bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
INFLUENCE OF BLOOD CELLS ON THE EXPRESSION OF BACTERIOCIN‐LIKE ACTIVITY IN NEISSERIA MENINGITIDIS
Authors: JYSSUM K. , ALLUNANS J.
Published: August 2010

The inhibitors responsible for the bactericidal activity found in four strains of Neisseria meningitidis were strongly bound to or inactivated by blood cells. The bactericidal effects were specifically influenced by human cells of types O, A, B and AB. Cells from horse, sheep and rabbit had no significant effect. The bacteriostatic effect observed in one strain of N. meningitidis was more moderately reduced in the presence of animal cells as well as human cells. The effects of the blood cells were connected with pellets from lysates of the blood cells. The bacteriostatic effect was also moderately reduced in the presence of plasma, hemoglobin and methemoglobin regardless of origin, and to some extent of cytochrome C. CaCl2 slightly enhanced the bacteriostatic effect.
PYRIMIDINE BIOSYNTHESIS IN NEISSERIA MENINGITIDIS
Authors: JYSSUM SIDSEL
Published: August 2010

In Neisseria meningitidis aspartate carbamoyltransferase (ACTase), ornithine carbamoyltransferase (OCTase), and carbamoylphosphate synthetase (CPSase) showed incomplete repression by uracil and arginine. De‐repression studies with pyrimidine and arginine mutants showed no de‐repressed levels of these enzymes.
FURTHER STUDIES ON THE GROWTH INHIBITION OF SOME ORAL BACTERIA BY XYLITOL
Authors: ASSEV S. , WÅLER S. M. , RÖLLA G.
Published: August 2010

The growth in Brain Heart Infusion medium containing glucose or sucrose of Streptococcus mutans strain OMZ 176, two strains of Strep, sanguis (ATCC 10556 and No. 39) and Actinomyces viscosus type ATCC 27044 was inhibited by xylitol but not by D‐arabitol or ribitol. When fructose was substituted for glucose, xylitol had no growth‐inhibiting effect. It was also shown that the bacteria produced less acid in the presence of xylitol, as measured by the pH of the cultures or by neutralization with alkali.
INVESTIGATION OF MICROCOCCACEAE IN A DEPARTMENT OF CARDIAC SURGERY
Authors: HANSEN BENTE GAHRN
Published: August 2010

A total of 965 strains of Micrococcaceae isolated from 200 patients, personnel, and air in a department of cardiac surgery were classified by means of Baird‐Parker's scheme. The majority of strains were identified as Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) biotype 1, but S. epidermidis biotype 4 accounted for c. 25% of isolates from patients post‐operatively. Pre‐operative isolates were generally sensitive to most antibiotics tested while post‐operative strains of coagulase‐negative Micrococcaceae from patients and isolates from personnel and air were frequently multiply‐resistant. Strains of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) were sensitive or resistant only to penicillin. More patients were colonized with coagulase‐negative Micrococcaceae after operation than at admission to the hospital (p <0.001), while the frequency of S. aureus carriers was the same before and after operation and equal to the frequency found earlier. The frequency of S. aureus carriers among the personnel, however, was lower than reported earlier (10%). Multiply‐resistant strains of S. epidermidis seem to have replaced resistant strains of S. aureus as the predominant hospital saprophyte among Micrococcaceae.
NOTE THE RISK FOR COPPER POISONING IN SHEEP
Authors: Naculér Anders , Nyberg Jan‐A.
Published: August 2010

In institutes where sheep are used for laboratory purposes, the common use of commercial pellet food increases the risk of copper intoxication, as the mineral supplement in sheep pellets is equal to that used for cattle, and consequently too high. Therefore we strongly urge that this kind of food should be given in very restricted quantities to sheep, particularly those kept for laboratory purposes. It is also our opinion that sheep pellets with a much lower copper concentration should be commercially available.
GONOCOCCAL W SEROGROUPS IN SCANDINAVIA
Authors: BYGDEMAN S. , DANIELSSON D. , SANDSTRÖM E. , Reimann K. , Siitonen A. , Renkonen O.‐V. , Ödegaard K. , Ulstrup J. , Maeland J. A.
Published: August 2010

A total of 849 gonococcal strains from 659 patients in Copenhagen (Denmark), Helsinki (Finland), Oslo and Trondheim (Norway) and Stockholm (Sweden) were included in the study. Using co‐agglutination reagents with polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies the strains were serogrouped into the previously described gonococcal serogroups W I, W II and W III. W II strains were dominating in all five towns (60.0%‐70.9% of the strains), but W III strains were rarely isolated. W I strains were more frequent among women than among men. With the monoclonal reagents, W I, W II and W III strains could be further subdivided into 12, 29 and two different serovariants (serovars), respectively. One of the W I serovars was dominating (76%‐94% of W I strains) in all five towns, and apart from this serovar, only three to five other W I serovars were seen in each town. Of W II strains, on the other hand, a greater variety of serovars were seen: between six in Trondheim and 17 in Oslo, and no one was dominating as among W I strains. Different W II serovar patterns were found in the different towns. Even between the two participating laboratories in each of the towns, Oslo and Helsinki, differences were noted. The epidemiological value of this is discussed. Ten of the 11 β‐lactamase‐producing gonococcal strains isolated belonged to unusual serovars. None of the monoclonal co‐agglutination patterns corresponded to a single polyclonal pattern. There were, however, some relations between the two systems. In earlier studies it was shown that in smaller Swedish towns W I strains dominated. A hyphothesis about protective anti‐Protein I antibodies is discussed to explain the differences in distribution of W I and W II strains between smaller and larger towns and between women and men.
MENINGITIS AND BACTEREMIA CAUSED BY PASTEURELLA MULTOCIDA
Authors: BRUUN B. , FRIIS‐MØLLER A.
Published: August 2010

