Gram-positive bacteria are part of the normal flora of fish from different aquatic environments. They are mesophilic bacteria and demonstrate optimum growth at ambient temperature. In the sub-tropics, marine fish are caught from seas at temperatures of 16 to 34C, they are usually not iced and are handled at ambient temperature. It was hypothesized that under these conditions Gram-positive bacteria will be abundant in sub-tropical marine fish and will have roles in the spoilage of fish. A review of literature showed that there is a gap in understanding the Gram-positive bacterial populations in sub-tropical marine fish. This is partly due to the fact that the selective media used for isolating Gram-positive bacteria have limitations. Ecological and speciation studies have revealed that the ecology and speciation of many Gram-positive bacteria have not been clearly elucidated. The effect of ambient storage on the individual genera and species of Gram-positive bacteria in fish has been rarely studied. The spoilage potential of Gram-positive bacteria of marine fish origin has not been clearly determined. Therefore, the main aims of this study were to isolate Gram-positive bacteria from fresh and ambient-temperature-stored sub-tropical marine fish, speciate the isolates and study the spoilage potential of the isolates. The practical components of this study were conducted in four parts. The first part dealt with validation of tryptone soya agar with 0.25% phenylethyl alcohol (PEA-TSA) to enumerate Gram-positive bacteria. The second part enumerated Gram-positive bacteria from the muscles, gills and gut of Pseudocaranx dentex (Silver Trevally), Pagrus auratus (Snapper) and Mugil cephalus (Sea Mullet) stored at 25C for 15 hours using PEA-TSA. The third part dealt with the speciation of the isolates using appropriate methods such as polymerase chain reaction, 16S rRNA gene sequence, the VITEK JR system and conventional biochemical methods. In the fourth part, the isolates were assayed qualitatively for their ability to produce volatile sulphur compounds (VSC), reduce trimethylamine oxide and decarboxylate histidine, lysine and ornithine at mesophilic temperature, 32C. Initial studies indicated that PEA-TSA significantly (P< 0.05) reduced the total aerobic bacterial count of fish whereas control Gram-positive bacteria were not affected (P> 0.05). Gram-positive aerobic bacterial counts (GABC) significantly (P< 0.05) increased in the muscles and gills during ambient storage for 15 hours. Within each species, no significant (P> 0.05) differences were found in GABC between muscles and gills. Moreover, there were no significant differences (P> 0.05) in GABC between fish species during storage. In total, 390 bacteria were isolated from the fresh and stored fish; 339 isolates (87%) were found to be Gram-positive. Two hundred and sixty-six isolates (78%) of Gram-positive bacteria were identified to fall into 13 genera, namely Staphylococcus, Micrococcus, Bacillus, Virgibacillus, Brevibacillus, Corynebacterium, Streptococcus, Enterococcus, Aerococcus, Exiguobacterium, Carnobacterium, Vagococcus and Sporosarcina and 30 species. In fresh fish, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Micrococcus luteus were the most frequent isolates. The effect of storage at 25C for 15 hours resulted in a change of Gram-positive bacterial populations; while S. epidermidis, S. xylosus and Bacillus megaterium were no longer present, S. warneri, B. sphaericus, Brevibacillus borstelensis, Enterococcus faecium and Streptococcus uberis increased. Three species, E. faecium, Str. uberis and B. sphaericus, were the most prevalent at the end of storage. Micrococcus luteus and S. warneri were the most prevalent isolates from Pseudocaranx dentex, but E. faecium and Str. uberis were the most frequently isolated from Pagrus auratus and Mugil cephalus. With respect to different parts of the fish body, E. faecium, Str. uberis and B. sphaericus were the most frequent isolates from the muscles, E. faecium, Str. uberis from the gills and M. luteus from the gut. Among the 228 isolates examined, Br. borstelensis 73, Br. borstelensis 291, Str. uberis 339, Vagococcus fluvialis 31 and Vag. fluvialis 132 produced VSC from sodium thiosulphate, cysteine and methionine. However, strains varied in sulphur source utilization. Exiguobacterium acetylicum 5, Exiguobacterium spp. 191, Carnobacterium spp. 338, Br. borstelensis 73, Br. borstelensis 291, Str. uberis 30, Str. uberis 339, Vag. fluvialis 31 and Vag. fluvialis 132 reduced TMAO. No histidine decarboxylase activity was found in the Gram-positive bacterial species tested. Lysine and ornithine were decarboxylated mainly by different strains of S. warneri, S. epidermidis and M. luteus. During ambient storage of fish, the frequency of lysine-decarboxylating bacteria increased and became more diverse after 5 hours of storage. Among fish species examined, the frequencies of lysine- and ornithine-decarboxylating bacteria were higher and more diverse in Pseudocaranx dentex than in Pagrus auratus and Mugil cephalus. This study found that Gram-positive bacteria were abundant and diverse in sub-tropical marine fish; however, their frequencies were affected by fish habitat and fish body part. Ambient temperature storage determined which Gram-positive bacterial species were dominant. With the exception of one isolate of S. aureus, Gram-positive bacteria isolated from sub-tropical marine fish caught from unpolluted water were not potential pathogens. The study also showed that Gram-positive bacteria had greater ability to decarboxylate lysine and ornithine than to produce VSC or reduce TMAO, and the spoilage potential of a bacterial species was a strain-dependent behaviour. This is a significant study as it is the first study on this aspect sub-tropical marine fish. It validated a selective medium that can be used to enumerate most Gram-positive bacteria from a marine environment. Most of the Gram-positive bacterial species from sub-tropical marine fish identified in this study were documented for the first time. The effects of ambient storage and the spoilage potential of Gram-positive bacteria from sub-tropical marine were clearly elucidated.

