Objetivo: A vacina inativada contra HVA (Havrix) é altamente eficaz e segura em crianças saudáveis. Não há muitos dados disponíveis na literatura sobre a resposta de crianças imunocomprometidas à essa vacina. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a resposta de pacientes pediátricos portadores de Síndrome de Down e de Hepatopatia Crônica à uma vacina inativada contra Hepatite A, comparando suas respostas com as de crianças saudáveis. Casuística e Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo prospectivo, aberto e controlado com 138 crianças e adolescentes, de 1 a 16 anos, suscetíveis à infecção pelo virus A (anti-HVA negativo). Os indivíduos foram divididos em 3 grupos: Grupo I: portadores de Síndrome de Down (n = 49), Grupo II: Hepatopatas Crônicos (n = 34) e Grupo III: controle, composto por crianças saudáveis (n = 55). Todos os indivíduos recebiam 2 doses, nos meses 0 e 6, da vacina Havrix 720 UE , aplicada intramuscular, no deltóide. Um mês após cada dose da vacina, as crianças e os adolescentes eram submetidas à coleta de sangue para realização de titulação de anticorpos anti-HVA. Resultados: As taxas de soroconversão, após a primeira dose da vacina, no mês 1, foram de 92%, 76% e 94% nos grupos I, II e III, respectivamente. Um mês após a segunda dose, as porcentagens de soroconversão foram de 100% x 97% x 100%, para os grupos, na mesma ordem. As médias geométricas dos títulos de anticorpos anti-HVA foram, na primeira e segunda coletas, de 164,02 e 1719,86 mUI/ml nas crianças com Síndrome de Down, de 107,77 e 812,40 mUI/ml nos cirróticos e de 160,77 e 2344,90 mUI/ml, no grupo controle. O grupo dos pacientes cirróticos apresentou diferença estatisticamente significativa em relação às taxas de soroconversão no primeiro mês, após 1 dose da vacina, e aos títulos de anticorpos anti-HVA no final do estudo, quando comparado aos controles saudáveis. Apenas 14% dos indivíduos vacinados apresentaram sintomas locais, como dor e vermelhidão. Cinco porcento apresentaram sintomas gerais. Não ocorreu nenhum efeito adverso sério ou reação imediata à vacina. Os efeitos adversos diminuíram por ocasião da segunda dose.Conclusões: A vacina inativada Havrix, contra Hepatite A, provoca altas taxas de soroconversão e é altamente segura em pacientes pediátricos portadores de Síndrome de Down e de Cirrose. As crianças e adolescentes com Cirrose respondem à vacina inativada anti-HVA com títulos de anticorpos mais baixos do que as crianças saudáveis e do que as portadoras de Síndrome de Down. / Objective: The inactivated hepatitis A vaccine (Havrix) is highly immunogenic and safe in healthy children. However, data about the response of immunocompromised children to this vaccine are not very frequent in the literature. The objective of this study was to assess the response of pediatric patients with Down syndrome and chronic liver disease to an inactivated hepatitis A vaccine, and to compare their responses to those of healthy children. Patients and Methods: A prospective, open-label, controlled study was performed with 138 children and adolescents susceptible to hepatitis A virus (anti-HAV negative) with ages between 1 and 16 years. Patients were divided into three groups: Group I, Down syndrome patients (n = 49); Group II, patients with chronic liver disease (n = 34); and Group III, healthy children/controls (n = 55). All patients and controls received two intramuscular doses of Havrix 720 UE in the deltoid muscle at months 0 and 6. One month after each dose, patients underwent blood collection for the assessment of anti-HAV titers. Results: Seroconversion rates after the first dose (month 1) were 92%, 76%, and 94% in Groups I, II, and III, respectively; one month after the second dose, these percentages were 100%, 97%, and 100%. Geometric mean titers were 164.02 and 1719.86 mUI/ml in the first and second collections for Down syndrome children; 107.77 and 812.40 mUI/ml for cirrhotic patients; and 160.77 and 2344.90 mUI/ml for controls. The group of cirrhotic patients presented a statistically significant difference in seroconversion rates at month 1, and in anti-HAV titers in the end of the study when compared to healthy controls. Only 14% of the vaccinated individuals presented local symptoms, such as pain and redness; 5% presented general symptoms. No severe adverse effects or immediate reaction to the vaccine were observed. The occurrence of adverse reactions was lower in the application of the second dose. Conclusions: The inactivated hepatitis A vaccine (Havrix) presents high rates of seroconversion and is highly safe in pediatric patients with Down syndrome and cirrhosis. Cirrhotic children and adolescents have responded to the inactivated hepatitis A vaccine with lower antibody titers when compared to healthy children and Down syndrome.

