Unlocking the molecular realm: advanced approaches for identifying clinically and environmentally relevant bacteria

Rapid, effective, and specific identification of clinical and environmental bacterial pathogens is of major importance for their control. Traditionally, bacteria have been identified by phenotypic methods based on morphological, biochemical, and metabolic properties. While these methods are very useful in clinical practice, they have limitations including a poor ability to differentiate within and between species and time-consuming workflows. Newly developed molecular methods can greatly improve the accuracy of taxonomic characterization, identifying specific strains of medical or environmental importance. However, due to high costs and the need for trained professionals, these methods are not yet routine in diagnostic laboratories. Thus, disseminating knowledge on advances in molecular identification techniques is pivotal to make these methodologies accessible. The objective of this work was to review and discuss current molecular techniques for bacteria identification aiming to track and monitor microbial agents in clinical and environmental samples.

Padronização de uma PCR multiplex para a detecção de fraude em leite bubalino e caprino por adição de leite bovino / Standardization of a multiplex PCR for detection of fraud in buffalo and goat milk by addition of bovine milk

O consumo de leite de espécies como bubalino e caprino tem se popularizado por representarem uma alternativa para indivíduos que possuem restrições alimentares relacionadas ao leite bovino e em virtude das propriedades nutricionais desses alimentos. No entanto, fatores como a baixa produção e a sazonalidade predispõem a adulterações destes alimentos, principalmente pela adição de leite bovino, visando maior rendimento e lucratividade. Assim, o objetivo do estudo foi padronizar um método de PCR multiplex para autenticação de leites bubalino e caprino. Para isso, amostras de leite exclusivamente de cada espécie foram utilizados para a padronização da técnica. Em seguida, foi realizada a fraude pela adição de leite bovino ao caprino e ao bubalino, em proporções de 0,1% até 100%. A técnica foi eficaz, precisa, rápida e prática para a detecção do DNA de bovino, bubalino e caprino, separadamente e em conjunto. Na fraude experimental, o limite de detecção da técnica ocorreu a partir do menor percentual testado (0,1%) tanto no leite caprino quanto no bubalino. Dessa forma, a PCR multiplex testada mostrou ser uma importante ferramenta para a autenticação de leite, pendendo ser utilizada para fins de fiscalização por órgãos competentes.

Milk consumption of species such as buffalo and goat has become popular due to the nutritional properties of these foods and because they represent an alternative for individuals who have dietary restrictions related to bovine milk. However, factors such as low production and seasonality predispose to adulteration, mainly by the addition of bovine milk, aiming at higher yield and profitability. Thus, the aim of the present study was to standard a multiplex PCR method for buffalo and goat milks authentication. For this, the milks exclusively of each species were used to standardize the technique. Subsequently, fraud was performed by the addition of bovine milk to goat and buffalo in proportions from 0.1% to 100%. The technique was effective and accurate for detecting bovine, buffalo and goat DNA separately and together quickly and practically. In experimental fraud, the detection limit of the technique occurred from the lowest percentage tested (0.1%) in both goat and buffalo milk. Thus, the multiplex PCR tested proved to be an important tool for milk authentication, pending to be used for supervision by competent agencies.

PCR-based identification of Mycobacterium murphy causing Canine Leproid Granuloma Syndrome in Niterói, southeast Brazil - case report / Identificação baseada em PCR de Mycobacterium murphy causando Síndrome do Granuloma Lepróide Canino em Niterói, sudeste do Brasil ˗ Relato de Caso

Canine Leproid Granuloma Syndrome (CLGS), also known as canine leprosy, is a cutaneous nodular infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium sp.. Despite being reported worldwide, it is still quite unknown and underdiagnosed. Diagnosis may be achieved by cytopathology or histopathology of skin lesions, but identification of the infectious agent is complex, since bacterial in vitro growth is not possible, relying upon molecular techniques such as PCR to confirm Mycobacterium DNA in the sample. We report a CLGS case in Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, diagnosed by cytopathology and submitted to molecular identification of the agent. PCR amplification of hsp65 gene was performed and revealed 100% genetic homology to M. murphy strain. This is the first CLGS report with molecular identification in Rio de Janeiro state, and this finding should raise awareness about CLGS as a differential diagnosis among granulomatous skin diseases in this region.(AU)

