Streptococci

Zentralbl Veterinarmed B, 1990 Dec, 37(10), 767 - 9
CAMP-reaction among skin isolates obtained from a dog with an acute squamous eczema; Bruckler J et al.; The primary culture of a clinical specimen obtained from a dog with an acute squamous eczema revealed 3 different bacterial cultures . Two of these cultures, a beta-hemolytic Staphylococcus aureus and a group B streptococcal culture, demonstrated synergistic hemolytic activities on this primary culture plate . The group B streptococcus had the serotype surface antigens Ib/c, protein antigen c in its c beta component.

J Gen Microbiol, 1990 Dec, 136 ( Pt 12), 2545 - 50
The utilization of casein and amino acids by Streptococcus sanguis P4A7 in continuous culture; Rogers AH et al.; Streptococcus sanguis P4A7 was grown in glucose limited conditions in continuous culture at pH 7.0 in a chemically defined medium containing either free amino acids or casein as the organic nitrogen source . Apart from aspartate and threonine, which were poorly utilized at the higher dilution rates, all amino acids in the free-amino-acid medium were utilized to various extents . At the higher dilution rates, aspartate actually increased in concentration, probably due to deamidation of asparagine . The amino acid most utilized at all dilution rates was arginine, with up to 99% of the amino acid being consumed . Both casein and its alpha s1-casein fraction supported growth at a level only slightly lower than that obtained with the free-amino-acid medium, provided that either cysteine or thioglycollate was present . With the exception of tyrosine, nearly all of the amino acyl residues of alpha s1-casein were utilized to some degree . In general, the higher the concentration of each amino acid in the medium (whether free or as part of alpha s1-casein) the higher the extent of utilization by S . sanguis P4A7 . Only 50% of the arginyl residues (0.16 mM) of alpha s1-casein were utilized compared with 99% of free arginine (1.5 mM) under similar conditions, suggesting that only 50% of the alpha s1-casein arginine was accessible to the organism.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aust Vet J, 1990 Dec, 67(12), 440 - 2
Effects of antibiotic therapy at drying off on mastitis in the dry period and early lactation; Browning JW et al.; Four strategies for selecting cows for intramammary therapy with benzathine cloxacillin at drying off were compared in 12 Victorian dairy herds . The bacteriological status of all quarters of all (1044) cows was determined just before drying off, within 2 d of calving, and again 3 to 5 months after calving . All cases of clinical mastitis (from calving to mid-lactation) were recorded . Cows not infected at drying off were allocated randomly to 2 subgroups of approximately 350 cows each: not infected, not treated (NI-NT), or not infected, all quarters treated (NI-AT) . New infection rates in the dry period (3.8% for NI-NT vs 2.1% for NI-AT) and in early lactation (4.1% for NI-NT vs 3.9% for NI-AT) were low and these differences were not significant . Incidence of clinical mastitis in early lactation was almost 50% higher for the treated group of uninfected cows compared with the untreated group (0.05 less than p less than 0.1) . Cows infected in one or more quarters at drying off were split randomly into 2 subgroups of approximately 170 cows each: infected, all quarters treated (I-AT), or infected quarters treated only (I-QT) . The new infection rate during the dry period was nearly 4 times higher for I-QT (15.3%) due to significantly more new infections by Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus uberis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Kansenshogaku Zasshi, 1990 Dec, 64(12), 1556 - 60
{A case with acute suppurative thyroiditis due to Eikenella corrodens and alpha-Streptococcus}; Kawashita T et al.; A 6-year-old girl with acute suppurative thyroiditis is reported . She suffered from suppurative thyroiditis twice, and E . corrodens and alpha-streptococcus were grown from the abscess each time . They were sensitive to antibiotics used, but surgical drainage was necessary to cease to inflammation each time . E . corrodens seemed to be a causative organism with or without another organism in compromised patients and/or patients with anatomical abnormalities . The presented patient was supposed to have some anatomical abnormality such as an internal fistula from the piriform sinus connecting the perithyroidal space, however, no abnormalities were detected during these episodes.

Lancet, 1990 Dec 1, 336(8727), 1345 - 7
Infective dermatitis of Jamaican children: a marker for HTLV-I infection; LaGrenade L et al.; In Jamaican children infective dermatitis is a chronic eczema associated with refractory nonvirulent Staphylococcus aureus or beta-haemolytic streptococcus infection of the skin and nasal vestibule . 14 children between the ages of 2 and 17 years with typical infective dermatitis, attending the dermatology clinic at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Jamaica, were tested for antibody to human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) . All were seropositive, whereas 11 children of similar age with atopic eczema were all negative . In 2 of 2 cases of infective dermatitis, the biological mother was HTLV-1 seropositive . None of the 14 patients showed signs of adult T-cell leukaemia/lymphoma, though experience with previous cases of infective dermatitis indicates the possibility of such progression.

J Biol Response Mod, 1990 Dec, 9(6), 592 - 6
Receptors for human plasminogen on the biological response modifier OK-432; Ullberg M et al.; The biological response modifier OK-432, constituting cell wall fragments from a group A Streptococcus strain and used in anticancer therapy trials, was tested for its ability to interact with different plasma proteins . The uptake of 125I-labelled protein was measured using a panel of six different plasma proteins all known to react with receptors on a majority of streptococcal strains . Of the proteins tested, plasminogen demonstrated the most substantial uptake, with uptake values ranging from 70 to 79% . A slight interaction with fibrinogen was also detected whereas no significant interaction was found with either human immunoglobulin (Ig)A, IgG, serum albumin, or mouse albumin . The results with plasminogen suggest the possibility of a new explanation of the antitumor activity described for OK-432.

Ann Cardiol Angeiol (Paris), 1990 Nov, 39(9), 507 - 11
{Incidence and severity of cardiac involvement in Streptococcus bovis septicemia . Report of 10 cases}; Oumeskour B et al.; Endocarditis due to the streptococcus Bovis is an affection which is more and more often recognized and whose link with the colic tumor pathology has been well established those last few years and confirmed in this study with a frequency of 60 p . cent . However, few studies have stated the gravity of the heart affection in streptococcus Bovis septicaemias . In this series of 10 streptococcus Bovis septicaemias, the valvular affection is frequent and serious . The vegetations are found in 9 cases out of 10 . The aortic affection is slightly more frequent (8 times out of 10), against 7 times out of 10 for the mitral affection (double mitroaortic affection, 6 times) . A valve replacement due to sub-acute or chronic cardiac failure was necessary in 6 cases out of 9, that is 66 p . cent . The mortality was nil.

J Oral Rehabil, 1990 Nov, 17(6), 573 - 8
The production of secondary caries-like lesions on cavity walls and the assessment of microleakage using an in vitro microbial caries system; Gilmour SM et al.; The aim of this study was to assess microleakage along restored cavity walls using a new in vitro microbial technique . Extracted human teeth containing cavities restored with a microfine posterior composite were incubated in broth inoculated with a single strain of Streptococcus mutans for 10 days, using a sequential batch culture technique . Each margin of the cavities was finished in one of three ways: butt joint and etching; butt joint and no etching, or; bevel joint and etching . The assessment of microleakage was achieved by examining sections of the teeth histologically using polarized light for the presence or absence of caries-like cavity wall lesions . Outer (surface) lesions were also examined and displayed the characteristic zones of early natural caries lesions . The cavity wall lesions were observed as a translucent zone in 31% of butt and unetched margins, 16% of butt and etched margins, and 5% of bevelled and etched margins.

J Infect, 1990 Nov, 21(3), 241 - 50
Streptococcus zooepidemicus (Lancefield group C) septicaemia in Hong Kong; Yuen KY et al.; The clinical findings relating to 11 patients in Hong Kong (HK) and to 43 patients described elsewhere, all with Streptococcus zooepidemicus septicaemia, are reviewed . There was a particular association with cardiovascular disease (27%) with seven cases of endocarditis, three of abdominal aortic aneurysm and two of deep venous thrombosis . Associations not previously reported included two cases of pharyngitis and two patients with persistent post-operative fever . The overall mortality was 22% . Both human and porcine strains of S . zooepidemicus from HK did not hydrolyse aesculin in contrast to the aesculin-positive biotypes reported previously . HK strains also had very mucoid colonies and capsules of hyaluronic acid were seen in electron micrographs . Samples of chromosomal DNA, extracted by means of HindIII restriction endonuclease, of strains from human beings and pigs were identical . The MIC of penicillin for all strains was less than or equal to 0.03 mg/l but the MBC for all was greater than 32 mg/l . Penicillin alone is generally sufficient for cure but combination with an aminoglycoside may be indicated in seriously ill patients . In our locality, pigs were incriminated as a possible source of human infection whereas consumption of contaminated dairy products is important elsewhere.

J Antibiot (Tokyo), 1990 Nov, 43(11), 1471 - 82
Carboxyhydrazides of the aglycone of teicoplanin . Synthesis and antibacterial activity; Trani A et al.; The condensation of the terminal carboxyl group of the deglucoteicoplanin (TD) with various substituted hydrazines produced hydrazide derivatives having different physico-chemical properties . This chemical modification of the carboxyl function does not affect the ability of teicoplanin antibiotics to interfere in bacterial cell-wall synthesis . The antibacterial activity of deglucoteicoplanin hydrazides (V) were found to depend mostly on their ionic character . All the hydrazides were slightly more active than TD on Escherichia coli . Those possessing an additional basic group were more in vitro active than TD against Gram-negative microorganisms . In Experimental Streptococcus pyogenes septicemia in the mouse, basic hydrazides were more active than other derivatives when administered subcutaneously although they are as potent as TD.

Equine Vet J, 1990 Nov, 22(6), 422 - 5
Inflammatory components in uterine fluid from mares with experimentally induced bacterial endometritis; Pycock JF et al.; Exudate and uterine flushings were collected at either 30, 60, 120 or 240 mins after intrauterine infusions of Streptococcus zooepidemicus in genitally normal mares during oestrus . Uteri were also flushed without prior induction of endometritis . Protein concentrations in exudate and flushings increased with time and exudate pH decreased with time; the pH of flushings did not alter . Lysozyme and lactate dehydrogenase were present in flushings from non-infected uteri, but concentrations increased with time after infection . Immunoreactive prostaglandin E2 was undetectable before infection, but concentrations rose after infection . No neutrophils were present in non-infected flushings but, by 30 mins, there were significant (P less than 0.01) neutrophil numbers in exudate and flushings; thereafter numbers increased, particularly in exudate . Acute endometritis resembled acute inflammation at other sites in the horse and a significant response had occurred by 30 mins after experimental infection.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 1990 Nov, 56(11), 3304 - 7
Low-affinity, high-capacity system of glucose transport in the ruminal bacterium Streptococcus bovis: evidence for a mechanism of facilitated diffusion; Russell JB; The glucose phosphotransferase system (PTS) of Streptococcus bovis could not account for the glucose consumption of exponential cultures, and the kinetics of glucose transport were biphasic . A PTS-deficient mutant lost the high-affinity, low-capacity system but retained its ability to take up glucose at high substrate concentrations . The low-affinity, high-capacity system did not require a proton motive force or ATP and could not be driven by an artificial membrane potential in the presence or absence of sodium . Since low-affinity transport was directly proportional to the external substrate concentration and exhibited counterflow kinetics, it appeared that a facilitated-diffusion mechanism was responsible for glucose transport at high substrate concentrations.

J Cataract Refract Surg, 1990 Nov, 16(6), 755 - 6
Suture-wick endophthalmitis with sutured posterior chamber intraocular lenses; Schechter RJ; A patient had a corneal transplant with removal of an anterior chamber lens . As part of the procedure, an exchange posterior chamber lens was inserted and sutured transsclerally into the ciliary sulcus with two subconjunctival 10-0 polypropylene (Prolene) sutures . One month later the patient experienced a sudden decrease in vision and severe eye pain . Streptococcus viridans was cultured from the vitreous tap and the eye eventually was lost from this endophthalmitis . The infecting organism appeared to gain access to the eye through one of the Prolene sutures that had eroded through the conjunctiva and become exteriorized . This report presents a case in which an eroding 10-0 Prolene suture used for transscleral posterior chamber lens fixation was the probable mechanism causing endophthalmitis . This complication represents an avoidable risk unique to this type of intraocular lens fixation.

Arch Surg, 1990 Nov, 125(11), 1472 - 4
Does survival depend on the amount of autotransplanted splenic tissue?
Shokouh-Amiri MH, Rahimi-Saber S, Hansen CP, Olsen PS, Jensen SL.
Susceptibility to Streptococcus pneumoniae infection was studied in 11 groups of rats allocated to sham operation, splenectomy, or splenic autotransplantation of 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% of the removed spleen . Three months later, all rats were exposed intravenously to type 1 Streptococcus pneumoniae (median lethal dose, LD50, for control group) . Survivors were killed 13 days after the bacterial challenge . Autopsy showed that more splenic tissue was recovered in rats that received less than 50% splenic tissue compared with those that received 50% or more . More survivors were found among sham-operated rats (47.5%; 95% confidence intervals, 32 to 68) and rats that had 40% splenic tissue implanted (35%; confidence interval, 20 to 54) or those that were found to have regenerated 40% splenic tissue . We conclude that 40% of the spleen should be autotransplanted to protect the rat optimally against infection after splenectomy.

Am Rev Respir Dis, 1990 Nov, 142(5), 1004 - 8
Characterization of distal bronchial microflora during acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis . Use of the protected specimen brush technique in 54 mechanically ventilated patients; Fagon JY et al.; To obtain accurate information on distal bronchial microflora during acute exacerbation in patients with chronic bronchitis, we prospectively studied 54 such patients who had been receiving mechanical ventilation because of hypercapnic respiratory failure . Fiberoptic bronchoscopy using a protected specimen brush (PSB) was performed on each patient within the first 24 h after admission . Cultures of protected brush specimens demonstrated no growth in 27 patients (50%) . With the exception of fever (38.2 +/- 0.8 versus 37.7 +/- 0.6 degrees C; p less than 0.05), the initial severity of the episode of exacerbation was similar in patients with and without infection . A total of 44 organisms were isolated in the 27 patients with positive cultures; the predominant pathogens were Hemophilus spp . and Streptococcus spp . (involved in 74% of cases), but other organisms were isolated in 12 of 27 patients . Mortality rates, duration of mechanical ventilation, and duration of hospitalization were not significantly different between patients with bronchial microflora treated with appropriate antimicrobial therapy (n = 27) and patients without bronchial microflora either receiving empirical antibiotic therapy (n = 18) or not (n = 9) . These data suggest that distal bronchial infection due to the usual pathogens, as far as shown by protected specimen brush cultures, may not be the sole or even the predominant cause of acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis in patients requiring mechanical ventilation.

Ann Emerg Med, 1990 Nov, 19(11), 1332 - 4
Toxic streptococcal syndrome; Gallo UE et al.; The streptococcal toxic shocklike syndrome is a recently recognized, multisystem disorder that shares many of the features of staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome, but is caused by toxins elaborated by group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus . We describe a patient who fulfilled the major criteria for the clinical diagnosis of toxic shock syndrome (fever, hypotension, multisystem dysfunction, and diffuse macular erythroderma followed by desquamation) and who demonstrated serologic evidence suggesting streptococcal infection . In patients presenting with clinical findings consistent with a toxic shocklike syndrome, the emergency physician should consider streptococcal infection as a potential etiology.

Am J Obstet Gynecol, 1990 Nov, 163(5 Pt 1), 1609 - 11
Perinatal mortality in Victoria, Australia: role of group B Streptococcus; Fliegner JR et al.; Group B beta-hemolytic streptococcus is the most common infective cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality . It is therefore surprising that no agreement exists for an approach to its prevention . There is also increasing evidence that occult infection may play an etiologic role in premature rupture of the membranes and preterm labor . In this report we review the role of group B beta-hemolytic streptococcal sepsis as a cause of perinatal wastage in the state of Victoria, Australia during the period 1982 to 1987 . Group B beta-hemolytic streptococcus accounted for 1.7% of overall perinatal deaths, and for 30.3% (77 of 254) perinatal deaths directly attributable to infection . By comparison, over the same 6-year period, erythroblastosis accounted for 0.5% of perinatal wastage and there were only two deaths as a result of congenital syphilis . The true incidence of lethal group B beta-hemolytic streptococcal infection is probably greater because of the absence of histologic and bacteriologic studies in many perinatal deaths . We believe that intrapartum chemoprophylaxis with penicillin of all group B beta-hemolytic streptococcus-positive carrier mothers would significantly reduce neonatal morbidity and mortality from this cause.

Stroke, 1990 Nov, 21(11), 1625 - 7
Giant basilar aneurysm in the course of subacute bacterial endocarditis; Calopa M et al.; We describe a man aged 42 years with mitral valve regurgitation who suffered from subacute bacterial endocarditis caused by Streptococcus morbillorum . The clinical picture began with a toxic syndrome . Five months later, the patient had an embolic episode and a right rostral pontine stroke, which was followed a few days later by an adversive focal seizure on the right . Despite antibiotic treatment, he suffered complete third nerve palsy . Arteriography, magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography of the brain showed a giant aneurysm in the rostral end of the basilar artery; the aneurysm was clipped . We discuss the clinical features, radiology, and characteristics of this aneurysm as a unique case of a giant bacterial aneurysm in the vertebrobasilar system.

Neurology, 1990 Nov, 40(11), 1782 - 4
Streptococcus bovis meningitis: report of 2 cases; Purdy RA et al.; We describe 2 cases of Streptococcus bovis meningitis and review the 9 cases previously reported . This microorganism is a rare cause of meningitis in which there are no distinctive clinical or laboratory features . The Gram stain of the CSF is usually negative . Ten of the 11 cases had some underlying disease or comorbid condition that predisposed to S bovis infection: gastrointestinal disorder, endocarditis, CSF leak, polymyalgia rheumatica, and mandibular block . Treatment with high-dose penicillin is usually adequate.

J Dent Res, 1990 Nov, 69(11), 1741 - 5
Polymorphism of submandibular-sublingual salivary proteins which promote adhesion of Streptococcus mutans serotype-c strains to hydroxyapatite; Kishimoto E et al.; Previously, we showed that human submandibular-sublingual (SMSL) salivas contain one or more proteins, Mr circa 300,000 daltons, which specifically promote adhesion of Streptococcus mutans serotype-c strains to hydroxyapatite . Also, sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) showed that the adhesion-promoting proteins (APPs) exhibit heterogeneity . The aims of the present study were to determine whether APPs are generally present in human SMSL salivary secretions and to characterize the noted heterogeneity . Acid-stimulated SMSL saliva samples were obtained from 54 Japanese subjects, and Mr values were obtained by SDS-PAGE . APPs were present in all saliva samples examined, though at significantly different concentrations . The APPs occurred as either single (20 subjects) or double bands (34 subjects), with a mean Mr (88 bands) of 297 kD and a range of 248-338 kD . A plot of the frequency distribution of the APPs according to Mr showed a trimodal distribution, with mean Mr values, standard deviations, and ranges for the three groups being 265 (S.D., 6.9; range, 248-278), 293 (S.D., 6.7; range, 280-305), and 320 (S.D., 7.0; range, 310-338) kD . Variations of Mr within groups may be attributed to experimental variation, although microheterogeneity cannot be excluded . Differences between groups can best be explained in terms of three polymorphic proteins, with low (L), intermediate (I), and high (H) Mr values . Six phenotypes were detected with L, I, H, LI, LH, and IH Mr bands . A Hardy-Weinberg analysis showed that the phenotype data fit a single-gene, three-alleles model.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

J Bacteriol, 1990 Nov, 172(11), 6499 - 505
Unusual septum formation in Streptococcus pneumoniae mutants with an alteration in the D,D-carboxypeptidase penicillin-binding protein 3; Schuster C et al.; An internal 630-bp DNA fragment of the gene encoding penicillin-binding protein 3 (PBP 3) (dacA) of Streptococcus pneumoniae was identified in a lambda gt11 gene bank screened with anti-PBP 3 antiserum . The deduced 210-amino-acid sequence showed a high degree of homology to the low-molecular-weight PBPs 5 and 6 of Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis PBP 5 . Viable mutants lacking a C-terminal part of PBP 3 were obtained after a plasmid containing the dacA fragment was integrated into the PBP 3 gene by homologous recombination . The truncated PBP 3* was still active in terms of beta-lactam binding . Most PBP 3 was found in the growth medium, indicating that membrane anchoring of PBP 3 is provided by the C terminus, as has been shown for other D,D-carboxypeptidases . The mutant cells grew with a slower generation time than the wild type in the shape of irregular enlarged spheres . In addition, as revealed by electron microscopy, cell separation was severely affected, septa were found unevenly distributed at multiple sites within the cells, and the murein layer appeared variable in thickness.

Infect Immun, 1990 Nov, 58(11), 3779 - 87
Streptococcus pyogenes clinical isolates and lipoteichoic acid; Leon O et al.; Minimally subcultured clinical isolates of virulent nephritogenic and nonnephritogenic Streptococcus pyogenes of the same serotype showed major differences in lipoteichoic acid (LTA) production, secretion, and structure . These were related to changes in coccal adherence to and destruction of growing human skin cell monolayers in vitro . A possible relationship between cellular LTA content and group A streptococcal surface hydrophobicity was also investigated . Nephritogenic S . pyogenes M18 produced twice as much total (i.e., cellular and secretory) LTA as did the virulent, serologically identical, but nonnephritogenic isolate . Also, the LTAs from these organisms differed markedly . The polyglycerol phosphate chain of LTA from the nephritogenic isolate was longer (1.6 times) than was that from the nonnephritogenic isolate . Likewise, both LTAs indicated the presence of alanine and the absence of glucose . Amino sugars were found in LTA from only nephritogenic S . pyogenes . Teichoic acid, as a cellular component or secretory product, was not detected . The adherence of two different nephritogenic group A streptococcal serotypes (M18 and M2) exceeded that of the serologically identical but nonnephritogenic isolates (by about five times), indicating a correlation between virulent strains causing acute glomerulonephritis and adherence to human skin cell monolayers . Likewise, LTA from nephritogenic S . pyogenes M18 was more cytotoxic (1.5 times) than was that from the nonnephritogenic isolate for human skin cells, as determined by protein release . This difference was not perceptible by the more sensitive dye exclusion method (i.e., requiring less LTA), which emphasizes changes in host cell morphology and death . Also, the secretion of LTA by only virulent nephritogenic S . pyogenes M18 was exacerbated by penicillin (a maximum of four times) . Finally, while the adherence of nephritogenic S . pyogenes M18 decreased markedly after continued subculturing in vitro, the surface hydrophobicity did not.

Infect Immun, 1990 Nov, 58(11), 3689 - 97
Insertional inactivation of the gene encoding a 76-kilodalton cell surface polypeptide in Streptococcus gordonii Challis has a pleiotropic effect on cell surface composition and properties; Jenkinson HF et al.; A library of Streptococcus gordonii DL1-Challis DNA was constructed in lambda gt11 . Phage plaques were screened for production of antigens that reacted with antiserum to S . gordonii cell surface proteins . A recombinant phage denoted lambda gt11-cp2 was isolated that carried 1.85 kb of S . gordonii DNA and that expressed an antigen with a molecular mass of 29 kDa in Escherichia coli . Antibodies that reacted with the expression product were affinity purified and were shown to react with a single polypeptide antigen with a molecular mass of 76 kDa in S . gordonii DL1-Challis . A segment (0.85 kb) of the cloned DNA within the transcription unit was ligated into a nonreplicative plasmid carrying an erythromycin resistance determinant and transformed into S . gordonii DL1-Challis . The plasmid integrated onto the chromosome, and expression of the 76-kDa polypeptide antigen was abolished . The gene inactivation had no obvious effect on bacterial growth or on a number of phenotypic properties, including hydrophobicity and adherence . However, it abolished serum-induced cell aggregation, mutant cells had reduced aggregation titers in saliva and in colostrum immunoglobulin A, and it also reduced coaggregation with some Actinomyces species . Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis profiles of cell envelope proteins from wild-type and mutant strains showed that as well as lacking the surface-exposed 76-kDa polypeptide, mutant cell envelopes were deficient in several other polypeptides, including those that bound to immunoglobulin A . Expression of the gene encoding the 76-kDa polypeptide in S . gordonii appeared to be critical for functional conformation of the cell surface.

J Dent Res, 1990 Nov, 69(11), 1746 - 52
Characterization of the alpha-amylase receptor of Streptococcus gordonii NCTC 7868; Douglas CW; The purpose of the work described here was to investigate the mechanisms involved in the binding of salivary alpha-amylase to Streptococcus gordonii NCTC 7868 (Challis) . Of six types of alpha-amylase studied, only mammalian forms of the enzyme were found to bind to S . gordonii cells . Salivary alpha-amylase binding was inhibited by treatment of cells with trypsin and pronase, but not with pepsin or sodium periodate . Presence of starch, dextrin, or maltoheptaose partially inhibited binding of the enzyme to S . gordonii . Both mutanolysin extracts of cells and culture supernatants contained alpha-amylase-binding activity, which was partially purified by Sepharose CL-6B and DEAE-ion-exchange chromatography . Western blotting detected four putative receptor bands--65 kDa, 15 kDa, 12.5 kDa, and one with a very high molecular weight; the lower-molecular-weight components may be products of proteolytic degradation of the high-molecular-weight material, but their true relationship has yet to be determined . Pre-treatment of salivary alpha-amylase with these putative receptors partially inhibited subsequent binding of the enzyme to S . gordonii cells . When bound to cells, only 19% of the salivary alpha-amylase activity was detectable, suggesting that alpha-amylase binds to the receptor at or near the active site of the enzyme.

FEMS Microbiol Lett, 1990 Nov, 60(3), 299 - 302
Carboxyl-terminal deletion analysis of the Streptococcus mutans glucosyltransferase-I enzyme; Kato C et al.; Sequential deletion of the carboxyl-terminal amino acids (including the six direct repeating units) of the glucosyltransferase-I (GTF-I) enzyme of Streptococcus mutans revealed differential effects on sucrase and GTF activities . Removal of all but one repeating unit resulted in a truncated enzyme with significant sucrase activity but no detectable GTF activity . These results are compatible with the presence of two functional domains in the enzyme.

Indian J Pediatr, 1990 Nov-Dec, 57(6), 775 - 80
Post-streptococcal acute glomerulonephritis: a clinical, bacteriological and serological study; Rajajee S; Eight hundred and sixty four children were admitted with Acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (APSGN) at the Institute for Child Health, Madras, during the period January 1981 to January 1983 . Majority of the cases followed infected scabies or impetigo . 135 children were investigated and followed up for a period of 1-2 years . The disease had an excellent prognosis in these children . None of those examined 2 years after discharge had proteinuria or hypertension . Group A beta hemolytic streptococcus (BHS) was isolated in 13.4% of patients and 11.25% of skin infection controls . Eight different T types were identified in patients and 6 T types in pyoderma cases . All patients and 87% of skin infection controls had elevated anti-D Nase B titres, while ASO titres were not significantly raised.

Ann Acad Med Singapore, 1990 Nov, 19(6), 777 - 80
Epidemiology of pneumococcal infection in Singapore (1977-1986); Ling ML et al.; Streptococcus pneumoniae was isolated from 43 children and 143 adults in a ten year period from 1977 through 1986 . There was a high incidence in the males, in the extremes of ages and in the Indian and Others racial groups . The overall mortality rate was 29.5% with a higher rate associated in those with chronic obstructive lung disease, smoking, malignancy and alcoholism, 0.5% of the isolates were resistant to penicillin (of intermediate resistance only) and 16% resistant to tetracycline . Common serotypes isolated were types 1, 4, 14, 3 and 6B, all of which are covered by the pneumococcal vaccine . In children, the common serotypes associated with primary bacteraemia were types 14 and 20; with pneumonia, types 6B, 14, 19A and with meningitis, types 6B, 19F and 19A . In adults, the common serotypes associated with primary bacteraemia were types 20, 11A and 1; with pneumonia, types 3, 4, 7F, 14; with meningitis, types 1, 13, 34 and with endocarditis, type 13 . Characteristics of pneumococcal infection, the organism's antibiogram and the serotype distribution are discussed in relation to the work of other investigators.

Antibiot Khimioter, 1990 Nov, 35(11), 8 - 10
{Study of nisin, a polypeptide antibiotic produced by a culture of Streptococcus lactis, strain MSU}; Egorov NS et al.; The drug nisin produced by the lactic acid bacteria S . lactis, strain MSU, was identified and described . After 18-hour cultivation of the strain the fermentation broth was centrifuged . The centrifugate contained at an average 2000 IU/ml of the antibiotic . It was purified on silica gel C-3, the eluate was lyophilized and the dry substance was studied by disk electrophoresis in 20 per cent PAAG in the presence of sodium dodecylsulfate . It was found that S . lactis, strain MSU, produced a polypeptide component of the molecular weight of 7000 D . Its electrophoretic mobility corresponded to that of nisaplin . Therefore, nisin was shown to be identical to nisaplin.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1990 Nov, (11), 21 - 6
{The level of IgM, IgG and IgA antibodies and total antibodies to the low-molecular, cell-wall protein of Streptococcus group A without type specificity in the serum of patients with a streptococcal infection}; Molchanova TO et al.; The levels of IgM, IgG and IgA antibodies, as well as total antibodies, to group A streptococcal low-molecular cell-wall protein without type specificity were studied in the sera of patients with primary erysipelas, rheumatism in the active and inactive phases, seronegative rheumatoid arthritis, as well as in the sera of healthy donors . The average level of antibodies to low-molecular protein in the sera of all groups of patients was significantly higher than the sera of healthy donors . The analysis of the distribution of antibodies in accordance with their isotypes revealed the specific features of response, characteristic of each group of patients . For rheumatism patients, the positive correlation between response to low-molecular protein and response to group-specific polysaccharide A was established . This correlation was most pronounced in patients with rheumatism in the inactive phase.

Curr Eye Res, 1990 Nov, 9(11), 1107 - 14
The role of pneumolysin in ocular infections with Streptococcus pneumoniae; Johnson MK et al.; Pneumolysin, a cytolytic protein produced by Streptococcus pneumoniae, has many properties which suggest it may be an important virulence factor in pneumococcal ocular infections . To directly test this possibility, we have constructed pneumolysin-negative strains of S . pneumoniae and compared their virulence with that of the wild type in a rabbit model of intracorneal infection . A pneumolysin-negative strain produced by chemical mutagenesis (probably a point mutant) was found to be no less virulent than the parent strain . However, a strain bearing a deletion in the pneumolysin gene showed greatly reduced virulence . This strain produced less pathology while showing significantly higher bacterial counts . These results suggest that a property of the pneumolysin molecule other than its cytolytic (hemolytic) activity may be involved in its pathogenic mechanism of action . This property may be the ability to activate complement, known to be a function of pneumolysin, which results in influx of PMNs, reducing the bacterial counts but also producing tissue damage.

J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus, 1990 Nov-Dec, 27(6), 283 - 5
Postoperative endophthalmitis in children following cataract surgery; Good WV et al.; Three children developed endophthalmitis after cataract surgery . Each had signs and symptoms of either nasolacrimal duct obstruction or upper respiratory infection at the time of surgery . The causative organisms were Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Streptococcus pneumoniae . Final visual acuities were 6/24, LP, and NLP, respectively . Endophthalmitis after cataract surgery in infants has never been reported . These three cases drawn from two pediatric ophthalmology practices represent an incidence of postoperative endophthalmitis of 0.45% . Although this incidence report is potentially spurious, it indicates that postoperative endophthalmitis is a very real threat in infants . We recommend a thorough systems review and exam of upper airways and lacrimal system before undertaking intraocular surgery in young children . We also caution against simultaneous bilateral surgery.

Biokhimiia, 1990 Nov, 55(11), 2031 - 7
{Heterogeneity of streptococcus group A cell wall protein components}; Blinnikova EI et al.; Cell wall surface proteins of group A streptococcus (M 29) were isolated by mild chemical extraction with 1 M hydroxylamine pH 6.0 (37 degrees C) . The proteins were purified by ammonium sulfate fractionation, gel filtration on Sephadex G-150 and ion-exchange chromatography on DEAE-Trisacryl M . Using two independent methods (disc electrophoresis in 7.5% PAAG pH 8.9 and high pressure gel filtration), it was shown that after chromatography on Sephadex G-150 the original protein fraction contains up to 8 protein components, while SDS-PAAG electrophoresis performed according to Laemmli revealed up to 25 protein components in the same fraction . During SDS-PAAG electrophoresis six protein fractions performed after ion-exchange chromatography were resolved into 40 protein components whose molecular masses vary from 13 to 80 kDa . Possible reasons for the heterogeneity of surface proteins of group A streptococcus cell wall are discussed.

Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol, 1990 Nov, 30(4), 327 - 30
Risk factors for neonatal infection; Spaans WA et al.; A retrospective case-control study was designed to assess risk factors for neonatal infection . Nonprivate patients (8,215) who delivered in a period from January 1, 1983 to June 30, 1988 were studied . Ninety three cases of conjunctivitis (incidence 2.4/1,000), 104 cases of pneumonia (incidence 2.8/1,000), and 50 cases of sepsis (incidence 1.3/1,000) were identified . Group B streptococcus was cultured from septic neonates in 46% . Calculated Odds ratio's indicated prematurity/low birth-weight (OR 6.9) and antepartum fetal tachycardia (OR 6.3) as important risk factors for pneumonia/sepsis . Prematurity/low birth-weight (OR 3.0) and an abnormal presentation in the birth canal (OR 2.8) were identified as risk factors for conjunctivitis . After testing all the risk factors found by univariate analysis in a logistic regression model tachycardia (chi 2 35.21, p less than 0.001) remained an independent predictor for neonatal pneumonia/sepsis and abnormal vaginal presentation (chi 2 7.58, p 0.006) for conjunctivitis.

Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek, 1990 Nov, 58(4), 255 - 63
Aggregation of oral bacteria by human salivary mucins in comparison to salivary and gastric mucins of animal origin; Koop HM et al.; Seventeen strains of oral bacteria of the genera Actinomyces (5), Bacteroides (3), and Streptococcus (9) were tested for aggregation by the human whole salivary mucin fraction (HWSM) in comparison to three types of animal mucin preparations from submandibular glands of cow (BSM) and sheep (OSM), and from the stomach of pig (PGM) . Considerable variation was seen with respect to the rate and titer of aggregation induced by these mucins . The aggregating activity of HWSM varied widely among the different bacterial strains . The Bacteroides group showed hardly any induced aggregation, whereas the final aggregation titers varied for S . sanguis (3 strains) between 12 and 48, for S . oralis (3 strains) between 6 and 48, for the S . mutans group (3 strains) between 6 and 96, and for the five Actinomyces strains even between 6 and 192 . For a particular strain, similar differences in titer were seen between the four mucins . For a human salivary mucin (MG-2) it has been described that sialic acid in the sequence NeuAc (alpha 2,3)Gal(beta 1,3)GalNac- was specifically involved in the interaction with S . sanguis strains, in contrast to S . rattus BHT . Our results, however, indicate that this sugar sequence is not a prerequisite for the aggregation of S . sanguis, as animal mucins, devoid of this structure, were equally well or even better capable of inducing aggregation . On the other hand, desialization of BSM and OSM largely abolished their aggregating capability towards S . rattus BHT . Moreover, it was found that BSM and OSM, which are comparable with respect to their major oligosaccharide structure, show considerable differences in aggregating activity towards the same bacterial strain.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

J Gen Microbiol, 1990 Nov, 136 ( Pt 11), 2217 - 23
Construction of NotI restriction map of the Streptococcus mutans genome; Okahashi N et al.; Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus are the major causative organisms of human dental caries . Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFG) showed that the restriction enzyme NotI produced ten and six DNA fragments from the genomes of S . mutans strain MT8148 and S . sobrinus strain 6715, respectively . The sizes of the chromosomes of S . mutans and S . sobrinus were each estimated to be about 2200 kb . The NotI restriction map of S . mutans MT8148 genome was constructed by Southern blot analysis with probes that overlapped two adjacent NotI fragments . Several virulence-associated genes of S . mutans were placed on the NotI restriction map . In addition, unique 'fingerprints' of S . mutans chromosomal DNA digested with NotI were produced by PFG, and these may be useful for epidemiological studies.

Vestn Otorinolaringol, 1990 Nov-Dec, (6), 52 - 4
{Diagnosis of bacterial allergy in patients with diseases of the nose and paranasal sinuses}; Morozova SV et al.; A comprehensive allergological examinations of 92 patients with lesions of the nose and paranasal cavities and 20 essentially healthy subjects was carried out, using skin tests and neutrophil tests . Half of the patients showed sensitization to Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes allergens, which occurred more frequently in patients with chronic purulent sinusitis . It is recommended to expose such patients to allergological examinations and to prescribe, if indicated, desensitization therapy.

J Clin Microbiol, 1990 Nov, 28(11), 2462 - 6
Characterization of prototype and clinically defined strains of Streptococcus suis by genomic fingerprinting; Mogollon JD et al.; A collection of Streptococcus suis strains from animal and human infections was examined for DNA-banding patterns after restriction endonuclease digestion and agarose gel electrophoresis . The endonuclease HaeIII produced the most discriminating restriction profiles among 23 serotypes studied . DNA from serotypes 9, 11, 12, and 16 was resistant to HaeIII cleavage . DNA from serotypes 9 through 16 was cleaved with HindIII and showed substantial genomic differences . We also examined 106 epidemiologically unrelated strains isolated from cases of pig meningitis or pneumonia and 5 strains isolated from cases of human meningitis in order to compare genomic fingerprinting and serotyping as epidemiological tools . Heterogeneity was found among fingerprints of serologically identical isolates, indicating genetic diversity within some serotypes . DNA fingerprints of some serotype 2 strains from different sources appeared identical, suggesting a clonal relationship among strains of this serotype . The data suggest that this technique represents an important tool for examining the natural history of disease caused by S . suis.

Blood, 1990 Nov 1, 76(9), 1788 - 94
Seven-day administration of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor to newborn rats: modulation of neonatal neutrophilia, myelopoiesis, and group B Streptococcus sepsis; Cairo MS et al.; Single-pulse administration of rhG-colony-stimulating factor (CSF) to neonatal rats was previously demonstrated to induce peripheral neutrophilia and modulate bone marrow (BM) neutrophil storage and proliferative pools (NSP + NPP) . In this study, we investigated the prolonged effects of 7 days of rhG-CSF therapy (5 micrograms/kg/per day) . Sprague-Dawley newborn rats (less than or equal to 24 hours) were injected intraperitoneally (IP) (daily for 7 days) with rhG-CSF or phosphate-buffered saline/human serum albumin (PBS/HSA) . RhG-CSF induced a significant early and late peripheral neutrophilia: 6,905 +/- 1,625 (day 1) and 9,223 +/- 515 microL (day 7) v 1,275 +/- 90/microL (P less than or equal to .0001) . In addition, 7 days of rhG-CSF resulted in a significant increase in the BM NSP: 3,247 +/- 190/microL v 1,677 +/- 339/microL (P less than or equal to .001) . There was, however, no depletion or significant change in the BM NPP . Seven days of rhG-CSF also induced a mild increase in BM CFU-GM colony formation (P less than or equal to .01) . There was, however, no significant change in liver/spleen CFU-GM colonies or in the CFU-GM proliferative rate in either the BM or liver/spleen cultures . Finally, 7 days of prophylactic rhG-CSF therapy resulted in a synergistic response with antibiotic therapy and significantly modulated the mortality rate during experimental group B streptococcal sepsis (GBS) (100% v 50%) (GvsC) (P less than or equal to .001) . Pulse rhG-CSF administered at 6 hours or 18 hours after GBS inoculation, however, failed to act synergistically with antibiotics to improve survival or prevent peripheral neutropenia . This study suggests that 7 days of prophylactic rhG-CSF therapy induces peripheral neutrophilia, myeloid maturation, increases neutrophil BM reserves and also may provide immunologic enhancement of neonatal host defense during experimental GBS in term neonatal rats.

Carbohydr Res, 1990 Oct 25, 207(2), 237 - 48
Synthesis of structural elements of the capsular polysaccharides of Streptococcus pneumoniae types 6A and 6B; Slaghek TM et al.; O-alpha-d-Glucopyranosyl-(1----3)-alpha, beta-L-rhamnopyranose (15), O-alpha-D-galactopyranosyl-(1----3)-O-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-(1----3)-al pha, beta-L-rhamnopyranose (17), O-alpha-D-galactopyranosyl-(1----3)-O-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-(1----3)- O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1----3)-D-ribitol (23), and O-alpha-D-galactopyranosyl-(1----3)-O-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-(1----3)- O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1----4)-D-ribitol (27), which are structural elements of the capsular polysaccharides of Streptococcus pneumoniae types 6A and 6B ({----2)-alpha-D-Galp-(1----3)-alpha-D-Glcp-(1----3)-alpha-L-Rhap- (1----X)- D-Rib-ol-(5-P----}n; 6A X = 3, 6B X = 4), have been synthesised . Ethyl 3-O-allyl-2,4,6-tri-O-benzyl-1-thio-beta-D-glucopyranoside (3) was coupled with benzyl 2,4-di-O-benzyl-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside (4), and subsequent deallylation (----14) and debenzylation gave 15 . Condensation of 14 with ethyl 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-benzyl-1-thio-beta-D-galactopyranoside (2) followed by debenzylation gave 17 . Acetylation of 17 followed by removal of AcO-1, conversion into the imidate, coupling with 1,2,4,5-tetra-O-benzyl-D-ribitol (11), deacetylation, and debenzylation gave 23 . Coupling of the imidate with 1-O-allyloxycarbonyl-2,3,5-tri-O-benzyl-D-ribitol (12) followed by deallyloxycarbonylation, deacetylation, and debenzylation yielded 27.

Infect Immun, 1990 Oct, 58(10), 3407 - 14
An investigation into the mechanism of protection by local passive immunization with monoclonal antibodies against Streptococcus mutans; Ma JK et al.; Local oral passive immunization with Streptococcus mutans-specific monoclonal antibody (MAb) (Guy's 13) prevented recolonization by indigenous S . mutans in human volunteers who had first been treated with a conventional antibacterial agent (chlorhexidine) . The F(ab')2 fragment of the MAb was as protective as the intact immunoglobulin G, but the Fab fragment of the molecule failed to prevent recolonization of S . mutans . In subjects receiving the MAb Fab fragment, S . mutans levels in dental plaque and saliva reappeared at a similar rate to that found in sham-immunized subjects who received either saline or a nonprotective MAb . In vitro, MAb had no bacteriostatic or bacteriocidal effect on S . mutans . However, S . mutans grown in the presence of either intact immunoglobulin G MAb or the F(ab')2 fragment formed very long chains, which resulted in clumping of the cells . S . mutans grown with either saline or the MAb Fab fragment formed significantly shorter chains, more characteristic of streptococcal growth in liquid media . The results suggest that the two binding sites of the MAb molecule may be an essential feature for preventing streptococcal colonization but that the ability to bind to phagocytes and activate complement which resides in the Fc fragment is not essential . Protection against colonization by S . mutans lasting up to 2 years was observed in immunized subjects, although MAb was applied over a period of only 3 weeks . Furthermore, functional MAb was detected up to 3 days following application of MAb to the teeth . The long-term protection could not be accounted for by a persistence of MAb on the tooth surface, and we have suggested that it may be due to a shift in the balance of the oral flora which discouraged recolonization by S . mutans . However, examination of the proportions of Streptococcus sanguis and veillonella species in the recolonization experiments failed to reveal a significant change in the proportions of either organism, which returned to approximately the preexperimental levels in both the immunized and control groups . These findings confirm the in vivo functional specificity of the MAb to S . mutans but are not consistent with the suggestion that S . sanguis or veillonella take over the niche vacated by S . mutans, unless the shift in the proportion of these organisms cannot be detected by the method used.

J Virol, 1990 Oct, 64(10), 5149 - 55
Temperate bacteriophages of Streptococcus pneumoniae that contain protein covalently linked to the 5' ends of their DNA; Romero A et al.; We have characterized three temperate bacteriophages of pneumococcus (HB-3, HB-623, and HB-746) . Although all the phages belong to the same family, the polypeptide composition of the virions and the DNA restriction endonuclease analysis of their DNAs revealed differences among the three phages . The genomes of these bacteriophages have been isolated as DNA-protein complexes . The protein is specifically associated with the two 5' termini of the DNA as shown by experiments carried out with exonucleases . The protein bound to the DNA in the three phages studied, iodinated in vitro with 125I, has a molecular weight of 23,000 as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis . Treatment of the complexes with chaotropic agents suggested that the protein is covalently bound to the 5' termini of the DNA . Comparative pulsed-field gel electrophoresis analysis and Southern hybridization of the SmaI restriction fragments of DNAs from one lysogenic bacteria and its parental strain revealed that the prophage genome was integrated in the host chromosome.

J Dairy Sci, 1990 Oct, 73(10), 2774 - 84
Effects of novel intramammary device models on incidence of mastitis after experimental challenge; Nickerson SC et al.; First-calf heifers were fitted with five different intramammary device models prior to, or within 2 mo after parturition . Each model represented an increase in the weight of the device to be supported by the epithelial cells of the gland cistern . Each model was tested in four animals by placing devices in two quarters while remaining quarters served as controls . Foremilk and stripping quarter secretion samples were collected prior to device placement and weekly thereafter and analyzed for total and differential cell counts, bacteriologic status, and NAGase activity . During the prebacterial challenge treatment period, foremilk and stripping SCC as well as percentage of neutrophils and NAGase activity in most device-fitted quarters remained significantly elevated over controls . Frequency of naturally occurring intramammary infection during the prechallenge period was lowest in quarters fitted with Models 2, 4, and 5 . Frequency of infection with coagulase-negative staphylococci also tended to be lower in quarters fitted with Models 2, 4, and 5 . Approximately 4 mo after device placement, all quarters were challenged by intracisternal inoculation with about 565 cfu Streptococcus uberis . Results across all models combined showed that although mean foremilk and striping SCC and percentage of neutrophils were significantly elevated in device-fitted quarters immediately prior to bacterial challenge, only Model 4 showed a protective effect . Several models were superior to others in elevating SCC and percentage of neutrophils, but no differences in susceptibility to Strep . uberis infection were observed among models based on these cytological characteristics.

FEMS Microbiol Lett, 1990 Oct, 60(1-2), 75 - 8
Duplication of the streptokinase gene in the chromosome of Streptococcus equisimilis H46A; Muller J et al.; The erythromycin resistance plasmid pSM752 carrying the cloned streptokinase gene, skc, was introduced by protoplast transformation into Streptococcus equisimilis H46A from which skc was originally cloned . Cells transiently supporting the replication of pSM752 gave rise to an erythromycin-resistant clone designated H46SM which was plasmid free and produced streptokinase at levels approximately twice as high as the wild type . Southern hybridization of total cell DNA with an skc-containing probe provided evidence for the duplication of the skc gene in the H46SM chromosome . The results, which have some bearing on industrial streptokinase production, can be best explained by a single cross-over event between the chromosome and the plasmid in the region of shared homology leading to the integration of pSM752 in a Campbell-like manner.

Vet Immunol Immunopathol, 1990 Oct, 26(2), 203 - 8
Effect of milk or colostrum on phagocytosis of glass- or plastic-adherent Streptococcus agalactiae by bovine granulocytes; Rainard P; In the presence of milk, bovine polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) assumed a polarized shape, a feature of motile cells, and their adherence to plastic was augmented . Milk enhanced the phagocytosis of glass- or plastic-adherent Streptococcus agalactiae . In contrast, PMN were not stimulated by colostrum.

Kansenshogaku Zasshi, 1990 Oct, 64(10), 1295 - 304
{Asporogenic anaerobic empyema--clinical and bacteriological investigations of 31 patients with anaerobic empyema}; Takahashi M et al.; The author reviewed the records of 31 patients with asporogenic anaerobic empyema mostly seen in the wards of Internal Medicine, Juntendo University Hospital during the 27 years between 1961 and 1988, and obtained the following results . 1 . There were 25 males and 8 females with an average age of 57.8 and 51.0 y/o (range, 25 to 79 y/o), respectively males more than forty years old occupied 74.2 percent of all cases . 28 patients (90%) had underlying conditions . 2 . The cases of mixed infections with anaerobes and aerobes were only 22.6% . 3 . The isolated bacteria were microaerophilic streptococcus, Bacteroides spp., Peptostreptococcus spp., Fusobacterium spp . etc . in this order . 4 . There were no relationships between anaerobic infections with or without aerobes and putrid odor of pleural effusion . 5 . Bacteroides spp . were isolated most in the group with putrid pleural effusion, however, they were not isolated in the group without putrid pleural effusion at all . This fact suggests that there is an intimate relationship between putrid odor and Bacteroides spp . 6 . There was no deceased case which pleural effusion had been drained sufficiently with open or closed drainage . It suggests that sufficient drainage is the most important in therapeutic procedures of asporogenic anaerobic empyema.

J Antimicrob Chemother, 1990 Oct, 26 Suppl B, 111 - 6
Comparison of pefloxacin with ceftazidime in severe bronchopulmonary infections; Vanderdonckt J; In a prospective open randomized multicentre trial pefloxacin (400 mg twice daily, orally) or ceftazidime (2 g twice daily iv) were given to 82 and 88 patients, respectively, with serious bronchopulmonary infection, defined as: infection occurring in high risk patients, or infection that had failed to respond to previous antimicrobials, or infection by a multiresistant pathogen . An additional nitroimidazole was allowed if the culture demonstrated the presence of anaerobes considered pathogenic . Efficacy analysis was possible in 139 patients, 70 in the ceftazidime group, 69 in the pefloxacin group . In the efficacy population, 93 bacterial strains were isolated in the pefloxacin group and 89 in the ceftazidime group . There were more Streptococcus spp . in the ceftazidime group (21) than in the pefloxacin group (14) (P = 0.06) . A successful clinical response was observed in 45 patients give pefloxacin (65.2%) and 51 patients given ceftazidime (72.9%) . The difference was not statistically significant . There were two relapses with pefloxacin and six with ceftazidime . In the pefloxacin group 86 pathogens (91%) and in the ceftazidime group 78 pathogens (88%) were eradicated . There were 18 and 13 adverse reactions with ceftazidime and pefloxacin, respectively . In this study, pefloxacin was as effective and as safe as ceftazidime in the treatment of severe bronchopulmonary infections.

J Rheumatol, 1990 Oct, 17(10), 1421 - 3
Septic Streptococcus milleri spondylodiscitis; Meyes E et al.; We describe 2 patients presenting lumbar spondylitis due to Streptococcus milleri . In both cases origin was related to preexistent intestinal pathology . Surgical drainage of a collection of pus was necessary in one case . Longterm antibiotic therapy led to full recovery . Despite confused nomenclature Streptococcus milleri must be considered a serious pathogen mainly associated with purulent infection with osteoarticular affinity.

Hepatogastroenterology, 1990 Oct, 37(5), 498 - 502
Intraperitoneal administration of the biological response modifier OK-432 and peritoneal recurrence following gastrectomy; Tsujitani S et al.; In patients with gastric cancer invading the serosa, there is often peritoneal dissemination . In an attempt to control such peritoneal recurrences, OK-432, a compound composed of penicillin G-treated, attenuated Streptococcus pyogens of human origin, was administered intraperitoneally at the time of gastrectomy . The non-specific antitumor activity of the peritoneal macrophages was investigated for its cytostatic activity against the cultured human lung cancer cell line, QG-90 . OK-432 given intraperitoneally significantly increased the number of the peritoneal macrophages (p less than 0.05), and also enhanced the cytostatic activity (p less than 0.01) . On the basis of these findings, OK-432 IP after gastrectomy was given to 13 of 68 patients with gastric cancer invading the serosa and who underwent curative resection . The five-year survival rate of patients given the drug was 63.5%, while the rate was 52.9% in those not given the drug . OK-432 IP seemed to be effective when lymph node involvement was nil or limited to around the area of the stomach . The peritoneal recurrence rate was, however, not affected by OK-432 IP . Elevation of body temperature and some dehydration were the only observed side effects of OK-432 . In attempts to control peritoneal recurrences in patients with gastric cancer invading the serosa, randomized controlled trials on OK-432 IP are now being designed.

Wei Sheng Wu Xue Bao, 1990 Oct, 30(5), 389 - 92
{Establishment of standard strains of serotypes (groups) of Streptococcus pneumoniae in China}; Zhang L et al.; Streptococcus pneumoniae is an important human pathogen which is responsible for life-threatening infections such as pneumonia, bacteremia and meningitis as well as for less severe but highly prevalent diseases such as otitis media and sinusitis . The number of serogroups (types) of Streptococcus pneumoniae found in the world is total 46 groups or 83 types according to typing system of Statens Serum Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark . The standard strains established in our lab of 42 groups or 67 types distributed in 17 different regions in China . The significance of this study is that two of the new serotypes (10C, 16A) are first reported in the literature in which the microbes were the agents causing pneumococcal infections . Our standard strains also include some serotypes on rare occasions such as 19C and 22A and 33C which have been found only in Asia . Our findings not only increase the total number of known types of pneumococci from 83 to 85, but also indicate that China has made progress in the field of pneumococcal research . It is the first time to report establishing a series of standard strains of pneumococci involving many serotypes (groups) in China . The work is necessary as a preliminary for pneumococcal disease prevention and treatment . The standard strains listed here with providing the resource of strain and scientific basis for developing vaccine and biological products.

Inflammation, 1990 Oct, 14(5), 561 - 9
Characterization of leukocyte chemotactic activity of bacteriocin from Streptococcus mutans Rm-10; Tsukamoto Y et al.; Bacteriocins have several biological activities in addition to their antibacterial effect . We investigated the chemotactic properties and mode of action of purified streptococcal bacteriocin . Bacteriocin purified from a culture supernatant of Streptococcus mutans (S . mutans) Rm-10 induced chemotaxis of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes and monocytes . Following purification, leukocyte migration appeared in one bacteriocin fraction, and this migration was dependent on the concentration gradient in dilution ranges from 1/960 to 1/15 . Chemotactic activity of the bacteriocin was heat labile and trypsin sensitive . Moreover, preincubation of bacteriocin with varying dilutions of its antiserum prepared in rabbits resulted in a significant loss of the chemotactic activity.

Compr Ther, 1990 Oct, 16(10), 59 - 65
Causes, diagnosis, and treatment of pharyngitis; Huovinen P; Pharyngitis is a common disease of the respiratory tract that can be caused by several different viruses and bacterial organisms . Clinically speaking, the most important causative agent is group A streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes) . Although rare, postpharyngitis complications arise as a result of disease caused almost exclusively by group A streptococcus . Because group A streptococcal pharyngitis usually responds well to antimicrobial treatment, it is important to diagnose it . Penicillin, erythromycin, and peroral first-generation cephalosporins have been documented to be effective . In addition to group A streptococcus, C . pneumoniae and M . pneumoniae have also been detected in patients with pharyngitis . The possibility of diagnosing these organisms is limited at the present . Clinical surveys are still needed, moreover, to evaluate the effect of antimicrobial treatment on the disease caused by these organisms . Although routine viral diagnostic methods do not help primary care physicians in treating patients with pharyngitis, information on bacteria and viruses in the immediate environment could prove to be of great help in daily clinical work.

J Ky Med Assoc, 1990 Oct, 88(10), 545 - 6
Group C streptococcal meningitis with favorable recovery . A case report; Cheeseman M et al.; Group C beta-hemolytic Streptococcus, though an uncommon cause of meningitis in adults, often leads to the demise of the patient or a prolonged hospital course, usually with residual neurologic impairment . We report a case of group C streptococcal meningitis in a previously healthy young adult, with rapid and complete recovery following early initiation of IV penicillin therapy.

J Clin Microbiol, 1990 Oct, 28(10), 2191 - 5
Monoclonal antibody recognizing a species-specific protein from Streptococcus pneumoniae; Russell H et al.; Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against a nonencapsulated strain (R36A) of Streptococcus pneumoniae were produced to aid in a search for antigens common to this species . By Western immunoblot analysis, a species-specific 37-kilodalton (kDa) protein was found in lysates of 24 different encapsulated strains of S . pneumoniae . Monoclonal antibodies against the 37-kDa antigen did not react with 55 heterologous strains representing 19 genera and 36 species of bacteria that can also cause acute lower respiratory tract disease . Immunogold staining suggests that the antigen is synthesized inside the pneumococcal cell . However, MAbs to the 37-kDa antigen bound whole cells in the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and the indirect immunofluorescence assay . Antibody-binding epitopes of the antigen are probably exposed on the outer surface of the pneumococcus cell wall . The effectiveness of the 37-kDa antigen as a useful diagnostic marker is under study.

J Infect Dis, 1990 Oct, 162(4), 883 - 7
Prevalence of anti-group B streptococcal type III capsular IgG antibodies in the United Kingdom and an analysis of their specific IgG subclasses; Feldman RG et al.; Neonatal infection due to group B streptococcus (GBS) has a higher incidence in the USA than in the United Kingdom . A British population was investigated to ascertain the proportion of women who have protective anti-GBS type III IgG levels . Thirty-one (34%) of 90 pregnant women, 10 (43%) of 23 nonpregnant women, and 5 (50%) of 10 mothers of healthy colonized infants had anti-type III IgG greater than or equal to 2 micrograms/ml . Of 19 mothers who had infants infected with GBS type III, 17 (89%) had low specific IgG levels; of the other 2, the infants themselves had low IgG levels . The proportion of women in the UK with protective antibody levels is higher than in the USA . Sera (12) were assayed for anti-type III IgG isotypes; all contained IgG2, 6 had detectable IgG1, and 1 had IgG4.

Gastroenterology, 1990 Oct, 99(4), 1149 - 52
A double-blind, controlled trial of bioflorin (Streptococcus faecium SF68) in adults with acute diarrhea due to Vibrio cholerae and enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli; Mitra AK et al.; The therapeutic efficacy of Bioflorin (Streptococcus faecium SF68; Gipharmex, Milan, Italy) in acute watery diarrhea was evaluated in 183 Bangladeshi adults . Vibrio cholerae organisms were isolated from stool cultures in 114 patients, and enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli organisms were isolated in 41 . In addition to IV rehydration, patients were randomly assigned to receive either capsules of Bioflorin containing 1 X 10(9) of live SF68 or capsules of placebo containing killed SF68 once every 8 hours for 3 days . No other drugs were allowed during this period . Bioflorin was well tolerated . It is concluded that Bioflorin has no demonstrable antidiarrheal property in adults with acute diarrhea due to V . cholerae or enterotoxigenic E . coli infection.

Am J Med, 1990 Oct, 89(4), 441 - 6
Streptococcus mitis sepsis in bone marrow transplant patients receiving oral antimicrobial prophylaxis; Classen DC et al.; PURPOSE: Streptococcal infection has increasingly become a problem in neutropenic patients . We report on an outbreak of Streptococcus mitis sepsis in six bone marrow transplant patients receiving oral antimicrobial prophylaxis . PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed an epidemiologic study of all patients in our bone marrow transplant program from 1986 to 1988 . The hospital and microbiology records for all patients were reviewed . All bone marrow patients were treated according to specified protocols, including an oral prophylactic antimicrobial regimen that was changed in late 1987 from vancomycin/polymyxin/tobramycin to norfloxacin . Identification, susceptibility testing, and whole cell protein analysis of streptococcal isolates were performed at the Reference and Antimicrobial Investigations Laboratories at the Centers for Disease Control . RESULTS: We detected six cases of S . mitis sepsis among 21 patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation . No other concurrent pathogen was isolated from any patient at the time of the S . mitis bacteremia . Bacteremia developed within 72 hours of transplant in five of six patients and was associated with severe mucositis in four patients . An environmental study failed to reveal any common source for the outbreak, and whole cell protein analysis of all six S . mitis isolates revealed each to be distinct . Of 12 patients receiving oral vancomycin/polymyxin/tobramycin, one developed S . mitis bacteremia, versus five of nine patients receiving norfloxacin (p less than 0.03) . CONCLUSION: We believe S . mitis bacteremia is a potential complication of bone marrow transplantation and is associated with antimicrobial prophylaxis with norfloxacin, especially in the setting of mucositis.

J Gen Microbiol, 1990 Oct, 136 ( Pt 10), 2099 - 105
Nucleotide sequence of the Streptococcus mutans gtfD gene encoding the glucosyltransferase-S enzyme; Honda O et al.; The nucleotide sequence of the Streptococcus mutans GS-5 gtfD gene coding for the glucosyltransferase which synthesizes water-soluble glucan (GTF-S) has been determined . The complete gene contains 4293 base pairs and the unprocessed protein is composed of 1430 amino acids with a molecular mass of 159814 Da . The amino terminus of the unprocessed protein resembles the signal sequences of other extracellular proteins secreted by S . mutans and that of the GTF-I secreted by Streptococcus downei . In addition, the GTF-S protein exhibits high amino acid similarity with the strain GS-5 enzymes responsible for insoluble glucan synthesis (GTF-I, GTF-SI) previously isolated and sequenced in this laboratory . These results indicate that all three gtf genes evolved from a common ancestral gene.

Infect Immun, 1990 Oct, 58(10), 3462 - 4
Linkage of sucrose-metabolizing genes in Streptococcus mutans; Perry D et al.; Antibiotic resistance markers inserted adjacent to different cloned genes from Streptococcus mutans were used to determine the relative positions of these genes on the chromosome . The results showed that these genes, fru-1 and gbp, are closely linked to the gtfA-ftf-scrB cluster . However, gtfD was linked neither to this cluster nor to gtfB-gtfC.

Shigaku, 1990 Oct, 78(3), 527 - 52
{Studies on suppurative lesion and bone distribution of peroral antimicrobial agents (LAPC and TFLX) to experimental infected rabbits}; Tanaka M et al.; The models of infection in the rabbits mandible using Streptococcus milleri and Bacteroides fragilis by the method of Satoh-Heimdahl were prepared . A penicillic peroral antimicrobial agent, lenamipicillin (LAPC), and pyridone carboxylic acid peroral antimicrobial agent, tosufloxacin tosilate (TFLX), were administered to infected and healthy groups . Drug concentrations in the serum, pus, mandible, maxilla, humerus, sternum, costa, ilium, femur, tibia, liver, and kidney were determined by a biological method . The data were submitted to pharmacodynamic analysis and compared . The following results were obtained . The concentration of LAPC in the serum and various bone tissues was 1.2-6.4 times higher in the infected group than in the healthy group . The concentration of TFLX in the serum and bone tissues was 1.1-3.7 times higher in the infected group than in the healthy group . Moreover, concentrations in the liver 1.1-fold and 2.1-fold higher in the infectious group than in the healthy group in the LAPC and TFLX administration groups, respectively, and 1.1-fold and 1.3-fold higher in the kidney in the LAPC and TFLX groups, respectively . Both LAPC and TFLX diffused to the pus more satisfactorily than to the serum . The Cmax ratios of pus to infected serum were 1.48 and 1.81 for LAPC and TFLX, respectively, and the AUC ratios of pus to infected serum were 1.31 and 1.62 in LAPC and TFLX, respectively . These results indicated that both LAPC and TFLX are distributed satisfactorily to the local foci in the mandible, and that their systemic diffusion exerted immediate clinical effects.

Zentralbl Bakteriol, 1990 Oct, 274(1), 40 - 9
Immunochemical characterization of type i carbohydrate antigen of "Streptococcus milleri" (Streptococcus anginosus); Konagawa R et al.; Type-specific carbohydrate antigen of the serotype i "Streptococcus milleri" was extracted with trichloroacetic acid from purified cell walls of the type strain K39K . The extracts were then purified by chromatography on DEAE-Sephadex A-25 and Sephadex G-100 columns . The purified serotype i carbohydrate antigen produced a single precipitin band against its homologous type-specific antiserum, which fused with the band produced by the autoclaved extract of the type strain cells . The serotype i antigen was a polysaccharide composed of rhamnose, galactose and glucose in a molar ratio of 1.6:6.8:1.0 . The quantitative precipitin inhibition test with various haptenic sugars showed that galactose as well as lactose produced the greatest inhibition, which suggested that a galactose in terminal beta linkage is the immunodeterminant of the serotype i-specific antigen . Galactose was detected in the autoclaved extracts from cells of all the 15 serotype i strains tested.

CLAO J, 1990 Oct-Dec, 16(4), 294 - 8
Ultraviolet radiation for the sterilization of contact lenses; Gritz DC et al.; Two sources of ultraviolet (UV) radiation with peak wavelengths in the UV-C or UV-B ranges were compared for their ability to sterilize contact lenses infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Acanthamoeba castellani, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus niger . Also examined was the effect of prolonged UV light exposure on soft and rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses . The UV-C lamp (253.7 nm, 250 mW/cm2 at 1 cm) was germicidal for all organisms within 20 minutes but caused destruction of the soft lens polymers within 6 hours of cumulative exposure . UV-C caused damage to RGP lenses in less than 100 hours . The UV-B lamp (290-310 nm, 500 mW/cm2 at 1 cm) was germicidal for all organisms tested (except Aspergillus) with a 180-minute exposure and caused less severe changes in the soft lens polymers than did the UV-C lamp, although cumulative exposure of 300 hours did substantially weaken the soft lens material . RGP materials were minimally affected by exposure to 300 hours of UV-B . Ultraviolet light is an effective germicidal agent but is injurious to soft lens polymers; its possible utility in the sterilization of RGP lenses and lens cases deserves further study.

APMIS, 1990 Oct, 98(10), 896 - 900
Cytological and bacteriological aspects of secretory otitis media; Olling S et al.; Bacteriological and cytological examinations were performed on 105 middle ear secretions from 66 children with middle ear effusion (MEE) of more than 3 months' duration . The secretions were searched for granulocytes and the activity of these cells was judged by their capacity for random locomotion and their ability to reduce nitroblue tetrazolium . The functional characteristics of the granulocytes were compared with the bacteriological findings on cultures from MEE . Bacteria commonly regarded as pathogens in middle ear infections (Hemophilus influenzae, Branhamella catarrhalis or Streptococcus pneumoniae) were found in 25% of the secretions . Granulocytes with activity or lacking activity, virtually dead, were found in all secretions where these bacteria were isolated . In secretions where bacteria commonly regarded as commensals, mainly staphylococci, were isolated, about two thirds of the secretions showed phagocytes with or without activity . No relation between bacterial growth and the functional state of the granulocytes was observed . In contrast, no phagocytes were found in over 60% of MEE lacking bacterial growth . These findings suggest a role for bacteria in the development and maintenance of secretory otitis media.

Rev Saude Publica, 1990 Oct, 24(5), 348 - 60
{The epidemiology of meningitis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae in a metropolitan area, Brazil, 1960-1977}; de Moraes JC et al.; The epidemiology of meningitis caused by S . pneumoniae in the city of S . Paulo, Brazil, during the period 1960-77 is analysed . Data were obtained directly from the patients' records and registered on a pre-coded form . Cases of S . pneumoniae meningitis were confirmed by gram stain and/or culture of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) . During the period 1960-77, there was confirmation of 1,965 cases of S . pneumoniae meningitis, giving an average rate of 1.9 per 100,000 inhabitants . Children of less than 5 years of age accounted for 52% of cases and 39% were less than 1 year old . The average rates for children below 1 year of age were 37 and 30 per 100,000 inhabitants, respectively, for the periods 1960-69 and 1970-77 . The rate of incidence for the peripheral zone--2.2 per 100,000 inhabitants--was practically double the rate for the central area--1.2 per 100,000 inhabitants--in the 1960's . The age standardized rates were 1.6, 1.5 and 2.0 for central, intermediate, and peripheral zones, respectively . In the 1970's these rates were 1.4, 1.5 and 2.0 . The average case fatality rate for the period was 47% which was inversely proportional to the number of CSF leucocytes at first examination . For children less than year old, the case fatality rate was 60% for the same period.

