bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the Phadebact Gonococcus Test for confirmation of Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Authors: Anand C M , Kadis E M
Published: January 2020

Strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae grown on Thayer-Martin medium and media with and without serum were examined by the Phadebact Gonococcus Test. By using the direct method, in which colonies from growth media were mixed directly with the reagents on a microscope slide, Thayer-Martin medium, contrary to the manufacturer's claim, was not found to be the medium giving best results, and presence or absence of serum in the media did not affect the results. A large number of inconclusive results were obtained. A modification of the alternative procedure, which uses a heated suspension of the gonococcal cells as the antigen, is described. Of the 432 strains of N. gonorrhoeae examined by this method, 427 were accurately identified. Five strains, however, gave false-negative results. None of the 80 strains of N. meningitidis gave positive results. Nine of nineteen strains of N. lactamica, however, gave clear-cut positive results. Use of the o-nitrophenyl-beta-D-galactopyranoside test in conjunction with the Phadebact Gonococcus Test, particularly on isolates from the pharynx, is recommended.
Evaluation of a clostridial alpha-toxin disk test for rapid presumptive identification of group B streptococci
Authors: Smith J A , Ngui-Yen J H
Published: January 2020

An alpha-toxin disk test is described in which group B streptococci completed the hemolysis of sheep erythrocytes partially lysed by the alpha-toxin of Clostridium perfringens. The test was performed satisfactorily on the sheep blood agar primary isolation plate, as well as on pure cultures. A total of 95% of strains of pure group B streptococci tested produced positive reactions within 5 h, and all were positive after overnight incubation, with patterns of synergistic hemolysis readily distinguishable from those seen with group A streptococci. The preparation of disks is well within the scope of most clinical laboratories.
Evaluation of a New Assay for Vi Antibody in Chronic Carriers of
Salmonella typhi
Authors: Nolan Charles M. , Feeley John C. , White Paul C. , Hambie Edith A. , Brown Susan L. , Wong Kwei-Hay
Published: January 2020

The assay for serum antibody to the
Salmonella typhi
capsular polysaccharide (Vi) antigen has recently been revised because of the availability of a purified, highly polymerized Vi antigen. We compared this revised Vi antibody assay to the traditional one for potential usefulness in the surveillance of chronic enteric carriers of
S. typhi.
The purified Vi antigen of
Citrobacter freundii
was incorporated into a passive hemagglutination assay for serum Vi antibody; the standard Vi antibody assay was also a hemagglutination assay that employed as the Vi antigen a crude extract of
Citrobacter
(Ballerup O group 29). As determined by the revised assay, Vi antibody was found in the sera of 22 (71%) of 31 current typhoid carriers, none of 6 resolved carriers, and none of 22 control subjects. According to the traditional assay, Vi antibody was present in 23 of those current carriers (74%), 1 of the resolved carriers (17%), and 4 of the control subjects (18%). The rate of false-positive Vi antibody tests among resolved carriers and control subjects was less with the revised assay (
P
< 0.05). Successful antimicrobial therapy resulted in a reversion to seronegativity within 1 year in 8 of 10 Vipositive carriers according to the revised assay, but in only 3 of 11 according to the standard assay (
P
< 0.05). During a 2-year period of observation, 15 (94%) of 16 current typhoid carriers had at least one positive purified Vi antibody test; among 12 of those patients with Vi titers of 1:40 or greater, 9 (75%) were continuously Vi positive. Thus, the revised Vi antibody assay is more specific and no less sensitive than the standard assay for the condition of current enteric carriage of
S. typhi.
This serological test could be of value in the surveillance of typhoid carriers by public health agencies.
Selenium-enriched medium for Legionella pneumophila
Authors: Smalley D L , Jaquess P A , Layne J S
Published: January 2020

We found that sodium selenate added to F-G cysteine iron agar enhanced the growth of Legionella pneumophila (Philadelphia 1 strain), with visible colonies at 18 h of incubation. The optimum enhancement of growth was found to occur at a concentration of 5 to 10 microgram of selenium per ml as sodium selenate; enhanced growth, up to 22 times the number of colonies on F-G cysteine iron agar without selenate, was observed at 36 h.
Skin abscess caused by Candida albicans: unusual presentation of C. albicans disease
Authors: Feldman W E , Hedaya E , O'Brien M
Published: January 2020

A 9-month-old patient developed a Candida albicans skin abscess at the repair site of a lumbar myelomeningocele. There was no evidence of C. albicans infection elsewhere in the body. The infection may have been acquired at the time of the original myelomeningocele repair at 2 days of age. The abscess was cured by surgical drainage and amphotericin B therapy. This case indicates that laboratories should be aware of C. albicans as an unusual cause of abscess.
Luminol-amplified chemiluminescence: a sensitive method for detecting the carrier state in chronic granulomatous disease
Authors: Mills E L , Rholl K S , Quie P G
Published: January 2020

