Clonal multidrug-resistant Corynebacterium striatum within a nosocomial environment, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Corynebacterium striatum is a potentially pathogenic microorganism with the ability to produce outbreaks of nosocomial infections. Here, we document a nosocomial outbreak caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) C. striatum in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. C. striatum identification was confirmed by 16S rRNA and rpoB gene sequencing. Fifteen C. striatum strains were isolated from adults (half of whom were 50 years of age and older). C. striatum was mostly isolated in pure culture from tracheal aspirates of patients undergoing endotracheal intubation procedures. The analysis by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) indicated the presence of four PFGE profiles, including two related clones of MDR strains (PFGE I and II). The data demonstrated the predominance of PFGE type I, comprising 11 MDR isolates that were mostly isolated from intensive care units and surgical wards. A potential causal link between death and MDR C. striatum (PFGE types I and II) infection was observed in five cases.

Diagnostic reliability of an immunochromatographic test for Chagas disease screening at a primary health care centre in a rural endemic area

Many patients with Chagas disease live in remote communities that lack both equipment and trained personnel to perform a diagnosis by conventional serology (CS). Thus, reliable tests suitable for use under difficult conditions are required. In this study, we evaluated the ability of personnel with and without laboratory skills to perform immunochromatographic (IC) tests to detect Chagas disease at a primary health care centre (PHCC). We examined whole blood samples from 241 patients and serum samples from 238 patients. Then, we calculated the percentage of overall agreement (POA) between the two groups of operators for the sensitivity (S), specificity (Sp) and positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive values of IC tests compared to CS tests. We also evaluated the level of agreement between ELISAs and indirect haemagglutination (IHA) tests. The readings of the IC test results showed 100% agreement (POA = 1). The IC test on whole blood showed the following values: S = 87.3%; Sp = 98.8%; PPV = 96.9% and NPV = 95.9%. Additionally, the IC test on serum displayed the following results: S = 95.7%; Sp = 100%; PPV = 100% and NPV = 98.2%. Using whole blood, the agreement with ELISA was 96.3% and the agreement with IHA was 94.1%. Using serum, the agreement with ELISA was 97.8% and the agreement with IHA was 96.6%. The IC test performance with serum samples was excellent and demonstrated its usefulness in a PHCC with minimal equipment. If the IC test S value and NPV with whole blood are improved, then this test could also be used in areas lacking laboratories or specialised personnel.

Using a top predator as a sentinel for environmental contamination with pathogenic bacteria: the Iberian wolf and leptospires

The Iberian wolf (Canis lupus) is the top predator in the Iberian environments in which it lives, feeding on a wide range of species, thus encountering a wide range of disease agents. Therefore, the wolf can serve as sentinel of environmental contamination with pathogens. We investigated the exposure of free-living wolves to 14 serovars of Leptospira interrogans sensu lato. Kidney samples from 49 wolves collected from 2010-2013 in northwestern Spain were analysed by culture, direct immunofluorescence and polymerase chain reaction. Tissue fluids were analysed for antibodies by a microscopic agglutination test. Ten wolves (observed prevalence: 20%, 95% confidence interval = 11-33%) showed evidence of contact with leptospires, eight through direct detection and nine through serology (7 wolves were positive according to both techniques). Titres below the cut-off level were also detected in seven cases. Serovars confirmed were Canicola (n = 4), Icterohaemorrhagiae (n = 3) and Sejroë, Ballum and Grippotyphosa (n = 1 each), indicating that wolves were infected with serovars for which dogs, rodents and ungulates, are the natural hosts and supporting the utility of the wolf and other large predators as environmental sentinels for pathogens.

In vitro activity of the hydroethanolic extract and biflavonoids isolated from Selaginella sellowii on Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis

This study is the first phytochemical investigation of Selaginella sellowii and demonstrates the antileishmanial activity of the hydroethanolic extract from this plant (SSHE), as well as of the biflavonoids amentoflavone and robustaflavone, isolated from this species. The effects of these substances were evaluated on intracellular amastigotes of Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis, an aetiological agent of American cutaneous leishmaniasis. SSHE was highly active against intracellular amastigotes [the half maximum inhibitory concentration (IC50) = 20.2 µg/mL]. Fractionation of the extract led to the isolation of the two bioflavonoids with the highest activity: amentoflavone, which was about 200 times more active (IC50 = 0.1 μg/mL) and less cytotoxic than SSHE (IC50 = 2.2 and 3 μg/mL, respectively on NIH/3T3 and J774.A1 cells), with a high selectivity index (SI) (22 and 30), robustaflavone, which was also active against L. amazonensis (IC50 = 2.8 µg/mL), but more cytotoxic, with IC50 = 25.5 µg/mL (SI = 9.1) on NIH/3T3 cells and IC50 = 3.1 µg/mL (SI = 1.1) on J774.A1 cells. The production of nitric oxide (NO) was lower in cells treated with amentoflavone (suggesting that NO does not contribute to the leishmanicidal mechanism in this case), while NO release was higher after treatment with robustaflavone. S. sellowii may be a potential source of biflavonoids that could provide promising compounds for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Biofilm production by multiresistant Corynebacterium striatumassociated with nosocomial outbreak

Corynebacterium striatum is a potentially pathogenic microorganism that causes nosocomial outbreaks. However, little is known about its virulence factors that may contribute to healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). We investigated the biofilm production on abiotic surfaces of multidrug-resistant (MDR) and multidrug-susceptible (MDS) strains of C. striatum of pulsed-field gel electrophoresis types I-MDR, II-MDR, III-MDS and IV-MDS isolated during a nosocomial outbreak in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The results showed that C. striatum was able to adhere to hydrophilic and hydrophobic abiotic surfaces. The C. striatum1987/I-MDR strain, predominantly isolated from patients undergoing endotracheal intubation procedures, showed the greatest ability to adhere to all surfaces. C. striatumbound fibrinogen to its surface, which contributed to biofilm formation. Scanning electron microscopy showed the production of mature biofilms on polyurethane catheters by all pulsotypes. In conclusion, biofilm production may contribute to the establishment of HAIs caused by C. striatum.

High interleukin-4 expression and interleukin-4 gene polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility to human paracoccidioidomycosis

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is caused by dimorphic fungi from theParacoccidioides brasiliensis complex. Previous studies have demonstrated that the severity of disease is associated with a T-helper 2 immune response characterised by high interleukin (IL)-4 production. In the present study we analysed two polymorphisms in the IL-4gene (-590 C/T and intron-3 microsatellite) in 76 patients with PCM and 73 control subjects from an endemic area. The production of IL-4 by peripheral blood mononuclear cells after antigen or phytohaemagglutinin stimulation was determined by ELISA. A significant correlation was observed between the RP2/RP2 intron-3 genotype and infection with Paracoccidioides sp.(p = 0.011), whereas the RP1/RP1 genotype was correlated with resistance. No significant correlation was observed for the IL-4promoter polymorphism. Furthermore, the low IL-4 expression observed in the control group compared with patients was associated with the RP1/RP1 genotype. These results suggest that IL-4polymorphisms might be associated with the ability of the host to control Paracoccidioides sp.infection. The relevance of this polymorphism is supported by the observation that patients with disease produce high levels of IL-4 following mitogen or antigen stimulation. The IL-4gene is located in the cytokine cluster region of chromosome 5 where other polymorphisms have also been described.

Gestation and breastfeeding in schistosomotic mothers differently modulate the immune response of adult offspring to postnatal Schistosoma mansoni infection

Schistosoma mansoni antigens in the early life alter homologous and heterologous immunity during postnatal infections. We evaluate the immunity to parasite antigens and ovalbumin (OA) in adult mice born/suckled by schistosomotic mothers. Newborns were divided into: born (BIM), suckled (SIM) or born/suckled (BSIM) in schistosomotic mothers, and animals from noninfected mothers (control). When adults, the mice were infected and compared the hepatic granuloma size and cellularity. Some animals were OA + adjuvant immunised. We evaluated hypersensitivity reactions (HR), antibodies levels (IgG1/IgG2a) anti-soluble egg antigen and anti-soluble worm antigen preparation, and anti-OA, cytokine production, and CD4+FoxP3+T-cells by splenocytes. Compared to control group, BIM mice showed a greater quantity of granulomas and collagen deposition, whereas SIM and BSIM presented smaller granulomas. BSIM group exhibited the lowest levels of anti-parasite antibodies. For anti-OA immunity, immediate HR was suppressed in all groups, with greater intensity in SIM mice accompanied of the remarkable level of basal CD4+FoxP3+T-cells. BIM and SIM groups produced less interleukin (IL)-4 and interferon (IFN)-g. In BSIM, there was higher production of IL-10 and IFN-g, but lower levels of IL-4 and CD4+FoxP3+T-cells. Thus, pregnancy in schistosomotic mothers intensified hepatic fibrosis, whereas breastfeeding diminished granulomas in descendants. Separately, pregnancy and breastfeeding could suppress heterologous immunity; however, when combined, the responses could be partially restored in infected descendants.

