bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Membrane filtration media for the enumeration of coliform organisms and Escherichia coli in water: comparison of Tergitol 7 and lauryl sulphate with Teepol 610
Authors:   A Joint Committee of the Public Health Laboratory Service and the Standing Committee of Analysis
Published: October 2009

In a multi-laboratory trial with the mombrane filtration technique, three surfactants – Teepol 610 (T610), Tergitol 7 (T7) and sodium lauryl sulphate (LS) – were compared in media for the enumeration of coliform organisms and Escherichia coli in water. A total of 170 samples of water (87 raw and 92 marginally chlorinated) were examined for colony counts of coliform organisms, and 185 water samples (94 raw and 91 marginally chlorinated) for E. coli. Slight differences in the confirmed colony counts between the three media were noted, but few of these were observed consistently in every laboratory. In most laboratories, T7 gave slightly higher counts of E. coli than LS with chlorinated waters; a higher incidence of false-positive results for E. coli at 44 °C was also noted with T7. As there were no outstanding differences in the trial, sodium lauryl sulphate, which is chemically defined, cheap and readily available, is therefore recommended for use at a concentration of 0·1% instead of Teepol 610 in the standard medium for the enumeration of coliform organisms and E. coli in water by the membrane filtration technique.
Significance of enteric Gram-negative bacilli in the throat
Authors: Philpot C. Ross , McDonald P. J. , Chai K. H.
Published: October 2009

Pharyngeal micro-organisms of 131 Australian and Malaysian children and adults were compared by analysis of aerobic culture of throat swab specimens. Enteric Gram-negative bacilli were commonly isolated in small numbers from Malaysian adults whether they had sore throats (28%) or not (36%), but were detected in only 9% of Australian adults without sore throats and in only 12% and 4% of Malaysian children with and without sore throats respectively. In other respects microbiological findings were similar in the different groups of subjects studied.

It is concluded that the pharyngeal carriage rate of enteric Gram-negative bacilli may differ substantially between different groups of normal individuals. Our findings also suggest that these micro-organisms do not have a pathogenic role in pharyngitis.
The bacteriological quality of minced beef in the U.K.
Authors: Roberts T. A. , Britton C. R. , Hudson W. R.
Published: October 2009

Minced (ground) beef from three supermarkets, three intermediate-sized chain butchers and three small family butchers in each of three geographical areas was examined three times in warm weather and three times in cool. The total viable count (37 and 20°C), numbers of Enterobacteriaceae (37 and 17°C), and presumptive coliforms did not differ significantly between shop type or season. Statistically significant differences in numbers of faecal Streptococci,Staphylococcus aureusandClostridium perfringenswere too small to be of commercial importance, or diagnostic value.
Further studies on caprine and ovine mycoplasmas related toMycoplasma mycoidessubsp.mycoides
Authors: Smith G. R. , Hooker J. M. , Milligan R. A.
Published: October 2009

Nine caprine and ovine mycoplasma strains, said to be indistinguishable serologically fromMycoplasma mycoidessubsp.mycoides(the causative organism of contagious bovine plouropneumonia; CBPP) were examined in mice by (1) a mycoplasmaemia test, and (2) a cross-protection test. Of the nine strains, two from goats belonged to a small colony (SC) type; four caprine and three ovine strains belonged to a large colony (LC) type.

The two SC strains – like a single SC strain examined in an earlier study – were indistinguishable from genuineM. mycoidessubsp.mycoidesas isolated from CBPP. They produced mycoplasmaemia readily. In a cross-protection test, the two SC strains and a CBPP strain immunized completely against each other.

Of the seven LC strains, six – like six LC strains examined in an earlier study – were easily distinguished from genuineM. mycoidessubsp.mycoides; except for one that was not tested, all were shown to lack the ability to produce mycoplasmaemia readily. In cross-protection tests all six strains immunized partially but not completely against a CBPP strain.

The soventh LC strain (Mankefár 2833) was exceptional: it produced mycoplasmaemia readily, resembling tho SC strains in this respect. Like other LC strains, in cross-protection tests it protected only partially against a CBPP strain. Strain Mankef´r 2833 was isolated inca. 1005 by Brack from a Barbary sheep (Ammolragus lervia) in a German zoo.

The ability of Mankefár 2833 to produce mycoplasmaemia enabled it to be used as a challenge strain in cross-protection tests. For the purpose of such tests the collection of nine mycoplasma strains referred to above was augmented with six LC strains from an earlier study. Partial but not complete protection against Mankefár 2833 was produced by two caprine SC strains, one CBPP strain, and nine LC strains. Three further LC strains gave protection that may have been as strong as that produced by the homologous strain, but confirmatory experiments are needed. A strain ofM. mycoidessubsp.caprigave no protection against Mankefár 2833.
A note on some Enterobacteriaceae from the faeces of small wild British mammals
Authors: Healing T. D. , Kaplan C. , Prior Anne
Published: October 2009

Over a four-year period 878 samples of faeces were collected from five species of small wild rodents and two species of shrews at sites in England, Scotland and Wales. A search was made for Salmonella in these samples but no isolations of this genus were made. Several other genera of Enterobacteriaceae were identified.
Bacteriostasis ofEscherichia coliby milk. V. The bacteriostatic properties of milk of West African mothers in The Gambia: in-vitro studies
Authors: Dolby Jean M. , Honour Pauline , Rowland M. G. M.
Published: October 2009

Bacteriostatic activity was measured in 244 specimens of milk collected during 1977 throughout lactation of up to one year from 78 mothers; the activity varied from very good to fair and only seven were inactive. There was a wider range of activity than was found previously in milk from English mothers. Activity usually fell slowly during lactation but some of the Gambian mothers produced milk of very high activity, like that of colostrum into the second week of lactation, and two mothers did so at six and nine months; other mothers produced good-activity milk throughout lactation. The bacteriostatic activity varied little with the season but slight decreases from that expectcd were found after the high incidence of infant diarrhoea towards the end of the rainy season.

