bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Occurrence of multiple antibiotic resistance and R plasmids in Enterobacteriaceae isolated from children in the Sudan
Authors: Shears P. , Suliman G. , Hart C. A.
Published: October 2009

The prevalence of resistance to six commonly-used antimicrobial agents in faecal coliforms from children in Khartoum, Sudan was studied. A relatively high prevalence of resistance was found, ranging from 96% of children with isolates resistant to ampicillin to 70% of children with isolates resistant to chloramphenicol. Seventy-seven percent of children had isolates with high-level resistance to trimethoprim (MIC > 1000 μg/ml). Twenty-nine different resistance patterns were found. Thirty-nine percent of the children had isolates resistant to all six antibiotics studied, and 80% of children had isolates resistant to at least four. Transfer of resistance to each of the antimicrobials, in varying combinations, was demonstrated, but did not occur for all resistance patterns. Plasmid analysis showed plasmids ranging from 160 MDa to 2·8 MDa and isolates contained from one to five plasmids of different sizes. There were no consistent relationships between resistance pattern and plasmid profile, but multiple resistance transfer was mediated commonly by plasmids with a molecular weight of 62 MDa.

The high prevalence of potentially transferable antibiotic resistance in gut commensals of children in the Sudan may be of importance in the management of enteric and other infections requiring antimicrobial treatment.
The use of SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in epidemiological studies ofCorynebacterium diphtheriae
Authors: Hallas Gillian
Published: October 2009

Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of cell proteins was investigated as a possible typing method forCorynebacterium diphtheriae. A method was developed using stock strains which were representatives of the five gravis serotypes described by Robinson & Peeney (1936). This technique was then applied to recent isolates sent to our laboratory for identification.
Hepatitis B markers in Lancashire police officers
Authors: Morgan-Capner P. , Hudson P. , Armstrong A.
Published: October 2009

A total of 284 Lancashire police officers each with a minimum of 5 years experience was tested for evidence of hepatitis B infection. None was hepatitis B surface antigen positive (HBsAg). Three were positive for both antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) and HBsAg (anti-HBs). Five were positive for anti-HBc alone. Thus the overall prevalence was 2·8% which is within the range reported for blood donors in the UK. There was no association with working in the drug squad or custody office but there was a higher prevalence in those who had worked in the scene-of-crime's squad. However, the numbers were small, and of this group of 28 officers, 2 of the 3 with detectable hepatitis B markers were positive for anti-HBc alone. Therefore for police officers in mixed rural/urban areas of the UK, routine administration of hepatitis B vaccine is not justified although special consideration should be given to those working in selected groups. Further studies are required to ascertain whether there may be an increased risk for police officers working in conurbations.
Comparison of biochemical and serological typing results and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns in the epidemiological investigation of Klebsiella spp
Authors: Simoons-Smit A. M. , Verweij-Van Vught A. M. J. J. , De Vries P. M. J. M. , Maclaren D. M.
Published: October 2009

An analysis of the serological and biochemical typing results of 925 clinical isolates of klebsiella revealed that biotyping and serotyping of klebsiella could replace each other for epidemiological purposes. The combination of both typing methods provided even more epidemiological information in analysing clusters of particular serotypes and biotypes in time. Clustering serotypes, mainly of neonatal origin, were nearly uniformly more resistant to the antibiotics in common use than other serotypes. Biotyping as well as serotyping of klebsiella isolates recovered from environmental surveys in the neonatal ward showed that epidemic and non-epidemic klebsiella isolates could occasionally be cultured from the environment and from the staff.
A demographic survey of campylobacter, salmonella and shigella infections in England: A Public Health Laboratory Service Survey
Authors: Skirrow M. B.
Published: October 2009

Five laboratories serving a population of 1·5 million participated in a 2-year survey of campylobacter, salmonella and shigella infections in patients suffering from gastrointestinal symptoms. In total, 33857 faecal specimens were examined of which 5·5% yielded campylobacters, 3·4% salmonellas and 0·8% shigellas; incidence of infection (per 100,000 population per year) was 58, 38 and 9 respectively. Peak incidences occurred at different ages for each organism: campylobacter, 1–4 years (183); salmonella, less than 1 year (181); shigella, 1–4 years (17). There was a secondary peak in campylobacter incidence in patients aged 15–24 years (87), which was not seen with salmonella or shigella infections.

By recording the age and sex of all patients submitting faecal specimens, it was shown that sampling rates were disproportionately high in infants aged less than 1 year (12:1 relative to other ages). Thus the percentage of faecal samples positive in infants – in sharp contrast to incidence values – was the lowest of any age group for all three organisms. By taking the numbers of faecal specimens tested as denominators in this way, the highest campylobacter isolation rates were in young adults, with a notable male predominance in the 15–24 year (1·7:1) and 45–54 year (1·6:1) age groups. This male predominance was accentuated during the summer (2·1:1) when incidence was generally high. The maximum percentage isolation recorded by any laboratory was 32·5% in males aged 15–24 years in June.

