bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An inherited mild middle-aged adiposity in wild mice
Authors: Wallace Margaret E. , Macswiney Felicity M.
Published: May 2009

In a warfarin-resistant population of wild mice reared in the laboratory, a dominant gene for adiposity, Ad, was found to segregate. The onset of obesity is at 4–6 months, and adipose mice suffer from hyperinsulinaemia; the sexes differ in penetrance, males having greater penetrance then females. Linkage backcrosses show the gene to be situated on chromosome 7 with about 25% recombination with the closely linked warfarin-resistance genes War, and frizzy, fr. The finding of adipose in two other wild populations also carrying War is discussed as an ecological and physiological problem.
The Brown Animal Sanatory Institution
Authors: Wilson Graham
Published: May 2009

In a factual report of this kind something must be said about the financial resources of the Institution, if only to show how handicapped a research laboratory is whose income is below that required for its proper functioning; and at the same time how much can be done by men of vision and determination in the most difficult and disheartening circumstances.
Cross-contamination during the preparation of frozen chickens in the kitchen
Authors: De Wit Jacora C. , Broekhuizen G. , Kampelmacher E. H.
Published: May 2009

A study was made of the extent to which frozen broilers, contaminated with indicator organisms, can cause cross-contamination in the kitchen.

In 60 kitchens a number of relevant objects were sampled during the preparation of contaminated frozen broilers. The results show that cross-contamination occurred in a high proportion of the kitchens examined. In many instances the indicator organism was still present on various objects even after rinsing, ‘clearing’ or washing up. In view of the possible risk of a cross-contamination withSalmonellaspp. the importance of instructing food preparers is emphasized.

No salmonellas could be found in the sinks of the 60 kitchens examined.
Enterotoxigenic enteric bacteria in foods and outbreaks of food-borne diseases in Sweden
Authors: Danielsson M.-L. , Möllby R. , Brag H. , Hansson N. , Jonsson P. , Olsson E. , Wadström T.
Published: May 2009

All of 86 foods routinely examined for potentially pathogenic enteric bacteria were found to harbour one or more coliform species. None of the strains isolated produced heat-labile enterotoxin (LT) or showed invasive properties. The suckling mouse test indicated that one strain ofEscherichia coliproduced heat-stable enterotoxin (ST). Twelve incidents of suspected food poisoning were also investigated. In two of them the foods examined contained LT-producing strains ofE. coliand in two there were LT-producing strains ofKlebsiella pneumoniae. The counts of viable enterotoxigenic micro-organisms in these foods were 3000–30 000E. coli/g and 50 000 to 1 millionK. pneumoniae/g. The dominant symptom in all the incidents was watery diarrhoea. These seem to be the first reported cases of foodborne enterotoxigenic enteric bacteria in Europe. Though enterotoxigenicE. coliand related gram-negative enterotoxin-producing species are rare in correctly handled food in Sweden, these micro-organisms should be searched for when outbreaks of food poisoning are investigated.
The relationship between rainfall and well water pollution in a West African (Gambian) villaǵe
Authors: Barrell R. A. E. , Rowland M. G. M.
Published: May 2009

Water pollution was monitored in six Gambian village wells over a period of 8 months spanning the 5-month monomodal rains and the pre- and post-rains dry periods. Faecal coliform (FC) and faecal streptococci (FS) counts were high throughout and there was a massive increase associated with the onset of the rains, maximum counts exceeding 5 x 105/100 ml. This pattern was largely sustained throughout the rainy season. Some individual variations in patterns of pollution could be ascribed to well design, in particular lining of the shaft, but no well was protected from the seasonal increase in faecal pollution. The source of the increased pollution appeared to be a flushing in of faecal material of indeterminate or mixed human and animal origin, probably over considerable distances. Peaks of pollution not associated with rainfall episodes could have resulted from the practice of communal laundering in the near vicinity of the wells. Specific pathogens includingSalmonellaspp. were isolated only intermittently. Attention has been drawn to a problem complicating the standard method for assessing FC counts.
Clostridium botulinum in soil on the site of the former Metropolitan (Caledonian) Cattle Market, London
Authors: Smith G. R. , Milligan R. A.
Published: May 2009

summary

Sixty soil samples were collected from the redeveloped site of the former Metropolitan (Caledonian) Cattle Market, Islington, London. Of these, 15 (25%) contained Clostridium botulinum and no less than four types (B, C, D and E) were demonstrated.

Early British soil surveys suggested that only 4–8% of samples contained Cl. botulinum (type A or B). Although there can be no absolute proof, it seems likely that the striking prevalence at the Market site was the result of faecal contamination by a small proportion of the many millions of farm animals brought there from elsewhere.

