Chlorella vulgaris extract and Imiquimod as new therapeutic targets for leishmaniasis: An immunological approach.

The therapeutic regimen for the treatment of American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis (ATL) is targeted at the death of the parasite; therefore, it is essential to develop a treatment that can act on the parasite, combined with the modulation of the inflammatory profile. Thus, the aim of this study was to make an in vitro evaluation of the therapeutic potential of Chlorella vulgaris extract (CV) and Imiquimod for ATL. Selectivity indices (SI) were determined by inhibitory concentration assays (IC50) in L. braziliensis cells and cytotoxic concentrations (CC50) were measured in human cells using the MTT method, based on the CV microalgae extract (IC50 concentrations of 15.63 to 500 µg/mL; CC50 concentrations of 62.5-1000 µg/mL) in comparison with the reference drugs and Imiquimod. The immune response was evaluated in healthy human cells by gene expression (RT-qPCR) and cytokine production (Flow Cytometry). The CV extract (SI = 6.89) indicated promising results by showing higher SI than meglumine antimoniate (SI = 3.44) (reference drug). In all analyses, CV presented a protective profile by stimulating the production of Th1 profile cytokines to a larger extent than the reference drugs. Imiquimod showed a high expression for Tbx21, GATA3, RORc and Foxp3 genes, with increased production only of the TNF cytokine. Therefore, the data highlight the natural extract and Imiquimod as strong therapeutic or adjuvant candidates against ATL, owing to modulation of immune response profiles, low toxicity in human cells and toxic action on the parasite.

Comparison of Retinal Structure Using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography between Persons with and without HIV Infection.

HIV retinal microangiopathy is an important predictor for increased risk of mortality. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) can investigate microvascular changes resulting from retinal diseases. Study included 25 persons with HIV and 25 healthy persons. OCTA evaluated the vascularization of retinal layers, choriocapillary, and optic disk. HIV group had lower vessel flow density (VFD) in superficial plexus. No difference was observed in the deep plexus. VFD of the optic disk and peripapillary region showed no difference between the groups. HIV group showed a thinner retinal nerve fiber layer and smaller area of the optic disk rim. HIV infection is associated with VFD reduction in superficial retinal plexus, neural rim area reduction, and retinal nerve fiber layer thinning in individuals without microangiopathic alterations on fundus examination. Therefore, OCTA can find retinal changes before clinical evidence of retinopathy.

Risk factors associated with surgical site infection in patients with musculoskeletal cancer / Fatores de risco associados à infecção de sítio cirúrgico em portadores de câncer musculoesquelético / Factores de riesgo asociados a la infección del sitio quirúrgico en pacientes con cáncer musculoesquelético

Background and objectives: surgical site infections (SSI) continue to be a major concern in orthopedic oncology and pose as great a challenge as cancer recurrence, despite the preventive potential of surgery. SSI can be avoided if evidence-based measures are taken. The objective was to assess the frequency of infections in oncological orthopedic surgeries and associated risk factors and inflammatory markers in a reference hospital in the state of Pernambuco. Methods: the frequency of SSI, the identification of isolated microorganisms, the risk factors and the profile of Th1 and Th2 inflammatory markers (IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, TNF and IFN-Ƴ) in patients with musculoskeletal cancer were analyzed. Results: SSI were found in 9.1% of patients undergoing orthopedic surgery. Bivariate analysis revealed that a surgical team comprising more than five members (p=0.041) and the need for intraoperative transfusion (p=0.012) were correlated with a higher risk of SSI. The measurement of ultrasensitive C-reactive protein levels to assess the inflammatory response after SSI showed results that were superior to the reference values for each sample, ranging from >5 to >200mg/dl by the immunoturbidimetric method. Of the IL-2, INFγ and TNF (Th1) and IL-4, IL-6, IL-10 (Th2) levels, only interleukin 6 showed high levels, between 6.68 and 58.76 pg/mL. Conclusion: the study found that surgical team with five or more members and blood transfusion were factors associated with the development of SSI in orthopedic surgery in patients with musculoskeletal cancer. Among the inflammatory markers, interleukin 6 (IL-6) showed the highest correlation with the outcome.(AU)

