As vacinas conjugadas contra Streptococcus pneumoniae mostram-se eficazes na redução da doença pneumocócica, no entanto depois de sua introdução tem se verificado a substituição de sorotipos. Para evitar estes problemas o emprego de proteínas da própria bactéria como carreadoras tem sido usado. Neste trabalho a PspA foi conjugada ao sorotipo 6B de S. pneumoniae por dois métodos de conjugação. Inicialmente a PspA clado 1 e 3 foram purificadas, recuperando as proteínas com mais de 90% de pureza. A conjugação intermediada pelo agente ativador cloreto de 4-(4,6-dimetoxi-1,3,5-triazin-2-il-)-4-metilmorfolino (DMT-MM) permitiu rendimentos de Ps entre 20 e 30%, no entanto este tipo de conjugado não foi imunogênico resultando na não indução de anticorpos anti-PspA. Por outro lado a conjugação por aminação redutiva possibilitou obter rendimentos de Ps entre 50 e 60% e os conjugados induziram elevados títulos de anticorpos anti-PspA em camundongos Balb/c, que foram capazes de promover a fagocitose da bactéria; no entanto, a resposta de anticorpos anti-Ps 6B foi baixa. / Conjugate vaccines against Streptococcus pneumonaie have had an important public health benefit; nevertheless after its introduction it has been observed a serotype replacement. To solve this problems conjugate vaccines using pneumococcal surface proteins as carriers has been studied. In this work, Pneumococal surface protein A (PspA) was employed as a carrier protein, conjugated to serotype 6B. Initially PspA clade 1 and PspA clade 3 were purified; both proteins were recovered with more than 90% purity. The conjugation mediated by the activating agent 4- (4,6-dimethoxy-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl -) - 4-methylmorpholine chloride(DMT-MM) allowed Ps yields between 20 and 30%, however this conjugation chemistry had a negative impact on the immunogenicity of the protein. On the other hand conjugation by reductive amination led to Ps yields between 50 and 60% and induced high anti-PspA antibodies titers in Balb /c mice that were able to promote phagocytosis of the bacterium; however, polysaccharide 6B induced low antibody titers.

A mastite é o processo inflamatório da glândula mamária que constitui uma doença comum no setor pecuário leiteiro, evidenciado principalmente durante o período de lactação de vacas leiteiras e, cujos principais agentes etiológicos são o Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus sp. e espécies de coliformes. Os protocolos de combate à mastite preconizam o uso de antibióticos, o que pode trazer riscos à saúde dos animais e humana. Dependendo do agente patogênico, esta estratégia é considerada frequentemente ineficiente e de alto custo, o que leva pesquisadores a buscarem alternativas à antibioticoterapia, testando princípios ativos homeopáticos, fitoterápicos e micro-organismos probióticos, que apresentam potencial como alternativa promissora para a terapia quimioterápica. As formulações contendo bactérias probióticas podem representar uma alternativa de baixo custo para o combate à mastite, com a vantagem de não estimular a resistência entre os patógenos. Desta forma, este estudo baseou-se na avaliação in vitro do potencial antimicrobiano de cepas de Lactobacillus frente a agentes patógenos causadores de mastite, bem como na avaliação in vivo da inocuidade de formulações contendo probióticos em vacas em lactação. Para tanto, 6 cepas de Lactobacillus, na forma isolada e na forma de pool foram avaliadas quanto à capacidade inibitória sobre Streptococcus agalactiae (cepas 1 e 2) por diferentes técnicas de difusão em ágar e co-cultura em meio líquido. A inibição pela técnica de co-cultura foi avaliada mediante determinação de células viáveis das cepas patogênicas por reação em cadeia da polimerase quantitativa em tempo real (RT-qPCR). De acordo com os resultados observados no estudo de inibição in vitro, foram preparadas formulações probióticas utilizando dois veículos diferentes, sendo uma emulsão (Formulação A) e outra utilizando um veículo de um medicamento comercial (Formulação B) adicionadas de células de Lactobacillus na forma isolada e na forma de pool. Estas formulações foram avaliadas quanto à inocuidade em 17 vacas separadas em grupos sob regime de 1 ordenha/dia (A e B1) e 2 ordenhas/dia (B2), mediante a aplicação das formulações A e B contendo 109 ou 106 células/dose. Ao longo do cada tratamento, foram avaliados parâmetros fisiológicos como temperatura do úbere, presença de hiperemia, inchaço e manifestação de dor, contagem de células somáticas (CCS), California Mastitis Test (CMT), bem como condutividade elétrica e aspecto do leite e avaliação microbiológica. O estudo de inibição em co-cultura mostrou que as cepas de Lactobacillus avaliadas inibiram o crescimento das cepas patogênicas, em níveis superiores a 75% após 72 horas de ensaio. Após 24 horas, os maiores níveis de inibição sobre S. agalactiae cepa 1 foram exercidos pelas cepas L. acidophilus ATCC 4356, L. fermentum ATCC 9338, com índices de inibição de 99,79% e 99,91%, respectivamente. Nas mesmas condições a inibição de S. agalactiae cepa 2 por L. acidophilus ATCC 4356 e L. delbrueckii UFV H2B20 foi de 86,7% e 79,5%, respectivamente. Estes resultados indicam o potencial de inibição das cepas de Lactobacillus estudadas sobre S. agalactiae causadora de mastite. Estudos de inocuidade demonstraram que as formulações probióticas (A e B) induziram reação inflamatória no úbere dos animais, confirmado pelo aumento significativo da condutividade elétrica do leite (CEL), CCS (p < 0,05), bem como do escore de CMT. As formulações testadas no presente estudo não se mostraram adequadas ao emprego terapêutico na cura da mastite, uma vez que no teste de inocuidade provocaram processos inflamatórios nas glândulas mamárias dos animais testados. / Bovine mastitis is a common disease in dairy farms, usually observed during lactation period in dairy cattle, whose main etiological agents are Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus sp. and coliform species. Current protocols of mastitis therapy include the use of antibiotics, which may represent serious risks for both animal and human health. Depending on the pathogen specie, this strategy is often considered ineffective and highly expensive, what stimulates scientists to search for alternative treatments, including homeopathic