Gut microbiota transfer evidence from mother to newborn.

Early life microbiota is a risk factor for future diseases. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the transfer of gut microbiota from mother to newborn. A biological sample was collected from the anal mucosa of the pregnant women before delivery and from the newborns between 24 and 48 h after delivery, as it was not possible to collect a meconium sample at that time. The microbiome of the samples was analyzed by sequencing the hypervariable regions V3-V4 of the 16S gene. To determine the likelihood of microbiota transfer from mother to newborn and examine the relationship with the mode of delivery, we utilized Fisher's exact test and odds ratio. A weighted transfer ratio was employed as a comprehensive measure of transfer. A total of 5767 ASVs were identified in newborn samples (n = 30) and 7253 in maternal samples (n = 30). In the analysis of transfer correlated with the mode of delivery, we observed significant ASVs (p < 0.05). Vaginal delivery showed a positive probability of transfer (OR = 2.184 and WTR = 1.852). We found a negative correlation (OR < 1) between the abundance of maternal ASVs and the likelihood of microbiota transfer to the newborn in both delivery modes. The relationship was inversely proportional for both cesarean section (log10 = - 0.2229) and vaginal delivery (log10 = - 0.1083), with statistical significance observed only for cesarean section (p = 0.0083).  Conclusion: In our sample, the maternal gut microbiome was found to be associated with the infant gut microbiome, indicating evidence of ASV-specific transfer from the maternal microbiome to newborns. What is Known: • There is a relationship of early-life microbiota composition with future health outcomes. What is New: • This was the first study to evaluate maternal gut microbiota transfer to newborns in Brazil.

Evaluation of Aztreonam and Ceftazidime/Avibactam Synergism against Klebsiella pneumoniae by MALDI-TOF MS.

INTRODUCTION: Resistance to carbapenems due to the co-production of NDM and ESBL or NDM and KPC is increasing. Therefore, combined therapy with aztreonam (ATM) plus ceftazidime/avibactam (CZA) has been recommended. Then, it is necessary to develop and evaluate fast and simple methods to determine synergism in vitro in microbiology laboratories. OBJECTIVE: To develop a method to determine the synergism of ATM and CZA by MALDI-TOF MS (SynMALDI). METHOD: Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 22) isolates with blaNDM and/or blaKPC genes were tested. The time-kill curve assay was performed for four isolates (three positives for blaNDM and blaKPC and one positive for blaNDM only). For SynMALDI, each isolate was incubated for 3 h in 4 tubes containing brain-heart infusion broth with the following: (1) no antibiotic; (2) ATM at 64 mg/L; (3) CZA at 10/4 mg/L; and (4) ATM at 64 mg/L plus CZA at 10/4 mg/L. After incubation, the bacterial protein extract was analyzed by MALDI-TOF MS, and the relative growth (RG) was determined for each isolate, considering intensities of the peaks of the bacterium incubated with antibiotic (tubes 2, 3, and 4) to the same bacterium incubated without antibiotic (tube 1), as follows: RG = IntensityWith antibiotic/IntensityWithout antibiotic. The combination was determined as synergistic when there was an RG decrease of 0.3 in the antibiotic combination in relation to the RG of the most active antibiotic alone. RESULTS: The combination of ATM plus CZA proved to be synergic by time-kill curve assay. All isolates tested with the SynMALDI method also presented synergism. CONCLUSIONS: Detection of synergism for ATM plus CZA combination can be determined by MALDI-TOF MS, providing fast results in order to improve patient treatment.

Whole-genome sequencing-based characterization of Streptomyces sp. 6(4): focus on natural product.

