Severe viral lower respiratory tract infections in Brazilian children: Clinical features of a national cohort.

BACKGROUND: The accurate etiological diagnosis of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) is essential for their effective clinical management. The extensive use of molecular methods during the COVID-19 pandemic has enabled massive data acquisition on viral lower respiratory tract infections. The current study aims to identify clinical features associated with eight viral agents among children presenting severe LRTI. METHODS: retrospective cohort study of data from the Brazilian Influenza Epidemiological Surveillance Information System. Patients under 20 years-old who had severe LRTI with etiological confirmation through RT-PCR between 2020 and 2022 were included. Binary logistic regressions were used to examine associations between pathogens and symptoms. RESULTS: 60,657 cases were assessed. The main viral agents detected were Sars-CoV-2 (COV2) (41.2%), Respiratory Syncytial Virus (29.1%), Human Rhinovirus (HRV) (12.1%), and Influenza (FLU) (5.5%). A general mortality rate of 4.3% was observed. The multivariate analysis evidenced that COV2 less likely presented with cough (OR: 0.34; 95%CI: 0.32-0.36), respiratory discomfort (Adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR): 0.61; 95%Confidence Interval (CI): 0.59-0.64), and desaturation (aOR: 0.71; 95%CI: 0.69-0.75). RSV strongly associated with cough (aOR: 2.59; 95%CI: 2.45-2.75) and respiratory discomfort (aOR: 1.54; 95%CI: 1.46-1.62), whereas FLU was linked to fever (aOR: 2.27; 95%CI: 2.06-2.50) and sore throat (aOR: 1.48; 95%CI: 1.34-1.64). CONCLUSIONS: The viral agents responsible for severe LRTI have distinct associations with clinical features in children.

Comparative evaluation under routine conditions of the nitrate reduction assay, the proportion assay and the MGIT 960 assay for drug susceptibility testing of clinical isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

The performance of the nitrate reductase assay (NRA) was compared with the proportion method (PM) on Lowenstein-Jensen medium and the BACTEC MGIT960 assay under routine conditions using 160 clinical isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis with a high proportion of resistant strains. The mean time to obtain results was 8.8 days and the overall agreements between NRA and PM and NRA and M960 were 95% and 94%, respectively. NRA was easy to perform and represents a useful tool for the rapid screening of drug-resistant M. tuberculosis strains in low-resource countries.

Determinants of losses in the tuberculosis infection cascade of care among children and adolescent contacts of pulmonary tuberculosis cases: A Brazilian multi-centre longitudinal study.

Background: Approximately 10% of the global tuberculosis (TB) burden is in children. Identification, diagnosis, and early treatment of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection (TBI) is critical to prevent progression to TB in children. The risk of TB, including severe disease, is highest in children <5 years old. We evaluated the cascade of TBI care among child and adolescent TB contacts to identify factors associated with losses in the cascade. Methods: Close contacts ≤ 18 years old of pulmonary TB patients enrolled between 2015 and 2019 in a multi-centre Brazilian cohort were followed for up to 24 months and classified according to age groups: <5 years, 5-9 years, 10-14 years and 15-18 years. Data on clinical investigation, radiographic examination, IGRA testing at baseline and 6 months, initiation and completion of TB preventive treatment (TPT) were collected. Multivariable regression analyses identified factors associated with TBI and losses in the cascade of care in children and adolescents. Findings: Among 1795 TB contacts initially identified, 530 (29·5%) were ≤18 years old. Losses for all steps in the cascade were especially high in children <5 years old (88%) because at this age all contacts are recommended to initiate TPT. As a proportion of all children, completion of TPT was low (between 10% and 13%) in all age-groups. Furthermore, multivariable regression revealed that younger age of contacts and TB index cases who were female, had pulmonary cavities, and persistent cough were independently associated with losses in the cascade of care among persons ≤18 years old. Interpretation: Losses in the TBI cascade were the highest among children <5 years, which was the group at highest risk for TB among the four age groups. The findings highlight the need to improve screening, initiation, and completion of TPT of young children who are close contacts of people with TB in Brazil. Funding: National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

Tuberculosis Burden and Determinants of Treatment Outcomes According to Age in Brazil: A Nationwide Study of 896,314 Cases Reported Between 2010 and 2019.

