bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
STUDIES ON A COLLECTION OF STRAINS OF THE GENUS FLAVOBACTERIUM
Authors: BRUUN B.
Published: August 2010

The genus Flavobacterium has undergone a number of changes during the last years resulting in a revised description of the genus in which restriction of Flavobacterium to certain low G + C content species is proposed. The purpose of the present study has been to see how a collection of 184 clinical and environmental strains of Flavobacterium‐like organisms isolated in Denmark would fit into this latest revision. It was found that most of the different biochemical patterns represented gradually merged into each other, with certain patterns, however, occurring more frequently than others and corresponding to the already described taxa: F. meningosepticum, Flavobacterium group lib, F. breve, F. odoratum, F. multivorum and F. spiritivorum. The lately proposed subdivision of the genus will need either revision or extension or both to cope satisfactorily with the situation revealed in this study.
COMPLEMENT‐BINDING ANTIBODIES TO ASPERGILLUS FUMIGATUS IN PATIENTS WITH PULMONARY ASPERGILLOSIS
Authors: SCHØNHEYDER HENRIK , ANDERSEN PAUL
Published: August 2010

Complement‐binding antibodies against Aspergillus fumigatus were determined by a fluorescent antibody technique with purified human C1q as the source of complement. C1q binding aspergillus antibodies were found in 8 (67%) of 12 patients with pulmonary aspergillosis, in 4 (57%) of 7 patients with suspected pulmonary aspergillosis, in one (14%) of 7 patients with precipitating antibodies to A. fumigatus of undetermined clinical significance, and in 4 (7%) of 54 healthy blood donors. Sera from patients with definite or probable aspergillosis produced an immunofluorescent staining of hyphal cytoplasm, whereas the staining obtained with positive donor sera was confined to hyphal walls. A positive correlation was found between the frequency and titres of C1q binding antibodies and titres of IgG and IgM aspergillus antibodies. C1q binding antibodies were found only in sera with an IgG aspergillus antibody titre ≥ 640. The frequency of C1q binding antibodies in sera with IgG titres ≥ 640 was significantly higher in patients with aspergillosis (67%) than in blood donors (16%) (p = 0.0036). The C1q binding antibody test may provide diagnostic information as well as clues to the pathogenesis of aspergillus lung disease.
THE SURVIVAL OF ANAEROBIC BACTERIA AT 4 °C AND 22 °C ON SWABS IN THREE TRANSPORT SYSTEMS Statistical Evaluation by Application of a Variance Component Model
Authors: JUSTESEN TAGE , JENSEN ANDERS MØRUP , HOFFMANN STEEN
Published: August 2010

The survival of anaerobic bacteria on swabs in three transport systems at 4 °C and 22 °C was evaluated. The transport systems were a charcoal‐impregnated cotton swab in modified Stuart's transport medium (MS), a plain cotton swab in a dry aerobic tube (DA) and a plain cotton swab in an aerobic agar tube (AA). The test strains were Bacteroides fragilis, B. melaninogenicus ss. intermedius, Fusobacterium necrophorum, Peptostreptococcus anaerobius, Eubacterium lentum and Clostridium ramosum. Inoculated swabs were kept at the described conditions for time periods ranging from 22 1/2 min through 32 d, after which surviving organisms were recovered quantitatively. Results were described by the survival rate, defined as the percentage of organisms initially present, that had survived storage for 24 h. The survival rate was uniformly higher at 4 °C than at 22 °C. In Stuart's transport medium at 4 °C the survival rate was 81.9% compared to 4.3% in dry aerobic tube at 4 °C. At 22 °C the survival rate in dry aerobic tube and aerobic agar tube was 0.003% or less whereas in Stuart's transport medium growth occurred with B. fragilis, E. lentum and C. ramosum.
THE USE OF FROZEN ERYTHROCYTES IN MACROPHAGE STUDIES
Authors: MYHRVOLD VESLEMØY , JONSEN JON , MØRLAND BERIT
Published: August 2010

Sheep erythrocytes opsonized with IgG or C3b were frozen in various cryoprotective agents, thawed, and compared to corresponding unfrozen erythrocytes exposed to the cryoprotectants and to unfrozen erythrocytes not exposed to the cryoprotectants (controls) as test particles in macrophage attachment and phagocytosis assays. Fc‐receptor‐mediated attachment and phagocytosis were not influenced by the use of any cryoprotective agent tested or by freezing the erythrocytes. This was also the case with C3b‐receptor‐mediated attachment. Phagocytosis via this receptor was negligible in normal macrophages, but tended to be slightly more effective when the test particles had been treated with cryoprotective agents. In vitro stimulation of the macrophages with Escherichia coli endotoxin, however, triggered the capacity to internalize treated and untreated erythrocytes equally.
THE GENETIC CONTROL OF VIRULENCE IN GROUP A STREPTOCOCCI
Authors: BUROVA LARISSA A. , RAVDONIKAS LARISSA E. , CHRISTENSEN POUL , SCHALÉN CLAËS , TOTOLIAN ARTEM A.
Published: August 2010

