Detection of HPV DNA in vaginal samples self-collected by women living with HIV treated through the Brazilian public health system: Prevalence and analysis of risk factors.

BACKGROUND: Women living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (WLWH) are more likely to be infected with the oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV). We assessed the prevalence of high-risk (HR) (16/18/31/33/35/39/45/51/52/56/58/59/68/73/82), probable high-risk (pHR) (26/53/66), and low-risk (LR) (6/11/40/42/43/44/54/61/70) HPV types and their associated risk factors. METHODS: This cross-sectional study of WLWH aged 18-64 years included one laboratory and eight HIV-specialty healthcare facilities in the pilot network. Descriptive statistics were used to assess sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics. Adjusted analyses were conducted to evaluate risk factors associated with HR and/or pHR HPV infection in WLWH. RESULTS: From May/2021 to May/2022, 1,914 (92.5%) WLWH participated in the pilot study and had valid HPV-DNA results of self-collected vaginal samples. The median age of the participants was 45 years, 60.1% had ≥ 9 years of schooling, 80.5% were ≤ 18 years at first sexual intercourse, and 51.7% had > 4 sexual partners throughout life. The prevalence of any HPV type, HR HPV, pHR HPV, and LR HPV was 65.8%, 49.6%, 16.7%, and 40.0%, respectively. Age was inversely associated with pHR and/or HR-HPV (p < 0.001), and education level was inversely associated with HR-HPV (p = 0.003) types. Any HR or pHR was associated with being single (p = 0.029) and exchanging sex for drugs (p = 0.037). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of HPV, especially HR HPV, among WLWH is high in Brazil, highlighting the need for HPV screening in this population. Self-collection of vaginal samples is an important strategy for increasing testing access.

Detection of HPV DNA in vaginal samples self-collected by women living with HIV treated through the Brazilian public health system: Prevalence and analysis of risk factors

ABSTRACT Background: Women living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (WLWH) are more likely to be infected with the oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV). We assessed the prevalence of high-risk (HR) (16/18/31/33/35/39/45/51/52/56/58/59/68/73/82), probable high-risk (pHR) (26/53/66), and low-risk (LR) (6/11/40/42/43/44/54/61/70) HPV types and their associated risk factors. Methods: This cross-sectional study of WLWH aged 18-64 years included one laboratory and eight HIV-specialty healthcare facilities in the pilot network. Descriptive statistics were used to assess sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics. Adjusted analyses were conducted to evaluate risk factors associated with HR and/or pHR HPV infection in WLWH. Results: From May/2021 to May/2022, 1,914 (92.5%) WLWH participated in the pilot study and had valid HPV-DNA results of self-collected vaginal samples. The median age of the participants was 45 years, 60.1% had ≥ 9 years of schooling, 80.5% were ≤ 18 years at first sexual intercourse, and 51.7% had > 4 sexual partners throughout life. The prevalence of any HPV type, HR HPV, pHR HPV, and LR HPV was 65.8%, 49.6%, 16.7%, and 40.0%, respectively. Age was inversely associated with pHR and/or HR-HPV (p < 0.001), and education level was inversely associated with HR-HPV (p = 0.003) types. Any HR or pHR was associated with being single (p = 0.029) and exchanging sex for drugs (p = 0.037). Conclusions: The prevalence of HPV, especially HR HPV, among WLWH is high in Brazil, highlighting the need for HPV screening in this population. Self-collection of vaginal samples is an important strategy for increasing testing access.

Brazilian Protocol for Sexually Transmitted Infections 2020: human T-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV) infection.

This article addresses the Human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV). This subject comprises the Clinical Protocol and Therapeutic Guidelines for Comprehensive Care for People with Sexually Transmitted Infections, published by the Brazilian Ministry of Health. HTLV-1/2 infection is a public health problem globally, and Brazil has the largest number of individuals living with the virus. HTLV-1 causes several clinical manifestations of neoplasm (adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma) and inflammatory nature, such as HTLV-1-associated myelopathy and other manifestations such as uveitis, arthritis, and infective dermatitis. These pathologies have high morbidity and mortality and negatively impact the quality of life of infected individuals. This review includes relevant information for health authorities professionals regarding viral transmission, diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of individuals living with HTLV-1 and 2 in Brazil. HTLV-1/2 transmission can occur through blood transfusion and derivatives, injectable drug use, organ transplantation, unprotected sexual intercourse, and vertical transmission.

The escalating tuberculosis crisis in central and South American prisons.

