Uso de la cefalexina en infecciones piogenas de la piel: comparacion de dos esquemas terapeuticos

50 patients with pyogenic infections of the skin were divided into 2 groups and treated with cephalexin. Group A, 26 patients, received 500 mg/12 hours; Group B, 24 patients, 250 mg/6 hours. Clinical diagnosis was substantiated by bacteriologic study of cultures to identify the organism and determination of its susceptibility to the drug. Group A showed 91%, group B 95%; satisfactory results. No side-effects were noted. Either form of dosage was effective in the treatment of pyogenic infections of the skin.

Mortalidade infantil em município do interior do estado de São Paulo

Considerando que a mortalidade infantil é indicador dos níveis de saúde da população, realizamos este trabalho, cujo objetivo foi identificar as causas de mortalidade infantil no ano de 1998 em Botucatu. O coeficiente de mortalidade infantil obtido foi 12/1000 NV, com maior participação dos óbitos neonatais - 8,3/1000 NV A maior parte dos óbitos foi classificada como reduzível ou parcialmente reduzível, mas a atenção necessária para viabilizar tal redução foi variada. Dos óbitos ocorridos, 21,7% eram inevitáveis, evidenciando que para redução dos índices de mortalidade infantil deveremos continuar investindo na qualidade da assistência à saúde e melhoria das condições de vida da população.

Avaliação de serviços de assistência ambulatorial em aids, Brasil: estudo comparativo 2001/2007

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os serviços do Sistema Único de Saúde brasileiro de assistência ambulatorial a adultos vivendo com aids em 2007 e comparar com a avaliação de 2001. MÉTODOS: Os 636 serviços cadastrados no Ministério da Saúde em 2007 foram convidados a responder a um questionário previamente validado (Questionário Qualiaids) com 107 questões de múltipla escolha sobre a organização da assistência prestada. Analisaram-se as frequências das respostas de 2007 comparando-as com as obtidas em 2001 na forma de variação percentual (VP). RESULTADOS: Responderam o questionário 504 (79,2%) serviços. Cerca de 100,0% dos respondentes relataram ter pelo menos um médico, suprimento sem falhas de antirretrovirais e de exames CD4 e carga viral. Vários aspectos mostraram melhor desempenho em 2007 comparados a 2001: registro de número de faltas à consulta médica (de 18,3 para 27,0%, VP: 47,5%), agendamento de consulta em menos de 15 dias no início da terapia antirretroviral (de 55,3 para 66,2%, VP: 19,7%) e participação organizada do usuário (de 5,9 para 16,7%, VP: 183,1%). Houve manutenção de dificuldades: pequena variação na disponibilidade de exames especializados em até 15 dias, como endoscopia (31,9 para 34,5%, VP: 8,1%), e a piora de indicadores como tempo ideal de acesso a consultas especializadas (55,9 para 34,5% em cardiologia, VP negativa de 38,3%). O tempo médio despendido nas consultas médicas de seguimento manteve-se baixo: 15 minutos ou menos (52,5 para 49,5%, VP negativa de 5,8%). CONCLUSÕES: A avaliação de 2007 mostrou que os serviços contam com os recursos essenciais para a assistência ambulatorial. Houve melhoras em muitos aspectos em relação a 2001, mas persistem desafios. Pouco tempo dedicado à consulta médica pode estar vinculado ao número insuficiente de médicos e/ou à baixa capacidade de escuta e diálogo. A acessibilidade prejudicada a consultas especializadas mostra a dificuldade das infraestruturas locais do Sistema Único de Saúde.

Prevalência e fatores de risco associados à infecção pelo Vírus da Imunodeficiência Humana em parturientes

OBJETIVO: Determinar a prevalência e os fatores de risco associados à infecção pelo Vírus da Imunodeficiência Humana (HIV) em parturientes admitidas no Hospital Estadual de Presidente Prudente, SP. MÉTODOS: Estudo epidemiológico transversal com 873 parturientes admitidas no Hospital Estadual de Presidente Prudente, SP, entre 1º de março de 2005 a 30 de dezembro de 2006. Foi aplicado um questionário semi-estruturado e obtidas informações em prontuários e carteiras de pré-natal. As variáveis foram sócio-demográficas, gestacionais, assistenciais do pré-natal e específicas da população reagente. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de parturientes com HIV foi de 2,1%, com escolaridades mais baixas e médias de idade e de gestações superiores às não reagentes. Os fatores de risco associados foram a residência fora do município de tratamento e a baixa escolaridade. Houve um aumento da prevalência do HIV em parturientes em relação a dados anteriores. CONCLUSÃO: Os fatores de risco encontrados podem estar envolvidos no aumento da prevalência e no comprometimento da profilaxia pré-natal para o HIV.