The erythromycin‐resistance marker of two plasmids, pSM19035 and pERL1, could be transferred by conjugation in matings within group A streptococci and between group H and group A streptococci, with a frequency of 10‐5 to 8 times 10‐7. Two of the recipient strains used, 22v‐1 and 22v‐2, showed traces of opacity factor (OF) activity. This activity increased markedly upon transfer of both plasmids to the strains, whereas a number of other recipients, viz. 22h‐21, 12Teiko‐1 and Challis 6–1, remained OF‐negative after conjugation. Furthermore, the transconjugants resulting from matings using strains 22v‐1 and 22v‐2 as recipients expressed anti‐phagocytic activity. Attempts were made to type the transconjugants but they did not belong to type M12, M22 (the types from which the parents were derived) M3 or M1. Concomitant with the expression of anti‐phagocytic activity, IgG and IgA Fc‐receptor activity occurred in the transconjugants of 22v‐1 and 22v‐2, whereas the donor and recipient cells were without receptors. It was not possible to demonstrate extrachromosomal DNA in transconjugants possessing anti‐phagocytic, OF or Fc‐receptor activity, although they retained their ability to serve as donors of the Emr marker. It is suggested that the triggering by plasmids of antiphagocytic activity, OF and IgG and IgA Fc‐receptors is due to insertion of plasmid DNA into the chromosome.
EXPRESSION OF BACTERIOCIN‐LIKE ACTIVITY IN BATCH CULTURES OF NEISSERIA MENINGITIDIS AND CONSEQUENCES FOR GENETIC RECOMBINATION
Authors: JYSSUM K. , ALLUNANS J.
Published: August 2010

The bactericidal activity found in four strains of Neisseria meningitidis and the bacteriostatic effect observed in one were expressed in the exponential phase of batch cultures and continued during the stationary phase. The active material was stable for more than 50 hours in agar media. In mixed cultures a strain with inhibitory activity eradicated a sensitive strain, and dominated the culture in the latter part of the exponential phase. Recombination took place in mixed cultures when at least one of the strains had the genetic properties which determine competence in transformation. The presence of inhibitory activity increased the recombination frequency at least ten‐fold. Genetic markers were introduced into a strain with inhibitory activity from sensitive strains of N. meningitidis and from N. cinerea.
GENETIC TRANSFORMATION IN STREPTOCOCCUS SANGUIS
Authors: GAUSTAD P.
Published: August 2010

The production and the persistence of competence factor (CF) and competence factor inactivator (CFI) of four different strains of Streptococcus sanguis in three media (Todd Hewitt broth, medium II and medium IV) have been examined with respect to kinetics. Both the medium used and the strains examined offered implications on the activities of CF and CFI. CF was not detectable in the culture filtrates of strains Wicky (NCTC 9124) and 445. Strain Blackburn (NCTC 10231) showed activity only in Todd Hewitt broth and strain 14567 in Todd Hewitt broth and medium IV. The activity persisted for 2 to 7 hours during exponential growth. In culture filtrates of the strains Wicky and Blackburn the three media yielded high CFI activity persisting during the entire growth period. The strains 445 and 14567 were less potent CFI producers in medium II and medium IV, and no CFI was detected in the culture filtrates from Todd Hewitt broth. Medium II was the most suitable medium for CFI production and seems appropriate for further studies and isolation of the factor. In medium IV no strain had CF activity. This medium was supplemented with serum, albumin, tyrosine or glutamic acid, and CF and CFI production and persistence by strain 14567 were studied in relation to growth phases. CF and CFI activities were observed in the different supplemented media during short periods of growth, but could not be related to any given phase of growth. The presence of CFI in a culture eliminated or reduced the CF activity, and a specific interaction of CF and CFI was observed. The CFI from the strain Wicky inactivated CF from the strains Challis (NCTC 7868) and Blackburn, but not from the strains 13b and 14567. The CFI from the strains 445 and 14567 reduced the activity of CF produced by the strains 13b and 14567, but not CF from the strains Challis and Blackburn.
HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS TYPE‐SPECIFIC ANTIBODIES DETECTED BY INDIRECT AND COMPETITION ELISA
Authors: Najem Sami N. , Vestergaard Bent F. , Potter Christopher W.
Published: August 2010

A total of 85 human sera (32 from patients with carcinoma of the uterine cervix, 32 from matched controls, and 21 from patients with recurrent genital herpes) were tested in two different ELISAs for detection of HSV type‐specific antibodies. The prevalence of HSV type 2 specific antibodies in the three groups were 69, 37 and 71% respectively. The prevalence of HSV type 1 specific antibodies in the three groups were 88, 75 and 76% respectively. Analysis of IgG and total antibodies gave identical results.
INFLUENCE OF BILE ACIDS ON CHOLERA TOXIN‐INDUCED SECRETION IN MOUSE JEJUNUM
Authors: LANGE S. , HANSSON H. A. , LÖNNROTH I.
Published: August 2010

The influence of bile acids on intestinal secretion induced by cholera toxin (CT) was studied in mice. The secretion was examined in ligated loops after the bile flow had been stopped by ligation of the common bile duct (CD). Bile depletion was found to inhibit both the secretion induced by CT, the degradation of CT, and the binding of CT to epithelial cells – all of which could be restored to normal by the application, before CT challenge, of bile acids in the loops of CD‐ligated mice. Out of the nine bile acids tested, cholic acid, deoxycholic acid and chenodeoxycholic acid were the most potent, their ED50 values being 0.2, 0.2, and 0.6 mM respectively.
RAPID DIAGNOSIS OF RESPIRATORY SYNCYTIAL VIRUS AND INFLUENZA A VIRUS INFECTIONS BY IMMUNOFLUORESCENCE: EXPERIENCE WITH A SIMPLIFIED PROCEDURE FOR THE PREPARATION OF CELL SMEARS FROM NASOPHARYNGEAL SECRETIONS
Authors: ÅNESTAD GABRIEL , BREIVIK NORALV , THORESEN TORE
Published: August 2010