Justificativa e objetivos: as infecções do sítio cirúrgico (ISC) continuam sendo uma grande preocupação na oncologia ortopédica e representam um desafio tão grande quanto a recorrência do câncer, apesar do potencial preventivo da cirurgia. As ISC podem ser evitadas se forem tomadas medidas baseadas em evidências. O objetivo foi avaliar a frequência de infecções em cirurgias ortopédicas oncológicas e os fatores de risco e marcadores inflamatórios associados em um hospital de referência no estado de Pernambuco. Métodos: foram analisados a frequência de ISC, a identificação de microrganismos isolados, os fatores de risco e o perfil de marcadores inflamatórios Th1 e Th2 (IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, TNF e IFN-Ƴ) em pacientes portadores de câncer musculoesquelético. Resultados: as ISC foram encontradas em 9,1% dos pacientes submetidos à cirurgia ortopédica. A análise bivariada revelou que uma equipe cirúrgica composta por mais de cinco membros (p=0,041) e a necessidade de transfusão intraoperatória (p=0,012) foram correlacionadas com maior risco de ISC. A dosagem dos níveis de proteína C reativa ultrassensível para avaliação da resposta inflamatória após ISC apresentou resultados superiores aos valores de referência para cada amostra, variando de >5 a >200mg/dl pelo método imunoturbidimétrico. Dos níveis de IL-2, INFγ e TNF (Th1) e IL-4, IL-6, IL-10 (Th2), apenas a interleucina 6 apresentou níveis elevados, entre 6,68 e 58,76 pg/mL. Conclusão: o estudo constatou que equipe cirúrgica com cinco ou mais membros e transfusão sanguínea foram fatores associados ao desenvolvimento de ISC em cirurgia ortopédica em pacientes com câncer musculoesquelético. Entre os marcadores inflamatórios, interleucina 6 (IL-6) apresentou maior correlação com o desfecho.(AU)

Justificación y objetivos: las infecciones del sitio quirúrgico (ISQ) siguen siendo una preocupación importante en la oncología ortopédica y representan un desafío tan grande como la recurrencia del cáncer, a pesar del potencial preventivo de la cirugía. Las ISQ se pueden prevenir si se toman medidas basadas en la evidencia. El objetivo fue evaluar la frecuencia de infecciones en cirugías ortopédicas oncológicas y los factores de riesgo y marcadores inflamatorios asociados en un hospital de referencia en el estado de Pernambuco. Métodos: se analizaron la frecuencia de ISQ, la identificación de microorganismos aislados, los factores de riesgo y el perfil de marcadores inflamatorios Th1 y Th2 (IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, TNF e IFN-Ƴ) en pacientes con cáncer musculoesquelético. Resultados: se encontraron ISQ en el 9,1% de los pacientes sometidos a cirugía ortopédica. El análisis bivariado reveló que un equipo quirúrgico compuesto por más de cinco miembros (p=0,041) y la necesidad de transfusión intraoperatoria (p=0,012) se correlacionaron con un mayor riesgo de ISQ. La medición de los niveles de proteína C reactiva ultrasensible para evaluar la respuesta inflamatoria después de la ISQ presentó resultados superiores a los valores de referencia para cada muestra, variando de >5 a >200 mg/dl por el método inmunoturbidimétrico. De los niveles de IL-2, INFγ y TNF (Th1) e IL-4, IL-6, IL-10 (Th2), solo la interleucina 6 mostró niveles elevados, entre 6,68 y 58,76 pg/mL. Conclusión: el estudio encontró que el equipo quirúrgico con cinco o más miembros y la transfusión el estudio encontró que un equipo quirúrgico con cinco o más miembros y transfusión de sangre fueron factores asociados con el desarrollo de ISQ en cirugía ortopédica en pacientes con cáncer musculoesquelético. Entre los marcadores inflamatorios, la interleucina 6 (IL-6) mostró la mayor correlación con el resultado.(AU)

Treatment of mycobacteriosis in a patient with compatible symptoms after a cesarean delivery.

