bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Determination of Specific IgA‐Antibodies to Yersinia Enterocolitica and Their Role In Enteric Infections and Their Complications
Authors: Larsen Jørgen Hannover , Hartzen Susanne Hartvig , Parm Michael
Published: August 2010

Specific serum IgA‐antibodies, mainly produced in the lymphoid tissue of the gastrointestinal tract (GALT) might exhibit some special characteristics deviating from IgM‐ and IgG‐antibodies: they do not agglutinate nor fix complement. They cannot be determined by usual routine antibody techniques; indirect methods must be used. An antiglobulin‐assay was used in an extensive investigation over a two‐year period on sera from 8,445 patients to determine IgA‐antibodies specific to Yersinia enterocolitica, serotype 3. Y. enterocolitica agglutinins were found in 965 patients, 508 of them with significant titres of ≥ 80. 347 of the 2,111 patients with low titres (10 to 40) had a significantly elevated amount of IgA antibodies. The diagnoses of the IgA‐positive patients fell into three groups: 1) acute infections, 2) acute reactive complicatory inflammations, mainly arthritis, 3) chronic inflammatory connective tissue diseases. The IgA‐antibody pattern was: In early samples from patients with acute enteric infections they might be the only antibodies present following, largely, during the course of the disease the agglutinating IgM and IgG antibodies, except in patients with long‐lasting or chronic complications where IgA antibodies were elevated.

It is concluded that determination of specific antibodies of IgA class in cases of Y. enterocolitica infections is an important diagnostic test and, moreover, of prognostic value in the evaluation of chronicity.
Consumption of Antibiotics in Three Clinical Departments and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Clinically Significant Isolates of Coagu‐Lase‐Negative Micrococcaceae
Authors: Hansen Bente Gahrn
Published: August 2010

Hansen, B. G. Consumption of antibiotics in three clinical departments and antimicrobial susceptibility of clinically significant isolates of coagulase‐negative Microccacaceae. Acta path, microbiol. immunol. scand. Sect. B, 93: 341–346, 1985.

A total of 67 clinicallly significant isolates of coagulase‐negative Micrococcaceae originating from blood specimens from oncologic patients, from dialysate from patients on peritoneal dialysis, and from cerebrospinal fluid from neurosurgical patients with ventricular drainage devices were identified and classified 1) according to the scheme of Baird‐Parker and 2) by means of a simplified Kloos and Schleifer nomenclature. All blood isolates were classified as Staphylococcus epidermidis biotype 1 (Baird‐Parker), while approximately 20% of dialysate isolates and cerebrospinal fluid isolates fell into other staphylococcal biotypes or were classified as micrococci. Using the simplified Kloos and Schleifer nomenclature, five staphylococcal isolates (8%) (four from dialysate, one from cerebrospinal fluid) were classified as “Species other than S. epidermidis”. Isolates from blood exhibited a high frequency of resistance to the antibiotics tested, and 92% were found multiple‐resistant (i.e. were resistant to three or more antibiotics). Isolates from cerebrospinal fluid showed multiple‐resistance in 28%, while isolates from dialysate formed an intermediate group, 42% being multiple‐resistant. The frequency of multiple‐resistance was found to be correlated to the total consumption of antibiotics in the three clinical departments.
Identification of Eikenella Corrodens and Cardiobacterium Hominis by Genetic Transformation
Authors: Tønjum Tone , Hagen Norman , Bøvre Kjell
Published: August 2010

Genetic transformation was employed to attain exact identification of Eikenella corrodens and Cardiobacterium hominis. The two species appeared both homogeneous and without genetic affinity to each other or to species of Kingella, Neisseria, and Moraxella, as tested for by rather sensitive procedures with streptomycin‐ and spectinomycin‐resistance markers.
Rapid Identification of Escherichia Coli from Routine Urine Specimens Based on Macroscopic Criteria
Authors: Jenum Pal A.
Published: August 2010

In our laboratory, selected strains of Gram‐negative rods from urine samples are identified as Escherichia coli on the basis of smell and morphology on lactose agar. To investigate the accuracy of this routine practice, 211 consecutive strains were tested in the urea‐indole tube of the Three‐tube method (3‐TM), in the PGUA test detecting β‐glucuronidase activity and in the Simmons' citrate test, to select the strains that were non‐E. coli. Additional 1022 strains were tested by the indole and urease tests of the 3‐TM only. The identification of E. coli based on the macroscopic evaluation of colonies on lactose agar gave correct results for 99.1% of the strains. Citrobacter freundii was the most frequent cause of erroneous identification.
Spectrofluorometric and Microfluorometric Quantitation of Antibacterial Antibodies, Using Indirect Immune Fluorescence
Authors: Magnusson Karl‐Eric
Published: August 2010

The IgG‐fraction of rabbit hyperimune serum raised towards smooth Salmonella typhimurium 395 MS (parent strain) and rough 395 MR 10 (Rd‐mutant) was used in indirect immunofluorescence with bacteria in suspension or adsorbed to glass microscope slides. In the first case, IgG‐mediated fluorescence was determined with a standard cuvette‐type spectrofluorometer; in the second case, in epifluorescence mode with a microscope fluorometer. In both assays the IgG solution could be diluted to about 0.1 μg per ml protein to allow detection of fluorescent anti‐IgG antibodies in the second step. When determined by the spectrofluorometric method, the IgG antibody titres against S. enteritidis in two patients sera were 1/320 and 1/1280, respectively, which was compared to antibody titres determined with ELISA and MrPAH. Either mode of fluorescence measurement appears to give an objective but arbitrary value of the indirect immuno‐fluorescence from bacteria and allows detection of antibodies directed towards whole bacteria, i.e. all antigenic determinants exposed. This may be of importance when following infectious processes. Furthermore, no extraction and binding of bacterial envelope components to solid supports is necessary.
ACTINOBACILLUS MURIS SP. NOV. ISOLATED FROM MICE
Authors: Bisgaard M.
Published: August 2010

