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Biomedical subjects

D Danielsson

Publications and source records attributed to D Danielsson.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources
PubMed1981

The effect of metronidazole and sulfasalazine on the fecal flora in patients with Crohn's disease.

Twenty patients with Crohn's disease were treated with metronidazole (Flagyl) or sulfasalazine (Salazopyrin). Before and during treatment quantitative and qualitative studies of the aerobic and anaerobic fecal bacterial flora were performed. After 1 week of metronidazole and 1 month of sulfasalazine treatment the median value of the Bacteroides concentration decreased drastically. After 4 months the Bacteroides concentration was still low in patients receiving metronidazole but normalized in patients receiving sulfasalazine treatment. The number of patients in whom the concentration of different bacteria in stool specimens showed changes during treatment of more than one 10log of colony-forming units (cfu) per gram wet weight (i.e. more than 90%) was calculated. A comparison between pretreatment samples and those taken at the end of treatment showed a statistically significant decrease of Bacteroides species (P less than 0.02) and a significant increase of fecal streptococci (P less than 0.02) in patients treated with metronidazole but not in patients treated with sulfasalazine. The relevance of these findings and the role of the bowel microflora for the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease is discussed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1981

Clinical effect of metronidazole and sulfasalazine on Crohn's disease in relation to changes in the fecal flora.

In the present investigation the clinical effect of treatment with metronidazole or sulfasalazine on patients with Crohn's disease was related to changes in the fetal flora. The clinical effect was evaluated by Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI) and serum(s)-orosomucoid value. Twenty patients were included. All patients were untreated for at least 1 month before entrance to the study. None had any previous history of bowel resection. The results of CDAI, s-orosomucoid values, and the bacterial counts obtained at the start were compared to those at the end of treatment. Only changes of more than 33% of the CDAI or s-orosomucoid and changes of more than 3 log, i.e. 99.9%, of the bacterial counts are considered significant. Seventeen patients had a treatment period of 1-4 months. Their total counts of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria were unchanged. In 6 of 17 patients the Bacteroides counts decreased by more than 99.9%. In 13 of the 17 patients there was a dependence between the Bacteroides counts and s-orosomucoid values (P = 0.05) and in 9 out of 17 patients between the Bacteroides counts and CDAI (P less than 0.05). The use of CDAI and s-orosomucoid as measures for disease activity is discussed, and so are the modes of action of the two drugs in relation to the present results and the etiology and pathogenesis of Crohn's disease.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1981

Epidemiology of Neisseria meningitidis; prevalence and symptoms from the upper respiratory tract in family members to patients with meningococcal disease.

The prevalence of Neisseria meningitidis during endemic conditions was studied in 2 groups of people: (1) 64 family members to patients with meningococcal disease, and (2) 64 family members to patients with meningitis due to Haemophilus influenzae or Streptococcus pneumoniae. In group 1 the carrier rate of meningococci of the same serogroup, sensitivity to sulphonamide, and serotype (group B) as the index strain was 34%. The carrier rate of meningococci group A, B, C and Y was 39% in group 1 and 1.6% in group 2. The 25 times higher carrier rate in group 1 gives some explanation of the increased risk for family members to patients with meningococcal disease. This risk was calculated to have been 3,000-4,000 times higher for the family members during one month after the diagnosis of an index case 1965-1977 in our county. The hypothesis that meningococci as a rule are introduced into a family by an adult and then spread within the family to a child finds no support in the present study. A statistically highly significant association was found between carriage of pathogenic meningococci and symptoms from the upper respiratory tract.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1981

Serological classification of Neisseria gonorrhoeae by co-agglutination: a study of serological patterns in two geographical areas of Sweden.

Gonococcal strains, isolated in two different geographical areas of central Sweden (Stockholm and Orebro County) during two corresponding time periods, were subjected to serogrouping by the co-agglutination method with reagents covering the previously described serogroups W I, W II and W III. All strains tested could be grouped. Significant differences were found between the two geographical areas studied. Isolates from different sites on one and the same patient and strains from contact pairs gave identical results. The test results were reproducible, when the strains were exchanged between the two participating laboratories. The reagents distinguished Neisseria gonorrhoeae from other Neisseria species and other oxidase-positive bacteria. The potential of serogrouping gonococci for epidemiological studies by means of the co-agglutination method is discussed.

Agglutination Tests↗
PubMed1980

Serology of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Characterization of rabbit hyperimmune antisera by line-rocket immunoelectrophoresis for use in coagglutination.

