Corticosteroid therapy associated with COVID-19: an ally or a risk factor for the establishment of secondary fungal co-infections?

Corticosteroid therapy to combat inflammation caused by SARS-CoV-2 seems to be a risk factor for developing secondary fungal co-infections. PubMed and ScienceDirect databases were searched, with the following word groups: [(aspergillosis OR mucormycosis OR candidiasis) AND (coronavirus disease) AND (corticoids). The selected articles present the main risk factors related to the establishment of secondary fungal co-infections in COVID-19 patients. Corticosteroid therapy used to combat inflammation caused by SARS-CoV-2 has been shown to be strongly associated with the establishment of mucormycosis and aspergillosis. Mucormycosis has been the main fungal co-infection related to corticosteroid therapy, causing a high number of deaths in COVID-19 patients. Diabetes mellitus was the most prevalent comorbidity, especially for the establishment of mucormycosis. Dexamethasone use seems to be associated with mucormycosis emergence and death. However, aspergillosis showed a greater relationship with patient recovery. Thus, risk factors such as diabetes mellitus, combined with corticosteroid use, have shown a relationship to the establishment of mucormycosis. The corticosteroids used in COVID-19 patients should be individually analyzed, considering the patient's medical history and the risk/benefit ratio of the use of these drugs.

Poloxamer-enhanced solubility of griseofulvin and its related antifungal activity against Trichophyton spp

Abstract Poorly water-soluble drugs, such as the antifungal drug griseofulvin (GF), exhibit limited bioavailability, despite their high membrane permeability. Several technological approaches have been proposed to enhance the water solubility and bioavailability of GF, including micellar solubilization. Poloxamers are amphiphilic block copolymers that increase drug solubility by forming micelles and supra-micellar structures via molecular self-association. In this regard, the aim of this study was to evaluate the water solubility increment of GF by poloxamer 407 (P407) and its effect on the antifungal activity against three Trichophyton mentagrophytes and two T. rubrum isolates. The GF water solubility profile with P407 revealed a non-linear behavior, well-fitted by the sigmoid model of Morgan-Mercer-Flodin. The polymer promoted an 8-fold increase in GF water solubility. Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR Roesy) spectroscopy suggested a GF-P407 interaction, which occurs in the GF cyclohexene ring. These results were supported by an increase in the water solubility of the GF impurities with the same molecular structure. The MIC values recorded for GF ranged from 0.0028 to 0.0172 mM, except for T. Mentagrophytes TME34. Notably, the micellar solubilization of GF did not increase its antifungal activity, which could be related to the high binding constant between GF and P407.

Human fusariosis: An emerging infection that is difficult to treat

Abstract Fusarium spp. has been associated with a broad spectrum of emerging infections collectively termed fusariosis. This review includes articles published between 2005 and 2018 that describe the characteristics, clinical management, incidence, and emergence of these fungal infections. Fusarium solani and F. oxysporum are globally distributed and represent the most common complexes. Few therapeutic options exist due to intrinsic resistance, especially for the treatment of invasive fusariosis. Therefore, the use of drug combinations could be an important alternative for systemic antifungal resistance. Increase in the number of case reports on invasive fusariosis between 2005 and 2018 is evidence of the emergence of this fungal infection.

Synergistic effect of ibuprofen with itraconazole and fluconazole against Cryptococcus neoformans

The present study investigated the association of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug ibuprofen with itraconazole, fluconazole and amphotericin B against Cryptococcus neoformans isolates. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) was found according to M27-A3 protocol and in vitro interactions were evaluated using checkerboard microdilution method. Synergism was demonstrated between azoles and ibuprofen for most isolates. However, no synergistic effects were seen when amphotericin B was combined with ibuprofen. Therefore, our results suggest that ibuprofen presents clinical potential when combined with azole drugs in the treatment of cryptococcosis.

