Cytotoxicity, mutagenicity and acute oral toxicity of aqueous Ocotea minarum leaf extracts.

Ocotea minarum (Nees & Mart.) Mez., a native species of Brazil, is used in the treatment of infections and oxidative stress; however, there is no scientific evidence of its toxicological characteristics. We assessed the cytotoxicity, mutagenic activity, and acute oral toxicity of the aqueous extract isolated from O. minarum leaves. The cytotoxicity of this extract was evaluated in tumour and non-tumour cell lines, while the Ames test with a Salmonella Typhimurium was used to determine the mutagenic activity. Wistar rats received a single 2 g/kg dose as part of an LD50 toxicity assessment. Our results showed that the aqueous extract of O. minarum leaves did not present cytotoxic and mutagenic properties and was not toxic, with an LD50 greater than 2 g/kg. Therefore, the O. minarum extracts are pharmacologically safe and can continue to be investigated for the development of new drugs and herbal medicines.

Acute Toxic and Genotoxic Effects of Aluminum and Manganese Using In Vitro Models.

The objective of this study was to use the same concentrations of aluminum (Al) and manganese (Mn) detected previously in groundwater above those permitted by Brazilian law and assess their cytotoxic and genotoxic effects in hamster ovary cell lines and their mutagenic effects through the Salmonella microsome assay. Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) and CHO-XRS5 cells were treated with different concentrations of Al and Mn (0.2 to 2.0 mg/L and 0.1 to 3.0 mg/L, respectively). The Ames test was used to analyze the concentrations of Al and Mn ranging from 0.025 to 1.0 mg/L and 0.0125 to 1.5 mg/L, respectively. Both metals showed cytotoxic effects on both cell lines and two bacterial strains (TA98 and TA100). The genotoxic effects of the highest concentrations of Al and Mn in cell lines showed nuclear buds, micronuclei, and DNA damage; however, none of the concentrations showed a positive mutagenic response in the Ames test. This is one of the few studies to demonstrate the cytotoxic effects of Al and Mn through the Ames test. In addition, the metals caused genomic instability in cell lines. Therefore, this study may help hasten the review of established regulatory standards for human consumption of groundwater.

Remoção de herbicida atrazina por meio de filtros de carvão ativado granular associados com microrganismos no tratamento de água para abastecimento / Removal of atrazine herbicide through granular activated carbon filters associated with microorganisms in drinking water treatment

RESUMO A atrazina é um herbicida sintético comumente utilizado no controle de ervas gramíneas daninhas e folhagens em lavouras, e é um dos principais contaminantes dos solos e dos ecossistemas aquáticos. Muitos métodos têm sido sugeridos para remover herbicidas da água potável. Contudo, esses métodos são custosos, muitos têm problemas de desempenho, produzem diversos subprodutos intermediários tóxicos, prejudiciais e perigosos. Entretanto, a atrazina é susceptível à degradação por microrganismos presentes na água, no sedimento e no esgoto. Considerando esses aspectos, o objetivo principal do estudo foi investigar a biodegradação e a filtração por meio de filtros de carvão com atividade biológica (CAB) para remoção da atrazina, e sua identificação filogenética associada a esses microrganismos. Os resultados demonstraram que a atrazina foi degradada por microrganismos presentes no biofilme, com remoção superior a 89% nos filtros CAB. Os microrganismos encontrados integram-se ao grupo das bactérias, composto dos gêneros Acinetobacter,Bacillus, Exiguobacterium e Pseudomonas. Este estudo nos permite inferir sobre a capacidade de biodegradação da atrazina por bactérias presentes nos filtros CAB, a capacidade de remover herbicidas por meio desse sistema de filtros e a possível utilização dessa tecnologia como alternativa para o controle e a remoção dessa substância no tratamento de água.

