bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variation of serotype in strains of Bordetella pertussis
Authors: Stanbridge T. N. , Preston N. W.
Published: May 2009

The four main serotypes of Bordetella pertussis (1, 2, 3; 1, 2; 1, 3; 1) undergo spontaneous variation involving loss or gain of antigen 2 or antigen 3. By serial subculture from single colonies on charcoal-blood-agar medium, we have detected loss-mutations from type 1, 2, 3 to 1, 2 or 1, 3, and from type 1, 2 to type 1. Likewise we have found gain-mutations from type 1 to 1, 2 or 1, 3, and from 1, 2 to 1, 2, 3.

These mutations apparently occur with a high frequency in some strains. Other strains have a lower mutation-rate and are more stable antigenically. We have not detected, by this method, either gain- or loss-mutations from the type 1, 3 strains that we have tested.

These findings offer an explanation for the changes in serotype that occur during the course of a pertussis infection in the child and in the marmoset. They also constitute a warning on the possible antigenic instability of laboratory strains, especially relevant in the production, absorption and testing of diagnostic antisera and in the preparation of pertussis vaccine.
Absorption of hexachlorophane from dusting powder on newborn infants' skin
Authors: Gillespie W. A. , Corner Beryl D. , Burman D. , Alder V. G.
Published: May 2009

In a maternity hospital in which the umbilicus and trunk of healthy newborn infants were treated with 0·33% hexachlorophane dusting powder, the hexachlorophane content of blood was measured in mothers before delivery, in infants' umbilical samples at birth, and at 8 days of age in capillary blood samples. One mother and her baby had rather high blood concentrations of hexachlorophane, probably derived from a toilet preparation used before admission to hospital. Hexachlorophane was absent or barely detectable in the other mothers' blood and in the infants' umbilical blood. The hexachlorophane concentrations in the blood of 8-day-old infants ranged from nil to 0·166μg./ml. (mean 0·066μg./ml.). These were much less than the concentrations reported to be toxic in animals.

In a previous trial now reported here, a dusting powder containing chlorhexidine instead of hexachlorophane was found to delay the separation of the umbilical cord.
Respiratory viral infection in childhood. A survey in general practice, Roehampton 1967–1972
Authors: Horn Mary E. C. , Brain Elizabeth , Gregg I. , Yealland Susan J. , Inglis J. M.
Published: May 2009

The role of viruses andM. pneumoniaein episodes of acute respiratory illness in childhood has been studied in a London general practice. The total isolation rate was 31·7%, but the rate varied from 32·6% in upper respiratory infections to 64·0% in pneumonia. The clinical features associated with infection were influenced not only by the type of agent but also by age and other host factors in the infected children. Rhinoviruses were more commonly isolated than any other agent and were frequently associated with wheezy bronchitis.
A comparison of some immunological methods for the differentiation of strains of foot-and-mouth disease virus
Authors: Forman A. J.
Published: May 2009

Two FMDV strains which had been previously differentiated by complement-fixation were compared by guinea-pig protection test, kinetic neutralization and micro-neutralization tests. It was found that these tests, which have not been previously applied by the methods described, were all capable of FMDV strain differentiation. Similar differences were found by all methods, which suggests that comparisons made by cross-CF, cross-neutralization or cross-protection involve measurement of the same antigen/antibody interactions.
Counter-electrophoresis as a possible method for typing ECHO and Coxsackie B viruses.
Authors: MacWilliam Kathleen M. , Cook Karen M.
Published: May 2009

A method for typing ECHO and Coxsackie B viruses using counter-electrophoresis has been developed using stock strains of 15 different ECHO types and 5 Coxsackie B viruses. Work is continuing to see whether the method is a practical one to use for typing of strains from patients infected with ECHO or Coxsackie B viruses.
Response to influenza vaccine in adjuvant 65-4
Authors: Smith J. W. G. , Fletcher W. B. , Peters Martin , Westwood M. , Perkins F. J.
Published: May 2009

A comparison was made of the antibody response and subjective reactions to zonally-purified influenza vaccine in aqueous suspension and in peanut oil adjuvant 65-4. Both preparations contained 700 CCA units of A/Aichi/2/68, and 300 CCA units of B/Mass/1/71.

Subjective reactions were recorded by asking the volunteers to complete a record daily for 5 days. Pain at the injection site was recorded by 64% of the recipients of the oil adjuvant vaccine compared with 35% of the aqueous recipients, but local redness was more frequent after aqueous vaccine. Systemic symptoms were recorded a little more frequently after aqueous than oil adjuvant vaccine.

When measured 7½ weeks after a single dose of vaccine, the HAI geometric mean antibody titre (G.M.T.) to the A/Hong Kong/1/68 antigen (antigenically similar to the A/Aichi/2/68 antigen in the vaccine) increased 2·7-fold after aqueous and 16·4-fold after adjuvant vaccine. Sixty-two weeks after vaccination the antibody titres remained higher in those given adjuvant vaccine. The G.M.T. to B/Mass/1/71 increased 1·9-fold 7½ weeks after aqueous vaccine and 3·7-fold after adjuvant vaccine.

