bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influenza A neuraminidase antibodies in children and young adults studied by serum absorption
Authors: Callow Kathleen A. , Beare A. S.
Published: May 2009

A study is described of influenza A anti-neuraminidase antibodies in the sera of young people of three different age groups. Each serum was individually absorbed with viruses containing the N2 neuraminidases of 1957, 1968 and 1972. Rabbit antisera prepared against the viruses were similarly absorbed. Results obtained with the animal sera suggested that these neuraminidases were antigenically distinct, but the human sera had a broader range of anti-neuraminidase activity and gave indication of asymmetric antigenic relationships. Earlier workers who surveyed anti-haemagglutinin antibodies reported that the virus of primary infection absorbed all antibodies, and the virus of secondary infection only those directed against itself. We too found that the virus of secondary infection absorbed only homologous anti-neuraminidase antibody. However, although the primary infecting virus did absorb some secondary antibody, this absorption was incomplete and it lessened with the lengthening of the time interval between the primary and secondary infecting viruses. A similar pattern was seen with anti-haemagglutinin antibodies.

Absorption of anti-neuraminidase antibodies from human sera proved much more difficult than absorption of anti-haemagglutinin antibodies particularly after repeated influenza virus infections. The relative rarity of antigenic shift in the neuraminidase subunit also creates problems in the interpretation of results of serum neuraminidase antibody surveys.
Myxomatosis: breeding large numbers of rabbit fleas (Spilopsyllus cuniculiDale)
Authors: Sobey W. R. , Conolly Dorothy , Menzies W.
Published: May 2009

A simple method of breeding large numbers of rabbit fleas in a rabbit house with minimal disruption to the general routine is described.
Complement fixation and neutralization RS antibodies in maternal and neonatal sera
Authors: Heijtink R. A. , Backx G. , Van Der Horst J. M. , Masurel N.
Published: May 2009

RSV complement fixation antibodies were established in 200 paired maternal and cord blood sera. Geometric mean titres in cord sera were significantly higher than in maternal sera. The differences did not depend on the virus strain used. Half of the paired sera (taken at random) were also submitted to microneutralization tests. No differences were found between geometric mean titres in maternal and cord sera.
Some Factors Influencing the Spread of Scarlet Fever in an Institution
Authors: Keogh B. V. , Macdonald Ian , Battle Joan , Simons E. T. , Williams Stanley
Published: May 2009

INthe admirable pioneer studies of Griffith and his colleagues on the epidemiology of streptococcal infections in schools, “no systematic attempt was made to discover the distribution of streptococci amongst the healthy residents. And the observations on carriers were in general confined to those who were suspected to have some catarrhal infection of the upper air passages” (Griffith, 1938). In this paper we report the results of weekly swabbings of the throats of all children in a single dormitory or ward of an orphanage with 350 inmates, during an outbreak of scarlet fever due toStreptococcus pyogenes, serologically type 2 (Griffith). All haemolytic streptococci were typed by the slide agglutination technique, so that fluctuations in the distribution of the epidemic and non-epidemic strains could be followed.
The Immunity Following Intracutaneous and Subcutaneous Vaccination with Elementary Body Suspensions of Vaccinia
Authors: Henderson R. G. , McClean D.
Published: May 2009

The knowledge of the nature of vaccinia virus gained in recent years and the methods of preparing relatively pure suspensions of the virus which have been developed justify the hope that the technique of vaccination against smallpox may be improved. The potency of vaccine lymph and its relative freedom from bacterial contaminants have been regulated under the Therapeutic Substances Act for several years past; nevertheless, for prophylactic purposes, it is desirable to introduce the use of pure bacteria-free virus in a measured volume of known potency. The usual method of vaccination which involves scratching the skin and applying to the scratch a variable amount of virus-containing lymph cannot be described as an accurate procedure and, unless proper precautions are taken, may invite local secondary bacterial infection. If it could be shown that a satisfactory immunity follows the intracutaneous injection of a measured amount of a bacteria-free suspension of virus, this method would possess obvious advantages; the usual dressing could be dispensed with, the amount of scarring, and the local secondary bacterial infection which is associated with vaccination would be reduced or abolished. In our opinion, the value of vaccinial scars has been exaggerated; they may be useful as visible evidence that the patient has been successfully vaccinated sometime in the past, but they are not an indication of existing immunity to smallpox. It is not usually suggested that any other measure of prophylactic inoculation should be accompanied by a permanent scar as a record of immunization.
The Influence of Emulsions of Olive Oil upon the Biological Actions of Alkaloids
Authors: Norman Myers G.
Published: May 2009

IN 1932 and 1934, Myers showed that lethal doses of certain bacterial toxins when mixed with emulsions of olive oil, in a fine state of division, and injected subcutaneously into animals failed to produce their lethal effects. Similar results were obtained by Walsh & Frazer (1934). Cataphoresis experiments have shown that oil globules in emulsions of oil in water type carry a negative charge. On this basis it was assumed that an adsorption phenomenon might be the explanation of the failure of the bacterial toxins to produce their lethal effects when mixed with emulsions of oil in water type and injected into animals.
The Freezing of Human Serum and Plasma in Medical Research Council Transfusion Bottles, Before Drying by Sublimation from the Frozen State
Authors: Greaves R. I. N.
Published: May 2009

