bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epidemiology and microbiology of diarrhoea in young Aboriginal children in the Kimberley region of Western Australia
Authors: Gunzburg S. , Gracey M. , Burke V. , Chang B. 
Published: May 2009

Infectious diarrhoea is common in young Australian Aborigines [1–3] and is one of the main causes for their unsatisfactory health standards with consequent widespread failure to thrive and undernutrition [4–5]. Most published reports relate to patients in hospital or to hospital admission statistics and give little indication of the extent or severity of diarrhoeal disease in children in Aboriginal communities.The present investigation involved more than 100 Aboriginal children up to 5 years of age living in remote communities in the tropical north of Western Australia who were studied prospectively over a 12–month period.
Longitudinal study of toxoplasma seroprevalence in South Yorkshire
Authors: Walker J. , Nokes D. J. , Jennings R. 
Published: May 2009

SUMMARYSerum samples collected from individuals of a wide range of ages in South Yorkshire between 1969 and 1990 provided the basis for a longitudinal seroprevalence survey of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies. Sera numbering 3868 were screened for T. gondii specific antibodies using a commercial latex agglutination test. The resultant temporal series of serological profiles revealed a rise, with age, in seroprevalence, the rate of which showed a decrease through time. A plateau of around 40–50% prevalence was attained by the 41- to 45-year age-class in 1969 which was not approached until the 66- to 70-year class in the 1988–90 data set. This trend for decline in seroprevalence was confirmed by statistical analysis for the age range 21–60 years. These results may be indicative of a decrease in the rate of toxoplasma exposure in this study community over the 20-year period. The survey of 1988–90 provides a base-line profile of present-day seroprevalence in which 11 % of individuals in the age range 16–45 years (roughly corresponding to the childbearing age-range) show evidence of past infection. The representative nature of the serum collection and public-health implications of these results are discussed.
Apramycin resistance plasmids inEscherichia coli: possible transfer toSalmonella typhimuriumin calves
Authors: Hunter J. E. B. , Shelley J. C. , Walton J. R. , Hart C. A. , Bennett M. 
Published: May 2009

SUMMARYAn outbreak of salmonellosis in calves was monitored for persistence ofSalmonella typhimuriumexcretion in faeces and the effect of treatment with apramycin. Prior to treatment apramycin-resistantEscherichia coliwere present but allS. typhimuriumisolates were sensitive. Following the treatment of six calves with apramycin, apramycin-resistantS. typhimuriumwere isolated from two treated calves and one untreated calf. Plasmid profiles ofE. coliandS. typhimuriumwere compared and plasmids conferring resistance to apramycin and several other antibiotics were transferred by conjugationin vitrofrom calfE. coliandS. typhimuriumisolates toE. coliK-12 and fromE. colitoS. typhimurium. The plasmids conjugated with high frequencyin vitrofromE. colitoS. typhimurium, and hybridized to a DNA probe specific for the gene encoding aminoglycoside acetyltransferase 3-IV (AAC(3)-IV) which confers resistance to apramycin, gentamicin, netilmicin and tobramycin.
Factors affecting carriage of Neisseria meningitidis among Greek military recruits
Authors: Blackwell C. C. , Tzanakaki G. , Kremastinou J. , Weir D. M. , Vakalis N. , Elton R. A. , Mentis A. , Fatouros N. 
Published: May 2009

SUMMARYGreek military recruits (993) were examined for carriage of meningococci during July 1990. Blood, saliva and throat swab specimens were obtained and each recruit answered a questionnaire providing information on age, education (a measure of socioeconomic level), place of residence, smoking habits and recent infections.The overall carriage rate was 25% but differed between the two camps: 79/432 (18%) in Camp A and 168/561 (30%) in Camp B (P < 0·0005). In Camp B, there were significantly higher proportions of recruits who were non-secretors (P < 0·0005), and/or heavy smokers (P < 0·0005). They were also younger ( < 19 years old) (P < 0·001), and on the whole had fewer years of education (P < 0·0005). By univariate analysis, carriage was significantly associated with smoking. By multiple logistic regression analysis, carriage was associated with smoking (P < 0·001), age (P < 0·01) and the camp in which the recruits were based (P < 0·01). Among recruits in Camp B, 15/38 (40%) of those with recent viral infections were carriers compared with 30% for the camp in general.
The epidemiology of varicella–zoster virus infections: the influence of varicella on the prevalence of herpes zoster
Authors: Garnett G. P. , Grenfell B. T. 
Published: May 2009

