Molecular detection of Bartonella spp. in bat-associated macronyssid mites (Acari: Macronyssidae) from Southern and Southeastern Brazil.

Despite the worldwide occurrence and high genetic diversity of Bartonella spp. in bats, few studies investigate their occurrence in bat-associated mites. To date, 26 species of Macronyssidae mite species have been reported from Brazil, and 15 of which were found parasitizing bats. The present study aimed to investigate the presence of Bartonella DNA in bat-associated macronyssid mites from Brazil. For this purpose, 393 macronyssid specimens were selected by convenience from the tissue bank of the Acari Collection of the Instituto Butantan (IBSP). These mites were collected from 14 different bat species in three different Brazilian States (Minas Gerais, Paraná, and Rio de Janeiro). Out of 165 mites positive in the PCR for the endogenous 18S rRNA gene, only eight were positive in the qPCR for Bartonella spp. based on the nuoG gene, and we were able to obtain two sequences base in this same gene, and one sequence based on the 16S rRNA gene. The phylogenetic inference based on the nuoG gene grouped the obtained sequences with Bartonella genotypes previously detected in bats and associated bat flies, while the phylogeny based on the 16S rRNA grouped the obtained sequence in the same clade of Bartonella genotypes previously detected in Dermanyssus gallinae. These findings suggest that macronyssid mites might be associated with the maintenance of bartonellae among bats.

Cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors alleviated depressive and anxious-like behaviors in mice exposed to lipopolysaccharide: Involvement of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation.

Depression and anxiety disorders have their pathophysiologies linked to inflammation and oxidative stress. In this context, celecoxib (CLX) and etoricoxib (ETR) inhibit cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), an enzyme expressed by cells involved in the inflammatory process and found in the brain. Studies have been using CLX as a possible drug in the treatment of depression, although its mechanisms at the central nervous system level are not fully elucidated. In this study, the effects of CLX and ETR on behavioral, oxidative, and inflammatory changes induced by systemic exposure to Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were evaluated in adult male swiss mice. For ten days, the animals received intraperitoneal injections of LPS at 0.5 mg/kg. From the sixth to the tenth day, one hour after LPS exposure, they were treated orally with CLX (15 mg/kg), ETR (10 mg/kg), or fluoxetine (FLU) (20 mg/kg). Twenty-four hours after the last oral administration, the animals underwent evaluation of locomotor activity (open field test), predictive tests for depressive-like behavior (forced swim and tail suspension tests), and anxiolytic-like effect (elevated plus maze and hole board tests). Subsequently, the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex and striatum were dissected for the measurement of oxidative and nitrosative parameters (malondialdehyde, nitrite, and glutathione) and quantification of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß and IL-6). LPS induced depressive and anxious-like behavior, and treatment with CLX or ETR was able to reverse most of the behavioral changes. It was evidenced that nitrosative stress and the degree of lipid peroxidation induced by LPS were reduced in different brain areas after treatment with the drugs, as well as the endogenous defense system against free radicals was strengthened. CLX and ETR also significantly reduced LPS-induced cytokine levels. These data are expected to expand information on the role of inflammation in depression and anxiety and provide insights into possible mechanisms of COX-2 inhibitors in psychiatric disorders with a neurobiological basis in inflammation and oxidative stress.

Target analysis of psychoactive drugs in oral fluid by QuEChERS extraction and LC-MS/MS.

This study aimed to validate a modified QuEChERS method, followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, for the determination of 51 psychoactive substances and screening of 22 ones in oral fluid from electronic dance music party (EDM) attendees. Unstimulated oral fluid was collected in a polypropylene tube and stored in a glass vial at -20 ºC. The sample was extracted with acetonitrile:water and MgSO4/NaOAc, followed by cleanup with primary secondary amine and MgSO4. The effectiveness of the sample storage conditions was shown to be comparable to when the Quantisal™ buffer was used, with no substantial concentration loss (< 15%) for all the substances after up to 72 hours at -20º C. The method was satisfactorily validated, with limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) ranging from 0.04 to 0.5 ng/mL and 0.1-1.5 ng/mL, respectively, and was applied to the analysis of 62 real samples. The main substances detected were 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) (<0.5-829 ng/mL) and/or methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) (10.1 - 460.6 ng/mL), found in 27 samples, and cocaine (13.0-407.3 ng/mL) and its metabolites (benzoylecgonine 0.17-214.1 ng/mL; ecgonine methyl ester 1.8-150.1 ng/mL) in eight samples. Methamphetamine (11-439 ng/mL) was detected in eight samples, along with MDMA and MDA; eutylone was detected in two cases (4.7 and 24.1 ng/mL) reported as "ecstasy" ingestion. A comparison between self-reported drug use and results of oral fluid analysis indicated that the use of illicit substances is often underreported among EDM attendees, who are often unaware of the substances they consume.

