[Influence of topical fluoridation of glass ionomer cements on inhibitory activity on cariogenic bacteria]

Glass ionomer cements are important options in restorative and preventive dentistry due to their adhesion to the tooth surface and fluoride release, which can decrease the risk of recurrent caries. The aim of this study was to define, in vivo, the influence of the topical use of fluoride gel on dental plaque bacteria growing on the glass ionomer cement. Fifteen patients were included into this study. Thirty five class V restorations from the glass ionomer cement (Ketac Molar Aplicap, ESPE Germany) were placed in the patient's one half of the lower jaw. The sound enamel of other side of the lower jaw was treated as a control. After 6 month 72 old dental plaque was collected from the surfaces of restorations and the surfaces of the sound enamel. Total amount of 30 dental plaque samples were investigated according to the previously described method (17). In dental plaque samples the amount of Streptococcus mutans was calculated at the Department of Microbiology, Medical University of Lódź. Next the topical application of fluoride gel (Fluormex) was performed on the surfaces of glass ionomer (Ketac Molar) fillings and the sound enamel. The patients were asked not to clean the teeth for 72 h. After this time the dental plaque was again collected from the surfaces of restorations and sound enamel. Statistical analysis of collected data was accomplished and showed no statistically significant differences in the amount of Streptococcus mutans both on Ketac Molar and the enamel before and after the topical use of fluoride gel. It was concluded that the topical fluoridation of glass ionomer cement did not affect Streptococcus mutans growing in dental plaque.

[Microorganisms isolated from healthy newborns in the first and third twenty-four hours]

From forty healthy newborns of The Neonatology Ward of H.Jordan Hospital in Lodz, skin and nasal septum-swabs have been sampled immediately after the delivery. Whereas, in the third twenty-four hours of their lives, apart from skin and nasal septum-swabs, it has been sampled also faeces-swabs. The aim of the examination was to establish time of bacterial colonization and kinds of microorganisms responsible for that colonization after children's delivery. Two hundred clinic samples have been entirely taken to microbiological examination. It has been received 119 positive inoculations; 186 Gram-positive bacteria strains as well as 38 strains belonging to Enterobacteriaceae family have been cultured from healthy newborns. Eleven strains of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus have been isolated--each from the skin and the nasal septum, during the first twenty-four hours, eight strains from skin in the third twenty-four hours as well as one from the nasal septum in the third twenty four hours. The results gathered on the basis of the study, allow to conclude that healthy newborns as early as in their first twenty four hours are influenced both by the physiological bacterial flora and pathogenic microorganism that can be an ethiological factor of hospital infection.

[Influence of the fluoride releasing dental materials on the bacterial flora of dental plaque]

The assessment of influence of silver-free, fluor releasing dental materials on dental plaque bacteria quantity. 17 patients were included into the study. 51 restorations were placed following manufacturers recommendations. Following materials were used: conventional glassionomer Ketac-Molar ESPE, resin modified glassionomer Fuji II LC GC and fluor containing composite Charisma Heraeus Kulzer Class V restorations were placed in following teeth of upper and lower jaw: canines, first bicuspids, second bicuspids. Sound enamel was a control. After 10 weeks the 72 hours old dental plaque was collected from surface of restorations and control using sterile probe. Total amount of 68 dental plaques were investigated. Each plaque was placed on scaled and sterile aluminum foil. The moist weight of dental plaque was scaled. Dental plaque was moved into 7 ml 0.85% NaCl solution reduced by cystein chlorine hydrogen and disintegrated by ultrasounds (power:100 Watt, wave amplitude: 5 micorm). The suspension of dental plaque was serially diluted from 10(-4) to 10(-5) in sterile 0,85% NaCl solution, and seeded with amount of 0.1 ml on appropriate base. In dental plaque trials the amount of cariogenic bacteria was calculated--Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus, Lactobacillus, Veillonella and Neisseria, and also total amount of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria was measured. Microbiologic studies were performed in Institute of Microbiology, Medical University, Łódź. Statistical analysis of collected data was accomplished. In 72 hours old dental plaques collected from the surfaces of Ketac -Molar, Fuji II LC, Charisma after 10 weeks since being placed into the class V cavity, results show no statistically significant differences in the amount of Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus spp., Lactobacillus spp., Veillonella spp., Neisseria spp, in total amount of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and in the quantity proportion of Streptococcus mutans versus Streptococcus spp. in comparison with control trail. Results show no statistically significant differences in the amount of listed above bacteria and in the proportion of Streptococcus mutans versus Streptococcus spp. in 72 hours old dental plaques collected from surfaces of investigated restorative materials.