Oral Microbiol Immunol, 1990 Oct, 5(5), 280 - 7
Maintenance of proton motive force by Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus during growth in continuous culture; Hamilton IR; The components of the transmembrane electrochemical proton gradient, or proton motive force (PMF, delta p), were determined in cells of Streptococcus mutans Ingbritt and Streptococcus sobrinus ATCC 27352 growing in continuous culture under conditions of changing glucose concentration, growth rate and growth pH . The pH gradient (delta pH) and membrane electrical potential (delta psi) were assayed with the weak acid, salicyclic acid, and the lipophilic cation, methyltriphenylphosphonium iodide, respectively . S . mutans Ingbritt growing in continuous culture (pH 7.0, dilution rate (D) = 0.1 h-1) at 8 glucose concentrations ranging from 2.8 to 288 mM maintained a relatively constant delta p of 58.3 mV (SD +/- 5.8) in spite of a transition from glucose to nitrogen-limited growth and significant changes in cell physiology . Changes included a decreasing yield constant, increasing glucose uptake rates in the chemostat, repression of Ellglc of the PEP phosphotransferase sugar transport system and decreasing glycolytic capacity of the cells as the medium glucose concentration increased . Changes in the dilution or growth rate of S . mutans Ingbritt from 0.1 to 1.0 h-1 and S . sobrinus from 0.1 to 0.8 h-1, when growing at pH 7.0 with limited glucose and lactose, respectively, resulted in significantly lower delta p values due to the dissipation of the delta psi . When the cells of S . mutans Ingbritt were grown with excess glucose (nitrogen limitation), lower delta p values were observed at pH 5.5, but not at pH 7.0.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Microb Pathog, 1990 Oct, 9(4), 275 - 84
The effect of Streptococcus pneumoniae pneumolysin on human respiratory epithelium in vitro; Feldman C et al.; Streptococcus pneumoniae culture filtrates and pneumolysin both slow human ciliary beating and damage respiratory epithelium in vitro . A polyclonal pneumolysin antibody bound to sepharose beads removed pneumolysin from culture filtrates and showed that pneumolysin alone was responsible for the effects on epithelium . In a 48-h organ culture pneumolysin caused ciliary slowing and epithelial disruption in a dose-dependent manner down to 5 ng/ml . Comparison of the ciliary slowing activity and pneumolysin concentration in filtrates in a continuous broth culture showed a maximal effect at 16 h (pneumolysin 7.5 micrograms/ml) . Later the activity decreased while the pneumolysin concentration increased (8.8 micrograms/ml) . This loss of activity was prevented by neutralisation of the acid pH of the culture medium . Eight different culture filtrates produced significant (P less than 0.05) ciliary slowing which correlated (r = 0.95) with simultaneously measured haemolytic (pneumolysin) activity . Substitution of tryptophan (position 433) by phenylalanine reduced the haemolytic and ciliary slowing activity of pneumolysin, but did not affect its ability to activate complement . There was no correlation between the ciliary slowing produced by the culture filtrate and that produced by the autolysate of a particular strain, nor between ciliary slowing and the extent of autolysis or the serotype of the strain.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1990 Oct, (10), 24 - 9
{The effect of sodium nucleinate on the population characteristics of Streptococcus groups A and C}; Khodyrev AP et al.; The influence of sodium nucleinate on the growth kinetics, streptokinase activity and virulence of streptococcal populations, groups A and C, was studied . As revealed in these studies, the kinetics of the growth of the populations of both strains in the exponential phase did not depend on the concentration of sodium nucleinate in the culture medium . Measurements made on hours 15, 20 and 24 of growth showed the presence of close, direct and statistically significant correlation between the content of biomass, as well as streptokinase activity and specific streptokinase activity, and the concentration of sodium nucleinate in the culture medium . On the basis of the calculation of the coefficients of determination, the main part (70-96%) of the total dispersion of each of the above-mentioned characteristics dispersion of each of the above-mentioned characteristics could be attributed to variations in the concentration of sodium nucleinate . Five passages of faintly virulent streptococcal strains, groups A and C, were not accompanied by a rise in their virulence.

Aust Dent J, 1990 Oct, 35(5), 468 - 71
Utilization of nitrogenous compounds by oral bacteria; Rogers AH; In terms of the crucial acid-base balance in dental plaque, the bacterial catabolism of nitrogenous compounds, such as peptides and amino acids, is of importance because the end-products can raise plaque pH . Of particular significance is the fermentation of arginine by bacteria such as Streptococcus sanguis, a numerically important plaque organism . Aspects of the uptake of this amino acid were studied and it was also shown the organism can obtain arginine from small peptides, since it possesses cell-associated exo-peptidases . Furthermore, it could grow in media containing whole protein (casein), or one of its fractions, as the sole source of organic nitrogen . The studies thus showed that S . sanguis is well equipped, in terms of endo- and exo-peptidase activities, to obtain the metabolically important arginine from whole protein . It is suggested that knowledge of this type should lead to a better understanding of overall plaque metabolism--of relevance to both cariogenic and periodontopathic plaques.

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 1990 Oct, 87(20), 8125 - 9
Chimeric phage-bacterial enzymes: a clue to the modular evolution of genes; Diaz E et al.; Pneumococcal peptidoglycan amidase (N-acetylmuramoyl-L-alanine amidase, EC 3.5.1.28) and phage CPL1 lysozyme degrade a common substrate (choline-containing pneumococcal cell walls); the former hydrolyzes the bond between muramic acid and alanine, whereas the latter breaks down the linkage between muramic acid and glucosamine . The amino acid sequences of their C-terminal domains are homologous . Chimeric genes were constructed by site-directed mutagenesis: a unique SnaBI restriction site in the cpl1 gene, coding for the phage lysozyme, was introduced at a location equivalent to the SnaBI site present in the lytA gene, which codes for the pneumococcal amidase . The resulting genes expressed lytic activities at levels similar to those of the parental genes . The gene products, which have been purified to electrophoretical homogeneity, exhibited unusual combined biochemical properties--e.g., by exchange of protein domains, we have switched the regulatory properties of these enzymes without altering their catalytic activities . Chimeric gene construction in Streptococcus pneumoniae and its bacteriophages is an excellent model to study the modular organization of genes and proteins and to help to establish evolutionary relationships between phage and bacteria . These constructions provide an experimental approach to the molecular processes involved in cassette recruitment during evolution and contribute support to the concept of bacteria as adaptable chimeras.

Microbiologica, 1990 Oct, 13(4), 273 - 81
Conjugative mobilization of the cloned M6 protein gene from Streptococcus pneumoniae to Streptococcus pyogenes; Oggioni MR et al.; The host-vector system omega 6001-pDP36 was used to transfer the M6 protein gene (emm-6.1) of Streptococcus pyogenes to other S . pyogenes strains, isogenic and nonisogenic to D471, the strain from which emm-6.1 was originally cloned . The first step was to subclone emm-6.1 into the insertion vector pDP36 . The resulting plasmid, pRMB20, was used as donor in transformation to insert emm-6.1 into the conjugative transposon omega 6001 . Streptococcus pneumoniae DP1322, carrying omega 6001 integrated into the chromosome, was the recipient in the transformation experiment . omega 6001 containing emm-6.1 was then transferred by conjugation from S . pneumoniae to the chromosomes of M+ and M- S . pyogenes strains . S . pyogenes transconjugants contained one intact copy of emm-6.1 integrated into the chromosome, but no expression of M6 protein could be detected by Western blot analysis . We found no evidence of the positive transacting regulation of emm gene expression postulated by other authors . In fact, the cloned emm-6.1 was not expressed in three strains expressing their own M proteins (M5, M17 and a shorter M6) . In these partial diploids M protein genes were expressed only when present in the original chromosomal locus.

J Infect Dis, 1990 Oct, 162(4), 875 - 82
A new heart-cross-reactive antigen in Streptococcus pyogenes is not M protein; Barnett LA et al.; To identify tissue-cross-reactive antigens other than M protein in Streptococcus pyogenes, proteins of M-positive strains and an M-negative strain were probed in Western blots for reactivity with cross-reactive streptococcal monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) 36.2.2 and 54.2.8 . A protein(s) near a molecular mass of 60 kDa in extracts of five group A streptococcal serotypes and the M-negative strain reacted with the MAbs . A study of human antibody responses to purified membranes of S . pyogenes indicated a hyperreactivity to a 60-kDa protein in acute rheumatic fever . Since MAbs 36.2.2 and 54.2.8 are known to cross-react with myosin or actin and streptococcal M protein, the data suggest that a homology or conformation is shared between the 60-kDa antigen and M protein . Therefore, the 60-kDa antigen is a new heart- or tissue-cross-reactive antigen of S . pyogenes that shares immunologic epitopes with but is distinct from M protein.

Infect Immun, 1990 Oct, 58(10), 3293 - 9
Pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA) is serologically highly variable and is expressed by all clinically important capsular serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae; Crain MJ et al.; Pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA) has been shown previously to elicit antibodies protective against pneumococcal infection and to be necessary for full pneumococcal virulence in mice . The protein was originally defined by the two mouse monoclonal antibodies Xi64 and Xi126, which together recognized PspA on 14% of pneumococcal isolates . Some PspA molecules reacted with both antibodies, but most reacted with only one or the other . In the present study we demonstrated that PspA is produced by all pneumococci, confirming our hypothesis that there are variants of PspA which are not detected by Xi64 and Xi126 . We produced a rabbit antiserum and five additional monoclonal antibodies specific for PspA for these studies . The rabbit antiserum reacted with each of 95 pneumococcal isolated tested, comprising 16 capsular serotypes . One or more of the seven monoclonal anti-PspA antibodies reacted with 95% (53 of 57) of pneumococcal isolates tested . The specificity of the monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies to PspA was confirmed in two ways: (i) by detection of molecules on wild-type pneumococci that are identical in molecular weight to those detected in Western blots (immunoblots) with Xi64 and Xi126 and (ii) by the use of mutants of Streptococcus pneumoniae that fail to produce PspA or that produce a truncated form of PspA . By using the seven monoclonal antibodies, we observed 31 PspA types among the 57 isolates . When the 53 strains reactive with the monoclonal antibodies were analyzed by capsular type as well as by serologic type and molecular weight of PspA, we observed 50 different clonotypes of pneumococci.

Appl Microbiol Biotechnol, 1990 Oct, 34(1), 97 - 102
Peptide and amino acid transport in Streptococcus bovis; Westlake K et al.; In amino acid transport studies with Streptococcus bovis using 14C-labelled amino acids, it has been shown that between 87% and 95% of cell-associated radioactivity was located in the cytosol . In similar studies with unlabelled peptides, most test peptide associated with S . bovis was truly intracellular . Using sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, the proteolytic activity in S . bovis was found to be largely cell-associated and of the serine-protease type, but stimulated by dithiothreitol . A wide range of extracellular peptide hydrolysing activities was demonstrated against the pentapeptide Leu-Trp-Met-Arg-Phe, which was completely hydrolysed to eight products after 10 min incubation . Some of this pentapeptide was transported intact, indicating the existence of mechanisms for the transport of peptides up to 751 Da . In studies with Arg-Phe-Ala, only Phe (F) and Ala (A), and to a much lesser extent Phe-Ala (FA) were transported after extracellular hydrolysis to FA, Arg (R), F and A . In this case, amino acid transport was much more predominant than peptide transport . The extent and nature of peptide transport was affected by the addition of protease inhibitors.

Carbohydr Res, 1990 Sep 19, 205, 133 - 46
Synthesis of a tri- and a tetra-saccharide fragment of the capsular polysaccharide of type III group B Streptococcus; Pozsgay V et al.; Syntheses of the propyl glycosides (1-3) of beta-D-Galp-(1----4)-beta-D-GlcpNAc, beta-D-Glcp-(1----6)-{beta-D-Galp-(1----4)}-beta-D-GlcpNAc, and beta-D-Galp-(1----4)-beta-D-Glcp-(1----6)-{beta-D-Galp-(1----)}-beta-D- GlcpNAc, respectively, are reported . Reaction of allyl 2-acetamido-3-O-benzyl-2-deoxy-6-O-(4-methoxybenzyl)-beta-D-glucopyranos ide with 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-alpha-D-galactopyranosyl bromide under Hg(CN)2 catalysis, followed by oxidative removal of the 4-methoxybenzyl group, gave allyl 2-acetamido-3-O-benzyl-2-deoxy-4-O-(2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-beta-D- galactopyranosyl)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (10) O-deacetylation of which, followed by hydrogenolysis/hydrogenation, gave 1 . Reaction of 10 with beta-D-glucopyranose penta-acetate and beta-lactose octa-acetate, under catalysis by trimethylsilyl trifluoromethanesulfonate, and treatment of the products as for 10 gave 2 and 3, respectively . Attempted glycosylation of 10 with 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-beta-D-glucopyranosyl bromide under catalysis by Hg(CN)2 or silver trifluoromethanesulfonate gave an orthoester . Complete assignments of the 1H- and 13C-n.m.r . spectra of 1-3 are reported together with their carbon spin-lattice relaxation times which indicate that 3 assumes a compact instead of an extended shape.

FEMS Microbiol Lett, 1990 Sep 15, 59(3), 247 - 51
Enterococcus columbae, a species from pigeon intestines; Devriese LA et al.; Gram-positive cocci which dominate in the intestinal flora of domestic pigeons were found to constitute a new species of the genus Enterococcus . The strains were most closely related to Enterococcus cecorum, originally described as Streptococcus cecorum, a carboxyphilic species from chicken intestines, and to Enterococcus avium . The pigeon strains resemble E . cecorum and also many E . avium strains in their lack of group D antigen and in being more sensitive to NaCl than other enterococci . The type strain is strain STR 345 (= NCIMB 13013).

FEMS Microbiol Lett, 1990 Sep 15, 59(3), 315 - 8
Inhibition of the cooperative adhesion of Streptococcus sanguis to hydroxylapatite; Zhang XH et al.; The adhesion of Streptococcus sanguis to hydroxylapatite is a process involving several adhesins and receptors . Binding isotherms and Scatchard plots of the adhesion suggest that cooperative interactions occur at low cell densities . It was found that sulfolane, a hydrophobic-bond diluent, was capable of inhibiting the cooperative adhesion of S . sanguis to saliva-coated hydroxylapatite beads . Sodium thiocyanate, a chaotropic agent, inhibited not only cooperative adhesion, but also the adhesion thought to result from noncooperative interactions . It is suggested that strong chaotropic agents may not only inhibit adhesin-receptor complexes, but also may influence the secondary/tertiary structures of interacting species.

FEMS Microbiol Lett, 1990 Sep 15, 59(3), 345 - 9
Limited repertoire of the C-terminal region of the M protein in Streptococcus pyogenes; Relf WA et al.; We have amplified genomic sequences (emm) that may encode M protein from strains of Streptococcus pyogenes using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) . Genomic DNA from 22 isolates representing 14 M serotypes was selected for the study . Primers which corresponded to the observed N-terminal signal sequence and the variable C-terminal sequences of emm6, emm49 and ennX were used . PCR products using emm6 and emm49 oligonucleotides were classified into two mutually exclusive groups which correspond to the presence or absence of serum opacity factor . These findings support the concept of limited heterogeneity in the C-terminal sequences of the M protein.

Am J Obstet Gynecol, 1990 Sep, 163(3), 981 - 5
Risk factors associated with the increasing prevalence of pneumonia during pregnancy; Berkowitz K et al.; A retrospective chart review of 1120 antepartum admissions revealed the prevalence of antepartum pneumonia rose to 1 per 367 deliveries . A total of 26 cases in 9560 deliveries were identified with criteria of fever greater than 39 degrees C, productive cough, and radiologic findings of infiltrates or consolidation . Pregnancy-related outcome variables studied were prevalence of preterm labor or birth, birth weight, and trimester of occurrence . Pneumonia characteristics studied were rate and type of organisms recovered, seasonality, and severity of the illness and radiologic findings . Exposure variables relating to the development of pneumonia studied were underlying medical conditions, hematocrit, human immunodeficiency virus status, and drug use . Birth weight, hematocrit, human immunodeficiency virus status, and drug use were compared with a randomly selected sample of women drawn from the general population delivered of infants during the study time period . One patient experienced preterm delivery, which occurred 1 month after cure of pneumonia . Birth weight was significantly lower in the study group (2770 +/- 224 gm versus 3173 +/- 99 gm, p less than 0.01) . The most common organism recovered was Streptococcus pneumoniae . A total of 42% of patients had multilobar involvement and two required intubation . Cocaine use (52% in the study group versus 10% in the general population, p less than 0.01) and human immunodeficiency virus positivity (24% in the study group versus 2% in the general population, p less than 0.01) were significant risk factors for antepartum pneumonia.

South Med J, 1990 Sep, 83(9), 1002 - 4
Pneumococcal sepsis and meningitis in adults with sickle cell disease; Olopoenia L et al.; Patients with sickle cell disease are predisposed to infection caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae . However, there has been only one published case of bacteremic pneumococcal meningitis in an adult with sickle cell anemia . We report here the cases of six adults with sickle cell disease, pneumococcal sepsis, and meningitis . Five patients were male and one was female . Their ages ranged from 18 to 34 years (mean, 25.7 years) . Five patients had the SS and one had the SC hemoglobin phenotype . Only one patient had received pneumococcal vaccine (14 valent) . This vaccine did not protect against the pneumococcal serotype causing his infection . All patients had high fever (mean, 39.8 degrees C {103.7 degrees F}) on admission; five had generalized weakness and four had neck stiffness . Leukocyte counts were greater than 30,000/mm3 in all patients . Streptococcus pneumoniae was isolated from the blood and the cerebrospinal fluid in all patients . The cerebrospinal fluid showed pleocytosis in six patients, an elevated protein level in five, and hypoglycorrhachia in two . Complications included renal failure in four patients, disseminated intravascular coagulation in one, and seizures in another . Two patients died . Pneumococcal sepsis and meningitis are uncommon in adults with sickle cell disease, but they carry a high morbidity and mortality . Wider use of the new 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine in these patients is recommended.

Ann Thorac Surg, 1990 Sep, 50(3), 355 - 9
Management of empyema thoracis; Ali I et al.; Over a 5-year period, 65 adult patients with empyema thoracis were treated . The cause of the empyema was postpneumonic in 52%, postresectional in 24%, a complication of minor surgical procedures in 14%, posttraumatic in 5%, and the result of miscellaneous causes in 5% . In the postpneumonic group, infection resulted from a single aerobic organism in 41%, multiple aerobic organisms in 9%, single anaerobic organisms in 12%, and mixed aerobic-anaerobic organisms in 18% . Peptostreptococcus, Streptococcus viridans, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Peptococcus, Staphylococcus aureus, and diphtheroids were the most common organisms, accounting for 55% of bacterial isolates . All 34 patients with postpneumonic empyema were initially treated with drainage, which was successful in two thirds . The remainder, 12 patients, ultimately required thoracotomy . Decortication was combined with intrathoracic transposition of extrathoracic skeletal muscles in 9 patients . There was no reoperation or recurrence of infection, and thoracoplasty was avoided; residual spaces were filled by the transposed muscle.

J Infect Dis, 1990 Sep, 162(3), 765 - 7
Cerebral botryomycosis: case study; Gillock CB et al.; After oral surgery, a 32-year-old man developed a brain abscess . Actinomycosis was suspected due to history, clinical findings, response to penicillin therapy, and demonstration of "sulfur granules" in the surgical specimen, but anaerobic cultures were negative for Actinomyces . Aerobic cultures yielded Streptococcus sanguis and Pseudomonas cepacia . Coccoid organisms demonstrated histologically reacted positively with periodic acid-Schiff, Gomori's methenamine silver, and Brown and Brenn stains, were Ziehl-Neelsen-negative, and did not include branching filaments . Fluorescent antibody assay for Actinomyces israelii was also negative . Electron microscopy revealed cell wall morphology and pattern of cell division characteristic of gram-positive cocci . These findings led to a final diagnosis of botromycosis due to S . sanguis . This third report of cerebral botryomycosis emphasizes the differential diagnosis with actinomycosis, the association with intermittently treated jaw disease, and identification of the causative agent by histologic, immunologic, and electron microscopic methods.

Minerva Stomatol, 1990 Sep, 39(9), 723 - 8
{The microbiological aspects of dental caries: the evaluation of a protocol for isolating Streptococcus mutans}; Moniaci D et al.; The role of Streptococcus mutans in the etiopathogenesis of dental caries to set up a protocol for the culture and the identification of the bacterium, in order to obtain the isolation in an heterogeneous age, sex and stomatognathic population is described . A selected culture medium for mutans, Mitis Salivarius agar enriched with Bacitracin (MSB-agar), has been used as well as biochemical method based on carbohydrates fermentation by amplified bacterial flora for the identification of the bacterial genus.

J Rheumatol, 1990 Sep, 17(9), 1230 - 6
Septic arthritis due to group C streptococcus: report and review of the literature; Ike RW; A case of polyarticular septic arthritis due to Lancefield group C streptococcus is described and the clinical details of 9 reported cases of septic arthritis due to group C streptococcus reviewed . Several features of the presentation and course of these patients, including polyarticular involvement (4/10), bacteremia (5/10), clinically important dysfunction in other systems (4/10 patients: cardiac, 3; CNS, 2; pneumonia, 1; gastrointestinal, 1), fatal outcome (3/10 patients, 2 during the course of active infection) and poor functional outcome in affected joints (4/7 surviving patients), serve to place group C streptococcus septic arthritis as a syndrome distinct from that usually expected with streptococcal septic arthritis . Specific features of the bacteriology of group C streptococcus are reviewed (including confusion with group A streptococcus when analyzed using nonserologic methods, occasional zoonotic source, and frequency of tolerance to penicillin) in order to emphasize the importance of both the specific identification of this particular streptococcal strain and the initiation of aggressive antibiotic therapy when group C streptococcus is identified as the causative agent in a case of septic arthritis.

Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1990 Sep, 34(9), 1795 - 6
Antistaphylococcal activity of pentamidine; Libman MD et al.; Pentamidine isethionate was bacteriostatic against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus sanguis, Micrococcus sp., and Candida albicans . S . aureus was inhibited by concentrations of 16 to 64 micrograms/ml and killed by 64 to greater than or equal to 128 micrograms/ml . Staphylococcal killing was consistently greater in the presence of cations and was unaffected by methicillin resistance.

Infection, 1990 Sep-Oct, 18(5), 283 - 5
Nasopharyngeal culture in the pneumonia diagnosis; Hedlund J et al.; The diagnostic value of bacterial cultures from nasopharynx (NPH) was prospectively studied in 261 patients with community-acquired pneumonia requiring hospitalization . NPH culture results were compared with those of other diagnostic methods: Culture from blood and sputum, pneumococcal antigen detection, enzyme immuno assay (EIA) for detection of antibodies against pneumococcal hemolysin and in selected cases bronchoscopy . Pneumococcal pneumonia was diagnosed by these other methods in 121 patients . Streptococcus pneumoniae was detected in NPH in 33 of these patients (27%, or 36% if only cultures obtained before start of antibiotics are considered), but in only four of the other 140 patients . For other species the relevance of NPH culture was uncertain . Because of its simplicity and high specificity NPH culture can be a valuable supplement to other diagnostic methods, particularly when sputum samples are difficult to obtain.

FEMS Microbiol Immunol, 1990 Sep, 2(2), 97 - 102
Purification and partial characterization of a cohaemolysin (CAMP-factor) produced by Streptococcus canis; Gurturk K et al.; A cohaemolysin from the culture supernate of a canine pathogenic group G streptococcus (S . canis) was purified to electrophoretic homogeneity . The purification procedure involved ammonium sulphate precipitation, ultrafiltration, gel filtration and preparative isoelectric focusing . The cohaemolysin consisted of a single polypeptide chain, 18.6 kDa, with an isoelectric point at pH 5.1 . The protein reacted with an homologous antiserum, appeared to be trypsin-sensitive and relatively heat-stable . The cohaemolysin did not show any non-specific IgG binding activities.

Mol Gen Mikrobiol Virusol, 1990 Sep, (9), 10 - 4
{The role of the plasmid in expression of the OF-type antigen of group A streptococcus}; Ravdonkias LE et al.; In our previous investigations we demonstrated the ability of some natural MLS plasmids to regulate the expression of several functionally related genes of Streptococcus pyogenes . In the present paper the mechanism of the plasmid effect of the SOR expression has been studied . The filter mating transfer of the plasmid pEL1 and pAM beta 1 into the recipient strain 154(8-3)SOR+ (cured of EmR) but not into the strain CSLL2SOR+ resulted in two types of transconjugants obtained: EmRSOR+ (90%) and EmRSOR- (10%) . It was found in DNA-DNA hybridization experiments that the OF-EmR transconjugants but not OF+EmR ones carry the same pEL1 plasmids that are harboured by the donor strain SM60ERL1 . Mutation to SOR- is considered to be the results of the plasmid of transposon DNA insertion into the homologous region of the recipient strain 154(8-3).

Immunol Lett, 1990 Sep, 25(4), 347 - 53
Reduction by OK-432 of the monolayer contact-mediated inhibition of human natural killer cell activity; Yagita M et al.; In the present study we investigated the effect of OK-432, a streptococcus preparation, on the contact-mediated inhibition of human NK activity by primary cultures of monolayer cells . Either peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) or large granular lymphocytes (LGL) were incubated (2 x 10(6) cells/ml, total volume 2 ml) on confluent monolayer cells (uvea-derived fibroblasts, uvea-derived melanoma cells, or renal carcinoma cells) for 18 h in 24-well plates, washed twice, and tested for cytotoxicity against K562, a human myelogenous leukemia cell line, in a 4 h 51Cr-release assay . After contact with monolayer cells, NK activity of both PBL and LGL was significantly reduced . When these effector cells were preincubated with 0.1 U/ml of OK-432 for 18 h and then tested for the sensitivity to contact-mediated inhibition, the inhibition was significantly reduced . The pretreatment of monolayer cells with OK-432 or the addition of OK-432 into the coculture wells (of effector cells and monolayer cells) also significantly reduced the contact-mediated inhibition . Moreover, OK-432 (0.1 U/ml) reestablished the inhibited NK activity of PBL . These results suggest that OK-432 might enable NK cells to escape from the contact-mediated inhibition by monolayer cells and thus provide an additional potential mechanism for the observed clinical effectiveness of OK-432 reported by many groups.

Jpn J Surg, 1990 Sep, 20(5), 593 - 6
Cervical thymic cyst as a cause of acute suppurative thyroiditis; Ozaki O et al.; A case of acute suppurative thyroiditis following a perithyroidal abscess, which was thought to have resulted from infection of a cervical thymic cyst, is reported herein . The patient was an 8 year old asthmatic Japanese boy who originally presented with tender swelling of the left anterior neck in July, 1986 . Although pharyngography could not clearly demonstrate the pyriform sinus fistula, a hypoechoic area around the left lobe of the thyroid gland was noted on ultrasonography . Incisional drainage revealed Streptococcus milleri . A diagnosis of acute suppurative thyroiditis was established, and a cystic tubular mass was surgically resected from the left perithyroidal space some time later . Histopathological examination of the specimen revealed partly cystic thymic tissue along with parathyroid tissue . These observations suggested that acute suppurative thyroiditis in this case was caused by a perithyroidal abscess and that a perithyroidal abscess may also result from infection of a cervical thymic cyst.

Kansenshogaku Zasshi, 1990 Sep, 64(9), 1232 - 8
{Type-specific antibody to type Ia, Ib, II and III group B Streptococcus in maternal and neonatal sera measured by ELISA}; Sugiyama M et al.; In order to determine the type-specific antibody to group B streptococcus (GBA) type Ia, Ib, II and III, the ELISA system was established in Research laboratories, Toyo Jozo Co., Ltd . We assayed type-specific antibody by this ELISA system in both maternal and neonatal (or cord) sera . The cut off levels were determined by the antibody levels of maternal and neonatal sera of 26 infected cases and 90 GBS carriers, that type Ia, Ib, II were 0.20 and type III was 0.15 . Prevalence of type-specific antibody levels were studied in 356 maternal sera (14 affected cases, 100 GBS carriers and 242 non carriers) . Antibody levels were positive in 47.2% of maternal sera to type Ia, 34.0% to type Ib, 46.9% to type II and 45.5% to type III . Antibody levels to type Ia, Ib, II and III were positive, respectively, in 100%, 88.2%, 25.0% and 42.9% of the sera of carrier mothers whose infants were not affected . Antibody levels in 50 pair sera of maternal and cord blood were well correlated.

Kansenshogaku Zasshi, 1990 Sep, 64(9), 1172 - 6
{Comparison between two systems for assaying the level of antibody against Streptococcus agalactiae (GBS) type III}; Hoshina K et al.; Levels of antibody against GBS type III in pregnant women have been determined using ELISA assay method that we originally deviced . Toyo Jozo Co . have also introduced an assay system (the Toyo kit) that resembles ours . The present study was performed to compare our system with the Toyo kit . Correctivity between the two systems was good, giving a regression curve of Y = 1.18X - 0.60 and a correlation coefficient of r = 0.794 . Antibody levels in pregnant women were determined by the Toyo kit, and were found to be less than 10 micrograms/ml in almost all samples . Among 19 serum samples from vaginal carriers of GBS type III, the antibody levels ranged from 1.5 to 93.8 micrograms/ml . Among seven maternal serum samples in cases of GBS type III infection, the maximum level was 6.0 micrograms/ml . Thus, the Toyo kit showed satisfactory sensitivity for determining the level of antibody against GBS type III . Hereafter, we intend to use the Toyo kit for determining antibody levels in pregnant women.

Laryngorhinootologie, 1990 Sep, 69(9), 483 - 5
{Computerized tomography findings in neck abscess }; Zwaan M et al.; Computed tomography was the diagnostic confirming method in two patients with a necrotic cervical phlegmon caused by an infection of streptococcus pyogenes and candida albicans . A cervical phlegmon is frequently caused by the lymphogenic transmission of diverse primary infections . The time between the primary infection and the appearance of a cervical phlegmon is very varied . In rare cases it is possible that the primary focus will have cured completely . The cervical fasciae separate the neck into three different spaces, which, together with their hypostatic abscess paths, can be visualized using CT . The use of the central veins (e.g., the jugular vein) to administer medication etc . means that the deep cervical phlegmone will continue to be a complication in intensive-care patients.

J Clin Microbiol, 1990 Sep, 28(9), 2120 - 1
Use of modified norleucine-tyrosine broth in identification of Peptostreptococcus anaerobius; Turgeon DK et al.; Gas-liquid chromatography was employed to analyze the volatile and nonvolatile acids produced in modified norleucine-tyrosine (MNT) broth by various gram-positive cocci . The MNT broth consists of 0.5% Trypticase (BBL Microbiology Systems, Cockeysville, Md.), 0.5% yeast extract (Difco Laboratories, Detroit, Mich.), 0.2% L-norleucine, and 0.1% L-tyrosine . The microorganisms included reference strains and clinical isolates of Peptostreptococcus spp . (P . anaerobius, P . asaccharolyticus, P . indolicus, P . magnus, and P . prevotii), Staphylococcus spp . (S . aureus, S . epidermidis, and S . saccharolyticus), and Streptococcus spp . (S . agalactiae, S . intermedius, S . mutans, S . sanguis I, and S . sanguis II) . Only Peptostreptococcus anaerobius strains produced caproic and valeric acids in MNT broth cultures . All 11 P . anaerobius strains produced valeric acid in MNT broth, and only 1 strain failed to produce caproic acid in the medium . This unique feature aids in rapid, reliable identification of P . anaerobius with a minimum number of tests.

Br J Clin Pract, 1990 Sep, 44(9), 372 - 4
Mycotic aneurysm caused by group B streptococcus: a cautionary tale of management problems and a rare organism; Burnet NG et al.; We report a case of mycotic aneurysm of the femoral artery which highlights the diagnostic features and management problems of the condition . Our patient required emergency ligation of the artery for life-threatening haemorrhage and subsequently his leg was not viable . The alternative treatment options of simple ligation and excision versus ligation, excision and immediate bypass grafting of the artery are discussed . The causative organism, beta-haemolytic group B streptococcus (S . Agalactiae), is an extremely rare cause of embolic mycotic aneurysm . This rarity is unexplained and is surprising since this organism is a well-known cause of infective endocarditis, which can be complicated by mycotic aneurysms . Mycotic aneurysms may become more common because of the rise of intravascular drug abuse, which combines the risk factors of vessel trauma, endocarditis and immunosuppression, notably from HIV infection.

Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol, 1990 Sep, 70(3), 328 - 32
Effectiveness of ultrasonic files in the disruption of root canal bacteria; Ahmad M et al.; The physical mechanisms of ultrasound, namely cavitation and acoustic streaming, generated by the Enac-Osada ultrasonic unit were investigated for effectiveness in disrupting Streptococcus mitis . In addition, the bactericidal effect of ultrasound in the presence of 2.5% sodium hypochlorite was examined . Bacterial suspensions were irradiated directly with ultrasound in simulated root canals, and the viability of bacteria was examined after growth on a blood agar medium under anaerobic conditions at 37 degrees C for 5 days . The results indicated that ultrasound per se failed to disrupt bacteria but resulted in increases in the viable counts; the former was considered to be because of the lack of cavitation and the latter because of the dispersal effects of acoustic streaming . The 2.5% sodium hypochlorite solution demonstrated powerful bactericidal activity.

