[Update on Mycoplasma genitalium among women]

Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) is a sexually transmitted pathogen with a poorly understood natural history. Often asymptomatic, it has been associated with urogenital conditions. The implementation of NAAT (Nucleic Acide Amplification Test) has not only improved the detection of MG, but also brought to light the emergence of antibiotic resistances, hence challenging the proposed treatment strategies and questioning the indication for systematic screening. This article summarizes current knowledge on MG among women, over viewing incidence, prevalence and clinical implications. It resumes the last guidelines in terms of screening and treatment.

Diabetes and balanoposthitis

This review describes the association of balanoposthitis with diabetes. It reviews the multifaceted relationship of both conditions, and summarizes the etiology, clinical features and treatment options for this condition. The commonest etiology of balanoposthitis in males with diabetes is Candida, and the mainstay of treatment is maintenance of hygiene, euglycaemia, and eradication of infection. The review sensitizes diabetes care providers to take a history and perform a physical examination in persons with penile symptoms, and also encourages dermatology care providers to screen for diabetes in such persons.

[Cycloferon in complex therapy management of chronic laryngitis]

The clinical course of various forms of chronic laryngitis, including contact granulomas not only persistant and relapsing, but also inclined to oncologic pathology due to hyperplastic changes in the larynx resulting in malignization was described. Inhibition of the leukocyte interferon-synthesizing activity was observed in more than 88.1% of the subjects. Pathogenic viruses were isolated from 48.2% of the patients, EBV and mycoplasma prevailing. High direct correlation between chronic laryngitis and Herpes viruses was shown. The presence of three-component virus associations in the larynx mucosa was likely indicative of the bening process malignancy. The use of the interferon inductor cycloferon in the complex surgical and medicamentous management of chronic laryngitis was shown valid. The rate of the relapses lowered to 1.7 episodes a year.

[The influence of ultrasonic radiation on the factors of antimicrobial resistance in the women of reproductive age presenting with mycoplasma infection of the urogenital tract]

The present clinical immunological study included 90 women of reproductive age presenting with mycoplasma infection of the lower urogenital tract. Low-frequency ultrasonic radiation was shown to successfully correct the disbalance in the system of congenital immunity that manifested itself as marked dysfunction of neutrophil granulocytes. The local application of low-frequency ultrasonic radiation normalized concentration of neutrophil defensins in cervical secretion as well as the number and function of neutrophils themselves.

Chlamygial and mycoplasmal infections in otorhinolaryngology (a systematic review)

The objective of the present study was to analyse clinical manifestations of chlamydial and mycoplasmal infections of ENT organs as well as the methods of their diagnostics and therapeutic modalities used for their management. The authors illustrate, based on the results published in the domestic and foreign literature, the currently available diagnostic and therapeutic methods for the treatment of the above pathological conditions in otorhinolaryngology. A rationale for the further investigations of the clinical symptoms of chlamydial and mycoplasmal infections encountered in otorhinolaryngological practice has been developed.

[Porcine eperythrozoonosis: from Eperythrozoon suis to Mycoplasma suis]

Mycoplasma suis (formerly known as Eperythrozoon suis ) is the most prevalent agent causing haemolytic anaemia in swine. The disease is also known as porcine eperythrozoonosis. M.suis is a small, pleomorphic bacteria parasitizing porcine erythrocytes. To date, no in vitro cultivation system for M.suis has been established and, therefore, our knowledge about the characteristics of M.suis and the pathogenesis of porcine eperythrozoonosis is rather limited. M.suis can cause acute disease, but the major significance of M.suis infections lies in the fact that M.suis can establish chronic and persistent infections leading to a higher susceptibility to other infections, especially of the respiratory and digestive tracts. The present article summarizes the current knowledge of the pathogen, the clinical signs and pathogenesis, diagnostic as well as therapy and prophylaxis.