Método convencional para o diagnóstico de micoses: um estudo comparativo / Conventional method for the diagnosis of mycoses: a comparative study

Introdução: O método clássico para o diagnóstico de micoses é realizado pelo Exame Micológico Direto (EMD) e cultural, que possibilita a visualização de estruturas fúngicas vegetativas e estruturas reprodutivas, respectivamente. Essa combinação é fundamental para reduzir possíveis erros analíticos e aumentar a precisão do diagnóstico. Métodos: Com a finalidade de verificar a frequência do EMD e cultural, e comparar seus parâmetros de sensibilidade e especificidade, realizamos uma análise retrospectiva entre janeiro de 2018 e maio de 2020, de 1603 laudos micológicos oriundos de um laboratório de análises clínicas, localizado em Porto Alegre. Resultados: Após a análise dos laudos observamos que a maioria dos casos apresentaram o EMD negativo com cultura positiva (36,24%). Na sequência, 30,87% dos casos foram de amostras negativas e 25,57% dos laudos foram positivos para ambos os exames. A minoria dos casos (7,29%) apresentou o EMD positivo com cultura negativa. Conclusão: Esta análise revelou que o exame cultural é mais sensível e específico, demonstrando uma maior confiabilidade no diagnóstico. Entretanto, vale ressaltar que a realização dos exames em conjunto, além de reduzir possíveis erros analíticos, proporciona um diagnóstico melhor fundamentado. (AU)

Introduction: The classic method for the diagnosis of mycoses is performed by both direct mycological examination (DME) and culture, which allow the visualization of vegetative and reproductive fungal structures, respectively. This combination is essential to reduce possible analytical errors and increase the accuracy of the diagnosis. Methods: To assess the frequency of DME and culture, and compare their parameters of sensitivity and specificity, we performed a retrospective analysis of 1603 mycological reports produced between January 2018 and May 2020 in a clinical analysis laboratory in Porto Alegre, southern Brazil. Results: After analyzing the reports, we observed that most cases presented a negative DME and a positive culture (36.24%). Subsequently, 30.87% of the cases were negative for both tests, and 25.57% were positive for both tests. The minority of cases (7.29%) presented a positive DME and a negative culture. Conclusion: Our analysis revealed that cultural examination is more sensitive and specific, showing greater reliability in the diagnosis. However, it is noteworthy that performing the tests together, in addition to reducing possible analytical errors, provides a more consistent diagnosis. (AU)

Anabolic-androgenic steroids cycle administration decreases anxious-like behavior but does not affect long-term memory acquisition in rats

The steroid hormones are lipids in nature, which play crucial roles in several metabolic and behavioral pathways in mammals. Drug therapy uses sterol hormones for treating some disturbances linked with its deficiency; however, the illicit use of these hormones by amateur and elite athletes to enhance performance or body appearance may lead to several health issues. In this study we evaluated the anxious-like behavior and the long-term memory acquisition of male rats undergoing sedentary life-style or physical effort, with or without anabolic-androgenic steroids (ASC) treatment. The results showed a decrease in anxious-like behavioral levels in rats that received ASC treatment associated or not with physical effort, but this treatment did not affect the acquisition of long-term memory at the dose and experimental model assessed.

In Vitro additive effect on griseofulvin and terbinafine combinations against multidrug-resistant dermatophytes

ABSTRACT Griseofulvin (GF) and terbinafine (TF) are commonly used drugs to treat dermatophytosis, a fungal infection of the skin. Today there is an increase in drug resistance to these antifungals which highlight the need for alternative synergistic therapies. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of GF and TF were determined against fungi clinical isolates from local hospitals with values ranging 0.03-2.0 µg mL-1 and 0.24-4.0 µg mL-1, respectively. A checkboard test was used to determine the combination of GF:TF which could induce an additive effect against the fungi isolates Multidrug-resistant isolates showed susceptibility after treatment with 16:2 µg mL-1 GF:TF. An MTT assay further verified that GF and TF combinations have greater additive effect against pathological and multidrug-resistant isolates than antifungals alone. Herein we disclose GF:TF combinations that could constitute as a possible new anti-dermatophyte therapy.

