Résumé Dans la théorie sémiotique de Claude Zilberberg, la question de la valeur est l’un des nœuds conceptuels possédant une forte capacité à convoquer d’autres notions dans lesquelles cette question est imbriquée. Cet article propose de réfléchir sur la signification de l’espace en le considérant comme une valeur de la perception. Mais, comme ces considérations autour de l’espace nous ont été suggérées par la lecture de la Huitième Élégie de Rainer Maria Rilke, il en résulte qu’une autre problématique se greffe sur la précédente. En effet, l’espace est ici présenté comme le point émergeant d’une question pour la condition de l’existence humaine. Le domaine sémantique de l’espace — que ce soit comme valeur absolue, que ce soit comme valeur relative — permet, dans le poème, de postuler une forme possible du sens de l’existence. Le raisonnement sur la base de diagrammes offre, quant à lui, différents graphiques pour penser ce défi.

Abstract In Claude Zilberberg’s semiotic theory, the question of value is one of the conceptual nuclei with a great capacity to summon other notions with which this question is interwoven. This article aims to reflect on the significance of space, taking it as a value of perception. But as these considerations about space were suggested by the reading of the Eighth Elegy by Rainer María Rilke, another problem is linked to the previous one. Indeed, here the space is presented as the emergence of a question about the condition of human existence. The semantic domain of space —either as an absolute value or as a relative value— allows, in the poem, to postulate a possible form for the meaning of existence. Diagrammatic reasoning offers, for its part, different graphs to think about this bet.

Resumen En la teoría semiótica de Claude Zilberberg, la cuestión del valor es uno de los núcleos conceptuales con gran capacidad de convocar a otras nociones con las que dicha cuestión se encuentra imbricada. Este artículo se propone reflexionar sobre la significación del espacio tomándolo como un valor de la percepción. Pero como estas consideraciones en torno al espacio fueron sugeridas por la lectura de la Octava Elegía de Rainer María Rilke, otra problemática se liga a la anterior. En efecto, aquí el espacio se presenta como el emergente de una pregunta por la condición de la existencia humana. El dominio semántico del espacio —sea como valor absoluto, sea como valor relativo— permite, en el poema, postular una forma posible para el sentido de la existencia. El razonamiento diagramático ofrece, por su parte, distintas gráficas para pensar esa apuesta.

RESUMEN Objetivo. El presente artículo busca exponer los hallazgos de una revisión de la literatura sobre la resistencia de la población frente a las vacunas y las principales razones que han influido en sus decisiones hacia a la inmunoprevención, con foco en la pandemia de la COVID-19. Métodos. Se realizó una búsqueda en la literatura utilizando los términos DeCs/MeSH, Anti-Vaccination Movement, Vaccination refusal, Epidemics, COVID-19, Impacts on health, relacionados entre ellos por los operadores booleanos OR y AND en Google Scholar, Medline, Lilacs e Ibecs; también se tuvieron en cuenta documentos de fuentes oficiales. Resultados. A lo largo de la historia, desde el inicio de la vacunación, la percepción de las personas hacia este procedimiento ha sido controversial, hay quienes aceptan lo que las autoridades sanitarias recomiendan y quienes alegan intenciones ocultas detrás de la inmunización; la vacuna contra el SARS-CoV-2 causante de la COVID-19 no ha sido la excepción. Conclusiones. La vacunación ha sido uno de los mayores logros científicos en términos de salud pública, un avance que, a pesar de sus beneficios, ha causado miedo, incertidumbre y suspicacias en la población. Por esta razón, resulta importante incrementar las acciones de educación para la salud en la población, con información clara, concisa y comprensible, y sustentada en fuentes confiables y verídicas, con el fin de disminuir la resistencia a la vacunación y evitar las enfermedades prevenibles.

