Chagas disease.

Chagas disease persists as a global public health problem due to the high morbidity and mortality burden. Despite the possibility of a cure and advances in transmission control, epidemiological transformations, such as urbanisation and globalisation, and the emerging importance of oral and vertical transmission mean that Chagas disease should be considered an emerging disease, with new cases occurring worldwide. Important barriers to diagnosis, treatment, and care remain, resulting in repressed numbers of reported cases, which in turn leads to inadequate public policies. The validation of new diagnostic tools and treatment options is needed, as existing tools pose serious limitations to access to health care. Integrated models of surveillance, with community and intersectional participation, embedded in the concept of One Health, are essential for control. In addition, mitigation strategies for the main social determinants of health, including difficulties imposed by migration, are important to improve access to comprehensive health care in a globalised scenario.

Sociodemographic and environmental factors associated with dengue, Zika, and chikungunya among adolescents from two Brazilian capitals.

Among the emerging and reemerging arboviral diseases, Zika, dengue and chikungunya deserve special attention due to their wide geographical distribution and clinical severity. The three arboviruses are transmitted by the same vector and can present similar clinical syndromes, bringing challenges to their identification and register. Demographic characteristics and individual and contextual social factors have been associated with the three arboviral diseases. However, little is known about such associations among adolescents, whose relationships with the social environment are different from those of adult populations, implying potentially different places, types, and degrees of exposure to the vector, particularly in the school context. This study aims to identify sociodemographic and environmental risk factors for the occurrence of Zika, dengue, and chikungunya in a cohort of adolescents from the Study of Cardiovascular Risks in Adolescents-ERICA-in the cities of Rio de Janeiro/RJ and Fortaleza/CE, from January 2015 to March 2019. Cases were defined as adolescents with laboratory or clinical-epidemiological diagnosis of Zika, dengue, or chikungunya, notified and registered in the Information System for Notifiable Diseases (SINAN). The cases were identified by linkage between the databases of the ERICA cohort and of SINAN. Multilevel Cox regression was employed to estimate hazard ratios (HR) as measures of association and respective 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). In comparison with adolescents living in lower socioeconomic conditions, the risk of becoming ill due to any of the three studied arboviral diseases was lower among those living in better socioeconomic conditions (HR = 0.43; 95%CI: 0.19-0.99; p = 0.047) and in the adolescents who attended school in the afternoon period (HR = 0.17; 95%CI: 0.06-0.47; p<0.001). When compared to areas whose Building Infestation Index (BII) for Aedes aegypti was considered satisfactory, a BII in the school region classified as "alert" and "risk" was associated with a higher risk of arboviral diseases (HR = 1.62, 95%CI: 0.98-2.70; p = 0.062; HR = 3.72, 95%CI: 1.27-10.9; p = 0.017, respectively). These findings indicate that living in less favored socioeconomic conditions, attending school in the morning, and having a high BII for Ae. aegypti in school's region can contribute to an increased risk of infection by Zika, dengue, or chikungunya in adolescents. The identification of residential or school areas based on those variables can contribute to the implementation of control measures in population groups and priority locations.

Judicialization of the right to health with a focus on neglected tropical diseases: dimensions and challenges in Piauí State, Northeastern Brazil, 2000-2020. / Judicialização do direito à saúde com foco em doenças tropicais negligenciadas: dimensões e desafios no Estado do Piauí, Nordeste do Brasil, 2000-2020.

This article aims to analyse the magnitude and profile of legal demands for public health goods and services, also verifying the presence of legal demands for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in the State of Piauí between 2000-2020. Cross-sectional descriptive study based on the databases of the Court of Justice of Piauí on lawsuits demanding from the Direct Public Administration, goods and health services. A total of 6,658 lawsuits were initially identified. After eligibility analysis, 1,384 cases (20.8%) were analysed, with an increase in demand from 2017. We highlight the characteristics: origin in the capital Teresina (614; 44.4%), 40 to 59 years of age (372; 26.9%), female (761; 55.0%), farmers (123; 8.9%), public legal assistance (1,063; 76.8%), upheld (594; 42.9%). Five (5; 0.4%) lawsuits for NTDs, one visceral leishmaniasis requesting transportation, with granting, four for leprosy (two medicines, one granted, other extinguished without resolution of the merit, one consultation and one exam granted). The judicialization of the right to health is expressive and growing in the State of Piauí. The low demand related to NTDs may translate into limited access not only to health care, but also to the judiciary.

