Mpox in Northeast Brazil: Spatiotemporal analysis and predictors associated with confirmed diagnosis.

The mpox outbreaks reported in several countries from May 2022 have shown an epidemiological profile different from that observed in previous years, raising a global public health alert. This issue is particularly important for Brazil, the second country with the highest number of mpox cases. Herein, we performed a retrospective cross-sectional study on mpox cases notified in Pernambuco state, northeastern Brazil, between July 2022 and March 2023. Confirmed mpox cases were analyzed in a space-time series and their social and clinical characteristics were compared with those of suspect-negative cases, including a multivariate logistic regression to identify predictors associated with a positive diagnosis. A total of 1493 suspected mpox cases were reported, of which 362 cases (24.2%) were confirmed and distributed in 33 municipalities. Most mpox cases occurred between epidemiological weeks (EW) 33 and 39 of 2022, with the highest moving average in EW 34 and 35 (36 and 31.5, respectively). The most frequent clinical signs and symptoms were rash (87.3%), fever (60.2%), headache (45.3%), and genital/perianal lesions (40.3%). In the multivariate analysis, three variables showed considerable performance in predicting a positive mpox diagnosis (area under the ROC curve = 0.87; 95% CI: 0.84-0.90): sexual orientation (nonheterosexual; OR: 23.08; 95% CI: 13.97-38.15), male sex (OR: 2.05; 95% CI: 1.10-3.85), and multiple partnerships (OR: 1.95; 95% CI: 1.15-3.32). Overall, in addition to the detailed spatiotemporal description of mpox cases, which may contribute to appropriate public health measures, our study brings insights into mpox epidemiology by describing predictors associated with a positive diagnosis.

Epidemiological profile of arboviruses in two different scenarios: dengue circulation vs. dengue, chikungunya and Zika co-circulation.

BACKGROUND: The severity and distribution of dengue virus (DENV) infections have been attributed to a complex interaction among viral, host and environmental factors. Herein, we investigated the influence of chikungunya (CHIKV) and Zika (ZIKV) viruses on the epidemiological profile of dengue cases, using Recife, Pernambuco state, Brazil, as a study model. In addition, we described and compared the epidemiological profile related to each arbovirus (DENV vs. CHIKV vs. ZIKV). METHODS: All cases of dengue, chikungunya and Zika reported to the Pernambuco Health Department in 2011-2013 (DENV circulation) and 2016-2018 (DENV, CHIKV and ZIKV co-circulation) were included in our study. The cases were classified by sex, age and race/color and their distribution was analyzed by the χ2 test. Furthermore, the data were also analyzed for co-infections. Temperature, humidity and rainfall data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and paired t-test. RESULTS: During 2011-2013, 15,315 dengue cases were diagnosed, most of them female, brown and 20-29 age group. Between 2016 and 2018, 15,870 dengue cases were described, which presented the same profile described above. In the two triennia, the female/male dengue ratio fluctuated significantly, ranging from 1.07 to 1.52. Regarding chikungunya, 7076 cases were reported, most of them female and brown. The female/male ratio also fluctuated significantly, ranging from 1.62 to 2.1. Two main age groups were observed in chikungunya: ≤ 19 years (minority of diagnoses) and ≥ 20 years (majority of diagnoses). In the same triennium, 266 Zika cases were reported to the Pernambuco Health Department, mainly in females and in the 0-9 and 20-39 age groups. In general, 119 co-infections were identified: 117 DENV-CHIKV, 1 CHIKV-ZIKV and 1 DENV-CHIKV-ZIKV. Concerning climate data, only the humidity in 2011 was significantly different from the other years. CONCLUSION: The epidemiological profile of dengue cases did not change after the introduction of CHIKV and ZIKV. Females were the most diagnosed with dengue, chikungunya or Zika, however we found important differences in the age profile of these arboviruses, which should be considered by public health policies, as well as investigated in future studies of virus-host interaction.

Association of PTX3 gene polymorphisms and PTX3 plasma levels with leprosy susceptibility.