J Periodontol, 1990 Sep, 61(9), 579 - 84
Recolonization of the subgingival microflora after scaling and root planing in human periodontitis; Sbordone L et al.; The purpose of this study was to evaluate the recolonization patterns of the subgingival microflora of adult periodontitis patients after a single session of scaling and root planing . In each of eight patients, three clinically diseased sites were investigated microbiologically by darkfield microscopy and cultural analysis . After initial clinical and microbiological parameters were determined, each subject received a single session of scaling and root planing but no oral hygiene instructions . Clinical indices were measured and microbial parameters were reassessed 7, 21, and 60 days after treatment in a manner such that each of the test sites was sampled only once after treatment . Recolonization was evaluated by matching any single site with its own preoperative site . A significant improvement in probing depth was noted for up to 60 days after treatment, while the gingival index did not change markedly during the course of the study . The microbial composition of treated sites 7 days after scaling and root planing, as determined by both cultural and darkfield data, was similar to that of periodontally healthy sites . Differences between cultural and darkfield data became apparent at the 21 day sampling point . The darkfield data showed that the sites consisted of cocci with few spirochetes . Cultural data demonstrated that the majority of the cocci were anaerobic, namely Streptococcus intermedius, Veillonella parvula, and Peptostreptococcus micros . At 60 days, there was no significant variation in any of the parameters from pretreatment levels . The most prevalent anaerobic rods prior to and 60 days after therapy were Fusobacterium nucleatum, Bacteroides gingivalis, and B . intermedius.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Medicine (Baltimore), 1990 Sep, 69(5), 307 - 16
New and emerging etiologies for community-acquired pneumonia with implications for therapy . A prospective multicenter study of 359 cases; Fang GD et al.; Three hundred fifty-nine consecutive patients with community-acquired pneumonia admitted to university, community, and VA hospitals underwent a standardized evaluation, including specialized tests for Legionella spp . and Chlamydia pneumoniae (TWAR) . The most common underlying illnesses were immunosuppression (36.3%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (32.4%), and malignancy (28.4%) . The most frequent etiologic agents were Streptococcus pneumoniae (15.3%) and Hemophilus influenzae (10.9%) . Surprisingly, Legionella spp . and C . pneumoniae were the third and fourth most frequent etiologies at 6.7% and 6.1%, respectively . Aerobic gram-negative pneumonias were relatively uncommon causes of pneumonia despite the fact that empiric broad-spectrum combination antibiotic therapy is so often directed at this subgroup . In 32.9%, the etiology was undetermined . Antibiotic administration before admission was significantly associated with undetermined etiology (p = 0.0003) . There were no distinctive clinical features found to be diagnostic for any etiologic agent, although high fever occurred more frequently in Legionnaires' disease . Clinical manifestations for C . pneumoniae were generally mild, although 38% of patients had mental status changes . Mortality was highest for Staphylococcus aureus (50%) and lowest for C . pneumoniae (4.5%) and Mycoplasma pneumoniae (0%) . We document that specialized laboratory testing for C . pneumoniae and Legionella spp . should be more widely used rather than reserved for cases not responding to standard therapy . Furthermore, realization that C . pneumoniae and Legionella spp . are common etiologies for community-acquired pneumonia should affect empiric antibiotic prescription.

J Dent Res, 1990 Sep, 69(9), 1567 - 72
The RNA polymerases of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum are unrelated to the RNA polymerase of Escherichia coli; Klimpel KW et al.; Western blot analysis that used antisera to the E . coli core enzyme and sigma factors was used for examination of the RNA polymerase of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Streptococcus mutans, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and Porphyromonas gingivalis . Both antisera reacted with proteins in A . actinomycetemcomitans and S . mutans whole-cell extracts . Reactions were seen with some F . nucleatum proteins when the anti-core RNA polymerase antisera were used, but the cross-reacting proteins were not of an expected molecular weight for beta or beta' . No reaction with F . nucleatum proteins was seen when extracts were reacted with antisera to E . coli sigma factor . There were no cross-reacting proteins detected in P . gingivalis extracts with either antisera . These results suggest that E . coli RNA polymerase may not be sufficiently similar to P . gingivalis and F . nucleatum RNA polymerase for E . coli RNA polymerase to recognize P . gingivalis or F . nucleatum promoters . Partially purified P . gingivalis and F . nucleatum RNA polymerase exhibited a specificity for a P . gingivalis DNA template, while having a decreased activity from an E . coli DNA template . The antibiotic sensitivity profile of P . gingivalis and F . nucleatum RNA polymerase activity was shown to differ from that of E . coli, with these activities not being affected by rifampicin, streptovaricin, or streptolydigin . We conclude that the efficient cloning and expression of P . gingivalis and F . nucleatum genes in E . coli will require the use of promoter-containing expression vectors.

Arch Intern Med, 1990 Sep, 150(9), 1939 - 45
The role of skin testing for penicillin allergy; Redelmeier DA et al.; Skin testing for penicillin allergy is an imperfect predictor of severe allergic reactions . We used decision analysis to identify the types of allergy history for which skin testing should alter management . The treatment threshold, the probability of a serious allergic reaction at which point one should switch from penicillin to another antibiotic, depends on the quality of life associated with the clinical outcomes . We measured 12 physicians' attitudes toward the outcomes of treatment with penicillin or vancomycin for Streptococcus viridans endocarditis in patients with a history of penicillin allergy . The clinicians' threshold probabilities ranged from .00010 to .00210 (median, .00013) . Given the sensitivity (89% to 96%) and specificity (89% to 96%) of skin testing and our clinicians' median threshold, test results could alter the choice of antibiotic when the probability of a severe allergic reaction is between .00001 and .001 . This range corresponds to a weak history of penicillin allergy . Although the decision should be individualized, our study suggests that skin testing is unnecessary when the patient has a convincing history of a severe allergic reaction to penicillin.

Infect Immun, 1990 Sep, 58(9), 3093 - 100
Experimental model of type IV Streptococcus agalactiae (group B streptococcus) infection in mice with early development of septic arthritis; Tissi L et al.; We have established an experimental murine model to gain insight into the pathogenicity and clinical features of type IV group B streptococcus (GBS) infections . Adult CD-1 mice were challenged intravenously with 10(7) type IV GBS cells, inducing systemic invasion . Most of the animals were able to clear the infection from the blood, brain, and lungs within 2 weeks and from the spleen and liver within 1 month . However, the animals were unable to clear the microorganism from the joints and kidneys during the 60-day observation period . About 80% of the mice challenged intravenously with type IV GBS manifested early septic arthritis, which evolved from an acute exudative synovitis to permanent lesions characterized by irreversible joint damage and ankylosis . Induction of persistent septic arthritis was dependent on the number and viability of microorganisms inoculated and was unrelated to the strain of type IV GBS and the growth phase of the inoculum . Type-specific antibodies of both immunoglobulin M and G classes could be detected by agglutination and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay from days 7 and 14, respectively; immunoglobulin G antibodies persisted for more than 40 days . Complexes of antibodies and group- and type-specific antigens were detected in mouse sera 24 h after infection and persisted up to day 22 . These results were obtained an experimental model of type IV GBS chronic infection with early development of septic arthritis, which could be useful in future studies of pathogenicity and immune mechanisms involved in the host resistance to this microorganism.

APMIS, 1990 Sep, 98(9), 812 - 22
The effects of capsular polysaccharide on the capacity of serum to support the killing of type 3 Streptococcus pneumoniae by human neutrophils; Esposito AL et al.; To assess the effects of purified capsular polysaccharide from type 3 S . pneumoniae (PPS-3) on the capacity of serum to support pneumococcal killing by human neutrophils, varying concentrations of PPS-3 (0.01-100 micrograms/ml) were incubated (4 degrees C) with pooled serum for 30 min, and the resulting preparation, termed absorbed serum, was evaluated in bactericidal and phagocytic assays . The ability of serum to promote the killing of type 3 S . pneumoniae was significantly reduced at greater than or equal to 1.0 micrograms/ml PPS-3; similarly, serum absorbed with greater than or equal to 1.0 micrograms/ml PPS-2 failed to support the killing of type 2 S . penumoniae . However, the impact of these penumococcal polysaccharides was serotype specific, since the killing of type 3 S . pneumoniae was not impaired in serum absorbed with PPS-2, and the killing of type 2 S . pneumoniae was not attenuated in serum treated with PPS-3 . The failure of serum absorbed with PPS-3 to promote the killing of type 3 S . pneumoniae was primarily a consequence of impaired bacterial ingestion; the reduction in phagocytosis was associated with parallel changes in superoxide anion release . The defects in phagocytosis and killing induced by PPS-3 were not associated with alterations in classical or alternative complement pathway activity; however, they were highly correlated with changes in serum antibody levels to the polysaccharide . The addition of polyclonal human IgG to serum treated with PPS-3 did not restore its capacity to support killing; however, preopsonization of the bacterium with the IgG preparation did partially correct the deficiency . Finally, neutrophils preincubated with serum containing greater than or equal to 10.0 micrograms/ml PPS-3 exhibited an impaired bactericidal activity against type 3 S . pneumoniae . Thus, these studies demonstrate that the presence of PPS-3 decreases the capacity of serum to support the killing of type 3 S . pneumoniae by absorbing immunoglobulins and by generating factors that interfere with neutrophil function.

Mol Biother, 1990 Sep, 2(3), 175 - 8
Selective potentiation of host resistance in mice following treatment with Pyrexol; House RV et al.; The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of treatment with the biologic response modifier Pyrexol on murine host resistance to various infectious organisms . Adult female CD1 mice were treated with a single subcutaneous 100-micrograms injection of Pyrexol at 14, 7, 5, 2, or 1 day prior to infection with various infectious organisms . These organisms included the Herpes simplex type 2 and influenza viruses, as well as the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes and Streptococcus zooepidemicus . Pyrexol treatment was found to significantly potentiate resistance to Listeria organisms, but had no appreciable effect on resistance to any of the other organisms tested . Previous reports have demonstrated that treatment with Pyrexol augments a number of cell-mediated immune parameters, several of which have been shown to be responsible for the elimination of Listeria organisms . These results suggest that Pyrexol is capable of selectively potentiating host resistance to infection.

J Dent Res, 1990 Sep, 69(9), 1586 - 91
Inhibition of Streptococcus mutans adherence by means of surface hydrophilization; Olsson J et al.; Derivatives of polyalkylene oxide (PAO) were examined for their ability to inhibit adherence of 3H-labeled cells of Streptococcus mutans to hydroxyapatite (HA) and to plastic surfaces treated with buffer or parotid saliva from two individuals . Pellicles formed on HA with saliva from the two subjects were distinct in their binding capacity . One saliva promoted and the other saliva reduced adherence, as compared with the buffer control (BHA) . Three of the PAO compounds effectively hindered binding of bacteria to BHA . However, on saliva-treated HA (SHA) the inhibition was not as effective . One compound, a phosphated polypropylene glycol, was potent in inhibiting adherence both to BHA and to the plastic surfaces treated with either buffer or saliva . However, treatment of HA with this compound followed by saliva incubation only gave a limited reduction in the number of bacteria binding . Evidently, salivary constituents are capable of interacting also with the PAO-treated surface . When 14C-labeled hydrophilizing agent was used, it was shown that the PAO was not replaced by salivary molecules . Instead, the components of the saliva that mediate the binding of bacteria seemed capable of adhering directly to the PAO layer.

J Clin Invest, 1990 Sep, 86(3), 703 - 14
Regulation of human monocyte/macrophage function by extracellular matrix . Adherence of monocytes to collagen matrices enhances phagocytosis of opsonized bacteria by activation of complement receptors and enhancement of Fc receptor function; Newman SL et al.; In inflammation monocytes emigrate from the peripheral circulation into an extravascular area rich in extracellular matrix proteins . In this milieu, phagocytes ingest and kill invading pathogens . In the present studies, we found that monocytes adhered to type I collagen gels phagocytized 2.5-12-fold more opsonized Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Streptococcus pneumoniae than plastic-adherent monocytes . The rate of phagocytosis and the number of bacteria ingested by collagen-adherent monocytes was equal to, or greater than, the number of bacteria ingested by 7-d cultured macrophages (M phi) . Although both collagen- and plastic-adherent monocytes were bactericidal for E . coli and S . aureus, more bacteria were killed by collagen-adherent monocytes by virtue of their enhanced phagocytic capacity . Cultured M phi only were bacteriostatic . Adherence of monocytes to collagen gels activated C receptors (CR) types 1 and 3 for phagocytosis, and enhanced Fc receptor (FcR)-mediated phagocytosis . Collagen- and plastic-adherent monocytes produced equivalent amounts of superoxide anion in response to phorbol myristate acetate and opsonized zymosan . Thus, the enhanced phagocytosis and killing of opsonized bacteria by collagen-adherent monocytes appear to be by regulation of the function of membrane CR and FcR, without apparent enhancement of the respiratory burst . These data suggest that adherence of monocytes to the extracellular matrix during inflammation may rapidly activate these cells for enhanced phagocytic bactericidal activity.

J Bacteriol, 1990 Sep, 172(9), 4766 - 74
DNA sequence of folate biosynthesis gene sulD, encoding hydroxymethyldihydropterin pyrophosphokinase in Streptococcus pneumoniae, and characterization of the enzyme; Lopez P et al.; A cloned segment of the chromosome of Streptococcus pneumoniae, in which mutations to sulfonamide resistance occur, contains several genes encoding enzymes for folate biosynthesis . Determination of the DNA sequence of parts of this segment and identification of a putative promoter and terminator of transcription indicate an operon composed of four genes . The first, sulA, encodes the enzyme dihydropteroate synthase . The functions of the second and third possible genes, sulB and sulC, are not known . The last gene, sulD, encodes a 6-hydroxymethyl-7,8-dihydropterin pyrophosphokinase . The product of this enzyme is the substrate for dihydropteroate synthetase . The enzyme protein was partially purified and shown to consist of a single subunit of 31 kilodaltons, encoded by sulD . On the basis of gel filtration behavior, the native protein appears to be a trimer or tetramer . Subcloning of the sulD gene in an Escherichia coli expression vector increased expression of the pyrophosphokinase 1,000-fold over the level produced by a single copy of the chromosomal gene.

Infect Immun, 1990 Sep, 58(9), 3135 - 8
Interruption of capsule production in Streptococcus pneumonia serotype 3 by insertion of transposon Tn916; Watson DA et al.; Transposon Tn916 mutagenesis was used to produce mutant strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 3 that lacked only a polysaccharide capsule . Southern blotting, DNA-DNA hybridization, and immunochemical analyses demonstrated that the presence of a single copy of Tn916 was sufficient to produce unencapsulation . The 50% lethal dose for such mutants was greater than 5 x 10(7) CFU, as opposed to a 50% lethal dose of 1 CFU for wild-type strains . These experiments outline an effective method for targeting genes in S . pneumoniae by transposon interruption and provide molecular evidence to support the longstanding hypothesis that the capsule is the principal virulence factor in this pathogen.

Cesk Epidemiol Mikrobiol Imunol, 1990 Sep, 39(5), 303 - 9
{Eikenella corrodens as part of the polymicrobial flora in infectious endocarditis}; Brezinova L et al.; The authors describe a case of polymicrobial endocarditis in a 24-year-old patient with immunodeficiency and a damaged heart (mitral valve affection, septal defect) . Among the mixed flora, comprising Streptococcus intermedius and two types of the genus Bacteroides, in the haemoculture also a microaerophil potentially pathogenic type Eikenella corrodens was cultivated . The authors describe the properties of Eikenella corrodens, its occurrence in man and its ability to produce an infectious process in primarily damaged organs (in particular the endocardium) in weakened subjects and drug addicts . The authors mention the diagnostic criteria for assessment of Eikenella corrodens and how to cultivate it from infectious material.

Nippon Jibiinkoka Gakkai Kaiho, 1990 Sep, 93(9), 1379 - 87
{Induction and functional analysis of gamma delta TCR-bearing T cells from human tonsil by Streptococcus pyogenes stimulation}; Seki M et al.; The killer cell characteristics of gamma delta TCR-bearing T cells induced from human tonsil by streptococcus pyogenes stimulation were examined . Immunohistologic staining of tonsil showed that gamma delta TCR-bearing T cells were mainly located in the interfollicular area connected with stratified squamous epithelium . Streptococcus pyogenes could induce the proliferation of gamma delta TCR-bearing T cells from tonsil in the presence of low-dose of IL-2 . This streptococcus pyogenes-induced gamma delta TCR-bearing T cell proliferation was likely to be independent on the IL-2/IL-2R system since an obvious inhibition was not observed with anti-IL-2 and anti-IL-2R mAbs . More importantly, these gamma delta TCR-bearing T cells exhibited cell-mediated cytotoxic activity in a 4 hr 51 Cr-release assay . In addition, immunocytochemical staining revealed that these cells contained a killer protein perforin . These results demonstrate that gamma delta TCR-bearing T cells from tonsil exhibit typical killer cell characteristics . These data also suggest that gamma delta TCR-bearing T cells in human tonsil may play a cytotoxic role in protecting the integrity of tonsil from infection.

Rev Infect Dis, 1990 Sep-Oct, 12(5), 784 - 7
A case of group B streptococcal pyomyositis; Back SA et al.; The group B streptococcus is an opportunistic pathogen that causes a variety of serious infections including bacteremias, puerperal sepsis, and neonatal meningitis . Group B streptococcal infections of muscle are rare . We report here an unusual case of group B streptococcal pyomyositis . Pyomyositis arises predominantly from infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus and, occasionally, Streptococcus pyogenes . Because of the rarity of pyomyositis in temperate climates, the common lack of localizing signs or symptoms, and the frequently negative blood cultures, considerable delay often precedes the diagnosis of pyomyositis; in fact, the infection has been initially misdiagnosed as muscle hematoma, cellulitis, thrombophlebitis, osteomyelitis, or neoplasm . Diagnosis may be greatly aided by radiologic techniques that can demonstrate the sites of muscle enlargement and the presence of fluid collections . The response to antibiotics is usually rapid, but resolution of the infection may require aspiration of deeply situated muscle abscesses . This report describes a diabetic patient with an unusual presentation of pyomyositis that mimicked an acute abdomen.

Zhonghua Ya Yi Xue Hui Za Zhi, 1990 Sep, 9(3), 87 - 97
Antibacterial mechanisms of lysozyme on Streptococcus mutans; Wang YB; Lysozyme is a dominant member of the antibacterial complex of human saliva and has the potential to kill bacteria by direct lysis or by mechanisms (not completely understood) that are independent of its muramidase activity . The muramidase-independent bactericidal activity appears to depend upon its cationic character . Bacterial death may be due to inhibition of nutrient transport (eg . glucose) and disruption of membrane integrity . This review also describes common bactericidal mechanisms of several cationic peptides/proteins to support the cationic-dependent bactericidal model of lysozyme.

J Esthet Dent, 1990 Sep-Oct, 2(5), 140 - 1
Antimicrobial properties of dental dentin-enamel adhesives; Scherer W et al.; This study evaluated the antimicrobial activity of Universal Bond II adhesive and two experimental versions of Universal Bond II adhesives against the bacteria, Streptococcus mutans . The zones of bacterial inhibition produced by three samples of the adhesive (identified as Batches 1, 2, and 3) were measured and compared . Batch 1 contained 0.7% glutaraldehyde, Batch 2 contained 1.0% glutaraldehyde, and Batch 3 contained 0.45% glutaraldehyde (current Universal Bond II adhesive) . The bacteria was swabbed over the surface of agar plates in two directions . The plates were divided into the following two groups: Group I-Batches 1, 2, 3 were placed into wells for 1 minute before being cured . Group II-Batches 1, 2, 3 were placed into wells for 20 seconds before being cured . Zones of microbial inhibition were measured in millimeters at the end of 24, 48, and 72 hours . All batches of the adhesive produced zones of inhibition against S . mutans . All batches of the adhesive maintained zones of inhibition throughout the 72 hours of the study.

Physiol Behav, 1990 Sep, 48(3), 383 - 6
Antibacterial properties of saliva: role in maternal periparturient grooming and in licking wounds; Hart BL et al.; Canine saliva was tested for its bactericidal effects against pathogens relevant to the presumed hygienic functions of maternal grooming of the mammary and anogenital areas and licking of wounds . Both female and male saliva were bactericidal against Escherichia coli and Streptococcus canis but only slightly, and nonsignificantly, bactericidal against coagulase positive staphylococcus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa . E . coli is the cause of highly fatal coliform enteritis of neonatal mammals and E . coli and S . canis are the main pathogens implicated in neonatal septicemia of dogs . The bactericidal effects of saliva would facilitate the hygienic function of maternal licking of the mammary and anogenital areas in protecting newborns from these diseases . E . coli and S . canis along with coagulase positive staphylococcus and P . aeruginosa are among the common wound contaminants of dogs . Wound licking, and the application of saliva, would thus reduce wound contamination by E . coli and S . canis . The resistance of staphylococcus to bactericidal effects of saliva may be a factor in the high frequency (46 percent) with which coagulase positive staphylococcus was isolated from wounds compared with much lower frequency (9-17 percent) with which E . coli and S . canis were isolated.

Jpn J Antibiot, 1990 Sep, 43(9), 1521 - 9
{Studies on acetylspiramycin . II . Biological activities of spiramycin components}; Kondo A et al.; Acetylspiramycin (ASPM) was fractionated using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) . The peak fractions were named F1 to F7 successively in order of increasing retention times (Rt), i.e., increasing hydrophobicity, and studied for 1) antibacterial activities (MIC), 2) antibacterial potency against Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633, 3) therapeutic effect on mice infected with Streptococcus pneumoniae III, Staphylococcus aureus Smith, 4) acute toxicity by i.p . administration to mice (LD50) and 5) cytotoxicities to fibroblasts derived from Chinese-hamster lung (CHL), cow pulmonary artery endothelial cells (CPAE) and rat hepatic cells . The results obtained are summarized below . 1 . Components F1 and 4'-acetylspiramycin F2 had significantly different biological activities from those of other components: F1 showed the lowest antibacterial potency of 492 micrograms (potency)/mg, F2 showed the highest antibacterial potency of 2,040 micrograms (potency)/mg and correspondingly the lowest LD50 value of 692 mg/kg (the highest toxicity) . The therapeutic effect of F2 on infections in mice was found to be the second smallest and was superior only to that of F1 . The LD50 value of F1 was 1,200 mg/kg and similar to that of ASPM . 2 . Antibacterial potencies of F3, F4, F5 and F6 were 1,165, 1,266, 1,374 and 1,530 micrograms (potency)/mg, respectively; fraction with the higher antibacterial activities corresponded to the longer retention times, i.e., the greater hydrophobicities . The most hydrophobic component, F7, 3-propionyl-3",4"-diacetylspiramycin, however, showed a low antibacterial potency of 1,085 micrograms (potency)/mg, next to the lowest one, F1, a fact which was in contradiction to with the sequential relation between hydrophobicities and potencies from F3 to F6.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

J Pak Med Assoc, 1990 Sep, 40(9), 221 - 2
Antibacterial activity of copper-amino acid complexes; Iqbal MS et al.; Copper complexes of L-alanine, L-arginine, L-histidine, L-lysine, L-proline and L-threonine were studied for their antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes and Escherichia Coli . The complexes of 1-alanine, 1-proline and 1-threonine were nearly as active as ampicillin against Strep . Pyogenes . Mixed complexes of these amino acids showed similar effect . Other complexes were also active to a significant extent against all the three strains studied.

Infect Immun, 1990 Sep, 58(9), 2929 - 34
Oral immunization with recombinant Streptococcus lactis carrying the Streptococcus mutans surface protein antigen gene; Iwaki M et al.; A recombinant Streptococcus lactis strain which carries the structural gene for a surface protein antigen (PAc) of 190,000 daltons from Streptococcus mutans serotype c was constructed for development of an oral vaccine against dental caries . The gene from S . mutans MT8148 joined to shuttle vector pSA3 was successfully transformed into S . lactis IL1403 . A small amount of PAc was detected in the cell homogenate and cytoplasmic fraction of the recombinant S . lactis, but not in the culture supernatant of the recombinant, by Western immunoblotting and dot immunoblotting . The level of PAc-specific mRNA in the recombinant strain was lower than that in S . mutans MT8148 . However, significant salivary immunoglobulin A and serum immunoglobulin G responses to PAc were induced in mice immunized orally with the recombinant S . lactis.

Infect Immun, 1990 Sep, 58(9), 2733 - 7
Production of immunoglobulin A protease by Streptococcus pneumoniae from animals; Proctor M et al.; Human isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae tested by traditional immunochemical methods produce a protease that cleaves human immunoglobulin A1 (IgA1) into Fab and Fc fragments . The protease may be an important virulence factor, but studies of its pathogenetic significance have been hampered by lack of a suitable animal model . Since S . pneumoniae is a respiratory pathogen for several species of animals, we sought to determine whether isolates of this organism from animals with pneumococcal infection, including fatal diplococcal pneumonia, produced an IgA protease . Isolates from six animal species including the mouse, rat, dog, guinea pig, rhesus monkey, and chimpanzee were tested for protease activity against IgA preparations from the mouse, rat, dog, guinea pig, rabbit, rhesus and cynomolgus monkeys, gorilla, and human . Cleavage of IgA was demonstrated by the appearance of Fc fragments in Western blots (immunoblots) treated with specific antisera . All these isolates except that from the guinea pig produced a protease that cleaved IgA of human, rhesus monkey, and gorilla origin . Cleavage was inhibited by 5 mM EDTA . IgA cleavage from the other species could not be demonstrated . Although S . pneumoniae can colonize the respiratory tracts of several animal species, it is a significant pathogen principally of humans and some other primates . Our data suggest that some species of nonhuman primates including the rhesus monkey could be suitable for experimental studies on the significance of IgA protease in the pathogenesis of pneumococcal disease.

Pediatr Dent, 1990 Sep-Oct, 12(5), 312 - 5
Variables influencing Streptococcus mutans testing; Weinberger SJ et al.; When saliva is sampled to estimate S . mutans, variables may influence the results . The purpose of the present study was to assess the reliability of the tongue depressor for saliva sampling, and whether the sampling time during the day influences S . mutans counts . The study population consisted of 27 children, between 24 and 66 months of age . Samples of unstimulated saliva were gathered on tongue blades four times during the day for each subject . Paired samples representing both sides of the tongue blades were inoculated onto elevated agar plates containing a selective medium, and anaerobically incubated at 37 degrees C for 48 hr . After examining 76 paired samples of saliva, no significant differences in S . mutans counts were found between sides of the spatula, suggesting that the sampling technique was suitable . Analysis of variance showed significant differences within each subject over the four sampling times (P less than .01) . A significant difference was found between subjects' daily averages (P less than .05).

Arzneimittelforschung, 1990 Sep, 40(9), 1030 - 4
Synthesis and in vitro activity of new cephalosporin derivatives containing a benzoxazolone ring; Kalcheva V et al.; New cephalosporin derivatives containing a benzoxazolone ring in the side acylamino chain are synthesized using chlorides of non-substituted and halogen substituted (2-benzoxazolone-3-yl) acetic acids for the acylation of the 7-aminodesacetoxy-cephalosporanic acid and 7-amino-cephalosporanic acid amino group . Some of these new compounds exhibit a biological activity higher than that of cephalexin and cephazolin against clinical strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Streptococcus group A and B.

Plasmid, 1990 Sep, 24(2), 110 - 8
Evidence that mutacin II production is not mediated by a 5.6-kb plasmid in Streptococcus mutans; Caufield PW et al.; Here we present evidence that the cryptic 5.6-kb plasmid found in certain strains of Streptococcus mutans is not involved in mutacin production . This evidence comes from demonstrating similarities between a plasmid-less strain T8 and a group II plasmid strain UA96 . Both produce what appears to be an identical mutacin based on spectrum of activity and physiological properties . Also, T8 and UA96 are members of the same immunity group (group II) . Genotypically, both strains appear similar except for plasmid content based on DNA fingerprinting profiles . T8 and UA96 exhibit identical hybridization patterns following transformation of T8 with a mutacin-negative (bac-1::Tn916) sequence from a Tn916-insertionally inactivated mutant of UA96 . This transformation also resulted in the mutacin-negative phenotype in T8 transformants, showing recombination between a mutacin-associated gene in UA96 and its apparent homologous sequence in T8 . Moreover, when a plasmid containing a putative repeat element from UA96 (pPC264) was used as a probe, it hybridized to the same five EcoRI fragments in both T8 and UA96 . Collectively, these data, coupled with data from other sources, indicate that the plasmid resident in mutacin II strains is not involved in mutacin production.

AIDS, 1990 Sep, 4(9), 879 - 82
AIDS following mother-to-child transmission of HIV-2; Morgan G et al.; Mother-to-child infection with HIV-2 is thought to be rare, and there have been few previous reports of transmission by this route . Reports of morbidity associated with HIV-2 infection in children are also rare . We describe eight children born to mothers who were infected with HIV-2; five developed AIDS, and three were still seropositive at 17-49 months of age . The only apparent route of HIV-2 transmission was from mother to child, except for one child who had been transfused . Three of the children with AIDS died, all having decreased CD4+ lymphocytes and mitogen responses . Further studies are needed to determine the prevalence and natural history of mother-to-child transmission of HIV-2PIP: Eight cases of mother-to-child transmission of HIV-2 were documented by ELISA and Western blot in Gambia between January 1988-September 1989 from a hospital-based screening of 205 malnourished children, 864 subjects in a malaria study, 34 patients with probable immunodeficiency and 24 children of 17 HIV-2 seropositive mothers . AIDS was diagnosed by WHO clinical definition . Diagnosis of HIV-2 was made if sera were positive by ELISA and Western blot (LAV Blot2, Diagnostics Pasteur, Marnes-La-Coquette, France) and negative by Wellcozyme I competitive ELISA to HIV-a (Wellcome Diagnostics, Dartford, UK) . The children ranged in age from 17 months-5 years, and in ponderal index from 50-90% . 6 had CD4 percentages or counts below the normal range . 7 of the 8 could only have been infected pre- or perinatally, while 1 had been transfused from her mother . The clinical features included 5 with diarrhea 1 month; 3 with Cryptosporidium, 3 with Candida, a pneumonia, an interstitial pneumonia by x-ray, a streptococcus abscess, a staphylococcus abscess, 1 infant with failure to thrive and 1 4-year old who was asymptomatic . This group of patients was more severely affected than a series reported from Guinea Bissau: their mothers also had advanced AIDS in comparison to asymptomatic mothers in the other series . While mother-to-child transmission of HIV-1 occurs in approximately 33% of children of HIV-1 seropositive mothers, these data cannot estimate the actual rate of transmission of HIV-2 .

J Clin Microbiol, 1990 Sep, 28(9), 2156 - 8
Hemagglutination properties of Streptococcus suis; Gottschalk M et al.; A total of 49 strains (23 reference strains and 26 field isolates) of Streptococcus suis were tested for their ability to agglutinate erythrocytes from different animal species . Ten different hemagglutination patterns were established . Thirty-three strains (67%) did not agglutinate any of the erythrocytes tested; sixteen strains (33%) agglutinated erythrocytes from one or more animal species . Different strains belonging to the same capsular type presented different hemagglutination patterns . No correlation was found between the tissue origin and/or the virulence (evaluated in 4-week-old mice) of different field isolates and their hemagglutination activity . Hydrophobic surface properties were also evaluated . All S . suis strains studied appeared to possess a hydrophilic cell surface . Morphologically similar fimbriae were observed on hemagglutinating as well as on nonhemagglutinating strains of S . suis . This study provides evidence that certain strains of S . suis possess hemagglutinating properties which do not appear to involve hydrophobic interactions . The possible role of fimbriae in hemagglutination remains unclear.

J Bacteriol, 1990 Sep, 172(9), 5064 - 70
Sequence of the Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteriophage HB-3 amidase reveals high homology with the major host autolysin; Romero A et al.; We have sequenced a DNA fragment containing the pneumococcal bacteriophage HB-3 hbl gene, which codes for the phage lytic amidase . A remarkable nucleotide similarity (87.1%) between the lytA gene, coding for the pneumococcal amidase, the major autolysin of Streptococcus pneumoniae, and the hbl gene was found . This similarity completely disappeared outside the open reading frames coding for both amidases . The hbl gene transformed amidase-deficient strains of S . pneumoniae to the wild-type phenotype, and Southern blotting experiments provided evidence for recombination between donor and recipient genes . A comprehensive evaluation of these and previous results on the peptidoglycan hydrolases of S . pneumoniae and its bacteriophages suggested that recombination mechanisms participate in the evolution of the genes coding for these enzymes.

Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen, 1990 Aug 30, 110(20), 2625 - 8
{Diseases caused by Streptococcus pyogenes in Norway, 1975-1989 . A microbiologic and epidemiologic survey}; Hoiby EA et al.; The article briefly surveys the epidemiology of Streptococcus pyogenes caused disease in Norway during the last 15 years based on notification data, with emphasis on the nation-wide outbreak in 1987-88 caused by mucoid M-1 organisms . During the season S . pyogenes infections was 60% higher than expected . The number of bacteraemia cases, many with fulminant septicaemia, showed an almost threefold increase compared with earlier years . Unusual clinical manifestations such as necrotising fasciitis, pneumonia with empyema, primary peritonitis and meningitis also occurred . We briefly review the known virulence factors of S . pyogenes in an attempt to improve our understanding of the shift in clinical manifestations and occurrence of the disease.

