bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rubella-specific IgG subclass concentrations in sera using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA): the effect of different sources of rubella antigen
Authors: Thomas H. I. J , Morgan-Capner P.
Published: May 2009

Five rubella antigens were evaluated in an antiglobulin enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for rubella-specific IgG subclass antibody. One monoclonal anti-human IgG subclass antibody was used for each of IgG1, IgG2and IgG4, but two were compared for IgG3. A total of 101 sera were tested from cases of rubella in the distant past and from cases of primary rubella, reinfection and following immunization. Only one serum gave a discrepant result for specific IgG1, being positive with only one rubella antigen, a commercially prepared antigen coated on to microtitre wells (Enzygnost; Behringwerke). No sera contained detectable specific IgG2. Only four sera contained specific IgG4, and this was detectable only with Enzygnost antigen. For specific IgG3little difference was observed between the two monoclonal anti-human IgG3subclass antibodies; only two very weakly positive sera gave discrepant results. However, varying results were obtained for specific IgG3with the different antigens. Enzygnost gave more positive results for specific IgG3with most categories of sera.

It is concluded that the differences between various reports of the rubella-specific IgG subclass profile cannot be explained entirely by the use of different rubella antigens.
A study of intranasally administered interferon A (rIFN-α2A) for the seasonal prophylaxis of natural viral infections of the upper respiratory tract in healthy volunteers
Authors: Tannock G. A , Gillett S. M , Gillett R. S , Barry R. D , Hensley M. J , Herd R. , Reid A. L. A , Saunders N. A.
Published: May 2009

The efficacy of interferon A (rIFN-α2A), an Escherichia coli-derived interferon, in the prophylaxis of acute upper respiratory tract infection, was evaluated in a community-based double-blind placebo-controlled study in the Australian winter of 1985. The trial population of 412 healthy volunteers (190 males and 222 females, aged 18–65 years) self-administered 1·5, 3·0 and 6·0 megaunits (MU) of interferon A per day or a placebo, intranasally for 28 days.

The period of study coincided with an outbreak of H3N2 influenza A (detected in 35 of the 107 acute specimens) as well as substantial numbers of respiratory syncytial virus and adenovirus infections. Rhinoviruses were isolated from only three specimens. In many cases, subjects had laboratory and clinical evidence of having had more than one respiratory tract infection during the period of the study. Viruses were detected in 54 or 107 acute specimens (49%).

No statistically significant differences were noted between the various treatment groups in the incidence of laboratory-proven viral infection (virus isolation and/or antibody response). Analysis of reported symptoms indicated that blood-tinged mucus and nasal stuffiness occurred more frequently with higher doses of interferon. There appeared to be no clinical benefit from the use of interferon A in the amelioration of symptoms.
Legionella Pneumophilain a hospital in Torino, Italy A retrospective one-year study.
Authors: Ruggenini A. Moiraghi , Pastoris M. Castellani , Dennis P. J. , Barral C. , Sciacovelli A. , Carle F. , Bolgiani M. , Passarino G. , Mingrone M. G. , Passi C. , Lombardo M.
Published: May 2009

Legionella pneumophilaserogroup 1 was isolated from post mortem specimens from 13 out of 58 patients with pneumonia diagnosed at autopsy. The results of a study undertaken in the hospital environment showed that the water plumbing system was colonized withL. pneumophilaserogroup 1 which could also be isolated from respiratory devices filled with tap water. Control measures instituted are described.
Proposed revisions to the serological typing system forTreponema hyodysenteriae
Authors: Hampson D. J. , Mhoma J. R. L. , Combs B. , Buddle J. R.
Published: May 2009

Antisera were prepared in rabbits against seven well-characterized strains ofTreponema hyodysenteriaeof known serotype, and reacted in agarose gel double immunodiffusion tests (AGDP) with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) extracted from 18 Western Australian isolates of the organism. Eight isolates were provisionally typed by this method, but sera raised against one ‘typed’ and two ‘untypable’ local isolates reacted in an unexpected fashion with LPS from other local and type strains. Serum raised against the ‘typed’ local isolate reached with LPS from other previously untyped local isolates: this indicated the presence of more than one major LPS antigen amongst certain local isolates, and was confirmed by cross-absorption of sera. Sera raised against apparently untypable local isolates reacted with LPS from certain type organisms, thus suggesting the presence of complex antigenic relationships between LPS antigens.

The serotyping system forT. hyodysenteriaewhich was proposed by Baum &Joens (1979) uses unabsorbed antisera and is made unworkable by these observations. Instead we propose placing organisms which share common LPS antigens into serogroups A to E, members of which are defined by their reactivity with unabsorbed sera raised against a type organism for the group. We suggest strains B78, WAI, B169, Al and WA6 respectively as being the most suitable type organisms for the five serogroups identified so far. Isolates possessing additional unique LPS antigens can be regarded as serotypes within the serogroup. However the serotype of an isolate can only be established if antiserum is prepared against it, and this serum continues to react homologously after cross-absorption with bacteria from other serotypes within the serogroup.
A community outbreak of group A beta haemolytic streptococci with transferable resistance to erythromycin
Authors: Scott R. J. D. , Naidoo J. , Lightfoot N. F. , George R. C.
Published: May 2009

