Corynebacterium

J Clin Microbiol, 1988 Sep, 26(9), 1865 - 6
Identification of Actinomyces (Corynebacterium) pyogenes with the API 20 Strep system; Morrison JR et al.; A total of 62 strains of Actinomyces pyogenes (previously Corynebacterium pyogenes) were examined by the API 20 Strep system (API System, La Balme Les Grottes, Montalieu-Vercieu, France) . The system was shown to be reliable and rapid when the tests were compared with standard identification methods . No confusion occurred with streptococcal profiles in the current API 20 Strep data base.

J Med Microbiol, 1988 Sep, 27(1), 45 - 50
Size and homology of the genomes of leprosy-derived corynebacteria, Mycobacterium leprae, and other corynebacteria and mycobacteria; Antoine I et al.; The genomes of Mycobacterium leprae and leprosy-derived corynebacteria (LDC), which have a similar base composition of guanine + cytosine 56 mol %, have been compared with those of reference bacteria of the CMN group (genera Corynebacterium, Mycobacterium, Nocardia) . Genome sizes of three LDC strains were (1.2-2.5) x 10(6) base pairs . DNA from four of seven LDC strains examined had homology levels greater than 60% . Two other strains had a homology of 40% when compared with the CMN strains and one strain was distinctly different . The DNA from all seven LDC strains gave 0.3-18% hybridisation with that of M . leprae, 5-16% with reference corynebacteria, 5-12% with M . bovis, and 2-8% with Nocardia caviae . The small size of the LDC genome and its unrelatedness to those of M . leprae and organisms of the CMN group shows the uniqueness of LDC.

Clin Pharm, 1988 Sep, 7(9), 647 - 58
Teicoplanin: an investigational glycopeptide antibiotic; Pryka RD et al.; The chemistry, mechanism of action, antimicrobial spectrum, pharmacokinetics, adverse effects, and clinical uses of teicoplanin are reviewed . Teicoplanin, a novel glycopeptide that is similar to vancomycin, was isolated in the mid-1970s . A fermentation product of Actinoplanes teicomyceticus, teicoplanin is a structurally complex compound made up of six fatty-acid components attached to a common aglycone . Teicoplanin's mechanism of action, like that of vancomycin, is inhibition of cell-wall biosynthesis . In vitro activity is comparable to that of vancomycin and includes staphylococci, streptococci, corynebacterium, listeria, and anaerobic cocci . Resistance to teicoplanin has been reported with coagulase-negative staphylococci . Teicoplanin is 50 to 100 times more lipophilic than vancomycin . Teicoplanin is poorly absorbed after oral administration but is 90% bioavailable when administered intramuscularly . The drug distributes widely into body tissue and is eliminated primarily renally . Optimal dosing regimens and therapeutic serum drug concentrations have not been well established . Reported adverse effects have included irreversible ototoxicity, allergic reactions with maculopapular rash and eosinophilia, pain at intramuscular injection site, and elevation of aminotransferases . Initial clinical trials have yielded conflicting results in gram-positive bacteremia, endocarditis, osteomyelitis, and soft-tissue infections . Teicoplanin has shown promise in surgical and dental prophylaxis . Comparative trials with vancomycin and other antimicrobial agents must be completed before teicoplanin's role as a therapeutic agent in the treatment of systemic gram-positive infections is defined.

Vet Pathol, 1988 Sep, 25(5), 362 - 8
Immunophenotype of pulmonary cellular infiltrates in sheep with visceral caseous lymphadenitis; Ellis JA; Pulmonary lesions associated with Corynebacterium ovis were analyzed with an indirect immunoperoxidase staining technique using monoclonal antibodies . The predominant cells in abscess walls and surrounding lung parenchyma were large macrophages which expressed major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules on their surfaces . T lymphocytes were prominent in the same sites in the naturally occurring lesions, and SBU-T4-positive ("helper/inducer") cells were the major subset of lymphocytes (mean T4/T8 ratio = 3.5) . B lymphocytes and granulocytes comprised minor populations of infiltrating cells . These results implicate activated macrophages and MHC class II-restricted T lymphocytes in the pathogenesis of established C . ovis infections in sheep.

Int J Lepr Other Mycobact Dis, 1988 Sep, 56(3), 449 - 54
Molecular-genetic evidence for the relationship of Mycobacterium leprae to slow-growing pathogenic mycobacteria; Smida J et al.; A total of 1170 nucleotides of the 16S rRNA from Mycobacterium leprae were compared to the homologous regions of M . tuberculosis, M . bovis Vallee, M . avium, M . scrofulaceum, M . phlei, M . fortuitum and one representative each of the genera Corynebacterium, Nocardia, and Rhodococcus . Homology values were calculated and a phylogenetic tree was constructed from the evolutionary distance values . Despite differences in DNA G + C content and genome size, M . leprae is a true member of the slow-growing pathogenic mycobacteria, branching off intermediate to the other members of this subgroup . Slow- and fast-growing mycobacteria are phylogenetically well separated but constitute an individual branch of the actinomycetes proper . Significant structural variation of certain regions of the 16S rRNA may allow construction of M . leprae-specific probes used for rapid identification.

Cancer, 1988 Aug 15, 62(4), 806 - 11
Treatment of malignant pleural effusions with intracavitary Corynebacterium parvum; Casali A et al.; Fifty-three cases of metastatic pleural effusion (30 haemorragic and 23 serofibrinous) were treated with 4 mg of Corynebacterium parvum (CP) injected weekly into the pleural cavity after total thoracentesis . Of the 53 effusions, 24 were metastases from lung cancer and 29 from breast cancer . Complete response (CR) was assessed as total resolution of pleural effusion after explorative thoracentesis . The results were as follows: 15 CR after two injections of CP, 30 CR after three, and 5 CR after the fourth administration . Three of 53 cases could not be evaluated because of early death . Of the 30 clearly haemorragic effusions, 25 turned into serofibrinosis after the first intrapleural injection of CP and the other five after the second . These findings indicate that intracavitary CP is the most adequate treatment for the control of neoplastic pleural effusion because it induces a significant clinical improvement with milder side effects with respect to other drugs and/or physical agents commonly used.

Transplantation, 1988 Aug, 46(2), 261 - 6
Augmentation by Corynebacterium liquefaciens of erythrocyte surface H-2 expression and alloimmunogenicity for antibody responses; Yoshida T et al.; Intravenous injection of killed Corynebacterium liquefaciens induced a population of red blood cells that expressed both H-2K and H-2D antigens at exceptionally high density and displayed augmented immunogenicity for H-2 alloantigen-specific B cell activation . Injection of killed Escherichia coli or E . coli lipopolysaccharide was ineffective for the generation of such RBC . RBC that express H-2 antigens at high density first appeared at 7 days after injection of C . liquefaciens . These RBC persisted for more than 50 days, although they lost H-2 antigens gradually with time . The observed phenomenon was not due to enhanced erythropoiesis and peripheral release of immature RBC (reticulocytes); populations of both mature and immature RBC of mice injected with C . liquefaciens expressed H-2 antigens at high density, whereas those from normal mice or mice injected with phenyl hydrazine did not . Appearance of RBC expressing H-2 antigens at high density was preceded by a temporal increase in H-2 expression of bone marrow cells that included precursors of RBC . It was concluded that RBC expressing H-2 antigens at high density were descendants of bone marrow cells whose H-2 expression was augmented by C . liquefaciens . The present communication would be the 1st report of the bacteria-mediated augmentation of cell surface expression and activity of major-histocompatibility-complex class I antigens on host cells in vivo.

Aust Vet J, 1988 Aug, 65(8), 241 - 4
Pathological findings in the bulbourethral glands of bulls; Campero CM et al.; The bulbourethral glands of 323 Bos indicus or B . indicus crossbred bulls more than 1 1/2 years old were examined in an abattoir study . Bulbourethral adenitis was diagnosed grossly and confirmed by histological examination in 4 (1.2%) . Unilateral chronic interstitial inflammation was seen in 2 cases; one of these was associated with a degenerative-type seminal vesiculitis . In the others adenitis was bilateral; in one case it was associated with a concretion and foreign (plant) material in the principal duct of the left bulbourethral gland; in the other bilateral case, numerous calculi were present and microscopically, a chronic active and diffuse inflammation was observed . Chemical analysis of the calculi showed calcium oxalate and tricalcium phosphate to be the most important components . Corynebacterium spp was isolated from the lesion with multiple calculi but attempts to isolate Chlamydia spp, Mycoplasma spp and Brucella abortus from the 4 adenitis cases were unsuccessful . Congenital abnormalities such as glandular fusion (2.2%) or unilateral aplasia (0.6%) were also observed . Cysts were the most common finding (19.2%), and duct dilation was frequent (7.1%) . The significance of these findings in relation to fertility is considered.

Vet Microbiol, 1988 Aug, 17(4), 357 - 65
Teat skin normal flora and colonization with mastitis pathogen inhibitors; Woodward WD et al.; Isolates of bacteria from normal teats were used to attempt colonization of teats of dry cows or neonatal calves . Isolates for inoculation were chosen on the basis of ability to inhibit mastitis pathogens in vitro, with the ultimate goal of in vivo inhibition of mastitis pathogens at the teat surface . Three bacterial normal flora isolates (Corynebacterium xerosis, Bacillus sp . and Aerococcus viridans) persisted less than 10 days on the teats of dry cows . The fourth isolate, Staphylococcus hominis 1, was studied in greatest detail because studies characterizing the normal teat flora showed staphylococci to be the predominant flora . The S . hominis 1 isolated used for inoculation was an inhibitor of Gram-positive mastitis pathogens . It was a biotype not found on these teats prior to inoculation, thus facilitating identification of the inoculated isolate on sequential sampling . Colonization of newborn calves, before other bacterial flora became established, resulted in recovery of inoculated S . hominis 1 for an average of 51 days or longer . On dry cow teats it was detected for up to 28 days . On several occasions the inoculated S . hominis 1 was found in pure culture . Since many new infections occur during the dry period, the colonization of dry cow teats with S . hominis 1 organisms inhibitory for Gram-positive pathogens should be tested as an adjunct to other methods of mastitis prevention.

J Am Vet Med Assoc, 1988 Aug 1, 193(3), 367 - 8
Gangrenous dermatitis caused by Corynebacterium ulcerans in Richardson ground squirrels; Olson ME et al.; Gangrenous dermatitis caused by Corynebacterium ulcerans developed in 63 of 350 wild Richardson ground squirrels (Spermophilus richardsonii) . Six squirrels died of toxemia and/or septicemia, but 57 responded to topical and parenteral administration of antibiotics . The epizo-otic was believed to be associated with fighting; infected and carrier ground squirrels most likely transmitted the C ulcerans through bite wounds . Individuals handling ground squirrels should be cautioned that C ulcerans may produce a diphtheria-like disease in human beings.

J Dairy Sci, 1988 Aug, 71(8), 2035 - 43
Physiological and pathological factors influencing bovine immunoglobulin G2 concentration in milk; Caffin JP et al.; Bovine IgG2 concentration was determined by radial immunodiffusion in 355 milk samples of uninfected quarters, 101 milk samples of infected quarters, and 118 blood serum samples from 42 Holstein-Friesian cows taken at 30, 150, and 270 d . Concentration of IgG2 in blood serum (11.3 mg/ml) was highest at the beginning of lactation (30 d) . Immunoglobulin G2 concentration in milk (16.81 micrograms/ml) from cows with uninfected quarters was not affected by quarter location but was correlated with IgG2 concentration in blood serum (.30; P less than .001) . The IgG2 concentration in milk was lower in midlactation (150 d: 14.81 micrograms/ml) and in the two first lactations . Immunoglobulin G2 concentration in milk was correlated with SCC . Quarter infection by Corynebacterium bovis or major pathogens increased IgG2 concentration up to 47.9 micrograms/ml for Staphylococcus aureus . Only S . aureus influenced IgG2 concentration in blood serum . Correlation between IgG2 content and SCC in milk decreased when quarters were infected, regardless of bacterial species.

Antibiot Khimioter, 1988 Aug, 33(8), 601 - 5
{Immunomodulating properties of the antigens of the cell walls of nontoxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae}; Shmeleva EA et al.; The total protein fraction was obtained by extraction with nonionic detergent NP-40 . The fraction composition and molecular parameters were studied with DDS-Na electrophoresis in polyacryl amide gel . Common properties of the Corynebacterium diphtheriae protein fraction 66 kD and an analogous fraction of the cell walls of staphylococci and the measles virus were shown with immunoblotting . Cell-mediated mechanisms of the immune response to contact with antigens of Corynebacterium diphtheriae cell walls were revealed.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1988 Aug, (8), 23 - 31
{Comparative analysis of the DNA of Corynebacterium diphtheriae phages and the cloning of the gene determining diphtheria toxin synthesis}; Kovgan AA et al.; The analysis of the DNA of one nontoxigenic C . diphtheriae phage and two toxigenic ones has revealed that phage phi 984tox+ belongs to omega-like tox+ phages, phage phi 9tox+ is a representative of a new group of phages and phage B (Freeman) tox is a deletion mutant of phage beta . The location of this deletion on the physical map of this phage has been established . To obtain the physical map of phage phi 984tox+, the complete library of internal DNA fragments has been constructed in vector pBR 322 . The gene of native diphtheria toxin has been cloned in vectors pBR 322 and pUR 250 . Plasmids pUR 250 with the inserts of the toxin gene have been shown to be unstable if tox and lac promoters are located in tandem before the body of the toxin gene . The prolonged cultivation of clones having such structure leads to the formation of a spontaneous mutation located in the region coding the C-end part of the A-fragment of the toxin.

Vet Microbiol, 1988 Aug, 17(4), 323 - 34
Influence of immunomodulatory agents on bovine humoral and cellular immune responses to parenteral inoculation with bovine rotavirus vaccines; Archambault D et al.; Sodium diethyldithiocarbamate (DTC), mycobacterium cell wall extract (MCWE, Regressin), killed Corynebacterium parvum (C . parvum, Immunoregulin) and muramyldipeptide (MDP) were each combined with purified, live bovine rotavirus and inoculated into 3 month-old Holstein-Friesian calves in order to examine their ability to potentiate specific humoral and cellular immune responses . The vaccinated calves were boosted twice at 3 and 6 weeks after initial vaccine inoculation . The rotavirus was administered intramuscularly either in an aqueous suspension or in a water-in-oil (WIO) emulsion, prepared with incomplete Freund's adjuvant (IFA) . DTC and C . parvum were given by the intravenous route, while MCWE and MDP were incorporated directly in the rotavirus suspension . Two groups of calves were also vaccinated either with rotavirus and IFA or with rotavirus emulsified in mineral oil and a mannide oleate compound (MOC, Montanide 888) . A control group of calves was given phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) solution emulsified with IFA . The different vaccine preparations were then compared by studying the kinetics of serum rotavirus-neutralizing antibody production and of proliferative response by blood lymphocytes following in vitro stimulation with bovine rotavirus . The results showed that: (1) the bovine rotavirus should be incorporated in a WIO emulsion in order to induce a cell-mediated immune response as detected by the rotavirus-specific in vitro stimulation test with blood lymphocytes, and to produce higher neutralizing antibody titers in the serum; (2) the vaccines prepared with the mineral oil-MOC complex or IFA both induced comparable levels of humoral and cellular immune responses . The use of mineral oil and MOC as adjuvant may be preferred to IFA, because of the facility of preparing the vaccine and of the low viscosity of the resulting WIO emulsion: (3) the addition of MDP to the WIO emulsion prepared with IFA resulted in a higher cell-mediated immune response as determined by the in vitro blood lymphocyte transformation index specific for bovine rotavirus.

J Gen Virol, 1988 Aug, 69 ( Pt 8), 1999 - 2010
Effect of macrophage activation on resistance of mouse peritoneal macrophages to infection with herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2; Sit MF et al.; To define the effect of heterogeneity of murine peritoneal macrophages (M phi) on intrinsic resistance to herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection, several M phi populations were characterized for their response to infection with HSV type 1 (HSV-1) and HSV-2 . Steady-state resident M phi (Res M phi) were compared in parallel with M phi activated with Corynebacterium parvum (now designated Propionibacterium acnes) (CP M phi) and thioglycollate-elicited inflammatory M phi (TG M phi) . Res M phi were completely non-permissive for productive virus infection and showed no c.p.e . The intrinsic resistance of CP M phi to HSV infection was similar to that of Res M phi, in that the infection was non-productive for infectious virus, but CP M phi showed marked c.p.e . TG M phi showed semi-permissiveness, with virus yields at least 10-fold higher than those in Res M phi and CP M phi, and marked c.p.e . The three distinct intrinsic response patterns were maintained regardless of whether M phi were derived from CD-1 or B6C3F1 mice, or whether the infecting virus was HSV-1 or HSV-2 . To define the level at which M phi restrict HSV replication, immunofluorescence assays for viral antigens and hybridization analyses for viral DNA were performed . All M phi populations showed immediate early and early virus polypeptides . Res M phi and CP M phi showed no viral DNA replication, but TG M phi showed moderate levels of viral DNA synthesis that paralleled the infectious virus titres produced . Investigation of the mechanism for the heterogeneous intrinsic antiviral response among the M phi revealed that interferon was not involved, because antiserum to mouse alpha/beta interferon did not alter the intrinsic resistance patterns . Induction of c.p.e . in M phi required live, replication-competent HSV . The involvement of tumour necrosis factor (TNF) in c.p.e . was found to be unlikely; no significant amounts of TNF were detected in the culture medium of the M phi, and inclusion of anti-TNF antibody did not inhibit c.p.e.

J Interferon Res, 1988 Aug, 8(4), 405 - 13
Deficiency in interferon production of peripheral blood leukocytes from patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma; Ho AD et al.; In search for a rationale for the use of interferons (IFNs) in treatment of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), we have investigated the IFN system of 13 patients with low-grade NHL, 15 patients with high-grade NHL, and 20 patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia or leukemic immunocytoma (CLL/IC) . Production of IFN induced by phytohemagglutinin (PHA), concanavalin A (Con A), pokeweed mitogen (PWM), Corynebacterium parvum, Herpes simplex virus (HSV), Newcastle disease virus (NDV), and interleukin 2 (IL-2) were studied in the peripheral leukocytes from the patients and from 21 control persons by means of a whole blood technique . All three groups of patients with NHL had significantly reduced production upon stimulation by NDV (p ranged between 0.0038 and less than 0.0001) compared to controls . Similarly, C . parvum also induced lower titers of IFN in the leukocytes of patients with non-leukemic NHL (p = 0.0015 for low-grade NHL and p = 0.0038 for high-grade NHL) . When stimulated by PHA, the IFN response of all groups of patients was within normal range . With the exception in low-grade NHL, Con A also induced normal titers of IFN in the patients with NHL . The levels of IFN induced by PWM, HSV, and IL-2 were very low and no differences between controls and patients could be found . As NDV and C . parvum induce mainly IFN-alpha and the mitogens PHA and Con A mainly IFN-gamma, our results suggest that there is a deficiency in the IFN-alpha response in the patients with NHL but normal response in IFN-gamma . This deficiency may have implications for the choice of subtypes of IFN in the treatment of NHL.

J Am Vet Med Assoc, 1988 Jul 1, 193(1), 89 - 90
Corynebacterium folliculitis in a horse; Heffner KA et al.; A 7-year-old Thoroughbred was examined for evaluation of mildly pruritic multiple skin lesions that had progressed from nodules to alopecia and crusts . Folliculitis caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis was diagnosed by bacterial culture . Oral treatment with a trimethoprimsulfadiazine paste resulted in resolution of all lesions, with normal hair regrowth.

Am J Med Sci, 1988 Jul, 296(1), 57 - 8
Corynebacterium aquaticum infection in a patient with chronic granulomatous disease; Kaplan A et al.; Patients with chronic granulomatous disease are uniquely susceptible to infection with catalase-producing bacteria . Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella, Escherichia coli and Serratia marcescans are common infecting organisms . A 17-month-old boy with Corynebacterium aquaticum bacteremia is reported . This is only the third documented infection with this non-JK diphtheroid and the first case infection in a patient with chronic granulomatous disease . It is likely that our patient's underlying immune defect predisposed him to infection with this unusual, catalase-producing organism . Although these bacteria are common contaminants and rarely infecting agents, true infection should be considered in patients with chronic granulomatous disease from whom a diphtheroid is isolated.

Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg, 1988 Jul, 114(7), 763 - 5
Microbiology of the tonsils and adenoids in a pediatric population; DeDio RM et al.; To investigate the microbial flora of the tonsils and adenoids, the core tissue from the tonsils and adenoids of 50 children undergoing tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy for either recurrent infection or airway obstruction was cultured aerobically and anaerobically, and the number of bacterial colonies was quantitated . The most common organisms isolated were alpha-hemolytic streptococci, nonpathogenic Neisseria species, Haemophilus species, Staphylococcus aureus, and Corynebacterium species . No anaerobes were identified . Bacterial isolates from the tonsils and adenoids were similar in number and frequency of occurrence . Potential pathogenic bacteria (Haemophilus species, S aureus, beta-hemolytic streptococci, and Streptococcus pneumoniae) were identified in 40 patients . Seventy-three percent of these patients shared a common pathogen in tonsil and adenoid tissue . Haemophilus species were recovered in 54% of patients and S aureus in 46% . No significant difference exists between the type and number of pathogens in patients undergoing adenotonsillectomy for recurrent infection or obstruction.

J Clin Lab Immunol, 1988 Jul, 26(3), 129 - 34
Age and lpr dependent induction of increased sensitivity to the toxic effects of lipopolysaccharide and indomethacin in MRL mice: evidence for RES activation during disease progression; Hart DA; Injection of 4.5-6 month old female MRL-lpr/lpr mice with 200-250 micrograms lipopolysaccharide led to the death of the animals within two days . Treatment of age matched female control mice (MRL-+/+) or young (3 month) MRL-lpr/lpr mice did not lead to similar toxicity . However, pretreatment of young mice with the pyridine extract of residue of Corynebacterium parvum (alternatively designated Propionibacterium acnes) prior to lipopolysaccharide injection, led to the rapid death of 100% of the mice . Similarly, treatment of old MRL-lpr/lpr mice, or young mice pretreated with the C . parvum extract, with doses of indomethacin non-toxic to MRL-+/+ mice (5 mg/kg), led to 100% mortality . These results indicate that the presence of the lpr gene in MRL mice leads to an age-dependent induction of RES activation . Whether this RES activation is a result of the autoimmune diseases these animals exhibit or is a secondary sequelae of the lymphoproliferation associated with the lpr gene cannot be ascertained . However, the finding of increased sensitivity of old MRL-lpr/lpr mice to the toxic effects of indomethacin indicates that the RES activation occurring in these animals is similar to that observed previously in mice bearing the BCL1-leukemia or treated with C . parvum.

Res Vet Sci, 1988 Jul, 45(1), 4 - 10
Influence of selenium on antibody production in sheep; Larsen HJ et al.; Three experiments were carried out, using sheep fed a marginally low selenium diet, to study the effect of selenium supplementation on the antibody response to tetanus toxoid and on the serum IgG concentration . Six groups of three six-month-old lambs were fed a basal diet containing 0.13 mg Se kg-1 supplemented with either 0.1, 0.5 or 1.0 mg Se kg-1, as sodium selenite or as selenomethionine . These animals generally showed enhanced antibody response to tetanus toxoid, parainfluenza-3 virus and Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, and their total serum IgG concentrations were higher than in unsupplemented control animals although few responses were statistically significant . In two field studies significantly higher titres to tetanus toxoid were detected in ewes injected with 100 mg selenium as barium selenate, although no influence on serum IgG concentrations was detected . Lambs from selenium supplemented ewes had significantly higher titres to tetanus toxoid than lambs from ewes in the control group . Dietary vitamin E supplementation had a similar effect on the antibody response to tetanus toxoid in ewes, though no additive effect was seen when vitamin E was given together with selenium.

Genetika, 1988 Jul, 24(7), 1153 - 8
{Molecular cloning and the expression of the genes of amino acid biosynthesis of Corynebacterium glutamicum in Escherichia coli cells}; Beskrovnaia OIu et al.; Cloning of genes for threonine and lysine biosynthesis from Corynebacterium glutamicum was performed in Escherichia coli cells using the plasmid vector lambda pSL5 . The cloned genes are identified via complementation of thrB and lysA mutations . The gene complementing thrB of E . coli is located within a 4.1 kb EcoRI fragment of C . glutamicum chromosomal DNA . All the recombinant phasmids complementing the lysA gene of E . coli contain common 2.2 kb and 3.3 kb EcoRI C . glutamicum DNA fragments . The cloned DNA fragments hybridize with identical EcoRI fragments of C . glutamicum chromosomal DNA.

Aust Vet J, 1988 Jul, 65(7), 214 - 7
The effect of selenium supplementation on immunity, and the establishment of an experimental Haemonchus contortus infection, in weaner merino sheep fed a low selenium diet; Jelinek PD et al.; Immunity in 12 weaner Merino sheep fed a low selenium (Se) diet (low Se sheep) was compared with that in 10 matching sheep fed the same diet but each given an intraruminal Se pellet (high Se sheep), while the sheep were housed in individual, sheltered pens . All sheep were challenged with killed Brucella abortus cells (days 0 and 28), rabbit red blood cells (days 0, 7 and 28) and corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis toxoid (days 0 and 28), and serum antibody titres were measured weekly for 8 weeks from day 0 . The sheep were then experimentally infected with Haemonchus contortus, and slaughtered 8 weeks later . The mean antibody titre to B . abortus, measured by 4 different tests, was significantly higher in the high Se sheep on occasions during the primary immune response phase (Rose Bengal test - day 21 (p less than 0.05), day 28 (p less than 0.025); complement fixation - day 7 (p less than 0.05); enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay - day 14 (p less than 0.01); serum agglutination - no differences), but not during the secondary phase . The mean antibody titre to rabbit red blood cells, measured by haemagglutination test, was marginally higher in the high Se sheep on day 49 (p = 0.049) . The mean antibody titre to C . pseudotuberculosis, measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, was not significantly different between the groups at any time during the trial . In addition, the mean in-vitro responsiveness of peripheral blood lymphocytes to stimulation with phytohaemagglutinin in the high Se sheep was significantly greater than that in 10 sheep from the low Se group on day 22 (p less than 0.01), but not day 50.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract, 1988 Jul, 18(4), 743 - 54
The microbial environment of the ear canal in health and disease; Kowalski JJ; Otitis externa is an important disease of dogs and, to a lesser degree, cats . The yeast Malassezia canis is the most common organism demonstrated in ear infections . Coagulase-positive staphylococci are the most common bacteria isolated, often occurring with M . canis . Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus are gram-negative bacteria that are frequently encountered . Other bacteria, such as beta-hemolytic streptococci, enterococci, Escherichia coli, and Corynebacterium are also important . Malassezia canis, coagulase-positive staphylococci, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa commonly occur as monoinfections, whereas other bacteria are typically associated with mixed infections . Smears may provide rapid diagnosis on which to base empiric treatment . Cultures should be considered in recurrent or refractory cases, especially those involving gram-negative bacteria . In practices that are not equipped to perform culture and susceptibility tests, it is advisable to seek the advice of a microbiology laboratory.

Infection, 1988 Jul-Aug, 16(4), 245 - 7
Corynebacterium group D2 and urolithiasis in a boy with megacalycosis; Nadal D et al.; This is report on a boy with megacalycosis in whom infectious urolithiasis after eradication of Proteus mirabilis was maintained by Corynebacterium group D2.

Cell Immunol, 1988 Jul, 114(2), 282 - 92
Differential in vitro modulation of suppressor and antitumor functions of mouse macrophages by lymphokines and/or endotoxin; Chang ZL et al.; Peritoneal macrophages of normal mice exhibited natural suppressor activity, as indicated by their ability to inhibit the proliferation of spleen cells in response to stimulation with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) or concanavalin A (Con A) . Their suppressor function could be modulated in vitro with a variety of treatment regimens . High-dose lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (LPSH; 10 micrograms/ml) or lymphokines (supernatant from Con A-stimulated spleen cells) plus low-dose LPS (LPSL; 10 ng/ml) caused a reduction in the suppressor activity of adherent peritoneal macrophages . In contrast, these same treatments induced the macrophages to become tumoricidal and cytostatic for tumor cells, indicating a major dissociation between the regulation of suppressor and cytotoxic activities of macrophages . The lack of correlation between these activities was further demonstrated by macrophages that had been activated in vitro by Corynebacterium parvum: these cells expressed high tumoricidal and cytostatic activities, and also strong suppressor activity . The suppressor function could be selectively downregulated by in vitro pretreatment with LPSH.

Am J Vet Res, 1988 Jul, 49(7), 1045 - 9
Association of bovine respiratory syncytial virus with atypical interstitial pneumonia in feedlot cattle; Collins JK et al.; Thirty-three cattle with fatal respiratory tract disease were examined for gross and histologic lesions and for the presence of viral and bacterial agents in the lungs . Fifteen cattle had lesions characteristic of atypical interstitial pneumonia (AIP), and 18 had other respiratory tract diseases, including infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, shipping fever pneumonia, bronchopneumonia, pulmonary abscess, and edema of the trachea . Gross necropsy findings in the cattle with AIP were uncollapsed and emphysematous lungs; histopathologic findings included interstitial edema, thickening of alveolar walls, hyaline membrane formation, and hyperplasia of type-II pneumonocytes . The infective agents found in the lungs of the 33 cattle included bovine respiratory syncytial virus, bovine herpesvirus type 1, Pasteurella sp, mycoplasmas, and Corynebacterium pyogenes . Bovine respiratory syncytial virus was detected by use of immunofluorescence and immunoperoxidase on lung tissue sections; bovine herpesvirus type 1 was detected by these techniques and by isolation of the virus . Bovine respiratory syncytial virus was significantly (P = 0.01) associated with lesions of AIP (11 of 15), compared with those of other respiratory tract diseases (5 of 18).

Scand J Immunol, 1988 Jul, 28(1), 113 - 21
Modulation of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) expression by interferons and microbial agents . Independent regulation of MHC class II expression and induction of tumoricidal activity in bone marrow-derived mononuclear phagocytes; Keller R et al.; In a pure population of rat bone marrow-derived mononuclear phagocytes (BMM phi), the expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules and ability to manifest tumoricidal activity were simultaneously studied . Resting BMM phi, which express low levels of MHC class II molecules and do not manifest tumoricidal activity, become strongly MHC class II-positive, and evolve tumoricidal activity within 24 h when incubated with macrophage-activating lymphokines (MAF) or gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) . In contrast, BMM phi which were interacted for 24 h with heat-killed microbial agents (Corynebacterium parvum, Listeria) evolve tumoricidal activity without parallel enhancement of MHC class II expression . IFN-alpha,beta neither induced tumoricidal activity nor enhanced MHC class II expression . Further experiments have shown that (a) the kinetics of MAF- and/or IFN-gamma-induced amplification of MHC class II expression and of tumoricidal activity are different; (b) enhancement of MHC class II expression by rIFN-gamma is not invariably paralleled by induction of tumoricidal activity; and (c) inhibitors of macrophage tumoricidal activity differ in their ability to affect MHC class II expression . It is concluded from these findings that in a population of pure BMM phi, i.e . in the complete absence of lymphocytes, the expression of MHC molecules and induction of tumoricidal activity are independently regulated phenomena; in particular, the enhanced expression of MHC class II molecules is not a prerequisite for induction and/or manifestation of tumoricidal activity by mononuclear phagocytes.

Eur J Biochem, 1988 Jun 15, 174(3), 451 - 8
Purification and properties of 4-hydroxycyclohexanecarboxylate dehydrogenase from Corynebacterium cyclohexanicum; Obata H et al.; 4-Hydroxycyclohexanecarboxylate dehydrogenase, which requires NAD as a cofactor, was detected in crude soluble extracts of Corynebacterium cyclohexanicum grown on cyclohexanecarboxylic acid as the sole carbon source . The dehydrogenase was purified from extracts to an electrophoretically homogenous state by ammonium sulfate precipitation and chromatography on DEAE-650s, agarose-NAD and hydroxyapatite . The enzyme consisted of two identical subunits and had a native relative molecular mass of 53,600 . There were two residues each of cysteine and tryptophan in the enzyme molecule . Oxo acid rather than hydroxy acid was routinely used as substrate for assay of the enzyme . The enzyme is highly specific for 4-oxocyclohexanecarboxylic acid: the carboxyl group is essential and the position of carbonyl group is important; neither the 2-oxo nor the 3-oxo homologue was used as substrate . A methyl substitution on the ring of 4-oxocyclohexanecarboxylate resulted in an almost complete loss of its activity . The reduction product was identified as trans-4-hydroxycyclohexanecarboxylic acid by gas-liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry . It was used as a substrate for the reverse reaction in the presence of NAD but not its cis-isomer . The enzyme was specific for the B-side (pro-S) hydrogen of NADH in the hydrogen transfer from NADH to 4-oxocyclohexanecarboxylate . The Km values for 4-oxocyclohexanecarboxylate and NADH in the reduction reaction at pH 6.8 were 0.50 mM and 0.28 mM, respectively, whereas those for trans-4-hydroxycyclohexanecarboxylate and NAD in the oxidation reaction at pH 8.8 were 0.51 mM and 0.23 mM, respectively . The equilibrium constant of the reaction was 1.79 x 10(-10) M . The enzyme was strongly inhibited by N-bromosuccinimide.

Thorax, 1988 Jun, 43(6), 486 - 7
Pulmonary pseudotumour due to Corynebacterium equi in a patient with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome; Bishopric GA et al.; A case of inflammatory pseudotumour of the lung in a patient with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome due to infection by Corynebacterium equi is described.

