A case of defibrillator-associated infective endocarditis due to Campylobacter fetus.

Campylobacter spp. are Gram-negative, spiral motile bacteria. Infections caused by Campylobacter fetus are frequently of invasive character, but they are very rare. The described case of infection of a cardioverter defibrillator implantation site was effectively cured with antibiotics, but it required removal of the cardioverter defibrillator.

Studies on the effect of the hepatocyte-stimulating factor on galactose-beta 1----4-N-acetylglucosamine alpha 2----6-sialyltransferase in cultured hepatocytes.

Rat hepatic Gal beta 1----4GlcNAc alpha 2----6 sialyltransferase is released into the blood at elevated levels following an inflammatory challenge: this is a typical response of the group of plasma proteins known as acute-phase reactants. In the present study, primary cultures of liver parenchymal cells are used to demonstrate that the same hepatic cell type that produces plasma proteins such as fibrinogen also produces and releases sialyltransferase. Hepatic production of sialyltransferase is stimulated by a major regulator of hepatic acute-phase reactant production, the hepatocyte-stimulating factor (HSF), while another monokine, interleukin-1, does not affect hepatocyte sialyltransferase production. The maximum increase in sialyltransferase occurs 48 h after exposure to HSF which is considerably later than the fibrinogen response. The sialyltransferase that is stimulated by HSF is the Gal beta 1----4GlcNAc alpha 2----6 isozyme.

Problems in the diagnosis of profound trichophytosis barbae.

Zoophilic species of human dermatophytoses, such as Trichophyton mentagrophytes are significantly rare. We present a case of a 42-year-old male who for 2 months had been unsuccessfully treated and then referred to hospital with suspected actinomycosis. Lesions on the skin on his neck, submandibular area, cheeks and groins were consistent with extremely painful, merging inflammatory tumours and infiltrations with the presence of numerous pustules in hair follicles that poured purulent contents forming into yellow crusts after compression. The treatment with terbinafine was successful. The final identification of the Trichopyton mentagrophytes var. granulosum strain was performed based on a microscopic assessment of the culture, and the result of species identification was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis.

Low frequency of infiltrating cells intensely expressing T cell cytokine mRNA in human renal allograft rejection.

Immunosuppressive drugs used in clinical transplantation block cytokine mRNA transcription in vitro, but clinical rejection episodes are common. An understanding of what cytokine message is transcribed would be helpful in determining what contributes to the success of immunosuppression and provide directions for further research aimed at targeting specific cytokines. Previous studies have examined cytokine mRNA in rejecting solid organ biopsies by the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with variable results. We used nonradioactive in situ hybridization with cytokine-specific riboprobes to determine the frequency of cells expressing cytokine mRNA in the allograft infiltrate. Kidney biopsies were obtained from patients receiving protocol biopsies and with clinical evidence of rejection. Fourteen biopsies with a pathologic diagnosis of rejection were studied. Eight showed no cytokine staining, 2 expressed IL-2, and 3 expressed IL-4 and IFN-gamma. The positive cells were present at a low frequency (mean 2, range 1-5 per 10 high-power fields). The proportion of kidney biopsies expressing detectable message for interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) by in situ hybridization were similar to those reported using RT-PCR. The novel finding is that these cytokines are expressed in a few strongly positive cells in the allograft infiltrate. The vast majority of infiltrating cells are negative. This suggests that either the biopsies were performed when cytokine message was not expressed at a high level or that in human allograft recipients the sustained expression of the cytokines IL-2, IL-4, and IFN-gamma may not be necessary for graft rejection.

Characterization of restriction endonuclease AjoI from Acinetobacter johnsonii.

A new type II restriction endonuclease, named AjoI, was detected in Acinetobacter johnsonii. The enzyme AjoI, an isoschizomer of PstI, recognized the hexanucleotide sequence [5'-CTGCA/G-3'], with a cleavage site generating fragments of DNA with protruding cohesive 3' termini.

[Hydrophobic properties of Acinetobacter calcoaceticus]. / Wlasciwosci hydrofobowe Acinetobacter calcoaceticus.