The bacteriostatic activity of most of the milk tested could be prevented by iron salts but that of colostrum and some of the milks with high activity could not. Only these highly active colostra and milks were inhibitoryin vitrowhen the inoculum was increased from 104to 106organisms per ml. These and less active milks were able to inhibit the smaller, standard inoculum for longer than 3 h with the addition of bicarbonate and extra iron-binding protein at the concentrations likely to be presentin vivo. Both commensal and pathogenicE. coliwere inhibited to a similar degree by these milks and there was no evidence of serotype specificity.
Antibiotic residues in meat in the United Kingdom; an assessment of specific tests to detect and identify antibiotic residues
Authors: Smither R. , Lott A. F. , Dalziel R. W. , Ostler D. C.
Published: October 2009

Investigations were conducted between 1977 and 1979 to assess the performance of microbiological tests for detecting and identifying residues of therapeutic-type antibacterial substances in meat and offal. Of the 5442 home-produced meat samples examined, 34 (0·63%) showed inhibitory activity in the screening test, which used Bacillus subtilis BGA and Micrococcus luteus as indicator organisms. Identification by electrophoretic and thin-layer chromatography/bio-autography techniques confirmed that only two of the 34 screen failures were due to true antibacterial residues: a pig sample contained a trace of penicillin and a horse sample contained a trace of an incompletely identified substance resembling a tetracycline. Twelve of the other 32 failures in the screen test were due to naturally produced inhibition and were, thus, falsely positive, whilst the remainder were shown to be negative. All of the 85 (8·7%) screen test failures from the 972 imported meat and offal samples tested were falsely positive. Additional samples from certain animals known to have been given antibiotic treatment were tested concurrently to give a more searching indication of screen and identification test efficacy.
The effect of incubation temperature and site of sampling on assessment of the numbers of bacteria on red meat carcasses at commercial abattoirs
Authors: Roberts T. A. , MacFie H. J. H. , Hudson W. R.
Published: October 2009

Several sites on commercial beef, pork and lamb carcasses were sampled at the end of the slaughterline. Total viable counts (TVC) of bacteria were assessed by incubation at 37, 20 and 1 °C in addition to presumptive coliforms (PC), Enterobacteriaceae (ENT) and faecal streptococci (FS). Statistical analyses showed consistently dirty sites within an abattoir but these sites varied from one abattoir to another. Inter-site differences were unaffected by the incubation temperature of the TVC. Numbers of PC, ENT and FS did not mimic TVC. Empirical sampling plans are proposed to detect the highest count on a carcass by bulking samples from known dirty sites. At the end of the slaughterline TVC 37 °C is the most useful bacteriological index.
Bacteriostasis ofEscherichia coliby milk. VI. The in-vitro bacteriostatic property of Gambian mothers' breast milk in relation to the in-vivo protection of their infants against diarrhoeal disease
Authors: Rowland M. G. M. , Cole T. J. , Tully Maura , Dolby Jean M. , Honour Pauline
Published: October 2009

A one-year field-study has been carried out in a diarrhoea-endemic area in West Africa to determine the relationship between the bacteriostatic activity of fresh human milk forEscherichia coli in vitroand freedom from diarrhoea of the infant recipients of the milk. The specific contribution ofE. coligastroenteritis to gastrointestinal diseases of infants in general is not known, nor is its particular role in the Gambian infants studied. During the study period, however, both enteropathogenic and toxigenic strains ofE. coliwere isolated.

The incidence of diarrhoea in Gambian infants of seven age-groups from 2 days to 12 months was not significantly correlated with the bacteriostatic activity of milk. This was due rather to absence of diarrhoea in babies fed on low-activity milk than illness in those receiving highly bacteriostatic milk. Indeed, very active milk appeared to protect recipients almost completely, including seven babies of over 3 months of age, five of them during the rainy season, when the risk was high. Babies receiving lower-activity milk experienced more diarrhoea. In a situation where diarrhoeal disease is multifactorial, field evaluation of the protective action by one antibacterial property of milk is difficult. A better understanding ofin vivoprotection is important, and the factors which have to be taken into account are discussed.
‘1001’ Campylobacters: cultural characteristics of intestinal campylobacters from man and animals
Authors: Skirrow M. B. , Benjamin J.
Published: October 2009

The cultural characteristics of 1220Campylobacterstrains from a variety of sources are described. Forty-two were identified asCampylobacter fetusssp.fetus(Véron & Chatelain, 1973), 1120 as members of theC. jejuni/C. coligroup, and 58 did not conform to any known description. Sixteen of the latter strains had the basic characteristics ofC. fetusbut were atypical in certain other respects. The other 42 strains had the thermophilic characteristics of the jejuni/coli group, but were resistant to nalidixie acid and had other features in common; it is possible that they represent a new species. They were isolated from 19% of locally caught wild seagulls but only occasionally from other animals and man.