J Biol Chem, 1990 Aug 25, 265(24), 14127 - 35
Structure of a streptococcal adhesin carbohydrate receptor; Cassels FJ et al.; Interactions between complementary protein and carbohydrate structures on different genera of human oral bacteria have been implicated in the formation of dental plaque . The carbohydrate receptor on Streptococcus sanguis H1 (one of the primary colonizing species) that is specific for the adhesin on Capnocytophaga ochracea ATCC 33596 (a secondary colonizer) has been isolated from the streptococcal cell wall, purified, and structurally characterized . The hexasaccharide repeating unit of the polysaccharide was purified by reverse-phase, amino-bonded silica, and gel permeation high performance liquid chromatography . Earlier studies established that the repeating unit was a hexasaccharide composed of rhamnose, galactose, and glucose in the ration of 2:3:1, respectively . In the present study, determination of absolute configuration by gas chromatography of the trimethylsilyl (+)-2-butyl glycosides revealed that the rhamnose residues were of the L configuration while the hexoses were all D . 252Californium plasma desorption mass spectrometry of the native, the acetylated and the reduced and acetylated hexasaccharide determined that the molecular mass of the native hexasaccharide was 959, and that the 2 rhamnose residues were linked to each other at the nonreducing terminus of the linear molecule . Methylation analysis revealed the positions of the glycosidic linkages in the hexasaccharide and showed that a galactose residue was present at the reducing end . The structural characterization of the hexasaccharide was completed by one and two dimensional 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy . Complete 1H and 13C assignments for each glycosyl residue were established by two-dimensional (1H,1H) correlation spectroscopy, homonuclear Hartmann-Hahn, and (13C,1H) correlation experiments . The configurations of the glycosidic linkages were inferred from the chemical shifts and coupling constants of the anomeric 1H and 13C resonances . The sequence of the glycosyl residues was determined by a heteronuclear multiple bond correlation experiment . These data show that the structure of the hexasaccharide repeating unit derived from the cell wall polysaccharide of S . sanguis H1 is: alpha-L-Rhap-(1----2)-alpha-L-Rhap-(1----3)-alpha-D-Galp- (1----3)-beta-D-Galp-(1----4)-beta-D-Glcp-(1----3)-alpha/beta-D-Gal.

J Biol Chem, 1990 Aug 25, 265(24), 14080 - 7
Purification and partial characterization of a 65-kDa platelet aggregation-associated protein antigen from the surface of Streptococcus sanguis; Erickson PR et al.; Cells of Streptococcus sanguis express a collagen-like immunodeterminant (class II antigen) on their cell walls that induces aggregation of platelets in plasma . These platelet aggregation-associated proteins (PAAPs) are recovered in cell-free preparations obtained from cells of S . sanguis after 5 min of sonic or limited trypsin treatment . Pretreatment of platelet-rich plasma with these soluble preparations selectively inhibits platelet aggregation in response to S . sanguis cells . A PAAP antigen was isolated and purified from minimal tryptic digests of S . sanguis cells using (i) immunoaffinity chromatography or (ii) gel filtration and ion-exchange chromatography . A monospecific rabbit antiserum was prepared against PAAP (from procedure ii) and used to verify identity with PAAP fragments in different preparations . Criteria of purity included single precipitins in immunoelectrophoresis and crossed immunoelectrophoresis, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, Western immunoblot, and COOH (Lys)- and NH2 (Pro)-terminal analyses . The 65-kDa (p65) antigen isolated by immunoaffinity chromatography had 50-fold greater specific inhibitory activity in S . sanguis-induced PRP aggregation than the original tryptic digest and about 1.4 times that recovered by sequential column chromatography . Amino acids of the p65 PAAP fragment constituted 89.5% of the total dry weight, with glycine, lysine, and glutamic acid predominant . Lesser amounts of proline were also noted . Monosaccharides, including glucose and galactose, comprised 4.0% of the total . A platelet interactive determinant of p65 was localized to a 23-kDa tryptic fragment after further trypsin treatment . Amino acids of this 23-kDa fragment constituted 99.8% of the total dry weight . In their native state on the cell wall of platelet-interactive strains of S . sanguis, platelet aggregation-associated proteins are probably assembled on fibrils as polyvalent agonists.

Nucleic Acids Res, 1990 Aug 25, 18(16), 4783 - 90
Molecular analysis of the replication region of the conjugative Streptococcus agalactiae plasmid pIP501 in Bacillus subtilis . Comparison with plasmids pAM beta 1 and pSM19035; Brantl S et al.; The large conjugative plasmid pIP501 was originally isolated from Streptococcus agalactiae . To study the molecular basis of pIP501 replication we determined the nucleotide sequence of a 2.2 kb DNA segment which is essential and sufficient for autonomous replication of pIP501 derived plasmids, in Bacillus subtilis cells . This region can be divided into two functionally discrete segments: a 496 bp region (oriR) that acts as an origin of replication, and a 1488 bp segment coding for an essential replication protein (RepR) . The RepR protein, which has a molecular mass of 57.4 kDa, could complement in trans a thermosensitive replicon bearing the pIP501 origin . Chimeric Rep proteins and replicons were obtained by domain swapping between rep genes of closely related streptococcal plasmids belonging to the inc18 group (pIP501, pAM beta 1 and pSM19035) . The chimeras were functional in B . subtilis.

Nippon Gan Chiryo Gakkai Shi, 1990 Aug 20, 25(8), 1543 - 9
{Immunomodulating effect of intratumoral (IT) injection of biological response modifiers (BRM) on tumor-bearing hosts}; Okuno K et al.; Preoperative endoscopic intratumoral injection (IT) of biological response modifiers (BRM), such as OK432, a compound composed of attenuated Streptococcus pyogens, in gastric cancer patients has been tried and this method has been improving the prognosis compared to surgical resection only . We tried to clarify this mechanism using experimental mouse system and demonstrated here the preoperative IT of OK432 significantly prolonged the survival and induced the tumor-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) in the spleen . By contrast, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) IT failed to prolong the survival and to induce specific CTL response, although it reduced primary tumor size significantly . To analyze why OK432 IT induce the systemic CTL response, viable tumor cells and infiltrating dish-adherent cells from the OK432 injected tumor mass were harvested and examined the class I and class II antigen expression by flow cytometer . Class I and class II antigen expression of the tumor cells remained unchanged, however, the class II positive dish-adherent cells markedly increased by OK432 pretreatment . As same in these results, histological finding in gastric cancer specimen has shown prominent increase of Langerhans cells, possessing potent antigen-presenting function and positive class II antigen, by OK432 pretreatment . Taken together, these findings strongly suggest that the increased class II positive antigen-presenting cells (APC) activity by OK432 IT augment the CTL response via cascade reaction and finally, resulted in anti-tumor efficacy in vivo.

Ohio Med, 1990 Aug, 86(8), 596 - 9
The incidence of bacteremia associated with emergent intubation: relevance to prophylaxis against bacterial endocarditis; Cannon LA et al.; STUDY OBJECTIVE: To examine the incidence of bacteremia associated with emergent nasotracheal intubation . STUDY DESIGN: Non-randomized, controlled cohort trial during 30 minutes post-intubation with limited in-hospital follow-up . SETTING: Emergency care unit and inpatient setting of a tertiary care facility . PATIENTS: Emergency care unit patients with acute respiratory distress necessitating non-elective emergency airway placement . MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: We studied 84 blood cultures obtained from 21 patients intubated emergently . Fourteen patients were intubated by the nasotracheal (NT) route and seven patients were intubated orotracheally (OT) for comparison . Pre-intubation and post-intubation blood cultures were obtained at two to five, 10 to 15 and 30 minutes after intubation . Patients were excluded if they had strong clinical evidence of pre-existing bacterial infection, had received antibiotics within 48 hours of presentation or were less than 16 years of age . Of the patients that were NT intubated, 29% (4/14) of patients became bacteremic after intubation . All had negative pre-intubation cultures . Organisms isolated were nasopharyngeal florae and included: Streptococcus viridans, Veillonellae sp., aerobic diphtheroids, and other mouth florae . Of the seven patients with OT intubation, six were culture negative . One was excluded because of positive preintubation cultures secondary to urosepsis . No patients in our study developed complications that could be directly attributed to these organisms or to intubation alone . CONCLUSIONS: The risk of bacteremia associated with emergency nasotracheal intubation is substantial and is accompanied by organisms that may produce serious morbidity in the patient with valvular heart disease or compromised immunity . Our findings suggest that, whenever possible, the nasotracheal route should be avoided for emergency intubation in patients with valvular heart disease and if used, prophylactic antibiotics should be strongly considered.

Community Dent Oral Epidemiol, 1990 Aug, 18(4), 194 - 6
Epidemiological application of a new bacteriocin typing scheme for Streptococcus mutans; Baca P et al.; We propose a new bacteriocin typing scheme for Streptococcus mutans (Biotype I) using nine producer strains and a numerical code with three figures . Its application in 75 unrelated S . mutans strains allowed us to type all microorganisms and to obtain a total of 15 bacteriocin types . Its epidemiological use in two family groups allowed us to obtain two bacteriocin types in each one and to show the type relations between the different family components.

J Dent Res, 1990 Aug, 69(8), 1485 - 7
The effects of sucralose on coronal and root-surface caries; Bowen WH et al.; Sucralose is an intensely sweet, chlorinated carbohydrate structurally similar to sucrose; thus, its cariogenic potential is of great interest . Four groups of 12 Sprague-Dawley rats were infected with Streptococcus mutans (sobrinus), caged in a Konig-Hofer programmed feeding machine, and fed diet 2000 or modified diet to contain sucralose at various concentrations instead of sucrose . Rats fed sucralose diet developed significantly fewer lesions than did the rats fed regular diet 2000 . Animals fed diet 2000 also harbored more S . mutans (sobrinus) than did the other groups of animals . In a concurrent study, desalivated rats were inoculated with S . mutans (sobrinus) and Actinomyces viscosus . They were fed (ad libitum) either diet 2000 (contains 56% sucrose) or diet 2000 minus sucrose plus 93 mg% sucralose . The severity of caries lesions in the sucralose-fed rats after 35 days was significantly less than those in the sucrose-fed rats . The amount of root exposure was the same in both groups . However, root-surface caries did not develop in the sucralose-fed rats . These results show that sucralose is non-cariogenic in rats.

J Dent Res, 1990 Aug, 69(8), 1476 - 9
Inhibitory effect of human plasma and saliva on co-aggregation between Bacteroides gingivalis and Streptococcus mitis; Nagata H et al.; The effect of human plasma and saliva on co-aggregation between Bacteroides gingivalis and Streptococcus mitis was studied by means of a turbidimetric assay . The co-aggregation activity was obtained from the maximum slope of the absorbance vs . time curve . Its dependence on pH, temperature, and ionic strength was examined, and the number of Bacteroides cells in relation to the number of Streptococcus cells resulting in optimal co-aggregation was established . Co-aggregation inhibition experiments showed that the co-aggregation activity was inhibited by l-arginine and l-lysine, although the activity was unaffected by the sugars tested . Human plasma and saliva were able to inhibit the co-aggregation in a dose-dependent reaction . Plasma exhibited the most potent inhibitory activity in these fluids . Fibrinogen was the most potent inhibitor of the plasma-derived proteins tested . These data suggest the possibility that the oral fluids may modulate the attachment of B . gingivalis to Gram-positive bacteria in periodontal pockets.

Am Rev Respir Dis, 1990 Aug, 142(2), 369 - 73
Severe community-acquired pneumonia . Etiology, prognosis, and treatment; Pachon J et al.; The frequency of community-acquired pneumonia coupled with its mortality rate of 10 to 25% is of growing concern to clinicians . A prospective study of 67 patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia was carried out to determine the causative agents, the impact fore-knowledge of the etiology has on the outcome, the value of clinical and radiologic criteria in predicting the evolution, and the efficacy of empirical therapy . The study group included 45 men and 22 women (mean age: 56.8 +/- 16.6 yr), and 46.2% suffered from a concurrent debilitating disease . The cause of pneumonia was diagnosed in 32 cases, and the most common pathogens were Streptococcus pneumoniae (37.5%), Legionella pneumophila (21.8%), and gram-negative bacilli (25.0%) . The fact that fungal infections were present in three patients and Pneumocystis carinii in one are worthy of note . The overall death rate was 20.8% . A fatal outcome was related to the age of the patient (p less than 0.05), the presence of debilitating disease (p = 0.026), and septic shock (p = 0.0009) . Diagnosis of the causative agents did not aid in increasing the survival rate, but it did allow for better patient management . Most of the patients (85.1%) initiated on treatment with erythromycin plus tobramycin recovered, but only 68.4% of the subjects commenced on treatment with other therapeutics survived . Furthermore, it was necessary to modify the therapy of a greater percentage of the latter group (p less than 0.025) . Gram-negative bacillary pneumonia was a frequent finding among the patients who did not recover, making empirical treatment with erythromycin plus third generation cephalosporins most advisable for severe cases of community-acquired pneumonia.

South Med J, 1990 Aug, 83(8), 895 - 9
Pneumococcal bacteremia as a marker for human immunodeficiency virus infection in patients without AIDS; Chirurgi VA et al.; We retrospectively reviewed medical records of all adult patients with blood cultures positive for Streptococcus pneumoniae to determine the number of HIV seropositive patients in whom S pneumoniae bacteremia was the presenting manifestation . We also compared the clinical presentation, laboratory data, and outcome of pneumococcal bacteremia in patients who were HIV seropositive with patients with no risk factors for HIV infection . All adult patients with blood cultures positive for S pneumoniae from January 1987 through April 1989 at two acute care general hospitals in northern California were identified by review of microbiology data . One hospital served veterans, the other the indigent of a suburban area . Six (15%) of 41 patients with pneumococcal bacteremia were HIV seropositive; five were not known to be HIV seropositive before the onset of bacteremia, and the sixth was asymptomatic with respect to HIV infection . No patient with AIDS had pneumococcal bacteremia . HIV seropositive patients were significantly younger, had significantly fewer underlying diseases, and had fewer complications of pneumococcal bacteremia than bacteremic patients with no risk factors for HIV infection . Patients with pneumococcal bacteremia should be evaluated for HIV infection, especially in the absence of other underlying diseases that predispose to pneumococcal bacteremia.

Am J Dis Child, 1990 Aug, 144(8), 923 - 7
Invasive disease due to multiply resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae in a Houston, Tex, day-care center; Rauch AM et al.; Two toddlers who attended the same day-care center were hospitalized hours apart with sepsis and meningitis due to a multiply resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae . We determined the prevalence of multiply resistant S pneumoniae respiratory carriage and disease in infants, toddlers, and staff in the day-care center and in household contacts . The nasopharynges of 82 (96%) of 85 day-care center children, 26 (90%) of 29 day-care center staff, and 28 (90%) of 31 family members were cultured . Streptococcus pneumoniae grew from 29 (35%) of the 82 cultured day-care center children . Ten (34%) of the S pneumoniae isolates were resistant to sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, oxacillin, and tetracycline and were relatively resistant to penicillin (minimum inhibitory concentration, 0.5 mg/L) . All were serotype 14 and had the same antibiotic resistance pattern . Treatment of 97% of the day-care center children and staff with rifampin (10 mg/kg twice daily for 2 days) resulted in 70% reduction in positive nasopharyngeal cultures for S pneumoniae . No additional disease due to multiply resistant S pneumoniae was identified in the day-care center during a 9-month follow-up period . This report documents that an outbreak of multiply resistant invasive S pneumoniae occurred in a day-care center setting; that nasopharyngeal colonization of exposed children was common; and that rifampin treatment of 2 days only partially eradicated the organism from colonized individuals.

J Infect Dis, 1990 Aug, 162(2), 482 - 8
IgG subclass response and opsonization of Streptococcus pneumoniae after vaccination of healthy adults; Bardardottir E et al.; Studies relating opsonization and IgG antibodies to Streptococcus pneumoniae have yielded contradictory results . This study compared changes in opsonization with IgG subclass response after vaccinating healthy subjects with a 23-valent pneumococcal vaccine . Total IgG and IgG subclass antibodies to pneumococcal polysaccharide types 8, 9, and 19 were measured by ELISA . Opsonic activity was assayed using 3H-labeled bacteria and polymorphonuclear leukocytes in different serum concentrations (5%-40%) . A substantial postvaccination increase in total and subclass IgG antibody was observed in most subjects, although variations were seen . Postvaccination sera generally gave rise to enhanced opsonization, and a correlation was found between increases in antibody levels and opsonization . This correlation was closest for IgG1 and IgG4 and generally strongest at the lowest serum concentration, but weak or absent at the highest concentration . Thus, vaccination against S . pneumoniae stimulates a variable increase in specific opsonic activity in health persons that is best demonstrated when serum is a limiting factor in the opsonin assay.

J Infect Dis, 1990 Aug, 162(2), 474 - 81
Pathogenesis of meningitis caused by Streptococcus suis type 2; Williams AE et al.; The neuraxes of 26 pigs inoculated intravenously with a pathogenic isolate of Streptococcus suis type 2 and killed 17-47 h later were examined using histologic and scanning microscopic techniques . The only pathologic lesions detected in all pigs were associated with the choroid plexus: disruption of the plexus brush border, a decrease in the number of Kolmer cells, and exudation of fibrin and inflammatory cells into the ventricles . Lesions affecting the cerebral and choroid plexus endothelium, such as vasculitis, were not detected . Intracellular bacteria were demonstrated in the parenchyma of the choroid plexus, in the ventricular exudate, and within peripheral blood monocytes . Separate studies found that circulating monocytes containing phagocytosed bacteria-sized particles migrated into the cerebrospinal fluid compartment with the choroid plexus acting as a major site of cellular ingress . These observations support the concept that in the pathogenesis of meningitis, bacteria may gain access to the cerebrospinal fluid compartment in association with monocytes migrating along normal pathways.

Infect Immun, 1990 Aug, 58(8), 2547 - 54
Antibody-secreting peripheral blood lymphocytes induced by immunization with a conjugate consisting of Streptococcus pneumoniae type 12F polysaccharide and diphtheria toxoid; Lue C et al.; Healthy adult volunteers were injected either with one of two conjugates composed of Streptococcus pneumoniae type 12F polysaccharide (Pn12F) covalently coupled to diphtheria toxoid or with Pn12F alone (as a component of Pnu-Imune, a 23-valent pneumococcus vaccine) . The conjugates induced Pn12F-specific antibody-secreting cells in peripheral blood with numbers and isotype distribution similar to those induced by Pnu-Imune, with immunoglobulin A (IgA) as the predominant isotype . The conjugates also elicited high numbers of diphtheria toxoid-specific antibody-secreting cells of the IgG class . There was no distinct booster effect, since a second dose of the conjugates induced antibody-secreting cells at significantly lower numbers than after the first dose . In contrast to the cell numbers, the conjugate vaccines induced higher increases of IgA1 Pn12F antibodies in serum than did Pnu-Imune . However, neither the conjugates nor Pnu-Imune induced a secretory antibody response . Antibody levels in serum and saliva correlated poorly with the frequency of antigen-specific antibody-secreting cells . Circulating antibody-secreting cells present 7 days postimmunization were probably not responsible for the high increase of antibodies in serum but rather represented a population of in vivo-activated B cells with the ability to disseminate the humoral response from the antigen recognition site to distant locations of antibody production.

Jpn J Antibiot, 1990 Aug, 43(8), 1341 - 52
{Annual changes in susceptibility of clinical isolates to midecamycin acetate}; Deguchi K et al.; To investigate annual changes in the susceptibility of clinical isolates to midecamycin acetate (MDM-AC), minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of MDM-AC were determined for clinical isolates obtained from outpatients since 1985 . MDM-AC-resistant strains of Staphylococcus spp . and Streptococcus spp . have shown similar degrees of resistance to midecamycin and josamycin . Regarding this as macrolide resistance, proportions of macrolide-resistant strains tended to increase for Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae but to decrease for Streptococcus pyogenes . 1 . For S . aureus, 8% of the strains isolated in 1985, 20% in 1987 and 20% in 1989 were macrolide-resistant . Of these macrolide-resistant strains, 70% or more in 1987 and 80% or more in 1989 were methicillin-resistant S . aureus (MRSA) . 2 . For S . pneumoniae, 8% of the strains isolated in 1985, 12% in 1987 and 12% in 1989 were macrolide-resistant, indicating a tendency for resistant strains to increase annually . 3 . For S . pyogenes, 8% of the strains isolated in 1985, 4% in 1987 and 0% in 1989 were macrolide-resistant, showing a decreasing tendency . 4 . MDM-AC is still thought to be a clinically useful antibacterial agent because it still shows antibacterial activity against 80% or more of Gram-positive cocci clinically isolated in recent years and a low degree of induction of macrolide resistance in Staphylococcus spp.

Poult Sci, 1990 Aug, 69(8), 1257 - 64
Influence of dietary supplementation with Streptococcus faecium M-74 on broiler body weight, feed conversion, carcass characteristics, and intestinal microbial colonization; Owings WJ et al.; Two experiments were conducted to determine the influence of Streptococcus faecium M-74 supplementation of broiler diets . Mixed-sex or male only chicks were used in the experiments . Both experiments consisted of six dietary treatments and four replicates per treatment in a randomized block design . The S . faecium was fed alone for 21, 36, or 44 days or for 44 days with S . faecium supplemented in the water for the first 14 days . In another treatment, S . faecium was fed for 44 days, but the feed was restricted for Days 8 through 13 . The S . faecium was also fed in combination with antibacterial products (AP) for 44 days . An additional diet was an unsupplemented basal, and another was supplemented only with AP . In Experiment 1, feed efficiency was significantly better with the basal and diets supplemented with S . faecium than with those diets supplemented with AP or AP and S . faecium . In Experiment 2, BW of broilers at 44 days of age were significantly heavier for broilers receiving S . faecium in the feed and also S . faecium in the water for the first 14 days as compared with broilers receiving AP or AP and S . faecium supplementation . There were no significant differences in carcass yield or composition characteristics . In Experiment 1, the scores representing S . faecium colonies found in the intestinal tract were not influenced by dietary treatment . The ceca had the highest S . faecium score of any of the intestinal tract locations.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol, 1990 Aug, 16(4), 345 - 56
Pathology of Streptococcal meningitis following intravenous intracisternal and natural routes of infection; Williams AE et al.; The distribution of pathological lesions present in 20 cases of naturally-occurring Streptococcus suis type 2 meningitis and 20 cases of the disease induced experimentally by intravenous or intracisternal inoculation was examined . It was found that the distribution of lesions was similar; mild lesions were present at the choroid plexuses whilst the most dense cellular accumulations were found at sites of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) efflux, such as arachnoid villi and olfactory nerve sheaths . The distribution of changes was considered to reflect the dynamics of CSF flow rather than indicate the site of entry of the organisms into the CSF compartment.

Kyobu Geka, 1990 Aug, 43(9), 718 - 23
{Prosthetic valve endocarditis}; Kioka Y et al.; From January/1983 to March/1988, 28 patients were submitted to valve replacements for prosthetic valve endocarditis in 1,512 valve replacements . Seventeen patients were male, their mean age was 36.7 +/- 12.9 years old, and eight cases were operated under emergency condition . The blood cultures were positive in 14 (50%), the agent most commonly found being Streptococcus viridans in 5 cases . Hospital mortality was 28.5% . The causes of death were septicemia in 4 cases, low output syndrome in 2 cases, cerebrovascular accident in 1 case, and coagulopathy in 1 case . Mortality was higher with statistical significance in the cases whose blood cultures were negative, the cases in which the time from valve replacement to the onset of endocarditis was less than one year, and the cases under emergency condition.

J La State Med Soc, 1990 Aug, 142(8), 37 - 9
A case report of meningitis caused by penicillin resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae; Cohen I et al.; We report a case of invasive disease caused by penicillin resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae . The prevalence of penicillin and multiple drug resistant pneumococcal strains is increasing worldwide . We must assume that the incidence of clinically significant illness caused by these agents will also increase . Based on this assumption, we make suggestions as to how clinicians should alter their therapeutic approach to pneumococcal illness.

J Dairy Sci, 1990 Aug, 73(8), 2121 - 8
Evaluation of a chlorous acid-chlorine dioxide teat dip under experimental and natural exposure conditions; Drechsler PA et al.; A postmilking teat dip containing chlorous acid-chlorine dioxide was evaluated by experimental challenge and in two herds under natural exposure . The test product had an efficacy of 78.9% against Staphylococcus aureus and 52.5% against Streptococcus agalactiae in the experimental challenge trial . The product was compared with a 1% iodine product in a 15-mo natural exposure study . Post-dipping with chlorous acid-chlorine dioxide reduced incidence of udder infection by major mastitis pathogens 36.1% when data were combined from the two herds . The 1% iodine and the chlorous acid-chlorine dioxide products were not equivalent for major mastitis pathogens; the test product was more effective . Incidence of udder infection by environmental mastitis pathogens was reduced 36.8% in both herds combined . Efficacy of the two teat dips was equivalent for environmental pathogens.

Clin Pediatr (Phila), 1990 Aug, 29(8), 445 - 7
Superficial cultures in neonatal sepsis evaluations . Impact on antibiotic decision making; Zuerlein TJ et al.; The authors performed a retrospective analysis of neonatal superficial cultures and their effect on antimicrobial decision making during a nine-month period at Nashville General Hospital . They obtained and reviewed charts of infants (n = 66) having paired superficial (skin and/or gastric aspirate) and deep (blood and cerebrospinal fluid) cultures for the evaluation of early-onset sepsis . Superficial cultures were positive for pathogens (any streptococcus or enteric gram-negative) in 15% (10/66) of cases . Antimicrobial decision making was affected in only one of these cases, and in a seemingly inappropriate manner . In summary, there was no evidence or review that superficial cultures used in sepsis evaluation influenced physician antimicrobial decision making; in one case they may have led to unnecessary antibiotic exposure.

Int J Cardiol, 1990 Aug, 28(2), 267 - 9
Endocarditis due to Streptococcus agalactiae: a favorable outcome with conservative treatment; Guijarro-Morales A et al.; A case of infective endocarditis due to Streptococcus agalactiae was treated conservatively by means of cefotaxime sodium given intravenously at a dose of 1 g every six hours supplemented with gentamycin sulphate, also given intravenously, with the dose adjusted according to concentrations of the drug in the plasma . The treatment was successful.

J Clin Periodontol, 1990 Aug, 17(7 ( Pt 2)), 494 - 6
Cardiovascular infections: bacterial endocarditis of oral origin . Pathogenesis and prophylaxis; Nord CE et al.; The diagnosis infective endocarditis describes infection of the endocardial surface of the heart and indicates the presence of micro-organisms in the lesion . In most cases, the heart valves are affected, but the disease can also occur on septal defects or on the mural endocardium . The disease has been classified as acute or subacute based on the progression of the untreated disease . The acute form has a fulminant course with high fever and leukocytosis with death in less than 6 weeks . It is most often associated with infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae or Streptococcus pyogenes . The subacute (death within 6 weeks to 3 months) and chronic (death more than 3 months) forms are mostly described together . These forms usually occur in patients with prior valvular disease and are characterized by a slow, indolent course with low-grade fever, night sweats, and weight loss . This form is usually caused by the viridansstreptococci . The above mentioned classification does not include the nonbacterial forms of endocarditis and enterococci often give rise to a disease intermediate between acute and subacute endocarditis . It is preferable to have a classification based on the micro-organism responsible since this classification has implications for the course followed and the appropriate antimicrobial agent to use . The clinical manifestations of the disease are so varied that they may be encountered in most medical subspecialities . Successful management is also dependent on the close cooperation of medical and dental disciplines.

Arch Intern Med, 1990 Aug, 150(8), 1727 - 32
Diagnosis of group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus using clinical scoring criteria, Directigen 1-2-3 group A streptococcal test, and culture; Reed BD et al.; Cultures for group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus were performed on 806 patients presenting with a sore throat to five urgent care centers . The accuracies of a clinical scoring system and of a liposomal in-office direct test for Streptococcus were compared with culture results . The Directigen 1-2-3 group A streptococcal test had a sensitivity of 67%, a specificity of 85%, a positive predictive value of 61%, and a negative predictive value of 89% compared with culture . The scoring system had a sensitivity of 26%, a specificity of 94%, a positive predictive value of 58%, and a negative predictive value of 79% . Using a combination of the direct test results and the clinical score did not improve the accuracy significantly over the use of either alone . The rates of delayed treatment, unnecessary treatment, and increased costs were compared using different combinations of the clinical scoring system, the in-office streptococcal test, and culture . Neither the Directigen 1-2-3 group A streptococcal test nor the clinical score can replace culture in the diagnosis of group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal pharyngitis.

Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi (Taipei), 1990 Aug, 46(2), 117 - 20
{Necrotizing fasciitis with toxic shock-like syndrome . Case report}; Chen YM et al.; Fulminant group A streptococcal infection with necrotizing fasciitis and toxic shock-like syndrome is rare in Taiwan . We had diagnosed a case of necrotizing fasciitis with toxic shock-like syndrome in January, 1990 . Tracing the patient's history, he was rather well in the past except that he scratched his skin occasionally . Erythromatous change with swelling and painful sensation of skin over medial aspect of left thigh was noted 4 days before admission . He called on local dermatologist and was treated with some topical medication . Unfortunately, the condition went downhill within 2 days with the lesion extending to the scrotum and causing vesicular formation and necrotic change of the skin over left thigh and scrotum . He was sent to our Emergency Room in shock condition and was admitted under impression of necrotizing fasciitis with septic shock . Incision and drainage was done in the second hospital day and group A streptococcus was isolated from blood and skin later . His condition became stable slowly . Due to extensive necrosis of skin and subcutaneous tissue, debridement had been done twice and skin graft was done one month after admission . We report this case to emphasise the rare but fulminant nature of group A streptococcal necrotizing fasciitis with toxic shock-like syndrome and the importance of early surgical and medical management.

Semin Perinatol, 1990 Aug, 14(4 Suppl 1), 22 - 9
Molecular analysis of two group B streptococcal virulence factors; Rubens CE et al.; Molecular biology has provided new technology for evaluating the traits of bacterial pathogens that are important in the pathogenesis of infections . The ability to derive isogenic strains that differ by a single trait provides a powerful tool for investigating the interaction of a putative virulence factor with the host at any of the various steps in pathogenesis . Recombinant DNA techniques afford the opportunity to clone the genes involved in the biosynthesis of a particular virulence factor . Once the gene(s) are cloned, a vast amount of information can be learned about their composition, structure, and regulation, and similarity with genes in other organisms . Understanding the molecular biology of a virulence factor also provides information about potential targets for future therapies and preventive modalities . The molecular analysis of two virulence factors from the type III group B streptococcus has been reviewed to provide specific examples of how these techniques can be used . The data has shown that the capsular polysaccharide is an essential factor in GBS virulence . The structural influence of sialic acid on the capsule plays a major role in its virulence properties . The importance of the capsule has been tested in several assays to identify its role in pathogenesis . Its primary role appears to be evading host phagocytic mechanisms, but it does not appear to be essential in the vascular response observed during GBS sepsis . Using the isogenic strains, we have also learned that the capsule does not mask a fibronectin receptor on GBS . In contrast to the capsule, the beta-hemolysin of GBS does not appear to be essential for systemic disease once the organism has invaded . Its role in the initial invasive steps in GBS pathogenesis has not been tested, but the availability of isogenic mutants in beta-hemolysin production will allow this question to be answered once the model systems are available.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin, 1990 Aug-Sep, 8(7), 426 - 8
{Isolation of Streptococcus agalactiae in adults: serotypes, adhesiveness to epithelial cells}; Cueto M et al.; Serotype distribution and adherence to epithelial cells (HeLa and Hep-2) were studied in 230 strains of Streptococcus agalactiae (GBS) isolated in adult patients with GBS infection or in asymptomatic carriers . In the population investigated, serotypes Ia and III predominated in the strains isolated from both carriers and patients . Adhesivity was significantly greater in strains isolated from the former, regardless of serotype . Thus in adults, serotype cannot be correlated with virulence of a given strain.

J Gen Microbiol, 1990 Aug, 136 ( Pt 8), 1631 - 7
Characterization of the product of the gtfS gene of Streptococcus downei, a primer-independent enzyme synthesizing oligo-isomaltosaccharides; Russell RR et al.; The gtfS gene, coding for a glucosyltransferase which synthesizes water-soluble glucan and previously cloned from Streptococcus downei strain MFe28 (mutans serotype h) into a bacteriophage vector, was subcloned into a plasmid vector . The gtfS gene products expressed in Escherichia coli were compared to the primer-independent, oligo-isomaltosaccharide synthase in Streptococcus sobrinus strain AHT (mutans serotype g) and shown to resemble it closely in molecular mass, isoelectric point, immunological properties, optimum pH and Km values . The glucans produced from sucrose by the gtfS gene products are alpha-1,6-linked linear oligo-isomaltosaccharides without any branching sites . A similar gtfS gene was also detected on chromosomal DNA from S . sobrinus strain AHT.

Offentl Gesundheitswes, 1990 Aug-Sep, 52(8-9), 451 - 5
{The Freiburg Scarlet Fever Scheme, a guide for clinical practice in frequent occurrence of Streptococcus-A infections in schools and other community facilities according to paragraphs 44-48 of the Federal Infection Legislation}; Hartig L; In the past years, the endemic occurrence of A-streptococcal infections in communal institutions for children and other reasons called for an increased number of activities to combat such diseases . In view of the multitude of different epidemiological situations, differentiated suggestions favouring a holistic strategy to combat such infections were elaborated, e.g . with regard to therapy, prophylaxis and the practice of readmission to community institutions . The methods of application have still to be improved upon.