or phytotherapic drugs or probiotic microorganisms, which may be a good alternative to chemotherapeutic drugs. Formulations containing probiotic bacteria may represent a low-cost alternative for mastitis treatment. The present study aimed to assess in vitro ability of Lactobacillus strains to inhibit mastitis pathogens growth, as well as in vivo assessment of the safety of formulations containing probiotics in cows with predisposition or affected by mastitis. Thus, six Lactobacillus strains were evaluated on their inhibitory ability over Streptococcus agalactiae (strains 1 and 2) by techniques of agar diffusion and co-culture in liquid medium. The effectiveness of the co-culture was evaluated by enumerating viable pathogen cells through quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). According to the results of in vitro study, two formulations were prepared based on a probiotic emulsion (formula A) and a commercial matrix (formula B) containing Lactobacillus cells (isolated or pool). Safety tests for the formulations were performed in 17 cows, which were separated into two groups under 1 milking/day (A and B1) and another group submitted to 2 milkings/day (B2), through the application of preparation A or preparation B containing 109 or 106 cells/dose. In each treatment, every cow was assessed on physiological parameters including temperature, presence of hyperemia, swelling and pain, somatic cell count (SCC), electrical conductivity and aspect of milk (color and clots/lumps formation) and microbiological evaluation. The results of the inhibition studies in co-culture showed that all Lactobacillus strains inhibited the growth of pathogenic strains, in at least 75% after 72 h of test. The highest levels of inhibition of S. agalactiae strain 1 were performed by strains L. acidophilus ATCC 4356 and L. fermentum ATCC 9338, at level of 99.79% and 96.70% after 24h, respectively. For the same period, the inhibition of S. agalactiae strain 2 by L. acidophilus ATCC 4356 and L delbrueckii UFV H2B20 was 86.7 % and 79.5%, respectively. These results showed the potential of Lactobacillus strains studied concerning to the inhibition of mastitis caused by Streptococcus agalactiae. Safety studies showed that both formulations evaluated induced inflammatory response in the udder of the animals, what was confirmed by significant raise on electric conductivity and SCC (p < 0,05) and CMT scores on milk. All formulations were considered inappropriate to be used in mastitis therapeutics, once they failed at safety tests, inducing mastitis on tested animals.

O surgimento de resistência bacteriana aos tratamentos convencionais tem proporcionado o desenvolvimento de novas modalidades terapêuticas para o tratamento e/ou controle da cárie dentária. Nesse contexto, a utilização da terapia fotodinâmica (TFD) é sugerida como alternativa para a inativação de microrganismos patogênicos envolvidos na gênese da cárie. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar in vitro o efeito antimicrobiano da terapia fotodinâmica (TFD) sobre três culturas de S. mutans: uma cepa padrão de S. mutans (ATCC 25175) e dois isolados clínicos (43513 e 47513) oriundos da saliva de crianças. O corante (C) azul de orto-toluidina (TBO) foi utilizado associado à iluminação com LEDs (L) no comprimento de onda vermelho. Estas suspensões foram transferidas para placas de 96 orifícios, tratadas com quatro concentrações de TBO (0,25; 2,5; 25 e 250 µg/mL) e expostas a quatro dosimetrias (12; 24; 36 e 48 J/cm2) constituindo o grupo C+L+ (TFD). Suspensões adicionais foram tratadas somente com as quatro concentrações de TBO (C+L-) ou apenas com as quatro dosimetrias (C-L+). Amostras não submetidas ao tratamento com a fonte de luz nem ao corante, constituíram a condição C-L- (controle positivo). Alíquotas de 100 µL de cada orifício foram transferidas para tubos de ensaio para se verificar a presença ou ausência de crescimento microbiológico. Adicionalmente, alíquotas de 25 µL do grupo correspondente a TFD (C+L+) foram semeadas em placas de Petri, as quais foram incubadas a 370C por 48 horas para posterior visualização de halos de inibição e/ou crescimento microbiológico correspondente a efetividade ou ineficiência da TFD, respectivamente. Com o intuito de confirmar os achados, essas mesmas amostras foram submetidas à análise pela microscopia confocal a laser. Os resultados demonstraram que a TFD, em determinadas condições experimentais, foi efetiva no controle do crescimento microbiológico das espécies de S. mutans usadas neste estudo. A concentração mínima de TBO necessária para a inativação in vitro das três culturas de S. mutans foi de 2,5 µg/mL associada à dosimetria mínima de 24 J/cm2 da fonte de luz LED utilizada no estudo. / The increase of bacterias resistance to conventional treatment resulted in the development of new therapeutic modalities for dental caries treatment and/or prevention. In this field, the use of photodynamic therapy (PDT) is suggested as an alternative for inactivation of patogenic microrganisms involved in the etiology of tooth decay. The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro the antimicrobian effect of the photodynamic therapy (PDT) on bacteria suspensions of S. mutans (ATCC 25175) and two suspensions (43513 and 47513) from infants saliva. Toluidine blue O (TBO) (D) and a red light-emmiting diodes (LEDs) (L) were used in association. Samples were inserted into 96 well-plate and treated with four TBO concentrations (0.25; 2.5; 25 e 250 µg/mL) and exposed to four dosimetries (12; 24; 36 e 48 J/cm2) defining the D+L+ group (PDT). Additional samples were treated only with TBO (D+L-) or only with red LEDs (D-L+). The treatment without dye and none red LED constituted the D-L- condition (positive control). Aliquots from D+L+ (TFD group) were inserted in Petri dishes, which were incubated at 370C for 48 hours. Posterior analysis of microbiologic growth, corresponding to PDT effectivity, was conducted. These samples were also submitted to laser confocal microscopy analysis for microbiologic data confirmation. The results showed PDT effectiveness for S. mutans inactivation in particular conditions. It was demonstrated that PDT was efficient to kill S. mutans species in the presence of the TBO at 2.5 µg/mL (minimum concentration) associated to 24 J/cm2 dosimetry.

