bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Pneumocystis carinii cysts with a fluorescence-activated cell sorter
Authors: Libertin C R , Woloschak G E , Wilson W R , Smith T F
Published: January 2020

Human sera from Pneumocystis carinii-infected patients and specific rabbit antisera have antibodies against the cyst form of the organism. Lung tissue concentrations from cortisone-treated C3H/HeN mice and six open lung biopsy-positive patients were centrifuged and suspended, and immunofluorescent staining was done. We utilized the fluorescence-activated cell sorter to analyze and sort P. carinii cysts from lung homogenates into a morphologically distinct population. A quantitative basis was used for the definition of the cyst population by displaying the frequency of cells as a function of parameter (fluorescence intensity and light scatter) expression. In 14 of 15 histogram analyses, P. carinii-infected homogenates were differentiated from normal- and bacterial-control homogenates. The parameter range of light scatter (size) was 2 to 8 micron, and the fluorescence intensity was greater than a threshold based on the histogram profile.
Comparative analysis of two rapid, automated methods for determining aminoglycoside levels
Authors: Ngui-Yen J H , Doyle P W , Smith J A
Published: January 2020

Two rapid automated methods, the Syva EMIT Autolab 6000 (Syva Corp., Syntex Diagnostics, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada) and the Abbott TDX (Abbott Diagnostics, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada) systems, for determining amikacin, gentamicin and tobramycin levels in serum were evaluated for accuracy, reproducibility, and cost. Both methods had a high degree of accuracy and reproducibility in assaying gentamicin, amikacin, and tobramycin. The Abbott TDX required an average of only 1 min and 43 s for a single assay compared with 4 min and 15 s for the Syva EMIT automated system. Excluding the capital cost of equipment, the cost per assay by the Abbott TDX was +3.55 Canadian compared with +3.00 Canadian with the Syva EMIT automated system. Both systems performed well during this evaluation in a general diagnostic laboratory, but the Syva EMIT required more daily maintenance than the Abbott TDX system.
Plesiomonas shigelloides in acute cholecystitis: a case report
Authors: Claesson B E , Holmlund D E , Lindhagen C A , Mätzsch T W
Published: January 2020

Plesiomonas shigelloides was isolated as the sole pathogen from gallbladder bile and wall in a 58-year-old woman with acute cholecystitis. The patient developed an unusual postoperative complication characterized by culture-negative discharge from the wound in combination with extensive abdominal cellulitis and afebrility. Agglutinating antibodies to P. shigelloides were demonstrated in the serum of the patient by the microscopic Widal agglutination test.
Role of Chlamydia trachomatis in acute pharyngitis in young adults
Authors: Gerber M A , Ryan R W , Tilton R C , Watson J E
Published: January 2020

It has recently been suggested that Chlamydia trachomatis may be a common cause of acute pharyngitis in adults. In a prospective investigation of 95 college students with acute pharyngitis, C. trachomatis was not isolated from any pharyngeal cultures. Further investigations are needed to better define the role of C. trachomatis in upper respiratory tract infections.
Detection of serum antibody to Brucella abortus in cattle by use of a quantitative fluorometric immunoassay
Authors: Hall S M , Confer A W , Tabatabai L B , Deyoe B L
Published: January 2020

A quantitative fluorometric immunoassay (FIAX) was adapted for the detection of serum antibodies to Brucella abortus in cattle. Results are expressed in nanograms of immunoglobulin binding the antigen carrier. The FIAX was compared with the standard tube agglutination, Rivanol precipitation, and complement fixation tests, using 285 serum samples from vaccinated, challenged, or control cattle. Linear regression analysis indicated a significant correlation among all four serological tests; the FIAX test correlated best with the Rivanol test. Ninety sera were from vaccinated and nonvaccinated cattle that were challenged with virulent B. abortus 2308. The sensitivity and specificity of each serological test were determined based on culture results from these cattle. The FIAX was the most sensitive of the four serological tests, detecting 79.2% of the culture-positive animals. The FIAX was the least specific, with 15.4% of the culture-negative animals being classified as positive. Eighty-eight sera were from cattle vaccinated with strain 19 but not challenged. All four serological tests had a statistically significant ability to distinguish sera from control and vaccinates on the basis of mean titers. The mean titer of vaccinates was also significantly different from that of challenged animals. Advantages and disadvantages of the FIAX test for bovine brucellosis are discussed.
Serological interrelationship of Leptospira serovar and genus-specific antigens by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
Authors: Fairbrother J M
Published: January 2020

The serological interrelationship of a sonicated antigen (POM-S) and an alkali-extracted "fraction 4" antigen (POM-F4) from Leptospira interrogans serovar pomona, and an ethanol-precipitated (PAT-E) and a formolized, sonicated antigen (PAT-F) from Leptospira biflexa serovar patoc were investigated. The serological responses of rabbits immunized with these antigens were examined by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), the microscopic agglutination test, and the 2-mercaptoethanol microscopic agglutination test. Antisera from these rabbits absorbed by the homologous or heterologous antigens were examined by the ELISA. The PAT-E and PAT-F antigens were genus specific and were serologically closely related but not identical. Similarly, the POM-F4 and POM-S antigens showed some serological relatedness. By the use of absorbed antisera, the serovar pomona-derived antigens were shown to be serologically related to the PAT-F but not to the PAT-E antigen in the ELISA. It is suggested that the use of several such antigens in the ELISA may reveal differences in the kinetics of the antibody response in animals infected by different leptospiral serovars.
Use of subgenomic poliovirus DNA hybridization probes to detect the major subgroups of enteroviruses
Authors: Rotbart H A , Levin M J , Villarreal L P
Published: January 2020