Patients with chronic granulomatous disease have a marked defect in neutrophil oxidative metabolism and microbicidal activity. Asymptomatic mothers of males with the disease can usually be identified as heterozygous carriers by intermediate leukocyte function. Most mothers of females with the disease, however, have normal leukocyte function, and the pattern of genetic transmission in these families has been difficult to establish. Of 14 mothers of males and females with chronic granulomatous disease, 10 had been found previously to have intermediate values for neutrophil bactericidal activity, oxygen consumption, hexose monophosphate shunt activity, and Nitro Blue Tetrazolium reduction, and 4 had normal in viro leukocyte function. In the present study, 4 of these 14 mothers had normal neutrophil bactericidal activity, 3 had normal zymosan-stimulated chemiluminescence, but none had normal luminol-amplified zymosan-stimulated chemiluminescence. The presence of luminol (5-amino-2,3-dehydro-1,4-phthalazinedione) in the phagocytic mixtures markedly increased the sensitivity of the assay, permitting detection of subtle defects in leukocyte oxidative metabolism in three previously unidentifiable carriers of the disease. Thus, luminol-amplified chemiluminescence appears to be one of the most sensitive methods available for detection of chronic granulomatous disease heterozygotes; the simplicity and reproducibility of the microtechnique permit evaluation of leukocyte function in infants and newborns.
Immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin M antibody responses of patients with malignancies to the O antigens of bacteria causing bacteremia
Authors: Gannon P J , Surgalla M J , Fitzpatrick J E , Neter E
Published: January 2020

Malignancy may be associated with impairment of the immune system. In children with acute leukemia, an impaired immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibody response to poliovirus was documented previously. It was of interest, therefore, to determine the immunoclass of antibodies produced against the O antigens of bacteria causing bacteremia in patients with leukemia and other malignancies. For control purposes, parallel studies were carried out in patients without maligancies but with infections caused by gram-negative bacteria. The patients with malignancies were adults, and those without malignancies were children. The serum specimens were selected from patients mounting an antibody response. IgG and IgM antibodies were identified by mercaptoethanol reduction and chromatography. Antibody titers against the O antigens of enteric bacteria were determined by the hemagglutination procedure. Antibodies of both IgM and IgG immunoclasses were produced by all but 1 of 16 patients with leukemia and by all but 1 of 12 subjects with other malignancies. Thus, a specific IgM immune deficiency in adult patients with leukemia or other malignancies complicated by bacteremia was not present; however, the magnitude of the antibody response of the patient with leukemia was less than that of the subjets with other maligancies, with the median antibody titers of the former being 320 and those of the latter being 2,560.
Simplified lyogroup system, a new method for routine identification of staphylococci: description and comparison with three other methods
Authors: Varaldo P E , Grazi G , Soro O , Cisani G , Satta G
Published: January 2020

A simplified system for routine identification of the six lyogroups of human staphylococci is described. The method is based on the determination of the lytic activity on five different test media and of the phosphatase activity of each isolate. A total of 689 staphylococci isolated from clinical material over a 6-month period were identified according to this simplified system. The same strains were identified in parallel using three other methods designed for routine identification of staphylococci: the Kloos and Schleifer abbreviated scheme (J Clin. Microbiol. 1:82-88, 1975) the scheme proposed by the Subcommittee on the Taxonomy of Staphylococci and Micrococci (Int. J. Syst. Bacteriol. 26:332-334, 1976), and the API STAPH micromethod. Isolated whose identification was in disagreement were identified on a taxonomic level according to the extensive classification scheme of Schleifer and Kloos. In addition, 42 reference staphylococci of known identity were reidentified using the simplified lyogroup system as well as the three other routine methods. The results of this comparative study was detailed and discussed. A primary advantage of the simplified lyogroup system is that it also provides separation of staphylococci from micrococci, which must be performed separately when the other methods are used. Other significant advantages concerned with reliability, speed, and practicality are shown.
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae antibodies
Authors: Busolo F , Tonin E , Conventi L
Published: January 2020

The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) described by Engvall and Perlmann has been used for the detection of antibodies against Mycoplasma pneumoniae. These organisms, grown in flat-bottom wells of microtiter plates, were used as antigen. Preliminary results suggest that ELISA is specific and that its sensitivity is somewhere in between those of the metabolic inhibition and radioimmunoprecipitation methods. Unlike other serological methods, such as metabolic inhibition and mycoplasmacidal tests, in which the presence of antibiotics in sera may give false results, ELISA provided results that were not influenced by antibiotics. Furthermore, ELISA offers the possiblity of measuring not only immunoglobulin M, but also complement-independent antibodies, especially those of the immunoglobulin A class. Theoretical aspects concerning the different sensitivities of some serological reactions are discussed.
Direct identification of enteric adenovirus, a candidate new serotype, associated with infantile gastroenteritis
Authors: Johansson M E , Uhnoo I , Kidd A H , Madeley C R , Wadell G
Published: January 2020

Two enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay techniques for detection of adenovirus in stools were developed. The first, which is group-specific, detects the 35 established adenovirus types and, in addition, enteric adenoviruses associated with infantile gastroenteritis. The second technique, which is type-specific, selectively detects enteric adenovirus. The efficiency of these techniques was assayed on nine coded stool specimens from Glasgow children. Eight of nine was classified as adenovirus by the group-speicific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The six enteric adenovirus specimens were antigenically distinct from each of the 35 established adenovirus types but not from each other. They are suggested to represent a new adenovirus serotype which appear to be associated with gastroenteritis without clear-cut respiratory symptoms.
Determination of serum neutralization antibodies to rabies virus by a modified counterimmunoelectrophoresis test
Authors: Díaz A M , Myers D M
Published: January 2020

