Preclinical evaluation of Luffa operculata Cogn. and its main active principle in the treatment of bacterial rhinosinusitis / Avaliação pré-clínica de Luffa operculata Cogn. e seu principal princípio ativo no tratamento da rinossinusite bacteriana

Abstract Introduction The prevalence of rhinosinusitis is quite high. Despite the widespread use of antibiotics for rhinosinusitis, there are other forms of treatment, including phytotherapy. One of the most widely used herbal medicines for treatment of rhinosinusitis is Luffa operculata. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of topical nasal solution of the aqueous extract of L. operculata, determining the toxicity to its use and identifying the active principles presented in the aqueous extract. The secondary objective was to evaluate the action of active principles on bacteria commonly involved in acute rhino sinusitis. Methods The study was conducted in experimental model of sinusitis. Three different concentrations of L. operculata were used as local treatment of rhino sinusitis. The results were compared with those observed in control groups that received nasal saline solution. Histological examination of the liver, kidney, spleen, myocardium, brain and lungs of all animals evaluated the toxicity of L. operculata. The aqueous extract used was subjected to chromatographic analysis and an active principle was isolated and tested for in vitro inhibition of bacterial colonies usually found in rhino sinusitis. Results Intranasal treatment of sinusitis with L. operculata showed better clinical evolution than control group. Statistically significant difference (p > 0.10) between the treated group and the control group was observed in the histologic evaluation for inflammatory pattern. The aqueous extract of L. operculata used presented a predominance of 2,3-dicafeoilglicaric acid, a substance not yet described in the literature. There was a significant difference in bacterial growth of Streptococcus pyogenes on blood-agar plates when under the influence of both the aqueous extract and the active substance. Conclusion Topical nasal solution of the aqueous extract of L. operculata is effective compared to the application of saline solution for the treatment of bacterial rhinosinusitis in an experimental model. L. operculata determined in vitro inhibition of growth of S. pyogenes.

Resumo Introdução A prevalência de rinossinusite (RS) é bastante alta. Apesar do uso generalizado de antibióticos para RS, existem outras formas de tratamento, incluindo a fitoterapia. Uma das ervas medicinais mais utilizadas no tratamento da RS é a Luffa operculata. Objetivo Esse estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a eficácia da solução tópica nasal do extrato aquoso de Luffa operculata, determinando a toxicidade ao seu uso e identificando os princípios ativos apresentados no extrato aquoso. O objetivo secundário foi avaliar a ação dos princípios ativos sobre as bactérias comumente envolvidas na RS aguda. Método O estudo foi realizado em modelo experimental de sinusite. Utilizaram-se três concentrações diferentes de Luffa operculata como tratamento local de RS. Os resultados foram comparados com os observados em grupos de controle que receberam solução salina nasal. O exame histológico do fígado, rim, baço, miocárdio, cérebro e pulmões de todos os animais avaliou a toxicidade de Luffa operculata. O extrato aquoso utilizado foi submetido à análise cromatográfica e um princípio ativo foi isolado e testado para inibição in vitro de colônias bacterianas normalmente encontradas em RS. Resultados O tratamento intranasal da sinusite com Luffa operculata mostrou melhor evolução clínica do que o do grupo controle. Foi observada diferença estatisticamente significante (p > 0.10) entre o grupo tratado e o grupo controle na avaliação histológica do padrão inflamatório. O extrato aquoso de Luffa operculata utilizado apresentou predominância do ácido 2,3-dicafeoilglicarico, substância ainda não descrita na literatura. Houve uma diferença significativa no crescimento bacteriano de Streptococcus pyogenes em placas de ágar-sangue quando sob a influência tanto do extrato aquoso quanto da substância ativa. Conclusão A solução tópica nasal do extrato aquoso de Luffa operculata é eficaz em comparação com a aplicação de solução salina para o tratamento de RS bacteriana em um modelo experimental. Luffa operculata determinou a inibição in vitro do crescimento de Streptococcus pyogenes.

Activity of the aqueous extract of Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi on strains of the Candida genus.