SUMMARYThis paper uses mathematical models and data analysis to examine the epidemiological implications of possible immunologically mediated links between patterns of varicella and herpes-zoster incidence in human communities. A review of previously published reports does not clarify whether or not there is a relationship between the incidence of varicella and the incidence of zoster. However, new analysis of data collected by the Royal College of General Practitioners provides indirect evidence for the hypothesis that a high intensity of varicella transmission suppresses viral reactivation. The significance of this finding for proposed varicella vaccination campaigns is explored by a review of published data on the use of the vaccine. No significant difference is shown to exist between the risk of zoster caused by the vaccine and the wild virus. A mathematical model is then developed to take into consideration the influence of the prevalence of varicella on viral reactivation and the impact of vaccination with attenuated virus, which may be able to recrudesce. Under some conditions, mass application of such vaccines may have the impact of increasing zoster incidence. The results presented here indicate that, before starting any vaccination programme against varicella, its consequences need to be assessed in much more depth.
Streptococcal pharyngitis in general practice. 2. A note on dual infection and transient urinary abnormalities
Authors: Higgins P. M. 
Published: May 2009

SUMMARYIn an uncompleted study in 1965 microscopic haematuria in the second or third week after acute pharyngitis was found four times more often in patients with either microbiological or clinical evidence of dual infection with both group A streptococci and a virus than in patients with evidence only of infection with group A streptococci.Prospective studies of the role of viruses in the aetiology of transient haematuria and of acute post streptococcal glomerulonephritis are feasible in general practice and would be most productive if concentrated in children 5–9 years of age.
Splenomegaly in acute infections due to group A streptococci and viruses
Authors: Higgins P. M. 
Published: May 2009

SUMMARYOver a period of 9 years in general practice temporary enlargement of the spleen was found in 29 episodes of pharyngitis or tonsillitis, in 2 episodes of acute upper respiratory tract infection other than pharyngitis and in 6 episodes of acute cervical lymphadenitis. In five patients more than one episode of illness associated with splenomegaly was recorded.In 26 of the 37 episodes a possible aetiology was identified. Evidence only of infection with group A streptococci was found in 14 episodes, adenoviruses or coxsackie B viruses were isolated alone in 4 episodes and in 4 episodes the only finding was the presence in the blood of more than occasional atypical mononuclear cells; in 4 episodes there was evidence of both streptococcal and viral infection. Episodes with evidence of streptococcal infection only tended to be of shorter duration and to be more evenly distributed over the year than were episodes without such evidence. Temporary splenomegaly was noted also in two children with varicella (one of whom also had streptococcal infection) and in an adult with probable rubella.
An outbreak ofSalmonella dublininfection in England and Wales associated with a soft unpasteurized cows' milk cheese
Authors: Maguire H. , Cowden J. , Jacob M. , Rowe B. , Roberts D. , Bruce J. , Mitchell E. 
Published: May 2009

SUMMARYAn outbreak ofSalmonella dublininfection occurred in England and Wales in October to December 1989. Forty-two people were affected, mainly adults, and most lived in south-east England. Microbiological and epidemiological investigations implicated an imported Irish soft unpasteurized cows' milk cheese as the vehicle of infection. A case-control study showed a statistically significant association between infection and consumption of the suspect cheese (p = 0·001).Salmonella dublinwas subsequently isolated from cheeses obtained from the manufacturer's premises. Initial control measures included the withdrawal of the cheese from retail sale and a Food Hazard Warning to Environmental Health Departments, as well as a press release, from the Department of Health. Subsequently, a decision was taken by the manufacturer to pasteurize milk used in the production of cheese for the UK market and importation of the cheese resumed in June 1990.
Occurrence of quinolone resistance inStaphylococcus aureusfrom nosocomial infection
Authors: Witte W. , Grimm H. 
Published: May 2009

