Óbitos e internações de vítimas de eventos toxicológicos não medicamentosos no Brasil, 2009 a 2018 / Muertes y hospitalizaciones de víctimas de eventos toxicológicos no medicamentosos en Brasil, 2009 a 2018 / Deaths and hospitalizations of victims of non-drug toxicological events in Brazil, 2009 to 2018

Objetivo: determinar a taxa de internações por eventos agudos de intoxicação não medicamentosa (NMx) e analisar a mortalidade decorrente desses agravos no Brasil, de 2009 a 2018. Métodos: estudo de série temporal, no qual se analisaram registros de internações por "tratamento de intoxicação ou envenenamento por exposição a substâncias de uso não medicamentoso" no Sistema de Informações Hospitalares (SIH), por regressão de Prais-Winsten. Resultados: ocorreram 125.570 internações em virtude de intoxicação NMx. A taxa média de internações foi de 6,3/100 mil habitantes, sendo maior no sexo masculino (8,0/100 mil hab.) comparado ao feminino (4,6/100 mil hab.). A taxa de internações e a mortalidade geral de internações por intoxicação NMx diminuíram de 9,4 para 4,5/100 mil hab. e de 2,5 para 1,6/1 milhão de hab., respectivamente. Conclusões: houve redução da taxa de internações e da mortalidade por intoxicações NMx durante a década analisada.

Objetivo: determinar la tasa de hospitalizaciones por eventos agudos de intoxicación no medicamentosa (NMx) y analizar la mortalidad resultante en Brasil de 2009 a 2018. Métodos: estudio de serie temporal en el que se analizaron los registros de hospitalizaciones por "tratamiento de intoxicación o envenenamiento por exposición a sustancias de uso no farmacológico" del Sistema de Información Hospitalaria (SIH) por la regresión de Prais-Winsten. Resultados: hubo 125.570 hospitalizaciones por intoxicación NMx. La mortalidad promedio de hospitalizaciones fue de 6,3/100 mil hab., siendo más alta en el sexo masculino (8,0/100 mil hab.) en comparación con el femenino (4,6/100 mil hab.). La tasa de hospitalizaciones y la mortalidad global de las hospitalizaciones por NMx disminuyeron de 9,4 a 4,5 por 100 mil hab. y de 2,5 a 1,6 por 1 millón de hab., respectivamente. Conclusiones: hubo reducción en la tasa de hospitalizaciones y en la mortalidad por intoxicaciones NMx durante la década analizada.

Objective: to determine the rate of hospitalizations due to acute non-drug poisoning (NDP) events and to analyze mortality arising from these health conditions in Brazil from 2009 to 2018. Methods: this was a time-series study using Prais-Winsten regression to analyze records of hospitalizations for "treatment of intoxication or poisoning due to exposure to non-drug substances" held on the Hospital Information System. Results: there were 125,570 hospitalizations due to NDP. The average hospitalization rate was 6.3/100,000 inhabitants, although it was higher in males (8.0/100,000 inhab.) compared to females (4.6/100,000 inhab.). The hospitalization rate and the overall mortality rate due NDP to fell from 9.4 to 4.5/100,000 inhab. and from 2.5 to 1.6/1 million inhab., respectively. Conclusions: there was a reduction in the NDP hospitalization rate and in mortality due to NDP during the decade analyzed.

Avaliação da colonização por bactérias multirresistentes em pacientes admitidos via central de regulação do estado em um hospital filantrópico em Salvador, Bahia / Evaluation of colonization by multiresistant bacteria in patients admitted via central regulation of the state in a philanthropic hospital in Salvador, Bahia / Evaluación de la colonización por bacterias multirresistentes en pacientes admitidos vía central de regulación del estado en un hospital filantrópico en Salvador, Bahia

