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Background. We compared the results of a serum-based measles immunoglobulin M (IgM) test with results of tests using paired reconstituted dried filter paper blood spot (DBS) samples to assess the feasibility of using DBS samples for measles diagnostic procedures. Methods. We collected 588 paired serum and DBS samples from 349 children aged 8 months through 12 years at Mulago Hospital in Kampala, Uganda; of these samples, 513 (87%) were collected from children with a clinical diagnosis of measles 0-33 days after rash, and 75(13%) were collected from children hospitalized for other reasons. Eluted DBS and serum samples were tested using a commercial measles IgM enzyme immunoassay. Detection of viral RNA was attempted on a subset of 20 DBS by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Results. Among the 513 sample pairs collected from children with measles, the concordances for samples collected during days 0-6 and >1 week after rash were 95.7% and 100%, respectively (P < .01). The relative sensitivity and specificity of the DBS-based assay during the first week were 98.7%and 88.9%, respectively, and the sensitivity and specificity >1 week after rash were 100% and 100%, respectively. Viral RNA was detected in 5 (26%) of 19 DBS samples tested. Among 75 sample pairs collected fromchildren hospitalized for other reasons, concordance was 94.7%. Conclusions. DBS samples are a feasible alternative sample for measles diagnostic procedures in high-incidence settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The suitability of paper-absorbed (PA) fingerstick blood specimens for antibody testing of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) was examined in two populations of intravenous drug users (IVDU): 393 persons from a drop-in counseling and testing clinic and 145 from a methadone treatment clinic. From the first group, the same 66 immunoblot-confirmed enzyme immunoassay (EIA)-positive specimens were identified in sera from venipuncture and parallel fingerstick PA specimens. The latter had slightly higher EIA mean background levels resulting in 10 immunoblot-negative EIA-positive samples versus 6 in the sera group. HIV-1 seroprevalence was 17% of 393 from the drop-in clinic. By category of IVDU, the rates were 34% and 14% for active and recovering IVDU, respectively (P <.001), and 36% in black and Latino compared with 13% in white IVDU (P< .002). Of the 145 participants in the methadone program, 39% had antibody to HIV-1: 49% for blacks and Latinos compared with 30% in whites (P < .01). The data indicate that antibody testing for HIV-1 by PAis equivalent to the serum antibody assay of venipuncture specimens. The fingerstick method appears to have greater use for serosurveysand screening programs because of convenience, safety, and ease of storage, transport, and processing of samples. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Technical innovations for more rapid and cheaper communication have begun to blur the boundaries of professional and other expert fields. This change has greatly widened the market for reliable new medical information, but it has also brought new tensions among authors, journals publishing their papers, and the news media. Does informal publication of new medical information before its appearance in scientific documents injure the interests of authors, journals, and the wider public? The possible answers depend in large part on how physicians should be expected to function in this new age of expanding information and speedier communication. A possible solution for these new problems would be access for all interested parties to journal papers through an on-line system at the point of their acceptance. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The global distribution of a newly described variant of the Plasmodium vivax circumsporozoite (CS) gene was determined by genetic analysis of wild isolates. Whole blood specimens were collected on filter paper from patients infected with P. vivax in South America, West Africa, and the Indian subcontinent. P. vivax DNA was released from the filter paper samples, and the CS gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction and analyzed for genetic variation. Amplified DNA was probed with oligonucleotide probes that hybridize with the predominant CS repeat region (PV210) and the variant CS repeat region (PV247) of P. vivax. The PV247 variant was found in all three geographically diverse areas. In addition, five of six consecutive patients studied had simultaneous infection with both the predominant and variant forms of P. vivax. These findings suggest that a single-epitope vaccine based on the predominant CS domain is unlikely to be protective on even a regional basis. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