The distribution of Clostridium tetani was uneven, but of 18 soil samples taken from one area of the Market site, 16 (89%) were positive.
Isolation, identification and characterization of camelpox virus in Iraq
Authors: Al Falluji M. M. , Tantawi H. H. , Shony M. O.
Published: May 2009

summary

A virus was isolated from pox-like lesions in camels during an outbreak of camelpox disease which occurred in December 1977 in an area near the Iraqi–Iranian border. It was identified serologically as a virus of the Orthopoxvirus group. The biological properties of the isolate indicated that it was probably identical with strains of camelpox virus isolated from Iran, Egypt, Kenya and the U.S.S.R.
Myxomatosis: the release and spread of the European rabbit flea Spilopsyllus cuniculi (Dale) in the Central District of Victoria
Authors: Shepherd Rosamond C. H. , Edmonds J. W.
Published: May 2009

summary

The European rabbit flea was first released in Victoria in August 1969 at Werribee. Releases were made on five different land forms. At one site the first flea was recovered 2 weeks after release. Fleas were recovered between 4 and 6 weeks after release at the other sites. Differences in establishment and spread on the different land forms were due to physically restricted movement of some rabbit populations. By June 1971 80% of rabbits were infested but an occasional young uninfested rabbit was still found in August 1978. Infestation numbers were higher than in the Mallee region especially on pregnant does.
Solid-phase radioimmunoassay techniques for the detection of African swine fever antigen and antibody
Authors: Crowther J. R. , Wardley R. C. , Wilkinson P. J.
Published: May 2009

summary

A solid phase radioimmunoassay (RIA) has been successfully developed to measure both African swine fever virus (ASFV) antigen and antibody. Studies show that the assay is reproducible and will detect limiting antigen concentrations equivalent to 50–500 HAD50/ml. Both direct and indirect antibody RIA have been developed and have proved to be approximately 100 times more sensitive than the complement fixation test at present available and 1000 times more sensitive than the immuno-electro-osmophoresis test for the detection of ASFV antibody.
Seroepidemiology of rubella infection in Chinese and Caucasians in Hong Kong
Authors: Shortridge K. F. , Osmund I. F.
Published: May 2009

The seroepidemiology of rubella infection in Hong Kong Chinese was examined by haemagglutination inhibition of normal sera and a comparison made where feasible with Caucasians living in Hong Kong. Taking reciprocal titre of 20 as a baseline, the incidence of maternally acquired antibody was 84% for Chinese and 90% for Caucasians. In babies up to 2 months this incidence was maintained in Caucasians but declined to 54% in Chinese. High titre antibody was more frequently detected in Caucasians generally, including women of child-bearing age. The detection of rubella-specific IgM in the Caucasian babies was suggestive of recent maternal infection. However, fewer Caucasian (20%) than Chinese (36%) women of child-bearing age (15–40 years) appeared unprotected against rubella. When all age groups were considered, 88% of Caucasians and 53% of Chinese were seropositive. The occurrence of a rubella outbreak during the study did not give rise to a significant increase in the incidence of seropositivity in Chinese 19–25 years, the only age group able to be evaluated in this manner. The ethnic differences in seroepidemiology are considered in the light of known HLA-1 and HLA-8 antigen distributions in Caucasian and Mongoloid people and the apparently low incidence of congenitally acquired rubella in Chinese.
The occurrence and significance to animal health of salmonellas in sewage and sewage sludges
Authors: Jones P. W. , Rennison Lynne M. , Lewin V. H. , Redhead D. L.
Published: May 2009

A total of 882 samples of settled sewage, sewage sludges and final effluents from eight sewage treatment plants were examined for the presence of salmonellas. Of these samples 68% were positive, isolations being made most frequently from settled sewage (85%), raw sludge (87%) and anaerobically digested sludge (96%). Fewer isolations were made from final effluent (24%) and processed sludges (58%). Samples usually contained less than 200 salmonellas/100 ml and arguments are presented that such concentrations should not lead to disease in animals if suitable grazing restrictions are followed.
Laboratory evaluation of bromadiolone as a rodenticide for use against warfarin-resistant and non-resistant rats and mice
Authors: Redfern R. , Gill J. E.
Published: May 2009

Laboratory feeding tests were carried out to determine the efficacy of the anticoagulant rodenticide bromadiolone against Rattus norvegicus, R. rattus and Mus musculus. Using 0·005% bromadiolone, complete kills of R. norvegicus and R. rattus not resistant to warfarin were obtained after exposure to the poison for 1 and 5 days respectively. Warfarin-resistant R. norvegicus were all killed in 4 days, and resistant M. musculus in 12 days. In general, the results resembled those obtained with difenacoum. Acceptance of bromadiolone was very good.
Evidence of infection by viruses in small British field rodents
Authors: Kaplan C. , Healing T. D. , Evans Nest , Healing Lesley , Prior Anne
Published: May 2009

Four populations of small wild British rodents were studied by capture-re-capture methods over a period of three years. Samples of blood were taken from these animals and tested for antibodies to nine viruses. Animals were removed from another 11 sites around the UK, and immunosuppressed. Samples of tissue from these animals were tested for the presence of viruses by passage in laboratory mice and serum samples from some of them were tested for antibody to the nine viruses. Indications were found of the possible influence of epizootic outbreaks of certain diseases on animal populations.
A method for measuring the cleaning effect of flushing disinfectors
Authors: Cederberg Åke , Österberg Kai
Published: May 2009

A method is presented with which the mechanical cleaning effect of flushing disinfectors can be estimated independently of the thermal disinfecting effect of the hot flushing water. This makes it possible to specify the demands to be placed on the disinfecting effect of flushing with water of 85°C or more.

