A capacidade de sobrevivência da Leishmânia no interior de células especializadas na destruição de patógenos deve-se à capacidade do parasito de burlar a propriedade microbicida pela produção de moléculas denominadas fatores de virulência. Dentre as proteínas diferencialmente expressas em um estudo prévio de nosso laboratório, encontramos isoformas da OPB, uma serino peptidase e da CPX, proteína antioxidante. De fato, promastigotas de L. (L.) major deficientes em OPB apresentaram significante redução na infecção e sobrevivência em macrófagos in vitro e lesões de evolução mais lenta no modelo murino de infecção na pata. De forma análoga, promastigotas de L. (L.) donovani superexpressoras de CPX apresentaram maior carga parasitária em macrófagos in vitro. Considerando essas informações e a importância da L. (L.) amazonensis na epidemiologia da leishmaniose no Brasil, nosso objetivo é analisar a importância da OPB e CPX na virulência desta espécie utilizando parasitas superexpressores e proteínas solúveis em modelos murinos de infecção in vitro e in vivo. / The survivability of Leishmania within specialized cells in the destruction of pathogens due to the parasite\'s ability to circumvent the microbicidal property for the production of molecules called virulence factors. Among the proteins differentially expressed in a previous study from our laboratory, we found isoforms of OPB, a peptidase serine and CPX, antioxidant protein. Indeed, promastigotes of L. (L.) Major disabled in OPB showed a significant reduction in infection and survival in macrophages in vitro and slower evolution of lesions in a murine model of infection in the leg. Similarly, promastigotes of L. (L.) Donovani overexpressors CPX showed higher parasite load in macrophages in vitro. Given this information and the importance of L. (L.) amazonensis in the epidemiology of leishmaniasis in Brazil, our goal is to analyze the importance of OPB and CPX virulence of this species using overexpressors parasites and soluble proteins in murine models of infection in vitro and in alive.

Orientador: Pasqual Barretti / Resumo: Peritonite por bacilos Gram-negativos não fermentadores (BGNNF) é complicação importante da diálise peritoneal (DP), com curso clínico grave e elevada taxa de falência do método. Fatores associados à virulência, resistência antimicrobiana, formação de biofilme, entre outros, têm sido relatados, mas o limitado conjunto de evidências não permite concluir sobre os fatores responsáveis pelo pior curso clínico dessas infecções. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a influência das características microbiológicas, das condições clínicas do paciente e do tratamento na evolução de peritonites por BGNNF, ocorridas num único centro, em período de 18 anos. A sensibilidade in vitro aos antimicrobianos, produção de biofilme, além da análise do perfil clonal das bactérias pela técnica de eletroforese em gel de campo pulsado foram realizadas em todos os isolados bacterianos. Foram pesquisados genotipicamente, em isolados de Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a presença de marcadores de virulência (alginato, exoenzima S, fosfolipases C, exotoxina A, protesase alcalina, elastase e ramnolipídeos). Associações entre as características microbiológicas do paciente e tratamento com a taxa de resolução da peritonite foram estudadas. A espécie mais frequente foi Pseudomonas aeruginosa (45,59%), seguida por isolados do complexo Acinetobacter baumannii (17,65%). O estudo dos fatores de virulência da Pseudomonas aeruginosa revelou a presença de fatores de virulência em 100% dos casos, exceto exoenzima S (58,33%)... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Peritonitis due to non-fermentative Gram-negative bacilli (NFGNB) is a serious complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD), with a severe clinical course and high technique failure rate. Factors as bacterial virulence, antimicrobial resistance, biofilm formation, among others, have been reported, but the limited amount of evidence does not allow to conclude on the factors responsible for the worst clinical course of these infections. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of the microbiological characteristics, patients conditions, and treatment on evolution of peritonitis episodes at a single center in an 18 - year period. In vitro susceptibility, biofilm production, and clonal profile analysis of bacteria by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) were performed in all isolates. The presence of virulence markers (alginate, exoenzyme S, phospholipases C, exotoxin A, alkaline protease, elastase, and ramnolipids) was genotyped in bacterial isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. From the data referring to the patient and causal agent, associations between the microbiological, patient characteristics, and treatment on the resolution rate of peritonitis were analyzed. The most frequent species was Pseudomonas aeruginosa (45.59%), followed by Acinetobacter baumannii complex (17.65%). The study of the virulence factors of Pseudomonas aeruginosa revealed the presence of virulence factors in 100% of the cases, except for exonzyme S (58.33%) and hemolytic phospholipase C ... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre

Submitted by Fernanda Freire null (fernanda.freire@fosjc.unesp.br) on 2017-12-13T19:59:30Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Tese - Fernanda Freire.pdf: 1272262 bytes, checksum: 11df7d222fe968088750e08ceb6fa488 (MD5) / Submitted by Fernanda Freire null (fernanda.freire@fosjc.unesp.br) on 2017-12-14T11:25:01Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Tese - Fernanda Freire.pdf: 1272262 bytes, checksum: 11df7d222fe968088750e08ceb6fa488 (MD5) / Submitted by Fernanda Freire null (fernanda.freire@fosjc.unesp.br) on 2017-12-14T13:50:30Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Tese - Fernanda Freire.pdf: 1272262 bytes, checksum: 11df7d222fe968088750e08ceb6fa488 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Silvana Alvarez null (silvana@ict.unesp.br) on 2017-12-14T18:37:35Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 freire_f_dr_sjc.pdf: 1272262 bytes, checksum: 11df7d222fe968088750e08ceb6fa488 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-12-14T18:37:35Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 freire_f_dr_sjc.pdf: 1272262 bytes, checksum: 11df7d222fe968088750e08ceb6fa488 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-11-30 / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) / Os micro-organismos estão se tornando cada vez mais resistentes aos antimicrobianos e cepas de Candida albicans resistentes aos antifúngicos tem sido isoladas, assim, torna-se importante e necessário a realização de pesquisas que avaliem os efeitos de novos métodos terapêuticos, como a inativação fotodinâmica antimicrobiana (aPDI). Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi verificar os efeitos da inativação fotodinâmica sobre biofilmes de Candida albicans, avaliando seus efeitos sobre a expressão dos genes TEC1 (fator de transcrição), HWP1 (proteína de parede celular das hifas), EFG1 (regulador transcricional relacionado com a morfogênese), BCR1 (regulador da formação de biofilme e da parede celular), CPH1 (regulador transcricional envolvido na morfogênese) e ALS3 (adesina) de C. albicans. Foram avaliadas 30 amostras isoladas de pacientes portadores de HIV e 30 amostras de pacientes com estomatite protética, quanto a produção de biofilme, peso seco e filamentação. Destas, foram selecionadas as amostras mais virulentas de cada grupo que apresentaram melhor capacidade de formação de biofilme e filamentação. Assim, foi utilizada uma amostra clínica de C. albicans isolada de paciente portador de HIV, uma amostra clínica de C. albicans isolada de paciente com estomatite protética e uma cepa padrão ATCC 18804. A quantificação da expressão dos genes foi relacionada à produção desses genes nas amostras clínicas e na cepa de referência utilizando-se ensaio de PCR em tempo real. Para a aPDI, foram utilizados os fotossensibilizadores azul de metileno a 300 μM e eritrosina a 400 μM sensibilizados com laser de Índio-Gálio-Alumínio-Fósforo de baixa potência (vermelho visível, 660 nm) e LED verde (532 ± 10 nm), respectivamente. Foram avaliados quatro grupos experimentais para a aPDI: a) F+L+: sensibilização com o corante e irradiação com luz; b) F+L-: somente tratamento com o fotossensibilizador; c) F-L+: somente irradiação com luz e d) F-L-: sem sensibilização com o corante e ausência de luz. Os resultados foram analisados por t-test, com um nível de significância de 5%. Após a análise fenotípica, as amostras Ca30 e 39S foram selecionadas para a realização da aPDI. Como esperado, apenas para o grupo F+L+, quando comparado com o grupo F-L-, todos os genes analisados foram sub expressos após a aPDI. O fold-decrease para os genes ALS3, HWP1, BCR1, TEC1, CPH1 e EFG1 foram 0,73; 0,39; 0,77; 0,71; 0,67 e 0,60; para laser, respectivamente, e 0,66; 0,61; 0,50; 0,43; 0,54 e 0,66; para LED, respectivamente. Pode-se concluir que a aPDI mostrou uma redução na expressão dos genes de C. albicans, sugerindo a diminuição de sua virulência. / Micro-organisms are becoming increasingly resistant to antimicrobial agents and Candida albicans resistant strains to antifungal has been isolated, so it is important and necessary to carry out studies that evaluates the effects of new therapeutic methods, such as antimicrobial photodynamic inactivation (aPDI). The objective of this study was verify the effects of aPDI on C. albicans biofilms, evaluating its effects on genes expression: TEC1 (transcription factor), HWP1 (cell wall protein hyphae), EFG1 (transcriptional regulator related to morphogenesis), BCR1 (regulator of biofilm formation and cell wall), CPH1 (transcriptional regulator involved in morphogenesis) and ALS3 (adhesin) of C. albicans. Were evaluated 30 samples isolated from patients with HIV and 30 samples from patients with denture stomatitis, as the production of biofilm, dry weight and filamentation. Of these, the most virulent strains of each group that presented better biofilm formation capacity and filamentation were selected. Therefore, were used a clinical sample of C. albicans isolated from HIV positive patient, a clinical sample of C. albicans isolated from patient with denture stomatitis and a standard strain ATCC 18804. The quantification of gene expression was related to the production of these genes in clinical samples and in the reference strain using PCR assay in real time. For aPDI, were used the photosensitizer methylene blue at 300 uM and erythrosine at 400 uM, sensitized with low power laser Indium-Gallium-AluminumPhosphorus (visible red, 660 nm) and green LED (532 ± 10 nm), respectively. Were evaluated four groups for aPDI: a) P+L+: sensitization with the photosensitizer and irradiation with light; b) P+L-: only treatment with the photosensitizer; c) P-L+: only irradiation with light and d) P-L-: without sensitization with the dye and absence of light. The results were analyzed by t-test, with a significance level of 5%. After the phenotypic analysis, the samples Ca30 and 39 S were selected for aPDI . As expected, only in the group P+L+ when compared with the group P-L-, all analyzed genes were downregulated after aPDI. The fold-decrease for the genes ALS3, HWP1, BCR1, TEC1, CPH1 and EFG1, were 0.73, 0.39, 0.77, 0.71, 0.67 and 0.60, for laser, respectively, and 0.66, 0.61, .050, 0.43, 0.54 and 0.66, for LED, respectively. It could be concluded that aPDI showed a reduction in the expression of C. albicans genes, suggesting its virulence decrease. / 2013/22897-2

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:32:53Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2008-11-17Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T20:24:17Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 aoki_ee_dr_arafcf.pdf: 506585 bytes, checksum: 218b2c8e86bf9f798b9b0d4d716e2401 (MD5) / Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) / O efeito de amoxicilina e ciprofloxacino, agentes antimicrobianos com diferentes mecanismos de ação, sobre alguns fatores relacionados à sua virulência em Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 foi comparado. Efeito pós-antimicrobiano, atividade hemolítica para hemácias de carneiro, atividade de citolisinas extracelulares para células McCoy, susceptibilidade à fagocitose dependente e não dependente de opsonização, por neutrófilos de Rattus albinus norvegicus, foram avaliados em bactérias crescidas na presença de concentração subinibitória (½ CIM) do antimicrobiano e a capacidade de induzir estresse oxidativo foi determinada diretamente sobre as células bacterianas através da detecção da produção de