Unusual species of campylobacters isolated in the Siena Tuscany area, Italy.

From January 1989 to December 1990, stool samples from 288 children with enteritis were examined for the presence of unusual campylobacters which represented about 20% of all campylobacteria isolated when the filtration technique was used. The isolation percentage was the following: C. jejuni ss. jejuni 6.9%; C. coli 2%; C. jejuni ss. doylei, C. upsaliensis and C. concisus each 0.7%. The atypical Campylobacter isolates were examined for their virulence characteristics. Toxin profiles based on cytotonic, cytotoxic and cytolethal distending factors were determined after analysis responses in Vero, CHO and HeLa cells. Adhesivity and invasivity tests were performed on Intestine 407 cells. No strain was cytotoxic. C. jejuni ss. doylei and C. concisus induced an elongation of CHO cells (a cytotonic-like effect). C. upsaliensis strains provoked a cytolethal distending effect. No strain adhered to cells in vitro. Our results suggest that the filtration technique is excellent for the isolation of atypical campylobacters and indicate that the unusual Campylobacter isolates could be potentially virulent.

Serological diagnosis of respiratory viral infections. A five-year study of hospitalised patients.

The results of a five-year study of paired sera from 410 hospitalised patients-mainly children-with respiratory illness are reported. Samples were divided into groups based on clinical diagnosis. The data of each group were analysed in relation to patient age (under or over 1 year of age). The percentage of positive serological diagnoses ranged from 29.4% in the respiratory viral illness group to 46.2% in the bronchiolitis group. Each group showed a prevalent serological diagnosis. Respiratory viral illness patients over 1 year were diagnosed mainly with Influenza virus infection (73.8% positive diagnosis), pharyngotonsillitis patients with Adenovirus infection (72.2%), laryngitis patients with Parainfluenza virus infection (100%), pneumonia patients with Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection (56.7%), and bronchiolitis patients with Respiratory Syncytial virus infection (100%). The serological diagnosis patterns of each group or subgroup were statistically significant with respect to the other groups (chi 2 or Fisher exact tests). Unlike previous reports, none of the patients under 1 year in our study was diagnosed with Influenza virus infection or Parainfluenza virus type 3. Conversely, Respiratory Syncytial virus infection data were in line with previous reports, being the most frequently diagnosed infection in the bronchiolitis group and in the subgroups of patients under 1 year of age. The present report provides new information on patterns of respiratory infections.

Species, biotype and serogroup of Campylobacter spp. isolated from children with diarrhoea over a ten-year period.

From 1981 to 1990, stool samples from 6403 gastroenteritis cases were examined for the presence of campylobacters as well as Salmonella, Shigella, Aeromonas species and Yersinia enterocolitica. The percentages of isolation were the following: campylobacters 10.8 (86.1% of isolates were C. jejuni and 13.9% were C. coli), Salmonella spp. 8.4, Aeromonas spp 1.4, Yersinia enterocolitica 0.3. Shigella spp. were isolated only occasionally. Predominant biotypes of campylobacters were C. jejuni I (69.5%), C. jejuni II (29.5%) and C. coli I (92.7%). The six most common LIO serogroups-36; 4; 1; 28.53; 11; 2-accounted for 50% ca. of typable strains. Campylobacters are the most common etiological agent of bacterial enteritis in children living in this area of Tuscany. The species and serogroup determination can be useful from an epidemiological point of view.

Retrospective survey on the epidemiology of H. influenzae type B meningitis in Italy (1987-91).

A retrospective survey on the epidemiology of H. Influenzae type b (Hib) meningitis was carried out in seven Italian hospitals. During the period 1987-1991, 95 (16.3%) Hib meningitis cases out of 581 bacterial meningitis cases were observed. The proportion of Hib meningitis was lowest in 1987 (11.3%); elevated in 1988 (17.9%); thereafter it did not change. A male preponderance was observed (Sex ratio 1.6). The age distribution showed that 93.7% of cases occurred in subjects < 5 years, 53.7% of cases in those < 1 year. Although Hib meningitis accounts for a small proportion of all bacterial meningitis, it is also a major problem in Italy in early childhood, because nearly all cases occur in children < 5 years.

[Vaccination against rubella]. / La vaccinazione antirubeolica.

The infection caused by the rubella virus is a mild disease usually with no or rare complications in children and adults. On the contrary, intrauterine fetal infection may result in defects of the child, which may either be present at birth or become apparent later in life. Such a risk led to the preparation and use of active immunoprophylaxis against rubella in females of child-bearing age, in order to prevent congenital rubella. Three rubella viruses are employed to prepare the vaccine, all derived from the same viral strain. Doubts however, exist about vaccination, in particular about (1) its teratogenic potential in pregnancy; (2) the duration of protection. As a matter of fact, congenital malformations in the fetus exposed to vaccine virus through the mother have been reported in 3% of cases. As to the second point, the data on the protective immunity in time of the vaccine are very controversial. It is clear, anyhow, that protection against infection is associated not only with persistence of adequate serum levels of antibody, but also with other immunological parameters which are still unknown. These considerations, together with the observation that a relative high percentage of vaccine recipients do not respond, lead us to suggest modifications in the present scheduling of immunization against rubella.