Accuracy of simple urine tests for diagnosis of urinary tract infections in low-risk pregnant women

Alterações anatômicas e fisiológicas da gravidez predispõem gestantes a infecções do trato urinário (ITU). O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar a acurácia do exame de urina simples para diagnóstico de ITU em gestantes de baixo risco. Fez-se uso do estudo de desempenho de teste diagnóstico realizado em Botucatu, SP, com 230 gestantes, entre 2006 e 2008. Os resultados mostram que a prevalência de ITU foi de 10%. A sensibilidade foi 95,6%, especificidade 63,3% e acurácia 66,5% do exame de urina simples, em relação ao diagnóstico de ITU. A análise dos valores preditivos positivo e negativo (VPP e VPN) mostrou que, na vigência de exame de urina simples normal, a chance de haver ITU foi pequena (VPN 99,2%). Frente ao resultado alterado desse exame, a probabilidade de haver ITU foi baixa (VPP 22,4%). Conclui-se que a acurácia do exame de urina simples como meio diagnóstico de ITU foi baixa, sendo indispensável a realização de urocultura para o diagnóstico.

Estimating outcomes in newborn infants using fuzzy logic

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Contaminación microbiana en las líneas de agua de las unidades odontológicas

Introduction and Objective: Microorganisms are responsible for multiple infections and pathologies; this is why it is important to control microbes that can be found in the triple syringe used for irrigation in different dental procedures. The aim of this study was to identify cultivable species of microbes (fungus and bacteria) found in some dental units water lines of a private dental clinic from Medellín, Colombia. Materials and Methods: Random samples were taken from 11 chairs from a total of 89; a sample of water of 500ml was collected from the triple syringe of each selected chair. The study aim to search for the presence of total coliforms, filamentous fungi and leavened Results: the average presence of microorganisms was between 40CFU and more of 200 CFU. Microorganisms such as Aeromona salmonicida, Actinobacilus sp and Pseudomona maltophil were isolated. No total coliforms neither fecal coliforms were found. Conclusions: the high levels of contamination suggest that there is a mature biofilm in somewhere of the dental unit water line, but the absence of total and fecalis coliforms suggest that the water had been treated.

Percepción de un grupo de mujeres acerca del hecho de ser portadoras del VPH

Background: The possibility to acquire sexually transmitted diseases generates bio-psycho-social conflicts affecting daily life of women. Objective: To investigate the knowledge of women on the concept of being infected by the human papilloma virus (HPV) and to understand the significance they attributed to their condition as HPV carriers. Material and method: It is a qualitative study in which ten women were interviewed, after the result of a cytopathological exam suggesting HPV. Data were collected at the Center of Health School of the Universidade Estadual Paulista -UNESP-Brazil. Results: The significant items were: deception and preoccupation about the cure, since they indicate that it is very deceptive to be infected with an incurable disease by a person whom they trust; the method of having sexual relations and being infected again; the necessity of care and of being optimistic to face the disease and the threat of cervix cancer originating anxiety. Discussion: Orientations made by health professionals were efficacious to clarify the relationship with cancer development. It is possible to understand the necessity of assistance orientations and the opportunity to hear them, offering individualized quality care. This study also offers important elements to reinforce the educational role of health professionals, principally those referring to sexually transmitted infection and cancer, seeking prevention and early treatment with the offered information. However, there is no desire of finishing the subject regarding perception, thus there is much to discover about diseases related to human papilloma virus. Key words: women carriers of HPV, feelings attributed by women.

A flow cytometry method for testing the susceptibility of Cryptococcus spp. to amphotericin B

Human fungal infections have increased at an alarming rate in recent years, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Cryptococcosis is the second most prevalent systemic fungal infection worldwide, and the most prevalent systemic infection in immunocompromised individuals, representing more than 70% of cases. The incidence of cryptococcosis is high in people with HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), with recent estimates indicating that there are one million cases of cryptococcal meningitis globally per year in AIDS patients. The aim of this research was to develop a rapid flow cytometric antifungal susceptibility test and to compare the results with the standard methods. A reference strain and clinical isolates of Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii were tested for susceptibility to amphotericin B by flow cytometry using propidium iodide as indicator of viability. Flow cytometry (FC) results were compared with the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values determined by microdilution. The antifungal activity of amphotericin B ranged from MICs of 0.06 to 2μg/ml for the 11 isolates studied. The same results were found by FC. The FC method allows same-day results, assisting in the selection of appropriate antifungal therapies. These results demonstrate an excellent correlation between FC and the classic methods of testing for susceptibility to antifungal agents. This rapid diagnosis method makes it possible to quickly administer effective therapeutic interventions, often saving lives.

Emprego de redes complexas para modelar e analisar a disseminação de microrganismos da familia enterobacteriaceae em pacientes mantidos em unidades de terapia intensiva

Nowadays the studies of different methodologies to interfere in the growing and spread of serious infections and systemic status in institutionalized patients those kept on intensive therapy units are relevant to understanding these complex systems and bring benefits to several health areas, particularly public health. In this study, it was analyzed the clinical and microbiological data from patients hospitalized in intensive therapy units. The interaction between patients and caregivers was modeled and analyzed using dynamic system model and complex network theory, identifying outbreaks values of microorganisms of Enterobacteriaceae Family.

