Outbreak of mycobacteria may have caused infections after ‘jowl lipo’ in BH

An outbreak of fast-growing mycobacteria may have caused serious infections in some of the patients of dentist Camila Aparecida de Andrade Silveira (Camilla Groppo), who offers double chin lipo and bichectomy services at her clinic in Belo Horizonte. The professional is investigated by the authorities.

The State Department of Health of Minas Gerais (SES-MG) confirmed that it contacted the Health Surveillance of Belo Horizonte. The agency, in turn, reported having identified 16 cases of ‘rapidly growing mycobacteria (RCM) post-aesthetic procedures’. Eight of these cases were identified at Camilla’s dental clinic, which was identified on March 8.

‘Only two cases were identified with Mycobacterium abscessus and another with Mycobacterium spp. The remaining samples were sent to Funed for analysis and are awaiting the results’, completes the folder. SES-MG also confirmed that it had issued a technical note to hospitals and other institutions related to the health service with information about the outbreak and prevention measures.

What does the Regional Dentistry Council say?

On March 5th, registration had been suspended due to the failure to present the course completion diploma within the established period of two years after graduation. The CRO also states that it continues to monitor, together with health surveillance, that it investigates possible flaws in the sterilization process. Check the full note

“The Regional Council of Dentistry of Minas Gerais (CRO-MG) emphasizes that it monitored the closure of its clinic by the Health Surveillance, having opened an inspection process at the time and issued, on March 20, 2024, an Ordinance (nº 74 /2024) of Ethical Prohibition of the establishment, prohibiting other professionals from working there.

The professional’s registration was reactivated on March 26, 2024, after she presented her valid diploma to the Council, thus fulfilling the necessary requirements to practice dentistry on a regular basis. It is important to highlight that the dental surgeon’s registration was temporarily suspended from March 5, 2024. This measure was taken due to the failure to present the course completion diploma within the established period of two years after graduation. .

This requirement is essential for changing the provisional registration to definitive registration, in accordance with CRO-MG regulations. CRO-MG reiterates its commitment to quality and ethics in the practice of dentistry, ensuring compliance with the rules and regulations that govern the profession, for the benefit of the population’s oral health, and will continue to monitor the investigation into possible failures in the sterilization process.”

According to the Center for Strategic Information in Health Surveillance, the dental clinic remains closed after the closure by the BH Health Surveillance and investigation into the possible outbreak of fast-growing non-tuberculous mycobacteria in the clinic continues.

Civil Police are also investigating

The Civil Police said in a statement that it is investigating the case. The corporation is listening to victims and is awaiting the completion of the forensic examination reports. The Civil Police also said that they are in contact with other bodies to gather evidence.

Other side

Wanted by Itatiaia, the dentist and her defense did not speak out. In posts published on social media, the professional’s defense stated that the professional has provided all pertinent information to the bodies responsible for the investigations.

(With information from Amanda Antunes)