Presence and Resistance Profile of Staphylococcus spp. Isolated from Slaughtered Pigs.

Background: The objective of this study was to isolate Staphylococcus spp. and to characterize the resistance profile in nasal samples from pigs slaughtered for consumption. Material and Methods: Intranasal swabs were collected from 100 pigs immediately after bleeding in a slaughterhouse located in the largest pork production region in Brazil, these samples were cultured and isolated to identify Staphylococcus spp. in coagulase positive (CoPS) and coagulase negative (CoNS) and molecular identification of Staphylococcus aureus and then subjected to the disk-diffusion test to identify the bacterial resistance profile and search for the mecA gene. Results: Of the 100 samples collected, it was possible to isolate 79 Staphylococcus spp., of these, 72.15% were classified as CoNS and 27.85% of the isolates classified as CoPS. Among the CoPS isolates, 77.27% were identified as S. aureus. Through the disk-diffusion test, it was possible to verify isolates resistant to clindamycin and erythromycin (98.73%), chloramphenicol (93.67%), and doxycycline (89.87%). There was amplification of the mecA gene in 30.38% of Staphylococcus spp. Conclusion: The results of this study highlight the need for the careful use of antibiotics in swine production, in addition to aiming at continuous surveillance in relation to the rate of multiresistant microorganisms within these environments, focused on large industrial centers; such results also indicate the importance of understanding, through future studies, possible pathways to transmission of these microorganisms directly, or indirectly, through meat products derived from these pigs, which can be considered neglected diffusers of variants of Staphylococcus spp. resistant to antibiotics or carriers of important resistance genes related to One Health.

Relations Between Guardians and Domestic Animals During the Sars-Cov-2 Pandemic in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate how relationships between guardians and domestic animals were established and their possible effects during the COVID-19 pandemic period in Brazil. METHODS: Data were collected by completing an online questionnaire. Throughout the national territory, 2002 people completed the questionnaire, while respecting social distancing from January 20, 2021, to March 20, 2021. The inclusion and exclusion criteria were 'to own pets' or 'those who had them during the period of quarantine' in Brazil. The data obtained were treated qualitatively through discourse analysis and content analysis, while the quantitative data were tabulated by the questionnaire application platform itself. RESULTS: The results showed that 97% of the participants were affected by the coronavirus pandemic in Brazil and that of these, 95.5% stated that their pet was important to overcome and bear bad feelings during the period of social isolation. It was possible to observe through the participants' reports through the online questionnaire that the relationships with their pets were deepened during the pandemic period, and that these had an important role in overcoming bad emotions caused by social distancing. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that due to these relationships, behaviors such as anxiety and sadness were reduced and the pets themselves also showed an increase in affective behaviors in relation to their guardians.

Presence of Staphylococcus spp. carriers of the mecA gene in the nasal cavity of piglets in the nursery phase.

The presence of Staphylococcus spp. resistant to methicillin in the nasal cavity of swine has been previously reported. Considering the possible occurrence of bacterial resistance and presence of resistance genes in intensive swine breeding and the known transmissibility and dispersion potential of such genes, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence of resistance to different antibiotics and the presence of the mecA resistance gene in Staphylococcus spp. from piglets recently housed in a nursery. For this, 60 nasal swabs were collected from piglets at the time of their housing in the nursery, and then Staphylococcus spp. were isolated and identified in coagulase-positive (CoPS) and coagulase-negative (CoNS) isolates. These isolates were subjected to the disk-diffusion test to evaluate the bacterial resistance profile and then subjected to molecular identification of Staphylococcus aureus and analyses of the mecA gene through polymerase chain reaction. Of the 60 samples collected, 60 Staphylococcus spp. were isolated, of which 38 (63.33%) were classified as CoNS and 22 (36.67%) as CoPS. Of these, ten (45.45%) were identified as Staphylococcus aureus. The resistance profile of these isolates showed high resistance to different antibiotics, with 100% of the isolates resistant to chloramphenicol, clindamycin, and erythromycin, 98.33% resistant to doxycycline, 95% resistant to oxacillin, and 85% resistant to cefoxitin. Regarding the mecA gene, 27 (45%) samples were positive for the presence of this gene, and three (11.11%) were phenotypically sensitive to oxacillin and cefoxitin. This finding highlights the importance of researching the phenotypic profile of resistance to different antimicrobials and resistance genes in the different phases of pig rearing to identify the real risk of these isolates from a One Health perspective. The present study revealed the presence of samples resistant to different antibiotics in recently weaned production animal that had not been markedly exposed to antimicrobials as growth promoters or even as prophylactics. This information highlights the need for more research on the possible sharing of bacteria between sows and piglets, the environmental pressure within production environments, and the exposure of handlers during their transport, especially considering the community, hospital, and political importance of the presence of circulating resistant strains.

