinomycosis . The treatment of choice combines surgery with antibiotic therapy for 2 months . Cervical smears should be regularly scheduled for IUD users not only to screen for prenoplastic and neoplastic lesions but to indicate actinomycosis at an early stage when treatment will allow serious complications to be avoided .

J Antibiot (Tokyo), 1989 Aug, 42(8), 1213 - 20
CP-78,545, a new monocarboxylic acid ionophore antibiotic related to zincophorin and produced by a Streptomyces; Dirlam JP et al.; A new monocarboxylic acid ionophore antibiotic related to zincophorin, CP-78,545 (1), was found in the culture broth of Streptomyces sp . N731-45 . CP-78,545 was extracted with organic solvents and purified by column chromatography . The metabolite, which is active in vitro against certain Gram-positive bacteria, as well as the anaerobe Treponema hyodysenteriae, and a coccidium Eimeria tenella, was isolated as a water insoluble magnesium salt (2) in 2:1 (ligand/metal) stoichiometry . The structure of CP-78,545 was elucidated by spectroscopic (NMR and MS) methods, and the relative stereochemistry was determined by single-crystal X-ray analysis of the cadmium salt (3) . CP-78,545, i.e., 24-dehydrozincophorin, is unique since its molecular backbone contains a terminal double bond previously not found in other polyether ionophores.

Compr Ther, 1989 Aug, 15(8), 47 - 53
Bacterial vaginosis: etiology, association with preterm labor, diagnosis, and management; Swedberg JA; Bacterial vaginosis is a polymicrobial condition (anaerobes, Gardnerella vaginalis) that is associated with symptomatic vaginal discharge . Bacterial vaginosis can be reliably diagnosed through clinical indicators such as clue cells on wet preparation of vaginal discharge, an increased pH of vaginal discharge, a fishy, amine odor emitted when a sample of vaginal discharge is placed in potassium hydroxide, and cultures that isolate G . vaginalis . The vaginal discharge is often heavy and foul smelling, and usually resolves when treated with metronidazole, 500 mg twice a day for seven days . It is unclear whether bacterial vaginosis is caused by G . vaginalis or whether G . vaginalis is simply associated with the condition and its development is related to other factors . More importantly, the association of bacterial vaginosis with preterm labor (whether merely a risk factor or a causal factor) needs to be clarified, and the question of whether treatment of bacterial vaginosis in pregnancy will improve fetal outcome by decreasing prematurity needs to be addressed.

Zhonghua Min Guo Wei Sheng Wu Ji Mian Yi Xue Za Zhi, 1989 Aug, 22(3), 201 - 12
Evaluation of the effectiveness of different brands' disks in antimicrobial disk susceptibility tests; Lam CP et al.; A total of 813 routine isolates of aerobic and facultatively anaerobic bacteria were employed to determine the efficacy of different branded (Oxoid, Difco, BBL) antimicrobial disks, using disk antimicrobial susceptibility tests, for a total of 22 kinds of antimicrobial disks and 10,740 antibiotic-organism comparisons . Major positive and major negative discrepancies in results were defined as a change from "susceptible" to "both resistant", and a change from "resistant" to "both susceptible" according to the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards' interpretive standards for zone diameters . Minor positive and minor negative discrepancies were defined as a change from "susceptible" to "both intermediate", or "intermediate" to "both resistant"; and a change from "resistant" to "both intermediate", or "intermediate" to "both susceptible" . The overall agreements of Oxoid, Difco, and BBL systems were 98%, 98.7%, and 98.4% respectively, and their differences are not statistically significant . Different kinds of antimicrobial disks' representative patterns of these three brands are further analyzed: (A) In the Oxoid series, there were 220 discrepancies . Minor negative discrepancy is predominant, most frequently related to carbenicillin (25), gentamicin (13) and cephalothin (10) . Besides minor negative discrepancy, carbenicillin also had six minor positive discrepancies . Tetracyclin had ten minor positive discrepancies . (B) In the Difco series, there were 137 discrepancies . The majority of them are minor positive discrepancies . Moxalactam (11) and cefotaxime (10) are the most common antibiotics involved . (C) In the BBL series, there were 170 discrepancies . Minor positive discrepancy was the predominant one, which mostly related to carbenicillin (24), amikacin (13), and ceftizoxime (12) . In addition, tetracyclin had 24 times minor negative discrepancies . Laboratory workers must pay attention to these different patterns of representation . In order to evaluate the quality of 11 pairs of the give-away and the purchased BBL disks, we also compared the results for these 813 routine isolates (a total of 5,482 antibiotic-organism comparisons) . The giveaway disks demonstrated 99.1% overall agreement with the purchased disks . There were 48 minor discrepancies {26 (0.47%) minor positive discrepancies and 22 (0.4%) minor negative discrepancies} . These results allow this study to emphasize the followings in order to raise the awareness of the laboratory workers: (i) alteration of disk efficacy during transportation and storage; (ii) major considerations in choosing different brands' antimicrobial disks, and (iii) the important roles played by salespersons and pharmaceutical companies in achieving sound results.

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 1989 Aug, 86(15), 5753 - 7
A cyanobacterial mutant requiring the expression of ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase from a photosynthetic anaerobe; Pierce J et al.; Ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase is essential for both photoautotrophic and photoheterotrophic growth of the cyanobacterium Synechocystis 6803 . However, a mutant lacking cyanobacterial carboxylase could be obtained by replacing the natural carboxylase gene with the corresponding gene from Rhodospirillum rubrum, a photosynthetic anaerobe . This treatment produced an organism whose growth depended on the activity of the structurally and functionally dissimilar foreign carboxylase . As a further consequence of this mutagenic replacement, the mutant also lacked microscopically observable carboxysomes, the subcellular inclusion bodies in which the wild-type carboxylase naturally resides . The mutant, dependent on a carboxylase with an inferior relative specificity for CO2 versus O2 and apparently lacking carboxysomes, is extremely sensitive to the CO2/O2 ratio supplied during growth and is unable to grow at all in air . This response to the gas composition should prove useful for selection of various R . rubrum carboxylase mutants with altered specificities for CO2 and O2.

Antibiot Khimioter, 1989 Jul, 34(7), 534 - 9
{Antimicrobial activity of new beta-lactams and aminoglycosides in vitro under conditions of anaerobiosis}; Bol'shakov LV et al.; Sensitivity of 135 strains of aerobic, facultative anaerobic and anaerobic asporogenous bacteria was tested in vitro with respect to 7 beta-lactam antibiotics and 4 aminoglycosides . It was shown that anaerobiosis influenced the MICs of the drugs for the majority of the strains . Under such conditions sensitivity of the aerobic and facultative anaerobic organisms to the beta-lactams increased 2-8 times . On the contrary, the MICs of the aminoglycosides for 74.6-85.1 per cent of the strains increased 2-16 times . The asporogenous anaerobic bacteria of clinical origin were highly sensitive to the beta-lactam antibiotics such as cefoxitin, cefotaxime, mezlocillin and carbenicillin whose MICs did not exceed 16-31.2 micrograms/ml.

Anal Biochem, 1989 Jul, 180(1), 17 - 23
Determination of intracellular pyridine nucleotide levels by bioluminescence using anaerobic bacteria as a model; Schmid U et al.; An assay for the determination of NAD(P)+ and NAD(P)H in extracts from the obligate anaerobe bacterium Thermoanaerobacter finnii is developed and the strategy for this development is described . This assay performed with constant FMN reductase (EC 1.6.8.1) and luciferase (EC 1.14.14.3) concentrations has been shown to detect as low as 1 pmol pyridine nucleotide . With this assay recovery, efficiency of extraction, reliability, and detection limit of the procedures were determined . To our knowledge this is the first bioluminometric assay for the determination of pyridine nucleotide levels in bacterial extracts.

Indian J Med Res, 1989 Jul, 89, 233 - 7
Drug interaction of promethazine & other non-conventional antimicrobial chemotherapeutic agents; Chakrabarty AN et al.; The antihistamine compound promethazine (Pz) showed significant antibacterial action when tested against 124 strains of aerobic and 13 strains of anaerobic bacteria belonging to both Gram positive and Gram negative genera . The range of MIC (micrograms/ml) of Pz varied between 50 and 200 micrograms/ml among most of the test organisms . Six Pz-sensitive strains were found to be simultaneously sensitive to similar non-conventional antimicrobics, e.g., methdilazine, bromodiphenhydramine, diphenhydramine, methyl-DOPA, promazine and the antibiotic augmentin . A high degree of synergism was observed in vitro when Pz was used in combination with methdilazine and bromodiphenhydramine.

Hum Reprod, 1989 Jul, 4(5), 513 - 20
Circulating antisperm antibodies and fertility prognosis: a prospective study; Eggert-Kruse W et al.; In a prospective study performed on 235 couples with long-standing infertility (median 5 years), circulating antisperm antibodies (ASA) were determined with both a standard trayagglutination test (TAT) and a radioimmunoassay (RIA) . Serum levels were correlated with results of sperm analysis (SA), postcoital testing (PCT) and in-vitro sperm--cervical mucus penetration testing (SCMPT), performed with cervical mucus and spermatozoa of patients and in parallel with material of fertile donors . A simultaneous microbial screening included Chlamydia trachomatis, mycoplasmas, Herpes simplex virus, gonococci, other potentially pathogenic aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and yeasts . The pregnancy rate 12 months after determination of ASA in the serum samples was 27% (64/235) . Between ASA-positive and -negative male and/or female patients (TAT as well as RIA), no significant difference was found for any of the tested variables of SA, PCT, crossed SCMPT and colonization of genital secretions with microorganisms . Patients who later achieved pregnancy and those who did not did not differ with regard to serum antibody status (TAT as well as RIA) . The findings suggest that the clinical significance of circulating ASA determined with the currently available methods is low . ASA in serum samples of infertile female and/or male patients do not influence the fertility prognosis.

J Pediatr Surg, 1989 Jul, 24(7), 659 - 63; discussion 663-4
Postpneumonic empyema in childhood: selecting appropriate therapy; Hoff SJ et al.; In order to identify appropriate treatment options for postpneumonic empyema, we reviewed the medical records and, when possible, obtained long-term follow-up chest radiographs and pulmonary function tests on children treated for empyema during the past 11 years . Fifty-one patients were treated in various ways, with antibiotics alone (N = 10), or in combination with tube thoracostomy (N = 23) or decortication (N = 18) . Despite administration of appropriate antibiotics and establishment of pleural drainage, many children required prolonged hospitalization and eventual decortication . Based on this review, a scoring system was developed allowing early classification by severity of pleural disease . Factors found to be predictors of severe pleural disease include (1) low pleural fluid pH or (2) glucose; (3) presence of moderate or severe scoliosis or (4) pleural peel or parenchymal entrapment by chest radiography; and (5) infection due to anaerobes, gram-negative organisms, or mycoplasma . Complete opacification of a hemithorax on chest radiography and a pleural peel to thoracic ratio greater than 40% were also associated with severe pleural disease . In patients with mild disease (N = 7), response to antibiotics alone, rapid resolution of fever, and shorter hospital stays were observed . In patients with more severe infections (moderate = 22, severe = 22), decortication accomplished earlier defervescence, radiographic improvement, and hospital discharge than simple tube thoracostomy . No deaths or morbidity were associated with decortication, which could often be accomplished through a minithoracotomy . Follow-up chest radiographs and pulmonary fuction tests showed a prompt return to normal after decortication . This experience indicates utility of a pleural disease severity scoring system in selection of treatment options for children with postpneumonic empyema.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Can J Surg, 1989 Jul, 32(4), 265 - 70
Is neomycin necessary for bowel preparation in surgery of the colon? Oral neomycin plus erythromycin versus erythromycin-metronidazole; Lewis RT et al.; In 132 patients who underwent elective surgery of the colon, the value of bowel preparation with a conventional oral antibiotic preparation of neomycin-erythromycin (N-E) was compared with erythromycin-metronidazole (E-M) . Of 125 patients who were available for assessment, 61 received N-E and 64 E-M . The two groups were evenly matched . Two wound infections occurred in patients receiving E-M, neither due to anaerobic bacteria, but seven wound infections developed in patients given N-E (p = 0.057), five of them caused by anaerobic bacteria . Anaerobic bacteria of the colon are the dominant cause of postoperative wound infection in elective surgery of the colon . Adequate antibiotic preparation directed against these bacteria makes the use of neomycin unnecessary.

Rev Prat, 1989 Jun 8, 39(18), 1586 - 91
{Pleuro-pulmonary suppurations}; Cordier JF et al.; Lung abscess and empyema are rare in healthy people . They usually occur when such predisposing factors as alcoholism, diabetes mellitus, immunodepression, neurological disorders, previous chest surgery and bronchial stenosis are present . Evacuation of pus and antibiotic therapy form the basis of treatment . Anaerobic bacteria are the most common causative agents, and they are particularly suspected in patients with putrid sputum or pleural fluid . The penicillin-metronidazole combination is used in these anaerobic infections . In every case, a careful search for the responsible organism has to be made in order to choose the best antibiotic.

Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am, 1989 Jun, 16(2), 271 - 7
Carbapenems and penems; Faro S; Carbapenems and penems are a unique class of antibiotics . These agents have a broad spectrum of activity, with activity against aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, often including bacteria possessing multiple resistant factors.

Ear Nose Throat J . 1989 Jun;68(6):448, 450, 452, passim.
Bacteriology of chronic otitis media affecting children living in Rio de Janeiro; de Uzeda M et al.; A bacteriologic analysis was performed on the purulent exudates obtained from the middle ears of 45 children living in Rio de Janeiro with CSOM and spontaneous perforations of the ear drum . Anaerobic cultures showed anaerobic bacteria in association with aerobic or facultatively anaerobic bacteria, or both, in 30 (66.7%) specimens . Facultative anaerobic microorganisms occurred in 42 (93.3%) of the specimens analyzed, strict aerobes in 17 (37.8%), capnophilic in 6 (13.3%), and fungi in 4 (8.9%) . The rate of different species of bacteria isolated per sample was 4.4:1.87 for anaerobic and 1.84 for facultative microorganisms . Multiple drug resistances in the aerobic and facultative bacteria were found, and tetracycline, erythromycin, and beta-lactam antibiotic resistances were accentuated in the anaerobic bacteria.

J Clin Pathol, 1989 Jun, 42(6), 640 - 4
Evaluation of the Anoxomat: a new technique for anaerobic and microaerophilic clinical bacteriology; Brazier JS et al.; A system of automatic jar evacuation-replacement (Anoxomat) for the culture of anaerobes, capnophiles, and microaerophiles was compared with existing methods of anaerobic cabinets, carbon dioxide incubators, and manual evacuation-replacement . Of the 50 species of anaerobes, 29 strains of capnophiles, and 11 strains of microaerophiles tested, equivalent growth was obtained in all but two instances . The Anoxomat system yielded slightly larger colonies in 26 (52%) of anaerobes tested with superior growth in the anerobic cabinets in three (6%) of cases and equal in both in 21 (42%) . Of the microaerophiles and capnophiles tested, there was no significant difference between the Anoxomat and the conventional system . The Anoxomat system seems to be a suitable alternative to anaerobic and carbon dioxide incubators.

J Antibiot (Tokyo), 1989 Jun, 42(6), 846 - 51
LL-E19085 alpha, a novel antibiotic from Micromonospora citrea: taxonomy, fermentation and biological activity; Maiese WM et al.; A new antibacterial antibiotic, designated LL-E19085 alpha, was isolated from the fermentation broth of an actinomycete strain . Based on cultural, physiological, morphological and chemical characteristics, culture LL-E19085 was identified as a new subspecies of Micromonospora citrea . Antibiotic LL-E19085 alpha demonstrated potent activity against a spectrum of Gram-positive aerobic and anaerobic bacteria.

Clin Lab Med, 1989 Jun, 9(2), 239 - 54
Susceptibility testing of anaerobic bacteria; Rosenblatt JE; Development of resistance to antimicrobics that have been considered active against clinically significant anaerobes and the rapid introduction of many new agents dictate a need for timely susceptibility data . Although the availability of published results and information from periodic institutional surveys will suffice for most laboratories, some will want to perform day-to-day testing of selected current isolates . The National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards has published an Approved Standard and a Proposed Guideline for Alternative Methods for susceptibility testing of anaerobes . These methods are described in detail . The need for further refinement of existing techniques and for the establishment of standards for the more practical broth-disk elution and microdilution methods is examined.

