Digital health for treatment adherence in people with tuberculosis: a systematic review / Saúde digital para a adesão ao tratamento da pessoa com tuberculose: uma revisão sistemática / Salud digital para la adherencia al tratamiento en personas con tuberculosis: una revisión sistemática

Justifications and Objectives: the use of digital health, among people diagnosed with tuberculosis, can be an effective strategy, combined with health services, to increase adherence to treatment and impact the disease's epidemiological data in the country. As this topic has been widely discussed and improved in recent years, it is necessary to further investigate the research available on scientific bases. The objective of this study was to describe the use of digital health technologies to assist with adherence to tuberculosis treatment. Methods: this is a systematic literature review with a rapid review approach, following the PRISMA guidelines and the Cochrane guide. Evidence quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. The studies were identified in PubMed, VHL, CINAHL, Cochrane Trial, SciELO, Scopus and Embase. Experimental, quasi-experimental studies and clinical trials were included, without language restrictions, published between 2020 and 2022. Content: nine studies were selected, which demonstrated that the implementation of digital technologies improved adherence rates to medication treatment and cure rates. Applications use strategies such as synchronous and asynchronous video, voice calls and text messages. Among the studies, only two technology/application names were mentioned. Conclusion: digital technologies have had a positive impact on the treatment of people diagnosed with tuberculosis.(AU)

Justificativas e Objetivos: a utilização da saúde digital, junto às pessoas diagnosticadas com a tuberculose, pode ser uma estratégia eficaz, aliada dos serviços de saúde, para aumentar a adesão ao tratamento e impactar os dados epidemiológicos da doença no país. Como esse tema tem sido amplamente discutido e aprimorado nos últimos anos, é necessário investigar mais a fundo as pesquisas disponíveis nas bases científicas. O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever o uso de tecnologias em saúde digital para auxiliar na adesão ao tratamento da tuberculose. Método: trata-se de revisão sistemática da literatura com abordagem de revisão rápida, seguindo as diretrizes do PRISMA e o guia da Cochrane. A qualidade das evidências foi realizada utilizando a ferramenta Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Os estudos foram identificados nas bases de dados PubMed, BVS, CINAHL, Cochrane Trial, SciELO, Scopus e Embase. Foram incluídos estudos experimentais, quase-experimentais e ensaios clínicos, sem restrição de idioma, publicados entre 2020 e 2022. Conteúdo: foram selecionados nove estudos, que demonstraram que a implementação de tecnologias digitais melhorou as taxas de adesão ao tratamento medicamentoso e as taxas de cura. Os aplicativos utilizam estratégias como vídeo síncrono e assíncrono, chamadas de voz e mensagens de texto. Entre os estudos, apenas dois nomes de tecnologia/aplicativo foram mencionados. Conclusão: as tecnologias digitais têm impactado de forma positiva no tratamento das pessoas com diagnóstico de tuberculose.(AU)

Justificaciones y objetivos: el uso de la salud digital entre las personas diagnosticadas con tuberculosis puede ser una estrategia eficaz y aliada de los servicios de salud para aumentar la adherencia al tratamiento e impactar los datos epidemiológicos de la enfermedad en el país. 3. Método: se realizó una revisión sistemática de la literatura con un enfoque de revisión rápida, siguiendo las pautas de PRISMA y la guía de Cochrane. La calidad de la evidencia se evaluó utilizando la herramienta Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Los estudios se identificaron en las siguientes bases de datos: PubMed, BVS, CINAHL, Cochrane Trial, SciELO, Scopus y Embase. Se incluyeron estudios experimentales, cuasiexperimentales y ensayos clínicos, sin restricciones de idioma, publicados entre 2020 y 2022. Contenido: se seleccionaron nueve estudios que demostraron que la implementación de tecnologías digitales mejoró las tasas de adherencia al tratamiento con medicamentos y las tasas de curación. Las aplicaciones utilizan estrategias como video sincrónico y asincrónico, llamadas de voz y mensajes de texto. Entre los estudios, sólo se mencionaron dos nombres de tecnologías/aplicaciones. Conclusión: las tecnologías digitales han tenido un impacto positivo en el tratamiento de personas diagnosticadas con tuberculosis.(AU)

[Analysis of the seasonality of tuberculosis in Brazilian capitals and the Federal District from 2001 to 2019]. / Análise da sazonalidade da tuberculose nas capitais brasileiras e Distrito Federal, Brasil, no período de 2001 a 2019.

