Análise microbiológica de xampus e cremes condicionadores para uso infantil / Microbiological Analysis of Children?s Shampoos and Conditioners

O Brasil é um dos maiores mercados mundiais consumidores de cosméticos infantis. A utilização de produtos de higiene pessoal, como xampus, condicionadores e sabonetes infantis, e de produtos de beleza já se incorporou ao dia a dia de muitas crianças. Deste modo, é imprescindível que esses produtos estejam em consonância com os limites microbianos estabelecidos pela Farmacopeia Brasileira (2010) e pela Resolução da Diretoria Colegiada/ANVISA No 481/99 para serem comercializados. Neste trabalho, foi avaliada a qualidade microbiológica de amostras de 10 xampus e 10 cremes condicionadores de cabelos destinados à higiene infantil. Dentre as amostras analisadas, verificou-se que, em 50% dos xampus e 30% dos cremes condicionadores capilares, houve proliferação de micro- organismos, tais como bactérias aeróbias e fungos, acima dos limites máximos permitidos. Embora não se tenha encontrado micro-organismos patogênicos, essas percentagens indicam a necessidade do cumprimento das Boas Práticas de Fabricação por parte das indústrias farmacêuticas e cosméticas, para que os consumidores possam adquirir produtos confiáveis, com qualidade adequada para manutenção da saúde e do bem-estar.(AU)

Brazil is one of the largest commercial markets for children?s cosmetics. Personal-care products such as shampoos, conditioners and soaps for infants use, as well as beauty products are used daily by many children. Therefore, it is essential that these products are within microbial limits established by the most recent Brazilian Pharmacopoeia and the Brazilian Health Surveillance Agency Collegiate Board of Directors Resolution No 481/99. This study evaluated the microbiological quality of samples of 10 shampoos and 10 conditioners intended for infant hygiene. Of the samples analyzed, 50% of shampoos and 30% of conditioners showed microbial growth, such as aerobic bacteria and molds/yeasts, over the limits allowed. Although pathogenic micro- organisms were not found, these proportions indicate the need for pharmaceutical and cosmetic companies and businesses to comply with Good Manufacturing Practices, so that consumers are able to purchase reliable products with appropriate quality to maintain their health and well-being.(AU)

Action of phosphorylated mannanoligosaccharides on immune and hematological responses and fecal consistency of dogs experimentally infected with enteropathogenic Escherichia coli strains

The therapeutic action of phosphorylated mannanoligosaccharides (MOS) was investigated regarding its prebiotic activity on enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC). Diarrhea was induced in dogs by experimental infection with EPEC strains. Then MOS was supplied once a day, in water for 20 days. Immunological (IgA and IgG), hematological (lymphocytes, neutrophils and monocytes) and bacteriological variables (PCR detection of the eae gene of EPEC recovered from stool culture), as well as occurrence of diarrhea were evaluated. All strains caused diarrhea at 24, 48 and 72 h after infection. PCR results indicated that E. coli isolated from stool culture of all infected animals had the eae gene. There was no significant difference among groups as to number of blood cells in the hemogram and IgA and IgG production. MOS was effective in recovering of EPEC-infected dogs since prebiotic-treated animals recovered more rapidly from infection than untreated ones (p < 0.05). This is an important finding since diarrhea causes intense dehydration and nutrient loss. The use of prebiotics for humans and other animals with diarrhea can be an alternative for the treatment and prophylaxis of EPEC infections.