A refeição de hospital é parte fundamental dos cuidados de pacientes.Uma dieta balanceada pode incentivar pacientes a comer de forma equilibrada dando-lhes os nutrientes que necessitam para se recuperarem em curto prazo de cirurgia ou doença. A irradiação gama é conhecida como o melhor método para destruir tanto os microrganismos patogênicos como os de deterioração, sem comprometer as propriedades nutricionais e a qualidade sensorial dos alimentos. Por conta disto, pode ser um método eficaz para elaboração de refeições apropriadas para pacientes imunodeprimidos. Neste trabalho, pratos prontos contendo arroz, carne grelhada e refogado de cenoura, foram submetidos a doses radapertizantes (30 kGy e 50 kGy) e armazenados a temperatura ambiente por até 90 dias. O tratamento controle permaneceu congelado pelo mesmo período. Os alimentos foram avaliados através de análises físico-química e microbiológicas por método molecular. O teor de umidade dos alimentos permaneceu inalterado por todo o período em todos os tratamentos. A irradiação provocou mudança de cor no arroz, favorecendo um tom amarelado e tornando-se ainda mais acentuado no decorrer do armazenamento. A cenoura teve a coloração caraterística vermelho-alaranjada reduzida com o tempo de armazenamento. No mesmo alimento, a irradiação reduziu o pH e o teor de carotenóides, ao passo que os compostos fenólicos decresceram durante o armazenamento. A carne grelhada conservou sua maciez, mas teve sua coloração alterada para uma tonalidade mais clara. Houve também uma pequena rancificação devido à radiação e também ao período de armazenamento. Por metodologia genônica, bactérias, com predominância dos gêneros Bacillus, Acinetobacter e Enterobacter, foram detectadas nos alimentos controle e até nos irradiados com a dose de 30 kGy. A dose de radiação segura para esterilização foi a de 50 kGy / Hospital food is an essential part of patient care. A good meal can encourage patients to eat well, giving them the nutrients they need to recover from surgery or illness. Gamma irradiation is well known to be the best method for destroying pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms without compromising the nutritional properties and sensory quality of the foods; it is also a method used for preparing foods for immunocompromised patients. In this work, ready-to-eat food containing rice, grilled meat and steamed carrot, was radappertizated with doses of 30 kGy and 50 kGy, and stored at room temperature for 90 days. The control treatment remained frozen for the same period. Analysis by physical-chemical molecular microbiological methods were used. The moisture of the foods remained unchanged through this period, in all treatments. Irradiation caused a yellowing of rice, which became more pronounced during the storage. The characteristic red-orange color of carrots was decreased during storage time. In the same food irradiation reduced the pH and content of carotenoids, while the phenolic compounds declined with the storage. Grilled meat retained its softness, but its color had/was changed to a lighter shade. There was also a small/some rancidity, due to radiation and also to the storage period. By genomic methodology, bacteria, predominantly of the genera Bacillus, Acinetobacter and Enterobacter, were detected in control and even in food irradiated with a dose of 30 kGy. The safe radiation dose for sterilization was 50 kGy.

