[Comparative studies on activities of antimicrobial agents against causative organisms isolated from urinary tract infections (1993). I. Susceptibility distribution]

The frequencies of isolation and susceptibilities to antimicrobial agents were investigated on 657 bacterial strains isolated from patients with urinary tract infections in 10 hospitals during the period of June 1993 to May 1994. Of the above total bacterial isolates, Gram-positive bacteria accounted for 28.3% and a majority of them were Enterococcus faecalis. Gram-negative bacteria accounted for 71.7% and most of them were Escherichia coli. 1. Enterococcus faecalis Ampicillin (ABPC), imipenem (IPM) and vancomycin (VCM) showed the highest activities against E. faecalis isolated from patients with urinary tract infections. The MIC90s of them were 2 micrograms/ml. Piperacillin (PIPC) was also active with the MIC90 of 8 micrograms/ml. The others were not so active with the MIC90s of 32 micrograms/ml or above. 2. Staphylococcus aureus including MRSA VCM showed the highest activities against S. aureus isolated from patients with urinary tract infections. Its MIC90 was 1 microgram/ml. Arbekacin (ABK) was also active with the MIC90 of 2 micrograms/ml. The others were not so active with the MIC90s of 32 micrograms/ml or above. 3. Staphylococcus epidermidis VCM showed the strongest activity against S. epidermidis isolated from patients with urinary tract infections. Its MIC90 was 1 microgram/ml. ABK was also active with the MIC90 of 4 micrograms/ml. The others except ABPC were not so active with the MIC90s of 32 micrograms/ml or above. 4. Streptococcus agalactiae Most of the agents were active against S. agalactiae isolated from patients with urinary tract infections. Penicillins, cephems, erythromycin (EM), and clindamycin (CLDM) showed the highest activities. The MIC90s of them were 0.25 microgram/ml or below. Amikacin (AMK) and minocycline (MINO) showed somewhat low activities with the MIC90s of 16 micrograms/ml. 5. Citrobacter freundii IPM showed the highest activities against C. freundii isolated from patients with urinary tract infections. Its MIC90 was 2 micrograms/ml. Cefozopran (CZOP) and gentamicin (GM) were also active with the MIC90s of 8 micrograms/ml. Penicillins and cephems generally were not so active. 6. Enterobacter cloacae IPM and GM showed the highest activities against E. cloacae. The MIC90s of them were 1 microgram/ml. CZOP and tosufloxacin (TFLX) were also active with the MIC90s of 8 micrograms/ml. Penicillins and cephems except CZOP showed lower activities with the MIC90s of 64 micrograms/ml or above. 7. Escherichia coli Most of antimicrobial agents were active against E. coli. Flomoxef (FMOX), CZOP, IPM, CPFX and TFLX showed the highest activities against E. coli. The MIC90s of them were 0.125 microgram/ml or below. Cefmenoxime (CMX), ceftazidime (CAZ), cefuzonam (CZON), latamoxef (LMOX), carumonam (CRMN), norfloxacin (NFLX) and ofloxacin (OFLX) were also active with the MIC90s of 0.25 microgram/ml. Penicillins and MINO were not so active with the MIC90s of 32 micrograms/ml or above. 8. Klebsiella pneumoniae CZOP, IPM and CRMN showed the highest activities against K. pneumoniae. The MIC90s of them were 0.125 microgram/ml or below. CAZ, CZON, CFIX, CPFX and TFLX were also active the MIC90s of 0.25 microgram/ml. Penicillins were not so active with the MIC90s of 128 micrograms/ml or above. 9. Proteus mirabilis P. mirabilis was susceptible to a majority of drugs. CMX, CAZ, CZON, LMOX, CFIX, CRMN and CPFX showed the highest activities against P. mirabilis isolated from patients with urinary tract infections. The MIC90s of them were 0.125 microgram/ml or below. MINO was not so active with the MIC90 of 256 micrograms/ml or above. 10. Pseudomonas aeruginosa Most of the agents were not so active against P. aeruginosa. IPM showed MIC90 of 8 micrograms/ml.