Speech-language therapy for treatment of dysphagia and dysphonia in systemic granulomatous diseases: granulomatous diseases: dysphagia and dysphonia treatments

The granulomatous lesions are frequently founded in infectious diseases and can involve the larynx and pharynx and can cause varying degrees of dysphonia and dysphagia. There is still no systematic review that analyzes effectiveness of speech therapy in systemic granulomatous diseases. Research strategy: A systematic review was performed according to Cochrane guideline considering the inclusion of RCTs and quasi-RCTs about the effectiveness of speech-language therapy to treat dysphagia and dysphonia symptoms in systemic granulomatous diseases of the larynx and pharynx. Selection criteria: The outcome planned to be measured in this review were: swallowing impairment, frequency of chest infections and voice and swallowing symptoms. Data analysis: We identified 1,140 citations from all electronic databases. After an initial shift we only selected 9 titles to be retrieved in full-text. After full reading, there was no RCT found in this review and therefore, we only described the existing 2 case series studies. Results: There were no randomized controlled trials found in the literature. Therefore, two studies were selected to be included only for narratively analysis as they were case series. Conclusion: There is no evidence from high quality studies about the effectiveness of speech-language therapy in patients with granulomatous diseases of the larynx and pharynx. The investigators could rely in the outcomes suggested in this review to design their own clinical trials.

Avaliação do grau de conhecimento sobre Leishmaniose e Toxoplasmose em moradores do município de Araçatuba, SP

Considering the importance of zoonotic infections by Leishmania spp. and Toxoplasma gondii in Araçatuba region, São Paulo, this study determined the degree of knowledge of residents of Araçatuba about these two diseases. Questionnaires about these diseases were applied to 123 people. Regarding schooling, all the respondents were literate, and 69.9% (86/123) did not attend higher education and 30.8% (37/123) completed an undergraduate degree. Of these, 91.9% (34/37) knew the meaning of the term zoonosis, with significant difference compared to those who were not trained. This word was unknown by 57% (29/123) of total respondents. Most non-graduates, 59.3% (51/86) did not know what is toxoplasmosis and among graduates, 35.1% (13/37) ignored the subject.There were significant difference between these groups. Regarding the prevention of Leishmania infection, a greater proportion of the residents advocated environmental cleanup, the collar repellent and use of citronella. In relation to toxoplasmosis, 54.5% did not know the ways of transmission of this disease and among those with graduate degree, 13 ignoring any transmission medium. When it comes to prevention of this disease, 55.3% (68/123) did not know any prophylactic. In the group of higher education, 14 did not know how to prevent toxoplasmosis. The results of this study show that the majority of respondents are not aware about the mode of transmission of these diseases, especially in relation to toxoplasmosis.

Diagnóstico de situação das práticas de manejo sanitário em sistemas de produção de bovinos de corte

We interviewed 21 farmers in order to access which sanitary practices adopted in the production systems of beef cattle on farms located in São Paulo, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul and Rondonia. The survey was conducted through a qualitative approach to the collection of data obtained through questionnaire and personal interview with the landowners. We questioned the attitudes and sanitation procedures in these current production systems such as veterinary assistance, preventive health practices and disease surveillance, knowledge of health hazards for the safe production of food, animal feed, vaccine and immunizations, registration system, measures with newborns, products used in the environment and animals, grace period, employee training, destination of the dead animals, among others. Along with the data found that only 30% of properties had veterinary care, 67% said they meet the expiration dates of the products, although it was not mentioned on the products if there were any. In only 48% of properties were veterinarians who prescribed drugs to animals. Only two of the owners confirmed buying and using expired products in animals and only 48% have received some training on the property. In this setting, it is evident that farmers should be better prepared for insertion of its products in a highly demanding and competitive market. In this context, add value to the product depends mainly on the condition of sanitation of the herds.

Susceptibility of microorganisms isolated from necrotic pulps to calcium hydroxide

Calcium hydroxide has been used as pulp-capping agent and canal dressing due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties besides its ability to induce formation of mineralized tissues. The aim of this study was to evaluate the susceptibility to calcium hydroxide of 146 bacterial strains isolated from endodontic infections. MIC was determined by using an agar dilution method, while contact bactericide activity was performed through in broth. All the isolates were sensitive to calcium hydroxide in concentrations that varied from 0.5mg/ml to 128 mg/ml, and the genera Enterococcus, Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus and Actinomyces were the most resistant. Gramnegative anaerobes proved to be the most sensitive isolates. All the isolates were inhibited after 60 minutes of contact with the alkali in concentration of 100mg/ml

Chronic osteomyelitis of the maxilla and mandible: microbiological and clinical aspects

Osteomyelitis of the mandible and maxilla are common in developing countries and their treatment may be long-standing and difficult. Thus, the aim of this study was to discuss the main biological aspects of the chronic osteomyelitis of the jaws of especial interest for dental team. These infections are associated with a complex microbiota composed mainly by anaerobic bacteria, sometimes associated with microorganisms originated from the skin and digestive tract. These data suggest that chronic osteomyelitis of the mandible and maxilla should be treated as anaerobic infections in most cases. In addition, local surgical treatments are relevant in the therapy outcome, associated to the use of antimicrobial agents, and the failure to accomplish them is a major cause of treatment failure.