ABSTRACT Objective. This article presents the findings of a review of the literature on public resistance to vaccines and the main factors that have influenced their decisions about immunoprevention, with a focus on the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods. We searched the literature using the terms DeCs/MeSH, anti-vaccination movement, vaccination refusal, epidemics, COVID-19, and impacts on health, using the Boolean operators OR and AND in Google Scholar, Medline, Lilacs, and Ibecs. Documents from official sources were also considered. Results. Throughout history, since vaccination began, people have had controversial perceptions of the procedure: some accept what the health authorities recommend, and others allege hidden intentions behind immunization. The COVID-19 vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 has been no exception. Conclusions. Vaccination has been one of the greatest scientific achievements in public health. However, despite its benefits, it has raised fear, uncertainty, and suspicion in the population. For this reason, it is important to increase health education actions in the population—with clear, concise, understandable information that is based on reliable and truthful sources—in order to reduce resistance to vaccination and address preventable diseases.

RESUMO Objetivo. Este artigo busca apresentar os achados de uma revisão da literatura sobre a resistência da população às vacinas e os principais motivos que influenciaram suas decisões em relação à imunoprevenção, com foco na pandemia de COVID-19. Métodos. Foi realizada uma busca na literatura utilizando os termos DeCs/MeSH anti-vaccination movement, vaccination refusal, epidemics, COVID-19 e impacts on health, relacionados entre si pelos operadores booleanos OR e AND, no Google Scholar, MEDLINE, LILACS e IBECS. Documentos de fontes oficiais também foram levados em consideração. Resultados. Ao longo da história, desde o início da vacinação, a percepção das pessoas em relação a esse procedimento foi controversa. Há quem aceite o que as autoridades de saúde recomendam e quem alegue intenções ocultas por trás da imunização. A vacina contra o SARS-CoV-2, que causa a COVID-19, não foi exceção. Conclusões. A vacinação tem sido uma das maiores conquistas científicas em termos de saúde pública – um avanço que, apesar de seus benefícios, tem causado medo, incerteza e desconfiança na população. Por isso, é importante aumentar as ações de educação em saúde para a população, com informações claras, concisas e compreensíveis, baseadas em fontes confiáveis e verídicas, a fim de diminuir a resistência à vacinação e evitar doenças preveníveis.

RESUMEN La semilla es el insumo principal para el establecimiento de sistemas productivos agrícolas, por lo cual, durante la producción de semilla, una condición indispensable es que se mantenga la calidad del material en todo el proceso incremental. El Departamento de Semillas de la Corporación Colombiana de Investigación Agropecuaria-Agrosavia, comprometido con el cumplimiento de los requisitos establecidos en la Resolución ICA 3168 de 2015 y en el Decreto del MADR 931 de 2018, en todos sus procesos productivos, ha desarrollado e implementado un Sistema Interno de Trazabilidad (SIT) para la producción de semilla y, específicamente, en una de sus estrategias denominada Plan de Mínimos para cultivos semestrales soya, algodón, arroz, maíz y sorgo en los valles interandinos. Los resultados mostraron que esta herramienta tecnológica facilitó, en el proyecto, realizar el monitoreo y el seguimiento de las labores, el registro de eventos climáticos, el manejo eficiente de inventarios y el análisis de costos. Esta reflexión es un trabajo pionero en Colombia, que contribuye a la toma de decisiones, a mejorar la productividad y a fortalecer el Sistema Nacional de Semillas.

ABSTRACT Seed is the main input for the establishment of agricultural production systems, so during seed production an indispensable condition is that the quality of the material is maintained throughout the incremental process. The Seed Department of Colombian Agricultural Research Corporation- Agrosavia, committed to complying with the requirements established in Resolution ICA 3168 of 2015 and Decree MADR 931 of 2018in all its production processes, has developed and implemented an Internal Traceability System (SIT) for the production of seed and specifically in one of its strategies called Minimum Plan for semi-annual crops of soybean, cotton, rice, corn and sorghum in the inter-Andean valleys. The results show that this technological tool facilitated in the project carried out the monitoring and tracing of the crops work, the registry of climatic events, the efficient management of inventories and the analysis of costs. This is a pioneering work in Colombia, which contributes to decision making, improve productivity and strengthen the National Seed System.

