Lung function and quality of life one year after severe COVID-19 in Brazil

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate symptoms, lung function, and quality of life of a cohort of patients hospitalized for severe COVID-19 12 months after hospital admission. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. We included severe COVID-19 survivors hospitalized in one of three tertiary referral hospitals for COVID-19 in the city of Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Participants were submitted to lung function and six-minute walk tests and completed the EQ-5D-3L questionnaire. Results: The whole sample comprised 189 COVID-19 survivors (mean age = 59.6 ± 13.4 years) who had been admitted to a ward only (n = 96; 50.8%) or to an ICU (n = 93; 49.2%). At 12 months of follow-up, 43% of patients presented with dyspnea, 27% of whom had a restrictive ventilatory disorder and 18% of whom presented with impaired DLCO. There were no significant differences in FVC, FEV1, and TLC between the survivors with or without dyspnea. However, those who still had dyspnea had significantly more impaired DLCO (14.9% vs. 22.4%; p < 0.020) and poorer quality of life. Conclusions: After one year, survivors of severe COVID-19 in a middle-income country still present with high symptom burden, restrictive ventilatory changes, and loss of quality of life. Ongoing follow-up is needed to characterize long COVID-19 and identify strategies to mitigate its consequences.

Determinants of poor sleep quality in adults during the coronavirus disease pandemic: COVID-Inconfidentes, a population-based study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has adversely affected the health of the global population, with sleep quality being one of the affected parameters. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate sleep quality and its associated factors in adults during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. DESIGN AND SETTING: A population-based cross-sectional serological survey of 1,762 adults in the Iron Quadrangle region of Brazil. METHODS: The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index was used to assess sleep quality. Sociodemographic variables, health conditions, health-related behaviors, anxiety, vitamin D levels, weight gain/loss, and pandemic characteristics were assessed using a structured questionnaire. Univariate and multivariate analyses using Poisson regression with robust variance were performed to identify factors associated with sleep quality. RESULTS: More than half of the participants reported poor sleep quality (52.5%). Multivariate analysis revealed that the factors associated with poor sleep quality included living alone (prevalence ratio [PR] = 1.34; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04-1.73), anxiety disorder (PR = 1.32; 95% CI: 1.08-1.62), 5.0% weight loss (PR = 1.21; 95% CI: 1.02-1.44), 5.0% weight gain (PR = 1.27; 95% CI: 1.03-1.55), vitamin D deficiency (PR = 1.16; 95% CI: 1.01-1.35), and COVID-19 symptoms (PR = 1.29; 95% CI: 1.10-1.52). CONCLUSIONS: Our study revealed that more than half of the participants experienced poor sleep quality during the COVID-19 pandemic. Factors associated with poor sleep quality included vitamin D deficiency and weight changes related to the pandemic.

Profile of natural Trypanosoma cruzi infection among dogs from rural areas of southern Espírito Santo, Brazil

ABSTRACT Background: The emergence of Trypanosoma cruzi infection via oral transmission has a habitual character in its primitive endemic cycle. Recent findings revealed the first death by oral transmission of T. cruzi in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil, in 2012, which was recorded in the rural area of Guarapari. This study evaluated the characteristics related to the occurrence of natural T. cruzi infection among dogs from the rural areas of Alegre and Iconha, municipalities of Espírito Santo. Methods: Logistic regression analysis of factors contributing to serological detection of T. cruzi in dogs was performed in environments where Espírito Santo's Department of Health Surveillance had previously notified triatomines positive for Trypanosoma spp. from 2014 to 2017. Results: A total of 36 dogs were analyzed, of which 10 (27.77%) tested positive, one was borderline (2.79%), and 25 tested negative (69.44%) for T. cruzi infection. São Caetano, a district from the Iconha municipality, presented a 25 times greater chance for the detection of positive tests (OR:25; 95% CI; 2.37->100). Dogs with updated mandatory vaccination presented with a lower risk of positive serodiagnosis (OR:0.12; 95% CI: 0.02-0.63). Conclusions: Our results highlight for the first time the occurrence of natural T. cruzi canine infection, detected in the municipality of Iconha, mainly among dogs with un-updated mandatory vaccines in the district of São Caetano.

