Jon A. Green

Circulating activated (DR-positive) T lymphocytes in a patient with autoeczematization

A patient with classical hypostatic dermatitis-related autoeczematization was found to have an elevated ratio of helper to suppressor T lymphocytes and increased circulating activated T cells in the absence of detectable levels of circulating interferon. Despite the high levels of activated T cells, peripheral blood mononuclear leukocytes did not produce interferon spontaneously in culture. These findings suggest that autoeczematization is a form of cell-mediated autoimmunity and that activated T cells and interferon production may be unrelated in vivo.

Favorable outcome of central nervous system toxoplasmosis occurring in a patient with untreated Hodgkin's disease

The current report describes severe, multi‐focal central nervous system (CNS) toxoplasmosis in a patient with untreated Hodgkins disease. Anti‐toxoplasma therapy was associated with prompt clinical improvement, and as such may represent the first successfully treated case of global CNS‐toxoplasmosis occurring in a person with histologically documented lymphoma. Previously, CNS‐toxoplasmosis has been noted to complicate lymphomas after initiation of anti‐neoplastic therapy. The occurrence of disseminated toxoplasmosis prior to anti‐neoplastic therapy is unique and suggests that lymphoma per se is a predisposing factor. Cancer 45:808‐810, 1980.

Non-gonococcal ophthalmitis associated with erythromycin ointment prophylaxis of gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum.

Substitution of erythromycin ointment for silver nitrate in the prophylaxis of gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum (GON) was accompanied by eight infections in 749 (1.1%) well-born and 21 infections in 285 (7.4%) intensive care infants during an eight-month period. This was significantly higher than previous rates of ophthalmitis during the use of silver nitrate, 0.3% (5/1877) and 2.1% (19/904) for well and intensive care infants, (P less than 0.01). Multiple bacteria were isolated, polymicrobial infection occurred frequently and the pattern of bacterial isolates did not favor cross-contamination between infants. Observation suggested the frequent unintentional introduction of ungloved fingers into neonatal eyes during attempts to insert erythromycin ointment. Replacement of ophthalmic ointment with a liquid tetracycline preparation resulted in a decrease in non-gonococcal ophthalmitis to rates similar to the baseline period 8/997 (0.8%) for both nurseries. The increased number of infections appear related to the ointment vehicle, difficulty in its application and the mechanical introduction of bacteria. It is inferred that appropriate application of liquid medication also reduced the risk of inadequate prophylaxis.

Long Survival without Zidovudine in the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

Excerpt To the Editor:A 1986 placebo-controlled clinical trial (1) showed decreased mortality in patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) who received zidovudine (AZT) for 24 wee...

Induced Regional Differences in Cutaneous Cell-Mediated Immunity in the Mouse

Single applications of 1-fluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (DNFB) or oxazolone to one ear of a mouse resulted in brisk local cell-mediated immunity (CMI) upon antigenic rechallenge of the same ear. However, only a minimal CMI reaction occurred when the other ear was treated with antigen. The relative unresponsiveness of the contralateral ear persisted for periods as long as 14 weeks. The depressed CMI of the contralateral ear was eliminated when cyclophosphamide was given prior to initial antigenic exposure, and therefore, appeared to be mediated by suppressor cells. These observations indicate that regional variations in the intensity of cutaneous CMI can be induced in mice. The significance of these observations is discussed.

Interferon and Respiratory Syncytial Virus

Excerpt To the editor: Interferons are naturally occurring antiviral proteins that are rapidly produced during acute viral infections and provide an important host defense before the appearance of ...