Resumo Este artigo analisa a corrupção como uma nova versão de othering. O objetivo é distinguir, com base em pesquisa teórica, a dimensão linguístico-discursiva da construção do outro corrupto, tendo em vista os interesses neoliberais de acumulação de capital. Primeiro é realizado um estudo sobre o conceito de othering, com base no referencial teórico central de Spivak (1985) e Said (1995), além de outros complementares, como a literatura que discute o latino-americanismo. Em seguida, são analisados os mecanismos e as versões do othering, como a missão humanitária, civilizatória, dos Direitos Humanos, da terra degradada e do desenvolvimento, a partir dos estudos de Backhouse (2013), Chimni (2003), Gonçalves (2017; 2015; 2012) e outros. Posteriormente, a corrupção é estudada enquanto nova versão de othering, com base em Bratsis (2014), Hindess (2005), dentre outros. Por fim, é analisada a operação Lava Jato enquanto experiência de othering na história política brasileira recente, com base nas pesquisas de Ramina (2020 e 2021), Proner (2019), Romano (2021), Koheler (2015), dentre outras autoras e autores latino-americanos. distinguir teórica linguísticodiscursiva linguístico discursiva corrupto capital 1985 (1985 1995, 1995 , (1995) complementares latinoamericanismo. latinoamericanismo latino americanismo. americanismo latino-americanismo seguida humanitária civilizatória Humanos desenvolvimento 2013, 2013 (2013) 2003, 2003 (2003) 2017 (2017 2015 2012 Posteriormente 2014, 2014 (2014) 2005, 2005 (2005) fim recente 2020 (202 2021, 2021 2021) 2019, 2019 (2019) (2021) 2015, (2015) latinoamericanos. latinoamericanos americanos. americanos latino-americanos 198 (198 199 (1995 201 (2013 200 (2003 (201 (2014 (2005 202 (20 (2019 (2021 (2015 19 (19 (199 20 (200 (2 1 (1 2 (

Abstract This article analyzes corruption as a new version of othering. Based on theoretical research, the objective is to investigate the linguistic-discursive dimension of constructing the corrupt other given the neoliberal interests of capital accumulation. First, a study is carried out on the concept of othering, based on the theoretical framework of Spivak (1985) and Said (1995), among others complementary, such as the literature that discusses Latin Americanism. Then, the mechanisms and versions of othering are analyzed, such as the humanitarian, civilizing, Human Rights, degraded land, and development mission, based on studies by Backhouse (2013), Chimni (2003), Costa and Gonçalves (2016; 2011) and Gonçalves (2017; 2015; 2012). Afterward, corruption is studied as a new version of othering, based on Bratsis (2014) and Hindess (2005), among others. Finally, the Lava Jato operation is analyzed as an othering experience in recent Brazilian political history, based on research by Ramina (2020 and 2021), Proner (2019), Romano (2021), Koheler (2015), in addition to other Latin American authors. linguisticdiscursive linguistic discursive accumulation First 1985 (1985 1995, 1995 , (1995) complementary Americanism Then humanitarian civilizing Rights land mission 2013, 2013 (2013) 2003, 2003 (2003) 2016 (2016 2011 2017 (2017 2015 2012. 2012 . 2012) Afterward 2014 (2014 2005, 2005 (2005) Finally history 2020 (202 2021, 2021 2021) 2019, 2019 (2019) (2021) 2015, (2015) authors 198 (198 199 (1995 201 (2013 200 (2003 (201 (2005 202 (20 (2019 (2021 (2015 19 (19 (199 20 (200 (2 1 (1 2 (

