Recurrent Outbreak of Carbapenem-Resistant IMP-1-Producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Kidney Transplant Recipients: The Impact of Prolonged Patient Colonization.

Background: Infections by carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA) have been associated with high morbidity and mortality among solid organ recipients.

Objectives: To delineate the epidemiological and molecular characteristics of a recurrent outbreak of imipenem (IMP)-producing P. aeruginosa (CRPA) among kidney transplant (KT) recipient METHODS: We described a recurring CRPA outbreak in a KT ward, divided into two periods: before unit closure (Feb 2019-2020) and after reopening (Aug 2020-Dec 2023).

Genomic analysis of two penicillin- and rifampin-resistant Corynebacterium rouxii strains isolated from cutaneous infections in dogs.

Although diphtheria is a vaccine-preventable disease, numerous cases are still reported around the world, as well as outbreaks in countries, including European ones. Species of the Corynebacterium diphtheriae complex are potentially toxigenic and, therefore, must be considered given the possible consequences, such as the circulation of clones and transmission of antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes. Recently, Corynebacterium rouxii was characterized and included among the valid species of the complex.

Infection by a multidrug-resistant Corynebacterium diphtheriae strain: prediction of virulence factors, CRISPR-Cas system analysis, and structural implications of mutations conferring rifampin resistance.

Cases of diphtheria, even in immunized individuals, are still reported in several parts of the world, including in Brazil. New outbreaks occur in Europe and other continents. In this context, studies on Corynebacterium diphtheriae infections are highly relevant, both for a better understanding of the pathogenesis of the disease and for controlling the circulation of clones and antimicrobial resistance genes.

Polymyxin Resistance in : Exploring Mutations and Genetic Determinants of Non-Human Isolates.

Until 2015, polymyxin resistance was primarily attributed to chromosomal mutations. However, with the first report of mobile colistin resistance () in commensal from food animals in China, the landscape has changed. To evaluate the presence of polymyxin resistance in spp.

Molecular characterization and whole-genome sequencing of Corynebacterium diphtheriae causing skin lesion.

We present a case of skin lesion caused by nontoxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Genomic taxonomy analyses corroborated the preliminary identification provided by mass spectrometry. The strain showed a susceptible phenotype with increased exposure to penicillin, the first drug of choice for the treatment.

Molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of the first Corynebacterium rouxii strains isolated in Brazil: a recent member of Corynebacterium diphtheriae complex.

Background: Corynebacterium diphtheriae complex was formed by the species C. diphtheriae, Corynebacterium ulcerans and Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis in the recent past. In addition to C.

Phenotypic and molecular characterization and complete genome sequence of a Corynebacterium diphtheriae strain isolated from cutaneous infection in an immunized individual.

Diphtheria is an infectious disease potentially fatal that constitutes a threat to global health security, with possible local and systemic manifestations that result mainly from the production of diphtheria toxin (DT). In the present work, we report a case of infection by Corynebacterium diphtheriae in a cutaneous lesion of a fully immunized individual and provided an analysis of the complete genome of the isolate. The clinical isolate was first identified by MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry.

Genomics and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Clinical Isolates from Hospitals in Brazil.

, an opportunistic pathogen causing infections in immunocompromised patients, usually shows pronounced antimicrobial resistance. In recent years, the frequency of carbapenemases in has decreased, which allows use of new beta-lactams/combinations in antimicrobial therapy. Therefore, the in vitro evaluation of these drugs in contemporary isolates is warranted.

Co-production of Classes A and B Carbapenemases BKC-1 and VIM-2 in a Clinical Pseudomonas Putida Group Isolate from Brazil.

Emergence of resistance to classical antimicrobial agents is a public health issue, especially in countries with high antimicrobial consumption rates. Carbapenems have been employed as first-choice option for empirical treatment complicated infections. However, in the last decades, frequency of carbapenemase-producing Gram-negative bacteria has rising, demanding the use of alternative antimicrobial agents.

Comparative performances of seven quantitative Reverse-Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction assays (RT-qPCR) for detecting SARS-CoV-2 infection in samples from individuals suspected of COVID-19 in São Paulo, Brazil.

