Occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in dogs in a rural area of Santa Catarina, Brazil.

We investigated the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in dogs in rural areas of the municipality of Painel, Santa Catarina, Brazil. For this, 91 canine feces samples were collected from 82 farms between August, 2017 and January, 2018. These fecal materials were processed using the techniques of spontaneous sedimentation, centrifugation-floatation in zinc sulfate and Ziehl-Neelsen staining. A questionnaire in the form of an interview was administered to the dogs' owner and information about the farm and the main care provided for the dogs was obtained. Among 91 sampled dogs, 27 (29.7%) were positive for at least one parasite species. Ancylostoma was the most prevalent genus (16.5%), followed by Giardia duodenalis (14.3%), Trichuris vulpis (6.6%), Toxocara canis (5.5%), Entamoeba spp. (4.8%), Cryptosporidium spp. (3.3%) and Taeniidae (1.1%). Most dogs do not receive veterinarian care and rarely received antiparasitic treatment. They were free to roam and had free access to animal remains and garbage, which was reflected in the significant associations with the occurrence of parasites that were found. We conclude that rural dogs harbor gastrointestinal parasites, but that their owners are unaware of the risks that these parasites can bring to human health.

Occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in dogs in a rural area of Santa Catarina, Brazil / Ocorrência de parasitas gastrintestinais em cães de área rural de Santa Catarina, Brasil

Abstract We investigated the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in dogs in rural areas of the municipality of Painel, Santa Catarina, Brazil. For this, 91 canine feces samples were collected from 82 farms between August, 2017 and January, 2018. These fecal materials were processed using the techniques of spontaneous sedimentation, centrifugation-floatation in zinc sulfate and Ziehl-Neelsen staining. A questionnaire in the form of an interview was administered to the dogs' owner and information about the farm and the main care provided for the dogs was obtained. Among 91 sampled dogs, 27 (29.7%) were positive for at least one parasite species. Ancylostoma was the most prevalent genus (16.5%), followed by Giardia duodenalis (14.3%), Trichuris vulpis (6.6%), Toxocara canis (5.5%), Entamoeba spp. (4.8%), Cryptosporidium spp. (3.3%) and Taeniidae (1.1%). Most dogs do not receive veterinarian care and rarely received antiparasitic treatment. They were free to roam and had free access to animal remains and garbage, which was reflected in the significant associations with the occurrence of parasites that were found. We conclude that rural dogs harbor gastrointestinal parasites, but that their owners are unaware of the risks that these parasites can bring to human health.

Resumo Foi investigada a ocorrência de parasitos gastrintestinais com potencial zoonótico, em cães de área rural do munícipio de Painel, Santa Catarina, Brasil. Para isso, foram colhidas amostras de fezes de 91 cães de 82 propriedades rurais, no período de agosto de 2017 a janeiro de 2018. Este material fecal foi processado pelas técnicas de sedimentação espontânea, centrífugo-flutuação em sulfato de zinco e coloração pelo Ziehl-Neelsen. Um questionário em forma de entrevista foi aplicado aos tutores dos cães e foram obtidas informações sobre a propriedade rural e principais cuidados com os cães. Entre as 91 amostras de fezes, em 27 (29,7%) foi detectada a presença de parasitos gastrintestinais, sendo Ancylostoma o gênero mais prevalente (15 / 16,5%), seguido por Giardia duodenalis (13 / 14,3%), Trichuris vulpis (6 / 6,6%), Toxocara canis (5 / 5,5%), Entamoeba spp. (4 / 4,8%), Cryptosporidium spp. (3 / 3,3%) e Taeniidae (1 / 1,1%). A maioria dos cães não recebia cuidados veterinários ou antiparasitários. Concluiu-se que os cães de área rural albergam parasitos gastrintestinais, porém seus tutores desconhecem os riscos que esses parasitos podem trazer para a saúde humana.