Lung function six months after severe COVID-19: Does time, in fact, heal all wounds?

ABSTRACT Background: COVID-19 has been associated with persistent symptoms and functional changes, especially in those surviving severe disease. Methods: We conducted a prospective multicenter study in patients with severe COVID-19 to determine respiratory sequelae. Patients were stratified into two groups: ward admission (WA) and intensive care unit (ICU) admission. In each follow-up visit, the patients where inquired about cough and dyspnea, and performed spirometry, lung volumes, carbon monoxide diffusion capacity (DLCO), 6-minute walk test (6MWT), and respiratory muscle strength (MIP and MEP). Results of pulmonary function tests at 45 days and 6 months after hospital admission were compared using paired analysis. Results: 211 patients were included, 112 in WA and 99 in ICU. Dyspnea persisted in 64.7% in the WA and 66.7% in the ICU group after 6 months. Lung function measures showed significant improvement between 45 days and 6 months, both in WA and ICU groups in VC, FVC, FEV1, total lung capacity, and 6MW distance measures. The improvement in the proportions of the altered functional parameters was significant in the ICU group for VC (44.2% 45 d; 20.8% 6 m; p = 0,014), FVC (47.6% 45 d; 28% 6 m; p = 0,003), FEV1 (45.1% 45 d; 28% 6 m; p = 0,044), DLCO (33.8% 45 d; 7.7% 6 m; p < 0,0001). Conclusion: Six months follow-up of patients with the severe forms of COVID-19 showed significant improvement in the lung function measures compared to 45 days post hospital discharge. The difference was more evident in those requiring ICU admission.

Ultrasound evaluation of schistosomiasis-related morbidity among the Xakriabá people in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil / Avaliação ultrassonográfica da morbidade por esquistossomose mansoni na população indígena Xakriabá, Minas Gerais, Brasil

Abstract Objective: To use ultrasound to investigate the morbidity related to schistosomiasis in the Xakriabá indigenous population. Materials and Methods: This was a field-based census study conducted in the territory of the Xakriabá people. A total of 166 individuals were invited, and 148 (≤ 77 years of age) agreed to participate. Most participants underwent abdominal ultrasound, physical examination, and stool examination. Mann-Whitney U and chi-square tests were used for comparisons. We determined risk by calculating odds ratio (OR) and performed logistic regression analysis. Results: Schistosoma mansoni eggs were found in 31 (26.7%) of the 116 stool samples examined, 22 (70.9%) of the 31 being from individuals 4-16 years of age. The median count was 144 eggs/g of feces (interquartile range, 264). Of the 105 participants examined with ultrasound, 68 (64.8%) had hepatomegaly (left lobe), 6 (5.7%) had splenomegaly, and 4 (3.8%) had portal hypertension. Egg-positive stool samples were more common in those with an enlarged left lobe (OR = 3.4; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.1-11.2; p = 0.043). Periportal fibrosis was found in 30 participants (28.6%), of whom 9 (30%) had pattern C, 10 (33.3%) had pattern D, and 11 (36.7%) had pattern Dc. Age was the only independent risk factor for fibrosis (p = 0.007). Fibrosis was up to nine-fold more common in alcohol drinkers than in nondrinkers (OR = 9.28; 95% CI: 2.60-33.06; p < 0.001). Among the 138 participants in whom the clinical form was classified, the chronic hepatic form was identified in 54 (39.1%), of whom 32 (59.2%) were under 30 years of age and one (1.8%) was hepatosplenic. Conclusion: Schistosomiasis in the Xakriabá population is characterized by a high frequency of egg-positive stool samples, predominantly in children/adolescents, and by chronic hepatic form in the young, especially among alcohol drinkers.