A modified counterimmunoelectrophoresis (CIE/SN) technique was developed as a diagnostic procedure for the detection of serum-neutralizing antibodies to rabies virus. CIE/SN test results with sera from individuals undergoing postexposure rabies immunization compared favorably with those obtained by the standard mouse neutralization test procedure. Fractionation of selected sera by Sephadex G-200 column chromatography demonstrated that serological activity involved in both procedures was present in the immunoglobulin G-containing fractions of the sera. The mean advantage of the CIE/SN over the standard mouse neutralization test consists in considerably reducing the time required for results, a factor which can be of clinical importance in evaluating antibody levels to rabies virus. In addition, the CIE/SN method is simple to perform and inexpensive.
Automated detection of microbial growth in blood cultures by using stainless-steel electrodes
Authors: Holland R L , Cooper B H , Helgeson N G , McCracken A W
Published: January 2020

Sterile stainless-steel electrodes implanted in blood culture bottles and monitored electronically were used to detect growth of microorganisms. Each blood culture bottle contained 100 ml of medium and was inoculated with 10 ml of blood seeded with either 300 or 50 colony-forming units of one of several bacterial or yeast species that are commonly isolated from clinical blood cultures. Growth was indicated by a voltage change of at least 0.1 mV/min with an increasing slope over at least three consecutive 15-min intervals. This method was compared to the conventional visual method for detecting microbial growth in broth. Growth detection by both techniques was confirmed by subculture to solid media. Of the 163 cultures seeded with the high inoculum (300 colony-forming units) and confirmed as being positive, 148 (90.8%) were positive by the electronic detection system (EDS). At the lower inoculum (50 colony-forming units), 47 of 53 (88.7%) positive cultures were detected by EDS. Twelve of the 21 false-negatives by the EDS were cultures seeded with Cryptococcus neoformans. Excluding C. neoformans, the rate of detection of growth was 96.0%. Microbial growth was detected an average of 18 h earlier by EDS than by the conventional system in 176 (90.2%) of the cultures. Also examined were 156 patient blood cultures: 13 were positive both by EDS and by conventional methods.
Selective Nonroutine Microbial Surveillance of In-Use Hospital Nebulizers by Aerosol Entrapment and Direct Sampling Analyses of Solutions in Reservoirs
Authors: Reinhardt Donald J. , Kennedy Christopher , Malecka-Griggs Blanche
Published: January 2020

Effluent aerosols and liquid reservoir samples from 255 in-use hospital nebulization devices were analyzed by Aero-Test samplers (Olympic Corp.) and direct dilution procedures (0.1-, 0.01-, and 0.001-ml plated samples). Thirty-five percent (89 of 255) of the in-use hospital reservoir samples were positive by direct dilution, and 24% (61 of 255) were positive by Aero- Test samplers.
Acinetobacter calcoaceticus
var.
anitratus
was found either alone or in association with
Pseudomonas
spp. in 50% of all the contaminated in-use reservoirs. This indicates a high endemicity for
Acinetobacter
in the environment studied. Viable microbes in the reservoirs of contaminated nebulizers ranged from as few as 20 to >2 × 10
5
colony-forming units/ml. Microbial contamination at moderate to heavy levels (1 × 10
4
to >2 × 10
5
) was regularly detected by both procedures. Microbial densities of 10
3
colony-forming units/ml and less in contaminated reservoirs often were negative in the Aero- Test but positive by direct dilution techniques. These hospital-based results were similar to laboratory data obtained with sterile nebulizers intentionally contaminated in graduated densities with either
Staphylococcus aureus
or
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
. Sensitivity of the Aero- Test system was best when ≥10
4
colony-forming units/ml were present in the reservoirs of operating nebulizers. The manufacturer suggests that five or less colonies appearing after sampling on Aero- Test plates upon 48-h incubation does not indicate contamination of the reservoir. Our data show that even a single colony, particularly if it is typical, water-associated, gram-negative bacterial species, may well indicate low levels of reservoir contamination. Both the Aero- Test and direct dilution methods indicated the need for more rigorous management of the in-use respiratory therapy equipment in the hospital surveyed. These studies demonstrate the value of selective nonroutine surveillance for identifying potential or actual contamination problems of in-use nebulizing equipment, particularly when recommended care guidelines are not followed due to choice or unawareness. Ameliorative-corrective measures, which included routine 24-h substitution of old units with new sterile units, were initiated as a result of this surveillance program.
Evaluation of methods to detect oxidase activity in the genus Pasteurella
Authors: Gadberry J L , Clemmons K , Drumm K
Published: January 2020

Several oxidase reagents and commercial products were evaluated as to their efficacy in detecting oxidase activity in species of the genus Pasteurella. Recommendations are made concerning the reagent of choice for determining oxidase activity in the genus Pasteurella. Recommendations are made also concerning the use of commercial products and their efficacy in detecting oxidase activity in this genus.
Isolation and immunobiological classification of Streptococcus sanguis from human tooth surfaces
Authors: Hamada S , Torii M , Tsuchitani Y , Kotani S
Published: January 2020

