Showing papers by "Israel Ministry of Health published in 1982"

Leptospirosis in man, israel, 1970–1979

Abstract: In 1970-1979, the incidence of human leptospirosis in Israel was 0.7 per 100,000 population. The majority of the cases (62%) occurred in northeastern Israel (Upper Galilee). Prior to 1973 the main infecting serotypes were grippotyphosa (41%) and Hebdomadis szwajizak (31%). Following the first outbreak of Hebdomadis hardjo infection in 1973, a change occurred in the epidemiologic pattern of human leptospirosis, with hardjo becoming the most common serotype (59%). Hardjo infection outbreaks were sporadic and localized to dairy farms. The peak of incidence was during the summer months, June-September. All the patients with hardjo were dairy workers. The illness was relatively mild and mostly unicteric. Cattle seemed to be the principal source of hardjo infection for man.

Hemolytic disease of the newborn caused by the rhesus antigen Cw.

Abstract: . A positive direct antiglobulin (Coombs) test (DAT) in a jaundiced neonate, without demonstrable antibodies while screening the mother's blood, presents a problem. In this case report the absence of ABO and Rho(D) incompatibility led to the discovering of the anti-Cw as the cause of the hemolytic process. Hitherto, only few cases of hemolytic disease of the newborn, caused by this low incidence Rh antigen have been reported.

Effect of Antibiotics on the Lysis of Staphylococci and Streptococci by Leukocyte Factors, on the Production of Cellular and Extracellular Factors by Streptococci, and on the Solubilization of Cell-Sensitizing Agents from Gram-negative Rods

Abstract: Although much is known today about the mode of action of antibiotics on microorganisms, relatively little has been done to evaluate the possible collaboration between antibiotics and the host defenses in the containment and elimination of pathogens from host tissues. Since certain antibiotics are known to interfere with the biosynthesis of bacterial cellular and extracellular components, it is conceivable that such modified bacterial cells may be more readily intercepted, killed, and eventually digested by professional phagocytes. On the other hand, certain antibiotics may have adverse effects on mammalian cells by interfering with their normal metabolism and subsequently with their antimicrobial functions. Although the role of bacteriolysis in host and parasite interrelationships has been recognized for over a decade, this field of research has surprisingly been almost totally neglected. The importance of understanding the mechanisms of biodegradation of microbial cells in vivo stems from the recognition that the inability of the enzymes of the host to degrade the rigid cell wall of microorganisms is a contributory factor to the formation of chronic granulomatous responses, and to the destruction of tissues [1, 6, 16, 17, 22, 30]. Thus, any antibiotics which will collaborate with leukocytes or with serum factors in the elimination of bacterial constitutents from infected tissues may greatly contribute to the well-being of the individual.

Cationic Polyelectrolytes and Leukocyte Factors Function as Opsonins, Triggers of Chemiluminescence and Activators of Autolytic Enzymes in Bacteria: Modulation by Anionic Polyelectrolytes in Relation to Inflammation

Abstract: Both antibodies and complement components are essential for successful phagocytosis of many virulent microorganisms (1,2). Although the mechanisms by which opsonins promote particle uptake are not fully understood, it has been suggested that both electrostatic and hydrophobic forces act in concert with specific receptors for Fc and C3b to facilitate interiorization of particles (2,3). In the case of group A streptococci, opsonization by immunoglobulins abolishes the anti-phagocytic properties of the M-antigen (4,5). Since one mechanism by which opsonins may act is to decrease repulsion forces between negative charges present on the surface of the particle and phagocyte, cationic ligands may function as effective opsonins (6–11). In addition, cationic substances may participate in bacteriolysis. We recently suggested (11) that the breakdown of bacterial cells following phagocytosis is mediated indirectly by leukocyte cationic proteins and phospholipases which activate autolytic enzymes and not by lysosomal enzymes directly.

A social science perspective on the negotiation of a psychiatric diagnosis

Abstract: In the mid-1960's, various terms were coined by psychiatrists in Israel to describe a psychopathological expression frequently seen in Jews of Persian origin in Israel. This paper explores the meaning and usage of these terms in a community mental health center. The definition and analysis of these labeling terms was approached (1) by examining the presenting symptoms in psychiatric intake records, (2) in a retrospective study of entire records of patients to whom the label had been affixed, and (3) by examining therapists' conceptions of the meaning of the term. The study found that these are non-specific and informal labels and bear no necessary correlation with a specific set of symptoms. It was concluded that this labeling could more profitably be viewed as an outcome of negotiation and interaction between the therapist and the Persian Jewish patient.