Microbiota oral e retal de calitriquídeos (Callithrix sp) em área antropizada de Mata Atlântica, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil / [Oral and rectal microbiota of callitrichids (Callithrix sp) in an anthropized area of the Atlantic Forest in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil]

A proximidade dos primatas não humanos (PNH) com o ser humano pode ser considerada um fator de risco para transmissão de bactérias entre essas duas populações. Neste estudo, foi investigada a microbiota anfibiôntica aeróbica oral e retal de calitriquídeos em um fragmento de Mata Atlântica localizado no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, e foram realizados testes fenotípicos para detecção de bactérias multirresistentes nos isolados encontrados. Foram capturados 14 calitriquídeos e coletadas 21 amostras (14 de cavidade oral e sete de cavidade retal) em dois pontos da mata próximos às habitações humanas. As espécies mais frequentes, na cavidade oral, foram Klebsiella oxytoca (50,0%), K. pneumoniae (28,6%), Kluyvera ascorbata (21,4%) e Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (21,4%) e, na cavidade retal, K. pneumoniae (85,7%), Escherichia coli (28,6%) e Enterobacter spp. (42,9%). Todos os 48 isolados da família Enterobacteriaceae foram negativos para ESBL (betalactamase de espectro ampliado), mostrando-se não produtores da enzima nos dois métodos utilizados: disco-aproximação e método de detecção automatizado. Na pesquisa de ERC (enterobactérias resistentes a carbapenêmicos), esses mesmos isolados não apresentaram resistência aos antibióticos imipenem, meropenem e ertapenem. Todas as bactérias isoladas apresentam um potencial zoonótico, o que representa um risco à saúde pública e à conservação das espécies.(AU)

Proximity of nonhuman primates (NHP) to humans can be considered a risk factor for transmission of pathogens between these two populations. This study investigated the oral and rectal aerobic bacterial microbiota of marmosets in an anthropized area of the Atlantic Forest located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and performed phenotypic tests for detection of multidrug-resistant bacteria. Twenty-one samples (14 from the oral cavity and seven from the rectum) were collected from 14 Callithrix sp. captured in two sites of the forest near human dwellings. The most frequent species identified from the oral cavity swabs were Klebsiella oxytoca (50.0%), K. pneumoniae (28.6%), Kluyvera ascorbata (21.4%) and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (21.4%), whereas the species most commonly identified from the rectum swabs were K. pneumoniae (85.7%), Enterobacter spp. (42.9%) and Escherichia coli (28.6%). All isolates of family Enterobacteriaceae showed no extended spectrum ß-lactamase production by disk-diffusion and automated detection tests. In the search for carbapenem-resistant enterobacteriaceae these isolates presented no resistance to the imipenem, meropenem and ertapenem antibiotics. The isolate of Staphylococcus aureus was susceptible to oxacillin and the isolate of Enterococcus was susceptible to vancomycin. All isolated bacteria showed zoonotic potential, thus posing a risk to species conservation and public health.(AU)

PCR-based identification of Mycobacterium murphy causing Canine Leproid Granuloma Syndrome in Niterói, southeast Brazil - case report / Identificação baseada em PCR de Mycobacterium murphy causando Síndrome do Granuloma Lepróide Canino em Niterói, sudeste do Brasil ˗ Relato de Caso

Canine Leproid Granuloma Syndrome (CLGS), also known as canine leprosy, is a cutaneous nodular infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium sp.. Despite being reported worldwide, it is still quite unknown and underdiagnosed. Diagnosis may be achieved by cytopathology or histopathology of skin lesions, but identification of the infectious agent is complex, since bacterial in vitro growth is not possible, relying upon molecular techniques such as PCR to confirm Mycobacterium DNA in the sample. We report a CLGS case in Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, diagnosed by cytopathology and submitted to molecular identification of the agent. PCR amplification of hsp65 gene was performed and revealed 100% genetic homology to M. murphy strain. This is the first CLGS report with molecular identification in Rio de Janeiro state, and this finding should raise awareness about CLGS as a differential diagnosis among granulomatous skin diseases in this region.(AU)

A síndrome de granuloma leproide canino (SGLC), também conhecida como lepra canina, é uma doença infecciosa cutânea nodular causada por Mycobacterium sp. Apesar de ser relatada mundialmente, ainda é bastante desconhecida e subdiagnosticada. O diagnóstico pode ser conseguido por citopatologia ou histopatologia de lesões cutâneas, mas a identificação do agente infeccioso é complexa, uma vez que o crescimento in vitro bacteriano não é possível, dependendo de técnicas moleculares como a PCR para confirmar o DNA de Mycobacterium na amostra. Relatou-se um caso da SGLC em Niterói, estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, diagnosticado por citopatologia e submetido à identificação molecular do agente. Foi realizada amplificação por PCR do gene hsp65, que revelou 100% de homologia genética com a cepa M. murphy. Este é o primeiro relato da SGLC com identificação molecular no estado do Rio de Janeiro, o que mostra a importância de se acrescentar a SGLC ao diagnóstico diferencial das doenças granulomatosas de pele nessa região.(AU)

Synthesis and antimycobacterial evaluation of N'-(E)-heteroaromaticpyrazine-2-carbohydrazide derivatives.