Grazing intensity drives plant diversity but does not affect forage production in a natural grassland dominated by the tussock-forming grass Andropogon lateralis Nees.

Andropogon lateralis is a tall and highly plastic tussock-forming grass native from southern South America. It is a frequent component of Campos and Subtropical highland grasslands that often becomes dominant under lax grazing regimes. The aim of this work was to analyze the response of species diversity and forage production of a natural grassland dominated by A. lateralis to a wide range of grazing intensity. We hypothesized that species diversity and forage production would both peak at the intermediate canopy heights determined by grazing regimes of moderate intensity. A grazing experiment was conducted in a highland grassland with mesothermal humid climate at 922 masl (Atlantic Forest biome, Santa Catarina state, Brazil) that comprised 87 species from 20 families but had 50% of its standing biomass accounted by A. lateralis. Four pre-/post-grazing canopy heights-12/7, 20/12, 28/17, and 36/22 cm (measured on A. lateralis)-were arranged in a complete randomized block design with four replications, and intermittently stocked with beef heifers from October 2015 to October 2017. Andropogon lateralis cover decreased (from 75 to 50%), and species richness increased (15-25 species m-2) as canopy height decreased. Grazing intensity did not affect annual forage production (4.2 Mg DM ha-1). This natural grassland dominated by A. lateralis had a high capacity to adjust to grazing regimes of contrasting intensity, maintaining forage production stable over a wide range of canopy heights. However, to prevent losses in floristic diversity, such grassland should not be grazed at canopy heights higher than 28 cm.

Mixed nonlinear models in ruminal in situ degradability trials / Modelos não lineares mistos em ensaios de degradabilidade ruminal in situ

Classical methods of analysis of nonlinear models are widely used in studies of ruminal degradation kinetics. As this type of study involves repeated measurements in the same experimental unit, the use of mixed nonlinear models (MNLM) is proposed, in order to solve problems of heterogeneity of variances of the responses, correlation among repeated measurements and consequent lack of sphericity in the covariance matrix. The aims of this work are to present an evaluation of the applicability of MNLM in the estimation of parameters to describe the in situ ruminal degradation kinetics of the dry matter of Tifton 85 hay and to compare the results with those obtained from the usual analysis in two-phases. The steers used in the trial were fed diets composed of three different combinations of roughage and concentrate and two hays with different nutritional qualities. The proposed approach was proven as effective as the traditional one for estimating model parameters. However, it adequately models the correlation among the longitudinal data, which can affect the estimates obtained, the standard error associated with them and potentially change the results of the inferences. It is quite attractive when the research seeks to understand the behavior of the process of food degradation throughout the incubation times.(AU)

Métodos clássicos de análise de modelos não lineares são amplamente utilizados em estudos da cinética de degradação ruminal. Como esse tipo de estudo envolve medidas repetidas na mesma unidade experimental, propõe-se o uso de modelos não lineares mistos (MNLM), buscando resolver os problemas de heterogeneidade de variâncias das respostas, de correlação entre as medidas repetida se a consequente falta de esfericidade da matriz de covariâncias. Os objetivos deste trabalho envolvem apresentar uma avaliação da aplicabilidade dos MNLM na estimação de parâmetros para descrever a cinética de degradação ruminal in situ da matéria seca de fenos de capim-Tifton 85 e comparar os seus resultados com os obtidos da análise usual realizada em duas fases. Os novilhos utilizados no ensaio foram alimentados com rações compostas por três diferentes combinações de volumoso e concentrado e dois fenos com diferentes qualidades nutricionais. A abordagem proposta mostrou-se tão efetiva quanto à tradicional para a estimação dos parâmetros do modelo. Contudo, ela modela de forma adequada a correlação entre os dados longitudinais, o que pode afetar as estimativas obtidas, o erro padrão associado a elas e, potencialmente, alterar os resultados das inferências. É bastante atraente quando a pesquisa busca entender o comportamento do processo da degradação dos alimentos ao longo dos tempos de incubação.(AU)

