Comportamento da população em relação aos cuidados com os alimentos durante a pandemia da COVID-19 / Population behavior in relation to food care during the COVID-19 pandemic

Este estudo analisou o conhecimento e comportamento em relação aos cuidados e higiene alimentar antes e durante a pandemia da COVID-19 no Brasil. Os participantes foram recrutados pelas redes sociais para responder um questionário sobre aspectos sociodemográficos, conhecimento sobre coronavírus, isolamento social e recebimento de informações sobre higienização de alimentos e suas embalagens. Participaram da pesquisa 1.061 indivíduos, sendo a maioria do sexo feminino (87%), com até 35 anos (69,9%); 82,8% tinham ou estavam a concluir o ensino superior; e a renda mensal de 63,2% era de até 6 salários mínimos. Sobre a higiene de frutas e hortaliças, 56,59% dos participantes passaram a usar água e sabão durante a pandemia. Quanto a limpeza das embalagens dos alimentos recebidos por delivery, 71,85% dos participantes passaram a limpar as embalagens durante a pandemia. De forma geral, pode-se observar modificações significativas nos cuidados com os alimentos durante a pandemia da COVID-19.

This study during knowledge and behavior in food care and hygiene before and that of COVID-19 in Brazil. Participants were recruited through social networks for respondents on the sociodemographic aspects of the population's knowledge about coronavirus, social isolation and receiving information on hygiene of food and its packaging. A total of 1,061 participated in the survey, the majority being female (87%), aged up to 35 years (69.9%); 8.8% had or 2.8% had higher education; and 63.6% monthly income was up to 6% monthly. Regarding the hygiene of fruits and vegetables, 56.59% of the participants chose soap and water during the. As for cleaning packages received by delivery, 71% of patients choose to clean packages during the pandemic. In general, the pandemic can be considered in the care with food of COVID-19.

Use of Essential Oil Emulsions to Control Escherichia coli O157:H7 in the Postharvest Washing of Lettuce.

Essential oils (EOs) have strong antibacterial properties and can be potential sanitizers to reduce pathogen load and prevent cross-contamination during postharvest washing. The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of emulsions containing oregano (OR; Origanum vulgare) and winter savory (WS; Satureja montana) EOs at different concentrations (0.94 and 1.88 µL/mL) and storage times (0 h, 24 h, and 7 days), in reducing Escherichia coli O157:H7 on the surface of three types of lettuce (romaine, crisphead, and butterhead). The EO emulsions were compared with one no-rinse treatment and three rinse treatments using water, 200 ppm chlorine, and 80 ppm peroxyacetic acid (PAA), respectively, in a simulated washing system. The results showed that while the EO emulsions significantly reduced E. coli O157:H7 on crisphead lettuce over time, not all treatments were effective for romaine and butterhead lettuce. The mixture of OR and WS at concentrations of 0.94 and 1.88 µL/mL was found to be the most effective in reducing E. coli O157:H7 on inoculated lettuce, resulting in reductions of 3.52 and 3.41 log CFU/g, respectively. Furthermore, the PAA and the mixture of OR and WS at 1.88 µL/mL effectively limited bacterial cross-contamination close to the detection limit for all lettuce types during all storage times. These results suggest that OR and WS EOs could serve as potential alternatives to chemical sanitizers for postharvest lettuce washing.

Biogenic silver nanoparticles and cinnamaldehyde as an effective sanitizer for fresh sweet grape tomatoes.

This study evaluated the antibacterial activity of cinnamaldehyde (CIN) and biogenic silver nanoparticles (BioAgNP), alone and in combination, against Escherichia coli, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Staphylococcus aureus in vitro. Their sanitation activities on fresh sweet grape tomatoes were also evaluated. CIN and BioAgNP inhibited the growth of the tested bacteria, and at low concentrations, their combinations presented a synergistic effect. In the sanitization of fresh sweet grape tomatoes, CIN (156 µg/mL) combined with BioAgNP (31.25 µM) at subinhibitory concentrations inhibited the growth of E. coli after only 5 min of contact. Exposed samples showed no growth of E. coli during their shelf life. The combination of these compounds did not change significantly (p > 0.05) the physicochemical properties of sweet grape tomatoes and showed that CIN combined with BioAgNP could represent an effective method for decontaminating fruits and vegetables. This combination has great potential for application in the prevention of foodborne diseases.