RESUMO: Enterococcus são reconhecidos mundialmente como significantes agentes nosocomiais, que têm continuamente se adaptado a diferentes nichos e adquirido resistência a várias classes de antibióticos. Cepas de E. faecalis e E. faecium vancomicina e gantamicina-resistentes têm sido associadas a infecções nosocomiais em humanos. Alguns estudos epidemiológicos sugerem a participação de aves como reservatórios de cepas de Enterococcus vancomicina e gentamicina-resistentes. Entretanto, a relação das aves de companhia como reservatórios destas cepas tem sido pouco estudada. Neste estudo, 126 psitacídeos foram avaliados, e 26,9% destes eram portadores de Enterococcus spp., incluindo as espécies E. faecalis, E. faecium, E. hirae, E. phoeniculicola, E. gallinarum e E. casseliflavus. O perfil de resistência antibiótica mostrou quatro cepas com alto nível de resistência a gentamicina (ANRG). Além de duas cepas com nível intermediário de resistência a vancomicina. As cepas resistentes foram isoladas de amostras fecais e de orofaringe de aves doentes e clinicamente saudáveis, sugerindo que psitacídeos podem estar atuando como reservatórios para Enterococcus spp. com ANRG. Contudo, Aves doentes parecem estar mais relacionadas à transmissão de enterococcus, do que aves saudáveis.

ABSTRACT: Enterococcus are recognized worldwide as significant nosocomial agents that have been continuously envolving to adapt to different niches and acquire resistance to several antibiotic classes. Vancomycin and gentamicin-resistant strains of E. faecalis and E. faecium have been associated with nosocomial human infections. Some epidemiological studies suggest the participation of pets as reservoirs of vancomycin and gentamicin-resistant Enterococcus strains. However, the role of companion birds as reservoirs of these strains has been poorly studied. In this study, 126 psittacine birds were evaluated and 26.9% carried Enterococcus spp., including the species E. faecalis, E. faecium, E. hirae, E. phoeniculicola, E. gallinarum and E. casseliflavus. The antibiotic resistance profile showed four high-level gentamicin-resistance (HLGR) strains. In addition, two strains presented intermediate levels of vancomycin resistance. Resistant strains were isolated from fecal and oropharynx samples of sick and clinically healthy birds, suggesting that psittacine birds may act as reservoirs of HLGR Enterococcus spp. However, sick birds appear to be more implicated in the enterococci transmission than healthy birds.

Resumo Scuticociliatose, causada pelo protozoário ciliado oportunista, é responsável por significativas perdas econômicas em peixes marinhos ornamentais. O estudo relata a ocorrência de Uronema spp., parasitando dez espécies de peixes de recife em um distribuidor de peixes ornamentais: “Blue green damselfish” (Chromis viridis), “Vanderbilt’s Chromis” (Chromis vanderbilti), “Pennant coralfish” (Heniochus acuminatus), “Threespot angelfish” (Apolemichthys trimaculatus), “Goldspotted angelfish” (Apolemichthys xanthopunctatus), “Sea goldie” (Pseudanthias squamipinnis), “Orchid dottyback” (Pseudochromis fridmani), “Threadfin butterflyfish” (Chaetodon auriga), “Vagabond butterflyfish” (Chaetodon vagabundus), e “Bluecheek butterflyfish” (Chaetodon semilarvatus). Peixes doentes apresentaram distúrbios como hemorragias e lesões ulcerativas na superfície do corpo. A análise histopatológica do músculo, fígado, intestino, rim, baço, brânquias e estômago revelou hemorragias e degeneração das fibras musculares, degeneração vacuolar de hepatócitos, processo inflamatório e granuloma no fígado, atrofia das vilosidades intestinais, processo inflamatório e granuloma no rim, centros de melanomacrófagos e processo inflamatório no baço, hiperplasia das células epiteliais, bem como formação de granuloma nas brânquias e degeneração vacuolar e eosinófilos no estômago. Devido à gravidade da doença, é necessário implementar medidas de biossegurança com diagnóstico rápido e preciso para minimizar o risco de perdas econômicas causadas por Uronema spp.