J Dent Res, 1990 Aug, 69(8), 1480 - 4
The influence of sucralose on bacterial metabolism; Young DA et al.; Sucralose (1',4',6' trideoxy-trichloro-galactosucrose) is a nontoxic, intensely sweet sucrose derivative that has been shown to be non-cariogenic in experimental animals . The purpose of this study was to determine whether certain oral bacteria could utilize sucralose . Sucralose, as a sole carbon source, was unable to support growth of ten strains of oral bacteria and dental plaque . When sucrolose was incorporated into a liquid medium containing glucose or sucrose, all organisms tested displayed similar pH falls, compared with controls . The incorporation of 126 mmol/L sucralose into glucose agar medium caused total inhibition of growth of Streptococcus sobrinus 6715-17, Streptococcus sanguis 10904, Streptococcus sanguis Challis, Streptococcus salivarius, and Actinomyces viscosus WVU627 . Sucralose had no effect on IPS production . Sucralose was not bound to, nor taken up by, cells . Sucralose inhibited the formation of glucan and fructan polymers in proportion to the sucralose-to-enzyme ratio, but independent of the sucrose concentration in the assay mixture . No radioactive polymer was formed from 14C-U-sucralose added to mixtures containing glucosyltransferase (GTF) or fructosyl-transferase (FTF) . Inhibition of GTF and FTF by sucralose was removed following dialysis of the enzyme/sucralose mixture . These results show that sucralose was not utilized by the oral bacteria tested and that the inhibitory effect of sucralose on GTF and FTF was non-competitive and reversible . The results further support the concept that sucralose is non-cariogenic.

Oral Microbiol Immunol, 1990 Aug, 5(4), 237 - 9
Metabolism of progesterone and testosterone by Bacillus cereus strain Socransky 67 and Streptococcus mutans strain Ingbritt; Ojanotko-Harri A et al.; Bacillus cereus strain Socransky 67 and Streptococcus mutans strain Ingbritt were grown overnight in complex medium and then in fresh medium flasks for 5 h . The bacterial cells in the medium were centrifuged and resuspended; 4-14C-progesterone or 4-14C-testosterone was added, and the samples were incubated for 2 h at 37 degrees C in a shaking water bath . The metabolites were analyzed with column and thin layer chromatography and radioautography and quantified by liquid scintillation counting . On the basis of the metabolites found it was concluded that B . cereus strain Socransky 67 contains 5 alpha-steroid hydrogenase, and 3 beta-, 17 beta- and 20 alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases and probably also steroid hydroxylases, and that S . mutans strain Ingbritt contains 5 alpha- and 5 beta-steroid hydrogenases, and 3 alpha-, 17 beta- and 20 alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases . The metabolic activity of B . cereus is several times higher than that of S . mutans . We suggest that the greater ability of B . cereus to metabolize progesterone and testosterone is probably due to its growth milieu in the gingival sulcus, where it is nearer to the gingival tissue.

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 1990 Aug, 87(15), 5837 - 41
Strand-specific mismatch correction in nuclear extracts of human and Drosophila melanogaster cell lines; Holmes J Jr et al.; Nuclear extracts derived from HeLa and Drosophila melanogaster KC cell lines have been found to correct single base-base mispairs within open circular DNA heteroduplexes containing a strand-specific, site-specific incision located 808 base pairs from the mismatch . Correction in both extract systems is strand specific, being highly biased to the incised DNA strand . Different mispairs within a homologous set of heteroduplexes were processed with different efficiencies (G.T greater than G.G approximately equal to A.C greater than C.C), and correction was accompanied by mismatch-dependent DNA synthesis localized to the region spanning the mispair and the strand break, thus demonstrating that mismatch recognition is associated with the repair reaction . Correction of each of these heteroduplexes was abolished by aphidicolin but was relatively insensitive to the presence of high concentrations of ddTTP, indicating probable involvement of alpha and/or delta class DNA polymerase(s) . These findings suggest that higher eukaryotic cells possess a general, strand-specific mismatch repair system analogous to the Escherichia coli mutHLS and the Streptococcus pneumoniae hexAB pathways, systems that contribute in a major way to the genetic stability of these bacterial species.

AJR Am J Roentgenol, 1990 Aug, 155(2), 333 - 5
Cervical osteomyelitis due to i.v . heroin use: radiologic findings in 14 patients; Endress C et al.; We reviewed the radiographs of 14 patients who had cervical osteomyelitis and were IV heroin users . Eleven were men and three were women . Their age range was 33-48 years (mean, 39 years) . Eleven regularly used the jugular vein access, and three alternated between the jugular and femoral veins . Initial radiographs of the cervical spine in 13 patients showed destruction of two or more vertebral bodies and the adjacent intervertebral disk, as well as a prevertebral soft-tissue mass . In one patient, findings on initial radiographs were normal, but marked destruction at two contiguous intervertebral levels and a large prevertebral abscess were identified 2 weeks later . All the patients had positive results on cultures of joint aspirates or bone biopsy materials (10 patients) or blood (four patients) . Ten grew Staphylococcus aureus; two, Staphylococcus epidermidis; one, Streptococcus viridans; and one, Pseudomonas aeruginosa . CT in nine patients showed inflammatory reaction adjacent to the carotid sheath resulting from the repeated jugular injections and delineated the extent of prevertebral abscess and bone destruction . Scintigrams were of minimal value in establishing the diagnosis . Advanced vertebral body destruction, disk space infection, prevertebral abscess, and anterior cervical inflammatory reaction appear to be typical findings on radiographs in heroin abusers with cervical osteomyelitis.

An Med Interna, 1990 Aug, 7(8), 402 - 5
{Bacteremia of cutaneous origin}; Soriano Gimenez JC et al.; 558 episodes of bacteremia were detected in our medical center during a 2-year period . 17 of them (3%) were of cutaneous origin . 12 cases were community-acquired and 5 were hospital-acquired . The patients median age was of 65 years . 15 patients had a baseline disease, the most frequent being diabetes mellitus and neoplastic disease . The most common bacteria isolated were group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli; 2 patients had multibacterial episodes . Decubitus ulcer and cellulitis were the most frequently associated skin disease . Global mortality was of 47% and was sepsis related in 29% of the cases . Death prognosis factors were old age, diabetes mellitus, gram-negative causal bacteria, nonappropriate antibiotic therapy, low index of clinical suspicion.

Oral Microbiol Immunol, 1990 Aug, 5(4), 181 - 8
Function of anti-Streptococcus mutans antibodies: inhibition of virulence factors and enzyme neutralization; Gregory RL et al.; The levels of parotid salivary IgA and serum IgG antibodies from dental caries-resistant (CR) and caries-susceptible (CS) individuals to Streptococcus mutans antigens were determined . In general, the levels of salivary IgA and serum IgG antibodies to S . mutans antigens were significantly higher in CR subjects than in CS individuals . There were significantly higher levels of IgA2, but not IgA1, salivary antibodies to S . mutans whole cells in CR subjects than in CS individuals . These results led us to investigate the functional effects parotid saliva and sera containing these antibodies had on several factors associated with S . mutans virulence . Parotid saliva and sera from CR subjects significantly inhibited S . mutans growth, adherence, acid production, glucosyltransferase and glucose-phosphotransferase activities to a greater extent than saliva and sera from CS individuals . The data suggest that neutralization of S . mutans enzymes and inhibition of S . mutans virulence factors by saliva and serum may be responsible for the lower numbers of carious lesions in CR subjects.

Int J Radiat Biol, 1990 Aug, 58(2), 341 - 50
Quantitative study of wound infection in irradiated mice; Elliott TB et al.; Bacterial infection of simple wounds was studied directly and quantitatively in adult mice given 6.5 Gy 60Co . Three days later, when neutropenia was evident, the skin and the medial gluteus muscle of anaesthetized mice were incised . A suspension of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae or Streptococcus pyogenes was inoculated into the wound . Bacteria per mg muscle were enumerated 3, 4 or 7 days later . The geometric means of bacteria per mg were greater in irradiated than in non-irradiated mice . Phagocytic cells were present in the wounded tissue . Hence sublethal ionizing radiation enhanced the susceptibility of mice to infections of wounds by these four bacterial species.

Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol, 1990 Aug, 99(8), 654 - 9
Morphologic and biochemical study of vascular permeability of the middle ear mucosa in experimental otitis media; Sakagami M et al.; The vascular permeability of the middle ear mucosa of chinchillas was examined by light and electron microscopy using horseradish peroxidase (HRP) . Two kinds of experimental otitis media were used: serous otitis media (SOM) produced by eustachian tube obstruction and purulent otitis media (POM) produced by inoculation with Streptococcus pneumoniae type 7F . Normal mucosa showed no leakage of HRP . In SOM, vessels were dilated and tortuous, but they did not show HRP leakage . In POM, vessel leakage of HRP was extensive . Biochemically, we measured the middle ear effusion-to-serum ratio of both albumin and alpha 2-macroglobulin by an immunodiffusion method . The ratios of the two marker proteins for vascular permeability were significantly higher in POM than in SOM . This suggests that POM increases vascular permeability to a higher degree than SOM, and morphologic findings in the middle ear mucosa correlate with the biochemical composition of the middle ear effusion.

Arch Surg, 1990 Aug, 125(8), 1075 - 8
Protective effect of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor against pneumococcal infections in splenectomized mice; Hebert JC et al.; Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor stimulates the proliferation and differentiation of progenitor cells committed to the neutrophil lineage, and it has been shown to improve survival to bacterial challenge in neutropenic mice . We studied recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rhG-CSF), cloned from bladder cell carcinoma line 5637, in a nonneutropenic infection model of Streptococcus pneumoniae pulmonary infection in splenectomized and sham-operated control mice . The rhG-CSF improved survival in the splenectomized mice but not in the sham-operated mice . Circulating leukocyte counts were greatest for the rhG-CSF-treated splenectomized mice compared with all other groups, presumably due to a loss of splenic sequestration . Clearance of live pneumococci from mouse lung pairs was impaired after splenectomy . The rhG-CSF improved lung clearance in both splenectomized and sham-operated mice compared with saline solution-treated controls . The number of live pneumococci recovered from tracheobronchial lymph nodes at 24 hours after aerosol challenge was greatest in the splenectomized mice vs sham-operated mice . Decreased numbers of viable pneumococci were recovered from tracheobronchial lymph nodes from the rhG-CSF-treated splenectomized mice and the sham-operated mice vs saline solution-treated controls . The rhG-CSF may be a useful adjuvant for treating infections in individuals with immunologic dysfunctions other than neutropenia.

Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd, 1990 Jul 28, 134(30), 1462 - 4
{Fulminant sepsis caused by Streptococcus suis}; van Jaarsveld BC et al.; A 26-year-old man, in daily contact with pigs was admitted to hospital with septic shock which appeared to be caused by Streptococcus suis type 2 infection . Despite immediate antibiotic therapy a multiple organ failure developed, with ARDS, cardiac failure, disseminated intravascular coagulation and acute renal failure . Streptococcus suis infection is a zoonosis . The bacterium can be isolated from the tonsils of a significant part of the Dutch pig population . Mainly people who are in close contact with pigs or pork become infected . Usually meningitis develops . Sepsis, as this case, is rare and often fatal.

Br J Nutr, 1990 Jul, 64(1), 273 - 83
Potential dental effects of infants' fruit drinks studied in vitro; Grenby TH et al.; Eighteen different infants' drinks from five manufacturers were examined for their carbohydrate, calcium, phosphorus and acid contents, and their attack on tooth mineral . Seven of the drinks were compared with nine varieties of adults' soft drinks, and demineralization was studied with and without the presence of a cariogenic oral streptococcus . The influence of the acids already in the drinks in dissolving Ca and P outstripped that of any acid generated in these studies in vitro by microbial fermentation of the sugars they contained, giving an indication of their relative erosiveness rather than their cariogenic action . Various other features of the drinks relevant to dental health were identified . Titratable acid was a better guide than pH to their dental properties . Although there were considerable differences between the various infants' drinks, taken as a group, their acidity levels and demineralizing powers were generally lower than those of the adults' drinks.

Monatsschr Kinderheilkd, 1990 Jul, 138(7), 399 - 402
{Fatal pneumococcal meningitis in a 1-year-old child with homozygous C2 deficiency}; Glockel U et al.; The 1-year old girl died of recurrent bacterial meningitis . Streptococcus pneumoniae was isolated from the cerebrospinal fluid . The analysis of the immune system revealed only a defect of the complement system . The following results were obtained: 1 . No function of the classical complement pathway . 2 . Reduced function of the alternative complement pathway . 3 . No functional C2 activity . 4 . No C2 protein . The parents had half normal C2 titers . HLA typing was only possible for the parents with the following results: A1, A32(w19), B18, DR2, DRw11(5) (father) and A3, A10, B18, B7, DR2 (mother) . These data are compatible with a B18, DR2 haplotype of the child which is found in most cases of homozygous C2 deficiency . Our patient list another example for the high risk of recurrent severe infectious diseases in persons with a total complement defect.

Nippon Geka Gakkai Zasshi, 1990 Jul, 91(7), 914 - 7
{A case report of mitral valve regurgitation due to the infective endocarditis associated with the straight back syndrome}; Takeuchi E et al.; A 54 year-old man was admitted to our hospital with a compliant of high fever following the dental treatment . He had the straight thoracic spine with absence of physiological kyphosis . Blood culture was positive for Streptococcus sanguis I . Echocardiography revealed the mitral valve regurgitation with some vegetation at the ruptured chordae tendinae of the posterior leaflet . The operation was performed after the sign of the inflammation was disappeared . We performed the mitral valve reconstruction following the Carpentier's technique . The half of the posterior leaflet was excised, and the annuloplasty and valvuloplasty was done with ease.

J Comp Pathol, 1990 Jul, 103(1), 85 - 94
Protective effect of sera raised against different fractions of Streptococcus suis type 2; Holt ME et al.; Five bands of 44, 54, 78, 86 and 94 kD were identified by Western blot analysis of Streptococcus suis type 2 by the use of sera that were from immune or non-immune pigs and were positive or negative in bactericidal tests in vitro . These bands were cut from the gels and used as antigens to produce antisera in rabbits . Rabbit sera against the 78 and 94 kD bands were positive in bactericidal tests, and the serum against the 94 kD band also protected mice against challenge with a live pathogenic strain of S . suis type 2 . The serum raised against the 78 kD band was not protective in mice and appeared to inhibit the protective effect of the 94 kD band antiserum . Rabbit sera raised against the 44, 54 and 86 kD bands were negative in bactericidal tests and failed to protect mice against challenge.

J Craniomaxillofac Surg, 1990 Jul, 18(5), 223 - 4
Necrotizing buccal and cervical fasciitis; Yamaoka M et al.; A bite wound led to necrotizing fasciitis in the temporal space, the lateral pharyngeal space and the carotid sheath, indicative of a Streptococcus and Bacteroides infection, and was successfully treated with repeated incisions, radical debridement and antibiotic therapy.

Res Vet Sci, 1990 Jul, 49(1), 85 - 7
Two strains of Streptococcus uberis, of differing ability to cause clinical mastitis, differ in their ability to resist some host defence factors; Leigh JA et al.; Two strains of Streptococcus uberis (0140J and EF20), previously shown to differ markedly in their ability to infect the mammary gland and cause clinical mastitis, showed correlated differences in their resistance to some host defence mechanisms . Both strains produced a hyaluronic acid capsule but strain 0140J, the more infective, was more resistant than EF20 to phagocytosis and killing by bovine neutrophils . Loss of the capsule from strain EF20 during the stationary phase of growth did not affect its resistance to phagocytosis . Strain 0140J also grew more rapidly than EF20 in raw skimmed milk but dithiothreitol substantially reversed this inhibition, suggesting the involvement of the lactoperoxidase system in the inhibitory effect of raw milk.

J Trauma, 1990 Jul, 30(7), 830 - 2; discussion 832-3
Short-term hyperglycemia depresses immunity through nonenzymatic glycosylation of circulating immunoglobulin; Black CT et al.; Hyperglycemia accompanies a myriad of clinical conditions and causes an acceleration in the nonenzymatic glycosylation (NEG) of proteins . Since many proteins lose function when glycosylated, we assessed the effect of hyperglycemia on the function of immunoglobulin G . Twenty newborn Sprague-Dawley rats underwent splenectomy and 20, splenic mobilization alone . After 3 weeks, all animals received an intraperitoneal injection of Streptococcus pneumoniae . Twelve hours later, ten animals from each group received either control (CIG) or glycosylated (GIG) human immunoglobulin (0.3 gm/kg) intraperitoneally . Asplenic animals receiving GIG lived 28.5 hours vs . 49.6 hours for those receiving CIG (p less than 0.0001) . Animals with spleens receiving GIG lived 48.2 hours vs . 51.7 hours for those receiving CIG (p = 0.03) . Short-term glycosylation of immunoglobulin causes its inactivation . This may contribute to the increased risk of infection noted in hyperglycemic animals.

J Clin Microbiol, 1990 Jul, 28(7), 1497 - 501
Phenotypic differentiation of Streptococcus intermedius, Streptococcus constellatus, and Streptococcus anginosus strains within the "Streptococcus milleri group"; Whiley RA et al.; A biochemical scheme was developed by which strains of Streptococcus constellatus, Streptococcus intermedius, and Streptococcus anginosus can reliably be distinguished from within the "Streptococcus milleri group." Strains identified as S . intermedius were differentiated by the ability to produce detectable levels of alpha-glucosidase, beta-galactosidase, beta-D-fucosidase, beta-N-acetylgalactosaminidase, beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase, and sialidase with 4-methylumbelliferyl-linked fluorogenic substrates in microdilution trays after 3 h of incubation at 37 degrees C, together with the production of hyaluronidase . Strains of S . constellatus and S . anginosus were differentiated by the production of alpha-glucosidase and hyaluronidase by the former and the production of beta-glucosidase by the latter . The majority of strains of the S . milleri group obtained from dental plaque were identified as S . intermedius, as were most strains isolated from abscesses of the brain and liver . Strains of S . constellatus and S . anginosus were from a wider variety of infections, both oral and nonoral, than were strains of S . intermedius, with the majority of strains from urogenital infections being identified as S . anginosus.

Orv Hetil, 1990 Jul 1, 131(26), 1423 - 5
{Cryptosporidium as a co-pathogen in infantile diarrhea and pneumonia}; Bin Gadeem H et al.; The authors describe a case of cryptosporidiosis in a 10 month old immunocompetent infant, who suffered from prolonged diarrhoea and pneumonia . Cryptosporidium oocysts, Giardia lamblia were detected by using modified Kinyoun stain, and klebsiella was identified in the stool culture . According to the clinical presentation and the laboratory data the streptococcus infection is presumed as cause of the pneumonia, but the authors could not exclude the role of cryptosporidium in predisposing and/or causing the pneumonia.

J Pediatr Health Care, 1990 Jul-Aug, 4(4), 186 - 92
Facts and fallacies about streptococcal infection and rheumatic fever; Grimes DE et al.; Recent outbreaks of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) in the United States are drawing attention to a previously declining disease . Authorities agree that penicillin treatment of group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus (GABHS) pharyngitis contributed to the decline in incidence and severity of ARF . However, because the pathogenic mechanism that links GABHS and ARF is still a debatable issue, the cause of the recent outbreaks is unknown . A review of the current literature generates interesting questions about the current status of ARF and common GABHS testing and treatment practices . Facts about GABHS and ARF and current recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of GABHS pharyngitis are presented.

Infect Immun, 1990 Jul, 58(7), 2309 - 12
Serum antibody response in adult volunteers elicited by injection of Streptococcus pneumoniae type 12F polysaccharide alone or conjugated to diphtheria toxoid; Fattom A et al.; Conjugates of an uronic acid-containing capsular polysaccharide (CP), pneumococcous type 12F (Pn12F) bound to diphtheria toxoid (DT), were studied for safety and immunogenicity in adult volunteers . In mice, these conjugates, prepared with the same lot of DT and Pn12F-40234-006, a homogenous CP of high molecular weight, or Pn12-812408, a polydisperse CP with lower-molecular-weight material, were more immunogenic than the Pn12F alone and had T-cell dependent properties (A . Fattom, W . F . Vann, S.C . Szu, A . Sutton, X . Li, B . Bryla, G . Schiffman, J . B . Robbins, and R . Schneerson, Infect . Immun . 56:2292-2298, 1988) . Adult volunteers, randomized into three groups, were injected either with one of these two conjugates or with Pnu-Imune, the 23 valent pneumococcus vaccine containing 25 micrograms of Pn12F as one of its components . Volunteers were injected two times, 4 weeks apart, with the Pn12F-DT conjugates and once with the Pnu-Imune . Side reactions following injection of the conjugates of Pnu-Imune were mild and short-lived . At 4 weeks and at 7 months after the first injection, higher levels of Pn12F antibodies were found in the volunteers injected with the conjugates than in the Pnu-Imune group (P less than 0.001) . The conjugate prepared with the higher-molecular-weight Pn12F elicited higher levels of antibodies than the conjugate prepared with a lower-molecular-weight Pn12F preparation (P = 0.05) . Both conjugates elicited about a 13-fold rise in DT antibodies.

Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg, 1990 Jul, 116(7), 813 - 9
Three-dimensional images of the temporal bone and experimental otitis media in Japanese monkeys; Fujiyoshi T et al.; Since the middle ear structure of animals commonly used for experimental study is different from that of humans, we used the Japanese monkey (Macaca fuscatus) as an animal model for otitis media with effusion (OME) . The exact similarities and differences of the ear structure between humans and Japanese monkeys were studied by the use of computer-aided three-dimensional reconstruction, in addition to light and electron microscopy . Otitis media with effusion was repeatedly induced by direct intratympanic inoculation of one of the following: keyhole limpet hemocyanin; following systemic immunization with keyhole limpet hemocyanin, Streptococcus pneumoniae; or endotoxin . The temporal bones were serially sliced with a diamond band saw, after which the histologic findings were examined by light and electron microscopy on the basis of macroscopic observations . Each substance induced OME equally, 2 to 3 days after inoculation . Inflammatory reaction of the middle ear mucosa extended to all of the air cells; subsequently, the inflamed mucosa returned to normal in each case along with normalization of both the tympanometric and otoscopic findings . No remarkable architectural change remained, even after OME was induced repeatedly . These findings are applicable to acute otitis media and acute mastoiditis . The development of chronic middle ear effusion was not observed in this study . The usefulness of the diamond band saw and computer-aided analysis for temporal bone histologic evaluations is emphasized.

J Bacteriol, 1990 Jul, 172(7), 3718 - 24
Properties of cell wall-associated DD-carboxypeptidase of Enterococcus hirae (Streptococcus faecium) ATCC 9790 extracted with alkali; Kariyama R et al.; DD-Carboxypeptidase (DD-CPase) activity of Enterococcus hirae (Streptococcus faecium) ATCC 9790 was extracted from intact bacteria and from the insoluble residue (crude cell wall fraction) of mechanically disrupted bacteria by a brief treatment at pH 10.0 (10 mM glycine-NaOH) at 0 degrees C or by extraction with any of several detergents . Extractions with high salt concentrations failed to remove DD-CPase activity from the crude wall fraction . In contrast to N-acetylmuramoylhydrolase (both muramidase 2 and muramidase 1) activities, DD-CPase activity failed to bind to insoluble cell walls or peptidoglycan matrices . Thus, whereas muramidase 1 and muramidase 2 activities can be considered to be cell wall proteins, the bulk of the data are consistent with the interpretation that the DD-CPase of this species is a membrane protein that is sometimes found in the cell wall fraction, presumably because of hydrophobic interactions with other proteins and cell wall polymers . The binding of {14C}penicillin to penicillin-binding protein 6 (43 kilodaltons) was proportional to DD-CPase activity . Kinetic parameters were also consistent with the presence of only one DD-CPase (penicillin-binding protein 6) in E . hirae.

J Bacteriol, 1990 Jul, 172(7), 3669 - 74
Genetic transformation in Streptococcus pneumoniae: nucleotide sequence and predicted amino acid sequence of recP; Radnis BA et al.; We present the complete nucleotide sequence of recP, a locus required for high-efficiency recombination of chromosomal DNA during genetic transformation in Streptococcus pneumoniae . The sequence was determined by using plasmid DNA templates and synthetic oligonucleotide primers . The locus contained a single large open reading frame, ORF1, of 1,968 base pairs (bp) . ORF1 is included within the recP locus previously mapped genetically and accounts for 94% of its extent . The predicted molecular weight of the largest polypeptide encoded within ORF1, 71,662, coincided with that measured previously (72,000) for the product of in vitro transcription-translation of the cloned recP locus . A Shine-Dalgarno sequence (AGAAAGGA; delta G = -17 kcal {ca . -71.1 kJ}) lay 6 bp upstream of ORF1 . A sequence (TTGcat-17 bp-TATAAT) similar to the E . coli sigma-70 promoter consensus was located 52 bp upstream of ORF1 . This putative promoter overlapped a structure consisting of two perfect inverted 10-bp repeats and a loop of 8 bp.

Res Microbiol, 1990 Jul-Aug, 141(6), 659 - 70
Method and parameters for genetic transformation of Streptococcus sanguis Challis; Pozzi G et al.; A simple procedure for genetic transformation of Streptococcus sanguis Challis was developed and standardized . During the exponential phase of growth, cells became competent while growing as diplococci in broth containing 10% foetal calf serum . High levels of competence were maintained by the cultures for 60 min . Competent cells could be stored frozen without loss of competence for at least three years . Using total chromosomal DNA as donor, the dose-response curve for transformation of a point mutation (streptomycin resistance) showed one-hit kinetics, as the DNA concentration varied from 0.000001 to 10 micrograms/ml . At 10 micrograms/ml, more than 2.2% of the colony-forming units were transformed to streptomycin resistance, while transforming activity remained detectable with 1 pg of DNA/ml . Optimal time of exposure of competent cells to transforming DNA was 30 min . The transformation reaction was inhibited at 0 and 4 degrees C, whereas it occurred efficiently both at 25 and 37 degrees C.

Rev ADM, 1990 Jul-Aug, 47(4), 190 - 4
{Dental caries in an animal model}; Loyola JP et al.; Sprague-Dawley rats were inoculated with Streptococcus mutans (serotype g) and the effect of different concentrations (20, 40 and 56%) of sucrose in the diet on the establishment of this strain into the oral cavity of rats was studied . The Streptococcus mutans was well established in all the experimental groups and we found an almost linear correlation between the sucrose concentration and the severity of dental caries . Another factor that played an important role on the establishment of Streptococcus mutans into the mouth of rats was the inoculum size used . In this work a concentration of 4 x 10(10) showed a consistent establishment onto the teeth of this animal model.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1990 Jul, (7), 65 - 71
{Antibodies to Streptococcus pneumoniae antigens in newborn infants}; Ulanova MA et al.; The levels of antibodies to capsular polysaccharide antigens of pneumococci (serotypes 1, 3, 6B, 8, 9N, 15F, 23F), C-polysaccharide and protein antigen of pneumococci in the blood sera of 38 newborn infants at the moment of their birth (umbilical blood) and on the 5th or 6th day of their life, in their mothers' blood sera, as well as in the colostrum and milk of 48 nursing women, have been studied by means of the enzyme immunoassay . The study showed that in the normal course of pregnancy antibodies to pneumococci were transferred transplacentally from the mother to the fetus . Though in most cases their content in the blood of newborn infants was lower than that in maternal blood, it exceeded the average level of antipneumococcal antibodies in children aged 3-12 months . In the milk of nursing mothers considerable amount of IgA antibodies to pneumococci was detected, which might be an additional protective factor with respect to pneumococcal infection in infants.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1990 Jul, (7), 59 - 65
{An immunoenzyme system for determining antibodies to Streptococcus pneumoniae polysaccharides in biological fluids}; Padiukov LN et al.; The enzyme immunoassay (EIA) system for the determination of antibodies to capsular polysaccharides of pneumococci, serotypes 1, 3, 6B, 8, 9N, 15F, 23F, and C-polysaccharide has been developed on the basis of poly-L-lysin-modified antigens . The use of isotype-specific conjugates in this system permits the detection of IgG and IgA antibodies in different biological fluids: blood serum, pleural fluid, saliva, milk . Samples obtained from children with pneumococcal infection and from nursing mothers have been studied . As shown in this study, the EIA system can be used for the evaluation of the dynamics of pneumococcal infection in children.

Prev Assist Dent, 1990 Jul-Aug, 16(4), 25 - 9
{Intervention for integrated dento-periodontal prevention}; Cerati M et al.; An epidemiological survey has been achieved on elementary and secondary schoolchildren of five different areas in the territory of Ussl no 16 in Lecco . The study, performed on a randomly sample of 458 children aged 6, 10, 12 years, used the epidemiological indexes DMFT/dmft and CPITN to monitor dental and periodontal status . The treatment needs of the subjects was monitored too and the amount of Streptococco mutans in 6 years old schoolchildren, using spittle drawning, was investigated . The results seem to show that the DMFT/dmft values are on a moderate level as regards the European goals, while the amount of dental and periodontal treatment performed is very low . The gingivitis prevalence is high, as well as scaling is required in many children . The analysis of the spittle samples drawned in 6 years old schoolchildren points out high levels of Streptococcus mutans as regard those collected in other similar studies achieved by our Department . According to the results analysis, two sorts of preventive intervention were planned to have the maximum preventive efficacy according to the disease level located in the different areas.

Mol Microbiol, 1990 Jul, 4(7), 1143 - 52
Streptococcus pneumoniae possesses canonical Escherichia coli (sigma 70) promoters; Morrison DA et al.; Seventeen DNA fragments from Streptococcus pneumoniae were randomly cloned in Escherichia coli with selection for promoter activity . The fragments were sequenced and the promoter locations were determined by primer extension analysis . Examination for sites similar to the E . coli major consensus promoter sequence revealed such a site in each of the seventeen fragments, located five to eight base pairs upstream of the point at which transcription was initiated in the E . coli host . Thus, the abundance of promoter activity found in pneumococcal DNA cloned in E . coli hosts arises primarily from sigma-70-type promoter structures . Combined with the observation that such sequences are usually found just upstream of, but not within, pneumococcal genes, this implies that one class (perhaps the major class) of pneumococcal promoters closely resembles the canonical E . coli promoter consensus.

Kansenshogaku Zasshi, 1990 Jul, 64(7), 840 - 6
{Quantitation of IgG antibodies to type Ia group B streptococcal type-specific polysaccharides measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay}; Sugiyama M et al.; The type-specific polysaccharide antigen of the group B streptococcus (GBS) type Ia as extracted and purified according to the procedures of Kane and Karakawa . Using this purified polysaccharide antigen, we made a sensitive and specific assay system of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and measured the titres of of the type-specific antibodies in maternal sera and cord blood sera . The titres of antibodies in 78 pregnant women (26 Ia carriers, 18 other types of GBS carriers and 34 non carriers) were compared . A mother of an infant affected by early onset infection of GBS Ia had a titre of antibody 1:10 at delivery, while 2 years later she became a non carrier and had a titre of antibody over 1:160 . The titres of antibodies in 27 pair sera of mothers and cords were well correlated.

J Int Med Res, 1990 Jul-Aug, 18(4), 326 - 33
Treatment of respiratory tract infections in children: a study of a combination of amoxycillin and clavulanic acid; Fiocchi A et al.; In an open study, 70 in-patients and 23 out-patients aged between 1 and 14 years with sinusitis (n = 1), perforated otitis media (n = 4), pharyngotonsillitis (n = 25), tracheobronchitis (n = 30) or broncho-pneumonia (n = 33) were treated daily with a combination of 40 mg/kg amoxycillin and 10 mg/kg clavulanic acid in three equal doses for between 6 and 15 days . Purulent specimens were cultured when obtainable and pathogenic organisms identified were Staphylococcus aureus, beta-haemolytic streptococcal group A, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudococcus species and Klebsiella pneumoniae infections, of which 45.7% were beta-lactamase-producing and 54.3% were ampicillin-susceptible . After treatment, only one beta-lactamase-producing Streptococcus and one Staphylococcus infection persisted . Side-effects (vomiting, nausea, diarrhoea, maculopapular exanthema, rash) occurred in 16 patients and treatment was withdrawn in eight . It is concluded that the amoxycillin--clavulanic acid combination is a suitable first choice for the treatment of respiratory tract infections in children in whom the pathogenic organism may not have been established.

Can J Microbiol, 1990 Jul, 36(7), 507 - 9
Incidence of bacteriocinogeny among fresh isolates of Streptococcus mutans; Parrot M et al.; Among 139 Streptococcus mutans fresh isolates tested, using the deferred-antagonism test and Streptococcus sanguis Ny 101 as the indicator strain, we observed that the frequency of detection of inhibition zones was reduced by 19% (from 53 to 34%) when arginine (1%) was used in the overlay agar . Among pigmented strains, the frequency of mutacin-like production was 70% . The frequency with which inhibition zones were detected varied from 7 to 91%, depending on the indicator strain used . These results indicate that the ability to detect the presence of mutacin-like substances varies widely and is dependent to a great extent on the methodology used.

Aust Fam Physician, 1990 Jul, 19(7), 1111 - 5
Acute sore throat; Murtagh J; The second common problem to be presented in this series is the acute sore throat . The common causes are viral pharyngitis and tonsillitis due to streptococcus pyogenes . Another important cause that warrants attention is Epstein Barr virus (infectious mononucleosis) so that prescribing of penicillins is carefully considered . The sore throat may be the presentation of serious and hidden systemic diseases, such as blood dyscrasias, AIDS and diabetes (due to moniliasis).

Minerva Med . 1990 Jul-Aug;81(7-8 Suppl):69.
{Meningitis caused by Streptococcus morbillorum}; Garavelli PL; A rare case of meningitis from Streptococcus morbillorum is described in a middle-aged man . A complete cure was achieved using a combination therapy of Ampicillin and Chloramphenicol.

Infection, 1990 Jul-Aug, 18(4), 239 - 41
Group C streptococcal pleurisy and pneumonia: a fulminant case and review of the literature; Dolinski SY et al.; A 30-year-old, previously healthy patient developed a pleurisy and pneumonia due to group C streptococcus, with multiple medical complications, including bilateral empyemas . Eight other reported cases of group C streptococcal pneumonia are reviewed.

