A STABLE HEMOLYSIN-LEUCOCIDIN AND ITS CRYSTAL-LINE DERIVATIVE ISOLATED FROM BETA HEMOLYTIC STREPTOCOCCI

1. A chemically pure hemolysin-leucocidin has been isolated from β hemolytic streptococci, but not from other species of bacteria studied. 2. It does not give rise to antibodies, but precipitates immune sera against hemolytic streptococci, and is therefore a hapten. 3. A highly purified sample of S. H. up to a dilution of 1:128,000 hemolyzes red blood cells. Its hemolytic activity is not specifically neutralized by antiserum versus β hemolytic streptococci. It is leucocidic in that it inhibits the reduction of methylene blue by leucocytes. 4. The hemolysin-leucocidin is stable to oxygen, to heat and to moderate changes in hydrogen ion concentration. Its chemical structure has been determined in part. Its molecular weight is 2260. 5. A crystalline derivative has been isolated as the sodium salt from the hemolysin-leucocidin. As the free acid it has a molecular weight of 720. Its hemolytic and leucocidic activity parallels that of S. H., although it is not serologically active. It possesses a high degree of toxicity for mice and rabbits.     

Acute urinary retention attributable to sacral herpes zoster

Acute urinary retention in women is uncommon. A 63 year old woman presented with suprapubic pain, a palpable bladder, and multiple grouped vesicles on the right buttock. Catheterisation showed a residual of 2000 ml. A case is reported of acute urinary retention secondary to herpes zoster infection of the sacral nerves (S2-4).     

High frequency oscillation in newborn infants with respiratory failure

Objective: To report ventilation strategies, survival and complications in 39 outborn infants treated with high frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV).
Methodology Data were collected prospectively between 1 May 1992 and 31 December 1993 on all infants treated with HFOV who had severe respiratory failure despite optimal conventional ventilation.
Results Twenty-eight out of 39 (72%) survived. Of the 15 infants with birthweights <1500g, eight survived. Best survival rates were for infants with pulmonary interstitial emphysema with air leak (4/5) and for infants of birthweight >1500g with hyaline membrane disease (8/8), and meconium aspiration syndrome (7/7). Three infants deteriorated while on HFOV and required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Complications were: (i) development of pulmonary interstitial emphysema (1); (ii) recurrence of pneumothorax (3); (iii) hypotension (2); and (iv) bronchopulmonary dysplasia (9). One of the eight infants weighing <1500g who received HFOV in the first week of life developed periventricular haemorrhage.
Conclusion The initial results of HFOV for severe respiratory failure were encouraging although a learning curve was encountered with its introduction.     

Haemoptysis in healthy children due to unsuspected foreign body

Abstract: Haemoptysis in otherwise healthy children is an uncommon event. Two cases of massive haemoptysis, subsequently requiring lobectomy, are discussed. In each case, foreign vegetable matter was identified despite previously normal bronchoscopy and minimal changes on chest radiograph.     

Cross-sensitivity reaction between tacrolimus and macrolide antibiotics

A patient with an allergy to a macrolide antibiotic was given tacrolimus and developed a sudden cutaneous reaction.     

Neurohydatidosis

Early and non‐invasive evaluation of hydatid infestation of brain and spine is of paramount importance, especially in endemic areas. We present a spectrum of imaging findings in neurohydatidosis with a brief review of literature.