Study of Health in Pomerode (SHIP-Brazil): aims, methodological issues and descriptive results / Estudo Vida e Saúde em Pomerode (SHIP-Brazil): objetivos, aspectos metodológicos e resultados descritivos

Background Few studies compared populations with similar genetic and culture background on different continents with standardized methods. Objective To describe methodological issues of the Study of Health in Pomerode - SHIP-Brazil and some characteristics of the participants of the baseline examination. Design and Setting Prospective, population-based cohort study of a representative sample of residents (aged 20 to 79 years) of Pomerode, Santa Catarina, Brazil. Methods Data for the baseline survey (from 2014 to 2018) were collected through interviews and medical examinations, including socio-demographic and lifestyle information, clinical and subclinical conditions, oral and mental health, among others. Biosamples (blood, urine, stool, and saliva) were collected and stored. Methods of data collection and quality control are described. Preliminary descriptive statistics were performed. Results The response rate was 67.6% (n=2,488 individuals). The Kappa test-retest of some variables varied from 0.54 to 1.0. German culture participants are older (46.5 vs 38.7 years), self-declared white (97.3% vs 82.1%), more frequently never smokers (71.4% vs 66.9%) but had higher risk of consuming alcohol (16.9% vs 13.4%) compared to participants with non-German background. Germans were taller (169 cm vs 166 cm), had greater abdominal circumference among men (101.9 cm vs 97.3 cm). Furthermore, they reported more multimorbidity (56.7% vs 43.6%) , had more arterial hypertension (30.7% vs 18.5%), but less depression (15.4% vs 19,1%) than non-Germans. Conclusions The interaction of genetic and social/environmental issues should be examined to understand the role of risk factors on clinical conditions observed.

Introdução Poucos estudos compararam populações com histórico genético e cultural semelhante em diferentes continentes com métodos padronizados. Objetivos Descrever questões metodológicas do estudo de "Vida e Saúde em Pomerode - SHIP-Brazil" e algumas características dos participantes do exame inicial do estudo. Desenho de estudo e local Estudo de coorte prospectivo de base populacional em amostra representativa de moradores (20 a 79 anos) de Pomerode, Santa Catarina. Métodos As informações para a linha de base (de 2014 a 2018) foram coletadas por meio de entrevistas e exames médicos, incluindo dados sociodemográficos, de estilo de vida, condições clínicas e subclínicas, saúde bucal e mental, entre outros. Amostras biológicas (sangue, urina, fezes e saliva) foram coletadas e armazenadas. A coleta de dados e o controle de qualidade foram descritos. Foram realizadas análises descritivas preliminares. Resultados A taxa de resposta foi de 67,6% (n=2.488 indivíduos). O Kappa teste-reteste de algumas variáveis variou  de 0,54 a 1,0. Os participantes de cultura alemã são mais velhos (46,5 vs 38,7 anos ), autodeclarados brancos (97,3% vs 82,1%), com menor número de fumantes (71,4% vs 66,9%), mas tiveram maior risco de consumir álcool (16,9% vs 13,4%), eram mais altos (169 cm vs 166 cm), tinham maior circunferência abdominal entre os homens (101,9 cm vs 97,3 cm) em comparação com participantes "não-alemães". Pessoas de cultura alemã relataram mais multimorbidade (56,7% vs 43,6%), apresentavam mais hipertensão arterial (30,7% vs 18,5%), mas menos depressão (15,4% vs 19,1%). Conclusões A interação genética e social/ambiental devem ser examinadas para melhor entender o papel desses fatores de risco nas condições clínicas observadas.

Anti-Hepatitis B Antibody Levels In Immunized Medical Students: Are They At Risk?

INTRODUCTION: Medical students have an occupational risk for hepatitis B (HB). This study sought to determine anti-HBs and anti-HBc IgG levels in vaccinated students, check their seroconversion, and correlate this with vaccination. METHODS: One hundred and forty-three students' blood samples and their vaccination schedules were analyzed. RESULTS: 65.7% were positive for anti-HBs; however, anti-HBs was absent in 34.3%. Only two samples were positive for anti-HBc IgG. CONCLUSIONS: More than 30% of students did not have minimum protective levels. Comparing HBV vaccination and anti-HBs reactivity, the majority of reactive individuals received their last dose within the past 16 years.