Growth at 25 °C clearly distinguished strains ofC. fetusfrom those of the jejuni/coli and the nalidixie acid-resistant thermophilic (NARTC) groups. Maximum growth temperature was less reliable for this purpose, and 43 °C was found to be better than the traditional 42 °C. By arranging the results of three tests (tolerance to 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride, growth at 30·5 and 45·5 °C) serially in the form of a schema comprising nine categories, the jejuni/coli strains fell into two main groups resembling the Institute PasteurC. jejuniandC. colitype strains, but these groups could not be clearly defined owing to the existence of strains with intermediate characteristics.

Most of the strains from cattle resembledC. jejuni, whereas those from pigs resembledC. coli; poultry strains occupied a more intermediate position. Strains from man and other animals were of mixed types, but most human strains resembledC. jejunirather thanC. coli. The type distribution pattern that most nearly matched that of human indigenous strains was given by a half-and-half mixture of strains from cattle and poultry.
Laboratory trials of seven rodenticides for use against the cotton rat (Sigmodon hispidus)
Authors: Gill J. E. , Redfern R.
Published: October 2009

The efficacy of seven rodenticides for use against Sigmodon hispidus was investigated in the laboratory. The poisons (warfarin, coumatetralyl, difenacoum, brodifacoum, bromadiolone, calciferol and zinc phosphide) were all toxic at the concentrations normally used against Rattus rattus and R. norvegicus and all were palatable.

Trials are now needed to confirm the efficacy of these poisons in the field, but it seems likely that, if used in suitable bait formulations, they would all be useful for the practical control of S. hispidus.
Changes in the seasonal incidence of measles in Iceland, 1896–1974
Authors: Cliff A. D. , Haggett P.
Published: October 2009

The changing seasonal patterns of reported measles cases in Iceland during this century are analysed. These changes are related to increased population mobility following the development of external and internal transport links, particularly since 1945. The forging of such links has resulted in a shift in the seasonal distribution of cases from one peculiar to the local social and economic conditions in Iceland to one broadly similar to that in other countries of northern temperate latitudes.
Characterization of plasmids conferring resistance to gentamicin and apramycin in strains ofSalmonella typhimuriumphage type 204c isolated in Britain
Authors: Threlfall E. J. , Rowe B. , Ferguson J. L. , Ward L. R.
Published: October 2009

InSalmonella typhimuriumphage type 204c isolated in Britain, gentamicin resistance is specified by plasmids of the I1compatibility group which also confer resistance to apramycin. These plasmids have been subdivided into three types within the I1group on the basis of their antibiotic resistance specificity, their ability to produce colicin Ib and their restriction enzyme digest fragmentation patterns. All three have been identified in strains from cattle, but as yet only two types have been found in strains from humans.

It is suggested that the use of apramyein in animal husbandry is responsible for the appearance of gentamicin resistance in multiresistant strains of phage type 204 c, a phage type already epidemic in bovine animals and with an increasing incidence in humans.
Evaluation of ELISA in the diagnosis of acute and chronic brucellosis in human beings
Authors: Araj G. F. , Lulu A. R. , Mustafa M. Y. , Khateeb M. I.
Published: October 2009

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine the levels of brucella-specific IgG, IgM and IgA in 173 patients with acute brucellosis, 22 patients with chronic brucellosis and in 281 controls consisting of 98 patients with other infectious etiologies, 20 patients with non-infectious diseases and 163 normal healthy adults. The ELISA results were compared with culture findings, the results of slide agglutination tests withBrucella melitensis(M),B. abortus(A) and Ross Bengal (RB) antigens, and of tube and microagglutination tests. Brucella cultures were positive in 53 and 5% of patients with acute and chronic brucellosis respectively. The slide agglutination tests with A, M, A plus M and RB antigens were positive in 42, 44, 51 and 98% of patients with acute brucellosis and in 23, 27, 27 and 64% of patients with chronic brucellosis. There was no significant difference in the results between the tube and microagglutination tests regardless of the type of antigen used. At a titre of ≫ 80 or ≫ 160 these tests were positive in 98% and 92% of patients with acute brucellosis and 60 and 40% of patients with chronic brucellosis. The brucella culture and agglutination tests were negative for all the controls.

