A study of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in risk groups in the city of Santos, São Paulo, Brazil.

Monitoring the extent of and trends in multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a priority of the Brazilian National Tuberculosis Control Programme. The current study aimed to estimate the incidence of MDR-TB, describe the profile of TB drug resistance in risk groups and examine whether screening for MDR-TB adhered to the recommended guidelines. A descriptive study that examined diagnosed cases of pulmonary TB was conducted in the city of Santos, Brazil, between 2000-2004. Of the 2,176 pulmonary TB cases studied, 671 (30.8%) met the criteria for drug sensitivity testing and, of these cases, 31.7% (213/671) were tested. Among the tested cases, 9.4% were resistant to one anti-TB drug and 15% were MDR. MDR was observed in 11.6% of 86 new TB cases and 17.3% of 127 previously treated cases. The average annual incidence of MDR-TB was 1.9 per 100,000 inhabitants-years. The extent of known MDR-TB in the city of Santos is high, though likely to be underestimated. Our study therefore indicates an inadequate adherence to the guidelines for MDR-TB screening and suggests the necessity of alternative strategies of MDR-TB surveillance.

A study of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in risk groups in the city of Santos, São Paulo, Brazil

Monitoring the extent of and trends in multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a priority of the Brazilian National Tuberculosis Control Programme. The current study aimed to estimate the incidence of MDR-TB, describe the profile of TB drug resistance in risk groups and examine whether screening for MDR-TB adhered to the recommended guidelines. A descriptive study that examined diagnosed cases of pulmonary TB was conducted in the city of Santos, Brazil, between 2000-2004. Of the 2,176 pulmonary TB cases studied, 671 (30.8%) met the criteria for drug sensitivity testing and, of these cases, 31.7% (213/671) were tested. Among the tested cases, 9.4% were resistant to one anti-TB drug and 15% were MDR. MDR was observed in 11.6% of 86 new TB cases and 17.3% of 127 previously treated cases. The average annual incidence of MDR-TB was 1.9 per 100,000 inhabitants-years. The extent of known MDR-TB in the city of Santos is high, though likely to be underestimated. Our study therefore indicates an inadequate adherence to the guidelines for MDR-TB screening and suggests the necessity of alternative strategies of MDR-TB surveillance.

Characteristics of pulmonary tuberculosis in a hyperendemic area: the city of Santos, Brasil.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the profile of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) in the city of Santos, Brazil, according to biological, environmental and institutional factors. METHODS: Descriptive study, using the TB surveillance database, including patients with PTB, aged 15 years or older, residing in the city of Santos and whose treatment was initiated between 2000 and 2004. RESULTS: We identified 2,176 cases, of which 481 presented a history of TB. Of those 481 patients, 29.3% were cured, and 70.7% abandoned treatment. In 61.6% of the cases, the diagnosis was confirmed by sputum smear microscopy, whereas it was confirmed based on clinical and radiological criteria in 33.8%; 69.0% were male; and 69.5% were between 20 and 49 years of age. There were 732 hospitalizations, and the mean length of hospital stay was 32 days (first hospitalization). The prevalence of alcoholism, diabetes and TB/HIV coinfection was, respectively, 11.7%, 8.2% and 16.2%. The prevalence of TB/HIV coinfection decreased from 20.7% to 12.9% during the study period. The treatment outcome was cure, abandonment, death from TB and death attributed to TB/HIV coinfection in 71.0%, 12.1%, 3.9% and 2.5%, respectively. The directly observed treatment, short-course (DOTS) was adopted in 63.4% of cases, and there were no significant differences between DOTS and the conventional treatment approach in terms of outcomes (p > 0.05). The mean annual incidence of PTB was 127.9/100,000 population (range: 72.8-272.92/100,000 population, varying by region). The mean annual mortality rate for PTB was 6.9/100,000 population. CONCLUSIONS: In areas hyperendemic for TB, DOTS should be prioritized for groups at greater risk of treatment abandonment or death, and the investigation of TB contacts should be intensified.

