Potential poultry and meat products contamination by aflatoxin B1 due to fungal presence in Portuguese poultry units

The impact of mycotoxins on human and animal health is well recognized. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is by far the most prevalent and the most potent natural carcinogen and is usually the major aflatoxin produced by toxigenic fungal strains. Data available, points to an increasing frequency of poultry feed contamination by aflatoxins. Since aflatoxin residues may accumulate in body tissues, this represents a high risk to human health. Samples from commercial poultry birds have already presented detectable levels of aflatoxin in liver. A descriptive study was developed in order to assess fungal contamination by species from Aspergillus flavus complex in seven Portuguese poultry units. Air fungal contamination was studied by conventional and molecular methods. Air, litter and surfaces samples were collected. To apply molecular methods, air samples of 300L were collected using the Coriolis μ air sampler (Bertin Technologies), at 300 L/min airflow rate. For conventional methodologies, all the collected samples were incubated at 27ºC for five to seven days. Through conventional methods, Aspergillus flavus was the third fungal species (7%) most frequently found in 27 indoor air samples analysed and the most commonly isolated species (75%) in air samples containing only the Aspergillus genus..

Ventilation influence in occupational exposure to fungi and volatile organic compounds: poultry case

Introduction - In poultry houses, large-scale production has led to increased bird densities within buildings. Such high densities of animals kept within confined spaces are a source of human health problems related to occupational organic dust exposure. This organic dust is composed of both non-viable particles and viable particulate matter (also called bioaerosols). Bioaerosols are comprised by airborne bacteria, fungi, viruses and their by-products, endotoxins and mycotoxins. Exposure to fungi in broiler houses may vary depending upon the applied ventilation system. Ventilation can be an important resource in order to reduce air contamination in these type of settings. Nevertheless, some concerns regarding costs, sensitivity of the animal species to temperature differences, and also the type of building used define which type of ventilation is used. Aim of the study - A descriptive study was developed in one poultry unit aiming to assess occupational fungal and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) exposure

Comparison of Aspergillus species-complexes detected in different environmental settings

Purpose: Samples from different environmental sources were screened for the presence of Aspergillus, and the distribution of the different species-complexes was determined in order to understand differences among that distribution in the several environmental sources and which of these species complexes are present in specific environmental settings. Methods: Four distinct environments (beaches, poultries, swineries and hospital) were studied and analyzed for which Aspergillus complexes were present in each setting. After plate incubation and colony isolation, morphological identification was done using macro- and microscopic characteristics. The universal fungal primers ITS1 and ITS4 were used to amplify DNA from all Aspergillus isolates, which was sequenced for identification to species complex level. SPSS v15.0 for Windows was used to perform the statistical analysis. Results: Thirty-nine isolates of Aspergillus were recovered from both the sand beach and poultries, 31 isolates from swineries, and 80 isolates from hospital environments, for a total 189 isolates. Eleven species complexes were found total. Isolates belonging to the Aspergillus Versicolores species-complex were the most frequently found (23.8%), followed by Flavi (18.0%), Fumigati (15.3%) and Nigri (13.2%) complexes. A significant association was found between the different environmental sources and the distribution of the several species-complexes (p<0.001); the hospital environment had a greater variability of species-complexes than other environmental locations (10 in hospital environment, against nine in swine, eight in poultries and seven in sand beach). Isolates belonging to Nidulantes complex were detected only in the hospital environment, whereas the other complexes were identified in more than one setting. Conclusion: Because different Aspergillus complexes have different susceptibilities to antifungal drugs, and different abilities in producing mycotoxins, knowledge of the species-complex epidemiology for each setting may allow preventive or corrective measures to be taken toward decreasing professional workers or patient exposure to those agents

