Clinical and Metabolic Improvement after Bariatric Surgery in Older Adults: A 6-Year Follow-Up.

AIM: Our aim in this study was to assess the clinical and metabolic impact of bariatric surgery in older adults. METHODS: This analytical, observational, longitudinal study was carried out with individuals aged 60 years and older who underwent bariatric surgery after 55 years of age at a specialist center for obesity management located in the Federal District of Brazil. Post-surgery changes in the following parameters from baseline: total body weight, excess weight lost, body mass index (BMI), number of medications, number of comorbidities, and weight regain. Mean values of the variables of interest before and after surgery were compared using the nonparametric Wilcoxon test, Poisson regression and multiple linear regression to test the effect of different variables. RESULTS: Overall, 74 subjects were assessed (78.3% female, mean age 65.8 ± 3.9 years). The mean time from bariatric surgery to assessment was 75.7 months. The mean weight and BMI in the overall sample at baseline was 101.9 ± 17.1 kg and 39.8 ± 4.9 kg/m², respectively. After the procedure, mean weight and BMI were reduced to 75.9 ± 12.9 kg and 29.4 ± 4.1 kg/m², respectively. Reductions were also achieved in mean number of medications used (P<0.001), number of comorbidities (P<0.001), triglyceride levels (P=0.007), and glycated hemoglobin (P=0.02). The mean HDL level increased significantly (P=0.008). CONCLUSION: In this sample, bariatric surgery was not only useful to manage obesity, but also reduced the number of comorbidities and medications used, and was associated with improvement in clinical and laboratory parameters.

Effects of leaf extracts of Protium spruceanum against adult and larval Rhipicephalus microplus.

Rhipicephalus microplus is the ectoparasite responsible for large economic losses in cattle herds. The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro action of leaf extracts of Protium spruceanum on resistant strains of this tick. Ethanolic extracts (EE) and ethyl acetate extracts (EAE) of P. spruceanum leaves were used against engorged females and larvae by biocarrapaticidogram and larval package (TPL) tests. Chromatographic analyses were performed using a gas chromatograph and showed the presence of the flavonoid catechin in both extracts and the terpenoid ß-amirine only in EAE. EE and EAE were not effective in altering the mortality of engorged females; however, 92% of females treated with the extracts reduced the postures and > 90% of larval hatching was inhibited at 100 mg/ml of extracts. Acaricidal efficacies were > 80% for 100 mg/ml EE and > 90% for EAE at 50 mg/ml. In TPL tests, EE and EAE promoted larval mortality > 88% at 100 mg/ml. In this study, EAE was more effective against adult females and larvae than EE, representing an alternative agent for the integrated control of R. microplus.

BCG vaccination following latent TB treatment: Possible implications for different settings.

Despite much progress globally, TB is still one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide. Several studies have shown the importance of implementing different preventive strategies alongside treatment of TB disease, including BCG vaccination and treatment of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). Large-scale population level LTBI treatment is not currently part of WHO guidelines which recommend LTBI treatment only to high risk populations. Moreover, BCG has been widely used in the past decades to both prevent infection with M. tuberculosis and reduce rates of reactivation. In this viewpoint we discuss the hypothesis of BCG vaccination following latent TB treatment and its potential impact across different settings.

Serum antiphospholipid antibody levels as biomarkers for diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis patients.

SETTING: Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the immunoglobulin (Ig)M and total IgG antibody response to cardiolipin (CL), phosphatidylcholine (PTC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylinositol (PI) and sulfatide (SL-I) as biosignatures that can be used to diagnose pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) and its applicability for monitoring the efficacy of anti-tuberculosis treatment. DESIGN: Serum samples from 37 adult pulmonary TB patients and 48 controls (16 healthy household contacts, 19 household contacts with latent tuberculous infection [LTBI] and 13 non-TB patients with lung disease) were screened using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for IgM and total IgG against phospholipids. RESULTS: Levels of IgM response to CL, PE and PI, and IgG response to CL, PE, PI and PTC were significantly higher in TB patients than in control groups. Anti-CL IgG had the best performance characteristics, with a sensitivity and specificity of respectively 86.5% and 87.2%. This IgG anti-CL ELISA test detected 86.5% (32/37) of the TB patients, whereas the number detected using sputum smear was only 65.9% (24/37). After anti-tuberculosis treatment, the median value for all anti-phospholipid antibodies decreased significantly compared with baseline values (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the total IgG anti-CL level could be useful to complement conventional bacteriological tests for the rapid diagnosis of adult pulmonary TB.

