Showing papers in "Journal of Clinical Microbiology in 1976"
TL;DR: The Special Bacteriology Section of the Center for Disease Control has received 38 cultures of a halophilic bacterium which apparently unnamed, which suggests that this bacterium belongs to the genus Vibrio.
Abstract: The Special Bacteriology Section of the Center for Disease Control has received 38 cultures of a halophilic bacterium which apparently unnamed. On the basis of the minimal characteristics of Vibrio species proposed by Hugh and Sakazaki, this bacterium belongs to the genus Vibrio. The unnamed species can be differentiated from Vibro parahaemolyticus by a lower tolerance for sodium chloride (NaC1) and the fermentation of lactose. The failure to ferment sucrose is an additional characteristic which differentiates these organisms from V. alginolyticus. Of 33 unnamed species strains tested, all were sensitive to penicillin, ampicillin, carbenicillin, cephalothin, chlorapmphenicol, gentamicin, tetracycline, rifampin, nitrofurantoin, and sulfisoxazole by agar diffusion and agar dilution tests. The sources of isolation of the cultures of the unnamed species suggest that it is a clinically important organism. Twenty strains were isolated remaining cultures were isolated from localized infections of the extremities. In contrast, only 2 of 60 cultures of V. parahaemolyticus and V. alginolyticus received in our laboratory as human isolates from extra-intestinal sources were isolated from blood.
291Â citations
TL;DR: Investigation of antibody responses to various spotted fever group and typhus group rickettsiae during Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) and epidemic typhus (ET) found IgM responses to laboratory-acquired infections were infrequent in persons previously vaccinated with antigens related to the infecting strain.
Abstract: A microimmunofluorescence test was used to study antibody responses to various spotted fever group and typhus group rickettsiae during Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) and epidemic typhus (ET). Patients with RMSF reacted most strongly to Rickettsia rickettsii; those with ET reacted predominantly to R. prowazekii. The degree of cross-reaction to other rickettsial strains varied from patient to patient, but a particular pattern of cross-reaction was consistently observed in serial sera from the same patient. Fresh isolates from three Montana RMSF cases were indistinguishable from each other and from strain R of R. rickettsii used as a standard antigen in all tests. Immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies were usually present in high titer in early-convalescent-phase sera from RMSF, as well as ET, patients. After RMSF, IgM antibodies persisted for a few months and, in one instance, for as long as 10 months. IgM responses to laboratory-acquired infections were infrequent in persons previously vaccinated with antigens related to the infecting strain. Previous antigenic conditioning from infection or vaccination may have accounted partly for the apparent lack of IgM response in a few study participants. Images
249Â citations
TL;DR: The serum dilution neutralization test was evaluated for serological diagnosis of California group arbovirus infections and identification of virus isolates.
Abstract: The serum dilution neutralization test was evaluated for serological diagnosis of California group arbovirus infections and identification of virus isolates. The technical advantages and the degree of subtype specificity of the serum dilution neutralization test over the hemagglutination inhibition test and the complement fixation test were demonstrated with paired specimens from human cases, single human survey sera, and sentinel rabbit sera. Twenty-one virus isolates from various geographical areas of the United States were also used to evaluate the efficacy of the serum dilution neutralization test for specific virus identification.
240Â citations
TL;DR: A differential agar medium for the identification of Ureaplasma urealyticum in primary cultures of clinical specimens is described and colonies are identified as dark golden-brown or rich deep-brown colonies, in sharp contrast to the light background of the medium, when viewed by direct transmitted illumination under the low power of the microscope.
Abstract: A differential agar medium for the identification of Ureaplasma urealyticum in primary cultures of clinical specimens is described. The differential medium (no. A7) is specific for the identification of U. urealyticum and other members of the genus Ureaplasma. Large-colony, classical Mycoplasma and Acholeplasma species and Proteus L colonies are unreactive on this differential medium. The medium incorporates the biochemical principle of the direct spot test for urease in colonies of Ureaplasma and contains added urea and a sensitive indicator of ammonia, manganous sulfate. Ureaplasma colonies on this medium are identified as dark golden-brown or rich deep-brown colonies, in sharp contrast to the light background of the medium, when viewed by direct transmitted illumination under the low power of the microscope.