Bacillus stearothermophilus spores suspended in faeces were used as indicators because of their non-sensitivity to the hot-water temperature. Their elimination by flushing could thus be attributed to the mechanical effect of the water and not to the disinfecting effect of the temperature. A simple bacteriological technique was used, and the elimination factor (EF) was calculated as the ratio of the number of micro-organisms in the contamination before and after flushing. By using flushing water below 50°C for 130 s the EF on a bedpan was about 104–106. The effect of flushing with water of the same temperature for only half that time was somewhat weaker and when the temperature was raised to 85 °C after half the flushing time the effect was somewhat stronger.

It can be presumed that the conventional disinfecting phase with hot (85 °C) water for about 45 s in the commonly used flushing units could be substantially shortened and the costs of their use thereby reduced.
Simulating strategies for control of Echinococcus granulosus, Taenia hydatigena and T. ovis
Authors: Harris R. E. , Revfeim K. J. A. , Heath D. D.
Published: May 2009

A deterministic model to compare various control strategies for parasites having two hosts is presented. When applied to Echinococcus granulosus, Taenia hydatigena and T. ovis, the model shows that maximum progress would be achieved when both the difinitive and the intermediate host are treated simultaneously. This type of model may prove of value in studies on the control of other towhost parasites.
Growth ofSalmonellaon chilled meat
Authors: Mackey B. M. , Roberts T. A. , Mansfield J. , Farkas G.
Published: May 2009

Growth rates of a mixture ofSalmonellaserotypes inoculated on beef from a commercial abattoir were measured at chill temperatures. The minimum recorded mean generation times were 8·1 h at 10 °C; 5·2 h at 12·5 °C and 2·9 h at 15 °C. Growth did not occur at 7–8 °C. From these data the maximum extent of growth ofSalmonelladuring storage of meat for different times at chill temperatures was calculated. Criteria for deciding safe handling temperatures for meat are discussed. Maintaining an internal temperature below 10 °C during the boning operation would be sufficient to safeguard public health requirements.
The isolation of streptococci from human faeces
Authors: Unsworth P. F.
Published: May 2009

Three selective media were designed for isolation of streptococci from faeces. Samples of faeces from twelve normal adults were suspended and serially diluted in saline or broth saline, and equal volumes of each dilution were spread and incubated on the media. The number of colonies of each different type which developed was counted and one colony of each type was subcultured and identified.

Altogether, streptococci of 13 taxa were found.S. faecium, S. mutans, S. milleri, S. faecalisandS. mitiorwere each found in over half the samples. Lancefield group B and G streptococci,S. bovisII, an atypical strain ofS. bovisI,S. cremoris, S. duransand a dextran-positive strain ofS. mitiorwere each present in 1 or 2 samples. Individual samples contained 2–7 (mean 4·6) streptococcal taxa, and total viable counts of streptococci of 3 × 103−3 × 108(geometric mean 7 × 105) per g. The significance of these findings is discussed.
The control of infection spread by synthetic cream
Authors: Hobbs Betty C. , Smith Muriel E.
Published: May 2009

1. The growth in synthetic cream of certain pathogenic bacteria may be inhibited by two methods:

(a) By limiting the ingredients to cooking fat or other fatty material, excluding margarine or butter, emulsifying agent such as methyl cellulose, sugar and salt. The cream must not then be left in contact with confectionery from which nutritive material may be absorbed. This last condition renders the method impracticable as a means of control.

(b) By the addition to synthetic cream, including those containing milk and egg, of a bacteriostatic agent such as hydrogen peroxide.

2. Contaminants may grow in emulsified fats in the absence of protein. These are probably lipolytic organisms which are able to utilize the products split from the fat. Organisms such as coagulase-positive staphylococci, Salmonella paratyphi B, and Bacterium coli, tend to die out within 24 hr. or after a few days in creams lacking protein.

3. The concentration of H2O2 necessary to inhibit the growth of test organisms is dependent on the ingredients of the cream. In the presence of butter, milk and egg yolk at least three times the concentration of H2O2 is necessary as when emulsified fat without added protein is used. The suggestion is made that concentrations of H2O2 from 0·005 to 0·02% should be added to all commercially produced synthetic cream, the actual concentration used depending on the constituents of the cream.

4. To prevent the growth of contaminating organisms in commercially produced synthetic cream, H2O2 should be added immediately after pasteurization and cooling when the bacterial count is still low. Even comparatively high concentrations of H2O2 will not inhibit or control the growth of bacteria already present in large numbers.

5. The inhibiting power of 0·012% of H2O2 remained effective in a fat-emulsion cream and also in a laboratory cream containing margarine, egg and milk for 3 weeks at + 4 and 20° C.; at higher temperatures of storage the stability of the oxidizing agent is doubtful.

6. Since synthetic cream is exposed to so many different sources of contamination, particularly in the bakery, and since there is no method of controlling the growth of pathogenic organisms that have gained access to it other than by the addition of a bacteriostatic agent, it is strongly recommended that the present regulations on preservatives should be altered to allow the addition of H2O2 in suitable concentration to synthetic cream.

