bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Age and secular distributions of virus-proven influenza patients in successive epidemics 1961–1976 in Cirencester: Epidemiological significance discussed
Authors: Hope-Simpson R. E.
Published: October 2009

A general practice population of around 3900, under continuous clinical and laboratory surveillance, experienced 20 outbreaks of influenza between March 1960 and March 1976. Four epidemics were caused by subtype H2N2 type A viruses, seven by subtype H3N2 type A viruses and nine outbreaks by type B viruses. The age of every person proved virologically to have influenza is related to the age structure of the community and to the phase of the epidemic in which the virus-positive specimens were collected. Children 0–15 years old suffered a higher incidence rate than adults 16–90±. Pre-school children 0–4 suffered the highest rate of infection by viruses of both influenza A subtypes, whereas older schoolchildren 10–15 suffered the highest rate of type B infections. Despite these high incidence rates neither pre-school nor schoolchildren appear to have been the major disseminators of any of these influenza viruses in the community.

Adults of all ages suffered a high rate of infection even into extreme old age, and the indiscriminate age distribution among adults was sustained in the successive epidemics. Such age-patterns are not those caused by a highly infectious immunizing virus surviving by means of direct transmissions from the sick, whose prompt development of the disease continues endless chains of transmissions. An alternative epidemic mechanism – whereby the virus does not spread from the sick but becomes latent in them, reactivating seasonally so that they later infect their companions – would produce age patterns similar to those recorded here for influenza patients. The suggested mechanism is illustrated by a simple conceptual model and the influenzal age patterns are discussed in relation to the recycling of influenza A subtypes.
Aeromonas hydrophilain livestock: incidence, biochemical characteristics and antibiotic susceptibility
Authors: Gray S. J.
Published: October 2009

Faecal samples from 110 horses, 115 pigs, 111 sheep and 123 cows were examined for the presence ofAeromonas hydrophila, which was also sought in the available drinking water.

The overall faecal rate was 11·8%, but significantly more bovine than other samples were found to be positive. There was significant association between the isolation ofA. hydrophilafrom all animal faeces and its presence in drinking water, but this was not found when individual animal groups were analysed separately. An enrichment technique increased the total number of isolates by 77·1 %. Strains of differing origins could not be differentiated by biotyping, although fermentation of sorbitol was associated with bovine isolates. There was a strong positive correlation between positive reactions for V–P, gluconate oxidase and haemolysis of rabbit erythrocytes, tests which had previously been shown to correlate with production of enterotoxin and cytotoxin. Biotypes giving positive reactions for these tests were most frequently isolated from cows, sheep and untreated water, and less frequently from pigs and horses. Most strains ofA. hydrophilawere resistant to amoxycillin, carbenicillin and cephradine, and sensitive to gentamicin, chloramphenicol and neomycin.
A survey of coxsackie A16 virus antibodies in human sera
Authors: Urquhart G. E. D.
Published: October 2009

A comparison of neutralizing and immunofluorescent (IF) IgG antibody tests in 18 sera from 10 cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) showed a variety of responses but all sera taken more than one week after infection had both neutralizing and IF IgG antibodies.

A survey of IF IgG antibody in 80 paediatric and 80 adult non-HFMD case sera gave antibody detection rates of 47·5% and 11·3% respectively. This difference could be attributed to a decline in IF IgG antibody with time after infection. Three point nine per cent of 2G sera from possible adult carditis cases had IF antibody suggesting that coxsackie A16 virus was not a common cause of adult carditis. Forty-eight point three per cent of 29 sera from cases of spontaneous abortion had detectable IF antibody, a rate similar to the paediatric sera and significantly greater than that in adult male (7·9%) and other adult female (13%) sera tested. This interesting observation requires further study.
Towards a hepatitis A vaccine. A review
Authors: Anderson B. N. , Coulepis A. G. , Gust I. D.
Published: October 2009

Hepatitis A is an acute inflammation of the liver caused by a virus (HAV) whose morphology and physical characteristics resemble members of the enterovirus group. The disease, which is characterized by fever, malaise, anorexia, nausea, abdominal discomfort and jaundice has an average incubation period of 28–30 days and is spread from person to person by the faecal-oral route. Common-vehicle outbreaks have been reported following contamination of food or water and epidemics may occur in closed communities (institutions, day-care centres) or in the general community when there is a breakdown of environmental sanitation. Many infections, especially in children, are subclinical; the case fatility rate for patients requiring hospitalization is low and long-term sequelae are unknown.
Induction in rats of serum agglutinins to Eubacterium, Peptostreptococcus and Coprococcus species by the faecal flora from patients with Crohn's disease and healthy subjects
Authors: Hazenberg M. P. , van de Merwe J. P. , Custers-van Lieshout L. M. C. , Pennock-Schröder A. M.
Published: October 2009

Sera from patients with Crohn's disease more often than those from other subjects contain agglutinins against anaerobic coccoid rods, identified as Peptostreptococcus productus, Eubacterium contortum (two strains) and Coprococcus comes. The presence of antigens of the four coccoid rods in faeces of patients with Crohn's disease and healthy subjects was investigated by inoculation of rats with faecal suspensions. Antigens of the coccoid rods were detected in faeces from both patients with Crohn's disease and healthy subjects.
Laboratory trials of five rodenticides for the control of Mesocricetus auratus Waterhouse
Authors: Bradfield A. A. G. , Gill J. E.
Published: October 2009