Objectives To evaluate the antifungal susceptibility profile of the aqueous extract of the bark of Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi against the strains of the genus Candida. Methods By using the disk diffusion method, 50 samples of the genus Candida (Candida albicans; Candida krusei; Candida glabrata; and Candida tropicalis), isolated from patients receiving treatment at Hospital Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo, and 1 American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) sample of each species were tested against: the isolated aqueous extract of the bark of Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi, isolated nystatin, and the association of nystatin and the aqueous extract of Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi. Results There were no significant differences regarding the different strains of Candida tested. In the presence of the aqueous extract of Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi, no inhibition halo was visible. Isolated nystatin formed an inhibition halo measuring respectively 18.50 mm and 19.50 mm for the Candida albicans species and the others referred to as non-Candida albicans (Candida krusei; Candida glabrata; and Candida tropicalis). The association of nystatin and the aqueous extract of Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi resulted in inhibition halos measuring 14.25 mm and 16.50 mm respectively. The comparisons of these results are statistically significant (p < 0,001). Conclusion The aqueous extract of Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi showed no antifungal activity in vitro against the strains tested, whereas the association of nystatin and the aqueous extract of Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi caused a decrease in the inhibition halo when compared with isolated nystatin.

Activity of the aqueous extract of Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi on strains of the Candida genus / Atividade do extrato aquoso de Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi sobre cepas do gênero Candida

ABSTRACT Objectives: To evaluate the antifungal susceptibility profile of the aqueous extract of the bark of Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi against the strains of the genus Candida. Methods: By using the disk diffusion method, 50 samples of the genus Candida (Candida albicans; Candida krusei; Candida glabrata; and Candida tropicalis), isolated from patients receiving treatment at Hospital Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo, and 1 American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) sample of each species were tested against: the isolated aqueous extract of the bark of Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi, isolated nystatin, and the association of nystatin and the aqueous extract of Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi. Results: There were no significant differences regarding the different strains of Candida tested. In the presence of the aqueous extract of Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi, no inhibition halo was visible. Isolated nystatin formed an inhibition halo measuring respectively 18.50 mm and 19.50 mm for the Candida albicans species and the others referred to as non-Candida albicans (Candida krusei; Candida glabrata; and Candida tropicalis). The association of nystatin and the aqueous extract of Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi resulted in inhibition halos measuring 14.25 mm and 16.50 mm respectively. The comparisons of these results are statistically significant (p < 0,001). Conclusion: The aqueous extract of Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi showed no antifun-gal activity in vitro against the strains tested, whereas the association of nystatin and the aqueous extract of Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi caused a decrease in the inhibition halo when compared with isolated nystatin.

RESUMO Objetivos: Avaliar o perfil de susceptibilidade antifúngica do extrato aquoso das cascas de Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi frente às cepas do gênero Candida. Métodos: Por meio do método de difusão em disco, 50 amostras do gênero Candida (Candida albicans, Candida krusei, Candida glabrata e Candida tropicalis) provenientes de pacientes do Hospital da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo, e 1 amostra American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) de cada espécie foram testadas frente ao extrato aquoso das cascas de Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi isolado, nistatina isolada, e a associação da nistatina ao extrato aquoso de Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi. Resultados: Não houve diferenças significantes em relação às diferentes espécies de cepas de Candida testadas. O extrato aquoso de Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi não formou halo de inibição. A nistatina isolada formou halo de inibição de 18,50 mm e 19,50 mm respectivamente para as espécies Candida albicans e as demais nomeadas como não Candida albicans (Candida krusei, Candida glabrata e Candida tropicalis). A associação da nistatina ao extrato aquoso de Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi resultou no halo de inibição de 14,25 mm e 16,50 mm respectivamente, sendo que as comparações destes resultados são estatisticamente significantes (p < 0,001). Conclusão: O extrato aquoso de Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi não demonstrou propriedade antifúngica in vitro frente às cepas testadas, e a associação da nistatina ao extrato aquoso de Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi causou a diminuição do halo de inibição quando comparado à nistatina isolada.

Preclinical evaluation of Luffa operculata Cogn. and its main active principle in the treatment of bacterial rhinosinusitis.

