Abstract The illegal wildlife trade may increase the risk of infectious disease transmission, and it may not only cause disease outbreaks in humans but also threaten livestock, native wild populations, and ecosystems' health. Bird species may act as carriers in the transmission of enteric pathogens. However, epidemiological studies on zoonotic bacteria in wild birds are rare in Brazil. From March 2011 to March 2012, we investigated the frequency of Enterobacteriaceae in cloacal swab samples from 109 birds of the passerine and Psittacidae families. These birds were recovered from illegal trade in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and sent to a rehabilitation center. Gram-negative bacteria were isolated from 86 wild birds (78.9%). A mean (±SD) of 1.68 (±1.30) different bacterial species were isolated per bird, with a maximum of five bacterial species from three bird species. The most frequently isolated bacteria were Escherichia coli, followed by Enterobacter spp., Klebsiella pneumoniae and other enteric bacteria. Salmonella ser. Typhimurium was isolated from a Temminck's seedeater (Sporophila falcirostris), and two Salmonella ser. Panama were isolated from two specimens of chestnut-capped blackbird (Chrysomus ruficapillus). Of the 70 selected bacterial isolates, 60 exhibited antibiotic resistance. The resistance patterns varied from one to nine of the antibiotics tested. Resistance to ceftiofur was the most prevalent, followed by ampicillin and ceftriaxone. The dissemination potential of resistant strains in situations typically seen in the management of captive birds may become a problem for the conservation of natural bird populations and for public health.

Introduction This research aimed to identify and quantify potentially pathogenic Vibrio from different cultivations of bivalve shellfish in the State of Santa Catarina, Brazil, and water regions in the South Bay, as well as correlate the incidence of these microorganisms with the physicochemical parameters of marine waters. Methods Between October 2008 and March 2009, 60 oyster and seawater samples were collected from six regions of bivalve mollusk cultivation, and these samples were submitted for Vibrio counts. Results Twenty-nine (48.3%) oyster samples were revealed to be contaminated with one or more Vibrio species. The Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio vulnificus counts in the samples ranged from < 0.5 log10 Most Probable Number (MPN) g–1 to 2.3 log10 MPN g–1 oyster and from < 0.5 log10 MPN g–1 to 2.1 log10 MPN g–1 oyster, respectively. Of the 60 seawater samples analyzed, 44 (73.3%) showed signs of contamination with one or more vibrio species. The counts of V. parahaemolyticus and V. vulnificus in the samples ranged from < 0.3 log10 MPN·100mL–1 to 1.7 log10MPN·100mL–1 seawater and from < 0.3 log10 MPN·100mL–1 to 2.0 log10 MPN·100mL–1 seawater, respectively. A positive correlation between V. vulnificus counts and the seawater temperature as well as a negative correlation between the V. parahaemolyticus counts and salinity were observed. Conclusions The results suggest the need to implement strategies to prevent vibrio diseases from being transmitted by the consumption of contaminated bivalve shellfish.