Incidence and Morphological Study of Myocardial Bridge in the State of Ceará: A Cadaveric Study. / Incidência e Estudo Morfológico de Pontes Miocárdicas no Estado do Ceará: Um Estudo Cadavérico.

BACKGROUND: Myocardial bridges (MB) are anatomical anomalies with possible clinical repercussions; hence, their understanding deserves attention. OBJECTIVE: To determinate the prevalence and characterize MB in human hearts from the state of Ceará. Methods: Fifty hearts of adult human cadavers from the Medicine School of Federal University of Ceará, Brazil. The hearts were dissected to identify MBs that pass over part of the coronary artery. The segment of the artery (proximal, middle, and distal) with a bridge was identified. The external diameter of the artery at the proximal and distal points of the MB was measured. The length and thickness of the MB were also measured with an electronic caliper. The muscle index (MMI) of the MB was calculated as the product of length and thickness expressed in millimeters. The significance level adopted in the statistical analysis was 5%. RESULTS: MB was confirmed in 40% of sample. Approximately one third of the sample had only 1 MB. MB was most frequently found over the anterior interventricular branch of the left coronary artery (59.25%, p=0.02), and its prevalence in other branches was much lower (22.23%). The most affected segments of arteries were the superior (44.44%) and medium (40.74%). The mean diameter of arteries proximal to the MB was 2.38±0.97mm (range=0.78-5.15mm), and the diameter distal to the MB was 1.71±0.75mm (range=0.42-3.58mm). The length was measured as mean=8.55±5.27mm, while the mean thickness was 0.89±0.33mm. CONCLUSION: A high prevalence of MB is more likely to affect the left coronary artery system with larger MMI than other affected branches.

FUNDAMENTO: As pontes miocárdicas (PM) são anomalias anatômicas com possíveis repercussões clínicas, e, portanto, seu entendimento merece atenção. OBJETIVO: Para determinar a prevalência e caracterizar a PM em corações humanos do estado do Ceará. Métodos: Foram usados cinquenta corações de cadáveres humanos adultos da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade Federal do Ceará, Brasil. Os corações foram dissecados para identificar PMs que passam sobre parte da artéria coronária. O segmento da artéria (proximal, médio e distal) com a ponte foi identificado. O diâmetro externo da artéria nos pontos proximal e distal da PM foi medido. O comprimento e a espessura da PM também foram medidos com um calibre eletrônico. O índice de massa muscular (IMM) da PM foi calculado como o produto do comprimento pela espessura expresso em milímetros. O nível de significância adotado para a análise estatística foi 5%. RESULTADOS: A PM foi confirmada em 40% da amostra. Aproximadamente um terço da amostra tinha apenas 1 PM. A PM foi encontrada mais frequentemente sobre o ramo interventricular anterior da artéria coronária esquerda (59,25%, p = 0,02), e sua prevalência em outros ramos foi muito mais baixa (22,23%). Os segmentos das artérias mais afetados foram o superior (44,44%) e o médio (40,74%). O diâmetro médio das artérias proximais em relação à PM foi de 2,38 ± 0,97 mm (intervalo = 0,78 - 5,15 mm), e o diâmetro distal da PM foi de 1,71 ± 0,75 mm (intervalo = 0,42 - 3,58 mm). O comprimento foi medido como média = 8,55 ± 5,27 mm, e a espessura média foi de 0,89 ± 0,33 mm. CONCLUSÃO: A alta prevalência de PM tem mais probabilidade de afetar o sistema da artéria coronária esquerda com IMM maior do que outros ramos afetados.

