ABSTRACT A 49-year-old patient with changes in the nails of the hallux for 10 years was diagnosed with onychomycosis. The identity of the causative agent was confirmed as Cladosporium halotolerans from the Cladosporium sphaerospermum species complex using molecular techniques. MALDI-TOF identified the agent as C. sphaerospermum complex species. Overall, species such as onychomycosis agents should attract special attention to avoid mistakes in the identification process while considering a probable contaminant as responsible for the disease. These species deserve attention since there are rare descriptions of them as causes of onychomycosis. It is important to recognize them as causes of disease and not just as a probable contaminant.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar a concordância interobservador entre radiologistas para os critérios atuais da Fleischner Society para categorias diagnósticas de pneumonia intersticial usual (PIU) em tomografia computadorizada (TC). Materiais e Métodos: Cinco observadores categorizaram independentemente as imagens de TC de 44 pacientes com doença pulmonar intersticial que foram submetidos a biópsia pulmonar empregando as últimas categorias de diagnóstico da Sociedade Fleischner para UIP. Também foram avaliadas presença, extensão e distribuição dos achados de imagem mais relevantes, bem como a confiança no diagnóstico mais provável e em até três hipóteses diagnósticas. Resultados: Houve concordância moderada a alta para as categorias diagnósticas entre os observadores (κ = 0,59-0,61). A concordância interobservador para a pontuação binária foi alta (κ = 0,77-0,79), enquanto para a presença de faveolamento foi considerada de alta a muito alta (κ = 0,81-0,96). Houve concordância em uma das três hipóteses diagnósticas em apenas 36,4% dos casos. Baixa concordância foi encontrada para o diagnóstico mais provável (κ = 0,19-0,21). Conclusão: A concordância entre observadores para os critérios atuais de TC da Fleischner Society para UIP foi moderada a alta entre observadores com diferentes níveis de experiência. Houve baixa concordância nas hipóteses diagnósticas e quanto ao grau de confiança no diagnóstico primário.

Abstract Objective: To assess interobserver agreement among radiologists regarding the current Fleischner Society diagnostic criteria for usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) patterns on computed tomography (CT). Materials and Methods: Using the Fleischner Society criteria for UIP CT patterns, five raters, working independently, categorized the high-resolution CT (HRCT) scans of 44 patients with interstitial lung disease who underwent lung biopsy. The raters also evaluated the presence, extent, and distribution of the most relevant imaging findings, as well as indicating their level of confidence in the most likely diagnosis and in up to three diagnostic hypotheses. Results: There was moderate to substantial interobserver agreement regarding the UIP patterns on HRCT—kappa statistic (κ) = 0.59-0.61. Interobserver agreement for the binary scores was substantial (κ = 0.77-0.79), whereas that for the presence of honeycombing was almost perfect (κ = 0.81-0.96). There was agreement regarding at least one of the three diagnostic hypotheses in only 36.4% of the cases. For the level of confidence in the most likely diagnosis, there was only slight to fair agreement (κ = 0.19-0.21). Conclusion: Interobserver agreement regarding the current Fleischner Society CT criteria for UIP was moderate to substantial among raters with varying levels of experience. There was only slight to fair agreement regarding the diagnostic hypotheses and for the level of confidence in the most likely diagnosis.

Abstract Bartonella henselae is cat scratch disease's etiological agent, which is considered an endemic infection in Chile. It typically presents as a self-limited regional lymphadenopathy and less frequently with systemic involvement and extranodal or atypical manifestations: hepatosplenic, ocular or musculoskeletal involvement, among others. We present three cases of atypical cat scratch disease with ocular compromise, as neurorretinitis. This review highlights the importance of the active search for ocular complications in patients with disseminated cat scratch disease, leading to possible change in treatment and prognosis of the disease.