Use of nanoencapsulated curcumin against vegetative cells and spores of Alicyclobacillus spp. in industrialized orange juice.

Pathogenic and deteriorating bacteria are a great concern to food safety. In this sense, the present study evaluated the fight against microbial contamination through the use of nanoparticles containing curcumin, in addition to analyzing the physical properties of these nanoparticles. Efficient curcumin encapsulation was determined by Fourier transform infrared spectra evaluation and differential scanning calorimetry. Transmission electron microscopy images showed irregular shaped nanoparticles with broad size distribution (20-250 nm). The antibacterial activity was considered satisfactory, since curcumin in the form of nanoparticles demonstrated antimicrobial and antibacterial activity superior to curcumin in its free form, against both pathogenic bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus (MIC 125 µg/mL), and deteriorates, such as Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris (MIC 62.5 µg/mL). Since curcumin nanoparticles may be consumed as a food additive, the bioactive properties of the nanoencapsulated curcumin were also evaluated in relation to antioxidant capacity (Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and oxidative hemolysis inhibition assays) and cytotoxicity against four carcinoma cell lines, as well as two non-tumor cells. As a proof of concept, nanoparticles were incorporated in orange juice, with the juice maintaining satisfactory pH, °Brix, and color stability, during three days of storage (8 °C).

Occurrence, exposure evaluation and risk assessment in child population for aflatoxin M1 in dairy products in Brazil.

This study aimed to evaluate the risk concerning child population's health because of the occurrence of AFM1 in UHT milk, powdered milk (PM) and infant formulae (IF). Determination of AFM1 was performed in 60 samples and evaluation of the mycotoxin exposure was carried out through the determination of the estimated daily intake (EDI), whereas risk characterization was evaluated with the calculation of the risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) and the Margin of Exposure (MOE). AFM1 ranged from 150 to 1020 ng/kg, and all the positive samples exceeded the limits stablished by European Community. The EDI for AFM1 ranged according to the age group of the population studied (0-5 years old) from 0.828 to 2.523, 0-2.113 and 0.029-0.833 ng/kg b. w./day in UHT, PM and IF, respectively. The number of HCC cases associated with AFM1 exposure (0.0015 a 0.0045) was higher than the limit of 0.001 case/100,000. MOE values for AFM1 were 728 to 239, considerably below the security margin of 10,000. These results point to a potential risk to the health of Brazilian child population exposed to AFM1 in dairy products.

Physicochemical and sensory evaluation of mortadella based on Nile tilapia filleting residues / Avaliação físico-química e sensorial de mortadelas a base de resíduos da filetagem de tilápia do Nilo

ABSTRACT: The objective of this research was to elaborate and characterize mortadella using fillet residues ('V'-cut fillet trim) of Nile tilapia, in order to add value to this by-product of the filleting process. Three mortadellas were made, one with 100% tilapia fillet trimmings, another containing 100% chicken meat and the third with 100% pork meat. Mortadellae were characterized in terms of microbiology, chemical composition, calcium, collagen, pH, Aw, colour, texture and formulation cost. Mortadella was within the recommended microbiological standards. Tilapia mortadella had higher levels of moisture, ash, calcium and collagen, higher pH and lower water activity when compared to other species. The tilapia mortadella had lower brightness, higher chroma a * and intermediate chroma b *, compared with the others. The texture of tilapia mortadella was better in terms of hardness, gumminess and chewability, the values ​​of which were lower. The chicken mortadella had a higher acceptance rate; however, that of tilapia was also high, while all evaluated attributes of pork received the worst grades. Nile tilapia mortadella is a technological innovation that can be introduced into the food sector with good nutritional value and a good acceptance index.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste trabalho foi elaborar e caracterizar mortadelas a partir de aparas da filetagem (corte em "V" do filé) de tilápia do Nilo, de forma a possibilitar a agregação de valor a este subproduto do processo de filetagem. Foram elaboradas três mortadelas, sendo uma com 100% de aparas da filetagem de tilápia, outra contendo 100% de carne de frango e a terceira com 100% de carne suína. As mortadelas foram caracterizadas quanto à microbiologia, composição química, cálcio, colágeno, pH, Aw, cor, textura e custo de formulação. As mortadelas estavam dentro dos padrões microbiológicos recomendados. A mortadela de tilápia apresentou maiores teores de umidade, cinzas, cálcio e colágeno, maior pH e menor atividade de água quando comparada às demais espécies. A mortadela de tilápia apresentou menor luminosidade, maior croma a* e croma b* intermediário às demais. A textura foi melhor para as mortadelas de tilápia, quanto a dureza, gomosidade e mastigabilidade, cujos valores foram menores. A mortadela de frango teve maior índice de aceitação, porém, a de tilápia também foi elevado, enquanto de suíno todos os atributos avaliados receberam as piores notas. A mortadela de tilápia do Nilo é uma inovação tecnológica que pode ser introduzida no setor alimentício com bom valor nutricional e bom índice de aceitação.

