bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clq BINDING AND COMPLEMENT ACTIVATION BY CAPSULAR AND CELL WALL COMPONENTS OF S. PNEUMONIAE TYPE XIX
Authors: PRELLNER KARIN
Published: August 2010

Cell wall components (purified cell walls, teichoic acid and residual cell walls) from S. pneumoniae type XIX showed antibody independent Clq binding capacity, as assessed by Clq deviation test, with teichoic acid being the most efficient. Specific capsular substance did not bind Clq. All substances tested produced CI activation in normal human serum, but not in hypo‐y‐globulinemic serum. Thus, teichoic acid showed high Clq binding capacity but did not activate CI in the absence of antibodies. Teichoic acid was an effective activator of the alternative pathway. Specific capsular substance did not activate the alternative pathway in Clq deficient serum or in Mg2+ ‐EGTA chelated normal serum.
A SIMPLE METHOD FOR THE ISOLATION OF FLAGELLA FROM TREPONEMA REITER
Authors: PETERSEN C. SAND , PEDERSEN N. STRANDBERG , AXELSEN N. H.
Published: August 2010

Flagella from Treponema Reiter were purified from a sonicate of the bacteria by diethylaminoethyl‐cellulose chromatography followed by gelfiltration on Sepharose CL‐2B. The yield (0.8 mg flagellar protein per 8 g wet weight of treponemes) was identical to that obtained by previously described more time consuming methods. Crossed immunoelectrophoresis of the chromatographically isolated flagella against rabbit anti‐T. Reiter immunoglobulin, monospecific anti‐T. Reiter flagellar antibodies or human syphilitic serum in the upper gel showed two parallel but closely apposed precipitates. No contaminating material was found by electron microscopy of suspensions of flagella isolated by the new method. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of dissociated flagella showed three major and one minor band. It is concluded that the new method is quantitatively and qualitatively equal to earlier described purification procedures, but simpler to use.
DIFFUSION‐IN‐GEL ENZYME‐LINKED IMMUNOSORBENT ASSAY (DIG‐ELISA) FOR DETECTION OF CLASS‐SPECIFIC ANTIBODIES TO ASPERGILLUS FUMIGATUS AND CANDIDA ALBICANS
Authors: Lange Stefan , Nygren Hâkan , Brorson John‐Erik , Holmberg Ingrid , Larsson Peter
Published: August 2010

The diffusion‐in‐gel enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (DIG‐ELISA) was used to study the specific IgG, IgA and IgM serum antibody response in rabbits immunized with freeze‐pressed cells of Aspergillus fumigatus or Candida albicans. Compared to the conventional double‐diffusion‐in‐gel technique the DIG‐ELISA was found to be more sensitive and equally specific.
RADIATION RESISTANCE OF CANDIDA PARAPSILOSIS
Authors: KRISTENSEN HANNE
Published: August 2010

The radiation resistance of 30 strains classified as Candida parapsilosis was examined. The strains originated partly from environments where ionizing radiation was used for research or routine purposes, partly from environments with no known possibility for selection of strains with unusually high radiation resistance. D‐6 values between 1.5 and 2.4 Megarads were found when the cells were irradiated in the dried state, a D‐6 value being the dose necessary to reduce the initial number of colony‐forming units with a factor of 106. The majority of D‐6 values were between 1.9 and 2.1 Megarads. D‐6 values for the cells irradiated in liquid media were about 2/3 of those in the dried state. No difference in resistance was revealed depending on the origin of the strains examined. For radiation sterilization of medical products the demontrated resistance of Candida parapsilosis might be of importance if routine use of minimum doses below 2.5 Megarads were to be accepted.
ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF SOME PREVIOUSLY UNREPORTED TAXA FROM POULTRY WITH PHENOTYPICAL CHARACTERS RELATED TOACTINOBACILLUS‐ANDPASTEURELLASPECIES
Authors: BISGAARD M.
Published: August 2010

Cultural, morphologic, and biochemical characteristics of previously unreported taxa isolated from poultry and tentatively assigned to genusActinobacillusBrumpt 1910 were compared to those ofActinobacillus lignieresii, A. equuli, A. seminis, A. suis, avian haemolyticActinobacillus sp., A. salpingitidis, avianPasteurelia haemolytica‐likestrains,P. haemolyticabiovar T,P. ureae, P. multocida, P. pneumotropica, P. gallinarumandP. anatipestifer.Evidence was obtained to indicate that taxon 1–3 was closely related to genusActinobacillusBrumpt 1910, but sufficiently different from established species within that genus to constitute new distinct species.Taxon 4had the cultural and biochemical characters of strains previously described byClark and Godfrey.Strains designatedP. haemolytica‐likecould not be separated fromA. salpingitidison the basis of phenotypical characters. The final taxonomical position oftaxon 1–4in addition to strains designated avian haemolyticActinobacillus sp.andP. haemolytica‐like, however, has to await further taxonomical investigations including determination of mol % G + C in DNA and DNA hybridization, for which reason species names have been omitted.
THE IN VITRO ACTIVITY OF MOXALACTAM AGAINST 430 CLINICAL, BACTERIAL ISOLATES
Authors: DIGRANES ASBJØRN , BENONISEN EVA , DIBB WILLIAM L. , ØSTERVOLD BIRGIT
Published: August 2010

The in vitro activity of the novel β‐lactam antibiotic moxalactam against 430 bacterial isolates was determined by an agar dilution method. Moxalactam was highly active against Enterobacteriaceae including indole‐positive Proteus and Providencia, all isolates being susceptible to 1.0 μg/ml or less. The drug was somewhat less active against Gram‐positive cocci and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and enterococci were highly resistant. All Haemophilus influenzae isolates were inhibited by 0.06 μg/ml or less. Activity against Bacteroides fragilis was good but wide variations of minimal inhibitory concentrations were noted. Moxalactam may become a useful alternative to the aminoglycosides in the treatment of serious infections caused by Gram‐negative bacteria.
IMPROVED MEDIUM FOR THE TRANSPORTATION OF GONOCOCCAL SPECIMENS
Authors: SANDVEN PER , SOLBERG OTTO , ØDEGAARD KRISTIAN , MYHRE GRETE
Published: August 2010

