Coagulase-negative staphylococci isolates from blood cultures of newborns in a tertiary hospital in southern Brazil

Abstract Neonatal sepsis continues to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS), commonly found on the skin, being the main agents isolated. The aim of this study was to evaluate CoNS isolated from blood cultures of newborn (NB) infants. The study took place between 2014 and 2016/2017 in a tertiary hospital in southern Brazil. Using the VITEK 2 system (bioMérieux, Marcy l'Etoile, France), the microorganisms were identified and had their sensitivity profiles determined. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of linezolid, tigecycline, and vancomycin were also determined. The clinical parameters and mortality rates of NBs were evaluated. From January to December 2014, 176 CoNS isolates were obtained from 131 patients and from June 2016 to July 2017, 120 CoNS isolates were obtained from 79 patients. Staphylococcus epidermidis was most prevalent in both periods. Resistance rates increased between 2014 and 2016/2017, especially against ciprofloxacin (52.27% and 73.11%, p = 0.0004), erythromycin (51.40% and 68.07%, p = 0.0054), gentamicin (50.59% and 67.23%, p = 0.0052), and penicillin (71.3% and 99.17%, p = 0.0001), respectively. With 100% susceptibility to linezolid, tigecycline, and vancomycin in both periods and methodologies tested. In 2014, 53.44% of the NBs received antibiotic therapy, and of these, 77.14% used a catheter; in 2016/2017, these were 78.48% and 95.16%, respectively. Regarding laboratory tests, a hemogram was ineffective, since patients with sepsis presented normal reference values. In 2014 and 2016/17, 15.71% and 17.74% of the NBs died, respectively. S. epidermidis was the predominant microorganism, related to catheter use in most cases. The resistance rates have increased over time, demonstrating the importance of adopting control and prevention measures in this hospital. CoNS are responsible for a significant neonatal sepsis mortality rate in infants.

Synergistic effect of sertraline and disulfiram against multidrug resistant bacteria as a new alternative to drug repositioning

The repositioning of approved drugs is atopic of interest for the academy and the pharmaceutical industry. The synergistic combination of these drugs can be successful in the treatment of infections caused by resistant bacteria. This study aimed to assess the in vitro synergistic antibacterial activity of sertraline and disulfiram and their interaction with ciprofloxacin and sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim. We determined the minimum inhibitory concentration, the minimum bactericidal concentration and the fractional inhibitory concentration index. Eighteen bacterial strains were used, being nine American Type Culture Collection reference strains and nine multidrug resistant clinical isolates. Synergy was detected between sertraline and disulfiram against a strain of Staphylococcus aureusATCC 25923 and a clinical isolate of S. aureus. When associated to sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim and ciprofloxacin, sertraline and disulfiram showed eight synergistic events, which occurred against three different standard strains and two multidrug resistant clinical isolates. When the minimum bactericidal concentration was determined, the bactericidal activity of sertraline was enhanced with disulfiram. Our results suggest that these drugs, widely used to treat depression and chronic alcoholism, have antibacterial potential individually, in association, and combined with antimicrobials, what makes their repositioning a promising therapeutic alternative for the effective treatment of infections caused by multidrug resistant bacteria.

Assessment of different methods for the detection of biofilm production in coagulase-negative staphylococci isolated from blood cultures of newborns

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) are a frequent cause of bacteremia, especially in neonates. The major virulence determinant in CoNS is the ability to produce biofilms, which is conferred by the icaADBC genes. This study aimed to assess different methods for the detection of biofilm formation in 176 CoNS isolates from blood cultures of newborns. METHODS: The presence of the icaACD genes was assessed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and biofilm formation was assessed on congo red agar (CRA), by the tube method (TM), and on tissue culture plates (TCP). RESULTS: Of the 176 CoNS isolates, 30.1% expressed icaACD and 11.4% expressed icaAD. The CRA assay and TM showed that 42% and 38.6% of the isolates were biofilm producing, respectively. On TCP, 40.9% of the isolates produced biofilms; 21% were weakly adherent and 19.9% were strongly adherent. When compared to the gold standard technique (PCR), the CRAassay showed 79% sensitivity and 84% specificity (kappa = 0.64), TM showed 78% sensitivity and 89% specificity (kappa = 0.68), and TCP showed 99% sensitivity and 100% specificity (kappa = 0.99). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, ~42% of CoNS isolates produced biofilms, and the presence of icaACD was associated with a greater capacity to form biofilms. Compared to the other phenotypic methodologies, TCP is an ideal procedure for routine laboratory use.