A case of Pasteurella multocida meningitis in a 75‐year old woman with chronic otitis media is reported. There were no unusual clinical features of meningitis in this case which distinguished it from meningitis due to other pyogenic bacteria. P. multocida is characterized by a distinctive biochemical pattern, and correct identification should not be difficult provided that the possibility of its occurrence in meningitis is kept in mind.
DEMONSTRATION OF THE IN VITRO PHAGOCYTOSIS OF TREPONEMA DENTICOLA BY HUMAN POLYMORPHONUCLEAR NEUTROPHILS
Authors: LINGAAS EGIL , OLSEN INGAR , MIDTVEDT TORE , HURLEN BJØRN
Published: August 2010

A method has been developed for the study of phagocytosis of the oral treponeme T. denticola by human polymorphonuclear neutrophils. T. denticola was labelled with 32P‐orthophosphate, and phagocytosis, expressed as counts per mg cell protein, was measured after 15, 60 and 120 min of interaction between neutrophils and treponemes. Four different cell cultures were used as controls, and phagocytosis of E. coli was used as reference. The uptake of radiolabelled T. denticola was significantly larger with the PMNs than with any of the control cells. An increase of uptake was observed from 15 to 120 min. The addition of autologous human serum or rabbit T. denticola antiserum enhanced the phagocytosis 2–3 fold, and phagocytosis was decreased under an anaerobic atmosphere. Scanning electron microscopic studies also indicated that phagocytosis had taken place.
ANTIBODIES TO HERPES SIMPLEX AND EPSTEIN‐BARR VIRUSES IN FAROESE CHILDREN: ASSOCIATION WITH SIBSHIP SIZE, HEIGHT AND AGE
Authors: ISAGER H. , COHN J. , HESSE J. , VESTERGAARD B. FABER
Published: August 2010

Antibody to herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 and Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) capsid antibody were determined in 333 children from the Faroe Islands, aged 4, 8 and 13 years. An analysis of multi‐way frequency tables was performed, testing seropositivity for each virus against combinations of the following variables: sibship size, birth order, mother's age at birth, birth weight, actual height and weight, age and sex. HSV‐seropositivity was associated to sibship size, height and age, while EBV‐seropositivity was related only to age. – It is discussed how the findings fit into epidemiological patterns described for Hodgkin's disease and multiple sclerosis, which are both supposed to be of viral origin. Our results suggest that HSV, but not EBV, may be among the candidates to be considered.
LIFESTYLE AND ANTIVIRAL ANTIBODY STUDIES AMONG HOMOSEXUAL MEN IN DENMARK
Authors: MELBYE MADS , BIGGAR ROBERT J. , EBBESEN PETER , ANDERSEN HANS K. , VESTERGAARD BENT F.
Published: August 2010

Twohundred and fiftynine male homosexuals (HS) of a large and a small Danish town were studied for antibodies to various virus and their statistical relationship to sex habits, drug use and other lifestyle factors. Prevalence rates against cytomegalovirus (CMV) were 86.7% of HS men from Copenhagen and 73.3% of HS men from the smaller community of Aarhus, against 30% of a control group. Antibody prevalence in homosexuals was significantly related to number of years of homosexual activity (p <0.0001), number of partners (p <0.01), nitrite inhalant use in the past year (p <0.01), and independently to venereal disease during the past year (p <0.01). Titer levels correlated with number of years of HS activity (p <0.001), number of partners (p <0.01), and independently with nitrite use in the past year (p <0.01). The association between lifestyle and antibodies was not detectable for VCA‐IgG, VCA‐IgA, VCA‐IgM, and EA antibodies to Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) or for antibodies to herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2, parvovirus and rotavirus. In a subset of 78 HS men, T‐helper/T‐suppressor ratio was determined. No correlation was found between level of ratio and either prevalence or titer of antibodies against CMV, EBV‐components or herpes type 1 and 2.
LEUKOCYTE CHEMOTAXIS INDUCED BY STREPTOCOCCUS PNEUMONIAE AND SERUM
Authors: ROSÉN CHRISTER , BRACONIER JEAN HENRIK
Published: August 2010

The effects on normal polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) of chemotactic factors in sera incubated with five types of S. pneumoniae commonly encountered in otitis media and other respiratory infections (types 3, 6A, 14, 19F and 23F) and five types that rarely cause infections (types 31, 35, 36, 42 and 43) were compared by the means of migration under agarose technique. All the types frequent in otitis media and some of the types that are less frequent, viz. 31 and 36, showed a good chemotactic activation in pooled serum. No correlation between tendency to cause otitis media and ability to regenerate chemotactic activity in serum was found. Impaired generation of chemotactic activity was found in C2‐deficient serum, Mg2+ EGTA‐chelated serum and properdin‐deficient serum, indicating the significance of both the classical and the alternative complement pathways for production of chemotactic factors by pneumococcal types.
DEMONSTRATION OF A RECEPTOR FOR MOUSE AND HUMAN SERUM ALBUMIN IN STREPTOCOCCUS PYOGENES
Authors: WIDEBÄCK KRISTINA , HAVLÍČ;EK JIŘÍ , KRONVALL GÖRAN
Published: August 2010

A new type of surface receptor for serum albumin was detected in strains of Streptococcus pyogenes (group A), This receptor, called type e, was different from albumin receptors in other streptococcal species. Only mouse and human serum albumin was bound to the receptor. The albumin‐binding capacity was high: 2 times 108 bacterial organisms bound 11 μg of mouse albumin. The receptor was stable even when treated at 100 °C for 5 min. Binding of albumin was not mediated by lipoteichoic acid (LTA) because of lack of correlation to surface LTA, restricted albumin reactivity, and positive binding in presence of 2% Tween 20. Presence of albumin receptor type e correlated to presence of M‐protein as measured by growth in the bactericidal test. All 51 M‐protein positive group A streptococcal strains tested could bind mouse albumin whereas only 3 out of 8 M‐protein negative strains showed positive binding (P<0.001). The sensitivity to trypsin digestion suggests that the albumin receptor is of protein nature or mediated by a protein.
SOLID‐PHASE RADIOIMMUNOASSAY OF IMMUNOGLOBULIN G ANTIBODIES TO STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS PEPTIDOGLYCAN IN PATIENTS WITH STAPHYLOCOCCAL INFECTIONS
Authors: CHRISTENSSON BERTIL , ESPERSEN FRANK , HEDSTRÖM SVEN ÅKE , KRONVALL GÖRAN
Published: August 2010

