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Biomedical subjects

D Spelman

Publications and source records attributed to D Spelman.

12 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1992

Phenotypic variation of Staphylococcus epidermidis isolated from a patient with native valve endocarditis.

Two colonial variants of Staphylococcus epidermidis were isolated from the valvular tissue of a patient with native valve endocarditis. In addition to differing in colonial morphology, the two variants differed in hemolysis on blood-containing media, in adherence capacity, and in the expression of certain enzymes. Under suitable conditions, both variants were themselves capable of phenotypic variation, although they differed in the rate at which variants were generated. The variants yielded identical profiles on restriction endonuclease analysis of plasmid DNA and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis of whole-cell DNA. This report suggests a possible role for phenotypic variation in coagulase-negative staphylococcal virulence. Congo red agar would be an excellent medium for studying the contribution of variation to the virulence of these organisms.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Animal bites and infections.

Animal bites are not a common reason for attendance at a large public hospital casualty department. Victims of bites may more commonly present in general practice. This review of animal bites is adapted from an article in the Alfred Hospital Infectious Diseases Newsletter, which is edited by Dr Denis Spelman, Physician in Bacteriology.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

Human immunodeficiency virus testing.

This article outlines an approach to counselling a patient before a HIV test. Preparing such a patient for the possibility of a positive test, and all it means, is essential. It is also important to discuss with a seronegative patient measures to avoid infection. This feature, which presents the latest information on infectious diseases, is an adaptation of material presented in the Alfred Hospital Infectious Diseases Newsletter, edited by Dr Denis Spelman, Physician in Bacteriology.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1986

Spectrum of HTLV-III infection in a hemophilic cohort treated with blood products from a single manufacturer.

One hundred fifty-eight hemophilia A, B, and von Willebrand disease (VWD) patients treated with clotting factor concentrates from a single manufacturer were tested for antibody to the human T-lymphotropic virus type III (HTLV-III). Antibody was detected in 63% and 40% of those with severe hemophilia A and B, respectively, 12% and 0% of those with mild hemophilia A and B, and two patients with recessive VWD. Forty-two antibody-positive and 20 antibody-negative patients were studied for clinical and laboratory features of infection. Eleven seropositive patients had clinical signs of infection including Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly or diarrhea; however, only one patient had developed acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), and only two had significant impairment of their performance status. Thirty-one patients remained totally asymptomatic. Eight patients had a history suggestive of acute HTLV-III infection. Thrombocytopenia was observed in 18% of seropositive patients, lymphopenia in 60%, depressed T-helper cells in 43%, reduced T-helper:T-suppressor ratios (TH:TS) in 33%, and elevated platelet-bound immunoglobulin in 53%. The antibody-negative group had normal T-helper cell levels (except one patient) and TH:TS ratios, and normal platelet immunoglobulin levels. Both groups demonstrated a significant elevation of immunoglobulin levels and a high prevalence of antinuclear factor and antismooth muscle antibodies. The mean level of IgG was significantly higher in the antibody-positive group. This study confirms the correlation between HTLV-III infection and reduced T-helper cells in hemophiliacs but demonstrates a low incidence of clinical symptomatology. There was evidence of polyclonal B-cell hyperactivity in the antibody-negative group as well as the seropositive group.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