Is the emergence of fungal resistance to medical triazoles related to their use in the agroecosystems? A mini review

Abstract Triazole fungicides are used broadly for the control of infectious diseases of both humans and plants. The surge in resistance to triazoles among pathogenic populations is an emergent issue both in agriculture and medicine. The non-rational use of fungicides with site-specific modes of action, such as the triazoles, may increase the risk of antifungal resistance development. In the medical field, the surge of resistant fungal isolates has been related to the intensive and recurrent therapeutic use of a limited number of triazoles for the treatment and prophylaxis of many mycoses. Similarities in the mode of action of triazole fungicides used in these two fields may lead to cross-resistance, thus expanding the spectrum of resistance to multiple fungicides and contributing to the perpetuation of resistant strains in the environment. The emergence of fungicide-resistant isolates of human pathogens has been related to the exposure to fungicides used in agroecosystems. Examples include species of cosmopolitan occurrence, such as Fusarium and Aspergillus, which cause diseases in both plants and humans. This review summarizes the information about the most important triazole fungicides that are largely used in human clinical therapy and agriculture. We aim to discuss the issues related to fungicide resistance and the recommended strategies for preventing the emergence of triazole-resistant fungal populations capable of spreading across environments.

Dermatofitoses: agentes etiológicos, formas clínicas, terapêutica e novas perspectivas de tratamento / Dermatophytoses: etiologic agents, clinical forms, therapy and new perspectives of treatment

As dermatofitoses têm ocorrência mundial, sendo mais prevalentes em países de clima tropical e subtropical. Dados epidemiológicos indicam que essas micoses estão entre as infecções fúngicas de maior ocorrência. O quadro clínico mais comum de dermatofitose inclui despigmentação, placas anulares, prurido e perda de cabelo, com lesões tipicamente conhecidas como tineas, ocasionadas por fungos filamentosos dermatofíticos de três gêneros anamórficos: Microsporum, Trichophyton e Epidermophyton. O tratamento das dermatofitoses, em geral, está relacionado ao uso de antifúngicos tópicos e/ou sistêmicos, apresentando como problemática o surgimento de espécies multirresistentes. Esta revisão aborda as dermatofitoses e seus agentes etiológicos de forma aprofundada em aspectos epidemiológicos, apresentando a importância clínica do tema, com ênfase na causa, prevenção, tratamento e prognóstico dessa micose cutânea (AU)

Dermatophytoses have worldwide occurrence with higher prevalence in tropical and subtropical countries. Epidemiological data show that these mycoses are among the most frequent fungal infections. The most common symptoms of dermatophytoses include depigmentation, annular plaques, itching and hair loss, with lesions such as tinea, caused by dermatophytic filamentous fungi of three anamorphic genera: Microsporum, Trichophyton and Epidermophyton. Topical and/or systemic antifungalmedications are used in the treatment of dermatophytoses in general, resulting in problems such as the emergence of multidrug-resistant species. This review discusses dermatophytoses and their etiological agents with a focus on epidemiological aspects, presenting the clinical importance of the issue, with emphasis on cause, prevention, treatment and prognosis of this skin mycosis (AU)

Antifungal activity against Cryptococcus neoformans strains and genotoxicity assessment in human leukocyte cells of Euphorbia tirucalli L.