Diss. (sammanfattning) Linköping : Linköpings universitet, 2005. / Härtill 4 uppsatser.

Submitted by Alexandre Sousa (alexandre.sousa@incqs.fiocruz.br) on 2015-06-30T13:13:30Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertação_Livia.pdf: 2415864 bytes, checksum: 9fef5c6a16beacb29a63be5283790fd6 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Alexandre Sousa (alexandre.sousa@incqs.fiocruz.br) on 2015-06-30T13:13:42Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertação_Livia.pdf: 2415864 bytes, checksum: 9fef5c6a16beacb29a63be5283790fd6 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Alexandre Sousa (alexandre.sousa@incqs.fiocruz.br) on 2015-06-30T13:13:53Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertação_Livia.pdf: 2415864 bytes, checksum: 9fef5c6a16beacb29a63be5283790fd6 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2015-06-30T13:13:53Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertação_Livia.pdf: 2415864 bytes, checksum: 9fef5c6a16beacb29a63be5283790fd6 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013 / Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Instituto Nacional de Controle de Qualidade em Saúde / Os produtos farmacêuticos que requerem a característica de esterilidade devem ser submetidos ao Ensaio de Esterilidade que deve ser realizado em áreas limpas, a fim de evitar resultados falso-positivos. A legislação brasileira recomenda a identificação de microrganismos provenientes dos Ensaios e do ambiente onde estes foram realizados. A dificuldade da identificação de vários gêneros bacterianos por metodologias fenotípicas têm sido relatada em vários estudos e mostram a necessidade da utilização de metodologias moleculares para esta finalidade. Neste estudo foi realizada a caracterização fenotípica (API e VITEK BioMerieux) e genotípica (análise da sequência do gene 16S rRNA) de 58 estirpes de cocos Gram positivos não fermentadores da glicose, provenientes de produtos farmacêuticos estéreis e ambiente controlado. O resultado da caracterização fenotípica realizada utilizando o sistema VITEK demonstrou que 100% das identificações foram equivocadas quanto ao gênero e espécie bacteriana. O sistema API identificou corretamente 69% das estirpes quanto ao gênero bacteriano quando comparado com a análise da sequência do gene 16S rRNA. Vinte e cinco estirpes foram submetidas ao sistema VITEK 2 e 68% dessas foram identificados corretamente quanto ao gênero bacteriano. A análise da sequência do gene 16S rRNA mostrou-se eficiente na determinação do gênero e mostrou a diversidade bacteriana deste grupo de organismos. Entre os cocos Gram positivos não fermentadores da glicose analisados foram identificados os gêneros Micrococcus, Kocuria, Demetria, Macrococcus, Arthrobacter, Dietzia, Janibacter e Brachybacterium. Essa análise também mostrou que 8,6% das estirpes avaliadas podem representar espécies ainda não descritas. Esta metodologia possibilita a diferenciação de quase todas as espécies do gênero encontrado com mais frequência, o Micrococcus, exceto o Micrococcus yunnanesis e Micrococcus luteus. Essas espécies também não puderam ser diferenciadas pela análise da sequência de segmentos de genes conservados (rpoB, gyrB, groEL and recA). Os equívocos das identificações fenotípicas alertam para a necessidade da implementação de metodologias moleculares para concluir a identificação correta de estirpes bacterianas provenientes de testes de esterilidade e ambientes controlados. / Sterile pharmaceutical products must be submitted to sterility testing to be carried out in clean rooms, in order to avoid false positive results. Brazilian law recommends the identification of microorganisms from sterility tests and the environment where these tests were performed. It has been reported in several studies difficulty in identifying various genera using phenotypic methods. This suggests the need of molecular methods which are more suitable for this purpose. In this study we performed phenotypic (API and VITEK systems (BioMerieux)) and genotypic (sequence analysis of 16S rRNA) characterization of 58 strains of Gram positive cocci non-fermenting glucose, from pharmaceuticals sterile and controlled environment. The results of phenotypic characterization performed using the VITEK system showed that 100% of the identifications of bacterial genus and species were misleading. The API system correctly identified the bacterial genus of 69% of the strains compared with the sequence analysis of 16S rRNA. Twenty-five strains were identified with the Vitek 2 system and 68% of the strains were identified with the correct bacterial genus. Sequence analysis of 16S rRNA gene was effective in determining the bacterial genus and also showed bacterial diversity of this group of organisms. Among the glucose non-fermenting Gram-positive cocci analyzed, the identified genera were: Micrococcus, Kocuria, Demetria, Macrococcus, Arthrobacter, Dietzia, Janibacter and, Brachybacterium. This analysis also showed that 8.6% of the strains tested may represent species not yet described. This methodology allowed the differentiation of almost all species of the genus Micrococcus, except Micrococcus yunnanesis and Micrococcus luteus. These species were also not differentiated by sequence analysis of fragments of housekeeping genes (rpoB, gyrB, groEL and recA). The mistake phenotypic identifications highlight the need of the implementation of molecular methods to achieve the correct identification of bacterial strains from sterility testing and controlled environments.

