Abstract Background Gram-negative bacilli (GNB), notably Acinetobacter spp., Pseudomonas spp., and Klebsiella spp., are becoming increasingly resistant to carbapenems and are associated with high health care costs and mortality, becoming a global concern. Objective To determine the prevalence rates of carbapenem resistance among Acinetobacter spp., Pseudomonas spp., and Klebsiella spp. in the main sites of nosocomial infection at a tertiary care hospital in southern Brazil and the consequent therapeutic implications. Methods Cultures processed at the institution’s laboratory in 2017 were analyzed, and those positive for Acinetobacter spp., Pseudomonas spp., and Klebsiella spp. were identified. Antibiograms were evaluated for meropenem sensitivity following the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. Results Acinetobacter spp. had the lowest prevalence among the three GNB, and resistance of this pathogen to meropenem at different sites of infection ranged from 36% (blood) to 82% (respiratory tract). Pseudomonas spp. was highly prevalent at the respiratory tract (31%) and had a high resistance rate to meropenem in rectal swab samples (71%), but a relatively low frequency at infection sites (skin/soft tissue, 13%; blood, 25%). Klebsiella spp. was identified in 7.5% of the blood cultures and 15% of the urine cultures and was the chief colonizer among all pathogens, representing 54% of all rectal swab samples, of which 53% were meropenem resistant. At sites of infection, rates of Klebsiella spp. resistant to meropenem ranged from 19% (skin) to 55% (vascular catheter). Conclusions The prevalence of carbapenem-resistant GNB at our hospital was relatively low compared to national and international data; thus, meropenem remains a good therapeutic option against these bacteria. Other antibiotics effective against GNB, such as ceftazidime, cefepime, and piperacillin-tazobactam, can be used in most cases, while meropenem should be reserved for patients with sepsis. Strict contact precaution measures are still needed, given the high resistance rate observed at the colonizing site.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Cell phones have become indispensable for professional activities, including healthcare. Thus, they are possible sources of bacterial contamination. There is a scarcity of data in the literature regarding identification of risk factors for contamination of cell phones with pathogenic bacteria. OBJECTIVE: To compare the prevalence rates of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and/or Enterobacteriaceae on cell phones belonging to hospital healthcare staff and university students in Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil, and to identify variables associated with such contamination. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study conducted in a public university’s referral hospital and lecture buildings in 2017. METHODS: We sampled the surface of cell phones using the dipslide method, with Baird-Parker agar and Escherichia coli-coliform chromogenic (ECC) agar. We assessed the population’s sociodemographic, behavioral and hygiene characteristics through interviews. Possible presence of S. aureus colonies was confirmed using agglutination tests, with evaluation of methicillin sensitivity. Colonies in ECC medium were counted. Stepwise logistic regression (forward P < 0.15) was performed to identify characteristics associated with bacterial contamination. RESULTS: The prevalence rates of S. aureus, MRSA and Enterobacteriaceae were, respectively, 32%, 4% and 3%. No difference was found between the hospital and university-based populations (P > 0.05). The only variable associated with bacterial contamination was the use of cloth/velvet/leather phone cases (odds ratio: 2.92; 95% confidence interval: 1.08-7.91). CONCLUSIONS: Potentially pathogenic bacteria were prevalent on the cell phones of this hospital and university population. Use of phone cases made of cloth-like material should be discouraged, especially in hospital settings.

