The influence of age of culture on the production of adjuvant-active peptidoglycolipids by saprophytic mycobacteria

Wax D fractions obtained from young cultures (7 day) of Mycobacterium phlei and Mycobacterium smegmatis were found to contain more peptidoglycolipid, than those from old (28-day) cultures. The wax closely resembled Wax D from human strains of mycobacteria. These peptidoglycolipid fractions acted as adjuvants, producing a local granuloma at the site of injection, increasing the size of homolateral lymph nodes, inducing a delayed-type hypersensitivity (corneal response) against ovalbumin and increasing serum anti-ovalbumin precipitin levels. With extended periods of cultivation (4–6 weeks) the amount of extractable peptidoglycolipid from saprophytic organisms decreased until finally only adjuvant-inactive Wax D (glycolipid) preparations were obtained.

The hydrosoluble moiety of the peptidoglycolipid contains those amino acids, hexosamines and sugars that are found in the mucopeptide of the bacterial cell wall. It is suggested that in the absence of nutrient in the culture medium, mycobacterial growth is maintained by autonutrition from the peptidoglycolipid.

Zirconium granuloma following treatment of rhus dermatitis

Zirconium granuloma of the skin, initially seen following the use of zirconium deodorants, continues to occur secondary to the treatment of plant dermatitis with compounds containing zirconium. In our patient the reaction appeared eight weeks after initial use of the agent and has persisted for 18 months without therapy. Intradermal injection of minute amounts of a soluble zirconium compound resulted in production of a lesion that was identical clinically and histologically with the primary lesion at the end of four weeks. Although this disorder involves the skin primarily, the slight elevation in gamma-globulin level observed may be a reflection of its systemic pathogenesis.

Preoperative imaging for soft tissue tumors of the foot

Soft tissue imaging modalities are both available and effective. This manuscript describes the use of plain film radiography, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging in both the diagnosis and preoperative planning of a calcified soft tissue tumor of the heel. The soft tissue tumor being presented was secondary to multiple corticosteroid injections.