A síndrome de granuloma leproide canino (SGLC), também conhecida como lepra canina, é uma doença infecciosa cutânea nodular causada por Mycobacterium sp. Apesar de ser relatada mundialmente, ainda é bastante desconhecida e subdiagnosticada. O diagnóstico pode ser conseguido por citopatologia ou histopatologia de lesões cutâneas, mas a identificação do agente infeccioso é complexa, uma vez que o crescimento in vitro bacteriano não é possível, dependendo de técnicas moleculares como a PCR para confirmar o DNA de Mycobacterium na amostra. Relatou-se um caso da SGLC em Niterói, estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, diagnosticado por citopatologia e submetido à identificação molecular do agente. Foi realizada amplificação por PCR do gene hsp65, que revelou 100% de homologia genética com a cepa M. murphy. Este é o primeiro relato da SGLC com identificação molecular no estado do Rio de Janeiro, o que mostra a importância de se acrescentar a SGLC ao diagnóstico diferencial das doenças granulomatosas de pele nessa região.(AU)

Caracterização de isolados de Xanthomonas sp. associados a sementes de arroz e diferenciação de estirpes de Xanthomonas oryzae / Isolates characterization of Xanthomonas sp. Associated with rice seed and differentiation of Xanthomonas oryzaestrains

Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) e X. oryzae pv. oryzicola (Xoc), são os agentes causais do crestamento bacteriano da folha (CBF) e da estria bacteriana da folha (EBF), respectivamente, são pragas transmitidas por sementes e sofrem restrição no comércio internacional de arroz, por estarem ausentes em muitos países e possuírem potencial de comprometer seriamente a produção de arroz. Vinte e um isolados oriundos de sementes de arroz do Uruguai e Argentina, Gram negativos, oxidase positiva, com pigmentação amarela típica do gêneroXanthomonas e positivos no ELISA para Xoo, foram caracterizados para determinar a associação destes, com X. oryzae e seus patovares. Os isolados foram caracterizados por métodos bioquímicos, biológicos e quanto à sensibilidade a antibióticos. Análises de PCR e qPCR foram realizadas para a confirmação do gênero Xanthomonase identificação de Xoo e Xoc. A caracterização de 21 isolados de Xanthomonassp., positivos no ELISA para Xoo, mostrou variabilidade entre os isolados e distinção de Xo.

Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) and X. oryzae pv. oryzicola (Xoc), causal agents of bacterial leaf blight (BLB) and bacterial leaf streak (BLS), respectively, are pests transmitted by seeds and suffer restriction on international rice trade, because are absent in many countries and have potential to compromise seriously rice production. Twenty-one isolates from rice seeds from Uruguay and Argentina, Gram negative, oxidase positive, with typical yellow pigmentation of genus Xanthomonas and positive in ELISA for Xoo, were characterized to determine their association with X. oryzepathovars. Isolates were characterized by biochemical, biological and antibiogram methods. PCR and qPCR analyzes were performed to confirm genus Xanthomonasand identification of Xoo and Xoc. Characterization of 21 Xanthomonassp. isolates positive on ELISA to Xoo, showed variability among isolates and distinction of Xo.