Evaluation of hydrophobic properties of 309 strains of Acinetobacter calcoaceticus was performed by a SAT method. Among investigated strains cultured at 22 degrees C, 103 strains were autoaggregating, representing very strong hydrophobic properties. Most of strains aggregated at concentration of 0.4-1.0 M (NH4)2SO4, exhibiting strong hydrophobic activities. Only 38 strains during culture at 22 degrees C exhibited hydrophilic surface properties. Differences between strains of anitratus variety and lwoffii variety were noted. Most auto-aggregating strains, in comparison to number of strains isolated from individual materials, were isolated from purulent materials. It is worth attention that hydrophobic activities were also present in strains isolated from nonclinical materials. Microorganisms of this group cultured at 22 degrees C auto-aggregated in as much as 50%, whereas this occurred during culture at 37 degrees C only in 26%.

[Adhesion of Acinetobacter calcoaceticus to cheek epithelial cells]. / Adhezja Acinetobacter calcoaceticus do komórek nablonka policzkowego.

Adhesive properties of 309 strains of Acinetobacter calcoaceticus were determined toward cells of cheek epithelium obtained from 13 healthy women. Most of strains adhered in number of > 0-20 bacterial cells for one epithelial cell. Adherence of A. calcoaceticus to cheek epithelium was dependent not only of variety, strain and temperature of bacterial culture, but also of individual properties of epithelial cells obtained from donors. Relation between hydrophobic properties and adherence to cheek epithelial cells in tested bacteria was observed. Strains with very strong hydrophobic properties (auto-aggregating strains) were exhibiting weaker adhesive abilities when compared with strains with lower hydrophobic properties (strains causing no aggregation).

[Hemolytic properties of bacteria belonging to the Acinetobacter genus]. / Hemolityczne wlasciwosci paleczek rodzaju Acinetobacter.

Direct and intermediate hemolytic activity of 526 strains of Acinetobacter was investigated. Their ability to produce lipase and lecithinase was also studied. Measurements were performed parallely on human, horse, sheep and bovine erythrocytes. Direct hemolytic activity was exhibited by 16% of tested strains (17 out of 24 strains of A. haemolyticus). Human, sheep and bovine erythrocytes were useful for testing the hemolytic activity of Acinetobacter. The hemolysis was occurring faster and was visible more frequently during incubation at 37 degrees C. Indirect hemolytic activity was observed in 88% of strains. Over 90% of strains were lipolytic after 24-48 hours which was independent of incubation temperature (22 and 37 degrees C).

[Hemagglutinating properties of Acinetobacter calcoaceticus]. / Hemaglutynacyjne wlasciwosci Acinetobacter calcoaceticus.

Hemagglutinating activity was tested in 309 strains of Acinetobacter calcoaceticus with fresh and tannine human, horse, sheep, bovine, chicken and guinea pig erythrocytes. Determinations were performed with 0.1% D-mannose and without it, both in temperature 37 and 22 degrees C. Hemagglutinating activity was exhibited by 75-85% of strains, more frequently cultured at 22 degrees C A. calcoaceticus var. anitratus equally frequently was agglutinating both types of erythrocytes. Strains of A calcoaceticus var. lwoffii were agglutinating only chicken erythrocytes, but were agglutinating all tannin treated erythrocytes. The observed agglutination was mannose-resistant.

[Susceptibility to antibiotics and biochemical activity of strains of Acinetobacter sp. isolated from various sources]. / Wrazliwosc na antybiotyki i biochemiczna aktywnosc szczepów Acinetobacter sp. izolowanych z róznych zródel.

The study was performed on 576 Acinetobacter strains isolated from clinical material, objects from hospital, environment, soil, water and from animals. Applying API 20NE system identification was following: A. baumanii (61.1%), A. junii (19.4%), A. haemolyticus (4.3%), A. lwoffii (3.3%), A. johnsonii (0.52%) and not belonging to above genus strains (11.3%). Over 47% strains of Acinetobacter were isolated from clinical material as the only bacteria (mainly from samples received from intensive care units and surgical and urological wards). Out of 23 antibiotics and antimicrobials used for investigation of 535 strains of Acinetobacter, most active were imipenem (99%) of susceptible strains, ofloxacin and ciprofloxacin (95%) and netilmicin (88%). Multiple resistant strains were isolated more frequently from hospital environment than from other sources--these were mostly A. baumanii and A. junii.

[Activity of ofloxacin and other fluoroquinolones against staphylococcus which is either resistant to or susceptible to methicillin]. / Aktywnosc ofloksacyny i innych zwiazków fluorochinolowych wobec gronkowców opornych i wrazliwych na metycyline.