Gram-negative infection has been linked to hospital water although few studies have examined whether water systems are reservoirs of nosocomial pathogens. This study investigated longitudinal recovery of the opportunistic pathogens Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and Acinetobacter baumannii from water outlets of a haematology unit and evaluated Point-Of-Use Filtration (POU-F) as a control measure. In a two-year double cross-over trial, water samples and swabs were taken weekly from 39 showers/taps on the unit. Four study phases alternated between non-filtered (Phases 1 & 3), and filtered outlets (Phases 2 & 4) using Pall AquasafeTM 14-day filters. In Phases 1 & 3; 99% of 1396 samples yielded bacterial growth, with colonies generally too numerous to count. Target species were isolated from 22% of water samples (P. aeruginosa 14%; S. maltophilia 10%) and 10% of swabs. P. aeruginosa was particularly associated with handwash stations and S. maltophilia with showers. A. baumannii was not isolated. With POU-F; 22% of 1242 samples yielded bacterial growth (mean CFU/100ml ,4.6). S. maltophilia was isolated only once from water but never from outlet swabs. PCR typing identified clusters of isolates colonizing different outlets over time but no clear association between water and patient isolates was identified. The incidence of Gram negative infections remained low throughout the study. Without POU-F, water from taps/showers represented a source of bacteria including the target species. POU-F substantially reduced the frequency and number of target species from every outlet, and merits further investigation as an intervention to protect immunocompromised patients from opportunistic pathogens. / School of Life Sciences, University of Bradford and Pall Medical (Pall Europe Ltd)

A aspergilose invasiva (AI) é a infecção por fungos filamentosos mais comum em pacientes imunodeprimidos, especialmente em transplantes de células tronco hematopoiético e neoplasias hematológicas. Objetivo: Geral: Estabelecer a comparação entre a dosagem de Galactomanana (GM), 1,3betaD-glucana (BDG) e dados tomográficos no diagnóstico da AI bem como seu papel no desfecho clínico. Específicos: 1. Verificar a sensibilidade e especificidade dos ensaios de Galactomanana e de 1,3betaD-glucana no soro e lavado broncoalveolar. 2. Comparar os resultados da galatomanana e 1,3betaD-glucana com os dados de imagem em pacientes com suspeita de AI. 3. Verificar a relação entre a evolução dos níveis de GM e desfecho clínico (óbito e sobrevida). Casuística, Materiais e Métodos: Realizou-se um estudo tipo coorte prospectiva, incluindo 398 sujeitos das diversas enfermarias de pacientes imunodeprimidos do HCFMUSP, sendo incluídos dois grupos de pacientes: 202(51%) AI e 198(49%) controles. Resultados: Dos casos, 18 (8,8%) tinham aspergilose provada, 28 (13,7%) provável e 158 possível (77,5%), de acordo a classificação de 2002 EORTC/MSG (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer / Mycoses Study Group). Os sujeitos submetidos ao TCTH eram 42,7%, com neoplasias hematológicas 37%, TOS 9% e outras doenças 11,3%. Os fatores de risco associados ao desenvolvimento da AI foram neutropenia, monocitopenia, uso de corticóide, presença de doença pelo citomegalovírus e rejeição ou doença do enxerto contra o hospedeiro. O fator de risco associado à evolução para o óbito foi a presença de AI. Foram observados bons desempenhos para a GM tanto no soro como no LBA com LR menores que os registrados na literatura. O melhor desempenho da GM no soro para aspergilose+provável ocorreu com LR de 0,35 com sensibilidade-S, especificidade-E, valor preditivo positivo- VPP), valor preditivo negativo-VPN) e área sob a curva-ASC de 54,4%, 73,4%, 50,8%, 76,2% e 0,64, sendo os valores superiores para aspergilose provada tanto na S, como E, VPN. No LBA os valores de S-E-VPP-VPN-ASC para GM para LR de 0,65 para aspergilose provável + provada foram 58,3%, 92,6%, 87,5%,71,4% e 0,75, sendo na aspergilose provada os valores de S, e VPN superiores. Nesta casuística, o melhor desempenho para BDG no soro apontou para uma LR de 100 pg/mL na aspergilose provável+provada, com 54,5%, 73,4%, 50,8% e 76,2%, 0,64 respectivamente para S-E-VPP-VPN-ASC. Para BDG no LBA, a LR na aspergilose provável + provada foi de 140 pg/mL, com os mesmos valores de 46,7%, 76,7%, 70%, 55,6% e 0.62, respectivamente. Conclusão: A GM no LBA e no soro foram úteis no diagnóstico da aspergilose mediante emprego de LR menores, sendo mais sensível na LBA, principalmente em estágios iniciais da forma angioinvasiva. A persistência de GM sérica foi relacionada ao óbito em relação à negativação da mesma. A proporção de concordância entre a TC e os biomarcadores no soro e no LBA variou de 0,5 a 0,6, com pequena concordância na estatística kappa. Excelente concordância foi observada entre dois radiologistas independentes, que analisaram de maneira cega as TC de sujeitos com aspergilose provada. Nesta casuística com inclusão de doenças sistêmicas e endêmicas, a BDG teve baixo desempenho diagnóstico / Invasive aspergillosis (IA) has become the leading infectious cause of death in immunocompromised hosts, particularly in subjects under SCTH and hematologic neoplasias. Objectives: General: To compare the performance of GM and BG tests in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL) and computer tomography (CT) scans in the diagnosis of IA in immunocompromised hosts as well as their role in the patient outcome. Specific: 1. To analyse the sensitivity and specificity of Galactomannan and 1,3 betaD-glucan assays in the serum and bronchoalveolar lavage. 