Paracoccidioides spp.: the structural characterization of extracellular matrix, expression of glucan synthesis and associated genes and adhesins during biofilm formation.

The genus Paracoccidioides includes Paracoccidioides lutzii and the Paracoccidioides brasiliensis complex, which comprises four phylogenetic species. A key feature distinguishing planktonic growth from biofilm is the presence of a 3D extracellular matrix (ECM). Therefore, in this study, we analyzed biofilm formation in different species of Paracoccidioides yeast phase, characterized the structural elements of the matrix of P. brasiliensis (Pb18), P. lutzii (Pl01 and 8334) and P. restrepiensis (339 and 192) and evaluated the expression of glucan genes, according to the stage of biofilm evolution for P. brasiliensis. The strains were cultivated in planktonic and biofilm form for 24-144 h. The fungi biomass and metabolic activity were determined by crystal violet and tetrazolium salt reduction (XTT) tests and colony-forming unit (CFU) by plating. The biofilm structure was designed using scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy techniques. The extracellular matrix of P. brasiliensis and P. lutzii biofilms was extracted by sonication, and polysaccharides, proteins, and extracellular DNA (eDNA) were quantified. The RNA was extracted with the Trizol® reagent and quantified; then, the cDNA was synthesized to analyze the enolase expression, 14-3-3, FKS1, AGS1, GEL3, and KRE6 genes by real-time PCR. All strains of Paracoccidioides studied form a biofilm with more significant metabolic activity and biomass values in 144 h. The extracellular matrix of P. brasiliensis and P. lutzii had a higher content of polysaccharides in their composition, followed by proteins and eDNA in smaller quantities. The P. brasiliensis biofilm kinetics of formation showed greater expression of genes related to glucan's synthesis and its delivery to the external environment in addition adhesins during the biofilm's adhesion, initiation, and maturation. The GEL3 and enolase genes increased in expression within 24 h and during the biofilm maturation period, there was an increase in 14-3-3, AGS1, and FKS1. Furthermore, at 144 h, there was a decrease in KRE6 expression and an increase in GEL3. This study highlights the potential for biofilm formation for three species of Paracoccidioides and the main components of the extracellular matrix that can contribute to a better understanding of biofilm organization.

Assessing the efficacy of gutiferone E in photodynamic therapy for oral candidiasis.

The rise in antifungal resistance and side effects of conventional treatments drive the search for innovative therapies like Photodynamic Therapy (PDT). This study explored the efficacy of PDT mediated by gutiferone, an isolated compound from red propolis, for candidiasis treatment. Multiple evaluation methods were employed, including determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) via broth microdilution, quantifying biomass using crystal violet detachment, and cell counting through total plate count. PDT mediated by gutiferone was also assessed in five groups of mice, followed by histopathological examination and agar plating of lingual tissue samples. Among the seven Candida species tested, gutiferone displayed efficacy against C. albicans, C. glabrata, and C. tropicalis, with MIC values of 1000 µg/mL. In C. tropicalis biofilms, exposure to gutiferone led to a reduction of 1.61 Log10 CFU/mL. PDT mediated by gutiferone achieved an average reduction of 3.68 Log10 CFU/mL in C. tropicalis biofilm cells, underscoring its potent fungicidal activity. Histopathological analysis revealed fungal structures, such as pseudohyphae and hyphae, in infected groups (G2) and irradiated mice. In contrast, groups treated with gutiferone or subjected to gutiferone-assisted PDT (G5) exhibited only few blastoconidia. Furthermore, CFU/mL assessments in lingual tissue post-treatment demonstrated a significantly lower count (0.30 Log10 CFU/mL) in the G5 group compared to G2 (2.43 Log10 CFU/mL). These findings highlight the potential of PDT mediated by gutiferone as a promising alternative for managing denture stomatitis. Future research and clinical investigations offer the promise of validating its clinical applicability and improving outcomes in the treatment of oral candidiasis.

In vitro activity of sanitizers against mono- and polymicrobial biofilms of C. parapsilosis and S. aureus.

