Use of Home-Based Self-Collected Dried Blood Spots to Test for Syphilis, Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Hepatitis C and B Virus Infections and Measuring Creatinine Concentration.

INTRODUCTION: Home-based self-collected dried blood spot (DBS) sampling could simplify sexual health and preexposure prophylaxis care and reduce sexually transmitted infections (STIs) clinic visits for men who have sex with men (MSM). We compared the performance of DBS to venipuncture collected blood samples to test four STIs and creatinine concentration. METHODS: We invited MSM clients of the Amsterdam STI clinic to participate. Routinely collected peripheral blood was tested for syphilis treponemal antibody, HIV (HIV Ag/Ab), HCV (antibodies), HBV (HBsAg) and creatinine concentration. Participants received a home kit for DBS sampling, a return envelope and a questionnaire to evaluate the acceptability, feasibility and usability of DBS, measured on 5-point Likert scales, 1 representing complete disagreement and 5 complete agreement. We assessed sensitivity and specificity of DBS versus peripheral blood-based testing. RESULTS: In 2020 to 2021, we included 410 participants; 211 (51.5%) returned a completed DBS card, 117 (28.5%) returned a partially filled card and 82 (20.0%) did not return a card. The sensitivity for syphilis was 90.8% and the specificity 84.3%. For both HIV Ag/Ab and HBsAg, the sensitivity and specificity were 100.0%. The sensitivity for HCV antibody was 80.0%, and the specificity was 99.2%. The DBS creatinine concentration was a mean of 5.3 µmol/L higher than in venipuncture obtained plasma. Participants' median willingness to take a future DBS was 4 (interquartile range, 3-5). DISCUSSION: Dried blood spot may be an acceptable method among MSM for STI testing and creatinine follow-up during preexposure prophylaxis use. However, collecting enough blood on DBS cards was a challenge, and sensitivities for syphilis and HCV serology were too low.

OCORRÊNCIA DE SALMONELLA SPP. E STAPHYLOCOCCUS COAGULASE POSITIVA EM PESCADO NO NORDESTE, BRASIL

ABSTRACT The present study was carried out to evaluate the occurrence of Salmonella spp. and coagulase-positive Staphylococcus in fish and crustaceans from the Brazilian Northeast. Five out of the 143 samples (3.5%) were positive for Salmonella spp. While none of the fish and lobster tail samples were positive for coagulase positive Staphylococcus, two shrimp samples presented an estimated count of 1.0 x 101colony forming units per gram (cfu/g), and one presented 2.6 x 101 cfu/g. The results showed a low level of Salmonella and coagulase positive Staphylococcus occurrence. However, even with these low levels of bacterial numbers in fish and crustaceans we should search look for an improvement in their quality. This improvement should be associated to constant training for good manufacturing practice, a standard procedure of hygiene and analysis of hazards and critical control points related to employees that work as fishers or on shrimp farms, as well as those working in the industry as a whole.

RESUMO O presente estudo foi conduzido com o objetivo de verificar a ocorrência de Salmonella spp. e Staphylococcus coagulase positiva em pescados e crustáceos provenientes da região nordeste no período de fevereiro de 2004 a dezembro de 2005. Das 143 amostras de peixes e crustáceos (camarão congelado e cauda de lagosta), 5 (3,5%) apresentaram-se positivas para Salmonella spp. Enquanto nas amostras de peixe e cauda de lagosta a contagem de Staphylococcus coagulase positiva foi 1,0 x 102UFC/g estimado, nas amostras de camarão congelado, em duas a contagem foi 1,0 x 101UFC/g estimado e em uma 2,6 x 101UFC/g estimado, as demais 1,0 x 101UFC/g estimado. Com base nos resultados obtidos conclui-se que as amostras analisadas apresentaram baixos níveis de ocorrência de Salmonella spp. e Staphylococcus coagulase positiva e que, mesmo com estes baixos índices, constantemente deve-se buscar uma melhora na qualidade dos produtos da pesca, melhora esta que passa pelo treinamento constante em boas práticas de fabricação, procedimentos padrões de higienização e análise de perigos e pontos críticos de controle do pessoal que trabalha na pesca ou em fazendas de criação de camarão, bem como dos funcionários das indústrias.