BACKGROUND: Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) is a soluble pattern recognition receptor that plays a crucial role in modulating the inflammatory response and activating the complement system. Additionally, plasma PTX3 has emerged as a potential biomarker for various infectious diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of PTX3 gene polymorphisms and PTX3 plasma levels with susceptibility to leprosy and clinical characteristics. METHODS: Patients with leprosy from a hyperendemic area in the Northeast Region of Brazil were included. Healthy household contacts and healthy blood donors from the same geographical area were recruited as a control group. The rs1840680 and rs2305619 polymorphisms of PTX3 were determined by real-time PCR. Plasma levels of PTX3 were determined by ELISA. RESULTS: A total of 512 individuals were included. Of these, 273 were patients diagnosed with leprosy; 53 were household contacts, and 186 were healthy blood donors. No association was observed between PTX3 polymorphisms and susceptibility to leprosy or development of leprosy reaction or physical disability. On the other hand, plasma levels of PTX3 were significantly higher in patients with leprosy when compared to household contacts (p = 0.003) or blood donors (p = 0.04). It was also observed that PTX3 levels drop significantly after multidrug therapy (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that PTX3 may play an important role in the pathogenesis of leprosy and point to the potential use of this molecule as an infection marker.

Epidemiology of chronic kidney disease in older indigenous peoples of Brazil: findings from a cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a prevalent disease worldwide, with increasing incidence particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Indigenous communities have poorer CKD outcomes due to limited access to healthcare. They are also experiencing a shift toward a sedentary lifestyle and urbanization-related dietary changes, increasing the risk of CKD-related risk factors. AIM: To determine the prevalence of CKD in older Brazilian indigenous and identify the main associated risk factors. METHODS: This cross-sectional study analyzed demographic and clinical data of 229 older indigenous individuals aged 60 years and above in 2022-2023. CKD was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 or a urinary albumin-creatinine ratio > 30 mg/g. Data were presented categorically and analyzed using the Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: The prevalence of CKD in the population was 26.6%, with higher prevalence in women and increasing with age. The prevalence of hypertension and diabetes was 67.7% and 24.0%, respectively, and these comorbidities were associated with CKD: hypertension (OR = 5.12; 95% CI 2.2-11.9) and diabetes (OR = 5.5; 95% CI 3.7-8.2). No association was found between the prevalence of CKD and obesity, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease, or smoking. DISCUSSION: The study found a higher prevalence of CKD among older indigenous populations in Brazil compared to non-indigenous populations, which is exacerbated by risk factors, such as aging, hypertension, diabetes, and lifestyle changes, emphasizing the importance of early detection and intervention in these communities. CONCLUSION: Older persons' indigenous individuals have a high prevalence of CKD, which is correlated with factors, such as sex, age, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension.

Coagulopathy and the humoral response against viral proteins in patients at different stages of COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) often present with coagulopathies and have high titres of circulating antibodies against viral proteins. OBJECTIVES: Herein, we evaluated the association between D-dimer and circulating immunoglobulin levels against viral proteins in patients at different clinical stages of COVID-19. METHODS: For this, we performed a cross-sectional study involving patients of the first wave of COVID-19 clinically classified as oligosymptomatic (n = 22), severe (n = 30), cured (n = 27) and non-infected (n = 9). Next, we measured in the plasma samples the total and fraction of immunoglobulins against the nucleoprotein (NP) and the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike proteins by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) assays. FINDINGS: Patients with severe disease had a coagulation disorder with high levels of D-dimer as well as circulating IgG against the NP but not the RBD compared to other groups of patients. In addition, high levels of D-dimer and IgG against the NP and RBD were associated with disease severity among the patients in this study. MAIN CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that IgG against NP and RBD participates in the worsening of COVID-19. Although the humoral response against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is partially understood, and more efforts are needed to clarify gaps in the knowledge of this process.

Liver expression of IL-22, IL-22R1 and IL-22BP in patients with chronic hepatitis C with different fibrosis stages.