A solid‐phase radioimmunoassay (SPRIA) for determination of antibodies against S. aureus peptidoglycan was used for serological diagnosis of staphylococcal infections. Elevated IgG antibody levels were found in 21/21 patients with S. aureus endocarditis and in 10/24 patients with S. aureus septicemia. Two patients with streptococcal and one patient with pneumococcal septicemia showed elevated antibody levels as well, probably due to cross reactions between peptidoglycans of different bacterial species. In cases of chronic osteomyelitis caused by S. aureus, 12/33 patients showed elevated antibody levels while all patients with recurrent furunculosis had normal antibody levels. Anti‐peptidoglycan antibodies were also found in all healthy controls (n = 160) but at lower levels. This might explain the rapid booster response of IgG antibodies found in 73 per cent of patients with S. aureus endocarditis already within 10 days after the first symptoms. The best clinical value of the assay seems to be in separating S. aureus endocarditis from uncomplicated septicemia.
ISOLATION OF VIRUS‐LIKE PARTICLES IN URINE FROM A PSORIATIC PATIENT
Authors: IVERSEN OLE‐JAN
Published: August 2010

Virus‐like particles have been isolated from urine of a psoriatic patient. A 70,000‐dalton glycoprotein, gp70, located on the surface of the particles was purified by concanavalin A fractionation and immunosorbent chromatography with antibodies against virus‐like particles produced by a cell culture established from a psoriatic lesion. Rabbit antiserum against purified gp70 seemed to be highly specific when anti‐gp70 immunobeads reacted with detergent‐disrupted urine pellet. When the immunobeads were added to urine in the absence of detergent, the proteins p27, p15, and p12 were extracted in addition to gp70. The three former proteins were radioactive labelled only after detergent‐disruption of the adsorbed material in contrast to gp70. The results demonstrate that p27, p15, and p12 are located within the same particle which contains gp70 on the surface. An approximate quantitation of isolated core particles suggested that about 20 μg virus‐like particles can be extracted from one litre urine by anti‐gp70 immunobeads.
CHARACTERIZATION OF VIRUS‐LIKE PARTICLES FROM A PSORIATIC PATIENT WITH RESPECT TO THE POSSIBLE PRESENCE OF PARTICLE‐ASSOCIATED RNA AND RNA‐DIRECTED DNA POLYMERASE
Authors: IVERSEN O.J. , NISSEN‐MEYER J. , DALEN A. B.
Published: August 2010

Subcellular particles resembling retroviruses with respect to their morphology, density, and protein composition, and which are present in the urine of a psoriatic patient have been analysed for the presence of high‐molecular‐weight polyadenylated RNA and RNA‐directed DNA polymerase activity. Neither RNA‐directed DNA polymerase activity nor high‐molecular‐weight polyadenylated RNA was detected in preparations containing the purified virus‐like particles. This was the case even when the amount of particles analysed exceeded by a factor of 50 or more the amount of avian myeloblastosis virus in which both polymerase activity and RNA were detected.
POPULATION ANALYSIS IN STRAINS OF STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS AND STAPHYLOCOCCUS EPIDERMIDIS
Authors: HANSEN BENTE GAHRN
Published: August 2010

Population analyses of susceptibility to cefuroxime and cefotaxime in penicillin‐susceptible, penicillin‐resistant, and methicillin‐resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) were carried out. All strains were clinical isolates. Both antibiotics were shown to be more penicillinase‐stable than cephalothin in studies of the penicillin‐resistant strains of S. aureus, but less stable than methicillin. The studies of penicillin‐resistant strains of S. epidermidis showed no differences in penicillinase‐stability between cephalothin and the new cephalosporins. From the methicillin‐resistant strains of S. aureus and S. epidermidis it was possible to select highly‐resistant mutants against both antibiotics with a frequency of c. 10‐5 although MIC determinations had shown the strains to be susceptible.
NORMAL BACTERIAL CAPACITY AGAINST NEISSERIA MENINGITIDIS IN SERUM FROM A PATIENT WITH A HEMOLYTICALLY INACTIVE COMPLEMENT FACTOR 8 (C8)
Authors: STRATE M. , OLSEN H: , TEISNER B. , BRANDSLUND I.
Published: August 2010

The bactericidal capacity of serum against Neisseria meningitidis from a 27‐year‐old male with two episodes of meningococcal meningitis and C8 deficiency was compared to that of normal human serum (NHS) without demonstrable antibodies against Neisseria. The in vitro bactericidal capacity of the patient serum was found to be equal to that of NHS. Incubation of both sera at 56 °C for 30 minutes abolished the bactericidal effect. Rocket‐immunoelectrophoresis analysis of molecules immunochemically identifiable as C8 revealed no consumption of these molecules in any of the sera in the bactericidal assay. No hemolytic complement activity was found in the patient serum, whereas the donor serum had normal total hemolytic complement activity with significant consumption of C8.
COMPARATIVE THERMORESISTANCE OF TWO BIOLOGICAL INDICATORS FOR MONITORING STEAM AUTOCLAVES I. Comparison Performed in a Gravity BIER/Steam Vessel
Authors: SKAUG N. , BERUBE R.
Published: August 2010

The thermoresistance of two biological indicators (BIs) for steam sterilization control (Swedish spore tablets and Attest® No. 1242 BI) was compared at 121 °C and at 134 °C, saturated steam, in a special test autoclave (a gravity BIER/Steam Vessel). In this autoclave, three lots of Attest No. 1242 BI (ABI) demonstrated longer survival exposure times than did the three lots of the Scandinavian BI (SBI) tested while the survival‐kill range was approx, the same. Also, the ABI had higher D121°C‐ and D134°C‐values based on fraction‐negative tests. The D121°C‐value of approx, 1.5 min as suggested by the European Pharmacopoeia, was met by both BIs. The larger spore population and the package configuration of the ABI units contribute to the higher thermoresistance of the ABI in the gravity BIER/Steam Vessel.
STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS PEPTIDOGLYCAN STUDIED BY ELECTRON MICROSCOPY OF IMMUNOPEROXIDASE‐TREATED SECTIONS OF CELL WALLS
Authors: SOLSVIK EIMUND , GROV ARNE , ENDRESEN CURT
Published: August 2010