Justificativa e Objetivos: Infecções Relacionadas à Assistência à Saúde (IRAS) são consideradas um problema de saúde pública cujo controle pode minimizar a morbimortalidade dos pacientes. A instituição precoce de isolamento de contato para pacientes possivelmente colonizados por microrganismos multirresistentes (MR), pode reduzir sua disseminação os casos de IRAS e custos hospitalares. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a frequência e impacto de culturas de vigilância positivas com microrganismos multirresistentes (MR) após um surto de Enterococcus spp. resistentes à vancomicina (VRE). Métodos: Foram implementadas rotinas de coleta de culturas de vigilância a partir de abril de 2014 para pacientes procedentes de outras unidades de saúde via Central de Regulação do Estado e Município em um hospital filantrópico em Salvador­BA. Resultados: Foram avaliados 663 pacientes no período de dezembro de 2014 a dezembro de 2015, sendo que 42 destes apresentaram cultura de vigilância positiva para microrganismos gram positivos e negativos MR. Após a implementação da rotina de realização de culturas de vigilância, não foram mais detectados surtos na nossa unidade. Conclusão: A rotina de culturas de vigilância pode funcionar como um importante instrumento na prevenção da disseminação de MR.(AU)

Background and Objectives: Health Care Related Infections (IRAS) are considered a public health problem whose control can minimize patients' morbidity and mortality. The early institution of contact isolation for patients possibly colonized by multiresistant (MR) microorganisms can reduce their spread in cases of IRAS and hospital costs. This study aimed to evaluate the frequency and impact of positive surveillance cultures with multiresistant (MR) microorganisms following an outbreak of vancomycin resistant Enterococcus spp. (VRE). Methods: Surveillance cultures collection routines were implemented since April / 14 for patients referred from other health to a philanthropic hospital in Salvador ­ Bahia via state and municipal referral center. Results: A total of 663 patients were evaluated in the period from December / 14 to December / 15, and 42 of them had a positive surveillance culture for gram positive and negative MR microorganisms. After the routine implementation of surveillance cultures, no outbreaks were detected in our unit. Conclusion: Despite the high cost, the study showed that routine surveillance cultures are an important tool in preventing MR dissemination.(AU)

Justificación y objetivos: Infecciones Relacionadas a la Asistencia sanitaria (IRAS) se consideran un problema de salud pública cuyo control puede minimizar la morbimortalidad de los pacientes. La institución precoz de aislamiento de contacto para pacientes posiblemente colonizados por microrganismos multirresistentes (MR), puede reducir su diseminación de los casos de IRAS y costos hospitalarios. El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar la frecuencia e impacto de cultivos de vigilancia positivos con microrganismos multirresistentes (MR) después de un brote de Enterococcus spp. resistentes a la vancomicina (VRE). Métodos: Se implementaron rutinas de recolección de cultivos de vigilancia a partir de abril / 14 para pacientes procedentes de otras unidades de salud vía Central de Regulación del Estado y Municipio en un hospital filantrópico en Salvador - BA. Resultados: Se evaluaron 663 pacientes en el período de diciembre / 14 a diciembre / 15, siendo que 42 de ellos presentaron un cultivo de vigilancia positiva para microrganismos gram positivos y negativos MR. Después de la implementación de la rutina de realización de cultivos de vigilancia, ya no se detectaron brotes en nuestra unidad. Conclusión: La rutina de cultivos de vigilancia puede ser un importante instrumento en la prevención de la diseminación de MR.(AU)

Colistin induced neurotoxity: a case report and review of literature / Neurotoxicidade induzida pela colistina: relato de caso e revisão de literatura

OBJECTIVE: To describe a case of neurotoxity associated to Colistin. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 29-year-old black male under treatment for urinary tract infection with identification of Klebsiella pneumoniae in urine culture resistant to all carbapenem antibiotics, presented visual turbidity, paresthesia on the face and upper left limb, slowed and discordant speech in the fourth day of Colistin use. Symptoms improved after reduction of the dose of colistin with adjustment for renal function, with complete reversion after discontinuation of the drug. CONCLUSIONS: Colistin-mediated neurotoxicity must be suspected in patients with altered mental status of unknown etiology and therapy promptly interrupted.