Several unclassified strains were obtained during investigations of the aerobic pharyngeal flora of healthy white laboratory mice originating from four different colonies. Nineteen strains formed a group tentatively designated taxon 12. Comparative investigations including taxon 12, P. ureae sensu stricto. “P. ureae” strain Ackerman 80–443D, P. pneumotropica sensu stricto, P. pneumotropica type Heyl, P. pneumotropica type Henriksen and “H. influenzae‐murium” showed that taxon 12 was identical with “P. ureae” strain Ackerman 80–443D but different from P. ureae sensu stricto and other species belonging to the family Pasteurellaceae Pohl 1981. The G + C content of DNA from the suggested reference strain for taxon 12 was within the limits for Pasteurellaceae. DNA:DNA hybridizations linked taxon 12 to the genus Actinobacillus via the avian hemolytic Actinobacillus‐like complex (27). The name Actinobacillus muris is proposed for taxon 12.
THE PNEUMOCOCCUS AND THE MOUSE PROTECTION TEST: INOCULUM, DOSAGE AND TIMING
Authors: Frimodt‐MØLler NIELS , Thomsen VILLY FRØLUND
Published: August 2010

Intraperitoneal inoculation in mice of a S. pneumoniae type 3 in beef broth resulted in immediate growth in vivo as evidenced by bacterial counts in peritoneal washings and in blood. Treatment with penicillin 1 hour after inoculation reduced the bacterial counts in vivo; however, different doses of penicillin‐G showed a similar effect as measured by bacterial counts, in spite of differences in their effect upon survival of the mice. Therefore, the effect of antibiotics in vivo in this model was better correlated with death/survival of the animals. For comparative purposes the ED50, i.e. the 50% effective dose, should be determined. The effect of cephalosporins, i.e. cefuroxime and cefotaxime, in this model highly depended upon timing of the antibiotic administration as related to inoculation.
PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA VIRULENCE FACTORS: MODIFICATIONS BY SUB‐INHIBITORY CONCENTRATIONS OF CARBENICILLIN OR GENTAMICIN
Authors: ØGaard A. R. , BjØRo K. , Bukholm G. , Berdal B. P.
Published: August 2010

A virulent strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was assayed for adhesion to HEp‐2 cells, production of toxin A, and production of elastase, in the presence of sub‐inhibitory concentrations of carbenicillin and gentamicin. Both antibiotics, assayed in a concentration of 1:12 of their minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), inhibited the production of toxin A. Gentamicin at this concentration totally abolished the production of elastase, whereas carbenicillin had little or no effect on this factor. Both antibiotics inhibited the bacterial adhesion, but in different ways. While gentamicin had a strong activity of slow onset, carbenicillin had a transitory activity of rapid onset, with return towards normal values after 90 min incubation.
IMPROVED YIELD OF MOBILUNCUS SPECIES FROM CLINICAL SPECIMENS AFTER ALKALINE TREATMENT
Authors: PÅHlson CARL , Hallen ANDERS , Forsum URBAN
Published: August 2010

Reference strains and clinical isolates of Mobiluncus species and bacteria in samples of vaginal discharge from patients with bacterial vaginosis were examined for resistance to alkaline solutions. A prolonged survival time in buffers of high pH was shown for Mobiluncus, especially for isolates designated as M. curtisii. In a clinical study, alkaline treatment increased the number of culture‐positive samples four times as compared to conventional culture. The improved culture‐yield in combination with a shortened time for processing the samples makes the method suitable for isolation of Mobiluncus in clinical samples.
A COMPARISON OF DIFFERENT METHODS FOR DETERMINING ELASTASE ACTIVITY OF PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA STRAINS FROM MINK
Authors: Elsheikh LAILA ELSADIG , Bergman RUNE , Cryz STANLEY J. , Wretlind BENGT
Published: August 2010

We have characterized 20 Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains isolated from pneumonic mink lungs with regard to elastase production and serotype. P. aeruginosa PAO1, a well‐characterized elastase‐producing strain, and two elastase‐deficient mutants of PAO1 were used for comparative purposes. Elastase activity was assayed on elastin agar and by using 14C‐elastin coated microtiter plates. Elastase antigen was measured using a double antibody sandwich ELISA (enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay). Total proteolytic activity was determined on skim milk agar plates. The results from ELISA showed that all strains produced antigenically similar elastase, although the amounts produced varied considerably between strains. There was a good correlation regarding elastase assays between ELISA and 14C‐elastin, elastin agar and total proteolytic activity on skim milk agar. No correlation was found between serotype and elastase activity. The results showed that the 14C‐elastin assay is a simple and sensitive method‐ of determining elastolytic activity of P. aeruginosa strains.
ANTIBIOTIC SUSCEPTIBILITY OF HAEMOPHILUS INFLUENZAE ISOLATED FROM CEREBROSPINAL FLUID AND BLOOD
Authors: Arpi MAGNUS , HØNberg PER Z. , Frimodt‐MØLler NIELS
Published: August 2010

The emergence of ampicillin and chloramphenicol resistant Haemophilus influenzae type b in Denmark has created demands for alternative treatments of serious infections with H. influenzae. In this study 102 strains of H. influenzae recovered from cerebrospinal fluid (85) and blood (17) were tested for susceptibility to ampicillin, piperacillin, erythromycin, rifampicin, chloramphenicol, cefuroxime, cefotaxime, ceftazidime, ceftriaxone, moxalactam, aztreonam, and netilmicin by means of the agar dilution method. The majority (97%) was H. influenzae type b and of these strains 94% belonged to biotype I. Nine of the investigated strains were β‐lactamase producers. Ceftriaxone and cefotaxime were the most active agents (MIC90≤ 0.025 μl/ml) followed by moxalactam and aztreonam (MIC90= 0.1 μg/ml). Except for ampicillin and piperacillin, the MIC was similar for β‐lactamase producers and non‐producers. Several of the investigated antibiotics, especially some of the third generation cephalosporins, might constitute valid therapeutical alternatives to conventional drugs in the treatment of severe H. influenzae infections.
RE‐INVESTIGATIONS OF SELECTED BOVINE AND OVINE STRAINS PREVIOUSLY CLASSIFIED ASPASTEURELLA HAEMOLYTICAAND DESCRIPTION OF SOME NEW TAXA WITHIN THEPASTEURELLA HAEMOLYTICA‐COMPLEX
Authors: Bisgaard M. , Mutters R.
Published: August 2010

