Thermothelomyces thermophilus exo- and endo-glucanases as tools for pathogenic E. coli biofilm degradation.

The escalating prevalence of drug-resistant pathogens not only jeopardizes the effectiveness of existing treatments but also increases the complexity and severity of infectious diseases. Escherichia coli is one the most common pathogens across all healthcare-associated infections. Enzymatic treatment of bacterial biofilms, targeting extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), can be used for EPS degradation and consequent increase in susceptibility of pathogenic bacteria to antibiotics. Here, we characterized three recombinant cellulases from Thermothelomyces thermophilus: a cellobiohydrolase I (TthCel7A), an endoglucanase (TthCel7B), and a cellobiohydrolase II (TthCel6A) as tools for hydrolysis of E. coli and Gluconacetobacter hansenii biofilms. Using a design mixture approach, we optimized the composition of cellulases, enhancing their synergistic activity to degrade the biofilms and significantly reducing the enzymatic dosage. In line with the crystalline and ordered structure of bacterial cellulose, the mixture of exo-glucanases (0.5 TthCel7A:0.5 TthCel6A) is effective in the hydrolysis of G. hansenii biofilm. Meanwhile, a mixture of exo- and endo-glucanases is required for the eradication of E. coli 042 and clinical E. coli biofilms with significantly different proportions of the enzymes (0.56 TthCel7B:0.44 TthCel6A and 0.6 TthCel7A:0.4 TthCel7B, respectively). X-ray diffraction pattern and crystallinity index of E. coli cellulose are comparable to those of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) substrate. Our results illustrate the complexity of E. coli biofilms and show that successful hydrolysis is achieved by a specific combination of cellulases, with consistent recurrence of TthCel7B endoglucanase.

Chemical Composition, Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic/Cytoprotective Activity of Non-Polar Extracts of Grape (Vitis labrusca cv. Bordeaux) and Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus) Seeds.

The aim of this study was to compare the influence of the extraction method, chemical composition, antimicrobial effects, antioxidant activity, and cytotoxicity on human cells of the non-polar extracts of grape (Vitis labrusca) and blackberry (Rubus fruticosus) seeds. The Soxhlet (Sox), Bligh-Dyer (BD), and ultrasound (US) methods were used for extractions. For blackberry non-polar seed extract, extraction via the BD method showed the highest mean values of total phenolic content (TPC), expressed in milligrams of gallic acid equivalent per 100 mL of non-polar seed extracts (102.37 mg GAE/100 mL), and higher antioxidant activity in relation to the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, expressed in milligrams of gallic acid equivalent per 100 mL of non-polar seed extracts (11.50 mg AAE/100 mL), if compared with the Sox and US extractions. Similar results were obtained for the non-polar grape seed extracts, where BD extraction obtained the highest values for TPC (28.61 mg GAE/100 mL) and DPPH (35.36 mg AAE/100 mL). The type of extraction method had an impact on the composition of fatty acids. Only the non-polar blackberry and grape seed extracts obtained via the Sox method showed some in vitro inhibitory effect against Escherichia coli (IAL 2064) and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 13565). Regardless of the extraction method used, the non-polar blackberry and grape seed extracts did not decrease the cell viability (IC50 >1000 µg/mL) of cancer and normal cell lines, thus indicating the relative safety of the extracts. All the seed extracts decreased the generation of reactive oxygen species in the cell lines. Blackberry and grape seed lipid fractions can be utilized as antioxidants, and the extraction methods used cause significant changes in relation to their bioactivity and chemical composition.

Assessment of Microbial Contamination in Products of Animal Origin: Stretched-curd Cheese, Yogurt and Fresh Sausage

Abstract Animal products are sources of microbiological contamination when the process has hygienic-sanitary control fails. Therefore, this work aims the evaluation of the pathogenic microorganisms presented in samples from the Brazil southern region of yogurt (N = 101), stretched curd cheese (N = 31), fresh sausage (N = 22) and processing water (N = 63). Analyses of coliforms at 45 °C, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella sp. and Escherichia coli were performed. Analysis indicated processing water is an important contamination source to be monitored, because the majority of samples presented results above the regulation limits. Thermal treatment and fermentation such as stretched curd cheese and yogurt appeared to be more stable against contamination during processing. In this study, for coliforms at 45 °C, only one cheese sample and 12% of total yogurt samples exceeded the Brazilian legislation limit. None of sausage samples presented any contamination. On the other hand, values found in both processing water and dairy products indicated failures in application and monitoring of good manufactured practices.

