Microbiota signalling through MyD88 is necessary for a systemic neutrophilic inflammatory response.

In the present study, we have found that intestinal flora strongly influence peritoneal neutrophilic inflammatory responses to diverse stimuli, including pathogen-derived particles like zymosan and sterile irritant particles like crystals. When germ-free and flora-deficient (antibiotic-treated) mice are challenged with zymosan intraperitoneally, neutrophils are markedly impaired in their ability to extravasate from blood into the peritoneum. In contrast, in these animals, neutrophils can extravasate in response to an intraperitoneal injection of the chemokine, macrophage inflammatory protein 2.

Identification of the cellular sensor that stimulates the inflammatory response to sterile cell death.

Cell death provokes a robust inflammatory response. We have previously shown that this response is dependent on IL-1alpha. In this study, we investigate the cellular mechanism used by a host to sense cell death, produce IL-1alpha and also the role of IL-1beta in this response.

Japanese encephalitis in Sangli district, Maharashtra.

During the months June to December, 1997, 52 cases of suspected viral encephalitis were admitted at the Government Hospital, Sangli. These cases were from the congested areas of Sangli and the adjoining villages. All age groups and both genders were affected.