An optimized protocol for DNA extraction in plants with a high content of secondary metabolites, based on leaves of Mimosa tenuiflora (Willd.) Poir. (Leguminosae).

Some species are characterized by a high content of tannins, alkaloids, and phenols in their leaves. These secondary metabolites are released during DNA extraction and might hinder molecular studies based on PCR (polymerase chain reaction). To provide an efficient method to extract DNA, Mimosa tenuiflora, an important leguminous plant from Brazilian semiarid region used in popular medicine and as a source of fuelwood or forage, was used. Eight procedures previously reported for plants were tested and adapted from leaf tissues of M. tenuiflora stored at -20°C. The optimized procedure in this study encompassed the utilization of phenol during deproteinization, increased concentrations of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and sodium chloride, and a shorter period and lower temperature of incubation concerning other methods. The extracted DNA did not present degradation, and amplification via PCR was successful using ISSR, trnL, ITS, and ETS primers. Besides M. tenuiflora, this procedure was also tested and proved to be efficient in genetic studies of other plant species.

One Hundred Consecutive Liver Transplants Using Institutes Georges Lopez-1 Preservation Solution: Outcomes and Prognostic Factors.

BACKGROUND: There are only 4 prior studies reporting on outcomes of liver transplantation (LT) using Institutes Georges Lopez-1 (IGL-1) preservation solution. Detection of negative predictors of LT using IGL-1 may help finding strategies to protect selected recipients at higher risk of graft failure and death. METHODS: Review of all consecutive adult patients who underwent a first whole-graft LT using IGL-1 at authors' institution from 2013 to 2016. Primary end point was graft failure within the first 90 postoperative days (PODs). Graft losses due to any cause (including all deaths with a functioning graft) were recorded as graft failures. RESULTS: Of all 100 patients included in this study, 37 were women; median age was 58 years (range 18-71). There were 12 graft losses during the first 90 PODs (including 3 cases of primary nonfunction of the liver allograft), and 10 of the 12 graft losses occurred on first 30 PODs. All 12 patients who experienced graft loss (including 1 patient who underwent liver retransplantation) died within the first 90 PODs. Of the total 100 patients, 14 experienced biliary complications. Univariate analysis revealed prolonged warm ischemic time (WIT) as the only predictor of 90-day graft failure (odds ratio = 23.5, confidence interval = 1.29-430.18, P = .03). The cutoff by receiver operating characteristic curve for WIT was 38 minutes (area under the curve = 0.70). Positive predictive value for WIT >38 minutes was 94.3%. CONCLUSIONS: LT using IGL-1 can be performed safely. Similar to prior reports on LT using other preservation solutions, prolonged WIT was associated with adverse outcomes.

Consultas terapêuticas familiares no tratamento do comportamento agressivo em crianças / Therapeutic family consultations in the treatment of agressive behavior in children

Relato de estudo no qual foi aplicado o modelo consultas terapêuticas familiares (CTF) no tratamento defamílias de crianças agressivas. Esse modelo foi desenvolvido pelas autoras com base nos trabalhos de R.Benenzon, em musicoterapia, e D. Winnicott, em consultas terapêuticas. Participaram seis famílias, comas quais foram realizadas entrevista inicial (EI), hora interativa (HI) e sessão com os cuidadores (SC), emunidades ambulatoriais. Em alguns casos, houve observações na escola (OEs). As EIs, HIs, OEs e SCsforam registradas por escrito, e as HIs foram gravadas em aúdio e vídeo. A análise constatou, nascrianças, diminuição dos comportamentos agressivos relacionados aos sentimentos de insegurança edesconfiança em relação aos cuidadores. Havendo adesão dos principais cuidadores, o modelo mostrouseviável e fecundo(AU)

Iron Deprivation May Enhance Insulin Receptor and Glut4 Transcription in Skeletal Muscle of Adult Rats.