Br J Exp Pathol, 1988 Jun, 69(3), 327 - 38
The ability of inflammatory bronchoalveolar leucocyte populations elicited with microbes or mineral dust to injure alveolar epithelial cells and degrade extracellular matrix in vitro; Donaldson K et al.; Inflammatory cells are recruited to the parenchyma of the lung in a range of conditions where they are considered to have the ability to exert damaging effects on elements of the alveolus . The injurious effects of rat bronchoalveolar-derived inflammatory cells on an alveolar Type II epithelial cell line were therefore assessed . Inflammatory populations produced by intratracheal injection of Corynebacterium parvum or quartz caused non-lethal detachment injury to the epithelial cells on co-culture whereas control bronchoalveolar cells had no effect on epithelial cells . The pathogenic mineral dusts quartz and chrysotile asbestos caused increased detachment injury when added to co-cultures of epithelial cells and bronchoalveolar leucocyte populations; neither titanium dioxide, a control mineral dust, nor zymosan were active in this respect . Detachment injury was particularly marked when quartz was added to co-cultures of epithelial cells and inflammatory bronchoalveolar cells from quartz treated lung . On the basis of anti-protease and anti-oxidant studies, the detachment injury was found to be mediated by protease alone in the case of quartz cells and protease plus oxidant in the case of C . parvum cells . The two inflammatory bronchoalveolar cell populations were found to have increased proteolytic activity, compared to control bronchoalveolar cells, as shown by increased ability to degrade fibronectin, laminin and denatured collagen . Inflammatory bronchoalveolar cells therefore have the potential to attack elements of the septal extracellular matrix as well as to compromise the integrity of the alveolar epithelium.

Am J Vet Res, 1988 Jun, 49(6), 918 - 22
Pharmacokinetics and body fluid and endometrial concentrations of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole in mares; Brown MP et al.; Six healthy adult mares were each given a single IV injection of trimethoprim (TMP)-sulfamethoxazole (SMZ) at a dosage of 2.5 mg of TMP/kg of body weight and 12.5 mg of SMZ/kg . Serum concentrations of each drug were measured serially over a 24-hour period . For TMP, the mean overall elimination rate constant (K) was 0.43/hr and the elimination half-life (t1/2) was 1.9 hours . The apparent volume of distribution (at steady state) was 1.62 L/kg and TMP clearance was 886 ml/hr/kg . For SMZ, K was 0.22/hr and t1/2 was 3.53 hours . The apparent volume of distribution at steady state was 0.33 L/kg and SMZ clearance was 78.2 ml/hr/kg . Each mare was then given 5 consecutive oral doses of TMP-SMZ at a rate of 2.5 mg of TMP/kg and 12.5 mg of SMZ/kg at 12-hour intervals . Trimethoprim and SMZ concentrations were measured in serum, synovial fluid, peritoneal fluid, CSF, urine, and endometrium . Although both mean TMP and SMZ serum concentrations were higher after the 5th dose than after the 1st dose, only the mean TMP concentration was significantly (P less than 0.05) different . After the 5th oral dose, concentrations of TMP and SMZ attained in body fluids (except CSF) and endometrial tissue were equal to or exceeded reported minimum inhibitory concentrations for Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, Staphylococcus sp, Streptococcus zooepidemicus, and several obligate anaerobes . Absorption of both drugs was variable after oral administration.

Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis, 1988 Jun, 7(3), 337 - 41
Infections caused by antibiotic-resistant Corynebacterium group D2; Soriano F et al.; A coryneform bacteria known as Corynebacterium group D2 pending definitive taxonomic classification, has emerged as a human pathogen . Although first described 16 years ago, the organism has only recently been implicated in clinical infections . It differs from all previously recognized species of Corynebacterium, and in common with Corynebacterium jeikeium exhibits a broad spectrum of antimicrobial resistance, being sensitive to only vancomycin, teicoplanin and some quinolones . The microorganisms is mainly involved in urinary tract infections, and its strong urease activity seems to play an important role in its pathogenicity . Corynebacterium jeikeium and group D2 are very different from the clinical and microbiological point of view . Corynebacterium group D2, like other coryneform bacteria, may be isolated from healthy skin in hospitalized patients, mainly females, while Corynebacterium jeikeium is more prevalent in males . Microbiologists should be aware that such a slow-growing microorganism may be responsible for clinical infections and should not be overlooked in routine cultures of clinical specimens.

Pathol Biol (Paris), 1988 Jun, 36(5 Pt 2), 742 - 5
{Urinary Corynebacterium group D2 infections . A hospital epidemic and antibiotic sensitivity}; Fosse T et al.; An outbreak of Corynebacterium group D2 urinary tract infections was recently observed at Nice CHR . These infections were characterized by alkaline urine . The five first cases were reported in the same department and the ten other cases were latter observed in different departments . Age average was 79 and all patients had either an intra-vesical catheter of a urinary collector . Among samples of material tested, only one gave a positive culture . The 15 isolates showed a similar identification and antibiotic phenotype . These strains presented a multiple antibiotic resistance: resistance to beta-lactams, aminoglycosides (except streptomycin), erythromycin, chloramphenicol, tetracyclines . All strains were susceptible to rifampin, pristinamycin, fusidic acid and vancomycin.

Inflammation, 1988 Jun, 12(3), 231 - 43
Oxidant production by control and inflammatory bronchoalveolar leukocyte populations treated with mineral dusts in vitro; Donaldson K et al.; Using a rat model we set out to determine whether exposure of bronchoalveolar-derived leukocytes to pathogenic mineral dusts in vitro caused them to undergo an oxidative burst and release potentially harmful oxidants . Three different populations, obtained by bronchoalveolar lavage, were chosen: control cells, cells obtained following instillation of heat-killed Corynebacterium parvum into the lung, and cells obtained following instillation of quartz . None of the populations showed any evidence of superoxide anion or hydrogen peroxide production when treated in vitro with the pathogenic dusts quartz and chrysotile asbestos, or the inert particulate titanium dioxide . Zymosan caused modest release of superoxide anion with all three populations, indicating that a respiratory burst was being provoked, while PMA, a soluble inducer of leukocyte oxidative burst, caused large-scale production of both oxidants . Preopsonization of mineral dust in rat serum did not render them capable of provoking an oxidative burst from lung-derived leukocytes.

Arch Biochem Biophys, 1988 May 15, 263(1), 77 - 85
Purification and characterization of cutinase from a fluorescent Pseudomonas putida bacterial strain isolated from phyllosphere; Sebastian J et al.; Cutinase, an extracellular enzyme, was induced by cutin in a fluorescent Pseudomonas putida strain that was found to be cohabiting with an apparently nitrogen-fixing Corynebacterium . This enzyme was purified from the culture fluid by acetone precipitation followed by chromatography on DEAE-cellulose, QAE-Sephadex, Sepharose 6B, and Sephadex G-100 . The purified enzyme showed a single band when subjected to polyacrylamide electrophoresis and the enzymatic activity coincided with the protein band . Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide electrophoresis showed a single band at a molecular weight of 30,000 and gel filtration of the native enzyme through a calibrated Sephadex G-100 column indicated a molecular weight of 30,000, showing that the enzyme is a monomer . The amino acid composition of bacterial cutinase is distinctly different from that of fungal or plant cutinases . This bacterial cutinase showed a broad pH optimum between 8.5 and 10.5 with 3H-labeled apple cutin as the substrate . Linear rates of cutin hydrolysis were measured up to 20 min of incubation time and 4 mg/ml of cutin gave the maximum hydrolysis rate . This cutinase catalyzed hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl esters of C4 to C16 fatty acids with decreasing V and increasing Km for the longer chain esters . It did not hydrolyze tripalmitoyl glycerol or trioleyl glycerol, indicating that this is not a general lipase . Active serine-directed reagents such as organophosphates and organoboronic acids severely inhibited the enzyme, suggesting that bacterial cutinase is an "active serine" enzyme . Neither thiol-directed reagents nor metal ion chelators had any effect on this enzyme . Antibody raised against purified enzyme gave a single precipitin line on Ouchterlony double diffusion analysis . Western blot analysis of the extracellular fluid of induced Ps . putida showed a single band at 30 kDa . No immunological cross-reactivity was detected between the present bacterial enzyme and the fungal enzyme from Fusarium solani pisi when rabbit antibodies against either enzyme was used.

Schweiz Med Wochenschr, 1988 May 7, 118(18), 676 - 9
{Cutaneous diphtheria imported from tropical countries}; Thomann U et al.; Two cases of imported cutaneous diphtheria from tropical areas are described . Vacationing in the Seychelles, a 29-year-old man injured his left malleolus a few weeks before his return to Switzerland . The wound did not heal and an ulcer developed . Microbiologic investigation yielded toxinogenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae . There were no signs of systemic intoxication . The man had not been vaccinated against diphtheria since childhood . In the second case a 51-year-old woman returned from Thailand and Nepal with two very painful ulcers between the toes of her right foot, which was reddish-coloured . Microbiologic investigation again yielded toxinogenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae and there was no sign of systemic intoxication . Treatment with erythromycin brought about complete healing of the ulcers.

J Am Vet Med Assoc, 1988 May 1, 192(9), 1297 - 8
Multicentric papillary cystadenoma in the udder of a cow; Reimer JM et al.; A mammary gland neoplasm was identified at necropsy in a 9-year-old ovariectomized Holstein cow with a 1-year history of an enlarged left hindquarter . A sterile serous secretion was expressed from the quarter . The cow developed Corynebacterium pyogenes infection in the quarter one year later and died of secondary complications . The left hindquarter was found to contain multiple cysts . The histologic diagnosis was multicentric papillary cystadenoma.

J Clin Microbiol, 1988 May, 26(5), 1058 - 60
Detection of coagulase activity in Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae; Tesh MJ et al.; Coagulase activity was detected in 99% of 225 strains of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae . These strains included isolates from a variety of animal and environmental sources . Activity could be detected by the tube or slide technique, with the tube reactions being easier to interpret . Coagulation of rabbit and/or bovine plasma was observed, with most strains reacting in both . The activity appeared to be a common characteristic of the species and may be useful in differentiating E . rhusiopathiae from Listeria and Corynebacterium species, which fail to demonstrate the activity . There was no correlation noted between coagulase activity and the serotype, source, geographic origin, or virulence (as detected by mouse pathogenicity tests) of the isolates.

Neurosurgery, 1988 May, 22(5), 868 - 72
Origin of organisms infecting ventricular shunts; Shapiro S et al.; Results of skin cultures obtained before 413 of 505 operations for cerebrospinal fluid-diverting ventricular shunt placement or revision in a pediatric population from April 1980 to May 1983 are analyzed and compared to results of cultures from 20 subsequent shunt infections . Sensitivities to 11 different antibiotics were determined for each isolate cultured . The total operative infection rate was 20 of 505 (4%) . Gram-negative bacilli alone accounted for 3 of 20 (15%) shunt infections . One gram-negative bacillus/Staphylococcus aureus infection occurred . Factors predisposing for gram-negative bacillus shunt infection were found in all 4 cases . The majority of shunt infections were caused by typical resident skin organisms: Staphylococcus epidermidis alone, 9/20 (45%); Staphylococcus aureus alone, 4/20 (20%); Corynebacterium sp., 1/20 (5%); alpha-Streptococcus with S . epidermidis, 1/20 (5%); and Micrococcus with S . epidermidis, 1/20 (5%) . Only 4 (20%) of the 20 shunt infections were due to organisms identical to those originally grown from the skin . Another 4 (20%) seemed to be infected with a strain of organism different from that initially recovered from the skin . The remaining skin organism shunt infections may or may not have come from the patient's skin . The data suggest that not all skin organism shunt infections arise from contamination by resident skin bacteria at the incision sites at the time of operation . Alternate sources for the infecting organisms are discussed . The antibiotic sensitivity data on skin isolates and shunt isolates suggest that vancomycin is the antibiotic best suited for prophylaxis against shunt infection at our institution.

Pathol Biol (Paris), 1988 May, 36(5), 460 - 4
{Corynebacterium group D2 . Clinical study, biochemical identification and antibiotic sensitivity}; Marty N et al.; The comparative study of 44 isolates of Corynebacterium group D2, from urine, most frequently, shows the pathogenic role of these bacteria in urinary tract infection, with or without urinary stones . These microorganisms have an opportunistic behaviour in other non-urinary sites, and become pathogen in immunosuppressed conditions . The rapid tests as urease, glucose acidification, nitrate reductase, associated with multiple resistance to antibiotics (beta-lactams and aminosides) identify easily Corynebacterium group D2, from 48 h cultures under CO2 conditions . The results of MIC determination of 10 antibiotics, show the high activity (100% sensitivity) of vancomycin and pristinamycin, with MIC modes, respectively, 0.5 and 0.03 mg/l . These antibiotics are the most useful for the treatment of non-urinary infections . Among quinolones, the most active agents are ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin (MIC modes: 4 and 2 mg/l), so these antimicrobials could be used for the treatment of urinary tract infections caused by Corynebacterium group D2.

Mol Microbiol, 1988 May, 2(3), 339 - 46
Expression of a biologically active diphtheria toxin fragment B in Escherichia coli; Cabiaux V et al.; The toxB gene of Corynebacterium diphtheriae bacteriophage beta encoding the B fragment of diphtheria toxin was cloned into an inducible expression vector . When expressed in Escherichia coli, fragment B was not proteolysed and was indistinguishable, by immunological criteria, from wild-type C . diphtheriae-derived fragment B . Soluble fragment B was partially purified from the cytoplasm by saline precipitation steps and was shown to compete with the wild-type diphtheria toxin for binding to receptors of sensitive eukaryotic cells . A complete diphtheria toxin was reconstituted by formation of the disulphide bridge between purified fragment A and recombinant fragment B, which migrates at the expected Mr on Western blots and which was able to block protein synthesis by ADP-ribosylation of elongation factor-2, thereby indicating that the recombinant fragment B had retained its biological activity.

J Immunol, 1988 Apr 15, 140(8), 2753 - 9
The influence of adjuvant on induction of protective immunity by a non-living vaccine against schistosomiasis; James SL et al.; Mice were protected against subsequent infection with Schistosoma mansoni by intradermal or s.c . vaccination with killed schistosomula or soluble parasite extracts and bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) . Treatment with i.p . immunization was somewhat less effective, whereas i.m . vaccination failed to elicit protective immunity . The level of resistance induced by intradermal immunization was influenced by the strain of BCG used, and isolated BCG cell walls did not reliably substitute for whole BCG organisms as adjuvant . Bordetella pertussis vaccine and saponin were also able to function as adjuvants for protective immunity in this model, whereas other immunopotentiators including Corynebacterium parvum and aluminum hydroxide were ineffective . No correlation between resistance to challenge infection and antibody levels was detected . Animals immunized intradermally using either protective or non-protective adjuvants all showed minimal humoral reactivity against schistosomulum surface Ag but strong IgG response to soluble parasite components including paramyosin, which is the major serologically recognized Ag in mice vaccinated intradermally with schistosome Ag plus BCG and is protective in this model . In contrast, a strong correlation was observed between resistance and Ag-specific cell-mediated reactivity, including IFN production by T lymphocytes in vitro and macrophage activation in vivo . These results further substantiate the hypothesis that protection in this model is based on cell-mediated immune effector mechanisms . Moreover, they may be of general relevance in the design of vaccination protocols using other Ag or against other infectious agents.

Aust Vet J, 1988 Apr, 65(4), 117 - 9
The effects of caseous lymphadenitis on wool production and bodyweight in young sheep; Paton MW et al.; Two hundred Merino wether hoggets were used to examine the effect of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis infection (caseous lymphadenitis) on wool production and bodyweight . Sheep which were challenged with C . pseudotuberculosis (artificially infected) and not vaccinated against this disease produced 0.20 kg less clean wool than unchallenged controls during the following 12 months . The incidence of sheep with lesions in the group that was vaccinated prior to challenge was 55% lower than in unvaccinated challenged sheep but their wool production was not significantly different from either the controls or the unvaccinated challenged sheep . Vaccinated sheep were also heavier than unvaccinated sheep 12 months after challenge . These results indicate that caseous lymphadenitis infection may reduce wool production.

Am J Vet Res, 1988 Apr, 49(4), 459 - 63
Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis infection in adult ewes by inoculation in the external ear; Pepin M et al.; Caseous lymphadenitis, caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, was studied in ewes to devise a reliable method of induced infection that would help to understand mechanisms by which abscesses develop in lymph nodes or internal organs, especially the lungs . Fifteen adult ewes, from a flock where the occurrence of caseous lymphadenitis was unknown, were inoculated SC in the auricle with various doses of a virulent strain of C pseudotuberculosis . Ewes inoculated with at least 10(8) viable corynebacteria develop a strong local reaction that was apparent 4 hours after challenge exposure and lasted 7 to 14 days . Of these ewes, all developed at least 1 abscess and 3 developed multiple abscesses in lymph nodes draining the inoculated auricle and in the lungs . All infected ewes developed a strong antibody response against C pseudotuberculosis exotoxin, which persisted for 3 months . Of 9 ewes infected with 1.2 X 10(8) corynebacteria, 3 developed lesions because of field strains of C pseudotuberculosis and had an increased capacity to limit the dissemination of challenge-inoculum bacteria by developing only one abscess in the draining lymph node (parotid or prescapular lymph node) . Seemingly, inoculation in the external ear was a suitable method for obtaining a reproducible infection and indicated that a primary infection might protect against reinfection by limiting dissemination of C pseudotuberculosis.

J Am Acad Dermatol, 1988 Apr, 18(4 Pt 1), 778 - 9
Trichomycosis axillaris: a different view; Levit F; Trichomycosis axillaris is a trivial disease of worldwide occurrence that is believed to be caused by the genus Corynebacteria . In addition to invading the cuticle of the hair, the Corynebacteria are believed to elaborate a material that, together with colonies of bacteria, make up the concretions formed on the hair shaft . A careful review of the literature on this disease indicates that this latter belief may not be correct.

J Med Microbiol, 1988 Apr, 25(4), 279 - 83
Estimation of Corynebacterium diphtheriae antitoxin in human sera: a comparison of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with the toxin neutralisation test; Melville-Smith M et al.; Serum samples from 101 individuals were titrated for Corynebacterium diphtheriae antitoxin by an IgG-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and a neutralisation test in tissue culture (TC) . In some of the sera, the concentrations of antitoxin determined by the two assays were different; antitoxin values in these sera were titrated again by neutralisation tests in guinea pigs (GNT) . Antitoxin concentrations of greater than 0.01 IU/ml by GNT partly corresponded to values obtained in both ELISA and TC . Only the values from TC agreed with lower GNT results . Heat inactivation of sera was investigated and rejected as a possible reason for the discrepancy in the results . ELISA can be used to detect levels of less than 0.1 IU/ml, although the accuracy below 0.01 IU/ml, often considered a protective level, is questionable . At higher levels ELISA was reproducible for the titration of diphtheria antitoxin in human sera and offers a useful alternative to both in-vivo assays and TC.

J Med Microbiol, 1988 Apr, 25(4), 253 - 9
Nitrate- and nitrite-reducing bacteria in the achlorhydric stomach; Forsythe SJ et al.; The microbial composition of samples of gastric juice from eight achlorhydric patients was determined by aerobic and rigorously anaerobic culture techniques . Bacteria from 16 genera were commonly isolated, but representatives of only three genera, (streptococci, neisseriae and haemophili) were isolated from every patient . Nitrate and nitrite were both reduced by veillonellae, haemophili, staphylococci, corynebacteria, lactobacilli, flavobacteria and fusobacteria, but the potential rate of nitrate reduction by suspensions of veillonellae, Haemophilus parainfluenzae and members of the Enterobacteriaceae were up to ten times more rapid than the rate of nitrite reduction . Conversely, although all Neisseria spp . reduced nitrite only some strains reduced nitrate . Streptococci did not reduce nitrate . Streptococcus sanguis reduced nitrite when grown with haematin; other streptococci did not reduce nitrite . Bacterial nitrate and nitrite reduction were active over the pH range 6-8, similar to the pH range of the achlorhydric stomach . From a knowledge of the composition of the bacterial flora and their potential rates of nitrate and nitrite reduction under prevailing conditions, predictions were made about the tendency of nitrite to accumulate during nitrate reduction . Studies of the transient accumulation of nitrite by mixed cultures of H . parainfluenzae and N . subflava were consistent with these predictions . Haemophili and veillonellae could be responsible for the accumulation of nitrite in the gastric juice of some patients, whereas streptococci and neisseriae would tend to remove nitrite from the stomach as rapidly as it formed.

Am J Clin Pathol, 1988 Apr, 89(4), 569 - 71
Corynebacterium xerosis septic arthritis; Valenstein P et al.; A 62-year-old man developed acute septic arthritis due to Corynebacterium xerosis . The patient was treated with ampicillin and rapidly recovered . To the authors' knowledge this is the only reported case of septic arthritis due to C . xerosis . Clinical features of this case and the five previously reported cases of diphtheroid arthritis are discussed.

J Urol . 1988 Apr;139(4):810.
Corynebacterium-induced cystitis with mucosal incrustations; Sofras F et al.; Alkaline-incrusted cystitis is a rare condition that was first described more than 70 years ago . Since then few cases have been reported . To our knowledge, we report the second such case in the literature in which Corynebacterium D2 was considered as the causative factor of incrusted cystitis.

J Neurosurg, 1988 Apr, 68(4), 648 - 50
Corynebacterium Group JK pathogen in cerebrospinal fluid shunt infection . Report of two cases; Keren G et al.; The clinical and laboratory findings in two cases of aerobic Corynebacterium Group JK infection of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunts are described . These organisms have occasionally been reported as a cause of serious infections in man but have not been reported as a cause of shunt infection . In both cases, CSF pleocytosis was limited to 20 or 60 cells with variable protein and sugar values . Fever was a constant finding, frequently accompanied by signs of central nervous system dysfunction . Corynebacterium Group JK organisms are common contaminants of the normal skin flora . When isolated from the blood and/or the CSF of a patient with a CSF shunt who has symptoms and signs compatible with infection, the organism should not be dismissed as a contaminant . A significant feature of this group is its resistance to almost all presently available antibiotics including penicillin, the cephalosporins, and the aminoglycosides . These organisms are, however, sensitive to vancomycin.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1988 Apr, (4), 78 - 82
{Indices of diphtheria (antitoxic) immunity in the dynamics of the disease and its treatment in adults}; Pokrovskii VI et al.; A total of 1,034 serum samples from 618 persons, including patients with different forms of diphtheria, carriers of the toxigenic forms of Corynebacterium diphtheriae, and angina patients, were studied . Analysis of the incidence of antibodies to C . diphtheriae toxin and their titers revealed that in more than half of all diphtheria patients no antibodies to C . diphtheriae toxin were detected upon admission to hospital . At the same time in 26% of the patients no antibodies were detected during the whole period of the disease; in such patients the toxic and subtoxic forms of diphtheria were registered twice as often as in seropositive patients . In 31% of the patients seronegative by the moment of hospitalization a rapid increase in the titers of antibodies C . diphtheriae toxin was observed in the course of the disease, which was indicative of the secondary character of immune response in patients who had been immunized earlier.

Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis, 1988 Apr, 7(2), 190 - 3
Use of fosfomycin disks for isolation of diphtheroids; Wirsing von Koenig CH et al.; A fosfomycin disk (200 micrograms) placed on blood agar was used to select diphtheroids from clinical specimens . All Corynebacterium type strains tested, representing ten different groups of diphtheroids, and 150 toxigenic strains of Corynebacterium diphtheriae from different outbreaks, overgrew the fosfomycin disk, while other aerobic gram-positive rods had a large inhibition zone . The method increased the rate of isolation of diphtheroids in 1267 clinical specimens fivefold, from 1.4% to 7.6%, especially when the diphtheroids were found concomitantly with other bacteria . Overgrowth of the disk by other microorganisms occurred in 11% of the samples tested, but such microorganisms could easily be distinguished by culture morphology or Gram stain . Fosfomycin disks provide a simple, highly sensitive but not very specific aid for isolation of Corynebacterium diphtheriae and diphtheroids from clinical specimens.

Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis, 1988 Apr, 7(2), 178 - 82
Ceftazidime sodium carbonate versus ceftazidime arginine as empirical monotherapy in febrile neutropenic patients; Verhagen C et al.; A prospective randomized trial was conducted to determine the efficacy and safety of ceftazidime sodium carbonate versus a new arginine formulation of ceftazidime as empirical monotherapy in 100 febrile neutropenic patients . The clinical cure rate for ceftazidime sodium carbonate was 91% and for ceftazidime arginine 83% . Forty-two infections could be confirmed bacteriologically . Bacteriological cure rates were 87% and 81% respectively . Only one fatal infection-related outcome occurred during the first three days of therapy (ceftazidime arginine, Corynebacterium parvum) . No failures were recorded in bacteriologically proven gram-negative infections . Ceftazidime was confirmed to be safe and effective as empirical monotherapy in febrile neutropenic patients . The arginine formulation is as effective and safe as the sodium carbonate formulation, but easier to handle.

Mol Gen Genet, 1988 Apr, 212(1), 105 - 11
General organization of the genes specifically involved in the diaminopimelate-lysine biosynthetic pathway of Corynebacterium glutamicum; Yeh P et al.; We utilized diaminopimelate-lysine mutants of Escherichia coli K12 to clone the genes specifically involved in the Corynebacterium glutamicum diaminopimelate-lysine anabolic pathway . From a cosmid genomic bank of C . glutamicum strain AS019, we isolated cosmids pSM71, pSM61 and pSM531, that are respectively able to complement dapA/dapB, dapD, and lysA mutants of E . coli . DNA hybridization analysis indicates that these complementing genes are located on the chromosome of C . glutamicum in at least three separate transcription units . Subcloning of parental cosmids in dapA, dapD, and lysA mutants of E . coli localized these genes, respectively, within 1.4, 3.4, and 1.8 kb fragments, cloned in an E . coli/C . glutamicum shuttle vector . Enzymatic analysis in C . glutamicum identified the dapA-complementing gene as L-2,3-dihydrodipicolinate synthetase (dapA), and the lysA-complementing gene as meso-diaminopimelate decarboxylase (lysA) . In contrast, complementation of E . coli dapD8, presumably lacking L-delta 1-tetrahydrodipicolinate synthetase (dapD), led us to clone a diaminopimelate-lysine anabolic gene of C . glutamicum which does not exist in E . coli: meso-diaminopimelate dehydrogenase . Although meso-diaminopimelate is crucial in lysine formation and in cell wall biosynthesis, expression of the genomic copies of the cloned genes, which encode activities involved at key branching points of the diaminopimelate-lysine pathway of C . glutamicum, appears constitutive with regard to the addition of diaminopimelate and/or lysine during cell growth.

Chemioterapia, 1988 Apr, 7(2), 101 - 4
Efficacy of teicoplanin as antimicrobial treatment of severe nosocomial infections caused by gram-positive bacteria: a preliminary study; Micozzi A et al.; We used single daily intravenous teicoplanin as therapy for 12 severe nosocomial infections caused by gram-positive bacteria . A daily dosage of 3-6 mg/kg was usually adopted; however, in selected cases the dosage was increased to 8-9.5 mg/day on the basis of serum bactericidal monitoring . Most of these infections were life-threatening and included ventriculitis/meningitis (3 cases), sepsis (3 cases), mediastinitis (1 case) and extensive burn wound infection (1 case) . Staphylococcus aureus was by far the most frequent pathogen and methicillin-resistant strains were isolated in 7 out of 9 infections caused by this organism . The remaining isolates were Staphylococcus epidermidis, JK Corynebacterium, Streptococcus agalactiae and Propionilbacterium acnes . Additional antibiotics were used in 5 cases for concomitant gram-negative bacillus etiology (2 cases), granulocytopenia (2 cases), superinfection (1 case) . Overall a clinical success and microbial eradication were documented in 100% and 91% of 12 cases, respectively . Except one case of fever, no other major adverse effect was observed and no patient required trial therapy discontinuation . In conclusion, our preliminary data seem to suggest a satisfactory activity of teicoplanin against nosocomial gram-positive infections.

Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1988 Apr, 32(4), 434 - 7
Synergistic activity between vancomycin or teicoplanin and gentamicin or tobramycin against pathogenic diphtheroids; Spitzer PG et al.; The in vitro activities of vancomycin and teicoplanin alone and in combination with gentamicin or tobramycin were studied by time-kill techniques with 11 strains of pathogenic diphtheroids (Corynebacterium group JK) . The activities of vancomycin and teicoplanin were similar (MIC for 90% of strains tested {MIC90}, 1 microgram/ml), as were those of gentamicin and tobramycin (the MIC90 was 1 microgram/ml for five aminoglycoside-susceptible strains, and the MIC90 was greater than 1,024 micrograms/ml for six aminoglycoside-resistant strains) . No consistent synergistic killing could be demonstrated by the combination of glycopeptide and aminoglycoside antibiotics at arbitrarily chosen concentrations within the range of clinically achievable levels . However, by careful adjustment of both vancomycin and gentamicin concentrations within a narrow range below the MIC of each antibiotic, synergistic killing could be seen with an aminoglycoside-susceptible strain but not with an aminoglycoside-resistant strain . Synergism between glycopeptide and aminoglycoside antibiotics occurs with some diphtheroid organisms, but it may not be clinically relevant.

Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis, 1988 Apr, 7(2), 232 - 7
Epidemiology of diphtheria: polypeptide and restriction enzyme analysis in comparison with conventional phage typing; Krech T et al.; Several methods for epidemiological typing of Corynebacterium diphtheriae were compared with the well accepted phage typing analysis . For this purpose, isolates from outbreaks of diphtheria in specific areas of the FRG and Sweden were analyzed by phage typing, their bacterial polypeptide profiles were examined and their phage-DNA restriction enzyme patterns were compared . All techniques were able to identify whether certain outbreaks were epidemiologically linked or not . Phage typing and phage-DNA restriction enzyme fragment analysis were limited in their application to lysogenic strains, whereas bacterial polypeptide analysis was universally applicable . Analysis of bacterial polypeptides was superior to all methods, especially in terms of speed and simplicity.

Mol Gen Genet, 1988 Apr, 212(1), 112 - 9
Nucleotide sequence of the lysA gene of Corynebacterium glutamicum and possible mechanisms for modulation of its expression; Yeh P et al.; Sequence analysis localized the lysA gene of Corynebacterium glutamicum strain AS019 within a 1.35 kb open reading frame, potentially encoding a 445 amino acid product . Immediately downstream from this gene we found a potential rho-independent transcription terminator, while the 5' flanking region (300 bp) harbors unusual topological and structural features, located in the vicinity of a potential ribosome binding site . Within this upstream region, enzymatic and genetic analyses indicated the occurrence of a promoter responsible for significant, although weak, expression of the encoded enzymatic activity . The same significant expression level was observed with a plasmid harboring an additional 0.5 kb of genomic information upstream from lysA, while its full expression apparently requires 2 kb of additional genomic information located immediately upstream from the cloned gene . The upstream sequence requirement apparently associated with the full expression of the lysA gene of C . glutamicum shows some similarity with the Escherichia coli system.

Jpn J Pharmacol, 1988 Mar, 46(3), 247 - 54
Liver injury model in mice for immunopharmacological study; Nagai H et al.; Experimental liver injury was produced in mice by the immunological technique . The utility of these models as an immunopharmacological method was investigated . The first model was produced by the injection of anti-basic liver protein (BLP) rabbit antibody into DBA/2 mice that had been previously immunized with rabbit IgG . The second liver injury was caused by injection of anti-liver specific protein (LSP) rabbit antibody into DBA/2 mice . The third model was produced by the injection of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) into Corynebacterium parvum pretreated ddY mice . In all injury models, extensive liver parenchymal cell damage was estimated by elevation of glutamate transaminase (GOT and GPT) activity . These were confirmed by histopathological studies of the liver . Typical histopathological changes in the liver from injured mice were submassive hepatocellular necrosis and infiltration of granulocytes and lymphocytes into the portal tract and sinusoid in the necrotic lesion . Administration of prednisolone and cyclophosphamide for 10 days prior to injection of eliciting antibodies or LPS suppressed the elevation of serum transaminase levels in all experimental liver injury models . Cianidanol and sylibin inhibited the elevation of GOT and GPT in anti-BLP induced liver injured mice . These evidences suggest that the above models are suitable for investigating the remedy for liver diseases.

Am J Vet Res, 1988 Mar, 49(3), 295 - 9
Rhodococcus (Corynebacterium) equi: bactericidal capacity of neutrophils from neonatal and adult horses; Martens JG et al.; The capacity of hematogenous polymorphonuclear neutrophilic leukocytes (PMNL) to kill Rhodococcus equi was compared in horses of various ages . A radioisotope bactericidal assay was used to determine the capacity of PMNL to kill R equi . Assays were conducted on PMNL from horses in 3 groups: group I, 13 foals with a mean age of 3.3 days; group II, 10 group-I foals at a mean age of 35.7 days; and group III, adult dams of group-I foals . Bacteria were obtained from the lungs of a foal with R equi pneumonia and opsonized with fresh adult equine serum that contained R equi specific antibody . The mean peak percentage of R equi killed by PMNL was 78.9 for group I, 90.1 for group II, and 87.9 for group III . There was no significant difference (P greater than 0.05) among groups; however, 15% of foals in group I (2 foals) had a mean peak percentage of 30.5 killed, which was significantly (P less than 0.05) lower than the percentage for other foals in group I . The results of our investigation indicated that the capacity of PMNL to kill opsonized R equi is similar in neonatal, young, and adult horses . However, some neonatal foals have a substantially lower capacity to kill R equi, which may be an important factor in the pathogenesis of R equi infections.

Am J Vet Res, 1988 Mar, 49(3), 327 - 9
Effect of naturally occurring intramammary infections by minor pathogens on new infections by major pathogens in cattle; Rainard P et al.; New mammary infections were recorded in 3 dairy herds during a lactation period by bacteriologic examination of milk samples at 3-week intervals . Influences of the infection status of quarters at the time of new infection and of microorganisms responsible for bacterial invasion were analyzed . The new infection rate in uninfected quarters was about 3 times the rate in quarters already harboring bacterial considered minor pathogens (coagulase-negative staphylococci and Corynebacterium bovis) or major pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus, streptococci) . The frequency of new infections with major pathogens was almost halved by preexisting infections with minor pathogens (P = 0.05), mainly because of coagulase-negative staphylococci (P = 0.05) and, to a lesser extent, C bovis (P = 0.19) . New infections by minor pathogens also were less frequent in quarters harboring a major pathogen (P less than 0.05), indicating that the competition or antagonism between mammary infections was a general phenomenon.

