[In vitro antibacterial activity of ceftizoxime on Pasteurella and EF4]. / Activité antibactérienne in vitro du ceftizoxime sur les Pasteurella et EF4.

The in vitro activity of ceftizoxime, a new third-generation cephalosporin, was tested by determining minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) by agar dilution method, for 150 strains of genus Pasteurella and group EF4 bacteria from various sources. All the strains were susceptible to ceftizoxime and inhibited by 0.03 micrograms/ml concentration. No significant difference appeared between the 7 species and human and animal strains. Group EF4 bacteria, frequently isolated from animal bite wounds in humans, had higher MIC (O.25-1 micrograms/ml). Results were compared to those obtained with cefotaxime, cephalothin, penicillin G and ampicillin.

[Use of josamycin in the eradication of meningococcus]. / Utilisation de la josamycine dans l'éradication du méningocoque.

Because of their in vitro and in vivo activity on Neisseria meningitidis, good salivary and tonsillar tissue levels, high safety and non-penetration through the meningeal barrier, macrolides are agents of choice for treating Meningococcus carriers. To assess the value of josamycin for eliminating Meningococci in carriers, we carried out a 14-month study with bacteriological control. 27 carriers identified (throat specimens) among contacts of 28 children with meningococcal meningitis hospitalized in Pediatrics at the Amiens and Toulouse CHU (teaching hospitals) were treated. Josamycin was given in a dosage of 50 mg/kg/day in children and 2 g/day in adults, in two divided doses daily, for six days. Bacteriologic control at the end of treatment showed that every study patient was free of Meningococci. In vitro, strains recovered from carriers were inhibited by josamycin at concentrations of 0.25 to 1 microgram/l. Given its safety and efficacy, josamycin is well suited to prophylaxis of meningococcal infections.

[Mesocolic and mesenteric lymph node granulomatosis together with a sarcoidosis (author's transl)]. / Granulomatose ganglionnaire mésocolique et mésentérique au cours d'une sarcoïdose.

The authors report the case of a 22 year old woman with a recognized pulmonary sarcoidosis with disorders of the alveolo-capillary diffusion, admitted to hospital for feverish diarrhea. The discovery of right colic radiological lesions with no obvious origin, led to an exploring laparotomy which revealed large mesocolic and mesenteric adenopathies: histologically they were granulomatous lesions, of epithelioid and giant cells, tending to sclerosis. Colic and ileal mucosae were normal. From this observation the authors analyze the difficulties in diagnosing granulomatoses of the intestine and mesenteric lymph nodes and their eventual sarcoidic nature. Because of the lack of arguments in favour of tuberculosis and of the normal appearance of the intestinal coats, the sarcoidic etiology of these adenopathies appears most probable.

Bilan biologique de 59 cas de pneumopathies aiguës atypiques.

A prospective survey was undertaken in patients hospitalized from january 1976 to april 1978 with clinical, biological and radiological features of atypical pneumonia.In all patients samples were taken early and 15 days after the on set of the disease to detect specific serum antibodies to influenza A and B viruses, parainfluenza type I, II and III, adenoviruses, respiratory syncitial virus, Micoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydia psittaci. A fourfold rise in antibodies was observed in 23,7 % of patients (M. pneumoniae 43 %, influenza A virus 28,5 % and C. psittaci 14 %). Taking into account titers equal or higher than 1/64, a specific agent can be recognized in 50 % of 59 cases.Because of those poor results, the delay to obtain them and their cost, the interest of such a laboratory study is questionable.