The literature has few studies on the seasonality of tuberculosis (TB) in the southern hemisphere, entailing the fill of this knowledge gap. This study aims to analyze whether TB incidence in Brazilian capitals and the Federal District is seasonal. This is an ecological study of a time series (2001-2019) of TB cases, conducted with 26 capitals and the Federal District. The Ministry of Health database, with 516,524 TB cases, was used. Capitals and the Federal District were divided into five groups based on social indicators, disease burden, and the Koppen climate classification. The seasonal variation of TB notifications and group amplitude were evaluated. We found TB seasonality in Brazil with a 1% significance in all capital groups (Stability assumption and Krusall-Wallis tests, p < 0.01). In the combined seasonality test, capital groups A, D, and E showed seasonality, whereas groups B and C, its probability. Our findings showed that health service supply and/or demand - rather than climate - may be the most relevant underlying factor in TB seasonality. It is challenging to raise the other seasonal factors underlying TB seasonality in tropical regions in the Southern Hemisphere.

Existe uma limitação de trabalhos na literatura acerca da sazonalidade da tuberculose (TB) no hemisfério sul, o que torna necessário o preenchimento dessa lacuna de conhecimento para a região. O estudo objetiva analisar se existe sazonalidade da incidência de TB nas capitais brasileiras do Brasil e no Distrito Federal, por meio de um estudo ecológico de série temporal (2001-2019) dos casos da doença. Utilizou-se a base de 516.524 casos de TB do Ministério da Saúde. As capitais e o Distrito Federal foram distribuídos em cinco grupos, com base em indicadores sociais, carga da doença e classificação climática de Koppen. Avaliou-se a variação sazonal das notificações de TB e a amplitude sazonal por grupo. Identificou-se a presença da sazonalidade da TB no Brasil ao nível de significância de 1% em todos os grupos de capitais (teste de estabilidade assumida e Krusall-Wallis, p < 0,01) e, no teste combinado de sazonalidade, os grupos A, D e E de capitais mostraram presença de sazonalidade; e, provavelmente presentes, os grupos B e C. Os achados mostraram que é um desafio levantar os fatores sazonais subjacentes à sazonalidade da TB nas regiões tropicais do Hemisfério Sul: o clima pode não ser o fator subjacente mais relevante encontrado na sazonalidade da TB, mas sim a oferta e/ou procura por serviços de saúde.

Son limitados los estudios que tratan de la estacionalidad de la tuberculosis (TB) en el hemisferio Sur, por lo que se hace necesario llenar esta laguna. Este estudio tiene como objetivo analizar si existe una estacionalidad en la incidencia de TB en las capitales brasileñas y en el Distrito Federal, Brasil. Estudio ecológico de series de tiempo (2001-2019) de casos de TB, realizado en 26 capitales brasileñas y el Distrito Federal. Se utilizó una base de datos con 516.524 casos de TB del Ministerio de Salud. Las capitales y el Distrito Federal se dividieron en cinco grupos, con base en indicadores sociales, carga de enfermedad y clasificación climática de Koppen. Se evaluaron la variación estacional de las notificaciones de TB y la amplitud estacional por grupo. La presencia de estacionalidad de la TB en Brasil fue identificada con un nivel de significación del 1% en todos los grupos de capitales (prueba de estabilidad supuesta y Kruskal-Wallis, p < 0,01), en la prueba de estacionalidad combinada, los grupos A, D y E de las capitales tuvieron la presencia de estacionalidad; y también es probable que haya estado presente en los grupos B y C. Los hallazgos demostraron que el clima puede no ser el factor subyacente más relevante encontrado en la estacionalidad de la TB, pero sí la oferta y/o demanda de servicios de salud, lo que muestra que es un desafío plantear los demás factores estacionales subyacentes a la estacionalidad de la TB en las regiones tropicales del Hemisferio Sur.

Análise da sazonalidade da tuberculose nas capitais brasileiras e Distrito Federal, Brasil, no período de 2001 a 2019 / Analysis of the seasonality of tuberculosis in Brazilian capitals and the Federal District from 2001 to 2019 / Análisis de la estacionalidad de la tuberculosis en las capitales brasileñas y el Distrito Federal, Brasil, de 2001 a 2019