OBJECTIVES: Considering that phenotype related to iron overload associated with pathological conditions differs from that caused by dietary iron excess, our study set out to evaluate the impact of dietary iron restriction and dietary iron supplementation on oxidative stress and functional outcome in adult, healthy rats. METHODS: adult rats were divided into the three groups and fed diets containing 10, 35 or 350 mg/kg iron (restricted-diet, control-diet and supplemented- diet groups, respectively) for 78 days. Hematological variables, fasting blood glucose, hepatic enzyme activity and C-reactive protein levels were analyzed. Iron and glycogen concentrations in liver and skeletal muscle were determined. The extent of tissue damage caused by either dietary iron restriction or iron supplementation was accessed by measuring malondialdehyde, carbonyl, NADPH oxidase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and glutathione-s-transferase in various tissues. The mRNA expression levels of insulin receptor, glucose transporter 4 and p53 were also determined. RESULTS: Fasting blood glucose values trended toward a decrease by dietary iron restriction, moreover, hepatic glycogen content decreased with concomitant increases in skeletal muscle. In addition, dietary iron restriction resulted in a twofold increase in mRNA expression of Insr and fourfold increase in Glut4 expression in skeletal muscle. Although the dietary iron restriction did not affect body iron status, it caused hepatic low oxidative damages. However, high liver NADPH oxidase activity and increased levels of protein oxidation in muscle were observed. Chronic feeding of high iron diet induces iron overload and resulted in elevated levels of stress markers in tissues. CONCLUSION: Dietary iron deprivation may improve insulin receptor and glucose transporter transcription in muscle; however, our results show that dietary iron restriction can prevent and/or promote oxidative damage in a tissue-specific manner, emphasizing the importance of maintaining optimal iron intake.

Obesidade abdominal em idosos portadores de câncer de próstata do Ceará, Brasil / Abdominal Obesity in Elderly with Prostate Cancer of Ceara, Brazil

Objetivos: Avaliar a frequência de obesidade abdominal em idosos portadores de câncer de próstata, e investigar a correlação entre indicadores antropométricos de obesidade abdominal e o índice de massa corporal (IMC) no grupo. Métodos: Realizou-se estudo transversal com 211 portadores de câncer de próstata, atendidos no Serviço de Uro-Oncologia de uma Instituição de referência localizada em Fortaleza, Ceará, Brasil. Aplicou-se formulário sociodemográfico e foram aferidos peso, altura e circunferência da cintura (CC). A obesidade generalizada foi identificada pelo IMC e a obesidade abdominal, pelos indicadores CC, relação cintura/altura (RCA) e índice de conicidade (IC). As proporções de obesidade abdominal foram comparadas, segundo o estado nutricional (IMC), pelos testes do Qui-quadrado ou exato de Fischer. A correlação entre o IMC e os demais indicadores foi avaliada pelo coeficiente de correlação de Spearman. Adotou-se o ní- vel de significância de 5%. Resultados: A obesidade generalizada apareceu em 15,2% do grupo, enquanto a abdominal se mostrou ainda mais prevalente: 99,5%, 62,1% e 89,6%, segundo o IC, a CC e RCA, respectivamente. Maiores proporções de obesidade abdominal foram identificadas entre aqueles com obesidade geral, considerandose CC e RCA. Estes indicadores apresentaram forte correlação (0,87) com o IMC, mas não o IC (0,30). Conclusões: As elevadas proporções de obesidade, especialmente na região abdominal, colocam o grupo em risco para desenvolver complicações cardiovasculares e metabólicas, devendo ser alvo de ações de promoção de práticas alimentares e estilos de vida saudá- veis. Reforça-se ainda a importância de combinar indicadores antropométricos de obesidade abdominal ao IMC para avaliação desses pacientes (AU)