Increased antimicrobial resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae from a University Hospital in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION The spread of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacilli is a health threat, limiting therapeutic options and increasing morbimortality rates. METHODS: This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial susceptibility profile of 1805 Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates collected from Hospital Universitário de Santa Maria between January 2015 and December 2016. RESULTS: Resistance to colistin (239.3%), meropenem (74.2%), ciprofloxacin (68%), gentamicin (35.1%), tigecycline (33.9%), imipenem (29.7%), ertapenem (26.8%), and amikacin (21.4%) was found increased. CONCLUSIONS: Infection control measures in the hospitals are necessary for reducing the spread of multidrug-resistant microorganisms and preventing efficacy loss of these drugs.

Synergistic antibacterial effect of statins with the complex {[1-(4-bromophenyl)-3-phenyltriazene N 3 -oxide-κ 2 N 1,O 4 ](dimethylbenzylamine-κ 2 C 1, N 4 )palladium(II)}

Abstract The treatment of infections caused by resistant microorganisms represents a big challenge in healthcare due to limited treatment options. For this reason, the discovery of new active substances which are able to perform innovative and selective actions is of great impact nowadays. Statins and triazenes (TZC) have consolidated as a promising class of compounds, characterized by the expressive biological activity, especially antimicrobial activities. The aim of this study was to assess the in vitro synergistic antibacterial effect of the association of statins and a new TZC complex {[1-(4-bromophenyl)-3-phenyltriazene N 3-oxide-κ 2 N 1,O 4](dimethylbenzylamine-κ 2 C 1,N 4)palladium(II)} (Pd(DMBA)LBr) against American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) strains and clinical isolates. The complex and the statins showed bacterial activity of all tested strains and clinical isolates, evidencing that TZC complexion with metals can be promising. Simvastatin showed synergy when associated to the complex (FICI≤0.5), being the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 16 µg mL-1 found in 6 samples. Thus, it is possible to infer that the association between Pd(DMBA)LBr and simvastatin consists of an alternative to increase the pontential of these compounds, since statins have low toxicity.

Evaluation of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae in a tertiary-level reference hospital in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: The rapid global spread of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) is a threat to the health system. METHODS: We evaluated the antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of 70 CRE isolated in a tertiary hospital in Brazil between August and December 2015, and determined their resistance mechanisms. RESULTS: The most prevalent microorganism was Klebsiella pneumoniae (95.7%); it showed high-level resistance to carbapenems (>98%), with sensitivity to colistin (91.4%) and amikacin (98.6%). The bla KPC gene was detected in 80% of the CRE isolates. CONCLUSIONS: Evaluation of bacterial resistance contributes to an appropriate treatment, and the reduction of morbimortality and dissemination of resistance.

Pyonephrosis caused by Salmonella sp. in a patient with polycystic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis / Pionefrose causada por Salmonella sp. em um paciente com doença renal policística submetido a hemodiálise

AIMS: This article reports a case of pyonephrosis caused by Salmonella sp. in a patient with polycystic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis treatment. CASE DESCRIPTION: An elderly male patient previously diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease undergoing standard hemodyalitic treatment presented uronephrosis, evolving to pyonephrosis caused by Salmonella sp., and was successfully treated with ciprofloxacin. CONCLUSIONS: The polycystic kidney disease may have contributed to the bacteria's attachment to the kidney, due to increase of permeability of the intestinal mucosa, easier bacterial translocation to bloodstream and its subsequent accommodation in the infected organ.

