Examining geospatial and temporal distribution of invasive non-typhoidal Salmonella disease occurrence in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and modelling study

BACKGROUND

Invasive non-typhoidal Salmonella (iNTS) disease is a significant health concern in sub-Saharan Africa. While our knowledge of a larger-scale variation is growing, understanding of the subnational variation in iNTS disease occurrence is lacking, yet crucial for targeted intervention.

METHOD

We performed a systematic review of reported occurrences of iNTS disease in sub-Saharan Africa, consulting literature from PubMed, Embase and Web of Science published since 2000. Eligibility for inclusion was not limited by study type but required that studies reported original data on human iNTS diseases based on the culture of a normally sterile site, specifying subnational locations and the year, and were available as full-text articles. We excluded studies that diagnosed iNTS disease based on clinical indications, cultures from non-sterile sites or serological testing. We estimated the probability of occurrence of iNTS disease for sub-Saharan Africa on 20 km × 20 km grids by exploring the association with geospatial covariates such as malaria, HIV, childhood growth failure, access to improved water, and sanitation using a boosted regression tree.

RESULTS

We identified 130 unique references reporting human iNTS disease in 21 countries published from 2000 through 2020. The estimated probability of iNTS occurrence grids showed significant spatial heterogeneity at all levels (20 km × 20 km grids, subnational, country and subregional levels) and temporal heterogeneity by year. For 2020, the probability of occurrence was higher in Middle Africa (0.34, 95% CI: 0.25 to 0.46), followed by Western Africa (0.33, 95% CI: 0.23 to 0.44), Eastern Africa (0.24, 95% CI: 0.17 to 0.33) and Southern Africa (0.08, 95% CI: 0.03 to 0.11). Temporal heterogeneity indicated that the probability of occurrence increased between 2000 and 2020 in countries such as the Republic of the Congo (0.05 to 0.59) and Democratic Republic of the Congo (0.10 to 0.48) whereas it decreased in countries such as Uganda (0.65 to 0.23) or Zimbabwe (0.61 to 0.37).

CONCLUSION

The iNTS disease occurrence varied greatly across sub-Saharan Africa, with certain regions being disproportionately affected. Exploring regions at high risk for iNTS disease, despite the limitations in our data, may inform focused resource allocation. This targeted approach may enhance efforts to combat iNTS disease in more affected areas.

Medical Marijuana Use for Cancer-Related Symptoms among Floridians: A Descriptive Study

Background: Thirty-six states, including Florida, have legalized marijuana for medical and/or recreational use, yet how it is used and perceived by persons with cancer is not well understood. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to identify patterns of use, perceived benefits, and side effects of medical marijuana (MMJ) among cancer patients in Florida. Methods: For this descriptive, cross-sectional study, anyone residing within the state of Florida who was diagnosed or treated for a malignancy within the last five years and had used MMJ was eligible. An online survey containing questions about dosing, side effects, perceived benefits, and barriers to use was used. Descriptive statistics including frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations were used to analyze quantitative data. Responses to open-ended questions were coded and categorized. Results: Sleep (n = 112), pain (n = 96), and anxiety (n = 82) were the most common symptoms participants used MMJ to relieve and overall felt it was highly effective. MMJ was well tolerated with a minority (10.3%) reporting any adverse effects. Cost was the most frequent barrier reported by participants (42.8%). A variety of legal, bureaucratic, and system-related barriers were described. Conclusion: Participants perceived MMJ to be helpful in alleviating cancer symptoms. They held negative perceptions of the way MMJ is implemented and integrated into their oncology treatment plan. Enhanced communication and patient/provider education on MMJ are needed to inform patient decision making.