The co-agglutination (COA) and line-rocket immunoelectrophoresis (L-RIE) techniques were investigated for the serological classification of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. COA with absorbed sera was found to demonstrate "strain-specific" as well as cross-reacting antigens. The results were dependent on the immunizing, absorbing and agglutinating properties of a particular strain. Heated (100 degrees C) whole cells were found to be more reactive in the COA tests than untreated or formalin-fixed organisms. It was possible by L-RIE to compare the antigenic relationship between at least 20 strains in a single test run. This technique was applied on the 16 major outer membrane protein (MOMP) reference strains, which could then be divided into two separate groups with regard to cross-reacting antigens. Based on the findings by the L-RIE tests, selective absorptions of antibodies were performed for use in preparation of COA reagents. It was found that the reactions of these reagents with the MOMP reference strains could be assigned to three different antigenic classes. Reagents prepared for these classes are proposed as a basis for serological classification of Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Agglutination Tests↗
PubMed1980

Serology of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Classification by co-agglutination.

The co-agglutination (COA) method has been adapted for serological classification of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. COA reagents were prepared with selectively absorbed rabbit hyperimmune antibodies against gonoccal (GC) major outer membrane protein (MOMP) serotype strains. Using these reagents, the 16 MOMP reference strains could be referred to at least three antigen classes, tentatively named W, J and M. The GC antigens of class W were divided into three groups I, II and III, and they were in part sensitive to pronase. The antigens of class J reflected strain specific or serotype reactions, some sensitive and others resistant to proteolytic enzymes. The antigens of class M were sensitive to periodate and resistant to pronase. Strains used in serological studies by other authors were tested. The properties of class W correlated well with those of the so-called micro-immunofluorescence and immunotype systems, and class M with those of the so-called endotoxin and acid polysaccharide systems. Strains from three different laboratories could all be grouped by class W and M reagents. Identical strains obtained independently from different laboratories gave very similar reaction patterns with the reagents available. Repeated GC-isolates from patients infected with beta-lactamase producing strains showed stable reactions with class W and J reagents, while there was a time-related variation of the class M pattern. We have found that the COA method is rapid, easy and reproducible in the serological classification of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and all the 117 GC-strains tested could be classified.

Agglutination Tests↗
PubMed1980

Serology of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Demonstration by co-agglutination and immunoelectrophoresis of antigenic differences associated with colour/opacity colonial variants.

Serological classification of Neisseria gonorrhoeae by co-agglutination (COA) into previously described antigen classes W and J was confirmed in the present work. Immunization of rabbits with classified organisms gave antibodies which produced the expected results when used in the preparation of COA reagents. Colour/opacity colonial variants of isogenic strains, characterized by stereomicroscopy as opaque and transparent, respectively, were found to influence immunization, absorption, co-agglutination and precipitation in immunoelectrophoresis (IE). It was shown by COA and IE that organisms of opaque colonies often contained an extra antigenic factor(s) which resisted heating at 100 degrees C but was sensitive to treatment with pronase. They were extracted by heating the organisms in saline or lithium chloride solution. Serological classification with COA in clinical isolates was reproducible with reagents for antigen classes W and J. Colony morphology dependent reactions, mostly due to organisms of opaque colonies, occurred in 7% with reagents for antigen class W and in 20% for antigen class J.

Agglutination Tests↗
PubMed1980

In vitro studies of the adherence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and other urogenital bacteria to vaginal and uroepithelial cells, with special regard to the menstrual cycle.

The adherence to vaginal epithelial and uroepithelial cells of three serogroups (W/I, W/II and W/III) and their colony colour opacity variants of Neisseria gonorrhoeae were studied with regard to the menstrual cycle, using an in vitro test method. Vaginal epithelial cells obtained in the post-menstrual phase attach more gonococci than cells obtained in the pre-menstrual phase. This difference was statistically highly significant (p less than 0.001) for the three serogroups tested. The adherence rate also differed with regard to the three serogroups used in the tests (W/II greater than W/III greater than W/I), and with regard to organisms from opaque greater than transparent). There was no variation in the adherence of gonococci to uroepithelial cells during the menstrual cycle. E coli, S. saprophyticus and group B streptococci showed a tendency to increased adherence to vaginal epithelial cells in the post-menstrual phase compared with ther pre-menstrual one, but the difference was not statistically significant.

Adult↗
PubMed1980

Adherence in vitro of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Escherichia coli and group B streptococci to vaginal epithelial cells of post-menopausal women.

