Material genético do SARS-CoV-2 em superfícies de equipamentos utilizados na prática de atividades físicas / Genetic material of SARS-CoV-2 on the surface of equipment used in the practice of physical activities

A humanidade foi impactada por uma Pandemia que expôs a população ao contato com um vírus de elevado contágio e com o índice de letalidade alarmante. Este estudo objetivou avaliar a possibilidade da persistência de material genético do SARS-CoV-2 na superfície dos equipamentos de estabelecimentos de prática de atividades físicas indoor e outdoor. Foram coleta das amostras de equipamentos utilizados para a prática de exercícios físicos em cinco academias, cinco praças e entre os frequentadores desses ambientes. Aplicou-se a técnica RT-PCR para a detecção doRNA do SARS-CoV-2 e posterior análise dos resultadose foi detectada a existência de partículas de RNA viral do SARS-CoV-2 em 48,57% das amostras coletadas dos equipamentos das academias e 12,85% das amostras coletadas nas praças, evidenciando uma incidência menor em equipamentos utilizados em locais abertos em todas as áreas comparadas.Além disso, constatou-se que 35,7% dos participantes do estudo testaram positivo para COVID-19.Os casos positivos para COVID-19 detectados apresentaram sintomas classificados como levesa moderados e uma recuperação rápida.A presença de material genético nos equipamentos,por sua vez, leva-nos a perceber a importância da higienização adequada das superfícies, como forma de prevenção.

Humanity was impacted by a Pandemic that exposed the population to contact with a highly contagious virus with an alarming lethality rate. The present study aimed to evaluate the possibility of the persistence of genetic material from SARS-CoV-2 on the surface of equipment used to practice indoor and outdoor physical activities. A sample of equipment used for the practice of physical activity was collected in five gyms and five squares and among the regulars of these environments. The RT-PCR technique was applied to detect the RNA of SARS-CoV-2 and subsequent analysis of the results. The existence of SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA particles was detected in 48.57% of the samples collected from gym equipment and 12.85% of the samples collected in squares, evidencing a lower incidence in equipment used in open spaces in all areas compared and it was found that 35.7% of the study participants tested positive for COVID-19. The positive cases for COVID-19 detected, had symptoms classified as mild to moderate and a quick recovery. The presence of genetic material in the equipment, in turn, leads us to realize the importance of proper cleaning of surfaces, as a form of prevention.

Establishment of a saliva donor selection for in vitro biofilm growth / Seleção de doadores de saliva para crescimento de biofilme in vitro

Introdução: O emprego de biofilmes polimicrobianos, utilizando a saliva como inóculo, é um modelo promissor para o estudo de biofilmes cariogênicos in vitro. Entretanto, ainda não existe uma padronização para seleção de doadores de saliva. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi estabelecer uma metodologia para seleção de doadores de saliva utilizando fatores salivares microbianos e características in vitro do biofilme. Material e método: Para doação de saliva foram selecionados vinte voluntários. Os voluntários permaneceram 24 horas sem escovar os dentes e ficaram em jejum por 2 horas antes da coleta da saliva. Foram avaliados os seguintes parâmetros: viabilidade das bactérias anaeróbias totais e mutans streptococci; concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) e concentração bactericida mínima (CBM) da clorexidina; capacidade de formação de biofilme por meio da biomassa; e a suscetibilidade dos biofilmes à clorexidina. Resultado: A viabilidade bacteriana da saliva, a capacidade de formação de biofilme e a suscetibilidade do biofilme à clorexidina foram apresentadas como média e intervalo de confiança (95%). A diferença entre a viabilidade do biofilme (mutans streptococci e bactérias totais) após tratamento com NaCl 0,9% e diacetato de clorexidina 0,2% foi comparada pelo teste t de Student com nível de significância estabelecido em 5%. A viabilidade total de bactérias anaeróbias (mediana) foi de 7,28 log 1+UFC/mL (unidades formadoras de colônia/mL). A viabilidade dos mutans streptococci na saliva apresentou mediana de 5,47 log 1+UFC/mL. Para capacidade de formação de biofilme a mediana da biomassa foi de 0,1172 A570. Conclusão: O tratamento com clorexidina reduziu significativamente os mutans streptococci e a viabilidade total das bactérias. A metodologia para seleção do doador de saliva foi estabelecida com sucesso.