The antibody response to both influenza A and B antigens was broader in the recipients of adjuvant vaccine. The G.M.T. to A/England/42/72 increased 2·8-fold after aqueous and 13-fold after adjuvant vaccine; and to B/England/847/73 it increased 1·3-fold after aqueous and 1·9-fold after adjuvant vaccine.
Presence of a dialysable fraction in normal bovine whey capable of killing several species of bovine mycoplasmas
Authors: Howard C. J. , Brownlie J. , Gourlay R. N. , Collins Jacqueline
Published: May 2009

Most normal bovine whey samples contain a fraction that survives heating at 56° C. for 30 min., passes through a dialysis membrane and kills a maximum of seven out of ten of the different bovine mycoplasma species tested. Some whey samples appear more active than others but not all affect the same strains of mycoplasma indicating some specificity in their action. Absorption of the active factor from whey by heterologous and homologous mycoplasmas and by erythrocytes was observed. Binding of the factor to mycoplasmas appears to be temperature-dependent and non-specific, but subsequent mycoplasmacidal action shows some specificity.
Sero-immunity to poliovirus in children and young women: England 1972–4
Authors: Mortimer P. P. , Cunningham P.
Published: May 2009

A total of 292 children's sera and 706 antenatal sera from different parts of England were tested for the presence of poliovirus neutralizing antibodies. Little variation was found between different areas and types of community, but a lower proportion of the 5–14 year old children had antibody than younger children and young adult women. The proportion of the young population with antibody, and the current acceptance rates for oral poliovirus vaccine are barely satisfactory.
Airborne infection in a fully air-conditioned hospital: IV. Airborne dispersal of Staphylococcus aureus and its nasal acquisition by patients
Authors: Lidwell O. M. , Brock B. , Shooter R. A. , Cooke E. M. , Thomas G. E.
Published: May 2009

Studies in a newly built hospital furnished with complete air conditioning where most of the patients are nursed in 6-bed rooms showed that the transfer of air from one patient room to another was very small, especially when there was substantial flow of air in a consistent direction between the patient rooms and the corridor, and that the direct transfer of airborne particles was even less. There was, however, no evidence of any reduction in the rates of nasal acquisition of Staphylococcus aureus compared with those to be found in naturally ventilated hospitals.

The numbers of Staph. aureus found in the air of a given room that appeared to have originated from patient carriers in other rooms were many times greater than could be accounted for by direct airborne transfer. Although there was evidence that many carriers were not detected, detailed study showed that this excess transfer to the air of other rooms was genuine. It seems probable on the basis of investigations in this hospital and elsewhere that this excess transfer occurs in-directly, through dispersal from the clothing of the nursing and medical staff into the air of another room of strains with which their outer clothes have become contaminated while dealing with patients.

Reduction in direct airborne transfer of micro-organisms from one room to another, whether by ventilation or other means, can only be of clinical advantage if transfer by other routes is, or can be made, less than that by the direct airborne route.
Autoclaves and their dangers and safety in laboratories
Authors: Gillespie E. H. , Gibbons S. A.
Published: May 2009

Using a laboratory downward displacement vertical autoclave with the help of thermocouples recorded on a 12 point multichannel strip recorder, the risk of failing to sterilize laboratory discard buckets has been demonstrated. The use of proper temperature and time controls can prevent this risk.

A load in a bucket with perforated sides is more easily sterilized than in a solid bucket. Wire baskets, where appropriate, facilitate the sterilizing practice. The addition of water to a bucket does not reduce the time of heating up.

It is desirable that sealed bottles of media should not be sterilized in simple downward displacement autoclaves, but if used, strict monitoring of temperatures and times is essential both in the heating up stage and especially in the cooling stage. The temperatures in bottles are slow to rise and very slow to fall. Bottles at high temperature 80–405° C. or over have a high internal pressure which can allow the bottles to explode when subjected to thermal shock if removed too early.

It is suggested that all laboratory autoclaves should have a load temperature simulator or similar device to control the temperature of the load during the cycle automatically. For the sterilization of fluid media, it is suggested that, in addition to a simulator there should be accelerated cooling to reduce damage to the media and, what is more important, to rapidly bring down the temperature and thus the internal pressure in the bottles to a safe level. The opening of the sterilizer door or lid should be automatically controlled by the load temperature simulator.
Corynebacterium kutscheriand its alleged avirulent variant in mice
Authors: Hirst R. G. , Olds R. J.
Published: May 2009

Corynebacterium kutscheriand its alleged avirulent variant were re-examined in C57Bl/6 and Swiss Lynch mice. It was confirmed that while C57B1/6 mice were resistant and Swiss Lynch susceptible toC. kutscheri, the alleged atypical variant was avirulent in both mouse strains. However, following inimunosuppression of C57B1/6 mice with hydrocortisone acetate, it was not possible to reactivate latentC. kutscherior the alleged atypical variant; this was contrary to previous reports. Moreover, sequential hysterectomy derivation over four generations of C57B1/6 mice did not eliminate their resistance toC. kutschericompared with conventionally born animals. Vaccination with live attenuatedC. kutscheriprotected susceptible mice against virulent challenge; vaccination with the alleged atypical variant afforded no such protection. The suggested role of the alleged avirulent variant in resistance toC. kutscheriis challenged and an alternative explanation of such resistance is proposed.
Serological and biochemical relationships between the alleged avirulent variant ofCorynebacterium kutscheriand streptococci of group N
Authors: Hirst R. G. , Olds R. J.
Published: May 2009

