Margaret Peel - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Margaret Peel

Research paper thumbnail of Chloram-phenicol-resistant Haemophilus inftuenzae

Research paper thumbnail of Studies on the human immune response to tetanus toxoid

Two aspects of the human inriune response to tetanus toxoid were investigated, vis: the kinetics ... more Two aspects of the human inriune response to tetanus toxoid were investigated, vis: the kinetics of the response of pregnant females to tetanus toxoid imnunization with respect to the immunity conferred on their babies; and the in vitro lymphocyte response to tetanus toxoid of reactors to tetanus vaccination. Variables affecting the techniques for measuring the humoral immune response to tetanus toxoid were determined, and a method for antitoxin titration was devised which required only a small volume of serum. Antitoxin determinations in cord sera collected at delivery indicated the relation between timing of tetanus toxoid injections in the mother and the development of an acceptable level of protection in the babies. Analysis of the cord/maternal antitoxin ratios showed that active transport of maternal antitoxin to the foetus can occur, and a possible mechanism for this is discussed. The transplacental passage of tetanus toxoid itself was investigated by the use of an indirect i...

Research paper thumbnail of Pseudomonas paucimobilis from a leg ulcer on a Japanese seaman

Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 1979

Pseudomonas paucimobilis was isolated in pure culture from an ulcer on the leg of a Japanese seam... more Pseudomonas paucimobilis was isolated in pure culture from an ulcer on the leg of a Japanese seaman while in an Australian port. A description of the isolate is given. This may be the first report of a human infection in which this recently characterized species is implicated as a pathogen.

Research paper thumbnail of Corrigendum to: Epidemic poliomyelitis, post-poliomyelitis sequelae and the eradication program

Microbiology Australia, 2020

Epidemics of paralytic poliomyelitis (polio) first emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centur... more Epidemics of paralytic poliomyelitis (polio) first emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the United States and the Scandinavian countries. They continued through the first half of the 20th century becoming global. A major epidemic occurred in Australia in 1951 but significant outbreaks were reported from the late 1930s to 1954. The poliovirus is an enterovirus that is usually transmitted by the faecal–oral route but only one in about 150 infections results in paralysis when the central nervous system is invaded. The Salk inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) became available in Australia in 1956 and the Sabin live attenuated oral polio vaccine (OPV) was introduced in 1966. After decades of stability, many survivors of the earlier epidemics experience late-onset sequelae including post-polio syndrome. The World Health Organization launched the global polio eradication initiative (GPEI) in 1988 based on the easily administered OPV. The GPEI has resulted in a dramatic decrease...

Research paper thumbnail of Epidemic poliomyelitis, post-poliomyelitis sequelae and the eradication program

Microbiology Australia, 2020

Epidemics of paralytic poliomyelitis (polio) first emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centur... more Epidemics of paralytic poliomyelitis (polio) first emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the United States and the Scandinavian countries. They continued through the first half of the 20th century becoming global. A major epidemic occurred in Australia in 1951 but significant outbreaks were reported from the late 1930s to 1954. The poliovirus is an enterovirus that is usually transmitted by the faecal–oral route but only one in about 150 infections results in paralysis when the central nervous system is invaded. The Salk inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) became available in Australia in 1956 and the Sabin live attenuated oral polio vaccine (OPV) was introduced in 1966. After decades of stability, many survivors of the earlier epidemics experience late-onset sequelae including post-polio syndrome. The World Health Organization launched the global polio eradication initiative (GPEI) in 1988 based on the easily administered OPV. The GPEI has resulted in a dramatic decrease...

Research paper thumbnail of Isolation of Lautropia mirabilis from sputa of a cystic fibrosis patient

Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 1997

An aggregate-forming coccus, isolated twice as the predominant microorganism in sputa from a cyst... more An aggregate-forming coccus, isolated twice as the predominant microorganism in sputa from a cystic fibrosis patient on consecutive days, was shown to belong to the species Lautropia mirabilis on the bases of similarities of 16S rRNA gene sequences and phenotype. These isolates of L. mirabilis appear to be the first reported from a patient with cystic fibrosis and outside of Denmark.