ABSTRACT Atrazine is a synthetic herbicide commonly used to control weeds and foliage in crops, and is a major contaminants of soil and water ecosystems. Many methods have been suggested to remove herbicides from drinking water. However, these methods are very costly, many have performance problems, produce a lot of toxic intermediates which are very harmful and dangerous. However, atrazine is susceptible to degradation by microorganism present in water, sediment, and sewage effluents. Considering these aspects, the main objective of the study was to investigate the biodegradation and filtration for using biological activated carbon (BAC) filters to remove atrazine, and their phylogenetic identification associated with these microorganisms. The results showed that atrazine was biodegraded by microorganism present in the biofilm, with removal over 80% in BAC filters. The microorganisms found integrate to the group of bacteria, composed by the genera Acinetobacter, Bacillus, Exiguobacterium, and Pseudomonas. This study allows us to infer the ability to biodegrade atrazine by bacteria present in BAC filters and capacity to remove herbicides by BAC filters, and the possible use of this technology as an alternative for the control and removal of this substance in water treatment.

Mutagenic potential of medicinal plants evaluated by the Ames Salmonella/microsome assay: A systematic review.

The Ames test has become one of the most commonly used tests to assess the mutagenic potential of medicinal plants since they have several biological activities and thus have been used in traditional medicine and in the pharmaceutical industry as a source of raw materials. Accordingly, this review aims to report previous use of the Ames test to evaluate the mutagenic potential of medicinal plants. A database was constructed by curating literature identified by a search on the electronic databases Medline (via Pubmed), Science Direct, Scopus, and Web of Science from 1975 to April 2020, using the following terms: "genotoxicity tests" OR "mutagenicity tests" OR "Ames test" AND "medicinal plants." From the research, 239 articles were selected, including studies of 478 species distributed across 111 botanical families, with Fabaceae, Asteraceae and Lamiaceae being the most frequent. It was identified that 388 species were non-mutagenic. Of these, 21% (83/388) showed antimutagenic potential, most notable in the Lamiaceae family. The results also indicate that 18% (90/478) of the species were mutagenic, of which 54% were mutagenic in the presence and absence of S9. Strains TA98 and TA100 showed a sensitivity of 93% in detecting plant extracts with mutagenic potential. However, the reliability of many reviewed studies regarding the botanical extracts may be questioned due to technical issues, such as testing being performed only in the presence or absence of S9, use of maximum doses below 5 mg/plate and lack of information on the cytotoxicity of tested doses. These methodological aspects additionally demonstrated that a discussion about the doses used in research on mixtures, such as the ones assessed with botanical extracts and the most sensitive strains employed to detect the mutagenic potential, should be included in a possible update of the guidelines designed by the regulatory agencies.

Cochlospermum regium (Schrank) pilger leaf extract inhibit methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus biofilm formation.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Cochlospermum regium, known as "algodãozinho", is an important plant belonging to Brazilian biodiversity used in traditional medicine to treat infections, wounds and skin conditions. AIM OF THE STUDY: To assess the effects of aqueous and ethanolic extracts from C. regium leaves on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus planktonic cells and biofilm formation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The phytochemical characterization of the extracts was carried out by quantification of flavonoids, phenols and tannins and HPLC-DAD. Minimum inhibitory concentrations, cell viability, and enzyme activity inhibition were determined in planktonic cells exposed to C. regium extracts. The effect of the extracts on biofilms was assessed by quantifying colony-forming units (CFUs) and the extracellular matrix, and by visualizing the biofilm structure using scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: Leaf extract contents showed high concentration of phenols and the gallic and ellagic acids were identified. The extracts showed potent antimicrobial activities at concentrations ranging from 62.5-250 µg/mL, and decreased coagulase activity. In addition, the extracts prevented biofilm formation, and the aqueous extract completely inhibited its formation. CONCLUSIONS: C. regium extracts stand out as promising alternative treatments for the prevention and treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections.

Effects of age, sex, medication, and environmental conditions on genetic alterations in oral mucosa cells.

