Review of the microbiological, pathological, and clinical aspects of bovine mastitis caused by the alga Prototheca zopfii.

The mastitis caused by P. zopfii alga is a disease of high-producing, machine-milked dairy cows. It occurs worldwide in tropical and temperate climatic areas, and mostly appears sporadically in a therapy-resistant form. However, in poorly managed dairy herds it may be endemic, causing serious economic losses as a result of decreased milk quality and quantity and culling of infected animals. The biological properties of this pathogenic alga, the laboratory methods available for its isolation and identification, the pathological and clinical features of this form of mastitis, and the principles of its control are reviewed in this paper.

Prototheca zopfii mastitis in dairy herds under continental climatic conditions.

In the last 2 years 223 cases of bovine mastitis caused by Prototheca zopfii infection were identified in 32 large-scale dairy herds. All of these farms were in Hungary, which has a continental type, temperate zone climate. Both the sporadic and epidemic forms of P. zopfii mastitis were observed. All the herds affected by the epidemic form had poor hygienic conditions and suffered from several managerial faults, but no specific predisposing factors could be identified. In almost all of the cases, the type II variant of this pathogen was isolated; however, the type III variant was isolated from three cows. The cows had a higher chance of new infection in the early weeks of lactation and in the summer. The P. zopfii infection usually resulted in a chronic subclinical, or mild clinical, inflammatory process in the udder, and was followed by a dramatic loss in milk production and a permanent increase in somatic cell count. The histopathological findings could be characterized as a progressive interstitial mastitis associated with alveolar atrophy. The self-recovery rate was very low.

An orienting diagnostic system in neonatal and infantile neurology.

A fast orienting diagnostic system was derived from a computerized diagnostic system in order to provide paediatricians and practitioners with a guide how to act in order to detect or exclude symptoms of pre- and perinatal brain damage endangering the normal development of the CNS. Other diseases of the nervous system are also included in the diagnostic system. The system is based on the neurological investigation and follow up of 2000 infants with suspicion of ante and perinatal CNS damage.

Current issues in mental retardation in Hungary.

The status of care and treatment of the mentally retarded is reviewed. Specific aspects of diagnosis and care are discussed within the context of the philosophy of care. Additionally, a discussion of future trends is provided.

Subdural effusion in the first six months of life.

During the period 1978-1981, among 1280 (0-12 months old) infants suffering from consequences of various pre- and perinatal cerebral lesions, positive neuroradiological changes were found in 148 cases. Of these, 56 proved to be real subdural effusions with elevated ICP and increased protein content. Periodical transfontanellar taps and drainage were effective in 49 cases. A neurosurgical operation was performed in 7 infants because of the poor effect of the above treatment. In these 7 infants the encapsulation process was nearly complete. Early chronic subdural effusion exerts a devastating influence on the maturing brain partly by the high ICP. Early treatment often cures the process and major surgery is not needed. Early neurorehabilitation and habilitation coordinated with elimination of the effusion is the method of choice. Prudence is recommended in selecting the appropriate cases for instrumental therapy because some small effusions and fluid accumulations may disappear by the end of the first year.

Complex investigation of impaired brain function during the first postnatal months.

Complex diagnostic batteries have been applied in 600 neonates and young infants to verify suspected cerebral lesions. A detailed longitudinal study of visual, auditive, nutritive and motor behaviour as well as neuroradiology are necessary for differentiating between normal variations in brain maturity and early symptoms of a sustained brain lesion leading to defective brain development.

Stages of vegatative afferentation in reorganization of bladder control during intravesical electrotherapy.

420 patients were treated with transurethral, intravesical electrotherapy to improve the function of paralyzed urinary bladder. Normal conscious micturition control was obtained by 314 patients. This electrotherapy contrasts sharply in method and goal with all implanted pacemakers or inserted electric plugs. Nor does the therapy have anything in common with various bladder training methods. The aim of therapy is to recreate vegetative afferentation from the bladder to the CNS. Reactivation of the intramural bladder receptors and facilitation processes plays an important part in establishing normal bladder control.

Intravesical transurethral electrotherapy in meningomyelocele patients.

The results in 100 patients of intravesical transurethral electrotherapy in the treatment of bladder paresis and micturition defects due to meningomyelocele are reported. Positive results were attained in 71 patients. The method and the physiological development of controlled micturition are discussed.