Primary healthcare expansion and mortality in Brazil's urban poor: A cohort analysis of 1.2 million adults.

BACKGROUND: Expanding delivery of primary healthcare to urban poor populations is a priority in many low- and middle-income countries. This remains a key challenge in Brazil despite expansion of the country's internationally recognized Family Health Strategy (FHS) over the past two decades. This study evaluates the impact of an ambitious program to rapidly expand FHS coverage in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, since 2008. METHODS AND FINDINGS: A cohort of 1,241,351 low-income adults (observed January 2010-December 2016; total person-years 6,498,607) with linked FHS utilization and mortality records was analyzed using flexible parametric survival models. Time-to-death from all-causes and selected causes were estimated for FHS users and nonusers. Models employed inverse probability treatment weighting and regression adjustment (IPTW-RA). The cohort was 61% female (751,895) and had a mean age of 36 years (standard deviation 16.4). Only 18,721 individuals (1.5%) had higher education, whereas 102,899 (8%) had no formal education. Two thirds of individuals (827,250; 67%) were in receipt of conditional cash transfers (Bolsa Família). A total of 34,091 deaths were analyzed, of which 8,765 (26%) were due to cardiovascular disease; 5,777 (17%) were due to neoplasms; 5,683 (17%) were due to external causes; 3,152 (9%) were due to respiratory diseases; and 3,115 (9%) were due to infectious and parasitic diseases. One third of the cohort (467,155; 37.6%) used FHS services. In IPTW-RA survival analysis, an average FHS user had a 44% lower hazard of all-cause mortality (HR: 0.56, 95% CI 0.54-0.59, p < 0.001) and a 5-year risk reduction of 8.3 per 1,000 (95% CI 7.8-8.9, p < 0.001) compared with a non-FHS user. There were greater reductions in the risk of death for FHS users who were black (HR 0.50, 95% CI 0.46-0.54, p < 0.001) or pardo (HR 0.57, 95% CI 0.54-0.60, p < 0.001) compared with white (HR 0.59, 95% CI 0.56-0.63, p < 0.001); had lower educational attainment (HR 0.50, 95% CI 0.46-0.55, p < 0.001) for those with no education compared to no significant association for those with higher education (p = 0.758); or were in receipt of conditional cash transfers (Bolsa Família) (HR 0.51, 95% CI 0.49-0.54, p < 0.001) compared with nonrecipients (HR 0.63, 95% CI 0.60-0.67, p < 0.001). Key limitations in this study are potential unobserved confounding through selection into the program and linkage errors, although analytical approaches have minimized the potential for bias. CONCLUSIONS: FHS utilization in urban poor populations in Brazil was associated with a lower risk of death, with greater reductions among more deprived race/ethnic and socioeconomic groups. Increased investment in primary healthcare is likely to improve health and reduce health inequalities in urban poor populations globally.

Ascaris lumbricoides coinfection reduces tissue damage by decreasing IL-6 levels without altering clinical evolution of pulmonary tuberculosis or Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokine profile.

INTRODUCTION: Immunological control of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection is dependent on the cellular immune response, mediated predominantly by Th1 type CD4+ T cells. Polarization of the immune response to Th2 can inhibit the host immune protection against pathogens. Patients with tuberculosis coinfected with helminths demonstrate more severe pulmonary symptoms, a deficiency in the immune response against tuberculosis, and an impaired response to anti-tuberculosis therapy. METHODS: We evaluated the cellular immune response and the impact of the presence of Ascaris lumbricoides on the immune and clinical response in pulmonary tuberculosis patients. Ninety-one individuals were included in the study: 38 tuberculosis patients, 11 tuberculosis patients coinfected with Ascaris lumbricoides and other helminths, 10 Ascaris lumbricoides patients, and 34 non-infected control individuals. Clinical evolution of pulmonary tuberculosis was studied on 0, 30, 60, and 90 days post-diagnosis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Ascaris lumbricoides. Furthermore, immune cells and plasma cytokine profiles were examined in mono/coinfection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Ascaris lumbricoides using flow cytometry. RESULTS: There were no statistical differences in any of the evaluated parameters and the results indicated that Ascaris lumbricoides infection does not lead to significant clinical repercussions in the presentation and evolution of pulmonary tuberculosis. CONCLUSIONS: The association with Ascaris lumbricoides did not influence the Th1, Th2, and Th17 type responses, or the proportions of T lymphocyte subpopulations. However, higher serum levels of IL-6 in tuberculosis patients may explain the pulmonary parenchymal damage.

