Phenotypic and genotypic SPM and IMP metallo-β-lactamases (MBL) detection and also the determination of minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) to imipenem, meropenem and ceftazidime were evaluated in 47 multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates from clinical specimens. Polymerase chain reaction detected 14 positive samples to either blaSPM or blaIMP genes, while the best phenotypic assay (ceftazidime substrate and mercaptopropionic acid inhibitor) detected 13 of these samples. Imipenem, meropenem and ceftazidime MICs were higher for MBL positive compared to MBL negative isolates. We describe here the SPM and IMP MBL findings in clinical specimens of P. aeruginosa from the University Hospital of Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil, that reinforce local studies showing the high spreading of blaSPM and blaIMP genes among brazilian clinical isolates.

Propolis is a natural resinous substance collected by bees from tree exudates and secretions. Its antimicrobial activity has been investigated and inhibitory action on Staphylococcus aureus growth was evaluated. The in vitro synergism between ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP) and antimicrobial drugs by two susceptibility tests (Kirby and Bauer and E-Test) on 25 S. aureus strains was evaluated. Petri dishes with sub-inhibitory concentrations of EEP were incubated with 13 drugs using Kirby and Bauer method and synergism between EEP and five drugs [choramphenicol (CLO), gentamicin (GEN), netilmicin (NET), tetracycline (TET), and vancomycin (VAN)] was observed. Nine drugs were assayed by the E-test method and five of them exhibited a synergism [CLO, GEN, NET, TET, and clindamycin (CLI)]. The results demonstrated the synergism between EEP and antimicrobial drugs, especially those agents that interfere on bacterial protein synthesis.

Resumo: Neste trabalho os autores fazem uma avaliação sumária dos aspectos mais relevantes do Curso da Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu - UNESP, que completou vinte e cinco anos, em 1988. Foram analisadas as características do ensino nessa instituição, em relação a: corpo discente, corpo docente e currículo, em três momentos distintos de seu desenvolvimento (1968, 1978 e 1988). Evidenciou-se elevação progressiva do número de estudantes do sexo feminino de 1963 a 1983. Registrou-se considerável ampliação do corpo docente no período, atingindo 189 em 1988, dos quais 89% em regime de dedicação integral à docência e pesquisa. Observou-se um acréscimo de 100% no número de disciplinas, de 1968 para 1978, sobretudo no 4° e 5º anos do curso, relacionadas ao surgimento de especialidades e/ou sub-especialidades, notadamente em 1988. A análise global indica a necessidade de reformulação de currículo e curso.