Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus carrying SCCmec type IV in southern Brazil

INTRODUCTION: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an important pathogen commonly associated with nosocomial infections. However, it has also been associated with community-acquired skin and soft tissue infections (CA-MRSA). There are few data on the identification and prevalence of CA-MRSA infections in Brazil. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study of 104 patients with community-acquired skin infections attending two health care centers in Porto Alegre, southern Brazil. MRSA isolates were characterized by molecular methods, including detection of the mecA gene by PCR, gene SCCmec typing, Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) detection, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). RESULTS: From the 104 samples, 58 Staphylococcus aureus isolates were obtained, of which five (8.6%) had a CA-MRSA-resistant profile. All five isolates had the mecA gene and amplified to SCCmec type IV. Analysis of chromosomal DNA by PFGE revealed the presence of two clusters related to international clones (OSPC and USA 300), with a Dice similarity coefficient >80%. The study was complemented by MLST, which detected three different strains: ST30, ST8, and ST45, the latter not presenting any relation with the clones compared in PFGE. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of CA-MRSA reveals an important change in the epidemiology of this pathogen and adds new elements to the knowledge of the molecular biology of infections by MRSA with SCCmec type IV in southern Brazil.

Correlation between microdilution, Etest, and disk diffusion methods for antifungal susceptibility testing of fluconazole against Candida sp. blood isolates

INTRODUCTION: Antifungal susceptibility testing assists in finding the appropriate treatment for fungal infections, which are increasingly common. However, such testing is not very widespread. There are several existing methods, and the correlation between such methods was evaluated in this study. METHODS: The susceptibility to fluconazole of 35 strains of Candida sp. isolated from blood cultures was evaluated by the following methods: microdilution, Etest, and disk diffusion. RESULTS: The correlation between the methods was around 90%. CONCLUSIONS: The disk diffusion test exhibited a good correlation and can be used in laboratory routines to detect strains of Candida sp. that are resistant to fluconazole.

Serologic assessment of yellow fever immunity in the rural population of a yellow fever-endemic area in Central Brazil

IntroductionThe yellow fever epidemic that occurred in 1972/73 in Central Brazil surprised the majority of the population unprotected. A clinical-epidemiological survey conducted at that time in the rural area of 19 municipalities found that the highest (13.8%) number of disease cases were present in the municipality of Luziânia, State of Goiás.MethodsThirty-eight years later, a new seroepidemiological survey was conducted with the aim of assessing the degree of immune protection of the rural population of Luziânia, following the continuous attempts of public health services to obtain vaccination coverage in the region. A total of 383 volunteers, aged between 5 and 89 years and with predominant rural labor activities (75.5%), were interviewed. The presence of antibodies against the yellow fever was also investigated in these individuals, by using plaque reduction neutralization test, and correlated to information regarding residency, occupation, epidemiological data and immunity against the yellow fever virus.ResultsWe found a high (97.6%) frequency of protective titers (>1:10) of neutralizing antibodies against the yellow fever virus; the frequency of titers of 1:640 or higher was 23.2%, indicating wide immune protection against the disease in the study population. The presence of protective immunity was correlated to increasing age.ConclusionsThis study reinforces the importance of surveys to address the immune state of a population at risk for yellow fever infection and to the surveillance of actions to control the disease in endemic areas.

Detection of arboviruses of public health interest in free-living New World primates (Sapajus spp.; Alouatta caraya) captured in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

Introduction A sero-epidemiological survey was undertaken to detect the circulation of arboviruses in free-living non-human primates. Methods Blood samples were obtained from 16 non-human primates (13 Sapajus spp. and three Alouatta caraya) that were captured using terrestrial traps and anesthetic darts in woodland regions in the municipalities of Campo Grande, Aquidauana, Jardim, Miranda and Corumbá in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. The samples were sent to the Instituto Evandro Chagas (IEC) in Ananindeua, Pará, Brazil, to detect antibodies against 19 species of arboviruses using a hemagglutination inhibition test (HI). Results Of the 16 primates investigated in the present study, five (31.2%) were serologically positive for an arbovirus. Of these five, two (12.5%) exhibited antibodies to the Flavivirus genus, one (6.2%) exhibited a monotypic reaction to Cacipacoré virus, one (6.2%) was associated with Mayaro virus, and one (6.2%) was positive for Oropouche virus. Conclusions Based on the positive serology observed in the present study, it was possible to conclude that arboviruses circulate among free-living primates. The viruses in the areas studied might have been introduced by infected humans or by primates from endemic or enzootic areas. Studies of this nature, as well as efficient and continuous surveillance programs, are needed to monitor viral activities in endemic and enzootic regions.

