Spatial exploration of Streptococcus pneumoniae clonal clustering in São Paulo, Brazil

OBJECTIVES: To examine the spatial distribution of Streptococcus pneumoniae and its clonal patterns collected between 2002 and 2006 in São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: As part of an observational study in São Paulo city, Brazil, S. pneumoniae isolates routinely cultured from blood, respiratory specimens, or cerebrospinal and other profound fluids were selected. Additionally, only isolates with either penicillin (PEN) intermediate (I) or resistant (R) status on routine antibiogram were included, in order to obtain a higher probability of clonal isolates. A single I/R S. pneumoniae isolate per patient was included and submitted to genotypic determination by pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined for the isolates by Etest® to PEN and other antimicrobials. Each isolate was geocoded in a digital map. The Kernel function and ratio methods between total isolates vs. clones were used in order to explore possible cluster formations. RESULTS: Seventy-eight (78) S. pneumoniae community isolates from two major outpatient centers in São Paulo, Brazil, were selected from the databank according to their penicillin susceptibility profile, i.e. R or I to penicillin assessed by oxacillin disc diffusion. Of these, 69 were submitted to PFGE, 65 to MIC determination, and 48 to spatial analytical procedures. Preliminary spatial analysis method showed two possible cluster formation located in southwest and southeast regions of the city. CONCLUSION: Further analyses are required for precisely determining the existence of S. pneumoniae clusters and their related risk factors. Apparently there is a specific transmission pattern of S. pneumoniae clones within certain regions and populations. GIS and spatial methods can be applied to better understand epidemiological patterns and to identify target areas for public health interventions.Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Special Laboratory of Clinical MicrobiologyHospital Israelita Albert EinsteinGC-2 Gestão do Conhecimento Científico LtdInstituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais Department of Image ProcessingUNIFESP, Special Laboratory of Clinical MicrobiologySciEL

A proposal for using data from antimicrobial prescriptions: the EUREQA experience

This study demonstrates that the use of information from medical prescriptions is essential for understanding the dynamics of community bacterial resistance. The resulting analysis can also influence and help establish more adequate public health policies on the control and optimization of antimicrobial use. The article demonstrates the use of a logical model developed by the EUREQA project for acquisition, classification, interpretation, and analysis of data from prescriptions for oral antimicrobial use.A presente nota pesquisa demonstra que o uso das informações de receituário ou prescrição médica tem fundamental valor para a compreensão das correlações da dinâmica da resistência bacteriana comunitária. Além disso, a análise dos dados gerada pode ajudar a estabelecer medidas e políticas de saúde pública mais adequadas para o controle e a otimização do consumo de antimicrobianos. Para isso, o artigo usa como base o modelo lógico desenvolvido pelo Projeto EUREQA voltado para aquisição, classificação, interpretação e análise das informações relacionadas à prescrição dos antimicrobianos de uso oral.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas EspaciaisUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Escola Paulista de MedicinaUniversidade Federal do Paraná Laboratório de Estatística e GeoinformaçãoUNIFESP, EPMSciEL