In the present study, we evaluated the effects of biological factors, lifestyle factors, and environmental conditions on the induction of DNA damage in exfoliated cells of the oral mucosa. Age, sex, medication use, and environmental conditions were analyzed in individuals residing in the cities of Caarapó and Itaporã. The individuals were assessed by a questionnaire, and oral mucosa cells were collected and subjected to mutagenicity analysis. We observed no statistical differences in DNA damage related to sex. However, the mutagenic effect was found to be proportional to age, with higher frequencies of DNA damage observed in individuals between the ages of 46 and 65 years. In addition, higher frequencies of DNA damage were found in individuals who continuously used medication and for prolonged periods, and greater DNA damage was observed in individuals who used antihypertensive drugs than those who took antidepressants. In terms of environmental conditions, Caarapó residents had a significantly higher frequency of DNA damage than that of residents from Itaporã. Based on the analysis of land use and occupation, this result can be attributed to the smaller fraction of forest fragments and the higher proportion of buildings in Caarapó than Itaporã. We concluded that age, continued medication use, and environmental conditions can lead to greater DNA damage.

Antifungal activity of Annona coriacea Mart. ethanol extracts against the aetiological agents of cryptococcosis.

Cryptococcosis is an opportunistic disease with a worldwide distribution. This disease is caused by fungi of the genus Cryptococcus, and its treatment is limited to several antifungals. In this study, the antifungal, cytotoxic and mutagenic properties of ethanol extracts from the bark and leaves of Annona coriacea were evaluated against the standard Cryptococcus species and clinical yeast specimens. Both extracts of A. coriacea showed inhibitory activity of 1.5 mg/mL for all of the yeasts tested. The number of viable cells at the lowest tested concentration was 0.187 mg/mL. The extracts that were tested showed inhibitory activity and reduced the fungal growth of the Cryptococcus gattii species and Cryptococcus neoformans species complexes, suggesting that this plant may be an effective alternative treatment for cryptococcosis.

Variability in the clinical distributions of Candida species and the emergence of azole-resistant non-Candida albicans species in public hospitals in the Midwest region of Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION Incidence and antifungal susceptibility of Candida spp. from two teaching public hospitals are described. METHODS The minimum inhibitory concentrations of fluconazole, voriconazole, itraconazole, and amphotericin B were determined using Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute broth microdilution and genomic differentiation using PCR. RESULTS Of 221 Candida isolates, 50.2% were obtained from intensive care unit patients; 71.5% were recovered from urine and 9.1% from bloodstream samples. Candida parapsilosis sensu stricto was the most common candidemia agent. CONCLUSIONS We observed variations in Candida species distribution in hospitals in the same geographic region and documented the emergence of non-C. albicans species resistant to azoles.

Genotoxic and mutagenic effects of polluted surface water in the midwestern region of Brazil using animal and plant bioassays

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate DNA damage in animal and plant cells exposed to water from the Água Boa stream (Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil) by using bioassays, and to identify the chemical compounds in the water to determine the water quality in the area. Through the cytotoxicity bioassay with Allium cepa, using micronucleus test, and comet assay, using Astyanax altiparanae fish, the results indicated that biological samples were genetically altered. Micronuclei were observed in erythrocytes of A. altiparanae after exposure to water from locations close to industrial waste discharge. The highest DNA damage observed with the comet assay in fish occurred with the exposure to water from locations where the presence of metals (Cu, Pb, Cd, Ni) was high, indicating the possibility of genotoxic effects of these compounds. Thus, these results reinforce the importance of conducting genotoxicity tests for developing management plans to improve water quality, and indicate the need for waste management before domestic and industrial effluents are released into the rivers and streams.