This study aims to report the diagnostic course and treatment of a fast-growing mycobacteria infection after cesarean delivery. We report the case of a 37-year-old woman admitted to the Infectious Diseases' Clinic of the Hospital das Clinicas da Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Pernambuco State, Brazil, four months after a cesarean section, presenting with healing difficulties and located pain outside the surgical site. The first diagnosis was a probable rejection of the sutures that were not absorbed, but based on the clinical signs, reported history, complementary laboratory tests and no response to treatment with the conventional antibiotic therapy (cephalosporins/quinolones) prescribed, the ultimate diagnosis was a mycobacteriosis caused by Micobacterium fortuitum. Since fast-growing mycobacteria do not easily penetrate host tissues, they is mainly related to post-trauma or post-surgical procedures. It is extremely important to call attention to these occurrences in the gynecological-obsthetric field. Treatment for mycobacteriosis is often complicated because of the side effects of antibiotics, especially the ototoxicity of amikacin.

Prevalence and risk factors of syphilis and human immunodeficiency virus co-infection at a university hospital in Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of syphilis has increased since the 1970s. METHODS: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study with a non-probabilistic sample. RESULTS: Of 973 patients with human immunodeficiency virus, 179 (18.4%) tested positive for both human immunodeficiency virus and syphilis, 84.8% were men, 50.9% were aged between 36 and 50 years, 47.8% with syphilis were diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus for 10-20 years, and 40.3% received antiretroviral therapy for 10-20 years. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of syphilis in patients with human immunodeficiency virus is higher than expected, making it urgent to adopt efficient public health measures.

Prevalence and risk factors of syphilis and human immunodeficiency virus co-infection at a university hospital in Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION The incidence of syphilis has increased since the 1970s. METHODS This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study with a non-probabilistic sample. RESULTS: Of 973 patients with human immunodeficiency virus, 179 (18.4%) tested positive for both human immunodeficiency virus and syphilis, 84.8% were men, 50.9% were aged between 36 and 50 years, 47.8% with syphilis were diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus for 10-20 years, and 40.3% received antiretroviral therapy for 10-20 years. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of syphilis in patients with human immunodeficiency virus is higher than expected, making it urgent to adopt efficient public health measures.

Coccidioidomycosis: first cases reported in Pernambuco, Brazil.

Coccidioidomycosis is a fungal infection caused by Coccidioides immitis or Coccidioides posadasii. These fungi are known to thrive in desert climate. Fungi produce infectious arthroconidia in soil, they are aerosolized in the air and when inhaled by humans, usually cause infections such as pneumonia. The first cases of coccidioidomycosis in Brazil were reported in 1978. Since then, there have been other reports mainly from desert regions of Northeastern Brazil. The present report describes three cases of coccidioidomycosis on male farmers from Serra Talhada county, Pernambuco State, who developed pneumonia and were subsequently diagnosed with pulmonary coccidioidomycosis. These three farmers were successfully treated with oral fluconazole. They reported having hunted armadillos in a rural and arid area of Pernambuco State. Armadillos are known to be carriers of Coccidioides. This is the first report of infection caused by Coccidioides in Pernambuco State, Brazil.

The first reported case of factor V Leiden mutation with agenesis of superior vena cava: A case report.

RATIONALE: Total absence of superior vena cava (ASVC) is a very rare anomaly, and the patient usually suffers from superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) or conduction disturbances. PATIENT CONCERNS: We report a 36-year-old white male, born and living in Brazil, without comorbidities presented to hematologist thrombotic episodes even under anticoagulant therapy. On his first hematologic appointment, he had no active complaints except by the fullness after meals, and his physical examination presented remarkable collateral circulation in the chest. DIAGNOSES: Congenital ASVC associated with factor V Leiden mutation. OUTCOMES: In his magnetic resonance angiography of the thorax, a great amount of collateral circulation and communication of the azygos and hemiazygos veins with inferior vena cava were evident, as well as the absence of the upper cava vein. Furthermore, heterozygous genetic mutation was found for Leiden factor V. LESSONS: This case gives us the lesson that we need to include ASVC in the differential diagnosis of SVCS. The importance of the V-Leiden factor as a joint risk with this congenital defect for venous thromboembolism episodes was also highlighted.