[Current views of bacterial infections caused by Chlamydia and Mycoplasma]

The current knowledge about the nature of pathogenic bacteria from the families Mycoplasmataceae (the genus Mycoplasma and the genus Ureaplasma) and Chlamydiaceae and their infectious activity requires that the previous view of the above microbes as accompaniments of the underlying disease shall be revised. No intrinsic clinical signs in infection, a propensity to the chronic pattern of the process, and an ambiguous immunological response of the human body require in each case scrupulous attention to both the diagnosis of and the therapy for mycoplasmosis and chlamydiosis. It is necessary to take into account the ability of atypical microorganisms to stimulate an allergic reaction in human beings during therapy in particular.

[Effect of low-intensity laser radiation on neutrophils from cervical discharge of women with mycoplasma infection]

Effect of low-intensity laser radiation on the main effector functions of neutrophils from the cervical discharge was studied in women with mycoplasma infection and dysfunction of neutrophil granulocytes manifest in the first place as a reduced number of phagocytic cells and decreased intensity of phagocytosis. The fraction of intracellular active forms of oxygen in cervical neutrophils from infected women was smaller than in healthy ones. Irradiation by low-intensity laser light increased both activity of pagocytosis and intracellular generation of active oxygen forms. It is concluded that low-intensity laser radiation normalizes disturbed neutrophil function.

Recombinant plasmid constructs expressing gene for antimicrobial peptide melittin for the therapy of Mycoplasma and chlamydia infections

In view of growing number of pathogenic microbial strain resistant to routine antibiotics, antimicrobial peptides become promising agents for the therapy of infectious diseases. We studied in vivo effects of melittin, an antimicrobial peptide expressed in a recombinant plasmid vector, on infection with urogenital pathogens Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma hominis, and Mycoplasma gallisepticum. We obtained recombinant plasmid constructs, where melittin gene is under the control of tetracycline-dependent human cytomegalovirus promoter. Inhibition of experimental C. trachomatis, M. hominis, and M. gallisepticum infection after administration of recombinant plasmid vectors expressing melittin gene to BALB/c mice was demonstrated.

Use of therapeutic plasma exchange in the management of acute hemorrhagic leukoencephalitis: a case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Acute hemorrhagic leukoencephalitis (AHLE) is a rare, fatal, central nervous demyelinating disease characterized by a rapid fulminant clinical course. Successful management requires early diagnosis, aggressive management of cerebral edema, and immunosuppression. Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is infrequently used and commences after initial management fails.

CASE REPORT

A 31-year-old man presented with right arm weakness, whose symptoms rapidly progressed to hemiplegia and aphasia. The patient was initially managed with glucocorticosteroids. Decompressive craniotomy and brain biopsies were performed when his intracranial pressure increased. Brain biopsy findings were consistent with AHLE. Mycoplasma pneumonia immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin M serologies revealed recent infection. Despite surgical and medical management, he decompensated on Day 11, and TPE was initiated. The patient received a total of 10 TPE treatments. On the fourth day of TPE treatment, he was extubated. Twenty-one days after TPE began, he was ambulating with near normal muscle strength and was discharged. Four months after initial presentation, the patient has normal strength and is working full-time.

CONCLUSIONS

AHLE has a fulminant course requiring accurate and rapid diagnosis. Successful therapy requires aggressive management of intracranial pressure and immunosuppression. Two other reports of AHLE document successful management with TPE. Each of these patients survived with minimal neurologic impairments. Given the likely immune-mediated nature of this disease, combined treatment of steroids, surgery, and TPE may lead to shorter hospital stays and improved neurologic outcomes. Clinical studies are needed to further study the effect of TPE on neurologic outcome in AHLE.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae central nervous system infections

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is associated with a wide range of central nervous system diseases, most importantly with childhood encephalitis. This review summarizes and discusses recent findings in the field of M. pneumoniae central nervous system infections in context with previously published findings, with reference to clinical spectrum, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment.