Características da tuberculose pulmonar em área hiperendêmica: município de Santos (SP) / Characteristics of pulmonary tuberculosis in a hyperendemic area: the city of Santos, Brasil

OBJETIVO: Caracterizar o perfil dos pacientes com tuberculose pulmonar (TBP) no município de Santos (SP) segundo fatores biológicos, ambientais e institucionais. MÉTODOS: Estudo descritivo, com dados obtidos na vigilância da TB, abrangendo pacientes com TBP maiores de 15 anos de idade, residentes em Santos (SP) e com tratamento iniciado entre 2000 e 2004. RESULTADOS: Foram identificados 2.176 casos, e 481 apresentavam história prévia de TB. Desses, 29,3 por cento curaram-se no episódio anterior, e 70,7 por cento abandonaram o tratamento. Em 61,6 por cento e em 33,8 por cento dos casos, o diagnóstico foi confirmado por baciloscopia e por critérios clínico-radiológicos, respectivamente; 69.0 por cento eram homens, e 69,5 por cento situavam-se entre 20 a 49 anos. Houve 732 hospitalizações, com tempo médio de permanência de 32 dias na primeira internação. A prevalência de alcoolismo, diabetes e coinfecção TB/HIV foi de, respectivamente, 11,7 por cento, 8,2 por cento e 16,2 por cento, com declínio dessa última de 20,7 por cento para 12,9 por cento no período de estudo. O desfecho do tratamento para 71,0 por cento, 12,1 por cento, 3,2 por cento e 3,3 por cento foi, respectivamente, cura, abandono, óbito por TB e óbito por TB/HIV. O tratamento supervisionado de curta duração foi aplicado em 63,4 por cento dos casos, e não houve diferenças nos desfechos entre os tipos de tratamento (p > 0,05). A incidência anual média de TBP foi de 127,9/100.000habitantes (variação: 72,8-272,92/100.000 conforme a região). A taxa anual média de mortalidade por TBP foi de 6,9/100.000 habitantes. CONCLUSÕES: Em áreas hiperendêmicas de TB, o tratamento supervisionado de curta duração deve ser priorizado para os grupos de risco para o abandono de tratamento ou óbito, e a busca de TB entre contatos deve ser intensificada.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the profile of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) in the city of Santos, Brazil, according to biological, environmental and institutional factors. METHODS: Descriptive study, using the TB surveillance database, including patients with PTB, aged 15 years or older, residing in the city of Santos and whose treatment was initiated between 2000 and 2004. RESULTS: We identified 2,176 cases, of which 481 presented a history of TB. Of those 481 patients, 29.3 percent were cured, and 70.7 percent abandoned treatment. In 61.6 percent of the cases, the diagnosis was confirmed by sputum smear microscopy, whereas it was confirmed based on clinical and radiological criteria in 33.8 percent; 69.0 percent were male; and 69.5 percent were between 20 and 49 years of age. There were 732 hospitalizations, and the mean length of hospital stay was 32 days (first hospitalization). The prevalence of alcoholism, diabetes and TB/HIV coinfection was, respectively, 11.7 percent, 8.2 percent and 16.2 percent. The prevalence of TB/HIV coinfection decreased from 20.7 percent to 12.9 percent during the study period. The treatment outcome was cure, abandonment, death from TB and death attributed to TB/HIV coinfection in 71.0 percent, 12.1 percent, 3.9 percent and 2.5 percent, respectively. The directly observed treatment, short-course (DOTS) was adopted in 63.4 percent of cases, and there were no significant differences between DOTS and the conventional treatment approach in terms of outcomes (p > 0.05). The mean annual incidence of PTB was 127.9/100,000 population (range: 72.8-272.92/100,000 population, varying by region). The mean annual mortality rate for PTB was 6.9/100,000 population. CONCLUSIONS: In areas hyperendemic for TB, DOTS should be prioritized for groups at greater risk of treatment abandonment or death, and the investigation of TB contacts should be intensified.

[Laboratory identification of mycobacteria in respiratory samples from HIV-positive patients suspected of tuberculosis]. / Identificação laboratorial de micobactérias em amostras respiratórias de pacientes HIV-positivos com suspeita de tuberculose.

The records (2000 to 2004) of the Microbiology Laboratory of the Adolfo Lutz Institute in Santos, Brazil, were retrospectively analyzed regarding patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and suspected of pulmonary tuberculosis. 1,321 samples for diagnosis purposes were selected, corresponding to 880 suspected tuberculosis cases in 693 patients. There were 134 smear-positive samples and mycobacteria growth occurred in 188 cultures, corresponding to 161 confirmed cases. Mycobacterium tuberculosis was identified in 126 (78.3%) and non-tuberculous mycobacteria in 39 (24.2%). In four cases, both Mycobacterium tuberculosis and non-tuberculous mycobacteria were simultaneously recovered from different samples. The profile of sensitivity to anti-tuberculosis drugs revealed 18 (14.3%) cases of resistance to at least one drug. These results reinforce the need to carrying out the complete laboratorial routine (sputum smear microscopy, culture and susceptibility to antituberculous drugs) for respiratory samples from human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients with suspected tuberculosis in order to direct appropriate therapy.