ânion superóxido. Amoxicilina e ciprofloxacino demonstraram efeito sobre o crescimento de S. aureus estatisticamente significativo em relação ao controle, sendo maior para amoxicilina. A atividade hemolítica foi diminuída na presença de amoxicilina e ambos antimicrobianos induziram aumento na atividade de citolisinas extracelulares. A técnica de quimiluminescência dependente de luminol, utilizada para avaliar susceptibilidade à fagocitose através do burst oxidativo de polimorfonucleares neutrófilos, demonstrou que amoxicilina influenciou positivamente a fagocitose dependente de opsoninas e ciprofloxacino estimulou a fagocitose não opsonizada. Visto o burst oxidativo ser um método indireto para a demonstração de fagocitose, a confirmação de células bacterianas fagocitadas/aderidas foi realizada através da observação de esfregaços corados em microscopia ótica comum (1000 x). Apesar de ambos antimicrobianos induzirem aumento de ânion superóxido intracelular, detectado em ensaios de redução de nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT), o ciprofloxacino induziu maior quantidade que a amoxicilina. A demonstração de que diferentes antimicrobianos possam atuar sobre...( Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Amoxycillin and ciprofloxacin are antimicrobials with dissimilar mechanisms of action against bacteria. This is a comparative study of how each of these agents affects some of the factors related to the virulence of the pathogenic strain of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923. The post-antibiotic effect, hemolytic activity against sheep erythrocytes, cytolysin activity against McCoy cells and susceptibility to opsonin-dependent and independent phagocytosis by neutrophils from Rattus albinus norvegicus were assessed in bacteria grown in a subinhibitory concentration (½ MIC) of each agent. Induction of oxidative stress was observed directly by detecting superoxide production in response to the bacteria. Both the antimicrobials exerted effect on the growth of S. aureus, which was significantly different from the growth of controls, though amoxycillin had the stronger effect. Hemolytic activity was diminished in the presence of amoxycillin, but both agents induced an increase in the activity of secreted cytolysins. By employing luminol-dependent chemiluminescence to assess the susceptibility of the bacteria to phagocytosis by detecting the respiratory burst in polymorphonuclear neutrophils, it was shown that amoxycillin had a positive effect on opsonin-dependent phagocytosis, while ciprofloxacin stimulated non-opsonized phagocytosis. Since detection of the respiratory burst is an indirect demonstration of phagocytosis, direct observation of stained slides under the light microscope at 1000 × magnification was used to confirm the presence of bacteria ingested by and adhering to neutrophils. While both agents induced a rise in the intracellular level of superoxide, assayed by nitroblue tetrazolium reduction, ciprofloxacin produced the stronger response. The demonstration that distinct antimicrobials... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)

Bordetella pertussis est l’agent responsable de la coqueluche. Pour coloniser le tractus respiratoire humain, cette bactérie à Gram négatif, aérobie stricte, produit de nombreux facteurs de virulence dont l’expression est sous la dépendance du système à deux composants BvgAS. BvgS est un senseur-kinase dimérique. Chaque monomère est constitué de trois domaines putatifs de perception - deux domaines Venus flytrap périplasmiques et un domaine PAS cytoplasmique -, suivis du domaine enzymatique et deux autres domaines, de phospho-transfert et receveur, impliqués dans la cascade de phosphorylation. L’expression du régulon de virulence est activée suite à la phosphorylation par BvgS du régulateur de réponse BvgA. BvgS est en mode kinase à l’état basal, et la perception de basses températures ou de signaux chimiques comme les ions sulfate ou nicotinate cause son passage en mode phosphatase. L’étude présentée dans ce manuscrit vise à caractériser le senseur-kinase BvgS en analysant les domaines putatifs de perception ainsi que la transduction de signal qui s’effectue au sein de la molécule. L’étude de la portion périplasmique a permis de mettre en évidence, à l’état basal, un gradient de dynamique décroissant. En se fixant au domaine VFT2 proximal à la membrane, le nicotinate induirait une diminution de la dynamique du second lobe du VFT1, causée par la formation d’un bloc compact entre le domaine VFT2 et le deuxième lobe du domaine VFT1. Cette rigidification exercerait une tension sur les hélices α qui précèdent les segments transmembranaires, provoquant une transition de la portion cytoplasmique vers l’état phosphatase. La perception de modulateurs par le domaine VFT2 - ou possiblement la fixation d’un ligand dans la cavité du VFT1- modifierait cette dynamique et causerait le changement d’activité de BvgS. Ainsi, nous proposons un modèle dans lequel le VFT1 est considéré comme le moteur du système, lui impulsant une dynamique qui serait relayée ou atténuée par le domaine VFT2. Une recherche de ligands antagonistes pour le domaine VFT1 a été entreprise, selon l’idée que la fixation d’un ligand réduirait la dynamique de ce dernier. Au sein du dimère, des connecteurs prédits pour former des enroulements d’hélices α (‘coiled coil’) relient entre eux les domaines VFT et PAS, et les domaines PAS et kinase de BvgS. La transduction d’information entre les domaines périplasmiques et le site enzymatique de BvgS a été analysée par mutagénèse dirigée et ‘cysteine scanning’. Des contacts proches sont observés entre les hélices constituant le segment transmembranaire, qui ne semblent pas être modifiés après perception de modulateur. Nous suggérons donc un modèle de piston symétrique pour la transmission d’information au travers de la membrane. Le coiled coil putatif précédant le domaine PAS présente une certaine dynamique rotationnelle à l’état basal. La perception de modulateurs semble induire l’écartement de ces hélices, ce qui pourrait permettre un changement de l’interface des domaines PAS. L’étude de la topologie du domaine PAS confirme une modification de cette interface entre les modes kinase et phosphatase de BvgS. Enfin, le coiled coil reliant les domaines PAS et kinase est sujet à une forte dynamique rotationnelle à l’état basal, en