Multi-state survey of healthcare-associated infections in acute care hospitals in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) challenge public health in developing countries such as Brazil, which harbour social inequalities and variations in the complexity of healthcare and regional development. AIM: To describe the prevalence of HCAIs in hospitals in a sample of hospitals in Brazil. METHODS: A prevalence survey conducted in 2011-13 enrolled 152 hospitals from the five macro-regions in Brazil. Hospitals were classified as large (≥200 beds), medium (50-199 beds) or small sized (<50 beds). Settings were randomly selected from a governmental database, except for 11 reference university hospitals. All patients with >48 h of admission to the study hospitals at the time of the survey were included. Trained epidemiologist nurses visited each hospital and collected data on HCAIs, subjects' demographics, and invasive procedures. Univariate and multivariate techniques were used for data analysis. FINDINGS: The overall HCAI prevalence was 10.8%. Most frequent infection sites were pneumonia (3.6%) and bloodstream infections (2.8%). Surgical site infections were found in 1.5% of the whole sample, but in 9.8% of subjects who underwent surgical procedures. The overall prevalence was greater for reference (12.6%) and large hospitals (13.5%), whereas medium- and small-sized hospitals presented rates of 7.7% and 5.5%, respectively. Only minor differences were noticed among hospitals from different macro-regions. Patients in intensive care units, using invasive devices or at extremes of age were at greater risk for HCAIs. CONCLUSION: Prevalence rates were high in all geographic regions and hospital sizes. HCAIs must be a priority in the public health agenda of developing countries.

Detection of colonization by carbapenem-resistant organisms by real-time polymerase chain reaction from rectal swabs in patients with chronic renal disease.

BACKGROUND: Carbapenem-resistant organism (CRO) colonization is a serious problem that increases the risk of infection and contributes to dissemination of antimicrobial resistance in healthcare-associated environments. The risk of acquisition and dissemination of CRO is high in chronic renal failure patients and the surveillance culture is recommended as a component of infection control programmes. AIM: To assess colonization by CRO, comparing phenotypic and molecular-based methods of diagnostics, in rectal swabs in a large population of chronic renal failure patients. METHODS: A total of 1092 rectal swabs (ESwab™) were collected at two different times from 546 chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients from a specialized tertiary care university centre. They were divided into three groups: conservative treatment (N = 129), dialysis (N = 217), and transplanted patients (N = 200). A chromogenic (CHROMagar™) KPC agar and the multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) targeting carbapenemase-encoding genes were tested as phenotypic and molecular screening for carbapenemase production. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry and conventional PCR were also performed on the isolates grown on chromogenic agar. FINDINGS: Among the 1092 samples, 150 (13.7%) were identified as CRO producers according to chromogenic agar. Only 26 (2.4%) were confirmed as KPC by conventional PCR. According to qPCR direct from swab, 31 (2.8%) were positive for KPC, 39 (3.6%) for GES, and three (0.3%) for SPM with kappa index of 0.256. CONCLUSION: The qPCR technique provides faster results when compared to culture method and enables rapid implementation of control measures and interventions to reduce the spread of CRO in healthcare settings, especially among CKD patients.

Post-surgical mediastinitis due to carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae: Clinical, epidemiological and survival characteristics.

Invasive infections due to carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), including polymyxin-resistant (PR-CRE) strains, are being increasingly reported. However, there is a lack of clinical data for several life-threatening infections. Here we describe a cohort of patients with post-surgical mediastinitis due to CRE, including PR-CRE. This study was a retrospective cohort design at a single cardiology centre. Patients with mediastinitis due to CRE were identified and were investigated for clinically relevant variables. Infecting isolates were studied using molecular techniques. Patients infected with polymyxin-susceptible CRE (PS-CRE) strains were compared with those infected with PR-CRE strains. In total, 33 patients with CRE mediastinitis were studied, including 15 patients (45%) with PR-CRE. The majority (61%) were previously colonised. All infecting isolates carried blaKPC genes. Baseline characteristics of patients with PR-CRE mediastinitis were comparable with those with PS-CRE mediastinitis. Of the patients studied, 70% received at least one agent considered active in vitro and most patients received at least three concomitant antibiotics. Carbapenem plus polymyxin B was the most common antibiotic combination (73%). Over 90% of patients underwent surgical debridement. Overall, in-hospital mortality was 33% and tended to be higher in patients infected with PR-CRE (17% vs. 53%; P=0.06). In conclusion, mediastinitis due to CRE, including PR-CRE, can become a significant challenge in centres with CRE and a high cardiac surgery volume. Despite complex antibiotic treatments and aggressive surgical procedures, these patients have a high mortality, particularly those infected with PR-CRE.