Potentially toxic metals of vegetable gardens of urban schools in Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil / Metais potencialmentetóxicos em hortas escolares na região urbana de Lages, Santa Catarina, Brasil

Urban environments are contaminated in many ways with persistent organic and inorganic pollutants as a result of anthropogenic activities, endangering human health and natural resources. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the soil contamination by cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) in 10 vegetable gardens of urban schools located near or on Botucatu sandstone outcrops of Guarani Aquifer in the urban areas of Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil. In each garden, three soil samples at each position (in the soil immediately outside and the soil in the garden) were collected at a depth of 0-20 cm. The ISO 11466 method was used to extract the metals. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry was used to quantify the elements and certified materials to evaluate the quantities (SRM 2709a - San Joaquin Soil - NIST). To evaluate the data, principal component analyses and cluster analyses were performed. The cluster analysis for the evaluated metals showed that the highest contents of elements were reported in three gardens. Values above the prevention value defined by resolution no. 420/2005 of the National Council for the Environment -Conselho Nacional do Meio Ambiente (CONAMA) - were reported for cobalt in one garden and copper in three gardens; thus, these areas were categorized as Class III areas. Principal component analysis explained 74.7% of the data and showed the enrichment of some elements within gardens.(AU)

Ambientes urbanos são contaminados de muitas maneiras com poluentes orgânicos e inorgânicos persistentes como resultado de atividades antrópicas, colocando em risco a saúde humana e os recursos naturais. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a contaminação do solo por cobalto (Co), cromo (Cr), cobre (Cu), manganês (Mn), níquel (Ni), chumbo (Pb) e zinco (Zn) em 10 hortas de escolas urbanas situadas próximo ou sobre áreas de afloramento de arenito Botucatu do Aquífero Guarani, no município de Lages, Santa Catarina. Em cada horta, três amostras de solo foram coletadas (dentro e fora da horta) na profundidade de 0-20 cm. O método ISO 11466 foi usado para extrair os metais. Utilizou-se espectrometria de emissão óptica com plasma indutivamente acoplado (ICP OES) para quantificar os elementos e materiais certificados (SRM 2709a - San Joaquin Soil - NIST). Para avaliar os dados foi feita a análise dos componentes principais e análise de agrupamento. Pela análise de agrupamento para os metais avaliados observou-se que as maiores concentrações de elementos foram encontradas em três hortas. Valores acima do valor de prevenção (PV) definido pela resolução no. 420/2005 do Conselho Nacional do Meio Ambiente (CONAMA) foram encontrados para Co em uma horta e Cu em três hortas, classificando essas áreas como classe III. A análise de componentes principais explicou 74,7% dos dados e mostrou o enriquecimento de alguns elementos dentro das hortas.(AU)

Mixed nonlinear models in ruminal in situ degradability trials / Modelos não lineares mistos em ensaios de degradabilidade ruminal in situ

Classical methods of analysis of nonlinear models are widely used in studies of ruminal degradation kinetics. As this type of study involves repeated measurements in the same experimental unit, the use of mixed nonlinear models (MNLM) is proposed, in order to solve problems of heterogeneity of variances of the responses, correlation among repeated measurements and consequent lack of sphericity in the covariance matrix. The aims of this work are to present an evaluation of the applicability of MNLM in the estimation of parameters to describe the in situ ruminal degradation kinetics of the dry matter of Tifton 85 hay and to compare the results with those obtained from the usual analysis in two-phases. The steers used in the trial were fed diets composed of three different combinations of roughage and concentrate and two hays with different nutritional qualities. The proposed approach was proven as effective as the traditional one for estimating model parameters. However, it adequately models the correlation among the longitudinal data, which can affect the estimates obtained, the standard error associated with them and potentially change the results of the inferences. It is quite attractive when the research seeks to understand the behavior of the process of food degradation throughout the incubation times.

