Master of Science / The role of the microbiology laboratory is (1) to provide infection control information, so that highly transmissible isolates may be identified and appropriate control measures instigated as rapidly as possible and (2) to provide adequate information to the clinician enabling correct antibiotic choices to be made, particularly in the critically ill. Microbiological data is by definition slow as it is culture dependent: this study focused on the development of genetic, culture-independent methods for detection of resistance in nosocomial pathogens that could be introduced into the routine microbiology department and would fit into the routine workflow with a consequent reduction in time to result. Initially a duplex real-time polymerase chain reaction was developed for the rapid identification and detection of S. aureus and methicillin-resistance. This was optimised for immediate as-needs testing of positive blood cultures signalling with “Gram positive cocci, possibly staphylococcus” evident on Gram stain, on a random access real-time PCR platform. This technology, allowing early identification of S. aureus and its susceptibility to methicillin, by simple automated methodology, may soon become the standard for all microbiology laboratories servicing the critically ill. The second part of the study involved the development of a selective broth and multiplex PCR for detection of three important nosocomial isolates at this institution, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, and multi-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (MRAB). A multiplex PCR using four primer sets was designed to detect low colonisation levels of these isolates after overnight incubation in selective broth, significantly reducing the time to result and associated costs. This potentially useful epidemiological screening tool is practical, reproducible and sensitive with the potential of moving to an automated test (using real-time PCR, for example) in the future. The availability of early negative results judged by simple visual scanning (or by densitometry), means that the result is less operator-dependent, potentially reducing error rate. The last part of the study dealt with an important resistance phenotype, aminoglycoside resistance. There had been no recent comprehensive local surveys performed to determine the frequency of aminoglycoside resistance amongst the Enterobacteriaceae, or to identify the genetic determinants and their transmissibility. The isolates collected for the study were all resistant to at least one of gentamicin, tobramycin or amikacin. Identification of integron cassette arrays and use of specific internal primers identified at least one genetic determinant for gentamicin and tobramycin resistance in 22 of 23 isolates. Three isolates had two aminoglycoside resistance genes, and three isolates had three aminoglycoside resistance genes identified (Table 6.1). Transferable gentamicin-resistant plasmids were predominant amongst Klebsiella spp., but less so amongst Enterobacter spp. and E. coli. Gentamicin-resistant Klebsiella spp. were often ESBL positive, the genetic determinants of which were typically co-transferred on a conjugative plasmid. The importance of screening at a local level was demonstrated by the unexpected predominance of aac(6')-IIc amongst Enterobacter spp. and the detection of a new gene (aac(6')-LT). This part of the study has provided an understanding of the primary aminoglycoside resistance genes present in the local setting and their association with other resistances. This knowledge will allow development of assays for patient screening (clinical isolates and colonising flora), to better understand the epidemiology of aminoglycoside resistance and to allow better choice of antibiotic therapy related to presence or absence of these genes.

Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, Dept. of Microbiology, 1975.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:32:51Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2011-09-23Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T18:44:23Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 melo_pc_dr_jabo_parcial.pdf: 89991 bytes, checksum: d311bddc39f6aaa420f36227b389f2b5 (MD5) Bitstreams deleted on 2014-08-22T14:57:08Z: melo_pc_dr_jabo_parcial.pdf,Bitstream added on 2014-08-22T15:02:10Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 000687721.pdf: 1246842 bytes, checksum: dbed8301c1438aca9f1068b68d770d11 (MD5) / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) / A prevalência da mastite por Staphylococcus aureus em rebanhos leiteiros ocorre devido à sua alta infectividade associada a fatores de virulência que conferem ao microrganismo a capacidade de se instalar no parênquima mamário. Sendo assim o objetivo da presente pesquisa foi avaliar as características fenotípicas, genotípicas e epidemiológicas das estirpes de S. aureus oriundas de leite de vacas com mastite bovina, leite do tanque de expansão, insufladores, mangueiras condutoras de leite, borracha do vácuo, borracha da tampa do tanque de equilíbrio, saída do tanque de equilíbrio, superfície do tanque de expansão e mãos de ordenhadores, em uma propriedade leiteira no município de Indianópolis-MG, no período de Agosto de 2008 a Setembro de 2009. Para tanto foram utilizados os seguintes testes: California Mastitis Test, isolamento microbiológico, provas bioquímicas, extração de DNA, reação em cadeia da polimerase, teste de microplacas, teste do Ágar vermelho congo, microscopia eletrônica de varredura, eletroforese de campo pulsado, teste de sensibilidade aos antimicrobianos, contagem de unidades formadores de colônias, ATP-bioluminescência, eficiência do hipoclorito de sódio e isolamento de pró-fagos e fagos. Os resultados revelaram 440 estirpes de S. aureus com produção de biofilme visualizados nos testes fenotípicos e na microscopia de varredura sendo hla, clfab, agrA e sarA os genes mais prevalentes. Foram também observados a presença de 70 pulsotipos diferentes, sendo o leite de vacas e insufladores os locais com maior quantidade de pulsotipos. Quanto a resistência bacteriana frente aos antimicrobianos foi observada uma maior resistência da Penicilina (90%), Eritromicina (80%)... / The prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus on dairy herds occur due to the high infectivity associated with virulence factors that give the organism the ability to install on the mamary gland, forming microabscesses. Therefore the objective of this study was to evaluate the phenotypic, genotypic and epidemiological strains of S. aureus derived from milk of cows with mastitis, milk tank, foamed milk conductive hoses, vacuum rubber, rubber tank cap balance, leaving the balance tank, the surface of the expansion tank and hands of milk manipulators on a dairy property in the city of Indianapolis-MG in the period August 2008 to September 2009. According to this, the following tests were used: California Mastitis Test, microbiological isolation, biochemical tests, DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction test, microplate test, Congo red Agar test, scanning electron microscopy, pulsed-field electrophoresis, test antimicrobial susceptibility, counting colony forming units, ATP-bioluminescence, efficiency of sodium hypochlorite and isolation of pro-phages and phages. The results revealed 440 strains of S. aureus to produce biofilm showed in phenotypic tests and scanning electron microscopy and hla, clfAB, agrA and heal the most prevalent genes. It was also observed the presence of 70 different pulsotypes, and the milk of cows and blowers sites with higher amounts of pulsotypes. The bacterial resistance to antimicrobials was observed as increased resistance of penicillin (90%), erythromycin (80%) and clindamycin (74%). When the strains of S. aureus were tested with cell susceptibility to antimicrobials in biofilms it showed the highest efficiency at a concentration of 100mg / L were gentamicin and vancomycin. Concentration of 500mg / L to greater efficiency occurred against vancomycin and gentamicin... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)