[Comparative studies on activities of antimicrobial agents against causative organisms isolated from urinary tract infections (1992). II. Background of patients]

Clinical background was investigated on 913 bacterial strains isolated from patients with urinary tract infections (UTIs) in 11 hospitals during the period from June, 1992 to May, 1993. 1. Distribution of sex, age and infections Among over forties males, the majority was taken by complicated urinary tract infections. Among females, the uncomplicated urinary tract infections was most frequent without a relation of age. 2. Distribution of sex, age and pathogens isolated from UTIs IN uncomplicated UTIs, Escherichia coli was most frequently isolated without a relation of age, and next CNS in under fifties. In complicated UTIs without indwelling catheter, E. coli and Enterococcus faecalis were isolated with a frequency of 12-28%, respectively. In complicated UTIs with indwelling catheter, Pseudomonas aeruginosa were most frequently isolated, and next E. faecalis. 3. Administration of antibiotics and pathogens isolated from UTIs In uncomplicated UTIs, pathogens, after administration of antibiotics, isolated from patients have obviously decreased from 306 to 44 isolates. And also, pathogens of complicated UTIs without indwelling catheter, have decreased from 217 to 76 isolates. However, in complicated UTIs with indwelling catheter, pathogens after or before administration of antibiotics, were not revealed an obvious change. 4. Pathogens and UTIs with or without factor and operation In uncomplicated UTIs with or without factor and operation, E. coli was mainly detected. In complicated UTIs without indwelling catheter and with or without factor and operation, E. coli was mainly detected. In complicated UTIs with indwelling catheter and with factor and operation, P. aeruginosa and E. faecalis were detected, 19.6% and 16.0%, respectively. Without factor and operation, P. aeruginosa was detected, 28.9%, and next E. faecalis 13.3%. The distribution of pathogens after administration of antibiotics was similar.

[Comparative studies on activities of antimicrobial agents against causative organisms isolated from urinary tract infections (1991). I. Susceptibility distribution]

The frequencies of isolation and susceptibilities to antimicrobial agents were investigated on 751 bacterial strains isolated from patients with urinary tract infections in 11 hospitals during the period of June 1991 to May 1992. Of the above total bacterial isolates, Gram-positive bacteria accounted for 28.6% and a majority of them were Enterococcus faecalis. Gram-negative bacteria accounted for 71.4% and most of them were Escherichia coli. 1. Enterococcus faecalis Ampicillin (ABPC), imipenem (IPM) and vancomycin (VCM) showed the highest activities against E. faecalis isolated from patients with urinary tract infections. The MIC90s of them were 2 micrograms/ml. Piperacillin (PIPC) and chloramphenicol (CP) were also active with the MIC90s of 8 micrograms/ml. The others were not so active with the MIC90s of 32 micrograms/ml or above. 2. Staphylococcus aureus including MRSA Arbekacin (ABK) showed the highest activities against S. aureus isolated from patients with urinary tract infections. Its MIC90 was 0.5 microgram/ml. VCM was also active with its MIC90 of 1 microgram/ml. The others were not so active with the MIC90s of 32 micrograms/ml or above. 3. Citrobacter freundii Ciprofloxacin (CPFX) showed the highest activities against C. freundii isolated from patients with urinary tract infections. Its MIC90 was 0.5 microgram/ml. IPM, gentamicin (GM), ABK and norfloxacin (NFLX) were also active with the MIC90s of 1 microgram/ml. Penicillins and cephems were not so active. 4. Enterobacter cloacae IPM showed the highest activities against E. cloacae isolated from patients with urinary tract infections. Its MIC90 was 0.5 microgram/ml. CPFX was also active with the MIC90 of 2 micrograms/ml. Aminoglycosides were active comparatively. The MIC90s of them were 4 micrograms/ml. Penicillins and cephems generally showed lower activities. 5. Escherichia coli IPM and ciprofloxacin (CPFX) showed the highest activities against E. coli isolated from patients with urinary tract infections. The MIC90s of them were 0.125 micrograms/ml or below. Flomoxef (FMOX), cefmenoxime (CMX), cefuzonam (CZON), latamoxef (LMOX), norfloxacin (NFLX) and ofloxacin (OFLX) were also active with the MIC90s of 0.25 microgram/ml. Penicillins except mecillinam (MPC) were not so active showing the MIC90s of 32 micrograms/ml or above. 6. Klebsiella pneumoniae IPM showed the highest activities against K. pneumoniae isolated from patients with urinary tract infections. Its MIC90 was 0.25 microgram/ml. Gentamicin (GM) and arbekacin (ABK) were also active with the MIC90s of 0.5 microgram/ml, respectively. But minocycline (MINO) and penicillins were not so active showing the MIC90s of 32 micrograms/ml or above. 7. Proteus mirabilis Most of the agents were active against P. mirabilis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