RECENT FINDINGS

Further insight into the pathogenesis has been provided by studies on cytokine production and autoantibody formation. Some new manifestations have been described (e.g. Kluver-Bucy syndrome, intracranial hypertension). Anecdotal descriptions on the association of M. pneumoniae with uncommon neurologic diseases remain to be confirmed by additional reports, however, especially when aetiologic diagnosis relied exclusively on serology. New knowledge on treatment options targeting the immune system has been provided by isolated reports. Recent diagnostic advances refer to general methods (polymerase chain reaction, serology), without specific reference to neurologic disease.

SUMMARY

M. pneumoniae must be considered as causative agent of various neurologic diseases. The recent literature shows, however, that the clinical spectrum of M. pneumoniae central nervous system disease is still not well defined. In addition, the main future challenges are the investigation of the pathogenesis of M. pneumoniae central nervous system disease and the establishment of therapeutic approaches.

Bickerstaff brainstem encephalitis associated with Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection

Bickerstaff brainstem encephalitis is a clinical syndrome of ophthalmoplegia, cerebellar ataxia, and central nervous system signs and is associated with the presence of anti-GQ1b antibodies. There is a clinical continuum between Bickerstaff brainstem encephalitis and Miller Fisher syndrome. We describe the case of an 11-year-old boy with encephalopathy, external ophthalmoplegia, brainstem signs, and ataxia with raised titers of anti-GQ1b antibodies. He presented following a respiratory illness and had laboratory evidence of recent infection with Mycoplasma pneumoniae. M pneumoniae infection has been associated with both Bickerstaff brainstem encephalitis and Miller Fisher syndrome. This is only the second case in the literature of Bickerstaff brainstem encephalitis with raised titers of anti-GQ1b antibodies described in association with M pneumoniae infection. The patient responded to intravenous immunoglobulin administration.

Effect of induced expression of an antimicrobial peptide melittin on Chlamydia trachomatis and Mycoplasma hominis infections in vivo

A plasmid construct was designed in which the gene of antimicrobial peptide melittin is controlled by the tetracycline-responsive promoter of human cytomegalovirus, aided by a constitutively expressed trans-activator protein gene. Its vaginal administration and induction of melittin gene transcription with doxycycline markedly suppressed subsequent genital tract infection of mice by Mycoplasma hominis and Chlamydia trachomatis. At least half of the melittin-protected animals proved free of either pathogen within 3-4 weeks. Recombinant plasmids expressing genes of antimicrobial peptides hold much promise as agents for prevention and control of urogenital latent infections.

Central nervous system manifestations of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections

Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection is associated with several manifestations from the central nervous system (CNS) such as encephalitis, aseptic meningitis, acute transverse myelitis, stroke, and polyradiculopathy. In the current paper epidemiologic, clinical, laboratory and treatment data on these manifestations are reviewed. The M. pneumoniae induced immune dysregulation and its contributing role in the pathogenesis of neurological insult is discussed. The recent introduction in clinical practice of newer molecular diagnostic techniques has helped in establishing a firmer association between M. pneumoniae infection and CNS disease especially encephalitis. Clinicians should be aware of the potential association between M. pneumoniae infection and several CNS manifestations. The role of various anti-microbial or immunomodulating therapies in treating such manifestations should be further explored.

Mycoplasma hominis scalp abscess in the newborn

Scalp abscess in the newborn is usually a complication of fetal scalp monitoring and is typically polymicrobial, reflecting maternal vaginal flora. We present a newborn with no apparent scalp trauma who developed scalp abscess that yielded pure growth of Mycoplasma hominis. The clue to diagnosis was the growth of pinpoint translucent colonies on blood agar that were Gram stain-negative. Abscess drainage and systemic clindamycin were curative.

[Mycoplasmal infections--still actual problem]

In the research there was presented a wide variety of infections caused by different Mycoplasma subtypes, the most frequently systemic location, diagnostic and treatment procedures and problems connected with.

[Gene therapy of chronic infections of the urogenital system using cytotoxic peptides]

Gene therapy of chronic infectious diseases of urogenital tract represents a new perspective field in the modern biological and medical sciences. In the review discuss one of the new directions in gene therapy of urogenital infections caused by Mycoplasma: inhibition of mycoplasmal infection after administration of recombinant plasmid vectors, expressed the genes of cytotoxic peptides.

