Risk factors associated with cluster size of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) of different RFLP lineages in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) transmission is influenced by patient-related risk, environment and bacteriological factors. We determined the risk factors associated with cluster size of IS6110 RFLP based genotypes of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) isolates from Vitoria, Espirito Santo, Brazil. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of new TB cases identified in the metropolitan area of Vitoria, Brazil between 2000 and 2010. Mtb isolates were genotyped by the IS6110 RFLP, spoligotyping and RDRio. The isolates were classified according to genotype cluster sizes by three genotyping methods and associated patient epidemiologic characteristics. Regression Model was performed to identify factors associated with cluster size. RESULTS: Among 959 Mtb isolates, 461 (48%) cases had an isolate that belonged to an RFLP cluster, and six clusters with ten or more isolates were identified. Of the isolates spoligotyped, 448 (52%) were classified as LAM and 412 (48%) as non-LAM. Our regression model found that 6-9 isolates/RFLP cluster were more likely belong to the LAM family, having the RDRio genotype and to be smear-positive (adjusted OR = 1.17, 95% CI 1.08-1.26; adjusted OR = 1.25, 95% CI 1.14-1.37; crude OR = 2.68, 95% IC 1.13-6.34; respectively) and living in a Serra city neighborhood decrease the risk of being in the 6-9 isolates/RFLP cluster (adjusted OR = 0.29, 95% CI, 0.10-0.84), than in the others groups. Individuals aged 21 to 30, 31 to 40 and > 50 years were less likely of belonging the 2-5 isolates/RFLP cluster than unique patterns compared to individuals < 20 years of age (adjusted OR = 0.49, 95% CI 0.28-0.85, OR = 0.43 95% CI 0.24-0.77and OR = 0. 49, 95% CI 0.26-0.91), respectively. The extrapulmonary disease was less likely to occur in those infected with strains in the 2-5 isolates/cluster group (adjustment OR = 0.45, 95% CI 0.24-0.85) than unique patterns. CONCLUSIONS: We found that a large proportion of new TB infections in Vitoria is caused by prevalent Mtb genotypes belonging to the LAM family and RDRio genotypes. Such information demonstrates that some genotypes are more likely to cause recent transmission. Targeting interventions such as screening in specific areas and social risk groups, should be a priority for reducing transmission.

Is there a causal effect of parity on body composition: a birth cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Non-communicable diseases are the leading cause of death, worldwide. Obesity is one of the factors that is associated with the development of such diseases. The role of reproductive factors on women body composition has been evaluated, but the findings are controversial. This study was aimed at assessing the association of parity with body composition among women. METHODS: In 1982, the maternity hospital of Pelotas, a southern Brazilian city, were visited daily and all deliveries were identified. Those livebirths whose family lived in the urban area of the city have been prospectively followed (n = 5914). In 2012-13, we tried to follow the whole cohort, the subjects were interviewed and examined. We evaluated the association of parity with the following body composition variables: body mass index, waist circumference and fat mass %. Estimates were adjusted for family income, skin color, maternal schooling, occupational status, alcohol, smoking, physical activity, and consumption of processed and ultraprocessed foods. All these analyses were replicated among the cohort men as a comparison. We also assessed whether duration of breastfeeding moderated the association. RESULTS: In the 2012-13 visit, 3701 subjects were evaluated (mean age of 30.2 years). In the present analysis, we included 1620 women and 1653 men. 33% of women were nulliparous and 48% of men were without children. Even after controlling for confounding, parous women had a BMI 0.96 kg/m2 (95% CI: 0.30; 1.62) higher than nulliparous and for men the regression coefficient was 0.79 kg/m2 (95% CI: 0.29; 1.29). Waist circumference was also higher among parous women. Among men, the association was not linear and the regression coefficients were lower than that observed among women [3.41 cm (95% CI: -0.91; 7.73) among men and 4.83 cm (95% CI: 2.43; 7.24) among women with more than 3 children when compared with those without children], but this difference was not statistically significant (interaction p value = 0.58). Fat mass % was not associated with parity. Breastfeeding did not modify the association between parity and body composition. CONCLUSIONS: Parity was positively associated with body mass index and waist circumference among women. However, similar results among men suggest that there is no causal effect of parity.