Detección de genes de virulencia del patotipo enteroagregativo en cepas de Escherichia coli aisladas de fuentes de agua subterránea de la provincia del Chaco, Argentina / Detection of virulence genes of the enteroaggregative pathotype in Escherichia coli strains isolated from groundwater sources in the province of Chaco, Argentina

En la provincia del Chaco, el agua subterránea representa una fuente alternativa, y muchas veces única, para el consumo humano; esta es utilizada en el 14 % de los hogares. A pesar de que se reconoce el riesgo de la exposición al agua contaminada, la prevalencia de los diferentes patotipos de Escherichia coli en ambientes acuáticos no ha sido bien caracterizada. E. coli enteroagregativo (ECEA) es un patógeno emergente cuya importancia en la salud pública mundial se incrementó y quedó claramente establecida en los últimos años. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue detectar la presencia de ECEA típico mediante el reconocimiento de los factores de virulencia aap, AA probe y aggR por reacción en cadena de la polimerasa, en fuentes de agua subterráneas de la provincia del Chaco. Se identificó E. coli en 36 (38,7 %) de las 93 muestras estudiadas, provenientes de diferentes localidades. De esos 36 aislamientos, se identificaron 6 (16,7 %) portadores de los genes de ECEA, lo que representa una prevalencia del 6,4 % considerando las 93 fuentes de agua subterránea estudiadas. De esos 6 aislamientos, 3 eran portadores del gen aap, 2 del gen AA probe y uno de la combinación aggR/aap. El presente trabajo representa el primer aporte en el estudio de la presencia y distribución de genes de virulencia de ECEA en fuentes de agua subterránea de la región.

Groundwater is an important source of drinking water for many communities in Northern Argentina; particularly, in the province of Chaco, where about 14 % of households use this natural resource. Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli is an emerging pathogen whose global importance in public health has increased in recent years. Despite the significant risk of disease linked to contaminated water exposure, the prevalence of E. coli pathotypes in aquatic environments is still not so well defined. The aim of the present study was to detect the presence of typical enteroaggregative E. coli through the recognition of its virulence factors aap, AA probe and aggR by molecular techniques. A total of 93 water samples from different small communities of Chaco were analyzed. E. coli was identified in 36 (38.7 %) of the tested samples. Six strains isolated from different samples harbored the studied genes. Of these 6 isolates, 3 carried the aap gene, 2 the AA probe and the last one the combination of aap/aggR genes. The prevalence of E. coli isolates harboring enteroaggregative virulence genes in groundwater sources was 6.4 %. This work represents the first contribution to the study of the presence and distribution of virulence genes of EAEC in groundwater sources in this region of Argentina.

Molecular characterization of Enterobacteriaceae resistant to carbapenem antimicrobials / Caracterização molecular de enterobactérias resistentes aos carbapenêmicos

ABSTRACT The present study aimed to genotypically and phenotypically characterize clinical isolates of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae collected from inpatients at the University Hospital of Santa Maria, during seven months. Among the clinical isolates subjected to the modified Hodge test (MHT), 62.5% were positive, indicating possible production of carbapenemase. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) demonstrated that blaKPC was the most frequently found gene (31%), followed by blaIMP (12.5%). Combined use of the methods is needed to identify carbapenem resistance in enterobacteria to prevent their spread and control the infections caused by these organisms.

RESUMO Objetivou-se caracterizar fenotípica e genotipicamente isolados clínicos de enterobactérias resistentes aos carbapenêmicos (CRE) provenientes do Hospital Universitário de Santa Maria (RS). Entre os isolados clínicos submetidos ao teste modificado de Hodge (MHT), 62,5% apresentaram positividade, indicando possível produção de carbapenemase. A reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) demonstrou que o blaKPC foi o gene mais encontrado (31%), seguido de blaIMP (12,5%). O uso conjunto de distintas metodologias faz-se necessário para identificar a resistência aos carbapenêmicos produzida pelas enterobactérias, de modo a auxiliar o controle de infecção prevenindo a disseminação desses microrganismos.