This study aimed at evaluating the bacteriological effects of the treatment of sheep meat contaminated with total coliforms, coliforms at 45 °C and Salmonella spp. by using irradiation at doses of 3 kGy and 5 kGy. Thirty sheep meat samples were collected from animals located in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil, and then grouped in three lots including 10 samples: non-irradiated (control); irradiated with 3 kGy; and irradiated with 5 kGy. Exposure to gamma radiation in a 137Cs source-driven irradiating facility was perfomed at the Nuclear Defense Section of the Brazilian Army Technological Center (CTEx) in Rio de Janeiro. The samples were kept under freezing temperature (-18 °C) until the analyses, which occurred in two and four months after irradiation. The results were interpreted by comparison with the standards of the current legislation and demonstrated that non-irradiated samples were outside the parameters established by law for all groups of bacteria studied. Gamma irradiation was effective in inactivating those microorganisms at both doses tested and the optimal dose was achieved at 3 kGy. The results have shown not only the need for sanitary conditions improvements in slaughter and processing of sheep meat but also the irradiation effectiveness to eliminate coliform bacteria and Salmonella spp.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella spp. in frozen chicken carcasses at retail from 15 Brazilian cities. METHODS: A descriptive study of data from the Brazilian National Program for Monitoring the Prevalence of Bacterial Resistance in Chicken (PREBAF) was conducted from September 2004 to July 2006. The program collected chicken carcasses in 15 state capitals of Brazil in the five geographic regions of the country. Standardized methodologies were used to isolate Salmonellaspp. and identify serotypes. The minimal inhibitory concentration method was used to test resistance to 18 antimicrobials. RESULTS: In 2 679 carcasses examined, the prevalence of Salmonella spp. was 2.7% (range 0.0%-8.9%). São Paulo State produced 50.6% of positive samples. Eighteen serotypes were identified. The most frequently occurring were Salmonella Enteritidis (48.8%), Salmonella Infantis (7.6%), Salmonella Typhimurium (7.2%), and Salmonella Heidelberg (6.4%). All 250 strains tested were resistant to one or more antibiotics, and 133 (53.2%) were multidrug resistant (≥ 3 classes). S. Heidelberg was resistant to ceftriaxone (75.0%) and to ceftiofur(43.8%). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of Salmonella spp. found in this study was relatively low. However, there were a high proportion of multidrug-resistant strains, including third-generation cephalosporins used to treat invasive salmonellosis. The results confirm the relevanceof the PREBAF program. It is recommended that PREBAF be improved, including a timely data analysis. A review of permitted limits for Salmonella spp. in retail chicken in Brazil is also needed.

OBJETIVO: Describir la prevalencia y la resistencia a los antibióticos de Salmonella spp. en canales de pollo congeladas de venta al por menor en 15 ciudades del Brasil. MÉTODOS: Entre septiembre del 2004 y julio del 2006 se llevó a cabo un estudio descriptivo de los datos del Programa Nacional Brasileño de Vigilancia de la Prevalencia de la Resistencia Bacteriana en el Pollo (PREBAF). Durante el programa se recolectaron canales de pollo en 15 capitales estatales del Brasil, en las cinco regiones geográficas del país. Para aislar Salmonella spp. e identificar los serotipos, se usaron las técnicas convencionales. Para evaluar la resistencia frente a 18 antibióticos, se usó el método de la concentración inhibitoria mínima. RESULTADOS: En las 2 679 canales de pollo examinadas, la prevalencia de Salmonella spp. fue de 2,7% (amplitud, 0,0%-8,9%). El 50,6% de las muestras positivas provinieron del estado de São Paulo. Se identificaron 18 serotipos. Los más frecuentes fueron Salmonella Enteritidis (48,8%), Salmonella Infantis (7,6%), Salmonella Typhimurium (7,2%) y Salmonella Heidelberg (6,4%). Las 250 cepas evaluadas fueron resistentes a uno o más antibióticos, y 133 (53,2%) fueron multirresistentes (≥ 3 clases de antibióticos). Salmonella Heidelberg fue resistente a la ceftriaxona (75,0%) y al ceftiofur (43,8%). CONCLUSIONES: La prevalencia de Salmonella spp. en este estudio fue relativamente baja. Sin embargo, hubo una proporción elevada de cepas multirresistentes, inclusive a las cefalosporinas de tercera generación usadas para tratar la salmonelosis invasora. Los resultados confirman la relevancia del programa PREBAF, el cual se recomienda mejorar, por ejemplo, mediante un análisis oportuno de los datos. También es necesario revisar los límites permitidos de Salmonella spp. en el pollo que se vende al por menor en el Brasil.