Resumen Bartonella henselae es el agente etiológico de la enfermedad por arañazo de gato (EAG), infección endémica en Chile. Típicamente se presenta como una linfadenopatía regional autolimitada y menos frecuentemente con compromiso sistémico y manifestaciones extraganglionares: en hígado, bazo, hueso, ojo, entre otros. Se presentan tres casos de infección atípica por Bartonella henselae en las que se evidenció compromiso ocular, manifestado como una neurorretinitis. Esta revisión destaca la importancia de la búsqueda activa de complicaciones oculares en pacientes con compromiso sistémico por Bartonella henselae, implicando un cambio en el tratamiento y pronóstico de la enfermedad.

Hypophosphatemia is a relatively frequent and a potentially serious adverse drug effect. Clinically it is characterized by bone pain and muscle weakness. There are several mechanisms by which a drug can induce hypophosphatemia and they can be classified according to whether or not they are mediated by an excess of Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 (FGF23). We report two patients with the condition: (i) A 49-year-old woman with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) and gastric sleeve surgery at 46 years of age. After receiving intravenous carboxymaltose iron in one occasion due to refractory anemia, she developed symptomatic hypophosphatemia. Urinary phosphate losses associated with high FGF23 levels were confirmed. Plasma phosphate returned to normal values 90 days after the iron administration. (ii) A 40-year-old man with a history of CML in whom imatinib was started. He developed symptomatic hypophosphatemia due to non FGF23-mediated hyperphosphaturia. As treatment with imatinib could not be interrupted, hypophosphatemia and its symptoms resolved with oral phosphate intake. These cases illustrate the importance of recognizing and treating drug-induced hypophosphatemia in a timely manner, and thus avoid the morbidity associated with this entity.

Abstract Background: The increase in body temperature in febrile states caused by diseases, prolonged trapping or stress affects the seminal quality. The objective was to evaluate how the spermogram of individuals affected by a systemic bacterial infection and its recovery after antibiotic therapy was modified. Methods: The case was presented in two Blackbelly sheep, belonging to the flock of the Center for Research, Postgraduate and Conservation of Amazonian Biodiversity. Semen is extracted weekly using the artificial vagina technique. In March 2018 it was observed that the two males presented different pathologies. On the same day that the symptoms were detected in the two rams, the treatment was implemented, without performing the etiological identification of the pathogens. After the treatment was started, serial semen extractions were performed for two months, once a week, two jumps in the morning between 9:00 and 11:00 am, with a difference of 10 to 15 minutes each. A total of 16 samples of each ro-ro were obtained. Results: The pH of the ejaculates of both rams ranged from 7.3 before treatment and in their recovery, to 6.1 at the most critical time of infection. In the volume of the ejaculates, it was observed that there were differences 1.15 ± 0.19 ml and 1.00 ± 0.15 ml respectively (p≤0.001). The concentration of the ejaculate was 3000 (500-6000) x106 / ml and 2200 (800-6000) x106 / ml. Both rams showed the same behavior with respect to color, mass motility, individual and progressive, which were affected from the second extraction until the tenth, from which they slowly began to recover their normal values. Conclusions: In the two clinical cases presented, the greatest impact on seminal quality was observed in the first 7 to 8 samples, all the analyzed parameters being affected, coinciding with the duration of the spermatogenesis cycle.