A modification of Stuart medium, denominated SIFF transport medium, was compared with Stuart (Ringertz's modification), Amies and SBL transport media for its ability to preserve viability of gonococci during transport. The SIFF medium was superior both when using laboratory strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and when using clinical specimens. The new transport medium distinguishes itself mainly by an increased osmotic pressure and by its starch content.
METHOD FOR ISOLATION OF GARDNERELLA VAGINALIS (HAEMOPHILUS VAGINALIS) Characterization of Isolates by Gas Chromatography
Authors: CSÁNGÓ PÉTER A. , HAGEN NORMAN , JAGARS GARLETTA
Published: August 2010

A method for the isolation of Gardnerella vaginalis (Haemophilus vaginalis) is presented. Bacteria isolated from 48‐hour cultures grown on human blood agar were identified by means of β‐hemolysis, colony morphology, sensitivity to antimicrobial agents, oxydase and catalase reactions. Thirty‐eight clinical isolates and one test strain were examined for fatty acid composition. Hexadecanoic (16:0), octadecenoic (18:1) and octadecanoic (18:0) were the major fatty acids. Also present, but in minor quantities, were myristic (14:0), hexadecenoic (16:1) and octadecadienoic (18:2) acids. Only insignificant differences between isolates could be detected. No hydroxy fatty acids commonly found in gram‐negative bacteria were encountered. Gas chromatographic analysis of G. vaginalis revealed a characteristic and relatively simple pattern. The results support the use of the isolation method, which provides conditions highly selective for G. vaginalis.
CLASSIFICATION OF MYCOBACTERIUM SIMIAE BY MEANS OF COMPARATIVE RECIPROCAL INTRADERMAL SENSITIN TESTING ON GUINEA‐PIGS AND DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID HYBRIDIZATION
Authors: BAESS INGA , MAGNUSSON M.
Published: August 2010

This study is a contribution to the elucidation of the taxonomic relationships among Mycobacterium simiae serovars 1 and 2, other photochromogenic. mycobacterial species and the non‐photochromogenic species M. avium and M. intracellulare. DNA‐DNA homology percentages and comparative reciprocal intradermal sensitin reactions in guinea‐pigs have confirmed that M. habana is a subjective synonym of M. simiae serovar 1 and that M. asiaticum is a separate species. The two strains of M. simiae serovar 2 studied were distinct from each other and both were distinct from M. simiae serovar I. M. simiae was so different from M. avium and even from M. intracellulare serovars 12, 14, 16 and 19, that there is no basis for including M. simiae in the so‐called M. avium‐intracellulare complex. Neither did M. simiae bear any close relation to the photochromogenic species M. kansasii and M. marinum. A fairly close negative correlation was observed between the DNA‐DNA homology percentages and the specificity differences of the sensitins from the same pairs of strains. This is per se a proof of the veracity of the two taxonomic methods used in the study.
DEMONSTRATION OF EXTRACELLULAR PROTEOLYTIC ENZYMES FROM LEGIONELLA SPECIES STRAINS BY USING SYNTHETIC CHROMOGENIC PEPTIDE SUBSTRATES
Authors: BERDAL BJORN P. , HUSHOVD ODD , OLSVIK ØRJAN , ØDEGÅRD OLE RASMUS , BERGAN TOM
Published: August 2010

Crude concentrates of extracellular proteases from strains belonging to species within the genus Legionella were examined for their effect upon synthetic chromogenic tri‐ and tetrapeptides. For the species L. pneumophila, similar and reproducible substrate degradation patterns were found. Strains from the other Legionella species produced proteases with dissimilar proteolytic patterns, which were all distinct from those of the L. pneumophila proteases.
ISOLATION AND CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF LIPOPOLYSACCHARIDE FROM CAMPYLOBACTER JEJUNI
Authors: NÆSS VIGFRID , HOFSTADxu TOR
Published: August 2010

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from three strains of Campylobacter jejuni was extracted by aqueous phenol. The sugar components present in all strains were glucose, galactose, L‐glycero‐D‐manno‐heptose and glucosamine. One strain contained, in addition, galactosamine. The fatty acids present were mainly 3‐hydroxy‐tetradecanoic acid and n‐hexadecanoic acid. The LPS contained 2‐keto‐3‐deoxy‐octonate and phosphorus.
DETECTION OF MEASLES IgM ANTIBODIES BY ENZYME‐LINKED IMMUNOSORBENT ASSAY (ELISA)
Authors: PEDERSEN IB RODE , ANTONSDOTTIR AUDUR , EVALD TORBEN , MORDHORST CARL H.
Published: August 2010

An enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of IgM antibodies in serum during acute or recent measles infections is described. False positive reactions due to rheumatoid factors (RF) were not observed in the test of human sera to which were added sera containing RF. Monospecific antisera against the haemagglutinin, nucleoprotein and polymerase of measles virus were used in a blocking IgM ELISA, revealing a sensitive method for the detection of the antibodies that take part in the immune reactions. An ELISA for the detection of measles‐specific IgG in order to reveal IgM or IgG antibodies in the human sera is also described.
ENTEROTOXIN PRODUCTION AT 4°, 22°, AND 37°C AMONG YERSINIA ENTEROCOLITICA AND Y. ENTEROCOLITICA‐LIKE BACTERIA
Authors: KAPPERUD GEORG
Published: August 2010

