ABSTRACT Introduction: Staphylococcus spp. – both S. aureus, including methicillin-resistant strains (MRSA) and coagulase negative staphylococci (CoNS) – are relevant agents of healthcare-associated infections. Therefore, the rapid recognition of MRSA and methicillin-resistant CoNS from blood stream infections is critically important for patient management. It is worth noting that inappropriate empiric therapy has been associated with higher in-hospital mortality. Material and methods: In this study we evaluated a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (multiplex PCR) standardized to detect Staphylococcus spp., S. aureus, and mecA gene-encoded oxacillin resistance directly from blood culture bottles. A total of 371 blood cultures with Gram-positive microorganisms confirmed by Gram-stain were analyzed. Results from multiplex PCR were compared to phenotypic characterization of isolates. Results: Staphylococcus aureus was detected in 85 (23.0%) blood cultures and CoNS in 286 (77.0%). There was 100% agreement between phenotypic and multiplex PCR identification. Forty-three (50.6%) of the 85 S. aureus carried the mecA gene and among the 286 CoNS, 225 (78.7%) were positive for the mecA gene. Conclusions: The multiplex PCR assay developed here was found to be sensitive, specific, rapid, and showed good agreement with the phenotypic results besides being less expensive. This PCR method could be used in clinical laboratories for rapid identification and initiation of specific and effective treatment, reducing patient mortality and morbidity. Furthermore, this method may reduce misuse of antimicrobial classes that are more expensive and toxic, thus contributing to the selection of antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus spp.

RESUMO: Objetivo: Avaliar o estresse percebido (EP) de profissionais da Estratégia de Saúde da Família (ESF) e a associação com características das equipes. Também foi investigada a ocorrência de associação entre EP e morbidade autorreferida. Métodos: Trata-se de estudo transversal com 450 trabalhadores de 60 equipes em 12 Unidades Básicas de Saúde (UBS), em uma região de São Paulo. As diferenças entre o escore total da Escala de Estresse Percebido e suas associações com as características individuais e das equipes foram avaliadas por meio de modelos múltiplos de regressão linear. Resultados: Observaram-se níveis mais elevados de EP naqueles com tempo de trabalho igual ou superior a um ano na mesma equipe, nas categorias de médicos, enfermeiros e agentes comunitários de saúde, gênero feminino, em não praticantes de credos religiosos, e em profissionais de UBS com equipes incompletas (ausência do médico). Menor estresse percebido foi encontrado em viúvos. Observou-se que indivíduos com níveis mais elevados de EP têm mais chance de relatar problemas crônicos de saúde. Conclusão: Conclui-se que a percepção de estresse na população estudada está associada a fatores individuais, profissionais, e à composição das equipes nas unidades básicas de saúde.

ABSTRACT: Objective: To evaluate the perceived stress (PS) of professionals in Primary Health Care and its association with the characteristics of the teams in the Family Health Program (FHP). The association between PS and self-referred morbidity was also investigated. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted with 450 employees from 60 teams in 12 Basic Health Units (BHUs) in a region of São Paulo. The differences in the total score in the Perceived Stress Scale were evaluated through multiple linear regression models. Results: Higher levels of PS were observed in those who had been working for one year or more in the same team, in the categories of doctors, nurses and community health workers, females, non-religious, and in BHU professionals in incomplete teams (absence of a physician). Lower perceived stress was found in widowers. It was observed that individuals with higher levels of PS have higher chances of reporting chronic health problems. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the perception of stress in this population is associated with individual, professional factors, and the composition of teams in healthcare units.

RESUMO: Objetivo: Avaliar o estresse percebido (EP) de profissionais da Estratégia de Saúde da Família (ESF) e a associação com características das equipes. Também foi investigada a ocorrência de associação entre EP e morbidade autorreferida. Métodos: Trata-se de estudo transversal com 450 trabalhadores de 60 equipes em 12 Unidades Básicas de Saúde (UBS), em uma região de São Paulo. As diferenças entre o escore total da Escala de Estresse Percebido e suas associações com as características individuais e das equipes foram avaliadas por meio de modelos múltiplos de regressão linear. Resultados: Observaram-se níveis mais elevados de EP naqueles com tempo de trabalho igual ou superior a um ano na mesma equipe, nas categorias de médicos, enfermeiros e agentes comunitários de saúde, gênero feminino, em não praticantes de credos religiosos, e em profissionais de UBS com equipes incompletas (ausência do médico). Menor estresse percebido foi encontrado em viúvos. Observou-se que indivíduos com níveis mais elevados de EP têm mais chance de relatar problemas crônicos de saúde. Conclusão: Conclui-se que a percepção de estresse na população estudada está associada a fatores individuais, profissionais, e à composição das equipes nas unidades básicas de saúde.

