Cenário assistencial estabelecido para atenção ao idoso dependente após a alta hospitalar / Care scenario established for dependent elderly people, who were discharged from the hospital

Objetivos: descrever o cenário assistencial estabelecido para idosos dependentes de cuidados após a alta hospitalar que residem em áreas circunscritas a Unidades Básicas de Saúde com Estratégia de Saúde da Família e Serviço de Atenção Domiciliar de Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, no período de 01 de abril de 2017 à 31 de março de 2018; identificar o número de idosos dependentes de Atenção Domiciliar após a alta hospitalar em área com cobertura de enfermagem e equipe multiprofissional de atenção domiciliar. Método: Estudo quantitativo, seccional, descritivo e exploratório, em relação aos idosos cadastrados por equipes do município, que utilizou dados secundários extraídos do Sistema de Informação Hospitalar, Sistema e-SUS, Prontuários e Planilhas do Serviço de Atenção Domiciliar/Programa Melhor em Casa. Participaram do estudo, usuários do Sistema Único de Saúde, com idade igual ou superior a 60 anos, residentes em ruas adscritas a uma Unidade Básica de Saúde com Estratégia de Saúde da Família, que haviam recebido alta hospitalar no período estudado; estavam acamados, com incapacidade funcional e demandando cuidados de enfermagem nas três modalidades de Atenção Domiciliar. Os dados coletados foram organizados e analisados descritivamente, sendo apresentados na forma de tabelas, gráficos e quadros, e discutidos à luz do ideário do SUS e pesquisas publicadas sobre o tema. Resultados: mostraram que em relação a área administrativa, a região norte da cidade apresentou o maior número de idosos que internaram e tiveram alta hospitalar no período estudado. Dentre os 289 idosos cadastrados no serviço de atenção domiciliar, o maior número tinha mais de 70 anos. Destes, 36 foram admitidos por demanda espontânea, 89 encaminhados após a alta hospitalar e, a maior parte foi referenciada por Unidades Básicas de Saúde (56,7%) e 43,6% permaneceram ativos no serviço. Conclusão: existem áreas descobertas de equipes da Estratégia de Saúde da Família para atenção aos idosos após altas hospitalares. O maior número de altas hospitalares de idosos é para a comunidade e a atenção primária é o serviço que mais encaminha idosos para a Atenção Domiciliar.

Objectives: To describe the care scenario established for elderly dependent on care after hospital discharge who reside in areas circumscribed to Basic Health Units with Family Health Strategy and Home Care Service in Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, in the period from April 1, 2017, to March 31, 2018; to identify the number of elderly dependent on Home Care after hospital discharge in an area with nursing and multidisciplinary home care team coverage. Method: Quantitative, sectional, descriptive, and exploratory study that used secondary data extracted from the Hospital Information System, e-SUS System, Medical Records and Spreadsheets of the Home Care Service/Better at Home Program in relation to the elderly registered by teams in the municipality. Participants in the study were users of the Brazilian Unified Health System, aged 60 years or older, living in streets attached to a Basic Health Unit with Family Health Strategy, who had been discharged from hospital during the period studied, were bedridden, with functional disability and requiring nursing care in the three modalities of Home Care. The collected data were organized and analyzed descriptively, being presented in the form of tables, graphs and charts, being discussed in the light of the ideology of UHS and published research on the subject. Results: showed that in relation to the administrative area, the northern region of the city had the highest number of elderly who were admitted and discharged from the hospital during the period studied. Among the 289 elderly people enrolled in the home care service, the largest number who required the service was over 70 years old. Of these, 36 were admitted by spontaneous demand, 89 were referred after hospital discharge and most were referred by Unidades Básicas de Saúde (56.7%) and 43.6% remained active in the service. Conclusion: in some areas, there are no Family Health Strategy teams available to elderly's care following hospital discharge. The elderly's hospital discharges largest number is addressed to the community, and the primary health care service is the one that refers the elderly to Home Care more frequently.

Evaluation of the Anti-Histoplasma capsulatum Activity of Indole and Nitrofuran Derivatives and Their Pharmacological Safety in Three-Dimensional Cell Cultures.