Production of heat‐stable enterotoxin after cultivation at 4 °C for four days was indicated for 27 of 171 Yersinia enterocolitica and Y. enterocolitica‐like bacteria, using the infant mouse assay. Of these 27 strains, 11 showed enterotoxin production at both 4° and 22 °C, and the remaining 16 strains at 4°, 22°, and 37 °C. No strain was enterotoxigenic at 4 °C only. The relative prevalence of enterotoxin production at 4°, 22°, and 37 °C among Y. enterocolitica and Y. enterocolitica‐like bacteria is presented. The results indicate that Y. kristensenii has a unique standing with respect to enterotoxigen‐icity at 4° and 37 °C. Y. kristensenii showed the highest prevalence of enterotoxin production at 4 °C (47%) and at 37 °C (49%). These properties were also recorded among environmental isolates of Y. enterocolitica sensu stricto, but the prevalences were low (4 and 1 %, respectively). The strains producing enterotoxin at 4°C were different from those associated with yersiniosis and belonged to serogroups frequently isolated from small mammals, water, and soil (0:1, 6, 11, 12, 16, 28, and non‐agglutinable). It is possible that such strains may contaminate foods and provoke food‐borne intoxication involving pre‐formed enterotoxins.
SEROLOGY OF CAMPYLOBACTER FETUS SS. JEJUNI
Authors: KOSUNEN TIMO U. , DANIELSSON DAN , KJELLANDER JAN
Published: August 2010

Antisera against 12 Campylobacter strains (8 C. fetus ss. jejuni, 2 ss. fetus and 2 ss. intestinalis) were obtained from rabbits immunized with formalin treated bacteria. Cross testing of live, boiled and autoclaved organisms of these strains were performed with direct slide and tube agglutinations, and with agglutinations of latex particles and protein A‐containing staphylococci coated with antibodies. Confirmed by absorption experiments both heat labile and heat stable antigens were demonstrated. The highest specificity for serological differentiation was obtained with slide and latex agglutination with live bacteria, which were subsequently used for differentiation of C. fetus ss. jejuni strains. For this purpose we applied 22 C. fetus ss. jejuni antisera absorbed with boiled homologous bacteria. Clearcut homologous reactions, with few and weak crossreactions, indicated the presence of a variety of heat labile antigens, which could form a basis for serotyping. Preliminary typing of 170 clinical isolates with slide agglutination using 17 unabsorbed C. fetus ss. jejuni antisera demonstrated the applicability of this approach for epidemiological studies. We found antigenically similar strains in family outbreaks, antigenic differences in strains of different origin, new combinations of cross reactions not seen in strains used in immunizations, antigenically »new« strains not reacting with these antisera, and the dominance of a few antigenic types among the isolates.
PRECIPITATING ANTIBODIES AGAINST STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS IN SERUM FROM PATIENTS WITH STAPHYLOCOCCAL OSTEOMYELITIS, INVESTIGATED BY MEANS OF QUANTITATIVE IMMUNOELECTROPHORETIC METHODS
Authors: ESPERSEN F. , HEDSTRÖM S. Å.
Published: August 2010

By means of crossed immunoelectrophoresis, precipitating antibodies against 55 Staphylococcus aureus antigens were investigated in serum from 11 patients with acute osteomyelitis and 47 patients with chronic osteomyelitis. Patients with acute osteomyelitis had an increased antibody response, expressed as a precipitin score, compared to normal persons, while patients with chronic osteomyelitis had an almost normal response. The precipitin score in patients with acute osteomyelitis was significantly higher than in patients with chronic osteomyelitis (p < 0.01). However, patients with chronic osteomyelitis increased their precipitin score during an active phase of the infection.
PRECIPITATING ANTIBODIES AGAINST STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS IN EXPERIMENTAL RABBIT OSTEOMYELITIS, INVESTIGATED BY MEANS OF QUANTITATIVE IMMUNOELECTROPHORETIC METHODS
Authors: ESPERSEN F. , HEDSTRÖM S. Å.
Published: August 2010

Eight rabbits were infected with Staphylococcus aureus by injection of I × 108 colony‐forming units into the marrow cavity of the tibia. Titres of precipitating antibodies against S. aureus in serum were followed by means of crossed Immunoelectrophoresis. Four rabbits infected with the protein A‐containing, α‐toxin negative Cowan I strain developed no signs of infection and only a slight or no antibody response. All 4 rabbits infected with the protein A‐free, α‐toxin‐producing Wood 46 strain developed local signs of infection, and 3 of 4 developed roentgenologic signs of osteomyelitis. All 4 rabbits developed a very high level of precipitating antibodies, but after 2–3 months the level of antibodies decreased, although the infection continued.
A CLINICAL LABORATORY EVALUATION OF THE VACUTAINER 20 ML TUBE FOR AEROBIC BLOOD CULTURES
Authors: ENG JAN , BRUUN JOHAN N.
Published: August 2010

Clinical blood cultures were made in parallel from the same venipuncture in two Vacutainer 20 ml tubes, each inoculated with 2 ml of blood, a 50 ml blood culture bottle with plain (normotonic) broth and a 50 ml bottle with hypertonic broth, each of the bottle media being inoculated with 4 ml of blood. Of a total of 127 sets of monomicrobic blood cultures, growth was obtained from 115 bottles with plain broth, 108 pairs of Vacutainer tubes and 105 bottles with hypertonic broth. The hypertonic broth medium proved superior to the Vacutainer tubes in the time required for isolation of gram‐negative rods. No significant differences were observed between the results obtained from the Vacutainer tubes and those from the plain broth medium. Of the 108 cultures positive in the Vacutainer system, 19 cultures (17.6%) yielded growth from one of the tubes only. Because of the small volume of blood cultured, the Vacutainer 20 ml tube is not recommended for routine clinical blood cultures, with the exception of cultures taken from newborn infants in the diagnosis of neonatal septicaemia.
SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY OF THE OOCYST AND SPOROCYST OF TOXOPLASMA GONDII
Authors: FERGUSON D. J. P. , BIRCH‐ANDERSEN A. , SUM J. CHR. , HUTCHISON W. M.
Published: August 2010

Oocysts and sporocysts of T. gondii were examined with the scanning electron microscope. The oocysts were slightly ellipsoidal in shape with a smooth outline. The sporocysts were also ellipsoidal with a smooth surface on which there were a number of raised ridges. The ridges represent the junctions between the four plates comprising the sporocyst wall. From the distribution of the ridges it was concluded that the wall consisted of two upper and two lower plates which were at an angle to each other and which interlocked along the mid‐line suture. The specific orientation of the plates would provide a structure extremely resistant to mechanical disruption. During excystation, an infolding of the surface was observed along the suture lines between the plates of the sporocyst wall.
IMMUNOCHEMICAL STUDIES OF PARTIALLY HYDROLYZED LIPOPOLYSACCHARIDE FROM FUSOBACTERIUM NUCLEATUM ATCC 10953
Authors: HOFSTAD TOR
Published: August 2010