accord avec un modèle de régulation de l’activité kinase proposé dans d’autres systèmes. Suite à la perception de modulateur, une rigidification marquée de ce coiled coil est observée, permettant le passage en mode phosphatase. L’existence de deux états dynamiques différents de ce coiled coil a également été mise en évidence en absence du domaine PAS.Ces études ont permis d’avancer dans la compréhension de BvgS et de proposer un modèle de la signalisation au sein de ce senseur-kinase, qui pourrait s’appliquer aux autres membres de la famille de BvgS. / Bordetella pertussis is the agent of an acute and highly contagious respiratory disease, whooping cough. In order to colonize the human respiratory tract, this strictly aerobic Gram negative bacterium produces many virulence factors, the expression of which is regulated by the BvgAS two-component system. BvgS is a sensor-kinase composed of three putative domains of perception –two periplasmic Venus flytrap domains and a cytoplasmic PAS domain -, followed by the enzymatic domain and two other domains called phosphotransfert and receiver involved in the phophorelay. The expression of the virulence regulon is activated after the phosphorylation by BvgS of the response regulator BvgA. BvgS is in a kinase mode at the basal state, and the perception of low temperatures or chemical signals like sulfate ions or nicotinate causes a shift to the phosphatase state. The study presented in this manuscript has focused on the characterization of the BvgS sensor-kinase. We have analyzed its putative domains of perception and the mechanisms of signal transduction.Investigations into the dynamics of the periplasmic moiety has provided evidence for a decreasing gradient of dynamics from N to C-terminus at the basal state. Nicotinate binding to the membrane-proximal VFT2 domains decreases the dynamics of the second lobe of VFT1. Tighter interactions between the latter and the VFT2 domain cause a tension on the α helices that precede the transmembrane segments, triggering the transition to the phosphatase state of the enzymatic portion. Perception of modulator by the VFT2 domains –or possibly binding of a ligand in the VFT1 cavity- thus appears to modify periplasmic dynamics, which shifts BvgS activity. We propose that the VFT1 domains are the motor for BvgS activity, and their dynamics are relayed or attenuated by the VFT2 domains. A search for antagonistic VFT1 ligands has been undertaken, along the idea that ligand binding may reduce their dynamics.The VFT and PAS domains, and the PAS and kinase domains are joined to each other by long α helices predicted to form coiled coils. We performed directed mutagenesis and cysteine scanning analyses to decipher signal transduction between the periplasmic domains and the enzymatic moiety of BvgS. The close contacts between the helices of the transmembrane segment are not modified after perception of the modulator, suggesting that signal transduction across the membrane is mediated by symmetrical piston motions. The putative coiled coil before the PAS domain shows rotational dynamics at the basal state. Modulator perception causes the helices to splay, and this motion may modify the PAS domains interface. Our topology analyses of the PAS domain confirm that changes occur at this interface between the kinase and phosphatase states of BvgS. Finally, the coiled coil between the PAS and kinase domains presents a strong rotational dynamics at the basal state, which is consistent with the model of regulation of kinase activity proposed for other sensor-kinases. After perception of a modulator, this coiled coil becomes more rigid, allowing the shift to the phosphatase state. The occurrence of two states of dynamics for this coiled coil has also been demonstrated in the absence of the PAS domain.These studies have advanced our understanding of BvgS and allow us to propose a model of signaling by this sensor-kinase, which may apply more broadly to other family members.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-12-17T14:16:28Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 MarianaGD_DISSERT.pdf: 1350118 bytes, checksum: 5e25fd552ff8be29e71b6c0ae2fa383c (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011-02-25 / Coordena??o de Aperfei?oamento de Pessoal de N?vel Superior / Despite Candida species are often human commensals isolated from various oral sites such as: tongue, cheek and palatal mucosa plus subgingival region, there are some properties linked to the organism commonly known as virulence factors which confer them the ability to produce disease. Oral candidiasis is one of the main oral manifestations reported in literature related to kidney transplant patients. The objectives of the present study were to identify and investigate virulence factors of yeasts isolated from the oral cavity of kidney transplant recipients admitted at the Hospital Universit?rio Onofre Lopes, in Natal RN. Seventy Candida species isolated from 111 kidney transplant recipients were investigated in this study. Identification of the isolates was performed by using the evidence of germ tube formation, hypertonic broth, tolerance to grow at 42?C, micromorphology and biochemical profiles. We observed a high rate of isolation of yeasts from the oral cavity of kidney transplant recipients (63.1%) being C. albicans was the most prevalent species. Oral candidiasis was diagnosed in 14.4% of transplant recipients. We evaluated virulence properties of the isolates regarding to: biofilm formation on polystyrene microplates as well as XTT reduction, adherence to acrylic resin and human buccal epithelial cells and proteinase activity. Most isolates were able to form biofilm by the method of adhesion to polystyrene. All isolates of Candida spp. remained viable during biofilm formation when analyzed by the method of XTT reduction. The number of CFU attached to the acrylic resin suggested high adherence for C. parapsilosis. C. albicans isolates showed higher median adherence to human buccal epithelial cells than non-C. albicans Candida isolates. Nevertheless, this difference was not statistically significant. C. dubliniensis showed low ability to adhere to plastic and epithelial cells and biofilm formation. Proteolytic activity was observed for all the isolates investigated, including the unique isolate of C. dubliniensis. There was a statistically significant