Research paper thumbnail of Actinobacillus equuli Septicemia: an Unusual Zoonotic Infection

Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 1998

We describe the isolation of Actinobacillus equuli from the blood of a 53-year-old butcher with s... more We describe the isolation of Actinobacillus equuli from the blood of a 53-year-old butcher with septicemia. This species of the genus Actinobacillus is primarily associated with animals and animal diseases, especially septicemia in foals. This is the first report of the isolation of A. equuli from a human with septicemia.

Research paper thumbnail of Changing patterns in gonococcal infection in Australia, 1981‐1987 Australian Gonococcal Surveillance Programme

Medical Journal of Australia, 1988

Data from the Australian Gonococcal Surveillance Programme (AGSP) were used to analyse changes in... more Data from the Australian Gonococcal Surveillance Programme (AGSP) were used to analyse changes in the patterns of gonococcal disease in Australia over the period July 1, 1981 to June 30, 1987. The AGSP is a continuing multicentric study of aspects of gonococcal disease and bases its analyses on laboratory-confirmed cases of gonorrhoea. The number of gonococcal isolates was highest in 1982-1983, when 6599 strains were cultured, but it fell in each subsequent year of the study until fewer than half this number was isolated in 1986-1987. The decrease in the number of isolated strains was proportionately-greater in men than in women, but in spite of this, the male-to-female ratio of disease in Australia remains unacceptably-high at two to one. In male patients, the decrease in the incidence of rectal isolates from 11.7% of all strains in 1981-1982 to 1.8% of all strains in 1986-1987 particularly was noteworthy. In female patients, pharyngeal isolates constituted an increasing proportion of strains and rose from 4.6% of all strains in 1981-1982 to 9.0% of all strains in 1986-1987; this has implications for the diagnosis and management of gonococcal disease in this group.

Research paper thumbnail of Chloramphenicol‐Resistant Haemophilus Influenzae

Medical Journal of Australia, 1979

Research paper thumbnail of Measurement of tetanus antitoxin II. Toxin neutralization

Journal of Biological Standardization, 1980

Measurement of tetanus antitoxin" II. Toxin neutrM zatton Margaret Existing meth~s for tlt~tlon o... more Measurement of tetanus antitoxin" II. Toxin neutrM zatton Margaret Existing meth~s for tlt~tlon of tetanus antitoxin fa/I to provide ~q accurate and sensitive t~hnlque for conducting ~says on small ~lumes of sera~ The need For Such a t~hnique ~ r~ si~e in th~ ~rts of the world where tetanus is a p~bM~, tE~ collation of~uate serum ~mples is usually al~ a p~blem. The toxin ~utr~aizatinn method de~ri~ ~rmits dt~tion of tet~us a~xtitoxin in twofoM dilutMn steps frorr~ ~ 4item ~s 0"001 AJJ¢%I, If the titration includes the |o~*er limit oft~ ran~ ofantltoxin units to ~ tested~which differs ~cordlng ¢o the toxin test down-the volume of~rum ~uired ~ 0"6 mL For m~t anti~ta, however, the toxin test do~ and ra.n~,~: of serum dilutions for testing can ~ thorn, on the basis of titres determined by inditer hae~ag$1utina~ion~ VJ that dilutions |~om m~ initiM serum dilution of 1:2 ~ill suite ~'hich reigns d~at *only 0" 3 ml o~mf~a~ is ~quired. By mtticting the range of ~m diiutMns for testing) prlo¢ titratMn of tetanus anti~oxln by inditer haemagg|utlnacMn aL~<) axx~id~ the need t~r large num~ o~ mice that the titr~i0n ofa two~Jid ~ries by toxin neutra|i~ti~n would otherwi~ entail *~m mer~r.J is ~'simpie and ~onomlcai and the restait~ obtains] are accurate and repr~d~cible provide~| tP~at no sign ~ficant variat ion occurs in the ~'~o,Jy ~,eight of t|~e tnice.

