Molecular detection and characterization of SARS-CoV-2 in cats and dogs of positive owners during the first COVID-19 wave in Brazil.

Despite previous reports of SARS-CoV-2 infection in dogs and cats worldwide, the type of swab sample used for its detection through RT-qPCR needs to be better compared and described. Accordingly, as part of a multicenter study in Brazil, the aim of the present study was to assess which rectal or oropharyngeal swabs would be more appropriate for detecting SARS-CoV-2 in cats and dogs, through viral load comparison. Pets of owners diagnosed with COVID-19 in the last 7 days were eligible. A total of 148 animals from four of the five Brazilian geographical regions were analyzed, among which 10/48 cats (20.83%) and 11/100 dogs (11.00%) were positive. The results suggested that oropharyngeal swabs should be considered for SARS-CoV-2 detection, particularly in cats, due to the higher cDNA viral load. Also, the genomic results showed similarities between SARS-CoV-2 animal variants and human variants that were circulating at the time of sampling, thus corroborating the existence of zooanthroponotic transmission. In conclusion, the present study highlighted the importance of SARS-CoV-2 monitoring among cats and dogs, as virus modification may indicate the possibility of mutations in animals and spillover back to owners. Thus, positive individuals should always self-isolate from their pets during COVID-19, to prevent trans-species transmission and mutation.

Infection of SARS-CoV-2 in domestic dogs associated with owner viral load.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-positive pet owners are reported to be a risk factor for infection of their pets; however, the influence of the viral load and associated risks has not been fully established. This study aimed to assess potential association of viral load in owners with the presence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in their dogs. Of 20 SARS-CoV-2-positive pet owners from 13 families in Curitiba, Brazil, 5 of 22 (22.7%) dogs were positive for SARS-CoV-2. Viral presence was detected in oropharyngeal samples for 2 of 5 (40.0%) dogs at 8 and 9 days after the first positive sample. Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in these dogs was associated with higher viral loads in the owners and close owner contact. All 5 RT-qPCR-positive dogs had antibodies to at least one viral protein tested in the serological assay. Molecular detection of SARS-CoV-2 in dogs was statistically associated with clinical signs in owners such as cold, cough, or diarrhea (P = 0.039), number of positive persons in the household (P = 0.002), and higher viral load (P = 0.039). Such findings serve as a warning for risks of human to dog infection, mainly due to sharing beds and other close interactions without protection. In conclusion, people with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), particularly in households with multiple residents and high viral load, should take the same preventive measures when interacting with their dogs during self-isolation as they do with people.

First reported cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pets in São Paulo, Brazil.

Background and Aim: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for the global coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) in humans in 2019. Although SARS-CoV-2 infection is primarily asymptomatic and transitory in companion animals, the role of these animals in the life cycle of the virus remains unclear. This study aimed to survey the first SARS-CoV-2 infection cases in pets, including a dog and three cats in São Paulo, Brazil. Materials and Methods: We invited COVID-19-positive pet owners to participate in the survey and obtained nasal, oropharyngeal, and rectal swab samples from their pets. These samples were placed in vials and subjected to a real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. In addition, the owners answered an epidemiological questionnaire, and the pets underwent clinical examination and monitoring. Results: Out of 49 sampled pets, 3/19 (15.8%) cats and 1/30 (3.3%) dogs tested positive, with wide variations in viral loads. Despite the limitations of size and non-randomized sampling, our results showed that cats are more susceptible than dogs to SARS-CoV-2 infection, presenting a cat: dog ratio of 4.8: 1. Only one cat presented mild and transitory respiratory symptoms. Conclusion: Although SARS-CoV-2 infection was detected in pets in the largest South American city and the COVID-19 epicenter at the time, these first detected pet cases displayed either none or mild clinical signs.

First report of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 detection in two asymptomatic cats in the state of Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Despite worldwide case reports, including Brazilian cases, no frequency study on infection of pets by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been conducted to date in Brazil. Accordingly, the present study was aimed to assess dogs and cats belonging to positive owners in Recife, Northeastern Brazil. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a longitudinal prospective study on dogs and cats in the city of Recife whose owners were in isolation at home due to a confirmed laboratory diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 through reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Oral and rectal swabs from the pets were tested for the presence of SARS-CoV-2-specific RNA by means of RT-qPCR. RESULTS: Among the pets tested, 0/16 dogs and 2/15 cats were positive for SARS-CoV-2. Interestingly, the two positive cats were owned by two unrelated asymptomatic veterinary students, which, therefore, post a warning to veterinarians worldwide. CONCLUSION: The findings herein indicate that cats may act as sentinels for human cases, particularly sharing households with asymptomatic human cases. Although with small sampling and convenient recruiting, the presence of infected cats by SARS-CoV-2 was most likely due to close cat-human contact with positive owners, posting a human-animal health threat when pets share the same bed and interact with owners without protection, particularly during owner self-isolation. Thus, infected owners should follow the same human preventive guidelines with their pets to avoid spreading infection.