association between proteinase production and the presence of oral candidiasis. Studies related to oral candidiasis in renal transplant recipients are limited to clinical and epidemiological data, but investigations concerning Candida spp. virulence factor for this group of individuals are still scarce. We emphasize the importance of studies related to virulence factors of yeasts isolated from this population to contribute to the knowledge of microbiological aspects of oral candidiasis / Apesar das leveduras do g?nero Candida serem frequentemente comensais humanos, isoladas de diferentes s?tios orais, incluindo l?ngua, mucosa jugal, mucosa palatal e regi?o subgengival, existem algumas propriedades ligadas a Candida spp., comumente denominadas fatores de virul?ncia, que lhes conferem a capacidade de produzir doen?a. Candid?ase bucal ? uma das principais manifesta??es orais citadas na literatura em rela??o aos pacientes transplantados renais. O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar identifica??o e avaliar os fatores de virul?ncia de leveduras isoladas da cavidade bucal de receptores de transplante renal que s?o acompanhados no Hospital Universit?rio Onofre Lopes, na cidade do Natal RN. Foram utilizadas 70 leveduras do g?nero Candida isoladas de 111 receptores de transplante renal. A identifica??o dos isolados foi realizada atrav?s das provas de forma??o de tubo germinativo, caldo hipert?nico, toler?ncia ? temperatura de 42?C, an?lise da micromorfologia e perfil bioqu?mico das leveduras. Observamos elevado ?ndice de isolamento de leveduras na cavidade bucal dos receptores de transplante renal (63,1%), havendo predom?nio de C. albicans. Candid?ase bucal foi diagnosticada em 14,4% dos transplantados. Avaliou-se o potencial de virul?ncia das leveduras atrav?s da forma??o de biofilme pelo m?todo de ader?ncia a microplaca de poliestireno, redu??o do XTT, habilidade de ader?ncia a corpos de prova de resina acr?lica e a c?lulas epiteliais bucais, bem como atividade de proteinase. A maioria dos isolados foi capaz de produzir biofilme pelo m?todo de ader?ncia ao poliestireno, determinada atrav?s de leitura em espectrofot?metro. Todos os isolados de Candida spp. permaneceram vi?veis durante a forma??o do biofilme pelo m?todo da redu??o do XTT. A contagem do n?mero de UFC aderidas ao corpo de prova demonstrou alta capacidade de ader?ncia de C. parapsilosis. Os isolados de C. albicans apresentaram maior mediana de ades?o ? c?lula epitelial bucal humana do que os isolados de C. n?o-C. albicans, contudo essa diferen?a n?o foi estatisticamente significativa. C. dubliniensis apresentou baixa capacidade de ader?ncia ao pl?stico e c?lulas epiteliais e forma??o do biofilme. Observamos atividade proteol?tica em todos os isolados pesquisados, inclusive o isolado de C. dubliniensis, e associa??o estatisticamente significativa entre a produ??o de proteinase e a presen?a de candid?ase bucal. Estudos relacionados ? candid?ase bucal em receptores de transplante renal limitam-se ? investiga??o de aspectos cl?nicos e epidemiol?gicos, n?o havendo dados concernentes a fatores de virul?ncia. Ressaltamos a import?ncia da realiza??o de estudos relacionados aos fatores de virul?ncia de leveduras isoladas nessa popula??o, a fim de que se aprofunde o conhecimento dos aspectos microbiol?gicos da candid?ase bucal / 2020-01-01

Made available in DSpace on 2014-12-17T14:16:31Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 MarianaAPM_DISSERT.pdf: 2606420 bytes, checksum: 97be52d447dc533f85354f32faddd0ad (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-03-27 / Funda??o de Apoio ? Pesquisa do Estado do Rio Grande do Norte / Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is one of the most common causes of vaginitis and affects about 75% of women of reproductive age. The majority of cases (80 to 90%) are due to C. albicans, the most virulent species of the genus Candida. Virulence attributes are scarcely investigated and the source of infection remains uncertain. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the virulence factors and genotypes of clinical isolates of C. albicans sequentially obtained from the anus and vagina of patients with sporadic and recurrent VVC. Materials and methods: We analyzed 62 clinical isolates of C. albicans (36 vaginal and 26 anal strains). Direct examination of vaginal and anal samples and colony forming units (CFU) counts were performed. Yeasts were identified using the chromogenic media CHROMagar Candida? and by classical methodology, and phenotypically characterized regarding to virulence factors, including the ability to adhere to epithelial cells, proteinase activity, morphogenesis and biofilm formation. The genotypes of the strains were investigated with ABC genotyping, microsatellite genotyping with primer M13 and RAPD. Results: We found 100% agreement between direct examination and culture of vaginal samples. Filamentous forms were present in most of the samples of vaginal secretion, which presented CFU counts significantly higher than the samples of anal secretion. There was no statistically significant difference between virulence factors of infecting vaginal isolates and those presented by colonizing anal isolates; as well as for the comparison of the vaginal isolates from patients with different clinical conditions (sporadic or recurrent VVC). There was a decrease in the ability to adhere to HBEC, morphogenesis and biofilm formation of the vaginal isolates during the progress of infection. There was an association between the ability to express different virulence factors and the clinical manifestations presented by the patients. Genotype A was the most prevalent (93.6%), followed by genotype C (6.4%). We found maintenance of the same ABC genotype and greater prevalence of microevolution for the vaginal strains of C. albicans sequentially obtained. Vaginal and anal isolates of C. albicans obtained simultaneously from the same patient presented the same ABC genotype and high genetic relatedness. Conclusion: It is noteworthy that the proliferation of yeast and bud-to-hypha transition are important for the establishment of CVV. The expression of virulence factors is important for the pathogenesis of VVC, although it does not seem to be determinant in the transition from colonization to infection or to the installation of recurrent condition. Genotype A seems to be dominant over