The immunoperoxidase technique in combination with electron microscopy was used for demonstration of antigenic determinants of Staphylococcus aureus peptidoglycan. Isolated antibodies against four synthetic peptides with amino‐acid sequences similar to those found in native staphylococcal peptidoglycans were used. A homogeneous staining of the cell wall from the outer surface to the cell membrane was demonstrated.
SURFACE CHARACTERISTICS OF GROUP A STREPTOCOCCI WITH AND WITHOUT M‐PROTEIN
Authors: MIöRNER H. , HAVLÍČEK J. , KRONVALL G.
Published: August 2010

Twenty M protein‐positive and eight M protein‐negative strains of group A streptococci were investigated with respect to surface hydrophobicity and amount of lipoteichoic acid (LTA). Surface hydrophobicity as determined in polymer two‐phase systems varied substantially between individual strains and there was no correlation to the presence of antiphagocytic M protein. The amount of LTA on the surface of the bacteria varied with hydrophobic affinity of the cells. Strains with a high content of surface LTA were found among both M‐positive and M‐negative streptococci. Cellular and extracellular LTA was estimated on six strains by the ability of hot phenol extracts and culture fluids to sensitize erythrocytes and by rocket immunoelectrophoretic quantitation. Differences in content of surface LTA did not correlate to differences in the total amount of cellular LTA. Pepsin digestion of M‐positive group A streptococci at suboptimal pH resulted in a loss of M antigen whereas surface LTA and the hydrophobic interaction liability was retained. The results indicate that the degree of surface hydrophobicity as measured by two‐phase partitioning is not correlated to either the type‐specific or the antiphagocytic moiety of M protein. The results support the correlation between surface LTA and surface hydrophobicity of group A streptococci.
INTESTINAL ADAPTATION TO CYCLIC AMP‐MEDIATED HYPERSECRETION INDUCED BY THE HEAT‐LABILE ENTEROTOXIN OF VIBRIO CHOLERAE AND ESCHERICHIA COLI
Authors: LöNNROTH IVAR , HANSSON HANS‐ARNE , LANGE STEFAN
Published: August 2010

Adaptation to cholera toxin (CT) and the heat‐labile enterotoxin (LT) from E. coli is studied in vivo in the rat small intestine. Repeated peroral pretreatment with CT or LT induces protracted inhibition of the intestinal fluid response to these toxins. The CT‐induced mucus release from intestinal goblet cells is not influenced by CT pretreatment and the binding of CT to the epithelium remains intact. However, the adenylate cyclase activity, which mediates CT and LT action, is repressed – as judged from the response of this enzyme to both CT, LT and prostaglandin E1. The results suggests that protection against CT and LT acquired in the gut is achieved by desensitization of the adenylate cyclase system.
RESISTANCE TYPES IN CITROBACTER FREUNDII Occurrence and Resistance to Ampicillin, Carbenicillin, Cephalothin and Mecillinam. Transfer of Ampicillin Resistance
Authors: SØGAARD P.
Published: August 2010

The resistance types of Citrobacter freundii were investigated. The strains were divided into three groups according to susceptibility to penicillin derivatives. Group 1, comprising the ampicillin‐carbenicillin sensitive strains (A‐s/Ca‐s), constituted 22%. Group 2 (ampicillin‐resistant (A‐r)/Ca‐s) constituted 45% and group 3 (A‐r/Ca‐r) 32%. Two strains (1%) were recorded as A‐s/Ca‐r. Group 3 contained a higher proportion of multi‐resistant strains than groups 1 and 2. The log2IC50 with ampicillin, carbenicillin, cephalothin and mecillinam in the tube‐dilution method were determined for 32 strains. Groups 1 and 2 differed only as regards cephalothin resistance. The strains of group 3 were more A‐r than the group 2 ones. The mecillinam susceptibility did not differ between the three groups. No strains in group 2 could transfer A‐resistance. In group 3 ten out of 16 strains were able to transfer A‐resistance. Resistance to sulphonamide, tetracycline, and streptomycin was also transferred, but with low frequency. The A‐r/Ca‐r strains could be divided into two subgroups, probably reflecting different modes of developing β‐lactam resistance. One group was very A‐ and Ca‐r, less cephalothin‐r, more mecillinam‐r and could transfer A‐resistance. The other group had very high cephalothin‐resistance and could not transfer A‐resistance. Citrobacter freundii and Enterobacter cloacae are very similar as regards resistance conditions.
EVIDENCE FOR PRESENCE OF A XYLITOL PHOSPHOTRANSFERASE SYSTEM IN STREPTOCOCCUS MUTANS OMZ 176
Authors: ASSEV S. , RöLLA G.
Published: August 2010

A cariogenic bacterial strain, Streptococcus mutans OMZ 176, was found to be able to take up xylitol by a phosphotransferase system (pts) in spite of lack of ability to catabolize this pentitol. A metabolite with an Rf value in TLC similar to xylitol 5‐phosphate was extracted from resting cells which had been exposed to 14C xylitol. Phosphatase treatment of this metabolite yielded xylitol. It is suggested that the inhibition of growth of Strep. mutans observed in several laboratories can be explained in terms of accumulation of xylitol phosphate (presumably xylitol 5‐phosphate) inside the cells. It is furthermore suggested that xylitol is transported and phosphorylated through the fructose pts.
CYTOSKELETAL DISARRANGEMENT IN RAT INTESTINAL EPITHELIUM AFTER IN VIVO EXPOSURE TO SECRETAGOGUES
Authors: HANSSON H.‐A. , LANGE STEFAN , LöNNROTH IVAR , ROZELL BJöRN , TINBERG HAROLD
Published: August 2010