Erythromycin resistance amongst group A streptococci (GAS) in Great Britain is a relatively rare occurrence and outbreaks have been sporadically reported. Over an 8-month period in 1986 ten associated cases occurred in the town of Bridgwater in Somerset. Isolates were group A, type M4 and resistant to erythromycin (MIC 8 mg/l) but sensitive to lincomycin and clindamycin. Erythromycin resistance was transferable from all isolates to a group A recipient strain. No plasmid DNA could be detected in the original isolates or transconjugants.
A norfloxacin dose finding study for selective decontamination of the digestive tract in pigs
Authors: Van Der Waaij L. A. , Messerschmidt O. , Van Der Waaij D.
Published: May 2009

Five pigs were treated orally with norfloxacin for 5 consecutive days in two well-separated periods. This was done to determine the lowest dose required to free the pigs of Enterobacteriaceae. In the first period of the study, the animals were treated with 400 mg per day while in the second treatment 800 mg norfloxacin was given. Daily faecal culturing indicated that the faeces became free of Enterobacteriaceae in 3–5 days when treated with 400 mg/day, while all animals were found negative on culturing after 3 days of treatment with 800 mg/day. Investigation of the concentration of norfloxacin in the faeces revealed that a substantial fraction of the dose was either absorbed or inactivated by faecal substances. An in vitro study in faeces confirmed that a substantial part, some 75% of the dose, may have been inactivated by intestinal contents. This finding helps to explain the much lower concentration of 120 mg norfloxacin per kg of faeces in the pig in comparison with the almost tenfold higher concentration reported to develop in man during treatment with an identical dose.
Bacteriological examination of the water supply on an Antarctic base
Authors: Harker Clive
Published: May 2009

Faraday Base represents a small isolated community producing its own domestic water by desalination of sea water. During the Antarctic winter of 1986 (April to October), regular bacteriological examination of the water supply and surrounding sea took place. Samples were collected and examined every 2 weeks by the methods described in the Department of Health and Social Security Report No. 71, on the Bacteriological Examination of Drinking Water Supplies (DHSS, 1982), for membrane filtration and colony counting. The results of these examinations are presented in this paper. The results obtained suggest that water of good bacteriological quality was produced by the desalination plant, but some samples from the distribution system contained coliforms or presumptive Escherichia coli in small numbers. The possible reasons for this low-level contamination are discussed. No cases of gastroenteritis occurred on the base during this time.
Epidemiology in general practice
Authors: Ross A. C.
Published: May 2009

Epidemiology in Country Practiceby William N. Pickles, published in 1939, has been a source of continuing interest and challenge especially to general practitioners (Watson, 1982; Booth, 1987). Pickles worked for over 50 years as a general practitioner (GP) in rural Wensleydale where there were many isolated villages in which natural immunity against various infections was often lacking. And so the source of infection could usually be traced, and, with little or no immunity, spread was often rapid.
Sink flora in a long-stay hospital is determined by the patients' oral and rectal flora
Authors: Van Saene Hendrik K. F. , Van Putte Jeannet C. , Van Saene Joris J. M. , Van De Gronde Thomas W. , Van Warmerdam Eduard G. A.
Published: May 2009

Sinks in a new long-stay hospital (LSH) were cultured weekly during 4 consecutive months to evaluate the microbial profile before and after occupancy of the hospital. From the elderly patients admitted to the patient care rooms oral and rectal specimens were collected to examine the contribution of the patients' flora to the sink contamination. Isolates were typed biochemically, serologically and by susceptibility pattern. Before occupancy Gram-negative bacilli were not isolated. Once the elderly patients, who were highly colonized on admission, occupied their rooms identical strains gradually contaminated the sinks. Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter species were the major correlating strains. The mean concentration of the correlating isolates was higher in throat and intestines compared to the mean concentration of the non- correlating strains. These strains seem to have a greater chance to be shed and then transferred via the hands of personnel to sinks. This resport shows that the major route of environmental contamination is from patient carriers to sinks, and not the reverse way.
Isolation of verocytotoxin-producingEscherichia colifrom milk filters in south-western Ontario
Authors: Clarke R. C. , McEwen S. A. , Gannon V. P. , Lior H. , Gyles C. L.
Published: May 2009

A total of 1012 milk filters collected from 498 dairy farms in south-western Ontario during three study periods (December 1985–March 1986) were tested for the presence of verocytotoxin-producingEscherichia coli(VTEC). VTEC were detected and isolated using a Vero cell assay. Supernatants from 20 of the milk filter cultures had verocytotoxic activity and 7 VTEC strains were isolated from these positive samples. The prevalence of VTEC in the samples in each of the three study periods were 0·44, 0·65 and 0·99% respectively. All seven VTEC strains isolated were sensitive to commonly used antimicrobial agents. The serotypes of these strains were O 26.H11, O43.H2, O 153.H25, O ?. H8, O ?. H19, O ?.non-motile, and Orough. H19. Two of these serotypes (O 153. H25 and O 26.H11) have previously been associated with disease in humans.
Evaluation of enzyme immunoassays in the diagnosis of camel (Camelus dromedarius) trypanosomiasis: a preliminary investigation
Authors: Rae P. F. , Thrusfield M. V. , Higgins A. , Aitken C. G. G. , Jones T. W. , Luckins A. G.
Published: May 2009