Resumo Objetivo: Investigar a morbidade por esquistossomose na população indígena Xakriabá usando a ultrassonografia. Materiais e Métodos: Estudo de campo censitário realizado na terra da população indígena Xakriabá (166 convidados; 148 participantes; idade de 0-77). Foram feitos ultrassonografia abdominal, exame físico e coproscopia (EPF). Os testes Mann-Whitney U e qui-quadrado foram usados para comparações. Foram realizadas análise de risco (odds ratio - OR) e regressão logística. Resultados: De 116 índios com resultado de EPF, 31 (26,7%) tiveram ovos de Schistosoma; 22/31 (70,9%) tinham idade entre 4-16 anos. A carga parasitaria mediana foi 144 ovos/g (intervalo interquartílico: 264). De 105 examinados por ultrassom, 68 (64,8%) tiveram lobo hepático esquerdo aumentado, 6 (5,7%) tiveram esplenomegalia e 4 (3,8%) tiveram hipertensão portal. EPF+ foi mais frequente nos indivíduos com lobo esquerdo aumentado (OR: 3,4; intervalo de confiança (IC) 95%: 1,1-11,2; p = 0,043). Fibrose periportal ocorreu em 30/105 (28,6%) examinados, e desses 30, 9 (30%) apresentavam padrão C, 10 (33,3%) apresentavam padrão D e 11 (36,7%) apresentavam padrão Dc. A idade foi o único fator de risco independente para fibrose (p = 0,007). A fibrose ocorreu até nove vezes mais em usuários de álcool que em não usuários (OR: 9,28; IC 95%: 2,60-33,06; p < 0,001). Formas crônicas ocorreram em 54/138 (39,1%) participantes, sendo 32 dos 54 (64,8%) em menores de 30 anos; um (1,8%) era hepatoesplênico. Conclusão: A esquistossomose na população Xakriabá caracteriza-se por alta positividade, predomínio em crianças e presença de formas hepáticas crônicas em jovens, especialmente entre usuários de álcool.

Ecology of phlebotomine sand flies in an area of leishmaniasis occurrence in the Xakriabá Indigenous reserve, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Leishmaniasis is a complex vector-borne infectious diseases caused by protozoan parasites in the genus Leishmania and spread by hematophagous phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae, Phlebotominae). The aim of this study was to investigate the phlebotomine fauna, endophily and exophily of the species found, and possible influence of climatic factors on their populations. METHODS: The study was conducted in the Xakriabá Indigenous Reserve (XIR) in the municipality of São João das Missões in northern Minas Gerais state, Brazil. Insects were collected over three consecutive nights in the last week of each month for 12 months from July 2015 to May 2016 from four houses in four different villages. Two traps were set up in each house: one in the intra-domicile and another in the peri-domicile. RESULTS: A total of 2,012 phlebotomine sand fly specimens representing 23 species and belonging to 10 different genera were captured and identified. Among the studied villages, Riacho do Brejo showed the highest density and diversity of phlebotomine sand flies. The species Lutzomyia longipalpis (80.3%) and Nyssomyia intermedia (7.3%), which are major vectors of visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis, respectively, had the highest population densities, both in the intra- and peri-domicile. No correlation was observed between climatic factors and the density of phlebotomine sand flies. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study may contribute to a better understanding and targeting of the measures for preventing and controlling leishmaniasis by the authorities responsible for indigenous health.

Fatores associados ao não uso de preservativo e prevalência de HIV, hepatites virais B e C e sífilis: estudo transversal em comunidades rurais de Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, entre 2014 e 2016 / Factores asociados al hábito de no uso del preservativo y prevalencia del VIH, hepatitis virales B y C y sífilis: estudio transversal en comunidades rurales de Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brasil, 2014-2016 / Factors associated with non-use of condoms and prevalence of HIV, viral hepatitis B and C and syphilis: a cross-sectional study in rural communities in Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil, 2014-2016

Objetivo: analisar os fatores sociodemográficos relacionados ao não uso do preservativo nas relações sexuais e a prevalência de infecções sexualmente transmissíveis (IST) em comunidades rurais de Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brasil, entre 2014 e 2016. Métodos: foram coletados dados de entrevista individual e realizados testes rápidos; as associações foram testadas pelo modelo de regressão de Poisson, com intervalo de confiança de 95% (IC95%). Resultados: foram detectados 3,8 casos/10 mil habitantes de hepatite B e sífilis, e 1,3/10 mil hab. de hepatite C; não foram detectados casos de HIV; na análise multivariada, foram encontradas maiores prevalências de não uso de preservativos entre indivíduos casados/em união estável/viúvos (RP=1,20 - IC95% 1,06;1,36). Conclusão: o grupo com maior prevalência de não uso de preservativo é o de pessoas com relacionamento fixo; novos casos de sífilis e de hepatites virais foram detectados pelo teste rápido, aplicado no inquérito.