Efficiency analysis of the australian wastewater treatment system in a pig slaughterhouse / Análise da eficiência do sistema australiano de tratamento de águas residuais em um abatedouro de suínos

Pig farming is a significant economic activity in the food industry and the meat trade. However, pig slaughterhouses release their waste through effluents, which may spread pathogenic microorganisms and degrade the environment, particularly in bodies of water. The aim of the present study was to assess the efficiency of the Australian wastewater treatment system and the quality of the Effluent Treatment Station (ETS) of a pig slaughterhouse, which flows into the Laranja Azeda stream in the city of Dourados (State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil). Effluentsampling was carried out in the ETS using treatment ponds (Australian system), from the input to the output, over a period of one year. Physicochemical and biological parameters were assessed to measure the effluentquality. The results showed a reduction in organic matter and microorganisms. The concentration of dissolved oxygen, pH, effluent temperature, redox potential, as well as the amount of coliforms, exhibited a significant reduction (p<0.005). The waste management brought by the ETS promoted the removal of pollutants from the effluent. However, these procedures were not enough to satisfy Brazilian and international parameters proposed by the WHO, which regulate the dumping of waste into water bodies.

A suinocultura é uma atividade econômica que ocupa posição de destaque no cenário mundial alimentício vinculado ao comércio da carne. No entanto, abatedouros de suínos geram resíduos que são liberados pelos efluentes e podem disseminar microrganismos patogênicos e degradar o meio ambiente, especialmente em corpos hídricos. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a eficiência do sistema australiano e qualidade do efluente proveniente da Estação de Tratamento de Efluente (ETE) de um abatedouro de suínos liberada no Córrego Laranja Azeda localizado na cidade de Dourados (Estado do Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil). As coletas das amostras de efluentes na ETE foram realizadas nas lagoas de tratamento (sistema australiano) desde a sua entrada até a saída durante o período de um ano. Para mensuração da qualidade de água foram avaliados parâmetros físico-químicos e biológicos. Parâmetros referentes à Demanda Bioquímica de Oxigênio e a Demanda Química de Oxigênio foram aferidos de acordo com a American Public Health Association e, além destes foram mensurados quantidade de oxigênio dissolvido, pH, temperatura, condutividade elétrica, sólidos totais dissolvidos e potencial de oxi-redução do efluente. A técnica dos tubos múltiplos foi utilizada para quantificação de coliformes totais (CT) e coliformes termotolerantes (CTT). Os resultados apontaram a redução de matéria orgânica e microrganismos. As médias dos parâmetros avaliados apresentaram redução significativa (p<0,005) para a concentração de oxigênio dissolvido, pH, temperatura da água, potencial de oxi-redução, quantidade de coliformes presentes na água. O manejo dos resíduos gerados pela ETE acarretou na remoção de poluentes do efluente, mas não foi eficiente em atender os parâmetros legais brasileiros e internacionais que normatizam o seu despejo em corpos de água. Considera-se necessária maior fiscalização das condições referentes a qualidade de água do efluente lançado neste córrego, pois o resultado indica risco de saúde para a comunidade ribeirinha que faz uso dessa água para banhos, dessedentação de animais, irrigação e outras atividades domésticas.

Genotoxic and mutagenic effects of polluted surface water in the midwestern region of Brazil using animal and plant bioassays.

This study aimed to evaluate DNA damage in animal and plant cells exposed to water from the Água Boa stream (Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil) by using bioassays, and to identify the chemical compounds in the water to determine the water quality in the area. Through the cytotoxicity bioassay with Allium cepa, using micronucleus test, and comet assay, using Astyanax altiparanae fish, the results indicated that biological samples were genetically altered. Micronuclei were observed in erythrocytes of A. altiparanae after exposure to water from locations close to industrial waste discharge. The highest DNA damage observed with the comet assay in fish occurred with the exposure to water from locations where the presence of metals (Cu, Pb, Cd, Ni) was high, indicating the possibility of genotoxic effects of these compounds. Thus, these results reinforce the importance of conducting genotoxicity tests for developing management plans to improve water quality, and indicate the need for waste management before domestic and industrial effluents are released into the rivers and streams.

