Detection of metallo-beta-lactamase-producing genes blaSPM and blaNDM in Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from wastewater in Southern Brazil.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is commonly associated with the ability to acquire antimicrobial resistance. The surveillance of resistance genes in various environmental matrices has gained prominence in recent years, being seen as a potential threat to public health. The objective of this study was to investigate genes encoding metallo-beta-lactamases (MBLs), which confer resistance to carbapenems, in wastewater. Fifteen isolates of P. aeruginosa were collected for five months from samples obtained from a municipal wastewater treatment plant in Rio Grande do Sul. These isolates were subjected to disk diffusion testing using 10 different antimicrobials. Phenotypic enzymatic tests for MBLs were conducted, and positive isolates underwent DNA extraction and gene detection using the polymerase chain reaction. The resistance rate to ceftazidime was 100%, cefepime 73.3%, piperacillin-tazobactam 66.67%, imipenem 53.30%, levofloxacin 46.67%, tobramycin 40%, and ciprofloxacin and amikacin 13.33%. Both meropenem and aztreonam resistances were rare accounting for 6.60% of the tested isolates. Among these isolates, 20% were classified as multidrug-resistant and were found to carry the blaNDM and blaSPM genes. The results suggest that evaluating resistance genes in bacteria from urban raw sewage can provide data that assist in surveillance, as this environment can stimulate increased bacterial resistance.

Evaluation of Mastadenovirus and Rotavirus Presence in Phyllostomid, Vespertilionid, and Molossid Bats Captured in Rio Grande do Sul, Southern Brazil.

Bat-borne viruses may affect public health and the global economy. These mammals have a wide geographical distribution and unique biological, physiological, and immunogenic characteristics, allowing the dissemination of many known and unknown viruses. Enteric viruses, such as adeno (AdV) and rotaviruses, are recognized as the main causative agents of disease and outbreaks. In the present study, the presence of viruses from Adenoviridae and Reoviridae families was evaluated in molossid, phyllostomid, and vespertilionid bats captured in Rio Grande do Sul, Southern Brazil, between September 2021 and July 2022. Sixty bat rectal swabs were analyzed by PCR. Eight (13.3%) samples were positive for adenovirus and classified as human mastadenovirus C (HAdV-C) (three samples) and HAdV-E (five samples) by sequencing followed by phylogenetic analysis. All samples were negative in rotavirus specific RT-PCR. This is the first study to describe the presence of HAdV in samples of Glossophaga soricina, Eptesicus brasiliensis, and Histiotus velatus. Furthermore, the presence of HAdV-E in bats was reported, which is unusual and may suggest that other HAdV genotypes, in addition to HAdV-C, may also be harbored by wild animals. The data generated in the present study reinforces the importance of eco-surveillance of viral agents related to diseases in humans and wild animals. In addition, it is essential to identify possible new hosts or reservoirs that increase the risk of spillover and dissemination of infectious pathogens, helping to prevent and control zoonotic diseases.

Viral coinfection in hospitalized patients during the COVID-19 pandemic in Southern Brazil: a retrospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: Since the worldwide spread of SARS-CoV-2, different strategies have been followed to combat the pandemic and limit virus transmission. In the meantime, other respiratory viruses continued to circulate, though at decreased rates. METHODS: This study was conducted between June and July 2022, in a hospital in the metropolitan region of Rio Grande do Sul state, in the southernmost state of Brazil. The 337 hospitalized patients included those with respiratory symptoms without delimitation of age. Reverse transcription-quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction detected 15 different respiratory viruses and confirmed coinfections in the samples. Different statistical tests were applied to evaluate the association between associations of clinical characteristics and coinfection. RESULTS: Sampling corresponds to 337 selected and 330 patients analyzed. The principal clinical outcome found was hospital discharge in 309 (94%) cases, while 21 (6%) resulted in death. The principal viral agents related to coinfections were Human rhinovirus, Human enterovirus, and Respiratory syncytial virus. The most frequent viral agent detected was SARS-CoV-2, with 60 (18%) infections, followed by 51 (15%) cases of Respiratory syncytial virus B (15%) and 44 (13%) cases of Human rhinovirus 1. Coinfection was mainly observed in children, while adults and the elderly were more affected by a single infection. Analyzing COVID-19 vaccination, 175 (53%) were unvaccinated while the remainder had at least one dose of the vaccine. CONCLUSIONS: This study presents information to update the understanding of viral circulation in the region. Furthermore, the findings clarify the behavior of viral infections and possible coinfections in hospitalized patients, considering different ages and clinical profiles. In addition, this knowledge can help to monitor the population's clinical manifestations and prevent future outbreaks of respiratory viruses.