Approximately 1.4 million people die annually worldwide from tuberculosis. Large epidemiologic studies can identify determinants of unfavorable clinical outcomes according to age, which can guide public health policy implementation and clinical management to improve outcomes. We obtained data from the national tuberculosis case registry; data were reported to the Brazilian National Program (SINAN) between 2010 and 2019. Clinical and epidemiologic variables were compared between age groups (child: <10 years, young: 10-24years, adult: 25-64years, and elderly: ≥65years). Univariate comparisons were performed together with second-generation p-values. We applied a backward stepwise multivariable logistic regression model to identify characteristics in each age group associated with unfavorable TB treatment outcomes. There were 896,314 tuberculosis cases reported during the period. Tuberculosis incidence was highest among adult males, but the young males presented the highest growth rate during the period. Directly observed therapy (DOT) was associated with protection against unfavorable outcomes in all age groups. The use of alcohol, illicit drugs, and smoking, as well as occurrence of comorbidities, were significantly different between age groups. Lack of DOT, previous tuberculosis, race, location of tuberculosis disease, and HIV infection were independent risk factors for unfavorable outcome depending on the age group. The clinical and epidemiological risk factors for unfavorable tuberculosis treatment outcomes varied according to age in Brazil. DOT was associated with improved outcomes in all age groups. Incidence according to age and sex identified adults and young males as the groups that need prevention efforts. This supports implementation of DOT in all populations to improve tuberculosis outcomes.

Seasonal patterns of viral and bacterial infections among children hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia in a tropical region.

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a common cause of morbidity among children. Evidence on seasonality, especially on the frequency of viral and bacterial causative agents is scarce; such information may be useful in an era of changing climate conditions worldwide. To analyze the frequency of distinct infections, meteorological indicators and seasons in children hospitalized for CAP in Salvador, Brazil, nasopharyngeal aspirate and blood were collected from 184 patients aged < 5 y over a 21-month period. Fourteen microbes were investigated and 144 (78%) cases had the aetiology established. Significant differences were found in air temperature between spring and summer (p = 0.02) or winter (p < 0.001), summer and fall (p = 0.007) or winter (p < 0.001), fall and winter (p = 0.002), and on precipitation between spring and fall (p = 0.01). Correlations were found between: overall viral infections and relative humidity (p = 0.006; r = 0.6) or precipitation (p = 0.03; r = 0.5), parainfluenza and precipitation (p = 0.02; r = -0.5), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and air temperature (p = 0.048; r = -0.4) or precipitation (p = 0.045; r = 0.4), adenovirus and precipitation (p = 0.02; r = 0.5), pneumococcus and air temperature (p = 0.04; r = -0.4), and Chlamydia trachomatis and relative humidity (p = 0.02; r = -0.5). The frequency of parainfluenza infection was highest during spring (32.1%; p = 0.005) and that of RSV infection was highest in the fall (36.4%; p < 0.001). Correlations at regular strength were found between several microbes and meteorological indicators. Parainfluenza and RSV presented marked seasonal patterns.

Does sedation influence cardiac magnetic resonance duration for children?

PURPOSE: The aims of our study were to compare cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) scan time (time elapsed between first and last acquired sequence) and room time (time elapsed between patients' entrance and exit of the MRI room) between sedated and non-sedated children and to assess the contributing factors. METHODS: It is a cohort study performed at a CMR facility in a tertiary-care center. We compared scan time and room time between sedated and non-sedated children and assessed the influence of gender, age, weight, height, body surface area, number of sequences, and patients' diagnosis/previous procedures. RESULTS: We included 140 children (74 sedated and 66 non-sedated), age 7.6 years (3-12) and body surface area 0.83 m2 (0.57-1.25). The most common diagnosis/previous procedures were repaired tetralogy of Fallot, cardiomyopathies and single ventricle. Number of sequences: 18 (16-22). Scan time: 42 min (35-54.2); room time: 53 min (46-63). There was difference in room time between sedated and non-sedated children (57.6 ± 13.6 vs 52.2 ± 15 min, p < 0.05), but not in scan time (47.2 ± 14.1 vs 43.9 ± 16 min, p 0.2). The only factor associated with scan time was the number of sequences (r 0.75, p < 0.001). The only factor associated with room time was single ventricle as indication (r 0.26, p 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Sedated children spent 5 more minutes in the CMR room than non-sedated children. Single ventricle was associated with increased room time. Number of sequences correlated with scan time. Sedation did not influence these times.