Métodos clássicos de análise de modelos não lineares são amplamente utilizados em estudos da cinética de degradação ruminal. Como esse tipo de estudo envolve medidas repetidas na mesma unidade experimental, propõe-se o uso de modelos não lineares mistos (MNLM), buscando resolver os problemas de heterogeneidade de variâncias das respostas, de correlação entre as medidas repetida se a consequente falta de esfericidade da matriz de covariâncias. Os objetivos deste trabalho envolvem apresentar uma avaliação da aplicabilidade dos MNLM na estimação de parâmetros para descrever a cinética de degradação ruminal in situ da matéria seca de fenos de capim-Tifton 85 e comparar os seus resultados com os obtidos da análise usual realizada em duas fases. Os novilhos utilizados no ensaio foram alimentados com rações compostas por três diferentes combinações de volumoso e concentrado e dois fenos com diferentes qualidades nutricionais. A abordagem proposta mostrou-se tão efetiva quanto à tradicional para a estimação dos parâmetros do modelo. Contudo, ela modela de forma adequada a correlação entre os dados longitudinais, o que pode afetar as estimativas obtidas, o erro padrão associado a elas e, potencialmente, alterar os resultados das inferências. É bastante atraente quando a pesquisa busca entender o comportamento do processo da degradação dos alimentos ao longo dos tempos de incubação.

Potentially toxic metals of vegetable gardens of urban schools in Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil / Metais potencialmentetóxicos em hortas escolares na região urbana de Lages, Santa Catarina, Brasil

ABSTRACT: Urban environments are contaminated in many ways with persistent organic and inorganic pollutants as a result of anthropogenic activities, endangering human health and natural resources. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the soil contamination by cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) in 10 vegetable gardens of urban schools located near or on Botucatu sandstone outcrops of Guarani Aquifer in the urban areas of Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil. In each garden, three soil samples at each position (in the soil immediately outside and the soil in the garden) were collected at a depth of 0-20 cm. The ISO 11466 method was used to extract the metals. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry was used to quantify the elements and certified materials to evaluate the quantities (SRM 2709a - San Joaquin Soil - NIST). To evaluate the data, principal component analyses and cluster analyses were performed. The cluster analysis for the evaluated metals showed that the highest contents of elements were reported in three gardens. Values above the prevention value defined by resolution no. 420/2005 of the National Council for the Environment -Conselho Nacional do Meio Ambiente (CONAMA) - were reported for cobalt in one garden and copper in three gardens; thus, these areas were categorized as Class III areas. Principal component analysis explained 74.7% of the data and showed the enrichment of some elements within gardens.

RESUMO: Ambientes urbanos são contaminados de muitas maneiras com poluentes orgânicos e inorgânicos persistentes como resultado de atividades antrópicas, colocando em risco a saúde humana e os recursos naturais. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a contaminação do solo por cobalto (Co), cromo (Cr), cobre (Cu), manganês (Mn), níquel (Ni), chumbo (Pb) e zinco (Zn) em 10 hortas de escolas urbanas situadas próximo ou sobre áreas de afloramento de arenito Botucatu do Aquífero Guarani, no município de Lages, Santa Catarina. Em cada horta, três amostras de solo foram coletadas (dentro e fora da horta) na profundidade de 0-20 cm. O método ISO 11466 foi usado para extrair os metais. Utilizou-se espectrometria de emissão óptica com plasma indutivamente acoplado (ICP OES) para quantificar os elementos e materiais certificados (SRM 2709a - San Joaquin Soil - NIST). Para avaliar os dados foi feita a análise dos componentes principais e análise de agrupamento. Pela análise de agrupamento para os metais avaliados observou-se que as maiores concentrações de elementos foram encontradas em três hortas. Valores acima do valor de prevenção (PV) definido pela resolução no. 420/2005 do Conselho Nacional do Meio Ambiente (CONAMA) foram encontrados para Co em uma horta e Cu em três hortas, classificando essas áreas como classe III. A análise de componentes principais explicou 74,7% dos dados e mostrou o enriquecimento de alguns elementos dentro das hortas.

