Zentralbl Bakteriol {B}, 1979 Oct, 169(3-4), 240 - 52 {Aquatic myxobacteria (Sporocytophaga cauliformis) and the order "Myxobacterales" (author's transl)}; Graf W et al.; The indicator function of aquatic myxobacteria for the purpose of evaluating drinking water quality as well as their occurrence in sewage effluent make it desirable to describe these hitherto little known organisms in more detail . To this end, a comparative investigation of anaerobic myxobacteria of the genus Sphaerocytophaga, two typical representatives of the Order Myxobacterales (Myxococcus fulvus, Sporocytophage cauliformis), and a strain ov Vitrepscilla (Vitroescilla proteolytica) was undertaken . With respect to culture morphology, the migratory fringe surrounding colonies of Sphaerocytophaga similar to the other strains studies was a prominent characteristic . In particular, the similarity with colonies of Sporocytophaga cauliformis was apparent . The gliding motility typical of Sphaerocytophaga could be demonstrated in all of the strains investigated . Scanning electron micrographs revealed an amorphous layer of slime covering the cell surfaces in all strains compared in this study, thus excluding the existence of more rigid organelles of locomotion . Taxonomically, the anaerobec myxobacteria of the oral cavity (Sphaerocytophaga) belong to the Order "Myxobacterales" and not the "Eubacterales", i.e., to the genus Fusobacterium . This is clearly suggested by their motility lacking flagella and, above all, by their cell morphology which differs from the Eubacterales. JAMA, 1979 Sep 7, 242(10), 1044 - 7 The increasing importance of polymicrobial bacteremia; Kiani D et al.; Polymicrobial bacteremia increased from 6% in 1970 to 13% in 1975 in patients with bloodstream infections . This type of serious infection most commonly complicated genitourinary (27%) and gastrointestinal (26%) conditions, frequently followed invasive procedures (68%), was more common in hospitalized patients (73%), and was often associated with malignancies (25%) or immunosuppressive or cancer chemotherapy (34%) . Although polymicrobial endocarditis was more commonly encountered in recent years, this infection accounted for only 4.5% of patients with multiple organism bacteremias . Gram-negative aerobic bacteria were isolated from 62% and anaerobic bacteria in 39% of patients with polymicrobial bacteremia compared with 37% and 14%, respectively, in patients with monomicrobial bacteremia . In the 88 patients with polymicrobial bacteremia, the mortality was 44.5%, compared with 18.0% in patients with monomicrobial bacteremia. Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1979 Sep, 16(3), 366 - 71 Anaerobic infection in cancer patients: comparative evaluation of clindamycin and cefoxitin; Klastersky J et al.; Clindamycin and cefoxitin with or without gentamicin were administered to cancer patients having localized infections presumably caused by anaerobic pathogens . The rates of favorable response were 89% in patients receiving clindamycine alone and 78% in patients receiving cefoxitin alone . When the total experience is considered (clindamycin or cefoxitin with and without gentamicin), 20 of 24 patients (83%) responded to clindamycin and 18 of 22 (82%) responded to cefoxitin . Both therapies were well tolerated . Clindamycin was found to be more effective than cefoxitin in eradicating the offending anaerobic pathogens from the site of infection . Aerobic pathogens were frequently isolated along with anaerobes from the infectious sites in this series; their susceptibility or resistance to clindamycin or cefoxitin did not influence the therapeutic response. J Clin Microbiol, 1979 Sep, 10(3), 331 - 3 Practical technique for quantitating anaerobic bacteria in tissue specimens; Spengler MD et al.; Quantitative bacteriology has considerable influence on the care and management of surgical wounds . Heretofore, these techniques have been limited to measurements of aerobic bacteria . A technique is reported herein which permits quantitation of obligately anaerobic bacteria in tissue specimens . This technique is easily reproduced in any clinical laboratory and eliminates the need for expensive anaerobic chambers. N Z Med J, 1979 Aug 22, 90(642), 149 - 50 Susceptibility of New Zealand isolates to anaerobic bacteria to tinidazole; Tannock GW; Minimum inhibitory and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MIC, MBC) of tinidazole for 80 New Zealand isolates of anaerobic bacteria were determined . Growth of 95 percent of the isolates was inhibited by 4 micrograms/ml or less of tinidazole . MBC values were the same as, or one dilution higher than, the MIC. Am J Med, 1979 Aug, 67(2), 219 - 27 Anaerobic bacterial meningitis; Heerema MS et al.; Anaerobic meningitis occurred in four patients in whom anaerobic bacteria had not been suspected as a possible cause . The predisposing conditions were typical of those seen in patients previously reported to have this infection and included chronic otitis media with mastoiditis, chronic sinusitis, recent craniotomy and abdominal trauma . Two of the patients had undergone immunosuppression (immunosuppressed patients); a compromised immune system may facilitate the development of anaerobic meningitis in patients with the appropritate underlying conditions . Head and neck neoplasms, head trauma, suppurative pharyngitis and laminectomy wounds are additional situations in which anaerobic meningitis occurs . Anaerobic bacterial meningitis probably occurs more often than is recognized . The cerebrospinal fluid should be transported and cultured anaerobically when meningitis develops in a patient with a predisposing condition. Surg Gynecol Obstet, 1979 Aug, 149(2), 217 - 9 Microbiology of superficial and deep tissues in infected diabetic gangrene; Sharp CS et al.; In the current study, it is shown that, in the lesions of diabetic gangrene, there are usually mixed flora of two or more organisms . The organisms isolated from the presenting lesion may only partially reflect the organisms found in the deep tissues . Of the 58 cultures from the deep tissues, 11 of the isolates were anaerobes, but those anaerobes were never isolated as a pure culture . Bacterial synergism probably plays a role in infected diabetic gangrene . Maximizing the reduction of systemic infection and local cellulitis by elevation and appropriate antibiotic therapy results in improved wound healing in amputations of the lower extremities in patients with diabetic gangrene . However, apparent from this study, antibiotic therapy does not eradicate the organisms in the deep tissue, and surgical procedures are usually required for definitive treatment . Material from the surgically removed infected tissue should always be cultured for identification of existing organisms . When indicated, appropriate adjustment of antibiotic therapy, based upon these findings, should be prescribed. Am J Clin Pathol, 1979 Aug, 72(2), 199 - 203 Evaluation of ten anaerobic blood culture media; Schell RF et al.; Selection of an anaerobic blood culture based upon clinical findings that have compared the isolation rates of bacteremic agents from different blood culture media . No agreement has been reached as to which of the commercially available blood culture media is optimal for detection of bacteremia . The purpose of this study was to determine the rates of recovery of anaerobic microorganisms from various anaerobic blood culture media . The blood culture media were inoculated with a small inoculum of microorganisms in the presence or absence of an erythrocyte-serum mixture . The results demonstrated that the type of medium and the erythrocyte-serum mixture influenced the ability of blood culture media to support the growth of microorganisms . The majority of the media failed to support the growth of 87% or more of the microorganisms within four days after inoculation . Pre-reduced brain-heart infusion broth supported the growth of a larger proportion of microorganisms than the other types of blood culture media. J Reprod Med, 1979 Aug, 23(2), 49 - 56 Sterilization of laparoscopes . Is soaking sufficient? Corson SL, Block S, Mintz C, Dole M, Wainwright A. Controversy exists over the proper methods of sterilizing laparoscopic telescopes . An edict requiring gas sterilization rather than solution soaking of these instruments is in force in all federal hospitals . This rule has necessitated capital investments for new instruments and has led to a severe reduction in the number of cases of laparoscopy that may be scheduled in one day . Fear of contamination is based on theoretical considerations and rusn counter to the actual, observed safety record seen with laparoscopes soaked in activated glutaraldehyde between cases . In an effort to dispassionately approach this problem, cultures of the umbilical area, the laparoscope and the pelvic serosal surfaces were taken to document the type of organisms commonly encountered under clinical conditions . Cultures for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria as well as for fungi were taken after soaking the telescope in activated glutaraldehyde . The results demonstrated growth of common skin organisms even after skin preparation with povidone-iodine and ethyl alcohol . Similar organisms were recovered in some cases from the laparoscope and the pelvic surfaces . The actual degree of contamination suggested by a colony count falls well within the range of the healthy peritoneum to cope with these organisms . Recommendations for laparoscopic sterilization or disinfection are based on the results obtained. Rev Gastroenterol Mex, 1979 Jul-Sep, 44(3), 147 - 53 {Infections caused by gram negative anaerobic bacteria and other associated bacterial strains}; Tamayo y Orozco JA et al.; Between November 1975--December 1977, in the Laboratory of Microbiology, National Institute of Nutrition, Mexico, 156 cultures for anaerobic bacteria were grown on 118 cases with a clinical picture suggestive of anaerobic infection . There were 42 positive cultures (26.9%) from which 18 (42.8%) grew a mixed flora (aerobicanaerobic) . Those 42 cultures came from 35 patients (29.6%) and the 18 mixed cultures came from 18 cases (15.25% global and 51.42% of the cases with anaerobic flora) . The highest positive marks were obtained from material provenient from the abdominal cavity, and lesser indexes were obtained from lungs, blood, bone and sinovial cavities . The overall mortality was registered in 24 cases (20.33%) but only in 6 cases (5.8% global and 25% of the total cases) a positive anaerobic culture was obtained . In these 6 cases the cause of death was secondary to the principal disease, and only in one case the patient died from septicemia . The diagnosis of anaerobic infection resides mainly in the clinical findings, secondly in a positive gram stain, and thirdly in the identification of the etiologic agent, that will aid in the choice of a more specific therapy, which must include a surgical excision of the affected tissues. South Med J, 1979 Jun, 72(6), 687 - 9, 692 Lethal toothache: parapharyngeal cellulitis complicating dental infection; English WJ 2nd et al.; Three patients with parapharyngeal cellulitis arising from dental infection were seen by the Medical Service over a period of ten months . Respiratory distress and/or pharyngeal discomfort prompted all patients to seek medical aid . The extent of infection within the parapharyngeal space, the potential for life-threatening complications, and the significance of the dental lesions were not appreciated initially in all cases . Despite early antibiotic therapy, one patient died and one incurred severe neurologic sequelae . Early recognition, use of antibiotics effective against anaerobic bacteria, and prompt surgical drainage are mandatory to prevent considerable morbidity and mortality . Control of the airway is the most important therapeutic maneuver leading to a favorable outcome. J Pediatr, 1979 Jun, 94(6), 912 - 4 Acute suppurative thyroiditis in children; Abe K et al.; Ten cases of acute suppurative thyroiditis were studied . All patients remained euthyroid clinically during the course of this disease and during the follow-up . Of seven cases in which bacterial cultures were performed, an aerobic bacterium alone was isolated in one patient and anaerobic bacteria alone in four patients . Mixed aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms were recovered from one patient and cultures were negative in one case . Plasma TSH, T4, T3, and PBI levels were normal except in one case . The 131I uptake values were normal in six of seven cases . Plasma TSH response to TRH stimulation was normal in four of five cases . Antibodies against thyroglobulin and thyroid microsome were negative in four of six cases . These findings suggest that anaerobic bacteria may play an important role in the pathogenic process of acute suppurative thyroiditis and that the pituitary-thyroid functions are not impaired. Laryngoscope, 1979 Jun, 89(6 Pt 1), 992 - 7 Otitis media in children: a prospective study of aerobic and anaerobic bacteriology; Brook I; Tympanocentesis with aerobic and anaerobic cultivation of middle ear fluid was performed through one or both tympanic membranes of 186 children with acute otitis media . Aerobic bacteria alone, predominantly pneumococcus and Hemophilus influenzae, were isolated from 118 (63.4%) patients: and anaerobic organisms alone, most commonly Peptococcus, from 24 (12.9%) . Twenty-six (14%) yielded mixtures of aerobes and anaerobes, and several had multiple aerobic agents . No bacterial growth was noted in 18 (9.7%) patients . The isolation of anaerobic bacteria