Three nucleic acid hybridization probes were derived from DNA clones of the poliovirus type 1 genome. Used in dot hybridization experiments, the probes successfully detected members of each of the major enteroviral subgroups. The hybridization patterns obtained with the three probes suggested that a highly conserved nucleotide sequence existed among the enteroviruses tested, mapping between bases 220 and 1809 in the poliovirus genome. Two new antiviral agents capable of inhibiting enterovirus replication in tissue culture were used to demonstrate the specificity of the probes for viral RNA.
Preparation and stability of freeze-dried Neisseria gonorrhoeae cultures used for external quality control
Authors: Mehaffey M A , Cook E C , Griffin C W
Published: January 2020

In 1976, the Center for Disease Control initiated an external quality control program for the isolation and identification of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. This program required microbial samples of sufficient stability for shipment to laboratories throughout the United States. The Centers for Disease Control undertook studies to determine the most appropriate media for the propagation of strains for freeze-drying, the cell-suspending media that would afford protection during and after freeze-drying, the most favorable growth conditions, the proper times and methods for harvesting cells, the appropriate lyophilization conditions, the critical residual moisture content, and the stability of samples. These studies resulted in the development of methods for preparing and testing freeze-dried samples suitable for shipment.
Recognition of Pneumocystis carinii by gram stain in impression smears of lung tissue
Authors: Felegie T P , Pasculle A W , Dekker A
Published: January 2020

In 12 of 20 (60%) biopsy-proven cases of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, the diagnosis was first suggested by examination of routine Gram stains of impression smears made from infected lung tissue and later confirmed by methenamine-silver staining. The cysts appeared as 5- to 7-microns unstained spheres, each containing six to eight intracystic gram-negative bodies (sporozoites). Although the Gram stain does not appear to be as sensitive as more traditional staining techniques for the detection of P. carinii, clinical microbiologists should be aware of the morphology of this organism in gram-stained specimens because this relatively simple procedure gives quick results.
Evaluation of the Quantum II Microbiology System for bacterial identification
Authors: Sylvester M K , Washington J A
Published: January 2020

The Quantum II Microbiology System correctly identified 250 (89.6%) of 279 gram-negative bacilli from clinical specimens. There were 13 (4.7%) errors in genus identification and 7 (2.5%) errors in species identification; another nine (3.2%) isolates yielded biochemical reaction patterns which were not in the file of the system. Total test time per isolate, excluding inoculum preparation and incubation, was ca. 1.5 min.
Evaluation of focus reduction neutralization test with peroxidase-antiperoxidase staining technique for hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome virus
Authors: Tanishita O , Takahashi Y , Okuno Y , Yamanishi K , Takahashi M
Published: January 2020

Titers of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome virus were estimated by counting foci stained with peroxidase-antiperoxidase or by using immunofluorescence methods. Foci stained with PAP were clearer and easier to count. The peroxidase-antiperoxidase method showed a linear relationship between virus concentration and the number of foci. A focus-reduction neutralizing antibody test was performed with immune rat sera and sera from patients. Again, the peroxidase-antiperoxidase method proved to be more convenient and reliable than the immunofluorescence method. Antigenic differences between Hantaan virus, 76-118 and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome virus B-1 were clearly demonstrated by the neutralizing antibody test.
Recurrent breast abscesses caused by Corynebacterium minutissimum
Authors: Berger S A , Gorea A , Stadler J , Dan M , Zilberman M
Published: January 2020

A 42-year-old woman developed severe, recurrent breast abscesses caused by Corynebacterium minutissimum. Prior reports of C. minutissimum infection have been limited to erythrasma, a minor dermatosis. The microbiological and clinical features of this species were reviewed.
Serological differences in Legionella pneumophila infections
Authors: Plouffe J F , Bollin G E , Para M F , Kelly K A
Published: January 2020

Guinea pigs were infected with two subtypes of Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 (UH1 and RH1). Seroconversion by indirect fluorescent-antibody assay was demonstrated in 94 to 97% of guinea pigs when the challenge strain was used as the antigen. The standard Philadelphia 1 antigen demonstrated seroconversion in 94% UH1-challenged animals, but in only 66% of RH1-challenged animals.
Pseudomonas paucimobilis peritonitis in patients treated by peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Glupczynski Y , Hansen W , Dratwa M , Tielemans C , Wens R , Collart F , Yourassowsky E
Published: January 2020

Pseudomonas paucimobilis has rarely been reported as an opportunistic human pathogen. We report the isolation of this organism in two patients who developed peritonitis during the course of intermittent or continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. The origin of the infection was related to contamination of the dialysate in the first patient but could not be determined in the second case.
Antigenic analysis of Campylobacter flagellar protein and other proteins
Authors: Wenman W M , Chai J , Louie T J , Goudreau C , Lior H , Newell D G , Pearson A D , Taylor D E
Published: January 2020