OBJETIVO: Descrever um caso de neurotoxidade associada à Colistina. DESCRIÇÃO DO CASO (desnecessário repetição): Um homem negro de 29 anos sob tratamento para infecção do trato urinário com identificação de Klebsiella pneumoniae (escrever corretamente) em cultura de urina resistente a carbapenêmicos, apresentou turvação visual, parestesia em face e membro superior esquerdo, discurso lento e discordante na quarto dia de uso da Colistina. Os sintomas melhoraram após a redução da dose de colistina com ajuste para a função renal, com reversão completa após a descontinuação do fármaco. CONCLUSÕES: A neurotoxicidade mediada por colistina deve ser suspeitada em pacientes com estado mental alterado de etiologia desconhecida e a terapia prontamente interrompida.

Isolation of blaNDM-producing Enterobacteriaceae in a public hospital in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil

ABSTRACT Carbapenemases have great importance in the global epidemiological scenario since infections with carbapenemase-producing bacteria are associated with high mortality, especially in hospitalized patients in intensive care units. This study describes two microorganisms producers of the New Delhi Metallo-b-lactamase, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Citrobacter freundii, from two patients admitted to a public hospital in Salvador, Bahia. These are the first clinical cases of New Delhi Metallo-b-lactamase described in microorganisms in the north and northeast Brazil. The isolates were characterized by antimicrobial susceptibility test, with resistance to all β-lactams including carbapenems, negative Modified Hodge Test and the synergy test with Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, Phenylboronic Acid and Cloxacillin was positive only with Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (difference of >5 mm in the inhibition zone between the disk without and with the inhibitor). Analysis by multiplex PCR for blaIMP, blaVIM, blaNDM, blaKPC and blaOXA-48 enzymes confirmed the presence of blaNDM gene. This report of two different New Delhi Metallo-b-lactamase-producing microorganisms in a different region of Brazil confirms the risk of spreading resistance genes between different species and emphasizes the need for prevention and control of infections caused by these pathogens, which have limited treatment options and have been linked to high mortality rates.

Emergence of Trichosporon mycotoxinivorans (Apiotrichum mycotoxinivorans) invasive infections in Latin America

We report the first two cases of Trichosporon mycotoxinivorans infections in Latin America. We also conducted a literature review and a microbiological investigation, including that of clinical and environmental isolates. A 30-year-old man with chronic renal failure had disseminated infection after dialysis and a 15-year-old boy with cystic fibrosis (CF) had pulmonary exacerbations with positive respiratory samples. A review of the relevant literature revealed that deep-seated infections were related to immunosuppression or invasive devices, while most of the CF patients showed a decline in lung function after positive cultures. Phylogenetic analyses revealed three distinct circulating genotypes. MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry analysis showed similar spectral profiles and correctly identified all strains/isolates. Biofilm production was documented in a bloodstream isolate and biofilm-producing cells showed high minimum inhibitory concentrations against antifungals.

Direct identification from positive blood broth culture by matrix-assisted laser desorption-ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS)

ABSTRACT Bloodstream infections (BSIs) are among the most concerning bacterial infections. They are one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality, and occur in 30-70% of critical care patients. The prompt identification of the causative microorganism can help choosing the appropriate antimicrobial therapy that will lead to better clinical outcomes. Blood culture is one of the most relevant tests for microbiological diagnosis of bacterial infections. The introduction of the MALDI-TOF microbiological diagnosis significantly decreased the time of identifying microorganisms. However, it depends on the growth on solid culture medium. In this study, 538 bottles of positive blood cultures were evaluated to test the accuracy of an in house modified protocol. The study sample consisted of 198 Gram-negative and 350 Gram-positive bacteria. In all, 460 (83.94%) species were identified based on the direct plate findings. The protocol allowed the identification of 185/198 (93.43%) of the Gram-negative bacteria, including aerobes, anaerobes, and non-fermenters, and 275/350 (78.85%) of the Gram-positive bacteria. The proposed method has the potential to provide accurate results in comparison to the traditional method with the potential to reduce the turnaround time for the results and optimize antimicrobial therapy in BSI.