Orientador: Antonio Nader Filho / Coorientador: Paulo Pinto Gontijo Filho / Banca: Antonio Sérgio Ferraudo / Banca: Luiz Augusto do Amaral / Banca: Denise Von Doliger de Brito / Banca: Domingas do Rosário Veríssimo Jacinto Tavares de Oliveira / Resumo: A prevalência da mastite por Staphylococcus aureus em rebanhos leiteiros ocorre devido à sua alta infectividade associada a fatores de virulência que conferem ao microrganismo a capacidade de se instalar no parênquima mamário. Sendo assim o objetivo da presente pesquisa foi avaliar as características fenotípicas, genotípicas e epidemiológicas das estirpes de S. aureus oriundas de leite de vacas com mastite bovina, leite do tanque de expansão, insufladores, mangueiras condutoras de leite, borracha do vácuo, borracha da tampa do tanque de equilíbrio, saída do tanque de equilíbrio, superfície do tanque de expansão e mãos de ordenhadores, em uma propriedade leiteira no município de Indianópolis-MG, no período de Agosto de 2008 a Setembro de 2009. Para tanto foram utilizados os seguintes testes: California Mastitis Test, isolamento microbiológico, provas bioquímicas, extração de DNA, reação em cadeia da polimerase, teste de microplacas, teste do Ágar vermelho congo, microscopia eletrônica de varredura, eletroforese de campo pulsado, teste de sensibilidade aos antimicrobianos, contagem de unidades formadores de colônias, ATP-bioluminescência, eficiência do hipoclorito de sódio e isolamento de pró-fagos e fagos. Os resultados revelaram 440 estirpes de S. aureus com produção de biofilme visualizados nos testes fenotípicos e na microscopia de varredura sendo hla, clfab, agrA e sarA os genes mais prevalentes. Foram também observados a presença de 70 pulsotipos diferentes, sendo o leite de vacas e insufladores os locais com maior quantidade de pulsotipos. Quanto a resistência bacteriana frente aos antimicrobianos foi observada uma maior resistência da Penicilina (90%), Eritromicina (80%)... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: The prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus on dairy herds occur due to the high infectivity associated with virulence factors that give the organism the ability to install on the mamary gland, forming microabscesses. Therefore the objective of this study was to evaluate the phenotypic, genotypic and epidemiological strains of S. aureus derived from milk of cows with mastitis, milk tank, foamed milk conductive hoses, vacuum rubber, rubber tank cap balance, leaving the balance tank, the surface of the expansion tank and hands of milk manipulators on a dairy property in the city of Indianapolis-MG in the period August 2008 to September 2009. According to this, the following tests were used: California Mastitis Test, microbiological isolation, biochemical tests, DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction test, microplate test, Congo red Agar test, scanning electron microscopy, pulsed-field electrophoresis, test antimicrobial susceptibility, counting colony forming units, ATP-bioluminescence, efficiency of sodium hypochlorite and isolation of pro-phages and phages. The results revealed 440 strains of S. aureus to produce biofilm showed in phenotypic tests and scanning electron microscopy and hla, clfAB, agrA and heal the most prevalent genes. It was also observed the presence of 70 different pulsotypes, and the milk of cows and blowers sites with higher amounts of pulsotypes. The bacterial resistance to antimicrobials was observed as increased resistance of penicillin (90%), erythromycin (80%) and clindamycin (74%). When the strains of S. aureus were tested with cell susceptibility to antimicrobials in biofilms it showed the highest efficiency at a concentration of 100mg / L were gentamicin and vancomycin. Concentration of 500mg / L to greater efficiency occurred against vancomycin and gentamicin... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Doutor

Bacterial resistance is a formidable 21st-century global public health threat. If left unaddressed, we risk moving toward a “post-antibiotic era.” While resistance is a natural consequence of antibiotic use, the rate at which pathogenic bacteria have evaded multiple classes of drugs has markedly outpaced the introduction of new ones. New antibiotics are desperately needed to fill this void. Macrolides are one of the safest and most effective drug classes in medicine; however, resistance has compromised efficacy. To date, three generations have been developed with only the lattermost targeting bacterial resistance. Single next-generation macrolides will not keep pace with the inevitable onset of resistance; thus, there is a critical need to greatly accelerate the procurement of multiple future-generation antibiotics to tackle both current and future resistance mechanisms. My research is to meet this need by