This study aimed to correlate the presence of ica genes, biofilm formation and antimicrobial resistance in 107 strains of Staphylococcus epidermidis isolated from blood cultures. The isolates were analysed to determine their methicillin resistance, staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) type, ica genes and biofilm formation and the vancomycin minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was measured for isolates and subpopulations growing on vancomycin screen agar. The mecA gene was detected in 81.3% of the S. epidermidis isolated and 48.2% carried SCCmec type III. The complete icaADBC operon was observed in 38.3% of the isolates; of these, 58.5% produced a biofilm. Furthermore, 47.7% of the isolates grew on vancomycin screen agar, with an increase in the MIC in 75.9% of the isolates. Determination of the MIC of subpopulations revealed that 64.7% had an MIC ≥ 4 μg mL-1, including 15.7% with an MIC of 8 μg mL-1 and 2% with an MIC of 16 μg mL-1. The presence of the icaADBC operon, biofilm production and reduced susceptibility to vancomycin were associated with methicillin resistance. This study reveals a high level of methicillin resistance, biofilm formation and reduced susceptibility to vancomycin in subpopulations of S. epidermidis. These findings may explain the selection of multidrug-resistant isolates in hospital settings and the consequent failure of antimicrobial treatment.

RESUMO O objetivo deste artigo é avaliar as possibilidades de importação de gás natural da Argentina ou Bolívia para o Brasil. É possível verificar a existência de um mercado de consumo que possa tornar atraente a importação de gás. Mais do que um simples acordo comercial, a construção de um duto de gás pode ajudar a melhorar a existência de um futuro mercado comum: o Mercosul. Brasil comercial comum Mercosul

ABSTRACT The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the possibilities of natural gas import from Argentina or Bolivia to Brazil. It is possible to verify the existence of a consumption market that may become the importation of gas attractive. More than a simple trade deal, the construction of a gas duct may help to improve the existence of a future common market: the Mercosur. Brazil attractive deal Mercosur