alone, supported in some patients by Gram-stain observations of middle ear fluid, suggests that these bacteria, especially Peptococcus, may occasionally play a direct role in acute otitis media. J Biol Chem, 1979 May 25, 254(10), 3812 - 7 Biohydrogenation of unsaturated fatty acids . Presence of dithionite and an endogenous electron donor in Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens; Yamazaki S et al.; Two oxygen-consuming substances were isolated from cell-free extracts of the rumen anaerobe, Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens . The major fraction comprising 97% of the total activity was characterized as a three-component mixture of glucose, maltose, and dithionite . The minor activity fraction contained an electron donor for the reduction of cis-9,trans-11-octadecadienoate to trans-11-octadecenoate . After oxidation, the electron donor could be reduced by the dithionite, thereby accounting for the previously observed capacity of cell-free extracts of the bacterium to carry out the biohydrogenation of the conjugated dienoic fatty acid. Mikrobiologiia, 1979 May-Jun, 48(3), 406 - 10 {Effect of methanosarcina on the growth of primary anaerobes}; Bonch-Osmolovskaia EA; The effect of Methanosarcina vacuolata on the mixed celluloytic population and on pure cultures of anaerobic bacteria was studied . In the pasteurized enrichment culture decomposing cellulose but producing no methane, the biomass of primary anaerobes increased at a higher rate when Methanosarcina was introduced; the rate of cellulose hydrolysis did not change . Methanosarcina stimulated also the growth of Escherichia intermedia and Ruminococcus albus on a medium containing glucose and cellobiose . The growth of combined cultures with the production of methane was possible only on a medium with a low content of carbohydrates since an increase in the concentration of glucose inhibited the growth of Methanosarcina. Am J Surg, 1979 May, 137(5), 593 - 6 Comparative efficacy of prophylactic cephalothin and cefamandole for elective colon surgery: results of a prospective, randomized, double-blind study; Slama TG et al.; Thirty-four patients undergoing elective colon resection or anastomosis received either intravenous cephalothin or cefamandole prophylactically and were observed for evidence of intraabdominal or wound infection, or both, postoperatively . The infection rates were 31 and 33 per cent, respectively . Infections were caused predominantly by cephalosporin resistant aerobes and anaerobes . All four bacteremias were caused by members of the B . fragilis group . The overall infection rate (32 per cent) and the frequency of anaerobic bacteremia (12 per cent) observed in this study were much higher than previously reported after cephalosporin prophylaxis for colorectal surgery. Am J Obstet Gynecol, 1979 May 1, 134(1), 68 - 74 Use of laparoscopy to determine the microbiologic etiology of acute salpingitis; Sweet RL et al.; To determine the microbiologic etiology of acute salpingitis, laparoscopy was used in 26 patients to obtain specimens for a variety of microorganisms directly from the fallopian tube . Simultaneous culdocentesis was performed to obtain peritoneal fluid for microbiologic analysis . A variety of microorganisms were isolated from the fallopian tubes and cul-de-sac aspirate . However, the organisms isolated from the fallopian tube were not consistent with the cul-de-sac isolates . It appears that direct culture from the fallopian tube may be necessary to determine the microbiologic etiology and pathogenesis of acute salpingitis . N . gonorrhoeae was isolated from the cul-de-sac in 32 per cent of cases and the fallopian tube in 19 per cent . In patients with endocervical gonorrhea, the gonococcus was isolated from the fallopian tube in 38.5 per cent of cases . Aerobic and/or anaerobic bacteria were present in the cul-de-sac aspirate in 46 per cent of patients and in the fallopian tube in 38 per cent. J Clin Periodontol, 1979 Apr, 6(2), 115 - 30 Effect of hydrogen peroxide on developing plaque and gingivitis in man; Wennstrom J et al.; The present experiment was undertaken to assess the effect of hydrogen peroxide release during mouth rinsings on the composition of the microbiota of developing plaque in humans and the amount and pathogenecity of the plaque formed . The trial was designed as a double-blind crossover study of the effect of a mouthwash (Amosan) had a placebo rinse on the development of plaque and gingivitis in young adults . The active compound was available as a powder; the rinse consisted of 1.7 g powder dissolved in 30 ml hot tap water . Fourteen dental students participated in the trial . The students were examined during two consecutive periods, each consisting of one preparatory (during which active tooth cleaning measures were carefully practiced) and one main test period (during which mouth rinsings were the only plaque control measure) . Each of the two test periods was initiated by a baseline examination following which the participants rinsed either with the active or the placebo mouthwash . The rinsings were performed immediately after breakfast, after lunch and after dinner . Measurements of Plaque and Gingival Index scores were performed 4, 7 and 14 days after the start of the no-toothbrushing period . Bacteria were sampled and examined after 7 and 14 days of trial . The results demonstrated that a mouthwash which released hydrogen peroxide effectively prevented the colonization of filaments, fusiforms, motile and curved rods as well as spirochetes in developing plaque . The mouthwash which was used as the only oral hygiene measure during a 2-week period furthermore markedly reduced the amount of plaque formed and significantly retarded gingivitis development . It is suggested that H202 released by mouthwashes during rinsing may prevent or retard the colonization and multiplication of anaerobic bacteria. Ann Sclavo, 1979 Mar-Apr, 21(2), 205 - 28 {Bacteriological diagnosis of anaerobic infections (author's transl)}; Filadoro F et al.; A review on anaerobic bacteria with special reference to their role in human disease and an outline for clinical laboratory practice (collection of the specimens, culture media, isolation, identification, antibiotic sensitivity tests) is presented. Rev Infect Dis, 1979 Mar-Apr, 1(2), 248 - 53 Taxonomy, enzymes, and clinical relevance of anaerobic bacteria; Finegold SM; Present systems for the classification of anaerobic bacteria have eliminated many of the problems of earlier systems . There are still a number of major problems that require attention, however . Anaerobic bacteria produce many different enzymes that are of importance in providing nutrients to the bacterial cell, as virulence factors, and in permitting organisms to colonize or survive under adverse conditions (including exposure to antimicrobial agents) . Some enzymes effect several types of modifications to bile acids, neutral steroids, and corticosteroids . Anaerobes are clearly important in a variety of infections in humans and animals as well as in various other types of pathologic processes. J Hyg (Lond), 1979 Feb, 82(1), 101 - 14 Gastroenteritis in London and Jamaica: a clinical and bacteriological study; Ellis-Pegler RB et al.; The flora of both faeces and small bowel lumen was studied in children with gastroenteritis from London, England, and Kingston, Jamaica . Clinical and laboratory differences between these two groups are described . All bacterial groups in the faeces were greatly altered during gastroenteritis and this particularly affected anaerobic organisms . These changes generally reverted rapidly to normal after the illness . The small bowel flora was also altered during gastroenteritis; there was a tendency for a wider range of organisms including anaerobes to be isolated from the children in Jamacia than from those in England. Thorax, 1979 Feb, 34(1), 106 - 12 Pleural effusion: laboratory tests in 300 cases; Hirsch A et al.; The cause of pleural effusion was studied in 300 consecutive patients by clinical examination and laboratory tests . The three most common causes were found to be cancer 117 cases (metastatic 65, bronchogenic 34, mesothelioma 10, lymphoma 7, other 1); tuberculous infection 53; and bacterial infection 38 . The cause was not found in 62 patients . Cancer diagnosis was established by cytological examination of pleural fluid (63), closed pleural biopsy (37), and open pleural biopsy (11) . Tuberculosis was diagnosed by culture of pleural fluid (12), closed pleural biopsy (38), and open pleural biopsy (3) . In cases of empyema 12 Gram-positive and two Gram-negative cocci and two anaerobes were identified . The various causes and the usefulness of the different investigative procedures are discussed, and the data evaluated in the light of current knowledge about mechanisms of transfer through the pleural space. J Bacteriol, 1979 Feb, 137(2), 905 - 11 Nitrite reduction in Veillonella alcalescens; Yordy DM et al.; Nitrite reduction was examined in Veillonella alcalescens C-1, and obligate anaerobe with an ATP-yielding nitrate-reducing system . Hydrogen donors for nitrite reduction included hydrosulfite, hydrogen gas, and pyruvate, but not pyridine nucleotides, in the presnece or absence of flavins . Pyruvate-linked nitrite reduction was not inhibited by 4,4,4-trifluoro-1-(2-thienyl) 1,3-butanedione, dicoumarol, or 2-heptyl-4-hydroxy-quinoline-N-oxide . The noninvolvement of membrane-bound factors was supported by the fact that 100% of pyruvate-linked activity remained in the soluble fraction after fractionation of crude extracts by ultracentrifugation . Using DEAE-cellulose column chromatography, however, the participation of ferredoxin in nitrite reduction was demonstrated . The product of nitrite reduction appeared to be ammonia, as determined from H2-to-NO2- ratios . Nitrite reductase was induced by nitrate or nitrite and was repressed by increased levels of reduced nitrogenous compounds. S Afr Med J, 1979 Jan 27, 55(4), 129 - 32 Incidence of aerobic and anaerobic infection in patients with incomplete abortion; Kowen DE et al.; The incidence of infection in 100 cases of abortion was studied . Intra-uterine swabs and products of conception were cultured both aerobically and anaerobically . Significant potentially-pathogenic organisms were cultured from 94 of 100 intra-uterine swabs and from all 100 samples of the products of conception . Anaerobes were cultured from 70 intra-uterine swabs and from 56 products of conception . The spectrum and relative proportion of organisms isolated resemble those found in the normal vagina and cervical os . In addition, positive blood cultures were obtained from 24 patients, 8 on admission and 17 after evacuation . With this high incidence of infection, routine antimicrobial therapy for aerobic and anaerobic organisms should be given to all patients with abortion. Dermatologica, 1979, 158(1), 72 - 9 Antimicrobial spectrum of triclosan, a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent for topical application . II . Comparison with some other antimicrobial agents; Regos J et al.; The antimicrobial activity of 5-chloro-2(2,4-dichlorophenoxy) phenol (triclosan, one of the active ingredients of Logamel, Ciba-Geigy) was compared in vitro with that of other antimicrobials exclusively or occasionally used as topical agents in dermatology: hexachlorophene, clioquinol, chlorquinaldol . gentamicin, neomycin, nystatin, econazole, clotrimazole and salicylic acid . Upon determination of the MICs for 53 strains of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, yeasts and fungi, triclosan was found to display a high degree of activity against most of the test organisms and to have the broadest spectrum of chemotherapeutically significant antimicrobial activity of the substances tested. Zentralbl Gynakol, 1979, 101(23), 1532 - 6 {Use of "Konokonlit B", butyl-cyano-acrylate tissue adhesive, for caesarean section (author's transl)}; Kosowski I et al.; "Kanokonlit B", a butylic cyano-acrylate tissue adhesive, was applied to 60 patients with caesarean section to stabilise uterus sutures . Severe postsurgical infection did not occur in any of the cases . Evidence thus was produced to the high quality of the tissue adhesive, its tensile strength and its antibacterial properties to resist aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms . Direct histotoxicity was negligible . The adhesive is recommended by the authors for wider use in obstetrical and gynaecological practice. Ann Ist Super Sanita, 1979, 15(1), 53 - 63 {Anaerobic infections in surgery}; Speranza V et al.; In the past few years the incidence of anaerobes in the aetiology of surgical infections has definitely increased due to a distinct increase in anaerobic flora and to the noticeable improvement in isolation and culture techniques which have drastically decreased the incidence of so-called "sterile pus" . The development of the toxi-infective shock due to Gram negative anaerobes, presents the most serious clinical problems, being the shock with the highest mortality rate . A paradigmatic example of shock due to surgical infections is the shock complicating peritonitis . A correct postoperative behaviour includes peritoneal lavage through drainages placed during surgery . The AA . personal experience with 50 hospitalized patients treated surgically and with cefoxitin, a new cephamycin semisynthetic antibiotic resistant to beta-lactamases, is reported. Ann Ist Super Sanita, 1979, 15(1), 137 - 52 {Approaches to antibiotic therapy in anaerobic infections}; Giunchi G; After a short introduction pointing out the difficulties faced by an italian clinician when he has to apply a correct aetiologic therapy to the non-sporing anaerobe infections, difficulties which are especially due to the lack of an efficient microbiologic support, the A . examines the main infections caused by these bacteria and shows the treatment for each case according to the more recent literature and to his own experience. Ann Ist Super Sanita, 1979, 15(1), 95 - 103 {A definitive identification method: gas-liquid chromatography}; Boniforti L et al.; The definitive identification of many anaerobes requires the use of gas-liquid chromatography to detect alcohol and volatile acids end-products of their metabolism . In this study we have used the gas-liquid chromatography for the identification of 360 non sporing anaerobes isolated from faeces of healthy individuals . These analyses were performed on a Variant-Aerograph mod . 