The emergence of disinfectant-resistant microorganisms poses a significant threat to public health. These resilient pathogens can survive and thrive in hospital settings despite routine disinfection practices, leading to persistent infections and the potential for outbreaks. In this study, we investigated the impact of 11 different commercial sanitizers at various concentrations and exposure times on biofilms consisting of clinical and nosocomial environmental isolates of Candida parapsilosis and Staphylococcus aureus. Among the sanitizers tested, 0.5% and 2.0% chlorhexidine (CLX), 10% polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP-I), a disinfectant based on quaternary ammonium compound (QAC), 2% glutaraldehyde, and 0.55% orthophthalaldehyde (OPA) demonstrated efficacy against both C. parapsilosis and S. aureus in monospecies and mixed biofilms. Analysis showed that 0.5% CLX and 10% PVP-I had fungicidal and bactericidal activity against all biofilms. However, the sanitizer based on QAC and 0.55% OPA proved to be bacteriostatic and fungicidal against both monospecies and mixed biofilms. In mixed biofilms, despite the last four sanitizers exerting fungicidal action, the reduction of fungal cells was approximately 4 log10 CFU/mL compared to monospecies biofilms, showing that the interaction provided more resistance of the yeast to the sanitizer. Formation of mixed biofilms in hospital settings can create an ecological niche that enhances the survival of pathogens against routine sanitization procedures. Therefore, effective sanitization practices, including regular cleaning with effective sanitizers, should be implemented to prevent C. parapsilosis/S. aureus biofilm formation in healthcare settings.

Potential in vitro anti-periodontopathogenic, anti-Chikungunya activities and in vivo toxicity of Brazilian red propolis.

Bacterial and viral infections are serious public health issue. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial, antibiofilm and antiviral potential of the Brazilian Red Propolis (BRP) crude hydroalcoholic extract, fractions, and isolated compounds, as well as their in vivo toxicity. The antibacterial activity was evaluated by determining the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration and the antibiofilm activity by determining the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration of Biofilm (MICB50). The viable bacteria count (Log10 UFC/mL) was also obtained. The antiviral assays were performed by infecting BHK-21 cells with Chikungunya (CHIKV) nanoluc. The toxicity of the BRP was evaluated in the Caenorhabditis elegans animal model. The MIC values for the crude hydroalcoholic extract sample ranged from 3.12 to 100 µg/mL, while fractions and isolated compounds the MIC values ranged from 1.56 to 400 µg/mL.The BRP crude hydroalcoholic extract, oblongifolin B, and gutiferone E presented MICB50 values ranging from 1.56 to 100 µg/mL against monospecies and multispecies biofilms. Neovestitol and vestitol inhibited CHIKV infection by 93.5 and 96.7%, respectively. The tests to evaluate toxicity in C. elegans demonstrated that the BRP was not toxic below the concentrations 750 µg/mL. The results constitute an alternative approach for treating various infectious diseases.

Sporotrichosis: A Review of a Neglected Disease in the Last 50 Years in Brazil.

Sporotrichosis is caused by fungi belonging to the genus Sporothrix, which saprophytically are found in plants and organic matter. However, cats are highly susceptible to contamination with fungal spores and, when they become sick, they can transmit it to other animals and to man. The objective of this study is to carry out a systematic review on the emergency, diagnosis, clinical symptoms, therapeutics, and control of zoonotic sporotrichosis. Published data covering the last 50 years using a combination of keywords were selected to answer the question: Why has the zoonotic sporotrichosis been a neglected disease up to now? A total of 135 studies were included in this review. The studies emphasize that in recent decades, Brazil has experienced an unprecedented zoonotic outbreak of sporotrichosis. Advances on the genus Sporothrix allowed one to associate thermotolerance, capacity for melanin synthesis, potential for adhesion to tissue macromolecules, ergosterol peroxide production, and expression of virulence proteins as tools for infection and invasion in S. brasiliensis, the main species involved, although cases with S. schenckii or S. lurei were also reported. Correct diagnosis, early treatment, basic educational measures that emphasize responsible ownership of animals and reproductive control programs for felines can contribute to the control of zoonosis.

Combining Essential Oils with Each Other and with Clotrimazole Prevents the Formation of Candida Biofilms and Eradicates Mature Biofilms.