Orientador: Regina Maria Puppin Rontani / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba / Made available in DSpace on 2018-10-05T18:49:21Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Correr_AnaRosaCosta_D.pdf: 3218831 bytes, checksum: f30505368b581fed81781723b234fbd9 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013 / Resumo: O propósito deste estudo foi avaliar a influencia de diferentes tipos de substrato (Capitulo 1) e tratamento com etanol 100% (Capitulo 2) ou digluconato de clorexidina a 2% (CHX) (Capitulo 3) na resistência e longevidade da união compósito/dentina, apos diferentes períodos de armazenagem. Os dentes humanos hígidos foram divididos em 3 grupos, de acordo com o substrato dentinario: (Sd) dentina hígida, (Ci) dentina infectada (manutenção da carie) e (Ca) dentina afetada (remoção parcial de carie). As superfícies oclusais de terceiros molares hígidos foram removidas com disco diamantado dupla face sob refrigeração, a fim de expor a superfície plana dentinaria hígida, a qual foi submetida ao desenvolvimento da lesão de carie artificial com S. mutans. Brocas esféricas foram usadas para remover parcialmente o tecido cariado pigmentado, ate que permanecesse apenas a dentina levemente corada (Ca). Em seguida, os dentes foram novamente subdivididos, de acordo com o tratamento da superfície: Grupo Controle (Ct) - nenhum tratamento (Capitulo 1); Ct e (Et) - aplicação de etanol 100% (Capitulo 2); e, Ct e (CHX) - aplicação de digluconato de clorexidina a 2% (Capitulo 3). O substrato foi condicionado com acido fosfórico a 35% por 15 s, lavado por 30 s e seco com leve jato de ar. CHX ou Et foram aplicados apos o condicionamento acido. O sistema adesivo Adper Single Bond 2 (3M ESPE) foi aplicado de acordo com as recomendações do fabricante e fotoativado por 20 s com a fonte de aparelho de luz XL 2500. Sobre a superfície de união foram inseridos incrementos de 2 mm do compósito Z350 (3M ESPE), polimerizados usando a fonte de luz XL 2500 por 40 s, ate confeccionar um bloco com 6 mm de altura. As amostras foram armazenadas em água destilada a 37o C por 24 horas. Apos, os dentes foram seccionados perpendicularmente a área de união, de modo a obter palitos com área de secção transversal de 1mm2. Os palitos foram armazenadas em três períodos: 24 horas, 6 meses e 1 ano. Em seguida, as amostras foram submetidas ao ensaio de resistência de união a microtração usando a maquina de ensaio EZ test (EZS, Shimadzu) a velocidade de 0,5 mm/minuto. Os dados foram submetidos a Analise de Variância e ao teste de Tukey HSD (?=0,05). A união em Sd mostrou valores de resistência de união significativamente maior quando comparado a Ca e Ci. As amostras armazenadas nos períodos de 6 meses e 1 ano resultou na diminuição da resistência de união, independente do tipo de substrato e/ou tratamento. O etanol não foi efetivo em melhorar a resistência de união para os três substratos de dentina avaliados. A clorexidina não influenciou na resistência de união nos períodos de armazenagem avaliados, independente dos substratos / Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of 2% chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX) and 100% ethanol wet-bonding (Et) on the degradation of the adhesive system bond strength in sound or artificial caries-affected/infected dentin after different storage times under microtensile test (_TBS). The sound teeth were divided into 3 groups, according to dentin substrates: sound dentin, caries-infected dentin (maintained of caries) and caries-affected dentin (partial removal of caries). Non-carious human third molars had their occlusal enamel removed with a slow speed diamond saw, under copious water-cooling to expose a flat-surfaced sound dentin, which was submitted to the microbiological challenge (S. mutans) for the development of artificial caries. Spherical drill was used to remove soft pigmented carious tissue till hard and slightly pigmented dentin remains (Ca). After, the teeth will be assigned into 3 subgroups according to surface treatment: water wet- bonding (Ct) (Chapter 1); Ct and 100% ethanol application (Et) (Chapter 2); and, Ct and chlorhexidine digluconate 2% application (CHX) (Chapter 3). The substrate will was etched with 35% phosphoric acid gel for 15 s, rinsed for 30 s with tap water and dried with oil/water-free air. The CHX or Et was applied for 60 s, just after etching with 35% phosphoric acid gel. The adhesive system Adper Single Bond 2 (3M ESPE) was applied according to the manufacturer's instruction and polymerized for 10 s by a light-curing unit XL 2500. The bonded surfaces were coupled with a composite resin Filtek Z350 (3M ESPE) applied in 2 mm increments and polymerized using a curing unit XL 2500 (3M ESPE) for 40 s for each increment and to build 6 mm thick block. The restored teeth were stored in distilled water at 37o C for 24 h. After this period, the restored teeth were longitudinally sectioned across the bonded interface to produce a series of 1.0mm2 beams. The specimens were then submitted to three storage periods: 24 hours, 6 months, or 1 year. Afterwards, the storage periods, the specimens were submitted to a microtensile bond strength (_TBS) using EZ test machine (EZS, Shimadzu) at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min until failure. Data were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey's HSD test (?=0.05). The bonding with sound dentin showed _TBS values significant higher when compared to caries-affected and caries-infected dentin. The 6 months and 1 year storage periods resulted in decreased bond strengths for all dentin conditions and/or treatment. The ethanol was not effective to improve the _TBS for the three dentin substrates evaluated. The CHX did not affect the 24- hour, 6 and 12 months _TBS, independent of the tested dentin substrates / Doutorado / Materiais Dentarios / Doutora em Materiais Dentários