To evaluate methods for detection of genital human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA in men, samples were obtained from 3 consecutive groups of 10 men attending a sexually transmitted disease clinic by use of (1) a saline-wetted Dacron swab alone, (2) a saline wetted cytobrush, or (3) emery paper (600A-grit Wetordry Tri-M-ite; 3M) abrasion followed by a saline-wetted Dacron swab. By use of a polymerase chain reaction ­based assay, 45% of emery-paper samples were found to be positive for β-globin, compared with 23% of swab-alone and 0% of cytobrush samples. Subsequently, emery paper and saline-wetted Dacron swabs were used to obtain penile shaft, glans, foreskin, and scrotum samples from 318 male university students. Urine samples were also obtained. Of 1323 samples tested, 1288 (97%) were found to be positive for β-globin. HPV DNA was detected in samples from 104 men (33%): 24% from the penile shaft, 16% from the glans, 28% from the foreskin, 17% from the scrotum, and 6% in urine. The HPV prevalence was similar for circumcised and uncircumcised men. Testing multiple sites increased the number of men for whom HPV DNA was detected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the transmission of influenza viruses via hands and environmental surfaces, the survival of laboratory-grown influenza A and influenza B viruses on various surfaces was studied. Both influenza A and B viruses survived for 24–48 hr on hard, nonporous surfaces such as stainless steel and plastic but survived for <8–12 hr on cloth, paper, and tissues. Measurable quantities of influenza A virus were transferred from stainless steel surfaces to hands for 24 hr and from tissues to hands for up to 15 min. Virus survived on hands for up to 5 min after transfer from the environmental surfaces. These observations suggest that the transmission of virus from donors who are shedding large amounts could occur for 2–8 hr via stainless steel surfaces and for a few minutes via paper tissues. Thus, under conditions of heavy environmental contamination, the transmission of influenza virus via fomites may be possible. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

To test whether nosocomial spread of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) could occur through contact with environmental surfaces contaminated by RSV-infected nasal secretions, survival in the environment of RSV isolated from media, pooled adult secretions, and secretions from hospitalized infants was examined. RSV in freshly obtained infant secretions was recovered from countertops for up to 6 hr, from rubber gloves for up to 1 1/2 hr, from cloth gowns and paper tissue for 30–45 min, and from skin for up to 20 min. RSV in media and pooled secretions survived for slightly longer periods. Further experiments demonstrated that infectious virus could be transferred to hands touching these contaminated surfaces and could be recovered from these hands for up to 25 min. These studies suggest that survival of RSV in the environment of infected infant secretions is sufficient to allow transfer of infectious virus to the hands of hospital personnel. Thus, self-inoculation by contact with contaminated infant secretions may be a potential mode of nosocomial transmission of RSV. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Detection and typing of Plasmodium vivax by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was evaluated in a prospective blinded comparative field study in Thailand. PCR amplification of the circum sporozoite (CS) gene was compared with microscopy for the detection of P. vivax in blood samples from 174 Thai Rangers and 50 malaria-free Bangkok residents. For PCR analysis, filter paper specimens collected by finger prick were randomly processed and blindly interpreted for the presence of the CS gene of P. vivax. The VK210 and VK247 CS variants of P. vivax were detected by specific fluorescein or radiolabeled oligoprobes. Autoradiography with 32P-labeled probes and enhanced chemoluminescent detection with fluorescein-labeled probes identified 91% and 96%, respectively, of 119 microscopically confirmed infections; both systems detected <100 parasites/µL. Compared with microscopy, the specificity of PCR and radiometric or enhanced chemoluminescent detection was 96% and 90%, respectively. The ease of collection and transport of filter-paper specimens combined with the sensitive and specific detection of allelic genes of P. vivax by PCR suggests that this method may prove to be a valuable tool for epidemiologic and heterogeneity studies of P. vivax. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background. We systematically reviewed the evidence for an association between male circumcision and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection and genital warts in men. Methods. PubMed and Embase were searched to 15 September 2010. The measure of effect was the adjusted odds ratio (OR) or rate ratio (RR) when present and the crude estimate otherwise. Random effects meta-analyses were used to calculate summary measures of effect. Results. We identified 23 papers about the association between circumcision and HPV DNA. Circumcised men were less likely to have prevalent genital HPV infection than uncircumcised men (summary OR, 0.57, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.45-0.71) with between-study heterogeneity (P-heterogeneity = 0.006; I22 = 50.5%; 19 studies). Similar summary associations were seen in clinical and methodological subgroups. The effect of circumcision was stronger at the glans/corona (OR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.37-0.60) and urethra (OR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.12- 1.05) compared with sites more distal to the foreskin. There was weak evidence that circumcision was associated with decreased HPV incidence (summary RR, 0.75, 95% CI, 0.57-0.99; 3 studies) and increased HPV clearance (summary RR, 1.33; 95% CI, 0.89-1.98; 3 studies) but no evidence of an association with prevalent genital warts (OR, 0.93, 95% CI, 0.65-1.33; 15 studies). Conclusions. Several countries are expanding access to voluntary medical male circumcision to reduce HIV prevalence. This could provide additional benefit in reducing HPV prevalence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Measles caused mortality in >164,000 children in 2008, with most deaths occurring during outbreaks. Nonetheless, the impact and desirability of conducting measles outbreak response immunization (ORI) in middle- and low-income countries has been controversial. World Health Organization guidelines published in 1999 recommended against ORI in such settings, although recently these guidelines have been reversed for countries with measles mortality reduction goals. Methods. We searched literature published during 1995-2009 for papers reporting on measles outbreaks. Papers identified were reviewed by 2 reviewers to select those that mentioned ORI. World Bank classification of country income was used to identify reports of outbreaks in middle- and low-income countries. Results. We identified a total of 485 articles, of which 461 (95%) were available. Thirty-eight of these papers reported on a total of 38 outbreaks in which ORI was used. ORI had a clear impact in 16 (42%) of these outbreaks. In the remaining outbreaks, we were unable to independently assess the impact of ORI. Conclusions. These findings generally support ORI in middle- and low-income countries. However, the decision to conduct ORI and the nature and extent of the vaccination response need to be made on a case-by-case basis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigates challenges and strategies for laboratory diagnosis of measles in an international setting. Characteristics of an ideal specimen collection method; Assessment of the utilities of oral fluid and filter paper collection methods in supporting measles diagnosis and strain surveillance.

Radioactively labeled enterotoxin genes were used to study the epidemiology of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli infections in two Thai villages. When E. coli that were isolated from 674 specimens were fixed on nitrocellulose paper and examined for hybridization with E. coli enterotoxin gene probes in Bangkok, the technique had a sensitivity of 94% (31 of 33) and a specificity of 100% (641 of 641), when compared with tests of E. coli for enterotoxin production in the Y-1-adrenal cell and suckling-mouse assays. However, when the same specimens were fixed directly onto nitrocellulose paper at a field laboratory and transported to the reference laboratory for assay with the gene probes, 27 specimens that contained enterotoxigenic E. coli did not hybridize with the E. coli gene probes. Enterotoxigenic E. coli that hybridized with the LT, ST-H, and ST-P probes were identified in 10% (17 of 177) of villagers with diarrhea, 7% (8 of 108) of contacts of individuals with diarrhea caused by enterotoxigenic E. coli, and 3% (32 of 1,199) of persons not associated with cases of diarrhea caused by enterotoxigenic E. coli. Enterotoxigenic E. coli that hybridized with the ST-II probe was not a cause of diarrhea. Alternative methods of retaining DNA on filters under field conditions are needed before this technique can be used for direct examination of specimens with enterotoxin gene probes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multidrug-resistant falciparum malaria is increasing in most malaria-endemic areas. Rapid methods for predicting treatment failure would aid management and control of drug-resistant infections. In this study, Plasmodium falciparum DNA clearance was examined by qualitative and semiquantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Thai patients with acute falciparum malaria were prospectively followed by light microscopy and by PCR of P. falciparum DNA eluted from filter paper blood samples. A 206-bp P. falciparum sequence was amplified and detected radiometrically and by high-performance liquid chromatography. Clearance of P.falciparum DNA was significantly delayed in treatment failures compared with that in successfully treated patients (P = .02). Semiquantitative PCR levels did not drop to < 50% of pretreatment levels until day 3 or later in treatment failures compared with day 1 or earlier for successfully