Analysis of serotype results of 94 streptococcus pneumoniae isolates with partial cpsA-cpsB serotype prediction system / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Objective To evaluate the application of partial cpsA-cpsB serotype prediction system as a serotyping method for streptococcus pneumonia.Methods Ninety-four isolates in this study were provided by Microorganism Research Room of Beijing Pediatric Research Institution,Beijing Children's Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University.The quelling test was applied to determine gold standard of serotypes of isolates.Polymerase chain reaction (PCR),sequencing,sequence data management and alignment were implemented previously.Results Eighty-three out of all 94 isolates were serotyped by quelling reaction,and 11 isolates were non-serotype isolates.Among the 83 isolates,67 (80.72％) isolates got positive PCR results and 60 (89.55％)isolates got results consistent with gold standard or containing gold standard.Among 12 isolates belonging to 19F,10 isolates were correctly predicted,and 2 isolates were predicted to be 6A,23F/10A.Among 19 isolates belonging to serotype 19A,1 isolate was predicted to be 35 F/47F,and the other 18 isolates were correctly predicted.Among 10 isolates belonging to serotype 14,9 isolates got results consistent with gold standard,and 1 isolate was predicted to be 19A.All 7 isolates belonging to serotype 6B were predicted to be 6A/6B and 4 isolates belonging to 23F were predicted to be 23F/10A.3 of 11 (27.27％) non-serotype isolates got positive PCR results and were predicted to be 6A/6C,6A/6B,19A.Conclusions Partial cpsA-cpsB sequencing system is a useful method for detecting streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes.

Diagnosing schistosomiasis: where are we?

In light of the World Health Organization's initiative to extend schistosomiasis morbidity and mortality control programs by including a disease elimination strategy in low endemic settings, this paper reviews diagnostic tools described during the last decades and provide an overview of ongoing efforts in making an efficient diagnostic tool available worldwide. A literature search on PubMed using the search criteria schistosomiasis and diagnosis within the period from 1978 to 2013 was carried out. Articles with abstract in English and that used laboratory techniques specifically developed for the detection of schistosomiasis in humans were included. Publications were categorized according to the methodology applied (parasitological, immunological, or molecular) and stage of development (in house development, limited field, or large scale field testing). The initial research generated 4,535 publications, of which only 643 met the inclusion criteria. The vast majority (537) of the publications focused on immunological techniques; 81 focused on parasitological diagnosis, and 25 focused on molecular diagnostic methods. Regarding the stage of development, 307 papers referred to in-house development, 202 referred to limited field tests, and 134 referred to large scale field testing. The data obtained show that promising new diagnostic tools, especially for Schistosoma antigen and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) detection, which are characterized by high sensitivity and specificity, are being developed. In combination with international funding initiatives these tools may result in a significant step forward in successful disease elimination and surveillance, which is to make efficient tests accessible and its large use self-sustainable for control programs in endemic countries.

Meta-análisis: diagnóstico de tuberculosis resistente por técnicas no comerciales de amplificación / Meta-analysis: drug-resistant tuberculosis diagnosis by non commercial amplification techniques / Meta-análise: diagnóstico de tuberculose resistente por técnicas não comerciais de amplificação

La emergencia de tuberculosis (TB) multidrogo y extensivamente-resistente reactivó la necesidad de contar con métodos rápidos para detectar resistencia a isoniacida (INH) y rifampicina (RIF). Por tal motivo, los objetivos de este trabajo fueron evaluar, mediante meta-análisis, la exactitud global y la posible utilidad de métodos caseros basados en PCR para la detección rápida de resistencia a INH y RIF en aislamientos clínicos de Mycobacterium tuberculosis. La búsqueda bibliográfica incluyó Medline/PubMed, BioMedLib. Para estimar la variabilidad entre los resultados de los estudios y el grado de exactitud diagnóstica de los métodos utilizados se realizaron gráficos "forest plot" y curvas SROC (summary receiver operating characteristic) mediante el software Meta-DiSc. Fueron seleccionados 15 estudios, conteniendo 1311 aislamientos resistentes a INH y 953 a RIF. Para la detección de resistencia a INH la sensibilidad y especificidad globales fueron: 84,0% y 96,0% respectivamente, mientras que para la detección de resistencia a RIF esos valores fueron 92,0% y 97,0%. Además, estos métodos mostraron alta exactitud diagnóstica, con áreas bajo la curva SROC>0,9. La alta sensibilidad y especificidad obtenidas con métodos moleculares caseros sugieren que algunos de ellos podrían ser aplicados para el diagnóstico rápido de resistencia a partir del aislamiento de M. tuberculosis.

