Combined antibodies against internalins A and B proteins have potential application in immunoassay for detection of Listeria monocytogenes.

Listeria monocytogenes is a food-borne bacterium that causes listeriosis upon the ingestion of contaminated food. Traditional methods to detect L. monocytogenes require pre-enrichment broths to increase its concentration. To improve the screening of contaminated food and prevent listeriosis outbreaks, rapid, specific and sensitive assays are needed to detect L. monocytogenes. This study developed a prototype lateral flow immunochromatographic assay (LFIA) employing antibodies against L. monocytogenes Internalin A (InlA) and Internalin B (InlB) proteins, that are involved in non-phagocytic cell invasion. The following antibodies were used to capture L. monocytogenes antigenic targets: mouse anti-Internalin A monoclonal antibody (MAb-2D12) conjugated to colloidal gold nanoparticles and a mouse anti-Internalin B polyclonal antibody. This test was able to detect pure L. monocytogenes from culture with a limit of detection (LOD) ranging from 5.9 × 103 to 1.5 × 104 CFU/mL. In milk artificially contaminated with L. monocytogenes, the LOD was 1 × 105 CFU/mL. This prototype test discriminated L. monocytogenes from other bacterial species (Listeria innocua, Enterobacter cloacae, Bacillus cereus). Results indicate that this LFIA developed using antibodies against L. monocytogenes InlA and InlB proteins is a sensitive and specific tool that can be potentially useful to rapidly detect L. monocytogenes in contaminated food. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-022-05597-9.

Bactérias associadas a formigas coletadas em hospitais em Anápolis ­ GO / Ant-associated bacteria collected from hospitals in Anápolis ­ GO / Bacterias asociadas a hormigas recolectadas de hospitales en Anápolis ­ GO

Justificativa e Objetivos: os hospitais são locais propícios para a instalação e propagação de insetos, especialmente formigas. Essas, além da sua capacidade adaptativa, vivem em mutualismo com outros animais, como fungos e bactérias, o que confere risco elevado para infecções nosocomiais. O presente estudo teve como objetivo identificar a microbiota bacteriana associada com formigas intra-hospitalares na cidade de Anápolis, Goiás, e discutir o papel de tais agentes no desenvolvimento de infecções hospitalares e o consequente risco para indivíduos hospitalizados. Métodos: foram montadas armadilhas para formigas em dois hospitais da cidade de Anápolis a fim de capturá-las nos setores de enfermaria, unidade de terapia intensiva/semi-intensiva e nutrição. As armadilhas eram deixadas por um período pré-determinado nos respectivos setores e depois eram levadas ao Laboratório de Microbiologia da UniEvangélica para cultivo, semeadura e identificação bacteriana. Resultados: foram realizadas três coletas em cada um dos setores de cada instituição hospitalar. Foi possível isolar os seguintes microrganismos: Staphylococcus spp., bacilos Gram-positivos, Klebsiella ozaenae, K. rhinoscleromatis, Escherichia coli e Yersinia pseudotuberculosis. Conclusão: pode-se concluir que as formigas podem atuar como veículos para microrganismos. Esse fato sugere que podem favorecer o processo de infecção em usuários de assistência hospitalar. Entretanto, permanece incerto a relação entre população de formigas e incidência de infecções nos hospitais, sendo necessário realizar estudos para associar tais variáveis.(AU)

Background and Objectives: hospitals are prone environments for the establishment and spread of insects, especially ants. In addition to their adaptive capacity, ants live in mutualism with other living beings such as fungi and bacteria, which increases the risk of nosocomial infections. This study aimed to identify the bacterial microbiota associated with intrahospital ants in the city of Anápolis, Goiás, and to discuss the role of such agents in the development of nosocomial infections and consequent risk for hospitalized individuals. Methods: ant traps were set up in two hospitals in Anápolis to capture them in the ward sectors as well as the intensive or semi-intensive care units and the nutrition sectors. The traps were left for a predetermined period in the respective locations and were then taken to the UniEvangélica Microbiology Laboratory for culture, sowing and bacterial identification. Results: three collections were performed in each of the hospital sectors of each hospital institution. The following microorganisms could be isolated: Staphylococcus spp., Gram-positive bacilli, Klebsiella ozaenae, K. rhinoscleromatis, Escherichia coli and Yersinia pseudotuberculosis. Conclusion: we can conclude that ants can act as vessels for microorganisms. This fact suggests that ants may favor infections in the hospitals. However, the relationship between ant population and incidence of infections in hospitals remains uncertain, and studies are necessary to associate these variables.(AU)