Pesquisa de coliformes termotolerantes, totais e salmonella spp. em carnes caprinas comercializadas na cidade do recife, pernambuco

ABSTRACT The present study was aimed to evaluate the contamination by thermotolerant and total coliforms of in natura andunfrozencaprinemeatcommercializedinthemarketsofthecityof Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil, while also identifying, typifying and evaluating the profile of in-vitro susceptibility of the samples of Salmonella spp. Twenty-four samples were analyzed, using official methodologies established by the Animal Laboratory Coordination of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply. The results obtained demonstrate that 15 (62.50%) of the samples analyzed were not within the microbiologic standards. As for total coliforms, 5 (20.83%) samples were found to be in satisfactory sanitary conditions and 19 (79.16%) were found to be outside the meat standard. In the Salmonella spp. research, 7 (29.17%) samples presented contamination by Salmonella spp., there being 8 sorotypes typified: 4 (50%) Salmonella enterica subsp. houtena (O:53), 2 (25%), S. Anatum, 1 (12.50%) S. Rubislaw, 1 (12.50%) S. Derby. The profile of susceptibility obtained in vitro was 100% for norfloxacine, 75% for sulpha + trimetoprim, 62.50% for tetracycline, with a variation of 100% in the resistance to penicillin, novobiocin and oxaciline and of 87.50% for amoxiciline. The study showed that there is a high rate of contamination by thermotolerant and by total coliforms, besides confirming the presence of Salmonella spp. in caprine meat commercialized in the markets of the city of the Recife, constituting a risk factor for public health. Intervention by the departments

RESUMO Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar a contaminação na carne caprina in natura e resfriada comercializada nos mercados da Cidade do Recife, PE, por coliformes termotolerantes e totais, além de identificar, tipificar e avaliar o perfil de sensibilidade in vitro das amostras de Salmonella spp. Foram analisadas 24 amostras, utilizando-se metodologias oficiais preconizadas pela Coordenação de Laboratório Animal do Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento. Os resultados obtidos demonstram que 15 (62,50%) amostras analisadas encontram-se fora dos padrões microbiológicos. Em relação aos coliformes totais, 5 (20,83%) amostras encontravam-se em condições sanitárias satisfatórias e 19 (79,16%) encontravam-se fora dos padrões para carnes. Na pesquisa de Salmonella spp., 7 (29,17%) amostras apresentaram contaminação por Salmonella spp., sendo tipificados 8 sorotipos: 4 (50%) Salmonella enterica subsp. houtenae (O:53), 2 (25%), S. Anatum, 1 (12,50%) S. Rubislaw, 1 (12,50%) S. Derby. O perfil de sensibilidade in vitro obtido foi de 100% para norfloxacina, 75% para sulfa + trimetoprim, 62,50% para tetraciclina, com variação de 100 na resistência à penicilina, novobiocina e oxacilina e de 87,50% para amoxicilina. Conclui-se que existe um elevado índice de contaminação por coliformes totais e termotolerantes, além de confirmar a presença de Salmonella spp. em carnes caprinas comercializadas nos mercados da Cidade do Recife, PE, constituindo um fator de risco para a saúde pública. A intervenção dos órgãos de Vigilância Sanitária é necessária para melhorar as condições de produção, manuseio e de venda deste produto, além de estabelecer padrões microbiológicos para coliformes totais e termotolerantes para carne caprina resfriada, congelada ou in natura.

Caracterização e perfil de sensibilidade de staphylococcus spp. isolados de amostras de carne caprina comercializadas em mercados e supermercados em recife, pe

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to isolate, identify, quantify and evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial sensitivity profile of samples of Staphylococcus spp. isolated from 24 samples of normal and refrigerated caprine meat sold in public/private markets and supermarkets in Recife, Brazil. The analysis was carried out using the official recommended methodology of the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture and Food (MAPA). The results showed that 11 (45.83%) of the samples had counts of staphylococcus coagulase positive (SCP) varying from 6.7 x 103 to 2.01 x 106 UFC/g obtained from 27 isolates in a total of 89. From these 27 isolates, 19.10% were classified as Staphylococcus aureus, 8.99% as S. Hyicus and 2.25% as S. Intermedius. In the evaluation of the sensitivity profile the most efficient antibiotic was norfloxacin and vancomicin (100%), tetracycline and sulphur + trimetoprim (96.3%) and oxacilin (87.5%). Amoxicillin (59.26%), penicillin (70.37%), novobiocin (55.55%) show percentage differences in resistence against the samples. The conclusion was that caprine meat showed high microbial levels according to the Staphylococcus spp. counts and thus demonstrates the necessity to review the decision that regulates the microbiological standard for normal and refrigerated caprine meat.