O objetivo deste artigo é analisar a magnitude e o perfil das demandas judiciais por bens e serviços de saúde pública, verificando também a presença de demandas judiciais para doenças tropicais negligenciadas (DTNs) no Estado do Piauí entre 2000-2020. Estudo transversal descritivo a partir de bases de dados do Tribunal de Justiça do Piauí acerca de processos judiciais demandando bens e serviços de saúde à administração pública direta. Foram identificados inicialmente um total de 6.658 processos judiciais. Após análise de elegibilidade, 1.384 processos (20,8%) foram analisados, verificando-se aumento da demanda a partir de 2017. Ressalta-se as características: origem na capital Teresina (614; 44,4%), 40 a 59 anos de idade (372; 26,9%), sexo feminino (761; 55,0%), agricultores (123; 8,9%), assistência jurídica pública (1.063; 76,8%), julgados procedentes (594; 42,9%). Cinco (5; 0,4%) demandas judiciais para DTNs, uma leishmaniose visceral solicitando transporte, procedente; quatro para hanseníase (dois medicamentos, um concedido, outro extinto sem resolução do mérito, uma consulta e um exame, ambos concedidos). A judicialização do direito à saúde é expressiva e crescente no estado do Piauí. A baixa demanda relacionada a DTNs pode traduzir limitação de acesso não apenas à saúde, mas ao Poder Judiciário.

Epidemiology and control of trachoma in the state of Ceará, Northeast Brazil, 2007-2021.

BACKGROUND: To analyze the epidemiology, surveillance, and control strategies for trachoma in the state of Ceará, northeast Brazil, from 2007 to 2021. METHODS: This ecological study was based on secondary data from the Information System on Notifiable Diseases of the Secretary of Health of the state of Ceará. Data from school and home surveys for trachoma detection obtained during the study period were analyzed, the percentage of positivity was estimated, and sociodemographic and clinico-epidemiological factors were investigated. RESULTS: The coverage of trachoma surveillance and control actions in Ceará municipalities increased from 12.5% in 2007 to 55.9% in 2019, but with an average restriction of 8.0% during the COVID-19 pandemic. The estimated trachoma positivity (mean overall positivity) was less than 5.0% (2.76%, 95% CI 1.2-5.2), with a higher proportion of cases in the 5-9-year age group (45.0%, 95% CI 44.6-45.4), in females (53.2%, 95% CI 52.8-53.6), and rural areas (52.6%, 95% CI 52.2-53.0). Positivity above 10.0% was observed in the Litoral Leste/Jaguaribe and Sertão Central regions, with a higher occurrence of the follicular inflammatory clinical form (98.1%, 95% CI 98.0-98.2). CONCLUSIONS: Trachoma remains in the state of Ceará and is likely underreported. Despite recent advances, the fragility of health surveillance activities compromises the recognition of the actual magnitude and distribution of trachoma in the state. Accurate information is fundamental for planning, monitoring, and evaluating surveillance and disease control.

Scientometric review of research on Neglected Tropical Diseases: a 31-year perspective from the Journal of the Brazilian Society of Tropical Medicine.

BACKGROUND: To analyze the temporal evolution of research on Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) published by the Journal of the Brazilian Society of Tropical Medicine (JBSTM). METHODS: We performed an analysis of the scientific production in JBSTM on NTDs using an advanced search, which included authors' descriptors, title, and abstract, and by combining specific terms for each NTDs from 1991 to 2021. Data related to authors, countries of origin, institutions, and descriptors, were evaluated and analyzed over time. Bibliographic networks were constructed using VOSviewer 1.6.16. RESULTS: The JBSTM published 4,268 scientific papers during this period. Of these 1,849 (43.3%) were related to NTDs. The number of publications on NTDs increased by approximately 2.4-fold, from 352 (total 724) during 1991-2000 to 841 (total 2,128) during 2011-2021, despite the proportional reduction (48.6% versus 39.5%). The most common singular NTDs subject of publications included Chagas disease (31.4%; 581/1,849), leishmaniasis (25.5%, 411/1,849), dengue (9.4%, 174/1,849), schistosomiasis (9.0%; 166/1,849), and leprosy (6.5%, 120/1,849), with authorship mostly from Brazil's South and Southeast regions. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the proportional reduction in publications, JBSTM remains an important vehicle for disseminating research on NTDs during this period. There is a need to strengthen the research and subsequent publications on specific NTDs. Institutions working and publishing on NTDs in the country were concentrated in the South and Southeast regions, requiring additional investments in institutions in other regions of the country.

[Hospital admissions due to neglected tropical diseases in Piauí, in the Northeast region of Brazil: costs, time trends, and spatial patterns, 2001-2018]. / Hospitalizações por doenças tropicais negligenciadas no Piauí, Nordeste do Brasil: custos, tendências temporais e padrões espaciais, 2001-2018.