Histoplasma capsulatum is a fungus that causes histoplasmosis. The increased evolution of microbial resistance and the adverse effects of current antifungals help new drugs to emerge. In this work, fifty-four nitrofurans and indoles were tested against the H. capsulatum EH-315 strain. Compounds with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC90) equal to or lower than 7.81 µg/mL were selected to evaluate their MIC90 on ATCC G217-B strain and their minimum fungicide concentration (MFC) on both strains. The quantification of membrane ergosterol, cell wall integrity, the production of reactive oxygen species, and the induction of death by necrosis-apoptosis was performed to investigate the mechanism of action of compounds 7, 11, and 32. These compounds could reduce the extracted sterol and induce necrotic cell death, similarly to itraconazole. Moreover, 7 and 11 damaged the cell wall, causing flaws in the contour (11), or changing the size and shape of the fungal cell wall (7). Furthermore, 7 and 32 induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation higher than 11 and control. Finally, the cytotoxicity was measured in two models of cell culture, i.e., monolayers (cells are flat) and a three-dimensional (3D) model, where they present a spheroidal conformation. Cytotoxicity assays in the 3D model showed a lower toxicity in the compounds than those performed on cell monolayers. Overall, these results suggest that derivatives of nitrofurans and indoles are promising compounds for the treatment of histoplasmosis.

Induction therapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia: incidence and risk factors for bloodstream infections.

Among the treatment-related acute toxic effects, risks for bloodstream infections (BSIs) are associated with several variables. The authors carried out a retrospective cohort study with 259 children and adolescents with ALL, treated with the GBTLI-LLA 2009 protocol, in order to assess the incidence of BSIs in the induction phase; to determine the risk factors for these BSIs; and to identify the related microorganisms and sensitivity profile of the microorganisms related to these infections. BSIs were documented in 19.3% of patients. The isolated microorganisms were 39 Gram-negative bacteria, 21 Gram-positive bacteria, and four fungi. There was a statistically significant risk of BSI between the variables: protocol for T-line-derived leukemia (Derived T Protocol) (p = 0.020), oral manifestations (p = 0.015), central venous catheter (p = 0.008), and bladder catheter (p = 0.004). BSI is a frequent event in ALL patients during the induction phase. The identification of these factors can allow the elaboration and improvement of strategies for the intensification of supportive care, prevention, and rapid treatment of infections.

Management of home care by family caregivers to elderly after hospital discharge.

OBJECTIVE: To understand the management of home care by family caregivers of dependent elderly people after hospital discharge. METHODS: Qualitative research guided by hermeneutics-dialectic, anchored in the theory of communicative action. Data collection took place using a semi-structured interview with 11 participants. RESULTS: Two categories were constructed: Management of the many types of care by the caregiver and the relationship between family caregiver and health care network. Care and management actions carried out routinely cause major changes in the family caregiver's life. He/she does not recognize planning, home care periodicity or support in required procedures. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: The management of home care for dependent elderly people after hospital discharge is complex, involving physical and emotional overloads, as well as difficulties in getting support from health services. The planning shared between the health team and the family since the discharge is required, and the better visibility of the role of primary care when the patient is assisted by a home care service.

Biofilm Formation by Histoplasma capsulatum in Different Culture Media and Oxygen Atmospheres.

