Ornithosis-psittacosis is a widely distributed disease in birds throughout the world. A serological study by the complement-fixation test and a few isolation of Chlamyqia were performed on feral pigeon population of Antwerpen city. The incidence of positive cases in Antwerpen averages 58.51 %. For each serum, a serological index (S. I.) was calculated with regard to the intensity of immunological response in different dilutions: S. I. seems to suggest an endemic status of the disease in Antwerpen. Evolution in time of the prevalence and the serological response shows the presence of two peaks: the first one in spring and the last one in summer. This might be explained by some factors influencing the transmission of the infection: between them, one must emphasize the pigeons habits and the ectoparasites.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Preclinical toxicologic evaluation of 4'-(9-acridinylamino)methanesulfon-m-anisidide (AMSA) in mice, dogs, and monkeys.

Male mice (CDF1) in a single-treatment schedule, male and female dogs in a single-treatment and in three multiple-treatment schedules, and male and female monkeys in one multiple-treatment schedule were used to evaluate the toxicity of 4'-(9-acridinylamino)methanesulfon-m-anisidide. Vehicle controls receiving anhydrous N,N-dimethylacetamide plus lactic acid were included in the dog and monkey studies. The liver was the major target organ of toxicity in mice. Lymphoid depletion and generalized bone marrow suppression were the most sensitive indicators of toxicity in dogs and monkeys. At high toxic doses, CNS and intestinal toxic effects were present. Hepatotoxic effects were most prominent in dogs after single iv injections. Multiple-dose regimens were more toxic than single-dose regimens in dogs, but inclusion of rest periods between multiple-treatment periods or reduction of the dose attenuated the toxic effects. The monkey was more resistant to drug toxicity than the dog. Local tissue reaction studies in guinea pigs and rabbits suggested that local irritation responses observed may have been due to the acidity of the drug and vehicle solutions.

Aminoacridines↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Importance of familial contamination in Trypanosoma brucei gambiense trypanosomiasis].

Referring to the sociological structure of the family in the Bateke ethnic group which most of the inhabitants of Kwamouth (Bandundu region, Zaïre) are descendants, the author defines the concept to family contamination in trypanosomiasis induced by Trypanosoma brucei gambiense. The calculated incidence in the selected population according to the different types of family and vicinity contamination was found to be at least five times higher than the incidence obtained for the global population. To explain this considerable difference, the author suggests the mechanical transmission of the trypanosoma, but feels that cyclic transmission plays a significant role, as the life in close community is characteristic for the inhabitants of this area.

Adolescent↗