Impacto da infecção por HTLV-1 nas manifestações clínicas e no tratamento de pacientes com estrongiloidíase / Impact of HTLV-1 infection on clinical presentations and treatment of strongyloidiasis patients

A estrongiloidíase é uma enfermidade que acomete cerca de 100 milhões de pessoas em todo mundo. Essa parasitose apresenta alta prevalência e tem maior gravidade clínica entre indivíduos imunossuprimidos, principalmente aqueles portadores do vírus linfotrópico de células T humana tipo 1 (HTLV). Este fato torna a coinfecção por esse vírus em pacientes parasitados por Strongyloides stercoralis um grave problema de saúde pública. O presente estudo teve por objetivo revisar os estudos sobre coinfecção por HTLV/S. stercoralis. Foi realizada busca eletrônica completa de dados disponíveis sobre a coinfecção entre o vírus e S. stercoralis. As publicações foram capturadas a partir das bases de dados PubMed e SciELO, sendo utilizados os seguintes descritores "vírus linfotrópico de células T humanas tipo 1", "HTLV-1", "S. stercoralis" e "estrongiloidiase". A infecção por HTLV em pacientes parasitados representa fator de risco para o desenvolvimento de estrongiloidíase grave e, nesses indivíduos, o tratamento recomendado deve ser realizado e monitorado para garantir o sucesso terapêutico.(AU)

Strongyloidiasis is a disease that affects approximately 100 million people worldwide. This parasitosis is highly prevalent and more clinically severe among immunosuppressed individuals, particularly those with Human T-lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV-1). This fact makes the co-infection with this virus in patients parasitized by Strongyloides stercoralis a serious public health problem. The present study aimed at reviewing the studies of co-infection with HTLV/S. stercoralis. A complete electronic search for available data about the co-infection of the virusand S. stercoralis was performed. The publications were obtained from the databases PubMed and SciELO, with the following descriptors being used: "Human T-lymphotropic Virus type 1, "HTLV-1", S. stercoralis, and "strongyloidiasis". The infection with HTLV in infected patients is a risk factor for the development of severe strongyloidiasis, and for these individuals the recommended treatment should be performed and monitored to ensure therapeutic success.(AU)

Detection of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa harboring bla GES-1 and bla GES-11 in Recife, Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an important pathogen globally, presents several resistance mechanisms. This study aimed to investigate the presence of bla GES in clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa obtained from various clinical specimens from patients admitted to three different hospitals in Recife, Brazil. The Guiana extended spectrum beta-lactamase (GES) enzymes are responsible for conferring broad spectrum resistance to beta-lactam drugs, including the carbapenems. METHODS: A total of 100 carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa isolates underwent polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing to identify bla GES, bla KPC, bla SPM-1, bla IMP, and bla VIM. Additionally, PCR products positive for bla GES were sequenced. The clonal profiles of these same isolates were then determined by means of enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC)-PCR analysis. RESULTS: PCR analysis revealed that four isolates harbored bla GES; DNA sequencing showed that two harbored bla GES-1 and two bla GES-11. Beta-lactamase genes bla SPM-1, bla IMP, bla VIM, and bla KPC were investigated; none of these genes was detected. Automated susceptibility testing methods (Vitek®2, bioMérieux) showed that the bla GES-1-positive isolates were only susceptible to polymyxin B. The patterns obtained with ERIC-PCR methods showed clonal relationship between the two isolates that harbored bla GES-11, whereas different clonal profiles were found in the isolates harboring bla GES-1. CONCLUSIONS: We detected the presence of bacterial isolates positive for two different variants of the enzyme GES in three different hospitals from Recife, Brazil. These enzymes have a great capacity for dissemination among Gram-negative bacteria and confer broad-spectrum resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics and to the carbapenems.

Chylous ascites secondary to Hodgkin's lymphoma in a HIV/aids patient: case report and literature review

Study design: case report. Case report: Man, 42 years old, diagnosed with aids two years ago, had developed enlarging in abdominal volume six months from admission. Computed tomography imaging showed free liquid in peritoneal cavity and increased retroperitoneal and mesenteric lymph nodes, besides splenomegaly. Ascitic fluid had milky appearance and high triglycerides levels. Hodgkin's lymphoma (mixed cellularity) was confirmed by histopathological analysis of a video-laparoscopic lymph node biopsy, Ann Arbor IIIS staging. Chemotherapy and continuation of highly active antiretroviral therapy resulted in weight gain and reduction of abdominal volume. Chylous ascites is a rare condition, which has a vast differential diagnosis. Discussion: In our review, the majority (15/18, 83%) of chylous ascites in HIV/aids-patients are due to infectious causes (mainly Mycobacterium avium complex and tuberculosis infection), in highly immunocompromised patients (mean TCD4=87cell/mL). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of chylous ascites secondary to Hodgkin's lymphoma in a patient with aids. (AU)

