Infect Control, 1986 Oct, 7(10), 495 - 500 The nosocomial colonization of T . Bear; Hughes WT et al.; A national effort to reduce nosocomial infections includes a program developed at the National Institutes of Health to encourage handwashing in hospitals and day care centers . The program promotes a symbolic teddy bear (T . Bear) with slogans to remind hospital personnel and patients to practice handwashing . One of the items used is a stuffed toy T . Bear to be dispensed to the hospitalized child . Considering the manner in which children handle stuffed toys, we suspected the T . Bear might serve as a "fomite" for transmission of nosocomial microbes . A prospective study of 39 sterilized T . Bears revealed that all became colonized with bacteria, fungi, or both within 1 week of hospitalization . Hospital acquired organisms cultured from the T . Bear included Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, alpha streptococci, Corynebacterium acnes, Micrococcus sp, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Bacillus sp, and species of Candida, Cryptococcus, Trichosporon, Aspergillus and others . Concomitant cultures of the patients revealed similar isolates . Although the T . Bear handwashing campaign should not be discredited, the promotional toy may pose an unnecessary expense and hazard and should not be used in hospitals or day care centers. J Leukoc Biol, 1986 Oct, 40(4), 347 - 54 The ontogeny of pulmonary alveolar macrophages in parabiotic mice; Sawyer RT; A bilateral distribution of labeled blood monocytes was achieved by unilaterally labeling donor members of surgically parabiosed B6D2F1/J mice with tritiated thymidine (3HTdR) . Labeled pulmonary alveolar macrophages (PAM) were found in lung lavage fluid of donors . By contrast, no labeled PAM were found in lung lavage fluid from unstimulated recipients, even 12 days after labeling . Contralateral 3HTdR flash labeling showed that in recipients 3%, or about 10(4), PAM were in S phase of the cell cycle . Contralateral intratracheal challenge of recipient members with either Corynebacterium parvum vaccine or with Salmonella typhimurium lipopolysaccharide induced the emigration of labeled blood monocytes of donor origin into recipient alveoli . These data show that in parabiotic mice, blood monocytes do not regularly enter the alveolar compartment . It may be concluded that monocytes are not needed on a daily basis to sustain PAM populations. Am J Vet Res, 1986 Oct, 47(10), 2147 - 50 Identification of Brucella abortus in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues of cows, goats, and mice with an avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex immunoenzymatic staining technique; Meador VP et al.; An avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex immunoenzymatic staining technique was evaluated for light microscopic detection of Brucella organisms in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues . Tissues from cows, goats, and mice inoculated with B abortus strain 2308 were examined, using rabbit antiserum to Brucella cell surface protein as primary antibody . Stained organisms were identified histologically in tissue sections containing B abortus, as detected by bacteriologic examination of duplicate nonprocessed tissue samples . Bacillus sp, Corynebacterium pyogenes, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Pasteurella haemolytica, P multocida, Salmonella typhimurium, Staphylococcus sp, and Streptococcus sp did not stain with this system, using anti-Brucella cell surface protein primary antibody, thus indicating specificity for Brucella organisms. Scand J Immunol, 1986 Oct, 24(4), 429 - 36 The role of superoxide anion and lysosomal enzymes in anti-listerial activity of elicited peritoneal macrophages; Hashimoto S et al.; The in vitro effect of superoxide anion and lysosomal enzyme activity on the killing of Listeria monocytogenes EGD (listeria) by peritoneal macrophages (PM) was investigated . Generation of superoxide anion by PM stimulated with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) was significantly increased by intraperitoneal injection of Lactobacillus casei YIT 9018 (LC9018) or Corynebacterium parvum (CP), but not by injection of peptone . However, superoxide anion generation by LC9018-elicited PM stimulated with listeria was not increased any more than that by peptone-elicited PM, and generation of superoxide anion by the PM was affected by the difference in stimuli . The killing of listeria by LC9018- or CP-elicited PM in vitro was significantly less than that by peptone-elicited PM or resident PM . Significant correlation was observed between the anti-listerial activity of PM and the intracellular killing of listeria by PM . On the other hand, beta-glucuronidase and beta-N-acetyl-D-glucosaminidase activities of LC9018-elicited, CP-elicited, or resident PM were significantly weaker than those of peptone-elicited PM, and no significant correlation was observed between the increase in beta-glucuronidase and beta-N-acetyl-D-glucosaminidase activities and the increase in anti-listerial activity . These results suggest that increase in the activity of lysosomal enzymes such as beta-glucuronidase and beta-N-acetyl-D-glucosaminidase is not correlated with the anti-listerial activity of PM, and that superoxide anion has very little effect on the anti-listerial activity of PM in vitro. J Natl Cancer Inst, 1986 Oct, 77(4), 899 - 908 Relationship of success in classical immunotherapy to the relative immunorejective strength of the tumor; Reif AE; Six tumors of varying immunorejective strengths were used to compare the response of their isogenic hosts to standardized regimens of immunoprophylaxis and immunotherapy . The tumors were generated spontaneously or induced chemically {with 9,10-dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene (CAS: 57-97-6)}, virally (with murine leukemia virus), or radiogenically (with strontium-90) . The hosts were C57BL/6J or BALB/cByJ mice . Immunoprophylaxis and immunotherapy were performed with isogenic irradiated tumor cells, with Corynebacterium parvum, or with both . The results of challenge experiments were quantified as the doses of viable tumor cells that produced 50% tumor deaths for immunized and for control mice . The results for these quantitative "classical" immunoprophylaxis and immunotherapy experiments were consistent with two theses: that only immunorejective tumors give positive results with classical immunotherapy and that classical immunoprophylaxis is more effective than classical immunotherapy when identical materials are used for immunizations . These results have important consequences for the clinical use of classical immunotherapy. J Bacteriol, 1986 Oct, 168(1), 103 - 8 Detection of homology to the beta bacteriophage integration site in a wide variety of Corynebacterium spp; Cianciotto N et al.; In toxigenic conversion of Corynebacterium diphtheriae C7, beta bacteriophage DNA integrates into either of two chromosomal attachment sites, attB1 or attB2 . These attB sites share a 96-base-pair sequence with the attP sites of beta-related phages . The distribution of attB-related sites in other species of Corynebacterium was assessed by hybridization with a DNA probe containing both attB sites of the C7 strain and a second DNA probe containing the attP site of a beta-related phage . All but one of the 15 C . diphtheriae strains tested, regardless of origin or colonial type, contained at least two BamHI fragments that hybridized strongly to both of these probes under conditions of high stringency . Strains of C . ulcerans and C . pseudotuberculosis, species in which conversion to toxinogeny has also been demonstrated, also had one or two hybridizing BamHI fragments . The functionality of these sites as integration sites was demonstrated by isolating lysogens of all three species following single infection with one or more beta-related phages . As predicted, following lysogenization one of the DNA fragments that had exhibited homology with the attB1-attB2 probe was replaced by two hybridizing fragments . Other species of Corynebacterium, including pathogens and nonpathogens from animals, plant pathogens, and soil isolates also carried at least one BamHI fragment that hybridized with the attB1-attB2 and attP probes . The data indicate that sequences homologous to the beta phage integration sites in C . diphtheriae have been conserved in members of the genus Corynebacterium. Vet Rec, 1986 Sep 13, 119(11), 261 - 4 Review of Corynebacterium (Rhodococcus) equi lung abscesses in foals: pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment; Hillidge CJ; Corynebacterium (Rhodococcus) equi is becoming increasingly significant as a cause of bronchopneumonia and lung abscessation in foals . The organism can survive within macrophages and may thus escape normal pulmonary defence mechanisms, particularly in immunocompromised animals . The disease has hitherto been associated with mortality rates as high as 80 per cent, partly as a result of inappropriate therapy . The selection of lipid-soluble antibiotics capable of intracellular penetration is critical for the successful treatment of C equi lung abscesses . A combination of two such antibiotics, erythromycin (25 mg/kg three times daily) and rifampicin (5 mg/kg twice daily) has been used on foals since 1981 . Most of these animals had radiographic evidence of extensive lung abscessation, and in all cases the presence of C equi was confirmed on culture of tracheal aspirates . The duration of therapy ranged from four to nine weeks . Mild gastritis and diarrhoea were occasionally noted, but never such as to require termination of the therapy . No other adverse side effects were encountered . The success rate, as judged by a return to normal of chest radiographs and plasma fibrinogen concentrations, has exceeded 80 per cent. N Z Med J, 1986 Sep 10, 99(809), 659 - 62 Corynebacterium ovis (pseudo-tuberculosis) lymphadenitis in a sheep farmer: a new occupational disease in New Zealand; House RW et al.; Corynebacterium ovis lymphadenitis is a common disease in high country sheep in New Zealand and has previously been reported in humans overseas . The first human case is reported in New Zealand with a sheep confirmed as the infection source. Immun Infekt, 1986 Sep, 14(5), 178 - 82 {The significance of "nonpathogenic" Corynebacteria as a cause of opportunistic infections}; Wirsing von Konig CH et al.; A lot of corynebacterial species, summarized as "diphtheroids" has its normal habitat on the human skin . Consequently, these bacteria are often isolated from various clinical materials and mostly regarded as indeginous flora . The same bacteria, however, can cause serious infections, when the balance between host and microorganisms is impaired . Multiresistant corynebacteria group JK are used as an example to describe the development of such infections . Central venous catheters and other plastic devices can facilitate the entry of the bacteria . Simultaneously, resistant strains of corynebacteria benefit from a concurrently administered antimicrobial chemotherapy . Subsequently, these bacteria can be found as a cause of septicemia, endocarditis, wound infection, osteomyelitis, peritonitis and meningitis . The antimicrobial chemotherapy is hampered by the extreme resistance and vancomycin is the only antibiotic of choice . Colonization or infection of the single patient can be differentiated by clinical criteria only . According to the individual risk, a microbiological monitoring can be helpful in the early detection of colonization and infection. J Urol, 1986 Sep, 136(3), 701 - 5 Superiority of intralesional immunotherapy with Corynebacterium parvum and Allium sativum in control of murine transitional cell carcinoma; Lau BH et al.; Immunotherapy with bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG), Corynebacterium parvum (CP), keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) and an extract of Allium sativum (AS) was studied in a transitional cell carcinoma (MBT-2) in mice . Comparison was made between intraperitoneal (IP) versus intralesional (IL) administration of these agents . C3H/He mice were transplanted subcutaneously in the hind limb with 5 X 10(4) tumor cells . After transplantation, mice were randomized into groups to receive either IP or IL treatments with BCG (2 X 10(6) CFU), CP (250 micrograms.), KLH (50 micrograms.) or AS (25 mg.) . At weekly intervals the tumor volume was determined . To assess the local cellular events following these treatments, histopathological studies were performed 10 days after tumor transplant with tissues removed from the injected sites . IL route was much more effective than IP route in inhibiting tumor growth . CP and AS exhibited more significant therapeutic effect than BCG or KLH . No tumor developed in mice which received five IL treatments of CP or AS . The data indicate that CP or AS may serve as effective biological response modifiers in controlling transitional cell carcinoma . The study further emphasizes that route and frequency of administration are crucial variables determining efficacy of immunotherapy. Gynecol Oncol, 1986 Sep, 25(1), 26 - 36 Therapy of stage III (optimal) epithelial carcinoma of the ovary with melphalan or melphalan plus Corynebacterium parvum (a Gynecologic Oncology Group Study); Gall S et al.; A randomized prospective therapy trial in patients with stage III optimal epithelial carcinoma of the ovary was accomplished by the Gynecologic Oncology Group . Therapy with melphalan or melphalan plus immuno-adjuvant, Corynebacterium parvum (C . parvum), was utilized as adjuvant treatment following surgical therapy . One hundred eight-five patients were eligible for evaluation with 87 patients in the melphalan group and 98 patients in the melphalan plus C . parvum group . The comparison of the treatment regimens showed no differences with respect to either progression-free interval or survival . However, it