Submitted by THAÍS ALVES BARBOSA null (thaalvesb@hotmail.com) on 2016-03-20T00:20:03Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertação.pdf: 1818604 bytes, checksum: 7ea9f39f4ad30e976729ba7907b30ff1 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Ana Paula Grisoto (grisotoana@reitoria.unesp.br) on 2016-03-22T14:21:02Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 barbosa_ta_me_bot.pdf: 1818604 bytes, checksum: 7ea9f39f4ad30e976729ba7907b30ff1 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-03-22T14:21:02Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 barbosa_ta_me_bot.pdf: 1818604 bytes, checksum: 7ea9f39f4ad30e976729ba7907b30ff1 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-02-29 / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) / A necessidade de permanência em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Neonatal (UTIN) simboliza um dos principais fatores desencadeantes de colonização e infecção. Sabe-se que logo após o nascimento, inicia-se a colonização bacteriana do neonato pelo contato com a microbiota materna, dos profissionais de saúde ou a partir da exposição ambiental. Recém-nascidos (RNs), que permanecem em tratamento intensivo, possuem predisposição aumentada para infecção posteriormente à colonização. A maior sobrevida e o prolongamento do período de internação dos neonatos têm proporcionado uma elevação nas taxas de infecções, principalmente em UTINs. Objetivos: Estudar a epidemiologia da colonização e infecção microbiana em uma coorte de neonatos admitidos em uma UTIN com abordagem clínica e molecular. Metodologia: Foram incluídos no estudo todos os neonatos admitidos na UTIN, nascidos no HC da FMB, por um período de um ano, e assim coletadas amostras de aspirado traqueal, como também por meio de swabs estéreis dos sítios nasal e anal e acompanhamento do recém-nascido até o desfecho final (alta da UTI ou óbito). Micro-organismos isolados foram submetidos à identificação e ao teste de sensibilidade às drogas antimicrobianas para a determinação da concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) pela técnica de E-test. Dentre os Staphylococcus spp. que apresentarem resistência à meticilina foi determinado o tipo de cassete cromossômico estafilocócico mec (SCCmec). Para a pesquisa de clones prevalentes na unidade, foi realizada a caracterização dos clusters pela técnica de eletroforese em gel de campo pulsado (PFGE). Resultados: Os resultados revelaram maior incidência de infecção (27,8%) e colonização por Staphylococcus epidermidis principalmente na mucosa nasal (56,4%). Na mucosa anal predominou a colonização por Serratia marcescens (26,8%). Os resultados evidenciaram cepas de S. epidermidis resistentes a sulfametoxazol-trimetoprim, e S.epidermidis e Enterococcus faecalis resistentes a quinopristina/dalfopristina. Das 402 amostras de Staphylococcus spp. estudadas, 204 (50,7%) apresentaram o gene mecA, com uma maior frequência de isolados provenientes da mucosa nasal, sendo detectados 47 isolados albergando o SCCmec tipo I, 12 carreando o SCCmec tipo II, 77 carreando o SCCmectipo III e 43 albergando o SCCmec tipo IV. A tipagem molecular para determinação dos clusters pela técnica de PFGE demonstrou a presença de isolados de diferentes RNs, com perfis idênticos ou alta taxa de similaridade, sugestivo de contaminação cruzada. Além disso, isolados obtidos do mesmo RN, porém, de sítios diferentes também se apresentaram como idênticos, comprovando que o micro-organismo que colonizava o RN no momento da coleta também era o agente infeccioso. A análise estatística revelou que o processo de colonização pode ser considerado fator de risco para infecção, com um risco de três vezes mais quando comparado com RNs não colonizados. Dentre os fatores de risco para colonização a utilização de nutrição parenteral e cateter central de inserção periférica (PICC) aumentaram o risco em seis vezes mais e quatro vezes mais, respectivamente. Conclusão: Os achados deste trabalho podem auxiliar na escolha antimicrobiana adequada visto que o processo de colonização ocorre posteriormente ao nascimento e que a terapia empírica muitas vezes é necessária. O conhecimento do perfil microbiológico da unidade possibilita a criação de protocolos antimicrobianos adequados para prevenção e tratamento de IRAS, objetivando melhoria na qualidade da assistência prestada. Para tanto, salienta-se a importância de implementação de culturas de vigilância, que auxiliam a comissão de controle de IRAS, e a equipe assistencial na elaboração de medidas a serem adotadas. / The need to stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) represents one of the