Identificação laboratorial de micobactérias em amostras respiratórias de pacientes HIV-positivos com suspeita de tuberculose / Laboratory identification of mycobacteria in respiratory samples from HIV-positive patients suspected of tuberculosis

Foram analisados retrospectivamente os registros (2000 a 2004) do Laboratório de Microbiologia do Instituto Adolfo Lutz de Santos, SP referentes a pacientes infectados pelo virus da imunodeficiência humana com suspeita de tuberculose pulmonar. Foram encaminhadas 1.321 amostras com finalidade de diagnóstico, correspondendo a 880 casos suspeitos de tuberculose em 693 pacientes. Cento e trinta e quatro baciloscopias foram positivas e em 188 culturas houve crescimento de micobactérias, correspondendo a 161 casos confirmados. Houve identificação de Mycobacterium tuberculosis em 126 (78,3 por cento) e micobactérias não tuberculosas em 39 (24,2 por cento). Em quatro casos, houve concomitância de Mycobacterium tuberculosis e micobactérias não tuberculosas (porém em amostras distintas). O perfil de sensibilidade às drogas antituberculose revelou 18 (14,3 por cento) casos de resistência a pelo menos um medicamento. Estes resultados reforçam a necessidade de submeter à rotina laboratorial completa - baciloscopia, cultura com identificação e testes de sensibilidade às drogas - as amostras respiratórias de pacientes soropositivos para o vírus da imunodeficiência humana com suspeita de tuberculose para direcionamento terapêutico adequado.

The records (2000 to 2004) of the Microbiology Laboratory of the Adolfo Lutz Institute in Santos, Brazil, were retrospectively analyzed regarding patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and suspected of pulmonary tuberculosis. 1,321 samples for diagnosis purposes were selected, corresponding to 880 suspected tuberculosis cases in 693 patients. There were 134 smear-positive samples and mycobacteria growth occurred in 188 cultures, corresponding to 161 confirmed cases. Mycobacterium tuberculosis was identified in 126 (78.3 percent) and non-tuberculous mycobacteria in 39 (24.2 percent). In four cases, both Mycobacterium tuberculosis and non-tuberculous mycobacteria were simultaneously recovered from different samples. The profile of sensitivity to anti-tuberculosis drugs revealed 18 (14.3 percent) cases of resistance to at least one drug. These results reinforce the need to carrying out the complete laboratorial routine (sputum smear microscopy, culture and susceptibility to antituberculous drugs) for respiratory samples from human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients with suspected tuberculosis in order to direct appropriate therapy.

Gene probes versus classical methods in the identification of mycobacteria.

OBJECTIVE: The emergence of tuberculosis/HIV co-infection and the increase in the number of cases of infection with nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) require rapid laboratory test results in the isolation and identification of mycobacteria. The objective of this study was to evaluate the identification of mycobacteria by means of gene probes in comparison with that obtained using classical biochemical methods. METHODS: Between 2002 and 2004, 178 mycobacterial cultures, all testing positive for acid-fast bacilli, were analyzed. Samples were obtained from clinical specimens of patients with respiratory symptoms or with clinical suspicion of pulmonary tuberculosis/mycobacteriosis who were treated in the greater metropolitan area of Santos. RESULTS: The gene probe identified 137 samples (77%) as Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex and 41 (23%) as NTM. Discordant results between the methods (3%) were obtained only in the year of implementation (2002). When comparing the methods, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of the gene probe method were 98%, 93%, 98% and 93%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the cost, the identification of mycobacteria using the molecular technique is faster: maximum 3 h vs. 28-30 days for classical methods. The use of gene probes is a validated molecular technique. It is fast, easy to use and readily available on the market. It has high specificity and sensitivity, which justifies its implementation and routine use in referral laboratories, since it facilitates the diagnosis providing agile clinical interventions.