The efficacy of five rodenticides for use in bait against the golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus Waterhouse) was investigated in the laboratory. The species proved to be resistant to warfarin (up to 0·5%) and difenacoum (0·005%), but brodifacoum (0·005%) gave complete mortality after three days' feeding. Calciferol (0·1%), though toxie, was significantly unpalatable. Zinc phosphide (5·0%) presented in a choice test for two days against unpoisoned feed gave 100% mortality, and appears to be the most suitable of these compounds for the control of M. auratus in the field.
Conversion by corynephages and its role in the natural history of diphtheria
Authors: Groman N. B.
Published: October 2009

The conversion of non-toxinogenicCorynebacterium diphtheriaeto toxinogeny has been reviewed. The biology of converting phage and the relationship of converting phages to nonconverting phages are summarized. The significance of these findings to the natural history and evolution of diphtheria is assessed.
Diphtheria in North America
Authors: Dixon J. M. S.
Published: October 2009

The incidence of diphtheria has declined in North America during the last fifty years until it is now an uncommon disease. This general pattern is similar to that seen in other developed countries with well-organized immunization programmes, but certain noteworthy characteristics have been observed in recent years: foci of infection lingered in two population groups of low socio-economic status, in both of which the skin has been an important reservoir. In central areas of certain cities, endemic diphtheria, chiefly cutaneous, has occurred amongst indigent adult males living in unhygienic conditions; and in the native Indian population of Northern Canada diphtheria infection has been endemic in infants and children, many of the infections being of the skin or ear and toxic disease being uncommon. During the last few years, diphtheria outbreaks have not been reported in urban areas and possibly endemicity is now restricted to northern native populations. The number of infections detected in these northern endemic areas is steadily decreasing.
Diphtheria in Europe
Authors: Kwantes W.
Published: October 2009

A letter of inquiry was sent to 21 countries in Europe to ascertain their experience of diphtheria during the last 20 years. An analysis of the 15 replies showed that all relied on childhood vaccination and that this had reduced the annual incidence of the disease to a very low level. There was mention of three epidemics during the last ten years, and three countries identified several cases of skin diphtheria, mostly in patients who had contracted infection abroad.
The effect of feeding diets containing avoparcin on the excretion of salmonellas by chickens experimentally infected with natural sources of salmonella organisms
Authors: Barrow P. A. , Smith H. Williams , Tucker J. F.
Published: October 2009

Chickens were readily infected with salmonella organisms when fed diets containing unsterilized bone-meal or provided with drinking water containing a suspension of natural salmonella infected chicken faeces. When fed diets containing avoparcin at concentrations of 10 or 100 mg/kg chickens infected in these ways excreted larger numbers of salmonellas for longer periods than did chickens fed a nonmedicated diet.
Response of toxigenicVibrio cholerae01 to physico-chemical stresses in aquatic environments
Authors: Miller Christopher J. , Drasar Bohumil S. , Feachem Richard G.
Published: October 2009

The survival and growth of toxigenicVibrio cholerae01 in water under various conditions of salinity, pH, temperature and cation composition and concentration were studied in an extensive series of laboratory experiments. Inter- and intra-strain variation in stress response (of 01 and non-01 strains) and the ability ofV. choleraeto adapt to stressful environments were also studied. ToxigenicV. cholerae01 were able to survive for at least 70 days at 25 °C in solutions of sea salt. The optimal salt concentration was 2·0% though all solutions in the range 0·25–3·0% gave good support. Substrains with enhanced capacity to persist at sub-optimal salinity (0·1%) were demonstrated. A great degree of inter-strain variation in stress response at low salinity (0·05%) was found among 59 strains, and this variation was unrelated to serogroup (01 or non-01), source (clinical or environmental) or country of origin (Tanzania or Bangladesh). At optimal salinity, inter-strain variation was less and 18 out of 20 strains remained viable at high concentrations for at least 40 months at 25 °C.V. cholerae01 could not survive beyond 45 days at 4 °C and optimal salinity, either with or without nutrients. The optimal pH range for survival at 25 °C was 7·0–8·5 at optimal salinity, and 7·5–9·0 at low salinity.V. cholerae01 require Na+for survival in the absence of nutrients, and for enhanced growth in their presence. The presence of Ca2+or Mg2+, in addition to Na+, further enhanced survival. These, and other results reported in this paper, suggest that toxigenicV. cholerae01 are able to survive for extended periods in warm water containing no nutrients but having a salinity of 0·25–3·0% and a pH of around 8·0. With added nutrients and under the same conditions, rapid growth is possible. The implications of these findings for the identification of putative aquatic reservoirs ofV. cholerae01, and for the epidemiology of cholera, are considerable.
The complications of intravenous cannulae incorporating a valved injection side port
Authors: Cheesbrough J. S. , Finch R. G. , Macfarlane J. T.
Published: October 2009