Am J Vet Res, 1988 Feb, 49(2), 198 - 200
Effects of source and washing of erythrocytes on growth of bacterial pathogens from the bovine mammary gland; Shearer JK et al.; Effects of source and washing of RBC on quantitative growth and hemolytic zone sizes of common bacterial pathogens of the bovine mammary gland were evaluated . Blood samples used to prepare the blood agar media were obtained from 10 adult dairy cows, 10 dairy calves, and 10 sheep . Hemolytic zone sizes produced by Staphylococcus aureus were significantly (P less than 0.01) larger on blood agar prepared with washed RBC than on blood agar prepared with nonwashed RBC, regardless of RBC source . With the exception of Corynebacterium bovis, growth of all bacteria was equivalent or significantly higher on medium prepared with washed RBC, compared with that on medium prepared with nonwashed RBC, regardless of RBC source . Significantly higher numbers of C bovis (P less than 0.01) and Streptococcus agalactiae (P less than 0.01) were isolated on medium prepared with washed cow RBC . Significantly higher numbers of Str uberis (P less than 0.01) and S aureus (P less than 0.05) were isolated on medium prepared with washed sheep RBC and washed calf RBC, respectively . Growth of Escherichia coli was not affected by the RBC source . Seemingly, RBC used in the preparation of medium should be washed . The source of RBC, as well as inter-animal variation, also should be considered in the quality control of medium.

Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis, 1988 Feb, 7(1), 63 - 6
Comparative in vitro activity of the new quinolone fleroxacin (RO 23-6240); Verschraegen G et al.; RO 23-6240 (fleroxacin), pefloxacin, augmentin, cefaclor, cef-uroxime, ceftazidime, vancomycin, piperacillin and amikacin were tested against a wide variety of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria . The MICs of fleroxacin were very similar to those of pefloxacin . Against all the bacterial groups tested, the quinolones compared favorably with the other antimicrobials tested, particularly against the more resistant species such as Corynebacterium group JK and D2 and methicillin-resistant staphylococci.

Scand J Immunol, 1988 Feb, 27(2), 187 - 94
Specific lymphoproliferation, gamma interferon production, and serum immunoglobulin G directed against a purified 32 kDa mycobacterial protein antigen (P32) in patients with active tuberculosis; Huygen K et al.; Twenty-one patients treated for active tuberculosis were examined for immune reactivity to purified protein derivative (PPD) and to a purified 32-kDa protein antigen (P32) from Mycobacterium bovis, strain BCG . Lymphoproliferation of peripheral blood leucocytes to PPD and P32 was positive in 95% and 71% of the patients respectively . A positive IFN-gamma response was detected in 62% against PPD and in 48% against P32 . Low blastogenesis and IFN-gamma production were observed, especially in patients with poor general health and advanced tuberculous lesions . Twelve out of twelve (100%) of the tuberculin-positive healthy volunteers responded to PPD and P32 with mean lymphoproliferation and IFN-gamma values that were higher than in the patient group . Twelve tuberculin-negative control subjects were completely unreactive to PPD and P32 antigen . On the other hand, IgG antibodies in the serum were detected in 95% of the patients against PPD, in 77% of the patients against P32 but in none of the tuberculin-positive or negative healthy volunteers . The highest IgG levels against PPD were found in those patients with the lowest in vitro lymphoproliferation and IFN-gamma production (r = -0.54; P less than 0.05) . Nonspecific interferon production following induction with Newcastle disease virus, Corynebacterium parvum, or phytohaemagglutinin was comparable in the control and patient groups . Finally, low IFN-alpha titres were detected in the serum of about 50% of the patients.

Epidemiol Infect, 1988 Feb, 100(1), 83 - 90
The use of SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in epidemiological studies of Corynebacterium diphtheriae; Hallas G; Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of cell proteins was investigated as a possible typing method for Corynebacterium diphtheriae . A method was developed using stock strains which were representatives of the five gravis serotypes described by Robinson & Peeney (1936) . This technique was then applied to recent isolates sent to our laboratory for identification.

Ophthalmology, 1988 Feb, 95(2), 156 - 61
Chronic vitritis with macrophagic inclusions . A sequela of treated endophthalmitis due to a coryneform bacterium; Margo CE et al.; A 75-year-old woman was treated successfully for endophthalmitis due to a coryneform bacterium contracted from a contaminated corneal graft . We were able to study the involved eye histologically when the patient died unexpectedly 5 1/2 weeks after treatment . The vitreous contained a moderate number of macrophages filled with PAS-positive particles . Ultrastructurally, the PAS-positive particles corresponded to degenerating bacterial cell walls . The striking resemblance of the macrophages in this case to macrophages in Whipple's disease is intriguing because Corynebacterium has been the most frequently implicated bacterial genus in the pathogenesis of Whipple's disease.

Lab Anim Sci, 1988 Feb, 38(1), 42 - 5
Naturally occurring subclinical Corynebacterium kutscheri infection in laboratory rats: strain and age related antibody response; Suzuki E et al.; Naturally occurring subclinical Corynebacterium kutscheri infection was analyzed by antibody response related to the strain of rats . Wistar-Lewis, Wistar and Spraque-Dawley rats were high responders in seroconversion rates and antibody titers, while Brown Norway and Fischer rats were low responders . The antibody response was related to age also . Some young rats had maternal antibody to C . kutscheri, but antibody disappeared before 8 weeks of age . Rats were antibody-negative for several months thereafter and became antibody-positive after 6 months of age . The antibody response was highest at 8 to 9 months of age in subclinical C . kutscheri infection . This antibody response was very late, compared to the antibody response to Sendai virus and Mycoplasma infections.

Am J Vet Res, 1988 Feb, 49(2), 223 - 6
Biochemical and genetic characterization of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis; Songer JG et al.; Isolates (n = 94) of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis were obtained from sheep, goats, horses, and cattle from various parts of the world . The isolates were characterized biochemically and by restriction endonuclease analysis of DNA . We found near homogeneity in the ability of isolates to ferment carbohydrates and to produce urease . All isolates produced phospholipase D and catalase . The ability of isolates from horses to reduce nitrate, the inability of isolates from sheep and goats to do so, and the correlation of this characteristic with results of restriction endonuclease analyses confirmed the existence of 2 biovars of C pseudotuberculosis . We propose that these biovars be referred to as biovar equi for isolates that reduce nitrate and biovar ovis for isolates that fail to do so.

N Engl J Med, 1988 Jan 7, 318(1), 12 - 4
Molecular epidemiology of the 1984-1986 outbreak of diphtheria in Sweden; Rappuoli R et al.; Despite mass vaccination against diphtheria, many people have antibody titers below the protective level of 0.01 IU per milliliter . A recent outbreak of diphtheria in Sweden caused 17 clinical cases of diphtheria in the city of Goteborg; three of the patients died . A satellite outbreak occurred in Stockholm after a few months' delay . Using a new genetic probe, we analyzed 36 strains of Corynebacterium diphtheriae isolated in Sweden and Denmark during the period 1976 to 1986 . Although the 36 strains can be classified in 17 different groups of C . diphtheriae (several of them containing toxigenic strains), all the clinical and fatal cases of diphtheria were caused by isolates from the same group, strongly suggesting that the outbreak in Sweden was caused by a single strain that possibly had a virulence factor separate from toxigenicity . This strain may have been imported into Sweden from Denmark, since it was isolated for the first time in Copenhagen in 1983, before the outbreak in Sweden.

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 1988 Jan, 85(2), 607 - 11
Synergy between tumor necrosis factor and bacterial products causes hemorrhagic necrosis and lethal shock in normal mice; Rothstein JL et al.; We find a strong synergism between tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and bacteria or their products . Endotoxin-"free" recombinant TNF, even at very high doses (160 micrograms), did not alone cause hemorrhagic necrosis (HN) in the skin of normal mice . Similarly, TNF alone had a low systemic toxicity in tumor- and pathogen-free mice . However, TNF given intravenously with nanogram quantities of the endotoxin lipopolysaccharide caused lethal shock . Furthermore, subcutaneous injection of lipopolysaccharide made skin susceptible to subsequent induction of HN by TNF injected in the same site 24 hr later . Mycoplasma-infected cells or corynebacteria also synergized with TNF to cause HN or lethal shock . In addition, we find that lymphotoxin, a cytokine functionally and genetically related to TNF, also synergized with the bacteria to cause HN, whereas interleukin 1 alpha or interferon gamma did not . Together, the results indicate that a synergy between TNF and bacteria or their products causes HN and lethal shock in normal mice.

Scand J Infect Dis, 1988, 20(3), 339 - 40
Corynebacterium haemolyticum septicemia in a girl with mononucleosis infectiosa; Goudswaard J et al.; Many isolates of Corynebacterium are dismissed as contaminants by technicians and microbiologists in the laboratory . We report the isolation of Corynebacterium haemolyticum from the blood of a 15-year-old girl with mononucleosis infectiosa and conclude that this species should be considered as a possible pathogen and not only be regarded as innocent bacteria, particularly in the immunocompromised host.

Immunopharmacology, 1988 Jan-Feb, 15(1), 1 - 10
Correction of defective tumoricidal activity of macrophages from A/J mice by liposomal immunomodulators; Phillips NC et al.; The ability of liposomal immunomodulators to restore abnormal macrophage tumoricidal activity has been studied . Macrophages from A/J mice have impaired responses in vitro to macrophage activating factor, gamma-interferon, N-acetylmuramyl-L-alanyl-D-isoglutamine (MDP) or lipopolysaccharide when compared with macrophages from normoresponsive C57BL/6J mice . Liposomes containing a lipophilic muramyl dipeptide MDP-glyceroyl dipalmitate, macrophage activating factor or gamma-interferon restored tumoricidal activity to levels similar to C57BL/6J macrophages . Pretreatment of A/J mice with Corynebacterium parvum resulted in low levels of macrophage tumoricidal activity: treatment of C . parvum-induced A/J macrophages in vivo or in vitro with liposomal MDP-glyceroyl dipalmitate or liposomal macrophage activating factor resulted in normal levels of cytotoxicity . Macrophages from A/J mice were unable to phagocytose liposomes in vitro as rapidly or to the same extent as macrophages from C57BL/6J mice . The levels of cytotoxicity observed indicate that this is not a limiting factor for the induction of tumoricidal activity by liposomal immunomodulators.

Am J Vet Res, 1988 Jan, 49(1), 58 - 62
Bacteriologic and histologic studies of hepatic abscesses in cattle; Lechtenberg KF et al.; Twenty-eight abscessed livers were collected from feedlot cattle at an abattoir; specimens were obtained from 49 abscesses for bacteriologic culture and for histologic examination . Cultural procedures included techniques to enumerate and isolate facultative and obligate anaerobic bacteria . Anaerobic bacteria were isolated from all 49 abscesses, whereas facultative bacteria were isolated from only 22 . Mean bacterial counts for anaerobic and facultative bacteria were 3 X 10(8) and 8 X 10(8) bacteria/g of purulent material, respectively . Fusobacterium necrophorum, the only anaerobe isolated, was detected in 100% of the abscesses . Fusobacterium necrophorum biotype A was isolated from 57% of the abscesses (in pure culture from 75%), and F necrophorum biotype B was isolated from 47% of the abscesses (from 96% with mixed infections) . Corynebacterium pyogenes was the predominant facultative bacterium isolated . Histologic changes in abscesses were qualitatively similar; abscesses were pyogranulomatous, with a necrotic center surrounded by zones of inflammatory tissue . However, the severity of lesions varied, depending on the F necrophorum biotype involved . Portal triad fibrosis and bile-duct proliferation were most severe in biotype A and mixed biotype B infections and less severe in abscesses from which biotype B was isolated in pure culture.

FEMS Microbiol Immunol, 1988 Jan, 1(1), 27 - 30
Inhibition of hydrogen peroxide release from activated macrophages by prior ingestion of erythrocytes or haemoglobin; Stewart LS et al.; Production of hydrogen peroxide by mouse peritoneal macrophages activated with Corynebacterium parvum was induced by incubating the cells with opsonised zymosan . H2O2 release was reduced by 47% when macrophages were preincubated with opsonised sheep erythrocytes . A significant decrease also occurred when the cells were preincubated with heat-denatured haemoglobin, but not when preincubated with opsonised erythrocyte ghosts, even though the latter were taken up by the macrophages . The ability of macrophages in an infected lesion to destroy microorganisms may therefore be impaired by ingestion of extravasated erythrocytes.

Intensive Care Med, 1988, 15(1), 23 - 6
Corynebacterium JK: surgical infections in non-immunosuppressed patients; Lepape A et al.; Infection caused by Corynebacterium JK (CJK) has been recently described in immunocompromised patients . To evaluate the frequency of CJK infection among surgical and trauma intensive care patients, all patients with CJK isolations at clinical sites were reviewed . The criteria used were the presence of bacterial infection symptoms, isolation from significant sites and the efficiency of a vancomycin treatment . Eight patients were studied; 3 of them were considered infected, while 5 were judged only colonized . It is concluded that CJK infections can be a clinical problem in surgical trauma patients.

Int J Immunopharmacol, 1988, 10(6), 729 - 37
Rosmarinic acid: a new inhibitor of complement C3-convertase with anti-inflammatory activity; Englberger W et al.; Rosmarinic acid (RA) is a naturally occurring compound, isolated from Rosmarinus officinalis or Melissa officinalis which inhibits the in vitro immunohaemolysis of antibody-coated sheep erythrocytes by guinea pig serum . In further experiments this reduced immunohaemolysis was found to be due to inhibition of the C3-convertase of the classical complement pathway . The threshold concentration for inhibition of C3-convertase was 10(-6) mol/l . RA with an optimal inhibitory concentration between 5 and 10 mumol/l., resulting in about 70% inhibition of haemolysis . However, higher concentrations of RA were less effective at inhibiting C3-convertase . The inhibition may not be specific for C3-convertase, since another serine protease, elastase, was also weakly inhibited by RA in vitro . RA also exhibited inhibitory activity in three in vivo models in which complement activation plays a role . Thus, RA (0.316-3.16 mg/kg i.m.) reduced paw oedema induced by cobra venom factor (CVF) in the rat, and at 1-100 mg/kg p.o . inhibited passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in the rat . In addition, at 10 mg/kg i.m . RA impaired in vivo activation by heat-killed Corynebacterium parvum (i.p.) of mouse macrophages, as measured by the decreased capacity of the activated macrophages to undergo the oxidative burst . RA (0.1-10 mg/kg i.m.) did not inhibit t-butyl hydroperoxide-induced paw oedema in the rat, indicating selectivity for complement-dependent processes.

Biomed Pharmacother, 1988, 42(3), 217 - 20
The Corynebacterium granulosum-derived P40 immunomodulator exerts a synergistic effect on the activity of antiviral drugs in the treatment of experimental viral infections; Fattal-German M et al.; Comparative studies have been carried out on the effects on 2 viral-infection models (Herpes virus and influenza virus) of treatments consisting of either C . granulosum-derived immunomodulator P40, or of vidarabin or amantadine as antiviral drugs, or of combinations of vidarabin or amantadine with P40 . According to the modalities of administration of the P40 or of the antiviral drugs, the anti-infectious effect was more or less marked . In contrast, the combinations of P40 and antiviral drugs did not result in a cumulative effect but in significant synergy of the effects of each component of the treatments.

Scand J Infect Dis, 1988, 20(1), 55 - 61
Corynebacterium group JK in a hematological ward: infections, colonization and environmental contamination; Telander B et al.; Because 2 patients with acute leukemia expired in septicemia with multiresistant Corynebacterium group JK (JK) the occurrence and significance of these bacteria in a hematological ward was analysed . During the following year JK was isolated in 6 other patients with acute leukemia, in 5 as a colonizing agent and in 1 as cause of an anorectal abscess . The environmental investigation with cultures from all patients, personnel and rooms in the ward disclosed heavy contamination with JK in 2 isolation rooms housing JK-colonized patients . Contamination with JK in other rooms was very sparse and there were no JK-positive cultures from personnel or other patients in the ward . Repeated environmental cultures taken after the JK-colonized patients left the isolation rooms showed sparse contamination with JK . Thus, JK strains can survive in the environment for a long time.

J Cell Sci Suppl, 1988, 9, 151 - 67
Protein myristoylation as an intermediate step during signal transduction in macrophages: its role in arachidonic acid metabolism and in responses to interferon gamma; Aderem AA; The role of macrophages in the regulation of inflammation and immunity is, in part, due to their secretory repertoire . Among the important mediators released by macrophages are the products of both the cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways of arachidonic acid (20:4) metabolism . The principal focus of this paper is the mechanism by which bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) regulate 20:4 metabolism in macrophages . LPS has the capacity to prime macrophages for greatly enhanced 20:4 metabolism when the cells are subsequently challenged with a spectrum of triggers . Concomitant with priming, LPS also promotes the covalent attachment of myristic acid to a set of macrophage proteins . The time and concentration dependence of LPS-induced protein myristoylation is consistent with a role for myristoylation in LPS priming of the 20:4 cascade . One of the myristoylated proteins is a 68K (K = 10(3) Mr) protein kinase C substrate which associates with membranes upon myristoylation . LPS-primed macrophages show greatly increased phosphorylation of the 68K protein when the cells are subsequently treated with protein kinase C activating phorbol esters . It is proposed that the myristoylation of the 68K protein promotes its attachment to the membrane where it is more closely associated with activated protein kinase C (PKC), an association which would ensure more efficient catalysis during the mobilization and oxygenation of 20:4 . This paper also examines protein myristoylation during T-cell-mediated activation of macrophages . Immune-activated macrophages have an enhanced capacity to kill several infectious agents by oxidative mechanisms . The lymphokine gamma-interferon (IFN gamma) rapidly induces the myristoylation of a 48K protein . This 48K protein is also myristoylated in murine macrophages that have been activated in vivo by intraperitoneal injection of Corynebacterium parvum, suggesting that it may be an important intermediate in the activation of macrophages for enhanced microbicidal capacity.

Int J Immunopharmacol, 1988, 10(4), 445 - 50
Effect of PSK, a protein-bound polysaccharide from Coriolus versicolor, on drug-metabolizing enzymes in sarcoma-180 bearing and normal mice; Fujita H et al.; The effects of PSK and Propionibacterium acnes (anaerobic Corynebacterium) on hepatic drug-metabolizing enzymes were studied using sarcoma-180 bearing and non-tumor bearing mice . PSK had no influence on aminopyrine N-demethylase and aniline hydroxylase activities, cytochrome P-450 concentration in hepatic microsomes, and the reductase activity of cytochrome c in normal mice . The content of cytochrome P-450 was not significantly reduced in S-180 bearing mice . On the other hand, P . acnes administration significantly decreased the amount of cytochromes P-450 and b5 and aminopyrine N-demethylase activity . When FT-207 (Tegafur) was administered orally to S-180 bearing mice combined with the immunoadjuvants, only P . acnes significantly reduced the 5-FU levels in the serum and some organs.

Scand J Infect Dis, 1988, 20(2), 173 - 6
Epidemiological typing of Corynebacterium diphtheriae isolated in Sweden 1984-1986; Hallander HO et al.; From September 1984 to December 1986 121 cases of culture-positive diphtheria were reported to the National Bacteriological Laboratory in Stockholm . Toxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae nongravis was isolated from all but one of 33 patients with disease and from 69 healthy carriers . 63/65 toxigenic isolates, available for epidemiological typing, had the same phage type, 20, and the same restriction enzyme pattern, RE2 . This included strains isolated both from patients inside and outside of the traditional risk groups of people abusing alcohol and drugs . Non-toxigenic strains gave different phage types and RE patterns.

Cancer Immunol Immunother, 1988, 26(3), 215 - 21
Correlation between increase in Ia-bearing macrophages and induction of T cell-dependent antitumor activity by Lactobacillus casei in mice; Kato I et al.; When Lactobacillus casei YIT 9018 (LC 9018) or Corynebacterium parvum, known to be immunomodulators possessing antitumor activity, were injected i.p . into BALB/c mice, peritoneal exudate macrophage Ia antigen detected by indirect immunofluorescence method was expressed on their cell surface, but it was not expressed following the injection of 10% proteose peptone, an inflammatory agent, or Lactobacillus fermentum YIT 0159 (LF 0159), which have no antitumor activity . The percentage and absolute number of Ia-positive peritoneal macrophages were maximum on the 7th day after the injection of LC 9018 . Immunization by injection of Meth A fibrosarcoma cells treated with mitomycin C (MMC-Meth A) 7 days after LC 9018 injection suppressed the growth of Meth A implanted i.p . 14 days after MMC-Meth A injection . A shorter interval between the injections of LC 9018 and MMC-Meth A did not allow suppression of Meth A growth . These results showed that the increase in Ia-positive macrophages in the peritoneal cavity coincided with the effective interval for induction of the antitumor activity by LC 9018 . The antitumor activity induced by injections of LC 9018 and MMC-Meth A did not affect the growth of RL male 1 leukemic cells, syngeneic to BALB/c mice . Neutralization (Winn type) tests showed that peritoneal T lymphocytes possessed tumor cytotoxicity and that the antitumor capacity was reduced by in vivo treatment with anti I-Ad monoclonal antibody simultaneously with and 1 day prior to MMC-Meth A injection . These results indicate that LC 9018-induced Ia-positive macrophages, which first encounter a tumor antigen in the peritoneal cavity, play an important role in the in vivo induction of tumor specific T cell-mediated antitumor immunity.

Nat Immun Cell Growth Regul, 1988, 7(4), 193 - 215
Serotherapy of ovarian cancer; Lidor Y et al.; The development of monoclonal antibodies has permitted the identification of several ovarian-tumor-associated antigens which might serve as targets for serotherapy in vivo . With the exception of antibodies directed against growth factor receptors, unmodified monoclonal reagents must activate complement (C') components or bind effector cells to destroy tumor targets . Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) may be particularly important for eliminating tumor cells in vivo . A shortage of functionally active effector cells can limit the efficacy of serotherapy with heteroantisera or monoclonal reagents . The use of immunostimulants such as Corynebacterium parvum has increased the number and activity of effector cells for ADCC within the peritoneal compartment of mice and of patients with ovarian cancer . Intraperitoneal serotherapy can achieve direct contact between antibody and microscopic deposits of ovarian tumor cells which persist following cytoreductive operations and cytotoxic chemotherapy . Conjugation of monoclonal antibodies with radionuclides, drugs or toxins might increase the potency of serotherapy and circumvent the effector shortage . Clinical studies to date have evaluated radionuclide conjugates for imaging and for therapy . Patients with a small volume of disease have responded to treatment . Preclinical models suggest that drug and toxin conjugates might also prove active . Recent studies have demonstrated a synergistic interaction between different immunotoxins . Ovarian carcinoma is likely to be a valuable clinical model for evaluating immunoconjugates which react with epithelial tumor cells.

Haemostasis, 1988, 18(3), 154 - 62
Differences between beige and bg/+ mice in the disruption of plasma proteinase regulation in the tumor-bearing state or following Corynebacterium parvum treatment . Evidence for the involvement of polymorphonuclear leukocyte proteinases; Hart DA; Mice bearing the B16 melanoma or treated with Corynebacterium parvum develop elevated levels of plasma neutral proteinase activity . Similar experiments carried out with C57BL/6-bg/bg (beige) mice, which are genetically deficient in polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) proteinases, revealed that such mice develop significantly diminished elevation in plasma proteinase activity compared to C57BL/6-bg/+ mice . Lysates of C . parvum elicited PMN from beige mice contained approximately 80% less neutral proteinase activity as did lysates of PMN from bg/+ mice . These results indicate that host cells, such as PMN, may become activated during the tumor progression, or following C . parvum treatment, causing degranulation and a subsequent elevation in plasma proteinase levels . If such an interpretation is correct, then this phenomenon may be the murine corollary to what has been observed in patients with certain inflammatory diseases or tumors.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1988 Jan, (1), 34 - 7
{Epidemiological surveillance of diphtheria infection in the territory of the Azerbaijan SSR}; Kasimova DIa; A complex of measures carried out with a view of effecting the epidemiological surveillance of diphtheria infection has made it possible to study the level and intensity of immunity to diphtheria and tetanus, determined in the passive hemagglutination test, in the child and adult population and to reveal groups, least protected against diphtheria infection . Bacteriological studies on the biological properties of Corynebacterium diphtheriae have revealed the contamination of various groups of children with this infective agents and permitted its complete characterization with the determination of its sero-, phago- and corycinovariants.

G Batteriol Virol Immunol, 1988 Jan-Dec, 81(1-12), 10 - 24
Impairment of macrophage antiviral activity by soluble tumor products . Effects of bacterial immunomodulators; Bonina L et al.; The antiviral activities of normal rat peritoneal macrophages versus Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 were inhibited by sera from tumor-bearing rats and 3M KCl extracts of tumor mass . The inhibitory activity was demonstrated on the extrinsic as well as on the intrinsic macrophage functions . Sera from Corynebacterium parvum and Listeria monocytogenes treated tumor bearing rats did not inhibit these macrophages functions . Furthermore the 3 M KCl extracts from the tumor mass of the above treated TBR show a decrease in the capability to impair these macrophage functions . On the other hand, the treatment with the oral polyvalent adjuvant "Buccalin" was not able to restore the compromised antiviral activity in tumor bearing rats.

Mol Microbiol, 1988 Jan, 2(1), 63 - 72
Nucleotide sequence and fine structural analysis of the Corynebacterium glutamicum hom-thrB operon; Peoples OP et al.; The complete nucleotide sequence of the Corynebacterium glutamicum hom-thrB operon has been determined and the structural genes and promoter region mapped . A polypeptide of Mr 46,136 is encoded by hom and a polypeptide of Mr 32,618 is encoded by thrB . Both predicted protein sequences show amino acid sequence homology to their counterparts in Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis . The promoter region has been mapped by S1-nuclease and deletion analysis . Located between -88, RNA start site and -219 (smallest deletion clone with complete activity) are sequence elements similar to those found in E . coli and B . subtilis promoters . Although there are no obvious attenuator-like structures in the 5'-untranslated region, there is a dyad-symmetry element, which may act as an operator.

Mol Microbiol, 1988 Jan, 2(1), 53 - 62
Organization and regulation of the Corynebacterium glutamicum hom-thrB and thrC loci; Follettie MT et al.; The genes encoding the three terminal enzymes in the threonine biosynthetic pathway, homoserine dehydrogenase (hom), homoserine kinase (thrB) and threonine synthase (thrC) have been isolated from Corynebacterium glutamicum . The C . glutamicum hom and thrB genes were subcloned on a 3.6 kb SalI-generated chromosomal fragment . The C . glutamicum thrC gene was shown not to be linked to the hom-thrB locus . L-methionine represses the cloned homoserine dehydrogenase and homoserine kinase similar to that of the chromosomally encoded hom and thrB gene products . Northern hybridization analysis demonstrates that this repression is mediated at the level of transcription and that hom-thrB represents an operon in C . glutamicum.

Life Sci, 1988, 42(20), 2019 - 27
Bone marrow derived macrophages have polyamine and ectoenzyme phenotypes distinct from resident macrophages; Dempsey WL et al.; Several prototype macrophage (MO) populations were compared for differences in ectoenzyme phenotype and polyamine content . Resident peritoneal MO and Corynebacterium parvum (CP)-activated peritoneal MO expressed unique ectoenzyme phenotypes, while bone marrow derived MO (BMDMO), obtained from stem cells after 7 days in culture with colony stimulating factor, and thioglycollate (TG)-elicited peritoneal MO exhibited a similar ectoenzyme phenotype . All of the MO populations, however, differed in polyamine accumulation patterns . These results suggest that ectoenzyme phenotypes do not serve as completely selective markers of MO differentiation . Moreover, BMDMO do not resemble steady state tissue peritoneal MO but appear to resemble inflammatory MO in several respects . Therefore activated BMDMO do not appear to provide an accurate model system for their continued use in studies to characterize the development of resident tissue MO.

Med Microbiol Immunol (Berl), 1988, 177(1), 33 - 45
DNA methylation in leprosy-associated bacteria: Mycobacterium leprae and Corynebacterium tuberculostearicum; Hottat F et al.; The DNAs of two kinds of microorganisms from human leprosy lesion, Mycobacterium leprae and Corynebacterium tuberculostearicum (also known as "leprosy-derived corynebacterium" or LDC), have been analysed and compared with the genomes of reference bacteria of the CMN group (genera Corynebacterium, Mycobacterium and Nocardia) . The guanine-plus-cytosine content (% GC) of DNA was determined by a double-labelling procedure, which is unaffected by the presence of modified and unusual bases (that alter both buoyant density and mid-melting-point determinations) . Accordingly, the DNAs of seven LDC strains had GC values of 54-56 mol %, and that of armadillo-grown M . leprae a value of 54.8 +/- 0.9 mol % . Restriction patterns disclosed no methylated cytosine in the DNA sequences CCGG, GGCC, AGCT and GATC of either LDC or M . leprae DNA . N6-methyl adenine was present in the sequence GATC of all LDC strains, but was missing from the genomes of all others CMN organisms analysed, including M . leprae . By HPLC analysis of LDC-DNA hydrolysates, it was found that N6-methyladenine amounted to 1.8% of total DNA adenine, and was present exclusively within GATC sequences, which appeared all to be methylated . It is concluded that LDC represent a group of corynebacteria endowed with high genetic homogeneity and a unique restriction pattern, whereby their genome is easily distinguished from that of M . leprae, which has a similar base composition.

Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg, 1988, 82(1), 73 - 6
The use of non-specific immunopotentiators in experimental Trypanosoma cruzi infection; Abath FG et al.; The effects of levamisole, isoprinosine and Corynebacterium parvum on Trypanosoma cruzi (Y strain) experimental infection of mice were studied . In prophylactic treatment these drugs reduced the peak of parasitaemia, and had no apparent effect on mortality rate or on histopathological and electrocardiographic findings . Levamisole and isoprinosine had no effect when used after infection . Electrocardiograms were obtained from all chronic chagasic mice . The most frequent changes were left atrial overload and first degree atrio-ventricular block . These findings became more frequent the longer the animals survived . The net effect of the non-specific immunopotentiators seems to depend on several factors: host immune state, severity of infection, dose and timing of drug administration . This probably explains the variable published results and the paradoxical findings of different laboratories.

Schweiz Med Wochenschr, 1987 Dec 26, 117(52), 2097 - 103
{Endocarditis with unusual causative agents}; Schmidt D et al.; In the period 1947-1985, 601 patients with infective endocarditis were seen at the University Hospital Zurich and the Kantonsspital Lucerne . Streptococci, enterococci and staphylococci were the predominant causative organisms in two-thirds of all cases . In more than 25% of the patients blood cultures remained negative . In 6 patients endocarditis was caused by very rare organisms, viz . Coxiella burnetii (2 cases), Hemophilus parainfluenzae, Corynebacterium bovis (diphtheroids), Brucella melitensis and Aspergillus terreus . The clinical and microbiological characteristics of these cases are described and compared with the results in the literature . Diagnostic and therapeutic problems are discussed . Only with special awareness of the role of these unusual organisms in causing infective endocarditis, especially Q fever endocarditis with its notoriously atypical course, can the number of "culture negative" cases be diminished and the prognosis thereby improved.

Am J Physiol, 1987 Dec, 253(6 Pt 2), R922 - 8
Circulating interleukin 1 and tumor necrosis factor during inflammation; Moldawer LL et al.; It is proposed that interleukin 1 (IL 1) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha play central roles in the host's response to inflammation . Yet circulating concentrations have not been frequently measured in many inflammatory states . Serum levels of IL 1 and TNF were evaluated in mice with a tumor, sterile inflammation, endotoxinemia, or generalized peritonitis where an acute-phase protein response was documented . In tumor-bearing mice, no IL 1 or TNF could be detected despite marked increases in the serum concentration of the acute-phase reactant protein, amyloid P . In mice with peritonitis, induced by cecal ligation and perforation, or a turpentine-induced subcutaneous abscess, IL 1 but not TNF could be detected in the serum . Only expansion of the reticuloendothelial system with Corynebacterium parvum and subsequent challenge with endotoxin resulted in serum TNF appearance . The failure to observe IL 1 or TNF in any of the disorders could not be explained by inhibitors . Rather, the data suggest that a hepatic acute-phase protein response can occur during inflammatory states without the appearance of either IL 1 or TNF in the circulation . Circulating levels of both monokines do not appear to be a universal finding in inflammation.

Tohoku J Exp Med, 1987 Dec, 153(4), 313 - 25
Lower respiratory tract infections due to non-diphtheria corynebacteria in 8 patients with underlying lung diseases; Rikitomi N et al.; Non-Diphtheria corynebacteria had been considered a commensal habitant of the human skin and mucous membrane . There are few reports of pulmonary infections due to Corynebacterium pseudodiphtheriticum or other non-diphtheria corynebacteria occurring in immunocompetent patients . From 1978 to 1986, 8 patients with lower respiratory tract infections with Corynebacterium sp . was observed . In 6 of 8 instances the causative microorganism was C . pseudodiphtheriticum . The above 8 patients had underlying pulmonary diseases but were not associated with immunosuppressive state, except one . Seven of them recovered from the infection in response to antimicrobial therapy . All 6 isolates of C . pseudodiphtheriticum were sensitive to nine antimicrobial agents which were six beta-lactam agents, gentamicin, minocycline and norfloxacin.

Acta Pathol Microbiol Immunol Scand {B}, 1987 Dec, 95(6), 361 - 2
Infection due to "Corynebacterium ulcerans", producing diphtheria toxin--a case report from Denmark; Pers C; A diphtheria toxin producing strain of "C . ulcerans" was isolated from the throat of a 9-year-old boy who was previously immunized against diphtheria . This is the first reported case of human infection due to this organism in Denmark.