Tipo de estudo: relato de caso. Relato de caso: Homem, 42 anos, diagnosticado com aids há dois anos, desenvolveu aumento de volume abdominal há seis meses da admissão. Tomografia computadorizada mostrou líquido livre na cavidade peritoneal, além de linfonodos mesentéricos e esplenomegalia. O líquido ascítico tinha aspecto leitoso e alto nível de triglicerídeos. Após amplo diagnóstico diferencial, diagnosticamos linfoma de Hodgkin tipo celularidade mista por biópsia linfonodal via videolaparoscópica, Ann Arbor IIIS. Quimioterapia e continuação da terapia antirretroviral de alta potência resultaram em ganho de peso e redução do volume abdominal. Ascite quilosa é uma entidade rara, que possui vários diagnósticos diferenciais. Discussão: Em nossa revisão, a maioria (15/18, 83%) dos casos de ascite quilosa em paciente com HIV/aids deveu-se a causa infecciosa (especialmente pelo Mycobacterium avium complex e tuberculose), em pacientes gravemente imunocomprometidos (linfócitos T-CD4 médio=84células/mm3). Até onde sabemos, este é o primeiro caso de ascite quilosa secundária a linfoma de Hodgkin em paciente com aids. (AU)

Clinical and laboratory characteristics, staging, and outcomes of individuals with AIDS-associated Kaposi's sarcoma at an university hospital.

BACKGROUND:: Kaposi's sarcoma continues to be the most common human immunodeficiency virus - associated neoplasm with considerable morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVE:: To describe the clinical and laboratory characteristics, initial staging, and outcomes of aids patients with Kaposi's sarcoma at an university hospital of Recife, Pernambuco. METHODS:: This is a descriptive study with analytic character, retrospective, of a case series between 2004 and 2014. RESULTS:: Of the 22 patients included in the study, 20 were aged <40 years (72.7%). The majority had CD4+ T lymphocyte counts of <200 cells/mm3 (77.3%) and human immunodeficiency virus loads of <100,000 copies/mL (78.9%). Lesions were most commonly observed on the skin (90%), and internal organs were affected in 11 of the 22 patients. Only 7 (31.8%) of the 22 patients were undergoing antiretroviral therapy (ART) at the time of Kaposis sarcoma diagnosis, and the initial disease staging classification was high risk (Aids Clinical Trials Group Oncology Committee) in 19 of the 22 patients (86.4%). Regarding Kaposi's sarcoma treatment, 17 of 22 patients (77.3%) underwent systemic chemotherapy + ART and 5 were treated exclusively with ART. Eight of the 22 patients died (36.5%); of these, 87.5% had died within one year of Kaposi's sarcoma diagnosis. LIMITATION OF THE STUDY:: Without a control group, this study cannot be used to generate hypotheses. CONCLUSIONS:: Despite the association between aids and late Kaposi's sarcoma diagnosis in the study population, including an unfavorable risk at the time of staging, a lower mortality rate was observed relative to other studies; this might be related to access to a specialized health service.

Clinical and laboratory characteristics, staging, and outcomes of individuals with AIDS-associated Kaposi's sarcoma at an university hospital

Abstract: Background: Kaposi's sarcoma continues to be the most common human immunodeficiency virus - associated neoplasm with considerable morbidity and mortality. Objective: To describe the clinical and laboratory characteristics, initial staging, and outcomes of aids patients with Kaposi's sarcoma at an university hospital of Recife, Pernambuco. Methods: This is a descriptive study with analytic character, retrospective, of a case series between 2004 and 2014. Results: Of the 22 patients included in the study, 20 were aged <40 years (72.7%). The majority had CD4+ T lymphocyte counts of <200 cells/mm3 (77.3%) and human immunodeficiency virus loads of <100,000 copies/mL (78.9%). Lesions were most commonly observed on the skin (90%), and internal organs were affected in 11 of the 22 patients. Only 7 (31.8%) of the 22 patients were undergoing antiretroviral therapy (ART) at the time of Kaposis sarcoma diagnosis, and the initial disease staging classification was high risk (Aids Clinical Trials Group Oncology Committee) in 19 of the 22 patients (86.4%). Regarding Kaposi's sarcoma treatment, 17 of 22 patients (77.3%) underwent systemic chemotherapy + ART and 5 were treated exclusively with ART. Eight of the 22 patients died (36.5%); of these, 87.5% had died within one year of Kaposi's sarcoma diagnosis. Limitation of the study: Without a control group, this study cannot be used to generate hypotheses. Conclusions: Despite the association between aids and late Kaposi's sarcoma diagnosis in the study population, including an unfavorable risk at the time of staging, a lower mortality rate was observed relative to other studies; this might be related to access to a specialized health service.

