Prevalence and circulant genotypes of Chlamydia trachomatis in university women from cities in the Brazilian Amazon.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 80% of infected women infected by Chlamydia trachomatis are asymptomatic, although this infection can lead to serious complications in the female reproductive tract. Few data on Chlamydia infection and genotypes are available in Amazonian communities. OBJECTIVES: To describe the prevalence of and associated factors and to identify the genotypes of sexual C. trachomatis infection in female university students in different urban centers (capital and interiors) in the Brazilian state of Pará, in the eastern Amazon region. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed among young women attending public universities in four different urban centers in the eastern Amazon region. They were invited to participate in the studt and cervical secretions were collected for molecular diagnosis of C. trachomatis. We utilized amplification of the ompA gene by nested PCR. Positive samples were genotyped by nucleotide sequencing. Study participants completed a questionnaire on social, epidemiological, and reproductive health variables. A Qui-square and Binominal regression test were used to evaluate the degree of association of these variables with the infection. RESULTS: A total of 686 female students was included in the study. The overall prevalence of C. trachomatis was 11.2% (77/686). The prevalence of this infection was higher in interiors (15.2% vs 9.5%/ p: 0.0443). Female university students who do not have a sexual partner (11.8%/p <0.008), who do not use a condom in their sexual relations (17.8%/p <0.0001) and who reported having suffered a miscarriage (32%/p <0.0001) have high chances of acquiring this sexual infection. The ompA gene was sequenced in only 33 (42.8%) samples, revealing the genotype J was the most frequent (27.2% [9/33]), followed by genotypes D (24.2% [8/33]), and then genotypes F (18.2% [6/33]), E (15.1% [5/33]) K (6.1% [2/33]), Ia (6.1% [2/33]), and G (3.1% [1/33]). CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence of sexual infection by C. trachomatis in the female university students from the interior of the state of Pará, individuals with no fixed sexual partner, those that had had a miscarriage, the students that do not use condoms in their sexual relations. The genotype J of C. trachomatis genotypes was the most frequent. These data are important to help defining the epidemiological effects of chlamydial infections in Amazonian populations.

Epidemiological profile of human toxocariasis in patients examined at Evandro Chagas Institute (IEC/SVSA/MS) between 2014 and 2019.

INTRODUCTION: Toxocariasis is caused by nematodes of Toxocara genus, which infest dogs and cats, with humans serving as paratenic hosts. METHODS: The epidemiological profile of patients examined for toxocariasis between October 2014 and October 2019 at Evandro Chagas Institute (IEC) was outlined. The frequency of anti-T. canis IgG antibodies were evaluated using the Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method. RESULTS: From a total of 734 samples, 56% were from male (p < 0.05). Regarding age, the group with the most solicitations were from ≤11 years old individuals (p < 0.05). Pará state had the highest number of exams requested (92%), with the majority from residents of urban areas, accounting for 81.5% of samples (p < 0.05). The overall toxocariasis seroprevalence was 41.8%, the male sex being the most frequent with 60.9% (p < 0.05). The most affected age group was ≤11 years old, with a total of 67.8% of positive samples (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The high rates obtained emphasize the need for complementary studies on toxocariasis in Brazil, especially in Pará state, contributing to epidemiological surveillance actions in the control of this infection. Besides, health campaigns for domestic and stray animals, also can contribute to a more effective surveillance in controlling parasitic infections and encourages the One Health approach.

Human immunodeficiency virus infection in pregnant women and its correlation with socioeconomic determinants.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the spatial pattern of human immunodeficiency virus infection in pregnant women and its correlation with socioeconomic determinants. METHOD: Ecological study, carried out with cases of human immunodeficiency virus infection in pregnant women in the state of Pará, Brazil, from 2010 to 2017. Rate analysis was performed using the empirical Bayesian method and univariate local Moran. Bivariate analyses were used to examine the correlation between infection and socioeconomic determinants. RESULTS: High rates of infection were observed in municipalities in the mesoregions of Southeast of Pará and Metropolitan area of Belém. A significant spatial correlation was found between human immunodeficiency virus infection rates in pregnant women and human development index indicators (I = 0.2836; p < 0.05), average income (I = 0.6303; p < 0.05), and illiteracy rate (I = 0.4604; p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The spatial pattern of human immunodeficiency virus infection in pregnant women correlated to socioeconomic determinants highlights the need to restructure public policies for the control and prevention of AIDS virus that take into account the socioeconomic factors of this specific population and locoregional disparities in Pará.