Due to the emergency of multidrug and extensively-drug resistant tuberculosis, molecular methods for a rapid detection of isoniazid (INH) and rifampicin (RIF) resistance are urgently needed. For that reason, the objectivesof this study were to asses through a meta-analysis the global accuracy and the utility of the home-made molecular methods based in PCR for INH and RIF resistance rapid detection from Mycobacterium tuberculosis clinical isolates. The articles were searched using Medline/PubMed, BioMedLib. The variability among different studies results and the diagnostic accuracy of the used methods were estimated by forest plot and summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curves performed with software Meta-DiSc. Fifteen studies were chosed: 1311 containing INH resistant and 953 RIF resistant isolates. The pooled sensitivity and specificity for INH resistance detection was 84.0% and 96.0% respectively, while 92.0% and 97.0% were the pooled values for RIF resistance detection. Besides, these methods showed a high diagnostic accuracy, with the area under the SROC curve >0.9. Due to the high sensitivity and specificity obtained with the home-made molecular methods, some of these tests could be applied for a rapid detection of M. tuberculosis drug resistance in clinical practice.

A emergência de tuberculose (TB) multidrogas e extensivamente-resistente reativou a necessidade de contar com métodos rápidos para detectar resistência à isoniazida (INH) e rifampicina (RIF). Por isso, o objetivo deste trabalho foi a avaliação através da meta-análise, da exatidão global e da possível utilidade de métodos caseiros baseados em PCR para detectar rapidamente a resistência a INH e RIF em isolamentos clínicos de Mycobacterium tuberculosis. A pesquisa bibliográfica incluiu Medline/PubMed, Bio MedLib. Para estimar a variabilidade entre os resultados dos estudos e o grau de exatidão diagnóstica dos métodos utilizados, foram realizados gráficos "forest plot" e curvas SROC (summary receiver operating characteristic) com o software Meta-Disc. Foram selecionados 15 estudos, contendo 1311 isolamentos resistentes a INH e 953 a RIF. Para a detecção de resistência a INH, a sensibilidade e especificidade globais foram 84,0% e 96,0% respectivamente, enquanto que para a detecção de resistência a RIF esses valores foram de 92,0% e 97,0%. Alem disso, os mesmos métodos mostraram elevada exatidão diagnóstica, com áreas inferiores à curva SROC>0,9. A elevada sensibilidade e especificidade obtida através de métodos moleculares caseiros sugere que alguns deles poderiam ser aplicados para o diagnóstico rápido de resistência a partir do isolamento de M. tuberculosis.

Análise crítica dos métodos moleculares para detecção do papilomavírus humano: revisão da literatura / Molecular methods for human papillomavirus detection: literature review

O papilomavírus humano (HPV) é um vírus que infecta o epitélio cutâneo e das mucosas. Células infectadas por este vírus perdem a capacidade de controlar o ciclo celular e passam a proliferar descontroladamente gerando alterações displásicas que podem progredir para lesões malignas. Existem mais de 200 tipos de HPV e entre eles aqueles que apresentam maior ou menor risco de causar câncer. Dessa forma, o HPV pode ser classificado como sendo de baixo risco ou alto risco. Os métodos mais utilizados em pesquisa para análise molecular do HPV é a hibridização in situ (ISH), reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) que varia desde a PCR alelo específica, passando pelo tipo Nested e a PCR multiplex, e a mais nova técnica baseada na tecnologia de microarray. A maioria destes testes é realizada apenas em centros de pesquisa, e não rotineiramente na clínica. Por outro lado, o teste de captura híbrida II para HPV, baseado na hibridização do DNA, é comercialmente disponível. As técnicas para detecção do DNA do HPV e sua genotipagem variam quanto a sua sensibilidade e especificidade. Técnicas que utilizam sondas como a hibridização in situ e o Southern blotting são as menos sensíveis para detecção da sequência do DNA, enquanto que as mais sensíveis são as técnicas que utilizam a amplificação do DNA alvo, como a PCR e a qPCR. À medida que a tecnologia avança, as técnicas moleculares vão se aprimorando para a detecção do HPV. O objetivo final é desenvolver uma metodologia de baixo custo que apresente resultados rápidos e eficientes.