Possible aflatoxin presence in Portuguese poultry units

Introduction: Aflatoxins are known to be human carcinogens based on sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in humans (hepatocellular carcinoma, or primary liver-cell cancer). Aflatoxin B1 is one of the most deeply studied mycotoxins, known for a long time as belonging to the group of toxins produced by the genus Aspergillus (A. flavus, A. parasiticus, A. nominus). The presence in food stuffs depends on their geographical origin and production methods. Occupational exposure to aflatoxins can occur by inhalation of dust generated during the handling and processing of contaminated crops and feeds. Therefore, farmers and other agricultural workers have one of the greatest risks of occupational exposure to these mycotoxins. Objective: To characterize A. flavus prevalence in seven poultry units, with emphasis to the possible presence of aflatoxin in the air. Methods: A descriptive study was developed to monitor air fungal contamination in seven poultry units. Nineteen interior air samples of 25 litres were collected through impaction method. Results: From the seven poultry units analyzed, A. flavus was found in three of them. From all fungal genus identified in the referred units, A. flavus was the third species most frequently found in air samples (7.23%). Moreover, in those units, and from the Aspergillus genus, A. flavus was the most frequently isolated species in air samples (74.5%). Conclusions: Regarding the observed results and considering the high number of units contaminated by fungi known as possible aflatoxin producers, we have to believe that exposition can occur by inhalation (workers) and ingestion (consumers). This situation might represent a public health problem considering that aflatoxin is a known cancer agent

Aspergillus species in ten hospitals food units from Lisbon

The hospital environment is a source of acquired infections. Microbiologic control of hospital environments may play a role in the prevention of cross-infection. Fungal exposure in hospitals is of particular interest due to the possible patient's susceptibility. Effects due to fungal exposure are dependent on the: species present; metabolic products; concentration and exposure duration; individual susceptibility. It is important to contribute to the increase of knowledge referring to air fungal contamination in hospitals' indoor spaces, such as food units, in order to identify the most effective preventive measures to avoid such contamination. This investigation was designed to describe environmental air fungal contamination by Aspergillus species in ten hospitals' food units from Lisbon.N/

Gramática do Direito Internacional Penal: as Linguagens do Crime e da Punição

GRAMÁTICA DO DIREITO INTERNACIONAL PENAL: AS LINGUAGENS DO CRIME E DA PUNIÇÃO THE GRAMMAR OF INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL LAW: THE LANGUAGES OF CRIME AND PUNISHMENT Carla Veríssimo de Carli RESUMO: O trabalho examina a influência dos diferentes sistemas de justiça criminal na construção de uma dogmática internacional penal. Primeiro, discutem-se as diferentes formas de pensar sobre o crime, bem como as principais características e diferenças, externas e internas, entre a Strafrechtswissenschaft e a Common Law. Examina-se a teoria do delito de cada um desses sistemas. Segundo, é dada atenção à evolução do direito internacional penal, focando na progressiva adoção do princípio da legalidade e seu consectário, a proibição da retroatividade em matéria internacional penal. Finalmente, examina-se o Estatuto de Roma e a estrutura do delito nos crimes internacionais, para concluir que a opção feita foi pelo sistema da Common Law no âmbito internacional. PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Direito internacional penal; Strafrechtswissenshchaft; Common Law.  ABSTRACT: This paper examines the influence of different criminal justice systems in the building of an international criminal doctrine. First, the different ways of thinking about crime are discussed, as well as the main characteristics and differences, external and internal, between Strafrechtswissenchaft and Common Law. The theory of the offense of each of these systems is examined. Second, attention is given to the evolution of International Criminal Law, focusing on the progressive adoption of the principle of nulla poena sine lege and its consequence, the prohibiton of ex post facto laws in international criminal matters. Finally, the analysis of the Rome Statute and the structure of the offence in international crimes is made, in order to reach the conclusion that the option was made for the Common Law system in the international arena. KEYWORDS: International criminal law; Strafrechtswissenschaft; Common Law.SUMÁRIO: Introdução. 1. Sintaxe: as formas de pensar o crime. 1.1 Sistemas de justiça criminal. 1.2 Strafrechtswissenschaft e Common Law: características e diferenças. 1.3 Teorias do delito. 2. Semântica: os desafios para a dogmática internacional penal. 2.1 O princípio da legalidade em direito internacional penal. 2.2 Crimes internacionais: estrutura bipartida ou tripartida? Considerações finais. Referências

Possible respiratory infection due to Aspergillus in workers from swineries and poultries