Research paper thumbnail of A randomized controlled trial of coenzyme Q10 for fatigue in the late-onset sequelae of poliomyelitis

Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 2015

To determine if coenzyme Q10 alleviates fatigue in the late-onset sequelae of poliomyelitis. Para... more To determine if coenzyme Q10 alleviates fatigue in the late-onset sequelae of poliomyelitis. Parallel-group, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Coenzyme Q10 has been shown to boost muscle energy metabolism in post-polio subjects but it does not promote muscle strength, endurance or function in polio survivors with post-poliomyelitis syndrome. However, the collective increased energy metabolism might contribute to a reduction in post-polio fatigue. Polio survivors from the Australian post-polio networks in Queensland and New South Wales who attribute a moderate to high level of fatigue to their diagnosed late-onset sequelae of poliomyelitis. Those with fatigue-associated comorbidities of diabetes, anaemia, hypothyroidism and fibromyalgia were excluded. Participants were assigned (1:1), with stratification of those who use energy-saving mobility aids, to receive 100mg coenzyme Q10 or matching placebo daily for 60 days. Participants and investigators were blinded to group allocation. Fatigue was assessed by the Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue as the primary outcome and the Fatigue Severity Scale as secondary outcome. Of 103 participants, 54 were assigned to receive coenzyme Q10 and 49 to receive the placebo. The difference in the mean score reductions between the two groups was not statistically significant for either fatigue measure. Oral supplementation with coenzyme Q10 was safe and well-tolerated. A daily dose of 100mg coenzyme Q10 for 60 days does not alleviate the fatigue of the late-onset sequelae of poliomyelitis. The registration number for the clinical trial is ACTRN 12612000552886.

Research paper thumbnail of Lung Infection Caused by Rhodococcus

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Medicine, 1988

We report a case of lung infection, clinically resembling tuberculosis, caused by Rhodococcus rub... more We report a case of lung infection, clinically resembling tuberculosis, caused by Rhodococcus rubropertinctus. The patient had no apparent immunosuppression which is unusual for disease caused by the ‘rhodochrous’ complex. The infection responded successfully to oral antituberculous therapy, which included rifampicin, and to oral tetracycline.

Research paper thumbnail of Septicemia in a horse trainer caused by Actinobacillus equuli

Clinical Microbiology Newsletter, 2001

Research paper thumbnail of Dog-associated bacterial infections in humans: isolates submitted to an australian reference laboratory, 1981-1992

Pathology, 1993

Over the period 1981-92, 32 bacterial isolates were referred to the Microbiological Diagnostic Un... more Over the period 1981-92, 32 bacterial isolates were referred to the Microbiological Diagnostic Unit from infected dog-bite wounds and 10 isolates were submitted from blood cultures after dog bites or close contact with dogs. The isolates from the bite wounds were identified, or confirmed, as Pasteurella multocida (11 isolates), Pasteurella dagmatis (3), CDC group M-5 (9), CDC group EF-4a (8) and Streptococcus anginosus (1). Five of the 9 patients from whom CDC group M-5 was cultured had mixed infections: 2 with P. multocida one of which also had Bacteroides sp., one with P. dagmatis, one with CDC group EF-4a and another with Bacteroides sp. Nine of the 10 blood isolates were identified as Capnocytophaga canimorsus. The remaining one of Streptobacillus moniliformis, which is typically associated with rat-bite fever, was the result of a bite from a breed of dog (greyhound) that eats rodents. Clinical notes are provided for infections caused by the more unusual bacterial isolates and their laboratory identification is described.

Research paper thumbnail of Isolation of clostridium tetani from anaerobic empyema

Research paper thumbnail of Recurrent Achromobacter piechaudii Bacteremia in a Patient with Hematological Malignancy

Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 2001

We describe a recurrent bacteremia caused by Achromobacter (formerly Alcaligenes ) piechaudii in ... more We describe a recurrent bacteremia caused by Achromobacter (formerly Alcaligenes ) piechaudii in association with an intravenous catheter in an immunocompromised 73-year-old man. This is the first reported case of bacteremia due to A. piechaudii .