The adherence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Escherichia coli and group B streptococci to vaginal epithelial cells from post-menopausal women was studied by an in vitro test system. It was found that the adherence rate of gonococci to vaginal cells from women on oestrogen treatment was statistically significantly higher (p less than 0.001) as compared to those without such a treatment. No increased adherence was found for E. coli and group B streptococci. The cellular and functional bases of these findings are discussed.

Aged↗
PubMed1980

Serology of Campylobacter fetus ss. jejuni )"related" campylobacters). Demonstration of strain-specific and interstrain-related antigens by immunoelectrophoresis and co-agglutination.

Rabbit antisera against two strains of Campylobacter fetus ss. fetus (serotype A), two strains of C. fetus ss. intestinalis (serotypes A and B respectively), and eight stains of C. fetus ss. jejuni were used in serological studies of these strains with the use of co-agglutination (COA), line-rocket immunoelectrophoresis (L-RIE) and rocket-line immunoelectrophoresis (R-LIE). Whole bacterial cells, either heated at 56 degrees C. boiled or atuoclaved, were used in COA tests. Unheated sonicates were used in L-RIE, and sonicates, unheated, boiled or autoclaved, in R-LIE. The antigenic properties of C. fetus ss. fetus and C. fetus ss. intestinalis were distinctly different from those of the thermophilic C. fetus ss. jejuni strains as shown both by COA and L-RIE. Serotypes A and B of the two former species were also differentiated. In COA tests the C. fetus ss. jejui=ni organisms gave the strongest reactions with homologous antibodies, but several interstrain cross-reactions were seen. By absorption strain specific COA reagents were obtained. Several reactions of identity indicating cross-reactive antigens were also seen with L-RIE within the ss. jejuni group. These results generally agreed with those obtained by COA. With the use of unheated, boiled or autoclaved organisms or sonicates heat labile antigens were differentiated from heat stable ones with the use of COA and R-LIE. The apparent antigenic heterogeneity of Campylobacteria indicates the importance of their serological grouping, e.g. for clinical and epidemiological investigations. COA and immunoelectrophoresis techniques can be effectively applied for such studies.

Agglutination Tests↗
PubMed1979

Variations in attachment of Neisseria gonorrhoeae to vaginal epithelial cells during the menstrual cycle and early pregnancy.

An in vitro system was used to study the ability of virulent gonococci to adhere to vaginal epithelial cells obtained from healthy donors during the pre- and postmenstrual phases, and from those in early pregnancy. It was found that more gonococci adhered to the cells from donors in the postmenstrual phase than to cells from those in the premenstrual one. This difference was statistically highly significant. The attachment rate of gonococci to vaginal epithelial cells was similar in early pregnancy and in the premenstrual phase.

Adhesiveness↗
PubMed1979

Serology of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Demonstration of strain-specific antigens by immunoelectrophoresis, immunofluorescence and co-agglutination techniques.

Among a group of four selected strains of Neisseria gonorrhaeae, common and strain-specific antigens were demonstrated by immunoelectrophoresis, indirect immunofluorescence (IFL) and co-agglutination (COA). In preparations of ultrasonically-disrupted organisms, the strain-specific antigens appeared in crossed-line immunoelectrophoresis (C-LIE) with antigen containing intermediate agar gel as a two-peak precipitin line, one peak close to the antigen well, the other towards the anode. A similar pattern was found for each of the four strains studied. These strain-specific precipitin lines were also identified in rocket-line immunoelectrophoresis (R-LIE) tests, which were found useful for comparative studies. Using whole cells, strain-specific antigens were also demonstrated by COA and IFL tests with the use of cross-absorbed antibodies. The results corresponded to those obtained with C-LIE and R-LIE. Immunosorption experiments indicated identity between the strain-specific antigens shown by COA tests and those demonstrated by C-LIE and R-LIE tests.

Agglutination Tests↗
PubMed1979

Culture diagnosis of meningococcal carriers: yield from different sites and influence of storage in transport medium.

Different specimens and techniques have been used in the diagnosis of carriers of Neisseria meningitidis, reflecting the uncertainty about the optimal diagnostic procedure. In the present investigation the culture yield of meningococci from throat specimens was compared to that from nasopharyngeal speimens in 178 persons: 44 carriers were diagnosed. All of them were detected by culture of throat specimens while 34% of them would have remained undiagnosed if only nasopharyngeal specimens had been examined. Storage of throat specimens in a transport medium for 24 hours before culture gave a negative culture for meningococci in 41% of the carriers. This loss was surprisingly high, the reasons for which are discussed.