Cholera toxin (CT) and E. coli heat‐labile enterotoxin (LT) induced hypersecretion in the small intestine, as did cytochalasin B and dibutyryl‐cyclic AMP (DB‐cAMP). The cytoskeleton in the apical part of the intestinal epithelial cells was disorganized after challenge with either of the four secretagogues, but not cholera B‐subunit toxoid, as revealed by immunofluorescence microscopy using actin and the intermediate filament keratin as markers. Electron microsocopic analysis confirmed the re‐engagement of the terminal web and the appearance of short microvilli lacking most of their normally observed central core of actin filaments. Pretreatment with chloroquine prevented cytoskeletal disorganization as well as hypersecretion by CT. but not by cytochalasin B. A similar effect was achieved with chloroquine on CT‐induced fluid secretion, while chlorpromazine inhibited the fluid response to cytochalasin B as well as to CT. The observed cytoskeletal re‐engagement might be one of the reactions behind enterotoxic diarrhoea.
RECOGNITION OF COAGULASE‐NEGATIVE STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS STRAINS BY PRIMARY POLYMYXIN SUSCEPTIBILITY TESTING
Authors: HELTBERG O. , BRUUN B.
Published: August 2010

A prospective study evaluating the usefulness of polymyxin susceptibility testing in unveiling coagulase‐negative S. aureus strains was undertaken. During a six months study period, 14 staphylococcal isolates from four patients were initially found to lack coagulase activity and to be polymyxin resistant; in comparison, approximately 1500 ordinary, coagulase‐positive, polymyxin resistant S. aureus isolates were found during the same period. One isolate from each of the four patients together with a previously isolated coagulase‐negative S. aureus strain from our own collection were further characterized. Two of the strains turned out to show delayed coagulase activity on retesting, while the other three strains failed to produce clotting in any coagulase assay. Judged by thermostable nuclease activity, phage typing and biochemical profiles these three coagulase‐negative strains are bona fide S. aureus strains. The polymyxin test thus appears to be useful in disclosing S. aureus variants not identified as S. aureus by routinely performed coagulase assays.
HYDROPHOBICITY OF CULTURED MAMMALIAN CELLS AND SOME EFFECTS OF BACTERIAL PHOSPHOLIPASES C
Authors: MALMQVIST TORSTEN , THELESTAM MONICA , MöLLBY ROLAND
Published: August 2010

Eucaryotic cell surface hydrophobicity was measured as a partition of palmitic acid between the cell surface and the surrounding buffer. The method was found to be independent of cell mass or amount of palmitic acid within a large interval. An estimation of cell stability could also be obtained. The effects of Ca and Mg ions on cell hydrophobicity and stability of mouse myeloma (SP2/O) cells and of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells were determined. This system permits measurement of changes in cell hydrophobicity caused by various additives, e.g. ions, purified bacterial products, antibiotics or cytostatics. Studies were made on these eucaryotic cells treated with purified bacterial phospholipases C from S. aureus and C. perfringens. These enzymes were found to increase the eucaryotic cell membrane hydrophobicity. This finding might indicate that bacterial phospholipases C facilitate bacterial colonization at the start of an infection.
BACTEREMIA CAUSED BY A BETA‐LACTAMASE PRODUCING HAEMOPHILUS PARAINFLUENZAE STRAIN OF A NEW BIOTYPE
Authors: BRUUN B. , CHRISTENSEN J. J. , KILIAN M.
Published: August 2010

A case of Haemophilus parainfluenzae bacteremia without known infectious focus is reported. Phenotypically, the isolated strain is a typical H. parainfluenzae except for its ability to produce indole and beta‐lactamase. Beta‐lactamase producing H. parainfluenzae organisms are encountered occasionally, but to the best of our knowledge this is the first reported blood culture isolate with this ability. We propose a new biotype (IV) of H. parainfluenzae to accomodate strains that are indole, urease and ornithine decarboxylase positive.
EFFECT OF CYTOCHALASIN B AND DI‐HYDROCYTOCHALASIN B ON INVASIVENESS OF ENTERO‐INVASIVE BACTERIA IN HEp‐2 CELL CULTURES
Authors: BUKHOLM GEIR
Published: August 2010

The effect of cytochalasin B (CB) and di‐hydrocytochalasin B (H2CB) on the invasiveness of Salmonella typhimurium, Shigella flexneri and Yersinia enterocolotica serotype 0:3 in HEp‐2 cell cultures was examined. The intra‐cellular and extra‐cellular bacteria were identified by a combination of Nomarski interference contrast microscopy and UV incident light microscopy applied on the same light microscope. Pre‐treatment of cells with CB and H2CB inhibited the uptake of S. typhimurium and S. flexneri in the HEp‐2 cell cultures. The effect was time and dose dependent. On the other hand, the drugs did not influence the invasiveness of Y. enterocolitica. The results indicate that activity of cellular actin micro‐filaments is essential for invasiveness of S. typhimurium and S. flexneri.
DURATION OF INCUBATION OF AEROBIC BLOOD CULTURES ‐ A COMPARISON OF RECOVERY RATES FOLLOWING BLIND SUBCULTURES AFTER 0–2, 4 AND 9 DAYS
Authors: ENG JAN , NORDBØ SVEIN ARNE
Published: August 2010

5,465 aerobic blood culture bottles were examined with 3 blind subcultures: 1. at the arrival of the cultures in the laboratory (0–2 days after their collection), 2. after 4 days' incubation, and 3. after 9 days' incubation. Growth was detected at subculture 1 in 77.0%, at subculture 2 in 20.6% and at subculture 3 in 2.4% of the positive cultures. Only 2 isolates (Staphylococcus aureus 1 bottle, Klebsiella species 1 bottle, 0.48% of total positives) were recovered in the final subculture only.
INHIBITORY SPECTRUM OF BACTERIOCIN‐LIKE AGENTS FROM NEISSERIA MENINGITIDIS
Authors: JYSSUM K. , ALLUNANS J.
Published: August 2010