The reasons for this pattern of campylobacter infection are unknown, but the similarity of the results between laboratories and the regularity of the seasonal fluctuations recorded over the last G years indicate that the sources and routes of infection are geographically similar and stable, yet different from those of salmonellosis.
Circulation of HIV antigen in blood according to stage of infection, risk group, age and geographic origin
Authors: Goudsmit Jaap , Paul Deborah A.
Published: October 2009

Human immunodeficiency virus antigen (HIV-ag) was determined by enzyme immunoassay (EIA) in HIV-antibody (anti-HIV) positive as well as pre-anti-HIV seroconversion sera and the results analysed according to stage of infection, risk group, age and geographic origin. Eleven (19%) of 58 homosexual men tested showed HIV-ag in a serum taken 3–4 months before or one at the time of anti-HIV seroconversion. In another eight (14%) HIV-ag persisted after seroconversion and half of them developed AIDS or AIDS-related complex (ARC) in contrast to none of the other 50 anti-HIV seroconversions. Two (13%) of 16 haemophiliacs tested had HIV-ag only in the first anti-HIV seropositive sample. HIV-ag was present in 86% (30/35) of Dutch homosexual men with AIDS, in 32% (7/22) of men with ARC and in 17% (24/145) of men with persistent generalized lymphadenopathy (PGL) or without symptoms. Three percent (2/60) of sera of asymptomatic i.v. drug users from Amsterdam were HIV-ag positive. Ten percent (1 of 10) of sera from Central Africans with ‘Slim Disease’ were HIV-ag positive. Among infected children from the USA or Europe 89n100% (8/9 and 2/2) of AIDS cases, 67–100% (6/9 and 3/3) of children with ARC and 75% (3/4) of asymptomatic children were HIV-ag positive. The HIV-ag EIA appears to be able to identify HIV infection earlier than the available anti-HIV assays in a significant number of cases. Since persistence of HIV-ag, except possibly in African cases, is strongly associated with clinical deterioration, HIV-ag appears to be a suitable marker for, independent of their clinical status, selecting individuals for antiviral therapy and also for monitoring the efficiency of such therapy.
An updated survey of African swine fever in Malawi
Authors: Haresnape J. M. , Lungu S. A. M. , Mamu F. D.
Published: October 2009

Cases of African swine fever (ASF) confirmed in the laboratory in 1985 and 1986 and other data obtained since 1984, in particular an extension of the serological survey of free-ranging domestic pigs undertaken from 1981 to 1984, are presented to give an updated survey of the ASF situation in Malawi and a revised estimate of the ASF enzootic area. Evidence is presented that the area may include some border areas in Dedza and Ntcheu districts and may be expanding in some localities.
Egg-grown and tissue-culture-grown variants of influenza A (H3N2) virus with special attention to their use as antigens in seroepidemiology
Authors: Pyhälä R. , Pyhälä L. , Valle M. , Aho K.
Published: October 2009

A field strain of influenza A (H3N2) virus isolated in embryonated eggs during the 1984–5 influenza outbreak (A/Finland/13/85E) was compared in an antigenic analysis with virus from the same clinical specimen isolated in MDCK cell cultures (A/Finland/13/85M). The M-virus appeared to be more sensitive to haemagglutination-inhibiting antibodies against heterologous viruses than did the Evirus. The results of propagation and plaque purification experiments support the hypothesis that a single clinical specimen may consist of distinct antigenic variant subpopulations promoted selectively by the host during isolation procedures. Receptor-binding properties are discussed as a possible explanation for this selectivity.

A set of 471 paired sera consisting of pre-epidemic and post-epidemic specimens taken from the same subjects in 1984–5 was studied for haemagglutinationinhibiting antibodies to six influenza A (H3N2) virus strains, including the E-virus and the M-virus from A/Finland/13/85. Of the antigens used, the M-virus detected significant antibody increases more frequently than did the E-virus (10·0v. 5·9%). The superiority of the M-virus may rest primarily in its ability to pick out anamnestic antibody responses. Irrespective of this cross-reactivity, preepidemic antibody to the M-virus was fairly well associated with protection. In the set of sera (230 specimens) collected in summer 1985 to represent different age groups, the antibody status against the M-virus was significantly better than the status against the E-virus. The results suggest that, at least in some instances, antibody to MDCK-grown virus is a more accurate indicator of the immune status of a community than antibodies to egg-grown virus variants.
Purified chick embryo cell rabies vaccine: economical multisite intradermal regimen for post-exposure prophylaxis
Authors: Suntharasamai Pravan , Warrell M. J. , Viravan Chaisin , Chanthavanich Pornthep , Looareesuwan Sornchai , Supapochana Achara , Supanaranond Juntra Karbwang Wichai , Chittamas Sunee , Bijok U. , Warrell D. A.
Published: October 2009

The standard six-dose intramuscular (i.m.) rabies post-exposure vaccine regimen using a new purified chick embryo cell (PCEC) vaccine was compared with two economical multisite intradermal (i.d.) PCEC regimens, a multisite i.m. PCEC schedule and a subcutaneous regimen using a suckling mouse brain (SMB) rabies vaccine manufactured in Thailand. The neutralizing antibody results for the four-site and eight-site i.d. and the standard i.m. PCEC regimens were similar over 3 months. A three-site i.m. PCEC regimen had no advantage. The SMB vaccine gave the lowest antibody levels. Human rabies immune globulin therapy significantly increased the GMT of all groups on day 7, unlike equine antirabies serum (EARS). Both antisera suppressed antibody responses to PCEC on days 14 and 28. Three generalized reactions probably related to EARS were the only serious side effects. An eight-site i.d. PCEC vaccine regimen proved as immunogenic as the routine i.m. schedule and, if implemented as post-exposure prophylaxis, would be the cheapest widely available tissue culture vaccine regimen. The protective efficiency should now be tested in patients bitten by rabid animals.
What is the true nature of epidemic influenza virus and how do new epidemic viruses spread?
Authors: Oxford J. S.
Published: October 2009

