Effects of Euterpe oleracea Mart. extract on Candida spp. biofilms

PROBLEM OF RESEARCH

Candida spp. biofilms are complex microbial communities that have been associated with increasing resistance to clinically available antifungal drugs. Hence, novel pharmacological approaches with ability to inhibit biofilm formation have been investigated.

AIM OF STUDY

The aim was to analyze in vitro antifungal activity of Euterpe oleracea Mart. (açaí berry) extract on biofilm strains of Candida albicans, C. parapsilosis, and C. tropicalis that were formed on abiotic surfaces.

REMARKABLE METHODOLOGY

Biofilms of C. albicans, C. parapsilosis, and C. tropicalis were grown in vitro. They were then treated with E. oleracea Mart. extract at different concentrations (7.8, 15.6, 31.2, 62.5, 125, 250, 500, and 1000 μg/mL) for evaluation of both biofilm removal and anti-biofilm activity.

REMARKABLE RESULTS

All Candida species analyzed formed biofilms on abiotic surfaces. Yet, increased biofilm formation was displayed for C. tropicalis in comparison with the other two species. E. oleracea Mart. extract was shown to inhibit biofilm formation at all concentrations used when compared to no treatment (p < 0.05).

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

In the current study, the extract of E. oleracea Mart. demonstrated antifungal activity against Candida albicans, C. parapsilosis, and C. tropicalis biofilms, regardless of the dose utilized. These results are important to evaluate a natural product as antifungal for Candida species.

Adhesion and biofilm formation of Candida parapsilosis isolated from vaginal secretions to copper intrauterine devices

Introduction:

Candida parapsilosis is one of the main species that is able to adhere to forming biofilms on inert materials. Adhesion is the first step towards the colonization and invasion of host cells during the infectious process. Among the infections, vulvovaginal candidiasis is increasingly common. The objective was to evaluate the profile of adherence and biofilm formation of eight isolates of C. parapsilosis on the metal used in intrauterine devices (IUDs).

Methods:

Eight strains of C. parapsilosis presenting strong adhesion and biofilm formation properties were isolated from vaginal secretions in a previous study. To assay the adhesion and biofilm formation, copper fragments were made and cultivated in tubes containing 3 mL of phosphate-buffered saline and incubated for 6 and 24 h at 37 °C to evaluate biofilm formation. After incubation, the intensity of adherence and of biofilm formation on copper fragments were determined by performing a colony count.

Results:

All isolates were able to form biofilms and the isolate Cp62 showed many cells joined in a planktonic mode forming biofilms. The use of an IUD is one of the main factors that favors vulvovaginal candidiasis, and the presence of copper in this device increases the chance of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (CVVR) due to the ease with which species of the genus Candida can adhere to inert surfaces.

Conclusion:

This research showed that the clinical isolates studied adhered to IUD copper fragments and formed biofilms, further increasing their virulence.

Prevalence of human papillomavirus infection among women from quilombo communities in northeastern Brazil

BACKGROUND

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a member of the Papillomaviridae family. The prevalence of HPV genotypes may vary according to the region and the population studied. Quilombo communities are ethnic and racial groups with difficult access to health services compared to the general population in Brazil. The aim of this study was to identify specific HPV types correlating with sociodemographic/behavioral characteristics and cervical smear cytological abnormalities in Quilombola women.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 395 Quilombola women users of the Unified Health System of the Municipalities of Maranhão for the screening of cervical cancer. The samples were analyzed for the presence of cytological abnormalities by conventional methods and tested for 37 HPV genotypes using polymerase chain reaction with primers PGMY09/11 followed by reverse line blot hybridization performed with the Linear Array HPV Genotyping Test kit by Roche Molecular System®. The association between HPV types and cytological diagnosis was investigated according to the different age groups.