RESUMO O Plano Global de Eliminação da Filariose Linfática, lançado pela Organização Mundial da Saúde em 2000, propõe o uso de testes de detecção de antígeno circulante filarial como ferramenta diagnóstica para avaliação e monitoramento das ações de controle da parasitose. Entretanto, esses testes, apesar de apresentarem alta sensibilidade, não conseguem detectar com eficiência a infecção em seu estágio inicial, quando ainda não existe a presença de helmintos adultos. Considerando essa limitação, a pesquisa de anticorpos antifilariais tem sido apontada como uma alternativa, uma vez que os anticorpos produzidos contra as larvas infectantes do parasito são detectados antes da presença de antígeno circulante filarial. O objetivo deste estudo foi definir o ponto de corte e avaliar a acurácia do kit Filaria Detect™ IgG4 produzido com o antígeno recombinante Wb123 para diagnóstico da filariose linfática no Brasil. Para isso, foi realizado um estudo de avaliação de teste diagnóstico, no qual foram utilizadas 256 amostras de soro: 79 (30,9%) obtidas de indivíduos microfilarêmicos e 177 (60,1%), de indivíduos amicrofilarêmicos e que testaram negativo para os testes imunológicos Bm14 CELISA e Og4C3 ELISA. A definição do ponto de corte ideal, bem como da acurácia do kit Filaria Detect™ IgG4, foi obtida através da construção de curvas ROC, sendo a densidade óptica de 0,239 aquela na qual o teste obteve melhor desempenho, com sensibilidade de 81,0% e especificidade de 96,6%. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram que o kit Filaria Detect™ IgG4 é uma ferramenta promissora para investigação e monitoramento de áreas submetidas ao tratamento em massa para filariose linfática.

ABSTRACT The Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis, launched by the World Health Organization in the year 2000, proposes the use of circulating filarial antigen tests as a diagnostic tool to assess and monitor initiatives to control filarial infection. However, despite a high sensitivity, these tests are not efficient to detect infection at early stages, before worms have reached the adult stage. Considering this limitation, anti-filarial antibody testing has been suggested as an alternative, given that the antibodies produced against the larvae are detectable before the presence of circulating filarial antigen. The objective of the present study was to determine the diagnostic cut-off and the accuracy of the Filaria Detect™ IgG4 kit employing recombinant Wb123 antigen for diagnosis of lymphatic filariasis in Brazil. For that, we performed a diagnostic evaluation study in which 256 serum samples were analyzed: 79 (30.9%) obtained from microfilaremic individuals and 177 (60.1%) from amicrofilaremic individuals who tested negative with the Bm14 CELISA and Og4C3 ELISA immunologic tests. The ideal cutoff as well as the Filaria Detect™ IgG4 kit accuracy were determined based on ROC curve analyses, with an optical density of 0.239 identified as the cutoff with the best performance, with 81.0% sensitivity and 96.6% specificity. The results show that the Filaria Detect™ IgG4 kit is a promising tool for investigation and monitoring of areas undergoing mass drug administration for lymphatic filariasis.

RESUMEN En el programa mundial de eliminación de la filariasis linfática, puesto en marcha por la Organización Mundial de la Salud en el año 2000, se propone el uso de pruebas de detección del antígeno filárico circulante como instrumento de diagnóstico para la evaluación y el seguimiento de las medidas de control de la parasitosis. Sin embargo, esas pruebas, a pesar de tener un alto grado de sensibilidad, no permiten detectar con eficiencia la infección en su fase inicial, cuando todavía no existen helmintos adultos. En vista de esa limitación, se ha señalado como una opción el estudio de anticuerpos antifiláricos, puesto que los anticuerpos producidos contra las larvas infectantes del parásito se detectan antes de la existencia de antígeno filárico circulante. El objetivo de este estudio fue definir el punto de corte y evaluar la exactitud del estuche Detect™ para pruebas de anticuerpos antifiláricos IgG4, fabricado con el antígeno recombinante Wb123, para el diagnóstico de la filariasis linfática en Brasil. Para ello, se realizó un estudio de evaluación de la prueba diagnóstica, en el cual se utilizaron 256 muestras de suero, a saber, 79 (30,9%) obtenidas de personas microfilarémicas y 177 (60,1%) de personas amicrofilarémicas, que arrojaron resultados seronegativos en las pruebas inmunológicas CELISA Bm14 y ELISA Og4C3. La definición del punto de corte ideal y de la exactitud del estuche Detect™ se obtuvo con la construcción de curvas de la característica operativa del receptor (ROC); una densidad óptica de 0,239 marcó el mejor nivel de desempeño de la prueba, con una sensibilidad de 81,0% y una especificidad de 96,6%. Los resultados obtenidos demostraron que el estuche Detect™ es un instrumento prometedor para la investigación y el seguimiento de las regiones donde se realiza un tratamiento masivo de la filariasis linfática.

