Reproductive dynamics of Lycengraulis grossidens (Clupeiformes: Engraulidae) and Platanichthys platana (Clupeiformes: Clupeidae) in a subtropical coastal lagoon / Dinâmica reprodutiva de Lycengraulis grossidens (Clupeiformes: Engraulidae) e Platanichthys platana (Clupeiformes: Clupeidae) em uma lagoa costeira subtropical

Abstract We evaluated the reproductive dynamics of two fish species, Lycengraulis grossidens and Platanichthys platana, in a subtropical freshwater coastal lagoon (Peri Lagoon) in Brazil. Samples were collected from nine sites every two months from June 2008 to April 2012. Different fishing methods were used to capture larvae, juveniles, and adults. Limnological variables were obtained using multiparameter probe. More females than males were collected of both fish species and the chi-square test (χ2) was used to confirm that the sex ratio was female-biased. Large numbers of maturing and mature fishes were observed in almost every sampling month. The gonadosomatic index (GSI) of L. grossidens was the highest in August, October, and December for females and in October for males, and no significant difference was found across years. The GSI of P. platana showed no significant difference across months for either sex; however, significant differences were recorded in year three (June 2010-April 2011) and year four (June 2011-April 2012) for females and in year three (June 2010-April 2011) for males. For both species, GSI was negatively correlated with temperature and water level. L. grossidens larvae were more abundant in October 2010, showing a positive correlation with water transparency, whereas P. platana larvae were more abundant in June 2011, showing a positive correlation with water transparency and negative correlation with temperature and precipitation. Both species were represented by different stages, including larvae, which confirm that these species reproduce in Peri Lagoon. Reproduction was more pronounced in autumn and winter; however, reproductive activity was evident throughout the sampling period. In conclusion, our results show that abiotic factors strongly influence the temporal pattern of reproductive activity and larval assemblages of both L. grossidens and P. platana in Peri Lagoon, Brazil.

Resumo O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a dinâmica reprodutiva de Lycengraulis grossidens e Platanichthys platana, na lagoa do Peri, uma lagoa costeira de água doce subtropical do Brasil. As amostras foram coletadas a cada dois meses, de junho/2008 a abril/2012 em nove pontos de amostragem. Para a captura de larvas, juvenis e adultos foram utilizados diferentes apetrechos de pesca. As variáveis limnológicas foram obtidas com sonda multiparâmetro. Estatisticamente, mais fêmeas do que machos foram capturadas para as duas espécies baseado no teste de qui-quadrado (χ2). Grande número de peixes em maturação e maduros foram comuns em quase todos os meses de coleta. O índice gonadossomático (RGS) de L. grossidens variou significativamente apenas entre os meses, sendo mais elevada em agosto, outubro e dezembro para as fêmeas e em outubro para os machos; e não foram encontradas diferenças significativas entre os anos. Não foi encontrado diferença significativa para o RGS de P. platana entre os meses para cada sexo; entretanto, diferenças significativas foram obtidas para as fêmeas no ano três (junho 2010-abril 2011) e quatro (junho 2011-abril 2012) e no ano três (junho 2010-abril 2011) para os machos. Para as duas espécies, o RGS apresentou uma correlação negativa com a temperatura e o nível de água. A distribuição das larvas apresentou variação temporal. As larvas de L. grossidens foram mais abundantes em outubro/2010, apresentando correlação positiva com a transparência da água. As larvas da espécie P. platana foram mais abundantes em junho/2011, apresentando correlação positiva com a transparência da água e negativa com a temperatura e a precipitação. A presença de L. grossidens e P. platana em diferentes estádios de maturação e a ocorrência de larvas confirmou que essas espécies se reproduzem na lagoa do Peri. O período reprodutivo foi mais pronunciado no outono e no inverno, porém a atividade reprodutiva ocorreu durante todo o período de coleta. Em conclusão, nossos resultados mostraram que os fatores abióticos influenciam fortemente o padrão temporal da atividade reprodutiva e a assembleia de larvas da L. grossidens e da P. platana na lagoa do Peri, Brasil.