designing, synthesizing, and evaluating a novel, future-generation macrolide antibiotics that will serve as an armamentarium to be individually deployed on demand. In the previous research in Andrade group, we synthesized and evaluated various desmethyl ketolide analogs. The fact that 4-desmethyl telithromycin was fourfold less potent than telithromycin against A2058G mutants indicated replacing the 4-Me with hydrogen (i.e., desmethylation) to avoid a steric clash with the 2-amino group of G2058 was insufficient in rescuing bioactivity. Guided by MD simulation, we concluded a logical, superior alternative strategy was the replacement of the 4-Me group with one possessing a smaller vdW radius and capable of establishing favorable interactions with both wild-type and A2058G mutant ribosomes. Specifically, we reasoned that 4-fluoro solithromycin would be ideal candidate. The hypothesis was that the 4-fluoro moiety would engage in dipole-dipole interactions (C-F---H) with the exocyclic 2-amino group of guanine, which is based on accumulated evidence that strategic placement of organofluorine can strongly impact potency, selectivity, and physicochemical properties. In addition, the axially disposed of 4-fluorine would provide conformational stabilization from a gauche effect with the vicinal O5 group. The novel synthetic routes to unexplored desosamine analogs at the C3’-amino substituent to the macrolide antibiotic would play a role in bioactivity and resistance. Hofmann reaction was employed to execute the same 2,3-epoxide ring opening method without removing desosamine and re-glycosylating. This markedly reduces the steps, time, and cost involved in preparing novel desosamine-modified analogs. Significantly, this route enables the first synthesis of N,N’-disubstituted desosamine analogs from an epoxide, which was utilized to prepare novel analogs of clarithromycin. The application of in situ click chemistry toward the discovery of novel macrolide antibiotics first required the synthesis of suitable azide and aryl alkyne reactants. Alkyne partners were procured by commercial vendors or chemical synthesis. We targeted two logical, validated positions to tether the side chains, specifically N11 on the macrolactone and N3’ of desosamine. The first (N11) has been the most utilized. Moreover, extensive structure-activity relationships have revealed a four-carbon tether is ideal. Based on the solithromycin−E.coli X-ray structure, I designed, synthesized, and evaluated dehydro solithromycin, which possesses an (E)-alkene in the side-chain. The use of an unsaturated side chain would conformationally preorganize the bi-aryl side chain in order to pay the entropic penalty and thus favorably contribute to the overall binding. An insightful observation made from MD simulationed ribosomes bound with to solithromycin revealed that the interaction of the side-chain includes H-binding as well as π-stacking. The hypothesis was that employing tethered side-chains bearing motifs that maximize H-bonding and π-stacking would be superior antibiotics for treating resistant bacterial strains bearing erm¬-mediated N6 methyl and dimethylated ribosomes. To test this hypothesis, we developed various analogs with different alkynes by introducing different functional groups at the 3 and 5 positions on the aromatic ring. Another desosamine sugar modification is bis-azide. To date, the use of a two side chain strategy has not been reported. To access the requisite bis-azides, we employed a tactic the oxidative demethylation and alkylation of desosamine to afford bis-click solithromycin analogs. / Chemistry

Thesis (PhD)-- Stellenbosch University, 2013. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Bacterial resistance against antibiotic treatments is a global concern and resistance to almost every known antibiotic has already been reported. There is thus a significant need for the development of novel antimicrobial drugs. In addition to probiotic traits, certain bacteria have the ability to produce antimicrobial peptides, referred to as bacteriocins. Lantibiotics, a group of small ribosomally synthesized bacteriocins, recently gained interest for their application in the medical field. Lantibiotics have a very specific structure, including lanthionine rings, that stabilise the peptides. Due to their small size and specific action, these peptides reach specific sites of infection without affecting the composition of the host’s natural microbiota. As with any therapeutic agent, antimicrobial peptides are also prone to in vivo degradation, binding, clearance