A total of 113 pure cultures of Streptococcus sanguis were obtained from dental plaque samples of 64 subjects. All isolates synthesized glucan from sucrose, elaborated peroxide, and were alpha-hemolytic. Two biotypes and four serotypes were differentiated within the species. Biotype A (95 isolates) fermented salicin and inulin and hydrolyzed arginine and esculin, whereas biotype B (18 isolates) did not possess these activities. The isolates were serotyped with autoclaved extracts against whole-cell antiserum to strains ATCC 10556 or ST3 (serotype I), ATCC 10557 (serotype II), ATCC 10558 (serotype III), and ST7 (serotype IV), by the capillary precipitin test. Serotypes I, II, III, and IV were found to consist of 24, 16, 37, and 15 isolates. Type IV was demonstrated anew in this study. The remaining 21 isolates were not typed because of either multiple reactions or nonreactivity against the standardized typing sera. All isolates of serotype II belonged to biotype B, which resembles Streptococcus mitior physiologically. Five isolates representing four serotypes and an untypable strain were examined for their cariogenicity against specific-pathogen-free Sprague-Dawley rats fed high sucrose diet no. 2000. Organisms of each isolate were established in the mouths of the rats, but only three isolates induced weak caries that were restricted to pits and fissures of occlusal surfaces of the teeth.
Antibiotic resistance in Enterotoxigenic and non-enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli
Authors: DeBoy J M , Wachsmuth I K , Davis B R
Published: January 2020

Antibiotic disk susceptibility tests were done on 220 strains of Escherichia coli belonging to serotypes reported in the literature to be associated with the production of enterotoxin. A total of 128 (58%) were resistant to one or more antibiotics, sulfa drugs, or chemotherapeutic agents. An analysis of these strains revealed primary, secondary, and tertiary drug resistance patterns that indicated a selective pattern in the formation of multiple drug resistance in E. coli. Resistances to certain antibiotics were more likely to occur in pairs and triads (secondary resistance patterns) that were often combined or coexisted in a single strain of E. coli to produce tertiary drug resistance patterns, conferring drug resistance to five or six different antibiotics. Among enterotoxin-associated serotypes, single and multiple drug resistance was less frequently associated with enterotoxin-produced strains than with strains from the same serotype that were not enterotoxigenic. Within the enterotoxigenic E. coli, single and multiple resistance to antibiotics was more frequent in strains producing only heat-stable enterotoxin (ST) than in strains producing only heat-labile enterotoxin (LT) or both. The number of resistances to different antibiotics per resistant strain averaged approximately 1.4 for LT plus ST or LT strains, and 3.9 for ST strains and nonenterotoxigenic strains. Phenotypic characterization of 170 strains for four usually plasmid-mediated characteristics showed that the number of antibiotics to which a strain was directly resistant varied with the type and number of plasmid-mediated characteristics present.
Pancreatic abscess associated with Achromobacter group Vd biovar 1
Authors: Appelbaum P C , Campbell D B
Published: January 2020

A case of pancreatic abscess associated with Achromobacter biovar 1 in a 75-year-old man with multiple predisposing debilitating conditions is presented. The infection responded to antibiotic therapy, but the patient died from unrelated causes.
Urethritis caused by Neisseria meningitidis
Authors: Karolus J J , Gandelman A L , Nolan B A
Published: January 2020

A glucose-negative group B strain of Neisseria meningitidis isolated from a meningitis case is described. A brief review of Neisseria identification procedures is also presented.
Separate O-grouping schemes for serotyping clinical isolates of Proteus vulgaris and Proteus mirabilis
Authors: Penner J L , Hennessy J N
Published: January 2020

Antisera were prepared against type strains of the original scheme of B. Perch (Acta Pathol. Microbiol. Scand. 25:703-714, 1948) and against newly defined types to produce separate schemes for O-grouping Proteus vulgaris and Proteus mirabilis. In assessing the schemes for their effectiveness it was found that 82% of 208 P. vulgaris isolates and 88% of 194 P. mirabilis isolates from two hospitals were typable. Only 3.4% of the P. vulgaris isolates agglutinated in P. mirabilis antisera, and 1.5% of the P. mirabilis agglutinated in P. vulgaris antisera, indicating that separation of the schemes would be more advantageous in routine typing. P. mirabilis of groups O3, O6, O10, O29, and O30 were most frequently isolated. Of the P. vulgaris isolates, 25% belonged to newly defined O-groups, and one of these was the largest with 14% of all isolates of this species. The application of serotyping using separate schemes for each species was advocated in epidemiological studies.
Measurement of immunoglobulin A, G, and M class rotavirus antibodies in serum and mucosal secretions
Authors: McLean B , Sonza S , Holmes I H
Published: January 2020

A solid-phase, enzyme-linked immunospecific assay for measurement of different immunoglobulin classes of human rotavirus antibodies is described. The antigen, which was adsorbed directly to polyvinyl microtiter plates, consisted of a clarified cell culture stock of the simian rotavirus SA 11. The assay was sensitive and reproducible and could readily be calibrated to determine concentrations of each class of antibody. The assay was applied to measurements of rotavirus antibodies in serum, colostrum, milk, and fecal samples. It particularly facilitates investigations of the role of immunoglobulin A antibodies in immunity to rotavirus infections.
Diagnostic significance of immunoglobulin M antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii detected after separation of immunoglobulin M from immunoglobulin G antibodies
Authors: Filice G A , Yeager A S , Remington J S
Published: January 2020

