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Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical, Volume: 47, Número: 5, Publicado: 2014
  • Saint Louis encephalitis virus and other arboviruses in the differential diagnosis for dengue Editorial

    Figueiredo, Luiz Tadeu Moraes
  • Management of post-transplant Epstein-Barr virus-related lymphoproliferative disease in solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell recipients Review Article

    Marques, Heloisa Helena de Sousa; Shikanai-Yasuda, Maria Aparecida; Azevedo, Luiz Sérgio Fonseca de; Caiaffa-Filho, Hélio Helh; Pierrotti, Lígia Camera; Aquino, Maria Zilda de; Lopes, Marta Heloisa; Maluf, Natalya Zaidan; Campos, Silvia Vidal; Costa, Silvia Figueiredo

    Resumo em Inglês:

    Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-related post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) is one of the most serious complications associated with solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. PTLD is most frequently seen with primary EBV infection post-transplant, a common scenario for pediatric solid organ recipients. Risk factors for infection or reactivation of EBV following solid organ transplant are stronger immunosuppressive therapy regimens, and being seronegative for receptor. For hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, the risk factors relate to the type of transplant, human leukocyte antigen disparity, the use of stronger immunosuppressants, T-cell depletion, and severe graft-versus-host disease. Mortality is high, and most frequent in patients who develop PTLD in the first six months post-transplant. The primary goal of this article is to provide an overview of the clinical manifestations, diagnosis, accepted therapies, and management of EBV infection in transplant recipients, and to suggest that the adoption of monitoring protocols could contribute to a reduction in related complications.
  • Analysis of the prevalence of dyslipidemia in individuals with HIV and its association with antiretroviral therapy Major Articles

    Limas, Talita Gabriela de; Pinto, Gustavo de Araujo; Marcato, Liz Miriane; Coelho, Daniel Reszel

    Resumo em Inglês:

    Introduction Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has been used to treat large numbers of patients living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Lipid disorders are often observed in these patients, and include elevations in total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG). Methods A cross-sectional study was performed using 333 patient records from the Regional Hospital of São José Doutor Homero de Miranda Gomes (HRSJHMG). The study population consisted of patients with HIV who were under medical follow up, either on or off drug treatment. The data were entered into Excel and exported to SPSS 16.0 for analysis using chi-square testing. We used prevalence ratios as the measure of association. Results Lipid abnormalities were observed in 78.9% of individuals who received ART. Of the 308 subjects on ART, 59.1%, 41.9%, and 33.1% had TG, TC and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) abnormalities, respectively. The prevalence of LDL changes was 2.57-fold higher in individuals who had been using ART for more than 12 months, compared to those using ART for 6 to 12 months. Conclusions HIV patients showed a significant increase in the association between TC and TG levels and the use of ART. In particular, changes in TC, LDL and TG were greater in individuals who had received ART for over more than 12 months.
  • The prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection markers and socio-demographic risk factors in HIV-infected patients in Southern Brazil Major Articles

    Martins, Saulo; Livramento, Andréa do; Andrigueti, Michelle; Kretzer, Iara Fabricia; Machado, Marcos José; Spada, Celso; Treitinger, Aricio

    Resumo em Inglês:

    Introduction Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections are two of the world's most important infectious diseases. Our objective was to determine the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) prevalences among adult HIV-infected patients and identify the associations between socio-demographic variables and these HBV infection markers. Methods This study was performed from October 2012 to March 2013. Three hundred HIV-seropositive patients were monitored by the Clinical Analysis Laboratory of Professor Polydoro Ernani de São Thiago University Hospital, Santa Catarina, Brazil. The blood tests included HBsAg, anti-HBc immunoglobulin M (IgM) and total anti-HBc. Patients reported their HIV viral loads and CD4+ T-cell counts using a questionnaire designed to collect sociodemographic data. Results The mean patient age was 44.6 years, the mean CD4 T-cell count was 525/mm3, the mean time since beginning antiretroviral therapy was 7.6 years, and the mean time since HIV diagnosis was 9.6 years. The overall prevalences of HBsAg and total anti-HBc were 2.3% and 29.3%, respectively. Among the individuals analyzed, 0.3% were positive for HBsAg, 27.3% were positive for total anti-HBc, and 2.0% were positive either for HBsAg or total anti-HBc and were classified as chronically HBV-infected. Furthermore, 70.3% of the patients were classified as never having been infected. Male gender, age >40 years and Caucasian ethnicity were associated with an anti-HBc positive test. Conclusions The results showed an intermediate prevalence of HBsAg among the studied patients. Moreover, the associations between the anti-HBc marker and socio-demographic factors suggest a need for HBV immunization among these HIV-positive individuals, who are likely to have HIV/HBV coinfection.
  • Hepatitis virus and hepatocellular carcinoma in Brazil: a report from the State of Espírito Santo Major Articles