main factors of colonization and infection. It is known that, soon after birth, bacterial colonization of the newborn starts from contact with maternal microbiota, health professionals, or from environmental exposure. Newborns (NBs) who remain in intensive care have a greater predisposition to infection after the colonization. The longer survival and prolonged hospitalization of NBs have led to an increase in infection rates, especially in NICUs. Objectives: To study the epidemiology of colonization and microbial infection in a cohort of neonates admitted to a NICU with a clinical and molecular approach. Methodology: All neonates born in the University Hospital of Botucatu Medical School admitted to the NICU for one year were included in the study. Tracheal aspirate samples were collected, as well as samples of the nasal and anal sites by using sterile swabs. The NBs were followed up until the final outcome – ICU discharge or death. Isolated mircroorganisms were submitted to identification and were tested for antimicrobial drug susceptibility in order to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) by the E-test. The type of staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) was determined among the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus spp. For the research on prevalent clones in the unit, the characterization of clusters was performed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Results: The results showed higher incidence of infection (27.8%) and colonization by Staphylococcus epidermidis mainly in the nasal mucosa (56.4%). The colonization by Serratia marcescens was predominant in the anal mucosa (26.8%). The results showed S. epidermidis resistant to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and S. epidermidis and Enterococcus faecalis resistant to quinopristin-dalfopristin. From the 402 samples of Staphylococcus spp. studied, 204 (50.7%) had the mecA gene, more frequently isolated from the nasal mucosa. There were 47 isolates harboring SCCmec type I, 12 carrying SCCmec type II, 77 carrying SCCmec type III, and 43 harboring SCCmec type IV. Molecular typing to determine the clusters by the PFGE technique demonstrated the presence of isolates of different NBs with either identical or high similarity profiles, which suggests cross-contamination. In addition, isolates from the same NB but of different sites also presented as identical, proving that the microorganism that colonized the NB at the time of collection was also the infectious agent. The statistical analysis revealed that the colonization process can be considered a risk factor for infection with a three times greater risk compared to non-colonized NBs. Among the risk factors for colonization, the use of parenteral nutrition and peripherally-inserted central catheter (PICC) increased the risk six times and four times, respectively. Conclusion: The findings of this study can assist in the appropriate antimicrobial choice as the colonization process occurs after the birth and the empirical therapy is often required. Knowing the microbiological profile of the unit allows to create proper antimicrobial protocols for preventing and treating healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) aiming to improve the quality of the care provided. To this end, the implementation of surveillance cultures which help the HCAI control commission as well as the care team to develop the measures to be adopted is very important. / FAPESP: 2013/12482-0

Os bastonetes Gram positivos irregulares (BGPIs) compõem um grupo de espécies bacterianas com ampla diversidade fenotípica e que podem estar presente no meio ambiente, na microbiota humana e de animais. A identificação acurada de BGPIs em nível de gênero e espécie empregando métodos bioquímicos convencionais é bastante limitada, sendo recomendado, portanto, o uso de técnicas moleculares. No presente estudo, foram identificadas amostras de BGPIs oriundas de espécimes clínicos de humanos, de produtos farmacêuticos e de áreas limpas através da análise de sequencias do gene 16S rRNA e de outros genes conservados (housekeeping genes). Os resultados obtidos pelo sequenciamento dos genes 16S rRNA e rpoB demonstraram C. striatum multi-resistente (MDR) como responsável por surto epidêmico em ambiente hospitalar da cidade do Rio de Janeiro. Quinze cepas de C. striatum foram isoladas em cultura pura a partir de secreção traqueal de pacientes adultos submetidos a procedimentos de entubação endotraqueal. A análise por eletroforese em gel de campo pulsado (PFGE) indicou a presença de quatro perfis moleculares, incluindo dois clones relacionados com cepas MDR (PFGE I e II). Os dados demonstram a predominância de PFGE I entre cepas MDR isoladas de unidades de terapia intensiva e enfermarias cirúrgicas. Uma potencial ligação causal entre a morte e a infecção por C. striatum MDR (PFGE tipos I e II) foi observada em cinco casos. Adicionalmente, acreditamos que este seja o primeiro estudo de identificação de espécies de Nocardia relacionadas com infecções humanas pela análise da sequencia multilocus (MLSA) no Brasil. Diferente dos dados observados na literatura (1970 a 2013) e obtidos pelos testes fenotípicos convencionais, a caracterização molecular de quatro lócus (gyrB-16S-secA1-hsp65) permitiu a identificação das espécies N. nova, N. cyriacigeorgica, N. asiatica e N. exalbida/gamkensis relacionadas com quadros de nocardiose em humanos. Cepas de N. nova isoladas de diferentes materiais clínicos de um único paciente apresentaram padrões de susceptibilidade antimicrobianos idênticos e dois perfis PFGE, indicando a possibilidade de quadros de co-infecção por N. nova em humanos. Em outra etapa da investigação, amostras de BGPIs obtidos de ambientes de salas limpas que não puderam ser identificadas por critérios convencionais foram submetidas a análise da sequência do gene 16S rRNA e caracterizadas 95,83% em nível de gênero e 35,42% em espécies. Para gêneros mais encontrados no estudo, foram analisados os genes rpoB e recA de dezessete cepas de Microbacterium e utilizado o MLSA para a identificação de sete cepas identificadas como Streptomyces. Os ensaios permitiram a identificação de três cepas de Microbacterium e de uma única amostra de Streptomyces ao nível de espécie. A análise da sequencia do gene rpoB também se mostrou eficaz na identificação de espécies de cepas de Corynebacterium. Finalmente, para as cepas ambientais pertencentes à classe Actinobacteria os dados morfológicos, bioquímicos e genotípicos permitiram documentar a cepa 3117BRRJ como representante de uma nova espécie do gênero Nocardioides, para o qual o nome Nocardioides brasiliensis sp. nov. e as cepas 3712BRRJ e 3371BRRJ como representante de um novo gênero e espécie para o qual o nome Guaraldella brasiliensis nov. foi proposto. / Irregular Gram positive rods (coryneform bacteria; IGPRs) comprise a group of species that has a wide phenotypic diversity and makes the conventional identification limited and that may be present in the environment, humans and animals hosts. In order to provide further accurate identification of these microorganisms in a genus and species terms it is recommended the use of molecular methods. In this study, we analyzed the 16S rRNA gene sequences and other conserved genes (housekeeping) in order to elucidate the identification of clinical isolates, pharmaceutical and clean room areas. We have documented a nosocomial outbreak caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) C. striatum in Rio de Janeiro. C. striatum identification was confirmed by 16S rRNA and rpoB gene sequencing. C. striatum was mostly isolated in pure culture from tracheal aspirates of adults undergoing endotracheal intubation procedures. The analysis by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) indicated the presence of four PFGE profiles, including two related clones of MDR strains (PFGE I and II). The data demonstrated the predominance of PFGE I, mostly isolated from patients of intensive care units and surgical wards. A potential causal link between death and MDR C. striatum (PFGE I and II) infection was observed in five cases. We also performed the identification of Nocardia species of human infections by multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) and characterized their antimicrobial and phenotypic profiles. An overview from 1970 to 2013 of the case reports on Nocardia species related to human infections, except mycetomas, in Brazil, was also accomplished. Molecular characterization by four-locus (gyrB-16S-secA1-hsp65) has provided the species identification N. nova, N. cyriacigeorgica, N. asiatica and N. exalbida/gamkensis. N. nova strains isolated from different clinical specimens of one patient showed identical antimicrobial susceptibility patterns. PFGE analysis performed to determine the genetic relatedness of these N. nova strains two distinct profiles, which were designated A and B. This is the first report on identification of Nocardia species by MLSA in Brazil. The IGPRs obtained in clean room environments that could not be identified by conventional criteria were studied by 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis that allowed the identification of 95.83% at genus level and of 35.42% at the species level. The most common genus found in the clean room environments were Microbacterium and Streptomyces. The analysis of rpoB and recA genes sequence of seventeen Microbacterium strains contributed to the identification of three strains at species level. MLSA of seven Streptomyces strains identified a single sample at the species level. Moreover, the rpoB gene sequence analysis was effective in identifying Corynebacterium strains at species level. A new genus and species were found among clean room environmental strains belonging to the Actinobacteria class. Based on the morphological, genotypic and biochemical data presented in this study the 3117BRRJ strain represent a novel specie of the genus Nocardioides, for which the name Nocardioides brasiliensis sp. nov. was proposed and the 3712BRRJ and 3371BRRJ represent a new genus and species for which the name Guaraldella brasiliensis nov. were proposed.