The taxonomic relationship of 116 isolates ofPasteurella haemolyticawas re‐investigated by conventional phenotypic characterization. Seventy‐nine characters were examined. Ninety strains were classified with previously described biovars ofP. haemolytica.The remaining strains made up at least six new biogroups within theP. haemolytica‐complex. “Key‐characters” separating these groups included ornithine, L(+)arabinose, D(‐)sorbitol, cellobiose, β‐glucosidase, glycosides and α‐fucosidase. The taxonomic significance of these characters is uncertain. Determinations of genome size, mol% G + C in DNA and DNA:DNA hybridizations are in progress to obtain further information on the taxonomic significance of the present findings.
CLINICAL STRAINS OF ENTEROBACTER AGGLOMERANS (SYNONYMS: ERWINIA HERBICOLA, ERWINIA MILLETIAE) IDENTIFIED BY DNA‐DNA‐HYBRIDIZATION
Authors: Lind E. , Ursing J.
Published: August 2010

Using DNA‐DNA‐hybridization it could be shown that 52 of 86 clinical isolates of Enterobacter agglomerans were closely related to each other, to the type strain of the species and also to the type strains of Erwinia herbicola and Erwinia milletiae. Most of the strains investigated were of the biogroups 1 and G1 of Ewing & Fife. All strains of the genetically defined group belonged to these two biogroups; none of these isolates fermented dulcitol, and with few exceptions they were also cellobiose, lactose and sorbitol negative.
SORBITOL INCREASES THE GROWTH INHIBITION OF XYLITOL ON STREP. MUTANS OMZ 176
Authors: Assev SYNNØVE , RØLla GUNNAR
Published: August 2010

It was observed in a previous study that the growth of Streptococcus mutans strain OMZ 176 on sorbitol was inhibited by xylitol. The aim of the present study was to investigate the mechanisms involved in this inhibition. It was shown that the uptake of 14C‐sorbitol was delayed when the cells had been pre‐exposed to xylitol, and that the only labelled substance found intracellularly was sorbitol; no further metabolization occurred. This is in contrast with untreated normal cells, where sorbitol is taken up by a specific phosphotransferase system (pts). The 14C‐xylitol metabolism of the cells was qualitatively unchanged in the presence of sorbitol; an intracellular accumulation of 14C‐xylitol‐phosphate (xylitol‐P) and 14C‐xylulose‐phosphate (xylulose‐P) was observed. However, a reduced uptake of xylitol was observed in the presence of sorbitol. Xylitol thus appears to change the pathway by which sorbitol is taken up by the cells. An inducible permease may replace the normal sorbitol pts when xylitol is present. No further metabolization of this intracellular sorbitol seemed to occur in the resting cell suspensions. It was furthermore observed that the presence of sorbitol enhanced the inhibitory potential of xylitol. The accumulation of intracellular sorbitol coincided with markedly increased xylulose‐P/xylitol‐P ratio. It may be speculated that, if xylulose‐P were the major inhibitor of the glycolysis instead of xylitol‐P, as previously assumed, an increased concentration of xylulose‐P induced by sorbitol could explain that sorbitol enhances the inhibition potential of xylitol. It is not evident, however, how intracellular sorbitol could affect the xylulose‐P/xylitol‐P ratio.
XYLITOL METABOLISM IN XYLITOL‐SENSITIVE AND XYLITOL‐RESISTANT STRAINS OF STREPTOCOCCI
Authors: Assev SYNNØVE , Scheie ANNE AAMDAL
Published: August 2010

The metabolism of xylitol in xylitol‐sensitive strains (strains whose growth is inhibited by xylitol) and xylitol‐resistant strains (growth not inhibited) of oral streptococci was compared. Both xylitol‐sensitive and xylitol‐resistant strains took up xylitol. In the sensitive cells, the xylitol was probably transported via a phosphotransferase system. This resulted in intracellular accumulation of xylitol‐5‐phosphate and xylulose‐5‐phosphate. These metabolites were not detected in the xylitol‐resistant strains, which probably transported xylitol via a permease system. It appeared that the resistant strains were able to utilize xylitol as carbon and energy source in the absence of other carbohydrates.
SEROTYPING OF CAMPYLOBACTER FETUS SUBSP. FETUS AND C. FETUS SUBSP. VENEREALIS BY PASSIVE HEMAGGLUTINATION TECHNIQUE BASED ON SOLUBLE AUTOCLAVED ANTIGENS
Authors: Kosunen TIMO U.
Published: August 2010

Antigens for sensitization of sheep erythrocytes were released from C. fetus subsp. fetus and C. fetus subsp. venerealis suspensions by autoclaving in alkaline and neutral saline and by boiling in alkaline but not in neutral saline. Serotyping with rabbit antisera showed the same two serotypes of O‐antigens, A and B, as shown by tube agglutination of heated bacteria. All C. fetus subsp. venerealis strains had the A antigen. The C. fetus subsp. fetus strains tested had either the A or B antigen. All ten human isolates tested were of the A type.
THE BETA‐LACTAMASE STABILITY AND IN VITRO ACTIVITY OF CEFOTETAN; A COMPARISON WITH 8 OTHER BETA‐LACTAM ANTIBIOTICS AND GENTAMICIN
Authors: Friis H. , Prag J. , Togsverd E. , Benzon M. W.
Published: August 2010