Fungal infections by Candida spp. are opportunistic and most often occur in individuals with some predisposing factor. Essential oils (EO) have anti-Candida potential, being a therapeutic alternative to be explored, especially for superficial and mucosal candidiasis. The objective was to analyze the synergistic potential between the EO of Citrus limon, Cupressus sempervirens, Litsea cubeba and Melaleuca alternifolia, and each of them with clotrimazole, to inhibit in vitro the formation and eradication of Candida spp. biofilms. Added to this, the survival of Caenorhabditis elegans was evaluated after exposure to EO, clotrimazole and their synergistic combinations. Anti-Candida activity was determined by microdilution for the substances alone and in EO−EO and EO−clotrimazole combinations. The combinations were performed by the checkerboard method, and the reduction in the metabolic activity of biofilms was determined by the viability of MTT/menadione. C. elegans larvae survival was evaluated after 24 h of exposure to EO, clotrimazole and synergistic combinations. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of EO ranged from 500 to >4000 µg/mL. The lowest MIC (500 µg/mL) was for C. sempervirens and L. cubeba on a C. krusei isolate; for clotrimazole, the MIC ranged from 0.015 to 0.5 µg/mL. Biofilm inhibition and eradication both ranged from 1000 to >4000 µg/mL. The lethal concentration (LC50) of C. limon, L. cubeba and M. alternifolia was 2000 µg/mL for C. elegans, while for C. sempervirens and clotrimazole, it was not determined within the concentration limits tested. In combination, more than 85% of the larvae survived M. alternifolia−clotrimazole, M. alternifolia−L. cubeba, C. sempervirens−clotrimazole and C. sempervirens−C. limon combinations. This study is the first, to our knowledge, to present a synergistic relationship of EO−EO and EO−clotrimazole combinations on Candida spp. biofilms.

Ozonated oil is effective at killing Candida species and Streptococcus mutans biofilm-derived cells under aerobic and microaerobic conditions.

This study explores the growth of bacterial, fungal, and interkingdom biofilms under aerobiosis or microaerobic conditions and the effect of ozonated sunflower oil on these biofilms. Candida species and Streptococcus mutans were used to study this interaction due to their importance in oral health and disease as these microorganisms display a synergistic relationship that manifests in the onset of caries and tooth decay. Biofilms were developed in a 96-well microtiter plate at 37ºC for 24 h, under aerobiosis or microaerobic conditions, and treated with ozonated oil for 5 to 120 min. All the microorganisms formed biofilms in both oxygenation conditions. Scanning electron microscopy was used to visualize biofilm morphology. Rodent experiments were performed to verify the oil-related toxicity and its efficacy in oral candidiasis. The growth of all Candida species was increased when co-cultured with S. mutans, whilst the growth of bacterium was greater only when co-cultured with C. krusei and C. orthopsilosis under aerobiosis and microaerobic conditions, respectively. Regardless of the oxygenation condition, ozonated oil significantly reduced the viability of all the tested biofilms and infected mice, showing remarkable microbicidal activity as corroborated with confocal microscopy and minimal toxicity. Thus, ozonated oil therapy can be explored as a strategy to control diseases associated with these biofilms especially in the oral cavity. LAY SUMMARY: We demonstrated that ozonated sunflower oil is effective at killing the biofilms formed by Candida species, by the bacterium Streptococcus mutans, or by both micoorganisms that can interact in the oral cavity, making it a potential therapeutic option for the treatment of these infections.

The In Vitro Effect of Ozone Therapy Against Equine Pythium insidiosum.

The goal of the present study was to characterize the antimicrobial action of different ozone (O3) presentations against Pythium insidiosum isolated from horses. In experiment 1, P. insidiosum was treated with ozonated distilled water, ozonated sunflower oils with distinct peroxide indexes or O3 gas (72 µg O3 mL-1). In experiment 2, samples were exposed one or three times to oxygen (O2) or O3 gas (72 µg O3 mL-1; 30 min/day). In experiment 3, P. insidiosum was treated with different concentrations of O3 gas (Ø, 32, 52, or 72 µg O3 mL-1) for three days (30 min/day). In experiment 4, samples were exposed to O2 or O3 gas (72 µg O3 mL-1) for 05, 15, or 30 minutes during three days. Posteriorly, all samples were cultured for two weeks, and the pathogen growth area was measured until D14. Samples with absence of growth on D14 were recultured to assess the germicidal or germistatic action of the treatment. In experiment 1, only ozonized sunflower oil with a high peroxide index had germicidal action against the pathogen. In experiment 2, samples exposed three times to O3 gas were inactivated. In experiment 3, the O3 therapy had germicidal action against P. insidiosum independently of the gas concentration (P > .1). In experiment 4, O3 treatments ≥15 minutes suppressed the pathogen development, whereas samples exposed to O3 gas for 5 minutes had progressive growth (P < .01). In conclusion, ozonated sunflower oil with a high peroxide index and multiple exposures to O3 gas mixtures were able to inactivate P. insidiosum isolated from horses.