Feasibility in seed germination of Hypericum perforatum L. submitted at different temperatures and treatments with high dilutions

Background Hypericum perforatum is used as a medicinal plant, mostly in antidepressant treatment. With endogenous and exogenous dormancy, more studies about the germination of the seeds are necessary. Aim: To evaluate the effect of temperature and of preparations of high dilutions on the germination of seeds of Hypericum perforatum. Methods Three bioassays were carried out in chambers of germination, using a completely randomized experimental design and in duplicate. In the first bioassay, of temperatures of 20, 25 and 30 ºC was evaluated, with 20 replicates and 50 seeds in each replicate. In the second, the effect of high dilutions (Kali carbonicum, Natrum muriaticum, Phosphorus and Silicea terra in 12cH) using 4 replicates with 50 seeds each. In the third, Kali carbonicum was tested at 6, 12, 20, 30 cH with 50 seeds and 4 replicates. The percentage of germination, germination rate index (GRI), average germination time (AGT) and seedlings with cotyledons. The data were analyzed through the R software at a 5% significance. Results At the temperature of 25 °C, 63% of the seeds germinated while at the temperatures of 20 and 30 °C the percentage was 26% and 18%, respectively. In seeds treated with Kali carbonicum 12cH the germination rate increased significantly in relation to the control group. Kali carbonicum 6cH increased the GRI of the seeds, while at 20cH, it increased the AGT, showing delay in germination. Conclusion The use of the Kali carbonicum assists in the breakage of dormancy and average time of germination in Hypericum perforatum seeds. (AU)

First record of in vitro formation of ectomycorrhizae in Psidium cattleianum Sabine, a native Myrtaceae of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest.

Like many other species of trees native to the Brazilian Mata Atlântica (Atlantic Forest), the Myrtaceae, such as the Red Araza (Psidium cattleianum Sabine), are widely cited as arbuscular mycorrhizal formers. Nevertheless, recent studies show evidence that Myrtaceae from different tropical, subtropical and neotropical ecosystems can also prompt the formation of ectomycorrhizae, indicating that this species' ectomycorrhizal status should be further explored. Because of this, this research effort studied the in vitro interaction between the Red Araza and two ectomycorrhizal fungi isolates, belonging to the Pisolithus microcarpus (D17) and Scleroderma citrinum (UFSC-Sc133) species. An analysis was performed to determine the formation of ectomycorrhizal structures, or lack thereof, and the developmental differences between the in vitro mycorrhized and non-mycorrhized plants. The analysis proved that indeed an ectomycorrhizal association was developed between the Red Araza, and the D17 and UFSC-Sc133 isolates, a fact never before registered in the existing literature. After an in vitro period of 110 days, it was confirmed that the D17 and UFSC-Sc133 isolates formed mycorrhizal colonization of 91.6% and 15.7%, respectively. Furthermore, both isolates also promoted root thickening, and the formation of a fungal mantle and a Hartig net. However, when compared to the Control plants, the fungal isolates did not contribute to an increase in the development of the subject plants, possibly due to the specific experimental conditions used, such as a high humidity environment and high availability of nutrients in the symbiotic substrate.

Soybean yield in relation to distance from the Itaipu reservoir.