In a series of 519 intravenous cannulae with valved injection side-ports the incidence of cannula-related local inflammation was 25·2% and bacteraemia 0·2%. Severe local inflammation was associated with a longer mean duration of cannulation, 59·4 v. 81·4 h (P = <0·05). There was no significant association between the presence of local inflammation and microbial colonization of either the intravascular segment of the cannula, the adjacent skin, or the side-port. The data suggest that colonization of the cannulae was usually secondary to prior skin colonization. Side-port colonization did not, predispose to cannula colonization. Organisms colonizing the side-port were biologically different and were possibly derived from the skin of medical attendants. In the final 157 patients, randomized to receive either isopropyl alcohol or 0·5% chlorhexidine in 70% spirit skin preparation, there was no difference in the incidence of either local inflammation or microbial colonization.
The persistance of drug resistant Escherichia coli strains in the majority faecal flora of calves
Authors: Hinton M. , Rixson P. D. , Allen Vivien , Linton A. H.
Published: October 2009

Two groups of calves, one of three and the other of two animals, were purchased in markets and reared initially on a commercial veal unit for 1 month and 4 months respectively. They were then moved to the Veterinary School, Langford, and kept for a further 6 and 4 months respectively. The animals were sampled weekly and a continual turnover in the strains forming the majority Escherichia coli faecal flora was demonstrated for all calves. Antibacterial-drug resistance, as measured by an Antibiotic Resistance Index (ARI), increased after arrival on the veal unit and persisted at high levels during the whole of their stay. After moving to Langford the ARI fell. Initially there was a reduction in the average number of resistance determinants per resistant strain and then, after a delay of up to 8 weeks, by an increase in the proportion of isolates that were fully sensitive. The source of the sensitive strains was not ascertained, although their appearance was not associated specifically with either weaning or turning out to pasture.
Bacterial contamination of floors and other surfaces in operating rooms: a five-year survey
Authors: Suzuki Asakatsu , Namba Yoshimichi , Matsuura Masaji , Horisawa Akiko
Published: October 2009

Bacterial contamination of floors and other surfaces in the operating suite has been investigated by contact impression plates during the past five years. Colony counts of the floors of operating rooms, cleaned with disinfectant, were 3·3 c.f.u./10 cm2; on the floors of semi-clean and dirty areas, cleaned with detergent, colony counts were 44·8 and 71·4 c.f.u./10 cm2 respectively. The highest colony counts of 487·4 c.f.u./10 cm2 were found in the dressing rooms, the floors of which were covered with carpets, cleaned with a vacuum cleaner. Mean bacterial numbers on surfaces of various equipment in operating rooms, cleaned with disinfectant, were 2·8 c.f.u./10 cm2. Bacterial numbers on surfaces decreased markedly from 253·2 to 11·9 c.f.u./10 cm2 following the use of disinfectant. Bacterial species found from various surfaces were mainly coagulase-negative staphylococci, derived from human beings. In the light of these findings the regular use of disinfectant for cleaning of the floors and other surfaces in operating rooms is advisable.
Airborne contamination in an operating suite: report of a five-year survey
Authors: Suzuki Asakatsu , Namba Yoshimichi , Matsuura Masaji , Horisawa Akiko
Published: October 2009

Airborne contamination in an operating suite was studied with a slit sampler, settle plates and a light-scattering particle counter. In conventional operating rooms there was a significant difference between the empty rooms and rooms in use; the mean total bacterial count by a slit sampler changed from 1·1 in empty to 42·5 c.f.u./m3 in use (39 times increase), the settle plates count changed from 1·5 to 17·4 c.f.u./m2/min (12 times increase), and the mean total particle count changed from 56·9 to 546·7/1 (10 times increase) respectively. The increase was caused mainly by persons present in the room.

Another difference was found between zones in the operating suite; the bacterial count in the clean area doubled in the semi-clean area and further doubled in the dirty area in slit sampler count as well as settle plates count, and particle count in the clean area increased by 14 times in the semi-clean and dirty areas. This difference resulted from the different quality of the ventilating system.

Air cleanliness of operating rooms in use by persons present in the room dropped to a level between the clean and the semi-clean area in spite of the high quality of the ventilating system.

Bacterial species identified were mostly coagulase negative staphylococci and micrococci.

Our study indicates that reduction of airborne contamination in an operating suite is accomplished by the combination of an efficient ventilating system and the restriction of the number of persons present in the room.
Laboratory trials of three anticoagulant rodenticides for use against the Indian field mouse, Mus booduga Gray
Authors: Balasubramanyam M. , Christopher M. J. , Purushotham K. R.
Published: October 2009

The efficacy of three anticoagulant rodenticides for use against the Indian field mouse, Mus booduga, was evaluated in the laboratory. The poisons, namely warfarin, bromadiolone and brodifacoum, were all found to be toxic enough at the concentrations normally used against other commensal and field rodents. With brodifacoum (0·00125%), bromadiolone (0·005%) and warfarin (0·025%), 83% of the animals died respectively after 1, 1 and 6 days' feeding. It is suggested that brodifacoum and bromadiolone might be more economical than warfarin for use in practical rodent control.
Isolation of bluetongue and related viruses from Culicoides spp. in the Sudan
Authors: Mellor P. S. , Osborne R. , Jennings D. M.
Published: October 2009

Infection of domestic ruminants with bluetongue virus (BTV) is widespread in the Sudan but there are no records of vector species of Culicoides in that country. Therefore, light-trap collections of Culicoides for virus isolation procedures were made in the Khartoum and Um Benein areas of the Sudan during September–October 1982.

Two virus isolates were made from pools of unengorged, female Culicoides. An isolate from a pool of C. kingi (schultzei gp) is a member of the Epizootic Haemorrhagic Disease (EHD) serogroup. The other isolate from a pool of C. imicola, a known BTV vector in other parts of Africa, is type-5 BTV.