A series of nine N'-(E)-heteroaromatic-pyrazine-2-carbohydrazide derivatives (5a-f and 6a-c) have been synthesized and evaluated against M. tuberculosis ATCC 27294 using the micro plate Alamar Blue assay (MABA), being the activities expressed as the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) in µg/ml. Compounds 5a and 5f exhibited potent activities (3.12 and 50µg/mL, respectively) when compared to the first line drug pyrazinamide (MIC>100 µg/mL). Afterwards, these compounds were evaluated for their cell viabilities in non-infected and infected macrophages with Mycobaterium bovis Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) and 5f was not cytotoxic to host cells in the effective concentration to inhibit the growth of M. tuberculosis.

Atividade antimicrobiana dos frutos de Syagrus oleracea e Mauritia vinifera / Antimicrobial activity of Syagrus oleracea and Mauritia vinifera fruits

As espécies pertencentes à família Palmae são muito interessantes do ponto de vista químico e farmacológico. Neste trabalho, foram estudados os frutos de duas espécies da família Palmae, Syagrus oleracea e Mauritia vinifera. Essas palmeiras foram escolhidas por serem espécies brasileiras, abundantes em nosso país, utilizadas popularmente no tratamento de algumas doenças e ainda pouco estudadas. Foram realizados ensaios farmacológicos para avaliação da atividade antimicrobiana dos extratos dos frutos das duas espécies em estudo. Para o teste de atividade antimicrobiana foram utilizadas cepas de bactérias Gram positivas e Gram negativas. A metodologia empregada foi a de Microdiluição em caldo. Foram testados os extratos etanólicos brutos do epicarpo/mesocarpo de S. oleracea e de M. vinifera, o extrato hexânico das amêndoas de S. oleracea, as partições hexânicas e em acetato de etila do epicarpo/mesocarpo de S. oleracea, do epicarpo/mesocarpo e mesocarpo/endocarpo de M. vinifera, na concentração de 100 mg/ml. Os extratos lipofílicos de S. oleracea apresentaram os melhores resultados para essa espécie. Nos testes realizados com M. vinifera, as partições lipofílicas foram as mais inibitórias para a cepa de S. aureus.

Palmae species are very interesting by the chemical and pharmacological points of view. Two species belonging to this family were chosen to initiate the chemical and pharmacological approach of their fruits: Syagrus oleracea (Martius) Beccari and Mauritia vinifera Martius, known in Brazil as Guariroba and Buriti, respectively. Those palm species can be found in several regions of Brazil, especially at the northeast and southeast of the country. They have been used in folk medicine to treat some diseases, however no toxicological and pharmacological studies have been done so far. For the two studied fruits, the antimicrobial activity tests were carried out by broth microdilution methodology. The objective of this work was to contribute for the pharmacological study of palm species, evaluating the antimicrobial activity of the extracts obtained from the fruits of S. oleracea and M. vinifera. The assays evaluated ethanol extracts of the epicarp/mesocarp of S. oleracea and epicarp/mesocarp of M. vinifera; hexane extract of the endosperm of S. oleracea; hexane and ethyl acetate fractions of the epicarp/mesocarp of S. oleracea, epicarp/mesocarp of M. vinifera and mesocarp/endocarp of M. vinifera. The lipophilic extracts of S. oleracea obtained the best results for the species. For M. vinifera, the lipophilic partitions have shown a high inhibitory percentage for S. aureus.

Poor response to tuberculosis treatment with regimens without rifampicin in immunosuppressed AIDS patients

A prospective study was conducted on 79 advanced immunosuppressed AIDS patients from 1997 to 1999, during which nine cases of tuberculosis (TB) were diagnosed. The main clinical and laboratory characteristics and the response to TB treatment were reviewed. The clinical manifestations of TB were: pulmonary (six cases), extrapulmonary (two cases) and disseminated (one case). These patients were being treated with highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART) and were not responding. In three cases an optional regimen without rifampicin (RMP) was indicated to maintain HAART during TB treatment. A clinical response to TB treatment (disappearance of fever) was observed in 6/9 patients during a mean of 73 days (SD = 96). The three unresponsive patients were those treated without RMP. A switch to TB regimens containing RMP was proposed and successful. In our study, though it was limited by a small sample size, the response to TB regimens without rifampin was poor in immunossupressed patients failing HAART.

