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Benznidazole modulates release of inflammatory mediators by cardiac spheroids infected with Trypanosoma cruzi
No full textChagas disease (CD) caused by Trypanosoma cruzi remains a serious public health problem in Latin America. The available treatment is limited to two old drugs, benznidazole (Bz) and nifurtimox, which exhibit limited efficacy and trigger side effects, justifying the search for new therapies. Also, more accurate and sensitive experimental protocols for drug discovery programs are necessary to shrink the translational gaps found among pre-clinical and clinical trials. Presently, cardiac spheroids were used to evaluate host cell cytotoxicity and anti-T.cruzi ac tivity of benznidazole, exploring its effect on the release of inflammatory mediators. Bz presented low toxic profile on 3D matrices (LC50 > 200 μM) and high potency in vitro (EC50 = 0.99 μM) evidenced by qPCR analysis of T.cruzi-infected cardiac spheroids. Flow cytometry appraisal of inflammatory mediators released at the cellular supernatant showed increases in IL - 6 and TNF contents (≈190 and ≈ 25-fold) in parasitized spheroids as compared to uninfected cultures. Bz at 10 μM suppressed parasite load (92%) concomitantly decreasing in IL-6 (36%) and TNF (68%). Our findings corroborate the successful use of 3D cardiac matrices for in vitro identifi cation of novel anti-parasitic agents and potential impact in host cell physiology
Evaluation of the PBP2 transglycosylase region of Staphylococcus aureus as a target for immunotherapeutic approaches
No full textInfections caused by Staphylococcus aureus are increasingly prevalent, and treatment has become more difficult
due to the emergence of strains that are resistant to multiple drugs, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus
aureus (MRSA). Penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) are essential enzymes in peptidoglycan biosynthesis. Only
found in bacteria, they are an excellent target for the development of bacterial control strategies. S. aureus has 4
PBPs, and only PBP2 has transglycosylation activity, making it a good model to evaluate whether the inactivation
of the transglycosylase domain (PBP2t) could lead to bacterial death. (His6)-tagged PBP2t was purified from the
E. coli cell lysate using Ni-charged resin, and ELISA and immunoblotting assays demonstrated that PBP2t is
immunogenic. Flow cytometry analysis was performed to verify the binding of polyclonal antibodies to the
bacterial cell surface. In order to verify the ability to provide protection, immunized mice were challenged with a
sublethal dose of MRSA, and the bacterial loads in kidneys and spleen were evaluated. A reduction of 2–2.5 logs
was seen in organs from immunized mice compared with the negative controls in two independent assays (p <
0.01). Our results demonstrate that the PBP2t is a promising target for the development of novel antimicrobial
strategies, but further testing should be performed to validate the protection conferred by immunization with this
protein.202
New data on eggshell structure of capillariid species: a SEM perspective
No full textCapillariidae is a group of nematode parasites of vertebrates with a complex taxonomy. The structure of the eggshell, which was
indicated as the most important characteristic for identification of genus or species through eggs, is very diverse among genera.
The visualization and characterization of eggshell by light microscopy (LM) are a challenging task since different planes of the
egg surface are needed. Nevertheless, categories of eggshell ornamentation were proposed by LM: smooth, punctuated, reticulated
type I, and reticulated type II. The present study aimed to characterize the eggshell structure of Capillariidae species,
parasites of mammals and avians, deposited in a helminthological collection using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
Institutional Biological Collections are taxonomic repositories of specimens described and strictly identified at the species level
by systematics specialists. SEM eggshell images were obtained from 12 species belonging to 5 genera (Aonchotheca,
Baruscapillaria, Capillaria, Echinocoleus, Eucoleus) and compared to their respective LM images. Eggshell patterns observed
using SEMwere associated categories of eggshell ornamentation previously proposed byLMimages. The SEMdata indicate that
eggshell categories are not in agreement with capillariid genera or sites of infection. However, the study provides previously
unknown SEM eggshell information from curated species, which contributes with a specific and supplementary taxonomic
feature at the species level of Capillariidae.202
Nethis Informa
No full textBoletim informativo desenvolvido pelo Nethis/Fiocruz Brasília com os principais eventos e notícias. Edição publicada no dia 26/02/2021
Evaluation of microbial contamination in multi-dose fluorescein eyedrops in a reference eye center
No full textPurpose: To analyze the presence of microorganisms in fluorescein eyedrops used in a reference eye center in Recife-PE.