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the phenotypic and molecular patterns of biofilm formation in infection and colonization isolates of Acinetobacter spp. from patients who were admitted in a public hospital of Recife-PE-Brazil in 2018-2019. For the biofilm phenotypic analysis, Acinetobacter spp. isolates were evaluated by the crystal violet staining method; the search of virulence genes (bap, ompA, epsA, csuE and bfmS) was performed by PCR; and the ERIC-PCR was performed for molecular typing. Amongst the 38 Acinetobacter spp. isolates, 20 were isolated from infections and 18 from colonization. The resistance profile pointed that 86.85% (33/38) of the isolates were multidrug-resistant, being three infection isolates, and two colonization isolates resistant to polymyxin B. All the isolates were able to produce biofilm and they had at least one of the investigated virulence genes on their molecular profile, but the bap gene was found in 100% of them. No clones were detected by ERIC-PCR. There was no correlation between biofilm formation and the resistance profile of the bacteria, neither to the molecular profile of the virulence genes. Thus, the ability of Acinetobacter spp. to form biofilm is probably related to the high frequency of virulence genes.

Abstract Carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa (CRPA) has become a serious public health problem and the biofilm formation aggravates this problem. The study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of β-lactamases and quorum sensing (QS) genes in CRPA isolates, analyze production of biofilm, evaluate the response against meropenem (MPM) and∕or polymyxin B (POL B) and its association with azythromicin (AZT) using quantum dots (QDs) and proteomic analysis. Six CRPA isolates were analyzed. β-lactamases and QS genes were search using specific PCRs and were tested for biofilm production by quantitative technique. A CRPA isolate, containing blaKPC gene and biofilm-producing, was selected to assess its response to therapy using QDs and the MALDI-TOF. The β-lactamase detected was blaKPC in 66.7% of the isolates. All isolates were biofilm producers and carriers of the QS genes. QDs-MPM conjugates triggered the formation of biofilm and the association with AZT inhibited this effect. Proteomics analysis showed that treatments with MPM or POL B suppressed the expression of the transglycosylase protein, while combined therapy with AZT induced expression of the RpoN protein. Thus, this study shows that the use of fluorescence combined with the proteomics analysis was promising to understand how a CRPA strain reacts to antimicrobial treatment.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: The aac(6’)-Ib-cr and bla KPC genes are spreading among Enterobacteriaceae species, including Providencia stuartii, in some countries of world. METHODS: These genes were investigated in 28 P. stuartii isolates from a public hospital in Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil, by PCR and sequencing. RESULTS: The aac(6’)-Ib-cr gene was detected in 16 resistant isolates, and the bla KPC gene was seen in 14. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of these genes in P. stuartii multi- and extensively drug-resistant isolates indicates that the resistance arsenal of this species is increasing, thus limiting the therapeutic options.

RESUMO Objetivo: mapear a Rede de Cuidados à Pessoa com Deficiência em Minas Gerais, com base na identificação dos pontos de atenção do componente de atenção especializada em reabilitação, suas modalidades e distribuição segundo a população. Método: estudo observacional transversal descritivo. Foram utilizadas técnicas de geoprocessamento para descrição da distribuição dos dispositivos da atenção especializada da Rede de Cuidados, conforme levantamento em abril de 2014. Adotaram-se como unidades de análise as regiões do estado descritas no Plano Diretor de Regionalização do estado. Foram analisadas legislações nacional e estadual e dados disponíveis nos relatórios de gestão da Secretaria de Estado de Saúde de Minas Gerais. Como variáveis, foram selecionadas a presença de pontos de atenção no território, o tipo de serviço ofertado e sua relação com a densidade populacional. Foram realizados: análise descritiva da distribuição espacial dos pontos de atenção, considerando as variáveis selecionadas, e georreferenciamento destes pontos, considerando tipo de serviço e modalidades de deficiência. Resultados: a Rede de Cuidados é composta por 183 pontos de atenção com maior concentração ao sul do estado: 135 (73,8%) Serviços Especializados em Reabilitação da Deficiência Intelectual, 18 (9,8%) Serviços de Reabilitação Física, 15 (8,2%) Serviços de Reabilitação Auditiva, 3 (1,6%) Serviços de Reabilitação Visual e 12 (6,6%) Centros Especializados em Reabilitação com duas ou mais modalidades. Observou-se maior concentração de serviços nas regiões mais populosas. Conclusão: a Rede de Cuidados à Pessoa com Deficiência possui grande desproporção entre as modalidades de reabilitação, com maior número de serviços voltados para reabilitação intelectual e distribuição não equânime, refletindo em vazios assistenciais.