Influence of ibuprofen-arginine on the concentration of amoxicillin in the plasma and tissues of rats with induced periapical lesion / Influência do ibuprofeno arginina sobre a concentração plasmática e tecidual da amoxicilina em ratos com lesão periapical induzida

ABSTRACT Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of ibuprofen-arginine on the concentration of amoxycillin in the plasma and periapical tissues of rats with induced apical periodontitis. Methods Twenty-eight Wistar rats were divided into the following four groups: PL: placebo (saline); AM: amoxycillin (100 mg/kg); IB: ibuprofen-arginine (100 mg/kg); and AM+IB: amoxycillin (100 mg/kg) + ibuprofen-arginine (100 mg/kg). The animals were submitted to pulp exposure in the first lower left molar, which remained open for fifteen days; this was then closed with composite resin and remained for a further seven days. The treatments were performed using a single dose of the medication (gavage) one hour before taking the samples. Two mL of blood was collected from the aorta to obtain the blood plasma and the periapical tissue samples, which were homogenized to obtain the supernatant. The samples (plasma and the supernatant periapical tissue) were used to obtain the antibiogram for the analysis of the levels of amoxycillin in the plasma and periapical tissues. Results The amoxycillin concentration was higher in the AM group compared to the other groups (p < 0.05, ANOVA with Tukey's test). Ibuprofen-arginine interfered with plasma concentration of amoxycillin; however, the AM+IB group had a higher concentration of amoxycillin than the PL and IB groups (p < 0.05, ANOVA with Tukey's test). The analysis of the supernatant from the periapical tissues showed no significant difference between the groups (p > 0.05, Kruskal-Wallis test). Conclusion Ibuprofenarginine can interfere with the plasma concentration of amoxycillin but this study failed to show the effect of ibuprofen-arginine on the concentration of amoxycillin in the periapical tissues .

RESUMO Objetivo A proposta desta pesquisa foi avaliar a influência do ibuprofeno arginina, sobre a concentração de amoxicilina no plasma e no tecido periapical de ratos com periodontite apical induzida. Métodos Foram utilizados 28 ratos Wistar, divididos em 4 grupos:PL: placebo (salina); AM: amoxicilina (100mg/kg); IB: ibuprofeno arginina (100mg/kg); e AM+IB: amoxicilina (100mg/kg) + ibuprofeno arginina (100mg/kg). Os animais foram submetidos à exposição pulpar do primeiro molar inferior esquerdo que permaneceu aberto por 15 dias e, então, fechado com resina composta, permanecendo por mais 07 dias. Os tratamentos foram realizados com dose única dos medicamentos (gavagem), uma hora antes da obtenção das amostras. Foram coletados 2mL de sangue da artéria aorta para a obtenção do plasma sanguíneo e amostras do tecido periapical que foram homogeneizadas para a obtenção do sobrenadante. A partir das amostras (plasma e sobrenadante do tecido periapical) realizou-se o antibiograma para análise da concentração plasmática e tecidual de amoxicilina. Resultados A concentração de antibiótico foi maior no grupo AM em comparação aos demais grupos (p<0,05, ANOVA com Tukey). O ibuprofeno arginina interferiu na concentração plasmática de amoxicilina, no entanto, a concentração de amoxicilina no grupo AM+IB foi maior que nos grupos PL e IB (p<0,05, ANOVA com Tukey). A análise do sobrenadante do tecido periapical não mostrou diferença significativa entre os grupos (p>0,05, Kruskal-Wallis). Conclusão O ibuprofeno arginina podeinterferir com a concentração plasmática de amoxicilina, porém o estudo não foi capaz de mostrar o efeito do anti-inflamatório na concentração de amoxicilina no tecido periapical.

Effects of time and extraction temperature on phenolic composition and functional properties of red rooibos (Aspalathus linearis).

