This study aimed to characterize the main mechanisms of acquired antimicrobial resistance of 103 multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii isolated from bloodstream from 2006 to 2016 from a hospital in Londrina, Brazil. All 103 isolates were identified as A. baumannii by amplification of the bla _OXA-51-like and rpo B genes. Mortality was observed in the majority (81.6%) of the patients. High non-susceptibility rates (100.0–10.7%) were obtained for the evaluated antimicrobials, including colistin, polymyxin B, and tigecycline, and most isolates were classified as extensively drug-resistant (78.6%). Carbapenemase production was observed in 92.2% of the isolates. All carbapenem-resistant isolates showed a carbapenem-hydrolyzing class D β-lactamase being either bla _OXA-23-like (97.9%) or bla _OXA-143-like (2.1%). None of the isolates had the genes bla _OXA-24-like , bla _OXA-58-like , bla _OXA-48 , bla _KPC , bla _NDM , bla _SPM-1 , bla _SIM-1 , bla _VIM , bla _IMP , bla _GIM , bla _GES , mcr -1, qnr A, qnr B, qnr C, qnr S, and qnr Vc. As a genetic context of the bla _OXA-23-like gene, Tn 2006 was predominated (86.0%), and Tn 2008 was less frequent (12.9%). Isolates harboring the bla _OXA-143-like gene showed the bla _OXA-253-like variant. A polyclonal profile was observed among the A. baumannii isolates. The presence of the international clonal complexes CC113/79, CC109/1, CC110/25, and CC103/15 was detected, with prevalence of CC113/79 (38.8%). This study provides essential information to understand the antimicrobial resistance patterns of A. baumannii and can be used to strengthen infection control measures in our hospital. Also, the study reinforces the urgent need to develop stewardship programs to avoid the spread and potential outbreaks by this pathogen.

Ochratoxin A (OTA), an immunosuppressive mycotoxin, can increase the risk of many infectious diseases and contribute to economic losses to the poultry industry. The immunosuppressive effect has mainly been investigated through oral exposure; however, birds may also be contaminated through skin absorption. The present study investigated the influence of OTA exposure on the defense system of broiler chicks through the subcutaneous route and including low doses. Groups of broiler chicks (Cobb), 05 days old, were exposed to subcutaneous inoculation of OTA at concentrations of 0.1; 0.5; 0.9; 1.3; and 1.7 mg OTA/kg body weight. The size of the lymphoid organs, circulating immune cells, and total IgY and IgA levels were evaluated 21 days post inoculation. Subcutaneous OTA exposure decreased the weight of the thymus, spleen, and bursa of Fabricius, and leukocytopenia (p < 0.05) was detected in chicks of the OTA treated groups. In a dose-dependent way, decreased levels of circulating lymphocytes and heterophils (p < 0.05), and increased levels of monocytes (p < 0.05) were detected. Decreased IgY and IgA serum concentrations were noted in the OTA treated groups (p < 0.05). In conclusion, subcutaneous OTA exposure induces immunosuppression even at low levels.

The mycotoxin, ochratoxin-A (OTA), produced by some fungi, and is a natural contaminant of many foods and animal feeds worldwide. Due to its toxic effects, the recommended maximum daily intake of OTA for poultry feeds is 0.1 mg OTA/kg (ECR2006/575/EC); this dose does not induce changes in hepatic/renal parameters, but decreases thymus size and serum globulin concentrations. Accordingly, in this study, we assessed quantitatively the total circulating IgY and IgA serum levels, in chicks consuming a 0.1 mg OTA/kg diet (limit) and higher doses (0.3–1.1 mg OTA/kg diet) for 14 or 21 days. We also evaluated other immunological parameters (thymus, bursa of Fabricius, and spleen weights and leukocyte profiles) at day 21. Decreased IgY serum levels were observed in all OTA-treated groups (p < 0.05). In the low-dose group, IgA levels were decreased on day 21, but not on day 14. The size of the thymus and the bursa of Fabricius was decreased in all OTA-treated groups (p < 0.05), whereas reduced spleen size and altered leukocyte profiles were detected only in the high-dose group (p < 0.05). We concluded that chronic exposure to OTA, even at the recommended highest dose, affected IgY and IgA production in chicks.

Objective: To analyze the association between social isolation (SI), physical activity level (PAL) and sedentary behavior in the university community in pandemic times. Methods: A cross-sectional epidemiological study was carried out from May 7 to June 4, 2020, with 194 participants linked to the Federal University of Jataí (Universidade Federal de Jataí – UFJ), in Goiás, Brazil. Data were collected using a form created on Google Forms® and sent to the email addresses of the academic community of UFJ to assess socioeconomic characteristics, lifestyle, body composition, physical activity level, and sedentary behavior, taking into account the periods prior to and during SI. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, with p