OBJETIVOS: Este artigo relata um caso de pionefrose causada por Salmonella sp. em paciente com doença renal policística em tratamento por hemodiálise. DESCRIÇÃO DO CASO: Um paciente idoso do sexo masculino, previamente diagnosticado com doença renal policística, em tratamento convencional por hemodiálise, apresentou uronefrose, evoluindo a pionefrose causada por Salmonella sp., sendo tratado com sucesso com ciprofloxacino. CONCLUSÕES: A doença renal policística pode ter contribuído para a instalação da bactéria no rim, visto o aumento da permeabilidade da mucosa intestinal e maior facilidade de translocação da bactéria para a corrente sanguínea e seu posterior alojamento no órgão infectado.

Phenotypic methods for screening carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae and assessment of their antimicrobial susceptibility profile

Abstract INTRODUCTION: In this study, we used phenotypic methods to screen carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CREs) and evaluated their antimicrobial sensitivity profile. METHODS: One hundred and seventy-eight CREs were isolated at a university hospital in south Brazil in a one-year period. Samples were assessed using disk diffusion tests with inhibitors of β-lactamases such as phenylboronic acid (AFB), cloxacillin (CLOXA), and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). Strains with differences in zone diameters ≥ 5mm for disks supplemented or not were considered producers of carbapenemases. RESULTS: Klebsiella pneumoniae was the most prevalent CRE, which appeared in 80.3% cases (n = 143). Among clinical materials, the rectal swab was responsible for 43.4% of the isolations (n = 62), followed by urine (18.9%; n = 27). Among the CREs identified in this study, the growth of 56.7% (n = 101) isolates, which were putative producers of Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC), were inhibited by AFB, whereas 7.3% (n = 13) isolates were inhibited by both AFB and CLOXA and were considered as putative producers of plasmid-mediated AmpC; approximately 3.4% (n = 6) were inhibited by EDTA, which possibly produced metallo-β-lactamase. Lastly, 32.6% (n = 58) cases showed negative results for AFB, CLOXA, and EDTA sensitivity, and represented another class of β-lactamases and/or mechanism of resistance. CONCLUSIONS: Phenotypic screening of CREs is important for clinical laboratories that monitor outbreaks of resistant microbes. Phenotypic tests that use carbapenemase inhibitors and enhancers such as AFB, CLOXA, and EDTA are necessary since they are good screening methods for the detection of carbapenemases.

Antimicrobial susceptibility profile and research of mec A and erm genes in coagulase-negative staphylococci isolated from platelet concentrates bags

Abstract In recent years, several studies have described the clinical impact of bacterial infection associated with transfusion of platelet concentrates (PCs). Among the blood components, PCs are responsible for the highest rates of bacterial contamination as well as septic transfusion reactions. We assessed antimicrobial susceptibility profile, resistance to methicillin (MRCoNS), and resistance to macrolides, lincosamides and streptogramins of group B (MLSB) of 16 coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) isolates from an investigation in 691 PCs bags. We then compared conventional and automated phenotypic methods, disc diffusion test (DD) and VITEK(r) 2, respectively as well as phenotypic and genotypic methods (Polymerase Chain Reaction - PCR). All CoNS were susceptible to vancomycin. The disc diffusion test characterized 18.75% as MRCoNS and 37.5% with inducible resistance to MLSB (iMLSB), and with VITEK(r) 2, 6.3% and 31.25%, respectively. The mecA gene was detected in 18.75% and the erm gene in 31.25% of the isolates. In this study, we found equal percentage values between presence of the mecA gene by PCR and resistance to methicillin using cefoxitin by DD test, evidence of the erm gene by PCR, and iMLSB resistance by automation (VITEK(r) 2). Moreover, we identified three strains with beta-lactamase overproduction, and the occurrence of a bigger mistake was verified when automation was compared with DD test. And we observed that D-test was the most reliable for the detection of iMLSB resistance in Staphylococcus sp.