To characterize the magnitude of hospital admissions and costs of patients with neglected tropical diseases, their time trends, and spatial patterns in Piauí, in the Northeast Region of Brazil, in 2001-2018. Ecological study of mixed designs, with calculation of relative risk (RR), time-trend analysis by Poisson regression, and inflection points, using data from neglected tropical diseases Hospital Admission Authorizations available in the Hospital Information System of the Brazilian Unified National Health System (SIH/SUS). Data showed 49,832 hospital admissions due to neglected tropical diseases in the period (rate: 86.70/100,000 inhabitants; 95%CI: 83.47; 89.93); of these, dengue (78.2%), leishmaniasis (8.6%), and leprosy (6.4%). The total cost was BRL 34,481,815.43, 42.8% of which referred to medium complexity cases. Higher risks of hospitalization occurred among people ≥ 60 years (RR = 1.8; 95%CI: 1.5; 2.2), mixed race/color (RR = 1.7; 95%CI: 1.1; 2.4), residents of municipalities presenting medium social vulnerability (RR = 1.5; 95% CI: 1.3; 1.6), and population size (RR = 1.6; 95%CI: 1.4; 1.9). The time trend showed a reduction in hospital admissions due to neglected tropical diseases, 2003-2018 (annual percent change - APC: -10.3; 95%CI: -14.7; -5.6). The spatial pattern showed clusters with higher rates of hospital admission in border municipalities located south of the Mid-north macroregion, north of the Semiarid macroregion, and south of the Cerrados macroregion. Piauí remains with high hospital admission rates and costs for neglected tropical diseases. Despite the reduction in time trends, knowledge burden, population groups, and municipalities at greater risk and vulnerability reinforce the importance of monitoring and strengthening control actions to maintain the reduction of the burden and costs of hospital admission due to neglected tropical diseases in the state.

Caracterizar a magnitude das internações hospitalares e custos por doenças tropicais negligenciadas, suas tendências temporais e padrões espaciais no Piauí, Nordeste do Brasil, 2001-2018. Estudo ecológico misto, com cálculo de risco relativo (RR) e análise de tendência temporal por regressão de Poisson, pontos de inflexão, utilizando-se dados de Autorizações de Internações Hospitalares por doenças tropicais negligenciadas via Sistema de Informações Hospitalares do Sistema Único de Saúde (SIH/SUS). Verificaram-se 49.832 internações hospitalares por doenças tropicais negligenciadas (taxa: 86,70/100 mil habitantes; IC95%: 83,47; 89,93) no período, principalmente dengue (78,2%), leishmanioses (8,6%) e hanseníase (6,4%). O custo total foi de R$ 34.481.815,43, sendo 42,8% de média complexidade. Maiores riscos de hospitalizações ocorreram em: pessoas ≥ 60 anos (RR = 1,8; IC95%:1,5; 2,2), etnia/cor parda (RR = 1,7; IC95%: 1,1; 2,4), residentes em municípios de média vulnerabilidade social (RR = 1,5; IC95%: 1,3; 1,6) e porte populacional (RR = 1,6; IC95%: 1,4; 1,9). A tendência temporal foi de redução nas taxas de internações hospitalares por doenças tropicais negligenciadas, 2003-2018 (variação percentual anual - APC: -10,3; IC95%: -14,7; -5,6). O padrão espacial apresentou aglomerados com maiores taxas de internações hospitalares nos municípios limítrofes ao sul da macrorregião Meio-norte, norte do Semiárido e sul dos Cerrados. O Piauí persiste com elevadas taxas de hospitalizações e custos por doenças tropicais negligenciadas. Apesar da redução nas tendências temporais, o conhecimento de sua carga, seus grupos populacionais e municípios de maior risco e vulnerabilidade reforçam a importância do monitoramento e fortalecimento das ações de controle para manutenção na redução da carga e custos de internações hospitalares por doenças tropicais negligenciadas no estado.

