[Cowpox virus infection in a young girl]

An genuine cowpox virus was isolated in a 6-year-old girl with a circumscribed skin lesion between the thumb and forefinger. In the beginning, the lesion was a proliferating skin change, which later became ulcerative with central hemorrhagic necrosis (umbilicated pock). Electron microscopy as well as histological, biological (cell and host range) and serological methods were used to characterize the virus. Cats and rodents are discussed as potential virus carriers. Voluntary vaccination against orthopox should be provided for persons at risk of infection.

[The hygiene of keeping dogs in city apartments]

16 family households with school-aged children and 15 elderly couples without children were questioned about their views on the hygienics of holding dogs in their apartment. The dogs of each household were clinically treated three times at intervals of four weeks. Samples were taken of dog feces and smears were made of the oral mucosa, skin, feeding dishes, water bowls and of their resting places for parasitological, bacteriological and mycological examinations. Families with children had a more positive attitude towards keeping a dog in the household than did elderly couples who had no children. At the beginning of the investigation all dogs were clinically healthy; most dogs had been dewormed and had received the usual vaccinations. On checking for ectoparasites, there were only two cases of dogs with fleas. An examination for endoparasites and the mycological examination were negative except for two unrelated and insignificant cases of dogs with Toxocara canis. The bacteriological examination demonstrated that among the majority of healthy dogs the very low concentration of bacteria of test areas remained unchanged. There was no difference between the two groups of households as far as the concentration of bacteria was concerned. In outbreaks of diseases such as occasional diarrhea and dermatitis there was a large concentration of E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus in all test samples. The lack of adequate hygiene leads to an increase of bacteria and to an extreme increase of pathogenic bacteria (staphylococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa). During the study no one became sick (including children) and there was no food poisoning with staphylococcus although the dogs' feeding dishes and water bowls stood in the kitchen. Salmonellae could not be demonstrated. An assessment of the results of the study confirms that keeping dogs in city households does not pose a danger to the health of humans when hygienic conditions are good.

[Herpesvirus infections in animals]

Eighty different types of animal herpesviruses are known that affect mammals, birds, fishes, reptiles and molluscs. During evolution the viruses adapted to each animal species, and thus interspecies transmission of an infection does not occur. An exception is the Aujeszky virus, which has a wide host spectrum. In addition to morphology and a typical virus-host relationship herpesviruses of man and animals possess such common characteristics that their overall aspects can be viewed. On this basis, epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, immunology, therapy and prophylaxis are discussed.

[Creatine content and lipid analysis in radiosensitive organs after whole body x-irradiation of mice--a contribution to the further development of biological radiation dosimetry]

The authors intended to test the suitability of creatine level and/or certain criteria of lipid analysis in radiosensitive organs for an individual (i.e. considering biologic variations of radiosensitivity), qualitative and quantitative demonstration of an irradiation damage. It was found that creatine determination and several criteria of lipid peroxidation are not suitable for a biologic radiation dosimetry due to the absence of organ dependent, radiation dose dependent, and time dependent changes. The reasons are discussed.

Tests on protection against viral diseases

Despite many attempts to find reliable in vitro criteria for the efficacy of Biological Response Modifiers--BRMs (immunomodulators, paramunity inducers) animal challenge models are still the only way to demonstrate the totality of interlocking defense mechanisms. Challenge models with mouse pathogenic viruses provide an excellent possibility to study protective effects of BRMs against acute or chronic forms of viral diseases. For comparative studies two completely different virus challenge models--Pseudorabies PR and Stomatitis Vesicularis VSV--were developed with adult and baby NMRI mice respectively. The potency of BRMs in preventing lethal disease reveals significant differences depending upon the sort of BRM, the route of application and the time of pretreatment. Defense mechanisms important for the control of Pseudorabies virus infection in adult NMRI mice were tested in vitro (ex vivo) and correlated well with the degree of protection in vivo. Comparison of BRM efficacy in selective viral challenge models combined with screening of a variety of antiviral defense functions in infected animals in vitro provide reliable methods in demonstrating the potency of BRMs against viral infections.

[Danger to the human caused by animal poxvirus following discontinuation of mandatory vaccination against smallpox]

The discontinuation of smallpox vaccination will lead to a gradual decrease or disappearance of immunity to poxviruses of the genus Orthopoxvirus. It is discussed whether orthopoxviruses of animals may then constitute a potential danger to man, with respect to their mutagenic and adaptation capabilities as well as their possible genetic interactions. Infection of man with these viruses is generally possible, but at present, not of acute importance. Monkeypox and cowpox viruses, as well as their variants occurring in carnivores and rodents, are of primary interest for individuals who have not been vaccinated against smallpox. Suggestions are put forward on how the human population, as well as domestic and laboratory animals, may be protected against infection with orthopoxviruses originating from animals. In particular, it is recommended that endangered groups of people should receive voluntary vaccination with genetically stable, attenuated vaccinia virus strains.