It might seem very late to suggest, nearly 400 years after the first clinical description of influenza and 54 years after its isolation (reviewed by Stuart-Harris. Schild & Oxford, 1985), that many fundamental questions remain to be answered about the virus itself. However the precise antigenic and biochemical structure of the natural field virus has not been established. If so much remains to be learned concerning the nature of the virion then perhaps it may be less surprising that there are some conflicting theories as regards influenza epidemiology. Such questions are raised in the current volume of the journal where Hope-Simpson & Golubev (pp. 5 54) propose a major role for virus persistence in the human disease and, a lesser role for a linked chain of acute infection spreading influenza around the world (see also Hope-Simpson. 1979: 1981). This would be a minority view of the epidemiology of influenza A at present and is most definitely in conflict with the orthodox idea of person to person spread in an endless chain.
Influenza A and B virus IgG and IgM serology by enzyme immunoassays
Authors: Koskinen P. , Vuorinen T. , Meurman O.
Published: October 2009

Enzyme immunoassays (EIA) for IgG and IgM antibodies against influenza A and B virus are described. One hundred and seven subjects with a clinical diagnosis of acute respiratory infection (influenza, bronchitis or pneumonia) were selected for this study during two epidemics of influenza A which occurred in Finland in 1983 and 1985. Paired sera and nasopharyngeal secretions were obtained from all subjects. The sera were tested for influenza A and B antibodies by IgG and IgM EIAs and by complement fixation tests. The nasopharyngeal secretions were tested by an indirect EIA for influenza A and B antigens.

The IgG EIA was found to be better than complement fixation for the diagnosis of influenza A infections: only 22% of the significant increases detected by this test were also positive by complement fixation. The additional contribution of the IgM EIA to the number of positives was minimal.

It was also found that testing a single 1/1000 dilution of serum for influenza A and 1/100 dilution for influenza B in the IgG EIA gave as many positives as the conventional method of testing several dilutions.
Persistence of rabies antibody 5 years after pre-exposure prophylaxis with human diploid cell antirabies vaccine and antibody response to a single booster dose
Authors: Rodrigues F. M. , Mandke V. B. , Roumiantzeff M. , Mohan Rao C. V. R. , Mehta J. M. , Pavri K. M. , Poonawalla C.
Published: October 2009

In 1978, 22 staff members of the National Institute of Virology, Pune, India, were given two doses of human diploid cell antirabies vaccine (HDCV) for primary pre-exposure prophylactic immunization; the interval between the two doses being approximately 4 weeks. Eighteen of these 22 vaccinees were given a booster dose 1 year later. All 18 vaccinees developed protective levels of antibody; most of them had antibody levels exceeding 10 IU/ml.

In 1984, 5 years after the booster dose, 11 (79·0%) of 14 vaccinees tested still possessed neutralizing antibody levels ranging from 0·5 IU/ml to 10 IU/ml. Fourteen days after the administration of a booster dose, the antibody levels ranged from 10 to ≥ 100 IU/ml for all except one vaccinee (5·2 IU/ml). These findings demonstrate that the majority of vaccinees retained detectable neutralizing antibody after pre-exposure prophylaxis for as long as 5 years and that a single booster dose thereafter evoked a good antibody response.
Serological studies on British isolates of the Sejroe serogroup of leptospira: II. An evaluation of the factor analysis method of identifying leptospires using strains belonging to the Sejroe serogroup
Authors: Little T. W. A. , Stevens A. E. , Hathaway S. C.
Published: October 2009

Twelve British isolates of leptospira belonging to the Sejroe serogroup were examined using a series of six factor sera prepared by a number of different absorption methods. Ten of the isolates were identified asLeptospira interrogansserovarhardjoand two asL. interrogansserovarsaxkoebing. These isolates had previously been identified using the cross agglutination absorption method.
The assessment of two media for the confirmation ofEscherichia coliin water samples in single-tube tests
Authors: Papadakis J. A. , Mavridou A.
Published: October 2009

Two single-tube media, lactose-tryptone-lauryl sulphate broth (LTLSB) and lauryl-tryptose-mannitol broth were tested in parallel in a series of 1111 tests on water samples from a variety of sources.

LTLSB was found to be superior both in gas and indole production fromEscherichia coliwhen incubated at 44 °C and is recommended as the most suitable single-tube confirmatory test for this organism.
WidespreadLegionella pneumophilacontamination of dental stations in a dental school without apparent human infection
Authors: Oppenheim B. A. , Sefton A. M. , Gill O. N. , Tyler J. E. , O'Mahony M. C. , Richards J. M. , Dennis P. J. L. , Harrison T. G.
Published: October 2009

Following isolation ofLegionella pneumophilafrom a special dental station water circuit, used primarily to cool high-speed dental drills which produce fine aerosols, a case finding and environmental survey was undertaken. Widespread colonization of the dental stations was found and the results suggested that amplification of the background levels ofL. pneumophilawas taking place within the stations. However there was no evidence for transmission causing human infection.
Haemophilus influenzaesubtyping by SDS-PAGE of whole-cell polypeptides
Authors: Paterson A. J. , Macsween K. F. , Pennington T. H.
Published: October 2009

Strains ofHaemophilus influenzaeisolated from patients in N.E. Scotland between 1983 and 1986 have been subtyped by sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) of whole-cell polypeptides. Gels were stained with Coomassie blue and polypeptide profiles were analysed using the Dice coefficient of similarity.