Outer membrane proteins of Campylobacter jejuni and other campylobacter species were analyzed for their antigenic potentials by immunoblotting. Polypeptides were resolved by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, transferred electrophoretically, and reacted with rabbit antisera to C. jejuni. Each Campylobacter species analyzed demonstrated a unique outer membrane protein antigenic profile; interspecies antigen sharing was observed to be compatible with the degree of DNA relatedness between the species. The most highly conserved outer membrane protein antigen was the flagellum (molecular weight, 62,000). An aflagellate mutant was found to be untypable with the heat-labile system, in contrast to its parental isolate. The immunogenic potentials of C. jejuni proteins were examined by immunoblot analysis of sera from infected humans. Sera of convalescent patients, reacted with their homologous C. jejuni isolates, recognized a variety of campylobacter proteins. The most consistent immunogen in human infection was the flagellar protein. Patient sera assayed by the immunoblot technique were easily distinguished from control sera, which did not recognize specific campylobacter antigens. These findings suggest that the campylobacter flagellar protein is an essential determinant of the heat-labile antigen typing scheme and is the dominant immunogen recognized during C. jejuni infections in humans.
Comparison of the effect of refrigerated versus room temperature media on the isolation of Neisseria gonorrhoeae from genital specimens
Authors: Ratner H B , Tinsley H , Keller R E , Stratton C W
Published: January 2020

We evaluated the effect of medium temperature at the time of inoculation on the isolation of Neisseria gonorrhoeae from urethral and cervical swabs. There were no major differences in the isolation rates of 176 positive cultures on cold or warm media. Colonies tended to be larger and more numerous on room temperature plates after 24 h; however, colonies on most refrigerated plates were easily recognized at 24 h, and growth was essentially the same on both plates after 48 h.
Use of monoclonal antibodies in an epidemiological marker system: a retrospective study of lung specimens from the 1976 outbreak of Legionnaires disease in Philadelphia by indirect fluorescent-antibody and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methods
Authors: Brown S L , Bibb W F , McKinney R M
Published: January 2020

Autopsy specimens of lung tissues from 15 patients that contracted legionellosis during the 1976 Philadelphia outbreak of Legionnaires disease were examined for the presence of Legionella organisms and soluble antigens by indirect fluorescent-antibody (IFA) testing and by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with both polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies. In all 15 cases, at least one specimen was positive for Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 (Lp-1) antigens by a polyclonal antibody ELISA system. Of the 15 cases tested for Lp-1, 9 were positive by a polyclonal antibody IFA test. Nine mouse monoclonal antibodies to Lp-1 gave essentially the same reactivity pattern with extracts from lung tissue homogenates as that obtained with a Philadelphia 1 culture extract by using a monoclonal antibody ELISA system. The same monoclonal antibody panel gave similar results when used in the IFA system with tissue homogenates. Monoclonal antibodies can be used as epidemiological marker systems with both IFA and ELISA testing. This study provides evidence that the 1976 common source outbreak in Philadelphia was probably caused by a single Lp-1 strain. ELISA testing of the soluble antigen of Lp-1 from lung tissue homogenate supernatants was more sensitive than IFA testing of the homogenates and should be extremely useful as either a primary test or as an adjunct to fluorescent antibody testing for legionellosis.
In vitro antimicrobial susceptibility, plasmid analysis, and serotyping of epidemic-associated Campylobacter jejuni
Authors: Bopp C A , Birkness K A , Wachsmuth I K , Barrett T J
Published: January 2020

Campylobacter jejuni strains from 11 outbreaks were characterized by antimicrobial susceptibility, plasmid profile, and serotyping by the methods of Lior et al. and Penner and Hennessy. All 31 strains were susceptible to erythromycin, clindamycin, chloramphenicol, kanamycin, tobramycin, streptomycin, and gentamicin. A total of 21 strains from nine outbreaks were resistant to one or more of the following antimicrobial agents: tetracycline, metronidazole, ampicillin, or carbenicillin. Of the 31 strains, 19 possessed plasmid DNA; 4 of the strains containing plasmids were sensitive to all antimicrobial agents tested. All of the strains that were resistant to tetracycline contained a 38-megadalton plasmid, and these plasmids shared common nucleic acid sequences. No other antimicrobial resistance was associated with the presence of plasmid DNA. Eight outbreaks appeared to have been caused by a single serotype, whereas in three outbreaks multiple serotypes were found. In two of the three outbreaks with multiple serotypes, plasmid profiles were also indicative of multiple strains of C. jejuni. Antimicrobial susceptibility and plasmid profile are potentially useful epidemiological markers for C. jejuni and may be used to supplement serotyping.
Comparison of the Beckman Auto ICS and the Syva Autolab 6000 for determination of gentamicin levels in serum
Authors: Glew R H , Pavuk R A
Published: January 2020

Two fully automated drug-monitoring systems, the Syva Autolab 6000 and the Beckman Auto ICS, were compared in terms of accuracy, precision, speed of operation, and cost effectiveness in the determination of gentamicin levels in serum. Within-run and between-run precision for both systems were acceptable (coefficient of variation, 2.0 to 6.9%), and patient sample comparisons resulted in an intermethod correlation coefficient of 0.96. When reference samples (prepared to contain 1.2 to 10 micrograms of gentamicin per ml) were assayed, the Syva Autolab 6000 obtained concentrations within 8% of expected values, whereas the Beckman Auto ICS reported values up to 17% higher than target values. In a time and cost comparison, reagent costs for the Beckman system were ca. 50% less than for the Syva Autolab 6000; the Syva system, however, determined patient results two to three times faster than the Beckman Auto ICS.
Evaluation of Gonodecten for the presumptive diagnosis of gonococcal urethritis in men
Authors: Janda W M , Jackson T
Published: January 2020