Three enzyme immunoassays were used for the serodiagnosis of Trypanosoma evansi in camels in the Sudan in order to evaluate their ability to discriminate between infected and non-infected animals. Two assays were used for the detection of trypanosomal antibodies, one using specific anti-camel IgG conjugate and another using a non-specific Protein A conjugate. The third assay detected the presence of trypanosomal antigens using anti-T. evansi antibodies in a double antibody sandwich assay. Inspection of the frequency distribution of assay results suggested that the ELISA for circulating trypanosomal antibodies using specific antisera and the ELISA for circulating antigens can distinguish between non-infected camels and infected camels exhibiting patent infections or not. The ELISA using Protein A conjugate to bind non-specifically to camel immunoglobulin did not appear to discriminate between infected and non-infected animals.
The characterization of African strains of capripoxvirus
Authors: Kitching R. P. , Bhat P. P. , Black D. N.
Published: May 2009

Isolates of capripoxvirus collected from sub-Saharan Africa were compared in sheep, goats and cattle and by restriction endonuclease digestion of their purified DNA. Biochemical techniques were used to precisely identify strains of capripoxvirus for epidemiological investigations. Strains of capripoxvirus infecting cattle have remained very stable over a 30-year period and are closely related to strains recovered from sheep in Africa.
Cryptococcosis in the AIDS era
Authors: Mackenzie D. W. R.
Published: May 2009

Cryptococcosis is not a commonly diagnosed disease. Records of its occurrence in Britain are virtually non-existent before 1945. when the Mycological Reference Laboratory (MRL) of the Public Health Laboratory Service was first established
The production of Clostridium botulinum toxin in mammalian, avian and piscine carrion
Authors: Smith G. R. , Turner A.
Published: May 2009

Mice, birds (chicks, quail) and fish (rudd, goldfish) killed shortly after receiving 1300–2000 spores of Clostridium botulinum per os were incubated, usually at 23 °C for 7 days. A 10% (w/v) homogenate of each rotting carcass was then prepared, sterilized by membrane filtration, and assayed for toxin.

In mouse carcasses a type C strain of C. botulinum usually produced > 2 × 105 mouse intraperitoneal LD/g; in fish carcasses it usually produced less - often much less - than 2 × 104 LD/g. Avian carcasses appeared to be intermediate between those of mice and fish in their ability to support toxigenesis. A type E strain of C. botulinum, unlike type C. produced toxin equally well in fish and mouse carrion, usually at a concentration of between 2 × 104 and 2 × 105 LD/g.
Evidence for a new rotavirus subgroup in India
Authors: Ghosh S. K. , Naik T. N.
Published: May 2009

Monoclonal antibodies specific for rotavirus subgroup 1 (SG1) and subgroup 2 (SG2) were used to analyse by enzyme immunoassay (EIA) the subgroups of human rotavirus isolates obtained from three different parts of India during the period September 1985 to July 1987. We identified one isolate which failed to react with either SG1 or SG2 specific monoclonal antibodies, although it reacted well with a monoclonal antibody specific for group A rotaviruses. This finding suggests that it belongs to a new rotavirus subgroup. Further, another isolate was found to belong to SG1 although it had a ‘long’ electropherotype.
Outbreaks of diarrhoeal illness on passenger cruise ships, 1975–85
Authors: Addiss D. G. , Yashuk J. C. , Clapp D. E. , Blake P. A.
Published: May 2009

We reviewed data from the Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP), established by the US Public Health Service in 1975, to describe the epidemiology of shipboard diarrhoeal outbreaks, determine the risk of outbreak-related illness among cruise ship passengers, and evaluate changes in rates and patterns of shipboard diarrhoeal illness since the VSP was implemented. When the programme began, none of the cruise ships passed periodic VSP sanitation inspections; since 1978, more than 50% of ships have met the standard each year. On cruises lasting 3–15 days and having at least 100 passengers, diarrhoeal disease outbreaks investigated by the Centers for Disease Control decreased from 8·1 to 3·0 per 10 million passenger days between 1975–79 and 1980–85. The proportion of outbreaks due to bacterial pathogens (36%) did not change. Seafood cocktail was implicated in 8 of 13 documented food-borne outbreaks. The risk of diarrhoeal disease outbreaks on cruise ships appears to have decreased since implementation of the VSP but has not been eliminated.
A national outbreak ofSalmonella typhimuriumDT 124 caused by contaminated salami sticks
Authors: Cowden J. M. , O'Mahony M. , Bartlett C. L. R. , Rana B. , Smyth B. , Lynch D. , Tillett H. , Ward L. , Roberts D. , Gilbert R. J. , Baird-Parker A.C. , Kilsby D. C.
Published: May 2009

An outbreak ofSalmonella typhimuriumDT 124 infection which affected 101 people in England in December 1987 and January 1988 was detected through surveillance of laboratory reports from medical microbiology laboratories of the NHS and PHLS. Within 1 week of noting the increase in reports, epidemiological and microbiological investigations identified a small German salami stick as the vehicle of infection and the product was withdrawn from sale. The epidemiological investigation highlighted the occurrence of a long incubation period, bloody diarrhoea. Prompt recognition and investigation of the outbreak prevented further cases of severe infection.
Persistence of S. typhimurium in a large dairy herd
Authors: Giles N. , Hopper Sheilagh A. , Wray C.
Published: May 2009