Program for Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of Syphilis and HIV in Brazil: missed opportunities / Programa de prevenção da transmissão materno-infantil de sífilis e HIV no Brasil: oportunidades perdidas

While antenatal screening for HIV and syphilis is part of the national policy in Brazil, screening and treatment coverage remain inadequate in many parts of the country. This study aimed to describe missed opportunities concerning mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) from the point-of-view of pregnant women, health professionals, and health care managers. A semi-structured interview was conducted in six Brazilian states. Pregnant women, health professionals, and health care managers were interviewed to identify failures in the process of care for pregnant women and MTCT of syphilis or HIV. The project had a quantitative approach but included open-ended questions to capture the views of participants regarding the feasibility of strategies adopted for controlling MTCT. The sample consisted of 109 women, 62 health professionals, and 34 health care managers. The median age of women was 24 (range: 15­46) years, and the median schooling was 8 years. Eighty percent of those interviewed received prenatal care. Among those who attended antenatal visits, the median was 6.43 (range: 1­20) visits. Managers and health professionals had a median of 10 (range: 4­25) working years. In the interviews, the managers declared that they had provided tests and treatment for these infections, but health professionals stated that they did not have tests or treatment available to offer, and most women complained about the difficulties of receiving treatment. Organizing the logistics and breaking down barriers related to care in Brazil is challenging. An adequate health care system and policy factors that address this situation can help to eliminate MTCT by implementing strategies adopted to control these infections in the country.

Embora o rastreamento para HIV e sífilis no pré-natal faça parte da política nacional no Brasil, a cobertura do rastreamento e tratamento permanece inadequada em muitas partes do país. O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever as oportunidades perdidas de transmissão materno-infantil (TMI) do ponto de vista de gestantes, profissionais de saúde e gestores de saúde. Uma entrevista semiestruturada foi realizada em seis estados brasileiros. Foram entrevistadas gestantes, profissionais de saúde e gestores dos serviços de saúde, com o objetivo de identificar falhas no processo de atendimento às gestantes e à TMI de sífilis ou HIV. A abordagem do projeto foi quantitativa, mas perguntas abertas foram incluídas para capturar as opiniões dos participantes sobre a viabilidade das estratégias adotadas para o controle da TMI. Participaram do estudo 109 mulheres, 62 profissionais de saúde e 34 gestores. A mediana de idade das mulheres foi de 24 (intervalo:15-46) anos e a mediana de escolaridade foi de 8 anos. Oitenta por cento dos entrevistados fizeram consultas de pré-natal. Entre as que participam de consultas pré-natais, a mediana foi de 6,43 (intervalo: 1 a 20). Gestores e profissionais de saúde tiveram uma mediana de 10 anos de trabalho (intervalo: 4-25). Nas entrevistas, os gestores disseram que haviam fornecido testes e tratamento para essas infecções, mas os profissionais de saúde disseram que nem sempre tinham testes ou tratamentos disponíveis para oferecer às pacientes e a maioria das parturientes reclamou das dificuldades em receber tratamento. Organizar a logística e derrubar barreiras de cuidado ainda representam um desafio no Brasil. O sistema de saúde com funcionamento adequado e uma ação política de enfrentamento da situação podem ajudar a eliminar a TMI, quando atuam na aplicação das estratégias adotadas pelo país no controle dessas infecções.