This work was aimed at assessing the time-temperature effects on the phenolic compounds and in vitro functional properties of aqueous extracts from red rooibos (Aspalathus linearis). The major phenolic composition (tannins, flavonoids, flavonols, ortho-diphenols, total phenolic content), antioxidant (ABTS and DPPH) and reducing capacities (FRAP and total reducing capacity), antimicrobial effects and inhibition of α-amylase/α-glucosidase were measured. Phenolic compounds were also determined by LC-ESI-MS/MS. Aqueous extracts did not inhibit the growth of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans between 7.81 and 1000mgL-1. Rooibos extracted at 85°C for 10min showed a beneficial interaction with the human erythrocytes, reducing the hemolysis. The correlation analysis showed that the phenolic compounds responsible for the inhibition of α-amylase (IC50) were isohrmanetin, isoquercitrin, luteolin, salicylic acid, and syringaldehyde, whereas the inhibition of α-glucosidase was correlated to syringaldehyde, isoquercitrin, and luteolin. Overall, rooibos extracted at 85°C had the highest antioxidant activity measured by all assays, higher contents of phenolic compounds (spectrophotometric and LC-ESI-MS/MS data), and lower IC50 values for the digestive enzymes. On the other hand, rooibos extracted at 65°C had the opposite behavior, while rooibos extracted at 75°C presented mean intermediate values for the responses. This result clearly indicates that the extraction temperature is the main factor leading to a higher extraction of bioactive compounds from red rooibos.

In vitro antimicrobial evaluation of toothpastes with natural compounds.

OBJECTIVES: This in vitro study evaluated the antimicrobial effects of commercial toothpastes containing natural compounds. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study groups were divided based on the natural compound present in the toothpaste composition: Sorbitol (I), tocopherol (II), mint (III), cinnamon/mint (IV), propolis/melaleuca (V), mint/açai (VI), mint/guarana (VII), propolis (VIII), negative control (IX), and the positive control (X). The antimicrobial properties of the toothpastes were tested using the disk diffusion method against oral pathogens: Streptococcus mutans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterococcus faecalis. The resulting inhibition halos were measured in millimeters. RESULTS: The data indicated that the bacteria responded differently to the toothpastes (P < 0.0001). The diameters of the inhibition halos against S. mutans were in decreasing order of efficacy: Propolis/melaleuca > mint/guarana > mint/açai > sorbitol > tocopherol > cinnamon/mint > propolis > mint (P < 0.001 vs. negative control). E. faecalis showed variable responses to the dentifrices in the following order of decreasing efficacy: Mint/guarana > propolis > sorbitol > mint/açai > tocopherol > cinnamon/mint > mint = propolis/melaleuca = negative control. The product with the highest antimicrobial activity was mint/guarana, which was significantly different than propolis/melaleuca, mint, cinnamon/mint, and tocopherol and negative control (P < 0.001). The statistical analysis indicated that propolis, sorbitol, and mint/açai did not show any differences compared to mint/guarana (P > 0.05) and positive control (P > 0.05). P. aeruginosa was resistant to all dental gels tested including positive control. CONCLUSION: The toothpastes with natural compounds have therapeutic potential and need more detailed searches for the correct clinic therapeutic application. The results from this study revealed differences in the antimicrobial activities of commercial toothpastes with natural compounds.

Effect of a novel quaternary ammonium methacrylate polymer (QAMP) on adhesion and antibacterial properties of dental adhesives.

This study investigated the resin-dentin bond strength (µTBS), degree of conversion (DC), and antibacterial potential of an innovative adhesive system containing a quaternary ammonium methacrylate polymer (QAMP) using in situ and in vitro assays. Forty-two human third molars were flattened until the dentin was exposed and were randomly distributed into three groups of self-etching adhesive systems: Clearfil™ SE Bond containing 5% QAMP (experimental group), Clearfil™ Protect Bond (positive control) and Clearfil™ SE Bond (negative control). After light curing, three 1 mm-increments of composite resin were bonded to each dentin surface. A total of thirty of these bonded teeth (10 teeth per group) was sectioned to obtain stick-shaped specimens and tested under tensile stress immediately, and after 6 and 12 months of storage in distilled water. Twelve bonded teeth (4 teeth per group) were longitudinally sectioned in a mesio-to-distal direction to obtain resin-bonded dentin slabs. In situ DC was evaluated by micro-Raman spectroscopy. In vitro DC of thin films of each adhesive system was measured using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. In vitro susceptibility tests of these three adhesive systems were performed by the minimum inhibitory/minimum bactericidal concentration (MIC/MBC) assays against Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus casei, and Actinomyces naeslundii. No statistically significant difference in µTBS was observed between Clearfil™ SE Bond containing 5% QAMP and Clearfil™ SE Bond (p>0.05) immediately, and after 6 and 12 months of water storage. However Clearfil™ Protect Bond showed a significant reduction of µTBS after 12 months of storage (p=0.039). In addition, QAMP provided no significant change in DC after incorporating into Clearfil™ SE Bond (p>0.05). Clearfil™ SE Bond containing 5% QAMP demonstrated MIC/MBC values similar to the positive control against L. casei and A. naeslundii and higher than the negative control for all evaluated bacterial strains. The use of QAMP in an adhesive system demonstrated effective bond strength, a suitable degree of conversion, and adequate antibacterial effects against oral bacteria, and may be useful as a new approach to provide long-lasting results for dental adhesives.