From the Approach to the Concept: One Health in Latin America-Experiences and Perspectives in Brazil, Chile, and Colombia.

Professionals throughout the world have been working to assess the interdisciplinary interaction and interdependence between health and wellbeing in a constantly changing environment. The One Health concept was developed to encourage sustainable collaborative partnerships and to promote optimal health for people, animals, plants, the environment, and the whole planet. The dissemination of scientific discoveries and policies, by working directly with diverse communities, has been one of the main goals for Global One Health. The One Health concept has also been referred or related to as "One Medicine, One Medicine-One Health, One World-One Health, EcoHealth," and Planetary Health," depending on each fundamental view and approach. In Latin America, despite the concept still being discussed among health professionals and educators, several One Health initiatives have been used daily for more than decades. One Health action has been applied especially in rural and underserved urban areas where low socioeconomic status, lack of health professionals, and scarcity of medical resources may require professionals to work together. Local communities from diverse social and economic statuses, including indigenous populations have been working with institutions and social organizations for many years, accomplishing results through grassroots movements. These "bottom-up" socio-community approaches have also been tools for the prevention and control of diseases, such practice has preceded the One Health concepts in Latin American countries. It is strongly believed that collaborative, multidisciplinary, political, and economic initiatives with prosocial focus may become investments toward obtaining significant results in the face of global, economic and health challenges; working for a healthier world with inclusivity, equity, and equality. In this study, it is briefly presented how the One Health approach has been initiated and developed in Latin America, highlighting the events and actions taken in Brazil, Chile, and Colombia.

Risk factors associated with leptospirosis in swine in state of Pernambuco, Brazil / Fatores de risco associados à leptospirose em suínos no estado de Pernambuco, Brasil

Leptospirosis is a major public health threat, and swine are one of the most important reservoirs and sources of Leptospira infection for man. The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiological situation of leptospirosis in swine in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. Blood samples from 265 swine were collected and tested by the microscopic agglutination test (MAT), and an epidemiological form containing questions about animal production characteristics, reproductive management, and sanitary and hygiene aspects of the herd was applied to evaluate infection risk factors. The data were analyzed by means of a logistic regression model. An occurrence of 53.1% (143/265) of swine positives to Leptospira spp. was observed. The most commons serovars were Icterohaemorrhagiae (39.1%), Pomona (25.9%), and Shermani (14.0%). Factors associated with the infection were stagnant water source (p = 0.034, odds ratio - OR = 2.29; confidence interval of 95% - 95%CI 1.06-4.93), farms where the healthy animals are bred with sick ones (OR = 1.69; 95%CI 1.04-2.75), and the properties with flooded areas (OR = 1.65; 95%CI 1.01-2.68). The risk factors found in this study played an important role in the agent dissemination and should be avoided in a way to control the disease in the herds studied.(AU)

A leptospirose é um grande problema de saúde pública, e os suínos são um dos mais importantes reservatórios e fonte de infecção por Leptospira para o homem. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a situação epidemiológica da leptospirose em suínos no estado de Pernambuco, Brasil. Amostras de sangue de 265 suínos foram coletadas e testadas pelo teste de microaglutinação (MAT), e foi aplicado um questionário epidemiológico contendo perguntas sobre características da produção, manejo reprodutivo e aspectos sanitários e de higiene do rebanho para avaliar fatores de risco de infecção. Os dados foram analisados por meio de um modelo de regressão logística. Foi observada ocorrência de 53,1% (143/265) de suínos positivos para Leptospira spp. Os sorovares mais comuns foram Icterohaemorrhagiae (39,1%), Pomona (25,9%) e Shermani (14,0%). Os fatores associados à infecção foram fonte de água parada (p = 0,034; odds ratio - OR = 2,29; intervalo de confiança de 95% - IC95% 1,06-4,93), fazendas onde animais saudáveis são criados com os doentes (OR = 1,69; IC95% 1,04-2,75) e áreas inundadas (OR = 1,65; IC95% 1,01-2,68). Os fatores de risco encontrados neste estudo desempenharam papel importante na disseminação do agente e devem ser evitados, de forma a controlar a doença nos rebanhos estudados.(AU)