SUMMARYAmong 63Staphylococcus aureusisolates (one isolate per one patient) counted from infections (from August to November 1991) in hospital T., eight exhibited resistance to fluoroquinolones. Seven of these quinolone-resistant isolates were multiply- and methicillin-resistantS. aureus(QR-MRSA). The results of phage-, plasmid- and genotyping (pulsed field electrophoresis) revealed that six different strain-clones of these MRSA were spread in the hospital.In vitrospontaneous mutants resistant to fluoroquinolones are 1–-100-fold more frequent in MRSA than in otherS. aureuswhen selected on isosensitest-agar containing 1 μg/ml of ciprofloxacin. However, the same mutant frequencies were found in strain 8325–4 with and without the mecA-determinant. The resistance phenotype was stable over 30 generations of subculture in nutrient broth as well in natural quinolone resistant MRSA as in mutants of other types ofS.aureusselectedin vitro. The phenotypic association of quinolone resistance and MRSA is rather likely due to a higher frequency of spontaneous resistant mutants which are present in natural populations of MRSA. Data of chemotherapy prior to the isolation of 8. aureus show that three of seven patients from whom QR-MRSA were isolated were treated with a quinolone. In eight cases of infections with non-MRSA and quinolone treatment the isolatedS. aureusstrains werein vitrosensitive to quinolones.
Secretor status and humoral immune responses to Neisseria lactamica and Neisseria meningitidis
Authors: Zorgani A. A. , Stewart J. , Blackwell C. C. , Elton R. A. , Weir D. M. 
Published: May 2009

SUMMARYNon-secretors of ABO blood group antigens are over-represented among patients with meningococcal diseases. Lower levels of secretory IgA reported for non-secretors have been suggested to compromise mucosal defences. Total serum and salivary IgG, IgA and IgM and levels of these isotypes specific for Neisseria lactamica and five isolates of meningococci were determined by ELISA for 357 pupils and staff of a secondary school in which an outbreak of meningitis occurred. There were no differences in total or specific levels of serum IgG, IgA or IgM or salivary IgG or IgA of secretors compared with non-secretors. Non-secretors had significantly lower levels of salivary IgM (P=0·022) A similar pattern was observed for levels of IgM specific for N. lactamica and five meningococcal isolates. The significance of these results is discussed with reference to the role of secretory IgM in protection of mucosal surfaces in infants.
Maternal prevalence of toxoplasma antibody based on anonymous neonatal serosurvey: a geographical analysis
Authors: Ades A. E. , Parker S. , Gilbert R. , Tookey P. A. , Berry T. , Hjelm M. , Wilcox A. H. , Cubitt D. , Peckham C. S. 
Published: May 2009

SUMMARYA total of 12902 neonatal samples collected on absorbent paper for routine metabolic screening were tested anonymously for antibodies to toxoplasma. Seroprevalence varied from 19.5% in inner London, to 11.6% in suburban London, and 7.6% in non-metropolitan districts. Much of this variation appeared to be associated with the proportions of livebirths in each district to women born outside the UK. However, additional geographical variation remained and seroprevalence in UK-born women was estimated to be 12.7% in inner London, 7.5% in suburban London, and 5.5% in non-metropolitan areas. These estimates are considerably lower than any previously reported in antenatal sera in the UK. The wide geographical variation highlights a need for further research to determine the relative importance of different routes of transmission.
Wild ducks are the reservoir for only a limited number of influenza A subtypes
Authors: Sharp G. B. , Kawaoka Y. , Wright S. M. , Turner B. , Hinshaw V. , Webster R. G. 
Published: May 2009

SUMMARYAnalysis of cloacal samples collected from 12321 wild ducks in Alberta, Canada, from 1976 to 1990 showed influenza A infections to be seasonal, with prevalences increasing as the population became increasingly more dense. Viruses with 3 haemagglutinin (H3, H4, and H6) and 3 neuraminidase subtypes (N2, N6, and N8) were found consistently to infect both adult and juvenile ducks each year, indicating that wild ducks may be a reservoir for these viruses. In contrast, viruses with 7 haemagglutinin (H2, H5, H7, H8, H9, H11, and H12) and 3 neuraminidase subtypes (N1, N3, and N4) were not found for prolonged periods during the study; when they were found, they primarily infected juveniles at moderate levels. Whilst wild ducks appear to perpetuate some influenza A viruses, they apparently do not act as a reservoir for all such viruses.
Vaccination against hepatitis B: comparison of intradermal and intramuscular administration of plasma derived and recombinant vaccines
Authors: Payton C. D. , Scarisbrick D. A. , Sikotra S. , Flower A. J. E. 
Published: May 2009