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of rhinosinusitis is quite high. Despite the widespread use of antibiotics for rhinosinusitis, there are other forms of treatment, including phytotherapy. One of the most widely used herbal medicines for treatment of rhinosinusitis is Luffa operculata. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of topical nasal solution of the aqueous extract of L. operculata, determining the toxicity to its use and identifying the active principles presented in the aqueous extract. The secondary objective was to evaluate the action of active principles on bacteria commonly involved in acute rhino sinusitis. METHODS: The study was conducted in experimental model of sinusitis. Three different concentrations of L. operculata were used as local treatment of rhino sinusitis. The results were compared with those observed in control groups that received nasal saline solution. Histological examination of the liver, kidney, spleen, myocardium, brain and lungs of all animals evaluated the toxicity of L. operculata. The aqueous extract used was subjected to chromatographic analysis and an active principle was isolated and tested for in vitro inhibition of bacterial colonies usually found in rhino sinusitis. RESULTS: Intranasal treatment of sinusitis with L. operculata showed better clinical evolution than control group. Statistically significant difference (p>0.10) between the treated group and the control group was observed in the histologic evaluation for inflammatory pattern. The aqueous extract of L. operculata used presented a predominance of 2,3-dicafeoilglicaric acid, a substance not yet described in the literature. There was a significant difference in bacterial growth of Streptococcus pyogenes on blood-agar plates when under the influence of both the aqueous extract and the active substance. CONCLUSION: Topical nasal solution of the aqueous extract of L. operculata is effective compared to the application of saline solution for the treatment of bacterial rhinosinusitis in an experimental model. L. operculata determined in vitro inhibition of growth of S. pyogenes.

In vitro antimicrobial activity of Luffa operculata / Atividade antimicrobiana in vitro da Luffa operculata

INTRODUCTION:Luffa operculata is probably one of the most popular herbal medicines used in the treatment of rhinitis and rhinosinusitis. However, its specific mechanism of action is still unknown.OBJECTIVE: To evaluate in vitro antibacterial activity of L. operculata against three ordinary agents of upper respiratory tract infection: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus pyogenes.METHODS: Different concentrations of L. operculata alcoholic extract were applied to bacterial broth containing reference and community strains of the three described agents. After a 24-h incubation period, the bacterial culture turbidity was measured. The samples were then inoculated onto Mueller-Hinton and human blood agar plates. Bacterial growth was analyzed after 24- and 48-h incubation period. The test was considered negative when there was no environmental turbidity, confirmed by the absence of bacterial growth into the inoculated plates. Tests were considered positive when either turbidity changes were observed on the bacterial broth or when bacterial growth was detected on inoculated plates. Appropriate statistical analysis of the data was performed.RESULTS:L. operculata extracts showed antibacterial activity mainly to S. pyogenes followed by S. pneumoniae and S. aureus.CONCLUSIONS:L. operculata extract showed promising antibacterial activity in vitro against the studied agents.

INTRODUÇÃO: A Luffa operculataé, provavelmente, o fitoterápico mais utilizado no tratamento das rinites e rinossinusites. Apesar de amplamente utilizada pela população, seus mecanismos de ação ainda não estão completamente estabelecidos.OBJETIVO: Avaliar a atividade antimicrobiana in vitroda Luffa operculataem agentes causadores de infecções de vias aéreas superiores: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniaee Streptococcus pyogenes.MÉTODOS: Foram utilizadas diferentes concentrações de extrato alcoólico de Luffa operculataem caldo de bactérias dos agentes avaliados. Após incubação de 24 horas foi realizada a leitura de turvação do meio, e posteriormente, semeadura em placas de ágar-sangue e ágar Muller-Hinton, após 24 e 48 horas de incubação. Foram considerados testes negativos aqueles em que não houve a turvação do meio, confirmados pela ausência do crescimento das bactérias nas semeaduras. Foram considerados positivos os testes que apresentaram turvação do caldo ou positividade nas semeaduras de 24 ou 48 horas. Os resultados foram submetidos à análise estatística pertinente.RESULTADOS: Os extratos de Luffa operculataapresentaram atividade antimicrobiana, especialmente para Streptococcus pyogenes, seguido dos Streptococcus pneumoniaee Sthaphylococcus aureus.CONCLUSÃO: O extrato de Luffa operculataapresentou promissora atividade antimicrobiana in vitrocontra os agentes estudados.