Resumen Antecedentes: El aumento de la temperatura corporal en los estados febriles causados por enfermedades, arreos prolongados o estrés, afectan la calidad seminal. El objetivo fue evaluar cómo se modificó el espermograma de individuos afectados por una infección bacteriana sistémica y su recuperación posterior a la antibióticoterapia. Métodos: El caso se presentó en dos machos ovinos raza Blackbelly, pertenecientes a la majada del Centro de Investigación, Posgrado y Conservación de la Biodiversidad Amazónica. Se extrae semen en forma semanal mediante la técnica de vagina artificial. En marzo de 2018 se observó que los dos machos presentaban diferentes patologías. El mismo día que se detectaron los síntomas a los dos carneros, se implementó el tratamiento, sin realizar la identificación etiológica de los agentes patógenos. Luego de comenzado el tratamiento, se realizaron extracciones seriadas de semen durante dos meses, una vez a la semana, dos saltos por la mañana entre las 9:00 y las 11:00 h, con una diferencia de 10 a15 min cada uno. Se obtuvieron en total 16 muestras de cada carnero. Resultados: El pH de los eyaculados de ambos carneros varió de 7,3 antes del tratamiento y en su recuperación, a 6,1 en el momento más crítico de la infección. En el volumen de los eyaculados, se observó que hubo diferencias 1,15 ± 0,19 ml y 1,00 ± 0,15 ml, respectivamente (P ≤ 0,001). La concentración de los eyaculado fue de 3 000 (500-6 000) x106/ml y 2 200 (800-6000) x106/ml. Ambos carneros mostraron el mismo comportamiento respecto al color, la motilidad masal, individual y progresiva, que resultaron afectadas desde la segunda extracción hasta la décima, a partir de la cual lentamente comenzaron a recuperar sus valores normales. Conclusiones: En los dos casos clínicos presentados se observó el mayor impacto sobre la calidad seminal en las primeras 7 a 8 muestras viéndose afectados todos los parámetros analizados, en coincidencia con la duración del ciclo de la espermatogénesis.

Objective: To identify clinical and sociodemographic factors that increase or decrease suicidal risk in a clinical sample of subjects seeking mental health care. Method: A cross-sectional study was performed at three health centers in Santiago, Chile. The Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI), Depressive Experience Questionnaire (DEQ), Outcome Questionnaire (OQ-45.2), Reasons for Living Inventory (RFL), and State Trait Anger Expression Inventory (STAXI-2), in addition to a sociodemographic survey, were applied to 544 participants (333 with suicidal behavior and 211 without current suicidal behavior). Through hierarchical clustering analysis, participants were grouped by similarity regarding suicidal risk. Then, a regression analysis was performed using the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) technique, and factors that decrease or increase suicide risk (SR) were identified for each cluster. Results: The resultant clusters were grouped mainly by the age of participants. The most important protective factor was having confidence in one’s own coping skills in difficult situations. Relevant risk factors were major depressive disorder (MDD), poor anger management, and difficulties in interpersonal relationships. Conclusions: Suicidal risk manifests differently throughout the life cycle, and different types of bonds may protect from or increase risk of suicide.

Goodpasture Syndrome is described as a single episode disease entity. It is diagnosed with the demonstration of antiglomerular basement (anti-GBM) antibodies in plasma or renal tissue. Although the recurrence of anti-GBM disease is rare, it has been reported in up to 3% of cases. Recurrence with negative anti-GBM antibodies in plasma is even less frequent We report a 63 years old male in whom anti-GBM disease recurred without detectable anti-GBM antibodies in plasma, despite having positive antibodies at the onset.