via immune action and development of bacterial resistance. Nisin F, a class Ia lantibiotic produced by Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis F10, has already shown activity against the well-known pathogens Stapylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes and various antibiotic resistant strains. The aim of this study was to assess the antimicrobial activity of nisin F against systemic S. aureus infections in mice and possible immune responses elicited by the peptide. A single administration of nisin F to the peritoneal cavity protected mice from S. aureus infection for at least 15 min. After continuous administration, the peptide showed no significant antimicrobial activity against S. aureus. The peptide did, however, convey some degree of protection to infected mice by stimulating a pro-inflammatory action through lymphocyte protection. When administered to uninfected mice, nisin F had an immune boosting effect via interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10 without being detrimental to the host. The ex vivo effects of nisin F was compared to nisin A, a natural nisin variant, and Nisaplin®, a commercially purified form of nisin A. None of the three peptides inhibited the functional capacity of leukocytes in terms of 1L-1β en IL-6 production, not even in the presence of an external stimulus (lipopolysaccharides from Escherichia coli). Cytotoxicity was detected in response to high dosages of nisin F. Serum inhibited the antimicrobial effect of nisin F and nisin A, but Nisaplin® remained unaffected. Nisin F was applied against systemic infection for the first time and the immunological effect of the peptide was investigated. Nisin F partially protected mice against S. aureus infections through immunomodulatory effects. This study provided valuable knowledge on the in vivo application of nisin F. With further optimization of nisin F preparation and application systems, the peptide might be more effective against in vivo infections. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Bakteriële weerstand teen antibiotika wek wêreldwyd kommer en weerstand teen amper elke bekende antibiotikum is reeds aangemeld. Daar is dus 'n groot behoefte vir die ontwikkeling van nuwe antimikrobiese middels. Bykomend tot probiotiese eienskappe, het sekere bakterieë die vermoë om antimikrobiese peptiede, bekend as bakteriosiene, te produseer. ‘n Groep klein ribosomaal-gesintetiseerde bakteriosiene, lantibitiotika, is onlangs vir mediese toepassing oorweeg. Lantibiotika beskik oor 'n baie spesifieke struktuur, insluitend lantionien ringstrukture, wat die peptied stabiliseer. Weens hul klein grootte en spesifieke aksie is hierdie peptiede daartoe in staat om spesifieke areas van infeksie te bereik sonder om die gasheer se natuurlike mikrobepopulasie te beïnvloed. Soos met enige terapeutiese middel, is bakteriosiene ook geneig tot in vivo afbreking, binding, klaring via die immuunsisteem en ontwikkeling van bakteriële weerstand. Nisien F, 'n klas Ia lantibiotikum, deur Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis F10 geproduseer, het reeds aktiwiteit teen die bekende patogene Stapylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes en verskeie antibiotika-weerstandige stamme getoon. Die doel van hierdie studie was om die antimikrobiese aktiwiteit van nisien F teen sistemiese S. aureus infeksies in muise te bepaal, asook die moontlike immuunreaksies wat die peptied mag veroorsaak. 'n Enkele toediening van nisien F het muise vir ten minste 15 min teen S. aureus beskerm. Na deurlopende administrasie het die peptied geen beduidende antimikrobiese aktiwiteit teen S. aureus getoon nie. Die peptied het egter 'n mate van beskerming aan geinfekteerde muise verleen deur ‘n pro-inflammatoriese aksie te inisieer deur limfosiet beskerming. Met toediening aan gesonde diere, het nisien F 'n immuunversterkende effek teweeg gebring via interleukin (IL)-6 en IL-10 vlakke, sonder nadelige uitwerking op die gasheer. Die ex vivo effek van nisien F is ook vergelyk met nisien A, 'n natuurlike variant van nisien, asook Nisaplin®, 'n kommersieël-gesuiwerde vorm van nisien A. Nie een van die drie peptide het leukosiete se funksionele kapasiteit in terme van 1L-1β en IL-6 produksie inhibeer nie, selfs nie in die teenwoordigheid van ‘n eksterne stimulus (lipopolisakkariede van Escherichia coli) nie. Seltoksisiteit is na blootstelling aan hoë dosisse van nisien F waargeneem. Serum het die antimikrobiese effek van beide nisien F en nisien A geïnhibeer, terwyl die werking van Nisaplin® nie beïnvloed is nie. Nisien F is vir die eerste keer teen sistemiese infeksies ingespan en die immunologiese impak van die peptied is ondersoek. Nisien F het gedeeltelike beskerming aan muise met S. aureus infeksies verleen deur die immuunsisteem te versterk. Die resultate het ‘n waardevolle bydrae gelewer tot die in vivo toediening van nisien F. Met verdere optimisering van nisien F voorbereiding en toedieningsisteme, mag die peptied moontlik meer effektief teen in vivo infeksies aangewend word. / The National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa for financial support and funding of the research