Submitted by Natalia Vieira (natalia.vieira@famerp.br) on 2016-05-30T21:52:31Z No. of bitstreams: 1 lucianasouzajorge_dissert.pdf: 1193713 bytes, checksum: 87fe8f7c70497cf298249a806a3219b4 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-05-30T21:52:31Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 lucianasouzajorge_dissert.pdf: 1193713 bytes, checksum: 87fe8f7c70497cf298249a806a3219b4 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2005-07-04 / Since the 1970´s Group B Streptococcus (GBS) or Streptococcus agalactiae has been considered the leading cause of early-onset neonatal disease. Even after the adoption of strategies for intrapartum antimicrobial prophylaxis (IAP) in the 1990´s, it has been observed GBS to be responsible for approximately 70% of neonatal mortality. The objective of this study was to establish prevalence of GBS colonization among pregnant women and parturients treated at Hospital de Base de Sao Jose do Rio Preto and the perinatal factors of risk related to maternal colonization. A descriptive and retrospective study was carried out. One hundred and twenty-two patients (pregnant women and parturients) selected for risk factors were submitted to collection of vaginal and rectal swabs which were then inoculated to specific Todd-Hewitt broth used to GBS identification. Statistical analysis of data was performed using logistic regression and Pearson 2 test or Fisher´s test, as appropriated. Prevalence of GBS maternal colonization was 24.6%, revealing statistically significant evidence among women with school education between 8 and 11 years (p=0.029) and those referring having had previous infant born with neonatal disease (p=0.025). The prevalence of GBS colonization of patients admitted at the studied Hospital Obstetrics Department points out the necessity for the institution to have an IAP protocol in order to avoid indiscriminate use of antimicrobial therapy for newborns admitted at the Neonatal Intensive Therapy Unit (NITU) and reduce the rate of neonatal morbidity and mortality. / Desde a década de 70, o Streptococcus do Grupo B (SGB) ou Streptococcus agalactiae é considerado a principal causa de doença neonatal precoce. Mesmo com a padronização de estratégias de profilaxia antimicrobiana intraparto (PAI) nos anos 90, tem sido verificado que o SGB é responsável por aproximadamente 70% de mortalidade neonatal. O objetivo deste estudo foi conhecer a prevalência da colonização por SGB entre gestantes e parturientes atendidas no Hospital de Base de São José do Rio Preto e os fatores de risco perinatais envolvidos na colonização materna. Foi realizado um estudo descritivo e retrospectivo em 122 gestantes ou parturientes incluídas por fatores de risco, as quais foram submetidas à coleta de material vaginal e anal, inseridos posteriormente ao caldo de crescimento específico Todd-Hewitt, que é utilizado para identificação dos SGB. A análise estatística dos dados foi realizada por regressão logística e pelo teste de quiquadrado Pearson ou teste de Fisher, quando recomendado. A prevalência de colonização materna por SGB foi de 24,6%, mostrando evidência estatisticamente significante entre mulheres com grau de escolaridade entre 8 a 11 anos (p=0,029) e que referiram história de filho anterior com doença neonatal (p=0,025). A prevalência da colonização por SGB entre gestantes e parturientes atendidas no serviço de obstetrícia no hospital estudado mostra a necessidade da instituição de um protocolo de PAI, a fim de evitar a utilização indiscriminada de antimicrobianos para recém nascidos admitidos na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Neonatal (UTIN) e reduzir as taxas de morbidade e mortalidade neonatal.

Orientador: Antonio Olavo Cardoso Jorge / Banca: Luciane Dias de Oliveira / Banca: Mariella Vieira Pereira Leão / Resumo: O objetivo foi avaliar as interações entre Candida albicans (ATCC 18804) com Streptococcus mitis (49456) e Streptococcus sanguinis (10556) in vitro e in vivo avaliando-se a possível influência destas associações, na expressão de genes, na filamentação e formação de biofilme de Candida albicans. A formação de biofilme, foi realizado mono e multiespécie em placa de 96 poços por 48 h à 37 ºC com 5% CO2. Os biofilmes foram desagregados e diluídos para semeadura em ágar e após incubação as UFC/mL foram contadas. A filamentação de C. albicans, in vitro foi realizada em placas de 24 poços e in vivo em Galleria mellonella, com análise histológica e contagem de UFC/mL. A avaliação da expressão gênica de ALS1, ALS3, BRC1, CPH1, EFG1 e HWP1, foi realizada por PCR em tempo real utilizando o gene normalizador ACT1. Os resultados da UFC/mL (p < 0.05), demonstrou que o biofilme de C. albicans monoespécie apresentou maior crescimento, quando comparado com o biofilme associado com S. mitis (p = 0,001) ou com S. sanguinis (p = 0,001). A filamentação in vitro demonstrou que a interação com S. mitis inibiu a filamentação de C. albicans (p = 0,0006), entretanto, a interação com S. sanguinis não inibiu (p = 0,1554). Os genes ALS1, ALS3 e HWP1 foram super expressos na interação com S. mitis. A interação com S. sanguinis, promoveu super expressão dos genes ALS3 e HWP1. Os genes BRC1, CPH1 e EFG1 foram super expressos na interação com S. mitis e sub expressos, na interação com S. sanguinis. Não houve... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract :The objetive was to evaluate the interactions between Candida albicans (ATCC 18804) with Streptococcus mitis (49456) and Streptococcus sanguinis (10556) in vitro and in vivo evaluating the possible influence of these associations, in the expression of genes, in the filamentation and biofilm formation of Candida albicans. Biofilm formation was performed mono- and multispecies in 96-well plate for 48 h at 37 ºC with 5% CO2. Biofilms sonicated and diluted for sowing on agar and after incubation the colonies counted to obtain the colony forming units (CFU/mL). The filamentation in vitro was performed in 24-well plate and in vivo Galleria mellonella, with histological and CFU/mL. The evaluation of gene expression ALS1, ALS3, BRC1, CPH1, EFG1 and HWP1 was performed by real-time PCR using the normalizing gene ACT1. The results of CFU/ml (p<0.05), found that C. albicans biofilm monoespécie showed increased growth, as compared to the biofilm associated with S. mitis (p = 0.001) and S. sanguinis (p = 0.001). The filamentation in vitro demonstrated that the interaction with S. mitis inhibited C. albicans filamentation (p = 0.0006), interaction with S. sanguinis could not (p = 0.1554). The ALS1, ALS3, HWP1 gene, were superexpressed in S. mitis interaction. Interaction with S. sanguinis, promoted overexpression of ALS3 and HWP1 genes. The BRC1 genes, CPH1 and EFG1 were super expressed in interaction with S. mitis and sub expressed when there was interaction with S. sanguinis. There was no statistical difference in the in vivo studies of filamentation and CFU/mL. It follows that in vitro, S. mitis and S. sanguinis were able to inhibit the formation of C. albicans biofilms. Like the interaction with S. mitis inhibited its filamentation. The interaction with S. mitis appears to increase the virulence factors of C. albicans. ALS1, ALS3, HWP1 as the ...(Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo). / Mestre

Orientadora: Cristiane Duque / Banca: Ana Claudia Okamoto / Banca: Marcelle Danelon / Banca: Natália Leal Vizoto / Banca: Thiago Cruvinel da Silva / Resumo: Streptococcus mutans é conhecido por sua capacidade de aderir, colonizar e formar biofilme nas superfícies dentárias. Para sobreviver na cavidade bucal, S. mutans coordena a expressão de vários genes em resposta aos fatores ambientais, como na presença de agentes antimicrobianos. Os objetivos deste estudo foram: 1) avaliar a influência de concentrações subinibitórias (sub-MIC) de fluoreto de sódio (NaF) e digluconato de clorexidina (Chx) sobre o crescimento planctônico; 2) avaliar a influência desses antimicrobianos em concentrações sub-MIC na formação de biofilme das cepas de S. mutans; 3) avaliar a expressão dos genes covR e vicR de cepas de S. mutans expostas aos sub-MIC de Chx e NaF. Cepas de S. mutans padrão (ATCC 25175 e UA159) e isolada de criança com cárie precoce da infância (3FV2) foram reativadas em BHI caldo e expostas a Chx e NaF para determinação da MIC e MBC. A partir desses valores, curvas de crescimento foram obtidas para as cepas de S. mutans expostas a concentrações sub-MIC de Chx (0,25 x MIC a 0,75 x MIC) e NaF (0,125 x MIC a 0,75 x MIC). Ensaios de biofilme foram realizados para as cepas de S. mutans expostas ou não aos sub-MIC dos agentes antimicrobianos (0,25 x MIC; 0,5 x MIC e 0,75 x MIC). A expressão dos genes covR e vicR foram avaliadas por PCR quantitativo para as cepas de S. mutans em condições planctônicas expostas a 0,125/0,25/0,5 x MIC de NaF e Chx. Os dados obtidos foram submetidos à análise estatística considerando p≤0,05. Os resultados mostra... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Streptococcus mutans is known for its ability to adhere, colonize and form biofilm on dental surfaces. To survive in the oral cavity, S. mutans coordinates the expression of several genes in respon se to environmental factors, such as in the presence of antimicrobial agents. The objectives of this study were: 1); to evaluate the influence of subinhibitory concentrations (sub - MIC) of chlorhexidine (Chx) and sodium fluoride (NaF) on planktonic growth 2) to evaluate the influence of sub - MIC of these agents on biofilm formation of S. mutans strains; 3) to evaluate the expression of the covR and vicR genes of S. mutans strains exposed to sub - MIC of Chx and NaF. Standard strains of S. mutans (ATCC 25175 or UA159) and clinical strain isolated from child with caries (3FV2) were reactivated in BHI broth and exposed to Chx and NaF for determination of MIC and MBC. From these values, growth curves were obtained for S. mutans strains exposed to sub - MIC concentrations of Chx (0.25 x MIC to 0.75 x MIC) and NaF (0.125 x MIC to 0.75 x MIC). Biofilm assays were performed for S. mutans strains exposed or not to the sub - MIC of antimicrobial agents (0.25, 0.5 and 0.75 x MIC). Expression of covR and vicR gen es were evaluated by quantitative PCR for strains of S. mutans under plankton conditions exposed to 0.125 / 0.25 / 0.5 x MIC of NaF and Chx. The data were submitted to statistical analysis considering p≤0.05. The results showed that Chx and NaF sub - MIC aff ected planktonic growth of S. mutans strains in a dose - dependent manner. Sub - MIC of Chx only affect the biofilm formation for ATCC 25175, and, NaF values above 0.5 x MIC caused reduction of the biofilm growth for all tested strains, in a dose - dependent m anner, except for ATCC 25175, which was also affected by all concentrations evaluated. Gradual sub - MIC concentrations (Complete abstract electronic access below) / Doutor