The role of respiratory viral infections among children hospitalized for community-acquired pneumonia in a developing country.

We report an investigation for 16 bacteria and viruses among 184 children hospitalized with pneumonia in Salvador, Brazil. Etiology was established in 144 (78%) cases. Viral, bacterial, and mixed infections were found in 110 (60%), 77 (42%), and 52 (28%) patients, respectively. Rhinovirus (21%) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (21%) were the most common pathogens. Our results demonstrate the importance of viral and pneumococcal infections among those patients.

Inserção e atuação do profissional de educação física nos núcleos de apoio à saúde da família em Santos-SP / The insertion and performance of the physical education professional in the family health support centers in Santos-SP / Inserción y desempeño del profesional de educación física en los centros de apoyo a la salud familiar de Santos-SP

O objetivo deste estudo foi compreender a inserção e a atuação do profissional de Educação Física no NASF em Santos-SP. Trata-se de uma pesquisa de abordagem qualitativa, na qual participaram 3 profissionais de Educação Física. A coleta de dados se deu por entrevista semiestruturada, e os dados foram interpretados à luz da análise de conteúdo. Como resultado, compreende-se que a inserção dos profissionais no NASF é inerente ao cargo ocupado. A atuação se dá num cenário limitante em número de profissionais e legitimação, trabalho anterior isolado e uma prática pedagógica instrumental, entretanto, aberta aos ideários críticos. Assim, embora haja um potencial alinhamento da atuação em relação às diretrizes do NASF, conclui-se que ainda existem limites a superar (AU)

The aim was to comprehend the insertion and performance of the Physical Education professional in the Family Health Support Centers (NASF) in the city of Santos-SP. It is a qualitative research in which three Physical Education professionals participated as volunteers. For this, semi-structured interviews were carried out and the data were analyzed through content analysis. As a result, the insertion of these professionals in the NASF is inherent to the position held. The performance is developed in a limiting context in terms of number of professionals and legitimacy, previous separate work, and an instrumental pedagogical practice; however, it opens to critical framework. Although the performance is potentially aligned with the NASF, we concluded there are limits to surpass yet (AU).

El objetivo de este estudio fue conocer la inserción y desempeño del profesional de Educación Física en el NASF en Santos-SP. Se trata de una investigación cualitativa, en la que participaron 3 profesionales de la educación física. La recolección de datos se realizó a través de entrevistas semiestructuradas y los datos se interpretaron a la luz del análisis de contenido. Como resultado, se entiende que la inserción de profesionales em el NASF es inherente al cargo que ocupan. La actuación se desarrolla en un escenario que limita el número de profesionales y la legitimidad, un trabajo previo aislado y una práctica pedagógica instrumental, sin embargo, abierta a ideas críticas. Así aunque existe una potencial alineación de desempeño en relación con las directrices del NASF, se concluye que aún quedan límites por supera (AU).

Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates from Rio de Janeiro reveal unusually low correlation between pyrazinamide resistance and mutations in the pncA gene.

It has been widely accepted, that pyrazinamide (PZA) resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis is correlated with mutations in the pncA gene. But since years researchers have been puzzled by the fact that up to 30% of PZA resistant strains do not show any correlation between PZA resistance and mutations in the pncA gene, and thus may vary with geographic area. The objective of the study was to investigate the correlation between PZA susceptibility and mutations in pncA gene in M. tuberculosis isolates from individuals living in a highly endemic area. Therefore we analyzed drug resistant and multidrug resistant (MDR) isolates from patients in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. From a total of 97 clinical isolates of M. tuberculosis 35 were identified as PZA resistant, 24/35 strains did not show PZase activity and 15/24 (62.5%) strains possess mutation in the pncA gene. This is a low correlation between PZA resistance and PZase activity (68.6%) and even lower correlation between PZA resistance and the presence of mutation in pncA gene (45.7%). Most of the mutations found were conserved near the active site or metal binding site of PZase. The 146A>C mutation was found both in PZA resistant and susceptible isolates, suggesting that this mutation may not fully associated with PZA resistance. Of the mutations found, three have not been previously described. The insertions 192-193 TCCTCGTC and 388-389 AGGTCGATG, although found before, here was found to be a short tandem repeat and in one strain, insertion of the IS6110 was observed 55nt upstream of the gene. All PZA resistant isolates had no mutation in the gene coding ribosomal protein S1 (rpsA), which has recently been proposed as alternate target for pyrazinoic acid (POA). The results show a low association of PZA resistance and pncA gene mutations in a selected patient group from an highly endemic area. Our findings point out that the phenotypic susceptibility testing remains important for the detection of PZA-resistant M. tuberculosis.