In vivo antileishmanial activity and chemical profile of polar extract from Selaginella sellowii

The polar hydroethanolic extract from Selaginella sellowii(SSPHE) has been previously proven active on intracellular amastigotes (in vitro test) and now was tested on hamsters infected with Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis (in vivo test). SSPHE suppressed a 100% of the parasite load in the infection site and draining lymph nodes at an intralesional dose of 50 mg/kg/day × 5, which was similar to the results observed in hamsters treated with N-methylglucamine antimonate (Sb) (28 mg/Kg/day × 5). When orally administered, SSPHE (50 mg/kg/day × 20) suppressed 99.2% of the parasite load in infected footpads, while Sb suppressed 98.5%. SSPHE also enhanced the release of nitric oxide through the intralesional route in comparison to Sb. The chemical fingerprint of SSPHE by high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection and tandem mass spectrometry showed the presence of biflavonoids and high molecular weight phenylpropanoid glycosides. These compounds may have a synergistic action in vivo. Histopathological study revealed that the intralesional treatment with SSPHE induced an intense inflammatory infiltrate, composed mainly of mononuclear cells. The present findings reinforce the potential of this natural product as a source of future drug candidates for American cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Posicionamento estratégico em resposta às restrições regulatórias de emissões de gases do efeito estufa

No trabalho relatado, analisa-se a estratégia de redução das emissões dos gases do efeito estufa (GEE) em uma empresa de distribuição de energia elétrica. A pesquisa foi conduzida por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas com a presidência da empresa e com os gestores das áreas de planejamento e controle, marketing, regulação, meio ambiente, responsabilidade social, e pesquisa e desenvolvimento. Tendo-se como ponto de partida o resultado do inventário de emissões de GEE, os gestores foram questionados sobre as iniciativas e os benefícios dos projetos de mitigação das emissões de GEE, as pressões dos stakeholders e o papel da regulamentação na remediação e na prevenção dos impactos decorrentes da mudança climática. Os resultados indicam que os gestores não reconhecem oportunidades de investimentos em projetos de redução das emissões de gases do efeito estufa. A empresa adota uma estratégia instrumental e atua em um ambiente de negócios com restrições regulatórias incipientes de controle das emissões de GEE. No estudo, revela-se que a empresa adota uma estratégia climática evasiva e explora a ausência de prioridade do setor elétrico brasileiro na redução do impacto ambiental ou da vulnerabilidade à mudança climática.

Processo de planejamento na prática da enfermagem em um hospital de ensino

Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo identificar os referenciais teórico-metodológicos que tem norteado o desenvolvimento da função genencial-planejantento, tina prática da enfermagem, em um hospital de ensino vinculado à Universidade de São Paulo. Para tanto, realizou-se uma pesquisa do tipo exploratória-descritiva, sendo que participaram da mesma, 13 enfermeiras chefes de seção, compreendendo a totalidade das chefias do Departamento de Enfermagem. A coleta de dados foi realizada pelas pesquisadoras, por meio de um formulário. Os dados foram analisados e frente aos resultados enfatizamos a importância da incorporação do referencial do planejamento estratégico na pratica da enfermagem, no sentido de favorecer a introdução de mudanças.

A posição de amamentar determina o aparecimento do trauma mamilar?

O estudo buscou identificar as variáveis de posicionamento e pega, durante a amamentação, relacionadas aos traumas mamilares. Estudo caso-controle que investigou o aparecimento do trauma mamilar entre mulheres internadas em um hospital Universitário de São Paulo, em 2004 e 2005. Os casos foram puérperas com diagnóstico de trauma mamilar uni ou bilateral. Para a análise dos dados, foram aplicados os testes qui-quadrado, t de Student, razão de chances (IC= 95%) e análise de correspondência. Foram estudadas 146 puérperas e seus recém-nascidos, sendo 73 casos e 73 controles. As variáveis de posicionamento e pega, estatisticamente significativas para a ocorrência da lesão, foram: criança com pescoço torcido, queixo longe da mama e lábio inferior virado para dentro. A prevenção do trauma, no início da amamentação, é decisiva para a continuidade desta prática. O acompanhamento do posicionamento adequado é determinante para o estabelecimento da amamentação efetiva e prolongada.