AIMS: Liver fibrosis is the result of an exacerbated wound-healing response associated with chronic liver injury. Interleukin-22 (IL-22) plays a key role in liver disease, through either a protective or an adverse role, depending on the context. The relationship between IL-22 and its receptors IL-22R1 and IL-22BP (soluble inhibitor) in liver fibrosis is unknown. In this study, we assessed the presence and quantity of IL-22, IL-22R1, and IL-22BP-producing cells in liver tissues of patients with chronic hepatitis C. METHODS AND RESULTS: The number of IL-22-producing cells was significantly higher in stages F1, F2, and F3 when compared to F0 or F4 (p < 0.05). The immunostaining of IL-22R1 decreased as liver fibrosis increased from F1 to F4. On the other hand, the concentration of IL-22BP-producing cells was higher in patients with cirrhosis (F4). Furthermore, the IL-22BP:IL-22 ratio was highest in patients with cirrhosis. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that IL-22, IL-22R1 and IL-22BP may be involved in the mechanisms of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

A time series analysis of detection and mortality of hepatitis C in Brazil, 2008-2018.

BACKGROUND: The 69th World Health Assembly approved the Global Health Sector Strategy to eliminate hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection by 2030. In Brazil, efforts have been undertaken to achieve this goal; there are, however, great challenges. It is important to understand the disease profile in different regions of the country in order to design strategies to fight the disease nationwide. The objective of this study was to analyse the time trend of the incidence and mortality of hepatitis C in Brazil during the period from 2008 to 2018 according to sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. METHODS: All newly diagnosed cases of hepatitis C reported between 2008 and 2018, in all regions of Brazil, were included. The indicators were obtained from the databases of the Brazilian Ministry of Health. For the time series analysis, a joinpoint regression model was used. RESULTS: Between 2008 and 2018, 136,759 newly diagnosed cases of hepatitis C were reported considering anti-HCV and HCV RNA positivity, and 271,624 newly diagnosed cases were reported considering one or another positive test. The majority of the records were concentrated in the Southeast (61%) and South (26.2%) Regions. The joinpoint regression model indicated an increasing trend in the detection rate of hepatitis C in Brazil, but there was a decreasing trend in the mortality rate during the period analysed. CONCLUSIONS: Differences were observed in the time trend of hepatitis C and in the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics in different regions of Brazil. These data can provide support to design strategies for the elimination of hepatitis C in Brazil, according to regional particularities.

Higher levels of TNF and IL-4 cytokines and low miR-182 expression in visceral leishmaniasis-HIV co-infected patients.

AIMS: The aim of the present study was to assess serum cytokine and miRNA expression in visceral leishmaniasis-HIV (VL-HIV) co-infection and HIV mono-infection. METHODS AND RESULTS: We analysed 113 serum samples from HIV patients in areas endemic for leishmaniasis. The diagnosis of VL was confirmed in 65 of these 113 samples. The VL-HIV and HIV groups presented significant differences regarding haemoglobin level (P < .0001), lymphocyte count (P = .0444), white blood cell count (P = .0108), weight loss (P = .0310), HIV load (P < .0001) and CD4+ T-lymphocytes count (P = .0003). Levels of IL-6 and IL-10, IFN-γ and IL-6, IFN-γ and IL-10, TNF and IL-2 were positively correlated in VL-HIV co-infection, indicating higher serum levels of TNF and IL-4 (P < .0001). In addition, miR-182 expression was found to be significantly higher in HIV (P = .009), miR-210 exhibited no statistically significant difference between groups, and nonexpression of miR-122 was found in both groups. CONCLUSION: Together, TNF, IL-4 and miR-182 may represent circulatory biomarkers of VL-HIV co-infection.

Retrospective cross-sectional observational study on the epidemiological profile of dengue cases in Pernambuco state, Brazil, between 2015 and 2017.