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) maintains follicular ultrastructure and stimulates preantral follicle growth in caprine ovarian tissue cultured in vitro / Fator de crescimento transformante-β (TGF-β) mantém a ultraestrutura folicular e estimula o crescimento de folículos pré-antrais caprinos inclusos em tecido ovariano cultivado in vitro

The objectives of this study were to investigate whether TGF-β affect the survival, activation and further growth of goat primordial follicles enclosed in ovarian cortex after in vitro culture. Goat ovaries were collected from an abattoir and pieces of ovarian tissues were cultured for one or seven days in a supplemented alpha Minimum Essential Medium, alone or containing TGF-β (1, 5, 10 or 50ng/mL). Ovarian tissues from the fresh control as well as those cultured were processed for histological and ultrastructural studies. The results showed that when compared with fresh control, there was decrease in the percentages of histologically normal follicles in all treatments only after seven days culture. TGF-β did not affect the activation of preantral follicles regardless of its concentration, however, larger follicles diameter (P<0.05) was observed using 10ng/mL TGF-β than in the fresh control and other treatments. Moreover, this concentration maintained the normal ultrastructure after seven days of culture. In conclusion, TGF-β showed additional effect on the follicle growth and the maintenance of ultrastructural integrity of goat preantral follicles enclosed in ovarian tissue when used at 10ng/mL during seven days of culture...

O objetivo desse estudo foi investigar se o TGF-β afeta a sobrevivência, ativação e crescimento de folículos primordiais caprinos inclusos no córtex ovariano após o cultivo in vitro. Ovários de cabras foram coletados em abatedouro e fragmentos de tecido ovariano foram cultivados por um e sete dias em meio essencial mínimo alfa (α-MEM+) sozinho ou suplementado com TGF-β (1, 5, 10 ou 50ng/mL). Fragmentos ovarianos não cultivados e cultivados foram processados para análise histológica e ultraestrutural. Os resultados mostraram que, comparado ao controle fresco, houve diminuição no percentual de folículos morfologicamente normais em todos os tratamentos somente após sete dias de cultivo. O TGF-β não afetou a ativação folicular independente da concentração testada, contudo, o diâmetro folicular foi superior (P<0.05) no tratamento com 10ng/mL de TGF-β quando comparado ao controle fresco e aos demais tratamentos. Além disso, essa mesma concentração manteve a ultraestrutura normal dos folículos após sete dias de cultivo. Em conclusão, o TGF-β apresentou efeito adicional no crescimento folicular e na manutenção da integridade ultraestrutural de folículos pré-antrais caprinos inclusos no tecido ovariano quando utilizado na concentração de 10ng/mL durante sete dias de cultivo...

Optimization of killer assays for yeast selection protocols / Optimización de la actividad killer para protocolos de selección de levaduras

A new optimized semiquantitative yeast killer assay is reported for the first time. The killer activity of 36 yeast isolates belonging to three species, namely, Metschnikowia pulcherrima, Wickerhamomyces anomala and Torulaspora delbrueckii, was tested with a view to potentially using these yeasts as biocontrol agents against the wine spoilage species Pichia guilliermondii and Pichia membranifaciens. The effectiveness of the classical streak-based (qualitative method) and the new semiquantitative techniques was compared. The percentage of yeasts showing killer activity was found to be higher by the semiquantitative technique (60%) than by the qualitative method (45%). In all cases, the addition of 1% NaCl into the medium allowed a better observation of the killer phenomenon. Important differences were observed in the killer capacity of different isolates belonging to a same killer species. The broadest spectrum of action was detected in isolates of W. anomala NPCC 1023 and 1025, and M. pulcherrima NPCC 1009 and 1013. We also brought experimental evidence supporting the importance of the adequate selection of the sensitive isolate to be used in killer evaluation. The new semiquantitative method proposed in this work enables to visualize the relationship between the number of yeasts tested and the growth of the inhibition halo (specific productivity). Hence, this experimental approach could become an interesting tool to be taken into account for killer yeast selection protocols.