In laboratory experiments, the North American vector of BTV, C. variipennis, supported replication of both Sudanese isolates to a high titre and transmission occurred after 10 days' incubation.

This paper records the first isolation in the Sudan of arboviruses from Culicoides, with the identification of a BTV serotype and the presence of a member of the EHD (genus orbivirus, family Reoviridae) serogroup.
Recognition of the cryptic plasmid, pSLT, by restriction fingerprinting and a study of its incidence in Scottish salmonella isolates
Authors: Brown D. J. , Munro D. S. , Platt D. J.
Published: October 2009

The plasmid pSLT is a cryptic plasmid of 60 megadaltons (Md) present inSalmonella typhimuriumLT2. We present evidence that it has a characteristic fingerprint when digested with the restriction enzymesPstIandSmaI. Among a representative collection ofS. typhimuriumisolates it was present in 67% of strains and was widely distributed amongst different phage types (DT) with the exception of DT10 and U285. Furthermore, its prevalence among veterinary isolates was significantly higher than among human isolates. It was not found among any of the 96 strains representative of other salmonella serotypes currently prevalent and thus appears to be serotype-specific.
Plasmid profiling of epidemic staphylococci from around 1960: a comparison of epidemiological techniques
Authors: Noble W. C. , Rahman Mary
Published: October 2009

Plasmid profiles have been established for 68 isolates of Staphylococcus aureus from 13 episodes of epidemic spread in hospital wards between 1958 and 1962. Despite the original lack of care in preservation of strains the profiles give, in general, the same epidemiological patterns as were established originally on the basis of phage type, antibiotic sensitivity, ward and date of isolation.
Aerobic Gram-negative pharyngeal bacilli of adult Ethiopians: carrier rates and antibiograms
Authors: Mengistu Yohannes , Gedebou Messele
Published: October 2009

One thousand pharyngeal swab specimens were processed for aerobic culture to determine the carriage rate of Gram-negative bacilli (GNB). The isolates were identified and their sensitivity determined to 11 antibacterial drugs following standard techniques.

Similar pharyngeal carriage rates of GNB were found among the various groups of healthy subjects. Patients had higher colonization rates (27%) than healthy subjects (16%). The increase in prevalence of GNB seemed to be associated with underlying diseases and duration of hospitalization.

Klebsiella (36%) was the most frequent genus amongst the 215 isolates of GNB followed by pseudomonas (13%), enterobacter (13%) and acinetobacter (10%). Others were less frequently isolated.

Over 70% of all isolates were resistant to ampicillin (79%) and carbenicillin (72%); 55, 45 and 43% were resistant to cephalothin, tetracycline and streptomycin, respectively. The great majority of the strains were sensitive to the remaining six drugs.

The hospital isolates were more resistant than the non-hospital isolates to most drugs tested. The hospital strains were also more often multiply resistant (89%) than the non-hospital strains (60%). Sixty-five different resistance antibiograms of 1—10 drugs were observed among 191 strains. More varied types of antibiograms were observed among hospital strains.

The high frequency of multiple drug resistance of the isolates is an indication of the extensive use of antibacterial drugs, indicating the need for a policy for judicious use of drugs.
Methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus: a 6-month survey in a Lisbon paediatric hospital
Authors: Cristino J. A. G. Melo , Pereira A. Torres , Afonso F. , Naidoo J.
Published: October 2009

The prevalence of nasal colonization and infection with methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) among patients and staff was studied in a section of a Paediatric Surgical Unit in Lisbon between February and July 1985. Nasal colonization was demonstrated in 41% of burned patients, 5% of non-burned patients and 35 % of the nurses. Infection by MRSA occurred in 30% of the burns.

The isolates had identical serological patterns, slight differences on phage typing and were resistant to methicillin, cephalosporins, tetracycline, erythromycin and aminoglycosides. A chloramphenicol resistance plasmid of 3 Md was present in those isolates which were chloramphenicol resistant and a small plasmid of 1·7 Md which coded for constitutive erythromycin resistance was present in many isolates. Gentamicin, tetracycline and inducible erythromycin resistance were chromosomal.

Several reasons for the apparent low virulence of the isolates are discussed. Attempts to control the outbreak by the discharge of colonized or infected patients, improvement of nursing practices and treatment with temporary removal from work of the colonized nurses did not eliminate the organism from the unit.
The dispersal of bacteria and skin scales from the body after showering and after application of a skin lotion
Authors: Hall G. S. , Mackintosh C. A. , Hoffman P. N.
Published: October 2009

Application of a skin lotion to the body after showering greatly reduced the number of bacteria and skin scales dispersed from 10 men and 10 women. This effect lasted for at least 4 h when surgical clothing was worn. The use of a skin lotion to reduce bacterial dispersal could provide a simple and inexpensive alternative to an ultraclean air system or uncomfortable operating clothing during surgery requiring these procedures.
Susceptibility of various animals to the vesiculoviruses Isfahan and Chandipura
Authors: Wilks C. R. , House J. A.
Published: October 2009

To determine the pathogenic potential of the vesiculoviruses Isfahan Chandipura for domestic animals, two ponies, two steers, three and three pigs were inoculated with each virus intradermally in the tongue or, in the case of the pigs, in the snout, heel and coronary band The Ponies were also inoculated intradcrmally in the right commissure o the mouth Animals inoculated with each virus were housed in one room and allowed to mingle freely with an equal number of uninoculated contact animals of each species.