2. To compare the results of Galactomannan and 1,3betaD-glucan assays with CT scans in patients with invasive aspergilosis. 3. To analyse the relationship between the evolution of galactomannan levels and clinical outcome (death or survival). Patients, Materials and Methods: From December 2008 to March 2013, a prospective cohort of 398 patients from several wards of immunocompromised patients of Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, University of São Paulo was included classified in two groups of patients: 202 (51%) with invasive aspergillosis (IA) and 198 (49%) control patients. Results: Considering 202 cases, 18(8.8%) were subjects with proven, 28(13.7%) with probable aspergillosis and 156(77.5%), with possible aspergillosis, according to 2002 EORTC/MSG (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer/Mycoses Study Group) criteria. The most common underlying disease were: HSCT (42.7%), hematologic malignancy (37%), SOT (9%), or other diseases (11.3%). The main risk factors associated with IA were neutropenia, monocytopenia, patients under corticosterois, presence of CMV disease, and rejection or graft versus host disease. The risk factor associated with death was the presence of invasive aspergillosis. Good performances for serum and BAL GM were registered with lower cutoffs in the present workin relationship to those found in the literature. The best cutoff for proven + probable aspergillosis for serum GM was observed at 0.35 vallue with Sensitivity-S, Specificity-Sp, Positive Predictive value-PPV), Negative Predictive Value-NPV) and AUC of 54.4%, 73.4%, 50.8%, 76.2% and 0.64; the values for proven aspergillosis alone were higher for S, Sp and NPV. On BAL tests for GM (cutoff value of 0.65) in proven+probable aspergillosis we observed 58.3%, 92.6%, 87.5%,71.4%, 0.75, respectively as S-Sp-PPV-NPVAUC; the sensitivity and VPN were higher in proven aspergillosis alone. In this work, the best performance in proven+probable aspergillosis for serum BDG showed 100 pg/ML as cutoff value, with 54.5%, 73.4%, 50.8%,76.2%, 0.64 for S-Sp-PPVNPV- AUC, respectively. For BAL- BDG, the cut off for proven+probable aspergillosis was 140 pg/mL, and we observed 46.7%, 76.7%, 70.0%, 55.,6%, 0.62, respectively for for S-Sp-PPV-NPV-AUC. Conclusion: The serum and BAL GM are useful tests for diagnosis in early stages of angioinvasive form at lower cutoffs; BAL GM is more sensitive. Agreement proportion between CT scan and each biomarker in the serum or BAL ranged from 0.5-0.6, with low ? index. Perfect ? statistic was observed for analysis of CT scan of subjects in proven aspergillosis by two independent radiologists, blinded for diagnosis. Persistence of serum GM was associated to death in relationship with its negativation. BDG test showed low performance in this work, where systemic and endemic diseases were included

A aspergilose invasiva (AI) é a infecção por fungos filamentosos mais comum em pacientes imunodeprimidos, especialmente em transplantes de células tronco hematopoiético e neoplasias hematológicas. Objetivo: Geral: Estabelecer a comparação entre a dosagem de Galactomanana (GM), 1,3betaD-glucana (BDG) e dados tomográficos no diagnóstico da AI bem como seu papel no desfecho clínico. Específicos: 1. Verificar a sensibilidade e especificidade dos ensaios de Galactomanana e de 1,3betaD-glucana no soro e lavado broncoalveolar. 2. Comparar os resultados da galatomanana e 1,3betaD-glucana com os dados de imagem em pacientes com suspeita de AI. 3. Verificar a relação entre a evolução dos níveis de GM e desfecho clínico (óbito e sobrevida). Casuística, Materiais e Métodos: Realizou-se um estudo tipo coorte prospectiva, incluindo 398 sujeitos das diversas enfermarias de pacientes imunodeprimidos do HCFMUSP, sendo incluídos dois grupos de pacientes: 202(51%) AI e 198(49%) controles. Resultados: Dos casos, 18 (8,8%) tinham aspergilose provada, 28 (13,7%) provável e 158 possível (77,5%), de acordo a classificação de 2002 EORTC/MSG (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer / Mycoses Study Group). Os sujeitos submetidos ao TCTH eram 42,7%, com neoplasias hematológicas 37%, TOS 9% e outras doenças 11,3%. Os fatores de risco associados ao desenvolvimento da AI foram