RESUMO Este estudo avaliou as características funcionais da reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) multiplex para amostras de líquido cefalorraquidiano (LCR) de pacientes com características celulares e bioquímicas de meningite bacteriana aguda e culturas de LCR positivas ou negativas. Métodos: O PCR multiplex foi realizado em 36 amostras de LCR: meningite bacteriana aguda comprovada por cultura (n = 7), meningite bacteriana aguda com cultura negativa (n = 17), meningite linfocítica (n = 8) e LCR normal (n = 4). As características funcionais do PCR multiplex foram avaliadas para meningite bacteriana definitiva e provável, utilizando cultura positiva, características citológicas e bioquímicas do LCR como padrão-ouro. Resultados: O PCR multiplex do LCR foi eficiente no grupo com características celulares e bioquímicas do LCR de meningite bacteriana, mas com cultura do LCR negativa. Este grupo demonstrou especificidade, valor preditivo positivo e eficiência altos. Conclusões: Os autores concluíram que o PCR multiplex do LCR pode melhorar a velocidade e a precisão do diagnóstico de meningite bacteriana em um ambiente clínico como complemento aos ensaios imunológicos e bacteriológicos clássicos no LCR. Também é útil para meningite bacteriana aguda com cultura de LCR negativa.

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the operational characteristics of the multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from patients with cellular and biochemical characteristics of acute bacterial meningitis and positive or negative CSF cultures. Methods: Multiplex PCR was performed for 36 CSF samples: culture-proven acute bacterial meningitis (n = 7), culture-negative acute bacterial meningitis (n = 17), lymphocytic meningitis (n = 8), and normal CSF (n = 4). The operational characteristics of multiplex PCR were evaluated with definite and probable bacterial meningitis, using culture positive, cytological and biochemical CSF characteristics as the gold standard. Results: Multiplex PCR for CSF was efficient in the group with CSF cellular and biochemical characteristics of acute bacterial meningitis but with a negative CSF culture. This group demonstrated high specificity, positive predictive value, and efficiency. Conclusions: Multiplex PCR for CSF can improve the speed and accuracy of acute bacterial meningitis diagnosis in a clinical setting as a complement to classical immunological and bacteriological assays in CSF. It is also useful for CSF culture-negative acute bacterial meningitis.

Abstract Ralstonia mannitolilytica, a Gram-negative bacterium, is rarely isolated in clinical laboratories. It has been associated with outbreaks due to its ability to survive in liquid media and hospital devices. We describe three cases of bacteremia caused by R. mannitolilytica in a neonatal intensive care unit in Curitiba, Southern Brazil. All isolates presented the same PFGE profile. The common source of infection was undetected in surveillance cultures for the outbreak survey. All patients received antimicrobial treatment and were discharged from the maternity. Due to the characteristics of the microorganism, clinicians and microbiologists should pay attention to the emergence of Ralstonia spp. infections.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Bloodstream infections can be fatal, and timely identification of the etiologic agent is important for treatment. METHODOLOGY: An alternative method, consisting of direct identification and susceptibility testing of blood culture bottles using the automated VITEK 2® system, was assessed. RESULTS: All 37 of the Gram-negative bacilli (GNB) identifications and 57.1% of the 28 Gram-positive cocci (GPC) identifications matched those obtained with standard methods. In susceptibility testing, the agreement was greater than 90%. CONCLUSIONS: This alternative methodology may assist in the early identification and susceptibility testing of GNB. Further research is necessary to develop appropriate methods for GPC.

INTRODUCTION: Epidemiological data on the prevalence of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) are scarce in Brazil despite the fact that these data are essential for empirical treatment and control measures. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of different ESBLs by type and distribution in a tertiary hospital in southern Brazil. METHODS: We evaluated 1,827 enterobacterial isolates between August 2003 and March 2008 isolated from patients at a tertiary hospital. Samples were identified using a Vitek automated system and were confirmed by biochemical testing. The identified ESBL strains were characterized by phenotypic methods, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and sequencing. Genetic similarities were evaluated by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. RESULTS: It was 390 (21.3%) ESBL-producing strains, which expressed the ESBLs CTX-M (292), SHV (84), CTX and SHV (10), TEM (2), and PER (2). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of ESBL-expressing strains was high, especially in Klebsiella pneumoniae and Enterobacter spp. CTX-M was the predominant type of ESBL observed, and its genetic variability indicates a polyclonal distribution.