Synthesis, characterization and biological activity of a gold(I) triazenide complex against chronic myeloid leukemia cells and biofilm producing microorganisms

ABSTRACT The enhancement of anti-leukemia therapy and the treatment of infections caused by multidrug-resistant pathogens are major challenges in healthcare. Although a large arsenal of drugs is available, many of these become ineffective, and as a result, the discovery of new active substances occurs. Notably, triazenes (TZCs) have been consolidated as a promising class of compounds, characterized by significant biological activity, especially antiproliferative and antimicrobial properties. The aim of this study is the synthesis and characterization of a new triazenide complex of gold (I), as well as the in vitro assessment of its antiproliferative activity against the K562 cell line (Chronic Myeloid Leukemia), and antibacterial activity against bacterial isolates of biofilm-producing coagulase-negative staphylococci. The combination of TZC with gold metal tends to have a synergistic effect against all biofilm-producing isolates, with Minimum Inhibitory Concentration values (MIC) between 32 and 64 µg mL-1. It has also shown activity against K562 cell line, getting an IC50=4.96 µM. Imatinib mesylate (Glivec) was used as reference, with IC50=3.86 µM. To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the first report of the activity of a TZC complexed with gold ion in the oxidation state (I) against microorganisms that produce biofilm and K562 cells.

Is the immunocromatographic fecal antigen test effective for primary diagnosis of helicobacter pylori infection in dyspeptic patients? / Teste imunocromatográfico do antígeno fecal: efetivo no diagnóstico primário da infecção por Helicobacter pylori em pacientes dispépticos?

ABSTRACT Background The diagnosis of H. pylori infection can be performed by non-invasive and invasive methods.The identification through a fecal antigen test is a non-invasive, simple, and relatively inexpensive test. Objective To determine the diagnostic performance of fecal antigen test in the identification of H. pylori infection. Methods H. pylori antigens were identified in the stools of dyspeptic patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. For the identification of H. pylori antigen, we use ImmunoCard STAT! HpSA with immunochromatography technique. Histopathology plus urease test were the gold standard. Results We studied 163 patients, 51% male, mean age of 56.7± 8.5years. H. pylori infection was present in 49%. Fecal test presented: sensitivity 67.5% (CI95% 60.6-72.9); specificity 85.5% (CI95% 78.9-90.7); positive predictive value 81.8% (CI95% 73.4-88.4) and negative predictive value 73,2% (CI95% 67.5-77.6); Positive likelihood ratio was 4.7 (CI95% 2.9-7.9) and Negative Likelihood Ratio 0.4 (CI95% 0.3-0.5). The prevalence odds ratio for a positive test was 12.3 (CI95% 5.7-26.3).The index kappa between FAT and histology/urease test was 0.53 (CI95% 0.39-0.64). Conclusion Immunochromatographic FAT is less expensive than the other methods and readily accepted by the patients but its diagnostic performance does not recommend its use in the primary diagnosis, when the patient may have an active infection.

RESUMO Contexto O diagnóstico da infecção por Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) pode ser realizado por métodos invasivos e não invasivos. A identificação através do teste do antígeno fecal é um método não invasivo, simples, fácil e relativamente barato. Objetivo Determinar o desempenho diagnóstico do teste fecal imunocromatográfico na identificação da infecção pelo H. pylori. Métodos A pesquisa de antígenos fecais do H. pylori foi realizada através do ImmunoCard STAT! HpSA em pacientes dispépticos submetidos à endoscopia digestiva alta com coleta de biópsias para histopatologia e teste da urease, utilizados como padrão ouro. Resultados Foram estudados 163 pacientes, 51% do sexo masculino, com idade média de 56,7± 8,5 anos. A infecção por H. pylori esteve presente em 49%. O teste fecal apresentou o seguinte desempenho diagnóstico: sensibilidade 67,5% (IC95% 60,6-72,9), especificidade 85,5% (IC95% 78,9-90,7), valor preditivo positivo 81,8% (IC95% 73,4-88,4) e valor preditivo negativo 73,2% (IC95% 67,5-77,6). A razão de probabilidade positiva foi 4,7 (IC95% 2,9-7,9) e a razão de probabilidade negativa foi 0,4 (IC95% 0,3-0,5). A razão de chances de prevalência para teste fecal positivo foi 12,3 (IC95% 5,7-26,3). O índice kappa para a concordância do teste fecal com histologia/teste da urease foi 0,53 (IC95% 0,39-0,64) Conclusão O teste fecal imunocromatográfico apresenta baixo custo e é facilmente aceito pelos pacientes, no entanto seu desempenho diagnóstico não o recomenda para diagnóstico primário.