Fundação de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais / Consumption of food contaminated with strains of Staphylococcus aureus can cause diseases, whose signs and symptoms include gastroenteritis, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain within one to six hours post-consumption of contaminated food. In this way, rapid methods of detection and identification of S. aureus are essential for food quality control and food safety. At this study, objectived to select peptide that binds to S.aureus, through the technique of Phage Display (PD), for development of fast diagnostic tools, of easy handling and low cost. At this study was used bioppaning for selection of peptides that express on the surface filamentous phage peptides that binds to S. aureus. The phage DNA selected was sequenced and subjected to in silico analysis (BioEdit v7.0.9). The sequences obtained were aligned and clones underwent pre-screening (ELISA) for the evaluation of binding specificity to S. aureus. The titles of input and output in biopanning were constant. Nine valid sequences were obtained after sequencing 40 clones selected after 3 rounds of biopanning. The analysis demonstrated that four clones presented reactivity in bacteria, although tests have demonstrated that the peptides exhibited no specific binding capacity in Staphylococcus aureus. Nevertheless, the peptide H06 showed binding specificity in gram-positive bacteria used in the test of reactivity. Furthermore, the in silico analysis showed that the recombinant peptides share chemical characteristics essential the proteins of the bacterial cells. Although the S. aureus specificity had not been observed, the peptide can be used as a method of detecting contamination of food in gram-positive bacteria. In food contamination, fast screening and identification of bacterial groups, allows establish decisions about the marketing and distribution of foods and may prevent outbreaks of food intoxication and ensure food security. / O consumo de alimentos contaminados com cepas de Staphylococcus aureus pode causar doenças, cujos sinais incluem gastroenterites, náuseas, vômitos, diarreia, dor abdominal intensa dentro de uma a seis horas após o consumo do alimento contaminado. Por esta razão, métodos rápidos de detecção de S.aureus são essenciais para o controle da qualidade e da garantia da segurança alimentar. Assim, o presente estudo teve por objetivo selecionar peptídeos ligantes à S.aureus, por meio da técnica de Phage Display (PD), para desenvolvimento de ferramentas diagnósticas rápidas, de fácil manipulação e baixo custo. Neste estudo, foi realizado bioppaning para seleção de peptídeos expressos na superfície de fagos filamentosos que apresentassem peptídeos ligantes a S.aureus. O DNA dos fagos selecionados foi sequenciado e submetido a analise in silico(BioEdit v7.0.9). As sequências obtidas foram alinhadas e os clones foram submetidos à pre-screening (ELISA) para avaliação de especificidade de ligação à S. aureus. Os títulos de entrada e saída obtidos no biopanning foram constantes. Nove sequências válidas foram obtidas após o sequenciamento dos 40 clones selecionados após 3 ciclos de biopanning. A análise de reatividade demonstrou que quatro clones apresentaram reatividade à bactéria, embora os testes de especificidade demonstraram que os peptídeos não exibiram capacidade de ligação específica a S. aureus. Apesar disto, o peptídeo E06 mostrou especificidade de ligação a bactérias do gênero Staphylococcus usadas no teste de reatividade. Além disso, as análises in sílico revelaram que os peptídeos recombinantes compartilham características químicas essenciais a proteínas das bactérias. Embora a especificidade a S.aureus não tenha sido observada, neste estudo o peptídeo pode ser utilizado como um método de detecção a contaminação de alimentos por estafilococos. Nas contaminações de alimentos, a triagem rápida e métodos de identificação de grupos bacterianos permitem estabelecer decisões sobre a comercialização e distribuição e podem prevenir um surto de intoxicação, garantindo a segurança alimentar. / Mestre em Biologia Celular e Estrutural Aplicadas