Demographic and personality predictors of intelligence: a study using the Neo Personality Inventory and the Myers–Briggs Type Indicator

The aim of the present study was to investigate to what extent personality, gender, and age can predict psychometric intelligence scores. A total of 900 participants completed the Watson–Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Test, the Graduate Managerial Assessment: Abstract, the Revised NEO Personality Inventory, and the Myers–Briggs Type Indicator. Intelligence was found to be most consistently predicted by high Openness and low Neuroticism, which has been repeatedly reported in the past (Ackerman & Heggestad, 1997; Kyllonen, 1997), as well as by low Extraversion and low Conscientiousness, which has also been previously reported (Furnham, Chamorro‐Premuzic, & Moutafi, under review). Of the demographic factors, there were no gender differences with respect to general intelligence (g), but age was found to be a significant negative predictor of g, in line with previous findings (Matthews, Davies, Westerman, & Stammers, 2000). Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Personality traits, types, and disorders: an examination of the relationship between three self‐report measures

As part of an assessment centre 431 candidates completed three self‐report measures: one of personality disorders (Hogan Development Survey, HDS; Hogan & Hogan, 1997), one of personality traits (NEO‐PI, Costa & McCrae, 1992), and one of personality type (MBTI; Briggs & Myers, 1987). Correlational and regressional analysis tested various hypotheses about the overlap between the different dimensions and confirmed previous research using different instruments (Saulsman & Page, 2004). Results revealed highest correlation between the HDS and NEO, showing neuroticism correlating (as predicted) with excitable (borderline) and cautious (avoidant); introversion correlating with avoidant (cautious), schizoid (detached), and (negatively) with colourful (histrionic); openness correlating with schizotypal (imaginative) and conscientiousness with diligent (obsessive–compulsive). Many of the ‘overlaps’ were suggested by Widiger, Trull, Clarkin, Sanderson, and Costa (2002). The overlap and lack of overlap is considered at the psychometric and conceptual level. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Ambulatory care-sensitive emergency visits among patients with medical home access

OBJECTIVES

To characterize patterns of emergency department (ED) utilization for ambulatory care-sensitive conditions (ACSCs) among patients with established care within a patient-centered medical home.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective chart review using Michigan Medicine's (formerly University of Michigan Health System) electronic health record.

METHODS

Ten general medicine (GM) physicians reviewed 256 ambulatory care-sensitive ED encounters that occurred between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2014, among patients of a GM medical home. Physician reviewers abstracted from the medical record the day and time of ED presentation and the source of ED referral (eg, patient self-referral vs physician referral). Physicians assessed the appropriateness of the care location (eg, ED vs primary care). Interrater reliability was assessed using the kappa statistic, and the χ2 test was used to assess differences in the appropriateness of the care location according to ED referral source.

RESULTS

Compared with all other days of the week, the fewest number of ED visits occurred on weekend days, and nearly half of patients (48%) presented to the ED after daytime hours, which were defined as 8 am to 3:59 pm. The majority (n = 185; 72%) of patients were self-referred to the ED. The ED was considered the appropriate care location in more than half (53%) of the reviewed cases. Among the 119 cases considered appropriate for GM management, the majority (86%) were self-referred to the ED.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with ACSCs often presented to the ED without contacting their medical home. Frequently, the ED is the most appropriate location given symptoms at presentation.

Child and Adolescent Health From 1990 to 2015: Findings From the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors 2015 Study

Importance

Comprehensive and timely monitoring of disease burden in all age groups, including children and adolescents, is essential for improving population health.

Objective

To quantify and describe levels and trends of mortality and nonfatal health outcomes among children and adolescents from 1990 to 2015 to provide a framework for policy discussion.

Evidence Review

Cause-specific mortality and nonfatal health outcomes were analyzed for 195 countries and territories by age group, sex, and year from 1990 to 2015 using standardized approaches for data processing and statistical modeling, with subsequent analysis of the findings to describe levels and trends across geography and time among children and adolescents 19 years or younger. A composite indicator of income, education, and fertility was developed (Socio-demographic Index [SDI]) for each geographic unit and year, which evaluates the historical association between SDI and health loss.