neutropenia, monocitopenia, uso de corticóide, presença de doença pelo citomegalovírus e rejeição ou doença do enxerto contra o hospedeiro. O fator de risco associado à evolução para o óbito foi a presença de AI. Foram observados bons desempenhos para a GM tanto no soro como no LBA com LR menores que os registrados na literatura. O melhor desempenho da GM no soro para aspergilose+provável ocorreu com LR de 0,35 com sensibilidade-S, especificidade-E, valor preditivo positivo- VPP), valor preditivo negativo-VPN) e área sob a curva-ASC de 54,4%, 73,4%, 50,8%, 76,2% e 0,64, sendo os valores superiores para aspergilose provada tanto na S, como E, VPN. No LBA os valores de S-E-VPP-VPN-ASC para GM para LR de 0,65 para aspergilose provável + provada foram 58,3%, 92,6%, 87,5%,71,4% e 0,75, sendo na aspergilose provada os valores de S, e VPN superiores. Nesta casuística, o melhor desempenho para BDG no soro apontou para uma LR de 100 pg/mL na aspergilose provável+provada, com 54,5%, 73,4%, 50,8% e 76,2%, 0,64 respectivamente para S-E-VPP-VPN-ASC. Para BDG no LBA, a LR na aspergilose provável + provada foi de 140 pg/mL, com os mesmos valores de 46,7%, 76,7%, 70%, 55,6% e 0.62, respectivamente. Conclusão: A GM no LBA e no soro foram úteis no diagnóstico da aspergilose mediante emprego de LR menores, sendo mais sensível na LBA, principalmente em estágios iniciais da forma angioinvasiva. A persistência de GM sérica foi relacionada ao óbito em relação à negativação da mesma. A proporção de concordância entre a TC e os biomarcadores no soro e no LBA variou de 0,5 a 0,6, com pequena concordância na estatística kappa. Excelente concordância foi observada entre dois radiologistas independentes, que analisaram de maneira cega as TC de sujeitos com aspergilose provada. Nesta casuística com inclusão de doenças sistêmicas e endêmicas, a BDG teve baixo desempenho diagnóstico / Invasive aspergillosis (IA) has become the leading infectious cause of death in immunocompromised hosts, particularly in subjects under SCTH and hematologic neoplasias. Objectives: General: To compare the performance of GM and BG tests in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL) and computer tomography (CT) scans in the diagnosis of IA in immunocompromised hosts as well as their role in the patient outcome. Specific: 1. To analyse the sensitivity and specificity of Galactomannan and 1,3 betaD-glucan assays in the serum and bronchoalveolar lavage. 2. To compare the results of Galactomannan and 1,3betaD-glucan assays with CT scans in patients with invasive aspergilosis. 3. To analyse the relationship between the evolution of galactomannan levels and clinical outcome (death or survival). Patients, Materials and Methods: From December 2008 to March 2013, a prospective cohort of 398 patients from several wards of immunocompromised patients of Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, University of São Paulo was included classified in two groups of patients: 202 (51%) with invasive aspergillosis (IA) and 198 (49%) control patients. Results: Considering 202 cases, 18(8.8%) were subjects with proven, 28(13.7%) with probable aspergillosis and 156(77.5%), with possible aspergillosis, according to 2002 EORTC/MSG (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer/Mycoses Study Group) criteria. The most common underlying disease were: HSCT (42.7%), hematologic malignancy (37%), SOT (9%), or other diseases (11.3%). The main risk factors associated with IA were neutropenia, monocytopenia, patients under corticosterois, presence of CMV disease, and rejection or graft versus host disease. The risk factor associated with death was the presence of invasive aspergillosis. Good performances for serum and BAL GM were registered with lower cutoffs in the present workin relationship to those found in the literature. The best cutoff for proven + probable aspergillosis for serum GM was observed at 0.35 vallue with Sensitivity-S, Specificity-Sp, Positive Predictive value-PPV), Negative Predictive Value-NPV) and AUC of 54.4%, 73.4%, 50.8%, 76.2% and 0.64; the values for proven aspergillosis alone were higher for S, Sp and NPV. On BAL tests for GM (cutoff value of 0.65) in proven+probable aspergillosis we observed 58.3%, 92.6%, 87.5%,71.4%, 0.75, respectively as S-Sp-PPV-NPVAUC; the sensitivity and VPN were higher in proven aspergillosis alone. In this work, the best performance in proven+probable aspergillosis for serum BDG showed 100 pg/ML as cutoff value, with 54.5%, 73.4%, 50.8%,76.2%, 0.64 for S-Sp-PPVNPV- AUC, respectively. For BAL- BDG, the cut off for proven+probable aspergillosis was 140 pg/mL, and we observed 46.7%, 76.7%, 70.0%, 55.,6%, 0.62, respectively for for S-Sp-PPV-NPV-AUC. Conclusion: The serum and BAL GM are useful tests for diagnosis in early stages of angioinvasive form at lower cutoffs; BAL GM is more sensitive. Agreement proportion between CT scan and each biomarker in the serum or BAL ranged from 0.5-0.6, with low ? index. Perfect ? statistic was observed for analysis of CT scan of subjects in proven aspergillosis by two independent radiologists, blinded for diagnosis. Persistence of serum GM was associated to death in relationship with its negativation. BDG test showed low performance in this work, where systemic and endemic diseases were included