Methods: This real-life and masked study evaluated fluorescein eyedrops used at the Altino Ventura Foundation in May 2019. Cultures were performed according to exposure times; I) three eyedrop bottles were analyzed after one day of use, II) three eyedrop bottles after 4 d of use, III) three eyedrop bottles after 8 d of use, and IV) three unopened bottles used as control. Samples were collected from the bottle's tip, instilled drop, and residual fluid. After incubation, all colonies were analyzed and identified through biochemical tests.
Results: The contamination rate of the fluorescein eyedrop bottles in this study was 55.5% (5/9 vials). There was no contamination in the control group. The highest contamination was seen in one day exposed eyedrops, in 100% of the bottles. The bottle's tip had a higher rate of contamination compared to the drop and residual fluid. Gram-positive bacteria were isolated in 7/27 (25.9%) samples. Growth of fungi or gram-negative bacteria was not observed.
Conclusion: The identification of gram-positive bacteria predominantly on the tip of the fluorescein eyedrop bottles suggests inadequate handling as the main cause of contamination
Spatial and temporal aspects and factors associated with the spread of Covid-19 to the interior of the State of Pernambuco, Brazil
No full textAnálise espacial e temporal da interiorização da Covid-19 em Pernambuco, considerando-se os fatores socioeconômicos correlacionados. Estudo ecológico, março a junho de 2020. Geraram-se mapas a partir do coeficiente de incidência por município de residência para determinar a dinâmica espacial da Covid-19. Estudou-se a correlação entre indicadores socioeconômicos e o coeficiente nas regiões metropolitana do Recife (RMR) e interior. Suavizou-se este coeficiente e calculou-se o teste de Moran global. Os primeiros casos foram registrados em Recife e arredores. O caminho para a autoctonia se deu em municípios vizinhos e naqueles supridos por grandes rodovias. A maior incidência na RMR (640,22/100.000 hab) correlacionou-se à maior população e densidade demográfica e menor taxa de urbanização e IDH-M. No interior a incidência (361,29/100.000 hab) esteve correlacionada à maior população, densidade demográfica e taxa de urbanização, e menor área (p<0,05). As áreas de maior risco concentraram-se na RMR, mas o interior apresentou áreas de transição, indicando tendência à interiorização (p<0,05). Ter ciência do padrão de distribuição espacial da Covid-19, aliada aos fatores associados poderão contribuir para maior efetividade das ações de controle.This study involved an ecological study between March and June 2020 consisting of a spatial and temporal analysis of the spread of Covid-19 to the interior of Pernambuco and related socioeconomic factors. Maps were generated from the incidence coefficient by municipality of residence to determine the spatial dynamics of Covid-19. The correlation between socioeconomic indicators and the coefficient in the metropolitan regions of Recife (MRR) and inland regions was studied. This coefficient was levelled, and the global Moran test was applied. The first cases were recorded in and around Recife. The spread of the virus took place in neighboring municipalities and in those served by major highways. The highest incidence in MRR (640.22/100,000 inhabitants) was correlated to larger population and demographic density and lower rate of urbanization and IDH-M. Inland, the incidence (361.29/100,000 inhabitants) was correlated with a larger population, demographic density and urbanization rate, and a smaller area (p<0.05). The areas of greatest risk were concentrated in MRR, but the interior showed areas of transition, indicating a tendency to spread (p<0.05). Being aware of the spatial distribution pattern of Covid-19, combined with the
associated factors, may contribute to greater effectiveness of control actions
Boas práticas e controle de qualidade em laboratórios de cultivo celular: Apresentação
No full textdubladoVídeo integrante do Curso Princípios básicos do cultivo de células de mamíferos, que aborda o subtema, Boas práticas e controle de qualidade em laboratórios de cultivo celular: ApresentaçãoFiocruzMP4Tópicos em cultura de células de mamíferosPrograma de Pós-Graduação em Biociências e Biotecnologi
Off with their heads: analysis of the circadian clock genes expression in the body of Aedes aegypti
No full textThe circadian clock of mosquitoes can influence physiological and behavioral processes linked to
disease transmission. Currently, we know how clock genes are expressed in the head of the Aedes
aegypti in different light and temperature regimens, but we still do not know anything about the
expression of these genes in the body. The present work aims to contribute to this understanding.