Findings

Global child and adolescent mortality decreased from 14.18 million (95% uncertainty interval [UI], 14.09 million to 14.28 million) deaths in 1990 to 7.26 million (95% UI, 7.14 million to 7.39 million) deaths in 2015, but progress has been unevenly distributed. Countries with a lower SDI had a larger proportion of mortality burden (75%) in 2015 than was the case in 1990 (61%). Most deaths in 2015 occurred in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Global trends were driven by reductions in mortality owing to infectious, nutritional, and neonatal disorders, which in the aggregate led to a relative increase in the importance of noncommunicable diseases and injuries in explaining global disease burden. The absolute burden of disability in children and adolescents increased 4.3% (95% UI, 3.1%-5.6%) from 1990 to 2015, with much of the increase owing to population growth and improved survival for children and adolescents to older ages. Other than infectious conditions, many top causes of disability are associated with long-term sequelae of conditions present at birth (eg, neonatal disorders, congenital birth defects, and hemoglobinopathies) and complications of a variety of infections and nutritional deficiencies. Anemia, developmental intellectual disability, hearing loss, epilepsy, and vision loss are important contributors to childhood disability that can arise from multiple causes. Maternal and reproductive health remains a key cause of disease burden in adolescent females, especially in lower-SDI countries. In low-SDI countries, mortality is the primary driver of health loss for children and adolescents, whereas disability predominates in higher-SDI locations; the specific pattern of epidemiological transition varies across diseases and injuries.

Conclusions and Relevance

Consistent international attention and investment have led to sustained improvements in causes of health loss among children and adolescents in many countries, although progress has been uneven. The persistence of infectious diseases in some countries, coupled with ongoing epidemiologic transition to injuries and noncommunicable diseases, require all countries to carefully evaluate and implement appropriate strategies to maximize the health of their children and adolescents and for the international community to carefully consider which elements of child and adolescent health should be monitored.

Personality correlates of passive-aggressiveness: a NEO-PI-R domain and facet analysis of the HDS Leisurely scale

BACKGROUND

This study looked at the relationship between "bright-side" and "dark-side" personality variables by focusing on the controversial trait of Passive-Aggressiveness. Around 4800 British adults completed the NEO-PI-R which measures the Big Five Personality factors at the Domain and the Facet level, as well as the Hogan Development Survey (HDS) which has a measure of Passive-Aggressiveness called Leisurely.

AIM

To determine to what extent the well-established Big Five traits measured at both domain and facet level can account for the variance in a measure of passive-aggressiveness.

FINDINGS

Correlations and regressions indicated that Leisurely individuals are introverted, closed-minded Neurotics, with particular needs for order and deliberation. Neuroticism facets accounted for most of the variance. Overall, the Big Five measured at Domain and Facet level accounted for relatively small amounts of variance, suggesting the divergent validity of this measure of PAPD.

CONCLUSIONS

This scale measures something that is not captured by comprehensive taxonomies of personality. Limitations and implications for clinical practice are noted.

Dark side of personality, intelligence, creativity, and managerial level

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship of the Five-Factor Model Personality Disorder (FFM PD) count technique to industrial, work, and organizational (IWO) criteria. In this vein, the present research sought to extend previous studies (e.g. De Fruyt et al., 2009) by eliminating common method variance, and by including several objectively assessed IWO criteria, namely, managerial level, intelligence, and creativity.

Design/methodology/approach

– In total, 1,659 working adults reported their managerial level in their organization, and completed two intelligence tests, a measure of creativity, and a measure of the Big Five personality traits in an assessment centre. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Findings

– Results showed that the FFM PD counts were significantly associated with each IWO criteria. Results also show that specific linear combinations of Five-Factor Model facets can explain a larger proportion of the variance in these criteria. Finally, normative benchmark values are provided and validated for personnel development contexts in the UK.

Research limitations/implications

– Because the FFM PD score-distributions were limited to one assessment setting (medium stakes) only, the use of proposed benchmarks may not be appropriate for other contexts.

Practical implications

– Considering the mounting evidence in the area, assessing dark side traits is likely to be desirable for organizations – particularly in selection and development settings.

Originality/value

– This study is the first to demonstrate the validity of the FFM PD count technique in relation to objectively measured IWO criteria.

A Big Five Facet Analysis of a Paranoid Personality Disorder

Abstract. Around 4,100 British adults completed the NEO-PI-R ( Costa & McCrae, 1985 ), which measures the Big Five Personality factors at the Domain and the Facet level, as well as the Hogan Development Survey ( Hogan & Hogan, 2009 ) measure of Paranoid Personality Disorder called Sceptical. This study sought to validate this measure by comparing NEO facet correlational results with other studies. The Sceptical score from the HDS was the criterion variable in the correlations and multiple regressions. Sceptical people were Disagreeable, Neurotic, and Conscientious. Facet analysis showed them low on Trust, Compliance, and Straightforwardness but high on Depression and Angry Hostility. Limitations of the study are discussed.