Research paper thumbnail of Mucoid Nitrate-Negative Moraxella nonliquefaciens from Three Patients with Chronic Lung Disease

Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 2004

Mucoid strains of Moraxella nonliquefaciens were recovered from the sputa of three indigenous Aus... more Mucoid strains of Moraxella nonliquefaciens were recovered from the sputa of three indigenous Australians with chronic lung disease. These atypical strains failed to reduce nitrate, and one strain produced β-lactamase. While the mucoid phenotype of M. nonliquefaciens has rarely been reported, the mucoid nitrate-negative biovar has never been previously reported.

Research paper thumbnail of Tampons and Toxic Shock Syndrome

JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association, 1984

To the Editor.— I was disturbed by the article on toxic shock syndrome (TSS), "Holdup of Tox... more To the Editor.— I was disturbed by the article on toxic shock syndrome (TSS), "Holdup of Toxic Shock Data Ends During Trial in Texas," particularly the title and the first paragraph, in which it was suggested that we suppressed scientific data. 1 The reporter who wrote the article in question did call me about the data, and I thought I had explained to him why they had not been published. We, of course, have the sole right to release these data. Faculty at the University of Wisconsin do not accept support for research unless they have complete control of the results of the studies and can publish them at their discretion. This is done when the studies are complete and sound conclusions can be drawn. Sometimes it will take many months, if not years, before adequate information is available for publication. In the case of the tampon work, accumulation of

Research paper thumbnail of Human Lymphadenitis Due to Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis: Report of Ten Cases from Australia and Review

Clinical Infectious Diseases, 1997

Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis commonly causes caseous lymphadenitis in Australian sheep. We ... more Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis commonly causes caseous lymphadenitis in Australian sheep. We describe 10 cases of human lymphadenitis due to C. pseudotuberculosis; in all cases, isolates were submitted to a reference laboratory in Victoria, Australia. Most of the patients were occupationally exposed to sheep. We also review the 12 previously published cases of this infection, most of which were reported from Australia. No patient had any underlying disease or predisposing condition. Surgical excision of the affected lymph glands is the mainstay of management, and antibiotic therapy is supplementary treatment. Diagnosis was delayed for some patients, and some patients had a protracted or recurrent clinical course and/or a slow recovery. These 10 additional cases from one Australian state indicate that human lymphadenitis caused by C. pseudotuberculosis has not been as rare as the number of published reports indicates, at least in Australia. However, the increasing use of a vaccine against caseous lymphadenitis in sheep in Australia should result in the decreasing human incidence of this zoonosis. Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis (formerly Corynebacterium ovis) causes caseous lymphadenitis in sheep and in feral goats in Australia. Human lymphadenitis due to C. pseudotuberculosis was first described in 1966 in a Panamanian man whose source of infection is unclear [1]. Reports of human cases from Australia in persons who were occupationally exposed to sheep soon followed [2-4]. Australian reports have continued to dominate the world literature and account for nine of the 12 published human cases. In this report, we describe 10 more cases of human lymphadenitis due to C. pseudotuberculosis and review the previously published reports. Methods Laboratory procedures. Excised glands were submitted for histopathologic examination and microbiological culture. Special staining procedures (e.g., Warthin-Starry silver stain and gram stain for bacteria, Ziehl-Neelsen acid-fast stain for Mycobacterium species, Grocott-Gomori methenamine-silver nitrate stain and periodic acid-Schiff stain for fungi) were usually carried out on the tissue sections in laboratories that performed histopathologic examinations. Pus discharged or drained from the affected lymph node or a sample of the excised node was cultured for bacteria in microbiology laboratories. Bacterial isolates were either identified in the laboratory and

Research paper thumbnail of Toxic shock syndromes in Australia and New Zealand 1990-1994

Communicable …, 1996

Opinions expressed in CDI are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Department of... more Opinions expressed in CDI are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Department of Human Services and Health or other Communicable Diseases Network-Australia affiliates. Figures given may be subject to revision.