A simplified procedure for preparing direct smears of exfoliated cells from nasopharyngeal secretions is presented. The specimens were examined by the indirect immunofluorescence (IF) technique for the presence of respiratory syncytial (RS) virus and influenza A virus antigens. Specimens from 457 children hospitalised at twelve different hospital departments in Norway were examined during the winter season 1980–81. RS virus was identified in samples from 139 children and influenza A virus from 28. Results of IF examinations for RS virus were copositive with serology in 19 of 23 cases (83%) and with probably no false positive results. Samples from 29 children were also prepared by the conventional washing technique. RS virus was identified in 18 of these specimens. Seventeen of these were also found positive by the simplified method. This comparison was done blind. Compared to results of virus isolation and serology the IF examinations for influenza A virus were somewhat less sensitive with copositivity in 12 of 17 cases (71%) and in one instance the IF finding was probably false positive. However, also for influenza A virus our IF findings were fully comparable with figures obtained by others who performed the conventional washing technique for preparation of exfoliated cells from nasopharyngeal secretions. General practitioners submitted samples from 65 patients, and RS virus and influenza A virus were identified in eleven and four cases respectively. The simplicity of preparation of cell smears from nasopharyngeal secretions with our simplified method opens up the possibility of the application of rapid respiratory virus diagnostic service to an increasing number of hospital departments and also for general practitioners. We feel that this method is a suitable tool for surveillance of certain respiratory virus infections.
ANTIBODY RESPONSE IN RABBITS TO GONOCOCCAL LIPOPOLYSACCHARIDE‐BOVINE SERUM ALBUMIN CONJUGATES
Authors: RØDAHL EYVIND , MÆLAND JOHAN A.
Published: August 2010

The elicitation of antibodies to gonococcal lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was studied. Rabbits were immunized with whole cells of gonococci, purified LPS, or LPS linked to bovine serum albumin with glutaraldehyde. Purified LPS was not immunogenic. Anti‐LPS antibodies were produced by rabbits receiving the LPS‐BSA conjugate. These animals showed an earlier IgG anti‐LPS antibody response than animals receiving whole bacterial cells. Antiserum to the LPS‐BSA conjugate gave rise to a single precipitation line against ultrasonically disrupted gonococci, and agglutinated heat‐treated cells of the bacteria.
URINE PROTEINS CROSS‐REACTING WITH ANTISERUM AGAINST VIRUS‐LIKE PARTICLES FROM CULTURED PSORIATIC EPITHELIAL CELLS
Authors: IVERSEN O.‐J. , DALEN A. B.
Published: August 2010

Subcellular particles resembling enveloped viruses were isolated from the urine of a psoriatic male. The particles were located at densities between 1.15 and 1.18 g/cc after sucrose gradient centrifugation. The fraction containing purified particles possessed proteins that cross‐reacted with an antiserum raised against virus‐like particles from a cell culture established from a psoriatic lesion. Analysis of the cross‐reacting antigens by concanavalin A fractionation and SDS‐PAGE revealed a glycoprotein with Mr 70,000 (gp70) and three smaller molecules with apparent molecular weights of 30,000, 18,000, and 15,000, respectively. These values were identical to those obtained for the virus‐like particles isolated from the cell culture with an envelope glycoprotein with molecular weight of 70,000 and three inner proteins. Estimation of the molecular weights for the three smaller molecules by gel filtration in 6M guanidine‐hydrochloride gave Mr 27,000, 15,000, and 12,000, respectively, for the three proteins. The designations p27 p15, and p12 are based on the molecular weight estimation by the chromatographic method.
ESTABLISHMENT AND PRELIMINARY CHARACTERIZATION OF A CELL LINE PERSISTENTLY INFECTED WITH NEWCASTLE DISEASE VIRUS
Authors: DEGRÉ M. , GLASGOW L. A.
Published: August 2010

A murine osteosarcoma (OGS) cell line was permanently infected with Newcastle disease virus (NDV). The presence of NDV in the subsequent passages was demonstrated by haemadsorption and by immunofluorescence. Compared to the uninfected OGS line the persistently infected cells had a slightly reduced growth rate and they had a reduced sensitivity to several viruses, shown by several different methods. Interferon sensitivity was considerably reduced in the OGS‐NDV cells, both the antiviral activity and the cell multiplication inhibitory activity.
SPECIFICITY OF CELLULAR INTERACTION IN STREPTOCOCCUS MITIS ATCC 903. INHIBITION OF AGGREGATION BY CARBOHYDRATES
Authors: ABAAS SALEEM , HOLME TORD
Published: August 2010

To demonstrate the specificity of cellular interaction in the spontaneous aggregation of Streptococcus mitis ATCC 903 the inhibitory effect of various sugars was studied. More than 90% inhibition was recorded in 0.1 M concentrations of D‐glucosamine, D‐galactosamine and D‐mannosamine. A reduction of the inhibition by more than 50% was observed when the N‐acetylated derivatives of the hexosamines were tested. Polymers containing hexosamines such as hyaluronic acid, heparin and fetuin were potent inhibitors, in contrast to dextrans of different molecular weights. Inhibition was less than 20% in lactose, melibiose, cellobiose, methyl β‐D‐galactopyranoside and a number of other sugars tested in 0.1 M concentration. The bacteria retained their ability to aggregate after removal of the inhibitory sugars by washing in phosphate buffer. These findings support the hypothesis that the specific nature of the spontaneous aggregation of S.mitis ATCC 903 depends on a lectin‐ligand type interaction.
VARIATION OF ENDOPEPTIDASE ACTIVITIES IN CULTURES OF PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA STRAINS
Authors: ØGAARD A. R. , BERDAL B. P. , BØVRE K.
Published: August 2010

Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains have been assayed for endopeptidase activities in cultures of recently isolated variants, as well as in cultures from two‐months‐old variants derived from the same strains. Using chromogenic peptides, information was gained on both extracellular and cell‐bound endopeptidases. Production of extracellular endopeptidases detected in the recent isolates tended to decrease or was abolished in the two‐months‐old sub‐cultures. Their pattern of activities also showed some distinct differences between the strains. By means of caseinate precipitation, the production of extracellular endopeptidases was found to present important variations, both according to the strain, and according to the duration of the incubation time. The cell‐bound endopeptidases were found to be relatively stable features, independent of the time passed since isolation. Their pattern of activities was also rather similar among the strains.
MULTIRESISTANT LIPOPHILIC CORYNEBACTERIA FROM CLINICAL SPECIMENS
Authors: ERSGAARD H. , JUSTESEN T.
Published: August 2010

