Azithromycin resistance in Escherichia coli and Salmonella from food-producing animals and meat in Europe.

OBJECTIVES: To characterize the genetic basis of azithromycin resistance in Escherichia coli and Salmonella collected within the EU harmonized antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance programme in 2014-18 and the Danish AMR surveillance programme in 2016-19. METHODS: WGS data of 1007 E. coli [165 azithromycin resistant (MIC > 16 mg/L)] and 269 Salmonella [29 azithromycin resistant (MIC > 16 mg/L)] were screened for acquired macrolide resistance genes and mutations in rplDV, 23S rRNA and acrB genes using ResFinder v4.0, AMRFinder Plus and custom scripts. Genotype-phenotype concordance was determined for all isolates. Transferability of mef(C)-mph(G)-carrying plasmids was assessed by conjugation experiments. RESULTS: mph(A), mph(B), mef(B), erm(B) and mef(C)-mph(G) were detected in E. coli and Salmonella, whereas erm(C), erm(42), ere(A) and mph(E)-msr(E) were detected in E. coli only. The presence of macrolide resistance genes, alone or in combination, was concordant with the azithromycin-resistant phenotype in 69% of isolates. Distinct mph(A) operon structures were observed in azithromycin-susceptible (n = 50) and -resistant (n = 136) isolates. mef(C)-mph(G) were detected in porcine and bovine E. coli and in porcine Salmonella enterica serovar Derby and Salmonella enterica 1,4, [5],12:i:-, flanked downstream by ISCR2 or TnAs1 and associated with IncIγ and IncFII plasmids. CONCLUSIONS: Diverse azithromycin resistance genes were detected in E. coli and Salmonella from food-producing animals and meat in Europe. Azithromycin resistance genes mef(C)-mph(G) and erm(42) appear to be emerging primarily in porcine E. coli isolates. The identification of distinct mph(A) operon structures in susceptible and resistant isolates increases the predictive power of WGS-based methods for in silico detection of azithromycin resistance in Enterobacterales.

Detection of Salmonella Reservoirs in Birds of Prey Hosted in an Italian Wildlife Centre: Molecular and Antimicrobial Resistance Characterisation.

In the European Union, salmonellosis is one of the most important zoonoses reported. Poultry meat and egg products are the most common food matrices associated with Salmonella presence. Moreover, wild and domestic animals could represent an important reservoir that could favour the direct and indirect transmission of pathogens to humans. Salmonella spp. can infect carnivorous or omnivorous wild birds that regularly ingest food and water exposed to faecal contamination. Birds kept in captivity can act as reservoirs of Salmonella spp. following ingestion of infected prey or feed. In this paper, we describe the isolation of different Salmonella serovars in several species of raptors hosted in aviaries in an Italian wildlife centre and in the raw chicken necks used as their feed but intended for human consumption. Characterisations of strains were carried out by integrating classical methods and whole genome sequencing analysis. The strains of S. bredeney isolated in poultry meat and birds belonged to the same cluster, with some of them being multidrug-resistant (MDR) and carrying the Col(pHAD28) plasmid-borne qnrB19 (fluoro)quinolone resistance gene, thus confirming the source of infection. Differently, the S. infantis found in feed and raptors were all MDR, carried a plasmid of emerging S. infantis (pESI)-like plasmid and belonged to different clusters, possibly suggesting a long-lasting infection or the presence of additional undetected sources. Due to the high risk of fuelling a reservoir of human pathogens, the control and treatment of feed for captive species are crucial.

Genomics insights into a Mycobacterium pinnipedii isolate causing tuberculosis in a captive South American sea lion (Otaria flavescens) from Italy.

Tuberculosis (TB) affects humans and other animals, and it is caused by bacteria within the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC). In this study, we report the characterisation of Mycobacterium pinnipedii that caused a TB case in a sea lion (Otaria flavescens) kept in an Italian zoo. The animal died due to severe, progressive disorders involving the respiratory and gastro-enteric systems and the skin. At necropsy, typical gross lesions referable to a TB generalised form were found. In particular, nodular granulomatous lesions were detected in the lungs and several lymph nodes, and colonies referable to Mycobacterium spp. were isolated from lung, mesenteric, and mediastinal lymph nodes. The isolate was identified by PCR as a MTBC, had a spoligotype SB 1480 ("seal lineage"), and was characterised and characterised by whole-genome sequencing analysis confirming that the MTBC involved was M. pinnipedii. The analysis of the resistome and virulome indicated the presence of macrolide and aminoglycoside resistance genes intrinsic in M. tuberculosis [erm-37 and aac(2')-Ic] and confirmed the presence of the region of difference 1 (RD1), harbouring the esxA and esxB virulence genes, differently from its closest taxon, M. microti. As for other MTCB members, M. pinnipedii infection can spill over into non-pinniped mammalian species; therefore, zoological gardens, veterinary practitioners, and public health officers should be aware of the hazard posed by tuberculosis from marine mammals. Since the isolate under study, as well as all available genomes of M. pinnipedii investigated in this study retains almost all the M. tuberculosis virulence genes, it could indeed cause infection, lesions, and disease in other animal species, including humans.