In vitro antimicrobial activity of Luffa operculata.

INTRODUCTION: Luffa operculata is probably one of the most popular herbal medicines used in the treatment of rhinitis and rhinosinusitis. However, its specific mechanism of action is still unknown. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate in vitro antibacterial activity of L. operculata against three ordinary agents of upper respiratory tract infection: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus pyogenes. METHODS: Different concentrations of L. operculata alcoholic extract were applied to bacterial broth containing reference and community strains of the three described agents. After a 24-h incubation period, the bacterial culture turbidity was measured. The samples were then inoculated onto Mueller-Hinton and human blood agar plates. Bacterial growth was analyzed after 24- and 48-h incubation period. The test was considered negative when there was no environmental turbidity, confirmed by the absence of bacterial growth into the inoculated plates. Tests were considered positive when either turbidity changes were observed on the bacterial broth or when bacterial growth was detected on inoculated plates. Appropriate statistical analysis of the data was performed. RESULTS: L. operculata extracts showed antibacterial activity mainly to S. pyogenes followed by S. pneumoniae and S. aureus. CONCLUSIONS: L. operculata extract showed promising antibacterial activity in vitro against the studied agents.

Effect of Spiritist "passe" (Spiritual healing) on growth of bacterial cultures.

BACKGROUND: Biofield therapies are approaches that harness energy fields to influence the human body. These therapies encompass Reiki, Qigong, Therapeutic Touch, Johrei and Spiritist "passe", among others. The aim of this study was to evaluate bacterial growth in two groups of cultures subjected to biofield therapy (Spiritist "passe" and laying on of hands (LOH)) in four situations (no intention, intention to inhibit bacterial growth, intention to promote growth, and influence of a negative factor) and compare them with a "no LOH/no treatment" group. METHODS: Bacterial cultures (Escherichia coli ATCC) were randomized and allocated into three groups: Spiritist "passe", "LOH", and "no LOH". Bacterial growth was assessed using the McFarland Nephelometer Scale. A One-way ANOVA was performed to determine group differences in bacterial growth at 48h, and at 1 week after each situation. RESULTS: A total of 11 Spiritist "passe" healers, 10 LOH laymen and "no LOH" tubes were assessed. Under the intention to inhibit bacterial growth condition, statistically significant differences were found between the Spiritist "passe" and "no LOH" Groups (p=0.002 after 48h, and p=0.008 after one week) and also between the Spiritist "passe" and "LOH" Groups (p=0.005 after 48h, and p=0.009 after one week). No statistically significant difference was detected for the other situations tested (no intention, intention to promote growth and influence of a negative factor). CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that Spiritist "passe" effectively inhibited growth in bacterial cultures compared to LOH with intention or no LOH. Further studies comparing different intentions and types of LOH in cultures of cells and microorganisms are warranted.

Avaliação da atividade antibacteriana in vitro de extratos hidroetanólicos de plantas sobre Staphylococcus aureus MRSA e MSSA / Evaluation of in vitro antibacterial activity of hydro-ethanol from vegetable extracts against MRSA and MSSA Staphylococcus aureus

Este estudo avaliou a atividade antibacteriana de extratos de plantas contra as cepas de Staphylococcus aureus por meio de testes de Disco-Difusão e de Concentração Bactericida Mínima (CBM). Foi testada a susceptibilidade de 52 cepas de S. aureus aos extratos hidroetanólicos das plantas: (1) Psidium guajavavar. pomifera; (2) Hymenaea courbaril var. stilbocarpa; (3) Pothomorphe umbellata; (5) Bidens pilosa, seguindo-se a metodologia baseada nas normas internacionais do CLSI. Na comparação dos resultados da ação dos extratos nas concentrações preparadas neste modelo experimental, foi observado que: B. pilosa apresentou menor ação; P. guajava var. pomifera, P. umbellata, com resultados muito próximos entre si, apresentaram ações medianas; H. courbaril var. stilbocarpa demonstrou ação muito superior aos outros extratos e ao controle com etanol. A ação in vitro dos extratos testados evidenciou a presença de princípios ativos antibacterianos. O estudo tornou evidente que os extratos hidroetanólicos das plantas 1, 2, 3 e 5 possuem ação antibacteriana in vitro contra Staphylococcus aureus MRSA e MSSA.