In the last times, focus on plant research has increased all over the world. Euphorbia tirucalli L., a plant known popularly as Aveloz, and originally used in Africa, has been drawing attention for its use in the United States and Latin America, both for use as an ornamental plant and as a medicinal plant. E. tirucalli L. is a member of the family Euphorbiaceae and contains many diterpenoids and triterpenoids, in particular phorbol esters, apparently the main constituent of this plant, which are assumed to be responsible for their activities in vivo and in vitro. The in vitro antifungal activities of Euphorbia tirucalli (L.) against opportunistic yeasts were studied using microbroth dilution assay. The results showed that aqueous extract and latex preparation were effective against ten clinical strains of Cryptococcus neoformans in vitro (Latex and extract MIC range of 3.2 - > 411 µg/mL). Aiming the safe use in humans, the genotoxic effects of E. tirucalli were evaluated in human leukocytes cells. Our data show that both aqueous extract and latex preparation have no genotoxic effect in human leukocytes cells in vitro. Although the results cannot be extrapolated by itself for use in vivo, they suggest a good perspective for a therapeutic application in future. In conclusion, our results show that the aqueous extract and latex preparation from E. tirucalli L. are antifungal agents effectives against several strains of C. neoformans and do not provoke DNA damage in human leukocyte cells, considering the concentrations tested.

Contributing factors for farm workers' exposure to pesticides in the west of the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil / Fatores contribuintes para a exposição de trabalhadores rurais a pesticidas no Oeste de Santa Catarina, Brazil

Pesticide overuse is highly harmful to human health and has become a serious public health issue in developing countries, Brazil included. Current study collects and evaluates data on toxicity risk to farmers exposed to pesticides in Marema, a municipality in the west of the Brazilian southern state of Santa Catarina. The sectional, descriptive and observational study comprises a questionnaire with open and closed questions. Retrieved data showed that farmers with low educational level need understandable information to raise their awareness on the use of pesticides, starting from an effective assistance at purchase and in management till the disposal of empty containers. Data show that farmers undergo regular exposure risks to pesticides and traditional practices corroborate for the increase in the environmental damage and health problems.

Nos países em desenvolvimento como o Brasil, o uso excessivo de pesticidas tem resultado em prejuízos à saúde humana, o que reflete em sério problema de saúde pública. O objetivo deste estudo foi coletar e avaliar dados sobre o risco de toxicidade em agricultores expostos a agrotóxicos no município de Marema, localizado no Oeste de Santa Catarina, região Sul do Brasil. A pesquisa foi conduzida por um estudo descritivo, transversal e observacional por meio de questionário com perguntas abertas e fechadas, com o total de 100 amostras no município. Os dados obtidos demonstram que os agricultores, que possuem baixo nível de educação formal, necessitam de informações compreensíveis e conscientizadoras sobre o uso de agrotóxicos, incoando por uma efetiva assistência, desde sua aquisição e manejo até o destino final das embalagens vazias. Todos os dados nos levam a sugerir a presença de constante risco de intoxicação por agrotóxicos junto aos agricultores, uma vez que suas práticas corroboram para a instalação de danos ambientais e problemas de saúde.

Evaluation of toxicity risks in farmers exposed to pesticides in an agricultural community in Concórdia, Santa Catarina State, Brazil / Avaliação do risco de toxicidade em agricultores expostos a agrotóxicos em uma comunidade agrícola de Concórdia, Estado de Santa Catarina, Brasil

A utilização de agrotóxicos nas atividades rurais tem crescido ao longo dos anos com o intuito de aumentar a produtividade das lavouras e reduzir a mão-de-obra empregada. Em contrapartida, o uso excessivo ou sem medidas adequadas de biossegurança podem causar sérios danos à saúde humana. Este trabalho tem por objetivo avaliar o risco de toxicidade de 50 agricultores da comunidade da Linha São Paulo, município de Concórdia, Estado de Santa Catarina, expostos a produtos agrotóxicos pela aplicação de questionário com perguntas abertas e fechadas. Foi possível observar que estão presentes várias situações e procedimentos que expõem boa parte dos agricultores envolvidos nesta pesquisa a riscos de intoxicação, pois não possuem uma ideia clara a respeito das medidas de biossegurança, como também não há entendimento adequado sobre os produtos que utilizam, sugerindo carência na veiculação de informações acerca dos produtos. Estes dados corroboram para o aumento do risco à saúde dos agricultores entrevistados em sua rotina de trabalho. Dessa forma, fica fortemente destacada a necessidade de medidas voltadas à informação e sensibilização, que conscientizem e conduzam ao autocuidado no manejo de agrotóxicos.