BACKGROUND: The spread of Dengue virus (DENV) infections, as well as their signs and symptoms, are the result of a complex interaction between several factors. In Brazil, especially in the Northeastern, dengue is an important public health problem. Here, we report an epidemiological analysis of dengue cases in Pernambuco state, Northeastern Brazil, during 2015-2017. METHODS: This work is a retrospective cross-sectional observational study on the epidemiological profile of all dengue cases confirmed and reported to the Health Secretary of Pernambuco between 2015 and 2017. These data cover all municipalities of Pernambuco, except Fernando de Noronha. DENV-positive individuals were classified according to the dengue type (without and with warning signs, or severe dengue), age, gender, ethnicity and intermediate geographic region of residence (Recife, Caruaru, Serra Talhada or Petrolina). The distribution of cases over the years was assessed by χ2 test. Temperature and rainfall data were evaluated by Unpaired t-test. p-value < 0.05 and CI 95% were considered in all analyses. RESULTS: Most dengue cases was without warning signs. The most observed characteristics in the less severe dengue phenotypes were: female, mulatto ethnicity and age between 20 and 39 years old; this profile was more clearly observed in 2015. In 2016 and 2017, however, the numbers of dengue without and with warning signs were more evenly distributed and the difference in cases within groups decreased significantly. Regarding severe dengue, mulattoes were the most affected, but it is possible to note a trend towards a more uniform distribution between the genders and ages. Recife was the region with the highest numbers of both total cases and incidence rates and the highest rainfall levels. Overall, over the years, there has been a decrease in dengue cases in all regions of Pernambuco. CONCLUSIONS: We identified the epidemiological profile of dengue in Pernambuco, Brazil, reporting the gender, age, ethnicity and regions most affected by different dengue types. In addition, we observed that these cases were probably more influenced by rainfall than by temperature. Finally, we believe that this epidemiological knowledge is important to direct public health policies to the reality of each population.

SLC11A1 (rs3731865) polymorphism and susceptibility to visceral leishmaniasis in HIV-coinfected patients from Northeastern Brazil.

Following the emergence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), the number of visceral leishmaniasis-HIV (VL-HIV) coinfections has increased worldwide, mainly in Brazil. The development of clinical forms of VL can be influenced by nutritional status, age, and host genetic factors, which are important variables determining susceptibility to disease. There are no studies with a candidate gene approach assayed directly in the VL-HIV-coinfected population. Herein, we determined and analyzed the associations of SLC11A1, LECT2, CCL1, CCL16, and IL4 genetic polymorphisms with susceptibility to VL-HIV coinfection in Northeastern Brazil. We analyzed 309 DNA samples extracted from the peripheral blood of HIV patients, and clinical and hematological data were collected from medical records. The diagnosis of VL was confirmed in 110 out of 309 patients; genotyping was carried out by TaqMan assays afterwards. Our results confirmed the association between the SLC11A1 polymorphism (rs3731865) and VL-HIV coinfection (p = 0.0206, OR 1.8126, 95% CI 1.1050-2.9727). In addition, the SLC11A1 genotype GG (p = 0.0050, OR 3.0395, 95% CI 1.4065-6.5789) and CD4+ T lymphocyte count (p = 0.0030, OR 0.9980, 95% CI 0.9970-0.9990) were associated with VL-HIV coinfection in a multivariate model. The polymorphism of the SLC11A1 gene (rs3731865) was associated with VL-HIV coinfection, suggesting a possible genetic mechanism involved in the susceptibility to VL in HIV patients. This finding can suggest new therapeutic targets and genetic markers for the VL-HIV-coinfected population.

IL-17A and IL-17F polymorphisms in rheumatoid arthritis and Sjögren's syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of Th17 polymorphisms on the susceptibility or severity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and Sjögren's syndrome (SS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study sample comprised 206 individuals of both genders divided into three groups: exclusive rheumatoid arthritis (RA-100 patients), rheumatoid arthritis and Sjögren's syndrome (RA/SS-31 patients), and healthy controls (C-75 individuals). All the individuals were submitted to clinical evaluation, unstimulated sialometry, and Schirmer test; some patients with RA were also submitted to minor salivary gland biopsy for definition of SS diagnosis. Saliva samples were collected for isolation of DNA and genotyping of Th17 genes; IL-17A (-197G/A) and IL-17F (7488T/C). RESULTS: IL-17A (-197G/A) and IL-17F (7488T/C) SNPs were not associated with susceptibility to RA or secondary SS (sSS, p > 0.05 for both SNPs). In addition, they did not influence RA activity or clinical markers of SS. CONCLUSION: IL-17A (-197G/A) and IL-17F (7488T/C) polymorphisms are not associated with the susceptibility nor to the severity of RA and sSS in the studied population. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A better understanding of the pathogenesis of SS is demanded to an adequate treatment as well as to the development of new management strategies.