No Brasil, não há relato de estudos de Salmonella em gambás, sendo assim, este trabalho tem por objetivo determinar a frequência de isolamento de Salmonella enterica em gambás (D. aurita e D. albiventris) no Estado de São Paulo. No período de janeiro de 2005 a dezembro de 2006, foram necropsiados 106 D. aurita e 40 D. albiventris e colhidos fragmentos de intestinos delgado, grosso e suabe da cloaca. As amostras foram plaqueadas diretamente em ágar Mac Conkey, paralelamente suspendidas nos caldos Rappaport-Vassiliadis e Tetrationato e posteriormente plaqueados em ágar XLT4. As colônias sugestivas de Salmonella foram confirmadas através de provas bioquímicas e sorotipagem. Encontrou-se Salmonella enterica em 17,0% (18/106) dos D. aurita. Destes, 50% apresentaram positividade no intestino delgado (ID), 88,9% no intestino grosso (IG) e 66,7% na cloaca. Da espécie S. enterica, as subespécies encontradas foram: diarizonae (11,1%) houtenae e enterica (5,5% cada um); enquanto da subespécie S. enterica enterica os sorotipos foram Newport (83,3%), Typhimurium e Cerro (5,5% cada um). Nos D. albiventris, 17,5% (7/40) eram positivos, sendo que se encontraram 42,8% no ID, 85,7% no IG e 71,4% na cloaca. O sorotipo mais prevalente também foi Newport (71,4%), seguido por Typhimurium, Bareilly e Thompson (14,3% cada um). Através dos resultados obtidos neste estudo pode-se comprovar a presença de Salmonella enterica no trato intestinal de gambás no Brasil.

In Brazil there is not report of Salmonella in opossum, so then, the objective of this study is to determine the isolation frequency of Salmonella enterica in opossum in São Paulo State, Brazil. From January 2005 to December 2006, 106 D. aurita and 40 D. albiventris were necropsied and samples from small and large intestine and cloacal swab were collected. These samples were submitted to direct plating in Mac Conkey agar and parallel suspension in Rappaport-Vassiliadis and Tetrationate broths with posterior streaking in XLT4 agar. The characterization of the isolates was done through biochemical tests and serotyping. Salmonella enterica was found in 17.0% (18/106) of the D. aurita; 50% presented the bacteria in the small intestine (SI), 88.9% in the large intestine (LI) and 66.7% in the cloaca. Of the S. enterica were found the subspecies: diarizonae (11.1%), enterica and houtenae (5.5% each); and the serotypes of the S. enterica enterica were Newport (83.3%), Typhimurium and Cerro (5.5% each). In the D. albiventris 17.5% (7/40) were positive; 42.8% in the SI, 85.7% in the LI and 71.4% in the cloaca. Newport (71.4%) was also the most frequent serotype and the second were Typhimurium, Bareilly and Thompson (14.3% each). The presence of Salmonella enterica in the intestines of opossums in Brazil was proved.

Thirty water samples were collected, at two week intervals, from the estuary of the River Cocó. The aim was to characterize the presence, distribution and types of Aeromonas spp, in the estuary of the River Cocó, Ceara, Brazil (03º46'28.83''S e 38º26'36.52''S). Aeromonas were identified in 19 (63%) samples analyzed by plating and CFU counts. Presence/absence tests were positive for 11 (37%) of the samples resulting in the detection of Aeromonas in a total of 23 (77%) of samples. CFU counts varied from < 10 to 1.4 x 10(4) CFU mL-1 . From the isolated strains seven species of Aeromonas were identified: A. caviae (29/69), A. veronii bv. sobria (13/69), A. veronii bv. veronii (8/69), A. trota (6/69), A. media (5/69), A. sobria (4/69) and A. hydrophila and Aeromonas sp. (2/69). Of the 38 strains tested, 23 (60%) showed resistance to at least one of the eight antimicrobials. Multiple resistance to antibiotics was observed in A. caviae, A. media, A. sóbria and A. veronii bv. sobria. Aeromonas caviae showed the highest multiple resistance, being resistant to four antibiotics. The presence of those microorganisms may contribute to the occurrence of gastroenteritis, mainly in children, since they are considered opportunists.