En este trabajo se presenta un nuevo ensayo semicuantitativo que optimiza la detección de actividad killer en levaduras. Se evaluó la actividad killer de 36 cepas pertenecientes a las especies Metschnikowia pulcherrima, Wickerhamomyces anomala y Torulaspora delbrueckii, en vista del potencial uso de estas levaduras como agentes de biocontrol frente a las especies contaminantes de vinos Pichia guilliermondii y Pichia membranifaciens. Se comparó la efectividad de la técnica clásica basada en estrías (método cualitativo) con la del nuevo método semicuantitativo. El porcentaje de levaduras que mostraron actividad killer fue más alto cuando se utilizó el método semicuantitativo (60%) que con el método cualitativo (45%). En todos los casos, el agregado de 1% de NaCl en el medio permitió una mejor observación del fenómeno killer. Se observaron importantes diferencias en la capacidad killer de diferentes cepas dentro de la misma especie. Se detectaron dos cepas de W. anomala (NPCC 1023 y 1025) y dos cepas de M. pulcherrima (NPCC 1009 y 1013) con un amplio espectro de acción, ya que fueron capaces de inhibir el desarrollo de las tres levaduras sensibles evaluadas. La evidencia experimental demuestra la importancia de una adecuada selección de la cepa sensible al evaluar la actividad killer. El nuevo método semicuantitativo propuesto en este trabajo permite visualizar la relación entre el número de levaduras sembradas y el halo de inhibición del crecimiento (productividad específica). En conclusión, este método resulta una herramienta interesante para ser tenida en cuenta en los protocolos de selección de levaduras killer.

Interaction between growth differentiation factor 9, insulin-like growth factor I and growth hormone on the in vitro development and survival of goat preantral follicles

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of GDF-9, IGF-I, and GH alone or combined on preantral follicle survival, activation and development after 1 and 7 days of in vitro culture. Either fresh (non-cultured) or cultured ovarian tissue was processed for histological and fluorescence analysis. For all media tested, the percent of normal follicles was greater when compared to minimum essential medium supplemented (MEM+) alone, except when ovarian tissue was cultured with GDF-9/IGF-I or GDF-9/GH (P < 0.05). Fluorescence analysis showed that the percent of viable follicles after 7 days of culture was similar for non-cultured tissue and for all treatments tested. The percent of primordial follicles was reduced (P < 0.05) and there was a significant and concomitant increase in the percent of intermediate and primary follicles in all treatments tested after 7 days of culture when compared to non-cultured tissue. After 7 days of culture, the highest percent of intermediate follicles was observed with IGF-I/GH (61.3 percent), and the highest percent of primary follicles was achieved with IGF-I (57.7 percent). After 7 days of culture in MEM+ containing GDF-9, IGF-I and GH alone or in all associations, a significant increase in follicular diameter was observed when compared to MEM+ alone and non-cultured tissue. In conclusion, GDF-9, IGF-I and GH alone or in combination maintain preantral follicle survival and promote primordial follicle activation. Nevertheless, the data showed that IGF-I/GH and IGF-I alone are efficient in promoting the transition from primordial to intermediate follicles and from intermediate to primary follicles, respectively.

Spoilage yeasts in Patagonian winemaking: molecular and physiological features of Pichia guilliermondii indigenous isolates / Levaduras contaminantes en vinos patagónicos: características moleculares y fisiológicas de los aislamientos indígenas de Picchia guilliermondii

Yeasts belonging to the genus Dekkera/Brettanomyces, especially the species Dekkera bruxellensis, have long been associated with the production of volatile phenols responsible for off-flavour in wines. According to recent reports, the species Pichia guilliermondii could also produce these compounds at the initial stages of fermentation. Based on the abundance of P. guilliermondii in Patagonian winemaking, we decided to study the relevance of indigenous isolates belonging to this species as wine spoilage yeast. Twenty-three indigenous isolates obtained from grape surfaces and red wine musts were analyzed in their capacity to produce volatile phenols on grape must. The relationship between molecular Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and physiological (killer biotype) patterns detected in indigenous populations of P. guilliermondii and volatile phenol production was also evaluated. Different production levels of 4-ethylphenol, 4-vinylguaiacol and 4-ethylguaiacol were detected among the isolates; however, the values were always lower than those produced by the D. bruxellensis reference strain in the same conditions. High levels of 4-vinylphenol were detected among P. guilliermondii indigenous isolates. The combined use of RAPD and killer biotype allowed us to identify the isolates producing the highest volatile phenol levels.