ABSTRACT Purpose: To map the Care Network for People with Disabilities in Minas Gerais, based on the identification of the points of care in the rehabilitation specialized care component, its modalities and distribution according to the population. Method: Cross-sectional descriptive study. We used geoprocessing techniques to describe the distribution of the specialized care devices of the Network Care, as surveyed in April 2014. The regions of the state described in the State Regionalization Master Plan were adopted as analysis units. We analyzed data from National and state legislations and data available in the management reports of the Minas Gerais State Health Department. The presence of points of care in the territory, the type of service offered and its relationship with the population density were selected as variables. We performed a descriptive spatial analysis of the distribution of the points care considering the selected georeferenced variables and the type of service as well as the modalities of disability. Results: The Network Care is composed of 183 points of care with the higher concentration in the south of the state: 135 (73.8%) Specialized Services in Rehabilitation of Intellectual Disability, 18 (9.8%) Physical Rehabilitation Services, 15 (8.2%) Auditory Rehabilitation Services, 3 (1.6%) Visual Rehabilitation Services and 12 (6.6%) Specialized Rehabilitation Centers with two or more modalities. We observed greater concentration of services in the most populous regions. Conclusion: The Network Care presents great disproportion between rehabilitation modalities, with a greater number of services aimed at intellectual rehabilitation, and unequal distribution reflected in the care gap.

ABSTRACT: Bees generally use different botanical sources of resins for the production of propolis. The elucidation of botanical sources of propolis and identification of the effects of seasonality on the chemical profile of propolis are recognized as two important aspects in the development of a high quality product. Thus, our objective was to elucidate the botanical source and identify the effect of the seasons on the chemical profile of propolis produced in southern Brazil. The chemical profile of the samples was analysed by spectrophotometric and chromatographic techniques and the results were coupled to multivariate analysis. Field observation of the foraging behaviour of Apis mellifera L. revealed its preference for the Baccharis dracunculifolia DC. species. p-Coumaric acid, 3, 4-dicaffeoylquinic acid, 3, 5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, drupanin, and artepillin C which were identified in both plant and propolis samples. Moreover, higher artepillin C amounts have been detected in samples collected in the summer and autumn, while the main compounds of p-coumaric acid and quercetin were available in spring and winter sampled propolis, respectively. Baccharis dracunculifolia has been identified as a plant species preferred by A. mellifera in foraging resin for the production of propolis in southern Brazil. The contents of balsam, total phenolic compounds, and flavonoids varied significantly over the seasons, with values above the minimum required by the legislation, thus assuring a quality pattern for this biomass.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen associated with healthcare-related infections, affecting mainly patients with underlying diseases and immunosuppression. This microorganism has several virulence mechanisms that favour its pathogenesis, including the production of biofilm. This study aimed to analyze the phenotypic production of biofilms, the occurrence of quorum sensing (QS) genes, and the clonal profile of clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa from colonized/infected patients in a tertiary hospital in Recife-PE. METHODS: We obtained 21 isolates that were classified as infection isolates (II), and 10 colonization isolates (CI). The phenotypic analysis for biofilm production was performed quantitatively. The QS genes were detected by specific PCRs, and the clonal profile was assessed using ERIC-PCR. RESULTS: Of the 31 isolates, 58.1 % (18/31) were biofilm producers, of which 70 % (7/10) were CI and classified as weakly adherent; 52.4 % (11/21) of the II produced biofilms, and were classified as weak (38.1 %, (8/21)), moderate (9.5 %, (2/21)), and strongly adherent (4.8 %, (1/21)). All isolates harbored the QS genes analyzed. In the clonal analysis, 26 distinct genetic profiles were identified, highlighting the presence of a clone in four samples, i.e., one infection isolate, and 3 colonization isolates. CONCLUSIONS: The detection of biofilm formation is important in P. aeruginosa in addition to the identification of colonization and infection isolates, especially from complex environments such as ICUs. Further, we define a strategy for monitoring and analyzing P. aeruginosa strains that can potentially cause infections in hospitalized patients.