Salmonella typhimurium 49a infection in a large dairy herd persisted for 3·5 years. Illness initially occurred in cows and calves but latterly although there were fewer clinical cases milk filters were culturally positive on 26 out of 73 samplings. Three associated human disease incidents occurred. Individual milk samples identified one cow as an excreter and the organism was recovered from the mammary gland of this animal at slaughter. Correlation between calving pattern, the times of calving and the occurrence of positive milk filters suggest that the cow may have been excreting the organism intermittently from the udder for 2·5 years.
Electrophoretic typing ofEnterobacter cloacaewith a limited set of enzyme stains
Authors: Gaston M. A. , Warner M.
Published: May 2009

Hospital isolates ofEnterobacter cloacaewere analysed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis for enzyme polymorphism and the results were compared with established serotyping, phage typing and biotyping techniques. Initially, the diversity of electromorphs of 13 enzymes was determined on a representative set of 62 distinct strains. Two broad clusters of strains were found in the species, and analysis by serotype suggested a limited diversity within the most frequent o serotvpes. A subset of three enzymes, lactate dehydrogenase, 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase, glutamate dehydrogenase and an unidentified marker, were selected and used to type groups of hospital isolates. There was good general agreement between the two systems, although the enzyme method failed to distinguish between some strains with the same serotype. This method provided useful epidemiological information and, in the absence of established typing systems, it is a practical approach to subdividing the species.
Immunosuppression and mycobacteria other thanMycobacterium tuberculosis: results from patients with and without HIV infection
Authors: Peters M. , Schürmann D. , Mayr A. C. , Hetzer R. , Pohle H. D. , Ruf B.
Published: May 2009

Infections caused by mycobacteria other thanMycobacterium tuberculosis(MOTT) have often been described as common in AIDS patients. To evaluate whether infections with MOTT are specific for HIV related immunosuppression or are also frequent in patients with immunosuppression of different aetiology, data on the frequency of isolation from immunosuppressed patients with HIV infection are important. Blood, stool and urine specimens from 134 patients with non-HIV related immunosuppression, and from 55 immunocompetent subjects were examined for mycobacteria. MOTT have been isolated from one immunocompetent person but from none of the immunosuppressed patients. Since in AIDS patients an initial colonization of the gastrointestinal tract (GI-tract) with MOTT is common, GI-tract biopsy specimens from an additional 80 patients were examined microscopically and histologically for mycobacteria. Mycobacteria were not isolated from these specimens.

In the same period of time 72 AIDS patients have been examined: 7 (10%) had infections withM. tuberculosiswhereas MOTT have been isolated from 16 (22%) of these patients. Mycobacteria have been found only rarely in immunocompetent patients and have not been isolated from patients with non-HIV related immunosuppression. The isolation of MOTT is highly correlated with an HIV-related immunosuppression.
National study on the utilization of prophylactic antibiotics in surgery, Belgium, 1986
Authors: Mertens R. , Verbist L. , Gordts B. , Lauwers S. , Potvliege C. , Reybrouck G. , Verschraegen G. , Wauters G. , Berghmans L. , Dondeyne F. , Stroobant A.
Published: May 2009

During the last week of May 1986, a 1-week prospective study on antibiotic utilization in surgical patients was held in 104 (42%) of the 247 Belgian acute care hospitals. All surgical patients with a post-operative stay of at least 3 days were studied, involving 3112 patients. Each patient was observed for 7 days, starting from the day before surgery. Antibiotics were administered to 71·9% of all patients; 21·9% received therapeutic antibiotics and 52·9% prophylactic antibiotics; 2·9% received both. Of the 1285 patients undergoing a surgical procedure with no indication for antimicrobial prophylaxis, 50·7% nevertheless received prophylaxis; 92·8% of patients with a generally recognized indication for prophylaxis received antibiotic prophylaxis. Less than one fifth (17·1 %) of all prophylactic courses were stopped on the day of the intervention whilst 26·3% were continued up to the fifth post-operative day or beyond. The most frequently prescribed drugs for this indication included first and second generation cephalosporins and nitroimidazoles. The number of different generic drugs utilized per hospital ranged from 1 to 18 (mean: 7·7).
Investigation of the immune status of mice during and following selective decontamination of the digestive tract
Authors: Speekenbrink A. B. J. , Alcock S. R. , Parrott D. M. V.
Published: May 2009

Selective decontamination of the digestive tract (SDD) employs oral antibiotics to eliminate aerobic Gram-negative bacilli while retaining the anaerobic flora. A combination of SDD and parenteral cefotaxime has recently been reported to strikingly reduce the incidence of infection in patients treated in an intensive therapy unit. The present study describes the effects of SDB and of cefotaxime on the immune response of mice to protein antigens. The in vivo cellular response to ovalbumin and sheep red blood cells was unchanged. However, SDD appeared to decrease the in vitro mitogenic response of spleen cells to phytohaemagglutinin, and cefotaxime similarly affected the response to Concanavalin A. The antibody response to sheep red blood cells was increased in the period after discontinuation of SDD. The antibody response was otherwise not affected. These results indicate that SDD is unlikely to have adverse effects on the immune response to protein antigens.
Concurrent outbreaks of influenza and parvovirus B19 in a boys' boarding school
Authors: Grilli E. A. , Anderson M. J. , Hoskins T. W.
Published: May 2009

In the spring term of 1985 there was a protracted outbreak of upper respiratory tract febrile illness consistent with a clinical diagnosis of influenza in a boys' boarding school, which lasted from 23 January to 29 March. Although influenza virus infection was confirmed in 89% of cases in the first half of the term, 53% of the cases which occurred in the second half of the term had no evidence of infection with influenza virus. Between 5 February and 31 March 28 boys presented with skin rashes consistent with a clinical diagnosis of erythema infectiosum; 68% of these were associated with parvovirus B19. Investigation of the cases of clinical influenza with no identified respiratory pathogen revealed a 58% infection rate with B19. B19 DNA was identified in either throat swabs or acute stage bloods of nine pupils with influenza-like symptoms.