In the past decade, tuberculosis incidence has declined in much of the world, but has risen in central and South America. It is not yet clear what is driving this reversal of progress in tuberculosis control. Since 2000, the incarcerated population in central and South America has grown by 206%, the greatest increase in the world. Over the same period, notified tuberculosis cases among the incarcerated population (hereinafter termed persons deprived of their liberty [PDL], following the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights) have risen by 269%. In both central and South America, the rise of disease among PDL more than offsets tuberculosis control gains in the general population. Tuberculosis is increasingly concentrated among PDL; currently, 11% of all notified tuberculosis cases in central and South America occur among PDL who comprise less than 1% of the population. The extraordinarily high risk of acquiring tuberculosis within prisons creates a health and human rights crisis for PDL that also undermines wider tuberculosis control efforts. Controlling tuberculosis in this region will require countries to take urgent measures to prioritise the health of PDL.

Absence of detection of RSV and influenza during the COVID-19 pandemic in a Brazilian cohort: Likely role of lower transmission in the community.

BACKGROUND: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza are prevalent seasonal community viruses. Although not completely understood, SARS-CoV-2 may have the same means of transmission. Preventive social measures aimed at preventing SARS-CoV-2 spread could impact transmission of other respiratory viruses as well. The aim of this study is to report the detection of RSV and influenza during the period of social distancing due to COVID-19 pandemic in a heavily affected community. METHODS: Prospective study with pediatric and adult populations seeking care for COVID-19-like symptoms during the fall and winter of 2020 at two hospitals in Southern Brazil. RT-PCR tests for SARS-CoV-2, influenza A (Flu A), influenza B (Flu B) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was performed for all participants. RESULTS: 1435 suspected COVID-19 participants (1137 adults, and 298 children). were included between May and August. Median age was 37.7 years (IQR = 29.6-47.7), and 4.92 years (IQR = 1.96-9.53), for the adult and child cohorts, respectively. SARS-CoV-2 was positive in 469 (32.7%) while influenza and RSV were not detected at all. CONCLUSIONS: Measures to reduce SARS-CoV-2 transmission likely exerted a huge impact in the spread of alternate respiratory pathogens. These findings contribute to the knowledge about the dynamics of virus spread. Further, it may be considered for guiding therapeutic choices for these other viruses.

[Brazilian Protocol for Sexually Transmitted Infections 2020: human T cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV) infection]. / Protocolo Brasileiro para Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis 2020: infecção pelo vírus linfotrópico de células T humanas (HTLV).

This manuscript is related to the chapter about human T-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV) that is part of the Clinical Protocol and Therapeutic Guidelines for Comprehensive Care for People with Sexually Transmitted Infections, published by the Brazilian Health Ministry. HTLV-1/2 infection is a worldwide public health problem and Brazil has the largest number of individuals living with the virus. HTLV-1 causes a variety of clinical manifestations of a neoplastic nature, such as adult leukemia/T-cell lymphoma, and also of an inflammatory nature, such as HTLV-1-associated myelopathy, as well as other manifestations such as uveitis, arthritis and infective dermatitis. These pathologies have high morbidity and mortality and negatively impact the quality of life of infected individuals. This review includes relevant information for health service managers and workers regarding virus transmission modes, diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of individuals living with HTLV-1 and 2 in Brazil.

O artigo aborda a infecção pelo vírus linfotrópico de células T humanas (human T lymphotropic virus, HTLV), tema contemplado no Protocolo Clínico e Diretrizes Terapêuticas para Atenção Integral às Pessoas com Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis, publicado pelo Ministério da Saúde do Brasil. A infecção pelo HTLV-1/2 é um problema de saúde pública mundial, sendo o Brasil o país a referir o maior número de indivíduos convivendo com o vírus. O HTLV-1 causa diversas manifestações clínicas, de natureza neoplásica, como a leucemia/linfoma de células T do adulto, e de natureza inflamatória, a exemplo da mielopatia associada ao HTLV-1 e outras alterações, como uveíte, artrite e dermatite infecciosa. Estas patologias apresentam elevada morbimortalidade e impactam negativamente a qualidade de vida dos indivíduos infectados. A presente revisão inclui informações relevantes para gestores e profissionais de saúde sobre os mecanismos de transmissão viral, diagnóstico, tratamento e acompanhamento de indivíduos vivendo com o HTLV-1/2 no Brasil.