Identification of nontuberculous mycobacteria isolated from clinical sterile sites in patients at a university hospital in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To identify nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) isolated from sterile sites in patients hospitalized between 2001 and 2006 at the Clementino Fraga Filho University Hospital, located in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. METHODS: During the study period, 34 NTM isolates from sterile sites of 14 patients, most of whom were HIV-positive, were submitted to phenotypic identification and hsp65 PCR-restriction enzyme analysis (PRA). RESULTS: Most isolates were identified as Mycobacterium avium, followed by M. monacense, M. kansasii, and M. abscessus. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of PRA, a relatively simple and inexpensive method, with the evaluation of a few phenotypic characteristics can allow NTM to be accurately identified in the routine of clinical laboratories.

Identification of Mycobacterium bovis among mycobacterial isolates from human clinical specimens at a university hospital in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

In 2005 and 2006, 8,121 clinical specimens submitted to the Mycobacteriology Laboratory of the Clementino Fraga Filho University Hospital/Thoracic Diseases Institute, in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, were inoculated on Löwenstein-Jensen medium containing glycerol and pyruvate. There were 79 mycobacteria isolates that presented growth only on pyruvate-containing medium, and those isolates were selected for the presumptive identification of Mycobacterium bovis. The selected isolates were screened with biochemical tests, PCR amplification (with the specific primers Rv0577 and Rv1510), and pyrazinamide susceptibility tests. All of the strains isolated showed specific phenotypical and genotypical patterns characteristic of M. tuberculosis, and no M. bovis strains were detected.

Inserção e atuação do profissional de educação física nos núcleos de apoio à saúde da família em Santos-SP / The insertion and performance of the physical education professional in the family health support centers in Santos-SP / Inserción y desempeño del profesional de educación física en los centros de apoyo a la salud familiar de Santos-SP

O objetivo deste estudo foi compreender a inserção e a atua-ção do profissional de Educação Física no NASF em Santos-SP. Trata-se de uma pesquisa de abordagem qualitativa, na qual participaram 3 pro-fissionais de Educação Física. A coleta de dados se deu por entrevista semiestruturada, e os dados foram interpretados à luz da análise de conteúdo. Como resultado, compreende-se que a inserção dos profis-sionais no NASF é inerente ao cargo ocupado. A atuação se dá num ce-nário limitante em número de profissionais e legitimação, trabalho an-terior isolado e uma prática pedagógica instrumental, entretanto, aberta aos ideários críticos. Assim, embora haja um potencial alinhamento da atuação em relação às diretrizes do NASF, conclui-se que ainda existem limites a superar.

The aim was to comprehend the insertion and performance of the Physical Education professional in the Family Health Support Centers (NASF) in the city of Santos-SP. It is a qualitative research in which three Physical Education professionals participated as volunteers. For this, semi-structured interviews were carried out and the data were analyzed through content analysis. As a result, the insertion of these professionals in the NASF is inherent to the position held. The performance is developed in a limiting context in terms of number of professionals and legitimacy, previous separate work, and an instrumental pedagogical practice; however, it opens to critical framework. Although the performance is potentially aligned with the NASF, we concluded there are limits to surpass yet.

El objetivo de este estudio fue conocer la inserción y desempeño del profesional de Educación Física en el NASF en Santos-SP. Se trata de una investigación cualitativa, en la que participaron 3 profesionales de la educación física. La recolección de datos se realizó a través de entrevistas semiestructuradas y los datos se interpretaron a la luz del análisis de contenido. Como resultado, se entiende que la inserción de profesionales em el NASF es inherente al cargo que ocupan. La actuación se desarrolla en un escenario que limita el número de profesionales y la legitimidad, un trabajo previo aislado y una práctica pedagógica instrumental, sin embargo, abierta a ideas críticas. Así, aunque existe una potencial alineación de desempeño en relación con las directrices del NASF, se concluye que aún quedan límites por superar.