Gonodecten (Gd; U.S. Packaging Corp., LaPorte, Ind.) is a commercially available test for the presumptive diagnosis of gonococcal urethritis in men. With this test, urethral discharge is collected on a swab, placed in a plastic tube, and moistened with oxidase reagent. Development of a purple color on the swab within 3 min indicates the presence of gonococci. This system was compared with culture and Gram-stained smear for the diagnosis of gonorrhea. Of 240 specimens tested, 174 were positive with culture, Gram stain, and the Gd test and 48 were negative with all tests. For eight specimens, cultures and smears were positive, but the Gd test was negative. Nine specimens produced positive Gd tests with negative smears and cultures. Only one specimen was positive on culture and with the Gd test and negative on Gram-stained smear. Haemophilus species were isolated from 14 specimens; 5 produced positive Gd test reactions, with gonococci being coisolated from 4. The sensitivity and specificity of the Gd test compared with culture were 95.6 and 84.2%, respectively, whereas the Gram stain was 99.5% sensitive and 100% specific compared with culture. The Gd test may be a useful screening test for the diagnosis of gonorrhea in men with urethral discharge, particularly in settings where a microscope, Gram stain reagents, or technological expertise is not readily available.
Campylobacter jejuni-specific serum antibodies are elevated in healthy Bangladeshi children
Authors: Blaser M J , Black R E , Duncan D J , Amer J
Published: January 2020

In Bangladesh and other developing countries, isolation of Campylobacter jejuni is common in healthy children, and the illness/infection ratio falls with age. To determine whether specific serum antibodies correlate with this phenomenon, using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, we studied sera from 93 healthy Bangladeshi children and 121 healthy U.S. children under 15 years of age. For each age group (less than 1, 2 to 4, and 5 to 14 years) studied, specific serum antibody levels were significantly higher in the Bangladeshi children. Among Bangladeshi children, for each of the three immunoglobulin subclasses, the change in antibody levels with age was different. Specific immunoglobulin A antibody levels rose linearly with age, immunoglobulin G levels peaked in the 2- to 4-year age group and then fell, and immunoglobulin M levels peaked in the 2- to 4-year age group and then plateaued. Elevated serum antibody levels to C. jejuni in Bangladeshi children may be protective in themselves or may reflect other protective phenomena.
Stool desorbing activity: a possible cause of false-positive reactions in competitive enzyme immunoassays
Authors: Hanvanich M , Viscidi R , Laughon B E , Bartlett J G , Yolken R H
Published: January 2020

We have developed a competitive enzyme immunoassay for the measurement of purified toxin A of Clostridium difficile. However, when we applied this assay to the detection of C. difficile toxin in stool specimens, we noted a high rate of nonspecific activity in fecal specimens which did not contain toxin. We found that the low specificity (26%) of the assay was due to the presence in stool specimens of interfering factors which desorbed the antigen coated on the solid-phase surface. These factors could be detected by measurement of the desorption of biotin-labeled proteins attached to the solid-phase surface. In addition, these interfering factors were partially inactivated by heating at 56 degrees C for 10 min and partially inhibited by phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (2 mM) or soybean trypsin inhibitor (10 mg/ml). These data suggested that the desorbing activity was due to proteolytic activity in the fecal specimens. Fetal calf serum (50%) was found to be the most effective measure in preventing the interfering effect. By using 50% fetal calf serum as a diluent, we increased the specificity of the antibody inhibition enzyme immunoassay to 93%. Interfering factors in stool specimens could be a cause of false-positive results in other competitive immunoassay systems. The use of diluents which neutralize protease activity can result in a marked improvement in the specificity of competitive immunoassay systems.
A new provisional serovar of Shigella dysenteriae
Authors: Shmilovitz M , Kretzer B , Levi S
Published: January 2020

Bacterial isolates obtained in Israel from stool cultures of 17 sporadic cases of acute diarrhea during the years 1972 to 1980 and from 14 patients involved in an institutional outbreak in 1984 are described. These cultures gave the biochemical reactions and pathogenicity tests characteristics of the genus Shigella but failed to agglutinate, living or boiled, in any of the recognized or provisional Shigella antisera. All 31 cultures were biochemically and serologically identical, and owing to their inability to ferment mannitol, it is proposed that they be regarded as belonging to a new provisional serovar of Shigella dysenteriae. The strain I9809-73 is designated as the test strain for this new serovar.
Addition of NaCl to MS-2 system clinical cuvettes for combined salt tolerance and susceptibility testing for group D streptococci
Authors: Nice E G , Stone L L , Fenton J J
Published: January 2020

Sodium chloride was added directly to individual wells of MS-2 system clinical cuvettes for evaluating the feasibility of simultaneous susceptibility and salt tolerance testing for group D streptococcal isolates. Salt tolerance was correctly detected for all 177 enterococci tested; there was no false-positive results for 29 group D nonenterococcal or 45 viridans streptococcal isolates.
Evaluation of broth microdilution susceptibility results for anaerobic organisms by use of a rapid direct colony inoculum
Authors: Mangels J I , Lindberg L H
Published: January 2020