Brucella ELISA immunoglobulins (Ig) were detected in some individuals in the control groups but the majority of these had titres of ≫ 100 for IgG, IgM, and IgA. However, patients with brucellosis had significantly higher ELISA titres in all classes of Ig than controls but the sensitivity and specificity within each Ig class varied with the titre considered. At a titre of ≫ 1600 the brucella IgG had a sensitivity and specificity of 98% for patients with acute or chronic brucellosis; this decreased with lower reciprocal titres. The brucella IgM titre of ≫ 400 had a sensitivity of 98% and a specificity of 98% for patients with acute brucellosis. However, in patients with chronic brucellosis the brucella IgM was very low. The brucella IgA titre of ≫ 200 showed a sensitivity of 98% and a specificity of 99% for patients with either acute or chronic brucellosis. This study indicates that brucella ELISA is a rapid, sensitive and specific assay, provides a profile of Ig classes in the diagnosis of acute and chronic brucellosis, is useful for mass screening and could be considered the method of choice for the serological diagnosis of brucellosis.
Enzyme immunoassay using BCG in serodiagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Garcia-Carreñno F. L. , Carvajal R. E. , Hernandez R.
Published: October 2009

Amounts ofMycobacterium tuberculosisantibodies were determined in sera from patients with either active or inactive tuberculosis and in healthy subjects by an immunoenzymatic assay in which whole BCG cells attached covalently to polystyrene disks were used as antigen. Statistically significant differences (P< 0·005) were found both between the active and inactive tuberculosis groups and between the active group and healthy controls. No significant differences were found between the inactive group and controls. Since this procedure is efficient (91%) and can be used in areas which lack laboratory equipment, it appears promising for individual serodiagnosis and for epidemiological surveys.
The survival ofEscherichia coliin an aerosol at air temperatures of 15 and 30 °C and a range of humidities
Authors: Wathes C. M. , Howard K. , Webster A. J. F.
Published: October 2009

The survival ofEscherichia coliin an aerosol was studied at several temperatures and over a range of relative humidities using a Henderson apparatus.

Death occurred in two phases, the first lasting approximately 1 min; in the second the number of viable microorganisms declined exponentially.E. coliwas robust and remained viable for many hours. Death was most rapid at low humidities (< 50% r.h.) at 15 and 30 °C, with half-lives of 14 and 3 min respectively. In humid conditions the half-lives were much longer, approximately 83 and 14 min respectively.

Based on this work, preliminary recommendations for the climate of livestock buildings can now be given to control the airborne spread ofE. coli.
Prevalence of human (H1N1) influenza virus-antibody in japanese swine
Authors: Miwa Y. , Goto H. , Noro S. , Sakurada N.
Published: October 2009

A total of 571 swine sera collected at an abattoir in the city of Obihiro, Hokkaido during the period February–November 1984 were tested for antibody against human (H1N1) influenza virus strains. A high prevalence of antibody was observed for only 3 months from April to June in that year, in 81/180 sera (45·0%) to A/USSR/92/77 strain and in 50/180 sera (27·8%) to a current epidemic strain (A/Hokkaido/1/84). Some cross-reactions were observed between the A/USSR/92/77 and A/Hokkaido/1/84 antibodies (r= 0·75). Only minor relationships were noted between the A/New Jersey/8/76 (swine type H1N1) and A/USSR/92/77 (r= 0·35) or A/Hokkaido/1/84 (r= 0·51) antibodies. Absorption of sera positive for antibody to the A/Hokkaido/1/84 strain with the homologous virus strain removed all detectable antibodies, while the absorption of the sera with the A/New Jersey/8/76 strain produced incomplete absorption in one half of the sera tested. These resultsstrongly suggest that the swine became infected with a human H1N1 virus as piglets during an epidemic of influenza which occurred in the human population during January and February 1984.
Comparison of standard tube and microagglutination techniques for determiningBrucellaantibodies
Authors: Bettelheim K. A. , Maskill W. J. , Pearce J.
Published: October 2009

A microagglutination method for determining the agglutinating and ‘blocking’ antibodies toBrucella abortusis described. A collection of sera from healthy blood donors in two rural areas of New Zealand were tested by the microagglutination methods and the standard methods in tube. The results are compared and show that where discrepancies occur, these are due to the microagglutination methods being more sensitive. It is concluded that these are suitable methods for screening populations.
Meningococcal disease in South Australia: incidence and serogroup distribution 1971–1980
Authors: Hansman D.
Published: October 2009

During the ten-year period 1971–80 isolates of meningococci from 85 cases of meningococcal disease (MD) in South Australia, from 66 children, 6 adolescents and 13 adults, were examined. These comprised 69 cases of meningitis and 16 cases of bacteraemia without meningitis. Thirty-three (39%) of all cases of MD occurred in children less than 1 year of age, the median age was 19 months. Serogroup B accounted for 61 (72%) cases of MD, group A seven (8%), group C seven (8%), group W135 five (6%), group Y three (4%) and group X one (1%); in addition there was a single case of Neisseria lactamica infection.

The annual prevalence of MD in South Australia for the period was 11 cases per 100000 for children under the age of 2 years and 0·7 cases per 100000 overall. The prevalence was highest in winter (45% cases) and spring (26%) and lowest in summer (13%). The overall mortality rate was 8%. Four of the 21 infants under the age of 6 months died (mortality rate 19 %) whereas none of the 32 children aged from 6 months to 14 years died (P = 0·02). Amongst the survivors, three children had deafness, which was bilateral and severe in two.
Seroepidemiological study on toxocaral infection in man by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
Authors: Matsumura K. , Endo R.
Published: October 2009