2700 gas chromatography fitted with a column without phosphoric acid . The results showed a good percentage of typing (83%). Ann Ist Super Sanita, 1979, 15(1), 85 - 94 {Technics for isolation, incubation and preliminary identification tests}; Panichi G et al.; In this report the AA . emphasize the fact that anaerobes are mostly isolated from mixed cultures in which several bacteria are present . Therefore they suggest to grow all the bacteria under the best conditions and consequently to select the anaerobes from the aerobes . Furthermore they describe the selecting techniques used at Istituto Superiore di Sanita and Clinica Medica III, to attain this aim and enumerate the best methods used for anaerobic incubation. Ann Ist Super Sanita, 1979, 15(1), 65 - 76 Anaerobic sepsis; Tabaqchali S; Anaerobic bacteria are the major residents of the skin and mucous-membrane surfaces, it is reasonable to suspect therefore, that these organisms play a part in the pathological processes associated with disturbances of these sites . The improvements in laboratory methods and the clarification of taxonomy have resulted in an increased awareness of the prevalence and virulence of the non-sporing anaerobic organisms in clinical infections . In this paper, only a brief outline of the types of infections associated with the normal flora and the types of bacteria isolated from these infections are given . Finally some of the pathogenetic mechanisms of anerobic infections are discussed. Ann Ist Super Sanita, 1979, 15(1), 105 - 11 Definitive identification methods: antibiotic sensitivity and microtube system; Peach S; The definite identification of species and subspecies of an anaerobe implies certain difficulties, such as the poor and slow fermentation of carbohydrates under anaerobic conditions and the fact of having many keys in common . As a result several tests are required and as the number of tests increases the chances of error and the number of variables also increase . Hence specific methods have been developed in order to try and obtain satisfactory results . The A . refers his experience and judgement on V.P.I . and A.P.I . and on identification based upon antibiotic sensitivity spectrum . When properly used, such techniques enable the species and subspecies of non-sporing anaerobes to be more easily identified. Z Allg Mikrobiol, 1979, 19(6), 431 - 8 Dynamics of anaerobic growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in the chemostat; Wojcik M et al.; A kinetic Monod model has been used to describe the dynamic response of a continuous stirred tank fermentor (CSTF) to changes in dilution rate . A general analytical solution of a linearized model was obtained . Experimental results (Vairo et al . 1977) of continuous anaerobic culture of Saccharomyces cerevisiae have verified the model quantitatively . For step disturbances on the dilution rate the responses of biomass concentration and the outlet substrate concentration were calculated on a digital computer and compared with the experimental data. Scand J Gastroenterol, 1979, 14(7), 891 - 6 The effects of phthalylsulphathiazole on the bacteria of the colonic mucosa and intestinal contents as revealed by the examination of surgical samples; Marks CG et al.; The isolation of a bacterial flora specifically associated with the colonic mucosa of patients undergoing large-bowel surgery is described . This flora differed from that of faeces in both the numbers and the types of bacteria isolated . The most striking difference was the reduction in the number of anaerobic bacteria isolated from the colonic mucosa . The ratio of anaerobic to aerobic was approximately 1:1 for mucosa compared with 100:1 for faeces. Zentralbl Gynakol, 1979, 101(11), 722 - 6 {Bacteriological aspects of trichomonal vaginitis (author's transl)}; Brockmann J et al.; An analysis was made of the vaginal flora of 25 gynaecological patients with acute trichomomal vaginitis, with the view to elucidating the bacteriological situation . Eighty-four isolates, an average of 3.4 per patient, were taken and included a wide range of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria . - Obligate anaerobic species, such as bacteriodes and peptostreptococci, with susceptibility to metronidazole were among the predominant pathogens . - The differentiated susceptibility of the most common bacteria to antibiotics may yield information useful to therapy in the case of aggravated infection. Scand J Infect Dis Suppl, 1979, (19), 68 - 73 Are anaerobic pleuropulmonary infections uncommon or commonly undetected in Britain? Collee JG. Despite marked and increasing awareness of the clinical significance of pathogenic anaerobes, the role of anaerobes in pleuropulmonary infections is still largely unrecognised in Britain . A considerable literature testifies that this is not so in America . The reasons for this paradox are explored . British anaerobic methodology is briefly reviewed, with special reference to the range of recognised respiratory pathogens and the anaerobes that can be cultured in simple anaerobic jars . The limitations of sampling and transport procedures are considered . Differences in approach are discussed . The technological problems of the isolation and culture of "difficult" pathogenic anaerobes have been largely solved at the laboratory level; effective approaches to sampling and transit of specimens require more positive consideration and the results might influence our choice of specific antimicrobial therapy . If these points are taken and an increased awareness of the role of the anaerobes in certain pathological conditions of the lower respiratory tract is generated, we might hope either to produce a meaningful parallel to the experience of our American colleagues--or to structure a more valid defence to explain our lack of experience of these infections in the lower respiratory tract. Drugs, 1979 Jan, 17(1), 1 - 37 Cefoxitin: a review of its antibacterial activity, pharmacological properties and therapeutic use; Brogden RN et al.; Cefoxitin is a beta-lactam antibiotic derived from cephamycin C, a naturally occurring substance produced by Streptomyces lactamdurans . Its resistance to destruction by beta-lactamases results in a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity which includes anaerobic as well as Gram-positive and Gram-negative aerobic bacteria, including many resistant to cephalothin and other cephalosporins . Given by intravenous or intramuscular injection, cefoxitin is effective against a wide variety of infections caused by Gram-positive or Gram-negative aerobes as well as by anaerobic bacteria . It is generally well tolerated, thrombophlebitis, skin rash and some degree of discomfort after intramuscular injection, being the most commonly reported side effects . Cefoxitin has not been shown to cause adverse effects on renal function. Rev Infect Dis, 1979 Jan-Feb, 1(1), 113 - 7 Cefoxitin for treatment of infections due to anaerobic bacteria; Kirby BD et al.; Twenty-seven patients with 29 infections due to anaerobic or mixed anaerobic-aerobic bacteria were treated with cefoxitin . From the 27 patients 99 isolates of anaerobic bacteria and 70 isolates of aerobic bacteria were recovered . Twelve pleuropulmonary infections, 12 soft tissue infections, three bone infections, and two intraabdominal infections were treated . Twenty-six of the 29 infections were completely or partially eradicated; the remaining three infections were unchanged . One-third of the patients experienced phlebitis; in two instances severe phlebitis caused discontinuation of therapy . In this study cefoxitin appeared to be an effective single agent for the therapy of infections due to specific anaerobic bacteria or to a mixed flora of anaerobic and aerobic bacteria. Scand J Infect Dis Suppl, 1979, (19), 13 - 6 In vitro susceptibility testing of anaerobic bacteria; Washington JA 2nd; In vitro susceptibility testing of anaerobic bacteria should be limited to isolates from persistent or recurrent infections that have been treated adequately and appropriately with antimicrobial agents and, in reference centers, to collections of isolates in order to monitor alterations in susceptibility of species to various antimicrobial agents . An agar dilution reference method is being evaluated currently; however, practicality limits sporadic testing of single isolates to disk elution or broth dilution techniques . No single disk diffusion method has yet been found to be acceptable for testing anaerobic bacteria, and the results obtained with standardized procedures for aerobic and facultatively anaerobic bacteria are not applicable to anaerobic bacteria. Ann Ist Super Sanita, 1979, 15(1), 173 - 6 {The role of anaerobe adhesion in the colonization of the vaginal mucosa}; Tufano MA et al.; Some our previous research works on bacterial adhesion to vaginal cells in the different phases of the menstruum showed that adhesion changes depending on changing environmental conditions . We therefore considered interesting to extend our investigations to anaerobic flora, in the light of recent observations intended to attribute an important role to anaerobic flora in the pathogenesis of vaginitis . The results obtained so far indicate that the maximum adhesion capability is found in the middle of the menstruum . The very low adhesion of bacteria belonging to the Leptothrix genus remains substantially unaltered throughout the menstruum . Low adhesion is also found in sporogenic bacteria, whereas the coccoid ones have a stronger adhesion, particularly about the middle of the menstruum . With lower pH values adhesion of the anaerobic flora is enhanced, whereas in the final phase of the menstruum, with higher pH values, adhesion is reduced . Competition tests evidence a stronger adhesion of coccoid as compared to bacillar types. Zentralbl Bakteriol {Orig A}, 1979, 245(3), 324 - 31 Identification of anaerobes on the Minitek System, compared to a conventional system; Holloway Y et al.; The Minitek Miniaturized System (BBL) was compared to a conventional method (V.P.I.) for the indentification of anaerobes . Anaerobiosis was achieved by using the GasPak system (BBL) and a glove box . Gram staining, colonial morphology, gas-liquid chromatography and biochemical reactions as detailed in the Virginia Polytechnic Institute anaerobe laboratory manual were compared to the biochemical results obtained on the Minitek system . A total of 32 anaerobes was used . The percentage of correlation was an overall 98.2% . Discrepancies were found mostly in the production of indole, the reduction of nitrate, and the hydrolysis of aesculin . A further 95 anaerobes were tested on these three reactions, and found to give an overall agreement of 92.9% . It was found necessary to use some additional tests as well as gas-liquid chromatography for definitive identification . The microsystem was also evaluated as to time saved, cost and ease of use. Biofizika, 1979 Jan-Feb, 24(1), 82 - 6 {Glucose induced transport of H+, K+ and lactate in the cells of Acholeplasma laidlawii}; Kapitanov AB et al.; Currents of H+ and K+ ions initiated under the effect of facultative anaerobe of A . laidlawii, valinomycin, nigericin and carbonyl cyanide chloride phenylhydrasone on the membrane are recorded by means of the system of cation sensitive electrodes . It is stated that during glucose transport a redistribution of H+ and K+ and lactate between the cellular content and the medium takes place . Preincubation of cells with 3-o-methyl-D-glucose essentially decreases the effect of induced ion transport . It is concluded that ion transport observed in the experiments with glucose is related not to glucose transport through the cell membrane but to the release of its metabolic products from the cells. Biochim Biophys Acta, 1978 Dec 18, 544(3), 540 - 6 Quinones as hydrogen carriers for a late step in anaerobic heme biosynthesis in Escherichia coli; Jacobs NJ et al.; A late step in anaerobic heme synthesis, the oxidation of protoprophyrinogen with fumarate as electron acceptor, was studied in extracts and particles of Escherichia coli mutants deficient in quinones or cytochromes . Mutants specifically deficient in menaquinone did not couple protoporphyrinogen oxidation to fumarate reduction, whereas mutants containing menaquinone but deficient in either ubiquinone or cytochromes exhibited this activity . These findings indicate that this coupled reaction is dependent upon menaquinone as hydrogen carrier but independent of ubiquinone and cytochromes . Other characteristics of this coupled reaction were also studied . The activity was located exclusively in the membrane fraction of cell-free extracts . Coproporphyrinogen III could not replace protoporphyrinogen as substrate . Methylene blue, triphenyl tetrazolium