A Big Five facet analysis of sub-clinical narcissism: understanding boldness in terms of well-known personality traits

This study aimed to examine a Big Five 'bright-side' analysis of a sub-clinical personality disorder, i.e. narcissism. A total of 6957 British adults completed the NEO-PI-R, which measures the Big Five Personality factors at the domain and the facet level, as well as the Hogan Development Survey (HDS), which has a measure of Narcissism called Bold as one of its dysfunctional interpersonal tendencies. Correlation and regression results confirmed many of the associations between the Big Five domains and facets (NEO-PI-R) and sub-clinical narcissism. The Bold (Narcissism) scale from the HDS was the criterion variable in all analyses. Bold individuals are disagreeable extraverts with very low scores on facet Modesty but moderately high scores on Assertiveness, Competence and Achievement Striving. The study confirmed work using different population groups and different measures.

Relationship between the MBTI and FIRO-B in a large British sample

Over 4,000 British adults completed two widely used personality-type tests at an Assessment Centre, the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and the Fundamental Interpersonal Relations Orientation-Behavior. Both correlational and regressional analyses showed modest overlap. Inclusion was related to Introversion-Extraversion and Control to the Thinking-Feeling Dimension. The Sensing-Intuition and Judging-Perceiving dimensions of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator had only weak correlations with the Fundamental Interpersonal Relations Orientation-Behavior scores (all values below .08). The difference scores between Wanted and Expressed on the Fundamental Interpersonal Relations Orientation-Behavior indicated that the Thinking, Perceiving, Extraverts had the highest differences between Perceived and Wanted scores.

[Guidelines for the clinical management of neuropathic pain (II)]

INTRODUCTION

Up to 5% of the population suffers from neuropathic pain (NP). A bibliographical search in several databases revealed that, to date, there are no protocols to guide physicians who are not specialists in pain that enable them to treat NP and thus improve patients' quality of life.

AIMS

The aim of this study is to provide Spanish-speaking physicians who are not specialists in pain with a set of guidelines for the treatment of NP. A bibliographical search was performed in order to base the results and conclusions on the evidence-based medicine methodology.

DEVELOPMENT

First, we review the most effective clinical and paraclinical methods for diagnosing NP, and the LANSS pain scale is reported as the most appropriate method of clinically evaluating NP. The anatomical paths and the physiology of pain are then described and we review the molecular variables involved. Finally, we point out the current therapeutic options and propose an algorithm for the treatment of NP.

CONCLUSIONS

There is no specific set of guidelines for the treatment of NP. At the present time, the keystone of NP treatment consists in the use of antidepressant and anticonvulsive drugs. There is a need for further clinical trials to prove the effectiveness of using combined medication.

[Guidelines for the clinical management of neuropathic pain (I). Protocol]

AIMS

The aim of this study is to develop a set of guidelines for the clinical management of neuropathic pain (NP), a disorder suffered by up to 5% of the population, specifically for use by the Spanish-speaking community, in order to improve the quality of medical care and to standardise the treatments offered in medical centres.

DEVELOPMENT

The paper describes the methodology used to search for guidelines concerning the clinical management of NP in databases, written communications and other resources, and the results of this search are presented. The research group is split into three groups: anatomical-physiological, diagnosis and therapeutic approach, each of which defines the nature of the papers that used to design the protocol.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE REVISED NEO-PERSONALITY INVENTORY AND THE MYERS-BRIGGS TYPE INDICATOR

This study investigated the relationship between two of the most widely used personality measures, the Revised NEO Personality Inventory and the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. A total of 900 participants completed the NEO PI-R and the MBTI. Correlational analysis of the personality measures showed that NEO PI-R Extraversion was correlated with MBTI Extraversion-Introversion, Openness was correlated with Sensing-Intuition, Agreeableness with Thinking-Feeling and Conscientiousness with Judging-Perceiving, replicating the findings of McCrae and Costa (1989).

Knowledge, attitudes and behaviour towards HIV infection among family planning clinic attendees: changes between 1991 and 1997

AIM

To detect changes in knowledge, attitudes and behaviour towards HIV infection amongst Family Planning Clinic attendees in Christchurch, New Zealand, between 1991 and 1997.