On the feasibility of Vis-NIR spectroscopy and machine learning for real time SARS-CoV-2 detection.

The pandemic caused by Covid-19 is still present around the world. Despite advances in combating the disease, such as vaccine development, identifying infected individuals is still essential to optimize the control of human-to-human transmission of the virus. The main technique for detecting the virus is the RT-PCR method, which, despite its high relative cost, has a high accuracy in detecting the coronavirus. Given this, a method capable of performing the identification quickly, accurately, and inexpensively is necessary. Thus, this work aimed to analyze the feasibility of a new technique for identifying SARS-CoV-2 through the use of optical spectroscopy in the visible and near-infrared range (Vis-NIR) combined with machine learning algorithms. Spectral signals were obtained from nasopharyngeal swab samples previously analyzed using the RT-PCR method. The specimens were provided by the Molecular Diagnosis Laboratory of Covid-19 at Univasf. A total of 314 samples were analyzed, comprising 42 testing positive and 272 testing negative for Covid-19. Digital signal processing techniques, such as Savitzky-Golay filters and statistical methods were used to eliminate spurious elements from the original data and extract relevant features. Supervised machine learning algorithms such as SVM, Random Forest, and Naive Bayes classifiers were used to perform automatic sample identification. To evaluate the performance of the models, a 5-fold cross-validation technique was applied. With the proposed methodology, it was possible to achieve an accuracy of 75%, a sensitivity of 80%, and a specificity of 70%, in addition to an area under the ROC curve of 0.81, in the identification of nasopharyngeal swab samples from previously diagnosed individuals. From these results, it was possible to conclude that Vis-NIR spectroscopy is a promising, fast and relatively low cost technique to identify the SARS-CoV-2.

High production MBL2 polymorphisms protect against COVID-19 complications in critically ill patients: A retrospective cohort study.

Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) binds to SARS-CoV-2, inhibits infection of susceptible cells, and activates the complement system via the lectin pathway. In this study, we investigated the association of MBL2 polymorphisms with the risk of hospitalization and clinical worsening in patients with COVID-19. A total of 550 patients with COVID-19 were included (94 non-hospitalized and 456 hospitalized). Polymorphisms in MBL2 exon 1 (codons 52, 54 and 57) and promoter region (-550, -221, and +4) were determined by real-time PCR. MBL and complement proteins were measured by Luminex. A higher frequency of the H/H genotype and the HYPA haplotype was observed in non-hospitalized patients when compared to hospitalized. In addition, critically ill patients carrying haplotypes associated with high MBL levels (HYPA/HYPA + HYPA/LYPA + HYPA/LYQA + LYPA/LYQA + LYPA/LYPA + LYQA/LYQA + LXPA/HYPA + LXPA/LYQA + LXPA/LYPA) were protected against lower oxygen saturation levels (P = 0.02), use of invasive ventilation use (P = 0.02, OR 0.38), and shock (P = 0.01, OR 0.40), independent of other potential confounders adjusted by multivariate analysis. Our results suggest that variants in MBL2 associated with high MBL levels may play a protective role in the clinical course of COVID-19.

Spatiotemporal transmission of SARS-CoV-2 lineages during 2020-2021 in Pernambuco-Brazil.