The activity of 37 antibiotics against 155 strains of Staphylococcus susceptible to methicillin (MS) and 107 strains of Staphylococcus resistant to methicillin (MR) was evaluated. Only vancomycin and teicoplanin remained active in relation to all the studied Staphylococcus strains. A high activity also was demonstrated by netilmicin (99.57%) and quinolones (more than 90%). The percentage of strains resistant to aminoglycoside, linkosamide, fluoroquinolones and other antibiotics was found to be higher within MR strains than in MS strains. All strains resistant to rifampin belonged to the MR Staphylococcus group. Among the 6 studied fluoroquinolones ofloxacin (97.71%) was found to be the most active. Three Staphylococcus aureus strains (MICOFX 16 micrograms/ml), one S-haemolyticus strain and one S. epidermidis strain (MICOFX 8 micrograms/ml) were the most resistant.

[Occurrence of species from Acinetobacter genus in clinical material and other sources]. / Wystepowanie gatunków z rodzaju Acinetobacter w materiale klinicznym i innych zródlach.

The analysis regarded 304 strains of Acinetobacter genus isolated from various diagnostic materials, objects from hospital environment and from non-hospital sources (soil, water, various animals). Applying API ZONE system, five species were isolated: Acinetobacter juni, (18.42%), Acinetobacter baumanii (70.39%), Acinetobacter haemolyticus (5.59%), Acinetobacter lwoffii (4.6%) and Acinetobacter johnsonii (0.99%). Most frequently isolated species were present in purulent materials and in samples from respiratory tract infections and urinary tract infections. Over 47% Acinetobacter species strains were present in clinical material as single aerobic bacteria.

[Presence of various Acinetobacter species in urinary tract infections]. / Wystepowanie róznych gatunków z rodzaju Acinetobacter w zakazeniach ukladu moczowego.

Species classification of 39 strains of Acinetobacter isolated from urinary tract infections (UTI) was performed by API 20NE tests. On the whole 24 biotypes were differentiated which formed 4 species and one biotype had no defined species classification. Acinetobacter baumani was most numerously represented. Seventy seven percent of strains were isolated from urine samples from women. About 90% of Acinetobacter strains were isolated as single pathogens. Sensitivity of these strains to 23 antibiotics and chemotherapeutics using ATB-UR and disc diffusion technique was evaluated. Of all cephalosporins tested ceftazidime was the most active. All strains tested were sensitive to imepenem. The high percentage of strains was sensitive to quinolones of IIIrd generation. The high percentage of strains was resistant to nitrofurantoin.

[Infection of burn wound with Acinetobacter baumanii]. / Zakazenie rany oparzeniowej z udzialem Acinetobacter baumanii.

This paper describes infection of burn wound with participation of Acinetobacter baumanii in three out of five patients. Species classification of 23 strains of Acinetobacter was performed by application of API 20 NE tests. The profiles obtained through these tests permitted for selection of 8 biotypes. Biotype 00010703 was isolated most frequently. All tested strains of Acinetobacter sp. were susceptible only to netilmicin, norfloxacin, pefloxacin, ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin and imipenem. Out of tested antibiotics, imipenem only was active to all isolated species of bacteria.

[Bacteroides melaninogenicus, during Fournier's gangrene]. / Bacteroides melaninogenicus, w przebiegu zgorzeli Fourniera.

In two patients (L.C., case No. 5834/215/90 and I.J., case No. 18760/140/91) Fournier's gangrene was diagnosed. From samples of necrotic and stinking secretion, strains of Bacteroides were isolated in anaerobic conditions. Application of metronidazole for treatment and surgical cleaning of the wound resulted in healing of one patient, while the second died.

[Influence of culture conditions on cell surface hydrophobicity of rods of genus Serratia]. / Wplyw warunków hodowli na hydrofobowe wlasciwosci paleczek z rodzaju Serratia.

The cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH) is a non-specific adhesion factor that is important in the proliferation of microorganisms on solid surfaces. Serratia spp. is a bacterium that has been increasingly implicated as a primary pathogen in numerous human infections, particularly in urinary tract infections. CSH of 60 Serratia spp. strains isolated from clinical materials was evaluated using the ammonium sulfate salt aggregation test. Bacteria were grown for 24 h and 48 h at room temperature (22 degrees C) and 37 degrees C on enrichment broth and agar (Biomed), enrichment agar with 5% human blood and medium composed of agar granulated (Becton Dickinson), neopeptone (Difco) and 1% (v/v) glycerol. CSH was estimated most frequently when the analyzed strains in enrichment broth were cultured. When grown in enrichment broth cells of Serratia spp. at room temperature were more hydrophobic (43% after 24 h and 47% after 48 h) than those at 37 degrees C (30% after 24 h and 33% after 48 h). CSH of the examined Serratia spp. strains were depended on the temperature, time of the culture of bacteria and the kind of media. The influence of the culture conditions on the changes in CSH of the analyzed bacteria may suggest significance of these properties in the pathogenesis of Serratia spp.

