Problems of microbial zoonoses in Hungary. (A review).

Hungarian data of 36 zoonotic diseases are summarized. These illnesses cause problems not only for health, public health and veterinary health services but for the society and their importance has increased. Changing character of an old pathogen (Salmonella enteritidis PT4) resulted in new epidemiological situation.

Occurrence of Listeria and listeriosis in Hungary.

Listeriosis is a rare human disease in Hungary. The number of cases is slowly increasing. Only sporadic events have been observed but the occurrence of epidemic listeriosis may be supposed.

Data for the properties of Listeria strains (a review).

It seems that taxonomy of listeriae is in a fluid stage. Between beta-haemolytic property and virulence of these bacteria a strong relationship has been demonstrated. These characters are coded by hlyA gene which seems to belong to a monocistronic unit.

[Problems of listeriosis].

The first human listeriosis case was diagnosed in 1965 in Hungary. Since that time about 90 bacteriologically verified cases have been recognized. The half of the cases occurred in pregnant women and newborns.

beta-D-glucuronidase (BDG) activity of gram-negative bacteria.

BDG is an inducible enzyme that is encoded by the uidA gene in Escherichia coli. Genetic sequences of this gene are present in most if not all E. coli strains regardless of the BDG phenotype.

Meditation of the taxonomy of Listeria.

Listeria monocytogenes was exactly identified and named in 1924. Since then the name and taxonomic position of listeriae have been changed several times. The last classification was performed on the basis of genetic studies and of some biological properties (haemolytic character, virulence and acid production from sugars).

What is the diagnostic value of beta-D-glucuronidase (BDG) activity of bacteria using Fluorocult ECD agar for their cultivation?

A total of 1510 strains from 15 genera of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria were studied. More than 94% of 327 Escherichia coli strains showed beta-D-glucuronidase (BDG) activity. Seventeen serotypes from 170 E.

Model examination of selective media for isolation of Listeria strains.

During the Tenth International Symposium on Listeriosis (Pécs, Hungary, 1988) the Working Party on Culture Media of IUMS-ICFMH suggested comparative examination of nine enrichment broths and nine solid selective media. On the basis of this proposal the following media were studied: LiCl-phenylethanol-moxalactam agar (LPM), polymyxin-acriflavine-LiCl-ceftazidime-aesculin-mannitol agar (PALCAM) No. 1 (home made) and No.

Haematological reactions of rabbits infected intravenously with Listeria strains of different virulence.

Listeria strains of different virulence were injected intravenously into rabbits of both sexes (2-4 kg). The infectious dose was 10(8) cells/kg. Blood samples were taken from the ear wein one day and immediately before the infection, then 3 h, 1, 2, 3, 6 and 10 days after it.

Differentiation of Listeria and Streptococcus strains.

Colonial morphology of non-beta haemolytic Listeria strains is frequently similar to that of non-haemolytic streptococci. Biochemical characteristics, motility, haemolysis on ox blood agar, growth on Clauberg, selective streptococcus (Si) and Mitis-Salivarius agar medium, CAMP test, serological behaviour of 16 Listeria strains were studied and the results were compared with the properties of Streptococcus strains. Microscopic morphology, motility and catalase activity are useful for distinguishing these strains.

Computer analysis of some bacteriological, biological and physiochemical parameters of the coastal water of Lake Balaton.

Some 61 coastal water samples were taken at four definite points of Balaton Lake. Seventeen parameters of each sample characterizing the quality of the water were studied by means of multiple correlation and regression analysis, one-way variance analysis and by factor analysis with the help of BMD computer program. Uni- and multilateral relationships could be observed among the single parameters.

Comparison of Listeria serotypes and phage types isolated from sheep, other animals and humans.

A total of 814 different faecal, nasal, vaginal and milk samples of 50 healthy cotted sheep was investigated for Listeria during an epidemic-free summer season. Forty ewes and 5 tegs excreted Listeria strains; 18.1% of all samples were positive.