Search

A case of type 2 neonatal herpes simplex encephalitis is presented. The mechanism of infection is discussed in view of the fact that the firstborn identical twin was unaffected. Longer exposure to the virus during delivery is proposed as an explanation for the involvement of only the secondborn twin.

A human uveal melanocyte-derived cell line (U1I) is described. The cell line has a doubling time of 27.2 hr, a plating efficiency on plastic surfaces of 10%, and a cloning efficiency in soft agar of < 0.1%. U1I displays marked chromosomal aneuploidy and sensitivity to ultraviolet light. Biochemical studies indicate the presence of tyrosinase, which is stimulated by several compounds, including theophylline, progesterone, and nerve growth factor.

A review of the records of 21 children with the hemolytic-uremic syndrome seen between 1967 and 1972 revealed a tendency for cases to occur predominantly during the late summer months. Nineteen of these children were studied serologically for evidence of associated infection with coxsackie B viruses, and such evidence was found in 15 (79%) of these patients. Coxsackie B viruses were isolated concomitantly from two of the patients.

The prevalence rates of serum hepatitis B surface antigen (HB s Ag) and antibody to HB s Ag (anti-HB s ) were 5.6% and 34% in 144 homosexual men in Seattle. Prevalence rates were only 0.9% and 3.6% in 111 heterosexual male venereal disease clinic patients with nongonococcal urethritis, and also 0.9% and 3.6% in 111 healthy men undergoing routine physical examinations. Thus, previous exposure to hepatitis B virus (HBV) was estimated to be 8.8 times greater for homosexual men than for heterosexual men. Four of four HB s Ag positive sera from homosexual men were subtyped as "ad," whereas subtype "ay" is preponderant in intravenous drug abusers. Future public health measures to control HBV infection should address the prevention of sexually transmitted HBV infection among homosexual men. ( JAMA 238:2625-2626, 1977)

To the Editor.— Two articles and an editorial in the Feb 27 issue ofThe Journal 1-3 establish the existence of toxic shock syndrome as a complication of influenza. They also, at least partially, verify the hypothesis that epidemic influenza accompanied by superinfection with noninvasive, toxigenic strains of staphylococci was the explanation for the plague of Athens of 430 to 427 BC. We have proposed the term Thucydides syndrome for this disease. 4 Certain clinical differences exist between the modern cases thus far described and those that occurred in ancient Attica. We believe that these differences can be readily explained in a manner wholly consonant with the known clinical manifestations produced by various staphylococcal exotoxins. The recent cases follow closely the rather rigid diagnostic criteria first described by Todd et al 5 and codified by the Centers for Disease Control. These include the rapid onset of hypotension, scarlatiniform rash followed