Resistance profile and biofilm production capacity of Staphylococcus spp. beef slaughterhouse isolates and their sensitivity to Rosmarinus officinalis essential oil.

Microorganisms can interfere with meat quality, being a public health problem. The aim of this study was to characterize the antimicrobial susceptibility profile of Staphylococcus spp. isolated from utensils of a bovine slaughterhouse and to evaluate the antibacterial and antibiofilm activity of the essential oil of Rosmarinus officinalis L. (rosemary). Samples of surfaces and utensils used during slaughter in the northwest of the state of Paraná, Brazil were collected. After isolation and differentiation of the isolates by the coagulase test, the antimicrobial susceptibility test, Staphylococcus aureus identification and mecA gene research were performed. The study for biofilm production was carried out by the method of adhesion in borosilicate tube and by adhesion in polystyrene plate. Subsequently, the inhibitory activity of the R. officinalis essential oil and its ability to inhibit biofilm were investigated. Twenty-two of the samples collected were identified as coagulase-negative Staphylococcus and five as coagulase-positive Staphylococcus. There was resistance to all antibiotics tested, with clindamycin (33.33%) and rifampicin (29.6%) showing the highest rate. None of the samples was confirmed as Staphylococcus aureus or for the presence of the mecA resistance gene. The essential oil inhibited the growth of 48% of the isolates at a concentration of 16,000 µg/mL. Of these isolates, 33% were positive for biofilm production and this biofilm was also inhibited by the essential oil. This work revealed that multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus and biofilm producers are present in the slaughter environment and are susceptible to the essential oil of R. officinalis.

Bauhinia spp. (pata-de-vaca) and its biological potentialities ­ literature review / Bauhinia spp. (pata-de-vaca) e suas potencialidades biológicas ­ revisão da literatura / Bauhinia spp. (pata-de-vaca) y sus potencialidades biológicas - revisión de la literatura

The genus Bauhinia popularly known as "pata-de-vaca", "unha de vaca", "unha de boi", "unha de anta" e "casco de vaca" is widely used in the form of teas and other herbal preparations. The aim of this literature review was to show the diversity and biological potential of Bauhinia species for health promotion. A search was carried out for articles listing some species of medical interest. The pharmacological activities of B. forficata were also highlighted in articles published in the last twenty years using the PubMed database. Research has shown that Bauhinia is used as a hypoglycemic and antidiabetic agent, diuretic, cholesterol reducer, in the treatment of cystitis, intestinal parasites, elephantiasis, tumors and other ailments, including infections and painful processes. In the last eleven years, 86% of the works carried out with B. forficata used the plant collected or acquired in Brazil, predominantly publications from the southern region of the country where almost 60% reported activity on diabetes and its complications and/or antioxidant effect. Despite the literature pointing out the great medicinal potential of Bauhinia in chronic diseases and their complications, there is still a need for more translational research.

O gênero Bauhinia conhecido popularmente como "pata-de-vaca", "unha de vaca", "unha de boi", "unha de anta" e "casco de vaca" é amplamente utilizado em forma de chás e outras preparações fitoterápicas. O objetivo desta revisão de literatura foi mostrar a diversidade e potencial biológico das espécies de Bauhinia para a promoção a saúde. Foi realizada a busca de artigos elencando algumas espécies de interesse médico. Destacou-se também as atividades farmacológicas de B. forficata em artigos publicados nos últimos vinte anos utilizando a base de dados PubMed. A pesquisa mostrou que a Bauhinia é utilizada como hipoglicemiante e antidiabética, diurética, redutora de colesterol, no tratamento da cistite, parasitoses intestinais, elefantíase, tumores e outros males, incluindo infecções e processos dolorosos. Nos últimos onze anos, 86% dos trabalhos realizados com B. forficata utilizaram a planta coletada ou adquirida no Brasil sendo predominante publicações oriundas da região sul do país onde quase 60% relataram atividade sobre o diabetes e suas complicações e/ou efeito antioxidante. Apesar da literatura apontar o grande potencial medicinal da Bauhinia em doenças crônicas e suas complicações ainda há a necessidade de mais pesquisas de caráter translacional.