Introduction: The utilization of polymicrobial biofilms, with saliva as an inoculum, represents a promising model for in vitro studies on cariogenic biofilms. However, there is still no standardization for selecting saliva donors. Objective: The aim of this study is to establish a methodology for the selection of saliva donors using microbial salivary factors and in vitro biofilm characteristics. Material and method: For saliva donation, twenty volunteers were selected. Volunteers remained 24 h without brushing their teeth and fasted for 2 h before saliva collection. The following parameters were evaluated: total anaerobic bacteria and mutans streptococci viability; minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericide concentration (MBC) of chlorhexidine; biofilm forming capacity by biomass assessment; and the susceptibility of biofilms to chlorhexidine. Result: Saliva bacterial viability, biofilm forming capacity and biofilm susceptibility to chlorhexidine were presented as mean and confidence interval (95%). The difference between biofilm (mutans streptococci and Total bacteria) viability after treatment with NaCl 0.9% and 0.2% chlorhexidine diacetate was compared using the Student t-test with a significance level established at 5%. Total anaerobic bacteria viability (median) was 7.28 log 1+CFU/mL (colony forming units/ mL). Mutans streptococci viability in the saliva showed a median of 5.47 log 1+CFU/mL. Biofilm forming capacity showed that biomass had a median of 0.1172 A570. Conclusion: Treatment with chlorhexidine significantly reduced mutans streptococci and total bacteria viability. The methodology for the selection of the saliva donor was successfully established.

Action of disinfectant solutions on adaptive capacity and virulence factors of the Candida spp. biofilms formed on acrylic resin

Abstract Understanding the behavior of Candida spp. when exposed to denture disinfectants is essential to optimize their effectiveness. Changes in the virulence factors may cause increased resistance of Candida spp. to disinfectant agents. Objective To evaluate the microbial load, cellular metabolism, hydrolytic enzyme production, hyphae formation, live cell and biofilm quantification of Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis and Candida glabrata after exposure to disinfectant solutions. Methodology Simple biofilms were grown on heat-polymerized acrylic resin specimens, and divided into groups according to solutions/strains: distilled water (control); 0.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl 0.25% ); 10% Ricinus communis (RC 10%); and 0.5% Chloramine T (CT 0.5%). The virulence factors were evaluated using the CFU count (microbial load), XTT method (cell metabolism), epifluorescence microscopy (biofilm removal and live or dead cells adhered), protease and phospholipase production and hyphae formation. Data were analyzed (α=0.05) by one-way ANOVA/ Tukey post hoc test, Kruskal-Wallis test and Wilcoxon test. Results NaOCl 0.25% was the most effective solution. CT 0.5% reduced the number of CFUs more than RC 10% and the control. RC 10% was effective only against C. glabrata. RC 10% and CT 0.5% decreased the cellular metabolism of C. albicans and C. glabrata. Enzyme production was not affected. Hyphal growth in the RC 10% and CT 0.5% groups was similar to that of the control. CT 0.5% was better than RC 10% against C. albicans and C. tropicalis when measuring the total amount of biofilm and number of living cells. For C. glabrata, CT 0.5% was equal to RC 10% in the maintenance of living cells; RC 10% was superior for biofilm removal. Conclusions The CT 0.5% achieved better results than those of Ricinus communis at 10%, favoring the creation of specific products for dentures. Adjustments in the formulations of RC 10% are necessary due to efficacy against C. glabrata. The NaOCl 0.25% is the most effective and could be suitable for use as a positive control.