should be noted that a 50% 3-year survival was obtained . A group was identified, using four prognostic factors that had 80% survival at 3 years . Maximum size of the residual tumor, as well as performance status, was not prognostically significant . This study demonstrates a lack of efficacy of the addition of C . parvum to melphalan for this patient population. J Infect, 1986 Sep, 13(2), 151 - 6 Relapsing peritonitis in a patient undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis due to Corynebacterium aquaticum; Morris AJ et al.; Corynebacterium aquaticum was the cause of peritonitis in a 33-year-old diabetic woman on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) . This case represents the first reported instance of CAPD peritonitis due to this organism . Moreover, the organism was recovered from fibrin clots removed from dialysate bags when the patient was on antibiotic therapy . Routine cultural methods failed to reveal the organism at that time . The organism is described and key points differentiating it from similar organisms are emphasised . The world literature on C . aquaticum infections is reviewed. Vopr Virusol, 1986 Sep-Oct, 31(5), 577 - 84 {Biological and physicochemical properties of Corynebacterium diphtheriae B (Freeman) phages phi 984 and phi 9}; Kovgan AA et al.; A scheme for preparative isolation of corynephages and their DNA is described . Study of host specificity, toxigenicity, and of cytotoxic effect induced by the phages BF, phi 9, and phi 984 has shown that phage BF has tox- phenotype, and phages phi 9 and phi 984, tox+ phenotype . These phages differ in host specificity and plaque morphology . Electron-microscopic examination of virions showed similarity of phages BF and phi 984 structures, whereas phage phi 9 was markedly different in the size of its head and tail. J Comp Pathol, 1986 Sep, 96(5), 565 - 73 The effect of in vivo modulation of macrophage activities on Mycobacterium lepraemurium infection; Ha DK et al.; During the early stage of Mycobacterium lepraemurium (MLM) infection in mice, the mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS) was activated non-specifically as demonstrated by enhanced listericidal activity . Such listericidal activity could be further increased by Corynebacterium parvum treatment, indicating that MLM was not a good MPS stimulant . Corynebacterium parvum treatment conferred only marginal protection upon mice during MLM infection, as shown by the slight but significant prolongation of survival time and decreased bacillary load . In contrast, mice could not control splenic Listeria growth in the later stage of infection regardless of C . parvum treatment . Adoptive transfer of Listeria-immune spleen lymphocytes, however, did significantly suppress splenic Listeria growth . The significance of these findings is discussed. Eur J Respir Dis, 1986 Sep, 69(3), 204 - 6 Corynebacterium parvum in malignant pleural effusion . A randomized prospective study; Hillerdal G et al.; In a randomized trial, pleurodesis was attempted with Corynebacterium parvum in one group and bleomycin in another . Patients with malignant pleural effusion which required repeated drainage were treated with instillation of one of these agents after complete drainage of the pleural effusion . There were 32 patients who could be evaluated . Sixty-five per cent of the patients treated with C . parvum had no recurrence after one treatment and another 29% after two treatments . In the bleomycin group, two patients needed only one treatment while the remainder - 13 out of 15 patients - needed further drainage treatments even after two instillations of the drug . The difference was highly significant (p less than 0.001). Int J Cancer, 1986 Aug 15, 38(2), 259 - 64 Aspartate-assisted immune stimulation: its importance in antitumor and antiviral protection; Chany C et al.; Immune stimulators such as Corynebacterium parvum (CP) are useful for antitumoral and antiviral therapy . However, the immune trigger cannot be reactivated without adversely affecting the disease . We have tried to amplify the results yielded by a single injection of CP by using either interleukin-2 (IL2) or aspartate salts (ASP) . In the present report, we show that IL2 has no detectable clinical effect . In contrast, the addition of an ASP salt increases the antiviral and antitumoral protection afforded by the CP-induced trigger . Moreover, treatment using only ASP slightly protects against tumor development and significantly increases antiviral resistance during experimental encephalomyocarditis (EMC) infection . This ASP-assisted CP immune stimulation improves antitumoral resistance even when ascitic tumors have already developed . In the latter case, tumor regression can even be detected . Since ASP increases T-cell cytotoxicity in vitro and aggravates spontaneous T-cell lymphomas in AKR mice, the involvement of T-cell-mediated immunity may explain antitumoral and antiviral effects . We propose the use of this therapeutic model for human cancer therapy, and possibly for treating AIDS. Eur J Cancer Clin Oncol, 1986 Aug, 22(8), 1009 - 14 Corynebacterium parvum followed by chemotherapy (actinomycin D and DTIC) compared with chemotherapy alone for metastatic malignant melanoma; Thatcher N et al.; Seventy-nine patients with Stage III widely metastatic melanoma were prospectively randomised to a 'no treatment' control group who received on tumour progression DTIC (250 mg/m2 i.v . daily X 5) and Actinomycin D 1.5 mg/m2 on Day 1 . A total of six courses at 3-week intervals was given . Chemotherapy was only given on progression of disease . The other group received initially Corynebacterium parvum (2 mg/m2) every 3 weeks for a maximum of eight courses and then the same chemotherapy on evidence of progressive disease . Minimum follow up time is 3 yr . The chemotherapy response rate (control 37%, C . parvum 24%) was not statistically different nor was the effect of chemotherapy on the site of individual metastases . Radiotherapy responses for irradiated soft tissue disease again were not significantly different, between the two patient groups . No significant differences in survival (control group median, 4 months, range 1-46; C . parvum median 3 months range 1-35) were observed and only one patient is alive at 35 months . The pattern of relapse was also similar in both groups . Reduction in haematological toxicity consequent on chemotherapy was not observed in the C . parvum-treated patients . No additional benefit was observed when C . parvum was followed by DTIC and Actinomycin D chemotherapy compared with the results from the chemotherapy given alone, although C . parvum on this schedule had minimal toxicity. Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1986 Aug, (8), 28 - 32 {Staphylococci in skin microbiocenosis of the breasts in healthy women}; Sytnik SI; The autoflora of different anatomical regions of the mammary glands in 120 healthy nulliparous women aged 18-24 years was studied by P . Williamson and A . M . Kligler's methods of smears and washings . From the nipple, the areola, and the adjacent region of the skin 2,248 strains of anaerobic microorganisms were isolated; of these, 63.83% were staphylococci and micrococci, 6.01% were streptococci, 1.91% were Neisseria, 17.79% were Corynebacterium, 3.87% were bacilli, 2.8% were enterobacteria, and 3.79% were fungi . Coagulase-positive staphylococci occurred in 1.56% of cases . Out of 11 coagulase-negative species of this genus, S . epidermidis occurred most frequently on the skin of the mammary glands . The nipple was found to have the highest bacterial contamination (0.55 X 10(6) +/- 0.7 X 10(5) cells/sq . cm for the right mamma and 0.59 X 10(6) +/- 0.7 X 10(5) cells/sq . cm for the left mamma) and the skin adjacent the areola, the lowest bacterial contamination (0.14 X 10(4) +/- 0.2 X 10(3) cells/sq . cm for the right mamma and 0.25 X 10(4) +/- 0.3 X 10(3) cells/sq . cm for the left mamma) . P . Williams and A . M . Kligman's method of washings, more accurate and informative, was found to be preferable for the study of the quantitative characteristics of the dermal microbiocenosis of the mammary glands. J Surg Res, 1986 Aug, 41(2), 209 - 14 Inhibition of wound healing by Corynebacterium parvum; Greenhalgh D et al.; Corynebacterium parvum (C . parvum), an immunostimulant, was examined for its effects on wound healing in mice . Animals injected intraperitoneally with C . parvum, 1400 micrograms 48 hr prior to wounding had significantly decreased wound strength at 5, 7, 11, 14, and 21 days after wounding compared to saline-injected controls (P less than 0.05-P less than 0.001) . Mice injected with C . parvum at 48 or 2 hr before wounding, synchronous with wounding and 2 or 48 hr after wounding had significantly decreased wound disruption strength of 11-day-old wounds (P less than 0.01-P less than 0.001) . Formalin fixations of wound strips from C . parvum-treated animals were consistently weaker than similarly treated wound strips from controls (P less than 0.05-P less than 0.01) . Histologic analysis of wounds from C . parvum-treated animals revealed decreased amounts of wound collagen and increased inflammatory reaction compared to saline-injected animals . While C . parvum can improve survival following injury or septic challenge, the potential for marked alterations in wound healing may limit its clinical application in surgical and trauma patients. J Bacteriol, 1986 Aug, 167(2), 695 - 702 Molecular cloning and nucleotide sequence of the Corynebacterium glutamicum pheA gene; Follettie MT et al.; The pheA gene of Corynebacterium glutamicum encoding prephenate dehydratase was isolated from a gene bank constructed in C . glutamicum . The specific activity of prephenate dehydratase was increased six-fold in strains harboring the cloned gene . Genetic and structural evidence is presented which indicates that prephenate dehydratase and chorismate mutase were catalyzed by separate enzymes in this species . The C . glutamicum pheA gene, subcloned in both orientations with respect to the Escherichia coli vector pUC8, was able to complement an E . coli pheA auxotroph . The nucleotide sequence of the C . glutamicum pheA gene predicts a 315-residue protein product with a molecular weight of 33,740 . The deduced protein product demonstrated sequence homology to the C-terminal two-thirds of the bifunctional E . coli enzyme chorismate mutase-P-prephenate dehydratase. J Natl Cancer Inst, 1986 Aug, 77(2), 549 - 53 Release of a cytotoxic factor by macrophages stimulated with adjuvant-active peptidoglycans; Vacheron F et al.; Bacterial peptidoglycans (PG) possess various immunomodulating activities, including the ability to inhibit the growth of some experimental tumors . We report here that PG induce the release by mouse (DBA/2 and C3H/HeJ) peritoneal macrophages of a cytotoxic factor (CF) that is active on L-929 cells and a 3-methylcholanthrene-induced tumor cell line but inactive on normal fibroblasts . Only the adjuvant-active PG (extracted from Bacillus megaterium and Staphylococcus aureus) were good inducers of the CF, whereas the adjuvant inactive PG (extracted from Micrococcus lysodeikticus and Corynebacterium poinsettiae) exhibited only weak activity . The CF was released within 2 hours of contact with PG either in serum-free or serum-containing media . The CF was inhibited neither by serum nor by the protease inhibitors that have been tested . It was stable for 30 minutes at 56 degrees C but inactivated after being heated for 10 minutes at 80 degrees C . After gel filtration, a single peak of activity at 80-90 kilodaltons was found . Chromatofocusing showed that the isoelectric point of the CF was 4.8. J Clin Microbiol, 1986 Aug, 24(2), 177 - 80 Rapid identification of group JK and other corynebacteria with the Minitek system; Slifkin M et al.; Forty primary clinical isolates and 50 stock cultures of corynebacteria and coryneform bacteria were tested with the Minitek system (BBL Microbiology Systems, Cockeysville, Md.) . The Minitek correctly identified all of these organisms, including JK group isolates, within 12 to 18 h of incubation . The method does not require serum supplements for testing carbohydrate utilization by the bacteria . The Minitek system is an extremely simple and rapid way to identify the JK group, as well as many other corynebacteria, by established identification schemata for these bacteria. Gan To Kagaku Ryoho, 1986 Aug, 13(8), 2653 - 7 {Effects of krestin (PSK) on drug-metabolizing enzymes with special reference to the activation of FT-207}; Fujita H et al.; The effects of PSK on hepatic drug-metabolizing enzymes were investigated using Sarcoma 180-bearing and non-tumor-bearing ICR mice . PSK, an immunomodulator, has been commonly used in combination with tegafur for post-operative adjuvant chemotherapy . Tegafur is a typical masked compound transformed into 5-FU by the hepatic drug-metabolizing enzyme P-450 . It has been reported that immunostimulants such as BCG and anaerobic Corynebacterium suppress the drug metabolism . PSK and Propionibacterium acnes were administered to mice inoculated s.c . with Sarcoma 180 . It was demonstrated that Propionibacterium acnes had an effect of inhibiting these enzymatic activities, especially the amount of P-450 and cytochrome b5 and aminopyrine demethylation . On the other hand, PSK had no influence on the drug-metabolizing enzymes . Propionibacterium acnes was shown to decrease the 5-FU level in organs and sera of mice given FT-207 orally . By contrast, PSK showed no difference in 5-FU level compared to controls, indicating that PSK had no inhibitory effect on the activation of FT-207 by hepatic drug-metabolizing enzymes. Can J Microbiol, 1986 Aug, 32(8), 617 - 22 Characterization of a plasmid in isolates of Corynebacterium sepedonicum; Clark MC et al.; Lysis of mid-log phase cells of the Gram-positive bacterium, Corynebacterium sepedonicum, by a combination of lysozyme treatment and