Objetivo: investigar el perfil sociodemográfico asociado al no uso del preservativo en las relaciones sexuales y describir la prevalencia de infecciones de transmisión sexual (ITS) en comunidades rurales de Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brasil, entre 2014 y 2016. Métodos: se recolectaron datos en entrevista individual y se realizaron pruebas rápidas; las asociaciones fueron analizadas por la regresión de Poisson, con intervalo de confianza de 95% (IC95%). Resultados: se detectaron 3,8 casos/10 mil habitantes de hepatitis B y sífilis, y 1,3/10 mil habitantes de hepatitis C; no se detectaron casos de VIH; el análisis multivariado mostró mayor prevalencia de no uso del preservativo para personas casadas /en unión estable/viudos (RP=1,20 - IC95% 1,06;1,36). Conclusión: se detectaron nuevos casos de sífilis y hepatitis virales por las pruebas rápidas en esta investigación; el grupo de mayor riesgo de no usar preservativo fue de personas casadas/con relación fija.

Objective: to investigate socio-demographic factors associated with non-use of condoms, and to describe the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STI) in rural communities of Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil, 2014 to 2016. Methods: data were gathered from individual interviews and rapid tests were performed; associations were tested using Poisson regression, with a 95% confidence interval (95%CI). Results: we detected 3.8 cases/10,000 inhabitants for hepatitis B and syphilis, and 1.3 cases/10,000 inhabitants for hepatitis C; no HIV cases were detected; in the multivariate analysis we found higher prevalence rates of condom non-use among the group of individuals who were married, had common law partners or were widowed (PR=1.20 - 95%CI 1.06;1.36). Conclusion: individuals in a stable relationship formed the group with the highest prevalence rate of condom non-use; new syphilis and viral hepatitis cases were detected using rapid tests during the survey.

Indicadores de adiposidade como método de rastreamento para polissonografia em trabalhadores de turno / Adiposity indicators as a screening method for polysomnography in shift workers

Resumo Objetivo: verificar o potencial discriminatório dos indicadores de adiposidade na predição da apneia obstrutiva do sono (AOS) em trabalhadores de turnos. Métodos: estudo transversal realizado em uma empresa de extração de minério de ferro, em Minas Gerais, Brasil. Dados antropométricos foram coletados e polissonografia (PSG) foi realizada em 118 trabalhadores de turno do sexo masculino que possuíam ao menos um fator de risco global para doença cardiovascular. Resultados: a prevalência de AOS na amostra foi de 84,7%. Entre os indicadores de adiposidade usados para predizerem a AOS (≥ 5 eventos/hora), o índice de massa corporal (IMC), a circunferência da cintura (CC), a relação cintura/estatura (RCE) e a gordura corporal total (GCT), revelaram valores de sensibilidade acima de 70%. Gordura visceral (GV), circunferência do pescoço (CP) e relação pescoço-estatura (RPE) foram as mais efetivas em identificar corretamente trabalhadores sem AOS (valores de especificidade acima de 70%). As áreas sob a curva de Característica de Operação do Receptor (COR) para CC e RPE foram maiores que 0,7, o que indicou que o teste foi eficaz na discriminação de indivíduos com AOS. Conclusões: alterações nos indicadores de adiposidade abdominal e cervical têm relação significativa com a presença de AOS e demostraram eficácia como método de rastreamento para PSG. CC e RPE são considerados bons indicadores para predizerem a AOS.