Determinants of tuberculosis in Brazil: from conceptual framework to practical application.

OBJECTIVE: To leverage a conceptual analytical model for TB determination to identify factors that influence emergence of new cases of tuberculosis (TB) and poor TB treatment outcomes in Brazil. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study based on data from Brazil's Notifiable Disease Surveillance System database (SINAN). It included all confirmed, incident TB cases reported in Brazil in 2007 - 2011: a total of 432 958 TB cases, of which 318 465 cases with complete data on treatment outcomes were included. Analysis to explain the causal network that influences TB treatment outcomes was based on a theoretical model for determining TB. Adjusted analyses were used to assess the model fit. Hierarchical logistic regression was used to model the dichotomous TB outcome; hierarchical polytomous regression was used for multinomial TB outcome. RESULTS: Of the 318 465 TB cases included, 222 186 (69.8%) were classified as "cured" and 96 279 (30.2%) as "treatment failure." Among the latter, 37 604 (11.8%) abandoned treatment; 13 193 (4.1%) died due to TB; 15 440 (4.8%) died due to causes other than TB; 28 848 (9.1%) were transferred to another municipality; and 1 194 (0.4%) developed multidrug-resistant TB. The dichotomous models were more likely to show spurious associations when compared with the polytomous model. In the polytomous model, individuals assigned to Directly Observed Treatment Short-course were more likely to be cured than others. CONCLUSIONS: Theoretical models are dynamic structures that need ongoing re-evaluation according to new findings; therefore, this is not a definitive proposal for a TB determination model or analysis plan, but rather a proposal that, at present, is adequate in Brazil and has the potential to be extrapolated or adapted to other areas.

Epidemiology of extrapulmonary tuberculosis in Brazil: a hierarchical model.

BACKGROUND: Although extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) is less frequent than Pulmonary Tuberculosis (PTB) and is a secondary target for national TB control programs, its significance has increased worldwide during the HIV epidemic. The objective of this study was to examine the epidemiology of EPTB in Brazil between 2007 and 2011. METHODS: Cross-sectional study involving all cases of TB reported to the Brazilian Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (Sistema de Informações de Agravo de Notificação - SINAN) in Brazil between 2007 and 2011. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of patients with exclusively PTB and exclusively EPTB were compared. Following analysis with Pearson's chi-square test, variables with p < 0.05 were included in a hierarchical regression model. Variables with p < 0.05 in the corresponding level were kept in the model. RESULTS: A total of 427,548 cases of TB were included. Of these, 356,342 cases (83.35%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 83.23% - 83.45%) were PTB, 57,217 (13.37%; 95% CI 13.28% - 13.48%) were EPTB, 13,989 (3.27%; 95% CI 3.21% - 3.32%) were concurrent pulmonary and extrapulmonary TB. Patients with EPTB were mainly white (16.7%), and most (29.1%) patients had five to eight years of education. Among comorbidities, HIV infection was prominent (OR 2.15; 95% CI 2.09 - 2.21), although the proportion of cases awaiting test results or untested was high (39%). Ethanol use (OR 0.45; 95% CI 0.43 - 0.46), diabetes mellitus (OR 0.54; 95% CI 0.51 - 0.57) and mental illness (OR 0.88; 95% CI 0.82 - 0.95) were associated with PTB. CONCLUSIONS: Thirteen percent of patients diagnosed with TB in Brazil have only EPTB. More effective diagnostic strategies and control measures are needed to reduce the number of cases of extrapulmonary TB in Brazil.