Nosocomial bloodstream infections in a nationwide study: comparison between solid organ transplant patients and the general population.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of bloodstream infection (BSI) varies according to the transplanted organ. Mortality can be as high as 24%, with a significant impact on graft survival. Transplantation is a risk factor for multidrug-resistant (MDR) organisms, but comparison with a non-transplanted population in a single large cohort has not been described. METHODS: This is a prospective nationwide study (16 centers) reporting data on 2364 monomicrobial nosocomial BSIs, comparing 83 episodes in solid organ transplant patients with 2447 BSIs occurring in the general hospital population. RESULTS: The prevalence of groups of infecting organisms (gram-positive, gram-negative, and fungi) was similar between transplant patients and the general population and a similar crude mortality rate was observed (34.9% in transplant vs. 43.3% in non-transplant patients). Staphylococcus aureus was the single most frequently isolated organism in both groups, and Acinetobacter species was more frequently isolated in the general population. Regarding MDR organisms, Klebsiella species, and Enterobacter species resistant to cefepime, as well as Acinetobacter species resistant to meropenem, were significantly more frequent in transplant patients. CONCLUSION: Antimicrobial resistance is higher, particularly among gram-negative bacteria in the transplant population, although the overall mortality rate between transplant and non-transplant patients with nosocomial BSI is similar.

A space-time model for carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC) cluster quantification in a high-complexity hospital.

A retrospective space-time permutation model with non-Euclidean distance criteria was applied within a high-complexity hospital setting to quantitatively explore cluster patterns of 273 patients infected with or colonized by carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae during 4 years. Results were compared to standard nosocomial active-surveillance methods. Two clusters were identified in the period, suggesting that space-time strategies for cluster quantification within confined environments may be useful.

Unusual association of NDM-1 with KPC-2 and armA among Brazilian Enterobacteriaceae isolates.

We report the microbiological characterization of four New Delhi metallo-ß-lactamase-1 (blaNDM-1)-producing Enterobacteriaceae isolated in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. blaNDM-1 was located on a conjugative plasmid and was associated with Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase-2 (blaKPC-2) or aminoglycoside-resistance methylase (armA), a 16S rRNA methylase not previously reported in Brazil, in two distinct strains of Enterobacter cloacae. Our results suggested that the introduction of blaNDM-1 in Brazil has been accompanied by rapid spread, since our isolates showed no genetic relationship.

Lesões cervicais e infecção pelo papilomavirus humano no sistema prisional da cidade de São Paulo, Brasil / Cervical lesions and human papillomavirus infection in women at a prisional system in São Paulo city, Brazil

A relação entre o câncer cervical e a infecção pelo Papilomavírus Humano (HPV) está bem estabelecida. Múltiplos parceiros e múltiplas práticas sexuais são os fatores de risco associados à infecção pelo HPV. Existe uma grande probabilidade em que as mulheres internas em presídios tenham uma maior suscetibilidade de adquirir a infecção genital. A avaliação de alterações celulares, pelo exame de Papanicolaou, e identificação molecular de DNA-HPV de alto risco são utilizadas para a detecção e prevenção do câncer cervical. Quatrocentas e nove amostras cervicais de mulheres internas, nopresídio feminino da cidade de São Paulo, com idade entre 18 e 60 anos, foram analisadas, em 2006. Os achados celulares foram classificados com base no Sistema Bethesda (2001). O DNA-HPV foi identificado pelo PCR convencional, empregando os primersuniversais MY09/11, e os tipos identificados por PCR/RFLP, utilizando enzimas de restrição. Vinte e sete (6,60%) dos 409 esfregaços das internas do sistema penal revelaramLesões Escamosas Intraepiteliais de Baixo Grau (LSIL), 3 (11,11%) mostram alterações compatíveis com Lesões Escamosas Intraepiteliais de Alto Grau (HSIL), 5 (18,53%) exibiram Atipias Escamosas de Significado Indeterminado (ASC-US), 1 (3,70%) mostrou Células Glandulares Atípicas (CGA) e 1 (3,70%) revelou Carcinoma de Células Escamosas. DNA-HPV de alto risco foi identificado em 12 (44,43%) amostras (HPV 16, 18, 31, 33, 34, 39 e 61). Oito (29,62%) amostras revelaram infecção por HPV de baixo risco (HPV 6b). O presente estudo detectou uma alta prevalência de LSIL e HSIL associada à presença de DNA-HPV de alto risco, nas mulheres internas no sistema prisional.

