Revista latinoamericana de microbiologia
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Rev Latinoam Microbiol · Jan 2003
Chemotaxis of human and rat leukocytes by the delta-selective non-peptidic opioid SNC 80.
Opioids like morphine, represent a major source of relief for most chronic moderate to severe nonmalignant pain. However, opioid abuse may lead to infections such as hepatitis and AIDS because opioids have been associated with suppressing various parameters of immune function including antimicrobial resistance, antibody production, monocyte-mediated phagocytosis, and both neutrophil and monocyte chemotaxis. We have previously reported immunopotentiating properties of non-peptidic opioid receptor selective agonists and antagonists. ⋯ We observed that SNC 80 at concentrations of 10(-10), 10(-9), 10(-8), 10(-7), and 10(-6) M, significantly (p < 0.01) stimulated rat thymic (1.3, 1.55, 1.58, 1.75, and 1.8-fold increases respectively) and human leukocyte (1.13, 1.37, 1.43, 1.7, 1.83 fold-increases respectively) chemotaxis (demonstrated by checkerboard assays), compared with untreated control. The effects of SNC 80 on chemotaxis of rat and human leukocytes were antagonized by naloxone, indicating that the modulation of chemotaxis by SNC 80 is via a classic opioid receptor. The development and use of non-peptidic opioids like SNC 80 could have an immediate impact not only as potent analgesics, but in immunoregulation.
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Rev Latinoam Microbiol · Jan 1998
Comparative StudyAssociation between hemolytic uremic syndrome and verotoxin-producing strains of E. coli.
One of the most frequent etiologic agents of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) is Escherichia coli O157H7, a microorganism that possesses virulence factors (Shiga-like Toxins I and II and adhesion fimbriae). The present study was set up to determine the relationship between HUS and the presence of Verotoxin in patients of "Niño Jesús" Children's Hospital. Tucumán, Argentina. 19 Children between 0 and 4 years old suffering from HUS (typical and atypical symptoms) and 15 control children of similar sex and age were selected. ⋯ The 15 control children did not hybridize to the probes assayed. From the results obtained we may conclude that there exists a relationship between HUS and the presence of Verotoxin in the children suffering from HUS studied. The predominant serotype in our cases was O157H7 and Shiga-like Toxin II was found with highest frequency.
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Rev Latinoam Microbiol · Apr 1995
Comparative StudyInduction of humoral immune response to Salmonella typhimurium in mouse Peyer's patches.
The mechanisms of immune response generation and regulation at the intestinal level are not well known, mainly due to the lack of suitable and reproducible methods to measure local immune responses. The Cunningham direct and indirect hemolytic plaque assay for the quantification of antibody producing cells against Salmonella in Peyer's patches of mice orally infected with Salmonella typhimurium was used. After infection IgM and IgG producing cells were determined on days 6, 9, 12 and 19. ⋯ The peak of response was on day 12 and diminished on day 19. The number of IgM and IgG producing cells was similar in all days analyzed. Histological analysis of Peyer's patches of infected mice showed inflammation with disorganization and tumefaction.
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Rev Latinoam Microbiol · Jan 1992
Neonatal septicaemia due to K. pneumoniae. Septicaemia due to Klebsiella pneumoniae in newborn infants. Nosocomial outbreak in an intensive care unit.
The authors report a nosocomial infection outbreak by Klebsiella pneumoniae, observed in neonates at a gyneco-obstetrical hospital from Mexico City. Forty six newborns presented one or more infections due to K. pneumoniae during their stay in neonatal care units, between October 3 and November 12, 1988. Sepsis was documented in 41 cases by clinical picture and routine laboratory exams, including one positive, blood culture at least. ⋯ Treatment of cases was initiated with ampicillin-amikacin, however, therapeutic failure with a lethality rate of 50% (14/28) and results of antimicrobial susceptibility conducted to treatment with cefotaxime. Fifteen out of 19 patients receiving the cephalosporin survived. To prevent outbreaks like the one presented here, we concluded that appropriate measures dealing with hygiene and education of personnel plus monitoring of bacterial susceptibility to antimicrobials, should prove successful in our environment.