O Streptococcus pneumoniae, também conhecido como pneumococo, é um importante agente etiológico causador de pneumonia, bacteremia, meningite e otite aguda do ouvido médio, acometendo especialmente crianças e idosos. A cápsula polissacarídica (PS) é o fator de virulência mais importante e localiza-se na superfície do microrganismo e tem ação anti-fagocítica in vivo. O pneumococo expressa pelo menos 91 cápsulas diferentes, que são química e sorologicamente distintas. Usualmente, a cápsula é o antígeno das vacinas anti-pneumocócicas, tanto como polissacarídeo livre ou conjugado a proteínas. O sorotipo 6B acomete principalmente crianças e é o segundo mais prevalente no Brasil, e a otimização das condições de cultivo buscando maior produtividade em PS é o alvo desta tese. Simultaneamente, também foi investigada a influência do inóculo e da glicose residual no instante do pulso ou do início da alimentação em cultivos descontínuos alimentados. Nos cultivos descontínuos alimentados foi observado que quanto menor a densidade óptica da cultura do inóculo, maior a concentração de PS obtida. A concentração da glicose residual no momento do pulso provavelmente influenciou a produção de PS: a produção foi maior quando o pulso foi dado ainda em altas concentrações de substrato. Por isso, obteve-se uma produção de PS ~390 mg/L em cultivo descontínuo alimentado com pulso, quando DO 600 nm da cultura do inóculo ~1,6 e o pulso de glicose e acetato de amônio ~15 g/L. Observou-se também que, mesmo com DO do inóculo ~1,65, a produção de PS foi somente 248 mg/L, devido à aplicação do pulso quando a concentração de glicose residual era ~4,5 g/L. A menor produção de PS foi obtida quando a DO da cultura do inóculo foi ~2,6 e a concentração de glicose residual ~3,4 g/L, gerando somente 194 mg/L de PS. Assim, cultivos descontínuos alimentados com pulso renderam melhores resultados que os cultivos descontínuos alimentados. A alimentação constante rendeu maior quantidade de PS quando comparada à alimentação exponencial. E tanto os ensaios descontínuos com ou sem pulso e os descontínuos alimentados foram melhores do que os cultivos contínuos, principalmente se considerarmos a facilidade de operação. O efeito da concentração residual da glicose no instante da alimentação na produção de PS é provavelmente influenciado pela presença de outros componentes do meio, devido aos requerimentos nutricionais do pneumococo. O estado fisiológico do inóculo determinou uma importante correlação entre a produção de PS nos cultivos descontínuos alimentados do sorotipo 6B: cultura do inóculo no meio da fase exponencial rendeu maior produção de PS. Esta correlação poderia ser conseqüência do perfil de crescimento do microrganismo in vitro e da ação de enzimas líticas após a fase exponencial. Foi observado, portanto, um efeito sinérgico entre a DO da cultura do inóculo, a concentração de glicose residual no momento de alimentação e produção de PS nos cultivos descontínuos alimentados. / Streptococcus pneumoniae is a major pathogen commonly responsible for pneumonia, bacteraemia, meningitis and otitis media, especially among young children and older adults. The most prominent pneumococcal virulence factor is the capsular polysaccharide (PS), which coats the surface of the bacterium and acts as an antiphagocytic factor in vivo. S. pneumoniae express at least 91 distinct capsules which are chemically and serologically distinct. The capsule is currently used as antigen in pneumococcal vaccines, either as free polysaccharide or conjugated to proteins. Pneumococcal serotype 6B is the second most prevalent in Brazil and the optimization of cultivation conditions is part of this study. Simultaneously we investigated the influence of the growth phase of the inoculum and the residual glucose concentration at the instant of the pulse or the start of feeding on PS production in batch and fed-batch cultivation. Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 6B strain ST 433/03 was used. Bench scale experiments were carried out using a variant of the Hoeprich medium, containing glucose, acid-hydrolyzed casein, dialyzed yeast extract, L-glutamine and asparagine as nitrogen sources, choline as a growth factor and salts. The experiments were conducted in bioreactors monitored by the LabView 7.1program. It was observed in fed-batch cultivation, that the lower was the OD of the starter culture, the higher was the PS concentration obtained. The residual glucose concentration at the moment of the pulse also influenced the PS production: the PS production was higher when the pulse was given at higher residual glucose concentration. Hence, in fed-batch culture the highest PS production (387 mg/L) was obtained using an OD=1.6 of the starter culture and giving the pulse when the residual glucose was ~15 g/L. Using a similar inoculum (OD=1.65), the PS concentration reached 248 mg/L after giving the pulse when the residual glucose was 4.5 g/L. The lowest PS production was obtained when a culture with an OD=2.6 was inoculated into the reactor and the pulse was given when the residual glucose was 3.4 g/L (PS=194 mg/L). The effect of the residual glucose concentration at the instant of the start of feeding on PS production was probably influenced by the presence of other components in the concentrated feeding medium, which could better fit the nutritional requirements of the microorganism. The physiological state of the inoculum showed an important correlation to the PS production in batch and fed-batch cultivation of S. pneumoniae serotype 6B: mid-log phase inocula yielded high PS production. This correlation is consequence of the in vitro growth profile, the action of lytic enzymes after the log phase. In fed-batch cultivation, it was also observed a synergic effect of the inoculum OD and the residual glucose concentration in the moment of the pulse on PS production.