Failure to demonstrate immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies by indirect immunofluorescence (IgM-IFA) in sera from some patients with acute acquired toxoplasmosis has recently been attributed to an inhibitory effect of high titers of IgG antibodies in these sera (Pyndiah et al. J. Clin. Microbiol. 9:170-174, 1979). To confirm these findings and define their importance for diagnosis, we used gel filtration to separate IgM from IgG antibodies in a series of sera that were negative in the IgM-IFA test. A total of 68 sera were from patients with acquired toxoplasmosis, 13 were from uninfected adults, 13 were from infants with congenital toxoplasmosis, and 7 were from uninfected neonates. Of the 68 sera from patients with acquired toxoplasmosis, IgM preparations (from the separated sera) were positive in the IgM-IFA test in 36 (53%). There was a significant (P = 0.00003) association between high titers of IgM-IFA antibodies in the IgM preparations (corrected for dilution of IgM antibodies by the gel filtration procedure) and recent acquisition of infection. IgM antibodies were also detected in 5 (38%) of the IgM preparations of 13 sera from congenitally infected infants but not in any of the IgM preparations of sera from uninfected neonates. IgG antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii were shown to interfere with demonstration of IgM antibodies in the IgM-IFA test. Treatment of sera with protein A resulted in greater dilution of IgM antibodies and less efficient separation of IgM from IgG antibodies than did separation of sera by gel filtration. Treatment of sera with protein A did not result in increased detection of IgM antibodies to T. gondii. Testing of IgM preparations (obtained by gel filtration) resulted in a significant increase in sensitivity of the IgM-IFA test for the diagnosis of recently acquired and congenital toxoplasmosis.
Immunoglobulins M and G to varicella-zoster virus measured by solid-phase radioimmunoassay: antibody responses to varicella and herpes zoster infections
Authors: Arvin A M , Koropchak C M
Published: January 2020

Both immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgG antibodies to varicella-zoster virus (VZV) were detectable in a solid-phase radioimmunoassay with 125I-labeled goat antisera to human immunoglobulins. Primary infection with VZV was associated with early production of IgM and IgG antibodies and rapid development of lymphocyte transformation to VZV antigen. Among eight subjects with varicella tested 1 to 4 days after onset, seven patients had IgG and six patients had IgM antibodies; all patients had both IgG and IgM antibodies within 7 days. An IgM response was documented by radioimmunoassay in 18 of 26 patients with herpes zoster. VZV antibodies could be assayed by radioimmunoassay in unfractionated serum with commercial goat antisera to human immunoglobulins and commercial VZV antigen. VZV-specific IgG binding was present in all sera from 42 subjects with a VZB antibody titer of greater than or equal to 1:8 as determined by indirect immunofluorescence and cellular immunity to VZV as determined by lymphocyte transformation and who had had varicella at least 20 years before testing. The geometric mean titer was 1:6,309, and titers were greater than or equal to 1:16,384 in 20 subjects. Antibody was present as determined by radioimmunoassay in 14 samples negative by complement fixation and in five samples negative by complement fixation and immune adherence hemagglutination. No specific binding was observed in 21 sera from subjects who were not immune to VZV as determined by indirect immunofluorescence or lymphocyte transformation despite the presence of herpes simplex or cytomegalovirus antibody indicated by complement fixation in 15 sera. High titers of VZV IgM antibody were detected in unfractionated sera despite the presence of high titers of VZV IgG antibody. The VZV radioimmunoassay provided a sensitive and practical method for measuring VZV IgG and IgM antibodies.
Legionella pneumophila serogroup six: isolation from cases of legionellosis, identification by immunofluorescence staining, and immunological response to infection
Authors: McKinney R M , Wilkinson H W , Sommers H M , Fikes B J , Sasseville K R , Yungbluth M M , Wolf J S
Published: January 2020

Isolates of Legionella pneumophila that are serologically different from strains of serogroups 1 through 5 were obtained from lung biopsy tissue or pleural fluid from three renal transplant recipients in Chicago, Ill. These strains were placed in a newly designated L. pneumophila serogroup, serogroup 6, on the basis of fluorescent-antibody staining characteristics. An L. pneumophila strain obtained from Bethesda, Md., one from Houston, Tex., and one from Oxford, England, also belong to this new serogroup. L. pneumophila serogroup 6 appears to be widely distributed geographically.
Isolation of Campylobacter fetus subsp. jejuni from migratory waterfowl
Authors: Luechtefeld N A , Blaser M J , Reller L B , Wang W L
Published: January 2020

Since the sources from which humans acquire Campylobacter enteritis are only partially known, we studied the frequency of carriage of Campylobacter fetus subsp. jejuni in migratory waterfowl. Cecal contents of various species of wild ducks were cultured on selective media that contained antibiotics to inhibit normal flora. Thirty-five percent of the 445 ducks cultured harbored C. fetus subsp. jejuni. Migratory waterfowl are yet another reservoir for this enteric pathogen and may be of public health importance for humans in the contamination of water or when used as food.
Respiratory syncytial virus serology by a simplified enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
Authors: Steinhoff M C , Hall C B , Schnabel K C
Published: January 2020

A simplified enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) which utilized commercially available reagents was developed for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-specific immunoglobulin G. An analysis of the inherent variation of the assay allowed the setting of strict criteria for determining a significant change in RSV antibodies. The ELISA was more sensitive than the standard complement fixation or microneutralization tests in a carefully studied group of 32 RSV-infected adults. The ELISA correlated closely with complement fixation serological testing in 25 patients. The use of purified antigens might allow the development of a more sensitive ELISA.
Semiautomatic Aseptic Dispenser for Anaerobic Media
Authors: McCullough Alan G.
Published: January 2020