Introduction: Aspergillus is among a growing list of allergens that can aggravate asthmatic responses. Significant pulmonary pathology is associated with Aspergillus-induced allergic and asthmatic lung disease. Environments with high levels of exposure to fungi are found in animal production facilities like swineries and poultry which farmers are at increased risk of occupational respiratory diseases. Purpose: Seven Portuguese poultries and seven swineries were analyzed in order to estimate the prevalence, amount and distribution of Aspergillus species, as well as to evaluate the existence of clinical symptoms associated with asthma and other allergy diseases in these highly contaminated settings. Methods: A total of 83 air samples (through impaction method), 66 surface samples (swab sampling) and 28 samples of different material covering their floor were analyzed. Results: The collected fungal isolates (699) were distributed by 40 different genus, Aspergillus presented a prevalence of 17.6% (average) and regarding poultries only, its prevalence showed a higher value (22.7%). The most frequently isolated Aspergillus species were A. versicolor, A. flavus and A. fumigatus. In poultries, A. flavus presented the highest level of airborne spores (>2000 ufc/m3) whereas in swineries was A. versicolor, with a prevalence four times higher than the other referred species. Eighty workers of these settings were analyzed, with ages ranging from 17 to 93 years old. Seven of these workers were medical diagnosed with asthma and four of them reported the first attack after the age of 40 years old, which possibly could be related with their occupational exposure. A high prevalence of respiratory symptoms in professionals without asthma was observed, namely wheezing associated with dyspnea (23.8%) and dyspnea after strenuous activities (12.3%), suggesting an under diagnosed respiratory problem. Moreover, 32.5% of all the inquired workers refer an improvement of their respiratory ability during the resting days and holiday. Conclusions: Considering the strong association between fungal sensitization and severity of asthma and that Aspergillus species are one of the most important fungal agents causing sensitization of the individual, this study contributes to the knowledge of Aspergillus prevalence and distribution in Portuguese poultries and swineries. These data, together with data regarding determinations of specific IgE levels and monitorization of mycotoxin exposure using biomarkers will also help to understand how and which Aspergillus species can affect workers of these settings

Are air-borne mycotoxins a public health concern in Portugal?

Introduction - Microscopic filamentous fungi, under suitable environmental conditions, can lead to the production of highly toxic chemical substances, commonly known as mycotoxins. The most widespread and studied mycotoxins are metabolites of some genera of moulds such as Aspergillus, Penicillium and Fusarium. Quite peculiar conditions may influence mycotoxin biosynthesis, such as climate, geographical location, cultivation practices, storage and type of substrate. Toxicity has been extensively investigated for the most important mycotoxins, such as aflatoxins, ochratoxin A and Fusarium toxins, and much information derived from toxicokinetics in animal models has also been obtained. The adverse effects are mainly related to genotoxicity, carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, teratogenicity and immunotoxicity. Aim of the study - To identify fungal species able to produce important mycotoxins in different Portuguese settings

Exposure to particles and fungi in Portuguese swine production

Versão preprint.A number of studies have shown that exposure to airborne dust and microorganisms can cause respiratory diseases in humans. Agricultural workers, such as pig farmers, have been found to be at high risk of exposure to airborne particles. The aim of this study was to detect contamination caused by particles and fungi in 7 swine farms located in Lisbon district, Portugal. Environment evaluations were performed during the winter season of 2011 with a portable direct-reading equipment (Lighthouse, model 3016 IAQ) and it was possible to obtain data concerning contamination caused by particles with 5 different sizes (PM0.5; PM1; PM2.5; PM5; PM10). To assess air contamination caused by fungi, air samples of 50 liters were collected us-ing a Millipore Air Tester (Millipore) by impaction method at a velocity of 140 L / minute and at one meter height, using malt extract agar supplemented with chloramphenicol (0.5%). Air sampling was also performed outside premises, since this is the place regarded as reference. All the collected samples were incubated at 27 ºC for 5 to 7 days. Results from particles’ contamination showed that higher values were connected with PM5 and PM10 sizes and that smaller particles exhibit lower contamination values. Concerning the fungal load of the analyzed swine, the highest obtained value was 4100 CFU/m3 and the lowest was 120 CFU/m3. Forty six different fungal species were detected in the air, being Aspergillus versicolor the most frequent species found (20.9%), followed by Scopulariopsis brevicaulis (17.0%) and Penicillium sp. (14.1%). Data gathered from this study corroborate the need of monitoring the contamination by particulate matter, fungi and their metabo-lites in Portuguese swine