METHODS

A voluntary, anonymous, self-administered questionnaire was applied to consecutive subjects attending the Montreal Centre of the Family Planning Association in Christchurch, in 1991 and repeated in 1997. Results were compared to assess changes in demographic features, knowledge, attitudes and behaviour pertaining to HIV infection between these times.

RESULTS

A 99% response rate was obtained in 1991 and 98% in 1997. Two hundred people in 1991 and 353 people in 1997 responded. These predominantly female heterosexual groups were demographically similar. Levels of knowledge pertaining to HIV infection were high and did not change significantly between 1991 and 1997, except for a rise in the proportion who felt donating blood was a high risk behaviour from 12.0% to 25.7% (p<0.001). HIV testing and discussion about HIV testing amongst couples was more common in 1997. However, the use of recreational intravenous drugs rose from 5.0% to 10.6% (p=0.025), condom use with every new partner fell from 65.1% to 42.1% (p=0.001) and the perceived risk of acquiring HIV in New Zealand and several Western Hemisphere countries fell, with 40.0% perceiving the South Island as a high-risk place in 1991 to 24.1% in 1997(p<0.001). This was paralleled by an apparent rise in known HIV testing.

CONCLUSIONS

This predominantly heterosexual population appears to have maintained good levels of knowledge about HIV infection. However, this does not seem to be being translated into safer behaviour. This study detects alarming changes in behaviour in the face of adequate knowledge levels and increased testing for HIV which may provide pathways for entry of HIV into, and transmission within, the heterosexual population of New Zealand. Several aims of the New Zealand Strategy on HIV/AIDS 1990 need to be revisited in light of the evidence and resources directed appropriately.

Molecular epidemiology and transmission dynamics of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in rural Africa

The relative contribution of reactivated and recently acquired tuberculosis to the disease burden in developing countries is unknown, as are the settings within which most transmission occurs. In an attempt to answer these questions, we combined molecular techniques (restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis) and conventional epidemiology (risk factor analysis and contact tracing) to study 246 consecutive cases of smear-positive tuberculosis in rural South Africa. We estimate that 29-43% of the cases were recently acquired, as they were clustered. We were unable to identify firm transmission links between 73% of clustered cases. Our findings suggest that most smear-positive tuberculosis in rural Africa is both recently acquired and casually transmitted. Tuberculosis control may depend more on promoting early presentation, rapid diagnosis and vaccine development than on chemotherapy.

TB or not TB?

These 3 cases illustrate what we believe to be unusual presentations of tuberculosis. In no case was there conclusive proof of infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis using histological, microbiological or radiological techniques. All were treated empirically with anti-tuberculous medication, with complete recovery. With the re-emergence of tuberculosis, there may be a rise in such cases, and the importance of their recognition and empirical treatment is discussed.

Immune modulation of natural killer cell cytotoxicity against herpes infected target cells in pregnancy

Natural killer cell cytotoxicity (NKC) is a nonspecific, primary immunodefense system active against a variety of pathogens, including herpes simplex virus (HSV). Evidence suggests that during pregnancy, NKC is attenuated. The regulatory mechanisms for this immune attenuation have yet to be defined. We examined two cytokines (interleukin-2 [IL-2] and alpha interferon [IFN]) for their ability to alter NKC responsiveness during pregnancy, utilizing an HSV-infected target cell model. Peripheral mononuclear effector cells were isolated from 19 pregnant and 19 nonpregnant subjects by Ficoll-Paque separation. These cells were incubated with IFN, IL-2, or media alone, and analyzed for %NKC by an 18 h chromium release assay. The percentage of NKC was lower using the effector cells from the pregnant subjects as compared to nonpregnant controls. Incubation with either IFN or IL-2 resulted in a significant augmentation of NKC in both the pregnant and nonpregnant derived cells. There were no differences in IL-2 dose requirements or levels of cytotoxicity achieved (43.1 +/- 6.8% vs. 44.4 +/- 6.8%, respectively) between pregnant and nonpregnant derived cells. The IFN-mediated augmentation of NKC was somewhat blunted in pregnancy both in terms of absolute levels of cytotoxicity achieved (26.1 +/- 3.9% vs. 37.2 +/- 4.9%, respectively) and dose response curves generated. These results demonstrate that NKC against HSV infected cells is attenuated during pregnancy and can be immunoregulated with the use of either IFN and IL-2. The restoration of NKC responsiveness with IFN, however, remains incomplete during pregnancy, suggesting that this cytokine's mechanism of action differs from that of IL-2.