ABSTRACT: Objective: To evaluate the perceived stress (PS) of professionals in Primary Health Care and its association with the characteristics of the teams in the Family Health Program (FHP). The association between PS and self-referred morbidity was also investigated. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted with 450 employees from 60 teams in 12 Basic Health Units (BHUs) in a region of São Paulo. The differences in the total score in the Perceived Stress Scale were evaluated through multiple linear regression models. Results: Higher levels of PS were observed in those who had been working for one year or more in the same team, in the categories of doctors, nurses and community health workers, females, non-religious, and in BHU professionals in incomplete teams (absence of a physician). Lower perceived stress was found in widowers. It was observed that individuals with higher levels of PS have higher chances of reporting chronic health problems. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the perception of stress in this population is associated with individual, professional factors, and the composition of teams in healthcare units.

Overview and Aims: pregnancy in women with chronic kidney disease (CKD), particularly in terminal CKD, remains a rare event. There are scarce reports of pregnancy in women undergoing peritoneal dialysis. Our study aims to evaluate the outcomes of pregnancies in women with CKD diagnosed at Hospital São João during the study period. Study design: retrospective case series. Population: pregnant women with chronic kidney disease diagnosed between January 2005 and December 2013. Methods: pregnancies in women with severe CKD (GFR <30mL in/1.73m2) were identified by using hospital electronic platforms with evaluation of maternal and fetal outcomes. Results: during the study period 4 cases of pregnancy in women with CKD were identified, including one of a woman in peritoneal dialysis prior to pregnancy - case 1. Case 1 progressed to hemodialysis at 17 weeks (due to haemoperitoneum subsequent to trauma by the peritoneal dialysis catheter) and had an eutocic late preterm delivery at 35 weeks. Case 2 began hemodialysis at 22 weeks, and was submitted to urgent cesarean section at 29 weeks. Case 3 started hemodialysis at 21 weeks, having also undergone urgent cesarean section at 31 weeks. Case 4 began hemodialysis at 21 weeks, presenting with an episode of hepatotoxicity secondary to darbopoietin at 26 weeks. Delivery occurred by Caesarean section at 32 weeks. Conclusion: despite the high fetal morbidity documented, with the strategies adopted there was no fetal or neonatal mortality. The monitoring of these pregnant in specialized consultation favored the positive outcomes.

The objective of this study was to characterize the clonal profile, virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance, particularly oxacillin resistance, of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from sheep milk. Milk samples were collected from all teats for the California Mastitis Test (CMT), somatic cell count, identification of S. aureus, investigation in these strains of genes encoding toxins (sea, seb, sec, sed, tst), biofilm (icaA, icaC, icaD, bap), leukocidin (luk-PV) oxacillin resistance by mecA gene detection and susceptibility testing (12 antibiotics). Messenger RNA expression was evaluated by RT-PCR in isolates carrying toxin and biofilm genes. Biofilm formation was also evaluated phenotypically by adherence to polystyrene plates. The clonal profile of S. aureus was investigated by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. A total of 473 milk samples were collected from 242 animals on three farms and 20 S. aureus strains were isolated and none carried the mecA gene. The two sec gene-positive isolates and the isolates carrying the tst and luk-PV genes were positive by RT-PCR. Staphylococcus aureus isolated from the three flocks studied showed high susceptibility to the drugs tested and none was biofilm producer, indicating that biofilm formation was not a virulence factor causing infection by these strains. The typing of 17 S. aureus isolates revealed the presence of a common clone on the three farms studied, and the presence and expression of the sec and tst genes in one strain of this clone suggest the possible acquisition of virulence genes by this clone, a fact that is important for animal health and food hygiene.

A hanseníase e seu diagnóstico tardio, que favorece o agravamento dos sintomas e o surgimento de sequelas físicas, permanecem como um grave problema de saúde pública no Brasil. O objetivo deste artigo é analisar o itinerário terapêutico de pessoas com hanseníase, buscando compreender sua experiência da enfermidade, assim como os fatores que contribuíram para o diagnóstico tardio. Foram realizadas 18 entrevistas narrativas com pacientes em tratamento de hanseníase na cidade de Salvador, Bahia, entre 2009 e 2011. Os resultados apontam que, na maioria dos casos, os pacientes percorreram um longo itinerário terapêutico até a realização do diagnóstico. Entre os fatores que contribuem para o diagnóstico tardio está falta de capacitação dos profissionais de saúde nos serviços de saúde para diagnosticar precocemente a enfermidade, assim como o estigma e o preconceito, que favorecem o silêncio em torno da doença e a automedicação.

Leprosy and its late diagnosis, which favors the worsening of symptoms and the appearance of physical disabilities, remains a serious public health problem in Brazil. This study aims to analyze the therapeutic itinerary of patients with leprosy and understand their illness experience and the factors that contributed to late diagnosis. Eighteen narrative interviews were carried out with patients being treated for leprosy in the city of Salvador, Bahia, between 2009 and 2011. The results show that patients have experienced a long therapeutic itinerary until receiving the diagnostic. Among the factors that contributed to late diagnosis are the lack of qualification of health professionals in healthcare facilities to achieve early diagnosis, as well as the stigma and prejudice that favours the silence around the disease and the practice of self-medication.