Caracterizar la magnitud de las internaciones hospitalarias y los costos por las enfermedades tropicales desatendidas, sus tendencias temporales y patrones espaciales en Piauí, Nordeste de Brasil, 2001-2018. Estudio ecológico mixto, con cálculo de riesgo relativo (RR), y análisis de tendencia temporal por regresión de Poisson, puntos de inflexión, utilizando datos de Autorizaciones de Internaciones Hospitalarias por enfermedades tropicales desatendidas a través del Sistema de Informaciones Hospitalarias del Sistema Único de Salud (SIH/SUS). Se verificó 49.832 internaciones hospitalarias por enfermedades tropicales desatendidas (tasa: 86,70/100.000 habitantes; IC95%: 83,47; 89,93) en el periodo, las más frecuentes dengue (78,2 %), leishmaniasis (8,6%) y lepra (6,4%). El costo total fue de BRL 34.481.815,43, siendo 42,8 %, fueron de mediana complejidad. Los mayores riesgos de hospitalización se dieron en: personas ≥ 60 años (RR = 1,8; IC95%: 1,5; 2,2), etnia/color pardo (RR = 1,7; IC95%: 1,1; 2,4), residentes en municipios de vulnerabilidad social media (RR = 1,5; IC95%: 1,3; 1,6) y tamaño de la población (RR = 1,6; IC95%: 1,4; 1,9). La tendencia temporal fue de reducción en las tasas de internaciones hospitalarias por enfermedades tropicales desatendidas, 2003-2018 (cambio porcentual anual - APC: -10,3; IC95%: -14,7; -5,6). El patrón espacial presentó conglomerados con mayores tasas de internaciones hospitalarias en los municipios limítrofes al sur de la macrorregión del Medio-norte, el norte del Semiárido, y sur de los Cerrados. El Piauí persiste con elevadas tasas de hospitalizaciones y costos por enfermedades tropicales desatendidas. A pesar de la reducción de las tendencias temporales, el conocimiento de su carga, los grupos poblacionales y los municipios de mayor riesgo y vulnerabilidad refuerzan la importancia del monitoreo y fortalecimiento de las acciones de control para mantenimiento en la reducción de la carga y los costos de internaciones hospitalarias por enfermedades tropicales desatendidas en el estado.

Temporal trends and spatial clusters of gastric cancer mortality in Brazil.

Objective: To identify nationwide temporal trends and spatial patterns of gastric cancer-related mortality in Brazil. Methods: An ecological study was performed using death certificates registered from 2000 to 2019 in which gastric cancer was recorded as any cause of death (an underlying or associated cause). Trends over time were assessed using joinpoint regression models. Spatial and spatiotemporal clusters were identified by Kulldorff's space-time scan statistics to identify high-risk areas. Results: In 276 897/22 663 091 (1.22%) death certificates gastric cancer was recorded as any cause of death. Age-adjusted gastric cancer-related mortality increased significantly over time (annual percentage change [APC]: 0.7, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.5 to 0.8). The increase in mortality was more pronounced in the less-developed North and Northeast Regions (North Region, APC: 3.1, 95% CI: 2.7 to 3.5; Northeast Region, APC: 3.1, 95% CI: 2.5 to 3.7). Eight spatiotemporally associated high-risk clusters of gastric cancer-related mortality were identified in the North, South, Northeast and Central-West Regions, as well as a major cluster covering a wide geographical range in the South and Southeast Regions of Brazil during the first years of the study period (2000 to 2009). Conclusions: More recently, during 2010 to 2019, clusters of gastric cancer have been identified in the Northeast Region. The nationwide increase in mortality in this analysis of 20 years of data highlights the persistently high burden of gastric cancer in Brazil, especially in socioeconomically disadvantaged regions. The identification of these areas where the population is at high risk for gastric cancer-related mortality emphasizes the need to develop effective and intersectoral control measures.

Limits and possibilities for the development of public health research in the legal system.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize databases of the courts of justice of Brazil as a potential tool for research in Collective Health, in its interface with the legal sciences. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of quantitative and descriptive nature, focusing on analysis of strategic management and judicial systems. RESULTS: Databases used by the Common Justice in the Federation Units to systematize judicial processes were identified and analyzed. A total of 123 databases were found in the courts of justice per state, with emphasis on the South and Northeast regions, in contrast to the North region, which has a smaller number of systems. This large number of judicial systems limits access to legal operators, and hinders the collection of evidence by health researchers and, consequently, impacts the strategic management of the Executive Branch. There were limitations from design to transparent and democratic data extraction by the users themselves, as well as restricted integration between bases. CONCLUSIONS: Although advances have been made in recent years by the courts of justice to unify these databases, the multiplicity of information systems used in the Common State Justice complicates the management of knowledge, limits the development of research, even when carried out by lawyers or researchers in the legal area, as well as generates slow data extraction for public management. It is recognized the need for additional efforts for standardization, as well as for improvement of these databases, expanding access, transparency and integration with a view to a transdisciplinary look between the field of Law and Collective Health.

High schistosomiasis-related mortality in Northeast Brazil: trends and spatial patterns.