Ninety‐seven strains of clinically isolated Corynebacterium strains, probably identical with Corynebacterium JK, are described especially in regard to growth in relation to different lipid substances. The corynebacteria formed a homogeneous group of strict aerobic slow‐growing, catalase‐positive, urease‐and‐nitrate‐negative typical coryneform rods. Acid was produced from glucose and maltose. Growth was stimulated in the presence of different lipid substances and lipodependence was suggested by satellite growth only around oleic acid drops on otherwise lipid‐depleted agar plates. Generally the isolated corynebacteria were resistant to clinically achievable concentrations of penicillins, cephalosporines and aminoglucosides but uniformly sensitive to vancomycin and rifamycin.
THE GENETIC CONTROL OF VIRULENCE IN GROUP A STREPTOCOCCI
Authors: RAVDONIKAS L. E. , CHRISTENSEN P. , BUROVA L. A. , GRABOVSKAYA K. , BJöRCK L. , SCHALEN C. , SVENSSON M‐L. , TOTOLIAN A. A.
Published: August 2010

Recently, we reported that conjugal transfer of plasmid pERL1, determining i. a. erythromycin resistance (Emr), into group A streptococci could trigger the expression of anti‐phagocytic activity, adhesiveness, opacity factor and capacity to bind immunoglobulin Fc‐parts and beta2‐microglobulin. In the present study, ethidium bromide treatment of Emr transconjugants allowed the selection of »cured«, erythromycin sensitive (Ems) mutants. This procedure did not affect the expression of the abovementioned characteristics. However, when plasmid pERL1 was again transferred to two such mutants, the »secondary«, Emr transconjugants obtained showed lack of each of these properties. Our experiments thus demonstrated a »switch‐on« as well as a »switch‐off« effect, exerted by the same plasmid, pERL1, on some major pathogenic properties of group A streptococci
GENETIC AND PHENOTYPIC CHARACTERISTICS OF A NEW GROUP OFCAMPYLOBACTERISOLATED FROM PIGS AND CATTLE
Authors: Ursing Jan , Sandstedt Karin , Hansson Eva
Published: August 2010

Five intestinal strains ofCampylobacterisolated from pigs and cattle are discribed. The strains grew in anaerobic as well as in micro‐aerobic environment; they were catalase positive and resistant to nalidixic acid but sensitive to cephalothin and metronidazole. They had a mean G+C content of 35.4 mol%. DNA‐DNA‐hybridizations showed that the group was homogeneous: about 50% related toC. fetusssfetusand less than 25% related to otherCampylobacterspecies.
VALUE OF PLEURAL LACTATE IN THE DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS BETWEEN EMPYEMA AND NON‐BACTERIAL PLEURAL EFFUSIONS
Authors: BRUUN B. , STILBO I. , BARTELS P.
Published: August 2010

Lactate concentrations in the pleural fluid of 50 patients were determined by the Monotest Lactate Kit. Lactate values were found higher in bacterial pleural infections than in cases of hydrothorax. Elevated levels were also found in most cases of histologically confirmed cases of pleural neoplasms and in some cases of non‐bacterial pleuritis exsudativa. The highest levels were found in cases of empyema, but there was considerable overlapping between the groups. Pleural lactate thus appears to have little diagnostic value in the differential diagnosis between empyema and non‐bacterial pleural effusions.
A SIMPLE TURBIDIMETRIC METHOD FOR SPECIFIC MEASUREMENT OF STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS LIPASE ACTIVITY
Authors: ROLLOF J. , HEDSTRöM S. Å. , NILSSON‐EHLE P.
Published: August 2010

We have developed a simple semiquantitative method for measuring Staphylococcus aureus lipase activity. Enzymatic activity is measured as the decrease in spectrophotometric absorbancy in a lipid emulsion after incubation with the sample. The sensitivity, precision and accuracy are adequate for routine purposes. The assay is rapid and simple and does not require advanced technical equipment.
THE LIMULUS AMOEBOCYTE LYSATE (LAL) ASSAY FOR THE DETECTION OF ENDOTOXIN IN FAT EMULSIONS FOR TOTAL PARENTERAL NUTRITION (TPN)
Authors: Paulssen Jorunn , Michaelsen Per
Published: August 2010

Fat emulsions spiked with Escherichia coli endotoxin were tested with Limulus Amoebocyte Lysate (LAL) reagent, using both the micro method and the tube method. The effect of vortexing, ultrasonication and addition of Pyrosperse on the dispersion of endotoxin in these emulsions was compared. The advantage of using the tube method, rather than the micro method, is shown. Ultrasonication may substitute vortex mixing. Pyrosperse had no convincing effect.
IMMUNOLOGICAL CROSS‐REACTION BETWEEN ANTIGEN Tp‐4 OF TREPONEMA PALLIDUM AND AN ANTIGEN COMMON TO A WIDE RANGE OF BACTERIA
Authors: HINDERSSON PETER , PETERSEN CARSTEN SAND , PEDERSEN NILS STRANDBERG , HØIBY NIELS , AXELSEN NILS H.
Published: August 2010

By electro‐immunoprecipitation methods it was shown that antigen Tp—4 of Treponema pallidum, antigen TR‐c of the Reiter treponeme and ‘Common Antigen’ of Pseudomonas aeruginosa are immunologically cross‐reactive. This finding establishes a taxonomic relationship between T. pallidum and a wide range of bacteria. The cross‐reactivity explains some false positive reactions in serodiagnostic treponemal tests for syphilis. The cross‐reactivity may also play a role in a possible ‘normal’ immunity against infection with T. pallidum induced by antigens by the normal human bacterial flora.
DETERMINATION AND RE‐EXAMINATION OF GENOME SIZES AND BASE RATIOS ON DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID FROM MYCOBACTERIA
Authors: BAESS INGA
Published: August 2010