The aims of this study were to count and identify sucrose positive and negative vibrios isolated from cultivated Crassostrea rhizophorae oysters during their growing cycle. Every month for 12 months, 10 to 18 oysters were collected for study. Collections occurred at the Center for Studies of Coastal Aquaculture (CSCA), which is associated with the Institute of Marine Science, Labomar, located in Euzebio, Ceará, Brazil. Approximately 150 oysters and their intervalvular liquor were studied. Vibrio Standard Plates Counts (SPC) from oyster meat and their intervalvular liquor varied from 25 to 59,000,000 CFU/g. For most of the 12 months of the oysters' life, it was possible to identify Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Vibrio carchariae was identified in four collections. Among other isolated species, the most important, considering public health risks, was V. vulnificus, although only one strain was confirmed. We concluded that retail purchased oysters should never be eaten raw or undercooked because many species of the genus Vibrio are known to be pathogenic to humans and live naturally on and in shellfish throughout their life cycle.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolados de peixes de água doce e de frangos foram submetidos ao teste de suscetibilidade aos antimicrobianos utilizando quatorze drogas, com o objetivo de determinar e confrontar os padrões de suscetibilidade deste microrganismo. As cepas oriundas de peixes pertenciam à coleção do Laboratório de Bacterioses/IV/UFRRJ. Para o isolamento das cepas, foram selecionados miúdos (fígado) e cortes (coxa e sobrecoxa) de frangos adquiridos em estabelecimentos comerciais no município do Rio de Janeiro. A metodologia de isolamento incluiu o enriquecimento em água peptonada, seguido de semeadura em Agar EMB e Agar GSP. Para as cepas oriundas de peixes, procedeu-se à reativação em água peptonada, seguida de reisolamento em Agar EMB. Colônias sugestivas foram transferidas para Agar TSI e LIA para avaliação das características metabólicas. A capacidade de produção de pigmento verde-azulado foi avaliada em Agar Mueller-Hinton e a da enzima citocromo-oxidase, em Agar Nutriente. O teste de suscetibilidade a antimicrobianos realizado nas 63 cepas revelou maiores percentuais de resistência para NAL e NIT (96,8%), TCY (93,6%), AMC (92,1%), CHL (90,5%) e SXT (85,7%), destacando-se a multirresistência dos isolados. A totalidade das cepas oriundas de frangos apresentou sensibilidade a CAZ e IPM e nos isolados de peixes a ATM, CAZ, IPM e AMK.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains isolated from fish and chicken products were analyzed using the Antimicrobial Susceptibility Test with 14 drugs to evaluate the susceptibility patterns of this microorganism. Strains isolated from two different sources were evaluated. The fish strains belonged to the collection of Bacterioses Laboratory/IV/UFRRJ, and those from chicken specimens were isolated from the liver and chicken carcasses traded in commercial establishments in the city of Rio de Janeiro. The isolation methodology included enrichment in Peptone Water and then spread on EMB Agar and GSP Agar. The fish strains were inoculated into Peptone Water and then spread on EMB Agar. The suggestive colonies were streaked onto TSI and LIA Agar for metabolic evaluation. The activity of the green pigments was evaluated by Muller-Hinton Agar and the production of oxydase enzyme by Nutrient Agar. The antimicrobial susceptibility test performed for the 63 strains revealed the resistance to NAL and NIT (96.8%), TCY (93.6%), AMC (92.1%), CHL (90.5%), and SXT (85.7%) highlighting multi-resistance of the isolate. All strains isolated from chicken were susceptible to ATM and CAZ, and the strains isolated from fish were susceptible to ATM, CAZ, IPM, and AMK.