Fusobacierium nucleatum ATCC 10953 LPS was split by hydrolysis with 1 per cent acetic acid into acid‐soluble polysaccharide and lipid A. Gel filtration of the acid‐soluble polysaccharide on Bio‐Gel P‐60 gave a high‐molecular‐weight fraction eluted with the void volume (V0), and a fraction eluted at 2.4 × Vo. The high‐molecular‐weight fraction was serologically active, and contained glucose as the only sugar. The other fraction, which was serologically inactive, contained L‐glycero‐D‐manno‐hepioss, galactose, glucosamine, keto‐deoxy‐octonate, and phosphorus. The fraction eluted at 2.4 × Vo is thought to constitute the polysaccharide core region, whereas the high‐molecular‐weight fraction may represent O‐antigenic side chains.
EXPERIMENTAL ENDOCARDITIS IN RABBITS
Authors: GUTSCHIK ERNÖ
Published: August 2010

The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of long‐term penicillin‐gentamicin treatment on experimental S. faecalis endocarditis due to selected strains; one strain was homogeneously resistant to 8000 μg/ml streptomycin (IC50 and MIC > 8000 μg ml), the other strain heterogeneously resistant to 8000 μg/ml streptomycin (IC50: 3300 μg/ml, MIC: > 8000 μg/ml. Both strains showed low‐grade resistance to gentamicin (MIC 10.5 and 25 μg/ml, respectively). The results showed that there was significant effect of the treatment in rabbits with endocarditis due to both strains, as measured by lowered mortality and by high bacteriologic cure rate. Despite effective antibiotic treatment, a high incidence (57%) of congestive heart failure was noted in rabbits late in the treatment period or after termination of antibiotic treatment, probably due to healing processes on the aortic valves. In human cases of S. faecalis endocarditis the antibiotic treatment should be either penicillin plus streptomycin or penicillin plus gentamicin. However, in cases where the infecting strain is homogeneously resistant to 8000 μg/ml streptomycin, the treatment with penicillin plus gentamicin is clearly the drug combination of choice.
AN INCN PLASMID EXHIBITING A HIGH FREQUENCY OF TRANSFER IN BROTH MEDIA
Authors: Jørgensen N. H. Feilberg , Stenderup A.
Published: August 2010

A mutant of the IncN plasmid N3T was isolated. This mutant (pNJ101) exhibits equal transfer frequencies in broth and on agar. IncN plasmids have rigid pili and do generally transfer at much lower frequencies in broth than on agar, hypothetically explained as the vulnerability of the pili towards convection forces in liquid. Strains with the mutant do have rigid pili, so other mechanisms regulating IncN plasmid transfer must be sought.
THREE YEARS' EXPERIENCE OF SERODIAGNOSIS OF LEGIONELLA PNEUMOPHILA INFECTIONS
Authors: Mårdh Per‐Anders , Myhre Erling B. , Sandgren Eva
Published: August 2010

During a three‐year‐period, serum samples from 209 patients with acute pneumonia were tested for antibodies to Legionella pneumophila, using an indirect micro‐immunofluorescent antibody test performed with heat‐killed serogroup specific antigens. Low antibody levels, defined by titres ranging from 32 to 128, were demonstrated in 73 of the patients. Seroconversion indicating current L. pneumophila, Serogroup 1, infection was documented in 3 previously healthy individuals. High IgM antibody titres suggested such an infection in 3 other patients. Thirteen patients showed either static or single antibody titres of 2S6 or greater. Only 7 of these patients had antibodies detectable with formalin‐inactivated L. pneumophila, Serogroup 1, antigen. The high frequency of stationary antibody titres to heat‐inactivated L. pneumophila antigen found in the present study suggest that formalin‐inactivated organisms may be a superior antigen for the serodiagnosis of current Legionnaires' disease.
DIFFERENTIAL SUSCEPTIBILITY OF CELL‐BOUND STREPTOCOCCAL IMMUNOGLOBULIN Fc‐RECEPTORS TO AUTOLYTIC DEGRADATION
Authors: SCHALÉN CLAËiS , SVENSSON MAJ‐LIS , CHRISTENSEN POUL
Published: August 2010

The susceptibility of IgA and IgG Fc‐receptors of different streptococci to autolytic degradation was tested by incubating washed bacteria in phosphate‐buffered saline at 37°C for 24‐72 h. Before incubation, strain Ml bound 74 per cent of 2.5 μg radio‐labelled IgG added to 200 μl of the suspension, and strain M4 bound 85 per cent of 2.5 μg radio‐labelled IgA; both types of binding decreased to less than 15 per cent. Evidence was obtained that the decrease in binding was caused by digestion of the respective receptors, and not by degradation of the immunoglobulins or through inhibition by solubilized Fc‐receptors. The autolytic process was inhibited by EDTA, iodoacetic acid, benzamidinium chloride, phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride and diisopropylfluorophosphate. The IgG Fc‐receptors in other types of group A streptococci (including type M4) and a group C and a group G strain were not affected by such prolonged incubation, also when strains were mixed with M‐type 1 streptococci from the start of incubation. These findings, which thus revealed certain differences in stability between streptococcal Fc‐receptors, are discussed in relation to the intracellular degradation of streptococci.
FATTY ACID ANALYSIS FOR DIFFERENTIATION OF BORDETELLA AND BRUCELLA SPECIES
Authors: JANTZEN ERIK , KNUDSEN EGIL , WINSNES RANDI
Published: August 2010

