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  • Prospective observational study of adenoidal biofilms in a paediatric population and their clinical implications
    Publication . Subtil, Joao; Bajanca-Lavado, Maria Paula; Rodrigues, Joao; Duarte, Aida; Reis, Lucia; Nogueira, Isabel; Jordão, Luisa
    INTRODUCTION: Adenoids are nasopharyngeal lymphoid tissue with a relevant role in host defence against infection of upper respiratory tract. Nevertheless, adenoids are also a reservoir of microorganisms that can cause infections of upper respiratory tract and otitis particularly in children. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate and compare the association between biofilm assembly on adenoids and the incidence of recurrent infections in a paediatric population submitted to adenoidectomy by either infectious or non-infectious indication. METHODS: Scanning electron microscopy was used to assess biofilms on adenoid surface; biofilm assembly in vitro was monitored by crystal violet assay; antibiotic susceptibility was assessed following EUCAST guidelines; Hinfluenzae capsular typing was performed by PCR. RESULTS: Biofilms were present in 27.4% of adenoid samples and no statistical difference was found between infectious and non-infectious groups. In vitro, the most clinically relevant bacteria, H.influenzae, S.aureus, S.pyogenes, S.pneumoniae and M.catarrhalis, were mostly moderate biofilm assemblers (71.7%). 55.3% of these bacteria were intermediate/resistant to at least one of the tested antibiotics. No association was found between the ability to assemble biofilms in vitro and the presence of biofilms on adenoids nor antibiotic resistance. All H.influenzae were characterized as non-typeable. CONCLUSION: The presence of biofilms on adenoid surface was independent from clinical sample background. Bacterial ability to assemble biofilms in vitro cannot be used to predict biofilm assembly in vivo. The lack of correlation between biofilm formation and infectious respiratory diseases found contributes to question the relevance of biofilms on the pathogenesis of infectious diseases.
    2018-10-01Journal article Restricted access Show more
  • European guidelines for constitutional cytogenomic analysis
    Publication . Silva, Marisa; de Leeuw, Nicole; Mann, Kathy; Schuring-Blom, Heleen; Morgan, Sian; Giardino, Daniela; Rack, Katrina; Hastings, Ros
    With advancing technology and the consequent shift towards an increasing application of molecular genetic techniques (e.g., microarrays, next-generation sequencing) with the potential for higher resolution in specific contexts, as well as the application of combined testing strategies for the diagnosis of chromosomal disorders, it is crucial that cytogenetic/cytogenomic services keep up to date with technology and have documents that provide guidance in this constantly evolving scenario. These new guidelines therefore aim to provide an updated, practical and easily available document that will enable genetic laboratories to operate within acceptable standards and to maintain a quality service.
    2018-10-01Journal article Open access Show more
  • First case of confirmed congenital Zika syndrome in continental Africa
    Publication . Sassetti, M.; Zé-Zé, L.; Franco, J.; Cunha, J.D.; Gomes, A.; Tomé, A.; Alves, M.J.
    Background: Zika virus has been responsible for recent outbreaks in the western hemisphere with known neurological complications such as microcephaly. This complication has not been previously documented in continental Africa. Methods: Neurological evaluation of the newborn was performed after birth, at one and two months of age. The mother and the newborn sera samples were tested by immunofluorescent assay (IFA; immunoglobulin G [IgG] and IgM) for Zika virus and the presence of Zika virus ribonucleic acid (RNA) was checked by qualitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in placenta, blood and urine samples. Results: We report on a newborn, born in Portugal, with microcephaly with confirmed congenital Zika virus infection (Asian lineage) imported from Angola with typical clinical and imaging findings. Conclusions: To our knowledge this is the first report that shows the circulation of the Asian lineage in Angola and the first report of a congenital Zika syndrome in continental Africa.
    2018-10-01Journal article Restricted access Show more