Paracoccidioidomicose pulmonar: relato de dois casos enfatizando o sinal do halo invertido

Este trabalho relata dois casos de paracoccidioidomicose pulmonar comprovados histologicamente, nos quais foi encontrado o sinal radiológico do halo invertido. Este sinal, descrito inicialmente como patognomônico da pneumonia criptogênica em organização, foi posteriormente encontrado e descrito na paracoccidioidomicose.

Manifestações intratorácicas das doenças do colágeno na tomografia computadorizada de alta resolução do tórax

As manifestações intratorácicas das doenças do colágeno são bastante comuns. O padrão e a freqüência de comprometimento dependem do tipo específico de doença do colágeno, que pode envolver um ou vários compartimentos simultaneamente, tais como parênquima, vias aéreas, artérias pulmonares, pleura, e pericárdio. As manifestações mais importantes incluem as pneumonias intersticiais difusas e a hipertensão pulmonar, que em conjunto representam as principais causas de mortalidade e morbidade nesses pacientes. O acometimento pulmonar, pleural e de via aérea pode ser também secundário a terapêutica instituída ou ser decorrente de processos infecciosos bacterianos ou por germes oportunistas, por causa da imunossupressão. Nesta revisão os autores sumarizam as manifestações intratorácicas e o diagnóstico diferencial das principais doenças do colágeno na tomografia computadorizada de alta resolução do tórax.

Antibiotic susceptibility of Neochlamydia hartmanellae and Parachlamydia acanthamoebae in amoebae.

Parachlamydia acanthamoebae and Neochlamydia hartmanellae are Chlamydia-related bacteria naturally infecting free-living amoebae. These strict intracellular bacteria might represent emerging pathogens. Recent studies report an association with lower respiratory tract infections, especially with pneumonia where they have been identified as a potential causative agent in 1-2% of cases. In this study, we defined the antibiotic susceptibility of N. hartmanellae, two strains of P. acanthamoebae and two yet unclassified Parachlamydiaceae strains using a quantitative approach. We confirmed the results obtained earlier for P. acanthamoebae strain Bn9 in an observational study. Macrolides (MICs < 0.06-0.5 μg/ml), rifampicin (MICs 0.25-2) and doxycycline (2-4 μg/ml) were active against P. acanthamoebae strains and Neochlamydia. All strains were resistant to amoxicillin, ceftriaxone and imipenem (MIC ≥32 μg/ml). Similarly to other Chlamydia-related bacteria, all investigated Parachlamydiaceae were resistant to quinolones (MICs ≥ 16 μg/ml). Therefore, we recommend a treatment with macrolides for Parachlamydia-associated pneumonia.

Manifestações da infecção pelo novo vírus influenza A (H1N1) na tomografia computadorizada de tórax

OBJETIVO: Descrever as alterações na tomografia computadorizada de tórax de casos comprovados de infecção pelo novo vírus influenza A (H1N1). MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Três observadores avaliaram, em consenso, nove tomografias computadorizadas de pacientes com infecção pelo vírus influenza A (H1N1) comprovada laboratorialmente. A idade dos pacientes variou de 14 a 64 anos (média de 40 anos), sendo cinco do sexo masculino e quatro do sexo feminino. Quatro pacientes eram previamente hígidos, quatro eram transplantados renais e uma era gestante à época do diagnóstico. Foram avaliadas a presença, a extensão e a distribuição de: a) opacidades em vidro fosco; b) nódulos centrolobulares; c) consolidações; d) espessamento de septos interlobulares; e) derrame pleural; f) linfonodomegalias. RESULTADOS: As alterações mais frequentemente encontradas foram opacidades em vidro fosco, nódulos centrolobulares e consolidações, presentes em nove (100%), cinco (55%) e quatro (44%) dos casos, respectivamente. Derrames pleurais e linfonodomegalias foram menos comuns, ocorrendo em apenas dois (22%) dos casos estudados. CONCLUSÃO: Os achados mais comuns nos casos de infecção pelo novo vírus influenza A (H1N1) foram opacidades em vidro fosco, nódulos centrolobulares e consolidações. Estas alterações não são típicas ou únicas a este agente, podendo ocorrer também em outras infecções virais ou bacterianas.

Trafficking of Estrella lausannensis in human macrophages.