Detection of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa harboring bla GES-1 and bla GES-11 in Recife, Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an important pathogen globally, presents several resistance mechanisms. This study aimed to investigate the presence of bla GES in clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa obtained from various clinical specimens from patients admitted to three different hospitals in Recife, Brazil. The Guiana extended spectrum beta-lactamase (GES) enzymes are responsible for conferring broad spectrum resistance to beta-lactam drugs, including the carbapenems. METHODS: A total of 100 carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa isolates underwent polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing to identify bla GES, bla KPC, bla SPM-1, bla IMP, and bla VIM. Additionally, PCR products positive for bla GES were sequenced. The clonal profiles of these same isolates were then determined by means of enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC)-PCR analysis. RESULTS: PCR analysis revealed that four isolates harbored bla GES; DNA sequencing showed that two harbored bla GES-1 and two bla GES-11. Beta-lactamase genes bla SPM-1, bla IMP, bla VIM, and bla KPC were investigated; none of these genes was detected. Automated susceptibility testing methods (Vitek®2, bioMérieux) showed that the bla GES-1-positive isolates were only susceptible to polymyxin B. The patterns obtained with ERIC-PCR methods showed clonal relationship between the two isolates that harbored bla GES-11, whereas different clonal profiles were found in the isolates harboring bla GES-1. CONCLUSIONS: We detected the presence of bacterial isolates positive for two different variants of the enzyme GES in three different hospitals from Recife, Brazil. These enzymes have a great capacity for dissemination among Gram-negative bacteria and confer broad-spectrum resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics and to the carbapenems.

Serviço de referência nacional em filarioses: acreditação e garantia da qualidade / National centre of lymphatic filariasis: accreditation and quality assurance

O Serviço de Referência Nacional em Filarioses (SRNF) do Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães, Fiocruz, desenvolve atividades multi e interdisciplinares no controle e eliminação da filariose bancroftiana. A fim de melhorar a qualidade dos serviços oferecidos e a segurança do paciente, foi implantado um sistema de qualidade baseado nos padrões de qualidade propostos pela Joint Commission International (JCI). Esta nota tem como objetivo descrever a implantação do programa de cuidados ambulatoriais na referida unidade para outorga da certificação. O processo foi iniciado com um estudo minucioso do Manual de Cuidados Ambulatoriais, realizando-se, em seguida, a elaboração da documentação pertinente, a conscientização e capacitação dos recursos humanos, a adequação física das instalações e, posteriormente, a avaliação externa pela equipe de auditores do JCI. A instituição do novo sistema de qualidade evidenciou que o comprometimento da gestão e de toda a equipe foi, sem dúvida, o elemento mais importante para o alcance das metas e sucesso das ações. Este processo viabilizou avanços efetivos na melhoria da qualidade dos serviços prestados e da segurança do paciente, não somente no SRNF como em toda a instituição na qual ele se encontra inserido.

Perfil epidemiológico de pacientes atendidos no ambulatório do serviço de referência nacional em filarioses do Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães, Recife-PE / Epidemiological profile of patients seen at in the outpatient National Reference Service for Filariasis, of Aggeu Magalhães Research Center, Recife-PE

Este trabalho descreve o perfil epidemiológico dos pacientes atendidos no ambulatório do Serviçode Referência Nacional em Filarioses (SRNF), onde são desenvolvidas atividades clínicas,epidemiológicas e laboratoriais relacionadas à pesquisa e assistência aos pacientes acometidos porfilarioses. As informações foram obtidas de 1.109 prontuários de pacientes atendidos no período deseis anos. Do total de prontuários analisados, foi observado que 62,8 por cento dos indivíduos atendidoseram do gênero masculino e que 85,4 por cento eram residentes na Região Metropolitana do Recife (RMR).A frequência de indivíduos encaminhados ao SRNF que se apresentavam microfilarêmicos e/ouantígenos positivos para filariose bancroftiana foi de 55 por cento. Tal resultado foi considerado baixo umavez que esses indivíduos apresentavam forte indicativo clínico ou epidemiológico para infecçãofilarial. Esta informação evidencia a necessidade de um esforço maior no estabelecimento deparâmetros que determinem o fluxo de encaminhamento dos pacientes ao SRNF, de modo que seevite demanda desnecessária e sejam otimizados os recursos.