We observed that the expression of clock genes in the body of Aedes can be different from that in
the head. Additionally, we found that temperature cycles have greater influence on the clock genes
of the body of Aedes than light/dark cycles
Estudo da doença de Chagas no semiárido piauiense: prevalência, fatores associados e indicadores entomológicos no município de São João do Piauí, PI, Brasil
No full textO Piauí apresenta, historicamente, taxas de soroprevalência para a doença de Chagas elevadas e é, do ponto de vista fisiogeográfico, uma transição de diferentes biomas brasileiros. O semiárido predomina ao leste e ao sudeste, cenário favorável à existência de habitats naturais de diferentes vetores da doença de Chagas, característicos da região nordeste do Brasil. O presente estudo teve como objetivos principais: i) estimar a prevalência, descrever a distribuição e avaliar os fatores associados à doença de Chagas na população rural do município de São João do Piauí, ii) avaliar a fauna triatomínica local, incluindo a identificação de espécies e a caracterização da infecção natural dos insetos por Trypanosoma cruzi, iii) estimar a frequência da forma cardíaca da doença nas comunidades estudadas e iv) descrever, a partir de dados entomológicos secundários de vigilância, a distribuição geográfica das diferentes espécies de vetores e os indicadores entomológicos em nível estadual. Para atingir esses objetivos foram realizados: i) um estudo transversal que incluiu 683 pessoas em 244 domicílios de 12 localidades rurais do município de São João do Piauí, com a obtenção de amostras de soro (para os testes ELISA e imunofluorescência indireta) e dados sociodemográficos, ii) um inquérito entomológico que incluiu todos os domicílios estudados, incluindo o estudo da infecção natural dos insetos por T. cruzi por microscopia óptica e cultivo e a genotipagem dos parasitas por técnicas moleculares, iii) a avaliação clínica e eletrocardiográfica de um grupo de pessoas com exames sorológicos positivos e iv) uma análise dos dados de vigilância entomológica disponibilizados no Sistema de Informação das Operações de Campo – SIOC/Chagas, incluindo geoprocessamento Observou-se que: i) a taxa de soroprevalência geral nas comunidades foi 8,1%, aumentando paralelamente à faixa etária de forma significativa e sem exames positivos em pessoas com menos de 30 anos, ii) foram coletados 1.474 triatomíneos, dos quais 87,2% eram Triatoma brasiliensis, 1,8% era T. pseudomaculata e 10,7% eram T. sordida; 9,7% foram coletados no interior das residências, incluindo estádios ninfais; as taxas de infecção por T. cruzi nos insetos foram de 0,5% por microscopia óptica e 0,9% por cultura em meio NNN/LIT; cinco isolados foram submetidos à genotipagem sendo três identificados como T. cruzi I e dois como T. cruzi II, iii) entre as pessoas com exame positivo avaliadas, 43% tinham alterações eletrocardiográficas compatíveis com a forma cardíaca da doença e iv) em nível estadual, a distribuição espacial das espécies de vetores é heterogênea, já que T. brasiliensis e T. pseudomaculata predominaram no sudeste e centro norte do estado, T. sordida no sudoeste e Rhodnius spp. no norte. O trabalho aponta para: i) alta soroprevalência em comunidades rurais no ambiente fisiogeográfico da Caatinga, ii) alta densidade vetorial e frequente colonização intradomiciliar nas comunidades estudadas, principalmente por T. brasiliensis, iii) evidência de interrupção da transmissão vetorial, sugerida pela ausência de exames positivos em jovens e crianças e baixa taxa de infecção dos triatomíneos por T. cruzi, iv) os indicadores entomológicos em nível estadual são geograficamente heterogêneos mas apontam para risco de transmissão em diversas regiões do estado e v) a doença de Chagas deve ser incorporada às rotinas da atenção primária à saúde, principalmente no semiárido piauiense, com o estabelecimento de linhas de cuidado, fluxos de referência para os níveis secundário e terciário, acesso ao diagnóstico, aliados à manutenção das atividades de vigilância entomológica e controle químico dos vetoresPiauí state presents, historically, high seroprevalence rates for Chagas disease and is, from a physiogeographic point of view, a transition between different Brazilian biomes. The semiarid region predominates in the east and southeast, a favorable scenario for the existence of natural habitats of different vectors of Chagas disease, characteristic of northeastern Brazil. The main objectives of this study were: i) to estimate the prevalence, describe the distribution and evaluate factors associated with Chagas disease in the rural population of the municipality of São João do Piauí, ii) to assess the local triatomine fauna, including the identification of species and the characterization of the natural infection of insects by Trypanosoma cruzi, iii) estimate the frequency of the cardiac form of the disease in the communities studied and iv) describe, from secondary entomological surveillance data, the geographic distribution of different species of vectors and the indicators entomological at the state level. To achieve these objectives, we carried out: i) a cross-sectional study that included 683 people in 244 households in 12 rural communities in the municipality of São João do Piauí, with the collection of serum samples (for ELISA and indirect immunofluorescence tests) and sociodemographic data , ii) an entomological survey that included all studied households, including the assessment of natural infection of insects by T. cruzi