The Role of GeneXpert® for Tuberculosis Diagnostics in Brazil: An Examination from a Historical and Epidemiological Perspective.

The rapid molecular test (RMT) performed on the GeneXpert® system is widely used as a control strategy and surveillance technique for tuberculosis (TB). In the region of the Americas, TB incidence is slowly increasing owing to an upward trend in Brazil, which is among the high TB-burden countries (HBCs), ranking in the 19th position. In this context, we aimed to (i) describe the implementation and history of RMT-TB (Xpert® MTB/RIF and Xpert® MTB/RIF Ultra) in Brazil; (ii) to evaluate the national RMT laboratory distribution, TB, and resistance to RIF detection by RMT; and (iii) to correlate these data with Brazilian TB incidence. The quantitative data of Xpert® MTB/RIF and Xpert® MTB/RIF Ultra assays performed in the pulmonary TB investigation from 2014 to 2020 were provided by the Brazilian Ministry of Health. A spatial visualization using ArcGIS software was performed. The Southeast region constituted about half of the RMT laboratories-from 39.4% to 45.9% of the total value over the five regions. Regarding the federal units, the São Paulo state alone represented from 20.2% to 34.1% (5.0 to 8.5 times the value) of RMT laboratories over the years observed. There were significant differences (p < 0.0001) in the frequency of RMT laboratories between all years of the historical series. There was an unequal distribution of RMT laboratories between Brazilian regions and federal units. This alerts us for the surveillance of rapid molecular detection of TB in different parts of the country, with the possibility of improving the distribution of tests in areas of higher incidence in order to achieve the level of disease control recommended by national and worldwide authorities.

Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes among Vaccinated and Unvaccinated Patients with Cardiovascular Disease Who Were Hospitalized for COVID-19 in Brazil: Retrospective Cohort.

INTRODUCTION: COVID-19 in Brazil has already caused, and it still causes, several impacts on health, economy, and education. The risk factors for death involved those with cardiovascular diseases (CVD), which were prioritized for the vaccination of COVID-19. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical characteristics and outcomes between vaccinated and unvaccinated patients with cardiovascular diseases hospitalized for COVID-19 in Brazil in the year 2022. METHODS: A retrospective cohort was analyzed from the year 2022, with cases being hospitalized by COVID-19 being drawn from SIVEP-GRIPE surveillance. We compared clinical characteristics, comorbidities, and outcomes between CVD carriers and non-carriers, and we also compared vaccinated with two doses vs. those that are unvaccinated in CVD carriers. We performed chi-square, odds ratio, logistic regression, and survival analysis. RESULTS: We included, in the cohort, 112,459 hospital inpatients. An amount of 71,661 (63.72%) of the hospitalized patients had CVD. Regarding deaths, 37,888 (33.69%) died. Regarding vaccination against COVID-19, 20,855 (18.54%) people were not vaccinated with any dose among those with CVD. Death p- < 0.001 (OR 1.307-CI 1.235-1.383) and fever p- < 0.001 (OR 1.156-CI 1.098-1.218) were associated with the unvaccinated CVD carriers, and diarrhea p-0.015 (OR 1.116-CI 1.022-1.218), dyspnea p-0.022 (OR 1.074-CI 1.011-1.142), and respiratory distress p-0.021 (OR 1.070-CI 1.011-1.134) were also recorded. Those patients who possessed predictors of death, including invasive ventilation (p- < 0.001 (OR 8.816-CI 8.313-9.350)), were admitted to the ICU p- < 0.001 (OR 1.754-CI 1.684-1.827), and some had respiratory distress p- < 0.001 (OR 1.367-CI 1.312-1.423), dyspnea p < 0.001 (OR 1.341-CI 1.284-1.400), O2 saturation < 95% p- < 0. 001 (OR 1.307-CI 1.254-1.363), they were unvaccinated against COVID-19 p- < 0.001 (OR 1.258-CI 1.200-1.319), they were of male sex p- < 0.001 (OR 1.179-CI 1.138-1.221), they had diarrhea p-0.018 (OR 1.081-CI 1.013-1.154), and they may have been old p < 0.001 (OR 1.034-CI 1.033-1.035). Survival was shorter for the unvaccinated p-0.003, and p- <0.001. CONCLUSIONS: We highlight the predictors of death for those unvaccinated against COVID-19 in this research, and we evidenced the benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine in reducing deaths in hospitalized CVD patients.