[Vaccination against poliomyelitis]. / La vaccinazione antipoliomielitica.

The authors, after a review of some data about the actual poliomyelitis epidemiology in the world, point out the necessity of periodical checks for poliomyelitis vaccination. To this purpose, preliminary data of a research, undertaken in the province of Siena, into the effectiveness and innocuity of oral poliovirus vaccine, are reported. This evaluation has been made through isolation and identification of vaccinal polioviruses from stool after the first, second and then third dose of vaccine, and through titration of serum neutralizing antibodies. Results confirm the high effectiveness and innocuity of oral poliovirus vaccine, but suggest the opportuneness of some changes in the way of giving the oral vaccine.

[Rubella vaccines (author's transl)]. / La vaccinazione antirubeolica.

After a short report about clinical features of teratogenic effect of rubella virus, the pecularities of several vaccines are reported. Vaccine efficacy and reactions, and rubella vaccine programmes are examined. The immune responses induced by rubella vaccines are described and particularly about the duration of humoral and cellular factors. The AA. discuss about the possibility to use a killed vaccine or a vaccine without teratogenic effect or the experience to give vaccine intranasally.

A prospective etiological and clinical study on gastroenteritis in Italian children.

Stool cultures of 188 children hospitalized for gastroenteritis in a two-year period (1981-1982) yielded Salmonella in 25.5%, Campylobacter in 16.0%, and Y. enterocolitica in 3.7% of cases. Rotavirus was identified in 22.3% of cases. Out of 82 lactose-positive microorganisms isolated from as many cases, three (one E. coli and two Klebsiella) produced heat-labile enterotoxin and two E. coli strains a "cytotoxic" toxin (in an HEp-2 in vitro model); two other E. coli strains possessed adhesive properties for HEp-2 cells in vitro; none revealed enteroinvasive for HEp-2 cells. Two out of 70 E. coli strains were EPEC. From stools of 643 childhood out-patients Salmonella was isolated in 9.6% of cases; Campylobacter and Y. enterocolitica in 9.0% and in 0.6% of cases respectively. Rotavirus was not looked for. Shigella strains were not isolated. Among 622 children without gastrointestinal symptoms, five (0.8%) excreted campylobacters and one (0.16%) salmonella. Children of 18-24 months of age were significantly more often infected with Campylobacter. Gross blood in feces, body temperature greater than 38 degrees C, and peripheral leukocytosis were significantly more often associated with Salmonella infection; vomiting and absence of blood in stools and of leukocytosis with rotavirus infection. Other features were not significantly associated with the etiological agent of the illness. Except for Salmonella infections, the enteritis cases did not show any pronounced seasonal pattern.

[DNA and proteins in the regenerating liver of rats treated with tetanus toxin]. / DNA e proteine nel fegato di ratto in rigenerazione trattato con tossina tetanica.

The AA. have studied the effects of tetanus toxin on regenerating rat liver, using as parameters regenerating rate, DNA and protein contents. In animals which have been treated with tetanus toxin a decrease of liver regeneration and an increase of DNA and protein contents have been observed. Basing on results, the AA. suppose that tetanus toxin influence cellular cycle, stopping cells in G2 stage.

[Effect of tetanus toxin on rat liver]. / Azione della tossina tetanica sul fegato di ratto.,

The effects of tetanus toxin on the rat liver, employing as parameters the DNA and protein contents, have been studied. In the animals treated with tetanus toxin the DNA and the total liver proteins appear to be increased in a statistically significant way to comparison with the controls.

Effects of E. coli O 127 endotoxin on regenerating rat liver.

The Authors investigated the effect produced by endotoxin upon regenerating rat liver. The animals were divided into three groups after hepatectomy. The first group of animals received physiological solution, the second group received 0.5 mg of E. coli endotoxin soon after hepatectomy and the last group received the same quantity of endotoxin 22 hours after hepatectomy. To estimate hepatic regeneration we used: percentage of liver regeneration and mitotic activity. It was noted that the percentage of hepatic regeneration and mitotic activity were higher in the two groups of treated animals than in the control group. Mitotic activity and hepatic regeneration were higher in the animals treated 22 hours after hepatectomy than in the animls of second group. These results lead us to conclude that E. coli O 127 endotoxin is mitogenic also in vivo.

Report on an intrafamiliar outbreak of Campylobacter enteritis.

An intrafamiliar campylobacter enteritis outbreak is described. From stools of three adults and two children, 5 Campylobacter jejuni strains resistant to erythromycin, lincomycin, and tetracycline, were isolated. From the sixth member of the family, a boy, a susceptible strain was isolated. Serological responses, measured using a serum bactericidal assay, against autologous and heterologous campylobacters have shown that one strain only, the resistant one, caused the outbreak. The source of infection was unknown.

[Nucleic acids in the liver of rat treated with "E. coli" O 127 lipopolysaccharide (author's transl)]. / Gli acidi nucleici nel fegato di ratto trattato con lipopolisaccaride di "E. coli" O 127.