The fatty acid composition of Bordetella pertussis (13 strains), B. parapertussis (3 strains), B. bronchiseptica (6 strains). Brucella abortus (6 strains), B. melitensis (4 strains) and B. suis (5 strains) was determined. Both genera contained straight‐chain saturated and mono‐unsaturated acids as well as cyclopropane substituted isomers, but the overall differences between the two genera were distinct. The Brucella species contained exclusively C16 to C19 acids. Minor amounts of hydroxylated acids (tentatively identified as 3‐hydroxy‐hexadecanoate and 3‐hydroxy‐octadecanoate) could only be detected after thin‐layer chromatography and substantial concentration. The Bordetella species, on the other hand, contained a number of both non‐hydroxylated and hydroxylated fatty acids of chain‐lengths varying from Cio to C19. Intra‐generically, no clear distinction between the Brucella species could be detected. The three species of Bordetella, on the other hand, were clearly distinguished by their fatty acid patterns. B. pertussis did not contain cyclopropane fatty acids encountered in significant amounts in the two other species, and B. bronchiseptica was characterized by containing 2‐hydroxy‐dodecanoate in significant amounts.
THIN LAYER ISO‐ELECTRO FOCUSING OF INTRACELLULAR BACTERIAL PROTEIN IN CLASSIFICATION OF SOME REPRESENTATIVES OF THE FAMILIES ENTEROBACTERIACEAE AND VIBRIONACEAE
Authors: GJERDE JAN
Published: August 2010

Intracellular bacterial protein from some representatives of the families Enlerobacteriaceae and Vibrionaceae has been investigated using thin layer iso‐electric focusing in polyacrylamide gel. A marked difference between the protein patterns was observed between species within the same family. Carrying out the iso‐electric focusing at pH range 3.5‐9 gave a large number of protein bands. Increased resolution of the protein bands was obtained using iso‐electric focusing at the pH range 4–6.S. Careful standardization of sample preparation, application and running conditions gave good reproducibility of intracellular proteins from bacterial subcultures.
BACTERIAL ADHESIVENESS AND INVASIVENESS IN CELL CULTURE MONOLAYER
Authors: BUKHOLM GEIR , LASSEN JØRGEN
Published: August 2010

The invasive potential of 45 presumptive enteropathogenic and non‐enteropathogenic bacterial strains belonging to the family Enterobacteriaceae have been tested using the Serény test and HEp‐2 cell monolayers examined by a combined light optical method. All the presumptive enteropathogenic strains of Shigella dysenteriae, S. boydii, S. flexneri, S. sonnei and Salmonella typhimurium showed in vitro invasiveness in the HEp‐2 cell culture test. Fourteen presumptive non‐enteropathogenic strains of Escherichia coli showed no invasiveness in either of the two test systems. Two strains of S. flexneri and all the 6 strains of S. typhimurium gave a negative result in the Serény test although they were invasive in HEp‐2 cell cultures. Otherwise there were correlative results between the cell monolayer test and the Sereny test. In the cell monolayer test the different species of enteropathogenic bacteria showed considerable variation in invasive potential.
NO IN VIVO EFFECT OF TRISODIUM PHOSPHONOFORMATE ON WOODCHUCK HEPATITIS VIRUS PRODUCTION
Authors: Nordenfelt Erik , Widell Anders , Hansson Bengt GÖran , LÖfgren Bengt , MÖller‐Nielsen Carsten , Öberg Bo
Published: August 2010

The efficient in vitro inhibition of hepatitis B virus DNA polymerase by trisodium phosphonoformate (PFA, INN: foscarnet sodium) and its low toxicity suggested that PFA could be used as a therapeutic agent for hepatitis B infection. PFA was also found to inhibit woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV) DNA polymerase in vitro. As a model to test PFA's eventual effect, chronically WHV infected woodchucks were treated with PFA. The animals were treated twice daily in a dosage which gave a minimum serum level of PFA corresponding to an in vitro inhibiting effect on WHV DNA polymerase of about 40%. The concentration in liver tissue was found to be 15% below serum level. The amount of WHV particles in serum was followed by DNA polymerase assay. No effect on WHV production could be seen during 2 weeks' treatment. No change of the in vitro sensitivity to PFA of the WHV DNA polymerase was seen. These results indicate that the WHV associated DNA polymerase has no role in the production of viral particles.
STUDIES ON A COLLECTION OF STRAINS OF THE GENUS FLAVOBACTERIUM
Authors: BRUUN B.
Published: August 2010

An attempt has been made to further characterize the Flavobacterium groups found in an earlier study by determining utilizable carbon‐energy sources. As a preliminary, it was initially tried to define minimal growth factor requirements. It was found likely that most of the Flavobacterium groups have amino acid requirements, but a requirement for vitamins was also established for some strains. Testing Flavobacteria for carbon‐energy sources by the replica plating method was found sufficiently technically difficult as to result in dubious readings at times. However, the overall results of the carbon‐energy tests are in good agreement with the subdivision resulting from the previously performed biochemical tests, and the validity of the groups delimited in the earlier study is confirmed.
RESISTANCE TYPES IN ESCHERICIA COLI
Authors: SØGAARD PER
Published: August 2010

The β‐lactamase activity with ampicillin (A) and cephalothin (Ce) as substrate was examined in 22 E. coli strains by a micro‐iodometric ‐ (MIA) and an ultraviolet assay (UVA). The strains were divided into three groups according to their sensitivity to A and carbenicillin (Ca). Group 1 contained 6 A‐Ca sensitive (A‐s/Ca‐s) strains, group 2 contained 8 A‐resistant (A‐r)/Ca‐s strains and group 3 eight A‐r/Ca‐r ones. MIA with A as substrate showed high activity in group 3. The activities in groups 1 and 2 did not differ and were very low. Group 1 had the lowest and group 3 the highest IC50 with A. UVA with Ce as substrate showed high activity in group 2, lower in group 3 and lowest in group 1. IC50 corresponded to this order. MIA with Ce as substrate showed high activity (measured 25 min after enzyme was added) in group 3, lower activity in group 2 and lowest in group 1. The initial velocity was highest in group 2, but decreased with time. In group 3 the velocity increased with time. Group 2 (A‐r/Ca‐s) strains contained cephalothinases that apparently were inhibited by iodine. The β‐lactam resistance was probably chromosomally mediated. Group 3 (A‐r/Ca‐r) strains contained β‐lactamases with predominantly ampicillinase activity and were not inhibited by iodine. The A‐resistance was probably plasmid mediated.
O‐ANTIGENIC CROSS‐REACTIVITY IN FUSOBACTERIUM NUCLEATUM: CHEMOTYPE V LIPOPOLYSACCHARIDES
Authors: ÅDNEGARD BRITT , HOFSTAD TOR
Published: August 2010