The aim of this study was to isolate and characterize antifungal compounds from the most active medicinal plant species that could be used to address secondary infection problems in immunocompromised patients. An ethnobotanical study was conducted and 45 medicinal plant species used traditionally to treat candidiasis and related infections in HIV/AIDS patients were identified and documented. The most popular plant species used included Acacia caffra, Clerodendrum glabrum, Croton gratissimus, Elaeodendron transvaalense, Faurea saligna, Hippocratea longipetiolata, Osyris lanceolata, Richardia brasiliensis, Schkuhria pinnata, Schotia brachypetala, Spilanthes acmella, Strychnos potatorum, Vangueria infausta subsp. infausta and Withania somnifera. The plant parts used in the therapeutic preparations were roots (26.7%), bark (22.2%), and a combination of roots and bark (17.7%). Decoctions (44.4%), infusions (20%) and macerations (17.7%) were used. Most of the herbal remedies were administered orally. Chemical profiles of the plant species were established by using thin layer chromatography. Leaf extracts of these plant species were tested for antimicrobial activity against two common pathogenic fungal species in humans (Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans) and four nosocomial bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) using a two-fold serial microdilution method and bioautography. All plant species investigated had some degree of antimicrobial activity against the test microorganisms. The hexane and the acetone extracts of Clerodendrum glabrum, Hippocratea longipetiolata, Schkuhria pinnata and Withania somnifera were the most active with MIC values ranging from 0.06 to 0.08 mg/ml. The most susceptible pathogen to the test samples was C. neoformans while C. albicans was resistant to most of the plant extracts. The water extracts of Withania somnifera and Hippocratea longipetiolata (14%) had MIC < 1 mg/ml against C. albicans. C. neoformans was susceptible to nine water plant extracts (64%) with MIC < 1 mg/ml and the promising activity was observed in Hippocratea longipetiolata and Faurea saligna extracts with MIC values of 0.16 and 0.31 mg/ml respectively. The hexane extract of C. glabrum was the most active against C. albicans with an MIC value of 0.06 mg/ml and total activity of 550 ml/g. In the bioautography, most plant extracts tested had few active compounds, others had no active components at all and this may be attributed to the disruption of synergism by the thin layer chromatography. C. glabrum had eight active antifungal compounds on bioautograms and most of these components were observed in the EMW solvent system. Based on this and its wide distribution in rural areas, C. glabrum was chosen for further study. The antioxidant activity and possible immune boosting potential of the species were determined using 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH), 2, 2’ azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. In the DPPH qualitative assay, the aqueous plant extracts had several prominent antioxidant components than the organic plant extracts. The aqueous plant extracts which had the most prominent antioxidant activity were F. saligna with 8 compounds, followed by E. transvaalense, H. longipetiolata O. lanceolata, R. brasiliensis and S.brachypetala, with five compounds each and their Rf values ranged from 0;06 to 0.94. This appears to validate the ethnomedicinal use of the plant species to some extent because decoction is the most common method used in the preparation of the remedy by the traditional healers. With regard to the organic plant extracts, only one plant extract, F. saligna had two prominent antioxidant components at Rf values 0.81 and 0.88. A third of the plant species had a high level of free radical scavenging activities in the DPPH, ABTS and FRAP assays. However, all plant extracts had lower antioxidant activity than the positive control (Trolox) used. The selected plant species were also evaluated for their in vitro toxicity against the Vero monkey kidney cell line using 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The acetone plant extracts of O. lanceolata, S. acmella, S. pinnata and S. brachypetala had high cytotoxic activity against Vero cells with IC50 values of 13.7±0, 19.9±0.001, 21.6±0.001 and 28.34±0.001 μg/ml respectively. However, their IC50 values were higher than that of the positive control, doxorubicin (IC50 = 9.9±0 μg/ml). The rest of the acetone plant extracts (64%) had moderate cytotoxic activity (30 < IC50<100 μg/ml). The aqueous plant