Objectives: To evaluate the prevalence of abdominal obesity in elderly patients with prostate cancer, and investigate the correlation between anthropometric indicators of abdominal obesity and body mass index (BMI) in the group. Methods: We conducted cross-sectional study with 211 patients with prostatic cancer, treated at a reference institution located in Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil. Was applied to form on sociodemograpgic characteristics. We measured wight, hight and waist circumference (WC). The generalized obesity was defined based on BMI and abdominal obesity was identified based on the indicators WC, waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) and conicity index (CI). The proportions of abdominal obesity were compared according to nutritional status (BMI) by Chisquare or Fischer exact. The correlation between BMI and other indicators was evaluated by Spearman coefficient. The adopted significance level was 5%. Results: The generalized obesity appeared in 15.2% of the group, while the abdominal proved even more prevalent: 99.5%, 62.1% and 89.6%, according to the CI, WC and WHtR, respectively. Higher rates of abdominal obesity were identified among obese, considering WC and WHtR. These indicators were strongly correlated (0.87) with BMI, but not the CI (0,30). Conclusions: The high rates of obesity, especially those in the abdominal region, put the group at risk to cardiovascular and metabolic complications, should be targeted in promoting eating habits and healthy lifestyle. It reinforces the importance of combinating anthropometric indicators of abdominal obesity with BMI assessment these patients (AU)

The role of the SLAM-SAP signaling pathway in the modulation of CD4+ T cell responses

The signaling lymphocytic activation molecule (SLAM), present on the surface of hematopoietic cells, can regulate some events of the immune responses. This modulatory action is associated with the capacity of SLAM to interact with an intracytoplasmic adapter, such as SLAM-associated protein (SAP). SLAM is constitutively expressed in most of these cells, is rapidly induced after antigenic or inflammatory stimuli, and participates in the immunological synapse. Defects in the function of the SLAM-SAP pathway contribute to immunological abnormalities, resulting in autoimmune diseases, tumors of the lymphoid tissues and inadequate responses to infectious agents. Initially, the role of SLAM was investigated using an anti-SLAM monoclonal antibody (α-SLAM mAb) identified as an agonist of the SLAM-SAP pathway, which could induce the production of interferon-γ and could redirect the immune response to a T helper 1 (Th1) cell profile. However, in this review we postulate that the SLAM-SAP pathway primarily induces a Th2 response and secondarily suppresses the Th1 response.

The role of the SLAM-SAP signaling pathway in the modulation of CD4+ T cell responses.

The signaling lymphocytic activation molecule (SLAM), present on the surface of hematopoietic cells, can regulate some events of the immune responses. This modulatory action is associated with the capacity of SLAM to interact with an intracytoplasmic adapter, such as SLAM-associated protein (SAP). SLAM is constitutively expressed in most of these cells, is rapidly induced after antigenic or inflammatory stimuli, and participates in the immunological synapse. Defects in the function of the SLAM-SAP pathway contribute to immunological abnormalities, resulting in autoimmune diseases, tumors of the lymphoid tissues and inadequate responses to infectious agents. Initially, the role of SLAM was investigated using an anti-SLAM monoclonal antibody (α-SLAM mAb) identified as an agonist of the SLAM-SAP pathway, which could induce the production of interferon-γ and could redirect the immune response to a T helper 1 (Th1) cell profile. However, in this review we postulate that the SLAM-SAP pathway primarily induces a Th2 response and secondarily suppresses the Th1 response.

Effect of vitamin A deficiency on iron bioavailability.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin A deficiency alters iron status leading to an iron overload in tissues; however, the mechanism of this interaction is poorly understood. The present study aimed to assess the effect of vitamin A deficiency on iron bioavailability and utilization in rats. METHODS: Animals were divided into three groups of six rats each that were fed AIN-93G diet (control group), a vitamin A deficient diet and an iron and vitamin A deficient diet, respectively, for 57 days. The concentrations of hepatic and splenic iron, haemoglobin, red and white cells as well as iron utilization and its bioavailability were evaluated in the three groups. RESULTS: Vitamin A deficiency increased the concentration of red blood cells, haemoglobin concentration (Hb), and splenic iron as well as iron utilization. However, the iron bioavailability observed in vitamin A deficient rats was not significantly different compared to the control group, while in the iron/vitamin A deficient rats, it was higher (p = 0.0056). With regard to iron absorption, no difference was observed among the three groups. CONCLUSION: Increase of haemoglobin, red blood cells and splenic iron concentration observed in vitamin A deficiency suggests that vitamin A may affect the iron mobilization from tissues rather than iron absorption.