Plantas medicinais: uma abordagem sobre o uso seguro e racional / Medicinal plants: an approach to rational and safe use

Resumo Muitas plantas são utilizadas com finalidades medicinais, constituindo alternativas terapêuticas complementares ao tratamento de doenças, trazendo inúmeros benefícios à saúde, quando utilizadas racionalmente e de maneira adequada. No entanto, as plantas constituem um arsenal grande de constituintes químicos, que podem ser benéficos, mas também podem representar um risco potencial à saúde. Desse modo, é importante que o usuário, os profissionais de saúde, e os prescritores, tenham conhecimentos sobre a planta, a correta identificação, conservação, modo de preparo e uso, além dos possíveis efeitos colaterais. As plantas medicinais, seus riscos e benefícios, são discutidos à luz das publicações científicas contemporâneas, atentando para a contribuição dos profissionais de saúde em relação ao seu papel de educadores e promotores de saúde atuantes em comunidades, especialmente aquelas usuárias do Sistema Único de Saúde.

Abstract Many plants are used for medicinal purposes, constituting therapeutic alternatives complementary to the medical treatment, bringing numerous health benefits, when used rationally and in an appropriate way. However, plants constitute a large arsenal of chemicals constituents, which may be beneficial, but may also pose a potential health risk. So, it is important that the user, the health professionals, and the prescribers, have knowledge about the plant, ensuring correct identification, conservation, preparation and use, as well as possible side effects. The study of the medicinal plants, their risks and benefits, and efficacy confirmation by carefully designed studies will be discussed in the light of contemporary scientific publications, paying attention to the contribution of health professionals in relation to their role as active educators and health promoters in communities, especially those users of the Unified Health System.

Dynamics of Mono- and Dual-Species Biofilm Formation and Interactions Between Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and Candida albicans.

The oral cavity is a highly diverse microbial environment in which microorganisms interact with each other, growing as biofilms on biotic and abiotic surfaces. Understanding the interaction among oral microbiota counterparts is pivotal for clarifying the pathogenesis of oral diseases. Candida spp. is one of the most abundant fungi in the oral mycobiome with the ability to cause severe soft tissue lesions under certain conditions. Paracoccidioides spp., the causative agent of paracoccidioidomycosis, may also colonize the oral cavity leading to soft tissue damage. It was hypothesized that both fungi can interact with each other, increasing the growth of the biofilm and its virulence, which in turn can lead to a more aggressive infectivity. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the dynamics of mono- and dual-species biofilm growth of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and Candida albicans and their infectivity using the Galleria mellonella model. Biomass and fungi metabolic activity were determined by the crystal violet and the tetrazolium salt reduction tests (XTT), respectively, and the colony-forming unit (CFU) was obtained by plating. Biofilm structure was characterized by both scanning electronic- and confocal laser scanning- microscopy techniques. Survival analysis of G. mellonella was evaluated to assess infectivity. Our results showed that dual-species biofilm with P. brasiliensis plus C. albicans presented a higher biomass, higher metabolic activity and CFU than their mono-species biofilms. Furthermore, G. mellonella larvae infected with P. brasiliensis plus C. albicans presented a decrease in the survival rate compared to those infected with P. brasiliensis or C. albicans, mainly in the form of biofilms. Our data indicate that P. brasiliensis and C. albicans co-existence is likely to occur on oral mucosal biofilms, as per in vitro and in vivo analysis. These data further widen the knowledge associated with the dynamics of fungal biofilm growth that can potentially lead to the discovery of new therapeutic strategies for these infections.

Brazilian Copaifera Species: Antifungal Activity against Clinically Relevant Candida Species, Cellular Target, and In Vivo Toxicity.