A critical analysis of the decreasing trends in tuberculosis cure indicators in Brazil, 2001-2022.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the temporal trend of tuberculosis cure indicators in Brazil. METHODS: An ecological time-series study using administrative data of reported cases of the disease nationwide between 2001 and 2022. We estimated cure indicators for each federative unit (FU) considering individuals with pulmonary tuberculosis, tuberculosis-HIV coinfection, and those in tuberculosis retreatment. We used regression models using joinpoint regression for trend analysis, reporting the annual percentage change and the average annual percentage change. RESULTS: For the three groups analyzed, we observed heterogeneity in the annual percentage change in the Brazilian FUs, with a predominance of significantly decreasing trends in the cure indicator in most FUs, especially at the end of the time series. When considering national indicators, an average annual percentage change of -0.97% (95% CI: -1.23 to -0.74) was identified for the cure of people with pulmonary tuberculosis, of -1.11% (95% CI: -1.42 to -0.85) for the cure of people with tuberculosis-HIV coinfection, and of -1.44% (95% CI: -1.62 to -1.31) for the cure of people in tuberculosis retreatment. CONCLUSIONS: The decreasing trends of cure indicators in Brazil are concerning and underscore a warning to public authorities, as it points to the possible occurrence of other treatment outcomes, such as treatment discontinuity and death. This finding contradicts current public health care policies and requires urgent strategies aiming to promote follow-up of patients during tuberculosis treatment in Brazil.

Prevalence and patterns of multimorbidity among tuberculosis patients in Brazil: a cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: The number of subjects with tuberculosis (TB) presenting with co-occurrence of multiple chronic medical conditions, or multimorbidity (MM) is increasing in Brazil. This manuscript aimed to characterize subjects with TB, according to their MM status and to analyse factors associated with TB treatment outcomes. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study that included 39,881 TB subjects reported in Brazil, in 2011. MM were defined as any (two or more) occurrence of chronic medical conditions in a TB patient (TB-MM). Data analysis was performed by hierarchical logistic regression models comparing TBMM with those with only TB. RESULTS: Of the reported TB cases in 2011, 454 (1.14%) had MM. The subjects in the age group 40-59 years (OR: 17.89; 95% CI, 5.71-56.03) and those ≥ 60 years (OR: 44.11; 95% CI, 14.09-138.06) were more likely to develop TB-MM. The TB-MM subjects were less likely to be male (OR: 0.63; 95% CI, 0.52-0.76), institutionalized (OR: 0.59; 95% CI, 0.23-0.80) and live in rural areas (OR: 0.63; 95% CI, 0.42-0.95). Death from causes other than TB was higher among TB-MM subjects (OR: 1.76; 95% CI, 1.36-2.28). Of 454 TB-MM subjects 302 (66.5%) were cured and 152 (33.5%) were not cured. The odds of not being cured was 1.55 (95% CI, 1.04-2.32) among males, 2.85 (95% CI, 1.12-7.28) among institutionalized subjects, and 3.93 (IC 95%, 1.86-8.30) among those who were infected with HIV. TB retreatment after previous abandonment (OR: 7.53; 95% CI, 2.58-21.97) and transfer from a treatment site (OR: 2.76; 95% CI, 1.20-6.38) were higher for subjects not cured compared to those who were cured. CONCLUSIONS: While TB is well recognized to be a disease engendered by social inequity, we found that even among TB patients, those who have MM have greater inequity in terms of socioeconomic status and adverse clinical outcomes. Addressing the problem of TB and TB-MM requires a multisectorial approach that includes health and social service organizations.

A Matter of Inclusion: A Cluster-Randomized Trial to Access the Effect of Food Vouchers Versus Traditional Treatment on Tuberculosis Outcomes in Brazil.

We assessed the effectiveness of food vouchers as a social protection strategy to enhance the adherence to tuberculosis treatment in health-care facilities in Brazil between 2014 and 2017. A cluster-randomized controlled trial was performed in four Brazilian capital cities. A total of 774 adults with newly diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis were included in this study. Eligible participants initiated standard tuberculosis treatment per National Tuberculosis Program guidelines. Health clinics were assigned randomly to intervention groups (food voucher or standard treatment). The food voucher was provided by researchers, which could be used by subjects only for buying food. Most people with tuberculosis were poor, did receive benefits of the Bolsa Familia Program, and were unemployed. By Poisson regression analysis, with the total number of subjects included in the study, we found that individuals with tuberculosis who received food vouchers had a 1.13 greater risk of cure (95% CI, 1.03-1.21) compared with those who did not receive food vouchers. The provision of food vouchers improved outcomes of tuberculosis treatment and it should be enhanced even further as social protection for people with tuberculosis.