Aeromonas spp é reconhecida como patogênica para o homem após o consumo de água e alimentos contaminados. Na presente investigação, foram avaliadas 2.323 amostras de swabs retais de neonatos hospitalizados no Rio de Janeiro objetivando o isolamento de Aeromonas. As amostras foram coletadas e enviadas ao Laboratório de Referência Nacional de Cólera e outras enteroinfecções bacterianas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Os swabs foram submetidos ao enriquecimento em água peptonada alcalina adicionada de 1% de cloreto de sódio (NaCl) e água peptonada alcalina adicionada de 3% de NaCl (37ºC/18-24h) e semeadas em agar seletivo para Pseudomonas aeromonas (Agar GSP). Foram isoladas 56 cepas de Aeromonas assim distribuídas: Aeromonas caviae (42,8%), Aeromonas media (25%), Aeromonas veronii biogrupo sobria (10,7%), Aeromonas hydrophila (9%), Aeromonas veronii biogrupo veronii (5,3%), Aeromonas sobria (1,8%), Aeromonas jandaei (1,8%), Aeromonas schubertii (1,8%) e Aeromonas sp (1,8%). Foi observada resistência a uma ou mais drogas antimicrobianas em 26,8% das cepas. Considerando a relevância de Aeromonas torna-se urgente alertar sobre sua importância para o controle de infecções hospitalares.

Aeromonas spp is recognized as pathogenic to humans after consumption of contaminated water and food. In the present investigation, 2,323 rectal swab samples from newborns hospitalized in Rio de Janeiro were evaluated with a view to isolating Aeromonas. The samples were collected and sent to the national reference laboratory for cholera and other bacterial intestinal infections, at the Oswaldo Cruz Institute of the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation. The swabs were subjected to enrichment in alkaline peptonated water with the addition of 1% sodium chloride (NaCl) and alkaline peptonated water plus 3% NaCl (37°C/18-24h) and were streaked onto agar that was selective for Pseudomonas-Aeromonas (GSP Agar). Fifty-six Aeromonas strains were isolated, distributed as follows: Aeromonas caviae (42.8%), Aeromonas media (25%), Aeromonas veronii biogroup sobria (10.7%), Aeromonas hydrophila (9%), Aeromonas veronii biogroup veronii (5.3%), Aeromonas sobria (1.8%), Aeromonas jandaei (1.8%), Aeromonas schubertii (1.8%) and Aeromonas sp (1.8%). Resistance to one or more antimicrobial drugs was observed in 26.8% of the strains. Considering the importance of Aeromonas, there is an urgent need to warn about this in relation to nosocomial infection control.

A incidência de gastrenterite causada por Salmonella Hadar tem aumentado ao longo dos anos em todo o mundo. O uso indiscriminado de antimicrobianos na clínica humana e veterinária tem contribuído para o aumento da multiresistência deste sorovar. No presente estudo, 179 cepas de S. Hadar isoladas de diferentes fontes da cadeia alimentar no Brasil foram fagotipadas e analisadas quanto ao perfil de resistência antimicrobiana. Os principais fagotipos de S. Hadar isolados foram PT 38, PT 39, PT 40, PT 11, PT 34, PT 1 e PT 22. Outros fagotipos como PT 13, PT 19, PT 21, PT 23, PT 31, PT 33 e PT 37 foram obtidos em menores percentagens. Um total de 35,7% das cepas avaliadas foi resistente a dois ou mais antimicrobianos. Por outro lado, não foi observada resistência a cefalosporinas de terceira geração ou ciprofloxacina. Esses resultados apontam para a circulação de fagotipos de S. Hadar entre animais, alimentos e seres humanos, bem como o aumento da multiresistência antimicrobiana. O monitoramento de cepas de S. Hadar baseado na fagotipagem e no padrão de resistência aos antimicrobianos são ferramentas úteis na detecção de surtos, identificação das fontes de infecção, além de auxiliar na implantação de programas de controle e prevenção de salmoneloses.