Bacteriocin‐like agents from five strains of Neisseria meningitidis were active against other meningococci and some other Neisseria species. Meningococci belonging to the same serogroup or serotype could be subdivided into distinct bacteriocin types. Insensitivity to the inhibitory agents was observed more frequently among serologically groupable strains than among non‐groupable. Strains belonging to serogroup B were more often insensitive to the inhibitors released by four of the donor strains (P201, P213, P241, 99/79) than other groupable strains. Insensitivity to the bacteriocin‐like activity of the fifth donor strain (77/79A) seemed to be evenly distributed among strains of different groups. Strains of serotype 15 were more often insensitive to the five inhibitors than strains belonging to other types. Group B and type 15 are most frequently observed among strains isolated from clinical cases in Norway.
ACTIVITY OF BACTERIOCIN‐LIKE AGENTS FROM NEISSERIA MENINGITIDIS ON STRAINS ISOLATED FROM PATIENTS AND CARRIERS
Authors: JYSSUM K. , ALLUNANS J.
Published: August 2010

Strains of Neisseria meningitidis isolated from patients were more often completely insensitive to five bacteriocin‐like agents than carrier strains, but no particular bacteriocin type could be associated with patient strains. Two genetically distinct types of insensitivity could be separated by transformation. Insensitivity to four bactericidal agents (from the strains P201, P213, P241 and 99/79) was caused by one common genetic marker whereas insensitivity to a bacteriostatic agent (from the strain 77/79) was caused by another. Insensitivity to the bactericidal agents was more often found among strains belonging to serogroup B than among strains belonging to other groups. But group B strains from patients were more often insensitive than similar strains from carriers. Insensitivity to the bacteriostatic agent seemed evenly distributed among strains of various serogroups. All insensitive patient strains tested showed reduced binding/destruction of inhibitor, indicating that resistance and not tolerance is associated with patient strains.
TRANSMISSION OF TOXOPLASMOSIS VIA MILK FROM LACTATING MICE
Authors: Pettersen Eiliv K.
Published: August 2010

Lactating mother mice were infected with an avirulent strain of Toxoplasma gondii. When the milk from these mice was exposed to HCl, it was found that some of the parasites present were ‘acid‐resistant” cystozoites. Hence there is an obvious risk of acquiring toxoplasmosis by consuming milk from infected donors.
SEPTICAEMIA IN GRANULOCYTOPENIC PATIENTS CAUSED BY MULTIRESISTANT DIPHTHEROID RODS
Authors: Dibb William L. , von der Lippe Elisabeth
Published: August 2010

Two cases of septicaemia in granulocytopenic patients are reported. Both were caused by multiresistant aerobic (JK‐group) diphtheroid rods. The bacterial isolates were resistant to all commonly used antibacterial agents but showed good sensitivity to vancomycin and rifampicin. These agents should be included in the routine sensitivity testing of such isolates and diphtheroids should always be reported by the routine laboratory for granulocytopenic patients.
SIX NEW E. COLI O GROUPS: O165, O166, o167, o168, o169 and O170
Authors: ØRSKOV I. , ØRSKOV F. , ROWE B.
Published: August 2010

Six Escherichia coli strains are established as antigenic test strains for six new O groups, O165, O166, O167, O168, O169 and O170. They are isolates from diarrhoea but only O167 and O168 are enterotoxigenic (ETEC). The O170, O169 and O166 strains are the earlier provisional O group strains OX1, OX2 and OX8, respectively.
COMPARISON OF A MICRO—AGGLUTINATION TEST AND THE INDIRECT IMMUNOFLUORESCENCE TEST FOR LEGIONELLA ANTIBODIES IN PATIENTS
Authors: LIND K. , COLLINS M. T. , AALUND O.
Published: August 2010

A micro‐agglutination (MA) test for antibodies to 10 different Legionella antigens was compared with the indirect immunofluorescence (IF) test. The antigens used were prepared from Legionella(L.) pneumophila serogroups (SG) 1–6, L. micdadei, L.bozemanii, L.dumoffii, and L.gormanii. Sera from 728 patients suspected of suffering from Legionella pneumonia were investigated by both tests. Thirty‐five patients showed a significant rise in IF titre to ≥ 128, and 43 had single or static titres of ≥ 256 while the remaining 150 had negative IF titres. The results of the comparison indicate that the MA test offers at least the same sensitivity as the IF test in demonstrating diagnostic titre rises. It may be used as a screening test for selection of sera for further analysis by the IF test. In contrast to the IF test, MA is simple and inexpensive.
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY OF LIPOPOLYSACCHARIDES PREPARED FROM TYPE STRAINS OF CAMPYLOBACTER JEJUNI AND CAMPOLYBACTER COLI
Authors: NÆSS V. , HOFSTAD T.
Published: August 2010

Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) were extraced from seven type strains of Campylobacter jejuni and one type strain of Campylobacter coli with 45 per cent aqueous phenol. The sugar components present in all LPS were glucose, galactose, L–glycero–D–manno–heptose, 2–keto–3–deoxy—octulosonic acid and glucosamine. All but one LPS contained galactosamine, and two strains contained in addition mannose. The fatty acids present were 3–hydroxy—tetradecanoic acid, n‐hexadecanoic acid and trace amounts of n‐tetradecanoic acid. The LPS preparations examined showed anti—complementary effect, and were able to gelatinize Limulus amoebocyte lysate. LPS of the C.jejuni strain tested (NCTC 11168) was found to be lethal for mice and to produce the local Shwartzman reaction in rabbits.
REPEATED PASSAGE OF FRESHLY ISOLATED GROUP A STREPTOCOCCI ON BLOOD AGAR I. Effect on M Protein, Opacity Factor and IgG Fc‐Receptor Activity
Authors: STJERNQUIST‐DESATNIK ANNA , KURL DAYA N. , CHRISTENSEN POUL
Published: August 2010