We have sequenced the whole genome of Streptomyces sp. 6(4) isolated from tomato roots that presents antifungal activity against phytopathogenic fungi, mainly Bipolaris sorokiniana. The genome has almost 7 Mb and 3368 hypothetical proteins that were analysed and characterized in Uniprot with the emphasis on biological compounds. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) analyses were performed in an effort to characterize and identify this isolate, resulting in a new sequence type (ST), classified as ST64. Phenetic and phylogenetic trees were constructed to investigate Streptomyces sp. 6(4) evolution and sequence similarity, and the isolate is a strain closer to Streptomyces prasinus and Streptomyces viridosporus . It is known that the genus Streptomyces possess huge metabolic capacity with the presence of cryptic genes. These genes are usually present in clusters, which are responsible for the production of diverse natural products, mainly antibiotics. In addition, 6(4) showed 11 biosynthetic gene clusters through antiSMASH, including 3 polyketide synthase (PKS) and non-ribosomal peptide synthase (NRPS) type clusters.

Evaluation of Clinical Course of Gamma (P.1) Variant of Concern versus Lineages in Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19 in a Reference Center in Brazil.

The SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern (VOC) gamma (P.1) has increased transmissibility and resulted in elevated hospitalization and mortality rates in Brazil. We investigated the clinical course of COVID-19 caused by gamma and non-VOCs at a reference hospital in Brazil in a retrospective cohort study with nonelderly hospitalized patients from two periods, before and after the emergence of gamma. Cohort 1 included patients from both periods whose samples would be eligible for whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Cohort 2 was composed of randomly selected patients from Cohort 1 whose samples were submitted to WGS. A total of 433 patients composed Cohort 1: 259 from the first and 174 from the second period. Baseline characteristics were similar, except for a higher incidence of severe distress respiratory syndrome at admission in patients from the second period. Patients from the second period had significantly higher incidence rates of advanced respiratory support (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 2.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.60-2.59), invasive ventilatory support (aHR: 2.72; 95% CI: 2.05-3.62), and 28-day mortality from the onset of symptoms (aHR: 2.62; 95% CI: 1.46-4.72). A total of 86 (43 gamma and 43 non-gamma) patients composed Cohort 2. Patients with confirmed gamma VOC infections had higher advanced ventilatory support and mortality rates than non-gamma-infected patients. Our study suggests that non-elderly patients hospitalized for COVID-19 in the second period (used as a proxy of gamma infection) had a more severe clinical course. This might have contributed to higher hospitalization and death rates observed in the second wave in Brazil.

The occurrence of antimicrobial residues and antimicrobial resistance genes in urban drinking water and sewage in Southern Brazil.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is currently discussed as an important issue worldwide, and the presence of antimicrobial residues (ARs) and antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) in the environment, especially in the water sources, is a challenge for public health. This study was conducted to evaluate the occurrence and diversity of AR and ARG in water sources from an urban center, in Southern Brazil. A total of thirty-two water samples from drinking water treatment plants (24) and sewage systems (8) were collected during two annual samplings, winter and summer. The PCR was performed by 18 ARGs, and the detection of 47 ARs was performed by LC-MS/MS. All sewage samples presented carbapenemases, ESBL, and mcr-1 genes as well as quinolones and sulfamethoxazole residues. In drinking water, we just detected blaTEM and tetB genes and doxycycline residues in samples before treatment. This study provides data about AR and ARG in drinking water and sewage systems showing that these sources are important reservoirs of both. The limited effectiveness of wastewater treatment processes to remove mainly AR demonstrates the need to implement better protocols of disinfection, in order to limit the spread of AMR in the environment.

Genomic Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 Lineages Indicates Early Circulation of P.1 (Gamma) Variant of Concern in Southern Brazil.