Justificación y Objetivos: los hospitales son ambientes propicios para la instalación y propagación de insectos, especialmente hormigas. Además de su capacidad de adaptación, estos animales viven en mutualismo con otros, como los hongos y las bacterias, lo que confiere un alto riesgo de infecciones nosocomiales en los humanos. El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo identificar la microbiota bacteriana asociada con hormigas intrahospitalarias en la ciudad de Anápolis, Goiás, y analizar el papel de dichos agentes en el desarrollo de infecciones hospitalarias y el riesgo para las personas hospitalizadas. Métodos: se instalaron trampas para hormigas en dos hospitales de la ciudad de Anápolis para capturarlas en los sectores de enfermería, unidades de cuidados intensivos, de cuidados semiintensivos y nutrición. Las trampas se dejaron durante un período predeterminado en los sectores respectivos y después se las llevaron al Laboratorio de Microbiología UniEvangélica para su cultivo, siembra e identificación bacteriana. Resultados: se realizaron tres colectas en cada uno de los sectores hospitalarios de cada institución hospitalaria. Se pudieron aislar los siguientes microorganismos: Staphylococcus spp., bacilos Gram positivos, Klebsiella ozaenae, K. rhinoscleromatis, Escherichia coli y Yersinia pseudotuberculosis. Conclusiones: se concluye que las hormigas pueden servir como vehículos de microorganismos. Esto sugiere que pueden favorecer el proceso de infección a los usuarios de atención hospitalaria. Sin embargo, la relación entre la población de hormigas y la incidencia de infecciones en los hospitales sigue siendo incierta, y se necesitan más estudios para asociar estas variables.(AU)

Adherence to antiretroviral therapy and correlation with adverse effects and coinfections in people living with HIV/AIDS in the municipality of Goiás State.

INTRODUCTION: Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is an advanced stage of a human immunodeficiency virus infection. The antiretroviral therapy aims to improve the life quality of HIV patients and a good adherence is essential for a better prognosis. This study aimed to evaluate the adherence of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients to antiretroviral therapy recommended by the Brazilian health system in Anápolis/Goiás, and correlate the level of adherence with sociodemographic data and clinical-laboratory variables. METHODS: Adherence to antiretroviral therapy was assessed using the Questionnaire for Evaluation of Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy. The sociodemographic data were collected using a standardized questionnaire and the clinical-laboratory records were reviewed. RESULTS: Among 220 patients included, 59% (129/220) were men and the average age was 41 years. Infection was acquired primarily through sexual contact (92%, 202/220), and 69% (152/220) of the patients were heterosexual. Approximately 86% (188/220) of the patients had good or strict adherence to antiretroviral therapy. In our study, the use of illicit drugs was associated with low adherence to antiretroviral therapy (p=0.0004), and no significant association was observed between adherence levels and other sociodemographic data (p>0.05). The logistic regression indicated that adverse effects (p=0.0018) and sexual orientation (p=0.0152) were associated with the level of adherence to antiretroviral therapy. Patients with good or strict adherence had higher CD4+T lymphocyte count (p<0.0001) and undetectable viral load (p<0.0001). Patients with low adherence (14%, 32/220) had higher frequency of adverse events (p=0.0009). The frequency of coinfections was 25% (55/220), with syphilis and tuberculosis being the most common coinfections. CONCLUSIONS: Adherence was related to use of illicit drugs, adverse effects, and sexual orientation.