BACKGROUND: We analyzed the trends and spatial patterns of schistosomiasis-related mortality in Northeast Brazil in 2000-2019. METHODS: A mixed population-based ecological study was conducted, using information on the underlying or associated causes of death. We used Joinpoint regression analysis to calculate the trends. The spatial analysis included rates, spatial moving averages, and standardized mortality rates. The spatial dependence analysis was based on Getis-Ord's G and Gi* indices (Gi star) and local Moran's index to check for autocorrelation. RESULTS: A total of 5,814,268 deaths were recorded, of which 9,276 (0.16%) were schistosomiasis-related; 51.0% (n=4,732, adjusted rate 0.90/100,000 inhabitants [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.88-0.93]) were males; 40.0% (n=3,715, adjusted rate 7.40/100.000 inhabitants [95%CI: 7.16-7.64]) were ≥70 years old; 54.8% (n=5,087, crude rate 0.80/100,000 inhabitants) were of mixed/Pardo-Brazilian ethnicity; and 77.9% (n=7,229, adjusted rate 0.86/100,000 inhabitants [95%CI: 0.84-0.88]) lived outside state capitals. The highest proportion of deaths was in the state of Pernambuco (53.9%, n=4,996, adjusted rate 2.72/100,000 inhabitants [95%CI: 2.64-2.79]). Increasing mortality rate was verified in the state of Sergipe. On the coast of the state of Rio Grande do Norte and Bahia, there was spatial dependence of spatio-temporal risk patterns with clusters. Throughout the study period, we found positive spatial autocorrelation and cluster formation. CONCLUSIONS: In Northeast Brazil, schistosomiasis persists with a high mortality rate, especially in the coastal region, with heterogeneous spatial and temporal patterns. To eliminate schistosomiasis by 2030, it is necessary to strengthen the financing and management of the unified health system (SUS).

Mortality from neglected tropical diseases in the state of Piauí, Northeast Brazil: temporal trend and spatial patterns, 2001-2018. / Mortalidade por doenças tropicais negligenciadas no Piauí, Nordeste do Brasil: tendência temporal e padrões espaciais, 2001-2018.

OBJETIVE: To analyze temporal trends and spatial patterns of mortality due to neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in Piauí, Brazil, 2001-2018. METHODS: This was a mixed ecological study, with risk ratio (RR) calculation, spatiotemporal trend analysis, Poisson joinpoint regression, using data from the Mortality Information System. RESULTS: There were 2,609 deaths due to NTDs in the period (4.60/100,000 inhabitants), 55.2% were due to Chagas' disease. There was a higher risk of death in male (RR=1.76; 95%CI 1.25;2.46), being aged ≥60 years (RR=40.71; 95%CI 10.01;165.53), municipalities with medium vulnerability social (RR=1.76; 95%CI 1.09;2.84), smaller population size (RR=1.99; 95%CI 1.28;3.10) and the Cerrados macro-region (RR=4.51; 95%CI 2.51;8.11). There was an upward trend in mortality rates from 2001-2008 and a falling trend from 2009-2018. CONCLUSION: Mortality due to NTDs in Piauí remains high, particularly due to Chagas' disease, among groups with greater vulnerability, with concentration of higher rates in the southwest of the Semiarid macro-region and the northeast and south of the Cerrados macro-region.

Persistence of Schistosomiasis-Related Morbidity in Northeast Brazil: An Integrated Spatio-Temporal Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the temporal trend and spatial patterns of schistosomiasis-related morbidity in Northeast Brazil, 2001-2017. METHODS: Ecological study, of time series and spatial analysis, based on case notifications and hospital admission data, as provided by the Ministry of Health. RESULTS: Of a total of 15,574,392 parasitological stool examinations, 941,961 (6.0%) were positive, mainly on the coastline of Pernambuco, Alagoas and Sergipe states. There was a reduction from 7.4% (2002) to 3.9% (2017) of positive samples and in the temporal trend of the detection rate (APC-11.6*; Confidence Interval 95%-13.9 to -9.1). There was a total of 5879 hospital admissions, with 40.4% in Pernambuco state. The hospitalization rate reduced from 0.82 (2001) to 0.02 (2017) per 100,000 inhabitants. CONCLUSION: Despite the reduction in case detection and hospitalizations, the persistence of focal areas of the disease in coastal areas is recognized. This reduction may indicate a possible positive impact of control on epidemiological patterns, but also operational issues related to access to healthcare and the development of surveillance and control actions in the Unified Health System.

Clinical profile and mortality in patients with T. cruzi/HIV co-infection from the multicenter data base of the "Network for healthcare and study of Trypanosoma cruzi/HIV co-infection and other immunosuppression conditions".