Estudo comparativo entre um sistema de sonda genética e métodos clássicos na identificação das micobactérias / Gene probes versus classical methods in the identification of mycobacteria

OBJETIVO: O aparecimento da co-infecção tuberculose/HIV e o aumento de casos de doenças provocadas por micobactérias não-tuberculosas (MNT) exigem repostas laboratoriais rápidas tanto no isolamento como na identificação das micobactérias. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a identificação das micobactérias através de sonda genética em comparação com os métodos bioquímicos clássicos. MÉTODOS: Entre 2002 e 2004, foram analisadas 178 culturas de micobactérias, confirmadas como bacilos álcool-ácido resistentes e obtidas de isolados clínicos de pacientes sintomáticos respiratórios ou com suspeita clínica de tuberculose pulmonar e/ou micobacterioses, atendidos nas Unidades de Saúde da Baixada Santista. RESULTADOS: A sonda genética identificou 137 amostras (77%) como complexo Mycobacterium tuberculosis e 41 (23%) como MNT. A discordância observada de 3% entre os métodos ocorreu apenas no ano de implantação (2002). Ao comparar os métodos, a sensibilidade, especificidade, valor preditivo positivo e valor preditivo negativo da sonda genética foram 98%, 93%, 98% e 93%, respectivamente. CONCLUSÕES: Apesar do custo elevado, a identificação de micobactérias pela técnica molecular é mais rápida: máximo de 3 h vs. 28-30 dias para os métodos clássicos. A utilização de sondas genéticas é uma técnica molecular validada, simples e disponível no mercado, com elevada especificidade, sensibilidade e rapidez, o que justifica sua implantação e uso rotineiro em laboratórios de referência, facilitando o diagnóstico e permitindo uma intervenção clínica ágil.

OBJECTIVE: The emergence of tuberculosis/HIV co-infection and the increase in the number of cases of infection with nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) require rapid laboratory test results in the isolation and identification of mycobacteria. The objective of this study was to evaluate the identification of mycobacteria by means of gene probes in comparison with that obtained using classical biochemical methods. METHODS: Between 2002 and 2004, 178 mycobacterial cultures, all testing positive for acid-fast bacilli, were analyzed. Samples were obtained from clinical specimens of patients with respiratory symptoms or with clinical suspicion of pulmonary tuberculosis/mycobacteriosis who were treated in the greater metropolitan area of Santos. RESULTS: The gene probe identified 137 samples (77%) as Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex and 41 (23%) as NTM. Discordant results between the methods (3%) were obtained only in the year of implementation (2002). When comparing the methods, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of the gene probe method were 98%, 93%, 98% and 93%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the cost, the identification of mycobacteria using the molecular technique is faster: maximum 3 h vs. 28-30 days for classical methods. The use of gene probes is a validated molecular technique. It is fast, easy to use and readily available on the market. It has high specificity and sensitivity, which justifies its implementation and routine use in referral laboratories, since it facilitates the diagnosis providing agile clinical interventions.

Descriptive study of the frequency of nontuberculous mycobacteria in the Baixada Santista region of the state of São Paulo, Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aims at describing the frequency of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) species identified through laboratory testing of samples collected from non-sterile sites (sputum), as well as its frequency in HIV-infected and non-HIV-infected individuals in the Baixada Santista region of the state of São Paulo, Brazil, in the period from 2000 to 2005. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of sputum smear microscopy results and culture was conducted based on the records on file at the Instituto Adolfo Lutz-Santos, the regional tuberculosis laboratory. RESULTS: We analyzed 194 NTM strains isolated from 125 individuals, of whom 73 (58.4%) were HIV-negative and 52 (41.6%) were HIV-positive. Thirteen different species were identified: Mycobacterium kansasii; M. avium complex; M. fortuitum; M. peregrinum; M. gordonae; M. terrae; M. nonchromogenicum; M. intracellulare; M. flavescens; M. bohemicum; M. chelonae; M. shimoidei; and M. lentiflavum. In 19.2% of the cases, the bacteriological diagnosis was confirmed by isolation of the same species in at least two consecutive samples. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show the importance of including systematic identification of NTM in the laboratory routine, and that its integration into the clinical routine could improve the characterization of the disease, thereby informing the planning of effective control measures in specific populations, such as individuals presenting tuberculosis/HIV co-infection.