Prevalência e perfil de sensibilidade de bactérias isoladas da urina de gestantes atendidas no serviço de obstetrícia de um hospital terciário / Prevalence and susceptibility profile of bacteria isolated from urine of pregnant women seen at the department of obstetrics of a tertiary hospital

OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a prevalência e o perfil de sensibilidade aos antimicrobianos de bactérias isoladas de uroculturas de gestantes atendidas no ambulatório do Serviço de Obstetrícia do Hospital Universitário de Santa Maria, Brasil. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um estudo retrospectivo dos laudos emitidos pelo Laboratório de Análises Clínicas do Hospital Universitário de Santa Maria. Foram incluídas no estudo todas as uroculturas positivas de gestantes atendidas no ambulatório do Serviço de Obstetrícia deste hospital, no período de janeiro a dezembro de 2014. Os testes de identificação dos micro-organismos isolados e os perfis de sensibilidade frente aos antimicrobianos foram efetuados por meio de um sistema automatizado. RESULTADOS: No período do estudo foram identificadas neste laboratório 423 uroculturas positivas provenientes de gestantes. A bactéria Gram negativa Escherichia coli foi a mais prevalente (46,50% das culturas positivas). A segunda bactéria mais frequente foi a Gram positiva Staphylococcus saprophyticus (6,2%). O fungo Candida spp. foi isolado de 94 (21,8%) amostras de urina. Nitrofurantoína e amoxicilina/ácido clavulânico foram os antimicrobianos com menor taxa de resistência por parte de E. coli (91,33% e 90,77% de sensibilidade, respectivamente). Já frente às bactérias Gram positivas prevalentes, ampicilina foi a que mostrou maior sensibilidade. CONCLUSÕES: O perfil de suscetibilidade apresentado neste estudo indica que a escolha para o tratamento da ITU na gestação pode recair em nitrofurantoína e/ou amoxicilina/ácido clavulânico para as bactérias Gram negativas. Tendo em vista a prevalência encontrada, esses antimicrobianos podem ser iniciados empiricamente antes do resultado da urocultura, nos casos de ITU sintomática. Este estudo ratifica, entretanto, a importância da realização da urocultura entre os exames pré-natais e sua repetição no terceiro trimestre da gravidez, tendo em vista a variedade de micro-organismos identificados e os diferentes perfis de sensibilidade aos antimicrobianos testados.

AIMS: To evaluate the prevalence of bacteria in urine cultures of pregnant women seen at the outpatient clinic of the Department of Obstetrics at the University Hospital of Santa Maria, Brazil, and to determine the antibiotic sensitivity profile of these bacteria. METHODS: The reports issued by the Laboratory of Clinical Analysis of the University Hospital of Santa Maria were retrospectively analyzed. All positive urine cultures of pregnant women seen at the Department of Obstetrics from January to December 2014 were included in the study. The tests for the identification of bacterial isolates and their sensitivity profiles were assessed by an automated system. RESULTS: A total of 423 positive urine cultures were detected in the pregnant women. Gram-negative Escherichia coli was the most prevalent microorganism (46.50%). Gram-positive Staphylococcus saprophyticus was the second most prevalent bacterium (6.2%). Candida spp. was isolated from 94 (21.8%) urine samples. Nitrofurantoin and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid showed the lowest antimicrobial resistance against E. coli (91.33% and 90.77%, respectively). Ampicillin had the highest sensitivity among prevalent Gram-positive bacteria. CONCLUSIONS: The sensitivity profile found in this study allows us to suggest nitrofurantoin and/or amoxicillin/clavulanic acid for the treatment of urinary tract infection caused by Gram-negative bacteria during pregnancy. Given the prevalence rates detected in this study, these antimicrobials can be initiated empirically before the urine culture results are known, in the cases of symptomatic urinary tract infection. This study underscores the importance of urine culture in the prenatal period and in the third trimester because of the different microorganisms identified and the different sensitivity to the antimicrobials tested.