The construction and use of a reliable apparatus for dispensing anaerobic liquids aseptically are described.
O antigens of Proteus mirabilis and Proteus vulgaris strains isolated from patients with bacteremia
Authors: Larsson P
Published: January 2020

During the period of 1971 to 1979, 172 Proteus mirabilis and 17 Proteus vulgaris strains were collected from blood cultures. Of these strains, 144 could be grouped into 25 O antigens. The most common antigens were O3, O23, O10, O30, and O24, which represented 46.1% of all strains. The O antigen distribution of strains isolated from blood cultures did not differ significantly from that of fecal and urinary strains. No particular O antigen could thus be defined as a virulence factor in bacteremia.
Improved diagnostic accuracy using monoclonal antibody group A streptococcal carbohydrate
Authors: Nahm M H , Murray P R , Clevinger B L , Davie J M
Published: January 2020

Monoclonal mouse antibody to streptococcal group A carbohydrate was evaluated in diagnostic microbiology laboratory. A total of 262 isolates of beta-hemolytic streptococci were classified with commercial reagents and the monoclonal antibody to group A carbohydrate by using immunofluorescence and Lancefield precipitin tests. Both nonoclonal and commercial antibodies were identifically reactive by the precipitin test but significantly different by immunofluroescence. Monoclonal antibody gave the same reactivity as seen in the precipitin test, but commercial antibodies gave both false-positive and false-negative results. These results suggest that monoclonal reagents may be superior to conventional antisera.
Headspace analysis of volatile metabolites of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and related species by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry
Authors: Labows J N , McGinley K J , Webster G F , Leyden J J
Published: January 2020

Gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric analysis of headspace volatiles was performed on cultures of 11 strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and 1 strain each of Pseudomonas cepacia, Pseudomonas putida, Pseudomonas putrefaciens, Pseudomonas fluorescens, and Pseudomonas maltophilia. All strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa produced a distinctive series of odd-carbon methyl ketones, particularly 2-nonanone and 2-undecanone, and 2-aminoacetophenone. The other strains failed to produce 2-aminoacetophenone. Two sulfur compounds, dimethyldisulfide and dimethyltrisulfide, were present in strains of P. aeruginosa and in variable amounts in other species. Butanol, 2-butanone, 1-undecene, and isopentanol were also detected in P. aeruginosa cultures.
Serogrouping single colonies of beta-hemolytic streptococci from primary throat culture plates with nitrous acid extraction and Phadebact streptococcal reagents
Authors: Slifkin M , Interval G
Published: January 2020

The serogrouping of isolated beta-hemolytic streptococcal colonies from throat cultures by a micronitrous acid extraction method employing Phadebact Streptotoccus Test reagents was compared with results obtained with the direct-plate Phadebact procedure and the autoclave and Streptomyces albus enzyme-lysozyme extraction methods. These data were compared with those from the Lancefield grouping obtained with a capillary precipitin test. The micronitrous acid extraction method was modified to yield an uncomplicated method that provides specific coagglutination responses from one beta-hemolytic streptococcal colony that may be collected from a primary blood agar plate either on the end of an applicator stick or from a sweep of an inoculating loop from mixed growth.
Single-disk diffusion testing (Kirby-Bauer) of susceptibility of Proteus mirabilis to chloramphenicol: significance of the intermediate category
Authors: Furtado G L , Medeiros A A
Published: January 2020

The significance of the intermediate category of the single-disk diffusion test (Kirby-Bauer) of antibiotic susceptibility has never been clearly defined. Thirty-two percent of 756 clinical isolates of Proteus mirabilis were of intermediate susceptibility to chloramphenicol, a higher percentage than for any other species. The breakpoint separating susceptible and intermediate isolates nearly bisected the frequency distribution of zone diameters of P. mirabilis but not that of the other species. The breakpoint separating susceptible and intermediate isolates nearly bisected the frequency distribution of zone diameters of P. mirabillis but not that of the other species tested. By serial broth dilution testing, the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of chloramphenicol of 50 individual isolates of P. mirabilis were 3.9 to 22.1 micrograms/ml (geometric mean, 8.0), whereas the MICs of susceptible Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, and Enterobacter strains were 2.0 to 3.9 micrograms/ml (geometric mean, 2.9). Seventy percent of isolates of P. mirabilis with MICs of 7.8 to 15.6 micrograms/ml were classified as susceptible by disk testing. We conclude that existing Kirby-Bauer breakpoints do not accurately discriminate P. mirabilis isolates that are marginally susceptible to chloramphenicol. These data underscore the difficulty of applying a single set of breakpoints to all species and suggest that species-specific breakpoints would more accurately predict the MIC equivalent of given zone diameters.
Evaluation of solid-phase immunofluorescence for quantitation of antibodies to herpes simplex virus and cytomegalovirus
Authors: Benjamin W R , Specter S C , Klein T W , Hitchings M , Friedman H
Published: January 2020