    Gonçalves, Patrícia Lofêgo; Zago-Gomes, Maria da Penha; Gonçalves, Carlos Sandoval; Pereira, Fausto Edmundo Lima

    Resumo em Inglês:

    Introduction Few studies have examined hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Brazil, and the incidence and risk factors for this type of malignancy vary greatly geographically. In this paper, we report several risk factors associated with HCC diagnosed at the University Hospital in Vitória, ES, Brazil. Methods We reviewed 274 cases of HCC (January 1993 to December 2011) in which hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) virus infection and chronic alcoholism were investigated. A diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma was confirmed by histology or by the presence of a characteristic pattern on imaging. Results HCC with associated liver cirrhosis was noted in 85.4% of cases. The mean ages of men and women were 56.6 years and 57.5 years, respectively. The male-to-female ratio was 5.8:1. Associated risk factors included the following: HBV, 37.6% (alone, 23.4%; associated with chronic alcoholism, 14.2%); HCV, 22.6% (alone, 13.5%; associated with chronic alcoholism, 9.1%), chronic alcoholism, 17.1%, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, 2.6% and cryptogenic, 19.3%. The male-to-female ratio was higher in cases associated with HBV or chronic alcoholism compared with HCV-associated or cryptogenic cases. In 40 cases without associated cirrhosis, the male-to-female ratio and mean age were lower than those in cirrhosis-associated cases. Conclusions These results demonstrate that the main risk factor associated with HCC in the State of Espírito Santo is HBV. Chronic alcoholism is an important etiological factor, alone or in association with HBV or HCV infection.
  • Sexual dysfunction and dissatisfaction in chronic hepatitis C patients Major Articles

    Fábregas, Bruno Cópio; Moura, Alexandre Sampaio; Ávila, Renata Eliane de; Faria, Marjore Novaes; Carmo, Ricardo Andrade; Teixeira, Antônio Lúcio

    Resumo em Inglês:

    Introduction The prevalence of sexual dysfunction (SD) and dissatisfaction with sexual life (DSL) in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection (CHC) was jointly investigated via a thorough psychopathological analysis, which included dimensions such as fatigue, impulsiveness, psychiatric comorbidity, health-related quality of life (HRQL) and sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Methods Male and female CHC patients from an outpatient referral center were assessed using the Brief Fatigue Inventory, the Barrat Impulsiveness Scale, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A), and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale-Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF). Structured psychiatric interviews were performed according to the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview. SD was assessed based on specific items in the BDI (item 21) and the HAM-A (item 12). DSL was assessed based on a specific question in the WHOQOL-BREF (item 21). Multivariate analysis was performed according to an ordinal linear regression model in which SD and DSL were considered as outcome variables. Results SD was reported by 60 (57.1%) of the patients according to the results of the BDI and by 54 (51.4%) of the patients according to the results of the HAM-A. SD was associated with older age, female gender, viral genotype 2 or 3, interferon-α use, impulsiveness, depressive symptoms, antidepressant and benzodiazepine use, and lower HRQL. DSL was reported by 34 (32.4%) of the patients and was associated with depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, antidepressant use, and lower HRQL. Conclusions The prevalence of SD and DSL in CHC patients was high and was associated with factors, such as depressive symptoms and antidepressant use. Screening and managing these conditions represent significant steps toward improving medical assistance and the HRQL of CHC patients.
  • Impact of insecticide resistance on the field control of Aedes aegypti in the State of São Paulo Major Articles

    Macoris, Maria de Lourdes da Graça; Andrighetti, Maria Teresa Macoris; Wanderley, Dalva Marli Valério; Ribolla, Paulo Eduardo Martins

    Resumo em Inglês:

    Introduction The need to control dengue transmission by means of insecticides has led to the development of resistance to most of the products used worldwide against mosquitoes. In the State of São Paulo, the Superintendência de Controle de Endemias(SUCEN) has annually monitored the susceptibility of Aedes aegypti to insecticides since 1996; since 1999, surveys were conducted in collaboration with the National Network of Laboratories (MoReNAa Network) and were coordinated by the Ministry of Health. In this study, in addition to the biological characterization of insecticide resistance in the laboratory, the impact of resistance on field control was evaluated for vector populations that showed resistance in laboratory assays. Methods Field efficacy tests with larvicides and adulticides were performed over a 13-year period, using World Health Organization protocols. Results Data from the field tests showed a reduction in the residual effect of temephos on populations with a resistance ratio of 3. For adults, field control was less effective in populations characterized as resistant in laboratory qualitative assays, and this was confirmed using qualitative assays and field evaluation. Conclusions Our results indicated that management of resistance development needs to be adopted when insect populations show reduced susceptibility. The use of insecticides is a self-limiting tool that needs to be applied cautiously, and dengue control requires more sustainable strategies.
  • Effects of piperonyl butoxide on the toxicity of the organophosphate temephos and the role of esterases in the insecticide resistance of Aedes aegypti Major Articles