Estrella lausannensis is a new member of the Chlamydiales order. Like other Chlamydia-related bacteria, it is able to replicate in amoebae and in fish cell lines. A preliminary study investigating the pathogenic potential of Chlamydia-related bacteria found a correlation between antibody response to E. lausannensis and pneumonia in children. To further investigate the pathogenic potential of E. lausannensis, we determined its ability to grow in human macrophages and its intracellular trafficking. The replication in macrophages resulted in viable E. lausannensis; however, it caused a significant cytopathic effect. The intracellular trafficking of E. lausannensis was analyzed by determining the interaction of the Estrella-containing inclusions with various endocytic markers as well as host organelles. The E. lausannensis inclusion escaped the endocytic pathway rapidly avoiding maturation into phagolysosomes by preventing both EEA-1 and LAMP-1 accumulation. Compared to Waddlia chondrophila, another Chlamydia-related bacteria, the recruitment of mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum was minimal for E. lausannensis inclusions. Estrella lausannensis appears to use a distinct source of nutrients and energy compared to other members of the Chlamydiales order. In conclusion, we hypothesize that E. lausannensis has a restricted growth in human macrophages, due to its reduced capacity to control programmed cell death.

L'année 2014 mise en perspective par les internistes hospitaliers [What is new in 2014 for the specialist in hospital internal medicine? The point of view of university hospital chief residents].

The year 2014 was rich in significant advances in all areas of internal medicine. Many of them have an impact on our daily practice and on the way we manage one problem or another. From the use of the ultrasound for the diagnosis of pneumonia to the choice of the site of venous access and the type of line, and the increasing complexity of choosing an oral anticoagulant agent, this selection offers to the readers a brief overview of the major advances. The chief residents in the Service of internal medicine of the Lausanne University hospital are pleased to share their readings.

Aspectos tomográficos e anatomopatológicos do padrão de pavimentação em mosaico

OBJETIVO: Relatar os aspectos na tomografia computadorizada de alta resolução de diversas doenças que cursam com o padrão tomográfico de "pavimentação em mosaico". MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Foram estudados sete pacientes, com diagnósticos de proteinose alveolar, carcinoma bronquíolo-alveolar, pneumonia lipídica e pneumocistose, e é discutida a correlação dos aspectos tomográficos com os achados anatomopatológicos. RESULTADOS: Nos casos de pneumocistose, os espaços alveolares estavam cheios de material espumoso, no qual eram encontrados parasitas de permeio a surfactante, fibrina e restos celulares. Nos casos de carcinoma bronquíolo-alveolar, os septos estavam espessados por fibrose ou por linfangite associada, com células tumorais revestindo internamente as paredes alveolares, e produção de muco. No paciente com proteinose alveolar foram observados septos espessados por edema, com enchimento alveolar determinado por material lipoproteico. No paciente com aspiração de óleo mineral, os achados histopatológicos foram de espessamento dos septos alveolares determinado por proliferação celular, observando-se vacúolos de gordura no interior dos septos alveolares. CONCLUSÃO: O padrão de pavimentação em mosaico oferece um amplo diagnóstico diferencial, necessitando ser avaliado em conjunto com os dados clínicos.

Mouse Model of Respiratory Tract Infection Induced by Waddlia chondrophila.

Waddlia chondrophila, an obligate intracellular bacterium belonging to the Chlamydiales order, is considered as an emerging pathogen. Some clinical studies highlighted a possible role of W. chondrophila in bronchiolitis, pneumonia and miscarriage. This pathogenic potential is further supported by the ability of W. chondrophila to infect and replicate within human pneumocytes, macrophages and endometrial cells. Considering that W. chondrophila might be a causative agent of respiratory tract infection, we developed a mouse model of respiratory tract infection to get insight into the pathogenesis of W. chondrophila. Following intranasal inoculation of 2 x 108 W. chondrophila, mice lost up to 40% of their body weight, and succumbed rapidly from infection with a death rate reaching 50% at day 4 post-inoculation. Bacterial loads, estimated by qPCR, increased from day 0 to day 3 post-infection and decreased thereafter in surviving mice. Bacterial growth was confirmed by detecting dividing bacteria using electron microscopy, and living bacteria were isolated from lungs 14 days post-infection. Immunohistochemistry and histopathology of infected lungs revealed the presence of bacteria associated with pneumonia characterized by an important multifocal inflammation. The high inflammatory score in the lungs was associated with the presence of pro-inflammatory cytokines in both serum and lungs at day 3 post-infection. This animal model supports the role of W. chondrophila as an agent of respiratory tract infection, and will help understanding the pathogenesis of this strict intracellular bacterium.