treated parasitemia-matched controls (P = .005). These results suggest that qualitative and semiquantitative PCR may be useful as a method for monitoring response to therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study was designed to evaluate factors that affectblood volumes transferred to skin during simulated needlestick injuries in an in vitro paper prefilter model and an ex vivo porcine tissue model. The effect of needle type and size, penetration depth, and glove use on the volume of radiolabeled blood transferred was determined in each model. Blood volumes ranged from 0.47 ± 0.26 µL (30-gauge needle, 0.5-cm depth, in vitro model) to 5.88 ± 1.45 µL (18-gauge needle, 2.0-cm depth, in vitro model). Needle size and penetration depth were significantly associated with transfer volume. Glove material reduced the transferred blood volume by 46%–86% in both models. Transfer volumes were within the same order of magnitude for all conditions. Hence, virus titer in the source blood may be a better predictor of needlestick infectivity than is exposure volume. Regardless, gloves may exert some protective effect and should be worn whenever needles are handled. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Serum samples and filter paper spot samples from 48 adults were assayed in three laboratories for Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma rangeli by ELISA, immunofluorescence (IF), and indirect hemagglutination (HA) in a controlled, blind experiment. IF (serum samples) attained higher levels of comparability necessary for validity than did ELISA (serum samples) in these laboratories. ELISA was inferior to IF and HA (spot samples) in testing for T. cruzi. ELISA was not reliable (intrasubject r = .51) and was not in agreement between two laboratories (K = .09). The experiment indicates that ELISA is not the best choice of assay for T. cruziin epidemiologic surveys. Assays for T. rangeli by ELISA and IF lacked comparability to the extent that those two techniques could not be considered useful for T. rangeli. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

To investigate the transmission of Chlamydia pneumoniae via hands and environmental surfaces, its survival on various surfaces was studied. The organism remained viable on formica countertops for 30 h and in tissue paper for 12 h. Measurable quantities of chlamydiae were transferred from these environmental surfaces to hands. However, titers were low and survival time on hands was limited to 10–15 min. C. pneumoniae survived small particle aerosolization well and was infectious to mice by both direct inoculation and aerosolization. These observations suggest that several mechanisms of transmission of C. pneumoniae are possible, including the transfer of fomites from environmental surfaces with subsequent autoinoculation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Theantibody response to Aspergillus fumigatus proteins was studied by the immunoblot technique in a rabbit model of invasive aspergillosis. Components of an A. fumigatus mycelial homogenate unbound by concanavalin A-Sepharose 4B chromatography were fractionated using SDS-PAGE and transferred to nitrocellulose papers. The protein fraction was probed with serial sera obtained from immunosuppressed or nonimmunosuppressed rabbits inoculated intravenously with saline or gradedinocula of A. fumigatus conidia. Seroconversion against antigens of 41, 54,and 71 kDa was demonstrated in 7 (50%),3 (21%), and 3 (21%) of 14 infected animals that survived ⩾10 days. Antibodies against the three antigens were detected in 4 (12.5%), 19(59%), and 14(44%) of 32 rabbits before immunosuppression or infection. Two-dimensional immuno-blotting revealed that the 41-, 54-, and 71-kDa antigens were derived in denaturing conditions from a single component resolved in nondenaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

[Editors' note—The Editors are pleased to publish the report from the Antimicrobial Agents Committee. Several position papers are being prepared by members of the Committee and will appear in subsequent issues of the Journal.] [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and other manifestations of infection with the human T celllymphotropic virus type III (HTLV-III) have, in the past five years, become a major challenge and concern to the medical profession, public health authorities, and the public at large. This position paper sets forth principles for dealing with many aspects of this disease. The foundation of this paper is the provision of competent and humane care to all patients critically ill with AIDS and AIDS-related conditions. Policies on the education of patients, health care workers, and leaders at all levels of society regarding HTLV-III infection are enunciated. Guidelines for nondiscriminatory antibody screening and policies against the quarantining of HTLV-III-infected persons are included. The paper delineates the moral and ethical responsibilities of physicians to protect, in a manner consistent with protection of the public health, the confidentiality of these patients, and physicians are urged to take a leading role in public education to help reduce transmission of the virus. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Rubella, usually a mild rash illness in children and adults, can cause serious consequences when a pregnant woman is infected, particularly in early pregnancy. These serious consequences include miscarriage, fetal death or an infant born with birth defects (i.e., congenital rubella syndrome (CRS)). The primary purpose for rubella vaccination is the prevention of congenital rubella infection including CRS. Since 1969, several rubella virus vaccines have been licensed for use; however, until the 1990s, use of rubella-containing vaccine (RCV) was limited primarily to developed countries. In 1996, it was estimated that 110,000 infants with CRS were born annually in developing countries. In 2000, the first World Health Organization rubella vaccine position paper was published to guide introduction of RCV in national childhood immunization schedules. From 1996 to 2009, the number of countries that introduced RCV into their national routine childhood immunization programs increased by 57% from 83 countries in 1996 to 130 countries in 2009. In addition, three of the six WHO regions established rubella control and CRS prevention goals: Region of the Americas and Europe rubella elimination by 2010 and 2015, respectively, and Western Pacific Region-accelerated rubella control and CRS prevention by 2015. Also, during this time period, the number of rubella cases reported decreased from 670,894 in 2000 to 121,344 in 2009. Rubella control and prevention of CRS can be accelerated by integrating with current global measles mortality reduction and regional elimination activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Information on measles vaccine effectiveness (VE) is critical to help inform policies for future global measles control goals. Methods. We reviewed results of VE studies published during 1960-2010. Results. Seventy papers with 135 VE point estimates were identified. For a single dose of vaccine administered at 9-11 months of age and ≥12 months, the median VE was 77.0% (interquartile range [IQR], 62%-91%) and 92.0% (IQR, 86%-96%), respectively. When analysis was restricted to include only point estimates for which vaccination history was verified and cases were laboratory confirmed, the median VE was 84.0% (IQR, 72.0%- 95.0%) and 92.5% (IQR, 84.8%-97.0%) when vaccine was received at 9-11 and ≥12 months, respectively. Published VE vary by World Health Organization region, with generally lower estimates in countries belonging to the African and SouthEast Asian Regions. For 2 doses of measles-containing vaccine, compared with no vaccination, the median VE was 94.1% (IQR, 88.3%-98.3%). Conclusions. The VE of the first dose of measles-containing vaccine administered at 9-11 months was lower than what would be expected from serologic evaluations but was higher than expected when administered at ≥12 months. The median VE increased in a subset of articles in which classification bias was reduced through verified vaccination history and laboratory confirmation. In general, 2 doses of measles-containing vaccine provided excellent protection against measles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. High rates of hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission are found in samples of people who inject drugs (PWID) throughout the world. The objective of this paper was to meta-analyze the effects of risk-reduction interventions on HCV seroconversion and identify the most effective intervention types.Methods. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of published and unpublished studies. Eligible studies reported on the association between participation in interventions intended to reduce unsafe drug injection and HCV seroconversion in samples of PWID.Results. The meta-analysis included 26 eligible studies of behavioral interventions, substance-use treatment, syringe access, syringe disinfection, and multicomponent interventions. Interventions using multiple combined strategies reduced risk of seroconversion by 75% (pooled relative risk, .25; 95% confidence interval, .07–.83). Effects of single-method interventions ranged from .6 to 1.6.Conclusions. Interventions using strategies that combined substance-use treatment and support for safe injection were most effective at reducing HCV seroconversion. Determining the effective dose and combination of interventions for specific subgroups of PWID is a research priority. However, our meta-analysis shows that HCV infection can be prevented in PWID. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Presents a follow-up article to the paper "Clindamycin-Associated Colitis Due to a Toxin-Producing Species of Clostridium in Hamsters," by J.G. Bartlett and colleagues in "Journal of Infectious Disease" dated 1977. Background to the previous paper; Summary of studies included; Postscript on highlights of subsequent developments.