The association between cervical cancer and Human PapillomavirusInfection (HPV) has been determinated. Multiple partners andmultiple sexual practices are risk factors associated with HPVinfection. There is a high probability that women resident in prisionscould be more susceptible to acquire genital HPV infection. Thescreening of cellular changes by pap-smear and the molecularidentification of high risk DNA-HPV is usefull for the detection andprevention of cervical cancer. Four hundred nine samples of cervicalsmear from women resident in a prisional system in São Paulo,between 18 to 60 years old were analyzed in 2006. The cellularresults were reported according to the Bethesda System Terminology,2001. The DNA-HPV detection was made by Conventional PCR usingConsensus Primers MY 09/11 and the HPV types were identify byPCR-RFLP using restriction endonuclease enzymes.Twenty seven(6,60%) out of 409 pap-smears samples showed pre malignant lesion.Seventeen (62,96%) out of these 27 samples revealed Low Squamous Intraepitheal Lesion (LSIL), 3 (11,11%) showed changessuggestive of High Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion (HSIL), 5(18,53%) samples presented Atypical Squamous Cells ofUndetermined Significance (ASC-US), 1 (3,70%) sample had AtypicalGlandular Cells (AGC), and 1 (3,70%) sample showed CervicalSquamous Carcinoma. High Risk DNA-HPV was identified in 12(44,43%) (HPV 16, 18, 31, 33, 34, 39 and 61). Eight (29,62%) samplesrevealed the low risk for neoplasic lesion subtype HPV-6b. Thepresent study reveal a high prevalence of LSIL and HSIL associatedwith the presence of High-risk DNA-HPV in women resident in aprisional system.

A framework for the non-antibiotic management of upper respiratory tract infections: towards a global change in antibiotic resistance.

Antibiotic resistance has become a critical health issue on a global scale, with much of the problem resulting from inappropriate use of antibiotics in primary care. To change this practice, the global respiratory infection partnership has formulated a pentagonal (five P) framework for the non-antibiotic management of upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) - one of the most common conditions in primary care for which antibiotics are prescribed. The framework presents the rationale for focusing on URTIs to promote antibiotic stewardship in primary care and elaborates on five key areas to focus on to bring about change: policy, prevention, prescribers, pharmacy and patients. The ultimate aim is to adopt a patient-centred symptomatic management strategy using a flexible framework that can be adapted across countries to create a consistent global approach to change behaviour.

Assessing the diversity of the virulence potential of Escherichia coli isolated from bacteremia in São Paulo, Brazil

Most of the knowledge of the virulence determinants of extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) comes from studies with human strains causing urinary tract infections and neonatal meningitis and animal strains causing avian colibacillosis. In this research, we analyzed the phylogenetic background, the presence of 20 ExPEC virulence factors, and the intrinsic virulence potential of 74 E. coli strains isolated in São Paulo, Brazil, from 74 hospitalized patients (43 males and 31 females) with unknown-source bacteremia. Unlike other places in the world, the bacteremic strains originated equally from phylogroups B2 (35%) and D (30%). A great variability in the profiles of virulence factors was noted in this survey. Nevertheless, 61% of the strains were classified as ExPEC, meaning that they possessed intrinsic virulent potential. Accordingly, these strains presented high virulence factor scores (average of 8.7), and were positively associated with 12 of 17 virulence factors detected. On the contrary, the non-ExPEC strains, isolated from 39% of the patients, presented a generally low virulence capacity (medium virulence factor score of 3.1), and were positively associated with only the colicin cvaC gene. These results show the importance of discriminating E. coli isolates that possess characteristics of true pathogens from those that may be merely opportunistic in order to better understand the virulence mechanisms involved in extraintestinal E. coli infections. Such knowledge is essential for epidemiological purposes as well as for development of control measures aimed to minimize the incidence of these life-threatening and costly infections.

Assessing the diversity of the virulence potential of Escherichia coli isolated from bacteremia in São Paulo, Brazil.