extracts were relatively non-toxic to the Vero cells with IC50 values ranging from 137 to > 500 µg/ml. This supports the use of aqueous extracts in the traditional medicine. However, their low selectivity index values ranging from 0.26 to 1.68 suggest that the plant extracts are probably suitable for external use only. Fractionation of the hexane extract of the leaves of C. glabrum by chromatographic techniques yielded six fractions of which fractions C and D had significant antifungal activity (average MIC value = 0.1 mg/ml) against C. albicans and C. neoformans. From these fractions, one new triterpenoid, 3-(1-oxobutyl)-11α-hydroxytaraxast-20(30)-ene-24,28-dioic acid (clerodendrumic acid) (1) was isolated along with known heptadecanoic acid (2). C. albicans was relatively insensitive to clerodendrumic acid (1) (MIC value = 125 µg/mL) and was resistant to heptadecanoic acid (2) (MIC value = 188 µg/ml). Compounds 1 and 2 were non-toxic against monkey kidney Vero cells in vitro with IC50 values of 202.6 and 108.4 µg/ml respectively. Due to its low antifungal activity, the novel compound clerodendrumic acid (1) is not a viable candidate for drug development which could be used to combat candidiasis and related fungal infections. However, due to its relative safety, it may possibly be used as a lead compound to produce new chemically modified active derivatives or could be used together with known antibiotics to mitigate their undesirable side effects. To the best of our knowledge, the isolation of a novel, clerodendrumic acid (1) and a known heptadecanoic acid (2) compounds from leaf extracts of C. glabrum is reported herein for the first time. The results obtained from this study generally substantiate the rationale behind the use of the selected plant species in the traditional medicine to treat candidiasis and related infections to some extent. This study showed the potential of studying traditional medicine in the search for effective plant extracts or new lead compounds that could be developed into drugs for combating microbial infections among the rural poor people. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2013. / gm2013 / Paraclinical Sciences / Unrestricted

The effects of HIV/AIDS and subsequent opportunistic infections and/or associated conditions on the development of infected children are substantial. Considerable delays and/or disorders in communication development have been noted in the HIV/AIDS infected child, as well as the need for Early Communication Intervention (ECI) services for this population. A dearth of locally relevant data regarding the speech, language and hearing development of HIV/AIDS infected children within the South African context currently exists. The objective of this study was to describe the characteristics of a group of HIV/AIDS infected children being managed at an outreach clinic of regional hospital in Gauteng. A cross-sectional, retrospective, non-experimental, descriptive, quantitative research design was used in this study. The main objective was achieved by analysing the clinic records of 203 children infected with HIV/AIDS between the ages of 0 – 5 years 11months through the use of a pre-designed checklist. A questionnaire completed by four medical doctors practicing at the HIV/AIDS clinic within the hospital was also used. This allowed for the perceptions and practices of the medical doctors to be described. Results revealed that the majority HIV/AIDS infected children being managed at the outreach clinic were significantly immunocompromised and diagnosed with Stage III or Stage IV HIV/AIDS infection. Furthermore, results indicated the presence of several opportunistic infections and HIV/AIDS associated conditions (such as Tuberculosis, Candidiasis and Encephalopathy). A positive finding was that 76% of the HIV/AIDS infected children (n=153) were receiving Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) at the time of data collection. The most outstanding finding was that very few of the children with HIV/AIDS being managed at the outreach clinic were recorded as having speech, language and/or hearing delays and/or disorders. Similarly, referrals to other professionals as recorded in the children’s hospital records seemed to be limited to Social Workers and Dietitians, with only one child recorded as being referred to a Speech-Language Therapist and Audiologist for further management. It was unclear whether more children were in fact referred for additional intervention by other professionals and this was simply not recorded in the children’s records, or whether these referrals were in fact not made. Results from the questionnaires completed by the medical doctors working with the pediatric HIV/AIDS population within the outreach clinic were significant. Findings indicated that the majority of the respondents believed that HIV/AIDS infected infants were more at risk for developmental and communicative delays