Ascaris lumbricoides coinfection reduces tissue damage by decreasing IL-6 levels without altering clinical evolution of pulmonary tuberculosis or Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokine profile

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Immunological control of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection is dependent on the cellular immune response, mediated predominantly by Th1 type CD4+ T cells. Polarization of the immune response to Th2 can inhibit the host immune protection against pathogens. Patients with tuberculosis coinfected with helminths demonstrate more severe pulmonary symptoms, a deficiency in the immune response against tuberculosis, and an impaired response to anti-tuberculosis therapy. METHODS: We evaluated the cellular immune response and the impact of the presence of Ascaris lumbricoides on the immune and clinical response in pulmonary tuberculosis patients. Ninety-one individuals were included in the study: 38 tuberculosis patients, 11 tuberculosis patients coinfected with Ascaris lumbricoides and other helminths, 10 Ascaris lumbricoides patients, and 34 non-infected control individuals. Clinical evolution of pulmonary tuberculosis was studied on 0, 30, 60, and 90 days post-diagnosis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Ascaris lumbricoides. Furthermore, immune cells and plasma cytokine profiles were examined in mono/coinfection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Ascaris lumbricoides using flow cytometry. RESULTS: There were no statistical differences in any of the evaluated parameters and the results indicated that Ascaris lumbricoides infection does not lead to significant clinical repercussions in the presentation and evolution of pulmonary tuberculosis. CONCLUSIONS: The association with Ascaris lumbricoides did not influence the Th1, Th2, and Th17 type responses, or the proportions of T lymphocyte subpopulations. However, higher serum levels of IL-6 in tuberculosis patients may explain the pulmonary parenchymal damage.

Prevalence and epidemiological profile of Hepatitis B in pregnant women: a population study in a Brazilian Western Amazon city from 2007 to 2015 / Prevalência e perfil epidemiológico da Hepatite B em gestantes: um estudo populacional em uma cidade da Amazônia Ocidental brasileira, no período de 2007 a 2015

Abstract Objectives: this study aimed to describe the epidemiological profile and prevalence of hepatitis B infection in pregnant women living in Rio Branco, Acre, Brazil. Methods: this was a cross-sectional study concerning the prevalence of Hepatitis B in a cohort of women who gave birth in Rio Branco from 2007 to 2015. Data were obtained through health information systems. Pregnant women presenting one or more serological markers or positive molecular biology examination were considered confirmed cases of infections. Infection prevalence, the odds ratio (5% significance) and sociodemographic, clinical, obstetric and neonatal variable frequency distributions were calculated. The student's t-test and Mann Whitney test were applied, as well as the chi-square test or Fisher's exact test, at a significance level of 5%. Results: a total of 62,100 pregnant women were identified for the study period. The prevalence of Hepatitis B in the group was of 0.38% (206 cases), and only 12,5% were diagnosed during the first gestation trimester. A significant difference (p=0.034) in the mean age of infected women was observed when compared to those without infection. The chance of an infected pregnant woman giving birth to a child with a 1st Apgar minute <7 was of 2.01 (CI95%= 1.09-3.71; p=0.995), higher than observed for healthy pregnant woman. Concerning infected patients, the most reported risk exposure was dental treatment (19.2%). Conclusions: the prevalence of Hepatitis B among pregnant women was lower than reported in other national studies. Low Hepatitis B detection during the first gestation trimester was identified, which reinforces the need to intensify early diagnosis during prenatal follow-up, especially due to the severity of the disease and the possibility of vertical transmission.