The SARS-CoV-2 P.1 lineage emerged in Amazonas (AM), North Brazil and its evolution has been dynamically reported associated with increased transmissibility and/or immune evasion. Here, we evaluated the lineages circulating in 29 cities in Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Southern Brazil between March 2020 and May 2021 and investigated the genetic events associated with the emergence of the P.1. A total of 202 oro/nasopharyngeal SARS-CoV-2 specimens from patients during routine hospital care were submitted to whole-genome sequencing. Phylogenetic and Bayesian Evolutionary Analyses of the P.1 lineage were carried out to determine the relationship between sequences from RS and AM and dated their common ancestor and origin. One hundred six (53%) sequences were assigned as P.1 and most carried the 22 lineage-defining mutations. All the P.1 sequences included other important mutations, such as P314L and R203K/G204R, and revealed a high genetic diversity in the phylogenetic tree. The time-scaled inference suggests that the oldest P.1 sequences from different Brazilian states share a ancestor with those from AM, but the origin of some sequences from RS is unknown. Further, the common ancestor of sequences from RS is dated to mid-June/July 2020, earlier than those previously reported from AM. Our results demonstrate that there is a high degree of genetic diversity among P.1 sequences, which suggests a continuous evolution and community spread of the virus. Although the first P.1 outbreak was reported in AM, the lineage was associated with multiple introductory events and had already been circulating in Southern Brazil prior to November 2020. IMPORTANCE The SARS-CoV-2 P.1 lineage is associated with increased transmissibility and/or immune evasion and presents a dynamic evolution in Brazil. The significance of our research relies in the fact that we evaluated the SARS-CoV-2 lineages circulating in Southern Brazil between March 2020 and May 2021. This evaluation allowed us to detect the genetic events associated with the emergence of the P.1 and its sublineages. This study is important because we were able to establish that the common ancestor of P.1 sequences from Rio Grande do Sul, Southern Brazil, is dated of mid-June/July 2020, earlier than the P.1 sequences previously reported from Amazonas (AM) state. Noteworthy, the high degree of genetic diversity among P.1 sequences found in this study suggests a continuous evolution and community spread of the virus. Moreover, the oldest P.1 sequences from different Brazilian states share a ancestor with those from AM.

High rate of Clostridioides difficile colonization in patients admitted to intensive care: A prospective cohort study.

Here, we evaluated the frequency of C. difficile colonization and its impact on clinical outcomes in patients admitted to intensive care units in Brazil. From ninety-two patients screened 16 (17.3%) were colonized by C. difficile. Colonized patients had higher Simplified Acute Physiology Score III (SAPS III), however there was no association between C. difficile colonization with diarrhea or mortality. The C. difficile strains sequenced belonged to clade 1 and presented high vancomycin-resistant rates.

Infection risks related to aesthetic procedures: microbial profile and professional perception about infection prevention measures / Riscos de infecção relacionados a procedimentos estéticos: perfil microbiano e percepção profissional sobre medidas de prevenção de infecção / Riesgos de infección relacionados con los procedimientos estéticos: perfil microbiano y percepción profesional sobre las medidas de prevención de infecciones

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to identify the presence of microorganisms in the aesthetic environment and assess professionals' knowledge about relevant infection prevention measures, considering the importance of the issue and the lack of study in the area. Methods: A total of 100 clinics that perform minimally invasive aesthetic procedures in Porto Alegre (RS), Brazil, were visited. Procedures such as botulin-toxin, dermal fillers, collagen biostimulators, thread lift, chemical peels and laser hair removal were considered. A questionnaire about infection prevention measures were answered by 50 professionals. Also, 100 samples were collected from the environment for bacterial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Results: There was an infection prevention protocol in 40% of clinics, in which 95% of respondents had complete college education. Periodic professional training regarding infection control measures were performed in 72% of clinics. An autoclave was used for sterilization of materials and instruments in 66% of clinics. From the samples collected, 85% showed bacterial growth by microbiological methods. Coagulase-negative Staphylococci was the most prevalent genera found, and 16% of them were resistant to both cefoxitin, erythromycin, and clindamycin. Four isolates were positive for mecA by PCR. Conclusion: The presence of well-trained professionals is critical in aesthetic clinics so that biosafety and infection prevention measures are taken.(AU)

