Enterococcus spp. em espécimes clínicos de pacientes atendidos em unidades de terapia intensiva

The relationship between the occurrence of enterococci in the oral microbiota and serious infections in patients hospitalized in intensive care units (ICU) has been established. This study evaluated the presence of Enterococcus faecalis and other species of this genus in the mouths of patients on ICU, correlating it with oral and systemic conditions. Data on health and socioeconomic, medication use, medical and family history of patients maintained for 72 hours in the ICU, diagnosed with severe infection or who have developed this condition after the entry to the unit were obtained. Fifty patients provided intraoral and extraoral clinical samples for analysis (above and subgingival biofilm, saliva and buccal mucosa, followed by obtaining samples of respiratory secretions for patients with pneumonia, and blood and urine for sepsis). The presence of target microorganisms was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and culture using selective media. The chi-square and Mann-Whitney tests were used for statistical analysis, and the significance level was 5%. The intraoral clinical conditions of the patients showed poor. E. faecalis was significantly more frequent microorganism, followed by E. faecium. The use of broadspectrum antimicrobial action was associated with the presence of these opportunistic microorganisms. These bacteria were more frequent in patients with periodontitis or gingivitis. The results showed that enterococci associated with serious infectious processes may originate from resident microbiota of patients and its prevalence is not elevated in healthy individuals.

Opportunistic microorganisms in patients with head and neck trauma

The use of antimicrobial agents has facilitated the dissemination of multi-resistant microorganisms, compromising dental and medical treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the distribution of different opportunistic microbial species in patients who suffered head and neck trauma, under temporary maintenance in nosocomial environment, particularly intensive care units, on the occurrence of such microorganisms in the oral cavity of the patients. It was selected 38 patients subjected to head and neck traumas. After emergency surgical procedures, clinical samples of saliva, sub and supragingival biofilms and mucosal surfaces were collected at two different moments: just after stabilization of the patient and soon after patients’ release from medical units. The presence of opportunistic and superinfecting microorganisms was evaluated by culture on selective and non-selective media, and the presence of the family Enterobacteriaceae, as well as genera Enterococcus, Pseudomonas, and Staphylococcus was assessed by PCR. It was found that the use of antimicrobials, even for short periods of time was sufficient to facilitate colonization by microorganisms of the families Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonadaceae, as well as yeasts and enterococci. These results support the concept that medical and dental teams should make a periodically change of antimicrobials used in treatment protocols in hospital for head and neck trauma patients, in order to minimize dissemination of opportunistic or superinfecting microorganisms.

Meningite supurativa secundária a otite média e interna em um gato: relato de caso

Suppurative meningitis are rarely reported in dogs and cats. The present study aims to report the occurrence of suppurative meningitis secondary to otitis media and interna in a five-year-old female Persian cat examined at the Veterinary School of Unesp-Botucatu with acute progressive multifocal neurological alterations. Analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) demonstrated predominance of neutrophils (90%) and the presence of bacteria. Therapy with antibiotics was initiated, but the animal came to die. beta-hemolytic Staphylococcus, beta-hemolytic Streptococcus and Proteus mirabilis were detected in fragments sent to culture. The present report demonstrates the importance of performing more specific exams such as complete CSF analysis in cases of otitis media and interna. This way, central nervous infections can be diagnosed and treated in a timely manner, as those are acute diseases with poor prognosis.

Fasceíte necrotizante: relato de dois casos

Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare dermatopathy that promotes subcutaneous tissue damage, associated to substantial morbidity and mortality if treatment is not initiated at the beginning of the condition. The objective of the present study is to report the occurrence of two cases of necrotizing fasciitis, one in a miniature female Pinscher and the other one in a female Poodle, both attended at the Veterinary Hospital of FMVZ/Unesp-Botucatu. The animals presented ulcerated, erythematous lesions with secretion and points of necrosis along fascial planes. Bacterial culture was positive for Streptococcus spp. The animals were treated with enrofloxacin, associated to topical cleaning of the lesions with saline solution and triclosan-based soap and rifampicin spray. Both animals presented total remission of lesions after approximately 15 days of treatment. The present report aims to alert veterinary clinicians to the severity of Streptococcus spp infections.

Contato com gatos: um fator de risco para a toxoplasmose congênita?

Toxoplasmosis is an important zoonosis and one of the most common parasitic infections throughout the world, which may cause among other problems several fetal pathologic alterations. Congenital toxoplasmosis is a result of transplacental transmission of Toxoplasma gondii due to a prime infection of the mother during pregnancy. Several studies have determined that the main risk factor for infection in pregnant women is the consumption of uncooked meat, which contributed from 30 to 63% of cases; other 6% to 17% of infections were related to contaminated soil. The relationship between pregnant women and their cats constitutes nothing more than a healthy experience when main transmission mechanisms and risk factors related to the disease are known.