Flagelinas de bactérias gram-negativas ativam o sistema imune inato resultando em efeitos adjuvantes para antígenos co-administrados. No entanto, não existem relatos sobre as propriedades adjuvantes de flagelinas de bactérias gram-positivas. O objetivo do projeto foi estudar os efeitos imunomoduladores da flagelina Hag de B. subtílis. Inicialmente foi purificada a Hag e subseqüentemente avaliada sua propriedade imunológica quando administrada junto com a ovalmbumina (OVA) pelas vias intra-nasal (i.n.) ou subcutânea (s.c.) em camundongos Balb/C e C57BL/6. Os resultados demonstraram as propriedades imunomoduladoras da Hag nas duas linhagens em relação à indução de anticorpos antígeno-específicos. Não foi possível demonstrar a ativação de linfócitos TCD4+ e CD8+ antígenos-específicos em animais Balb/C imunizados com OVA e Hag tanto pela via s.c. como pela i.n.. Resultados mais promissores do efeito adjuvante frente a células T foram encontrados em animais C57BL/6. Os resultados abrem perspectivas para o estudo do potencial da flagelina Hag de B. subtilis como adjuvante vacinal. / Flagellin of gram negatives bacteria actives the innate immune system resulting in adjuvants effects against coadministrated antigens. However, there is not information about immunological properties of flagellins produced by gram positive bacteria. This study aimed the evaluation of immunomodulator effects of Hag flagellin from B. subtilis. Vaccine formulations based in purified Hag and Ovalbumine protein (OVA) were administrated intranasal (i.n.) and subcutaneously (s.c.) in Balb/C and C57BL/6 mice and then the population of B and T lymphocytes were monitored for production of antibodies and citocines and/or surface markers expression. Results showed the immunomodulatory properties of Hag in both mice lineages regarding the induction of antigen specific antibodies when immunized with OVA and Hag by i.n. and s.c. via. Most promising results concerning the adjuvant effects observed on T cells activation were found in C57BL/6 mice. The results obtained open future perspectives for the study of the potential use of B. subtilis Hag flagellin as adjuvant in vaccines.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Several compound present in fruits as polyphenols are able to kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms. These proprieties are relevant mainly in tropical areas, as Amazonian region where infectious are highly prevalent. Therefore, this study investigated the tucumã Amazonian fruit antimicrobial activity against 37 microorganisms. The potential role of oxidative metabolism imbalance was also studied as causal mechanism of antimicrobial activity. The results showed antibacterial effect of pulp and peel tucumã hydro-alcoholic extracts on three gram-positive bacteria (Enteroccocus faecalis, Bacillus cereus, Listeria monocytogenes) and antifungical effect against Candida albicans. The antimicrobial contribution of main chemical compounds (quercetin, rutin, β-carotene and gallic, caffeic and chlorogenic acids) found in tucumã extracts was also investigated showing an inhibitory effect depending of the organism mainly by quercetin in bacteria and rutin in C.albicans. Analysis of kinetic of DNA releasing in extracellular medium by fluorescence using DNA Pico Green assay® and reactive oxygen species production (ROS) showed potential oxidative imbalance contribution on tucumã inhibitory effect. In B.cereus and C.albicans this effect was clear since after 24 hours the ROS levels were higher when compared to negative control group. In conclusion, tucumã extracts present antimicrobial activity to four microorganisms that have large problems of drug resistance, and the possible mechanism of action of this Amazon fruit is related to REDOX imbalance. / Aguns compostos, como por exemplo, os polifenóis presentes em várias frutas, são capazes de matar ou inibir o crescimento de microrganismos. Estas propriedades estão presentes principalmente em frutos de áreas tropicais, como a região amazônica. Portanto, este estudo investigou a atividade antimicrobiana contra 37 microrganismos de um fruto amazônico conhecido como tucumã. O potencial papel de desequilíbrio do metabolismo oxidativo também foi estudado como mecanismo causal da atividade antimicrobiana. Os resultados mostraram efeito antibacteriano para os extratos hidroalcóolicos da polpa e da casca do tucumã em três bactérias gram- positivas (Enterococcus faecalis, Bacillus cereus, Listeria monocytogenes) e efeito antifúngico contra Candida albicans. A contribuição antimicrobiana dos principais compostos químicos (quercetina, rutina, β- caroteno, ácidos clorogênicos, cafeico e gálico) encontrados em extratos do tucumã também foi investigada, apresentando um efeito inibidor dependendo principalmente do microrganismo, em bactérias pela quercetina e no fungo pela rutina. Análise da cinética da liberação de DNA no meio extracelular por fluorescência utilizando o ensaio de DNA Pico Green® e produção de espécies reativas de oxigênio (ROS) mostrou efeito inibitorio do tucumã no potencial desequilíbrio oxidativo. Em B. cereus e C. albicans este efeito foi claro após as 24 horas onde os níveis de ROS foram maiores quando comparados ao grupo controle negativo. Em conclusão, os extratos de tucumã apresentam atividade inibitória de quatro microrganismos que possuem grandes problemas de resistência aos fármacos, e o possível mecanismo de ação deste fruto amazônico está relacionada com o desequilíbrio REDOX.