Este estudo verificou o perfil de resistência aos antimicrobianos entre isolados de Escherichia coli de frangos de corte de criação intensiva e de subsistência e dos respectivos tratadores e a similaridade genotípica entre isolados de E.coli de frangos de corte de criação intensiva e isolados de E. coli de tratadores de frangos de criação intensiva pela técnica de Eletroforese em Gel de Campo Pulsado (PFGE). 60 amostras de fezes de frangos de criação intensiva, 60 de frangos de corte de criação de subsistência (caipira) e 20 amostras dos tratadores de frangos de criação intensiva e 20 de tratadores de frangos de criação de subsistência. E. coli foram isoladas, identificadas e submetidas ao teste de suscetibilidade a 12 antimicrobianos. Pela PFGE foram analisados 24 isolados de E. coli de frangos de corte de criação intensiva e oito de tratadores. Em isolados E. coli de frangos de criação intensiva a resistência para a ampicilina foi de 100%, cefotaxima 43%, ceftriaxona 48%, ácido nalidíxico 62%, enrofloxacina 23%, ciprofloxacina 23%, tetraciclina 83% e 45% para trimetoprim-sulfametoxazol. Nos isolados de frangos de criação de subsistência foi de 20%, 0%, 0%, 5%, 2%, 4%, 33% e 8%, respectivamente. Resistência à fosfomicina e à nitrofurantoína foi encontrada em isolados de frangos de criação de subsistência. Em isolados de E. coli de tratadores de frangos de corte de criação intensiva a resistência para ampicilina foi de 60%, para ciprofloxacina 25% e para tetraciclina 45%, enquanto nos tratadores de subsistência foram de 20%, 5% e 30%, respectivamente. Isolados de E. coli de frangos em criação de subsistência apresentaram 46,6%(28/60) de suscetibilidade a todos os antimicrobianos testados enquanto que na criação intensiva 81%(49/60) foram multirresistentes. Sete clusters de isolados de E. coli de frangos de diferentes aviários apresentaram similaridade acima de 80%, e dois destes foram superiores a 95%. Três clusters de isolados de frangos e de tratadores apresentaram similaridade superior a 80%. Somente um destes clusters foi de isolado de tratador e de frango do mesmo aviário.

This study examined the profile of antimicrobial resistance among isolates of Escherichia coli from poultry intensive farming and free-range systems and their farmers. For technique of Gel Electrophoresis Pulsed Field (PFGE) examined the similarity between isolates from poultry intensive farming and their farmers. From 60 samples of poultry feces from intensive farming systems, 60 of free-range extensive systems and 20 of farmers of each segment, the E. coli was isolated and submitted to the test of susceptability to 12 antimicrobials. 24 isolates of E. coli of poultry from intensive farming systems and eight E. coli isolates from farmers poultry intensive farming were analyzed via technique of PFGE. In intensive farming systems poultry, 100% resistence to ampicillin was verified, 43% to cefotaxime, 48% to ceftriaxone, 62% to nalidixic acid, 23% to enrofloxacin, 23% to ciprofloxacin, 83% to tetracycline and 45% to trimetroprim-sulfametoxazol. In the strains of free-range extensive systems, resistance was 20%, 0%, 0%, 5%, 2%, 4%, 33% and 8%, respectively. Resistance to fosfomycin and to nitrofuratoin was found in isolates of poultry from free-range extensive systems. In farmers from intensive farming systems, the resistance to ampicillin was 60%, 25% to ciprofloxacin and 45% to tetracycline, whereas in farmers from free-range extensive systems, it was 20%, 5% and 30%, respectively. In the isolates of E. coli poultry from free-range extensive systems, 46.6% (28/60) presented themselves as susceptible to all tested antimicrobials in comparison to intensive farming systems in which 81,6% (49/60) were multiresistant. Seven clusters of isolates from poultry showed similarity above 80%. Out of these, two clusters of isolates of poultry from different aviaries presented superior clonality to 95%. Furthermore three clusters isolates of poultry and farmers showed similarity greater than 80%, but only one cluster isolate of attendant and poultry were from the same aviary.