Existe uma limitação de trabalhos na literatura acerca da sazonalidade da tuberculose (TB) no hemisfério sul, o que torna necessário o preenchimento dessa lacuna de conhecimento para a região. O estudo objetiva analisar se existe sazonalidade da incidência de TB nas capitais brasileiras do Brasil e no Distrito Federal, por meio de um estudo ecológico de série temporal (2001-2019) dos casos da doença. Utilizou-se a base de 516.524 casos de TB do Ministério da Saúde. As capitais e o Distrito Federal foram distribuídos em cinco grupos, com base em indicadores sociais, carga da doença e classificação climática de Koppen. Avaliou-se a variação sazonal das notificações de TB e a amplitude sazonal por grupo. Identificou-se a presença da sazonalidade da TB no Brasil ao nível de significância de 1% em todos os grupos de capitais (teste de estabilidade assumida e Krusall-Wallis, p < 0,01) e, no teste combinado de sazonalidade, os grupos A, D e E de capitais mostraram presença de sazonalidade; e, provavelmente presentes, os grupos B e C. Os achados mostraram que é um desafio levantar os fatores sazonais subjacentes à sazonalidade da TB nas regiões tropicais do Hemisfério Sul: o clima pode não ser o fator subjacente mais relevante encontrado na sazonalidade da TB, mas sim a oferta e/ou procura por serviços de saúde.

The literature has few studies on the seasonality of tuberculosis (TB) in the southern hemisphere, entailing the fill of this knowledge gap. This study aims to analyze whether TB incidence in Brazilian capitals and the Federal District is seasonal. This is an ecological study of a time series (2001-2019) of TB cases, conducted with 26 capitals and the Federal District. The Ministry of Health database, with 516,524 TB cases, was used. Capitals and the Federal District were divided into five groups based on social indicators, disease burden, and the Koppen climate classification. The seasonal variation of TB notifications and group amplitude were evaluated. We found TB seasonality in Brazil with a 1% significance in all capital groups (Stability assumption and Krusall-Wallis tests, p < 0.01). In the combined seasonality test, capital groups A, D, and E showed seasonality, whereas groups B and C, its probability. Our findings showed that health service supply and/or demand - rather than climate - may be the most relevant underlying factor in TB seasonality. It is challenging to raise the other seasonal factors underlying TB seasonality in tropical regions in the Southern Hemisphere.

Son limitados los estudios que tratan de la estacionalidad de la tuberculosis (TB) en el hemisferio Sur, por lo que se hace necesario llenar esta laguna. Este estudio tiene como objetivo analizar si existe una estacionalidad en la incidencia de TB en las capitales brasileñas y en el Distrito Federal, Brasil. Estudio ecológico de series de tiempo (2001-2019) de casos de TB, realizado en 26 capitales brasileñas y el Distrito Federal. Se utilizó una base de datos con 516.524 casos de TB del Ministerio de Salud. Las capitales y el Distrito Federal se dividieron en cinco grupos, con base en indicadores sociales, carga de enfermedad y clasificación climática de Koppen. Se evaluaron la variación estacional de las notificaciones de TB y la amplitud estacional por grupo. La presencia de estacionalidad de la TB en Brasil fue identificada con un nivel de significación del 1% en todos los grupos de capitales (prueba de estabilidad supuesta y Kruskal-Wallis, p < 0,01), en la prueba de estacionalidad combinada, los grupos A, D y E de las capitales tuvieron la presencia de estacionalidad; y también es probable que haya estado presente en los grupos B y C. Los hallazgos demostraron que el clima puede no ser el factor subyacente más relevante encontrado en la estacionalidad de la TB, pero sí la oferta y/o demanda de servicios de salud, lo que muestra que es un desafío plantear los demás factores estacionales subyacentes a la estacionalidad de la TB en las regiones tropicales del Hemisferio Sur.

Tuberculosis associated with diabetes mellitus by age group in Brazil: a retrospective cohort study, 2007-2014.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) has important implications for tuberculosis (TB), as it increases the risk for disease activation and is associated with unfavorable TB treatment outcomes. This study analyzed the association between TB and DM (TBDM) in Brazil from 2007 to 2014. This was a retrospective cohort study carried out in 709,429 new cases of TB reported to the national disease notification system of the Brazilian Ministry of Health. Sociodemographic and clinical data, test results, and treatment outcomes were analyzed. TBDM was found in 6.0% of TB cases, mostly in men aged 18-59 years. The lethality rate was 5.1% higher in all age groups with diabetes, except in those older than 60 years of age. The frequency of multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in patients with DM was higher in those without DM, with a 1.6- to 3.8-fold increase in the odds of MDR-TB. The elderly showed an increase in the prevalence of TBDM from 14.3% to 18.2%. Women were more likely to have DM, and elderly women had 41.0% greater chance of having DM. Relapse was significant among patients younger than 17 years of age. TBDM was high in Brazil, affected all age groups, and was associated with unfavorable TB treatment outcomes. We emphasize the need for strategies for the clinical management of diabetic tuberculosis patients in Brazil aiming at minimizing relapses, deaths, and MDR-TB.

