[Shifts in the species spectrum of mycoses in The Netherlands from 1970-1990]. / Verschuivingen in het soortenspectrum van mycosen in Nederland in het tijdvak 1970-1990.

A review is presented of yeast and mould infections occurring in humans in the Netherlands. The occurrence of the dermatophytes Trichophyton rubrum and T. mentagrophytes tends to increase, while Microsporum canis and particularly Epidermophyton floccosum have become less common. The yeast Candida glabrata is particularly often involved in infections of the urinary tract. Candida krusei, C. parapsilosis and C. tropicalis have become less significant. Remarkable differences are found between the spectra of Aspergillus species causing infections in lungs and in ears; an entirely different pathogenesis is to be presumed. The number of systemic mycoses in the Netherlands is underestimated. The possibility of hundreds of cases each year cannot be excluded.

Human serum antibodies to extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) of moulds.

The presence of antibodies to extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) of moulds in sera of healthy subjects (N = 125) was determined. Antibodies against the EPS of Penicillium digitatum, Mucor racemosus, Cladosporium cladosporioides, Fusarium moniliforme and Botrytis tulipae were found in relatively high amounts in all sera. No effect of age on antibodies present could be demonstrated. Antibodies against each of the EPS tested were only neutralized by the homologous EPS and by EPS of moulds belonging to the same genus or a taxonomically closely related genus. Antibodies against the EPS of P. digitatum were inhibited by methyl-beta-D-galactofuranoside, indicating that the galactofuranose part of this EPS is immunodominant.

[Reconsideration of the 'bacteriological examination' of slaughter stock]. / Herbezinning over het 'Bacteriologisch Onderzoek' van slachtdieren.

A comparative trial was made by six meat inspection services to attain uniform indications for the 'Bacteriological Examination' of slaughtered animals in accordance with the 'Meat Inspection Regulations' of the Dutch 'Meat Inspection Act'. The results of the study compelled the investigators to scrutinize these regulations. The 'Bacteriological Examination' which is prescribed, is designed to exclude septicaemic animals from human consumption. Applying the rules will result in condemnation of animals harbouring a small number of bacteria which have a minimum significance for the health of consumers, whereas animals harbouring organisms potentially pathogenic for man are overlooked. It is concluded that the 'Meat Inspection Regulations' should be considered.

Purification and properties of extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) antigens produced by different mould species.

Extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) antigens produced by different mould species were purified and partially characterized. Purification included (NH4)2SO4 treatment, Sepharose CL-4B column chromatography and Con A-sepharose chromatography. The EPS of Penicillium digitatum, Mucor racemosus and Cladosporium cladosporioides showed high antigenic capacities. Immunologically the EPS were partially genus-specific, but cross-reactivity was observed. The EPS antigens produced by species of Penicillium, Aspergillus repens and Geotrichum candidum lost their immunological activity upon heating (100 degrees C) at pH 1.8, while the EPS antigen of M. racemosus, Rhizopus oligosporus and C. cladosporioides were stable under the same conditions. The dominant monosaccharides present in the EPS antigen were mannose, galactose and glucose. The EPS obtained from cultures of M. racemosus and R. oligosporus also contained rhamnose. In the EPS produced by Penicillium spp. and A. repens the galactose residues were determined to be immunodominant.

[More than 10 years of kidney testing in the Netherlands, and now...?]. / Ruim 10 jaar Nederlandse Nier Test, en nu....?

A historical review of testing for antibacterial residues in slaughtered animals is presented. In recent developments, much attention was paid to microbiological methods. Because of changing views and new possibilities increasing attention is being paid to purely chemical methods of detection. However, so long as chemical multi-purpose methods are not available, there will be a need for microbiological methods. The common misunderstanding that prevention of residues of antibacterial compounds in slaughter animals will contribute to reduction of the problem of bacterial resistance to antibacterial agents, is warned against.

[Detection of antibiotics and/or chemotherapeutic agents in slaughtering pigs by a captive impedance measurement using the M 120 Bactometer]. / Het aantonen van antibiotica- en/of chemotherapeutica in slachtvarkens door middel van capacitieve impedantiemeting met een Bactometer M 120.

A study was performed to compare the use of capacitive impedance measurement with EEC 4-plate method for the detection of antibacterial residues. Urine, meat, kidney and spleen were the matrices used in the impedance measurement. Meat was used in the EEC 4-plate method. Capacitive impedance measurement is quick, relatively simple, and reliable method, in which objective interpretation of the test results is guaranteed by automatic apparatus. Using meat and kidney as matrices, the test appears to be an efficient screening test for export meat and edible offal. As far as domestic Meat Inspection legislation is concerned, the test described may provide more specific information than the methods presently in use.