Contribution of environmental factors in the formation of biofilms by Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris on surfaces of the orange juice industry / Contribuição de fatores ambientais na formação de biofilmes por Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris em superfícies da indústria de suco de laranja

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the initial microbial load, temperature and contact time on the biofilm formation of Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris on stainless steel and natural food-grade rubber using orange juice as culture medium. The low initial load of A. acidoterrestris (2 log CFU/mL) led to biofilm formation on the stainless steel surface after 48 h of contact at 28 ºC and after 24 h at 45 ºC, and on natural food-grade rubber surface after 48 h of contact at both temperatures. The high initial microbial load (5 log CFU/mL) led to biofilm formation on stainless steel after 4 h of contact at 28 °C and 45 °C, while biofilm was formed on natural food-grade rubber after 8 h of contact at 28 °C and 4 h at 45 °C. The microbial load also affected the presence of spores in biofilm, which was observed on both surfaces only at high initial loads of A. acidoterrestris.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito da carga microbiana inicial, temperatura e tempo de contato na formação de biofilme de Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris em aço inoxidável e borracha natural de qualidade alimentar utilizando suco de laranja como meio de cultura. A baixa carga inicial de A. acidoterrestris (2 log UFC/mL) levou à formação de biofilme na superfície do aço inoxidável após 48 h de contato a 28 ºC e após 24 h a 45 ºC, e na superfície natural de borracha de qualidade alimentar após 48 h de contato nas duas temperaturas. A alta carga microbiana inicial (5 log UFC/mL) levou à formação de biofilme em aço inoxidável após 4 h de contato a 28 °C e 45 °C, enquanto o biofilme foi formado em borracha natural de qualidade alimentar após 8 h de contato a 28 °C e 4 h a 45 °C. A carga microbiana também afetou a presença de esporos no biofilme, o que foi observado em ambas as superfícies apenas com altas cargas iniciais de A. acidoterrestris.

Effect of ultraviolet (UV-C) radiation on spores and biofilms of Alicyclobacillus spp. in industrialized orange juice.

Bacteria of the genus Alicyclobacillus pose serious quality problems for the juice processing industries that have sought effective alternatives for its control. The present study evaluated the effect of UV-C radiation on the reduction of spores and biofilm formation of Alicyclobacillus spp. on stainless steel and rubber surfaces using industrialized orange juice as a culture medium. Four reference Alicyclobacillus spp. species and different UV-C dosages were investigated. After exposed for 20 min (16.8 kJ/m2) to UV-C, the spores of Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris, Alicyclobacillus herbarius, and Alicyclobacillus cycloheptanicus decreased drastically more of 4 log CFU/mL, with counts below the detection limit of the method (<1.7 log CFU/mL), while the Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius spores were more sensitive to UV-C, once this spore reduction was observed within 15 min (12.6 kJ/m2). Morphological changes in the Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris spores were observed by scanning electron microscopy. A reduction of biofilm formation was observed for all UV-C treatments, and the higher reductions (approximately 2 log CFU/mL) were found for the Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius species after 30 min (26.2 kJ/m2), on the stainless steel and rubber surfaces. The results suggest that UV-C can be used to reduce the biofilm formation and could be a promising alternative for controlling Alicyclobacillus spp. spores in industrialized orange juice.

Antimicrobial Photodynamic Inactivation Mediated by Rose Bengal and Erythrosine Is Effective in the Control of Food-Related Bacteria in Planktonic and Biofilm States.