213Â citations
TL;DR: Pure cultures of six pathogenic isolates of Treponema hyodysenteriae, the colonic mucosal scrapings of seven pigs with acute swine dysentery, and feces from seven unaffected pigs were diluted in phosphate-buffered saline and plated on Trypticase soy agar and TSA with various levels of spectinomycin.
Abstract: Pure cultures of six pathogenic isolates of Treponema hyodysenteriae, the colonic mucosal scrapings of seven pigs with acute swine dysentery, and feces from seven unaffected pigs were diluted in phosphate-buffered saline and plated on Trypticase soy agar with 5% citrated bovine blood (TSA) and TSA with various levels of spectinomycin (TSA-S). The plates were incubated at 42 degrees C in a vented GasPak jar with a cold palladium catalyst and either 80:20 H2-CO2 by evacuation and refilling or a H2-CO2 generator envelope. Viable cell counts of the six pathogenic isolates were not altered by plating on TSA-S with 400 mug of spectinomycin per ml (TSA-S400) as compared with TSA alone. Dilutions of colonic mucosal scrapings from seven pigs with acute swine dysentery showed numbers of T. hyodysenteriae to be unchanged when plated on TSA-S400. Flora other than T. hyodysenteriae present in acute swine dysentery was inhibited, on the average, by 99.99%. Plating of dilutions of feces of unaffected pigs on TSA-S400 showed inhibition of flora that averaged more than 99.9%. Pathogenicity of T. hyodysenteriae was not altered by isolation or serial passage on TSA-S400.
119Â citations
TL;DR: A method is described for visualizing unstained bacterial flagella by dark-field light microscopy, which can readily be distinguished from a polarly flagellated genus such as Pseudomonas.
Abstract: A method is described for visualizing unstained bacterial flagella by dark-field light microscopy. Since individual filaments can be seen, a genus such as Salmonella, which is peritrichously flagellated, can readily be distinguished from a polarly flagellated genus such as Pseudomonas. Polarly flagellated bacteria generally swim much faster than peritrichously flagellated bacteria, and turn by abrupt reversals. The differences in flagellation and motility provide diagnostic criteria that may be useful in clinical microbiology.
118Â citations
TL;DR: The rates of recovery of bacteria from vented vacuum blood culture bottles containing 50 and 100 ml of a soybean-casein digest broth were compared and gram-negative bacilli and especially Pseudomonas aeruginosa were recovered significantly more frequently from the 100-ml bottle.
Abstract: The rates of recovery of bacteria from vented vacuum blood culture bottles containing 50 and 100 ml of a soybean-casein digest broth were compared. Overall, more isolates were recovered from the larger bottle; moreover, gram-negative bacilli and especially Pseudomonas aeruginosa were recovered significantly more frequently (P less than 0.01) from the 100-ml bottle.
116Â citations
TL;DR: Although no set pattern was found between the variability and consistency of gingival microbiota as related to age, sex, or breed of dog, a certain characteristic flora can be predicted in the healthy canine gingiva.
Abstract: Gingival scrapings from dogs were examined to determine their aerobic bacterial flora. Of particular interest was the frequent recovery of three unclassified groups of aerobic gram-negative bacteria, IIj, EF-4, and M-5, previously associated with human dog-bite infections. Although no set pattern was found between the variability and consistency of gingival microbiota as related to age, sex, or breed of dog, a certain characteristic flora can be predicted in the healthy canine gingiva. Members of the following genera were found: Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Actinomyces, Escherichia, Corynebacterium, Pasteurella, Caryophanon, Mycoplasma, Acinetobacter, Moraxella, Neisseria, Enterobacter, and Bacillus.
107Â citations
TL;DR: A large pool of refined endotoxin was prepared from Escherichia coli O113 by extraction with hot acqueous phenol and will be available for a reference standard designated as reference endotoxin EC.
Abstract: A large pool of refined endotoxin was prepared from Escherichia coli O113 by extraction with hot acqueous phenol. It was characterized chemically and biologically and will be available for a reference standard designated as reference endotoxin EC.
104Â citations
TL;DR: It permitted the accurate generic identification of the Histoplasma spp.