Br J Clin Pract, 1990 Jul, 44(7), 287 - 9
Group G streptococcal septic arthritis; Rady M et al.; The Lancefield group G streptococcus is known to be a cause of serious infective illness . However, few cases of septic arthritis are recorded . Only one report of this infection, following total joint replacement, has appeared in the orthopaedic literature . Here we describe a further case of infection in a previously normal joint that presented with unusual clinical findings and radiographic changes . We stress the importance of accurate bacteriological investigation and aggressive treatment.

Clin Plast Surg, 1990 Jul, 17(3), 485 - 92
Wound healing alterations caused by infection; Robson MC et al.; The theoretical alterations of wound healing caused by infection apply to the clinical situation . The level of bacteria is clinically important as are the specific qualities of a given species . This latter consideration has not been as completely studied as have the quantitative aspects . However, as pharmacologic means of overcoming the wound healing alterations are sought, specific bacterial species' idiosyncrasies will have to be examined . This has already been identified for the beta-hemolytic streptococcus . That species has not adhered to the level of greater than 10(5) organisms to produce wound complications . It has been repeatedly shown to cause wound problems at a much lower inoculum . Similar information may become available for other organisms . However, it is clear that because wound healing in the clinical situation occurs in the presence of bacteria, it is important to be aware of potential alterations in the repair process that these bacteria can cause.

Crit Care Med, 1990 Jul, 18(7), 715 - 8
Cardiovascular changes in infants with beta-hemolytic streptococcus sepsis; Cabal LA et al.; Sequential hemodynamic and biochemical changes were studied in 24 infants with sepsis due to beta-hemolytic streptococcus to define the temporal patterns of physiologic events and to compare them in surviving (n = 11) and nonsurviving (n = 13) infants . Septicemia was documented by positive blood culture in all . Biophysical and biochemical measurements were obtained before and hourly, for 11 h after antibiotic therapy was initiated . Surviving infants had significantly higher Hct and systolic and mean arterial pressures than nonsurvivors . In nonsurvivors, low BP was associated with a concomitant rise in CVP and severe metabolic acidosis refractory to therapy . Although there were no differences in PaO2 or PaCO2 between survivors and nonsurvivors, arterial-alveolar oxygen gradients were significantly greater in nonsurviving infants . These data show cardiorespiratory and metabolic alterations that differentiate surviving and nonsurviving infants with beta-hemolytic streptococcal septicemia.

J Clin Invest, 1990 Jul, 86(1), 7 - 13
The role of fibronectin binding in the rat model of experimental endocarditis caused by Streptococcus sanguis; Lowrance JH et al.; Inactivation of fibronectin (Fn) binding by insertional mutagenesis of Streptococcus sanguis with Tn916 reduces virulence of this bacterium in the rat model of infective endocarditis (IE) . Transconjugants were screened for Fn adherence using an ELISA adherence test . One transconjugant had a decreased adherence to immobilized Fn . Southern hybridization demonstrated that the insertion occurred only once in this mutant . The parent strain and mutant strain JL113 were used as challenge strains in a rat endocarditis model . These experiments demonstrated that the mutant had a reduced ability (P less than 0.05) to produce IE . Spontaneous excision of Tn916 from JL113 produced strains identical to both the parental and mutant phenotypes . One strain (JLR-19) that retained the mutant phenotype and one (JLR-15) that regained the parental phenotype for Fn binding were tested for their ability to produce IE . These strains demonstrated that the ability to bind Fn and to produce IE were correlated after Tn916 excision . The reduced virulence of the mutant suggested that adherence of S . sanguis to immobilized Fn plays an important role in the production of IE.

Infect Immun, 1990 Jul, 58(7), 2165 - 70
Size and subdomain architecture of the glucan-binding domain of sucrose:3-alpha-D-glucosyltransferase from Streptococcus sobrinus; Wong C et al.; Mild trypsin proteolysis of Streptococcus sobrinus sucrose:3-alpha-D-glucosyltransferase (GTF-I) reduced most of the enzyme to small products but left a few large fragments undigested . The digest had no glucosyl transfer activity, but several digestion products had an affinity for glucan equivalent to that of the native enzyme . The glucan-binding fragments ranged in size from 17 to 60 kilodaltons (kDa), with a particularly prominent 42-kDa fragment . The largest of these (60 kDa) appears to be the full extent of the domain since it increases in abundance when the enzyme is protected with glucan during proteolysis . The presence of smaller fragments with glucan-binding function and intact tertiary structure indicates that the full domain must be built on glucan-binding subdomains . Among the range of glucan-binding fragments, only the 42-kDa segment could be satisfactorily purified . It was subjected to N-terminal sequence analysis and, because of some ambiguity, was also subjected to chymotrypsin digestion and sequence of several chymotryptic peptides . The sequence data established that the 42-kDa domain fragment is initiated approximately two-thirds into the 170-kDa enzyme in a region previously identified as a segment of the gene that includes the glucan-binding domain (J . J . Ferretti, M . L . Gilpin, and R . R . B . Russell, J . Bacteriol . 169:4271-4278, 1987) . The site is approximately 60 kDa from the C terminus and covers a region characterized by extensive amino acid sequence repeats . The data are discussed in the context of the size range of the glucan-binding fragments and subdomain architecture of the full glucan-binding domain.

Clin Orthop, 1990 Jul, (256), 101 - 4
Vertebral osteomyelitis secondary to Streptococcus agalactiae; Fasano FJ Jr et al.; Vertebral osteomyelitis due to hematogenous seeding of Streptococcus agalactiae occurred in a 29-year-old farmer . The patient was treated with immobilization and parenteral antibiotics but developed recurrent back pain requiring a posterior spinal fusion . In a review of the literature, Group B streptococcal vertebral osteomyelitis seems not to have been previously reported in an adult.

Mater Med Pol, 1990 Jul-Sep, 22(3), 173 - 5
Infective endocarditis: a prospective study of 60 consecutive cases; Kiwan YA et al.; Sixty cases of infective endocarditis were studied prospectively between May, 1985 and December, 1988 . There were 40 males and 20 females with a mean age of 28 years . Endocarditis was found on normal valves in 13 patients, on rheumatic valves in 30, on congenital lesions in 8, on prosthetic valves in 4 and on mitral valve prolapse in 5 cases . Positive blood cultures were detected in 35 patients (58%) . In addition bone marrow culture was positive in 1 and valves removed on surgery grew causative organisms in eight . Thus the total culture positive cases were 44 (73%) . The commonest infective organism was Streptococcus viridans . Uncommon organisms accounted for 10 cases (17%) . Two dimensional echocardiography (2D-Echo) was done in all cases and vegetations were detected in 48 patients (80%) . 2 D-Echo was helpful not only in the detection of vegetations but also in the demonstration of other complications of endocarditis like ring abscesses, ruptured chordae, ulceration of aortic root, interventricular septum abscess, and mitral xenograft obstruction . Early surgery was performed in 31 patients . In this group of patients severe heart failure was present in 21, embolization in 10, persistence of fever in 15 and large vegetations in 19 . Of the 29 patients treated medically, 2 died . The mortality in the surgical group was seen in 5 (16%) with a mean follow-up of 15 months . The major reason for a large number of our patients undergoing surgery is the fact that this is a referral Center and patients were sent later or when there was a failure of medical treatment.

Rev Med Chil, 1990 Jul, 118(7), 739 - 45
{Immunofluorescence in the diagnosis of acute bacterial meningitis}; Rodriguez G et al.; We evaluated immunofluorescence techniques to investigate the presence of S pneumoniae, N meningitidis, H influenzae types a and b and L monocytogenes in 85 samples of CSF fluid: 60 were taken from patients suffering meningitis and 25 from a control group . Results were compared to conventional bacteriologic methods . There were no false positive results in the control group . In patients with meningitis, 28 were positive by both methods . Nine additional patients were positive only to immunofluorescence which allowed identification of S pneumoniae in 6, N meningitidis in 2 and H influenzae in 1 . 37 samples were positive by immunofluorescence and 28 of them were positive to conventional bacteriology . There was only 1 case of Group B streptococcus identified by bacteriology which was not diagnosed by immunofluorescence . Thus, immunofluorescence increases the ability to make a bacteriologic diagnosis in patients with meningitis.

Prikl Biokhim Mikrobiol, 1990 Jul-Aug, 26(4), 566 - 72
{Various aspects of protoplast production in Streptococcus lactis}; Stoianova LG et al.; The authors studied the effect of some factors, including the conditions of preincubation, the action of 2-mercaptoethanol, EDTA, alpha-amylase, on protoplast production in four strains of Streptococcus lactis caused by lysozyme . The strains differed in the nisin-producing activity and in the structure of the cell walls that were not affected with lysozyme without either preincubation in 2-mercaptoethanol or in a salt medium with minimal inhibitory concentrations of DL-threonine . EDTA and alpha-amylase increased the lysozyme effect . Among seven buffer systems studied the most favourable for protoplast production in S . lactis is the ammonia-citric buffer with EDTA, and the best regeneration medium is the agar salt medium to which, depending on the strain, either glucose or sucrose should be added as a stabilizer.

Int Endod J, 1990 Jul, 23(4), 189 - 95
Bactericidal effects of human neutrophils and sera on selected endodontic pathogenic bacteria in an anaerobic environment; Wu MK et al.; Phagocytosis by normal human neutrophils and the bactericidal activity of normal human pooled serum were measured under anaerobic conditions on six endodontic pathogenic bacterial species from the genera Actinomyces, Bacteroides, Fusobacterium, Peptostreptococcus and Streptococcus . The results revealed that Actinomyces viscosus was not killed either by human neutrophils or by 20 per cent serum; Peptostreptococcus anaerobius was not killed by either 20 per cent or 95 per cent serum; and Bacteroides intermedius was susceptible to both 20 per cent and 95 per cent serum, but was not killed by neutrophils after exposure for 20 minutes . The other species showed intermediate susceptibility patterns . Such results suggest that oral pathogens vary with regard to the bactericidal effects of these two host defense mechanisms, and that this variation may at least in part explain the relative quantities of microbes recovered in certain oral infections.

J Vet Diagn Invest, 1990 Jul, 2(3), 167 - 70
Isolation of Gardnerella vaginalis from the reproductive tract of four mares; Salmon SA et al.; A gram-variable pleomorphic bacillus was isolated from the reproductive tracts of 4 mares during routine prebreeding soundness examinations . Using a commercial bacterial identification system, these organisms were identified as Streptococcus acidominimus . However, colonial and Gram-staining characteristics did not support this identification . Subsequent testing indicated the organism was similar to Gardnerella vaginalis . Additional growth and biochemical analysis performed in our laboratory and at the Michigan Department of Public Health and by the Center for Disease Control, Atlanta, Georgia, confirmed the identification of G . vaginalis.

Pediatr Dent, 1990 Jul-Aug, 12(4), 233 - 6
Relationship of microbiological, social, and environmental variables to caries status in young children; Crall JJ et al.; This study was undertaken to investigate the significance of social, environmental, and biological variables in relation to caries status in a group of young children, and to determine whether incorporating data on social and environmental variables into a multivariate model could improve the accuracy of a screening approach that relies solely on quantifying levels of salivary Streptococcus mutans . Data regarding fluoride status and sociodemographic characteristics were collected from the dental records of 89 children who ranged in age from 10-71 months, and who had been screened previously for S . mutans . Multivariate analyses (logit) revealed that the probability of having clinically or radiographically detectable caries was associated with 1) higher levels of salivary S . mutans, 2) residing in a single-parent household, 3) having suboptimal levels of fluoride in the drinking water and 4) not being covered by a dental insurance plan . The findings attest to the importance of considering social and environmental factors, in addition to biological variables, when evaluating caries status in young children.

J Dent Assoc Thai, 1990 Jul-Aug, 40(4), 185 - 92
{Inhibitory effect of mouthwashes on Streptococcus mutans growth}; Tangsanguannuch C et al.; The efficacy of 10 mouthwashes available in Bangkok in inhibiting Streptococcus mutans growth in vitro was studied . After one-minute incubation with the bacterium, most mouthwashes, at concentrations recommended by the manufacturers, demonstrated the antimicrobial effect; three exhibited a complete while five a partial but varying degree of inhibition . Only two mouthwashes were found that did not significantly show any detrimental effect on the bacterial viability.

Minerva Ortognatod, 1990 Jul-Sep, 8(3), 201 - 4
{Current status of research on anticaries vaccines}; Gilardino MO et al.; The experiment which was performed in different animal special confirmed that Streptococcus mutans is the main etiological agent implicated in dental caries . Nonetheless, since the use of anti-Streptococcal vaccines might lead to severe side effects, research is now focused on obtaining purified vaccines that do not create cruciate cardiac cross-reactivity.

Circ Shock, 1990 Jul, 31(3), 259 - 67
Streptococcus pneumoniae-stimulated macrophages induce neutrophils to emigrate by a CD18-independent mechanism of adherence; Mileski W et al.; Neutrophil adherence to and emigration across endothelium are in large part dependent upon the neutrophil membrane CD11/CD18 glycoprotein complex . Recently, however, we have demonstrated that some stimuli can elicit neutrophil emigration in the lung by a CD18-independent pathway . We examined further the mechanism involved in CD18-independent emigration in a rabbit model of inflamed peritoneum . Neutrophil emigration in the peritoneum induced by instillation of E . coli and S . pneumoniae was studied under four experimental conditions: Group 1--normal peritoneum, Group 2--peritoneum primed with protease peptone to increase the number of macrophages, Group 3--peritoneum treated by protease peptone instillation and then depleted of the increased macrophage population, and Group 4--peritoneum with macrophages transplanted from animals enriched as in Group 2 . Experiments were run in pairs with animals in each group assigned to receive either saline (control) or monoclonal antibody (MAb) 60.3 prior to bacterial instillation in the peritoneum . Neutrophil emigration in response to E . coli was greater than 86% inhibited by MAb 60.3 in both the normal and the macrophage-enriched peritoneum . Neutrophil emigration in response to S . pneumoniae was inhibited greater than 85% in the normal peritoneum and the macrophage-enriched and the transplanted macrophage peritoneum . These data indicate that macrophages can augment PMN emigration by a non-CD18 mechanism, and may explain the increased sensitivity of organs with large resident macrophage populations, liver and lung, to injury following shock and sepsis.

Ou Daigaku Shigakushi, 1990 Jul, 17(2), 183 - 97
{Ecosystem of microbial flora in periodontal pockets, in vitro}; Saito K; This study was designed to analyze the succession of an ecosystem of microbial flora in periodontal pockets, in vitro . Bacterial strains used in this study, were Fusobacterium nucleatum ATCC 10953, Porphyromonas gingivalis 381, Streptococcus sanguis ATCC 10557 and Streptococcus mutans OMZ 176 . The bacterial cells, associated with beneficial, pathogenic or plaque forming activity, were cultured in brain heart infusion medium including hemin, vitamin-K1, L-cysteine hydrochloride and sodium thioglycollate under anaerobic condition (N2: 80%, CO2: 10%, H2: 10%) . The effect of environmental Eh and pH on the growth of bacterial cells was investigated in single and mixed culture, and Eh and pH tolerance tests were also undertaken . The environmental pH decreased from pH 7.0 to pH 4.9 accompanied with the growth of S . mutans OMZ 176 and S . sanguis ATCC 10557 in both single and mixed culture . The environmental Eh increased from -308 mV to -180 mV accompanied with the growth of S . sanguis ATCC 10557 . The growth of pathogenic bacteria, such as F . nucleatum ATCC 10953 and P . gingivalis 381, varied markedly with Eh and pH . Especially, the growth of P . gingivalis 381 was severely inhibited at or below pH 6.0 in an acid tolerance test, whereas the growth of F . nucleatum ATCC 10953 was strongly inhibited at Eh -100 mV in an Eh tolerance test . The oxygen generation (10.8%) was confirmed in the anaerobic culture of S . sanguis ATCC 10557 . Therefore, it was suggested that hydrogen peroxide produced by S . sanguis ATCC 10557 was reduced to oxygen and water . These results suggest that the high Eh and the low pH generated from bacterial metabolism is a powerful determinant in ecology of microbial flora in periodontal pockets.

Infect Immun, 1990 Jul, 58(7), 2276 - 82
Cross-reactivity between the immunodominant determinant of the antigen I component of Streptococcus sobrinus SpaA protein and surface antigens from other members of the Streptococcus mutans group; Goldschmidt RM et al.; Most members of the Streptococcus mutans group of microorganisms specify a major cell surface-associated protein, SpaA, that is defined by its antigenic properties . The region of the spaA gene from Streptococcus sobrinus 6715 encoding the immunodominant determinant of the major antigenic component (antigen I) of the SpaA protein has recently been characterized . This study examined whether recognition of the immunodominant determinant is independent of the immunized animal host and whether antibodies elicited by the immunodominant determinant cross-react with cell surface proteins from S . mutans of various serotypes . Mouse and rabbit antisera to the undenatured SpaA protein reacted similarly both with the immunodominant determinant and with other antigenic structures of the protein in Western immunoblots with SpaA polypeptides that were specified by spaA gene fragments expressed in recombinant Escherichia coli . This suggests that the antibody responses of inbred and outbred animals were similar . Furthermore, antibodies raised against both the S . sobrinus SpaA immunodominant determinant expressed by recombinant E . coli and the purified protein from S . sobrinus displayed similar strain specificities and protein band profiles towards cells surface proteins from S . mutans of various serotypes in immunodot and Western blot analyses, respectively . This suggests that for S . sobrinus serotype g, the immune response against the SpaA protein is governed by the immunodominant determinant of antigen I . In addition, it indicates that the SpaA protein domain containing the immunodominant determinant overlaps the domain conferring cross-reactivity to cell surface proteins of S . mutans of various serotypes.

J Bacteriol, 1990 Jul, 172(7), 3988 - 4001
Regions of the Streptococcus sobrinus spaA gene encoding major determinants of antigen I; Goldschmidt RM et al.; Surface protein antigen A (SpaA), also called antigen B, antigen I/II, or antigen P1, is an abundant cell envelope protein that is the major antigenic determinant of Streptococcus sobrinus and other members of the Streptococcus mutans group of cariogenic bacteria . This laboratory has previously reported the cloning and expression in Escherichia coli of a BamHI restriction fragment of S . sobrinus DNA containing most of the spaA gene (pYA726) and encoding antigen I . Regions of spaA encoding immunodeterminants of antigen I were analyzed by either deletion mapping or expressing selected restriction fragments from the trc promoter . SpaA proteins produced by mutants harboring nested deletions, constructed by BAL 31 exonuclease treatment at a unique SstI site located towards the 3' end of the gene, were examined by Western immunoblot with rabbit serum against SpaA from S . sobrinus . Only SpaA polypeptides larger than 56 kilodaltons reacted with anti-SpaA serum . Various restriction fragments of the region of spaA encoding the antigenic determinants were cloned into an expression vector . The immunoreactive properties of the polypeptides encoded by those fragments indicated that expression of the immunodominant determinant required topographically assembled residues specified by noncontiguous regions located within 0.48-kilobase PvuII-to-SstI and 1.2-kilobase SstI-to-HindIII fragments which were adjacent on the spaA map.

J Mol Biol, 1990 Jun 20, 213(4), 727 - 38
Genetic and structural characterization of endA . A membrane-bound nuclease required for transformation of Streptococcus pneumoniae; Puyet A et al.; The endA gene encoding the membrane nuclease of Streptococcus pneumoniae, which is necessary for DNA uptake in genetic transformation, was cloned in a streptococcal vector . This was accomplished by insertional mutagenesis of the gene, cloning of the mutant allele, and substitution of the wild-type allele by chromosomal facilitation of plasmid establishment . Plasmids carrying the endA+ gene complemented cells with endA- in the chromosome to restore DNAase activity and transformability . Determination of its DNA sequence showed the gene to encode a 30 kDa protein, EndA, with a typical signal sequence for membrane transport at its amino end . In vitro synthesis of EndA showed the initial translation product to be enzymatically active without further processing . Comparison with EndA found in cell membranes indicated that the enzyme retained its signal sequence, which apparently anchored the otherwise hydrophilic protein to the membrane . From the nucleotide sequence in the vicinity of endA and the effect of various insertions and deletions, it appears that endA is the last gene in an operon containing at least two other genes . Neither of these upstream genes, nor the downstream gene, are essential for either cell viability or transformability.

J Am Vet Med Assoc, 1990 Jun 15, 196(12), 1956 - 61
Mastitis control services and utilization of milk somatic cell count data by veterinarians in Ohio; Hueston WD et al.; A telephone survey was conducted of 50 randomly selected Ohio-licensed veterinarians engaged in dairy practice . The survey's purpose was to determine the extent of mastitis control services offered by practitioners and to assess their utilization of milk somatic cell count (SCC) data on individual cows available from the Dairy Herd Improvement Association (DHIA) . During the preceding year, 96% (48/50) of practitioners surveyed had performed bacteriologic culture of milk samples . Practitioners were twice as likely to have performed culture on milk from mastitic cows that failed to respond to treatment as they were to have performed culture for purposes of identifying pathogen trends within a herd . Veterinarians in predominantly dairy practices were more likely to have completed bacteriologic examination of milk in their own laboratories than were veterinarians who were engaged in less than 50% dairy practice (P = 0.016) . Most veterinarians (83%) reported that coagulase test results were available or that Staphylococcus aureus was differentiated from other staphylococcal species . Streptococcus agalactiae was not differentiated from other streptococcal species by 35% of practitioners surveyed . For veterinarians with clients enrolled in the DHIA, 91% (43/47) reported looking at, discussing, or otherwise using the DHIA records . Eighty-one percent (35/43) of veterinarians who had clients using services from the DHIA reported that clients also received individual cow milk SCC results . Veterinarians engaged in predominantly, dairy practice expressed a greater familiarity with the linear score method of SCC reporting than did veterinarians whose practices were less than 50% dairy (P = 0.085); however, both groups reported a preference for raw SCC data.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Kansenshogaku Zasshi, 1990 Jun, 64(6), 725 - 33
{A case of penicillin-resistant pneumococcal meningitis and antibiotic susceptibility of Streptococcus pneumoniae isolated from children}; Himi K et al.; Recently, isolation of penicillin-resistant S . pneumoniae has been increasing . The first Japanese case of penicillin-resistant pneumococcal meningitis was reported in 1988 . We experienced a case of a one-year-old boy with penicillin-resistant pneumococcal meningitis who dead on arrival on his third day of illness . Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of penicillin G or S . pneumoniae isolated from cerebrospinal fluid and blood was 0.6 micrograms/ml . We evaluated the antibiotic susceptibility of 163 strains of S . pneumoniae isolated from children from 1985 to 1988 . Penicillin G (PCG), ampicillin (ABPC), cefotaxime (CTX), imipenem (IPM), and vancomycin (VCM) had good susceptibilities to S . pneumoniae . Twelve of the 163 isolates (7.3%) were penicillin-resistant strains whose MIC of PCG were more than 0.1 microgram/ml, and all of them were intermediately resistant . The annual penicillin-resistant rates were 12.5% in 1985, 1.3% in 1986, 0% in 1986, and 19.0% in 1988 . We also evaluated the MIC distribution and MIC90 of antibiotics available for meningitis against penicillin-sensitive and -resistant S . pneumoniae . MIC90 of PCG and ABPC against penicillin-resistant strains was 1.56 micrograms/ml, and it might be dangerous to use PCG or ABPC for central nervous system pneumococcal infections . MIC90 of IPM against penicillin-resistant strains was 0.1 microgram/ml, and that of VCM was 0.4 micrograms/ml . There was little fall of susceptibilities of resistant strains in IPM and VCM . We evaluated the MIC distribution and MIC70 of antibiotics for oral usage against penicillin-sensitive and -resistant S . pneumoniae . Although there were falls of susceptibilities of resistant strains in PCG and ABPC, these two antibiotics had the best susceptibilities among the oral antibiotics.

Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1990 Jun, 34(6), 1094 - 9
Pharmacokinetics of cefpodoxime in plasma and skin blister fluid following oral dosing of cefpodoxime proxetil; Borin MT et al.; The single-dose and steady-state pharmacokinetics of cefpodoxime were assessed in plasma and skin blister fluid (SBF) after oral dosing of 200 mg (n = 8) and 400 mg (n = 8) of cefpodoxime proxetil (doses are expressed as cefpodoxime equivalents) in healthy subjects in an open-label, parallel-design study . Skin blisters were formed by air suction on the midvolar forearm by a previously validated method . After single-dose administration, serial plasma and SBF samples were collected over 24 h for measurement of cefpodoxime by microbiological assays . After a 1-week washout, subjects received the same doses of antibiotic every 12 h for 5 days, with plasma and SBF sampling on day 5 . After 200 mg of cefpodoxime proxetil, average peak concentrations (Cmax) in plasma and SBF were 2.18 +/- 0.52 and 1.55 +/- 0.59 micrograms/ml, respectively, after a single dose and 2.33 +/- 0.74 and 1.56 +/- 0.55 micrograms/ml, respectively, at steady state . After 400 mg of cefpodoxime proxetil, Cmax in plasma and SBF averaged 4.16 +/- 1.04 and 2.94 +/- 0.71 micrograms/ml, respectively, following a single dose and 4.10 +/- 0.95 and 2.84 +/- 0.88 micrograms/ml, respectively, at steady state . Cmax occurred 1.1 to 1.6 h later in SBF than in plasma . There was no accumulation of cefpodoxime in plasma or SBF when dosing was done every 12 h . Cefpodoxime blister fluid penetration was estimated to be 67 to 101%, consistent with the relatively low serum protein binding of the drug . Cefpodoxime levels exceeding the MIC for 90% of many skin pathogens, such as Streptococcus species (<1 microgram/ml) or Staphylococcus species (2 to 4 micrograms/ml), were achieved in plasma and SBF following the 200- and/or 400-mg dosing regimens.

Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis, 1990 Jun, 9(6), 432 - 4
Concentrations of temafloxacin in serum and bronchial mucosa; Baldwin DR et al.; The bronchial mucosal concentrations of temafloxacin hydrochloride were determined in specimens obtained at fibreoptic bronchoscopy and compared with simultaneous serum concentrations . The 18 patients studied were given an oral dose of 400 mg b.i.d for three days to achieve steady state levels . The mean serum concentration was 6.9 mg/l (SD 2.5 mg/l) and the mean bronchial mucosal concentration 12.2 mg/kg (SD 4 mg/kg) . The mucosal levels exceeded those required to inhibit most of the common respiratory pathogens, including Streptococcus pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa . These data support the use of temafloxacin for therapy of bronchial infections.

Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis, 1990 Jun, 9(6), 390 - 5
Capsular types and antibiotic sensitivity of pneumococci isolated from patients with serious infections in Belgium 1980 to 1988; Verhaegen J et al.; A total of 2,765 strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae isolated in more than 60 Belgian laboratories from blood or normally sterile body fluids between 1 November 1980 and 31 December 1988 were serotyped . From January 1983 onwards susceptibility of the strains to antimicrobial agents was also tested . The 2,765 isolates belonged to 57 of the 84 currently identified serotypes . Overall, 94% of the strains were represented in the current 23-valent vaccine . The remaining 6% of strains were distributed among 18 serotypes . More than 84% of the middle ear fluid isolates came from children under ten years . Meningitis was commonest in children under five years and in adults over sixty years . Two-thirds of pneumococcal bacteremia isolates came from patients over 50 years . Of 1,933 isolates tested for susceptibility to antibiotics, 335 (17%) were resistant to one or more of the agents tested (tetracycline, erythromycin, chloramphenicol, penicillin) . Only 19 strains were relatively resistant to penicillin, while six were fully resistant . Resistance to erythromycin increased significantly from 5.2% in 1986 to 11.5% in 1988 . The resistance of Streptococcus pneumoniae to other antimicrobial agents did not change significantly during the study period . There was no relationship between age group and resistance to any of the agents tested.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 1990 Jun, 56(6), 1588 - 93
Effect of ionophores and pH on growth of Streptococcus bovis in batch and continuous culture; Chow JM et al.; Batch cultures (pH 6.7) of Streptococcus bovis JB1 were severely inhibited by 1.25 and 5 microM lasalocid and monensin, respectively, even though large amounts of glucose remained in the medium . However, continuous cultures tolerated as much as 10 and 20 microM, respectively, and used virtually all of the glucose . Although continuous cultures grew with high concentrations of ionophore, the yield of bacterial protein decreased approximately 10-fold . When pH was decreased from 6.7 to 5.7, the potency of both ionophores increased, but lasalocid always caused a larger decrease in yield . The increased activity of lasalocid at pH 5.7 could largely be explained by an increased binding of the ionophore to the cell membrane . Because monensin did not show an increased binding at low pH, some other factor (e.g., ion turnover) must have been influencing its activity . There was a linear increase in lasalocid binding as the concentration increased, but monensin binding increased markedly at high concentrations . Based on the observations that (i) S . bovis cells bound significant amounts of ionophore (the ratio of ionophore to cell material was more important than the absolute concentration), (ii) batch cultures responded differently from continuous cultures, and (iii) pH can have a marked effect on ionophore activity, it appears that the term "minimum inhibitory concentration" may not provide an accurate assessment of microbial growth inhibition in vivo.

Eur Respir J, 1990 Jun, 3(6), 728 - 31
Ludwig's angina and mediastinitis due to Streptococcus milleri: usefulness of computed tomography; van der Brempt X et al.; Despite intensive use of antibiotics, Ludwig's angina remains a potentially lethal infection because of the risk of upper airway obstruction and spread into the mediastinum . We present two patients who survived mediastinitis complicating Ludwig's angina due to Streptococcus milleri . Computed tomography performed early in the course of the disease detected pus collections and directed appropriate drainage procedures.

Eur J Epidemiol, 1990 Jun, 6(2), 166 - 74
Prevalence of Streptococcus mutans and dental decay in schoolchildren living in Genoa (Italy); De Leo C et al.; In this study population (105 schoolchildren aged 5.5-11.5 yrs), dental decay was detected in 75.2% and S . mutans in 55.2% of the subjects . The presence of S . mutans was assessed - using the selective GSTB medium - in unstimulated saliva and in pooled occlusal and pooled buccal plaques from the four most posterior teeth . All three samples showed association between S . mutans presence and caries prevalence . Of the two types of plaque, the occlusal not only had a higher frequency of isolation but also a significantly higher proportion of S . mutans . The presence of S . mutans was significantly associated with both caries prevalence and extent of caries experience . Both S . mutans prevalence and S . mutans proportion in plaque increased with the number of decayed teeth present among those sampled . Sucrose consumption between meals appeared to be more correlated with the degree of caries experience rather than with caries or S . mutans prevalence . A second clinical examination was scheduled six months after the first for S . mutans-positive children who either were free of active carious lesions, or were caries-active but without signs of dental decay in the sampled teeth . Caries-active subjects proved to be more prone to new carious lesions than caries-free subjects, who tended to remain caries-free even when they had a high proportion of S . mutans in plaque, thus indicating the basic importance of the host factor in the caries process.

J Dent Res, 1990 Jun, 69(6), 1244 - 7
Biochemical mechanisms of enhanced inhibition of fluoride on the anaerobic sugar metabolism by Streptococcus sanguis; Hata S et al.; The effect of fluoride on acid production by Streptococcus sanguis ATCC 10556 was compared under anaerobic and aerobic conditions . The rate of acid production under constant-pH and pH-free-fall conditions was determined during glucose metabolism by resting cells . Anaerobic glycolysis was inhibited more strongly by fluoride than was aerobic glycolysis . Intracellular levels of 3-phosphoglyceric, 2-phosphoglyceric, and phosphoenolpyruvic acids were lower under anaerobic conditions than under aerobic conditions . Thus, S . sanguis had a low phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) potential under anaerobic conditions . This low PEP potential was suggested to account for the more effective fluoride inhibition of enolase and, consequently, the reduced transport of sugar by the PEP-dependent phosphotransferase system of this micro-organism.

J Am Vet Med Assoc, 1990 Jun 1, 196(11), 1791 - 4
Clinical, pathologic, and microbiologic findings of foot abscess in neonatal pigs; Gardner IA et al.; A longitudinal study was undertaken in a swine herd with an ever-present problem of foot abscess in suckling pigs reared on a woven-wire floor . Of 3,322 4-day-old pigs, 199 (6%) developed abscess lesions involving claws and accessory digits before weaning . Lesions were first detected in 4-day-old pigs; median and mean ages at onset were 10 and 11.3 days, respectively . At first detection, most pigs had only a single claw affected, but 39 pigs had at least 2 claws with abscesses . Hind limbs had more affected claws (140) than forelimbs (96) . In the hind limbs, medial claws were most likely to have lesions, whereas the reverse was true for the forelimbs . Gross and microscopic examinations of affected claws indicated necrotic pododermatitis, with severe osteomyelitis, arthritis, and tenosynovitis . Bacteria isolated from foot abscess lesions included Actinomyces pyogenes, Staphylococcus spp, beta-hemolytic Streptococcus spp, Actinobacillus spp, Escherichia coli, Fusobacterium spp, Bacteroides spp, and Peptostreptococcus spp.

Infect Immun, 1990 Jun, 58(6), 1932 - 6
Liposomes containing anti-idiotypic antibodies: an oral vaccine to induce protective secretory immune responses specific for pathogens of mucosal surfaces; Jackson S et al.; By using a gnotobiotic rat model system to study the induction of protective immune responses by anti-idiotype (anti-id) vaccines specific for antibodies directed at the cariogenic microorganism Streptococcus mutans, it was shown that administration of such an anti-id vaccine provided partial protection against dental caries after challenge with virulent microorganisms . Protective effects were first demonstrated by direct parenteral administration of the anti-id vaccine into salivary gland regions, as determined by reductions in microbial colonization and caries scores . Subsequently, the anti-id was incorporated into liposomes and administered by gastric intubation . Immunization by this regimen also resulted in a significant reduction in caries as well as S . mutans colonization of the oral cavity, with concomitant increases in salivary immunoglobulin A anti-S . mutans antibodies . These data provide evidence that anti-id vaccines specifically targeted at the secretory immune system can induce protective immune responses to pathogens of mucosal surfaces.

