Assessment of acute toxicity and cytotoxicity of fluorescent markers produced by cardanol and glycerol, which are industrial waste, to different biological models.

The amphyphylic triazoanilines recently synthesized 1-(4-(3-aminophenyl)-1H-1,2,3- triazole-1-yl)-3-(3-pentadecylphenoxy)propan-2-ol (1) and 1-(4-(4-aminophenyl)-1H- 1,2,3-triazole-1-yl)-3-(3-pentadecylphenoxy)propan-2-ol (2), synthesized from cardanol and glycerol, have photophysical properties which allow their use in the development of fluorescent biomarkers with applicability in the biodiesel quality control. Based on this, the present research evaluated the toxic effects of both compounds in different biological models through the investigation of survival and mortality percentages as a measure of acute toxicity on Daphnia similis and Oreochromis niloticus, larvicidal assay against Aedes aegypti, and cytotoxic activity on mammary cells. Results demonstrate that these triazoanilines 1 and 2 have shown low acute toxicity to the biological models investigated in this study up to the following concentrations: 4.0 mg L-1 (D. similis), 4.0 mg L-1 (A. aegypti larvae), 1.0 mg L-1 (O. niloticus), and 1.0 mg mL-1 (mammary cells). This fact suggests the potential for safe use of compounds 1 and 2 as fluorescent markers for the monitoring of biodiesel quality, even in the case of environmental exposure. Besides all of that, the reuse of cardanol and glycerol, both industrial wastes, favors the maintenance of environmental health and is in agreement with the assumptions of green chemistry. Graphical abstract ᅟ.

Genome-wide association study using haplotype alleles for the evaluation of reproductive traits in Nelore cattle.

Zebu cattle (Bos taurus indicus) are highly adapted to tropical regions. However, females reach puberty after taurine heifers, which affects the economic efficiency of beef cattle breeding in the tropical regions. The aims of this study were to establish associations between the haplotype alleles of the bovine genome and age at first calving (AFC) in the Nelore cattle, and to identify the genes and quantitative trait loci (QTL) related to this phenotype. A total of 2,273 Nelore cattle (995 males and 1,278 females) genotyped using the Illumina BovineHD BeadChip were used in the current study. The association analysis included females with valid first calving records as well as open heifers. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) analysis among the markers was performed using blocks of 5, 10, and 15 markers, which were determined by sliding windows shifting one marker at a time. Then, the haplotype block size to be used in the association study was chosen based on the highest r2 average among the SNPs in the block. The five HapAlleles most strongly associated with the trait (top five) were considered as significant associations. The results of the analysis revealed four genomic regions related to AFC, which overlapped with 20 QTL of the reproductive traits reported previously. Furthermore, there were 19 genes related to reproduction in those regions. In conclusion, the use of haplotypes allowed the detection of chromosomal regions associated with AFC in Nelore cattle, and provided the basis for elucidating the mechanisms underlying this trait.

The Response of Neotropical Fish Species (Brazil) on the Water Pollution: Metal Bioaccumulation and Genotoxicity.

The streams and rivers of the Upper Paraná River Basin have been seriously affected by impacts of high population density around the basin area. Fishes are widely used as models to assess the health of aquatic ecosystems, being considered as bioindicators of environmental pollution. In this context, our objective was to assess the potential genotoxic and mutagenic effects of the polluted water in three native fish species (Astyanax lacustris, Hypostomus ancistroides, and Rhamdia quelen) from Tarumã Microbasin, Upper Paraná River, Brazil. We also investigated the concentration of metals in water and in fish muscle to verify bioavailability and bioaccumulation of metals. For both less impacted sites (LI) and impacted sites (IMP) of the microbasin, the concentrations of metals were above the maximum limit allowed by Brazilian legislation (Resolution CONAMA 357/2005), except for Pb, total Cr, and Cu at LI sites and total Cr at IMP sites. A. lacustris showed a higher frequency of micronuclei (MN) at IMP sites compared with LI sites (p < 0.0001). We found no significant differences in MN frequency between site classes for H. ancistroides and R. quelen (p > 0.05). There were no significant differences between site classes regarding to nuclear abnormalities in erythrocytes frequencies (p > 0.05). A. lacustris from IMP sites had higher concentrations of Pb, Cu, Fe, Zn, and Ni in muscle tissue (p < 0.05), whereas H. ancistroides from IMP sites had higher concentration of Cr, Cu, and Ni (p < 0.0001) and R. quelen showed higher concentration of Cd, Fe, and Ni at these sites (p < 0.0001). So, the chosen biomarkers are able to identify the environmental risk of the water pollution.

Tools for monitoring aquatic environments to identify anthropic effects.