Anti-hepatitis B antibody levels In immunized medical students: are they at risk?

Abstract INTRODUCTION Medical students have an occupational risk for hepatitis B (HB). This study sought to determine anti-HBs and anti-HBc IgG levels in vaccinated students, check their seroconversion, and correlate this with vaccination. METHODS One hundred and forty-three students' blood samples and their vaccination schedules were analyzed. RESULTS: 65.7% were positive for anti-HBs; however, anti-HBs was absent in 34.3%. Only two samples were positive for anti-HBc IgG. CONCLUSIONS More than 30% of students did not have minimum protective levels. Comparing HBV vaccination and anti-HBs reactivity, the majority of reactive individuals received their last dose within the past 16 years.

Avaliação da qualidade e da estabilidade de amostras de soro humano para análise e armazenamento em biorrepositório / Evaluation of the quality and the stability of human samples for analysis and storage in biorepository

Objetivo: O Estudo das Condições de Vida e Saúde de Pomerode, SC (SHIP-Brasil), conduzido pela Universidade Regional de Blumenau, visa estratificar os fatores de risco e genéticos eventualmente existentes na gênese das mais variadas doenças. Para tal são necessários exames laboratoriais, antropométricos, genéticos e de imagem para a definição das mesmas e o acompanhamento de sua evolução. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a qualidade das amostras armazenadas no biorrepositório do estudo, que podem ser utilizadas para pesquisas de biomarcadores no futuro. Métodos: Foram avaliadas amostras de soro em jejum de 56 voluntários. Os analitos estudados foram glicose, colesterol total, creatinina e transaminase glutâmico-pirúvica (ALT), após 1, 2 e 3 anos de armazenamento a -80ºC. Os resultados foram analisados com o Teste t de Student e de acordo com o Erro Permitido Máximo para cada analito. Resultados: Não encontramos evidências de que as amostras do Estudo SHIP-Brasil possam perder a sua qualidade após serem armazenadas por longos períodos. Conclusão: Os Procedimentos Operacionais Padrão (POPs) estabelecidos estão adequados para o processamento e preservação das amostras.

High prevalence of HBV carriers among waste collectors in the largest landfill in Latin America

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a serious public health problem. Some professions are at an increased risk for HBV infection, such as recyclable waste collectors. In this study, the aim was to evaluate the prevalence of HBV carriers and vaccination coverage among waste collectors in the largest landfill in the Rio de Janeiro metropolitan area, as well as to determine the association between risk factors and HBV infection in the studied population. In this study 73 participants answered a questionnaire on their socio-demographic variables and occupational exposure to waste. All of the subjects in the study were tested for HBsAg and their vaccination cards were evaluated in order to assess their HBV vaccination status. The vaccination coverage among the individuals who had a vaccination card was 57.4%. The overall prevalence of HBsAg was 12.3%. The prevalence of HBsAg was significantly higher among men (p = 0.002). However, no statistical differences were found in the prevalence of HBsAg between individuals with a history of occupational accidents involving sharp edges and non-injured individuals (p = 0.267). The results of this study demonstrate the need to strengthen prevention measures and increase HBV vaccination among waste collectors.