SARS-CoV-2 virus emerged as a new threat to humans and spread around the world, leaving a large death toll. As of January 2023, Brazil is among the countries with the highest number of registered deaths. Nonpharmacological and pharmacological interventions have been heterogeneously implemented in the country, which, associated with large socioeconomic differences between the country regions, has led to distinct virus spread dynamics. Here, we investigate the spatiotemporal dispersion of SARS-CoV-2 lineages in the Pernambuco state (Northeast Brazil) throughout the distinct epidemiological scenarios that unfolded in the first 2 years of the pandemic. We generated a total of 1,389 new SARS-CoV-2 genomes from June 2020 to August 2021. This sampling captured the arrival, communitary transmission, and the circulation of the B1.1, B.1.1.28, and B.1.1.33 lineages; the emergence of the former variant of interest P.2; and the emergence and fast replacement of all previous variants by the more transmissible variant of concern P.1 (Gamma). Based on the incidence and lineage spread pattern, we observed an East-to-West to inner state pattern of transmission, which is in agreement with the transmission of more populous metropolitan areas to medium- and small-size country-side cities in the state. Such transmission patterns may be partially explained by the main routes of traffic across municipalities in the state. Our results highlight that the fine-grained intrastate analysis of lineages and incidence spread can provide actionable insights for planning future nonpharmacological intervention for air-borne transmissible human pathogens.IMPORTANCEDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, Brazil was one of the most affected countries, mainly due its continental-size, socioeconomic differences among regions, and heterogeneous implementation of intervention methods. In order to investigate SARS-CoV-2 dynamics in the state of Pernambuco, we conducted a spatiotemporal dispersion study, covering the period from June 2020 to August 2021, to comprehend the dynamics of viral transmission during the first 2 years of the pandemic. Throughout this study, we were able to track three significant epidemiological waves of transmission caused by B1.1, B.1.1.28, B.1.1.33, P.2, and P.1 lineages. These analyses provided valuable insights into the evolution of the epidemiological landscape, contributing to a deeper understanding of the dynamics of virus transmission during the early years of the pandemic in the state of Pernambuco.

Change in Rotavirus Vaccine Coverage in Brazil from before (2015-2019) through the COVID-19 Pandemic Period (2020-2021).

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a reduction in vaccination coverage of children and adolescents was observed in several countries. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the pandemic, in the first two years, on human rotavirus vaccine (HRV) coverage in Brazil compared with previous years. The number of doses of HRV administered in the period from January 2015 to December 2021 and its annual vaccination coverage were analyzed. The vaccination coverage decreased to 77.3% in 2020 and to 70.4% in 2021, substantially lower than the minimum that would be expected (89.2%); the decline was more pronounced in the second year of the pandemic despite the fact that in this period, the circulation restrictions were already less tight. Of the five Brazilian macro-regions, the northeast had the largest decline, and the south had the smallest impact on coverage. At the municipal level, less than half of the Brazilian municipalities managed to achieve vaccination coverage above 90% in either pandemic year. Although there was already a downward trend in coverage in the pre-pandemic years, the present study shows that the values recorded in 2020 and 2021 were significantly lower. Monitoring of vaccination coverage in the coming years should be carried out continuously in order to avoid a possible resurgence of rotavirus-induced diarrhea.

Association of polymorphisms in long pentraxin 3 and its plasma levels with COVID-19 severity.

COVID-19 is an infectious respiratory disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) is involved in the activation and regulation of the complement system, demonstrating an important role in the pathogenesis of COVID-19. The aim was to evaluate the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms in PTX3 and its plasma levels with the severity of COVID-19. This is a retrospective cohort study, carried out between August 2020 and July 2021, including patients with confirmed COVID-19 hospitalized in 2 hospitals in the Northeast Region of Brazil. Polymorphisms in PTX3 (rs1840680 and rs2305619) were determined by real-time PCR. PTX3 plasma levels were measured by ELISA. Serum levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and IL-10 were determined by flow cytometry. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify parameters independently associated with COVID-19 severity. P values < 0.05 were considered significant. The study included 496 patients, classified as moderate (n = 267) and severe (n = 229) cases. The PTX3 AA genotype (rs1840680) was independently associated with protection against severe COVID-19 (P = 0.037; odds ratio = 0.555). PTX3 plasma levels were significantly associated with COVID-19 severity and mortality (P < 0.05). PTX3 levels were significantly correlated with IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, C-reactive protein, total leukocytes, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, urea, creatinine, ferritin, length of hospital stay, and higher respiratory rate (P < 0.05). Our results revealed a protective effect of the PTX3 AA genotype (rs1840680) on the development of severe forms of COVID-19. Additionally, PTX3 plasma levels were associated with the severity of COVID-19. The results of this study provide evidence of an important role of PTX3 in the immunopathology of COVID-19.