Research paper thumbnail of Chloram-phenicol-resistant Haemophilus inftuenzae

Research paper thumbnail of Studies on the human immune response to tetanus toxoid

Two aspects of the human inriune response to tetanus toxoid were investigated, vis: the kinetics ... more Two aspects of the human inriune response to tetanus toxoid were investigated, vis: the kinetics of the response of pregnant females to tetanus toxoid imnunization with respect to the immunity conferred on their babies; and the in vitro lymphocyte response to tetanus toxoid of reactors to tetanus vaccination. Variables affecting the techniques for measuring the humoral immune response to tetanus toxoid were determined, and a method for antitoxin titration was devised which required only a small volume of serum. Antitoxin determinations in cord sera collected at delivery indicated the relation between timing of tetanus toxoid injections in the mother and the development of an acceptable level of protection in the babies. Analysis of the cord/maternal antitoxin ratios showed that active transport of maternal antitoxin to the foetus can occur, and a possible mechanism for this is discussed. The transplacental passage of tetanus toxoid itself was investigated by the use of an indirect i...

Research paper thumbnail of Pseudomonas paucimobilis from a leg ulcer on a Japanese seaman

Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 1979

Pseudomonas paucimobilis was isolated in pure culture from an ulcer on the leg of a Japanese seam... more Pseudomonas paucimobilis was isolated in pure culture from an ulcer on the leg of a Japanese seaman while in an Australian port. A description of the isolate is given. This may be the first report of a human infection in which this recently characterized species is implicated as a pathogen.

Research paper thumbnail of Corrigendum to: Epidemic poliomyelitis, post-poliomyelitis sequelae and the eradication program

Microbiology Australia, 2020

Epidemics of paralytic poliomyelitis (polio) first emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centur... more Epidemics of paralytic poliomyelitis (polio) first emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the United States and the Scandinavian countries. They continued through the first half of the 20th century becoming global. A major epidemic occurred in Australia in 1951 but significant outbreaks were reported from the late 1930s to 1954. The poliovirus is an enterovirus that is usually transmitted by the faecal–oral route but only one in about 150 infections results in paralysis when the central nervous system is invaded. The Salk inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) became available in Australia in 1956 and the Sabin live attenuated oral polio vaccine (OPV) was introduced in 1966. After decades of stability, many survivors of the earlier epidemics experience late-onset sequelae including post-polio syndrome. The World Health Organization launched the global polio eradication initiative (GPEI) in 1988 based on the easily administered OPV. The GPEI has resulted in a dramatic decrease...

Research paper thumbnail of Epidemic poliomyelitis, post-poliomyelitis sequelae and the eradication program

Microbiology Australia, 2020

Epidemics of paralytic poliomyelitis (polio) first emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centur... more Epidemics of paralytic poliomyelitis (polio) first emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the United States and the Scandinavian countries. They continued through the first half of the 20th century becoming global. A major epidemic occurred in Australia in 1951 but significant outbreaks were reported from the late 1930s to 1954. The poliovirus is an enterovirus that is usually transmitted by the faecal–oral route but only one in about 150 infections results in paralysis when the central nervous system is invaded. The Salk inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) became available in Australia in 1956 and the Sabin live attenuated oral polio vaccine (OPV) was introduced in 1966. After decades of stability, many survivors of the earlier epidemics experience late-onset sequelae including post-polio syndrome. The World Health Organization launched the global polio eradication initiative (GPEI) in 1988 based on the easily administered OPV. The GPEI has resulted in a dramatic decrease...

Research paper thumbnail of Isolation of Lautropia mirabilis from sputa of a cystic fibrosis patient

Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 1997

An aggregate-forming coccus, isolated twice as the predominant microorganism in sputa from a cyst... more An aggregate-forming coccus, isolated twice as the predominant microorganism in sputa from a cystic fibrosis patient on consecutive days, was shown to belong to the species Lautropia mirabilis on the bases of similarities of 16S rRNA gene sequences and phenotype. These isolates of L. mirabilis appear to be the first reported from a patient with cystic fibrosis and outside of Denmark.