Social Experiences, Discrimination, and Violence among Men Who Have Sex with Men in a Northern Brazilian Capital.

Men who have sex with men who suffer stigmatization and discrimination become more fragile in facing life's problems, such as the search for treatment in health services. In the present study, the social aspects related to discrimination and violence among men who have sex with men in Belém, Pará, are evaluated. Data were obtained by applying the respondent-driven sampling method to recruit 349 participants aged 18 years or older and who reported having had at least one sexual relationship with a man in the last 12 months. Data were collected from June to December 2016 in a semi-structured interview. Five seeds were initially recruited who applied RDS. The vast majority were between 18 and 35 years old, had completed elementary school but not high school, and were of mixed race. Almost a third lived in peripheral neighborhoods and were employed/self-employed. Additionally, most participants reported having suffered aggression/discrimination, more often in religious contexts, with family or in health services. The findings reported here may contribute to the development of public policies aimed at this population and indicate the need for new strategies to combat sexually transmitted infections, stigma, and discrimination suffered by this population.

Accuracy of the urine point-of-care circulating cathodic antigen assay for diagnosing Schistosomiasis mansoni infection in Brazil: A multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization recommends a market-ready, urine-based point-of-care diagnostic test for circulating cathodic antigens (CCA) to determine the prevalence of S. mansoni. This study evaluated the performance of the URINE CCA (SCHISTO) ECO TESTE® (POC-ECO), which is currently available in Brazil. METHODS: Residents from eight sites with different prevalence estimates provided one urine sample for POC-ECO and one stool sample for Kato-Katz (KK) and Helmintex® (HTX) testing as an egg-detecting reference for infection status. RESULTS: None of the study sites had significantly higher POC-ECO accuracy than KK. CONCLUSIONS: POC-ECO is not currently recommended in Brazilian schistosomiasis elimination programs.

Accuracy of the urine point-of-care circulating cathodic antigen assay for diagnosing Schistosomiasis mansoni infection in Brazil: A multicenter study

ABSTRACT Background: The World Health Organization recommends a market-ready, urine-based point-of-care diagnostic test for circulating cathodic antigens (CCA) to determine the prevalence of S. mansoni. This study evaluated the performance of the URINE CCA (SCHISTO) ECO TESTE® (POC-ECO), which is currently available in Brazil. Methods: Residents from eight sites with different prevalence estimates provided one urine sample for POC-ECO and one stool sample for Kato-Katz (KK) and Helmintex® (HTX) testing as an egg-detecting reference for infection status. Results: None of the study sites had significantly higher POC-ECO accuracy than KK. Conclusions: POC-ECO is not currently recommended in Brazilian schistosomiasis elimination programs.

Human immunodeficiency virus infection in pregnant women and its correlation with socioeconomic determinants / Infección por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana en mujeres embarazadas y su correlación con determinantes socioeconómicos / Infecção pelo vírus da imunodeficiência humana em gestantes e sua correlação com os determinantes socioeconômicos