Estudo descritivo da freqüência de micobactérias não tuberculosas na Baixada Santista (SP) / Descriptive study of the frequency of nontuberculous mycobacteria in the Baixada Santista region of the state of São Paulo, Brazil

OBJETIVO: Este estudo teve por objetivo descrever a freqüência das espécies de micobactérias não tuberculosas (MNT) identificadas laboratorialmente a partir do isolamento de sítios não estéreis (escarro) de indivíduos infectados ou não pelo vírus HIV na Baixada Santista (SP), período de 2000 a 2005. MÉTODOS: Foi realizada análise retrospectiva dos resultados de baciloscopia e cultura, disponíveis nos registros do laboratório regional de tuberculose, Instituto Adolfo Lutz-Santos. RESULTADOS: Analisou-se 194 cepas de MNT correspondentes a 125 indivíduos, sendo 73 (58,4 por cento) HIV negativos e 52 (41,6 por cento) HIV positivos. Foram identificadas 13 diferentes espécies: Mycobacterium kansasii; complexo M. avium; M. fortuitum; M. peregrinum; M. gordonae; M. terrae; M. nonchromogenicum; M. intracellulare; M. flavescens; M. bohemicum; M. chelonae; M. shimoidei; e M. lentiflavum. Em 19,2 por cento dos casos obteve-se diagnóstico bacteriológico confirmado pelo isolamento da mesma espécie em no mínimo duas amostras consecutivas. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados mostram a importância da realização sistemática da identificação de MNT na rotina laboratorial e sua integração com a clínica, podendo contribuir na caracterização da doença e ações de efetivo controle, como nas populações co-infectadas tuberculose e HIV.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aims at describing the frequency of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) species identified through laboratory testing of samples collected from non-sterile sites (sputum), as well as its frequency in HIV-infected and non-HIV-infected individuals in the Baixada Santista region of the state of São Paulo, Brazil, in the period from 2000 to 2005. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of sputum smear microscopy results and culture was conducted based on the records on file at the Instituto Adolfo Lutz-Santos, the regional tuberculosis laboratory. RESULTS: We analyzed 194 NTM strains isolated from 125 individuals, of whom 73 (58.4 percent) were HIV-negative and 52 (41.6 percent) were HIV-positive. Thirteen different species were identified: Mycobacterium kansasii; M. avium complex; M. fortuitum; M. peregrinum; M. gordonae; M. terrae; M. nonchromogenicum; M. intracellulare; M. flavescens; M. bohemicum; M. chelonae; M. shimoidei; and M. lentiflavum. In 19.2 percent of the cases, the bacteriological diagnosis was confirmed by isolation of the same species in at least two consecutive samples. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show the importance of including systematic identification of NTM in the laboratory routine, and that its integration into the clinical routine could improve the characterization of the disease, thereby informing the planning of effective control measures in specific populations, such as individuals presenting tuberculosis/HIV co-infection.

Avaliação do crescimento em cordas na identificação presuntiva do complexo Mycobacterium tuberculosis / Detection of cord factor for the presumptive identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex

OBJETIVO: O Mycobacterium tuberculosis, sob certas condições apropriadas, cresce em cordões de serpentinas, denominados de fator corda, ou crescimento em cordas. O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar a detecção do fator corda como método de identificação presuntiva do complexo M. tuberculosis, comparando-o aos testes de tipificação (TIP) convencionais. MÉTODO: Foram analisadas 743 cepas, de janeiro de 2002 a dezembro de 2005, na Área de Micobactérias do Instituto Adolfo Lutz - Santos, obtidas de isolados clínicos coletados de pacientes sintomáticos respiratórios ou com suspeita clínica de tuberculose pulmonar e/ou micobacterioses, atendidos nas Unidades Básicas de Saúde da Baixada Santista. Foram feitos esfregaços das cepas de micobactérias isoladas em meio líquido MB/BacT e meio sólido, Lowenstein-Jensen ou Ogawa-Kudoh, sendo 301 (40,5 por cento) cepas em meio líquido e 442 (59,5 por cento) em meio sólido. RESULTADOS: Os resultados de sensibilidade, especificidade e valores preditivos positivos e negativos, obtidos com a comparação do desempenho do método em ambos os meios de isolamento e TIP convencionais, foram respectivamente 98,5, 88, 97 e 93 por cento. Observou-se maior sensibilidade do método em meio sólido (100 por cento), com uma diferença de sensibilidade entre os meios analisados de apenas 2,7 por cento. CONCLUSÕES: Conclui-se, pelos resultados obtidos, que o fator corda é um critério real e rápido na identificação do complexo M. tuberculosis; além disso, em laboratórios com alta prevalência do complexo M. tuberculosis e que não dispõem de técnicas que permitam a precocidade de sua identificação, o fator corda possibilita o direcionamento aos testes conclusivos de identificação e adicionais de sensibilidade que se façam necessários.