Diversity of Omicron sublineages and clinical characteristics in hospitalized patients in the southernmost state of Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Omicron has become the dominant variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) since first reported in November 2021. From the initially detected Wuhan lineage, sublineages BA.2, BA.4, BA.5, BQ, XAG, and XBB have emerged over time and are dominant in many countries. Therefore, the aim is to evaluate which variants are circulating and the clinical characteristics of inpatients infected with the Omicron variant. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study selected hospitalized patients admitted with respiratory symptoms to a hospital in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, between June and July 2022. SARS-CoV-2 results were analyzed together with clinical outcomes and vaccination status. A viral genome library was prepared and forwarded to the Illumina MiSeq Platform for sequencing. RESULTS: In total, 37 genomes were sequenced. Concerning the Omicron sublineages, our study detected: BA.1 (21 K), BA.2 (21 L), BA.4 (22A), BA.5 (22B), BA.2.12.1 (22C), BQ.1 (22E), XBB (22F), and XAG recombinant. Omicron BA.5 (30%), BA.2 (19%), and BQ.1 (19%) were the most frequent sublineages, respectively. In total, 38% of patients present hypertension, and the most common symptoms were coughing (62%). Analyzing the COVID-19 vaccination, 30% of patients were fully vaccinated, 49% had a partial vaccination status, and 21% were unvaccinated (no dose). CONCLUSIONS: BA.5 was the most prevalent sublineage in our study and surpassed the predominance of BA.2, as reported by the national genomic surveillance program. BQ.1 was diagnosed earlier in this study than it was officially reported in the state. Current data have demonstrated that the Omicron variant causes less severe infections, with the high rate of transmissibility and mutational landscape causing the rapid emergence of new sublineages.

Environmental monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 in the metropolitan area of Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil.

Since starts the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic identified the presence of genomic fragments of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in various environmental matrices: domestic sewage, surface waters, and contaminated freshwater. Environmental monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 is a tool for evaluating trend curves over the months, compared to several clinical cases of the disease. The objective of this study was to monitor the SARS-CoV-2 in environmental samples collected in different sites in a metropolitan area of Porto Alegre, Southern Brazil. During 10 months from 2020 to 2021, 300 samples were collected weekly and biweekly from nine points located in 3 cities: one point from a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in São Leopoldo (fortnightly collection), two points in Dilúvio Stream in Porto Alegre (fortnightly collection), two points in Pampa and Luiz Rau Streams (weekly collection), and two points in public fountains (fortnightly collection) in Novo Hamburgo. After collection, samples were concentrated by ultracentrifugation, and viral nucleic acids were extracted using MagMax® Core Nucleic Acid Purifications kits and submitted to RT-qPCR, using E, N1, and N2 gene targets of SARS-CoV-2. Only 7% (3/41) samples from public fountains were positive, with a mean viral load (VL) of SARS-CoV-2 RNA of 5.02 × 101 gc/l (2.41~8.59 × 101 gc/l), while the streams had average VL of 7.43 × 105 gc/l (Pampa), 7.06 × 105 gc/l (Luiz Rau), 2.01 × 105 gc/l (Dilúvio), and 4.46 × 105 cg/l (WWTP). The results showed varying levels of viral presence in different sample types, with a demonstrated correlation between environmental viral load and clinical COVID-19 cases. These findings contribute to understanding virus persistence and transmission pathways in the environment. Continuous monitoring, especially in less developed regions, is crucial for early detection of vaccine resistance, new variants, and potential COVID-19 resurgence.

Detection of human Mastadenovirus C in wild guinea pigs (Cavia aperea aperea) feces.

The Adenoviridae family is composed by a high diversity of viruses that are extremely resistant in environment and are frequently excreted in animal reservoir feces for long periods. The knowledge of adenovirus (AdV) diversity among wild species may be important for the understanding of the epidemiology of putative emerging diseases. Cavia aperea aperea, commonly known as wild guinea pigs, wild cavies, or preas, are small herbivorous rodents widely distributed throughout South America and classified in Caviidae family, as well as domestic guinea pigs and capybaras. In order to investigate their potential role as reservoir of zoonotic agents, the present study aimed to verify the presence of AdV in fecal samples of 14 preas from Northeast Brazil. When submitted to nested PCR, two out of 14 samples (14.28%) were positive for AdV and classified as human Mastadenovirus C (HAdV-C) using DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Wild guinea pigs are synanthropic rodents that live in close contact with humans. The investigation of viral agents in rodents is important due to their potential role as reservoirs of human and animal pathogens. Moreover, the present work presents the first known evidence of HAdV in wild guinea pig stool samples, which may represent both the impact of anthropogenic pollution to wild animals and an important knowledge in terms of human health.