Pneumonia caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica in two HIV-positive patients / Pneumonia causada por Bordetella bronchiseptica em dois pacientes HIV-positivos

ABSTRACT: CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Bordetella bronchiseptica (BB) is a Gram-negative coccobacillus responsible for respiratory diseases in dogs, cats and rabbits. Reports on its development in humans are rare. However, in immunosuppressed patients, especially in those with the immunodeficiency virus (HIV), BB can cause severe pulmonary infections. We report on two cases of pneumonia caused by BB in HIV-positive male patients in a university hospital. CASE REPORT: The first case comprised a 43-year-old patient who was admitted presenting chronic leg pain and coughing, with suspected pneumonia. BB was isolated from sputum culture and was successfully treated with trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole in association with levofloxacin. The second case comprised a 49-year-old patient who was admitted presenting fever, nausea, sweating and a dry cough, also with suspected pneumonia. BB was isolated from sputum culture, tracheal secretions and bronchoalveolar lavage. The disease was treated with ciprofloxacin but the patient died. CONCLUSION: BB should be included in the etiology of pneumonia in immunodeficient HIV patients. As far as we know, these two were the first cases of pneumonia due to BB to occur in this university hospital.

RESUMO CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: Bordetella bronchiseptica (BB) é um cocobacilo Gram-negativo responsável por causar doenças no trato respiratório de cães, gatos e coelhos. São raros os relatos do desenvolvimento desse microrganismo em seres humanos. Porém, em pacientes imunodeprimidos, especialmente nos portadores do vírus da imunodeficiência humana (HIV), a BB pode causar infecções pulmonares graves. Nós relatamos dois casos de pneumonia por BB em pacientes do sexo masculino, HIV-positivos em um hospital universitário. RELATO DE CASO: No primeiro caso, o paciente de 43 anos foi internado apresentando dor crônica nos membros inferiores e tosse com suspeita de pneumonia. Na cultura de escarro, foi isolado BB, e a infecção foi tratada com sucesso com a associação de sulfametoxazol/trimetroprima e levofloxacino. No segundo caso, o paciente de 49 anos foi internado apresentando febre, náuseas, sudorese e tosse seca, também com suspeita de pneumonia. Das culturas de escarro, secreção traqueal e lavado bronco-alveolar, foi isolado BB, infecção tratada com ciprofloxacino: porém, o paciente foi a óbito. CONCLUSÃO: BB deve ser incluído na etiologia de pneumonia em pacientes imunocomprometidos com HIV. Pelo que é de nosso conhecimento, estes dois relatos foram os primeiros casos de pneumonia por BB que ocorreram neste hospital universitário.

INVESTIGATION OF BIOFILM FORMATION IN COAGULASE-NEGATIVE STAPHYLOCOCCI ISOLATED FROM PLATELET CONCENTRATE BAGS

Platelet Concentrates (PCs) are the blood components with the highest rate of bacterial contamination, and coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) are the most frequently isolated contaminants. This study investigated the biofilm formation of 16 contaminated units out of 691 PCs tested by phenotypic and genotypic methods. Adhesion in Borosilicate Tube (ABT) and Congo Red Agar (CRA) tests were used to assess the presence of biofilm. The presence of icaADC genes was assessed by means of the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique. With Vitek(r)2, Staphylococcus haemolyticus was considered the most prevalent CoNS (31.25%). The CRA characterized 43.8% as probable biofilm producers, and for the ABT test, 37.5%. The icaADC genes were identified in seven samples by the PCR. The ABT technique showed 85.7% sensitivity and 100% specificity when compared to the reference method (PCR), and presented strong agreement (k = 0.8). This study shows that species identified as PCs contaminants are considered inhabitants of the normal skin flora and they might become important pathogens. The results also lead to the recommendation of ABT use in laboratory routine for detecting biofilm in CoNS contaminants of PCs.

Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome in a premature newborn caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: case report / Síndrome da pele escaldada estafilocócica em um recém-nascido prematuro causada por Staphylococcus aureus meticilina-resistente: relato de caso

CONTEXT: Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome is an exfoliative skin disease. Reports of this syndrome in newborns caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus are rare but, when present, rapid diagnosis and treatment is required in order to decrease morbidity and mortality. CASE REPORT: A premature newly born girl weighing 1,520 g, born with a gestational age of 29 weeks and 4 days, developed staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome on the fifth day of life. Cultures on blood samples collected on the first and fourth days were negative, but Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterococcus sp. (vancomycin-sensitive) developed in blood cultures performed on the day of death (seventh day), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Serratia marcescens were identified in cultures on nasopharyngeal, buttock and abdominal secretions. In addition to these two Gram-negative bacilli, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was isolated in a culture on the umbilical stump (seventh day). The diagnosis of staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome was based on clinical criteria.

CONTEXTO: A síndrome da pele escaldada estafilocócica é uma doença esfoliativa de pele. São raros os relatos desta síndrome causada por Staphylococcus aureusresistente à meticilina em neonatos, mas, quando presentes, exigem diagnóstico e tratamento rápidos para diminuir a morbidade e mortalidade. RELATO DE CASO: Uma menina recém-nascida prematura, pesando 1.520 g ao nascimento, com idade gestacional de 29 semanas e 4 dias, desenvolveu síndrome da pele escaldada estafilocócica no quinto dia de vida. As culturas de sangue coletadas no primeiro e quarto dias foram negativas, mas houve desenvolvimento de Pseudomonas aeruginosa e Enterococcus sp. (vancomicina sensível) na hemocultura realizada no dia do óbito (sétimo dia) e Pseudomonas aeruginosa e Serratia marcescens foram identificadas nas culturas de secreção da nasofaringe, nádega e da secreção abdominal. Na cultura do coto umbilical (sétimo dia), além desses dois bacilos Gram-negativos, foi isolado o Staphylococcus aureus resistente à meticilina. O diagnóstico da síndrome da pele escaldada estafilocócica foi baseado em critério clínico.

Fasciite necrosante por Aeromonas hydrophila e Staphylococcus epidermidis ­ relato de caso / Necrotizing fasciitis caused by Aeromonas hydrophil a and Staphylococcus epidermidis ­ case report

Introdução: Fasciite necrosante (FN) é uma infecção rara dos tecidos subcutâneos e fáscia superficial, geralmente confundida com infecção benigna. Entretanto, apresenta enorme potencial para o desenvolvimento de complicações graves que contribuem para os elevados índices de mortalidade. Objetivos: Descrever um caso de FN polimicrobiana ocasionada por Aeromonas hydrophila e Staphylococcus epidermidis em paciente portador de síndrome da imunodeficiência adquirida, hepatite C e diabetes mellitus. Métodos: Analisaram-se dados de prontuário e resultados de exames laboratoriais de paciente internado no Hospital Universitário de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul. Resultados: Paciente do sexo masculino, 47 anos, com relato de fratura exposta em membro inferior esquerdo, desenvolvendo infecção no ferimento. Após desbridamento de tecido desvitalizado, identificaram-se A. hydrophila e S. epidermidis. Paciente continua em tratamento e aguarda cirurgia para enxerto. Conclusões: A FN é uma enfermidade rara que merece toda a atenção médica, pois a identificação e tratamento precoces são fundamentais para a recuperação física do paciente.