Cohort studies revealed that 44% of pupils aged 15–16 years were immune before the outbreak compared with only 17% of pupils aged 11–12 years. Infection in the younger group was common and was associated with influenzalike illnesses as well as rashes. Forty-eight per cent of those who did not report any symptoms were also infected with B19.
Investigation of an outbreak of hepatitis A simplified by salivary antibody testing
Authors: Bull A.R. , Kimmance K. J. , Parry J. V. , Perry K. R.
Published: May 2009

In March 1988 a general practitioner notified two cases of hepatitis A in a private boarding school. Epidemiological investigation, including testing for salivary antibodies revealed a further five cases and established immunity to, and recent infection with, hepatitis A virus (HAV). The pattern of the outbreak was described. A number of practices which would encourage cross-infection were corrected. Normal human immunoglobulin was given to contacts.

Repeat salivary testing 10 weeks later revealed that two more boys had becomereactive for anti-HAV, though at a low titre. These may have been serologicalresponses to HAV infection modified by the passive immunization.
A large outbreak of Salmonella enteritidis phage type 4 associated with eggs from overseas
Authors: Stevens A. , Joseph C. , Bruce J. , Fenton D. , O'Mahony M. , Cunningham D. , O'Connor B. , Rowe B.
Published: May 2009

In February 1989 the largest reported outbreak to date in the United Kingdom of Salmonella enteritidis phage type 4 (PT4) infection occurred following a wedding reception at a hotel. One hundred and seventy-three people met the case definition of illness of whom 118 had the organism isolated from their stools. A further 17 were found to be S. enteritidis PT4 positive, but were asymptomatic. Lightly-cooked, egg-based sauces were the epidemiologically proven vehicles of infection. Investigations showed this outbreak to be the first to implicate imported European eggs as the source of infection. An unusual feature of this outbreak was a reported incubation period of less than 3 h for some of the confirmed cases of salmonellosis.
Numerical index of the discriminatory ability of biotyping for strains ofSalmonella typhimuriumandSalmonella paratyphiB
Authors: Old D.C , Barker R.M.
Published: May 2009

An index of discrimination was used to assess the discriminatory power of biotyping for salmonellas of selected serotypes. Three collections of phage-typed strains ofSalmonella typhimuriumandSalmonella paratyphiB, previously tested for biotype, were examined. The results established that the discrimination index was high when full biotyping alone was used for differentiation of strains from international series. When biotyping was combined with phage typing, the discrimination achieved was greater than for either method used alone. These findings confirm that biotyping affords excellent discrimination of strains ofS. typhimuriumandS. paratyphiB and indicate that the results obtained from biotyping can be interpreted with confidence.
Staphylococcal food poisoning from sheep milk cheese
Authors: Bone F. J. , Bogie D. , Morgan-Jones S. C.
Published: May 2009

Cheese made from sheep milk was implicated in food-poisoning incidents in December 1984 and January 1985. Bacteriological examination of batches of cheese failed to reveal a viable pathogen but enterotoxin A produced byStaphylococcus aureuswas present. This was the first time that enterotoxin was detected in a food produced in the UK which was associated with poisoning and from which viableStaph. aureuscould not be isolated. Subsequent detailed examination of milk, yoghurt and cheese from the same producer revealed that contamination withStaph. aureuswas associated with post-infection carriage as well as clinical illness in ewes on the farm. Strains producing enterotoxin A were still intermittently present in the bulk milk used for cheese production nearly 2 years afterwards, apparently in the absence of clinical illness in the sheep. The possible effects of heat treatment are discussed. Any changes in legislation should cover all non-human mammalian milk used for human consumption.
Some observations on the faecal carriage of mesophilicAeromonasspecies in cows and pigs
Authors: Gray S. J. , Stickler D. J.
Published: May 2009

Replicate faecal samples from healthy individual pigs and cows were examined for the presence ofAeromonassp. over a 12-month period. Aeromonads were found to be minor components of the faecal flora, only 8·8 % of 520 samples from pigs and 4·6% of 481 samples from cows proving positive. Isolation rates in both groups of animals were seasonal.A. hydrophila(62% of the isolates) was the predominant species in cows, followed byA. caviae(32%) andA. sobria(15%). This pattern was also recorded in the natural waters that the animals drank from during the period when the faecal carriage rate was at its highest. In pigs,A. caviae(59%) was more common thanA. hydrophila(41%).A. sobriawas not found in any of the pig-associated samples. It seems that cattle acquire their faecal aeromonads from drinking water. The source of the organisms in pigs is less clear.
The effectiveness of a prenatal education programme for the prevention of congenital toxoplasmosis
Authors: Carter A. O. , Gelmon S. B. , Wells G. A. , Toepell A. P.
Published: May 2009