Cell Immunol, 1987 Dec, 110(2), 379 - 90
Regulatory interactions between macrophages and T cells in Mycobacterium lepraemurium-specific T-cell activation; Brett SJ; The antigen-specific proliferative response of draining lymph node cells was found to follow a similar pattern in both C57BL and BALB/c mice following subcutaneous infection with Mycobacterium lepraemurium (MLM), although the two strains differed in their ability to control bacterial growth at the site of infection . The proliferative response, which was maximal 1-2 weeks postinfection, was T-cell dependent as it was abrogated with anti-Thy 1.2 + C treatment . The response was also abrogated by pretreatment with anti-Lyt 1.2 + C and slightly reduced by treatment with anti-Lyt 2.2 + C . The decline in T-cell responsiveness, at least from 4 to 8 weeks postinfection, may have been associated with prostaglandin production by inflammatory macrophages, as it was partially restored by addition of indomethacin . Also highly purified T lymphocytes from lymph nodes taken 6-8 weeks postinfection gave a strong antigen-specific proliferative response when reconstituted with optimal numbers of syngeneic antigen-presenting cells from uninfected mice . Proliferation was inhibited by peritoneal macrophages from Corynebacterium parvum-pretreated mice and macrophages from C57BL but not BALB/c mice infected with M . lepraemurium which had been elicited with heat-killed (HK) MLM and thioglycollate . Resident peritoneal macrophages from both C57BL and BALB/c mice infected subcutaneously with M . lepraemurium were slightly more inhibitory than normal macrophages but not as inhibitory as macrophages from C . parvum-pretreated mice . Macrophage-dependent inhibition of T-cell proliferation was partially reversed by addition of indomethacin, suggesting these cells were not defective in processing and presentation of HK-MLM antigens, and that the inhibitory effects were associated with prostaglandin production . Resident peritoneal macrophages from both C57BL and BALB/c mice infected subcutaneously with M . lepraemurium produced comparable or slightly elevated levels of IL-1 on stimulation with LPS or HK-MLM.

Biochemistry, 1987 Nov 17, 26(23), 7391 - 5
Interaction of tetrahydrofolate and other folate derivatives with bacterial sarcosine oxidase; Kvalnes-Krick K et al.; Sarcosine oxidase from Corynebacterium sp . P-1 binds 2 mol of tetrahydrofolate/mol of enzyme (KD = 8.8 microM) . The same stoichiometry is observed with tetrahydropteroyltetraglutamate (KD = 15.4 microM) . Binding is also observed with pteroyltetraglutamate and with 5-formyltetrahydrofolate . In the case of the pteroylmonoglutamates, binding appears to be sensitive to changes in the pteridine ring since no binding is observed with 5-methyltetrahydrofolate or with folate . Sarcosine oxidase can be specifically adsorbed onto an affinity matrix prepared by coupling 5-formyltetrahydrofolate to AH-Sepharose . Tetrahydrofolate does not affect the rate of sarcosine oxidation but does block the formation of formaldehyde as a final product . In the presence of tetrahydrofolate, sarcosine oxidation is accompanied by the formation of 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate at a rate that exceeds the rate at which formaldehyde (or a precursor) can be released into solution and which is also considerably faster than the nonenzymic reaction of free formaldehyde with tetrahydrofolate . It is suggested that tetrahydrofolate may serve primarily to trap formaldehyde as it is formed at the active site during sarcosine oxidation . The existence of a catalytically significant binding site for tetrahydrofolate appears to be a general property of sarcosine oxidizing enzymes since similar results have previously been obtained with mammalian sarcosine dehydrogenase, an enzyme that is structurally and mechanistically very different from bacterial sarcosine oxidase.

Cancer Res, 1987 Nov 15, 47(22), 5825 - 30
Plasma protein synthesis in experimental cancer compared to paraneoplastic conditions, including monokine administration; Ternell M et al.; During tumor growth, there are characteristic alterations in the concentration and synthesis of various plasma proteins . The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether these changes are unique to a tumor-bearing state, or rather, they represent a generalized response to a paraneoplastic state mediated by the release of monokines or protein-calorie malnutrition . Plasma protein synthesis and concentrations in mice bearing a transplantable fibrosarcoma were compared to animals receiving either a terpentine abscess, Corynebacterium parvum administration, calorie-protein depletion, or administration of the recombinant-derived monokines, murine interleukin 1 alpha or human tumor necrosis factor-alpha . Tumor-bearing animals showed a significant increase in total plasma protein synthesis that was similar in magnitude to the increase seen following a terpentine abscess or after administration of interleukin 1 or tumor necrosis factor-alpha . Similarly, the pattern of protein synthesis and concentration, as determined by isoelectric focusing or sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, were similar, albeit not identical, among tumor-bearing animals and those receiving either a terpentine abscess, C . parvum and monokine administration . Serum amyloid P concentrations were markedly elevated in tumor-bearing animals, as they were in animals after a sterile abscess and following interleukin 1 administration, as well as to a lesser extent tumor necrosis factor-alpha administration . We can therefore conclude that the majority of changes in plasma protein concentration and synthesis seen in this tumor-bearing model are similar to those seen during an acute inflammation and can be reproduced to a large extent by the administration of the monokines, interleukin 1 alpha or tumor necrosis factor-alpha.

Tijdschr Diergeneeskd, 1987 Nov 1, 112(21), 1226 - 35
{Endocarditis and meat inspection in slaughtering pigs . 1 . Clinical, pathological and microbiological aspects}; Wouda W et al.; The clinical, pathomorphological and microbiological findings during meat inspection in 599 pigs with endocarditis at slaughter were studied . Clinical signs were observed in 41 per cent of the pigs on ante-mortem inspection . Lameness was the most common sign . However, this symptom is not very specific of endocarditis . This is also true of various other symptoms . Only dyspnoea and drowsiness were indicative of endocarditis to some extent, but occurred only sporadically . Extracardial lesions were observed in 66 per cent of the pigs with endocarditis on post-mortem inspection . Metastatic processes (infarction or inflammatory foci) were most frequently detected in the kidneys . These were highly specific of endocarditis . In addition, the following changes were observed in decreasing incidence: signs of sepsis (hyperplastic splenitis, petechiae and degradation of organs), inflammatory lesions of the joints and legs, metastatic pneumonia and inflammation of the tail . Bacteriological examination was positive in 62 per cent of the cases . Streptococci were the organisms most frequently isolated (36 per cent), followed by Corynebacterium pyogenes (19 per cent) and Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae (14 per cent) . The discussion is concerned with the significance of these bacteria to meat-consumers.

J Immunol, 1987 Nov 1, 139(9), 3118 - 25
Vaccination against cutaneous leishmaniasis in a murine model . II . Immunologic properties of protective and nonprotective subfractions of soluble promastigote extract; Scott P et al.; We have previously demonstrated that BALB/c mice can be protected against a fatal infection with Leishmania major by i.p . immunization with a soluble leishmanial antigen (SLA) preparation in conjunction with the adjuvant, Corynebacterium parvum (CP) . In this study, SLA was separated into nine distinct fractions by anion exchange liquid chromatography, and the fractions were analyzed for their ability to stimulate T cells obtained from immunized mice, to be recognized by vaccine-induced antibodies, and to induce protective immunity . While all but one of the fractions were recognized by antibodies from SLA + CP immunized mice, only two fractions (fractions 1 and 9) stimulated lymphocytes to produce macrophage-activating factor and elicited significant delayed-type hypersensitivity in vivo . When mice were immunized with the fractions, only fraction 9 stimulated significant immunity (76% protection in seven experiments) . Proteins (accounting for 1.3% of the total in SLA) appear to be responsible for the protection elicited with fraction 9, since protease treatment of this fraction destroyed its immunogenicity . Thus, a partially purified protective protein antigen fraction has been obtained and protection with this fraction correlated with cell-mediated immune responses . However, these results also demonstrate that the ability of leishmanial antigens to be recognized by T cells and produce macrophage-activating factor does not in itself predict whether such molecules will induce immunity, suggesting that protective leishmanial antigens may have additional unique properties.

J Gen Microbiol, 1987 Nov, 133 ( Pt 11), 3129 - 34
Xanthan lyases--novel enzymes found in various bacterial species; Sutherland IW; Xanthan lyases, cleaving the terminal beta-mannosidic linkage of the side-chain of the exopolysaccharide xanthan from Xanthomonas campestris, have been obtained from several sources . These include a Bacillus species, a Corynebacterium species and a mixed culture . The lyases were initially associated with endo-beta-glucanases cleaving the main chain of xanthan . Partial purification of the enzymes was achieved and the Bacillus preparation was separated by FPLC into material free of endoglucanase and glycosidase activities . The lyase was active on polysaccharides with and without acetate and pyruvate . The optimal size of the substrate appeared to be in the range of degree of polymerization (DP) 25-35, i.e . 5-7 repeat units of the polysaccharide . No activity was found against xanthan modified by reduction of the carboxyl groups or by the addition of amine or hydroxyethyl groups . The combined action of the lyase and the endoglucanase yielded a series of oligosaccharides, each with a side-chain terminating in an unsaturated uronic acid and containing the molar ratio of D-glucose to D-mannose, 2:1.

Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract, 1987 Nov, 3(3), 593 - 607
Rationale for treatment of endometritis in the dairy cow; Bretzlaff K; Endometritis is an inflammation of the uterine lining that is commonly initiated at parturition . The degree of its effect on fertility varies with the severity of the inflammation, the time required for resolution of endometrial lesions, and the extent of permanent changes that impair endometrial gland functions and/or alter the uterine and/or oviductal environment . The primary nonspecific organisms associated with endometrial pathology are Corynebacterium pyogenes and the gram-negative anaerobes . The majority of postpartum dairy cows have some degree of endometritis but resolve it by 40 to 50 days post partum . Cows with certain periparturient disorders involving the reproductive tract and/or a defective host immune mechanism may acquire persistent infections that impair subsequent fertility . Not all infertile cows or all cows with positive uterine cultures have endometritis . Cows recovering from C . pyogenes endometritis may require 1 month after clearance of the organism for fertility to be restored . These cows, as well as many cows with slightly delayed uterine involution at 30 days post partum, do not benefit from antimicrobial therapy . The effect of endometritis varies between herds . It is associated with prolongation of calving intervals that can vary from less than 2 weeks to 2 months or more . The cost of days open beyond 80 to 110 days post partum is currently estimated to be $2.00 to $2.25 per day . Evaluation of the bovine genital tract is best conducted by a rectal examination combined with a vaginal speculum examination . Cows selected for therapy for endometritis should meet the strict requirements of a grossly enlarged uterus and a severely abnormal uterine discharge . Induction of estrus is the treatment of choice whenever possible . When antimicrobial therapy is indicated, tetracycline is recommended for intrauterine use during the early postpartum period when mixed bacterial populations are present . Commonly used doses are 2 to 3 gm . For systemic signs of illness, systemic administration of penicillin has been recommended . Twice daily doses of 5000 to 10,000 IU of penicillin per kg may be necessary to maintain therapeutic blood concentrations . Systemic administration of an antimicrobial is necessary to achieve therapeutic concentrations in the oviducts, cervix, and vagina . With chronic endometritis due to C . pyogenes, intrauterine administration of 1 to 1.5 X 10(6) IU of procaine penicillin G has been recommended . Multiple daily treatments are desirable . Milk from treated cows should be tested for penicillin before it is added to bulk tank milk . It still is not clear whether antimicrobial therapy is cost effective.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Mol Gen Mikrobiol Virusol, 1987 Nov, (11), 13 - 8
{Cloning of the structural gene for diphtheria toxin from Corynebacterium diphtheriae PW8 and expression of its deletion derivative in E . coli}; Iakubovich NV et al.; The coding region of diphtheria toxin gene from Corynebacterium diphtheriae PW8 was cloned in Escherichia coli on pUC19 plasmid . 5' end of the gene was deleted . The deleted gene codes for a toxin like protein truncated for 36 N-terminal aminoacids . The modified gene was fused with 5' terminal part of the lacZ gene on pUC19 plasmid having kept the translational frame intact . The hybrid gene transcription depends on lacP promoter, Mr of the resulting toxoid is 54,000 . The toxoid is devoid of ADP-ribosyltransferase activity peculiar for diphtheria toxin and thus is not toxic . The constructed version of the toxin gene can be used for production of diphtheria anatoxin which does not require to be inactivated by formalin.

J Hosp Infect, 1987 Nov, 10(3), 282 - 6
Corynebacterium diphtheriae in the environment of carriers and patients; Larsson P et al.; A total of 533 throat and nasopharyngeal cultures were obtained from 328 staff who nursed cases of diphtheria and carriers of Corynebacterium diphtheriae; none yielded C . diphtheriae . Only one out of 189 environmental samples relating to 22 patients and carriers was positive . In addition, one carrier with chronic skin disease was found to have widespread colonization with C . diphtheriae . Several samples both from his hospital room and home yielded C . diphtheriae, indicating that he was a 'disperser.'

Biochim Biophys Acta, 1987 Oct 15, 915(3), 346 - 56
Kinetic studies on the reaction mechanism of sarcosine oxidase; Kawamura-Konishi Y et al.; A sarcosine oxidase (sarcosine: oxygen oxidoreductase (demethylating), EC 1.5.3.1) isolated from Corynebacterium sp . U-96 contains both covalently bound FAD and noncovalently bound FAD . The noncovalent FAD reacts with sarcosine, the covalent FAD with molecular oxygen (Jorns, M.S . (1985) Biochemistry 24, 3189-3194) . To clarify the reaction mechanism of the enzyme, kinetic investigations were performed by the stopped-flow method as well as by analysis of the overall reaction . The absorption spectrum of the enzyme in the steady state was very similar to that of the oxidized enzyme, and no intermediate enzyme species, such as a semiquinoid flavin, was detected . The rate for anaerobic reduction of the noncovalently bound FAD and the covalently bound FAD by sarcosine were 31 and 6.7 s-1, respectively . The latter value was smaller than the value of respective Vmax/e0 obtained by the overall reaction kinetics (Vmax/e0: the maximum velocity per enzyme concentration) . Both rate constants for oxidation of the two FADs by molecular oxygen were 100 s-1 . A reaction scheme of sarcosine oxidase is proposed to account for the data obtained; 70% of the enzyme functions via a fully reduced enzyme, and 30% of the enzyme goes along a side-path, without forming the fully reduced enzyme . In addition, it is suggested that the reactivity of noncovalently bound FAD with sarcosine is affected by the oxidation-reduction state of the covalently bound FAD, in contrast to the reactivity of the covalently bound FAD with molecular oxygen, which is independent of the oxidation-reduction state of the noncovalently bound FAD.

J Gen Microbiol, 1987 Oct, 133 ( Pt 10), 2945 - 52
Characterization of the corynebacteriophage CG33; Trautwetter A et al.; Bacteriophage CG33 was isolated from a strain of Corynebacterium glutamicum that had become contaminated during an industrial fermentation . CG33 was assigned to Bradley's group B since it had a polyhedral head 40 nm wide and a short non-contractile and striated tail 78 nm long . Adsorption to its host, C . glutamicum ATCC 13287, was enhanced in the presence of Ca2+ . The latent period was 18 min at 34 degrees C; the burst size was 16 p.f.u . ml-1 . CG33 also formed plaques on C . lilium ATCC 15990 but at a low frequency . Its genome consisted of a linear double stranded DNA molecule of 13.4 kb with cohesive ends . A restriction map of the genome was obtained by using various endonucleases.

Jpn J Antibiot, 1987 Oct, 40(10), 1794 - 8
{Clinical evaluations of flomoxef in respiratory tract infections}; Mikasa K et al.; Flomoxef (FMOX, 6315-S), a new antibacterial drug, was administered to 9 cases with respiratory tract infections for a duration of 8 approximately 16 days at a daily dose of 2 g . Diagnosis of these patients were bronchopneumonia 5 cases, chronic bronchitis 3 cases and acute bronchitis 1 case . From transtracheal aspiration several organisms were isolated; Haemophilus influenzae was isolated in 3 cases, Streptococcus pneumoniae in 3 cases, H . influenzae plus Branhamella catarrhalis in 1 case, Streptococcus dysgalactiae plus Neisseria meningitidis in 1 case and Corynebacterium pseudodiphtheriticum in 1 case . The clinical efficacy was good in all 9 cases, the efficacy rate was 100% . All the bacteria were eliminated . Side effects were not observed . From these results, it appears that FMOX is a valuable drug in the treatment of respiratory tract infections.

Avian Dis, 1987 Oct-Dec, 31(4), 861 - 7
Cellular defense of the avian respiratory system . Influx of phagocytes: elicitation versus activation; Toth TE et al.; We studied various means of inducing avian phagocytes to migrate to the respiratory tract . No significant and consistent increases in the number of avian respiratory phagocytes (ARP) were elicited by intravenous inoculation with Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS), Saccharomyces cerevisiae glucan (G), and Freund's incomplete adjuvant (FIA) in a water-in-oil-in-water emulsion; subcutaneous inoculation with the LPS-G-FIA homogenate; or aerosolized exposure to LPS-G-FIA, thioglycolate, and proteose-peptone . Intravenous inoculation with heat-killed Corynebacterium parvum resulted in a significant increase in the number of ARP by day 6 after inoculation; intratracheal inoculation of C . parvum effected a more rapid and higher level of phagocyte migration to the respiratory tract . Intratracheally administered E . coli induced significant migration of phagocytes to the respiratory system so that by 24 hours postinoculation, the group average number of ARP was about 50-100 times as high as the number in unstimulated control birds . None of the birds yielding high numbers of phagocytes from their respiratory tract had signs of respiratory disease.

Cornell Vet, 1987 Oct, 77(4), 374 - 82
Evoked potential and electroencephalographic assessment of central blindness due to brain abscesses in a steer; Strain GM et al.; Central blindness in a 3.5-year-old crossbred steer was evaluated by electrodiagnostic techniques . When admitted the steer was depressed, head pressed, and circled to the left . Ptosis and absence of menace response were seen with the right eye, while the left eye was normal; direct and consensual pupillary light responses were normal in both eyes . Brainstem auditory evoked potentials and electroretinograms were essentially normal . The flash visual evoked potential (VEP) was greatly reduced upon stimulation of the right eye, while no VEP peaks could be recognized after flash stimuli were presented to the left eye . The amplitude of the electroencephalogram was depressed over right occipital cortex . Multiple brain abscesses were detected on postmortem examination adjacent to the left thalamus, in the left caudal cerebrum, and right frontal cerebrum . Corynebacterium pyogenes was cultured from abscess exudate; however, no origin for the infection could be determined . Both eyes were microscopically normal . The thalamic abscesses were postulated to have produced the EEG depression . Correlations between the VEP abnormalities and the abscess locations are discussed, based on proposed central nervous system generators of the VEP.

Cornell Vet, 1987 Oct, 77(4), 367 - 73
Corynebacterium pyogenes mastitis outbreak in inbred heifers in a California dairy; Lean IJ et al.; An outbreak of Corynebacterium pyogenes mastitis ("Summer Mastitis") was observed in a group of 96 heifers . The outbreak affected 8 animals, of which 7 were too young for breeding . The disease incidence was highest in calves 2 to 4 months old . Cases were observed over an initial estimated 14 day period with a further case being detected 14 days subsequently . Corynebacterium pyogenes mastitis has not been reported in calves this age . Factors postulated to influence the outbreak include the presence of large numbers of flies, intersucking of calves, and possible viral disease.

J Clin Microbiol, 1987 Oct, 25(10), 1886 - 90
Comparison of a novel trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole-containing medium (XT80) with kanamycin agar for isolation of antibiotic-resistant organisms from stool and rectal cultures of marrow transplant patients; Hamilton DJ et al.; A new medium (XT80) containing trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMZ) was characterized and compared with kanamycin-containing tryptic soy agar (KA) for the recovery of multiply resistant organisms (MRO) in rectal and stool cultures . Cultures from 151 patients hospitalized for bone marrow transplantation were screened for MRO . A total of 366 MRO were recovered from 702 cultures on 94 patients during a 6-month period . XT80 detected more gram-negative bacilli and Corynebacterium spp . than KA . Detection of Staphylococcus spp . was equivalent for the two media . Multiple-antibiotic resistance, defined as resistance to three or more classes of antibiotics, was confirmed by standard agar disk diffusion susceptibility testing . Growth on XT80 correctly identified heteroresistant strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus spp . XT80 more rapidly detected thymidine-dependent mutants of Staphylococcus spp . and members of the family Enterobacteriaceae . Lipophilic Corynebacterium spp., including Corynebacterium group JK, also were more readily detected with XT80 . TMP-SMZ given as prophylaxis against Pneumocystis carinii infection exerts a selective pressure on organisms that colonize immunocompromised patients and appears to select for colonization with MRO . Colonization with MRO preceded infection for 94% of 36 patients who developed bacteremia . XT80 is a useful screening tool; growth on this medium correlates closely with resistance to TMP-SMZ and is as accurate a predictor as KA for the carriage of MRO.

Arch Dermatol, 1987 Oct, 123(10), 1320 - 5
Pitted keratolysis . The role of Micrococcus sedentarius; Nordstrom KM et al.; Though pitted keratolysis of the foot is generally viewed to be caused by bacteria, there is confusion regarding the identity of the causative organism . Species of Corynebacterium, Actinomyces, Dermatophilus, and Micrococcus have been proposed by various investigators . We have studied eight cases of pitted keratolysis and have cultured an organism identified as Micrococcus sedentarius on the basis of colonial morphology, micromorphology, biochemical reactions, and chemical analysis of whole-cell components . Furthermore, pitted keratolysis was produced experimentally in a human volunteer by applying M sedentarius under an occlusive dressing onto the surface of the heel.

Infect Immun, 1987 Oct, 55(10), 2477 - 82
Fate of Legionella pneumophila Philadelphia-1 strain in resident, elicited, activated, and immune peritoneal macrophages of guinea pigs; Yoshida S et al.; Legionella pneumophila is known to grow intracellularly in resident peritoneal macrophages of guinea pigs . The present study was done to determine what kinds of macrophage stimulants are able to activate guinea pig macrophages to inhibit intracellular growth of the organism . Peritoneal macrophages were harvested from healthy guinea pigs, from guinea pigs injected intraperitoneally with proteose peptone (PP) or thioglycolate medium, from guinea pigs injected intraperitoneally with live Mycobacterium bovis BCG or killed Propionibacterium acnes (Corynebacterium parvum), and from guinea pigs surviving infection with live L . pneumophila . After in vitro phagocytosis, the L . pneumophila CFU in each well were counted on charcoal-yeast extract agar plates . In the macrophages elicited by PP or thioglycolate medium, the organism grew as well as it did in resident macrophages . In BCG-activated and immune macrophages, growth was inhibited almost completely . In P . acnes-activated macrophages, the initial growth of L . pneumophila was inhibited to some extent, but its growth reached the same level as in the resident and PP-induced macrophages after 3 or 4 days of culture . In the lethal challenge experiments in vivo, the superior protection provided by BCG over P . acnes was ascertained and the importance of macrophages in resistance to L . pneumophila was confirmed . Difference of activation by BCG and P . acnes in relation to the inhibition of intracellular growth of L . pneumophila in guinea pig macrophages is discussed.

J Biol Response Mod, 1987 Oct, 6(5), 512 - 24
Endogenous production of tumor necrosis factor in normal mice and human cancer patients by interferons and other cytokines combined with biological response modifiers of bacterial origin; Satoh M et al.; The priming effect of endogenous biological response modifiers (BRMs), interferons (IFNs), and interleukin-2 (IL2), and the triggering effect of BRMs of bacterial origin, OK-432 and Corynebacterium parvum, on endogenous production of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) were investigated in mice . TNF activity in serum was measured by in vitro cytotoxicity assay with L-929 cells as a target . The i.v . injection of OK-432 (3KE per mouse) triggered TNF maximally (mean value: 30 U/ml) after 2 h, with a similar time course to that of triggering by lipopolysaccharide . The priming activities of IFNs and IL2 were examined in the system of TNF-triggering by OK-432 . The i.v . injection of recombinant IFN-gamma (rIFN-gamma, 10(4) U per mouse) increased TNF production to 790 U/ml; this priming effect was observed just after its injection, was maximal after 2 to 6 h, and disappeared after 24 h . Other types of interferon, rIFN-alpha A/D(Bgl) (2 X 10(5) U per mouse), rIFN-beta (10(6) U per mouse), and natural IFN-alpha/beta (10(6) U per mouse) showed maximal priming activity 6 h after their injection (200 to 800 U/ml) but no effect just after their injection . Recombinant IL2 (10(6) U per mouse) had priming activity that showed a similar time course to that of interferons other than IFN-gamma (a maximal TNF production: 100 U/ml) . The i.v . injection of C . parvum, like OK-432, triggered TNF production at doses of 0.06 and 0.3 mg per mouse 2 h after its injection and the triggered TNF activity was enhanced by rIFN-gamma . These findings suggest that combinations of the above endogenous BRMs as priming agents and OK-432 or C . parvum as a triggering agent could induce endogenous production of TNF even in human cancer patients . In fact, combined administration of rIFN-gamma and OK-432 produced TNF in human cancer patients . The advantage of this method for treatment of human cancer patients is discussed.

J Immunol, 1987 Sep 15, 139(6), 2103 - 9
Cellular interactions and the role of interleukin 2 in the expression and induction of immunity against a syngeneic murine sarcoma; Chou T et al.; We have previously demonstrated that following the adoptive transfer of immune cells, the regression of established pulmonary metastases from a weakly immunogenic sarcoma, MCA 105, required the collaboration of two T cell subsets . In this study, we found that the critical role played by L3T4+ immune cells was to provide a helper function since tumor regression proceeded in the absence of L3T4+ immune cells if exogenous interleukin 2 (IL-2) was administered . To extend these observations, we analyzed the events leading to the induction and generation of L3T4+ and Lyt-2+ immune T cells after immunization of mice with viable tumor cells admixed with Corynebacterium parvum . The basic protocol involved immunization, surgical excision of the immunization site on day 7, and challenge with viable tumor cells on day 21 . The ability of mice to reject tumor challenge provided a means to evaluate the occurrence of a systemic antitumor immunity . With the use of this experimental protocol, we have found that depletion of T cell subsets in vivo with either L3T4 or Lyt-2 monoclonal antibodies after active immunization abrogated the development of antitumor immunity . Mice immunized and depleted of L3T4+ but not Lyt-2+ T cells were able to reject tumor challenge if exogenous IL-2 was given for 7 days . However, the rejection of tumor challenge required 3 days of additional exogenous IL-2 administration . These results indicate that the induction of Lyt-2+ immune T cells depended on the helper function of L3T4+ T cells via the secretion of IL-2 . In the absence of L3T4+ immune lymphocytes, the expression of antitumor immunity by Lyt-2+ immune cells could be facilitated by in vivo administration of exogenous IL-2 . The induction of L3T4+ immune T cells, on the other hand, occurred independently of the Lyt-2+ T cell response because the transfer of spleen cells from Lyt-2+ cell-depleted, immunized animals was able to restore antitumor reactivity in L3T4+ cell-depleted, immunized mice . These results demonstrate the intricate cellular interactions leading to the induction as well as the expression of antitumor immunity.

J Biol Chem, 1987 Sep 5, 262(25), 12114 - 9
Cloning, expression, and nucleotide sequence of a gene encoding a second thioredoxin from Corynebacterium nephridii; Lim CJ et al.; A gene encoding thioredoxin in Corynebacterium nephridii was cloned in Escherichia coli by complementation of a thioredoxin mutant . Transformants that appeared to complement were analyzed for the presence of thioredoxin by the coupled assay using methionine sulfoxide reductase . Of 18 transformants, four contained high levels of thioredoxin activity . Transformants containing plasmids pLCN2 and pLCN4 were unable to support replication of T7 phage, in spite of their thioredoxin activities, and were studied in more detail . The plasmid pLCN2 contains a 1.85-kilobase Sau3AI insert, whereas pLCN4 contains a 10-kilobase TaqI insert . These plasmids complement all phenotypes of a thioredoxin-deficient strain except for replication of T7 phage . The nucleotide sequence of a 620-base pair HinfI fragment encoding thioredoxin derived from either plasmid indicated that the protein derived from this DNA is different from the thioredoxin of C . nephridii previously reported (Meng, M., and Hogenkamp, H.P.C . (1981) J . Biol . Chem . 256, 9174-9182) . The amino acid sequence predicted from the nucleotide sequence shows a high degree of homology with other procaryotic thioredoxins . However, the new thioredoxin contains the tetrapeptide -Cys-Ala-Pro-Cys- at the active site and a third half-cystine residue in the carboxyl-terminal domain of the protein . The molecular weight of this thioredoxin, determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, is smaller than that estimated from the DNA sequence, suggesting that processing may have occurred.

Vaccine . 1987 Sep;5(3):164.
Vaccines for respiratory disease in cattle; Peters AR; Respiratory disease is one of the most serious disease complexes affecting beef cattle production . For example, it is claimed to cost the UK industry about 70 million pounds per year . It is usually associated with young cattle and can occur in a variety of situations . It is a good example of multifactorial disease in that its aetiology involves both infection by a variety of microorganisms and a number of environmental factors . Several distinct syndromes occur and a number of microorganisms are thought to be important including the bacteria Pasteurella haemolytica type A1, P . multocida, Haemophilus somnus, Corynebacterium pyogenes, Mycoplasma bovis and M . dispar . Of the viruses, bovine herpes virus 1 (BHV1) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are known to be important, the former also causing the specific syndrome, infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) in addition to its involvement in the pneumonia complex . Other viruses of possible importance include para-influenza 3 (Pi3), adenoviruses, bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD) virus, coronavirus and rhinovirus.

J Bacteriol, 1987 Sep, 169(9), 4049 - 54
Purification and properties of haloalkane dehalogenase from Corynebacterium sp . strain m15-3; Yokota T et al.; A haloalkane dehalogenase was purified to electrophoretic homogeneity from cell extracts of a 1-chlorobutane-utilizing strain, m15-3, which was identified as a Corynebacterium sp . The enzyme hydrolyzed C2 to C12 mono- and dihalogenated alkanes, some haloalcohols, and haloacids . The Km value of the enzyme for 1-chlorobutane was 0.18 mM . Its molecular weight was estimated to be 36,000 by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and 33,000 by gel filtration . The isoelectric point was pH 4.5 . The optimum pH for enzyme activity was found to be 9.4, and the optimum temperature was 30 to 35 degrees C . The enzyme was stable for 1 h at temperatures ranging from 4 to 30 degrees C but was progressively less stable at 40 and 50 degrees C.

J Antimicrob Chemother, 1987 Sep, 20(3), 349 - 55
Susceptibility of urinary isolates of Corynebacterium group D2 to fifteen antimicrobials and acetohydroxamic acid; Soriano F et al.; The susceptibility in vitro of 28 Corynebacterium group D2 strains, mainly isolated from urine, to fifteen antimicrobial agents and acetohydroxamic acid (AHA) was determined at two pH values . The bactericidal activity of four antimicrobials and AHA was studied in three reference strains in broth at two pHs and with two inoculum sizes . The activity of norfloxacin and AHA, against one selected strain, in broth and human urine, was also determined . Vancomycin, ofloxacin and norfloxacin were the most active agents tested . Norfloxacin acted bactericidally in broth and in human urine but was not synergic with AHA.

J Pharmacobiodyn, 1987 Sep, 10(9), 487 - 93
The establishment of a new biological assay system for simultaneous measurement of bone resorption and bone mineralization in organ cultures of chick embryonic femur; Saito M et al.; A biological assay system has been developed for the simultaneous measurement of bone resorption and bone mineralization . In this system we (1) used chick embryonic femur as the biological material because of the easy handling and easy specification of developmental stages compared with rat and mouse, (2) labeled bone with 45Ca in vitro, (3) calculated the biological half life (T1/2) of 45Ca incorporated into bone salts for quantitative estimation of the bone resorbing activity, and (4) investigated bone-mineralizing activity by determining the calcium content before and after cultivation . Eleven-day-old chick embryonic femur was labeled with 45Ca in a chemically defined medium in vitro and thereafter labeled bones were transferred to chase medium . T1/2 was calculated from the sequential release of the label into the medium from the cultured bone . No one heretofore had determined the T1/2 of Ca in bone salts . We first determined in this study that the T1/2 of Ca in the chick embryonic femur is about 50 h . The decrease in T1/2 by parathyroid hormone, prostaglandin E1 and E2 and lipopolysaccharide, well-known stimulators of bone resorption, showed that this system works well in terms of bone resorption . By using this system, we demonstrated that immunomodulators such as Bacillus Calmette Guerin and Corynebacterium paruvum stimulate bone resorption and therefore affect bone metabolism . On the contrary, sodium fluoride (NaF) and hydrocortisone increased T1/2, indicating that they inhibit bone resorption . These agents were also tested to determine if they would alter total calcium in the bone during cultivation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aust Vet J, 1987 Sep, 64(9), 263 - 6
Evaluation of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the detection of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis infection in sheep; Sutherland SS et al.; Two enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays to measure antibody to the cell wall antigen (C-ELISA) and toxin antigen (T-ELISA) of C . pseudotuberculosis were evaluated on serum from 6 separate groups of sheep . For sheep naturally infected with C . pseudotuberculosis the sensitivity and specificity of the C-ELISA was 76% and 73% respectively and for the T-ELISA 67% and 77% respectively . For sheep slaughtered one year after artificial infection the sensitivity of both tests was greater than or equal to 83% and the specificity greater than or equal to 72% . For sheep slaughtered 4 months after artificial infection the specificity of both tests was less than 30% while the mean sensitivity was 85% . The C-ELISA in conjunction with the T-ELISA detected 92% of sheep with lung lesions.

Aust Vet J, 1987 Sep, 64(9), 261 - 3
The role of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis lung lesions in the transmission of this bacterium to other sheep; Ellis TM et al.; Five groups of 5 shorn and 5 unshorn caseous lymphadenitis (CLA)-free Merino wether weaners were each placed in feedlot pens with 6 Merino ewes, 2 or more of which had CLA lung lesions but no discharging superficial lesions . The sheep were kept together for 5 months . Twenty-eight per cent of the shorn weaners and 20% of the unshorn weaners developed antibodies to Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis . At slaughter, 8% of the shorn weaners and 12% of the unshorn weaners had CLA lesions in either lungs, lymph nodes or both . In the absence of contact with CLA-infected ewes, a control group of 5 shorn and 5 unshorn weaners failed to develop antibodies to C . pseudotuberculosis or CLA lesions in the same period . This showed that sheep with CLA abscesses in the lungs but no discharging superficial abscesses were a source of C . pseudotuberculosis infection to other sheep.