Humanserum was dried in this department at the outbreak of war with a view to its possible use as a stable substitute for whole blood for transfusion purposes. In the absence of any definite knowledge of dosage, the arbitrary unit of 200 c. c. was chosen, because this was approximately the amount of serum which could be obtained from a pint of clotted blood, and also because this amount of serum could conveniently be frozen before drying in 12 oz. medical-flat bottles. The technique of freezing was to place the bottles of serum on racks in a cold-room maintained at –20° C, the racks being slightly inclined from the horizontal so that the serum froze in a wedge, thus giving a reasonably large surface from which evaporation could occur during the drying process. Large amounts of human serum have been dried by sublimation from the frozen state on apparatus based on the experimental model described by Greaves & Adair (1939), after prefreezing by this simple technique.
Preliminary Inquiries at Plymouth into the Marine Fauna and the Ova of Fishes
Authors: Cunningham J. T.
Published: May 2009

Although the Plymouth Laboratory was opened only on June 30th, investigations have been carried on by the Association for the last two years. These inquiries have necessarily been of a general and preliminary character, but they have resulted in the acquisition of definite precise information on several subjects, in which previously only conjecture or complete ignorance prevailed. This information includes discoveries of some value and completeness in themselves, but its chief importance lies in the fact that it shows in what directions and by what means the instruments of inquiry supplied by the Plymouth Laboratory, and its organisation, can be applied without delay to fruitful work. It was with just this object in view that the Council instituted these preliminary inquiries; without them, when the apparatus of the Laboratory was ready for action, the staff would have had to make tentative experiments before they knew what problems the neighbourhood of Plymouth gave the material for solving. With them the fisheries and the marine Fauna of Plymouth are mapped out, and problems to be worked out are definitely proposed, so that the tanks and the powers of the zoologists can be fully occupied without loss of time.
Growth ofLigia exotica(Isopoda: Oniscidea: Ligiidae) in two estuarine regions of Patos Lagoon, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Authors: Lopes-Leitzke Elis R. , Dumont Luiz F.C. , D'Incao Fernando
Published: May 2009

The aim of this study was to estimate growth parameters of two populations ofLigia exoticainhabiting discrete estuarine areas of Patos Lagoon, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Sampling was performed fortnightly at two different estuarine zones, named Leonideo Island and West Breakwater, to detect different growth patterns for this species by using the von Bertalanffy growth model (VBGM). The VBGM estimated were as follows: TLmm = 34.57 (1−e−0.012(t−2.93)) (males in Leonideo Island), TLmm = 35.61(1−e−0.009(t−5.87)) (males in West Breakwater), TLmm = 30.11(1−e−0.009(t−5.84)) (females in Leonideo Island) and TLmm = 29.65(1−e−0.01(t−4.87)). Significant sexual dimorphism was observed, since males reach larger TL (mm) by higherkvalue (day) and consequently a faster growth pattern. Different growth patterns of males were also detected comparing both populations, in such a way that the West Breakwater individuals are larger than those from the Leonideo Island. One possible explanation is the higher food availability observed in the former site, as well as favourable environmental parameters, providing better conditions for individual growth. Briefly, two different populations ofL. exoticawere detected in the studied area, presenting discrete growth parameters highly influenced by environmental factors.
Aerobic and anaerobic enzymatic activity and allometric scaling of the deep benthic polychaeteHyalinoecia artifex(Polychaeta: Onuphidae)
Authors: Jessen Gerdhard L. , Quiñones Renato A. , González Rodrigo R.
Published: May 2009

The enzymatic activity of aerobic and anaerobic metabolic pathways inHyalinoecia artifex, a polychaete inhabiting the deep ocean, is reported. In addition, the allometry of its anaerobic and aerobic enzymatic activity is analysed. The aerobic metabolism was measured using the electron transport system activity technique (ETS), whereas the anaerobic metabolism was estimated using the activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), octopine dehydrogenase (OPDH), alanopine dehydrogenase (ALPDH), strombine dehydrogenase (STRDH), and ethanol dehydrogenase (EtOHDH). The ETS activity was about 296.18 (µLO2h−1g−1), which is within the range described for polychaetes and other benthic metazoans. The anaerobic enzymatic activity expressed as µmol NADH min−1 g−1was: LDH = 0.35, OPDH = 0.11, ALPDH = 12.66, STRDH = 10.78 and SDH = 0.48. The slope of the allometric relationship between specific aerobic metabolism and body size was −0.35. In the case of the allometric scaling of the anaerobic metabolism, only LDH presented a significant relationship, with a slope ofb = 0.44. This positive scaling is consistent with the pattern emerging from the scarce literature on the allometry of anaerobic metabolism in marine biota.
Vero cytotoxin-producingEscherichia coli, particularly serogroup O157, associated with human infections in England and Wales: 1992–4
Authors: Thomas A. , Cheasty T. , Frost J. A. , Chart H. , Smith H. R. , Rowe B.
Published: May 2009

