Identification of Legionella by MALDI Biotyper through three preparation methods and an in-house library comparing phylogenetic and hierarchical cluster results.

The identification and typing of bacteria are very expensive and time-consuming due to their growth times, and the expertise needed. MALDI-TOF MS represents a fast technique, reproducible with molecular approaches. This technique is still poorly applied in Legionella surveillance with estimation occurring only at the genus level.

Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP): An Innovative Approach for the Environmental Monitoring of SARS-CoV-2.

The rapid and accurate detection of SARS-CoV-2 in environmental settings is crucial for effective public health management during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study compares the performance of the Reverse Transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and the Reverse Transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) for SARS-CoV-2 detection from 100 surface samples collected in healthcare environments. The reference method, RT-qPCR, identified a percentage of 25% of positive samples, while RT-LAMP detected a percentage of 27% of positive surfaces.

Trachoma in Indigenous Settlements in Brazil, 2000-2008.

Purpose: Trachoma, caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, is a chronic, recurrent inflammatory disease that affects the cornea and conjunctiva. Trachoma is the leading infectious cause of avoidable blindness worldwide. Its prevalence is higher among individuals of low socioeconomic status, and trachoma is common in indigenous communities.

Analyses of cataract surgery performed by the Unified Health System in Brazil, 2006-2007.

Objective: Estimate cataract surgical rates (CSR) for Brazil and each federal unit in 2006 and 2007 based on the number of surgeries performed by the Unified Health System to help plan a comprehensive ophthalmology network in order to eliminate cataract blindness in compliance with the target set by the World Health Organization (WHO) of 3,000 cataract surgeries per million inhabitants per year.

Methods: This descriptive study calculates CSR by using the number of cataract surgeries carried out by the Brazilian Unified Health System for each federal unit and estimates the need for cataract surgery in Brazil for 2006-2007, with official population data provided by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics. The number of cataract surgeries was compared with the WHO target.

Trachoma prevalence and risk factors among preschool children in a central area of the city of São Paulo, Brazil.

Purpose: To estimate the prevalence and severity of trachoma among preschool children and to identify the risk factors.

Methods: Cross-sectional study involving preschool children up to seven years of age residing in a neighborhood of the city of São Paulo, Brazil.

Results: A total of 1128 children were studied.