Type b strains were all closely related, the 19 strains analysed being grouped at a 90% similarity level into one large (13 strains) and one small (3 strains) cluster with 3 strains being ungrouped. Thirty-six non-typable, epidemiologically unrelated strains were subtyped; one pair of strains had indistinguishable polypeptide profiles. The polypeptide profiles of the remaining strains showed much heterogeneity, although groups of strains isolated from the same patient over short periods showed indistinguishable profiles.
Characterization of non-typable strains ofStaphylococcus aureusfrom cases of hospital infection
Authors: Vindel Ana , Martín-Bourgon Cecilia , Saez-Nieto Juan A. , Nieto Saez
Published: October 2009

A high percentage of non-typable (NT)Staphylococcus aureusstrains was isolated in Spanish hospitals during 1984 and 1985. Several alternative methods of typing were employed to study these isolates. These were: phage-typing at 1000 × RTD, phage-typing after heat-treatment (48 °C), thermal shock (56 °C), reverse-typing and induction of additional phages. Using these methods the number of NT isolates was reducedby 60%. Best results were obtained with heat-treatment. Additional phages and reverse-typing were also useful.

A scheme for the study of outbreaks and sporadic cases caused by NT strains is proposed using the methods described.
Four outbreaks of nosocomial systemic candidiasis
Authors: Burnie J. P. , Matthews Ruth , Lee Woei , Howard J. Philpott , Honeywell K. , Damani N. , Brown Ruth , Jordans Zoe
Published: October 2009

Candida albicans has recently been described as a cause of nosocomial infection. This paper reports four further outbreaks occurring over a 12-month period in England. There were 13 systemic cases and 6 deaths. The outbreaks were defined by morphotyping andthe new technique of immunoblot fingerprinting. Controi of the outbreaks was produced bythe implementation of strict cross-infection control policies without recourse to systemic chemoprophylaxis.
Immunogenicity of specificBordetella pertussissurface antigens in diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP) vaccines
Authors: Blaskett Alan C. , Cox John C.
Published: October 2009

The predominant causative organism of whooping cough in Australia is of a serotype which has normally been associated overseas with unvaccinated communities. Australian DTP vaccines pass the statutory mouse test forBordetella pertussispotency but this test is now believed to be relatively insensitive to certain factors, especially the major type-specific agglutinogens, which are presumably also important in the human host-parasite relationship. Because endemicB. bronchisepticainfections make some laboratory animals unsatisfactory for testingB. pertussisagglutinin responses, we have developed a test in which young farm sheep were immunized with vaccines. Type-specific agglutinins in their sera were assayed after absorption of non-specific agglutinins by suspensions of selected bordetella strains. Three well-reputed European DTP vaccines and two recent batches of Australian DTP vaccine were tested and compared thus. All evoked significant agglutinin responses to the main agglutinogens.
Extraintestinal salmonellosis
Authors: Wilkins E. G. L. , Roberts C.
Published: October 2009

Between 1969 and 1984, 6564 non-typhoid salmonella strains were isolated at the Liverpool Public Health Laboratory of which 194 (3·0%) were from extraintestinal sites. Blood (34%) and urine (32%) isolates accounted for twothirds of these, with the remainder being recovered from pus and inflammatory tissue (23%), bone (5%), cerebrospinal fluid (5%) and sputum (3%). Certain serotypes tended to cause more invasive disease than others, i.e. Salmonella choleraesuis, S. dublin, S. london, S. virchow and S. panama: this association for S. london has not previously been described. The spectrum of disease caused by non-typhoid strains was broad. This survey confirms the importance of nontyphoid salmonellas as occasional causes of invasive disease and local sepsis outside the gastrointestinal tract.
An appraisal of methods used in the examination of retail samples of cows milk
Authors: Greenwood M. H. , Gill P. , Coetzee E. F. C. , Ford B. M. , Hooper W. L. , Matthews S. C. W. , Patrick S.
Published: October 2009

The use of the methylene blue test for the examination of cows milk was investigated in an inter-laboratory survey. A poor relationship was found between results of these tests and total viable counts. Coliforms were detected in a large number of pasteurized milks, indicating frequent post-pasteurization contamination. No relationship was found between the results of the methylene blue test and the presence of coliforms.

Results from this survey highlight the need for reappraisal of the methylene blue test as a statutory method for the examination of milk. A total viable count and coliform test are suggested for providing information regarding dairy hygiene and the quality of the product at the point of retail sale.
Measles in developing countries. Part II. The predicted impact of mass vaccination
Authors: Mclean A. R. , Anderson R. M.
Published: October 2009

A mathematical model is developed to mimic the transmission dynamics of the measles virus in communities in the developing world with high population growth rates and high case fatality rates. The model is used to compare the impacts of different mass vaccination programmes upon morbidity and mortality arising from infection by measles virus. Analyses identify three conclusions of practical significance to the design of optimal vaccination programmes. First, there is no single optimum age at which to vaccinate children for all urban and rural communities in developing countries. For a given community the best age at which to vaccinate depends critically on the age distribution of cases of infection prior to the introduction of control measures. Second, numerical studies predict that the introduction of mass vaccination will induce a temporary phase of very low incidence of infection before the system settles to a new pattern of recurrent epidemics. Mass vaccination acts to lengthen the inter-epidemic period in the postvaccination period when compared with that prevailing prior to control. Third, numerical simulations suggest that two-phase and two-stage vaccination programmes are of less benefit than one-stage programmes (achieving comparable coverage) aimed at young children. The paper ends with a discussion of the needs for: improved programmes of data collection; monitoring of the impact of current vaccination programmes; and the development of models that take account of viral transmission dynamics, host demography and economic factors.
The epidemiology of bluetongue in Malawi
Authors: Haresnape J. M. , Taylor W. P. , Lungu S. A. M.
Published: October 2009