Abstract Scuticociliatosis, caused by an opportunistic ciliate protozoan, is responsible for significant economic losses in marine ornamental fish. This study reports the occurrence of Uronema spp., parasitizing ten species of marine reef fish at an ornamental fish wholesaler: Blue green damselfish (Chromis viridis), Vanderbilt’s Chromis (Chromis vanderbilti), Pennant coralfish (Heniochus acuminatus), Threespot angelfish (Apolemichthys trimaculatus), Goldspotted angelfish (Apolemichthys xanthopunctatus), Sea goldie (Pseudanthias squamipinnis), Orchid dottyback (Pseudochromis fridmani), Threadfin butterflyfish (Chaetodon auriga), Vagabond butterflyfish (Chaetodon vagabundus), and Bluecheek butterflyfish (Chaetodon semilarvatus). Diseased fish showed disorders such as hemorrhages and ulcerative lesions on the body surface. Histopathological analysis of the muscle, liver, gut, kidney, spleen, gills, and stomach revealed hemorrhages and degeneration of muscle fiber, vacuolar degeneration of hepatocyte, inflammatory process and granuloma in the liver, atrophy of intestinal villi, inflammatory process and granuloma in the kidney, melanomacrophage centers, as well as inflammatory process in the spleen, epithelial cells hyperplasia and granuloma formation in the gills, and vacuolar degeneration and eosinophils in the stomach. Due to the severity of the disease, it is necessary to implement biosecurity measures with rapid and accurate diagnosis to minimize the risk of economic losses caused by Uronema spp.

Resumen El objetivo de este artículo es exponer los principales hallazgos realizados a partir del análisis y consulta de la producción investigativa de grupos de investigación y semilleros de la Vicerrectoría Universidad Abierta y Distancia (VUAD) de la Universidad Santo Tomás 2010-2014. El análisis de la producción investigativa, se enmarca dentro de los aportes de dichas investigaciones, a las funciones sustantivas de la universidad: docencia, currículo, proyección social e internacionalización. Para establecer dichos aportes, se planteó como marco de referencia y medición los indicadores del Modelo de Medición de Colciencias del año 2014, con el fin de contar con elementos de análisis cuantitativos relacionados con la producción científica (número de proyectos, artículos, libros, ponencias o capítulos de libro), y desde la metodología se tomaron elementos de análisis cualitativo como el aporte de los proyectos en campos educativos, sociales o económicos que incidieran en cada una de las funciones sustantivas. Los resultados de la investigación evidencian la tendencia según el tipo de indicador de los proyectos aprobados en las convocatorias de investigación, así mismo, se destaca su aporte a las funciones sustantivas de la Universidad, como lo afirma Fabres (2005): “La docencia, la investigación y la extensión son las tres funciones sustantivas de la Educación Superior, las cuales guardan estrecha relación. Es imposible hablar del componente académico sin tener en cuenta la investigación y la extensión” (p. 2). Finalmente, como ejercicio emergente se presenta las principales áreas temáticas de investigación en la VUAD, con el fin de conocer el perfil investigativo de la VUAD. Como conclusiones se presentan una serie de reflexiones desde las funciones sustantivas de la Universidad, las cuales proporcionan un escenario de trabajo vinculante entre los procesos investigativos y los aspectos del currículo y la evaluación que se han desarrollado en las diferentes investigaciones realizadas en la VUAD.