Methicillin-resistant and methicillin-susceptible community-acquired Staphylococcus aureus infection among children

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus has emerged as a pathogen associated with community-acquired infections worldwide. We report the spectrum of community-acquired S. aureus infections and compare the patients infected with methicillin-susceptible or methicillin-resistant strains among patients aged <20 years. Overall, 90 cases of community acquired S. aureus were detected in an 11-year period. Clinical and microbiological data were registered. Fifty-nine (66%) patients were male and the median age was two years. The majority (87%) of the patients were hospitalized and chronic underlying illnesses were detected in 27 (30%) cases. Overall, 34 (37.8%) patients had skin/soft tissue infections and 56 (62.2%) patients had deep-seated infection. Four (5.1%) patients were transferred to the intensive care unit and two (2.6%) died. Complications were detected in 17 (18.9%) cases, such as pleural effusion (41.2%), osteomyelitis (23.5%), and sepsis (17.6%). Six (6.7%) methicillin-resistant strains were detected. Patients infected with methicillin-susceptible or methicillin-resistant strains had similar baseline characteristics and treatment outcomes. Approximately 93% of the cases received systemic antibiotics, out of which 59 (65.5%) used oxacillin or cefalotin. Both methicillin-susceptible and methicillin-resistant S. aureus strains resulted in morbidity and death among children in this setting where methicillin-resistant strains are infrequent.

Distribuição clonal de escherichia coli isoladas em infecções do trato urinário adquiridas na comunidade no período de 2001 a 2009 na cidade de Salvador-Bahia / Clonal distribution of Escherichia coli isolated from urinary tract infections acquired in the community during the period 2001-2009 in the city of Salvador, Bahia

Estimar a prevalência de resistência a antimicrobianos em isolados de Escheríchía colí e avaliar o desempenho dos testes laboratoriais rápidos para diagnóstico das infecções não complicadas do trato urinário adquiridas na comunidade. Este trabalho foi dividido em dois estudos, no primeiro para avaliar o perfil de susceptibilidade a antimicrobianos, foi avaliada uma amostra consecutiva de 411 isolados de E. colí procedentes de pacientes com Infecção do Trato Urinário (ITU) atendidos numa unidade de emergência de hospital privado no período de julho de 2008 a julho 2009. A identificação e os testes de susceptibilidade a antimicrobianos utilizou o sistema automatizado WalkAway - Microscan@ (Siemens - Califórnia). No segundo estudo, para avaliar o desempenho dos testes rápidos para diagnóstico de ITU, além dos casos de ITU do primeiro estudo, foram incluídos 411 pacientes sem ITU atendidos no mesmo local e período. Os testes rápidos estudados, microscopia direta (Gram), teste de piúria e teste do nitrito, foram realizados conforme respectivos protocolos, realizando os controle de qualidade de todas as etapas. A amostra de casos de ITU era formada por 342 (83%) adultos e 69 (17%) crianças. A distribuição por sexo entre adultos e crianças, mostrou predominância dos episódios no sexo feminino (85%). Dos 22 antibióticos testados, a maior prevalência de resistência foi encontrada para ampicilina sulbactam (41%), ampicilina (49%), cefalotina (33%) e sulfametoxazol-trimetoprim (36%), além disso, observamos uma inusitada taxa de resistência à clprofloxacma (9%). Quarenta e dois por cento dos isolados de E. colí apresentaram resistência a três ou mais drogas. Houve um aumento na taxa de resistência à cefalotina, em comparação com estudo realizado na mesma cidade em 2001-2002. Não foram observadas variações significativas nas taxas de resistência para a maioria dos demais antimicrobianos. Dentre os testes rápidos avaliados a detecção de piúria apresentou a maior sensibilidade (95%; IC95%: 92-97%) e a menor especificidade (66%; IC95%: 61-70%). O teste de nitrito apresentou a maior especificidade (99%; IC95%: 98-100%) e a menor sensibilidade (45%; IC95%: 40-50%). No geral, o teste com maior acurácia foi a microscopia direta (84%; IC95%: 79-88%), seguido da detecção de piúria (80%; IC95%: 77-83%). O teste de nitrito teve o maior valor preditivo positivo (VPP) e o teste de piúria o maior valor preditivo negativo (VPN). Os testes rápidos apresentaram concordância modesta e a combinação de resultados positivos com maior VPP foi obtida com os testes de nitrito e microscopia direta (Gram). Enquanto a combinação de microscopia direta (Gram) e piúria negativos tiveram o maior VPN. Os isolados de E. colí apresentaram elevadas taxas de resistência a: ampicilina, ampicilina-sulbactam, sulfametoxazol-trimetoprim e cefalotina, limitando a indicação desses antibióticos para tratamento empírico das ITUs adquiridas na comunidade. Apesar da variação nos valores de sensibilidade e especificidade dos testes rápidos avaliados, o teste de nitrito positivo e o teste de piúria negativo apresentaram a melhor taxa de acerto para confirmar ou afastar o diagnóstico de ITU, respectivamente. Embora, os testes rápidos possam ser considerados úteis no diagnóstico das ITU-AC, a urocultura ainda é o teste laboratorial definitivo para diagnóstico de ITU.