Introduction: Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a rare infection of the subcutaneous tissue and superficial fascia, usually confused with benign infection. However, it has tremendous potential for the development of serious complications which contribute to the high mortality rates. Objectives: To describe a case of FN caused by Aeromonas hydrophila polymicrobial and Staphylococcus epidermidis in patient immunodeficiency syndrome carrier acquired hepatitis C and diabetes mellitus. Methods: We analyzed data from medical records and laboratory test results of inpatient at the University Hospital of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul. Results: Male patient, 47 years of age, with compound fracture reporting in the left lower limb, developing infection in the wound. After debridement of devitalized tissue, A. hydrophila and S. epidermidis were identified. Patient continues processing and waits for grafting surgery. Conclusions: The FN is a rare disease that deserves medical attention, for the early identification and treatment are essential for the physical recovery of the patient.

Assessment of coagulase-negative staphylococci isolated from blood cultures of patients with leukemia in the period 2009-2011 / Avaliação de Staphylococcus coagulase negativo isolados de hemoculturas de pacientes com leucemia no período compreendido entre 2009 a 2011

Leukemic patients have high probability of developing bacteremia, especially due to the impairment of their immune system and as a consequence of chemotherapy. These infections have been growing significantly in different regions, particularly in university hospitals and are responsible for high rates of morbidity and mortality. We evaluated coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) isolated from blood cultures from patients with leukemia. A retrospective study of blood cultures in the period from 2009 to 2011 was conducted at the University Hospital of Santa Maria. In the period of this study was possible to analyze 282 positive blood cultures, being 46.45% (131/282) caused by CoNS. Staphylococcus epidermidis was the prevalent specie. Regarding the hospitalization sectors of patients, the Treatment Center for Children with Cancer showed the highest prevalence, 67.37%. The isolates were predominant in males and in the age group between 0-22 years old. In this study the CoNS represented the most isolated microorganisms. The resistance presented by these microorganisms is a concern since it limits the treatment for bloodstream infections in these patients with compromised immune system. Retrospective studies of prevalence provide us with results for the local epidemiology to be known, considered essential for the antimicrobial treatment, especially when referring to patients with a weakened immune system and admitted in university hospitals.

Pacientes leucêmicos possuem grande probabilidade de desenvolver bacteremia, especialmente devido ao acometimento de seu sistema imune e como consequência da quimioterapia. Esse tipo de infecção vem aumentando significativamente em diferentes regiões, principalmente nos hospitais universitários, e são responsáveis por altas taxas de morbidade e mortalidade. Foram avaliados Staphylococcus coagulase negativos isolados de culturas de sangue de pacientes com leucemia. Realizou-se a avaliação de Staphylococcus coagulase negativo (SCoN) isolados de hemoculturas de pacientes com leucemia. Efetuou-se um estudo retrospectivo das hemoculturas realizadas no período de 2009 a 2011 no Hospital Universitário de Santa Maria. No período deste estudo foi possível analisar 282 hemoculturas positivas, sendo 46,45% (131/282) causadas por SCoN. Staphylococcus epidermidis foi a espécie prevalente. Em relação aos setores de internação dos pacientes, o Centro de Tratamento da Criança com Câncer mostrou a maior prevalência, 67,37%. Os isolamentos predominaram em pacientes do sexo masculino e na faixa etária compreendida entre 0 a 22 anos. Neste estudo os SCoN representaram os microrganismos mais isolados. A resistência apresentada por estes microrganismos constitui preocupação, uma vez que limita as opções de tratamento por infecções de corrente sanguínea neste tipo de pacientes com o sistema imune comprometido. Estudos retrospectivos de prevalência nos fornecem resultados para que seja conhecida a epidemiologia local, considerada essencial para o tratamento antimicrobiano, principalmente quando se refere aos pacientes com o sistema imune debilitado e internados em hospitais universitários.