We are grateful to all those who have helped in the supplies of material, and in particular we wish to thank the Public Health Department, St Pancras Town Hall; Mr E. Capstick, United Dairies Ltd.; Mr J. Valentine Backes, President, Bakery Allied Traders' Association; and also Messrs Bakcos Catering Supplies Ltd., A. Bellamy and Co. Ltd., Farma Cream Products Ltd., Krema Ltd., Malga Products Ltd., Ramsay, Braddon and Co. Ltd., Quality Foods Ltd., Sunnyside Products Ltd., Unicream Ltd., and Vitacream Ltd.

We are indebted to Mr L. Bailey for his technical assistance.
The generation method of analysis applied to mortality from respiratory tuberculosis
Authors: Spicer C. C.
Published: May 2009

1. A quantitative comparison has been made of the observed mortalities from respiratory tuberculosis with those expected from a simple scheme of generation mortality.

2. This scheme gives a good account of the observed rates until about 1930, but is unsatisfactory thereafter.

3. It is concluded that these discrepancies cannot be due to chance, and that the generation effect has become obscured by other factors.

4. In particular the shift of maximum mortality into later life is not directly explained by the hypothesis, nor is such a shift a necessary consequence of the generation hypothesis of mortality.

I am greatly indebted to Dr J. C. McDonald for advice and constructive criticism during the writing of this paper; my thanks are also due to Dr G. S. Wilson for his comments.
The age-specific death-rates in England and Wales
Authors: Martin W. J.
Published: May 2009

In the period following the last war a large acceleration has occurred in the rate of decline of the death-rates of the younger age groups. The oldest age groups have not shared in this improvement. This course of the death-rates is in striking contrast to the predictions of two decades ago when it was thought that any substantial improvement in the age specific rates was most likely to occur at the older ages. A large part of the fall at younger ages has been due to the decrease in mortality from infectious diseases and tuberculosis. The death-rates at ages 5–24 are now probably almost at a minimum and if a further appreciable improvement is to be made in them the death-rate from violence must be reduced. Violent deaths account for roughly one-third of all deaths in this age range.
The somatic antigens of theCl. welchiigroup of organisms
Authors: Henderson D. W.
Published: May 2009

The complex group of organisms with cultural and biochemical properties closely similar to the classicalCl. welchiiare at present differentiated into four types according to the quality and number of the toxins they elaboratein vitro.

The present study is concerned with the specific affinities of the bacterial antigens of representative strains from these four types. The experiments confirm earlier reports concerning a wide diversity in the specificity of the somatic antigens of the classical type A strains. The bacterial antigens of the types B, C and D, however, have been shown to possess interesting similarities and affinities:

(1) The O antigen of type A (classicalCl. welchii) strains is strictly strain specific.

(2) The type B (L.D. bacillus) strains isolated in Great Britain share an identical O antigen but a strain from South Africa had a strictly specific O component.

(3) The O antigen of the type C (B. paludis) strains isolated in Great Britain is identical.

(4) The type D (B. ovitoxicus) strains exhibit wide diversity in the specificity of their O component. Thirteen strains were placed in not less than seven groups.

(5) Cross O reactions between various types is negligible or entirely absent.

(6) In addition to the heat-stable O antigen certain strains possess a heat-labile somatic component. This antigen occurs only among those types (B and D) that produce ɛ toxin but it is probably not present in all strains.

(7) Colony variants reminiscent of the typical rough forms of Gram-negative organisms are frequently encountered among strains of each type. Certain of these forms appear as stable variants and they are characterized serologically by the loss of O antigen specific for the strain.

(8) The rough forms still produce toxins characteristic of the type to which the parent culture belongs.
Chemotherapy in cerebrospinal meningitis in the Sudan
Authors: Buchanan R. M.
Published: May 2009

1. Meningococcal cerebrospinal meningitis in the Sudan does not materially differ in its progress and end result from the disease as found in Europe.

2. There is no racial peculiarity in response to infection or to chemotherapy.

3. There is no sex or age peculiarity in incidence. Both sexes and all ages respond to chemotherapy.

4. Sulphapyridine is superior to sulphanilamide in the shortening of invalidism and in the prevention of complications.

5. Oral administration of sulphapyridine is in the majority of cases as effective as intramuscular.

6. Dosage is related to the clinical stage of the disease, and to its duration before treatment. An initial dose of 2·5 g. sulphapyridine for adults, and 1·0—1·5 g. for children is prescribed for the serious case, with subsequent gradation of treatment to provide a maintenance dose.

7. Treatment, if it is going to give a good result, will produce a response within 24 hr. It need not be prolonged beyond 7 days. The third, fourth and seventh days of treatment are critical.
An apparatus for obtaining water from different depths for bacteriological examination
Authors: Mortimer Clifford H.
Published: May 2009

The study of the bacteria of natural waters is dependent on a simple and effective sampling technique. Any routine sampling procedure designed to obtain a vertical series of samples at one station must not only exclude any possibility of contamination of the sampling vessel and its contents while it is lowered to, and raised from, the depth at which the sample is taken, but must also be capable of straightforward operation on a boat or ship under rough conditions. The sampling vessels should be of a standard, interchangeable and robust pattern, and their preparation and sterilization should be a matter of simple routine. It should be possible to use them repeatedly and they should be of sufficient capacity to permit physical and chemical as well as a bacteriological examination of the sample.
A family coefficient scale developed from the Australian nutrition survey
Authors: Clements F. W.
Published: May 2009

1. The existing scales of family consumption coefficients are reviewed and an attempt made to determine the sources from which they were developed. In the absence of definite information it was assumed that the majority of previous family coefficients were based upon the physiological requirements of the various age groups.

