Josephine A. Morello

Cutaneous Abscesses: Anaerobic and Aerobic Bacteriology and Outpatient Management

Specimens from 135 cutaneous abscesses in outpatients were cultured anaerobically and aerobically. Of these, 4% were sterile and 29% yielded pure cultures, predominantly of Staphylococcus aureus. Aerobic species were isolated from all anatomic areas. Anaerobes were found with a frequency comparable to aerobes in all nonperineal areas except the hand. In contrast, abscesses in the perineal region contained a greater variety and frequency of anaerobes. Only two patients were febrile. All abscesses were treated with incision and drainage, and all healed without complication, including those 74% that were treated without adjunctive antibiotics. Primary management of cutaneous abscesses should be incision and drainage. In general, routine culture and antibiotic therapy are not indicated for localized abscesses in patients with presumably normal host defenses.

Diagnosis of measles by fluorescent antibody and culture of nasopharyngeal secretions

An indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFA) was evaluated using commercial mouse anti-measles monoclonal antibody and FITC-labeled goat anti-mouse immunoglobulin. For measles isolation, specimens were inoculated into Rhesus monkey kidney (RMK) cells and, when available, CV-1 cells. 381 specimens were tested by IFA and 408 specimens were cultured from patients suspected of having measles. For the 381 specimens tested by both methods, IFA and culture were positive for 31%, culture alone for 14%, IFA alone for 15%, and both negative for 40%. This study indicates that both IFA and culture are required for maximum measles virus detection. Of the positive specimens, 48% were detected either by IFA only (24%) or culture only (24%). IFA was positive in 69% of the culture-positive specimens and therefore, provided rapid diagnosis for many patients.

Bailey and Scott's Diagnostic Microbiology

This is the second revision by Drs Finegold and Martin of the popular diagnostic microbiology textbook previously authored by R. E. Bailey and E. G. Scott. The current authors have aimed at expanding the books audience to infectious disease physicians, clinical pathologists, public health workers, and nurses. As could be expected, the measure of their success depends on the purpose for which the book will be used by each group. The volume covers all aspects of microbiology, including bacteriology, virology, mycology, parasitology, antimicrobial susceptibility tests, serology, and rapid methods and automation. The material has been brought up to date by adding or expanding material or organisms, disease states, or laboratory procedures that are newly recognized or have become increasingly important. Examples include Legionella, Campylobacter , toxic shock syndrome, and viral diagnosis. Introductory chapters describe laboratory methods for collecting and processing specimens from various body areas and the microorganisms most likely to