Incidência e Estudo Morfológico de Pontes Miocárdicas no Estado do Ceará: Um Estudo Cadavérico / Incidence and Morphological Study of Myocardial Bridge in the State of Ceará: A Cadaveric Study

Resumo Fundamento As pontes miocárdicas (PM) são anomalias anatômicas com possíveis repercussões clínicas, e, portanto, seu entendimento merece atenção. Objetivo Para determinar a prevalência e caracterizar a PM em corações humanos do estado do Ceará. Métodos: Foram usados cinquenta corações de cadáveres humanos adultos da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade Federal do Ceará, Brasil. Os corações foram dissecados para identificar PMs que passam sobre parte da artéria coronária. O segmento da artéria (proximal, médio e distal) com a ponte foi identificado. O diâmetro externo da artéria nos pontos proximal e distal da PM foi medido. O comprimento e a espessura da PM também foram medidos com um calibre eletrônico. O índice de massa muscular (IMM) da PM foi calculado como o produto do comprimento pela espessura expresso em milímetros. O nível de significância adotado para a análise estatística foi 5%. Resultados A PM foi confirmada em 40% da amostra. Aproximadamente um terço da amostra tinha apenas 1 PM. A PM foi encontrada mais frequentemente sobre o ramo interventricular anterior da artéria coronária esquerda (59,25%, p = 0,02), e sua prevalência em outros ramos foi muito mais baixa (22,23%). Os segmentos das artérias mais afetados foram o superior (44,44%) e o médio (40,74%). O diâmetro médio das artérias proximais em relação à PM foi de 2,38 ± 0,97 mm (intervalo = 0,78 - 5,15 mm), e o diâmetro distal da PM foi de 1,71 ± 0,75 mm (intervalo = 0,42 - 3,58 mm). O comprimento foi medido como média = 8,55 ± 5,27 mm, e a espessura média foi de 0,89 ± 0,33 mm. Conclusão A alta prevalência de PM tem mais probabilidade de afetar o sistema da artéria coronária esquerda com IMM maior do que outros ramos afetados.

Abstract Background Myocardial bridges (MB) are anatomical anomalies with possible clinical repercussions; hence, their understanding deserves attention. Objective To determinate the prevalence and characterize MB in human hearts from the state of Ceará. Methods: Fifty hearts of adult human cadavers from the Medicine School of Federal University of Ceará, Brazil. The hearts were dissected to identify MBs that pass over part of the coronary artery. The segment of the artery (proximal, middle, and distal) with a bridge was identified. The external diameter of the artery at the proximal and distal points of the MB was measured. The length and thickness of the MB were also measured with an electronic caliper. The muscle index (MMI) of the MB was calculated as the product of length and thickness expressed in millimeters. The significance level adopted in the statistical analysis was 5%. Results MB was confirmed in 40% of sample. Approximately one third of the sample had only 1 MB. MB was most frequently found over the anterior interventricular branch of the left coronary artery (59.25%, p=0.02), and its prevalence in other branches was much lower (22.23%). The most affected segments of arteries were the superior (44.44%) and medium (40.74%). The mean diameter of arteries proximal to the MB was 2.38±0.97mm (range=0.78-5.15mm), and the diameter distal to the MB was 1.71±0.75mm (range=0.42-3.58mm). The length was measured as mean=8.55±5.27mm, while the mean thickness was 0.89±0.33mm. Conclusion A high prevalence of MB is more likely to affect the left coronary artery system with larger MMI than other affected branches.

Comparative epidemic expansion of SARS-CoV-2 variants Delta and Omicron in Amazonas, a Brazilian setting with high levels of hybrid immunity

The SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) Delta and Omicron spread globally during mid and late 2021, respectively, with variable impact according to the immune population landscape. In this study, we compare the dissemination dynamics of these VOCs in the Amazonas state, one of Brazils most heavily affected regions. We sequenced the virus genome from 4,128 patients collected in Amazonas between July 1st, 2021 and January 31st, 2022 and investigated the lineage replacement dynamics using a phylodynamic approach. The VOCs Delta and Omicron displayed similar patterns of phylogeographic spread but significantly different epidemic dynamics. The Delta and Omicron epidemics were fueled by multiple introduction events, followed by the successful establishment of a few local transmission lineages of considerable size that mainly arose in the Capital, Manaus. The VOC Omicron spread and became dominant much faster than the VOC Delta. We estimate that under the same epidemiological conditions, the average Re of Omicron was [~]3.3 times higher than that of Delta and the average Re of the Delta was [~]1.3 times higher than that of Gamma. Furthermore, the gradual replacement of Gamma by Delta occurred without an upsurge of COVID-19 cases, while the rise of Omicron fueled a sharp increase in SARS-CoV-2 infection. The Omicron wave displayed a shorter duration and a clear decoupling between the number of SARS-CoV-2 cases and deaths compared with previous (B.1.* and Gamma) waves in the Amazonas state. These findings suggest that the high level of hybrid immunity (infection plus vaccination) acquired by the Amazonian population by mid-2021 was able to limit the spread of the VOC Delta and was also probably crucial to curb the number of severe cases, although not the number of VOC Omicron new infections.