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus that infects the skin and mucosal epithelium. Infected cells lost the ability to control cell cycle and begin to proliferate uncontrollably causing dysplastic alterations that can progress to malignant lesions. There are over 200 types of HPV with higher or lower risk of causing cancer. Thereby, HPV can be classified as high risk or low risk. The methods used in research for molecular analysis of HPV is the in situ hybridization (ISH), polymerase chain reaction (PCR) that varies from the allele specific PCR, Nested, PCR multiplex, and the newest technique based on microarray technology. Most of these tests are performed only in research centers, and not routinely in the clinic. An exception is the Hybrid Capture II test for HPV. The detection techniques of HPV and its genotyping vary in their sensitivity and specificity. Techniques that use probes, as in situ hybridization and Southern blotting are less sensitive for detection of DNA sequence, while the most accurate are the techniques based on DNA amplification, such as PCR and qPCR. As technology advances, molecular techniques become more accurate for the detection of HPV. The ultimate goal is to develop an inexpensive method to provide rapid and efficient results.

Bacterial Succession Studies during Fermentation of African Locust Bean (Parkia biglobosa) to Iru Using Molecular Methods.

Aims: The identity, diversity and dynamics of the bacterial community involved in the fermentation of African Locust Bean (Parkia biglobosa) to “Iru”, a protein-rich condiment in Western Nigeria; was studied using the 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. Study design: 16S rRNA gene was used to study bacterial succession and diversity in this solid-state fermentation with a view to develop a framework for improving quality control of this important and nutritious solid-state fermentation product and possibly develop starter cultures for commercializing the product. Place and Duration of Study: Biotechnology Centre of University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria and Biological Sciences Department, Florida Atlantic University, Davie Campus, Florida U.S.A., between July 2008 and October 2009. Methodology: Raw seeds were prepared in the traditional African way by boiling them for 6hr to soften the seed coat; and for another 1hr to soften the cotyledon. The boiled seeds were immediately transferred into a jute-bag and wrapped tightly to prevent heat loss. They were left at ambient temperature to ferment for 72hr. Total Bacterial Community of the seed was obtained by vigorously rinsing seeds in phosphate buffered saline, before boiling and immediately after boiling (0hr), and subsequently at intervals of 24hrs for three days. To compare cultivable phyllotypes and possible non-cultivable bacteria, subsamples of the extracted bacteria were cultured on Tryptic Soy Agar. Total community small subunit (SSU) rRNA was amplified from extracted genomic DNA by Plate wash polymerase chain reaction (for cultured bacteria) and classic PCR directly from seed-buffer extract (uncultured bacteria). Genomic DNA was extracted employing a modified protocol of the freeze-thaw and Qiagen DNA extraction methods. Extracted genomic DNA was run on 1% agarose gel to rule out shearing before PCR amplification of the 16S rRNA gene with the 27F and 1492R primer pair. The amplified samples were cloned using TOPO cloning vector and transformed samples were sequenced. Identity of samples were done by aligning samples in Ribosomal database Project and close relatives was identified. Results: The process was found to be a classic alkaline fermentation (pH 6 – 8.39). Cultivable bacterial populations changed from 120CFU/g at start of fermentation to 1630000000 CFU/g on day 3. The most abundant organism present in the raw African Locust Beans isolates (Clone 1A) had 97% match to Acinetobacter sp. Cooked Locust beans isolates (Clone 2A) shared 100% identity to Bacillus subtilis. Organisms present at 0 hr, 24 hr and 48 hr of fermentation (Clones 3A, 4A and 5A) proved to have 100% match to Bacillus anthracis relatives; Bacillus cereus; and Bacillus sp. respectively. Enterobacter sp. (99% similarity to Clone 6A) was only detected after 72 hrs; amidst the bacilli. Even less abundant clones were identified as various Bacillus phyllotypes. Cultured and non-cultured bacterial phyllotypes in this system clustered similarly and appear to be the same; confirming that Bacillus species were primarily responsible for the fermentation products of iru. While the bacterial identity and low diversity index reported here, is not surprising given the resilience of bacterial endospores to boiling; it provides convincing evidence to explore the use of endospores from these cultivable non-pathogenic bacillus strains as starter cultures for the solid state fermentation.