Investigations were performed by the Laboratory of Enteric Pathogens on Vero cytotoxin-producingEscherichia coli(VTEC) in England and Wales from 1992–4. Bacterial isolates, faeces and sera obtained from patients with diarrhoea, bloody diarrhoea and haemolytic uraemic syndrome were examined. Using serotyping, Vero cytotoxin gene probing and serodiagnostic tests forE. coliO157, evidence of infection was detected in 543, 434 and 491 individuals in 1992, 1993 and 1994 respectively; VTEC of serogroup O157 were isolated from 470, 385 and 411 cases. The O157 VTEC strains belonged to at least 19 different phage types (PT) although 84% belonged to PT2, PT49, PT8, PT1 or PT4. Antibodies toE. coliO157 lipopolysaccharide were detected in 13% of the cases. The average annual rate of infection with O157 VTEC was 0·83/100000 and 12% of the 1458 individuals with evidence of infection with VTEC orE. coliO157 developed haemolytic uraemic syndrome. There were at least 18 general outbreaks and many family outbreaks.
Recurrent outbreaks ofSalmonellaEnteritidis infections in a Texas restaurant: phage type 4 arrives in the United States
Authors: Boyce T. G. , Koo D. , Swerdlow D. L. , Gomez T. M. , Serrano B. , Nickey L. N. , Hickman-Brenner F. W. , Malcolm G. B. , Griffin P. M.
Published: May 2009

In recent years infection caused bySalmonellaserotype Enteritidis (SE) phage type 4 has spread through Europe but has been uncommon in the USA. The first recognized outbreak of this strain in the USA occurred in a Chinese restaurant in El Paso, Texas, in April 1993; no source was identified. In September 1993, a second outbreak caused by SE phage type 4 was associated with the same restaurant. To determine the cause of the second outbreak, we compared food exposures of the 19 patients with that of two control groups. Egg rolls were the only item significantly associated with illness in both analyses (first control group: oddsratio [OR] 8·2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2·3–31·6; second control group: OR 13·1, 95% CI 2·1–97·0). Retrospective analysis of the April outbreak also implicated egg rolls (OR 32·4, 95% CI 9·1–126·6). Egg roll batter was made from pooled shell eggs and was left at room temperature throughout the day. These two outbreaks of SE phage type 4 likely could have been prevented by using pasteurized eggs and safe food preparation practices.
Outbreak of vertigo in Wyoming: possible role of an enterovirus infection
Authors: Simonsen L. , Khan A. S. , Gary H. E. , Hanson C. , Pallansch M.A. , Music S. , Holman R. C. , Stewart J. A. , Erdman D.D. , Arden N. H. , Arenberg I. K. , Schonberger L. B.
Published: May 2009

An epidemiologic investigation was conducted to characterize and evaluate the possibility of a viral aetiology of an outbreak of acute vertigo in Hot Springs Country, Wyoming, during autumn 1992. Case-finding identified Hot Springs County residents who sought medical attention for new onset vertigo during 1 August, 1992–31 January 1993. Thirty-five case-patients and 61 matched controls were interviewed and serum specimens were obtained during January 1993. Case-patients were more likely than controls to report symptoms (e.g. fatigue, sore throat, fever, diarrhoea) of antecedent acute illness. Case-patients did not have a significantly greater prevalence or mean titre of IgG antibodies to respiratory syncytial virus, parainfluenza viruses, Epstein–Barr virus, and cytomegalovirus than controls. Serologic evidence of recent enterovirus infection (IgM antibodies) was found for 74% of case-patients compared with 54% of controls (P< 0·05), suggesting a possible association between vertigo and enterovirus infection. Future studies are needed to define the role of enteroviruses in inner-ear diseases.
Past exposure and the dynamics of lymphatic filariasis infection in young children
Authors: Srividya A. , Das P. K. , Subramanian S. , Ramaiah K. D. , Grenfell B. T. , Michael E. , Bundy D. A. P.
Published: May 2009

This study utilizes parallel, longitudinal entomological and parasitological data collected during a 5-year vector control programme in Pondicherry, South India, to quantifyWuchereria bancroftitransmission from the vector to the human population. A simple mathematical model, derived from the standard catalytic model, is used to examine the hypothesis that current infection prevalence in young children is a dynamical function of their cumulative past exposure to infective bites. Maximum likelihood fits of the model to the observed data indicate a constant child infection rate with age, above a threshold representing the pre-patent period, or equivalently, the cumulative biting intensity required to produce patent infections. Extrapolation of the model allows the crude estimation of the equilibrium microfilaria age-prevalence curve due to control. The results suggest that vector control alone may have little impact on the overall age-prevalence of infection even when sustained for long periods. These observations are discussed in terms of the likely impact of density dependent mechanisms, such as acquired immunity, on model predictions.
Role of enteric pathogens in the aetiology of neonatal diarrhoea in lambs and goat kids in Spain
Authors: Muñoz M. , Álvarez M. , Lanza I. , Cármenes P.
Published: May 2009