A 4 year survey was undertaken in 1982–6 to examine the seasonal nature of bluetongue virus activity in Malawi. Bluetongue infection at Bwemba in Lilongwe district and Likasi in Mchinji district, both in the Central Region of Malawi, was detected by examining sera taken from calves at each site, at monthly intervals. The proportion of seronegative calves undergoing serocon version each month was used as a measure of virus activity. At both sides bluetongue virus activity was found to be most marked during the rainy season, with no activity detected during the dry season from July to September. Thus the pattern of bluetongue infection in Malawi is highly seasonal. Examination of type-specific neutralizing antibody showed that the prevalent serotypes varied from year to year.
Protection against experimental infection with influenza virus A/equine/Miami/63 (H3N8) provided by inactivated whole virus vaccines containing homologous virus
Authors: Mumford J. A. , Wood J. M. , Folkers C. , Schild G. C.
Published: October 2009

Thirty-one ponies immunized with inactivated virus vaccine containing A/equine/Miami/63 (H3N8) virus and six seronegative ponies were experimentally challenged with the homologous virus strain. All G unvaccinated ponies and 11 out of 31 vaccinated ponies became infected. A clear relationship between pre-challenge antibody, measured by single radial haemolysis (SRH), and protection was demonstrated as judged by virus excretion, febrile responses and antibody responses. Those ponies with SRH antibody levels > 74 mm2 were completely protected against challenge infection by the intranasal route.
Nasopharyngeal carriage and antibiotic resistance ofHaemophilus influenzaein healthy children
Authors: Howard A. J. , Dunkin K. T. , Millar G. W.
Published: October 2009

An investigation was undertaken to determine the isolation rate and antibiotic resistance ofHaemophilus influenzaefrom the nasopharynx of young children. The 996 subjects studied were up to 6 years of age.H. influenzaewas isolated from 304 (30·5%) and strains of capsular type b from 11 (1·1%). Age, sibling status, season, respiratory infection and antibiotic therapy all influenced isolation rates. The overall prevalence of antibiotic resistance in the strains isolated was ampicillin 5·4% (all β-lactamase producers), cefaclor 0·3%, chloramphenicol 1·3%, erythromycin 38·2%, tetracycline 1·3%, trimethoprim 5·4% and sulphamethoxazole 0%. Ampicillin resistance was more common in type b than non-capsulated strains.
A study of the epidemiology of Salmonella bareilly in India usinga new phage-typing system
Authors: Singh G. , Sharma N. C. , Jayasheela M. , Saxena S. N.
Published: October 2009

A total of 637 strains of Salmonella bareilly received from different parts of India between 1959 and 1985 were phage typed using five locally isolated wild phages. The overall typability was 94·5% and 11 different phagc types could be defined. Phago types 10 and 1 were the most prevalent and the geographical and source distribution is described.
The bacteriological prevalence of leptospiral infection in cattle and buffaloes in West Malaysia
Authors: Bahaman A. R. , Ibrahim A. L. , Stallman N. D. , Tinniswood R. D.
Published: October 2009

A cross-sectional bacteriological survey of cattle in West Malaysia revealed 14·4% (32/222) had leptospiral infection. Isolates were obtained from all except one herd with prevalence of infection in herds ranging from 0–44·8%. A small number of buffalo urine samples were examined and all of them were found to be negative. A leptospiral isolate obtained from a bovine kidney proved to be n new scrovar ofLeplospira interrogansand the nameunipertamawas assigned to it. Six other leptospiral serovars were isolated, namelycanicola, australis, javanica,ballum, pomonaandhardjo. All six serovars were isolated for the first time in cattle in Malaysia.

Cattle in Malaysia appear to be the maintenance host for serovarhardjo. The presence of the other serovars in cattle was probably duo to contact with the maintenance hosts, pigs for serovarpomonaand rodents for the other three serovars. It appears that the epidemiology of leptospiral infection in cattle in Malaysia is similar to that reported overseas.
A three-year diagnostic and epidemiological study on viral infantile diarrhoea in Rome
Authors: Donelli G. , Ruggeri F. M. , Tinari A. , Marziano M. L. , Menichella D. , Caione D. , Concato C. , Rocchi G. , Vella S.
Published: October 2009

Rotavirus infection was demonstrated in 168 (29·3%) of 573 children hospitalized for acute diarrhoea in Rome between January 1982 and December 1984. Laboratory diagnosis of these infections was made by transmission electron microscopy and enzyme immunoassay techniques with an overall agreement of 91·3%. Astroviruses, adenoviruses and small round viruses were detected in the faeces of 36 patients (6·4%). Whereas in 1982 rotavirus positive patients were clustered in the winter and following spring, in the following years cases were recorded all year round. The median age of patients with rotavirus infections was 17, 10 and 11·5 months in 1982, 1983 and 1984, respectively. In addition, a smaller number of rotavirus positive cases were admitted in 1983 when compared to those admitted during the previous as well as the subsequent years. It is suggested that a herd immunity was induced in the population by epidemic spread of rotavirus in the first half of 1982.
Pharyngeal carriage of Neisseria meningitidis and Neisseria lactamica in households with infants within areas with high and low incidences of meningococcal disease
Authors: Olsen S. F. , Djurhuus B. , Rasmussen K. , Joensen H. D. , Larsen S. O. , Zoffman H. , Lind I.
Published: October 2009