[Prevalence IgG antibodies against Bartonella henselae in children with lymphadenopathy]

Bartonella henselae is a cat scratch disease's etiological agent which is usually manifestated as regional lymphadenopathy. In differential diagnosis of lymphadenopathy infections about etiology B. henselae are rarely taken into consideration. Enlargement of lymph nodes observed in children more often than in adults are caused by bacterial, virus or parasitic factors. In this study immunoglobulines G class antibodies to B. henselae were determined among children with limphadenopathy. At 53 children with recognized lymphadenopathy IgG antibodies were determined by indirect immunofluoroscence method specific for B. henselae. Of the 53 subjects examined, positive results were got at 29 (55%) children. Of the 23 children with negative results of IgG antibodies in 9 children study was repeated. In 5 (56%) cases the increase of IgG antibodies were shown with relation to the first research. The cat scratch disease should be considered as a cause of lymphadenopathy at children because the frequency of occurance of antibodies IgG specific for B. henselae is high. In case of getting negative results, participation of B. henselae should not be out of question in limphadenopathy etiology at children and second determination should be repeted after 10-21 days since the first one.

An in vitro Study of Affected Dentin as a Risk Factor for the Development of Secondary Caries

The objective of the study was to investigate the association between the presence of residual caries (inner affected dentin) on the cavity walls of cavity preparations and the further development of secondary caries lesions. Two 2 x 5 x 2 mm cavities, one in the apical portion (A) and one in the cervical portion (C) of the root, were prepared on both the lingual (L) and buccal (B) surfaces of 18 extracted human roots. The apical cavities (AB and AL) were artificially demineralized for 30 min using a decalcifying solution, followed by staining with a caries detector dye and then excavation of irreversibly demineralized dentin, leaving behind a layer of inner carious dentin. The cervical cavities (CB and CL) remained intact with sound dentin on the cavity walls. All cavities were then restored with composite resin. Following restoration, lingual specimens (AL and CL) were completely covered by an acid-resistant varnish to prevent further demineralization. All specimens were then incubated in an in vitro microbial artificial mouth model for 3 days in order to develop secondary carious lesions. At the end of the study all specimens were processed for energy-dispersive X-ray analysis of Ca concentration adjacent to the border between dentin and restoration. Statistical analysis of Ca concentrations revealed that the presence of affected inner dentin does not increase the susceptibility to secondary caries. Therefore, it was concluded that conservative cavity preparations leaving behind affected dentin do not increase the risk of secondary caries development.

[Correlation between levels of selected cytokines in cervico-vaginal fluid of women with abnormal vaginal bacterial flora]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the rise of the levels of proinflammatory cytokines - IL-1alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6 and IL-8 in vagina of women with bacterial vaginosis (BV) and if there is any relationship between this levels. One hundred and twenty females between 22nd and 36th week of pregnancy were enrolled in the study. According to the bacterial flora of cervico-vaginal fluid evaluated by Gram stain, all women were divided into three groups. Group I (53 females; 44.2%)--normal bacterial flora, group II (35 females; 29.2%)--intermediate flora, and group with BV (32 females; 26.6%). The level of IL-1b in women with BV was over twelve times higher than in women from I group (131.35 and 10.6 pg/mL respectively). The next was the level of IL-1alpha--about seven times higher (128.45 vs 19.1 pg/mL) and the levels of IL-6 and IL-8, which were 1.7 times higher (16.2 vs 9.7 pg/mL and 656.7 vs 375.3 pg/mL respectively). Except for IL-6 these differences of levels were statistically significant (p<0.05). The levels of IL-1beta in group of women with BV correlated strongly with levels of IL-1alpha (r=0.72; p<0.0001) and weakly with levels of IL-6 (r=0.31; p=0.017). The correlation coefficient between levels of IL-6 and IL-8 rose gradually in II and BV group and reached levels r=0.575; p=0.0014 and r=0.67; p=0.0009 respectively. Our findings show that in vagina of women with BV the levels of proinflammatory cytokines rise, and that the rise of levels is in certain cases correlated.