the others in both vaginal and anal isolates of patients with VVC. The most common scenario was microevolution of the strains of C. albicans in the vaginal environment. It is suggested that the anal reservoir constituted a possible source of vaginal infection, in most cases assessed / Candid?ase vulvovaginal (CVV) ? uma das causas mais comuns de vaginite e acomete cerca de 75% das mulheres em idade reprodutiva, sendo a maioria dos casos (80 a 90%) devido ? C. albicans, esp?cie mais virulenta do g?nero. Atributos de virul?ncia em CVV s?o pouco investigados, bem como a fonte da infec??o permanece incerta. Objetivo: Este trabalho teve por finalidade avaliar os fatores de virul?ncia e gen?tipos de isolados cl?nicos de C. albicans sequencialmente obtidos do ?nus e da vagina de pacientes com CVV espor?dica e recorrente. Material e m?todos: Foram analisados 62 isolados cl?nicos de C. albicans (36 isolados vaginais e 26 isolados anais). Realizou-se o exame direto das amostras de secre??o vaginal e anal e contagem de unidades formadoras de col?nia (UFC); as leveduras foram identificadas por meio cromog?nico CHROMagar Candida? e por metodologia cl?ssica e caracterizadas fenotipicamente quanto a fatores de virul?ncia, incluindo a capacidade de ader?ncia a CEBH, a atividade de proteinase, a morfog?nese e a forma??o de biofilme. Para a avalia??o da variabilidade genot?pica, empregou-se a t?cnica de genotipagem ABC, al?m da genotipagem por microssat?lites e RAPD. Resultados: Verificou-se 100% de concord?ncia entre o exame direto e a cultura de amostras vaginais, observando-se a presen?a de formas filamentosas na maioria das amostras de secre??o vaginal, as quais apresentaram contagem de UFC significativamente superior ?quela apresentada pelas amostras de secre??o anal. N?o se observou diferen?a estatisticamente significativa quando se comparou os fatores de virul?ncia dos isolados vaginais infectantes com aqueles apresentados pelos isolados anais colonizantes; bem como comparando-se os isolados vaginais de C. albicans obtidos de grupos de pacientes com diferentes condi??es cl?nicas (CVV espor?dica e com CVVR). Observa-se uma tend?ncia ? diminui??o da capacidade de ader?ncia, morfog?nese e forma??o de biofilme do isolado vaginal infectante ao longo do tempo e sugere-se associa??o entre a capacidade de expressar os diferentes fatores de virul?ncia estudados e as manifesta??es cl?nicas apresentadas pelas pacientes. O gen?tipo A foi o mais prevalente (93,6%), seguido do gen?tipo C (6,4%). Houve manuten??o do mesmo gen?tipo ABC e maior preval?ncia de microevolu??o das cepas vaginais de C. albicans obtidas sequencialmente, bem como se observou o mesmo gen?tipo ABC e alta similaridade gen?tica entre isolados vaginais e anais de C. albicans obtidos simultaneamente da mesma paciente. Conclus?o: Ressalta-se que a prolifera??o da levedura e a transi??o levedura-hifa s?o importantes no estabelecimento da CVV. A express?o dos fatores de virul?ncia ? importante na patog?nese de CVV, contudo n?o parece ser determinante na transi??o de coloniza??o para infec??o nem na instala??o de quadro recorrente de CVV. O gen?tipo A demonstra ser dominante em rela??o aos demais tanto em isolados vaginais quanto em isolados anais de pacientes com CVV. Verifica-se a ocorr?ncia de microevolu??o das cepas de C. albicans no ambiente vaginal como cen?rio mais comum. Sugere-se que o reservat?rio anal constituiu uma poss?vel fonte da infec??o vaginal, na grande maioria dos casos avaliados

Submitted by Ana Cláudia Moro Lima dos Santos (anna.moro@hotmail.com) on 2018-05-07T20:15:18Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertaçãofinal.pdf: 1989003 bytes, checksum: c02493762a88023038e4fc08eea12f1c (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Sulamita Selma C Colnago null (sulamita@btu.unesp.br) on 2018-05-09T16:37:26Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 santos_acml_me_bot.pdf: 1989003 bytes, checksum: c02493762a88023038e4fc08eea12f1c (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-05-09T16:37:26Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 santos_acml_me_bot.pdf: 1989003 bytes, checksum: c02493762a88023038e4fc08eea12f1c (MD5) Previous issue date: 2018-02-26 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) / Peritonite por bacilos Gram-negativos não fermentadores (BGNNF) é complicação importante da diálise peritoneal (DP), com curso clínico grave e elevada taxa de falência do método. Fatores associados à virulência, resistência antimicrobiana, formação de biofilme, entre outros, têm sido relatados, mas o limitado conjunto de evidências não permite concluir sobre os fatores responsáveis pelo pior curso clínico dessas infecções. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a influência das características microbiológicas, das condições clínicas do paciente e do tratamento na evolução de peritonites por BGNNF, ocorridas num único centro, em período de 18 anos. A sensibilidade in vitro aos antimicrobianos, produção de biofilme, além da análise do perfil clonal das bactérias pela técnica de eletroforese em gel de campo pulsado foram realizadas em todos os isolados bacterianos. Foram pesquisados genotipicamente, em isolados de Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a presença de marcadores de virulência (alginato, exoenzima S, fosfolipases C, exotoxina A, protesase alcalina, elastase e ramnolipídeos). Associações entre as características microbiológicas do paciente e tratamento com a taxa de resolução da peritonite foram estudadas. A espécie mais frequente foi Pseudomonas aeruginosa (45,59%), seguida por isolados do complexo Acinetobacter baumannii (17,65%). O estudo dos fatores de virulência da Pseudomonas aeruginosa revelou a presença de fatores de virulência em 100% dos casos, exceto exoenzima S (58,33%) e fosfolipase C não hemolítica (87,5%). Houve elevada proporção de BGNNF resistentes aos antimicrobianos testados, em particular à amicacina (36,73%) e à ciprofloxacina (44,9%), sendo que a sensibilidade aos betalactâmicos esteve acima de 70%. Observou-se elevada proporção de isolados produtores de biofilme (73,08%). Os resultados da tipagem por PFGE revelaram um perfil policlonal para a maioria dos isolados, entretanto para isolados do complexo Acinetobacter baumannii a análise revelou um cluster, entre 2000-2008, com perfil de multiresistência aos antimicrobianos, sugerindo fonte hospitalar. A