An innovative quaternary ammonium methacrylate polymer can provide improved antimicrobial properties for a dental adhesive system.

A quaternary ammonium methacrylate polymer (QAMP) with antimicrobial potential was synthesized. The resulting product (QAMP) was characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, NMR spectroscopy, visible spectrophotometry, XRPD and TGA. The in vitro susceptibility tests against Streptococcus mutans of QAMP were investigated prior and after incorporation into a commercial adhesive system (Clearfil™ SE Bond). The release of quaternary ammonium compounds from the experimental adhesive system (Clearfil™ SE Bond + 5% QAMP) was performed during 1, 7, 14, 21 and 30 days. Spectroscopic data confirmed that QAMP was successfully obtained. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated that QAMP was heat stable. Prior incorporation into the adhesive system, QAMP revealed an inhibition halo of 18.33 ± 0.6 mm. By agar disk diffusion test, Clearfil™ SE Bond containing 5% QAMP presented an inhibition halo (16.67 ± 1.5 mm) similar to Clearfil™ Protect Bond (positive control, 17.00 ± 1.7, p = 0.815) and significantly higher than Clearfil™ SE Bond (negative control, 11.00 ± 1.0, p = 0.006). The minimum inhibitory/bactericidal concentrations for Clearfil™ SE Bond containing 5% QAMP were 20 µL mL(-1). The release of quaternary ammonium compounds from the experimental adhesive containing QAMP was very low (5.1%) when compared to Clearfil™ Protect Bond that released 47.2% of its quaternary ammonium monomer (MDPB) after 30 days. The QAMP can offer enhanced antimicrobial properties for self-etching adhesive systems.

ATIVIDADE ANTIMICROBIANA DE MÉIS PRODUZIDOS POR MELIPONÍNEOS NATIVOS DO PARANÁ (BRASIL) / ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF HONEYS PROVIDED BY MELIPONINES FROM PARANÁ (BRAZIL)

O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar a atividade antibacteriana e antifúngica de méis in natura, elaborados por abelhas nativas sem ferrão e de extratos fenólicos (EFM) obtidos a partir dessas amostras. A atividade antimicrobiana de 21 amostras de mel, coletadas no Estado do Paraná (Brasil), foi avaliada pelo método de microdiluição em caldo, determinando-se a concentração inibitória mínima (MIC) contra as cepas de Escherichia coli ATCC 10530, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 e Candida albicans ATCC 10231. As amostras de mel apresentaram maior atividade antimicrobiana para as bactérias E. coli (MIC90 ≥3,12%) e S. aureus (MIC90 ≥1,56%) em comparação aos valores obtidos para a levedura C. albicans (MIC90 ≥12,5%). Os EFM revelaram menor atividade antimicrobiana em relação aos méis in natura, pois apenas nove amostras de EFM inibiram o crescimento de S. aureus em10 mg.mL­1. Tais resultados permitem inferir que o mel de abelhas sem ferrão constitui alimento com propriedades funcionais e que apresenta potencial terapêutico contra infecções.

