This overview highlights the importance of characterization of biogenic nanoparticles of silver and silver chloride in order to understand the action on ticks or pathogens transmitted by them. These nanoparticles appear as important active principles in this area. They can act against ticks or against major pathogens transmitted by the bite of ticks such as bacteria, viruses or protozoa with equal or better efficacy of antibiotics, antiviral or antiparasitic agents. Anti-tick activities on Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, Hyalomma anatolicum, Hyalomma isaaci and Haemaphysalis bispinosa are discussed. Perspectives of these nanoparticles acting on bacteria, viruses and protozoa infections are also discussed.

Abstract In hybrid cultivated form, Dendranthema grandiflorum (Ramat.) Kitam., Asteraceae, flowers (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.) were utilized in the production of extracts, which were analyzed for larvicidal activity against Aedes aegypti third instar larvae. Methanol and dichloromethane extracts showed LC50 values of 5.02 and 5.93 ppm, respectively. Using GC–MS, phytochemical analyses of the dichloromethane extract showed the presence of triterpenoids and fatty acids, while flavonoids and caffeoylquinic acids were shown to occur in the methanol extract by ESI Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometry (ESI-FT-ICR-MS). Triterpenoids and fatty acids are well known insecticidal compounds. From this study, it can be concluded that D. grandiflorum grown for floriculture, as an agribusiness, can have additional applications as raw material for the production of insecticidal products.

Resumo A diarreia neonatal determina alterações significativas na conversão alimentar, resultando na queda da produtividade de caprinos. A resistência antimicrobiana em bactérias caracteriza-se como importante problema de saúde pública, assim, a Escherichia coli pode ser caracterizada como importante patógeno por expressar mecanismos de virulência responsáveis por significativas afecções clínicas em seres humanos e animais. O presente estudo avaliou a presença de E. coli em 117 amostras fecais de caprinos e analisou a resistência antimicrobiana dos isolados. Colônias sugestivas foram submetidas a testes bioquímicos, seguido de determinação do grupo genotípico e análise filogenética; posteriormente foram submetidas à prova de suscetibilidade a antimicrobianos. Foram identificados isolados de E. coli, Salmonella spp, Shigella sonnei e Enterobacter aerogenes. Isolados de E. coli foram classificados filogeneticamente em B2 (9/39), D (19/39), B1 (7/39) e A (4/29). Os fatores de virulência identificados foram K99 (04/39) e Stx (02/39). À prova de suscetibilidade antimicrobiana, os isolados foram sensíveis a Cloranfenicol, Estreptomicina, Amoxicilina e Ciprofloxacina, sendo todos resistentes à Lincomicina, Vancomicina e Penicilina. Os resultados reforçam a necessidade de estabelecimento de protocolos criteriosos para o uso de antimicrobianos, medida fundamental para o aprimoramento da sanidade dos rebanhos caprinos brasileiros.

Abstract Neonatal diarrhea determines significant changes in feed conversion, causing productivity loss in caprine herds. The antimicrobial resistance in bacteria is characterized as an important public health issue; therefore, Escherichia coli may be characterized as an important pathogen due to expressing virulence mechanisms responsible for significant clinical conditions in humans and animals. The present study evaluated the presence of E. coli among 117 caprine fecal samples and analyzed the isolates for antimicrobial resistance. Suggestive colonies were submitted to biochemical screening followed by genotypic group determination and phylogenetic analysis; further, the samples were submitted to antimicrobials susceptibility test. E. coli, Salmonella spp, Shigella sonnei and Enterobacter aerogenes were identified. E. coli isolates were phylogenetically classified as B2 (9/39), D (19/39), B1 (7/39) e A (4/29) groups. The analysis of the isolates also revealed the presence of K99 (04/39) and Stx (02/39) virulence factors. Antimicrobial susceptibility test revealed sensitive isolates to Chloramphenicol, Streptomycin, Amoxicillin and Ciprofloxacin, being all resistant to Lincomycin, Vancomycin and Penicillin. The results support the need of establishing restricted protocols for antimicrobial use, a fundamental procedure for health improvement in Brazilian caprine herds.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to identify a rapid and simple phenotypic method for extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) detection in Enterobacter cloacae. METHODS: A total of 79 consecutive, non-repeated samples of E. cloacae were evaluated. Four phenotypic methods were applied for ESBL detection, results were compared to multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) as the gold standard reference method: 1) ceftazidime and cefotaxime disks with and without clavulanate, both with boronic acid added; 2) disk approximation using cefepime and amoxicillin/clavulanate; 3) ESBL screening by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ≥ 16µg/mL and 4) by MIC ≥ 2µg/mL for cefepime. RESULTS: Method 4 showed the best combination of sensitivity (100%) and specificity (94%). CONCLUSIONS: MIC ≥ 2µg/mL for cefepime would be very useful for the phenotypic detection of ESBL in samples of E. cloacae.

Atendendo a notificação de encontro, por habitantes da Fazenda Paraíso, área rural do Município de Paulínia, Estado de São Paulo, de um exemplar alado de triatomíneo, procedeu-se a uma investigação epidemiológica em que capturaram-se 109 exemplares de Triatoma infestans em focos situados em construções peridomiciliares. As condições locais favoreciam a colonização por triatomíneos: grande número de construções peridomiciliares abandonadas, habitadas por pombos e pardais, fornecedores de farto alimento para os hemípteros. Eliminaram-se os focos por meio de controle mecânico dos ninhos dos pássaros. Borrifaram-se, com inseticida de ação residual, todas as unidades domiciliares da região. Desde que persistam as condições para a instalação de focos de triatomíneos nessa localidade, é obrigatória a implementação de ações de vigilância. Entretanto, os indicadores entomológicos e sorológicos sugerem não ser preocupante a situação atual. Destaca-se aqui a importância da notificação triatomínica para a detecção de focos de triatomíneos, particularmente os de Triatoma infestans.

In response to notification of the capture of a winged triatomine bug by local inhabitants, an epidemiological investigation was investigated in the rural area of the Municipality of Paulínia, São Paulo State (Brazil). This led to the collection of 109 specimens of Triatoma infestans from peridomiciliary breeding sites. Local conditions favored colonization by triatomine bugs: many abandoned outbuildings were inhabited by pigeons and sparrows, which meant abundant feed for these bugs. Thus, surveillance is mandatory as long as conditions for triatomine breeding persist. Nevertheless, entomological and serological indicators ruled out immediate concern over vectorial transmission of Chagas' disease in this municipality. All domiciliary units of the region were sprayed with residual-effect insecticides and the triatomine breeding sites were destroyed by the use of mechanical control of bird nests. The importance of reporting the occurrence of triatomine bugs, particularly Triatoma infestans, in this region, is emphasized.