Abstract: A sensitive and specific immunological method was developed for rapid identification of the mycelial forms of Histoplasma capsulatum var. capsulatum, H. capsulatum var. duboisii, and H. farciminosum and for separation of these pathogenic fungi from morphologically similar hyphomycetes and other fungal pathogens. This method is based on the fact that all of the Histoplasma spp. produce H and M histoplasmin antigens, whereas the other fungi do not. Inocula consisting of heavy mycelial growth from a pure, full-grown culture were transferred into flasks containing small volumes of brain heart infusion broth. These cultures were placed on a shaker and grown at 25 C. Using the micro-immunodiffusion technique and antisera containing antibodies to H and M precipitinogens, we detected exoantigens in 3-day-old brain heart infusion culture supernatants concentrated 25 and 50 times. The ability of the procedure to identify Histoplasma spp. was evaluated by testing 96 unknown mycelial cultures that grossly or microscopically resembled Histoplasma spp. Three- and six-day-old concentrated culture supernatants prepared from each unknown were tested against rabbit anti-Arthroderma tuberculatum, Chrysosporium keratinophilum, H. capsulatum var. duboisii, and Corynascus (Thielavia) sepedonium sera and human histoplasmosis case serum. Each unknown was also identified by conventional laboratory procedures involving cultural and, where necessary, in vivo studies. In the comparative evaluation the immunological test was observed to be 100% sensitive. It permitted the accurate generic identification of the Histoplasma spp. within 5 days, in contrast to the average of 33 days required by the routine mycological procedure. Images
98Â citations
TL;DR: It is suggested that SA2(f) could be used as a single antigen for preliminary screening of a large number of sera for the presence or absence of chlamydial antibody.
Abstract: Three-hundred sixty sera from unselected patients attending two London venereal disease clinics were examined by a microimmunofluorescence test. Eleven egg-grown serotypes of Chlamydia trachomatis and the so-called "fast" strain SA2(f) were used as antigens. Of the 360 sera tested, 119 (33%) reacted to a titer of 1:16 or above with at least one antigen. Of these positive sera, over 50% cross-reacted with all 12 serotypes, and 95.5% reacted with SA2(f) in addition to other antigenic types. It is suggested that SA2(f) could be used as a single antigen for preliminary screening of a large number of sera for the presence or absence of chlamydial antibody.
TL;DR: It is suggested that the intramuscular and subcutaneous routes continue to be used for primary vaccinations and that the highly effective intradermal route be restricted to booster inoculations.
Abstract: The antirabies human diploid cell vaccine produced by 1'Institute Merieux, Lyon, France, was administered intradermally to 35 high-risk volunteers using 0.2-ml amounts and various immunization schedules. Three groups never before vaccinated against rabies developed virus-neutralizing antibodies, the titer of which was dose dependent. A single injection stimulated the formation of antibodies. Four inoculations induced the highest antibody levels and the longest persistence of antibody. The administration of a single intradermal booster inoculation was sufficient, even in the case of low-persisting antibody, to elicit a rapid increase of antibodies to high levels. A primary inoculation course of two injections induced a sufficient antibody level which, in case of exposure, could apparently be rapidly elevated by a 0.2-ml intradermal booster inoculation. Adverse side reactions were observed in 7 of 14 individuals after a 1- or 1.5-year intradermal booster inoculation. We therefore suggest that the intramuscular and subcutaneous routes continue to be used for primary vaccinations and that the highly effective intradermal route be restricted to booster inoculations. This is the first long term study of this vaccine and should be a guideline for the pre-exposure treatment of high-risk personnel.
TL;DR: The results show that clinical isolates of pseudomonads can be divided into eight distinct GLC groups, and the procedures were especially useful for distinguishing glucose-nonoxidizing Pseudomonas species, which are difficult to identify by conventional criteria.
Abstract: The cellular fatty acid composition of 112 reference strains and clinical isolates of Pseudomonas species was determined by gas-liquid chromatography (GLC). The presence and relative amounts of cyclopropane, hydroxy, and branched-chain fatty acids were distinguishing features of these strains. Determination of short-chain fatty acids extracted from spent growth media provided an additional means for identifying some strains. Our results show that clinical isolates of pseudomonads can be divided into eight distinct GLC groups. The procedures were especially useful for distinguishing glucose-nonoxidizing pseudomonads, which are difficult to identify by conventional criteria. Since the GLC procedures are simple, rapid, and highly reproducible, they are useful in diagnostic laboratories that process large numbers of cultures. Coupled with selected conventional tests, the analysis of short-chain and cellular fatty acids can be very useful for rapid screening of clinical isolates of Pseudomonas species.