Hiperplasia pseudoepiteliomatosa: carcinoma escamocelular versus paracoccidioidomicosis oral, un caso con mirada dermatológica / Pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia: Squamous cell carcinoma versus oral paracoccidioidomycosis, a case from a dermatological perspective

La paracoccidioidomicosis es una micosis sistémica endémica en Latinoamérica. La presentación más frecuente compromete crónicamente los pulmones, la piel y las mucosas. Al inicio, este paciente presentó, por varios años, una lesión única en la mucosa oral que, en ausencia de otros síntomas, se relacionó con una neoplasia maligna, específicamente con un carcinoma escamocelular. La diferenciación entre los dos diagnósticos se hace mediante un examen directo, un estudio histopatológico y cultivos iniciales y subsecuentes. Sin embargo, tales estudios no fueron concluyentes. Después de varias consultas y pruebas, con los resultados del examen directo, la inmunodifusión y la PCR en tiempo real se confirmó el diagnóstico de paracoccidioidomicosis crónica multifocal. Este caso alerta sobre la ausencia de sospecha clínica de micosis endémicas, dada la presencia de lesiones mucocutaneas que pueden ser producidas por hongos como Paracoccidioides spp, y la importancia de considerarlas entre los diagnósticos diferenciales.

Paracoccidioidomycosis is a systemic mycosis endemic in Latin America. The most frequent form involves a chronic compromise of the lungs, skin, and mucosa. The patient started with a single oral lesion that lasted for several years. The absence of other symptoms pointed out a possible malignant neoplasm, specifically a squamous cell carcinoma. Differentiation between both diagnoses-fungal infection and carcinoma-depends on the results of the direct examination, the histopathological study, and the initial and subsequent cultures. However, in this case, those findings were not conclusive. The coexistence of both diagnoses is frequent and increases the diagnostic challenge. After several consultations and tests, direct examination, immunodiffusion and real-time PCR findings the multifocal chronic paracoccidioidomycosis diagnosis was confirmed. This case warns about a systematical absence of clinical suspicion of endemic mycoses before the appereance of mucocutaneous lesions, which can be produced by fungi like Paracoccidioides spp, and the importance of considering those mycoses among the differential diagnoses.

Mediadores de centros e museus de ciência: um estudo sobre os profissionais que atuam na América Latina / Explainers of science centers and museums: a study of professionals working in Latin America

Neste artigo, temos como objetivo conhecer os profissionais que atuam na mediação entre as exposições, atividades e iniciativas oferecidas por museus de ciência latino-americanos e os públicos. Foi utilizada uma enquete on-line, com 42 perguntas fechadas e abertas, respondida por 780 pessoas provenientes de 134 instituições distribuídas por 13 países da região. Nossos dados sugerem que a maioria desses profissionais são jovens entre 20 e 29 anos, que concluíram o ensino superior, atuam na área há menos de dois anos e trabalham por contrato temporário. Ou seja, há uma alta rotatividade desses profissionais nos museus de ciência da região, o que torna a profissionalização da mediação um desafio importante. Os resultados sugerem um avanço na capacitação desses atores sociais, sendo que 60% deles afirmam ter recebido alguma capacitação antes de iniciar suas atividades de mediação. Acreditamos que nosso estudo trará informações valiosas sobre os profissionais que atuam na mediação entre as exposições, atividades e iniciativas oferecidas por museus e centros de ciência, que podem auxiliar na criação de cursos de formação e capacitação.

Crecimiento fúngico en medios de cultivo que simulan un ambiente extremo / Fungal growth in culture media simulating an extreme environment

Antecedentes. Hay un creciente interés por el estudio de los microorganismos que habitan ambientes extremos por razones que van desde incrementar el conocimiento sobre el origen de la vida hasta la búsqueda de nuevas aplicaciones biotecnológicas. Objetivos. En el presente trabajo se aborda el estudio de la tolerancia de hongos aislados del Arroyo de Aguas Agrias (AAS; Tharsis, Huelva, España), un ambiente ácido y rico en metales, frente a medios de cultivo preparados con agua procedente de este ecosistema extremo (medio AASW). También se investigó la posibilidad de crecimiento en estas condiciones de cepas de colección de hongos y levaduras. Métodos. Para los hongos miceliares se calculó un índice de tolerancia, definido como el cociente entre el diámetro de crecimiento de las colonias sobre AASW y el que se produce en un medio control. Para las levaduras se determinó la concentración mínima inhibitoria de AASW. Resultados. En general, los hongos aislados del AAS manifestaron diferencias en su capacidad para germinar y crecer sobre el medio AASW. Las cepas de colección del género Aspergillus fueron capaces de crecer sobre el medio AASW, pero mostraron diferencias en su tolerancia al mismo en comparación con los aislamientos ambientales. Conclusiones. Los hongos extremotolerantes pueden manifestar diferencias en su tolerancia a medios de cultivo que simulan las condiciones de su hábitat natural. Los resultados de nuestro trabajo sugieren que la capacidad de los hongos para crecer en ambientes ácidos, ricos en metales, puede ser más común de lo que pudiera pensarse, y pone de manifiesto la importancia de determinar los factores específicos que son responsables de la tolerancia a esos ambientes extremos(AU)