[Comparative studies on activities of antimicrobial agents against causative organisms isolated from urinary tract infections (1991). II. Background of patients]

Clinical background was investigated on 632 bacterial strains isolated from patients with urinary tract infections (UTIs) in 11 hospitals during the period from June, 1991 to May, 1992. 1. Distribution of sex, age and infections Among over forties males, the majority was taken by complicated urinary tract infections. Among females, the uncomplicated urinary tract infections was most frequent without a relation of age. 2. Distribution of sex, age and pathogens isolated from UTIs In uncomplicated UTIs, Escherichia coli was most frequently isolated without a relation of age, and next Enterococcus faecalis in over fifties. In complicated UTIs without indwelling catheter, E. coli and E. faecalis were isolated with a frequency of 17.4-26.6%, respectively. In complicated UTIs with indwelling catheter, E. faecalis were most frequently isolated, and next Pseudomonas aeruginosa. 3. Administration of antibiotics and pathogens isolated from UTIs In uncomplicated UTIs, pathogens, after administration of antibiotics, isolated from patients have obviously decreased from 319 to 34 isolates. And also, pathogens of complicated UTIs without indwelling catheter, have decreased from 122 to 49 isolates. However, in complicated UTIs with indwelling catheter, pathogens after or before administration of antibiotics, were not revealed an obvious change. 4. Pathogens and UTIs with or without factor and operation In uncomplicated UTIs with or without factor and operation, E. coli was mainly detected. In complicated UTIs without indwelling catheter and with or without factor and operation, E. faecalis and E. coli were mainly detected. In complicated UTIs with indwelling catheter and with factor and operation, E. faecalis and P. aeruginosa were detected, 24.3% and 22.9%, respectively. Without factor and operation, E. faecalis was detected 18.4%, and next Klebsiella spp. 15.8%. And the distribution of pathogens after administration of antibiotics was similar.

Potent and specific inhibition of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 replication by 4-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)-1,2,5-thiadiazol-3-Y1 N,N-dialkylcarbamate derivatives

4-(2,6-Dichlorophenyl)-1,2,5-thiadiazol-3-yl N,N-dialkylcarbamate (TDA) derivatives were found to be highly potent and specific inhibitors of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) replication in a variety of cell cultures. The most potent congener of TDA derivatives, RD4-2024, inhibited HIV-1 replication by 50% at concentrations of 12.5 and 4.8 nM in MT-4 cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells, respectively. These concentrations were more than 2,000- and 30,000-fold lower than its 50% cytotoxic concentrations, respectively. Although the TDA derivatives were active against 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine-resistant HIV-1, no antiviral activities were observed against HIV-2 and nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor-resistant mutants of HIV-1. The TDA derivatives inhibited recombinant HIV-1 reverse transcriptase activity, depending on the template-primer used for the assay. However, they did not interact with HIV-2 reverse transcriptase. Thus, the TDA derivatives belong to the family of nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Because of their potent anti-HIV-1 activities in vitro and their low levels of toxicity in mice, the TDA derivatives deserve further evaluation as candidate drugs for the treatment of patients with AIDS.