Les maladies infectieuses dues aux bactéries Gram + sont causes de mortalité importante à travers le monde, et de récentes études ont mis en évidence le rôle pathologique de l’interféron de type I (I IFN) dans ces maladies. Les cellules dendritiques plasmacytoïdes (pDC) produisent des quantités importantes d’IFN de type I suite à la détection de virus. Des données récentes suggèrent que les pDC humaines pourraient également détecter des bactéries, mais les récepteurs impliqués restent inconnus. Au cours de ma thèse, j’ai caractérisé l’expression des récepteurs TLR2 / 1 par les pDC. Ces deux récepteurs permettent aux pDC de détecter les lipoprotéines bactériennes. Je montre que les pDC répondent aux bactéries Gram + (M. tuberculosis, S. aureus et L. monocytogenes) par la voie TLR2 / 1. Mon travail a montré que les pDC primaires humaines expriment TLR1 et TLR2 à la fois au niveau de l'ARNm et au niveau protéique. En réponse aux lipoprotéines bactériennes, la régulation des molécules costimulatrices par les pDCs est TLR1-dépendante tandis que la sécrétion d’I-IFN est TLR2-dépendante. De plus, TLR2 et TLR1 jouent des rôles distincts au cours du priming des cellules T CD4+ naïves par les pDCs, induisant une prolifération et différentiation en sous-populations Th1 / Th2 / Treg. Je démontre en outre que ces différences reposent sur les voies de signalisation distinctes de ces deux TLR. Ce travail de thèse pose ainsi les bases pour l’exploration du rôle des pDC dans les infections bactériennes humaines. / Infections by Gram+ bacteria are worldwide life-threatening diseases where new studies are highlighting the pathological role of Type I interferon (I IFN). Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) are the main source of Type I IFN following viral sensing. Recent evidence suggests that human pDCs might sense bacteria. The receptors mediating bacterial sensing in pDCs are not known. During my thesis, I focused on the characterization of pDCs TLR2/1 receptors expression. These two receptors allow pDCs to sense Gram+ bacterial lipoproteins. My work showed that human primary pDCs express TLR1 and TLR2 at the mRNA and protein level. I show that pDCs respond to the Gram+ bacteria M. tuberculosis, S. aureus and L. monocytogenes through TLR2/1 pathway. In human primary pDC, I found that in response to bacterial lipoproteins up-regulation of costimulatory molecules is TLR1-dependent while IFN-I secretion is TLR2-dependent. TLR2 and TLR1 signalling play a different role in the pDCs priming of naïve CD4+ T-cells, inducing proliferation and differentiation to TH1/TH2/Treg subsets. I further demonstrate that these differences rely on the diverse signaling pathway activated by the two TLRs. This work provides the rationale to explore pDCs activity in human bacterial infection.

No / Mono- and disaccharide-functionalised conjugates of the fluoroquinolone antibiotic ciprofloxacin have been synthesised and used as chemical probes of the bacterial uptake of glycosylated ciprofloxacin. Their antimicrobial activities against a panel of clinically relevant bacteria were determined: the ability of these conjugates to inhibit their target DNA gyrase and to be transported into the bacteria was assessed by using in vivo and in vitro assays. The data suggest a lack of active uptake through sugar transporters and that although the addition of monosaccharides is compatible with the inhibition of DNA gyrase, the addition of a disaccharide results in a significant decrease in antimicrobial activity.