SARS-CoV-2 em superfícies: persistência e medidas preventivas: uma revisão sistemática / SARS-CoV-2 in Surfaces: persistence and prevention measures: a systematic review / SARS-CoV-2 en Superficies: persistencia y medidas preventivas: una revisión sistemática

Objetivo: verificar a persistência do SARS-CoV-2 nas diferentes superfícies e medidas preventivas contra a transmissão do vírus. Método: revisão sistemática norteada pelo método PRISMA. Foram utilizadas as bases de buscas PubMed e LILACS de janeiro a junho de 2020, com os descritores: "2019-nCOV" OR "SARS-CoV-2" OR "COVID-19" AND "transmission" OR "transmission route" AND "viability" AND "surface" OR "inanimate surface" AND "prevention". As informações extraídas foram autor/ano, país, tipo de publicação, nome da revista, idioma, país da publicação e base de dados. Resultados: foram identificadas 178 publicações, com exclusão de 164 artigos, nove por idioma, 12 por outras doenças e/ou patógenos e 143 pelo título e/ou resumo. Foram incluídos 14 artigos qualitativos, oito artigos de revisões narrativas, uma comunicação breve, dois artigos originais e um editorial. Treze artigos foram publicados em inglês e um em português. Conclusão: coronavírus humanos (HCoV 229E) podem se manter em diferentes superfícies durante duas horas até nove dias. Baixas temperaturas e reduzida umidade relativa do ar favorecem a sobrevivência do SARS-CoV-2, sendo mais estável em plásticos e aço inoxidável do que em cobre e papelão. A recomendação é higienização de superfícies e mãos com água, sabão ou higienizadores à base de álcool.(AU)

Objective: to verify the persistence of SARS-CoV-2 on different types of surfaces and the preventive measures against the transmission of the virus. Method: a systematic review was carried out, using the PRISMA method. The PubMed and LILACS databases from January to June 2020 were used, with the following descriptors: "2019-nCOV" OR "SARS-CoV-2" OR "COVID-19" AND "transmission" OR "transmission route" AND "viability" AND "surface" OR "inanimate surface" AND "prevention". Information extracted was author/year, country, type of publication, journal name, language, country of publication and database. Results: 178 publications were identified. 164 articles were excluded, nine by language, 12 by other diseases and/or pathogens and 143 by title and/or abstract. 14 qualitative articles were included, eight articles of narrative reviews, one short communication, two original articles and one editorial. Thirteen articles were published in English and one in Portuguese. Conclusion: human coronaviruses (HCoV 229E) can persist on different surfaces for two hours up to nine days. Low temperatures and low relative humidity of the air favor the survival of SARS-CoV-2, which is more stable on plastics and on stainless steel than on copper and cardboard. The recommendation is frequent surface and hand hygiene with water, soap or alcohol-based rubs.(AU)

Objetivo: verificar la persistencia del SARS-CoV-2 en diferentes superficies y las medidas preventivas contra la transmisión del virus. Método: se realizó una revisión sistemática, utilizando el método PRISMA. Se utilizaron las bases de datos de búsqueda de PubMed y LILACS de enero a junio de 2020, con los descriptores: "2019-nCOV" O "SARS-CoV-2" O "COVID-19" Y "transmisión" O "ruta de transmisión" Y "viabilidad" Y "superficie" O "superficie inanimada" Y "prevención". Las informaciones extraídas fueron autor / año, país, tipo de publicación, nombre de la revista, idioma, país de publicación y base de datos. Resultados: se identificaron 178 publicaciones. Se excluyeron 164 artículos, nueve por idioma, 12 por otras enfermedades y/o patógenos y 143 por título y/o resumen, incluidos 14 artículos cualitativos, ocho artículos de revisiones narrativas, una comunicación breve, dos artículos originales y uno editorial. Se publicaron trece artículos en inglés y uno en portugués. Conclusión: los coronavirus humanos (HCoV 229E) pueden matenerse en diferentes superficies durante dos horas hasta nueve días. Las bajas temperaturas y la reducida humedad relativa del aire favorecen la supervivencia del SARS-CoV-2, siendo más estable en plásticos y acero inoxidable que en cobre y carton. La recomendación es limpiar superficies y manos con agua, jabón o limpiadores a base de alcohol.(AU)