Aust Vet J, 1990 Jun, 67(6), 202 - 4
Streptococcus suis serotypes associated with disease in weaned pigs; Gogolewski RP et al.; Streptococcus suis was recovered from 9 outbreaks of septicaemia and meningitis in weaned pigs between 1979 and 1983 . Fifteen isolates from 7 outbreaks were identified as S . suis type 9, and 3 isolates from 2 outbreaks as S . suis type 2 . Three further isolates of S . suis type 2 and an isolate of S . suis type 3 were recovered from cases of bronchopneumonia in weaned pigs from 4 other piggeries.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1990 Jun, (6), 67 - 71
{The functional characteristics of the peripheral blood granulocytes in erysipelatous inflammation}; Krifuks OI et al.; The receptors (FcR, C3R) and functional activity, determined by the nitroblue tetrazolium (NRT) test, of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PML) of low and normal density were studied in erysipelas patients . The leukocytes were obtained by sedimentation on the 2-stage gradient of Ficoll-Verographin (1.077 and 1.119 g/cu cm) . No statistically significant difference in the average group indices between "light" and "normal" PNL of erysipelas patients were detected . In comparison with donor PNL, higher expression of C3R, a high spontaneous NBT(+)-PNL level and poor response to stimulation with IgG in the NBT test were observed on granulocytes of the patients . The short-term treatment of the whole blood obtained from the patients with Streptococcus haemolyticus allergen led to a significant increase in the output of "light" PNL . As negative control, brucellin treatment was used, which produced no essential effect . The treatment of donor blood with the above-mentioned antigens did not significantly affect the density of PNL . These facts suggest that in erysipelas the presence of "light" PNL is linked not with the release of granulocytes from the marrow, but with the activation of leukocytes by the products of infective inflammation.

Pneumonol Pol, 1990 Jun, 58(6), 307 - 10
{Pulmonary abscesses in material from tuberculosis and lung disease clinics of the Academy of Medicine in Gdansk}; Sieminska A; 47 patients with pulmonary abscesses were analysed . The type of bacteria cultured from the sputum, type of chemotherapy and clinical outcome were assessed . Most of the patients (34) were already treated prior to admission to the Department . Most often with doxycycline and gentamycin . The following organisms were cultured: Streptococcus viridans, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae . Antibiotic therapy was always instituted according to the antibiogram . Most often amikacin and cefamandole was given . The mean duration of hospitalization was 48 days . 44% of the patients were fully cured, in 40% only an improvement was seen . 7 patients expired (16%)--all of these patients were addicted to alcohol or had malignancy.

Nippon Jibiinkoka Gakkai Kaiho, 1990 Jun, 93(6), 884 - 93
{A case of cervico-mediastinal abscess, secondary to acute tonsillitis: investigation of the treatments}; Fukamoto K et al.; No other infectious diseases in the field of otolaryngology cause rapid and lethal course than cervical abscess . A case of cervicomediastinal abscess secondary to acute tonsillitis was presented . The patient was a 43-year-old male with liver cirrhosis and primarily had the treatment of tonsillitis . The complication of duodenal perforation caused marked general deteriotation, and cervical abscess occured . Immediately after transfer to our department, he was treated by cervical drainage, laparotomy and chemotherapy . However, hepatic failure occured, and he died of sepsis on the 16th day after the onset of tonsillitis . Cervicomediastinal abscesses were classified according to severity in Stage 1-4 . 34 cases of advanced cervical abscess were reported in Japan from 1976 to 1989 . These cases were analyzed statistically in terms of primary focus of infection, surgical procedures, clinical isolates and chemotherapy, etc., and following results were obtained . 1) Primary focus; approximately 50% was due to the infection of the tonsills and the pharynx occupied about 50%, and the odontogenic infections, approximately 40% . 2) Surgical procedures; the neck doranaige approaching through the vertical incision resulted more effective . 3) Clinical isolates; aerobes and anaerobes accounted for 50% each of all strains . alpha-Streptococcus was predominant among aerobes, and Peptostreptococcus and Bacteroides were predominant among anaerobes . In order to confirm pathogenic bacteria of cervical abscess, clinical isolates of peritonsiller abscess and mandibular ostesis were compared with those of cervical abscess, because these infections are primary infectious diseases of cervical abscess.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

FEMS Microbiol Lett, 1990 Jun 1, 57(3), 263 - 9
Direct observations of cooperative effects in oral streptococcal adhesion to glass by analysis of the spatial arrangement of adhering bacteria; Sjollema J et al.; The spatial arrangement of two strains of oral bacteria adhering on glass was studied in order to investigate cooperative effects in their adhesion mechanisms . Streptococcus salivarius HB was a strain which possessed several classes of fibrillar surface appendages, whereas on the cell surface of S . mutants NS no surface appendages could be identified . The bacteria were deposited from a flowing suspension with various buffer concentrations on the bottom glass plate of a parallel plate flow cell and were observed directly with a video camera mounted on a phase contrast microscope . The positions of all adhering bacteria were determined by means of automated real time image analysis and subsequently employed for calculating radial and angular pair distribution functions . Pair distribution functions indicate the average relative number density of bacteria around one deposited bacterium as a function of the radial distance or the angular orientation relative to the flow direction . From the calculated pair distribution functions of both bacterial strains it was concluded that cooperative effects contributed to the adhesion of S . salivarius HB, but not to adhesion of S . mutants NS . It was suggested that these cooperative effects originate from the surface appendages of S . salivarius HB.

Nippon Kyobu Geka Gakkai Zasshi, 1990 Jun, 38(6), 1035 - 8
{Successful mitral valve replacement for infective endocarditis in pregnancy}; Souma T et al.; A 27 weeks' pregnant women exhibited infective endocarditis due to alpha-streptococcus . As echocardiography showed vegetations on both mitral leaflets, cesarean section was performed at 35 weeks' gestation and a healthy male infant weighing 2,430 g was delivered . Antibiotic therapy was continued for fever after the cesarean section but macrohematuria and Osler's nodes developed . Emergency mitral valve replacement was performed successfully despite the presence of active infective endocarditis . She was discharged after completion of a 10-week course of antibiotic therapy.

Acta Odontol Scand, 1990 Jun, 48(3), 169 - 74
Effect of TiF4 solutions on bacterial growth in vitro and on tooth surfaces; Skartveit L et al.; The purpose of this study was to assess the antimicrobial effect of TiF4 as compared with equimolar solutions of NaF, APF, and SnF2 and to evaluate the effect, if any, on bacterial growth on topically treated tooth surfaces . In an in vitro study, paper discs impregnated with 20 microliters of equimolar solutions of SnF2, NaF, APF, and TiF4 were placed on blood agar plates seeded with Streptococcus mutans and Bacteroides gingivalis . Sterile saline was used as control . Similar growth inhibition zones were found for all fluorides . In the second part of the study six volunteers carried intraoral appliances containing enamel and root surface specimens treated with 1% TiF4 and untreated specimens for 18 h . Scanning electron microscopic examination of the experimental tooth surfaces showed great variation in bacterial growth between subjects, but no systematic difference between fluoride-treated and untreated specimens . Bacteria from test and control specimens were grown under aerobic and anaerobic conditions on blood agar and on mitis salivarius agar . Colony-forming unit counts showed great interindividual variations, but no differences could be observed between treated and untreated enamel or root surfaces . Thus, the hypothesis that the presence of a Ti-rich coating may influence bacterial colonization on TiF4-treated tooth surfaces could not be substantiated.

J Otolaryngol, 1990 Jun, 19(3), 195 - 6
Streptococcus pneumoniae acute suppurative parotitis in a patient with Sjögren's syndrome; Gomez-Rodrigo J et al.; A case of suppurative parotitis due to Streptococcus pneumoniae is reported in a patient with Sjogren's syndrome . The rarity of this condition is noted by a review of the literature.

J Dent Res, 1990 Jun, 69(6), 1266 - 9
Effect of pH on the growth and proteolytic activity of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Bacteroides intermedius; Takahashi N et al.; The effect of pH on the growth and proteolytic activity of the type strain and fresh isolates of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Bacteroides intermedius was investigated . B . intermedius strains grew with and without glucose at a pH as low as 5.0 . These bacteria grew almost as well as Streptococcus mutans at pH 5.0 and better than Actinomyces viscosus at pH 5.5 and 5.0 . Some B . intermedius strains raised the culture pH when grown at a low pH without glucose . In contrast, P . gingivalis strains grew only at pH 6.5 to 7.0 . The P . gingivalis strains had proteolytic activities against azocoll, azocasein, and azoalbumin, while the B . intermedius strains degraded azocasein and azoalbumin, but not azocoll . B . intermedius showed maximum proteolytic activity at pH 7.0, and high activity over a wide pH range . In contrast, the optimum pH of proteolytic activity in P . gingivalis was pH 7.5 to 8.0 . The P . gingivalis activities were more sensitive than those of B . intermedius to low pH . The capacity of B . intermedius to degrade proteins to more readily metabolizable substrates at low pH might explain the growth of this bacterium in an acidic environment . These differences between B . intermedius and P . gingivalis could explain their capacity to survive at different sites in the oral cavity and indicate how B . intermedius might positively influence the growth of P . gingivalis in subgingival plaque.

J Fam Pract, 1990 Jun, 30(6), 689 - 96
Perinatal transmission of bacterial sexually transmitted diseases . Part II: Group B streptococcus and Chlamydia trachomatis; Fletcher JL Jr et al.; Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) have reached epidemic proportion in the United States and have captured the attention of both laypersons and health care professionals . Of special concern is that most STDs can be transmitted vertically to the offspring of infected mothers . Since the advent of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, other STDs have been at risk of being relatively disregarded . This paper, the second of two parts, reviews issues of prevalence, morbidity, mortality, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of group B streptococcal and chlamydial infections as they affect the maternal-fetal dyad.

J Infect Dis, 1990 Jun, 161(6), 1216 - 20
Septic cortical thrombophlebitis; DiNubile MJ et al.; Thrombosis of cortical veins has been postulated as an important cause of seizures and focal neurologic deficits in patients with bacterial meningitis . Diagnoses from autopsies, angiograms, and medical records at Massachusetts General Hospital, 1960-1984, were reviewed to identify patients with septic cortical thrombophlebitis . Only 10 confirmed cases of septic cortical vein thrombosis without sagittal sinus thrombosis were found . Meningitis was present in nine patients; Streptococcus pneumoniae was isolated from the blood or cerebrospinal fluid of five patients . Common clinical manifestations included fever, seizures, and focal neurologic signs . Half the patients survived, but three had persistent disabilities . Cortical vein thrombosis could be documented in only approximately 1% of 790 cases of bacterial meningitis . In 97 patients with meningitis who died and had autopsies, cortical thrombophlebitis was identified in 5% . In autopsied patients, other pathologic processes including arteritis, ventriculitis, cavernous sinus thrombosis, and cerebral infarctions were usually more prominent than venous thrombosis . Cortical thrombophlebitis does not appear to be the major cause of seizures or focal neurologic signs during bacterial meningitis.

Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol Suppl, 1990 Jun, 148, 46 - 8
Round window membrane permeability during experimental purulent otitis media: altered Cortisporin ototoxicity; Ikeda K et al.; Round window membrane (RWM) permeability is the most critical factor influencing cochlear function following otitis media . Because otic drops are frequently used during purulent otitis media (POM), we investigated RWM permeability and ototoxicity of Cortisporin otic suspension after inducing experimental POM . Unilateral POM was induced in eight chinchillas by inoculating type 7F Streptococcus pneumoniae into the right ears . Left ears were inoculated with phosphate-buffered saline (control) . When POM resolved, the animals were divided into two groups . The round window niches of group 1 were covered with Cortisporin otic suspension . Compound action potentials were measured before and after drug application . The RWM permeability was measured in group 2 by use of tetraethylammonium (TEA) ions as tracers, and the arrival time of TEA and the slope of the potassium-selective microelectrode response were measured . Animals with otitis media exhibited less susceptibility to ototoxicity of Cortisporin otic suspension and reduced RWM permeability to the medium-sized molecule TEA.

Med J Malaysia, 1990 Jun, 45(2), 169 - 76
Culture-positive thoracic empyema in adults; Liam CK et al.; Twenty-nine adult patients with culture-positive thoracic empyema were seen at the University Hospital Kuala Lumpur from 1984 to 1988 . Cough, fever, chest pain, dyspnoea and weight loss were the common presenting symptoms . The empyema in 16 patients was associated with primary bronchopulmonary infections, nine occurred following thoracentesis of culture-sterile pleural effusions, two occurred as post-thoracic surgery complications, one following a subdiaphragmatic abscess and one as a result of a stab wound . The most common culture isolates were Streptococcus milleri, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae . Closed tube thoracostomy, the most common form of drainage procedure employed, was able to effect a cure or control of the empyema in 11 out of 19 patients in whom it was used.

Pathol Biol (Paris), 1990 Jun, 38(5 ( Pt 2)), 552 - 6
{The use of teicoplanin in neutropenic patients: values and limits}; Espinouse D et al.; The efficacy and the safety of teicoplanin were evaluated for the treatment of febrile episodes in neutropenic patients . A total of 18 patients received teicoplanin once daily as an intravenous injection of 200 mg in 6 patients (after a loading dose of 400 mg) or 400 mg in 12 patients (loading dose: 800 mg) . The mean duration of therapy was 15.9 days (range 9 to 39 days) . In all patients teicoplanin was combined with another antibiotic usually a beta-lactam . Thirteen of 18 patients were successfully treated . Three febrile episodes proved to be microbiologically documented infections and were cured by teicoplanin: one Streptococcus mitis and two methicillin-resistant (methi-R) Staphylococcus epidermidis bacteremias . Neither toxicity nor side effects were observed in the reported group . Six patients experiencing reactions to vancomycin (2 cases of cutaneous allergy) or to vancomycin and amphotericin B combination (4 cases of nephrotoxicity) were subsequently treated with teicoplanin without any evidence of cross-sensitivity . We observed emergence of teicoplanin-resistant coagulase-negative Staphylococcus in 3 patients receiving teicoplanin: 20, 18 and 8 days after a first febrile episode cured by teicoplanin and a beta-lactam, they developed fever while receiving the same antibiotic regimen . Methi-R Staphylococcus epidermidis was isolated from blood cultures in the first patient and methi-R Staphylococcus haemolyticus in the two other patients . In one patient, successfully treated by teicoplanin for a first febrile episode related to a methi-R Staphylococcus epidermidis, emergence of Staphylococcus haemolyticus occurred 8 days later while the patient was on teicoplanin therapy (6 mg/kg) . MICs of teicoplanin were 16 mg/l for the two Staphylococcus strains isolated in this patient.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Infect Immun, 1990 Jun, 58(6), 1509 - 13
Inhibition of Streptococcus mutans glucosyltransferase activity by antiserum to a subsequence peptide; Dertzbaugh MT et al.; An antigenic 15-amino-acid peptide sequence (gtfB.1) from the glucosyltransferase B enzyme of the cariogenic bacterium Streptococcus mutans GS-5 was identified previously from the genetic fusion of this sequence to the B subunit of cholera toxin . The resulting chimeric protein was used to raise antiserum in rabbits . This antiserum was shown to recognize the native glucosyltransferase enzyme and to inhibit its activity . The antiserum inhibited the synthesis of water-soluble glucan by approximately 40% and the synthesis of water-insoluble glucan by greater than 90% . The antiserum was shown to partially inhibit fructosyltransferase activity as well . The ability of this antipeptide antiserum to inhibit several enzymes from S . mutans suggests that these enzymes share an epitope related to enzymatic activity.

Nichidai Koko Kagaku, 1990 Jun, 16(2), 154 - 63
{Anti-caries effects of polyphenol compound from Camellia sinensis}; Saito N; Polyphenol compound (designated Sunphenon) from leaf of Camellia sinensis have been partially purified by extraction of the boiling water with ethyl acetate . The effect of Sunphenon on cariogenic Streptococcus mutans groups (serotype c and g) was studied in both in vitro and in vivo . The summary of results were described as follows; 1) Addition of Sunphenon to S . mutans JC-2 (c) caused a decrease in cell viability . The activity of Sunphenon showed that multiple application are required for killing and maximum effect was seen between 60 and 90 min treatment . However, treatment of S . mutans with Sunphenon did not induce complete cell death after 90 min incubation . 2) When S . mutans JC-2 (c) was pretreated with Sunphenon, the cellular attachment on saliva-treated hydroxyapatite surface was significantly reduced . 3) When saliva-treated hydroxyapatite surface was pretreated with Sunphenon, the cellular attachment of S . mutans JC-2 (c) was also markedly inhibited . 4) Sunphenon had no inhibitory effect on lactic acid production by S . mutans JC-2 (c) . 5) Sunphenon showed a strong inhibitory effect against water-insoluble glucan synthesis by glucosyltransferase from S . mutans JC-2 (c) or S . sobrinus 6715 (g) . 6) specific pathogen-free rats infected with S . mutans JC-2 (c) and fed a cariogenic diet containing 0.5% . Sunphenon developed significantly fewer carious lesions than controls infected with S . mutans and fed the same diet without Sunphenon . Furthermore, feeding of the drinking water containing 0.1% Sunphenon reduced caries incident in S . mutans in infected animals.

Osaka Daigaku Shigaku Zasshi, 1990 Jun, 35(1), 342 - 54
{Molecular cloning and expression of a dextranase gene from Arthrobacter in Streptococcus sanguis}; Toda H; The gene coding for a dextranase activity of Arthrobacter CB-8, named dex gene, was isolated and cloned into Escherichia coli and into Streptococcus sanguis . The gene library was screened by transparent halo formation around the colonies grown on agar medium containing blue dextran . DNA fragment consisting of about 3,200 base pairs was prepared for further cloning procedures . Dextranase activity was detected in the periplasmic space of E . coli clones, using pUC19, pVA 838 and their derivatives . Dex gene was also introduced into S . sanguis Challis using pVA 838, a plasmid that is able to replicate in both E . coli and S . sanguis . But the clones did not express the dex gene . For the expression of dex gene in S . sanguis, a new shuttle vector was constructed, which contained the promoter region of a glucosyltransferase gene from S . mutans as well as the terminator region of ribosomal RNA from E . coli . The plasmid was designated pMNK . Using pMNK as vector, dex gene was expressed in S . sanguis . Dextranase activity was detected in the cellular fraction of the clones.

Osaka Daigaku Shigaku Zasshi, 1990 Jun, 35(1), 333 - 41
{Studies of antigens related to metabolic and growth inhibitions of Staphylococcus aureus L-form}; Hirachi Y et al.; Metabolic and growth inhibiting activities in immunoglobulin (of anti-S . aureus L-form serum and anti-S . aureus coccal form serum) could be absorbed by cell membranes of S . aureus L-form and its coccal form, respectively . These activities could not be absorbed by cell membrane of Micrococcus luteus, Streptococcus pyogenes or Actinomyces viscosus . These findings suggested the existence of species-specific antigens of cell membrane . The membrane antigens of L-form related to the metabolic and growth inhibiting activities were stable to trypsin, heating and periodate, and were not solubilized by trypsin . A large part of the antigen in a typsin-insoluble membrane precipitate of L-form could be extracted by acetone and the subsequent use of chloroform-methanol (2: 1) . A fractionation study of chloroform-methanol extract by using silicic acid calum indicated that more than two components were involved in metabolic and growth inhibiting activities.

Zentralbl Bakteriol, 1990 Jun, 273(2), 216 - 28
A secreted receptor related to M1 protein of Streptococcus pyogenes binds to fibrinogen, IgG, and albumin; Schmidt KH et al.; An extracellular protein (eMP) of Streptococcus pyogenes M type 1 was isolated by affinity chromatography on albumin- and IgG-Sepharose . The protein was found to bind to the human plasma proteins, fibrinogen, IgG, and albumin . Analysis of eMP by Western blotting demonstrated a major band with a molecular weight of 49 kD which was responsible for binding of the three plasma proteins . The purified protein was found to bind selectively to human and primate polyclonal IgG, human and mouse albumin, as well as human fibrinogen which has been the only fibrinogen tested . Serological investigations revealed a close relation of eMP to streptococcal M1 protein . It showed a reaction of identity with cell-extracted M1 protein in immunodiffusion . Moreover, the 49 kD peptide responsible for binding, was recognized with an antiserum directed against the 20 amino acids comprising synthetic peptide (42VAL-61GLU) of the N-terminal part of the M1 protein sequence . The affinity of M protein to plasma proteins other than fibrinogen opens new approaches to its purification by affinity chromatography.

J Bacteriol, 1990 Jun, 172(6), 2833 - 8
Ultrastructural study of surface components of Streptococcus suis; Jacques M et al.; The presence of capsular material on cells of nine reference strains of Streptococcus suis representing serotypes 1 to 8 and 1/2 was determined by transmission electron microscopy after polycationic ferritin labeling, immunostabilization, or fixation with a combination of glutaraldehyde and lysine . All the cells of the reference strains examined were covered with a layer of capsular material whose thickness varied between 20 to 30 nm and 350 to 375 nm when examined by immunostabilization . Capsular material from cells exposed to homologous antiserum was usually thicker than that from polycationic ferritin-labeled cells or cells fixed with glutaraldehyde-lysine . Negative staining revealed detectable surface structures on S . suis strains . All strains carried peritichous, thin, and flexible fimbriae with a diameter of approximately 2 nm and a length of up to 250 nm . This study indicated that morphological differences of surface structure exist among S . suis reference strains.

Oral Microbiol Immunol, 1990 Jun, 5(3), 143 - 8
Streptococcus cricetus and Streptococcus rattus bind to different segments of collagen molecules; Liu T et al.; Strains of Streptococcus cricetus and Streptococcus rattus exhibited striking differences in their ability to bind to different types of collagen . For example, S . cricetus AHT bound in highest numbers to hydroxyapatite (HA) treated with human type V collagen, while rat type I collagen was ineffective . In contrast, human type V collagen was least effective in promoting attachment of S . rattus LB-1, while treatment with rat or human type I collagen was effective . Adsorption of both species to human type I collagen-treated HA showed a high correlation with a Langmuir model . Estimates of adsorption parameters indicated there were greater numbers of binding sites with higher affinity for S . rattus LB-1 than for S . cricetus AHT . Treatment of HA with either the alpha 1 (1) or alpha 2 (1) polypeptide chains of collagen was effective in promoting adhesion of S . rattus LB-1 cells . In contrast, the alpha 2 (1) chain was more effective than the alpha 1 (1), chain for S . cricetus AHT . These observations indicate that S . cricetus AHT and S . rattus LB-1 cells bind to different segments of collagen molecules . Adhesion of both species was also promoted by collagen-rich fractions of human dentin.

Pediatr Res, 1990 Jun, 27(6), 612 - 6
Prophylactic or simultaneous administration of recombinant human granulocyte colony stimulating factor in the treatment of group B streptococcal sepsis in neonatal rats; Cairo MS et al.; Despite the emergence of newer antibiotic treatments, group B streptococcal infection still carries a high mortality rate in the newborn and is characterized by reduced neutrophil proliferative pools, neutrophil storage pools, neutropenia, and polymorphonuclear cell dysfunction . Recombinant human granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (rhG-CSF) has recently been demonstrated to induce neutrophilia and modulate neutrophil proliferative pools and neutrophil storage pools in the newborn rat . We therefore investigated the adjuvant effect of rhG-CSF given to group B streptococcus (GBS) septic Sprague-Dawley newborn (less than 36 h) rats treated with and without antibiotic therapy . After inoculation of GBS, a GBS survival curve established the LD50 at 50 h to be approximately 3 X 10(6) organisms/gm . Newborn rats were divided into four treatment groups after GBS inoculation . rhG-CSF was administered at the same time as GBS inoculation . At 24 h, there was approximately 100% survival in all groups . However, by 72 h after GBS inoculation, there was a significant difference in survival . Group 1, PBS/Alb, had a survival rate of 4%; group 2, rhG-CSF, 9%; group 3, antibiotics, 28%; and group 4, antibiotics plus rhG-CSF, 91% (p less than or equal to 0.001) . Additionally, when rhG-CSF was administered prophylactically (6 h before GBS), a similar significant synergistic effect in survival was demonstrated with granulocyte colony stimulating factor plus antibiotics versus antibiotics alone (70 versus 10%) (p less than or equal to 0.01) . These preliminary data suggest that either simultaneous or prophylactic pulse administration of rhG-CSF may have a synergistic and protective effect on survival in antibiotic-treated experimental GBS in the neonatal rat.

Gene, 1990 May 31, 90(1), 163 - 7
Construction of a broad-host-range pneumococcal promoter-probe plasmid; Diaz E et al.; A promoter-probe plasmid, pLSE4, containing the promoterless lytA gene that encodes the major pneumococcal autolysin, was developed to isolate and characterize nucleotide sequences of Streptococcus pneumoniae involved in transcriptional regulation . This vector was derived from the broad-host-range plasmid pLS1 and is suitable for the transformation of Gram- and Gram+ bacteria . An array of unique restriction sites was placed upstream from the lytA coding region . Pneumococcal promoters can be screened from random DNA fragments cloned in these sites for the ability to direct the expression of the autolysin in transformed autolysin-deficient pneumococcal cells . Transformants showing a Lyt+ phenotype were selected on agar plates using a simple filter technique . Relative promoter strength was determined by direct assay of the cell wall lytic activity in cell extracts.

Gene, 1990 May 31, 90(1), 157 - 62
Characterization of the transcription unit encoding the major pneumococcal autolysin; Diaz E et al.; The pneumococcal lytA gene coding for the major autolysin (amidase) can be expressed in Streptococcus pneumoniae and Escherichia coli using unchanged promoter and termination signals . A region containing several -10, -35 and -44 promoter elements, identical to other previously described prokaryotic promoter sequences, has been found upstream from the transcription start point . A transcription terminator consisting of a hairpin structure (-20.8 kcal/mol) typical of Rho-independent prokaryotic terminators was also localized . The lytA gene has a rather long (240-bp) leader sequence with a high A + T content (70%) that contrasts with the very short (2-bp) untranslated region of the polA gene {Lopez et al., J . Biol . Chem . 264 (1989) 4255-4263}, the unique pneumococcal transcription unit that had been characterized so far . Although two open reading frames have been found in the leader region it seems unlikely that these sequences can be translated due to the absence of appropriate ribosome-binding sites.

J Immunol, 1990 May 15, 144(10), 4046 - 52
The gene sequence and some properties of protein H . A novel IgG-binding protein; Gomi H et al.; The gene for protein H, a novel bacterial cell wall protein with specific affinity for human IgG Fc, was cloned from a group A Streptococcus and expressed in Escherichia coli . Recombinant E . coli cells produced two forms of a human IgG Fc-binding protein, one with an apparent Mr of 42 kDa in a periplasmic fraction and the other with an apparent Mr of 45 kDa in a mixed fraction of cytoplasms and membranes . Both 42-kDa and 45-kDa protein preparations similarly bound to human IgG1 to IgG4, human IgG Fc, and rabbit IgG, but not to IgG of mouse, rat, bovine, sheep, goat, and human IgA, IgD, IgE, and IgM . The complete nucleotide sequence of the cloned 1.8-kb DNA fragment was determined . An open reading frame encoded a hypothetical protein of 376 amino acid residues (Mr = 42,498) . The N-terminal amino acid sequence, consisting of 41 residues, which was removed post-translationally had typical characteristics of Gram-positive bacterial signal peptides . Thus, the mature form of protein H was suggested to consist of 335 residues (Mr = 38,162) . There were 3 repeated sequences consisting of 42 residues that were highly homologous to those of protein Arp, an IgA-binding streptococcal cell wall protein, and streptococcal M6 and M24 proteins . The C-terminal amino acid sequence consisting of 93 residues, directly following the repeated sequences, was also highly homologous to that of M6 and M24 proteins . No sequence homology was found between protein H and protein A or protein G, two other IgG-binding bacterial cell wall proteins.

Am J Med, 1990 May 14, 88(5A), 9S - 14S
Respiratory infections caused by Branhamella catarrhalis . Selected epidemiologic features; Sarubbi FA et al.; PURPOSE: This work reviewed existing literature pertaining to the epidemiologic aspects of respiratory tract infections caused by Branhamella catarrhalis, examined certain epidemiologic features of B . catarrhalis infections occurring at this facility, and identified relevant areas in need of further study . PATIENTS AND METHODS: Literature dealing with the epidemiology of B . catarrhalis infections was reviewed . Records in this Veterans Administration hospital microbiology laboratory were reviewed and all B . catarrhalis isolates and pure cultures of Hemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae were noted for the January 1986 to June 1989 study period . RESULTS: B . catarrhalis is now recognized as a disease-causing pathogen that is particularly noted for its association with acute otitis media in children and lower respiratory tract infections in adults with underlying cardiopulmonary disease . It was recovered from 2.7 percent of all respiratory specimens submitted over a 42-month period at this Veterans hospital . When compared with H . influenzae and S . pneumoniae, B . catarrhalis was found to be the second most commonly isolated respiratory pathogen . It was frequently found in pure culture (53 percent) or in combination with H . influenzae, gram-negative bacilli, or S . pneumoniae . The seasonal recovery of B . catarrhalis was apparent for the November to May period compared with the June to October period (p less than 0.001) . CONCLUSION: B . catarrhalis has emerged as a major respiratory pathogen in pediatric and adult patient populations . There is a distinct seasonal pattern associated with its recovery and reasons for this are unclear . Prevalence studies aimed at identifying colonization rates among "low" and "high" risk groups are needed . The availability of restriction endonuclease analysis as a typing system for B . catarrhalis should favorably impact upon future epidemiologic studies . Many B . catarrhalis isolates produce beta-lactamase, and therapeutic options must reflect this.

Prev Assist Dent, 1990 May-Jun, 16(3), 7 - 10
{Relations between sodium fluoride sensitivity and cariogenic potential in Streptococcus mutans}; Brambilla E et al.; Supragingival plaque samples of a group of 59 schoolchildren were taken . The samples were cultivated on a selective medium for Streptococcus mutans and the isolated wild strains were tested for resistance to sodium fluoride (NaF) . The results show the existence of a positive statistic correlation between the degree of resistance to NaF caries experience, obtained by DMFS of the experimental group.

Aust N Z J Ophthalmol, 1990 May, 18(2), 151 - 3
Infectious crystalline keratopathy; Sutton GL et al.; A 76-year-old patient was found to have a crystalline keratopathy with no evidence of acute inflammation in her right corneal graft . The patient had been on long-term topical steroids . Subsequent microscopy of the graft demonstrated pockets of Gram-positive cocci with a paucity of inflammatory cells . This is the tenth reported case of infectious crystalline keratopathy, first reported by Gorovoy in 1983 . It does not always occur in corneal grafts, but the use of long-term topical steroids, together with an epithelial defect, allows the microorganism, usually Streptococcus viridans, to invade the corneal stroma and replicate along the lamellar planes, unhindered by the usual inflammatory response . Retrospective analysis of this patient's history suggests that she has suffered the same keratopathy in previous corneal grafts . Treatment involves cessation of steroids, antibiotic cover and often a repeat penetrating keratoplasty . If this is required, the lowest possible dose of steroid cover should be used with prolonged use of topical antibiotics . To the best of our knowledge this is the first reported case of infectious crystalline keratopathy in Australia.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1990 May, (5), 23 - 8
{Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes in children with acute pneumonia and pleurisy}; Katosova LK et al.; The study of pneumococci of different serotypes, isolated from patients with acute pneumonia and pleuritis and from healthy children was carried out . Among the pneumococcal serotypes causing pneumonia and pleuritis in children serotypes 1, 6, 19, 14 and 3 were most widely spread and constituted 62.3% of all isolated pneumococci . In young children cases of acute pneumonia and pleuritis were more often induced by serotypes 6 and 14 and in older children, by serotypes 1 and 3 . In patients with uncomplicated pneumonia and pleuritis differences in the detected serotypes of pneumococci were observed, and the disease course differed in severity . Serotypes 14, 3 and 3 induced destructive processes in the lungs more often than other serotypes . Monitoring of the sensitivity of pneumococci to antibiotics showed that most of the strains retained high sensitivity to penicillin and ampicillin . In most cases the detected resistant pneumococcal strains belonged to serogroup 19.

J Gen Microbiol, 1990 May, 136 ( Pt 5), 975 - 7
Immunolabelling of SR protein and serotype polysaccharide in Streptococcus mutans; Cuisinier FJ et al.; Immunoelectron microscopy was used to determine the accessibility of gold-labelled monoclonal antibodies, specific for the SR protein and serotype polysaccharide, to the surface of viable cells of Streptococcus mutans . The results indicate that both antigens are simultaneously accessible to their respective antibodies.

J Gen Microbiol, 1990 May, 136 ( Pt 5), 803 - 10
Nucleotide sequence of the dextran glucosidase (dexB) gene of Streptococcus mutans; Russell RR et al.; Nucleotide sequencing of DNA in the region of the Streptococcus mutans chromosome adjacent to the previously characterized gtfA gene revealed the presence of two long open reading frames . One of these corresponds to the dexB gene and has been shown to encode an intracellular exodextranase (dextran glucosidase) which has short isomaltosaccharides as preferred substrates . Comparison with other published sequences showed that the dexB gene product shares regions of similarity with enzymes, from a variety of sources, which attack other glucose polymers.

J Laryngol Otol, 1990 May, 104(5), 430 - 1
Atypical supraglottitis caused by Streptococcus sanguis; Irvine MC et al.; A case of atypical supraglottitis in an 11-year-old boy is presented . The epiglottis was only mildly inflamed . The organism isolated from blood culture was Streptococcus sanguis . This organism is a normal commensal of the oral cavity and has not previously been reported as a cause of supraglottitisPublication Types:

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