A 10 min education programme was developed which, if effective in changing the behaviour of pregnant women, would eliminate or greatly reduce the risk of congenital toxoplasmosis. It was taught in 26 randomly selected (case) prenatal classes offered to women early in their pregnancy. The remaining 26 (control) classes received routine class material which did not mention toxoplasmosis. A questionnaire was administered to all women prior to this early class (pre-test) and again after the last prenatal class, held just prior to delivery (post-test). Changes in pet, food and personal hygiene behaviour between the pre- and post-test were determined and a score calculated by adding points for change towards those behaviours recommended in the programme and subtracting points for change in the opposite direction. Cat owners in case classes had a significantly higher score in pet hygiene behaviour than those in control classes (P < 0·05). No significant difference was found between the food or personal hygiene scores of women in case and control classes, possibly because of low power. However, although behaviours did not differ on the pre-test, women in case classes had significantly better cooking methods for roast beef and hamburger on the post-test (P < 0·05 and P < 0·01 respectively). It is concluded that this programme is effective and should be offered to all women in order to reduce congenital toxoplasmosis incidence.
Genotyping ofPseudomonas aeruginosasputum and stool isolates from cystic fibrosis patients: evidence for intestinal colonization and spreading into toilets
Authors: Döring G. , Bareth H. , Gairing A. , Wolz C. , Botzenhart K.
Published: May 2009

Three hundred and fifty-eight stool and 131 sputum specimens from 40 cystic fibrosis (CF) patients and 100 toilet sinks were investigated for occurrence ofPseudomonas aeruginosa; 67% (21/31) of the patients with chronicP. aeruginosalung infections carried the organism repeatedly in the stool but the organism was found only once in the stools of nine uninfected patients.P. aeruginosastool carriage was correlated to highP. aeruginosanumbers in patients' sputa. Typing ofP. aeruginosawith a DNA probe showed identity of sputum and stool strains. Seven patients repeatedly carried additional stool strains, not found in the sputum, suggesting intestinal colonization. No differences were seen in the clinical state of patients withP. aeruginosa-negative stool samples and patients with positive stool samples. Toilets in households ofP. aeruginosa-infected CF patients were significantly more often contaminated withP. aeruginosa(42%) than toilets in households of non-infected CF patients (20%;P< 0·03). The study shows thatP. aeruginosa-infected CF patients may harbour the organisms also in the intestinal tract, and may spread the bacteria into toilets.
The time course of the humoral immune response to rhinovirus infection
Authors: Barclay W. S. , Al-Nakib W. , Higgins P. G. , Tyrrell D. A. J.
Published: May 2009

The specific humoral immune response of 17 volunteers to infection with human rhinovirus type 2 (HRV-2) has been measured both by neutralization and by ELISA. Six volunteers who had HRV-2-specific antibodies in either serum or nasal secretions before HRV-2 inoculation were resistant to infection and illness. Of the remaining 11 volunteers who had little pre-existing HRV-2-specific antibody, one was immune but 10 became infected and displayed increases in HRV-2-specific antibodies. These antibodies first increased 1–2 weeks after infection and reached a maximum at 5 weeks. All six resistant volunteers who had high pre-existing antibody and eight of the volunteers who became infected maintained their HRV-2-specific antibody for at least 1 year. At this time they were protected against reinfection. Two volunteers showed decreases in HRV-2-specific antibodies from either serum or nasal secretions. They became infected but not ill after HRV-2 inoculation 1 year later.
Restricted variability of a 17 nucleotide stretch within the 5′-noncoding region of poliovirus genome
Authors: Pöyry T. , Kinnunen L. , Hovi T.
Published: May 2009

The outbreak of poliomyelitis in Finland in 1984 was caused by a wild strain of poliovirus 3 with uncommon molecular and antigenic properties. We prepared a synthetic oligonucleotide probe complementary to nucleotides 494–510 in the 5′-noncoding part of the genome of a representative strain of the outbreak. This short nucleotide stretch was found to be relatively well conserved within the outbreak and uncommon among 82 independent poliovirus isolates. It may thus be a useful marker for screening isolates to identify those requiring more detailed genetic comparison. The sequences of the corresponding region of the genome are known for 32 separate poliovirus strains and 3 coxsackie B virus strains and show 6 fully conserved nucleotides that could assume a constant hairpin-loop position in a hypothetical secondary structure of the RNA. This could explain the persistence of a particular 17 nucleotide sequence for 40 years in nature in this highly variable region of the poliovirus genome.
Further studies on the inhibition of colonization of the chicken alimentary tract withSalmonella typhimuriumby pre–colonization with an avirulent mutant
Authors: Berchieri A. , Barrow P. A.
Published: May 2009

Oral administration to newly hatched chickens or to chicks up to 5 days of age with an avirulent, rough, spectinomycin–resistant mutant ofSalmonella typhimuriumstrain F98 inhibited the colonization of a nalidixic acid–resistant mutant of the same strain administered by the same route 1 day later. The second strain passed rapidly through the alimentary tract and persisted in the caeca of only a few chickens. Resistance to colonization did not develop until 24 h after inoculation of the first strain but was still evident if the second strain was inoculated up to 7 days later. Resistance occurred in 5 different breeds of chicken and in chickens reared on 5 different diets. Protection was evident against a very high challenge dose and could be produced by the introduction of small numbers of the first strain. Pre–colonization of chicks with the first strain of F98 reduced faecal excretion of the second strain over many weeks, whether chickens were challenged directly or by contact with other infected chickens. The rough strain F98 produced protection against only a few S.typhimuriumstrains and not against other serotypes. However, strains of S.infantisandS. heidelberg, chosen because they colonized the chicken alimentary tract better than did F98, produced inhibition of a wider range of serotypes.
Molecular characterization of trimethoprim resistance inShigella sonneiin Sicily
Authors: Agodi A. , Jones C. , Threlfall E. J. , D'Angelo M. , Marranzano M.
Published: May 2009

During the 3-year period 1985–7, all strains ofShigella sonneiisolated in Catania, Sicily, showed a high level of resistance to trimethoprim (Tp) which was invariably associated with resistance to other antibiotics.