OBJECTIVE: Virulent strains of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, under certain appropriate conditions, grow as characteristic ropes, bundles or serpentine cords known as cord factor or growth in cords. The objective of the present study was to evaluate cord factor detection as a method of achieving presumptive identification of the M. tuberculosis complex, comparing it to conventional typing tests. METHODS: A total of 743 strains were analyzed from January of 2002 to December of 2005 in the Mycobacteria Sector of the Adolfo Lutz Institute, located in the city of Santos, Brazil. Samples were obtained from clinical specimens collected from patients with respiratory symptoms treated at basic health clinics in the greater metropolitan area of Santos. Ziehl-Neelsen-stained smears were prepared, 301 (40.5 percent) in MB/BacT broth and 442 (59.5 percent) on solid media, either Lowenstein-Jensen or Ogawa-Kudoh. RESULTS: The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value obtained during the performance comparison of the two methods (cord factor detection and conventional typing) using both isolation media were, respectively, 98.5, 88, 97 and 93 percent. The method was more sensitive on solid medium (100 percent), and the difference in sensitivity between the two media types was only 2.7 percent. CONCLUSIONS: Taking into consideration the results obtained, we conclude that, in laboratories with a high incidence of M. tuberculosis complex isolation and limited economic resources, cord factor detection is a fast and valid criterion for identifying these mycobacteria using liquid or solid medium. It also enables subsequent conclusive identification tests, as well as additional sensitivity tests when necessary.

Análises microbiológicas de alimentos processados na Baixada Santista, envolvidos em doenças transmitidas por alimentos, no período de 2000 – 2006 / Evaluation of the microbiological analyses in foods from the Baixada Santista involved in foodborne diseases, São Paulo, Brazil, during 2000 – 2006

O Instituto Adolfo Lutz - Laboratório Regional de Santos analisou amostras de alimentos coletadas pelas Vigilâncias Sanitárias Municipais da Baixada Santista, envolvidos em casos de doenças transmitidas por alimentos (DTAs), no período de janeiro de 2000 a junho de 2006. Foram analisados diferentes tipos de alimentos na forma de pratos prontos para consumo: coxinha de frango, arroz cozido, feijão cozido, frango, purê de batata, almôndega ao molho, recheios (calabresa, frango, palmito); embutidos(salsicha, lingüiça defumada); salgado cru; doces (bolo, mousse, mistura para bolos); bebidas (láctea,leite UHT, xaropinho, suco). A preparação das amostras para análise e as determinações analíticas foram realizadas segundo o “Compendium of Methods for Microbiological Examination of Foods (APHA,1992)” e a RDC nº 12 de 2001 ANVISA, respectivamente. Das 26 amostras de alimentos analisadas, 18(69,2%) estavam de acordo com a legislação vigente e 8 (30,7%) foram condenadas devido a presença de Salmonella sp isolada de mousse de clara de ovos e de bolo de chocolate; Staphylococcus aureus isolado de coxinhas de frango frita e crua; coliformes fecais isolados de recheios de frango e palmito, frango cru e frango ensopado.

[Detection of cord factor for the presumptive identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex]. / Avaliação do crescimento em cordas na identificação presuntiva do complexo Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

OBJECTIVE: Virulent strains of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, under certain appropriate conditions, grow as characteristic ropes, bundles or serpentine cords known as cord factor or growth in cords. The objective of the present study was to evaluate cord factor detection as a method of achieving presumptive identification of the M. tuberculosis complex, comparing it to conventional typing tests. METHODS: A total of 743 strains were analyzed from January of 2002 to December of 2005 in the Mycobacteria Sector of the Adolfo Lutz Institute, located in the city of Santos, Brazil. Samples were obtained from clinical specimens collected from patients with respiratory symptoms treated at basic health clinics in the greater metropolitan area of Santos. Ziehl-Neelsen-stained smears were prepared, 301 (40.5%) in MB/BacT broth and 442 (59.5%) on solid media, either Lowenstein-Jensen or Ogawa-Kudoh. RESULTS: The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value obtained during the performance comparison of the two methods (cord factor detection and conventional typing) using both isolation media were, respectively, 98.5, 88, 97 and 93%. The method was more sensitive on solid medium (100%), and the difference in sensitivity between the two media types was only 2.7%. CONCLUSIONS: Taking into consideration the results obtained, we conclude that, in laboratories with a high incidence of M. tuberculosis complex isolation and limited economic resources, cord factor detection is a fast and valid criterion for identifying these mycobacteria using liquid or solid medium. It also enables subsequent conclusive identification tests, as well as additional sensitivity tests when necessary.