Background. There is an increasing interest in the study of microorganisms that inhabit extreme environments for reasons that vary from gaining insight into the origin of life to the searching of new biotechnological applications. Aims. In this work, we studied the tolerance of fungi isolated from the Aguas Agrias Stream (AAS; Tharsis, Huelva, Spain), an acidic metal-rich environment, to a culture medium prepared with water from this extreme ecosystem (AASW medium). The ability of some culture collection strains of moulds and yeasts to grow on AASW medium was also assessed. Methods. For moulds, a tolerance index was calculated by dividing the growth diameter of colonies on AASW medium by the diameter in the control medium, and their germinative potential was recorded. For yeasts and yeast-like fungi, the minimum inhibitory concentration of AASW was determined. Results. In general, the fungi isolated from the AAS showed differences in their ability to germinate and grow on AASW medium. Collection strains of the genus Aspergillus could grow on AASW medium, but showed some differences in tolerance when compared to environmental isolates. Conclusions. Extremotolerant fungi can manifest differences in their tolerance to culture media that simulate the conditions of their natural habitat. The results of this work suggest that the ability of fungi to grow in acidic, metal-rich environments might be more widespread than previously thought, and highlight the importance of determining the factors that are responsible for tolerance to these extreme environments(AU)

Sexualidad y patogenicidad en Aspergillus fumigatus: ¿existe alguna relación? / Sexuality and pathogenicity in Aspergillus fumigatus: is there any relationship?

AntecedentesAspergillus fumigatus, al igual que muchas otras especies fúngicas de importancia clínica, ha sido tradicionalmente considerado un organismo asexual. Sin embargo, en los últimos años, diversas líneas de evidencia cuestionaron tal asunción, sugiriendo que el estado sexual de A. fumigatus podría permanecer aún por descubrir. Estas investigaciones han conducido finalmente al reciente descubrimiento de una fase teleomorfa de A. fumigatus, a la cual se le ha denominado Neosartorya fumigata.ObjetivosRevisar los principales hallazgos realizados sobre la sexualidad de A. fumigatus y discutir las posibles implicaciones de tales hallazgos sobre su patogenicidad.MétodosSe realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica de los principales trabajos que abordan el estudio de la sexualidad de algunos patógenos fúngicos y, en especial, de A. fumigatus. Además, se incorporaron a la discusión algunos datos proporcionados por nuestra reciente experiencia investigadora sobre el temaResultadosLa existencia de un teleomorfo de A. fumigatus podría tener grandes repercusiones desde un punto de vista clínico, ya que como resultado de la reproducción sexual se podría originar una descendencia con mayor virulencia y/o resistencia a los agentes antifúngicos. En este sentido, los resultados de nuestras propias investigaciones sugieren la existencia de una asociación significativa entre el tipo sexual MAT1-1 y la invasividad de los aislamientos de A. fumigatus.ConclusionesEl estudio de la reproducción sexual de los patógenos fúngicos y su posible relación con la virulencia seguirá siendo un tema de interés en los próximos años, no sólo por su interés básico sino también por sus posibles repercusiones clínicas(AU)

BackgroundAspergillus fumigatus, like many other fungal species of clinical relevance, has been traditionally regarded as an asexual organism. However, in last few years several pieces of evidence question this such assumption, suggesting that the sexual state of A. fumigatus may still be undiscovered. These investigations have finally led to the recent discovery of a teleomorph stage of A. fumigatus, which has been named Neosartorya fumigata.AimsTo review the most important findings on A. fumigatus sexuality and discuss the possible implications of such findings on its pathogenicity.MethodsA bibliographic search was performed to find the main works that study the sexuality of fungal pathogens and, especially, of A. fumigatus. Moreover, data from our recent investigations in this field were also introduced to the discussion.ResultsThe existence of a teleomorph for A. fumigatus could have significant clinical repercussions, as sexual reproduction might produce offspring with increased virulence and/or resistance to antifungal agents. In this sense, the results of our investigations suggest the existence of an association between the MAT1-1 mating type and the invasiveness of A. fumigatus isolates.ConclusionsThe study of the sexual reproduction of the fungal pathogens and its possible relationship with virulence will continue to be a topic of interest during the next years, not only because of its basic interest, but also for the possible clinical repercussions(AU)

Estudio de los factores que influyen en el estado de salud de una población determinada / A study of the factors that may influence upon the status of health on a determinate population

La síntesis que se presenta a continuación pertenece a un trabajo realizado por un grupo de estudiantes de la Facultad de Medicina, que adquirieron el compromiso de integrar las diferentes asignaturas del Area Administración y Salud Comunitaria al establecer la relación existente entre dichas disciplinas y el desarrollo de la salud en una comunidad. Con esta interacción se busca aplicar y afianzar conocimientos previamente aprendidos y prestar un apoyo en el servicio prestado por el Centro de Salud que funciona en el sector