Diseases of the respiratory tract of chelonians

Diseases of the respiratory tract commonly occur in captive chelonians, and several diseases also have occurred in wild chelonians. Infectious causes include viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. Herpesviruses have surfaced as important pathogens of the oral cavity and respiratory tract in Hermann's tortoise (Testudo hermanii), spur-thighed tortoise (Testudo graeca), and other tortoises in Europe and the United States. Herpesvirus-associated respiratory diseases also have been reported in the green turtle, Chelonia mydas, in mariculture in the Cayman Islands. Of diseases caused by bacteria, an upper respiratory tract disease caused by Mycoplasma sp has been reported in free-hanging and captive gopher tortoises in the southeastern United States and in desert tortoises in the Mojave Desert of the southwestern United States. Mycotic pulmonary disease is commonly reported in captive chelonians, especially in those maintained at suboptimal temperatures. An intranuclear coccidia has been seen in several species of captive tortoises in the United States, and, in one case, a severe proliferative pneumonia was associated with organisms in the lung. The most common noninfectious cause of respiratory disease in chelonians results from trauma to the carapace. Although pulmonary fibromas commonly occur in green turtles with fibropapillomatosis, for the most part, tumors of the respiratory tract are uncommon in chelonians.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae-associated bronchiolitis causing severe restrictive lung disease in adults: report of three cases and literature review

STUDY OBJECTIVES

To characterize adult Mycoplasma pneumoniae-induced bronchiolitis requiring hospitalization.

DESIGN

We encountered an adult patient with severe bronchiolitis in the absence of pneumonia due to M. pneumoniae. To determine the relative frequency of such a condition, we retrospectively reviewed the medical records of adults over a 4-year period with a hospital discharge diagnosis of "bronchiolitis" from a university hospital.

SETTING

University Hospital of the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, CO.

STUDY SUBJECTS

From 1994 to 1998, 10 adult inpatients were identified with a diagnosis of bronchiolitis. There were two with respiratory bronchiolitis, one with panbronchiolitis, one patient with bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia (BOOP), and six with acute inflammatory bronchiolitis. Including the initial patient, three had a definitive clinical diagnosis of Mycoplasma-associated bronchiolitis.

RESULTS

The three adult patients with bronchiolitis due to M. pneumoniae are unusual because they occurred in the absence of radiographic features of a lobar or patchy alveolar pneumonia. Hospital admission was occasioned by the severity of symptoms and gas exchange abnormalities. One patient had bronchiolitis as well as organizing pneumonia (BOOP) that responded favorably to corticosteroid treatment. The other two had high-resolution CT findings diagnostic of an acute inflammatory bronchiolitis. One of the patients with inflammatory bronchiolitis had an unusual pattern of marked ventilation and perfusion defects localized predominantly to the left lung. All three had restrictive ventilatory impairment on physiologic testing.

CONCLUSIONS

In adults, Mycoplasma-associated bronchiolitis without pneumonia is rarely reported, but in hospitalized patients, it may be more common than expected and may be associated with severe physiologic disturbances.

Contagious agalactia of small ruminants: current knowledge concerning epidemiology, diagnosis and control

Contagious agalactia of small ruminants is a syndrome which principally affects the mammary glands, joints and eyes. The main causal agents are Mycoplasma agalactiae in sheep, and M. agalactiae, M. mycoides subsp. mycoides large colony type and M. capricolum subsp. capricolum in goats. In addition, M. putrefaciens can produce a similar clinical picture, particularly in goats. Contagious agalactia occurs on all five continents and is often enzootic. The evolution of the infection tends to be chronic in affected animals and herds. Symptomless shedding of mycoplasmas, mainly in the milk, may persist for a long time. These insidious infections, associated with carriage in the ears of healthy animals, are difficult to diagnose and to control. The main mode of transmission between flocks is related to the sale of carrier animals and contact during transhumance, whereas transmission within a flock occurs through contact, suckling and milking. This review discusses the clinical features, epidemiology, treatment, prevention and control of the disease.