Research paper thumbnail of Actinobacillus equuli Septicemia: an Unusual Zoonotic Infection

Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 1998

We describe the isolation of Actinobacillus equuli from the blood of a 53-year-old butcher with s... more We describe the isolation of Actinobacillus equuli from the blood of a 53-year-old butcher with septicemia. This species of the genus Actinobacillus is primarily associated with animals and animal diseases, especially septicemia in foals. This is the first report of the isolation of A. equuli from a human with septicemia.

Research paper thumbnail of Changing patterns in gonococcal infection in Australia, 1981‐1987 Australian Gonococcal Surveillance Programme

Medical Journal of Australia, 1988

Data from the Australian Gonococcal Surveillance Programme (AGSP) were used to analyse changes in... more Data from the Australian Gonococcal Surveillance Programme (AGSP) were used to analyse changes in the patterns of gonococcal disease in Australia over the period July 1, 1981 to June 30, 1987. The AGSP is a continuing multicentric study of aspects of gonococcal disease and bases its analyses on laboratory-confirmed cases of gonorrhoea. The number of gonococcal isolates was highest in 1982-1983, when 6599 strains were cultured, but it fell in each subsequent year of the study until fewer than half this number was isolated in 1986-1987. The decrease in the number of isolated strains was proportionately-greater in men than in women, but in spite of this, the male-to-female ratio of disease in Australia remains unacceptably-high at two to one. In male patients, the decrease in the incidence of rectal isolates from 11.7% of all strains in 1981-1982 to 1.8% of all strains in 1986-1987 particularly was noteworthy. In female patients, pharyngeal isolates constituted an increasing proportion of strains and rose from 4.6% of all strains in 1981-1982 to 9.0% of all strains in 1986-1987; this has implications for the diagnosis and management of gonococcal disease in this group.

Research paper thumbnail of Chloramphenicol‐Resistant Haemophilus Influenzae

Medical Journal of Australia, 1979

Research paper thumbnail of Measurement of tetanus antitoxin II. Toxin neutralization

Journal of Biological Standardization, 1980

Measurement of tetanus antitoxin" II. Toxin neutrM zatton Margaret Existing meth~s for tlt~tlon o... more Measurement of tetanus antitoxin" II. Toxin neutrM zatton Margaret Existing meth~s for tlt~tlon of tetanus antitoxin fa/I to provide ~q accurate and sensitive t~hnlque for conducting ~says on small ~lumes of sera~ The need For Such a t~hnique ~ r~ si~e in th~ ~rts of the world where tetanus is a p~bM~, tE~ collation of~uate serum ~mples is usually al~ a p~blem. The toxin ~utr~aizatinn method de~ri~ ~rmits dt~tion of tet~us a~xtitoxin in twofoM dilutMn steps frorr~ ~ 4item ~s 0"001 AJJ¢%I, If the titration includes the |o~*er limit oft~ ran~ ofantltoxin units to ~ tested~which differs ~cordlng ¢o the toxin test down-the volume of~rum ~uired ~ 0"6 mL For m~t anti~ta, however, the toxin test do~ and ra.n~,~: of serum dilutions for testing can ~ thorn, on the basis of titres determined by inditer hae~ag$1utina~ion~ VJ that dilutions |~om m~ initiM serum dilution of 1:2 ~ill suite ~'hich reigns d~at *only 0" 3 ml o~mf~a~ is ~quired. By mtticting the range of ~m diiutMns for testing) prlo¢ titratMn of tetanus anti~oxln by inditer haemagg|utlnacMn aL~<) axx~id~ the need t~r large num~ o~ mice that the titr~i0n ofa two~Jid ~ries by toxin neutra|i~ti~n would otherwi~ entail *~m mer~r.J is ~'simpie and ~onomlcai and the restait~ obtains] are accurate and repr~d~cible provide~| tP~at no sign ~ficant variat ion occurs in the ~'~o,Jy ~,eight of t|~e tnice.