2. A family food budget survey recorded food purchased by the household. There was no guarantee that this food was eaten by the members of the house-hold in proportions similar to a scale of coefficients based upon physiological requirements.

3. Using the statistical material collected by the Commonwealth Advisory Council on Nutrition a scale of family coefficients based on calories “purchased” has been evolved by a form of statistical treatment which measured the additional food purchased for an additional person. This scale was:

This scale agrees more closely with that advanced by Lusk than any other.

4. Comparisons were drawn between the values obtained in this analysis and the physiological requirements of various age groups. It was found that for men and women and the older children the calories as purchased closely approximated to the physiological requirements, whilst for children of 2–3 years and under 2 years the former were considerably higher.

5. The protein purchased was within the range calculated to satisfy the physiological requirements.
Laboratory investigation of sewer swabs following the Aberdeen typhoid outbreak of 1964
Authors: Callaghan P. , Brodie J.
Published: May 2009

Laboratory aspects of a programme of sewer swabbing during and after the Aberdeen typhoid fever outbreak, 1964, have been described. Results were discussed and reasons suggested for the relative insensitivity of methods employed in the isolation of Salmonella typhi. It was tentatively concluded that generalized sewer swabbing in a large city was not likely to be very helpful in tracing undetected excreters of S. typhi during and immediately after a major typhoid fever outbreak. The cost of the laboratory side of this investigation, for staff salaries, equipment, media, etc., was somewhat over £7000.

The authors wish to express thanks to Dr I. A. G. MacQueen, M.O.H., Aberdeen, and his staff including Mr H. B. Parry, Chief Sanitary Inspector and staff, for willing and helpful co-operation throughout this programme. Grateful acknowledgement is also made to Dr B. Moore of the Public Health Laboratory, Exeter; to Dr E. S. Anderson of the Enteric Reference Laboratory, London, for ‘phage typing’ the numerous isolations and to Dr Joan Taylor of the Salmonella Reference Laboratory, London, for assistance in typing Salmonella spp. isolated. Especial thanks are due to our laboratory technicians and other staff for the willing support given during the investigation.
Sero-epidemiological study of reovirus infection amongst the normal population of the Chandigarh area—northern India
Authors: Pal S. R. , Agarwal S. C.
Published: May 2009

Two hundred and sixty-four samples of sera obtained from normal healthy persons belonging to different age groups were examined for haemagglutination-inhibiting antibodies against reovirus types 1–3 to assess the prevalence of reovirus infection in the northern part of India.

Reovirus infection appeared as early as 6 months to 1 year of age. With reovirus types 1 and 2, the maximum incidence of 67 and 48% respectively occurred by the age of 10–20 years, whereas with type 3 infection the maximum incidence (73%) was reached by the age of 25 years. The incidence of reovirus type 2 infection in all the age groups was remarkably low in this series. A drop in the incidence of reovirus type 2 infection was also noticed after the age of 20 years.

The difference in geometric mean titre of antibody in different ages against reovirus type 2 was highly significant, suggesting probably that most of the infection occurred by the age of twenty years. The difference in the geometric mean value of the titres of antibody against types 1 and 3 was not significant in different age groups. The levels of antibody against types 1 and 3 in all the age groups were almost the same, suggesting that infection, specially with reovirus type 3, was occurring in all the age groups even beyond 20 years of age.

The authors wish to express their sincerest thanks to Dr Leon Rosen, Pacific Research Section, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Honolulu, Hawaii, for the supply of prototype strains of reoviruses, to Drs B. K. Aikat, Director Professor of Pathology, R. N. Chakravarti, Department of Experimental Medicine, O. N. Bhakoo, and Sucheta Thukral, Department of Paediatrics, Post- Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chadigarh, for their invaluable help and co-operation, to Prof. P. V. K. Iyer, Department of Mathematics, Panjab University, and to Mr H. D. Gupta, Biostatistician, Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chadigarh for their statistical analysis of the results.

The authors gratefully acknowledge the helpful criticism and suggestion of Dr C G. Pandit, Ex-Director, Indian Council of Medical Research, during the preparation of the paper.

The authors acknowledge also the technical assistance of Mr Jagmohan Lai Pipat, Mr Gurmeet Singh Khatra, and Mr Amar Singh Saini.

This work was partly supported by the Research Grant of the Indian Council of Medical Research sanctioned to one of the authors (S. R. P.).
Confirmatory tests for coliform organisms
Authors:   Public Health Laboratory Service Standing Committee on the Bacteriological Examination of Water Supplies
Published: May 2009

In nine laboratories 1% lactose ricinoleate broth has been investigated as a possible alternative to brilliant green bile broth as a confirmatory medium for coliform organisms and Escherichia coli.

Although the results varied considerably from one laboratory to another, in the sum of the results and in the majority of the participating laboratories 1% lactose ricinoleate produced fewer false negative reactions than brilliant green bile broth as a confirmatory medium at both 37 and 44° C.