El género Bauhinia, conocido popularmente como "garra de vaca", "garra de ganado", "garra de tapir" y "pezuña de vaca", se utiliza ampliamente como té y otros preparados fitoterapéuticos. El objetivo de esta revisión bibliográfica era mostrar la diversidad y el potencial biológico de las especies de Bauhinia para la promoción de la salud. Se llevó a cabo una búsqueda de artículos que incluyeran algunas especies de interés médico. Las actividades farmacológicas de B. forficata también fueron destacadas en artículos publicados en los últimos veinte años utilizando la base de datos PubMed. La investigación demostró que la Bauhinia se utiliza como hipoglucemiante y antidiabético, diurético, reductor del colesterol, en el tratamiento de la cistitis, la parasitosis intestinal, la elefantiasis, los tumores y otras dolencias, incluyendo infecciones y procesos dolorosos. En los últimos once años, el 86% de los estudios realizados con B. forficata utilizaron la planta recolectada o adquirida en Brasil, siendo predominantes las publicaciones de la región sur del país, donde casi el 60% reportó actividad sobre la diabetes y sus complicaciones y/o efecto antioxidante. Aunque la bibliografía señala el gran potencial medicinal de la Bauhinia en las enfermedades crónicas y sus complicaciones, todavía es necesario realizar más investigaciones traslacionales.

Origanum vulgare essential oil and carvacrol: natural alternatives against resistant bacteria / Óleo essencial de origanum vulgare e carvacrol: alternativas naturais contra bactérias resistentes / El aceite esencial de origanum vulgare y el carvacrol: alternativos naturales contra las bacterias resistentes

Bacteria that are resistant to several antibiotics are a serious One Health problem, as new alternatives for treatment do not appear at the same speed. Thus, the aim of this work was to carry out a survey of studies involving the activity of the essential oil of O. vulgare and its isolated compound carvacrol on antibiotic-resistant bacteria. To this end, a qualitative review of the literature was carried out in the PubMed database from 2015 to 2020. Both for the essential oil and for the isolated compound, the inhibitory action extends to strains often associated with difficult-to-treat infections such as oxacillin and vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, ß-lactamase-producing strains, carbapenemases, among others. The point that distinguishes the studies is the type of methodology used in the tests, with studies with carvacrol more directed towards mechanisms of molecular action and application in cells and animals, while those with oils are more preliminary. Although these substances have potential to control resistant bacteria, more research is needed to enable their use.

Bactérias resistentes a vários antibióticos são um grave problema para a Saúde Única, pois novas alternativas de tratamento não aparecem na mesma velocidade. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar um levantamento de estudos envolvendo a atividade do óleo essencial de O. vulgare e seu composto isolado, carvacrol, sobre bactérias resistentes a antibióticos. Para tanto, foi realizada uma revisão qualitativa da literatura na base de dados PubMed no período de 2015 a 2020. Tanto para o óleo essencial quanto para o composto isolado, a ação inibitória se estende a cepas frequentemente associadas a infecções de difícil tratamento como Staphylococcus aureus resistente à oxacilina e vancomicina, cepas produtoras de ß-lactamase, carbapenemases, entre outras. O ponto que diferencia os estudos é o tipo de metodologia utilizada nos testes, sendo os estudos com carvacrol mais direcionados para mecanismos de ação molecular e aplicação em células e animais, enquanto os com óleos são mais preliminares. Embora essas substâncias tenham potencial para controlar bactérias resistentes, mais pesquisas são necessárias para viabilizar seu uso.

Las bacterias resistentes a diversos antibióticos son un grave problema para la Sanidad Única, ya que las nuevas alternativas de tratamiento no aparecen a la misma velocidad. Así pues, el objetivo de este trabajo fue realizar una encuesta sobre los estudios relativos a la actividad del aceite esencial de O. vulgare y su compuesto aislado, el carvacrol, sobre las bacterias resistentes a los antibióticos. Para ello, se realizó una revisión bibliográfica cualitativa en la base de datos PubMed en el periodo comprendido entre 2015 y 2020. Tanto para el aceite esencial como para el compuesto aislado, la acción inhibidora se extiende a cepas frecuentemente asociadas a infecciones de difícil tratamiento como el Staphylococcus aureus resistente a la oxacilina y a la vancomicina, cepas productoras de ß-lactamasas, carbapenemasas, entre otras. El punto que diferencia los estudios es el tipo de metodología utilizada en las pruebas, siendo los estudios con carvacrol más dirigidos a mecanismos de acción molecular y aplicación en células y animales, mientras que los de aceites son más preliminares. Aunque estas sustancias tienen potencial para controlar las bacterias resistentes, es necesario seguir investigando para que su uso sea viable.