Can J Microbiol, 1989 Jun, 35(6), 623 - 9
Effects of culture conditions on yield of Shiga-like toxin-IIv from Escherichia coli; MacLeod DL et al.; The effects of selected culture conditions on production of Shiga-like toxin-II variant by an edema disease strain of Escherichia coli (412) and E . coli TB1 (pCG6) containing the cloned genes for Shiga-like toxin-II variant were examined . Incubation time, culture media, incubation temperature, starting pH of the culture medium, aeration, static culture, anaerobiosis, carbon sources, amino acids, antibiotics, and mitomycin C were investigated . The study showed that Shiga-like toxin-II variant was primarily cell associated and that strain TB1 (pCG6) produced as much as 100 times more toxin than did strain 412 . Culture conditions that resulted in the greatest yield of Shiga-like toxin-II variant were incubation at 37 degrees C for 24 h with shaking in syncase broth initially adjusted to pH 8.5 . Aerobic culture with shaking resulted in higher yields of Shiga-like toxin-II variant than did static aerobic or anaerobic culture . Addition of various carbon sources or amino acids, or tetracycline, lincomycin, or trimethoprim:sulfadoxine did not increase yields of toxin . The amount of Shiga-like toxin-II variant in supernatant preparations from strain TB1 (pCG6) was significantly increased by addition of mitomycin C to the culture medium.

Z Hautkr, 1989 May 15, 64(5), 406, 409 - 10
{Problem infections of the external genital area in the female}; Weissenbacher ER et al.; On account of difficult diagnostic procedures and often atypical clinical pictures, the following diseases must be regarded as problematic infections: infections with chlamydia, mycoplasma, urea-plasma, and herpes virus, as well as unspecific infections with aerobic and anaerobic bacteria . Since vulvitis and vaginitis are frequently associated with vaginal discharge, they may present a problem to dermatologists and gynecologists.

J Biol Chem, 1989 May 5, 264(13), 7244 - 50
Oxalate:formate exchange . The basis for energy coupling in Oxalobacter; Anantharam V et al.; In the Gram-negative anaerobe, Oxalobacter formigenes, the generation of metabolic energy depends on the transport and decarboxylation of oxalate . We have now used assays of reconstitution to study the movements of oxalate and to characterize the exchange of oxalate with formate, its immediate metabolic derivative . Membranes of O . formigenes were solubilized with octyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside in the presence of 20% glycerol and Escherichia coli phospholipid, and detergent extracts were reconstituted by detergent dilution . {14C}Oxalate was taken up by proteoliposomes loaded with unlabeled oxalate, but not by similarly loaded liposomes or by proteoliposomes containing sulfate in place of oxalate . Oxalate transport did not depend on the presence of sodium or potassium, nor was it affected by valinomycin (1 microM), nigericin (1 microM), or a proton conductor, carbonylcyanide-p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone (5 microM) when potassium was at equal concentration on either side of the membrane . Such data suggest the presence of an overall neutral oxalate self-exchange, independent of common cations or anions . Kinetic analysis of the reaction in proteoliposomes gave a Michaelis constant (Kt) for oxalate transport of 0.24 mM and a maximal velocity (Vmax) of 99 mumol/min/mg of protein . A direct exchange of oxalate and formate was indicated by the observations that formate inhibited oxalate transport and that delayed addition of formate released {14C}oxalate accumulated during oxalate exchange . Moreover, {14C}formate was taken up by oxalate-loaded proteoliposomes (but not liposomes), and this heterologous reaction could be blocked by external oxalate . Further studies, using formate-loaded proteoliposomes, suggested that the heterologous exchange was electrogenic . Thus, for assays in which N-methylglucamine served as both internal and external cation, formate-loaded particles took up oxalate at a rate of 2.4 mumol/min/mg of protein . When external or internal N-methylglucamine was replaced by potassium in the presence of valinomycin, there was, respectively, a 7-fold stimulation or an 8-fold inhibition of oxalate accumulation, demonstrating that net negative charge moved in parallel with oxalate during the heterologous exchange . The work summarized here suggests the presence of an unusually rapid and electrogenic oxalate2-:formate1- antiport in membranes of O . formigenes . Since a proton is consumed during the intracellular decarboxylation that converts oxalate into formate plus CO2, antiport of oxalate and formate would play a central role in a biochemical cycle consisting of (a) oxalate influx, (b) oxalate decarboxylation, and (c) formate efflux.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Appl Environ Microbiol, 1989 May, 55(5), 1112 - 6
Enumeration of selected anaerobic bacterial groups in cecal and colonic contents of growing-finishing pigs; Butine TJ et al.; Selected anaerobic bacterial groups in cecal and colonic contents of clinically healthy pigs fed a corn-soybean meal production diet were determined at sacrifice after 4, 8, and 11 weeks on feed, corresponding to intervals within the growing-finishing growth period . By using ruminal fluid-based media, the densities of the culturable anaerobic population; the cellulolytic, pectin-fermenting, pectin-hydrolyzing, xylan-fermenting; and the xylan-hydrolyzing, sulfate-reducing, and methanogenic bacterial populations were estimated . An analysis of variance was performed on these bacterial group variables to examine the effects of phase (weeks on feed), site (cecum or colon), or the interaction of phase with site . The population of total anaerobic bacteria was twice as dense in the colon as it was in the cecum (2 x 10(10) versus 1 x 10(10)/g {wet weight}; P = 0.001) . The proportion of cellulolytic bacteria was lower at 4 weeks on feed than at 8 or 11 weeks (23 versus 32%; P = 0.026), while the proportion of pectin-fermenting bacteria depended on the interaction of phase with site (P = 0.021) . The numbers of sulfate-reducing bacteria were significantly higher in the colon than in the cecum (6 x 10(7) versus 3 x 10(7); P = 0.014), as were methanogenic bacteria (19 x 10(7) versus 0.6 x 10(7); P = 0.0002) . The remaining bacterial groups were stable with respect to phase and site . The results suggest that except for density differences, the microbial communities of the pig cecum and colon are similar in composition throughout the growing-finishing phase.

Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol, 1989 May, 98(5 Pt 1), 332 - 5
Recurrent tonsillitis: histologic and bacteriologic evaluation; Bieluch VM et al.; Histologic and bacteriologic evaluations of tonsils removed at surgery from ten patients with a diagnosis of recurrent tonsillitis were performed . The bacteriology was complex, with an average of 6.3 aerobic bacteria and 3.3 anaerobic bacteria isolated from each patient . Histologic sections revealed chronic cryptitis, with intact tonsillar architecture . These findings provide a possible explanation for the failure of commonly used antibiotic regimens to eradicate recurrent infection from this site.

Eur J Biochem, 1989 May 1, 181(2), 437 - 41
Purification and characterization of an oxygen-stable carbon monoxide dehydrogenase of Methanothrix soehngenii; Jetten MS et al.; Carbon monoxide dehydrogenase was purified to apparent homogeneity from Methanothrix soehngenii . In contrast with the carbon monoxide dehydrogenases from most other anaerobic bacteria, the purified enzyme of Methanothrix soehngenii was remarkably stable towards oxygen and it was only slightly inhibited by cyanide . The native molecular mass of the carbon monoxide dehydrogenase of Methanothrix soehngenii determined by gel filtration was 190 kDa . The enzyme is composed of subunits with molecular mass of 79.4 kDa and 19.4 kDa in an alpha 2 beta 2 oligomeric structure . The enzyme contains 1.9 +/- 0.2 (n = 3) mol Ni/mol and 19 +/- 3 (n = 3) mol Fe/mol and it constitutes 4% of the soluble cell protein . Analysis of enzyme kinetic properties revealed a Km of 0.7 mM for CO and of 65 microM for methyl viologen . At the optimum pH of 9.0 the Vmax was 140 mumol of CO oxidized min-1 mg protein-1 . The enzyme showed a high degree of thermostability.

Plast Reconstr Surg, 1989 May, 83(5), 880 - 3
Sterility in unsterilized surgical adhesive tape; Bundy AT; Providing a barrier to infectious organisms, sterile surgical adhesive tape has been used to close wounds for almost 20 years . The possibility that prepackaged unsterilized tape could be used for similar purposes is suggested by this study . Samples (480) were taken from 120 rolls that had been left in plastic surgical suite cabinets for 2 weeks . Aerobes and anaerobes were evaluated using tryptic soy agar with 5% sheep blood, while yeast and fungi were checked with Sabouraud dextrose agar . Sterility of sticky and smooth inner surfaces is shown to be a significant finding (p less than 0.01) . It is concluded that prepackaged unsterilized surgical adhesive tape can be used to approximate wound edges without being a source of contamination (the sterile tape is 5600 percent more expensive) . Wound closure in this manner would benefit the patient in the field, in the emergency room, or in third world countries where the supply of sterile tape is limited.

Obstet Gynecol, 1989 May, 73(5 Pt 1), 808 - 12
Ticarcillin/clavulanic acid versus clindamycin and gentamicin in the treatment of post-cesarean endometritis following antibiotic prophylaxis; Faro S et al.; One hundred fifty-two women who received cefazolin prophylaxis and subsequently developed postpartum endometritis were randomized to treatment with either ticarcillin/clavulanic acid (75) or clindamycin-gentamicin (77) . Bacteria isolated from the endometrium were predominantly facultative anaerobic bacteria . The ratio of facultative anaerobes to obligate anaerobes was 3:1 . Nineteen percent of the women were bacteremic, with mycoplasma the organism most frequently isolated from venous blood specimens . Cure rates were similar for both groups: ticarcillin/clavulanic acid 85% and clindamycin-gentamicin 81% . The advantages of ticarcillin/clavulanic acid are an increased spectrum of activity against beta-lactamase-producing bacteria, less toxicity, and lower cost.

J Chemother, 1989 May, 1 Suppl 2, 22 - 7
Comparative multicenter study on efficacy and safety of aztreonam and gentamicin in prophylaxis of high-risk colorectal surgery; Dionigi R et al.; The usefulness of antibiotic prophylaxis in reducing the incidence of postoperative infections following colorectal surgery has been defined in many clinical studies . Since a single antibiotic agent covering all the potential pathogens (i.e . Gram-negative aerobes and anaerobes) is not currently available, a combination therapy is usually administered . The present study reports the preliminary results on comparative efficacy and safety of aztreonam and gentamicin (both combined with clindamycin) as short-term prophylaxis in colorectal surgery . Four hundred and fifty-four patients, out of 495 enrolled, were considered evaluable . Incidence of abdominal wound infections was significantly lower in the aztreonam-treated group (5.8% vs 12.5% - p less than or equal to .025) . The incidence of perineal wound and abdominal infections, of fever, of need for postoperative antibiotics and the length of postoperative stay were lower in the monobactam group, even if none of these differences were statistically significant . Gram-negative aerobic microorganisms were more often isolated in infected patients from the gentamicin group . Side effects were minor and similar in the two groups . From these preliminary data, the aztreonam-clindamycin combination can be considered a major candidate to replace many of the presently available oral and parenteral regimens.

Vet Microbiol, 1989 May, 20(1), 35 - 48
The virulence characteristics of strains of Escherichia coli isolated from cases of bovine mastitis in England and Wales; Barrow PA et al.; Of 470 Gram-negative facultative anaerobes isolated from cases of bovine mastitis in England and Wales, 422 were identified as Escherichia coli . The characteristics of 237 of these were investigated . Guinea-pig red cell haemagglutinins were possessed by 86% of strains and 12% were resistant to D-mannose . None of the strains tested invaded Vero cells . Haemolysin, Vero toxin and enterotoxin were produced by 5, 0.5 and 1% of strains, respectively . Twenty-two percent were resistant to one or more antibiotics and 4% to sodium arsenate . Transfer ability was possessed by 41% and lysogenic phage by 27% of strains; 62% possessed either one or the other and 12% possessed both . Colicin production was detected in 18% of strains; 5% produced Colicin V . Ninety-nine percent of strains were serum-resistant, while only 6% were able to grow well in bovine serum . A microscopically visible capsule was seen in 75% of strains . All strains possessed at least one of the potential virulence factors or markers studied . Several strains which possessed one characteristic only (mannose-sensitive haemagglutination or serum resistance), possessed one or more large molecular weight plasmids . None of the strains was particularly virulent for chickens following intramuscular inoculation . Of the strains which possessed one virulence characteristic, only those which were serum-resistant were re-isolated from expressed milk following intramammary inoculation of lactating cows.

Head Neck, 1989 May-Jun, 11(3), 274 - 8
Botryomycosis of the oral cavity; Maves MD et al.; Botryomycosis is a bacterial infection characterized histologically by granules containing bacteria . Usually there is surrounding granulomatous inflammation with occasional extension into muscle or bone . While there are several hypotheses regarding the pathogenesis of botryomycosis, the exact mechanism is unclear . Botryomycosis has been associated with a variety of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, usually endogenous flora and low virulence organisms . Oral lesions appear to be uncommon despite continuous exposure to endogenous oral flora . Treatment should include surgical excision and antibiotic therapy.

Pract Odontol, 1989 May, 10(5), 13 - 9
{Modified lateral condensation (microbiological analysis)}; Jacome Musule JL et al.; In order to ascertain the presence of endodontobacterial flora, an in vivo microbiological study on fifty human teeth with necrotic pulp and periapical bone destruction, is submitted . The study verifies elimination of bacteria through a technique for the preparation of root canals . Results of this research ratify the presence of aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms, as well as the means to inhibit them . That will allow performing obturation under optimal conditions, thus increasing assurance of success in the endodontic therapy.

Dtsch Z Mund Kiefer Gesichtschir, 1989 May-Jun, 13(3), 230 - 3
{Use of fibrin adhesive in maxillary sinus surgery}; Merten HA et al.; For haemostasis and to guarantee the drainage following operative procedures on the maxillary sinuses, the sinus is usually plugged with a gauze strip or balloon tamponade through the drainage window in the inferior nasal meatus . This generally causes massive edema of the face and subjective complaints of the patient, the risk of an anaerobe infection is increased . By using fibrin glue that is applied by a spray catheter into the maxillary sinus, there is no need of a tamponade as a haemostypt . The sinus is drained by a small vinyl tube through the window in the inferior nasal meatus.

Mayo Clin Proc, 1989 May, 64(5), 555 - 64
Incidence, distribution, and outcome of episodes of infection in 100 orthotopic liver transplantations; Paya CV et al.; Of 83 patients who underwent 100 orthotopic liver transplantations, 53 had a single transplant procedure and at least 6 months of follow-up . In this main study group of 53 patients, major infections developed in 28 (53%) (a mean of 1.8 major episodes per infected patient) . Of 51 major infections, 27 were bacterial, 19 were viral, 3 were protozoan, and 2 were fungal . Of the 27 bacterial infections, 22 (81%) occurred in the first 2 months after transplantation . Of the 40 bacterial isolates in the 27 bacterial infections, gram-positive aerobic bacteria were isolated in 26 (65%), anaerobic bacteria in 8 (20%), and aerobic gram-negative bacteria in 6 (15%) . Only 1 of 16 bacteremic episodes was due to a gram-negative aerobic bacterium . Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection occurred in 30 of the 53 patients (57%) and was symptomatic and invasive in 18 . CMV infection was diagnosed a mean of 26 days after transplantation . Infections due to Pneumocystis carinii occurred later (2 to 3 months after transplantation) . Death from infection occurred in 4 of the 53 patients (8%) . In the group of 16 patients with two or more liver transplantations, fungal infection occurred in 2 and CMV infection in 13 . In all 16 patients who underwent more than one liver transplantation, a major infection developed . The observations made in the main study group were consistent with findings in 13 patients with one liver transplantation but less than 6 months of follow-up . Infection is a major complication after liver transplantation, generally occurring in the first 2 months . Our observations suggest that the use of selective bowel decontamination may be associated with a relatively lower incidence of gram-negative aerobic bacterial infections.

Z Naturforsch {C}, 1989 May-Jun, 44(5-6), 392 - 6
The active species of "CO2" formed by carbon monoxide dehydrogenase from Peptostreptococcus productus; Bott M et al.; Carbon monoxide dehydrogenase of anaerobic bacteria catalyzes the reversible conversion of CO to "CO2" . With the enzyme from Peptostreptococcus productus it is shown that CO2 rather than HCO3- (H2CO3) is the active species of "CO2" formed by this dehydrogenase.

Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis, 1989 May, 8(5), 394 - 6
Actinomycetes in pyogenic liver abscess; Logan MN et al.; Three patients with pyogenic liver abscesses had actinomycetes cultured from aspirated pus, although it is unusual for hepatic actinomycosis to present in this way . The spectrum of bacteria found in liver abscesses appears to be changing, with the increased isolation of anaerobes partly due to improved techniques . It is important to recognise the presence of actinomycetes so that appropriate chemotherapy can be given.