[Development of a numerically additive combined vaccine against tetanus and smallpox]

Mandatory vaccination against smallpox was abolished on the account of smallpox-eradication proclaimed by the WHO and the postvaccinal complications detected after smallpox vaccination. At the same time vaccine banks with the vaccinia virus strain "Elstree" were organized. Should mass vaccinations with this vaccinia virus strain be carried out in a case of emergency, severe postvaccinal diseases and complications can arise in overaged and immunosuppressed vaccinees after primovaccination. Therefore attenuated vaccinia virus strains should be used for vaccine banks, which cannot be activated, or increase in virulence in impaired vaccinees after primovaccination. For these individuals the vaccinia virus strain "MVA", among other attenuated vaccinia strains, is recommended. The MVA virus strain can be applied parenterally without complications. From the scientific and field-relevant point of view it was tried to combine the vaccinia virus strain "MVA" with tetanus toxoid and to develop a combination vaccine "tetanus-smallpox". In immunization experiments using mice, piglets and monkeys, safety and efficacy of the vaccine were investigated. Efficacy was demonstrated by means of postvaccinal antibody determination and by the mouse protection test. Tetanus antitoxin was measured by ELISA and indirect hemagglutination test, antibody levels to vaccinia virus were investigated employing the neutralization test and hemagglutination inhibition test. No significant differences in potency could be demonstrated between the combination vaccine and the corresponding monovalent vaccines in mice, piglets and monkeys. The combination vaccine consisted of 12 Lf tetanus toxoid and 10 TCID50 vaccinia virus "MVA" preserved with gelatine and glucosamine. The double intramuscular immunization of monkeys stimulated average tetanus antitoxin titers of 1:310 and average vaccinia virus titers of 1:195 2 weeks p. revacc. Similar results were obtained in mice and piglets. Side reactions were not observed in mice and piglets. Except for occasional local reactions of short duration at the injection site of the monkeys, similarly no adverse reactions were observed after intramuscular vaccination with the combination vaccine.

[Efficacy of the paramunity inducers PIND-AVI and PIND-ORF as radioprotective agents]

A significant reduction of mortality after lethal irradiation (7,8 and 9 Gy X-ray total-body irradiation) was achieved by continuous therapeutic subcutaneous application of the biologic inducers PIND-AVI and PIND-ORF. This was obtained by a stimulation of the investigated spleen parameters and a stimulation of leucocytes and phagocytosis. The inducers had no significant influence on the radiogenic reduction of blood cells and bone marrow cells, of the relative spleen and thymus weight and of the DNA and protein level of spleen and thymus. The regeneration of blood leucocytes (preponderantly by PIND-AVI) and of the spleen (preponderantly by PIND-ORF) was accelerated, but not the thymus regeneration which was already rather low. The leucocyte phagocytosis which increased generally after irradiation was markedly stimulated by paramunization. This stimulation was also observed after a latent time in animals submitted to sham irradiation. Its temporal appearance and its quantitative and qualitative properties corresponded to the effects of inducers after X-ray irradiation. Both inducers were found to be harmless in all experiments.

[Vaccination of animals and human health]

Prophylactic immunization of animals against obligat and nonobligat pathogenic zoonoses benefit human health in many ways both directly and indirectly. Typical examples of a direct protective effect are the vaccinations of dogs, cats and foxes against rabies as well as the vaccinations against respiratory diseases in cows, horses, dogs and cats to which the most varied species of pathogens of noncompulsory zoonoses contribute. A considerable contribution to the protection of human health is made by the vaccination against salmonellosis and leptospirosis, against vesicular stomatitis, American equine encephalitis and against other zoonoses spread by arthropods, against ecthyma and stomatitis papulosa as well as against brucellosis, anthrax, Q-fever, Newcastle disease and foot-and-mouth disease. The indirect effects of prophylactic vaccination of animals on human health are very complex and still need investigation. An example of this are the vaccinations of animals against human and animal influenza A viruses which can inhibit hybridisation and recombination between human and animal influenza viruses in an ecological system. Occasionally prophylactic vaccinations of animals can do harm to human health. This is invariably a rare incidence in immuno-suppressed persons caused by live vaccines i.e. prophylactic vaccination against Newcastle disease in fowl or against orthopox in animals by the use of the common vaccinia strains, after compulsory vaccination for humans had been cancelled. Prophylactic vaccinations of animals must be constantly followed up and their action on human health must be checked. In the case of positive results prophylactic vaccinations must be carried out selectively and in a wide range.