Citocinas de resposta Th1 e Th2 e diabetes mellitus tipo 1 / Th1 and Th2 response cytokins in type 1 diabetes mellitus

O diabetes mellitus tipo 1 (DM1) é uma doença autoimune crônica, onde as células T autorreativas destroem as células beta pancreáticas levando à dependência de insulina exógena. Para o desenvolvimento do DM1 são necessárias numerosas interações entre as células do sistema imunológico, principalmente mediadas por citocinas de resposta T helper 1 (Th1) e T helper 2 (Th2). O presente estudo teve como objetivo analisar a relação das citocinas de resposta Th1 e Th2 no desenvolvimento do DM1 por meio de uma revisão de literatura, avaliando artigos científicos eletrônicos publicados entre os anos de 2001 e 2016, além de livros de imunologia aplicados à clínica. Diversos estudos na literatura demonstram que o perfil de secreção de citocinas durante o desenvolvimento do DM1 é de padrão Th1 onde temos como principais constituintes a IL-2 e o IFN-y. Já as citocinas de resposta Th2, compostas basicamente pela IL-4, IL-6 e IL-10, são responsáveis por bloquear a evolução do DM1. Através desses dados conclui-se que o entendimento dos aspectos imunológicos constitui a base para detecção e prevenção do DM1, sendo a disponibilidade de citocinas clonadas e purificadas uma nova perspectiva para terapias clínicas específicas para modular a resposta imune

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1) is a chronic autoimmune disease, where as autoreactive T cells destroy as pancreatic beta cells leading to exogenous insulin dependence. For the development of DM1, interactions between immune system cells, mainly mediated by cytokines of T helper 1 (Th1) and T helper 2 (Th2) are required. The present study aimed to analyze the relationship of Th1 and Th2 response cytokines in the development of DM1, through a review of the literature, evaluating electronic scientific articles published between 2001 and 2016, as well as immunology books applied to the clinic. Several studies in the literature demonstrate that the cytokine secretion profile during the development of DM1 is of the Th1 pattern where we have as main constituent of IL-2 and IFN-γ. As Th2 response cytokines, composed mainly of IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10, they are responsible for blocking the progression of DM1. Through conclusive data, it is a point of view for the prevention of DM1. With the availability of cloned and purified cytokines a new perspective for specific clinical therapies to modulate the immune response

Antimicrobial (including antimollicutes), antioxidant and anticholinesterase activities of Brazilian and Spanish marine organisms – evaluation of extracts and pure compounds

Abstract This work describes the antimicrobial, antioxidant and anticholinesterase activities in vitro of organic extracts from fourteen seaweeds, eleven sponges, two ascidians, one bryozoan, and one sea anemone species collected along the Brazilian and Spanish coast, as well as the isolation of the diterpene (4R, 9S, 14S)-4α-acetoxy-9β,14α-dihydroxydolast-1(15),7-diene (1) and halogenated sesquiterpene elatol (2). The most promising antimicrobial results for cell wall bacteria were obtained by extracts from seaweeds Laurencia dendroidea and Sargassum vulgare var. nanun (MIC 250 μg/ml), and by the bryozoan Bugula neritina (MIC 62.5 μg/ml), both against Staphylococcus aureus. As for antimollicutes, extracts from seaweeds showed results better than the extracts from invertebrates. Almost all seaweeds assayed (92%) exhibited some antimicrobial activity against mollicutes strains (Mycoplasma hominis,Mycoplasma genitalium,Mycoplasma capricolum and Mycoplasma pneumoniae strain FH). From these seaweeds, A1 (Canistrocarpus cervicornis), A11 (Gracilaria sp.) and A4 (Lobophora variegata) showed the best results for M. pneumoniae strain FH (MIC 250 μg/ml). Furthermore, compounds 1 and 2 were also assayed against mollicutes strains M. hominis,M. genitalium,M. capricolum,M. pneumoniae strain 129 and M. pneumoniae strain FH, which showed MIC > 100 μg/ml. Antioxidant activities of extracts from these marine organisms were inactive, except for E7 (from sponge Ircinia sp.), which exhibited moderated antioxidant activities for two methods assayed (IC50 83.0 ± 0.1 μg/ml, and 52.0 ± 0.8 mg AA/g, respectively). Finally, for the anticholinesterase activity, all the 29 samples evaluated (100%) exhibited some level of activity, with IC50 < 1000 μg/ml. From these, seaweeds extracts were considered more promising than marine invertebrate extracts [A10 (IC50 14.4 ± 0.1 μg/ml), A16 (IC50 16.4 ± 0.4 μg/ml) and A8 (IC50 14.9 ± 0.5 μg/ml)]. The findings of this work are useful for further research aiming at isolation and characterization of active compounds.