Morphological, biochemical and serological observations suggested that no close relationship existed betweenC. kutscheriand its alleged avirulent variant isolated from mice at the Rockefeller University. However, both capillary and double diffusion precipitin reactions showed the alleged variant to be a streptococcus of group N, indistinguishable from that previously isolated from Rockefeller University mice.
Serological evidence of continuing infection of swine in Great Britain with an influenza A virus (H3N2)
Authors: Chapman M. S. , Lamont P. H. , Harkness J. W.
Published: May 2009

Serum samples collected from swine and cattle in Great Britain at various times between July 1971 and July 1977 were examined by haemagglutination-inhibition or single radial haemolysis methods for evidence of infection with influenza A (H3N2) viruses. A small proportion of swine sera collected in each year reacted in the tests but there was no evidence of infection in cattle. The significance of the findings is discussed, with particular reference to the seasonal fluctuations in the prevalence of antibody in swine observed during the period of the study, and their possible relevance to influenzal events in the human population. None of the sera tested had antibody to swine influenza strains (HSw1N1).
Field trials of brodifacoum (WBA 8119) against the house mouse (Mus musculus L.)
Authors: Rowe F. P. , Swinney T. , Plant C.
Published: May 2009

The anticoagulant rodenticide brodifacoum was tested against house mice (Mus musculus L.) infesting farm buildings. In six trials, treatment success was assessed from the results of census baitings conducted before and after treatment. With 0·005% brodifacoum in canary seed/corn oil bait, the control achieved ranged between 92·7% and 100%, mean 98·8%. Two mouse populations were eradicated in 3 to 4 weeks but a few individuals survived each of the other four treatments which lasted 6 weeks. The effectiveness of brodifacoum against mice is compared with that of 0·1% calciferol and 0·025% warfarin in combination. It is concluded that brodifacoum and calciferol/warfarin are equally effective in controlling M. musculus but that brodifacoum treatments need to be conducted fora relatively longer period.
Myxomatosis: the occurrence of antibody to a soluble antigen of myxoma virus in wild rabbits, Oryctolagus cuniculus (L.), in Victoria, Australia
Authors: Edmonds J. W. , Shepherd Rosamond C. H. , Nolan I. F.
Published: May 2009

The occurrence of antibody to myxoma virus in wild rabbits following epizootics is highest in the semi-arid north-west of Victoria and lowest in temperate southern Victoria. Occurrence ranges up to about 90% in the north-west and to about 70% in the south except on the Western Plains where epizootics are rare and antibody occurrence seldom exceeds 30%.

The establishment of the European rabbit flea may be changing the pattern of occurrence of antibody in the north-west by causing spring outbreaks of myxomatosis. It is suggested that the effects of the replacement of a simple recurring system of epizootic and breeding season several months apart by the occurrence of myxomatosis twice in the same year, once coincident with the breeding season, will be complex. The occurrence of detectable antibody may be less dependent on the infection rate and may be dependent to some extent on the relative timing of spring myxomatosis and the breeding season.
Homologous and heterologous antibody responses to subunit influenza virus vaccine
Authors: Feery Brian J. , Evered M. G. , Hayes Kathleen
Published: May 2009

In a group of 32 adult volunteers given subunit influenza virus vaccine containing 250 international units (i.u.) of A/Victoria/3/75, 250 i.u. of A/Scotland/ 840/74 and 300 i.u. of B/Hong Kong/8/73, there were substantial increases in the geometric mean homologous haemagglutination-inhibiting (HI) antibody titres. There was also substantial boosting of the antibodies to the earlier variants of the Hong Kong (H3N2) series and to a later variant of the Asian (H2N2) series. There was no boosting of antibodies to the A/FM/1/47 strain, a representative member of the H1N1 series, but two individuals showed substantial rises to A/PR/8/34 (H0N1).

There were increases in the HI titre of antibodies cross reactive with two recent isolations, A/Texas/1/77, and A/Victoria/35/77, but the majority of vaccinees failed to reach antibody titres likely to be protective against such strains.
The evaluation of fabrics in relation to their use as protective garments in nursing and surgery. II. Dispersal of skin organisms in a test chamber
Authors: Lidwell O. M. , Mackintosh C. A. , Towers A. G.
Published: May 2009

The effectiveness of a representative range of fabrics in restricting dispersal through them of dry skin-borne bacteria has been examined. The fabrics were tested made up into trousers which were worn by volunteers during standardized exercise in a test chamber operated within a unidirectional flow clean-air room. Under these conditions, with careful attention to sealing at ankles and waist, it was possible to estimate penetration as low as 0·3%. Penetrations as low as 1% were observed with some synthetic fabrics. These had a relatively high surface resistivity and developed significant electrostatic charges.