Crops close to small water bodies may exhibit changes in yield if the water mass causes significant changes in the microclimate of areas near the reservoir shoreline. The scientific literature describes this effect as occurring gradually, with higher intensity in the sites near the shoreline and decreasing intensity with distance from the reservoir. Experiments with two soybean cultivars were conducted during four crop seasons to evaluate soybean yield in relation to distance from the Itaipu reservoir and determine the effect of air temperature and water availability on soybean crop yield. Fifteen experimental sites were distributed in three transects perpendicular to the Itaipu reservoir, covering an area at approximately 10 km from the shoreline. The yield gradient between the site closest to the reservoir and the sites farther away in each transect did not show a consistent trend, but varied as a function of distance, crop season, and cultivar. This finding indicates that the Itaipu reservoir does not affect the yield of soybean plants grown within approximately 10 km from the shoreline. In addition, the variation in yield among the experimental sites was not attributed to thermal conditions because the temperature was similar within transects. However, the crop water availability was responsible for higher differences in yield among the neighboring experimental sites related to water stress caused by spatial variability in rainfall, especially during the soybean reproductive period in January and February.

Use of digital images for color evaluation in banana prata submitted to different post-harvest treatments / Utilização de imagens digitais para avaliação da coloração de banana prata submetida a diferentes tratamentos pós-colheita

This trial aimed at analyzing the changes of banana Prata peel color through digital images, submitted to post harvest treatments in order to increase storage time. The fruits, whose peels color were totally green, were submitted  to six different  treatments: T   immersion  in chlorine water  for  three minutes (control), H3 hydrothermal (50C for three minutes); H8 hydrothermal (50C for eight minutes); HP immersion in hypochlorite 0.2% for three minutes; OS immersion in soybean oil at 10% for three minutes and OM immersion in mineral oil at 10% for three minutes. The fruits were stored at room temperature and analyzed at 1, 7, 14 days after using digital images and also daily visual evaluation. The treatments OS and OM preserved the banana green color for a longer time, but there were some changes in the normal peel color due the formation of dark stain spots, indicating probable inadequate OS and OM treatments. The fruits submitted to H3, H8 and HP treatments ripenned faster, considering the observed color. Both visual and digital images confrmed the values obtained. Suggesting a method relationship.

O presente trabalho objetivou avaliar mudança da coloração durante o armazenamento de banana prata submetida a diferentes tratamentos pós-colheita utilizando imagens digitais. Os frutos, com coloração da casca  totalmente verde,  foram  submetidos a  seis  tratamentos: T   imersão em água destilada por 3 minutos  (testemunha), H3    hidrotérmico  (50C  por  3 minutos), H8    hidrotérmico  (50C  por  8 minutos), HP imersão em hipoclorito 0,2% por 3 minutos, OS imersão em óleo de soja 10% por 3 minutos e OM imersão em óleo mineral 10% por três minutos, sendo em seguida armazenados em condições ambientais durante 14 dias, avaliados nos períodos 1, 7 e 14 dias utilizando imagens digitais, e diariamente utilizando escala visual. Os frutos submetidos aos tratamentos OS e OM preservaram a coloração verde da casca por um tempo maior, mas ocorreram alterações na coloração normal devido a  formação de pontos escuros,  indicando possível  inadequação dos  tratamentos OS e OM. Os dados obtidos através das imagens digitais confrmaram as observações visuais,  indicando  relação entre os métodos.

Use of digital images for color evaluation in banana prata submitted to different post-harvest treatments / Utilização de imagens digitais para avaliação da coloração de banana prata submetida a diferentes tratamentos pós-colheita

This trial aimed at analyzing the changes of banana Prata peel color through digital images, submitted to post harvest treatments in order to increase storage time. The fruits, whose peels color were totally green, were submitted  to six different  treatments: T   immersion  in chlorine water  for  three minutes (control), H3 hydrothermal (50C for three minutes); H8 hydrothermal (50C for eight minutes); HP immersion in hypochlorite 0.2% for three minutes; OS immersion in soybean oil at 10% for three minutes and OM immersion in mineral oil at 10% for three minutes. The fruits were stored at room temperature and analyzed at 1, 7, 14 days after using digital images and also daily visual evaluation. The treatments OS and OM preserved the banana green color for a longer time, but there were some changes in the normal peel color due the formation of dark stain spots, indicating probable inadequate OS and OM treatments. The fruits submitted to H3, H8 and HP treatments ripenned faster, considering the observed color. Both visual and digital images confrmed the values obtained. Suggesting a method relationship.