Clinical signs of infection, consisting of ulcers at the inoculation sites, were observed in the Chandipura study in two inoculated ponies, one inoculated steer and one inoculated goat. No elevated temperature was observed. Virus was isolated from the ulcerated tongue tissue but not from serial blood samples, oesophagcal-pharyngeal mucus samples, or from the tissues which were collected at necropsy. Precipitating antibody was not detected by the immunoelectro osmophoresis(IEOP) test in any of the pre- or post-serum samples except from two inoculated sheep at 29 days post-inoculation (D.P.I.). Low levels of neutralizing activity were dtedted in pre-inoculation serum from all steers, pigs, contact sheep, and one contact goa. By 15 D.P.I. all inoculated animals and contact ponies and steers exhibited increased neutralizing antibody titres.

In studies with the Isfahan virus, lesions developed only at the inoculation sites in the two ponies, and the virus was isolated. No virus was isolated from any blood, oesophageal-pharyngeal mucus samples or tisues collected at necropsy. All pre-inoculation sera were negative for neutralizing and precipitating antibodies. By 14 D.P.I. all inoculated animals exhibited neutralizing antibody, while all the contacts remained negative. The IEOP test remained negative for all animals throughout the experiment. A subpassage of a suspension of Isfahan-infected tongue tissue injected in to ponies and steers also yielded only firm swellings of lesser extent than the original reaction at the inoculation sites.

With both viruses, lethal infections were produced by intraacranial or intraperitoneal inoculation of day-old mice and hamsters, and by allantoic inoculation of embryonating chicken eggs. Adult mice, hamsters, guinea-pigs and rabbits produced serum antibodies but lacked clinical signs.
The antigenic analysis of haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome viruses in China by monoclonal antibodies
Authors: Xu Z. K. , An X. L. , Wang M. X.
Published: October 2009

Thirty-six strains of haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) virus were isolated from patients and a number of host animals in various areas in China. They were analysed by an immunofluorescence test (IFAT) using 10 monoclonal antibodies (McAbs) specific for the HFRS virus; antigenic differences among the strains have been demonstrated. The HFRS virus strainsrevealed nine different reactions with the McAbs, showing that there are at least nine different antigenic determinants including group-, type- and strain-specific. Analysis of the results shows that antigenic differences among the HFRS virus strains are mainly related to differences in the host animals.
Further characterization of 41 isolates of adenovirus types 19/37 by serum neutralization and DNA restriction enzyme analysis
Authors: Meng Zong-Da , Kennett Margery L. , Rodger Suzanne M. , Dickson Kaye E. , Anderson Bruce N. , Gust Ian D.
Published: October 2009

Forty-one strains of adenovirus type 19/37 (Ad19/37) mainly isolatedI from patients with keratoconjunetivitis or conjunctive between 1974 and 1984 were re-evaluated by serum neutralization (SN), haemagglutination inhibition (HI) and DNA restriction analysis. Of 19 isolates which were neutralized to high titre by antiserum prepared against prototype Ad19, 5 showed cross-reactivity with 32–64 units of Ad37 antiserum, while of 22 strains neutralizedto high titre by Ad37 antiserum, 3 showed eross-reaetivity with 32 units of Ad19 antiserum By DNA restriction analysis, all Ad19 isolates were identieal to each other and to Ad19A virus. Using endonuclease Bgl 1, three variants were observed among the Ad37 isolates.
Monoclonal antibodies directed against the flagella ofCampylobacter jejuni: production, characterization and lack of effect on the colonization of infant mice
Authors: Newell D. G.
Published: October 2009

Eight monoclonal antibodies have been derived from Balb/e mice hyperimmunized with the purified flagella fromCampylobacter jejunistrain 81116. These monoclonal antibodies are directed against flagella as demonstrated by reaction in ELISA against flagellate and aflagellate antigens, radio-immunoprecipitation and electro-immunoblotting techniques. Some of the antibodies react with a 60K minor protein as well as the 62K flagella protein. This protein may be related to an antigen expressed on the surface of the organism and detectable by immunogold labelling with one of the monoclonal antibodies.

None of the antibodies causes the aggregation of bacteria or inhibits bacterial motility, unlike polyclonal anti-flagella antiserum. Moreover, none of the antibodies tested protected infant mice from colonization withC. jejunistrain 81116 even though partial protection (28%) was observed with syngeneic anti-flagella antiserum. Absence of protection is probably due to the cryptic nature of the flagella epitopes investigated or lack of antibody activity in the gastrointestinal tract.
The protection of infant mice from colonization withCampylobacter jejuniby vaccination of the dams
Authors: Dolby J. M. , Newell D. G.
Published: October 2009

Intraperitoneal vaccination of female mice, before mating, with a whole cell, heat-killed (62 °C) vaccine ofCampylobacter jejuniallowed the mother to confer immunity to her young, challenged orally 4–6 days after birth with the homologous strain. There was no protection against a strain of another serotype. Heating the vaccine to 100 °C destroyed its protective properties. A vaccine prepared from an anagellate variant of the original strain was as protective as the original vaccine against challenge with the flagellated strain. Anti-flagellar serum antibody titres of the dams did not correlate with protection of their young.
Campylobacter jejuniin broilers: the role of vertical transmission
Authors: Shanker S. , Lee A. , Sorrell T. C.
Published: October 2009