Most of the knowledge of the virulence determinants of extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) comes from studies with human strains causing urinary tract infections and neonatal meningitis and animal strains causing avian colibacillosis. In this research, we analyzed the phylogenetic background, the presence of 20 ExPEC virulence factors, and the intrinsic virulence potential of 74 E. coli strains isolated in São Paulo, Brazil, from 74 hospitalized patients (43 males and 31 females) with unknown-source bacteremia. Unlike other places in the world, the bacteremic strains originated equally from phylogroups B2 (35%) and D (30%). A great variability in the profiles of virulence factors was noted in this survey. Nevertheless, 61% of the strains were classified as ExPEC, meaning that they possessed intrinsic virulent potential. Accordingly, these strains presented high virulence factor scores (average of 8.7), and were positively associated with 12 of 17 virulence factors detected. On the contrary, the non-ExPEC strains, isolated from 39% of the patients, presented a generally low virulence capacity (medium virulence factor score of 3.1), and were positively associated with only the colicin cvaC gene. These results show the importance of discriminating E. coli isolates that possess characteristics of true pathogens from those that may be merely opportunistic in order to better understand the virulence mechanisms involved in extraintestinal E. coli infections. Such knowledge is essential for epidemiological purposes as well as for development of control measures aimed to minimize the incidence of these life-threatening and costly infections.

Characterization of bacteriophages infecting clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa stored in a culture collection.

Some clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa stored in our culture collection did not grow or grew poorly and showed lysis on the culture plates when removed from the collection and inoculated on MacConkey agar. One hypothesis was that bacteriophages had infected and killed those clinical isolates. To check the best storage conditions to maintain viable P. aeruginosa for a longer time, clinical isolates were stored at various temperatures and were grown monthly. We investigated the presence of phage in 10 clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa stored in our culture collection. Four strains of P. aeruginosa were infected by phages that were characterized by electron microscopy and isolated to assess their ability to infect. The best condition to maintain the viability of the strains during storage was in water at room temperature. Three Siphoviridae and two Myoviridae phages were visualized and characterized by morphology. We confirmed the presence of bacteriophages infecting clinical isolates, and their ability to infect and lyse alternative hosts. Strain PAO1, however, did not show lysis to any phage. Mucoid and multidrug resistant strains of P. aeruginosa showed lysis to 50% of the phages tested.

Characterization of bacteriophages infecting clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa stored in a culture collection

Some clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa stored in our culture collection did not grow or grew poorly and showed lysis on the culture plates when removed from the collection and inoculated on MacConkey agar. One hypothesis was that bacteriophages had infected and killed those clinical isolates. To check the best storage conditions to maintain viable P. aeruginosa for a longer time, clinical isolates were stored at various temperatures and were grown monthly. We investigated the presence of phage in 10 clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa stored in our culture collection. Four strains of P. aeruginosa were infected by phages that were characterized by electron microscopy and isolated to assess their ability to infect. The best condition to maintain the viability of the strains during storage was in water at room temperature. Three Siphoviridae and two Myoviridae phages were visualized and characterized by morphology. We confirmed the presence of bacteriophages infecting clinical isolates, and their ability to infect and lyse alternative hosts. Strain PAO1, however, did not show lysis to any phage. Mucoid and multidrug resistant strains of P. aeruginosa showed lysis to 50% of the phages tested.

New multilocus sequence typing of MRSA in São Paulo, Brazil

An increased incidence of nosocomial and community-acquired infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has been observed worldwide. The molecular characterization of MRSA has played an important role in demonstrating the existence of internationally disseminated clones. The use of molecular biology methods in the surveillance programs has enabled the tracking of MRSA spread within and among hospitals. These data are useful to alert nosocomial infection control programs about the potential introduction of these epidemic clones in their areas. Four MRSA blood culture isolates from patients hospitalized at two hospitals in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, were analyzed; one of them was community acquired. The isolates were characterized as SCCmec, mecA and PVL by PCR, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) profile and molecular sequence typing (MLST) genotyping. The isolates presented type IV SCCmec, and none proved to be positive for PVL. The isolates showed a PFGE profile similar to the pediatric clone. MLST genotyping demonstrated that the isolates belonged to clonal complex 5 (CC5), showing a new yqiL allele gene, resulting in a new sequence typing (ST) (1176). Our results showed that strains of MRSA carrying a new ST are emerging in community and nosocomial infections, including bacteremia, in São Paulo, Brazil.

New multilocus sequence typing of MRSA in São Paulo, Brazil.