TL;DR: The data suggest that throat swabs are more efficient than nasopharyngeal swabs for detecting colonization, particularly for older children, and that sex, race, season, economic status, or common childhood infectious diseases such as coryza or otitis media have no influence on colonization rates.
Abstract: Over 1,300 children were studied in an analysis of factors that might affect pharyngeal colonization with Haemophilus influenzae type b Our semiquantitative methods for the culture of H influenzae type b, consisting of inoculation of 0001 ml of throat swab fluid on antiserum agar plates and division of the results into three grades of intensity, showed agreement as to intensity of colonization in over 80% of repeat throat cultures Our data also suggest that throat swabs are more efficient than nasopharyngeal swabs for detecting colonization, particularly for older children All 17 H influenzae type b carriers found with either method were detected with throat swabs, but six had negative nasopharyngeal cultures; four of these six were lightly colonized older children Furthermore, colony counts were apt to be higher on plates inoculated with throat swab fluids The frequency of pharyngeal H influenzae type b colonization in children visiting health department clinics and pediatricians' offices was low during the first 6 months of life (07%) but averaged 3 to 5% throughout the rest of childhood Approximately two-thirds of the carriers were colonized at an intensity too low to be detected by standard laboratory techniques No influence on colonization rates was found for sex, race, season, economic status, or common childhood infectious diseases such as coryza or otitis media
TL;DR: The extracellular production of hyaluronidase and chondroitin sulfatase was demonstrated in all of the subspecies of Bacteroides fragilis tested with the exception of B. vulgatus.
Abstract: The extracellular production of hyaluronidase and chondroitin sulfatase was demonstrated in all of the subspecies of Bacteroides fragilis tested with the exception of B. fragilis subsp. vulgatus. Elastase was found only in one strain of B. coagulans tested. This appears to be the first report of these enzyme activities in this genus. Additional enzymes found to be produced by certain members othis genus were fibrinolysin, penicillinase, lysozyme, lecithinase, deoxyribonuclease, phosphatase, protease, and lipase.
TL;DR: Clearing of the middle ear fluid in patients with acute otitis media due to Streptococcus pneumoniae or Haemophilus influenzae was significantly associated with the presence and concentration of specific antibody in the middleEar fluid at the time of diagnosis.
Abstract: Clearing of the middle ear fluid in patients with acute otitis media due to Streptococcus pneumoniae or Haemophilus influenzae was significantly associated with the presence and concentration of specific antibody in the middle ear fluid at the time of diagnosis.
TL;DR: A rapid method for the detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, making use of the ability of deoxyribonucleic acid samples from clinically isolated strains of this organism to transform nutritional mutants of a particular strain of N. gonorrhaeae, has been described.
Abstract: A rapid method for the detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, making use of the ability of deoxyribonucleic acid samples from clinically isolated strains of this organism to transform nutritional mutants of a particular strain of N. gonorrhoeae, has been described. In addition to using isolated cultures, transforming deoxyribonucleic acid can be obtained directly from the material that adheres to swabs of the cervix or the urethra. The time interval for transfer of swabs to the diagnostic laboratory is not a significant factor. It is not necessary to use pure cultures on primary isolation plates to obtain definitive results. Nongonorrhoeae neisserias, as well as a large variety of commonly encountered unrelated bacteria, do not react or interfere in the transformation assay when using one of the mutant strains under a standardized set of conditions. The entire assay can be completed in less than 24 h. It has also been shown that type T4 cells of the strain of N. gonorrhoeae employed in the present study are competent for genetic transformation, although type T4 cells are transformed at a significantly lower frequency than are type T2 cells of the same strain.
TL;DR: A laboratory investigation was conducted on cultures collected from travelers before, during, and after a trip to Mexico to characterize the etiology of traveler's diarrhea, and four laboratory methods for detecting enterotoxigenicity of Escherichia coli were evaluated: the infant mouse assay, the Chinese hamster ovary (CHO), the Y1 adrenal cell assay, and the rabbit ileal loop.