Health education in Aedes aegypti: case study.

OBJECTIVES: Reporting the experience of health education regarding Aedes aegypti in the Federal District. METHODS: This is a case report, with descriptive approach, about the experience of nursing practice with education actions against the Aedes aegypti in communities of the Federal District, carried out between 2015 and 2018. Subjects of the research were undergraduate students in nursing, healthcare professionals, and the community. RESULTS: There have been 24 educational interventions against Aedes aegypti, adapted to the needs of each population, using a "giant" sculpture of the mosquito, theater performances, lectures, booklets, and home visits. CONCLUSIONS: The project trained teachers, healthcare professionals, graduate students in nursing, and the community through the empowerment of this population, aiming at combating the Aedes aegypti vector.

Tuberculosis associated with diabetes mellitus by age group in Brazil: a retrospective cohort study, 2007-2014

ABSTRACT Diabetes mellitus (DM) has important implications for tuberculosis (TB), as it increases the risk for disease activation and is associated with unfavorable TB treatment outcomes. This study analyzed the association between TB and DM (TBDM) in Brazil from 2007 to 2014. This was a retrospective cohort study carried out in 709,429 new cases of TB reported to the national disease notification system of the Brazilian Ministry of Health. Sociodemographic and clinical data, test results, and treatment outcomes were analyzed. TBDM was found in 6.0% of TB cases, mostly in men aged 18-59 years. The lethality rate was 5.1% higher in all age groups with diabetes, except in those older than 60 years of age. The frequency of multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in patients with DM was higher in those without DM, with a 1.6- to 3.8-fold increase in the odds of MDR-TB. The elderly showed an increase in the prevalence of TBDM from 14.3% to 18.2%. Women were more likely to have DM, and elderly women had 41.0% greater chance of having DM. Relapse was significant among patients younger than 17 years of age. TBDM was high in Brazil, affected all age groups, and was associated with unfavorable TB treatment outcomes. We emphasize the need for strategies for the clinical management of diabetic tuberculosis patients in Brazil aiming at minimizing relapses, deaths, and MDR-TB.

Health education in Aedes aegypti: case study / Educación en salud en torno al Aedes aegypti: un reporte de experiencia / Educação em saúde sobre o Aedes aegypti: relato de experiência

ABSTRACT Objectives: Reporting the experience of health education regarding Aedes aegypti in the Federal District. Methods: This is a case report, with descriptive approach, about the experience of nursing practice with education actions against the Aedes aegypti in communities of the Federal District, carried out between 2015 and 2018. Subjects of the research were undergraduate students in nursing, healthcare professionals, and the community. Results: There have been 24 educational interventions against Aedes aegypti, adapted to the needs of each population, using a "giant" sculpture of the mosquito, theater performances, lectures, booklets, and home visits. Conclusions: The project trained teachers, healthcare professionals, graduate students in nursing, and the community through the empowerment of this population, aiming at combating the Aedes aegypti vector.

RESUMEN Objetivos: Reportar la experiencia en torno a la educación en salud relacionada con el Aedes aegypti en el Distrito Federal (Brasil). Métodos: Se trata de un reporte de experiencia, de abordaje descriptivo, sobre la vivencia de la práctica de enfermería con acciones educativas contra el Aedes aegypti en comunidades del Distrito Federal, realizado en el período entre 2015 y 2018. Participaron en este estudio los estudiantes del grado en enfermería, los profesionales de los servicios de salud y la comunidad. Resultados: Se realizaron 24 acciones educativas contra el Aedes aegypti, las cuales se adaptaron a las necesidades de cada público y se utilizó una escultura "gigante" del mosquito, presentaciones de teatro, charlas, cartillas y visitas domiciliarias. Conclusiones: El proyecto capacitó a los docentes, a los profesionales de salud, a los estudiantes de grado en enfermería y a la comunidad, por medio del empoderamiento para combatir el vector Aedes aegypti.