The role of broiler eggs in the transmission ofCampylobacter jejunito broiler grow-out flocks was investigated. Six breeder flocks supplying broiler eggs to hatcheries were examined for cloacal carriage ofC. jejuni. Of 240 birds tested, 178 (74%) wereC. jejuni-positive. Eggs from these birds examined forC. jejunipenetration of the egg shell indicated that 185 of 187 were campylobacter-free. Eggs from breeder flocks of unknownC. jejunistatus were also examined forC. jejunishell penetration.C. jejuniwas not isolated from 142 eggs examined. A further 193 hatchery eggs incubated and hatched in the laboratory were campylobacter-free. Six farms containing the progeny ofC. jejuni-positive breeder flocks were monitored. Eight hundred and forty birds from 14 flocks m these grow-out farms were campylobacter-free during their 6-week grow-out period. Experimental egg-penetration studies indicated thatC. jejunitransmission via the egg is not easily effected. Of 257 eggs surface-challenged withC. jejuni, 162 hatched; all were campylobacter-free. Of 167 eggs injected withC. jejuni, 12 hatched; 2 of these were colonized withC. jejuni. Our data do not support a role for vertical transmission ofC. jejuniin commercial broiler production.
Inhibition of colonization of the chicken caecum withSalmonella typhimuriumby pre-treatment with strains ofEscherichia coli
Authors: Barrow P. A. , Tucker J. F.
Published: October 2009

Simultaneous oral administration of broth cultures of three strains ofEscherichia coliisolated from sewage and an abattoir strongly inhibited the colonization of a subsequently administered strain ofSalmonella typhimurium. The three strains were protective against theS. typhimuriumstrain under a variety of conditions: in different breeds and in chickens fed different diets. The strains were not equally effective against other salmonella strains. Oral administration of the strains produced a statistically significant reduction in the excretion of theS. typhimuriumstrain over a period of 7 weeks.
Self-disinfecting plastics for intravenous catheters and prosthetic inserts
Authors: Kingston D. , Seal D. V. , Hill I. D.
Published: October 2009

A disinfectant (2,4,4′-trichloro-2′-hydroxydiphenyl ether: Irgasan, Ciba-Geigy) was incorporated into plastic washers fabricated from ethylvinyl acetate (EVA), polyethylene, polypropylene or TPX. Plastics containing 0·2 and 2% Irgasan gave zones of inhibition on nutrient and blood agar plates seeded with micro-organisms (Staphylococcus aureus, Staph, epidermidis Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilisorCandida albicans) even after thorough washing. Exceptionally,C. albicanswas inhibited only by 2% Irgasan, and EVA gave good inhibition only against the staphylococci. Similar washers of each plastic were implanted subcutaneously into the flanks of rabbits; before insertion each was washed, had thread woven into it and was surrounded by a plasma clot containing 2 × 108Staph. aureus. All the plastics without Irgasan gave rise to abscesses, none of the plastics impregnated with 2% Irgasan did, though from 2 out of 12 sites small numbers ofStaph. aureuswere isolated atpost mortem. Using either clinical or bacteriological criteria, the results were highly significant (P< 0.00001 andP<0.001 respectively), demonstrating the effectiveness of this technique in preventing plastic-associated infection.
Rubella epidemiology in South East England
Authors: Nokes D. J. , Anderson R. M. , Anderson M. J.
Published: October 2009

Analyses of data collected in a large survey (sample size > 3000) of rubella antibody in South East England, finely stratified according to age, reveal age-dependent changes in the pattern of virus transmission. The rate or force of infection changes from low in the young children to high in the 5 - to 15-year-olds and back to low again in the adult age classes (there is a 50% reduction between the 5- to 15-year-olds and the 20+-year-olds). Raised levels of immunity are recorded in the teenage and young adult female segments of the population as a consequence of the UK rubella immunization programme. Mean antibody concentrations show a decline with age and are, on average, lower in vaccinated females when compared with unvaccinated males of the same age. The interpretation of horizontal cross-sectional serological data and future research needs are discussed.
Quantitative investigations of different vaccination policies for the control of congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) in the United Kingdom
Authors: Anderson R. M. , Grenfell B. T.
Published: October 2009

The paper examines predictions of the impact of various one-, two- and three-stage vaccination policies on the incidence of congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) in the United Kingdom with the aid of a mathematical model of the transmission dynamics of rubella virus. Parameter estimates for the model are derived from either serological data or case notifications, and special attention is given to the significance of age-related changes in the rate of exposure to rubella infection and heterogeneous mixing between age groups. Where possible, model predictions are compared with observed epidemiological trends.