Frequency of histopathological changes in Howler monkeys ( Alouatta sp.) naturally infected with yellow fever virus in Brazil

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Due to the importance that Howler monkeys have on the yellow fever (YF) epidemiological sylvatic cycle in Brazil, more accurate morphological diagnostic criteria needs to be established, especially considering the differences that may exist between the genera of Brazilian non-human primates (NHPs) involved in yellow fever virus (YFV) epizootics. METHODS: Records of YF epizootics in NHPs in Brazil between 2007 and 2009 were obtained from the Brazilian Ministry of Health database to select YF positive (n=98) Howler monkeys (Alouatta sp.) for this study. The changes described in the histopathological reports were categorized by organ and their frequencies calculated. RESULTS: The most frequent lesions observed in the animals with YF were hepatocyte apoptosis (Councilman body formation), midzonal hepatocyte necrosis, steatosis, liver hemorrhage, inflammatory mononuclear cell infiltration of the liver, renal acute tubular necrosis and interstitial nephritis. Midzonal hepatocyte necrosis, steatosis and hemorrhage presented positive correlations with apoptosis of hepatocytes, suggesting strong YFV pathogenic effect association; they were also the main histopathological changes in the Alouatta sp. A pronounced negative correlation between apoptosis of hepatocytes and hepatic mononuclear cell infiltration pointed to significant histopathological differences between YFV infection in Howler monkeys and humans. CONCLUSIONS: The results warn that NHPs may exhibit different response patterns following YFV infection and require a more careful diagnosis. Presumptive diagnosis based on primate histopathological lesions may contribute to public health service control.

Avaliação de níveis protéicos para a nutrição de juvenis de matrinxã (Brycon cephalus)

O matrinxã (Brycon cephalus - Gunther, 1869), é uma espécie de peixe nativa da bacia Amazônica que tem despertado grande interesse entre pesquisadores e piscicultores de todo o Brasil. A crescente demanda pelo cultivo desta espécie em ambiente controlado se deve, principalmente, à sua pronta adaptação ao cativeiro e à aceitação de alimentos artificiais, tanto de origem vegetal quanto animal, ao lado do seu elevado valor comercial. Contudo, para ser um empreendimento comercial bem sucedido, o alimento a ser fornecido a esta espécie deve atender a suas necessidades em proteína e permitir elevados ganhos de peso em períodos curtos. O experimento foi conduzido na estação de aqüicultura da Embrapa Amazônia Ocidental. Foram testados cinco níveis de proteína bruta (16, 19, 22, 25 e 28%) em dietas isocalóricas (EB = 390 kcal/100g) em um delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado com três repetições para cada tratamento. Os resultados obtidos após 210 dias de estudo mostraram que a dieta contendo 28 % de proteína bruta promoveu o maior ganho de peso, melhor conversão alimentar e mais alto crescimento corporal entre os níveis testados, indicando que este nível protéico atendeu satisfatoriamente às necessidades de proteína para esta espécie, nas condições deste experimento.

Estudo da dinâmica da floresta manejada no projeto de manejo florestal comunitário do PC Pedro Peixoto na Amazônia Ocidental

Neste trabalho são apresentados resultados do estudo da dinâmica da floresta em um sistema de manejo florestal voltado para a pequena propriedade. O sistema prescreve ciclo de corte de 10 anos e taxa de corte de 10 m³.ha-1 e tração animal para o arraste. O crescimento da floresta de 1 m³.ha-1.ano-1 foi compatível com o ciclo e taxa de corte adotados. Os danos causados pela exploração representaram 5 % da área basal total, e a taxa de mortalidade quatro anos após a exploração foi 3,2 %.