A mastite é o processo inflamatório da glândula mamária que constitui uma doença comum no setor pecuário leiteiro, evidenciado principalmente durante o período de lactação de vacas leiteiras e, cujos principais agentes etiológicos são o Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus sp. e espécies de coliformes. Os protocolos de combate à mastite preconizam o uso de antibióticos, o que pode trazer riscos à saúde dos animais e humana. Dependendo do agente patogênico, esta estratégia é considerada frequentemente ineficiente e de alto custo, o que leva pesquisadores a buscarem alternativas à antibioticoterapia, testando princípios ativos homeopáticos, fitoterápicos e micro-organismos probióticos, que apresentam potencial como alternativa promissora para a terapia quimioterápica. As formulações contendo bactérias probióticas podem representar uma alternativa de baixo custo para o combate à mastite, com a vantagem de não estimular a resistência entre os patógenos. Desta forma, este estudo baseou-se na avaliação in vitro do potencial antimicrobiano de cepas de Lactobacillus frente a agentes patógenos causadores de mastite, bem como na avaliação in vivo da inocuidade de formulações contendo probióticos em vacas em lactação. Para tanto, 6 cepas de Lactobacillus, na forma isolada e na forma de pool foram avaliadas quanto à capacidade inibitória sobre Streptococcus agalactiae (cepas 1 e 2) por diferentes técnicas de difusão em ágar e co-cultura em meio líquido. A inibição pela técnica de co-cultura foi avaliada mediante determinação de células viáveis das cepas patogênicas por reação em cadeia da polimerase quantitativa em tempo real (RT-qPCR). De acordo com os resultados observados no estudo de inibição in vitro, foram preparadas formulações probióticas utilizando dois veículos diferentes, sendo uma emulsão (Formulação A) e outra utilizando um veículo de um medicamento comercial (Formulação B) adicionadas de células de Lactobacillus na forma isolada e na forma de pool. Estas formulações foram avaliadas quanto à inocuidade em 17 vacas separadas em grupos sob regime de 1 ordenha/dia (A e B1) e 2 ordenhas/dia (B2), mediante a aplicação das formulações A e B contendo 109 ou 106 células/dose. Ao longo do cada tratamento, foram avaliados parâmetros fisiológicos como temperatura do úbere, presença de hiperemia, inchaço e manifestação de dor, contagem de células somáticas (CCS), California Mastitis Test (CMT), bem como condutividade elétrica e aspecto do leite e avaliação microbiológica. O estudo de inibição em co-cultura mostrou que as cepas de Lactobacillus avaliadas inibiram o crescimento das cepas patogênicas, em níveis superiores a 75% após 72 horas de ensaio. Após 24 horas, os maiores níveis de inibição sobre S. agalactiae cepa 1 foram exercidos pelas cepas L. acidophilus ATCC 4356, L. fermentum ATCC 9338, com índices de inibição de 99,79% e 99,91%, respectivamente. Nas mesmas condições a inibição de S. agalactiae cepa 2 por L. acidophilus ATCC 4356 e L. delbrueckii UFV H2B20 foi de 86,7% e 79,5%, respectivamente. Estes resultados indicam o potencial de inibição das cepas de Lactobacillus estudadas sobre S. agalactiae causadora de mastite. Estudos de inocuidade demonstraram que as formulações probióticas (A e B) induziram reação inflamatória no úbere dos animais, confirmado pelo aumento significativo da condutividade elétrica do leite (CEL), CCS (p < 0,05), bem como do escore de CMT. As formulações testadas no presente estudo não se mostraram adequadas ao emprego terapêutico na cura da mastite, uma vez que no teste de inocuidade provocaram processos inflamatórios nas glândulas mamárias dos animais testados. / Bovine mastitis is a common disease in dairy farms, usually observed during lactation period in dairy cattle, whose main etiological agents are Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus sp. and coliform species. Current protocols of mastitis therapy include the use of antibiotics, which may represent serious risks for both animal and human health. Depending on the pathogen specie, this strategy is often considered ineffective and highly expensive, what stimulates scientists to search for alternative treatments, including homeopathic or phytotherapic drugs or probiotic microorganisms, which may be a good alternative to chemotherapeutic drugs. Formulations containing probiotic bacteria may represent a low-cost alternative for mastitis treatment. The present study aimed to assess in vitro ability of Lactobacillus strains to inhibit mastitis pathogens growth, as well as in vivo assessment of the safety of formulations containing probiotics in cows with predisposition or affected by mastitis. Thus, six Lactobacillus strains were evaluated on their inhibitory ability over Streptococcus agalactiae (strains 1 and 2) by techniques of agar diffusion and co-culture in liquid medium. The effectiveness of the co-culture was evaluated by enumerating viable pathogen cells through quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). According to the results of in vitro study, two formulations were prepared based on a probiotic emulsion (formula A) and a commercial matrix (formula B) containing Lactobacillus cells (isolated or pool). Safety tests for the formulations were performed in 17 cows, which were separated into two groups under 1 milking/day (A and B1) and another group submitted to 2 milkings/day (B2), through the application of preparation A or preparation B containing 109 or 106 cells/dose. In each treatment, every cow was assessed on physiological parameters including temperature, presence of hyperemia, swelling and pain, somatic cell count (SCC), electrical conductivity and aspect of milk (color and clots/lumps formation) and microbiological evaluation. The results of the inhibition studies in co-culture showed that all Lactobacillus strains inhibited the growth of pathogenic strains, in at least 75% after 72 h of test. The highest levels of inhibition of S. agalactiae strain 1 were performed by strains L. acidophilus ATCC 4356 and L. fermentum ATCC 9338, at level of 99.79% and 96.70% after 24h, respectively. For the same period, the inhibition of S. agalactiae strain 2 by L. acidophilus ATCC 4356 and L delbrueckii UFV H2B20 was 86.7 % and 79.5%, respectively. These results showed the potential of Lactobacillus strains studied concerning to the inhibition of mastitis caused by Streptococcus agalactiae. Safety studies showed that both formulations evaluated induced inflammatory response in the udder of the animals, what was confirmed by significant raise on electric conductivity and SCC (p < 0,05) and CMT scores on milk. All formulations were considered inappropriate to be used in mastitis therapeutics, once they failed at safety tests, inducing mastitis on tested animals.