    Pereira, Boscolli Barbosa; Limongi, Jean Ezequiel; Campos Júnior, Edimar Olegário de; Luiz, Denis Prudencio; Kerr, Warwick Estevam

    Resumo em Inglês:

    Introduction The effects of piperonyl butoxide (PBO) on the toxicity of the organophosphate temephos (TE) and the role of esterases in the resistance of Aedes aegypti to this insecticide were evaluated. Methods A. aegypti L4 larvae susceptible and resistant to TE were pre-treated with PBO solutions in acetone at concentrations of 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1, and 2% for 24h and subsequently exposed to a diagnostic concentration of 0.02mg/L aqueous TE solution. The esterase activity of the larvae extracts pre-treated with varying PBO concentrations and exposed to TE for three time periods was determined. Results At concentrations of 0.25, 0.5, 1, and 2%, PBO showed a significant synergistic effect with TE toxicity. High levels of esterase activity were associated with the survival of A. aegypti L4 larvae exposed to TE only. Conclusions The results of the biochemical assays suggest that PBO has a significant inhibitory effect on the total esterase activity in A. aegypti larvae.
  • Ecological competition and the incidence of Acinetobacter baumannii bloodstream infections in a teaching hospital in Southeastern Brazil Major Articles

    Lastoria, Letícia Chamma; Caldeira, Sílvia Maria; Moreira, Rayana Gonçalves; Akazawa, Renata Tamie; Maion, Júlia Coutinho; Fortaleza, Carlos Magno Castelo Branco

    Resumo em Inglês:

    Introduction Recently, pathogen ecology has been recognized as an important epidemiological determinant of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Acinetobacter baumannii is one of the most important agents known to cause HAIs. It is widespread in healthcare settings and exhibits seasonal variations in incidence. Little is known about the impact of competition with other hospital pathogens on the incidence of A. baumannii infection. Methods We conducted an ecological study, enrolling patients who presented with healthcare-associated bloodstream infections (HA-BSIs) from 2005 to 2010 at a 450-bed teaching hospital in Brazil. HA-BSIs were said to be present when bacteria or fungi were recovered from blood cultures collected at least three days after admission. Monthly incidence rates were calculated for all HA-BSIs (overall or caused by specific pathogens or groups of pathogens). Multivariate Poisson regression models were used to identify the impacts of the incidence of several pathogens on the incidence of A. baumannii. Results The overall incidence rate of HA-BSI caused by A. baumannii was 2.5 per 10,000 patient-days. In the multivariate analysis, the incidence of HA-BSI caused by A. baumanniiwas negatively associated with the incidence rates of HA-BSI due to Staphylococcus aureus (rate ratio [RR]=0.88; 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.80-0.97), Enterobacter spp. (RR=0.84; 95%CI=0.74-0.94) and a pool of less common gram-negative pathogens. Conclusions Our results suggest that competition between pathogens influences the etiology of HA-BSIs. It would be beneficial to take these findings into account in infection control policies.
  • Evaluation of constitutive and inducible resistance to clindamycin in clinical samples of Staphylococcus aureus from a tertiary hospital Major Articles

    Bottega, Angelita; Rodrigues, Mônica de Abreu; Carvalho, Fernanda Aguirre; Wagner, Tatiana Feyh; Leal, Isabel Agne Souza; Santos, Silvana Oliveira dos; Rampelotto, Roberta Filipini; Hörner, Rosmari

    Resumo em Inglês:

    Introduction Infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) have become common in hospitals and the community environment, and this wide resistance has limited patient treatment. Clindamycin (CL) represents an important alternative therapy for infections caused by S. aureus. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing using standard methods may not detect inducible CL resistance. This study was performed to detect the phenotypes of resistance to macrolides-lincosamides-streptogramin B (MLSB) antibiotics, including CL, in clinical samples of S. aureusfrom patients at a tertiary hospital in Santa Maria, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Methods One hundred and forty clinical isolates were submitted to the disk diffusion induction test (D-test) with an erythromycin (ER) disk positioned at a distance of 20mm from a CL disk. The results were interpreted according to the recommendations of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Results In this study, 29 (20.7%) of the 140 S. aureus samples were resistant to methicillin (MRSA), and 111 (79.3%) were susceptible to methicillin (MSSA). The constitutive resistance phenotype (cMLSB) was observed in 20 (14.3%) MRSA samples and in 5 (3.6%) MSSA samples, whereas the inducible resistance phenotype (iMLSB) was observed in 3 (2.1%) MRSA samples and in 8 (5.8%) MSSA samples. Conclusions The D-test is essential for detecting the iMLSBphenotype because the early identification of this phenotype allows clinicians to choose an appropriate treatment for patients. Furthermore, this test is simple, easy to perform and inexpensive.
  • Genes that encodes NAGT, MIF1 and MIF2 are not virulence factors for kala-azar caused by Leishmania infantum Major Articles

    Aguiar, Bruno Guedes Alcoforado; Coelho, Daniela Lemos; Costa, Dorcas Lamounier; Drumond, Betânia Paiva; Coelho, Luiz Felipe Leomil; Figueiredo, Lívio Carvalho; Zacarias, Danielle Alves; Silva, Jailthon Carlos da; Alonso, Diego Peres; Ribolla, Paulo Eduardo Martins; Ishikawa, Edna Aoba Yassui; Gaído, Samara Belchior; Costa, Carlos Henrique Nery

    Resumo em Inglês:

    Introduction Kala-azar is a disease resulting from infection by Leishmania donovani and Leishmania infantum. Most patients with the disease exhibit prolonged fever, wasting, anemia and hepatosplenomegaly without complications. However, some patients develop severe disease with hemorrhagic manifestations, bacterial infections, jaundice, and edema dyspnea, among other symptoms, followed by death. Among the parasite molecules that might influence the disease severity are the macrophage migration inhibitory factor-like proteins (MIF1 and MIF2) and N-acetylglucosamine-1-phosphotransferase (NAGT), which act in the first step of protein N-glycosylation. This study aimed to determine whether MIF1, MIF2 and NAGT are virulence factors for severe kala-azar. Methods To determine the parasite genotype in kala-azar patients from Northeastern Brazil, we sequenced the NAGT genes of L. infantum from 68 patients as well as the MIF1 and MIF2 genes from 76 different subjects with diverse clinical manifestations. After polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the fragments were sequenced, followed by polymorphism identification. Results The nucleotide sequencing of the 144 amplicons revealed the absence of genetic variability of the NAGT, MIF1 and MIF2 genes between the isolates. The conservation of these genes suggests that the clinical variability of kala-azar does not depend upon these genes. Additionally, this conservation suggests that these genes may be critical for parasite survival. Conclusions NAGT, MIF1 and MIF2 do not alter the severity of kala-azar. NAGT, MIF1 and MIF2 are highly conserved among different isolates of identical species and exhibit potential for use in phylogenetic inferences or molecular diagnosis.
  • The existence of only one haplotype of Leishmania major in the main and potential reservoir hosts of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis using different molecular markers in a focal area in Iran Major Articles

    Najafzadeh, Narmin; Sedaghat, Mohammad Mehdi; Sultan, Syed Shuja; Spotin, Adel; Zamani, Alireza; Taslimian, Roozbeh; Yaghoubinezhad, Amir; Parvizi, Parviz

    Resumo em Inglês:

    Introduction Leishmania major is the causative agent of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL), and great gerbils are the main reservoir hosts in Iran. Abarkouh in central Iran is an emerging focal point for which the reservoir hosts of ZCL are unclear. This research project was designed to detect any Leishmania parasites in different wild rodent species. Methods All rodents captured in 2011 and 2012 from Abarkouh district were identified based on morphological characteristics and by amplification of the rodent cytochrome b (Cyt b) gene. To detect Leishmania infection in rodents, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) of each ear was extracted. Internal transcribed spacer-ribosomal deoxyribonucleic acid (ITS-rDNA), microsatellites, kinetoplast deoxyribonucleic acid (kDNA) and cytochrome b genes of Leishmania parasites were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and sequencing were employed to confirm the Leishmania identification. Results Of 68 captured rodents in the region, 55 Rhombomys opimus were identified and nine Leishmaniainfections (9/55) were found. In addition, eight Meriones libycus and two Tatera indicawere sampled, and one of each was confirmed to be infected. Two Meriones persicus and one Mus musculuswere sampled with no infection. Conclusions The results showed that all 11 unambiguously positive Leishmania infections were Leishmania major. Only one haplotype of L. major(GenBank access No. EF413075) was found and at least three rodents R. opimus, M. libycus and T. indica—appear to be the main and potential reservoir hosts in this ZCL focus. The reservoir hosts are variable and versatile in small ZCL focal locations.
  • Awareness of visceral leishmaniasis and its relationship to canine infection in riverside endemic areas in Northeastern Brazil Major Articles