A direct colony inoculum suspension procedure was compared with the overnight suspension procedure recommended for the broth microdilution anaerobic commercial system (Micro-Media Systems, Inc., Potomac, Md.). Six National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards-recommended quality control organisms, Bacteroides fragilis ATCC 25285, Clostridium perfringens ATCC 13124, Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron ATCC 29741, Bacteroides vulgatus ATCC 29327, Peptococcus magnus ATCC 29328, Peptococcus asaccharolyticus ATCC 29743, and 50 anaerobic clinical isolates were tested against seven commonly tested antimicrobial agents. The minimum inhibitory concentration results from each suspension method (using the quality control organisms) were identical in 18 (78%) instances, and within +/- 1 log2 dilution in 96% of the comparisons. Results with the fresh clinical isolates also compared satisfactorily with the overnight procedure (97% were identical or within one dilution). The Wilkins-Chalgren test medium failed to support the growth of most anaerobic gram-positive cocci and Bacteroides melaninogenicus strains.
Isolation and characterization of two hemolytic phenotypes of Vibrio damsela associated with a fatal wound infection
Authors: Clarridge J E , Zighelboim-Daum S
Published: January 2020

Two hemolytic phenotypes of Vibrio damsela, isolated from the tissue of a patient with a fatal wound infection, were characterized. The patient had underlying disease, and the wound was associated with an injury inflicted during the handling of a catfish. The phenotypes were morphologically and biochemically similar except for their lecithinase, lipase, and hemolytic activities. When grown on rabbit blood agar, one phenotype (LZ) produced a large zone of hemolysis (10 mm) around the colony, whereas the other type (SZ) produced only a small zone (1 to 2 mm). On sheep blood agar, the differences in hemolytic activity were more subtle. By a modified CAMP test in which V. damsela was streaked perpendicularly to Staphylococcus aureus, it was determined that a factor elaborated by the LZ phenotype (but not the SZ phenotype) protected sheep erythrocytes from the hemolysis normally caused by S. aureus toxins. Cell-free filtrates of broth cultures of each phenotype had the same effects on erythrocytes as did the organisms themselves.
Worldwide distribution of two new serotypes of group B streptococci: type IV and provisional type V
Authors: Jelínková J , Motlová J
Published: January 2020

The candidates for new types proposed by the laboratories of H. W. Wilkinson, J. Jelínková, B. Perch, and S. Rabinowitz were antigenically compared and found to be distinct from the established types. On the other hand, identity between some of the candidates was found: three belonged to the new type IV and two shared the NT1 antigen. Strains with NT1 antigen were given the working label "provisional type V." A distribution study identified 102 type IV strains and 53 provisional type V strains among isolates from 15 countries.
Molecular epidemiology of adenoviruses: global distribution of adenovirus 7 genome types
Authors: Wadell G , Cooney M K , da Costa Linhares A , de Silva L , Kennett M L , Kono R , Gui-Fang R , Lindman K , Nascimento J P , Schoub B D
Published: January 2020

Adenovirus 7 (Ad7) is the adenovirus species that most frequently has been associated with severe illness. Seven distinct genome types of adenovirus 7, Ad7p, Ad7a, Ad7b, Ad7c, Ad7d, Ad7e, and Ad7f, can be identified by using restriction endonucleases BamHI and SmaI. We analyzed the distribution of the different Ad7 genome types among 314 isolates from patients and healthy shedders. The Ad7b and Ad7c genome types accounted for 90% of the isolates from patients and appeared to be mutually exclusive. A shift from Ad7c to Ad7b genome types occurred in 1969 in Europe and in 1975 in Australia. During the last decade, Ad7b genome types predominated in Australia, Europe, and North America. Ad7c was detected in South Africa, Ad7d was detected in China, Ad7e was detected in Brazil, and Ad7f was detected in Australia. The Ad7p and Ad7a genome types dominated among isolates obtained from healthy shedders and appeared scattered through the years and the geographical areas. The prevalence of Ad7 infections is high in Japan as judged by the herd immunity. However, the low percentage (2%) of Ad7 isolates among all adenovirus isolates chiefly from patients, coupled with 30 to 50% antibody prevalence, argues for a high proportion of inapparent infections and, hence, Ad7 strain(s) of low pathogenicity.
Antimicrobial susceptibility and characterization of outer membrane proteins of Haemophilus ducreyi isolated in Thailand
Authors: Taylor D N , Echeverria P , Hanchalay S , Pitarangsi C , Slootmans L , Piot P
Published: January 2020

One hundred strains of Haemophilus ducreyi isolated in Thailand from patients with chancroid were tested by the agar dilution method against 10 antimicrobial agents and typed by outer membrane protein pattern by using sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis. All strains produced beta-lactamase and were resistant to tetracycline, kanamycin, and sulfonamides. Most had a decreased susceptibility to trimethoprim (MIC for 50% of the strains [MIC50], 0.5 micrograms/ml) and chloramphenicol (MIC50, 8 micrograms/ml). Strains were susceptible to ciprofloxacin (MIC90, 0.001 micrograms/ml), ceftriaxone (MIC50, 0.0015 micrograms/ml), erythromycin (MIC50, 0.015 micrograms/ml), rosoxacin (MIC50, 0.03 micrograms/ml), and spectinomycin (MIC50, 8 micrograms/ml). The degree of antimicrobial resistance found in Thailand is higher than that reported for H. ducreyi isolated in other regions. Five different outer membrane protein patterns were found by analyzing proteins in the range of 29 to 61 kilodaltons, but 98% of the Thai strains fell into three patterns which did not differ greatly. Outer membrane protein patterns of Thai strains were also seen in strains from other geographic areas. A new outer membrane protein type was found among nine strains isolated in Singapore.
Evaluation of a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the detection of herpes simplex virus
Authors: Sewell D L , Horn S A
Published: January 2020