Variability in the clinical distributions of Candida species and the emergence of azole-resistant non-Candida albicans species in public hospitals in the Midwest region of Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Incidence and antifungal susceptibility of Candida spp. from two teaching public hospitals are described. METHODS: The minimum inhibitory concentrations of fluconazole, voriconazole, itraconazole, and amphotericin B were determined using Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute broth microdilution and genomic differentiation using PCR. RESULTS: Of 221 Candida isolates, 50.2% were obtained from intensive care unit patients; 71.5% were recovered from urine and 9.1% from bloodstream samples. Candida parapsilosis sensu stricto was the most common candidemia agent. CONCLUSIONS: We observed variations in Candida species distribution in hospitals in the same geographic region and documented the emergence of non-C. albicans species resistant to azoles.

Depth and Well Type Related to Groundwater Microbiological Contamination.

Use of groundwater from private wells in households has increased considerably, owing to a better cost/benefit ratio than that of water provided by local utilities for a fee. However, this water is usually untreated, which makes it a vehicle for diseases. Thus, monitoring this water is necessary to ensure its integrity and quality. We aimed to evaluate the physical, chemical, and microbiological parameters of untreated groundwater drawn from different types of wells, and the antimicrobial susceptibility profile of the bacteria isolated from this water. Wellwater samples were collected in two Brazilian cities. Although physical and chemical parameters of the water were suitable for drinking, Escherichia coli was detected in 33% of the samples. E. coli contaminated 65% of dug wells and 10.25% of drilled wells. Many bacteria isolated were resistant to multiple antibacterial agents, including ß-lactams. Microbial contamination of this water was related to the well depth, and was more common in dug wells, making this water unfit for human consumption. Consumption of such contaminated and untreated water is a public health concern. Thus, individuals who regularly use such water must be alerted so they may either take preventive measures or connect to the water distribution system operated by local utilities.

Novel point mutations in the ERG11 gene in clinical isolates of azole resistant Candida species.

The azoles are the class of medications most commonly used to fight infections caused by Candida sp. Typically, resistance can be attributed to mutations in ERG11 gene (CYP51) which encodes the cytochrome P450 14α-demethylase, the primary target for the activity of azoles. The objective of this study was to identify mutations in the coding region of theERG11 gene in clinical isolates of Candida species known to be resistant to azoles. We identified three new synonymous mutations in the ERG11 gene in the isolates of Candida glabrata (C108G, C423T and A1581G) and two new nonsynonymous mutations in the isolates of Candida krusei--A497C (Y166S) and G1570A (G524R). The functional consequence of these nonsynonymous mutations was predicted using evolutionary conservation scores. The G524R mutation did not have effect on 14α-demethylase functionality, while the Y166S mutation was found to affect the enzyme. This observation suggests a possible link between the mutation and dose-dependent sensitivity to voriconazole in the clinical isolate of C. krusei. Although the presence of the Y166S in phenotype of reduced azole sensitivity observed in isolate C. krusei demands investigation, it might contribute to the search of new therapeutic agents against resistant Candida isolates.

Genotipo, sensibilidad a los antifúngicos y formación de biofilm de aislados de Trichosporon asahii recuperados de la orina de pacientes hospitalizados / Genotype, antifungal susceptibility, and biofilm formation of Trichosporon asahii isolated from the urine of hospitalized patients