J Reprod Fertil, 1987 Sep, 81(1), 149 - 60
Reproductive and endocrine effects of active immunization against a testosterone conjugate in the heifer; Price CA et al.; Yearling heifers were actively immunized against 8 mg testosterone-3-carboxymethyloxime-ovalbumin in Non-Ulcerative Freund's Adjuvant, with or without the addition of Corynebacterium parvum (Groups A and B, respectively; N = 4 for each group) . After the priming injection, Groups A and B were boosted twice at 4-monthly intervals . Control heifers (N = 9) were not injected . All treated animals except one gave a measurable antibody response, and all responding animals became anoestrous and displayed ovarian cysts after the first booster injection . There were no apparent differences between treatments, and so results for Groups A and B were pooled . At 25 weeks after the second booster 3 of the 7 responding, anoestrous heifers resumed cyclicity; one with two consecutive double ovulations, and one with one double ovulation . The 3rd heifer showed 4 corpora lutea, then became anoestrus again . The 4 remaining acyclic heifers, and the control heifers, were intensively blood sampled; the anoestrous heifers showed significantly higher mean LH and significantly lower mean FSH concentrations and higher LH pulse frequency than did the control animals . These heifers remained anoestrous for 11 months after the second booster, at which point they were injected with GnRH and PGF-2 alpha; only 1 heifer resumed ovarian cyclicity . These results indicate that it is possible to increase ovarian activity in cattle by active immunization against testosterone, but that there is a high incidence of anoestrus.

J Natl Cancer Inst, 1987 Sep, 79(3), 533 - 41
Mechanism of decline of natural killer cell activity in Corynebacterium parvum-treated mice: inhibition by erythroblasts and Thy 1.2+ lymphocytes; Savary CA et al.; Injection of (C57BL/6 X DBA/2)F1 mice with Corynebacterium parvum (CP), iv, resulted in a depression of splenic natural killer (NK) cell activity 7-17 days after treatment . This decline in reactivity was accompanied by an increase in splenic tumor-binding cells and a decrease in cytotoxic tumor-binding cells as evaluated in a single-cell assay . Morphologic analysis indicated that the increased tumor-binding cells following CP injection were due to erythroblasts binding to YAC-1 tumor cells . With the use of a double-fluorescent binding technique, nonlytic tumor-binding cells of CP-treated mice inhibited NK cytotoxicity of normal syngeneic mice by competing with effectors for binding to tumor cells . Removal of erythroblasts by hypotonic shock treatment eliminated this competition and significantly improved the lytic capacity of CP-treated mice, thus indicating that erythroblasts contributed to the suppression of NK activity in these mice . The presence of a second inhibitory mechanism in CP-treated mice was found following asialo GM1 treatment or Percoll density gradient separation of erythroblast-depleted CP splenocytes; this inhibitory population was identified as Thy 1.2+ lymphocytes . Further analysis of the mechanism of suppression indicated that it was mediated by a soluble factor . In addition to the presence of suppressor cells, CP-treated mice displayed a decrease in splenic large granular lymphocyte content, which may also contribute to their NK deficiency.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1987 Sep, (9), 115 - 9
{Use of immunoenzyme analysis for determining antibacterial antibodies in diphtheria infection}; Kondrashina NN et al.; A diagnostic EIA system for the detection of antibacterial antibodies in diphtheria infection has been developed . As antigen, homogeneous membrane protein (mol . wt . 64 KD) obtained from Corynebacterium diphtheriae cell walls has been used . This protein antigen has been prepared with the use of nonionic detergent NP-40.

Vet Microbiol, 1987 Aug, 14(3), 205 - 9
The taxonomic status of Rhodococcus equi; Goodfellow M; The species Corynebacterium equi was proposed for strains isolated from foals suffering from purulent pneumonia . The taxon has had a confused history and is currently listed under both Corynebacterium and Rhodococcus in the Approved Lists of Bacterial Names . Data from modern taxonomic studies indicate that Corynebacterium equi Magnusson 1923 should be reduced to a synonym of Rhodococcus equi (Magnusson) Goodfellow and Alderson 1980 . Rhodococcus equi has repeatedly been shown to be a good species on the basis of chemical, molecular biological, numerical phenetic and serological data . Improved methods are needed to differentiate Rhodococcus equi from closely related species of Rhodococcus.

J Antimicrob Chemother, 1987 Aug, 20(2), 165 - 78
Activity in vitro of CGP 31608, a new penem antibacterial agent; Reeves DS et al.; The in-vitro activity of CGP 31608 (hereinafter termed CGP), a new penem, was tested by an agar dilution technique in comparison with imipenem, Sch 34343, cefotaxime, ceftazidime, aztreonam, ampicillin, gentamicin and ciprofloxacin . 480 clinical isolated were tested, some of which were selected because of their multiple resistance . CGP showed consistent activity against a wide range of species, having MIC90 values of 2-8 mg/l for almost all Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas spp., Haemophilus spp., Corynebacterium spp . and Bacteroides spp . It was the most active agent tested against staphylococci having an MIC90 of 0.25 mg/l, showing no reduction in activity against methicillin-resistant strains . Lesser activity was observed against some streptococci, Proteus spp . and clostridia . Tests carried out in broth demonstrated that CGP activity was constant over a pH range of 6-8 and was unaffected by the presence of 50% serum or 50% urine . The rate of killing of CGP, gentamicin, cefotaxime and ciprofloxacin was investigated in broth against log and stationary-phase cultures of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli . The most rapid rate of kill was seen with ciprofloxacin, while CGP exhibited a more rapid bactericidal effect than cefotaxime against Staph . aureus . The stability of CGP was studied at two concentrations in serum, broth and phosphate buffer at 4 degrees C, room temperature and 37 degrees C . In serum the half-life was 112 h at 4 degrees C, 35 h at room temperature and 11.4 h at 37 degrees C . Protein binding tested at concentrations of 5-100 mg/l was 2-6.3%.

Eur J Clin Microbiol, 1987 Aug, 6(4), 418 - 9
Isolation of Corynebacterium group D2 from clinical specimens; Van Bosterhaut B et al.; A total of 38 strains of Corynebacterium Group D2 isolated from clinical specimens in Belgian laboratories were characterized by pronounced urease activity, inability to acidify sugars and to reduce nitrates and multiresistance to antibiotics . Two strains were involved in clinical diseases . The organisms were found to have a more opportunistic than pathogenic behaviour.

J Leukoc Biol, 1987 Aug, 42(2), 95 - 105
Glucan: mechanisms involved in its "radioprotective" effect; Patchen ML et al.; It has generally been accepted that most biologically derived agents that are radioprotective in the hemopoietic-syndrome dose range (eg, endotoxin, Bacillus Calmette Guerin, Corynebacterium parvum, etc) exert their beneficial properties by enhancing hemopoietic recovery and hence, by regenerating the host's ability to resist life-threatening opportunistic infections . However, using glucan as a hemopoietic stimulant/radioprotectant, we have demonstrated that host resistance to opportunistic infection is enhanced in these mice even prior to the detection of significant hemopoietic regeneration . This early enhanced resistance to microbial invasion in glucan-treated irradiated mice could be correlated with enhanced and/or prolonged macrophage (but not granulocyte) function . These results suggest that early after irradiation glucan may mediate its radioprotection by enhancing resistance to microbial invasion via mechanisms not necessarily predicated on hemopoietic recovery . In addition, preliminary evidence suggests that glucan can also function as an effective free-radical scavenger . Because macrophages have been shown to selectively phagocytize and sequester glucan, the possibility that these specific cells may be protected by virtue of glucan's scavenging ability is also suggested.

J Antimicrob Chemother, 1987 Aug, 20(2), 209 - 12
In-vitro activity of LY146032 against Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Corynebacterium JK, and Bacillus spp., in comparison with various antibiotics; Van der Auwera P et al.; The in-vitro activity of LY146032 was studied against Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Corynebacterium JK, and Bacillus spp . in comparison with several agents with action against Gram-positive bacteria . LY146032 showed an MIC90 of 0.4 mg/l for S . aureus, regardless of the resistance to penicillin or oxacillin . LY146032 was equivalent in activity to ciprofloxacin and vancomycin against S . aureus and moderately active against other species tested (MIC90, 0.8-3.2 mg/l).

J Biol Chem, 1987 Jul 5, 262(19), 9016 - 20
Purification and characterization of 2,5-diketo-D-gluconate reductase from Corynebacterium sp; Miller JV et al.; 2,5-Diketo-D-gluconate reductase, a novel enzyme that catalyzes the stereospecific NADPH-dependent reduction of 2,5-diketo-D-gluconate to 2-keto-L-gulonate, has been purified to homogeneity by sequential anion exchange, Cibacron blue F3GA affinity, and gel permeation chromatography from Corynebacterium sp . ATCC 31090 . Molecular weight of the native form, determined by gel permeation chromatography, is 35,000 +/- 2,000 . The subunit molecular weight, determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis is 34,000; thus, the enzyme is active as a monomer . A pI value of 4.4 is measured for the enzyme . Amino- and carboxyl-terminal sequences are consistent with that predicted by the DNA sequence of the reductase gene . At 25 degrees C, pH 6.4, the turnover number is 500 min-1, and the apparent Km values for 2,5-diketo-D-gluconate and NADPH are 26 mM and 10 microM, respectively . The enzyme is specific for NADPH, but the sugar binding site will also accept 5-keto-D-fructose and dihydroxyacetone as substrates . The enzyme is active over a broad pH range (pH 5-8) for the reduction of 2,5-diketo-D-gluconate; a sharp optimum at pH 9.2 is observed for the oxidation of 2-keto-L-gulonate . A Keq value of 5.6 X 10(-13) M indicates that reduction of substrate by NADPH is highly preferred . An activation energy of 12.3 kcal mol-1 is measured . Enzyme turnover is slow relative to dehydration of the gem-diol at C-5 of the substrate.

Ann Inst Pasteur Microbiol, 1987 Jul-Aug, 138(4), 427 - 37
{Role of Tween-80 used in the culture of cutaneous corynebacteria (JK group) on the composition of cellular fatty acids}; Chevalier J et al.; This study of 8 strains of cutaneous corynebacteria, including 5 strains of "JK corynebacteria", concerns the fatty acid composition of cells grown in the presence or not of Tween 80, which enhances their growth rate . The fatty acid methyl esters were analysed by gas-liquid chromatography . The fatty acid profile of the 8 strains agreed with the general pattern of the genus Corynebacterium, with major amounts of palmitic acid (C16:0) and oleic acid (C18:1) and with only trace amounts of 10-methyl octodecanoic acid (tuberculostearic acid) . Iso and anteiso branched acids were not present . The 5 strains had high levels of stearic acid (C18:0) . When cells were grown in the presence of Tween-80, the fatty acid composition was modified for all strains: their profiles showed high levels of oleic acid (C18:1) and smaller quantities of palmitoleic acid (C16:1) . These results confirm the advantage of fatty acid composition for identification of Corynebacteria, and particularly for cutaneous strains, and emphasize the influence of the culture medium, especially that of Tween-80.

J Clin Microbiol, 1987 Jul, 25(7), 1330 - 2
Prosthetic valve endocarditis caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae in a patient with pemphigus vulgaris; Namnyak SS et al.; The clinical and bacteriological findings in a case of prosthetic aortic valve endocarditis caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae are presented . The patient died despite adequate medical therapy . This appears to be the first report of endocarditis caused by this species in a prosthetic aortic valve.

South Med J, 1987 Jul, 80(7), 923 - 5
Four-valve endocarditis caused by corynebacterium CDC group I1; Farrer W; I have reported a case of fulminant four-valve endocarditis in an intravenous drug abuser caused by the unusual Corynebacterium CDC group I1 . Corynebacteria generally cause endocarditis only on damaged and prosthetic valves; fewer than ten cases have been reported on previously normal valves and fewer still in drug abusers . This is the first reported case of endocarditis caused by Corynebacterium CDC group I1.

J Infect Dis, 1987 Jul, 156(1), 144 - 50
Bacteriuria with a multiply resistant species of Corynebacterium (Corynebacterium group D2): an unnoticed cause of urinary tract infection; Aguado JM et al.; We studied the records of 43 patients with significant bacteriuria caused by Corynebacterium group D2 . All suffered from underlying diseases, and 54% were immunosuppressed . The predisposing factors were urologic procedures (100%), previous use of antibiotics (90%), age greater than 65 years (65%), and previous urinary tract infections (UTI;60%) . Two-thirds of the patients had urinary tract symptoms, and these symptoms were more common in men than in women . The existence of previous lesions in the bladder favored the development of serious urinary symptoms (encrusted cystitis) . Alkaline urine had abnormal sediment that yielded Corynebacterium group D2 in the absence of other microorganisms, a result suggesting that this organism could be an etiologic agent of UTI . Because cultures of urine may appear to be sterile, prolonged incubation must be used to detect Corynebacterium group D2 . Correct treatment improved the outcome and probably prevented the development of encrusted cystitis in most of our patients.

J Infect Dis, 1987 Jul, 156(1), 130 - 5
Splenomimetic effect of Corynebacterium parvum in fulminant pneumococcemia; Wellish KL et al.; The efficacy of Corynebacterium parvum to stimulate splenic growth and to boost host survival was examined by using adult Sprague-Dawley rats in a highly spleen-sensitive model of fulminant pneumococcemia . Rats were either treated (10 days or 1 hr before or 1 hr after) or not treated with C . parvum; were depleted of complement; underwent partial, total, or sham splenic resection; and then were challenged with either a low (2 X 10(2)) or a high (2 X 10(5)) dose of pneumococci . In the absence of C . parvum, survival (percent and duration) was lowest after total splenectomy and was proportional to remnant spleen weight after partial splenectomy . Although C . parvum treatment sharply increased splenic weight, nucleated cell numbers, and survival, the lowered mortality and improved survival time were independent of spleen weight . The rapidly acting, extrasplenic, splenomimetic protective effect of C . parvum suggests that this class of immunomodulators may be a useful adjunct in managing sepsis associated with defective or absent splenic function.

J Immunol, 1987 Jul 1, 139(1), 221 - 7
Vaccination against cutaneous leishmaniasis in a murine model . I . Induction of protective immunity with a soluble extract of promastigotes; Scott P et al.; BALB/c mice can be protected against a fatal Leishmania major infection by immunization with whole radio-attenuated promastigotes; however, neither the antigens responsible for protection nor the protective immunologic mechanisms have been defined . In this study, the ability of promastigote fractions to elicit similar immunity to that obtained with whole organisms, and the immune responses associated with such protection were analyzed . Intraperitoneal immunization with a soluble, membrane-free parasite extract was found to induce protection against L . major challenge equal to that obtained with whole organisms . Induction of immunity (89% protection in seven experiments) was most effective with 100 micrograms of the soluble leishmanial antigen (SLA) and required concomitant injection of the bacterial adjuvant, Corynebacterium parvum (CP), followed by an i.p . boost of SLA alone 1 wk later . Vaccinated animals exhibited Leishmania-specific cell-mediated immunity, as assessed both by lymphocyte transformation and the production of macrophage-activating factors (MAF) . In addition, although SLA + CP-immunized mice failed to exhibit delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) before challenge, splenic lymphocytes from these mice could transfer a local DTH reaction to naive recipients . Immunization also induced the production of antibodies against two major metabolically labeled proteins of m.w . 30,000 and 53,000, but failed to stimulate a detectable humoral response against promastigote surface antigens . Thus, these experiments demonstrate that vaccine-induced immunity against cutaneous leishmaniasis is strongly associated with the induction of cell-mediated immunity, but does not require the development of an antibody response to promastigote surface antigens . In addition, these studies establish the feasibility of employing soluble, nonmembrane-derived parasite material as a source of protective immunogens.

J Infect, 1987 Jul, 15(1), 27 - 32
Immunity to diphtheria in young British adults; Masterton RG et al.; Of 906 recruits aged between 16 and 20 years who were Schick-tested upon entry to the Royal Air Force, 775 were tested for circulating Corynebacterium diphtheriae antitioxin by means of an indirect haemagglutination (IHA) method . Of the total population, 95.7% were Schick-test negative, 3.5% were Schick-test positive and 0.8% gave pseudo-reactions . Of those tested by the IHA test, 37.7% were regarded as immune, 47.0% as 'immune-susceptible' and 15.3% as non-immune . Discrepancies between the two tests were discovered . Of those persons found to be Schick-test positive, 34.6% possessed circulating antitoxin; of those Schick-test negative, 13.5% were regarded as non-immune . A history of diphtheria immunisation in childhood was found to be a poor predictor of immunity . A protocol for selective diphtheria immunisation of adults is proposed.

Fundam Appl Toxicol, 1987 Jul, 9(1), 60 - 8
Health and productivity of dairy cows fed polychlorinated biphenyls; Willett LB et al.; Holstein cows were studied through a complete lactation, a nonlactating period, and 42 days of a subsequent lactation for overt and subtle responses to a commercial mixture of polychlorinated biphenyls . Dosed cows (n = 4) received consecutive 60-day periods of daily dosing with 10, 100, and 1000 mg of Aroclor 1254 . Control cows (n = 6) received daily sham doses . The following were recorded: daily milk production, feed intake, and health observations; weekly body weight, temperature, heart and respiratory rates and rectal palpation; semi-monthly clinical chemistry determinations; and monthly milk fat, microbiological culture of quarter foremilk samples, and composite milk somatic cell counts . Mean daily milk production (22.4 +/- 1.1 vs 24.8 +/- 1.0 kg) and net energy of a complete lactation (1.46 +/- 0.05 vs 1.45 +/- 0.03 Mcal/kg dry matter intake) were not different (p = 0.85) for control and PCB-dosed cows . Milk production during the first 42 days of the subsequent lactation was also similar for control and dosed cows . Occurrences of injuries, dysfunctions, and general infections were not related to polychlorinated biphenyl exposure . Intramammary infections were detected for both lactations with 51 and 32 infections detected in microbiological cultures, respectively, for the control and dosed groups . Environmental pathogens were most frequently isolated from cases of clinically apparent mastitis . The majority of quarter infections detected were due to Corynebacterium bovis . Only one animal (dosed, necropsy revealed left oviduct obstructed) failed to conceive with three to six services required before conception for the other control and dosed cows . Exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls resulting in maximal residues in milk fat, near 100 micrograms/g, had no apparent effect on health and productivity.

J Clin Microbiol, 1987 Jul, 25(7), 1280 - 4
Double-antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for rapid detection of toxin-producing Corynebacterium diphtheriae; Nielsen PB et al.; An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for determining the toxigenicity of Corynebacterium diphtheriae is presented . The assay uses hyperimmune horse diphtheria antitoxin as a capture antibody and mouse monoclonal diphtheria antitoxin as a detecting antibody . Growth of bacteria and capture of diphtheria toxin by antitoxin are carried out in one step . Toxin produced by as little as 100 toxin-producing corynebacteria is detectable, corresponding to a sensitivity of 10 ng of diphtheria toxin per ml . Demonstration of toxin after incubation of the bacteria for 4.75 h, as well as after 18 h, was in accordance with the modified Elek gel diffusion method and the guinea pig inoculation test . However, heavy inocula incubated overnight produced significantly lower optical density than did diluted inocula; thus, the higher optical density was used as an indicator of toxin production . A decrease in optical density was also seen by shortening the incubation time . For laboratory safety, ethanol was added to the microtiter plate wells before washing out of the bacteria . This resulted in a further decrease in optical density . Using 4.75-h incubation time gave a single false-negative result . No false-positive results were ever seen . Incubation for 18 h is suitable for large-scale screening, and 4.75 h of incubation is suitable for rapid identification of toxin-producing C . diphtheriae.

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 1987 Jul, 84(14), 4964 - 8
Transformation of Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Corynebacterium ulcerans, Corynebacterium glutamicum, and Escherichia coli with the C . diphtheriae plasmid pNG2; Serwold-Davis TM et al.; The transfection and transformation of members of two species of pathogenic corynebacteria, Corynebacterium diphtheriae and Corynebacterium ulcerans, is described . Protoplasts were produced by treatment with lysozyme following growth in glycine, and a medium was defined on which a significant fraction of the osmotically sensitive cells were regenerated . Transfections were carried out with DNA from corynephage 782, a member of the beta family of converting phages, and transformations were performed with DNA of plasmid pNG2, a 9500-kDa plasmid that was isolated from an erythromycin-resistant strain of C . diphtheriae and carries the resistance gene . Strains of Corynebacterium glutamicum and Escherichia coli were also successfully transformed with pNG2 DNA . Transfection frequencies were in the range of 3-8 X 10(3) plaque-forming units/micrograms of phage DNA, and transformation frequencies were in the range of 0.2-150 colony-forming units/micrograms of plasmid DNA . Plasmid pNG2 replicated and was stably maintained in all transformants both in the presence or absence of erythromycin . Thus, it displayed the ability to replicate in strains of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria without the intervention of genetic engineering . pNG2 DNA isolated from any of the transformed strains was able to transform all parental strains . The host range of pNG2 suggests its possible utility in or as a shuttle vector for the study and manipulation of genes from corynebacterial strains of animal origin.

Immunology, 1987 Jul, 61(3), 269 - 76
Functional differences and complementation between dendritic cells and macrophages in T-cell activation; Guidos C et al.; Functional differences and cell collaboration between murine lymphoid dendritic cells (DC) and macrophages (M phi) in antigen presentation for T-cell activation were analysed with splenic DC and M phi, culture-derived bone-marrow (BM)-M phi, and DC-like and M phi-like cell lines . DC were the best stimulators of allogeneic mixed leucocyte reaction (MLR), but splenic M phi and small activated BM-M phi were almost as effective . In contrast to MLR stimulation, small activated BM-M phi were the most effective antigen-presenting cells (APC) for the presentation of whole Corynebacterium parvum (CP) organisms, possibly by virtue of their phagocytic and lysosomal functions, which could be particularly important for processing particulate antigens . Large activated BM-M phi were ineffective in stimulating MLR and CP-specific T-cell proliferation . The functional differences between BM-M phi subsets could not be explained by failure to express surface Ia or to take up antigen . Non-phagocytic APC, such as DC and the DC-like line P388AD.4, had low presenting activity for CP and were much less effective at presenting glutaraldehyde-fixed CP than M phi . This suggests that DC are dependent on the shedding of soluble antigen (reduced by glutaraldehyde fixation) from the bacteria, and they may also be less efficient than M phi at processing the fixed bacteria . The Ia- M phi-like line . P388D1, was devoid of APC activity, but could greatly enhance P388AD.4-induced T-cell proliferation to whole bacterial organisms . Similarly, co-culture of splenic DC and M phi produced very pronounced synergistic effects in proliferative responses to CP and keyhole limpet haemocyanin . The function of M phi n this partnership was sensitive to chloroquine and could not be replaced by M phi culture fluids or recombinant interleukin-1 . Thus, M phi may contribute processed antigen in a form more suitable for presentation by DC . These results provide a rationale for the functional dichotomy between DC and M phi.

J Immunol, 1987 Jun 15, 138(12), 4366 - 73
Desensitization of macrophage oxygen metabolism on immobilized ligands: different effect of immunoglobulin G and complement; Valletta EA et al.; During adhesion and spreading to immobilized immune complexes, casein-elicited mouse peritoneal macrophages produced superoxide anion . This production was time-dependent, ceased after a couple of hours, and was due to interaction with immunoglobulins G (IgG) because neither immobilized antigen alone nor immunoglobulins M with or without complement-derived fragments were efficient stimuli . Cultivation of macrophages on immobilized IgG for 24 hr caused desensitization of the response to an unrelated stimulus like zymosan . Desensitization was due neither to inhibition of binding and uptake of zymosan nor to alterations of NADPH oxidase . In fact, macrophages cultivated on immobilized IgG bound and internalized zymosan and responded to PMA with production of superoxide anion normally . Desensitization was not specific for casein-elicited macrophages because both resident peritoneal and Corynebacterium parvum-activated macrophages underwent desensitization if cultivated for 24 hr on immobilized immune complexes . Desensitization on immobilized IgG was maximal after 24 hr, lasted up to 3 days in culture, and was reversed by detaching macrophages from the IgG surface and further cultivating them in normal tissue culture plastic . Scavengers of products of the oxygen metabolism such as superoxide dismutase and catalase and inhibitors of arachidonic acid metabolism such as indomethacin and nordihydroguaiaretic acid did not prevent desensitization . In addition, the zymosan-stimulated release of arachidonic acid was suppressed after cultivation on immobilized IgG for 24 hr; also in this case, the response to PMA was conserved . Contrary to cultivation on immobilized IgG, cultivation of macrophages on fragments derived from C3 was not accompanied by desensitization of the response to zymosan . These results indicate that although the interaction of Fc receptors with their ligands does not impair binding and uptake of zymosan, alterations in the sequence of signals which leads to the activation of the oxygen metabolism can occur, causing a complete dissociation between phagocytosis and stimulation of the oxygen metabolism.

Immunopharmacology, 1987 Jun, 13(3), 195 - 205
Alteration of macrophage anti-tumor activity and transferrin receptor expression by exposure to dimethylnitrosamine in vivo; Myers MJ et al.; Dimethylnitrosamine (DMN), a potent immunomodulatory agent, produces its effects on cell-mediated immune reactions through alterations in macrophage production and/or macrophage maturation/differentiation from bone marrow stem cells . Macrophages obtained by the in vitro culture of bone marrow from animals exposed to DMN in vivo (bone marrow-derived macrophages, BMDM) demonstrated enhanced cytotoxicity against L929 target cells . The enhanced cytotoxicity was also present in concanavalin A- and Corynebacterium parvum-elicited peritoneal exudate cells (PEC) obtained from DMN-exposed animals while thioglycollate-elicited PEC from DMN-exposed animals displayed no increase in their cytotoxic activity as compared to vehicle-exposed animals . However, treatment of thioglycollate-elicited PEC with interferon-gamma induced cytotoxic activity in PEC obtained from DMN-exposed animals but not in PEC obtained from control animals . BMDM obtained from DMN-exposed mice also demonstrated an alteration in the kinetics of the expression of the membrane-associated transferrin-binding receptor (mTFR), a marker of the activational status of macrophages . BMDM from animals exposed to DMN in vivo exhibited maximal expression of mTFR on day 7 of culture in vitro as compared to day 5 for BMDM from vehicle-exposed animals . C . parvum- and concanavalin A-elicited PEC from DMN-exposed animals showed dose-related decreases in their expression of mTFR which were associated with their expected enhanced cytotoxicity . Likewise, thioglycollate-elicited PEC from DMN-exposed mice had dose-related decreases in mTFR expression and total transferrin-binding activity, suggesting a change in their state of activation . No alterations in mTFR expression were observed in splenic macrophages . BMDM cultured with T cell-derived lymphokines known to affect mTFR expression demonstrated enhanced expression of mTFR independent of changes in the cell cycle profiles . Furthermore, while lymphokines enhanced mTFR expression, there was no alteration in the kinetics of mTFR expression by BMDM obtained from DMN- or vehicle-exposed animals . These results support the hypothesis that DMN-induced alterations in macrophage hematopoietic differentiation/maturation are manifested in changes in macrophage function.

J Dairy Sci, 1987 Jun, 70(6), 1294 - 301
Growth responses of Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus agalactiae to Corynebacterium bovis metabolites; Hogan JS et al.; Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus agalactiae growth responses to metabolites of Corynebacterium bovis cultured in media containing polyoxyethylenesorbitan monolaurate, monooleate, or trioleate and milk were determined . Filter sterilized metabolites of 48-h C . bovis cultures in synthetic media were added to cultures of Staph . aureus and Strep . agalactiae . Staphylococcus aureus and Strep . agalactiae were inoculated into 12-h C . bovis milk cultures . Growth responses of Staph . aureus and Strep . agalactiae were not affected by C . bovis metabolites of synthetic media . Staphylococcus aureus growth was inhibited during logarithmic and stationary phases in milk containing mixed cultures of C . bovis compared with growth in pure Staph . aureus cultures . Streptococcus agalactiae growth curves were similar in pure and C . bovis mixed cultures . Fatty acid compositions were not different in sterile milk and milk containing bacterial cultures . Growth responses of Staph . aureus and Strep . agalactiae were not related to concentration of C . bovis metabolites or fatty acid content of media in which C . bovis were cultured.

J Clin Microbiol, 1987 Jun, 25(6), 1111 - 2
Comparison of rapid identification method and conventional substrates for identification of Corynebacterium group JK isolates; Grasmick AE et al.; In an effort to identify Corynebacterium group JK isolates rapidly, Rapid Identification Method (RIM series; Austin Biological Laboratories, Inc., Austin, Tex.) substrates were tested in parallel with conventional substrates . RIM reactions agreed with conventional substrate results, respectively, as follows: urea, 38 of 38; nitrate, 35 of 38; glucose, 35 of 38; maltose, 28 of 38; sucrose, 37 of 38; and o-nitrophenyl-beta-D-galactopyranoside, 24 of 26 . As a supplement to initial screening tests, the RIM tests offer a rapid method for identifying group JK isolates.

Int J Radiat Biol Relat Stud Phys Chem Med, 1987 Jun, 51(6), 1041 - 8
Effects of radiation and other influences on chemical lymphomagenesis; Seidel HJ; Methylnitrosourea (MNU) or butylnitrosourea (BNU) was used to induce T cell lymphomas (thymomas) in BDF1 mice . In addition to the chemical, X-rays in various dose schedules were applied . An effect of the irradiation (shortening of the latency period) was seen with 12 X 0.25 Gy in protocols with a prolonged median induction time in the controls as a result of a dose reduction of the chemical (median induction time 27-36 weeks instead of 16-18 weeks under 'optimal' conditions using 50 mg kg-1 of MNU) . Preirradiation 2-5 weeks before 40 mg kg-1 of MNU resulted in enhanced leukaemogenesis . Also, mice with regenerating lympho-haemopoiesis after lethal irradiation and bone marrow transplantation were more sensitive to the effect of both chemicals than were the controls . Treatment with anti-thy 1.2 and with corynebacterium parvum during the latency period had no influence.

Vet Microbiol, 1987 Jun, 14(2), 165 - 71
Comparison of surface hydrophobicity of piliated and non-piliated clones of Corynebacterium renale and Corynebacterium pilosum; Ito H et al.; Piliated (P+) and non-piliated (P-) clones of Corynebacterium renale and C . pilosum were similar in hydrophobicity as measured by hydrophobic interaction chromatography, bacterial adherence to hydrocarbons and the salt aggregation test . Therefore, the previously reported adherence of P+ clone to various cells, which is more effective than that of P- clone, may be uncorrelated with the degree of hydrophobicity of both clones of these bacteria . Hydrophobicity of P+ and P- clones was found to be high when measured by hydrophobic interaction chromatography and bacterial adherence to hydrocarbons, but low when measured by the salt aggregation test.

Biokhimiia, 1987 Jun, 52(6), 978 - 83
{Isolation and immunochemical characteristics of soluble membrane proteins from the cell wall of Corynebacterium diphtheria}; Kondrashina NN et al.; A method for isolation of immunochemically active proteins from Corynebacterium diphtheria membranes was elaborated . The proteins were solubilized with the nonionic detergent NP-40 and gel-filtered through an Ultrogel AcA-34 column under denaturating conditions . The purified proteins (Mr = 64 kD) were antigenically active in a solid phase radioimmunoassay with human antidiphtheria antibodies.

Vet Microbiol, 1987 Jun, 14(2), 173 - 82
The detection of obligate anaerobic bacteria in udder secretions of dry cattle with mastitis during summer: a comparison between gas-liquid chromatography and bacteriological culturing methods; Van den Bogaard AE et al.; Udder secretions sampled during the summer in 1984 and 1985 from mastitic quarters of 51 non-lactating cattle, mainly heifers less than 2 years of age, were examined bacteriologically for the presence of (facultative) aerobic and obligate anaerobic bacteria (OAB) and by gas-liquid chromatography (GLC) in order to detect volatile fatty acids (VFA), metabolic end-products of OAB . Forty-nine samples yielded positive cultures and in 20 cases these were mixtures of (facultative) aerobes and OAB . Only two specimens appeared to be sterile and from one specimen only were OAB cultured . Corynebacterium pyogenes was isolated from 35% of the cases and Peptococcus indolicus and Fusobacterium necrophorum from 31 and 22%, respectively . In most specimens (19/21) which yielded OAB after culturing, VFA (C3-C6) could be detected by GLC . Detection of VFA in summer mastitis secretions appeared to be a useful technique to evaluate the importance and association of OAB with summer mastitis . Because samples can be easily collected and stored at -20 degrees C, this is especially advantageous in situations where adequate facilities for the isolation of OAB are not readily available.

Dtsch Med Wochenschr, 1987 May 29, 112(22), 884 - 6
{Cutaneous diphtheria from Africa}; Fleischer K et al.; A 31-year-old woman returned to her native Germany, after a two-year stay in Tanzania, suffering from cutaneous diphtheria which had spread to nose and throat . One of her three children, a four-year-old boy, also had Corynebacterium diphtheria in his throat, without any symptoms . Both mother and child had been immunized against diphtheria.

J Immunol, 1987 May 15, 138(10), 3114 - 9
Comparative functional analysis of helper T lymphocyte responses to soluble and particulate antigens; Krowka JF et al.; An adaptable and sensitive assay to analyze the roles of helper T lymphocytes (TH) which recognize soluble or cell-surface bound antigens in the induction of cytotoxic T lymphocyte precursors (CTLp) is described . Long-term T cell lines that recognize purified protein derivative, keyhole limpet hemocyanin, or Corynebacterium parvum were used in these studies . The ability of T cells from these lines to induce cytotoxic T lymphocyte or antibody responses were compared with their ability to proliferate or release interleukin 2 (IL 2) . The results demonstrate that these T cell lines are able to react to soluble antigen by proliferation and IL 2 release . Moreover, the same cell lines are able to interact with CTLp or with the precursors of antibody-secreting B cells to induce a response . In the induction of CTLp we observed an inverse correlation between the number of TH cells required and the concentration of antigen used to pulse the antigen presenting cells . However the correlation between the ability of TH lines to proliferate specifically in response to antigen and to act as helpers for CTLp and B cells was not absolute as cells with compromised proliferative capacity were able to efficiently deliver inductive signals.