Identificação de micobactérias em amostras respiratórias de pacinetes HIV-positivos do Centro de Referência em Aids de Santos-SP

O Programa Nacional de Controle da Tuberculose (PNCT) necessita de serviços de saúde unificados e integrados a uma rede laboratorial padronizada e hierarquizada, especialmente no contexto da co-infecção TB/HIV. Objetivos: avaliar o diagnóstico bacteriológico da TB e outras micobactérioses em amostras respiratórias de pacientes infectados pelo HIV atendidos no CRAIDS, na cidade de Santos - SP, no período de 2000 a 2004. Metodologia: análise retrospectiva de dados disponíveis na requisição médica e nos livros de registros do Instituto Adolfo Lutz de Santos. Resultados: de um total de 1.510 amostras no período, foram selecionadas 1.321 encaminhadas com finalidade de diagnóstico, correspondendo a 880 casos suspeitos de tuberculose em 693 pacientes, 134 baciloscopias foram positivas e em 188 culturas houve crescimento de micobactérias. Doença micobateriana foi confirmada em 161 casos suspeitos, sendo 126 (78,3%) por M. tuberculosis (Mtb) e 39 (24,2%) por micobactérias não tuberculosas (MNT) - em quatro casos houve concomitância de Mtb e MNT. O perfil de sensibilidade às drogas antituberculose revelou 18 casos (14,3%) de resistência a pelo menos um medicamento e 2,4% de multirresistência. Conclusão: o laboratório de referência regional é uma ferramente fundamental no PNCT visando o diagnóstico adequado da tuberculose. Os altos percentuais encontrados de obrigatoriedade de se proceder à rotina laboratorial completa - baciloscopia, cultura com identificação e testes de sensibilidade às drogas - em pacientes HIV-positivos com suspeita de tuberculose pulmonar.

Identificação de micobactérias em amostras respiratórias de pacinetes HIV-positivos do Centro de Referência em Aids de Santos-SP / Identification of mycobacteria from respiratory samples obtained form HIV-positive patients attending an Aids Reference Center in the city of Santos, Brazil

O Programa Nacional de Controle da Tuberculose (PNCT) necessita de serviços de saúde unificados e integrados a uma rede laboratorial padronizada e hierarquizada, especialmente no contexto da co-infecção TB/HIV. Objetivos: avaliar o diagnóstico bacteriológico da TB e outras micobactérioses em amostras respiratórias de pacientes infectados pelo HIV atendidos no CRAIDS, na cidade de Santos - SP, no período de 2000 a 2004. Metodologia: análise retrospectiva de dados disponíveis na requisição médica e nos livros de registros do Instituto Adolfo Lutz de Santos. Resultados: de um total de 1.510 amostras no período, foram selecionadas 1.321 encaminhadas com finalidade de diagnóstico, correspondendo a 880 casos suspeitos de tuberculose em 693 pacientes, 134 baciloscopias foram positivas e em 188 culturas houve crescimento de micobactérias. Doença micobateriana foi confirmada em 161 casos suspeitos, sendo 126 (78,3%) por M. tuberculosis (Mtb) e 39 (24,2%) por micobactérias não tuberculosas (MNT) - em quatro casos houve concomitância de Mtb e MNT. O perfil de sensibilidade às drogas antituberculose revelou 18 casos (14,3%) de resistência a pelo menos um medicamento e 2,4% de multirresistência. Conclusão: o laboratório de referência regional é uma ferramente fundamental no PNCT visando o diagnóstico adequado da tuberculose. Os altos percentuais encontrados de obrigatoriedade de se proceder à rotina laboratorial completa - baciloscopia, cultura com identificação e testes de sensibilidade às drogas - em pacientes HIV-positivos com suspeita de tuberculose pulmonar.