Abstract The purpose of this article is to present the main findings of the project research by research groups and the semilleros (Seeds of Research) of the Vicerrectoría Universidad Abierta y Distancia (VUAD) of the Universidad Santo Tomás 2010-2014. The analysis of this research project is framed within the contributions of the substantive functions of the university: teaching, curriculum, social projection and internationalization. To establish such contributions, the indicators of the Modelo de Medicion de Colciencias of the year 2014 were proposed as a frame of reference and measurement, in order to have elements of quantitative analysis related to the scientific production (number of projects, articles, books, presentations or book chapters) and from the methodology, elements of qualitative analysis were taken such as the contribution of the projects in educational, social or economic fields that affected each of the substantive functions. The findings from this study show the correlation between the type of indicator of the projects that were approved in the research conventions and its contribution to the substantive functions of the University, as stated by Fabres (2005) "Teaching, Research and extension are the three substantive functions of Higher Education, which are closely related. It is impossible to talk about the academic component without taking research and extension into account" (p.2). Lastly, the research main topics are introduced in order to determine the investigative profile of the VUAD. To conclude, a series of considerations are given with the substantive functions of the University, providing a binding work scenario between the research processes, the aspects of the curriculum and the evaluation of it that have been developed in the different research at VUAD.

Résumé : Ce travail présente un diagramme complexe élaboré pour penser la problématique du sujet et de la subjectivité et contribuer ainsi à une sémiotique du sujet. Ce diagramme comporte un graphique qui, grâce au support d’un ensemble de sphères, reprend d’autres modèles constitutionnels de la signification, tels que le carré sémiotique et le schéma tensif. Pour ce faire, d’un côté, il a été nécessaire de distinguer le concept diagramme de ses filiations ; de l’autre, de réviser les apports de la sémiotique subjectale, pour finalement pouvoir postuler une corporéité dynamique inhérente au sujet. De cette manière, le diagramme du sujet apparaît comme une morphologie ayant sa propre syntaxe et dont le moteur serait l’énonciation en tant qu’événement continu et structurant d’ego.

Abstract: This paper presents a complex diagram that has been developed to consider the problematic of the subject and subjectivity, and thus contribute to a semiotic of the subject. Such a diagram consists of a graph that, from the support of a set of spheres, takes up other constitutional models of signification, such as the semiotic square and the tensive scheme. To this end, it has been necessary to demarcate the diagram concept and its affiliations, then review the contributions of the so-called subject-form semiotics to postulate a dynamic corporeality inherent in the subject. Thus, the diagram of the subject appears as a morphology with its own syntax, whose motor would be enunciation as a continuous and structuring ego event.

Resumen: En este trabajo se presenta un diagrama complejo que ha sido elaborado para pensar la problemática del sujeto y la subjetividad y contribuir, de este modo, a una semiótica del sujeto. Tal diagrama consta de una gráfica que, desde el soporte de un conjunto de esferas, retoma otros modelos constitutivos de la significación, como el cuadrado semiótico y el esquema tensivo. Para todo ello, ha sido necesario hacer un deslinde del concepto diagrama y sus filiaciones, luego, revisar las aportaciones de la llamada semiótica subjetal para postular, finalmente, una corporeidad dinámica inherente al sujeto. Así, el diagrama del sujeto aparece como una morfología con su propia sintaxis, cuyo motor sería la enunciación en tanto acontecimiento continuo y estructurante de ego.

ABSTRACT Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization and Time of Flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) is a powerful tool for the identification of bacteria through the detection and analysis of their proteins or fragments derived from ribosomes. Slight sequence variations in conserved ribosomal proteins distinguish microorganisms at the subspecies and strain levels. Characterization of Leptospira spp. by 16S RNA sequencing is costly and time-consuming, and recent studies have shown that closely related species (e.g., Leptospira interrogans and Leptospira kirschneri) may not be discriminated using this technology. Herein, we report an in-house Leptospira reference spectra database using Leptospira reference strains that were validated with a collection of well-identified Brazilian isolates kept in the Bacterial Zoonosis Laboratory at the Veterinary Preventive Medicine and Animal Health Department at Sao Paulo University. In addition, L. interrogans and L. kirschneri were differentiated using an in-depth mass spectrometry analysis with ClinProTools™ software. In conclusion, our in-house reference spectra database has the necessary accuracy to differentiate pathogenic and non-pathogenic species and to distinguish L. interrogans and L. kirschneri.