Introduction: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is considered the second most common infection in humans. It is estimated that there are about 150 million cases of UTIs per year worldwide. Increasing rates of antimicrobial resistance among uropathogens challenges UTI treatments. Objective: To determine the distribution of clonal strains of E. coli isolated from patients with community-acquired UTI according to the profile of antimicrobial susceptibility; and to evaluate the role of clonal groups in the spread and persistence of resistance in these infections. Methods: Eight hundred seventy four strains of E. coli were isolated from patients with UTI, coming from outpatient clinics in three hospitals in the city of Salvador - Bahia, from 2001 to 2009. The susceptibility profile was determined by broth microdilution method (Siemens - Microscan ®). The samples selected for genotyping (n = 275) were identified for clonal groups by comparing the patterns of PFGE, using the criteria of Tenover (1995). All study stages were quality control by strain E. coli ATCC 25922. Results: Among the antibiotics tested, the highest prevalence of resistance was for ampicillin (AMP) (49%) followed by trimethoprim - sulfamethoxazole (SXT) (36-42%) and for cephalothin (12-33%). The rate of resistance to ciprofloxacin (CIP) ranged between 9-14 %. In the Clonal Analysis distribution, performed according to antimicrobial resistance phenotypes, we found a higher prevalence of a clonal group CgA (63%) among multidrug resistant strains. This result differs from samples with some degree of resistance or multi-sensitive in which we observed clonal diversity. Conclusion: The high prevalence of resistance to SXT, AMP, and cephalothin contraindicate the use of these antibiotics in the empirical treatment of community-acquired UTI. The relatively high rate of resistance to CIP, raises attention to the increase and spread of antimicrobial resistance in this community and potentially complicate and encumber the treatment of these infections. We observe the emergence of a clonal group (CgA) in the final period of the study (2008-2009) associated with multidrug resistant strains. This finding suggests that the expansion of particular clones may have an important role in the spread of bacterial resistance in community-acquired UTI.