Plants belonging to the genus Copaifera are widely used in Brazil due to their antimicrobial properties, among others. The re-emergence of classic fungal diseases as a consequence of antifungal resistance to available drugs has stimulated the search for plant-based compounds with antifungal activity, especially against Candida. The Candida-infected Caenorhabditis elegans model was used to evaluate the in vitro antifungal potential of Copaifera leaf extracts and trunk oleoresins against Candida species. The Copaifera leaf extracts exhibited good antifungal activity against all Candida species, with MIC values ranging from 5.86 to 93.75 µg/mL. Both the Copaifera paupera and Copaifera reticulata leaf extracts at 46.87 µg/mL inhibited Candida glabrata biofilm formation and showed no toxicity to C. elegans. The survival of C. glabrata-infected nematodes increased at all the tested extract concentrations. Exposure to Copaifera leaf extracts markedly increased C. glabrata cell vacuolization and cell membrane damage. Therefore, Copaifera leaf extracts are potential candidates for the development of new and safe antifungal agents.

In Vitro and In Vivo Anti-Candida spp. Activity of Plant-Derived Products.

Candidiasis therapy, especially for candidiasis caused by Candida non-albicans species, is limited by the relatively reduced number of antifungal drugs and the emergence of antifungal tolerance. This study evaluates the anticandidal activity of 41 plant-derived products against Candida species, in both planktonic and biofilm cells. This study also evaluates the toxicity and the therapeutic action of the most active compounds by using the Caenorhabditis elegans-Candida model. The planktonic cells were cultured with various concentrations of the tested agents. The Cupressus sempervirens, Citrus limon, and Litsea cubeba essential oils as well as gallic acid were the most active anticandidal compounds. Candida cell re-growth after treatment with these agents for 48 h demonstrated that the L. cubeba essential oil and gallic acid displayed fungistatic activity, whereas the C. limon and C. sempervirens essential oils exhibited fungicidal activity. The C. sempervirens essential oil was not toxic and increased the survival of C. elegans worms infected with C. glabrata or C. orthopsilosis. All the plant-derived products assayed at 250 µg/mL affected C. krusei biofilms. The tested plant-derived products proved to be potential therapeutic agents against Candida, especially Candida non-albicans species, and should be considered when developing new anticandidal agents.

Susceptibility to Oral Antiseptics and Virulence Factors Ex Vivo Associated with Candida spp. Isolated from Dental Prostheses.

PURPOSE: To isolate Candida spp. from dental prosthesis users' saliva and to evaluate the isolates for the presence of several virulence factors. This research also aimed to investigate the antifungal activity of 3 commercial mouthwashes/oral antiseptic formulations containing 0.12% chlorhexidine, 0.07% cetylpyridinium, or 0.075% cetylpyridinium against planktonic and sessile (biofilm mode) yeast cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-three Candida yeasts were isolated from 32 of 70 selected patients, and the virulence factors of C. albicans, C. krusei, C. glabrata, C. tropicalis, and C. parapsilosis species were investigated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and proteinase in plates. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and in vitro biofilm assay evaluated the antifungal activity of antiseptics. RESULTS: C. albicans, C. krusei, C. glabrata, C. tropicalis, and C. parapsilosis were detected in mono and mixed cultures. Only C. albicans displayed genes related to adhesion and proteinases (ALS2, ALS3, SAP1, and SAP3). The aspartate proteinase activity was found in 60.46% of isolates. The tested antiseptic formulations exhibited a MIC less than 1.25% toward yeasts in the planktonic mode. According to XTT ((2,3-bis(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide) assay results, most Candida isolates and all mixed cultures formed biofilms within 24 hours. The evaluated antiseptic formulations were also active against biofilms. CONCLUSION: Most virulence factors investigated here (ALS2, ALS3, SAP1, and SAP3) occurred in the majority of the Candida spp. isolates, especially in C. albicans. The tested mouthwash formulations were effective against all the yeast isolates in both the planktonic and sessile growth modes. Developing alternative therapies that can avoid or control biofilm formation is necessary to prevent oral candidiasis and other Candida spp. infections.

Fungal biofilms in the hemodialysis environment.