Allergol Immunopathol (Madr), 1987 May-Jun, 15(3), 161 - 6
Preliminary study on the concentration and species composition of bacteria, fungi and mites in samples of house dust from Silesia (Poland); Horak B; Twenty-one samples of house dust collected from dwellings situated in Upper Silesia (Poland) were subjected to bacteriological, mycological and acarological examination . Moreover, in two samples the concentration of bacterial endotoxin was estimated by the use of Limulus test . The mean concentration of bacteria in the examined samples was 2831.9 thousands cfu (colony forming units) per gram, that of fungi - 28.4 thousands cfu per gram, and that of mites - 51.5 specimens per gram . No significant correlation could be found between the numbers of these three components of house dust . Two examined samples of house dust contained high amounts of bacterial endotoxin which are comparable to the concentration of endotoxin in agricultural dusts, and could be of immunopathogenic significance . In the bacterial flora of the examined house dust samples, staphylococci prevailed in 45.9% of all isolates, streptococci (23.2%), corynebacteria (13.9%) and spore-forming bacilli (12.2%) . Among fungi, the most numerous were strains of the genus Penicillium (39.4%), yeasts (29.5%) and strains of the genus Aspergillus (8.4%) . Both bacteria and fungi comprise species that are known for their allergenic properties . The mite fauna of the examined samples was dominated by Dermatophagoides farinae (62.7% of all specimens) and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (30.4%); both species are known as important allergens of house dust . The results hitherto obtained indicate the potential significance of all the investigated components (bacteria, fungi and mites) in causing allergy to house dust.

Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1987 May, 31(5), 821 - 2
Activity of nine antimicrobial agents against Corynebacterium group D2 strains isolated from clinical specimens and skin; Fernandez-Roblas R et al.; The in vitro activities of nine antimicrobial agents against Corynebacterium group D2 strains isolated from clinical specimens and from healthy skin of hospitalized patients were studied . Ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, norfloxacin, vancomycin, and teicoplanin were very active against these microorganisms . There were no significant differences in susceptibility between clinical and colonizing isolates.

J Dairy Sci, 1987 May, 70(5), 1045 - 53
Examination of intramammary devices from infected and uninfected mammary quarters by scanning electron microscopy; Paape MJ et al.; Polyethylene intramammary devices were removed from six infected and four uninfected mammary quarters of seven lactating cows and examined by scanning electron microscopy . Infecting organisms included Corynebacterium bovis, coagulase-negative staphylococci, and an unidentified fungus . Intramammary devices from infected quarters had amorphous material adhering to large areas of the polyethylene . Large numbers of inflammatory cells and microorganisms were found concentrated within the material . Devices from uninfected quarters had less amorphous material with few adhering inflammatory cells . The amorphous material appeared to be restricted to abraded surfaces of the polyethylene . Milk somatic cell counts in stripping milk of quarters infected with Corynebacterium bovis and coagulase-negative staphylococci before and 3 wk after removal of intramammary device averaged 1.2 X 10(6) and .2 X 10(6)/ml, respectively . Results suggest that increased cell counts of infected quarters containing intramammary devices were associated with microbial colonization of the amorphous material.

Am J Vet Res, 1987 May, 48(5), 869 - 72
Efficacy of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis bacterin for the immunologic protection of sheep against development of caseous lymphadenitis; LeaMaster BR et al.; The efficacy of a Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis bacterin to protect sheep immunologically against development of caseous lymphadenitis was evaluated in controlled challenge-exposure experiments . Sixty-three mixed-breed, white-faced lambs were used . The lambs were 10 to 12 weeks old and were randomly assigned to 3 groups (21 lambs/group) . Group 1 was vaccinated once, using 2 ml of a C pseudotuberculosis bacterin (given subcutaneously) in the right axillary region at the beginning of the study . Group 2 was vaccinated twice; the 1st vaccination was given at the same time that lambs in group 1 were vaccinated and the 2nd vaccination was given 4 weeks later . Group 3 (nonvaccinated controls) was given physiologic saline solution (2 ml, subcutaneously) . Each lamb was challenge exposed (ie, given 2 ml of live Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis inoculum {6 X 10(6) colony-forming units/ml}, subcutaneously at 4 different sites) during the 20th week of the study . All lambs were killed and necropsied during week 33 . The mean number of abscesses per lamb was 7 for group 1, 4 for group 2, and 32 for group 3 . Significant differences in the size of the abscesses were not found between the groups . Results of the study indicated that the vaccine provided immunologic protection of lambs against challenge exposure to Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis.

Am J Vet Res, 1987 May, 48(5), 749 - 54
Experimental infection of lactating bovine mammary glands with Streptococcus uberis in quarters colonized by Corynebacterium bovis; Doane RM et al.; Twenty-seven quarters of 18 lactating dairy cows were inoculated intramammarily with 3.6 X 10(4) colony-forming units (CFU) of a strain of Streptococcus uberis isolated from a cow with clinical mastitis . Before quarters were inoculated, 22 were considered as naturally colonized with Corynebacterium bovis, and 5 were considered bacteriologically negative . Streptococcus uberis was isolated from all quarters within 2 days after inoculation, and all quarters developed clinical mastitis by 3 days after inoculation . Mastitis was acute, and most cows had increased rectal temperatures . The number of somatic cells increased significantly (P less than 0.05), and milk production decreased significantly . In many cows, rectal temperatures remained increased, and Str uberis was isolated from infected glands after intramammary and systemic antimicrobial treatments were given . A decreased number (110 CFU) of the same strain of Str uberis caused equally severe mastitis in 3 quarters colonized with C bovis and in 1 bacteriologically negative quarter in 2 cows . Streptococcus uberis was isolated from all inoculated quarters, and all quarters developed clinical mastitis by 2 days after inoculation . Two quarters colonized with C bovis and 2 bacteriologically negative quarters were inoculated once with 25 CFU and once with 240 CFU of a different strain of Str uberis (ATCC 27958) . Streptococcus uberis was never isolated from inoculated quarters, and changes in milk yield or number of somatic cells were not observed.

J Clin Pathol, 1987 May, 40(5), 556 - 8
Non-pulmonary Rhodococcus equi infections in patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS); Fierer J et al.; Rhodococcus equi, formerly known as Corynebacterium equi, was isolated repeatedly from the blood of two patients with the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) . Neither of the patients had pneumonia while they were bacteraemic, whereas pneumonia has been present in all previously reported cases of human infection with R equi . One of our patients had diarrhoea and the organism was isolated from a stool culture; the other patient had a large granulomatous soft tissue mass in his pelvis caused by R equi . Both isolates were resistant to penicillin and one produced a beta-lactamase . Both patients were treated with vancomycin but only one recovered.

Obstet Gynecol, 1987 May, 69(5), 756 - 9
Subclinical intra-amniotic infection in asymptomatic patients with refractory preterm labor; Duff P et al.; The purpose of this prospective investigation was to determine the incidence of subclinical intra-amniotic infection in asymptomatic patients who had intact membranes and refractory preterm labor . Refractory preterm labor was defined as persistent uterine contractions despite maximum recommended doses of parenteral tocolytics, or recurrent preterm labor within three days of successful transition to oral tocolytics . Amniotic fluid was cultured aerobically and anaerobically and prepared for Gram stain and group B streptococci latex fixation test . One of 24 women had a positive latex fixation test, but the culture was negative . One culture was positive for isolated colonies of Corynebacterium sp . None of the patients developed clinical evidence of intra-amniotic infection or postpartum endometritis . The mean prolongation of pregnancy was 31 days (range 1-63) . None of the infants had evidence of sepsis in the immediate neonatal period . In this population, subclinical infection was an uncommon cause of refractory preterm labor.

J Trauma, 1987 May, 27(5), 510 - 4
Immunomodulators and wound healing; Greenhalgh D et al.; The synthetic immunomodulators muramyl dipeptide (MDP), thymopoietin pentapeptide (TP5), and CP-46,665 were examined for their effects on wound healing in mice . We found no differences in wound disruption strength between immunomodulator-treated animals and saline controls on days 11, 14, and 21 . The only exception was with high-dose CP-46,665, which produced weakened wounds on day 14 (p less than 0.05) and 21 (p less than 0.01) . CP-46,665 was further studied by injecting high and low doses 48 hours before or after wounding . No differences were seen for these groups compared to controls at 11 and 21 days . Finally, to simulate a common clinical situation, mice were subjected to a 10% total body surface area (TBSA) burn to the right paraspinal region . Twenty-four hours later, a left paraspinal incision was performed with simultaneous injection of saline, Corynebacterium parvum (C . parvum), or low-dose TP-5, MDP, or CP-46,665 . At 11 days, no detriment in wound healing was found for burned control or any of the immunomodulator-treated animals except in the C . parvum-treated mice, with significantly weakened skin strips (p less than 0.001) . While C . parvum may be detrimental to wound healing, the synthetic modulators tested appear to have little effect on wound healing.

Vet Surg, 1987 May-Jun, 16(3), 197 - 201
Antimicrobial susceptibility of microorganisms isolated from equine orthopedic patients; Snyder JR et al.; Positive cultures were obtained from 60 equine orthopedic cases during a 12 year period (1974-1985) . These cases consisted of 34 long or cuboidal bone fractures, 13 arthrotomy/arthroscopy procedures for removal or internal fixation of a fracture, 7 proximal splint bone fractures, and 6 facial or mandibular fractures . Excluding the 13 arthrotomies, only 10 (21%) of the 47 were open fractures . Multiple organisms were isolated from 36 cases (20 long or cuboidal bone fractures, 7 splint bone fractures, 5 mandibular fractures, and 4 intra-articular fractures) . Of the 142 isolates, 35 (24%) were members of the family Enterobacteriaceae, 33 (23%) Streptococcus spp., and 25 (18%) Staphylococcus spp . with the majority being coagulase positive (65%) . Other organisms isolated were Pseudomonas spp . (16, 11%), obligate anaerobes (11, 7%), and Actinobacillus spp . (7, 5%) . the remaining 10% consisted of Pasteurella spp., Bacillus spp., Corynebacterium spp., Micrococcus spp., and Actinomyces spp . When comparing results between two time periods (1974-1979 and 1980-1985) there was an increase in the percentage of coagulase positive staphylococci isolates resistant to all antimicrobics tested except oxacillin and amikacin, and Escherichia coli isolates were resistant to all but amikacin . For Pseudomonas spp., resistance to gentamicin increased in the second time period (1980-1986) . During the initial time period (1974-1979) culture tests for obligate anerobes were not conducted until 1975 . No anerobes were cultured during those initial 5 years; however, one third of those isolated after 1980 were resistant to penicillin and ampicillin.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

J Leukoc Biol, 1987 May, 41(5), 407 - 11
Tumor-specific T-lymphocyte cytotoxicity enhanced by low dose of C . parvum; Lau BH et al.; Three routes of immunotherapy with Corynebacterium parvum (CP) on an ascitic Friend virus-induced leukemia were evaluated . Only the intraperitoneal route, which provided optimal contact between CP and tumor cells, showed prolonged mean survival time . Greatest effectiveness was obtained with multiple injections of CP at weekly intervals and with small initial tumor load . Of particular interest was that lower dosages of CP (5 and 25 micrograms) gave longer protection than dosages of 50 and 250 micrograms . Using in vitro 125I-iododeoxyuridine release assay, these lower dosages were shown to selectively enhance the cytotoxicity associated with T lymphocytes, whereas higher dosages appeared to primarily augment the activity of phagocytes . Moderate natural killer cell activity was observed with both the lower and higher dosages of CP . Data from this study indicate that route of administration, dosage of CP, and size of tumor burden are crucial variables determining optimal response to immunotherapy.

J Dairy Sci, 1987 May, 70(5), 927 - 34
Growth inhibition of mastitis pathogens by long-chain fatty acids; Hogan JS et al.; Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus hyicus, Streptococcus agalactiae, and Corynebacterium bovis were tested for sensitivity to long-chain fatty acids predominant in teat canal keratin . Antibacterial activity of free fatty acids on each bacterial species was measured after 12 and 24 h in chemically defined media . Polyene C18:2 and C18:3 acids were bactericidal to each species at less than or equal to 10(5) ng/ml-1 . The most bacteriostatic saturated fatty acids were C12 and C14 . Streptococcus agalactiae growth was inhibited more by fatty acids after 24 h than after 12 h . No incubation time effect on growth responses of other species was determined . Polyoxyethylenesorbitan monooleate had a neutralizing effect on the bactericidal activity of polyene acids on C . bovis . Corynebacterium bovis were unable to grow in synthetic media containing individual free fatty acids as the sole source of preformed fatty acids . A relationship between bacterial species commonly isolated from bovine teat canals with resistance to fatty acids predominant in keratin was not evident.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1987 May, (5), 13 - 6
{Adhesion of Corynebacterium diphtheriae}; Kostiukova NN et al.; The conditions for the direct hemagglutination test performed to determine the degree of adhesion of C . diphtheriae were defined . For this test sheep red blood cells, trypsin-treated ex tempore, were used . Only newly isolated cultures, subcultured for not more than 2-5 times and stored for not more than 2-7 days or freeze-dried, were employed . The culture to be tested was grown in nutrient agar with 10% of normal horse serum . The test was made in microtitrator round-bottom wells . The mixture of different dilutions of the culture was incubated for 2 hours at 37 degrees C, then left overnight at 4 degrees C . All 147 newly isolated or freeze-dried C . diphtheriae strains under test had different degrees of adhesion . Their adhesive activity was unrelated to their biovar . Toxigenic strains were significantly more active in hemagglutination (53.5 +/- 3.0%) than nontoxigenic ones (23.5 +/- 3.9%) . The strains isolated from the nose, irrespective of their biological properties, were more active than those isolated from the pharynx.

J Clin Microbiol, 1987 May, 25(5), 964 - 5
Silica gel as transport medium for Corynebacterium diphtheriae under tropical conditions (Indonesia )
Kim-Farley RJ, Soewarso TI, Rejeki S, Soeharto, Karyadi A, Nurhayati S.
Silica gel was confirmed as a useful transport medium for Corynebacterium diphtheriae in the investigation of diphtheria cases in which there is no ready access to laboratory facilities.

Cancer Res, 1987 May 1, 47(9), 2211 - 7
Stimulation of the respiratory burst of murine peritoneal inflammatory neutrophils by conjugation with tumor cells; Lichtenstein A; Murine peritoneal neutrophils (PMNs), elicited by i.p . injection of formalin-killed Corynebacteria parvum, spontaneously lyse teratocarcinoma targets through the secretion of reactive oxygen intermediates . Examination of effector-target interactions at the single cell level revealed that PMNs conjugated to tumor cells were 3-fold more frequently stained by nitroblue tetrazolium compared to nonconjugating PMNs suggesting that tumor targets stimulated a potent tumor-lytic respiratory burst . This notion was confirmed by the detection of superoxide and hydrogen peroxide generation from PMNs as well as a luminol-dependent chemiluminescent response following conjugation with viable tumor targets . Generation of superoxide was dependent upon the presence of dihydrocytochalasin B . In addition to teratocarcinoma cells, comparable stimulation was achieved by conjugation with YAC and P815 targets but not thymocytes . Reactive oxygen intermediate release was also achieved by mixing peritoneal PMNs with heat-killed tumor cells . In contrast to bacteria-induced effectors, PMNs elicited by i.p . injection of thioglycollate were incapable of responding following conjugation with tumor targets although they were competent for reactive oxygen intermediate release when stimulated by phorbol myristate acetate . Teratocarcinoma targets were sensitive to concentrations of H2O2 that could be achieved by PMNs following contact . These data indicate that Corynebacteria-elicited inflammatory PMNs lyse their bound tumor targets by a mechanism similar to a stimulus-secretion model.

J Antimicrob Chemother, 1987 May, 19(5), 623 - 35
Bactericidal activity and killing rate of serum in volunteers receiving vancomycin or teicoplanin with and without amikacin given intravenously; Van der Auwera P et al.; We have studied the interaction between vancomycin or teicoplanin and amikacin in two groups of five volunteers randomized to receive either (a) vacomycin, amikacin, vancomycin+amikacin, or (b) teicoplanin, amikacin, teicoplanin+amikacin . Each administration was given on separate days, in random order with a 48 hours washout period between each infusion . The serum concentrations measured microbiologically at time 0, 1 and 6 h were: 42.6, 11.4 and 4.1 mg/l respectively for teicoplanin; 27.6, 13.9, and 4.2 mg/l for vancomycin, and 44.9, 17.8, and 1.9 mg/l for amikacin . Teicoplanin was also measured using a solid-phase enzyme-receptor assay (SPERA) . The serum bactericidal titres and the rate of killing in serum were measured 1 and 6 h after infusion against Staphylococcus aureus susceptible or resistant to oxacillin (5 strains each), S . epidermidis susceptible and resistant to oxacillin (5 strains each), Corynebacterium JK (5 strains), Listeria monocytogenes (5 strains), and Mycobacterium fortuitum (3 strains) . The addition of amikacin to either teicoplanin or vancomycin increased the serum bactericidal titres against staphylococci with the exception of oxacillin-resistant S . epidermidis . Teicoplanin+amikacin was the most active regimen against L . monocytogenes and was equivalent to vancomycin+amikacin against M . fortuitum . Teicoplanin alone and teicoplanin+amikacin had a significantly lower killing rate against staphylococci than amikacin alone.

Experientia, 1987 Apr 15, 43(4), 430 - 1
Encephalomyocarditis (EMC) virus-induced diabetes mellitus prevented by Corynebacterium parvum in mice; Kounoue E et al.; Corynebacterium parvum prevented the development of encephalomyocarditis virus-induced diabetes in mice, when it was given 3-14 days before the virus infection . This treatment inhibited virus replication in the pancreas of the infected mice at an early stage of the infection.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1987 Apr, (4), 32 - 4
{Determination of the toxigenicity of Corynebacterium diphtheriae by using paper indicator disks}; Fel'dman IuM et al.; The method for the determination of the toxigenicity of C . diphtheriae by means of discs impregnated with diphtheria antitoxin is proposed . The discs can be prepared long before use and stored for a year . The determination of toxigenicity with these discs is not inferior in its sensitivity to the routine procedure of the immunoprecipitation test . The disc method decreases the consumption of unavailable diphtheria antitoxin by 10 times, that of culture media by 2-2.5 times: besides, it is less labor consuming.

J Biol Response Mod, 1987 Apr, 6(2), 130 - 40
Human hybrid tumor cells: observations on their production and clinical effects; McCune CS et al.; Human hybrid tumor cells have been produced by fusing cells from freshly harvested tumor specimens with cells from a cultured human tumor line, D98OR . Fusions were performed with cells from 67 tumors and continuously growing hybrid lines were obtained from 16 (24%) . A successful fusion usually produced 1 or 2 hybrid lines, but four easily fusable tumors produced from 6 to 26 lines . The parent cells and hybrids were analyzed by flow cytometry . Hybrids appeared to retain a high percentage of parental deoxyribonucleic acid . Ten patients participated in a clinical study in which they received intradermal immunization with semiautologous hybrids and Corynebacterium parvum as adjuvant . The only side effect was slight local tenderness at the injection sites . No tumor regressions occurred . Skin testing with parental and hybrid cells was performed prior to and following immunization with hybrids . Delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity was often achieved for hybrids but not for autologous tumor cells.

J Immunol, 1987 Apr 1, 138(7), 2366 - 71
Induction, maintenance, and reinduction of tumoricidal activity in bone marrow-derived mononuclear phagocytes by Corynebacterium parvum . Evidence for the involvement of a T cell- and interferon-gamma-independent pathway of macrophage activation; Keller R et al.; Rat bone marrow-derived mononuclear phagocytes, virtually homogeneous with respect to the cell lineage, do not exhibit spontaneous tumoricidal activity in the resting state . When incubated with macrophage-activating lymphokines, rat recombinant interferon-gamma (IFN), or heat-killed Corynebacterium parvum, bone marrow-derived mononuclear phagocytes readily evolve tumoricidal activity . Whereas tumoricidal activity induced by lymphokines and/or rat recombinant IFN-gamma is short-lived, that elicited by C . parvum is maintained for at least 2 wk, provided that the C . parvum organisms are continuously present in the culture . After washing off extracellular organisms, C . parvum-induced tumoricidal activity decays rapidly, suggesting that sustained extracellular stimulation is required for its maintenance . Induction of tumoricidal activity by macrophage-activating lymphokines and/or rat recombinant IFN-gamma is fully prevented by polyclonal and monoclonal anti-IFN-gamma antibodies; in contrast, induction by C . parvum is not affected by anti-IFN-gamma . Since induction of tumoricidal activity by C . parvum takes place irrespective of the presence of anti-Thy-1 antisera or cyclosporin A, T cells and/or their products appear not to be involved in this type of macrophage activation . Accordingly, present findings provide evidence for the existence of lymphokine-independent pathways of macrophage activation.

Eur J Clin Microbiol, 1987 Apr, 6(2), 183 - 5
Comparative in vitro activity of the new cyclic lipopeptide LY146032 against Corynebacterium species; Spitzer PG et al.; Agar dilution and time-kill techniques were used to assess the in vitro activity of LY146032 and several other antibacterial agents against Corynebacterium spp . The activity of LY146032 was similar to that of vancomycin and teicoplanin . Synergistic killing by a combination of LY146032 and gentamicin could be demonstrated under certain carefully controlled conditions.

Am J Pathol, 1987 Apr, 127(1), 75 - 82
Eicosanoid production by peritoneal and splenic macrophages in mice depleted of bone marrow by 89Sr; Shibata Y et al.; Previous studies showed that the prostaglandin-forming macrophages (M phi) induced in the spleens of CBA/J mice by intraperitoneal administration of Corynebacterium parvum (CP) could not be demonstrated following the depletion of bone marrow and blood monocytes with 89Sr . The present study compares prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), leukotriene C4 (LTC4), and LTB4 release by splenic and resident peritoneal M phi in 89Sr-treated mice and 88Sr controls following in vivo CP and in vitro incubation with zymosan, calcium ionophore A23187, or phorbol ester (PMA) . Intraperitoneal administration of CP resulted in the appearance of PGE2- and LTB4-releasing M phi in the spleens of control but not 89Sr mice . The incorporation and quantitative distribution of 3H-arachidonic acid into membrane lipids, however, were comparable in test and control mice . Neither zymosan nor any of the other stimulatory agents was able to effect significant release of PGE2 in vitro . No release of LTC4 by splenic M phi was detectable under experimental or control conditions . In contrast, the capacity of resident peritoneal M phi to release PGE2, LTC4, and LTB4 was apparently unaffected by 89Sr-induced bone marrow and monocyte depletion with virtually no demonstrable elicitation . Resident peritoneal M phi removed after CP in such mice showed a dramatic decrease in PGE2 release when incubated in vitro with zymosan, A23187, or PMA . These results, taken with earlier findings, demonstrate characteristically different phenotypic expression of metabolism of certain eicosanoids by splenic M phi from the spleen and the peritoneal cavity and suggest in addition that the induction of PGE2-synthesizing M phi in the spleen by CP is dependent on either an immigrant cell originating in the bone marrow or a regulatory agent derived from a bone marrow cell.

Am Rev Respir Dis, 1987 Apr, 135(4), 885 - 90
Symptomatic treatment of recurrent malignant pleural effusions with intrapleurally administered Corynebacterium parvum . Clinical response is not associated with evidence of enhancement of local cellular-mediated immunity; Rossi GA et al.; Intrapleural injection of Corynebacterium parvum (CBP) has been recently proposed as a useful symptomatic treatment of recurrent malignant effusions . Although the result is often a fibrotic thickening of the pleura, CBP is thought to stimulate the effector cells present in the effusion and, possibly, to activate the antitumor cytotoxic activity of the pleural fluid mononuclear cells . To test this hypothesis, we studied 7 patients with recurrent malignant pleural effusions caused by lung cancer and evaluated the cellular composition, the proportions of lymphocyte subpopulations, and the cytotoxic activity of mononuclear cells in the pleural fluid before and 7 days after injection of CBP in the pleural space . The CBP treatment induced a marked decrease in the rate of accumulation of pleural fluid (p less than 0.01) and in the concentration of immune effector cells in the pleural exudate (p less than 0.001) . These changes were associated with a decrease in the percentages of pleural fluid monocytes and lymphocytes present (p less than 0.01, each comparison) and to a marked increase in the percentages of pleural fluid neutrophils (p less than 0.001) . No significant changes in the proportions of T- and B-lymphocytes or in the proportions of helper/inducer and suppressor/cytotoxic T-cells or of natural killer cells were observed in the pleural exudate after CBP treatment (p greater than 0.2, each comparison) . In addition, the cytotoxic activity of pleural fluid mononuclear cells was similar before and after CBP treatment (p greater than 0.2), and the levels of interferon, as a marker of immunoactivation of mononuclear cells, were not changed after treatment (p greater than 0.2).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

J Immunol, 1987 Apr 1, 138(7), 2282 - 9
Mechanism of recovery from acute virus infection . IV . Questionable role of mononuclear phagocytes in the clearance of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus from spleens of mice; Lehmann-Grube F et al.; After intravenous infection of mice with 10(3) infectious units (IU) the WE strain lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM) virus multiplied in the spleens (as in all other major organs), reaching more than 10(8) IU/g of tissue on days 4 to 5 . Subsequently, the virus was quickly eliminated, being below detectability usually by day 10 . During the time of virus clearance, the mononuclear phagocytes (MNP) of the spleen were activated as revealed by suppression of growth of Listeria monocytogenes and increase of cell-associated hydrolytic enzymes . In athymic nude mice, in whom the MNP system is assumed to be permanently activated, the virus replicated slightly but reproducibly less than in their euthymic counterparts . However, when the MNP were activated by Corynebacterium parvum, virus in spleens attained higher concentrations than in mice not so treated, and the rate of elimination was not altered . In mice whose MNP had been damaged by injection of dextran sulfate 500, the spleen virus titers were also increased, but the subsequent immune elimination was slightly delayed . Activation of spleen MNP was not evident at the time virus was rapidly cleared as a result of transfusion of LCM-immune T lymphocytes . Adoptive immunization was as successful in mice that had been pretreated with gamma-rays or cyclophosphamide, suggesting that replicating cells or their descendants, in particular monocytes, did not participate measurably in the process of elimination . Pretreatments of recipients with dextran sulfate 500 reduced the efficacy of transfused LCM-immune T lymphocytes, but this compound probably directly affected the cells . We interpret these findings to mean that the LCM virus in the mouse's spleen is controlled by a mechanism in which MNP do not play an essential role.

Am J Med, 1987 Mar 23, 82(3 Spec No), 638 - 40
Corynebacterium hemolyticum bacteremia with fatal neurologic complication in an intravenous drug addict; Chandrasekar PH et al.; A 50-year-old intravenous drug user presented with clinical features suggestive of mitral valve endocarditis . Blood culture specimens grew Corynebacterium hemolyticum . Despite treatment with penicillin, he died from a neurologic complication . Recognition of the pathogenic potential of nondiphtherial coryneforms in non-immunocompromised hosts is important.

Cancer Lett, 1987 Mar, 34(3), 291 - 6
Effect of anti-inflammatory drugs on the production of tumour necrosis factor and lipopolysaccharide induced-mortality in mice; Ha DK et al.; Mice injected with viable Listeria monocytogenes or powdered Corynebacterium parvum and challenged with endotoxin released tumour necrosis factor (TNF) into the blood . However, the rate of mortality from endotoxin shock was high . Administration of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs acetylsalicylate, indomethacin and phenylbutazone protected the animals against the lethal effect of endotoxin without affecting the ability of animals to produce TNF . The significance of these observations are discussed.

Postgrad Med, 1987 Mar, 81(4), 283 - 7
Corynebacterium endocarditis . Difficult diagnosis in an elderly woman; Arnold AZ; Physicians have been reminded repeatedly of the many faces of bacterial endocarditis . In this case, Corynebacterium endocarditis presented as an occult malignancy and eluded diagnosis for six months . The coryneform isolates found in cultures are often considered to be contaminants because of their ubiquitous nature, sometimes causing a delay in diagnosis . Patients with culture-negative endocarditis or Corynebacterium "contamination" should be treated as having Corynebacterium endocarditis pending results of microbiologic isolation tests.

Gynecol Oncol, 1987 Mar, 26(3), 386 - 97
Phase III study on the treatment of women with cervical cancer, stage IIB, IIIB, and IVA (confined to the pelvis and/or periaortic nodes), with radiotherapy alone versus radiotherapy plus immunotherapy with intravenous Corynebacterium parvum: a Gynecologic Oncology Group Study; DiSaia PJ et al.; A report on a study conducted under the auspices of the Gynecologic Oncology Group on the treatment of women with advanced carcinoma of the uterine cervix (stages IIB, IIIB, IVA) with radiotherapy alone versus radiotherapy plus immunotherapy (intravenous Corynebacterium parvum) is presented . There were 283 patients considered evaluable for analysis . Of these, 135 patients were randomized to radiotherapy plus C . parvum (120 patients received at least one course) and 148 were randomized to radiotherapy only . The two treatment regimens were similar for those adverse effects commonly associated with radiation therapy but for hematologic toxicity and fever and/or chills were significantly more frequent among those patients who received C . parvum . There was no statistical difference in the treatment regimens with regard to survival or progression-free interval . Of the 42 patients with positive periaortic nodes, 19% were alive at 3 years . No therapeutic value was demonstrated by combining C . parvum therapy with traditional radiation therapy in advanced cervical cancer . Because of the greater frequency of adverse effects in those patients receiving C . parvum, the further use of C . parvum at this dose and schedule does not appear to be indicated for treating cervical cancer patients.

J Immunol, 1987 Mar 1, 138(5), 1372 - 6
Regulation of I-A expression by murine peritoneal macrophages: differences linked to the Bcg gene; Zwilling BS et al.; We previously reported that Mycobacterium bovis (strain BCG) induces continuous I-A expression when injected into BCG-resistant strains of mice . We have extended this observation by showing that Corynebacterium parvum also induces continuous I-A expression by macrophages from BCG-resistant but not BCG-susceptible mice . We have linked continuous expression to BCG resistance by using C.D2Ityr mice, which are congenic with BCG-susceptible BALB/c mice except for genes on a portion of chromosome 1, which contains the gene(s) for BCG resistance . Macrophages from C.D2Ityr mice continuously expressed I-A, whereas macrophages from BALB/c mice transiently expressed I-A . Continuous expression by macrophages from both Bcgr and Bcgs mice could be induced in vitro with rIFN-gamma . However, the continuous expression of I-A by macrophages from Bcgs mice required the continued presence of IFN-gamma, whereas that by Bcgr macrophages did not . The continuous expression of I-A by macrophages from Bcgs mice was also inhibited by hydrocortisone, cyclohexamide, tunicamycin, and monensin, whereas I-A expression by Bcgr macrophages was not affected . The continuous expression of I-A by macrophages from Bcgr mice did not require its continued synthesis . The significance of these findings to the induction of immunity and to antimicrobial resistance are discussed.

Vet Immunol Immunopathol, 1987 Mar, 14(3), 279 - 94
Neutrophil phagocytic and serum opsonic response of the foal to Corynebacterium equi; Hietala SK et al.; This study was undertaken to examine the neutrophil response to Corynebacterium (Rhodococcus) equi, and to assess the possibility of neutrophil immaturity or malfunction in predisposition to C . equi pneumonia in foals . Neutrophil phagocytosis of Corynebacterium (Rhodococcus) equi was studied in foals from birth to 6 months of age . Chemiluminescence (CL) and bactericidal assays were used to assay the phagocytic response of peripheral blood neutrophils to C . equi in vitro . Results of in vitro bactericidal and CL assays indicate that foal neutrophils are able to ingest and kill C . equi, however are significantly more efficient in the presence of opsonization with specific antibody, and less importantly complement . Neutrophil CL was significantly decreased (p greater than .05) or eliminated by antibody adsorption, heat-inactivation, or removal of serum from the assay . The ability of the neutrophil to kill C . equi, as measured by in vitro bactericidal assay, was greater than 90% killing by 6 hours, in the presence of C . equi antiserum . Bactericidal activity was reduced to less than 40% killing when C . equi adsorbed serum was used as the opsonin source . As CL results indicated complement involvement in the opsonization of C . equi, the temporal development of hemolytic and conglutinating complement was measured in normal and C . equi infected foals . Neither defects nor age-related suppression of neutrophil function or complement activity were detected in C . equi affected foals, suggesting that these are not pathogenic mechanisms involved in foal pneumonia.

Immunology, 1987 Mar, 60(3), 361 - 6
Frequency analysis of augmented CTL production associated with Corynebacterium parvum-induced tumour regression; Johnson TR et al.; A limiting-dilution frequency assay was employed to estimate the increased production of cytolytic T lymphocytes (CTL) associated with Corynebacterium parvum-induced regression of the P815 mastocytoma growing subcutaneously in semisyngeneic mice . It was found that intratumour C . parvum functioned to augment greatly the underlying concomitant production of CTL that occurs normally in response to a progressively growing untreated immunogenic tumour . The lymph node draining a C . parvum-treated tumour contained about eight times more CTL than the lymph node draining a control tumour . Intratumour C . parvum also caused a large increase in CTL production in the spleen and an increase in the number of CTL that could accumulate in a peritoneal exudate . At the peak of the anti-tumour response, the largest number of CTL was found in the draining lymph node (1.66 X 10(5}, followed by the spleen (3.47 X 10(4) and by a 24-hr casein-induced peritoneal exudate (6.01 X 10(3} . Presumably, this greatly augmented production of CTL explains why C . parvum given intralesionally early enough during tumour growth can cause the regression of the weakly immunogenic P815 mastocytoma.

Cancer Treat Rep, 1987 Mar, 71(3), 241 - 6
Synergy between low-dose chemotherapy and immunotherapy in mouse L1210 leukemia; Relyveld EH et al.; A high dose of 4 mg/kg of daunorubicin (DAU) given in combination with immunostimulation by the P40 immunomodulatory fraction of Corynebacterium granulosum and glutaraldehyde (GA)-treated tumor cells coupled with tetanus toxoid (P40 + GA-L1210-Tet) was more effective than DAU alone for treatment of L1210 mouse leukemia . A combination of low doses of DAU (0.0625-0.25 mg/kg) and P40 + GA-L1210-Tet was more effective than either P40 + GA-L1210-Tet or DAU alone . The cured mice were resistant to challenge with a high tumorigenic dose of L1210 tumor cells . A combination of various doses of mitomycin (1-4 mg/kg) with P40 + GA-L1210-Tet was more effective than mitomycin alone and was at least as effective as P40 + GA-L1210-Tet alone . Administration of DAU (0.5-4 mg/kg) to noninoculated C57BL/6 X DBA/2 mice resulted in increase of stimulation in vitro of collected spleen cells by mitogens.