and nitrate, but not nitrite, could replace fumarate as anaerobic hydrogen acceptor . These findings have implications for the mechanism and regulation of microbial heme and chlorophyll synthesis and for the physiology of cytochrome synthesis in anaerobic microorganisms. J Clin Microbiol, 1978 Dec, 8(6), 708 - 14 Growth of clinical isolates of anaerobic bacteria on agar media: effects of media composition, storage conditions, and reduction under anaerobic conditions; Murray PR; The quantitative growth, the colony size, and the rate of growth of 47 clinical anaerobic isolates were compared on five different media, namely Brucella agar, brain heart infusion agar, Columbia agar, Schaedler agar, and tryptic soy agar . There was no significant difference in the quantitative growth of the anaerobes inoculated onto the five media . Although no single medium was superior for the growth of all isolates, 12 of 22 isolates, inoculated onto media stored for 4 weeks or less, grew best on Schaedler agar . The effects of supplementation of the media with reducing agents and reduction of the media before use were also analyzed and were found to be affected by the composition and length of storage of the media, as well as the bacteria tested. Arch Intern Med, 1978 Dec, 138(12), 1825 - 7 Clinical usefulness of susceptibility testing of anaerobes; Bourgault AM et al.; We have studied the clinical usefulness of antibiotic susceptibility testing of fresh clinical isolates of anaerobes (primarily from blood cultures) . Analysis of 65 patients showed that susceptibility reports were used in only 13 instances (20%), representing mainly orothopedic and CNS infections . Of the 47 patients whose susceptibilities were not used, 20 received therapy (appropriate in each case) based on the culture report, and 27 were treated empirically . Only six patients in the empirically treated group received inappropriate treatment, but four of those six died, and patients in this group as a whole had a worse outcome than did patients in the other groups . However, these empirically treated patients also had a somewhat worse prognosis . We suggest that susceptibility testing of anaerobes be reserved for bacteremic patients and for managing severe, chronic anaerobic infections, such as septic arthritis, osteomyelitis, and brain abscesses. J Clin Microbiol, 1978 Dec, 8(6), 736 - 9 Rapid entry port for an anaerobic glove box; Gill VJ et al.; A rapid entry mechanism for an anaerobic glove box is described . The entry port is practical for entry or removal of one or two items and requires only seconds to operate . No deleterious effect on isolation or growth of anaerobes has been encountered since installation of the rapid entry port 3.5 years ago . Details for its construction are given. Helv Chir Acta, 1978 Dec, 45(4-5), 463 - 70 {Preventive drug therapy against anaerobic bacteria}; Waldvogel FA; Anaerobic organisms can found normally in be normally major i.e . the upper airways, the gastrointestinal tract (beyond the caecum) and the female genital tract . Whereas the first group of microorganisms is usually sensitive to penicillin, the others are sensitive to clindamycin, metronidazole and chloramphenicol . An appropriate prophylactic regimen will have to comply with these microbiological data . Prophylactic antibiotics should be started during operation and should be given for a short period of time; their efficacy has been proved and confirmed, particularly in bowel surgery . Nevertheless, side-effects should be carefully watched for. S Afr Med J, 1978 Oct 21, 54(17), 703 - 6 Metronidazole in the prophylaxis and treatment of anaerobic infection; Appelbaum PC et al.; The influence of prophylactic metronidazole on vaginal carriage rates of anaerobes and the development of postoperative anaerobic infection was studied in 104 women who underwent abdominal hysterectomy . Metronidazole prophylaxis in 54 patients led to a decrease in the anaerobe vaginal carriage rate from 65% pre-operatively to 17% and 28% on the 3rd and 7th postoperative days respectively . In the control group (50 patients) no significant decrease in anaerobe yield was noted, corresponding percentages being 72%, 64%, and 74% . Postoperative infection occurred in 36 patients (28 controls; 8 on prophylactic metronidazole) . Wound swabs from all 8 patients in the latter group yielded aerobes, and in 1 patient mixed infection (aerobes/anaerobes) occurred . In 7 of these patients (including the patient with mixed infection), the infection resolved spontaneously, while the 8th patient responded to therapy with metronidazole, kanamycin and ampicillin . In the control patients, 21 cases of postoperative wound infection and 4 of vault infection were seen; wound swabs from patients in the former group yielded aerobes in only 6 cases, and mixed growth of aerobes/anaerobes in 10 cases . Postoperative wound/vault infections in control patients cleared spontaneously in 18 cases and responded to imidazole therapy, with or without ampicillin and kanamycin, in 7 cases. Equine Vet J, 1978 Oct, 10(4), 249 - 52 Changes in the caecal flora associated with the onset of laminitis; Garner HE et al.; Caecal fluid samples collected 8 and 24 hours after carbohydrate overload were quantitatively compared to control samples in terms of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria . Concomitant increases in lactic acid-producing bacteria and decreases in Gram negative bacteria were substantiated during the onset of acute laminitis . Progressive decreases in caecal fluid pH were also quantitated . Although endotoxin assays of caecal fluid and blood were not done, the caecal flora changes suggest its presence during the onset of acute laminitis. J Clin Microbiol, 1978 Oct, 8(4), 369 - 73 Argon detector: alternative detection system for gas-liquid chromatographic analysis of short-chain organic acids; Sullivan NM et al.; Two detection systems for gas-liquid chromatography were compared for the identification of metabolic end products (short-chain organic acids) from anaerobic bacteria . Argon and flame ionization detectors were connected in series with inert argon as the carrier gas for analysis of 35 stock strains and 148 clinical isolates . There was an excellent correlation between the argon and flame ionization chromatograms, and both were readily comparable to the thermal conductivity detector tracings published in the Virginia Polytechnic Institute manual . The linear response of the argon detector was examined by analyzing twofold serial dilutions of the short-chain organic acids and comparing the results to the very linear flame ionization detector . The argon detector was found to react with sufficient linearity within the organic acid concentration range normally obtained from anaerobic bacterial broth cultures . The argon detector, therefore, appears to be a viable alternative to the flame ionization and thermal conductivity detector systems in the identification of anaerobic organisms. Am J Clin Nutr, 1978 Oct, 31(10 Suppl), S131 - S135 Factors involved in colonization of the gut epithelial surface; Savage DC; Some indigenous microbes form climax communities on gastrointestinal epithelial surfaces during succession in animals of many types . Most communities form in mucous layers on the surfaces, where some microbes in the communities may utilize the mucin as a source of carbon and energy . The mucous gel may also serve physically to stabilize the community . Some microbial types that colonize early during succession may serve, perhaps synergistically with dietary components, to lower the oxygen tension and oxidation-reduction potential so that oxygen-intolerant anaerobes can colonize the epithelial surfaces . Microbes in the communities may adhere to the epithelial surface; the mechanisms by which they adhere may depend upon a variety of factors, including the type of epithelium and the rate of flow of lumenal contents in the areas . Dietary fiber may influence the composition of these communities by providing nutrients for the microbes or altering their environmental conditions including peristaltic rate, mucous concentration and composition, and oxygen tension and oxidation-reduction potential. Arch Ophthalmol, 1978 Oct, 96(10), 1813 - 6 Peptostreptococcal endophthalmitis with a relapsing course; Mason GI et al.; A posttraumatic exogenous endophthalmitis developed that was due to Peptostreptococcus . This Gram-positive anaerobe was isolated in pure culture from vitreous . The endophthalmitis showed a bacteriologic and clinical relapse despite conventional routes of antimicrobial treatment . A second clinical relapse occurred despite apparent vitreal sterilization with intravitreal antibiotics . The response to vitrectomy was impressive, and postoperatively the patient's visual acuity improved to 20/20. J Clin Microbiol, 1978 Oct, 8(4), 427 - 30 Evaluation of routine subcultures of macroscopically negative blood cultures for detection of anaerobes; Murray PR et al.; Routine anaerobic subcultures of macroscopically negative blood culture bottles, performed within 1 day of receipt of the culture and after 5 days of incubation, were evaluated . Anaerobes were recovered from 207 (12.3%) of the total 1,688 positive cultures and, of these, 154 were only detected macroscopically, 11 only by subculture, and 42 by both procedures . In no instance was the anaerobe detected earlier with the subculture, and the time required for a definitive identification was reduced for only 10 isolates . Since the subcultures did not significantly improve the detection or early identification of anaerobes, routine anaerobic subcultures are not recommended. Arch Intern Med, 1978 Sep, 138(9), 1369 - 71 Prostatic abscesses involving anaerobic bacteria; Bartlett JG et al.; Anaerobic bacteria have seldom been reported in prostatic abscesses . The present study concerns four cases in which the exudate was cultured with optimal microbiological techniques . Our results showed a complex aerobic-anaerobic flora in each instance, with a total of 21 isolates, including seven aerobes and 14 anaerobes . This experience has important implications concerning culture practices and empiric antimicrobial treatment for patients with prostatic abscess. Am J Med Sci, 1978 Sep-Oct, 276(2), 159 - 71 Combined clinical and laboratory studies with carbenicillin and ticarcillin: use in infections involving anaerobic bacteria; Westerman EL et al.; Eleven patients with serious infections involving anaerobic bacteria were treated with carbenicillin (four patients) or ticarcillin (seven patients) . All patients were cured clinically and bacteriologically of their infections . An in vitro study testing 157 recently isolated anaerobic organisms against 11 antibiotics showed chloramphenicol, carbenicillin, and ticarcillin at blood level concentrations to be inhibitory to more anaerobic strains than the other eight antibiotics tested . Ticarcillin and carbenicillin appear to be safe and effective and deserve further consideration for use in the therapy of anaerobic infections. Obstet Gynecol, 1978 Sep, 52(3), 279 - 84 Perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis is cesarean section; Kreutner AK et al.; The effect of an 8-hour, 3-dose perioperative regimen of cefazolin or placebo was evaluated in 97 patients . Postoperative morbidity occurred in 13 patients (27.1%) in the cefazolin group and in 17 patients (34.7%) who received placebo . The clinical sites of infection were similar in both groups except that wound infections (2) and sepsis (2) were found only in patients receiving placebo . Aerobic organisms diminished and anaerobes increased in patients who received antibiotics . Aerobic isolates were essentially unchanged and fewer anaerobes were recovered from patients given placebo . Antibiotic levels observed at cesarean section were in the therapeutic range . The only risk factor which correlated with morbidity was the presence of ruptured membranes . This short course, single drug regimen did not significantly reduce morbidity although it was bacteriologically effective. J Hand Surg {Am}, 1978 Sep, 3(5), 455 - 7 Infections following clenched-fist injury: a new perspective; Goldstein EJ et al.; Fifteen cases of clenched-fist injury were studied by aerobic, anaerobic, and 10% CO2 cultures . Anaerobic bacteria and Eikenella corrodens were prominent pathogens, being recovered in 60% and 20% of cases, respectively . These organisms are more susceptible to penicillin than to penicillinase-resistant penicillins or cephalosporins . All clenched-fist injuries should be cultured in aerobic, anaerobic, and 10% CO2 atmospheres . We recommend the use of both penicillin and a penicillinase-resistant penicillin as initial empiric therapy. J Clin Microbiol, 1978 Sep, 8(3), 339 - 41 Mass spectral measurement of residual oxygen in the atmosphere of an anaerobic culture chamber; Tabaqchali S et al.; A simple and reproducible procedure has been devised for sampling gases and for analysis of the residual oxygen in the atmosphere of the anaerobic culture chamber by mass spectrometer. Acta Otolaryngol, 1978 Sep-Oct, 86(3-4), 298 - 302 Bacteriology of maxillary sinusitis in relation to quality of the retained secretion; Carenfelt C et al.; The bacteriological findings in 200 patients with acute maxillary sinusitis are reported . It is concluded that the sampling technique--by antral aspiration--is highly significant in the evaluation of the bacteriological background of sinusitis, whereas the anerobic transport of the sample seems to be of less importance . By aspiration the purulent secretion can be properly separated from the non-purulent secretion . Pneumococci, H . influenzae and anaerobic bacteria can be isolated in about 90% of the patients with true sinus empyema, while sterile conditions are rare. Br J Clin Pharmacol, 1978 Aug, 6(2), 135 - 43 Plasma, bone, hip capsule and drain fluid concentrations of ampicillin and flucloxacillin during total hip replacement after intravenous bolus injection of magnapen; Parsons RL et al.; 1 . A rapid intravenous bolus injection of 4.0 g Magnapen (which contains 2.0 g of ampicillin and 2.0 g of flucloxacillin) was to seven patients undergoing total hip replacement immediatly before induction of general anesthesia . Postoperatively the patients patients received 2.0 g Magnapen by intramuscular injection every 6 h for up to 72 h until removal of the wound drains . 