Publications by authors named "Meliza A de S Bessa"
Virulence factors, antifungal susceptibility and molecular profile in Candida species isolated from the hands of health professionals before and after cleaning with 70% ethyl alcohol-based gel.
J Mycol Med
June 2024
Article Synopsis
- Fungal infections in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) are primarily caused by Candida species, leading to high mortality, and can spread through healthcare professionals’ hands despite hygiene efforts.
- A study identified and tested various Candida species from healthcare workers' hands before and after using 70% ethanol-based gel, examining their virulence factors and antifungal resistance.
- The research found that C. parapsilosis complex was the most common species, and several strains showed resistance to common antifungals like amphotericin B and fluconazole, emphasizing the need for improved infection control measures in hospitals.
Bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections increase morbimortality rates and hospital costs. This study aimed to assess the antimicrobial and antiparasitic activities of the crude extract from the seeds and peel of the pepper Jacq. and of the isolated compound capsaicin and to evaluate their ability to inhibit biofilm formation, eradicate biofilm, and reduce hemolysin production by species.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFInanimate Surfaces and Air Contamination with Multidrug Resistant Species of in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Environment.
Microorganisms
March 2022
Background: Contamination of the hospital environment with multi-resistant (MDR) increases the risk of infection. The aim of this study is to identify the MDR species of on inanimate surfaces, in air, and in clinical samples, and analyze the risk factors that correlate with the occurrence of infections in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
Methods: Samples of inanimate surfaces and air were taken using a premoistened swab (0.
Article Synopsis
- Isobavachalcone (IBC) is a natural compound that shows strong antibacterial effects, particularly against Methicillin-Susceptible and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA and MRSA).
- It was effective at low concentrations (MIC of 1.56 µg/mL for MSSA and 3.12 µg/mL for MRSA) but ineffective against Gram-negative bacteria.
- IBC also inhibited biofilm formation and did not harm human skin cells, indicating its potential for use as an antibacterial drug and in medical applications.
Considering the promising previous results on the remarkable activity exhibited by cobalt(III) and manganese(II) thiosemicarbazone compounds as antibacterial agents, the present study aimed to prepare and then evaluate the antibacterial activity of two different types of Cu(II) complexes based on a 2-acetylpyridine-N(4)-methyl-thiosemicarbazone ligand (Hatc-Me), a monomer complex [CuCl(atc-Me)] and a novel dinuclear complex [{Cu(μ-atc-Me)}μ-SO]. The compounds were characterized by infrared spectra, ultraviolet visible and CHN elemental analysis. In addition, the crystalline structures of the complexes were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIntroduction: Bloodstream infection due to Candida spp. is a primary cause of morbidity and mortality in tertiary hospitals.
Methods: In this retrospective study, we included patients with a positive blood culture for Candida spp.
Introduction: Fungi of the genus Cryptococcus are cosmopolitan and may be agents of opportunistic mycoses in immunocompromised and sometimes immunocompetent individuals. Cryptococcus species are frequently isolated from trees and bird excreta in the environment and infection occurs by inhalation of propagules dispersed in the air. The aim was to investigate Cryptococcus species in bird excreta and tree hollows located in a university hospital area and in an academic area of a university campus.
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