SUMMARYA retrospective analysis of levels of antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen in 1419 health care workers was carried out to compare the efficacy of intramuscular and intradermal administration of plasma derived and recombinant hepatitis B vaccines. No significant difference was detected between the response to intradermal and intramuscular plasma derived vaccine. However of those who received intramuscular recombinant vaccine 81.6%, 13.8% and 4.7% were good (> 100 miu/ml). low (10–99 miu/ml) and non-responders (< 10 miu/ml) respectively. compared with 51.1%, 29.8% and 19.2% of the intradermal group (P > 0.0001). Low dose intradermal administration of recombinant vaccine did not produce satisfactory levels of antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen.
The colonization of broiler chickens withCampylobacter jejuni: some epidemiological investigations
Authors: Humphery T. J. , Henley A. , Lanning D. G. 
Published: May 2009

SUMMARYBetween June 1990 and July 1991, broiler chickens from 49 flocks from 23 farms were examined for the carriage ofCampylobacter jejuniat slaughter. Thirty-seven flocks (76%) were campylobacter-positive. Prevalence of campylobacter-colon-ization was not associated with any of a variety of factors such as water source and broiler house floor structure. There was also no apparent seasonal variation in carriage. Investigations on one farm indicated that dipping boots in disinfectant before workers entered broiler houses either delayed or prevented colonization withC. jejuni.
A bacteriological survey of tuberculosis due to the human tubercle bacillus (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) in South-East England: 1984–91
Authors: Yates M. D. , Grange J. M. 
Published: May 2009

SUMMARYThe occurrence and nature of bacteriologically confirmed tuberculosis due toMycobacterium tuberculosisin South-East England in the period 1984–91 is reported and compared with the results of a study for 1977–83. Registered new cases reached a low of 1028 in 1988 but increased to 1252 in 1991. This appeared to be due to a halt in the previous decline in new cases of European patients, a small increase in the number of Indian subcontinent (ISC) patients and an increase in patients from Africa. A total of 122 patients, mostly of European ethnic origin, were known to be HIV positive. As in the 1977–83 study, disease in the ISC group affected younger patients than in the European group, tubercle bacilli were more frequently isolated from a non-pulmonary site in the ISC group (45%) than in the European group (19%) and there was a higher incidence of the South Indian variant ofM. tuberculosisin the former group (17%) than in the latter (9%). The overall incidence of drug resistance has not altered significantly since the 1977–83 study but 46 strains resistant to 3 or more drugs were isolated from 4099 ISC patients, compared with 3 of 4594 strains from European patients. Six of the 122 isolates from HIV positive patients were drug-resistant but none was multi-drug resistant.The slight rise in registered bacteriologically proven cases of tuberculosis, the presence of multi-drug resistant strains, the occurrence of HIV-related tuberculosis and reports of the emergence of multi-drug-resistant HIV-related tuberculosis in other countries strongly indicate the need for continued careful surveillance.
Oropharyngeal production of pneumococcal capsular antigen and the potential for contamination of expectorated sputum samples in pneumococcal pneumonia
Authors: Venkatesan P. , Sole K. , Tang C. , Macfarlane J. T. , Finch R. G. 
Published: May 2009