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the spatial pattern of human immunodeficiency virus infection in pregnant women and its correlation with socioeconomic determinants. Method: Ecological study, carried out with cases of human immunodeficiency virus infection in pregnant women in the state of Pará, Brazil, from 2010 to 2017. Rate analysis was performed using the empirical Bayesian method and univariate local Moran. Bivariate analyses were used to examine the correlation between infection and socioeconomic determinants. Results: High rates of infection were observed in municipalities in the mesoregions of Southeast of Pará and Metropolitan area of Belém. A significant spatial correlation was found between human immunodeficiency virus infection rates in pregnant women and human development index indicators (I = 0.2836; p < 0.05), average income (I = 0.6303; p < 0.05), and illiteracy rate (I = 0.4604; p < 0.05). Conclusion: The spatial pattern of human immunodeficiency virus infection in pregnant women correlated to socioeconomic determinants highlights the need to restructure public policies for the control and prevention of AIDS virus that take into account the socioeconomic factors of this specific population and locoregional disparities in Pará.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Analizar el estándar espacial de la infección por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana en mujeres embarazadas y su correlación con determinantes socioeconómicos. Método: Estudio ecológico, realizado con casos de infección por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana en mujeres embarazadas en el estado de Pará, Brasil, de 2010 a 2017. El análisis de tasas se realizó mediante el método bayesiano empírico y Moran local univariado. Se emplearon análisis bivariados para examinar la correlación entre la infección y los determinantes socioeconómicos. Resultados: Se observaron altas tasas de infección en municipios de las mesorregiones Sudeste de Pará y Metropolitana de Belém. Se identificó una correlación espacial significativa entre las tasas de infección por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana en mujeres embarazadas y los indicadores del índice de desarrollo humano (I = 0,2836; p < 0,05), ingreso medio (I = 0,6303; p < 0,05) y tasa de analfabetismo (I = 0,4604; p < 0,05). Conclusión: El estándar espacial de la infección por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana en mujeres embarazadas correlacionado con determinantes socioeconómicos refuerza la necesidad de reestructurar políticas públicas para el control y la prevención del virus del SIDA que tengan en cuenta los factores socioeconómicos de esta población específica y las disparidades locorregionales en Pará.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar o padrão espacial da infecção pelo vírus da imunodeficiência humana em gestantes e sua correlação com os determinantes socioeconômicos. Método: Estudo ecológico, realizado com casos de infecção pelo vírus da imunodeficiência humana em gestantes no estado do Pará, Brasil, de 2010 a 2017. A análise das taxas foi realizada por meio do método bayesiano empírico e Moran local univariado. As análises bivariadas foram empregadas para examinar a correlação entre a infecção e os determinantes socioeconômicos. Resultados: Verificaram-se altas taxas da infecção em municípios das mesorregiões Sudeste Paraense e Metropolitana de Belém. Identificou-se correlação espacial significativa entre as taxas de infecção pelo vírus da imunodeficiência humana em gestantes e os indicadores índice de desenvolvimento humano (I = 0,2836; p < 0,05), renda média (I = 0,6303; p < 0,05) e taxa de analfabetismo (I = 0,4604; p < 0,05). Conclusão: O padrão espacial da infecção pelo vírus da imunodeficiência humana em gestantes correlacionada aos determinantes socioeconômicos reforça a necessidade de reestruturação de políticas públicas de controle e prevenção do vírus da AIDS que atentem para os fatores socioeconômicos desse público específico e disparidades locorregionais no Pará.

Recovery of Brucella in raw milk Minas artisanal cheese approved for consumption by official inspection agency in Brazil: assessment of prevalence and risk factors through One Health integrated approaches.

BACKGROUND: Minas artisanal cheese (MAC) from the Serro region is a Brazilian intangible cultural heritage. Produced from raw milk, it may carry zoonotic pathogens such as Brucella. This study included a randomized survey for the prevalence of Brucella-positive MAC and its associated factors. METHODS: MAC samples (n=55), each one from a different rural family-based cheese-processing agroindustry, were analysed for Brucella by direct polymerase chain reaction (PCR) species-specific DNA detection and cultivation-based approaches. RESULTS: Among 55 MACs that were analysed, we found 17 Brucella DNA-positive samples (30.9% [95% confidence interval {CI} 18.7 to 43.1]) by PCR and, for the first time, from one MAC (1.8% [95% CI 0.5 to 9.7]), viable Brucella abortus was recovered by cultivation. Higher values for two variables, the number of lactating cows per herd (p=0.043) and daily milk production per herd (p=0.043), were each associated with Brucella-positive MAC, which concentrated in three high-risk and one low-risk spatial clusters. CONCLUSIONS: MAC may be a source of Brucella for humans, since the positive samples were from batches that were sold by cheesemakers. This should be of concern and encourage cooperation between the health and agriculture sectors in order to mitigate this public health risk through One Health integrated approaches.

Cryptococcosis: Identification of Risk Areas in the Brazilian Amazon.