Resumo Objetivos: descrever o perfil epidemiológico e prevalência da infecção de hepatite B em gestantes residentes em Rio Branco, Acre. Métodos: estudo transversal da prevalência de hepatite B na coorte de mulheres que gestaram em Rio Branco de 2007 a 2015. Os dados foram obtidos através dos sistemas de informação em saúde. Foi considerado caso confirmado de para a infecção a gestante que apresentasse um ou mais marcadores sorológicos ou exame de biologia molecular. Foi calculada a prevalência da infecção, razão de chance (significância de 5%) e distribuição de frequências de variáveis sociodemográficas, clínicas, obstétricas e neonatais. Calculou-se o teste t de Student e Mann Whitney além do teste do qui-quadrado ou exato de Fisher, com significância de 5%. Resultados foram identificadas 62.100 gestantes no período de interesse. A prevalência de hepatite B no grupo foi de 0,38% (206 casos). Destas, apenas 12,5% foram diagnosticadas no 1º trimestre da gestação. Houve diferença significativa (p=0,034) na média de idade das infectadas quando comparadas às sem infecção. A chance de uma gestante infectada ter um filho com Apgar de 1º minuto <7 foi 2,01 (IC95%: 1,09-3,71; p=0,995) vezes maior que uma gestante saudável. Das pacientes infectadas a exposição de risco mais relatada foi o tratamento dentário (19,2%). Conclusões: a prevalência de hepatite B entre gestantes foi inferior à encontrada em outros estudos nacionais. Foi identificada uma baixa detecção de hepatite B no primeiro trimestre gestacional, o que reforça a necessidade de intensificar o diagnóstico precoce durante o seguimento de pré-natal, especialmente pela gravidade da doença e possibilidade da ocorrência de transmissão vertical.

Could Mycobacterium leprae Infection Be an Occupational Disease? A Survey in Healthcare Workers From an Endemic Area in the Amazonian Region.

A serologic survey was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of Mycobacterium leprae infection among healthcare workers and associated factors. Of 280 workers, 26 (9.3%) were positive using immunoglobulin M serology for PGL-I M. leprae antigen. Exposure to leprosy patients in the workplace was significantly associated with seropositivity (P=.044).

AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma in Brazil: trends and geopolitical distribution.

BACKGROUND: AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is a unique model of the relationship between viral infection, immunity, environmental, and genetic factors in viral cancers. The goal was to determine the distribution of KS cases among Brazilian geopolitical regions, looking at the ecological relationship with median CD4 cell count. METHODS: Ecological study using Brazilian National Diseases Reporting Databases: 1982-2009. Subjects ≥ 13 years of age who have KS cited in their AIDS reporting form were selected, and demographic and HIV exposure data were collected. RESULTS: We found 11,731 KS cases in the period, with a prevalence of 2.4% among AIDS cases; 88% were male, and 68% lived in the Southeast region, which accounted for 59% of AIDS cases. The regional and national prevalence trends were similar, although the highest proportion among women was found in the North region, which has the lowest number of both AIDS and KS cases. Heterosexual transmission accounted for 87% of HIV among women compared to 18% among men. Fifty-seven percent of all KS cases were diagnosed before antiretroviral therapy (ART). Injection drug use accounted for 11% of KS cases. Median survival was 472 days before the ART era and 1482 after it (P < 0.001). Median CD4 counts increased in all regions in the period as ART coverage expanded, and a resulting correlating decline in KS cases was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of KS declined after the introduction of ART in all regions of Brazil, suggesting individual protection conveyed by ART.

Increased sensitivity in diagnosis of tuberculosis in HIV-positive patients through the small-membrane-filter method of microscopy.

The sensitivity of microscopy for the diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) is around 50% but decreases by about 15% in patients with suspected TB who are coinfected with HIV. Here, we compared the accuracies of three microscopy methods for processing sputum smears (concentration by centrifugation with or without N-acetyl-L-cysteine [NALC] and concentration by filtration on a polycarbonate membrane) to that of culture on Ogawa-Kudoh medium as the gold standard method. Sputum samples were obtained from 432 patients with suspected pulmonary TB, of whom 60% were infected with HIV. Analysis was performed using the first specimen. Compared to the gold standard culture, the small-membrane-filter (SMF) method was the most sensitive microscopic method. In HIV-infected TB patients, the sensitivity of the SMF method was significantly higher than those for centrifugation of sputum samples with or without NALC treatment (61.9%, 47.6%, and 45.2%, respectively; P = 0.001). Similarly, in TB patients without HIV infection, the sensitivity of the SMF method was significantly higher than those for centrifugation of sputum samples with or without NALC treatment (81.8%, 63.6%, and 57.5%, respectively; P = 0.001). In the two study groups, TB patients with or without HIV, no significant differences between the specificities of the three methods were observed. Handling of the second sputum sample similarly by centrifugation with or without NALC and by the SMF method increased positivities by 13%, 11%, and 4%, respectively. The overall agreement between microscopy and culture was above 90% for all groups. Microscopic evaluation of the sputum samples treated with NALC compared to those not treated with NALC did not show any increase in sensitivity. Altogether, the sensitivity of the SMF method is higher than those of the other two microscopic methods studied without a loss of specificity.