Although both media are satisfactory, 1% lactose ricinoleate broth can be recommended as an alternative to brilliant green bile broth for the confirmation of coliform organisms and Esch. coli from presumptive positive tubes in the examination of water samples, as it is not subject to the known variability of brilliant green and ox-bile.
An outbreak of Q fever in Staffordshire
Authors: Brown G. L. , Colwell D. C. , Hooper W. L.
Published: May 2009

This article describes an outbreak of Q fever involving 24 men (five prison officers and nineteen detainees) in one of H.M. Detention Centres. The evidence collected points strongly to the consumption of raw milk as the route of infection. This appears to be the first milk-borne outbreak of Q fever to be reported in Britain.
Isolation ofMycobacterium xenopeifrom water taps
Authors: Bullin C. H. , Tanner Elizabeth I. , Collins C. H.
Published: May 2009

An increase in the number of isolations ofMycobacterium xenopeifrom sputum suggested environmental contamination. The organism was recovered from water taps in 61 of 111 pairs of hot and cold water taps in one hospital, 20 of the 74 pairs in another hospital, but from only 3 of 61 pairs of taps in a third hospital and two of 34 pairs in private houses. Scotochromogens were recovered from taps in the first two hospitals only, andM. kansasiiwas isolated twice from the same tap in the first hospital. No mycobacteria were isolated from pigeon droppings or viscera, nor from patients' tooth brushes, tooth powder or razor debris. The source of contamination is not known.
A comparative study of two live measles vaccines in Iran
Authors: Mirchamsy H. , Shafyi A. , Bassali Y. , Bahrami S. , Nazari F.
Published: May 2009

The results of immunization of 523 children from 9 months to over 5 years of age with two attenuated measles vaccines, ‘Denken’ and ‘Biken’, are described. The clinical reactions following vaccination with both vaccines were mild, but Denken vaccine produced more rashes than the Biken vaccine. The serological conversion was satisfactory for both vaccines but a higher titre of neutralizing and haemagglutination-inhibiting antibodies was found in children immunized with Denken vaccine. The incidence of severe reactions or complications was negligible in this trial. The immunity to diphtheria or tetanus was not altered by vaccination with live measles vaccine.
An investigation of the inhibitory properties of sodium thioglycollate in media for the recovery of clostridial spores
Authors: Hibbert H. R. , Spencer R.
Published: May 2009

The effect of various concentrations of sodium thioglycollate (0–0·05 %) on the recovery of spores of four strains of clostridia was investigated. The results showed that thioglycollate at a concentration of 0·01 % can be inhibitory to some clostridia. However, the results also indicated that the inhibitory effect is dependent upon the composition of the growth medium. The presence of glucose appeared to be particularly important in reducing the inhibitory effect. These findings support the view that the use of sodium thioglycollate in sterility test media should be discontinued.
Comparison of materials used for cleaning equipment in retail food premises, and of two methods for the enumeration of bacteria on cleaned equipment and work surfaces
Authors: Gilbert R. J.
Published: May 2009

There is no official scheme for testing disinfectants and detergent/disinfectants for use in the retail food trade and few recommended procedures have been given for the cleaning of equipment with these agents. Therefore, field trials were carried out in a large self-service store. Comparisons were made of the various cleaning efficiencies, as determined by bacterial plate counts, of detergent and disinfectant solutions and machine cleaning oils applied with either clean cloths or disposable paper towels to items of equipment. The most satisfactory results were always obtained when anionic detergent (0·75 % w/v) and hypochlorite (200 p.p.m. available chlorine) solutions were applied in a ‘two-step’ procedure.

Tests were made to compare the calcium alginate swab-rinse and the agar sausage (Agaroid) techniques for the enumeration of bacteria on stainless steel, plastic, formica and wooden surfaces before and after a cleaning process. Although recovery rates were always greater by the swab-rinse technique, the agar sausage technique was considered to be a useful routine control method for surface sampling.
Comparative toxicity of various ozonized olefins to bacteria suspended in air
Authors: Dark F. A. , Nash T.
Published: May 2009

Air containing olefin vapour was treated with known amounts of ozone simulating natural concentrations. The bactericidal effect of the mixture was tested using microthreads sprayed with washed cultures of Escherichia coli var. communis or Micrococcus albus, aerosol strain. With 20 different olefins a wide range of activity was found, those in which the double bond formed part of a ring being the most bactericidal; petrol vapour was about as active as the average open-chain olefin. The two organisms behaved similarly at the experimental relative humidity of 80%. The estimated amount of bactericidal substance present was only about one hundredth of that required to give the same kill with a ‘conventional’ air disinfectant; a simple physical explanation is proposed for this enhanced effect.
The passive haemagglutination test for the detection ofMycoplasma suipneumoniaeand the possible diagnosis of enzootic pneumonia of pigs
Authors: Goodwin R. F. W. , Hodgson Ruth G.
Published: May 2009

Fourteen cases of enzootic pneumonia, nearly all of which had presented diagnostic difficulties using the metabolic-inhibition test, were re-examined using specific pig antisera in the passive haemagglutination test (PHA). All proved positive forMycoplasma suipneumoniae, indicating that the test, used in this manner, might be particularly valuable for routine diagnosis.