[Comparative studies on activities of antimicrobial agents against causative organisms isolated from urinary tract infections (1990). II. Background of patients]

Clinical background was investigated on 861 bacterial strains isolated from patients with urinary tract infections (UTIs) in 10 hospitals during the period from June, 1990 to May, 1991. 1. Distribution of sex, age and infections: Among over fifties males, the complicated urinary tract infections was most frequent. Among females, the uncomplicated urinary tract infections was most frequent without a relation of age. 2. Distribution of sex, age and pathogens isolated from UTIs: In uncomplicated UTIs, Escherichia coli was most frequently isolated without a relation of age. In complicated UTIs without indwelling catheter, E. coli and Enterococcus faecalis were isolated with a frequency of 20-30%, respectively. In complicated UTIs with indwelling catheter, Pseudomonas aeruginosa were most frequently isolated, and next E. faecalis. 3. Administration of antibiotics and pathogens isolated from UTIs: In uncomplicated UTIs and complicated UTIs without indwelling catheter, pathogens, after administration of antibiotics, isolated from patients have obviously decreased. In complicated UTIs with indwelling catheter, pathogens, before and after administration of antibiotics, isolated from patients were not decreased. And the distribution of pathogens after administration of antibiotics was similar.

[Comparative studies on activities of antimicrobial agents against causative organisms isolated from urinary tract infections (1990). III. Secular changes in susceptibility]

Susceptibilities of Enterococcus faecalis, Citrobacter spp., Enterobacter spp., Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia spp. isolated from patients with urinary tract infections (UTIs) in 10 hospitals during June 1990 to May 1991 to various antimicrobial agents were compared with those in the same period of previous years according to a classification, uncomplicated UTIs, complicated UTIs without indwelling catheter, and complicated UTIs with indwelling catheter. The susceptibilities of E. faecalis to minocycline (MINO) and ofloxacin (OFLX) has decreased. As for Citrobacter spp., Enterobacter spp. and P. mirabilis, which were detected very few in 1989 and 1990, their susceptibilities were not observed an obvious change. The susceptibilities of E. coli to MINO was observed a very clear alteration, that is, in uncomplicated UTIs and complicated UTIs, the susceptibilities has decreased. However, the susceptibilities of Klebsiella spp., P. aeruginosa and Serratia spp. were not observed an obvious variation.

In vitro antiviral activities of sulfated polysaccharides from a marine microalga (Cochlodinium polykrikoides) against human immunodeficiency virus and other enveloped viruses

A marine microalga, Cochlodinium polykrikoides, produces extracellular sulfated polysaccharides. Isolation and purification of the polysaccharides were accomplished by precipitation with ethanol and Cetavlon, followed by DEAE-cellulose column chromatography (polysaccharides A1 and A2). These polysaccharides, which were homogeneous when analysed by both ultracentrifugal and electrophoretic methods, were composed of mannose, galactose, glucose and uronic acid, together with sulfate groups (S = 7-8% w/w). Both A1 and A2 inhibited the cytopathic effect of influenza virus types A and B in MDCK cells, that of respiratory syncytial virus types A and B in HEp-2 cells, that of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 in MT-4 cells; and, except A1 for herpes simplex virus type 1 and A2 for parainfluenza virus type 2 in HMV-2 cells, the cochlodinium polysaccharides showed no antiviral activity against parainfluenza virus types 2 and 3, measles virus, mumps virus or herpes simplex virus type 1 in HMV-2 cells. No cytotoxicity for host cells was observed with these polysaccharides at a concentration of 100 micrograms ml-1. Inhibitory effects on various viruses were achieved at concentrations that were not markedly inhibitory to the blood coagulation process.

[Comparative studies on activities of antimicrobial agents against causative organisms isolated from urinary tract infections (1990). I. Susceptibility distribution]