Las levaduras del género Dekkera/Brettanomyces, sobre todo la especie Dekkera bruxellensis, siempre han sido asociadas con la producción de fenoles volátiles responsables de aromas desagradables en los vinos. Recientemente, se ha demostrado que la especie Pichia guilliermondii también es capaz de producir estos compuestos, particularmente durante las etapas iniciales de la fermentación. Dada la abundancia de P. guilliermondii en las bodegas de la Patagonia, se decidió evaluar la importancia de algunos aislamientos indígenas de esta especie como levaduras alterantes de vinos regionales. Se evaluó la capacidad de producir fenoles volátiles en ensayos sobre mosto de 23 aislamientos de P. guilliermondii provenientes de superficie de uvas y de mostos de fermentación de vinos tintos. Asimismo, se analizó la relación entre los patrones moleculares (RAPD) y fisiológicos (biotipo killer) de estos aislamientos y la producción de fenoles volátiles. Se detectaron diferentes niveles de producción de 4-etilfenol, 4-vinilguayacol y 4-etilguayacol entre los aislamientos de P. guilliermondii analizados; sin embargo, los valores obtenidos fueron en todos los casos inferiores a los producidos por D. bruxellensis cepa de referencia en las mismas condiciones. En general, se detectaron altos niveles de 4-vinilfenol en los mostos fermentados con los aislamientos indígenas de P. guilliermondii. El uso combinado de RAPD-PCR y el biotipo killer permitió identificar los aislamientos que producen los niveles más altos de fenoles volátiles.

Trophic position of bottom-feeding fish in the Upper Paraná River floodplain / Posição trófica de peixes exploradores de fundo na planície de inundação do Alto Rio Paraná

The δ15N composition of bottom-feeding fish (iliophagous = Apareiodon affinis, Cyphocharax nagelii, Prochilodus lineatus, Steindachnerina brevipinna and S. insculpta; detritivorous = Loricariichthys platymetopon and Liposarcus anisitsi; benthophagous = Satanoperca pappaterra and Hoplosternum littorale) and their primary food sources were investigated in the upper Paraná River floodplain during rainy seasons in different environments (lotic and lentic). Two hypotheses were tested: i) that the trophic position and isotopic values of the investigated organisms (fish and food resources) vary spatially; and ii) that trophic position and isotopic compositions differ among iliophagous, detritivorous and benthophagous fish. C4 macrophytes, periphyton and phytoplankton were isotopically different in sites analyzed. Significant isotopic differences occurred in the species of each trophic category. Spatial differences were observed in the isotopic composition of P. lineatus and L. platymetopon, whose values were more enriched in the Paraná River and Pau Véio Lake. Significant spatial differences in trophic position were observed for L. platymetopon and H. littorale, which presented the highest values in the Paraná and Baía rivers, respectively. Trophic positions were significantly different among the species that composed each trophic category. These findings demonstrate that in energy-flow studies in detrital food chains generalizations concerning the grouping of fish into trophic categories and/or habitats should only be carried out after careful investigations of the local/specific trophic dynamics of the organisms.

A composição de δ15N de peixes exploradores de fundo (iliófagos = Apareiodon affinis, Cyphocharax nagelii, Prochilodus lineatus, Steindachnerina brevipinna e S. insculpta; detritívoros = Loricariichthys platymetopon e Liposarcus anisitsi; e bentófagos = Satanoperca pappaterra e Hoplosternum littorale) e suas fontes alimentares foram investigadas na planície de inundação do alto rio Paraná durante a estação de chuvas em ambientes lóticos e lênticos. Duas hipóteses foram testadas: i) que a posição trófica e os valores isotópicos dos organismos investigados (peixes e fontes alimentares) variam espacialmente; e ii) que a posição trófica e a composição isotópica diferem entre os peixes iliófagos, detritívoros e bentófagos. Macrofitas C4, perifíton e fitoplâncton foram isotopicamente diferentes entre os locais analisados. Diferenças isotópicas ocorreram entre as espécies de cada categoria trófica. Diferenças espaciais foram observadas na composição isotópica de P. lineatus e L. platymetopon, as quais tiveram valores mais enriquecidos no rio Paraná e ressaco do Pau Véio. Diferenças espaciais significativas nas posições tróficas foram verificadas para L. platymetopon e H. littorale, as quais apresentaram os maiores valores nos rios Paraná e Baía, respectivamente. As posições tróficas foram significativamente diferentes entre as espécies que compuseram cada categoria trófica. Estes resultados demonstram que em estudos de fluxo de energia em cadeias alimentares detritais generalizações a respeito do agrupamento de peixes em categorias tróficas e/ ou habitats devem ser conduzidos somente após investigações criteriosas da dinâmica trófica local/ específica dos organismos.