Dental caries is the most common bacterial disease of humans and occurs when oral bacteria produce acids, following their fermentation of dietary carbohydrates. This acid can then cause a localised demineralisation of the tooth surface. A group of seven species of bacteria, collectively known as the mutans streptococci, have been predominantly implicated in the onset of dental caries. In particular, Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus have been shown to be the main aetiological agents of this disease in humans. Most attempts to control the microbial component of caries target these bacteria. The past 50 years has provided considerable information about the pathogenesis of dental caries, the likely route and time of transmission of cariogenic bacteria to susceptible hosts and possible ways of either treating or controlling the onset of this disease. In regards to the latter, many techniques (such as the use of tooth brushes, mouth washes, dental floss and tooth paste) for the control of plaque build-up exist and the examples listed are generally part of a daily routine. However, these techniques need to be applied regularly, and as such only highly-motivated individuals generally experience improved oral health. Therefore, the search for more effective less labour-intensive approaches continues. One area of research is into the potential application of small ribosomally-synthesised antimicrobial peptides, known as bacteriocins. Bacteriocins generally inhibit closely-related species that occupy the same ecological niche. Their relatively-specific targeting, plus the fact that many are remarkably heat and chemically-stable molecules, makes them excellent candidates for possible anti-caries applications. Numerous bacteriocins produced by the lactic acid bacteria have now been identified. Most can be broadly categorised into one of four main classes, of which Class I, the lantibiotics and Class II, the small (<10 kDa) non-modified peptides, contain the most examples. Many screens for anti-mutans streptococcal (MS) bacteriocins have been carried out and it appears that the best source of anti-MS bacteriocins are the mutans streptococci themselves. Research in this laboratory has identified examples of anti-mutans streptococcal bacteriocins produced by both mutans streptococci and non-mutans streptococci. The present study investigated the anti-MS inhibitors produced by two streptococcal strains, S. mutans N and Streptococcus sanguis K11. During the course of this study a third strain, S. mutans UA159, was also studied for its bacteriocinogenic properties. Although S. sanguis K11 produces anti-mutans streptococcal inhibitory activity, this appears only effective against Streptococcus rattus. In addition however, the inhibitory activity of this strain is also directed against all tested strains of Streptococcus agalactiae and ca. 50% of Streptococcus pyogenes. In the present study a 5069 Da novel inhibitory agent (sanguicin K11) was characterised and shown responsible for this unusual inhibitory spectrum. Through reverse genetics the sanK11 locus was identified and shown to encode a Class II type bacteriocin, the first shown to be produced by S. sanguis. Following screens of additional S. sanguis, sanK11 was shown to be present only in strains producing the same type of inhibitory pattern (P-type) as strain K11. The cysteine residues at positions 7 and 38 of the sanguicin K11 propeptide were shown to form a disulphide bridge essential for sanguicin K11 inhibitory activity. S. mutans N and eight other S. mutans strains have been found to have what appears to be the same inhibitory spectrum, which includes members of the mutans streptococci and several other oral streptococcal species. One strain (UA140) of the eight has previously been shown to produce the lantibiotic mutacin I and the non-lantibiotic mutacin IV. S. mutans N was known to produce the non-lantibiotic mutacin N. The current study set out to investigate how two strains, apparently producing completely different bacteriocins could have the same inhibitory spectrum. Reverse genetics identified the mutacin N structural gene (mutN) and mutagenesis studies showed that this bacteriocin was responsible only for the inhibitory activity against mutans streptococci. Further sequencing around the mutN locus identified a second bacteriocin-like locus (mutO) adjacent to mutN. mutO was also identified to have anti-mutans streptococcal inhibitory activity and because of the close proximity of mutO and mutN and given the homology they share with other known two-peptide bacteriocins it seemed probable that mutacins O and N are components of a new member of this special class of bacteriocins (Class IIb, the two peptide bacteriocins) in which the optimal inhibitory activity is dependent on the co-operative activity of the two peptides. Further investigations of strain N examined the expression of mutacins O and N. During a search for a suitable heterologous non-mutacinogenic S. mutans strain to act as an expression host, the genome reference strain, S. mutans UA159 was given consideration. However, contrary to previous reports, this strain was found to exhibit bacteriocin-like inhibitory activity. During a follow-up investigation, strain UA159 was found to inhibit 84 strains representing 11 different species of bacteria, but no inhibition of mutans streptococci was detected. The locus (nlmAB) encoding the two-peptide bacteriocin mutacin IV was identified within the UA159 genome. Using genetic dissection of nlmA and nlmB, the contribution of each peptide was examined and it was found that only the NlmA* propeptide appears to be active, raising doubts as to whether mutacin IV is a bona fide two-peptide bacteriocin. Deletion of the entire nlmAB locus created a mutant strain that exhibited a loss of inhibitory activity against the same 64 strains as was found for the nlmA mutant. A BLASTP search for the consensus leader sequence that precedes the propeptide of Class II bacteriocins, identified ORFs encoding 9 more putative bacteriocin-like peptides. Further genetic dissection identified the SMU.1914c locus as being responsible for the inhibitory activity against a further 15 strains not already sensitive to mutacin IV. SMU.1914c was renamed mutacin V. However, it appears that another as yet unidentified mutacin(s) is also produced by strain UA159 given that three indicator strains still remained sensitive to a double mutant [UA[Delta](1914/NlmAB)] in which both the mutacin IV and putative mutacin V loci were inactivated. Export of Class II bacteriocins has been found to occur by either a SEC-dependent system or via a dedicated peptide ATP Binding Cassette (ABC) transporter. Three potential ABC transporter ORFs were identified in S. mutans UA159. Two (comA and cslA) had the characteristic accessory factor ORF (comB and cslB respectively) located adjacent to the main ABC transporter ORF, while the third ORF763 appeared to lack this. Mutagenesis of each of these five ORFS was carried out and confirmed cslAB to be the ABC transporter involved in the export of the competence stimulating factor, while the function of ORF763 could not be established in this study. Mutagenesis of either comA or comB resulted in a complete cessation of bacteriocin production by the respective mutant strains. Historically, comA and comB is the nomenclature used for loci encoding the exporter of the competence inducing factors in streptococci. In light of this new information, comA and comB were renamed nlmT and nlmE respectively, to account for the newly defined role of this ABC transporter. The present study investigated four bacteriocins two of which (sanguicin K11 and mutacin ON) appear to have some potential for application to anti-caries control, and the others (mutacins IV and V) being shown to be produced by the genome reference strain (UA159). All three mutacins were shown to be exported from their respective producer cells by the NlmTE ABC transporter, while sanguicin K11 is predicted to be exported by a peptide ABC transporter located adjacent to sanK11. Bacteriocins may yet provide a novel alternative for the treatment and control of dental caries. In their favour is that fact that they have relatively narrow defined inhibitory spectra and thus are unlikely to produce widespread changes to plaque ecosystems. Potential uses include as topical agents where bacteriocin preparations could be incorporated into dentrifices such as toothpastes or mouthwashes. Alternatively, streptococci producing anti-mutans streptococcal bacteriocins could be implanted into the oral cavity in strain replacement therapy strategies. There are pros and cons to each technique and the most effective anti-caries control appears more likely to result from "cocktail therapy" where bacteriocins are combined with a number of other anti-mutans streptococcal agents to achieve long-lasting protection against mutans streptococcus proliferation.