There has been an increase during recent years in the use of pesticides in agricultural activities to improve productivity, reduce labor costs and increase profits. On the other hand, the use of pesticides in excess or without adequate biosafety practices could lead to serious harm to human health. Current research evaluated toxicity risks in the case of 50 agricultural workers from the São Paulo Rural Community in the municipality of Concordia, Santa Catarina State, Brazil, who were exposed to pesticides. The questionnaire with open- and closed-ended questions revealed that there are several situations and procedures that expose most farm workers to toxicity risks since they do not have a clear understanding of biosafety measures or suitable knowledge on the products they use. Since a lack of information on pesticides exists, there is strong evidence for measures to inform and raise consciousness so that agricultural workers may exercise self-care in handling pesticides.

Prevalência de Candida spp. em biofilme dentário de usuários de aparelhos ortodônticos fixos / Prevalence of Candida spp. in the dental biofilm of fixed orthodontic appliances users

OBJETIVOS: O presente estudo tem como objetivo avaliar a prevalência de Candida spp. em biofilme dentário de usuários de aparelhos ortodônticos fixos (AOF) e relacionar com seus hábitos e características.MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Foram isolados e identificados cepas de Candida em amostras de saliva em indivíduos usuários de AOF com presença de biofilme microbiano e indivíduos usuários de AOF mas sem presença de biofilme (grupo controle), a partir do cultivo em laboratório.RESULTADOS: Neste estudo foram analisadas 108 amostras de indivíduos com biofilme, e 51 indivíduos no grupo controle. Das 108 amostras analisadas, 52 (48,1%) foram negativas para o gênero Candida e 56 (55,2%) foram positivas, sendo que em oito pacientes foram isolados duas espécies de Candida, quatro pacientes com C. albicans e C. krusei, um com C. albicans e C. tropicalis, um com C. albicans e C. glabrata, um com C. tropicalis e C. glabrata e um com C. tropicalis e C. krusei. No grupo controle 33,3% apresentaram isolamento de Candida, mesmo não apresentando biofilme.CONCLUSÃO: Foram detectadas espécies de Candida patogênicas e intrinsicamente resistentes aos convencionais antifúngicos, ressaltando a importância do diagnóstico micológico para um tratamento adequado das infecções causadas por este grupo de fungos presentes na cavidade oral dos indivíduos.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of Candida spp. in dental plaque of users of fixed orthodontic appliances (FOA) and relate to their habits and characteristics.MATERIALS AND METHODS: We isolated and identified strains of Candida in saliva samples from individuals using FOA with the presence of microbial biofilm and individuals without the presence of biofilm (control group) in the laboratory cultivation.RESULTS: We analyzed 108 samples from individuals with biofilm and 51 individuals in the control group. Of the 108 samples analyzed, 52 (48.1%) were negative for Candida and 56 (55.2%) were positive, with eight patients were isolated two species of Candida, four patients with C. albicans and C. krusei, with one C. albicans and C. tropicalis, with one C. albicans and C. glabrata, with one C. tropicalis and C. glabrata and with one C. tropicalis and C. krusei. In the control group 33.3% had isolated Candida, even showing no biofilm.CONCLUSION: Were detected and pathogenic Candida species intrinsically resistant to conventional antifungal agents, emphasizing the importance of mycological diagnosis for appropriate treatment of infections caused by this group of fungi present in the oral cavity of individuals.