A hanseníase e seu diagnóstico tardio, que favorece o agravamento dos sintomas e o surgimento de sequelas físicas, permanecem como um grave problema de saúde pública no Brasil. O objetivo deste artigo é analisar o itinerário terapêutico de pessoas com hanseníase, buscando compreender sua experiência da enfermidade, assim como os fatores que contribuíram para o diagnóstico tardio. Foram realizadas 18 entrevistas narrativas com pacientes em tratamento de hanseníase na cidade de Salvador, Bahia, entre 2009 e 2011. Os resultados apontam que, na maioria dos casos, os pacientes percorreram um longo itinerário terapêutico até a realização do diagnóstico. Entre os fatores que contribuem para o diagnóstico tardio está falta de capacitação dos profissionais de saúde nos serviços de saúde para diagnosticar precocemente a enfermidade, assim como o estigma e o preconceito, que favorecem o silêncio em torno da doença e a automedicação.

Leprosy and its late diagnosis, which favors the worsening of symptoms and the appearance of physical disabilities, remains a serious public health problem in Brazil. This study aims to analyze the therapeutic itinerary of patients with leprosy and understand their illness experience and the factors that contributed to late diagnosis. Eighteen narrative interviews were carried out with patients being treated for leprosy in the city of Salvador, Bahia, between 2009 and 2011. The results show that patients have experienced a long therapeutic itinerary until receiving the diagnostic. Among the factors that contributed to late diagnosis are the lack of qualification of health professionals in healthcare facilities to achieve early diagnosis, as well as the stigma and prejudice that favours the silence around the disease and the practice of self-medication.

A mastite é a principal afecção do gado leiteiro, possui alta prevalência, e constitui um fator limitante em muitas propriedades rurais do país, devido às perdas econômicas. Considerando-se a complexidade etiológica das mastites o objetivo do presente trabalho foi estudar os agentes de etiológicos desta enfermidade e a sua influência na qualidade do leite bovino. Para tanto, foram avaliados um total de 1090 tetos de animais de dez propriedades rurais localizadas no estado de São Paulo. A análise microbiológica do leite consistiu em cultivar uma alíquota de 0,1mL de leite de cada amostra positiva ao CMT, ou com mastite clínica, em meio de ágar base adicionado de 5% de sangue ovino e em agar Mac Conkey, incubando-se as placas a 37°C com observação do desenvolvimento microbiano a cada 24 horas durante três dias. Os microrganismos com maior frequência na mastite foram Corynebacterium bovis(29,52%), Streptococcus dysgalactiae (11,9%) e Staphylococcus aureus (10,48%). Houve ainda o isolamento em ágar Sabouraud dextrose de Candida krusei e Trichosporum spp. As médias de CCS e UFC dos animais foram variáveis e oito (80%) propriedades encontram-se dentro dos limites estabelecidos para CCS pela Instrução Normativa n° 51 do Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento, e todas as propriedades se encontram dentro dos limites para UFC. Houve correlação positiva entre UFC e CCS de leite em duas propriedades entre as seis analisadas estatisticamente. Conclui-se que a mastite é um dos fatores que não permitem que o produtor atinja a qualidade exigida pelo governo. Falhas de manejo e higiene existem e devem ser corrigidas com treinamento dos produtores para aplicação de boas práticas de produção. Finalmente, o monitoramento das mastites e da qualidade do leite nos rebanhos deve ser realizado, e técnicas acessíveis como a CCS composta podem ser utilizadas.

Mastitis is the main disease in dairy herds, presents high prevalence and constitutes a limiting factor on many farms in Brazil due to economic losses. Considering the etiological complexity of mastitis the present work aimed to study the etiological agents of mastitis and its influence on the quality of bovine milk. For this, a total of 1090 teats from dairy cows of 10 farms localized in São Paulo state were evaluated. The microbiological analysis of milk consisted of cultivating an 0.1mL aliquot of milk from each CMT-positive sample, or with clinical mastitis, on agar base medium containing 5% of ovine blood and on McConkey agar, incubating plates at 37°C with observation of the microbial development at 24-hour intervals during three days. The microorganisms with highest frequency in mastitis were Corynebacterium bovis (29.52%), Streptococcus dysgalactiae (11.9%) and Staphylococcus aureus (10.48%). There was isolation of Candida krusei e Trichosporum spp. on Sabouraud dextrose agar. The averages of SCC and CFU from cows were variabl: eight (80%) farms were found to be within the limits established by regulation "Instrução Normativa nº 51" of the Ministry of Agriculture, and all farms were found to be within the limits for CFU. There was a positive correlation between CFU and SCC from milk in two of six farms statistically analyzed. It was concluded that mastitis is one of the factors that do not allow producer to reach the quality required by the government. Management and hygiene failures exist and must be corrected with instructions for the application of good production practices. Finally, monitoring of mastitis and milk quality in herds must be carried out, and accessible techniques as compound SCC can be used.