Diagnóstico de la infección micobacteriana diseminada: evaluación de un método sencillo y barato para países en desarrollo / Diagnosis of disseminated mycobacterial infection: testing a simple and inexpensive method for use in developing countries

Con el desarrollo de la epidemia del síndrome de inmunodeficiencia adquirida (sida), el aislamiento de micobacterias de la sangre se ha convertido en un problema habitual de los laboratorios clínicos. En el presente estudio se evaluaron dos métodos para aislar micobacterias en muestras de sangre de pacientes de sida: 1) la inoculación directa en un medio bifásico y 2) un método no comercializado de lisis por centrifugación. A cada uno de los 50 pacientes de sida con sospecha de enfermedad micobacteriana diseminada se le extrajeron tres muestras de sangre consecutivas a intervalos de 15 minutos. En 70 de 138 muestras de sangre obtenidas de 30 (60%) pacientes se detectó crecimiento de micobacterias. A partir de estos cultivos, en 19 pacientes se aisló Mycobacterium tuberculosis y en 11 (37%), el complejo Mycobacterium avium. Los cultivos en que se utilizó el método de lisis por centrifugación fueron positivos en 54% de los pacientes, mientras que esta cifra se redujo a 44% en los cultivos en que se usó el método bifásico (P > 0,05). El porcentaje de muestras positivas al complejo M. avium fue mayor con el método de centrifugación por lisis (91%) que con el de inoculación directa en medio bifásico (45,4%) (P < 0,05). Sin embargo, los porcentajes de muestras positivas a M. tuberculosis detectadas con el método de lisis por centrifugación (89,5%) y con el de inoculación directa en un medio bifásico (100%) fueron similares (P > 0,05). La técnica no comercializada de centrifugación por lisis es barata, fiable y puede constituir un método alternativo para el diagnóstico de micobacteriemia en países en desarrollo.

With the development of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic, the isolation of mycobacteria from blood has become a common problem for clinical laboratories. In this study two methods were used for the recovery of mycobacteria from blood specimens obtained from AIDS patients: (1) direct inoculation in biphasic medium, and (2) a noncommercial lysis-centrifugaton method. A total of three consecutive blood samples were taken at 15-minute intervals from each of 50 AIDS patients with clinical suspicion of disseminated mycobacterial disease. Mycobacterium growth was noted in 70/138 blood specimens from 30 (60%) patients. These cultures yielded Mycobacterium tuberculosis in 19 (63%) and Mycobacterium avium complex organisms in 11 (37%) patients. Cultures using the lysis-centrifugation method were positive in 54% of the patients, while cultures using biphasic medium were positive in 44% (P > 0,05). The positivity for M. avium complex was higher with lysis-centrifugation (91%) than with biphasic medium (45,4%) (P < 0,05). However, the positivities for M. tuberculosis with the lysis-centrifugation method (89,5%) and direct inoculation in biphasic medium (100%) were similar (P > 0,05). The use of a noncommercial lysis-centrifugation technique is inexpensive, reliable, and can be an alternative method for the diagnosis of mycobacteremia in developing countries.

Emergence of a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus clone related to the Brazilian epidemic clone III::B:A causing invasive disease among AIDS patients in a Brazilian hospital.

In a previous study we described the extensive geographic spread of a multidrug-resistant methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) clone in hospitals located in the southern, southeastern, and northern parts of Brazil. In this study we used a set of molecular markers to demonstrate the emergence of a novel MRSA clone distinct from but closely related to the widely spread Brazilian epidemic clone. The new MRSA clone caused an outbreak among acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients in a Brazilian hospital specializing in tropical diseases and human immunodeficiency virus- and human T-cell leukemia virus (HLTV)-related infections.

Design and operation of a whole-body monitoring system for the Goiânia radiation accident.

With as many individuals involved in the Goiânia 137Cs accident who had high levels of internal contamination, it was necessary to improvise a whole-body counter installation in loco. The in-vivo counting system was located in a 4.0 X 3.5 X 3.5-m room, where seven layers of 2-mm lead sheets with dimensions of 2.0 m X 1.0 m were overlaid on the floor at loci that were equidistant from the walls. A 20-cm diameter NaI (Tl) detector was installed at a height of 2.05 m above the floor at the center of the room. The detector was shielded and collimated with 5 cm of lead. The enormous amounts of activity in the subjects required the detector to be positioned at a height of 2.05 m. Subjects were required to wear disposable clothing and lie on a reclining, fiberglass chair. Counting time for the subjects was 2 min (live-time). The minimum detectable 137Cs activity for this counting time was 7.3 kBq* (0.05 significance level). Besides the accident victims, all individuals who had direct or indirect contact with contaminated people or areas were also monitored. More than 300 people of both sexes, with ages varying from a few months to 72 y, were measured for whole-body radioactivity. The observed activities ranged from less than the minimum detectable activity (MDA) to 59 MBq.