Review Covid-19 (sars-cov-2) and medicinal plants ­ literature / Revisão Covid-19 (sars-cov-2) e plantas medicinais - literatura / Revisión Covid-19 (sars-cov-2) y plantas medicinales - bibliografía

In December 2019, a new coronavirus originating from the city of Wuhan in China started an epidemic that brought many countries into chaos and despair. SARS-CoV-2, as identified, gave rise to the severe acute respiratory syndrome called COVID-19. Its transmission happens through droplets of saliva, hand or contaminated surfaces. Since its discovery, COVID-19 has led many to death, therefore, researchers from around the world have joined efforts to develop strategies to contain the virus. In this race, drugs such as Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine have become possible options for showing an antiviral effect, however, studies contest their efficiency, generating uncertainties. Therefore, other alternatives have been investigated in this context, and the study of medicinal plants has been the target of research for the treatment of COVID-19 in search of bioactive natural products that can exert an antiviral action. The study aimed to analyze the published literature on COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) and its relationship with medicinal plants. Bibliographical survey. So far, no specific treatment against the disease has been found, only supportive, with drugs that aim to improve the individual's immune system and ensure that the virus does not replicate, for example, there are options such as chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, remdesivir and convalescent plasma. On the other hand, studies have revealed that medicinal plants such as garlic, among others, showed efficiency in modulating proteins with a view to preventing viral replication and improving immunity against COVID-19. So far, there are no drugs that are completely safe and have been shown to have activity against the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). However, medicinal plants can contribute to the development of specific therapies against SARS-CoV-2 in a safe and effective way.

Em dezembro de 2019, um novo coronavírus originário da cidade de Wuhan, na China, iniciou uma epidemia que levou muitos países ao caos e ao desespero. O SARS-CoV-2, conforme identificado, deu origem à síndrome respiratória aguda grave chamada COVID-19. Sua transmissão acontece através de gotículas de saliva, mãos ou superfícies contaminadas. Desde sua descoberta, o COVID-19 levou muitos à morte, por isso, pesquisadores de todo o mundo uniram esforços para desenvolver estratégias para conter o vírus. Nesta corrida, medicamentos como Cloroquina e Hidroxicloroquina tornaram-se opções possíveis por apresentarem efeito antiviral, porém, estudos contestam sua eficiência, gerando incertezas. Portanto, outras alternativas têm sido investigadas nesse contexto, e o estudo de plantas medicinais tem sido alvo de pesquisas para o tratamento da COVID- 19 em busca de produtos naturais bioativos que possam exercer ação antiviral. O estudo teve como objetivo analisar a literatura publicada sobre COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) e sua relação com plantas medicinais. Levantamento bibliográfico. Até o momento, não foi encontrado nenhum tratamento específico contra a doença, apenas de suporte, com medicamentos que visam melhorar o sistema imunológico do indivíduo e garantir que o vírus não se replique, por exemplo, há opções como cloroquina, hidroxicloroquina, remdesivir e convalescença plasma. Por outro lado, estudos revelaram que plantas medicinais como o alho, entre outras, mostraram eficiência na modulação de proteínas visando prevenir a replicação viral e melhorar a imunidade contra a COVID-19. Até o momento, não existem medicamentos completamente seguros e que tenham demonstrado atividade contra o novo coronavírus (SARS-CoV-2). No entanto, as plantas medicinais podem contribuir para o desenvolvimento de terapias específicas contra o SARS-CoV-2 de forma segura e eficaz.

En diciembre de 2019, un nuevo coronavirus originario de la ciudad de Wuhan, en China, inició una epidemia que sumió a muchos países en el caos y la desesperación. El SARS-CoV- 2, tal y como fue identificado, dio lugar al síndrome respiratorio agudo severo denominado COVID-19. Su transmisión se produce a través de gotitas de saliva, de las manos o de superficies contaminadas. Desde su descubrimiento, el COVID-19 ha llevado a muchos a la muerte, por lo que investigadores de todo el mundo han aunado esfuerzos para desarrollar estrategias de contención del virus. En esta carrera, fármacos como la Cloroquina y la Hidroxicloroquina se han convertido en posibles opciones por mostrar un efecto antiviral, sin embargo, los estudios refutan su eficacia, generando incertidumbres. Por lo tanto, otras alternativas han sido investigadas en este contexto, y el estudio de las plantas medicinales ha sido el objetivo de la investigación para el tratamiento de COVID-19 en busca de productos naturales bioactivos que puedan ejercer una acción antiviral. El estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar la literatura publicada sobre el COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) y su relación con las plantas medicinales. Estudio bibliográfico. Hasta el momento, no se ha encontrado un tratamiento específico contra la enfermedad, sólo de soporte, con fármacos que buscan mejorar el sistema inmunológico del individuo y asegurar que el virus no se replique, por ejemplo, existen opciones como la cloroquina, hidroxicloroquina, remdesivir y plasma convaleciente. Por otro lado, estudios han revelado que plantas medicinales como el ajo, entre otras, mostraron eficacia en la modulación de proteínas con vistas a impedir la replicación viral y mejorar la inmunidad contra el COVID-19. Hasta el momento, no existen medicamentos que sean completamente seguros y que hayan demostrado tener actividad contra el nuevo coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). Sin embargo, las plantas medicinales pueden contribuir al desarrollo de terapias específicas contra el SARS-CoV-2 de forma segura y eficaz.

COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) in Patients Treated in The Unified Health System (SUS) with Flu and Respiratory Symptoms from Three Brazilian Municipalities in the Border Region.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence and carry out epidemiology using sociodemographic data from patients with symptoms suggestive of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) (SARS-CoV-2) in 3 bordering Brazilian municipalities. METHODS: An epidemiological survey of positive cases of COVID-19 through reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was carried out in 1874 patients, seen in the Unified Health System (SUS), ages between 0 and 99 years, who had symptoms suggestive of COVID-19, from the cities of Assis Chateaubriand, Tupãssi, and Formosa do Oeste. RESULTS: It was possible to observe that of the 1874 patients seen in the public health network of the 3 municipalities, 354 were diagnosed as positive. The predominance of cases was in female patients (51.97%) and in patients who lived in urban areas (93.50%), and the predominant age group was 20-29 years (19.78%). CONCLUSION: The result of this study demonstrated the epidemiological profile of patients with respiratory and flu-like symptoms, positive for COVID-19, in 3 municipalities bordering Paraguay and Argentina. It was evident that the age group has its specificities regarding the susceptibility of the infection. Although the borders are closed, there was probably a spread of the virus in this region, due to the diversion, which showed an increase during the pandemic period.

Pet dogs as reservoir of oxacillin and vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus spp.

The aim of this study was to verify the bacterial resistance profile and detect the presence of mecA gene in Staphylococcus spp. isolated from the nasal microbiota of domiciled dogs. For this purpose 100 nasal swabs from 100 domiciled dogs were collected from the central area of the city of Umuarama (PR), along with a questionnaire answered by their owners. After the isolation all Staphylococcus spp. isolates were submitted to the diffusion disc test by the Kirby-Bauer method, and only oxacillin-resistant samples were submitted to the PCR technique to search for the mecA gene and the results were then submitted to statistical analysis to verify possible risk variables. The 100 Staphylococcus spp. and coagulase negative, among which 41 isolates were resistant to oxacillin, no samples were positive for the mecA gene presence, however, 12 resistant to vancomycin were found. It can be concluded that the domiciled dogs are carriers of Staphylococcus spp. multiresistant, being these a possible source of human contamination.

Leptospira spp. in Naturally Infected Dairy Cow from a Brazilian Border Region.

Leptospirosis is an important infectious disease, which can generate large economic losses, especially in the dairy herd. The pathogen that causes this disease may have its entry in Brazilian herds facilitated by the existence of a large extension of land borders. Therefore, the objective of this work was to investigate the presence of DNA and antibodies against Leptospira spp. in samples of vaginal mucus and serum from naturally infected bovine females from small rural dairy farms in a border region. Blood and vaginal mucus samples were collected from 70 Holstein cows, from small rural dairy farms between October 2017 and June 2018. The inclusion criteria for dairy cattle of any breed were aged over 2 years, not vaccinated against leptospirosis, and presenting a history of any reproductive problem such as abortion, stillbirth, repetition of heat, absence of heat, and lack of conception. Blood was collected by puncturing the coccygeal vein; for the collection of vaginal mucus, it was necessary to use a tampon with an applicator. For the detection of anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies, the sera were submitted to microscopic agglutination test (MAT) and, for DNA detection, the vaginal mucus was submitted to the PCR technique. Among the 70 cows, 42.86% had reagents in MAT and the most likely serovar was Wolffi (43.47%). In 74.28% of the vaginal mucus samples, it was possible to amplify the Leptospira spp. DNA. The results of this work show the presence of Leptospira spp. antibodies and DNA in samples of serum and vaginal mucus from naturally infected bovine females from small rural dairy farms in a border region (Brazil × Paraguay). These results demonstrate the importance of considering bovine females as potential vaginal carriers of Leptospira spp. Thus, it highlights the importance of further studies to better understanding of this issue, in addition to carrying out molecular and serological tests, to monitor the infection and further characterize epidemiological studies of leptospirosis in herds from regions that face this international frontier challenge.