El artículo está relacionado con el capítulo sobre virus linfotrópico de células T humanas (human T lymphotropic virus, HTLV) que conforma el Protocolo Clínico y Directrices Terapéuticas para la Atención Integral a Personas con Infecciones de Transmisión Sexual, publicado por el Ministerio de Salud de Brasil. La infección por HTLV-1/2 es un problema de salud pública en el mundo y Brasil tiene el mayor número de personas que viven con el virus. El HTLV-1 causa varias manifestaciones clínicas, de naturaleza neoplásica (leucemia/linfoma de células T adultas), y de naturaleza inflamatoria, como la mielopatía asociada al HTLV-1 y otras manifestaciones como la uveítis, la artritis y la dermatitis infecciosa. Estas patologías tienen una alta morbilidad y mortalidad e impactan negativamente en la calidad de vida de las personas infectadas. Esta revisión incluye información relevante para gerentes y profesionales de la salud sobre los mecanismos de transmisión viral, diagnóstico, tratamiento y monitoreo de personas que viven con HTLV-1 y 2 en Brasil.

Bayesian evidence synthesis to estimate subnational TB incidence: An application in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Evidence on local disease burden and the completeness of case detection represent important information for TB control programs. We present a new method for estimating subnational TB incidence and the fraction of individuals with incident TB who are diagnosed and treated in Brazil. METHODS: We compiled data on TB notifications and TB-related mortality in Brazil and specified an analytic model approximating incidence as the number of individuals exiting untreated active disease (sum of treatment initiation, death before treatment, and self-cure). We employed a Bayesian inference approach to synthesize data and adjust for known sources of bias. We estimated TB incidence and the fraction of cases treated, for each Brazilian state and the Federal District over 2008-2017. FINDINGS: For 2017, TB incidence was estimated as 41.5 (95 % interval: 40.7, 42.5) per 100 000 nationally, and ranged from 11.7-88.3 per 100 000 across states. The fraction of cases treated was estimated as 91.9 % (89.6 %, 93.7 %) nationally and ranged 86.0 %-94.8 % across states, with an estimated 6.9 (5.3, 9.2) thousand cases going untreated in 2017. Over 2008-2017, incidence declined at an average annual rate of 1.4 % (1.1 %, 1.9 %) nationally, and -1.1%-4.2 % across states. Over this period there was a 0.5 % (0.2 %, 0.9 %) average annual increase in the fraction of incident TB cases treated. INTERPRETATION: Time-series estimates of TB burden and the fraction of cases treated can be derived from routinely-collected data and used to understand variation in TB outcomes and trends.

Trends in Untreated Tuberculosis in Large Municipalities, Brazil, 2008-2017.

We adapted a mathematical modeling approach to estimate tuberculosis (TB) incidence and fraction treated for 101 municipalities of Brazil during 2008-2017. We found the average TB incidence rate decreased annually (0.95%), and fraction treated increased (0.30%). We estimated that 9% of persons with TB did not receive treatment in 2017.

Brazilian protocol for sexually transmitted infections 2020: human T-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV) infection

Abstract This article addresses the Human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV). This subject comprises the Clinical Protocol and Therapeutic Guidelines for Comprehensive Care for People with Sexually Transmitted Infections, published by the Brazilian Ministry of Health. HTLV-1/2 infection is a public health problem globally, and Brazil has the largest number of individuals living with the virus. HTLV-1 causes several clinical manifestations of neoplasm (adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma) and inflammatory nature, such as HTLV-1-associated myelopathy and other manifestations such as uveitis, arthritis, and infective dermatitis. These pathologies have high morbidity and mortality and negatively impact the quality of life of infected individuals. This review includes relevant information for health authorities professionals regarding viral transmission, diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of individuals living with HTLV-1 and 2 in Brazil.

Protocolo Brasileiro para Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis 2020: infecção pelo vírus linfotrópico de células T humanas (HTLV) / Brazilian Protocol for Sexually Transmitted Infections 2020: human T cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV) infection / Protocolo Brasileño para Infecciones de Transmisión Sexual 2020: infección por virus linfotrópico de células T humanas (HTLV)

O artigo aborda a infecção pelo vírus linfotrópico de células T humanas (human T lymphotropic virus, HTLV), tema contemplado no Protocolo Clínico e Diretrizes Terapêuticas para Atenção Integral às Pessoas com Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis, publicado pelo Ministério da Saúde do Brasil. A infecção pelo HTLV-1/2 é um problema de saúde pública mundial, sendo o Brasil o país a referir o maior número de indivíduos convivendo com o vírus. O HTLV-1 causa diversas manifestações clínicas, de natureza neoplásica, como a leucemia/linfoma de células T do adulto, e de natureza inflamatória, a exemplo da mielopatia associada ao HTLV-1 e outras alterações, como uveíte, artrite e dermatite infecciosa. Estas patologias apresentam elevada morbimortalidade e impactam negativamente a qualidade de vida dos indivíduos infectados. A presente revisão inclui informações relevantes para gestores e profissionais de saúde sobre os mecanismos de transmissão viral, diagnóstico, tratamento e acompanhamento de indivíduos vivendo com o HTLV-1/2 no Brasil.

