Emergence of ciprofloxacin-resistant Neisseria meningitidis B from asymptomatic carriers during an outbreak in Peru, 2017.

Asymptomatic carriers are a likely source of transmission of Neisseria meningitidis to close contacts who are placed at a higher risk for invasive meningococcal disease (IMD). Although N. meningitidis ciprofloxacin-resistance is rare, there have been an increase in the reports of resistant isolates mainly in patients diagnosed with IMD, and little is known about the N. meningitidis ciprofloxacin-resistance in the carrier populations. We performed a pharyngeal carriage study during a 2017 military setting outbreak in Peru, caused by a ciprofloxacin-resistant N. meningitidis B. The isolates analysed came from two hospitalized cases and six asymptomatic carriers. Whole-genome sequence-based analysis was performed and showed that strains carrying the Thr91Ile mutation, in the gene encoding for subunit A of DNA gyrase (gyrA), were responsible for the fluoroquinolone resistance (MICs ≥0.256 µg ml-1) and were closely related to highly virulent strains from France, Norway and the UK. Phylogenetic analysis of the gyrA gene revealed that likely these Peruvian isolates acquired resistance through horizontal gene transfer from Neisseria lactamica. Our study provides evidence for the emergence and propagation of ciprofloxacin-resistant N. meningitidis B from asymptomatic carriers, and recommends the introduction of serogroup B vaccines for high-risk populations.

Percepciones comunitarias relativas a la prevención del dengue en asentamientos humanos afectados. Lima-Perú, 2015 / Community perceptions about dengue prevention in human settlements. Lima-Perú, 2015 / Percepções comunitárias na prevenção da dengue nos assentamentos humanos. Lima-Peru, 2015

Con el objetivo de describir las percepciones comunitarias para la prevención del dengue en las localidades afectadas de Lima, realizamos un estudio cualitativo a través de entrevistas desde el modelo de creencias en salud. Los entrevistados mencionaron diversos factores de saneamiento, conductas e información que incrementan su exposición al dengue, expresando que los afectaría en aspectos laborales, familiares y económicos, asumiendo parte de la responsabilidad en la prevención y recalcando la labor de los promotores de salud, medios de comunicación y líderes comunitarios. Entre las medidas preventivas mencionadas, se incluyeron medidas sin evidencia de efectividad. Las principales barreras expresadas fueron las siguientes, caraterizadas como insuficientes: cantidad de profesionales de salud, participación comunitaria, organización en las actividades preventivas y discontinuidad luego de los brotes. La discusión y reflexión sobre estos contextos promueve una oportunidad en el abordaje de la labor preventiva hacia el dengue.

This is a qualitative study, aimed at describing community perceptions on dengue prevention in affected areas of Lima. A series of interviews were conducted in six of those areas using the health belief model approach. Respondents noted several factors about sanitation, behaviors and information that could increase their exposure to dengue. They expressed that this illness would affect their lives in different ways, in aspects related to work, family and economy. They recognized their share of responsibility on prevention, but also talked about the importance of health promoters work, media and community leaders. Among the preventive measures they mentioned, there were a few with no evidence of effectiveness. The main identified problems were lack of health professionals, community participation and preventive activities. They also noted that most activities were discontinued after outbreaks. The findings provide an opportunity to discuss and reflect on the preventive work done to face dengue.

Com o objetivo de descrever as percepções comunitárias a respeito da prevenção da dengue, realizou-se um estudo qualitativo nas áreas afetadas de Lima. Foram utilizadas entrevistas sob o modelo de crenças em saúde. Os entrevistados mencionaram diversos fatores de saneamento e condutas que aumentariam sua exposição à doença. Também enumeraram aspectos laborais, familiares e econômicos que seriam afetados pelo adoecimento. Os entrevistados assumiram parte da responsabilidade na prevenção, mas destacaram a importância do trabalho dos promotores de saúde, líderes comunitários e meios de comunicação. Dentre as medidas preventivas enumeradas, foram citadas algumas que não tinham evidência de efetividade. Os principais obstáculos citados foram: quantidade insuficiente de profissionais de saúde, baixa participação comunitária, desorganização das atividades preventivas e descontinuidade das ações após a resolução dos surtos. A discussão dos resultados encontrados promove a oportunidade de refletir sobre o trabalho preventivo realizado para o combate à dengue.