Hemodialysis, which is a kidney failure treatment that uses hemodialysis machine, dialyzer, dialysis solution, catheters, and needles, favors biofilm formation. This study evaluates whether Aspergillus, Candida, and Fusarium can form biofilm in dialysis fluids. Biofilms were grown in 96-well microplates containing solutions (acid and basic) consisting of dialysate, dialysate per se, or dialysate plus glucose as culture medium. The biofilms were incubated at 30 °C for 72 h, quantified by the violet crystal methodology, and visualized by transmission electron microscopy. All the fungi formed biomass in all the tested solutions. However, Bonferroni analysis revealed that the dialysate facilitated Aspergillus biomass development, whereas the dialysate and dialysate with glucose provided similar Fusarium oxysporum biomass development. Candida parapsilosis development was favored in biofilms grown in basic electrolytic solution. Electron micrographs of biofilms that grew on catheters after 72 h showed that Aspergillus formed abundant hyphae; the extracellular matrix was visible on the surface of some hyphae when Aspergillus was grown in the dialysate. A multilayered hyphal structure emerged when F. oxysporum biofilms were incubated in the dialysate with glucose. C. parapsilosis biofilm growth in basic solution elicited a dense network of yeasts and pseudohyphae as well as the extracellular matrix; the biofilm was attached across the catheter length. This study may contribute to the formulation of new strategies to monitor biofilm formation and to increase knowledge associated with fungal biofilms in the dialysis environment.

Yeast isolation and identification in water used in a Brazilian hemodialysis unit by classic microbiological techniques and Raman spectroscopy.

The use of poorly treated water in hemodialysis centers may lead to fungal contamination, which poses a serious threat to immunologically debilitated hemodialysis patients. This study aimed to isolate and identify yeast species in the water of a Brazilian hemodialysis center by using classic microbiological techniques and Raman spectroscopy. For 12 months, a total of 288 water samples were collected from different points of the hemodialysis treatment distribution center. One hundred and forty-six yeast species were isolated and identified in the samples that tested positive for the presence of yeasts such as Candida parapsilosis (100 isolates, or 68.50%), C. guilliermondii (17 isolates, or 11.65%), Rhodotorula mucilaginosa (23 isolates, or 15.75%), R. glutinis (three isolates, or 2.05%), and Trichosporon inkin (three isolates, or 2.05%). Yeast susceptibility to the antifungal fluconazole was also assayed. Only two C. guilliermondii isolates were resistant to fluconazole: the minimal inhibitory concentrations were higher than 64 µg/mL. The different yeast species present in the water of a Brazilian hemodialysis center call for more effective water disinfection procedures in this unit. Raman spectroscopy is an excellent tool to identify yeast species and is potentially applicable in routine water monitoring in hemodialysis units.

In vitro studies of the antibacterial activity of Copaifera spp. oleoresins, sodium hypochlorite, and peracetic acid against clinical and environmental isolates recovered from a hemodialysis unit.

Background: Patients submitted to hemodialysis therapy are more susceptible to infection, especially to infection by Gram-positive bacteria. Various research works have attempted to discover new antimicrobial agents from plant extracts and other natural products. Methods: The present study aimed to assess the antibacterial activities of Copaifera duckei, C. reticulata, and C. oblongifolia oleoresins; sodium hypochlorite; and peracetic acid against clinical and environmental isolates recovered from a Hemodialysis Unit. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration and the Fractionated Inhibitory Concentration Index were determined; the ability of the tested compounds/extracts to inhibit biofilm formation was evaluated by calculating the MICB50 and IC50. Results: C. duckei was the most efficient among the assayed Copaifera species, and its oleoresin was more effective than peracetic acid and sodium hypochlorite. Copaifera oleoresins and disinfectants did not act synergistically at any of the tested combinations. Certain of C. duckei oleoresin, peracetic acid, and sodium hypochlorite concentrations inhibited biofilm formation and eradicated 50% of the biofilm population. Conclusion: C. duckei oleoresin is a potential candidate for disinfectant formulations. Based on these results and given the high incidence of multi-resistant bacteria in hemodialysis patients, it is imperative that new potential antibacterial agents like C. duckei oleoresin, which is active against Staphylococcus, be included in disinfectant formulations.

Risk of Fungal Infection to Dental Patients.

Fungi can cause various diseases, and some pathogenic fungi have been detected in the water of dental equipment. This environment offers suitable conditions for fungal biofilms to emerge, which can facilitate mycological contamination. This study verified whether the water employed in the dental units of two dental clinics at the University of Franca was contaminated with fungi. This study also evaluated the ability of the detected fungi to form biofilms. The high-revving engine contained the largest average amount of fungi, 14.93 ± 18.18 CFU/mL. The main fungal species verified in this equipment belonged to the genera Aspergillus spp., Fusarium spp., Candida spp., and Rhodotorula spp. Among the isolated filamentous fungi, only one fungus of the genus Fusarium spp. did not form biofilms. As for yeasts, all the Candida spp. isolates grew as biofilm, but none of the Rhodotorula spp. isolates demonstrated this ability. Given that professionals and patients are often exposed to water and aerosols generated by the dental procedure, the several fungal species detected herein represent a potential risk especially to immunocompromised patients undergoing dental treatment. Therefore, frequent microbiological monitoring of the water employed in dental equipment is crucial to reduce the presence of contaminants.