Genome sizes of 22 species of mycobacteria have been calculated. Thirteen of these genome sizes are based on results from re‐examinations. Base ratios of some of the strains have been determined.
INTERACTION OF THERMALLY AGGREGATED HUMAN IgG WITH BACTERIA
Authors: MYHRE ERLING B. , KRONVALL GöRAN
Published: August 2010

Ninety‐three bacterial strains, representing 16 Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative species, were tested for quantitative binding of 125I‐labelled monomeric and thermally aggregated human IgG. Aggregated IgG bound to all bacerial species studied, in contrast to monomeric IgG, which interacted only with S. aureus, group A, C and G streptococci, viz. bacteria possessing previously described IgG‐Fc receptors. A positive correlation was observed between binding of monomeric IgG and the uptake of thermally aggregated IgG (r = 0.92). Monomeric IgG inhibited effectively the binding of monomeric IgG but only partially the uptake of aggregates. Absorption with bacteria revealed that only a fraction of aggregated IgG could interact with bacteria lacking specific IgG‐Fc receptors. A human group G streptococcus strain (G‐148), tested with increasing amounts of immunoglobulin, was capable of binding at least ten times as much aggregates as monomeric IgG, implying binding to separate binding sites. These data indicate that polymeric IgG produced by thermal aggregation of human polyclonal IgG can interact with bacterial surface components found in most pathogenic microorganisms. This interaction seems to be less specific than the binding to previously described IgG‐Fc receptors.
THE BACTERIOLOGY OF ENDOCARDITIS IN SLAUGHTER PIGS
Authors: Pedersen Knud Børge , Henrichsen Jørgen , Perch Beate
Published: August 2010

Streptococcus suis was isolated from 11 (10 per cent) out of 107 cases of endocarditis in slaughter pigs from which bacteria of any kind were isolated. Seven of the isolates belonged to the capsular serotypes 1, 2 and 1/2. Four were non‐typable owing to lack of capsule. The organism isolated most often was Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, which was found in 68 (64 per cent) cases.
EVALUATION OF ROSCO DIAGNOSTIC β‐GLUCURONIDASE TABLETS IN THE IDENTIFICATION OF URINARY ISOLATES OF ESCHERICHIA COLI
Authors: DIBB WILLIAM LAND , BOTTOLFSEN KIRSTEN LILAND
Published: August 2010

Rosco diagnostic β‐glucuronidase tablets have been evaluated as a method for the identification of urinary isolates of Escherichia coli. Results were compared with those from traditional biochemical testing. A total of 539 isolates were employed, representing a variety of Gram‐negative species. Reproducibility testing was also performed. After 4h incubation, 86% of E. coli isolates (both lactose‐positive and lactose‐negative) gave a positive reaction. Some Salmonella, many Shigella and one Citrobacter freundii isolate also gave positive reactions. All other organisms gave negative reactions. Results were highly reproducible and not influenced by choice of primary medium. The tablets are suitable for routine use in the diagnostic laboratory for the identification of lactose‐positive E. coli. A suitable diagnostic table has been suggested.
EFFECT OF HUMAN IgG AND FIBRINOGEN ON STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS INTRAPERITONEAL INFECTION IN MICE
Authors: ESPERSEN F. , CLEMMENSEN I. , FRIMODT‐MØLLER N. , JENSEN K.
Published: August 2010

Human serum and plasma have been demonstrated to enhance mortality in Staphylococcus aureus intraperitoneal infection in mice. Two different mechanisms seem to be involved. The effect of serum could be removed by adsorption to S.aureus protein A coupled to Sepharose 4 B and could be reconstituted by the addition of human IgG to IgG‐depleted serum. Plasma diluted 1/10 in combination with purified fibrinogen also enhanced mouse mortality. Both effects could be demonstrated, when a coagulase‐free variant of S.aureus was used. The results of viable counts of S.aureus in blood and peritoneum of the mice indicate that the enhancing effect of IgG alone and the enhancing effect of fibrinogen in combination with diluted plasma have different mechanisms.
EXAMINATION OF ALEUTIAN DISEASE VIRUS IN CHARGE‐SHIFT CROSSED IMMUNOELECTROPHORESIS
Authors: Alexandersen Søren , Hau Jan , Larsen Steen
Published: August 2010

The surface properties of Aleutian disease virus were studied by charge‐shift crossed immunoelectrophoresis. When different strains of Aleutian disease virus were treated with non‐charged detergent followed by charged detergents, they showed bi‐directional migration velocity shifts in electrophoresis, indicating amphiphilic surface properties of the virus.
The Effect of Ca++ and Mg++ on The Action of Clostridium Perfringens Enterotoxin on Vero Cells
Authors: Granum Per Einar
Published: August 2010

Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin binds to receptors on Vero cells. This process does not depend on the presence of divalent cations (Ca++, Mg++). Binding of enterotoxin causes inhibition of 14C‐leucine incorporation into proteins, probably because of depression of amino acid transport. The presence of Mg++ speeds up this effect of the enterotoxin. The enterotoxin produces membrane leakage only in the presence of Ca++, but additional Mg++ increases the rate of this process. These results indicate that the dissociation constant of the enterotoxin receptor interaction is reduced in the presence of Mg++. A model for the mode of action of the enterotoxin is proposed.
Mouse‐Protective Antibodies Against The Ibc Proteins of Group B Streptococci
Authors: Bevanger Lars , Néss Augusta Irene
Published: August 2010