incubation with alkaline sodium dodecyl sulfate at 56 degrees C led to the recovery of a single plasmid . The plasmid was purified in CsCl density gradients, and its molecular weight estimated to be 31 megadaltons (46 kilobases), as determined from its relative mobility in agarose gels, from its contour dimensions in electron micrographs, and from the size of the fragments generated when it was cleaved with various restriction endonucleases . Thirteen widely divergent isolates of C . sepedonicum were screened for the presence of plasmid, and of these, 11 were shown to harbour a single plasmid at a level of about 30 copies per cell . Cleavage of the plasmid with PstI gave an identical banding pattern in agarose gels for the fragments from all of the plasmid-carrying isolates . The relevance of plasmid incidence and distribution in C . sepedonicum is discussed in relation to the possibility of developing a test for the detection of bacterial ring rot by using plasmid DNA as a hybridization probe. Cell Immunol, 1986 Aug, 101(1), 62 - 71 Soluble amoebicidal factors mediate cytolysis of Naegleria fowleri by activated macrophages; Cleary SF et al.; Murine peritoneal macrophages activated in vivo with Corynebacterium parvum or bacille Calmette-Guerin, in contrast to resident macrophages, demonstrated significant cytolysis of the amoeba, Naegleria fowleri . Catalase and superoxide dismutase, both alone and in combination, failed to inhibit cytolysis of amoebae . N . fowleri amoebae demonstrated significant resistance to exogenously added hydrogen peroxide . The hydroxyl radical scavengers mannitol, thiourea, and dimethyl sulfoxide, as well as anaerobic conditions, failed to inhibit the amoebicidal activity of activated macrophages . Actinomycin D, cycloheximide, and puromycin blocked macrophage amoebicidal activity . Conditioned medium (CM) from lipopolysaccharide-stimulated, but not unstimulated, cultures of activated macrophages was capable of mediating cytolysis of N . fowleri amoebae . Cytolytic activity was recovered by ammonium sulfate precipitation of CM . Heat treatment of the CM inactivated cytolytic activity . Results indicate soluble proteins of activated macrophage origin to be responsible for the amoebicidal activity. J Gen Microbiol, 1986 Jul, 132 ( Pt 7), 1911 - 5 Characterization of Corynebacterium group JK by whole-cell protein patterns; Jackman PJ et al.; A total of 102 strains received as Corynebacterium 'group JK' were characterized by SDS-PAGE of their whole-cell proteins . Numerical taxonomy based on the protein pattern absorbance profiles indicated that 91 of the strains formed a cluster . Seventy strains isolated in the UK were identified as group JK, indicating the increasing detection of this group as opportunistic pathogens . Fine differences between strain patterns were visible but it was not possible to associate these with any particular clinical source. Vet Microbiol, 1986 Jul, 12(2), 169 - 77 Ecology of Rhodococcus (Corynebacterium) equi in soil on a horse-breeding farm; Takai S et al.; The ecology of Rhodococcus (Corynebacterium) equi in soil was studied on a horse-breeding farm . R . equi was cultured from soil at a depth of 0, 10, and 20 cm on the six sites of the farm at monthly intervals for 10 months from March to December of 1983 . The highest numbers of R . equi were found in the surface soil . The mean number of bacteria in soil samples at every depth increased remarkably from 0 or 10(2) to 10(4) colony-forming units (CFU) g-1 of soil in the middle of April, and later decreased gradually . R . equi inoculated into six soil exudate broths prepared from surface soils at separate sites yielded suspensions with different optical densities, indicating differences in growth . The distribution of serotypes in the soil was similar to that in the horses on the farm . These findings indicated that R . equi could multiply in the soil and flourish in the cycle existing between horses and their soil environment. Am J Vet Res, 1986 Jul, 47(7), 1461 - 3 Serodiagnosis of inapparent caseous lymphadenitis in goats and sheep, using the synergistic hemolysis-inhibition test; Brown CC et al.; The synergistic hemolysis-inhibition (SHI) test, a serologic test for the detection of infection with Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, was applied to serum samples from 196 goats and 76 sheep, including animals both with and without C pseudotuberculosis abscesses . Fifty-one of 52 (98%) goats and 27 of 28 (96%) sheep with abscesses caused by C pseudotuberculosis had seropositive titers . Seropositivity continued on subsequent samplings, even after superficial lesions were completely healed . The SHI test may detect subclinically infected animals, as well as animals with clinically recognizable lesions . Of the animals without abscesses, 53 of 186 (28%) goats and 4 of 41 (10%) sheep were seropositive . Either the SHI test is lacking in specificity or these titers are a reflection of a past or a current infection without any grossly visible abscesses. J Infect, 1986 Jul, 13(1), 41 - 4 Infections due to a 'Group JK' corynebacterium; Allen KD et al.; We report the case of a patient who developed bacteraemia with a 'Group JK' corynebacterium following multiple injuries sustained in a road traffic accident, and that of another patient whose cerebrospinal fluid shunt became colonised with a similar organism for over a year. Appl Environ Microbiol, 1986 Jul, 52(1), 33 - 6 Avirulent isolates of Corynebacterium fascians that are unable to utilize agmatine and proline; Sabart PR et al.; Growth of a highly virulent strain of the phytopathogen Corynebacterium fascians on rich media at 37 degrees C resulted in a loss of virulence in a majority of the population within 10 generations . Strains retained virulence during cultivation at 30 degrees C on a minimal medium with ammonia as a nitrogen source . Populations of avirulent strains on the surfaces of pea seedlings decreased, whereas the number of cells of the virulent strain increased 1,000-fold during a 3-week period . All avirulent mutants isolated by growth on rich media at 37 degrees C were unable to grow on media containing agmatine or proline as sole sources of nitrogen . The ability of the mutants to grow on pea seedlings and cause fasciation disease appeared to be related to their ability to utilize nitrogen sources available on plant surfaces. Radiology, 1986 Jul, 160(1), 83 - 4 Opportunistic lung infection caused by Rhodococcus (Corynebacterium) equi; MacGregor JH et al.; Rhodococcus (formerly Corynebacterium) equi, a common animal pathogen, can cause a slowly evolving pneumonia in humans, particularly immunocompromised people . The authors describe two patients; one with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome . On chest radiographs, R . equi produces chronic, localized pulmonary opacities that can cavitate . The main differential diagnoses are tuberculosis and fungal infection. J Infect Dis, 1986 Jul, 154(1), 95 - 9 Molecular epidemiology of group JK Corynebacterium on a cancer ward: lack of evidence for patient-to-patient transmission; Khabbaz RF et al.; Plasmid profiles of 27 clinical isolates of group JK Corynebacterium, mostly from one cancer ward, revealed that only two strains harbored a 20-kilobase plasmid . These plasmid-bearing isolates had the same antimicrobial resistance pattern as non-plasmid-containing isolates: All were resistant to penicillin G, methicillin, cephalothin, clindamycin, and gentamicin . Restriction endonuclease analysis of chromosomal DNA was done on 18 clinical isolates of group JK Corynebacterium . Identical restriction patterns were seen when multiple isolates were from the same patient over several months of apparent colonization; in contrast, restriction patterns of isolates from patients from two clusters were all heterogeneous and suggested that patient-to-patient transmission of group JK Corynebacterium did not occur . Restriction endonuclease analysis of chromosomal DNA, but not plasmid profiling, appears to be a very sensitive typing tool for group JK Corynebacterium. Immunobiology, 1986 Jul, 171(4-5), 320 - 8 Production of tumor necrosis factor in unprimed mice: mechanism of endotoxin-mediated tumor necrosis; Flick DA et al.; Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) was detected in the sera of normal mice, unprimed by reticuloendothelial system (RES) stimulators, when such mice were injected with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) . Amounts of TNF were approximately 200-fold less than those found in Corynebacterium parvum-primed mice . No TNF activity was detected in the sera of mice not administered LPS . TNF induction in unprimed mice was refractory to repeated administration of endotoxin, thus exhibiting a tolerance phenomenon . TNF produced in unprimed mice eluted similarly to Mycobacterium bovis, strain BCG-primed TNF on Sephacryl S-200 and DEAE Sephacel columns and was neutralized by rabbit antisera raised to partially purified BCG-primed TNF . When BALB/c mice having 7-day old subcutaneous Meth A tumor implants were administered TNF antiserum, endotoxin-induced hemorrhagic necrosis was largely prevented . These findings strongly suggest that endotoxin-induced hemorrhagic necrosis of tumors is mediated through TNF production and action. J Leukoc Biol, 1986 Jul, 40(1), 87 - 95 BCG, in contrast to C . parvum, does not induce increased sensitivity to the toxic effects of indomethacin in mice; Hart DA; Treatment of mice with killed Corynebacterium parvum (also designated Propionibacterium acnes, P . acnes) or Bacille Calmette Guerin (BCG) leads to modification of several of the same host systems . However, BCG, in contrast to C . parvum, did not induce increased sensitivity to the toxic effects of indomethacin in BALB/c or C57B1/6 mice . In addition, treatment of mice with BCG did not interfere with the induction of sensitivity by C . parvum . Therefore C . parvum must uniquely induce changes in host systems which alter the sensitivity to this anti-inflammatory drug . Additional experiments with splenectomized animals revealed that the presence of this organ, which undergoes hypertrophy following C . parvum treatment, was not necessary for the induction of indomethacin sensitivity . Presentation of C . parvum via the subcutaneous route versus the intraperitoneal route revealed that the two routes were equally efficient in inducing sensitivity in C57B1/6 mice but the former route was less effective (50% deaths) than the intraperitoneal route (95% deaths) in BALB/c mice . These results indicate that host related factors (genetic) may be important in the generation of enhanced sensitivity to the toxic effects of indomethacin. J Natl Cancer Inst, 1986 Jul, 77(1), 187 - 93 Role of T-cell subsets in the destruction of established metastases of 13762A rat mammary adenocarcinoma; Howell LE et al.; The 13762A rat mammary adenocarcinoma metastasizes with high frequency to regional lymph nodes and lungs . The intratumoral injection of Corynebacterium parvum on day 7 followed by primary tumor excision on day 20 significantly prolonged survival and cured 10-40% of syngeneic F344 rats . Established metastases were destroyed by the treatment, and strong and specific tumor rejection immunity was induced . The purpose of the present study was to determine if T-cells were required for the C . parvum treatment to be effective and to identify the subsets of T-lymphocytes that might participate in the response . The results indicated that rats depleted by either neonatal thymectomy or a combination of adult thymectomy, 900 rad, and bone marrow reconstitution did not inhibit tumor growth after C . parvum treatment . Restoration of depleted rats with lymph node cells permitted effective treatment . The lymph node cells that were responsible for restoration expressed both W3/13 (pan-T-cell) and W3/25 (helper T-cell) membrane-associated differentiation antigens . T-cells that bore the MRC OX8 (cytotoxic-suppressor T-cell) antigen did not restore the response to C . parvum treatment . The effect of lymph node restoration was markedly potentiated by simultaneous administration of thymocytes, a T-cell population that expresses both W3/25 and MRC OX8 antigens . In conclusion, the cytotoxic-suppressor T-cells were ineffective in the restoration of T-cell-depleted, tumor-bearing rats to benefit from C . parvum but helper T-cells were highly effective, and their activity was strongly potentiated by administration of thymocyte amplifier cells. Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1986 Jul, 30(1), 69 - 72 Mapping and cloning of Corynebacterium diphtheriae plasmid pNG2 and characterization of its relatedness to plasmids from skin coryneforms; Serwold-Davis TM et al.; The relationship of plasmid pNG2, isolated from an erythromycin-resistant strain of Corynebacterium diphtheriae, to plasmids isolated from skin coryneforms was examined . The extent of homology between plasmids from erythromycin-resistant and -susceptible skin coryneforms and pNG2 varied, but in aggregate homology was observed with all six BstEII fragments of pNG2 . The data support the hypothesis that pNG2 originated in skin coryneforms . Intact plasmid pNG2 and some of its restriction fragments were cloned into Escherichia coli JM109 . The erythromycin resistance phenotype was expressed in clones carrying intact pNG2 as well as in some of its fragments and appeared to depend on a C . diphtheriae promoter for expression . A 2.5-megadalton EcoRI fragment, the smallest expressing resistance, contained the 1.2-megadalton region of pNG2 which is deleted when the erythromycin-resistant strain of C . diphtheriae reverts spontaneously to the susceptible state. Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1986 Jul, (7), 40 - 4 {Improved culture of Corynebacterium diphtheriae for obtaining toxin-anatoxin}; Il'nitskaia IIu et al.; The work deals with the optimization of the cultivation of C . diphtheriae with a view to obtaining diphtheria toxin--toxoid on the basis of the study of the kinetics of microbial growth and toxin formation . The combined cultivation process consisting of 3 cycles has been experimentally developed and realized under industrial conditions . The use of this cultivation method has made it possible to obtain more balanced cultures and to standardize the biological properties of the biomass and toxin thus obtained . The characteristic features of the toxoid preparations obtained on the basis of this method are a high degree of purification, good immunogenic properties and constant fractional composition; their degree of homogeneity approximates the molecular homogeneous state. Can J Microbiol, 1986 Jul, 32(7), 585 - 90 NADP+ production using thermostable NAD+ kinase of corynebacterium flaccumfaciens AHU-1622; Matsushita H et al.; A sonicate of Corynebacterium flaccumfaciens AHU-1622 had the highest NAD+ kinase activity (1.22 mU/mL culture broth) of the strains of bacteria we investigated . This enzyme was thermostable, with activity maintained at 50 degrees C for 1 h . This treatment inactivated phosphatase activity . Resting cells of the bacterium also had NAD+ kinase activity when treated at 60 degrees C for 30 min with 0.2% Triton X-100 . NADP+ production was achieved using 8 mumol NAD+, 8 mumol ATP, 16 mumol MgCl2, 1.6 mumol NaN3, and 12 mU NAD+ kinase (0.1 g of permeabilized wet cells) in 2 mL of 0.1 M phosphate buffer, pH 7.5 . The conversion ratio of NADP+ from NAD+ was 75% after 10 h of incubation at 50 degrees C, and the amount of accumulated NADP+ was 3 mumol/mL of reaction mixture . The NAD+ kinase activity of the permeabilized cells was stable and did not decrease after repeated use. Gastroenterology, 1986 Jul, 91(1), 174 - 81 Corynebacterium parvum-elicited hepatic macrophages demonstrate enhanced respiratory burst activity compared with resident Kupffer cells in the rat; Arthur MJ et al.; We have recently demonstrated that release of oxygen-derived free radicals by activated hepatic macrophages may be involved in the pathogenesis of a rat model of liver injury induced by Corynebacterium parvum and endotoxin . In the present study we have compared the respiratory burst activity of isolated normal rat Kupffer cells with that of hepatic macrophages elicited by C . parvum . Superoxide production (O2-.) and glucose oxidation via the hexose monophosphate shunt (HMPS) were low in normal Kupffer cells, but were significantly increased (O2- . 2.1-fold, HMPS 1.7-fold) by phorbol myristate acetate, a stimulant of the respiratory burst . Corynebacterium parvum-elicited hepatic macrophages demonstrated significantly enhanced superoxide production and HMPS activity compared with normal Kupffer cells, both in the absence of specific stimuli (O2- . 3.3-fold, HMPS 5.3-fold) and after exposure to phorbol myristate acetate (O2- . 4.5-fold, HMPS 5.3-fold) . These results demonstrate that normal Kupffer cells are capable of exhibiting respiratory burst activity, but this is markedly increased for hepatic macrophages elicited by an inflammatory stimulus. Cancer Res, 1986 Jul, 46(7), 3426 - 30 Differences in the effects of host suppression on the adoptive immunotherapy of subcutaneous and visceral tumors; Chang AE et al.; A syngeneic transplantable sarcoma induced in C57BL/6 mice, MCA 105, was used in studies to examine host suppression on the adoptive immunotherapy of established intradermal and experimentally induced pulmonary and hepatic metastases . Fresh immune splenocytes were generated from mice immunized to the MCA 105 tumor by a mixture of viable tumor cells and Corynebacterium parvum . The adoptive immunotherapy of intradermal MCA 105 tumor with immune cells required prior immunosuppression of the recipient by sublethal irradiation with 500 R or T-cell depletion . The effect of whole-body sublethal irradiation appeared to eliminate a systemic host suppression mechanism, since partialbody irradiation involving the tumor-bearing area did not permit successful immunotherapy . Host irradiation was not required to achieve successful immunotherapy of experimentally induced pulmonary or hepatic metastases . In nonirradiated recipients bearing both intradermal and pulmonary tumors, host suppression did not affect the function of transferred immune cells to induce regression of pulmonary metastases . Thus, suppression of adoptive immunotherapy appears to be relevant to tumors confined to the skin and subcutaneous tissue but not to tumor in visceral sites, such as the lung and liver. Immunology, 1986 Jul, 58(3), 397 - 403 Relationship between the tuberculin-type and Jones-Mote-type hypersensitivities: suppression of basophil infiltration by mycobacterial adjuvant; Nakamura S et al.; Guinea-pigs immunized with bovine gammaglobulin (BGG) in incomplete Freund's adjuvant (IFA) showed the typical Jones-Mote-type hypersensitivity (JMH) reaction when tested 5 days later . This is characterized by prominent basophil infiltration . After pretreatment with complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) 16 days before immunization with BGG in IFA, the lesions resembled the JMH reaction macroscopically in their evolution over time and in the absence of a positive macrophage migration inhibition (MIT) test . However, histologically, the lesions resembled classical tuberculin-type hypersensitivity with prominent mononuclear cell infiltration without any basophils . The pretreated animals, which failed to show basophil infiltration, were able to transfer JMH reactions with basophil infiltration into normal animals . In contrast, pretreatment of recipients with CFA or Corynebacterium parvum prevented the passive transfer of the characteristic effect on the JMH reaction when given shortly before skin testing . We postulate that macrophages activated by CFA may play an important role in regulating basophil infiltration in the effector phase of the delayed hypersensitivity reaction. Schweiz Med Wochenschr, 1986 Jun 28, 116(26), 880 - 4 {Antibiotic-resistant Corynebacteria--a new problem of infection in immunosuppressed patients}; Osterwalder B et al.; Corynebacterium species can normally be found on the skin and mucous membranes but rarely cause infections . They are sensitive to most antibiotics . Two patients with severe aplastic anemia undergoing antilymphocyte globulin therapy developed septicemia with a highly antibiotic-resistant corynebacterium (JK-group) only sensitive to vancomycin . Both patients had prolonged severe neutropenia, defects of the mucocutaneous barrier and intensive antibiotic treatment for gram negative infections . In both cases surveillance cultures already revealed the causative microorganism before fever started . One patient was even colonized with corynebacterium for several months before . If this strain is detected in the blood when new fever develops during prolonged neutropenia and broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy, it indicates serious infection in these highly compromised patients . Both cases illustrate that regular microbial surveillance can help to reveal colonization of high risk patients with multiple antibiotic-resistant corynebacterium strains and thus allow early initiation of treatment with vancomycin, which is the only effective antibiotic. Aust J Exp Biol Med Sci, 1986 Jun, 64 ( Pt 3), 237 - 49 Aspects of pathogenesis in a mouse model of infection by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis; Batey RG; A new medium, nutrient tween 80 broth (NTB) was utilised to achieve improved cultivation of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis . Twenty four hour NTB cultures were used for cutaneous and intraperitoneal infection of mice . The intraperitoneal administration of heterologous protein, liquid paraffin or thioglycollate prior to intraperitoneal challenge caused enhanced multiplication of the organism although this could be prevented by modifying host response . Pretreatment of skin with thioglycollate enabled cutaneous infection to be consistently achieved . The progress of lesions in skin and viscera is described . Immunisation of the mice was effected by both intraperitoneal and cutaneous routes of inoculation, the latter being particularly useful because it did not lead to residual lesions of viscera . Immunity was expressed by a failure of organisms to localise at secondary sites although infection of primary sites in skin or peritoneal cavity occurred, apparently at a reduced level . The relevance of these findings to the natural disease of sheep is discussed. J Dairy Sci, 1986 Jun, 69(6), 1693 - 8 Evaluation of .5% and 1% iodophor teat dips on commercial dairies; Nickerson SC et al.; Two postmilking teat dips containing .5 and 1% iodine were evaluated for approximately 8 mo under conditions of natural exposure to mastitis pathogens on four commercial dairy farms . In the two herds using .5% iodophor, incidence of intramammary infection with Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus agalactiae was reduced 68.3 and 46.2%, respectively . When numbers of new infections with both pathogens were combined, efficacy for the .5% iodophor was 62.3% . In the two herds using 1% iodophor, incidence of intramammary infection with Staph . aureus and Strep . agalactiae was reduced 52.4 and 70.7%, respectively . When numbers of new infections with both pathogens were combined, efficacy for the 1% iodophor was 64.3% . Efficacy of teat dips was variable against coagulase-negative staphylococci and Corynebacterium bovis. Lab Anim Sci, 1986 Jun, 36(3), 291 - 3 Characterization of a Haemophilus sp . isolated from a rabbit with conjunctivitis; Srivastava KK et al.; A case of conjunctivitis in a rabbit caused by a Haemophilus sp . is described . This was the only organism that was isolated in large numbers from the infected eye . The uninfected eye of the same rabbit contained Staphylococcus epidermidis, Corynebacterium kutscheri, Proteus mirabilis and a Neisseria sp . Effects of infection with live Haemophilus sp . isolated from the subject rabbit was studied in the eyes of rabbits and mice . Swabbing live organisms in the normal rabbit eye produced blepharitis within 48 hours . Signs of blepharitis started to disappear after 10 days without treatment . No reaction was noted in the control eye (swabbed with sterile saline) of the rabbit . Swabbing live organisms or sterile saline in the normal mouse eye failed to produce visible lesions up to 4 weeks . Evidence suggests that the Haemophilus sp . was pathogenic for rabbits but not for mice. J Am Acad Dermatol, 1986 Jun, 14(6), 982 - 93 Genital white piedra: epidemiology, microbiology, and therapy; Kalter DC et al.; The epidemiology of genital white piedra was investigated in 166 young men with a variety of genital complaints . Trichosporon beigelii was isolated from sixty-six (40%) of the cultured scrotal hairs . Infection was more common among black patients--54% of those examined, compared to 16% of white patients and 30% of "others" (p less than 0.001) . There was no relationship between infection and foreign travel . White piedra was also found in young women, but less frequently than in young men (14% vs 40%, respectively) . Transmission rarely occurred from person to person . Occasionally multiple body sites were simultaneously infected . A relationship may exist between T . beigelii and Corynebacterium concurrently infecting genital hair shafts . Eradication of infection was extremely difficult, despite in vitro sensitivity to antifungal agents . Spontaneous remissions occurred, however, in some patients. Environ Res, 1986 Jun, 40(1), 58 - 67 Characteristics of Hg-resistant bacteria isolated from Minamata Bay sediment; Nakamura K et al.; Seventy-two strains of Hg-resistant bacteria (Pseudomonas) were isolated on agar plates containing 40 micrograms/ml of HgCl2 from Minamata Bay sediment, which was heavily polluted with mercury (45.8 micrograms/g) . The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of mercurial compounds were determined for the Hg-resistant pseudomonads and 65 strains (Pseudomonas sp., Bacillus sp., Vibrio sp., and Corynebacterium sp.) isolated from Sendai Bay sediment (1 microgram/g of mercury) as control . The MICs to HgCl2, CH3HgCl, C2H5HgCl, C3H7HgCl, and C6H5HgOCOCH3 for the Hg-resistant pseudomonads from Minamata Bay were significantly higher than those of strains from Sendai Bay . The volatilization from liquid culture containing 20 micrograms/ml of HgCl2 was observed in all of the Hg-resistant pseudomonads from Minamata Bay (70 strains) . The mean loss of mercury from liquid culture was 60.4 +/- 17.3% . Further study is warranted to determine what role the Hg-resistant bacteria, particularly the Pseudomonas species, play in the mercury cycle in Minamata Bay. Cell Immunol, 1986 Jun, 100(1), 280 - 7 Interferon-mediated protection of B16 melanoma cells from cytotoxicity by activated macrophages; Sarzotti M et al.; Corynebacterium parvum-activated macrophages (M phi), purified by adherence, were cytotoxic for B16 melanoma cells maintained in vitro . Pretreatment of the melanoma cells for 18 hr with interferon-alpha/beta or -gamma (IFN-alpha/beta or -gamma) caused a reduced susceptibility of the B16 cells to M phi-mediated cytotoxicity . The IFN-induced protective effect of B16 cells from cytotoxic M phi was found to be dose dependent . In addition, IFN-gamma was more protective than IFN-alpha/beta . The protective effect observed with partially purified IFN was reproduced by using highly purified IFN-alpha/beta or recombinant IFN-gamma . Monoclonal antibodies to IFN-gamma neutralized the protective effect provided by IFN-gamma . These results show that the susceptibility of a tumor cell line to killing by activated M phi can be altered by IFN pretreatment. FEBS Lett, 1986 May 12, 200(2), 283 - 6 The effect of iron and agar on production of hydrogen peroxide by stimulated and activated mouse peritoneal macrophages; Thompson HL et al.; The