Abstract Objective: to verify the discriminatory power of adiposity indicators in the prediction of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) in shift workers. Methods: a cross-sectional study carried out in an iron ore extraction company, in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Anthropometric data were collected and polysomnography (PSG) was performed in 118 male shift workers who owned at least one overall risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Results: the OSA prevalence in the sample was 84.7%. Among the adiposity indicators used to predict OSA (≥ 5 events/hour), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), and total body fat (TBF) showed sensitivity values higher than 70%. Visceral fat (VF), neck circumference (NC), and neck-to-height ratio (NHtR) were the most effective in correctly identifying workers without OSA (specificity values higher than 70%). The areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for WC and NHtR were greater than 0.7, which indicated the test was effective in discriminating individuals with OSA. Conclusions: alterations in abdomen and neck adiposity indicators have a significant relationship with the presence of OSA and showed effectiveness as a screening method for PSG. WC and NHtR are considered good indicators for OSA prediction.

Evaluation of three recombinant proteins for the development of ELISA and immunochromatographic tests for visceral leishmaniasis serodiagnosis

BACKGROUND Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) is an infectious disease that is a significant cause of death among infants aged under 1 year and the elderly in Brazil. Serodiagnosis is a mainstay of VL elimination programs; however, it has significant limitations due to low accuracy. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate three recombinant Leishmania infantum proteins (rFc, rC9, and rA2) selected from previous proteomics and genomics analyses to develop enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunochromatographic tests (ICT) for the serodiagnosis of human VL (HVL) and canine VL (CVL). METHODS A total of 186 human (70 L. infantum-infected symptomatic, 20 other disease-infected, and 96 healthy) and 185 canine (82 L. infantum-infected symptomatic, 27 L. infantum-infected asymptomatic, and 76 healthy) sera samples were used for antibody detection. FINDINGS Of the three proteins, rA2 (91.5% sensitivity and 87% specificity) and rC9 (95.7% sensitivity and 87.5% specificity) displayed the best performance in ELISA-HVL and ELISA-CVL, respectively. ICT-rA2 also displayed the best performance for HVL diagnosis (92.3% sensitivity and 88.0% specificity) and had high concordance with immunofluorescence antibody tests (IFAT), ELISA-rK39, IT-LEISH®, and ELISAEXT. ICT-rFc, ICT-rC9, and ICT-rA2 had sensitivities of 88.6%, 86.5%, and 87.0%, respectively, with specificity values of 84.0%, 92.0%, and 100%, respectively for CVL diagnosis. MAIN CONCLUSIONS The three antigens selected by us are promising candidates for VL diagnosis regardless of the test format, although the antigen combinations and test parameters may warrant further optimisation.

Morbidity of schistosomiasis mansoni in a low endemic setting in Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Despite the advances of disease control programs, severe forms of schistosomiasis are prevalent. The prevalence of the disease in areas frequented by tourists urges for permanent prevention and control. The aim of this study was to describe the morbidity of schistosomiasis in the district of Antônio Pereira, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil. METHODS: The proportion of positives was defined by Kato-Katz coproscopy and urinary POC-CCA rapid test. Hepatosplenic form was diagnosed using abdominal ultrasound. RESULTS: Out of 180 participants,97 were examined by Kato-Katz, with 4 (4.1%) being positive. Thirty-four (22.1%) out of 154 were positive by POC-CCA. Five (2.8%) of 177 examined by ultrasound had hepatosplenic form. One of them had undergone splenectomy. One (0.6%)participant had myeloradiculopathy. CONCLUSIONS: Severe forms of schistosomiasis are still prevalent in low endemic areas and should be thoroughly investigated.