Research paper thumbnail of A randomized controlled trial of coenzyme Q10 for fatigue in the late-onset sequelae of poliomyelitis

Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 2015

To determine if coenzyme Q10 alleviates fatigue in the late-onset sequelae of poliomyelitis. Para... more To determine if coenzyme Q10 alleviates fatigue in the late-onset sequelae of poliomyelitis. Parallel-group, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Coenzyme Q10 has been shown to boost muscle energy metabolism in post-polio subjects but it does not promote muscle strength, endurance or function in polio survivors with post-poliomyelitis syndrome. However, the collective increased energy metabolism might contribute to a reduction in post-polio fatigue. Polio survivors from the Australian post-polio networks in Queensland and New South Wales who attribute a moderate to high level of fatigue to their diagnosed late-onset sequelae of poliomyelitis. Those with fatigue-associated comorbidities of diabetes, anaemia, hypothyroidism and fibromyalgia were excluded. Participants were assigned (1:1), with stratification of those who use energy-saving mobility aids, to receive 100mg coenzyme Q10 or matching placebo daily for 60 days. Participants and investigators were blinded to group allocation. Fatigue was assessed by the Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue as the primary outcome and the Fatigue Severity Scale as secondary outcome. Of 103 participants, 54 were assigned to receive coenzyme Q10 and 49 to receive the placebo. The difference in the mean score reductions between the two groups was not statistically significant for either fatigue measure. Oral supplementation with coenzyme Q10 was safe and well-tolerated. A daily dose of 100mg coenzyme Q10 for 60 days does not alleviate the fatigue of the late-onset sequelae of poliomyelitis. The registration number for the clinical trial is ACTRN 12612000552886.

Research paper thumbnail of Lung Infection Caused by Rhodococcus

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Medicine, 1988

We report a case of lung infection, clinically resembling tuberculosis, caused by Rhodococcus rub... more We report a case of lung infection, clinically resembling tuberculosis, caused by Rhodococcus rubropertinctus. The patient had no apparent immunosuppression which is unusual for disease caused by the ‘rhodochrous’ complex. The infection responded successfully to oral antituberculous therapy, which included rifampicin, and to oral tetracycline.

Research paper thumbnail of Septicemia in a horse trainer caused by Actinobacillus equuli

Clinical Microbiology Newsletter, 2001

Research paper thumbnail of Dog-associated bacterial infections in humans: isolates submitted to an australian reference laboratory, 1981-1992

Pathology, 1993

Over the period 1981-92, 32 bacterial isolates were referred to the Microbiological Diagnostic Un... more Over the period 1981-92, 32 bacterial isolates were referred to the Microbiological Diagnostic Unit from infected dog-bite wounds and 10 isolates were submitted from blood cultures after dog bites or close contact with dogs. The isolates from the bite wounds were identified, or confirmed, as Pasteurella multocida (11 isolates), Pasteurella dagmatis (3), CDC group M-5 (9), CDC group EF-4a (8) and Streptococcus anginosus (1). Five of the 9 patients from whom CDC group M-5 was cultured had mixed infections: 2 with P. multocida one of which also had Bacteroides sp., one with P. dagmatis, one with CDC group EF-4a and another with Bacteroides sp. Nine of the 10 blood isolates were identified as Capnocytophaga canimorsus. The remaining one of Streptobacillus moniliformis, which is typically associated with rat-bite fever, was the result of a bite from a breed of dog (greyhound) that eats rodents. Clinical notes are provided for infections caused by the more unusual bacterial isolates and their laboratory identification is described.

Research paper thumbnail of Isolation of clostridium tetani from anaerobic empyema

Research paper thumbnail of Recurrent Achromobacter piechaudii Bacteremia in a Patient with Hematological Malignancy

Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 2001

We describe a recurrent bacteremia caused by Achromobacter (formerly Alcaligenes ) piechaudii in ... more We describe a recurrent bacteremia caused by Achromobacter (formerly Alcaligenes ) piechaudii in association with an intravenous catheter in an immunocompromised 73-year-old man. This is the first reported case of bacteremia due to A. piechaudii .