Occurrence of serological reactions for serogroup Sejroe (CTG and Prajtino) in female buffalo in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies in female buffalo in the state of Pernambuco. A total of 123 female buffalo blood samples were collected from five properties distributed in the state of Pernambuco. The microscopic agglutination test was used to study anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies. The occurrence of anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies was 28.5% (35/123; CI 20.7-37.3%) and on different properties, the occurrence ranged from 28.6% to 80.0%, with 100% of the properties showing animals with positive results. The serovars of the serogroup Sejroe with a higher incidence were Hardjoprajtino (CTG strain, 49.1%) and Hardjo (Prajtino genotype, 43.2%), followed by serogroup Grippotyphosa with the Grippotyphosa serovar (3.9%), serogroup Pomona with the Pomona serovar (1.9%), and the Icterohaemorrhagiae serovar Copenhageni (1.9%). This was the first record of the occurrence of anti-Lepstospira spp. antibodies in female buffalo in the state of Pernambuco. Control measures are necessary to prevent health and economic losses, given that the agent involved affects animal reproduction, triggering drops in conception rates or even clinical cases of abortion.

Características dos Recursos Humanos e desafios no trabalho de coordenadores de Vigilância em Saúde no interior de Pernambuco / Characteristics of Human Resources and challenges in the Work of Surveillance coordinators of Health in the Inland of Pernambuco

Introdução: A formação e qualificação dos recursos humanos em saúde afetam, diretamente, a qualidade dos serviços ofertados à coletividade. Objetivo: Caracterizar o perfil de formação dos coordenadores de Vigilância em Saúde do interior de Pernambuco e identificar as principais fragilidades e potencialidades no cotidiano dos processos de trabalho. Método: A produção de informações ocorreu por meio de entrevista com auxílio de instrumento semiestruturado. Resultados: Os resultados revelaram uma variedade de fragilidades nos recursos humanos da Vigilância em Saúde na região, entre elas, a deficiência na formação acadêmica dos trabalhadores, condições de trabalho deficientes e ausência de recursos financeiros. Por outro lado, como ponto positivo, foi identificada uma grande oferta de ações de Educação Permanente em Saúde. Conclusões: Sugere-se aos gestores em saúde, a busca por alternativas que atendam à situação dos profissionais atualmente inseridos no sistema e minimizem os efeitos da formação deficiente, assim como a necessidade de discussões para revisão das Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais dos cursos da área da saúde, fomentando a formação de profissionais para a promoção em saúde, além de distribuição adequada e melhorias na alocação de recursos para a Vigilância em Saúde.

Introduction: The professional qualification of human resources in health affects directly the quality of the services offered to the community. Objective: This study aimed to characterize the formation of managers of health surveillance in the inland of Pernambuco State, Brazil and identify the main fragilities and potentialities in the daily prosses of work. Method: The data was collected by interview using a semi structured questionnaire. Results: The results revealed a variety of problems in human resources in health surveillance in the region, like the absence or incompatible education level, poorly work conditions and precarious financial resources. On the other hand, some positive points, was identified a good offer in actions of permanent education in health. Conclusions: Should find alternatives that meet the situation of professionals into the system and minimize the effects of lack of training and inadequate training, as well as the necessity to discuss the review of the national curricular guidelines of health sciences courses, promoting educational institutions to train professionals for health surveillance, as well promote the better distribution of financial resources.

Occurrence of serological reactions for serogroup Sejroe (CTG and Prajtino) in female buffalo in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies in female buffalo in the state of Pernambuco. A total of 123 female buffalo blood samples were collected from five properties distributed in the state of Pernambuco. The microscopic agglutination test was used to study anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies. The occurrence of anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies was 28.5% (35/123; CI 20.7-37.3%) and on different properties, the occurrence ranged from 28.6% to 80.0%, with 100% of the properties showing animals with positive results. The serovars of the serogroup Sejroe with a higher incidence were Hardjoprajtino (CTG strain, 49.1%) and Hardjo (Prajtino genotype, 43.2%), followed by serogroup Grippotyphosa with the Grippotyphosa serovar (3.9%), serogroup Pomona with the Pomona serovar (1.9%), and the Icterohaemorrhagiae serovar Copenhageni (1.9%). This was the first record of the occurrence of anti-Lepstospira spp. antibodies in female buffalo in the state of Pernambuco. Control measures are necessary to prevent health and economic losses, given that the agent involved affects animal reproduction, triggering drops in conception rates or even clinical cases of abortion.