Aranãs do médio Jequitinhonha: aspectos socioeconômicos, demográficos e sanitários de uma população indígena desaldeada / The Aranãs in mid-Jequitinhonha: socioeconomic, demographic and sanitary aspects of a landless indigenous population

Resumo A deficiência de dados para subsidiar a análise das condições epidemiológicas e ambientais em que vivem os povos indígenas no Brasil constitui desafio para a elaboração de políticas públicas específicas. O déficit informacional é ainda maior para os grupos “desaldeados”. Diante desse cenário, julgou-se relevante caracterizar uma população indígena desaldeada, privilegiando as dimensões demográfica, socioeconômica e sanitária. Buscou-se identificar diferenças internas ao grupo e analisar os dados levantados para essa população comparando-os aos de outras etnias. Informações foram obtidas a partir da realização de inquérito domiciliar. Os resultados evidenciaram semelhanças com aqueles revelados pelo Censo 2010 para os indígenas brasileiros, sobretudo para os domiciliados fora das terras indígenas. Foram identificadas assimetrias dentro do grupo, principalmente de ordem sanitária, que sugeriram relação com a localização do domicílio. Aponta-se para a necessidade de intervenções prioritárias voltadas para os Aranã residentes no meio rural, recaindo na antiga discussão sobre as disparidades urbano-rurais, também aplicada às populações não indígenas. Em adição, sugere-se que o IBGE precisa aprimorar a investigação do contingente populacional indígena desaldeado.

Abstract The lack of epidemiological and environmental data on Brazilian indigenous populations is a challenge for the elaboration of public policy. This lack of data is more acute for “landless” indigenous groups. From this perspective, it was considered relevant to describe the Aranã, a landless indigenous group living in Minas Gerais, focusing on the demographic, socioeconomic and sanitary dimensions. A household survey was conducted. The data collected were analyzed and compared with those from other national ethnic groups. The results revealed similarities between these findings and those from the 2010 Census related to the native indigenous population, especially those not living on indigenous lands or reservations. Asymmetric results were identified within the households, mainly sanitary disparities, which suggested a relation with the location. This result indicates the need for priority intervention for the Aranã living in rural areas, bringing to light the age-old discussion about rural and urban disparities. In addition, we suggest that the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), responsible for the 2010 census, should refine its assessment methods concerning landless indigenous groups.

Condições ambientais e prevalência de infecção parasitária em indígenas Xukuru-Kariri, Caldas, Brasil / Environmental conditions and prevalence of parasitic infection in Xukuru-Kariri indigenous people, Caldas, Brazil

OBJETIVO: Descrever as condições ambientais e o quadro de infecção parasitária dos indígenas Xukuru-Kariri residentes no município de Caldas (MG), Brasil. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um estudo transversal em março de 2009. Dados sociodemográficos e ambientais foram coletados através de entrevista. Amostras de água e fezes foram coletadas para determinação da contaminação ambiental e parasitológica. RESULTADOS: A população foi composta por 86 indivíduos, divididos em 22 famílias, sendo 81,8% dos chefes de baixa escolaridade (primeiro grau incompleto). Das 26 amostras de água coletadas para análise microbiológica, 77,0% foram positivas para coliformes totais e 4,0% para Escherichia coli. Em 27,3% dos domicílios, os moradores defecavam na parte exterior da casa, e 54,5% dos domicílios possuíam lixo espalhado pelo quintal. Foram coletadas amostras fecais de 60 indivíduos, com positividade em 66,6%. As prevalências registradas foram: Entamoeba histolytica/dispar, 6,7%; Entamoeba coli, 60,0%; Endolimax nana, 1,8%; e Giardia duodenalis, 6,6%. CONCLUSÕES: As pessoas incluídas na pesquisa estavam sujeitas a características ambientais que as tornavam vulneráveis nos aspectos relacionados à saúde. É primordial a promoção de ações de saúde e a implementação de políticas públicas de saneamento, com fornecimento de água de qualidade adequada e recolhimento e tratamento de dejetos humanos e rejeitos domiciliares para evitar a degradação ambiental e melhorar a qualidade de vida desses indivíduos.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the environmental conditions and the parasitic infection status of Xukuru-Kariri individuals living in the municipality of Caldas, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out in March 2009. Sociodemographic and environmental data were collected through interviews. Water and fecal samples were collected for determination of environmental contamination and parasitic infection status. RESULTS: The Xukuru-Kariri population living in Caldas included 86 people divided into 22 families. Of 22 heads of household, 81.8% had low schooling (not higher than elementary education). Of 26 water samples collected for microbiological analysis, 77.0% were positive for total coliforms and 4.0% for Escherichia coli. Residents of 27.3% of households defecated in the open. Trash was scattered in the yard of 54.5% of households. Fecal samples were collected from 60 individuals, with parasitic infection in 66.6%. The following prevalence rates were recorded: Entamoeba histolytica/dispar, 6.7%; Entamoeba coli, 60.0%; Endolimax nana, 1.8%; and Giardia duodenalis, 6.6%. CONCLUSIONS: The people included in this study faced environmental characteristics that contributed to their health vulnerability. Health actions as well as the implementation of public policies to provide sanitation, with quality water and adequate collection and treatment of human and household waste, are essential to prevent environmental degradation and improve the quality of life of these individuals.