This manuscript is related to the chapter about human T-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV) that is part of the Clinical Protocol and Therapeutic Guidelines for Comprehensive Care for People with Sexually Transmitted Infections, published by the Brazilian Health Ministry. HTLV-1/2 infection is a worldwide public health problem and Brazil has the largest number of individuals living with the virus. HTLV-1 causes a variety of clinical manifestations of a neoplastic nature, such as adult leukemia/T-cell lymphoma, and also of an inflammatory nature, such as HTLV-1-associated myelopathy, as well as other manifestations such as uveitis, arthritis and infective dermatitis. These pathologies have high morbidity and mortality and negatively impact the quality of life of infected individuals. This review includes relevant information for health service managers and workers regarding virus transmission modes, diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of individuals living with HTLV-1 and 2 in Brazil.

El artículo está relacionado con el capítulo sobre virus linfotrópico de células T humanas (human T lymphotropic virus, HTLV) que conforma el Protocolo Clínico y Directrices Terapéuticas para la Atención Integral a Personas con Infecciones de Transmisión Sexual, publicado por el Ministerio de Salud de Brasil. La infección por HTLV-1/2 es un problema de salud pública en el mundo y Brasil tiene el mayor número de personas que viven con el virus. El HTLV-1 causa varias manifestaciones clínicas, de naturaleza neoplásica (leucemia/linfoma de células T adultas), y de naturaleza inflamatoria, como la mielopatía asociada al HTLV-1 y otras manifestaciones como la uveítis, la artritis y la dermatitis infecciosa. Estas patologías tienen una alta morbilidad y mortalidad e impactan negativamente en la calidad de vida de las personas infectadas. Esta revisión incluye información relevante para gerentes y profesionales de la salud sobre los mecanismos de transmisión viral, diagnóstico, tratamiento y monitoreo de personas que viven con HTLV-1 y 2 en Brasil.

Protocolo Brasileiro para Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis 2020: infecção pelo vírus linfotrópico de células T humanas (HTLV) / Brazilian Protocol for Sexually Transmitted Infections 2020: human T cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV) infection / Protocolo Brasileño para Infecciones de Transmisión Sexual 2020: infección por virus linfotrópico de células T humanas (HTLV)

Resumo O artigo aborda a infecção pelo vírus linfotrópico de células T humanas (human T lymphotropic virus, HTLV), tema contemplado no Protocolo Clínico e Diretrizes Terapêuticas para Atenção Integral às Pessoas com Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis, publicado pelo Ministério da Saúde do Brasil. A infecção pelo HTLV-1/2 é um problema de saúde pública mundial, sendo o Brasil o país a referir o maior número de indivíduos convivendo com o vírus. O HTLV-1 causa diversas manifestações clínicas, de natureza neoplásica, como a leucemia/linfoma de células T do adulto, e de natureza inflamatória, a exemplo da mielopatia associada ao HTLV-1 e outras alterações, como uveíte, artrite e dermatite infecciosa. Estas patologias apresentam elevada morbimortalidade e impactam negativamente a qualidade de vida dos indivíduos infectados. A presente revisão inclui informações relevantes para gestores e profissionais de saúde sobre os mecanismos de transmissão viral, diagnóstico, tratamento e acompanhamento de indivíduos vivendo com o HTLV-1/2 no Brasil.

Abstract This manuscript is related to the chapter about human T-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV) that is part of the Clinical Protocol and Therapeutic Guidelines for Comprehensive Care for People with Sexually Transmitted Infections, published by the Brazilian Health Ministry. HTLV-1/2 infection is a worldwide public health problem and Brazil has the largest number of individuals living with the virus. HTLV-1 causes a variety of clinical manifestations of a neoplastic nature, such as adult leukemia/T-cell lymphoma, and also of an inflammatory nature, such as HTLV-1-associated myelopathy, as well as other manifestations such as uveitis, arthritis and infective dermatitis. These pathologies have high morbidity and mortality and negatively impact the quality of life of infected individuals. This review includes relevant information for health service managers and workers regarding virus transmission modes, diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of individuals living with HTLV-1 and 2 in Brazil.