    Costa, Kalidia Felipe de Lima; Amóra, Sthenia Santos Albano; Couto, Camila Fernandes de Amorim; Souza, Celeste da Silva Freitas de; Silva, Luanna Fernandes; d'Escoffier, Luiz Ney; Sousa, Maressa Laíse Reginaldo de; Kazimoto, Thais Aparecida

    Resumo em Inglês:

    Introduction An awareness of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is necessary to encourage the population to participate in prevention and control in collaboration with more efficient, centrally organized health programs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the awareness of the riverside population regarding VL and the association between awareness and the prevalence of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL). Methods In total, 71 people living in riverside areas in the City of Mossoró in State of Rio Grande do Norte participated of the study, and 71 dogs were tested for CVL by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Association analysis of several variables related to knowledge of the riverside population regarding CVL positivity was performed, yielding odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), and significance was determined using chi-square (χ2) and Fisher's exact tests. Results Among individuals whose dogs tested positive for CVL, 60% did not know the cure for CVL, and these subjects were three times more likely to have a dog test positive for CVL than those who were aware the cure for CVL. Knowledge of CVL cure was the only variable that remained in the logistic model after the successive removal of variables, with an adjusted OR of 3.11 (95%CI: 1.1-8,799; p=0.032). Conclusions Insufficient awareness regarding VL in riverside areas with CVL-positive dogs was associated with increased rates of canine infection, which suggests that changes in habits and the adoption of attitudes and preventive practices may contribute to the control and prevention of this disease. This study reinforces the need to invest in better health education programs regarding VL.
  • Interaction of an opportunistic fungus Purpureocillium lilacinum with human macrophages and dendritic cells Major Articles

    Peixoto, Mariana Lima Perazzini; Santos, Dilvani Oliveira; Souza, Ivy de Castro Campos de; Neri, Eloah Christina Lyrio; Sequeira, Danielly Correa Moreira de; Luca, Paula Mello De; Borba, Cíntia de Moraes

    Resumo em Inglês:

    Introduction Purpureocillium lilacinum is emerging as a causal agent of hyalohyphomycosis that is refractory to antifungal drugs; however, the pathogenic mechanisms underlying P. lilacinum infection are not understood. In this study, we investigated the interaction of P. lilacinum conidia with human macrophages and dendritic cells in vitro. Methods Spores of a P. lilacinum clinical isolate were obtained by chill-heat shock. Mononuclear cells were isolated from eight healthy individuals. Monocytes were separated by cold aggregation and differentiated into macrophages by incubation for 7 to 10 days at 37°C or into dendritic cells by the addition of the cytokines human granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor and interleukin-4. Conidial suspension was added to the human cells at 1:1, 2:1, and 5:1 (conidia:cells) ratios for 1h, 6h, and 24h, and the infection was evaluated by Giemsa staining and light microscopy. Results After 1h interaction, P. lilacinum conidia were internalized by human cells and after 6h contact, some conidia became inflated. After 24h interaction, the conidia produced germ tubes and hyphae, leading to the disruption of macrophage and dendritic cell membranes. The infection rate analyzed after 6h incubation of P. lilacinumconidia with cells at 2:1 and 1:1 ratios was 76.5% and 25.5%, respectively, for macrophages and 54.3% and 19.5%, respectively, for cultured dendritic cells. Conclusions P. lilacinum conidia are capable of infecting and destroying both macrophages and dendritic cells, clearly demonstrating the ability of this pathogenic fungus to invade human phagocytic cells.
  • Pimenta pseudocaryophyllus inhibits virulence factors and promotes metabolic changes in Candidayeast Major Articles

    Assal, Flávio Ezeddinne El; Paula, Joelma Abadia Marciano; Capeletti, Leonardo Silva; Abrão, Fernando Yano; Ataídes, Fábio Silvestre; Sá, Fabyola Amaral da Silva; Costa, Carolina Rodrigues; Fernandes, Orionalda de Fátima Lisboa; Souza, Lúcia Kioko Hasimoto; Silva, Maria do Rosario Rodrigues

    Resumo em Inglês:

    Introduction This is the first study to examine the in vitrosusceptibility and the expression of virulence factors in Candida species in the presence of Pimenta pseudocaryophyllus (Gomes) L.R. Landrum (Myrtaceae), a Brazilian plant known as paucravo. Additionally, the mechanisms of action of the crude ethanol extract and the ethyl acetate and aqueous fractions of this plant were investigated. Methods The in vitro susceptibility of Candida was tested using the broth microdilution method, whereas an XTT reduction assay was used for biofilms. Adherence was determined by counting the number of yeast cells that adhered to 100 oral epithelial cells, and hyphal formation was verified in the hyphal induction medium M199. Flow cytometry with propidium iodide and FUN-1 was performed to assess the mechanism of action. Results The results revealed that the crude ethanol extract and the ethyl acetate and aqueous fractions of P. pseudocaryophyllusinhibited the growth of Candida isolates at a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranging from 64 to 256µg/mL, whereas the 50% sessile minimal inhibitory concentration (SMIC50) ranged from 512 to >1,024µg/mL. Adherence and hyphal formation were significantly reduced in the presence of the crude ethanol extract and both fractions. Although cell membrane injury was detected, the predominant mechanism of action appeared to be the alteration of yeast metabolism, as demonstrated by flow cytometry. Conclusions Our results indicated that antifungal activity reduced the expression of virulence factors in yeast via the alteration of yeast metabolism, suggesting that the crude extract of P. pseudocaryophyllus and its fractions may contain novel antifungal agents.
  • Description of microsporidia in simulids: molecular and morphological characterization of microsporidia in the larvae of Simulium pertinax Kollar (Diptera: Simuliidae) Major Articles

    Carvalho, Isabel Maria Vicente Guedes de; Queiroz, Artur Trancoso Lopo de; Moraes, Rosiane Brito de; Gil, Helio Benites; Alves, Rafael; Viviani, Andréa de Barros Pinto; Becnel, James John; Araujo-Coutinho, Carlos José Pereira da Cunha de

    Resumo em Inglês:

    Introduction Microsporidia constitute the most common black fly pathogens, although the species' diversity, seasonal occurrence and transmission mechanisms remain poorly understood. Infections by this agent are often chronic and non-lethal, but they can cause reduced fecundity and decreased longevity. The objective of this study was to identify microsporidia infecting Simulium (Chirostilbia) pertinax (Kollar, 1832) larvae from Caraguatatuba, State of São Paulo, Brazil, by molecular and morphological characterization. Methods Larvae were collected at a single point in a stream in a rural area of the city and were kept under artificial aeration until analysis. Polydispyrenia spp. infection was characterized by the presence of at least 32 mononuclear spores measuring 6.9 ± 1.0 × 5.0 ± 0.7µm in persistent sporophorous vesicles. Similarly, Amblyospora spp. were characterized by the presence of eight uninucleate spores measuring 4.5 × 3.5µm in sporophorous vesicles. Results The molecular analysis confirmed the presence of microsporidian DNA in the 8 samples (prevalence of 0.51%). Six samples (Brazilian larvae) were related to Polydispyrenia simulii and Caudospora palustris reference sequences but in separate clusters. One sample was clustered with Amblyospora spp. Edhazardia aedis was the positive control taxon. Conclusions Samples identified as Polydispyrenia spp. and Amblyospora spp. were grouped with P. simulii and Amblyospora spp., respectively, corroborating previous results. However, the 16S gene tree showed a considerable distance between the black fly-infecting Amblyospora spp. and the mosquito-infecting spp. This distance suggests that these two groups are not congeneric. Additional genomic region evaluation is necessary to obtain a coherent phylogeny for this group.
  • Causes of hospital admission of AIDS patients in southern Brazil, 2007 to 2012 Short Communications

    Guerro, Anna Caroline; Andretta, Iliana Barbosa; Bello, Soraya Lamin; Trevisol, Daisson José; Schuelter-Trevisol, Fabiana

    Resumo em Inglês:

    Introduction The acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic is a worldwide phenomenon that has been modified with the implementation of effective antiretroviral therapy. The objective of this study was to determine the leading causes of hospitalization among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive individuals. Methods A cross-sectional study with patients admitted to a general hospital in southern Brazil, between January 2007 and May 2012. Results Medical records of 550 hospital admissions (230 patients) were reviewed, with an average of 2.4 hospitalizations per patient. Infectious diseases were the most prevalent causes of hospitalization. Overall, 44.8% patients died and their deaths were associated with longer hospital stays. Conclusions Opportunistic infections remained the leading causes of hospitalization.
  • Description and characterization of the melanic morphotype of Rhodnius nasutus Stål, 1859 (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae) Short Communications

    Dias, Fernando Braga Stehling; Jaramillo-O, Nicolás; Diotaiuti, Liléia

    Resumo em Inglês:

    Introduction For the first time we provide the description of the melanic (dark) morphotype of Rhodnius nasutus and determine the pattern of genetic inheritance for this characteristic. Methods Dark morph R. nasutus specimens were crossbred with standard (typically patterned) R. nasutus. Results We present the first occurrence of the melanic morphotype in the genus Rhodnius. The crossbreeding results demonstrate that the inheritance pattern of this characteristic follows Mendel's simple laws of segregation and an independent assortment of alleles. Conclusions Phenotypic variation of R. nasutus reinforces the heterogeneity found in the Triatominae. Descriptions of new species in this subfamily require rigorous validation criteria.
  • The exotic palm Roystonea oleracea(Jacq.) O.F. Cook as a rural biotype for Rhodnius neglectus Lent, 1954, in Caçu, State of Goiás Short Communications

    Vianna, Elisa Neves; Andrade, Andrey José de; Dias, Fernando Braga Stehling; Diotaiuti, Liléia

    Resumo em Inglês:

    Introduction Rhodnius neglectus is a triatomine that colonizes different palm species. In this study, we aimed to describe the presence of this triatomine bug in the royal palms (Roystonea oleracea) in a rural region of the State of Goiás. Methods Palm infestation was investigated by dissecting the palms or by using live-bait traps. Results Two palm trees were infested by R. neglectusnegative for Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent for Chagas disease. In the study area, R. neglectus is frequently found in households. Conclusions The adaptation of this species to palm trees introduced in Brazil for landscaping purposes poses another challenge for controlling the vectors of Chagas disease.
  • Larvicidal activity of the methanol extract and fractions of the green fruits of Solanum lycocarpum(Solanaceae) against the vector Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae) Short Communications

    Pereira, Thamer Matias; Silva, Viviane de Cássia Bicalho; Ribeiro Neto, José Antônio; Alves, Stênio Nunes; Lima, Luciana Alves Rodrigues dos Santos

    Resumo em Inglês:

    Introduction The larvicidal activity of Solanum lycocarpumagainst Culex quinquefasciatus is unknown. Methods We evaluated the larvicidal activity of extracts of the green fruits of Solanum lycocarpum against third and fourth instar larvae of C. quinquefasciatus. Results Dichloromethane and ethyl acetate fractions showed the greatest larvicidal effect at 200mg/L (83.3% and 86.7%, respectively). The methanol and dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and hydromethanolic fractions demonstrated larvicidal effects against C. quinquefasciatus, with LC50 values of 126.24, 75.13, 83.15, and 207.05mg/L, respectively. Conclusions Thus, when considering new drugs with larvicidal activity from natural products, S. lycocarpum fruits may be good candidate sources.
  • Synergistic interactions in mixed-species biofilms of pathogenic bacteria from the respiratory tract Short Communications

    Varposhti, Maryam; Entezari, Fatemeh; Feizabadi, Mohammad Mehdi

    Resumo em Inglês:

    Introduction Mixed-species biofilms are involved in a wide variety of infections. We studied the synergistic interactions during dual-species biofilm formation among isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. Methods Isolates were cultured as single-species and all possible combinations of dual-species biofilms. Results The 61 A. baumannii biofilms increased by 26-fold when cultured with S. maltophilia isolates; 62 A. baumannii biofilms increased by 20-fold when cultured with S. maltophilia isolates; and 31 P. aeruginosa biofilms increased by 102-fold when cultured with S. maltophilia 106. Conclusions Synergy was observed between two isolates, including those that inherently lacked biofilm formation ability.
  • High similarity of Trypanosoma cruzikDNA genetic profiles detected by LSSP-PCR within family groups in an endemic area of Chagas disease in Brazil Short Communications

    Alkmim-Oliveira, Sandra Maria; Kappel, Henrique Borges; Andrade, Cristiane Pontes; Prata, Aluízio; Ramirez, Luis Eduardo; Correia, Dalmo; Lages-Silva, Eliane

    Resumo em Inglês:

    Introduction Determining the genetic similarities among Trypanosoma cruzi populations isolated from different hosts and vectors is very important to clarify the epidemiology of Chagas disease. Methods An epidemiological study was conducted in a Brazilian endemic area for Chagas disease, including 76 chronic chagasic individuals (96.1% with an indeterminate form; 46.1% with positive hemoculture). Results T. cruzi I (TcI) was isolated from one child and TcII was found in the remaining (97.1%) subjects. Low-stringency single-specific-primer-polymerase chain reaction (LSSP-PCR) showed high heterogeneity among TcII populations (46% of shared bands); however, high similarities (80-100%) among pairs of mothers/children, siblings, or cousins were detected. Conclusions LSSP-PCR showed potential for identifying similar parasite populations among individuals with close kinship in epidemiological studies of Chagas disease.
  • Comparative study of cultivation of feces in vermiculite or charcoal to obtain larvae of Strongyloides venezuelensis Short Communications

