Factors that make difficult the implementation of an integrated leprosy control programme in health zone II, Santa Fe Province, Argentina.

With the help of a pre-tested, structured questionnaire and participatory observation, effects of several variables that have a bearing on the process of integration were studied in Zone II of the Santa Fe Province of Argentina. Patient's knowledge and the presence of an NGO were identified as factors facilitating integration. The presence of a vertical programme staff and insufficient commitment towards integration were identified as factors hindering integration.

Studies of vaccination of persons in close contact with leprosy patients in Argentina.

A total of 670 adults living or working with leprosy patients, were examined for a BCG vaccination scar, and skin-tested with four new tuberculins. Based on the results 513 were vaccinated, 65 with Bacille de Calmette et Guérin (BCG) alone, 66 with BCG plus killed Mycobacterium vaccae and 382 with killed M. vaccae alone.

Lepromatous leprosy treated with recombinant interferon gamma: cutaneous histologic changes.

We report on the histologic changes occurring in single cutaneous lesions, from six active lepromatous patients, 1 week following the administration of three daily intradermal injections, 35 micrograms each, of recombinant interferon gamma (rIFN-gamma). Except for a strong induration at the injection site, rIFN-gamma produced no adverse systemic reactions and was able to promote a remarkable influx of T-lymphocytes, mononuclear phagocytes with large nuclei, nonvacuolated cytoplasm, and reduced lysozyme reactivity. Furthermore, despite no clear-cut reduction of mycobacterial dermal burden, bacilli showed a clear increase in the granular appearance.

Stress effects on gastrointestinal transit in the rat.

Previous investigations of stress effects on gastric emptying, orocaecal, and colonic transit in rats have produced conflicting results. Here one type of stressor, a 'passive avoidance' situation, was used to investigate its effects on gastric emptying, orocaecal and colonic transit. After the rats had been trained to eat a standard amount of semisolid food, gastric emptying was determined (n = 12) by the food remaining in the stomach after various periods of rest, or stress exposure.