Simplified coagglutination test for serological grouping of beta-hemolytic streptococci.

A new coagglutination kit consisting of a plastic slide with dried antibody-coated staphylococci was evaluated for the grouping of beta-hemolytic streptococci of groups A, B, C, and G. The test was compared with the classical precipitation test, using hot formamide antigen extracts with 224 strains of groups A, B, C, and G streptococci. An agreement of 100% was found between the new coagglutination and the classical precipitation procedures. No false-positive results were obtained with group F and D streptococci; however, group L streptococci reacted with the group A reagent. The test procedure could be shortened by using suspensions of colonies from overnight cultures on blood agar plates in small volumes of Todd-Hewitt broth without further incubation. All 74 strains of groups A, B, C, and G were correctly identified from suspensions in Todd-Hewitt broth; however, suspending the colonies in 0.9% saline or phosphate-buffered saline resulted in lower sensitivities.

Application of pyrolysis mass spectrometry to the classification and identification of mycobacteria.

Application of modern pyrolysis techniques offers the possibility for mass spectrometric analysis of complete bacterial cells. It was shown that pyrolysis mass spectra provide fingerprints of mycobacterial cells that are characteristic on the (sub)species level. Computer-aided comparisons of the spectra for mycobacteria were used for identification of unknown strains as members of either the "tuberculosis complex" (Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterium bovis-BCG, M. bovis) or of the group referred to as "atypical mycobacteria." Pyrolysis mass spectrometry was performed with a completely automated instrument, and spectra were evaluated by two computerized numerical methods. The first method has general applicability to mass spectrometry data, while the second was devised for the routine identification of the "tuberculosis complex." With use of the latter method, 125 strains were identified. A positive correlation of 94.4% was found between the results of this method and the results of the usual bacteriologic procedures; 1.6% of all strains were given a falsely negative identification, and 4.0% were given a falsely positive identification.

Pyrolysis mass spectrometry: a new method to differentiate between the mycobacteria of the 'tuberculosis complex' and other mycobacteria.

Pyrolysis mass spectrometry (p.m.s.) was applied to differentiate 91 coded mycobacteria as belonging to either the 'tuberculosis complex' (M. tuberculosis, M. bovis and M. bovis BCG) or to other species of Mycobacterium. Strains were analysed in batches; in each batch three strains each of M. tuberculosis, M. bovis and M. bovis BCG were included as references. Mass spectra were evaluated by computerized multivariate analysis. A 92% positive correlation with classical identification tests was found (2.2% false negative, 5.5% false positive). Approaches for further improvement of this score are indicated. High speed and complete automation of sample analysis, as well as computerized data-processing, make p.m.s. a potential tool for routine application. Sample transfer from peripheral laboratories to a p.m.s. facility is easy, as samples can be sterilized before shipping.

Transferability of macrolide, lincomycin, and streptogramin resistances between group A, B, and D streptococci, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus.

The transferability of plasmid pRI405 between various streptococci of groups A, B, and D, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus is described. pRI405 originated from Streptococcus faecalis and encodes for resistance to macrolides, lincomycin, and streptogramin B (MLS resistance). The host range of the well-documented streptococcal plasmid pAM beta 1 was found to be similar to that of pRI405. Cleavage with restriction enzymes suggests that pRI405 belongs to a related family of MLS resistance plasmids.

Phage typing of Mycobacterium kansasii.

An improved phage typing scheme of M. kansasii is presented. Ultrasonic treatment of the bacterial suspensions was successfully used in order to obtain homogeneous bacterial growth and to improve the reproducibility of the typing. By means of 9 phages 14 lysis patterns (phage types) could be distinguished. The phage typing was applied to 450 strains of Dutch, British and Czechoslovakian origin. The epidemiological relationships between environmental and clinical isolates of M. kansasii among the strains of Dutch and Czechoslovakian origin was confirmed by the results of phage typing.

The occurrence of Mycobacterium kansasii in tapwater.

M. kansasii was demonstrated in tapwater in the city of Rotterdam. Out of 78 taps examined 6 times during 1 year, 49 per cent yielded M. kansasii at least once. Examination of over 100 samples of the mains water supply yielded only 1 positive sample. The data suggest colonization of the water systems within buildings by M. kansasii in particular places. Phage typing demonstrated human and tapwater isolates to belong to the same phage types.