Prevalência de resistência a antimicrobianos e uso de testes rápidos no diagnóstico das infecções do trato urinário adquiridas na comunidade / Prevalence of antimicrobial resistance and use of quick tests for the diagnosis of community acquired urinary tract infections

Estimar a prevalência de resistência a antimicrobianos em isolados de Escheríchía colí e avaliar o desempenho dos testes laboratoriais rápidos para diagnóstico das infecções não complicadas do trato urinário adquiridas na comunidade. Este trabalho foi dividido em dois estudos, no primeiro para avaliar o perfil de susceptibilidade a antimicrobianos, foi avaliada uma amostra consecutiva de 411 isolados de E. colí procedentes de pacientes com Infecção do Trato Urinário (ITU) atendidos numa unidade de emergência de hospital privado no período de julho de 2008 a julho 2009. A identificação e os testes de susceptibilidade a antimicrobianos utilizou o sistema automatizado WalkAway - Microscan@ (Siemens - Califórnia). No segundo estudo, para avaliar o desempenho dos testes rápidos para diagnóstico de ITU, além dos casos de ITU do primeiro estudo, foram incluídos 411 pacientes sem ITU atendidos no mesmo local e período. Os testes rápidos estudados, microscopia direta (Gram), teste de piúria e teste do nitrito, foram realizados conforme respectivos protocolos, realizando os controle de qualidade de todas as etapas. A amostra de casos de ITU era formada por 342 (83%) adultos e 69 (17%) crianças. A distribuição por sexo entre adultos e crianças, mostrou predominância dos episódios no sexo feminino (85%). Dos 22 antibióticos testados, a maior prevalência de resistência foi encontrada para ampicilina sulbactam (41%), ampicilina (49%), cefalotina (33%) e sulfametoxazol-trimetoprim (36%), além disso, observamos uma inusitada taxa de resistência à clprofloxacma (9%). Quarenta e dois por cento dos isolados de E. colí apresentaram resistência a três ou mais drogas. Houve um aumento na taxa de resistência à cefalotina, em comparação com estudo realizado na mesma cidade em 2001-2002. Não foram observadas variações significativas nas taxas de resistência para a maioria dos demais antimicrobianos...

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli isolates Escherichia coli and evaluate the performance of laboratory tests for fast diagnosis of uncomplicated community acquired urinary tract infections. Methods: This work was divided into two studies; first to evaluate the profile of antimicrobial resistance we evaluated a consecutive sample of 411 isolates of E. coli from patients with urinary tract infection (UTI) attending an emergency unit of a private hospital from July 2008 to July 2009. The identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing used the automated Walkaway - Microscan ® (Siemens - California). In the second study, to evaluate the performance of quick tests for diagnosis of UTI, apart from cases of UTI in the first study, we included 411 patients without UTI treated at the same place and period. The quick tests studied, direct microscopy (Gram), pyuria and nitrite were performed according to the respective protocols, quality control measures were performed in all stages. Results: The sample consisted of 342 (83%) adults and 69 (17%) children. The gender distributionshowed that a greater number of episodes occurred in females (85%). Of 22 antibiotics tested, the highest prevalence of resistance was found for ampicillinsulbactam (41%), ampicillin (49%), cephalothin (33%) and trimethoprimsulfamethoxazole (36%), and we also noticed an unusual rate of resistance to ciprofloxacin (9%.) Forty-two percent of the isolates of E. coli were resistant to three or more drugs. There was an increase in the rate of resistance to cephalosporins, compared with a study conducted in the same city in 2001-2002. There were no significant variations in rates of resistance to most other antibiotics...

Bacterial contamination in milk kitchens in pediatric hospitals in Salvador, Brazil

Milk may represent an important source of infectious agents to hospitalized pediatric patients. To describe the bacterial microflora isolated from the hands, stools, pharynx of all workers at milk kitchens in pediatric hospitals in the city of Salvador, Brazil, as well as in the formulas prepared by them, we carried out this cross-sectional study with all 91 workers from the 20 milk kitchens of all the public and private hospitals in Salvador, Brazil. Hand and pharynx swabs and stool samples were collected from all workers, as well as samples of the milk and formulas delivered by the kitchens. All samples were cultured for the detection of pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria. Pathogenic bacteria were isolated from 20 (22.0 percent) and 8 (8.8 percent) cultures of the hands and pharynx of the workers, respectively. No pathogenic bacteria were isolated from stool samples. Pathogenic bacteria were isolated from 17 (18.7 percent) milk samples. The prevalence of pathogenic bacteria in hand swabs was significantly higher in workers from public (37.8 percent) than from private (6.5 percent) hospitals (prevalence ratio [PR]=5.8; p<0.01). Pathogenic bacteria were isolated from two (4.4 percent) workers from public hospitals and six (13.0 percent) workers from private hospitals (PR=0.38; p=0.27). Pathogenic bacteria were isolated from 11 (24.4 percent) milk samples from public hospitals and 6 (13.0 percent) from private hospitals (PR=1.9; p=0.16). A high prevalence of contamination was found, mainly on the hands of workers on units for manipulation of milk. Preventive efforts should be intensified and focus primarily on effective hand washing and continuous work supervision.