The frequencies of isolation and susceptibilities to antimicrobial agents were investigated on 848 bacterial strains isolated from patients with urinary tract infections in 10 hospitals during the period of June 1990 to May 1991. Of the above total bacterial isolates, Gram-positive bacteria accounted for 23.9% and a majority of them were Enterococcus faecalis. Gram-negative bacteria accounted for 76.1% and most of them were Escherichia coli. 1. Enterococcus faecalis: Ampicillin (ABPC), imipenem (IPM) and vancomycin (VCM) showed the highest activities against E. faecalis isolated from patients with urinary tract infections. The MIC90s of them were 2 micrograms/ml. Piperacillin (PIPC) was also active with the MIC90 of 4 micrograms/ml. The others were not so active with the MIC90s of 32 micrograms/ml or above. 2. Staphylococcus aureus: VCM and arbekacin (ABK) showed the highest activities against S. aureus isolated from patients with urinary tract infections. The MIC90s of them were 1 micrograms/ml. The others were not so active with the MIC90s of 32 micrograms/ml or above. 3. Escherichia coli: Cefozopran (CZOP), carumonam (CRMN) and ofloxacin (OFLX) showed the highest activities against E. coli isolated from patients with urinary tract infections. The MIC90s of them were of 0.125 microgram/ml or below. IPM, cefotiam (CTM) and cefmenoxime (CMX) were also active with the MIC90s of 0.25 micrograms/ml. Penicillins were not so active with the MIC90s of 32 micrograms/ml or above. 4. Klebsiella pneumoniae: Flomoxef (FMOX), cefixime (CFIX), CZOP and CRMN showed the highest activities against K. pneumoniae isolated from patients with urinary tract infections. The MIC90s of them were of 0.125 microgram/ml or below. IPM and gentamicin (GM) were also active with the MIC90s of 0.25 microgram/ml and 0.5 microgram/ml, respectively. All other cephems were also active with the MIC90s of 4 micrograms/ml or below. 5. Citrobacter freundii: GM and IPM showed the highest activities against C. freundii isolated from patients with urinary tract infections. The MIC90s of them were 1 microgram/ml. Amikacin (AMK) was also active with the MIC90 of 4 micrograms/ml. The others were not so active. 6. Enterobacter cloacae: IPM and GM showed the highest activities against E. cloacae isolated from patients with urinary tract infections. The MIC90s of them MIC90s of 0.5 microgram/ml. AMK and OFLX were also active with the MIC90s of 4 micrograms/ml. Penicillins and cephems generally showed lower activities. 7. Proteus mirabilis: Most of the agents were active against P. mirabilis. Cephems were generally active with the MIC90s in a range of < or = 0.125 microgram/ml-4 micrograms/ml.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

[Comparative studies on activities of antimicrobial agents against causative organisms isolated from urinary tract infections (1991). III. Secular changes in susceptibility]

Susceptibilities of Enterococcus faecalis, Citrobacter spp., Enterobacter spp., Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Serratia spp. isolated from patients with urinary tract infections (UTIs) in 11 hospitals during June 1991 to May 1992 to various antimicrobial agents were compared with those in the same period of previous years according to a classification, uncomplicated UTIs, complicated UTIs without indwelling catheter, and complicated UTIs with indwelling catheter. The susceptibilities of E. faecalis to cefmenoxime and amikacin has decreased. As for Citrobacter spp., Enterobacter spp., P. mirabilis and Serratia spp., which were detected very few in 1989, 1990 and 1991, their susceptibilities were not observed an obvious change. The susceptibilities of E. coli to minocycline was observed a very clear alteration, that is, in uncomplicated UTIs and complicated UTIs without indwelling catheter, the susceptibilities has decreased. However, the susceptibilities of Klebsiella spp. was not observed an obvious variation. The susceptibilities of P. aeruginosa to quinolones isolated from uncomplicated UTIs has clearly decreased. These data should be considered in clinical treatment of various urinary tract infections.

[Comparative studies on activities of antimicrobial agents against causative organisms isolated from urinary tract infections (1989). I. Susceptibility distribution]