The gastroenteritis incidence caused by Salmonella Hadar has increased over the last decades worldwide. The uncontrolled use of antimicrobials for treating human patients and veterinary field contributes to increase the multidrug resistance of this serovar. In the present investigation, a total of 179 S. Hadar isolates from different sources of foodchain in Brazil were phage typed and analyzed for their antimicrobial resistance profile. The main S. Hadar phage types isolated were PT 38, PT 39, PT 40, PT 11, PT 34, PT 1 and PT 22. Others phage types as PT 13, PT 19, PT 21, PT 23, PT 31, PT 33 and PT 37 were obtained in low percentages. A total of 35,7% S. Hadar strains were resistant to two or more antimicrobials drugs. Furthermore, no resistance to third generation cephalosporin or ciprofloxacin was identified in these strains. Those results appoint to S. Hadar phage types circulating among animals, food and humans, as well as the increasing of multidrug resistance. The surveillance and monitoring of S. Hadar strains based on phage typing and antimicrobial resistance profile are useful for detecting outbreaks, identifying sources of infection and implementing prevention and control measures of salmonellosis.

Salmonella Typhimurium é considerada uma das principais bactérias causadoras de salmonelose nos animais e no homem em todo o mundo. No Brasil, Salmonella Typhimurium é um dos mais prevalentes sorovares isolados de alimentos para consumo humano. O uso indiscriminado de antibióticos em produtos agrícolas e no tratamento de pacientes humanos tem contribuído para aumentar a multirresistência desse sorovar a diversos antimicrobianos. No presente estudo, 278 cepas de STM foram selecionadas de diferentes fontes e regiões do Brasil, no período de 1999 a 2004 e realizadas a fagotipagem e análise do perfil de resistência antimicrobiana no Laboratório de Enterobactérias, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ. Os principais fagotipos isolados foram DT 193 (64,3%), DT 19 (17,4%) e DT 18 (4%). Os fagotipos DT 10 (2%), DT 27 (3,24%), DT 13 (0,36%), DT 22 (0,36%), DT 28 (0,36%), DT 29 (0,36%) e DT 149 (0,36%) foram isolados em menores percentuais. Um total de 54% das cepas de STM foi resistente a três ou mais classes de antimicrobianos e não foi observada resistência a cefalosporinas de terceira geração ou ciprofloxacina. Esses resultados indicam os principais lisotipos de Salmonella Typhimurium circulantes entre os animais, alimentos de consumo humano e seres humanos no Brasil, bem como o aumento da multirresistência antimicrobiana. O monitoramento de cepas de Salmonella Typhimurium baseado na fagotipagem e no padrão de resistência antimicrobiana são ferramentas úteis para detectar surtos, identificar a fonte de infecção e implementar programas de prevenção e controle de salmonelose.

Salmonella Typhimurium has become a widespread cause of salmonellosis among humans and animals worldwide. In Brazil, Salmonella Typhimurium (STM) is one of the most prevalent serovars isolated from food for human consumption. The uncontrolled sale and use of antimicrobials in agriculture and for treating human patients contributes to increase multidrug resistance of this serovar. In the present study, a total of 278 STM isolates from different sources and regions of Brazil over the period 1999 to 2004 were phage typed and analyzed for their antimicrobial resistance profile at Laboratory of Enterobacteria, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ. The main STM phage types isolated were DT 193 (64.3%), DT 19 (17.4%) and DT 18 (4%). Others phage types as DT 10 (2%), DT 27 (3.24%), DT 13 (0.36%), DT 22 (0.36%), DT 28 (0.36%), DT 29 (0.36%) and DT 149 (0.36%) were obtained in low percentages. A total of 54% STM strains were resistant to three or more antimicrobial classes, while no resistance to third generation cephalosporin or ciprofloxacin was identified in these strains. Those results show the STM phage types circulating among animals, food for human consumption and humans in Brazil as well as the increasing of multidrug resistance. The surveillance of STM strains based on phage typing and antimicrobial resistance profile are useful for detecting outbreaks, identifying sources of infection and implementing prevention and control measures.