A total of 136 specimens were tested for the presence of herpes simplex virus by routine tissue culture and a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Ortho Diagnostic Systems, Inc.). Forty-six (33.8%) of the specimens were positive by tissue culture. The sensitivity and specificity of the commercial system were 69.6 and 93.3%, respectively. The commercial system was rapid and moderately specific but lacked the sensitivity necessary for direct specimen testing.
Legionella oakridgensis: laboratory diagnosis of a human infection
Authors: Tang P W , Toma S , MacMillan L G
Published: January 2020

We report the laboratory diagnosis of a case of pneumonia caused by Legionella oakridgensis. L. oakridgensis, originally isolated from industrial cooling towers, has not previously been associated with human disease.
Comparison of a latex agglutination procedure with the microimmunofluorescence test for Rickettsia typhi
Authors: Rawlings J A , Elliott L B , Little L M
Published: January 2020

Sera submitted to the Texas Department of Health for the serodiagnosis of Rickettsia typhi were tested by the microimmunofluorescent antibody technique and a new latex agglutination procedure. Results indicated that the latex agglutination test was sensitive and specific and would serve well as a first-line screening test for murine typhus.
Isolation of Bacteroides fragilis from the feces of diarrheic calves and lambs
Authors: Border M , Firehammer B D , Shoop D S , Myers L L
Published: January 2020

A selective medium was developed for the isolation of Bacteroides fragilis directly from ovine and bovine fecal samples. The medium (tryptose blood agar plus polymyxin B, triclosan (Irgasan), novobiocin, and nalidixic acid) permitted growth of B. fragilis and several other species of Bacteroides but inhibited growth of most other intestinal bacteria.
Antiserum agar method for identification of Smith type exopolysaccharides in clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: West T E , West M E , Mylotte J M
Published: January 2020

We used an antiserum agar method to identify clinical Staphylococcus aureus strains producing an exopolysaccharide antigenically identical to the S. aureus Smith diffuse strain. S. aureus blood isolates were obtained from 137 patients, and three additional isolates were obtained from bone debridement. The 140 patients were clinically divided into the following groups: endocarditis (7 patients); pneumonia, empyema, or both (33 patients); intravascular device (34 patients); superficial or wound infection or both (35 patients); deep tissue infections (18 patients); and 6, unknown bacteremias (13 patients). Ninety (64.3%) of the total 140 S. aureus isolates were found to produce precipitin halos on the antiserum agar. The percentage was greatest in the isolates from the endocarditis group (100%) and least in deep tissue infections (55.5%). The presence of clinical S. aureus strains producing exopolysaccharides antigenically identical to the Smith diffuse strain exopolysaccharide appears to be a common phenomenon.
Radiometric selective inhibition tests for differentiation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterium bovis, and other mycobacteria
Authors: Gross W M , Hawkins J E
Published: January 2020

In the context of a busy reference laboratory, radiometric selective inhibition tests were evaluated for rapid differentiation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium bovis and of the M. tuberculosis complex from other mycobacteria. p-Nitro-alpha-acetylamino-beta-hydroxypropiophenone at 5 micrograms and hydroxylamine hydrochloride at 62.5 and 125 micrograms per ml of 7H12 medium were used to separate the M. tuberculosis complex from other mycobacteria (MOTT bacilli). Since it is important epidemiologically to distinguish M. tuberculosis from M. bovis, susceptibility to 1 microgram of thiophene-2-carboxylic acid per ml was also determined radiometrically. By using these three agents as selective inhibitors, M. tuberculosis, M. bovis, and MOTT bacilli were differentiated with a high degree of specificity by a BACTEC radiometric procedure. Results of tests performed on clinical isolates submitted on solid medium to our reference laboratory were available within 5 days.
Relationships among the results of coagulase, staphylococcal toxin, and thermonuclease tests on staphylococci from cow milk
Authors: Jasper D E , Infante F , Dellinger J D
Published: January 2020

Production of staphylococcal alpha- or alpha-beta-toxins correlated well with production of coagulase or thermonuclease (or both) in 203 Staphylococcus aureus isolates from milk and should be reliable indicators of S. aureus in the absence of Staphylococcus intermedius. Failures to produce toxin, tube coagulase, or thermonuclease occurred in only 1 to 2% of S. aureus. Evidence of beta- or alpha-beta-toxins was not found among 321 other staphylococci isolated from milk. A few coagulase- or thermonuclease-positive isolates not producing beta- or alpha-beta-toxins were found among the Staphylococcus hyicus isolates.
Detection and characterization of serum antitrichomonal antibodies in urogenital trichomoniasis
Authors: Cogne M , Brasseur P , Ballet J J
Published: January 2020