evolução dos episódios mostrou reduzida taxa de cura (35,29%). A sensibilidade à amicacina e cefepime, se associaram de modo independente à maior chance de cura, enquanto a presença concomitante de infecção do óstio de saída do cateter de DP foi preditor independente de não resolução do episódio. Não se observaram associações entre fatores de virulência, produção de biofilme e características do paciente e tratamento com o desfecho dos episódios. Em conclusão, peritonites em DP, por BGNNF, são infecções com reduzida taxa de cura; a resistência bacteriana é fator associado à menor chance de resolução e peritonite por bactérias do gênero Acinetobacter spp. podem representar infecção grave, potencialmente de origem hospitalar, o que deve fazer redobrar os cuidados quanto ao seu manejo clínico. / Peritonitis due to non-fermentative Gram-negative bacilli (NFGNB) is a serious complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD), with a severe clinical course and high technique failure rate. Factors as bacterial virulence, antimicrobial resistance, biofilm formation, among others, have been reported, but the limited amount of evidence does not allow to conclude on the factors responsible for the worst clinical course of these infections. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of the microbiological characteristics, patients conditions, and treatment on evolution of peritonitis episodes at a single center in an 18 - year period. In vitro susceptibility, biofilm production, and clonal profile analysis of bacteria by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) were performed in all isolates. The presence of virulence markers (alginate, exoenzyme S, phospholipases C, exotoxin A, alkaline protease, elastase, and ramnolipids) was genotyped in bacterial isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. From the data referring to the patient and causal agent, associations between the microbiological, patient characteristics, and treatment on the resolution rate of peritonitis were analyzed. The most frequent species was Pseudomonas aeruginosa (45.59%), followed by Acinetobacter baumannii complex (17.65%). The study of the virulence factors of Pseudomonas aeruginosa revealed the presence of virulence factors in 100% of the cases, except for exonzyme S (58.33%) and hemolytic phospholipase C (87.5%). There was a high proportion of antimicrobial resistant, in particular to amikacin (36.73%) and ciprofloxacin (44.9%), with sensitivity to betalactam above 70%. A high (73.08%) proportion of biofilm producing isolates was observed. The results of the PFGE typing revealed a polyclonal profile for most of the isolates; however, for the Acinetobacter baumannii complex species the analysis revealed a cluster at interval from 2000 to 2008, with antimicrobial multi resistance profile, suggest that peritonitis by this agent had a hospital source. The evolution of the episodes showed a reduced resolution rate (35.29%). The susceptibility to amikacin and to cefepime were independently associated with a higher odds of resolution, while the concomitant presence of PD catheter exit site infection was an independent predictor of non-resolution. In conclusion, peritonitis due to NFGNB in PD are infections with reduced resolution rate; bacterial resistance is an independent predictor of lower odds of resolution. Peritonitis by Acinetobacter spp. can represent serious / 64736017.2.0000.5411

Le genre Aeromonas regroupe des bactéries ubiquitaires vivant essentiellement dans les environnements hydriques. Ces pathogènes opportunistes de l’homme et de nombreux animaux possèdent un large répertoire de facteurs associés à la virulence. Bien que des pathotypes aient été proposés et que certaines espèces semblent plus fréquemment isolées en clinique humaine et vétérinaire, leur pouvoir pathogène demeure mal compris, notamment en raison du faible nombre d’études fonctionnelles et du manque d’investigations tenant compte de la diversité génétique et de la complexité des comportements biologiques du genre Aeromonas.Nous avons émis l’hypothèse que chez un pathogène opportuniste d’origine environnementale aussi polyvalent et ubiquitaire qu’Aeromonas, la structuration en complexes d’espèces avec une remarquable diversité génétique/génomique des populations, le polymorphisme des facteurs de virulence et les interactions au sein de communautés « pathogènes » puissent être des facteurs d’adaptation au comportement pathogène. Afin de vérifier cette hypothèse, nous avons étudié i) la diversification au sein d’un complexe d’espèces, « A. media », utilisé comme modèle au moyen d’une étude de population intégrant la génétique et la phylogénie multilocus, les mécanismes d’évolution, la génomique comparative mais également les données phénotypiques, de modes de vie et d’habitats et, ii) la patho-génomique de facteurs de virulence reconnus (aérolysine, entérotoxines thermostable et thermolabile, exotoxine A, protéase à sérine, composants et effecteurs du système de sécrétion de type III, et flagelline latérale) pour une population représentative de la diversité des espèces actuellement connue dans le genre (30 espèces) et iii) le comportement pathogène in vivo (modèle Caenorhabditis elegans) et in vitro (cytotoxicité et cytoadhésion, production de biofilm, motilité) et la signalisation intercellulaire (quorum-sensing de type I) à l’échelle de populations impliquées dans les aéromonoses mixtes (5% des aéromonoses humaines) définies par l’isolement d’au moins 2 clones distincts d’Aeromonas.Le phénomène de spéciation décrit avec l’exemple du complexe A. media, agrégeant 3 espèces génomiques, démontre qu’Aeromonas possède une structure de population en complexes d’espèces dont la diversité génétique et génomique ainsi que les modes d’évolution (mutations et recombinaisons) révèlent divers potentiels adaptatifs et patho-adaptatifs associés à l’émergence de lignées. Au sein du complexe A. media, l’espèce A. rivipollensis semble plus adaptée à un mode de vie associé à des hôtes et possède des gènes spécifiques de résistance à des stress environnementaux. Aeromonas possède de nombreux facteurs de virulence présentant diverses histoires évolutives. Certains montrent une phylogénie dépendante de l’évolution du core-génome, suggérant l’implication de ces gènes dans des processus de spéciation en relation avec l’adaptation à diverses