O presente trabalho objetivou avaliar mudança da coloração durante o armazenamento de banana prata submetida a diferentes tratamentos pós-colheita utilizando imagens digitais. Os frutos, com coloração da casca  totalmente verde,  foram  submetidos a  seis  tratamentos: T   imersão em água destilada por 3 minutos  (testemunha), H3    hidrotérmico  (50C  por  3 minutos), H8    hidrotérmico  (50C  por  8 minutos), HP imersão em hipoclorito 0,2% por 3 minutos, OS imersão em óleo de soja 10% por 3 minutos e OM imersão em óleo mineral 10% por três minutos, sendo em seguida armazenados em condições ambientais durante 14 dias, avaliados nos períodos 1, 7 e 14 dias utilizando imagens digitais, e diariamente utilizando escala visual. Os frutos submetidos aos tratamentos OS e OM preservaram a coloração verde da casca por um tempo maior, mas ocorreram alterações na coloração normal devido a  formação de pontos escuros,  indicando possível  inadequação dos  tratamentos OS e OM. Os dados obtidos através das imagens digitais confrmaram as observações visuais,  indicando  relação entre os métodos.

Avaliação in vitro da atividade antimicrobiana de oito espécies de plantas medicinais / In vitro assessment of the antimicrobial activity from eight medicinal plant species

A utilização de plantas medicinais, associada a processos infecciosos, tem impulsionado vários estudos químicos e farmacológicos, visando obter novos compostos com propriedades terapêuticas. Na atualidade, as bactérias que causam prejuízos à saúde humana possuem resistência à maioria dos antimicrobianos. Várias medidas tecnológicas são sugeridas para solucionar o problema da resistência das bactérias, sendo uma delas a procura de novos antimicrobianos a partir de espécies vegetais. Tendo-se em vista este contexto, com este trabalho propõe-se a avaliar a suscetibilidade das bactérias Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli e Pseudomonas aeruginosa aos extratos das plantas Rosmarinus officinalis, Origanum majorana, Salvia officinalis, Bidens pilosa, Ocimum gratissimum, Cymbopogon citratus, Sida rhombifolia e Leonotis nepetaefolia pelo método de difusão em discos. Os resultados mostraram que os extratos de R. officinalis possui atividade inibitória contra S. aureus, as plantas B. pilosa e O.majorana atuam sobre E. coli e P. aeruginosa e S. officinalis sobre P. aeruginosa. As outras plantas foram ineficazes para inibir as bactérias testadas. Com esses resultados pode-se verificar que Rosmarinus, Bidens, Origanum e Salvia podem ser fontes de agentes antimicrobianos.

The use of medicinal plants, associated to infectious processes, has stimulated a number of chemical and pharmacological studies to obtain new compounds with therapeutic properties. Nowadays, microorganisms which cause damages to human health have resistance to most of the antimicrobial drugs. Many technological steps are suggested for solving the bacterial resistance matter, and one of them is the search for new antimicrobial drugs from vegetal species. Therefore, this article assesses the antibacterial activity from different extracts of Rosmarinus officinalis, Origanum majorana, Salvia officinalis, Bidens pilosa, Ocimum gratissimum, Cymbopogon citratus, Sida rhombifolia and Leonotis nepetaefolia tested against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa by using the disk diffusion method. The results of the test showed that extracts from R. officinalis have inhibited the activity against S. aureus, B. pilosa, and O. majorana plants acted upon E. coli and P. aeruginosa, and S. officinalis upon P. aeruginosa. The other plants were ineffective to inhibit the bacteria tested. From these tests, it was verified that Rosmarinus, Bidens, Origanum and Salvia may be sources of antimicrobial agents.