Os conceitos de vulnerabilidade e adesão na Saúde Coletiva

Os conceitos de Vulnerabilidade e Adesão têm sido foco de debate na Saúde Coletiva. É desafio posto pela Saúde Coletiva, propiciar tecnologias, dispositivos e instrumentos que apóiem a construção de práticas qualificadas, para responder às necessidades dos grupos sociais. Na produção do conhecimento, tem buscado inovar no desenvolvimento de instrumentos que apóiem a captação da realidade de vida e saúde e que auxiliem na leitura das necessidades e no desencadeamento e sustentação de projetos de intervenção que produzam o impacto desejado: atender os grupos sociais que mais carecem de apoio para conquistar autonomia para viver a vida com qualidade e a consecução do auto-cuidado, no cenário da equidade e da justiça social. O artigo apresenta aspectos das categorias analíticas Adesão e Vulnerabilidade, quanto à proposição de marcadores/ indicadores para o seu monitoramento, o que pode contribuir para o adensamento do conceito e para a prática do processo de produção à saúde.

Percepção do adolescente obeso sobre as repercussões da obesidade em sua saúde

O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar a percepção do adolescente obeso sobre as repercussões da obesidade em sua saúde. Baseou-se no relato de quinze adolescentes obesos, acompanhados no Ambulatório do Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, no período de abril a julho de 2007. Os depoimentos, obtidos através de entrevista semi-estruturada, foram submetidos à análise de conteúdo, modalidade temática transversal. Foram identificadas quatro temáticas relacionadas com os objetivos do estudo: 1. A percepção do conceito de obesidade; 2. A obesidade afetando a auto-imagem; 3. Obesidade versus Saúde e 4. O difícil retorno à saúde. Os adolescentes perceberam a obesidade como doença, repercutindo negativamente sobre sua saúde, apresentando uma baixa auto-estima e a sensação de isolamento. Reconhecem que ser saudável é ter uma alimentação correta e praticar atividade física, sendo imprescindível o apoio formal e informal, sobrepujando as dificuldades para manter uma qualidade de vida satisfatória.

Conocimiento de los profesionales de enfermería sobre la eritropoyetina

Se objetivó evaluar el conocimiento de profesionales de enfermería sobre el proceso de conservación, preparación y administración de eritropoyetina (EPO). Estudio exploratorio, descriptivo, con abordaje cuantitativo. Realizado en un Centro de Diálisis, con 40 profesionales de enfermería, entre enero y marzo de 2009, utilizando un cuestionario. Los aspectos técnicos fueron considerados. Sobre la interacción de la EPO con la presión arterial, 87,5% posee conocimientos inadecuados; sólo el 32% conocían la temperatura ideal para conservación del medicamento y 52,5% creía que éste debe ser retirado del refrigerador de 15 a 30 minutos antes de la administración; la vía más citada fue la endovenosa. Entre los cuidados anteriores a la administración, la inspección de fecha de vencimiento fue el más frecuente; 57,5 utilizan jeringa exclusiva para administración y 95% acostumbra registrar la administración del fármaco.

Dor pós-operatória em crianças: uma abordagem de gênero

O objetivo do estudo foi verificar e descrever, sob o enfoque de gênero, as associações entre o sexo e as variáveis específicas da dor pós-operatória em pediatria. Corte transversal com 77 crianças, com idades entre seis e 13 anos (M=9 anos; dp=2,2 anos), ASA I e II, 77,9% pertencentes às classes socioeconômicas C e D, 68,8% meninos e 32,8% meninas. Os dados foram coletados no primeiro dia pós-operatório, por meio de entrevista semi-estruturada e quatro escalas de medida. As principais doenças de base foram adenoamigdalite e fraturas. A prevalência de dor foi de 91,7% para meninas e 75,5% para meninos (p>0,05). Não houve associação entre intensidade de dor e sexo; as palavras mais utilizadas para descrever a dor foram corta e aperta. A escala preferida foi a Escala de Faces do Cebolinha e da Mônica. O manejo da dor em pediatria ainda é inadequado e o gênero pode influenciar na resposta dor.