[Coverage by the Family Health Strategy and diagnosis of syphilis in pregnancy and congenital syphilis]. / Relação entre a cobertura da Estratégia Saúde da Família e o diagnóstico de sífilis na gestação e sífilis congênita.

This paper aimed to correlate syphilis in pregnancy and congenital syphilis with coverage of the Family Health Strategy (FHS), based on available data in the national health information systems. The syphilis notification estimates were calculated according to the Sentinel Childbirth Study for 2004 under the Ministry of Health and the data were obtained from the websites of the Health Surveillance Secretariat and Healthcare Secretariat, for the year 2008. The ratios between observed and estimated gestational syphilis and congenital syphilis were not statistically correlated with population coverage by the FHS (r = -0.28 and r = -0.40, respectively). The FHS is a privileged area for prenatal care and logically a source of compulsory notification of syphilis in pregnancy. By combining diagnosis with adequate treatment of syphilis in pregnant women and their partners, the FHS becomes a prime instrument for eliminating congenital syphilis in Brazil. Expanding the FHS coverage and quality of care are essential for achieving this goal.

Relação entre a cobertura da Estratégia Saúde da Família e o diagnóstico de sífilis na gestação e sífilis congênita / Coverage by the Family Health Strategy and diagnosis of syphilis in pregnancy and congenital syphilis

Este estudo procurou correlacionar as informações disponíveis em sistemas nacionais de informação em saúde sobre notificações de sífilis em gestante, sífilis congênita e cobertura populacional da Estratégia Saúde da Família (FHS). As estimativas de notificação foram calculadas de acordo com o Estudo Sentinela Parturiente de 2004 do Ministério da Saúde e os dados observados foram obtidos na Internet, nas páginas da Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde e da Secretaria de Atenção em Saúde, para o ano de 2008. As razões observadas sobre estimadas para sífilis em gestante e sífilis congênita e a cobertura populacional da FHS por macrorregião brasileira não apresentaram correlação (r = -0,28 e r = -0,40, respectivamente). A FHS se apresenta como local privilegiado para realização do pré-natal e, logicamente, fonte da notificação compulsória de sífilis em gestante. Acoplando diagnóstico com o tratamento adequado da sífilis na gestante e no parceiro, a FHS é instrumento primordial para a eliminação da sífilis congênita no Brasil. Expansão da cobertura e cuidado de qualidade são essenciais para o alcance da meta.

This paper aimed to correlate syphilis in pregnancy and congenital syphilis with coverage of the Family Health Strategy (FHS), based on available data in the national health information systems. The syphilis notification estimates were calculated according to the Sentinel Childbirth Study for 2004 under the Ministry of Health and the data were obtained from the websites of the Health Surveillance Secretariat and Healthcare Secretariat, for the year 2008. The ratios between observed and estimated gestational syphilis and congenital syphilis were not statistically correlated with population coverage by the FHS (r = -0.28 and r = -0.40, respectively). The FHS is a privileged area for prenatal care and logically a source of compulsory notification of syphilis in pregnancy. By combining diagnosis with adequate treatment of syphilis in pregnant women and their partners, the FHS becomes a prime instrument for eliminating congenital syphilis in Brazil. Expanding the FHS coverage and quality of care are essential for achieving this goal.