Característica histológica, ultra-estrutural e produção de nitrito de folículos pré-antrais caprinos cultivados in vitro na ausência ou presença de soro / Histological and ultrastructural feature and nitrite production of caprine preantral follicles in vitro cultured in the presence or absence of serum

Avaliou-se o efeito da adição de diferentes tipos e concentrações de soro sobre o desenvolvimento e a sobrevivência de folículos ovarianos pré-antrais (FOPA) caprinos in vitro. Além disso, verificou-se a relação entre as concentrações de nitrito presentes no meio de cultivo e a viabilidade folicular. Cada par ovariano foi dividido em 29 fragmentos, sendo um destinado ao controle. Os fragmentos foram cultivados por um ou sete dias em meio essencial mínimo suplementado (MEM+) ou MEM+ com diferentes concentrações (10 ou 20 por cento) de soro fetal bovino (SFB), soro de cabra em estro (SCE) ou soro de cabra em diestro (SCD). Na análise morfológica após sete dias, apenas o tratamento com 10 por cento de SFB apresentou percentual de FOPA normais similar ao MEM+ (P>0,05). A análise ultra-estrutural dos folículos cultivados por sete dias com MEM+ ou MEM+ com 10 por cento de SFB mostrou danos oocitários, porém células da granulosa normais. A análise do meio de cultivo revelou correlação positiva entre a viabilidade folicular e a produção de nitrito. A suplementação com soro não melhorou a viabilidade de FOPA e a concentração de nitrito no meio de cultivo funcionou como um indicador da viabilidade das células da granulosa de FOPA caprinos cultivados in vitro.

The effect of the addition of different types and concentrations of sera on the viability and development of caprine preantal follicles (PAF) in vitro cultured was analyzed. In addition, it was evaluated the correlation between nitrite concentrations in culture medium and folicular viability. Each ovarian pair was divided in 29 fragments and one was used as control. The fragments were cultured for one or seven days in minimal essential medium (MEM+) or MEM+ with different concentrations of (10 or 20 percent) bovine fetal serum (BFS), estrous goat serum (EGS), or diestrous goat serum (DGS). After seven days, the morphological analysis showed that only the treatment with 10 percent BFS maintained the percentage of normal PAF similar to MEM+ (P>0.05). The ultrastructural analysis of follicles cultured for seven days in MEM+ or MEM+ with 10 percent BFS showed some oocyte damage, although the granulosa cells were normal. Analysis of culture medium revealed a positive correlation between follicular viability and nitrite production. Supplementation with serum did not improve the viability of PAF and nitrite levels in culture medium served as an indicator of viability of granulose cells from caprine PAF in vitro cultured.

Ballast water: a review of the impact on the world public health

Since the nineteenth century ships have been using ballast water (BW) for safety, stability, propulsion and maneuverability, as well as to redress loss of fuel weight and water consumption, and to maintain structural stress at acceptable levels. Ballast water has been spreading many non-native species around the globe, but little is known about the extent and potential significance of ship-mediated transfer of microorganisms. The global movements of ballast water by ships create a long-distance dispersal mechanism for human pathogens that may be important in the worldwide distribution of microorganisms, as well as for the epidemiology of waterborne diseases. Only a few studies have been carried out on this subject, most of them involving ballast water containing crustacean larvae and phytoplankton. Specialized microbiological studies on these waters are necessary to avoid a repeat of what happened in 1991, when epidemic cholera was reported in Peru and rapidly spread through Latin America and Mexico. In July of 1992, Vibrio cholerae was found in the USA and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) determined that it came from ballast water of ships whose last port of call was in South America. In Brazil, just a few studies about the subject have been performed. An exploratory study by the Brazilian National Health Surveillance Agency (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária - ANVISA) found in ballast water different microorganisms, such as fecal coliforms, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Clostridium perfringens, coliphages, Vibrio cholerae O1 and Vibrio cholerae non-O1. Until now, Brazil has been focusing only on organisms transported to its territory from other countries by ballast water, to avoid their establishment and dissemination in Brazilian areas. Studies that can assess the probability that water ballast carries pathogenic microorganisms are extremely important, as is the examination of ships that arrive in the country. Treatment of the human...