Neuroprotective effects of dimethyl fumarate against depression-like behaviors via astrocytes and microglia modulation in mice: possible involvement of the HCAR2/Nrf2 signaling pathway.

We postulated that dimethyl fumarate (DMF) exerts neuroprotective effects against depression-like behaviors through astrocytes and microglia modulation. To ascertain our hypothesis and define the mechanistic pathways involved in effect of DMF on neuroinflammation, we used the depression model induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS), in which, the mice were exposed to stressful events for 28 days and from the 14th day they received DMF in the doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg or fluoxetine 10 mg/kg or saline. On the 29th day, the animals were subjected to behavioral tests. Microglia (Iba1) and astrocyte (GFAP) marker expressions were evaluated by immunofluorescence analyzes and the cytokines TNF-α and IL-Iß by immunoenzymatic assay. In addition, computational target prediction, 3D protein structure prediction, and docking calculations were performed with monomethyl fumarate (DMF active metabolite) and the Keap1 and HCAR2 proteins, which suggested that these could be the probable targets related protective effects. CUMS induced anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors, cognitive deficit, decreased GFAP, and increased Iba1, TNF-α, and IL-Iß expression in the hippocampus. These alterations were reversed by DMF. Thus, it is suggested that one of the mechanisms involved in the antidepressant effect of DMF is neuroinflammatory suppression, through the signaling pathway HCAR2/Nrf2. However, more studies must be performed to better understand the molecular mechanisms of this drug.

A case series of SARS-CoV-2 reinfections caused by the variant of concern Gamma in Brazil

The rapid spread of the SARS-CoV-2 Variant of Concern (VOC) Gamma during late 2020 and early 2021 in Brazilian settings with high seroprevalence raised some concern about the potential role of reinfections in driving the epidemic. Very few cases of reinfection associated with the VOC Gamma, however, have been reported. Here we describe 25 cases of SARS-CoV-2 reinfection confirmed by real-time RT-PCR twice within months apart in Brazil. SARS-CoV-2 genomic analysis confirmed that individuals were primo-infected between March and December 2020 with distinct viral lineages, including B.1.1, B.1.1.28, B.1.1.33, B.1.195 and P.2, and then reinfected with the VOC Gamma between 3 to 12 months after primo-infection. The overall mean cycle threshold (Ct) value of the first (25.7) and second (24.5) episodes were roughly similar for the whole group and 14 individuals displayed mean Ct values < 25.0 at reinfection. Sera of 14 patients tested by plaque reduction neutralization test after reinfection displayed detectable neutralizing antibodies against Gamma and other SARS-CoV-2 variants (B.1.33, B.1.1.28 and Delta). All individuals have milder or no symptoms after reinfection and none required hospitalization. The present study demonstrates that the VOC Gamma was associated with reinfections during the second Brazilian epidemic wave in 2021 and raised concern about the potential infectiousness of reinfected subjects. Although individuals here analyzed failed to mount a long-term sterilizing immunity, they developed a high anti-Gamma neutralizing antibody response after reinfection that may provide some protection against severe disease.

Spread of Gamma (P.1) sub-lineages carrying Spike mutations close to the furin cleavage site and deletions in the N-terminal domain drives ongoing transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in Amazonas, Brazil

The Amazonas was one of the most heavily affected Brazilian states by the COVID-19 epidemic. Despite a large number of infected people, particularly during the second wave associated with the spread of the Variant of Concern (VOC) Gamma (lineage P.1), SARS-CoV-2 continues to circulate in the Amazonas. To understand how SARS-CoV-2 persisted in a human population with a high immunity barrier, we generated 1,188 SARS-CoV-2 whole-genome sequences from individuals diagnosed in the Amazonas state from 1st January to 6th July 2021, of which 38 were vaccine breakthrough infections. Our study reveals a sharp increase in the relative prevalence of Gamma plus (P.1+) variants, designated as Pango Lineages P.1.3 to P.1.6, harboring two types of additional Spike changes: deletions in the N-terminal (NTD) domain (particularly{Delta} 144 or{Delta} 141-144) associated with resistance to anti-NTD neutralizing antibodies or mutations at the S1/S2 junction (N679K or P681H) that probably enhance the binding affinity to the furin cleavage site, as suggested by our molecular dynamics simulations. As lineages P.1.4 (S:N679K) and P.1.6 (S:P681H) expanded (Re > 1) from March to July 2021, the lineage P.1 declined (Re < 1) and the median Ct value of SARS-CoV-2 positive cases in Amazonas significantly decreases. Still, we found no overrepresentation of P.1+ variants among breakthrough cases of fully vaccinated patients (71%) in comparison to unvaccinated individuals (93%). This evidence supports that the ongoing endemic transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in the Amazonas is driven by the spread of new local Gamma/P.1 sub-lineages that are more transmissible, although not more efficient to evade vaccine-elicited immunity than the parental VOC. Finally, as SARS-CoV-2 continues to spread in human populations with a declining density of susceptible hosts, the risk of selecting new variants with higher infectivity are expected to increase.