RESUMO Objetivo: Identificar as características das calcificações torácicas na ressonância magnética (RM) e as correlações entre os achados de RM e TC. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo no qual foram analisados dados referentes a 62 pacientes que foram submetidos a TC e RM de tórax em sete hospitais nos estados do Rio Grande do Sul, São Paulo e Rio de Janeiro entre março de 2014 e junho de 2016 e que apresentaram calcificações na TC. As imagens de RM ponderadas em T1 e T2 (doravante denominadas T1 e T2) foram analisadas semiquantitativamente, e a razão entre a intensidade do sinal da lesão e do músculo (LMSIR, do inglês lesion-to-muscle signal intensity ratio) foi estimada. Diferenças entre lesões neoplásicas e não neoplásicas foram analisadas. Resultados: Foram analisadas 84 lesões calcificadas. A média de densidade das lesões na TC foi de 367 ± 435 UH. A mediana da LMSIR foi de 0,4 [intervalo interquartil (II): 0,1-0,7] em T1 e 0,2 (II: 0,0-0,7) em T2. A maioria das lesões mostrou-se hipointensa em T1 e T2 [n = 52 (61,9%) e n = 39 (46,4%), respectivamente]. Além disso, 19 (22,6%) foram indetectáveis em T1 (LMSIR = 0) e 36 (42,9%) foram indetectáveis em T2 (LMSIR = 0). Finalmente, 15,5% mostraram-se hiperintensas em T1 e 9,5% mostraram-se hiperintensas em T2. A mediana da LMSIR foi significativamente maior nas lesões neoplásicas do que nas não neoplásicas. Houve uma correlação negativa muito fraca e estatisticamente insignificante entre a densidade das lesões na TC e as seguintes variáveis: intensidade do sinal em T1, LMSIR em T1 e intensidade do sinal em T2 (r = −0,13, p = 0,24; r = −0,18, p = 0,10 e r = −0,16, p = 0,16, respectivamente). A densidade das lesões na TC apresentou correlação fraca, porém significativa com a LMSIR em T2 (r = −0,29, p < 0,05). Conclusões: As calcificações torácicas apresentam intensidade de sinal variável em T1 e T2; em alguns casos, mostram-se hiperintensas. A densidade da lesão na TC aparentemente correlaciona-se negativamente com a intensidade do sinal da lesão na RM.

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify the characteristics of thoracic calcifications on magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, as well as correlations between MR imaging and CT findings. Methods: This was a retrospective study including data on 62 patients undergoing CT scans and MR imaging of the chest at any of seven hospitals in the Brazilian states of Rio Grande do Sul, São Paulo, and Rio de Janeiro between March of 2014 and June of 2016 and presenting with calcifications on CT scans. T1- and T2-weighted MR images (T1- and T2-WIs) were semiquantitatively analyzed, and the lesion-to-muscle signal intensity ratio (LMSIR) was estimated. Differences between neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions were analyzed. Results: Eighty-four calcified lesions were analyzed. Mean lesion density on CT was 367 ± 435 HU. Median LMSIRs on T1- and T2-WIs were 0.4 (interquartile range [IQR], 0.1-0.7) and 0.2 (IQR, 0.0-0.7), respectively. Most of the lesions were hypointense on T1- and T2-WIs (n = 52 [61.9%] and n = 39 [46.4%], respectively). In addition, 19 (22.6%) were undetectable on T1-WIs (LMSIR = 0) and 36 (42.9%) were undetectable on T2-WIs (LMSIR = 0). Finally, 15.5% were hyperintense on T1-WIs and 9.5% were hyperintense on T2-WIs. Median LMSIR was significantly higher for neoplastic lesions than for non-neoplastic lesions. There was a very weak and statistically insignificant negative correlation between lesion density on CT and the following variables: signal intensity on T1-WIs, LMSIR on T1-WIs, and signal intensity on T2-WIs (r = −0.13, p = 0.24; r = −0.18, p = 0.10; and r = −0.16, p = 0.16, respectively). Lesion density on CT was weakly but significantly correlated with LMSIR on T2-WIs (r = −0.29, p < 0.05). Conclusions: Thoracic calcifications have variable signal intensity on T1- and T2-weighted MR images, sometimes appearing hyperintense. Lesion density on CT appears to correlate negatively with lesion signal intensity on MR images.

ABSTRACT: The aim of the study was to validate the Reasons for Living (RFL) Inventory in Chile, using a purposive and consecutive sample of 705 mental health patients in the Metropolitan Region. The RFL scale assesses the importance ascribed to reasons for living when contemplating suicide. The factorial structure of the scale was analyzed through exploratory and confirmatory analysis of the original instrument. Internal consistency, construct validity, and concurrent validity were studied and score parameters were defined. The suggested cut-off point for Chile is 4.1, which means that lower scores indicate a higher probability of suicide risk. Sensitivity was estimated at 62.1% and specificity at 66%, which is considered to be acceptable, given the high incidence of false negatives and positives. The result of the evaluation warns health professionals to clinically investigate the suicide risk detected when administering the instrument. Additionally, results highlight the adaptive and therapeutic potential of the reasons to stay alive for the treatment of depressive patients who are contemplating suicide.