Tempo de aleitamento materno entre indígenas Xakriabá aldeados em Minas Gerais, Sudeste do Brasil / Duration of breastfeeding among the indigenous Xakriabá people living in the Minas Gerais state, Southeast Brazil

OBJETIVO: Estimar a duração mediana do aleitamento materno na Terra Indígena Xakriabá e identificar fatores que se relacionaram ao tempo de amamentação nessa população. MÉTODOS: Neste estudo transversal, coletaram-se dados por meio de questionário que abrange características sociodemográficas, saúde e amamentação de 342 binômios mãe/criança, residentes na Terra Indígena Xakriabá, Minas Gerais, em 2007. Dados descritivos foram obtidos de 317 crianças que mamaram por pelo menos um dia, mas, para alcance dos objetivos, analisaram-se somente questionários que foram integralmente respondidos e que se referiam a crianças que mamaram por pelo menos um dia, ou seja, 82,2% (287) do universo das 349 crianças indígenas menores de 3 anos, pelo método de Kaplan Meier e modelo de Regressão de Cox. RESULTADOS: A maioria das crianças era do sexo masculino (52,0%), 1º, 2º ou 3º filho (53,6%) e teve o leite materno como primeiro alimento (94,6%). A duração mediana do aleitamento materno exclusivo e do aleitamento materno foi de 11,73 meses e 7,27 dias, respectivamente, sendo os meninos e as crianças nascidas na 4ª ordem ou adiante os mais vulneráveis ao desmame. CONCLUSÃO: Na Terra Indígena Xakriabá, a duração mediana do aleitamento materno exclusivo foi curta, e metade das crianças deixou de ter os benefícios nutricionais, imunológicos e funcionais do leite materno em idade próxima a 12 meses, quando foram desmamadas. O sexo e a ordem de nascimento se relacionaram a essa duração, mas pesquisas poderiam ser realizadas para maior entendimento dos fatores socioculturais que se relacionaram ao tempo de amamentação nesta Terra Indígena. .

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the median duration of breastfeeding in the Xakriabá Indigenous lands and identify the factors related to breastfeeding duration among these people. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted, and data regarding health, breastfeeding, and socio-demographic characteristics of 342 mothers/children living in this Indigenous Land in Minas Gerais in 2007 were collected using a questionnaire. Descriptive data of 317 children who were breastfed for at least one day were obtained, but in order to achieve this study objective, only the questionnaires that were fully completed and referred to children who were breastfed for at least one day were analyzed, i.e., 82.2% (287 children) of the total population of indigenous children under 3 years old (349). Data were analyzed using the Kaplan Meier method and the Cox regression model. RESULTS: The majority of children were male (52.0%), 53.6% were the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd born child, and 94.6% were breastfed as the first form of nutrition. The median duration of exclusive breastfeeding and non-exclusive breastfeeding was 11.73 months and 7.27 days, respectively; the boys and the 4th or further children were weaned earlier. CONCLUSION: In the Xakriabá Indigenous Land, the median duration of exclusive breastfeeding is short and half of the children were weaned at around 12 months of age, and therefore they could no longer reap the nutritional, immunological and functional benefits provided by breast milk. Gender and birth order were associated with the duration of breastfeeding, but further studies are needed to better understand the sociocultural factors related to the duration of breastfeeding in this Indigenous Land. .