Resumen El artículo está relacionado con el capítulo sobre virus linfotrópico de células T humanas (human T lymphotropic virus, HTLV) que conforma el Protocolo Clínico y Directrices Terapéuticas para la Atención Integral a Personas con Infecciones de Transmisión Sexual, publicado por el Ministerio de Salud de Brasil. La infección por HTLV-1/2 es un problema de salud pública en el mundo y Brasil tiene el mayor número de personas que viven con el virus. El HTLV-1 causa varias manifestaciones clínicas, de naturaleza neoplásica (leucemia/linfoma de células T adultas), y de naturaleza inflamatoria, como la mielopatía asociada al HTLV-1 y otras manifestaciones como la uveítis, la artritis y la dermatitis infecciosa. Estas patologías tienen una alta morbilidad y mortalidad e impactan negativamente en la calidad de vida de las personas infectadas. Esta revisión incluye información relevante para gerentes y profesionales de la salud sobre los mecanismos de transmisión viral, diagnóstico, tratamiento y monitoreo de personas que viven con HTLV-1 y 2 en Brasil.

Mapping the tuberculosis scientific landscape among BRICS countries: a bibliometric and network analysis.

BACKGROUND: The five BRICS (Brazil, Russian, Indian, China, and South Africa) countries bear 49% of the world's tuberculosis (TB) burden and they are committed to ending tuberculosis. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this paper is to map the scientific landscape related to TB research in BRICS countries. METHODS: Were combined bibliometrics and social network analysis techniques to map the scientific publications related to TB produced by the BRICS. Was made a descriptive statistical data covering the full period of analysis (1993-2016) and the research networks were made for 2007-2016 (8,366 records). The bubble charts were generated by VantagePoint and the networks by the Gephi 0.9.1 software (Gephi Consortium 2010) from co-occurrence matrices produced in VantagePoint. The Fruchterman-Reingold algorithm provided the networks' layout. FINDINGS: During the period 1993-2016, there were 38,315 peer-reviewed, among them, there were 11,018 (28.7%) articles related by one or more authors in a BRICS: India 38.7%; China 23.8%; South Africa 21.1%; Brazil 13.0%; and Russia 4.5% (The total was greater than 100% because our criterion was all papers with at least one author in a BRICS). Among the BRICS, there was greater interaction between India and South Africa and organisations in India and China had the highest productivity; however, South African organisations had more interaction with countries outside the BRICS. Publications by and about BRICS generally covered all research areas, especially those in India and China covered all research areas, although Brazil and South Africa prioritised infectious diseases, microbiology, and the respiratory system. MAIN CONCLUSIONS: An overview of BRICS scientific publications and interactions highlighted the necessity to develop a BRICS TB research plan to increase efforts and funding to ensure that basic science research successfully translates into products and policies to help end the TB epidemic.

Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN): main features of tuberculosis notification and data analysis. / Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (Sinan): principais características da notificação e da análise de dados relacionada à tuberculose.

The Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN) enables knowledge of the profile of people with active tuberculosis (TB) in a country of continental dimensions such as Brazil. Available in all Brazilian municipalities and states, the system enables continuous consolidation of data, evaluation and monitoring of actions related to TB control in the country. The purpose of this paper is to present the specificities of SINAN-Net related to TB, including the follow-up screen, the record linkage and the follow-up report. Additionally, we describe the main variables and indicators and the challenges and limitations of the system.

O Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (Sinan) possibilita conhecer o perfil das pessoas com tuberculose (TB) ativa em um país continental como o Brasil. Disponível em todos os municípios e estados, o sistema permite contínua consolidação dos dados, avaliação e monitoramento das ações relacionadas ao controle da doença no país. O objetivo deste estudo foi apresentar as especificidades do Sinan-Net referentes à TB, entre elas a tela de acompanhamento, a rotina de vinculação e o boletim de acompanhamento. Adicionalmente, são descritas as principais variáveis e indicadores, os desafios e limitações do sistema.

El Sistema de Información de Agravamientos de Notificación (Sinan) posibilita conocer el perfil de las personas con tuberculosis (TB) activa en un país continental como Brasil. Disponible en todos los municipios y estados, el sistema posibilita una continua consolidación de los datos, evaluación y monitoreo de las acciones relacionadas al control de la enfermedad en el país. El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar las especificidades del Sinan-Net con relación a la TB, entre ellas la pantalla de acompañamiento, la rutina de vinculación y el boletín de acompañamiento. Adicionalmente, describimos las principales variables e indicadores y los desafíos y limitaciones del sistema.