Antiserum to each of the α and β antigens of the Ibc protein fraction of group B streptococci was raised in rabbits. A possible protective effect of the antisera in mice challenged by group B streptococci was evaluated. Antiserum against each of the antigens significantly increased the survival rates of mice challenged by bacteria which produced the corresponding antigen, but not of those challenged by bacteria which produced only the heterologous antigen. Animals challenged with a strain which produced both of the α and β antigens were protected by antiserum to the β antigen but not by antiserum to the α antigen. In this case the effect of the anti‐α serum was a postponement of death of the animals. The antisera showed no protection of animals challenged by a group B streptococcal strain which did not produce any of the Ibc protein antigens.
Addition of Xylitol to the Growth Medium of Streptococcus Mutans OMZ 176 ‐ Effect on the Synthesis of Extractable Glycerol‐Phosphate Polymers
Authors: Assev S. , Vegarud G. , Rölla G.
Published: August 2010

Addition of 5% xylitol to growing cultures of Streptococcus mutans OMZ 176 reduced the amount of extractable glycerol‐phosphate polymers in these cells compared to S. mutans cultures grown in medium with 5% glucose added. The glycerol‐phosphate polymers were extracted from the cells by hot phenol‐water‐extraction, and separated by column chromatography. Lipoteichoic acid (LTA) was identified by indirect haemagglutination tests and lipid analysis. The amount of LTA extracted from the cells or present in the medium was not significantly different. It is suggested that the accumulation of intracellular xylitol‐phosphate observed in a previous study causes an effect similar to glucose starvation, which is known to affect the composition of the cell wall.
Characterization of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia Coli
Authors: Olsvik øRjan , Solberg Rita , Bergan Tom
Published: August 2010

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli of human and porcine origin were characterized with respect to their O and H antigens, fimbrial antigens, and type of enterotoxin produced. Enterotoxin production was determimed by bioassay (infant mice) and enzyme‐linked immunoassay (ELISA). The presence of genes coding for the enterotoxins was determined by DNA‐DNA hybridization. The number and molecular size of plasmids in the enterotoxigenic strains were determined by gel electrophoresis. Strains with the same serological pattern showed different plasmid profiles and could thereby easily be separated. One strain of porcine origin possessed only one plasmid, but produced both heat‐labile enterotoxin and the F4 antigen (formerly K88), which is an unusual combination.
Hydrophobized Wound Dressing in the Treatment of Experimental Staphylococcus Aureus Infections in the Young Pig
Authors: Wadström Torkel , Björnberg Sten , Hjertén Stellan
Published: August 2010

Standard wounds (2times2 cm) produced with a dermatome, followed by a thermal injury in four‐week‐old piglets were inoculated with Staphylococcus aureus strains. Infection developed in each wound within a few days. Wounds were then dressed separately with cellulose dressing or the same dressing substituted with a hydrophobic ligand (stearylic acid). Other wounds were treated with active charcoal dressing (ActisorbR) or DebrisanR. Signs of healing, including vanishing of inflammation around the wounds, were noticed already on days 3 and 4 in the wounds treated with the hydrophobized dressing, and no infection was noticed in such wounds on days 5 to 6, while all other wounds were still showing signs of infection. It is concluded that active removal of S. aureus cells in the hydrophobized dressing probably decreases the number of multiplying bacteria in wounds, causing a rapid onset of wound healing.
Genetic Relationship Between “Campylobacter Fecalis” and Campylobacter Sputorum Subsp. Bubulus
Authors: Ursing Jan , Firehammer Burton D.
Published: August 2010

Nine strains of “Campylobacter fecalis” were compared with two reference strains of C. sputorum subsp. bubulus considering DNA base composition and DNA‐DNA‐hybridization. The results showed that the two taxa could not be separated by these methods, their mol%(G+C) being 31–32 and DNA relatedness 79% or more. It is suggested that the catalase‐positive “Campylobacter fecalis” should be regarded as a subspecies of the catalase‐negative C. sputorum.
Comparative in Vitro Activity of four Beta‐Lactam Antibiotics in Surgical Wound Fluid Against Staphylococci
Authors: Sørensen Torben Sandberg
Published: August 2010

Minimal inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations (MIC and MBC) of methicillin, dicloxacillin, cephalothin and cefuroxime were determined against 26 strains of staphylococci, using a broth dilution method with surgical wound fluid (WF) and Mueller‐Hinton broth (MH) as test media. The staphylococci were all clinical isolates; 17 strains were coagulase‐positive and 9 were coagulase‐negative. The MIC‐values of dicloxacillin and cephalothin estimated in MH were lower than those estimated in WF. For methicillin and cefuroxime the MIC‐values in the two media were similar. With regard to MIC‐values, the two penicillins were identical in WF, as were the two cephalosporins, but the cephalosporins were found to be more active than the penicillins, with an average of one dilution step. As regards the MBC to MIC ratios, no differences were found neither between the two media nor between the four antibiotics.
Adherence of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa to Tracheal Epithelial Cells of Mink
Authors: Elsheikh E. L. , Abaas S. , Wretlind B.
Published: August 2010

Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains, producing variable elastase activity, were evaluated for adherence ability to mink tracheal epithelial cells. Attachment was studied in relation to surface hydrophobic properties of bacteria. Elastase production and bacterial hydrophobicity were measured during growth up to 48 hr. A high elastasolytic strain B1 adhered well; it exhibited a mean of 39.0 bacteria per epithelial cell. Adherence of the organisms was not correlated with the degree of hydrophobicity, since more hydrophobic strains do not adhere better. Bacterial surface becomes less hydrophobic during exponential growthphase (up to 6 h). Hydrophobicity then slightly increases up to 48 h. No correlation between elastase production and changes in surface hydrophobicity was found, since treatment of washed bacteria from either early exponential or later decline‐growth phases with different concentrations of elastase did not markedly affect bacterial hydrophobicity. The results indicate that strains with high or active elastase production adhered better than low or inactive elastase‐producing strains. Furthermore, bacterial surface hydrophobicity does not seem to play a major role in adherence.
CHARACTERIZATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF BOVINE AND OVINEPASTEURELLACEAEISOLATED FROM THE ORAL CAVITY AND RUMEN OF APPARENTLY NORMAL CATTLE AND SHEEP
Authors: Bisgaard M. , Phillips J. E. , Mannheim W.
Published: August 2010