The PHA test was also used to demonstrate antibody toM. suipneumoniaein pneumonic tissue and the associated bronchial lymph nodes.

To allay our concern that cross-reactions might interfere with this and other serological tests—the complement-fixation test (CF) and precipitation in agar-gel—the specificity of our reagents and the antigenic relationships ofMycoplasma hyorhinis,Mycoplasma granularum, mycoplasmaB3,Mycoplasma hyopneumoniaeand three strains ofM. suipneumoniae(including cloned and uncloned isolates of the J strain) were studied in various ways. Antibodies to medium constituents occurred in rabbit antiserum but did not present a problem with pig antisera. These antibodies were successfully absorbed from the rabbit antisera but it was not possible to remove medium constituents from the antigens used to produce antisera in rabbits by repeated washing.

By all these tests, the main species of mycoplasmas studied seemed to be anti-genically distinct. No major antigenic differences between the three strains ofM. suipneumoniaewere revealed by the PHA test and the CF test; a slight difference in the precipitation lines of one of these strains (MG) in agar-gel might have indicated an antigenic variation or been a measure of some other factor.
Studies with inactivated equine influenza vaccine: 1. Serological responses of ponies to graded doses of vaccine
Authors: Wood J. M. , Mumford Jennifer , Folkers C. , Scott A. M. , Schild G. C.
Published: May 2009

Serological responses to three bivalent aqueous equine influenza vaccines of different potency and an adjuvanted bivalent vaccine containing inactivated A/equine/Prague/56 (H7N7) and A/equine/Miami/63 (H3N8) viruses, were examined in seronegative ponies. Potencies of the vaccines, measured by single-radial-diffusion tests, ranged from 4 to 56 μg of haemagglutinin (HA) antigen activity/virus strain per dose. Serological responses to vaccination were examined by haemagglutination-inhibition (HI) and single-radial-haemolysis (SRH) tests.

Four weeks after a primary dose, HI responses to both vaccine viruses were barely detectable; after a second dose the HI responses to A/Miami/63 virus were low or undetectable but HI responses to A/Prague/56 virus were higher (17/20 ponies with titres ≤ 1:16). In contrast SRH tests revealed dose-related antibody responses to both virus strains after one and two vaccine doses; levels after the second dose were 2- to 5-fold higher than after the primary dose. Highest post-vaccination antibody titres were obtained with the adjuvanted vaccine which contained 2- to 4-fold less antigen (13–23 μg HA) than the most potent aqueous vaccine. Post-vaccination antibody reacted well in SRH tests with recent antigenic variants of equine influenza virus. A remarkable finding was the high rate of decline in antibody, detected by HI or SRH tests, following one or two doses of vaccine. Even in animals with the highest post-vaccine antibody levels 2–4 weeks after a booster dose, antibody levels had declined to low or undectable levels 14 weeks later. The low antibody titres detected at 14–32 weeks after vaccination were nevertheless vaccine dose-related.
Sero-epizootiological study on swine influenza in a prefecture of Japan
Authors: Ogawa Y. , Goto H. , Hirano T. , Shimizu K. , Ohno Y. , Kuroda H. , Hongo H.
Published: May 2009

A total of 1799 swine sera collected in Toyama prefecture in the central part of Japan during the years 1978–82 were tested for antibody against swine influenza virus (SIV), A/New Jersey/8/76 (H1N1). A high prevalence of antibody was observed in the years after the severe epizootic of SI, 34·5% in 1979 and 51·7% in 1982. In other years, the percentages of positive sera were low and ranged from 1·7 to 12·4%. Regional variations were seen in relation to a small scale epizootic. No antibody to SIV was detected in any of the sera collected during the warm season. In the following dry and cold winter, however, a severe epizootic occurred among the swine populations.
Plasmid pattern analysis of natural bacterial isolates and its epidemiological implication
Authors: Tietze E. , Tschäpe H.
Published: May 2009

Natural isolates ofEscherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Klebsiella pneumoniae, andProvidencia stuartiiwere analysed to determine their plasmid content. This data allowed the identification of nosocomial strains ofK. pneumoniaeandP. stuartiiand helped in the differentiation of epidemic strains ofE. coli0111 andS. typhimurium. Phenotypically similar isolates ofS. typhimuriumcould be shown to be of independent origin using plasmid pattern analysis. The dissemination of a particular plasmid through different strains ofS. typhimuriumresulted in a simulation of a very widely distributed epidemic strain, because the plasmid interfered with the phage type of its host strain in addition to determining re sistance properties. Plasmid pattern analysis disclosed two independently existing but interacting epidemic processes: a bacterial ‘epidemic’ strain may become disseminated over a large territory and may predominate there for a long time; a single plasmid, however, may also become distributed through many different bacterial strains and may spread over a large territory. Plasmid pattern analysis provides a valuable and universal epidemiological laboratory method.
The Haemolytic Organisms of Normal Infants' Faeces
Authors: Todd E. W.
Published: May 2009

1. No entamoebae, cysts, or other parasites were found.

2. Streptococci were present in the stools of all babies more than three weeks old, but only three haemolytic strains were isolated, which appears to be a lower proportion than occurs in adult stools.

