[A case of pulmonary mycobacteriosis due to Mycobacterium intracellulare (author's transl)]. / Un cas de mycobactériose pulmonaire humaine par Mycobacterium intracellulare.

An M. intracellulare, rough strain (serotype 7) has been isolated from sputum of a sixty-year old patients. This patient was a political prisoner in Germany between 1942-1945 and had contracted pulmonary tuberculosis with the cavity in the upper lobe of the right lung. A strain of mycobacterium susceptible to antituberculous drugs was isolated from his sputum in 1973. Since 1979, the isolation of M. Intracellulare has been accompanied by clinical signs of pulmonary mycobacteriosis, i.e. persistence of the cavity in spite of antituberculous treatments reapparition of cough with sputum, general weakness. Intradermo-reaction with specific sensitin gives a strong positive reaction, contrasting with a weak reaction with PPD tuberculin. As the antibiogram of the strain shows a susceptibility to cotrimoxazole and erythromycin, the patient underwent a therapy with the combination sulfamethaxozale-trimethoprime and erythromycin, for 4 months. At the end of this treatment, he seems to have recovered completely. The radiological aspect of the lungs remains unchanged. Although the source of contamination remains unknown, one thinks on the basis of bibliographica data, that it can be found in human beings, or seldom in animals (a pig, a bird) or in nature (a pond).

[Immunological reactions to tobacco (author's transl)]. / Réactions immunitaires au tabac.

Tobacco may act as an allergenic or immunogenic agent, the antigen being present in either leaves or smoke. It is capable of producing immediate hypersensitivity reactions with respiratory disorders or cardiovascular lesions through a mechanism involving interaction between basophils and IgE. It may also induce the production of IgG-type antibodies, the significance of which remains to be elucidated. Finally, tobacco interferes with cell-mediated (alveolar macrophages, lymphocytes) lung defense mechanisms in normal subjects or patients. Any interpretation of some pathological conditions associated with tobacco should take these immunological reactions into account.

[Rifampicin, pregnancy, hormonal contraception, menopause and aging]. / Rifampicine, gestation, contraception hormonale, ménopause et sénescence.

PIP: Rifampicin (usually 600 mg per day, with ethambutol 1 gm or isoniazide) was given to 106 patients with tuberculosis: 6 during pregnancy, 4 of whom were taking estrogen and progestagens for hormonal imbalance , 14 women taking oral contraceptives or steroids, 25 women with increased estrogen levels, and 5 elderly women taking testosterone. Particular attention was paid to liver function considering reports of jaundice in pregnancy, oral contraception, and use of rifampicin with isoniazide. The 6 pregnancies resulted in 5 normal infants (1 with meconium staining) and 1 fetal death at 6 months. During pregnancy there were 3 incidents of elevated serum glutamic-pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) 30-150 units, and 1 of liver toxicity. The authors' concluded that there was no proof that rifampicin caused the hormonal imbalance or fetal death, and it can be prescribed safely, especially after the first 3 months. In 12 progestagen and estrogen users, there were 1 jaundice treated by stopping rifampicin but not the pill, and 4 incidents of elevated SGPT of 35-90 units. The authors recommended following those taking pills and rifampicin with regular SGPT tests. 5 patients received cyclofenil, 400 or 800 mg per day, in addition to rifampicin to induce ovulation or treat menopausal symptoms: this resulted in 1 case of hepatic toxicity. Cyclofenil is preferred over estrogen for treating menopausal symstoms in patients on rifampicin. 5 postmenopausal women received methyl-testosterone and ethinyl estradiol without any change in SGPT.^ieng