The use of ozonized oil in the treatment of dermatophitosis caused by Microsporum canis in rabbits

The ozone is effective against most microorganisms due to its high oxidant power. Low concentrations and short-term contact are sufficient to inactivate bacteria, mold, yeast, parasites, seaweeds, protozoa and fungi. Microsporum canis is an important agent of dermatophitosis in human and animal. The aim of the current study was to assess the efficacy of ozonized oil over Microsporum canis in rabbits. Eighteen male New Zealand white rabbits, weight ranging from 2 to 3.2 kg were depilated in the cranial dorso-lateral and right caudal, and cranial and left caudal regions. The regions were inoculated with Microsporum canis, excepting the right caudal region, and were denominated TM, O, OM and M, respectively. After seven days, the treatment of lesions in TM began with 0.12g of terbinaphine 1 percent cream; in OM and O with 0.12g of ozonized oil; all animals were treated once a day for 28 days. Region M was not treated. Material was collected from those regions for cultivation in Sabouraud agar at day 28 of treatment. In the evolution of the treatment with terbinaphine, of 14 contaminated regions with Microsporum canis ten evolved to cure. With the ozonized oil, of 15 contaminations, four were cured. Clinically, that is, the macroscopic evaluation of lesions showed improvement in the TM and OM treated regions. We can conclude that there was statistical evidence of the protection action of the oil against the dermatophyte.

The use of ozonized oil in the treatment of dermatophitosis caused by microsporum canis in rabbits.

The ozone is effective against most microorganisms due to its high oxidant power. Low concentrations and short-term contact are sufficient to inactivate bacteria, mold, yeast, parasites, seaweeds, protozoa and fungi. Microsporum canis is an important agent of dermatophitosis in human and animal. The aim of the current study was to assess the efficacy of ozonized oil over Microsporum canis in rabbits. Eighteen male New Zealand white rabbits, weight ranging from 2 to 3.2 kg were depilated in the cranial dorso-lateral and right caudal, and cranial and left caudal regions. The regions were inoculated with Microsporum canis, excepting the right caudal region, and were denominated TM, O, OM and M, respectively. After seven days, the treatment of lesions in TM began with 0.12g of terbinaphine 1% cream; in OM and O with 0.12g of ozonized oil; all animals were treated once a day for 28 days. Region M was not treated. Material was collected from those regions for cultivation in Sabouraud agar at day 28 of treatment. In the evolution of the treatment with terbinaphine, of 14 contaminated regions with Microsporum canis ten evolved to cure. With the ozonized oil, of 15 contaminations, four were cured. Clinically, that is, the macroscopic evaluation of lesions showed improvement in the TM and OM treated regions. We can conclude that there was statistical evidence of the protection action of the oil against the dermatophyte.

Diagnóstico de infecção por Candida: avaliação de testes de identificação de espécies e caracterização do perfil de suscetibilidade / Candida infection diagnosis: evaluation of Candida species identification and characterization of susceptibility profile

