Aims The aim of this study was to evaluate the formation of biofilm by Candida spp. isolated from the bloodstream, using traditional spectrophotometric methodologies. In addition, the goal was to compare the results with those obtained through MALDI‐TOF/MS, as well as to verify its use as a potential tool for the detection of biofilm‐forming strains. Methods and results Hundred and thirteen isolates of Candida spp. were studied: 41 were Candida albicans, 27 C. tropicalis, 18 C. glabrata, 17 C. parapsilosis and 10 C. krusei. Metabolic activity was determined through the tetrazolium salt (XTT) reduction assay and biomass by staining with Crystal Violet. All isolates were able to form biofilm, 94% of which were strong producers, with high biomass quantification (95%; 107/113) and high metabolic activity (99%; 112/113). Mass spectra of the biofilm‐producing isolates showed differences in the intensity of mass peaks when compared with the spectra of the nonproducing strains. Conclusions It was demonstrated that MALDI‐TOF/MS was able to detect specific biofilm proteins, as the mass spectra of the isolates presented differences when compared with nonproducing strains. Significance and Impact of the Study MALDI‐TOF/MS can become a valuable tool for biofilm detection at the moment of the identification of the microorganism, thus contributing greatly to the management of patients with Candidemia.

This study aimed to evaluate the air and water contamination level and to identify the microbes isolated from a rodent facility located at the Federal University of Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Colony forming units (CFU) per milliliter was used for monitoring water quantitatively; CFU per cubic meter was used for air monitoring. The isolated colonies were identified for qualitative monitoring. Due to absence of specific parameters for these facilities, the results were analyzed according to Brazilian and international standards, depending on which best suited each sample. The mean total number of microorganisms in water ranged from 0.015 ± 0.02 to 0.999 ± 0.91 CFU/mL. The number of microorganisms in air ranged from 9.1 ± 4.6 to 351.56 ± 158.2 CFU/m³. Forty-one microorganisms identified in the samples obtained from the rodent facility were potentially pathogenic or opportunistic for animals and humans (e.g., Corynebacterium spp.). We concluded that the water and air samples were contaminated with potentially pathogenic or opportunistic microorganisms that can harm rodents and humans. On the basis of our observations, specific sanitary standards suitable for these facilities should be developed for controlling microbial contamination, which will prevent zoonosis and ensure the reliability of scientific results obtained from animal experiments.

Candidemia is a health problem with a high mortality rate. The aims of this study were to compare the identification of Candida spp. via traditional methodologies and mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/MS) in order to verify the antifungal susceptibility profile of these isolates and analyze the clinical evolution of patients. This was a two-year prospective cohort conducted at the Hospital de Clínicas de Uberlândia (HCU-UFU). Candida spp. were identified via VITEK^®-2 and MALDI-TOF/MS. Antifungal susceptibility tests were conducted via VITEK^®-2. Clinical-demographic data were assessed from medical records and variables were described as mean, standard deviation, frequency and percentage, and risk factors were evaluated using univariate and multivariate analysis. A total of 113 patients and 126 Candida spp. isolates were studied. C. albicans was most frequent (30%); MALDI-TOF/MS identified unusual species, including misidentification of C. famata. Most of the isolates (95%) were susceptible to the tested antifungals. Most patients were men (65%) and older than 60 years of age (45%); 85% of patients were treated with fluconazole. The 30-day mortality rate was 56%; patients who did not receive treatment and those who started later had a lower survival rate (p <0.0001). MALDI-TOF/MS was able to identify unusual Candida spp. Candidemia presented a high mortality rate; the correct identification of Candida spp. and the introduction of appropriate and timely therapy are essential for increasing patient survival.