A seroepidemiological survey for toxocaral infection was performed using samples from children and adult women in the Yamaguchi area of Western Japan, An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using excretory–secretory antigen was applied to these sera. Of samples tested, 3·1% from children and 3·7% from women were positive. It was found that regression analysis of positive rates by age between 20 and 70 or more years was significant in the positive direction. The positive rates from urban, rural and fishing areas were 5·7, 3·9 and 1·7% respectively. Also, the rates from northern, western and eastern parts in the research area were 5·7, 4·7 and 0·5% respectively. These findings suggested that environmental factors are important for toxocaral infection. Further, the rate for 108 samples who answered that they have owned dogs was 6·2% compared to 2·9% of 422 respondents who denied an experience of owning dogs. This fact suggested thatattention should be paid to dog breeding for prevention and control of toxocaral infection in man.
Aerosol infection of animals with strains ofLegionella pneumophilaof different virulence: comparison with intraperitoneal and intranasal routes of infection
Authors: Fitzgeorge R. B. , Baskerville A. , Broster M. , Hambleton P. , Dennis P. J.
Published: October 2009

Infection of guinea-pigs by intranasal (i.n.) instillation of 109viable organisms of two newly isolated strains ofLegionella pneumophila(74/81, serogroup 1; 166/81, serogroup 3) did not induce disease, but 104organisms administered as a small particle aerosol (< 5 μm diameter) produced a fatal widespread bronchopneumonia within 3 days. Milder illness and less extensive bronchopneumonia were also produced in rhesus monkeys and marmosets by one of these two strains (74/81). Mice were resistant to induction of disease by aerosols of both these two strains, though organisms did persist in the lungs for at least 4 days. Both of theseL. pneumophilastrains were pathogenic for guinea-pigs by aerosol infection over a wide range of doses but the serogroup 1 type strain (NCTC 11192) was not. There was no mortality after infection of guinea-pigs by intranasal instillation of any of these strains but all proved to be fatal after intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of large doses. Guinea-pigs, rhesus monkeys and marmosets exposed to aerosol infection withL. pneumophilaprovide relevant models for studying the pathogenesis of Legionnaires' disease.
Phage types of Salmonella typhi isolated in Malaysia over the 10-year period 1970–1979
Authors: Jegathesan M.
Published: October 2009

The pattern of phage types of 2553 strains of Salmonella typhi isolated over the 10-year period 1970–9 was studied. During the period 29 different phage types were encountered, not including the categories of ‘untypable strains’, ‘degraded Vi-strains’ and Vi negative strains. For the period as a whole, the commonest phage types encountered were A (20·9%), E1 (14·8%), D1 (10·3%), degraded Vi positive strains (10·3%), untypable Vi strains (7·3%), C4 (7·1%), D2 (4·4%), E2 (3·9%) and type 25 (2·6%). There were phage types which appeared in the early years of the period and then disappeared (types B2, D9 and D1-N). Others only made their appearance in recent years (K1 and 53). Notable differences were also seen in the predilection of some phage types for certain geographical areas.
Studies on enterotoxigenicEscherichia coliisolated from persons without diarrhoea in Western Australia
Authors: Berry R. J. , Bettelheim K. A. , Gracey M.
Published: October 2009

The epidemiology of enterotoxigenicEscherichia coli(ETEC) was studied in children without diarrhoea in two remote Aboriginal communities in tropical north-western Australia. Serial surveys of the same individuals during different seasons showed that isolations were much more frequent in the wet monsoonal summer than in the dry winter. AllE. coliwere isolated from symptomless children aged 5 years or less; in addition, clearance of ETEC carriage without treatment was observed in all individuals within 3 months of isolation. Of the 58 ETEC strains isolated, 40 had either an H32 or an O126 antigen. Five O antigens which have never been associated with ETEC (O2, O41, O71, O77 and O157) were found. A recently proposed system to detect ETEC, using groups of polyvalent antisera, would have detected only 3 out of these 58 ETEC strains.
Production of monoclonal antibodies to hepatitis B surface and core antigens, and use in the detection of viral antigens in liver biopsies
Authors: Tedder R. S. , Guarascio P. , Yao J. L. , Lord R. B. , Eddleston A. L. W. F.
Published: October 2009

Hybridomas secreting monoclonal antibodies to HBsAg and HBcAg were prepared from immunized mice. An antibody capture radioimmunoassay was used to detect and select appropriate hybrids for propagation and cloning. The advantages of this assay were discussed. The resulting monoclonal antibodies were compared with conventional polyclonal antisera for the detection of virus antigens in liver tissue and found to give excellent results.
Population studies of diphtheria immunity using antitoxin radioimmunoassay
Authors: Menser Margaret A. , Hudson Judy R.
Published: October 2009

A quantitative method for testing serum diphtheria antitoxin levels was set up using a diphtheria antitoxin radioimmunoassay (RIA). The results of this RIA correlated well with the Schick test in 554 subjects and with intradermal neutralization tests in guinea-pigs in a small group of subjects. The RIA was suitable for use on blood collected by fingerprick on to a disc of standard chromatography paper. These discs could be stored at room temperature for at least 1 month. If storage for more than 6 months was required –20 °C was found to be better. Experience with this RIA in a total of 2349 subjects indicated that it is more accurate, rapid and less costly than Schick testing. The RIA should prove to be the preferred method for testing diphtheria immunity in population surveys.
Psittacosis/ornithosis in Cambridgeshire 1975–1983
Authors: Nagington J.
Published: October 2009

In a population of approximately 300000 there were 150 illnesses attributable to chlamydial infection from January 1975 to June 1983 and nearly all were presumed due toChlamydia psittaci. Diagnosis was based on the complementfixation (CF) test, the disadvantages of which are discussed, especially anamnestic responses.

