Pleural effusion and anicteric hepatitis associated with cat-scratch disease. Documentation by cat-scratch bacillus.

Prior to the discovery of the coccobacillus in the lymph nodes of patients with cat-scratch disease by Wear and associates, the diagnosis was based on clinical findings and a nonstandardized skin test. Atypical cases either remained an enigma or were questioned as to accuracy of diagnosis. We present here a case of cat-scratch disease associated with pleural effusion, anicteric hepatitis, and other systemic manifestations confirmed by identification of the coccobacillus. It is the first association with a pleural effusion. With the Warthin-Starry stain, we anticipate a redefinition of this disease. The confirmation of atypical cases will help broaden the clinical spectrum, as well as guide us to consider this diagnosis where its classic manifestations may be absent.

Kaposi's sarcoma with a non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Its association in a male homosexual with human T-cell lymphotropic virus type III infection.

Combined tumor syndromes, specifically reticuloendothelial malignancies and Kaposi's sarcoma, have long been recognized. With the recognition of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), several patients with concurrent non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and Kaposi's sarcoma have been reported at high risk for developing AIDS. The present Centers for Disease Control definition of AIDS excludes these patients on the assumption that one tumor is affecting the cellular immunity, allowing for the development of the second malignancy. In evaluating such a patient who had serologic evidence of human T-cell lymphotropic virus type III infection, the probable cause of AIDS, we have reviewed reports of patients with similar concurrent malignancies before and since the onset of the AIDS epidemic. We conclude that patients in high-risk groups for AIDS who develop similar combined tumor syndromes should be classified as having AIDS.

Overview of bacterial infections of the skin and soft tissue and clinical experience with ticarcillin plus clavulanate potassium in their treatment.

The etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of skin and soft tissue infections are discussed, and the results of clinical experience with ticarcillin plus clavulanate potassium in these diseases at one clinic are reported. In a randomized and controlled clinical trial, the safety and effectiveness of ticarcillin plus clavulanate potassium and cefazolin were compared in the treatment of soft tissue infections in 20 patients. The 12 patients in the group treated with ticarcillin plus clavulanate potassium included 10 men and two women, with a mean age of 61 years; the eight patients in the group treated with cefazolin were five men and three women, with a mean age of 63.8 years. Ticarcillin plus clavulanate potassium was administered for four to 26 days (mean 12.5 days), and cefazolin for four to 20 days (mean 12 days). There were 29 evaluable pathogens in the group receiving ticarcillin plus clavulanate potassium and 22 in the group receiving cefazolin. Of the 29 pathogens in the former group, 22 were eradicated; three reinfections or superinfections occurred but were ultimately eradicated, and four pathogens persisted. Eighteen of the 22 pathogens in the cefazolin-treated group were eliminated and the other four persisted. Clinically, six of the 12 patients in the ticarcillin plus clavulanate potassium-treated group had cures, four showed improvement, and two failed to show a response. In the cefazolin-treated group, five of the eight patients had cures, one showed improvement, and two failed to show a response.

Single-dose regimen of cefonicid for the treatment of uncomplicated infections of the lower urinary tract.

Fifty-three women with symptoms of lower urinary tract infection were randomly assigned to treatment with cefonicid administered intramuscularly in a single 1-g dose or to treatment with 500 mg of amoxicillin administered orally three times a day for five to seven days. Urine cultures were obtained before therapy and again at five to 18 days and six to seven weeks after termination of therapy. Forty-one patients had greater than or equal to 2 X 10(4) colony-forming units (cfu)/ml of catheterized urine or greater than or equal to 10(5) cfu/ml of midstream urine. In the cefonicid-treated group, 19 (90%) of 21 patients demonstrated bacteriologic cure at early follow-up. Of the 18 patients seen at late follow-up, 15 were cured and three were reinfected. One patient was lost to late follow-up. In the amoxicillin-treated group, 16 (80%) of 20 patients demonstrated bacteriologic cure at early follow-up. Of the 15 patients available at late follow-up, 14 were cured and one was reinfected. One patient was lost to late follow-up. Cefonicid is an effective single-dose agent in uncomplicated lower urinary tract infection.

Studies in homosexual patients with and without lymphadenopathy. Relationships to the acquired immune deficiency syndrome.

We studied the immunologic function of 19 sexually active homosexual men, ten of whom had persistent lymphadenopathy. Analysis of mononuclear cell populations distinguished homosexuals from heterosexual controls since, as a group, homosexuals had increased percentages of natural killer cells (Leu 7+), decreased helper-inducer T lymphocytes (OKT-4+), increased suppressor/cytotoxic (OKT-8+) T lymphocytes, low OKT-4:OKT-8 ratios, and depressed mitogenic responses. Homosexuals without lymphadenopathy were distinguishable from controls by increased percentages of Ia+ cells, decreased OKT-4+ cells, and decreased OKT-4:OKT-8 ratios. Four had positive findings simultaneously for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and surface antibody, and five had positive findings for HBsAg alone. Homosexuals with lymphadenopathy were distinguishable from controls by increased percentages of Leu 7+ cells, increased total lymphocyte numbers per cubic millimeter, decreased percentages of both OKT-4+ and OKT-8+ cells, abnormal OKT-4:OKT-8 ratios, and depressed mitogenic responses. Only histories of larger numbers of sexually acquired diseases, higher numbers of OKT-8+ cells per cubic millimeter, and lower mitogenic responses in homosexuals with lymphadenopathy distinguished this group from homosexuals without lymphadenopathy. Furthermore, none of the nine patients tested in this group was HBsAg positive. We conclude that homosexuals without lymphadenopathy are distinguishable from those with lymphadenopathy by both immunologic and serologic abnormalities.

Subacute thyroiditis with increased serum alkaline phosphatase.

Three patients had subacute thyroiditis and elevated serum alkaline phosphatase, presumably related to the thyroiditis. Concomitant elevation of the serum gamma-glutamyl transferase suggested that the alkaline phosphatase was of hepatic origin. The elevation of the serum alkaline phosphatase could not be definitely related to the degree or duration of elevation of the serum thyroxine. The combination of elevated serum alkaline phosphatase with the systemic symptoms of subacute thyroiditis may obscure the diagnosis, especially if patients have little or no neck pain.

Clinical experience with tobramycin in the treatment of infections due to gram-negative bacilli.

Tobramycin, a new aminocyclitol antimicrobial agent, was administered parenterally to 28 patients infected with gram-negative bacilli. The dosage was 1.5 mg/kg every 8 hours, except in patients with renal insufficiency in whom the dosage interval was 10 times the serum creatinine in hours. Serum levels after intramuscular administration were 3.9 +/- 1.6 mug/ml and 1.0 +/- 0.7 mug/ml at 2 and 8 hours, respectively. Serum levels after intravenous administration were 4.6 +/- 0.5 mug/ml, 2.3 +/- 0.6 mug/ml, and 0.6 +/- 0.8 mug/ml at 15 minutes, 1 hour, and 8 hours, respectively. Clinical isolates included 21 of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 6 of Klebsiella pneumoniae, 2 of Serratia marcescens, and also isolates of E. coli, Proteus mirabilis, and Enterobacter. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of tobramycin, gentamicin, sisomicin, and amikacin were determined for these organisms. Clinical results included 18 cures, 3 improvements, 2 indeterminates, and 6 failures. Minimal hepatic and renal toxicity was observed.