All 45 microscopically motile urinary isolates tested here (37 Escherichia coli, two Enterobacter cloacae, two Citrobacter freundii, three Proteus mirabilis and one Proteus morganii) were strongly attracted to fresh human urine in a capillary chemotaxis assay. This observation suggested that urine taxis of gram-negative bacteria promotes their invasion of the human lower urinary tract and their ascension to the kidney(s). However, the incidence of motile isolates and their activity in urine taxis assays were similar for fecal E. coli isolates, for isolates from patients with recurrent cystitis and from patients with presumed pyelonephritis (E. coli blood isolates with concomitant E. coli bacteriuria). Thus, the present study of E. coli did not support the hypothesis that bacterial motility is a virulence factor in urinary tract infection.

Bacteriuria↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Reconstruction of a historical genealogy by means of STR analysis and Y-haplotyping of ancient DNA.

Archaeological excavations in St Margaretha's church at Reichersdorf, Germany, in 1993 led to the discovery of eight skeletons, so far assumed to be of the Earls of Königsfeld, who used the church as a family sepulchre over a period of seven generations from 1546 to 1749. DNA-based sex testing and analysis of autosomal short tandem repeat systems (STR) was carried out to confirm the assumption of kinship. Since five of the individuals were determined as males, analysis of Y-specific STRs seemed feasible. A comparison of Y-haplotypes revealed that one individual could not be linked to the Königsfeld patrilineage, an observation supported by autosomal STR evidence. Two individuals typed as females posed an identification problem, since supposedly only male members of the family were buried in St Margaretha's. Nevertheless, these individuals could tentatively be identified as members of the House of Königsfeld through genetic fingerprinting.

Burial↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Intrathecal interferon therapy in chronic echovirus meningoencephalitis in Bruton type agammaglobulinemia].

A 9-year-old body with X-linked agammaglobulinemia developed chronic enteroviral meningoencephalitis (CEMA) caused by echovirus type 6. Intravenous treatment with selected immunoglobulin charges containing high titers against echovirus type 6 or combination with beta-interferon did not result in improvement. After implantation of a Rickham reservoir and periodical administration of intraventricular and intravenous immunoglobulin the virus recurred rapidly each time treatment was stopped. After 20 months of treatment the patient received a combined therapy with beta-interferon and selected immunoglobulin. Both drugs were given by lumbar puncture, intravenously and via Rickham reservoir. Subsequently echovirus type 6 could not be isolated in culture or PCR. Cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis disappeared. The remission is lasting for more than three years. Intrathecal and intraventricular beta-interferon therapy for CEMA is being reported for the first time. Facing the unfavourable prognosis of the disease this mode of treatment is a new therapeutic approach following failure of other therapies.

Agammaglobulinemia↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Genital Chlamydia trachomatis infections in Uppsala County, Sweden, 1985-1993: declining rates for how much longer?

BACKGROUND: In Uppsala County, between 1985 and 1993, examinations for Chlamydia trachomatis were being performed in a central laboratory. A change in national sexually transmitted disease legislation in 1988 encouraged screening. GOALS OF THIS STUDY: To analyze trends in detection rates of genital chlamydial infections by age, sex, and clinic type, and to assess the influence of the legislation change. STUDY DESIGN: This was an analysis of 119,892 tests, representing 95.4% of all specimens sampled. Eighty-six percent of the samples were cultured, 14% were examined by enzyme immunoassay. RESULTS: Seventy-nine percent of specimens came from women. 7,989 positive samples were identified. Detection rates declined from 107.2 per 1,000 in 1985 to 32.3 in 1993 in women and from 183.3 to 70.7 in men. Positivity rates were highest in sexually transmitted disease and youth clinics and lowest in private practices. Among female youths, rates leveled off in later years, but the rates increased in male youths. The legislation change reduced the probability of a positive test in men but not in women. CONCLUSIONS: Genital chlamydial infection generally declined. However, among youths, an increase has occurred in recent years. Continued screening and the introduction of noninvasive diagnostic methods for males is warranted, particularly in youth clinics. Selective screening may be more cost-effective in other age groups.

Adult↗