The Brazilian Amazon has a specific epidemiological profile for cryptococcosis, considering its social and economic inequality, health reality, and low access to health services. Furthermore, Brazil and Colombia have the highest cryptococcosis incidence rates in Latin America. In this study, we identified the areas of risk for cryptococcosis in the state of Pará in the Brazilian Amazon. This was an ecological study of patients admitted to a referral hospital from 2008 to 2018, aged 13 years or older, and of both sexes. The spatial distribution was determined using ArcGis 10.3.1 software. Cryptococcosis was confirmed in 272 cases. The incidence rate was 3.41 cases/100,000 inhabitants. Spatial distribution was concentrated in the Metropolitana de Belém, Nordeste Paraense, and Marajó mesoregions. The sociodemographic profile consisted of 62% men, aged between 24 and 34 years (36%), without completed secondary education (64.7%), and with occupations varying between agricultural activities (13.8%) and household activities (22%). The mean hospitalization time was 39 days; the prevalent clinical form was neurological (89.7%). The mortality rate among patients with cryptococcosis was up to 40%. Knowledge of the real magnitude of the disease in the Brazilian Amazon makes it possible to identify areas with the greatest risks and to propose control and epidemiological surveillance programs.

Spatial analysis studies of endemic diseases for health surveillance: Application of scan statistics for surveillance of tuberculosis among residents of a metropolitan municipality aged 60 years and above.

Health surveillance aims to monitor adverse health events, and to set disease prevention and control goals, especially for communicable diseases, such as tuberculosis (TB). Older people have a higher risk of TB, due to their specific characteristics, whichpredispose them to infectious disease. Thus, the objective of this study was to demonstrate the importance of scan statistics for detecting spatiotemporal clusters of TB. We conducted a quantitative is an ecological, descriptive study, with a quantitative approach, using the spatial analysis techniques, specifically scan statistics. The study was conducted in the municipality of Belém, Pará, in Brazil using data on 1,134 new cases of TB diagnosed in individuals aged ≥60 years from 2011 to 2015.The data were analyzed using SaTScan software. The analysis of the spatiotemporal dynamics of TB in the municipality showed thatthe high-risk areas includedthe most densely populated neighborhoods, highlighting the priority of theseareas for disease control measures. Spatial analysis can be used to guide more effective interventions according to the characteristics of the location and the local population.

Socio-Epidemiological Features and Spatial Distribution of Malaria in an Area under Mining Activity in the Brazilian Amazon Region.

Malaria is an acute febrile infectious disease that represents an important public health problem in the Brazilian amazon region. The present study described the socio-epidemiological and spatial characteristics of malaria in a population from the Tapajós mining areas, Pará, Brazilian Amazon. A cross-sectional study, including individuals from Itaituba city, an area under mining activity influence, was conducted. The geographic coordinates were obtained in the field using the Global Positioning System (GPS) Garmin 78csx; for spatial analysis, we used the Kernel Density Estimator with the application of scanning statistics with the SaTScan software. Of the 908 individuals, 311 were positive for malaria. Most of the malaria cases were associated with male individuals, gold miners and with a monthly income of 4-6 salaries. Binary logistic regression analysis demonstrated that gold miners were nearly five times more likely to acquire malaria. In addition, a context of risk for sexually transmitted infections, substance abuse and poor support conditions was observed, worsening the healthcare scenario in this endemic area for malaria. The spatial distribution of malaria cases is irregular in the municipality with hotspot areas located in the Amana Flona that coincide with areas of illegal mining and high human mobility. Finally, the presented socio-epidemiological and spatial distribution data may aid in the development of more effective control measures for malaria in the area.

Risk factors associated with the severity of COVID-19 in a region of the Brazilian Amazon.

The Brazilian Northern region registered a high incidence of COVID-19 cases, particularly in the state of Pará. The present study investigated the risk factors associated with the severity of COVID-19 in a Brazilian Amazon region of 100,819 cases. An epidemiological, cross-sectional, analytical and demographic study, analyzing data on confirmed cases for COVID-19 available at the Brazilian Ministry of Health's surveillance platform, was conducted. Variables such as, municipalities of residence, age, gender, signs and symptoms, comorbidities were included and associated with COVID-19 cases and outcomes. The spatial distribution was performed using the ArcGIS program. A total of 100,819 cases were evaluated. Overall, patients had the mean age of 42.3 years, were female (51.2%) and with lethality reaching 4.79% of cases. Main symptoms included fever (66.5%), cough (61.9%) and sore throat (39.8%). Regarding comorbidities, most of the patients presented cardiovascular disease (5.1%) and diabetes (4.2%). Neurological disease increased risk of death by nearly 15 times, followed by obesity (5.16 times) and immunodeficiency (5.09 time). The municipalities with the highest incidence rate were Parauapebas, Canaã dos Carajás and Jacareacanga. Similarity between the Lower Amazon, Marajó and Southwest mesoregions of Pará state were observed concerning the highest morbidity rates. The obtained data demonstrated that the majority of cases occurred among young adults, females, with the classic influenza symptoms and chronic diseases. Finally, data suggest that the highest incidences were no longer in the metropolitan region of the state. The higher lethality rate than in Brazil may be associated with the greater impacts of the disease in this Amazonian population, or factors associated with fragile epidemiological surveillance in the notification of cases of cure.