The antibacterial activity of cefotetan, 8 other beta‐lactam antibiotics and gentamicin, was tested in vitro on 288 recently isolated bacteria. The activity of cefotetan was generally higher than the 2.generation cephalosporin cefuroxime and lower than the 3.generation cephalosporins tested. In addition, cefotetan was shown to have some antibacterial activity against anaerobic bacteria. Cefotetan is a cephamycin and was found resistant to all 14 plasmid‐mediated and 2 chromosomally‐mediated beta‐lactamases. With its beta‐lactamase resistence and antibacterial activity, cefotetan seems to be a “second‐generation‐like” cephalosporin, almost with 3.generation cephalosporin antibacterial activity against Enterobacteriaceae.
POPULATION ANALYSES OF THE SUSCEPTIBILITY TO CIPROFLOXACIN OF EIGHT CLINICAL STRAINS OF PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA
Authors: Gerner‐Smidt P. , Fuursted K.
Published: August 2010

Population analyses of the susceptibility to ciprofloxacin of eight strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, including mucoid strains and strains resistant to aminoglycosides or anti‐Pseudomonas beta‐lactams, were carried out. All strains were sensitive as judged by the broth‐dilution technique, but four strains were found to yield resistant mutants with a frequency of less than 10−6. Two strains yielded mutants homogeneously sensitive to ciprofloxacin at a level 8–16 times the MIC of the parent strains. Two other strains yielded mutants resistant to different higher concentrations of ciprofloxacin. One of these mutants was examined for production of ciprofloxacin‐inactivating enzyme; no enzyme production could be detected. Cross‐resistance was found with another quinolone antibiotic, ofloxacin, but not with aminoglycosides or beta‐lactam antibiotics.
THE ULTRASTRUCTURE OF ANTIBIOTIC‐SUSCEPTIBLE AND MULTI‐RESISTANT STRAINS OF GROUP JK DIPHTHEROID RODS ISOLATED FROM CLINICAL SPECIMENS
Authors: Blom JENS , Heltberg OLE
Published: August 2010

Two antibiotic‐susceptible and two multi‐resistant strains of diphtheroid rods of the group JK, obtained from clinical specimens in Denmark and from CDC in the U.S. were studied. The cells of all four strains presented an ordinary Gram‐positive cell wall and an additional surface layer. Septum formation in dividing cells appeared to result in a “snapping‐like” dividing mechanism, thus corroborating the relationship of the JK cells to the genus Corynebacterium. A significantly increased thickness of the surface layer of the multi‐resistant strains was observed when cells were treated with ruthenium red. It is suggested that such a structural difference on the exterior of the cell‐wall among JK bacteria may affect the cell‐wall's permeability to antibiotics.
EFFECT OF CULTURE MEDIUM AND CARBON DIOXIDE CONCENTRATION ON GROWTH OF ANAEROBIC BACTERIA AND MEDIUM pH
Authors: Jansen JENS E. , Bremmelgaard ANNIE
Published: August 2010

Two Danish agars, Danish Blood Agar (D.B.A.) and Anaerobic Agar (A.A.), were evaluated for their ability to support growth of 47 clinically isolated anaerobic strains in 5 different CO2‐concentrations ranging from 0–10% CO2. CO2 and the use of an enriched medium (A.A.) are essential for satisfactory recovery of anaerobes. No gain could be seen when raising the CO2‐concentration above 5%. The surface pH of the agars was measured both on non‐inoculated and inoculated plates at room temperature and anaerobic incubation in the 5 different CO2‐concentrations at 37 °C. Temperature change from room temperature to 37 °C resulted in a pH decrease of 0.1 units. There was a CO2‐mediated decrease in pH (˜ 0.05 units/pr. CO2%) on non‐inoculated media. On inoculated plates there was a minor additional fall in pH, which increased with time of incubation, but first became significant when the plates were incubated for more than 24 h. The use of 5% CO2 and A.A. is recommended for antimicrobial susceptibility studies on solid media.
INDEPENDENT BINDING OF NATIVE AND AGGREGATED IgG IN GROUP A STREPTOCOCCI
Authors: SchalÉN CLAËS , Kurl DAYA , Christensen POUL
Published: August 2010

Irrespective of IgG Fc‐receptor activity, earlier characterized, many group A streptococci were recently found to bind aggregated IgG Fab and/or light chains. In the present study, binding of glutaraldehyde‐aggregated, radiolabelled, intact human IgG (a*IgG) to group A streptococci was tested, and strains representing several M‐types were found reactive. In particular, high binding was observed among type M12 strains, earlier found devoid of Fc‐receptors for monomeric IgG; accordingly, unlabelled, native IgG had little influence on the binding. The sites binding a*IgG were highly sensitive to trypsin and relatively resistant to heat treatment. The binding to M12 was inhibited by human fibrinogen and, to a lesser extent, by heat‐aggregated serum albumin. Rabbit antiserum to M12 was more inhibitory than antiserum to a heterologous type of group A streptococci or normal rabbit serum. Our results indicate that streptococcal M‐protein binds a*IgG by a multipoint requiring interaction of low specificity and that previously described Fc‐receptors binding native IgG are not involved. For comparison, in Cowan I staphylococci and one strain of group G streptococci tested, high binding of a*IgG was also observed; however, this binding was inhibited by native IgG, indicating that protein A and group G streptococcal Fc‐receptor, earlier known to bind untreated IgG, also bound a*IgG.
COMMERCIAL KITS ARE NOT EQUALLY SENSITIVE IN DETECTING THE GROUP ANTIGEN OF GROUP A STREPTOCOCCUS
Authors: Hoffmann STEEN , Henrichsen JØRGEN
Published: August 2010