En este estudio fueron analizadas mediante el cultivo muestras de orina de pacientes hospitalizados en la región centro-oeste de Brasil; los microorganismos aislados fueron identificados filogenéticamente como Trichosporon asahii. A través del análisis de máxima parsimonia de las secuencias de IGS1, fueron encontrados 3 genotipos que no habían sido descritos anteriormente. Las concentraciones inhibitorias mínimas frente a los 9 aislados identificados presentaron un rango de 0,06-1µg/ml en el caso de la anfotericina B, de 0,25-4µg/ml en el del fluconazol, y de 0,03-0,06µg/ml en el del itraconazol. Aproximadamente 6/9 de los aislados de T. asahii formaron biopelículas en la superficie de microplacas de poliestireno. Este trabajo documenta el aislamiento de T. asahii como agente causal de infeciones urinarias nosocomiales. Además, demuestra que la región IGS1 puede ser considerada una nueva herramienta epidemiológica para la genotipificación de los aislados de T. asahii. Los genotipos menos comunes encontrados en este estudio pueden estar relacionados con las características epidemiológicas locales

In this study, the culture analysis of urine samples from patients hospitalized in the Central-West region of Brazil was performed, and the isolated microorganisms were phylogenetically identified as Trichosporon asahii. Maximum parsimony analysis of the IGS1 sequences revealed three novel genotypes that have not been described. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of the nine isolates identified were in the range of 0.06­1µg/ml for amphotericin B, 0.25­4µg/ml for fluconazole, and 0.03­0.06µg/ml for itraconazole. Approximately 6/9 of the T. asahii isolates could form biofilms on the surface of polystyrene microplates. This study reports that the microorganisms isolated here as T. asahii are agents of nosocomial urinary tract infections. Furthermore, the IGS1 region can be considered a new epidemiological tool for genotyping T. asahii isolates. The least common genotypes reported in this study can be related to local epidemiological trends

Novel point mutations in the ERG11 gene in clinical isolates of azole resistant Candida species

The azoles are the class of medications most commonly used to fight infections caused by Candida sp. Typically, resistance can be attributed to mutations in ERG11 gene (CYP51) which encodes the cytochrome P450 14α-demethylase, the primary target for the activity of azoles. The objective of this study was to identify mutations in the coding region of theERG11 gene in clinical isolates of Candidaspecies known to be resistant to azoles. We identified three new synonymous mutations in the ERG11 gene in the isolates of Candida glabrata (C108G, C423T and A1581G) and two new nonsynonymous mutations in the isolates of Candida krusei - A497C (Y166S) and G1570A (G524R). The functional consequence of these nonsynonymous mutations was predicted using evolutionary conservation scores. The G524R mutation did not have effect on 14α-demethylase functionality, while the Y166S mutation was found to affect the enzyme. This observation suggests a possible link between the mutation and dose-dependent sensitivity to voriconazole in the clinical isolate of C. krusei. Although the presence of the Y166S in phenotype of reduced azole sensitivity observed in isolate C. kruseidemands investigation, it might contribute to the search of new therapeutic agents against resistant Candida isolates.

Genotype, antifungal susceptibility, and biofilm formation of Trichosporon asahii isolated from the urine of hospitalized patients.

In this study, the culture analysis of urine samples from patients hospitalized in the Central-West region of Brazil was performed, and the isolated microorganisms were phylogenetically identified as Trichosporon asahii. Maximum parsimony analysis of the IGS1 sequences revealed three novel genotypes that have not been described. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of the nine isolates identified were in the range of 0.06-1 µg/ml for amphotericin B, 0.25-4 µg/ml for fluconazole, and 0.03-0.06 µg/ml for itraconazole. Approximately 6/9 of the T. asahii isolates could form biofilms on the surface of polystyrene microplates. This study reports that the microorganisms isolated here as T. asahii are agents of nosocomial urinary tract infections. Furthermore, the IGS1 region can be considered a new epidemiological tool for genotyping T. asahii isolates. The least common genotypes reported in this study can be related to local epidemiological trends.

Genotypic variability and antifungal susceptibility of Candida tropicalis isolated from patients with candiduria.