Résumé : On peut analyser les systèmes sémiotiques à partir du développement de l’environnement qui, selon les environnementalistes cités dans cet article, consiste en la relation entre ce qui appartient au domaine social et au domaine écologique à travers la culture. Pour l’auteur, cette définition renvoie à la sémiosphère telle que conçue par Lotman : « La sémiosphère est le résultat aussi bien que la condition du développement de la culture ». On pourrait considérer que l’immanence est l’instance sémiotique qui permet d’établir les relations entre les différents systèmes de la sémiosphère. Au cours de ce processus, que l’on pourrait nommer sémiotique de la gestion environnementale, le discours joue un rôle de premier plan tel que le postule l’œuvre Semiótica, educación y gestión ambiental de Bodil Andrade Frich et Benjamín Ortiz Espejel, sur laquelle s’appuie cet article.

Abstract: Semiotic systems can be analyzed from the development of the environment which, according to the environmentalists cited in this article, consists of the relationship between what belongs to the social domain and the ecological domain through culture. According to the author, this definition refers to the semiosphere as conceived by Lotman: “The semiosphere is both the result and the condition of the development of culture”. It could be considered that immanence is the semiotic instance that allows the establishment of relationships between the different systems of the semiosphere. In this process, which would be called semiotics of environmental management, discourse plays a leading role as is postulated by the work Semiotics, education and environmental management by Bodil Andrade Frich and Benjamín Ortiz Espejel, on whom this article is based.

Resumen: Los sistemas semióticos pueden ser analizados a partir del desarrollo del medio ambiente el cual, según los ambientalistas citados en este artículo, consiste en la relación entre lo que pertenece al dominio social y al dominio ecológico a través de la cultura. De acuerdo con la autora, esta definición remite a la semiosfera tal como la concibió Lotman: “La semiosfera es a la vez el resultado y la condición del desarrollo de la cultura”. Podría considerarse que la inmanencia es la instancia semiótica que permite establecer las relaciones entre los distintos sistemas de la semiosfera. En este proceso al que se llamaría semiótica de la gestión ambiental el discurso juega un papel de primer nivel, tal como lo postula la obra Semiótica, educación y gestión ambiental de Bodil Andrade Frich y Benjamín Ortiz Espejel, sobre la que este artículo se ha apoyado.

Leptospira interrogans serovar Canicola is one of the most important pathogenic serovars for the maintenance of urban leptospirosis. Even though it is considered highly adapted to dogs, serovar Canicola infection has already been described in other animals and even a few human cases. Here, we present the genomic characterisation of two Brazilian L. interrogans serovar Canicola strains isolated from slaughtered sows (L0-3 and L0-4) and their comparison with human strain Fiocruz LV133. It was observed that the porcine serovar Canicola strains present the genetic machinery to cause human infection and, therefore, represent a higher risk to public health. Both human and porcine serovar Canicola isolates also presented sequences with high identity to the Chinese serovar Canicola published plasmids pGui1 and pGui2. The plasmids identification in the Brazilian and Chinese serovar Canicola strains suggest that extra-chromosomal elements are one more feature of this serovar that was previously unnoticed.