Molecular biology as a diagnostic tool for detection of Leptospira spp. in cows of a border region ­ case report

The reproductive efficiency of livestock is the basis for the success of livestock, dairy or beef, and having high reproductive performance depends on several factors within the production system and the presence of infectious diseases of the reproductive sphere in the herd is one of the factors that can compromise that efficiency. The aim of this study was to use molecular biology as a diagnostic tool for the detection of Leptospira spp. DNA in cows with reproductive disorders on a rural property in the municipality of Boca do Acre, Amazonas, Brazil. Vaginal mucus was collected from nine Nelore breeding cows with a history of abortion and birth of weak calves submitted to DNA extraction and nested-PCR technique for 16S gene amplification at the bacterial genus level. Of the nine samples analyzed, five (55.55%) amplified a product of 331bp. The municipality of Boca do Acre is bordered by Peru and Bolivia, and knowledge of the prevalence of the disease, serovars, and circulating Leptospira species is essential for the adoption of measures related to animal husbandry, as well as health education for ranchers and their workers to avoid a possible occupational infection since this disease is considered an important zoonosis. New molecular studies using primers that allow the identification of the Leptospira species and mainly pathogenic species should be conducted in this region in order to elucidate the possible species of this etiological agent and the possible reservoirs of the disease to begin the understanding of the epidemiology of this disease in cattle in this region of border.

Bacteria with a Potential for Multidrug Resistance in Hospital Material.

The objective of this research was to determine the antimicrobial resistance of bacteria isolated from items related to hygiene and antisepsis, equipment, and instruments used in different hospital wards. Bacterial isolation and identification, phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility assays, mecA gene detection, and multiple antimicrobial resistance index analysis were performed. In total, 105 bacteria were isolated from 138 items. Of these, 49.52% bacteria were collected from instruments, 43.80% from equipment, and 6.66% from items related to hygiene and antisepsis. All gram-positive bacteria (88 isolates) were identified as coagulase-negative Staphylococcus. Five species of gram-negative bacilli (17 isolates) were isolated, and the prevalence of Enterobacter agglomerans (29.41%), Escherichia coli (11.76%), and Serratia liquefaciens (11.76%) was high. Antimicrobial resistance was reported for 93.33% of the isolates. Gram-positive bacteria were resistant to sulfazotrim (88.64%) and penicillin (82.95%), while gram-negative bacteria showed resistance to sulfazotrim (70.59%) and ampicillin (64.71%). Analysis of multiple antibiotic resistance index showed that 73.33% of the isolates were a high risk to public health. The mecA gene was detected in 23 (71.88%) isolates. The evaluation of microorganisms isolated in the hospital environment revealed their high multidrug resistance index. Thus our study presses the need to pay more attention to the cleanliness of frequently used instruments, which may be potential sources of infections.

Estudio etnoepidemiológico de medicamentos y uso de plantas medicinales en mujeres embarazadas / Ethno-epidemiological study of medicinal products and medicinal plants use among pregnant women

El objetivo de este estudio fue examinar el perfil de las mujeres embarazadas que visitaron el Sistema Único de Salud del municipio de Umuarama/PR y analizar el uso de medicamentos clasificados como D y X según la Administración de Alimentos y Medicamentos de los Estados Unidos (FDA) y plantas medicinales contraindicadas por posibles riesgos gestacionales. Se realizó un estudio etnoepidemiológico transversal a través de un cuestionario realizado entre 500 mujeres embarazadas en el período enero a mayo de 2017. Según las mujeres embarazadas, durante el período prenatal, el 67.8% no recibió información sobre el uso de plantas medicinales y el 26,6% respecto de plantas contraindicadas. Entre los medicamentos utilizados, el 12,2% pertenecía a la categoría "D" (anticonvulsivos), y el 2,4% pertenecía a la categoría "X" (anticonceptivos hormonales). Este trabajo destaca la necesidad de ampliar las actividades de promoción de la salud a las unidades básicas e implementar protocolos y herramientas de orientación técnica, así como la capacitación de profesionales farmacéuticos para educar a la población sobre el riesgo de estos medicamentos durante el embarazo.

The objective of this study was to examine the profile of pregnant women who visited the Unified Health System of the municipality of Umuarama/PR and to analyze their use of drugs categorized as D and X according to the United States Food and Drug Administration FDA and contraindicated medicinal plants for evaluating the potential gestational risks. A cross-sectional ethnoepidemiological study using a questionnaire was conducted among 500 pregnant women from January to May 2017. According to the pregnant women, during the prenatal period, 67.8% did not receive information on the use of medicinal plants and 26.6% used contraindicated plants. Among the drugs used, 12.2% belonged to category "D" (anticonvulsants), and 2.4% belonged to category "X" (hormonal contraceptives). This work highlights the need to expand health promotion activities to the basic units and implement protocols and technical guidance tools as well as training of pharmaceutical professionals to educate the population on the risk of these drugs during pregnancy.