Nous assistons durant ces trente dernières années à une croissance de la fréquence d’apparition des bactéries résistantes aux antibiotiques. Face à la récurrence des infections difficiles à traiter dues à ces bactéries pathogènes multi-résistantes, le renforcement de l’arsenal des antimicrobiens fait partir des préoccupations majeures de santé publique. À ce titre, une approche ethno-pharmacologique a été initiée dans le cadre d’une coopération entre le laboratoire de pharmacodynamie biochimique (Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Côte d’Ivoire) et le laboratoire universitaire de biodiversité et d’écologie microbienne(Université de Bretagne Occidentale, France). Dans cette approche, les habitudes traditionnelles d’automédication par les plantes médicinales ont été exploitées pour identifier de nouvelles sources de composés antimicrobiens. Dans une première partie de cette présente étude, une investigation sur les résistances bactériennes en Côte d’Ivoire a montré non seulement une évolution de la fréquence d’apparition des bactéries résistantes aux antibiotiques dans le temps, mais aussi une évolution de ces souches résistantes vers des différents types de multi-résistances. Dans la seconde partie, Morinda morindoides, une plante médicinale ivoirienne, a suscité notre attention pour la recherche de substances antimicrobiennes. À partir de 18 extraits des différents organes de cette plante, des tests d’activité antimicrobienne ont permis de justifier son utilisation en médecine traditionnelle. L’extrait à l’acétonitrile de la racine qui affiche l’activité la plus intéressante a servi pour isoler et caractériser 12 phytomolécules antimicrobiennes dont une se distingue par sa structure chimique originale, la morindoïdine. En plus de leurs paramètres antimicrobiens, d’autres propriétés biologiques de ces substances ont été évaluées telles que, leur pouvoir antioxydant, leur cytotoxicité, leur activité hémolytique et leur cible moléculaire. Cette évaluation a révélé un mode d’action sans doute proche de celui des quinolones. / We are witnessing over these last thirty years a growing frequency of occurrence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This observation is coupled with a reduction in discovery of new antimicrobials. Given the recurrence of difficult to treat infections caused by these pathogens become multidrug resistant, strengthening the antimicrobial arsenal is one of the main public health concerns. To this end, an ethnopharmacological approach has been developed. Within the framework of cooperation between the laboratory of Biochemical pharmacodynamics (University of Cocody, Côte d'Ivoire) and the laboratory of microbial biodiversity and ecology (LUBEM EA 3882, University of Brest, France), traditional self-medication habits affecting more than 70% of the population of Cote d'Ivoire were analyzed to identify new sources of antimicrobial compounds. In the first part of this study, an investigation of bacterial resistance in Côte d'Ivoire has revealed not just an increase in the frequency of occurrence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in time, but also an evolution of resistant strains toward different types of antibiotics. In the second part, Morinda morindoides, an Ivorian medicinal plant aroused our attention for the research of antimicrobial substances. From 18 extracts from different organs of this plant the antimicrobial activity tests were performed. The acetonitrile extract of the root which exhibit the most interesting activity was used to isolate and characterize 12 antimicrobial phytomolecules. One of these compounds exhibits an original chemical structure named morindoidine. In addition to their antimicrobial activity, other biological properties of these substances have been evaluated such as their antioxidant potency, their cytotoxicity, their hemolytic activity and their molecular target. This assessment revealed a mode of action probably close to that of quinolones.