This paper describes the epidemiological profile of patients attending the outpatient clinic of theDepartment of the National Reference Service for Filariasis (SRNF), where clinical, epidemiological and laboratory activities are carried out relating to research, care, investigation and monitoring of patients suffering from filariasis. Information was obtained from the medical records of 1,109patients treated over a six year period. It was observed that most of the subjects attending came fromof the Metropolitan Region of Recife (RMR) - 85.4 per cent, –most of whom (62.8 per cent.) were male. A lowfrequency of individuals referred to SRNF showed microfilariae or antigen positivity for lymphaticfilariasis (55 per cent), although these patients represent strong evidence for clinical or epidemiologicalfilarial infection. This information makes clear the need for a greater effort to establish parameters that determine the flow of referral of patients to SRNF, avoiding unnecessary demand and allowing optimization of resources.

Case study of appatient with hiv-aids and visceal leishmaniasis co-infection iin multiple episodes / Estudo de caso de paciente com multiplos episodios da coinfeccao HIV-AIDS e leishmaniose visceral

SUMMARY Report of a 45-year-old male farmer, a resident in the forest zone of Pernambuco, who was diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in 1999 and treated using antiretroviral (ARV) drugs. In 2005, the first episode of visceral leishmaniasis (VL), as assessed by parasitological diagnosis of bone marrow aspirate, was recorded. When admitted to the hospital, the patient presented fever, hepatosplenomegaly, weight loss, and diarrhea. Since then, six additional episodes of VL occurred, with a frequency rate of one per year (2005-2012, except in 2008). In 2011, the patient presented a disseminated skin lesion caused by the amastigotes of Leishmania, as identified by histopathological assessment of skin biopsy samples. In 2005, he was treated with N-methyl-glucamine-antimony and amphotericin B deoxycholate. However, since 2006 because of a reported toxicity, the drug of choice was liposomal amphotericin B. As recommended by the Ministry of Health, this report emphasizes the need for HIV patients living in VL endemic areas to include this parasitosis in their follow-up protocol, particularly after the first infection of VL. .

RESUMO Relato de caso de paciente masculino de 45 anos, agricultor, residente na zona da mata do Estado de Pernambuco, diagnosticado com HIV em 1999 e em uso de ARV. Em 2005 foi registrada a primeira ocorrência de LV através do diagnóstico parasitológico a partir do aspirado da medula óssea. À admissão no hospital apresentava-se com febre, hepatoesplenomegalia, perda de peso e diarréia. Desde então houve a ocorrência de mais sete episódios de LV, tendo ocorrido em media, um evento a cada ano (2005-2012 exceto em 2008). O paciente apresentou, em 2011, um quadro cutâneo disseminado, sendo realizada biopsia de pele que evidenciou formas amastigotas de Leishmania no exame histopatológico. Em 2005, o tratamento foi realizado com antimoniato de N-metil-glucamina e anfotericina B desoxicolato, mas desde 2006, devido à toxicidade, o medicamento de escolha foi a anfotericina B lipossomal. Como recomendado pelo Ministério da Saúde, esse relato reforça a necessidade de que os casos de HIV residentes em área endêmica de LV deverão ter inserido em seu protocolo de acompanhamento essa parasitose, principalmente após o primeiro episódio. .

Candida famata-induced fulminating cholecystitis

Lithiasic cholecystitis is classically associated with the presence of enterobacteria, such as Escherichia coli, Enterococcus, Klebsiella, and Enterobacter, in the gallbladder. Cholecystitis associated with fungal infections is a rare event related to underlying conditions such as diabetes mellitus, steroid use, and broad-spectrum antibiotic use for prolonged periods, as well as pancreatitis and surgery of the digestive tract. Here, we present the first reported case of a gallbladder infection caused by Candida famata.