Plasmid analysis showed 18 different electropherotypes: 35 of 37 strains harboured a plasmid of 70 Megadaltons (MDa), and 29 of 37 strains a plasmid of 130 MDa.

Restriction endonuclease fingerprinting of purified 70 MDa plasmid DNA from different strains demonstrated that these plasmids were similar but not identical.

In some strains with transferable Tp resistance, DNA hybridization analysis demonstrated the presence of genes coding for the production of dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) type V. In contrast, there was no detectable hybridization with DNA probes specific for genes coding for DHFR types I, II and IV. This is the first report of the DHFR type V gene outside Sri Lanka.
Molecular epidemiology of shigella infection in Central Australia
Authors: Albert M. John , Singh K. V. , Murray B. E. , Erlich J.
Published: May 2009

Shigellosis is endemic in Central Australia and the infections are predominantly due toShigella flexneri6,Shigella flexneri2a andShigella sonnei. Plasmid profiles of isolates collected from 1985–9, suggested that infections caused byShigella flexneri6 were predominantly due to a single clone, whereas those caused byShigella flexneri2a andShigella sonneiwere due to several genetically diverse strains, although strains with identical plasmid profiles were found in widely separated geographical areas and in different years.
A serological survey of rinderpest antibody in wildlife and sheep and goats in Northern Tanzania
Authors: Anderson E. C. , Jago M. , Mlengeya T. , Timms C. , Payne A. , Hirji K.
Published: May 2009

An extensive serological survey for rinderpest antibody in wildlife, principally buffalo (Syncerus caffer), and sheep and goats has been undertaken in the previously endemic region of Northern Tanzania to determine whether or not the virus has continued to cycle in susceptible species since the last occurrence of overt disease in 1982. The results show that infection but not disease has occurred at least until 1987 in buffalo in parts of the Serengeti National Park but not in the other game areas of Tanzania where samples were taken. Sero-positive sheep and goats were widely distributed and have been found in 10 of the 14 districts sampled but there have been no reports of disease. These findings bring into question the possibility of eradicating the disease from Africa and continuous annual monitoring of this and other similar ecological zones will be required.
Outbreaks of infection with methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureuson neonatal and burns units of a new hospital
Authors: Farrington M. , Ling J. , Ling T. , French G. L.
Published: May 2009

Multiple introductions of methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) strains occurred to a new hospital in Hong Kong. Two years of clinical microbiological surveillance of the resulting outbreaks was combined with laboratory investigation by phage and antibiogram typing, and plasmid profiling. The outbreaks on the special care baby (SCBU) and burns (BU) units were studied in detail, and colonization of staff and contamination of the environment were investigated. MRSA were spread by the hands of staff on the SCBU, where long-term colonization of dermatitis was important, but were probably transmitted on the BU by a combination of the airborne, transient hand-borne and environmental routes. Simple control measures to restrict hand-borne spread on the SCBU were highly effective, but control was not successful on the BU.
DNA restriction digest and ribosomal RNA gene patterns ofCampylobacter jejuni: a comparison with bio-, sero-, and bacteriophage-types of United Kingdom outbreak strains
Authors: Owen R. J. , Hernandez J. , Bolton F.
Published: May 2009

DNA restriction endonuclease (HaeIII andHindIII) total digest and 16S and 23S ribosomal (r)RNA gene patterns (ribopatterns) were determined for 18 isolates ofCampylobacter jejunifrom three separate outbreaks of diarrhoea in the north of England. Strains were also characterized by biotyping, serotyping and phage typing. Comparisons of the DNA patterns by visual and numerical methods revealed five distinct strain groupings with clear differences between isolates from different outbreaks as well as some heterogeneity between strains within the community outbreak and one of the school outbreaks. An excellent correlation was observed between the genomic DNA fingerprints data and the Preston bacteriophage group, both of which gave better discrimination than biotyping and serotyping alone or in combination. Only one phage group (PG 37) was not confirmed by the DNA data. DNA fingerprints therefore provide additional information of value in studying the epidemiology of outbreaks ofC. jejuni.
Infection with bacterial enteropathogens in Swedish travellers to South-East Asia–a prospective study
Authors: Åhrén C. M. , Jertborn M. , Herclik L. , Kaijser B. , Svennerholm A.-M.
Published: May 2009