The relative sensitivities of four commercially available kits for the demonstration of the group antigen of group A streptococcus were estimated in laboratory experiments. Two kits gave positive reactions with swabs charged with approximately 105 colony‐forming units of group A hemolytic streptococci of five common T‐types. The two other kits required inocula ten times higher. Application of the antigen detection reagents from each kit to antigen extracts prepared by extraction reagents from the other kits revealed that the differences in sensitivity were largely attributable to differences in the extraction abilities. The four kits did not differ appreciably in their ability to demonstrate group A antigen in human pus mixed with group A streptococci; the minimum inoculum detectable was approximately 106 colony‐forming units per 0.04 ml of pus.
POPULATION ANALYSIS OF SUSCEPTIBILITY TO CIPROFLOXACIN AND NALIDIXIC ACID IN STAPHYLOCOCCUS, PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA, AND ENTEROBACTERIACEAE
Authors: SØGaard PER , Gahrn‐Hansen BENTE
Published: August 2010

Susceptibility to ciprofloxacin (Cfl) and nalidixic acid (Nal) was tested in vitro by means of the population analysis technique against six strains of Staphylococcus, one strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and seven strains from five genera of Enterobacteriaceae. All strains of Staphylococcus were uniformly resistant to Nal as was the Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain, all bacteria being resistant to 250 ‐ > 500 μg/ml. The Enterobacteriaceae were heterogeneous as regards susceptibility to Nal. With some strains minority populations of highly‐resistant bacteria could be detected with frequencies of about 10−6,3. The MIC for Cfl for the staphylococci varied between 0.25 and 0.50 μg/ml. There were no differences in MIC of penicillinase‐producing and penicillin‐susceptible strains, either in Staphylococcus aureus or in Staphylococcus epidermidis. The MIC for Cfl in the enterobacteria varied between 0.004 and 0.03 μg/ml. The MIC for Cfl in the Pseudomonas aeruginosa was 0.25 μg/ml. MIC for Cfl increased in all strains when the parental strains were compared to bacteria selected from the plates with the highest concentration permitting growth, indicating heterogeneity against Cfl. But while the MIC of the selected enterobacteria were lower than one fourth of the level obtainable in serum, the MIC of the selected staphylococci and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were either exceeding the level obtainable in serum or were only a little lower than this level. While Cfl thus seems to be a promising antimicrobial agent in the treatment of infections caused by enterobacteria, the suitability for infections caused by staphylococci and Pseudomonas aeruginosa should be further explored.
CONTINUOUS AMBULATORY PERITONEAL DIALYSIS: MICROBIOLOGICAL DIAGNOSIS IN PERITONITIS
Authors: Kjaeldgaard Poul , Brahm Marianne , Bremmelgaard Annie
Published: August 2010

Dialysate samples from 29 Continous Ambulatory Peritoneal Patients (CAPD)‐patients were taken in periods with and without peritonitis and cultured simultaneously in the Hemobact system and on conventional plate media, using a standard technique. Bacteria were demonstrated in 23 (92%) of 25 CAPD‐patients with peritonitis by the Hemobact method and only in 6 (24%) by the standard technique. Sixty‐four (100%) of the 64 samples taken during periods without peritonitis were negative by the standard technique. Sixty‐two (97%) of the 64 samples were negative in the Hemobact system. In the remaining two samples coagulase negative staphylococci were demonstrated on the third day in only one of the bottles. In conclusion, blood cultivation systems should be preferred to conventional standard methods for adequate microbiological diagnosis in CAPD‐patients with peritonitis.
EVIDENCE THAT AN EXTRACT OF STAPHYLOCOCCUS CAPITIS CAN PRECIPITATE HUMAN SERUM HDL2
Authors: Osland A. , HØStmark A. T.
Published: August 2010

The high density lipoprotein (HDL) fraction involved in the precipitation with Staphylococcus capitis can be quantitated by single radial diffusion in agar containing an extract of the bacteria. Both whole serum and purified HDL produce a precipitation ring with bacterial extract. When dilutions of serum are tested, the squared radius of the precipitation ring plotted against serum concentration gives a linear relationship. Cumulative density flotation of HDL, followed by quantitative analysis of precipitating activity and apo A, indicates that the precipitating activity is present in the less dense fraction of serum HDL (i.e. HDL2). This suggestion is supported by the finding that the precipitating activity correlates positively with HDL2 (but not with HDL3) in human sera. Precipitating activity was higher in sera from women than from men, in accordance with the sex difference in serum HDL. The results raise the question whether precipitation with an extract of S. capitis might serve as a simple, direct method to asess serum HDL2 levels.
CHANGES IN SEROTYPE CAUSED BY CELL TO CELL CONTACT BETWEEN DIFFERENT PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA STRAINS FROM CYSTIC FIBROSIS PATIENTS
Authors: Ojeniyi BENTE , Rosdahl VIBEKE THAMDRUP , HØIby NIELS
Published: August 2010

Two Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains, one monoagglutinable and one polyagglutinable, isolated from cystic fibrosis patients were grown in mixed culture. The strains were then separated by means of their azlocillin susceptibility and a number of colonies were tested for serotype and phage type. Changes from monoagglutinable to polyagglutinable reaction and vice versa were observed. The monoagglutinable strain was able to perform bacteriophage infection of the polyagglutinable strain, but no free phages were released. If the donor strain was to produce plaques on the receptor strain, the presence of bacteria belonging to the donor strain was essential.
ACID AND ALKALINE CAMPYLOBACTER EXTRACTS IN THE DEMONSTRATION OF ANTIBODY RESPONSE IN HYPERIMMUNIZED RABBITS
Authors: Rautelin HILPI
Published: August 2010

Acid and alkaline extracts from several Campylobacter strains were used as antigens in enzyme immunoassay (EIA). Antibodies were detected in rabbits immunized with formalin‐treated, boiled, or autoclaved whole bacteria of different Campylobacter subspecies. For the preparation of the extracts, three Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis strains, three Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus strains, four Campylobacter coli, and five Campylobacter jejuni strains were used. The acid extracts of Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus and Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis were antigenically similar to each other but different from Campylobacter coli and Campylobacter jejuni strains. These acid extracts were found to be suitable antigens in enzyme immunoassay. However, when alkaline extracts were used as the antigen, fewer antisera reacted with them than with the acid extracts, and many pre‐immune sera gave high values.
ANTIBODY RESPONSE TO WHOLE CELLS AND TEICHOIC ACID OF STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS STRAIN E 1369 IN HUMAN SERA
Authors: JarlØV J. O. , Espersen F. , Christensson B. , Jensen B. A. , HedstrÖM S. Å. , Hertz J. B.
Published: August 2010