RESUMO Objetivos: Relatar a experiência sobre educação em saúde em relação ao Aedes aegypti no Distrito Federal. Métodos: Trata-se de um relato de experiência, com abordagem descritiva, sobre a vivência da prática de enfermagem com ações educativas contra o Aedes aegypti em comunidades do Distrito Federal, realizada entre 2015 a 2018. Os sujeitos da pesquisa foram os graduandos de enfermagem, os profissionais dos serviços de saúde e a comunidade. Resultados: Realizaram-se 24 atuações educativas contra o Aedes aegypti, adaptadas às necessidades de cada público, utilizando-se uma escultura "gigante" do mosquito, apresentações de teatro, palestras, cartilhas e visitas domiciliares. Conclusões: O projeto capacitou docentes, profissionais de saúde, graduandos de enfermagem e comunidade por meio do empoderamento dessa população, com vistas ao combate ao vetor Aedes aegypti.

A diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis and drug resistance among inmates in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: High endemic levels of pulmonary tuberculosis in prisons result from overcrowding, limited access to healthcare, delayed diagnosis, sustained transmission owing to poor control measures, and multidrug resistance. This study evaluated locally implemented measures for early pulmonary tuberculosis diagnosis and evaluated resistance to anti-tuberculosis drugs. METHODS: This transversal study employed data from the Mato Grosso do Sul State Tuberculosis Control Program obtained from 35 correctional facilities in 16 counties for 2 periods (2007-2010 and 2011-2014). RESULTS: Statewide prevalence (per 100,000) was 480.0 in 2007 and 972.9 in 2014. The following indicators showed improvement: alcohol-acid-fast bacillus testing (from 82.7% to 92.9%); cultures performed (55.0% to 81.8%); drug susceptibility testing of positive cultures (71.6% to 62.4%); and overall drug susceptibility testing coverage (36.6% to 47.4%). Primary and acquired resistance rates for 2007-2014 were 21.1% and 30.0%, respectively. Primary and acquired multidrug resistance rates were 0.3% and 1.3%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence rates increased, and laboratory indicators improved as a result of capacity building and coordination of technical teams and other individuals providing healthcare to inmates. Resistance rates were high, thereby negatively affecting disease control.

A diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis and drug resistance among inmates in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: High endemic levels of pulmonary tuberculosis in prisons result from overcrowding, limited access to healthcare, delayed diagnosis, sustained transmission owing to poor control measures, and multidrug resistance. This study evaluated locally implemented measures for early pulmonary tuberculosis diagnosis and evaluated resistance to anti-tuberculosis drugs. METHODS: This transversal study employed data from the Mato Grosso do Sul State Tuberculosis Control Program obtained from 35 correctional facilities in 16 counties for 2 periods (2007-2010 and 2011-2014). RESULTS: Statewide prevalence (per 100,000) was 480.0 in 2007 and 972.9 in 2014. The following indicators showed improvement: alcohol-acid-fast bacillus testing (from 82.7% to 92.9%); cultures performed (55.0% to 81.8%); drug susceptibility testing of positive cultures (71.6% to 62.4%); and overall drug susceptibility testing coverage (36.6% to 47.4%). Primary and acquired resistance rates for 2007-2014 were 21.1% and 30.0%, respectively. Primary and acquired multidrug resistance rates were 0.3% and 1.3%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence rates increased, and laboratory indicators improved as a result of capacity building and coordination of technical teams and other individuals providing healthcare to inmates. Resistance rates were high, thereby negatively affecting disease control.

Relationship between climatic factors and air quality with tuberculosis in the Federal District, Brazil, 2003-2012

Abstract Introduction: Despite the high rate of tuberculosis indicators in Brazil, the Federal District shows a low prevalence of the disease. Objective: To analyze the relationship between climatic factors and air quality with tuberculosis in the Brazilian Federal District. Methodology: This was an ecological and descriptive study comparing 3927 new cases of Tuberculosis registered at the Federal District Tuberculosis Control Program with data from the National Institute of Meteorology, Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics, Brazilian Agricultural Research Institute, Brasilia Environmental Institute, and the Federal District Planning Company. Results: From 2003 to 2012, there has been a higher incidence of Tuberculosis (27.0%) in male patients in the winter (27.2%). Patients under 15 years of age (28.6%) and older than 64 years (27.1%) were more affected in the fall. For youth and adults (15-64 years), the highest number of cases was reported during winter (44.3%). The disease was prevalent with ultraviolet radiation over 17 MJ/m2 (67.8%; p = <0.001); relative humidity between 31.0% and 69.0% (95.8% of cases; p = <0.00); 12 h of daily sunlight or more (40.6%; p = 0.001); and temperatures between 20 °C and 23 °C (72.4%; p = <0.001). In the city of Taguatinga and surrounding area, pollution levels dropped to 15.2% between 2003 and 2012. Smoke levels decreased to 31.9%. In the Sobradinho region, particulate matter dropped to 13.1% and smoke to 19.3%, coinciding with the reduction of Tuberculosis incidence rates during the same period. Conclusion: The results should guide surveillance actions for Tuberculosis control and elimination and indicate the need to expand observation time to new climate indicators and air quality.