Faeces samples from diarrhoeic and non-diarrhoeic lambs and goat kids aged 1–45 days were examined for enteric pathogens.Cryptosporidium parvumwas detected in both diarrhoeic lambs (45%) and goat kids (42%) but not in non-diarrhoeic animals. F5+(K99+) and/or F41+Escherichia colistrains were isolated from 26% and 22% of the diarrhoeic lambs and goat kids, respectively, although these strains, which did not produce enterotoxins ST I or LT I, were found with similar frequencies in non-diarrhoeic animals. A F5−F41−ST I+E. colistrain was isolated from a diarrhoeic lamb (0·6%). VerotoxigenicE. coliwas isolated from both diarrhoeic and non-diarrhoeic lambs (4·1% and 8·2%, respectively) and there was no association between infection and diarrhoea. The prevalence of group A rotavirus infection in diarrhoeic lambs was very low (2·1%). Groups A and B rotaviruses were detected in three (8·1%) and five (13·5%) diarrhoeic goat kids from two single outbreaks. Group C rotaviruses were detected in four non-diarrhoeic goat kids. An association of diarrhoea and infection was demonstrated only for group B rotavirus.Clostridium perfringenswas isolated from 10·8% of the diarrhoeic goat kids but not from non-diarrhoeic goat kids or lambs.Salmonella arizonaewas isolated from a diarrhoeic goat kid (2·7%) and the clinical characteristics of the outbreaks where these two latter enteropathogens were found different from the rest. Picobirnaviruses were detected in a diarrhoeic lamb. No coronaviruses were detected using a bovine coronavirus ELISA. No evidence was found of synergistic effect between the agents studied. Enteric pathogens were not found in four (8·7%) and three (20%) outbreaks of diarrhoea in lambs and goat kids, respectively.
Genomic diversity ofmecregulator genes in methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureusandStaphylococcus epidermidis
Authors: Kobayashi N. , Taniguchi K. , Kojima K. , Urasawa S. , Uehara N. , Omizu Y. , Kishi Y. , Yagihashi A. , Kurokawa I. , Watanabe N.
Published: May 2009

Low-affinity penicillin-binding protein PBP-2a encoded bymecAis closely related to methicillin resistance in staphylococci, and expression of PBP-2a is controlled by regulator elements encoded bymecRlandmecIwhich are located adjacent tomecAon the chromosome. Deletion or mutation which occurred inmecregulator gene is considered to be associated with constitutive production of PBP-2a. The distribution of themecregulator genes in 176 strains ofStaphylococcus aureusand 33 strains ofS. epidermidisisolated from a single hospital was studied by polymerase chain reaction amplification. Most clinical isolates of methicillin-resistantS. aureus(MRSA) (94.3 %) andS. epidermidis(MRSE) (83.9 %) possessed bothmecIandmecR1genes (type I), whereas nomecregulator genes were detected inmecA-negative isolates. In contrast, 7 MRSA and 5 MRSE isolates were found to have incomplete regulator genes, and they were classified into three groups; strains which lacked onlymecIgene (type II), strains which lackedmecIand 3'-end ofmecR1gene (type III), and strains which lacked both regulator genes (type IV). Analysis ofmecIgene from all the strains havingmecIby restriction fragment length polymorphism afterMseI digestion indicated that three MRSA strains possessed one of the known point mutations identified previously. These findings indicated the predominance of a single type of MRSA possessing bothmecIandmecR1in the study period and also suggested a high genomic diversity inmecregulator region of staphylococci.
Serological and biochemical analysis of some recent type a foot-and-mouth disease virus isolates from the Middle East
Authors: Samuel A. R. , Knowles N. J. , Kitching R. P.
Published: May 2009

In 1986 and 1987 foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) serotype A was isolated from outbreaks of disease in Saudi Arabia and Iran. Selected virus isolates were antigenically distinct from the prototype A22virus strain (A22/Iraq/64), but were serologically related to each other. However, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed that whilst the respective Saudi Arabian structural polypeptides were homogeneous, those from an Iran isolate were distinct. Direct sequencing of part of the P-1D (VP1) gene demonstrated considerable difference in nucleotide homology between the two groups of viruses; the Saudi Arabian viruses were closely related to each other but only distantly related to both the A22prototype virus strain and the Iranian virus isolate. The latter viruses were only slightly more closely related to each other. Thus there appeared to be at least two distinct FMDV type A variants co-circulating in the Middle East, both of which differed considerably from the classical A22subtype.
Cardiac morbidity due to Chagas' disease in a rural community in Bolivia
Authors: Weinke Th. , Ueberrieiter K. , Alexander M.
Published: May 2009

The prevalence of cardiac morbidity due to Change' disease was assessed in a rural community in Central Bolivia. Sixty-nine of 104 persons (66%) were seropositive to Trypanosoma cruzi by two serological methods. Two of 35 (6%) seronegative individuals presented with modest ECG alterations (left anterior hemiblock), but 21 of 69 (30%) seropositives showed modest and severe abnormalities (6 complete right bundle branch block. 2 polyfocal or frequent extrasystoles, 9 ischaemic ST alterations). A high percentage (56%) of domiciliary Triatoma infestans was infected with T. cruzi. There was a significant association between seropositivity and substandard housing. Priority preventive measures should thus include house improvement (to reduce bug infestation) and health education.
Food poisoning in hospitals in Scotland, 1978–87
Authors: Collier P. W. , Sharp J. C. M. , MacLeod Aida F. , Forbes G. I. , Mackay F.
Published: May 2009

During the 10-year period 1978–87 there were 48 outbreaks of food poisoning in Scottish hospitals affeeting a total of 2287 persons of whom 12 died. This compared with 50 outbreaks during the previous 5 years (1973–77) when over 1500 persons and 7 deaths were recorded. Although the incidence of outbreaks has decreased the average number of persons affected in outbreaks has increased. A marked reduction was seen in the incidence of outbreaks due to Clostridium perfringens, in contrast to foodborne salmonellosis which remains a problem. Thirty-four hospitals, of which 10 reported two or more outbreaks, were involved. The type of hospitals most frequently affected were general (14), psychiatric (13), geriatric (9) and hospitals for the mentally subnormal (7). Meat, including poultry meat, was incriminated in over 90% of outbreaks where a food vehicle was identified. In modern or re-equipped kitchens cooking in advance with subsequent reheating is being progressively discontinued as more food is being cooked on the day of consumption, a practice which may readily explain the decreasing incidence of outbreaks due to Cl. perfringens. Bacterial cross-contamination from poultry-meat and other raw foods, compounded by inadequate temperature control, however, continues to be a problem in some hospitals. It is too early as yet to determine whether the removal of Crown immunity will have any effect on the future incidence of hospital ‘food poisoning’.
Subtyping ofHaemophilus influenzaetype b strains from Europe and North America by SDS—PAGE of whole-cell polypeptides: the geographical distribution of subtypes
Authors: Pennington T. H. , Freebairn E. M.
Published: May 2009