Histoplasma capsulatum is a dimorphic fungus that causes an important systemic mycosis called histoplasmosis. It is an infectious disease with high prevalence and morbidity that affects the general population. Recently, the ability of these fungi to form biofilms, a phenotype that can induce resistance and enhance virulence, has been described. Despite some efforts, data regarding the impact of nutrients and culture media that affect the H. capsulatum biofilm development in vitro are not yet available. This work aimed to study H. capsulatum biofilms, by checking the influence of different culture media and oxygen atmospheres in the development of these communities. The biofilm formation by two strains (EH-315 and G186A) was characterized under different culture media: [Brain and Heart Infusion (BHI), Roswell Park Memorial Institute (RPMI) with 2% glucose, Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium (DMEM) supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum and nutrient medium HAM-F12 (HAM-F12) supplemented with glucose (18.2 g/L), glutamic acid (1 g/L), HEPES (6 g/L) and L-cysteine (8.4 mg/L)] and oxygen atmospheres (aerobiosis and microaerophilia), using the XTT reduction assay to quantify metabolic activities, crystal violet staining for biomass, safranin staining for the quantification of polysaccharide material and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for the observation of topographies. Results indicated that although all culture mediums have stimulated the maturation of the communities, HAM-F12 provided the best development of biomass and polysaccharide material when compared to others. Regarding the oxygen atmospheres, both stimulated an excellent development of the communities, however in low oxygen conditions an exuberant amount of extracellular matrix was observed when compared to biofilms formed in aerobiosis, mainly in the HAM-F12 media. SEM images showed yeasts embedded by an extracellular matrix in several points, corroborating the colorimetric assays. However, biofilms formed in BHI, RPMI, and DMEM significantly induced yeast to hyphae reversal, requiring further investigation. The results obtained so far contribute to in vitro study of biofilms formed by these fungi and show that nutrition promoted by different media modifies the development of these communities. These data represent advances in the field of biofilms and contribute to future studies that can prove the role of these communities in the fungi-host interaction.

Management of home care by family caregivers to elderly after hospital discharge / Gestión del cuidado domiciliario por parte de cuidadores familiares de ancianos luego del alta hospitalaria / Gestão do cuidado domiciliar por cuidadores familiares de idosos após a alta hospitalar

ABSTRACT Objective: To understand the management of home care by family caregivers of dependent elderly people after hospital discharge. Methods: Qualitative research guided by hermeneutics-dialectic, anchored in the theory of communicative action. Data collection took place using a semi-structured interview with 11 participants. Results: Two categories were constructed: Management of the many types of care by the caregiver and the relationship between family caregiver and health care network. Care and management actions carried out routinely cause major changes in the family caregiver's life. He/she does not recognize planning, home care periodicity or support in required procedures. Final Considerations: The management of home care for dependent elderly people after hospital discharge is complex, involving physical and emotional overloads, as well as difficulties in getting support from health services. The planning shared between the health team and the family since the discharge is required, and the better visibility of the role of primary care when the patient is assisted by a home care service.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Comprender la gestión del cuidado domiciliario de cuidadores familiares de ancianos dependientes luego del alta hospitalaria. Métodos: Investigación cualitativa orientada por la hermenéutica-dialéctica, apoyada en teoría de la acción comunicativa. Datos recolectados mediante entrevista semiestructurada, con 11 participantes. Resultados: Elaboradas dos categorías: Gerenciamiento de múltiples cuidados del cuidador y Relación entre cuidador familiar y red de atención de salud. Las acciones asistenciales y de gestión rutinarias provocan cambios significativos en la vida del cuidador familiar, que no percibe planificación, periodicidad de atención domiciliaria ni apoyo para procedimientos necesarios. Consideraciones finales: La gestión del cuidado domiciliario de ancianos dependientes luego del alta hospitalaria es compleja, involucrando sobrecargas física, emocional y dificultad para obtener apoyo de los servicios de salud. Requiere planificación compartida entre equipo de salud y familia desde el alta, y mayor visibilidad del papel de la atención primaria cuando el paciente es atendido por servicios de atención domiciliaria.

RESUMO Objetivo: Compreender a gestão do cuidado domiciliar por cuidadores familiares de idosos dependentes após a alta hospitalar. Métodos: Investigação qualitativa orientada pela hermenêutica-dialética, ancorada na teoria da ação comunicativa. Dados coletados por entrevista semiestruturada com 11 participantes. Resultados: Construíram-se duas categorias: Gerência da multiplicidade de cuidados pelo cuidador e Relação entre cuidador familiar e rede de atenção à saúde. Ações assistenciais e gerenciais realizadas rotineiramente provocam mudanças significativas na vida do cuidador familiar. Este não percebe planejamento, periodicidade de assistência domiciliar nem apoio em procedimentos requeridos. Considerações Finais: A gestão do cuidado domiciliar de idosos dependentes após a alta hospitalar é complexa, envolvendo sobrecargas física e emocional, bem como dificuldades em obter o apoio dos serviços de saúde. Requer o planejamento compartilhado entre equipe de saúde e família desde a alta e melhor visibilidade do papel da atenção primária quando o paciente é atendido por serviço de atenção domiciliar.