Therapeutic effect of DNA immunization of genetically susceptible mice infected with virulent Mycoplasma pulmonis

Genetically susceptible BALB/c mice were immunized i.m. with DNA for one or two Mycoplasma pulmonis Ags (A7-1, A8-1) beginning either 1 wk before (vaccination) or 1 wk after (treatment) intranasal infection with 5 x 10(4) CFU virulent M. pulmonis organisms. Immunization of mice by this method induced both humoral and cellular immunity to M. pulmonis, largely prevented infection (vaccination), and cleared an ongoing pneumonia over time (treatment). Only one Ag gene was required. Thus, DNA immunization is a potential treatment for infections and may be useful in instances when drug therapy may not be available or effective.

Mycoplasma felis septic arthritis in a patient with hypogammaglobulinemia

We describe the first documented case of Mycoplasma felis infection in a woman who had common variable immunodeficiency and who presented with septic arthritis of the left hip and right knee. M. felis was isolated from both joints. She had been exposed to cats before the diagnosis of M. felis septic arthritis was made. Both of the patient's joints were surgically debrided, and she was treated with doxycycline for several months. In spite of initial improvement, destruction of her hip was noted. Subsequently, she underwent hip arthroplasty; histopathological examination of the bone at the time of surgery showed chronic osteomyelitis, and doxycycline therapy was continued.

Animal mycoplasmoses: a general introduction

The nature of the smallest prokaryotes with autonomous replication, i.e. the mycoplasmas, which constitute the class Mollicutes, is presented in brief. These micro-organisms are extracellular parasites of the mucous membranes in animals. Mycoplasmas may cause infections, known as mycoplasmoses. The author describes current knowledge of the pathogenicity of mycoplasmas, especially in regard to the diverse effects on the immune system and the variability of the superficial antigens. Relatively few species of pathogenic mycoplasmas cause mycoplasmoses (both sporadic and endemic diseases) which have significant socio-economic consequences. The control and prevention of endemic mycoplasmoses can only be achieved with effective diagnostic tools and an efficient structure of epidemiological surveillance. The author recommends the encouragement of biological and genetic research on the mycoplasmas and the co-ordination of the development of diagnostic tests, including evaluation and validation in various epidemiological field situations.

Studies on the efficacy of combined immunostimulant-antibiotic therapy against experimental Mycoplasma gallisepticum infection in chickens

Josamycin is an antibiotic known to become selectively concentrated intracellularly and in respiratory organs, the habitate of Mycoplasma gallisepticum. The aim of this present work was to evaluate the efficacy of josamycin when given alone or combined with an immunostimulant Cornebacterium cutis ultralysate. Groups of chickens were given josamycin alone or Corynebacterium ultralysate alone or both agents or nothing immediately before induction of Mycoplasma gallisepticum infection. Birds were subjected to pathological examination to evaluate the incidence and severity of air-sacculitis, bacteriological examination for re-isolation of Mycoplasma gallisepticum and for immunological examination to evaluate the humoral immune response to the infection (haemagglutination inhibiting titre determination). The effect of treatments used in this study was to decrease the incidence and severity of air sacculitis. The magnitude of rise in haemagglutination inhibiting titres were greater and faster in birds given Corynebacterium ultralysate. Treatments failed to achieve complete elimination of Mycoplasma. No special advantage was obtained from the use of josamycin, its effects were rather similar to previously used chemotherapy.

Sternotomy infection due to Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum

Mycoplasma hominis infections outside the urogenital tract are uncommon. An unusual case of sternal infection caused by both Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum is described. This is the first report found in the literature of mixed infection due to these microorganisms at this site. The outcome was favourable after drainage of the surgical wound and antibiotic therapy with clindamycin, gentamicin and doxycycline.