A six-year epidemiological survey of vulvovaginal candidiasis in cytopathology reports in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Candidíase Vulvovaginal (CVV) é uma infecção vaginal comum. O constante aumento da incidência da doença pode estar associado a fatores como idade, infecção por HIV, diabetes, uso de métodos hormonais de contracepção e alterações citopatológicas. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a prevalência de Candida sp. em amostras de secreção vaginal no estado do Rio Grande so Sul, no período de 2005 a 2010. Trata-se de um estudo retrospectivo e observacional, por meiodo qual foram avaliados 121.328 relatórios médicos de citopatologia num período de seis anos. Foram constatados 8.582 (7,1por cento) casos positivos de Candida sp.. A idade média das pacientes era de 35 anos. Mais da metade das pacientes (53por cento) usavam anticoncepcional oral e, em 49por cento dos casos, verificou-se a existência de alterações no colo do útero. A continuidade da investigaçãoepidemiológica é necessária para o acompanhamento das tendências ao longo dos anos e para uma melhor compreensão dos fatores que predispõem à CVV no Brasil.

Candidúria: revisão atual / Candiduria: up-to-date review

Objetivo: Sumarizar o atual conhecimento sobre a candidúria no Brasil e no mundo, descrevendo sua epidemiologia, patogênese, metodologia de detecção laboratorial e terapêutica medicamentosa. Síntese dos Dados: Revisão não sistemática realizada nas bases de dados Pubmed, Scielo e Cochrane, em artigos científicos relacionados com o tema candidúria e publicados nos últimos vinte anos. Os descritores utilizados foram “Candidúria”, “Cândida” e “Infecções Hospitalares” individualmente ou em associação. Os artigos que abordavam outros tipos de infecções por Candida ou que não se adequavam ao objetivo do estudo foram excluídos. Os artigos pesquisados evidenciam que as espécies mais prevalentes no Brasil e no mundo são em ordem decrescente Candida albicans, C. parasilosis, C. tropicalis, C. glabrata, C. krusei, C. guilliermondii, C. lusitaniae, C. dubliniensis, C. kefyr e C. rugosa. Quando o tratamento é indicado, a droga de escolha é o fluconazol, desde que os isolados não possuam resistência intrínseca. Conclusão: Apesar da alta incidência e relevância clínica, as candidúrias não estão ainda completamente elucidadas, permanecendo a necessidade de esclarecer sua epidemiologia e patogênese em espécies emergentes e alcançar consenso nos protocolos de tratamento.

Objective: To summarize the current knowledge about candiduria, describing the epidemiology in Brazil and worldwide, pathogenesis, laboratorial diagnosis and prescribed therapy. Data Synthesis: A non-systematic review carried out from the databases: Pubmed, Cochrane and Scielo in scientific articles related to the theme candiduria and published in the last twenty years. The terms “candiduria”, “Cândida” and “hospital infection” were used as descriptors, individually or in association. Articles that addressed other types of Candida infection or were not suitable for the aim of the study were excluded. The studies reviewed indicate that the most prevalent species are in descending order Candida albicans, C. parasilosis, C. tropic alis, C. glabrata, C. krusei, C. guilliermondii, C. lusitaniae, C. dubliniensis, C. kefyr and C. rugosa. When treatment is indicated, the drug of choice is fluconazole, provided that the isolates do not possess intrinsic resistance. Conclusion: Despite its high incidence and clinical relevance, the candiduria is not yet been fully elucidated, remaining the need to clarify its epidemiology and pathogenesis in emerging species and reach consensus on treatment protocols.

Comparação do perfil de suscetibilidade entre isolados clínicos de Candida spp. orais e vulvovaginais no Sul do Brasil / Comparison of susceptibility profile among clinical isolates of oral and vulvovaginal Candida spp. in southern Brazil