Down-regulation of TUFM impairs host cell interaction and virulence by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis.

The genus Paracoccidioides consist of dimorphic fungi geographically limited to the subtropical regions of Latin America, which are responsible for causing deep systemic mycosis in humans. However, the molecular mechanisms by which Paracoccidioides spp. causes the disease remain poorly understood. Paracoccidioides spp. harbor genes that encode proteins involved in host cell interaction and mitochondrial function, which together are required for pathogenicity and mediate virulence. Previously, we identified TufM (previously known as EF-Tu) in Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (PbTufM) and suggested that it may be involved in the pathogenicity of this fungus. In this study, we examined the effects of downregulating PbTUFM using a silenced strain with a 55% reduction in PbTUFM expression obtained by antisense-RNA (aRNA) technology. Silencing PbTUFM yielded phenotypic differences, such as altered translation elongation, respiratory defects, increased sensitivity of yeast cells to reactive oxygen stress, survival after macrophage phagocytosis, and reduced interaction with pneumocytes. These results were associated with reduced virulence in Galleria mellonella and murine infection models, emphasizing the importance of PbTufM in the full virulence of P. brasiliensis and its potential as a target for antifungal agents against paracoccidioidomycosis.

Low Bioavailability and High Immunogenicity of a New Brand of E. colil-Asparaginase with Active Host Contaminating Proteins.

The drug l-asparaginase is a cornerstone in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The native E. colil-asparaginase used in Brazil until recently has been manufactured by Medac/Kyowa. Then a decision was taken by the Ministry of Health in 2017 to supply the National Health System with a cheaper alternative l-asparaginase manufactured by Beijing SL Pharmaceutical, called Leuginase®. As opposed to Medac, the asparaginase that has been in use in Brazil under the trade name of Aginasa®, it was not possible to find a single entry with the terms Leuginase in the Pubmed repository. The apparent lack of clinical studies and the scarcity of safety information provided to the hospitals by the drug distributor created a debate among Brazilian pediatric oncologists about issues of safety and efficacy that culminated eventually in a court decision to halt the distribution of the new drug all over the country. Boldrini Children's Center, a non-profit pediatric oncohematology hospital, has conducted its own evaluation of Leuginase®. Mass spectrometry analyses found at least 12 different contaminating host-cell proteins (HCP) in Leuginase®. The presence of two HCP (beta-lactamase and malate dehydrogenase) was confirmed by orthogonal methodologies. The relative number of HCP peptides ranged from 19 to 37% of the total peptides identified by mass spectrometry. In vivo studies in mice injected with Leuginase® revealed a 3 times lower plasma bioavailability and the development of higher antibody titres against l-asparaginase in comparison to Aginasa®-injected animals. The decision to buy a new drug based on its price alone is not safe. Developing countries are especially vulnerable to cheaper alternatives that lack solid quality assurance.

Anti-apoptotic effects of decyl gallate on the induction of apoptosis in A549 pneumocytes by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis gp43.

Apoptosis is considered an escape mechanism from the host immune system for the fungus Paracoccidioides spp, and it serves as a vehicle for entry into macrophages without stimulating microbicidal activities. Recently, gp43 of P. brasiliensis was demonstrated to be involved in this process. Therefore, as a new therapeutic alternative, it is very important to study compounds that could reduce the modulation of the induction of apoptosis caused by this fungus. Decyl gallate (G14) is a known antifungal compound, and we decided to investigate its anti-apoptotic properties. Our results demonstrate that G14 was effective against apoptosis induced by gp43, as observed in epithelial cells, and led to a reduction in DNA damage, Bak down-regulation and Bcl-2 up-regulation. Together, these data show that G14 presents promising anti-apoptotic activity.

Identification and characterisation of elongation factor Tu, a novel protein involved in Paracoccidioides brasiliensis-host interaction.

