cholecalciferol and Streptococcal-Infections

Alloiococcus otitidis is usually detected in children with otitis media (OM) by PCR as it is not often detected by routine culture. Our improved method for its isolation obtained A. otitidis from nearly 50% of 78 children with OM with effusion. The role of A. otitidis in pathogenesis of OM is unclear. This study tested two hypothesis: (1) that fresh isolates of A. otitidis would elicit pro-inflammatory cytokines from THP-1 monocytic cells equivalent to those induced by Streptococcus pneumoniae; (2) priming THP-1 cells with interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) a surrogate for virus infection, would enhance pro-inflammatory responses. Recent clinical isolates of A. otitidis, S. pneumoniae (ATCC 49619) and a blood culture isolate of S. pneumoniae (SP2) were used in the assays. Cytokines were quantified by BioRad bead assay and Luminex 200. IFN-γ priming enhanced cytokine responses. S. pneumoniae ATCC 49619 induced lower responses than SP2 for IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α. A. otitidis LW 27 elicited higher IL-1β and TNF-α responses than either pneumococcal isolate. Small green colony types of A. otitidis induced higher responses than large white colony types for IL-8 and IL-1β. The hypothesis that A. otitidis elicits cytokines observed in middle ear effusions was supported; the need to use recent clinical isolates in studies of pathogenesis was highlighted.

Topics: Carnobacteriaceae; Cell Line; Cell Survival; Child; Cholecalciferol; Cytokines; Disinfectants; Formaldehyde; Humans; Inflammation; Interferon-gamma; Mycoplasma; Otitis Media with Effusion; Streptococcal Infections; Streptococcus pneumoniae; Vitamins

Topics: Adult; Cholecalciferol; Diagnosis, Differential; Humans; Male; Nurse's Role; Patient Education as Topic; Psoriasis; Skin Care; Streptococcal Infections; Streptococcus pyogenes; Tonsillitis; Ultraviolet Therapy

A rat animal model was used to study the ultrastructure of submucosal calcifications induced in the middle ear following inoculation with Streptococcus pyogenes and high doses of parenteral vitamin D3. The morphological changes present in affected animals resembled the classical picture of tympanosclerosis. While calcification occurred about bacterial remnants and myelin structures, the most important calcification centers were lysosomal and non-lysosomal matrix vesicles in the extracellular spaces. These formed band-like calcifications close to the basal membrane without affecting the epithelial layer. This animal model offers the possibility of studying the effect of various therapeutic regimens in the treatment of the dynamic tympanosclerotic process.

Topics: Animals; Calcinosis; Cholecalciferol; Ear, Middle; Epithelium; Microscopy, Electron; Mucous Membrane; Otosclerosis; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Streptococcal Infections; Streptococcus pyogenes