Clin Immunol Immunopathol, 1987 Mar, 42(3), 386 - 98
Hepatic reticuloendothelial system activation in autoimmune mice: differences between (NZB X NZW)F1 and MRL-lpr/lpr strains; Magilavy DB et al.; 5'-Nucleotidase (5'N) activity and Ia expression of hepatic nonparenchymal cells (NPCs) of the autoimmune (NZB X NZW)F1 and MRL-lpr/lpr and nonautoimmune C3H/FeJ, DBA/2J, and A/J strains were assayed to determine endogenous activation of the hepatic reticuloendothelial system (RES) . Pretreatment of the nonautoimmune strains with Corynebacterium parvum resulted in decreases in Fc receptor expressor and 5'N and an increase in Ia expression of NPCs . Endogenous hepatic RES activation, as measured by low 5'N and high Ia expression, was observed in both the autoimmune MRL-lpr/lpr and (NZB X NZW)F1 strains even without C . parvum pretreatment . However, in the MRL-lpr/lpr strain, age is a dependent variable in activation and correlates with delayed clearance from the circulation of soluble IgG immune complexes . In the (NZB X NZW)F1 strain, the observation of decreased 5'-nucleotidase activity and increased percentage of Ia-positive cells at all ages suggests a primary abnormality . Therefore, different genetic or exogenous factors may be responsible for the activation of the hepatic RES in these autoimmune strains.

Immunology, 1987 Mar, 60(3), 367 - 73
Subtherapeutic numbers of tumour-sensitized, L3T4+, Ly 1+2- T cells are needed for endotoxin to cause regression of an established immunogenic tumour; Digiacomo A et al.; The immunological requirements for endotoxin-induced regression of an established subcutaneous tumour (SA 1 sarcoma) were investigated by employing tumour-bearing T-cell deficient mice as test recipients, and mice generating concomitant immunity, or Corynebacterium parvum-augmented concomitant immunity, as donors of sensitized T cells . It was found that endotoxin failed to cause regression of an established tumour in T-cell deficient recipients unless they were infused 2 days earlier with a subtherapeutic number of T cells from donors generating concomitant immunity . The donor T cells that primed the recipient tumour for endotoxin-induced regression displayed the L3T4+, Ly 1+2- membrane phenotype . T-cell priming for endotoxin-induced regression was specific and localized, as evidenced by the results of experiments that employed recipients simultaneously bearing two different syngeneic tumours . Infusing these recipients with T cells sensitized to one tumour primed that tumour, but not the other, for endotoxin-induced regression . The ultimate effector mechanism of regression also appeared to be specific, in that a mixed tumour made up of YAC1 lymphoma cells plus SA1 sarcoma cells underwent complete regression only in recipients infused with both YAC1-sensitized and SA1-sensitized T cells . These results indicate that, whereas endotoxin-induced tumour necrosis may not depend on an anti-tumour immune response, regression of the ring of living tumour tissue that surrounds the area of necrosis is specifically accomplished by an acquired population of tumour-sensitized L3T4+ T cells.

Antiviral Res, 1987 Mar, 7(3), 161 - 7
Role of interferon, antibodies and macrophages in the protective effect of Corynebacterium parvum on encephalomyocarditis virus-induced disease in mice; Geniteau-Legendre M et al.; Treatment of mice with Corynebacterium parvum enhances their resistance to encephalomyocarditis (EMC) virus infection . In EMC-virus-infected mice, pretreated with C . parvum, neither interferon production nor antibody responses were increased . A decrease of virus recovery was observed in cultures of macrophages taken from the peritoneum of mice early after injection of C . parvum and infected with EMC-virus in vitro . The data suggest that C . parvum acts by increasing intrinsic antiviral activity of macrophages.

J Immunol, 1987 Feb 15, 138(4), 1303 - 9
The third component of complement (C3) bound to tumor target cells enhances their sensitivity to killing by activated macrophages; Bara S et al.; The third component of complement (C3) bound to P815 tumor cells enhanced their susceptibility to killing by Corynebacterium parvum-activated murine macrophages (M phi) . Hemolytically active normal mouse serum and C5-deficient mouse serum were used to deposit complement (C) on P815 tumor cells, in the absence of exogenous antibody, by an alternative pathway mechanism . Cell-bound C3 was detected and was quantified by using a cellular enzyme-linked immunospecific assay . Activated M phi produced tumor cytolysis in a serum-free 16-hr 51Cr-release assay . The lysis of C-treated tumor cells was increased over targets treated with sera containing 10 mM EDTA, heat-inactivated mouse sera, or medium . In addition, C alone did not cause specific 51Cr release . M phi elicited by casein or PBS did not lyse any of the tumor targets tested . The increase in lysis was dependent on the dilution of serum used, and was strongly correlated with the amount of C3 detected on the tumor cells . The enhanced lysis was abrogated by incubating C3-bearing tumor cells with F(ab')2 fragments of a goat anti-mouse C3 antibody . C treatment did not alter the kinetics of tumor cell lysis, nor did it enhance the binding of the targets to effector cells . These results suggest that C may regulate M phi-mediated killing of tumor cells by increasing the lytic efficiency of M phi that are in contact with target-bound C3.

Vet Rec, 1987 Feb 14, 120(7), 148 - 52
Haematogenous osteomyelitis in cattle; Firth EC et al.; The examination of 70 cattle with haematogenous osteomyelitis resulted in the classification of the bone lesions into two main groups: the physeal type, in which an infection, usually of metaphyseal bone, originated at or near the growth plate, usually in the distal metacarpus, metatarsus, radius or tibia, and the epiphyseal type, in which an infection originated near the junction of the subchondral bone and the immature epiphyseal joint cartilage, most often in the distal femoral condyle epiphysis, the patella and the distal radius . Combinations of physeal and epiphyseal defects and even diaphyseal involvement were occasionally seen . Epiphyseal osteomyelitis was mostly caused by salmonella infection, physeal by Corynebacterium pyogenes, salmonella and other bacteria . The salmonella affected animals were with one exception less than 12 weeks old and the majority had had some previous illness or came from a problem herd . The C pyogenes affected calves were in almost all cases more than six months old . The prognosis of the metaphyseal infection was in general satisfactory, and surgical intervention (osteotomy or sequestrectomy) was often required . The prognosis of the epiphyseal type was grave but two of the three animals in which physeal and epiphyseal defects were accompanied by diaphyseal lesions recovered.

J Urol, 1987 Feb, 137(2), 359 - 62
Superiority of intravesical immunotherapy with Corynebacterium parvum and Allium sativum in control of murine bladder cancer; Marsh CL et al.; Intravesical immunotherapy with bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG), Corynebacterium parvum (CP), keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH), and an extract of Allium sativum (AS) was studied in mice transplanted intravesically with mouse bladder tumor cells (MBT-2) . Female C3H/He mice were anesthetized with sodium pentobarbital . Two X 10(5) MBT-2 cells were delivered into the bladder transurethrally using a small catheter, immediately after the posterior wall of the bladder had been electrocauterized . Bladder tumor became palpable or demonstrable microscopically in two weeks . Immunotherapy with BCG (2 X 10(6) CFU), CP (250 micrograms), KLH (50 micrograms), or AS (25 mg) was administered directly into the bladder via urethral catheter on day 1, day 6, or days 1 and 6 . On day 21 the bladders and spleens were excised and weighed, and the bladders were examined macroscopically and microscopically for evidence of tumor . The results of the study showed that two treatments given one and six days after tumor transplant yielded the lowest tumor incidence and that CP and AS appeared equally effective or even slightly more effective than BCG in this model . These results suggest that clinical evaluation of CP or AS may be worthwhile.

Lab Anim Sci, 1987 Feb, 37(1), 72 - 5
Comparison of methods to diagnose an epizootic of Corynebacterium kutscheri pneumonia in rats; Fox JG et al.; An outbreak of Corynebacterium kutscheri pneumonia occurred in a colony of laboratory rats . Diagnostic methods compared on a prospective basis included (1) an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for serum antibody to C . kutscheri; (2) C . kutscheri isolation from retrograde nasal wash, cervical lymph nodes, tracheal wash, lung homogenate; and (3) histopathology . C . kutscheri was isolated from one or more of the cultured sites from suspected cases, but no individual rat yielded C . kutscheri from all of the sites . The presence of histological lung lesions was the most frequent indicator of infection (8 of 9 suspected cases), followed by isolation of C . kutscheri from lung homogenate (5 of 6), ELISA for serum antibody (6 of 8), and isolation of C . kutscheri from cervical lymph node (4 of 8) . Isolation of C . kutscheri from nasal wash (1 of 9) was the least sensitive indicator of infection . ELISA antibody was not detected in rats which had normal lungs and did not harbor C . kutscheri . It was concluded that ELISA provides noninvasive means for detecting infection and cervical lymph node culture increase the potential for successful isolation of the agent in C . kutscheri infected rats.

J Am Acad Dermatol, 1987 Feb, 16(2 Pt 2), 444 - 7
Cutaneous manifestations of Corynebacterium group JK sepsis; Jerdan MS et al.; A 14-year-old boy developed group JK corynebacteria sepsis and a generalized erythematous macular and papular skin eruption following chemotherapy for relapse of acute lymphocytic leukemia . Lesional skin biopsy demonstrated effacement of eccrine glands by numerous pleomorphic gram-positive bacilli, morphologically consistent with Corynebacterium and confirmed by culture . This is the first known report documenting the generalized skin manifestations and histopathologic features associated with Corynebacterium sepsis.

J Leukoc Biol, 1987 Feb, 41(2), 165 - 9
Modulation of the pattern of development of experimental disseminated leishmaniasis by Corynebacterium parvum; Hill JO; BALB/c mice are extremely susceptible to Leishmania major . In this mouse strain, the parasite multiplies progressively and rapidly disseminates to distant visceral and cutaneous sites . The present studies show, however, that if BALB/c mice are infected with the L major as an admixture with formalin-killed Corynebacterium parvum, they rapidly acquire the capacity to restrain the multiplication of the parasite at the site of inoculation, and prevent its dissemination to distant visceral sites . Moreover, admixture-treated mice subsequently develop systemic resistance to reinfection . Although the ability of C parvum to activate nonspecific microbicidal mechanisms of macrophages may be involved, the requirement that the adjuvant be given with the parasite inoculum is interpreted to suggest that C parvum facilitates the development of a protective immune response to the parasite.

Cell Immunol, 1987 Feb, 104(2), 271 - 80
Antigen-specific suppression of the in vitro cytotoxic response by a soluble factor produced by Corynebacterium parvum-induced allospecific suppressor cells; Terpenning M et al.; The adjuvant Corynebacterium parvum, when administered intravenously during an ongoing alloimmunization, induces alloantigen-specific splenic suppressor cells which inhibit primary and secondary in vitro sensitizations . We have previously shown that these cells produce a soluble suppressor factor in culture . We now further characterize this factor and its mechanism of action . Release of this suppressive factor is dependent upon specific restimulation of the splenic suppressor cell with the sensitizing alloantigen for 24-48 hr in culture . The suppressor factor inhibits primary, but not secondary, in vitro sensitizations in an antigen-specific, genetically unrestricted manner . The suppressive activity is not absorbed by passage through immunoadsorbent columns containing anti-mouse immunoglobulin . The factor does not lyse tumor cells bearing the sensitizing alloantigen . Delay in addition to primary cultures of as little as 4 hr after culture initiation leads to loss of suppressive activity, suggesting that this antigen-specific allosuppressor factor inhibits an early step in the sensitization of precursor cytotoxic T lymphocytes.

Am J Med, 1987 Jan, 82(1), 132 - 4
Septicemia, rash, and pulmonary infiltrates secondary to Corynebacterium group JK infection; Guarino MJ et al.; This report describes a leukemic patient undergoing induction therapy in whom a Corynebacterium JK infection developed while he was leukopenic . The clinical triad of perirectal inflammation, skin lesions, and interstitial lung infiltrates, which has not previously been reported, is discussed . Characteristics of the organism and postulated routes of infection as well as treatment are explored.

Urology, 1987 Jan, 29(1), 66 - 7
Corynebacterium group D2 pyelonephritis; Schoch PA et al.; We believe this represents the first known case of Group D2 pyelonephritis in a seventy-two-year-old white man . Previous to this report D2 organisms have been associated only with alkaline-encrusted cystitis and struvite stones in urology.

J Bacteriol, 1987 Jan, 169(1), 131 - 6
Discovery of a cutinase-producing Pseudomonas sp . cohabiting with an apparently nitrogen-fixing Corynebacterium sp . in the phyllosphere; Sebastian J et al.; A phyllospheric bacterial culture, previously reported to partially replace nitrogen fertilizer (B . R . Patti and A . K . Chandra, Plant Soil 61:419-427, 1981) was found to contain a fluorescent pseudomonas which was identified as Pseudomonas putida and a Corynebacterium sp . The P . putida isolate was found to produce an extracellular cutinase when grown in a medium containing cutin, the polyester structural component of plant cuticle . The Corynebacterium sp . grew on nitrogen-free medium but could not produce cutinase under any induction conditions tested, whereas P . putida could not grow on nitrogen-free medium . When cocultured with the nitrogen-fixing Corynebacterium sp., the P . putida isolate grew in a nitrogen-free medium, suggesting that the former provided fixed N2 for the latter . These results suggest that the two species coexist on the plant surface, with one providing carbon and the other providing reduced nitrogen for their growth . The presence of cutin in the medium induced cutinase production by P . putida . However, unlike the previously studied fungal systems, cutin hydrolysate did not induce cutinase . Thin-layer chromatographic analysis of the products released from labeled apple fruit cutin showed that the extracellular enzyme released all classes of cutin monomers . This enzyme also catalyzed hydrolysis of the model ester substrates, p-nitrophenyl esters of fatty acids, and optimal conditions were determined for a spectrophotometric assay with p-nitrophenyl butyrate as the substrate . It did not hydrolyze triacyl glycerols, indicating that the cutinase activity was not due to a nonspecific lipase . It showed a broad pH optimum between 8.0 and 10.5 with 3H-labeled apple cutin as the substrate.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Infection, 1987, 15(5), 354 - 8
An outbreak of diphtheria among Swedish alcoholics; Bjorkholm B et al.; After 25 years without any indigenous cases of diphtheria in Sweden, an outbreak occurred in the city of Goteborg, during 1984 to 1986 . A group of alcoholics constituted the reservoir of Corynebacterium diphtheriae . The outbreak included 13 clinical cases and 65 carriers . The death-to-case ratio and the complication rate among the clinical cases was high, with three fatal cases and six patients developing reversible paralyses . The fatal cases had no history of previous immunization . The outbreak demonstrates the necessity of a good vaccination status to diphtheria, also in countries where the disease was thought to have been eradicated.

Oncology, 1987, 44(6), 378 - 82
Investigation of the procoagulant activity present in ascitic fluid and serum of mice bearing the Landschütz ascites carcinoma; Morrice LM et al.; The direct procoagulant activity (PCA) of murine tumour cells was found to be more than three orders of magnitude greater than an equivalent concentration of either resident or Corynebacterium parvum-elicited, exudate peritoneal cells . Similarly, a soluble PCA was detected in the extracellular culture medium of only the tumour cells . Studies on the procoagulant nature of the serum and ascitic fluid of tumour-bearing animals suggested that the ascitic fluid may contain a unique PCA factor(s) . This activity could not, however, be resolved from inherent procoagulant factors, either by gel filtration or ammonium sulphate fractionation, and a more specific assay for, say, a single enzymic reaction in the coagulation cascade would be required to identify the tumour-associated activity.

Vet Med Nauki, 1987, 24(7), 15 - 9
{Drug resistance of bacterial strains isolated from sows with the clinical picture of mastitis-metritis-agalactia}; Korudzhiiski N et al.; The disk method with Ericson and Bauer's solid nutrient media were employed to ascertain the drug resistance of a total of 54 strains of Escherichia coli, 25 strains of Staphylococcus aureus, 11 strains of Streptococcus pyogenes, 7 strains of Corynebacterium pyogenes, 7 strains of Streptococcus uberis, 2 strains of Streptococcus agalactiae, and 1 strain of Streptococcus disgalactiae isolated from utero-cervical exudate and milk samples of sows with clinical symptoms of mastitis-metritis-agalactia (MMA) . It was found that gentamycin only suppressed 100 per cent of the strains . So far as the other chemotherapeutic agents were concerned the organisms showed a varying extent of resistance . After determining the sensitivity of the strains to drugs two groups of pigs (from which the strains referred to were isolated) were subject to treatment . All 20 sows of the first group were treated with oxytocin only, while the 446 animals of the second group were treated with gentamycin in combination with oxytocin . It was found that effective therapy in the case of MMA was impossible with the application of preparations on the base of the hind lobe of the pituitary only . It is necessary to use chemotherapeutic means tow which the isolated organisms are susceptible.

Microbiol Immunol, 1987, 31(6), 551 - 69
Activation of the human complement cascade by bacterial cell walls, peptidoglycans, water-soluble peptidoglycan components, and synthetic muramylpeptides--studies on active components and structural requirements; Kawasaki A et al.; Cell walls isolated from 29 strains of 24 gram-positive bacterial species, whose peptidoglycans belong to the group A type of Schleifer and Kandler's classification, with one exception (Arthrobacter sp.), were shown to activate the complement cascade in pooled fresh human serum mainly through the alternative pathway and partly through the classical one . The complement-activating effect of cell walls (5 species) possessing group B type peptidoglycan, except those of Corynebacterium insidiosum, was weaker than that of the walls with group A type peptidoglycan . Preparations of peptidoglycan isolated from cell walls of Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Lactobacillus plantarum also activated the alternative pathway of the complement cascade, but less effectively than the respective parent cell walls . A water-soluble "polymer" of peptidoglycan subunits (SEPS), which was prepared from Staphylococcus epidermidis peptidoglycans by treatment with a cross-bridge degrading endopeptidase, retained most of the complement-activating ability of the parent cell walls . A peptidoglycan "monomer," SEPS-M, which was obtained by hydrolysis of the glycan chain of SEPS with endo-N-acetylmuramidase to disaccharide units did not activate complement . In conformity with this finding, neither synthetic N-acetylmuramyl-L-alanyl-D-isoglutamine (MDP) nor MDP-L-Lys-D-Ala activated the complement cascade . Among several lipophilic derivatives of MDP, 6-O-(3-hydroxy-3-docosylhexacosanoyl)-MDP-L-Lys-D-Ala (BH48-MDP-L-Lys-D-Ala) and 6-O-(2-tetradecylhexadecanoyl)-MDP (B30-MDP) were shown to activate complement through the alternative as well as the classical pathway and exclusively through the classical pathway, respectively . The finding that a D-isoasparagine analog of B30-MDP caused the same effect as the parent molecule strongly suggests that the activation of complement by B30-MDP is different from that caused by cell wall peptidoglycans and a water-soluble "polymer" of peptidoglycan subunits.

Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek, 1987, 53(3), 159 - 70
Degradation 1,2-dimethylbenzene by Corynebacterium strain C125; Schraa G et al.; In an attempt to obtain bacteria growing on 1,2-dimethylbenzene as sole carbon and energy source two different strains were isolated . One was identified as an Arthrobacter strain, the other as a Corynebacterium strain . Corynebacterium strain C125 was further investigated . The organism was not capable to grow on 1,3- and 1,4-dimethylbenzene . cis-1,2-Dihydroxycyclohexa-3,5-diene oxidoreductase and 3,4-dimethylcatechol-2,3-dioxygenase activity was found in cell extracts . When 3,4-dimethylcatechol was added to cell extract of 1,2-dimethylbenzene-grown cells, first a compound with the spectral properties of 2-hydroxy-5-methyl-6-oxo-2,4-heptadienoate was formed and subsequently acetate was produced . It is proposed that dioxygenases are involved in the initial steps of 1,2-dimethylbenzene degradation, and ring opening proceeds via meta-cleavage.

Ann Biol Clin (Paris), 1987, 45(3), 285 - 9
{Micromethods and gas chromatography analysis of carboxylic acids produced from the fermentation of glucose in the identification of Corynebacteria}; Estrangin E et al.; The identification of fermentative Corynebacteria currently isolated from human specimens is not very easy, even with the use of the useful guide edited by Hollis and Weaver . The purpose of this investigation is to present a classification based on the study of a large number of biochemical characters, including the use of micromethods, and the characterization of carboxylic acids produced from dextrose fermentation by gas-liquid chromatography . The results show that it is possible to classify fermenting Corynebacteria into two groups based on the production of propionic acid or the lack of it . We are thus able to separate distinctly Corynebacteria whose biochemical characters are very similar . Likewise, some tests included in the micromethods are useful for separating the species.

Eur Urol, 1987, 13(4), 271 - 3
Struvite crystal formation by Corynebacterium group D2 in human urine and its prevention by acetohydroxamic acid; Soriano F et al.; After 24 h incubation of human urine experimentally inoculated with Corynebacterium group D2, struvite crystals appeared with an increase in pH and ammonium concentration as well as a decrease in the urea concentration . These changes were prevented by the addition of variable concentrations of acetohydroxamic acid . From these results it seems that the prevention of such crystal formation by Corynebacterium group D2 could be due to the inhibition of its urease activity besides acetohydroxamic acid having a significant antimicrobial activity, principally when tested in human urine . These effects were dose-related.

Vet Med Nauki, 1987, 24(5), 11 - 5
{Microbial etiology of the MMA syndrome (mastitis-metritis-agalactia) in swine raised commercially}; Korudzhiiski N et al.; A total of 147 uterine-cervical exudates and milk samples from 165 lobes of the mammary gland of sows with clinical symptoms of mastitis-metritis-agalactia (MMA) were studied microbiologically . It was found that greatest was the share of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus organisms taking part in the microbial etiology of the syndrome . Second ranked Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Corynebacterium pyogenes along with some aerobic sporulating bacilli.

Boll Ist Sieroter Milan, 1987, 66(1), 70 - 7
Preliminary experimental and clinical results with inactivated allergens conjugated to the Corynebacterium granulosum-derived immunomodulator P40; Henocq E et al.; Allergoids have been used successfully for immunotherapy of allergic disorders . It has appeared to us that the effect of allergoids could be potentiated by their coupling to an immunomodulator . In the present study we show that a conjugate made up of the coupling of ovalbumin through glutaraldehyde action to the C . granulosum-derived immunomodulator P40 is completely devoid of antigenicity and of cross-reactivity with ovalbumin . This conjugate was found to significantly inhibit mast cell degranulation . It also proved to be capable of protecting against the lethal systemic anaphylactic shock sensitized mice . Immunotherapy was performed in patients hypersensitive to either the pollen of Dactylis glomerata or to the house dustmite allergens using the conjugates made of the specific allergens and of the P40 . Clinical improvement was observed in a significant percentage of the patients subjected to immunotherapy . Administration of the conjugates did not result in untoward reactions in any of the patients.

Bull Soc Pathol Exot Filiales, 1987, 80(1), 45 - 50
{8 cases of diphtheria observed in Guadeloupe from 1979 to 1984}; Arnaud JP et al.; From 1979 to 1984, 8 cases of diphtheria were diagnosed in Basse-Terre, in children aged 11 months to 6 years . All of them were badly or not vaccinated at all . They showed the common clinical features; two patients had only pharyngitis . Corynebacterium diphtheriae was isolated from the throat in 6 patients . All children were successfully treated by early administration of antitoxin and antibiotics.

Int J Immunopharmacol, 1987, 9(1), 71 - 8
Suppression of basal and Corynebacterium parvum-augmented NK activity during chemically induced tumor development; Ghoneum M et al.; C3H mice were injected subcutaneously (s.c.) with a tumorigenic dose (150 micrograms/mouse) of 3-methylcholanthrene (MC), followed by a 24-h injection and subsequent weekly injections of Corynebacterium parvum (CP) i.p . for a total of 100 days . Basal and CP-augmented NK cell activities were measured in controls and treatment groups during pre-tumor and tumor development stages . Basal NK activity in spleen, peripheral blood and lung tissue was enhanced by CP, but was suppressed by MC . A resulting transient MC induced suppression of splenic NK activity at 10 days was partially restored and sustained by CP treatment and immunosuppression was again observed in tumor-bearing compared to control mice . Mice treated with MC alone showed a higher tumor incidence than animals treated with MC + CP at 45-60 days, while there was no difference in tumor incidence in these two treatment groups at 100 days post injection . The mechanism of the observed transient immunosuppression induced by MC appears to be related to an early toxic effect on large granular lymphocytes (LGL) which was decreased at 10 days and again at 100 days in tumor-bearing mice . Although MC did not appear to exert an effect on effector:target cell conjugate formation, an early suppression in the lytic activity of LGL, may have predisposed the animal to malignant transformation of susceptible cells at the site of MC injection.

Eur Urol, 1987, 13(1-2), 103 - 9
Autologous anticancer antigen preparation for specific immunotherapy in advanced renal cell carcinoma; Kurth KH et al.; 33 patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma were treated intradermally with an autologous (29 patients) or allogeneic (4 patients) irradiated tumor cell preparation mixed with Corynebacterium parvum given monthly after palliative nephrectomy (27 patients) or excision of tumor metastases (2 patients) . No significant toxicity was produced . 8 patients (24%) underwent objective responses . Responding patients had a median survival of 32 months, the median survival of all patients was 17 months (differences not significant).

Can J Vet Res, 1987 Jan, 51(1), 46 - 9
Synergistic hemolysis-inhibition titers associated with caseous lymphadenitis in a slaughterhouse survey of goats and sheep in Northeastern Brazil; Brown CC et al.; A survey of caseous lymphadenitis was conducted at a goat and sheep slaughterhouse in Northeastern Brazil One hundred and fifty-eight goats and 43 sheep were examined for the presence of abscesses, with bacterial culturing of purulent material to define the etiological agent . Blood was collected simultaneously for determination of serological titer via the synergistic hemolysis-inhibition test which measures antibodies to an exotoxin of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis . Thirteen and nine-tenths percent of the goats had abscesses, with a high proportion having mediastinal or pulmonary lesions (9.5%) . Two sheep had abscesses, both with internal organ involvement . Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis was the most frequently isolated organism . Of 22 goats with abscesses, 20 were positive via the synergistic hemolysis-inhibition test . Both of the sheep with abscesses had positive synergistic hemolysis-inhibition titers . The proportion of serological reactors was greater than the proportion of animals with abscesses . The synergistic hemolysis-inhibition test may be detecting subclinically infected animals.

Int J Dermatol, 1987 Jan-Feb, 26(1), 45 - 50
Corynebacterium pyogenes . Its pathogenic mechanism in epidemic leg ulcers in Thailand; Kotrajaras R et al.; There is a yearly outbreak of endemic leg ulcers in Thailand . Corynebacterium pyogenes, a pathogen to animals, is frequently isolated from the fresh lesions in addition to common pyogenic bacteria such as beta-hemolytic streptococci, mostly group A, and Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis . Although circulating titers of IgG and IgM anti-C . pyogenes antibodies were found to be very low in studied cases, intradermal skin test with C . pyogenes vaccine containing nonviable 10(5) microorganisms induced an erythematous reaction with maximum intensity at 6 hours; direct immunofluorescence showed granular deposition of C3 along the dermoepidermal junction at this time . Unexpectedly, the sites of such a skin test that subsequently underwent biopsy presented tender erythematosus induration 1 week later and developed granulomatous ulcerative lesions after 10 days in 11 of 15 patients . Radioimmunoassay for C5a and C5a of arginine demonstrated that C . pyogenes activated complement even in the absence of specific antibodies . These findings suggest that importance of skin injury followed by infection with C . pyogenes in the development of endemic leg ulcers, supporting our hypothesis that the infection of accidentally traumatized skin by C . pyogenes, which is carried by Oriental-eye flies, induces the granulomatous lesions of endemic leg ulcers.

Free Radic Res Commun, 1987, 4(3), 183 - 8
Changes in glutathione peroxidase activities and the oxidative burst of leukocytes during inflammation in the mouse and rat; Parnham MJ et al.; The relationship between glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity and opsonized zymosan-induced chemiluminescence (CL) has been studied with exudate leukocytes obtained at different times after induction of inflammatory responses in the mouse peritoneal cavity with heat-killed Corynebacterium parvum and in the rat pleural cavity with lambda-carrageenin . GSH-Px activity in mouse peritoneal exudate cells fell markedly after 2-4 h, returning to normal within 1-2 days . The lowered enzyme activity was associated with an increased ability of the cells to generate CL . Rat pleural exudate cells exhibited a slight fall in GSH-Px activity after 6 h which increased to supranormal levels within 1-2 days . During this period the ability of the cells to generate CL continually increased . The data indicate that during the early phase of increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by inflammatory leukocytes, the intracellular protective mechanism, represented by GSH-Px, is compromised . Subsequently, GSH-Px activity increases to or above initial levels possibly due to the presence of mononuclear cells and/or as a response to the increased generation of ROS.

Int J Biochem, 1987, 19(12), 1165 - 72
Secretion composition during bovine mammary involution and the relationship with mastitis; Sordillo LM et al.; 1 . Bacteriological analysis revealed that 30% of quarters contained coagulase-negative staphylococci, Staphylococcus aureus, Corynebacterium bovis, or streptococci . 2 . As involution progressed, somatic cell counts, percent protein, pH, and concentrations of serum albumin, lactoferrin, and immunoglobulin G increased while percent fat, concentrations of citrate, and the citrate to lactoferrin molar ratio decreased . 3 . Mammary secretion from infected quarters had significantly higher numbers of somatic cells, percent polymorphonuclear leukocytes, and pH, but lower percentage lymphocytes, fat, and lactoferrin concentrations compared to uninfected quarters . 4 . Results suggest intramammary infection altered normal secretion composition during bovine involution and lactogenesis . 5 . Lower levels of antibacterial components in bovine mammary secretion during the peripartum period may have reduced the natural defense potential of the gland.

Ann Rech Vet, 1987, 18(4), 355 - 64
{Should mammary infections caused by Corynebacterium bovis and coagulase-negative staphylococci be eliminated?}; Rainard P; Role of minor pathogens in resistance to infections: analysis of epidemiological surveys, information obtained by use of experimental infections (role of coagulase-negative staphylococci, and Corynebacterium bovis) . Scope of the phenomenon of mammary infections interference . Mechanisms underlying the interference of infections: hypotheses . Consequences for mastitis control.

Tierarztl Prax, 1987, 15(3), 263 - 7
{Pyelocystitis in breeding sows}; Waldmann KH; Pyelocystitis results from ascending infection of the urinary tract with Corynebacterium suis in sows . Infection occurs regularly during coitus by healthy boars, which are often contaminated with Corynebacterium suis . Characteristic clinical signs of pyelocystitis are haematuria, anemia and emaciation . The whole urinary tract shows severe purulent-necrotic inflammation with progressive vascular lesions . Diagnosis is based on clinical, pathological and bacteriological findings . Distinct changes in urine samples are present . Treatment is only successful in sows with intact function of kidneys . In early detected cases treatment can be effective with repeated application of appropriate antibiotics, e.g . penicillin or ampicillin . There are no proven methods of prevention.

Int J Immunopharmacol, 1987, 9(6), 669 - 74
Steroids and tuftsin fail to prevent the induction of altered plasma proteinase homeostasis in mice bearing the B16 melanoma or treated with C . parvum; Hart DA; The effects of tuftsin and steroids (methyl prednisolone) on the induction of disrupted plasma proteinase regulation in mice bearing the B16 melanoma or treated with Corynebacterium parvum was investigated . Tuftsin treatment inhibited tumor progression only if treatment was started at the time of tumor transplantation . However, tuftsin inhibited the development of splenomegaly in mice with established tumors . In contrast, tuftsin did not influence either the induction of elevated plasma proteinase activity or the activity in plasma from animals with established tumors . Treatment of mice with high, anti-inflammatory, doses of steroid (20 mg/kg/day) partially inhibited tumor progression, inhibited the induction of splenomegaly, but did not inhibit the induction of disrupted plasma proteinase regulation . Likewise, steroid treatment did not suppress the induction of elevated plasma proteinase activity following treatment of mice with C . parvum . Thus the induction of elevated plasma proteinase activity, previously demonstrated to be a host regulated phenomenon, is resistant to regulation by this anti-inflammatory drug and likely not a component of the anti-tumor response . These findings raise the possibility that this phenomenon results from the interaction of activated RES elements with components of the plasma proteinase cascades.

Cancer Detect Prev Suppl, 1987, 1, 423 - 43
Antitumor and metastasis-inhibitory activities of lentinan as an immunomodulator: an overview; Chihara G et al.; The antitumor and metastasis-inhibitory activities, mode of action, and clinical application of lentinan, a strictly purified beta-1,6:beta-1,3-glucan, are reviewed . Lentinan exerts a prominent antitumor effect and prevents chemical and viral oncogenesis . The antitumor action of lentinan is host-mediated . Compared to other well-known immunostimulants, such as bacille Calmette Guerin (BCG), Corynebacterium parvum, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), lentinan appears to represent a unique class of immunopotentiator, a T cell-oriented adjuvant . Lentinan triggers the increased production of various kinds of bioactive serum factors associated with immunity and inflammation, such as IL-1, CSF, IL-3, vascular dilation inducer, and acute-phase protein inducer, by the direct impact of macrophages or indirectly via lentinan-stimulated T cells, which results in the induction of many immunobiological changes in the host . Augmented IL-1 production amplifies the maturation of immature effector cells to mature cells capable of responding to lymphokines such as IL-2 and T cell-replacing factors . Because of this mode of action, intact T cell compartments for antitumor activity of lentinan are required . Lentinan has little toxic side effects . Excellent results were obtained in a 4 year follow-up of the randomized control study of lentinan in phase III on patients with advanced and recurrent stomach and colorectal cancer.

Med Cutan Ibero Lat Am, 1987, 15(2), 157 - 60
{Pitted keratolysis of hyperkeratotic form and isolation of the etiologic agent: Corynebacterium sp.}; Conti Diaz IA et al.; Two cases of "pitted keratolysis" with a very accentuated plantar hyperkeratosis, and the isolation on chocolate thelurite agar of the presumptive etiologic agent, Corynebacterium sp., is presented . In order to keep permanently in mind, for a proper diagnosis, the original description of the disease as "keratoma plantare sulcatum" (Castellani, 1910), we are proposing to distinguish two different clinical forms: The hyperkeratotic one and the common or usual form of "pitted keratolysis" with keratolysis as the main sign . The prosecution of our biochemical studies with a significant number of strains isolated from both "pitted keratolysis" and from classical erythrasma cases, will surely permit us to definitively determine if all of them should or not be assimilated to Corynebacterium minutissimum.