F. nucleatum lipopolysaccharides (LPS) of chemotype V were examined for cross‐reactivity by indirect haemagglutination in non‐absorbed and absorbed antisera. At least three O‐antigenic specificities were detected in LPS of five strains. There was a slight cross‐reactivity between the LPS of chemotype V and those of chemotype II.
COAGULASE‐NEGATIVE STAPHYLOCOCCI AND CLOXACILLIN PROPHYLAXIS IN PACEMAKER SURGERY
Authors: JACOBSON BENGT , BLUHM GÖSTA , JULANDER INGER , NORD CARL ERIK
Published: August 2010

In a prospective study of cloxacillin prophylaxis at pacemaker surgery per‐ and post‐operative cultures were made. The most commonly isolated organisms from the wound were coagulase‐negative staphylococci. These were typed by the scheme devised by Kloos and Schleifer. The routinely performed per‐operative culture was of very little prognostic value. However, the typing was found to be useful in cases with suspected infection, as repeated isolation of the same species of coagulase‐negative staphylococci with the same antibiotic susceptibility pattern may indicate pathogenicity. Incubation in enrichment medium for 2–4 days was needed in one patient who received antibiotic therapy when the specimen for culture was taken. The antibiotic prophylaxis did not eradicate even susceptible bacteria from the wound, but the infection rate was significantly lower in the prophylaxis group.
HAEMAGGLUTINATING, ADHESIVE AND PHYSICO‐CHEMICAL SURFACE PROPERTIES OF DIFFERENT YERSINIA ENTEROCOLITICA AND YERSINIA ENTEROCOLITICA‐LIKE BACTERIA
Authors: KIHLSTRÖM E. , MAGNUSSON K.‐E.
Published: August 2010

Fourteen strains of Yersinia enterocolitica, two strains of Yersinia kristensenii and one strain of Yersinia frederiksenii were investigated for haemagglutination, association with cultured cells, motility and physico‐chemical surface properties. Three of the Y. enterocolitica strains, both Y. kristensenii and the Y. frederiksenii strain caused haemagglutination. Y. enterocolitica O‐serotype 3 had the greatest tendency to associate with cultured cells. No correlation was seen between association and haemagglutination or motility. Bacterial cytotoxicity towards cultured cells was lost and haemagglutination acquired after repeated subcultivation. Haemagglutinating strains were more hydrophobic than non‐haemagglutinating strains. These results indicate that the bacterial surface structures, probably fimbriae, conferring bacterial haemagglutinating properties, are hydrophobic.
MOUSE‐PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF RABBIT ANTI‐R‐PROTEIN ANTIBODIES AGAINST GROUP B STREPTOCOCCI TYPE II CARRYING R‐PROTEIN
Authors: LINDÉN VIVEKA
Published: August 2010

R‐proteins was isolated by affinity chromatography from an alkaline extract of group B streptococci, type III. The identity of the protein was demonstrated by pepsin‐ and trypsin‐treatment and in double diffusion‐in‐gel with antisera from other laboratories. A monospecific rabbit antiserum against the R‐protein was studied in mouse‐protection tests, using three type II strains with R‐protein and three without, and six type III strains, of which four carried R‐protein. The serum protected animals from infection by type II strains carrying R‐protein, but not against any of the other strains. The capacity of anti‐R‐protein serum to opsonize type II strains carrying R‐protein was also demonstrated in phagocytosis experiments with mouse peritoneal macrophages. Studies with radio‐labelled protein A and anti‐R‐protein antibodies showed that R‐protein was localized on the surface of both type II and type III group B streptococci. Taken together, the results suggest that type II group B streptococci should be divided into two subtypes, II, R+ and II, R‐.
THE OCCURRENCE OF R‐PROTEIN AMONG ISOLATES OF GROUP B STREPTOCOCCI FROM HUMAN SOURCES
Authors: LINDÉN VIVEKA , CHRISTENSEN KAREN KVIST , CHRISTENSEN POUL
Published: August 2010

A total of 241 clinical isolates of group B streptococci were tested for presence of R‐protein by applying the double diffusion‐in‐gel technique on streptococcal extracts against monospecific anti‐R protein serum, radio‐labelled protein A and anti‐R protein serum or S. aureus, Cowan I coated with antibodies against group A streptococci, T‐type 28. The first two methods proved more sensitive than the latter. R‐protein was detected in 51% of 43 type II strains and in 87% of 102 type III strains, whereas none of 79 type Ia and none of 17 type Ib strains contained R‐protein. Among 30 isolates from blood and cerebrospinal fluid of infants with neonatal infections, R‐protein was detected in 43%, one of two type II strains and 12/14 type III strains. Tests of 37 paired strains from infant/mother pairs showed concordant results with respect to presence or absence of R‐protein in the isolates.
TRIOLEOYLGLYCEROL LIPOLYSIS BY STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS STRAINS FROM RECURRENT FURUNCULOSIS, PYOMYOSITIS, IMPETIGO AND OSTEOMYELITIS
Authors: HEDSTRÖM S. Å. , NILSSON‐EHLE P.
Published: August 2010

Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from 94 patients with recurrent furunculosis, chronic osteomyelitis, tropical pyomyositis and impetigo were investigated for lipase activity after growth 1, 2 and 5 days in aerated casein hydrolysate‐yeast extract. As substrate for lipase activity a tri‐3H‐oleoylglycerol emulsion was used. Phage group II staphylococci isolated from furunculosis had the highest lipase activity and on day 5 these strains differed significantly in activity from strains isolated from the other infections. Strains isolated from impetigo had a remarkably low lipase production. The quantitative difference in lipase production of various S. aureus strains may reflect the localization of the lesion.
YERSINIA ENTEROCOLITICA AND YERSINIA ENTEROCOLITICA‐LIKE BACTERIA IN DRINKING WATER AND SEWAGE SLUDGE
Authors: LANGELAND GUNNAR
Published: August 2010

