The enzymes which are released into the environment by pathogenic microorganisms are of importance in a consideration of the mechanism of disease processes, since they may play a rtle in the virulence and invasiveness of the bacteria as well as in specific tissue injuries. In this connection, it is of interest that certain of the bacterial exotoxins have recently been demonstrated to be enzymat...

During some studies which have been in progress for several years upon the etiology and the clinical course of acute glomerular nephritis, it was considered desirable to examine the serum from these patients for antibodies to hemolytic streptococci. Comment has frequently been made to the effect that infections by this organism involving the upper respiratory tract usually precede the onset of ...

The in vitro activity of telavancin was tested against 620 gram-positive isolates. For staphylococci, MICs at which 50 and 90% of isolates were inhibited (MIC(50) and MIC(90)) were both 0.25 microg/ml, irrespective of methicillin resistance. MIC(50) and MIC(90) were 0.25 and 0.5 microg/ml for vancomycin-susceptible enterococci and 1 and 2 microg/ml for vancomycin-resistant enterococci, respecti...

1. Among group B hemolytic streptococci one serological type previously described as homogeneous has been shown, instead, to contain two closely related types, distinguishable by reciprocal absorption experiments. These streptococci are designated Types Ia and Ib. 2. Homologous organisms in each case absorb all antibodies from their respective antisera, while organisms of the heterologous relat...

BACKGROUND Staphylococcus aureus and the beta-hemolytic streptococci are the commonest causes of puerperal mastitis which tends to be a localized disease process. This report describes 2 cases attributable to these bacteria that resulted in extramammary involvement and augmented morbidity. CASES Two cases of postpartum mastitis are described, one leading to necrotizing fasciitis caused by gro...

The LEADER surveillance program monitors the in vitro activity of linezolid and comparator agents against Gram-positive bacteria in the United States. In its eighth consecutive year (2011), a total of 60 medical centers from the United States, including seven medical centers specializing in children's health care contributed a total of 7,303 Gram-positive pathogens. The MIC(90) value for Staphy...

1. 5 per cent sheep blood agar is a selective medium for beta hemolytic streptococci in throat cultures since sheep blood inhibits the growth of bacillus X (H. hemolyticus) and B. parainfluenzae hemolyticus. The growth of H. influenzae is also inhibited by sheep blood. 2. The inhibitory action of sheep blood resides in the erythrocytes and is thermolabile. Disruption of the cell by laking has n...