2 . The plasma, bone, hip capsule and drain fluid concentrations of ampicillin and flucloxacillin were measured by a differential small plate microbiological assay method using Sarcina lutea and a penicillinase producing Staph . aureus Russell as the test organisms . 3 . The mean +/- s.e . mean concentrations of ampicillin after this regimen were 4222.2 +/- 285.0 microgram/ml (plasma), 65.6 +/- 1.3 microgram (g (hip capsule), 19.1 +/- 3.8 microgram/g (cancellous bone), and 211.1 +/- 65.6 microgram/g (ground up bone) respectively . 4 . The mean +/- s.e . mean flucloxacillin concentrations after this regime were 137.2 +/- 28.4 microgram/ml (plasma), 61.8 +/- 15.0 microgram/g (hip capsule), 47.1 +/- 9.5 microgram/g (cancellous bone) and 139.4 +/- 21.8 microgram/g (ground up bone) respectively . 5 . An intravenous bolus injection of Magnepen (4.0 g), given immediately before induction of general anaesthesia, provides concentrations of ampicillin and flucloxacillin in plasma, hip capsule, cancellous and ground up bone, and drain fluid that exceed the MICs of these antibiotics against Staph . aureus and E . coli . 6 . The plasma, hip capsule, cancellous and ground up bone concentrations of ampicillin after this dose of Magnapen do not, however, exceed the MICs of the Gram negative anaerobes that sometimes cause postoperative wound infections in these patients. J Clin Periodontol, 1978 Aug, 5(3), 198 - 205 Comparison of the in vivo and in vitro antibacterial properties of providone iodine and chlorhexidine gluconate mouthrinses; Addy M et al.; Clinical and laboratory studies were carried out to compare the antibacterial properties of two antiseptic mouthwashes, namely 1% povidone iodine and 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate . In a group of 10 subjects after a single rinse with povidone iodine, an immediate mean fall in total salivary aerobes and anaerobes occurred, followed by a return to normal levels by 1-hour postrinsing . With chlorhexidine gluconate a similar but greater reduction in salivary bacterial counts was observed, which was still present up to the 7-h postrinsing period . Saliva samples obtained from the subjects 2 min after rinsing with providone iodine produced little or no inhibition to the growth of a test organism in vitro, whereas following chlorhexidine gluconate, antibacterial activity was present in the saliva specimens up to the 3-h sampling time . Using culture media containing comparable levels of soluble protein to saliva, the minimum inhibitory concentrations of povidone iodine against several standard test organisms were much higher than those of chlorhexidine gluconate . The results suggest that povidone iodine, as a mouthwash, exerts only an immediate antibacterial effect and unlike chlorhexidine, is not retained at antibacterial levels within the oral cavity after expectoration . This lack of prolonged action of povidone iodine in the oral cavity would appear to be relevant to its reported lack of antiplaque activity. S Afr Med J, 1978 Jul 8, 54(2), 57 - 60 Treatment of chronic destructive pneumonia with cephalosporins, penicillin and metronidazole; Cameron EW; Three hundred and ten patients with chronic destructive pneumonia (CDP), a necrotizing pneumonia probably caused by aerobic and anaerobic bacterial synergism, were treated with cephalosporins (80 of these with cephalosporins, penicillin and metronidazole) . The reasons for selecting these drugs to treat CDP are given and evidence is presented which suggests that the combination of cephalosporins, penicillin and metronidazole is more effective therapy for CDP than cephalosporins alone . This finding supports the thesis that anaerobes are implicated in the aetiology of CDP. Obstet Gynecol, 1978 Jul, 52(1), 105 - 8 Anaerobic bacterial recovery from two transport systems in a study of gynecologic flora; Grossmann JH 3rd et al.; Several systems for transporting specimens to the laboratory to test for the presence of anaerobic bacteria are available to clinicians . To date, these have not been systematically compared, especially regarding cost-effectiveness . This study compares recovery of anaerobic organisms from genital cultures of gynecological patients under bacteriologic study for research purposes . Two transport systems for delivery of specimens to the laboratory were studied: 1) the commercially available Anaswab system, and 2) a modified Stuart medium (transport charcoal medium) with 0.2% added agar in addition to 0.2% added charcoal . Our data shows no significant difference in kinds of anaerobic organisms recovered using either system when specimens are transported to the laboratory within 24 hours . Although the sites of culturing compared in this study are not directly applicable to the problem of pelvic infection, nevertheless the potential for lowering cost by selecting alternative systems for anaerobic recovery should prompt further comparisons in clinical settings . Some practical suggestions are made for applying agar-modified transport charcoal medium, the less expensive alternative, to clinical situations. Am J Med Technol, 1978 Jul, 44(7), 709 - 22 Alternative procedures for identification of anaerobic bacteria; Stargel MD et al.; Recognizing the need for practical inexpensive procedures which allow identification of anaerobes commonly encountered in clinical laboratories, a number of investigators have in recent years proposed various alternatives to the expensive, time-consuming techniques presently recommended by reference anaerobe laboratories . Some of these techniques are potentially good alternatives . In this paper we review some of the more promising approaches and present a detailed description of two commercial microbiochemical systems for characterization of anaerobes . When used in conjunction with other available tests, the microsystems are useful and convenient methods for identification of anaerobic bacteria at a reasonable cost. J Clin Microbiol, 1978 Jul, 8(1), 28 - 35 Evaluation of Port-A-Cul transport system for protection of anaerobic bacteria; Mena E et al.; The protection of anaerobes in Port-A-Cul (PAC) transport system (Bioquest, Div . of Becton, Dickinson &Co., Cockeysville, Md.) tubes and vials was studied . Ten species of obligately anaerobic bacteria commonly isolated from clinical specimens were used to prepare simulated swab and fluid specimens in high and low concentrations . Samples in PAC tubes and vials were held for 2, 24, and 48 h at ambient temperature and in a refrigerator . In addition, samples of the simulated specimens were exposed to controlled anaerobic and aerobic conditions in vented tubes and vials, with and without PAC medium, at ambient and refrigerator temperatures . Viable bacterial colony counts from specimens in PAC tubes and vials used as recommended by the manufacturer were consistently greater than those from specimens exposed to the different controlled conditions . The protection in PAC was about equal for specimens with either high or low concentrations of bacteria . Protection of the anaerobes in PAC was more obvious with swab than with fluid specimens . Quantitative recovery of anaerobes from refrigerated PAC samples, with few exceptions, was comparable to that from PAC samples held at ambient temperature. Br J Dis Chest, 1978 Jul, 72(3), 187 - 95 Pleuropulmonary lung infection by anaerobic bacteria; Abeysundere RL et al.; Two patients with severe pleuropulmonary infection caused by non-sporing anaerobic bacteria are described . One had an empyema with foul-smelling pus and developed bacteraemia, and the other developed a lung abscess . Both were successfully treated with antibiotics and drainage, chest surgery being avoided . The successful diagnosis and treatment of these patients involved close liaison between clinical and laboratory staff. Arch Otorhinolaryngol, 1978 Jun 27, 220(3), 167 - 74 Access of metronidazole into the chronically inflamed middle ear with reference to anaerobic bacterial infections; Jokipii L et al.; Strictly anaerobic bacteria were found in about one third of 138 consecutive cases of active chronic otitis media . These infections were always mixed involving aerobes as well . In 79 cases only aerobes were found and 16 cultures were sterile . To provide a basis for possible clinical trials, the penetration of metronidazole into the ear was studied after an oral dose of 2.4 g to patients with chronic otitis media . Significant amounts of biologically active metronidazole were found in 8 of 12 middle ear discharges at 2--4 h, the concentrations varying between 9.4 and 65.0 microgram/ml . Between 2 and 13 h after administration, significant drug concentrations all exceeding the highest reported bactericidal ones were found in the middle ear mucosa in 6 cases of the 8 in which the determinations were possible . Neither the mucosal nor the discharge concentrations correlated with the simultaneous serum levels of metronidazole, which were high in all 23 patients studied. J Oral Surg, 1978 Jun, 36(6), 462 - 6 Tetanus--review of the literature and report of case; Morse HE et al.; This case presents many of the difficulties of management that are inherent in a severe case of tetanus . Also it shows a seldom-considered therapeutic modality, that of dental extraction, gingival debridement, and gingivectomy with a confirmed case of tetanus without an established portal of entry . It is well known that periodontal and periapical locations can easily give rise to an anaerobic focus . In this case, anaerobic culture of C tetani was unsuccessful, possibly because of the inherent difficulty of anaerobic transfer from an oral locus and the extreme fastidiousness of the organism . As a rule, all patients who recover from tetanus do so completely, without any residual deficit . This was true in the case discussed here . Conclusions that can be drawn from this case are the following: a diagnosis of tetanus should be considered in any case of unexplained trismus; aggressive treatment of the immunologic deficit by antitoxin should be instituted along with a course of active immunization; and aggressive symptomatic treatment should be started . The bases of the treatment of this case were management of airways, sedation, treatment of autonomic crisis, and eradication of the causative agent . The result was that a severely ill patient reponded to treatment and completely recovered from a devastating disease. Med Microbiol Immunol (Berl), 1978 May 26, 165(1), 67 - 72 Use of a rapid fermentation test for indentification of anaerobic bacteria; Lindquist BL et al.; Rapid fermentation tests of carbohydrates were performed on 84 strains of anaerobic bacteria, and the result is compared with a commercially available micromultitest, API . An overall correlation of 87% was achieved between the two systems . The rapid fermentation test is easy to perform, since it is done aerobically, and easy to read . This study shows that RFT is useful in routine diagnosis of anaerobic bacteria, if it is used in combination with other relevant biochemical tests, morphologic examination, and gas chromatography. Mikrobiologiia, 1978 May-Jun, 47(3), 396 - 9 {Development of a pure Methanosarcina biotype 2 culture on acetate}; Zhilina TN; A pure culture of the obligate anaerobe methanosarcina, biotype 2, was isolated using an original technique of dilution in agar and inoculation into a preliminarily reduced medium . Additional organic substances, in particular yeast extract, are necessary for germination of a small number of packets in the course of isolation . The methanosarcina can use, during several inoculations, acetate as a sole source of carbon and energy, and does not require hydrogen as the main substrate of catabolism . The organic substances being tested (with an exception of pyruvate, hemin and cysteine which somewhat increased the lag phase) had no significant effect on growth and production of methane . Apparently, the mechanosarcina, biotype 2, should be referred to as an individual species. J Infect Dis, 1978 May, 137 Suppl, S103 - S109 Cefamandole in treatment of peritonitis; Stone HH et al.; Cefamandole was evaluated as the sole antimicrobial agent used to treat bacterial peritonitis in 113 patients . Dosage varied between 1 and 2 g given intravenously every 6 hr . Laparotomy for excision of infected or gangrenous tissues, closure of gastrointestinal perforations, or drainage of an established abscess was required in 99 of the cases . A good clinical response was obtained in 107 patients, or 95% of the total group . Of the six deaths only one could be attributed to infection . No evidence of renal, hepatic, or hematopoietic toxicity was noted . There were no allergic reactions, although 13 patients (12%) developed phlebitis in a vein used for antibiotic administration . Bacteriological studies revealed aerobic peritonitis in 99% of the patients, with anaerobe