In a household survey in the Faroe Islands, an isolated community with hyperendemic occurrence of meningococcal disease due to serogroup B 15, 1604 persons were examined for pharyngeal carriage of Neisseria meningitidis and N. lactamica. Two areas were chosen having experienced high (HIA), and two having experienced low incidences (LIA) of disease. Living in HIA compared with LIA was associated with higher risk of N. meningitidis B 15 carriage and lower risk of N. lactamica carriage, with odds ratios of 2·7 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1·4–5·1, P = 0·003) and 0·41 (95% CI 0·31–0·53, P < 0·0001), respectively. In HIA the risk of N. meningitidis carriage was much lower in non-carriers than carriers of N. lactamica, with an odds ratio of 0·19 (95% CI 0·08–0·47, P = 0·0003); in LIA this association (odds ratio 0·51, P = 0·05) was much weaker. Children 0–14 years had substantially higher risk of being carriers of N. meningitidis group B 15 if the mothers were so, with an odds ratio of 11 (95% CI 4–29, P < 0·0001).
Streptococcus pyogenesvulvovaginitis in children in Nottingham
Authors: Donald F. E. , Slack R. C. B. , Colman G.
Published: October 2009

Isolates ofStreptococcus pyogenesfrom vaginal swabs of children with vulvovaginitis received at Nottingham Public Health Laboratory during 1986–9 were studied. A total of 159 isolates was made during the 4 years, increasing from 17 in 1986 to 64 in 1989 and accounting for 11% of all vaginal swabs received from children. The numbers of throat swabs yieldingS. pyogenesalso showed an increase from 974 in 1986 to 1519 in 1989. A winter peak of isolates was noted for both vaginal swabs and throat swabs. A total of 98 strains from vaginal swabs were serotyped: 22 different types were identified, 61% of which were the common types M4, M6, R28 and M12. Erythromycin sensitivity was done on 89 strains; 84% were highly sensitive (MIC < 0·03 mg/1). There are no other reports of such large numbers in the literature; the reason for seeing this increase in Nottingham is unclear.
Characterization of clinically significant isolates ofStaphylococcus epidermidisfrom patients with cerebrospinal fluid shunt infections
Authors: Etienne J. , Charpin B. , Grando J. , Brun Y. , Bes M. , Fleurette J.
Published: October 2009

Biotyping, slime production, antibiograms, extrachromosomal DNA banding and total DNA restriction analysis were used to characterizeStaphylococcus epidermidisstrains causing cerebrospinal fluid shunt infections in 11 patients. Infections considered to be community acquired and those acquired in the first 2 weeks of hospital admission were due to oxacillin-susceptible isolates. Multiply resistant strains were isolated from patients who were in hospital for more than 1 month before tube implantation. Slime was detected in staphylococci for 54% of cases, but its expression varied. Strains from different patients could be differentiated from one another by the extrachromosomal DNA bandings and total DNA restriction patterns, but isolates from the same patient were usually similar. During the period of external drainage, epidemiological markers were useful in differentiating persistence of infection from contamination or re-infection by a new strain.
Surveys of human enterotoxigenicEscherichia colifrom three different geographical areas for possible colonization factors
Authors: McConnell M. M. , Hibberd M. L. , Penny M. E. , Scotland S. M. , Cheasty T. , Rowe B.
Published: October 2009

EnterotoxigenicEscherichia coli(ETEC) from Burma, central Africa (Rwanda and Zaire) and Peru, were screened by enzyme-linked immunoassays for the colonization factor antigens (CFAs) and putative colonization factors (PCFs): CFA/I, CFA/II, which consists of three coli surface-associated (CS) antigens, CS1, CS2 and CS3, CFA/III, CFA/IV (CS4, CS5, CS6), CS7, PCFO9, PCFO159.H4, PCFO166, and CS17. The highest proportion of ETEC with identifiable colonization factors (71%) were found in the strains from Burma, which were mainly positive for CFA/I (38%), but strains producing CFA/II (4%), CFA/IV (11%), CS7 (10%), CS17 (4%), PCFO159.H4 (2%) and PCFO166 (2%) were also found. Sixty-nine percent of the ETEC from central Africa were positive for known colonization factors. While CFA/I positive strains were important (12%), a higher number of ETEC producing CFA/IV (33%) and CS17 (24%) were found. Fifty-two percent of the Peruvian strains produced identifiable colonization factors. The largest group of strains produced antigens of the CFA/IV complex (17%), while ETEC producing CFA/II (6%), CFA/III and CS6 (2%), CS7 (6%), PCFO9 (6%), PCFO166 (8%) and CS17 (7%) were also found. These surveys show that there is a considerable variation in the proportions and types of colonization factor found in different geographical areas. From 29 to 48% of the ETEC did not possess an identifiable colonization factor. These were particularly of the LT only producing type. These results have important implications for vaccine formulation.
A large outbreak of food poisoning of unknown aetiology associated with Stilton cheese
Authors: Maguire H. C. F. , Boyle M. , Lewis M. J. , Pankhurst J. , Wieneke A. A. , Jacob M. , Bruce J. , O'Mahony M.
Published: October 2009