Identificación rápida y sensibilidad a toxinas killer de levaduras aisladas de micosis no sistémicas / Rapid identification and susceptibility to killer toxins of yeasts isolated from non-systemic mycoses

La identificación rápida y segura de los agentes etiológicos y el desarrollo de nuevos antifúngicos con blancos de acción más específicos resultarán en tratamientos de las micosis más efectivos y menos lesivos. Mediante un método molecular rápido (ITS1-5.8S ADNr-ITS2 PCR-RFLP) se identificaron 53 aislamientos de levaduras provenientes de infecciones no sistémicas registradas en hospitales públicos de la ciudad de Neuquén y en un centro oftalmológico de Buenos Aires durante el año 2005. Adicionalmente y utilizando el método de inhibición del crecimiento en placa, se evaluó la sensibilidad de estas levaduras a toxinas killer producidas por levaduras indígenas de la Patagonia y por cepas de referencia. Ocho especies de levaduras fueron identificadas entre los aislamientos clínicos: Candida albicans (52%) , Candida parapsilosis (17%) , Candida tropicalis (10%) , Candida krusei (5%) , Candida glabrata (4%) , Candida guilliermondii (4%) , Kluyveromyces lactis (4%) y Saccharomyces cerevisiae (4%) . El 69% de los aislamientos de la especie mayoritaria, C. albicans, se relacionó con infecciones vaginales. Por otra parte, el 61% de las levaduras provenientes de infecciones oculares correspondió a la especie C. parapsilosis. En las condiciones de ensayo, las toxinas producidas por las levaduras killer indígenas DVMais5 y HCMeiss5 pertenecientes a las especies Pichia anomala y P. kluyveri, respectivamente, exhibieron el mayor espectro de acción sobre las levaduras aisladas de materiales clínicos.

The use of quick and reliable yeast identification methods, as well as the development of new antifungal agents with more specific targets, will enable a more efficient treatment of mycoses. In the present work, a total of 53 clinical isolates obtained from non-systemic infections in Neuquén Hospitals and an ophthalmologic clinic in Buenos Aires during 2005, were identified by means of a rapid molecular method (ITS1-5.8S ADNr-ITS2 PCR-RFLP). Additionally, the killer susceptibility of the isolates was tested against reference and indigenous killer yeasts on plate tests. Eight yeast species were identified among the clinical isolates: Candida albicans (52%), Candida parapsilosis (17%), Candida tropicalis (10%), Candida krusei (5%), Candida glabrata (4%) , Candida guilliermondii (4%) , Kluyveromyces lactis (4%) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (4%) . Sixty-nine percent of the isolates corresponding to the predominant species ( C. albicans) were related to vaginal infections. On the other hand, 61% of the yeasts associated with ocular infections were identified as C. parapsilosis. Two indigenous killer isolates DVMais5 and HCMeiss5, belonging to Pichia anomala and P. kluyveri respectively, exhibited the broadest killer spectrum against clinical isolates.

Intestinal microbiota and HIV-1 infection

The intestinal microbiota consists of a qualitatively and quantitatively diverse range of microorganisms dynamically interacting with the host. It is remarkably stable with regard to the presence of microorganisms and their roles which, however, can be altered due to pathological conditions, diet composition, gastrointestinal disturbances and/or drug ingestion. The present review aimed at contributing to the discussion about changes in the intestinal microbiota due to HIV-1 infection, focusing on the triad infection-microbiota-nutrition as factors that promote intestinal bacterial imbalance. Intestinal microbiota alterations can be due to the HIV-1 infection as a primary factor or the pharmacotherapy employed, or they can be one of the consequences of the disease.

Environmental parameters and antimicrobial susceptibility of enterobacteriaceae isolated from estuarine waters of São Vicente, São Paulo state, Brazil

Diseases transmitted by water consists a serious public health problem and enterobacteria are the main group of microorganisms responsible for outbreaks in humans. Such pathogenic bacteria proliferate in water polluted by domestic and industrial sewage and reach the population through seawater contact. The aim of the present work was to study environmental parameters as well as to identify Enterobacteriaceae species and their antimicrobial susceptibility in water samples collected from the estuarine area of São Vicente city (São Paulo State, Brazil). Strains were identified by using traditional biochemical tests described in literature and antimicrobial susceptibility tests were carried out using the disk diffusion method. Out of 26 samples, Escherichia coli was the most frequent species (40.1 percent), followed by Citrobacter, Enterobacter and Klebsiella. The most effective drugs against the tested microorganisms were gentamycin, netilmicin, ciprofloxacin and cefepime. Since these bacteria are commonly found in seashore contaminated by sewage effluents, it can be concluded that estuarine waters of São Vicente are polluted and potentially capable of causing diseases and spreading pathogenic bacteria to human communities.