Effect of a Er, Cr: YSGG laser and a Er: YAG laser treatment on oral biofilm-contaminated titanium

Abstract Implant surface decontamination is a challenging procedure for therapy of peri-implant disease. Objective: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of decontamination on oral biofilm-contaminated titanium surfaces in Er:YAG laser, Er, Cr:YSGG laser, and plastic curette. Methodology: For oral biofilms formation, six participants wore an acrylic splint with eight titanium discs in the maxillary arch for 72 hours. A total of 48 contaminated discs were distributed among four groups: untreated control; decontamination with plastic curettes; Er, Cr:YSGG laser; and Er:YAG laser irradiation. Complete plaque removal was estimated using naked-eye and the time taken was recorded; the residual plaque area was measured and the morphological alteration of the specimen surface was observed by scanning electron microscopy. The total bacterial load and the viability of adherent bacteria were quantified by live or dead cell labeling with fluorescence microscopy. Results: The mean treatment time significantly decreased based on the treatment used in the following order: Er:YAG, Er, Cr:YSGG laser, and plastic curettes (234.9±25.4 sec, 156.1±12.7 sec, and 126.4±18.6 sec, P=0.000). The mean RPA in the Er, Cr:YSGG laser group (7.0±2.5%) was lower than Er:YAG and plastic curettes groups (10.3±2.4%, 12.3±3.6%, p=0.023). The viable bacteria on the titanium surface after Er, Cr:YSGG laser irradiation was significantly lower compared to the decontamination with plastic curette (P=0.05) but it was not significantly different from the Er:YAG laser irradiation. Conclusion: We found that Er:YAG laser and Er, Cr:YSGG laser irradiation were effective methods for decontaminations without surface alterations.

Effect of storage temperature on Streptococcus mutans viability / Influência da temperatura de armazenamento na viabilidade de Streptococcus mutans

Introduction: Proper storage conditions and maintenance of viable biological material plays an important role in microbiological research, allowing for the opportunity to conduct future studies. Objective: To evaluate the viability of Streptococcus mutans strains that were previously grown and stored under different temperatures for approximately eight years. Material and method: In this study, we evaluated 393 bacterial isolates that were stored in a freezer at -80°C (G1) and 200 isolates stored in a freezer at -20°C (G2). Aliquots of each sample were plated on blood agar and mitis-salivarius bacitracin sucrose agar-solidified medium. After incubating under microaerophilic conditions in an incubator at 37°C for 72 hours, the presence, morphology and purity of bacterial growth was observed. The data were analyzed by means of descriptive statistics. Result: Microbial viability was observed in almost all samples (99.7%) in G1, whereas all isolates stored at -20°C were considered inviable. Conclusion: The viability of S. mutans is influenced by the storage temperature of the samples, and the strains remain viable when stored under ideal temperature conditions (-80°C), even when stored for a long period of time.

Introdução: O correto armazenamento e manutenção adequada de material biológico viável representam importante papel nas pesquisas microbiológicas em virtude da oportunidade de desenvolvimento de pesquisas futuras. Objetivo: Avaliar a viabilidade de Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans ) previamente cultivados e armazenados sob diferentes temperaturas há aproximadamente oito anos. Material e método: Foram avaliados 393 isolados bacterianos armazenados em freezer a -80°C (G1) e 200 em freezer a -20°C (G2). Alíquotas de cada amostra foram semeadas em meios de cultura ágar sangue e ágar Mitis Salivarius Bacitracina Sacarose. Após incubação sob condições de microaerofilia em estufa a 37°C, durante 72 horas, observou-se: presença, morfologia e pureza do crescimento bacteriano. Os dados obtidos foram analisados por meio de estatística descritiva. Resultado: A viabilidade microbiana foi observada em praticamente todas as amostras (99,7%) em G1. Por outro lado, todas aquelas estocadas a -20°C foram consideradas inviáveis. Conclusão: A viabilidade de S. mutans é influenciada pela temperatura de armazenamento das amostras, sendo que as cepas permanecem viáveis quando estocadas em condições ideais de temperatura (-80°C), mesmo quando armazenadas por longo período de tempo.

