Search

Objective: Elucidation and identification of the molecular biological alteration in the arginine-vasopressin neurophysin II AVP-NPII gene in a family with familial neurohypophysial diabetes insipidus (FNDI)., Design: Descriptive., Methods: Following the finding of diabetes insipidus in a 2-year-old boy and his father a molecular genetic investigation was performed in the Isala Klinieken, Sophia location, in Zwolle, the Netherlands, to determine the nature of a possible gene mutation. Thereafter the AVP-NPII gene was screened in the family with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction enzyme analysis on DNA isolated from peripheral blood. An extensive pedigree was made., Results: A new mutation in the AVP-NPII gene was identified in the part encoding the transport peptide neurophysin II. in exon 3, on codon 116, in which thymine was replaced by guanine, leading to the amino acid glycine instead of cysteine in the gene product., Conclusion: In a Dutch family with familial neurohypophysial diabetes insipidus a new gene mutation was found (CysII6Gly). Clarification of the molecular background of FNDI in this family made it possible to test family members in a relatively simple and friendly way (without the thirsting test) by PCR and restriction enzyme analysis for the presence of the mutation and the predisposition for diabetes insipidus.

A review is presented of yeast and mould infections occurring in humans in the Netherlands. The occurrence of the dermatophytes Trichophyton rubrum and T. mentagrophytes tends to increase, while Microsporum canis and particularly Epidermophyton floccosum have become less common. The yeast Candida glabrata is particularly often involved in infections of the urinary tract. Candida krusei, C. parapsilosis and C. tropicalis have become less significant. Remarkable differences are found between the spectra of Aspergillus species causing infections in lungs and in ears; an entirely different pathogenesis is to be presumed. The number of systemic mycoses in the Netherlands is underestimated. The possibility of hundreds of cases each year cannot be excluded.

A study was performed to compare the use of capacitive impedance measurement with EEC 4-plate method for the detection of antibacterial residues. Urine, meat, kidney and spleen were the matrices used in the impedance measurement. Meat was used in the EEC 4-plate method. Capacitive impedance measurement is quick, relatively simple, and reliable method, in which objective interpretation of the test results is guaranteed by automatic apparatus. Using meat and kidney as matrices, the test appears to be an efficient screening test for export meat and edible offal. As far as domestic Meat Inspection legislation is concerned, the test described may provide more specific information than the methods presently in use.

A comparative trial was made by six meat inspection services to attain uniform indications for the 'Bacteriological Examination' of slaughtered animals in accordance with the 'Meat Inspection Regulations' of the Dutch 'Meat Inspection Act'. The results of the study compelled the investigators to scrutinize these regulations. The 'Bacteriological Examination' which is prescribed, is designed to exclude septicaemic animals from human consumption. Applying the rules will result in condemnation of animals harbouring a small number of bacteria which have a minimum significance for the health of consumers, whereas animals harbouring organisms potentially pathogenic for man are overlooked. It is concluded that the 'Meat Inspection Regulations' should be considered.

A historical review of testing for antibacterial residues in slaughtered animals is presented. In recent developments, much attention was paid to microbiological methods. Because of changing views and new possibilities increasing attention is being paid to purely chemical methods of detection. However, so long as chemical multi-purpose methods are not available, there will be a need for microbiological methods. The common misunderstanding that prevention of residues of antibacterial compounds in slaughter animals will contribute to reduction of the problem of bacterial resistance to antibacterial agents, is warned against.