Relationship between climatic factors and air quality with tuberculosis in the Federal District, Brazil, 2003-2012.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the high rate of tuberculosis indicators in Brazil, the Federal District shows a low prevalence of the disease. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the relationship between climatic factors and air quality with tuberculosis in the Brazilian Federal District. METHODOLOGY: This was an ecological and descriptive study comparing 3927 new cases of Tuberculosis registered at the Federal District Tuberculosis Control Program with data from the National Institute of Meteorology, Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics, Brazilian Agricultural Research Institute, Brasilia Environmental Institute, and the Federal District Planning Company. RESULTS: From 2003 to 2012, there has been a higher incidence of Tuberculosis (27.0%) in male patients in the winter (27.2%). Patients under 15 years of age (28.6%) and older than 64 years (27.1%) were more affected in the fall. For youth and adults (15-64 years), the highest number of cases was reported during winter (44.3%). The disease was prevalent with ultraviolet radiation over 17MJ/m2 (67.8%; p=<0.001); relative humidity between 31.0% and 69.0% (95.8% of cases; p=<0.00); 12h of daily sunlight or more (40.6%; p=0.001); and temperatures between 20°C and 23°C (72.4%; p=<0.001). In the city of Taguatinga and surrounding area, pollution levels dropped to 15.2% between 2003 and 2012. Smoke levels decreased to 31.9%. In the Sobradinho region, particulate matter dropped to 13.1% and smoke to 19.3%, coinciding with the reduction of Tuberculosis incidence rates during the same period. CONCLUSION: The results should guide surveillance actions for Tuberculosis control and elimination and indicate the need to expand observation time to new climate indicators and air quality.

[Antituberculosis-drug resistance in the border of Brazil with Paraguay and Bolivia]. / Resistência às drogas antituberculose na fronteira do Brasil com Paraguai e Bolívia.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the rate of drug resistance among pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) cases in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, and specifically in the border areas with Paraguay and Bolivia, as well as to identify associated risk factors. METHOD: The present cross-sectional, epidemiological study focused on PTB cases recorded between January 2007 and December 2010 in the State Reportable Disease Information System with results of susceptibility tests to rifampicin, isoniazid, ethambutol, and streptomycin. Dependent variables were development of resistance to a single drug or any combination of drugs. Independent variables were being a new or treated case, living in border areas, presence/absence of diabetes, and history of alcoholism. RESULTS: There were 789 TBP cases with susceptibility testing. The following characteristics were associated with resistance: treated case (P = 0.0001), border region (P = 0.0142), alcoholism (P = 0.0451), and diabetes (P = 0.0708). The rates of combined, primary, and acquired resistance for the state were 16.3%, 10.6%, and 39.0%, vs. 22.3%, 19.2%, and 37.5% for the border region. The rates of combined, primary, and acquired multidrug resistance for the state were 1.8%, 0.6%, and 6.3%, vs. 3.1%, 1.2%, and 12.5% for the border region. CONCLUSIONS: In the border region, the state should investigate drug resistance in all patients with respiratory symptoms, determine the pattern of resistance in confirmed cases, adopt directly observed treatment for cases of PTB, and develop health actions together with neighboring countries. Across the state, the levels of acquired resistance should be monitored, with investigation of resistance in all treated cases and implementation of directly observed treatment especially among patients with diabetes or alcoholism.

Resistência às drogas antituberculose na fronteira do Brasil com Paraguai e Bolívia / Antituberculosis-drug resistance in the border of Brazil with Paraguay and Bolivia

