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Biomedical subjects

P D Ellner

Publications and source records attributed to P D Ellner.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Evaluation of the latex slide agglutination test for identification of Staphylococcus aureus.

This study evaluated the reliability of the latex slide agglutination test for identifying Staphylococcus aureus. A total of 806 clinical isolates of staphylococci were tested for latex agglutination, clumping factor, and free coagulase. Positive latex tests occurred in 98.3% of coagulase-positive strains, whereas 99.6% of coagulase-negative strains gave negative latex tests. It is concluded that in most instances, the latex slide agglutination test is a reliable method for identifying S. aureus in the clinical laboratory.

Bacterial Proteins↗

The inhibitory quotient. A method for interpreting minimum inhibitory concentration data.

A method for reporting minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) data that facilitates interpretation by the clinician unfamiliar with clinically achievable drug levels is described. This system uses the inhibitory quotient, which is a number reflecting the multiple of the MIC that would be achieved. Inhibitory quotients are determined for blood, urine, bile, and CSF and reflect achievable drug levels in those body fluids. The use of inhibitory quotients can be extremely helpful to the physician in the rational selection of an appropriate antimicrobial agent.

Aminoglycosides↗

Preliminary evaluation of the autoSCAN-3, an instrument for automated reading an interpretation of microdilution trays: identification of aerobic gram-negative bacilli.

The autoSCAN-3, an instrument for the automated reading and interpretation of Microscan microdilution trays, was evaluated for its ability to identify gram-negative bacilli. The results obtained by the visual reading of microdilution trays were compared with the results obtained with the machine. A total 387 clinical isolates of Enterobacteriaceae and nonfermenters were compared by both methods. In 369 instances (95%), the identification obtained by visual reading of the microdilution tray agreed with the identification obtained with the autoSCAN-3. In eight instances, the visual identification differed completely from that of the machine, and in nine cases, the machine was unable to provide an identification.

Adult↗

Distribution of hemolytic streptococci in respiratory specimens.

One hundred thirty-seven isolates of beta-hemolytic streptococci were recovered from 623 pharyngeal cultures. Twenty-nine percent of these were group A, 10% were group B, 31% were group C, 11% were group F, 12% were group G, and 7% could not be grouped. The significance of non-group A isolates in pharyngitis could not be evaluated in the absence of viral and serological studies. Hemolytic streptococci were recovered from 9% of 799 lower respiratory cultures. All except one were non-group A, and other potential respiratory pathogens were also present in these specimens. It is our impression that the presence of hemolytic streptococci in lower respiratory tract specimens usually represents pharnygeal contamination.

Adult↗

Comparison of sputum counterimmunoelectrophoresis and culture in diagnosis of pneumococcal pneumonia.

The diagnostic value of counterimmunoelectrophoresis performed on sputum was compared with that of sputum culture. The detection of pneumococcal polysaccharide in sputum showed a better correlation with the presence of pneumococcal pneumonia than the recovery of pneumococci by culture. The authors conclude that sputum counterimmunoelectrophoresis can provide diagnostic guidance to physicians awaiting the results of sputum culture and aid in the interpretation of cultural findings.

Bacteriological Techniques↗

Rapid grouping of beta-hemolytic streptococci by latex agglutination.

Latex agglutination was compared with fluorescent-antibody staining with group A conjugate and Lancefield precipitation for grouping of beta-hemolytic streptococci. Latex agglutination correctly grouped 98.8% of 82 group A streptococci and more than 95% of 187 group B, C, or G streptococci. Occasional cross-reactions occurred between groups A and C and groups B and G.

Fluorescent Antibody Technique↗

Effect of dilution on recovery of bacteria from blood.

The multiplication rate of bacteria in undiluted blood containing sodium polyanethol sulfonate was compared with growth rates obtained in dilutions of blood ranging from 1:2 to 1:8. Although all organisms tested grew in the undiluted blood, increased growth rates were seen in the 1:2 dilution. Further dilution resulted in growth rates equivalent to that obtained with the 1:2 dilution. In view of these results, we question the present recommendations that blood be diluted 1:10 or 1:20.

Bacteria↗

Unreliability of direct antibiotic susceptibility testing on wound exudates.

Direct susceptibility testing was performed on 110 specimens of wound exudates. Growth was inadequate in 76 of these specimens. Of the remaining 34 specimens, only 5 produced results corresponding to those obtained by testing individual bacterial isolates by the Kirby-Bauer technique. This study confirms that direct susceptibility testing of wound exudates may provide misleading and clinically unreliable information on more than 95% of specimens.

Exudates and Transudates↗

Critical analysis of hypertonic medium and agitation in detection of bacteremia.

Over 18,000 clinical specimens collected in Vacutainer tubes with sodium polyanethol sulfonate were inoculated into modified Columbia broth (MCB) with and without 10% sucrose. The effects of venting and shaking on recovery were studied. The volume of the blood had a definite effect on the recovery rate. When inoculum size was held constant, recovery of aerobic and facultative organisms was maximal in vented and shaken bottles; the presence of sucrose had no demonstrable effect, recovery of anaerobes was maximal using an unvented bottle incubated under stationary conditions; a significantly greater recovery of facultatives and a marginally greater recovery of anaerobes was obtained with the hypertonic formulation. We conclude that a hypertonic formulation of MCB offers no advantage in the recovery of anaerobes but is of value in the recovery of facultatives and anaerobes. It is recommended that blood cultures be routinely inoculated into isotonic MCB and then vented and shaken for at least 4 hours, and hypertonic MCB incubated without venting or shaking.

Aerobiosis↗