Genotyping did not evidence any contribution of Mycobacterium bovis to human tuberculosis in Brazil.

The contribution of Mycobacterium bovis to the global burden of tuberculosis (TB) in man is likely to be underestimated due to its dysgonic growth characteristics and because of the absence of pyruvate in most used media is disadvantageous for its primary isolation. In Brazil Mycobacterium culture, identification and susceptibility tests are performed only in TB reference centers, usually for selected cases. Moreover, solid, egg-based, glycerol-containing (without pyruvate supplementation) Löwenstein-Jensen (L-J) or Ogawa media are routinely used, unfavouring M. bovis isolation. To determine the importance of M. bovis as a public health threat in Brazil we investigated 3046 suspected TB patients inoculating their clinical samples onto routine L-J and L-J pyruvate enriched media. A total of 1796 specimens were culture positive for Mycobacterium spp. and 702 TB cases were confirmed. Surprisingly we did not detect one single case of M. bovis in the resulting collection of 1674 isolates recovered from M. bovis favourable medium analyzed by conventional and molecular speciation methods. Also, bacillary DNA present on 454 sputum smears from 223 TB patients were OxyR genotyped and none was recognized as M. bovis. Our data indicate that M. bovis importance on the burden of human TB in Brazil is marginal.

Comparative evaluation under routine conditions of the nitrate reduction assay, the proportion assay and the MGIT 960 assay for drug susceptibility testing of clinical isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

The performance of the nitrate reductase assay (NRA) was compared with the proportion method (PM) on Lowenstein-Jensen medium and the BACTEC MGIT960 assay under routine conditions using 160 clinical isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis with a high proportion of resistant strains. The mean time to obtain results was 8.8 days and the overall agreements between NRA and PM and NRA and M960 were 95 percent and 94 percent, respectively. NRA was easy to perform and represents a useful tool for the rapid screening of drug-resistant M. tuberculosis strains in low-resource countries.

Identificação de Mycobacterium bovis em cepas micobacterianas isoladas espécimes clínicos humanos em um complexo hospitalar na cidade do Rio de Janeiro / Identification of Mycobacterium bovis among mycobacterial isolates from human clinical specimens at a university hospital in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Entre 2005 e 2006, 8.121 espécimes clínicos enviados ao Laboratório de Micobactérias do Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho/Instituto de Doenças do Tórax, no Rio de Janeiro, RJ, foram inoculados em meio Löwenstein-Jensen contendo glicerol e piruvato. Desses espécimes, 79 isolados de micobactérias tiveram crescimento somente em meio com piruvato, sendo selecionados para a identificação presuntiva de Mycobacterium bovis. Esses isolados foram submetidos à identificação por testes bioquímicos, amplificação por PCR com primers específicos (Rv0577 e Rv1510) e teste de suscetibilidade à pirazinamida. Todas as cepas apresentaram padrões fenotípicos e genotípicos de M. tuberculosis, não sendo detectado M. bovis.

In 2005 and 2006, 8,121 clinical specimens submitted to the Mycobacteriology Laboratory of the Clementino Fraga Filho University Hospital/Thoracic Diseases Institute, in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, were inoculated on Löwenstein-Jensen medium containing glycerol and pyruvate. There were 79 mycobacteria isolates that presented growth only on pyruvate-containing medium, and those isolates were selected for the presumptive identification of Mycobacterium bovis. The selected isolates were screened with biochemical tests, PCR amplification (with the specific primers Rv0577 and Rv1510), and pyrazinamide susceptibility tests. All of the strains isolated showed specific phenotypical and genotypical patterns characteristic of M. tuberculosis, and no M. bovis strains were detected.