Leptospira inadai is classified as a species of the Leptospira intermediate group that has been poorly studied due to its apparent insignificance to human and animal health. Nevertheless, over the last two decades the species has been described in human cases in India and in carrier animals in Ecuador. Here, we present the first identification and genomic characterisation of L. inadai serogroup Lyme isolated from captured rodent in Brazil. Even though the M34/99 strain was not pathogenic for hamsters, it was able to establish renal colonisation. The M34/99 strain presented high similarity with L. inadai serogroup Lyme human reference indicating that animal strain could also infect humans, although it does not represent high risk of severe disease. An extrachromosomal sequence was also identified in M34/99 strain and presented high identity with previously described L. inadai phage LinZ_10, suggesting that phage-like extrachromosomal sequence may be another feature of this understudied species.

ABSTRACT Staphylococcus aureus (SA) is a commensal habitant of nasal cavities and skin. Colonization by community-acquired methicillin-resistant SA (CA-MRSA) is associated with infections in patients who have not been recently hospitalized. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of MRSA colonization in an outpatient population, currently unknown in Brazil. Three-hundred patients or caregivers from two teaching hospitals were included. A questionnaire was applied and nasal swabs were obtained from patients. Swabs were inoculated in brain heart infusion (BHI) with 2.5% NaCl and seeded in mannitol. Suspicious colonies were subjected to MALDI-TOF MS Microflex™ identification. Antimicrobial susceptibility test for oxacillin was performed for SA-positive samples by microdilution. Polymerase chain-reactions for detection of mecA and coA genes were performed for resistant samples. Data about MRSA carriers were compared with non-carriers. There were 127 S. aureus isolates, confirmed by MALDI-TOF. Only seven (2.3%) were MRSA and positive for mecA and coA genes. Factors associated with MRSA carriage were African ethnicity, skin diseases or antibiotic use. The majority of them were from Dermatology clinics. Prevalence of MRSA colonization in individuals from the community was low in our study (2.3%). This finding raises the hypothesis of inter-household transmission of SA, although we did not find any association between MRSA-colonization and the shared use of personal objects. Given the low prevalence of MRSA carriers observed, empirical antimicrobial coverage for MRSA in community-acquired infections should be not necessary.

Livestock-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (LA-MRSA) has been mainly related with pig farming, in Europe and North America, with the ST398 as the most commonly identified type of LA-MRSA. Here we present the draft genome of the first vancomycin-intermediate MRSA ST398/t9538 isolated from a swine presenting exudative epidermitis in Brazil.

Resumo: Streptococcus suis é um dos patógenos de maior importância para indústria suinícola mundial. Apesar de sua importância, a caracterização de isolados de S. suis na América do Sul ainda é pouco descrita. O presente estudo descreve a avaliação de isolados de S. suis provenientes de diferentes Estados brasileiros, e sua caracterização sorológica e molecular. Foram avaliados 174 isolados de S. suis e os mesmos foram submetidos a SE-AFLP e pesquisa de marcadores de virulência. Os sorotipos 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 18, 22 e 32 foram identificados dentre os isolados estudados e apenas 4% foram caracterizados como não tipáveis. O perfil de virulência mrp+/epf+/sly+ foi o mais frequente. A análise do SE-AFLP resultou em 29 perfis distribuídos em três grupos principais com mais de 65% de similaridade genética. Os isolados apresentaram tendência de se agrupar segundo origem e sorotipo; no entanto, não foi observada correlação entre os grupamentos e os perfis de virulência.

Abstract: Streptococcus suis is one of most important pathogens in the swine industry worldwide. Despite its importance, studies of S. suis characterization in South America are still rare. This study evaluates S. suis isolates from distinct Brazilian states, from 1999 to 2004, and its molecular and serological characterization. A total of 174 isolates were studied. S. suis identification was confirmed by PCR and isolates were further serotyped and genotyped by SE-AFLP and amplification of virulence markers. Serotype 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 18, 22 and 32 were identified among the studied isolates, and only 4% were characterized as non-typeable. The mrp+/epf+/sly+ genotype was the most frequent. The SE-AFLP analysis resulted in 29 patterns distributed in three main clusters with over 65% of genetic similarity. Isolates presented a slight tendency to cluster according to serotype and origin; however, no further correlation with virulence genotypes was observed.