When the observed values for penetration were compared with the results of a series of measurements and tests made on the fabrics it was clear that the correlation between these values and the other results was in every case very close for all the five woven cotton or cotton terylene fabrics but that no measurement or test was capable of predicting the behaviour of all the other materials in dispersal experiments. The inherent variability of dispersal experiments seems to be very great. With a standard deviation of the approximately log-normal distribution of the experimental values as high as about 2 times the mean, it is necessary to carry out as many as 20 replicate experiments in order to differentiate with certainty between garments with a two-fold difference in penetration.
The effect of travel on faecalEscherichia coli serotypes
Authors: Ismail Majed N. , Bettelheim K. A. , Shooter R. A. , Moorhouse E.
Published: May 2009

In a study on the serotypes ofEscherichia coliwhich are present in the faeces of students travelling from many parts of the world to Dublin, a great variety of types was found. It was not possible to relate certain types to the various parts of the world where the students came from. There was no decrease in variety of serotypes after the students had been in Dublin for a few months and no distinctive ‘Dublin’ types were acquired. Serological variation of theE. coliwas suggested as partially explaining some of the variety of the serotypes found. Although eight students developed diarrhoea without an aetiological agent being isolated after arrival in Dublin, no distinct pattern ofE. colicould be related to this.
The increasing isolation ofSerratiaspecies from clinical specimens
Authors: Brooks Heather J. L. , Chambers T. J. , Tabaqchali Soad
Published: May 2009

A 14-month survey was undertaken in a diagnostic bacteriology laboratory to determine the incidence ofSerratiaspp. in routine clinical specimens. Gram-negative organisms with enterobacteria-like colonies were tested by a simple screening procedure. Fifty-eight strains ofS. marcescensand two strains ofS. liquefacienswere isolated from 59 patients. The strains were usually nonpigmented and exhibited multiple antibiotic resistance. Serotyping and determination of bacteriocine sensitivity patterns revealed that the majority of infections were sporadic, although episodes of cross-infection did occur.

S. marcescenswas considered to contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality in 53% of patients and appears to be of increasing importance in hospital-acquired infections.
The specificity of the anti-haemagglutinin antibody response induced in man by inactivated influenza vaccines and by natural infection
Authors: Oxford J. S. , Schild G. C. , Potter C. W. , Jennings R.
Published: May 2009

The anti-haemagglutinin antibody response in adult human volunteers to inactivated whole virus or tween ether split influenza A/Victoria/75 (H3N2) and A/Scotland/74 (H3N2) virus vaccines was investigated using antibody adsorption and single-radial-haemolysis (SRH) techniques. The concentrations of haemagglutinin (HA), nucleoprotein (NP) and matrix (M) antigens measured by single radial diffusion (SRD) and rocket immunoelectrophoresis were similar for both the whole virus and split vaccines. Whole virus and split vaccines induced cross-reactive (CR) antibody in 87% of vaccinees. Strain specific (SS) antibody to A/Hong Kong/1/68 or the homologous virus was induced less frequently than CR antibody. Higher anti-haemagglutinin antibody titres were detected in persons receiving the split virus vaccines than in those receiving the whole virus vaccines. No antibody to the type-specific matrix protein was detectable, but 33% of volunteers developed an antibody rise to type-specific nucleoprotein antigen.

The specificity of the anti-haemagglutinin antibody response in human adults to natural infection with A/Port Chalmers/73 (H3N2) virus was similar to that induced by inactivated vaccines in that a high proportion of subjects developed CR anti-haemagglutinin antibody, which reacted with A/Hong Kong/68 virus and the homologous A/Port Chalmers/73 virus, and SS antibody for A/Hong Kong/68 virus but SS antibody for A/Port Chalmers/73 virus was infrequently stimulated by natural infection.
The cultural and biochemical characters ofStreptococcus milleristrains isolated from human sources
Authors: Ball Lyn C. , Parker M. T.
Published: May 2009

A collection of 346 strains ofStreptococcus millerifrom a variety of human sources was examined culturally and biochemically, and for the presence of Lancefield group antigens. Most of the strains were non-haemolytic and ungroupable, but 25% were β haemolytic and 19% were α haemolytic; 28% possessed a group antigen (A, 5%; C, 6%, F, 14%, G, 3%). These antigens were present in 69% of β-haemolytic but in only 13% of α-haemolytic or non-haemolytic strains; β haemolysis occurred in 82% of group-F strains, 43% of other groupable strains and 11% of ungroupable strains.

The following reactions were given by > 80% ofS. milleristrains: hydrolysis of arginine and aesculin, a positive Voges–Proskauer reaction, and acidification of trehalose, lactose, salicin and sucrose. A minority of strains showed enhancement of growth by CO2, bile tolerance, NaCl tolerance, and ability to acidify other sugars, notably mannitol, raffinose and melibiose. Departures from the modal pattern of biochemical reactions showed a weak correlation with the type of haemolysis and the presence or absence of a group antigen but were not sufficiently systematic for clear-cut subdivisions to be recognized within the species.

S. milleritherefore appeared to comprise a ‘central’ group of non-haemolytic strains that rarely formed a Lancefield-group antigen, in which the aesculin reaction was nearly always positive, lactose was usually acidified, and a considerable minority showed enhancement of growth by CO2and bile tolerance. Deviations from this pattern were of two main types. (1) ‘Loss’ of one or more of these reactions, which tended to be associated with β-haemolysis and presence of a group antigen. In these respects, α-haemolytic strains tended to occupy an intermediate position. (2) ‘Gain’ of the ability to acidify additional sugars, notably raffinose and melibiose or mannitol; this occurred mainly among otherwise typical non-haemolytic strains that were rarely groupable.