and/or disorders than the general population, and that this population would likely benefit from Speech-Language Therapy and/or Audiology intervention services. Respondents indicated that medical doctors working with the pediatric HIV/AIDS population were often not adequately informed regarding the effects of HIV/AIDS on communication development and that they would benefit from further training in this regard. The need for further research regarding the characteristics of the pediatric HIV/AIDS population, particularly on a larger sample, was described. This would assist in the development of a guideline for ECI service delivery for children infected with HIV/AIDS. The need for further training of other professionals regarding the effects that HIV/AIDS has on the communication development of the infected child, to assist with necessary referrals and teamwork, was also highlighted. AFRIKAANS : Suid-Afrika is een van die lande ter wêreld, wat die hoogste voorkoms van Menslike Immuniteitsgebrekvirus/ Verworwe Immuniteitsgebreksindroom (MIV/VIGS), toon - met die pediatriese populasie op die voorfront van hierdie epidemie. Die effek wat MIV/VIGS en opeenvolgende opportunistiese infeksies en/of ander geassosieerde toestande op die ontwikkeling van kinders het, is verreikend. Internasionale literatuur beskryf agterstande en/of akwykings in die kommunikasie ontwikkeling van kinders wat met MIV/VIGS geinfekteer is. Die behoefte vir Vroeë Kommunikasie Intervensie (VKI) vir hierdie populasie word ook gemeld. Daar bestaan egter slegs ‘n beperkte hoeveelheid relevante, plaaslike literatuur met betrekking tot die spraak-, taal- en gehoorontwikkeling van kinders met MIV/VIGS binne die Suid-Afrikaanse konteks. Die doelwit van hierdie studie was om die kenmerke van ‘n groep kinders, wat met MIV/VIGS besmet is en by ‘n streekshospitaal in Gauteng behandel word, te beskryf. ‘n Kwantitatiewe, nie-eksperimentele, terugwerkende, dwarsdeurige, beskrywende navorsingsontwerp is gebruik. Die hoofdoelwit was bereik deur die kliniekrekords van kinders wat met MIV/VIGS besmet is, te analiseer deur van ‘n vooraf-ontwerpte merklys gebruik te maak. Data is ook ingesamel deur middel van vraelyste wat deur mediese dokters, wat by MIV/VIGS klinieke binne die hospitale werk, voltooi is. Dit het toegelaat dat die persepsies en praktyke van die mediese dokters ook beskryf kon word. Resultate het getoon dat die meerderheid kinders met MIV/VIGS, wat by klinieke behandel word, se immuunsisteme ernstig onderdruk was en dat hulle met stadium III of stadium IV van MIV/VIGS gediagnoseer was. Die resultate het verder ook die voorkoms van verskeie opportunistiese infeksies en MIV/VIGS geassosieerde toestande aangedui. ‘n Positiewe bevinding was dat 76% van die kinders (n=153), wat met MIV/VIGS geinfekteer was, tydens die proses van data-insameling reeds Hoogsaktiewe Antiretrovirale Terapie (HAART) ontvang het. Die mees uitstaande bevinding was dat slegs ‘n geringe hoeveelheid kinders met MIV/VIGS by die kliniek, as met ‘n agterstand en/of afwyking in spraak, taal en/of gehoor, aangeteken is. Beperkte verwysings na ander professionele persone is ook in die kliniekrekords opgemerk. Verwysings was beperk tot Maatskaplike Werkers en Dieëtkundiges. Daar was slegs een aantekening van ‘n kind wat vir behandeling na ‘n Spraak- en Taalterapeut en Oudioloog verwys is. Dit is egter onduidelik of daar werklik meer verwysings na ander professionele persone gemaak is, maar net nie in die kinders se kliniekrekords aangedui is nie, of dat daar werklik min verwysings na ander professionele dissiplines gemaak is. Bykomend, was die resultate van voltooide vraelyste deur mediese dokters, wat met die pediatriese MIV/VIGS populasie in die kliniek werk, insiggewend. Bevindings dui aan dat die meerderheid proefpersone, wat aan die studie deelgeneem het, van mening is dat kinders wat met MIV/VIGS besmet is wel ‘n hoër risiko toon vir ontwikkelings- en kommunikasie agterstande en/of afwykings in vergeleke met die algemene populasie. Die proefpersone is verder ook van mening dat hierdie populasie wel van spraak- en taalterapie en/of oudiologiese intervensie sal baatvind. Proefpersone het verder aangedui dat mediese dokters, wat met die pediatriese MIV/VIGS populasie werk, nie ten volle ingelig is omtrent die effek van MIV/VIGS op kommunikasie ontwikkeling en dat hulle van verdere opleiding sal baatvind. Die behoefte vir verdere navorsing in die veld van pediatriese MIV/VIGS en kommunikasie ontwikkeling, binne die Suid-Afrikaanse konteks, word in hierdie studie beskryf. Dit sal as riglyn vir VKI dienslewering aan hierdie populasie dien. Daar is ook ‘n groot behoefte vir verdere opleiding van ander mediese professionele persone met betrekking tot pediatriese MIV/VIGS en die effek wat die op die kind se kommunikasie ontwikkeling het. / Dissertation (MCommunication Pathology)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology / unrestricted