[The correlation between the number of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in human oral cavity and the counts of some bacteria]

The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between the number of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) and the number of selected bacteria in human oral cavity. Sixty one healthy people (periodontal index of Russel's did not exceed 0.2), aged 22-26 were investigated. PMNL were isolated by rinsing oral cavity with isotonic, buffered NaCl solution. Nonstimulated whole saliva was bacteriologically examined. The number of PMNL, which was obtained from mouth of examined people was between 100,000 and 4,200,000 in 100 mL of rinsings. Usually, i.e. in 34% of cases, the number was between 500,000-1,000,000. Streptococci were isolated from all tested people and their number was the biggest. Almost in all cases there were isolated cariogenic bacteria--Streptococcus mutans (95%) and lactobacilli (93%). Haemophili, staphylococci, including Staphylococcus aureus, were found relatively often (in 86%, 86% and 52% respectively). Gram-negative enteric rods were rarely isolated (33%) and were the least numerous group of all. It has been stated, that there is a comparatively strong negative correlation between the number of PMNL in oral cavity and the number of streptococci (r=-0.55; p<0.0001), haemophili (r=-0.564; p<0.0001), staphylococci (r=-0.538; p<0.0001), lactobacilli (r=-0.407; p=0.0017) and Streptococcus mutans (r=-0.483; p=0.0002). The results suggest that PMNL are one of the factors controlling the number of some bacteria in human oral cavity.

[Impact of Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum on the concentration of proinflammatory cytokines in vaginal fluid]

The main aim of this study was to determine impact of Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum on the concentrations of selected proinflammatory cytokines in vaginal fluid in pregnant women. The samples were obtained from 120 pregnant women at 22 to 36 weeks gestation. Vaginal fluid were analyzed for the concentrations of IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-6 and IL-8 using standard enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique (ELISA), and cervical fluid for prevalence of Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum. Genital mycoplasmas were diagnosed in 36 of 120 pregnant women (30%), (in 17 of 36 women (47.2%) both M. hominis and U. urealyticum, in 14 women (38.9%) only U. urealyticum, and in 5 cases (13.8%) only M. hominis were diagnosed). Vaginal levels of IL-8 was statistically higher among women with genital mycoplasmas infection, as compared to group without these bacteria (p=0.033), while there was no correlation between IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta and IL-6 concentrations and genital mycoplasmas infection. Future studies should concentrate on evaluation the impact of other lower genital tract bacteria on concentration of IL-8 and other proinflammatory cytokines.

[Comparison of bacterial flora in the oral cavity of children and adults]

The aim of the study was to assess levels of occurrence and number of aerobic bacteria hemolysing and non-hemolysing, anaerobic bacteria, streptococci hemolysing and non-hemolysing, staphylococci, and bacteria responsible for tooth decay (Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus spp.) on oral cavity in children and adults. The results obtained indicate the difference of the level of occurrence of, aerobic bacteria hemolysing and non-hemolysing, anaerobic bacteria, streptococci hemolysing and non-hemolysing, staphylococci, and bacteria responsible for tooth decay (Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus spp.) was not statistically significant in either group. The counts and average values of the counts for aerobic bacteria non-hemolysing, anaerobic bacteria, streptococci hemolysing and non-hemolysing and Streptococcus mutans turned out to be statistically significantly larger in adults than in children. However for aerobic bacteria hemolysing, staphylococci and Lactobacillus spp. the difference of the counts was not statistically significant in either group.