Introduction: Brazil is the second largest country with COVID-19 positive cases worldwide. Due to the potent spread of the virus and the scarcity of kits and supplies, the Brazilian Ministry of Health has granted authorization for the use of kits available during this emergency, without an accurate evaluation of their performance. This study compared the performance and cost-effectiveness of seven molecular assays/kits available in São Paulo, Brazil, for SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis.

Emergence of W South American sublineage strain variant in Brazil: disease and carriage.

Invasive meningococcal disease is a major health problem, impacting morbidity and mortality worldwide. Exploratory genomics has revealed insights into adaptation, transmissibility and virulence to elucidate endemic, outbreaks or epidemics caused by serogroup W (MenW) strains. Limited information on the genomics of serogroup W ST11/cc11 is available from emerging countries, especially in contemporary isolates.

SARS-CoV-2 variants in severely symptomatic and deceased persons who had been vaccinated against COVID-19 in São Paulo, Brazil.

COVID-19 vaccination began in São Paulo, Brazil in January 2021, first targeting healthcare workers (HCWs) and the elderly, using the CoronaVac vaccine (Sinovac/Butantan) and subsequently the Oxford/AstraZeneca (ChAdOx1) vaccine (AstraZeneca/FIOCRUZ-RJ). Studies on such vaccines have shown efficacy in preventing severe cases and deaths, but there is a lack of information regarding their effectiveness. This manuscript presents data from the Instituto Adolfo Lutz (IAL), a public health laboratory located in São Paulo City that receives samples from 17 Regional Health Departments under the Secretary of Health of São Paulo, for SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance.

A clinical Pseudomonas chlororaphis isolate harboring a new blaVIM-2 borne integron, In2088, isolated from bloodstream infection in a newborn patient.

We report the isolation and genomic characterization of a VIM-2 producing Pseudomonas chlororaphis causing bloodstream infection in a newborn in Brazil. A new integron, In2088 (intI1-bla-aacA7-aacA27-gcu241), was identified and the first P. chlororaphis genome from a clinical isolate was deposited in public databases.

SARS-CoV-2 reinfection in a healthcare professional in inner Sao Paulo during the first wave of COVID-19 in Brazil.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic remains a threat to public health. We report 2 cases of Coronavirus Disease 2019 infection in the same healthcare professional in Brazil. Genomic analysis identified that primoinfection was caused by the endemic lineage B.

Two Novel Mutations Associated with Polymyxin-B Resistance in a Pandemic Lineage of Uropathogenic Escherichia coli of the Sequence Type 69.

Background: Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) are frequent pathogens worldwide, impacting on the morbidity and economic costs associated with antimicrobial treatment.

Objectives: We report two novel mutations associated with polymyxin-B resistance in an UPEC isolate collected in 2019.

Methods: Isolate was submitted to antimicrobial susceptibility testing including broth microdilution for polymyxin B.

COVID-19 laboratory diagnosis: comparative analysis of different RNA extraction methods for SARS-CoV-2 detection by two amplification protocols.

The gold standard for the laboratory diagnosis of COVID-19 is the reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) assay, which searches for SARS-CoV-2 target genes in nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal (NP/OP) samples, and its performance depends on the quantity and quality of the RNA input. This study compared the performance and cost-effectiveness of three different kits/reagents for RNA extraction used in COVID-19 diagnosis in Sao Paulo, Brazil. A total of 300 NP/OP samples belonging to suspected cases of COVID-19 stored in a biorepository were randomly selected, and RNA was extracted using (i) automated extraction (Loccus, Extracta Kit FAST), (ii) manual extraction (BioGene Kit, Bioclin, Quibasa), and (iii) quick extraction methods (Lucigen, Quick DNA Extract Kit).

Emergence of MDR invasive Neisseria meningitidis in El Salvador, 2017-19.

Background: Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is an acute, highly transmissible and potentially fatal disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis. Prompt antimicrobial therapy and prophylaxis are recommended, where penicillin or ciprofloxacin are the available choices. However, the emergence of resistant isolates of N.