Adherence to antiretroviral therapy and correlation with adverse effects and coinfections in people living with HIV/AIDS in the municipality of Goiás State

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is an advanced stage of a human immunodeficiency virus infection. The antiretroviral therapy aims to improve the life quality of HIV patients and a good adherence is essential for a better prognosis. This study aimed to evaluate the adherence of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients to antiretroviral therapy recommended by the Brazilian health system in Anápolis/Goiás, and correlate the level of adherence with sociodemographic data and clinical-laboratory variables. METHODS Adherence to antiretroviral therapy was assessed using the Questionnaire for Evaluation of Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy. The sociodemographic data were collected using a standardized questionnaire and the clinical-laboratory records were reviewed. RESULTS: Among 220 patients included, 59% (129/220) were men and the average age was 41 years. Infection was acquired primarily through sexual contact (92%, 202/220), and 69% (152/220) of the patients were heterosexual. Approximately 86% (188/220) of the patients had good or strict adherence to antiretroviral therapy. In our study, the use of illicit drugs was associated with low adherence to antiretroviral therapy (p=0.0004), and no significant association was observed between adherence levels and other sociodemographic data (p>0.05). The logistic regression indicated that adverse effects (p=0.0018) and sexual orientation (p=0.0152) were associated with the level of adherence to antiretroviral therapy. Patients with good or strict adherence had higher CD4+T lymphocyte count (p<0.0001) and undetectable viral load (p<0.0001). Patients with low adherence (14%, 32/220) had higher frequency of adverse events (p=0.0009). The frequency of coinfections was 25% (55/220), with syphilis and tuberculosis being the most common coinfections. CONCLUSIONS: Adherence was related to use of illicit drugs, adverse effects, and sexual orientation.

Could Mycobacterium leprae Infection Be an Occupational Disease? A Survey in Healthcare Workers From an Endemic Area in the Amazonian Region.

A serologic survey was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of Mycobacterium leprae infection among healthcare workers and associated factors. Of 280 workers, 26 (9.3%) were positive using immunoglobulin M serology for PGL-I M. leprae antigen. Exposure to leprosy patients in the workplace was significantly associated with seropositivity (P=.044).

Description of leprosy classification at baseline among patients enrolled at the uniform multidrug therapy clinical trial for leprosy patients in Brazil.

The uniform multidrug therapy clinical trial, Brazil (U-MDT/CT-BR), database was used to describe and report the performance of available tools to classify 830 leprosy patients as paucibacillary (PB) and multibacillary (MB) at baseline. In a modified Ridley and Jopling (R&J) classification, considering clinical features, histopathological results of skin biopsies and the slit-skin smear bacterial load results were used as the gold standard method for classification. Anti-phenolic glycolipid-I (PGL-I) serology by ML Flow test, the slit skin smear bacterial load, and the number of skin lesions were evaluated. Considering the R&J classification system as gold standard, ML Flow tests correctly allocated 70% patients in the PB group and 87% in the MB group. The classification based on counting the number of skin lesions correctly allocated 46% PB patients and 99% MB leprosy cases. Slit skin smears properly classified 91% and 97% of PB and MB patients, respectively. Based on U-MDT/CT-BR results, classification of leprosy patients for treatment purposes is unnecessary because it does not impact clinical and laboratories outcomes. In this context, the identification of new biomarkers to detect patients at a higher risk to develop leprosy reactions or relapse remains an important research challenge.

Evaluation of a rapid serological test for leprosy classification using human serum albumin as the antigen carrier.

The presence of anti-BSA antibodies may interfere in serological tests, as ELISA or immunochromatographic assays. BSA is frequently used as a blocking agent or as "inert" carrier of antigens, such as the NT-P-BSA, the semi-synthetic trisaccharide analogue of the PGL-I (phenolic glycolipid-I) antigen from the cell wall of the Mycobacterium leprae. PGL-I was prepared and linked to human serum albumin based in the hypothesis that replacing BSA by a human protein carrier would enhance the performance of leprosy serological tests. A total of 1162 serum samples were tested by ELISA and by the ML Flow rapid test using NT-P-BSA or NT-P-HSA antigens. When grouping leprosy patients as paucibacillary (PB) or multibacillary (MB) according to the Ridley & Jopling classification, ML Flow BSA and ML Flow HSA tests correctly allocated 70.9% and 68.6% of patients in the PB group, and 87% and 81% of patients in the MB group, respectively. Concordant results were found in 82.0% (953/1162) (kappa value=0.637; sd=0.023) of samples between ML Flow tests and 85.7% (996/1162) (kappa value=0.703; sd=0.021) between ELISA tests. ML Flow results were statistically similar and the same was true for ELISA tests using HSA or BSA. However, we noticed a tendency to decreased capacity to detect MB patients and an increased positivity among PB patients, HHC, TB patients and healthy controls by the HSA carrier in both ML Flow and ELISA. The PGL-I serology performed by the ML Flow test with BSA or HSA as antigen carriers can be a useful, friendly auxiliary tool to identify patients with higher bacterial load.