Perfil dos atendimentos antirrábicos humanos no agreste pernambucano, 2010-2012 / Perfil de atenciones anti-rabia humana en la zona "agreste" de Pernambuco, Brasil, 2010-2012 / Profile of human anti-rabies treatment in the 'agreste' region of Pernambuco State, Brazil, 2010-2012*

Resumo Objetivo: descrever as características das notificações de atendimento antirrábico humano nos municípios da Mesorregião do Agreste Pernambucano, Brasil, de 2010 a 2012. Métodos: estudo descritivo com dados das fichas de atendimento antirrábico humano do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (Sinan). Resultados: foram incluídas 10.138 notificações de atendimento antirrábico humano; a espécie mais frequentemente envolvida foi a canina (68,1%), sob condição sadia (79,9%); a mordedura foi o tipo de contato mais comum (83,8%); predominaram ferimentos múltiplos (58,3%), em mãos/pés (39,4%), e ferimentos profundos (56,8%); observou-se baixa frequência de administração da combinação de soro+vacina (10.5%), mesmo com 47,9% das lesões consideradas graves e, consequentemente, necessitando dessa conduta profilática. Conclusão: foi identificada possível realização de condutas profiláticas inadequadas, evidenciando necessidade de capacitação dos profissionais de saúde para uma correta instituição da profilaxia antirrábica humana e preenchimento adequado das fichas de notificação.

Resumen Objetivo: describir las características de las notificaciones de tratamiento anti-rabia humana en los municipios de la mesorregión del "agreste" de Pernambuco, Brasil, 2010-2012. Métodos: se realizó un estudio con datos de tratamiento anti-rabia humana del Sistema de Información de la Notificación de las Enfermedades (Sinan) Resultados: fueron incluidas 10.138 notificaciones de tratamiento anti-rabia humana; la especie involucrada en el mayor número de notificaciones fue canina (68,1%), bajo condiciones saludables (79,9%), y la mordedura fue el contacto más común (83,8%), causando lesiones múltiples (58, 3%) en manos/pies (39,4%), heridas profundas en el 56,8% de los casos; se observó un pequeño número da combinación suero+vacuna (10.5%), incluso a cuando 47,9% de las lesiones se consideró grave necesitando esa conducta profiláctica. Conclusión: se identificó la realización posible de medidas profilácticas inapropiadas, poniendo en evidencia la necesidad de una educación en salud a profesionales de salud para la correcta institución de la profilaxis para rabia humana y un mejor cumplimiento de los formularios de notificación.

Abstract Objective: to describe the characteristics of reported human anti-rabies treatment in municipalities of the 'agreste' region of Pernambuco State, Brazil, 2010-2012. Methods: this was a descriptive study using data from human anti-rabies medical records filed on the Information System for Notifiable Diseases (Sinan). Results: 10,138 reported records of anti-rabies treatment were included; canines were the most involved species (68.1%), in good health condition (79.9%). Biting was the most common contact (83.8%), causing multiple injuries (58.3%), to hands/feet (39.4%), and deep wounds in 56.8% of cases; combined vaccine + serum administration frequency was found to be low (10.5%), even though 47.9% of injuries were considered severe and therefore required this prophylactic procedure. Conclusion: possible inadequate prophylaxis procedures were found, showing the need for health worker training aimed at ensuring correct human anti-rabies prophylaxis and the proper filling in of medical record files.

Profile of human anti-rabies treatment in the 'agreste' region of Pernambuco State, Brazil, 2010-2012. / Perfil dos atendimentos antirrábicos humanos no agreste pernambucano, 2010-2012.