Only 12% of isolations from the bloodstream of patients suffering from systemic infections were β haemolytic and only 18% possessed a group antigen, but a considerably greater proportion of those from visceral abscesses were β haemolytic (28%). Among isolations from superficial lesions in some body sites there were considerably greater proportions of β-haemolytic and groupable strains; thus, nearly one-half of those isolated from the abdomen other than the female genital tract were β-haemolytic and over one-half were groupable. On the other hand, strains from the teeth and gums were nearly always non-haemolytic and ungroupable, and most vaginal isolations were of non-haemolytic strains with a wide sugar-fermentation pattern.
Comparison of the tuberculin Tine Test+ and the Mantoux
Authors: Hill G. W. R. , Roach M.
Published: May 2009

Re-evaluation of recently published figures comparing the tuberculin Tine Test+ and the Mantoux showed that, contrary to original opinion, the Tine Test+ did perform satisfactorily, the reason for the apparent ineffectiveness lying in the original interpretation of the results.
Brucella abortus in the bitch: subclinical infection associated with urinary excretion
Authors: Bicknell S. R. , Bell R. A.
Published: May 2009

Brucella abortus infection in the bitch, associated with an aborted bovine fetus, is described. Clinical signs were absent, but the organism was isolated from many sites in the body, including the urine, after death. The response of the dog to B. abortus infection and its possible role as a vector of the disease is discussed.
The inactivation of viruses in cattle and pig slurry by aeration or treatment with calcium hydroxide
Authors: Derbyshire J. B. , Brown E. G.
Published: May 2009

Porcine enterovirus type 2 or porcine adenovirus type 3 were seeded into samples of pig slurry, and a bovine enterovirus was seeded into cattle slurry, and samples of the slurry were aerated in the laboratory for 21 days. The viruses were inactivated more rapidly in the aerated slurry than in control slurry which was not aerated. The difference in inactivation rate was greatest for the porcine adenovirus and least for the bovine enterovirus. Inactivation of the porcine enterovirus in aerated distilled water and in aerated, autoclaved pig slurry proceeded at a similar rate as in the same materials which were not aerated. Ten samples of aerated slurry were collected from an aeration tank which received weekly additions of raw pig slurry which was sampled at the same times. Each sample yielded a porcine enterovirus after concentration with the polyelectrolyte PE-60, but in three comparative titrations the viral infectivity titre in concentrates of the raw slurry was at least 1000 times greater than in the aerated slurry. Porcine enterovirus type 2 and porcine adenovirus type 3, which were seeded into pig slurry, and a bovine enterovirus seeded into cattle slurry, were inactivated by treatment of the slurry with calcium hydroxide at pH 11·5. The inactivation rate was highest for the bovine enterovirus and lowest for the porcine adenovirus.
Specific immunoglobulin responses after varicella and herpes zoster
Authors: Cradock-Watson J. E. , Ridehalgh Margaret K. S. , Bourne M. S.
Published: May 2009

The indirect immunofluorescence technique has been used to titrate the specific immunoglobulins in 200 sera from 64 patients with varicella, and 195 sera from 67 patients with herpes zoster. IgG and IgM antibodies were detected in all patients with varicella, and IgA in 59 (92%). All three classes of antibody appeared 2–5 days after the onset of the rash, increased virtually simultaneously and reached maximum titres during the second and third weeks. IgG then declined slowly, but never became undetectable and was still present in five subjects who were retested after 2–4 years; it was present in 88 out of 100 healthy young adults and probably persists indefinitely after varicella. IgA and 1gM antibodies declined more rapidly and were not detected in specimens taken more than a year after the illness. IgA, however, may possibly persist in some cases since low titres were found in 8 out of 88 young adults who possessed IgG antibody and had presumably had varicella in the past. IgA responses were significantly weaker in children under the age of 6 years than in older children and adults.

Six out of 67 patients with zoster were tested at various times before the onset of the rash: IgG antibody was detected in all. IgG was present in all sera taken after the onset of the rash, increased rapidly after 2–5 days, reached maximum titres during the second and third weeks and then declined slowly. IgA antibody was detected in 66 patients (99%) and IgM in 52 (78%); both types of antibody followed transient courses, as in varicella.

Maximum titres of IgG and complement-fixing antibodies were greater after zoster than after varicella, but the differences were not significant. IgA and IgM titres in young adults with zoster were significantly lower than in older patients, and also lower than in young adults with varicella.

Increases in varicella-zoster antibody in patients with herpes simplex virus infections consisted mainly of IgG, sometimes IgA, but never IgM.
Estimating the duration of latency and survival time of snails with schistosomiasis
Authors: Goddard M. J.
Published: May 2009

By means of techniques of analyses of survival data developed for cancer trials it is possible to study aspects of the natural history of the infection of schistosomiasis on the intermediate host of transmission, the snail.

The simultaneous study of three response variables is largely based on a model of Lagakos (1976). When using this approach in the schistosomiasis setting it seems inappropriate to assume that one process, the duration of latency, follows an exponential distribution. Thus this stage is modified to follow a normal distribution and the derivatives required to obtain maximum-likelihood estimates and approximate variances of all parameters are provided.

Simple graphical tools for assessing the validity of distributional assumptions in survival data are available from industrial research. The reader's attention is drawn to a paper by Nelson (1972). The relevance and application of these methods to the current problem are described in Section 4.

In the event that the times to death of prepatent and patent snails do not follow exponential distributions as assumed in the primary model, a further modification is introduced to enable either or both to follow Weibull densities.

Lastly it is possible to adapt both the primary model of Section Three and the modified model of Section Five to allow for the inclusion of auxiliary variables or covariates. Again the required derivatives to obtain maximum likelihood estimates and approximate variances are provided.