Study on microbial viability of compound resorcinol lotion / 药学实践杂志

Objective To study the microorganism viability in compound resorcinol lotion ,confirming with bactericidal compound resorcinol lotion .Methods 5 bottles of compound resorcinol lotion were respectively added Escherichiacoli ,Staph‐ylococcus aureus ,Bacillus subtilis ,Candida ,Aspergillus niger ,placed 24 h ,then the membrane filtration method was used respectively in 5 species of microbial limit test .Results In compound resorcinol lotion ,5 microbial strains were not given birth to bacterium ,were killed ,the recovery rate was zero .Conclusion Microbial cannot survive in compound resorcinol lotion .

Análisis de los factores ambientales y ocupacionales en la concentración de aerobacterias en unidades de cuidado intensivo del Hospital Universitario Fernando Troconis, 2009 Santa Marta- Colombia / Analysis of occupational and environmental factors in the concentration of aerobacters in intensive care units of the Fernando Troconis Universitary Hospital, 2009 Santa Marta-Colombia

Introducción: La evaluación de la calidad biológica del aire de ambientes hospitalarios resulta de especial interés debido a que los pacientes puedan servir como una fuente de bacterias patógenas para el personal del hospital, los visitantes y otros pacientes, siendo relevante en unidades de asistencia especializadas en atención de patologías crónicas como cáncer, SIDA y pacientes con trasplante de órganos o con complicaciones severas en su estado de salud, y que requieren una intervención masiva para su tratamiento en salas de cirugía y/o unidades de cuidado intensivo. Evaluar la influencia de factores ambientales y de ocupación de la unidad en la concentración de aerobacterias de unidades de cuidado intensivo del Hospital Universitario Fernando Troconis. Materiales y Métodos: Se colectaron muestras triplicadas con agar selectivo para Staphylococcus spp. y Pseudomonas spp., en dos estaciones de cada una de las tres UCI, mediante impactador de 2 etapas ubicado a altura de1.5m y caudal constante (28.3l/min) durante 5min, incubándolas a 37°C por 48h. Los factores ambientales se registraron con anemómetro Kestrel 4500 y ocupación de la unidad mediante registro manual del número de pacientes y personal asistencial de la unidad. Resultados: La máxima concentración fue 979.9±31.3UFC/m3 y el máximo promedio, 315.6±59.7UFC/m3. Staphylococcus spp. Superaron la concentración de Pseudomonas spp. La máxima ocupación fue en UCI Adulto, mayor temperatura en UCI Pediátrica y humedad más baja en UCI Adulto. Discusión y Conclusiones: La concentración de aerobacterias superó valores reportados por estudios aerobiológicos hospitalarios, y presenta relaciones leves con temperatura y escasa o nula con ocupación de la unidad.

Introduction: Assessing of biological quality of air in hospital environments is of particular interest because patients can be a source of pathogenic bacteria for hospital staff, visitors and other patients. It is relevant in specialized care of chronic diseases like cancer, AIDS and organ transplant patients or severe health complications, which require massive intervention for treatment in the operating room and/or intensive care units. To evaluate the influence of environmental factors and intensive care unit occupancy in the concentration of aerobacteria in intensive care units of Fernando Troconis Universitary Hospital. Materials and Methods: Triplicate samples were collected with selective agar for Staphylococcus spp. and Pseudomonas spp. using two-stage cascade impactor located 1.5 m high and constant flow (28.3l/min) for five minutes, locating two stations in each of the three ICU; the collected samples were incubated at 37°C for 48 hours. Environmental factors were recorded with anemometer Kestrel 4500 and occupancy of the unit by manually recording the number of patients and health care personnel of the unit. Results: Maximum concentration was 979.9±31.3CFU/m3 and maximum average 315.6±59.7CFU/m3. Staphylococcus spp. exceeded the concentration of Pseudomonas spp. Maximum intensive care unit occupancy was in adult ICU, higher temperature in pediatric ICU and lower humidity in adult ICU. Discussion and Conclusions: Aerobacteria concentration exceeded values reported by other aerobiological studies in hospital also has little relationship with temperature and little or no with intensive care unit occupancy.