Using an anaerobic enrichment technique Yersinia bacteria, (Y. enterocolitica and Y. enterocolitica‐like bacteria) were isolated from 54% of 41 samples of drinking water and 51% of 35 samples of sewage sludge. A total of 116 strains of Y. enterocolitica sensu stricto, Y. intermedia, Y. kristensenii and other Yersinia bacteria were isolated. Y. frederiksenii was not detected in this study. The isolates belonged to 17 different serogroups, but 42% of the cultures were non‐typable. The serogroups 0:3, 0:8 and 0:9, which are responsible for almost all registered cases of yersiniosis in man, were not detected. Yersinia bacteria were found in many samples of drinking water in which fecal coliforms could not be detected. Fecal coliforms were, however, found in all 5 samples from which Y. enterocolitica sensu stricto was isolated. Salmonella bacteria were found to be inadequate as indicators of the presence of Yersinia bacteria in sewage sludge. Salmonella bacteria were found only in raw sludge and sludge stored for up to one month, whereas Yersinia bacteria were found in sludge stored for up to 1 1/2 years. A comparison was made of three different selective agar media for isolation of Yersinia bacteria from the enrichment broth. The frequence of isolation with Desoxycholate Citrate Agar was significantly higher than with either Yersinia Mannitol Agar or Yersinia Peptone Agar.
ANTIBODIES AGAINST ASPERGILLUS FUMIGATUS IN BRONCHIAL SECRETIONS FROM PATIENTS WITHOUT ASPERGILLOSIS
Authors: SCHØNHEYDER HENRIK , ANDERSEN PAUL , PEDERSEN ARNE TOFT
Published: August 2010

Antibodies to Aspergillus fumigatus were investigated by indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in bronchial secretions (BS) and sera from 40 patients with neoplasia, lung infiltrates of non‐fungal aetiology or chronic bronchitis. By IIF, IgG aspergillus antibodies were found in 23 samples of BS (58%) (titre range 10–40) and in all 40 sera (titre range 10–1280). IgA aspergillus antibodies were detected in 33 samples of BS (83%) (titre range 10–160) and in 33 sera (83%) (titre range 10–40). IgM aspergillus antibodies occurred in 2 samples of BS (5%) (titre 10 and 40) compared with 35 sera (88%) (titre range 10–40). Antibodies with secretory component (SC) were detected in 20 of 39 BS samples tested (51%) (titre range 10–160). Significantly higher levels of IgA antibodies were detected by ELISA in BS than in serum (2p<0.05) and, conversely, significantly higher levels of IgG antibodies were found in serum than in BS (2p<0.001). Low levels of antibodies with SC were also detected in BS by ELISA. These results suggest that aspergillus antibodies are produced within the bronchopulmonary system in patients without aspergillosis.
DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN DIFFERENT SEROVARS OF MYCOBACTERIUM AVIUM, MYCOBACTERIUM INTRACELLULARE AND MYCOBACTERIUM SCROFULACEUM
Authors: Baess Inga
Published: August 2010

M. avium and M.intracellulare are difficult to distinguish by means of biochemical tests and by means of numerical taxonomy. DNA‐DNA hybridization confirms that these species are different but indicates that some serovars of M.intracellulare actually belong to the species M.avium, viz.: serovars 4, 5, 6 and 8. This corresponds to results obtained with sensitin tests on guinea‐pigs. The status of strains belonging to serovar 9 is uncertain. The two strains investigated in this study were closely related to, but not identical with M.scrofulaceum serovar 41.
SEROLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS OF LEGIONELLA INFECTIONS IN DENMARK
Authors: LIND KLAUS
Published: August 2010

During the period 1 July 1978 to 1 January 1982, sera from 728 patients suspected of suffering from Legionella infection were tested for Legionella antibodies by an indirect fluorescent antibody test. The antigens used were prepared from heat‐killed strains of L.pneumophila serogroups 1–4. In 1981 we further incorporated antigens from serogroups 5 and 6 of L.pneumophila together with L.micdadei, L.bozemanii, L.dumoffii and L.gormanii. According to the criteria put forward by CDC, Atlanta, USA Legionella infection was confirmed in 78 patients with pneumonia. Sera from 35 showed at least a four‐fold rise in titre to ≤ 128, while 43 had single or static titres of 256. There were 59 men and 19 women (3.1:1) with a median age of 51 and 49, respectively. More than half the patients showed maximum titres of antibodies to L.pneumophila serogroup 1. In an additional patient, who was not tested serologically, the diagnosis was made post mortem at CDC by demonstration of Legionella in lung tissue. There were 11 fatal cases among the 79 patients (13.9%). Thirty‐two had contracted the disease on a journey abroad. All cases except the seven first cases among tourists from Garda, Italy, were sporadic. The number of cases diagnosed has increased heavily while the proportion of imported cases has decreased.
Ibc PROTEINS AS SEROTYPE MARKERS OF GROUP B STREPTOCOCCI
Authors: BEVANGER LARS
Published: August 2010

A collection of 106 clinical isolates of group B streptococci were type classified by a direct fluorescent antibody test (FAT). In all, 99 of the isolates were typable and belonged to the serotypes Ia (8 strains), Ib (9 strains), Ic (30 strains), II (15 strains), or III (37 strains). The presence of Ibc proteins was demonstrated in 60 of the strains, including 6 of the non‐typable isolates. Indirect FAT was performed to test whether the bacteria produced the α and β antigens of the Ibc protein fraction, using specific anti‐α and anti‐β sera. Both α and β were produced by 22 strains, only α by 33 strains, and only β by 5 strains. The results show that the α and β antigens can be used as markers to detect serovars among group B strains which carry identical serotype‐specific carbohydrate antigens, or strains listed as non‐typable according to the classification currently used.
PYRIMIDINE BIOSYNTHESIS IN NEISSERIA MENINGITIDIS
Authors: JYSSUM SIDSEL
Published: August 2010