Tipificação genética, através da técnica de spoligotyping, de isolados de Mycobacterium bovis em animais abatidos na região metropolitana de Salvador, Bahia, Brasil / Use of spoligotyping for genetic typing of Mycobacterium bovis isolates from slaughtered animals in the metropolitan area of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil

A tuberculose é uma enfermidade infecciosa crônica, que afeta mamíferos e aves e constitui um sério problema de saúde pública e animal. Objetivando realizar um levantamento molecular da enfermidade em bovinos abatidos em matadouros frigoríficos no Estado da Bahia, Brasil, foram analisadas as lesões pulmonares e de linfonodos mediastínicos de 43 carcaças de animais abatidos em três matadouros-frigoríficos localizados na Região Metropolitana de Salvador, Bahia. Sete isolados de Mycobacterium bovis foram identificados, através da técnica do spolygotyping, e discriminados em três diferentes espoligotipos (SB1055, SB0120 e SB0268) descritos no Brasil e em diversas áreas do mundo. Os resultados indicam que o método de diagnóstico utilizado pode contribuir para a criação de uma base de dados para o estudo epidemiológico da tuberculose bovina no Estado da Bahia.

Tuberculosis is an infectious chronic disease that affects mammals and birds and constitutes a serious problem for public and animal health. Pulmonary and mediastinic lymph node lesions of 43 animals slaughtered in 3 slaughterhouses in the metropolitan region of the city of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, were analyzed with the objective of obtaining a molecular survey of the disease in bovines slaughtered in slaughterhouses in the state. Seven isolates ofMycobacterium bovis were identified through the spoligotyping technique and classified into 3 different spoligotypes (SB1055, SB0120, SB0268), described in Brazil and in many areas worldwide. The results indicate that the diagnostic method utilized may contribute to the creation of a database for the epidemiologic study of bovine tuberculosis in the state of Bahia.

Risk factors for failure to complete a course of latent tuberculosis infection treatment in Salvador, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Although treatment of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is an essential component of tuberculosis (TB) control in countries such as the United States, it is not widely practiced in most TB-endemic countries. OBJECTIVE: To examine the practice of and adherence to LTBI treatment in a high-risk population in Brazil. DESIGN: We followed household contacts (HHCs) of patients hospitalized with pulmonary TB in Salvador, Brazil, for 6 months after they initiated LTBI treatment with isoniazid (INH). HHCs were asked to return to the hospital once a month for 6 months for follow-up visits and INH refills. RESULTS: Of 101 HHCs who initiated LTBI treatment, 54 (53.5%) completed the 6-month regimen. The risk of treatment non-completion was significantly higher in HHCs who reported side effects to INH (RR 2.69, 95%CI 1.3-5.8, P = 0.01), and in those who had to take two buses for a one-way trip to the hospital (RR 1.8, 95%CI 1.01-3.3, P = 0.04). Of the 101 HHCs, 29 (28.7%) did not return for any follow-up visits; these HHCs were significantly more likely to have a 2-bus commute to the hospital compared to HHCs who completed treatment (OR 20.69, 95%CI 2.1-208.4, P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Nearly 50% of HHCs at high risk for developing TB completed a 6-month course of LTBI treatment. Completion of LTBI treatment was most affected by medication intolerance and commuting difficulties for follow-up visits.

Analysis of discordance between the tuberculin skin test and the interferon-gamma release assay.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze factors associated with discordance between tuberculin skin test (TST) and interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) results among household contacts of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) patients. DESIGN: TST (purified protein derivative) and IGRA (QuantiFERON-TB Gold) were performed on household contacts of PTB patients diagnosed between 2006 and 2007 in Salvador, Brazil. Discordant test groups were compared with the TST-/IGRA- group. RESULTS: Of 261 household contacts satisfactorily tested by TST, 145 (55.6%) had positive TST results; of 298 satisfactorily tested by IGRA, 127 (43.1%) had positive results. The test agreement was 0.76 (kappa = 0.53, 95%CI 0.43-0.63). Sixty-one (24%) were discordant: 44 (72%) with TST+/IGRA- and 17 (28%) with TST-/IGRA+ results. Compared to the TST-/IGRA- group, the TST+/IGRA- and TST+/IGRA+ groups were significantly more likely to have a chest X-ray showing old lung scars (OR = 6.8, 95%CI 1.3-35.0; OR = 7.4, 95%CI 2.2-24.4, respectively). The TST-/IGRA+ group was exposed to their index cases for significantly longer than the TST-/IGRA- group (OR = 7.2, 95%CI 1.7-29.3). CONCLUSION: The TST+/IGRA- and TST+/IGRA+ groups shared more similar characteristics with each other than with the TST-/IGRA- group. In a setting endemic for TB, TST results appear to be more suitable in the decision to treat latent TB infection.