BACKGROUND: Candida tropicalis is an emerging major human pathogen in nosocomial infections, and it is considered the second or third species of Candida most isolated from urine cultures. AIMS: The study aimed at characterizing genotypically C. tropicalis strains from patients with candiduria in a university hospital, and assessed the antifungal susceptibility profile. METHODS: The study was conducted with hospitalized patients who developed urinary tract infection from C. tropicalis from June 2010 to June 2011 at the Grande Dourados University Hospital of the Federal University, Dourados, MS, Brazil. Susceptibility to the antifungal agents amphotericin B and fluconazole was determined by broth microdilution. The genotypic variability of isolates of C. tropicalis was analyzed by microsatellite markers and RAPD-PCR. RESULTS: Only one isolate was resistant to amphotericin B (MIC→16µg/ml); the others were susceptible to fluconazole and amphotericin B. The genotypic variability by RAPD-PCR resulted in distinct profiles for RAPD markers. A total of 10 alleles were observed for the microsatellite loci, URA3 and CT14, which were grouped differently, and four associations were observed for locus URA3 and eight for locus CT14. CONCLUSIONS: C. tropicalis isolates from urine were susceptible to the antifungal agents tested. The genotyping techniques make possible proving the similarity and genetic diversity among isolates of C. tropicalis involved in nosocomial infections. This knowledge is important for the control and prevention of nosocomial infections caused by this yeast species.

Antifungal susceptibility and distribution of Candida spp. isolates from the University Hospital in the municipality of Dourados, State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Hospital infections caused by Candida spp. are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients, particularly those that are critically ill or immunocompromised. In this study, the distribution of Candida species in isolates from the University Hospital of the Federal University at Grande Dourados and their in vitro susceptibility to antifungal drugs were analyzed. METHODS: Yeasts were phenotypically identified using classical methodologies. Antifungal susceptibility tests to amphotericin B and fluconazole were performed using the broth microdilution technique. RESULTS: A total of 50 Candida isolates were obtained from hospitalized patients during the study period. We analyzed yeast isolates from urine (n=31; 62%), blood (n=12; 24%), and tracheal secretions (n=7; 14%). The following Candida species were identified: C. tropicalis (n=21; 42%), C. albicans (n=18; 36%), C. glabrata (n=10; 20%), and C. krusei (n=1; 2%). Antifungal susceptibility tests demonstrated that C. albicans was susceptible to both antifungal agents. However, 31.2% of the non-C. albicans Candida isolates displayed dose-dependent susceptibility to fluconazole, and 3.1% were resistant to amphotericin B. CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to previous reports, our results indicated that C. tropicalis was the most commonly isolated yeast species among the hospital patients. The predominance of non-C. albicans Candida infections confirms the importance of species-level identification for implementing appropriate antifungal therapies.

Antifungal susceptibility and distribution of Candida spp. isolates from the University Hospital in the municipality of Dourados, State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

Introduction Hospital infections caused by Candida spp. are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients, particularly those that are critically ill or immunocompromised. In this study, the distribution of Candida species in isolates from the University Hospital of the Federal University at Grande Dourados and their in vitro susceptibility to antifungal drugs were analyzed. Methods Yeasts were phenotypically identified using classical methodologies. Antifungal susceptibility tests to amphotericin B and fluconazole were performed using the broth microdilution technique. Results A total of 50 Candida isolates were obtained from hospitalized patients during the study period. We analyzed yeast isolates from urine (n=31; 62%), blood (n=12; 24%), and tracheal secretions (n=7; 14%). The following Candida species were identified: C. tropicalis (n=21; 42%), C. albicans (n=18; 36%), C. glabrata (n=10; 20%), and C. krusei (n=1; 2%). Antifungal susceptibility tests demonstrated that C. albicans was susceptible to both antifungal agents. However, 31.2% of the non-C. albicans Candida isolates displayed dose-dependent susceptibility to fluconazole, and 3.1% were resistant to amphotericin B. Conclusions In contrast to previous reports, our results indicated that C. tropicalis was the most commonly isolated yeast species among the hospital patients. The predominance of non-C. albicans Candida infections confirms the importance of species-level identification for implementing appropriate antifungal therapies. .