Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for Giardia-specific IgA in mouse intestinal secretions

We describe an ELISA for trophozoite-specific IgA in the intestinal secretions of mice infected with Giardia muris. Using this method, trophozoite-specific IgA was demonstrated in intestinal secretions of Giardia-infected immunocompetent BALB/c mice. Such antibody was undetectable in the intestinal secretions of Giardia-infected athymic (nude) mice. Immunocompetent BALB/c mice are able to clear G. muris infection whereas nude mice are not. The study provides evidence that the chronicity of G. muris infection in nude mice results from lack of intestinal trophozoite-specific IgA in these animals. By means of the ELISA, trophozoite-specific IgA was demonstrated in intestinal secretions from immunocompetent mice in the absence of protease inhibitors.     

TEENAGE HEAVY DRINKERS: ALCOHOL-RELATED KNOWLEDGE, BELIEFS, EXPERIENCES, MOTIVATION AND THE SOCIAL CONTEXT OF DRINKING

During 1988 and 1989 a survey was conducted of the drinkinghabits and alcohol-related beliefs of a national sample of teenagersin England. Data were obtained from 6,244 respondents virtuallyall aged 14–16. Heavy drinkers were significantly morelikely to report drinking in a mixed sex group than were otherteenagers. They were also more likely than others to have drunkillegally in licensed premises, and were distinctive from otherteenagers in relation to their self-reported reasons for drinkingand their alcohol-related beliefs.     

Pityriasis rubra pilaris in the setting of HIV infection: clinical behaviour and association with explosive cystic acne

The development of pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP) in three patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is described. Two of the patients had onset of severe generalized cystic acne concomitant with their development of PRP. PRP and acne conglobata should be added to the group of cutaneous disorders that can present in a more virulent manner in the setting of HIV infection. The association of cystic acne with PRP and their response to treatment are discussed.