The frequencies of isolation and susceptibilities to antimicrobial agents were investigated on 1,032 bacterial strains isolated from patients with urinary tract infections in 10 hospitals during the period of June 1989 to May 1990. Of the above total bacterial isolates, Gram-positive bacteria accounted for 30.8% and a majority of them were Enterococcus faecalis. Gram-negative bacteria accounted for 69.2% and most of them were Escherichia coli. 1. Enterococcus faecalis Imipenem (IPM) showed the highest activity against E. faecalis isolated from patients with urinary tract infections. The followings, ampicillin (ABPC) and vancomycin (VCM) showed potent activities, with the MIC90S of 2 micrograms/ml. Piperacillin (PIPC), minocycline (MINO) and chloramphenicol (CP) were also active with the MIC90S of 8 micrograms/ml. The others were not so active with the MIC90S of 32 micrograms/ml or above. 2. Staphylococcus aureus VCM showed the highest activity against S. aureus with MIC90 of 1 microgram/ml. Dicloxacillin (MDIPC) and arbekacin (ABK) were active with the MIC90S of 2 micrograms/ml. MINO showed the MIC90 of 4 micrograms/ml. All other agents except ciprofloxacin (CPFX) showed lower activity. 3. Staphylococcus epidermidis MINO showed the highest activity against S. epidermidis. Its MIC90 was 0.25 microgram/ml. The followings, ABK and VCM were also active with the MIC90S of 0.5 microgram/ml, 2 micrograms/ml, respectively. The others except CPFX were not so active. 4. Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) Most of the agents were active against CNS. IPM, ABK and MINO showed the highest activities with the MIC90S of 0.125 microgram/ml or below. MDIPC, cefazolin (CEZ), cefotiam (CTM) and VCM were also active with the MIC90S of 1 microgram/ml. Clindamycin (CLDM) showed lower activity, with the MIC90 of 128 micrograms/ml. 5. Streptococcus agalactiae CEZ, cefuzonam (CZON), IPM and CLDM showed the potent activity, all strains were inhibited at the MIC of 0.125 microgram/ml or below. The followings, cefmenoxime (CMX) and erythromycin (EM) were active with the MIC90S of 0.125 microgram/ml or below. PIPC and VCM were also active with the MIC90S 0.25 microgram/ml and 0.5 microgram/ml, respectively Amikacin (AMK) showed lower activity. Escherichia coli IPM, CTM, flomoxef (FMOX), CMX, carumonam (CRMN), norfloxacin (NFLX), ofloxacin (OFLX) and CPFX showed the highest activities against E. coli. The MIC90S of them were .125 microgram/ml or below. ceftazidime (CAZ) and CZON were also active with the MIC90S of 0.25 microgram/ml. Penicillins except mecillinam (MPC) were not so active showing the MIC90S of 32 micrograms/ml or above. 7. Klebsiella pneuminiae FMOX, CMX, cefixime (CFIX), IPM, CRMN and NFLX showed the highest activities against K. pneumoniae.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

[Comparative studies on activities of antimicrobial agents against causative organisms isolated from urinary tract infections (1989). II. Background of patients]

Clinical background was investigated on 1,197 bacterial strains isolated from patients with urinary tract infections (UTIs) in 10 hospitals during the period from June, 1989 to May, 1990. 1. Distribution of sex and age A majority of female patients with UTIs accounted for a twenties and thirties. The proportion of male patients with UTI has increased with age, accounting for majority in patients 70 years or older. 2. Distribution of infection types and age Most cases among twenties or thirties were uncomplicated UTIs. Fifties and older cases were most frequent in complicated UTIs. 3. Distribution of isolated bacteria and age Escherichia coli was most frequent on the whole, followed by Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus spp. and Klebsiella spp.. E. coli had declined with age, and on the other hand, E. faecalis and P. aeruginosa had increased with age. 4. Administration of antibiotics and pathogens isolated from UTIs. In uncomplicated UTIs, pathogens, after administration of antibiotics, isolated from patients have obviously decreased from 439 to 4. Before an administration of antibiotics, E. coli was mainly detected, but after an administration of antibiotics, E. coli has decreased into two strains. After administration of antibiotics, pathogens of complicated UTIs, without indwelling catheter, have decreased from 324 to 19: E. coli has decreased from 86 to 2, but E. faecalis, Staphylococcus spp., Enterobacter spp. and P. aeruginosa have increased. Pathogens of complicated UTIs with indwelling catheter, have decreased from 156 to 14 after administration of antibiotics, and mainly isolated pathogens were E. faecalis and P. aeruginosa.