Objective: to describe the characteristics of reported human anti-rabies treatment in municipalities of the 'agreste' region of Pernambuco State, Brazil, 2010-2012. Methods: this was a descriptive study using data from human anti-rabies medical records filed on the Information System for Notifiable Diseases (Sinan). Results: 10,138 reported records of anti-rabies treatment were included; canines were the most involved species (68.1%), in good health condition (79.9%). Biting was the most common contact (83.8%), causing multiple injuries (58.3%), to hands/feet (39.4%), and deep wounds in 56.8% of cases; combined vaccine + serum administration frequency was found to be low (10.5%), even though 47.9% of injuries were considered severe and therefore required this prophylactic procedure. Conclusion: possible inadequate prophylaxis procedures were found, showing the need for health worker training aimed at ensuring correct human anti-rabies prophylaxis and the proper filling in of medical record files.

Epidemiologic analysis of Leptospira spp. infection among sheep in Pernambuco state, Brazil / Análise epidemiológica da infecção por Leptospira spp. em ovinos no estado de Pernambuco, Brasil

This study aimed to analyze epidemiological aspects and spatial characteristics of Lesptospira spp. infection among sheep in Pernambuco state, Brazil. A total of 426 samples were collected from unvaccinated animals aged 1 year or older, and submitted to Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT). To study the risk factors, a standardized investigative survey of sheep farmers, with objective questions, was conducted to establish the general characteristics of the farm property production, reproductive management, and health plan. From 426 samples analyzed, 83 (19.5%; CI 15.9 - 23.6%) were positive; among them, the most prevalent serovar was Autumnalis (32.4%). Significant differences were observed between gender (OR = 0.38; CI 0.14 - 0.99), production system (OR = 2.03; CI 1.07 - 3.84), types of herd (OR = 2.28; CI 1.39 - 3.72), absence of rodents to the grain storage (OR = 0.55; CI 0.34 - 0.91), and restriction to surface waters (OR = 0.60; CI 0.37 - 0.99). Leptospira spp. infection is disseminated in sheep herds, and multiple factors can influence its occurrence. Health education programs and worker training in prevention and control of leptospirosis and other infectious diseases may be useful to reduce infection rates and economic losses caused by this disease.(AU)

Objetivou-se com este estudo analisar os aspectos epidemiológicos e caracterizar espacialmente a infecção por Leptospira spp. em ovinos no estado de Pernambuco, Brasil. Para compor a amostragem do estudo, foram colhidas 426 amostras de animais com idade igual ou superior a um ano, não vacinados, e submetidas à reação de Soroaglutinação Microscópica (SAM). Para o estudo dos fatores de risco, aplicou-se um questionário investigativo padronizado, constituído por perguntas objetivas ao criador, referentes às características gerais da propriedade, ao manejo produtivo, reprodutivo e sanitário. Das 426 amostras analisadas, 83 (19,5%; IC 15,9 - 23,6%) foram positivas; entre elas, o sorovar de maior prevalência foi o Autumnalis (32,4%). Foram observadas diferenças significativas entre sexo (OR = 0,38; I.C. 0,14 - 0,99), sistema de criação (OR = 2,03; I.C. 1,07 - 3,84), tipo de rebanho (OR = 2,28; I.C. 1,39 - 3,72), ausência do acesso de ratos a ração (OR = 0,55; I.C. 0,34 - 0,91) e restrição a águas de superfície (OR = 0,60; I.C. 0,37 - 0,99). A infecção por Leptospira spp. está distribuída nos rebanhos ovinos e são múltiplos os fatores que podem influenciar sua ocorrência. A implantação de programas de educação em saúde e o treinamento da mão de obra em métodos de prevenção e controle da leptospirose e outras doenças infecciosas podem ser úteis na redução dos casos de infecção e na diminuição das perdas econômicas causadas por esta enfermidade.(AU)

Prevalence and risk factors associated with bovine genital campylobacteriosis and bovine trichomonosis in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil.

The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis and Tritrichomonas foetus infection in cows from dairy herds in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. In total, 383 samples of cervico-vaginal mucus were collected from cows on 21 herds in 19 districts. Genomic DNA was extracted from the samples and submitted for polymerase chain reaction analysis. An investigative questionnaire was used to analyze the risk factors, using questions related to reproductive and hygiene/sanitation management. A prevalence of 1.8% (0.8-3.9%; confidence interval (CI) 95%) and 33.4% (28.7-38.4%; CI 95%) was found for C. fetus subsp. venerealis and T. foetus, respectively. In terms of the number of foci, 28.6% of the herds contained at least one animal that was positive for C. fetus subsp. venerealis and 90.5% for T. foetus. The present study identified herds larger than 100 animals as a risk factor for bovine genital campylobacteriosis (OR = 7.2; CI 1.3-38.4%; p = 0.020) and the use of natural breeding as a risk factor for bovine trichomonosis (OR = 2.4; CI 1.1-5.9%; p = 0.041). In conclusion, C. fetus subsp. venerealis and T. foetus infections occurred in the region studied and high numbers of foci were found. Thus, prophylaxis and control measures, such as diagnosis, separation, and sexual rest for infected females, are suggested. An artificial insemination program with early rigorous sanitary care should be implemented on the properties in order to avoid the spread of agents in the herds.