Projeção da distribuição diamétrica de uma floresta explorada seletivamente na Amazônia Ocidental

Utilizando um modelo estocástico, foi projetada a distribuição diamétrica futura de uma floresta submetida à exploração seletiva de madeira na Amazônia Ocidental. Foram utilizados dados de cinco parcelas permanentes localizadas no PC Pedro Peixoto, no Acre. A primeira medição das parcelas ocorreu em 1996, a exploração florestal em 1997 e as re-medições em 1999 e 2001. A principal variável utilizada foi o diâmetro à altura do peito (DAP). A matriz de transição probabilística (Cadeia de Markov) foi utilizada para fazer a projeção da distribuição diamétrica do número de árvores sobreviventes nas classes diamétricas. O modelo foi primeiramente testado para fazer a projeção para 2001, tendo como base as observações de 1999 e seu passado imediato (1997). Quando comparadas às projeções feitas para 2001 e as medições de campo (2001), o teste Qui-quadrado mostrou que não houve diferença significativa entre freqüências esperadas e observadas na distribuição diamétrica (p=0,05). A projeção para 2005 indica que a taxa de mortalidade será próxima a de 2001, e se repetida a taxa de recrutamento em 2005 o total de árvores será maior que o observado em 2001. Esse comportamento da floresta indica que não existe um padrão definido para a dinâmica nas classes diamétricas em termos de mortalidade ou crescimento, apresentando um comportamento aleatório ou probabilístico, justificando a eficiência da Cadeia de Markov para projetar a dinâmica da floresta estudada, podendo auxiliar na determinação do ciclo de corte ou mostrando as tendências que a floresta de hoje apresentará em um futuro próximo.

Sex determination in the Giant fish of Amazon Basin, Arapaima gigas (Osteoglossiformes, Arapaimatidae), using laparoscopy

The Giant of Amazon basin, pirarucu, Arapaima gigas, is the largest scaled freshwater fish in the world. pirarucu cultivation has recently started, driven by the decline in natural populations and high market value. Currently, there are no reliable methods for sexual differentiation in this species other than direct examination of gonads, which requires dissection of specimens. A non-lethal and less invasive method for sexual identification is highly desirable in order to properly group broodstock for mating and offspring production. We utilized laparoscopic examination in anesthetized pirarucu to differentiate between male and female individuals. This method allowed for the observation and differentiation of the reproductive organs within an individual. Our results suggest that laparoscopy is an efficient method for sex differentiation in pirarucu causing minimal stress to the fish.

Fitossociologia e uso múltiplo de espécies arbóreas em floresta manejada, comunidade Santo Antônio, município de Santarém, estado do Pará

Avaliou-se a fitossociologia de floresta manejada em lotes de comunitários da Comunidade Santo Antônio no Assentamento Moju I e II, município de Santarém, Amazônia brasileira. Foram instaladas 12 parcelas de 50 m x 200 m (1 por lote) anotando-se indivíduos com CAP ≥ 157,1 cm (nível 3 de inclusão); 12 sub-parcelas de 50 m x 50 m, para os indivíduos com 94,2 cm ≤ CAP < 157,1 cm (nível 2 de inclusão) e 12 sub-parcelas de 50 m x 25 m, para os indivíduos com 31,4cm ≤ CAP < 94,2 cm (nível 1 de inclusão). Foram amostrados 1.227 indivíduos, distribuídos em 175 espécies e 38 famílias botânicas. A família Fabaceae apresentou maior número de espécies e o gênero mais rico foi Inga. O Índice de Diversidade de Shannon (H') foi 4,39 e o Índice de Equabilidade de Pielou (J) de 0,85. A avaliação do Valor de Importância Ampliado (VIA) das espécies da amostra revelou o estoque de espécies com potencial madeireiro e não madeireiro. Carapa guianensis, Caryocar villosum, Brosimum parinarioides, Aniba canellila, Bowdichia virgilioides e Andira surinamensis podem ser aproveitadas como produtos florestais não madeireiros e serem removidas da lista de espécies de corte para fins madeireiros, melhorando assim o retorno econômico comunitário. Manilkara huberi e Carapa guianensis foram espécies com utilização madeireira e não madeireira mais expressivas, considerando o mercado atual e potencial de usos conhecidos; portanto, tais características devem ser consideradas no planejamento e execução do manejo da floresta.