INTRODUÇÃO: Infecções invasivas provocadas por Candida são importantes causas de morbidade e mortalidade. O sucesso do tratamento dessas infecções depende da identificação da espécie e do padrão de sensibilidade aos antifúngicos. Portanto, diagnóstico rápido e específico é fundamental para a precoce introdução de terapêutica adequada. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar diferentes métodos diagnósticos de determinação de espécies de Candida e caracterizar, entre as espécies identificadas, o padrão de sensibilidade aos diferentes antifúngicos. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: A identificação das espécies de Candida presentes em amostras de diferentes materiais biológicos foi realizada pelo cultivo em CHROMagar® Candida e pela técnica de reação em cadeia da polimerase tipo Nested (N-PCR). O padrão de sensibilidade das amostras foi avaliado pela utilização de Etest®. RESULTADO: CHROMagar® caracterizou 50 por cento das amostras como Candida albicans; 20,8 por cento, Candida tropicalis; 2,4 por cento, Candida krusei e 26,9 por cento, outras espécies (não determinadas). As cepas de C. albicans e C. tropicalis foram caracterizadas por CHROMagar® e N-PCR. Porém cepas de outras espécies, indeterminadas em CHROMagar®, caracterizaram-se como C. parapsilosis em N-PCR. Cepas de C. krusei e C. tropicalis apresentaram perfil de resistência a, respectivamente, fluconazol e 5-fluocitosina. Quanto ao itraconazol, observou-se padrão de resistência em cepas de C. albicans e C. tropicalis. DISCUSSÃO: As técnicas metodológicas utilizadas são de fácil reprodutibilidade e alta especificidade, fornecendo diagnóstico complementar, e o emprego do Etest® viabiliza a precoce introdução de tratamento específico. CONCLUSÃO: O crescente aparecimento de espécies de Candida resistentes aos azólicos confirma a importância de monitorar possíveis mudanças na distribuição das espécies patogênicas e dos padrões de sensibilidade.

BACKGROUND: Invasive infections by Candida are an important cause of morbidity and mortality. The successful treatment of these infections depends on the identification of the species and on the sensitivity pattern to antifungal agents. A quick and specific diagnosis is essential to introduce appropriate therapy. OBJECTIVES: Assess different diagnostic methods to determine Candida species and evaluate the sensitivity pattern to different antifungal agents among the identified ones. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The identification of Candida species present in samples of different biological materials was conducted through CHROMagar® Candida culture and Nested-PCR. The sensitivity pattern was assessed using Etest®. RESULTS: The culture of samples on CHROMagar® revealed 50 percent Candida albicans, 20.8 percent Candida tropicalis, 2.4 percent Candida krusei, and 26.9 percent other undetermined species. Samples of Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis were identified through CHROMagar® and N-PCR. Species that were not determined through CHROMagar® were characterized as Candida parapsilosis by N-PCR. Resistance to fluconazole, 5-fluocytosine was detected, respectively, in Candida krusei and Candida tropicalis samples. Both Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis samples showed resistance to itraconazole. DISCUSSION: The methods applied are easily reproducible and highly specific, which allows complementary diagnosis. The determination of the susceptibility profile by Etest® enables the early introduction of specific treatment. CONCLUSION: The growing appearance of Candida species resistant to azole confirms the importance of monitoring possible changes in the distribution of pathogenic species and in the sensitivity pattern.

Comparação entre dois meios de coleta e transporte para estudo da microbiota conjuntival de indivíduos normais / Comparison of two transportation media for study of normal individual conjunctival microbiota

OBJETIVO: Comparar o perfil microbiológico da microbiota de pessoas sadias, obtidas do esfregaço conjuntival, utilizando zaragatoa seca transportada no meio de Stuart e zaragatoa úmida transportada no tubo de ensaio vedado com algodão. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de estudo prospectivo, com amostras selecionadas aleatoriamente, realizado no Departamento de Oftalmologia e Patologia da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo, no mês de agosto de 2006. Foram estudados 80 olhos normais de 40 indivíduos. No olho direito de cada paciente, foi realizada a coleta de material com a zaragatoa seca, armazenando-a no meio de transporte de Stuart, no qual todo o material microbiológico obtido fica imerso no meio e o tubo hermeticamente fechado. No olho esquerdo, o material conjuntival foi colhido com a extremidade de algodão da zaragatoa umedecida em solução salina a 0,9 por cento, e armazenando-a no tubo de ensaio seco e estéril vedado com algodão. As amostras foram analisadas no prazo máximo de 2 horas após a coleta do material. RESULTADOS: Das 40 amostras coletadas com a zaragatoa úmida transportadas em tubo seco, foram identificadas bactérias em 10 (25 por cento). Das 40 amostras coletadas com zaragatoa seca transportada em meio de Stuart, foram identificadas bactérias em 12 (30 por cento). CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados do perfil microbiológico da microbiota normal conjuntival utilizando o meio de transporte da zaragatoa seca em meio de Stuart mostraram-se estatisticamente semelhantes (p= 0,85) ao comparar com o meio utilizando a zaragatoa úmida em tubo seco para semeaduras realizadas em até 2 horas após a coleta de material conjuntival.