Avaliaram-se 40 amostras de ostras (Crassostrea rhizophorae) servidas in natura em 15 restaurantes da Cidade do Rio de Janeiro, a fim de investigar a presença de Vibrio spp. As amostras de ostras foram analisadas e submetidas a enriquecimento em água peptonada alcalina adicionada de 1 e 3% de NaCl, incubadas a 37°C por 24 horas. Em seguida, os cultivos foram semeados em agar tiossulfato citrato bile sacarose e as colônias suspeitas foram submetidas à caracterização bioquímica. Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio carchariae, Vibrio alginolyticus e Vibrio vulnificus representaram as principais espécies (> 60%) isoladas a partir das ostras in natura.

Forty oyster samples (Crassostrea rhizophorae) served raw in 15 restaurants in the city of Rio de Janeiro were evaluated in order to investigate the presence of Vibrio spp. The oyster samples were analyzed and subjected to enrichment in alkaline peptone water with the addition of 1 and 3% NaCl and incubated at 37°C for 24 hours. Following this, the cultures were seeded onto thiosulfate citrate bile sucrose agar (TCBS) and the suspected colonies were subjected to biochemical characterization. Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio carchariae, Vibrio alginolyticus and Vibrio vulnificus were the main species (> 60%) isolated from raw oysters.

O ecossistema marinho é o habitat natural de bactérias como Vibrio parahaemolyticus, um importante patógeno causador de gastrenterite humana associada ao consumo de alimentos marinhos. Na presente investigação, foi avaliada a presença de V. parahaemolyticus a partir de 86 amostras de mexilhões in natura e pré-cozidos. Vibrio parahaemolyticus foi isolado a partir de 11,6% dos mexilhões in natura e pré-cozidos avaliados. Todas as cepas avaliadas demonstraram-se urease positivas e 28,5% Kanagawa positivas sugerindo um potencial patogênico para o homem. Houve a predominância do sorotipo O10:K52 e a identificação da cepa emergente O3:K6. Esses resultados apontam para a relevância epidemiológica de V. parahaemolyticus em casos de gastrenterite humana após consumo de mexilhões sem cozimento adequado (100ºC/15min). Além disso, é importante alertar as autoridades de Vigilância Sanitária no Brasil quanto a sua presença na cadeia alimentar e seus riscos para a Saúde Pública.

The marine ecosystem is the natural habitat of bacteria like Vibrio parahaemolyticus, an important pathogen that cause human gastroenteritis associated with seafood consumption. In the present investigation, the presence of V. parahaemolyticus in 86 in natura and precooked mussel samples was evaluated. Vibrio parahaemolyticus was isolated from 11.6% of the in natura and precooked mussels. All strains tested were urease-positive and 28.5% were Kanagawa-positive, which suggests that they have pathogenic potential for humans. There was predominance of the O10:K52 serotype and the emerging O3:K6 strain was identified. These results show the epidemiological relevance of V. parahaemolyticus in cases of human gastroenteritis following mussel consumption without adequately cooking them (100°C/15min). Moreover, it is important to alert the Brazilian Sanitary Surveillance authorities regarding their presence in the food chain and their public health risks.