[Spread of infectious agents through refuse by domestic, community and field parasites with special reference to human health]

The accumulation of refuse in urban and agricultural areas provides parasitic vermin with new feeding sources and also creates for them partly entirely new biotopes. Vermin transmit both mechanically and biologically the most varied species of pathogens to man, domestic animals and work animals. With respect to the spread of pathogens by vermin via the refuse route, we must distinguish between vermin infesting either the human body, the houses, communities or our environment. Among the human vermin and house species, cockroaches, house gnats and house flies are the most important genera for the spread of pathogens via refuse. Cockroaches transmit bacteria (e.g. Salmonella), viruses (e.g. enterovirus, rota and corona viruses), fungi (e.g. Trichophyton and Candida) and worm eggs (e.g. Ascaris lumbricoides). House flies and house gnats take up all infection carriers from refuse and transmit the pathogens, as a rule, purely mechanically. Rats and mice are the most important species among community vermin. These rodents act both as mechanical and biological vehicles of infectious diseases. A case in point is lymphocytic chorio-meningitis and three different types of hemorrhagic fever in man. Among the vermin infesting our environment, the diptera are the most important carriers. Gnats, especially, often act as intermediate hosts (biological transmission) and, as a result, represent an inexhaustible reservoir of pathogen transmitters. More than 50 diseases caused by arbovirus in man and animal are known. Beside the viruses, the field diptera transmit bacteria (e.g. Rickettsiosis) and protozoa (e.g. Leishmaniasis, Trypanosomiasis).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Computer analysis of cardiac contractility variables obtained by M-mode echocardiography in normal newborns

There are few echocardiographic studies which examine ventricular cavity and wall dimensions as well as ventricular function in normal newborn infants. We investigated the M-mode echocardiograms of 60 normal newborn infants aged 3 to 6 days using computer analysis. Using the same method, we examined in addition left ventricular cavity dimensions and contractility variables of 15 healthy newborn infants sequentially during the first hour of life. The left and right ventricular diameters, their systolic shortening fraction and maximal rate of change, as well as the thickness of the interventricular septum and the left ventricular posterior wall were found to be comparable to previously published values. In addition, we found that the left ventricular end-diastolic diameter and the systolic shortening fraction of the left ventricular diameter increase significantly during the first hour of life. This increase is probably because of the postnatal increase in left ventricular volume and pressure work.

[Radioprotective effectiveness of the paramunity inducer "pind-avi": investigation using the model "protective tetanic vaccination in mice" after exposure to X-rays (author's transl)]

The model "protective tetanic vaccination in mice" was used in order to try whether the paramunity inducer Pind-Avi may diminish or suspend radiation-induced immunosuppression. The radioprotective effect was ascertained from the different results of immunization in mice exposed to radiation after pretreatment with either Pind-Avi or placebo. The dose delivered amounted to 300 R. Tetanus toxoid was used for immunization. Effectiveness of the tetanic vaccination was analysed by means of load tests with 10 LD50 tetanus toxin, and of antibody determination with passive hemagglutination. Evidence was shown of significant radiation protection following subcutaneous application of Pind-Avi once a day during three days before of after exposure. Efficiency in mice treated with Pind-Avi amounted to 75% (pre-irradiation treatment) and to 43% (postirradiation treatment), whereas the efficiency in controls was zero in all cases. Thus, it was possible with Pind-Avi to suspend radiation-induced immunosuppression within a period of 3 days before or after radiation exposure, not only by means of prophylactic but also by therapeutic administration.

[Autonomic dysfunction in multiple sclerosis (respiratory and cardiac disturbances) (author's transl)]

Except for rectal, vesical and sexual disorders almost nothing is known about disturbances of autonomic functions in multiple sclerosis. MS plaques, however, do not spare vegetative centres and spinal tracts. Therefore autonomic disorders are to be expected in other functional ranges as well. We could not confirm the study of Neubauer and Gundersen (1978) who found the short time variability and the long time variability of pulse rate to be significantly diminished in patients suffering from multiple sclerosis. Our investigation, however, revealed frequent occurrence of rigid, paradoxical and atactic courses of the patients' graphs obtained by "averaging" the pulse rate alterations dependent on respiration. We consider this to be an indication of cardio-respiratory hyposynergia in precision regulations. As compared with the normal control group the patients' respiratory rate was significantly raised, and this was almost exclusively due to an abbreviated time of inspiration. Concerning the pulse rate and the pulse-breathing quotient the patients did not differ significantly from the healthy controls. The findings in 40 MS patients (definite diagnosis) and in 40 healthy persons point to the fact that cardio-respiratory disorders are no rare occurrence.