Factors associated with COVID-19 hospital deaths in Espírito Santo, Brazil, 2020. / Fatores associados ao óbito hospitalar por COVID-19 no Espírito Santo, 2020.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze factors associated with the deaths of individuals hospitalized with COVID-19 in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study using secondary data. Logistic regression models were used to estimate crude and adjusted odds ratios (OR). RESULTS: As at May 14, 2020, 200 individuals had been discharged and 220 had died. Of the total number of people studied, 57.1% were male, 46.4% were >60 years old, 57.9% were cases notified by a private institution, and 61.7% had >1 comorbidity. In the adjusted analysis, hospital mortality was higher for the 51-60 age group (OR=4.33 - 95%CI 1.50;12.46), the over 60 age group (OR=11.84 - 95%CI 4.31;32.54), cases notified by public institutions (OR=8.23 - 95%CI 4.84;13.99) and cases with a greater number of comorbidities (two [OR=2.74 - 95%CI 1.40;5.34] and three [OR=2.90 - 95%CI 1.07;7.81]). CONCLUSION: Higher mortality was found in older individuals, those with comorbidities and users of public hospitals.

A critical analysis of the decreasing trends in tuberculosis cure indicators in Brazil, 2001-2022

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the temporal trend of tuberculosis cure indicators in Brazil. Methods: An ecological time-series study using administrative data of reported cases of the disease nationwide between 2001 and 2022. We estimated cure indicators for each federative unit (FU) considering individuals with pulmonary tuberculosis, tuberculosis-HIV coinfection, and those in tuberculosis retreatment. We used regression models using joinpoint regression for trend analysis, reporting the annual percentage change and the average annual percentage change. Results: For the three groups analyzed, we observed heterogeneity in the annual percentage change in the Brazilian FUs, with a predominance of significantly decreasing trends in the cure indicator in most FUs, especially at the end of the time series. When considering national indicators, an average annual percentage change of −0.97% (95% CI: −1.23 to −0.74) was identified for the cure of people with pulmonary tuberculosis, of −1.11% (95% CI: −1.42 to −0.85) for the cure of people with tuberculosis-HIV coinfection, and of −1.44% (95% CI: −1.62 to −1.31) for the cure of people in tuberculosis retreatment. Conclusions: The decreasing trends of cure indicators in Brazil are concerning and underscore a warning to public authorities, as it points to the possible occurrence of other treatment outcomes, such as treatment discontinuity and death. This finding contradicts current public health care policies and requires urgent strategies aiming to promote follow-up of patients during tuberculosis treatment in Brazil.

Tuberculosis in Brazil and cash transfer programs: A longitudinal database study of the effect of cash transfer on cure rates.

INTRODUCTION: Tuberculosis incidence is disproportionately high among people in poverty. Cash transfer programs have become an important strategy in Brazil fight inequalities as part of comprehensive poverty alleviation policies. This study was aimed at assessing the effect of being a beneficiary of a governmental cash transfer program on tuberculosis (TB) treatment cure rates. METHODS: We conducted a longitudinal database study including people ≥18 years old with confirmed incident TB in Brazil in 2015. We treated missing data with multiple imputation. Poisson regression models with robust variance were carried out to assess the effect of TB determinants on cure rates. The average effect of being beneficiary of cash transfer was estimated by propensity-score matching. RESULTS: In 2015, 25,084 women and men diagnosed as new tuberculosis case, of whom 1,714 (6.8%) were beneficiaries of a national cash transfer. Among the total population with pulmonary tuberculosis several determinants were associated with cure rates. However, among the cash transfer group, this association was vanished in males, blacks, region of residence, and people not deprived of their freedom and who smoke tobacco. The average treatment effect of cash transfers on TB cure rates, based on propensity score matching, found that being beneficiary of cash transfer improved TB cure rates by 8% [Coefficient 0.08 (95% confidence interval 0.06-0.11) in subjects with pulmonary TB]. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that, in Brazil, the effect of cash transfer on the outcome of TB treatment may be achieved by the indirect effect of other determinants. Also, these results suggest the direct effect of being beneficiary of cash transfer on improving TB cure rates.