Reinvestigations of 121 strains previously described asActinobacillus lignieresiishowed that only fifteen strains (12%) had phenotypic characters compatible withA. lignieresii sensu stricto.Four strains were diagnosed asPasteurella multocidaand nine strains asP. haemolyticabiogroup 1. The remaining organisms had phenotypic characters compatible withPasteurellaceae, but could not be classified with accepted species. Fifty‐one of the strains investigated had phenotypic characters allowing classification withP. haemolyticabiogroups 6 through 9. In addition 19 strains made up at least two new biogroups within the bovine and ovineP. haemolyticacomplex. Twenty‐seven unclassified ovine isolates formed a heterogeneous group provisionally designated taxon 18. At least four biovars were demonstrated within taxon 18. The taxonomic significance of characters separating theP. haemolyticacomplex and taxon 18 as well as characters separating biogroups within these groups remains to be investigated genetically. The necessity of extended phenotypic characterization within the familyPasteurellaceaePohl 1981 is underlined by the present findings.
RELATED BINDINGS OF AGGREGATED β2‐MICROGLOBULIN, IgG Fab, KAPPA AND LAMBDA LIGTH CHAINS TO GROUP A STREPTOCOCCI
Authors: Persson MATS HUGO , SchalÉN CLAES , BerggÅRd BARBRO , LØGdberg LENNART , BjÖRck LARS
Published: August 2010

Aggregates of various mammalian β2‐microglobulin (β2m) homologues were tested in binding experiments with group A streptococcal strains of different M types. The binding patterns obtained were similar, suggesting that evolutinarily conserved parts of the β2m molecule are responsible for the interaction with group A streptococci. An N‐terminally abnormal β2m showed binding characteristics similar to those of normal human β2m, indicating that the amino‐terminal does not participate in this interaction. Aggregates of human IgG Fab fragments, kappa chains and lambda chains, were also analyzed. Whereas several of the β2m‐reactive M types did not interact with any of these aggregates, all strains binding aggregated Fab, kappa or lambda, also bound aggregated β2m. Strains of M types 4, 12, 23 and 53 bound all the tested proteins; M type 1 bound all but IgG Fab, whereas M types 46, 49 and 53 showed affinity for β2m and lambda chains only. In inhibition experiments, unlabelled aggregated β2m in excess completely blocked the uptake of radiolabelled aggregated IgG Fab, kappa and lambda chains. Conversely, Fab, kappa and lambda aggregates inhibited the binding of radiolabelled β2m aggregates. Our results indicate that the differences in reactivity recorded between β2m and IgG Fab, kappa and lambda chains, all structurally related, are quantitative rather than qualitative. Thus, a common binding structure for these aggregated proteins on group A streptococci appears probable.
EVALUATION OF RAPID METHODS FOR THE DETECTION OF BACTERIURIA (SCREENING) IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE
Authors: Hallander HANS O. , Kallner ANDERS , Lundin ARNE , ÖSterberg EVA
Published: August 2010

The diagnostic performance of six methods for bacteriuria testing has been studied in 781 urine specimens obtained in primary health care, using conventional culture as reference method. The cut‐off limits for classification of test results into positive and negative have been optimized with respect to diagnostic performance in primary health care. With optimized tests the following diagnostic efficiencies were obtained: 1) Bacterial ATP, 0.94; 2) Bacterial count in sediment, 0.93; 3) Nitrite test, 0,92; 4) Dipslide test, 0,92; 5) White cell count in sediment; 0,87; 6) Granulocyte esterase test; 0.83. The diagnostic performance was also studied for all combinations of two tests. The highest diagnostic efficiency (0.96) was obtained by combining the ATP and dipslide tests. High diagnostic efficiencies can be obtained by a rapid primary test, using other tests for follow‐up testing of specimens with intermediate or uninterpretable primary results. The most promising results were obtained by using ATP as the primary test, with follow‐up testing of specimens with 3–25 nmol/l of ATP (12 per cent of the specimens). Follow‐up testing by conventional culture resulted in overall diagnostic efficiency of 0.98. By performing the nitrite test on specimens with intermediary ATP‐results, 81 per cent of the patients with UTI can be classified without culture. Only patients with intermediary ATP and negative nitrite results (10 per cent of the total number) will have to wait for final diagnosis based on conventional culture. Some alternative strategies to combine available methods are discussed in detail. Major advantages of the ATP test are that the test can be performed while the patients are waiting; it provides a numerical and objective result, and, in contrast to culture, it is not influenced by adhesion of bacteria to somatic cells.
TWO SEPARATE NON‐IMMUNE INTERACTIONS BETWEEN STAPHYLOCOCCAL PROTEIN A AND IMMUNOGLOBULINS ARE MEDIATED BY STRUCTURES ON γ CHAINS
Authors: Erntell MATS , Myhre ERLING B. , Kronvall GÖRAN
Published: August 2010