New emerging viral zoonoses

New developments in the field of viral transmission from animal to man can be divided into four areas of study. First are the new viral zoonoses such as diseases caused by rotaviruses, Lassa virus and the animal orthopox viruses which will be more prevalent after the cessation of mandatory vaccination against smallpox. Secondly are the numerous ubiquitous viruses, such as adeno and herpesviruses, which in healthy animals lead only to clinically inapparent infections. A typical example of the third area is the recombination and hybridisation between animal and human influenza type A viruses. The final area is concerned with the transmission of viral zoonoses to man through food of animal origin.

Genetic and antigenic heterogeneity of different parapoxvirus strains

Six stomatitis papulosa and three Orf virus strains were compared by serology and by DNA restriction analysis. A neutralization kinetic study revealed extensive serological cross-reactivity between all strains, but did not allow their classification. Restriction analysis of viral DNAs revealed two distinct groups among the stomatitis papulosa strains while the Orf virus strains formed a third, more heterogeneous group. The large heterogeneity of restriction patterns of parapoxvirus DNAs as compared to those orthopoxviruses is discussed.

[Abolition of compulsory vaccination against smallpox. Increased danger to humans from animal smallpox? (author's transl)]

After the world-wide eradication of human smallpox, compulsory vaccination against smallpox will no longer be applicable in future in most countries. Although the human smallpox virus (variola virus) appears to have no animal reservoir, humanity is increasingly endangered in future by animal smallpox viruses pathogenic in man against which he has been so far protected by the general smallpox vaccination. This is a virus type of the Genus Orthopox virus. The risk from animal pox viruses, which are not related to the Orthopox virus, remains unchanged. Of the animal Orthopox viruses the monkey pox viruses deserve special attention; possibly rodents also play a decisive role in transmission of smallpox.

In vitro studies on Borna virus. II. Properties of the virus

Successful cultivation and titration of Borna disease virus in cell cultures enabled detailed studies of the virus properties. Borna virus is labile towards treatment with heat, pH 3.0 and lipid solvents. It is relatively stable at low temperatures and in frozen state. It is easily inactivated by ultraviolet light as e.g. vesicular stomatitis virus. After ultrafiltration studies, the size of the infectious virus unit is between 80 and 100 nm. Its buoyant density in cesium chloride is 1.165 g per ml. The one step multiplication curve shows that Borna virus has a replication cycle of about 2 days in BSC 1 cells. In growth experiments using antimetabilites it behaves like certain RNA containing viruses. As its multiplication is not inhibited by bromo- and iododeoxyuridine and actinomycin D, no DNA step seems to be involved in virus synthesis. Regarding these properties and the intracellular antigen distribution as shown by fluorescent antibodies, it is not possible to attribute Borna virus to any of the established virus groups.

[Effectiveness of a new "paramunity" inducer (PIND-AVI) for human beings and animals]

Attenuated and by treatment with gamma rays inactivated avian Pox viruses (PIND-AVI) stimulate in man and animals selectively the T-lymphocytes. In this way PIND-AVI helps to repair a reduced reactivity of lymphocytes damaged by cytostatic chemotherapy: The lymphocyte stimulation by phytohemagglutinin could be normalized. In immunodeficient patients PIND-AVI showed very good effects in the treatment of herpes Virus infections.

[Nonspecific prophylaxis and therapy of Pseudomonas aeruginosa wound-infections with paramunization using a mouse-model (author's transl)]

The effectiveness of paramunization as a antigen nonspecific method to activate mechanisms against wound-infections due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa was studied using a model of direct infection of mice with a "mice-pathogenic" Ps. aeruginosa strain on artificially set wounds. Active paramunization by means of a biological inducer "PIND-AVI" (M-HP 438) significantly reduced the mortality rate between treated and placebo animals. The best results were obtained by parenteral prophylactic application. A four times repeated injection of PIND-AVI before the wound-infection reduced the mortality rate from 80% (placebo animals) to 26.6%. Almost equally good results were obtained by clinically useful therapeutic application of the preparation. A four times repeated treatment of the mice after wound infection lead to a decrease of mortality rates from 86.6% to 36.6%. The paramunization inducer PIND-AVI caused no side effect in any of the experiments. The mode of inducer action in Pseudomonas aeruginosa wound infections appears to be complex. Increased phagocytosis by nonspecific opsonisation, increased macrophage activity and concurrent stimulation of the lymphopoetic system could possible occur. On the other hand the nonspecific action of mediators could also play a role due to the inducer stimulated T-cells and cellular antigens of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. However both mechanisms in cooperation with specific and nonspecific humoral factors are probably interacting together. To what extent a simultaneous synthesis resp. release of endogeneous interferon plays a role is not known.