Os Hesperiidae (Lepidoptera, Hesperioidea) da RPPN Klagesi, Santo Antônio do Tauá, Pará, Brasil: nova contribuição para o conhecimento da biodiversidade da área de endemismo Belém

Embora a região Belém seja uma das áreas mais exploradas da Amazônia com coletas desde o século XVIII, grande parte das informações se encontra dispersa em coleções internacionais, o que dificulta a reunião de dados e interpretações biogeográficas. Visando ampliar o conhecimento da fauna de lepidópteros da região, o presente estudo levantou uma lista de 225 espécies de Hesperiidae encontradas na RPPN Klagesi durante aproximadamente 24 anos de amostragens esporádicas, embora mais freqüentemente na última década. São adicionadas 113 espécies previamente não relacionadas para a região, a qual passa a ser a área de maior riqueza conhecida de Hesperiidae dentre todas as regiões de endemismo da Amazônia brasileira até então inventariadas. No entanto, o conhecimento da diversidade de Hesperiidae em outras áreas de endemismo é tão restrito, que a riqueza de espécies deve ser utilizada apenas como indicador de esforço amostral ao invés de inferências biogeográficas. Três das regiões de endemismo ainda não apresentam nenhum inventário de fauna (Xingú, Napo e Imeri), enquanto as demais são reconhecidas por um ou poucos inventários. Portanto, para que a lepidopterofauna amazônica seja realmente conhecida e utilizada em estudos de biogeografia e conservação, são necessários esforços direcionados nestas regiões ainda totalmente desconhecidas ou mesmo a reunião de informações sobre coletas já realizadas, cujo material se encontra disperso em coleções pelo mundo.

Cardiac abnormalities in the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. A prospective study with a clinical-pathological correlation in twenty-one adult patients

OBJECTIVE - To evaluate the cardiac abnormalities and their evolution during the course of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, as well as to correlate clinical and pathological data. METHODS - Twenty-one patients, admitted to the hospital with the diagnosis of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, were prospectively studied and followed until their death. Age ranged from 19 to 42 years (17 males). ECG and echocardiogram were also obtained every six months. After death, macro- and microscopic examinations were also performed. RESULTS - The most frequent causes of referral to the hospital were: diarrhea or repeated pneumonias, tuberculosis, toxoplasmosis or Kaposi sarcoma. The most frequent findings were acute or chronic pericarditis (42%) and dilated cardiomyopathy (19%). Four patients died of cardiac problems: infective endocarditis, pericarditis with pericardial effusion, bacterial myocarditis and infection by Toxoplasma gondii. CONCLUSION - Severe cardiac abnormalities were the cause of death in some patients. In the majority of the patients, a good correlation existed between clinical and anatomical-pathological data. Cardiac evaluation was important to detect early manifestations and treat them accordingly, even in asymptomatic patients.

Prognostic factors of rheumatic mitral stenosis during pregnancy and puerperium

OBJECTIVE: To identifity characteristics associated with complications during pregnancy and puerperium in patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis. METHODS: Forty-one pregnant women (forty-five pregnancies) with mitral stenosis, followed-up from 1991 to 1999 were retrospectively evaluated. Predictor variables: the mitral valve area (MVA), measured by echocardiogram, and functional class (FC) before pregnancy (NYHA criteria).Maternal events: progression of heart failure, need for cardiac surgery or balloon mitral valvulotomy, death, and thromboembolism. Fetal/neonatal events: abortion, fetal or neonatal death, prematurity or low birth weight (<2,500g), and extended stay in the nursery or hospitalization in newborn ICU. RESULTS: The mean ± SD of age of the patients was 28.8±4.6 years. The eventful and uneventful patients were similar in age and percentage of first pregnancies. As compared with the level 1 MVA, the relative risk (RR) of maternal events was 5.5 (95% confidence interval (CI) =0.8-39.7) for level 2 MVA and 11.4 (95% CI=1.7-74.5) for level 3 MVA. The prepregnancy FC (FC > or = II and III versus I) was also associated with a risk for maternal events (RR=2.7; 95% CI=1.4-5.3).MVA and FC were not importantly associated with these events, although a smaller frequency of fetal/neonatal events was observed in patients who had undergone balloon valvulotomy. CONCLUSION: In pregnant women with mitral stenosis, the MVA and the FC are strongly associated with maternal complications but are not associated with fetal/neonatal events. Balloon mitral valvulotomy could have contributed to reducing the risks of fetal/neonatal events in the more symptomatic patients who had to undergo this procedure during pregnancy.