An increased incidence of nosocomial and community-acquired infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has been observed worldwide. The molecular characterization of MRSA has played an important role in demonstrating the existence of internationally disseminated clones. The use of molecular biology methods in the surveillance programs has enabled the tracking of MRSA spread within and among hospitals. These data are useful to alert nosocomial infection control programs about the potential introduction of these epidemic clones in their areas. Four MRSA blood culture isolates from patients hospitalized at two hospitals in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, were analyzed; one of them was community acquired. The isolates were characterized as SCCmec, mecA and PVL by PCR, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) profile and molecular sequence typing (MLST) genotyping. The isolates presented type IV SCCmec, and none proved to be positive for PVL. The isolates showed a PFGE profile similar to the pediatric clone. MLST genotyping demonstrated that the isolates belonged to clonal complex 5 (CC5), showing a new yqiL allele gene, resulting in a new sequence typing (ST) (1176). Our results showed that strains of MRSA carrying a new ST are emerging in community and nosocomial infections, including bacteremia, in São Paulo, Brazil.

Microbial profile and antibiotic susceptibility of culture-positive bacterial endophthalmitis.

PURPOSE: To assess the distribution of microorganisms isolated from patients with bacterial endophthalmitis and their antimicrobial susceptibility. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of medical and microbiological records of patients with suspected diagnosis of endophthalmitis. The following information was assessed: number of presumed and culture-positive endophthalmitis cases, source of infection, microbiological result (aqueous and/or vitreous culture and Gram staining), microbial characterization and distribution, and antimicrobial susceptibility. RESULTS: A total of 107 (46%) of 231 patients with bacterial endophthalmitis showed positive results by gram stain or culture. Of these, 97 (42%) patients were positive for culture only. Most of them (62%) were secondary to a surgical procedure (postoperative), 12% were posttraumatic and 26% were secondary to an unknown source or the data were unavailable. A total of 100 microorganisms were isolated (38 aqueous and 67 vitreous samples) from the 97 culture-positive cases (91% were gram-positive and 9% were gram-negative). Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus(CoNS) (48%) were the most frequently isolated, followed by Stretococcus viridans(18%), and Staphylococcus aureus(13%). The antimicrobial susceptibility for CoNS was as follows: amikacin-91.6%, cephalothin-97.9%, ceftriaxone-50%, ciprofloxacin-62.5%, chloramphenicol-91.8%, gatifloxacin-79.5%, gentamicin-72.9%, moxifloxacin-89.5%, ofloxacin-70.8%, oxacillin-58.3%, penicillin-33.3%, tobramycin-85.4%, and vancomycin-100%. CONCLUSION: Gram-positive bacteria were the major causes of infectious endophthalmitis in this large series, usually following surgery. CoNS was the most common isolate. Of interest, susceptibility to oxacillin and fourth-generation quinolones was lower than previously published.

Cross-transmission of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus in patients undergoing dialysis and kidney transplant

The objective of this study was to investigate the occurrence of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) cross-transmission between two patient groups (long-term dialysis and kidney transplant patients). Molecular typing, by automated ribotyping with the RiboPrinter Microbial Characterization System (Qualicon, USA), was used to analyze VRE isolates from 31 fecal samples of 320 dialysis patients and 38 fecal samples of 280 kidney transplant patients. Clonal spread of E. faecalis and E. casseliflavus was observed intragroup, but not between the two groups of patients. In turn, transmission of E. gallinarum and E. faecium between the groups was suggested by the finding of vancomycin-resistant isolates belonging to the same ribogroup in both dialysis and transplant patients. The fact that these patients were colonized by VRE from the same ribogroup in the same health care facility provides evidence for cross-transmission and supports the adoption of stringent infection control measures to prevent dissemination of these bacteria.

Cross-transmission of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus in patients undergoing dialysis and kidney transplant.

The objective of this study was to investigate the occurrence of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) cross-transmission between two patient groups (long-term dialysis and kidney transplant patients). Molecular typing, by automated ribotyping with the RiboPrinter Microbial Characterization System (Qualicon, USA), was used to analyze VRE isolates from 31 fecal samples of 320 dialysis patients and 38 fecal samples of 280 kidney transplant patients. Clonal spread of E. faecalis and E. casseliflavus was observed intragroup, but not between the two groups of patients. In turn, transmission of E. gallinarum and E. faecium between the groups was suggested by the finding of vancomycin-resistant isolates belonging to the same ribogroup in both dialysis and transplant patients. The fact that these patients were colonized by VRE from the same ribogroup in the same health care facility provides evidence for cross-transmission and supports the adoption of stringent infection control measures to prevent dissemination of these bacteria.