A prata metálica é um conhecido agente antimicrobiano, e a sua aplicação na forma de nanopartículas de prata vem sendo apontada como uma alternativa para aplicação em dispositivos médico hospitalares. Vários métodos foram sugeridos para a prevenção da infecção relacionada ao acesso vascular, entre eles, os cateteres revestidos com nanopartículas de prata têm recebido atenção mais recentemente, por oferecerem desempenho superior em aspectos onde outros métodos falharam. Este trabalho propôs avaliar a ação de nanopartículas de prata (AgNPs) em linhagens hospitalares e sua aplicabilidade em cateteres intraluminais. Na primeira fase, 12 linhagens (3 linhagens de referência e 8 linhagens hospitalares) foram testadas frente a diferentes concentrações de nanopartículas de prata de 10 nm; e na segunda fase, duas linhagens de referência foram escolhidas para os testes com os cateteres impregnados com uma solução polimérica contendo nanopartículas de prata. Os resultados obtidos atestam que as nanopartículas de prata funcionam como uma opção para controle bactericida. / In recent years, there has been increased concern regarding the use of antimicrobials (antibiotics) in general practices and in hospital-medicine devices, a factor that may contribute for the development and selection of antibiotic-resistant strains. The metallic silver is a known antimicrobial agent. Currently, its application in the form of nanoparticles (nanosilver) has been suggested as an alternative for use in hospital medical devices. Central venous catheters (CVCs) are commonly used in critically ill patients to administer fluids, blood products and parenteral nutrition. The contamination of catheters introduced into the bloodstream and subsequent infection, severe sepsis and septic shock are associated with high morbidity and mortality. This is one of the greater challenges of treating critically ill patients. Various methods have been suggested for prevention of infection related to the vascular access, including, catheters coated with silver nanoparticles which have received attention more recently, since they offer higher performance in aspects in that other methods have failed. This alternative consists in associating nanoparticles of metallic silver to a polymeric material that coats the catheter inner and externally. The main characteristics of the coating that can potentially be ajusted are the intensity and spectrum of bactericidal activity, the rate of bactericidal releasing and resistance to biofilm formation. This work proposes to evaluate the effects of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in hospital strains and their applicability in intraluminal catheter. In the first stage, 12 strains (3 reference strains and 9 hospital strains) were tested against different concentrations of silver nanoparticles of 10 nm (SIGMA-Aldrich); and in the second phase, two reference strain (a Gram-positive and Gram-negative) were selected for the tests with catheters impregnated with a polymer solution containing silver nanoparticles of 10 nm (SIGMA-Aldrich). The results obtained in the first stage showed a high efficiency of nanoparticles on three reference strains - S. aureus IPT 246, P. aeruginosa IPT 322 and K. pneumoniae IPT 412-, and moderate efficiency on hospital strains - S. aureus S.a. 1 and S.a. 2; P. aeruginosa P.a. 1 and P.a.2 ; and A. baumannii Acb. 2, Acb. 4 and Acb. 8, indicating that silver nanoparticles work as an option for bacterial control. A preliminary search of silver resistance genes in the strains indicates the possibility that 5 of these strains have genes related to silver resistance similar to those described in the literature. The results obtained in the second phase show that the process of impregnation of the intraluminal catheter has reached the desired goal in both the coating device, and in reducing bioburden according the tests carried with the reference strains S. aureus 246 IPT and P. aeruginosa IPT 322.

Escherichia fergusonii é um patógeno emergente na medicina humana e veterinária, nos relatos de casos de infecção em aves são escassos. O objetivo desse trabalho foi identificar e caracterizar estirpes de E. fergusonii isoladas de anatídeos de vida livre, aves cativas silvestres e aves comerciais criadas em sistemas convencionais e orgânico. Dentre as 431 amostras, foram isoladas 29 estirpes de Escherichia fergusonii, sendo a maior prevalência em galinhas no sistema de criação convencional. O perfil de sensibilidade das amostras foi avaliado, revelando diferenças entre os grupos, com a presença de estirpes de frangos no sistema de criação convencional apresentando maiores índices de resistência aos antimicrobianos testados, enquanto estirpes de irerês apresentaram sensibilidade a todos os antibióticos. Foram identificadas duas estirpes multirresistentes com resistência a mais de três classes de antimicrobianos. A caracterização molecular dessas amostras revelou estirpes de irerês (Dendrocygna viduata) com maior presença de genes de virulência (iroN, cvi, cva, astA e ompT). O ensaio de produção de hemolisinas em ágar sangue revelou amostras negativas, sem formação de hemólise ao redor da colônia. A técnica de AFLP classificou as estirpes em clados distintos sugerindo padrões de heterogeneidade entre as amostras. Esse é o primeiro relato de achados de Escherichia fergusonii em irerês de vida livre e gavião-pombo pequeno. / Escherichia fergusonii is an emerging pathogen in human and veterinary medicine, in cases reports associated with birds are scarce. The aims of this work were to identify and to characterize strains of E. fergusonii isolated from free-living ants, wild captive birds and poultry from conventional and organic farms. Among the 431 samples, 29 Escherichia fergusonii were isolated, being the highest prevalence in chickens from conventional breeding systems. The sensitivity profile of the samples was evaluated, revealing differences between the groups, with the higher antimicrobial resistance indexes in isolates from chicken in the conventional farms, while strains of white-faced whistling-duck showed sensitivity to all antibiotics. Two multiresistant strains with resistance to more than three classes of antimicrobial agents were identified. The molecular characterization of these samples revealed strains of white-faced whistlingduck (Dendrocygna viduata) with higher presence of virulence genes (iroN, cvi, cva, astA and ompT). The assay of hemolysin production on blood agar revealed negative strains, with no hemolysis forming around the colony. The AFLP technique classified the strains into distinct clades suggesting patterns of heterogeneity between the strains. This is the first report of Escherichia fergusonii in free-living white-faced whistling duck and white-necked hawk.