Activities of the five enzymes specific for the pyrimidine biosynthetic pathway, aspartate carbamoyltransferase (ACTase), dihydroorotase (DHOase), dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHOdehase), orotate phosphoribosyltransferase (OMPppase), and orotidine 5′‐phosphate decarboxylase (OMPdecase) were found in cell‐free extracts of Neisseria meningitidis. Extracts also contained enzyme activities corresponding to the arginine pathway enzyme ornithine carbamoyltransferase (OCTase), and to carbamoylphosphate synthetase (CPSase), the enzyme common to both pathways. N. meningitidis possessed a single glutamine‐dependent CPSase.
POPULATION ANALYSIS OF SUSCEPTIBILITY TO METHICILLIN, VANCOMYCIN, AND THREE CEPHALOSPORINES IN TWO METHICILLIN‐RESISTANT STRAINS OF STAPHYLOCOCCUS EPIDERMIDIS
Authors: HANSEN BENTE GAHRN
Published: August 2010

Population analyses of susceptibility to methicillin, vancomycin, cephalothin, cefamandole, and cefoxitin were carried out with two strains of Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) resistant to penicillin, streptomycin, and methicillin. Two strains of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), one sensitive to penicillin the other resistant, were used as controls. All strains were clinical isolates. From the strains of S. epidermidis it was possible to select sub‐populations highly resistant to methicillin, cephalothin, cefamandole, and cefoxitin. The mutation‐rate varied between c. 10‐3 10‐7. The two strains were homogeneous as regards vancomycin susceptibility. Methicillin was shown to be more penicillinase‐stable than the cephalosporines. Treatment in vivo, with cephalothin and vancomycin did not increase the frequency of highly resistant bacteria against any of the antibiotics, but during treatment with cephalothin the majority‐population became eight times more resistant to vancomycin and may explain why the treatment in vivo was not successful.
COMPARISON OF FOUR METHODS FOR DIFFERENTIATION OF STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS FROM OTHER MICROCOCCACEAE IN THE ROUTINE LABORATORY
Authors: DIBB W. L. , HELLUM K. B. , ØSTERVOLD B. , OEDING P.
Published: August 2010

Four methods for the identification of Staphylococcus aureus (tube coagulase test, thermostable nuclease test, indirect agglutination of fibrinogen coated erythrocytes and a commercial latex kit: SeroSTAT Staphylococcus Test) have been compared. Clinical isolates (698) and 40 reference strains of Micrococcaceae were included in the study together with control organisms. The coagulase test gave no false positive results but 39/406 clinical isolates of S. aureus were negative at 2h and one half were only weakly positive. At 18h, all but 2 of 406 isolates gave a positive reaction. The thermostable nuclease test was very specific; no clinical isolates of S. aureus gave negative results and no »coagulase‐negativeclinical«isolates gave a definite positive reaction. The indirect haemagglutination method was sometimes difficult to interpret and frequently gave negative or doubtful results for S. aureus. The SeroSTAT test was easy to use and interpret and was specific; the method is suitable for routine laboratory use, particularly when a rapid result is desirable.
ION INTERACTIONS IN THE AGGREGATION OF STREPTOCOCCUS MITIS
Authors: ABAAS SALEEM , HOLME TORD
Published: August 2010

Spontaneous aggregation of Streptococcus mitis ATCC 903 was highly dependent on various electrolytes such as sodium chloride, sodium phosphate or potassium phosphate with an optimum at 10 mM concentration. No aggregation was obtained in distilled water. Addition of a number of mono‐ or divalent ions to bacteria incubated in 10 mM phosphate or tris‐maleate buffers resulted in an inhibition of aggregation. A 50% inhibition of aggregation was obtained at low concentrations of calcium, magnesium, sulphate and carbonate ions. Other mono‐ and divalent ions tested were needed in significantly higher concentrations in order to obtain the same inhibition. Aggregation inhibition by calcium or magnesium salts was reversed by chelation with EDTA. Washing bacteria previously treated with magnesium or calcium salts resulted in a complete recovery of aggregating ability. Spontaneously aggregated cells were completely dissociated at 10 mM magnesium sulphate or 100 mM sodium chloride. The results indicate that electrostatic interactions are of major importance for aggregation of S. mitis ATCC 903 whereas hydrophobic interaction plays a minor role.
AGGREGATION OF ENZYMATICALLY MODIFIED STREPTOCOCCUS MITIS INDICATING INVOLVEMENT OF LECTIN‐LIGAND TYPE INTERACTION
Authors: ABAAS SALEEM , HOLME TORD
Published: August 2010

The aggregation properties of Streptococcus mitis ATCC 903 cells modified by treatment with heat or different enzymes was investigated. Bacteria that had the ability to aggregate spontaneously lost this capacity by treatment with proteolytic enzymes, β‐galactosidase or heat. Cells subjected to different types of modification were mixed in various proportions and their aggregation properties were recorded. To discriminate between the two kinds of cells in the suspension, one partner in the aggregation reaction was labelled with 14C‐palmitic acid. Bacteria treated with β‐galactosidase co‐aggregated with spontaneously aggregating cells (not modified) and with cells treated with heat. Heat‐treated cells co‐aggregated with spontaneously aggregating cells and with cells treated with βgalactosidase. Cells treated with trypsin did not co‐aggregate either with spontaneously aggregating cells or cells treated with heat or β‐galactosidase. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that two surface components are required for specific aggregation of S. mitis cells. We suggest that both components are degraded or released from the bacterial surface by treatment with trypsin (and other proteolytic enzymes) as shown by the inability of these cells to take part in any co‐aggregation with spontaneously aggregating cells. Treatment with β‐galactosidase degrades a carbohydrate receptor constituing the terminal part of a glycoprotein. Heat treatment inactivates a protein lectin. The fact that heat‐treated bacteria and bacteria treated with β‐galactosidase aggregate when mixed supports the assumption that two components take part in the aggregation reaction.