effect of iron on H2O2 production by mouse peritoneal macrophages exposed to opsonised zymosan has been investigated . Macrophages elicited with thioglycollate broth produced less H2O2 than macrophages activated by Corynebacterium parvum, and levels were not affected by prior incubation of the cells with 0.1 mM iron nitrilotriacetate . However, preincubation with the iron chelator desferrioxamine (1 mM) reduced H2O2 production by both types of macrophages . Incubation of macrophages with agar, a component of thioglycollate broth, also reduced H2O2 production, particularly by C . parvum-activated macrophages . The results indicate that although iron appears to be necessary for H2O2 production by macrophages, the low level of production by thioglycollate-elicited macrophages is not due to an inadequate level of metabolically utilisable iron, but may be a result of prior ingestion of agar present in the broth. Rev Infect Dis, 1986 May-Jun, 8(3), 374 - 96 Bacteremia in narcotic addicts at the Detroit Medical Center . II . Infectious endocarditis: a prospective comparative study; Levine DP et al.; For one year all narcotic addicts admitted to the Detroit Medical Center with infectious endocarditis (74 cases) were compared with a control group of bacteremic addicts who had other infections (106 cases) . Endocarditis was caused by Staphylococcus aureus (60.8% of cases), streptococci (16.2%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (13.5%), mixed bacteria (8.1%), and Corynebacterium JK (1.4%) . S . aureus endocarditis most frequently involved the tricuspid valve; streptococci infected left-sided valves significantly more often than other organisms (P = .001) . Biventricular and multiple-valve infections were commonest in patients with pseudomonas endocarditis (P = .05) . Two-dimensional echocardiography, when combined with an abnormal chest roentgenogram, was highly predictive of endocarditis . Bacteremia in the absence of endocarditis was associated with primary skin and soft tissue infection, mycotic aneurysm at the site of narcotic injection, septic arthritis, septic thrombophlebitis, pneumonia, osteomyelitis, mediastinal abscess, and unclassified infection . Polymicrobial bacteremia in the nonendocarditis group was associated with markedly increased morbidity . Mild hyponatremia occurred in 41% of all patients and was also associated with significantly increased morbidity . Analysis of the two groups disclosed similarities and differences with implications for the pathophysiology and treatment of addicts with bacteremic infection. J Antibiot (Tokyo), 1986 May, 39(5), 660 - 8 Antibacterial activity of roxithromycin: a laboratory evaluation; Chantot JF et al.; Roxithromycin, formerly known as RU 28965 (9-{O {(2-methoxyethoxy)methyl}oxime}-erythromycin), is a novel 14 atom-membered semisynthetic macrolide with an antibacterial spectrum directed towards Gram-positive cocci and bacilli, Gram-negative cocci and some Parvobacteriaceae . The in vitro antibacterial activity of roxithromycin was compared with those of erythromycin and spiramycin against 275 clinical isolates by using 2-fold broth macro-dilution tests . The antibacterial spectrum of roxithromycin and erythromycin were qualitatively comparable (including the bacteriostatic type of activity and the profile of resistance), but minimal inhibitory concentrations of erythromycin were generally one half those of roxithromycin, except for Corynebacterium sp . and Bacteroides fragilis against which the new macrolide was more active . On the other hand, roxithromycin exhibited a superior in vivo antibacterial activity in laboratory animals, being up to six times more potent than erythromycin in curing experimentally infected mice . Roxithromycin showed high blood levels and long half-lives of elimination in rodents after oral administration, and its bioavailability amounted to 72% in mice and 85% in rats, compared to less than 10% for erythromycin . Roxithromycin was widely distributed throughout the body with a high degree of penetration into all tissues, particularly in the lungs. Am J Vet Res, 1986 May, 47(5), 1116 - 9 Use of a toxoid vaccine to protect goats against intradermal challenge exposure to Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis; Brown CC et al.; Two groups of male, 9-week-old goats (5 goats/group) were vaccinated subcutaneously with formalized exotoxin of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, with Freund's incomplete adjuvant . Each goat was given 2 vaccinations, 2 weeks apart . At each vaccination, each group 1 goat was given 0.5 ml of toxoid, and each group 2 goat was given 1 ml of toxoid . Twenty days after the 2nd vaccination, vaccinated goats and 5 nonvaccinated 12-week-old goats (controls) were inoculated intradermally (challenge exposed) with live C pseudotuberculosis, monitored for 13 weeks, and euthanatized . At necropsy, 5 of the 10 vaccinated goats did not have C pseudotuberculosis lesions, 3 had abscesses limited to the inoculation site and draining lymph node, and 2 had disseminated bacterial lesions . Of the 5 nonvaccinated controls, 4 had disseminated abscesses and 1 had a single abscess in an internal node . Serologically, 9 of the 10 vaccinated goats developed positive (greater than or equal to 1:8) antibody titers against the exotoxin within 1 week after inoculation; the 10th goat seroconverted 2 weeks after inoculation, whereas control goats required 3 weeks to develop a positive antibody response . Therefore, early during an infection with C pseudotuberculosis, antibodies against the exotoxin may protect a goat against spread of the organism . All goats were injected intradermally before challenge exposure, 10 days after challenge exposure, and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after challenge exposure with a skin-test reagent composed of fragmented bacterial cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) J Clin Microbiol, 1986 May, 23(5), 943 - 7 Immunoglobulin and specific antibody responses to Rhodococcus (Corynebacterium) equi infection in foals as measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; Takai S et al.; Humoral immune response to intestinal Rhodococcus (Corynebacterium) equi in horses was studied by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay . Anti-R . equi immunoglobulin M (IgM), IgG, and IgA antibodies were demonstrated in the healthy horse population . Adult horse levels of anti-R . equi IgM and IgG antibodies were reached by 5 to 9 weeks of age in two healthy newborn foals . R . equi was recovered from the foals in the range of 10(3) to 10(4) per g of intestinal contents . A 1-week-old foal was infected with R . equi by mouth daily for 9 weeks . The foal did not show any clinical signs of illness . Anti-R . equi IgM antibody values in the foal increased about 5 to 8 weeks after initial inoculation, similar to the naturally occurring immune response to intestinal R . equi . There were differences among the antibody responses to R . equi in healthy horses, foals with suspected infection, and infected foals . These results suggest that exposure to R . equi is widespread in the horse population and that intestinal R . equi is the most important source of antigenic stimulation for a naturally occurring immune response in horses. Transplantation, 1986 May, 41(5), 611 - 5 The effects of cyclosporine on Toxoplasma gondii in vivo and in vitro; McCabe RE et al.; We examined the effect of cyclosporine on Toxoplasma infection in vivo and in vitro . Administration to mice of 150 mg/kg/day cyclosporine variably affected mortality in four separate experiments . IgG (Sabin-Feldman dye test) and IgM enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay antibody titers were significantly depressed in mice treated with cyclosporine . These results suggested the possibility that cyclosporine possesses anti-Toxoplasma activity . Thus, macrophages were incubated with cyclosporine before and after infection with Toxoplasma . Treatment with 0.5, 1, and 5 micrograms cyclosporine/ml during or after challenge of macrophage monolayers with Toxoplasma inhibited replication of Toxoplasma (and resulted in killing of Toxoplasma) . The effect of cyclosporine on development of activated macrophages was studied . Cyclosporine administered to mice at a dose of 150 mg/kg/day neither accelerated nor delayed activation of macrophages (assessed by inhibition of Toxoplasma replication in vitro) by i.v . injection of either Corynebacterium parvum or Toxoplasma . Cyclosporine affects mortality variably in murine toxoplasmosis, depresses synthesis of IgG and IgM Toxoplasma antibody in vivo, does not prevent activation of macrophages in vivo, and possesses anti-Toxoplasma activity in vitro and perhaps in vivo . Cyclosporine may be the preferred immunosuppressive agent for recipients of an organ transplant who are at high risk for toxoplasmosis (e.g., seronegative recipients who have received organ from seropositive donors). Infect Immun, 1986 May, 52(2), 534 - 7 Lack of biological significance of in vitro Brugia malayi microfilarial cytotoxicity mediated by Propionibacterium acnes ("Corynebacterium parvum")-and Mycobacterium bovis BCG-activated macrophages; Fanning MM et al.; The effect of nonspecific activation of host macrophages by Propionibacterium acnes ("Corynebacterium parvum") or Mycobacterium bovis BCG on Brugia malayi microfilariae was determined by in vitro and in vivo studies . Intraperitoneal injection of C . parvum or BCG stimulated peritoneal exudate cells, which were toxic to microfilariae . Microfilariae were equally susceptible to damage by C57BL/6J or BALB/cJ peritoneal exudate cells . Furthermore, inhibitors of oxidative metabolism and arginine supplementation did not prevent this toxicity, suggesting that the mechanism of microfilarial damage differs from that seen with another multicellular helminth, Schistosoma mansoni . In vivo studies with both BCG and C parvum, however, did not confirm the importance of nonspecific immunity in resistance to B . malayi microfilaremia . Despite the lack of biologic relevance of this phenomenon, in vitro studies may yield important knowledge about the mechanisms of microfilarial damage. Gastroenterology, 1986 May, 90(5 Pt 1), 1286 - 9 Whipple's disease with unusual clinical, bacteriologic, and immunologic findings; Gupta S et al.; A middle-aged man was found to have Whipple's disease after episodes of nephritis and arthralgia . While on antibiotic therapy, and in the absence of worsening of the histologic appearances of the jejunum, aortic valve endocarditis developed, presumably due to Whipple's disease . Observations during the course of his illness included the isolation of Corynebacterium bovis from an inguinal lymph node, and detection of circulating antibodies against material within the characteristic abnormal macrophages present in the gastrointestinal mucosa . This antigen-antibody reaction was specifically blocked by the monosaccharide rhamnose, a component of the polysaccharide surface coat of many bacteria, including C . bovis. Biochim Biophys Acta, 1986 Apr 29, 886(2), 214 - 22 The relationship between iron release, ferritin synthesis and intracellular iron distribution in mouse peritoneal macrophages . Evidence for a reduced level of metabolically available iron in elicited macrophages; Alvarez-Hernandez X et al.; The rate of iron release from thioglycollate-elicited mouse peritoneal macrophages pulsed with 59Fe-labelled transferrin-antitransferrin immune complexes was lower than that from resident or Corynebacterium parvum-activated macrophages . Anaerobic conditions increased the rate of iron release by thioglycollate-elicited macrophages but had no effect on resident or C . parvum-activated macrophages . Thioglycollate-elicited macrophages also contained less ferritin and were deficient in their ability to synthesis ferritin . Incubation of these cells in medium containing 100 microM iron caused some increase in ferritin synthesis, but the response to iron was much less pronounced than that by resident or C . parvum-activated macrophages . In the thioglycollate-elicited macrophages, relatively less iron was incorporated into ferritin, and more into other soluble macromolecules and insoluble haemosiderin-like compounds than in the other types of macrophages . It is proposed that thioglycollate-elicited macrophages tend to divert iron to a relatively inert intracellular pool, and that this could account for their reduced ability to release iron . Such a mechanism might help to explain the reduced release of iron by liver and spleen macrophages occurring during inflammation. J Immunol, 1986 Apr 15, 136(8), 3124 - 31 Origin and differentiation of natural killer cells . II . Functional and morphologic studies of purified NK-1.1+ cells; Hackett J Jr et al.; Cells bearing the NK-specific marker NK-1.1 were purified from mouse spleens by utilizing a monoclonal anti-NK-1.1 antibody and cell sorting . In normal adult mice, all of the splenic NK activity against YAC-1 cells was found in the NK-1.1+ fraction, whereas NK-1.1- cells were depleted of NK activity . The NK activity of sorted NK-1.1+ cells was enriched 15- to 30-fold over unfractionated spleen cells . Light and electron microscopic studies of purified NK-1.1+ cells showed a homogeneous population of cells, each containing one to four cytoplasmic granules . Mice whose bone marrow has been destroyed by chronic exposure to 17-beta-estradiol have very low NK activity . However, spleen cells of estradiol-treated mice contained a normal frequency of NK-1.1+ cells which bound to YAC-1 cells, but failed to lyse them even after purification and subsequent exposure to interferon-alpha/beta in vitro . It appears, therefore, that in the absence of intact bone marrow, NK-1.1+ cells may be arrested in a nonlytic and interferon-unresponsive state . Spleens of neonatal mice which have low NK activity were analyzed to ascertain whether immature NK-1.1+ cells, similar