RESUMO Objetivou-se com este trabalho isolar, identificar, quantificar e avaliar o perfil de sensibilidade antimicrobiana in vitrode amostras de Staphylococcus spp. procedentes de 24 amostras de carne caprina in natura e resfriada, comercializadas em mercados públicos/privados e supermercados da Cidade do Recife. Foram utilizadas metodologias oficiais preconizadas pelo Ministério da Agricultura Pecuária e Abastecimento (MAPA). Os resultados demonstraram que 11 (45,83%) amostras apresentaram contagens de estafilococos coagulase positiva (SCP) variando de 6,7 x 103 a 1,4 x 106 UFC/g correspondendo a 27 isolados de um total de 89, destes 19,10% foram classificadas como Staphylococcus aureus, 8,99% como Staphylococcus hyicus e 2,25 como Staphylococcus intermedius. Na avaliação do perfil de sensibilidade, os antibióticos mais eficazes foram norfloxacina e vancomicina (100%), tetraciclina e sulfa + trimetoprim (96,30%) e oxacilina (87,50%). Amoxicilina (59,26%), penicilina (70,37%) e novobiocina (55,55%) mostraram diferentes percentuais de resistência frente às amostras. Conclui-se que a carne caprina apresenta elevada carga microbiana, com relação a contagem de Staphylococcus spp., demonstrando a necessidade de rever a resolução que regulamenta os padrões micróbio lógicos para carnes de caprinos in natura e resfriadas.

Pesquisa de listeria monocytogenes e microrganismos indicadores higiênico-sanitários em queijo de coalho produzido e comercializado no estado de pernambuco / Survey of listeria monocytogenes e microrganisms indicative of higiênic and sanitáry conditions in "queijo de coalho" cheese produced and sold in the state of pernambuco, brazil

RESUMO Em função da importância socioeconômica do queijo de coalho um produto típico do Nordeste brasileiro e os riscos que seu consumo pode causar à saúde foi realizado o presente estudo para avaliar a incidência de Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella sp. e microrganismos indicadores de contaminação fecal, utilizando-se a metodologia preconizada pela Coordenação de Laboratório Animal do Ministério da Agricultura Pecuária e Abastecimento. Foram analisadas 127 amostras de queijo de coalho, produzidos e comercializados no Estado de Pernambuco das quais 9,5% foram positivas para Listeria sp. e 5,5% positivas para Listeria monocytogenes, 5,5% para Salmonella sp. e com relação a contaminação por coliformes totais, 44,1% das amostras apresentaram mais de 500 UFC/g, e encontravam-se fora do limite aceitável pela legislação, 44,1% das amostras para coliformes termotolerantes. Os resultados apresentados demonstram que a presença de Salmonella sp. e Listeria monocytogenes associada a grande prevalência de coliformes, são indicativos da baixa qualidade higiênica podendo favorecer a presença de microrganismos patogênicos no produto.

ABSTRACT Considering the social and economic importance of "queijo de coalho", a typical cheese very popular in the brazilian northwest, associated with the risk produced by its consumption, the aim of this study was to survey the occurrence of Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella sp. and microorganisms fecal coliform. The cheeses were examined as recommended in official methodologies from the Coordenação Geral de Laboratório Animal (CGLA) of the Ministerio da Agricultura Pecuaria e Abastecimento (MAPA). In 127 samples of "queijo de coalho" produced and commercialized in the state of Pernambuco that were analyzed, 9.5% of them were positive for Listeria sp., 5.5% positive for Listeria monocytogenes, and 5.5% for Salmonella sp. In relation to coliforms counting, 44.1% of the samples were found to have more than 500 UFC/ g, and 44.1% of samples were found to be outside the standards for heart-resistant coliforms according to the RDC 12 MS. The results demonstrate that Salmonella sp. and Listeriamonocytogenes, associated with the high prevalence of coliforms, are indicates of improper hygienic and sanitary conditions that may allow for the presence of pathogenic microorganisms in this kind of cheese.

use of interceed [TC7] in prevention of postoperative adhesions

Interceed, a fabric composed of oxidized, regenerated cellulose specifically designed to reduce postsurgical adhesion has been used in this study. Interceed has been used in 19 patients undergoing different gynaecological surgery and 19 patients without applying Interceed served as a control in Minia University Hospital and private hospitals of Minia and Assiut. Second look laparoscopy was done within 3 months after laparotomy. Interceed treatment was associated with 42.1% of postoperative adhesion, while postoperative adhesion was 68.4% in of control group. Interceed also provided a significant benefit in reducing the severity of adhesion that did form. The score of adhesion in Interceed treated group was 11 only compared with 46 in control group. In conclusion, Interceed significantly reduced the incidence, extent and severity of postsurgical pelvic adhesions