Identificação de micobactérias não tuberculosas isoladas de sítios estéreis em pacientes em um hospital universitário na cidade do Rio de Janeiro / Identification of nontuberculous mycobacteria isolated from clinical sterile sites in patients at a university hospital in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

OBJETIVO: Identificar micobactérias não tuberculosas (MNT) isoladas de sítios estéreis em pacientes internados no Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho, Rio de Janeiro (RJ) entre 2001 e 2006. MÉTODOS: Durante o período do estudo, 34 isolados de MNT de sítios estéreis de 14 pacientes, a maioria HIV positivos, foram submetidos a identificação fenotípica e hsp65 PCR-restriction enzyme analysis (PRA, análise por enzimas de restrição por PCR do gene hsp65). RESULTADOS: A maioria dos isolados foi identificada como Mycobacterium avium, seguida por M. monacense, M. kansasii e M. abscessus em menores proporções. CONCLUSÕES: A combinação de PRA, um método relativamente simples e de baixo custo, com algumas características fenotípicas pode fornecer a identificação correta de MNT na rotina de laboratórios clínicos.

OBJECTIVE: To identify nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) isolated from sterile sites in patients hospitalized between 2001 and 2006 at the Clementino Fraga Filho University Hospital, located in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. METHODS: During the study period, 34 NTM isolates from sterile sites of 14 patients, most of whom were HIV-positive, were submitted to phenotypic identification and hsp65 PCR-restriction enzyme analysis (PRA). RESULTS: Most isolates were identified as Mycobacterium avium, followed by M. monacense, M. kansasii, and M. abscessus. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of PRA, a relatively simple and inexpensive method, with the evaluation of a few phenotypic characteristics can allow NTM to be accurately identified in the routine of clinical laboratories.

Ocorrência de micobactérias em suínos de abate clandestino no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

O estudo das micobactérias atípicas; em especial das que compõem o complexo Mycobaterium avium(MAC), vem Crescendoem função de sua associação com diferentes tipos de patologias, principalmente em pacientes iillunodeprimidos. Suínospodem atuar como reservatórios destes microrganismos e o exame destes animais em uma região específica permite avaliara situação epidemiológica das micobacterioses na população humana e das espécies animais. Foram examinados 73suínos abatidos no ambiente de criação, sem a devida inspeção sanitária. Isolaram-se 21 amostras, sendo sete amostras decrescimento rápido, seis pertencentes MAC e uma Mycobacterium scrofulaceum. Foram ainda identificadas 14 de micobactériasatípicas de crescimento rápido, classificadas em M. flavescens (4 amostras), M. chitae (3 amostras), M. peregrinum (2 amostras),M. fortuitum (2 amostras) e M. diemhoferi (1 amostra). Consideramos os índices de isolamento verificados bastantealtos, especialmente tendo em vista que esses animais são consumidos diretamente sem qualquer espécie de fiscalizaçãosanitária ou. de tratamento prévio. dos produtos. Desta forma, consideramos que os animais oriundos de abate clandestinorepresentam importante risco de contaminação ambiental e da população humana exposta a micobactérias em geral e,especialmente, às do MAC.

Ocorrência de micobactérias em suínos de abate clandestino no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil / Occurrence of mycobacteria in swine of clandestine slaughter in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

O estudo das micobactérias atípicas, em especial das que compõem o complexo Mycobaterium avium (MAC), vem crescendo em função de sua associação com diferentes tipos de patologias, principalmente em pacientes imunodeprimidos. Suínos podem atuar como reservatórios destes microorganismos e o exame destes animais em uma região específica permite avaliar a situação epidemiológica das micobacterioses na população humana e das espécies animais. Foram examinados 73 suínos abatidos no ambiente de criação, sem a devida inspeção sanitária. Isolaram-se 21 amostras, sendo sete amostras de crescimento rápido, seis pertencentes MAC e uma Mycobacterium scrofulaceum.Foram ainda identificadas 14 de micobactérias atípicas de crescimento rápido, classificas em M. flavescens (4 amostras), M. chitae (3 amostras), M. peregrinum (2 amostras), M. fortuitum (2 amostras) e M. diernhferi (1 amostra). Consideramos os índices de isolamento vefificados bastante altos, especialmente tendo em vista que esses animais são consumidos diretamente sem qualquer espécie de fiscalização sanitária ou de tratamento prévio dos produtos. Desta forma, consideramos que os animais oriundos de abate cladestino representam importante risco de contaminação ambiental e da população humana exposta a micobactérias em geral e, especialmente, às do MAC.