participation in 60% of these cases . Sensitivity testing by the disk diffusion and tube dilution methods confirmed the appropriateness of cefamandole therapy; 91% of the gram-negative rods and 61% of the anaerobes were susceptible . From results of this study, it would appear that cefamandole is a reliably effective antibiotic for use in treatment of most forms of acute peritonitis . Its role in surgical prophylaxis may be even more promising. Nouv Presse Med, 1978 Apr 15, 7(15), 1287 - 9 {Pleuro-pulmonary infections : importance of anaerobic bacteria and therapeutic consequences (author's transl)}; Petit JC et al.; A prospective study of bacteriology and therapeutic outcome in 14 cases of pleuro-pulmonary infections is reported . Bacteriologic results are based on transtracheal aspirates and empyema fluid . Appropriate anaerobic bacteriologic methods were employed . Anaerobic bacteria were recovered from 11 patients, and were the only pathogens isolated in 6 patients . Patients were treated by penicillin G . This was judged satisfactory in all cases, although 1 patient died from pneumococcal septicemia few hours after his admission to the hospital . The results indicate that with reliable specimen (pleural fluidand transtracheal aspirates) and optimal anaerobic culture methods, bacteriologic diagnosis can be established . Since anaerobes play a key role in most cases of pleuro-pulmonary infections, penicillin G is the prefered initial drug. Biochim Biophys Acta, 1978 Apr 11, 502(1), 38 - 44 Isolation and characterization of a rubredoxin and an (8Fe-8S) ferredoxin from Desulfuromonas acetoxidans; Probst I et al.; A two cluster (4Fe-4S) ferredoxin and a rubredoxin have been isolated from the sulfur-reducing bacterium Desulfuromonas acetoxidans . Their amino acid compositions are reported and compared to those of other iron-sulfur proteins . The ferredoxin contains 8 cysteine residues, 8 atoms of iron and 8 atoms of labile sulfur per molecule; its minimum molecular weight is 6163 . The protein exhibits an abosrbance ratio of A385/A283 = 0.74 . Storage results in a bleaching of the chromophore; the denatured ferredoxin is reconstitutable with iron and sulfide . The instability temperature is 52 degrees C . The rubredoxin does not differ markedly from rubredoxins from other anaerobic bacteria. Arch Surg, 1978 Apr, 113(4), 467 - 72 Intra-abdominal infection and acute renal failure; Milligan SL et al.; The course of 76 consecutive patients with acute renal failure and severe intra-abdominal infection was reviewed to identify the microorganisms responsible, the factor precipitating reoperation, and prognostic indicators . Peritonitis occurred in 75 patients, 48 of whom had abscesses . Twenty-four patients (32%) survived . Anaerobes and fungi were commonly grown from blood . Gram-negative aerobic blood isolates were associated with the highest mortality . Leukocytosis, physical findings, and fever were factors that prompted reexploration whereas diagnostic procedures played an ancillary role . The finding of specifically correctable conditions at reoperation improved survival (P less than .05) . Myocardial infarction and disseminated intravascular coagulation affected survival unfavorably whereas hyperalimentation had a favorable influence (P less than .05) . Aggressive medical, nutritional, and surgical management results in improved survival rates in these patients. Chest, 1978 Apr, 73(4), 497 - 500 Mediastinitis from odontogenic and deep cervical infection . Anatomic pathways of propagation; Moncada R et al.; Potentially lethal consequences can quickly occur once the mediastinum is subjected to the ravages of an anaerobic infection . Mediastinitis from odontogenic or deep cervical infections is extremely rare in the era of antibiotic drugs . We have recently encountered five such cases, with a rapid spread of the inflammatory process into the mediastinum resulting in a number of local and systemic complications . All were caused by anaerobic bacteria . Awareness of such complications and early roentgenographic diagnosis lead to prompt surgical drainage, proper antibiotic therapy, and survival after a stormy clinical course . The anatomic pathways between the various fascial planes of the neck and mediastinum will be described. AJR Am J Roentgenol, 1978 Apr, 130(4), 715 - 8 Bacteremia during barium enema study; Butt J et al.; The occurrence of bacteremia was studied in patients undergoing barium enema . Blood cultures were done on 34 patients before, during, and after the procedure using two schedules . Cultures were obtained once during the procedure in the first schedule and four times in the second . None of the cultures were positive by the first schedule, while 23% of patients studied by the second schedule had one or more positive cultures . Organisms isolated were anaerobes . The bacteremia was transient and self-limited, without serious clinical sequelae . The incidence of bacteremia during barium enema examination was statistically indistinguishable from bacteremia previously reported during colonscopy . It is concluded that antibiotic prophylaxis is not indicated in most patients undergoing colonic diagnostic procedures . Prophylaxis in selected high-risk patients requires further study. Zentralbl Bakteriol {Orig A}, 1978 Apr, 240(2), 235 - 45 {Construction and operation of an anaerobic glove box (author's transl)}; Nicolai-Scholten ME; Construction and operation of an anaerobic glove box is described mainly built of commercially available material . The box is made of refined steel and has the dimensions of 150 cm in length, 62 cm in height and 68 cm in depth . It is equipped with one round vacuum tight steel airlock for transfer of material . Three Neopren gloves and an oblique glass window are installed into the frontside . The anaerobic box is continuously perfused by 35 l/h of O2-free gas . In the box the atmosphere is whirled round by a fan and hereby led over a layer of catalyst . The O2-content of the anaerobic atmosphere is less than 1 ppm-3 ppm to 4 ppm on a yearly average - measured by an oxygen trace analysor . All bacteriological work as cultivation and isolation of strictly anaerobic bacteria can be done within a continuous O2-free atmosphere by conventional technics . The anaerobic glove box described was used for three years without any failure . In glove boxes built in the same manner as above mentioned similar O2-values will be achievable. Am J Obstet Gynecol, 1978 Mar 15, 130(6), 658 - 61 Cervical and vaginal bacterial flora: ecologic niches in the female lower genital tract; Bartlett JG et al.; The bacterial flora of the cervix and vaginal vault were compared by obtaining duplicate specimens for quantitative bacteriologic studies in 14 patients electively admitted for hysterectomy . There were a total of 137 isolates from the 28 specimens, including 71 aerobes and 66 anaerobes . Aggregate data showed that the flora of the two sample sites were similar by both qualitative and quantitative analysis . However, individual comparison of paired specimens showed considerable differences in that 75 of the 137 isolates were recovered from only the cervix or vaginal vault . Additional studies showed that neither low concentrations of bacteria nor the culture techniques accounted for these differences . It is concluded that most women harbor distinctive bacterial populations in the cervix and vaginal vault. J Neurosurg, 1978 Mar, 48(3), 465 - 9 Anaerobic spinal epidural abscess . Case report; Guerrero IC et al.; An acute spinal epidural abscess is reported from which a pure growth of the anaerobe Fusobacterium necrophorum was isolated . The mode of infection and pathogen makes it unique . The literature concerning the bacteriology of epidural abscess and the implications of anaerobic epidural infection are discussed. Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1978 Mar, 13(3), 383 - 8 Modified agar dilution method for rapid antibiotic susceptibility testing of anaerobic bacteria; Hanson CW et al.; A simplified method has been developed for agar dilution antimicrobial susceptibility testing of anaerobic bacteria, designed to economize on time and money when only a few isolates need to be tested . The procedure is based on the principle of using filter paper disks as carriers of the antibiotic and 35- by 10-mm petri dishes which, when inoculated with the Steers replicator, can test up to four organisms per plate . The procedure was run in parallel with conventional agar dilution techniques and showed 95% agreement to within one dilution for all minimal inhibitory concentrations recorded on fresh anaerobic isolates from clinical specimens . The technique was further simplified by using commercially available antibiotic-containing disks, thereby alleviating the tedious and time-consuming procedure of preparing the disks . The data indicated that 48- to 72-h diffusion periods were sufficient to achieve a uniform concentration of the antibiotic in the petri plate and that the antibiotics were stable at room temperature for that period of time . In terms of applicability and relevance to the needs of the clinical microbiology laboratory, the modified agar dilution method for rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing of individual anaerobic isolates was found to be superior to the broth dilution method since it was easier to read and required considerably less set up time. Appl Environ Microbiol, 1978 Mar, 35(3), 507 - 11 Computer-assisted identification of anaerobic bacteria; Kelley RW et al.; A computer program was developed to identify anaerobic bacteria by using simultaneous pattern recognition via a Bayesian probabilistic model . The system is intended for use as a rapid, precise, and reproducible aid in the identification of unknown isolates . The program operates on a data base of 28 genera comprising 238 species of anaerobic bacteria that can be separated by the program . Input to the program consists of biochemical and gas chromatographic test results in binary format . The system is flexible and yields outputs of: (i) most probable species, (ii) significant test results conflicting with established data, and (iii) differential tests of significance for missing test results. Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1978 Mar, 13(3), 460 - 5 Antimicrobial activity of metronidazole in anaerobic bacteria; Tally FP et al.; The antimicrobial activity of metronidazole was investigated in anaerobic bacteria by use of time-viability studies . This antimicrobial agent has a rapid onset of bactericidal activity under proper reducing conditions . The bactericidal rates were not affected by inoculum size or nutritional requirements, nor by inhibition of growth and protein synthesis by chloramphenicol . Using supernatant fractions of actively growing cultures of susceptible organisms, we observed a disappearance of metronidazole and a loss of biological activity, but there was no significant change in preparations from resistant bacteria . The decrease in drug concentration with susceptible cells occurred during the time that its bactericidal action was being exerted . Extracts from susceptible organisms rapidly reduced the concentration of metronidazole, confirming previous observations which suggest that the drug acts as a terminal electron acceptor . Radioisotope experiments with {14C}metronidazole revealed that the compound was taken up by both resistant and susceptible bacteria, although there was a difference in rate and extent of accumulation . These studies demonstrate that metronidazole's antimicrobial activity against anaerobic bacteria is bactericidal and independent of growth rate, and that it involves the uptake and metabolism of the compound. J Reprod Med, 1978 Feb, 20(2), 93 - 6 Amniotic fluid contamination during internal fetal monitoring; Thadepalli H et al.; The risk of infections associated with intrauterine fetal monitoring was evaluated in 30 consecutive labors . Amniotic fluid samples collected through the intrauterine catheter were found to be contaminated with bacteria in 15 of 30 consecutively monitored patients during labor . Aerobes were the exclusive isolates in eight, anaerobes in five and both in two patients . Eleven patients developed puerperal fever . One patient developed gonococcal amnionitis, and her newborn infant later developed gonococcal septicemia . The equipment--catheters and fetal scalp electrodes--was sterile . The overall risk of infection associated with internal monitoring in our study was 50% for amniotic fluid contamination and 37% for puerperal febrile morbidity. Am J Obstet Gynecol, 1978 Feb 1, 130(3), 312 - 6 Endometrial and vaginal cuff bacteria recovered at elective hysterectomy during a trial of antibiotic prophylaxis; Grossman JH 3rd et al.; PIP: The risks and benefits of prophylactic antibiotics in elective pelvic surgery were investigated in 99 patients admitted for elective abdominal or vaginal hysterectomy . Immediately prior to the operations, preparation of the vagina was done using povidone-iodine soap solution . Cultures for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria were made before operation, on the 2nd postoperative day, and on the day of discharge . Additional bacterial cultures were made at the time of operation . The treatment group received iv cefazolin, penicillin G, or a placebo . Drugs were given at least 40 minutes before entering the operating room and every 6 hours for a total of 48 hours . Both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria were occasionally found in the endometrial and vaginal cuff cultures . Antibiotics given prophylactically did not eliminate them . Time in the menstrual cycle did not show any pattern of selective distribution . 