Molecular epidemiology of heteroresistant vancomycin-intermediate Staphylococcus aureus in Brazil

ABSTRACTTo determine the epidemiological and molecular characteristics of 12 Staphylococcus aureus isolates presenting heteroresistance to vancomycin in laboratories of two cities in Santa Catarina, southern Brazil. Epidemiological data, including the city of isolation, health institution, and date of isolation were considered, as well as the associated clinical specimen. For molecular characterization, we analyzed the staphylococcal cassette chromosome types, the erm gene presence, and the genomic diversity of isolates using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. The 12 isolates of S. aureus were previously confirmed as heteroresistance to vancomycin using the population analysis profile-area under curve. Regarding genetic variability, two clones were detected: the main one (clone A) composed of four isolates and the clones B, with two isolates. For clone A, two isolates presented identical band patterns and were related to the same hospital, with an interval of 57 days between their isolation. The other isolates of this clone showed no epidemiological link between them because they were isolated in different hospitals and had no temporal relationship. The other clone showed no detectable epidemiological relationship. The heteroresistance to vancomycin recovered in Santa Catarina State from 2009 to 2012 had, in general, heterogeneous genomic patterns based on pulsed-field gel electrophoresis results, which is in accordance with the fact that these isolates had little or no epidemiological relationship among them. Due to the characteristic phenotypic instability and often prolonged vancomycin therapy for selection, clonal spread is not as common as for other resistance mechanisms disseminated through horizontal gene transfer.

Molecular epidemiology of heteroresistant vancomycin-intermediate Staphylococcus aureus in Brazil.

To determine the epidemiological and molecular characteristics of 12 Staphylococcus aureus isolates presenting heteroresistance to vancomycin in laboratories of two cities in Santa Catarina, southern Brazil. Epidemiological data, including the city of isolation, health institution, and date of isolation were considered, as well as the associated clinical specimen. For molecular characterization, we analyzed the staphylococcal cassette chromosome types, the erm gene presence, and the genomic diversity of isolates using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. The 12 isolates of S. aureus were previously confirmed as heteroresistance to vancomycin using the population analysis profile-area under curve. Regarding genetic variability, two clones were detected: the main one (clone A) composed of four isolates and the clones B, with two isolates. For clone A, two isolates presented identical band patterns and were related to the same hospital, with an interval of 57 days between their isolation. The other isolates of this clone showed no epidemiological link between them because they were isolated in different hospitals and had no temporal relationship. The other clone showed no detectable epidemiological relationship. The heteroresistance to vancomycin recovered in Santa Catarina State from 2009 to 2012 had, in general, heterogeneous genomic patterns based on pulsed-field gel electrophoresis results, which is in accordance with the fact that these isolates had little or no epidemiological relationship among them. Due to the characteristic phenotypic instability and often prolonged vancomycin therapy for selection, clonal spread is not as common as for other resistance mechanisms disseminated through horizontal gene transfer.

Micoses superficiais em pacientes com Diabetes Mellitus atendidos em um ambulatório geral em Blumenau, SC / Superficial mycoses in patient with Diabetes Mellitus served in a general outpatient clinic in Blumenau, SC

O Diabetes Mellitus (DM) caracteriza-se por uma síndrome clínica de evolução crônica e degenerativa, decorrente de distúrbio na secreção e/ou ação da insulina no organismo, que determina um conjunto de alterações metabólicas, caracterizadas,principalmente, pela hiperglicemia. Os indivíduos portadores de DM são, em geral, indivíduos vulneráveis a uma série de complicações de natureza infecciosa, como os processos bacterianos, fúngicos e virais. As micoses mais frequentemente encontradas são causadas por fungos dermatófitos e leveduras do gênero Candida. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a frequência de infecção fúngica em portadores de DM atendidos em um ambulatório geral, em Blumenau, SC. Métodos: O diagnóstico laboratorial foi feito através de métodos tradicionais, incluindo exame micológico direto e cultura. Resultados: Constatou-se que, dentre os indivíduos avaliados, 36% apresentaram resultado positivo,sendo que, desses, 86% apresentaram lesão por Candida spp. e 14% por dermatófitos, o qual foi identificado como Trichophyton mentagrophytes na cultura. Conclusão: A maior frequência de Candida spp. pode estar relacionada à imunossupressão ocasionada pelo Diabetes Mellitus. Com este estudo, pode-se demonstrar a importância do diagnóstico laboratorial precoce das infecções fúngicas em indivíduos com Diabetes Mellitus...