Stallion ejaculation induced by manual stimulation of the penis

This paper reports the use of a procedure for collection of semen from stallions by manual stimulation of the penis while the stallion is standing. Our use of this method with 18 stallions of various ages and types of semen collection experience indicates that this method may be an efficient alternative to traditional semen collection techniques using an artificial vagina and stimulus mare or dummy mount mare. Our observations, together with those of others who have tried the manual technique, suggest that both animals and handlers can be readily trained to use this method. Limited data suggests that semen samples obtained by manual stimulation are similar to those obtained using an artificial vagina.

Laboratory diagnosis and oral treatment of CAPD peritonitis

The laboratory diagnosis of 50 consecutive episodes of peritonitis in patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) was studied. The technique which yielded the highest rate (84%) of positive bacteriological diagnoses was inoculation and subculture of thioglycollate broth. Cloudiness of fluid to the naked eye was an accurate predictor of a raised white cell count. A minimum laboratory protocol for the bacteriological diagnosis of CAPD peritonitis was devised and has been in use satisfactorily since the completion of the study. Antibiotic treatment was given orally in the first instance in 43 episodes and was successful in 34.

Automated multiple flow-injection analysis in clinical chemistry: determination of total protein with Biuret reagent

We have examined the feasibility of the automated multiple flow-injection technique for application to clinical chemistry by adapting to this system the biuret method for the determination of total protein. Samples were discretely and rapidly introduced into a continuously flowing, nonsegmented reagent stream by means of an automatic sampler and high-pressure injection valve. Pumps operating at 1380-2070 kPa (200-300 psi) were utilized to introduce the biuret reagent and saline diluent into the system separately at flow rates of 72 and 47 microL/s, respectively. Use of 20-microL sample and a 3.0-s reaction-delay coil was adequately sensitive for analysis for total protein by this method. Samples were analyzed at a rate of 150/h with no detectable between-sample carryover. Within-run precision studies yielded relative standard deviations of 2.5% and less. Total protein values obtained by this method correlated well with those obtained by centrifugal analyzer and bubble-segmented continuous-flow biuret methods.

Automated multiple flow-injection analysis in clinical chemistry: determination of total protein with Biuret reagent

We have examined the feasibility of the automated multiple flow-injection technique for application to clinical chemistry by adapting to this system the biuret method for the determination of total protein. Samples were discretely and rapidly introduced into a continuously flowing, nonsegmented reagent stream by means of an automatic sampler and high-pressure injection valve. Pumps operating at 1380-2070 kPa (200-300 psi) were utilized to introduce the biuret reagent and saline diluent into the system separately at flow rates of 72 and 47 microL/s, respectively. Use of 20-microL sample and a 3.0-s reaction-delay coil was adequately sensitive for analysis for total protein by this method. Samples were analyzed at a rate of 150/h with no detectable between-sample carryover. Within-run precision studies yielded relative standard deviations of 2.5% and less. Total protein values obtained by this method correlated well with those obtained by centrifugal analyzer and bubble-segmented continuous-flow biuret methods.

Staphylococci as urinary pathogens

During the course of one year all (382) strains of staphylococci isolated in significant culture from urine specimens were typed by the Baird-Parker method. Staphylococcus aureus accounted for only 63 (16%) of the infections. Novobiocin-resistant micrococcal infection occurred predominantly in young women but also in children of both sexes; it was not restricted to M3. To try to detect possible sources of micrococcal infection other than faeces the normal flora of the throat, urinary tract, and vagina of young women was studied. Novobiocin-resistant micrococci were rarely found. Previous reports that micrococci are the second commonest urinary pathogens in young women in domiciliary practice were confirmed. The laboratory records of patients with these infections suggested that they respond well to treatment and that recurrences are usually due to a different organism.