One hundred and nine strains ofHaemophilus influenzaetype b were subtyped by sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of whole-cell polypeptides. Twenty-one strains from England, 44 from Scotland, 8 from Sweden, 6 from the Netherlands and 30 from the USA were examined. Some of these strains had been subtyped by outer membrane protein analysis; most of the strains had been isolated from cases of invasive disease.

Comparison of polypeptide profiles using the Dice coefficient of similarity showed that the majority of European strains were closely related and formed a single large group. Four smaller groups were identified; three of these included American and European strains, indicating a world-wide distribution of subtypes. However, the common European and American subtypes fell into different groups, indicating the existence of marked geographical variations in subtype frequency.
On the new clinical fashion in epidemiology
Authors: Vandenbroucke J. P.
Published: May 2009

The clinical application of the principles of epidemiological research has become fashionable. Three recent textbooks carry the words ‘Clinical Epidemiology’ in their titles (Feinstein, 1985; Sackett, Haynes & Tugwell, 1985; Weiss, 1986), and a venerable journal has recently changed its name to this effect (Feinstein & Spitzer, 1988). Deans of medical schools, Government Health Officials and editorialists pay tribute to the new science which is expected to steer the medical profession of the third millennium.
Epidemiology training and public health practice
Authors: Brachman P. S. , Music S. I.
Published: May 2009

There is a significant role for the practice of epidemiology throughout the world if health professionals are to work effectively towards ‘Health for All’. The status quo leaves a great deal to be desired, as evidenced by recent signals from the premier international health agency, the World Health Organization (WHO). The forty-first World Health Assembly meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, in May 1988 approved a resolution stressing ‘the importance of epidemiology as a tool for the formulation of rational health policy’ (PAHO, 1988). In addition to its key role ‘in studying the causes and means of prevention of disease’, the Assembly noted epidemiology's valuable inputs in ‘health systems research, information support, technology assessment, and the management and evaluation of health service’.
Further observations on the effect of feeding diets containing avoparcin on the excretion of salmonellas by experimentally infected chickens
Authors: Barrow P. A.
Published: May 2009

Chickens which had been inoculated orally with a nalidixic acid-resistant strain ofSalmonella typhimuriumwere reared on a diet containing different concentrations of avoparcin in an attempt to explain the variation in response to commercial levels of this antibiotic oberved by different workers. In one experiment small increases in faecal excretion of the inoculated salmonella occurred at 2·5 and 5·0 mg kg−1, with greater increases between 7·5 and 20 mg kg−1In a second experiment there was a significant increase in excretion at 7'5 mg kg−1and in a third experiment in which generally higher excretion rates were detected in all groups, significant increases were observed at 10 and 12·5 mg kg−1only. In addition avoparcin significantly increased the faecal excretion ofS. cholerae-suis, S. dublin and S. arizonae, serotypes not usually associated with poultry-derived food-poisoning in the United Kingdom. It did not increase faecal excretion ofS. pullorum. Avoparcin at 10 mg kg−1appeared to have little effect on the normal intestinal flora ofS. typhimuriuminfected chickens despite the fact that when tested in vitro individual organisms were susceptible to this drug concentration. At 100 mg kg 1 viable counts of intestinal enterococci and Gramnegative anaerobic bacteria were considerably reduced while those ofS. typhimurium and Escherichia coliincreased. Antibiotic activity due to avoparcin was detectable in the alimentary tract and there was some increase in concentration of the antibiotic in the more distal regions.
Comparison of different vaccines and induced immune response againstCampylobacter jejunicolonization in the infant mouse
Authors: Abimiku Alash'le G. , Dolby Jean M. , Borriello S. P.
Published: May 2009

The degree of protection conferred by vaccinated dams on infant mice against colonization byCampylobacter jejunidepended on the bacterial strain, preparation, and route of administration of the vaccine. In some instances of homologous protection, serum bactericidal titres correlated well with protection. However, boiledC. jejunivaccine, which was non-protective, also elicited a strong bactericidal antibody response. Conversely, bactericidal activity could not be demonstrated against strains capable of cross-protection. There was a good correlation between high campylobacter-specific IgG response and bactericidal activity.
The seroepidemiology ofChlamydiaein Finland over the period 1971 to 1987
Authors: Puolakkainen Mirja , Ukkonen Pentti , Saikku Pekka
Published: May 2009