Serologic survey on hantavirus in blood donors from the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil.

Emergent diseases such as Hantavirus Cardio-pulmonary Syndrome (HCPS) are able to create a significant impact on human populations due to their seriousness and high fatality rate. Santa Catarina, located in the South of Brazil, is the leading state for HCPS with 267 reported cases from 1999 to 2011. We present here a serological survey on hantavirus in blood donors from different cities of the state of Santa Catarina, with an IgG-ELISA using a recombinant nucleocapsid protein from Araraquara hantavirus as an antigen. In total, 314 donors from blood banks participated in the study, geographically covering the whole state. Among these, 14 individuals (4.4%) had antibodies to hantavirus: four of 50 (8% positivity) from Blumenau, four of 52 (7.6%) from Joinville, three of 50 (6%) from Florianópolis, two of 50 (4%) from Chapecó and one of 35 (2.8%) from Joaçaba. It is possible that hantaviruses are circulating across almost the whole state, with important epidemiological implications. Considering that the seropositive blood donors are healthy individuals, it is possible that hantaviruses may be causing unrecognized infections, which are either asymptomatic or clinically nonspecific, in addition to HCPS. It is also possible that more than one hantavirus type could be circulating in this region, causing mostly benign infections.

Serologic surve on hantavirus in blood donors from the state of santa Catarina, Braiil / Inquérito sorológico para hantavírus em doadores de sangue no Estado de Santa Catarina, Brasil

Emergent diseases such as Hantavirus Cardio-pulmonary Syndrome (HCPS) are able to create a significant impact on human populations due to their seriousness and high fatality rate. Santa Catarina, located in the South of Brazil, is the leading state for HCPS with 267 reported cases from 1999 to 2011. We present here a serological survey on hantavirus in blood donors from different cities of the state of Santa Catarina, with an IgG-ELISA using a recombinant nucleocapsid protein from Araraquara hantavirus as an antigen. In total, 314 donors from blood banks participated in the study, geographically covering the whole state. Among these, 14 individuals (4.4%) had antibodies to hantavirus: four of 50 (8% positivity) from Blumenau, four of 52 (7.6%) from Joinville, three of 50 (6%) from Florianópolis, two of 50 (4%) from Chapecó and one of 35 (2.8%) from Joaçaba. It is possible that hantaviruses are circulating across almost the whole state, with important epidemiological implications. Considering that the seropositive blood donors are healthy individuals, it is possible that hantaviruses may be causing unrecognized infections, which are either asymptomatic or clinically nonspecific, in addition to HCPS. It is also possible that more than one hantavirus type could be circulating in this region, causing mostly benign infections.

Doenças emergentes como a Síndrome Cárdio-Pulmonar por Hantavírus (SCPH) são capazes de promover um grande impacto nas populações humanas devido a sua severidade e alta letalidade. Santa Catarina, localizada ao Sul do Brasil, é o estado com o maior número de relatos de SCPH, com 267 casos desde 1999 a 2011. Apresentamos aqui um inquérito sorológico para hantavírus em doadores de sangue de diferentes cidades do Estado de Santa Catarina, usando um teste IgG-ELISA com proteína recombinante de nucleocapsídeo do hantavírus Araraquara como antígeno. No total, 314 doadores de banco de sangue participaram do estudo, cobrindo geograficamente todo o Estado. Dentre estes, 14 indivíduos (4,4%) apresentaram anticorpos para hantavírus: quatro de 50 (8% de positividade) provenientes de Blumenau, quatro de 52 (7,6%) de Joinville, três de 50 (6%) de Florianópolis, dois de 50 (4%) de Chapecó e um de 35 (2,8%) de Joaçaba. É possível que hantavírus estejam circulando praticamente em todo o Estado, com implicações epidemiológicas importantes. Considerando que os doadores de sangue soropositivos são indivíduos saudáveis, é possível que hantavírus possam estar causando infecções não diagnosticadas, sejam elas assintomáticas ou clinicamente inespecíficas, além da SCPH. É possível ainda que mais de um tipo de hantavírus possa estar circulando na região, causando infecções mais benignas.