A whole cell Staphylococcus aureus enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using the protein A‐deficient strain E 1369 as antigen was compared to an ELISA with cell‐wall teichoic acid, extracted from the same strain, as antigen for the detection of IgG antibodies against S. aureus in human sera. A total of 178 serum samples from 119 patients with S. aureus endocarditis, complicated and uncomplicated septicaemia, non‐S. aureus endocarditis and septicaemia were investigated together with sera from 155 healthy controls. The sensitivity in diagnosing S. aureus endocarditis was better for the whole cell‐ELISA (83%) as compared to the teichoic acid‐ELISA (61%), and the same was true for complicated septicaemia (41% vs 29%). The whole cell ELISA was also more specific for S. aureus infections with only 3.6% false positive test values compared to 7.1% for the teichoic acid‐ELISA. The differences were however, not statistically significant. None of the assays were able to distinguish between complicated and uncomplicated S. aureus septicaemia.
IN VITRO SUSCEPTIBILITY OF CAMPYLOBACTER PYLORIDIS TO CIMETIDINE, SUCRALFATE, BISMUTH AND SIXTEEN ANTIBIOTICS
Authors: Andreasen Jan Jesper , Andersen Leif Percival
Published: August 2010

The in vitro susceptibility of recent Danish human clinical isolates of Campylobacter pyloridis to cimetidine, sucralfate, bismuth subsalicylate and sixteen antimicrobial agents was determined by an agar‐dilution technique. Benzylpenicillin was the most active drug (MIC90=0.1 μg/ml); ampicillin, erythromycin, gentamicin and ciprofloxacin were slightly less active. All strains were resistant to 100 μg sulfamethizole, and nalidixic acid also had little activity on weight basis. Of the three anti‐peptic ulcer drugs, bismuth subsalicylate was most active (MIC90 25 μg/ml), but sucralfate and cimetidine also had antibacterial activity, although only little (MIC90 3200 μg/ml).
EXPERIMENTAL PNEUMOCOCCUS INFECTION IN MICE: CORRELATION OF BACTERICIDAL ACTIVITY IN VITRO WITH THE EFFECT IN VIVO FOR GENTAMICIN, NETILMICIN AND TOBRAMYCIN
Authors: Frimodt‐MØLler NIELS , Thomsen VILLY FRØLUND
Published: August 2010

An experimental model in mice, incorporating the intraperitoneal inoculation of a Streptococcus pneumoniae type 3, was used to evaluate the effect in vivo after single‐dose administration of the three aminoglycosides, gentamicin, tobramycin and netilmicin, and to correlate this effect with their in vitro activity against the pathogen, in particular the bactericidal rate. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC's), which were equal to the minimal bactericidal concentrations (MBC's), were 12.5 μg/ml for netilmicin, and 25 μg/ml for the two other aminoglycosides, respectively. All three antibiotics showed excellent bactericidal activities even at concentrations 1/4 times the MIC's, but the bactericidal rate was clearly lower for tobramycin than for the two other aminoglycosides. The effect in vivo measured as the 50% effective dose (ED50) closely reflected the relative bactericidal activities of the drugs. Of the pharmacokinetic parameters investigated on dosages equal to the ED50's for the three drugs, the best to correlate with the bactericidal rates in vitro were the peak serum concentrations.
THE PNEUMOCOCCUS AND THE MOUSE‐PROTECTION TEST: CORRELATION OF IN VITRO AND IN VIVO ACTIVITY FOR BETA‐LACTAM ANTIBIOTICS, VANCOMYCIN, ERYTHROMYCIN AND GENTAMICIN
Authors: Frimodt‐MØLler NIELS , Thomsen VILLY FRØLUND
Published: August 2010

The mouse‐protection test with intraperitoneal inoculation of Streptococcus pneumoniae type 3 was employed to compare the effect in vivo and to correlate with activity in vitro of ampicillin, piperacillin, methicillin, cefuroxime, erythromycin, vancomycin and gentamicin. The MICs for these drugs were lowest for the beta‐lactam antibiotics, highest for vancomycin and gentamicin. Relative to the MIC, gentamicin and vancomycin showed the highest bactericidal rates against the pneumococcus. Vancomycin was the most effective in vivo as measured by the 50% effective dose (ED50) after single doses 1 h post‐inoculation. Serum vancomycin concentrations measured after doses equal to the ED50 were below the minimal concentration measurable by our bioassay (i.e. < 3.7 μg/ml). For the other drugs, peak concentrations in serum were higher than those produced even by high doses in man. Among pharmacokinetic parameters studied at dosages equal to the ED50s, the period during which the serum concentration exceeded the MIC (ΔT(MIC) was the factor which varied the least for the beta‐lactam antibiotics (range, 2–5 h). For gentamicin and probably also for vancomycin the ΔT(MIC) was below 20 min, while it was considerably longer (i.e. 19 h) for erythromycin, although the bactericidal activity of this drug in vitro was comparable to that of the beta‐lactam antibiotics.
ANALYSIS OF THE INTERACTION BETWEEN PIPERACILLIN AND CIPROFLOXACIN OR TOBRAMYCIN AGAINST THIRTEEN STRAINS OF PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA, USING KILLING CURVES
Authors: Fuursted K. , Gerner‐Smidt P.
Published: August 2010

Time‐kill studies were made with thirteen strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, comparing the activity of ciprofloxacin plus piperacillin with the combination of tobramycin and piperacillin. Synergism was demonstrated in an equal number of strains with both combinations. No antagonism was demonstrated. The reproducibility of the killing‐curve method suggests that at least two different concentrations should be used and that a decrease in viable counts below 2 log10 after 24 hours does not exclude a synergistic action.
POST‐ANTIBIOTIC EFFECT AND KILLING ACTIVITY OF CIPROFLOXACIN AGAINST STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS
Authors: Fuursted K.
Published: August 2010