Antibodies against Trichomonas vaginalis were detected in serum samples from 98 patients by three immunological assays. A good correlation was observed between the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and the immunofluorescence method, whereas it was found that the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay correlated better with the current or past detection of organisms than did other serological methods (immunofluorescence and hemagglutination). Similar results were obtained with whole trichomonads and two T. vaginalis soluble antigenic preparations, which suggests that immunodominant moieties shared by several T. vaginalis strains were detected. The level of antibodies of the immunoglobulin A class was higher in patients with past records of trichomoniasis, but less significantly so than the total antitrichomonal antibody level. Antibodies of the four immunoglobulin G subclasses were detected. Immunoglobulin G1 antibody values were higher in female than male patients.
Evaluation of two immunofluorescence assays with monoclonal antibodies for typing of herpes simplex virus
Authors: Swierkosz E M , Arens M Q , Schmidt R R , Armstrong T
Published: January 2020

An indirect immunofluorescence assay and a direct immunofluorescence assay were evaluated for typing clinical isolates of herpes simplex virus (HSV). The indirect immunofluorescence assay (Electro-Nucleonics, Inc.) correctly identified 16 HSV type 2 (HSV-2) isolates, but failed to identify 4 of 14 HSV-1 isolates because of background fluorescence and instability of reagents. Forty-nine HSV-1 isolates were correctly typed by direct immunofluorescence assay (Kallestad Laboratories, Inc.), but 1 of 39 HSV-2 isolates did not react with the HSV-2 type-specific antibody conjugate.
Evaluation of cellular immune response during chronic schistosomiasis in humans by the leukocyte aggregation test and the leukocyte migration inhibition test
Authors: Rouveix B , Derouin F , Levacher M
Published: January 2020

Cellular immune response was evaluated in 31 patients with chronic Schistosoma haematobium and Schistosoma mansoni infections and in 15 healthy normal persons by using S. mansoni soluble worm and egg antigens. Although the leukocyte migration inhibition test demonstrated false-positive reactions, the specificity of the leukocyte aggregation test was confirmed by the negativity of all of the controls. Among the patients, only 10% were positive for the leukocyte aggregation test. This low cellular reactivity was in contrast to markedly elevated specific humoral response determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for immunoglobulin G and paper allergosorbent test for immunoglobulin E with soluble worm antigen. These results confirm that the cellular immune reactivity to schistosome antigen as demonstrated by the leukocyte aggregation test is either minimal or absent in chronically infected patients.
Serological diagnosis of Staphylococcus aureus osteomyelitis
Authors: Wheat L J , White A C , Norden C
Published: January 2020

We have evaluated serological tests for the diagnosis of Staphylococcus aureus osteomyelitis. Antiteichoic acid antibodies were elevated in 17 of 23 patients with acute and 16 of 46 with chronic S. aureus osteomyelitis but in none of 33 patients infected with other gram-positive or gram-negative bacteria. Immunoglobulin G antibodies to S. aureus were elevated in 12 of 23 patients with acute and 22 of 47 with chronic S. aureus osteomyelitis, in 2 of 12 infected with other gram-positive bacteria, and in 4 of 21 with other gram-negative bacteria. Assays for S. aureus antibodies may be useful for identifying patients with S. aureus bacteremia complicated by metastatic sites of infection in bone and for identifying the etiological agents in patients with negative or mixed cultures or from whom cultures are not readily available. Prospective studies are needed to test these hypotheses.
Evaluation of three bacteriuria screening methods in a clinical research hospital
Authors: Wu T C , Williams E C , Koo S Y , MacLowry J D
Published: January 2020

In a study conducted to compare three screening methods for their ability to detect significant bacteriuria, 2,815 urine specimens were screened by Chemstrip LN (BioDynamics, Division of Boehringer Mannheim Chemicals, Indianapolis, Ind.), 1,000 were screened by Bac-T-Screen (Marion Scientific Laboratory, Kansas City, Mo.), and 289 were screened by ATP assay (Turner Designs, Mountain View, Calif.). Results were compared with those obtained by quantitative culture plate method. The ATP assay showed the highest sensitivity (91%) compared with the Bac-T-Screen (67%) and Chemstrip LN (50%) tests but had the lowest specificity (64%) compared with the Bac-T-Screen (83%) and Chemstrip LN (91%). In 101 leukopenic patients with significant bacteriuria, the Bac-T-Screen test showed a higher sensitivity (33% at 10(4) to 10(5) CFU/ml and 80% at greater than or equal to 10(5) CFU/ml). It is concluded from this study that none of the three methods are sufficiently sensitive for the clinical research patients in this institution.
Clinical comparison of an agar slide blood culture bottle with tryptic soy broth and a conventional blood culture bottle with supplemented peptone broth
Authors: Weinstein M P , Reller L B , Mirrett S , Wang W L , Alcid D V
Published: January 2020