RESUMEN: El estudio tuvo como objetivo la validación para Chile de la escala Razones para Vivir (RFL) en una muestra intencionada y consecutiva de 705 consultantes a salud mental en la Región Metropolitana. La RFL evalúa la importancia atribuida a las razones para vivir cuando se piensa en el suicidio. Se analizó la estructura factorial a través de análisis exploratorio y confirmatorio del instrumento original. Se estudió la consistencia interna, la validez de constructo y la validez concurrente y se definieron los parámetros de puntajes. El punto de corte sugerido para Chile es 4,1, lo que significa que bajo este puntaje hay una mayor probabilidad de riesgo suicida. La sensibilidad es del 62,1% y la especificidad, 66%, considerado aceptable, dada la alta incidencia de falsos negativos y positivos. El resultado de la evaluación advierte a los tratantes para indagar clínicamente el riesgo suicida detectado en el momento de aplicar el instrumento. Además, para el tratamiento de pacientes con depresión y riesgo suicida, destaca el potencial adaptativo y terapéutico de las razones para mantenerse con vida cuando se está contemplando el suicidio.

Abstract The objective of this study was to characterize the serum concentration of macrominerals of Blackbelly sheep under free grazing conditions in Ecuadorian Amazon. Twenty-two Blackbelly sheep, belonging to the Centro de Investigación, Posgrado y Conservación de la Biodiversidad Amazónica (CIPCA) and raised under the same environmental, nutritional and managerial conditions, were studied during the summer period April-June. Blood samples were taken from the coccygeal vein 30 days before lambing, at lambing time and at 30 and 60 days after lambing. Mg2+, Na and P variables showed no significant differences (P>=0.05) with time. However, Ca2+ showed significant differences (P>=0.05), with changes at lambing time and 30 days after. In conclusion, there is a serum deficit of Ca2+ and P in the studied population of Blackbelly sheep under free grazing conditions of Ecuadorian Amazonia during all the period. Supplementation should be selective for these minerals.

Resumen El objetivo del presente trabajo fue caracterizar la concentración sérica de macrominerales en ovejas Blackbelly criadas en condiciones de pastoreo libre en la Amazonía Ecuatoriana. Se estudiaron 22 ovejas de la raza Blackbelly pertenecientes a la majada del Centro de Investigación, Posgrado y Conservación de la Biodiversidad Amazónica (CIPCA), criadas en las mismas condiciones ambientales, nutricionales y de manejo en época de verano (abril - julio). Se tomaron muestras de sangre de la vena coccígea 30 días antes del parto, al momento del parto y a los 30 y 60 días post parto. Las variables Mg2+ Na y P no presentaron diferencias (p≥0,05) en el tiempo. La variable Ca2+ presentó diferencias significativas (p≤0,05), mostrando cambios al parto y 30 días después del mismo. En conclusión, existe un déficit sérico de Ca2+ y P en la población de ovejas Blackbelly estudiadas en condiciones de pastoreo libre en la Amazonía Ecuatoriana en todo el período. La suplementación debería ser selectiva para estos minerales.

The aim of this study was to describe the growth curves of F1 Blackbelly x Pelibuey sheep from birth to weaning under free grazing conditions in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Twelve males and 10 females were used in the study. The animals were weighed at birth, at 4 and 9 days of age and then weekly until 55 days of age (weaning). Body development was linear. There were no significant differences in birth weight, weaning weight and daily weight gain between sexes

El objetivo del trabajo fue describir las curvas de crecimiento del ovino F1 Blackbelly x Pelibuey desde el nacimiento hasta el destete, en condiciones de pastoreo libre en la Amazonía ecuatoriana. Se trabajó con 12 machos y 10 hembras desde el nacimiento hasta el destete. Los animales fueron pesados al nacimiento, a los 4 y 9 días de edad y luego semanalmente hasta los 55 días de edad (destete). El desarrollo corporal fue lineal. No existieron diferencias significativas de peso al nacimiento, peso al destete y ganancia diaria de peso entre sexos.