Cell Viability of Candida albicans Against the Antifungal Activity of Thymol

Candida albicans is a commensal fungus, but circumstantially it may cause superficial infections of the mucous membranes, such as denture stomatitis, when a biofilm is formed on the surface of dental prostheses. This study evaluated the cell viability of C. albicans biofilms against the antifungal activity of thymol when compared with miconazole, by the fluorescence imaging using SYTO 9 and propidium iodide dyes, and counting of colony forming units. C. albicans standard strains (ATCC 11006) were used. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) of drugs were determined by broth microdilution tests and the inoculum was standardized to match 0.5 on the McFarland scale (106 cfu/mL). Biofilms were grown on the surface of acrylic resin disks in parallel flow chambers from Sabouraud broth supplemented with 10% dextrose. For counting of colony forming units, the fungal solution was sequentially diluted and plated in Sabouraud dextrose agar. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (a=5%). Biofilms treated with thymol and miconazole presented low numbers of viable cells at the evaluated exposure times. There was statistically significant difference (p<0.05) when compared with control, and the mean value of the exposure times between miconazole and thymol did not differ significantly (p>0.05). In conclusion, both drugs have similar efficiency as antifungal agents against biofilms of C. albicans formed on acrylic surfaces.

Candida albicans é um fungo comensal que circunstancialmente pode causar infecções superficiais das mucosas, como a estomatite protética, na qual o biofilme se forma sobre a superfície das próteses dentárias. Este estudo avaliou a viabilidade celular de biofilmes de C. albicans frente à ação antifúngica do timol em comparação com o miconazol por meio da técnica de fluorescência, empregando os corantes SYTO 9 e iodeto de propídio, e contagem das unidades formadoras de colônia. Utilizaram-se cepas de C. albicans (ATCC 11006). As concentrações inibitórias mínimas (CIM) e fungicidas mínimas (CFM) das drogas foram determinadas com testes de microdiluição em caldo, sendo o inóculo padronizado para corresponder a 0,5 da escala de McFarland (106 UFC/mL). Os biofilmes foram cultivados sobre a superfície de discos de resina acrílica, em células paralelas de fluxo, a partir de caldo Sabouraud suplementado com dextrose 10%. Para a contagem das unidades formadoras de colônia, as soluções fúngicas foram sequencialmente diluídas e semeadas em agar Sabouraud dextrose Os dados foram analisados por meio de estatística ANOVA A dois fatores e teste de Tukey (α = 5%). Biofilmes tratados com o timol e miconazol apresentaram baixos números percentuais de células viáveis nos tempos de exposição avaliados. Houve diferença estatística significante (p<0.05) em comparação com o controle, e o valor médio dos tempos de exposição entre miconazol e timol não diferiu estatisticamente (p>0.05). Concluindo, ambas as drogas possuem similar eficiência como agentes antifúngicos contra a viabilidade de biofilmes de C. albicans formados em superfícies de resinas acrílicas.

Avaliação microbiológica da efetividade de uma escova antibacteriana: um estudo in vivo / Microbiological evaluation of the effectiveness of an antibacterial toothbrush: in vivo study

Objetivo: Este trabalho consistiu em um estudo in vivo para avaliar microbiologicamente a efetividade de uma escova antibacteriana comparada à de uma escova convencional. Metodologia: Trinta crianças de dez a 12 anos utilizaram escovas dentais convencionais e antibacterianas por dois períodos experimentais de cinco dias, com duas escovações diárias supervisionadas, sem dentifrício. O desenho do estudo foi cruzado com wash-out de nove dias entre as diferentes escovas. Ao término de cada período, as escovas foram imediatamente imersas em solução salina estéril e agitadas; o caldo produzido foi semeado em ágar BHI, nas concentrações de 10-2 e 10-3. Após um período de incubação de 24 horas a 37 ºC em aerobiose, foi realizada a contagem das unidades formadoras de colônias (UFC/mL) por meio de um software específico. Resultado: No grupo de escovas convencionais, a mediana e intervalos interquartis foi de 105 (27-564,5); já para o grupo de escovas antibacterianas, foi de 53 (4,5-333,5). Após análise dos dados, observou-se ausência de diferenças estatísticas entre os grupos (p = 0,145). Conclusão: Concluiu-se que as escovas de dentes antibacterianas exibiram contaminação bacteriana semelhante à das escovas de dentes convencionais.