A recently developed semiautomated technique based on solid-phase immunofluorescence (FIAX) was compared with complement fixation for the determination of antibody levels to herpes simplex virus and cytomegalovorus in human serum samples. The results demonstrated that the FIAX method was in aggreement with the complement fixation technique for 97% of the serum samples tested. Reproducible titers were obtained from multiple FIAX determinations of representative sera within the same experimental run and between separate experimental runs. However, variability was rather high for patient sera with low (less than or equal to 1:5) antibody levels to cytomegalovirus. Hence, the results obtained by the FIAX technique were reproducible, and the FIAX system was as sensitive as complement fixation for the determination of antibody levels to herpes simplex virus and cytomegalovirus.
Evaluation of serum gentamicin assay procedures for a clinical microbiology laboratory
Authors: Lantz C H , Lawrie D J , Witebsky F G , MacLowry J D
Published: January 2020

Four methods for the measurement of serum gentamicin concentration were evaluated with respect to cost-effectiveness, accuracy, and precision. Gentamicin concentration was determined in 112 clinical samples by the Staphlococcus epidermidis agar diffusion bioassay procedure in routine service in our laboratory at the time this study was initiated. Appropriate portions of these clinical samples were frozen and later thawed for remeasurement of gentamicin by bioassay or for measurement of gentamicin in one of three other systems. These included the Enzymatic Radiochemical Assay, the Diagnostic Products Corporation Radioimmunoassay and the New England Nuclear Corporation Radioimmunoassay. In addition, gentamicin dissolved in horse serum at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 micrograms/ml was aliquoted, frozen, and later thawed for assay in each of the above systems. The data were analyzed for evidence of constant and proportional bias as well as for accuracy and precision.
Tissue culture technique for routine isolation of street strain rabies virus
Authors: Rudd R J , Trimarchi C V , Abelseth M K
Published: January 2020

A tissue culture test for the primary isolation of street strain rabies virus from the brains of suspect animals was evaluated. It was found to be reliable and comparable in sensitivity to the standard mouse inoculation technique. The test, which yields final results in 48 h, was performed in BHK-21 cells on tissue culture chamber slides. The addition of diethylaminoethyl dextran to the cell suspension before seeding the slide promoted the subsequent viral invasiveness of positive test specimens. The method described may be considered as a substitute for the mouse inoculation test which is currently used as a backup to the fluorescent antibody test in the diagnosis of rabies.
Quantification of arabinitol in serum by selected ion monitoring as a diagnostic technique in invasive candidiasis
Authors: Roboz J , Suzuki R , Holland J F
Published: January 2020

D-Arabinitol was identified by mass spectrometry as a metabolite of Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis. For quantification, serum was deproteinized with acetone, the supernatant was evaporated to dryness, the silyl derivative was formed, and a portion was injected into a combined gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer system. Erythritol or 2-deoxy-galactitol was the internal standard. The protonated molecular ions, obtained in chemical ionization with isobutane, were monitored. For 39 normal subjects the mean endogenous arabinitol concentration was 0.52 microgram/ml (standard deviation, +/- 0.34). An increment of 0.2 microgram of arabinitol per ml could be quantified. Of 11 cases with diagnosed invasive candidiasis, 9 had arabinitol levels > 1.2 microgram/ml (8 microM) in the range of 1.2 to 25.0 micrograms/ml; the remaining 2 cases had levels in the normal range. Six cases of diagnosed colonized candidiasis showed normal arabinitol levels.
Immunological relationship among oral anaerobic spirochetes as detected by indirect microhemagglutination
Authors: Jacob E , Carter T B , Nauman R K
Published: January 2020

A sodium deoxycholate-ethanol--extractable antigen was found to be common to three strains of oral anaerobic spirochetes by indirect microhemagglutination.
Counterimmunoelectrophoresis for early detection and rapid identification of Haemophilus influenzae type b and Streptococcus pneumoniae in blood cultures
Authors: Artman M , Weiner M , Frankl G
Published: January 2020

Counterimmunoelectrophortesis was shown to be a sensitive method for rapid detection of pneumococcal and Haemophilus influenzae type b antigens in blood cultures.
New presumptive identification test for Clostridium perfringens: reverse CAMP test
Authors: Hansen M V , Elliott L P
Published: January 2020

The reverse CAMP test proved to be a highly sensitive test since 97.0% of all Clostridium perfringens cultures tested gave an easily discernible positive reaction.
Use of the rapid fermentation test in determining carbohydrate reactions of fastidious bacteria in clinical laboratories
Authors: Hollis D G , Sottnek F O , Brown W J , Weaver R E
Published: January 2020

The rapid fermentation test was used to determine the carbohydrate reactions of some of the fastidious bacteria encountered in clinical laboratories, such as: Haemophilus species, including Haemophilus vaginalis; Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans; Cardiobacterium hominis; Kingella species; Corynebacterium species; Propionibacterium species; and Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae. Results were usually obtained within 4 h by using inocula from 24- or 48-h blood or chocolate agar media.
Reactivity of microhemagglutination, fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption, and venereal disease research laboratory tests in primary syphilis
Authors: Dyckman J D , Storms S , Huber T W
Published: January 2020

Seroreactivity in 130 cases of primary syphilis was 91.5% by fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption test, 82.3% by microhemagglutination (MHA-TP test), and 68.5% by the Venereal Disease Reseach Laboratory (VDRL) test. The MHA TP test generally became reactive earlier than the VDRL test and confirmed all reactive and most weakly reactive VDRL results.
Apparent colistin-related false sensitivity with the Autobac I system
Authors: Duckenfield L , Wadke M , Ashton J K
Published: January 2020