Os psitacídeos estão entre as espécies de aves mais apreendidas e encaminhadas aos centros de triagem animal em São Paulo. Também são comumente mantidos em ambiente doméstico como aves de estimação. A manutenção destas aves em cativeiro pode representar um risco zoonótico e contribuir para a propagação das estirpes de enterobactérias multirresistentes, como Klebsiella spp. produtora de beta-lactamase de espectro estendido (ESBLs), que podem interferir no tratamento de infecções nosocomiais em humanos. O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar e caracterizar estirpes de Klebsiella spp. isoladas de secreções respiratórias de 46 psitácideos doentes, determinando a virulência e o perfil de resistência a 15 antimicrobianos. Dentre as 19 estirpes de Klebsiella spp. isoladas, 16 (16/19) foram identificadas como Klebsiella pneumoniae, e três (3/19) foram identificadas como Klebsiella oxytoca. O perfil de suscetibilidade aos antimicrobianos demonstrou alta resistência para ampicilina (89,5%), e o perfil de virulência demonstrou uma alta prevalência dos genes fimH (94,7%), kpn (89,4%), uge (84,2%) e irp-2 (78,9%). Três estirpes de K. pneumoniae foram positivas para produção de beta-lactamase de espectro estendido. Estas estirpes foram classificadas nos sequence types (STs) ST15, ST147 e ST307. Esses três grupos clonais representam os principais responsáveis por surtos de infecções hospitalares por K. pneumoniae no mundo. No entanto, esse é o primeiro relato desses clones como causadores de doença em aves. Esses dados indicam a ocorrência de K. pneumoniae produtora de CTX-M-15 e CTX-M-8 em psitacídeos cativos e confirmam o potencial zoonótico e antropozoonótico do agente, destacando a relevância clínica para humanos e animais. / Psittacine birds are among the most seized bird species that are sent to animal sorting centers in São Paulo. They are also commonly kept in the domestic environment like pet birds. The maintenance of these birds in captivity may represent a zoonotic risk and contribute to the propagation of strains of multiresistant enterobacteria, such as Klebsiella spp. beta-lactamase extended-spectrum (ESBLs), which may interfere in the treatment of nosocomial infections in humans. The objective of this study was to identify and characterize strains of Klebsiella spp. isolated from respiratory secretions of 46 diseased psittacines, determining virulence and resistance profile to 15 antimicrobials. Among the 19 strains of Klebsiella spp. isolated, 16 (16/19) were identified as Klebsiella pneumoniae, and three (3/19) were identified as Klebsiella oxytoca. The antimicrobial susceptibility profile demonstrated high resistance to ampicillin (89.5%), and the virulence profile demonstrated a high prevalence of fimH (94.7%), kpn (89.4%), uge (84.2% %) and irp-2 (78.9%). Three strains of K. pneumoniae were positive for extended-spectrum beta-lactamase production. These strains were classified in sequence types (STs) ST15, ST147 and ST307. These three clonal groups represent the main responders for outbreaks of K. pneumoniae nosocomial infections worldwide. However, this is the first account of these clones as causing disease in birds. These data indicate the occurrence of K. pneumoniae producing CTX-M-15 and CTX-M-8 in captive parrots and confirm the zoonotic and anthropozoonotic potential of the agent, highlighting the clinical relevance for humans and animals.