PURPOSE: To compare the microbiological profile of normal microbiota of healthy people obtained from conjunctival smear using dry swab in Stuart's transport medium and wet swab transported in test tube sealed with cotton. METHODS: A prospective study with random samples, performed at the Departments of Ophthalmology and Pathology of Santa Casa Misericórdia de São Paulo, in August of 2006. Eighty normal eyes of 40 healthy individuals were analyzed. Samples were collected in the right eye with a dry swab and stored in Stuart's medium, where all microbiological material is kept immersed in the medium and the tube is hermetically sealed. In the left eye, the conjunctival material was collected using a swab embedded in saline solution 0.9 percent, and stored in dry and sterile test tubes sealed with cotton. The samples were analyzed within 2 hours at most after collection. RESULTS: Out of 40 samples collected with wet swab and transported in dry tube, bacteria were observed in 10 (25 percent), whereas of 40 samples collected with dry swab and transported in Stuart's medium, 12 (30 percent) had bacteria. CONCLUSION: The results of the microbiological profile of normal conjunctival microbiota using dry swab in Stuart's medium were statistically similar (p=0.85) to those obtained in wet swab in dry tube for spreading performed within 2 hours after collection of conjunctival specimen.

[Comparison of two transportation media for study of normal individual conjunctival microbiota]. / Comparação entre dois meios de coleta e transporte para estudo da microbiota conjuntival de indivíduos normais.

PURPOSE: To compare the microbiological profile of normal microbiota of healthy people obtained from conjunctival smear using dry swab in Stuart's transport medium and wet swab transported in test tube sealed with cotton. METHODS: A prospective study with random samples, performed at the Departments of Ophthalmology and Pathology of Santa Casa Misericórdia de São Paulo, in August of 2006. Eighty normal eyes of 40 healthy individuals were analyzed. Samples were collected in the right eye with a dry swab and stored in Stuart's medium, where all microbiological material is kept immersed in the medium and the tube is hermetically sealed. In the left eye, the conjunctival material was collected using a swab embedded in saline solution 0.9%, and stored in dry and sterile test tubes sealed with cotton. The samples were analyzed within 2 hours at most after collection. RESULTS: Out of 40 samples collected with wet swab and transported in dry tube, bacteria were observed in 10 (25%), whereas of 40 samples collected with dry swab and transported in Stuart's medium, 12 (30%) had bacteria. CONCLUSION: The results of the microbiological profile of normal conjunctival microbiota using dry swab in Stuart's medium were statistically similar (p=0.85) to those obtained in wet swab in dry tube for spreading performed within 2 hours after collection of conjunctival specimen.

Infecções do trato urinário: análise da freqüência e do perfil de sensibilidade dos agentes causadores de infecções do trato urinário em pacientes com cateterização vesical crônica / Analysis of the frequency and antimicrobial susceptibilities to urinary tract infections agents in chronic catheterized patients