to those found in estradiol-treated mice, could be demonstrated . Spleens of 8- to 9-day-old mice also contained NK-1.1+ cells which had very low NK activity even after purification . Sorted NK-1.1+ cells were examined for cytotoxicity in mice whose NK activity was suppressed by pretreatment with Corynebacterium parvum (-15 days) . In contrast to cells from estradiol-treated and neonatal mice, NK-1.1+ from mice treated with C . parvum had normal functional activity . Similarly, although NK activity of unfractionated bone marrow cells is low, sorted NK-1.1+ cells were greatly enriched for lytic activity . Thus, we conclude that cell sorting with monoclonal anti-NK-1.1 antibody provides a powerful tool for examining the mechanisms underlying various states of low NK activity, and there exist NK-1.1+, nonlytic, interferon-unresponsive cells which apparently require an intact marrow microenvironment for differentiation into mature, lytic NK cells. Am J Vet Res, 1986 Apr, 47(4), 713 - 5 Survival of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis in axenic purulent exudate on common barnyard fomites; Augustine JL et al.; Several inanimate surfaces (eg, plastic, wood, and steel) and particulate fomites (eg, wood shavings, hay, straw, and feces), common to the environment of confined small ruminants, were inoculated with Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis in axenic purulent exudate that had been surgically removed from a naturally occurring case of caprine caseous lymphadenitis . Each inoculated fomite was incubated at 37, 22, and 4 C, and the length of time that C pseudotuberculosis survived was determined by isolation of bacteria from the fomite . The organism remained viable longer when caseous lymphadenitis abscess contents were mixed with particulate fomites than when spread on surfaces . Incubation at lower temperatures generally extended the survival potential of C pseudotuberculosis . Depending on the particulate fomite and the incubation temperature, viable C pseudotuberculosis organisms were isolated for mean periods ranging from 7 to 55 days, whereas recovery of bacteria from surfaces varied from 1 to 8 days. Am J Med, 1986 Apr, 80(4), 685 - 8 Lung abscess due to Corynebacterium equi . Report of the first case in a patient with acquired immune deficiency syndrome; Samies JH et al.; A lung abscess and persistent bacteremia due to Corynebacterium equi are described in a bisexual man with the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) . Eleven of the 12 previously reported cases have occurred in immunocompromised humans . The occurrence of this infection in a patient with AIDS has not been previously described . Development of resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics was noted following initial therapy . Because this organism resembles nonpathogenic organisms, it may easily be overlooked despite its ability to cause serious infection and persist even with aggressive antimicrobial and surgical therapy. J Steroid Biochem, 1986 Apr, 24(4), 887 - 92 Testosterone metabolism by isolated human axillary Corynebacterium spp.: a gas-chromatographic mass-spectrometric study; Nixon A et al.; Transformations of {4-14C}testosterone have been studied in Corynebacterium spp . isolated from the axillae of men . Metabolites have been separated by TLC and capillary gas chromatography and have been identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) . The introduction of a clean-up step using Florisil columns, prior to TLC, removed Tween-80 which co-extracted from the medium with the metabolites . This procedure greatly improved TLC resolution . Testosterone was converted enzymically to 5 alpha- and 5 beta-DHT, identification being assisted by the inclusion of {3,4-13C}testosterone in some incubations . Other metabolites formed enzymically were 4-androstene-3,17-dione, 5 beta-androstane-3,17-dione, 3 beta-hydroxy-5 beta-androstan-17-one and 5 beta-androstane-3 alpha .17 alpha-diol . Some spontaneous breakdown of {14C}testosterone occurred giving rise to 5 alpha (beta)-DHT, androstanediol and a monohydroxy-diketo-androstene, the latter being reduced enzymically to 2 monohydroxy-diketo-androstanes . Under the conditions used, no clear evidence has been obtained for the formation of 5 alpha-androst-16-en-3-one, an odorous steroid that occurs in the axillae of men; the possible reasons why we were unable to prove the biosynthesis of this compound are discussed. Zentralbl Bakteriol Mikrobiol Hyg {A}, 1986 Apr, 261(2), 133 - 9 Isolation and characterization of a peptidase from an oral strain of Corynebacterium matruchotii; Fujimura S et al.; From the cell extract of Corynebacterium matruchotii strain ATCC 14266, a peptidase could be isolated and purified, increasing the specific activity 267 times . This enzyme with a molecular weight of 60,000 was completely inactivated by heating at 50 degrees C for 20 min, its optimum pH was found to be pH 7.5 and the isoelectric point was 4.1 . The peptidase was inhibited by diisopropylfluorophosphate, phenylmethanesulfonyl fluoride, tosyl-L-lysine chloromethyl ketone, chymostatin and urea . Among various synthetic substrates tested, only benzoyl-L-arginine-p-nitroanilide and benzoyl-L-arginine ethylester were found to be hydrolyzed by this enzyme . Several proteins investigated were not hydrolyzed, but the enzyme inactivated a peptidic staphylococcal bacteriocin. J Clin Microbiol, 1986 Apr, 23(4), 691 - 4 In vitro and in vivo study of stone formation by Corynebacterium group D2 (Corynebacterium urealyticum); Soriano F et al.; Corynebacterium group D2 inoculated into normal human urine formed struvite crystals and an increase in pH and ammonium concentration after 24 h of incubation . Zinc disks dipped into a broth culture of this microorganism and inserted into the bladders of rats produced stones with a mean weight of 12.5 mg (ranging from 1 to 57.7 mg) after 12 days . Analysis of the infrared spectrum determined the stones to be composed of struvite . From these results its seems that stone formation by Corynebacterium group D2 may be possible both in vitro and in vivo, which may confirm a previous report involving these bacteria in human clinical encrusted cystitis. J Leukoc Biol, 1986 Apr, 39(4), 435 - 46 Kinetics of macrophage recruitment and turnover in peritoneal inflammatory exudates induced by Salmonella or thioglycollate broth; Hopper KE; Kinetics of peritoneal macrophage turnover during infection of mice with Salmonella enteritidis or following injection with thioglycollate broth or other peritoneal stimulants has been studied . Single intravenous injections of tritiated thymidine were given and the cells were examined by autoradiography . Maximum labelling of small adherent peritoneal macrophages occurred when 3H-thymidine was given 1 d after Salmonella and the cells were harvested 1 d later . Labelled cells decreased at later times despite maintenance of high numbers of macrophages in the exudates . Results from experiments in which labelled peritoneal cells were reinjected indicated that small, monocyte-enriched, labelled cells were not the major source of the large macrophages . Similar labelling at 2 d was observed using heat-killed Corynebacterium parvum or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) as ip stimulants . Following injection of thioglycollate broth, labelled peritoneal macrophages were only detectable if 3H-thymidine was given before the stimulant . These labelled cells remained longer in the peritoneal cavity . Labelling of and numbers of blood monocytes were consistent with the promotion of monocytopoiesis by Salmonella but not by thioglycollate . The response to thioglycollate but not Salmonella was dependent on the age of the mice . Animals injected with thioglycollate 1 d before Salmonella also had decreased resistance to bacteria and low numbers of labelled peritoneal macrophages . We propose that thioglycollate may recruit from a subset of preformed monocytes and temporarily block monocytopoiesis or macrophage bactericidal activity. Aust N Z J Med, 1986 Apr, 16(2), 211 - 5 Complications associated with indwelling venous Hickman catheters in patients with hematological disorders; Harvey MP et al.; During a 28 month period, 77 Hickman catheters were inserted in 66 patients with hematological disorders . Complete follow-up was possible for 72 catheter insertions . Catheters remained in situ for a median period of 77 days (range 5-474 days) . Fourteen (19%) catheters required removal because of complications which included sepsis, blockage, or displacement . Catheter-related infection was the major complication and Staphylococcus epidermidis and diphtheroids (Corynebacterium species) were the organisms most commonly isolated. Infect Immun, 1986 Apr, 52(1), 156 - 60 Enhancement of hematopoietic response of mice by subcutaneous administration of Lactobacillus casei; Yokokura T et al.; Mice that had received heat-killed Lactobacillus casei (LC 9018) subcutaneously (s.c.) showed enhanced resistance to systemic (i.e., intravenous) infection with Listeria monocytogenes, but the antilisterial resistance of mice was less augmented by s.c . administration of Propionibacterium acnes ("Corynebacterium parvum") . Though there was little change in the total number of splenic leukocytes after s.c . administration of LC 9018, the monocyte-macrophage ratio increased after treatment, reaching its peak on day 5 to 7 after injection . The number of progenitor cells that form macrophage colonies under the stimulus of L-cell-conditioned medium in a semisolid agar culture system increased in the spleens of mice pretreated s.c . with LC 9018, showing a peak response on day 5 after injection . The increase corresponded to the increase in the dose administered, and increased numbers were detected even 10 days after treatment . The number of macrophage colonies in the femurs of mice pretreated s.c . with LC 9018 showed a temporary increase on day 3 after injection but then a decrease until day 10 . Colony-stimulating activity was detected in the sera of mice administered LC 9018 s.c . 18 h previously, and the colonies produced were of three types: granulocyte (8%), macrophage (56%), and granulocyte-macrophage (36%) . Administration of C . parvum s.c . had little effect on these hematopoietic responses of mice. Cancer Res, 1986 Apr, 46(4 Pt 1), 1805 - 12 Tumor-specific suppressor T-cells which inhibit the in vitro generation of cytolytic T-cells from immune and early tumor-bearing host spleens; Bear HD; Spleen cells from DBA/2 mice, after immunization with syngeneic P815 mastocytoma cells and Corynebacterium parvum, respond to P815 in vitro with a brisk, secondary-type generation of cytotoxic cells . This cytotoxicity is mediated by antigen-specific T-lymphocytes and correlates with resistance to in vivo challenge . This model confirms the observations of previous investigators made in semisyngeneic hosts using an in vivo transfer model . Spleen cells from "early" tumor-bearing hosts (TBHs), 7-12 days after intradermal (i.d.) inoculation of 10(6) P815 cells alone, made a similar, but generally higher, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) response in vitro . Spleen cells from "late" TBHs (18-28 days) completely suppressed the in vitro CTL response of immune cells (e.g., from 71% specific release in controls down to 8% at an effector: target ratio of 40:1) . Early i.d . TBH spleen cells, because of their higher level response, appeared to be resistant to this suppression (85% release for controls and 84% when suppressor cells were added at 40:1) . By testing early TBH CTL at lower effector: target ratios, however, suppression by late TBH spleen cells could be readily demonstrated . When TBHs were inoculated s.c . instead of i.d . or with lower doses of tumor cells, responses were lower and susceptibility of splenic CTLs to suppression was increased . At intermediate times after tumor inoculation (14-20 days), spleen cells from TBHs still can respond in vitro, but they are completely suppressed by spleen cells from late TBHs . The suppressor cells are antigen-specific, radiation-sensitive, Thy1+ cells. Cell Immunol, 1986 Mar, 98(1), 125 - 36 Activated macrophages demonstrate direct cytotoxicity, antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, and enhanced binding of Naegleria fowleri amoebae; Cleary SF et al.; Macrophages activated in vivo by injection of Corynebacterium parvum or bacillus Calmette-Guerin caused direct cytolysis of the pathogenic free-living amoeba, Naegleria fowleri, in vitro . Amoebicidal activity was time and cell density-dependent but was not dependent on the presence of specific antibody . Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity for amoebae was also expressed by activated macrophages . Resident and thioglycolate-elicited macrophages demonstrated low cytolytic activity under all conditions tested . From scanning electron microscopy it appears that the degree of target cell binding is directly related to the degree of cytolysis expressed by the macrophage populations . Cell-cell contact was required for cytolysis of amoebae by activated macrophages since cytolysis did not occur when contact was blocked by a porous filter . For each macrophage population, the levels of amoebicidal activity and tumoricidal activity were comparable. Equine Vet J, 1986 Mar, 18(2), 113 - 6 Gentamicin dosage in foals aged one month and three months; Baggot JD et al.; The absorption and disposition kinetics of gentamicin were compared at two dosage levels (2 and 4 mg/kg bodyweight {bwt}) in one- and three-month-old foals . Following intramuscular (im) injection of single 2 mg/kg bwt doses, the drug was absorbed rapidly and produced peak serum concentration (18.2 mu 5.3 +/- g/ml, n = 8) at 30 mins . Much wider variations were associated with the amount of drug absorbed and the serum gentamicin concentrations after administration at the higher dosage level . The half-life of gentamicin was similar in the one-month-old (3.7 +/- 1.7 h, n = 8) and three-month-old (3.3 +/- 0.8 h, n = 8) foals, and was independent of the dose . One-month-old foals did not appear to have a deficiency in renal excretion of gentamicin . The minimum inhibitory concentration of gentamicin for Corynebacterium equi and certain other equine bacterial isolates was less than 0.195 microgram/ml . It was concluded that 2 mg/kg bwt administered by im injection at 8 to 12 h intervals, depending on the severity of the infection, could be recommended as the dose rate for treatment of systemic infections caused by microorganisms that are susceptible to gentamicin. Infect Immun, 1986 Mar, 51(3), 744 - 9 Effect of macrophage activation on phagocyte-Plasmodium interaction; Brown KM et al.; We investigated the effect of both immune and normal sera on the binding of free Plasmodium berghei by resident and activated macrophages . Resident macrophages bound plasmodia to a greater extent than did activated macrophages, regardless of treatment . Resident macrophages bound free plasmodia, predominantly trophozoites, in the presence of normal serum by a mechanism inhibited by N-acetylglucosamine and N-acetylmannosamine . Macrophages activated through treatment with Propionibacterium acnes ("Corynebacterium parvum"), on the other hand, did not bind free plasmodia in the presence of normal serum through systems inhibited by N-acetylmannosamine or N-acetylglucosamine . The binding of free plasmodia by activated macrophages was greatest in the presence of immune serum and could be inhibited by immune complexes but not by N-acetylmannosamine or N-acetylglucosamine . These results suggest that a receptor for a carbohydrate component of a normal serum opsonin mediates initial adherence of plasmodial antigen onto resident macrophages, triggering both the immunological cascade and macrophage activation . After activation, the macrophages no longer have the carbohydrate-specific receptor but do have functional Fc receptors which mediate the adherence of immune-serum-opsonized plasmodia. Arch Intern Med, 1986 Mar, 146(3), 569 - 71 Infectious complications of endoscopic injection sclerotherapy; Low DE et al.; We prospectively assessed the infectious complications of esophageal injection sclerotherapy (EIS) in 38 patients who underwent 104 procedures . Blood cultures were taken prior to and five and ten minutes after injection of the sclerosing agent in all procedures in an attempt to determine the frequency of positive blood cultures . Surveillance cultures were obtained from each patient's pharynx and from the biopsy channel of the endoscope to identify potential sources of bacteremia . The rate of blood culture positivity before injection was not significantly different from that after injection (1.9% vs 4.3%) . In only one procedure was the same organism isolated five and ten minutes after sclerotherapy . The isolate in both samples was a Corynebacterium species . Endoscope surveillance cultures were positive prior to 42 of 102 procedures, although none of those organisms subsequently were isolated in the blood cultures . Since the rate of positive blood cultures following EIS is no greater than that before the procedure, the use of prophylactic antibiotics is unnecessary. Blut, 1986 Mar, 52(3), 185 - 90 Deficient IFN alpha production in hairy cell leukemia; Porzsolt F et al.; Since the application of low doses of IFN-alpha is necessary to maintain remissions in Hairy Cell Leukemia (HCL) it is of interest whether peripheral blood mononuclear cells (MNC) of HCL patients can be induced in vitro to produce IFN-alpha . 9 patients suffering from advanced HCL were included in the study . The diagnoses were confirmed by characteristic findings in peripheral blood and bone marrow biopsies . For IFN treatment we initially used natural IFN-alpha (Bioferon) and switched later to recombinant IFN-alpha2 (Boehringer) . MNC of 5 patients before IFN therapy and of 6 patients during IFN therapy (2-47 weeks) were induced by phytohemagglutinin (PHA), Corynebacterium parvum (C.p.), and sendai virus (SV) . PHA is known to induce IFN-gamma . Both, C.p . and SV induced IFN-alpha but no IFN-gamma in MNC of healthy controls and of IFN treated breast cancer patients . In HCL patients normal antiviral activities could be induced by PHA . Zero or only low antiviral activities could be induced in MNC from 9 patients tested on 22 occasions . It is concluded that MNC from patients with advanced HCL can be induced to produce IFN-gamma but no IFN-alpha . Since IFN-alpha but not IFN-gamma is produced by monocytes it is likely that reduced numbers of monocytes which were found in our HCL patients before and during IFN treatment account for the described deficiency of IFN-alpha production. J Dairy Sci, 1986 Mar, 69(3), 843 - 9 Prevalence of minor udder pathogens after intramammary dry treatment; Harmon RJ et al.; A total of 156 dairy cows was randomly assigned to one of four groups at drying off over an 18-mo period: untreated control or intramammary treatment of each mammary quarter with either 400 mg novobiocin, 300 mg cephapirin, or 1 g dihydrostreptomycin with 1 million units penicillin . Quarter foremilk samples were aseptically collected from each cow within 1 mo of drying off and within 1 mo after parturition for bacteriological analysis . Prior to drying off, 28.7% of quarters were positive of which 46.7% were Corynebacterium bovis and 45.5% were coagulase-negative staphylococci . Reductions in infection prevalence from drying off to postpartum samplings for control, novobiocin, cephapirin, and streptomycin-penicillin groups were 13.6, 60.5, 74.4, and 35.3% of quarters . Recovery rates for C . bovis infections were 47.6, 100, 100, and 94.1%; for coagulase-negative staphylococci infections they were 72.7, 86.4, 80.0, and 100% . The cephapirin group showed the lowest new infection rate (1.3%) with coagulase-negative staphylococci compared with control (6.9%) . There were no significant differences in lactation milk production among groups following dry period therapy . Results suggest that dry treatment reduces the prevalence of infections by the minor mastitis pathogens. J Immunol, 1986 Feb 15, 136(4), 1393 - 9 Molecular basis of macrophage activation . Expression of the low potential cytochrome b and its reduction upon cell stimulation in activated macrophages; Berton G et al.; The expression of the novel b-type cytochrome, which is part of the superoxide anion (O2-)-generating system in phagocytes, has been investigated in population of mouse peritoneal macrophages heterogeneous in their capability to produce O2-) . Reduced minus oxidized difference spectra of intact cells showed the appearance of a b-type cytochrome with major peaks in the alpha region at 558 to 559 nm and in the gamma region at 426 to 428 nm . Resident peritoneal macrophages, as well as thioglycollate broth-elicited and Corynebacterium Parvum-activated macrophages and neutrophils expressed about 50 pmol cytochrome b/10(7) cells . In intact macrophages and neutrophils, Na-dithionite reduced greater than 75% of the cytochrome b measurable in disrupted cells . No correlation was found between capability to produce O2-) by different population of macrophages and their content of cytochrome b . When stimulated in strictly anaerobic conditions with phorbol myristic acetate, macrophages activated in vivo by i.p . injection of Corynebacterium Parvum reduced approximately 40% of their total cytochrome b . In resident peritoneal macrophages that produced five times lower amounts of O2-, cytochrome b reduction was instead undetectable . Potentiometric properties of cytochrome b was investigated in macrophage subcellular particles . Both resident and Corynebacterium Parvum-activated macrophages revealed the presence of b chromophores with very low potentials of -255 and -244 mV, respectively, whose content was not different in the two populations . These results show that resident and activated macrophages express the same amount of cytochrome b, but upon stimulation with PMA, activated macrophages recruit a higher number of cytochrome b molecules in parallel with an enhanced production of O2-. Acta Ophthalmol (Copenh), 1986 Feb, 64(1), 67 - 71 The effect of polyvinylpyrrolidone-iodine as an disinfectant in eye surgery; Klie F et al.; 105 patients admitted for cataract surgery were treated pre-operatively with polyvinylpyrrolidone-iodine (PVP-I) as a disinfectant, and consecutive bacterial cultures were obtained before initiating surgery and at the end of the operation . A control group (n = 99) only had a standard disinfection procedure of the eye (including instillation of Terramycin cum polymyxin B cream in the conjunctival sac the evening before surgery) . The cultures obtained from the conjunctival sac of the control group principally showed growth of Staph . albus and Staph . aureus, and to a minor degree diphtheroids (Corynebacterium species) . Proteus mirabilis, Escherichia coli and micrococci . There was a significant quantitative diminished growth (P less than 0.05) of bacteria in the group of patients treated with PVP-I compared to the control group . Concerning the growth of Staph . albus, this was reduced to almost one third and other bacteria were almost eliminated in the group receiving PVP-I . As we disclosed no toxic or allergic reaction post-operatively which could be related to the use of PVP-I as a disinfectant, this agent seems to constitute an effective pre-operative antimicrobial treatment, taking into consideration the broad antimicrobial spectrum of PVP-I shown by other authors. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis, 1986 Feb, 4(2), 165 - 71 Corynebacterium pseudodiphtheriticum pneumonia in an immunologically intact host; Miller RA et al.; Corynebacterium pseudodiphtheriticum, a gram-positive bacillus commonly found in the human oropharynx, has been reported as a rare cause of infection in compromised hosts . We report herein a case of lower respiratory tract infection with Corynebacterium pseudodiphtheriticum in a previously healthy 29-yr-old trauma victim . The organism was the predominant bacterial isolate from two endotracheal aspirates and a specific humoral response was demonstrated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Am J Vet Res, 1986 Feb, 47(2), 438 - 40 In vitro bactericidal efficacy of equine polymorphonuclear leukocytes against Corynebacterium equi; Yager JA et al.; Polymorphonuclear leukocytes from adult horses were separated from whole blood, using a 2-step Percoll gradient, and were tested for bactericidal function against Corynebacterium equi . Staphylococcus aureus, an organism against which equine neutrophils have proved efficacy, was a positive control . The percentage of uptake after a 15-minute preincubation of the neutrophils and bacteria in the presence of normal horse serum was also calculated . The results indicated that equine neutrophils effectively phagocytosed and killed C equi and S aureus . The percentage of uptake for S aureus (95% +/- 3%) was greater than that for C equi (85% +/- 6%) (P less than 0.001), but the bactericidal efficacy was equivalent . More than 90% of the ingested or attached bacteria were destroyed during the 3-hour incubation period (mean percentage of C equi killed = 96 +/- 2%; mean percentage of S aureus killed = 91 +/- 8%) . These results indicated that a failure of bacterial killing by neutrophils is unlikely to be important in the pathogenesis of C equi pneumonia in the horse. Vet Microbiol, 1986 Feb, 11(1-2), 145 - 52 Factors affecting the yield of viable cells of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis in a liquid medium; Batey RG; Growth of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis in an undefined liquid medium was studied with the aim of obtaining uniform, single-cell suspensions of the organism suitable for experimental infection . Adequate yields of viable cells were shown to be dependent on a fermentable substrate and a buffering system in a medium containing Tween 80 . The development of Nutrient Tween 80 Broth for the culture of C . pseudotuberculosis is considered to be a significant advance particularly for studies involving animal inoculation. Br J Surg, 1986 Feb, 73(2), 111 - 5 Randomized study of Corynebacterium parvum adjuvant therapy following surgery for (stage II) malignant melanoma; Thatcher N et al.; One hundred and fifteen patients with histologically proven primary cutaneous melanoma were entered into a randomized prospective study following surgical removal of clinically obvious regional metastases . The study started in 1977 and was completed in June 1982 . Fifty-eight patients (10 with regional skin metastases and 48 with regional node metastases) were in the control group and 57 (15 regional skin, and 42 regional node metastases) received adjuvant C . parvum . Other clinical features were well balanced for each group . C . parvum, 2 mg/m2 IV was repeated eight times at three weekly intervals . The schedule was based on previous work which indicated significant increase in killer cell activity . There was no serious toxicity and 22 patients exhibited tachyphylaxis . Seventeen patients in the control group (11 tumour free) are alive at 24-80 months, and 20 patients in the C . parvum group (12 tumour free) are alive 24-76 months from randomization . No statistically significant difference (P greater than 0.05) was observed between the two patient groups for overall survival (median 26 months) or relapse free survival (median 8 months) from the date of randomization . Nor was the overall survival from the date of primary surgery (median 52 months, range 4-237) or the relapse free survival, median 28 months, range 2-225, significantly different between the two groups of patients . The relapse pattern in the two groups, and survival after relapse were no different though the response rate to actinomycin D and DTIC chemotherapy was significantly higher