[Evaluation of per-endoscopic cytology in the identification of Campylobacter pylori on gastric mucosa]. / Evaluation de la valeur de la cytologie perendoscopique dans l'identification du "Campylobacter pylori" sur la muqueuse gastrique.

The presence of Campylobacter pylori on gastric mucosa was evaluated by touch cytology of gastric biopsies in a series of 100 patients. Results were compared to biopsy cultures. Of 43 culture-positive patients, cytology was positive in 37 (86 p. 100). Cytology was positive in 16 of 57 culture-negative patients, who had peptic ulcer and/or gastritis on biopsy, conditions widely associated with the presence of Campylobacter pylori. Cytologic examination, yielding quick results, is thus a sensitive diagnostic method for Campylobacter pylori. In addition, retrospective studies of previous specimens are possible: among 11 patients with a follow up of more than one year, three of the four Campylobacter pylori carriers subsequently developed an ulcer.

Interferometric laser power meter.

A simple interferometric laser power meter can be constructed from a glass plate coated on one side with an absorbing film. When the plate is heated by the incident laser beam, its thickness and refractive index increase. The changes are monitored interferometrically.

Arthroscopy in septic arthritis. Lidocaine- and iodine-containing contrast media are bacteriostatic.

Puncture of septic foci is usually performed to determine the responsible bacteria. If contrast medium is used instead of saline to rinse the lesion and to withdraw an adequate bacteriologic specimen, the opacification provides valuable information about the extent of the changes. Since lidocaine is usually used as a local anesthetic when patients undergo this procedure, we tested the in vitro antibacterial effects of lidocaine 1%, as well as those of 2 contrast media--meglumine amidotrizoate and metrizamide--on several bacteria. In particular, we looked at the influence of the concentration of inoculum used and the duration of contact before culture. The contrast media did not significantly affect bacterial growth when contact before culture did not exceed 3 hours. In contrast, lidocaine had a significant antibacterial effect, indicating that it should not enter into contact with the bacteriologic specimen.