Objective: This in vivo study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of antibacterial toothbrushes compared to conventional toothbrushes in reducing microorganisms contamination. Methodology: Thirty children, 10 to 12 years-old, brushed their teeth with conventional and antibacterial toothbrushes two times a day without toothpaste, during two experimental periods of 5 days. The research was designed as a cross-over study with a wash-out period of nine days between the different toothbrushes. After each trial period, the brushes were immediately immersed in individual flasks containing sterile saline solution. After agitation, the solution was seeded on plates containing the culture medium of Brain Heart Infusion, at concentrations of 10-2 e 10-3, to obtain total viable microorganisms. The plates were incubated for 24 hours at 37 ºC under aerobiosis and colony-forming units were counted by means of a specific software. Result: In conventional toothbrushes group, median and interquartile values were 105 (27-564.5), while for the group of antibacterial toothbrushes were 53 (4.5-333.5). After analyzing the data, we observed no statistical differences between groups (p = 0.145). Conclusion: It was concluded that the antibacterial toothbrushes exhibited bacterial contamination similar to conventional toothbrushes.

Evaluation of the presence of microorganisms in solid-organ preservation solution

OBJECTIVE: To assess the presence of microorganism contamination in the preservation solution for transplant organs (kidney/pancreas). Method: Between August 2007 and March 2008, 136 samples of preservation solution were studied prior to graft implantation. Variables related to the donor and to the presence of microorganisms in the preservation solution of organs were evaluated, after which the contamination was evaluated in relation to the "recipient culture" variable. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were performed. RESULTS: The contamination rate of the preservation solution was 27.9 percent. Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus was the most frequently isolated microorganism. However, highly virulent agents, such as fungi and enterobacteria, were also isolated. In univariate analysis, the variable "donor antibiotic use" was significantly associated to the contamination of the preservation solution. On the other hand, multivariate analysis found statistical significance in "donor antibiotic use" and "donor's infectious complications" variables. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, 27.9 percent of the preservation solutions of transplant organs were contaminated. Infectious diseases and non-use of antibiotics by the donor were significantly related to the presence of microorganisms in organ preservation solutions. Contamination in organ preservation solutions was not associated with infection in the recipient.

Análise da viabilidade e infectividade de taquizoítas de toxoplasma gondii em condições axênicas / Viability and infectivity analysis of toxoplasma gondii underaxenic conditions

Aims: To investigate the infectivity and viability of the tachyzoite form of Toxoplasma gondii maintained in axenic medium. Methods: Tachyzoites of Toxoplasma gondii isolated from infected mice were suspended in phosphate-buffered saline pH 7.2 or phosphate-buffered saline pH 7.2 plus 10% or 20% foetal calf serum, and incubated for 24 and for 48 hours at 37ºC. Afterwards the parasites were: (i) incubated with propidium iodide and analysed by flow cytometry, using the fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) system; (ii) injected in mice to check the parasite viability in axenic conditions and, (iii) added to mouse embryonic fibroblasts to investigate their infectivity and ability to intracellular development. Results: Analysis by flow cytometry showed that Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites maintained in phosphate-buffered saline supplemented with 20% foetal calf serum displayed high cellular viability. The parasites kept their infectivity in both the in vivo and the in vitro systems, respectively demonstrated by their ability to replicate in mice and to form rosettes in mouse embryonic fibroblasts. Conclusions: Our data open new perspectives for the study of different aspects of Toxoplasma gondii cell biology, including nutrition mechanisms, in vitro drug trials, or cellular and molecular studies to be performed directly on the parasite.