Carotenoids from malanga (Xanthosoma sagittifolium) leaves protect cells against oxidative stress in rats.

The present study investigated the effect of malanga leaf powder and its carotenoids oil extract on oxidative damage in rat tissues. A group of rats received AIN-93G diet devoid of vitamin A (AD) and three other groups were treated with AD diet supplied with synthetic beta-carotene (beta-car) or malanga leaf powder (MP) or malanga carotenoids extract (CE). The diets' carotenoids bioavailability was determined through carotenoids intake/liver retinol content. Lipid thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and protein (carbonyl) oxidation, and reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG) glutathione concentrations were determined in liver, heart, and brain. Synthetic beta-carotene bioavailability was higher than that of pro-vitamin A carotenoids from MP and CE diets, and no difference was observed between the latter two groups. Liver and heart lipid peroxidation was lower in the beta-car and CE groups than the AD group, while no difference was observed for the MP group. The beta-car, MP, and CE groups showed lower liver protein oxidation than the AD group, and only the CE group had lower heart protein oxidation in relation to AD. The MP group had a lower liver GSSG concentration and higher GSH/GSSG ratio than the AD group, while no difference was observed for heart glutathione concentration among the groups. The results indicate that at physiological levels, beta-car, malanga carotenoids extract, and malanga leaf powder have antioxidant effects in rats.

Metal-binding proteins scanning and determination by combining gel electrophoresis, synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence and atomic spectrometry.

In the present work, protein bands from in vitro embriogenic callus (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck) were investigated using micro-synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence (muSR-XRF) after sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) separation. Metal-binding protein quantification was done after microwave oven decomposition of gel by synchrotron radiation total reflection X-ray fluorescence (SR-TXRF), flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) and flame atomic emission spectrometry (FAES). According to the analysis of the protein bands, it is possible to observe that both 81 and ca. 14 kDa proteins present different Fe signal intensity at different positions. The analysis of 53 kDa protein, showed even more interesting results. Besides Fe, the muSR-XRF experiments indicate the presence of Ca, Cu, K and Zn. Chemical elements such as Cu, K, Fe and Zn were determined by SR-TXRF, Mg by FAAS and Na by FAES. Ca was determined by SR-TXRF and FAAS only for accuracy check. In the mineralised protein bands of 81 and around 14 kDa band, only Fe was determined (105 and 21.8 microg g(-1)). For those protein bands (86-ca. 14 kDa) were determined, Ca, K, Cu and Zn in a wide concentration range (42.4-283, 2.47-96.8, 0.91-15.9 and 3.39-29.7 microg g(-1), respectively).

Características microbiológicas da carne de caprinos submetidos a diferentes formas de manejo / Characteristics microbiological of the meat of goats submitted to peculiar forms of management

A manipulação da carcaça no abate propicia a proliferação de microorganismos. A produção de carne caprina que atenda aos requisitos de segurança microbiológica agrega valor ao produto, além de traduzir a eficiência do processamento em todas as suas etapas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi observar se o perfil microbiológico da carne caprina dos animais pesquisados encontra-se de acordo com padrões propostos na Resolução - RDC n. 12, de 2 de janeiro de 2001, que define o Regulamento Técnico sobre Padrões Microbiológicos para Alimentos. Determinou-se o pH, a atividade de água e o número mais provável de coliformes totais e fecais, Salmonella sp e Staphylococcus coagulase positiva. Amostras constituídas pelo conjunto de músculos que formam a perna do caprino (total de 24 animais) foram analisadas. Os resultados demonstraram que, de um modo geral, amostras desse estudo atenderam aos requisitos de segurança microbiológica da referida RDC, com exceção pra um dos grupos pesquisados (C - 30), que apresentou uma concentração de Coliformes fecais de 2,1 x 10 , valor este acima do estabelecido pela legislação vigente que é de 10. Este artigo serve de interesse para cientistas de alimentos que pesquisam a carne, e microbiologistas que trabalham com saúde pública e se interessam pela segurança das carnes em geral e da carne caprina em particular.