There were 73 cases of pneumonia, 37 febrile respiratory infections, 35 miscellaneous conditions and five asymptomatic seropositive contacts.

The annual number of cases was lowest in 1976 (3) and increased to a maximum in 1980 (28) followed by a sustained high level. No seasonal variation was observed.

A presumptive bird source was present in only 17% and detailed consideration of cases in one rural practice suggests that the infection may possibly be more endemic than zoonotic.
Development of the normal gastrointestinal microflora of specific pathogen-free chickens
Authors: Coloe P. J. , Bagust T. J. , Ireland L.
Published: October 2009

The development of the normal intestinal microflora of the small intestine, caecum and large intestine of specific pathogen-free (SPF) chickens, was studied in the period from hatching to 84 days of age.

No bacteria were detected in any of the sites at hatchery (day 1), but by day 3 significant levels of faecal streptococci and coliforms were isolated from all sites. The flora of the small intestine was limited to faecal streptococci and coliforms for the first 40 days and then lactobacilli became established and dominated the flora.

A large variety of facultative and strictly anaerobic organisms colonized the caecum. Many of these species were transient and were only present for a limited period; after 40 days the flora stabilized to consist predominantly of faecal streptococci,Escherichia coli, Bacteroidesspp. andLactobacillussp.

The flora of the large intestine was composed of organisms also present in the small intestine or the caecum.

These findings differ from previously published studies on conventionally reared chickens in that the number of species isolated and the population levels of organisms are much lower. This probably reflects the absence of continuous environmental challenge to the chickens because of the housing and feeding facilities in which the chickens were maintained.
The effect of maternally derived antibodies on the response of calves to vaccination against foot and mouth disease
Authors: Nicholls M. J. , Black L. , Rweyemamu M. M. , Genovese J. , Ferrari R. , Hammant C. A. , de Silva E. , Umehara O.
Published: October 2009

Studies were carried out in South America to assess the effect of maternally derived antibody (MDA) on the responsiveness of calves to FMD vaccination. It was found that calves with MDA did not merely fail to respond to vaccination, but that their serum titres were depressed. This depression was proportional to the level of pre-existing MDA at the time of vaccination and following primary vaccination it persisted for a least 60 days. High MDA titres interfered with both primary and secondary responses. Animals with relatively low MDA titres were able to respond to vaccination, or at least to be sensitized so that on revaccination they showed a satisfactory response. The half-life of MDA was shown to be approximately 22 days, suggesting that under field conditions significant MDA titres are likely to persist for 4–5 months. A trial carried out in Brazil in which the primary course of two inoculations, 4 weeks apart, was initiated when the calves were 5–6 months of age, resulted in the reduction of FMD in the calf population from 11% to 0·9% over a 12-month period. The use of vaccination programmes of this type to lessen the incidence of FMD in young bovines is discussed.
Enhancement of experimental Mycoplasma pulmonis infection of the mouse genital tract by progesterone treatment
Authors: Furr Patricia M. , Taylor-Robinson D.
Published: October 2009

Experimental infection of the vagina of TO and CBA mice with Mycoplasma pulmonis was enchanced greatly by progesterone treatment. Almost all treated animals became infected, whereas only two-thirds of the untreated TO mice and less than half of the untreated CBA mice did so. Almost 1000-fold more organisms were recovered from treated than from untreated mice and the duration of infection was more than doubled. The enhanced infection in the hormone-treated animals was accompanied by a more severe vaginal polymorphonuclear leucocyte response which reached a maximum two weeks after inoculation of M. pulmonis. In the to mice the eventual decline in cellular response coincided with the gradual disappearance of the mycoplasmal infection. The implications of these findings for genital infections of other animal species are discussed.
R plasmids conferring multiple drug resistance from shigella isolated in Korea
Authors: Chun Doki , Cho Dong Taek , Seol Sung Yong , Suh Min Ho , Lee Yoo Chul
Published: October 2009

The majority (85%) of shigella isolated in 1980 and 1981 in Korea wereShigella flexneri, the others wereSh. sonnei(14%) with only a small number ofSh. dysenteriae. Only 14 of the 459 strains of shigella isolated were susceptible to all 12 drugs tested, and 445 were resistant to three or more drugs. Strains multiply resistant to the six drugs, chloramphenicol (Cm), tetracycline (Tc), streptomycin (Sm), sulfisomidine (Su), ampicillin (Ap) and trimethoprim (Tp) were most frequently encountered, followed by those resistant to Cm, Tc, Sm, Su and Tp. The complete patterns of resistance to drugs except nalidixic acid and rifampin in approximately 73% of drug-resistant strains were co-transferred toEscherichia coliby conjugation, indicating that the resistance was R plasmid-mediated. Randomly selected R plasmids conferring various patterns of resistance markers were tested for the incompatibility groups, and almost all of them were classified intoIncFII. Two of three R plasmids conferring resistance to Cm, Tc, Sm and Su were classified intoIncB and one toIncFII. Two R types with resistance markers of Cm, Tc, Sm and Ap were not classified with our standard plasmids used.
Molecular epidemiology of human rotaviruses: Analysis of outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis in Glasgow and the west of Scotland 1981/82 and 1982/83
Authors: Follett E. A. C. , Sanders R. C. , Beards G. M. , Hundley Fiona , Desselberger U.
Published: October 2009