The effect of ciprofloxacin on eight strains of Staphylococcus aureus were examined. A post‐antibiotic effect was observed in all strains, varying between 1.65 and 2.75 hours, with concentration of ciprofloxacin at 5 times the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) exposed for 1 hours. Killing‐kinetic studies at 5 times the MIC showed a decrease in the numbers of organisms by approximately 2.1 log10 after 6 hours, independent of the growth phase. A significantly increased susceptibility of S. aureus to the bactericidal activity of ciprofloxacin during recovery from the PAE‐phase was demonstrated.
SHORT‐CHAIN FATTY ACIDS IN SEVEN STERILE THIOGLYCOLLATE MEDIA
Authors: HØVerstad Torgeir , Midtvedt Tore
Published: August 2010

Short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were analysed by gas chromatography in 7 sterile fluid thioglycollate media. The total SCFA concentration varied from 250 μmol/l to 1720 μmol/l. Acetic acid (52.0%–91.3% of total SCFA concentration) and n‐butyric acid (5.8%–48.0% of total concentration) were the main acids in all sterile media; low concentrations of propionic, isobutyric, isovaleric, and n‐valeric acid were present in most media. In studies of bacterial metabolism, or when analyses of SCFAs are used for identification of bacteria, testing of the sterile medium is necessary.
IN VITRO CYTOTOXIC EFFECT OF α‐HEMOLYTIC AND NONHEMOLYTIC ESCHERICHIA COLI ON HUMAN BLOOD GRANULOCYTES AND MONOCYTES
Authors: Gadeberg OLE V.
Published: August 2010

The in vitro cytotoxic effect of Escherichia coli on human phagocytic blood cells in the presence of fresh autologous plasma was assessed using (i) a technique by which cell damage was quantified by measuring the release of chromium 51 from labelled granulocytes and (ii) a technique based on the degree of morphological cell damage induced in monocytes. All of 109 α‐hemolytic strains were cytotoxic, the cytotoxic effect ranging from very weak to strong. Log‐phase cultures had the strongest cytotoxic effect, the individual microorganisms being most cytotoxic in the early log‐phase. Plateau‐phase cultures progressively lost their cytotoxic ability and 24 h old cultures were almost noncytotoxic. Strongly cytotoxic strains induced high degrees of cell injury, caused an abrupt damage during the first 20 min of incubation and were able to induce injury with few bacteria present. Weakly cytotoxic strains induced only low degrees of cell injury, caused a more gradually developing damage, and were able to induce injury with only high numbers of bacteria present. All of 75 nonhemolytic and 3 β‐hemolytic strains were noncytotoxic.
CROSSED IMMUNOELECTROPHORETIC ANALYSIS OF FLAVOBACTERIUM MENINGOSEPTICUM AND ALLIED FLAVOBACTERIUM TAXA
Authors: Bruun BRITA , HØIby NIELS
Published: August 2010

A total of 55 different antigens were demonstrated in pooled lysate of six Flavobacterium meningosepticum strains by crossed immunoelectrophoresis against homologous rabbit antibody. The six strains used represented the two DNA relatedness groups within this species. All 52 strains of F. meningosepticum investigated were found to cross‐react with 53 to 55 of these F. meningosepticum reference antigens. Using this F. meningosepticum reference system, cross‐reactions between the F. meningosepticum reference antigen and antigens from representatives of other Flavobacterium taxa were also investigated. A positive correlation was demonstrated between the number of cross‐reacting antigens and the taxonomic relatedness of the investigated taxa as determined by other classification methods, including DNA‐DNA hybridization. The crossed immunoelectrophoretic techniques were not useful in differentiating the two main DNA groups of F. meningosepticum.
SINGLE AND MULTIPLE ACID EXTRACT ANTIGENS IN CAMPYLOBACTER SEROLOGY
Authors: Rautelin HILPI , Kosunen TIMO U.
Published: August 2010

Campylobacter IgA, IgM and IgG antibody titers of 442 patients with positive isolations of Campylobacter were tested in enzyme immunoassay (EIA). Of the patients, 330 showed elevated antibody end‐point titers to a single acid extract antigen prepared from a C. jejuni strain. Sixteen further patients had fourfold or greater antibody titer changes in paired sera. Nine patients, who did not show elevated antibody titers for the single extract, had positive serological responses for a multiple acid extract prepared from six C. jejuni/coli and a C. fetus subsp. fetus strain. The specificity of the test, based on Campylobacter antibodies of 200 healthy blood donors, was 99%. The use of the single acid extract gave a sensitivity of 78%. The additional use of the multiple acid extract raised the sensitivity to 80%.
EVALUATION OF A CONVENTIONAL ROUTINE METHOD FOR IDENTIFICATION OF CLINICAL ISOLATES OF COAGULASE‐NEGATIVE STAPHYLOCOCCUS AND MICROCOCCUS SPECIES Comparison with API‐Staph and API‐Staph‐Ident
Authors: Gahrn‐Hansen BENTE , Heltberg OLE , Rosdahl VIBEKE THAMDRUP , SØGaard PER
Published: August 2010

