Basidiomycete fungi of the Polyporus genus are a source of secondary metabolites which are of medicinal interest as antibacterial compounds. As these substances are produced in a small amount by the fungi, the study of the cultivation conditions in vitro that could possibly optimize their production seems of major importance. The effects of glucose and lactose, pH and agitation on biomass concentration and on the specific growth rate caused by the basidiomycete Polyporus tricholoma were investigated. The initial pH (4.5, 6.5 and 8.5) was autoregulated at pH 5.5, and the agitation increased the mycelial growth and the specific growth rate. The high concentration of carbon sources (4%) increased biomass production. The lactose concentration and the absence of agitation were determinant in the production of antibacterial metabolites. The characterization of the antibacterial substance by GC-MS indicated a major compound, isodrimenediol, produced by the fungus Polyporus tricholoma with activity against Staphylococcus aureus.

Note about Salmonella sp. and Shigella sp. infections in southern brown howler monkeys, Alouatta clamitans Cabrera, 1940 (Primates: Atelidae) on captivity Abstract Fecal samples of captive souther brown howler monkeys were screened for the presence of Salmonella sp. and Shigella sp. The sensibility for antibiotics was also measured. This is the first report of asymptomatic infection by Salmonella sp. in this specie. Shigella sp. infection was not detected. Screening for this bacteria should be performed during translocation and reintroduction programs. We recommend periodic investigations to prevent occupational hazard on captivity. Referências1 FIENNES, R. N.; CARRINGTON, R.; MATTEWS, L. H. Zoonoses of primates. The epidemiology and ecology of simian diseases in relation to man. Itaca: Cornell University Press, 1967. 190 p.