Serology with ML Flow test in health professionals from three different states of Brazil / Sorologia com o teste ML Flow em profissionais de saude em tres diferentes estados do Brasil

BACKGROUND: In highly endemic countries, transmission and sub-clinical infection of leprosy are likely and the disease manifests itself in individuals without any known close contact with a leprosy patient. Health workers are social contacts belonging to the same network (the Health System) and some of them share the same social environment (nursing assistants) as patients with known patients and / or carriers. OBJECTIVE: To identify ML Flow seropositivity among health professionals. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study using a serological survey with the ML Flow test in 450 health professionals (doctors, nurses and nursing assistants), in order to detect seropositivity in areas of high and low endemicity in municipalities from three Brazilian states (RJ, MS and RS). RESULTS: The results showed general 16% seropositivity, higher in low endemic areas, regardless of whether there was direct care for leprosy patients. Paradoxically, a statistical association was observed between the area studied and seropositivity, as the place with the lowest endemicity (CA) had the highest seropositivity rate (p = 0.033). CONCLUSION: The authors suggest these results are associated with a presence of an unspecified link to bovine serum albumin (BSA), carrier of PGL-1 in the ML Flow test, and recommend expanded seroepidemiological research utilizing tests with human and bovine albumin. .

FUNDAMENTOS: Em países altamente endêmicos a transmissão e infecção sub-clínica da hanseníase provavelmente ocorrem e a doença se manifesta em indivíduos sem qualquer contato próximo conhecido com paciente com hanseníase. Os trabalhadores de saúde são contatos sociais que pertencem à mesma rede (Sistema de Saúde) e alguns deles compartilham o mesmo ambiente social (auxiliares de enfermagem) com pacientes conhecidos e/ou portadores. OBJETIVO: Conhecer a soropositividade ao ML Flow entre os profissionais de saúde. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um estudo transversal através de inquérito sorológico com o teste ML Flow em 450 profissionais de saúde (médicos, enfermeiros e auxiliares de enfermagem) visando conhecer a soropositividade em áreas de alta e baixa endemicidade em municípios de três estados brasileiros (RS, MS e RJ). RESULTADOS: Os resultados mostraram 16% de soropositividade em geral, mais elevada na área de baixa endemicidade, independente da assistência direta a pacientes com hanseníase. Paradoxalmente foi observada associação estatística entre a área estudada e soropositividade, apontando o lugar de mais baixa endemicidade (CA) com o maior valor (p=0,033). CONCLUSÃO: os autores sugerem a presença de ligação inespecífica a soroalbumina bovina (BSA), carreadora do antígeno PGL-1 no teste ML Flow para explicar os resultados inesperados e recomendam testagem ampliada utilizando testes com albumina humana e bovina. .

Serology with ML Flow test in health professionals from three different states of Brazil.

BACKGROUND: In highly endemic countries, transmission and sub-clinical infection of leprosy are likely and the disease manifests itself in individuals without any known close contact with a leprosy patient. Health workers are social contacts belonging to the same network (the Health System) and some of them share the same social environment (nursing assistants) as patients with known patients and / or carriers. OBJECTIVE: To identify ML Flow seropositivity among health professionals. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study using a serological survey with the ML Flow test in 450 health professionals (doctors, nurses and nursing assistants), in order to detect seropositivity in areas of high and low endemicity in municipalities from three Brazilian states (RJ, MS and RS). RESULTS: The results showed general 16% seropositivity, higher in low endemic areas, regardless of whether there was direct care for leprosy patients. Paradoxically, a statistical association was observed between the area studied and seropositivity, as the place with the lowest endemicity (CA) had the highest seropositivity rate (p = 0.033). CONCLUSION: The authors suggest these results are associated with a presence of an unspecified link to bovine serum albumin (BSA), carrier of PGL-1 in the ML Flow test, and recommend expanded seroepidemiological research utilizing tests with human and bovine albumin.