The relationship between depressive experience style, family satisfaction, discomfort in interpersonal relationships, and suicidal behavior was studied in a purposive sample of 405 mental health patients in the Metropolitan Region of Chile. They were classified into high severity suicide attempt, low severity suicide attempt, suicidal ideation, and no suicidal behavior. The instruments used were: DEQ, OQ-45.2, APGAR, RFL, Risk-Rescue Rating Scale, and Suicidal Intent Scale. ANOVA, ?2, and models of mediation and moderation of conditional processes were conducted. The high severity suicide attempt group showed a significant predominance of the dependent style compared with the group without suicidal behavior. There was a high presence of the self-critical style throughout the sample, especially in the suicidal ideation group. The groups with suicide risk had higher dysfunctional rates of interpersonal discomfort and a greater perception of severe family dysfunction than the group without suicidal behavior. Satisfaction with family functioning was observed to influence the intention to die at the time of the suicide attempt. These results underscore the importance of family functioning and interpersonal relationships in suicide risk.

Se estudió la relación entre estilo de vivencia depresiva, satisfacción familiar, malestar en las relaciones interpersonales y conducta suicida en 405 consultantes a salud mental en la Región Metropolitana, Chile, a través de una muestra intencionada. Se clasificaron en: intento de suicidio de alta gravedad, intento de suicidio de baja gravedad, ideación suicida y sin conducta suicida. Se utilizaron los instrumentos DEQ, OQ-45.2, APGAR, RFL, Escala de Riesgo-Rescate y Escala de Intención Suicida. Se realizaron ANOVA, ?2 y modelos de mediación y moderación de procesos condicionales. El grupo con intento suicida de alta gravedad mostró una predominancia del estilo dependiente. Hubo una alta presencia del estilo autocrítico en la muestra total, especialmente en el grupo con ideación suicida. Los grupos con riesgo suicida presentaron mayores índices disfuncionales de malestar interpersonal y una mayor percepción de disfuncionalidad familiar grave que el grupo sin conducta suicida. La satisfacción con el funcionamiento familiar mostró un efecto en la intencionalidad de morir al momento del intento de suicidio. Estos resultados subrayan la importancia del funcionamiento familiar y las relaciones interpersonales en el riesgo suicida.

Objective: To analyze suicidal behavior and build a predictive model for suicide risk using data mining (DM) analysis. Methods: A study of 707 Chilean mental health patients (with and without suicide risk) was carried out across three healthcare centers in the Metropolitan Region of Santiago, Chile. Three hundred forty-three variables were studied using five questionnaires. DM and machine-learning tools were used via the support vector machine technique. Results: The model selected 22 variables that, depending on the circumstances in which they all occur, define whether a person belongs in a suicide risk zone (accuracy = 0.78, sensitivity = 0.77, and specificity = 0.79). Being in a suicide risk zone means patients are more vulnerable to suicide attempts or are thinking about suicide. The interrelationship between these variables is highly nonlinear, and it is interesting to note the particular ways in which they are configured for each case. The model shows that the variables of a suicide risk zone are related to individual unrest, personal satisfaction, and reasons for living, particularly those related to beliefs in one’s own capacities and coping abilities. Conclusion: These variables can be used to create an assessment tool and enables us to identify individual risk and protective factors. This may also contribute to therapeutic intervention by strengthening feelings of personal well-being and reasons for staying alive. Our results prompted the design of a new clinical tool, which is fast and easy to use and aids in evaluating the trajectory of suicide risk at a given moment.

