Fine-tuning blood culture practices: implementing diagnostic stewardship in cardiothoracic surgery patients.

Overusing blood cultures (BCxs) can lead to false positives, unnecessary antibiotics, and increased healthcare costs. Despite studies on inpatient BCx algorithms, none have focused on cardiothoracic surgery (CTS) patients, with complex postoperative care and invasive devices. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a BCx algorithm on BCx event (BCE) rates in CTS step-down units.

A population study of Toxoplasma gondii in the Amazon region expands current knowledge of the genetic diversity in South America.

Previous studies have reported high diversity between and within populations of Toxoplasma gondii in South America. In the present study, isolates of T. gondii from chickens were obtained from the Amazon region.

Analysis of free-living seabirds from Brazil as potential hosts of Toxoplasma gondii and serological investigation for antibodies against Leptospira spp.

Dispersal patterns of zoonotic pathogens can be strongly influenced by mobility and contact among hosts. Toxoplasma gondii infection has been documented in many avian species, however, there is little information regarding free-living seabird populations. Leptospira can infect domestic and wild animals, with birds being potential carriers of the bacteria.

Histopathological findings and diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis, confirmed by PCR, in an endemic region of Brazil.

Introduction: Diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is difficult, and the correct use of histopathological criteria can be useful in clinical practice. The present study evaluates the association between histopathological findings and the results of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in clinically suspected cases of CL.

Methodology: Skin samples were received in a laboratory from an endemic region of Brazil for over nine years.