Study on the susceptibility of Enterococcus faecalis from infectious processes to ciprofloxacin and vancomycin

Enterococcus faecalis is considered a pathogen responsible for hospital infections and, due to its frequent multi-resistant profile, has caused preoccupations among many medical authorities. The objective of this study was to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility of 74 strains isolated from blood cultures and purulent secretions to vancomycin and ciprofloxacin through the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) by using the Microdilution test. The results showed a greater efficacy of vancomycin compared to ciprofloxacin (98.6% of the strains were inhibited by vancomycin at lower concentrations: 0.06 - 1 mg/ml). However, in the MBC analysis 73% of the strains showed a MBC of vancomycin only at high concentrations (equal to or higher than 64 mg/ml). For ciprofloxacin, the strains showed a broad sensitivity with MICs and MBCs distributed along all the MIC classes. Results also revealed a probability that some strains are tolerant to vancomycin, which indicates the need of other tests to confirm this characteristic

Isolation of an Ophidian Paramyxovirus in a captive rattlesnake (Crotalus durissus terrificus) from Botucatu, Säo Paulo State, Brazil

This study reports the isolation of an Ophidian Paramyxovirus (OPMV) in sputum of a captive rattlesnake (Crotalus durissus terrificus) kept in a serpentarium located in Botucatu, Säo Paulo State, Brazil. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and nested-PCR were performed for the identification of the isolated virus.

Seasonal effect of brazilian propolis on Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis

Recently, propolis has been attracting the attention of researchers due to various biological activities and therapeutic properties. In Brazil, propolis is produced all year long, so there may be some seasonal variations. This work was carried out in order to compare propolis collected during the four seasons by its in vitro antimicrobial activity on yeast pathogens isolated from human infections. Propolis was produced by africanized honeybees in Botucatu, Säo Paulo State, collected throughout a year and pooled by season. Hydroalcoholic solutions of propolis were prepared with each pool and diluted in agar, using serial concentrations of propolis from each pool. A determination of minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) was performed. The results show that Candida tropicalis and Candida albicans were susceptible to low concentrations of propolis, the latter showing a higher susceptibility. No differences were seen in relation to seasonal effects in the minimal inhibitory concentration of propolis

Ocorrência de Campylobacter em genitais de bovinos vasectomizados mantidos em central de transferência de embriöes / Occurrence of Campylobacter in the genitals of teaser bulls maintained at an embryo transfer center

Em central de transferência de embriöes, após os procedimentos de reconhecimento do cio em 37 vacas receptoras, através de quatro rufiöes vasectomizados, observou-se que 83 por cento delas apresentavam retorno ao cio e algum corrimento serofibrinoso. Nos exames bacteriológicos realizados nos lavados prepuciais dos rufiöes foi isolado o Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis em todos, fato que, analisado associadamente com o retorno ao cio das vacas receptoras, é indicativo da ocorrência de campilobacteriose no plantel. Essa ocorrência demonstra a necessidade de medidas eficazes de planejamento de saúde animal, pela utilizaçäo de rufiöes com desvio lateral do pênis. Uma vez impossibilitado o contato sexual, seria impedida a transmissäo do agente durante o coito. Torna-se imperioso consignar que a prática da prevençäo racional de enfermidades continua sendo o procedimento mais econômico para uma produtividade animal mais rentável

The detection of Ochetosoma heterocoelium (Travassos, 1921) (Trematoda: Digenea: Ochetosomatidae) in Chironius exoletus (Linnaeus, 1758) Ophidia: Colubridae)

Two hundred and fifty-two specimens of Ochetosoma heterocoelium (Travassos, 1921) (Trematoda: Digenea: Ochetosomatidae) were detected in the mouth and esophagus of the snake Chironius exoletus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Ophidia: Colubridae) at the serpentarium of the Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals (CEVAP) of Säo Paulo State University (UNESP) in Botucatu, State of Säo Paulo, Brazil.

A report on a case of melanism in a specimen of Crotalus durissus terrificus (Laurenti, 1768)

This report documents a case of a melanic specimen of Crotalus durissus terrificus (Laurenti, 1768) found in Bofete, Säo Paulo State, Brazil. The authors describe this melanic snake, determine the electrophoretic pattern of its venom, and compare the venom of this specimen against that of normal Crotalus durissus terrificus. This report is very important because melanism is a rare chromatic anomaly.