The aim of this study was to identify Candida species isolated from women diagnosed with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) and their partners; and to evaluate the fluconazole (FLZ) susceptibility of the isolates. In a period of six years, among 172 patients diagnosed with vulvovaginal candidiasis, 13 women that presented RVVC and their partners were selected for this investigation. The isolates were obtained using Chromagar Candida medium, the species identification was performed by phenotypic and molecular methods and FLZ susceptibility was evaluated by E-test. Among 26 strains we identified 14 Candida albicans, six Candida duobushaemulonii, four Candida glabrata, and two Candida tropicalis. Agreement of the isolated species occurred in 100% of the couples. FLZ low susceptibility was observed for all isolates of C. duobushaemulonii (minimal inhibitory concentration values from 8-> 64 µg/mL), two C. glabrata isolates were FLZ-resistant and all C. albicans and C. tropicalis isolates were FLZ-susceptible. This report emphasises the importance of accurate identification of the fungal agents by a reliable molecular technique in RVVC episodes besides the lower antifungal susceptibility profile of this rare pathogen C. duobushaemulonii to FLZ.

OBJETIVO: Identificar as espécies predominantes e o papel dos parceiros sexuais na manutenção das vulvovaginites recorrentes por Candida spp. MÉTODOS: Entre agosto de 2007 e março de 2012, foi efetuado estudo prospectivo de 830 pacientes com idades variáveis entre 18 e 65 anos e vaginites fúngicas. Foram excluídos pacientes com diabetes mellitus, síndrome da imunodeficiência adquirida (AIDS), em uso de corticoterapia, antibioticoterapia, hormonoterapia, imunossupressão, duchas vaginais, dispositivos intrauterinos (DIUs) ou espermicidas. A identificação das espécies de Candida foi feita por métodos fenotípicos e genotípicos. O teste do χ2 foi usado para correlacionar a Candida spp. nos parceiros masculinos e a recorrência nas vaginites. RESULTADOS: O agente fúngico foi isolado em um total de 40 mulheres, sendo 24 com vaginites recorrentes, e em 15 dos seus parceiros sexuais, dos quais 10 eram assintomáticos, e 5, sintomáticos. Houve concordância das espécies encontradas no casal em 100% das recorrências. C. albicans (62,4 e 60%), C. glabrata (29,1 e 33,3%) e C. guilliermondii foram as espécies identificadas. Candida tropicalis (4,1%) foi isolada de apenas uma paciente. Nas 16 mulheres restantes que tinham vaginites não complicadas, C. albicans foi isolada em todas. C. glabrata foi isolada em apenas dois de seus parceiros assintomáticos. CONCLUSÃO: Houve predominância de C. albicans; parceiros sintomáticos ou assintomáticos podem ter papel importante como reservatório e fonte de transmissão de leveduras, principalmente nos quadros de vulvovaginites recorrentes.

PURPOSE: To identify the predominant species and the role of sexual partners in the maintenance of recurrent vulvovaginitis by Candida spp. METHODS: A prospective study of 830 patients aged 18 to 65 years with yeast vaginitis was performed between August 2007 and March 2012. Patients with diabetes mellitus, AIDS or taking corticosteroids, antibiotics or hormone therapy and immunosuppressed patients, patients using vaginal douches, spermicides or intrauterine devices were excluded from the study. Candida species were identified by phenotypic and genotypic methods. The chi-square test was used to correlate the presence of Candida spp. in male partners with the recurrence of vaginitis. RESULTS: The fungal agent was isolated from a total of 40 women, 24 with recurrent vaginitis and from 15 of their sexual partners, 10 of whom were asymptomatic while 5 were symptomatic. There was agreement of the species found in the couple in 100% of recurrences. C. albicans (62.4 and 60%), C. glabrata (29.1 and 33.3%) and C. guilliermondii species were identified. Candida tropicalis (4.1%) was isolated from only one patient. Candida albicans was isolated from the remaining 16 women who had uncomplicated vaginitis. C. glabrata was isolated from only two of the asymptomatic partners. CONCLUSION: There was a predominance of C. albicans and symptomatic or asymptomatic partners can play an important role as a reservoir and source of transmission of yeast, especially in cases of recurrent vulvovaginitis.