Objetivos: investigar a infectividade e a viabilidade de formas taquizoítas de Toxoplasma gondii mantidas em meio axênico. Métodos: taquizoítos de Toxoplasma gondii foram isolados de camundongos infectados, ressuspensos em tampão fosfato-salino pH 7,2 ou tampão fosfato-salino pH 7,2 mais soro fetal bovino a 10% ou 20% e incubados por 24 e 48 horas a 37ºC em atmosfera contendo 5% de CO2. A seguir os parasitos foram: (i) incubados com iodeto de propídio e analisados por citometria de fluxo utilizando a técnica de separação de células ativada por fluorescência (fluorescence activated cell sorting ? FACS); (ii) injetados em camundongos para analisar a infectividade dos parasitos mantidos em condições axênicas; e (iii) adicionados à cultura de fibroblastos de embrião de camundongo para investigar a sua capacidade infectiva e multiplicativa com formação de rosetas e lise celular. Resultados: a análise por citometria de fluxo mostrou que os taquizoítos de Toxoplasma gondii mantidos em tampão fosfato-salino suplementado com 20% de soro fetal bovino apresentaram elevada viabilidade celular. Os parasitos mantiveram sua infectividade nos sistemas in vivo e in vitro, respectivamente demonstrada por sua capacidade de se replicar em camundongos e de infectar culturas de fibroblastos. Conclusões: nossos dados abrem novas perspectivas para o estudo de diferentes aspectos da biologia do Toxoplasma gondii, incluindo mecanismos de nutrição, ensaios experimentais de drogas in vitro, ou estudos da biologia celular e molecular diretamente sobre o parasito.

Comparação da atividade de ácidos graxos essenciais e biomembrana na microbiota de feridas crônicas infectadas / Comparison of the activity of fatty essential acids and biomembrane in the microbiota of infected chronic wounds

Em pessoas curadas de hanseníase, as úlceras em membros inferiores representam um desafio aos profissionais, por serem crônicas, infectadas e recorrentes. Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo comparar a ação de uma biomembrana de látex (Biocure®) e de um produto à base de AGE (Dersani®) na microbiota de feridas crônicas infectadas, em pessoas que receberam alta do tratamento para hanseníase. Trata-se de pesquisa realizada no Hospital de Dermatologia Sanitária, de Goiânia (GO), no período de fevereiro a outubro de 2007, na qual participaram 8 pessoas curadas de hanseníase, com 19 feridas infectadas, que foram, alocadas aleatoriamente em grupo A (tratado com Dersani®) e grupo B (tratado com Biocure®). Foram identificados Staphylococcus aureus (50%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (35,7%), Proteus vulgaris (8,2%), Enterobacter aerogenes (3,3%) e Escherichia coli (2,7%). Os resultados obtidos in vivo sugerem que o Dersani® tenha efeito antimicrobiano positivo sobre Enterobacter aerogenes e o Biocure® sobre Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Os resultados in vitro mostraram ausência de atividade de ambos os produtos sobre os microrganismos isolados das lesões.

For patients cured of leprosy, low-limb ulcers represent a challenge to healthcare workers, for being chronic, infected, and recurrent. This study aimed to compare the latex biomembrane (Biocure TM) and an EFA-based product (Dersani TM) action on the microbiota of infected chronic wounds, in patients discharged from the treatment of leprosy. This is a research carried out at Hospital de Dermatologia Sanitária, in Goiânia-GO, from February to October 2007, in which 8 individuals cured of leprosy, having 19 infected wounds, were randomly allocated in group A (Dersani TM) and group B (Biocure TM). Staphylococcus aureus (50%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (35.7%), Proteus vulgaris (8.2%), Enterobacter aerogenes (3.3%), and Escherichia coli (2.7%) were isolated. The results obtained in vivo suggest that Dersani TM has a positive antimicrobial effect against Enterobacter aerogenes and Biocure TM against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, despite the in vitro results having shown absence of antimicrobial activity for both products against microorganisms standard and isolated from the wounds.