Prevalence of H. pylori infection was determined using cultures of gastric biopsy samples of patients attended at the academic hospital of the Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil. Molecular methods were used to characterize the cagA and vacA genes from bacterial isolates associated with different diseases presented by patients. Out of a total of 81, forty-two gastric biopsy samples tested were positive for H. pylori, with a prevalence of 51.9%. No significant difference was found with regard to the gender (p=0.793) and age (p=0.183) of the patients. Genotype s1m1 vacA gene was found in 67% of the cases of peptic ulcer investigated (p=1.0), despite the limited number of patients with this disease (n=3). A correlation between the presence of less virulent strains (s2m2) and reflux esophagitis was found in the majority of the cases (45%), but without statistical significance. An association between the prevalence of cagA gene, found in 92% of isolates, and peptic ulcer was not observed (p=1.0), suggesting that this gene cannot be considered a specific marker of severity in our environment. The results reinforce the importance of conducting regional studies and the need to characterize H. pylori virulence genes associated with different diseases.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the susceptibility to cefepime of a large group of ESBL- producing enterobacteria recently isolated in a Brazilian teaching hospital . The study included 280 strains of ESBL-producing enterobacteria, isolated between 2005 and 2008. The presence of the genes blaCTX-M, blaTEM and blaSHV was determined by PCR and confirmed by nucleotide sequencing. Susceptibility testing for cefepime was performed by disc-diffusion, agar dilution method and E-test®. Among the isolates, 34 (12.1%) presented a cefepime inhibition zone > 21 and MIC < 8 mg/L by agar dilution and E-strip methods. The use of cefepime for the treatment of infections caused by ESBL-producing bacteria has been controversial. Some studies of PD/PK show the probability of achieving the required PD parameters for cefepime, when the MICs were < 8 mg/L, whereas others have reported therapeutic failure with the same MIC. Additional data is essential to come to terms about the report and treatment with cefepime in ESBL-producing organisms especially when these microorganisms are isolated from sterile sites and from critically ill patients.

The antibacterial activity of plant extracts obtained from Bixa orellana L., Chamomilla recutita L., Ilex paraguariensis A. St.-Hil., Malva sylvestris L., Plantago major L. and Rheum rhaponticum L. has been evaluated against two reference strains and eleven clinical isolates of Helicobacter pylori. All the plant species chosen are used in popular Brazilian cuisine and folk medicine in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. Initial screening was made by the disk diffusion test and then minimum inhibitory concentration was determined by the agar dilution method. The results presented in this work demonstrated that among the plant preparations analyzed, B. orellana L., C. recutita L., I. paraguariensis A. St.-Hil. and M. sylvestris L. were capable of inhibiting the in vitro growth of H. pylori.

Production of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) by enterobacteria is an important resistance mechanism against antimicrobial beta-lactamics. We tested 498 bacterial strains isolated from two tertiary-care teaching hospitals for ESBL production, using screening breakpoints for aztreonam and third generation cephalosporins, according to CLSI recommendations. Among these isolates, 155 were positive for the ESBL screening test, and 121 (78%) were confirmed by the clavulanic acid combination disk method. We found a high frequency of ESBL (24%) among Enterobacteriaceae, with a frequency of 57.4% for Klebsiella pneumoniae, 21.4% for Klebsiella oxytoca, and 7.2% for E. coli. In other members of Enterobacteriaceae, non-Klebsiella and non-E. coli, the prevalence was 21.6%. Ceftriaxone and cefotaxime showed a higher sensitivity in the screening test (99.2%) when compared to ceftazidime, aztreonam and cefpodoxime. However, cefotaxime/cefotaxime plus clavulanic acid showed a higher sensitivity in the confirmatory test (96.7%).