Paracoccidioides spp., which are temperature-dependent dimorphic fungi, are responsible for the most prevalent human systemic mycosis in Latin America, the paracoccidioidomycosis. The aim of this study was to characterise the involvement of elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu) in Paracoccidioides brasiliensis-host interaction. Adhesive properties were examined using recombinant PbEF-Tu proteins and the respective polyclonal anti-rPbEF-Tu antibody. Immunogold analysis demonstrated the surface location of EF-Tu in P. brasiliensis. Moreover, PbEF-Tu was found to bind to fibronectin and plasminogen by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and it was determined that the binding to plasminogen is at least partly dependent on lysine residues and ionic interactions. To verify the participation of EF-Tu in the interaction of P. brasiliensis with pneumocytes, we blocked the respective protein with an anti-rPbEF-Tu antibody and evaluated the consequences on the interaction index by flow cytometry. During the interaction, we observed a decrease of 2- and 3-fold at 8 and 24 h, respectively, suggesting the contribution of EF-Tu in fungal adhesion/invasion.

Comparison of virulence between Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and Paracoccidioides lutzii using Galleria mellonella as a host model.

Paracoccidioidomycosis is a systemic mycosis, endemic in Latin America. The etiologic agents of this mycosis are composed of 2 species: Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and P. lutzii. Murine animal models are the gold standard for in vivo studies; however, ethical, economical and logistical considerations limit their use. Galleria mellonella is a suitable model for in vivo studies of fungal infections. In this study, we compared the virulence of P. brasiliensis and P. lutzii in G. mellonella model. The deaths of larvae infected with P. brasiliensis or P. lutzii were similar, and both species were able to reduce the number of hemocytes, which were estimated by microscopy and flow cytometer. Additionally, the phagocytosis percentage was similar for both species, but when we analyze hemocyte-Paracoccidioides spp. interaction using flow cytometer, P. lutzii showed higher interactions with hemocytes. The gene expression of gp43 as well as this protein was higher for P. lutzii, and this expression may contribute to a greater adherence to hemocytes. These results helped us evaluate the behavior of Paracoccidioides spp in G. mellonella, which is a convenient model for investigating the host-Paracoccidioides spp. interaction.

Alterations of protein expression in conditions of copper-deprivation for Paracoccidioides lutzii in the presence of extracellular matrix components.

BACKGROUND: Paracoccidioides spp is a fungi genus and the agent of paracoccidioidomycosis. The strategies of infection used by these pathogens involve the expression of proteins related to adaptation to the host, particularly regarding the uptake of micronutrients. This study analyzed the adhesion of Paracoccidioides lutzii during conditions of copper (Cu) and iron (Fe) deprivation, while also evaluating the proteins expressed in conditions of Cu depletion in the presence of four extracellular matrix (ECM) components (laminin, fibronectin and types I and IV collagen). RESULTS: We cultured the P. lutzii in a chemically defined media without Cu and Fe. The fungus was then placed in contact with different ECM components and adhesion was evaluated. A significant increase in binding to all ECM components was observed when the fungus was cultured without Cu; which might be related to some adhesins expression. A proteomic assay was developed and revealed 39 proteins expressed that are involved in processes such as virulence, protein synthesis, metabolism, energy, transcription, transport, stress response and the cell cycle when the fungus was interacting with the ECM components. The up-regulated expression of two important adhesins, enolase and 14-3-3, was observed at the fungal cell wall during the interaction with the ECM components, indicating the role of these proteins in the Paracoccidioides-host interaction. CONCLUSIONS: This study is important for determining prospective proteins that may be involved in the interaction of Paracoccidioides with a host. Understanding the adaptive response to different growth conditions, elucidating the processes of adhesion and cell invasion, and identifying the proteins that are differentially expressed during the fungus-host interaction may help elucidate mechanisms used for survival and growth of Paracoccidioides in various human tissues.