Schweiz Rundsch Med Prax, 1989 Apr 18, 78(16), 459 - 66
{Periodontal diseases}; Saxer UP et al.; Research into pathogenesis and therapy of periodontal diseases have advanced considerably over the last 15 years . Basic research has disclosed anatomic and morphologic "weak spots" in the periodontium at the marginal gingiva and the interdental space . Approximately 70 microorganisms were isolated, among them many gram negative anaerobic bacteria . Products of these bacteria comprise of enzymes which destroy the periodontal connective tissue and interfere with immunologic mechanisms . Based on this knowledge several diseases are differentiated . A correct diagnosis contributes to a favorable therapy, such that the common periodontitis of adults (PA) responds well to treatment and the other periodontitis-forms are amenable to stabilisation if the patient cooperates . For the general practitioner the particular risks are elucidated . Already an examination for periodontitis and more so local treatment induces a bacteremia in every patient . Dentists and referring physicians should envisage preventive measures in patients at risk.

J Antimicrob Chemother, 1989 Apr, 23(4), 619 - 21
Twelve-hourly dosage schedule for oral and intravenous metronidazole; Earl P et al.; Paired samples of blood were examined from 48 patients undergoing major surgery who were receiving metronidazole at a 12-hourly dosage interval, as part of a regimen for prophylaxis or therapy . Twenty-five patients were given 400 mg metronidazole orally twice a day and 23 received 500 mg metronidazole iv twice daily . Assay of the samples demonstrated trough serum concentrations of metronidazole of 3-11 mg/l (mean 5.5 mg/l) and 2-15 mg/l (mean 6.7 mg/l) with the oral and intravenous routes, respectively . The corresponding peak serum concentrations were 10-26 mg/l (mean 17.4 mg/l) and 13-28 mg/l (mean 23.6 mg/l) . The trough concentrations are well in excess of the MICs for the majority of obligate anaerobes and thus the 12-hourly regimen achieves and maintains therapeutic serum concentrations of metronidazole.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1989 Apr, (4), 35 - 7
{Seasonal changes in the frequency of isolating strict anaerobes in purulent-inflammatory processes}; Bazhenov LG et al.; Seasonal changes in the isolation rate of obligate anaerobes from the pathological material of patients with purulent inflammatory diseases were studied . For this purpose 707 samples of pathological material were analysed in the course of 1982-1986 . Anaerobes were detected in 160 samples, which constituted 22.6% of all samples under study and 33.5% of the samples showing microbial growth . A statistically significant increase in the isolation rate of anaerobes from pathological material at the period of March-April was established . It was considered expedient to regard this newly found effect as an additional risk factor in the appearance of anaerobic infections and to take it into account in planning and carrying out prophylactic and diagnostico-therapeutic measures.

J Antimicrob Chemother, 1989 Apr, 23 Suppl D, 89 - 95
Comparative intraoperative concentrations of two cephalosporins with activity against anaerobic bacteria; DiPiro JT et al.; We determined the intraoperative concentrations of cefmetazole and cefoxitin in serum and muscle from the wound of 30 patients who were undergoing cholecystectomies . The study employed an open-label design in which all patients randomly received cefoxitin sodium (30 mg/kg) or cefmetazole sodium (15 or 30 mg/kg) intravenously with the induction of anesthesia . Total serum and wound-muscle concentrations achieved with cefmetazole 30 mg/kg were significantly greater than those achieved with a similar dose of cefoxitin . Cefmetazole in a 15 mg/kg dose was comparable with cefoxitin 30 mg/kg in achieved concentrations . The elimination half-life for cefoxitin was much shorter than that for cefmetazole (41 min v . 64-68 min, respectively) and this relates to a shorter duration of action for the former . The choice of agent for surgical prophylaxis should incorporate factors relating to drug pharmacokinetic properties as well as microbiological factors.

J Antibiot (Tokyo), 1989 Apr, 42(4), 497 - 505
A42867, a novel glycopeptide antibiotic; Riva E et al.; A42867 is a new glycopeptide antibiotic of the ristocetin-vancomycin class active against aerobic and anaerobic Gram-positive bacteria . A42867 is produced by a strain of Nocardia nov . sp . ATCC 53492 . A42867 was isolated during a screening program aimed at the discovery of new members of this glycopeptide class of antibiotics, by affinity chromatography based on an acyl-D-alanyl-D-alanine probe . The structure of A42867 was elucidated by fast atom bombardment MS, high field 2D 1H NMR spectroscopy, and HPLC analysis of the hydrolyzed carbohydrates . A42867 differs from vancomycin in the sugar portion and in the presence of only one chlorine atom in the peptide core . Its biological activity on Gram-positive aerobic and anaerobic bacteria is similar to that of other antibiotics of this group.

J Clin Microbiol, 1989 Apr, 27(4), 721 - 3
Assessment of the BACTEC NR660 blood culture system for the detection of bacteremia in young children; Anderson JD et al.; The sensitivity of the BACTEC NR660 blood culture system was assessed by using paired bottles of anaerobic (NR7A) and resin-containing aerobic (NR16A) media and conditions and organisms which simulated those found in pediatric practice . Corresponding media (7D and 16B) of the established BACTEC 460 radiometric method served as controls . The performances of the two systems were similar with 50 isolates of 10 aerobic organisms (aerobic medium) and with 21 isolates of 15 strict anaerobes (anaerobic medium).

J Antimicrob Chemother, 1989 Apr, 23 Suppl D, 61 - 70
The role of cephalosporins in surgical prophylaxis; Gorbach SL; Worldwide, cephalosporins are the most widely used antibiotics for surgical prophylaxis . These drugs are recommended for prophylaxis because of their good safety profile, excellent antimicrobial activity against most of the bacteria causing postoperative wound infection, satisfactory penetration into critical tissues and, most importantly, a strong track record of efficacy in clinical trials . There are still unresolved questions about the choice of cephalosporin and the timing and duration of administration . In vaginal hysterectomy, Caesarian section, and biliary tract surgery a single preoperative dose of any one of several cephalosporins has been used effectively . There are no apparent benefits in using a longer course for prophylaxis, nor for choosing a third-generation cephalosporin rather than a first- or second-generation cephalosporin . Several cephalosporins have been employed successfully in cardiac surgery, mostly in trials using a 24-48 h regimen . A recent study with a single preoperative dose of ceftriaxone has produced favourable results . In elective colorectal surgery definitive conclusions are difficult because of limited controlled studies . The best results have been achieved with an oral bowel preparation such as neomycin-erythromycin . Metronidazole, combined with another agent to suppress facultative bacteria, has also produced excellent reduction in wound infections . While it is not firmly established that a systemic cephalosporin contributes to the proven good effects of an oral bowel preparation, there is evidence that the choice of the cephalosporin should be based, in part, on its activity against anaerobic bacteria.

Rev Argent Microbiol, 1989 Apr-Jun, 21(2), 55 - 61
{Use of sebacic acid for identifying anaerobic bacteria using gas phase chromatography}; Larrinaga A et al.; Volatile short-chain fatty acids formed as end products of metabolism of 25 anaerobic bacterial strains isolated from different clinical specimens and collections were analysed by GLC . Strains were previously identified using microscopic, cultural and biochemical tests . Gas-chromatograms of acids (volatile fatty acid profiles) were obtained with a sebacic acid packed column . The potential application of the GLC technique for the rapid and accurate identification of these organisms is discussed.

J Surg Res, 1989 Mar, 46(3), 216 - 20
Effects of enteral and intravenous antimicrobial treatment on survival following intestinal ischemia in rats; Plonka AJ et al.; One hundred and twenty rats underwent transection of the superior mesenteric artery . The animals were randomly divided into eight groups of 15 animals . Control group 1 and groups 3, 5, and 7 received intravenous normal saline, gentamicin, metronidazole, and gentamicin plus metronidazole, respectively . Control group 2 and groups 4, 6, and 8 received the same compounds enterally . Small and large bowel sections were taken postmortem and a necrosis score was assigned in blinded fashion . Gentamicin did not prolong survival, indicating that gram-negative microbes were not important in this pathology . Longer survival times for animals given either metronidazole or gentamicin plus metronidazole (P less than 0.01) indicate that anaerobes were a causative factor in mortality . During the first 15 hr after ischemia, antibiotics did not change mortality . After 15 hr, enteral administration was superior to intravenous administration in any regimen including metronidazole (P less than 0.01).

Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi, 1989 Mar, 9(3), 148 - 9, 132
{Effects of quingre-lidan prescription on bacteria in the bile of patients with biliary diseases}; Fu HQ; After giving Quingre-Lidan Prescription to the patients with biliary diseases, the authors observed the changes of bacteria in their bile employing anaerobic and aerobic culture techniques . The results suggested that among the bile specimens from 38 patients (hepatolithiasis in 32 and biliary duct tumour in 6), the anaerobes were detected in 68.4%, aerobes in 84.2% . The mean number of the isolated bacteria from those specimens was 3.3 species . Having taken the prescription for 3-14 days (mean 6.5 days), 33 cases among them received an operation for biliary diseases (hepatolithiasis in 32, biliary duct tumour in 1) . The positive rate of anaerobes and aerobes in the bile was 42.4%, 97.0% respectively . The mean of bacteria was 2.5 species . The statistical analysis showed that the positive rate of anaerobic bacteria and the mean of bacteria all had significance before and after patients taking the prescription . The above observation explored the mechanism of Qingre-Lidan Prescription used for biliary infections in microbiology.

Vestn Otorinolaringol, 1989 Mar-Apr, (2), 62 - 6
{Non-spore-forming anaerobes in suppurative-inflammatory diseases of the ORL organs}; Mironov AIu et al.; Nonspore-forming anaerobic microorganisms were isolated in 83.3% of patients with suppurative-inflammatory diseases (SID) of ENT organs . It was found that so-called sterile inoculations of the pus from the inflammation focus were produced by obligate anaerobes and primarily by bacteroids and gram-positive anaerobic cocci present . The application of anaerobic bacteriological procedures for examining the pathological samples from these patients enlarged significantly the spectrum of isolated microorganisms at the expense of obligate anaerobes . They formed predominant microorganisms of the suppurative-inflammatory focus causing SID due to microbial synergism . It was demonstrated that gas-fluid chromatography can be successfully used to rapidly identify anaerobic infection . Effective drug therapy of SID of ENT organs should address anaerobic microflora and should include agents with antianaerobic action.

J Protozool, 1989 Mar-Apr, 36(2), 190 - 7
Biochemistry and metabolism of Giardia; Jarroll EL et al.; Giardia lamblia, an aerotolerant anaerobe, respires in the presence of oxygen by a flavin, iron-sulfur protein-mediated electron transport system . Glucose appears to be the only sugar catabolized by the Embden-Meyerhof-Parnas and hexose monophosphate pathways, and energy is produced by substrate level phosphorylation . Substrates are incompletely oxidized to CO2, ethanol and acetate by nonsedimentable enzymes . The lack of incorporation of inosine, hypoxanthine, xanthine, formate or glycine into nucleotides indicates an absence of de novo purine synthesis . Only adenine, adenosine, guanine and guanosine are salvaged, and no interconversion of these purines was detected . Salvage of these purines and their nucleosides is accomplished by adenine phosphoribosyltransferase, adenosine hydrolase, guanosine phosphoribosyltransferase and guanine hydrolase . The absence of de novo pyrimidine synthesis was confirmed by the lack of incorporation of bicarbonate, orotate and aspartate into nucleotides, and by the lack of detectable levels of the enzymes of de novo pyrimidine synthesis . Salvage appears to be accomplished by the action of uracil phosphoribosyltransferase, uridine hydrolase, uridine phosphotransferase, cytidine deaminase, cytidine hydrolase, cytosine phosphoribosyltransferase and thymidine phosphotransferase . Nucleotides of uracil may be converted to nucleotides of cytosine by cytidine triphosphate synthetase, but thymidylate synthetase and dihydrofolate reductase activities were not detected . Uptake of pyrmidine nucleosides, and perhaps pyrimidines, appears to be accomplished by carrier-mediated transport, and the common site for uptake of uridine and cytidine is distinct from the site for thymidine . Thymine does not appear to be incorporated into nucleotide pools . Giardia trophozoites appear to rely on preformed lipids rather than synthesizing them de novo.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

G Chir, 1989 Mar, 10(3), 117 - 23
{Cefoxitin in the preventive treatment of infectious complications in high-risk gastro-jejuno-colic and biliary surgery}; Conte L et al.; Cefoxitin is a bactericidal beta lactam antibiotic of the cephamycins group, with wide antimicrobial efficacy and active against both aerobes and anaerobes . In this study, 58 patients were divided in four groups according to the site of the disease (stomach, gallbladder and biliary tract, jejunum ileum and colon-rectum) . The efficacy of cefoxitin in the prophylaxis of surgical infections was assessed for each group and for all patients . When compared with the combination of antibiotics used previously, cefoxitin led to a reduction of the mean duration of fever (7.2 and 5 days respectively with ampicillin/cloxacillin and lincomycin/gentamycin, 3.2 days with cefoxitin) . Cefoxitin also led to a reduction in the incidence of surgical infections (50% with ampicillin/cloxacillin, 9.19% with lincomycin/gentamycin, 8.6% with cefoxitin) and in the incidence of localized surgical infections (29.6%, 20.3%, 8.6% respectively) . In this study, cefoxitin has been found to be very useful and well tolerated in the prophylaxis of surgical infections.

Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg, 1989 Mar-Apr, 83(2), 199 - 201
Jejunal flora of patients with megaoesophagus secondary to Chagas disease; Machado WM et al.; The jejunal flora of 15 patients with megaoesophagus secondary to Chagas disease was studied and compared with that of 15 control individuals . In addition to the serological reactions for Chagas disease (immunofluorescence and complement fixation reaction), all subjects were submitted to endoscopy and X-ray of the oesophagus, gastric secretory study and investigation of the jejunal flora . The mean bacterial counts (log10) of Chagas disease patients (4.14 +/- 2.15 c.f.u./ml) was significantly higher than those of the control group (2.83 +/- 1.34 c.f.u./ml) . Aerobic bacteria were isolated from 14 Chagasic patients (maximum count 10(10) c.f.u./ml) and 7 controls (maximum count 10(5) c.f.u./ml) . Anaerobes were isolated from 7 patients (maximum count 10(7) c.f.u./ml) and 1 control (10 c.f.u./ml) . Controls and Chagas disease patients differed significantly in the maximum acid output, but there was no statistically significant relation between bacterial counts and maximum output.

Zentralbl Bakteriol Mikrobiol Hyg {A}, 1989 Mar, 270(4), 511 - 6
GasPak Plus versus Anaerocult A--two carbon dioxide/hydrogen systems for cultivation of anaerobes; Heizmann WR et al.; Two disposable carbon dioxide/hydrogen gas-generating systems (GasPak Plus and Anaerocult A) were compared by assessing growth of obligate anaerobic bacteria . Eighty strains representing 28 species of anaerobic bacteria commonly occurring at various body sites were seeded onto 4 brain heart chocolate agar plates using a spiral plater; and 1 plate each was subsequently incubated in 2 Anaerocult A and 2 GasPak Plus systems . Bacterial growth was expressed as colony-forming units per ml (CFU/ml), reproducibility of the seeding procedure was checked, and the potential interference of H2S-producing bacteria with operation of the carbon dioxide/hydrogen systems was investigated . The presence of H2S only inhibited bacterial growth in the case of Peptostreptococcus asaccharolyticus - an effect observed in both systems . Reproducibility of the seeding procedure using the spiral plater was within acceptable range . Differences between the systems were not apparent when comparing total CFU/ml of a given species and the systems therefore provide equally effective environments for incubation of anaerobic bacteria . In both systems, however, growth varied from one species or strain to another . In mixed infections, detection of certain species of anaerobes may therefore be difficult using either system.

JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr, 1989 Mar-Apr, 13(2), 109 - 16
Stimulation of intestinal mucosal growth with intracolonic infusion of short-chain fatty acids; Kripke SA et al.; Dietary fiber, which stimulates intestinal mucosal growth, is fermented by anaerobic bacteria in the rat hindgut to the short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) acetate, propionate, and butyrate . Butyrate is the preferred oxidative fuel of the colonocyte in vitro, and the provision of preferred intestinal fuels has been shown to stimulate mucosal proliferation in vivo . This study determined whether chronic colonic infusion of butyrate or a combination of SCFA would stimulate intestinal mucosal growth in an animal deprived of its normal source of SCFA, fiber fermentation in the cecum . Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a fat- and fiber-free elemental liquid diet and underwent cecectomy, ileocolic anastomosis, and insertion of a proximal colonic infusion catheter . Rats were then assigned to receive either a continuous infusion of butyrate (20 mM, 40 mM, or 150 mM), SCFA (70 mM acetate + 35 mM propionate + 20 mM butyrate), or saline, or to receive no infusion . A seventh group underwent proximal colonic transection and reanastomosis . After 7 days, jejunal, ileal, and proximal colonic segments were analyzed for mucosal weight, protein, RNA, and DNA . In the colon, the 40-mM butyrate infusion resulted in significant elevations in all mucosal parameters relative to all three control groups, saline infusion, no infusion, and transection . Both the 20-mM butyrate and the SCFA groups showed increased colonic mucosal DNA compared to controls . In the jejunum and ileum, mucosal DNA content was significantly greater in the SCFA group than in the control groups.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Radiology, 1989 Feb, 170(2), 559 - 60
Pelvic actinomycosis associated with intrauterine devices; O'Connor KF et al.; The authors describe two women with pelvic pain, long-term use of an intrauterine device, and a pelvic mass due to Actinomyces israelii . The diagnostic imaging findings were nonspecific but included mass effect and mucosal irregularity of the rectosigmoid colon at barium enema examination and complex masses and inflammatory changes at computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging . Radiologists should be aware of the imaging findings of this potentially lethal but curable conditionPIP: 2 cases of pelvic Actinomycosis both in women 40 years of age, with IUDs in place for 8 and 10 years respectively, were diagnosed with the aid of radiologic techniques including barium enema, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MR) . The 1st woman had experienced malaise, night sweats and a weight loss of 15 lb . over 2-3 months, then felt an epigastric mass for 5 days . She has endometritis, elevated white blood cell count, and large, tender, bilateral adnexal masses . Inflammatory changes and multilocular fluid collections were demonstrated by enhanced CT . Aspiration of the epigastric mass yielded sulfur granules and anaerobic bacteria . She was successfully treated with penicillin, gentamycin and clindamycin . The 2nd woman had a 2-month history of abdominal pain, a pelvic mass and an elevated white blood cell count . Enhanced CT, barium enema and sigmoidoscopy demonstrated a mass between the uterus and bowel, with mural invasion of the sigmoid colon . A 5 x 6 cm left-sided tubo-ovarian abscess adhering to the colon, bladder and left pelvic sidewall was excised at laparotomy . She remained asymptomatic at 6 months . This lethal but curable condition is caused by Actinomyces israelii, an opportunistic gram-positive bacteria usually introduced by foreign bodies, surgery or trauma . CT and MR were helpful in diagnosing the relatively nonspecific signs and symptoms in these cases .

J Clin Periodontol, 1989 Feb, 16(2), 69 - 74
Chemiluminescence of peripheral polymorphonuclear leukocytes from adult periodontitis patients; Whyte GJ et al.; Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN's) constitute a primary host resistance factor against infection . This study investigated the chemiluminescent (CL) response of peripheral blood PMN's isolated from human subjects with adult periodontitis . 32 subjects were categorized on the basis of age and periodontal disease status into 4 equal groups--young healthy, young diseased, old healthy and old diseased . PMN CL was stimulated using heat-killed, serum-opsonized Fusobacterium nucleatum--a specific periodontopathic gram-negative anaerobe, and Escherichia coli as a gram-negative control organism . The results showed a statistically significant enhancement (p less than 0.05) in the CL response, which was cell associated, in the young diseased subjects . This was not seen in the old subjects (p greater than 0.05), suggesting that in periodontal disease in young subjects the peripheral blood PMNs may be in a metabolically activated state . There was nevertheless a degree of variability between individual subjects within each of the 4 clinical groups.

Shika Kiso Igakkai Zasshi, 1989 Feb, 31(1), 102 - 6
Characterization of bacterial deposits formed in vivo on hydrogen-ion-sensitive field-effect transistor electrodes and enamel surfaces; Hoshino E et al.; In order to clarify the bacteriological similarities of bacterial deposits formed on transistor pH electrodes (pH-ISFET) and enamel surfaces in vivo, bacteria were allowed to accumulate on indwelling electrodes in four human mouths, and the predominant bacteria were then isolated and characterized . Both the total number of bacteria accumulated per unit area and the population of predominant bacteria were similar for the electrodes and enamel surfaces, indicating that pH changes in the bacterial deposits formed on the electrodes can be representative of those occurring in natural dental plaque formed on enamel surfaces . Obligate anaerobes were predominant (68%) among the 346 isolates, and almost all the isolates were acidogenic . This may be a good reason why rapid pH-drop to pH 4 level was observed in every subject when 1% glucose or sucrose was applied to the bacterial deposits.

J Antibiot (Tokyo), 1989 Jan, 42(1), 37 - 48
Endusamycin, a novel polycyclic ether antibiotic produced by a strain of Streptomyces endus subsp . aureus; Oscarson JR et al.; Endusamycin formerly called CP-63,517 (C47H77O14Na), is a novel polycyclic ether antibiotic produced by a new strain of Streptomyces endus subsp . aureus (ATCC 39574) . Recovery, fractionation and purification were achieved using standard procedures . Forms include the endusamycin free acid, mp 95 approximately 105 degrees C, lambda max 232 nm (log E 4.16), {alpha}25D +47.4 degrees (c 0.5, methanol) and a crystalline sodium salt, mp 215 approximately 220 degrees C, lambda max 232 nm, (log E 4.15), {alpha}25D +25 degrees (c 0.5, methanol) . The structure is shown below, Fig . 1 . Endusamycin exhibited; antibacterial activity, in vitro against Gram-positive and anaerobic bacteria, effectiveness against coccidia in poultry, and stimulation of propionic acid production in an in vitro system.

Zentralbl Chir, 1989, 114(18), 1224 - 30
{Postoperative wound infections in surgery of stomach cancer . A bacteriologic analysis}; Widow VW et al.; We reviewed 50 gastric cancer operations during the period from September 1984 to August 1985 . The material illustrates the dominance of gram-negative rods and non-sporeforming anaerobes of endogenous gastric cancer microflora and also in postoperative wound infections . The organisms most frequently causing infection after operations are endogenous source . The postoperative wound infection rate was 36% . Therefore, the necessity of adequate use of antibacterial chemotherapeutics in wound infections is emphasized.

Infection, 1989, 17 Suppl 1, S27 - 9
{Enoxacin concentrations in serum and in the wall of the colon during colorectal surgery}; Wenzel M et al.; For successful prophylaxis of postoperative infections in colorectal surgery the administered antibiotic must reach sufficiently high concentrations in plasma and gut wall . Therefore, in ten patients receiving 400 mg enoxacin orally about 2 h prior to operation (in addition to their routine perioperative intravenous prophylaxis with amoxicillin and clavulanic acid) concentrations of enoxacin were determined by HPLC in plasma (samples were taken at the beginning of operation, time of tissue sampling and each hour during the operation) and in gut wall . We found the following plasma concentrations (mean +/- S.D.): beginning of operation 2.53 ( +/- 1.07) mg/l, 1 h later 2.08 ( +/- 0.82) mg/l, 2 h later 1.60 ( +/- 0.65) mg/l . At the time of tissue sampling (on an average 185 min after the enoxacin dose) the plasma concentration was 2.27 ( +/- 1.02) mg/l, the gut wall concentration was 3.74 ( +/- 1.58) mg/kg, the ratio between the two concentrations was 1.70 ( +/- 0.27) . It seems warranted to study orally administered enoxacin (in combination with an antibiotic against anaerobes) in prophylaxis of infections after colorectal surgery.

Akush Ginekol (Sofiia), 1989, 28(3), 43 - 8
{The microbial flora of the vagina in trichomoniasis}; Spitzbart H; The vaginal flora was investigated in women with trichomoniasis by means of a culture method . Trichomonas, yeast-like fungi and various types of bacteria were isolated . The applied microbiological technique allowed isolation not only of aerobic and cicrophilic bacteria but only of anaerobic bacteria . Anaerobic bacteria were nonspore-forming and were isolated very frequently in the vagina.

Nord Med, 1989, 104(10), 247 - 9, 255
{Preventive antibiotics in elective colorectal surgery}; Danielsen S et al.; At least every third patient undergoing elective colorectal surgery without antibiotic cover will develop one or more postoperative infectious complications . Using appropriate antimicrobial prophylaxis with agents effective against both aerobe and anaerobe microorganisms less than 4 per cent of the patients will have such problems . Systemic (i.v.) prophylaxis started immediately before or at induction of anaesthesia is the preferred method, giving maximal tissue concentrations of the agents during the contamination process . Short term prophylaxis, at least as effective as 5 days prophylaxis, will reduce toxicity, cost and resistance problems . Using agents with long half-lives (for instance doxycycline and tinidazole) single-dose prophylaxis is sufficient . Clinical resistance problems or reduced efficacy could not be demonstrated even after 10 years routine use of these agents in prophylaxis . Antibiotics necessary for treatment of serious infections should not be used in routine prophylaxis . Nitroimidazoles (metronidazole, tinidazole) represent an exception since development of resistance to these agents is extremely rare.

Obstet Gynecol, 1989 Jan, 73(1), 52 - 60
Early postpartum endometritis: the role of bacteria, genital mycoplasmas, and Chlamydia trachomatis; Watts DH et al.; To characterize the flora of early postpartum endometritis and the clinical features of women with specific organisms, endometrial cultures for facultative and anaerobic bacteria, genital mycoplasmas, and Chlamydia trachomatis were taken with a triple-lumen sampling device . More than one organism was recovered from 80% of the women . Over 60% of the women had Gardnerella vaginalis and/or anaerobes associated with bacterial vaginosis isolated from the endometrium; these women were more likely to have severe illness and to develop a wound infection than were other women . Genital mycoplasmas were isolated frequently, but specific antibiotic therapy was not required for clinical cure in the 10% of patients who had Ureaplasma urealyticum only . Chlamydia trachomatis was infrequently isolated, but C trachomatis commonly remained after therapy.

Rev Laryngol Otol Rhinol (Bord), 1989, 110(2), 141 - 4
{Diffuse spontaneous cervical cellulitis caused by anaerobic bacteria}; Pignat JC et al.; Nine cases of diffusal cervical cellulitis due to anaerobes were analysed . Some of them had right away extensions (to the inferior mediastinum or to the face) . From these cases, the authors argue their treatment protocol . Surgery was performed immediately after diagnosis, and associated with intensive management . The excision of the necrotic tissue and the aperture of all cervical spaces (particularly the floor to the buccal cavity and the prevertebral space) were made . The source of infection was looked for (most often this being the teeth) and treated at the same time . Bacteriologic aero and anaerobic prelevements were done . A thoracic or facial surgery, being necessary because of persistency or appearance of extension, was performed secondary, after the patient was better prepared with a hyperoxygenation and a triple antibiotic therapy . Life prognosis improved with this treatment protocol . The gravity of the conditions presented by our patients depended more on the presence of an underlying disease (diabetes, immunosuppression, age...) or the delay of the diagnosis than on the cellulitis extension.

Drugs Exp Clin Res, 1989, 15(3), 113 - 4
Antimicrobial activity of dactimicin against aerobic and anaerobic bacteria isolated from intra-abdominal infections; Nord CE et al.; The in vitro antimicrobial activity of dactimicin against aerobic and anaerobic bacteria isolated from intra-abdominal infections was compared to those of gentamicin and metronidazole . The data obtained show that dactimicin is a promising new aminoglycoside covering aerobic bacteria and that it may be used together with an antianaerobic agent in the treatment of these infections.

Ann Otolaryngol Chir Cervicofac, 1989, 106(2), 105 - 7
{Cervicofacial actinomycosis . Apropos of 2 atypical locations}; Klotz G et al.; Cervico-facial actinomycosis is a chronic bacterial disease caused by actinomycetes . The diagnosis may be made on the specific anatomo-pathological appearance of the granulomas and be confirmed by anaerobic culture of the germs . The authors report two atypical cases: the first is a case of a thyroglossal pseudocyst, the second that of adenoidal vegetations in an adult . Treatment with Penicillin G or V for six weeks produced a favourable response . The various clinical forms of the condition described in the literature, should encourage the physician to include bacteriological testing for actinomycetes among his investigations.

J Antimicrob Chemother, 1989 Jan, 23(1), 69 - 77
Antibiotic susceptibilities of bacteria isolated from acute dentoalveolar abscesses; Lewis MA et al.; The antibiotic susceptibilities of 166 bacterial strains (43 facultative anaerobes and 123 strict anaerobes) cultured from 50 acute dentoalveolar abscesses was assessed . Firstly, the effectiveness of five antibiotics, penicillin, amoxycillin, erythromycin, clindamycin and metronidazole, which are available to treat acute dental infection, was studied using a Stokes' comparative disc diffusion method . Secondly, the minimum inhibitory concentrations and minimum bactericidal concentrations were determined for isolates of the predominant species, especially those strains deemed resistant by the Stokes' method . It was concluded that the vast majority of bacterial strains (96%) were sensitive or moderately sensitive to the antibiotics tested . However, resistance was recorded for each of the antibiotics tested on at least one occasion . The MIC of penicillin, presently the drug of choice for acute dental infection, was between 0.03 and 2 mg/l for the majority of strains (96%).

Therapie, 1989 Jan-Feb, 44(1), 5 - 7
{Plasma concentrations of ornidazole in newborn infants and infants after iterative administration}; Turcant A et al.; Ornidazole was administered for ten days to twelve hospitalized neonates at the same daily dose of 20 mg/kg either by one or two IV infusions . Minimum steady-state concentrations measured between the 4th and 10th day ranged from 7.8 to 17.3 (mean = 11.8 +/- 3.2 mg/l) for one daily infusion and from 10.9 to 26.6 (mean = 20.5 +/- 6 mg/l) for two infusions . These minimum concentrations were all above the minimum inhibitory concentration for the most clinically significant anaerobic bacteria . So the single daily administration of ornidazole at the dose of 20 mg/kg is sufficient to obtain therapeutic efficiency.

Arch Microbiol, 1989, 151(2), 95 - 100
Oxygen activation and defence against oxygen toxicity in a psychrophilic Bacteroidaceae; Bentzen G et al.; When suddenly exposed to air the growth of the obligate anaerobic bacterium of the bacteroidaceae type, strain B6, continues for a few hours before coming to a complete stop . When air is shut off soon after growth has ceased, the organism is able to reestablish anaerobic conditions due to an ability to reduce O2, and resumes normal growth after another few hours . The O2 reducing ability of the organism is due to the presence in the cells of a particle-bound NADH oxidase, a soluble NADPH oxidase and a soluble pyruvate oxidase . The two pyridine nucleotide oxidases reduce O2 to H2O2, the pyruvate oxidase reduces O2 to H2O . Catalase and peroxidase were not detected in anaerobically grown cells . Kinetic studies with cell-free extracts showed that the pyruvate oxidase had a considerably greater affinity (smaller Km) for O2 and capacity (higher Vmax) for O2 reduction than the two other oxidases . It is postulated that the pyruvate oxidase acts as a scavenger for O2, leading to the non-toxic reduction product H2O, and thus functions as a defense mechanism against oxygen toxicity when the organism is exposed to aerobic condition.

Probl Tuberk, 1989, (1), 48 - 51
{Isolation of non-spore-forming anaerobic bacteria from patients with tuberculosis of the lungs and other diseases of the respiratory organs}; Kazarova TA et al.; The use of specific means in bacteriological examination for anaerobic microflora in patients with purulent inflammatory diseases of the lungs including ones developing in the presence of pulmonary tuberculosis was validated . Isolation of nonsporulating anaerobic bacteria in monocultures or as a component of polymicrobial associations was shown important for correct diagnosis and using of etiotropic therapy and respective therapeutic measures . This should enable to prevent or to limit development of severe destructive affections of the lungs.

Vestn Otorinolaringol, 1989 Jan-Feb, (1), 49 - 52
{Microflora of the paratonsillar abscesses}; Mironov AA et al.; The species composition of aerobic and anaerobic microflora of paratonsillar abscesses was investigated in 20 patients . It was found that obligate nonspore-forming anaerobic bacteria predominated in the pus of the abscess cavity . Anaerobic infection was diagnosed rapidly by gas-liquid chromatography . Anaerobic bacteria were shown to be highly sensitive to clindamycin and metronidazol.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 1989 Jan, 55(1), 100 - 5
Microbial colonization of injured cactus tissue (Stenocereus gummosus) and its relationship to the ecology of cactophilic Drosophila mojavensis; Fogleman JC et al.; Necrotic tissue of agria cactus (Stenocereus gummosus) serves as a feeding and breeding substrate for Drosophila mojavensis . This fly species is one of the four endemic Drosophila species in the Sonoran Desert . Freeze injuries were created in arms of agria cactus in Mexico to study the events of microbial colonization . Facultative anaerobic bacteria were the first microbes to be detected, and the exclusion of large arthropods by covering the injuries with netting did not affect bacterial colonization . Yeast growth lagged behind bacterial growth by 2 days, and excluding arthropods delayed the detection of yeasts by an additional 2 days . Thus, insects (such as Drosophila species) and other arthropods do play a role in the colonization of agria rots by yeasts . All injuries were attractive to D . mojavensis within 5 days, and these flies were shown to be carrying significant densities of both bacteria and yeasts . Analysis of the volatile compounds present in the developing rots over time indicated that the volatile pattern is dynamic . Ethanol and acetic acid were the two volatile substances most likely responsible for the initial attraction of the injuries for Drosophila species.