Mapping the tuberculosis scientific landscape among BRICS countries: a bibliometric and network analysis

BACKGROUND The five BRICS (Brazil, Russian, Indian, China, and South Africa) countries bear 49% of the world's tuberculosis (TB) burden and they are committed to ending tuberculosis. OBJECTIVES The aim of this paper is to map the scientific landscape related to TB research in BRICS countries. METHODS Were combined bibliometrics and social network analysis techniques to map the scientific publications related to TB produced by the BRICS. Was made a descriptive statistical data covering the full period of analysis (1993-2016) and the research networks were made for 2007-2016 (8,366 records). The bubble charts were generated by VantagePoint and the networks by the Gephi 0.9.1 software (Gephi Consortium 2010) from co-occurrence matrices produced in VantagePoint. The Fruchterman-Reingold algorithm provided the networks' layout. FINDINGS During the period 1993-2016, there were 38,315 peer-reviewed, among them, there were 11,018 (28.7%) articles related by one or more authors in a BRICS: India 38.7%; China 23.8%; South Africa 21.1%; Brazil 13.0%; and Russia 4.5% (The total was greater than 100% because our criterion was all papers with at least one author in a BRICS). Among the BRICS, there was greater interaction between India and South Africa and organisations in India and China had the highest productivity; however, South African organisations had more interaction with countries outside the BRICS. Publications by and about BRICS generally covered all research areas, especially those in India and China covered all research areas, although Brazil and South Africa prioritised infectious diseases, microbiology, and the respiratory system. MAIN CONCLUSIONS An overview of BRICS scientific publications and interactions highlighted the necessity to develop a BRICS TB research plan to increase efforts and funding to ensure that basic science research successfully translates into products and policies to help end the TB epidemic.

Accuracy of Determine TB-LAM Ag to detect TB in HIV infected patients associated with diagnostic methods used in Brazilian public health units.

BACKGROUND: Determine TB-LAM Ag (LAM) is a point of care test developed to diagnose tuberculosis (TB). The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of LAM in people living with HIV using Brazilian public health network algorithm for TB diagnosis. METHODS AND FINDINGS: A cross-sectional study design was used to enroll 199 adult patients in two sites in Rio de Janeiro and two in São Paulo. The study enrolled HIV-infected patients with CD4 counts ≤200 cells/mm3 (in the Alere PIMA CD4 assay at study screening), patients coughing for at least 2 weeks or presenting a chest radiography suggestive of TB. LAM, in conjunction with sputum smear microscopy or Xpert MTB/RIF (Xpert) as compared to Mycobacterium tuberculosis culture, which was used as a reference standard. TB prevalence was 24.6%. Overall accuracy of LAM was 79.9% (73.8%-84.9%), positive and negative predictive values were 62.2% (46.1%-75.9%) and 84% (77.5%-88.8%), respectively. The overall LAM sensitivity was 46.9% (33.7%-60.6%) and specificity was 90.7% (84.9%-94.4%). The best performance of LAM was observed among patients with CD4 counts ≤50 cells/mm3 (sensitivity = 70.4% and specificity = 85.9%). When 2 respiratory smears were used in conjunction with LAM, sensitivity increased 22%, as compared to just 2 smears. Furthermore, LAM when used in conjunction with two respiratory smears, was as sensitive as compared to a single one. However, no improvement in TB diagnosis occurred when LAM was used with Xpert as compared to Xpert alone. Among 14 LAM false positive tests, Non-Tuberculosis Mycobacteria were isolated in three cases. CONCLUSION: LAM is a point of care test that increased TB diagnosis in immunosuppressed HIV-infected patients when used in conjunction with smear microscopy, but not when used with Xpert in Brazilian public health network sites. Use of LAM test should be considered in settings where immunosuppressed HIV patients need rapid TB diagnosis.

Special Tuberculosis Treatment Information System (SITE-TB) in Brazil: background, description and perspectives. / Sistema de Informação de Tratamentos Especiais de Tuberculose (SITE-TB): histórico, descrição e perspectivas.

The Special Tuberculosis Treatment Information System (SITE-TB) arose mainly from the need to routinely monitor all persons with drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) in Brazil, as well as to qualify tuberculosis' drug control. Developed by the Professor Hélio Fraga Reference Center and the Management Sciences for Health/Brazil Project, this online system was implemented in 2013 in all Brazilian states. In addition to DR-TB, the system registers people with drug-sensitive tuberculosis with special regimen indications, and those with nontuberculous mycobacterial infections identified by differential diagnosis of tuberculosis. All confirmed tuberculosis cases should be notified on the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN). In situations where treatment with special regimens is necessary, the case is closed on SINAN and notified on SITE-TB. Professionals from tuberculosis reference centers report and monitor these cases on the system, as well as manage tuberculosis' drugs.