Research paper thumbnail of Mucoid Nitrate-Negative Moraxella nonliquefaciens from Three Patients with Chronic Lung Disease

Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 2004

Mucoid strains of Moraxella nonliquefaciens were recovered from the sputa of three indigenous Aus... more Mucoid strains of Moraxella nonliquefaciens were recovered from the sputa of three indigenous Australians with chronic lung disease. These atypical strains failed to reduce nitrate, and one strain produced β-lactamase. While the mucoid phenotype of M. nonliquefaciens has rarely been reported, the mucoid nitrate-negative biovar has never been previously reported.

Research paper thumbnail of Tampons and Toxic Shock Syndrome

JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association, 1984

To the Editor.— I was disturbed by the article on toxic shock syndrome (TSS), "Holdup of Tox... more To the Editor.— I was disturbed by the article on toxic shock syndrome (TSS), "Holdup of Toxic Shock Data Ends During Trial in Texas," particularly the title and the first paragraph, in which it was suggested that we suppressed scientific data. 1 The reporter who wrote the article in question did call me about the data, and I thought I had explained to him why they had not been published. We, of course, have the sole right to release these data. Faculty at the University of Wisconsin do not accept support for research unless they have complete control of the results of the studies and can publish them at their discretion. This is done when the studies are complete and sound conclusions can be drawn. Sometimes it will take many months, if not years, before adequate information is available for publication. In the case of the tampon work, accumulation of

Research paper thumbnail of Human Lymphadenitis Due to Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis: Report of Ten Cases from Australia and Review

Clinical Infectious Diseases, 1997

Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis commonly causes caseous lymphadenitis in Australian sheep. We ... more Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis commonly causes caseous lymphadenitis in Australian sheep. We describe 10 cases of human lymphadenitis due to C. pseudotuberculosis; in all cases, isolates were submitted to a reference laboratory in Victoria, Australia. Most of the patients were occupationally exposed to sheep. We also review the 12 previously published cases of this infection, most of which were reported from Australia. No patient had any underlying disease or predisposing condition. Surgical excision of the affected lymph glands is the mainstay of management, and antibiotic therapy is supplementary treatment. Diagnosis was delayed for some patients, and some patients had a protracted or recurrent clinical course and/or a slow recovery. These 10 additional cases from one Australian state indicate that human lymphadenitis caused by C. pseudotuberculosis has not been as rare as the number of published reports indicates, at least in Australia. However, the increasing use of a vaccine against caseous lymphadenitis in sheep in Australia should result in the decreasing human incidence of this zoonosis. Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis (formerly Corynebacterium ovis) causes caseous lymphadenitis in sheep and in feral goats in Australia. Human lymphadenitis due to C. pseudotuberculosis was first described in 1966 in a Panamanian man whose source of infection is unclear [1]. Reports of human cases from Australia in persons who were occupationally exposed to sheep soon followed [2-4]. Australian reports have continued to dominate the world literature and account for nine of the 12 published human cases. In this report, we describe 10 more cases of human lymphadenitis due to C. pseudotuberculosis and review the previously published reports. Methods Laboratory procedures. Excised glands were submitted for histopathologic examination and microbiological culture. Special staining procedures (e.g., Warthin-Starry silver stain and gram stain for bacteria, Ziehl-Neelsen acid-fast stain for Mycobacterium species, Grocott-Gomori methenamine-silver nitrate stain and periodic acid-Schiff stain for fungi) were usually carried out on the tissue sections in laboratories that performed histopathologic examinations. Pus discharged or drained from the affected lymph node or a sample of the excised node was cultured for bacteria in microbiology laboratories. Bacterial isolates were either identified in the laboratory and

Research paper thumbnail of Toxic shock syndromes in Australia and New Zealand 1990-1994

Communicable …, 1996

Opinions expressed in CDI are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Department of... more Opinions expressed in CDI are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Department of Human Services and Health or other Communicable Diseases Network-Australia affiliates. Figures given may be subject to revision.