The Authors have studied the variations of nucleic acids, proteins and histological aspect in the liver of rats, treated with 1 mg of E. coli ) 127 lipopolysaccharide and killed at 24th, 48th, 72th, 96th hour after the inoculation. The endotoxin determines an increase of nucleic acids and a reduction of hepatic proteic contents. The histological observation shows throw-back phenomenons of the hepatocyte with hyperplasy and hypertrophy of Kupffer cells at 24th hour, while at following intervals the phenomenous of hepatic rigeneration emphasize.

[Neonatal meningitis (personal contribution)]. / Meningite neonatale (contributo personale).

The authors, after a review of the literature about etiology, pathogenesis, epidemiology, pathological anatomy and clinic of newborn meningitis, report a personal experience of 15 cases. The more frequent etiological agents were Gram-positive bacteria (60%) and in particular Listeria monocytogenes type 4 and Streptococcus agalactiae. Gram-negative bacteria were isolated in 40% of cases and E. coli presented the highest ratio. All patients were treated with ampicillin-CAF association intravenous for the first 3-5 days and then i.m. or oral. The survival ratio was 77% in case of Gram-positive meningitis and 83% in case of Gram-negative meningitis. Sequeles were observed only among patients with Gram-negative meningitis; it's important to remark that in these cases the etiological agent was CAF-resistant.

[Production of penicillinase as a parameter of the pathogenicity of staphylococci]. / La produzione di penicillinasi quale parametro di patogenicita dello stafilococco

The research was conducted on 211 strains of Staphylococcus isolated in the three-year period 1972-1974- The coagulase, the hemolytic quality, mannite fermentation, pigment and penicillinase production were studied. The 211 strains of Staphylococcus were divided into 2 groups according to their origin: the 1st group included germs isolated from material which was certainly pathological, the 2nd group included strains isolated from various sources (throat, nasal, rectal, swabs, urine). The results, summarized in the Tables, led to the conclusion that even if the coagulase is the most significant characteristic in establishing pathogenicity of the Staphylococcus, the production of pigment and penicillinase also prove to be valid parameters of pathogenicity.

[Changes in the blood lipid pattern in experimental poisoning with lipopolysaccharides of E. coli O 127]. / Variazioni del quadro lipidemico nell'intossicazione sperimentale con lipopolisaccaride di "E. coli" O 127

After a short notice on the relations between the endotoxine and lipydic metabolism the AA. refer on the inquiry on 60 animals divided in three groups according to the dosis of the injected endotoxin. The dosis were 0.010-1-5 mg of the lypopolisaccaride from E. coli O-127; seven animals were appointed as controls. In the all animals were examined proofs of blood after 4, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60 and 72 hours from the start of experience. The total lipids, the triglycerides, the phospholypids, the NEFA, the free and esterified cholesterol were doses. The data of lethality and the value of determinations of the single fractions obtained were registered. In the all experienced animals, independently from the injected dosis, an independently from the injected dosis, an increase of the lypidic fractions was remarked: the free fatty acids were the first to rise, suived by triglycerides and phospholypids and denn by the two fractions of cholesterol. The highest dosis of endotoxine have comported a blok in the esterification of cholesterol. This early and persistent hiperlypemie can be caused initially by increased incretion of catecolamine.

[Changes in some blood lipid fractions in experimental poisoning with streptococcal toxin]. / Variazioni di alcune frazioni lipidiche nell'intossicazione sperimentale da tossina streptococcica

After an short bibliographic records in the relation between the endotoxine and lipydic metabolism, the AA. expose an inquiry on the rabbit. Ten rabbits (weight 2500-3000 g) were traited with 10 U.E. (haemolitic units) of streptococcal toxine (1/10 of DL50 for the rabbit). A conspicous increase of all the fractions examined, was remarked in all traited animals. The total lipids and the triglycerides reached the biggest value at 24 hours. Even the two fractions of cholesterol have increased, but the biggest concentration was at 48 hours. An hypotesis of interpretation can be that the streptococcal toxine produce the modification of lipidemic outline with the iperincretion of catecolamine, as in first phase of all toxinfections processes.

[Changes in some blood lipid fractions in experimental poisoning with alpha staphylococcal toxin]. / Variazioni di alcune frazioni lipidiche nell'intossicazione sperimentale da tossina stafilococcica alfa

The AA. have studied the effects provoques by alpha staphylococcal toxin in the lipidemic panel of the rabbit. Of 15 rabbits, five were injected with 0.25 emolitic units (U.E.) five with 1 U.E. and five ad control. The blood from heart was frequently with drawed and examined. In the animals traited with lowest dosis of toxin, the two fractions of cholesterol have increased with the maximum at the last control (96 hours). With a quadruple dosis of toxin increased also the total lipids and triglyceridis with the maximum at 48 hours. Remarked after all the different behaviour of the two fractions of cholesterol at the various dosis. The AA. conclude that the staphylococcal toxin provoque at low dosis only the modification on the cholesterol but at greater dosis also of the triglycerids and phospholipidis.