Correlação entre densidade populacional de nematoides e produtividade de algodoeiro / Correlation between density population of nematodes and productivity of cotton

O sistema de produção do algodoeiro em Mato Grosso tem tido sua produtividade reduzida e seus custos de produção aumentados em função da presença dos nematoides. Entre os nematoides associados à cultura, estão Pratylenchus brachyurus, Meloidogyne incognita e Rotylenchulus reniformis, podendo ocorrer isoladamente ou de forma simultânea. Este trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar efeitos de diferentes densidades populacionais de nematoides em duas cultivares de algodoeiro (FMT 701 e IMACD 6001LL). A presença simultânea dos referidos nematoides contribuíram para a redução da produtividade. Comparando a produção nessas áreas foi possível observar perdas em média, 23,1% e 35% no rendimento de algodão em caroço para as cultivares IMACD 6001 LL e FMT 701, respectivamente, em áreas infestadas.

The cotton crop is of great commercial value, main for its fiber and are adding each year the area under cultivation in the state of Mato Grosso, thus increasing its importance to the State. The system of cotton production in Mato Grosso has had its productivity and reduced production costs increased due to the presence of nematodes. Among the nematodes associated to the culture are Pratylenchus brachyurus, Meloidogyne incognita and Rotylenchulus reniformis, which may occur alone or in combination with one or more nematodes. This study aimed to evaluate effects of different population densities of nematodes in two varieties of cotton (FMT 701 and IMACD 6001LL). The simultaneous occurrence of Pratylenchus brachyurus, Meloidogyne incognita and Rotylenchulus reniformis, contributed to reduced productivity and increased costs. Comparing the production in these areas was possible to observe losses on average, 23.1% and 35% in seed cotton yield, for cultivars IMACD 6001 LL and FMT 701, respectively, in infested areas

Paracoccidoides brasiliensis 30 kDa adhesin: identification as a 14-3-3 protein, cloning and subcellular localization in infection models.

Paracoccidoides brasiliensis adhesion to lung epithelial cells is considered an essential event for the establishment of infection and different proteins participate in this process. One of these proteins is a 30 kDa adhesin, pI 4.9 that was described as a laminin ligand in previous studies, and it was more highly expressed in more virulent P. brasiliensis isolates. This protein may contribute to the virulence of this important fungal pathogen. Using Edman degradation and mass spectrometry analysis, this 30 kDa adhesin was identified as a 14-3-3 protein. These proteins are a conserved group of small acidic proteins involved in a variety of processes in eukaryotic organisms. However, the exact function of these proteins in some processes remains unknown. Thus, the goal of the present study was to characterize the role of this protein during the interaction between the fungus and its host. To achieve this goal, we cloned, expressed the 14-3-3 protein in a heterologous system and determined its subcellular localization in in vitro and in vivo infection models. Immunocytochemical analysis revealed the ubiquitous distribution of this protein in the yeast form of P. brasiliensis, with some concentration in the cytoplasm. Additionally, this 14-3-3 protein was also present in P. brasiliensis cells at the sites of infection in C57BL/6 mice intratracheally infected with P. brasiliensis yeast cells for 72 h (acute infections) and 30 days (chronic infection). An apparent increase in the levels of the 14-3-3 protein in the cell wall of the fungus was also noted during the interaction between P. brasiliensis and A549 cells, suggesting that this protein may be involved in host-parasite interactions, since inhibition assays with the protein and this antibody decreased P. brasiliensis adhesion to A549 epithelial cells. Our data may lead to a better understanding of P. brasiliensis interactions with host tissues and paracoccidioidomycosis pathogenesis.

Surface-expressed enolase contributes to the adhesion of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis to host cells.

Paracoccidioidomycosis is a systemic mycosis caused by the dimorphic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. Understanding the interactions between P. brasiliensis and the host tissue depends on the study of the different steps of the process of colonization, especially adhesion, in which the pathogen recognizes ligands on the surface of host cells. This study aimed to verify the role of enolase in the host cell-fungus interaction and the ability of enolase to bind to extracellular matrix components, to determine its subcellular localization, and to study the P. brasiliensis enolase amino acid sequence. The data revealed that fibronectin is the major ligand of enolase. Evaluation of the location of enolase at an ultrastructural level revealed that it is distributed in various cellular compartments, but at a high level in the cell wall. The analysis of the amino acid sequence revealed an internal plasminogen-binding motif ((254)FYKADEKKY(262)), which is conserved in most organisms and described as an important interaction site of the enolase with the host cell surface. This suggests that enolase performs additional functions related to the glycolytic pathway and also plays a role of adhesion in P. brasiliensis. Therefore, this study increases the knowledge about the characteristics of enolase and its influence on the binding process of P. brasiliensis.