Antimicrobial agents are a critical element of the therapeutic armamentarium of modern medicine. How well they are used reflects our ability to treat and prevent infectious diseases. The major consideration for proper usage is to select the optimal agent at the proper dosage. Secondary, but important concerns are to minimize the emergence of resistance and to provide health services at a reasonable cost. The infectious disease community must work in concert with the pharmaceutical industry to achieve these goals. The relations of infectious disease physicians with the industry have been remarkably effective in evaluating and introducing new drugs, however, it is natural that conflicts should arise. Although the overall accomplishments have been outstanding, there is considerable evidence that antimicrobial agents are often abused and used excessively. This paper outlines some of the issues of marketing and the problems inherent in industrysponsored trials. As specialties other than infectious diseases have encountered major difficulties, it is timely that this society adopts a code of ethical conduct for its work with industrial sponsors and takes the initiative in developing programs for education of other physicians in the field of infectious diseases and antimicrobial therapy both in this country and in developing nations. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Analysis of aminoglycoside-resistant Enterobacteriaceae isolated from patients at the Seattle Veterans Administration Medical Center indicated that a single 68-kilobase R factor was responsible for the epidemic spread of low-level resistance to gentamicin, kanamycin, and tobramycin. An examination, by means of the phosphocellulose paper binding assay, of resistant strains carrying this R factor resulted in the identification of a 2″-O-adenyltransferase [ANT(2″)]-modifying enzyme. This enzyme was later detected in strains containing 150-kilobase plasmids. For more convenient monitoring of the dissemination of the ANT(2″) gene among clinical isolates at the medical center, a DNA probe was developed by cloning of the ANT(2″) structural gene from the 68-kilobase R factor into pBR322. A 310-base pair Ava I restriction fragment isolated from the interior of the cloned ANT(2″) gene was radiolabeled and used in Southern hybridization gels as a probe for plasm ids isolated from aminoglycoside-resistant organisms. The probe proved to be highly specific and was more sensitive than enzymologic techniques for detection of the ANT(2″) gene in clinical isolates with complex aminoglycoside resistance phenotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

One hundred fourteen articles published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases in 1982 were evaluated for the occurrence of eight commonly made statistical errors. Seventy-one percent of Original Articles and 50% of presentations in the Data Forum used statistical methods to analyze results. Almost all of the articles that used statistics contained at least one statistical error. The most common inadequacy, which occurred in 95% of the articles with statistical data, was the statement of a probability value without a complete summary of the statistical results. The most common error was the failure to include a correction for multiple comparisons. These results suggest that a more clearly stated statistical policy, a more explicit set of instructions to authors, and closer editorial attention to statistical methodology, perhaps at the prepublication phase, would improve the validity of articles published in the Journal. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The basis of differentiation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa into the 17 serotypes of the International Antigenic Typing Scheme is differences in an outer membrane glycolipid, lipopolysaccharide (LPS). This observation, together with the high toxicity and pyrogenicity of LPS, has led to the search for alternative “common” antigens for use as vaccines. The relation between the major outer membrane proteins of serotype strains was studied in three ways. By demonstrating conservation of outer membrane protein receptors for bacteriophages, a high similarity of outer membrane protein patterns on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) gels, and antigenic cross-reactivity of major outer membrane proteins, it was shown that the major outer membrane proteins were closely related. Radioiodinated antibodies to outer membrane proteins interacted with outer membrane proteins after SDS-PAGE separation and electrophoretic blotting of the separated outer membrane proteins onto nitrocellulose paper. This demonstrated that major outer membrane proteins F, H2, and I were antigenically related in all serotype strains, [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Six five- to eight-year-old multiparous cows were given oral inoculations of sporocysts of Sarcocystis fusiformis five to six and one-half months after field breeding. All cows became ill. Clinical signs of infection included muscle tremors, hypersalivation, reduced consumption of feed, weight loss, excessive shedding of hair, elevated temperature, reduced packed cell volumes and total red blood cell counts, and abortion. One cow aborted on day 41 after inoculation, and another aborted on day 69. A moribund cow was sacrificed, and a norma fetus was found in utero. Two cows did not produce calves; in one of these cows, a fetal skeleton was found in utero at postmortem examination. One cow produced a normal healthy calf. No evidence of congenital transmission of S. fusiformis was found in histologic specimens from the fetuses or the calf. No illness or abortion was observed in any of the 25 uninoculated control cows. This paper is the first report of bovine abortion associated with experimentally induced sarcocystosis. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]