Abstract: A laboratory investigation was conducted on cultures collected from travelers before, during, and after a trip to Mexico to characterize the etiology of traveler's diarrhea Four laboratory methods for detecting enterotoxigenicity of Escherichia coli were evaluated: the infant mouse assay, the Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell assay, the Y1 adrenal cell assay, and the rabbit ileal loop Although a number of common enteric pathogens were identified as a cause of traveler's diarrhea, including six serotypes of Salmonella, two serotypes of Shigella, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Giardia lamblia, and Entamoeba histolytica, enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli was most commonly isolated Strains were identified that produced only heat-labile enterotoxin (LT), only heat-stable enterotoxin (ST), or both LT and ST The infant mouse assay yielded results falling into two distinct groups, providing a clear separation of positive and negative cultures The CHO assay also formed two groups, with positive cultures producing 11% or more of the elongated cells There was good agreement between the CHO and the Y1 adrenal cell assays for detection of LT The adrenal cell system for detection of LT was more suitable than the CHO assay for processing large numbers of specimens because of the miniculture modification of this method utilized in this study The infant mouse method was a simple and reliable method for detecting ST
TL;DR: The inactivation os six strains from three different groups of viruses with 0.001 M binary ethyleneimine at 37 C proceeded at the same rate in either bovine serum or cell culture medium and did not affect the antibody activity of guinea pig hyperimmune serum.
Abstract: The inactivation os six strains from three different groups of viruses with 0.001 M binary ethyleneimine at 37 C proceeded at the same rate in either bovine serum or cell culture medium. The inactivant did not impair the growth-promoting capacity of bovine serum used in cell culture, nor did it affect the antibody activity of guinea pig hyperimmune serum.
TL;DR: Most pathogenic anaerobes survived in purulent exudate despite extended periods of air exposure and the major cause of discrepent results with periodic cultures was attributed to vagaries in sampling.
Abstract: Quantitative cultures were performed on 11 purulent specimens of at least 2 ml from mixed aerobic-anaerobic infections to determine the effect of prolonged exposure to air on the recovery of anaerobes. The specimens were processed immediately and after air exposure for periods of 10 min and 1, 4, and 24 h. There were at total of 37 anaerobic and 36 aerobic strains recovered from these specimens. Of the anaerobes, 26 were isolated with the initial processing and 22 were still present after air exposure for 24 h. The numerical concentrations of anaerobes showed little change with the sequential samplings. Eleven anaerobic strains were not detected in the initial culture but appeared sporadically in subsequent cultures. Using the types of specimens and method of processing employed in this study, most pathogenic anaerobes survived in purulent exudate despite extended periods of air exposure. The major cause of discrepent results with periodic cultures was attributed to vagaries in sampling.
TL;DR: Serological and biochemical characteristics of 24 human isolates of Yersinia enterocolitica submitted to the California Department of Health from 1968 through 1975 indicated grouping compatible with the O serotypes of the organisms.
Abstract: This paper reports on the serological and biochemical characteristics of 24 human isolates of Yersinia enterocolitica submitted to the California Department of Health from 1968 through 1975. Nine different serotypes were represented. The majority of strains were serotype O:8 (six strains) and serotype O:5 (five strains). Sources of the isolates included feces (12 cases), blood (3), sputum or throat (3), bile or bowel drainage (2), wounds (2), breast abscess (1), and skin abscess (1). Clinical histories indicated a number of different syndromes. Underlying medical conditions existed in 13 cases. Results of selected biochemical tests and antimicrobial susceptibility tests on the strains indicated grouping compatible with the O serotypes of the organisms.
TL;DR: Variations in the rate of kill were observed between the various mycobacterial species tested, but such differences were probably not sufficiently large to be of practical importance.
Abstract: Aqueous solutions of alkaline glutaraldehyde (buffered at pH 8.5) inactivated a standard suspension of Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv faster than the corresponding acid (pH 3.7 preparation. Quantitative differences in the rate of inactivation of eight other species of Mycobacterium were determined using a 1% solution of alkaline glutaraldehyde and inactivation of residual glutaraldehyde with 1% sodium bisulfite solution. Variations in the rate of kill were observed between the various mycobacterial species tested, but such differences were probably not sufficiently large to be of practical importance. A 2% alkaline glutaraldehyde solution inactivated 10(5) viable M. tuberculosis cells present on the surface of porcelain penicylinders within 5 min at 18 degrees C. This rate of inactivation was faster than in the acidic solution.