Effect of mixed live vaccine (Newcastle disease and infectious bronchitis) and Mycoplasma gallisepticum on the chicken respiratory tract and on Escherichia coli infection

Interaction between mixed live vaccine (Newcastle disease and infectious bronchitis), Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) and Escherichia coli (EC) was studied in specific-pathogen-free chickens, aged 7 days, inoculated intranasally. In the tracheas of chickens inoculated with vaccine, MG and EC, profuse multiplication of EC occurred together with severe and persisent histological lesions, and some birds died from EC infection. Similar though less dramatic effects occurred in birds that received vaccine and EC. The tracheas of chickens inoculated with the vaccine alone, or with MG and EC, or with MG alone, showed comparatively mild effects. There were no histological lesions in the tracheas of chickens inoculated with EC alone. This study suggests that the field use of mixed live vaccine in flocks infected with MG may induce EC septicaemia.

Unique susceptibility of patients with antibody deficiency to mycoplasma infection

Patients with congenital or acquired disorders of antibody production suffer from a wide variety of infections. They are most often bacterial and due to Haemophilus influenzae or Streptococcus pneumoniae. Chronic pulmonary disease accounts for most of the deaths. While non-urogenital tract infections due to Ureaplasma urealyticum or other mycoplasmas are unusual in individuals with normal resistance, patients with antibody deficiency demonstrate a unique susceptibility. With increasing frequency, patients with impaired humoral immunity have been shown to have a mycoplasmal infection that results in pneumonitis, sinusitis, cystitis, arthritis, osteomyelitis, or cellulitis. The mycoplasmas may be responsible for chronic sinopulmonary disease in a majority of such patients. Awareness of the role these organisms play in causing infection in antibody-deficient patients and the institution of appropriate antibiotic therapy will contribute to an improvement in clinical outcome.

Successful treatment of Mycoplasma mediastinitis after heart-lung transplantation

Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum are members of the Mycoplasma genus that can infect surgical wounds. These organisms are rarely cultured by conventional laboratory techniques, and they respond poorly to commonly used broad-spectrum antibiotics. Including this case, five cases of Mycoplasma mediastinitis have been reported, three of which followed heart-lung transplantation. Successful treatment of Mycoplasma mediastinitis after heart-lung transplantation was achieved in this patient with extensive debridement, muscle-flap coverage, and long-term antibiotics. Possible sources of this infection after heart-lung transplantation and treatment options are discussed.

Sternotomy infections with Mycoplasma hominis

Mycoplasma hominis caused sternal wound infections with mediastinitis in three patients. One infection occurred in a nonimmunocompromised man after coronary artery bypass grafting. The wound did not heal after repeated debridement, closed irrigation of the mediastinum with povidone-iodine solution, and antimycoplasmal chemotherapy; muscle flap grafting was eventually required. Two infections occurred in recipients of heart-lung transplants after the isolation of mycoplasma from bronchial secretions. Although no Mycoplasma species were isolated after specific antimycoplasmal therapy was begun, the wounds still did not heal. Both patients died of other complications. Infection of wounds after sternotomy is another of an increasing number of infections caused by M. hominis in the normal and immunocompromised host. Familiarity with the morphologic characteristics of M. hominis on bacteriologic culture media may increase the recognition of this pathogen in atypical clinical settings.

[Clinical studies on SM-4300, a new human gammaglobulin preparation for intravenous use in pediatrics]

Six cases of severe infections in pediatrics, which showed no or insufficient responses to treatment with antibiotics, were treated with additional intravenous infusion of SM-4300. Results were as follows. Three cases of bacterial infections with high fever, showing no response to chemotherapy, were treated with SM-4300, (68-135 mg/kg). Administration of SM-4300 resulted in defervescence, decreasing pain and swelling and showing a trend for improvement in CRP values. Administrations of SM-4300 (61-100 mg/kg) against pleurisy caused by Mycoplasma were effective in defervescence and improvement in chest findings. Clinical effects of SM-4300 were excellent in 2 cases, good in 3 and fair in 1. In this study, no clinical side reactions nor abnormal laboratory values in blood, liver or renal functions were observed.