Qualidade microbiológica de carne de frango comercializada no município de Ponta Grossa, PR / Microbiological quality of chicken meat commercialized in the city of Ponta Grossa, PR

O objetivo do presente trabalhofoi avaliar as condições higiênico--sanitárias de cortes de frangos resfriados,comercializados em cincopontos de venda, no município dePonta Grossa, PR. Foram analisadas50 amostras de 10 lotes no períodode março a maio de 2008. As análisesmicrobiológicas realizadas foram:determinação do número mais provávelde coliformes totais, coliformesa 45°C/g, Escherichia coli e Enterococcusspp, contagem em placasde aeróbios mesófilos, Staphylococcusaureus e fungos; pesquisade Salmonella spp e Pseudomonasspp. Nossos resultados mostraramcontaminação de origem fecal variandode 0,31 - 655 NMP/g, dentro,portanto, dos padrões estabelecidospela legislação atual. A presençade Salmonella spp foi negativa emtodas as amostras. No geral, nossosresultados mostraram contagens demicro-organismos inferiores àquelasestabelecida na legislação vigenteo que atesta uma boa qualidadehigiênico-sanitária para a carne defrango comercializada na cidade. (AU)

This study aimed to evaluate thesanitary conditions of refrigeratedchicken cuts sold at five points ofsale in the city of Ponta Grossa -PR. Fifty samples from 10 lots wereanalyzed in the period from Marchto May 2008. The following microbiologicalanalyses were conducted:determination of the most probablenumber of total coliforms, coliformsat 45°C/g, Escherichia coli, andEnterococcus spp, plate counts ofaerobic mesophiles, Staphylococcusaureus, and fungi; survey for Salmonellaspp and Pseudomonas spp.Our results showed contaminationof faecal origin ranging from 0.31to 655 MPN/g, therefore within thestandards established by current law.The presence of Salmonella spp wasnegative in all samples. 1n general,our results showed microorganismcounts lower than those establishedby current law, which attests to thegood sanitary quality of the chickenmeat sold in the city. (AU)

Phytochemical screening, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities of the crude leaves' extract from Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.

BACKGROUND: Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam., popularly known as sweet potato (SP), has played an important role as an energy and a phytochemical source in human nutrition and animal feeding. Ethnopharmacological data show that SP leaves have been effectively used in herbal medicine to treat inflammatory and/or infectious oral diseases in Brazil. The aim of this research was to evaluate the phytochemical, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities of the crude leaves' extract of SP leaves. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The screening was performed for triterpenes/steroids, alkaloids, anthraquinones, coumarins, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and phenolic acids. The color intensity or the precipitate formation was used as analytical responses to these tests. The total antioxidant capacity was evaluated by the phosphomolybdenum complex method. Antimicrobial activity was made by agar disk and agar well diffusion tests. RESULTS: The phytochemical screening showed positive results for triterpenes/steroids, alkaloids, anthraquinones, coumarins, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and phenolic acids. Total contents of 345.65, 328.44, and 662.02 mg were respectively obtained for alkaloids, anthraquinones, and phenolic compounds in 100 g of the dry sample. The total antioxidant capacity was 42.94% as compared to ascorbic acid. For antimicrobial studies, no concentration of the SP freeze dried extract was able to inhibit the growth of Streptococcus mutans, S. mitis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans in both agar disk and agar well diffusion tests. CONCLUSIONS: SP leaves demonstrated the presence of secondary metabolites with potential biological activities. No antimicrobial activity was observed.

Avaliação da qualidade das amostras comercias de Baccharis trimera L. (Carqueja) vendidas no Estado do Paraná / Quality evaluation of commercial samples of Baccharis trimera L. (Carqueja) sold in Paraná State

O presente trabalho descreve a avaliação da qualidade de 12 amostrascomerciais de "carqueja" (Baccharis trimera L.) que são empregadas na medicina tradicional como estomáquicas e diuréticas e são vendidas em estabelecimentos comerciaisfarmacêuticos no Estado do Paraná, visando ao preparo de chás. Foram avaliados parâmetros de qualidade preconizados na Farmacopéia Brasileira e na literatura específica: característicasdos rótulos e bulas, análise sensorial, autenticidade das amostras, material estranho e doseamento de marcadores químicos. Todos os produtos avaliados apresentaram algum tipo de irregularidade segundo os códigos oficiais, sendo necessária maior intensificação na vigilância de produtos à base de plantas medicinais.

This study aimed to evaluate the quality of 12 samples prepared with "carqueja" (Baccharis trimera L.) used in traditional medicine as stomachic anddiuretic medicines, and sold in commercial pharmacies in Paraná State. The analyses used parameters from the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia and specific literature. The methodology consisted in evaluating the product labels and instructions of the samples to verify theiraccordance to the specific legislation, sensorial analysis, authenticity of the samples, purity and dosage of chemical markers. All products showed some type of mistake or irregularity according to the official codes. These results showed that is necessary to intensify theinspection of medicinal plants in Brazil.