in the control (48 per cent) than in the C . parvum (23 per cent) group . Toxicity to chemotherapy was not significantly affected by previous C . parvum treatment . Although there were trends for better survival, in the C . parvum patient group, statistically significant activity has not been noted in this study. Microb Pathog, 1986 Feb, 1(1), 33 - 41 Independence of macrophage activation and expression of the alleles of the Ity (immunity to typhimurium) locus; Briles DE et al.; These studies demonstrate that alleles at the Ity locus do not affect T cell-dependent activation of macrophages by Corynebacterium parvum . Using a genetic analysis involving mice expressing various combinations of the Ityr, Itys, Lpsd, and Lpsn alleles we also show that the expression of the Ity alleles is not dependent on the ability of LPS to active macrophages . Since macrophage activation is though to be important in the killing of salmonella, these findings favor a mechanism of action of the Ity locus that does not involve bacterial killing. J Clin Microbiol, 1986 Feb, 23(2), 375 - 6 Isolation of Corynebacterium aquaticum from spinal fluid of an infant with meningitis; Beckwith DG et al.; A 4-week-old female was hospitalized because of vomiting, irritability, and nuchal rigidity . A spinal fluid culture yielded Corynebacterium aquaticum . The diagnosis of C . aquaticum meningitis in this infant was supported by the following cerebrospinal fluid findings: Gram stain, elevated protein, hypoglycorrhachia, positive C-reactive protein, and polymorphonuclear leukocytosis . Antigen studies for common bacterial causes of meningitis were negative . C . aquaticum is a rare cause of human disease and may be initially confused with Listeria monocytogenes, which is a more common gram-positive, motile rod associated with meningitis in infants. Eur J Clin Microbiol, 1986 Feb, 5(1), 23 - 8 Synergy of ciprofloxacin and azlocillin in vitro and in a neutropenic mouse model of infection; Chin NX et al.; Combinations of ciprofloxacin with azlocillin, piperacillin and ticarcillin were tested in vitro against clinical isolates . Azlocillin plus ciprofloxacin showed synergy against 30% of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates; it was either synergistic or additive against 78% of all isolates tested even those resistant to the beta-lactam . Synergism was rarely noted for Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter spp . or Branhamella spp . isolates . Minimum inhibitory concentrations of ciprofloxacin plus azlocillin, plus piperacillin and plus ticarcillin against Pseudomonas spp . were reduced 4 or 2 fold, respectively . However, the combination azlocillin plus ciprofloxacin showed primarily indifference against gram-positive strains . Neutropenic mice infected with a lethal challenge of Pseudomonas spp . were protected by a combination of azlocillin and ciprofloxacin . Its additive and/or synergistic effects and expanded spectrum of activity against streptococci, methicillin-resistant staphylococci and JK corynebacteria may provide an alternative to traditional therapy. Vet Q, 1986 Jan, 8(1), 61 - 7 An outbreak of caseous lymphadenitis in dairy goats: first report of the disease in the Netherlands; Schreuder BE et al.; An outbreak of caseous lymphadenitis in which three herds of goats were involved is described . Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis was shown to be the causative organism . The outbreak was associated with imported goats . As this first report of C . pseudotuberculosis causing caseous lymphadenitis as a clinical entity in small ruminants in the Netherlands, clinical and epizootiological aspects as well as possible methods of control are discussed. Int J Pediatr Nephrol, 1986 Jan-Mar, 7(1), 17 - 20 Hemolytic uremic syndrome associated with Corynebacterium diphtheria infection; Sheth KJ et al.; Although hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is usually idiopathic, it follows a number of infections . The pathogenesis of post-infectious HUS is endothelial cell damage by either circulating endotoxin or exotoxin . Diphtheria exotoxin has never been implicated in HUS . We report HUS following diphtheria infection in a 9 yr old un-immunized white female admitted with a short history of sorethroat and thrombocytopenia . There were hemorrhages in sclera, gums and left tonsillar area and a grayish exudate on right tonsil . Laboratory values revealed Hgb 14.4 g/dl, decreasing to 7.6 g/dl, WBC/26,900 mm3, platelet count 7,000/mm3 . Bone marrow examination revealed normal megakaryocytes . She was oliguric with BUN 214 mg/dl, serum creatinine 12.4 mg/dl and serum uric acid 19.2 mg/dl . Despite peritoneal dialysis, red cell and platelet transfusions and exchange transfusion she expired . A postmortem examination was refused . A throat culture done on admission grew corynebacterium species which was later confirmed to be toxigenic C . diphtheriae . Diphtheria exotoxin inactivates an enzyme in cytoplasm which is necessary for peptide chain elongation . This may have interfered with prostacyclin synthesis thereby allowing the development of HUS. Clin Orthop, 1986 Jan, (202), 227 - 9 Corynebacterium JK (Johnson-Kay strain) infection of a Küntscher-nailed tibial fracture; Claeys G et al.; A slow-growing Corynebacterium was isolated in pure culture from pus of a Kuntscher-nailed tibial fracture . The strain was identified as Johnson-Kay strain or corynebacterium JK (CJK) . This bacterium has been discovered recently and recognized as the cause of serious infections, especially in immunocompromized patients, polytraumatized patients, and patients with cardiac valve replacement . Superficial wounds can be colonized and hemocultures contaminated with CJK . Nosocomial spreading can occur . This microorganism is usually highly resistant to antimicrobial agents and requires therapy with vancomycin . This case was different from classic infections with "CJK" in several aspects . The infection occurred in a patient without underlying disease and the strain was sensitive to the antibiotic . The patient responded well to cephazolin treatment . Being part of the normal skin flora, Corynebacteria are often discarded as contaminants . A critical review of all clinical and laboratory data is necessary for the recognition of the infections and is important especially when a resistant strain is encountered. Pediatr Pulmonol, 1986 Jan-Feb, 2(1), 65 - 9 Diagnostic implications and treatment of massive spontaneous atelectasis in childhood; Muller W et al.; During a 5-month period five children were treated for spontaneously occurring massive lung atelectasis . In three patients the underlying disease was bronchial asthma; in one patient idiopathic plastic bronchitis; and in another patient, infection with anaerobic Corynebacteria may have been a contributing factor . Types I and III hypersensitivity reactions were not considered to be likely causal factors . The clinical manifestations and management of this relatively rare event are described. J Lab Clin Med, 1986 Jan, 107(1), 15 - 22 Immune response to moxalactam in rabbits and in humans; Branch DR et al.; Three of 23 New Zealand white rabbits immunized with moxalactam or bovine serum albumin (BSA)-moxalactam conjugates produced specific antimoxalactam antibodies . Rabbits that produced antimoxalactam had been immunized, by a novel approach, with heat-aggregated BSA-moxalactam conjugates containing Corynebacterium parvum as adjuvant . Use of liposomes to augment antibody response in the rabbits was successful for the production of anti-BSA antibodies, but failed to result in production of antimoxalactam . One antimoxalactam was chosen for further study, was specifically inhibited with moxalactam (10(-5) mol/L), and did not cross-react with any of the 11 other cephalosporins or eight penicillins tested (in concentrations of 10(-2) mol/L) . In addition, the antibody did not demonstrate any carrier specificity . One of eight humans receiving intravenous moxalactam therapy developed a low titer, low avidity antimoxalactam . This patient was a "good responder," inasmuch as he also produced three transfusion-stimulated alloantibodies to red cell antigens during the study . Although the patient developed the antimoxalactam antibody while the drug was being administered, there was no evident adverse clinical reaction . This is the first report of antimoxalactam produced either in experimental animals or in humans . Our data indicate that moxalactam may be a relatively poor immunogen in rabbits requiring special immunization protocols . The one antibody studied does not cross-react with other structurally related antibiotics . Although human antimoxalactam may be produced, no adverse effects were detected in the one case observed. Clin Ther, 1986, 9(1), 106 - 18 In vitro activity of CI-934 and other antimicrobial agents against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria; Smith RP et al.; The activity of CI-934, a new carboxy-quinolone antibiotic, against gram-positive cocci and bacilli and gram-negative bacilli was compared with that of reference antibiotics . CI-934 demonstrated excellent activity against gram-positive organisms, including Corynebacterium sp . In addition, although the activity of CI-934 against gram-negative bacilli was less than that reported for similar agents, it was comparable to that of aminoglycosidic aminocyclitol antibiotics. Vet Med Nauki, 1986, 23(9), 51 - 6 {Etiology and chemotherapy of suppurative surgical infection in horses and cattle}; Dinev D et al.; A total of 24 horses and 42 cattle with a variety of local suppurative processes (wounds, abscesses, phlegmons, tendovaginitis, etc.) were studied under conditions of the clinic with regard to the most commonly found microbial species and the opportunity to work out antibioticogrammes in terms of the effectiveness of 11 of the chemotherapeutic agents widely used in the practice . It was found that prevailing in horses were staphylococci and streptococci . In cattle Corynebacterium pyogenes was predominantly established . Besides, there was a rising trend in the part played by representative agents of the occasionally pathogenic microflora (Ps . aeruginosa, Pr . vulgaris, Escherichia coli) as the causative species of local suppurative processes . These organisms were fairly often isolated in association with other species, while they were more rarely found as the only acting ones in a particular case . Best effects of the antibiotics tested could be expectedly produced by gentamycin (82.5 per cent), carbenimycin (74.2 per cent), oxacyllin (72.7 per cent), ampicillin (68.2 per cent), and canamycin (61.8 per cent) . At the same time, the effectiveness produced by some of the antibiotics widely employed in the practice, such as chloramphenicol, tetracycline, streptomycin, and penicillin was below 50 per cent. Rev Chir Orthop Reparatrice Appar Mot, 1986, 72(4), 311 - 6 {Osteitis due to anaerobic Corynebacteria in children . Apropos of 4 cases}; Griffet J et al.; The authors have seen four instances in children of osteitis due to a mycobacterium . The disease was subacute and situated in the tibia, the lumbar spine, the talus and the femur . In two cases the diagnosis was eventually mistakenly oriented towards tuberculosis or a malignant tumour . The correct diagnosis was obtained after a bone biopsy which demonstrated a granulomatous osteitis . In such cases there is an indication for a full biopsy and bacteriological examination with culture in aerobic and anaerobic media . Treatment based on pristinamycin resulted in healing. Cancer Invest, 1986, 4(5), 397 - 402 Canine oral melanoma: comparison of surgery versus surgery plus Corynebacterium parvum; MacEwen EG et al.; Eighty-nine dogs with malignant oral melanoma were selected for study . All dogs were clinically staged and treated with either surgical excision alone or surgery plus C . parvum immunotherapy . There was no difference in survival time between the two treatment groups . However, in dogs with advanced disease (Stages II, III) there was a statistical difference between surgery alone versus surgery plus C . parvum (p = 0.01) . Dogs with Stage I disease (tumor less than 2 cm diameter) had a statistically improved survival (p = 0.02) regardless of the therapy given . These results suggest that C . parvum, when combined with surgery, may have antitumor activity in the canine melanoma model. Hybridoma, 1986 Fall, 5(3), 231 - 5 Monoclonal antibodies specific for Corynebacterium sepedonicum, the causative agent of potato ring rot; Magee WE et al.; BALB/c mice were immunized with Corynebacterium sepedonicum, and spleen cells from the immunized animals were fused with cells of the mouse myeloma line P3-X63-Ag8.653 . Several hybridoma cell cultures were selected for further study . Monoclonal CS-B-5 was specific for C . sepedonicum and did not react significantly with other closely related phytopathogenic corynebacteria in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) . As few as 10(3) organisms could be detected . This approach should prove useful for developing improved diagnostic procedures for a number of bacterial plant pathogens. Scand J Infect Dis, 1986, 18(3), 235 - 9 Antitoxin antibody levels and the outcome of illness during an outbreak of diphtheria among alcoholics; Bjorkholm B et al.; During an outbreak of diphtheria among alcoholics in Goteborg, Sweden, a study was made of the diphtheria-antitoxin antibodies in serum samples from 8 clinical cases and 36 carriers of toxin-producing Corynebacterium diphtheriae . 33/36 carriers were antibody-positive and had antitoxin titres greater than 0.01 IU/ml, a level which is regarded as relative protective, while only 1/8 clinical cases had such a titre . This patient presented a mild illness with no complications . The results of the study of this outbreak stress the importance of maintaining adequate antibody levels against diphtheria in highly developed societies. <