Is prediffusion test an alternative to improve accuracy in screening hVISA strains and to detect susceptibility to glycopeptides/lipopeptides?

The characterization of heteroresistant vancomycin-intermediate Staphylococcus aureus strains (hVISA) is even more challenging, as no routine standardized laboratory methods are available. A total of 124 S. aureus isolates recovered from inpatients attended in hospitals of Santa Catarina State, Southern Brazil, were evaluated. The MIC of vancomycin, teicoplanin, and daptomycin was determined by Etest and prediffusion tests using NeoSensitabs® tablets. All isolates were susceptible to vancomycin (MICs: 0.5-3 µg/mL) by Etest. However, according to prediffusion test, 17 isolates presented reduced susceptibility to vancomycin, and of these, 12 were confirmed as hVISA using populational analysis. Considering daptomycin, prediffusion results were in agreement with susceptibility data (MICs), as all isolates were susceptible. Considering that characterizing hVISA is challenging and that MIC determination is not adequate to characterize this phenotype, prediffusion test was a viable alternative to screening hVISA and reduced susceptibility to vancomycin. It was simple and low cost, with accuracy comparable to other well-established methods.

Drug resistance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains in southern Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this work was to evaluate the prevalence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MT) strains with mutations that could result in resistance to the main drugs used in treatment in a region with one of the highest numbers of tuberculosis (TB) cases in southern Brazil. METHODS: Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) from 120 sputum samples from different patients suspicious of pulmonary tuberculosis who attended the Municipal Public Laboratory for Mycobacterium sp. diagnosis was directly amplified and analyzed by PCR-SSCP. The DNA was amplified in known hotspot mutation regions of the genes rpoB, ahpC, embB, katG, inhA, and pncA. RESULTS: The percentage of samples positive by culture was 9.2% (11/120); 5% (6/120) were positive by bacilloscopy and MT-PCR, and DNA fragments of the aforementioned resistance genes could be amplified from seven (7) of the eleven (11) samples with positive results, either by culture or PCR/bacilloscopy. All presented a SSCP pattern similar to a native, nonresistant genotype, with the ATCC strain 25177 as control, except for one sample (0.01%), which presented a SSCP profile demonstrating mutation at the embB gene. CONCLUSIONS: These results are consistent with the empirical observations by physicians treating TB patients in our region of a low occurrence of cases that are refractory to conventional treatment schemes, in contrast to other parts of the country. Continued surveillance, especially molecular, is essential to detect and monitor the outbreak of MT-resistant strains.

Drug resistance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains in southern Brazil / Estudo da resistência de cepas de Mycobacterium tuberculosis aos antimicrobianos no sul do Brasil

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this work was to evaluate the prevalence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MT) strains with mutations that could result in resistance to the main drugs used in treatment in a region with one of the highest numbers of tuberculosis (TB) cases in southern Brazil. METHODS: Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) from 120 sputum samples from different patients suspicious of pulmonary tuberculosis who attended the Municipal Public Laboratory for Mycobacterium sp. diagnosis was directly amplified and analyzed by PCR-SSCP. The DNA was amplified in known hotspot mutation regions of the genes rpoB, ahpC, embB, katG, inhA, and pncA. RESULTS: The percentage of samples positive by culture was 9.2 percent (11/120); 5 percent (6/120) were positive by bacilloscopy and MT-PCR, and DNA fragments of the aforementioned resistance genes could be amplified from seven (7) of the eleven (11) samples with positive results, either by culture or PCR/bacilloscopy. All presented a SSCP pattern similar to a native, nonresistant genotype, with the ATCC strain 25177 as control, except for one sample (0.01 percent), which presented a SSCP profile demonstrating mutation at the embB gene. CONCLUSIONS: These results are consistent with the empirical observations by physicians treating TB patients in our region of a low occurrence of cases that are refractory to conventional treatment schemes, in contrast to other parts of the country. Continued surveillance, especially molecular, is essential to detect and monitor the outbreak of MT-resistant strains.