The present investigation was undertaken to determine whether the light or the heavy immunoglobulin chain is involved in the alternative, non‐immune F(ab')2‐mediated binding to staphylococcal protein A. Purified human polyclonal IgG was mildly reduced with dithiothreitol and alkylated with iodoacetamide. Intact IgG, purified light and heavy chains of polyclonal immunoglobulin G were tested in an inhibition assay for alternative non‐immune F(ab')2‐mediated binding to the protein A‐carrying S. aureus, strain Cowan I. The IgG Fc‐mediated binding to protein A was studied in parallel inhibition experiments. Heavy chains inhibited both the alternative F(ab')2‐ and the classical Fc‐mediated binding to protein A. Isolated light chains were non‐reactive. Intact IgG molecules were more potent inhibitors than isolated heavy chains tested in equimolar concentrations. Our results indicate that the alternative non‐immune interaction between staphylococcal protein A and human immunoglobulins is mediated by structures expressed on the heavy immunoglobulin G chain. Thus, there are two separate protein A binding sites on γ chains.
MORPHOLOGICAL STUDY OF THEIN VITROCYTOTOXIC EFFECT OF α‐HEMOLYTICE. COLIBACTERIA AND CULTURE SUPERNATANTS ON HUMAN BLOOD GRANULOCYTES AND MONOCYTES
Authors: Gadeberg OLE V. , Blom JENS
Published: August 2010

The morphological changes of human blood granulocytes and monocytes causedin vitroby α‐hemolytic strains ofE. coliand bacteria‐free culture supernatants of these bacteria were studied by light‐ and transmission electron microscopy. The following sequence of cellular alterations were observed: Cessation of intracellular cytoplasmic streaming and cellular movements succeeded by extension of cytoplasmic pseudopodia, degranulation and development of cytoplasmic and nuclear edema. Within two hours the leukocytes appeared as empty sacks. Finally, long straight filaments were formed between the cells. The changes induced by α‐hemolytic bacteria and culture supernatants containing free α‐hemolysin appeared to be identical. The cytotoxic effect became more pronounced as the numbers of bacteria, the hemolytic activity of growth supernatants or the period of incubation were increased. A β‐hemolytic and a non‐hemolyticE. colistrain were not cytotoxic.
FURTHER STUDIES ON THE GROWTH INHIBITION OF STREPTOCOCCUS MUTANS OMZ 176 BY XYLITOL
Authors: Assev SYNNÖVE , RÖLla GUNNAR
Published: August 2010

Thin‐layer chromatography (TLC) of extracts of cells which had been exposed to 14C‐xylitol indicated that xylulose‐phosphate is produced by the cells in addition to the previously reported xylitol‐phosphate. Resting cell cultures of Streptococcus mutans OMZ 176 pretreated with xylitol were exposed to 14C‐glucose and glycolytic metabolites identified by TLC of boiling water extracts of the cells. The developed TLC‐sheets showed an accumulation of 14C‐hexose‐6‐phosphates in the xylitol‐treated bacteria. This could indicate that a xylitol metabolite, or metabolites, compete with fructose‐6‐phosphate for the phosphofructokinase, since the glycolysis is inhibited at this step. It was also shown that after accumulation of xylitol‐5‐phosphate, the bacteria were able to expel xylitol, presumably after and intracellular dephosphorylation of xylitol‐5‐phosphate; a “futile cycle” is thus present in these cells. Xylitol is taken up and phosphorylated, and at a later step dephosphorylated and expelled. The most important inhibition mechanism was judged to be the competitive inhibition of the glycolysis at the fructose‐6‐phosphate level.
ANTIGENIC AND BIOCHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF MOBILUNCUS MULIERIS AND MOBILUNCUS CURTISII
Authors: Skarin ANGELIKA
Published: August 2010

Twenty‐four strains of Mobiluncus mulieris and 27 strains of Mobiluncus curtisii were tested with respect to 6 different biochemical characteristics: arginin‐decarboxylase activity, β‐galactosidase activity, synergistic hemolysis with Staphylococcus aureus, hydrolysis of hippurate, migration through soft agar and reduction of nitrate. Antigens of the same strains, prepared by ultrasonication, were subjected to sodium dodecyl sulphate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis followed by immunoblotting using polyclonal rabbit antisera against two of the M. mulieris strains and five of the M. curtisii strains. Two different strongly reacting protein antigens could be detected in the M. mulieris strains. These strains could be separated into three groups based on the possession of either of the two antigens or both. In the M. curtisii strains, 10 strongly reacting protein antigens could be detected. Four strains possessed only one of these antigens, one did not possess any, while the remaining strains possessed different sets of 9 of them. Within each species common protein antigens were detected. No antigens were found which were shared by both species. The biochemical charcteristics studied could not differentiate between the antigenic groups in any of the species. None of the antigenic subgroups of M. curtisii found in the present study was identical with any of the two subspecies (curtisii and holmesii) which have been proposed.
AN INVESTIGATION OF A COLLECTION OF YELLOW‐PIGMENTED PSEUDOMONAS
Authors: SØGaard PER , Hansen BENTE GAHRN , Frederiksen WILHELM
Published: August 2010

Thirty‐six strains of yellow‐pigmented Pseudomonas from clinical as well as non‐clinical material and 11 reference strains of Pseudomonas were investigated by means of conventional bacteriological methods (a total of 53 different tests). Eighteen of the 36 yellow‐pigmented strains could be classified as P. paucimobilis. Apart from the presence of lipid inclusions on β‐hydroxybutyrate, hydrolysis of DNA, and Tween 80 our results showed a high degree of accordance with other investigations. Eight strains showed characteristics compatible with inclusion in the CDC VE group; one orange‐yellow strain showed the characteristics of P. vesicularis, and one was a pyoverdin negative, yellow P. putida. Eight strains remained unidentified. Strains of P. paucimobilis were most often resistant to antibiotics used for P. aeruginosa infections (viz. piperacillin, cefsulodin, ceftazidime) while the strains of the CDC VE group were often susceptible. Most strains were susceptible to the aminoglycosides. The difficulties in distinguishing yellow‐pigmented strains of Pseudomonas from Flavobacterium spp. or Xanthomonas spp. are discussed.