Computed tomography findings in patients with H1N1 influenza A infection

The present study aimed to review high resolution computed tomography findings in patients with H1N1 influenza A infection. The most common tomographic findings include ground-glass opacities, areas of consolidation or a combination of both patterns. Some patients may also present bronchial wall thickening, airspace nodules, crazy-paving pattern, perilobular opacity, air trapping and findings related to organizing pneumonia. These abnormalities are frequently bilateral, with subpleural distribution. Despite their nonspecificity, it is important to recognize the main tomographic findings in patients affected by H1N1 virus in order to include this possibility in the differential diagnosis, characterize complications and contribute in the follow-up, particularly in cases of severe disease.

Undressing of Waddlia chondrophila to enrich its outer membrane proteins to develop a new species-specific ELISA.

Waddlia chondrophila, an obligate intracellular bacterium of the Chlamydiales order, is considered as an agent of bovine abortion and a likely cause of miscarriage in humans. Its role in respiratory diseases was questioned after the detection of its DNA in clinical samples taken from patients suffering from pneumonia or bronchiolitis. To better define the role of Waddlia in both miscarriage and pneumonia, a tool allowing large-scale serological investigations of Waddlia seropositivity is needed. Therefore, enriched outer membrane proteins of W. chondrophila were used as antigens to develop a specific ELISA. After thorough analytical optimization, the ELISA was validated by comparison with micro-immunofluorescence and it showed a sensitivity above 85% with 100% specificity. The ELISA was subsequently applied to human sera to specify the role of W. chondrophila in pneumonia. Overall, 3.6% of children showed antibody reactivity against W. chondrophila but no significant difference was observed between children with and without pneumonia. Proteomic analyses were then performed using mass spectrometry, highlighting members of the outer membrane protein family as the dominant proteins. The major Waddlia putative immunogenic proteins were identified by immunoblot using positive and negative human sera. The new ELISA represents an efficient tool with high throughput applications. Although no association with pneumonia and Waddlia seropositivity was observed, this ELISA could be used to specify the role of W. chondrophila in miscarriage and in other diseases.

High-resolution computed tomography and histopathological findings in hypersensitivity pneumonitis: a pictorial essay

Abstract Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is a diffuse interstitial and granulomatous lung disease caused by the inhalation of any one of a number of antigens. The objective of this study was to illustrate the spectrum of abnormalities in high-resolution computed tomography and histopathological findings related to hypersensitivity pneumonitis. We retrospectively evaluated patients who had been diagnosed with hypersensitivity pneumonitis (on the basis of clinical-radiological or clinical-radiological-pathological correlations) and had undergone lung biopsy. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is clinically divided into acute, subacute, and chronic forms; high-resolution computed tomography findings correlate with the time of exposure; and the two occasionally overlap. In the subacute form, centrilobular micronodules, ground-glass opacities, and air trapping are characteristic high-resolution computed tomography findings, whereas histopathology shows lymphocytic inflammatory infiltrates, bronchiolitis, variable degrees of organizing pneumonia, and giant cells. In the chronic form, high-resolution computed tomography shows traction bronchiectasis, honeycombing, and lung fibrosis, the last also being seen in the biopsy sample. A definitive diagnosis of hypersensitivity pneumonitis can be made only through a multidisciplinary approach, by correlating clinical findings, exposure history, high-resolution computed tomography findings, and lung biopsy findings.

Emerging, non-PCV13 serotypes 11A and 35B of Streptococcus pneumoniae show high potential for biofilm formation in vitro

Background: Since the use of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines PCV7 and PCV13 in children became widespread, invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) has dramatically decreased. Nevertheless, there has been a rise in incidence of Streptococcus pneumoniae non-vaccine serotypes (NVT) colonising the human nasopharynx. Nasopharyngeal colonisation, an essential step in the development of S. pneumoniae-induced IPD, is associated with biofilm formation. Although the capsule is the main pneumococcal virulence factor, the formation of pneumococcal biofilms might, in fact, be limited by the presence of capsular polysaccharide (CPS). Methodology/Principal Findings: We used clinical isolates of 16 emerging, non-PCV13 serotypes as well as isogenic transformants of the same serotypes. The biofilm formation capacity of isogenic transformants expressing CPSs from NVT was evaluated in vitro to ascertain whether this trait can be used to predict the emergence of NVT. Fourteen out of 16 NVT analysed were not good biofilm formers, presumably because of the presence of CPS. In contrast, serotypes 11A and 35B formed >45% of the biofilm produced by the non-encapsulated M11 strain. Conclusions/Significance This study suggest that emerging, NVT serotypes 11A and 35B deserve a close surveillance.