Pesquisa de anticorpos anti-Leptospira spp. em grupos ocupacionais no Estado de Pernambuco / Detection of antibodies to Leptospira spp. in serum samples from occupational groups in the State of Pernambuco

A prevalência de anticorpos anti-Leptospira spp. foi determinada em grupos ocupacionais do municípiode Garanhuns no Estado de Pernambuco, Brasil. Foram colhidas 154 amostras, e um questionário foi aplicado para a análise dos fatores de risco. O diagnóstico sorológico foi realizado utilizando-se a técnica de soroaglutinação microscópica (SAM). A prevalência de anticorpos anti-Leptospira spp. foi de 5,19 %(8/154; I.C. 2,27 % - 9,98 %); os participantes da zona urbana apresentaram prevalência de 5,68 % (5/88;I.C. 1,87 % - 12,76 %) e os da zona rural de 4,55 % (3/66; I.C. 0,95 % - 12,71 %). Os sorovares mais frequentes foram Grippotyphosa (12,5 %) na área rural, na área urbana Autumnalis (12,5 %), enquanto Wolffi (25 %) e Australis (50 %) foram verificados na área rural e na urbana. Na análise de fatores de risco não foi observada associação entre as variáveis estudadas e a reatividade na sorologia. Este foi o primeiro estudo a relatar a presença de anticorpos anti-Leptospira spp. em trabalhadores urbanos e rurais do município de Garanhuns. Este achado alerta para a atenção e realização de pesquisas em áreas de baixa prevalência ou silenciosas para leptospirose, pois desta forma medidas de controle e prevenção poderão ser implementadas...

Leishmaniose visceral canina e humana em Caruaru, Pernambuco, no período de 2005 a 2010 / Canine and human visceral leishmaniasis at Caruaru, Brazil, in the period 2005 to 2010

A leishmaniose visceral é uma zoonose negligenciada de grande importância em saúde pública. O município de Caruaru-PE, assim como outras localidades do Brasil, vem apresentando taxas crescentes da doença. Este trabalho teve como objetivos relatar e analisar a frequência de cães sororreagentes para leishmaniose visceral canina e a ocorrência de casos humanos de leishmaniose visceral em todo o município de Caruaru, nas zonas rural e urbana, além de avaliar as ações e estratégias do Programa de Controle da Leishmaniose Visceral no período de janeiro de 2005 a dezembro de 2010. Foi realizado um estudo epidemiológico descritivo retrospectivo dos casos de leishmaniose visceral canina, no qual se observou um aumento na frequência de cães sororreagentes de 1,4 porcento (24/1671), em 2005, para 31,9 porcento (347/1174) em 2010. Em relação à atuação do programa no município, verificou-se que 44,3 porcento (557/1258) dos animais sororreagentes foram eliminados no período estudado, o que demonstra ter sido pouco efetivo para impedir a expansão da doença. A análise descritiva de casos humanos de leishmaniose visceral, notificados pelo Sistema de Informação de Agravos e Notificação (SINAN), revelou que, das 29 notificações realizadas no período estudado, 15 (51,7 porcento) eram oriundas da zona rural e 14 (48,3 porcento), da zona urbana. Portanto, ficou evidenciado que a referida zoonose tem demonstrado um crescimento não limitado à zona rural e que o processo de urbanização vem gerando mudanças no comportamento epidemiológico da doença também no município de Caruaru-PE.

Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) is a neglected zoonosis of great importance in public health. The municipal area of Caruaru, as well as other local areas of Brazil presented increasing prevalence rates of this illness. This current assignment was created with the purpose of analyzing and reporting the high rates observed in dogs exhibiting seroconversion for Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis (CVL) and the occurrence of Visceral Leishmaniasis cases in humans within the entire municipal area of Caruaru (rural and urban), as well as the evaluation of practices and strategies in the VL control program during the period between January 2005 and December 2010. An increase in the number of seropositive dogs was verified in a retrospective descriptive study of CVL, from 1.4 percent (24/1,671) in 2005 to 31.9 percent (347/1,174) in 2010. With reference to the euthanasia program executed on the seropositive animals in the municipal area, only 44.3 percent (557/1,258) were eliminated during that period, revealing such a program as ineffective in preventing dissemination of this disease. A second descriptive study was also performed on human cases of VL, notified by the Sistema de Informação de Agravos e Notificação (SINAN), revealing that out of the 29 notifications in the studied period, 15 (51.7 percent) of them originated in the rural area and 14 (48.3 percent) originated in urban areas. Therefore, it may be observed that the zoonosis has demonstrated growth that is not limited to rural areas, and that the process of urbanization has brought changes in regards to the epidemiological behavior of the disease including the city of Caruaru-PE.

Notificações de atendimento antirrábico humano na população do Município de Garanhuns, Estado de Pernambuco, Brasil, no período de 2007 a 2010 / Human anti-rabies treatment notifications in the Municipality of Garanhuns, Pernambuco, Brazil, 2007-2010

Objetivo: descrever as características das notificações de atendimento antirrábico humano no município de Garanhuns, Estado de Pernambuco, Brasil, no período de 2007 a 2010. Métodos: foi realizado estudo descritivo com dados de 1.428 fichas de atendimento antirrábico humano do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (Sinan). Resultados: a espécie envolvida no maior número de notificações foi a canina (67,5 por cento), sob condição sadia (58,3 por cento), causando ferimentos únicos (52,3 por cento) em mãos/pés (38,2 por cento), considerados graves em 77,1 por cento dos casos; observou-se maior frequência de condutas adequadas nos casos de lesões graves (69,4 por cento); lesões leves e contatos indiretos revelaram condutas inadequadas na maioria dos casos, em todos os anos. Conclusão: ainda existem limitações em relação ao preenchimento das fichas de notificação e estabelecimento de condutas adequadas no tratamento profilático humano da raiva, embora tenha sido observada progressiva melhora na frequência de condutas adequadas no período estudado.

Objective: to describe the characteristics of human anti-rabies treatment notifications in Garanhuns, Pernambuco, Brazil, 2007-2010. Methods: descriptive study using data from 1428 human anti-rabies medical record sheld on the Notifiable Diseases Information System. Results: the canine species accounted for the highest number of notifications(67.5 per cent), in healthy conditions (58.3 per cent), causing single injuries (52.3 per cent) to the hands/feet (38.2 per cent) considered to be severe in 77.1 per cent of cases. A higher frequency of adequate procedures was observed regarding serious injuries (69.4 per cent),whereas inadequate procedures were revealed regarding minor injuries and indirect contact in most cases and in all years. Conclusion: limitations still exist in reporting form completion and the establishment of adequate procedures in human rabies prophylactic treatment, although gradual improvement was observed in them during the study period.

Análise epidemiológica das agressões causadas por animais e do tratamento antirrábico humano no período de janeiro de 1999 a dezembro de 2006 / Epidemiological analysis on the aggression caused by animals and the human anti-rabies treatment, during the period from January 1999 to December 2006

A raiva é uma antropozoonose provocada pelo vírus do gênero Lyssavírus, família Rhabdoviridae, que pode infectar todos os mamíferos e, apesar de conhecida desde a antiguidade, ainda continua como problema de saúde pública nos países em desenvolvimento. Neste trabalho, foi caracterizado e avaliado o atendimento antirrábico humano no município de Garanhuns (PE), realizado no período de 1999 a2006, analisando-se as variáveis registradas no Sistema de Informação e Agravos de Notificação (Sinan). A análise mostrou a prevalência de agressões aos indivíduos do sexo masculino com idade entre 1 e 20 anos, causadas pela espécie canina durante momentos de lazer, e a maioria apresentou ferimentos únicos, profundos e localizados nas mãos e nos pés. Durante o período estudado, houve aumento no número de notificações. O tratamento foi indicado para 580 pacientes, porém, houve desistência de 32 deles. Este estudo evidenciou que é fundamental que as equipes de gerência local de saúde implementem cursos de treinamentos e de reciclagem dos profissionais quanto ao preenchimento da ficha de notificação e a importância do acompanhamento dos pacientes, bem como para fornecer esclarecimentos e orientação de seguimento adequado de tratamento profilático antirrábico aos usuários.