niches. L’étude des performances de PCRs de virulence a révélé des insuffisances majeures dans la sensibilité des méthodes évaluées principalement liées au polymorphisme génétique des facteurs de virulence. Nous avons également montré que des populations mixtes d’Aeromonas isolées d’échantillons cliniques pouvaient modifier le déroulement de l’infection en modèles in vivo et in vitro probablement par mécanisme de coopération ou de compétition avec mise en jeu de signaux de communication cellule-cellule.L’importante complexité d’Aeromonas retrouvée à travers la structure de population, le polymorphisme des facteurs de virulence et les comportements de multicellularité sont autant de facteurs potentiels d’adaptation au comportement infectieux qui permettent d’expliquer au moins en partie les difficultés rencontrées dans l’élucidation de pouvoir pathogène de ces bactéries. / Aeromonas groups ubiquitous bacteria mainly living in aquatic environments. These opportunistic pathogens for human and numerous animals have a large repertoire of virulence-associated factors. Although pathotypes were proposed and despite some species are more frequently isolated in human and animal infections, their pathogenicity is still poorly understood, mostly because very few comprehensive functional studies are available and because investigations taking into account the genetic diversity and the biological complexity within the genus are lacking.We assumed that for an opportunistic bacterial pathogen of environmental origin as versatile and ubiquitous as Aeromonas, the population structure in complex of species, the outstanding genetic/genomic diversity, the polymorphism of virulence factors and the interactions within pathogenic populations can act as factors driving the adaptation to a pathogenic behaviour. To test this hypothesis, we studied i) the diversification within “A. media”, a complex of species used as a model by a population study that included multilocus genetics, phylogenetics, evolutionary features, comparative genomics, as well as phenotypics, lifestyle and habitat ii) the patho-genomics of well-known virulence factors in aeromonads (aerolysin, thermolabile and thermostable enterotoxins, exotoxin A, serine protease, components and effectors of type III secretion system, and lateral flagellin) in a population that is representative of the known taxonomic diversity in the genus (30 species) and iii) the pathogenic behaviour using an in vivo model (Caenorhabditis elegans), an in vitro model (cytotoxicity, cytoadhesion, biofilm production, motility), and intercellular signals production (type I quorum-sensing) for populations involved in mixed aeromonosis, i.e. 5% of human aeromonosis defined by the isolation of at least 2 distinct clones.The phenomenon of speciation described in the complex “A. media” that aggregates 3 genomic species demonstrates that Aeromonas harbours a population structured in complexes of closely related species whose genetic and genomic diversity, as well as evolution mode (mutations and recombinations) reveal a wide adaptative and patho-adaptative potential linked to lineage emergence. Among the complex “A. media”, the species A. rivipollensis seems to be more adapted to a host-associated lifestyle and harbours specific genes for the resistance to environmental stress. Aeromonas has a wide range of virulence-associated genes, which presented diverse evolutive history. Some of them display a phylogeny linked to the core-genome evolution. These results suggest that these genes are involved in speciation processes probably related to niches adaptation. The evaluation of performances of virulence PCRs revealed major lacks of sensitivity of tested methods mainly due to the genetic polymorphism of the virulence factors. By using in vivo models and in vitro models, we also showed that Aeromonas mixed populations recovered from clinical samples could change the course of infection, likely through a cooperative or competitive mechanism that involves cell-to-cell signalling.The high complexity of Aeromonas results from its population structure, virulence factors polymorphism and multicellular behaviours. They are all putative adaptation factors to a pathogenic behaviour that may explain at least partially the difficulties encountered to elucidate pathogenicity of these bacteria.

A capacidade de sobrevivência da Leishmânia no interior de células especializadas na destruição de patógenos deve-se à capacidade do parasito de burlar a propriedade microbicida pela produção de moléculas denominadas fatores de virulência. Dentre as proteínas diferencialmente expressas em um estudo prévio de nosso laboratório, encontramos isoformas da OPB, uma serino peptidase e da CPX, proteína antioxidante. De fato, promastigotas de L. (L.) major deficientes em OPB apresentaram significante redução na infecção e sobrevivência em macrófagos in vitro e lesões de evolução mais lenta no modelo murino de infecção na pata. De forma análoga, promastigotas de L. (L.) donovani superexpressoras de CPX apresentaram maior carga parasitária em macrófagos in vitro. Considerando essas informações e a importância da L. (L.) amazonensis na epidemiologia da leishmaniose no Brasil, nosso objetivo é analisar a importância da OPB e CPX na virulência desta espécie utilizando parasitas superexpressores e proteínas solúveis em modelos murinos de infecção in vitro e in vivo. / The survivability of Leishmania within specialized cells in the destruction of pathogens due to the parasite\'s ability to circumvent the microbicidal property for the production of molecules called virulence factors. Among the proteins differentially expressed in a previous study from our laboratory, we found isoforms of OPB, a peptidase serine and CPX, antioxidant protein. Indeed, promastigotes of L. (L.) Major disabled in OPB showed a significant reduction in infection and survival in macrophages in vitro and slower evolution of lesions in a murine model of infection in the leg. Similarly, promastigotes of L. (L.) Donovani overexpressors CPX showed higher parasite load in macrophages in vitro. Given this information and the importance of L. (L.) amazonensis in the epidemiology of leishmaniasis in Brazil, our goal is to analyze the importance of OPB and CPX virulence of this species using overexpressors parasites and soluble proteins in murine models of infection in vitro and in alive.