Justificativa e Objetivos: Este estudo teve como objetivo identificar a presença de microrganismos no ambiente estético e avaliar o conhecimento dos profissionais sobre medidas relevantes de prevenção de infecções, considerando a importância do tema e a falta de estudos nesta área. Métodos: Foram visitadas 100 clínicas que realizam procedimentos estéticos minimamente invasivos em Porto Alegre (RS), Brasil. Foram considerados procedimentos injetáveis como aplicação de toxina botulínica, preenchedores faciais, microagulhamento, bioestimuladores de colágeno, fios de sustentação, peelings químicos e depilação a laser. Um questionário sobre medidas de prevenção de infecção foi respondido por 50 profissionais. Além disso, 100 amostras foram coletadas do ambiente para identificação bacteriana e teste de sensibilidade aos antimicrobianos. Resultados: Existia protocolo de prevenção de infecção em 40% dos ambulatórios, no qual 95% dos profissionais entrevistados possuíam ensino superior completo. Treinamento profissional periódico sobre medidas de controle de infecção foi realizado em 72% dos ambulatórios. Autoclave foi utilizada para esterilização de materiais e instrumentais em 66% das clínicas. Das amostras coletadas, 85% apresentaram crescimento bacteriano nas culturas microbiológicas. Staphylococci coagulase-negativo foi o gênero mais prevalente encontrado; e 16% deles eram resistentes à cefoxitina, eritromicina e clindamicina. Quatro isolados foram positivos para mecA por PCR. Conclusão: A presença de profissionais devidamente treinados é fundamental nas clínicas de estética, para que medidas de biossegurança e prevenção de infecções sejam tomadas.(AU)

Justificación y Objetivos: Este estudio tuvo como objetivo identificar la presencia de microorganismos en el entorno estético y evaluar el conocimiento de los profesionales sobre las medidas de prevención de infecciones relevantes, considerando la importancia del tema y la falta de estudios en esta área. Métodos: Se visitaron 100 clínicas que realizan procedimientos estéticos mínimamente invasivos en Porto Alegre (RS), Brasil. Se consideraron procedimientos invasivos, como la aplicación de toxina botulínica, rellenos faciales, microagujas, bioestimuladores de colágeno, hilos de soporte, peelings químicos y depilación láser. Un cuestionario sobre medidas de prevención de infecciones fue respondido por 50 profesionales. Además, se recolectaron 100 muestras del medio ambiente para la identificación bacteriana y las pruebas de susceptibilidad a los antimicrobianos. Resultados: Existía un protocolo de prevención de infecciones en el 40% de las clínicas, en el que el 95% de los profesionales encuestados tenía educación universitaria completa. En el 72% de las clínicas se realizó capacitación profesional periódica sobre medidas de control de infecciones. Se utilizó un autoclave para la esterilización de materiales e instrumentos en el 66% de las clínicas. De las muestras recolectadas, el 85% mostró crecimiento bacteriano por métodos de cultivo microbiologicos. El Staphylococci coagulasa negativo fue el género más prevalente encontrado, y el 16% de ellos eran resistentes tanto a cefoxitina, eritromicina y clindamicina. Cuatro aislamientos fueron positivos para mecA por PCR. Conclusión: La presencia de profesionales debidamente capacitados es fundamental en las clínicas de estética, para la toma medidas de bioseguridad y prevención de infecciones.(AU)

From the Approach to the Concept: One Health in Latin America-Experiences and Perspectives in Brazil, Chile, and Colombia.

Professionals throughout the world have been working to assess the interdisciplinary interaction and interdependence between health and wellbeing in a constantly changing environment. The One Health concept was developed to encourage sustainable collaborative partnerships and to promote optimal health for people, animals, plants, the environment, and the whole planet. The dissemination of scientific discoveries and policies, by working directly with diverse communities, has been one of the main goals for Global One Health. The One Health concept has also been referred or related to as "One Medicine, One Medicine-One Health, One World-One Health, EcoHealth," and Planetary Health," depending on each fundamental view and approach. In Latin America, despite the concept still being discussed among health professionals and educators, several One Health initiatives have been used daily for more than decades. One Health action has been applied especially in rural and underserved urban areas where low socioeconomic status, lack of health professionals, and scarcity of medical resources may require professionals to work together. Local communities from diverse social and economic statuses, including indigenous populations have been working with institutions and social organizations for many years, accomplishing results through grassroots movements. These "bottom-up" socio-community approaches have also been tools for the prevention and control of diseases, such practice has preceded the One Health concepts in Latin American countries. It is strongly believed that collaborative, multidisciplinary, political, and economic initiatives with prosocial focus may become investments toward obtaining significant results in the face of global, economic and health challenges; working for a healthier world with inclusivity, equity, and equality. In this study, it is briefly presented how the One Health approach has been initiated and developed in Latin America, highlighting the events and actions taken in Brazil, Chile, and Colombia.