The ongoing evolution of variants of concern and interest of SARS-CoV-2 in Brazil revealed by convergent indels in the amino (N)-terminal domain of the Spike protein

Mutations at both the receptor-binding domain (RBD) and the amino (N)-terminal domain (NTD) of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike (S) glycoprotein can alter its antigenicity and promote immune escape. We identified that SARS-CoV-2 lineages circulating in Brazil with mutations of concern in the RBD independently acquired convergent deletions and insertions in the NTD of the S protein, which altered the NTD antigenic-supersite and other predicted epitopes at this region. These findings support that the ongoing widespread transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in Brazil is generating new viral lineages that might be more resistant to neutralization than parental variants of concern.

The GLP-1 receptor agonist liraglutide reverses mania-like alterations and memory deficits induced by D-amphetamine and augments lithium effects in mice: Relevance for bipolar disorder.

Metabolic and psychiatric disorders present a bidirectional relationship. GLP-1 system, known for its insulinotropic effects, has also been associated with numerous regulatory effects in cognitive and emotional processing. GLP-1 receptors (GLP-1R) agonists present neuroprotective and antidepressant/anxiolytic properties. However, the effects of GLP-1R agonism in bipolar disorder (BD) mania and the related cognitive disturbances remains unknown. Here, we investigated the effects of the GLP-1R agonist liraglutide (LIRA) at monotherapy or combined with lithium (Li) against D-amphetamine (AMPH)-induced mania-like symptoms, brain oxidative and BDNF alterations in mice. Swiss mice received AMPH 2 mg/kg or saline for 14 days. Between days 8-14, they received LIRA 120 or 240 µg/kg, Li 47.5 mg/kg or the combination Li + LIRA, on both doses. After behavioral evaluation the brain areas prefrontal cortex (PFC), hippocampus and amygdala were collected. AMPH induced hyperlocomotion, risk-taking behavior and multiple cognitive deficits which resemble mania. LIRA reversed AMPH-induced hyperlocomotion, working and recognition memory impairments, while Li + LIRA240 rescued all behavioral changes induced by AMPH. LIRA reversed AMPH-induced hippocampal oxidative and neurotrophic changes. Li + LIRA240 augmented Li antioxidant effects and greatly reversed AMPH-induced BDNF changes in PFC and hippocampus. LIRA rescued the weight gain induced by Li in the course of mania model. Therefore, LIRA can reverse some mania-like behavioral alterations and combined with Li augmented the mood stabilizing and neuroprotective properties of Li. This study points to LIRA as a promising adjunctive tool for BD treatment and provides the first rationale for the design of clinical trials investigating its possible antimanic effect.

Antifungal activity of geraniol and citronellol against food-relevantdematiaceous fungi cladosporium spp / Atividade antifúngica de geraniol e citronelol frente a fungos dematiáceos deimportância para os alimentos do gênero cladosporium spp

Cladosporium spp. is a group of dematiaceous food-relevant fungi which are well dispersed in the environment causing food spoilage and poisoning. Considering the importance of fungalcontamination, natural drugs to control their growth have become important. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the inhibitory effects of two monoterpenoids, (geraniol and citronellol), against strains of Cladosporium carrioni, C. cladosporioides, and C. oxysporum. Methods: The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Fungicide Concentration (MFC) of the drugs were determined by microdilution. The effects of test drugs on mycelial dry weight, conidia germination, and conidiogenesis of Cladosporium spp. were also investigated using a hemacytometer. Respective MIC and MFC values of citronellol varied from 256 to 512 µg/mL, and from 256 to 2048 µg/mL. The MIC and MFC of geraniol varied similarly to citronellol. Conidia germination, mycelial dry weight, and conidiogenesis of Cladosporium spp. were reduced by the test-drugs at 1/2MIC, MIC and 2xMIC (p<0.05). These measurable cell events are essential for fungal infection and development infoods. The action of citronellol and geraniol against Cladosporium spp. suggest that the drugs may serveas effective agents for controlling fungal contamination and growth in foods.