Zentralbl Chir, 1989, 114(24), 1533 - 9
{Basic aspects of the preventive use of antibiotics in general surgery}; Simmen HP et al.; Antibiotics are administered prophylactically before operation (at induction of anesthesia) in order to achieve sufficient tissue concentrations when contamination happens . Antibiotic prophylaxis is usually given as a single dose . It is clearly indicated in abdominal surgery . It is also recognized in association with the use of prosthesis in cardiac, vascular, and bone surgery although there is no proven benefit . According to definition, administration of antibiotics in a perforated hollow viscus or an open fracture is not a prophylaxis . First and second generation cephalosporines are recommended for prophylactic use . In abdominal surgery, aminoglycosides too, combined with a drug directed against anaerobic bacteria are widely used.

Ann Ist Super Sanita, 1989, 25(2), 229 - 52
{Gardnerella vaginalis: role of a microorganism emerging as a vaginopathic agent and its placement in the vaginal microbial ecosystem}; Ceddia T et al.; In this review the role of an emergent pathogen, Gardnerella vaginalis (G . vaginalis), as aetiologic agent of the so called "non specific vaginitis" is systematically evaluated . The microorganism is described in its morphological, biochemical and virulence aspects in the framework of the complex vaginal ecosystem . The diagnostic criteria of the disease as well as a possible association of G . vaginalis with other vaginal bacteria, especially anaerobes, in the aetiology of the disease, are discussed . Literature data on prevalence and incidence of G . vaginalis in different population groups are integrated by more recent investigations of the Authors on prevalence and carriage of microorganism in a group of outpatients in Italy.

Scand J Infect Dis Suppl, 1989, 62, 47 - 51
Antibiotic treatment of anaerobic infections; Panichi G; Many bacterial infections, for example those in chest and abdomen, intracranial infections and infections in the female genital tract have anaerobic or mixed aerobic/anaerobic aetiology . Recent data indicate that anaerobes, alone or together with aerobes, are found in 15% to 30% of all positive bacteriological cultures . In 1988 at our laboratory, 284 (75%) of 379 positive cultures yielded aerobes only, 23 (6%) anaerobes only and 72 (19%) mixed aerobes and anaerobes . The initial choice of antibiotics in infections known or suspected to involve anaerobes should be based on the site of the infection, the anticipated aetiology and the severity of the infection . The place in therapy of antibiotics active against anaerobes is discussed.

Scand J Infect Dis Suppl, 1989, 62, 41 - 6
Necrobacillosis; Eykyn SJ; Fusobacterium necrophorum, an anaerobe for which numerous synonyms exists, causes a severe septicaemic illness in man . This, in common with various animal infections with the organism, has been called necrobacillosis . These septicaemias usually occur in previously healthy children and adolescents . A total of 45 cases were studied from over 20 hospitals in England and Wales . The commonest presentation (two thirds of cases) was of post-anginal septicaemia, in which a sore throat was followed by rigors and metastatic abscesses, usually in the lung, but also in bone, central nervous system and other sites . Multisystem disturbance was frequent . Other cases presented without a previous sore throat but with otitis, mastoiditis, sinusitis or dental infection, or with acute osteomyelitis . Two patients died of their infection . In those who survived, recovery was usually prolonged, despite appropriate antibiotics . In many cases there was considerable diagnostic confusion, and few doctors were familiar with the disease . F . necrophorum was often initially misidentified in the laboratory . Necrobacillosis is a serious, if uncommon, infection of healthy young people, it deserves wider recognition.

Scand J Infect Dis Suppl, 1989, 62, 35 - 40
New diagnostic methods for anaerobic bacteria; Romond C; The use of DNA probes and monoclonal antibodies as new diagnostic methods are described in this review . For each technique, the principles for preparation of reagents and the different immunological methods, in which monoclonal antibodies are used, are described . Specificities and sensitivities are discussed with special reference to anaerobic bacteria or their toxins . The two groups of methods are compared as rapid diagnostic methods for direct detection of anaerobes in patient samples . If we consider DNA probes, the radiolabelled are more sensitive and more specific, but results are obtained only after some days . Non-radioactive probes are less sensitive, but amplification procedures greatly enhance their sensitivity . Monoclonal antibodies give rapid results but their high specificity may be a disadvantage when the technique is used for rapid diagnostic purposes on patient samples . This problem may be reduced by the use of pools of several monoclonal antibodies.

Scand J Infect Dis Suppl, 1989, 60, 98 - 103
Suppression of the oropharyngeal and gastrointestinal microflora by ciprofloxacin: microbiological and clinical consequences; Edlund C et al.; The impact of ciprofloxacin on the human oropharyngeal and gastrointestinal microflora has been studied by several authors during the last years . The use of ciprofloxacin for selective decontamination in immunocompromised patients has also been investigated . This review article summarizes the published data concerning these studies . The results show that the impact on the oropharyngeal microflora is minor . Administration of ciprofloxacin leads to a rapid elimination of the major components of the aerobic Gram-negative intestinal microflora . The aerobic Gram-positive flora is partly affected, while the impact on the anaerobic microorganism is minor . Oral ciprofloxacin given prophylactically to immunocompromised patients during severe granulocytopenia prevented colonization with potentially pathogenic aerobic Gram-negative rods, and reduced the incidence of infections caused by these microorganisms . There was no effect on the incidence of aerobic Gram-positive or fungal infections . Administration of ciprofloxacin seems not to predispose to the development of resistant microorganisms.

Bull Group Int Rech Sci Stomatol Odontol, 1989 Jan, 32(1), 19 - 22
Anaerobes and short-chain fatty acids in crevicular fluid from adults with chronic periodontitis; Courtois P et al.; Pathogeny of adult chronic periodontitis is still unclear . Bacteriological and chemical analysis of crevicular fluid have shown, in active sites of the disease, a simultaneous presence of anaerobes and their major by-product: short-chain fatty acids . The last can decrease "in vitro" the neutrophil intracellular pH, whenever these cells are incubated in an acid medium . Clinical investigations are scarce which hold out data useful to attempt verifying this possible physiopathological mechanism . This work shows the presence of anaerobes in the active periodontal pockets, together with the presence of short-chain fatty acids likely to reach a concentration level comparable to that used for inhibiting neutrophils "in vitro" . Forthcoming studies should investigate about a possible intracellular pH drop in the neutrophils and other cells of the inflamed periodontium.

Br J Ophthalmol, 1989 Jan, 73(1), 22 - 4
Eikenella corrodens keratitis: case report; Kelly L et al.; Eikenella corrodens is a Gram-negative facultative anaerobe which is part of the normal human oropharyngeal flora and an opportunistic pathogen of mucous membrane tissues . We report a case of secondary E . corrodens ulcerative keratitis with hypopyon in a 39-year-old male with herpes simplex keratitis . To the best of our knowledge this is the first reported case of E . corrodens as a pathogen in bacterial keratitis.

J Biochem Toxicol, 1989 Winter, 4(4), 267 - 8
The role of enteric bacteria in the anaerobic metabolism of 5-aminosalicylate; Tucker MA et al.; The primary (and inactive) enteric metabolite of 5-aminosalicylate is N-acetyl-5-aminosalicylate . Previous studies have demonstrated acetylation of this anti-inflammatory agent by intestinal and bacterial homogenates . To assess the contribution of anaerobic bacteria to the N-acetylation in vivo, we have measured the production of N-acetyl-5-aminosalicylate in anaerobic microculture . Our results indicate that enteric bacteria play a minor role in N-acetylation, but may contribute to the production of other metabolites of pharmacologic and toxicological interest.

Mikrobiyol Bul, 1989 Jan, 23(1), 12 - 22
{Brain abscess bacteriology and antibiotic sensitivity}; Celik E et al.; In this study pus samples obtained during operation from 28 patients with brain abscess have been examined microbiologically . In three of the 28 patients the cultures were negative (10%) obligate anaerobic bacteria from 20 (80%) patients, microaerophilic bacteria from 2 (4%) patients, aerobic bacteria from 11 (44%) patients have been isolated . Among the 15 obligate bacteria and 2 microaerophilic bacteria, the highest resistance has been shown against tetracycline, among the 11 aerobic bacteria the highest resistance has been shown against Gentamicin and Tetracycline.

Acta Chir Iugosl, 1989, 36 Suppl 1, 161 - 3
{Traumatic and disease-related destruction of the retroperitoneal colon}; Tomanovic A et al.; There are generated conditions for development of massive anaerobe infection which is in condition of communication off retroperitoneal colon, directly endangering life of the patient . From familiar anatomical characteristics of retroperitoneal part of colon and on account of massive anaerobe infect in retroperitoneum, all primary anastomoses and sutures are insecure and shouldn't be used . Application of exteriorization in cases of destruction of retroperitoneal colon is the securiest method.

Meikai Daigaku Shigaku Zasshi, 1989, 18(1), 37 - 46
{The effect of fluoride-containing tooth paste on dental plaque and on fluoride level in the mouth}; Oomori H; Various kinds of fluoride have been used for a long time and there are many reports concerning fluorides and their effects . Recently, the caries-inhibiting action of fluoride-containing tooth paste has been given much attention . In this study, I tried to clarify the residual time and amount of fluoride derived from the fluoride-containing tooth paste in the mouth, as well as to assess possible variation in bacterial composition in the dental plaque bacteriologically and biochemically . In the study on the fluoride clearance from the mouth, both 1.0 g and 0.5 g of paste showed the same reduction rates; and about an 80% reduction was recognized between the value at 3 minutes and that at 30 minutes, and about a 40% reduction from the 30-minute to the 60-minute interval . Next, a study on the variation in plaque bacteria was carried out . The total number of the CFU on each plate was not different between samples obtained before and after the use of the tooth paste; moreover, no difference was noted between aerobic and anaerobic culture . However, when plaque before and after brushing with fluoride-containing tooth paste were cultured in 10% sucrose solution, the differences of acid production such as lactic acid, acetic acid, and formic acid were demonstrated . Namely, these acid productions were inhibited after the use of fluoride, especially lactic acid was strongly inhibited . On the other hand, when Str . mutans from the plaque obtained after the use of fluoride-containing tooth paste was cultured in fluoride-free BHI broth, the inhibition of acid from carbohydrates was not shown clearly.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Rev Belge Med Dent, 1989, 44(2), 87 - 97
{The use of antibiotics}; De Mars G; Antibiotic therapy should be oriented towards sensitive pathogenic strains . The problem in most periodontal infections is that the latter are not clearly identified and that culturing techniques to document sensitivity are time-consuming (at least 5 days for anaerobes) and cumbersome . Thus for chronic periodontal infections, the choice is based on the clinical diagnosis: juvenile, post-juvenile, chronic adult, periodontitis... . It is known from longitudinal studies that mechanical plaque control can cope with nearly all periodontal infections . Antibiotic therapy should thus be limited to refractory or very aggressive cases, acute complications, immunologically compromised patients and patients with a need for antibiotic coverage during surgical procedures . If needed tetracyclines, metronidazole, clindamycin, bacampicillins are the appropriate adjuvants in different types of infections . Considering the side-effects and the increasing resistance of bacterial species, dentists should never use antibiotics without the appropriate local treatment and without a clear-cut indication . Postoperative swelling certainly is not one.

Langenbecks Arch Chir Suppl II Verh Dtsch Ges Chir . 1989;:187-90.
{The pathogen spectrum in acute and chronic pleural empyema}; Ebert W et al.; A retrospective analysis of the causative organisms was performed in 162 cases of empyema: 132/162 (= 81.5%) cases had positive cultures . Twenty-two different organisms were cultured from 235 isolates . The aerobic gram-positive bacteria were the largest group (61.7%), followed by aerobic gram-negative rods (21.7%), anaerobic bacteria (8.5%), and mycobacteria (5.1%) . 1.8 bacterial species were recovered for each case of empyema . Polymicrobial empyema accounted for 48% of the cases . Therefore more than one antimicrobial agent should be administered to ensure adequate coverage.

Prog Pediatr Surg, 1989, 24, 165 - 72
The influence of small bowel contamination on the pathogenesis of bowel obstruction; Schwobel M et al.; Altered motility of the intestine after laparotomy, adynamic bowel segments, blind bowel loops following bypass operations, or diverticula may cause pathological growth of intestinal microflora and thus lead to contaminated small bowel syndrome (CSBS) . As a result of malabsorption in the jejunum and ileum, loss of weight, growth arrest, diarrhea, steatorrhea, megaloblastic anemia, and hypoproteinemia may occur . In addition to these, the acute symptoms of small bowel contamination, intestinal obstruction and secretory diarrhea, are less well known . A stenosis in the terminal ileum was experimentally created in Gottingen minipigs and the bacterial flora of the small bowel assessed by quantitative cultures . After 3 months the number of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria in the pre- and poststenotic region had increased by a factor of 10(2)-10(5) . The acute form of CSBS was diagnosed by microbiological examination of gastric samples in 14 children . After the children were treated with orally and intravenously administered antibiotics, the symptoms disappeared within 12-36 h . Reoperations for small bowel obstruction can be avoided by conservative treatment of CSBS with antibiotics.

Anticancer Res, 1989 Jan-Feb, 9(1), 215 - 23
The gastrointestinal tract as polyamine source for tumor growth; Sarhan S et al.; It has previously been demonstrated that decarboxylation of ornithine in tumors, and the oxidative splitting of N1-acetylspermidine in tumor and normal tissues, are important sources of putrescine . Both these sources are utilised by tumors and other tissues with a high demand for polyamines to ensure their polyamine requirement . Consequently, combined treatment of tumor-bearing animals with an inhibitor of ornithine decarboxylase (e.g . alpha-difluoromethylornithine) and polyamine oxidase (e.g . N,N'- bis-allenylputrescine) has an antitumoral effect superior to that of either drug alone . In the present work, it was demonstrated that the alimentary tract is a third important source of polyamines which maintains tumor growth . Gastrointestinal polyamines are of alimentary origin, and are also formed by aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms . They can be reduced by feeding a polyamine deficient diet together with antibiotics that are suitable for decontaminating the gastrointestinal tract . This treatment combined with the administration of the mentioned inhibitors of ornithine decarboxylase and polyamine oxidase completely prevents Lewis lung carcinoma from growing, and prolongs considerably the average life span of L1210 leukemia mice . The results of the polyamine analyses of tumors, leukemia cells and tissues are compatible with the notion that the effective blocking of the three main putrescine sources (intracellular decarboxylation of ornithine, formation of putrescine from N1-acetylspermidine, and the gastrointestinal tract) produces a very strong cytostatic effect . It is expected that the clinical efficacy of polyamine antimetabolites can be considerably improved by measures analogous to those applied in this pilot study.

G Ital Chemioter, 1989 Jan-Dec, 36(1-3), 45 - 52
{In vitro antibacterial activity of neomycin, bacitracin and a combination of both}; Ferrara A et al.; Bacitracin and neomycin have been used for a long time for local intestinal antisepsis or decontamination, due to their scarce or nonexistent intestinal absorption . The aim of the present study was to determine the activity of bacitracin and neomycin against recent clinical isolates of aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms and to verify their capacity to have a synergistic effect and to prevent the emergence of bacterial resistance when in combination . The results showed that the activity of either antibiotic against recent clinical isolates (even if resistant to cephalosporins and aminoglycosides) is similar to that originally displayed at the time introduction in therapy . Generally the combination of the two antibiotics showed a synergistic or additive effect and prevented the selection of resistant strains.

Lab Delo, 1989, (10), 72 - 4
{Improving the microanaerostat model MI-752 and manufacturing simple microanaerostatic devices for cultivation of anaerobes}; Bazhenov LG et al.; The improvements in the design of the MI-752 microanaerostat, manufactured in this country, are aimed at improving its security . These microanaerostats are recommended to be supplied with seamless cases of various volumes or the rigidity of the case fragments attachment be strengthened with bolts . Unsophisticated devices, high-volume anaerostat and ultramicroanaerostat, are suggested . The former is made of a glove steam sterilizer prechamber, the latter of a glass can, 0.5-0.8 1 volume, with a hermetically screwing lid . Both anaerostats are supplied with 2 taps to be filled with oxygen-free gas mixtures . These apparatuses are simple, convenient, reliable; among their advantages are glass walls and the possibility to do without vacuum pumps.