Avaliação dos indicadores de qualidade do leite pasteurizado tipo C comercializado em Ponta Grossa, Paraná / Evaluation of the pointers of quality of milk commercialized type C in Ponta Grossa, Paraná

Quando os processos higiênico-sanitários não são adequados, bactérias podem contaminar o leite colocando em risco a saúde do consumidor. Neste trabalho, um estudo sobre a identidade e a qualidade do leite pasteurizado tipo C comercializado em ponta Grossa, Paraná, foi realizado. Analisaram-se 60 amostras, no período de março a junho de 2004. Resultados mostraram contagens superiores aos padrões vigentes para bactérias aeróbias mesófilas, coliformes a 30 / 35°C e a 45° C em 3,3 por cento, 23,3 por cento e 35 por cento das amostras, respectivamente. Isolou-se Enterobacter, Klebsilella, Escherichia coli, Citrobacter. A susceptibilidade no antibiograam, para essas bactérias, foi de 52 por cento para os betalactâmicos, 82, 3 por cento sulfametaxazol-trimetoprima, 97 por cento aminoglicosídeos e 100 por cento para as fluoroquinolonas, Staphylococcus spp foi detectado em 21,7 por cento das amostras e ausência de S. aureus coagulase positiva. A sensibilidade dos Staphylococcus spp foi de 53,8 por cento para a penicilina e de 100 por cento para oxacilina, cefalotina, gentamicina, vancomicina e sulfametaxazol-trimetoprima. A pesquisa de betalactamase foi positiva em 46,2 por cento das cepas, indicando que a resistência para penicilina é devida a essa enzima. A pesquisa de Salmonella e de resíduos de antibióticos foi negativa. Quando comparadas com os parâmetros estabelecidos para o leite tipo C pasteurizado, 40 por cento das amostras apresentaram alterações microbiológicas.(AU)

When hygiene/sanitary processes are not adequate, milk may become contaminated with bacteria, posing a hazard to consumer health. In this work, a study was carried out on the identity and quality of grade C pasteurized milk sold inPonta Grossa, Paraná, Brazil. Sixty samples were analyzed in the period from March to June, 2004. Results showed higher counts than the current standards for aerobic mesophilic bacteria, coliforms at 30/35 C, and at 45 C in 3.3%, 23.3%, and 35% of the samples, respectively. Enterobacter, Klebsilella, Escherichia coli, and Citrobacter were isolated. Susceptibility in the antibiogram for those bacteria was 52% for betalactams, 82.3%for sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, 97% for aminoglycosides, and 100% for fluoroquinolones. Staphylococcus spp was detected in 21.7% of the samples, with the absence of coagulase- positive S. aureus. Staphylococcus spp sensitivity was 53.8% for penicillin and 100% for oxacillin, cephalotin, gentamicin, vancomycin, and sulfamethoxazole- trimethoprim. The beta-lactamase test was positive in 46.2% of the strains, indicating that resistance to penicillin is owed to this enzyme. Tests for Salmonella and antibiotic residues were negative. When compared with the parameters established for grade C pasteurized milk, 40% of the samples showed microbiological alterations. (AU)

Avaliação dos indicadores de qualidade do leite pasteurizado tipo C comercializado em Ponta Grossa, Paraná / Evaluation of the pointers of quality of milk commercialized type C in Ponta Grossa, Paraná

Quando os processos higiênico-sanitários não são adequados, bactérias podem contaminar o leite colocando em risco a saúde do consumidor. Neste trabalho, um estudo sobre a identidade e a qualidade do leite pasteurizado tipo C comercializado em ponta Grossa, Paraná, foi realizado. Analisaram-se 60 amostras, no período de março a junho de 2004. Resultados mostraram contagens superiores aos padrões vigentes para bactérias aeróbias mesófilas, coliformes a 30 / 35°C e a 45° C em 3,3 por cento, 23,3 por cento e 35 por cento das amostras, respectivamente. Isolou-se Enterobacter, Klebsilella, Escherichia coli, Citrobacter. A susceptibilidade no antibiograam, para essas bactérias, foi de 52 por cento para os betalactâmicos, 82, 3 por cento sulfametaxazol-trimetoprima, 97 por cento aminoglicosídeos e 100 por cento para as fluoroquinolonas, Staphylococcus spp foi detectado em 21,7 por cento das amostras e ausência de S. aureus coagulase positiva. A sensibilidade dos Staphylococcus spp foi de 53,8 por cento para a penicilina e de 100 por cento para oxacilina, cefalotina, gentamicina, vancomicina e sulfametaxazol-trimetoprima. A pesquisa de betalactamase foi positiva em 46,2 por cento das cepas, indicando que a resistência para penicilina é devida a essa enzima. A pesquisa de Salmonella e de resíduos de antibióticos foi negativa. Quando comparadas com os parâmetros estabelecidos para o leite tipo C pasteurizado, 40 por cento das amostras apresentaram alterações microbiológicas.