O Sistema de Informação de Tratamentos Especiais de Tuberculose (SITE-TB) surgiu da necessidade principal de monitorar, rotineiramente, todas as pessoas com tuberculose drogarresistente (TBDR) no Brasil, e qualificar o controle dos fármacos antituberculose. Desenvolvido pelo Centro de Referência Professor Hélio Fraga e pelo projeto Management Sciences for Health/Brasil, esse sistema online foi implantado em 2013, em todas as Unidades da Federação. Além da TBDR, no SITE-TB são registradas pessoas com tuberculose sensível com indicação de esquema especial, e aquelas com micobacterioses não tuberculosas identificadas por diagnóstico diferencial de tuberculose. Toda pessoa com tuberculose confirmada deve ser notificada no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (Sinan). Em situações nas quais se faz necessário tratamento com esquema especial, o caso é encerrado no Sinan e notificado no SITE-TB. Profissionais das unidades de referência para tuberculose fazem a notificação e acompanhamento desses casos no sistema, assim como a gestão dos medicamentos.

El Sistema de Información de Tratamientos Especiales de Tuberculosis (SITE-TB) surgió principalmente de la necesidad de monitorear rutinariamente todas las personas con tuberculosis drogorresistente (TB-DR) en Brasil y cualificar el control de drogas antituberculosis. Desarrollado por el Centro de Referencia Profesor Hélio Fraga y el proyecto Management Sciences for Health/Brasil, este sistema online fue implantado en 2013 en todos los estados del país. Además de TB-DR, el SITE-TB registra personas con tuberculosis sensible con indicación de régimen especial, y aquellas con micobacteriosis no tuberculosas identificadas por diagnóstico diferencial de tuberculosis. Toda persona con tuberculosis confirmada debe ser notificada en el Sistema de Información de Agravamientos de Notificación (SINAN). Para situaciones en las que se hace necesario tratamiento con régimen especial, el caso se cierra en el SINAN y se notifica en el SITE-TB. Los profesionales de las unidades de referencia para TB son los que hacen la notificación y seguimiento de estos casos en el sistema, así como la gestión de las drogas antituberculosis.

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.

[Brazilian National Registry of Healthcare Establishments as a tool for the analysis of decentralization of tuberculosis treatment to basic care services]. / Cadastro Nacional de Estabelecimentos de Saúde como ferramenta de análise da descentralização do atendimento da tuberculose para a atenção básica.

This study aimed to validate a method for classification of healthcare services in Brazil (basic care vs. other levels) and describe the decentralization of tuberculosis (TB) care to basic services (2002 to 2016). The healthcare services that reported and followed TB cases were classified as either "basic care" or "other levels" based on the type of establishment registered in the Brazilian National Registry of Healthcare Establishments (CNES, in Portuguese). The study estimated the agreement between this classification with a previous classification performed in 2013 by Brazil's state and local tuberculosis programs. Using the CNES registry, the authors then calculated the percentage of TB patients treated in basic care from 2002 to 2016. Agreement was 94.4%, and overall kappa index was 0.86. There was a relative increment of 31.2% in TB care provided by basic services (from 50.9% in 2002 to 66.8% in 2016). All regions of Brazil showed an increase in this percentage, except the South. The classification based on the CNES registry allowed analyzing the trend in decentralization of TB treatment to basic healthcare services in Brazil.

Os objetivos deste artigo foram validar um método de classificação dos serviços de saúde (atenção básica vs. outros níveis) e descrever a descentralização do atendimento da tuberculose (TB) para a atenção básica no Brasil no período de 2002 a 2016. Os serviços de saúde que notificaram e acompanharam pessoas com TB foram classificados como "atenção básica" ou "outros níveis", considerando-se o tipo de estabelecimento registrado no Cadastro Nacional de Estabelecimentos de Saúde (CNES). Foi estimada a concordância entre essa classificação e uma realizada em 2013 pelos programas estaduais e municipais de TB. Posteriormente, utilizando-se o CNES, calculou-se o percentual de pessoas com TB atendidas na atenção básica no período de 2002 a 2016. A concordância foi de 94,4% e o índice kappa global foi 0,86. Houve um incremento relativo de 31,2% do atendimento de TB na atenção básica (50,9% em 2002 para 66,8% em 2016). Todas as regiões apresentaram aumento desse percentual, exceto a Região Sul. A classificação baseada no CNES permitiu analisar a evolução da descentralização do atendimento da TB para a atenção básica no Brasil.