[Diagnostic value of Gram stain for assessment of vaginal smears during pregnancy]

The main aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic value of Giemsa stained method with Gram stained method for the evaluation of vaginal smears among pregnant women. A study population comprised 111 pregnant between 6 and 30 weeks of gestation. The vaginal smears from every subject was diagnosed according to Giemsa and Gram stained method and micro-organisms were isolated by culture. In 29.3% cases diagnosed as normal flora (2a) on the basis of Giemsa method bacterial vaginosis was detected in Gram stains according to Spiegel's criteria and pathological microflora in concentration > or = 10(5) CFU/ml was cultured among 75.9% of them. Among 31.7% women who had grade 3a (abnormal) in Giemsa stains method normal flora was diagnosed on the basis on Gram's method and from 17.1% pregnant women from this group we did not isolated any pathogens. For evaluation of vaginal smears during pregnancy the Giemsa method should be replaced by Gram stained method.

[Advances in microbiological diagnosis of infectious diseases]

Development of new methods in microbiological diagnosis of infectious diseases is described. Particularly methods which are based on techniques DNA microarray, protein microarray and nanotechnology.

[Association between genital mycoplasmas and risk of preterm delivery]

The main aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of maternal colonisation by genital mycoplasmas during pregnancy and to assess its association with preterm delivery. The cervical swabs of 179 pregnant women between 8 and 16 week of gestation were cultured for Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum. Clinical details and perinatal outcomes were documented. Of a total of 179 women enrolled, 68 (38.0%) had positive cervical culture for genital mycoplasmas; 30 (16.7%) for M. hominis and 38 (21.3%) for U. urealyticum. Preterm delivery occurred in 21 (11.7%) women. Genital mycoplasmas were found more frequently in group with preterm delivery as compare to women who delivered at term (p = 0.05) and its presence at lower genital tract at early pregnancy was a risk factor of preterm delivery. Early pregnancy screening for genital mycoplasmas and following treatment may reduce the rate of preterm deliveries.

[The evaluation of prevalence and the impact of pathological microflora of the lower genital tract among women at early pregnancy on the risk of preterm delivery]

The main aim of this prospective study was to determine the prevalence and an association between pathological microflora of the lower genital tract diagnosed at early pregnancy and the risk of preterm delivery. The study group comprised 179 randomly selected pregnant women from Lodz region, between 8 and 16 week of pregnancy. For the qualitative and quantitative assessment of biocenosis of the lower genital tract vaginal and cervical swabs were collected from the pregnant women under study. The C. trachomatis antigen was detected by direct immunofluorescence assay. The vaginal swabs were tested for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Bacterial vaginosis was diagnosed by Gram stain according to Spiegel's criteria. To evaluate the risk factors odds ratios were calculated using EPI INFO software. 21 (11.7%) women delivered before 37th week of pregnancy. Bacterial vaginosis was diagnosed among 51 (28.5%) pregnant women while intermediate microflora was diagnosed by Gram stain in 62 (34.6%) women. The shortest mean gestational age at delivery was noted among women with BV. The rate of preterm delivery in BV group was 15.7% comparing to 9.1% among women with normal microflora. Among women with preterm delivery BV was diagnosed in 38.1% (OR = 1.86). Based on culture results only 84 (46.9%) women had normal microflora at early pregnancy. The pathological culture was associated with slightly increased preterm delivery rate (12.6%) as compare to 10.7% in control group. Positive culture for Bacteroides and Mobiluncus was connected with nonstatistical rise in the risk of preterm delivery. No association between C. trachomatis infection at early pregnancy and elevated risk of preterm delivery was found. Early pregnancy diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis and its treatment should lower the rate of prematurity in Poland.