Infecção do trato urinário: comparação entre o perfil de susceptibilidade e a terapia empírica com antimicrobianos / Urinary tract infection: comparison between susceptibility profile and empirical therapy with antimicrobials

A infecção do trato urinário (ITU) é uma das doenças infecciosas mais comuns, perdendo em freqüência somente para as infecções respiratórias. No presente trabalho foram estudadas 106 uroculturas positivas de pacientes hospitalizados na Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Ponta Grossa, Paraná, Brasil. As bactérias isoladas foram classificadas, segundo sua origem: 68 (64,25%) em comunitária e 38 (35,8%) em hospitalar. Enterobactérias predominaram entre os isolados (82,1%). A susceptibilidade geral foi de 89,8% nitrofurantoína, 84% norfloxacina, 82% gentamicina, 75,3% cefalotina, 63,4% sulfazotrim e 45,7% ampicilina. Dos 94 prontuários estudados em 80,8% (76/94) constavam antibióticos prescritos. Em 62,8% (59/94) deles iniciou-se o tratamento empiricamente e em 18% (17/94) aguardou-se o resultado do antibiograma para a tomada de decisão. Na comparação entre o perfil de susceptibilidade, observado no antibiograma, com as prescrições empíricas, observou-se que em 81,4% (48/59) dos prontuários os antimicrobianos prescritos apresentaram sensibilidade no antibiograma e em 18,6% (11/59) estavam resistentes. O antibiótico mais prescrito empiricamente foi a norfloxacina, onde as Escherichia coli isoladas de infecções comunitárias e hospitalares apresentaram taxa de resistência de 11,6% e 15,8%, respectivamente. Outras Enterobactérias apresentaram taxas de 5,9% e 12,5%. As taxas de resistência inferiores a 20%, entre os principais agentes, mostram que a norfloxacina é adequada para ser utilizada como terapia empírica.

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common infectious diseases, second in frequency only to respiratory infections. In the present work, 106 positive urine cultures were studied from patients hospitalized at Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Ponta Grossa, Paraná, Brazil. The isolated bacteria were classified, according to their source: 68 (64.2%) into community and 38 (35.8%) hospital bacteria. Enterobacteria were the most common among the isolates (82.1%). General susceptibility was 89.8% to nitrofurantoin, 84% to norfloxacin, 82% to gentamicin, 75.3% to cephalotin, 63.4% to sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, and 45.7% to ampicillin. Among the 94 patient records studied, 80.8% (76/94) indicated that antibiotics had been prescribed. In 62.8% (59/94) of them, treatment was started empirically, and in 18% (17/94) a decision was made only upon receiving the antibiogram result. In the comparison between the susceptibility profile revealed by the antibiogram and the empirical prescriptions, it was verified that the antibiogram showed sensitivity to the prescribed antimicrobials in 81.4% (48/59) of the patient records, while 18.6% (11/59) indicated resistance. The most frequently prescribed antibiotic was norfloxacin wherein Escherichia coli isolated from community and hospital infections showed resistance rates of 11.6% and 15.8%, respectively. Other Enterobacteria showed rates of 5.9% and 12.5%. Resistance rates lower than 20% among the most important agents indicated that norfloxacin is suitable to be used as empirical therapy.

Monitoramento da anemia em pacientes com insuficiência renal crônica / The monitoring of anemia in patients with chronic renal deficiency

Em pacientes com insuficiência renal crônica, a anemia é uma das complicações mais frequentemente observadas. Essa anemia pode ser corrigida com a administraçao de hormonio eritropoetina. O paciente renal crônico, utilizando eritropoetina, deve realizar exames sanguineos mensais. O nivel-alvo do hematocrito devera ser entre 33 por cento e 36 por cento.