RESUMO Objetivo Estimar as taxas de resistência às drogas entre casos de tuberculose pulmonar (TBP) para o estado de Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil, e especificamente para a região da fronteira com Paraguai e Bolívia, além de identificar fatores de risco associados. Métodos O presente estudo epidemiológico, transversal, enfocou os casos de TBP registrados de janeiro de 2007 a dezembro de 2010 no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação da Secretaria de Estado de Saúde com resultados do teste de suscetibilidade a rifampicina, isoniazida, etambutol e estreptomicina. Definiram-se como variáveis dependentes o desenvolvimento de resistência a uma única droga e a qualquer combinação de drogas. As variáveis independentes foram ser caso novo ou tratado, residência em região de fronteira ou outra região, presença ou ausência de diabetes e história de alcoolismo. Resultados Foram identificados 789 casos de TBP com teste de suscetibilidade. As características associadas à resistência foram: caso tratado (P=0,0001), região de fronteira (P=0,0142), alcoolismo (P=0,0451) e diabetes (P=0,0708). As taxas de resistência combinada, primária e adquirida no estado foram de 16,3%, 10,6% e 39,0%, e na fronteira, de 22,3%, 19,2% e 37,5%. As taxas de resistência a múltiplas drogas combinada, primária e adquirida no estado foram de 1,8%, 0,6% e 6,3%, e na fronteira, de 3,1%, 1,2% e 12,5%. Conclusões O estado deve, na região de fronteira, realizar cultura em todos os sintomáticos respiratórios, investigar o padrão de resistência nos casos confirmados, adotar o tratamento diretamente observado nos casos de TBP e desencadear ações de saúde conjuntas com os países fronteiriços. Em todo o estado, é necessário monitorar os níveis de resistência adquirida, ampliar a investigação de resistência para todos os casos tratados e adotar o tratamento diretamente observado prioritariamente entre pacientes com alcoolismo e diabetes.

ABSTRACT Objective To estimate the rate of drug resistance among pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) cases in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, and specifically in the border areas with Paraguay and Bolivia, as well as to identify associated risk factors. Method The present cross-sectional, epidemiological study focused on PTB cases recorded between January 2007 and December 2010 in the State Reportable Disease Information System with results of susceptibility tests to rifampicin, isoniazid, ethambutol, and streptomycin. Dependent variables were development of resistance to a single drug or any combination of drugs. Independent variables were being a new or treated case, living in border areas, presence/absence of diabetes, and history of alcoholism. Results There were 789 TBP cases with susceptibility testing. The following characteristics were associated with resistance: treated case (P = 0.0001), border region (P = 0.0142), alcoholism (P = 0.0451), and diabetes (P = 0.0708). The rates of combined, primary, and acquired resistance for the state were 16.3%, 10.6%, and 39.0%, vs. 22.3%, 19.2%, and 37.5% for the border region. The rates of combined, primary, and acquired multidrug resistance for the state were 1.8%, 0.6%, and 6.3%, vs. 3.1%, 1.2%, and 12.5% for the border region. Conclusions In the border region, the state should investigate drug resistance in all patients with respiratory symptoms, determine the pattern of resistance in confirmed cases, adopt directly observed treatment for cases of PTB, and develop health actions together with neighboring countries. Across the state, the levels of acquired resistance should be monitored, with investigation of resistance in all treated cases and implementation of directly observed treatment especially among patients with diabetes or alcoholism.

Added value of QuantiFERON TB-gold in-tube for detecting latent tuberculosis infection among persons living with HIV/AIDS.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the added value of QuantiFERON TB-Gold in-Tube (QTF-GIT) over the tuberculin skin testing (TST) for detecting latent tuberculosis (TB) infection (LTBI) among patients with AIDS in a city with a low TB incidence rate (11.1/100,000 inhabitants) and universal BCG coverage. METHODS: Three hundred consecutive patients with AIDS in eight outpatient sexually transmitted disease public clinics in Brasilia were submitted to QFT-IT and TST between May 2011 and March 2013. A positive result of either test was considered to be LTBI. RESULTS: Median CD4-cell count was 477.5 cells/mm(3); 295 (98.3%) were using antiretroviral therapy. Eighteen patients (6%, 95% CI: 3.6%-9.3%) had LTBI, of whom 4 (1.3%, 95% CI: 0.04%-2.63%) had only a positive TST, 8 (2.7%, 95% CI: 0.8%-4.5%) had only a QFT-GIT positive test, and 6 (2%, 95% CI: 0.4%-3.6%) had positive results for both tests. This represents an 81.8% relative increase in LTBI detection when QFT-GIT is added to TST. The concordance between both tests was 96% (k = 0.48). CONCLUSIONS: The QFT-GIT alone was more effective to detect LTBI than TST alone and had an 81% added value as an add-on sequential test in this population with mild immunosuppression. The cost-effectiveness of these strategies remains to be evaluated.

