Detection of Mycobacterium leprae in saliva and the evaluation of oral sensitivity in patients with leprosy.

The aim of this study was to investigate sensitivity disorders in the oral cavity related to the presence of Mycobacterium leprae in the saliva of treatment-naïve patients with leprosy in the state of Amazonas, Brazil. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 45 subjects with leprosy. The subjects were interviewed to evaluate the sensitivity of the oral cavity.

Platelet aggregation and quality control of platelet concentrates produced in the Amazon Blood Bank.

Background: The study of platelet aggregation is essential to assess in vitro platelet function by different platelet activation pathways.

Objective: To assess aggregation and biochemical parameters of random platelet concentrates produced at the Fundação HEMOAM using the quality control tests defined by law.

Methods: Whole blood samples from 80 donors and the respective platelet concentrate units were tested.