Elimination of the M. hyorhinis from murine neuroblastoma cell lines by in vivo passage

Cell lines derived from a murine neuroblastoma, Clone N18, were cured of their M. hyorhinis infection by in vivo passage. The major variable determining success of this method was found to be the incubation time in vivo. Infected cells maintained in vivo for 27 d or more and then placed in culture were free of mycoplasma whereas those maintained in vivo for 7 or 14 d were found to still be infected. This approach to eliminating mycoplasma infection may be successful using other tumor cell lines.

Nongonococcal pelvic inflammatory disease

Nongonococcal PID remains a major concern in gynecology and an important public health problem. Although debate continues as to the etiologic role of nongonococcal organisms in acute PID, anaerobic and aerobic bacteria, C. trachomatis, and mycoplasmas have all been implicated. Actinomycotic PID is uniquely related to IUD use. The optimal treatment for nongonococcal PID is unknown, but tetracycline and its derivatives are effective against a broad spectrum of nongonococcal organisms. Abscesses and infertility, in particular, are serious complications of nongonococcal PID. While evolving knowledge about the polymicrobial etiology of acute PID has challenged traditional concepts, continued research should clarify the epidemiology, treatment, and prevention of this important disease.

Enhanced resistance of mice to Mycoplasma pulmonis-induced arthritis by administration of killed Corynebacterium parvum

Inoculation of mice with Corynebacterium parvum 14 days before intraperitoneal inoculation of Mycoplasma pulmonis resulted in arthritis of significantly lesser magnitude than in control mice as measured both clinically and histologically. Mycoplasmas were isolated from the joints of mice inoculated with C. parvum less frequently than from control mice when the arthritis was maximal. Mycoplasmas were also isolated in smaller numbers from the blood and joints of mice pretreated with C. parvum within 2 hr after M. pulmonis inoculation. Complement-fixing antibody to M. pulmonis did not account for the differences observed. C. parvum given during an established mycoplasmal infection, although capable of enhancing elimination of M. pulmonis from the joints of infected mice, had no effect upon the arthritis as measured clinically or histologically. The results provide evidence that immunomodulators such as C. parvum are capable of enhancing elimination of mycoplasmas from the joints of infected mice prior to or after the induction of arthritis.

Macrophages overcome mycoplasma infections of cells in vitro

Mycoplasmal infections still cause severe problems in cell cultures, particularly permanent lines, and although rapid detection is possible the only methods proposed for the elimination of the mycoplasma are either laborious or unsatisfactory. Treatment with antibiotics often leads to the development of resistance and we have found it more successful to passage contaminated cells in nude (thymusless) mice although the cells cannot always be recovered. But when the resulting subcutanous tumours can be collected, the cells are both free of mycoplasma and accompanied by a large number of macrophages. Because nude mice have no T cell-dependent immune response, it seemed possible that the macrophages could be responsible for the elimination of the mycoplasma. The experiments reported here support this hypothesis, and have led to a rapid and reproducible technique for eliminating mycoplasma in vitro by a brief co-cultivation of contaminated cells with mouse macrophages, in the presence of antibiotics.

[The effect of Mycoplasma synoviae infection on the state of health and results of fattening of broiler chickens compared with the effects of various virus infections. A field study (author's transl)]

Field studies in 160 flocks of broiler chickens in two areas in the Netherlands showed that Mycoplasma synoviae infection, the presence of which was detected by serological testing in 17.5 per cent, had only a slight adverse effect on the results of fattening. Mycoplasma synoviae as well as IB infections were found to be more common in flocks affected with colibacillosis and/or in which higher proportions of birds were condemned because of polyserositis. Infectious bursal disease, IB and CELO virus infections are very common particularly in the southern areas of the Netherlands, and have a significantly adverse effect on the results of fattening. The findings suggest that vaccination against IB and Gumboro disease often fails in flocks in areas showing a high incidence of infection.