RESULTS

HPV infection was detected in 12.6% (50/395) of the women. Infections by high-risk HPV types were more frequent. Genotypes 68 (26.0%); 58 and 52 (20.0%); 31 (10.0%) and 62 (8.0%) were the most prevalent. The highest prevalence (42.0%) of HPV infection occurred in women diagnosed with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion. There was a statistically significant association between HPV infection and the detection of cytological abnormalities in all age groups except in women over 60 years. There was a statistically significant association between the municipality of origin and the number of partners with HPV infection.

CONCLUSIONS

It is important to incorporate new cervical cancer screening techniques incorporating the cervical-vaginal cytology. For further studies, it is necessary to determine the level of knowledge of Quilombola population on health-related issues including HPV infection and cervical cancer. This will contribute to the continuous improvement of healthcare coverage among the population and enhance the implementation of cancer care in the state of Maranhão.

IgE serum concentration against airborne fungi in children with respiratory allergies

Background

To evaluate total and specific E immunoglobulin (IgE) antibody concentrations in underage subjects with respiratory allergic diseases.

Methods

This study was a transversal-type study in 100 underage subjects between 4 and 14 years old, with asthma and/or allergic rhinitis. Total and specific IgE were quantified for airborne fungi in the city of São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil. Five distinct regions—North, South, Center, East and West—were selected so fungi could be collected monthly for 1 year. Twenty genera were identified. Aspergillus, Penicillium, Fusarium and Neurospora were selected for the preparation of sensitizing antigens from ELISA dishes. IgE total concentrations were estimated using the same method.

Results

IgE total serum concentration was increased in 97 % of the atopic subjects: 75 % of the subjects presented increased IgE anti-Aspergillus concentrations, 87 % presented IgE anti-Penicillium, 45 % presented IgE anti-Fusarium, and 46 % presented IgE anti-Neurospora.

Conclusions

Atopic subjects presented simultaneous IgE total and specific elevations for the tested fungi, possibly due to polysensitization caused by the presence of fungi in all of the areas all year. However, determining the clinical significance of the results was not yet possible because most of the data were isolated variables.

Family history in breast cancer in São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil

BACKGROUND

Familial cancer includes some types of cancer aggregation without a well-defined inheritance pattern. Cancer genetics is an essential component of clinical practice in oncology. In Brazil, breast cancer is the leading cause of death in women. In Maranhão, studies on genetic predisposition are necessary to investigate the incidence and mortality rates. The aim of this study was to investigate familial cancer among relatives of women who died of breast cancer in São Luís, Brazil, constructing a pedigree to identify families with a hereditary predisposition, an important step in the early diagnosis of malignant tumors.

METHODS

The city of São Luís is located on the Island of Maranhão, northeastern Brazil, with a population of 997,098 inhabitants mainly comprising blacks and mulattoes, including descendants of runaway slaves from the Amazon region itself. Data for pedigree construction were obtained from the records of 54 patients seen at the Aldenora Bello Institute of Oncology, São Luís, between 2000 and 2007, as well as by interview with relatives of the patients.

RESULTS

The mean patient age at diagnosis was 39.5 years. Most women were mulattoes (36/54, 66.6%). A history of cancer was observed in 18 families, with 16 families possessing cases of cancer among first-degree relatives and five among second-degree relatives.

CONCLUSION

A concentration of cancer cases was found in families of patients diagnosed until the age of 40, a finding demonstrating the importance of a family history prior to genetic counseling.

Cerebral aspergillosis in a patient with leprosy and diabetes: a case report

Background

Opportunistic fungi are dispersed as airborne, ground and decaying matter. The second most frequent extra-pulmonary disease by Aspergillus is in the central nervous system.

Case presentation

The case subject was 55 years old, male, mulatto, and an assistant surveyor residing in Teresina, Piauí. He presented with headache, seizures, confusion, fever and left hemiparesis upon hospitalization in 2006 at Hospital São Marcos. Five years previously, he was diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, and 17 months previously he had acne margined by hyperpigmented areas and was diagnosed with leprosy. Laboratory tests indicated leukocytosis and magnetic resonance imaging showed an infarction in the right cerebral hemisphere. Cerebrospinal fluid examination showed 120 cells/mm³ and was alcohol-resistant bacilli negative. Trans-sphenoidal surgery with biopsy showed inflammation was caused by infection with Aspergillus fumigatus. We initiated use of parenteral amphotericin B, but his condition worsened. He underwent another surgery to implant a reservoir of Ommaya–Hickmann, a subcutaneous catheter. We started liposomal amphotericin B 5 mg/kg in the reservoir on alternate days. He was discharged with a prescription of tegretol and fluconazole.