Infection with potential bacterial enteropathogens was studied prospectively in 94 Swedish travellers. Three faecal samples were collected, regardless of diarrhoeal symptoms, after each of three 1-week stays in Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan. The specimens were analysed for salmonella, shigella, yersinia, campylobacter and different enterotoxin-producing bacteria. A potential enteropathogen was identified in 30% (28/94) of the participants, i.e. in 26% of the healthy and in 39% of the travellers with diarrhoea. The most common isolates were enterotoxigenic bacteria of different species (14%), salmonella (11%) and campylobacter (7%). By performing enterotoxin-tests on six different colonies from the primary culture of each specimen enterotoxigenicEscherichia coli(ETEC) as well as enterotoxin-producingKlebsiellasp.,Citrobactersp. andMorganella morganiiwere identified. The latter strains were as prevalent as ETEC. In the 33 participants with diarrhoea enterotoxigenic bacteria (18%) and campylobacter (18%) were the most common isolates. Campylobacter-infected travellers developed symptomatic disease (6/7) significantly (P>0·02) more often than those infected with salmonella (3/10) or enterotoxigenic bacteria (6/13; 2 ETEC, 4 other species).
A review of outbreaks of infectious disease in schools in England and Wales 1979–88
Authors: Joseph C. , Noah N. , White J. , Hoskins T.
Published: May 2009

In this review of 66 outbreaks of infectious disease in schools in England and Wales between 1979–88, 27 were reported from independent and 39 from maintained schools. Altogether, over 8000 children and nearly 500 adults were affected. Most of the outbreaks investigated were due to gastrointestinal infections which affected about 5000 children; respiratory infections affected a further 2000 children. Fifty-two children and seven adults were admitted to hospital and one child with measles died. Vaccination policies and use of immunoglobulin for control and prevention of outbreaks in schools have been discussed.
Experimental studies on the comparative infectivity and pathogenicity ofStreptococcus suistype 2. I. Porcine and human isolates in pigs
Authors: Robertson I. D. , Blackmore D. K.
Published: May 2009

Piglets between 1 and 40 days of age were inoculated with varying numbers and with different isolates ofStreptococcus suistype 2 by the intranasal, intravenous and subarachnoid routes. Less than 100 organisms of an isolate cultured from apparently normal pigs caused subclinical infection in 1-day-old piglets after intranasal inoculation. This infection was naturally transmitted between litter mates. Intravenous inoculation of a similar isolate in 7-week-old pigs resulted in a sub-clinical bacteraemia in 3 of 8 piglets. One other piglet developed a bacteraemia 7 days after inoculation and concurrently developed signs of lameness and nervous dysfunction. Ten piglets were inoculated by the subarachnoid route with a porcine isolate and two with an isolate from a person with clinical disease. Only the latter two pigs developed the classical signs of nervous disease associated with infection byS. suistype 2. It is concluded that strains ofS. suistype 2, of varying pathogenicity for both pigs and man, are endemic in New Zealand. It is suggested that the occurrence of disease is associated with both exposure to a pathogenic strain and other, as yet undetermined, secondary factors.
Red kidney bean poisoning in the UK: an analysis of 50 suspected incidents between 1976 and 1989
Authors: Rodhouse J. C. , Haugh C. A. , Roberts D. , Gilbert R. J.
Published: May 2009

Between July 1976 and February 1989, 50 incidents of suspected red kidney bean poisoning were reported in the UK. Nine incidents in which nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea developed within 1–7 h of ingestion, were confirmed by the detection of haemagglutinin in the beans. The diagnosis was made on a further 23 incidents on the basis of symptoms, incubation time and the description of preparation of beans prior to consumption. The haemagglutinin (lectin), which occurs naturally in the red kidney bean, is inactivated by thorough cooking of well soaked beans. In many of the outbreaks reported the implicated beans were consumed raw or following an inadequate heat process.
Diversity studies of salmonella incidents in some domestic livestock and their potential relevance as indicators of niche width
Authors: Hunter P. R. , Izsák J.
Published: May 2009

This study attempts to determine whether or not livestock are becoming more susceptible to epidemics of salmonella infections by the analysis of published data on the annual number of reported infections in various animals. The number of incidents reported each year may be subject to a variety of biases due to temporal and geographical differences in reporting practices. This study analysed these reports by the calculation of diversity indices which are not subject to some of these potential biases. The relationship between the ecological concept of niche width and the diversity of species or types occupying that niche is discussed. The diversity of salmonella types reported in fowl has shown a highly significant decline over the 13-year period 1976–88. It is suggested that this declining diversity may be related to the declining niche width of the biotope available to this pathogen. Although speculative, this reduction in niche width could be related to a declining genetic diversity in the host animals or to an increasing intensification of animal husbandry.
Neisseria cuniculi in ruminants: epidemiological aspects
Authors: Elad D. , Shlomovitz S. , Bernstein M. , Bassan J.
Published: May 2009

Neisseria cuniculi was isolated, between March 1987 and March 1989, from 38 cases of respiratory disease in small and large ruminants. In all but five cases N. cuniculi was cultured together with other potential respiratory pathogens. A survey was conducted to assess the prevalence of N. cuniculi in the pharyngeal region of Merino and Awassi purebred sheep, Awassi/East-Friesian and Merino/Romanov crossbred sheep and one exotic cross breed (goat/ibex).

N. cuniculi was isolated from 80–88% of the animals under 1 month of age. Among older animals, the microorganism was isolated from 20·5% of the pure bred animals and 79·3% of the crossbred ones. This difference was significant (P < 0·001) by the χ2 test. The prevalence of N. cuniculi in the second age group coincides with the susceptibility of the breeds to respiratory pathology.

This, we believe, is the first report of N. cuniculi involved in multiple cases of respiratory pathology and of a survey assessing the prevalence of this microorganism in small ruminants.