Anthropic activities are directly related to the contamination of aquatic ecosystems owing to the release of numerous chemicals from agricultural and urban waste. These contaminants cause environmental degradation and a decrease in the availability of water quality. The objective of this search was to evaluate the efficiency of physicochemical, chemical, and microbiological tests; extraction of chlorophyll a; and genetic parameters to identify anthropic activities and weather condition effects on the stream water quality and the consequences of its use by the population. The physicochemical parameters were within the limits allowed by the Brazilian law. However, contamination by metals (Cd 0.510 mg L-1, Co 0.405 mg L-1, and Ni 0.316 mg L-1) has been found at various collection points to be more than the allowable values. The antibiotic oxytetracycline was detected in stream water in quantities of up to 89 µg L-1. In relation to microbiological contamination, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas spp. have been isolated. The averages of chlorophyll a were up to 0.15558 mg cm-2. Genetic tools identified greater number of micronuclei and DNA damage in periods that showed lower rainfall rates and lower amounts of metals. The analysis used for monitoring was efficient to verify the interference that animal breeding and planting of different cultures have caused on that stream. Thus, the continued use of this water for drinking, irrigation of vegetables, and recreational activities makes the population susceptible to contamination by bacteria and creates conditions for the development of genetic alterations in the long run.

Erythrocyte Nuclear Abnormalities in Astyanax lacustris in Response to Landscape Characteristics in Two Neotropical Streams.

The objective of this research was to evaluate land use and occupation in the landscape surrounding two neotropical streams of the Upper Paraná River in Brazil and to investigate if the water from these streams induces erythrocyte nuclear abnormalities in Astyanax lacustris. We observed that the areas surrounding the streams are predominantly used for agricultural purposes (73.46% of the total area), followed by buildings (15.21%). Only 8.78% of the area consisted of forest fragments. We observed higher frequencies of micronuclei in erythrocytes of A. lacustris exposed to water from impacted sites (IMP) compared with less impacted sites and the negative control (NC) (p < 0.05). Analysis of nuclear alterations in A. lacrustis erythrocytes showed significant differences in the frequency of notched nuclei and nuclear pyknosis only between the NC and the IMP sites (p < 0.05). Our results indicate that water from the most impacted sites of the microbasin can induce mutagenic and genotoxic effects in A. lacustris.

Mutagenic and genotoxic effects and metal contaminations in fish of the Amambai River, Upper Paraná River, Brazil.

The present study evaluated mutagenic and genotoxic effects and metal accumulation in the liver and musculature of Pterygoplichthys ambrosetti and Prochilodus lineatus in the Amambai River, a tributary of the Upper Paraná River in Brazil. We also evaluated the potential for these fish species as environmental bioindicators and performed risk assessment for conservation purposes. We found that P. ambrosetti had a higher frequency of micronuclei compared to P. lineatus (p < 0.0001). There were no significant differences between species in other erythrocyte nuclear abnormalities (ENA) (p > 0.05). For both species, the liver contained a higher concentration of metals (Cd, Pb, Cr, Cu, Fe, Zn, and Ni) than the musculature did (p < 0.0001). Of the two species, P. ambrosetti was more suitable to evaluate mutagenic and genotoxic effects and metal accumulation in the liver and musculature, likely due to its resident behavior; hence, we highlight the potential of this species for use as an environmental bioindicator. The concentrations of non-essential metals observed in the fish confirm conditions of environmental stress in the Amambai River, possibly related to the discharge of pollutants and exacerbated by lack of native vegetation cover along the watercourse.

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

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

Evaluation the urban atmospheric conditions in different cities using comet and micronuclei assay in Tradescantia pallida.

In the present study, genotoxicity and mutagenicity were investigated in Tradescantia pallida exposed to vehicular traffic at different sites in a high-altitude tropical climate. During March, May, July, September, and November 2014, a comet assay and micronucleus bioassays were conducted on young inflorescences and leaves of T. pallida collected from twelve towns in the southern region of Mato Grosso do Sul with different amounts of vehicular traffic. Weather parameters (temperature, relative humidity and rainfall) were measured and vehicles were counted to determine traffic levels in each town. A higher frequency of genotoxic and mutagenic damage was observed in the municipality of Dourados. The highest frequency of genetic damage was observed in September and November according to both assays. Relative humidity and rainfall were inversely proportional to the frequency of genetic damage in T. pallida during the collection period. Based on these results, we conclude that the bioassays are efficient for assessing the effects of vehicular traffic in these towns with respect to weather conditions over time. These bioassays can be applied to identify risk areas, which are determined by climatic conditions and air pollutants released.

Genotoxic and mutagenic effects of passive smoking and urban air pollutants in buccal mucosa cells of children enrolled in public school.