INTRODUÇÃO: As infecções do trato urinário (ITU) ganharam maior importância entre as infecções hospitalares, principalmente a relacionada à sondagem vesical crônica (80 por cento de todas as ITU). OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a freqüência e o perfil de sensibilidade dos agentes causadores de ITU em pacientes cronicamente sondados em acompanhamento ambulatorial. MÉTODO: Dividido em duas etapas: coleta de dados laboratoriais com análises do perfil de sensibilidade dos agentes encontrados por laminocultivo e de prontuários, sendo instituída uma correlação clinicolaboratorial com os dados dos pacientes. RESULTADOS: A amostra do trabalho foi de 109 pacientes, com uma análise de 858 culturas das quais 674 (78,57 por cento) foram positivas. Em relação às culturas de urina, os agentes etiológicos mais comuns encontrados foram a Pseudomonas aeruginosa (42,77 por cento - 288 amostras), seguida por Escherichia coli (13,14 por cento - 89 amostras) e Candida sp. (7,68 por cento - 52 amostras). Segundo as medicações orais de escolha para o tratamento ambulatorial, a sensibilidade do norfloxacino para bacilos gram-negativos variou de 40 por cento a 44,34 por cento e do ciprofloxacino de 35,13 por cento a 51,37 por cento. Os principais fatores de risco foram tempo de cateterização, idade e diagnóstico de base. DISCUSSÃO: A faixa etária predominante dos pacientes foi a da sétima década de vida, o tempo de sondagem foi inferior a três anos e o diagnóstico de base principal a hiperplasia prostática benigna (HPB). O perfil de sensibilidade para os bacilos gram-negativos mostrou uma sensibilidade variável perante antibióticos indicados para a ITU. CONCLUSÃO: Concluímos em nosso estudo que n = 674 (78,57 por cento) das uroculturas dos pacientes sondados são positivas para bactérias ou fungos. O agente mais freqüente de ITU nesses pacientes é a Pseudomonas aeruginosa, seguida da Escherichia coli, o segundo agente mais freqüente.

BACKGROUND: Urinary tract infections (UTI) are gaining a new role of importance in nosocomial infections. The main reason for this increase is the huge number of chronic catheterized patients (corresponding to 80 percent of all UTI). OBJECTIVES: Analysis of the frequency and antimicrobial susceptibilities to urinary tract infections agents in chronic catheterized patients in outpatient setting. METHOD: Urine cultures of 109 patients mentioned above were analyzed and if positive, it was collected the patient conditions that leads to UTI, the causative agents and the antimicrobial susceptibilities. RESULTS: From the 858 urine cultures analyzed from 109 patients, 674 (78.57 percent) were positive for pathogens growth. The most common microorganisms found were the Gram-negative bacilli with 618 (92.38 percent) cultures in which Pseudomonas aeruginosa was found in 288 (42.77 percent) of them, followed by Escherichia coli with 89 (13.14 percent) cultures, antibiotic susceptibilities to norfloxacin was 40 percent-44.34 percent and to ciprofloxacin was 35.13 percent-51.37 percent, main choice to oral treatment. The main predisposed condition for the infection in these patients was: time of catheterization, age and diagnosis. DISCUSSION: In this study, it was determined that conditions predisposed towards UTI are fundamental for orientation, medical treatment and care in the catheterization. The data collection showed that 674 (78.57 percent) of these patients had infections, with great incidence in the first and second years. CONCLUSION: The non-fermentative Gram-negative bacilli were the most common agents that differentiate them from the infections within the community in which the most frequent agent is Escherichia coli (which was the second agent in this study).

Tratamento cirúrgico do cancer gástrico: análise de 254 casos / Surgical treatment of stomach neoplasms: report of 254 cases

Os autores analisaram retrospectivamente, 254 doentes com carcinoma gástrico, acompanhados no Grupo de Estômago e Duodeno do Departamento de Cirurgia da Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Santa Casa de Säo Paulo, no período de janeiro de 1984 a dezembro de 1989. A média de idade foi de 60,5 anos, com predomínio do sexo masculino na proporçäo de 2,3:1. Houve maior prevalência nos estádios III e IV (75,98%). A opçäo cirúrgica baseou-se na localizaçäo e tamanho do tumor. Naqueles localizados na porçäo alta e média do corpo gástrico, indicou-se a gastrectomia total, e nos situados abaixo dessa regiäo, a ressecçäo parcial a 4/5. A reconstruçäo do trânsito intestinal nos doentes submetidos a ressecçäo total, foi na maioria dos casos, à maneira de Kenneth-Warren modificado, enquanto que naqueles com gastrectomia parcial, à Billroth II. Nesta casuística, o índice de extirpabilidade foi de 72,83%. Nos doentes extirpados, a taxa de morbidade foi 25,41% e a mortalidade hospitalar 9,94%. Nos estádios III e IV tivemos um número maior de complicaçöes nos doentes submetidos à gastrectomia total em relaçäo à ressecçäo parcial a 4/5. Para os estádios I e II näo houve diferença estatisticamente significante