Isolation and genome analysis of a lytic Pasteurella multocida Bacteriophage PMP-GAD-IND.

Currently used alum precipitated and oil adjuvant vaccines against HS caused by Pasteurella multocida B:2, have side effects and short-lived immunity, leading to regular catastrophic outbreaks in bovines in Asian subcontinent. The need for the development of an improved vaccine with longer immunity and the ability to differentiate between vaccinated and infected is essential. Pasteurella phage isolated in present study belongs to family Siphoviridae. PMP-GAD-IND phage exhibited lytic activity against vaccine strain (P52) as well as several field strains of P. multocida (B:2), and fowl cholera agent (P. multocida A:1).The phage has a double stranded DNA (dsDNA) with a genome of 46 335 bp. The complete genome sequence of the Pasteurella multocida phage has been deposited in Gen Bank with accession no: KY203335. PMP-GAD-IND being a lytic phage with broad activity range has a potential to be used in therapy against multidrug resistant P. multocida infections. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The present work is a part of research for the development of an improved phage lysate marker vaccine and a companion DIVA assay against haemorhagic septicaemia. This study describes the isolation and genome analysis of PMP-GAD-IND a lytic Pasteurella multocida bacteriophage.

Protective immune-response of aluminium hydroxide gel adjuvanted phage lysate of Brucella abortus S19 in mice against direct virulent challenge with B. abortus 544.

The prophylactic efficacies of plain and alum adsorbed lysate were evaluated by direct virulent challenge in mice model. A recently isolated brucellaphage 'ϕLd' was used for generation of lysates. Twenty four h incubated Brucella abortus S19 broth cultures standardized to contain approximately 10(8) CFU/ml were found suitable for generation of lysates. Three lysate batches produced through separate cycles did not show any significant variation with respect to protein and polysaccharide contents, endotoxin level and phage counts, indicating that compositionally stable lysate preparations can be generated through an optimized production process. Three polypeptides of ∼16, 19 and 23 kDa could be identified as immuno-dominant antigens of the lysate which induced both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses in a dose dependent manner. Results of efficacy evaluation trial confirmed dose-dependent protective potencies of lysate preparation. The lysate with an antigenic dose of 0.52 µg protein and 60 µg CHO adsorbed on aluminium gel (0.1 percent aluminium concentration) exhibited the highest protective potency which was greater than that induced by standard S19 vaccine. Phage lysate methodology provides a very viable option through which an improved immunizing preparation with all desirable traits can be developed against brucellosis, and integrated with immunization programmes in a more efficient manner.

Use of traditional medical practitioners to delivery family planning services in Uttar Pradesh.

This pilot study conducted in Muzaffarnagar district in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India, demonstrates the potential for using traditional medical practitioners in the delivery of family planning services after a brief training period. Practitioners participated continuously in the program for an intervention period of two years during which their services were accepted by the community. The impact of their involvement was reflected in increased knowledge of permanent as well as reversible contraceptive methods and in higher contraceptive use rates, especially of reversible methods adopted by women younger than 25 years (from 8 percent to 37 percent), in the intervention villages, as compared with increased knowledge and use (from 13 percent to 25 percent) of permanent methods alone in the control villages.

Immune status of children suffering from minimal change nephrotic syndrome.

Twenty five children suffering from minimal change nephrotic syndrome were studied for immunological alterations at different stages of this disease i.e., onset, relapse and remission. Changes were found mainly at onset and during relapse in the form of altered helper and suppressor cell ratio, depressed delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity reaction, decreased S-IgG bearing lymphocytes with low serum IgG concentration, and increased S-IgM bearing lymphocytes with high serum IgM concentration. Majority of these parameters returned to normal values during remission. Serum IgE was found high at all stages of this. These alterations suggest defects in cell mediated immunity resulting in secretion of some substance which modifies the glomerular anionic charges.

Carrier presentation: a possible strategy for selective in vivo amplification of specific T cells.

A strategy for selective in vivo amplification of specific T cells by carrier presentation is outlined here. This hypothesis addresses the possible physiological significance of expression of MHC II molecules by T cells, and attempts to highlight the possibility of harnessing the phenomenon for therapeutic use in medicine.

Tuberculosis of the breast. A cytomorphologic study of needle aspirates and nipple discharges.

A cytomorphologic diagnosis of tuberculosis of the breast by examination of needle aspirate and nipple discharge smears was made in 14 of 410 cases of mammary lumps and nipple discharges studied over a period of two years. The importance of aspiration cytology of breast lumps, which clinically may be diagnosed as benign or malignant lesions, is high-lighted. Although acid-fast bacilli were demonstrated in only one case, the clinical response to antituberculosis therapy was indirect but fairly convincing evidence supporting the cytologic diagnosis of tuberculosis of the breast in all 14 patients.

Perinatal mortality--report of a hospital based study.

The perinatal mortality rate (PNMR) per 1000 births is reported in 27,394 consecutive births. It was 75.6, of which 40.0 were neonatal deaths and 35.6 were fetal losses. The PNMR was significantly higher at the two extremes of maternal age, in parity five and above, and with a previous history of fetal or neonatal loss. Other maternal contributing factors were antepartum haemorrhage, hydramnios and infections. One-third of the babies weighed 2500 g or less. The PNMR dropped precipitously from 340.48 in the birth weight group 1501 to 2000 g, to 46.6 in the group 2001 to 2500 g, indicating a cut-off point at 2000 g for a baby at high risk needing special care. The common necropsy causes of death were asphyxia (24.33%), pulmonary conditions (20.02%), congenital malformations (13.6%), and infections (6.19%). No cause of death could be detected at necropsy in 22.12% and no clinico-pathological cause of death could be assigned in 26.76% of deaths. A majority of deaths due to asphyxia could have been prevented by better antenatal and intranatal care. Low birth weight was an important cause of perinatal deaths, and better maternal nutrition and antenatal care could play an important role in reducing this.

A Clinicopathological Study of Donovanosis.

A cfinicopathological study of 50 cases of genital ulcers has been undertaken with a view to. identify cases of donovanosis. The diagnosis of donovanosis was established either by tissue smear examination or through histopathological study.26 cases were found to be of donovanosis and biopsy examination was found to be more reliable than smear examination . The pitfalls in the diagnosis of donovanosis in partially treated cases and the epidemiological aspects are being highlighted.

Histopathological evaluation of griseofulvin therapy in lichen planus. A double-blind controlled study.

In a double-blind trial on 44 patients having lichen planus, 500 mg griseofulvin-FP daily for 8 weeks produced significantly better results compared to a placebo. The clinical improvement was accompanied by corresponding histological changes.