The seroepidemiology of chlamydial infections in the Finnish population was studied by analysing the prevalence of chlamydial complement fixing (CF) antibodies in patients sera sent for virus serological screening tests over 17 years from 1971 to 1987. The total number of sera studied was over 160 000. In the early 1970s, the prevalence of chlamydial CF antibodies (CF titres ≥8) was low (less than 2%), but later the proportion of seropositive cases rose, and in 1976, 18% of sera contained antibodies. In 1984, the seropositivity rate was over 31%. The prevalence of high chlamydial CF titres (titres ≥64) also showed annual variation. In general, under 1% of sera contained chlamydial CF antibodies in high titre, but in 1979 and 1984, distinct peaks occurred when 1·3% and 1·4% of sera, respectively, had titres ≥64 The age-related antibody positivity rate showed a decline during early infancy, an increase in childhood and adolescence, and a stable level in adulthood when approximately 20% of the sera contained antibodies. The chlamydial antigen used in this survey was genus-specific, i.e. it detects antibodies against, all chlamydial species. Epidemiological data support the hypothesis that infections due to a novel chlamydial species, TWAR chlamydia, are the most likely explanation for the relatively frequent occurrence of chlamydial CF antibodies and for the variation in CF antibody prevalence.
Prevalence of peritonitis-associated coagulase-negative staphylococci on the skin of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients
Authors: Beard-Pegler M. A. , Gabelish C. L. , Stubbs E. , Harbour C. , Robson J. , Falk M. , Benn R. , Vickery A.
Published: May 2009

The predominance of coagulase-negative staphylococci as normal skin flora is thought to be a factor in their association with episodes of peritonitis in patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. We investigated the prevalence of peritonitis-associated strains on the skin of 28 patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis. Coagulase-negative staphylococci were the most frequently isolated organisms. comprising 47% of peritoncal dialysis fluid isolates and 59% of body site isolates. A total of 142 coagulase-negative staphylococci were speciated. tested for their antimicrobial sensitivity and slime production. and identified by phage typing and plasmid-profile analysis.Staphylococcus epidermidiswas the most commonly identified species from both peritoncal dialysis fluid (73%) and body sites (53%). Multiple antibiotic resistance was common, and the greater proportion of isolates were resistant to methicillin: 63·6% of peritoncal dialysis fluid isolates and 61·7% of body-site isolates.isolates.S. haemolyticusisolates were significantly more resistant to methicillin than other species. By phage typing and plasmid-profile analysis it was shown that peritonitis was rarely caused by skincolonizing strains. In only 3 of 14 patients were peritonitis-associated strains isolated as skin colonizers, and no patients developed peritonitis due to organisms previously isolated as skin colonizers.
Group C streptococci in human infection: a study of 308 isolates with clinical correlations
Authors: Barnham M. , Kerby J. , Chandler R. S. , Millar M. R.
Published: May 2009

A collection of 308 clinical isolates of β-haemolytic Lancefield group C streptococci was assembled from laboratories in England. Nigeria and New Zealand. Of these, 276 isolates wereStreptococcus equisimilis. 23S. milleriand nineS. zooepidemicus. Isolates ofS. equisimilisin the African collection, though few, gave higher rates of lactose and raffinose fermentation, aesculin hydrolysis and positive α-galactosidase reactions than those from elsewhere. Erythromycin resistance was found in 1·9% of the English isolates ofS. equisimilis.Strains from superficial infections accounted for 88 % of the collection and were most commonly isolated from the upper respiratory tract, skin or wounds. Amongst the 36 patients yielding isolates from deep sitesS. equisimiliswas found in septicaemia, cellulitis, abscess, peritonitis, septic arthritis, pneumonia, mycotic aneurysm and acute epiglottitis.S. milleriwas found in abdominal abscesses, peritonitis, pleural empyema and osteomyelitis andS. zooepidemicuswas found in septicaemia, pneumonia, meningitis and septic arthritis. Within the collection an unselected general catchment of 214 isolates of group C streptococci from the laboratories in Yorkshire showed the following species: from 199 superficial infections 94%S. equisimilis. 5%S. milleriand 1%S. zooepidemicusand 15 patients with deeper, more agressive infections 67, 27 and 6·7% of these species respectively.
Beta-haemolytic streptococci from the female genital tract: clinical correlates and outcome of treatment
Authors: Lewis R. F. M.
Published: May 2009

Clinical features, treatment and outcome were assessed retrospectively by means of a questionnaire in 174 patients in general practice whose vaginal swabs yielded bcta-haemolytic streptococci. These were compared with 96 patients whose swabs yielded no recognized microbial pathogens. Patients with group B streptococci did not differ in any of these parameters from the control group, but those with group A streptococci were more likely to have vaginal soreness, a purulent discharge. and to respond to anti-streptococcal antibiotics. Implications for laboratory reporting are discussed.
Cost–benefit analysis of tetanus prophylaxis by a mathematical model
Authors: Carducci A. , Avio C.M. , Bendinelli M.
Published: May 2009

A mathematical model has been developed which allows estimation of the epidemiological and economic effects of different tetanus vaccination strategies. The model was used to simulate the epidemiology of tetanus in italy from 1955 to 1982, and then applied to a district of Tuscany by utilizing data obtained from a seroepidemiological survey carried out in the same area. For this district we simulated vaccination programmes designed to reach, within 1 or 10 years, coverages of 60 or 90% of the population aged over 10 years who had not been exposed to the neonatal vaccination programme. The most effective strategy, from both the epidemiological and economic point of view, seems to be 90% coverage reached in 1 year's time. Benefits would be increased by improving the reliability of vaccinal anamnesis.
Epidemiology of parainfluenza virus type 3 in England and Wales over a ten-year period
Authors: Easton A. J. , Eglin R. P.
Published: May 2009