[Occurrence of bacteria in the mouth from genera of Micrococcus, Kocuria, Nesterenkonia, Kytococcus and Dermacoccus]

The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of different bacteria in the oral cavity. The bacteria were present in the oral cavities of 73 (48.7%) of 150 individuals. Nesterenkonia halobia, the most frequently isolated species, was found in 20 (27%) individuals, Micrococcus luteus in 16 (22%), Kocuria kristinae in 12 (16%), Kocuria varians in 10 (14%), Dermacoccus sedentarius in 9 (12%), Micrococcus lylae in 8 (11%), and Kytococcus nishinomiyaensis in 3 (4%). Mean counts of these microorganisms were relatively low and amounted in log10 CFU/ml saliva for M. luteus 1.87 +/- 0.52, for M. lylae 2.03 +/- 0.39, for N. halobia 2.14 +/- 0.56, for K. kristinae 2.20 +/- 0.69, for K. varians 2.19 +/- 0.67, for K. nishinomiyaensis 1.72 +/- 0.39, and for D. sedentarius 2.27 +/- 0.55. The factor limiting the population sizes of these microorganisms was most probably the antagonistic activity of the bacteria living in oral cavity.

[Diseases caused by hantaviruses]

Hantaviruses are RNA viruses that belong to the genus Hantavirus, family Bunyaviridae. The main reservoir of hantaviruses are rodents. Humans become infected by inhaling particles of dust contaminated with faeces of rodents, that are found In Europe and Asia hantaviruses named: Hantaan, Seoul and Dobrava-Belgrade causing haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) are prevalent. Typical clinical picture of HFRS consists of renal insufficiency (primarily anuria and then polyuria with disturbances of water and electrolytic balance), hypotension, shock and disseminated intravascular coagulation and fibrynolisis (DIC). The mild form of this disease caused by Puumala virus is found in Scandinavia. North and South America are the regions where the prevalence of viruses: Sin Nombre, Black Creek Canal, Bayou, and New York causing hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) has been noted. In the course of this disease non-cardiogenic pulmonary oedema requires immediate hospitalisation at intensive care ward with artificial ventilation. Mortality in HPS due to hypotension, hypoxia and shock ranges up to 40%.

[The presence of staphylococci in the vagina of pregnant women]

We were investigating the colonisation rate as well as the quantity of staphylococci in the vagina of women with physiological and complicated pregnancy. We have found high frequency of staphylococci (coagulase-negative and/or coagulase-positive). Vaginal carriage rate amount 90%. According to our results neither the presence nor the quantity of these microorganisms were related to the presence or the number of lactobacilli, among them to the hydrogen peroxide producing ones. We have also assumed that neither colonisation nor the quantity of staphylococci have any influence on the course of pregnancy.

[Staphylococci and enteric rods in the oral cavity of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia]

The frequency of isolation and the number of staphylococci and Gram-negative enteric rods in saliva were estimated in a group of 48 children of both sexes, aged 4-15 who were in the course of treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The results were compared with the same parameters in a group of 44 healthy children of the same age. Staphylococci (both coagulase-negative and coagulase-positive) were found in the oral cavities of all healthy children and of 91.6% children with ALL. However, the diseased children harbouring staphylococci revealed a significantly higher average number of these bacteria than healthy children; the respective values were 3.59 and 3.02 log CFU/ml of saliva (p = 0.0148). The average number of staphylococci in saliva was in both groups of children in negative correlation with the number of polymorphonuclear granulocytes in blood. Gram-negative enteric rods were present in the oral cavities of 13.6% of healthy children and 33.3% of children with ALL (p = 0.0005), but the counts of these bacteria were comparable. The negative correlation between the number of these bacteria and the number of polymorphonuclear granulocytes in blood was not significant.

[Antagonistic properties of bacterial flora in the mouth and throat of children]

The research concerned the antagonistic activity of oral and pharyngeal bacterial flora in 44 children, of both sexes, aged 4-15. These properties were estimated basing upon in vitro inhibition of the growth of the standard indicator strains Staphylococcus aureus 209P and Escherichia coli K-12. Bacteria, both aerobic as well as anaerobic, inhibiting the growth of S. aureus 209P were found in every sample. The median percentages of bacteria showing these properties were not significantly different in both environments and they ranged from 25% to 33%. The antagonistic activity of oral and pharyngeal bacterial flora against the indicator strain E. coli K-12 was significantly lower when compared with the activity against the staphylococcal strain.