I wish to thank Sheila Gore, Stuart Pocock and Professor Michael Healy for many useful discussions. Sheila Gore and Professor Peter Armitage provided many recommendations for the improvement of the manuscript for which I am most grateful.
Studies on the effects of ionization on bacterial aerosols in a burns and plastic surgery unit
Authors: Mäkelä Paavo , Ojajärvi Juhani , Graeffe Gunnar , Lehtimäki Matti
Published: May 2009

The effect of the ionization of the air on the decay of bacterial aerosols was studied in a Burns and Plastic Surgery Unit. Ions were generated by free corona needles. The air content of bacteria measured by settle plates was found to be smaller during the ionization period than during the controls period. The number of individual phage typed Staph. aureus strains was especially found to be lower during ionization. The opposite potential increased the disappearance of bacteria from the air. The size of skin particles carrying bacteria is not optimum, but the results obtained show that the ionization may have applications in controlling airborne infection.
Comparison of the protective efficacies of the live vaccine RIT 4025 and an inactivated vaccine against a natural heterologous A/Victoria/3/75 infection
Authors: Delem A. , Van Rensburg W. , Flaskett I.
Published: May 2009

summary

A clinical trial was initiated in South Africa before the winter season of 1976. The study involved 253 volunteers divided into three groups of vaccinees and one control group.

Two groups of vaccinees were inoculated with either one or two doses at 2 weeks' interval (107·2EID 50/dose) of the RIT 4025 live recombinant strain [A/Scotland/840/74 (H3N2) serotype] and one group received one injection of an inactivated vaccine [A/Port Chalmers/1/73 (H3N2), 360 i.u., A/Scotland/840/74 (H3N2), 300 i.u. and B/Hong Kong/8/73, 300 i.u./dose].

The serum antihaemagglutinin antibody responses against the heterologous A/Victoria/3/75 strain as measured by the single radial haemolysis test were satisfactory and not statistically different in all groups of vaccinees. On the other hand, the antineuraminidase antibody response was better in the group receiving the killed vaccine.

At the end of the influenza season, A/Victoria/3/75 infections were confirmed serologically.

Only 12% of the infections were symptomatic. The infection rate was significantly reduced in the live vaccine groups, whereas in the killed vaccine group the percentage of infection was lower but not significantly different from that in the placebo group.
Microbial contamination of pharmaceutical products in the home
Authors: Baird Rosamund M. , Crowden Carol A. , O'farrell Sheila M. , Shooter R. A.
Published: May 2009

summary

One thousand, nine hundred and seventy-seven pharmaceutical products used in the home were examined for microbial contamination. Viable micro-organisms were recovered from 14.0% of samples. Medicines used in the home are apparently not exposed to the same opportunities for contamination as those used in hospital.
Characterization of R-plasmids coding for ampicillin resistance fromSalmonellaspecies
Authors: Jamieson A. F. , Green M. J.
Published: May 2009

summary

A sudden increase in the incidence of ampicillin resistance was observed amongSalmonellaspecies isolated within New Zealand in 1973–4. This increase was due mainly to the appearance and proliferation ofSalmonella newingtonandSalmonella anatumserotypes resistant to ampicillin. The plasmid complements of 14 ampicillin-resistantS. newingtonandS. anatumisolates obtained from widely separated geographical areas within New Zealand between 1973 and 1974 were characterized by agarose gel electrophoresis. Each contained one or more plasmids ranging in molecular weight from 1·4 to 42 Mdal. Eleven isolates contained a self-transmissible plasmid of 33 Mdal which encoded resistance to ampicillin. After transfer toEscherichia coli, the 33 Mdal R-plasmids from each of these isolates were shown to be identical by restriction endonuclease analysis. The remaining three strains contained ampicillin R-plasmids having molecular weights of 35, 37·5 and 42 Mdal. These plasmids were shown by restriction endonuclease analysis to be related to the 33 Mdal R-plasmid. We conclude that the 33 Mdal plasmid and its derivatives were responsible for the increase in the incidence of ampicillin-resistantS. newingtonandS. anatumserotypes among the totalSalmonellapopulation.
Comparison ofStaphylococcus aureuscarriage and skin infection rates in hospital and office employees
Authors: Henning Claes , Hillborgh Ulla , Lindvall Kerstin , Marqvardsen Ole , Sellers John , Wåhlin Staffan , Ransjö Ulrika
Published: May 2009

The incidence ofStaphylococcus aureusin the nose, throat and superficial wound infections of 99 office staff, 129 psychiatry staff and 115 surgical staff was studied over a 4-week period with the purpose of assessing the potential risk to hospital personnel of staphylococcal infection. Incidence rates, both average and cumulative, were essentially similar in the three groups but certain differences in the ecology of the staphylococcal phage groups were observed. Surgical staff appeared to have a more labile pattern of carriage. As in other Scandinavian studies throat carriage rates were high. Staphylococcal carriage seems largely to depend on individual characteristics rather than environmental factors.
Microbial contamination of topical medicaments used in the treatment and prevention of pressure sores
Authors: Baird Rosamund M. , Farwell J. A. , Sturgiss Monica , Awad Z. A. , Shooter R. A.
Published: May 2009