We have analysed data on respiratory syneytial (RS) and parainfiuenza type 3 (PF3) viruses reported to the Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre. London, over the period 1978–87. These confirm the annual winter epidemic of RS virus and show that, in England and Wales, PF3 is a summer infection with regular yearly epidemics.
Cryptosporidiumas a common cause of childhood diarrhoea in Italy
Authors: Caprioli A. , Gentile G. , Baldassarri L. , Bisicchia R. , Romoli E. , Donelli G.
Published: May 2009

Cryptosporidiumoocysts were observed in the stools of 9 (7·2%) of 124 Italian children with diarrhoea, examined during the period 1 January—31 December 1984. In two children, the parasite was associated with other enteric pathogens. The duration of diarrhoea was 2–30 days, with a median of 6 days. In all cases the infection was self limiting. The mean age of theCryptosporidium-positive children was 34 months, and all cases occurred in the warm season.Cryptosporidiumwas found to be the third most common enteric pathogen after rotavirus andSalmonellaspp.
Correlation between electrophoretic types B1and B2of carboxylesterase B and sex of patients inEscherichia coliurinary tract infections
Authors: Picard B. , Goullet Ph.
Published: May 2009

One hundred and sixty-eight strains ofEscherichia coliisolated from 84 men and 84 women who had urinary tract infections (134 cases) or bacteremia of urinary tract origin (34 cases) were assessed for their carboxylesterase B electrophoretic types B and B α-haemolysin production, the presence of mannose resistant haemagglutinin (MRHA) and antibiotic susceptibility. Electrophoretic type B was phenotypically linked with α-haemolysin and MRHA productions. The strains isolated from males were more frequently of type B, haemolytic and both haemolytic and haemagglutinating than those isolated from females. The strains isolated during bacteremia were more frequently haemolytic and haemag glutinating than those obtained from urinary tract infections. Type B strains were more frequently resistant to antimicrobial agents than type B strains. The results reinforced the distinction, in terms of virulence and antibiotic sensitivity, between B and B strains and demonstrated the influence of the sex of patients on the host-parasite interaction during urinary tract infections.
Detection ofLegionella pneumophilain environmental water samples using a fluorescein conjugated monoclonal antibody
Authors: Makin T. , Hart C. A.
Published: May 2009

Sixty-three environmental water samples from various sources were examined for the presence ofLegionella pneumophilawith a commercially available direct fluorescent monoclonal antibody (GS), an indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and culture. GS detectedL. pneumophilain 94% and 100% of environmental water samples which were culture and IFAT positive forL. pneumophila, respectively. IFAT detected 69% ofL. pneumophilaculture positive samples. Cultures ofL. pneumophilaserogroups 1 to 12, 14 and nonL. pneumophilabacteria which may be found in water, and bacteria containing non-specific binding proteins, were stained by GS and IFAT. GS identified all serogroups ofL. pneumophilaand did not cross react with any non-L. pneumophilabacteria.L. pneumophilain environmental samples was easy to detect against a clear dark background when stained with GS.
Acquisition of a drug resistance plasmid convertsSalmonella enteritidisphage type 4 to phage type 24
Authors: Frost J. A. , Ward L. R. , Rowe B.
Published: May 2009

Salmonella enteritidisaccounted for 55% of the 27478 salmonellae isolated from humans in England and Wales during 1988. Within this serotype phage type 24 has increased from 24 isolations in 1987 to 201 in 1988. The high frequency of drug resistance in this phage type has been shown to be due to the presence of plasmids belonging to Inc N and coding for resistance to a range of antimicrobial drugs among which resistance to ampicillin, streptomycin, tetracycline (AST) and T predominate. These plasmids are phage-type determining and convert strains of phage type 4 to phage type 24.
Evaluation of numerical analysis of SDS-PAGE of protein patterns for typingEnterobacter cloacae
Authors: Costas M. , Sloss L. L. , Owen R. J. , Gaston M. A.
Published: May 2009

Twenty cultures comprising 13 clinical isolates ofEnterobacter cloacaefrom two hospitals. the type and another reference stain ofE. cloacaeand the type strains of four otherEnterobactersp. and ofEscherichia coli, were characterized by one-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDSPAGE) of whole-cell proteins. The protein patterns were highly reproducible and were used as the basis of a numerical analysis which divided the clinical isolates into nine clearly defined protein types. Comparison with established typing methods indicated that the discrimination of SDS-PAGE was similar to that achieved with conventional typing methods and all strain groups recognized by combined sero/phage typing were also found by SDS-PAGE. In addition, protein typing sub-divided a group of four serotype O3 isolates that were difficult to distinguish by phage typing. We conclude that high-resolution SDS-PAGE of proteins provides an effective method of typing isolates ofE. cloacae.
Analysis of lipopolysaccharide antigens ofTreponema hyodysenteriae
Authors: Hampson D. J. , Mhoma J. R. L. , Combs B.
Published: May 2009

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) extracts obtained fromTreponema hyodysenteriaeof serogroups A, B, D and E, and fromT. innocenswere examined by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), silver-staining, and immunoblotting with hyperimmune rabbit sera. All organisms possessed multiple LPS bands, but their position and number differed.