INTRODUÇÃO: Nos últimos anos, o oportunismo das candidíases vem se tornando cada vez mais recorrente e de difícil tratamento, principalmente em virtude da emergência de novas espécies, bem como devido à diminuição à suscetibilidade aos antifúngicos. O sucesso do tratamento das infecções causadas por Candida depende cada vez mais do conhecimento da espécie e do seu perfil de sensibilidade. OBJETIVOS: Esse estudo teve por objetivo realizar uma investigação do perfil de suscetibilidade de amostras de candidíase oral e vulvovaginal, de pacientes residentes no oeste de Santa Catarina, aos antifúngicos anfotericina B, fluconazol e miconazol. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: A suscetibilidade de 60 cepas de Candida spp. foi avaliada frente aos antifúngicos. As determinações das concentrações inibitórias mínimas e concentrações fungicidas mínimas foram realizadas com base no documento M27-A2 do Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). RESULTADOS: No presente estudo foi observado alto índice de resistência para o fluconazol e para a anfotericina B. O miconazol foi o antifúngico que demonstrou melhor eficácia sobre as cepas testadas. DISCUSSÃO: As amostras dessa região do estado de Santa Catarina demonstram baixa suscetibilidade aos antifúngicos, o que explica a alta taxa de recidivas nas infecções, mas alerta para a emergência de cepas com resistência adquirida. CONCLUSÃO: A prévia avaliação por testes de suscetibilidade in vitro deve nortear a conduta de um tratamento antifúngico efetivo para os casos de candidíase de repetição, principalmente em locais de alta prevalência desta infecção oportunista, como no oeste de Santa Catarina.

INTRODUCTION: In recent years, the opportunism of yeast infections is becoming more recurrent and difficult to treat, mainly due to the emergence of new species as well as due to decreased susceptibility to antifungal agents. The successful treatment of infections caused by Candida is increasingly dependent on knowledge of the causative species and its susceptibility profile to antifungals. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to conduct an investigation of the susceptibility profile of samples of oral and vulvovaginal candidiasis in patients of western Santa Catarina to the antifungal amphotericin B, fluconazole and miconazole. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The susceptibility of 60 strains of Candida spp. was evaluated for antifungal agents. The determination of minimum inhibitory concentrations and minimal fungicidal concentrations were based on document M27-A2 of the CLSI. RESULTS: In this study, we observed a high rate of resistance to fluconazole and amphotericin B. The miconazole was the antifungal agent significantly more effective on the strains tested. DISCUSSION: The samples in this region of the state of Santa Catarina showed a low susceptibility to antifungal agents, which explains the high rate of relapses in infections, but alert to the emergence of strains with acquired resistance. CONCLUSION: The preliminary assessment by in vitro susceptibility testing should guide the conduct of effective therapy for cases of recurrent mainly in areas of high prevalence of opportunistic infection, as in western of Santa Catarina.

Assessment of the genotoxic impact of pesticides on farming communities in the countryside of Santa Catarina State, Brazil

The aim of this study was to assess the use of pesticides on farms located in the Lambedor River watershed in Guatambu, State of Santa Catarina, as well as to determine, by micronucleus testing, the risk of genotoxic impact. Samples from locally collected Cyprinus carpio, Hypostomus punctatus, Rhamdia quelen and Oreochromis niloticus gave evidence of a mean increase in micronuclei frequency from 6.21 to 13.78 in 1,000 erythrocytes, a clear indication of the genotoxic potenciality of pesticide residues in regional dams, and their significant contribution to local environmental contamination.

Incidência de fungos anemófilos do gênero Aspergillus presentes no ar durante o período de reforma em ambiente hospitalar / Incidence of airborne spoilage fungi and identification from Aspergillus Genus present in hospital atmosphere during the period of reforms

Com o intuito de caracterizar a freqüência de fungos anemófilos do gênero em ambiente hospitalardurante o período de reformas, coletou-se o ar interno e externo do Centro de Terapia Intensivo (CTI) adulto e, o ar do centro cirúrgico, em dois diferentes pontos. O primeiro, há cerca de um metro da reforma e, o segundo ponto, há 10 metros de distância. As coletas foram realizadas em um hospital do oeste do estado de Santa Catarina, durante o mês de fevereiro de2008, nos períodos da manhã e da tarde, três vezes por semana. Foram coletadas 52 amostras, onde houve o isolamento de 323 colônias de fungos anemófilos, sendo que destes, 11 amostras (21%) continham colônias típicas de Aspergillus , dos quais nenhum era da espécie A. niger ou A. flavus , ou seja, as 32 colônias (10%) isoladas pertenciam exclusivamente à espécie A. fumigatus. A caracterização dos fungos de ambientes internos de áreas críticas de hospitais tem sido mundialmente reconhecida como importante medida visando reduzir substancialmente a morbidade, mortalidade e os altos custos hospitalares. O monitoramento de contaminantes ambientais em hospitais deve ser frequentemente realizado, principalmente em área especiais com pacientes imunocomprometidos, sujeitos à exposição de patógenos do meioambiente.