Oxacilin-resistant Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) bacteremia in a general hospital at São Paulo city, Brasil / Bacteremias por Staphylococcus coagulase negativos oxacilina resistentes em um hospital na cidade de São Paulo, Brasil

In the last decades, coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS), especially Staphylococcus epidermidis have become an important cause of bloodstream infections. In addition, rates of methicillin-resistance among CoNS have increased substantially, leading to the use of glicopeptides for therapy. The objective of this study was to evaluate eleven consecutives clinically relevant cases of oxacillin-resistant CoNS bacteremia in a general hospital localized in São Paulo city, Brazil. Five different species were identified by different phenotypic methods, including S. epidermidis (5), S. haemolyticus (3), S. hominis (1), S. warneri (1) and S. cohnii subsp urealyticus (1). A variety of Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis profiles was observed by macrorestriction DNA analysis in S. epidermidis isolates, but two of three S. haemolyticus isolates presented the same profile. These data indicated the heterogeneity of the CoNS isolates, suggesting that horizontal dissemination of these microorganisms in the investigated hospital was not frequent. One S. epidermidis and one S. haemolyticus isolates were resistant to teicoplanin and susceptible to vancomycin. The selective pressure due to the use of teicoplanin in this hospital is relevant.

Staphylococcus coagulase negativos (SCoN), especialmente Staphylococcus epidermidis tem se tornado causa importante de infecções da corrente circulatória nas últimas décadas. Além disso, percentuais de resistência a meticilina entre os SCoN têm aumentado significativamente, levando ao uso de glicopeptídeos nestes pacientes. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar onze casos consecutivos de bacteremia clinicamente relevantes por SCoN oxacilina resistentes em um hospital localizado na cidade de São Paulo, Brasil. Cinco diferentes espécies foram identificadas por diferentes métodos fenotípicos, incluindo S. epidermidis (5), S. haemolyticus (3), S. hominis (1), S. warneri (1) e S. cohnii subsp urealyticus (1). Diferentes perfis eletroforéticos obtidos pela técnica de "Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis" foram observados na análise da macrorestrição do DNA nos isolados de S. epidermidis, mas dois dos três isolados de S. haemolyticus apresentaram o mesmo perfil. Esses dados indicam uma heterogeneidade nos isolados SCoN, sugerindo que a disseminação horizontal no hospital investigado não é freqüente. Um isolado de S. epidermidis e um de S. haemolyticus foram resistentes à teicoplanina e sensíveis à vancomicina. Observa-se a relevância da pressão seletiva pelo uso de teicoplanina nos pacientes deste hospital.

Oxacilin-resistant Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) bacteremia in a general hospital at São Paulo city, Brasil.

In the last decades, coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS), especially Staphylococcus epidermidis have become an important cause of bloodstream infections. In addition, rates of methicillin-resistance among CoNS have increased substantially, leading to the use of glicopeptides for therapy. The objective of this study was to evaluate eleven consecutives clinically relevant cases of oxacillin-resistant CoNS bacteremia in a general hospital localized in São Paulo city, Brazil. Five different species were identified by different phenotypic methods, including S. epidermidis (5), S. haemolyticus (3), S. hominis (1), S. warneri (1) and S. cohnii subsp urealyticus (1). A variety of Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis profiles was observed by macrorestriction DNA analysis in S. epidermidis isolates, but two of three S. haemolyticus isolates presented the same profile. These data indicated the heterogeneity of the CoNS isolates, suggesting that horizontal dissemination of these microorganisms in the investigated hospital was not frequent. One S. epidermidis and one S. haemolyticus isolates were resistant to teicoplanin and susceptible to vancomycin. The selective pressure due to the use of teicoplanin in this hospital is relevant.

Acute endophthalmitis following intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin) injection.

PURPOSE: To report two cases of acute endophthalmitis following intravitreal bevacizumab injection. METHODS: Two patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration were treated sequentially with an intravitreal injection of bevacizumab and developed signs of severe but painless infectious endophthalmitis 2 days later. Vitreous samples were obtained, followed by the injection of vancomycin 1 mg/0.1 ml and ceftazidime 2.25 mg/0.1 ml. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) was used to determine whether the isolated microorganisms were the same. RESULTS: Coagulase-negative staphylococci were identified and isolated from the vitreous specimen of both patients. PFGE revealed different patterns of banding, excluding that interpatient contamination occured. CONCLUSIONS: Infectious endophthalmitis is a potential complication of intravitreal bevacizumab injection.