Between November 1988 and January 1989, a total of 155 people in 36 reported outbreaks suffered gastrointestinal symptoms associated with eating Stilton cheese, produced from unpasteurized cow's milk in the English midlands. Symptoms were suggestive of a staphylococcal illness but extensive laboratory testing of cheeses implicated in several of the outbreaks failed to detect any pathogen, toxin or chemical. Control measures were implemented, and included a voluntary withdrawal of the implicated Stilton cheese from sale on 23 January 1989 and a subsequent decision to use pasteurized milk in production of the cheese.
Effects of ceftriaxone on faecal flora: analysis by micromorphometry
Authors: Meijer B. C. , Kootstra G. J. , Geertsma D. G. , Wilkinson M. H. F.
Published: October 2009

In order to elucidate the effect of ceftriaxone therapy on the morphology of gut microflora, 11 human volunteers were treated with ceftriaxone, 1 g daily, given intramuscularly in one dose. Treatment continued for 5 days. Faecal microflora was analysed by digital image processing before, during and after the treatment period.

We derived simple numerical parameters which describe the morphologic composition of the flora. They were significantly influenced by the antibiotic, and returned to their baseline values more than 7 days after treatment was stopped. The procedure holds promise for clinical application.
Further evaluation of one-point microcapsule agglutination test for diagnosis of leptospirosis
Authors: Cui J. J. , Xiao G. X. , Chen T. Z. , Zhu G. F. , Sato T. , Seki M. , Kobayashi S. , Arimitsu Y.
Published: October 2009

A total of 100 serum samples including 22 acute phase sera and 39 paired sera collected from clinically diagnosed cases of leptospirosis in Ming-shan County, Sichuan Province, China were examined by the one-point microcapsule agglutination test (MCAT), which was developed in Japan, and by conventional microscopic agglutination tests (MAT). The one-point MCAT is more reactive to IgM antibody than MAT and is superior in detecting antibodies in the early stages of the disease.
Geographical and temporal distribution of Ockelbo disease in Sweden
Authors: Lundström J. O. , Vene S. , Espmark Å. , Engvall M. , Niklasson B.
Published: October 2009

The incidence of Ockelbo disease and the prevalence of Ockelbo virus neutralizing antibodies were investigated in a sample of the Swedish population. The disease occurs throughout most of Sweden but with higher incidence and antibody prevalence rates in the central part of the country. It generally affects middle-aged men and women, with equal incidence between sexes, and is uncommon in people younger than 20 years of age. The disease occurs during a short period each year between the third week of July and the first week of October, with a peak during the second half of August. During the 8 years studied (1981–8), an average of 31 Ockelbo patients/year were diagnosed. The antibody prevalence rates in the oldest age groups were 20–40 times higher than the accumulated life-risk of being diagnosed and reported as an Ockelbo disease patient, which suggests that many cases are asymptomatic and/or unreported.
Survival of thermophilic campylobacters on fingertips and their elimination by washing and disinfection
Authors: Coates D. , Hutchinson D. N. , Bolton F. J.
Published: October 2009

A simple impression-plate technique has been used to investigate the survival of four thermophilic campylobacter strains applied to fingertips. Campylobacters suspended in 0·1% peptone water and dried on the fingertips survived for different periods of time ranging from < 1 to ≧ 4 min. However, campylobacters suspended in chicken liquor or blood survived for much longer periods. The most resilient organism wasCampylobacter jejuniNCTC 11392 which, when suspended in 50% horse blood, survived for an hour. Suspensions containing 106–107organisms prepared in 50% blood and dried on to fingertips were removed by thorough hand washing with either soap and water or water alone followed by drying on paper towels, but persisted on wet hands. The organisms were also eliminated by wiping the hands with a tissue saturated with 70% isopropyl alcohol for 15 sec.
Serogroups of thermophilic campylobacters from humans and from non-human sources, Israel 1982–1985
Authors: Rogol M. , Sechter I.
Published: October 2009

The distribution of serogroups of thermophilic campylobacters isolated in Israel from human patients (2421 isolates), chicken (942), turkeys (158), cattle (398), wild birds (234) and other sources, was studied.

Among the human isolates, 74 ROG-serogroups were identified. The six most commonly isolated of these (1,18; 11; 12; 8,23; 4 and 5,39) were found frequently in chickens. Only four common serogroups in man were also common in cattle, three in turkeys and two in wild birds.

Two common serogroups in man (1,18 and 5,39) were prevalent all over the country, while others were regionally distributed. When the prevalence of different serogroups in Israel was compared to that in Canada, some groups were common to both countries and others were common in only one or the other.

Campylobacter jejuniaccounted for 86·7% to 92·1% of the isolates from man, chickens, turkeys, cattle and most of the wild birds.C. coliwas found in 34·4% of isolates from cattle egrets and in 70·5% of those from pigs.
Salmonella serotypes and incidence of multiply-resistant salmonellae isolated from diarrhoeal patients in Hong Kong from 1973–82
Authors: Ling Julia , Chau P. Y. , Rowe B.
Published: October 2009

Salmonella was the most frequent bacterial pathogen isolated from patients with acute diarrhoea in Hong Kong. In Queen Mary Hospital, the major hospital on Hong Kong Island, 94·7% of salmonellae isolated from faecal specimens from patients during the period 1973–82 belonged to the gastroenteric group, while 5·3% belonged to the enteric fever group. Amongst the gastroenteric group, 68 salmonella serotypes were identified, withSalmonella derby, S. typhimuriumandS. analumbeing the predominant ones. Three outbreaks caused byS. johannesburg, S. worthingtonandS. wandsworthwere detected.