Detección fenotípica y molecular de resistencia a meticilina en S. aureus / Phenotypic and molecular detection of methicillin resistance in S. aureus

La detección de resistencia a meticilina es complicada debido a la heterogeneidad de su expresión fenotípica; dificultando su detección en el laboratorio, lo que ha conducido al desarrollo de varias técnicas para incrementar su expresión in vitro. A fin de evaluar cuatro técnicas para la detección de resistencia a meticilina: método de difusión del disco con oxacilina (OX, 1 ug) y cefoxitin (FOX, 30 ug); screening test, concentración inhibitoria mínima (CIM) y detección de PBP2a, utilizando la presencia del gen mecA como método de referencia, se procesaron 286 cepas de S. aureus. Se determinó la sensibilidad (SEN), especificidad (ESP), valor predictivo positivo (VPP), valor predictivo negativo (VPN) y eficiencia (EFC) de cada uno de los métodos. Se obtuvo un total de 50 cepas resistentes a oxacilina, PBP2a positivos (mecA positivos). La sensibilidad del disco de OX fue de 99.14 por ciento y la de FOX fue de 100 por ciento. La SEN, VPP, VPN y EFC de los otros métodos fue de 100 por ciento. Todas, a excepción del método de difusión del disco de OX (ESP de 99.14), resultaron 100 por ciento específicos.

Detecting methicillin resistance is complicated due to the heterogeneity of its phenotypic expression, making its detection difficult in the laboratory; this has led to the development of several techniques to increase its expression in vitro. Four techniques for detecting methicillin resistance were evaluated: the disk diffusion method with oxacillin (OX, 1 ug) and cephoxitin (FOX, 30 ug); the screening test, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and detection of PBP2a, using the presence of mecA gen as a reference method; 286 strains of S. aureus, were processed. The sensibility (SEN), specificity (SPE), positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and efficiency (EFC) of each method were determined. A total of 50 oxacillin resistant, PBP2a positive (mecA positive) strains were obtained. Sensibility of the OX disk was 99.14 percent; and of the FOX disk was 100 percent. The SEN, PPV, NVP and EFC of the other methods were 100 percent. All the tests, except the OX disk diffusion method (99.14 percent of ESP), were 100 percent specific.

Clinical checklists in the selection of mentally retarded males for molecular screening of fragile X syndrome

Fragile X syndrome is the most frequent cause of inherited mental retardation. The phenotype in this syndrome is quite variable and less conspicuous in younger patients, making clinical diagnosis difficult and thus making molecular diagnosis necessary. The use of clinical checklists in mentally retarded individuals can help selecting patients to be given priority in the molecular investigation for the fragile-X mutation in the FMR1 gene. We evaluated two clinical checklists in a sample of 200 Brazilian male patients with mental retardation. The highest scores in the two checklists concentrated among the 19 males (9.5 percent) found to carry full mutations. Our results confirm the importance of fragile-X checklists as a clinical tool in the study of mentally retarded patients.

ABO genotype determination using biological molecular methods

Biological molecular methods were used to determinate ABO genotype determination. This method allowed extract DNA from biological samples (blood, saliva, hair root) for PCR reaction. Using PCR technique and enzymes, there were 1/3 individuals that have homozygote genotypes AA, BB, OO; 2/3 were heterozygote. In addition, this method could determine samples DNA samples from blood stains, saliva stains and hair root cells... So it has very important role in medical examination.