    Ribeiro, Steveen Rios; Maia, Caroline Ohnesorge; Pereira, Fausto Edmundo Lima; Moreira, Narcisa Imaculada Brant

    Resumo em Inglês:

    Introduction We compared feces culturing in charcoal or vermiculite to obtain Strongyloides venezuelensis larvae. Methods Feces (5g) from infected rats was mixed with vermiculite (10g) or coal (10g) in plastic cups and incubated at 28°C for 48h. Larvae were recovered using Baermann-Moraes method. Results Significantly higher number of positive larval cultures were recovered from vermiculite than from charcoal (15/17 and 4/17, respectively; p < 0.001; 990.6 ± 307.5 and 215 ± 78.1 larvae, p = 0.027). Conclusions Vermiculite yields more larvae and provides cleaner pellets, improving larvae identification and facilitating their use for other purposes.
  • Africanized honeybees in urban areas: a public health concern Short Communications

    Zaluski, Rodrigo; Kadri, Samir Moura; Souza, Edison Antonio de; Silva, Valdinei Moraes Campanucci da; Silva, Juliane Reis Campanucci da; Rodrigues-Orsi, Patricia; Orsi, Ricardo de Oliveira

    Resumo em Inglês:

    Introduction This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of Africanized honeybees in Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil, and to implement a program to remove such swarms. Methods The occurrences of Africanized honeybee swarms between 2010 and 2012 were studied and strategies to prevent accidents were developed. Results We noted 1,164 cases of Africanized honeybee occurrences in the city, and 422 swarms were collected. The developed strategies to prevent accidents were disseminated to the population. Conclusions We contributed to reducing the risks represented by Africanized honeybee swarms in urban areas, by collecting swarms and disseminating strategic information for preventing accidents.
  • An unusual case of heart failure due to Plasmodium vivax infection with a favorable outcome Cases Reports

    Dev, Nishanth; Gadpayle, Adesh Kumar; Sankar, Jhuma; Choudhary, Mona

    Resumo em Inglês:

    Although malaria is one of the oldest types of parasitic infection, we have recently witnessed substantial changes in the outcome of malarial infections. Severe Plasmodium vivax infections have recently become more frequent, and are occasionally associated with fatal outcomes. Cardiac arrhythmia and myocardial failure have also been reported, typically in association with Plasmodium falciparum infections. We report a case of myocarditis and heart failure, due to Plasmodium vivaxinfection, along with the favorable outcome.
  • First case of Helicobacter pyloriinfection resistant to seven antibiotics in Iran Cases Reports

    Abadi, Amin Talebi Bezmin; Mobarez, Ashraf Mohabbati

    Resumo em Inglês:

    Treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection with common antibiotics is typically recommended for several digestive conditions, including peptic ulcers. However, reports of resistant H. pylori isolates are increasing, and unfortunately, these do not respond to currently available therapeutic regimens. We report the case of a 31-year-old woman with two peptic ulcers in the duodenal antrum. An H. pylori strain was isolated, and tested for antibiotic resistance using agar dilution and disk diffusion. The isolated strain was found to be resistant to all seven antibiotics that were tested. Therefore, constant monitoring for antibiotic resistance should be performed prior to initiating antibiotic therapy.
  • The challenge to diagnose a clinical case of inflammatory linear verrucous epidermal nevus: Is there any ILVEN associated with human papillomavirus infection? Images In Infectious Diseases

    Godefroy, Phillipe; Reis, Helena Lucia Barroso dos; de Carvalho Ferreira, Dennis
  • The role of benznidazole with cyanocobalamin and ascorbic acid in treating the chronic phase of Chagas disease Letter

    Ghobadifar, Mohamed Amin; Kalani, Navid; Gitiforouz, Marzieh; Mosallanejad, Zahra
  • Authors' reply: Vitamins in the treatment of chronic Chagas disease: adjuvant antiparasitary or antioxidant therapy? Authors Reply

    Andrade, Mônica Coelho; Oliveira, Maria de Fátima; Nagao-Dias, Aparecida Tiemi; Coêlho, Ivo Castelo Branco; Cândido, Darlan da Silva; Freitas, Erlane Chaves; Coelho, Helena Lutéscia Luna; Bezerra, Fernando Schemelzer Moraes
  • Erratum Erratum

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