Abstract Tissue engineering suggests different forms to reconstruct tissues and organs. One of the ways is through the use of polymeric biomaterials such as poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA). PLLA is a recognized material in tissue engineering due to its characteristics as biocompatibility and bioresorbability. In this work PLLA fibrous membranes were produced by a simple technique known as rotary jet spinning. The rotary jet spinning consists of fibrous membranes production, with fibers of scale nano/micrometric, from a polymeric solution through the centrifugal force generated by the equipment. The membranes formed were subjected to preliminary in vitro assays to verify the cytotoxicity of the membranes made in contact with the cells. Direct cytotoxicity assays were performed through the MTT, AlamarBlue® and Live/Dead® tests, with fibroblastic and osteoblastic cells. The results obtained in this study showed that PLLA membranes produced by rotary jet spinning showed promising results in the 24-hours contact period of the cells with the PLLA fibrous membranes. The information presented in this preliminary study provides criteria to be taken in the future procedures that will be performed with the biomaterial produced, aiming at its improvement.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: The increasing reports of vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus strains (VRS) haves caused concern worldwide, from the laboratory detection to patient management. This study aimed to identify the occurrence of VRS strains among healthcare professionals from a university hospital. METHODS: A total of 102 Staphylococcus sp. isolates from healthcare professionals, obtained in a previous study were evaluated according to standard techniques for VRS detection. RESULTS: After screening inoculation of plates containing 6µg/ml of vancomycin, 19 resistant isolates were identified. The susceptibility profile to other antimicrobials revealed 18 multidrug resistant isolates. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined by E-test and broth microdilution. According to E-tests, of 19 isolates grown in BHI-V6, four isolates presented MIC ≥ 128 µg/ml, seven with MIC ranging from 4 to 8 µg/ml, and eight with MIC ≤ 2µg/ml. By broth microdilution, 14 isolates presented MIC ≤ 2 µg/ml and five with MIC ≥ 16µg/ml. The presence of the gene vanA was determined by PCR in the five resistant isolates, and this gene was detected in one of the strains. Furthermore, among the 19 strains, the gene mecA was found in 13 (39,4%) isolates, including the strain carrying the gene vanA. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these results, we highlight the presence of one strain carrying both vanA and the mecA genes, as well as multidrug-resistant strains colonizing healthcare professionals, and their importance as potential vectors to spread strains carrying resistance genes in the hospital environment.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Biofilm production is an important mechanism for the survival of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and its relationship with antimicrobial resistance represents a challenge for patient therapeutics. P. aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen frequently associated to nosocomial infections, especially in imunocompromised hosts. Objectives: Analyze the phenotypic biofilm production in P. aeruginosa isolates, describe clonal profiles, and analyze quorum sensing (QS) genes and the occurrence of mutations in the LasR protein of non-biofilm producing isolates. Methods: Isolates were tested for biofilm production by measuring cells adherence to the microtiter plates. Clonal profile analysis was carried out through ERIC-PCR, QS genes were by specific PCR. Results: The results showed that 77.5% of the isolates were considered biofilm producers. The results of genotyping showed 38 distinct genetic profiles. As for the occurrence of the genes, 100% of the isolates presented the lasR, rhlI and rhlR genes, and 97.5%, presented the lasI gene. In this study nine isolates were not biofilm producers. However, all presented the QS genes. Amplicons related to genes were sequenced in three of the nine non-biofilm-producing isolates (all presenting different genetic similarity profile) and aligned to the sequences of those genes in P. aeruginosa strain PAO1 (standard biofilm-producing strain). Alignment analysis showed an insertion of three nucleotides (T, C and G) causing the addition of an amino acid valine in the sequence of the LasR protein, in position 53. Conclusion: The modeling of the resulting LasR protein showed a conformational change in its structure, suggesting that this might be the reason why these isolates are unable to produce biofilm.