Los objetivos de este artículo fueron validar un método de clasificación de los servicios de salud (atención básica vs. otros niveles) y describir la descentralización del cuidado de la tuberculosis (TB) hacia los servicios de atención básica en Brasil, durante el período de 2002 a 2016. Los servicios de salud que notificaron y efectuaron el seguimiento a personas con TB fueron clasificados como "atención básica" u "otros niveles", considerándose el tipo de establecimiento registrado en el Registro Nacional de Establecimientos de Salud (CNES). Se estimó la concordancia entre esta clasificación y una realizada en 2013 por los programas estatales y municipales de TB. Posteriormente, utilizando el CNES, se calculó el porcentaje de personas con TB atendidas en la atención básica durante el período de 2002 a 2016. La concordancia fue de 94,4% y el índice kappa global fue 0,86. Hubo un incremento relativo de un 31,2% del manejo de la TB en la atención básica (de un 50,9% en 2002 hasta un 66,8% en 2016). Todas las regiones presentaron un aumento de ese porcentaje, excepto la región Sur. La clasificación, basada en el CNES, permitió analizar la evolución de la descentralización del manejo de la TB hacia la atención básica en Brasil.

Tuberculosis burden on AIDS in Brazil: A study using linked databases.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the burden of tuberculosis (TB) in reported AIDS cases, to compare the characteristics of TB/HIV subjects with those without TB and to evaluate survival with or without TB in Brazil. METHODS: The data source was the linked database between AIDS (2011-2014) and TB (2011-2014) databases from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN). The sociodemographic, clinical, laboratory results and use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) data were compared by TB occurrence or not. Survival probability was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and associated factors were sought using Cox regression. RESULTS: The proportion of TB diagnosed from 2011 to 2014 among AIDS cases reported between 2006 and 2014 was 6.3%. Subjects coinfected with TB were predominantly male, older, with lower schooling, with lower CD4 count, higher viral load, and higher proportion of ART initiation than those without TB. 57.5% were diagnosed with HIV before TB, 38.2% as concurrent TB/HIV and 4.3% with TB before HIV. 16,466 reported TB cases were not found in the AIDS database, although registered as HIV-infected in the SINAN TB database between 2011 and 2014. Median survival for PLHIV was 581 days, with 582 for those without TB, significantly higher than 547 for those with TB (log-rank teste, p = 0,001). In the Cox multivariate analysis, male gender [aHR = 1.27 (CI 95% 1.22-1.33)], older age [aHR = 1.020 (CI 95% 1.019-1.022)] and TB coinfection [aHR = 1.97 (CI 95% 1.88-2.07)] were positively associated with adjusted hazard of death, whereas CD4 count 200-499 cells [aHR = 0.21 (CI 95% 0.20-0.22)] and receiving ART [aHR = 0.2 2(CI 95% 0.21-0.23)] reduced the risk of death. CONCLUSIONS: HIV-infected subjects should be screened for TB at care entry, to minimize diagnosis and treatment delays when active TB is present or to increase the odds of being offered latent TB infection therapy to prevent TB. On the other hand, TB cases should be promptly tested for HIV. All those will contribute to reduce mortality among people living with AIDS.

Identifying socioeconomic, epidemiological and operational scenarios for tuberculosis control in Brazil: an ecological study.

OBJECTIVES: To identify scenarios based on socioeconomic, epidemiological and operational healthcare factors associated with tuberculosis incidence in Brazil. DESIGN: Ecological study. SETTINGS: The study was based on new patients with tuberculosis and epidemiological/operational variables of the disease from the Brazilian National Information System for Notifiable Diseases and the Mortality Information System. We also analysed socioeconomic and demographic variables. PARTICIPANTS: The units of analysis were the Brazilian municipalities, which in 2015 numbered 5570 but 5 were excluded due to the absence of socioeconomic information. PRIMARY OUTCOME: Tuberculosis incidence rate in 2015. DATA ANALYSIS: We evaluated as independent variables the socioeconomic (2010), epidemiological and operational healthcare indicators of tuberculosis (2014 or 2015) using negative binomial regression. Municipalities were clustered by the k-means method considering the variables identified in multiple regression models. RESULTS: We identified two clusters according to socioeconomic variables associated with the tuberculosis incidence rate (unemployment rate and household crowding): a higher socioeconomic scenario (n=3482 municipalities) with a mean tuberculosis incidence rate of 16.3/100 000 population and a lower socioeconomic scenario (2083 municipalities) with a mean tuberculosis incidence rate of 22.1/100 000 population. In a second stage of clusterisation, we defined four subgroups in each of the socioeconomic scenarios using epidemiological and operational variables such as tuberculosis mortality rate, AIDS case detection rate and proportion of vulnerable population among patients with tuberculosis. Some of the subscenarios identified were characterised by fragility in their information systems, while others were characterised by the concentration of tuberculosis cases in key populations. CONCLUSION: Clustering municipalities in scenarios allowed us to classify them according to the socioeconomic, epidemiological and operational variables associated with tuberculosis risk. This classification can support targeted evidence-based decisions such as monitoring data quality for improving the information system or establishing integrative social protective policies for key populations.