[Monitoring of airborne fungus and yeast species in a hospital unit]. / Monitoramento de fungos anemófilos e de leveduras em unidade hospitalar.

OBJECTIVE: To monitor and characterize airborne filamentous fungi and yeasts from abiotic and biotic sources within a hospital unit. METHODS: Collections were carried out on a monthly basis, at two different time periods, from the adult and pediatric intensive care units and surgical center of a hospital in Araraquara, Southeastern Brazil. Collection of airborne fungi was carried out using a simple-stage Andersen sample. The presence of yeasts was investigated in samples taken from the hands and oropharynx of staff members as well as from the surface of beds and doorknobs inside the critical areas. RESULTS: Thirty-two genera of airborne fungi and were recovered from the surgical center and 31 from the intensive care units. Genera most frequently isolated were Cladophialophora spp., Fusarium spp., Penicillium spp., Chrysosporium spp. e Aspergillus spp. During the study period, a new unit was built in the hospital, which coincided with an increase in Cladophialophora spp., Aspergillus spp., and Fusarium spp. colony counts. Yeasts were found in 39.4% of samples obtained from healthcare staff (16.7% from interdigital spaces, 12.1% from nailbeds, and 10.6% from oropharynx) and in 44% of furniture samples, with a predominance of the Candida genus ((C. albicans, C. guilliermondii, C. parapsilosis e C. lusitaniae), followed by Trichosporon spp. CONCLUSIONS: We found a relatively high number of airborne fungi (potentially pathological) in special areas and expressive levels of yeasts in both biotic and abiotic samples. Microbiological and environmental monitoring should be conducted, especially in special areas which include immunocompromised patients, who are more susceptible to the exposure to environmental and staff-derived pathogens.

Monitoramento de fungos anemófilos e de leveduras em unidade hospitalar / Monitoring of airborne fungus and yeast species in a hospital unit

OBJETIVO: Monitorar e caracterizar fungos anemófilos e leveduras de fontes bióticas e abióticas de uma unidade hospitalar. MÉTODOS: As coletas foram realizadas mensalmente e em dois períodos, do centro cirúrgico e unidades de terapia intensiva adulto e neonatal em hospital de Araraquara, Estado de São Paulo. Para coleta de fungos anemófilos foi utilizado amostrador tipo Andersen de simples estágio. A pesquisa de leveduras foi feita das mãos e de orofaringe de profissionais de saúde, bem como de superfícies de leitos e de maçanetas das áreas críticas. RESULTADOS: Foram recuperados do centro cirúrgico 32 gêneros de fungos anemófilos e 31 das unidades de terapia intensiva. Os gêneros mais freqüentemente isolados foram Cladophialophora spp., Fusarium spp., Penicillium spp., Chrysosporium spp. e Aspergillus spp. Durante o período de estudo, houve reforma e implantação de uma unidade dentro do hospital, que coincidiu com o aumento na contagem de colônias de Cladophialophora spp., Aspergillus spp. e Fusarium spp. Leveduras foram encontradas em 39,4 por cento dos profissionais de saúde (16,7 por cento das amostras dos espaços interdigitais, 12,1 por cento do leito subungueal e 10,6 por cento da orofaringe) e, em 44 por cento das amostras do mobiliário, com predomínio do gênero Candida (C. albicans, C. guilliermondii, C. parapsilosis e C. lusitaniae) seguido por Trichosporon spp. CONCLUSÕES: Observou-se número relativamente elevado de fungos anemófilos (potencialmente patogênicos) em áreas especiais e níveis expressivos de leveduras em fontes bióticas e abióticas. O monitoramento microbiológico ambiental deve ser realizado, principalmente em salas especiais com pacientes imunocomprometidos, sujeitos à exposição de patógenos do meio ambiente, assim como, advindos de profissionais de saúde.