Evaluation of blood stream infections by Candida in three tertiary hospitals in Salvador, Brazil: a case-control study

Invasive infections caused by Candida spp. are an important problem in immunocompromised patients. There is scarce data on the epidemiology of blood stream candidiasis in Salvador, Brazil. This study evaluates the risk factors associated with candidemia, among patients admitted to three tertiary, private hospitals, in Salvador, Brazil. We conducted a case-control, retrospective study to compare patients with diagnosis of candidemia in three different tertiary hospitals in Salvador, Brazil. Patients were matched for nosocomial, acquired infections, according to the causal agent: cases were defined by positive blood cultures for Candida species. Controls were those patients who had a diagnosis of systemic bacterial infection, with a positive blood culture to any bacteria, within the same time period (± 30 days) of case identification. The groups were compared for the main known risk factors for candidemia and for mortality rates. A hundred thirty-eight patients were identified. Among the 69 cases, only 14 were diagnosed as infected by Candida albicans. Candida species were defined in only eight cultures: C. tropicalis (4 cases), C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis, C. guillermondi, C. formata (1 case each). The main risk factors, identified in a univariate analysis, were: presence of a central venous catheter (CVC), use of parenteral nutrition support (PNS), previous exposure to antibiotics, and chronic renal failure (CRF). No association was detected with surgical procedures, diabetes mellitus, neutropenia or malignancies. Patients were more likely to die during the hospitalization period, but the rates of death caused by the infections were similar for cases and controls. The length of hospitalization was similar for both groups, as well as the time for a positive blood culture. Blood stream infection by Candida spp. is associated with CVC, PNS, previous use of antibiotics, and CRF. The higher mortality rate for cases probably better reflects the severity of the underlying diseases, than as a direct consequence of Candidemia.

Community acquired Pneumonia among pediatric outpatients in Salvador, northeast Brazil, with emphasis on the role of pneumococcus

Pneumonia is one of the leading causes of hospitalization and death among children in developing counties,, and mortality due to pneumoniae has been associated with S. pneumoniae infection. This investigation was designed to describe the antimicrobial susceptibility and serotype patterns of pneumococcal strains recovered from the blood of children with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and to acess the clinical findings of pneumococcal bacteremic patients with pneumonia. In a 26 month prospective study, blood cultures were obtained as often as possible from children(<16 years of age) diagnosed with CAP in two emergency rooms. Antimicrobial drug susceptibility tests and serotyping were performed when pneumococcus was identified. We studied 3,431 cases and cultured blood samples from 65.5 percent of those. Pneumococcus was recovered from 0.8 percent of the blood samples. The differences in age, somnolence, wheezing and hospitalization among children with and without pneumococcal bacteremia were statistically significant. Pneumococcal bacteremia was age-related (mean 1.63 +1.55; median 0.92) and associated with somnolence and hospitalization among children with CAP. One strain was recovered from pleural fluid. Penicillin resistance was detected in 21.0 percent(4/19) of the strains at an intermediate level, whereas 63.0 percent of the strains were resistant to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. The most common serotypes were 14 and 6B, and these serotypes included the resistant strains. Eight of our 18 isolates from blood were of types included in the heptavalent conjugate pneumococcal vaccine, recently licensed in the USA.