Atividade in vitro do danofloxacin e de sete drogas antimicrobianas frente a linhagens de Staphylococcus aureus isoladas de mastite bovina / Antimicrobial activity of danofloxacin and seven other drugs against Staphylococcus aureus from bovine mastitis

Duzentas estirpes mastitogênicas de Staphylococcus aureus foram submetidas à atividade antimicrobiana de oito drogas (danofloxacin, cefuroxime, ciprofloxacin, trimetoprim/sulfametoxazol, cloranfenicol, imipenem, tetraciclina e oxacilina). O danofloxacin, antimicrobiano da família das 4-fluoroquinolonas, foi recém-lançado para uso exclusivo em veterinária. O estudo comparativo das drogas antimicrobianas foi realizado pela técnica do disco (Bauer-Kirby) e da determinaçäo da concentraçäo inibitória mínima (CIM) juntamente com a avaliaçäo da concentraçäo bactericida mínima (CBM). Os resultados demonstraram que as drogas mais eficientes foram: imipenem (100 por cento), trimetoprim/sulfametoxazol (98,9 por cento), cefuroxime (97,3 por cento), tetraciclina (96,9 por cento), danofloxacin (95,4 por cento), cloranfenicol (93,9 por cento), oxacilina (93,4 por cento) e ciprofloxacin (91,1 por cento), considerando-se somente os percentuais de linhagens sensíveis. Levando-se em conta também as linhagens moderadamente sensíveis, o danofloxacin foi considerado o terceiro antimicrobiano mais eficiente. O estudo da determinaçäo da CIM e da CBM do danofloxacin caracterizou sua elevada eficiência antimicrobiana, tendo em vista a proximidade entre elas (CIM90 por cento subscrito - 0,18 µg/ml - CBM90 por cento subscrito - 0,23 µg/ml) e a relaçäo CIM/CBM de 1:1 e 1:2 para a maioria das linhagens em estudo

Avaliaçäo da sensibilidade do Califórnia Mastitis Test (CMT) e Whiteside (WS) na mastite caprina / Sensitivity of California mastitis (CMT) and Whiteside (WS) tests on the diagnosis of caprine mastitis

Considerando que uma das medidas para o controle da mastite caprina consiste, inicialmente, na determinaçäo da taxa de mastite subclínica, e também diante da importância da caprinocultura, o presente estudo teve por objetivo comparar o teste California Mastitis test (CMT) com o Whiteside (WS), utilizando-se 322 amostras de leite de cabra. Dessas, 67 (21 por cento) reagiram concomitantemente ao CMT e ao WS, 210 (65 por cento) apresentaram-se negativas para ambos os testes e 45 (14 por cento) apresentaram resultados discordantes entre os dois testes, 41 (91 por cento) delas positivas ao CMT e negativas ao WS. Os resultados permitiram apontar o CMT como o mais sensível e que, por ser mais prático, poderá trazer benefícios no planejamento do controle da mastite caprina

Incidência e caracterizaçäo de bactérias com resistência múltipla antimicrobiana em leite mastítico bovino da regiäo centro-oeste do Estado de Säo Paulo, Brasil / Incidence and characterization of mastitic bovine milk antimicrobial multi-drug resistant bacteria in middle west region of Sao Paulo, Brazil

Foram analisadas a incidência e a multi-resistência a drogas antimicrobianas em bactérias patogênicas isoladas de 750 amostras de leite de vacas com mastite sub-clínica, na regiäo-centro oeste do Estado de Säo Paulo. Os microorganismos do gênero Staphylococcus (75,8 por cento), principalmente representados pelos S. aureus e S. epidermes, e a Escherichia coli (7,1 por cento) foram as bactérias mais freqüentemente isoladas. A maioria dos agentes etiológicos apresentou-se em cultura pura, embora associaçöes de microorganismos tenham sido encontradas em algumas amostras. A resistência múltipla a drogas antimicrobianas (penicilina, ampicilina, dicloxacilina, estreptomicina, tetraciclina e oxacilina) foi observada somente entre bactérias Gram negativas e em algumas linhagens de S. aureus (39,9 por cento). Os demais agentes bacterianos Gram positivos demonstraram sensibilidade às drogas testadas. Os problemas conseqüentes da resistência múltipla a drogas constituem um obstáculo à terapêutica e de difícil soluçäo, principalmente através de programas de controle a curto prazo