Bridging the Gaps: Investigating the Complex Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Tuberculosis Records in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to analyze the temporal evolution, spatial distribution, and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on tuberculosis records in a northeastern state of Brazil. METHODS: This is an ecological study involving all diagnoses of Tuberculosis (TB) in residents of the state of Pernambuco/Brazil. Data were extracted from the National System of Notifiable Diseases. A pre-pandemic COVID-19 temporal analysis (2001-2019), a spatial analysis before (2015-2019) and during the first two pandemic years (2020-2021), and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cases of TB diagnoses in Pernambuco in the years 2020 and 2021 were performed. Inflection point regression models, Global and Local Moran's statistics, and spatial scan statistics were used. RESULTS: In the period from 2001 to 2019, 91,225 cases of TB were registered in Pernambuco (48.40/100,000 inhabitants), with a tendency of growth starting in 2007 (0.7% per year; p = 0.005). In the pre-pandemic period (2015-2019), 10.8% (n = 20) of Pernambuco municipalities had TB incidence rates below 10/100,000. In 2020, this percentage reached 27.0% (n = 50) and in 2021 it was 17.8% (n = 33). Risk clusters were identified in the eastern region of the state, with five clusters in the pre-pandemic period and in 2021 and six in 2020. In the first year of the pandemic, an 8.5% reduction in the number of new TB cases was observed. In 2021, the state showed a slight increase (1.1%) in the number of new TB cases. CONCLUSIONS: The data indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic may have caused a reduction in the number of new TB case reports in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the actions of the Schistosomiasis Control Program in an endemic area in Northeastern Brazil.

Schistosomiasis remains a serious public health concern in Brazil and the Schistosomiasis Control Program (PCE) was elaborated to assist in the control of the disease. Nevertheless, the irruption of the COVID-19 pandemic may have impacted the program. Herein, we assessed the impact of the pandemic on PCE actions in an endemic area in the region with the highest positivity rate for schistosomiasis in Brazil. We conducted an ecological, population-based study using data from the PCE of the state of Alagoas, between 2015 and 2021, to calculate the percentage of change. The temporal trend analysis was performed using the segmented log-linear regression model. To evaluate the spatial distribution of the data, choropleth maps were made showing the values of the% of change. Moran maps was elaborated to indicate the critical areas. Our analysis showed a decrease in the population surveyed in 2020 (-41.00%) and 2021 (-18.42%). Likewise, there was a reduction in the number of Kato-Katz tests performed (2020 = -43.45%; and in 2021 = -19.63%) and, consequently, a drop in the rate of positive tests (-37.98% in 2020 and -26.14% in 2021). Importantly, treatment of positive cases was lower than 80% (77.44% in 2020 and 77.38% in 2021). Additionally, spatial clusters with negative percentage values of up to -100% of the PCE indicators were identified mostly in the municipalities of the coastal areas that are historically most affected by schistosomiasis. Taken together, our analyzes corroborate that PCE actions in endemic municipalities of Alagoas were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Assessment of clinical characteristics and viral load in individuals infected by Delta and Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2.

In late 2021, a new variant of SARS-CoV-2 called Omicron emerged, replacing Delta worldwide. Although it has been associated with a lower risk of hospitalization and severe forms of COVID-19, there is little evidence of its relationship with specific symptoms and viral load. The aim of this study was to verify the relationship between Delta and Omicron variants of concern, viral load, and the occurrence of symptoms in individuals with COVID-19. Nasopharyngeal swab samples were collected and sequenced from patients with COVID-19 from the Northeast Region of Brazil between August 2021 and March 2022. The results showed a gradual replacement of the Delta variant by the Omicron variant during the study period. A total of 316 samples (157 Delta and 159 Omicron) were included. There was a higher prevalence of symptoms in Delta-infected individuals, such as coryza, olfactory and taste disturbances, headache, and myalgia. There was no association between viral load and the variants analyzed. The results reported here contribute to the understanding of the symptoms associated with the Delta and Omicron variants in individuals affected by COVID-19.