OBJECTIVE: Chagas disease (CD) globalization facilitated the co-infection with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in endemic and non-endemic areas. Considering the underestimation of Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi)-HIV co-infection and the risk of life-threatening Chagas Disease Reactivation (CDR), this study aimed to analyze the major co-infection clinical characteristics and its mortality rates. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional retrospective multicenter study of patients with CD confirmed by two serological or one parasitological tests, and HIV infection confirmed by immunoblot. CDR was diagnosed by direct microscopy with detection of trypomastigote forms in the blood or other biological fluids and/or amastigote forms in inflammatory lesions. RESULTS: Out of 241 patients with co-infection, 86.7% were from Brazil, 47.5% had <200 CD4+ T cells/µL and median viral load was 17,000 copies/µL. Sixty CDR cases were observed. Death was more frequent in patients with reactivation and was mainly caused by CDR. Other causes of death unrelated to CDR were the manifestation of opportunistic infections in those with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. The time between the co-infection diagnosis to death was shorter in patients with CDR. Lower CD4+ cells count at co-infection diagnosis was independently associated with reactivation. Similarly, lower CD4+ cells numbers at co-infection diagnosis and male sex were associated with higher lethality in CDR. Additionally, CD4+ cells were lower in meningoencephalitis than in myocarditis and milder forms. CONCLUSION: This study showed major features on T. cruzi-HIV co-infection and highlighted the prognostic role of CD4+ cells for reactivation and mortality. Since lethality was high in meningoencephalitis and all untreated patients died shortly after the diagnosis, early diagnosis, immediate antiparasitic treatment, patient follow-up and epidemiological surveillance are essentials in T. cruzi/HIV co-infection and CDR managements.

New Contributions to the Elimination of Chagas Disease as a Public Health Problem: Towards the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

Despite being described for the first time more than 110 years ago, Chagas disease persists as one of the most neglected tropical diseases [...].

Propensity for COVID-19 severe epidemic among the populations of the neighborhoods of Fortaleza, Brazil, in 2020.

BACKGROUND: The state of Ceará (Northeast Brazil) has shown a high incidence of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), and most of the cases that were diagnosed during the epidemic originated from the capital Fortaleza. Monitoring the dynamics of the COVID-19 epidemic is of strategic importance and requires the use of sensitive tools for epidemiological surveillance, including consistent analyses that allow the recognition of areas with a greater propensity for increased severity throughout the cycle of the epidemic. This study aims to classify neighborhoods in the city of Fortaleza according to their propensity for a severe epidemic of COVID-19 in 2020. METHODS: We conducted an ecological study within the geographical area of the 119 neighborhoods located in the city of Fortaleza. To define the main transmission networks (infection chains), we assumed that the spatial diffusion of the COVID-19 epidemic was influenced by population mobility. To measure the propensity for a severe epidemic, we calculated the infectivity burden (ItyB), infection burden (IonB), and population epidemic vulnerability index (PEVI). The propensity score for a severe epidemic in the neighborhoods of the city of Fortaleza was estimated by combining the IonB and PEVI. RESULTS: The neighborhoods with the highest propensity for a severe COVID-19 epidemic were Aldeota, Cais do Porto, Centro, Edson Queiroz, Vicente Pinzon, Jose de Alencar, Presidente Kennedy, Papicu, Vila Velha, Antonio Bezerra, and Cambeba. Importantly, we found that the propensity for a COVID-19 epidemic was high in areas with differing socioeconomic profiles. These areas include a very poor neighborhood situated on the western border of the city (Vila Velha), neighborhoods characterized by a large number of subnormal agglomerates in the Cais do Porto region (Vicente Pinzon), and those located in the oldest central area of the city, where despite the wealth, low-income groups have remained (Aldeota and the adjacent Edson Queiroz). CONCLUSION: Although measures against COVID-19 should be applied to the entire municipality of Fortaleza, the classification of neighborhoods generated through this study can help improve the specificity and efficiency of these measures.

[Leprosy-related mortality in the State of Piauí, Brazil: time trends and spatial patterns, 2000-2015]. / Mortalidade relacionada à hanseníase no Estado do Piauí, Brasil: tendências temporais e padrões espaciais, 2000-2015.

The study aimed to analyze spatial patterns and time trends in leprosy-related mortality in the State of Piauí, Brazil, from 2000 to 2015. This was a mixed ecological study with a spatial and temporal state-based approach, using data from the Brazilian Mortality Information System. The analysis includes epidemiological characteristics, mortality trends by Joinpoint regression, and spatial analysis, using the state's 224 municipalities (counties) as the geographic unit. Of the 245,413 deaths identified, leprosy was identified in 234 death certificates, 135 (41.7%) as the underlying cause of death and 189 (58.3%) as an associated cause of death. The highest leprosy-related mortality rates were associated with male gender (relative risk - RR = 2.38; 95%CI: 1.87; 3.03), elderly age (RR = 10.52; 95%CI: 7.16; 15.46), brown skin color (RR = 2.22; 95%CI: 1.47; 3.35), and residents of the state's interior (RR = 5.72; 95%CI: 4.54; 7.21). The crude leprosy-related mortality rate showed a significant increase among the elderly (70 years), brown race/color, cities with fewer than 20,000 inhabitants, and the Central region of the state, but not significant for the State of Piauí as a whole. The spatial distribution by age-adjusted mortality was heterogeneous in the municipalities, concentrating high mortality rates in the northern region of the state, close to the coastline. There was a pattern of increasing smoothed mortality rates over the course of the study's four-year periods in the Mid-northern Central and Semiarid regions. Leprosy mortality was spatially heterogeneous and growing over the years. The findings highlight the importance of enhancing integrated surveillance and healthcare activities.