Cladosporium spp. é um grupo de fungos dematiáceos relevantes para os alimentos, que podem ser dispersos pelo ambiente e causar deterioração e intoxicação alimentar. Considerando a importância da contaminação fúngica, os produtos naturais usados para controlar seu crescimentosão importantes. Neste contexto, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos inibitórios de dois monoterpenoides, geraniol e citronelol, contra cepas de Cladosporium carrioni, C. cladosporioides eC. oxysporum. A Concentração Inibitória Mínima (CIM) e Concentração Fungicida Mínima (CFM) das drogas foram determinadas por microdiluição. Os efeitos das drogas-teste sobre a massa micelialseca, a germinação de conídios e a conidiogênese de Cladosporium spp. também foram investigados utilizando um hemocitômetro. Os valores de CIM e CFM do citronelol variaram de 256 a 512 μg/mLe de 256 a 2048 μg/mL, respectivamente. CIM e CFM de geraniol variaram de forma semelhante. A germinação de conídios, massa micelial seca e conidiogênese de Cladosporium spp. foram inibidaspelas drogas-teste 1/2CIM, CIM e 2xCIM (p<0,05). Esses eventos celulares são essenciais para a infecção e desenvolvimento fúngico em alimentos. A ação de citronelol e geraniol contra Cladosporium spp. sugere que podem servir como agentes eficazes para controlar a contaminação fúngica e o seucrescimento em alimentos.

Antifungal activity of geraniol and citronellol against food-relevant dematiaceous fungi Cladosporium spp / Atividade antifúngica de geraniol e citronelol frente a fungos dematiáceos de importância para os alimentos do gênero Cladosporium spp

Cladosporium spp. is a group of dematiaceous food-relevant fungi which are well dispersed in the environment causing food spoilage and poisoning. Considering the importance of fungal contamination, natural drugs to control their growth have become important. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the inhibitory effects of two monoterpenoids, (geraniol and citronellol), against strains of Cladosporium carrioni, C. cladosporioides,and C. oxysporum. Methods: The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Fungicide Concentration (MFC) of the drugs were determined by microdilution. The effects of test drugs on mycelial dry weight, conidia germination, and conidiogenesis of Cladosporium spp. were also investigated using a hemacytometer. Respective MIC and MFC values of citronellol varied from 256 to 512 μg/mL, and from 256 to 2048 μg/mL. The MIC and MFC of geraniol varied similarly to citronellol. Conidia germination, mycelial dry weight, and conidiogenesis of Cladosporium spp. were reduced by the test-drugs at 1/2MIC, MIC and 2xMIC (p<0.05). These measurable cell events are essential for fungal infection and development in foods. The action of citronellol and geraniol against Cladosporium spp. suggest that the drugs may serve as effective agents for controlling fungal contamination and growth in foods.

Cladosporium spp. é um grupo de fungos dematiáceos relevantes para os alimentos, que podem ser dispersos pelo ambiente e causar deterioração e intoxicação alimentar. Considerando a importância da contaminação fúngica, os produtos naturais usados para controlar seu crescimento são importantes. neste contexto, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos inibitórios de dois monoterpenoides, geraniol e citronelol, contra cepas de Cladosporium carrioni, C. cladosporioides e C. oxysporum. A Concentração Inibitória Mínima (CIM) e Concentração Fungicida Mínima (CFM) das drogas foram determinadas por microdiluição. os efeitos das drogas-teste sobre a massa micelial seca, a germinação de conídios e a conidiogênese de Cladosporium spp. também foram investigados utilizando um hemocitômetro. os valores de CIM e CFM do citronelol variaram de 256 a 512 μg/mL e de 256 a 2048 μg/mL, respectivamente. CIM e CFM de geraniol variaram de forma semelhante. A germinação de conídios, massa micelial seca e conidiogênese de Cladosporium spp. foram inibidas pelas drogas-teste 1/2CIM, CIM e 2xCIM (p<0,05). Esses eventos celulares são essenciais para a infecção e desenvolvimento fúngico em alimentos. A ação de citronelol e geraniol contra Cladosporium spp. sugere que podem servir como agentes eficazes para controlar a contaminação fúngica e seu crescimento em alimentos.