The thermal and chemical-based methods applied for microbial control in the food industry are not always environmentally friendly and may change the nutritional and organoleptic characteristics of the final products. Moreover, the efficacy of sanitizing agents may be reduced when microbial cells are enclosed in biofilms. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of photodynamic inactivation, using two xanthene dyes (rose bengal and erythrosine) as photosensitizing agents and green LED as a light source, against Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria innocua, Enterococcus hirae and Escherichia coli in both planktonic and biofilm states. Both photosensitizing agents were able to control planktonic cells of all bacteria tested. The treatments altered the physicochemical properties of cells surface and also induced potassium leakage, indicating damage of cell membranes. Although higher concentrations of the photosensitizing agents (ranging from 0.01 to 50.0 µmol/L) were needed to be applied, the culturability of biofilm cells was reduced to undetectable levels. This finding was confirmed by the live/dead staining, where propidium iodide-labeled bacteria numbers reached up to 100%. The overall results demonstrated that photoinactivation by rose bengal and erythrosine may be a powerful candidate for the control of planktonic cells and biofilms in the food sector.

Antibacterial and antibiofilm activity of carvacrol against Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium

ABSTRACT The present study evaluated the antibacterial and antibiofilm activity of carvacrol against Salmonella Typhimurium. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined and the time-kill curve and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were performed to evaluate antibacterial activity. Antibiofilm activity was evaluated by quantifying total biomass using crystal violet assay, and metabolic activity was determined using MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] assay. The action of carvacrol against preformed biofilm on polypropylene and stainless steel was also evaluated by colony counting and SEM. The MIC and MBC was 312 µg mL-1. Carvacrol at MIC and 2 x MIC eliminated cells after 6 and 1 h of treatment, respectively, as exhibited in the time-kill curve. The greatest reduction in biofilm biomass and metabolic activity was 1,719 OD550 and 0,089 OD550 respectively, both at 4 x MIC of carvacrol. In carvacrol treated biofilms of S. Typhimurium on polypropylene, a reduction of 5.12 log was observed with 4 x MIC, while on stainless steel, carvacrol at 4 x MIC reduced bacterial counts by 5 log. The results showed that carvacrol exhibits antibacterial activity and can be used as an alternative for the control of S. Typhimurium biofilms.

Antibacterial activity of papain and bromelain on Alicyclobacillus spp.

Alicyclobacillus spp. are spore forming bacteria that are often related to the deterioration of acidic products such as beverages and citrus juices. After the process of industrial pasteurization, the spore produced by the bacteria can germinate and the microorganism can grow, causing sensory abnormalities in the product. Alternative biopreservatives, such as the antimicrobial compounds, are of considerable importance to the food industry. Papain and bromelain are proteolytic enzymes derived frompapaya and pineapple, respectively. These enzymes are widely used in medicine and in the pharmaceutical and food industries, but while some studies have described their antibacterial action, no studies of the Alicyclobacillus spp. exist. The aimof this studywas to analyze the antibacterial effect of papain and bromelain on Alicyclobacillus spp. through 1) determining minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentration (MIC and MBC); 2) determining the death time curve of the micro-organism in the presence and absence of enzymes; and 3) investigating the enzymatic mechanism on the microorganism. The antibacterial activity of enzymes in combination with nisin was also evaluated. The results showed that for the Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris strain, the MIC of papain was 0.98 µg/mL and the MBC was 3.91 µg/mL, while theMIC of bromelain was 62.5 µg/mL and the MBCwas 250 µg/mL. The concentration of 4 ×MIC for both the enzymes was sufficient to eliminate 4 logs of the micro-organism after 24 h of incubation. Through the use of enzyme inhibitors specific for cysteine proteases, it was found that the antibacterial activity of papain and bromelain is not related to its proteolytic activity, butmay be related to other activities, such as amidse and esterase. The synergistic activity of the enzymes revealed a fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) level of 0.16. Combination with nisin revealed an FIC of 0.25 for papain and 0.19 for bromelain, indicating synergism between both compounds. The application of enzymes in reconstituted orange juice contaminated with A. acidoterrestris was found to be effective, as after 48 h of incubation, at three different temperatures, the initial microbial population was eliminated. This study showed that the enzymes papain and bromelain have an antibacterial effect on A. acidoterrestris.

Yacare caiman (Caiman yacare) trim hamburger and sausage subjected to different smoking techniques.