Conclusion

This report has scientific interest because of the occurrence of angioinvasive cerebral aspergillosis in a diabetic patient, which is rarely reported. In conclusion, we suggest a definitive diagnosis of cerebral aspergillosis should not postpone quick effective treatment.

Spatial dynamics of urban populations of Lutzomyia longipalpis (Diptera: Psychodidae) in Caxias, State of Maranhão, Brazil

INTRODUCTION

In this paper, we report the ecology of Lutzomyia longipalpis in Caxias City, located in the eastern part of State of Maranhão, Brazil and highlight its seasonal and geographical distribution by environment. In addition, we discuss natural Leishmania infection and its relationship with visceral leishmaniasis.

METHODS

Between September 2007 and August 2009, the collection of sandflies was performed using Center for Disease Control (CDC) light traps from 15 houses in 5 selected neighborhoods.

RESULTS

Lutzomyia longipalpis was present in all zones of the city. We also found that Lu. longipalpis was regularly detected both inside and around the house, predominantly in outdoor areas. In urban areas, Lu. longipalpis was present in both the dry and rainy seasons, with a higher density present in the latter. One female specimen of Lu. longipalpis was observed to have natural Leishmania infection.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of Lu. longipalpis was observed throughout the year during 2 seasonal periods, with a predominance in the rainy season. A low rate of natural Leishmania infection was observed in urban areas during the rainy season.

Estudo comparativo de anticorpos IgG e IgE antileishmania como marcadores de infecção e doença em indivíduos de área endêmica de leishmaniose visceral, em São Luis, MA

Estudo comparativo de anticorpos IgG e IgE antileishmania como marcadores de infecção e doença em área endêmica de leishmaniose visceral na ilha de São Luis, MA no período de maio de 1999 a maio de 2000. A casuística foi composta de 1.016 menores de 16 anos. Destes, foram randomizados 85 para dosagem de IgE antileishmania pelo ELISA. A prevalência de soropositividade por IgG foi de 17,1% (174 menores) e 0,4% da população evoluiu para leishmaniose visceral doença. A positividade para IgE antileishmania, foi de 43,5% dos 85 indivíduos estudados. Dos 7 casos de calazar no passado analisados, observou-se que todos apresentavam positividade para IgG e 4 (57,14%) permaneciam positivos para IgE, mesmo 7 anos após a cura. Os 3 menores com leishmaniose visceral doença, apresentaram positividade para IgG e IgE antileishmania. A detecção de IgE antileishmania demonstrou ser marcador de infecção para Leishmania chagasi em área endêmica, não sendo entretanto, marcador de doença.

[Prevalence of infection by Leishmania chagasi using ELISA (rK39 and CRUDE) and the Montenegro skin test in an endemic leishmaniasis area of Maranhão, Brazil]

A prospective study was undertaken in 1,520 children less than 15 years of age in São José de Ribamar, Maranhão, Brazil, from June 1994 to January 1995, to evaluate the prevalence and characteristics (socioeconomic, environmental, and behavioral) associated with infection by Leishmania chagasi. Montenegro skin test (MST) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA-rK39 and CRUDE) test were used to detect infection. The statistical analysis used the chi2 test with Yates correction and a p value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Prevalence of infection was 61.7% as measured by MST, 19.4% according to ELISA (rK39), and 19.7% by ELISA (CRUDE). Association was detected between leishmaniasis in the family, water supply, application of insecticide, and infection by L. chagasi using MST. No association with infection by L. chagasi was detected using ELISA rK39 or CRUDE. More effective control measures are needed to reduce prevalence and to detect asymptomatic cases in this high percentage of infected children.