The principal conclusion of the analyses is that benefit is to be gained in the UK, both in the short and long term, by the introduction of a multiple-stage vaccination policy involving high levels of vaccination coverage of young male and female children (at around two years of age) and teenage girls (between the ages of 10–15 years), plus continued surveillance and vaccination of adult women in the child-bearing age classes. Model predictions suggest that to reduce the incidence of CRS in future years, below the level generated by a continuation of the current UK policy (the vaccination of teenage girls), would require high rates of vaccination > 60%) of both boys and girls at around two years of age. Numerical studies also suggest that uniform vaccination coverage levels of greater than 80–85% of young male and female children could, in the long term (40 years or more), eradicate rubella virus from the population. The robustness of these conclusions with respect to the accuracy of parameter estimates and various assumptions concerning the pattern of age-related change in exposure to infections and ‘who acquires infection from whom’ is discussed.
Infection with influenza A H1N1: 1. Production and persistence of antibody
Authors: Grilli E. A. , Davies J. R. , Smith A. J.
Published: October 2009

Three outbreaks of influenza caused by influenza A H1N1 occurred in a boys' boarding school in 1978, 1979 and 1983. The serological response to infection with variants of the H1N1 virus was studied by radial haemolysis and haemagglutination inhibition after primary infection and reinfection. The persistence of this antibody was also studied. Infection in 1978 resulted in the production of persistent antibody to both the haemagglutinin and neuraminidase of the homotypic strain. Antibody which cross-reacted with later variants of the virus was less frequently produced, the peak response was delayed and such antibody persisted less well. Infection in 1979 resulted in a similar response to that observed in 1978 after primary infection. Reinfection resulted in a broad response in all cases. In 1983 all infected boys produced antibody which reacted with the homotypic strain but only approximately one-third of primary infections produced antibody which reacted with the A/USSR/92/77 strain. The neuraminidase of the A/USSR strain failed to detect one third of the primary infections. Reinfection again resulted in a broad response.
Natural campylobacter colonization in chickens raised under different environmental conditions
Authors: Lindblom G.-B. , Sjögren E. , Kaijser B.
Published: October 2009

A cross-sectional study of 447 laying hens (age range 0–65 weeks) and a longitudinal study of 164 similar birds showed thatCampylobacter jejuniwas not present in the faeces of newly hatched chicks, but that colonization arose after 5–9 weeks. A survey of 250 broilers obtained from four breeders showed that all were negative forC. jejunibefore and after slaughter at the age of 5 weeks. OnceC. jejunihad appeared in a flock, it rapidly spread to virtually all birds, but at the age of 42 weeks only 20–46% of birds remained colonized, possibly as a result of having developed immunity. Birds housed in the protective environment of a laboratory still became colonized (after 9 weeks). The mode of infection is unknown, but water and food were bacteriologically negative and were deemed to be unlikely sources. Transmission via attendants, flies or other insects remain possibilities. It is concluded that prevention of colonization might be possible within the life-span of broiler chickens (5–7 weeks), but that it would be difficult to extend this period. There is a need to define how colonization arises so that the feasibility and cost of possible preventive measures can be assessed.
In vitro and in vivo study of fosfomycin in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus septicaemia
Authors: Lau W. Y. , Teoh-Chan C. H. , Fan S. T. , Lau K. F.
Published: October 2009

Five hundred strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus were tested against various anti-staphylococcal agents. Vancomycin, fusidic acid and fosfomycin were found to be the most effective. Only 1 strain out of 500 was resistant to fosfomycin. Three patients with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus septicaemia were successfully treated by fosfomycin. We conclude that fosfomycin could be the drug of choice for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection.
Urinary-tract infection byMycoplasma pulmonisin mice and its wider implications
Authors: Taylor-Robinson D. , Furr Patricia M.
Published: October 2009

Young adult mice were inoculated intravenously with strains JB or Peter C ofMycoplasma pulmonis. A few were inoculated intranasally with strain JB. This strain but not Peter C was isolated for 50 days or more from the urines of more than half of the mice. Those of strains TO, C3H and CBA, but not CFLP, were susceptible. Recovery of mycoplasmas was intermittent and sometimes the numbers isolated varied within individual mice and between mice of a particular strain, ranging from 5 × 101to <5 × 107colour-changing units/ml. Fifty serial passes ofM. pulmonis, strain JB, in mycoplasmal medium resulted in attenuation, the organisms after inoculation of TO mice not being recovered from the urine and excretion not being stimulated by treating the mice with progesterone. At autopsy, the organisms of early passage were usually but not invariably isolated from the kidneys of mice that had been urinary excretors. About half of the latter had no renal histopathological changes. The others had usually minimal renal perivascular lymphocytic infiltrates but occasionally more widespread inflammatory changes. The findings may have relevance to the spread of mycoplasmal infection within mouse colonies and suggest that an association between such infection and nephritis in other species, including man, should be sought more closely.
Chlamydiosis in birds in Great Britain: 1. Serological reactions to chlamydia in birds sampled between 1974 and 1983
Authors: Bracewell C. D. , Bevan B. J.
Published: October 2009

A total of 6593 serum samples from birds, received for diagnostic testing or surveys between 1974 and 1983, were titrated by direct complement fixation (CF) test againstChlamydia psittaciantigen. The percentage of positive reactions found was variable for domestic poultry, ranging from 1·5 in chickens to 22·2 in geese, and was highest in pigeonsColumba livia(47·3) and collared dovesStreptopelia decaocto(51·4). A moderate incidence was found for game birds (29·0), wild ducks (23·3) and imported birds of the order Psittaciformes (15·9). The highest titres were found in pigeons, collared doves and psittacines, confirming that infection is both frequent and active in these birds in Britain. Results of isolation of chlamydia from similar sources will be reported subsequently.
Impact of population density on immunization programmes
Authors: Arita I. , Wickett J. , Fenner F.
Published: October 2009