BACKGROUND: Caiman, as well as having skin that, after tanning, produces leather of high added value, exceptional quality and good market value, also possesses a meat with a remarkably smooth taste and appearance. This study aimed to characterize hamburger and sausages made from Yacare caiman (Caiman yacare) meat trim. RESULTS: Hot smoked products contained less moisture than the unsmoked products. Protein and ash were higher, respectively, for hot smoked hamburger and sausage. Lipids had greater presence in hot smoked sausage (9.72%), whereas in the burgers they were higher in the liquid smoked burgers (6.71%). The hot smoked products had lower water activity. Hot smoked products displayed less luminance, but the a* and b* chroma were higher in smoked hamburgers. Taste, texture and general acceptability were significant for the hamburger, whereas for the sausage there was a significant effect for texture, salt and purchase intent. CONCLUSION: For all the products, the hot smoking resulted in the lowest acceptability.

Genetic heterogeneity of Escherichia coli isolated from pasteurized milk in State of Paraná, Brazil

Food contamination caused by enteric pathogens is a major cause of diarrheal disease worldwide, resulting in high morbidity and mortality and significant economic losses. Bacteria are important agents of foodborne diseases, particularly diarrheagenic Escherichia coli. The present study assessed the genetic diversity and antimicrobial resistance of E. coli isolates from pasteurized milk processed in 21 dairies in northwestern State of Parana, Brazil. The 95 E. coli isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing according to the recommendations of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute and assessed genotypically by Enterobacterial Repetitive Intergenic Consensus-Polymerase Chain Reaction (ERIC-PCR). The highest rate of resistance was observed for cephalothin (55.78%). ERIC-PCR revealed high genetic diversity, clustering the 95 bacterial isolates into 90 different genotypic patterns. These results showed a heterogeneous population of E. coli in milk samples produced in the northwestern region of Paraná and the need for good manufacturing practices throughout the processing of pasteurized milk to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.

A contaminação de alimentos por patógenos entéricos é uma das principais causas de doenças diarréicas em todo o mundo, resultando em altas taxas de morbidade e mortalidade e perdas econômicas significativas. As bactérias são importantes agentes de doenças de origem alimentar, particularmente Escherichia coli diarreiogênicas. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a diversidade genética e a resistência a antimicrobianos de E. coli isoladas de leite pasteurizado, processados em 21 laticínios na região noroeste do Paraná - Brasil. Os 95 isolados de E. coli foram submetidos a testes de suscetibilidade aos antimicrobianos de acordo com as recomendações do Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute e avaliados genotipicamente por ERIC-PCR (Enterobacterial Repetitive Intergenic Consensus - Polymerase Chain Reaction). O principal perfil de resistência encontrado entre os isolados foi resistência à cefalotina (55,78%). ERIC-PCR revelou alta diversidade genética, agrupando os 95 isolados bacterianos em 90 diferentes perfis genotípicos. Estes resultados mostraram uma população heterogênea de E. coli em amostras de leite produzido na região noroeste do Paraná e a necessidade de boas práticas na manipulação de todo o processamento de leite pasteurizado, a fim de reduzir o risco de doenças transmitidas por alimentos.

Effect of Zingiber officinale essential oil on Fusarium verticillioides and fumonisin production.

The antifungal activity of ginger essential oil (GEO; Zingiber officinale Roscoe) was evaluated against Fusarium verticillioides (Saccardo) Nirenberg. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of GEO was determined by micro-broth dilution. The effects of GEO on fumonisin and ergosterol production were evaluated at concentrations of 500-5000 µg/mL in liquid medium with a 5mm diameter mycelial disc of F. verticillioides. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry showed that the predominant components of GEO were α-zingiberene (23.9%) and citral (21.7%). GEO exhibited inhibitory activity, with a MIC of 2500 µg/mL, and 4000 and 5000 µg/mL reduced ergosterol biosynthesis by 57% and 100%, respectively. The inhibitory effect on fumonisin B1 (FB1) and fumonisin B2 (FB2) production was significant at GEO concentrations of 4000 and 2000 µg/mL, respectively. Thus, the inhibition of fungal biomass and fumonisin production was dependent on the concentration of GEO. These results suggest that GEO was able to control the growth of F. verticillioides and subsequent fumonisin production.

