Regions Of Bulgaria Research Articles

Molecular epidemiology of trimethoprim-resistant Shigella boydii serotype 2 strains from Bulgaria.

In 1990 an increased number of strains of Shigella boydii serotype 2 were isolated from different regions of Bulgaria. Strains were reported as sporadic, although they showed identical phenotypic characteristics, including resistance to ampicillin, carbenicillin, streptomycin, sulfonamide, tetracycline, ticarcillin, and trimethoprim. The objective of this study was to determine the genetic relatedness of the strains and the mechanism of their antimicrobial resistance. Plasmid fingerprinting showed an identical pattern for 23 of 25 of the selected strains. All 25 strains tested transferred their resistances en bloc to an Escherichia coli recipient. Transconjugants contained a 112-kb R plasmid which carried all the resistance genes, including that conferring type I dihydrofolate reductase-mediated trimethoprim resistance (MIC greater than 2,000 micrograms/ml). Riboprobe analysis showed identical restriction length fragment polymorphisms, suggesting a highly conserved genome. All findings indicate that strains of S. boydii serotype 2 isolated in 1990 from different regions of Bulgaria were highly related genetically and can be considered representatives of a single bacterial clone. The presence of an R plasmid and selection pressure because of the usage of antimicrobial agents, particularly trimethoprim, have likely facilitated the spread of the clone throughout the country.

Craniometrical analysis of Bulgarian wild boar (Sus scrofa) populations

Skull characters of wild boars (Sus scrofa L.) from four regions of Bulgaria were compared using stepwise discriminant, cluster of cases and principal component analyses (PCA). Classification functions were derived for discriminating individuals from different areas. Specimens from the north‐eastern part of the country (Dobrudja and the Balkan Range) were found well separated from those from the south (Rila‐Rhodopes & Strandja Mountains). PCA showed the differences being mostly related to the size rather than to the shape of both the cranium and the mandible. Natural migrations, intergradation areas between different subspecies, as well as restocking and hybridization with semi‐domestic pigs are discussed as possible factors influencing the solution of the problem of the intraspecific systematics of the wild boar in Bulgaria.

Pathology of cats from a region of Bulgaria with human endemic nephropathy

A study of 58 cats from 7 Bulgarian villages where human endemic nephropathy (EN) occurs and 14 cats from 2 non-endemic villages revealed a similar prevalence of abnormalities in both groups. The main lesion in the kidneys was a focal interstitial nephritis, probably caused by visceral larva migrans (VLM). Other lesions in the urinary system included unilateral contracted kidneys (5 cases) and cystitis (one case). Verminous pneumonia characteristic of that caused by Aelurostrongylus abstrusus was observed in 24 cats (33·3 per cent of the total). Focal interstitial hepatitis, caused mainly by VLM, and other degenerative changes were found in the liver. Antibodies against 7 serotypes of leptospiras and against Toxoplasma gondii were found in 37·3 per cent and 9·0 per cent, respectively, of the cats. Parasite invasion was detected in 62 out of 66 of the cats. Most of the lesions seen in the cats were probably caused by VLM, helminth parasites and leptospiras. No lesions similar to those observed in human EN were detected.

Engineering geological conditions of high dams in the folded regions of Bulgaria

The paper presents the analysis of engineering geological conditions of high dams in folded regions of Bulgaria and the character of engineering geological works aimed at improving engineering geological conditions for constructions.

HLA system and Balkan endemic nephropathy (a collective study with the collaboration of all participants in the HLA workshop--Sofia 1976).

Balkan endemic nephropathy, a fatal family disease with unknown aetiology and pathogenesis is typical for three neighbouring regions in Bulgaria, Yugoslavia and Rumania. HLA typing of 180 patients from the endemic area in Bulgaria was done and the antigen frequencies were compared with 1264 healthy controls. An increased frequency (P less than 0.001) of the antigen HLA-B18 in the patients was demonstrated.

Isolation of Emmonsia crescens Emmons et Jellison 1960 from small mammals in Bulgaria.

Authors examined a total of 3849 specimens of mammals included in 36 species from different region of Bulgaria. Adiaspiromycosis was detected microscopically in 18 mammals species. Strains of Emmonsia crescens Emmons et Jellison 1960 was isolated from 6 species--Apodemus flavicollis, Apodemus sylvaticus, Clethrionomys glareolus, Microtus arvalis, Musmusculus and Rattus norvegicus.