[Test of using plasmid DNA profile analysis for identification of Acinetobacter species]. / Próba wykorzystania analizy plazmidowego DNA do identyfikacji gatunków rodzaju Acinetobacter.

The analysis regarded 32 strains of Acinetobacter genus isolated from a variety of samples from human and animal sources (hospital environment, nonhospital source, water, burns). The genus Acinetobacter is heterogeneous and has a complex taxonomy. For this reason, plasmid profile analysis has been used as a method of identification to study the genetic diversity of natural populations. Strains having an identical plasmid profile were pooled in the same plasmid group. According to these criteria, 32 isolates were grouped in 11 classes. Within the 11 plasmid groups, 2 were found in A. baumannii, 3 in A. lwoffii, 2 in A. johnsonii, 3 in A. haemolyticus and 1 in A. junii. Most frequently isolated species of Acinetobacter from burns was A. baumannii (11 out of the 13 isolates). Plasmid profile analysis of those strains revealed a presence of only one plasmid group. Plasmid profile analysis of Acinetobacter strains can be an useful technique for characterizing isolates in epidemiologic studies as a complementary method. It can be used directly as a very rapid and convenient technique to type Acinetobacter strains.

[Use of 4 microbiological methods to detect Helicobacter pylori]. / Wykorzystanie 4 metod mikrobiologicznych w wykrywaniu Helicobacter pylori.

The presence of Helicobacter pylori (HPY) was confirmed in 90% of a group of 76 patients with gastric disorders. The methods included the direct urease test, a preparation directly stained by the Gram method, culture and serological study using Cobas Core Anti-H. pylori EIA. High levels of IgG HPY antibodies were found in the serum of patients with gastritis chronica and ulcus duodeni. Urease activity can be observed even after 48 hours. Nevertheless such interpretation of test results requires confirmation by other microbiological methods applied simultaneously. HPY was obtained in 50% of culture. Already one hour after the test started, it was possible to confirm this species on the basis of Rapidec pylori. The presented procedure can be used and performed in a laboratory cooperating effectively with a gastroenterologist.

[Utilization of siderophores from the Acinetobacter genus by staphylococcal bacilli]. / Wykorzystywanie przez gronkowce sideroforów wytwarzanych przez paleczki z rodzaju Acinetobacter.

The ability of iron utilizing by means of siderophores produced by donor strains--the members of the genus Acinetobacter (8 strains) by 24 staphylococcal strains was investigated. All the donor strains synthesized hydroxamate class siderophores and six strains also catecholate class. The majority of staphylococcal strains could utilize these siderophores. Most strains utilized siderophores from A. juni 321 and A. johnsonii 349 strains. Only three staphylococcal strains were not be able to utilize siderophores from all donor strains.

[Occurrence of beta-lactamase type ESBL in rods of the Serratia species]. / Wystepowanie beta-laktamaz typu ESBL u paleczek z rodzaju Serratia.

Serratia spp. has been identified as an important opportunistic pathogen agent in nosocomial infections. The aim of the study was the determination of extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) occurrence among 78 of Serratia spp. strains isolated in 1996-1998 from clinical specimens obtained from patients of State Clinical Hospital in Bydgoszcz. Identification of Serratia spp. strains was performed in automatic ATB system with ID 32GN strips (bioMérieux). The strains with ESBL activity were detected by double-disc method according to Jarlier et al. (10) with small modifications. Clavulanic acid, tazobactam and sulbactam were used as the inhibitors of ESBLs. Drug-susceptibility was determined by disc-diffusion method according to NCCLS standards. Forty-five (57.7%) of the strains were ESBL (+). All of them belonged to S. marcescens species. The majority--91.1% of strains was derived from urine, 3 from wound and 1 from blood. The obtained results indicate the necessity of monitoring of ESBL-producing strains among gram-negative rods from clinical specimen. The aims of such a procedure are to control and to prevent their dissemination within hospital, as well as to avoid therapeutic failures.