by light microscopy and cultivation and the genotyping of isolated parasites by molecular techniques, iii) the clinical and electrocardiographic evaluation of a group of subjects with positive serological tests and iv) an analysis of the entomological surveillance data made available in the Field Operations Information System – SIOC/Chagas, including geoprocessing It was observed that: i) the overall seroprevalence rate in the communities was 8.1%, increasing significantly and in parallel with the age group and without positive tests in dwellers under 30 years old, ii) 1,474 triatomines were collected, of which 87 .2% were Triatoma brasiliensis, 1,8% were T. pseudomaculata and 10,7% were T. sordida; 9.7% of the insects were collected inside the homes, including nymphal instars; the rates of T. cruzi infection in insects were 0.5% by light microscopy and 0.9% by culture in NNN/LIT medium; five isolates were subjected to genotyping, three characterized as T. cruzi I and two as T. cruzi II, iii) among subjects with a positive test, 43% had electrocardiographic alterations compatible with the cardiac form of the disease and iv) at the state level, the spatial distribution of vector species is heterogeneous, as T. brasiliensis and T. pseudomaculata predominated in the southeast and central north of the state, T. sordida in the southwest and Rhodnius spp. In the north. The work points to: i) high seroprevalence in rural communities in the physiogeographic environment of the Caatinga, ii) high vector density and frequent intradomiciliary colonization in the studied communities, mainly by T. brasiliensis, iii) evidence of interruption of vector transmission, suggested by the absence of positive tests in young people and children and low rate of infection of triatomines by T. cruzi, iv) entomological indicators at the state level are geographically heterogeneous but point to a risk of transmission in several regions of the state. The data suggests that Chagas disease should be incorporated into routines of primary health care, especially in the semiarid region of Piauí, with the establishment of lines of care, reference flows for the secondary and tertiary levels, access to diagnosis, together with the maintenance of entomological surveillance and vector control activities with pyrethroid
Coronavirus 2019 and people living on the streets in Mato Grosso State, Brazil
No full textIntroduction: The expansion of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in new territories represents
great challenge for public health in the world, especially for countries like Brazil, due to its wide
territorial extensions and regional inequalities. Objectives: To describe, during the pandemic, the COVID-19 outbreak in homeless people in inner
Mato Grosso, Brazil.
Methods: A descriptive study on COVID-19 outbreak was carried out in inner Mato Grosso state.
The data were collected from the documentary records of the municipal epidemiological
investigation, in line with the Unified Health System.
Results: From the index case, a person living on the street who was transferred to the municipal
shelter in Tangará da Serra, Mato Grosso. Forty seven (47) people got infected by Severe Acute
Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and they were confirmed by serological tests
and / or molecular: (i) in the shelter: 8 homeless people and 5 employees; (ii) contact with the
employees' home: 3 family members; (iii) in the hospital unit: 19 professionals and 6 patients in
the intensive care unit.
Conclusions: The lack of individual protection was a critical factor for SARS-CoV-2 infection in the
index case and it spreads in the shelter due to the involvement of domestic contacts. In addition
to professionals in the hospital environment, where the outbreak occurred due to structural
factors, the lack of adequate personal protection equipment and the lack of careful adoption of
biosecurity.Introducción: La expansión de Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) en nuevos territorios
representa un gran desafío para la salud pública en el mundo, especialmente para países como
Brasil, debido a sus amplias extensiones territoriales y desigualdades regionales.
Objetivos: Describir, durante la pandemia, el brote de COVID-19 en una población sin hogar en el
interior de Mato Grosso, Brasil.
Métodos: Estudio descriptivo sobre un brote de COVID-19 en el interior del estado de Mato Grosso.
Los datos fueron recolectados de los registros documentales de la investigación epidemiológica
municipal, en línea con el Sistema Único de Salud.
Resultados: Del caso índice, una persona en situación de calle que fue trasladada al albergue
municipal de Tangará da Serra/Mato Grosso, 47 personas infectadas por Severe Acute Respiratory
Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) fueron confirmadas por pruebas serológicas y/o
moleculares: (i) en el albergue: 8 personas en situación de calle y 5 empleados; (ii) contacto con
el hogar de los empleados: 3 miembros de la familia; (iii) en la unidad hospitalaria: 19
profesionales y 6 pacientes en la unidad de cuidados intensivos.
Conclusiones: La falta de protección individual fue un factor decisivo para la infección por SARS CoV-2 en el caso índice y se extendió en el albergue por la participación de contactos en el hogar.
Además de los profesionales en el entorno hospitalario, donde el brote se produjo debido a
factores estructurales, la falta de equipos de protección personal adecuados y la falta de una
cuidadosa adopción de la bioseguridad