[Some factors influencing the number of staphylococci in the mouth and throat of children]

The relationship between the count of polymorphonuclear granulocytes in blood and also between the percentage of oral and pharyngeal streptococci showing antagonistic activity on the indicator strain Staphylococcus aureus 209P and the number of staphylococci in the oral cavity and pharynx were investigated. The study comprised 92 children, of both sexes, aged 4-15; among them there were 48 children with the decreased number of circulating polymorphonuclear granulocytes due to the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). A statistically significant negative correlation between the number of polymorphonuclear granulocytes in blood and the count of oral and pharyngeal staphylococci (both coagulase-negative and coagulase-positive) in children with ALL as well as in healthy children was revealed. The Pearsons linear correlation coefficients between these parameters were r = -0.364 (p < 0.001) and r = -0.313 (p = 0.019) for the oral cavity and for the pharynx, respectively. The streptococci showing antagonistic activity had only some influence on the count of staphylococci in the oral cavity. The Pearson's linear correlation coefficient between this number and the count of staphylococci in 1 ml of saliva was r = -0.382 (p < 0.001).

[Quantitative changes of bacterial flora from the oral cavity and throat in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia]

Quantitative investigations were carried on aerobic and anaerobic bacterial flora of oral cavity and throat in 44 children in the age of 5-10 years with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, intensively treated with cytostatics, and in 23 healthy children which served as a control group. Samples of saliva from leukemic children revealed significantly higher than in control group--presence of aerobic bacteria, particularly streptococci and enterococci. Material from throat was differing only in regard to staphylococci. Moreover, in children with leukemia, Gram-negative rods were present, which was not the case in the control group.

[Influence of antagonistic flora on quantity of staphylococci in the oral cavity]

The study was aimed at establishment, whether in oral cavity co-inhabit bacteria demonstrating antagonistic properties against staphylococci and whether this phenomenon may influence the size of staphylococcal population in this environment. Two locations of bacteria in oral cavity were investigated--saliva and tooth plaque. It was found that total quantity of staphylococci (both coagulase-positive and/or coagulase-negative) in saliva decreases with the age of investigated persons. Mean values amount respectively for children to 3.5 +/- 1.0 log CFU/ml and for adults to 2.9 +/- 0.7 log CFU/ml. This is statistically different (p = 0.0003). Amount of staphylococci in tooth plaques remains generally at the same level and amount to 1.4 +/- 0.6 log CFU/ml. In each tested sample of saliva and tooth plaque, presence of bacteria antagonistic to isolated from a given sample staphylococci, was detected. Among 2-4 year children and in adults, percentages of antagonistic bacteria against coagulase-positive staphylococci were higher than against coagulase-negative strains. Among children aged 5-6 and 11-13 years opposite proportions were found. Statistic analysis confirmed existence of negative correlations, both linear and ranking, between quantity of antagonistic bacteria and amounts of coagulase-positive and coagulase-negative staphylococci in the same tested samples of saliva and tooth plaque. These results suggest that antagonism between bacterial flora of oral cavity and staphylococci, is presenting one of factors limiting the quantity of staphylococci in this environment.

Factors influencing L-asparaginase production by staphylococci

Cultural and nutritional requirements for a maximum synthesis of 1-asparaginase by staphylococci were determined. The best production of the enzyme was found in the stationary phase of growth of a batch culture. The highest 1-asparaginase yield was obtained when the culture were aerated during an exponential phase of growth and further incubated in the stationary phase. Optimum pH for the enzyme production was 7.5. Glucose inhibited the enzyme formation. Maximum yield of 1-asparaginase was obtained when casein hydrolysate and yeast extract were supplied as carbon and nitrogen sources. Repression by 1-asparagine and 1-aspartic acid was absent.