Spatial analysis studies of endemic diseases for health surveillance: Application of scan statistics for surveillance of tuberculosis among residents of a metropolitan municipality aged 60 years and above / Atuação da vigilância em saúde para estudos de análises espaciais de doenças endêmicas: aplicação da técnica de varredura para vigilância de tuberculose em maiores de 60 anos

Abstract Health surveillance aims to monitor adverse health events, and to set disease prevention and control goals, especially for communicable diseases, such as tuberculosis (TB). Older people have a higher risk of TB, due to their specific characteristics, whichpredispose them to infectious disease. Thus, the objective of this study was to demonstrate the importance of scan statistics for detecting spatiotemporal clusters of TB. We conducted a quantitative is an ecological, descriptive study, with a quantitative approach, using the spatial analysis techniques, specifically scan statistics. The study was conducted in the municipality of Belém, Pará, in Brazil using data on 1,134 new cases of TB diagnosed in individuals aged ≥60 years from 2011 to 2015.The data were analyzed using SaTScan software. The analysis of the spatiotemporal dynamics of TB in the municipality showed thatthe high-risk areas includedthe most densely populated neighborhoods, highlighting the priority of theseareas for disease control measures. Spatial analysis can be used to guide more effective interventions according to the characteristics of the location and the local population.

Resumo A vigilância em saúde tem como objetivo o acompanhamento dos eventos adversos à saúde, estabelecendo metas de prevenção e controle, principalmente para as doenças transmissíveis, como a tuberculose. Quando relaciona a tuberculose com a população idosa, tem-se um fatormais agravante, devido as peculiaridades dessa população que favorecem na transmissão da doença. Desse modo, objetivo do trabalho é demonstrar a importância da técnica de varredura (estatística Scan) para detectar as áreas de aglomerados espaço-temporal da TB. Trata-se de um estudo ecológico, descritivo, com abordagem quantitativa, com uso da técnica de análise espacial, em especifico a técnica de varredura. O estudo ocorreu no município de Belém-PA, com 1.134 casos novos de TB em idosos no período de 2011 a 2015. Foi utilizado o programa SaTScan. A dinâmica da tuberculose no município mostrou-se que as áreas de riscos coincidiram com os bairros de maior densidade populacional, evidenciando as áreas prioritárias de maior vulnerabilidade que devem servir para nortear as intervenções mais efetivas de acordo com a característica do local e da sua população.

Ocurrence of rotavirus and picobirnavirus in wild and exotic avian from amazon forest.

The present study reports the occurrence of rotavirus A (RVA), rotavirus D (RVD), rotavirus F (RVF), rotavirus G (RVG), and picobirnavirus (PBV) in fecal specimens of wild (n = 22), and exotic birds (n = 1) from different cities of Pará state. These animals were hospitalized at Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Pará, Brazil, in a period from January 2018 to June 2019. The animals exhibited different clinical signs, such as diarrhea, malnutrition, dehydration, and fractures. The results showed 39.1% (9/23) of positivity for RVA by RT-qPCR. Among these, one sample (1/9) for the NSP3 gene of T2 genotype was characterized. About 88.9% (8/9) for the VP7 gene belonging to G1, G3 equine like and G6 genotypes, and 55.5% (5/9) for the VP4 gene of P[2] genotype were obtained. In the current study, approximately 4.5% of the samples (1/23) revealed coinfection for the RVA, RVD and RVF groups. Furthermore, picobirnavirus (PBV) was detected in one of the 23 samples tested, and was classified in the Genogroup I. The findings represent the first report of RVA, RVD, RVF, RVG, and PBV genotypes in wild birds in Brazil, and due to wide distribution it can implies potential impacts of RVs, and PBVs on avian health, and other animals contributing to construction of new knowledge, and care perspectives.

Associations Between Environmental and Sociodemographic Data and Hepatitis-A Transmission in Pará State (Brazil).

