Yeast population used in industrial production of fuel-ethanol may vary according to the plant process condition and to the environmental stresses imposed to yeast cells. Therefore, yeast strains isolated from a particular industrial process may be adapted to such conditions and should be used as starter strain instead of less adapted commercial strains. This work reports the use of PCR-fingerprinting method based on microsatellite primer (GTG)5 to characterize the yeast population dynamics along the fermentation period in six distilleries. The results show that indigenous fermenting strains present in the crude substrate can be more adapted to the industrial process than commercial strains. We also identified new strains that dominate the yeast population and were more present either in molasses or sugar cane fermenting distilleries. Those strains were proposed to be used as starters in those industrial processes. This is the first report on the use of molecular markers to discriminate Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains from fuel-ethanol producing process.

Aims:  To identify and characterize the main contaminant yeast species detected in fuel‐ethanol production plants in Northeast region of Brazil by using molecular methods. Methods and Results:  Total DNA from yeast colonies isolated from the fermentation must of industrial alcohol plants was submitted to PCR fingerprinting, D1/D2 28S rDNA sequencing and species‐specific PCR analysis. The most frequent non‐Saccharomyces cerevisiae isolates were identified as belonging to the species Dekkera bruxellensis, and several genetic strains could be discriminated among the isolates. The yeast population dynamics was followed on a daily basis during a whole crop harvesting period in a particular industry, showing the potential of D. bruxellensis to grow faster than S. cerevisiae in industrial conditions, causing recurrent and severe contamination episodes. Conclusions:  The results showed that D. bruxellensis is one of the most important contaminant yeasts in distilleries producing fuel‐ethanol from crude sugar cane juice, specially in continuous fermentation systems. Significance and Impact of the Study:  Severe contamination of the industrial fermentation process by Dekkera yeasts has a negative impact on ethanol yield and productivity. Therefore, early detection of D. bruxellensis in industrial musts may avoid operational problems in alcohol‐producing plants.

Yeast populations used in industrial production of fuel-ethanol may vary according to the plant process conditions and to the environmental stresses imposed on yeast cells. Therefore, yeast strains isolated from a particular industrial process may be adapted to such conditions and should be used as the starter strain instead of less adapted commercial strains. This work reports the use of a PCR-fingerprinting method based on microsatellite primer (GTG) 5 to characterize the yeast population dynamics during the fermentation period in six distilleries. The results show that indigenous fermenting strains present in the crude substrate can be more adapted to the industrial process than commercial strains. We also identified new strains that dominated the yeast population and were more commonly present either in molasses or sugar cane fermenting distilleries. Those strains were proposed to be used as starters in those industrial processes. This is the first report on the use of molecular markers to discriminate Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains from the fuel-ethanol producing process.

No abstract

Due to an unfortunate turn of events numeorus corrections were not taken into account therefore this article is reprinted in its entirety and should be treated as definitive by the reader.

Monitoring the microbiological quality of indoor air in hospital environments is a matter of comprehensive discussion due to its influence on the transmission and spread of pathogenic microorganisms. Among the artificially air-conditioned environments, hospitals are noteworthy for being specific places for the treatment and recovery of patients. In addition to problems related to patients health and professionals health, immunocompromised patients are more exposed to microorganisms present in the air currents of the refrigeration system in these environments, which can lead to consequences such as the occurrence of outbreaks. The objective of this work was to evaluate the indoor air quality in critical hospital environments of a teaching hospital in the city of Maceió, the state of Alagoas. In addition, we sought to identify the anemophilous fungal microbiota present. Air collections were taken in the rainy season, totaling, following recommendations indicated by Resolution No. 9 of the Brazilian National Health Surveillance Agency. The study was based on determining the concentration parameter of bioaerosols in indoor and outdoor air. The fungal microbiota identification was carried out by analyzing macro and microscopic characteristics for filamentous fungi and the use of molecular tools for yeasts. The most frequent species in hospital critical environments were Cladosporium cladosporioides, Penicillium piceum, Penicillium aurantiogriseum, Cladosporium herbarum and Aspergillus oryzae. In outdoor air, the most frequently found fungi were Penicillium sp., Aspergillus sp., and Cladosporium species. Candida tropicalis, C. krusei, and C. parapsilosis were identified among the yeasts in indoor and outdoor air samples. Identifying potentially pathogenic fungi in the evaluated environments points to the need for continuous monitoring of indoor air quality. Furthermore, to avoid the widespread fungal pathogens and the consequent occurrence of outbreaks, the adoption of indoor air microbiological quality analysis programs is suggested as an essential tool in developing infection control standards. In our study, airborne fungi are reported as indoor air contaminants in critical hospital environments. This finding is noteworthy because, in general, individuals present in these environments have an immunological impairment.

Background: Fungi are ubiquitous microorganisms that are easily dispersed through the air. In healthcare environments, indoor air can favor the spread of healthcare-associated fungal infections, compromising mainly immunocompromised hospitalized individuals. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the indoor air contamination in healthcare environments, investigating mainly the presence of potentially pathogenic yeasts. Methods: Indoor air samples were collected from twelve healthcare environments (hospital and medical clinics). After the growth, isolation, and purification of the yeast colonies, the isolates were identified by polymerase chain reaction using species-specific primers for yeasts of the genus Candida and sequencing of D1/D2 domains of the large ribosomal subunit (LSU rRNA). Results: Fourteen yeast species were identified, including emerging pathogens. Species of clinical importance such as Candida parapsilosis, Candida orthopsilosis, Candida glabrata, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, and Trichosporon mucoides were present. C. Parapsilosis was the most prevalent species, followed by Rodothorula mucilaginosa. Conclusions: The present study shows that potentially fungal pathogens were present in air samples from healthcare environments, proving the role of indoor air in spreading infections. Thus, monitoring air quality in healthcare environments is a fundamental approach in developing infection control measures, especially those related to invasive fungal infections.