Identification of pesticides in water samples by solid-phase extraction and liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry.

The Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs), including pesticides, have been a trending topic and Brazil is the country with the highest usage of pesticides worldwide. This study aimed to measure the presence of pesticide residues in the water from different sources in the city of Porto Alegre. We analyzed 55 samples from drinking water treatment plants, public water sites, and sewage treatment plants from winter 2018 to summer 2020 by solid-phase extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Among 184 pesticides evaluated, 107 matched validation criteria (linearity, trueness, accuracy, repeatability, reproducibility) and 15 of them were detected in different water samples, including seven insecticides, five antifungals, and three herbicides, with a wide range of toxicity levels and noticeable seasonal differences. For the worst-case scenario evaluation, 20 out of 22 (90.9%) samples exceeded the Risk Quotient of 1. The sum of pesticide concentrations exceeded 100 ng L-1 in 66.7% of samples in February 19 and in 75% of samples in February 20 and the total pesticide concentration has reached the worrisome mark of 1615 and 954.96 ng L-1 respectively. Therefore, our results make evident the need to promote public policies to achieve better water quality monitoring. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Among 184 pesticides evaluated, 107 matched validation criteria (linearity, trueness, accuracy, repeatability, reproducibility). A total of 55 different water samples were analyzed, and 15 pesticides were detected and five quantified. For the worst-case scenario evaluation, 20 out of 21 samples exceeded the Risk Quotient of 1 on Feb/20. The pesticide concentrations sum exceeded 100 ng L-1 in 66.7% of samples on February 19 and in 75% of samples on February 20. It is mandatory to improve water monitoring to guide the development of public policies concerning its quality.

Detection of SARS-CoV-2 lineage P.1 in patients from a region with exponentially increasing hospitalisation rate, February 2021, Rio Grande do Sul, Southern Brazil.

The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 P.1 lineage coincided with a surge in hospitalisations in the North region of Brazil. In the South region's Rio Grande do Sul state, severe COVID-19 case numbers rose 3.8 fold in February 2021. During that month, at a COVID-19 referral hospital in this state, whole-genome sequencing of a subset of cases' specimens (n = 27) revealed P.1 lineage SARS-CoV-2 in most (n = 24). Findings raise concerns regarding a possible association between lineage P.1 and rapid case and hospitalisation increases.

Molecular identification of Mycobacterium spp. isolated from Brazilian wild boars.

Wild boars (Sus scrofa) are susceptible to mycobacterial infections, including tuberculous and non-tuberculous mycobacteria. Recently, Mycobacterium spp. infections were described in Brazilian wild boars, which can act as bacterial reservoirs. Here, we aim to characterize 15 Mycobacterium spp. isolates from Brazilian wild boars' tissues through partial sequencing of the heat shock protein 65 (hsp65) gene and phylogenetic analysis. The isolates were classified as M. tuberculosis (33.3%), M. colombiense (33.3%), M. avium subsp. hominissuis (13.3%), M. parmense (13.3%) and M. mantenii (6.66%). The isolates classified as M. tuberculosis were confirmed as variant bovis by PCR. At phylogenetic analysis some isolates formed separated clades, indicating genetic variability. Different Mycobacterium species were recovered from wild boars circulating in Brazil, including mycobacteria associated to zoonotic infections, such as M. tuberculosis. In addition, this is the first report in Brazilian wild boars on M. mantenii and M. parmense detection, two recently described pathogenic mycobacteria. However, the isolates' genetic diversity-i.e. identities lower than 100% when compared to reference sequences-suggests that other genotyping tools would allow a deeper characterization. Nonetheless, the reported data contributes to the knowledge on mycobacterial infections in wild boars from Brazil.