Carrier State↗
PubMed1979

Rapid serotyping of groups A, B, and C meningococci by rocket-line immunoelectrophoresis and co-agglutination.

Rocket-line immunoelectrophoresis (R-LIE) with antigen containing intermediate gel, and co-agglutination utilising protein A-containing staphylococci coated with specific antibodies, were adapted for serotyping the prototypes of group B meningococci. Both were found to have the same specificity as agar gel double diffusion (AGDD) but they were more sensitive and more rapid than AGDD. R-LIE required, like AGDD, the extraction of relatively large quantities of bacteria, while the co-agglutination method, performed as a slide agglutination tests with results within a few minutes and no need of special equipment, required only a small amount of heated whole meningococcal cells. Meningococcal strains of serogroups B, C, and A from patients with carriers were serotyped and the results with all three methods were in agreement.

Agglutination Tests↗
PubMed1979

Changes in the fecal flora of patients with Crohn's disease during treatment with metronidazole. A preliminary report.

Six patients with Crohn's disease and three healthy volunteers were treated with metronidazole. Before and during metronidazole treatment quantitative and qualitative studies of the aerobic and anaerobic fecal bacterial flora were performed, and the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for metronidazole of the isolated bacteria were determined. There was no significant change in the fecal flora of the volunteers during metronidazole treatment, but three patients who clinically responded well to treatment had drastically changed their anaerobic flora. Two patients did not respond to the metronidazole therapy. The total anaerobic count for one of them was unchanged, and the number of isolated anaerobic species was high during the treatment. The total anaerobic counts of the other non-responder decreased, but metronidazole-resistant (MIC greater than or equal to 40 microgram/ml) Gram-negative rods remained in the fecal samples. Furthermore, after 2 months his condition worsened, and he was given corticosteroids and parenteral nutrition. The result in one patient with a moderate response to therapy was intermediate. Our observations may explain why some patients benefit from metronidazole therapy and others do not.

Adult↗
PubMed1979

Investigation of the immune response to aerobic and anaerobic intestinal bacteria in a patient with Crohn's disease.

The immune response to aerobic and anaerobic intestinal bacteria in a patient with Crohn's disease with an intestinal fistula was investigated with various serological techniques. Two aerobic bacterial species, E. dispar and P. mirabilis, and four strict anaerobic bacterial species, B. fragilis ss. fragilis, F. varium and two different strains of C. perfringens, were isolated from fistula secretion of the patient. These strains were used as antigens for tube agglutination, passive hemagglutination, indirect immunofluorescence and immune hemolysis assays with serum specimens obtained before and after operation of the patient. Immune responses were demonstrated to the aerobic as well as to the anaerobic bacterial strains isolated from the patient's fistula. In connection with the operation an active immune response was demonstrated to the aerobic and anaerobic bacterial isolates. Antibodies belonging to IgG and IgA took part in the active immune response while IgM was very little involved. Antibodies responsible for passive hemagglutination reactions were resistant to treatment with beta-mercaptoethanol. Antibodies to aerobic and anaerobic Gram-negative rods were shown to have complement fixing activity. The importance of the demonstrated antibodies for the host's defence against normal intestinal microorganisms and the inflammatory reaction as a consequence of chronic antigenic stimulation in the diseased part of the intestine in patients with Crohn's disease is discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1979

On the occurrence of serum antibodies to Bacteroides fragilis and serogroups of E. coli in patients with Crohn's disease.

Eight strains of Bacteroides fragilis, five isolated from patients with Crohn's disease and three from healthy individuals, and according to biochemical tests belonging to four subspecies, were subjected to a serologic examination with tube agglutination and passive hemagglutination (HA) tests using hyperimmune rabbit antisera. A close antigenic relationship was demonstrated between two of the strains and minor relationships between three other strains. Cross absorption experiments showed that the antigenically related strains had common antigen(s) besides strain specific antigens. Crude antigens of each of the eight B. fragilis strains, and eight known serotypes of nonenteropathic E. coli, were used in passive HA tests to study the occurrence of circulating hemagglutinins in patients with Crohn's disease, and in control patients and healthy individuals with no obvious intestinal disease. It was found that patients with Crohn's disease had higher titres against B. fragilis than control patients and healthy individuals (the p-value was less than 0.01 if titres greater than or equal to 1:40 were chosen as comparison, equal for males and females). Higher titres were also recorded for Crohn's patients against the various serotypes of E. coli than for control patients and healthy individuals (if titres less than or equal to 1:160 were chosen as comparison the p-value was less than 0.01 for men and less than 0.001 for women.

Adolescent↗