Lab Delo, 1989, (6), 37 - 42
{Microbiological diagnosis of pyo-inflammatory processes caused by strictly anaerobic microorganisms}; Bazhenov LG et al.; Basing on the literature data and their own findings, the authors have attempted a rational arrangement of the microbiologic diagnosis of anaerobic infections . The precultural and cultural stages of the diagnosis have been singled out . A hypothetic diagnosis is put forward at stage I; it is based on the sum of the clinical symptoms of anaerobic infections and on the microscopy of the native material . During the cultural stage the anaerobe colonies indication is performed in the primary inoculation dish by the technique developed by the authors; preliminary identification of the colonies is made here too . Then the obtained subcultures are finally identified according to relevant schemes and to a table with the differentiating markers . The suggested scheme accelerates and simplifies the laboratory diagnosis of anaerobic infections.

Nippon Yakurigaku Zasshi, 1988 Dec, 92(6), 381 - 7
{The influence of a monobactam antibiotic, aztreonam, and other antibiotics on blood coagulation in vitamin K-deficient rats}; Akiyama Y et al.; The influence of aztreonam (AZT), a new monobactam antibiotic, on blood coagulation was compared with latamoxef (LMOX), cefoperazon (CPZ), cefotetan (CTT) and ampicillin (ABPC) . These antibiotics were administered intraperitoneally once a day for 7 days to rats fed a vitamin K-deficient diet . On the 8th day, blood coagulation activity and bacteria in the caecum were observed . 1) One hundred mg/kg and 300 mg/kg of LMOX prolonged the blood coagulation time and decreased normal prothrombin in a dose-dependent manner . CPZ, CTT and ABPC (300 mg/kg each) decreased both of these parameters, but not as much as LMOX did . AZT (300 mg/kg) had no effect on these parameters . 2) Three hundred mg/kg of ABPC and LMOX decreased the viable cell counts of all aerobic G (+), aerobic G (-), and anaerobic bacteria and yeast, while AZT decreased only aerobic G (-) bacteria . These results suggest that AZT may be less likely to induce hypoprothrombinemia than other antibiotics in clinical use.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 1988 Dec, 54(12), 3079 - 85
Dehalogenation in marine sediments containing natural sources of halophenols; King GM; Halophenols such as 2,4-dibromophenol (DBP) occur naturally in some marine sediments, as a consequence of various animal and algal activities . In an earlier study, DBP was observed in the burrow microenvironment of the hemichordate Saccoglossus kowalewskii . At the concentrations found in the burrow lining, aerobic respiration appeared to be inhibited significantly relative to anaerobic catabolism . This effect, as well as factors contributing to the degradation of DBP, has been documented further here . Results from the addition of radiolabeled DBP to oxic and anoxic sediment slurries and growth experiments with aerobic and anaerobic enrichments suggested that aerobes did not significantly metabolize DBP and that concentrations likely to be encountered on the inner surfaces of the burrow wall were inhibitory . In contrast, only minimal inhibition of growth occurred for anaerobes exposed to 1 mM DBP; in addition, DBP was substantially degraded in both enrichments and sediments under anaerobic conditions . Dehalogenation with the consequent production of phenol appeared to initiate anaerobic degradation . Sulfate-reducing bacteria did not dehalogenate DBP but appeared to degrade phenol . Decreased bacterial numbers and marked differences in the concentration and chemical speciation of iron in sediments from S . kowalewskii burrows may be attributed to toxic effects of DBP on aerobic bacteria.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 1988 Dec, 54(12), 2938 - 43
Physiological characterization of strain DCB-1, a unique dehalogenating sulfidogenic bacterium; Stevens TO et al.; Strain DCB-1 is an obligately anaerobic bacterium which carries out the reductive dehalogenation of halobenzoates and was previously known to grow only on pyruvate plus 20% ruminal fluid . When various electron acceptors were supplied, thiosulfate and sulfite were found to stimulate growth . Sulfide was produced from thiosulfate . Cytochrome c and desulfoviridin were detected . The mol% G+C was 49 (at the thermal denaturation temperature) . Of 55 carbon sources tested, only pyruvate supported growth as the sole carbon source in mineral medium . Lactate, acetate, L- and D-malate, glycerol, and L- and D-arabinose stimulated growth when supplemented with 10% ruminal fluid and 20 mM thiosulfate . In mineral medium, pyruvate was converted to acetate and lactate, with small amounts of succinate and fumarate accumulating transiently . During growth with thiosulfate, all of these products accumulated transiently . Addition of excess hydrogen to pyruvate-grown cultures resulted in diversion of carbon to formate, lactate, and butyrate, which caused a decrease in cell yield . We conclude that strain DCB-1 is a new type of sulfidogenic bacterium.

Pediatr Infect Dis J, 1988 Dec, 7(12), 858 - 62
Anaerobic bacteremia in a neonatal intensive care unit: an eighteen-year experience; Noel GJ et al.; A review of anaerobic bacteremia in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit identified 29 episodes of clinically significant bacteremia occurring over the past 18 years . This experience suggested that certain clinical settings were associated with specific anaerobic infections . Although Gram-positive and Gram-negative anaerobes were isolated with similar frequency, 8 of 12 infants bacteremic within the first 48 hours of life were infected with Gram-positive, penicillin G-susceptible organisms whereas 11 of 17 infants older than 2 days were bacteremic with Gram-negative, penicillin G-resistant anaerobes . Eleven of 17 infants with anaerobic bacteremia associated with necrotizing enterocolitis were bacteremic with Gram-negative anaerobes . Five of 6 infants with anaerobic bacteremia associated with chorioamnionitis were bacteremic with Gram-positive anaerobes . These observations should be considered in making decisions regarding empiric therapy for the newborn at highest risk for anaerobic bacteremia.

J Antibiot (Tokyo), 1988 Dec, 41(12), 1740 - 4
Lysobactin, a novel antibacterial agent produced by Lysobacter sp . I . Taxonomy, isolation and partial characterization; O'Sullivan J et al.; A new antibacterial agent, lysobactin, has been isolated from a species of Lysobacter (ATCC 53042) . The antibiotic was recovered from the Lysobacter cell mass by extraction and reversed phase chromatography . Lysobactin is a dibasic peptide with marked activity against Gram-positive aerobic and anaerobic bacteria.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 1988 Dec, 54(12), 2944 - 8
Carbon dioxide fixation and mixotrophic metabolism by strain DCB-1, a dehalogenating anaerobic bacterium; Stevens TO et al.; Fixation by strain DCB-1 of CO2 carbon into cell material and organic acids occurred during growth on pyruvate both with and without thiosulfate . By using sodium {14C}bicarbonate and sodium {2-14C}pyruvate, the isotopic composition of products and cells was investigated . Up to 70% of cell carbon was derived from CO2 . CO2 carbon was also incorporated into succinate, formate, and acetate . Both carbons of acetate underwent exchange reactions with CO2, although the carboxyl-group exchange was twice as fast . Because strain DCB-1 uses CO2 as its major but not sole carbon source while deriving energy from pyruvate metabolism, we describe its metabolism as mixotrophic . Other mixotrophic conditions also supported growth . Lactate or butyrate, which could not support growth in mineral medium, could replace pyruvate as the oxidizable substrate only when acetate was added to the medium.

Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis, 1988 Dec, 7(6), 771 - 5
Comparative evaluation of RapID ANA and API 20 A for identification of anaerobic bacteria; Summanen P et al.; This study evaluated RapID ANA and API 20 A systems for identification of anaerobic gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria isolated from oral and non-oral infections using standard reference methods . A total of 480 isolates were tested in both systems . The RapID ANA system correctly identified 74% of the strains to species level and 17.5% to genus level; 5% were misidentified . The API 20 A system correctly identified 50% of the strains to species level and 24.5% to genus level; 8% were misidentified and 17.5% could not be identified by the API 20 A system.

Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis, 1988 Dec, 7(6), 758 - 63
Comparison of four commercial microdilution systems for susceptibility testing of anaerobic bacteria; Heizmann W et al.; The reliability of four commercially available broth microdilution systems (ATB ANA, MHK-Anaerob-Biotest, Dynatech MIC system, Sceptor Anaerobe MIC system) for routine susceptibility testing was evaluated using agar dilution and broth macrodilution as reference methods . Using the categories "susceptible", "moderately susceptible" and "resistant", the rate of essential agreement (complete agreement plus minor errors) of all four systems compared to the two reference methods was satisfactory, ranging from 93% (Dynatech system and agar dilution) to 98% (Sceptor system and agar dilution) . The rate of complete agreement compared to the agar dilution and broth dilution method respectively was 61% and 60% for the MHK-Anaerob-Biotest, 65% and 63% for the Dynatech system, 72% and 72% for ATB ANA, and 85% and 80% for the Sceptor system . The Sceptor system was thus superior to the other systems . The systems were easy to operate and inoculate, although arrangement of antimicrobial agents in the Dynatech panels was apt to be confusing.

J Oral Maxillofac Surg, 1988 Dec, 46(12), 1065 - 70
A prospective double-blind evaluation of penicillin versus clindamycin in the treatment of odontogenic infections; Gilmore WC et al.; In a prospective, double-blind trial, penicillin and clindamycin were compared in treatment of moderate to severe orofacial infections of odontogenic origin, which yielded pus on aspiration . Among 27 patients randomized to receive penicillin, 22 (81%) had a successful outcome, and five (19%) were improved . In the 28 clindamycin-treated patients, 23 (82%) had a successful outcome, and five (18%) were improved . No failures were noted in either group . One patient who was receiving penicillin and two who were receiving clindamycin developed diarrhea . Bacteriologic results showed an average of 6.1 organisms per culture (2.5 aerobes and 3.6 anaerobes) . Resistance rates for anaerobic isolates were 8.9% to penicillin and 1.9% to clindamycin . It was concluded that penicillin and clindamycin produce similar good results in treating odontogenic infection when the rate of penicillin resistance among oral anaerobic bacteria is at a relatively low level.

J Bacteriol, 1988 Dec, 170(12), 5468 - 72
Oxygen regulation of ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase activity in Rhodospirillum rubrum; Cook LS et al.; The carboxylase activity of ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBPC/O) decreased when an anaerobic culture of Rhodospirillum rubrum was exposed to atmospheric levels of oxygen . From 70 to 80% of the activity was lost within 12 to 24 h . Inactivation was apparent when the enzyme was assayed in situ (in whole cells) and when activity was measured in dialyzed crude extracts . The quantity of enzyme protein, as estimated from sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels or as quantified immunologically, did not decrease within 24 h of exposure to air . Following extended exposure to aerobic conditions (48 to 72 h), degradation of enzyme occurred . These results indicate that the inactivation of RuBPC/O in R . rubrum may be due to an alteration or modification of the preformed enzyme, followed by eventual degradation of the inactive enzyme . When shifted back to anaerobic conditions (under an argon atmosphere), the RuBPC/O activity increased rapidly . This increase appeared to be due to de novo synthesis of enzyme . The increase in activity was not observed when the culture was maintained in the dark or in the absence of a suitable carbon source . Thus, the oxygen-mediated inactivation of RuBPC/O appeared to be due to some form of irreversible modification . The cloned R . rubrum RuBPC/O gene, expressed in Escherichia coli, yielded functional enzyme that was not affected by oxygen, indicating that inactivation in R . rubrum is mediated by a gene product(s) not found in E . coli.

Microbiol Sci, 1988 Dec, 5(12), 362 - 5
Microbial digestion of hemicelluloses in the rumen; Hespell RB; The ruminant animal is dependent upon anaerobic microorganisms for the digestion of plant materials in the rumen . The resultant microbial cells and fermentation acids are primary nutrients for the animal . Polysaccharides, such as hemicelluloses, are only partially degraded because of the chemical complexities of plant materials and biochemical processes involved in degradation.

J Dairy Sci, 1988 Nov, 71(11), 2967 - 75
Influence of addition of yeast culture supplement to diets of lactating cows on ruminal fermentation and microbial populations; Harrison GA et al.; Six ruminally fistulated Holstein cows were utilized in a randomized block design to examine effects of yeast culture supplement on ruminal metabolism and apparent digestibility . Cows were fed a diet of 40% corn silage and 60% concentrate (DM basis) . Treatments were control (supplement without yeast cells) and yeast culture supplement . Treatment periods were 6 wk . Ruminal pH, ammonia, molar proportions of acetate and isovalerate, and acetate: propionate ratio were lower and molar proportions of propionate and valerate higher in cows receiving yeast . The concentration of anaerobic bacteria tended to be higher and cellulolytic bacteria concentrations were greater in cows fed yeast than in cows receiving control diet . Supplemental yeast did not affect molar proportions of isobutyrate or butyrate, total VFA, or viable yeast concentrations in ruminal fluid . Ruminal liquid dilution rate and total tract apparent digestibilities were not different between treatments . Rate of disappearance of cellulose in vitro was lower in cows receiving yeast . Less variation in ammonia concentrations and microbial numbers suggest that ruminal fermentation was more stable in cows receiving yeast culture supplement.

Czas Stomatol, 1988 Nov, 41(11), 675 - 9
{Bactericidal activity examination (MBC) of glutaric aldehyde on anaerobic non-sporing bacteria}; Kedzia A; Sensibility (MBC) of 97 strains of non-sporing anaerobes separated from clinical materials coming from oral cavity to glutaric aldehyde (Koch Light Lab) has been examined . The experiments have been carried out by the suspension method adapting it properly to the examinations of anaerobes . 72 hours' cultures in enriched thioglycolate broth containing 10(9) of living cells of anaerobes in 1 ml have been used as inoculum . MBC results were read off after 7 days' incubation at temperature of 37 degrees C . From the total number of 97 strain 7 (7%) strains were sensible to the concentration of 156 to 311 micrograms/ml . In MBC ranges equal to 312 to 624 micrograms/ml 17 (17%) strains perished . Most of the strains namely 51 (53%) strains were damaged by the concentrations of 625 to 1249 micrograms/ml . The remaining 22 (23%) strains exacted to utilize glutaric aldehyde of the concentrations within the range of 1250 to 2500 micrograms/ml . It has been noticed that the strains from Leptotrichia buccalis species were the most sensitive ones . In the remaining of anaerobes under examinations the MBC values were similar to each other.

Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg, 1988 Oct, 114(10), 1157 - 62
Osteomyelitis of the mandible; Calhoun KH et al.; The presenting characteristics and clinical courses of 60 patients with mandibular bone infections are described . Fifteen of the patients had posttraumatic osteomyelitis, 13 had odontogenic osteomyelitis, and 28 had osteoradionecrosis . Most infections (93%) were polymicrobial, and anaerobes played an important role . Types of surgical procedures and use of adjunctive hyperbaric oxygen are described . There were minimal differences in presentation or response to treatment between these four different groups . A clinical staging system for mandibular bone infections is proposed and results of treatment are retrospectively analyzed by stage . The results support the concept that initial treatment planning can be safely and successfully based on the stage of the disease.

J Antibiot (Tokyo), 1988 Oct, 41(10), 1409 - 17
Synthesis and structure-activity relationships in the cefpirome series . III . 7 Alpha-methoxy and 7 alpha-formamido analogues of cefpirome; Lattrell R et al.; 7 alpha-Methoxy and 7 alpha-formamido derivatives of cefpirome (HR 810) have been synthesized and tested in comparison with cefpirome and some analogues 1 against aerobic and anaerobic bacteria . Cefpirome and analogues 1 have good activity against Gram-positive and only limited activity against Gram-negative anaerobic bacteria . 7 alpha-Methoxy derivatives 2 show only a slight improvement of activity against Gram-negative anaerobes and are less active against all aerobes . Introduction of the 7 alpha-formamido group (compounds 3) results in an overall loss of activity towards both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria.

J Antibiot (Tokyo), 1988 Oct, 41(10), 1366 - 73
Porothramycin, a new antibiotic of the anthramycin group: production, isolation, structure and biological activity; Tsunakawa M et al.; A new antitumor antibiotic porothramycin was produced by a new strain of Streptomyces albus . The antibiotic was isolated in two active forms, the natural free hydroxyl form (porothramycin A) or the crystalline methyl ether form (porothramycin B) depending upon the isolation process used . Structural studies established that porothramycin is a new member of the pyrrolo{1,4}benzodiazepine group antibiotics having only one substituent on the benzene ring . The antibiotic exhibited antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria and anaerobes and significantly prolonged the survival times of mice implanted with experimental tumors.