The eradication of smallpox was achieved by surveillance and containment vaccination after the failure of mass immunization campaigns. The reasons for this failure are considered in this paper. Comparison of population densities in the Indian subcontinent and Africa show that in highly populated areas even an 80% vaccine coverage will still leave a density of susceptibles high enough to maintain the disease, a finding with important implications for other vaccine campaigns.
The susceptibility of Rattus rattus and Bandicota bengalensis to a new anticoagulant rodenticide, flocoumafen
Authors: Parshad V. R. , Chopra G.
Published: October 2009

The anticoagulant rodenticide flocoumafen was evaluated against Rattus rattus and Bandicota bengalensis, In no-choice 24 h feeding tests 100% mortality occurred at 0·00125% concentration of the poison in the bait in the case of B. bengalensis and at 0·00375% in R. rattus. Feeding of 0·0025% poison bait in 1-day, no-choice and 2-day choice tests resulted in 60% and 75% mortality of R. rattus, respectively, and 100% of B. bengalensis. The differences between the consumption of plain food in the pretreatment period and of poison bait in no-choice tests were non-significant, except in one case. The rodents consumed significantly more (P < 0·01) poison bait than the plain alternative in the choice trials. Median period of survival and its 95% confidence limits of R. rattus and B. bengalensis, at the 100% mortality dose levels of the poison, were 6·3 (5·04–7·88) and 6·2 (4·92–7·81) days respectively.
Humoral response of pregnant sows to foot and mouth disease vaccination
Authors: Francis M. J. , Black L.
Published: October 2009

Four groups of sows were inoculated, either once or twice, with O1BFS 1860 foot and mouth disease oil-emulsion vaccine during pregnancy and samples of serum. for analysis, were collected at intervals for > 300 days.

The pregnant sows responded well to vaccination regardless of their state of gestation. Single vaccination produced protective levels of antibody (> 1·53 log10SN50) in 3 out of 4 sows while double vaccination produced protective levels in all 6 sows tested. Anti-FMD IgM antibodies could be detected for 40–60 days after vaccination or revaccination. Anti-FMD IgG antibodies appeared within 10 days of vaccination and persisted, in each sow, for the duration of the study. The anti-FMD IgA response observed was less easy to characterize due to significant animal to animal variation. Although there was no evidence of a fall in the neutralizing antibody titres over one year post vaccination the anti-FMD IgG antibody population did show signs of a change in its heterogenity and avidity.
Immunoglobulin G, A and M response to influenza vaccination in different age groups: effects of priming and boosting
Authors: Beyer Walter E. P. , Van Der Logt Jos T. M. , van Beek Ruud , Masurel Nic
Published: October 2009

Fifty volunteers, treated with an inactivated trivalent influenza vaccine containing A/Bangkok/1/79 (H3N2), A/Brazil/11/78 (H1N1) and B/Singapore/222/79 virus, were subdivided according to the estimated first exposure to influenza in their lifetime (priming) and the presence of antibodies against the vaccine components in the pre-vaccination sera. The isotypic antibody response (IgG, IgA, IgM) was determined by means of an antibody capture haemadsorption immunosorbent technique. For all three vaccine components, previously seropositive subjects produced antibodies of the IgG- and IgA-class more frequently than previously seronegative persons. Subjects primed to one of the influenza A subtypes showed more IgG and IgA responses in comparison with those unprimed (prime-effect). In contrast, IgM antibodies occurred in only 19 and 11% of primed, but in 59 and 54% of unprimed subjects, for A (H3N2) and A (HlNl), respectively. The incidence of IgM titre rises was not influenced by the prevaccination state. However, the mean magnitude of anti-A(H1N1)-IgM titre rises was greater in those previously seronegative. The concepts of primary and reinfection and of ‘original antigenic sin’ are discussed, and it is suggested that age and, if possible, serological state prior to antigen-exposure should be taken into account when studying isotypic antibody responses after influenza infection or vaccination.
Genetic variation ofOratosquilla oratoria(Crustacea: Stomatopoda) across Hong Kong waters elucidated by mitochondrial DNA control region sequences
Authors: Lui Karen K.Y. , Leung Priscilla T.Y. , Ng W.C. , Leung Kenneth M.Y.
Published: October 2009

The population genetic structure of the mantis shrimp,Oratosquilla oratoria, in Hong Kong waters was determined using 923 base pairs of mitochondrial DNA control region sequences. Samples were collected from six localities including the open-waters and sheltered bays in both the eastern and western waters of Hong Kong. Twenty-seven haplotypes were detected in 99 individuals. A high overall haplotype diversity (h = 0.886), with a low nucleotide diversity (π = 0.0026), was observed, and the haplotype minimum spanning network suggested that rapid expansion might have occurred among the total stomatopod population. Genetic homogeneity was observed over a meso-scale distance (80–100 km) whilst there were significant genetic differentiations between all pairs of the six samples. Partition of genetic variability based on hydrographic conditions did not reveal significant differentiations between: (1) eastern and western waters; and (2) open-waters and sheltered bays; but showed high levels of variation both within groups and within samples. Unexpectedly, genetic distance did not correlate with hydrographic distance among the samples. Results demonstrated a genetic patchiness pattern ofO. oratoriain Hong Kong waters that may be attributable to the interplay between hydrographic conditions (e.g. salinity) and the species' life history traits.