The Roche Septi-Chek biphasic blood culture system with tryptic soy broth was compared with a conventional blood culture bottle with supplemented peptone broth in 6,956 paired blood cultures from adult patients. Both systems were inoculated with equal volumes of blood (5 ml) and incubated aerobically (vented) for 2 weeks. More clinically important bacteria and fungi, including Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, Escherichia coli and other Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans and C. tropicalis were recovered from the biphasic system (P less than 0.001). In contrast, more clinically important anaerobic bacteria (P less than 0.001) and Gardnerella vaginalis (P less than 0.05) were recovered in conventional supplemented peptone broth. Staphylococci (P less than 0.01), Enterobacteriaceae other than E. coli (P less than 0.05), and fungi (P less than 0.001) were detected 1 or more days earlier in the biphasic system, whereas streptococci (P less than 0.001) were detected earlier in the conventional bottle. The overall superiority of the agar slide blood culture system compared with conventional blood culture bottles was confirmed by this evaluation. For optimal detection of anaerobic bacteremia, however, the agar slide bottle should be paired with an anaerobic bottle.
Simplified procedure for producing Bacillus subtilis spores for the Guthrie phenylketonuria and other microbiological screening tests
Authors: Jinks D C , Guthrie R , Naylor E W
Published: January 2020

Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6051 and ATCC 6633 spores used in bacterial inhibition screening assays for genetic metabolism defects in newborn infants were produced by using liquid synthetic replacement sporulation media. These media allowed a high degree of sporulation, as judged by direct cell counts. Sporulation took place within 23 to 27 h with these media. Also, a more rational procedure for selecting the most sensitive clones of these organisms to the various inhibitors used in the microbiological screening assays is presented.
Unusual bacterium, group Ve-2, causing peritonitis in a patient on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Silver M R , Felegie T P , Sorkin M I
Published: January 2020

We report a case of peritonitis in a continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patient with an unusual bacterium known as group Ve-2. This is the first reported case of peritonitis attributable to this organism and only the second well-documented case of infection with this organism in the English literature.
Mycobacterium thermoresistibile: extrapulmonary infection in a cat
Authors: Willemse T , Groothuis D G , Koeman J P , Beyer E G
Published: January 2020

The first evidence of the potential pathogenicity of Mycobacterium thermoresistibile in cats is presented. This mycobacterium was isolated repeatedly from intra- and subcutaneous nodules, aspirated fluid from fluctuating skin lesions, and lymph nodes. The distinctive characteristics of the cultured organisms matched those of M. thermoresistibile.
Enzyme immunoassay versus plaque neutralization and other methods for determination of immune status to measles and varicella-zoster viruses and versus complement fixation for serodiagnosis of infections with those viruses
Authors: Cremer N E , Cossen C K , Shell G , Diggs J , Gallo D , Schmidt N J
Published: January 2020

Results by an enzyme immunoassay method (EIA) performed at one serum dilution and results by indirect immunofluorescence (IFA) and hemagglutination inhibition (HI) tests performed at step dilutions were correlated with results by a neutralization test (50% plaque neutralization [PN]) performed at step dilutions on single serum samples for serologic evaluation of immunity status to measles virus. PN results were taken as true indicators of immunity, and the other tests were evaluated on that basis. The predictive value of a positive result being positive also by PN was 95.3% for HI and 93.3% for EIA and IFA. The predictive value of a negative result being negative also by PN was 81.1% for HI, 100% for EIA, and 75.0% for IFA. A similar study on immunity status to varicella-zoster virus by EIA and by an anticomplement immunofluorescence test versus PN showed a 100% predictive value of a positive or negative result by EIA. By the anticomplement immunofluorescence test, the predictive value of a positive result was 97.7%, and that of a negative result was 88.5%. Studies on the comparative ability of EIA versus complement fixation (CF) to detect significant changes in antibody concentration between acute-phase and convalescent-phase serum samples indicative of a current infection were also done. Both tests were satisfactory for the serodiagnosis of measles or varicella-zoster virus infections. However, EIA was preferable to CF because it was less technically difficult, less labor intensive, and could be performed on sera that were anticomplementary in CF reactions.
In vitro and in vivo cholera toxin production by classical and El Tor isolates of Vibrio cholerae
Authors: Turnbull P C , Lee J V , Miliotis M D , Still C S , Isaäcson M , Ahmad Q S
Published: January 2020

A comparative study was carried out on the in vitro production of cholera toxin by 19 Vibrio cholerae El Tor isolates from patients with cholera in South Africa, one El Tor isolate from a patient in Malawi (a country approximately 1000 km north-northeast of South Africa), 6 El Tor and 12 classical type isolates from patients in Bangladesh, and 5 culture collection classical strains. Identical phage types and indistinguishable toxigenicities among the South African and Malawi V. cholerae, representing isolations obtained over a 10-year period, indicated that essentially a single strain was involved in the cholera of these regions. Similarly, phage typing and toxin profiles indicated that the 12 classical and 6 El Tor V. cholerae cultures in Bangladesh, all isolated in November 1983, represented just two strains. As assessed by titrations in Y-1 mouse adrenal and Chinese hamster ovary cell lines, the general order of toxigenicities was Bangladesh and culture collection classical greater than Bangladesh El Tor greater than southern African El Tor. The African isolates consistently gave rise to very low titers. Their relative reluctance to produce the toxin in vitro compared with the culture collection classical strains, particularly strain 569B, was confirmed by rocket electrophoresis. In somewhat of a contrast, maximum in vivo titers in rice water stools from cholera patients in South Africa and from both classical and El Tor type cholera patients in Bangladesh were essentially equal. It is postulated that under the continuous culture conditions that occur in vivo, cholera toxin concentrations can accumulate to a maximum level, depending on the rate of purging by the diarrheal fluid rather than the toxigenicity of the infecting stain. The relevance of these findings to the relative severities of classical and El Tor types of cholera is discussed.