Articles: sepsis.
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Opsonic fibronectin modulates reticuloendothelial (RE) uptake of nonbacterial particulates, as well as some bacterial strains, and may thus play an important role in host defense against sepsis after burn injury. We evaluated the relationship between burn injury, sepsis, and opsonic fibronectin levels in rats, as well as the ability to reverse the acute opsonic deficiency after burn injury by administration of purified opsonic fibronectin. ⋯ The in vitro serum opsonic deficit was partially correctable (from 2.2% to 6.7% of the injected dose per 100 mg), while in vivo RE functional deficits could not be corrected. We conclude that the acute postburn deficiency in opsonic fibronectin is amenable to repletion therapy; however, many additional factors may contribute to acute RE failure after burn injury.
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Five cases of Campylobacter fetus bacteremia are reported. This germ, found in blood cultures, induces high fever and is accompanied by either gastroenteritis with colitis or thrombophlebitis. Other, but much rarer septic sites are the meninges and endocardium. ⋯ This "microaerophil" germ does not survive in air which makes culturing difficult under ordinary conditions. On the other hand, Campylobacter jejuni induces gastrocolitis with spontaneous recovery. It is found in feces and thrives in contaminated water and milk.