OfS. typhimurium, 61·0% were resistant to multiple antibiotics and belonged to four major phage types: 193, 22, 138 and U288. The majority (96·8%) ofS. johannesburgstrains which caused a widespread epidemic were multiply-resistant. Multiple antibiotic resistance was rarely observed in most other gastroenteric salmonellae.

S. typhiwas the commonest of the enteric fever group isolated from the blood of patients. Nineteen phage types were identified; E1 being the commonest (18·5%) while 21% were nontypable. Many of these isolated were resistant to streptomycin or sulphadiazine, but none were resistant to ampicillin, chloramphenicol or trimethoprim.
Calculation of the expected increases of coliform organisms,Escherichia coliandSalmonella typhimurium, in raw blended mutton tissue
Authors: Smith M. G.
Published: October 2009

Samples of blended mutton tissue in small polyvinyl chloride sachets were incubated in water baths for different times and at varying temperatures. The temperature of each bath was recorded accurately throughout each experiment. Using equations previously derived for the lag and generation times of coliform organisms in blended mutton tissue, the expected increases of these bacteria were calculated from the time/temperature recordings. These were compared with the data obtained from plate counts made on the tissue samples in the sachets before and after incubation. The studies were done with a strain ofEscherichia coli, one ofSalmonella lyphimuriumand the coliform organisms naturally present on sheep carcasses processed in a commercial abattoir. The calculated growth agreed closely with that measured. Therefore, if mutton, after overnight chilling, is warmed again to temperatures within the growth range of these bacteria, the possible increases in the numbers of cells present can be calculated directly from time and temperature measurements.

The implications for the present codes of practice in abattoirs are discussed.
Invasive nosocomial pulmonary aspergillosis: risk factors and hospital building works
Authors: Perraud M. , Piens M. A. , Nicoloyannis N. , Girard P. , Sepetjan M. , Garin J. P.
Published: October 2009

A retrospective epidemiological study of 22 observations of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, of which 18 were fatal, occurring over a period of 30 months, implicated certain building sites within the hospital. The building works were responsible for the diffusion into the atmosphere of fungal spores from normally closed reservoirs, notably false ceilings, fibrous thermal and/or acoustic insulation materials and roller-blind casings. The results of our study permit us to suggest that protective measures should be set up or that immunodepressed patients are evacuated when such works are to be carried out in an in-patient establishment.
The bacteriological quality of bottled natural mineral waters
Authors: Hunter P. R. , Burge S. H.
Published: October 2009

Fifty-eight bottles of natural mineral water, taken from the point of sale, were bacteriologically examined. No coliforms orAeromonas sp.were isolated from any sample. High total bacterial counts were found particularly in the still waters. Most of the organisms isolated in the total counts were Gram-negative rods, but Gram-positive organisms were also isolated. Gram-positive cocci were further identified, some of which were known human commensals suggesting contamination of the waters prior to bottling.
Analysis of penicillinase-producingNeisseria gonorrhoeaeisolates in Madrid (Spain) from 1983–85
Authors: Fenoll A. , Berrón S. , Vázquez J. A.
Published: October 2009

Between April 1983 and December 1985, 576 strains ofNeisseria gonorrhoeaewere isolated in our laboratory from patients attending Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) clinics. Of these, 61 (10·6%) were penicillinase-producing. Studies on these strains by plasmid analysis, auxotyping and serogrouping showed that the predominant type strains harboured the Asian resistance plasmid, were prototrophic, and were of serogroup WII/WIII. About half of the strains, both of the African and Asian type, harboured the transfer plasmid. Strains of serogroup WII/WIII were less sensitive to tetracycline and cefoxitin than serogroup WI strains.
How are the sub-unit pertussis vaccines to be evaluated?
Authors: Baxter D. N. , Gibbs A. C. C.
Published: October 2009

Although an effective whooping cough vaccine has been available in the UK since the 1950s, its current association with neurotoxicity has resulted in poor uptake: as a consequence major epidemics (with significant morbidity and mortality) arc still being experienced.

Component (sub-unit) vaccines, which incorporate those antigens thought to be concerned with generating a protective effect, have been developed and are now available for field testing. This paper addresses how such a vaccine might be evaluated, the organization of a trial and the difficulties to be expected.
An assessment of methods for routine local monitoring of vaccine efficacy, with particular reference to measles and pertussis
Authors: Clarkson J. A. , Fine P. E. M.
Published: October 2009

The efficacy of measles and pertussis vaccines was investigated using several different procedures based upon data routinely available at Local Health Authority level in England and Wales. It is demonstrated that such estimates can be derived by methods which can be carried out simply and routinely by local health department staff. Several theoretical and practical difficulties in the procedures are discussed. It is recommended that Health Authorities consider monitoring by a routine procedure based on crude case-control analysis of recorded vaccination status of notified cases compared with that of the population in the Child Health computer file, or of matched controls drawn from Child Health Registers. A simple protocol for such studies is provided.