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An investigation of 20 bovine and 24 ovine isolates of organisms variously described as "Hisfophilus ovis," "Haemophilus agni," and "Haemophilus somnus" revealed no consistent host-related differences in 47 biochemical characteristics; however, agarose gel electrophoresis of predominantly plasmid-derived deoxyribonucleic acid demonstrated the presence of variable numbers of plasmids of divergent size in each of the ovine strains but in none of the bovine isolates. Restriction enzyme analysis of deoxyribonucleic acids from an ovine culture and a bovine culture also suggested chromosomal differences. Our observations support the concept of one species, Hisfophilus ovis, comprising ovine and bovine isolates, but point to the existence of subspecific divisions related to host predilection.

The results of deoxyribonucleic acid-deoxyribonucleic acid hybridization studies demonstrated a high degree of relatedness among 'Haemophilus somnus," "Haemophilus agni," "HistoPhilus ovis," strains isolated from the preputial cavities of rams, and strains isolated from clinical cases of epididymitis in rams. The degree of relatedness between 'Haemophilus somnus" and Actinobacillus seminis or Haemophilus influenme was very small. From the results of our hybridization studies and previous studies on morphological characteristics, serology, and biochemical activity, we conclude that "Haemophilus somnus," "Haemophilus agni," and "Histophilus ovis" should be considered a single species. Inclusion in the genus Haemophilus does not appear to be appropriate. The data also suggest that bovine and ovine isolates may constitute two separate groups within the species. More extensive hybridization studies will be required for establishment of the definitive taxonomic position of this group of organisms.

Menorrhagia is one of the most significant causes of ill health in women. It accounts for a significant number of gynaecological outpatient referrals and once referred to a gynaecologist, more than half of these women will have had a hysterectomy within five years. Objective menorrhagia is taken to be a total measured menstrual blood loss in excess of 80 millilitres per cycle. The objective diagnosis of menorrhagia can pose a clinical challenge. This article reviews the different methods currently used for the objective estimation of menstrual blood loss.

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