17 of 19 patients who developed either a vaginal cuff or abdominal wound infection had not had a previous curettage . The presence of specific types of bacteria was not predictive of subsequent development of infection . It is concluded that either aerobic or anaerobic bacteria may be present in the endometrium and vaginal cuff at the time of operation . Findings do not justify routine culture at the time of operation nor the use of prophylactic antibiotics . Nord Vet Med, 1978 Feb, 30(2), 49 - 60 {Anaerobic infections of domestic animals excluding enterotoxaemias (author's transl)}; Wierup M; With the advent of improved techniques for anaerobic cultivation on recent years increased interest in anaerobic infections has occurred . Against this background the present study presents a survey of those animal diseases (with the exception of the enterotoxaemias) in the pathogenesis of which anaerobic bacteria are involved. Cancer, 1978 Feb, 41(2), 682 - 6 Anaerobic liver abscess and intrahepatic metastases: a case report and review of the literature; Trump DL et al.; A patient is described in whom the first recurrence of a cloacogenic carcinoma of the rectum was an intrahepatic metastasis associated with an hepatic abscess caused by the anaerobic bacterium Peptococcus prevotii . Three previously reported cases of infection associated with hepatic tumor nodules have been found in which bacteriologic data were provided, and in all three cases anaerobic bacteria were the primary or only infection organisms . Experimental data exist which document the ability of certain anaerobic bacteria to grow selectively in tumor nodules, but not in the normal tissues of a tumor-bearing host . Since 23% of patients with liver metastases have fever and offer a clinical picture compatible with infection, occult anaerobic infection associated with liver metastases may be more common than previously recognized. Ann Surg, 1978 Feb, 187(2), 170 - 3 Evaluation of wound irrigation by pulsatile jet and conventional methods; Brown LL et al.; Irrigation of wounds to remove bacteria and foreign material is an essential of wound management along with debridement . The effectiveness of saline lavage by high pressure (50 psi) pulsatile jet irrigation has been compared with conventional gravity flow and bulb syringe procedures . Experimental paravertebral incisional surface wounds in 234 randomized rats were either clean or traumatized and soiled . Wounds in 200 of the rats were seeded with E . coli (log 8.80) . Swab specimens of each wound were taken at incision, after seeding, after irrigation, and at three, seven, and ten days after closure . Eulates of more than 1600 specimens were cultured . No anaerobes were found . Irrigation diminished bacterial counts in all wounds, but only pulsatile jet irrigation brought about significant (P less than 0.05) reduction of bacteria in each type of wound . After three days E . coli was significantly diminished in all wounds, regardless of irrigation or none, owing to host defense mechanisms . Nevertheless, clean contaminated wounds were infected at three days but not at seven days after lavage, while traumatized wounds remained infected at ten days except for those initially irrigated by pulsatile jet . Thus, pulsatile jet irrigation removed bacterial from experimental wounds more efficiently than conventional procedures. J Dent Res, 1978 Feb, 57(2), 175 - 9 Effects of an antiseptic mouthwash on odorigenic microbes in the human gingival crevice; Pianotti R et al.; Odorigenic gram-negative anaerobes in human gingival crevices were significantly decreased for up to 120 minutes after rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash . This observation parallels clinical measurements of the antiseptic effect on oral malodor and suggests that its odor-decreasing properties are related to its antimicrobial action in the mouth. Nephron, 1978, 22(1-3), 63 - 8 Bacterial populations of the small intestine in uremia; Simenhoff ML et al.; The small intestinal bacterial flora of 15 patients with chronic renal insufficiency was compared with that of subjects with blind loop synDROME . 9 patients were on regular hemodialysis with high protein intake and 6 (serum creatinine 7.5 to 12.5 mg/dl) were maintained on low protein diet . The chronic renal patients harbored a greatly increased microbial flora of both anaerobes and aerobes in the duodenum and jejunum, quantitatively comparable to those in blind loop subjects . The composition did not differ significantly in the two groups . Some organisms may have the potential to metabolize substrates which reach the intestinal lumen from the diet and bile, and perhaps to generate toxic metabolites that could contribute to uremic toxicity or malabsorption. Gynecol Obstet Invest, 1978, 9(2-3), 124 - 31 Metronidazole and facultative anaerobes; Pohunek M et al.; The influence of metronidazole on some strains of facultatively anaerobic bacteria was studied . In high doses similar to those used for local treatment the growth of some strains was clearly suppressed, moreover there was an inhibition of hemolysis in hemolytic strains even when they were found to be resistant to the drug . Results are of particular importance for clinical problems as they might explain a number of alterations in the microbial flora of the vagina during and after therapy with metronidazole. Z Allg Mikrobiol, 1978, 18(8), 593 - 601 Oxygen and "strictly anaerobic" intestinal bacteria . II . Oxygen metabolism in strictly anaerobic bacteria; Uesugi I et al.; Oxygen metabolism of "strictly anaerobic" intestinal bacteria was investigated and compared in 25 strains . Washed cell suspensions of all the bacterial strains, in which growth in a medium initially equilibrated with a gas mixture consisting of 5% O2, 5% CO2, and 90% N2 was almost the same as under anaerobic conditions, absorbed O2 at high rate . Such O2 uptake was inhibited by NaN3 . Most strains in which growth was inhibited either partially or completely in the same oxygenic condition absorbed O2 at a comparably low rate, and in many cases, such O2 uptake was not inhibited by NaN3 . However, in a certain strain incapable of growth in the initial presence of dissolved O2, absorption of O2 was as high as that in some aerobic bacteria, and it was inhibited by NaN3 . Little interrelationship was found between the degree of oxygen tolerance and the activities of NADH-peroxidase, H2O2-splitting reaction or superoxide dismutase . A slight interrelationship seems to be present in the case of NADH oxidase even though many exceptions were recognized . All the strains studied had the activities of superoxide dismutase, the absence of which has been regarded as the enzymatic basis of strict anaerobiosis of "strictly anaerobic" bacteria . Some strict anaerobes had high an activity of this enzyme as some aerobic bacteria . The differences in the levels of this activity seem to have some interrelationship not with differences in the degree of oxygen tolerance but with those in the genus to which every strain belongs taxonomically. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand, 1978, 57(5), 415 - 9 Preoperative cervical microbial flora and post-abortion infection; Moberg PJ et al.; With the aim to find criteria for the prediction of the patients who are at risk of developing a post-abortion infection the pretreatment cervical microbial flora was compared between one series of patients who developed and another series of patients who did not develop such an infection . Aerobic and anaerobic bacteria as well as mycoplasma and fungi, were studied in 104 patients . The distribution of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria was similar in the 14 patients who later developed post-abortal infection and in uncomplicated cases . It is concluded that the cultivation of the cervical microbial flora cannot serve as a basis for the prediction of which patients will develop subsequent genital infections. Folia Microbiol (Praha), 1978, 23(3), 236 - 42 Microbial changes in clover rhizosphere after foliar and soil application of cobalt; Vrany J; Application of cobalt(II) nitrate to the leaves of red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) resulted in a pronounced increase of dry weight and the number of root nodules . Counts of bacteria in the rhizosphere, content of ammonia and production of carbon dioxide in rhizosphere soil were also higher, whereas the content of nitrates decreased . Differences in the counts of bacteria, actinomycetes, Azotobacter, anaerobic bacteria and cellulose decomposing bacteria in the rhizosphere of control and treated plants were not directly related to the way of application of cobalt . Genera Penicillium, Fusarium and Trichoderma predominated among fungi . The relative occurrence of penicillia was higher after the application of cobalt, the incidence of fusaria was lower . The effects of foliar and soil application of cobalt on rhizosphere microflora were not identical. J Antibiot (Tokyo), 1978 Jan, 31(1), 1 - 6 The isolation and characterization of narasin, a new polyether antibiotic; Berg DH et al.; Narasin is a new polyether antibiotic produced by a strain of Streptomyces aureofaciens . It is purified by organic solvent extraction and silica gel chromatography . Narasin is active in vitro against gram-positive bacteria, anaerobic bacteria, and fungi and is effective in protecting chickens from coccidial infections. Appl Environ Microbiol, 1978 Jan, 35(1), 166 - 71 Immunolatex localization by scanning electron microscopy of intestinal bacteria from cockroaches; Bracke JW et al.; An immunolatex reagent was developed from antiserum to Fusobacterium varium, an obligate anaerobe isolated from the colon of the cockroach, Periplaneta americana L . A new technique that enabled the preparation of a highly efficient immunolatex conjugate was used to localize the bacterium with scanning electron microscopy, in situ, in the mixed gut contents. J Chromatogr Sci, 1978 Jan, 16(1), 28 - 35 Quantitative methods for the gas chromatographic characterization of acidic fermentation by-products of anaerobic bacteria; Bohannon TE et al.; The present report describes improved chromatographic procedures which are capable of separating and quantitating complex mixtures of acidic fermentation by-products produced by anaerobic bacteria grown in two glucose-containing media . These methods are reliable and are sensitive, being able to detect as low as 0.5 mumoles of each by-product . Sample preparation has been simplified, and the methylation conditions have been optimized . It is also indicated in this investigation that each culture produced different patterns of by-products in each medium, indicating that the types and quantities of by-products produced in one medium cannot be used as a basis for characterization of these same cultures when grown in a different medium . Finally, it is shown that cultures can be characterized by the distinctive molar proportions of by-products they produce within each medium. Ann Surg, 1978 Jan, 187(1), 1 - 7 Neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis . Therapeutic decisions based upon clinical staging; Bell MJ et al.; A method of clinical staging for infants with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is proposed . On the basis of assigned stage at the time of diagnosis, 48 infants were treated with graded intervention . For Stage I infants, vigorous diagnostic and supportive measures are appropriate . Stage II infants are treated medically, including parenteral and gavage aminoglycoside antibiotic, and Stage III patients require operation . All Stage I patients survived, and 32 of 38 Stage II and III patients (85%) survived the acute episode of NEC . Bacteriologic evaluation of the gastrointestinal microflora in these neonates has revealed a wide range of enteric organisms including anaerobes . Enteric organisms were cultured from the blood of four infants dying of NEC . Sequential cultures of enteric organisms reveal an alteration of flora during gavage antibiotic therapy . These studies support the use of combination antimicrobial therapy in the treatment of infants with NEC. CRC Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci, 1978, 9(2), 105 - 21 The microbiology of paranasal sinus infections: diagnosis and management; Rice DH; Study of the bacteriology of sinusitis and its diagnosis and treatment has been difficult . One problem is the anatomy of the paranasal sinuses; all communicate with a bacteriologically contaminated cavity . Access to all but the frontal sinus involves traversing either the nasal or oral cavity, both of which are teeming with aerobic and anaerobic bacteria . The criteria used to establish the diagnosis of sinusitis has varied widely . There are a number of examination techniques available, but none are foolproof . Therefore, patient populations may not be comparable . The absolute elimination of the possibility of contamination of culture specimens is impossible . Investigators have taken cultures in several ways: of the purulent secretions within the nose, of the contents lavaged from the sinus into the nose, of material aspirated from the sinus, and of tissue removed from the sinus . In most studies prior to 1974, anaerobic cultures were not performed . Studies of various treatment programs have used differing criteria to monitor the progress of treatment . No single method is completely reliable . Clinical signs and symptoms, radiologic appearance, the results of irrigation, and thermography have been used to follow patients . Many studies have used multiple therapeutic maneuvers concurrently, for example, antibiotics, lavage, and a decongestant . In some there were no controls . Because of these problems, as is true in many clinical areas of investigation, meaningful comparisons of various studies are difficult . Despite this, there are some areas of consensus in the literature. Acta Chir Scand, 1978, 144(7-8), 527 - 32 Septic complications in colo-rectal surgery after 24 hours versus 60 hours of preoperative antibiotic bowel preparation . II . Significance of bacterial concentrations in the bowel for contamination of the operation field and subsequent wound infection; Scheibel JH et al.; In a controlled study, the results of peroral preoperative antibiotic bowel preparation administered for 24 vs . 