Qualidade de doce de leite pastoso, adicionado de soro de queijo em pó / Quality of dulce de leche, the addition of cheese powder whey

O processamento de doce de leite, embora empregue uma tecnologia simples, apresenta alguns problemas tecnológicos, sendo um deles a desestabilização das proteínas. Outro problema é a estabilidade microbiológica, que depende principalmente do controle higiênico do processo e deve ser atingida por evitar desenvolvimento de bolores e leveduras que podem ocorrer mesmo em condições de alta pressão osmótica do produto. O presente trabalho tem como principal objetivo avaliar as condições de soro de queijo em pó. Na maioria das amostras não foi detectada a presença de bolores e leveduras e de Stafilococus aureus coagulase positiva, encontrando-se valores inferiores a 1 x 10² UFC/g. Sendo assim todas as amostras encontram-se aptas para o consumo humano e dentro dos padrões da legislação.

Hygiene conditions of the self-service restaurants by evaluating the microbial quality of the mixed-food preparations

Hygiene conditions of the self-service restaurants located at the central region of Maringá city, Paraná, were evaluated by surveying the microbiological quality of the food provided for customers. Thirty-four mixed-food preparations samples were collected from the self-service counters of 18 restaurants, which serve 100 or more meals/day. In order to evaluate on the Good Practices procedures observance, a checklist was administered to five restaurants, just to those considered critical and presenting microbiological standards above the limits allowed by the Resolution No 12/2001-Brazilian Ministry of Health. One of the eighteen investigated restaurants received training on Good Practices procedures, which was evaluated by means of the checklist before and nine months after training. The microbiological analyses showed eight food samples contaminated with coliforms at 45°C, and one sample with coagulase-positive staphylococci. No contamination by Salmonellas sp. was found in all of the analyzed samples. Based on the number of non-conformities found in the checklist items those considered as crucial for safe food preparation, all of five restaurants were classified as critical. One restaurant, which was trained on the Good Practices procedure, received non-conformity ranking of 60.9% and 50.9% before and after the training, respectively, and these data indicated that little progress had been made. Education programs implementation both food handlers and consumers is a strategy for reducing the occurrence of food-borne diseases.

Fungos em alimentos de origem vegetal / Fungi in foods of plant origin

Neste artigo são revisadas e levantadas algumas considerações sobre fungos em alimentos com ênfase nos vegetais minimamente processados (VMP), chamando a atenção para os riscos de contaminação, especialmente em relação à presença de fungos, além de revisar as formas de minimizar tanto a contaminação quanto os riscos à saúde dos consumidores.

Enzyme immunoassay using Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis antigens for laboratorial diagnosis of American cutaneous leishmaniasis.

American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) has a wide geographical distribution, including all the states of Brazil. Parasitological and immunological tests are the most commonly used methods for the laboratorial diagnosis of ACL. The objective of this study was to find a specific and sensitive antigen to the diagnosis of ACL. To this end, promastigotes of Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis were submitted to gel-filtration chromatography (Sephadex G100) and to ionic-change chromatography (DEAE-Sepharose Fast-Flow), and the antigen reactivity was evaluated by enzyme immunoassay (EIA-IgG). The results showed that the peak II of fraction 8 distinguished ACL patient sera from those of healthy individuals and individuals with other diseases (P<0.0001), presenting 85.41% sensitivity and 91.22% specificity. False-positive results were found for sera from Chagas disease patients (16.67%) and healthy individuals (10.42%). False-positive results were not detected for sera from patients with toxoplasmosis or paracoccidioidomycosis. The fraction obtained shows good sensitivity and specificity for ACL diagnosis and opens up new possibilities for the use of serology in laboratorial diagnosis, seroepidemiological studies and in the follow up of ACL treatment.

Resistance profile to antimicrobials of Salmonella spp. isolated from human infections

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar o perfil de resistência à antimicrobianos, de Salmonella isoladas de 21 amostras provenientes de pacientes com sintomatologia de gastroenterite. Verificou-se que S. enteritidis foi o sorotipo com maior prevalência. Estas cepas mostraram-se sensíveis à maioria dos antimicrobianos testados, no entanto, as cepas S. typhimurium e S. enterica subsp. enterica sorotipo 4,5,12:i:-, mostraram-se resistentes à vários antimicrobianos. Vigilância e um monitoramento eficiente, para diminuir a resistência antimicrobiana em microrganismos que causam infecções veiculadas por alimentos, devem ser prioridade para a saúde pública.