Susceptibility of Neisseria gonorrhoeae to cefotaxime and ceftizoxime

Two hundred and thirty-nine penicillinase-positive and 240 penicillinase-negative strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae were tested for their susceptibility to cefotaxime. All were susceptible to cefotaxime at a concentration of 0.062 micrograms/ml. Penicillinase-negative strains were less susceptible than penicillinase-positive strains. This is attributed to the use of prophylactic antibiotics by prostitutes, which has led to the selection of less susceptible penicillinase-negative strains but has not affected the susceptibility of penicillinase-positive strains. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of cefotaxime showed significant positive correlations with those of penicillin, ampicillin, tetracycline, and kanamycin but had a negative correlation with spectinomycin. The related cephalosporin, ceftizoxime, was found to be as effective as cefotaxime against penicillinase-positive and penicillinase-negative gonococci.

A case of primary cutaneous cryptococcosis successfully treated with miconazole

An 81-year-old man with primary cutaneous cryptococcosis of the left forearm was treated with intravenous and oral miconazole nitrate. Culture for Cryptococcus became negative within three weeks. The ulcer healed within 25 days after treatment was started. Follow-up examination 1 1/2 years later showed no evidence of recurrent infection.

Gentamicin in the treatment of infections due to penicillinase-producing gonococci

Ninety-seven patients with infections due to penicillinase-producing Neisseria gonorrhoeae (PPNG) were treated with single doses of gentamicin 280 mg intramuscularly. The failure rate among those followed up was 3%. No significant side effects were recorded. Gentamicin is a valuable alternative in the treatment of infections due to PPNG strains.

HR 756--a new cephalosporin in the treatment of gonorrhoea caused by ordinary and penicillinase-producing strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae

HR 756, a new cephalosporin, was used in single intramuscular doses of 500 mg to treat 108 men and women with gonorrhoea caused by penicillinase-producing Neisseria gonorrhoeae (PPNG) and non-PPNG. Of 102 patients followed up, 99 (97.05%) were cured. Cure rates for PPNG infections and non-PPNG infections were 98.18% and 95.74% respectively. Few adverse side effects were recorded but possible cross-sensitisation with penicillin was observed. Clinical and laboratory antibiotic susceptibility results correlated well. It is concluded that this drug is safe and effective in treating both PPNG and non-PPNG infectons.

Primary hepatocellular carcinoma in the Asian Pacific region

This survey was conducted to obtain current data relating to the epidemiology, aetiological factors, diagnostic tests in use, effect of various treatments and the evaluation of the extent of any population screening procedures. From replies to questionnaires sent to countries in West, South, North, South East Asian and Oceania the data showed that Primary Hepatocellular Carcinoma is common in most areas, but has a lower incidence amongst the non useful method of diagnosis. New biochemical and immunological markers are being studied. Untreated disease seldom survived more than 3 months. Various treatment protocols are being done since about 85% of tumours are non resectible at presentation. A population screening is done in China and on a risk groups in Taiwan and Singapore.

A socio-epidemiologic survey of veneral diseases among national servicemen attending a VD hospital in Singapore

Between September 22 and October 29, 1976, a socio-epidemiologic survey of venereal diseases (VD) was carried out at a hospital for VD and skin diseases in Singapore. The study subjects comprised 401 national servicemen from the Singapore Armed Forces who were selected by periodic stratified random sampling from among army patients at the hospital. These subjects were divided into two groups, one consisting of those suffering solely from venereal diseases and the other from non-venereal skin diseases only. Studies were made to compare the personal characteristics, educational and social backgrounds and sexual behavior between these two groups. On the basis of the results, a profile of a soldier likely to contract venereal diseases was made. The study showed that soldiers have inadequate knowledge of venereal diseases. Suggestions are made to improve education as to venereal diseases and to reduce risk of infection in the armed forces.

Kanamycin in the treatment of penicillinase-producing gonococcai infections

A retrospective study of 356 cases of bacteriologically proven penicillinase-producing gonococcal infections treated with a single dose of 2 g of kanamycin intramuscularly was carried out. It was found that 14 patients failed to complete followup examinations. Of the remaining 342 who were examined bacteriologically following treatment, 335 were found to be cured of the infection. The cure rate was 96%. No adverse reactions were noted after administration of the drug. Compared to the other drugs used, kanamycin was relatively cheaper. The authors conclude that kanamycin is safe, economical and very effective in the treatment of gonorrhoea caused by the strains of penicillinase-producing Neisseria gonorrhoeae in South East Asia.

Treatment of chancroid with Bactrim

Bacterim in either oral or intramuscular injection forms were given to 67 patients with Chancroid. It was found that after one week of treatment, clinical cure rate was 46.3% and bacteriological cure rate was 73.1%. After two weeks, the clinical cure rate was 77.6%. Three patients (4.5%) had persistent sores at the end of two weeks and only one of these (2.5%) was bacteriologically active. Twelve patients defaulted. Adverse side-effects were observed in five patients. The effectiveness of Streptomycin, Sulphonamide and Tetracyclines, the other commonly used therapeutic agents, was discussed and compared with Bactrim. It was concluded that Bactrim was a safe and effective drug to use, and recommended as an alternative to Streptomycin and Sulphonamides in the management of Chancroid.

Inactivation of gonococci by procaine penicillin in vivo. A pilot study

A pilot study was carried out of 25 male volunteers with gonococcal urethritis. After intramuscular administration of 3 megaunits procaine penicillin and 1 g oral probenecid the urethral culture results for Neisseria gonorrhoeae remained positive up to five hours and thereafter became negative. These results may be useful in providing guidelines for advice on the duration of sexual abstinence following treatment. It is suggested that similar studies should be carried out in women.