TL;DR: CT agar compares favorably with, or in some cases is an improvement over, other selective media which have been recommended for isolating Serratia and could be quite useful in ecological surveys, especially those related to hospital-acquired infections.
Abstract: A defined agar medium (hereinafter designated caprylate-thallous [CT5 agar) containing 0.01% yeast extract, 0.1% caprylic (n-octanoic) acid, and 0.025% thallous sulfate is highly selective for all Serratia species and effectively discriminates against most non-Serratia strains likely to be in the same habitats. The selectivity of CT agar is demonstrated by the very high efficiency of colony formation (mean, 80.7% of that on a nonselective complex medium) on CT agar by known Serratia strains and the very low efficiency of colony formation (close to zero) on CT agar by bacterial strains known not to be Serratia. The utility of this medium in actual clinical laboratory practice is demonstrated by the more rapid and higher recovery of Serratia on this selective medium as compared to conventional procedures of in-tandem runs of 513 consecutive urine, feces, and sputum specimens. Pigmented and nonpigmented Serratia strains deliberately added to fecal specimens can be selectively and quantitatively recovered on CT agar. CT agar compares favorably with, or in some cases is an improvement over, other selective media which have been recommended for isolating Serratia. This selective CT agar medium could be quite useful in ecological surveys, especially those related to hospital-acquired infections.
TL;DR: A solid-phase radioimmunoassay method has been developed for the detection of rubella virus-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM antibodies in human serum specimens and the sensitivity of the IgG assay was found to be 16 to 256 times higher than that of the rubellairus hemagglutination inhibition test.
Abstract: A solid-phase radioimmunoassay method has been developed for the detection of rubella virus-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM antibodies in human serum specimens. Purified rubella virus was adsorbed onto polystyrene balls, and antibodies that attached to the virus-treated balls were detected by subsequent binding of 125I-labeled anti-human gamma or anti-human mu immunoglobulins. A total of 77 serum specimens were tested. Binding ratios between positive and negative sera were as high as 22 in the IgG assay but rarely exceeded 3 in the IgM assay. The sensitivity of the IgG assay was found to be 16 to 256 times higher than that of the rubella virus hemagglutination inhibition test. The IgG radioimmunoassay can be readily adopted for routine diagnostic use. The IgM radioimmunoassay, however, due to its lower sensitivity, must be modified before being routinely applied.
TL;DR: It was concluded that the modified Minitek system is a suitable substitute for the more expensive and time-consuming conventional procedure for determining carbohydrate fermentation and esculin hydrolysis by anaerobes.
Abstract: The Minitek Miniaturized System (BBL) was modified for characterization of anaerobic bacteria. The modified system and the conventional Center for Disease Control method were used to test a variety of anaerobic bacteria, and results were compared. Tests performed by both techniques were indole and H2S production, esculin hydrolysis, nitrate reduction, and fermentation of glucose, mannitol, lactose, sucrose, maltose, salicin, glycerol, xylose, arabinose, mannose, rhamnose, and trehalose. The manufacturer's recommended procedure for the Minitek system was modified by using a new suspension medium (Lombard-Dowell broth) and an inoculum equivalent to the density of a McFarland no. 5 nephelometer standard. The Minitek results, recorded after 48 h, agreed satisfactorily with the conventional test results, usually recorded after 5 to 7 days of incubation. In the examination of 80 strains representing 22 different species or subspecies of anaerobic bacteria, with 16 biochemical tests performed in triplicate, 93.8% of the Minitek test results agreed with those of the corresponding conventional tests. Only tests for indole, H2S, and nitrate reduction gave less than 90% agreement. It was concluded that the modified Minitek system is a suitable substitute for the more expensive and time-consuming conventional procedure for determining carbohydrate fermentation and esculin hydrolysis by anaerobes. This system, when used in conjunction with other tests, can effectively aid in the definitive identification of commonly isolated anaerobes.
TL;DR: The agglutination technique was used to establish a serological classification scheme for 98 strains of Bacteroides fragilis subsp.