Hepatitis-A is a waterborne infectious disease transmitted by the eponymous hepatitis-A virus (HAV). Due to the disease's sociodemographic and environmental characteristics, this study applied public census and remote sensing data to assess risk factors for hepatitis-A transmission. Municipality-level data were obtained for the state of Pará, Brazil. Generalized linear and nonlinear models were evaluated as alternative predictors for hepatitis-A transmission in Pará. The Histogram Gradient Boost (HGB) regression model was deemed the best choice ( R M S E = 2.36, and higher R 2  = 0.95) among the tested models. Partial dependence analysis and permutation feature importance analysis were used to investigate the partial dependence and the relative importance values of the independent variables in the disease transmission prediction model. Results indicated a complex relationship between the disease transmission and the sociodemographic and environmental characteristics of the study area. Population size, lack of sanitation, urban clustering, year of notification, insufficient public vaccination programs, household proximity to open-air dumpsites and storm-drains, and lack of access to healthcare facilities and hospitals were sociodemographic parameters related to HAV transmission. Turbidity and precipitation were the environmental parameters closest related to disease transmission. Based on HGB model, a hepatitis-A risk map was built for Pará state. The obtained risk map can be thought of as an auxiliary tool for public health strategies. This study reinforces the need to incorporate remote sensing data in epidemiological modelling and surveillance plans for the development of early prevention strategies for hepatitis-A.

Spatiotemporal analysis of bubonic plague in Pernambuco, northeast of Brazil: Case study in the municipality of Exu.

Along with other countries in America, plague reached Brazil through the sea routes during the third pandemic. A brief ports phase was followed by an urban phase that took place in smaller inland cities and finally, it attained the rural area and established several foci where the ecological conditions were suitable for its continued existence. However, the geographic dispersion of plague in Brazil is still poorly studied. To better understand the disease dynamics, we accessed satellite-based data to trace the spatial occurrence and distribution of human plague cases in Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil and using the municipality of Exu as study case area. Along with the satellite data, a historical survey using the Plague Control Program files was applied to characterize the spatial and temporal dispersion of cases in the period of 1945-1976. Kernel density estimation, spatial and temporal clusters with statistical significance and maximum entropy modeling were used for spatial data analysis, by means of the spatial analysis software packages. The use of geostatistical tools allowed evidencing the shift of the infection from the urban to the wild-sylvatic areas and the reemergence of cases after a period of quiescence, independent of the reintroduction from other plague areas.

A Clinical-Epidemiological and Geospatial Study of Tuberculosis in a Neglected Area in the Amazonian Region Highlights the Urgent Need for Control Measures.

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious communicable disease, which despite global efforts, still needs special attention in regions with difficult access. This study aims to describe the spatial and epidemiological trends of TB incidences from 2013 to 2018 in Marajó Island, the Amazonian region, Pará, Brazil. We have obtained secondary data from the Brazilian TB databases and performed geospatial and statistical analyses on the data for new TB cases, relapses, and re-admissions. From 2013 to 2018, 749 new cases were reported, in which the diagnostics (culture) was not performed for 652 (87.2%) patient samples, the drug resistance test (DST) was performed for nine (1.2%) samples, and one (0.13%) was multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB). The rapid molecular testing (RMT) was performed on 40 (5.3%) patient samples, with results indicating that eight (20%) were susceptible to rifampicin and two (5%) were rifampicin resistant. Overall, the cure rate was 449 (66.7%), while relapses and re-admissions were 41 and 44, respectively. On the geospatial distribution, the municipality of Soure stands out with a high number of incidences, relapses, and re-admissions. Spatially, the eight MDR cases were randomly distributed. Our data highlight the urgent need for TB control measures in this region, by introducing the Xpert-Ultra® MTB/RIF (Cepheid, Sunnyvale, CA, USA) and Ogawa-Kudoh.

