Ketoconazole-induced hepatic phospholipidosis in the mouse and its association with de-N-acetyl ketoconazole.

Ketoconazole (KC), an orally effective systemic antifungal agent, has been associated with symptomatic hepatotoxicity with an incidence as low as 1 in 2000. Studies from this laboratory have shown that in the mouse ketoconazole elicit a biphasic effect on drug metabolism and induced phospholipidosis. The pathogenesis of the latter, however, has never been established.

Norwalk-like Viruses Associated With A Gastroenteritis Outbreak Following Oyster Consumption.

In late October 1991, an outbreak of gastroenteritis, following the consumption of raw oysters involving more than 200 people, was reported in five locations in Quebec, Canada. Bacteriological analysis of the oysters involved indicated low levels of fecal coliforms, but direct electron microscopy of stool samples obtained from two people involved in the outbreak revealed that both contained 27-34 nm, small, round Norwalk-like viruses. Immunoelectron microscopy, using acute sera obtained from these individuals and convalescent serum from another person related to the outbreak, revealed antibody coatings on these Norwalk-like viruses with all three sera.

Characteristics of nonpathogenic strains of Listeria monocytogenes.

Five strains of nonpathogenic Listeria monocytogenes were characterized for (i) hemolysin production, (ii) cytolysis of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, and (iii) ability to attach and enter intestine 407 cells. Four of the five strains produced variable hemolysis and were weakly cytolytic for Chinese hamster ovary cells, whereas the other isolate was consistently hemolytic and strongly cytolytic for CHO cells. None of the strains was able to penetrate intestine 407 cells.