False sensitivities were occasionally encountered in antibiotic-free chambers of the Autobac I system. This unusual phenomenon occurred randomly among gram-negative bacilli and appears to be colistin-related.
Principles of a quantitative assay for bacterial endotoxins in blood that uses Limulus lysate and a chromogenic substrate
Authors: Webster C J
Published: January 2020

Some factors affecting the use of chromogenic substrates with Limulus lysate for assaying bacterial endotoxins in blood have been assessed. It was found that endogenous amidases, which degrade the substrate, could be inactivated by heating serum at 60 degrees C for 15 min. Endotoxin was found not to be removed from serum during clotting. A potent inhibitor of the activated lysate was found to be anti-thrombin II, but specific absorption of anti-thrombin II from plasma reduced only marginally the inhibition of lysate by plasma. The presence of specific antibody to the endotoxin was found not to affect its ability to activate lysate. Inactivation of endotoxin by serum enzymes was biphasic in unheated serum, and most of the activity was destroyed in 3 h at 37 degrees C or in 24 h at 5 degrees C. The relevance of these findings to the objective quantitation of endotoxin activities is discussed.
Comparison of the automicrobic system with API, enterotube, micro-ID, micro-media systems, and conventional methods for identification of Enterobacteriaceae
Authors: Kelly M T , Latimer J M
Published: January 2020

Identification of Enterobacteriaceae by the AutoMicrobic System Enterobacteriaceae Biochemical Card was evaluated. Recent clinical isolates of enteric gram-negative bacilli (192) and glucose nonfermenters (3) were identified by the AutoMicrobic System, Micro-Media Systems, Micro-ID, API, and Enterotube II in comparison with conventional methods. The AutoMicrobic System and Micro-Media Systems correctly identified 97% of the organisms tested. Micro-ID, API, and Enterotube II correctly identified 94, 92, and 84% of the organisms, respectively. In addition to a high degree of identification accuracy, the AutoMicrobic System was convenient to operate and produced identification results in 8 h. Operation of the AutoMicrobic System also required minimal personnel time because it automatically monitored and interpreted the biochemical reactions and reported organism identifications. The AutoMicrobic System appears to be an efficient and accurate system for the identification of Enterobacteriaceae.
Regional variations in density of cutaneous propionibacteria: correlation of Propionibacterium acnes populations with sebaceous secretion
Authors: McGinley K J , Webster G F , Ruggieri M R , Leyden J J
Published: January 2020

Cutaneous Propionibacterium acnes populations were quantitatively measured in 33 young adults and compared with the rate and composition of sebum secretion in nine skin regions. Bacteriological and lipid analyses were performed on the forehead, cheek, anterior chest, abdomen, lower back, volar forearm, upper inner arm, thigh, and calf. P. acnes populations in these sites correlated significantly with the total amount of lipid produced (r = 0.77) as well as with di- and triglycerides (r = 0.68), squalene and wax esters (r = 0.72), cholesterol and cholesterol esters (r = 0.67), and free fatty acids (r = 0.67).
Detection of circulating antigen in experimental Candida albicans endocarditis by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
Authors: Scheld W M , Brown R S , Harding S A , Sande M A
Published: January 2020

A double-antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was developed for the detection of circulating Candida albicans antigen during the course of experimental C. albicans endocarditis. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was positive in 75% of rabbits with polyethylene catheter-induced experimental aortic valve C. albicans endocarditis but was negative in all controls, including catheterized animals that received intravenous Candida or catheterized but uninfected animals, and in rabbits with experimental fungal or bacterial endocarditis of other etiologies. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was much more sensitive than blood culturing or fever determinations in experimental C. albicans endocarditis. This assay is more sensitive than currently available serological techniques, is highly specific, and deserves further study in the diagnosis of invasive, disseminated C. albicans infections, including endocarditis.
Visual Reading of Enzyme Immunofluorescence Assays for Human Cytomegalovirus Antibodies
Authors: Forghani Bagher , Dennis Juanita , Schmidt Nathalie J.
Published: January 2020

Enzyme immunofluorescence assays for cytomegalovirus antibodies could be read satisfactorily using a light box with ultraviolet illumination. Higher antibody titers were obtained with a fluorogenic substrate than with a color-producing substrate.
Pleuropulmonary Infection Associated with
Eubacterium brachy
, a New Species of
Eubacterium
Authors: Rochford Judith C.
Published: January 2020

A new species of
Eubacterium
was isolated from a case of pleural effusion. A case history and description of the organism are given.
Passive hemagglutination technique for serotyping Campylobacter fetus subsp. jejuni on the basis of soluble heat-stable antigens
Authors: Penner J L , Hennessy J N
Published: January 2020

Antigenic materials were extracted from Campylobacter fetus subsp. jejuni strains by heating bacterial suspensions in saline at 100 degrees C and by exposure to ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. The antigens were heat stable at 100 degrees C, capable of sensitizing sheep erythrocytes for agglutination in antisera, and able to elicit production of specific antibody in rabbits; they occurred with different immunological specificities in 23 strains. Antisera against the 23 strains could be used for discriminating among isolates of the species when the passive hemagglutination technique was used for serotyping. Three serotypes were more common than others among a collection of human isolates.