Qualidade da Água de minas em Área urbana na cidade De Uberaba MG / Water quality of mines in urban area in city of Uberaba MG

A garantia da disponibilidade de água em quantidade e qualidade satisfatórias para o consumo humano é questão relevante para a saúde pública. Este trabalho avaliou a qualidade da água de oito minas utilizadas pela população de Uberaba. Foram empregadas metodologias de análises padronizadas pela American Public Health Association. Na contagem padrão em placa, apenas as minas 2 e 6 se adequaram ao padrão do Ministério da Saúde,enquanto para o pH apenas as minas 1 e 3 foram adequadas. Em amostras individuais e outras formas de abastecimento sem distribuição canalizada, tolera-se a presença de coliformes totais, na ausência de coliformes termo tolerantes. Obteve-se como resultado que apenas duas minas atendem a essa condição (minas 2 e 6). É indicado que pelo menos uma forma detratamento seja realizada com a água dessas minas para serem ingeridas com segurança, o que deve ser orientado à população.

Ensuring the availability of water in satisfactory quantity and quality for human consumption is a relevant issue concerning public health. This paper assessed the quality of water of eight mines used by the population in Uberaba. For analysis, standardized methodologies employed by the American Public Health Association were used. In pour plate technique, onlymines 2 and 6 met the Ministry of Health pattern, whereas for the pH only the mines 1 and 3 were appropriate. In individual samples and other forms of supply without distribution channel, the presence of total coliforms is tolerated, in the absence of fecal coliforms. According to our results, only two mines meet this condition (mine 2 and 6). It is indicated that at least one form of treatment be conducted with these water mines, which should be directed to the population.

Leprosy serology using PGL-I: a systematic review.

Serology using a species-specific antigen for Mycobacterium leprae, PGL-I, could be a marker for the bacterial load of patients with leprosy. Various studies have identified the potential use of serology in the classification of patients for treatment purposes, case monitoring, identification of the risk of relapse and selection of household contacts with a higher risk of contracting the disease. A systematic review of the literature was conducted and 26 articles were included in this comparative analysis. The results of the use of PGL-I serology in different situations, its limitations and possible applications were evaluated. Studies show the efficacy of PGL-I serology in the classification of patients, treatment monitoring and as a predictive test for leprosy reactions. To improve early diagnosis and follow-up of the population at greatest risk of developing leprosy, the methodologies used in the past have yet to show a favorable cost-benefit ratio, although studies indicate that the use of the test might positively influence leprosy control programs. With simple and robust techniques, the use of PGL-I serology is viable.

Sorologia da hanseníase utilizando PGL-I: revisão sistemática / Leprosy serology using PGL-I: a systematic review

A sorologia utilizando o antígeno espécie-específico do Mycobacterium leprae, PGL-I, pode ser um marcador de carga bacteriana em pacientes com hanseníase. Estudos identificaram potencial de uso da sorologia na classificação de pacientes para fins de tratamento, monitoramento de terapia, risco de recidiva e na seleção dos contatos com maior risco de adoecer. Foi realizada uma revisão sistemática e 26 artigos foram incluídos na análise comparativa. Avaliamos os resultados do uso da sorologia PGL-I em diferentes situações, suas limitações e possíveis aplicações. Estudos mostraram eficácia da sorologia PGL-I na classificação de pacientes, monitoramento da terapia, e nas reações hansênicas como teste preditivo. Para diagnóstico precoce e seguimento de população de alto risco, as metodologias utilizadas ainda não demonstraram custo-benefício favorável, porém estudos indicam que a utilização do teste poderá influenciar positivamente nos programas de controle da hanseníase. Com técnicas simples e robustas, o uso da sorologia PGL-I é viável.

Serology using a species-specific antigen for Mycobacterium leprae, PGL-I, could be a marker for the bacterial load of patients with leprosy. Various studies have identified the potential use of serology in the classification of patients for treatment purposes, case monitoring, identification of the risk of relapse and selection of household contacts with a higher risk of contracting the disease. A systematic review of the literature was conducted and 26 articles were included in this comparative analysis. The results of the use of PGL-I serology in different situations, its limitations and possible applications were evaluated. Studies show the efficacy of PGL-I serology in the classification of patients, treatment monitoring and as a predictive test for leprosy reactions. To improve early diagnosis and follow-up of the population at greatest risk of developing leprosy, the methodologies used in the past have yet to show a favorable cost-benefit ratio, although studies indicate that the use of the test might positively influence leprosy control programs. With simple and robust techniques, the use of PGL-I serology is viable.