Effect of the Bolsa Familia Programme on the outcome of tuberculosis treatment: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Social protection interventions might improve tuberculosis outcomes and could help to control the epidemic in Brazil. The aim of this study was to evaluate the independent effect of the Bolsa Familia Programme (BFP) on tuberculosis treatment outcomes in Brazil. METHODS: We prospectively recruited and followed up individuals (aged ≥18 years) who initiated tuberculosis treatment at 42 health-care centres across seven cities in Brazil, between March 1, 2014, and April 30, 2017. Patients were interviewed at health-care centres and information about individual characteristics, socioeconomic status, living conditions, lifestyle, and comorbidities was recorded. Patients were separated into two groups according to BFP beneficiary status: BFP (exposed) or non-BFP (not exposed). Treatment outcome (cure, dropout, death, or development of drug-resistant tuberculosis or treatment failure) was recorded after 6 months of therapy. Pearson's χ2 test and ANOVA were used to compare tuberculosis treatment outcomes between the two groups, and we estimated the propensity score of being a beneficiary of the BFP using a logit model. We used multinomial regression models to evaluate the effect of the BFP on tuberculosis treatment outcomes. FINDINGS: 1239 individuals were included in the study, of whom 196 (16%) were beneficiaries of the BFP and 1043 (84%) were not. After 6 months of treatment, 912 (87%) of 1043 patients in the non-BFP group and 173 (88%) of 196 patients in the BFP group were cured of tuberculosis, 103 (10%) patients in the non-BFP group and 17 (9%) patients in the BFP group had dropped out, and 25 (3%) patients in the non-BFP group and six (3%) patients in the BFP group had died. Three (<1%) of 1043 patients in the non-BFP group developed drug-resistant tuberculosis. Being a BFP beneficiary had a positive effect for cure (average effect 0·076 [95% CI 0·037 to 0·11]) and a negative effect for dropout (-0·070 [-0·105 to 0·036]) and death (-0·002 [-0·021 to 0·017]). INTERPRETATION: BFP alone had a direct effect on tuberculosis treatment outcome and could greatly contribute to the goals of the WHO End TB Strategy. FUNDING: Brazilian National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) and Brazilian Ministry of Health Department of Science and Technology (DECIT).

[Human Development Index and secondary prevention of breast and cervical cancer: an ecological study]. / Índice de Desenvolvimento Humano e prevenção secundária de câncer de mama e colo do útero: um estudo ecológico.

This ecological study assessed mammography and Papanicolaou test (Pap smear) screening rates and their association with the Human Development Index (HDI) in Brazilian state capitals and Federal District in 2011, based on VIGITEL telephone survey data. More than 70% of women had a mammogram some time in life in all the state capitals, while the Pap smear rates any time in life and in the previous three years fell short of the 80% target in most state capitals. There was a strong positive correlation between HDI and the test rates (r = 0.52 and 0.66 for mammogram any time in life and in the previous two years and r = 0.66 and 0.71 for Pap smear any time in life and in the previous three years, respectively). Prevalence ratio (PR) for mammogram in the previous two years was 1.06 (95%CI: 1.01-1.10) and PR for Pap smear in the previous three years was 1.07 (IC95%: 1.04-1.10). The promotion of public health policies that encourage Brazil's urban economic and social development should help increase coverage for these tests.

Fatores associados ao óbito hospitalar por COVID-19 no Espírito Santo, 2020 / Mortalidad en personas ingresados en el hospital por COVID-19 en Espírito Santo, Brasil, 2020 / Factors associated with COVID-19 hospital deaths in Espírito Santo, Brazil, 2020