Haemostasis, 1987, 17(1-2), 79 - 88
Corynebacterium parvum, but not BCG, induces elevations in plasma proteinase activity similar to those observed in tumor-bearing mice; Hart DA; Intraperitoneal administration of Corynebacterium parvum to BALB/c, C57Bl/6 or C3H/HeJ mice lead to the induction of elevated levels of neutral proteinase activity (125I-caseinolytic activity) similar to those observed previously in animals bearing the BCL1 leukemia or the B16-F10 melanoma . Enhanced activity reached a peak at 7-14 days postinjection of the C . parvum and then gradually returned to normal levels by 20-25 days postinjection . Increased plasma proteinase activity could be induced by C . parvum whole cells or the pyridine extract residue of C . parvum but not by BCG or the pyridine extract of C . parvum . BCG did not interfere with the induction of elevated levels of activity by C . parvum . Splenectomized animals responded the same as normal mice indicating that the splenomegaly accompanying the onset of increased plasma proteinase activity was not responsible for the changes . Administration of C . parvum via a subcutaneous site rather than intraperitoneally failed to induce systemic changes in proteinase activity while still inducing splenomegaly . Treatment of animals with C . parvum before or after transplantation of the BCL1 leukemia or the B16-F10 melanoma failed to alter the course of the disease or enhance the increased proteinase activity of plasma over that observed in plasma from animals bearing tumors alone . These observations support the hypothesis that the induction of disturbances in plasma proteinase activity in tumor-bearing animals is due to alterations in host systems and that C . parvum, in contrast to BCG, contains components which can mimic the effect of some tumors on host systems.

J Hyg Epidemiol Microbiol Immunol, 1987, 31(3), 313 - 9
A study on the adhesive properties of Cor . diphtheriae and Cor . parvum in the direct haemagglutination reaction; Ermolayev AV et al.; The adhesive properties of one Cor . parvum and two Cor . diphtheriae strains were investigated by means of the direct haemagglutination reaction (HAR) . Using a specifically developed HAR procedure, it was proved beyond doubt that the studied Corynebacteria possess adhesive properties apparently associated with the presence of pili (fimbrias) on their surfaces . In addition, a correlation was found between the agglutinating activity of bacteria and the conditions of culture growth . Based on the reported results, it is suggested that there exists an intraspecies stability of adhesive properties and a possible link between corynebacterial adhesins and reticulostimulin.

Gene, 1987, 51(1), 107 - 11
Complete nucleotide sequence of pTZ12, a chloramphenicol-resistance plasmid of Bacillus subtilis; Aoki T et al.; The complete nucleotide sequence of pTZ12, a chloramphenicol-resistance (CmR) plasmid (2517 bp) derived from Corynebacterium xerosis plasmid pTZ10, has been determined after propagation in Bacillus subtilis . The nucleotide sequence of pTZ12 suggests that a recombination event may have occurred naturally within the open reading frames for the Rep protein of pT181 (or a pT181-like plasmid) and pC221 (or a pC221-like plasmid).

Cancer Immunol Immunother, 1987, 24(1), 1 - 7
In vitro and in vivo release of cytostatic factors from Lactobacillus casei-elicited peritoneal macrophages after stimulation with tumor cells and immunostimulants; Hashimoto S et al.; The effect of tumor cells and immunostimulants on the release of cytostatic factors (CF) from Lactobacillus casei YIT 9018 (LC)-, Corynebacterium parvum (CP)- or peptone-elicited peritoneal macrophages (PM) was investigated in vitro and in vivo . Significant release of CF into the culture medium from PM elicited with LC was induced by seven of eight mitomycin C-pretreated tumor cell lines and not by normal spleen cells, while no CF was released extracellularly from peptone-elicited PM given the same stimulus . CF were released from LC-elicited PM (LCEPM) after stimulation with LC, bacille Calmette-Guerin, streptococcal preparation OK-432, fucoidan or lipopolysaccharide, and LC but not CP induced CF production in the peritoneal cavities of LC- or CP-primed mice . The release of CF from LCEPM after stimulation with mitomycin C-pretreated 3T12-3 cells was inhibited by D-mannose and not by L-fucose . L-Rhamnose and mannose 6-phosphate, but not D-mannose or L-fucose, caused the release of CF from the PM . It was suggested that the release of CF from activated PM is caused by stimulation by some tumor cells, sugars, or bacterial immunostimulants, D-Mannose and L-rhamnose on the surface of tumor cells or bacteria, respectively, may plan an important role in the release of CF from activated macrophages.

Microbios, 1987, 50(204-205), 183 - 99
Isolation and characterization of an amphipathic antigen from Corynebacterium diphtheriae; Kokeguchi S et al.; Amphipathic antigen was isolated from Corynebacterium diphtheriae Park-Williams number 8 cells by extraction with 47.5% phenol, nuclease treatment and gel filtration on Sepharose 6B . The chemical composition of the amphipathic antigen was hexose (73.8%), pentose (4.6%), fatty acids (9.8%) and glycerol (4.5%) . The amphipathic antigen contained arabinose and mannose as sugars at a molar ratio of 1:6 and the major fatty acids were palmitic (C16:0) acid and palmitoleic (C16:1) acid (64.2% and 26.2%, respectively) . The amphipathic antigen sensitized sheep erythrocytes and had definite immunobiological activities: viz mitogenic activity on murine splenocytes, stimulatory activity on guinea pig peritoneal macrophages and human complement activation . Deacylation of the amphipathic antigen with alkali treatment lost the sheep erythrocyte-sensitizing ability and some immunobiological activities . The isolated amphipathic antigen described is not a lipoteichoic acid and is different from the teichoic acid of C . diphtheriae.

Neoplasma, 1987, 34(1), 15 - 22
The immunological activities of components isolated from Corynebacterium parvum in mice injected with polyoma tumor cells; Tomecki J et al.; The inhibition of polyoma tumor in CBA mice after immunization with different fractions of Corynebacterium parvum was investigated . Treatment with 200 micrograms of polysaccharide from culture filtrate before s.c . inoculation 2 X 10(6) of tumor cells induced antitumor effect in mice . Treatment with lower doses (1 microgram or 20 micrograms) after transplantation of tumor cells was not effective . Injection of lipopolysaccharide from Escherichia coli abolished a positive response on inhibition of polyoma tumor growth after immunization with Corynebacterium parvum fractions . Additionally, delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction to protein fractions contain tumor antigenic components of membrane vesicles from polyoma tumor cells in the mice immunized with different compounds of Corynebacterium parvum was very strong . These findings suggest that the Corynebacterium parvum preparations are capable to inhibit tumor growth and could be used in special circumstances in immunoprophylaxis.

J Bacteriol, 1987 Jan, 169(1), 308 - 12
DNA element of Corynebacterium diphtheriae with properties of an insertion sequence and usefulness for epidemiological studies; Rappuoli R et al.; The segment of DNA which is inserted within the tox gene of bacteriophage gamma and is responsible for its Tox- phenotype was found to be present and repeated approximately 30 times in the chromosome of Corynebacterium diphtheriae Belfanti 1030 . Other C . diphtheriae strains contained a variable number of copies (1 to 25) of the same element . Sequence analysis showed that this repeated and interspersed DNA element was flanked by 9-base-pair direct repeats and that the 5' and 3' ends of the insertion contained sequences forming an imperfect inverted repeat . Therefore, the DNA segment here described has most of the typical structural features of a bacterial insertion sequence element . We show that different C . diphtheriae isolates derived from the same outbreak of diphtheria have an identical genomic distribution of this DNA element and that such DNA can be useful for epidemiological studies.

Int J Immunopharmacol, 1987, 9(8), 881 - 92
Effect of immunostimulants and antitumor agents on tumor necrosis factor (TNF) production; Mori H et al.; OK-432, a lyophilized preparation of Streptococcus pyogenes, showed a priming activity for TNF production in mice, associated with an increase of spleen weight . PSK, a protein-bound polysaccharide preparation from Coriolus versicolor, did not show such activity . Both OK-432 and PSK potentiated the TNF production in mice primed with Corynebacterium parvum (CP) and challenged with Escherichia coli endotoxin (LPS) . Cytotoxic antitumor agents of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), cyclophosphamide (CY) and bleomycin (BLM) suppressed TNF production in mice primed with CP and challenged with LPS . TNF production suppressed by 5-FU, CY and BLM was partially restored by the combined treatment with OK-432 or PSK . These results suggest that the administration of cytotoxic antitumor agents suppresses the intrinsic TNF production in cancer patients, and the combined use of immunostimulants such as OK-432 and PSK is advantageous in restoring TNF production suppressed by cytotoxic antitumor agents.

Vet Microbiol, 1987 Jan, 13(1), 75 - 85
Isolation and characterization of monoclonal antibodies against pili of Corynebacterium renale and Corynebacterium pilosum; Kudo Y et al.; Five monoclonal antibodies against pili of Corynebacterium renale 115 P+ (piliated clone) and two monoclonal antibodies against pili of C . pilosum 92 P+ (piliated clone) were produced . These antibodies bound to pili of the homologous strain in in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and agglutinated P+ but not P- (non-piliated clone) of each homologous strain . The five monoclonal antibodies against C . renale 115 P+ pili were divided into 2 groups, comprising 16/5, 160/1 and 32/6 and 13/4 and B20/3, based on the results of a competitive binding assay . The results may indicate the presence of at least 2 distinct antigenic areas on the pilus of C . renale 115 P+ . The monoclonal antibodies of the first group inhibited adhesion of C . renale 115 P+ bacteria to the epithelial cells of bovine vulva, while the second group did not . Two monoclonal antibodies against C . pilosum 92 P+ pili recognized the same area on the pilus of C . pilosum 92 P+, and inhibited the adhesion of C . pilosum 92 P+ bacteria to the epithelial cells of bovine vulva . The adhesion of these bacteria was inhibited by the monoclonal antibodies in the form of IgG as well as by the Fab fragment . The strains of C . renale and C . pilosum which reacted with each of the anti-C . renale 115 P+ pili and anti-C . pilosum 92 P+ pili monoclonal antibodies were small in number and of restricted distribution.

Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1986 Dec, 30(6), 892 - 5
Bactericidal activity and killing rate of serum in volunteers receiving ciprofloxacin alone or in combination with vancomycin; Van der Auwera P et al.; Ten healthy volunteers received the following regimen on different days: vancomycin, 500 mg intravenously; ciprofloxacin, 200 mg intravenously; vancomycin plus ciprofloxacin . Concentrations in serum measured microbiologically at the end of infusion and 1 and 6 h after the end of infusion were, respectively (mean {standard deviation} in milligrams per liter): 32.3 (5.5), 14.2 (2.6), and 4 (0.9) for vancomycin and 3.12 (0.86), 0.78 (0.18), and 0.19 (0.05) for ciprofloxacin . Vancomycin concentration was not affected by the simultaneous administration of ciprofloxacin . The serum bacteriostatic and bactericidal (SBA) activities were measured 1 and 6 h after the end of infusion against five strains each of Staphylococcus aureus susceptible and resistant to oxacillin, Staphylococcus epidermidis susceptible and resistant to oxacillin, Corynebacterium strain JK, and Listeria monocytogenes and three strains of Mycobacterum fortuitum . Ciprofloxacin alone provided low SBAs against the tested strains even 1 h after administration . Vancomycin provided adequate SBAs against staphylococci and Corynebacterium strain JK 1 h after administration . None of the regimens tested showed adequate bactericidal activity against L . monocytogenes and M . fortuitum . The combination of vancomycin with ciprofloxacin was indifferent . This was confirmed by studying the rate of killing in serum . Vancomycin plus ciprofloxacin appeared to be promising for the empiric treatment of infection in immunocompromised patients.

J Am Vet Med Assoc, 1986 Dec 1, 189(11), 1458 - 61
Endocarditis caused by Corynebacterium sp in a dog; Henik RA et al.; Mitral valve bacterial endocarditis, caused by Corynebacterium sp, was diagnosed in a dog . The bacteria had characteristics unlike those commonly recognized for most species of Corynebacterium . The primary source of bacteremia was suspected to be a pilonidal cyst of the sacrum . The dog was treated with a first-generation cephalosporin for 6 weeks, and the pilonidal cyst was surgically removed . Physical examination 1 year after initial examination revealed no abnormalities other than a cardiac murmur . On echocardiographic examination 1 year after treatment, the vegetative lesion was still present; however, chamber dimensions had returned to normal . Wall thickness and contractility remained increased.

Unfallchirurgie, 1986 Dec, 12(6), 301 - 4
{Bacteriologic studies of the use of incision drapes in orthopedic operations}; Breitner S et al.; The usefulness of plastic adhesive drapes for the prophylaxis of wound infections following to orthopedic operations was investigated in a prospectively randomized study including 123 patients . The drape was used in 68 cases, 55 patients were operated without drape . In order to carry out qualitative bacteriological examinations, smears were taken prior to, one and two hours after the beginning and after the end of the operations . Bacterial infestation in the operation area was found in 30 patients (54.5%) operated without drape and in 30 patients (44.1%) in whose operations the drape was employed . Most of the bacteria found were coagulase-negative staphylococci, in some cases corynebacteria and aerobic spore-forming organisms . There were no postoperative wound infections . No evidence of a significant difference was shown by a statistical evaluation of the results using the chi 2 test . The use of incision drapes for the prophylaxis of postoperative wound infections is therefore not necessary in orthopedic surgery.

Immunopharmacology, 1986 Dec, 12(3), 241 - 4
Role of reactive oxygen intermediates in the hepatotoxicity of endotoxin; Ghezzi P et al.; Administration of endotoxin (2.5 micrograms/mouse, iv) to Corynebacterium parvum-pretreated (14 days earlier, 1 mg/mouse, i.v.) mice caused a rapid (90 min) decrease in liver cytochrome P450-dependent drug metabolism and an elevation of serum transaminase . The time course of the priming effect of C . parvum suggested that macrophages might be responsible for this sensitization to endotoxin . The antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (500 mg/kg) effectively protected against this depression of liver drug metabolism, thus supporting the hypothesis that liver macrophage-generated free radicals might mediate this hepatotoxic effect of endotoxin.

Ann Intern Med, 1986 Dec, 105(6), 867 - 72
Corynebacterium hemolyticum as a cause of pharyngitis and scarlatiniform rash in young adults; Miller RA et al.; Over an 8-year period from 1973 through 1980, Corynebacterium hemolyticum was isolated from 103 of 24,695 throat cultures done at our hospital . Medical records were available for review from 33 of the 80 patients with a positive culture . Pharyngitis was present in all but 1, and 20 of the 32 symptomatic patients had a diffuse, erythematous, macular skin rash, often with a fine papular component, on the extremities and trunk . Screening of household contacts of 9 patients showed the presence of C . hemolyticum in the pharynges of 6 of 17 siblings but in 0 of 10 parents . Therapy with benzathine penicillin G or erythromycin resulted in rapid clinical improvement in most patients . In contrast to streptococcal pharyngitis, which is predominantly a disease of childhood, C . hemolyticum infection affects mostly teenagers and young adults: 30 of the 33 patients in this study were between the ages of 11 and 22 . Within this age group, infection with C . hemolyticum is an important cause of pharyngitis associated with a scarlatiniform skin rash.

J Biol Response Mod, 1986 Dec, 5(6), 581 - 94
Specific immunotherapy with suppressor function inhibition for metastatic renal cell carcinoma; Sahasrabudhe DM et al.; In this pilot clinical investigation we have investigated the concept of modulating suppressor T lymphocyte (Ts) function to augment delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) and antitumor immunity in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma . Cyclophosphamide (CY) was used for modulating Ts function . We used three doses of CY per 100 mg/m2, 500 mg/m2, and 1000 mg/m2 . Cyclophosphamide was administered i.v . 24 h prior to the first of 6 weekly immunizations with irradiated autologous tumor cells mixed with Corynebacterium parvum . Twenty of 26 patients were evaluable for response . Five of these 20 (25%) evaluable patients had responses, one complete response and four partial responses . Fifteen patients had post-treatment skin testing with autologous tumor cells . Four of these 15 (26%) patients developed DTH to autologous tumor cells . Of the four patients acquiring skin test positivity three also had clinical responses, whereas among the 11 skin-test negative patients, only one clinical response was observed . Six of six (100%) patients who had serial T lymphocyte subset studies done had increases in their mean T helper/inducer:T suppressor/cytotoxic ratios after CY administration and immunization . These observations in an exploratory study suggest that further investigations of Ts modulation, autologous tumor cell skin testing, and T lymphocyte subsets may be of value.

Zentralbl Bakteriol Mikrobiol Hyg {B}, 1986 Dec, 183(2-3), 103 - 13
{Bacterial infection agents in hospitalized patients}; Ullmann U; During six months the pattern of microbial isolates has been analysed from 1492 urinary tract infections, from 1445 wound infections, from 451 bronchial secretions, from 3067 blood cultures, from 116 peritoneal swabs and from 39 cerebrospinal fluids . All the specimens investigated were taken from patients of surgical, neurosurgical, internal wards and two intensive care units . In total, the most frequent isolates were grampositive microorganisms like Staphylococus aureus, Straphylococcus epidermidis and Streptococcus sp . of different serotypes . Out of the Enterobacteriaceae Escherichia coli and Klebisella pneumoniae predominated followed by Enterobacter cloacae and indolnegative and -positive Proteus species . The over all isolation rate of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in nosocomial infections was about 10% . In the last time Pseudomonas maltophilia will be isolated more frequently as well as occasional Streptococcus faecium and Corynebacterium JK . Dependent from the site of infection anaerobic bacteria like Bacteroides sp., Peptococcus- and Peptostreptococcus sp . are really important in the infectious diseases . The epidemiological data should be always transmitted to the infection control board . From there preventive measures must be induced.

Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1986 Dec, 30(6), 940 - 1
Activity of ciprofloxacin against multiply resistant strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and group JK corynebacteria; Venezio FR et al.; The susceptibilities of multiply resistant clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeurginosa to ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, and several beta-lactam and aminoglycoside antibiotics were evaluated . Ciprofloxacin also was compared with methicillin and vancomycin against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis and group JK corynebacteria . Ciprofloxacin exhibited the lowest MICs and MBCs for 90% of the isolates among all of the antibiotics tested against P . aeruginosa . In addition, ciprofloxacin exhibited excellent bactericidal activity against the gram-positive organisms . Clinical trials are necessary to confirm the in vitro results and monitor for emergence of resistance.

Exp Eye Res, 1986 Nov, 43(5), 739 - 49
Naturally occurring IgA antibodies to ocular and oral microorganisms in tears saliva and colostrum: evidence for a common mucosal immune system and local immune response; Gregory RL et al.; In this study, levels of naturally occurring secretory IgA (sIgA) antibodies to bacterial isolates representative of the microflora of the human eye (Staphylococcus epidermidis and a Corynebacterium species) and the oral cavity (Streptococcus mutans serotypes c and d) were assessed in three different human external secretions . Tears and parotid saliva samples collected at the same time from 22 healthy subjects and colostrum from 11 healthy women (1-14 days post partum) were assessed for sIgA anti-bacterial antibody levels by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay . Significantly higher levels (P less than 0.001) of IgA antibodies to Staphylococcus epidermidis and the Corynebacterium sp . were found in tears than in parotid saliva . Furthermore, higher levels of sIgA antibodies to Streptococcus mutans serotype d occurred in parotid saliva than in tears of these subjects . Although levels of salivary sIgA antibodies to S . mutans serotype c were lower than those seen to serotype d, they were not significantly different from those in tears . However, absolute sIgA anti-serotype c antibodies per mg IgA were higher in saliva than in tears . When sIgA antibody levels to the four bacterial strains were assessed in colostrum, the proportion of sIgA antibodies per mg IgA were much lower than seen in tears or saliva . These results suggest that natural sIgA antibodies which occur in human external secretions are induced by antigen ingestion and stimulation of the common mucosal immune system . However, the local presence of antigen at a mucosal site induces greater clonal expression and results in higher levels of sIgA antibodies than at mucosal sites not exposed to local antigenic stimulation.

J Clin Microbiol, 1986 Nov, 24(5), 759 - 63
Detection of Corynebacterium kutscheri in animal tissues by DNA-DNA hybridization; Saltzgaber-Muller J et al.; Corynebacterium kutscheri, a pathogen of experimental rats and mice, is difficult to detect in the early stages of infection . A diagnostic assay was developed to reveal the organism in tissues of asymptomatic, infected animals . Three fragments of DNA specific to C . kutscheri were isolated, radiolabeled with 32P, and used in DNA-DNA hybridization assays with blots of impression smears of animal tissues on membrane filters . The C . kutscheri probes did not cross-hybridize with 15 DNA isolates from nonpathogenic corynebacteria . The method described is more rapid and more specific than conventional immunological and culture procedures used to detect C . kutscheri; the organism was detected in tissues of animals infected for only 1 week.

Vet Immunol Immunopathol, 1986 Nov, 13(3), 273 - 8
Effect of infection of the genital tract on the concentration of IgG and albumin in bull serum and semen; Suri AK et al.; Bovine IgG and albumin concentrations were determined from serum and semen of 59 bulls that were divided into 4 groups: 35 non-infected bulls (Group 1); 10 with vesiculitis due to Corynebacterium pyogenes (Group 2); 10 bulls with orchitis due to Chlamydia psittaci (Group 3); and 4 bulls with infectious vesiculitis (Group 4) sampled both before and after antibiotic treatment . Serum IgG concentrations (25 mg/ml approximately) were similar in non-infected (Gp 1) and infected bulls (Gp 2,3,4) whereas serum albumin concentrations were greater in infected than in non-infected bulls (51 mg/ml vs.41 mg/ml; p less than 0.01) . By contrast, both semen IgG and albumin concentrations in infected bulls (0.47 and 0.54 mg/ml respectively) were significantly different from those of non-infected bulls (0.14 and 0.32 mg/ml; p less than 0.01) . In addition, bulls with chlamydial orchitis had both semen (but not serum) IgG and albumin levels higher than those suffering from vesiculitis (p less than 0.01) . Antibiotic therapy led to recovery and simultaneously to decreased concentrations of semen IgG and albumin . These results strongly suggest a local IgG synthesis or selective diffusion after such genital infections and further indicate that semen IgG and albumin assays could be a new and valuable tool for diagnosis and evaluation of genital infections.

Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis, 1986 Nov, 5(4), 327 - 30
Corynebacterium minutissimum bacteremia in a patient with chronic myeloid leukemia in blast crisis; Guarderas J et al.; Serious infections and sepsis due to nondiphtheria Corynebacteria have been well described . A patient with chronic myeloid leukemia in blast crisis, who developed Corynebacterium minutissimum bacteremia, is described in this report . Corynebacterium minutissimum is the causative agent of erythrasma and to our knowledge, this is the first published report of septicemia due to this organism.

Cell Immunol, 1986 Nov, 103(1), 216 - 23
Macrophage membrane proteins: possible role in the regulation of priming for enhanced respiratory burst activity; Bryant SM et al.; Brief exposure of macrophages to the proteolytic enzymes papain, elastase, or trypsin primed them for enhanced production of superoxide anion (O2-) in response to stimulation by phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) . Priming by trypsin was achieved at 0 degree C, at which temperature trypsin functions as a protease but is not internalized, supporting the concept that protease priming depends on modification of the plasma membrane . Analysis of external membrane proteins after radioiodination of intact cells and separation by gel electrophoresis indicated that papain treatment of macrophages resulted in the cleavage of a membrane protein with a molecular weight of approximately 305K . Membranes from macrophages primed by elicitation with Corynebacterium parvum also demonstrated a reduced amount of the membrane protein at approximately 305 kDa, as well as a reduction of a protein at about 270 kDa . Lipopolysaccharide-elicited macrophages showed a reduced amount of a protein at about 175 kDa . Continuous spectrophotometric assays of O2- release from adherent macrophages indicated that after exposure to a stimulus, protease-treated cells produced O2- more quickly than did control cells (reduced lag time) . Inhibitors of protein synthesis augmented the priming effect of papain when added with the protease . These results suggest that protease-induced priming results from inactivation of a membrane protein (or proteins) that exerts a down-regulating effect on the respiratory burst.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1986 Nov, (11), 20 - 4
{The main trends in a diphtheria epidemic process and the potentials for its elimination in a large city}; Zamotin BA et al.; In recent years the tendency towards the activation of the epidemic process of diphtheria, i.e . the appearance of cases of diphtheria simultaneously with the increased levels of circulation of toxigenic and nontoxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae and with antitoxic immunity characteristics in children and adults constantly remaining low, has been registered . For the effective control of diphtheria, the profound study of such problems as bacterial carriership, antibacterial immunity and the development of supplementary means of specific prophylaxis is necessary.

Parasite Immunol, 1986 Nov, 8(6), 663 - 7
Protection of mice against intestinal amoebiasis with BCG, Corynebacterium parvum and Listeria monocytogenes; Ghadirian E et al.; Treatment with Corynebacterium parvum or BCG, or infection with live Listeria monocytogenes was found to protect mice against subsequent infection with Entamoeba histolytica . Complete protection was obtained in mice treated with 10(7) (colony forming units) of BCG but not with 10(5) . Partial protection was achieved with 10(6) of BCG . These data provide evidence that non-specific immunity plays an important role in the host defense against amoebic infection.

Biochemistry, 1986 Oct 7, 25(20), 6061 - 9
Bacterial sarcosine oxidase: comparison of two multisubunit enzymes containing both covalent and noncovalent flavin; Kvalnes-Krick K et al.; Sarcosine oxidase was purified to homogeneity from Corynebacterium sp . P-1, a soil organism isolated by a serial enrichment technique . The enzyme contains 1 mol of noncovalently bound flavin {flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD)} plus 1 mol of covalently bound flavin {8 alpha-(N3-histidyl)-FAD} per mole of enzyme (Mr 168,000) . The two flavins appear to have different roles in catalysis . The enzyme has an unusual subunit composition, containing four dissimilar subunits (Mr 100,000, 42,000, 20,000, and 6000) . The same subunits are detected in Western blot analysis of cell extracts prepared in the presence of trichloroacetic acid, indicating that the subunits are a genuine property of the enzyme as it exists in vivo . The presence of both covalent and noncovalent flavin in a single enzyme is extremely unusual and has previously been observed only with a sarcosine oxidase from a soil Corynebacterium isolated in Japan . The enzymes exhibit many similarities but are distinguishable in electrophoretic studies . Immunologically, the enzymes are cross-reactive but not identical . The results indicate that the synthesis of a sarcosine oxidase containing both covalent and noncovalent flavin is not a particularly unusual event in corynebacteria.

J Interferon Res, 1986 Oct, 6(5), 483 - 7
Local interferon induction by bacterial lipopolysaccharide in mice after pretreatment with Corynebacterium parvum; Kirchner H et al.; C57BL/6 mice were injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) with Corynebacterium parvum and subsequently, after an interval of 7-10 days, i.p . with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) . The peritoneal wash-fluid was recovered at various times after injection of LPS . Marked interferon (IFN) titers were observed between 2 and 10 h after injection of LPS, whereas no IFN was detected in mice injected with either C . parvum or LPS alone . Very low doses of LPS (0.1 microgram/mouse) were sufficient to cause IFN production in the double-stimulation protocol . The IFN produced was neutralized by an antibody against IFN-alpha/beta . In additional experiments, mice were treated by C . parvum alone; the peritoneal exudate cells (PEC) were recovered and stimulated in vitro by LPS . Again substantial titers of IFN were induced by small concentrations of LPS, whereas untreated PEC did not produce IFN . The cell producing IFN in these cultures was not a T lymphocyte, as experiments with a monoclonal anti-thy 1.2 antibody showed.

Jikken Dobutsu, 1986 Oct, 35(4), 485 - 9
Serological surveys of Corynebacterium kutscheri infection in mice and rats; Suzuki E et al.; Serological surveys of mice and rats naturally infected with Corynebacterium kutscheri were performed by examining serum samples collected from breeder and laboratory colonies between 1981 and 1983 . Among 756 mice from 73 conventional colonies, only 4 animals (0.5%) from 3 colonies (4.1%) developed C . kutscheri antibody of 1:40 to 1:2, 560 titers . Three of them suffered from abscess caused by the organism . Regarding a titer of 1:40 or higher as reliably positive, 87 (13.0%) of 669 conventional rats or 20 (32.8%) of 61 colonies were found to be infected with the organism . The antibodies were detected in both types of animals older than 6 months of age . No lesions caused by C . kutscheri were found in almost all the rats examined . Germ-free and SPF mice and rats were all negative for antibody at 1:5 serum dilution.

Acta Pathol Microbiol Immunol Scand {B}, 1986 Oct, 94(5), 301 - 8
The ultrastructure of antibiotic-susceptible and multi-resistant strains of group JK diphtheroid rods isolated from clinical specimens; Blom J et al.; Two antibiotic-susceptible and two multi-resistant strains of diphtheroid rods of the group JK, obtained from clinical specimens in Denmark and from CDC in the U.S . were studied . The cells of all four strains presented an ordinary Gram-positive cell wall and an additional surface layer . Septum formation in dividing cells appeared to result in a "snapping-like" dividing mechanism, thus corroborating the relationship of the JK cells to the genus Corynebacterium . A significantly increased thickness of the surface layer of the multi-resistant strains was observed when cells were treated with ruthenium red . It is suggested that such a structural difference on the exterior of the cell-wall among JK bacteria may affect the cell-wall's permeability to antibiotics.

J Hyg (Lond), 1986 Oct, 97(2), 385 - 92
Bacterial and mycotic otological infections in Singapore; Chow VT et al.; This paper describes a microbiological study of 84 young adult men with clinical otitic infections . Gram-negative aerobic bacilli were frequently isolated from these patients diagnosed as having otitis externa or chronic suppurative otitis media, of which Pseudomonas species predominated . Staphylococcus aureus, S . epidermidis and aerobic Corynebacterium species (diphtheroids) were also found . About 40% of ear infections were attributed to otomycoses, chiefly from Aspergillus species and Candida parapsilosis . Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of the bacterial isolates revealed that Pseudomonas species were generally resistant to antibiotics commonly employed in general practice: ampicillin, erythromycin, co-trimoxazole, tetracycline and cephaloridine . However, polymyxin B, gentamicin and neomycin were active against some Pseudomonas isolates . Other Gram-negative bacilli were also mainly sensitive to gentamicin, neomycin as well as co-trimoxazole . Disc diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration studies demonstrated good activity of ceftazidime, cefoperazone, tobramycin and carbenicillin against strains of Pseudomonas species and other Gram-negative rods . Cefotaxime and cefoxitin were active against Gram-negative bacilli other than Pseudomonas species . Beta-lactamase production did not appear to be the main mechanism of resistance in these community-acquired Gram-negative bacillary isolates . The antimicrobial therapy of otological infections is reviewed.

Arch Intern Med, 1986 Oct, 146(10), 1935 - 40
Diabetic foot infections . Bacteriologic analysis; Wheat LJ et al.; Diabetic patients with foot infections were prospectively evaluated over a two-year period . Cultures from reliable specimens avoiding contamination with foot ulcers were obtained in 54 infectious episodes . Staphylococcus species, Enterococcus species, Corynebacterium species, and various species of Enterobacteriaceae were commonly isolated . Common anaerobic isolates included Peptostreptococcus magnus, Peptostreptococcus prevotii, and Bacteroides species . Results of cultures from 94 unreliable specimens were similar . Results of reliable and unreliable specimens obtained simultaneously in 26 patients agreed in seven (27%), but antibiotics selected for organisms isolated from unreliable specimens would have adequately covered pathogens found in the reliable culture in 24 (93%) . Diabetic foot infections usually involve mixed bacterial flora, including aerobic, facultatively anaerobic, and anaerobic microorganisms . Specimens should be obtained from infected tissue that does not communicate directly with the foot ulcer if possible . If such specimens are not available, cultures of purulent exudate within the foot ulcer or soft-tissue sinuses may provide useful information on which to base decisions about antibiotic therapy . Broad-spectrum beta-lactam antibiotics or a combination of antibiotics active against facultatively anaerobic cocci and bacilli as well as anaerobes provide the best empirical antimicrobial coverage in these patients.

J Urol, 1986 Oct, 136(4), 795 - 8
Antibodies to cultured tumor cells detected in sera of renal cell carcinoma patients by a quantitative avidin-biotin method; deKernion JB et al.; Antibodies reacting with the tumor cell line RC-Pa were measured by a quantitative avidin-biotin complex method . Sera of renal cell carcinoma patients, patients with other types of cancer and healthy donors were analyzed . Of 71 sera from renal cell carcinoma patients 67 (94 per cent) were classified as showing renal cell carcinoma, while 32 of 36 sera (89 per cent) from healthy subjects were classified as showing no renal cell carcinoma . Four of 21 serum specimens (19 per cent) from individuals with other than renal cancer were misclassified . Furthermore, sera from renal carcinoma patients immunized with a mixture of autologous tumor cells and Corynebacterium parvum showed a marked increase in reactivity compared to those from patients receiving progesterone . The results indicate that this assay might become useful to detect or monitor renal cell carcinoma.

J Exp Med, 1986 Oct 1, 164(4), 1362 - 7
Effects of activation on lipoprotein lipase secretion by macrophages . Evidence for autoregulation; Behr SR et al.; Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity was measured in the media of cultured mouse peritoneal macrophages that were isolated after the intraperitoneal injection of inflammatory agents in order to yield a variety of states of activation . Fully activated macrophages obtained from Corynebacterium parvum-injected mice secreted very low levels of LPL when compared to unstimulated macrophages, while inflammatory and primed macrophages had increased LPL secretion . When inflammatory macrophages were incubated with conditioned medium obtained from fully activated macrophages, LPL secretion decreased in a time- and dose-dependent fashion . The factor(s) secreted by fully activated macrophages that inhibited LPL secretion was shown to be thermolabile and distinct from tumor necrosis factor . These results demonstrate that activation dramatically alters macrophage LPL secretion.

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