Nuclear abnormalities (micronuclei and meta-nuclear changes) have been used as biomarkers to identify cell damages. As children are more vulnerable to the adverse effects of pollution when compared to adults, assessing genetic damage caused by environmental influences is of great interest. As such, the objective was to determine metanuclear (karyolysis, pycnosis, karyorrhexis, binucleated cells, chromosome bridges and micronuclei) in cells from the oral mucosa of children associated with the school environment, gender, exposure to cigarette smoke and vehicular traffic. Analyses of nuclear abnormalities were performed in exfoliated buccal cells of children from two public schools located in Dourados - MS. The data were analyzed through Kruskal-Wallis test considering a significance level of 5% (p < .05). The results showed that children exposed to cigarette smoke presented higher levels of nuclear abnormalities than children who were not usually exposed to this type of mutagenic and genotoxic agent, suggesting that such contaminants are related to clastogenic and aneugenic effects on DNA. Moreover, female children had higher amounts of nuclear abnormalities when compared to male children. With regards to the school environment, the study results indicated statistical differences in of term chromosomal abnormalities for schools A and B. Thus, it was possible to determine that children exposed to cigarette smoke are susceptible to further genetic damage than unexposed children, and female children may be more susceptible to genotoxic and mutagenic agents. This study contributes to the current knowledge on the mutagenic characteristics of human cells, supporting the adoption of preventive Public Health measures.

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

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

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

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

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

Depth and Well Type Related to Groundwater Microbiological Contamination.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Genetic instability in plants associated with vehicular traffic and climatic variables.

To characterize the effect of vehicular traffic on air quality, the micronuclei of Tradescantia pallida tetrads were counted. Young inflorescences of T. pallida (Rose) D.R. Hunt var. purpurea were collected in 2010, 2011, and 2012, from three sites subjected to different intensities of vehicular traffic. The sites were located in the municipality of Dourados, in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. A standardized methodology was used to analyze the Tradescantia micronuclei, in order to evaluate the mutagenic potential of the local air pollutants. Statistical analyses using the Pearson's linear correlation were employed to determine the relationship between relative humidity and temperature, and the average number of micronuclei. In this study, an increase in the average number of passing vehicles was correlated with an increase in the frequency of micronucleus formation. Climatic factors also influenced micronucleus formation, although vehicular traffic remained the most important factor. Thus, the Tradescantia micronuclei assay may be a useful method of assessing air quality.

The influence of industrial and agricultural waste on water quality in the Água Boa stream (Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil).

Water quality monitoring is used to determine the impact of human activities on the environment. We evaluated water quality in the Água Boa stream, located within the municipality of Dourados, State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, by analyzing physico-chemical, chemical, and microbiological parameters, as well as chlorophyll concentrations. Five sets of water samples were collected between December 2012 and November 2013 from three locations within the stream. The results showed the presence of Escherichia coli and antibiotic-resistant Pseudomonas spp. strains and high concentrations of organic matter (total dissolved solids), inorganic species (Mg, Ca, and Fe), and agrochemical residues (thiamethoxam). The main stream water contaminants are derived from urban, industrial, and agricultural activities within the watershed. Given the presence of contaminants, it is important that such findings are disseminated in order to highlight the risks that contact with this water may pose to human health. To preserve the environment and improve site conditions, people would need to participate by demanding that normative national and international standards be respected and that the situation be supervised by the competent governmental agencies; this would make it possible to reverse or minimize contamination problems within the Água Boa stream.

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

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

Identification of class 1 and 2 integrons from clinical and environmental Salmonella isolates.

INTRODUCTION: The indiscriminate use of antimicrobials has selected for the emergence of resistant strains. Many mechanisms contribute to the spread of antimicrobial-resistant genes, and integrons play a key role in this process. The aim of this study was to describe the serotypes and resistance profiles, and to characterize the presence of integrons in Salmonella strains isolated from Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. METHODOLOGY: Thirty-six isolates from different sources were used. To evaluate the resistance profiles, the determination of minimum inhibitory concentrations together with polymerase chain reaction were used to screen for the presence of class 1 and class 2 integrons. RESULTS: The Infantis serotype of Salmonella was the most frequently isolated serotype. Minimum inhibitory concentrations showed that out of the 36 isolates, 11 (30.5%) were resistant to all the antimicrobials tested. These resistant isolates were separated into three groups: 4 clinical isolates (36.4%), 3 food isolates (36.4%), and 4 water isolates (27.2%). Class 1 integrons occurred in 31 (86.1%) isolates and were found in all 11 resistant isolates (35.5 %) and in 20 (64.5%) of the non-resistant isolates. Class 2 integrons were found in 3 (8.3%) isolates, which were all non-resistant. CONCLUSION: The presence of an integron did not necessarily confer resistance. Future studies will seek to identify the mechanism behind integron-mediated antimicrobial resistance.