Objetivo: Analisar os fatores associados ao óbito em indivíduos internados por COVID-19 em hospitais do Espírito Santo, Brasil. Métodos: Estudo transversal, com dados secundários. Modelos de regressão logística foram empregados para estimar razões de chance (odds ratio: OR) brutas e ajustadas. Resultados: Até 14 de maio de 2020, 200 indivíduos receberam alta e 220 foram a óbito. Do total de pessoas estudadas, 57,1% eram do sexo masculino, 46,4% maiores de 60 anos de idade, 57,9% foram notificados por instituição privada e 61,7% apresentaram mais de 1 comorbidade. Na análise ajustada, a mortalidade hospitalar foi maior entre aqueles nas faixas etárias de 51 a 60 (OR=4,33 - IC95% 1,50;12,46) e mais de 60 anos (OR=11,84 - IC95% 4,31;32,54), notificados por instituição pública (OR=8,23 - IC95% 4,84;13,99) e com maior número de comorbidades (duas [OR=2,74 - IC95% 1,40;5,34] e três [OR=2,90 - IC95% 1,07;7,81]). Conclusão: Observa-se maior mortalidade em idosos, com comorbidades e usuários de hospitais públicos.

Objetivo: Analizar los factores asociados con la mortalidad por COVID-19 en individuos ingresados en hospitales de Espírito Santo, Brasil. Métodos: Estudio transversal. Los modelos de regresión logística estimaron una asociación de la mortalidad con características sociodemográficas, clínicas y de hospitalización. Resultados: Hasta el 14 de mayo de 2020, 200 individuos fueron dados de alta y 220 murieron. Del número total de personas estudiadas, 57,1% eran hombres, 46,4% >60 años, 57,9% notificados por una institución privada y 61,7% tenía más de 1 comorbilidad. Con respecto a la mortalidad, fue mayor en los grupos de edad de 51 a 60 años (odds ratio, OR=4,33 - IC95% 1,50;12,46) y los mayores de 60 años (OR=11,84 - IC95% 4,31;32,54), notificados por institución pública (OR=8,23 - IC95% 4,84;13,99) y con más número de comorbilidades (dos [OR=2,74 - IC95% 1,40;5,34] y tres [OR=2,90 - IC95%: 1,07;7,81]). Conclusión: El análisis apunta a mayor mortalidad en adultos mayores, con comorbilidades y usuarios de hospitales públicos.

Objective: To analyze factors associated with the deaths of individuals hospitalized with COVID-19 in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study using secondary data. Logistic regression models were used to estimate crude and adjusted odds ratios (OR). Results: As at May 14, 2020, 200 individuals had been discharged and 220 had died. Of the total number of people studied, 57.1% were male, 46.4% were >60 years old, 57.9% were cases notified by a private institution, and 61.7% had >1 comorbidity. In the adjusted analysis, hospital mortality was higher for the 51-60 age group (OR=4.33 - 95%CI 1.50;12.46), the over 60 age group (OR=11.84 - 95%CI 4.31;32.54), cases notified by public institutions (OR=8.23 - 95%CI 4.84;13.99) and cases with a greater number of comorbidities (two [OR=2.74 - 95%CI 1.40;5.34] and three [OR=2.90 - 95%CI 1.07;7.81]). Conclusion: Higher mortality was found in older individuals, those with comorbidities and users of public hospitals.

Spatial analysis of distribution of dengue cases in Espírito Santo, Brazil, in 2010: use of Bayesian model.

OBJECTIVE: To study the relationship between the risk of dengue and sociodemographic variables through the use of spatial regression models fully Bayesian in the municipalities of Espírito Santo in 2010. METHOD: This is an ecological study and exploration that used spatial analysis tools in preparing thematic maps with data obtained from SinanNet. An analysis by area, taking as unit the municipalities of the state, was performed. Thematic maps were constructed by the computer program R 2.15.00 and Deviance Information Criterion (DIC), calculated in WinBugs, Absolut and Normalized Mean Error (NMAE) were the criteria used to compare the models. RESULTS: We were able to geocode 21,933 dengue cases (rate of 623.99 cases per 100 thousand habitants) with a higher incidence in the municipalities of Vitória, Serra and Colatina; model with spatial effect with the covariates trash and income showed the best performance at DIC and Nmae criteria. CONCLUSION: It was possible to identify the relationship of dengue with factors outside the health sector and to identify areas with higher risk of disease.