Seventy‐six strains, 20 T‐type 1, 20 T‐type 2, 18 T‐type 4 and 18 T‐type 12 group A streptococci were isolated from throat cultures and subjected to 25 serial passages on blood agar. A single “glossy” colony was selected from each passage in order to diminish the M protein content of the strains. In accordance with previous results, the M protein synthesis, as estimated by an electro‐immuno assay diminished in the T1 strains, in mean from 23.8 to 15.5% of a reference M protein preparation (p <0.01). Opacity factor (OF)‐production was used as a measure for M protein in the T‐type 2, the T‐type 4 and the OF‐positive T‐type 12 strains. OF‐excretion decreased significantly in the T‐types 2 and decreased, though not significantly in the T‐type 12 strains but increased (unexpectedly) in the T‐type 4 isolates during subculture. However, irrespective of the changes in M protein/OF production these types all increased significantly in capacity to bind radiolabelled IgG via the Fc‐fragment. It is known that streptococci isolated during convalescence resemble subcultured strains; it is suggested that IgG Fc‐receptors are important for protection of the streptococci against phagocytosis in the asymptomatic carrier state.
ANTIBODIES TO STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS PEPTIDOGLYCAN AND LIPOTEICHOIC ACID IN SERA FROM BLOOD DONORS AND PATIENTS WITH STAPHYLOCOCCAL INFECTIONS
Authors: WERGELAND HEIDRUN , ENDRESEN C. , NATÅS O. B. , AASJORD P. , OEDING P.
Published: August 2010

An enzyme‐linked immunoassay (ELISA) was used to detect antibodies in human sera to Staphylococcus aureus peptidoglycan (PG) and lipoteichoic acid (LTA). All the sera from the blood donors contained IgG antibodies to both substances. Among the sera from 34 patients with bacteriologically verified, serious S. aureus infections, 71 per cent contained significantly elevated levels of anti‐PG antibodies and 76 per cent of anti‐LTA antibodies. Among the sera from 38 patients with suspected but not bacteriologically verified staphylococcal infections, 58 per cent contained significantly elevated levels of anti‐PG antibodies and 74 per cent of anti‐LTA antibodies. The levels of antibodies to PG correlated well with the levels of antibodies to LTA, but the latter occurred over a broader range in the patient sera. Elevated antibody values were, however, also found in some patients with serious, non‐staphylococcal infections. The diagnostic value of PG and LTA antibodies has to be further investigated.
GENETIC TRANSFORMATION IN STREPTOCOCCUS SANGUIS Simultaneous Variation of Surface‐Spreading, Competence, Hemagglutination and Polar Fimbriation in Selected Strains
Authors: GAUSTAD P. , FRØHOLM L. O.
Published: August 2010

Strains of Streptococcus sanguis expressing spreading zones around the colonies and competence in genetic transformation, were subcultivated in the laboratory, and in three strains a variation to non‐spreading colony morphology on human blood agar plates was observed. These variants were isolated and compared with the original strains by genetic transformation, hemagglutination and electron microscopy.

In genetic transformation with streptomycin resistance as genetic marker, the non‐spreading variants showed a decrease to 1/50 or less of the transformation frequencies compared to the wild types. Hemagglutination of guinea‐pig erythrocytes is a common characteristic of S.sanguis strains, but the non‐spreading variants did not hemagglutinate. In electron microscopy studies the wild‐type strains of S.sanguis, but not the non‐spreading variants, presented long, polar fimbriae. One of the non‐spreading variants had short, peritrichous fimbriae. The co‐variation in surface‐spreading, competence in genetic transformation, hemagglutination and polar fimbriation is discussed.
PREVALENCE OF ORGANISMS DESCRIBED AS ACTINOBACILLUS SUIS OR HAEMOLYTIC ACTINOBACILLUS EQUULI IN THE ORAL CAVITY OF HORSES. COMPARATIVE INVESTIGATIONS OF STRAINS OBTAINED AND PORCINE STRAINS OF A. SUIS SENSU STRICTO
Authors: BISGAARD M. , PIECHULLA K. , YING Y.‐T. , FREDERIKSEN W. , MANNHEIM W.
Published: August 2010

Evidence was obtained to indicate that equine strains of organisms previously described as Actinobacillus suis or hemolytic variants of Actinobacillus equuli might constitute a separate group of organisms provisionally designated taxon 11. Four biovars were noticed within taxon 11. Selected DNA:DNA hybridizations support the classification of the mannitol positive biovar 2 of taxon 11 distinct from porcine A. suis. The final taxonomical position of taxon 11, however, has to await more detailed genetic studies including all biovars of taxon 11. A species name has not been suggested for the same reasons. The present observations also indicate that strains identified as taxon 11 apparently constitute a part of the normal bacterial flora in the oral cavity of horses.
DETECTION OF ANTIBODIES TO MALARIA: COMPARISON OF RESULTS WITH ELISA, IFAT, AND CROSSED IMMUNOELECTROPHORESIS
Authors: SCHAPIRA ALLAN , FOGH SVEN , JEPSEN SØREN , PEDERSEN NILS STRANDBERG
Published: August 2010

194 sera from Vietnamese refugees and 100 pairs of corresponding maternal and cord sera from Liberia were examined for malaria‐IgG antibodies by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and indirect immunofluorescence microscopy (IFAT). For both tests the antigen was prepared from P. falciparum cultures. 44% of the Vietnamese sera were positive in the ELISA and 36% in the IFAT, but results were discordant in 36% of cases. The Liberian sera were all reactive in the IFAT and 95% were reactive in the ELISA. Overall, there was a significant correlation (p<0.001) between reciprocal IFAT titer and ELISA extinction value. With both tests, cord serum was generally slightly less reactive than corresponding maternal serum. Results of the two tests on 19 pairs of maternal and cord sera were compared with the number of anti‐malaria precipitins detected by crossed immunoelectrophoresis. A positive correlation (p<0.01) between ELISA extinction values and numbers of precipitating antibodies was found. It is concluded that ELISA is at least as useful as IFAT for epidemiology and blood donor screening.
HUMAN SERUM AND PLASMA INCREASE MOUSE MORTALITY IN STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS INTRAPERITONEAL INFECTION
Authors: ESPERSEN F. , CLEMMENSEN I. , RHODES J. M. , JENSEN K.
Published: August 2010