Elaboração e análise sensorial de pão caseiro com reduzido teor de cloreto de sódio e acrescido de condimentos como alternativa para pacientes hipertensos / Homemade bread prepared with reduced amount of NaCl and adding condiments as an alternative product for patients with hypertension and its sensory characteristics

Neste estudo foram elaborados pães caseiros com baixo teor de cloreto de sódio e acrescido de condimentos, o qual foi avaliado quanto à aceitação. A presente investigação foi realizada seguindo-se o modelo experimental, com a participação de 50 avaliadores não treinados. Os aspectos sensoriais de três amostras elaboradas foram analisados utilizando-se escala hedônica, baseada nos pontos de 1 a 9 para os seguintes atributos: aparência, sabor, odor e textura. Observou-se diferença estatística significativa para o pão com adição de manjericão e cebola, o qual mostrou maior aceitação em todos os atributos. Para os atributos sensoriais avaliados, os condimentos enquadram-se como aceitáveis na sugestão dietoterápica, podendo ser utilizados como alternativas dietéticas, não apenas no tratamento de hipertensos, mas também para a população em geral e, ainda, promover melhor qualidade de vida por meio de inserção de hábitos alimentares saudáveis.

Acompanhamento dos índices antropométricos em adolescentes internados em clínica para abstinência do uso de crack / Monitoring the anthropometric indexes in teenagers who are interned in a clinic for abstinence of crack use

O uso abusivo de drogas pelos jovens tem aumentado nos últimos anos. Os jovens usuários de crack ficam debilitados fisicamente pela dependência química. Dessa forma, o objetivo do presente estudo foi realizar uma avaliação antropométrica com adolescentes em tratamento em clínica para abstinência do uso de crack. Para tanto, realizou-se o estudo em Hospital Público de Santa Maria, RS com adolescentes do gênero masculino. Para a realização da avaliação antropométrica a massa corporal, altura, circunferência do braço (CB) e prega cutânea triciptal (PCT) foram acompanhadas periodicamente, sendo a massa corporal e altura semanalmente e a CB e PCT no início e no final do tratamento. Para estudo estatístico utilizou-se análise não paramétrica e correlação de Spearman rank. Os dados foram considerados estatisticamente significativos para p< 0,05. Foram avaliados 9 pacientes do gênero masculino com idade média de 15,3±1,93 anos. Constatou-se ganho significativo de peso no decorrer das semanas, sendo a primeira semana 55,6±4,9kg e a última com peso de 70,2±7,3kg (p=0,028). Em relação à área de gordura do braço (AGB) inicial obteve-se média de 10,35±1,8cm e na última semana 19,3±2,02cm, apresentando aumento significativo (p= 0,011). Na área muscular do braço corrigida (AMBc) inicial obteve-se média de 38.07±11cm, na última semana média de 48,2±14,1 (p= 0,008). O estudo demonstrou aumento dos índices antropométricos dos adolescentes, contribuindo para melhora do estado nutricional. O acompanhamento dos adolescentes por meio da avaliação antropométrica realizada pelo nutricionista, além do trabalho interdisciplinar com profissionais psicólogos, assistentes sociais, entre outros, promove uma maior qualidade de vida, contribuindo para uma melhor resposta ao tratamento e um adequado desenvolvimento biopsicossocial.

The abusive use of drugs among teenagers has increased during the last years. Young users of crack become physically impaired due to chemical dependency. Thus, the aim of this study was to perform an anthropometric evaluation with teenagers who are under treatment at a clinic for abstinence of crack. For this, a study was carried out at a Public Hospital in the city of Santa Maria ? RS with male teenagers. To perform the anthropometric evaluation, the body mass, height, arm circumference (AC) and triceps skinfold (TC) were periodically monitored, body mass and height were weekly assessed and the AC and TC at the beginning and at the end of the treatment. To the statistic analysis we used non-parametric analysis and the Spearman rank correlation. The data was considered statistically significant to p< 0,05. Nine male patients with mean age of 15,3±1,93 years were evaluated. We noticed a significant weight increase along the weeks, showing a weight of 55,6±4,9kg in the first week and, 70,2±7,3kg (p=0,028) in the last week. In relation to AFA, it was initially 10,35±1,8cm and, at the last week 19,3±2,02cm, demonstrating a significant increase (p= 0,011). The mean initial AMAc was 38.07±11cm while at the last week the mean value was 48,2±14,1 (p= 0,008). The study demonstrated the increase in the teenagers? anthropometric indexes contributing to the enhancement of the nutritional status. The adolescents monitoring through the anthropometric evaluation conducted by a nutritionist, besides the interdisciplinary work with psychologists, social works and others, promotes a better life quality what contributes for a better response to treatment and an adequate biopsychosocial development.