INTRODUÇÃO: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a prevalência de cepas de Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MT) com mutações que podem resultar em resistência às principais drogas utilizadas no tratamento em uma das regiões com o maior número de casos de tuberculose (TB) no Sul do Brasil. MÉTODOS: O ácido desoxiribonucleico (DNA) de 120 amostras de escarro de diferentes pacientes com suspeita de TB pulmonar que procuraram o serviço público de saúde do município sede da região para o diagnóstico de MT foi diretamente amplificado e analisado por PCR-SSCP. Foram amplificadas regiões conhecidas onde ocorrem a maioria das mutações nos genes rpoB, ahpC, embB, katG, inhA, and pncA. RESULTADOS: Nove virgula dois por cento (11/120) das amostras apresentaram resultado positivo por cultura, 5 por cento (6/120) foi positiva por bacilscopia e PCR para MT, e os fragmentos dos genes mencionados puderam ser amplificados em sete (7) dos onze (11) casos com resultado positivo, seja por cultura ou PCR/baciloscopia. Todos estes casos apresentaram um padrão de SSCP similar ao genótipo nativo, não resistente, por comparação com a cepa controle ATCC 25177, com exceção de uma amostra (0,01 por cento), que apresentou um padrão de SSCP mutante no gene embB. CONCLUSÕES: Estes resultados são consistentes com as observações empíricas por parte dos clínicos que tratam os pacientes com TB na região, de uma baixa ocorrência de casos refratários ao tratamento convencional, em contraste com outras partes do país. Porém, a vigilância contínua, especialmente molecular, é essencial para identificar e monitorar o aparecimento de cepas de MT resistentes.

Infecção por Mycoplasma pulmonis em ratos wistar provenientes de biotério / Mycoplasma pulmonis infection in Wistar rats from an animal house

Mycoplasma pulmonis, causador da Micoplasmose Respiratória Murina (MRM), é uma das espécies de micoplasmas mais patogênicas para roedores de laboratório. A morbidade e mortalidade dos animais infectados por este micoplasma pode ser elevada, especialmente nos estudos de longa duração ou em animais com infecção subclínica exacerbada pela experimentação. Desta maneira haverá interferência na interpretação dos resultados experimentais. No presente estudo foi avaliada a taxa de infecção por M. pulmonis em ratos provenientes do biotério da Universidade Regional de Blumenau criados para experimentação científica, por cultura e PCR. Dentre os 20 animais analisados, 15 (75por cento) apresentaram DNA de M. pulmonis no lavado broncoalveolar e duas amostras produziram colônias típicas em agar SP4. Os resultados obtidos evidenciaram uma alta taxa de infecção por micoplasma em ratos no biotério avaliado, apesar do reconhecimento desta problemática no país a partir da década de 1990.