The influence of human plasma, serum, purified fibrinogen, and fibronectin on Staphylococcus aureus intraperitoneal infection in non‐immune mice was studied. Mouse mortality was used as a measure of staphylococcal virulence. Both human plasma and serum were shown to enhance the virulence of S.aureus strain E 2371 and strain E 2476 when added to the bacteria before challenge. This effect of serum was unaffected by storage for 24 h at 37 °C or complement‐inactivation for 1 h at 56 °C. Purified fibrinogen and fibronectin did not influence the S. aureus virulence. It is suggested that the effects of plasma and serum described here might play a role in the establishment of S.aureus infections in humans.
β‐LACTAMASE PRODUCTION IN ENTEROBACTER CLOACAE AND CITROBACTER FREUNDII
Authors: SØGAARD PER
Published: August 2010

The β‐lactamase activity with ampicillin (A) and cephalothin (Ce) as substrate was examined in 28 strains of Ent. cloacae and 24 strains of C. freundii by a micro‐iodometric – (MIA) and an ultraviolet assay (UVA). Carbenicillin resistance (Ca‐R) was present in 32 strains (16 of each species). All Ca‐resistant (Ca‐r) strains had elevated amounts of β‐lactamase. The conditions were very similar in the two species. The Ca‐r strains could be divided into two subgroups. One group had very high ampicillinase activity and lower cephalothinase activity in MIA. In UVA the cephalothinase activity was equal to that in MIA. The strains could transfer their A‐ and Ca‐R. The reaction velocity increased with time in MIA. The Ca‐R was probably plasmid mediated. The other group had no or low ampicillinase activity in MIA. The cephalothinase activity in UVA was much higher than in MIA. Velocity decreased with time in MIA, probably due to inhibition by iodine. The strains were very Ce‐r and could not transfer A‐R. The Ca‐and Ce‐R was probably chromosomally mediated. The acquisition of Ca‐R in Ent. cloacae and C. freundii was analogous to acquisition of A‐R in E. coli. The fraction of strains with high ampicillinase activity (plasmid mediated among all strains with acquired β‐lactam resistance was the same in Ent. cloacae and C. freundii, viz. 0.63. In E. coli the corresponding value is 0.61. This fraction thus seems rather constant between the different genera.
MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES TO THE h1 AGGLUTINOGEN FROM STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS 17A Serological Testing with Type Strains
Authors: HAAHEIM LARS R. , LUND HELGE
Published: August 2010

Four monoclonal antibodies to the h1 agglutinogen were produced by conventional means, and slide agglutination of S.aureus type strains was performed with protein A affinity purified IgG, antibodies. In accordance with Oeding's serotype system the type strains 17A and 670 were strongly and consistently agglutinated. In addition, however, several of the remaining twelve type strains investigated showed varying reaction patterns. Our results indicate that the h1 agglutinogen may be more widely distributed among S.aureus strains than previously assumed.
Value of CSF Lactate in the Differential Diagnosis Between Bacterial Meningitis and Other Diseases with Meningeal Involvement
Authors: Lester A. , Stilbo I. , Bartels P. , Bruun B.
Published: August 2010

Lactate concentrations in the cerebrospinal fluid of 104 patients were determined by the Monotest Lactate Kit. Lactate values were found higher in cases of bacterial meningitis than in patients not suffering from acute CNS disorders. Elevated lactate levels were also found in patients suffering from aseptic meningitis, septicemia, CNS trauma and cerebrovascular accidents, seizures and diabetes mellitus. The highest levels were found in cases of bacterial meningitis, but there was considerable overlapping between the groups. CSF lactate thus appears to have limited diagnostic value in the differential diagnosis between bacterial meningitis and other diseases with meningeal involvement.
Outer Membrane Proteins and Plasmids in Different Yersinia Enterocolitica Serogroups Isolated from Man and Animals
Authors: Kapperud Georg , Skarpeid Hans‐Jacob , Solberg Rita , Bergan Tom
Published: August 2010

Human clinical isolates of Yersinia enterocolitica (serogroups 0:3, 0:8, and 0:9) harboured a 40–45 megadaltons plasmid, which was shared by strains isolated from cases of yersiniosis in animals (0:2 and 0:5) and from healthy swine (0:3 and 0:9). Possession of such plasmids was invariably correlated with expression of three temperature‐regulated characteristics related to the bacterial surface: when cultivated at 37 °C, all plasmid‐bearing strains, unlike their plasmid‐cured mutants, (i) underwent autoaggutination, (ii) produced a distinct mannose‐resistant haemagglutinin, and (iii) simultaneously synthesized ancillary outer membrane proteins (OMPs). None of these characters was expressed phenotypically at 22 °C. Dominant among the plasmid‐associated, temperature‐regulated OMPs was a high molecular weight protein of approximately 180 kilodaltons, which was found in strains of five different serogroups (0:2, 0:3, 0:5, 0:8, and 0:9) regardless of the source of isolation. Strains isolated from diseased animals and from healthy swine were quite similar, if not identical, to human clinical isolates with respect to these ancillary OMPs. In contrast to the plasmid‐associated OMPs expressed only at 37 °C, a number of plasmid‐independent OMPs were produced mainly at 22 °C.
Antibody‐Coating and Haemagglutination by Staphylococcus Saprophyticus
Authors: Hovelius Birgitta , Mårdh Per‐Anders
Published: August 2010

Cocci coated with IgG, IgA and IgM occurred in 21, 20 and 9 of 28 urine specimens, respectively, containing Staphylococcus saprophyticus. There was no correlation between the occurrence of antibody‐coated cocci and symptoms from the upper or lower urinary tract. Nor was antibody‐coating correlated to the occurrence of proteinuria or haematuria. Antibody‐coated cocci occurred more often, however, in patients with symptoms for 7 days or more than in patients with symptoms for a shorter duration. Direct haemagglutination of sheep erythrocytes was demonstrated in 30 of 61 washed urine sediments containing S. saprophyticus. There was a significant correlation between non‐haemagglutinating specimens and the occurrence of antibody‐coated bacteria in these specimens.