J Antibiot (Tokyo), 1988 Oct, 41(10), 1293 - 9
Phenelfamycins, a novel complex of elfamycin-type antibiotics . I . Discovery, taxonomy and fermentation; Jackson M et al.; Phenelfamycins A, B, C, E, F and unphenelfamycin have been discovered in the fermentation broth of two soil isolates, designated AB 999F-80 and AB 1047T-33 . These isolates were identified as strains of Streptomyces violaceoniger . The antibiotics were selected for their activity against anaerobic bacteria.

Am J Med, 1988 Oct, 85(4), 495 - 8
Prospective study of infections in indwelling central venous catheters using quantitative blood cultures; Benezra D et al.; PURPOSE: Surgically implanted central venous catheters are widely used in cancer patients in whom there is a need for prolonged venous access for chemotherapy, parenteral nutrition, antibiotics, and blood sampling . This study evaluated catheter infectious complications, including catheter-related sepsis, exit site infection, and tunnel infection . Specifically, an evaluation of the incidence, type, and response to treatment of indwelling catheter infections was performed, and conditions under which the catheter should be removed were delineated . PATIENTS AND METHODS: During the year of this study, 488 central venous catheters were implanted . Records were maintained on demographic variables, date of catheter implantation, surgeon, white blood cell count, absolute neutrophil count, and underlying diagnosis . Blood for both aerobic and anaerobic culture was collected from each patient . For patients in whom infection developed, clinical features, white blood cell count, absolute neutrophil count, and microbiologic data were noted, as were the clinical course and response to treatment . RESULTS: A total of 142 episodes of infectious complications were documented . There were 88 episodes of catheter-related sepsis, and 33 of 54 evaluable episodes (61 percent) were successfully treated with antibiotics . There were 34 episodes of exit site infection, and 20 of the 29 evaluable episodes (69 percent) were successfully treated with antibiotics and local care . Of the 20 tunnel infections, only five (25 percent) were successfully treated with antibiotics, and the other 15 required catheter removal for cure . Twelve of the 15 cases requiring catheter removal were caused by Pseudomonas species . CONCLUSION: On the basis of these results, compulsory removal of the catheter is not required in cases of catheter-related sepsis . Similarly, exit site infections can often be cured by means of antibiotics and local care . However, catheter removal is required to achieve cure in most tunnel infections, particularly if Pseudomonas species are cultured from the exit sites of patients with tunnel infection.

J Clin Pharmacol, 1988 Oct, 28(10), 866 - 78
Treatment of gram-negative infections in patients with renal impairment: new alternatives to aminoglycosides; Whelton A; Aminoglycosides have become an indispensable component in the armamentarium against serious gram-negative infections . In spite of the availability of effective guidelines for prevention, the frequency of toxic side effects associated with aminoglycoside therapy is an impetus for the substitution of safer and equally efficacious alternatives, particularly in the setting of renal impairment . Recently, three new classes of antibiotics with potent gram-negative activity have become available . These are the monobactams, the carbapenems, and the fluorinated 4-quinolones . The antimicrobial spectrum of aztreonam, a monobactam, closely resembles that of aminoglycosides . Imipenem, a carbapenem, is a broad spectrum antibiotic with activity against gram-negative aerobes as well as gram-positive aerobes and many anaerobes . Ciprofloxacin, an orally active quinolone, has gram-positive and gram-negative coverage against aerobes but not anaerobes . These agents offer an alternative therapeutic option to aminoglycosides and, in the setting of pre-existing renal impairment, are particularly attractive in view of their safety.

Br J Surg, 1988 Oct, 75(10), 1023 - 33
Preventing wound infection after appendicectomy: a review; Krukowski ZH et al.; An exponential increase in the number of published prospective studies reflects both a continuing interest in, and a lack of consensus on, the optimal prophylaxis of wound sepsis after appendicectomy . Review of the literature over the last 25 years leads us to emphasize both the importance of adequate study size and of stratification of the severity of the sepsis found at operation . For critical comparison of prophylactic regimens the high percentage of wound infections disclosed after discharge from hospital must be taken into account . Antibiotics reduce the frequency of wound sepsis and although low wound sepsis rates have been reported with systemic antibiotics active against only anaerobes, the cumulative evidence favours a spectrum of antibacterial activity against both aerobic and anaerobic organisms . Topical antiseptics have no significant effect but topical antibiotics are beneficial . Wide variations in outcome for similar antibiotic regimens reflect the importance of technical factors in determining the frequency of wound sepsis.

J Rheumatol, 1988 Oct, 15(10), 1583 - 4
Peptostreptococcus magnus septic arthritis--a report and review of the English literature; Hunter T et al.; We describe a 30-year-old female presenting with synovitis of the left 4th proximal interphalangeal joint . Anaerobic cultures of the synovial membrane grew Peptostreptococcus magnus . The synovitis resolved after a course of intravenous penicillin G . The role of the anaerobic bacterium Peptostreptococcus magnus in joint infections is reviewed.

Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1988 Oct, 32(10), 1557 - 9
Antimicrobial prophylaxis for major head and neck surgery in cancer patients; Gerard M et al.; A total of 113 patients were randomly allocated to receive either ticarcillin plus clavulanic acid (total dose, 20.8 g) or clindamycin (total dose, 2.4 g) plus amikacin (total dose, 1 g) as perioperative antimicrobial prophylaxis for major head and neck surgery . The two groups were similar in age, prior antineoplastic treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy) or tracheostomy, and the various types of surgery including radical neck dissection . The wound infection rate was 10% in the group of patients receiving clindamycin plus amikacin and 36% in the group receiving ticarcillin plus clavulanic acid (P less than 0.05) . Initiation of systemic antibiotic therapy within 15 days of surgery was necessary for 20 and 45% of these patients, respectively (P less than 0.05) . The distribution of microorganisms causing wound infections was comparable in both groups, except for anaerobes, which were isolated predominantly from patients who had received ticarcillin plus clavulanic acid.

Gan To Kagaku Ryoho, 1988 Oct, 15(10), 2999 - 3002
{Gas shadow on CT scan following treatment in metastatic brain tumor--an autopsy case}; Shimura T et al.; This is an autopsy case report of a 52-year-old woman with a brain abscess presenting as an intracerebral gas shadow on CT scan . She was admitted to our facility in June 1977, with disorientation and motor weakness of the right upper extremities . CT scan revealed two separate mass lesions in the frontal and occipital lobes on the left side . She was diagnosed as having metastatic carcinoma, and was treated by tumor removal, radiation therapy, and intraneoplastic local chemotherapy . Seventeen months later, she was readmitted with decreased mental activity, hemiconvulsion of the right side and high fever . CT scan revealed a peculiar round gas shadow on the left side of the temporal lobe . Ventricular drainage produced a cloudy cerebrospinal fluid with a protein concentration of more than 400 mg/dl and a leucocyte count of 138,200 . An anaerobic culture of the ventricular cerebrospinal fluid revealed Escherichia coli . At that time, the lateral ventricle was irrigated several times with antibiotics . Unfortunately, however, she died one year after readmission . An autopsy was performed shortly after death, at which time serial coronal sectioning of the brain confirmed the CT scan findings presenting as an intracerebral gas shadow, and further demonstrated extension of the brain abscess from the left temporal lobe to the temporal horn of the lateral ventricle . The lesion in the left temporal lobe included yellowish pus with partially brownish capsules . A gas-containing brain abscess confirmed by CT scan and autopsy is rarely seen . The Hounsfield unit obtained from the abscess cavity by utilizing serial CT scan sometimes represents a condition requiring urgent treatment for brain abscess.

Eur J Biochem, 1988 Oct 1, 176(3), 497 - 508
Citric-acid cycle, 50 years on . Modifications and an alternative pathway in anaerobic bacteria; Thauer RK; Many anaerobic bacteria can completely oxidize organic matter to CO2 with either sulfur, sulfate, or protons as electron acceptor . The sulfur-reducing bacteria and one genus of sulfate reducers use a modified citric-acid cycle with a novel anaplerotic sequence as pathway of terminal respiration . All other anaerobes use an alternative pathway, in which carbon monoxide dehydrogenase is a key enzyme and in which acetyl-CoA is cleaved into two C1 units at the oxidation level of CH3OH and CO . Thus almost 50 years after the discovery of the citric acid cycle by Hans Krebs in 1937, a second pathway for acetyl-CoA oxidation was found.

Surgery, 1988 Oct, 104(4), 661 - 6
The septic foot in patients with diabetes; Scher KS et al.; Sixty-five lower-extremity amputations were performed as a result of sepsis in diabetic patients during a 3-year period . Chronic plantar ulcer was the most frequent cause of infection . Other causes of infection included ischemic gangrene, trauma, and web space fissures . Advanced ischemia was infrequent; only 21 (32.3%) had ankle-brachial indices (ABI) less than 0.5 . Eight (23.5%) deaths and 12 (35.3%) stump failures followed 34 amputations where the stump was closed, compared with no deaths and 4 (12.9%) stump failures when open amputations were done (p less than 0.02) . Partial foot amputations with aggressive local debridement resulted in healing in 10 (71.4%) of 14 cases with revision or grafting . Guillotine transmalleolar amputation is advised when foot salvage is not possible, because only 1 (5.9%) of 17 such procedures could not be revised to the below-knee (B-K) level, whereas 8 (33.3%) of 24 definitive, closed B-K amputations were unsuccessful (p less than 0.02) . Infections were polymicrobial, with 5.8 bacterial isolates and 2.3 anaerobes recovered per patient . Anaerobic antibiotic coverage, however, failed to alter outcome . Sepsis, often without advanced ischemia, is an important cause of limb loss in patients with diabetes . Open amputations are recommended, with foot salvage possible in many cases.

Biochem Biophys Res Commun, 1988 Sep 15, 155(2), 747 - 53
Evidence for a new ribonucleotide reductase in anaerobic E . coli; Barlow T; E . coli conditional iron-containing ribonucleotide reductase (Fe-RR) mutant and wild type strains grew anaerobically under conditions when Fe-RR was absent or inhibited . Furthermore, a B12-independent, hydroxyurea-resistant RR activity, unaffected by monoclonal antibodies against either subunit B1 or B2 of Fe-RR, was partially purified from anaerobically grown mutant and wild-type E . coli . These findings indicate that E . coli has a second RR representative of a new class of RRs and that this is the first report where both in vivo and in vitro evidence is presented . It is probable that other facultative anaerobes also have two different RRs such that an optimal supply of deoxyribonucleotides is maintained under all growth conditions.

Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg, 1988 Sep, 114(9), 969 - 72
Bacteriologic analysis of wound infection following major head and neck surgery; Rubin J et al.; Wound infection was studied prospectively in 23 (6.5%) of 354 patients who participated in a series of antibiotic trials during major contaminated head and neck surgical procedures . Polymicrobial infection was identified in 22 (96%) of 23 cases . The most commonly encountered organisms were aerobic bacteria (91%), anaerobes (74%), and fungi (48%) . All fungal infections resolved without systemic antifungal therapy . It was, therefore, concluded that the presence of fungus represented colonization . The primary treatment of an infected wound is surgical drainage accompanied by broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy to prevent sepsis . The value of postoperative wound cultures is unclear . The majority of patients who developed wound infection had a variety of organisms that appeared to be unrelated to the prophylactic antibiotic used, as well as to the particular surgery performed.

Vopr Pitan, 1988 Sep-Oct, (5), 62 - 6
{Use of the agar drop method for the quantitative calculation of mesophilic aerobic and facultatively anaerobic microorganisms and coliform bacteria in food products}; Petrushina LI et al.; The tests in agar dishes and agar drops were used simultaneously to determine the amount of mesophilic aerobic and facultative-anaerobic microorganisms and coliform bacteria in certain food products . The results of the analysis of more than 40 samples of different food products in both the tests have proved to be identical . The method can be recommended for practical use at laboratories of sanitary-epidemiological stations during prophylactic sanitary control, and at laboratories of food manufacturing enterprises.

J Clin Microbiol, 1988 Sep, 26(9), 1619 - 22
Routine evaluation of BACTEC NR-16A and NR-17A media; Courcol RJ et al.; The purpose of this study was to determine whether the BACTEC NR-16A and NR-17A media were more effective than the BACTEC NR-6A and NR-7A media in recovering organisms from the blood of patients undergoing antimicrobial therapy . A total of 986 sets of four blood culture bottles were compared, giving 141, 174, 93, and 104 isolates with BACTEC NR-6A, NR-16A, NR-7A, and NR-17A, respectively . BACTEC NR-6A and NR-7A media recovered 234 isolates, whereas BACTEC NR-16A and NR-17A media recovered 278 isolates . The recovery rate of bacteria when aerobic resin media were used was better than that with conventional aerobic media (P less than 0.001) . The mean detection times were 51.5 and 69.7 h with NR-16A and NR-6A, respectively (P less than 0.01), whereas they were 68.2 and 71.3 h with NR-17A and NR-7A, respectively (P greater than 0.05) . The small number of anaerobes recovered precluded a statistical comparison of relative recovery for that group of organisms.

Laryngoscope, 1988 Aug, 98(8 Pt 1), 803 - 6
Wound prophylaxis with metronidazole in head and neck surgical oncology; Robbins KT et al.; Anaerobic organisms are thought to be an important source of wound infection in head and neck oncologic surgery . Antibiotic prophylaxis consisting of agents specific for anaerobes combined with broad-spectrum agents that provide coverage for other well-recognized pathogens should be an effective combination regimen for this group of patients . We conducted a prospective, randomized study comparing the efficacy of prophylaxis using combination of metronidazole and cefazolin-designated group A, to prophylaxis using cefazolin alone-group B, for patients undergoing oncologic procedures of the head and neck . The rate of wound infection in the cefazolin-metronidazole group (158 patients) was 9.5%, compared with 18.6% in the cefazolin group (172 patients) (p = 0.03) . Patients undergoing clean procedures had a 4.9% infection rate overall, compared with 17.9% for clean-contaminated procedures, and 33.3% for contaminated procedures . The average length of hospitalization was 20.7 days for patients who developed infections, compared with 8.9 days for patients without infection . Anaerobic organisms were cultured in 12 of 26 patients, ten of whom did not receive metronidazole . The lower rate of wound infection among patients who received metronidazole suggests that anaerobic organisms are an important source of wound infection in head and neck oncologic surgery . Chemoprophylaxis for these patients should, therefore, include specific anaerobic coverage in addition to the broad-spectrum agents that cover the more familiar aerobic organisms.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1988 Aug, (8), 31 - 5
{Bacteriologic and gas chromatographic diagnosis of nonclostridial anaerobic infection in suppurative-inflammatory diseases of the maxillofacial area and of the ENT organs}; Mironov AIu et al.; The etiological role of nonsporulating anaerobic microorganisms as the causative agents of inflammatory purulent processes in the E . N . T . and maxillofacial regions has been studied . The rapid diagnosis has been made by the method of gas and liquid chromatography (GC and LC), the results of chromatographic and bacteriological studies have been compared and the main causes of false results obtained in the GC/LC analysis have been considered . The information content of the GC/LC analysis has been shown to exceed that of the main clinico-laboratory results.

Chemioterapia, 1988 Aug, 7(4), 241 - 4
Treatment of bacterial peritonitis; Puleo S et al.; Cefotetan is a semi-synthetic cephamycin antibiotic . It has combined activity against aerobes and anaerobes which makes it of particular use in the treatment and prevention of intra-abdominal infections in the surgical patient . In the course of 3 years we have evaluated the therapeutic use of cefotetan in 107 patients . Early in the evaluation of this antibiotic we used cefotetan in combination with aminoglycosides in 35 severely ill patients with intra-abdominal infections . These patients were generally in poor condition . Good results were obtained in this high risk group . A further 72 patients received cefotetan monotherapy, usually at a dose of 2 g twice daily . The majority of these patients presented with intra-abdominal infections . Overall a successful clinical response of 94% was obtained with antibiotic therapy . In conclusion the results obtained support the therapeutic use of cefotetan in the treatment of moderate to severe intra-abdominal infection.