3. Colon bacilli were present in the stools of all babies more than two weeks old, and haemolytic strains occurred in 12 per cent, of the specimens examined, that is in the same proportion as in adult stools.

4. Staphylococcus albus was much more commonly found than in adult stools and in greater abundance.

5. There was no bacteriological difference between the stools of the 78 breast-fed babies and those of the 13 artificially-fed infants, except that the haemolytic strains of B. coli occurred relatively more frequently in the case of the artificially-fed infants but owing to the small number of haemolytic strains isolated it would be unwise to lay too much stress on these figures.

In conclusion I wish to offer my sincere thanks to Dr Jewesbury, Physician to the Children's Department of St Thomas's Hospital, for supplying me with the necessary material and for information as to methods of feeding, and I am also greatly indebted to Professor Dudgeon and Dr Wordley for their constant help and advice.
The Diphtherial Infection in Scarlet Fever
Authors: Grant R. T.
Published: May 2009

From consideration of the above evidence the following conclusions may be drawn:

(1) The prevalence of diphtheria-like bacilli in the fauces of scarlet fever patients on admission to hospital does not definitely follow that of diphtheria outside either in seasonal or yearly prevalence.

(2) The majority of such patients show no clinical evidence of the added infection. It is believed that they are instances of scarlet fever developing in diphtheria carriers, and the presence of the organism does not affect the prognosis. However, cases which present such clinical evidence as a mem branous angina are to be considered as instances’ of true double infection and in them the prognosis is bad.

(3) Bacteriological examination of a series of cases belonging to the former group reveals the presence of true virulent diphtheria bacilli in about 36 per cent., and these organisms may persist in a virulent state for a considerable period.

(4) Routine bacteriological examination to find these cases and their sub sequent isolation materially reduces the incidence of post-scarlatinal diphtheria.
Plague in Manchuria. I. Observations made during and after the Second Manchurian Plague Epidemic of 1920–21. II. The Rôle of the Tarabagan in the Epidemiology of Plague
Authors: Teh Wu Lien , Han Chun Wing , Pollitzer Robert
Published: May 2009

(1) The existence of sporadic cases of natural plague among tarabagans has again been established.

(2) The tarabagan is easily susceptible to pneumonic plague produced by the inhalation of B. pestis in spray form, and may contract, besides the acute infection, chronic type of the lung affection.

(3) Our inhalation experiments have proved contacts to be liable to pulmonary plague infection in both acute and chronic forms. The existence of carriers among tarabagans seems also probable.

(4) Tarabagans can be infected with plague by feeding upon artificially infected food, contracting an alimentary type of the disease. The B. pestis is easily cultivated from the intestinal tract of animals suffering from plague.

(5) Our evidence shows that subacute or chronic plague may exist among tarabagans in Mongolia and Siberia, and thus form a connecting link in the epidemiology of plague in those regions.
Preliminary Note on Inhibition of Bacterial Growth by Amino-acids
Authors: Wyon G. A. , McLeod J. W.
Published: May 2009

While amino-acids in appropriate concentrations have long been known as valuable aids to bacterial growth, it does not appear to have been recognised that in relatively low concentrations they are often inhibitory.

Inhibition has been shown to occur with 10 out of 11 single amino-acids tested and with certain mixtures rich in amino-acids. The inhibitory concetration varies from 11 to 130 millimols per litre, or from 0·2 to 2%(wt./vol. ). It is of some intrest that the amino-acids inhibitory in the lowest concentration were the cyclic compounds—histidine, tyrosine, tryphane, phenylalamine. Of the chain compounds tested cystine was the most inhibitory.

Several organisus belonging to various groups of bacteria are susceptible of inhibition by amino-acids; certain intestinal organisms are not susceptible. The effect cannot be attributed to the physical effects of high concentration.

There is an apparent divergence between our results and those of workers who have recommended tryptic digests for stimulating the growth of some of the bacteria here shown to be readily inhibited by amino-acids. A suggested explanation of this divergence is that it is the products of partial protein digestion, the polypetides, which are mainly responsible for the effect of stimulating growth, not the amino-acids. A “polypeptide medium” might prove particularly valuable for bacterial growth.

A metabolism experiment with glycine in high but sub-inhibitory concentration showed that the amino-acid is broken down by Staphylococcus aureus, at this concentration.
Relationship of Paratyphoid Fever to Food Poisoning Outbreaks
Authors: Savage William G. , White P. Bruce
Published: May 2009

Owing, in our opinion, to faulty classification and terminology of bacterial types, it is very common, especially on the Continent and, to a lesser extent, in U.S.A., to ascribe outbreaks of food poisoning to B. paratyphosus B, the common cause of paratyphoid fever. If such a conception is true, it is obvious that B. paratyphosus B can at one time cause paratyhpoid fever, at another an outbreak of food poisoning. Further, one would expect in outbreaks of either condition that some cases would be of the one clinical type while others would exhibit the other. In particular in outbreaks of paratyphoid fever in which the vehicle of infection was some form of food, it is to be anticipated, on this view, that a considerable proportion of the cases would be of acute food poisoning type.