SUMMARYThe presence of pneumococcal capsular antigen (PCA) in the oropharynx was sought in subjects without respiratory tract infection. Saliva specimens from 239 subjects were analysed by counter-current immunoelectrophoresis using ‘Omni-serum’. 15.5% gave positive reactions but only 24% of positive samples were typable and therefore due to pneumococcal or pneumococcal-like antigens. Given that oropharyngeal production of antigens occurs we investigated whether PCA in expectorated sputum arose from oropharyngeal contamination. Sixteen patients with pneumococcal pneumonia, and with sputum positive for PCA, were investigated in detail. On the basis of serotyping and concentration the PCA in sputum was thought to arise from the lower respiratory tract in all cases. This was confirmed by a simple, novel approach involving the comparison of concentrations in concomitant samples of saliva and sputum. Thus while oropharyngeal production of antigens poses a potential diagnostic problem the latter approach can be used to exclude contamination.
Sequence heterogeneity of theeaegene and detection of verotoxin-producingEscherichia coliusing serotype-specific primers
Authors: Louie M. , De Azavedo J. , Clarke R. , Borczyk A. , Lior H. , Richter M. , Brunton J. 
Published: May 2009

SUMMARYThe distribution of theEscherichia coliattaching and effacing (eae) gene in strains of verotoxin-producingE. coli(VTEC) isolated from cattle and humans was studied. The majority of strains isolated from humans with bloody diarrhoea or HUS and cattle with severe diarrhoea wereeae. positive (82 and 83% respectively). In contrast. 59% of VTEC isolated from asymptomatic cattle wereeaenegative and of the remaining 41 % that wereeaepositive, the majority were serotype O157.H7. The nucleotide sequence of the 3′ end of theeaegene of enteropathogenicE. coli(EPEC) of serotype O55.H7 was found to be almost identical to that of serotype O157. H7. Specific primers are described which detect theeaesequences of VTEC serotypes O157.H7, 0157.H−, and EPEC serotypes O55.H7 and O55.H−. The nucleotide sequence of the 3′ end of theeaegene of serotype O111.H8 differed significantly from that of O157.H7. Primers were developed to specifically identify theeaesequences of VTEC serotypes O111. H−and O111.H8. We conclude that whereas the majority of VTEC associated with disease in cattle and humans possess theeaegene, the gene itself may not be necessary to produce haemorrhagic colitis and HUS. Sequence heterogeneity in the 3′ end ofeaealleles of VTEC permits specific identification of subsets of these organisms.
Incidence and nature of peritoneal catheter biofilm determined by electron and confocal laser scanning microscopy
Authors: Gorman S. P. , Adair C. G. , Mawhinney W. M. 
Published: May 2009

SUMMARYThirty-two Tenckhoff catheters retrieved from continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients with a history of peritonitis were examined for microbial biofilm. Confocal laser scanning microscopy was successfully employed to visualize bacteria in biofilm occluded from view by scanning electron microscopy. Occluded but viable microbial biofilm was associated with 17 (81%) catheters from patients free from infection following renal transplant. Mixed isolate biofilm with two or more isolates of coagulase-negative staphylococci orStaphylococcus aureuswas found on 41% of these catheters. Clearly visible viable biofilm consisting exclusively ofPseudomonas aeruginosaoccurred on all four catheters removed due to recurrent peritonitis. Five (71%) catheters retrieved from patients transferred to haemodialysis had viable biofilm. Antibiotic sensitivities of the biofilm isolates were similar in profile to those reported for non-biofilm isolates from infected dialysate. Persistence of catheter biofilm despite direct contact with therapeutic levels of antibiotics in peritoneal dialysate requires that attention be directed towards improving antibiotic efficacy against peritonitis-causing bacteria in biofilm form.
Recognition of adenovirus types in faecal samples by Southern hybridization in South Australia
Authors: Mickan L. D. , Kok T.-W. 
Published: May 2009

SUMMARYThe distribution of adenovirus types in faecal samples of patients with suspected viral gastroenteritis from South Australia was determined during the 12-month period, July 1991–June 1992. There were 3299 samples tested and 226 (6·9%) were positive for adenovirus by enzyme immunoassay. Of these 226 samples. 154 (68%) were typed directly using virus DNA extracted from the faecal samples according to theSmaI,HindIII andBstEII restriction patterns and Southern hybridization analysis with pooled viral genomic DNA probes. In this group, 86% of the samples were from patients who were < 3 years of age. Enteric adenovirus types 40 and 41 accounted for 20 and 40% respectively, of these samples, and types 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 and 31 comprised the remainder. Type 40 was detected mainly in the winter and spring periods, and type 41 predominated in the autumn period. The majority of the non-enteric types were found during the late winter and spring periods.