Chemioterapia, 1988 Aug, 7(4), 223 - 8
Antimicrobial chemoprophylaxis in colorectal surgery; Tonelli F; Infective complications are often seen in colorectal surgery . These even occur in cases of elective surgery and in patients where adequate bowel preparation has been performed and is due to the very high numbers of bacteria colonising the bowel . Several controlled clinical studies showed that antimicrobial prophylaxis is effective in preventing infective complications and the lack of prophylaxis is no longer justified . Antimicrobial prophylaxis can be oral (poorly absorbed antibiotics aimed to reduce the number of bacteria in the bowel) or systemic (aimed to reach a high tissue concentration when bacterial contamination occurs, in order to prevent colonisation) or a combination of the two . Which is to be preferred is still controversial . Systemic prophylaxis should have the following features: 1) use of a single agent with a broad spectrum of action, effective both on aerobes and anaerobes; 2) rapid I.V . administration, at the beginning of surgery; 3) good tissue penetration; 4) long half-life, in order to assure that the single dose will cover the whole duration of surgery; 5) good therapeutic ratio . The use of long half-life cephalosporins, particularly cefotetan, was shown to be highly beneficial . Prophylaxis can fail if contamination during surgery is severe, with a particularly high bacterial count . The degree of contamination of the operating field can be evaluated both by surgeon's judgment, and by tissue or peritoneal cavity lavage fluid sampling and culture . In case of severe contamination (bacterial number greater than 10(5) CFU/ml of fluid or mg of tissue) prolonging of antibiotic therapy for some days is justified . Otherwise, no evidence supports its prolongation beyond surgery.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 1988 Aug, 54(8), 1946 - 50
Effects of an abrupt diet change from hay to concentrate on microbial numbers and physical environment in the cecum of the pony; Goodson J et al.; Microbial numbers, pH, fluid volume, and turnover rate in the pony cecum were measured during an abrupt change from an all-forage to an all-concentrate diet, both fed at maintenance energy levels . Concentrate feeding resulted in increased (P less than 0.01) numbers of total viable anaerobic bacteria . The numbers of organisms growing on selective starch medium increased (P less than 0.01) when concentrate was fed, while numbers on xylan and pectin media decreased (P less than 0.025) . Seven days after the diet change to concentrate, the number of bacteria growing on lactate medium increased (P less than 0.01), followed by a gradual decline . Cellulolytic bacteria occurred in low numbers, ranging from 1.1 x 10(4) to 4.4 x 10(4) per g of cecal contents . Feeding all concentrate decreased both the number of genera (P less than 0.01) and total protozoan numbers (P less than 0.01) in the cecum . Minimum cecal pH values of 6.4 and 5.8 were obtained when forage and concentrate, respectively, were fed, with the minimum pH occurring 6 h postfeeding . Dry-matter percentage of cecal contents followed a diurnal pattern which was the inverse of the pH curve . During forage feeding, the cecum contained an average of 2.2 liters (1.6 to 3.4 liters), which turned over 3.9 times per day . When concentrate was fed, cecal volume averaged 3.9 liters (0.6 to 8.6 liters), with a mean liquid turnover of 4.2 times per day . Microbial numbers and pH changes in the pony cecum associated with an abrupt change in diet from hay to concentrate resembled those which occur in the rumen under similar feeding conditions.

Chemioterapia, 1988 Aug, 7(4), 245 - 52
Prophylaxis in gynaecological and obstetric surgery: a comparative randomised multicentre study of single-dose cefotetan versus two doses of cefazolin; Periti P et al.; Antimicrobial prophylaxis is recommended in all clean-contaminated surgery where the critical threshold of number and virulence of the contaminating organisms with respect to host resistance is reached . Obstetric and gynaecological surgery is clean-contaminated and risk of infection due to aerobic and anaerobic bacteria without prophylaxis can be quantified at 30-40% for vaginal hysterectomy, 10-35% for abdominal hysterectomy and 10-34% for caesarean section . To assess the role of two different cephalosporins as short term prophylaxis, we carried out a multicentre randomised study involving a single 2 g i.v . dose of cefotetan in comparison with two doses of cefazolin (2 g i.v . before surgery and after 8 hours) . Criteria for exclusion were: exposure to antibiotics within 7 days, preoperative infection, hypersensitivity to beta-lactams . Four hundred and sixty patients entered the study, of which 229 received cefotetan and 231 cefazolin . No significant differences in mean age, obesity, preoperative weight loss, diabetes, type of disease, type of surgery (vaginal or abdominal hysterectomies and caesarean sections) and number of pregnancies and abortions existed between the two groups of patients . The total rate of infected patients undergoing hysterectomy was 8.6% (13/151) in the cefotetan group and 17.4% (29/167) in the cefazolin group (p less than 0.05) . This difference was due to cases of symptomatic bacteriuria and antibiotic retreatment, while wound infections were not significantly different (2.6% and 1.8% respectively) . Among patients undergoing caesarean section, 9 of 78 (11.5%) and 7 of 64 (10.9%) were infected following cefotetan and cefazolin, respectively (not significant) . Cefotetan mean tissue concentrations in gynaecological organs were higher than those of cefazolin (25.5-44.8 vs . 7.4-9.5 mg/kg).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Jpn J Antibiot, 1988 Aug, 41(8), 1015 - 29
{Pharmacokinetic, bacteriological and clinical studies of cefuzonam in the field of obstetrics and gynecology}; Kubota K et al.; Cefuzonam (CZON, L-105), an antibiotic injectable of cephalosporin family, was studied pharmacokinetically, clinically and bacteriologically to examine its distribution to female genital tissues and the activity on infections in the field of obstetrics and gynecology . Maximum concentrations in serum and genital tissues achieved 19-46 minutes after intravenous injection of CZON 1 g were 69.6 micrograms/ml for serum, 63.1 micrograms/g for oviduct, 34.2 micrograms/g for ovary, 22.5 micrograms/g for endometrium, 33.4 micrograms/g for myometrium, 30.7 micrograms/g for cervix uteri, and 37.1 micrograms/g for portio vaginalis . Clinical efficacies on 15 cases of intrauterine infection and adnexitis were proved with 4 cases of 'marked improvement' and 11 cases of 'improvement', thus the efficacy rate was 100% . Of 21 strains of aerobes and anaerobes isolated from infectious lesions, 19 strains were eliminated after administration of the drug . No side effects were observed . From these results of fundamental and clinical studies CZON appeared to be a highly useful drug fro the obstetric and gynecological infections.

Med Hypotheses, 1988 Jul, 26(3), 171 - 5
Autochthonous intestinal bacteria and coprophagy: a possible contribution to the ontogeny and rhythmicity of slow wave sleep in mammals; Brown R et al.; A sleep-inducing substance Factor S (FS) has been identified as a member of the muramyl peptide family of molecules which constitute the cell wall of bacteria . FS-like substances are unable to be synthesized by mammals suggesting that the symbiotic bacteria of the gastrointestinal tract are a prime source of FS . The present paper considers the relationship between the ontogenesis of Slow Wave Sleep (SWS) and the colonization of the intestine with strictly anaerobic bacteria . The practice of coprophagy in rats and rabbits is considered as an efficient method of FS ingestion during the sleep period.

Arch Ophthalmol, 1988 Jul, 106(7), 947 - 52
Subperiosteal inflammation of the orbit . A bacteriological analysis of 17 cases; Harris GJ; Seventeen cases of subperiosteal inflammation of the orbit secondary to sinusitis were analyzed from a bacteriological perspective . The recovered pathogens ranged from single aerobes to mixed aerobes and anaerobes . The bacteriology was not related to the duration of symptoms of sinusitis . Three cases with the diagnostic criteria for subperiosteal inflammation resolved with antibiotics alone . The most refractory infections had the most complex bacterial constituencies and persisted despite in vitro antibiotic susceptibility of individual organisms . In these cases, local physical conditions may be drastically altered in favor of the bacteria . Ventilation of the subperiosteal space and sinuses by surgical drainage can help to normalize the milieu in favor of the host.

Arch Pathol Lab Med, 1988 Jul, 112(7), 749 - 51
Isolation of genital mycoplasmas and Chlamydia trachomatis in stillborn and neonatal autopsy material; Madan E et al.; Chlamydia trachomatis and the genital mycoplasmas are significantly prevalent in sexually active women . How these organisms may affect the outcome of pregnancy and the neonate was the principal thrust of this investigation . Placenta, liver, and lung tissue were cultured from Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Chlamydia trachomatis, and aerobic as well as anaerobic bacteria in 432 stillborn and neonatal autopsies . Genital mycoplasmas were isolated from 36 cases (8.3%) . Acute chorioamnionitis and funisitis were present significantly more often in cases with genital mycoplasma than in those without these organisms . Isolation of genital mycoplasmas was not associated with an increased incidence of intrauterine fetal death, villitis, hyaline membrane disease, congenital anomalies, or polymorphonuclear leukocytes in alveolar spaces . Chlamydia trachomatis was not found in any of the sites sampled.

Gastroenterology, 1988 Jul, 95(1), 117 - 23
Interethnic variation in the metabolic inactivation of digoxin by the gut flora; Alam AN et al.; Digoxin is metabolized to cardioinactive reduced metabolites (digoxin reduction products) in some patients by anaerobic bacteria present in the gut flora . We compared the tendencies of Americans and Bangladeshis to reduce digoxin by this pathway . Of 97 normal Americans in New York City, 34 (35.1%) were metabolizers in contrast to 14 of 100 Bangladeshis in Dhaka (p less than 0.002) . Forty-three (35.8%) of 120 American patients in New York City receiving digoxin reduced the drug compared with 4 (13.8%) of 29 Bangladeshi patients in Dhaka (p less than 0.05) . In Americans who emigrated to Dhaka or Bengali immigrants to New York City, the frequency of digoxin reduction product excretion was that of their country of origin . Fourteen Bengali immigrants who were nonmetabolizers when first studied in New York did not metabolize digoxin when restudied 4 yr later . In the Bangladeshis studied in Dhaka, income, education, and most strongly, urban residence during childhood correlated positively with digoxin inactivation . The findings are consistent with the hypothesis that the metabolic functions of the anaerobic gut flora may be determined by environmental factors operative early in life and tend to remain stable in adulthood . Interethnic variations in drug metabolism may be the consequence of differences in the intestinal microflora.

J Antimicrob Chemother, 1988 Jul, 22 Suppl A, 87 - 100
Factors affecting the choice of antibiotics in mixed infections; Tally FP; Mixed infections can occur anywhere in the body and, on the basis of the location of the infection, involve predictable species of anaerobic bacteria . Most of our knowledge of anaerobic mixed infection has come from the study of intra-abdominal infections . The mortality associated with intra-abdominal abscesses in a recent study was lower than in earlier studies, perhaps because of improvements in radiographic techniques for better localization of abscess and early drainage, improved management of nutrition, and the selection of appropriate antimicrobial agents . The efficacy of an antimicrobial agent depends on its ability to penetrate into an abscess and function under conditions of low pH, low Eh and in the presence of beta-lactamases . Some effective antibiotics include clindamycin/gentamicin, metronidazole/gentamicin, latamoxef, cefoxitin, piperacillin and imipenem.

Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1988 Jul, 32(7), 1094 - 6
Comparative in vitro activities of pristinamycin, its components, and other antimicrobial agents against anaerobic bacteria; Laforest H et al.; Using an agar dilution technique, we compared the activities of pristinamycin and its components PIA and PIIA with those of penicillin G, cefoxitin, chloramphenicol, metronidazole, and clindamycin against 200 strains of anaerobic bacteria isolated from suppurative lesions . The antimicrobial activity of pristinamycin was similar to that of chloramphenicol . On the basis of these results and because of its antistaphylococcal and antistreptococcal activities and its absence of toxicity, pristinamycin might be a valuable therapeutic agent for treating mixed aerobic-anaerobic cutaneous infections.

Zentralbl Bakteriol Mikrobiol Hyg {B}, 1988 Jul, 186(4), 368 - 74
{The effectiveness of a skin disinfectant with a cation active additive}; Christiansen B; Within the scope of studies on efficacy of skin disinfection an alcoholic preparation with a cation-active substance (Octeniderm) was tested by way of the quantitative cotton swab method . To study the remanent effectiveness the skin of the upper arm was contaminated with Staph . epidermidis (10(2), 10(3) and 10(6)/cm2 skin) a) 1 minute and b) 2 h after disinfection . Swabs of the contaminated skin areas were taken after 1 min, 10 min and 2 h . It was shown, that Octeniderm compared with 70% Isopropanol and with the preparation without the active substance lead to a significant higher reduction of the contamination flora . Recent studies showed, that alcoholic disinfection of skin areas with many sebaceous glands was as good as inefficacious . A first experiment with Octeniderm on the forehead brought a significant better effect than 70% Isopropanol, but too the mean log reduction factors (RF) amount only to 0.76 for the aerobic and 0.64 for the anaerobic bacteria (exposure time of the disinfectant: 10 min) respectively 0.75 (aerobe) and 0.95 (anaerobe) one hour after disinfection.

J Int Med Res, 1988 Jul-Aug, 16(4), 270 - 9
Effect of doxycycline on pre-menstrual syndrome: a double-blind randomized clinical trial; Toth A et al.; Thirty patients with well-defined symptoms of pre-menstrual syndrome were randomly treated with the antibiotic doxycycline or placebo . The antibiotic-treated group showed a highly significant reduction of symptoms . Subsequent antibiotic treatment of the original placebo group similarly diminished the symptoms in this group . A 6-month follow-up demonstrated that the improvement in symptom scores was permanent and independent from the presence of the antibiotic . Luteal phase endometrial biopsies showed a high incidence of out-of-phase endometrium . An unexpectedly high percentage of endometrial biopsy cultures yielded positive findings for mycoplasma, Chlamydia trachomatis and anaerobic bacteria . There were no characteristic hormonal changes in this study group . An infectious aetiology, possibly a sub-clinical endometrial or ovarian infection, behind certain cases of pre-menstrual syndrome is postulated.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 1988 Jun, 54(6), 1619 - 21
Degradation of DNA in cells and extracts of the obligately anaerobic bacterium Roseburia cecicola upon exposure to air; Martin JH et al.; High-molecular-weight chromosomal DNA from Roseburia cecicola, an oxygen-intolerant anaerobe, could be isolated only when the bacterial cells were kept under anaerobic conditions up to the time of cell lysis . When the cells were exposed to oxygen before lysis, the chromosomal DNA degraded . Likewise, linear but not covalently closed circular DNAs degraded in cell extracts of the organism that were exposed to atmospheres containing O2 but not in extracts that were maintained in a reduced state . Covalently closed circular DNAs were nicked but not degraded in the oxidized extracts.

J Clin Microbiol, 1988 Jun, 26(6), 1246 - 7
Evaluation of in vitro methods for testing susceptibility of anaerobes to ampicillin-sulbactam and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid; Fuchs PC et al.; A total of 97 anaerobic bacteria were tested for susceptibility to ampicillin, ampicillin-sulbactam, and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid by broth microdilution and disk elution methods, the results of which were compared with those of the reference agar dilution method . With the broth microdilution method, approximately 95% of MICs were within 1 dilution of those of the reference agar method, with a definite (0.6 to 0.7 dilution) trend toward lower MICs . The disk elution test performed satisfactorily, but additional anaerobic isolates resistant to ampicillin-sulbactam and/or amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (currently rare) are needed to assure the predictability of resistance by the disk elution test.

J Bacteriol, 1988 Jun, 170(6), 2612 - 7
Cloning, nucleotide sequence, and taxonomic implications of the flagellin gene of Roseburia cecicola; Martin JH et al.; The gene coding for the flagellin protein of Roseburia cecicola, an oxygen-intolerant, gram-negative, anaerobic bacterium indigenous to the murine cecum, has been cloned and sequenced . NH2-terminal amino acid sequence data from the flagellin protein were used as a basis for the synthesis of two mixed-sequence deoxyoligonucleotides . The oligonucleotides were used to identify and clone the flagellin structural gene . DNA sequence analysis of M13mp8 and mp9 subclones revealed a protein with a length of 293 amino acids and a molecular weight of 31,370 . Comparisons with the sequences of flagellins of other species revealed conserved regions and suggested that although R . cecicola has structural characteristics of a gram-negative bacterium, it may be most closely related to the gram-positive bacteria.

J Reprod Med, 1988 Jun, 33(6 Suppl), 591 - 4
Treatment of obstetric and gynecologic infections, with an emphasis on beta-lactamase-producing organisms; McGregor JA et al.; The ideal pharmaceutical treatment for pelvic infections in women should provide good antibacterial coverage, have proven efficacy and be associated with a good outcome in terms of fertility and organ preservation . In an open study, ticarcillin disodium/clavulanate potassium was used to treat upper genital tract infections in 91 women . The clinical success rate was 92% with outpatient-acquired pelvic inflammatory disease; 50% with tuboovarian abscess, as confirmed by ultrasound; 85% with postpartum endometritis; 88% with endometritis plus chorioamnionitis; and 90% with postoperative infection, including cesarean section . The primary adverse reaction was diarrhea, in ten patients . Among the 129 aerobes isolated, 18 (14%) were beta-lactamase positive, as were 32% (20/63) of the anaerobesPublication Types:

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