With the intention of characterizing the frequency of airborne spoilage fungi from Aspergillus genus in hospitalatmosphere during the period of reforms, was collected the internal and external air of adult Intensive Therapy Center (ITC) and the air of the surgical center, in two different places. The first, about a meter of the reform and the second point, there are 10 meters away. The collections were accomplished in the west hospital from Santa Catarina state, during the month of February of 2008, in the period of the morning and of the afternoon, three times a week. Starting from 52 samples, there was the isolation of 323 colonies of airborne fungi, and of these, 11 samples (21%) had typical colonies of Aspergillus genus, noneof which was the species A. niger or A. flavus, ie, the 32 colonies (10%) isolates belonged exclusively to the species A. fumigatus. The characterization of the moulds of internal atmospheres of critical areas of hospitals has globally been recognized as important measure seeking to reduce the morbidity, mortality and the high hospital costs substantially. This way, the environmental sources monitory should be realized, mainly in special rooms with immunosuppressed patient,subjects to the exhibition of pathogen environment.

Prevalence of Toxocara canis infection in public squares of the Concórdia City, Santa Catarina, Brazil

Las escuelas, y parques donde existen lugares con arena pueden constituir un camino importante en la transmisión de varias zoonosis parasitarias, representando un riesgo potencial, principalmente para los niños en edad de la escuela que juegan en estos lugares. Entre varias zoonosis, larva migrans visceral (LMV), es una patología caracterizada por la migración de larvas de Toxocara spp. A través de los tejidos del ser humano originando reacciones del topi imunoalergénico. El objetivo de nuestro trabajo fue determinar la presencia de huevos de parásitos en las muestras de arenas de plazas públicas de la ciudad de Concordia. Se trabajó con 12 muestras de arena colectadas de diferentes plazas infantiles de Concordia, de los barrios: Centro, Nazare, Vista Alegre e Industriarios. Una muestra de aproximadamente 500 gramos de 4 lugares diferentes de una misma plaza fueron colocadas en frascos plásticos, siendo luego analizadas mediante el examen de sedimentación espontánea, propuesta por Lutz. Los resultados indicaron un 28 por ciento (7/25) de muestras positivas a T. canis lo que significa que los suelos de las plazas públicas de la ciudad de Concordia están muy contaminados con huevos de este parásito del perro. Por consiguiente, este estudio señala que debe lograrse un control al acceso de estos animales en los lugares públicos con el propósito de prevenir patologías que pueden afectar principalmente, a niños y sobre todo, en este caso, a la infección por T. canis.

Schools, squares andparks where sand is present can constitute an important transmission form for several parasitic zoonosis, representing a potential risk, mainly for children in school age that play at these places. Among the several zoonosis, visceral larva migrans (VLM), is an important pathology characterized by the migration of the larval stages of Toxocara spp. to human tissues originating imunoalergic type of reactions. The objective of our work was to determine the occurrence of parasites eggs in samples of sands from public squares ofConcordia city. This work was accomplished with 12 samples of sand collected at different squares of Concordia: Centro, Nazare, Vista Alegre and Industriarlos. 500 g. samples of 4 different places of the same square were collected in plastic flasks and then analyzed by the spontaneous sedimentation exam, proposed by Lutz. A 28 percent (7/25) of positive samples for Toxocara canis eggs is demonstrating that the public squares of Concordia represent a high level of environmental contamination for enteroparasites. Such result was anticipated due to the high number of canine population in the municipal district and their easy access to these places.