Antimicrobial Resistance and Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase Production in Enterobacteria Isolated from Free-Living Primates.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the profile of antimicrobial resistance in members of the family Enterobacteriaceae and to detect strains of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) in free-living Sapajus nigritus. Oral and rectal swabs were collected from 15 primates to isolate and identify bacteria, conduct phenotypic tests to detect antimicrobial sensitivity and ESBL-producing strains, and calculate the multiple antimicrobial resistance index. The least effective antimicrobial was amoxicillin (72.72%) and ampicillin (57.57%), and the samples were considered as high risk for public health. No sample was positive for ESBL production. The results show that this study is relevant to One Health initiatives, considering the possibility of transmission of bacterial resistance and resistant genes originating from direct or indirect interaction of S. nigritus with parkgoers. However, these animals cannot be considered as the only reservoirs and transmitters of resistant bacteria as they can be contaminated by human-origin bacteria that can be extremely harmful and often prove lethal to them that play an important role in relationship to the ecology, spreading seeds and controlling insects.

Antimicrobial activity of Asteraceae species against bacterial pathogens isolated from postmenopausal women.

PURPOSE: Investigation of the antibacterial action of aqueous extracts of Bidens sulphurea, Bidens pilosa, and Tanacetum vulgare, species of Asteraceae family that are popularly used for the treatment of genito-urinary infection. METHODS: The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bacterial concentration (MBC) of the extracts against standard strains of Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC25923), Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC29212), Escherichia coli (ATCC25922), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC27853) and against bacteria that were isolated from cultures of vaginal secretions and urine from menopausal women with a diagnosis of recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTI) were determined by broth microdilution. RESULTS: The MIC values of the three extracts against Gram-positive and Gram-negative standard bacterial strains ranged from 7.81 to 125.00 mg ml-1, and the MBC values ranged from 7.81 to 500.00 mg ml-1. However, B. sulphurea was more efficient. In the urine samples, the three extracts inhibited the growth of coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp., and the B. pilosa was the most active extract against E. coli compared with the other ones. For the vaginal secretion samples, no significant differences in the inhibition of coagulase-positive Staphylococcus spp. and P. mirabilis were found among the extracts. T. vulgare and B. sulphurea were more effective in inhibiting coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp. compared with B. pilosa. E. coli was more susceptible to the B. sulphurea extract compared with the B. pilosa and T. vulgare extracts. CONCLUSION: The present results suggested the potential medicinal use of Asteraceae species, especially B. sulphurea, as therapeutic agents against rUTI-related bacteria.

Comparative Proteomics of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Subjected to Synergistic Effects of the Lantibiotic Nisin and Oxacillin.

We investigated the responses and mechanisms of action of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) metabolism when exposed under sublethal concentrations of the synergistic antibacterial combination of nisin + oxacillin (» of maximum sublethal concentration) and sublethal concentrations of oxacillin only and nisin only. A total of 135 proteins were identified, showing an alteration in the expression of 85 proteins when treatment was compared with untreated bacteria (control). When the bacteria were treated using the combination, there was an increase in the expression of proteins related to resistance (e.g., beta-lactamase) and also in the ones involved in protein synthesis, and there was a decrease in the expression of proteins related to stress and alterations in proteins related to bacterial energy metabolism. Bacterial oxidative stress showed that the combination was able to induce oxidative stress (p < 0.05) and increase enzyme activities and lipid hydroperoxide levels compared with individual treatments. The analysis of cell ultrastructure showed damage in MRSA, especially on the bacterial wall and the plasma membrane, with cell lysis and death. Thus, the changes caused by these treatments affected different proteins related to the bacterial biological processes and signaling pathways such as cell division, structure, stress, regulation, bacterial resistance, protein synthesis, gene expression, energetic metabolism, and virulence. It was observed that synergism among antimicrobials has high potential in therapeutic use and may reduce the required amounts of antibacterial substances in addition to being effective on different targets in bacterial cells.

Proteomic analysis and antibacterial resistance mechanisms of Salmonella Enteritidis submitted to the inhibitory effect of Origanum vulgare essential oil, thymol and carvacrol.