O estudo teve por objetivo analisar padrões espaciais e tendências temporais da mortalidade relacionada à hanseníase no Estado do Piauí, Brasil, de 2000 a 2015. Trata-se de estudo ecológico misto, com abordagem espacial e temporal, de base estadual, a partir de dados do Sistema de Informaçãos sobre Mortalidade. A análise inclui características epidemiológicas, tendências de mortalidade por regressão Joinpoint e análise espacial, usando os 224 municípios como unidade geográfica. Dos 245.413 óbitos identificados, a hanseníase foi identificada em 324 declarações, 135 (41,7%) como causa básica de óbito e 189 (58,3%) como associada. Os maiores coeficientes de mortalidade relacionados à hanseníase foram observados entre homens (risco relativo - RR = 2,38; IC95%: 1,87; 3,03), idosos (RR = 10,52; IC95%: 7,16; 15,46), cor parda (RR = 2,22; IC95%: 1,47; 3,35) e residentes do interior do estado (RR = 5,72; IC95%: 4,54; 7,21). O coeficiente bruto de mortalidade relacionado à hanseníase apresentou incremento significativo entre idosos (70 anos), raça/cor parda, em cidades com menos de 20 mil habitantes e região Meio-norte, mas não significativo para o Estado do Piauí. A distribuição espacial pelos coeficientes de mortalidade ajustada por idade foi heterogênea nos municípios, concentrando altos coeficientes de mortalidade no norte do estado, próximo ao litoral. Verificou-se padrão de aumento dos coeficientes de mortalidade suavizados no decorrer dos quadriênios do estudo, concentrando altos coeficientes nas regiões Meio-norte e Semiárido. A mortalidade por hanseníase é espacialmente heterogênea e crescente ao longo dos anos. Ressalta-se a importância de potencializar ações integradas de vigilância e atenção à saúde.

El objetivo del estudio fue analizar patrones espaciales y tendencias temporales de mortalidad, relacionada con la hanseniasis en el Estado de Piauí, Brasil, de 2000 a 2015. Se trata de un estudio ecológico mixto, con un abordaje espacial y temporal, de base estatal, a partir de datos del Sistema de Información sobre Mortalidad. El análisis incluye características epidemiológicas, tendencias de mortalidad por regresión Joinpoint y análisis espacial, usando 224 municipios como unidad geográfica. De los 245.413 óbitos identificados, la hanseniasis fue identificada en 324 declaraciones, 135 (41,7%) como causa básica de óbito y 189 (58,3%) como asociada. Los mayores coeficientes de mortalidad relacionada con la hanseniasis se observaron entre hombres (riesgo relativo - RR = 2,38; IC95%: 1,87; 3,03), ancianos (RR = 10,52; IC95%: 7,16; 15,46), color pardo (RR = 2,22; IC95%: 1,47; 3,35) y residentes en el interior del estado (RR = 5,72; IC95%: 4,54; 7,21). El coeficiente bruto de mortalidad relacionado con la hanseniasis presentó un incremento significativo entre ancianos (70 años), raza/color pardo, en ciudades con menos de 20.000 habitantes y región Medio-norte, pero no es significativo para el Estado de Piauí. La distribución espacial por los coeficientes de mortalidad ajustada por edad fue heterogénea en los municipios, concentrando altos coeficientes de mortalidad en el norte del estado, cercano al litoral. Se verificó un patrón de aumento de los coeficientes de mortalidad suavizados en el transcurso de los cuatrienios del estudio, concentrando altos coeficientes en las regiones Medio-norte y Semiárida. La mortalidad por hanseniasis es heterogénea espacialmente y creciente a lo largo de los años. Se resalta la importancia de potenciar acciones integradas de vigilancia y atención a la salud.

Burden of schistosomiasis-related mortality in Brazil: epidemiological patterns and spatial-temporal distribution, 2003-2018.