ABSTRACT The treatment of infections caused by resistant microorganisms is limited, and vancomycin (VAN) treatment failures for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteremia are not uncommon, even when MRSA clinical isolates are susceptible to VAN. Thus, this study proposed the association of VAN with usnic acid and β-lapachone encapsulated into liposomes as a novel therapeutic option for infections caused by MRSA. Liposomes containing β-lap (β-lap-lipo) or usnic acid (UA-lipo) were prepared by the thin lipid film hydration method followed by sonication. Antimicrobial activity against MRSA clinical isolates was investigated by the microdilution method according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). The interaction studies were carried out using the checkerboard method and epsilometer test (Etest). The interaction between VAN and β-lap or β-lap-lipo was synergistic (FICI = 0.453 and FICI = 0.358, respectively). An additive interaction between VAN and UA (FICI = 0.515) was found. UA-lipo resulted in synergism with VAN (FICI = 0.276). The Etest reproduced the results obtained by the checkerboard method for approximately 82% of the analysis. Thus, the present study demonstrated that VAN in combination with UA-lipo, β-lap or β-lap-lipo synergistically enhanced antibacterial activity against MRSA.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an important pathogen globally, presents several resistance mechanisms. This study aimed to investigate the presence of bla GES in clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa obtained from various clinical specimens from patients admitted to three different hospitals in Recife, Brazil. The Guiana extended spectrum beta-lactamase (GES) enzymes are responsible for conferring broad spectrum resistance to beta-lactam drugs, including the carbapenems. METHODS: A total of 100 carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa isolates underwent polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing to identify bla GES, bla KPC, bla SPM-1, bla IMP, and bla VIM. Additionally, PCR products positive for bla GES were sequenced. The clonal profiles of these same isolates were then determined by means of enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC)-PCR analysis. RESULTS: PCR analysis revealed that four isolates harbored bla GES; DNA sequencing showed that two harbored bla GES-1 and two bla GES-11. Beta-lactamase genes bla SPM-1, bla IMP, bla VIM, and bla KPC were investigated; none of these genes was detected. Automated susceptibility testing methods (Vitek®2, bioMérieux) showed that the bla GES-1-positive isolates were only susceptible to polymyxin B. The patterns obtained with ERIC-PCR methods showed clonal relationship between the two isolates that harbored bla GES-11, whereas different clonal profiles were found in the isolates harboring bla GES-1. CONCLUSIONS: We detected the presence of bacterial isolates positive for two different variants of the enzyme GES in three different hospitals from Recife, Brazil. These enzymes have a great capacity for dissemination among Gram-negative bacteria and confer broad-spectrum resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics and to the carbapenems.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar fenotipicamente a produção de biofilme por isolados clínicos de Pseudomonas aeruginosa de pacientes com pneumonia associada à ventilação mecânica. Métodos: Foram analisados 20 isolados clínicos de P. aeruginosa, sendo 19 provenientes de amostras clínicas de aspirado traqueal e uma de lavado broncoalveolar. A avaliação da capacidade de P. aeruginosa em produzir biofilme foi verificada por duas técnicas, sendo uma qualitativa e outra quantitativa. Resultados: A técnica qualitativa mostrou que apenas 15% dos isolados foram considerados produtores de biofilme, enquanto que a quantitativa demonstrou que 75% dos isolados foram produtores de biofilme. Os isolados produtores de biofilme apresentaram o seguinte perfil de suscetibilidade: 53,3% eram multidroga-resistentes e 46,7% eram multidroga-sensíveis. Conclusão: A técnica quantitativa foi mais eficaz para detecção da produção de biofilme em comparação com a qualitativa. Para a população bacteriana analisada, a produção de biofilme independeu do perfil de suscetibilidade das bactérias, demonstrando que a falha terapêutica pode estar relacionada com a produção de biofilme, por impedir a destruição das bactérias presentes nesta estrutura, ocasionando complicações da pneumonia associada à ventilação mecânica, incluindo infecções extrapulmonares, e dificultando o tratamento da infecção.

ABSTRACT Objective: To phenotypically evaluate biofilm production by Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinically isolated from patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia. Methods: Twenty clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa were analyzed, 19 of which were from clinical samples of tracheal aspirate, and one was from a bronchoalveolar lavage sample. The evaluation of the capacity of P. aeruginosa to produce biofilm was verified using two techniques, one qualitative and the other quantitative. Results: The qualitative technique showed that only 15% of the isolates were considered biofilm producers, while the quantitative technique showed that 75% of the isolates were biofilm producers. The biofilm isolates presented the following susceptibility profile: 53.3% were multidrug-resistant, and 46.7% were multidrug-sensitive. Conclusion: The quantitative technique was more effective than the qualitative technique for the detection of biofilm production. For the bacterial population analyzed, biofilm production was independent of the susceptibility profile of the bacteria, demonstrating that the therapeutic failure could be related to biofilm production, as it prevented the destruction of the bacteria present in this structure, causing complications of pneumonia associated with mechanical ventilation, including extrapulmonary infections, and making it difficult to treat the infection.