Uso de Simuladores para Treinamento de Prevenção de Infecções Relacionadas à Assistência à Saúde

Descrevem-se os resultados de treinamentos de estudantes de graduação e profissionais da saúde em prevenção de infecções relacionadas à assistência à saúde com uso de simuladores. O treinamento foi realizado em cinco módulos: higienização de mãos, prevenção de infecções de corrente sanguínea, prevenção de pneumonia associada a dispositivos respiratórios, prevenção de infecção urinária e biossegurança. Os treinamentos simulados foram aplicados a pequenos grupos de alunos de diferentes períodos da graduação e diversos cursos. Entre maio de 2012 e abril de 2013, 61 estudantes fizeram pelo menos um módulo do curso. O desempenho dos estudantes foi medido por um pré-teste e pós-teste aplicado antes e após cada módulo. O aproveitamento positivo nos módulos de I a V foi de 34,2%, 34%, 40,4%, 28,2% e 42,2%, respectivamente. Não houve diferença estatística significativa, em relação ao aproveitamento positivo, nos cinco módulos, quando analisados os estudantes dos diferentes cursos. Concluiu-se que treinamentos simulados em prevenção de infecções relacionadas à assistência à saúde foram efetivos para aumentar o conhecimento de alunos de graduação em saúde de diferentes cursos e períodos.

Use of pyrosequencing to identify streptococci and to detect mutations causing antimicrobial resistance

Rapid identification and resistance determination of pathogens in clinical specimens is vital for accurate treatment and monitoring of infectious diseases. Antimicrobial drug resistance is increasing globally and healthcare settings are facing this cost-intensive and even life-threatening problem. The incidence of resistant pathogens in Finland has remained relatively steady and manageable at least for the time being. DNA sequencing is the gold standard method for genotyping, mutation analysis, and identification of bacteria. Due to significant cost decrease in recent years, this technique is available to many research and clinical laboratories. Pyrosequencing technique, a rapid real-time DNA sequencing method especially suitable for analyzing fairly short stretches of DNA, was used in this study. Due to its robustness and versatility, pyrosequencing was applied in this study for identification of streptococci and detection of certain mutations causing antimicrobial resistance in different bacteria. Certain streptococcal species such as S. pneumoniae and S. pyogenes are significantly important clinical pathogens. S. pneumoniae causes e.g. pneumonia and otitis media and is one of the most important community-acquired pathogens. S. pyogenes, also known as group A streptococcus, causes e.g. angina and erysipelas. In contrast, the socalled alpha-haemolytic streptococci, such as S. mitis and S. oralis, belong to the normal microbiota, which are regarded to be non-pathogenic and are nearly impossible to identify by phenotypic methods. In this thesis, a pyrosequencing method was developed for identification of streptococcal species based on the 16S rRNA sequences. Almost all streptococcal species could be differentiated from one another by the developed method, including S. pneumoniae from its close relatives S. mitis and S. oralis . New resistance genes and their variants are constantly discovered and reported. In this study, new methods for detecting certain mutations causing macrolide resistance or extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) phenotype were developed. These resistance detection approaches are not only suitable for surveillance of mechanisms causing antimicrobial resistance but also for routine analysis of clinical samples particularly in epidemic settings. In conclusion, pyrosequencing was found to be an accurate, versatile, cost-effective, and rapid DNA sequencing method that is especially suitable for mutation analysis of short DNA fragments and identification of certain bacteria.

Utilidade dos exames pré-operatórios em trauma

Os exames complementares são realizados rotineiramente no pré-operatório de procedimentos cirúrgicos médios e grandes. Entretanto, a sua utilidade é questionável, uma vez que muitos deles são normais ou seus resultados são previsíveis. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a real utilidade da propedêutica complementar pré-operatória na prevenção de complicações cirúrgicas. Foram revistos 117 prontuários de pacientes submetidos a operações por traumas abdominais (66,6%) e/ou torácicos (33,4%) de grande porte, no Setor de Urgência do Hospital João XXIII de Belo Horizonte, no período de 1985- 1995. Avaliaram-se os exames complementares pré-operatórios e sua relação com eventuais complicações cirúrgicas. A idade dos 76 homens e 4l mulheres variou entre 20 e 79 anos. Os 49,2% dos exames laboratoriais alterados corresponderam a achados previsíveis pelo exame clínico. Somente 1,6% das anormalidades nesses exames foram relacionadas com complicações pós-operatórias. Nenhuma das 70,4% radiografias alteradas correlacionaram-se com complicações pós-operatórias. As complicações pós-operatórias mais freqüentes foram abscesso de parede, parada cardiorrespiratória e pneumonia. Nenhuma complicação poderia ter sido prevenida pelos exames complementares pré-operatórios. Os resultados obtidos nos exames complementares pré-operatórios não influenciaram as condutas, e as alterações encontradas não foram relacionadas às complicações cirúrgicas em serviço de urgência.