[Comparative studies on activities of antimicrobial agents against causative organisms isolated from urinary tract infections (1989). III. Secular changes in susceptibility]

Susceptibilities of Citrobacter spp., Enterobacter spp., Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia spp. isolated from patients with urinary tract infections (UTIs) in 10 hospitals during June 1989 to May 1990 to various antimicrobial agents were compared with those in the same period of previous years according to a classification, uncomplicated UTIs, complicated UTIs without indwelling catheter, and complicated UTIs with indwelling catheter. As for Citrobacter spp., P. mirabilis and Serratia spp., which were detected very few in 1989, their susceptibilities were not observed an obvious change. As for Enterobacter spp., the susceptible strains to flomoxef, cefixime, cefuzonam and ceftazidime increased in complicated UTIs with indwelling catheter. The susceptibilities of E. coli to penicillins increased slightly in complicated UTIs with indwelling catheter. Against Klebsiella spp., a good activity of minocycline or cephems was found. The susceptibilities of P. aeruginosa to ciprofloxacin and new quinolones increased in uncomplicated UTIs. These data should be considered in clinical treatment of various urinary tract infections.

Inhibitory effect of pyridobenzazoles on virus replication in vitro

Twelve species of pyridobenzazoles and pyrimidobenzimidazole were examined as inhibitors of the replication of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in HeLa cells. From the pyridobenzazoles studied, 2-benzamido-4-cyano-1-oxo-1H,5H-pyrido[1,2-alpha]benzimidazol emerged as a potent inhibitor of the RSV. Based on its inhibitory effect on the cytopathogenicity of the RSV in HeLa cells, the 50% effective dose was found to be 0.95 micrograms/ml. The cytotoxicity of this compound for HeLa cells was examined by monitoring the incorporation of radiolabeled uridine into cellular RNA. The selectivity index was ca. 30, the same as Virazole.

Synthesis and antiviral activity of 6-benzyl analogs of 1-[(2-hydroxyethoxy)methyl]-6-(phenylthio)thymine (HEPT) as potent and selective anti-HIV-1 agents

Several 6-benzyl analogs of 1-[(2-hydroxyethoxy)methyl]-6-(phenylthio)thymine (1; HEPT) were synthesized and evaluated for their anti-HIV-1 activity. LDA (lithium diisopropylamide) lithiation of 5-ethyluracil derivatives 7 and 8 and subsequent reaction with an aryl aldehyde gave 6-(arylhydroxymethyl)-5-ethyluracil derivatives 9-12. 6-(Arylhydroxymethyl)-5-isopropyluracil derivatives 15-18 were prepared from the 5-isopropyl-2-thiouracil derivatives 13 and 14 by the above procedure following oxidative hydrolysis of the thione. Preparation of the target 5-alkyl-1-(alkoxymethyl)-6-benzyluracil derivatives 27-34 was carried out by acetylation of 9-14 followed by Pd-catalyzed hydrogenolysis. The 1-butyl- (37 and 39) and 1-(2-methoxyl)- (38 and 40) 5-alkyl-6-benzyluracils were synthesized by 1-alkylation of the 3-phenacyl derivatives 35 and 36 with alkyl halides followed by deprotection of the 3-phenacyl group. Compounds synthesized in this study inhibited HIV-1 replication in MT-4 cells in the submicromolar to namomolar concentration range. From this series of compounds, 6-benzyl-1-(ethoxymethyl)-5-isopropyluracil (33) was selected for clinical evaluation.

A screening system for antiviral compounds against herpes simplex virus type 1 using the MTT method with L929 cells

We developed the improved MTT assay system for in vitro evaluation of anti-HSV-1 agents using L929 cells derived from mouse connective tissue. This assay system provides results in 4 days using a 96-well microplate. The EC50 values of several anti-HSV agents (ACV, BVaraU, and others) were found to be similar to those obtained by the plaque reduction method using MRC-5 cells. The present MTT assay is rapid, accurate, and may be useful as an automatic screening system for evaluation of anti-HSV-1 compounds.