The molecular epidemiology of rotavirus infections in Glasgow and the west of Scotland during 1981/82 and 1982/83 was investigated by electron microscopy, ELISA testing and RNA migration pattern analysis. In 1981/82, rotaviruses of both the ‘long’ and the ‘short’ electropherotype (in different variants) co-circulated from the onset throughout the winter peak of the outbreak. Approximately 80 % of the children were infected during the first year of life. No differences in incidence were found between sexes. In 1982/83 the isolated rotaviruses were almost exclusively of the ‘long’ electropherotype (in different variants) and 36% of the children were infected beyond the first year of life. Rotaviruses of the ‘long’ electropherotype serologically were of subgroup II and serotype 1 and those of the ‘short’ electropherotype of subgroup I and serotype 2.
Nursery-associated hepatitis A traced to a male nurse
Authors: Ebisawa I. , Kurosu Y. , Hatashita T.
Published: October 2009

A small epidemic of nursery-associated hepatitis A (HA), in which silently infected children played a cryptic role in transmitting the illness to adult contacts, was investigated. It was found that a male nurse had transmitted HA to four children before he fell ill. He was not heard from for about two months as he was a part-time worker and was admitted to a local hospital in another prefecture. Two of the four silently infected children transmitted HA to their parents who then revealed the presence of nursery-associated HA. The epidemic was terminated by injection of human gamma globulin to nursery children and to antibody-negative parents, nursery staff and other contacts except for two breakthrough cases.
Tuberculosis in East Sussex. I. Outbreaks of tuberculosis in cattle herds (1964–1984)
Authors: Wilesmith J. W. , Bode R. , Pritchard D. G. , Stuart F. A. , Sayers P. E.
Published: October 2009

The history and epidemiology of bovine tuberculosis in cattle herds in East Sussex are described. Since 1960, following the compulsory eradication scheme for tuberculosis, the incidence of herd infection has been low. The epidemiological features of herd infection have been sporadic incidents, with only small numbers of cattle becoming infected in the majority of incidents. There was no evidence of endemic Mycobacterium bovis infection in the cattle population in East Sussex in recent years, but a low risk of infection for cattle on the South Downs, from badgers, was apparent.
Tuberculosis in East Sussex: II. Aspects of badger ecology and surveillance for tuberculosis in badger populations (1976–1984)
Authors: Wilesmith J. W. , Sayers P. E. , Bode R. , Pritchard D. G. , Stuart F. A. , Brewer J. I. , Hillman G. D. B.
Published: October 2009

Following the disclosure of Mycobacterium bovis infection in badgers in East Sussex in 1976, badgers have been examined from and around farms on which cattle have become infected, but with no other attributable source of infection. These farms are confined to the downland of the south-west of the county and M. bovis has been confirmed in badger populations utilising their land. The available evidence indicates that M. bovis infection in badgers is also confined to this area. A detailed study in one area on the South Downs suggested that M. bovis is endemic in the badger population and therefore presents a continued risk for cattle occupying the area.
Tuberculosis in East Sussex: IV. A systematic examination of wild mammals other than badgers for tuberculosis
Authors: Wilesmith J. W. , Sayers P. E. , Little T. W. A. , Brewer J. I. , Bode R. , Hillman G. D. B. , Pritchard D. G. , Stuart F. A.
Published: October 2009

A detailed investigation of the possible role of wild mammals, other than badgers, in the maintenance of Mycobacterium bovis in an area on the South Downs of East Sussex was carried out over 3 years. Estimates of population sizes were made where possible and minimum sample sizes were selected to be 95 % certain of including at least one infected animal if the prevalence was at least 5 %. Samples of wild mammals were taken from populations which had the highest potential direct or indirect contact rate with known infected badgers. M. bovis was not isolated from any of the 15 species of wild mammals.

It was concluded that badgers are able to maintain M. bovis in an area independently of other species, and that in the area studied other species were not a source of infection for the cattle herds.
The adsorption of endotoxin molecule in a microporous polyethylene hollow fibre membrane
Authors: Sawada Yosuke , Fujii Reiko , Igami Ikuo , Kawai Atsushi , Kamiki Teruo , Niwa Makoto
Published: October 2009

The microporous polyethylene hollow fibre membrane is capable of adsorbing small-sized lipopolysaccharides (LPS) prepared by sonication dispersion, column chromatography on Sephadex G-75 and filtration through a filter membrane with a nominal pore size of 0·025 μg. Small-sized LPS had a one-thousandth of endotoxin activity as compared to intact LPS, when determined by the Synthetic Chromogenic Substrate method of LAL with a specific endotoxin activity of 73·7 ng/μg LPS. Fluorescent microscopy of fluorescein conjugated LPS on a microporous polyethylene hollow fibre showed that fiuorescein-LPS was adsorbed through the entire depth of the membrane texture. Accordingly the adsorption capacity of the filter for small-sized LPS was determined as 1·65 mg LPS/3·68 m2surface/116 mg fibre/module.
Chemical disinfection of human rotaviruses: efficacy of commercially-available products in suspension tests
Authors: Springthorpe V. Susan , Grenier Jodi L. , Lloyd-Evans Nellie , Sattar Syed A.
Published: October 2009

Suspension tests were conducted on 69 commercial and 7 non-commercial disinfectant formulations to determine which classes of chemicals were most active against human rotavirus (HRV). Virus samples, in the presence of varying levels of organic matter, were exposed to the disinfectants for 1 min. The levels of remaining infectious virus were determined by plaque assay. Products were rated by their ability to reduce the levels of infectious virus by more than 3 log10in the presence or absence of tryptose phosphate broth (peptides and inorganic salts) or fecal matter.