Percepción de riesgo de infección por VIH entre adolescentes embarazadas en el Distrito Federal de Brasil / Perceived risk of HIV infection among pregnant teenagers in the federal district of Brazil

Se trata de un estudio transversal con el objetivo de analizar la percepción de riesgo de la infección por el VIH entre adolescentes embarazadas en el Distrito Federal, Brasil. Fueron entrevistadas 336 adolescentes gestantes de edades comprendidas entre 13 y 19 años, atendidas en el sistema público de salud del Distrito Federal, entre abril y noviembre de 2009. El Comité de Ética aprobó el estudio (Parecer No 33/2009). En el análisis estadístico se utilizó el test χ2. La mayoría de las entrevistadas estaban casadas/unión estable, con una iniciación sexual media de 14,9 años de edad, hicieron uso del preservativo en la primera y última relación sexual un 64,0 por ciento y un 14,9 por ciento respectivamente. El 33,3 por ciento de las adolescentes eran conscientes del riesgo de infección por VIH al quedarse embarazadas, recayendo la mayor percepción de riesgo (p=0,014) entre las que tuvieron más de un compañero sexual. No se observaron diferencias estadísticas entre la percepción de riesgo y las variables edad, estado civil, cohabitación, escolaridad, religión o frecuencia de uso del preservativo. En conclusión, fue baja la percepción de riesgo de infección por VIH de las adolescentes embarazadas del Distrito Federal.

This is a transversal study with the aim of analyzing the perception of risk of HIV infection among pregnant adolescents in the Federal District of Brazil. 336 pregnant adolescents between the ages of 13 and 19 who received prenatal care from the public hospital system between April and November 2009 were interviewed. The study was approved by the ethics committee (Opinion No. 33/2009). The Pearson χ2 test was used in the statistical analysis. Most interviewed were married/stable union with sexual initiation average 14.9 years old, made use of condoms in the frst and last sexual union 64.0 percent and 14.9 percent respectively. Around 33.3 percent of the adolescents perceived the risk of HIV infection upon becoming pregnant with the highest perception of risk (p=0.014) among those who had had more than one sexual partner. Statistical differences were not observed with the variables: age, marital status, cohabitation, educational level, religion or frequency of condom use. In conclusion, the perception of risk among pregnant adolescents in the Federal District was low.

Estudo da distribuição da tuberculose (TB) nos Estados do Amazonas eRio Grande do Sul (2006 a 2009) / Study of the distribution of tuberculosis (TB) in the states of Amazonas and Rio Grande do Sul (2006-2009)

Estudo descritivo ecológico sobre a distribuição da tuberculose (TB) nos estados do Amazonas e Rio Grande do Sul, entre 2006 e 2009, realizado com informações do SINAN/SUS e IBGE. Observou-se aumento da TB com aumento da desigualdade da distribuição da renda na maioria dos municípios. A maior incidência de TB ocorreu na população com menos de oito anos de estudo e no grupo de 20 a 49 anos, seguido pelo de 65 anos e mais. Utilizando o método preditivo a partir da análise e regressão múltipla, obteve-se um modelo validado para o Rio Grande do Sul (R2=0,75), com associação da TB x escolaridade de primeira à quarta série incompleta (r=0,56) e faixa etária de 20 a 49 anos (r=0,85). No Amazonas os modelos não foram validados devido à variabilidade dos dados existentes. Demais variáveis ambientais, socioeconômicas e indicadores de saúde não permaneceram no modelo final, devido à correlação fraca com a variável dependente (incidência média de TB). O método apresentou-se como ferramenta adequada para indicar os principais fatores relacionados à doença TB.

Syndromic surveillance: etiologic study of acute febrile illness in dengue suspicious cases with negative serology. Brazil, Federal District, 2008.

With the aim of identifying the etiology of acute febrile illness in patients suspected of having dengue, yet with non reagent serum, a descriptive study was conducted with 144 people using secondary serum samples collected during convalescence. The study was conducted between January and May of 2008. All the exams were re-tested for dengue, which was confirmed in 11.8% (n = 17); the samples that remained negative for dengue (n = 127) were tested for rubella, with 3.9% (n = 5) positive results. Among those non reactive for rubella (n = 122), tests were made for leptospirosis and hantavirus. Positive tests for leptospirosis were 13.9% (n = 17) and none for hantavirus. Non reactive results (70.8%) were considered as Indefinite Febrile Illness (IFI). Low schooling was statistically associated with dengue, rubella and leptospirosis (p = 0.009), dyspnea was statistically associated with dengue and leptospirosis (p = 0.012), and exanthem/petechia with dengue and rubella (p = 0.001). Among those with leptospirosis, activities in empty or vacant lots showed statistical association with the disease (p = 0.013). Syndromic surveillance was shown to be an important tool in the etiologic identification of IFI in the Federal District of Brazil.