An undifferentiated variant derived from the human acute myelogenous leukemia cell line (KG-1)

A variant subline (KG-1a) of the human acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) cell line (KG-1) has been isolated. The cells retain the same constitutive markers as the parent line, including HLA antigens, isoenzymes, and karyotype. The cells from the subline are morphologically and histochemically undifferentiated blast cells, while the parent cells and several of its clones are at the myeloblast and promyelocyte stages of development. The variant cells do not respond to colony-stimulating factor (CSF), and they do not express the human la antigen, nor a recently characterized AML antigen. The parent KG-1 cells are stimulated to proliferate in the presence of CSF and the cells express the la and AML antigen. Variant AML cell lines, such as KG-1a, will be useful in vitro models for investigating cellular response to CSF and for studying antigen expression in leukemic cells.     

Transplacental transfer of aflatoxin in humans

This study quantified aflatoxin (AFB1, AFG1 and AFQ1) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in human cord sera obtained at birth and in serum obtained immediately after birth from the mother. The subjects of the study were residents of Songkhla, Thailand. Of the 35 samples of cord sera, 17 (48%) contained aflatoxin in concentrations from 0.064 to 13.6, mean 3.1 nmol/ml. By comparison only two (6%) of 35 maternal sera contained aflatoxin (mean 0.62 nmol/ml). These results demonstrate transplacental transfer and concentration of aflatoxin by the feto-placental unit which may be of biological importance. Aflatoxins are mutagenic, carcinogenic and teratogenic and cause immunosuppression in animals. The implications of these findings are potentially profound and deserve further study.     

Unilateral wheeze caused by pseudomembranous aspergillus tracheobronchitis in the immunocompromised patient.

Unilateral wheeze in the immunocompromised patient with unremitting fever may be the first localising sign of aspergillus tracheobronchitis. Two such cases are presented.     

Sub-cutaneous phaeohyphomycosis caused by Cladophialophora devriesii in a United Kingdom resident.

An 83-year-old diabetic man receiving corticosteroids developed a forearm lesion. Histology confirmed the presence of a dematiaceous fungus, with associated granulomatous inflammation. Culture of a biopsy yielded fungal colonies with branching chains of single-celled, melanised, dry, sympodial conidia, which were identified as Cladophialophora devriesii on the basis of morphology and rDNA gene sequencing. To date, C. devriesii has been a relatively rare cause of human disease. To our knowledge, this is only the second case to be described, and the first report of infection in a UK resident.     

In vitro susceptibility and synergy studies of Aspergillus species to conventional and new agents.

In vitro susceptibility data using a macrodilution broth method on greater than 100 isolates of Aspergillus spp. are presented. For amphotericin B (Amp B) (n = 105), 67% had minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) less than or equal to 2 micrograms/ml, and 90% had MICs less than or equal to 4 micrograms/ml; for 5-fluorocytosine [flucytosine (5FC) (n = 60), 35% had MICs less than or equal to 12.5 micrograms/ml; for miconazole (MCL) (n = 18), 39% had MICs less than or equal to 5 micrograms/ml; for ketoconazole (KTZ) four (13%) of 32 isolates had an MIC less than or equal to 3.1 micrograms/ml; for itraconazole (ITZ) (n = 88), 97% had MICs less than or equal to 6.3 micrograms/ml; and for saperconazole (SAP) (n = 20), 90% had MICs less than or equal to 3.1 micrograms/ml. Of Amp B minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFCs) (n = 25), 76% were less than or equal to 4 micrograms/ml; 5% of ketoconazole (n = 20) and no flucytosine (n = 38) MFCs were less than or equal to 25 micrograms/ml; for itraconazole (n = 60), 70% had MFCs less than or equal to 6.3 micrograms/ml, and for saperconazole (n = 20), 75% had MFCs less than or equal to 3.1 micrograms/ml. Drug interaction studies were also performed. For Amp B and rifampin 36 (92%) of 39 showed synergy, for Amp B and flucytosine six (23%) of 26 showed synergy and another six (23%) showed antagonism; 13 (50%) were indifferent. In five Amp B-itraconazole combination studies, synergy and indifference were seen in two each and an additive effect was observed in one. The published literature on in vitro testing methodology and results for Aspergillus spp. is also reviewed, and recommendations for the clinical use of in vitro susceptibility testing are made.     

Adherence of L1210 murine leukemia cells to sephacryl- aminopropylcobalamin beads treated with transcobalamin-II

Sephacryl beads containing an immobilized aminopropylcobalamin- transcobalamin-II complex serve as foci for the adherence of L1210 murine leukemia cells. Bead-cell interaction does not occur when (A) nonderivatized beads are used; (B) transcobalamin-II is omitted or presaturated with cyanocobalamin in the preparation of the bead complex; (C) intrinsic factor replaces transcobalamin-II; and (D) the complex is removed from beads by photolysis. These observations suggest that adherence results from the ability of transcobalamin-II to form a bridge between immobilized cobalamin on the bead and receptors in the plasma membrane of the cell.     

Burden of serious fungal infections in Guatemala

Guatemala is a developing country in Central America with a high burden of HIV and endemic fungal infections; we attempted to estimate the burden of serious fungal infections for the country. A full literature search was done to identify epidemiology papers reporting fungal infections from Guatemala. We used specific populations at risk and fungal infection frequencies in the population to estimate national rates. The population of Guatemala in 2013 was 15.4 million; 40% were younger than 15 and 6.2% older than 60. There are an estimated 53,000 adults with HIV infection, in 2015, most presenting late. The estimated cases of opportunistic fungal infections were: 705 cases of disseminated histoplasmosis, 408 cases of cryptococcal meningitis, 816 cases of Pneumocystis pneumonia, 16,695 cases of oral candidiasis, and 4,505 cases of esophageal candidiasis. In the general population, an estimated 5,568 adult asthmatics have allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) based on a 2.42% prevalence of asthma and a 2.5% ABPA proportion. Amongst 2,452 pulmonary tuberculosis patients, we estimated a prevalence of 495 for chronic pulmonary aspergillosis in this group, and 1,484 for all conditions. An estimated 232,357 cases of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis is likely. Overall, 1.7% of the population are affected by these conditions. The true fungal infection burden in Guatemala is unknown. Tools and training for improved diagnosis are needed. Additional research on prevalence is needed to employ public health measures towards treatment and improving the reported data of fungal diseases.