Análise retrospectiva de casos de tuberculose em idosos / Retrospective analysis of tuberculosis cases in older adults / Análisis retrospectivo de casos de tuberculosis en mayores

Objetivo: Relatar o perfil sociodemográfico e clínico epidemiológico de idosos portadores de tuberculose (TB) em uma capital do Norte do Brasil. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo, de caráter descritivo, transversal e quantitativo, realizado em 2018, no município de Belém, Pará, Brasil, constituído por todos os casos novos de idosos com TB (n=1.134) notificados e confirmados ao Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (Sinan), no período de 2011 a 2015. Utilizou-se o teste quiquadrado de Pearson (x²) associando-se variáveis nominais (idade, sexo, escolaridade, zona de residência e resultado de baciloscopia, forma clínica da doença, tipo de encerramento do caso e os agravos da doença), adotando-se o valor de p<0,05. As variáveis com frequências menores que 5, com as quais não foi possível realizar o teste χ2, ocorreram pelo teste G. Resultados: A maioria dos idosos era do sexo masculino (n=684; 60,32%), na faixa etária de 60 a 69 anos (n=643; 56,70%), com baixa escolaridade (n=499; 44,08%) e residentes em zona urbana (n=1122; 99,12%). Predominaram a forma clínica pulmonar (n=986; 86,95%), a cura (n=783; 73,73%) e o diabetes mellitus (n=269; 23,72%) como comorbidade mais frequente. Houve resultado positivo para baciloscopia (n=693; 61,11%) e os de controle negativaram (n=352; 40,14%) no 1º mês de tratamento. Conclusão: A suspeitade TB em idosos tem fator decisivo para o diagnóstico devido à baixa presença e especificidade das características clínicas dos quadros de TB nessa população.

Objective: To report the clinical and epidemiological profile of older patients with tuberculosis (TB) in a capital city in Northern Brazil. Methods: A quantitative retrospective, descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out in 2018 in the municipality of Belém, Pará, Brazil, with all new cases of older adults with TB reported and confirmed in the Notifiable Diseases Information System (Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação ­ SINAN) from 2011 to 2015. Pearson's chi-squared test (x²) was used to check for associations between nominal variables (age, sex, education, area of residence and sputum smear microscopy testersults, clinical form of the disease, type of case closure and the complications of the disease), with a value of p<0.05. Variables with frequencies lower than 5, where it was not possible to perform the χ2 Test, were analyzed using the G test. Results: Most of the older adults were male (n=684; 60.32%), in the age range 60 to 69 years (n=643; 56.70%), had low education (n=499; 44.08%), and lived in urban areas (n=1122; 99.12%). There was a predominance of pulmonary clinical form (n=986; 86.95%),cure (n=783; 73.73%), and Diabetes Mellitus (n=269; 23.72%) as the most frequent comorbidity. There was a positive result for sputum smear microscopy (n=693; 61.11%) and controls were negative (n=352; 40.14%) in the first month of treatment. Conclusion: Suspicion of TB in older adults is a decisive factor for the diagnosis due to the low presence and specificity of the clinical characteristics of TB cases in this population group.

Objetivo: Relatar el perfil sociodemográfico y clínico epidemiológico de mayores portadores de tuberculosis (TB) de una capital del Norte de Brasil. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de carácter descriptivo, transversal y cuantitativo realizado en 2018 en el municipio de Belém, Pará, Brasil, constituido por todos los casos nuevos de mayores con TB (n=1.134) que han sido notificados y confirmados en el Sistema de Información de Agravios de Notificación (SINAN) en el periodo entre 2011 y 2015. Se utilizó la prueba de chi-cuadrado de Pearson (x²) asociándose las variables nominales (edad, sexo, escolaridad, zona de vivienda y resultado de la baciloscopia, forma clínica de la enfermedad, tipo de cierre del caso y los agravios de la enfermedad) con el valor de p<0,05. Las variables con las frecuencias por debajo de 5 con las cuales no ha sido posible realizar la prueba χ2, se dieron por la prueba G. Resultados: La mayoría de los mayores era del sexo masculino (n=684;60,32%), en la franja de edad entre los 60 y 69 años (n=643; 56,70%), con baja escolaridad (n=499;44,08%) y que vivían en la zona urbana (n=1122; 99,12%).El predominio ha sido de la forma clínica pulmonar (n=986;86,95%), la cura (n=783; 73,73%) y la diabetes mellitus (n=269;23,72%) como comorbilidad más frecuente. Hubo un resultado positivo para la baciloscopia (n=693; 61,11%) y negativo para los individuos del grupo control (n=352;40,14%) en el primer mes de tratamiento. Conclusión: La sospecha de TB en mayores tiene el factor decisivo para el diagnóstico debido la baja presencia y especificidad de las características clínicas de los cuadros de TB para esa población.