60 hours, respectively, were compared . No differences were found in concentrations of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria or in concentrations of antibiotics in colonic contents . Contamination of the operation field during operation was examined by quantitative culture of irrigation fluid from the peritoneal cavity and subcutaneous tissue . A significant correlation was found between concentrations of bacteria in colonic contents and the degree of contamination in the peritoneal cavity and subcutaneous tissue . A significant correlation was also found between contamination of the operation field and subsequent development of wound infection. Acta Chir Scand, 1978, 144(7-8), 523 - 6 Septic complications in colo-rectal surgery after 24 hours versus 60 hours of preoperative antibiotic bowel preparation . I . Prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical study; Lykkegaard Nielsen M et al.; A prospective, randomized, double-blind study was performed to compare 24 hours and 60 hours of preoperative antibiotic bowel preparation by means of gentamicin + vancomycin + mycostatin . 83 patients undergoing elective colo-rectal operations completed the study (Tablet I), and the two groups proved similar in terms of age, sex, diagnosis, surgical procedures and operation time (Table II) . No significant difference in septic complications was found between patients receiving 24 hours and 60 hours of preoperative treatment (Table III) . Wound infection occurred significantly more frequently in operations of long duration (Table IV) . Cultures made from infected wounds revealed a mixture of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria in half of the cases, whereas pure aerobic or anaerobic infections were equally frequent (Table V). J Foot Surg, 1978 Spring, 17(1), 10 - 1 Anaerobic culture in podiatric practice; Lantor HA; Although few podiatric infections are anaerobic, it is important to isolate, identify, and test all of the various types of bacteria for sensitivity . Dr . Lantor did not write this synopsis to analyze the procedures mentioned, but to outline some of the signs and symptoms associated with anaerobic growths and to make foot surgeons aware of the need for anaerobic culture techniques. Acta Otolaryngol, 1978 Jan-Feb, 85(1-2), 116 - 21 The role of local gas composition in pathogenesis of maxillary sinus empyema; Carenfelt C et al.; An impaired ostial function may be of importance in the pathogenesis of the maxillary sinus empyema due to changes of the antral gas composition . Oxygen is usually not demonstrable in purulent sinus secretion while carbon dioxide accumulates . In vitro, pneumococci were able to create a similar gas environment, provided that the gas exchange between the medium and the atmospheric air was reduced . It is suggested that heavy antral growth of facultative anaerobes, such as pneumococci, is related to the antral ventilation, which when impeded facilitates bacterial growth. Am J Obstet Gynecol, 1978 Jan 1, 130(1), 49 - 54 Cervical-vaginal flora of immunosuppressed renal transplant patients; Ohm MJ et al.; The purpose of this investigation was to determine the endocervical microflora present in 25 renal allograft recipients hwo were receiving therapeutic dosages of azathioprine or cyclophosphamide and prednisone . The aerobic flora was similar to that found in other populations . However, these immunosuppressed patients had more different anaerobic species per culture than were found in most other populations . This was reflected in the more frequent isolation of many species of anaerobic bacteria, especially the anaerobic gram-negative rods . The clinician should be aware of these differences since they may be significant in regard to gynecologic or obstetric postoperative infectious morbidity in women using immunosuppressive medications. Zahn Mund Kieferheilkd Zentralbl, 1978, 66(5), 453 - 6 {Clinical and bacteriological studies with metronidazol in endodontic therapy (author's transl)}; Ferenczy I et al.; Metronidazol was employed in the endodontic treatment of 200 gangrenous teeth, with symptoms of acute and chronic periodontitis . In 50 cases aerobic and anaerobic microbiological cultivations have been performed . The number of the necessary treatments was less, symptoms of irritation in the periapical region could not be observed . The favourable clinical and microbiological results in the course of the Metronidazol treatment point to the role of the anaerobic microorganisms in connection with the inflammatory symptoms of the gangrenous pulp. Acta Derm Venereol, 1978, 58(6), 501 - 4 Quantification of anaerobic diphtheroids on the skin; Aly R et al.; The widely used technique for sampling skin bacteria employs a detergent (Triton X-100) in buffer solution to remove and suspend the microorganisms . The fraction of the total population of anaerobes on the forehead removed by scrubbing with this solution was estimated . We calculated that approximately 10% of the resident anaerobes were removed by one minute of scrubbing with the detergent solution and two 1-min washes remove approximately 19.5% of the resident anaerobes (8.8 X 10(5)/CM2). Ann Anesthesiol Fr, 1978, 19(11-12), 925 - 9 {Purulent pleurisy caused by anaerobic bacteria . Apropos of 2 observations}; Janvier G et al.; Purulent pleural effusions due to anaerobic organisms secondary to infections of the pulmonary parenchyma are complications which often occur following the inhalation of organisms from the buccal cavity . The most commonly found organisms belong to the endogenous anaerobic flora of Veillon . Rapid encystment of the pleural collection is suggestive of this diagnosis . Treatment consists of drainage of the cavity associated with specific antibiotics. Zentralbl Bakteriol Naturwiss, 1978, 133(3), 225 - 31 Factors affecting the microbial and chemical composition of silage . III . Effect of urea additions on maize silage; Mahmoud SA et al.; The effect of urea additions on the microbiological and chemical properties of silage, produced from young maize plants (Darawa stage), was studied . Urea treatments, i.e., 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%, and 1.00%, stimulated higher densities of the desired microorganisms than the control, while undesired organisms showed lower counts (proteolytic and saccharolytic anaerobes) . Addition of 0.25 to 0.50% or urea resulted in the production of high quality silage with pleasant small and high nutritive value, as confirmed by the various microbiological and chemical analyses conducted . Higher levels (0.75 and 1.00%) of urea decreased the quality of the product. J Clin Microbiol, 1978 Jan, 7(1), 59 - 62 Quantitative evaluation of three commercial blood culture media for growth of anaerobic organisms; Mangels JI et al.; The ability of three different commercial blood culture media--brain heart infusion broth (Pfizer), thiol broth (Difco), and PRS-peptone broth (Becton, Dickinson & Co.)--to support the growth of five different anaerobes is described . Inocula of 100 and 1,000 colony-forming units per ml were used to evaluate potential differences in survival, lag time, growth rate, and doubling times of each anaerobe in each medium . In addition, each medium was evaluated for its ability to neutralize the antibacterial effects of whole blood . The results of this study indicate that the PRS-peptone broth is superior to brain heart infusion and thiol broths . Shorter lag times and accelerated generation times and growth rates were noted for more different anaerobes in the PRS-peptone broth . Neither the size of inoculum nor the addition of normal whole blood appeared to alter the survival or growth characteristics of the anaerobes in any medium . However, the addition of normal whole blood did extend the lag time of each anaerobe by approximately 1 to 2 h in each medium. Br J Vener Dis, 1977 Dec, 53(6), 368 - 71 The possible role of anaerobic bacteria in the aetiology of non-gonococcal urethritis in men; Hallen A et al.; Men with non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU) were divided into two groups and treated with either lymecycline or tinidazole; anaerobic cultures were performed before and after treatment . Neither treatment affected the anaerobic flora . However, the men treated with lymecycline were relieved of symptoms and signs, while those treated with tinidazole were not . The anaerobic bacteria found are considered normal inhabitants of the urethral tract and without significance in the aetiology of NGU. Scott Med J, 1977 Dec, 22(5), 389 - 91 Erythromycin and anaerobes: in vitro aspects; Watt B; Anaerobic organisms are being increasingly recognised as important causes of serious infection in man . Sampling procedures, transport of specimens and laboratory techniques need to be constantly monitored and improved if the causative organisms are to be consistently recovered from clinical specimens . Once the organisms have been isolated, their susceptibility to antibiotics should be determined so that the clinician can base his antibiotic therapy on reliable laboratory results . There are many variables in the sensitivity testing of anaerobes--these may account for the difficulty reported by some workers in obtaining consistently reliable results with some antibiotics, including erythromycin . These problems can be largely overcome if a standardised procedure is adopted . It is clear from the published data that erythromycin has considerable in vitro activity against many strains of anaerobic bacteria, both sporing and non-sporing . There is a broad spectrum of activity with some strains being very sensitive and a few strains being resistant . M.I.C . values range from 0.04 microgram./ml . to 20 microgram./ml . or more . Further studies are now needed to assess the role of erythromycin in the treatment of anaerobic infections in vivo. J Clin Microbiol, 1977 Dec, 6(6), 642 - 4 Unusual coiled gram-positive anaerobe isolated from a gutter wall abscess; Pollock HM et al.; A gram-positive, nonsporing coiled rod was visible on Gram stain and isolated in pure culture from 20 ml of pus . This organism differs from previously described species in that it produces only acetic acid from glucose metabolism, hydrolyzes esculin, and has less fermentative activity in carbohydrates. Arch Microbiol, 1977 Nov 18, 115(2), 207 - 13 Electron microscopic investigation of the hydrogen-oxidizing acetate-forming anaerobic bacterium Acetobacterium woodii; Mayer F et al.; Acetobacterium woodii is a Gram-positive anaerobic nonsporeforming bacterium able to grow on H2 and CO2 as sole sources of energy . The product of fermentation is acetic acid . Fine structural analysis showed rod-shaped flagellated cells, and coccoid cells without flagella arranged predominantly in pairs and chains . The cell wall was found to be composed of three layers . The cell surface exhibited a periodic array of particles consisting of subunits . The cytoplasmic membrane showed particles either in random distribution or in a hexagonal pattern . Intracytoplasmic membranes were rarely observed, whereas inclusion bodies of varying shapes, predominantly in an uncommon disc-shape, could frequently be observed . Their content was dissolved in ultrathin sections indicating hydrophobic nature. J Periodontol, 1977 Nov, 48(11), 730 - 2 The effect of povidone iodine on plaque and salivary bacteria . A double-blind crossover trial; Addy M et al.; A double blind crossover trial was carried out to assess the effect of povidone iodine on plaque accumulation in vivo and to measure the total salivary aerobes and anaerobes throughout the study . When compared to the placebo preparation, povidone iodine was without effect on plaque accumulation in all the subjects and there was a progressive increase in plaque throughout the 10-day periods . A 30 to 40 % overall reduction in aerobes and anaerobes occurred with the active preparation which was significant . There appears to be no indication for the use of povidone iodine as an adjunct to oral hygiene or in the treatment of chronic gingivitis. Science, 1977 Sep 30, 197(4311), 1371 - 4 Expression of murine sarcoma virus genes in uninfected rat cells subjected to anaerobic sress; Anderson GR et al.; Exposure of uninfected rat cells in tissue culture to anaerobic culture conditions induces transcription of RNA corresponding to the two principal constituents of rat-derived type-C sarcoma virus genomes: (i) those specific rat cell sequences present in the Kirsten and Harvey murine sarcoma virus genomes, and (ii) an endogenous type-C rat leukemia virus. J Virol, 1977 Sep, 23(3), 626 - 36 Genetic and physiological control of host cell lysis by bacteriophage lambda; Rolfe BG et al.; The timing of host cell lysis at the end of the lytic cycle of phage lambda is under complex control . The lambda S protein stimulates lysis . Another physiological