OBJECTIVE: To characterise the epidemiological patterns and the spatial-temporal distribution of schistosomiasis-related mortality in Brazil from 2003 to 2018. METHODS: A national population-based ecological study that used official data from the Mortality Information System. The data included all deaths recorded in Brazil from 2003 to 2018 in which schistosomiasis was mentioned in the death certificate as an underlying or associated cause of death (multiple causes). The municipalities of residence were used as units of geographic analysis, and standardised and smoothed mortality rates (per 100 000 inhabitants) were calculated using the local empirical Bayes method. Spatial autocorrelation was evaluated using global and local Moran indexes. To analyse the spatial dependence, the Getis-Ord G and Gi* statistics were used. RESULTS: During the study period, 18 421 113 deaths were recorded in Brazil. Schistosomiasis was mentioned in 11 487 deaths (proportional mortality: 0.06%); for 8141 deaths (70.87%), it was listed as the underlying cause, and for 3346 deaths (29.13%), it was listed as an associated cause. The mean mortality rate was 0.38 deaths/100 000 inhabitants. Individuals ≥ 70 years of age (RR: 115.34, 95% CI: 68.56-194.03) and residents in the Northeast region (RR: 10.81, 95% CI: 5.95-19.66) presented higher risks related to schistosomiasis. Municipalities with high mortality rates were identified in all regions, and high-risk clusters were found in municipalities located in the Northeast and Southeast regions of the country. CONCLUSIONS: Schistosomiasis remains an important cause of death in persistently endemic areas in Brazil, particularly in those with a high prevalence of the disease and a marked parasite load.

OBJECTIF: Caractériser les profils épidémiologiques et la distribution spatio-temporelle de la mortalité liée à la schistosomiase au Brésil de 2003 à 2018. MÉTHODES: Une étude écologique nationale basée sur la population qui a utilisé les données officielles du système d'information sur la mortalité. Les données incluaient tous les décès enregistrés au Brésil de 2003 à 2018 dans lesquels la schistosomiase était mentionnée dans le certificat de décès comme cause sous-jacente ou associée (causes multiples) de décès. Les municipalités de résidence ont été utilisées comme unités d'analyse géographique et les taux de mortalité normalisés et lissés (pour 100.000 habitants) ont été calculés à l'aide de la méthode empirique locale de Bayes. L'autocorrélation spatiale a été évaluée à l'aide d'indices de Moran globaux et locaux. Pour analyser la dépendance spatiale, les statistiques de Getis-Ord G et Gi* ont été utilisées. RÉSULTATS: Au cours de la période d'étude, 18.421.113 décès ont été enregistrés au Brésil. La schistosomiase a été mentionnée dans 11.487 décès (mortalité proportionnelle: 0,06%); pour 8.141 décès (70,87%), elle a été répertoriée comme la cause sous-jacente et pour 3.346 décès (29,13%), comme cause associée. Le taux de mortalité moyen était de 0,38 décès/100.000 habitants. Les personnes âgées de ≥70 ans (RR: 115,34 ; IC95%: 68,56 à 194,03) et les résidents de la région du Nord-Est (RR: 10,81 ; IC95%: 5,95 à 19,66) présentaient des risques plus élevés liés à la schistosomiase. Des municipalités présentant des taux de mortalité élevés ont été identifiées dans toutes les régions et des grappes à haut risque ont été trouvées dans des municipalités situées dans les régions du nord-est et du sud-est du pays. CONCLUSIONS: La schistosomiase reste une cause importante de mortalité dans les zones d'endémie persistante du Brésil, en particulier dans celles à forte prévalence de la maladie et à forte charge parasitaire.

Microsatellite variation revealed panmictic pattern for Triatoma brasiliensis (Triatominae: Reduviidae) in rural northeastern Brazil: the control measures implications.

BACKGROUND: Triatoma brasiliensis Neiva, 1911 is the main vector of Trypanosoma cruzi in the caatinga of Northeastern Brazil. Despite of its epidemiological relevance, there are few studies on its genetic variability. Using microsatellite markers, we characterized the variability and dynamics of infestation and reinfestation of T. brasiliensis after residual insecticide spraying in five surveys conducted in a well-defined rural area located in the municipality of Tauá, Ceará, between 2009 and 2015. We evaluated: (1) general variability among local of captures; (2) variability along the time analysis (2009, 2010 and 2015); (3) and reinfestation process. RESULTS: On the analysis (1) global and pairwise FST values suggested absence of clusters among the area. AMOVA indicated that total variation is mainly represented by individual differences. Absence of clustering indicates a panmitic unit, with free gene flow. For (2), Pairwise FST indicated alterations in the genetic profile of the triatomines along the time. (3) Analysis of the reinfestation process showed that the domiciliary units investigated had different sources of infestation despite of its proximity. CONCLUSIONS: Observed homogeneity can be explained by the great dispersal capacity of T. brasiliensis, overlapping the different environments. Persistent house infestation in Tauá may be attributed to the occurrence of postspraying residual foci and the invasion of triatomines from their natural habitats.