A collection of 138 consecutive isolates from blood primarily identified as Gram‐positive, cluster‐forming, coagulase‐negative cocci was examined by a conventional routine method for identification of clinical isolates of coagulase‐negative Staphylococcus and Micrococcus species. The method was based on selected reactions from the Kloos & Schleifer scheme, utilizing the conventional media of Statens Seruminstitut. Double determinations for each isolate were performed by the conventional method. The results were compared with speciation by the commercial micromethods API‐Staph and API‐Staph‐Ident. For control, 31 Staphylococcus and 13 Micrococcus reference strains were included. Of the 31 Staphylococcus spp. (reference strains), the conventional system, API‐Staph, and API‐Staph‐Ident correctly identified 87%, 87% and 81%, respectively. Micrococcus spp. were only identified to genus level by the conventional method as well as by API‐Staph. API‐Staph‐Ident is not designed for Micrococcus identification. Of 138 blood isolates, 121 belonged to the genus Staphylococcus while 17 were Micrococcus spp. S. epidermidis dominated with all three methods, constituting approx. 35% of the isolates tested. In only 57% of the isolates identification by all three methods agreed. The three methods were unable to put a name on 7.5% (conventional method), 10.7% (API‐Staph) and 2.5% (API‐Staph‐Ident) of the isolates. Reproducibility was high with the conventional method (100% for the reference strains and 91% for blood culture isolates) as well as with API‐Staph and API‐Staph‐Ident (88%/81% and 81%/81%, respectively). We concluded that our conventional system was able to identify most clinically significant staphylococcal species by means of relatively few tests with a high certainty and a high degree of reproducibility.
ANTIBIOTICS AND HUMAN MONOCYTE FUNCTION
Authors: Nielsen HENRIK
Published: August 2010

The influence of thirteen commonly used antibacterial drugs on the chemotactic responsiveness of human blood monocytes in vitro was investigated. Tetracyklin, trimethoprim and fusidic acid at high concentrations produced a significant inhibition of the monocyte response, whereas normal therapeutic concentrations produced insignificant inhibition. Benzylpenicillin, ampicillin, tobramycin, chloramphenicol, metronidazole, rifampicin, clindamycin, sulfametoxazole, cefotaxime and ofloxacin did not alter monocyte migration. From these observations it can be expected that at normal dosages none of the tested drugs will affect monocyte chemotaxis in vivo.
COMPARISON OF RESISTANCE TYPES IN ENTEROBACTER CLOACAE 1977 AND 1985
Authors: SØGaard PER , Togsverd EVA , Mansa BENDT
Published: August 2010

A collection of Enterobacter cloacae strains from Odense University Hospital from 1977 were compared with a collection from 1985 as regards acquired resistance traits. Among the strains with carbenicillin (Ca) resistance, the number of multiresistant strains decreased while the number with sole Ca‐resistance increased. In 1977, a high proportion of the Ca‐resistant (Ca‐r) strains had plasmid‐mediated β‐lactam resistance, but in 1985 the Ca‐r strains were completely dominated by organisms with elevated amounts of chromosomally‐mediated β‐lactamase. The latter, but not the former, strains were resistant to the newer cephalosporins (e.g. cefotaxime (Ctax)). The consumption of Ctax and cefuroxime increased from 0 kg in 1977 to 7.0 kg in 1985. It is therefore probable that this increase was the cause of the change in occurrence of the resistance types. Ninety‐one % of the Ca‐r strains were isolated from urinary samples in 1977. The percentage was only 31 in 1985. This change, concomitant with the increase in Ctax‐r strains, can probably be explained by the better conditions for selection of Ctax‐r mutants, producing greater amounts of chromosomal β‐lactamase, in wounds and respiratory tract than in urine.
BIOCHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF NINE ORAL SMALL‐SIZED SPIROCHETE STRAINS CONTAINING ONE ENDOFLAGELLUM FROM EACH CELL‐END
Authors: Fiehn NILS‐ERIK
Published: August 2010

The purpose of the present investigation was to establish a biochemical characterization of oral spirochetes containing one endoflagellum from each cell‐end. Nine spirochete strains were isolated from subgingival plaque with pocket depth > 6 mm. The following metabolic capabilities were examined: fermentation of 16 different carbohydrates, hydrolysis of urea, gelatin and esculin, and production of indol and H2S. Furthermore activities of the following categories of enzymes were examined: proteases, peptidases, lipases, glycosidases, phosphatases, and mucopolysaccharadases. The tests and analyses were routinely carried out with cultures in the early stationary phase of growth. Of the examined metabolic capabilities eleven of the 21 characters were identical for all strains. Only the fermentation of some of the carbohydrates varied between the strains. All strains were identical regarding the examined enzymes. The following enzyme activities were found: acid and alkaline phosphatase, C‐4 (butyrate)‐, and C‐8 (caprylate)‐lipases, peptidases, hyaluronidase, and chondroitinsulfatase. The findings are compared with earlier observations for the same spirochete morphotype and with small‐sized spirochetes containing two endoflagella from each cell‐end.
THE PORIN PROTEIN OF THE OUTER MEMBRANE OF ESCHERICHIA COLI: REACTIVITY IN IMMUNOBLOTTING, ANTIBODY‐BINDING BY THE NATIVE PROTEIN, AND CROSS‐REACTIVITY WITH OTHER ENTERIC BACTERIA
Authors: Henriksen ARNE Z. , MæLand JOHAN A.
Published: August 2010

The experimental conditions for antibody‐binding by the 38.5 kD porin protein of an E. coli 055 strain in immunoblotting were investigated. A non‐ionic detergent in the buffer which contained the primary antibody was required for antibody‐binding by electroblots of the SDS‐denatured protein. Immunobloting, using antiserum absorbed with bacteria or the outer membrane (OM) of the E. coli 055 strain, showed results concordant with inaccessibility to antibodies of the 38.5 kD porin protein in its native configuration in the bacterial cells, but immunoreactivity when contained in the OM. OM from strains of different genera of the Enterobacteriaceae and antisera against these strains when used in immunoblot analyses showed that the E. coli 055 porin protein harboured antigenic determinants which are common to the various genera of the enteric bacilli. Cross‐reactivity with non‐enteric Gram‐negative bacteria was not observed.
SEPTICEMIA WITH AGROBACTERIUM SPECIES FROM A PERMANENT VENA CEPHALICA CATHETER
Authors: Ekelund BO , Johnsen CLAUS RIKARD , Nielsen PEDER BO
Published: August 2010

A case of Agrobacterium septicemia is reported in a 47‐year‐old woman with disseminated adenomcarcinoma mammae and a permanent vena cephalica catheter.