Topical medicaments used in the treatment and prevention of pressure sores in patients in three hospitals were examined for Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus contamination. Contamination rates were found to vary between hospitals and were affected by differences in the packaging of the product and in the method of application used by the nursing staff.
Comparison of selenite F, Muller-Kauffmann tetrathionate and Rappaport's medium for the isolation of salmonellas from sewage-polluted natural water using a pre-enrichment technique
Authors: Harvey R. W. S. , Price T. H. , Xirouchaki Evangelia
Published: May 2009

Three enrichment broths, selenite F, Muller-Kauffmann tetrathionate and Rappaport, were examined for their efficiency in salmonella isolation. The three media, prepared from single ingredients in the laboratory, were compared with their commercial equivalents. Laboratory-prepared media were more efficient for isolating salmonellas from sewage-polluted natural water samples. A pre-enrichment stage using buffered peptone water was employed throughout the investigation. The size of inoculum from the pre-enrichment medium was relevant to successful salmonella isolation. Inocula studied were 1 ml and one loopful (3 mm diameter loop). The smaller inoculum gave better results with Rappaport, the larger with selenite and tetrathionate. Using the optimal inocula, Rappaport was the most efficient enrichment broth of the three fluid media in this study.
Stool viruses in babies in Glasgow: 3. Community studies
Authors: Scott T. M. , Madeley C. R. , Cosgrove B. P. , Stanfield J. P.
Published: May 2009

Twenty-seven babies from one deprived housing area in Glasgow were followed-up regularly, for periods varying between 2 months and 11 months (mean 7 months), in a prospective study of the viruses to be found in their stools by electron microscopy. Weekly stool specimens were collected in the home together with a history of the baby's health. Additional stool specimens were obtained, up to a maximum of one per day, during admissions to hospital. Over 500 specimens were obtained at home and another 320 in hospital. A wide variety of viruses (over 200 recognizates) were detected and it has been possible to plot their temporal relation to disease episodes. It became apparent that virus excretion was frequently unaccompanied by evidence of illness and it has not been possible to describe a typical illness syndrome associated with any of the morphological types of virus observed.

The results suggest that, in one area of Glasgow at least, patterns of virus excretion in young babies are complex and will need further elucidation before the need for a vaccine to prevent infantile diarrhoea could be defined.
Potential risk of salivary-mediated viral hepatitis type B transmission from oral exposure to fomites
Authors: Osterholm M. T. , Max B. J. , Hanson M. , Polesky H. F.
Published: May 2009

Twelve grade school and junior high school students had oral exposures to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive saliva via contact with contaminated musical instruments. The 12 exposed students and 18 students who served as age and sex matched controls were tested for the presence of HBsAg and antibody to the hepatitis surface antigen (anti-HBs) at 2 weeks, 8 weeks and 6 months after exposure. All students were negative for HBsAg and anti-HBs on all dates tested and reported no illness during that time suggestive of viral hepatitis. There was no evidence of viral hepatitis, type B transmission from the exposure. The students probably experienced the maximum possible oral exposure from direct or fomites contact, since there was no cleaning of the musical instruments between use by the students and teacher. Based on these results, the risk of transmission of viral hepatitis, type B from oral contact with fomites is unlikely.
The effect of an intramammary infusion of endotoxin on experimentally induced mycoplasmal mastitis
Authors: Brownlie J. , Howard C. J. , Gourlay R. N.
Published: May 2009

The infusion of 10 μg of endotoxin lipopolysaccharide fromEscherichia coliinto the mammary gland of four cows 16 h before inoculation with ureaplasmas did not prevent, or even diminish, the subsequent ureaplasmal mastitis. There was no reduction in the severity or duration of the inflammatory cell response in milk or in the clinical appearance of the resulting mastitis. Also, the excretion of ureaplasmas was not reduced.

A similar experiment withMycoplasma disparin two cows demonstrated that endotoxin was again ineffective in preventing the mastitis. Furthermore, there was some indication that the proliferation and excretion of this mycoplasma was enhanced in endotoxin-treated quarters.
Evaluation of airborne operating room bacteria with a Biap slit sampler
Authors: Tjade O. H. , Gabor I.
Published: May 2009

A Biap slit sampler and a Casella Mk 2 slit sampler were studied in an orthopaedic operating theatre. Both showed similar bacterial counts in the range of 74–640 c.f.u. (colony forming units)/m3. During operations, an average count of 220 c.f.u./m3 (range 52–482) was obtained. A close relationship was demonstrated between the number of airborne bacteria and the frequency of traffic through doors.
Studies on the incidence of Toxocara and Toxascaris spp. ova in the environment. 1. A comparison of flotation procedures for recovering Toxocara spp. ova from soil
Authors: Quinn R. , Smith H. V. , Bruce R. G. , Girdwood R. W. A.
Published: May 2009

Seven different flotation fluids were assessed for their efficiency in recovering Toxocara canis ova from artificially seeded soil samples. Using the most efficient (a saturated solution of magnesium sulphate plus 5 % potassium iodide) 25 g amounts of 234 environmental soil samples were examined for the presence of Toxocara spp. and Toxascaris ova. Twenty-six samples (11·1 %) yielded ova of one or other species. There was no discernible pattern of distribution of positives with relation to the source of the samples. The maximum number of ova recovered in any one sample was 19. All the ova recovered from the environment were considered viable and potentially infective.
Phage type/biotype groups of Salmonella typhimurium in Scotland 1974–6: variation during spread of epidemic clones
Authors: Old Ruth Barker D.C. , Sharp J. C. M.
Published: May 2009

Biotyping by the scheme of Duguid et al. (1975) of 2010 cultures of Salmonella typhimurium received by the Scottish Salmonella Reference Laboratory in 1974–6, the definitive phage types of which were known, revealed 137 different phage type/biotype groups. Four major epidemic clones, comprising 52 % of the cultures, were recognized: 1/2a, 49/26a, 56/17g and 141/9f. The sources of each of these four groups of strains were primarily bovine (587 cultures) and human (361), suggesting a close association between infections in the two hosts.