Cento e setenta e nove amostras de V. cholerae não O1/não O139, isoladas de casos clínicos (139) e de meio ambiente (40), no período de 1991 a 2000 no Brasil, foram caracterizadas antigenicamente pelo National Institute of Health (Japão) e investigadas quanto ao seu potencial genético de virulência, representado pelos genes ctxA, zot, ace e tcpA. As análises fenotípicas revelaram extraordinária diversidade antigênica, com a ocorrência de 54 diferentes sorogrupos, com prevalência para O26 (7,8%). A técnica de PCR, empregada na detecção dos genes localizados no elemento genético CTX (ctxA, zot, ace) e na Ilha de Patogenicidade de Vibrio-VPI (tcpA), possibilitou a identificação de 27 cepas contendo qualquer um desses genes. O gene ctxA (codificador da sub-unidade A de CT), só foi evidenciado no sorogrupo O26, sendo também o único capaz de se apresentar com o cassete de virulência de forma intacta. Com base nos resultados obtidos deste estudo preliminar, admite-se a hipótese da potencialidade destas cepas, evoluir para raças epidêmicas.

One hundred seventy nine Vibrio cholerae non-O1/non-O139 strains from clinical and different environmental sources isolated in Brazil from 1991 to 2000 were serogrouped and screened for the presence of four different virulence factors. The Random Amplification of Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique was used to evaluate the genetic relatedness among strains. Fifty-four different serogroups were identified and V. cholerae O26 was the most common (7.8%). PCR analysis for three genes (ctxA, zot, ace) located of the CTX genetic element and one gene (tcpA) located on the VPI pathogenicity island showed that 27 strains harbored one or more of these genes. Eight (4.5%) strains possessed the complete set of CTX element genes and all but one of these belonged to the O26 serogroup suggesting that V. cholerae O26 has the potential to be an epidemic strain. The RAPD profiles revealed a wide variability among strains and no genetic correlation was observed.

A presença de Vibrio parahaemolyticus foi avaliada em 50 amostras de moluscos bivalves marinhos compostas por 40 amostras de ostras coletadas em 15 restaurantes do Rio de Janeiro e 10 amostras de mexilhões capturados de banco natural em Ponta de Itaipú - Niterói. Foram empregadas a técnica do Número Mais Provável (NMP) para a enumeração de V. parahaemolyticus utilizando Caldo Glicosado Salgado com Teepol (GSTB) e Água Peptonada Alcalina (APA) com 3% de cloreto de sódio (NaCl). Paralelamente foi realizada técnica de enriquecimento em APA com 1 e 3% de NaCl. Decorrido o período de incubação de ambas as técnicas, foi realizado plaqueamento em ágar TCBS (Tiossulfato Citrato Bile Sacarose). Todas as cepas de V. parahaemolyticus isoladas através das duas técnicas foram testadas para o fenômeno de Kanagawa e, quanto à produção de urease. Do total de 141 cepas de V. parahaemolyticus isoladas, 62% revelaram-se urease positivas e, dentre estas, os sorotipos predominantes foram O10:K?, O11:K? e O3:K57 dentre o total de 24 sorotipos urease positivos identificados. Embora todas as cepas de V. parahaemolyticus tenham sido Kanagawa negativas, os resultados apontam elevada incidência desta espécie em ostras comercializadas em restaurantes.

The presence of Vibrio parahaemolyticus were detected in 50 marine bivalve mollusks composed by 40 oysters samples collected at 15 restaurants in Rio de Janeiro City and 10 wild mussels' samples harvested in Ponta de Itaipu-Niterói. The Most Probable Number (MPN) technique was employed for the enumeration of V. parahaemolyticus, using glucose salt teepol broth (GSTB) and alcaline peptone water (APW) with 3% NaCl. At the same time, the samples were submitted on direct plating with APW added 1 and 3% NaCl. Both techniques were followed by plating onto TCBS agar. All the V. parahaemolyticus strains isolated were tested for Kanagawa phenomenon and they were also tested for the presence of urease. A total of 141 V. parahaemolyticus strains were detected, 62% revealed urease positive and these strains were serological characterized showing the predominance of serotypes: 010:K?, 011:K? and O3:K57 among 24 serotypes urease positive. Although, all strains of V. parahaemolyticus were Kanagawa negative the results suggest a high incidence of these microorganism in oysters consumed.