Isolation and characterization by conventional methods and genetic transformation of Psychrobacter and Acinetobacter from fresh and spoiled meat, milk and cheese.

Of 126 samples of fresh and spoiled meat and dairy products, 40% were positive for the presence of Moraxella-like bacteria and 64% of Acinetobacter; 279 and 466 strains, respectively, were isolated and a part of these were tested by biochemical methods and DNA transformation assays. In some cases, the Moraxellaceae in the samples examined reached considerable quantitative levels, but their percentage in the microflora was generally low. Moraxella-like bacteria were predominant in fresh meat, Acinetobacter in spoiled meat and milk. Most acinetobacters belonged to biotype lwoffii (sensu lato) and all 90 strains tested were positive for DNA transformation with an auxotrophic Acinetobacter. Moraxella-like bacteria were identified as Psychrobacter immobilis in 96% of 103 transformation assays. Moraxellaceae show lipolytic activity but they are considered of low incidence in food spoilage. Only 3.7% of acinetobacters from dairy sources was able to produce ropy milk. Unlike strains from clinical isolates, psychrobacters and acinetobacters isolated from food often do not grow at 37 degrees C.

House dust mites in Caracas, Venezuela.

An investigation of bedding dust fauna was carried out in Caracas, Venezuela. Mites were recovered from all samples. The average mite density of 15.6 mites/mg dust was among the highest reported worldwide. Pyroglyphid mites were the most frequent and abundant, and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus was the largest contributor to the total mite counts. It was also found that the storage mite Blomia tropicalis occurred in 96% of the samples examined and contributed an average of 15% of the total mites. The genera Tyrophagus and Tarsonemus were infrequent but occasionally large contributors to the bedding dust fauna. In our area, therefore, sensitivity to those abundant nonpyroglyphid mites should be routinely investigated in house dust-sensitive patients.

[The value of monitoring arterial oxygenation saturation by pulse oximetry in neuroleptanalgesia]. / Intérêt de la surveillance de la saturation artérielle en oxygène par oxymétrie de pouls au cours de la neuroleptanalgésie.

Anaesthesia can induce hypoxaemia. Pulse oximetry gives continuous non invasive monitoring of arterial oxygen saturation. No arterial puncture is needed. Ninety-four patients were monitored by pulse oximetry during neuroleptanalgesia for colonoscopy. Eighteen patients showed desaturation episodes of less than 90%, eight linked to opioid-induced respiratory depression. In all patients, pulse oximetry gave clinicians an immediate awareness of the incident. Treatment was facilitated. Pulse oximetry made anaesthesia safer.

Hypochloruria associated with hypovolemia.

Hypochloruria is proposed as an indicator of hypovolemia in ICU non cardiac patients. Twelve of 13 patients presenting with Clu less than or equal to 20 mmol X l-1 and Nau greater than or equal to 20 mmol X l-1 or twice the Clu value had a CVP less than or equal to 0 mmHg. This pattern occurred in those with a metabolic alkalosis or acidosis, renal insufficiency or normal renal function, in the presence or absence of dopamine and/or diuretic administration and with or without controlled ventilation. Hypochloruria may be a better indicator of hypovolemia than a low urinary Na in ICU patients.