The in vitro isolation of Blastomyces dermatitidis from a woodpile in north central Wisconsin, USA.

Environmental isolations of the dimorphic fungus, Blastomyces dermatitidis, the aetiologic agent of blastomycosis are rare, and have usually involved animal inoculation techniques. We report the in vitro isolation of B. dermatitidis from a woodpile in November 1997, from a private property in a highly endemic area of north central Wisconsin, USA.

Identification of Blastomyces dermatitidis in the stool of a dog with acute pulmonary blastomycosis.

We report the identification of Blastomyces dermatitidis by microscopic examination of a direct faecal smear from a dog with pulmonary blastomycosis. A simultaneously obtained faecal culture grew Blastomyces dermatitidis. The fungus was also cultured from a transtracheal sample from this same dog.

Lessons learned from a mentoring program for teenage mothers.

Purpose: This study evaluated a mentoring program designed to decrease the risk of repeat pregnancy among unmarried primiparous teens, ages 12-19.

Methods: Adolescents (n = 110) completed a battery that assessed sexual/contraceptive behavior; psychological adjustment; and attitudes towards school. Teens were then randomly assigned to a mentor or control group, and reassessed at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months.

Abdominal pain. Chlamydia as culprit.

Chlamydia trachomatis infection in the lower part of the genital tract of young girls and women may ascend to produce endometritis, salpingitis, perihepatitis, and other localized or generalized abdominal diseases. The resultant pain syndromes mimic a number of other common conditions that must be differentiated. A careful history and physical examination, with attention to historical and physical evidence of sexually transmitted disease, will alert the clinician to the possibility of chlamydial infection.

Chlamydia and incidental carcinoid tumor in spontaneous abortion.

Maternal Chlamydia trachomatis infections have been associated with premature rupture of the membranes, preterm labor, premature birth, and fetal wastage. Women with acute infection may be at particular risk. We report the case of an unexplained second trimester spontaneous abortion with serologic evidence of recent infection with C.