Abstract: The agglutination technique was used to establish a serological classification scheme for 98 strains of Bacteroides fragilis subsp. fragilis isolated from clinical specimens and normal human feces. Absorbed antisera were prepared to seven strains of B. fragilis subsp. fragilis. These seven absorbed antisera were species as well as subspecies specific and provided the basis of the serological classification scheme. This scheme was composed of 21 serogroups; seven of these serogroups contained only one group component. There was a total of 45 serological patterns. This serological scheme may be used for the serological classification of strains of B. fragilis subsp. fragilis and to study the epidemiology of this organism.
TL;DR: For each organism the time required for the detection of a positive culture was shortest for the centrifugation technique, and an increased isolation rate for Pseudomonas, fungi, and gram-positive cocci was shown.
Abstract: A total of 1,000 blood samples from patients suspected of having a bacteremia were analyzed concurrently, where possible, by three methods: (i) Trypticase soy broth with sodium polyanethol sulfonate and a CO2 atmosphere: (ii) pour plates with either brain heart infusion agar or Sabouraud dextrose agar; and (iii) centrifugation of the suspected organism in a hypertonic solution. There were 176 positive cultures. The centrifugation technique recovered 73% of the positive cultures. The broth and pour plate techniques recovered 38 and 49%, respectively. The centrifugation technique showed an increased isolation rate for Pseudomonas, fungi, and gram-positive cocci. In general, for each organism the time required for the detection of a positive culture was shortest for the centrifugation technique.
TL;DR: The results of these tests suggest that serologically the three serum viruses were similar to one another, but that the fecal virus was distinct.
Abstract: Parvovirus-like particles found in the sera of two blood donors had the size and appearance on electron microscopy of a virus (B19) found in the serum of a blood donor by Cossart et al. (1975), and those of a virus found in the feces of a normal subject. Antibody to these viruses was detected by immune electron microscopy and immunoelectro-osmophoresis in the sera of 50 children aged 10 to 15 years. Of these, 36% had antibody to the fecal virus, 36% had antibody to B19, and 54% had antibody to the two other serum viruses. The results of these tests suggest that serologically the three serum viruses were similar to one another, but that the fecal virus was distinct. The two blood donors had nonspecific symptoms at the time of viremia. Both donors had developed immunoglobulin M antibody to the virus when tested 3.5 and 4.5 weeks later, but no viruses were detected in the feces or urine.
TL;DR: One hundred random urine specimens which were submitted for culture demonstrated increases in counts exceeding 1 X log10, supporting the concept that delays of greater than 2 h in inoculating cultures may produce results which could cause errors in diagnosis.
Abstract: One hundred random urine specimens which were submitted for culture were planted using a calibrated loop within 2 h of collection and 2 and 4 h later after standing at room temperature. Colonies were counted after an 18- to 24-h incubation at 37 degrees C. Fifteen of the specimens demonstrated increases in counts exceeding 1 X log10; four increased from less than 10(5)/ml to greater than 10(5)/ml (three by the 4-h culture and a fourth by the 6-h culture), supporting the concept that delays of greater than 2 h in inoculating cultures may produce results which could cause errors in diagnosis.
TL;DR: The ability of Streptococcus mutans to grow on mitis-salivarius (MS) agar, MC Agar, mitis -sucrose-bacitracin (MSB), BCY agar), and MM10 sucrose agar was studied.
Abstract: The ability of Streptococcus mutans to grow on mitis-salivarius (MS) agar, MC agar, mitis-sucrose-bacitracin (MSB), BCY agar, and MM10 sucrose agar was studied. Batch cultures of S. mutans serotype a demonstrated no growth on MSB agar. Certain serotype d and g strains did not grow on MC agar. The yield for most strains of other serotypes on these selective media was lower compared with that on MS agar. The number of total colony-forming units on BCY and MM10 sucrose agar was similar to the blood agar results. Similar data were obtained when fermenter-grown strains, harvested in the middle or the end of the logarithmic growth phase, were used for inoculation of the various media. Enumeration of S. mutans from plaque samples plated on MC and MSB agar yielded about 75% of the counts obtained on MS or the nonselective medium. When the proportions of S. mutans were expressed as a percentage of the total cultivable flora, the selective media (MC and MSB agar) showed approximately 10% lower values than the MS, BCY, and MM10 sucrose agar.