Of the commercially-available products tested, only 25% were rated as highly and 7% as moderately effective. The remaining 68% were either effective only in the absence of any additional organic matter (48%) or were completely ineffective (20%). The majority (64%) of the moderately and highly effective products were further examined for their ability to inactivate > 6 log10of infectious HRV in the presence of fecal matter or tryptose phosphate broth. With one exception, all these products were still effective. Products potentially suitable as topical antiseptics, hard surface disinfectants and instrument soaks were identified. The results emphasize the care that should be exercised in the selection of disinfectants for the control and prevention of rotaviral infections.
Yellow fever in Swansea, 1865
Authors: Meers P. D.
Published: October 2009

A cargo of copper ore from Cuba was discharged at Swansea in mid-September 1865, during a spell of exceptionally hot weather. A small number of mosquitoes infected with the yellow fever virus, disembarking at the same time, established an epidemic of yellow fever in the town. In the next 25 days, at least 27 inhabitants were infected and 15 of them died. The quality of contemporary observation and recording has encouraged a re-examination of the events in the light of knowledge unavailable at the time. It cannot be assumed that the episode will not be repeated.
The development of genetic resistance to myxomatosis in wild rabbits in Britain
Authors: Ross J. , Sanders M. F.
Published: October 2009

The presence of genetic resistance to myxomatosis in a sample of wild rabbits from one area in England was reported in 1977. Rabbits from three other areas in Great Britain have been tested subsequently, and all cases showed similar resistance to a moderately virulent strain of myxoma virus. Rabbits from one area also showed a significant degree of resistance to a fully virulent strain of virus.

It is concluded that genetic resistance to myxomatosis is widespread in wild rabbit populations in Britain. The implications of the results are discussed in relation to the co-evolution of the disease and its host.
A one-year study of trivalent influenza vaccines in primed and unprimed volunteers: immunogenicity, clinical reactions and protection
Authors: Masurel N. , Laufer J.
Published: October 2009

Three hundred volunteers were divided into two age groups, 14–30 years and 31–60 years. Each participant was immunized intramuscularly with a subunit, whole virus or adsorbed whole virus vaccine, containing A/Bangkok/I/79 (H3N2), A/Brazil/ 11/78 (H1N1)and B/Singapore/222/79 influenza virus. Serum haemagglutination-inhibition (HI) antibody response, protection, and reactogenicity were studied after one and two doses of the vaccines. Primary immunization induced much higher percentages of HI antibody titres ≥ 100 against all three vaccine viruses and much higher geometric mean titres (GMT) in volunteers with pre-immunization titres ≥ 18 as compared to those with pre-immunization titres < 18. Secondary immunization did not result in an increase of GMTs or antibody titres ≥ 100 in volunteers with pre-immunization titres < 18. On the whole, the response to the subunit vaccine was similar to that to the other two vaccines. To influenza B/Singapore/222/79 virus the response was lowest after administration of the whole virus vaccine in the age group 31–60 years. Over 50% of the HI titres ≥ 100 found after immunization in the different vaccine and age groups were still present after one year. Serologically established infections during the winter months following immunization amounted to 15% in the subunit vaccine group, 6% in the whole virus vaccine group, and 10% in the adsorbed whole virus vaccine group. Local and systemic reactions to all three vaccines were mild in nature. Local reactions after primary immunization were much less frequent following administration of the subunit vaccine as compared to the other two vaccines, especially in the younger age group. In comparison to primary immunization, after booster immunization the incidence of local reactions was higher for the subunit vaccine and lower for the adsorbed whole virus vaccine. In the age group 14–30 years the incidence of local reactions after primary as well as booster immunization was much greater in females than in males, especially when the adsorbed whole virus vaccine was used.
Antibody against viruses in maternal and cord sera: non-specific inhibitors are found to higher titre on the maternal side of the circulation
Authors: Griffiths P. D. , Girdhar D. , Fisher-Hoch S. , Race M. W. , Heath R. B.
Published: October 2009

Pregnancies were identified in which maternal IgG antibodies against rubella virus were not detectable by single radial haemolysis. Twenty paired maternal/cord sera were then tested for haemagglutination-inhibiting (HI) activity against rubella virus without kaolin pretreatment of the sera. In the absence of specific antibody, the HI activity observed could thus be ascribed to the effect of non-specific inhibitors. The HI activity in maternal sera was significantly (P < 0·001) higher than that in cord sera. The 20 pairs of sera were similarly tested against a bunyavirus, an alphavirus and a flavivirus, both with and without kaolin pretreatment. The results showed non-specific inhibitors were found to higher titre in maternal sera, with the difference being statistically significant (P < 0·001) for each of the three viruses.