Influência de fatores de risco na mortalidade por doenças infecciosas e parasitárias / Influence of mortality risk factors by infectious and parasite diseases

O Brasil tem grande extensão e características socioeconômicas, demográficas e culturais distintas. Sendo assim, em algumas regiões, as doenças infecciosas e parasitárias (DIPs) ainda fazem parte do cotidiano da população. Desse modo, objetivou-se avaliar se as DIPs, nos municípios que constituem a Superintendência Regional de Saúde (SRS) de Alfenas (MG), têm relação com fatores de risco selecionados. Trata-se de um estudo transversal de base populacional, de caráter descritivo e abordagem quantitativa, utilizando-se dados secundários obtidos no censo demográfico (2010) e empregando-se a análise de correlação de Pearson. Todos os indicadores de saúde e educação estudados, correlacionaram-se significativamente com a mortalidade por DIPs. O sistema de abastecimento de água por rede geral de distribuição, juntamente com o número de esgotamento sanitário por rede geral de esgoto ou pluvial, foram as variáveis dos indicadores de saneamento básico que demonstraram os mais elevados índices de correlação. Dentre os indicadores relativos à economia, o rendimento nominal mensal até » de salário mínimo ou sem rendimento mensal influenciaram significativamente a mortalidade por DIPs e, entre os indicadores de mortalidade infantil, somente o número de nascidos com peso inferior a 2500g demonstrou relação com as DIPs. Os resultados mostraram que as condições ambientais e de saneamento assim como as condições socioeconômicas dos residentes nos domicílios servidos por esses bens, aliadas à divulgação de medidas básicas de higiene pessoal, doméstica e comunitária impactam na saúde da população, refletindo na morbidade e mortalidade por enfermidades de diferentes etiologias, incluindo-se às DIPs. Dessa maneira, o conhecimento da prevalência e das principais variáveis associadas pode fornecer subsídio para dimensão do problema, planejamento e implementação de ações de promoção à saúde e à prevenção de agravos do processo saúde-doença.

Due to Brazil´s huge extension and to different social, economic, demographic and cultural conditions, several regions in Brazil feature infectious and parasite diseases (IPDs). Current analysis assesses whether IPDs in the municipalities of the Health Regional Superintendence of Alfenas MG Brazil are related to specific risk factors. Current populated-based transversal, descriptive and quantitative study employs secondary data from the 2010 demographic census, by Pearson´s co-relationship. All health and educational indicators significantly co-relate themselves with mortality due to IPDs, The water supply system and the number of sewerage and rainwater per network unit were the variables of basic sanitation indexes with the highest co-relation scores. In the case of economic indicators, the monthly income of half the minimum wage or without any monthly earnings significantly affected IPD-based mortality. Only the number of births weighing less than 2500g had any relationship to IPDs. Results showed environmental and sanitation conditions, coupled to the social and economic factors of residents in homes with such characteristics, plus the dissemination of basic measures for personal, home and community hygiene impact population´s health. The latter influences morbidity and mortality by diseases of different etiologies, including IPDs. Knowledge on the prevalence and main associated variables may be a help in evaluating the problem and the planning and implementation of activities for the health and prevention of health-disease relationships.

Metabolic profiles of planktonic and biofilm cells of Candida orthopsilosis.

AIM: This study aims to understand which Candida orthopsilosis protein aids fungus adaptation upon its switching from planktonic growth to biofilm. MATERIALS & METHODS: Ion mobility separation within mass spectrometry analysis combination were used. RESULTS: Proteins mapped for different biosynthetic pathways showed that selective ribosome autophagy might occur in biofilms. Glucose, used as a carbon source in the glycolytic flux, changed to glycogen and trehalose. CONCLUSION: Candida orthopsilosis expresses proteins that combine a variety of mechanisms to provide yeasts with the means to adjust the catalytic properties of enzymes. Adjustment of the enzymes helps modulate the biosynthesis/degradation rates of the available nutrients, in order to control and coordinate the metabolic pathways that enable cells to express an adequate response to nutrient availability.