ABSTRACT To preserve oral health and to maintain the prosthetic devices, it is important not only to improve the properties of commonly known hygiene products, but also to investigate new materials with antimicrobial action. Objectives This study evaluated the antimicrobial activity of sodium hypochlorite (0.25% and 0.50%) and 10% Ricinus communis’ solutions against specific microorganisms. Material and Methods Sixty four maxillary complete denture wearers were instructed to brush their dentures three times a day and to soak them (20 min/day) in the solutions: SH1: 0.25% sodium hypochlorite; SH2: 0.5% sodium hypochlorite; RC: 10% R. communis oil; and C: 0.85% saline (control). The solutions were used for 7 days in a randomized sequence. Following each period of use, there was a 1-week washout period. Antimicrobial activity was determined by Colony Forming Units (CFU) counts of Streptococcus mutans, Candida spp., and gram-negative microorganisms. For collecting biofilm, the internal surface of maxillary dentures was brushed with saline solution, and biofilm suspension obtained. After dilutions (100 - 10-3), aliquots were seeded in Mitis salivarius, CHROMagar Candida®, and MacConkey agar for detecting S. mutans, Candida spp., or gram-negative microorganisms, respectively. After incubation, colonies were counted, and CFU/mL values were calculated. Then, transformation - log10 (CFU+1) - data were analyzed using the Friedman test (α=0.05). Results showed significant differences between the solutions (p<0.001). Results All three solutions showed antimicrobial activity against S. mutans. Against Candida spp., RC and SH1 solutions showed similar effect while SH2 showed superior activity. SH1 and SH2 solutions showed antimicrobial action against gram-negative microorganisms. The Candida species most frequently isolated was C. albicans, followed by C. tropicalis and C. glabrata. Conclusions The 0.5% sodium hypochlorite solution was the most effective and might be used to control denture biofilm. C. albicans was the most frequently isolated Candida sp.

A doença falciforme é uma desordem genética da hemoglobina, com alta prevalência no Brasil. Apresenta elevada morbidade e mortalidade, necessitando de identificação e tratamento precoces. O reconhecimento disso tornou o seu diagnóstico obrigatório pelos testes de triagem neonatal, em todo o país. O diagnóstico laboratorial da doença no neonato baseia-se na detecção da hemoglobina S utilizando-se preferencialmente as técnicas de IEF e/ou HPLC que apresentam elevada sensibilidade e especificidade. Estes métodos permitem também a detecção dos portadores de traço e de outras hemoglobinas variantes. Na doença falciforme as principais possibilidades fenotípicas ao nascimento são: Hb FS, Hb FSC, Hb FSA e Hb FSD-Punjab. Qualquer que seja o fenótipo encontrado para a doença a criança deverá ser encaminhada à consulta médica e o exame repetido após o sexto mês de vida para confirmação do perfil hemoglobínico. Outros exames complementares podem ser necessários para o diagnóstico diferencial das diferentes formas da doença tais como a dosagem de Hb A2 e Hb Fetal como também a realização do estudo familiar.

Sickle Cell disease (SCD) is a genetic disorder of the hemoglobin, with high prevalence in Brazil. It presents high morbidity and mortality with early identification and treatment being necessary. The recognition of this situation has made the diagnosis of SCD mandatory through neonatal screening in Brazil. SCD Laboratorial diagnosis in the neonate is based on the detection of S hemoglobin, in preference, using IEF and/or HPLC techniques, which present high sensitivity and specificity. These methods also allow the detection of carriers traits and other variant hemoglobins. The main phenotypic possibilities on SCD at birth are: Hb FS, Hb FSC, Hb FSA and Hb FSD-Punjab. The child should be referred for medical assessment independent of the phenotype found and the examination being repeated after six months of life to confirm of the hemoglobinic profile. Other complementary examinations may be necessary for differential diagnoses of the different forms of the disease, such as the measurement of Hb A2 and Fetal Hb, as well as a study of the family history.

A hemoglobina S (HbS) é uma das alterações hematológicas hereditárias de maior freqüência. No Brasil, a prevalência do traço falciforme (HbAS) varia de 2% a 8%. Com esta freqüência gênica, estima-se, no Brasil, a existência de mais de dois milhões de portadores do traço falciforme. Diferentemente dos portadores em homozigose para a Hb S (Hb SS), os indivíduos com traço falciforme não apresentam sintomas vaso-oclusivos sob condições fisiológicas. Alguns sinais clínicos associados ao traço falciforme somente ocorrem sob condições que propiciam o processo de falcização, como hipóxia, acidose e desidratação. A expectativa de vida é semelhante ao do resto da população. Assim, a condição de portador assintomático não deve ter nenhum impacto no estilo e qualidade de vida.

Hemoglobin S (HbS) is one of the most common hereditary hematological alterations. In Brazil, the frequency of the sickle cell trait (HbAS) varies from 2% to 8%. Thus, there is an estimate of more than two million carriers of the HbAS sickle cell trait in Brazil. Different to homozygous carriers for Hb S (Hb SS), individuals with the sickle cell trait do not present with vaso-occlusive symptoms under physiologic conditions. Some clinical signals associated to the sickle cell trait only occur under conditions that favor the sickling process, including hypoxia, acidosis and dehydration. Life expectancy is similar to the general population. Hence, the condition of asymptomatic carrier should not affect the style and quality of life.