Biological properties of natural products are an important research target and essential oils (EO) from aromatic plants with antimicrobial properties are well documented. However, their uses are limited, and the mechanisms underlying their antibacterial activity are still not well known. Therefore, our objective was to evaluate the antibacterial activities of Origanum vulgare EO, thymol and carvacrol against Salmonella Enteritidis ATCC 13076 strain, particularly regarding the bacterial proteic profile, enzymatic activities and DNA synthesis. Bacterial expressed proteins were evaluated using an untreated assay control and treatments with sublethal concentrations of oregano EO, carvacrol and thymol. The same protein extracts were also assayed for oxidative stress and energy metabolism enzyme activities, as well as effect on DNA synthesis. Protein expression outcomes revealed by 2D-SDS-PAGE, from antimicrobial actions, showed a stress response with differential expressions of chaperones and cellular protein synthesis mediated by the bacterial signaling system. In addition, Salmonella used a similar mechanism in defense against oxidative stress, for its survival. Thus, the antibacterial inhibitory activity of EO was preferentially associated with the presence of thymol and there was interference in protein regulation as well as DNA synthesis affected by these compounds. SIGNIFICANCE: Antimicrobial activity of essential oils (EO) is already known. In this way, the understanding of how this activity occurs is a fundamental part to provide the practical and rational use of these substances. In the current scenario, where the emergence of resistant bacteria or even multiresistant bacteria against conventional antimicrobials, the search for alternatives becomes essential, since the discovery of new inhibitory substances does not occur at the same speed. The anti-Salmonella action allied to the knowledge about the biological processes affected by O. vulgare EO contribute to these bioactive compounds being effectively used as agents in the safety and shelf life of food in a future product, packaging or process where the antibacterial activity is safe and best used.

Inferring putative virulence factors for Pythium insidiosum by proteomic approach.

Pythium insidiosum is the etiologic agent of pythiosis, a life-threatening disease that affects human and animals, has difficult diagnosis, and therapy. Studies on protein characterization of P. insidiosum are scarce, so we aimed to determine the protein profile of P. insidiosum by mass spectrometry and bioinformatics strategies targeting in proteins that may act as putative virulence factors. Therefore, an extraction protocol was standardized to obtain the total proteins of P. insidiosum. By the analysis of Image Master 2D Platinum software, it was found that 186 spots ranging between 12 and 89 KDa and isoelectric point from 4 to 7. By the analysis of 2D-SDS-PAGE it was possible to visualize and excise 103 spots, which were hydrolyzed with trypsin and submitted to mass spectrometry, resulting in the identification of 36 different proteins. Three of them were classified as proteins supposedly related to virulence factors due to its functions, such as glucan 1,3-beta glucosidase, Heat shock protein (Hsp) 70 and enolase. These results may contribute to a better understanding of the virulence factors of this medically important oomycete, as well as to subsidize new studies on diagnosis and therapeutic approaches.

Antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities of cinnamaldehyde against S. epidermidis.

The search for new antimicrobial drugs has been necessary due to the increased bacterial resistance to antibiotics currently in use, and natural products play an important role in this field. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro effect of cinnamaldehyde on S. epidermidis strains, biofilm set-up prevention, as well as its effect on pre-established biofilms. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranged from 300 to 500 µg/mL, and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) from 400 to 600 µg/mL. The biofilm inhibitory concentration and biofilm eradication concentration values were four-fold (clinical isolate) and eight-fold (ATCC strain) greater than the concentration required to inhibit planktonic growth. Sub-inhibitory concentrations of cinnamaldehyde attenuated biofilm formation of S. epidermidis strains on polystyrene microtiter plates. The combination of cinnamaldehyde and linezolid was able to inhibit S. epidermidis with a bactericidal effect. Further investigation of the mechanism of action of cinnamaldehyde revealed its effect on the cell membrane permeability, and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) images illustrated the impact of cinnamaldehyde in the detachment and killing of existing biofilms. Thereby, our data confirmed the ability of cinnamaldehyde to reduce bacterial planktonic growth of S. epidermidis, inhibiting biofilm formation and eradicating pre-formed biofilm.

Molecular identification and phylogenetic analysis of Bothrops insularis bacterial and fungal microbiota.

Bothrops insularis, known as the golden lancehead snake, has its natural habitat restricted to Queimada Grande Island on the southern coast of Brazil. This culture-dependent study aimed to identify microorganisms obtained from the mouth, eyes, and cloaca of this species. Swabs from 20 snakes were collected for fungal and bacterial isolation. DNA was extracted from all samples, and identification was performed by amplifying the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 regions and the 16S rDNA gene, respectively. All strains were identified and deposited in the GenBank nucleotide database. MEGA v6.0 software was utilized to construct phylogenetic trees. In total, 100 strains were isolated and characterized, from which 42 fungi were distributed into 23 species and 58 bacteria into 13 species. The genus Fusarium was predominant since 11 strains and probably a new species was isolated from this fungus. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterococcus faecalis were the predominant groups of aerobic bacteria isolated. Phylogenetic analyses between bacterial and fungal sequences suggest a similarity between the microorganisms found on the island and on the continent. These findings may be attributed to anthropic actions resulting from both expeditions to the island and actions of migratory birds, which are the main sources of food for snakes.