Immunoblotting of LPS with grouping sera identified three or four major antigenic LPS components in the 10-42 kDa range in all organisms: these components were largely specific to each type-organism of a serogroup, and presumably represented group antigens. Although some minor cross-reactivity occurred between LPS from organisms in the different groups, this was insufficient to merit changes to the current LPS serogrouping system for T. hyodysenteriae. Besides this LPS ‘complex’, other higher-molecular-weight material which appeared to be a common component of the treponemes examined was present in low concentrations. Organisms with different serotypes within a serogroup apparently possessed common LPS bands, but also had unique LPS bands which may account for their serotype specificity. One ‘untypable’ organism lacked group-specific LPS and was thought to be a mutant of a group B organism. The loss of serogroup LPS by the isolate suggested that this material is an external component of the cell wall. The availability of an atypical organism lacking LPS components may facilitate further studies on the pathogenesis of swine dysentery.
Rapid diagnosis of bacterial meningitis by an enzyme immunoassay of cerebrospinal fluid
Authors: Salih M. A. M. , Armed H. S. , Hofvander Y. , Danielsson D. , Olcén P.
Published: May 2009

A total of 250 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens were analyzed using a rapid enzyme immunoassay (Pharmacia Meningitis ETA-Test) (EIA) for the detection of antigens of Haemophilus influenzae type b, Neisseria meningitidis (serogroups A, B, C) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (25 selected types). The test is performed in less than 1 h and read by the naked eye. EIA and coagglutination (CoA) were compared with a constructed reference that comprised samples which were either positive by culture and/or on direct microscopy (DM), or in which there were positive results with both EIA and CoA for the bacteria covered by the assays. Using this reference for CSF samples assayed in a period between two meningococcal meningitis epidemics, the sensitivity was 0·86 for EIA and 0·69 for CoA, the specificity 0·95 (EIA) and 0·97 (CoA), the predictive value for a positive result 0·81 (ETA) and 0·87 (CoA) and, the predictive value for a negative result 0·96 (EIA) and 0·93 (CoA). Antibiotics had been given to 54% of the patients before admission. All of the 56 samples that were positive in any of the tests taken during an epidemic of group A meningococcal disease were detected by EIA; CoA was negative in 45% and culture/DM was negative in 32%. Sequential dilutions of two CSF samples from whichH. influenzaetype b had been isolated, showed the EIA to be 16–32 times more sensitive than CoA. With both technical feasibility and good sensitivity and specificity, the EIA seems to be useful and reliable for the rapid diagnosis of bacterial meningitis, especially in situations where pretreatment with antibiotics are likely.
Hepatitis A antibody in blood donors in North East Thames region: implications to prevention policies
Authors: Scott N. J. , Harrison J. F. , Zuckerman A. J.
Published: May 2009

A total of 1786 blood donors were screened for the presence of anti-hepatitis A antibod (anti HAV). 64·5% of the donors were found to be positive. The prevalence of the antibody was found to be age-related, 55% at 18 years and 75% at 65 years. No relationship was noted between the presence of antibody, foreign travel or a specific destination. Assay of antibody levels in selected seropositive individuals gave a mean level of 5· IU/ml.

The prevalence of infection in this selected population is important in thecontext of passive immunization with normal human immunoglobulin and for defining a policy of immunization with hepatitis A vaccines, which are currently undergoing clinical trials.
Chlamydia pneumoniae, strain TWAR, as the cause of an outbreak in a boys' school previously called psittacosis
Authors: Pether J. V. S. , Wang San-Pin , Grayston J. T.
Published: May 2009

Sera from an outbreak of acute respiratory illness in a boys boarding school originally thought to have been due to psittacosis (1) have been re-examined and evidence is presented that suggests that the outbreak was caused by Chlamydia pneumoniae, strain TWAR (2).
Hospital dispersion of Staphylococcus epidermidis isolates resistant to a fluoroquinolone, pefloxacin
Authors: Etienne J. , Brun Y. , Billard M. , Fleurette J.
Published: May 2009

Since 1985. nosocomial infections have been frequently treated with a new fluoroquinolone, pefloxacin, at the Cardiological and Neurological Hospital in Lyon. From 1986 to 1988. the incidence of resistance of clinical Staphylococcus epidermidis strains to pefloxacin increased from 31 to 57%. Dispersion of these resistant strains in the hospital environment was recognized when they were detected on 22% of staff members' fingers (139 samples were investigated) and in 28% of the environmental samples (180 were investigated). There was an association between carriage rate and work place. Most of the pefloxacin-resistant S. epidermidis were resistant to oxacillin, gentamicin. erythromycin, cotrimoxazole and fosfomycin. Intensive use of pefloxacin selected multiresistant S. epidermidis which became ubiquitous in the hospital environment.
Comparative study of visual inspections and microbiological sampling in premises manufacturing and selling high-risk foods
Authors: Tebbutt G. M. , Southwell J. M.
Published: May 2009

The possible relationship between the results of a microbiological sampling programme and visual inspections carried out in local food-manufacturing premises was examined. Using five main parameters—overall appearance, personal hygiene, risk of contamination, temperature control, and training and education –a visual inspection rating score was established for each of the premises. A variety of high-risk processed foods, and specimens from hands, wiping cloths and environmental swabs were examined. The results from two study Periods indicated that there was an overall poor agreement between microbiological results and inspection ratings. On its own, neither sampling nor visual assessment reliably monitored the performance of the premises. A combined approach, using selective microbiological examination to support a system of standardized inspections, is suggested for monitoring food hygiene standards in premises selling high-risk foods