[Desensitization immunotherapy on patients with mite-positive bronchial asthma using purified mite feces antigen fractions]

At present, we are performing desensitization immunotherapy on patients with mite-positive bronchial asthma using purified mite feces antigen fractions. We obtained the following results in 13 patients 4 to 12 months after the start of treatment. 1) The fraction showing the maximum reaction in the skin test was HM1-2 (molecular weight: 150-155 kD) in two patients, HM2 (30-40 kD) in nine patients and HM3 (10-20 kD) in two patients, and immunotherapy was performed using these fractions. None of the patients showed the maximum skin reactions or was treated with HM4 (less than 10 kD). 2) In nine patients with perennial asthma, the effects of treatment were excellent in four and moderate in three, while two cases remained unchanged. In four patients with seasonal asthma, the treatment was effective in all cases. 3) In patients in whom immunotherapy was effective, specific IgG antibody increased after the treatment, but it did not increase in the unchanged cases. Among the subclasses of specific IgG antibody increased by the treatment, no clear changes were seen in IgG4 antibody and no conclusion has been reached at present. 4) None of the patients had definite adverse reactions such as the occurrence of asthma attacks or anaphylaxis. These results suggested that purified mite feces antigens are safe and effective. We plan to continue this study with more patients in the future.

Immunochemical characterization of recombinant and native tropomyosins as a new allergen from the house dust mite, Dermatophagoides farinae

BACKGROUND

Two predominant mite species, Dermatophagoides farinae and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, are responsible for the immediate hypersensitivity reaction. Although a large number of antigens and allergens was detected in a whole mite culture extract, only the major allergens of Der I and II groups have been extensively studied. Much information on other important allergens remains to be accumulated.

METHODS

A new allergen complementary DNA (cDNA) clone was isolated from a D. farinae protein cDNA library. The expression product of the cDNA and native tropomyosin from D. farinae were purified, characterized, and evaluated.

RESULTS

An amino acid sequence deduced from the cDNA clone revealed significant homology with tropomyosins conserved in a wide range of animals. The amino acid sequences of two fragments obtained by degradation of the purified protein with cyanogen bromide coincided completely with the corresponding portions of the deduced amino acid sequence. The native tropomyosin reacted with specific IgE in the 31 sera tested at a high frequency (80.6%), comparable to that of Der f I (90.3%) and Der f II (74.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

The cloned cDNA encodes tropomyosin. The high binding response of specific IgE antibodies to recombinant and native tropomyosins demonstrates that mite tropomyosin is an additional important allergen in house dust mite.

Analysis of mutations in the thymidine kinase gene of varicella zoster virus associated with resistance to 5-iodo-2'-deoxyuridine and 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine

We have analyzed mutations in the thymidine kinase (TK) gene of varicella zoster virus (VZV) which showed resistance to 5-iodo-2'-deoxyuridine (IDU) and 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrDU). Through sequencing of the TK gene, we found three amino acids were exchanged (41 Asn-->Ser, 266 Cys-->Ile, 288 Ser-->Leu). These mutations were not located at either the nucleoside- or the ATP-binding site. This result suggests that the resistance to IDU and BrDU in this particular strain is due to the change in conformation of TK rather than the replacement of amino acids in the binding sites.

High-molecular-size mite allergens with high carbohydrate content in mite extract containing mite feces of Dermatophagoides farinae

A series of mite allergens with high carbohydrate content was fractionated from mite extract containing mite feces by ultrafiltration, and successive chromatography on Ultrogel AcA 54, Sepharose CL-6B, and DEAE Toyopearl 650S. The final fractions isolated were termed HM1-2-Eff, -0.1A, -0.1B, -0.3A, -0.3B, and -1M according to the eluted salt concentration. These six fractions were stained weakly with Coomassie Brilliant Blue but strongly with periodate-Schiff's reagent on SDS-PAGE. Their molecular weight were estimated to be 150-155 KD on Sepharose CL-6B. All of these six fractions provoked strong erythema in skin of mite-sensitive and asthmatic patients. HM1-2-Eff, -0.1A, -0.1B and -0.3B reacted with 73% of mite-sensitive patients' IgE by the nitrocellulose dot blotting. One ng/ml of 4 fractions (HM1-2-0.1A, 0.3A, 0.3B and -1M) released histamine from mite allergic patient's blood cells. HM1-2-0.3A induced proliferation of T cell from immunized mouse by mite extract containing mite feces (Dff).