Epidermiological evidence showed that most of the outbreaks were caused by cultures of a single phage type/biotype, suggesting that both phage typing and biotyping characters were usually stable in the course of spread of epidemic strains.

Thirty-two of the 63 phage types contained strains of more than one biotype. Cultures from 11 of the phage types were of two or more closely related biotypes and those from 21 others were of unrelated or distantly related biotypes. The combined use of phage typing and biotyping made it possible to detect occasional variations in the phage type or biotype in epidemic clones during their spread, e.g. phage type 49 to 204, 56 to 193, 141 to 193 and biotype 2a to lOa, 9f to 9bf, or 9cf, 26a to 26f.
Infection prevention in patients with cancer: microbiological evaluation of portable laminar air flow isolation, topical chlorhexidine, and oral non-absorbable antibiotics
Authors: Spiers A. S. D. , Dias Sylvia F. , Lopez J. A.
Published: May 2009

The increasing use of intensive cytotoxic chemotherapy for patients with solid tumors enhances the risk of opportunistic infection to levels formerly seen only in patients with acute leukaemia, and prevention of infection is a major concern. A relatively simple regimen of isolation, topical antisepsis, and orally administered non-absorbable antibiltics was stuidied in 18 patients. Sixteen of 21 studies were performed using portable laminar ait flow apparatus and five with isolation only. All patients became severly neutropenic but there were no major infections. Microbiological results showed effective decontamination of the skin, which was maintained without recolonization or acquisition of new organisms. The ears, nose and throat were effectively decontaminated only when the regimen was intensified. Colonization with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a major pathogen in compromised hosts, did not occur. The propective regimen is less expensive than regimens previously desribed, is acceptable to patients, and requires no modification of existing hospital rooms. It merits further evaluation in patients with common cancers who receive intensive cytotoxic drug therapy.
The virulence of salmonella strains for chickens: their excretion by infected chickens
Authors: Smith H. Williams , Tucker J. F.
Published: May 2009

Inoculated orally, 16 Salmonella typhimurium strains belonging to 12 phage types varied greatly in their abilityto kill 1-day-old chickens; variation was noted even between strains of the same phage type. Fourteen strains belonging to 11 food poisoning serotypes other than S. typhimurium were practically non-lethal whenexamined in this manner. All of them were lethal by the intramuscular route but some were more so than others. Twowere more lethal by this route than one of the S. typhimurium strains that was highly lethal when given orally.With age, chickens rapidly became resistant to fatal infection with the food poisoning strains; given orally, a S.typhimurium strain killed 79 % of 1-day-old chickens but only 3 % of 2-day-old chickens. Of 2 specific poultrypathogenic strains, one, of S. gallinarum, was lethal by oral inoculation to chickens of all ages but the other, of S. pullorum, was only lethal to very young ones.

Some salmonella strains, such as those of S. infantis and S. menston, were more efficient at infecting and colonizing the alimentary tract of chickens than were the more virulent S. typhimurium strains, the S. gallinarum and S. pullorum strains and a S. cholerae-suis strain.
A comparison between minerals-modified glutamate medium and lauryl tryptose lactose broth for the enumeration of Escherichia coli and coliform organisms in water by the multiple tube method
Authors:   Joint Committee of the Public Health Laboratory Service and the Standing Committee of Analysts
Published: May 2009

In a multi-laboratory trial, minerals-modified glutamate medium (MMGM) was compared with lauryl tryptose lactose broth (LTLB) in the multiple tube method for the enumeration of coliform organisms, including Escherichia coli, in water. Samples of raw and chlorinated waters yielded a total of 2313 positive tube-reactions with MMGM and 2174 with LTLB. These were interpreted either as E. coli; other coliform organisms; or as false positive reactions. The results at first reading (18 or 24 h) and at 48 h have been analysed statistically in terms of (i) most probable numbers of coliform organisms; (ii) positive reactions and their interpretation; and (iii) whether or not the sample yielded any E. coli or other coliform organisms. All three analyses indicated the same trends. For the detection of E. coli in raw waters LTLB was better than MMGM at 18–24 h, but MMGM was better at 48 h with waters containing small numbers of coliform organisms; for raw waters with greater numbers of organisms, both media performed equally well. Analysis of a subset of samples read at both 18 and 24 h indicated that the superiority of LTLB over MMGM with raw waters disappeared by 24 h. For chlorinated waters, LTLB yielded more positive gas reactions at 18–24 h, but fewer of these were E. coli than with MMGM; at 48 h MMGM was clearly better than LTLB for total coliform organisms including E. coli – especially if the numbers were small. MMGM therefore remains the medium of choice for the detection of E. coli as an indicator of faecal contamination of chlorinated drinking water supplies. It is also better for the detection of small numbers of E. coli in other waters.