Anti-HBs levels among children and adolescents with complete immunization schedule against hepatitis B virus. A cross-sectional study in Blumenau, State of Santa Catarina, Brazil, 2007-2008 / Níveis de anti-HBs entre crianças e adolescentes com o esquema completo de imunização contra o vírus da hepatite B. Um estudo transversal em Blumenau, Estado de Santa Catarina, 2007-2008

INTRODUCTION: Vaccination is the main tool for preventing hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection; however, following the completion of the vaccination series, the concentrations of anti-HBs can decline over the years and reach levels less than 10mIU/mL. The persistence of protection in these individuals is still unknown. The present study aimed to determine the anti-HBs antibody levels among children and adolescents who had received a complete vaccination course for hepatitis B. METHODS: Antibodies against HBV surface antigen (anti-HBs) were tested in 371 individuals aged 10 to 15 years-old. RESULTS: Volunteers who showed undetectable quantities of anti-HBs accounted for 10.2% of the population studied and 39.9% presented antibody titers of less than 10mIU/mL. Anti-HBs ≥ 10mIU/mL were verified in 49.9%. CONCLUSIONS: These results corroborate other studies indicating levels of anti-HBs below 10mIU/mL in vaccinated individuals. Additional studies are required to assess whether this indicates susceptibility to HBV infection and the need and age for booster doses.

INTRODUÇÃO: A vacinação é o principal instrumento para prevenir a infecção pelo vírus da hepatite B. Todavia, após a conclusão da série de vacinação, as concentrações de anti-HBs podem diminuir ao longo dos anos e atingir níveis inferiores a 10mUI/mL. A persistência da proteção nestes indivíduos ainda é desconhecida. O presente estudo objetivou determinar os níveis do anticorpo anti-HBs em crianças e adolescentes que receberam o esquema completo de vacinação para a hepatite B. MÉTODOS: O anticorpo para o antígeno de superfície do vírus da hepatite B (anti-HBs) foi testado em 371 indivíduos com idade entre 10-15 anos. RESULTADOS: Os voluntários que apresentaram quantidades indetectáveis de anti-HBs corresponderam a 10,2% da população estudada, e 39,9% apresentaram títulos do anticorpo inferiores a 10mUI/mL. Anti-HBs ≥ 10mUI/mL foi verificado em 49,9%. CONCLUSÕES: Nossos resultados corroboram com outros estudos que indicam níveis de anti-HBs inferiores a 10mUI/mL em indivíduos vacinados. Estudos adicionais são necessários para avaliar se isso indica suscetibilidade à infecção pelo HBV e necessidade e idade para a dose reforço.

Anti-HBs levels among children and adolescents with complete immunization schedule against hepatitis B virus. A cross-sectional study in Blumenau, State of Santa Catarina, Brazil, 2007-2008.

INTRODUCTION: Vaccination is the main tool for preventing hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection; however, following the completion of the vaccination series, the concentrations of anti-HBs can decline over the years and reach levels less than 10mIU/mL. The persistence of protection in these individuals is still unknown. The present study aimed to determine the anti-HBs antibody levels among children and adolescents who had received a complete vaccination course for hepatitis B. METHODS: Antibodies against HBV surface antigen (anti-HBs) were tested in 371 individuals aged 10 to 15 years-old. RESULTS: Volunteers who showed undetectable quantities of anti-HBs accounted for 10.2% of the population studied and 39.9% presented antibody titers of less than 10mIU/mL. Anti-HBs ≥ 10mIU/mL were verified in 49.9%. CONCLUSIONS: These results corroborate other studies indicating levels of anti-HBs below 10mIU/mL in vaccinated individuals. Additional studies are required to assess whether this indicates susceptibility to HBV infection and the need and age for booster doses.

Seroprevalence of hepatitis B and C infection markers among children and adolescents in the southern Brazilian region.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections account for a substantial proportion of liver diseases worldwide. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HBV and HCV serological markers among children and adolescents and verify the epidemiology of the HBV infection over than a decade of the introduction of vaccination program. Serologic markers to HBsAg, total anti-HBc and anti-HCV had been tested in 393 samples. The seropositivity for HBsAg was 0.76% and for total anti-HBc was 1.02%. Copositivity between HBsAg and total anti-HBc was verified in 0.76% of the analyzed samples. There was no seropositivity for anti-HCV marker. The seroprevalence of HBV infection markers among children and adolescents in the southern Brazilian region is high compared to that reported in other countries. Preventive measures, such as educational activities in addition to the universal childhood HBV vaccination, should be initiated in order to reduce the morbimortality and the economic burden associated with the disease.