Food habits and risk of cardiovascular disease in schoolchildren from Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais / Hábitos alimentares e risco de doenças cardiovasculares em escolares de Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between food habits and risk factors for cardiovascular disease in schoolchildren of the city Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a population-based sample of 738 schoolchildren aged 6-14 years. A semi-structured questionnaire was used for collecting demographic, socioeconomic, biochemical, clinical, and anthropometric data. Food intake was determined by a food-frequency questionnaire. Food habits were evaluated according to the adapted Recommended Food Score. Multiple linear regression models were constructed to assess how food consumption was associated with cardiovascular risk factors. RESULTS: The schoolchildren presented a dietary pattern characterized by low consumption of healthy foods. Association of cardiovascular risk factors showed that the consumption of foods according to the adapted Recommended Food Score was negatively and significantly associated with tetrapolar percentage of body fat (p=0.030) and systolic blood pressure (p=0.049) in children aged 6-9 years. CONCLUSION: Children's dietary patterns proved to be an important determinant of some of the cardiovascular risk factors studied. Thus, food intake assessment is a primary tool for the prevention and early intervention on cardiovascular risk factors during childhood. .

OBJETIVO: Investigar a relação entre hábitos alimentares e fatores de risco para doenças cardiovasculares em escolares da cidade de Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais. MÉTODOS: Realizou-se estudo transversal com uma amostra representativa de 738 escolares, com idade entre 6 e 14 anos. Um questionário semiestruturado foi aplicado para coleta das variáveis demográficas, socioeconômicas, bioquímicas, clínicas e antropométricas. Os dados dietéticos foram obtidos com um questionário de frequência alimentar, a partir do qual o consumo alimentar foi avaliado segundo o Recommended Food Score adaptado. Modelos de regressão linear múltipla foram construídos para avaliar o quanto o consumo alimentar foi associado aos fatores de risco cardiovascular. RESULTADOS: Os escolares apresentaram um padrão alimentar caracterizado por um baixo consumo de alimentos saudáveis. Na associação dos fatores de risco cardiovascular, o consumo dos alimentos que compuseram aquele score foi associado negativamente e significativamente com o percentual de gordura corporal - tetrapolar (p=0,030) e com a pressão arterial sistólica (p=0,049) nas crianças de 6 a 9 anos de idade. CONCLUSÃO: O padrão alimentar adotado pelas crianças mostrou-se um importante determinante para alguns dos fatores de risco cardiovascular estudados. Assim, a avaliação do consumo alimentar constitui uma ferramenta primordial para a prevenção e intervenção precoce sobre os fatores de risco cardiovascular durante a infância. .

A serological, parasitological and clinical evaluation of untreated Chagas disease patients and those treated with benznidazole before and thirteen years after intervention

The etiological treatment of Chagas disease is recommended for all patients with acute or recent chronic infection, but controversies remain regarding the benefit of chemotherapy and interpretations of the parasitological cure after etiological treatment. This study compares the laboratory and clinical evaluations of Chagas disease patients who were diagnosed 13 years earlier. Fifty-eight Chagas disease patients (29 treated with benznidazole and 29 untreated) were matched at the time of treatment based on several variables. Conventional serology revealed the absence of seroconversion in all patients. However, lower serological titres were verified in the treated group, primarily among patients who had the indeterminate form of the disease. Haemoculture performed 13 years after the intervention was positive for 6.9% and 27.6% of the treated and untreated patients, respectively. Polymerase chain reaction tests were positive for 44.8% and 13.8% of the treated and untreated patients, respectively. Patients who presented with the indeterminate form of the disease at the beginning of the study exhibited less clinical progression (17.4%) compared with the untreated group (56.5%). Therefore, this global analysis revealed that etiological treatment with benznidazole may benefit patients with respect to the clinical progression of Chagas disease and the prognosis, particularly when administered to patients with the indeterminate form of the disease.

Prevalência de parasitos intestinais na comunidade indígena Maxakali, Minas Gerais, Brasil, 2009 / Prevalence of intestinal parasites in the Maxakali indigenous community in Minas Gerais, Brazil, 2009 / Prevalencia de parásitos intestinales en la comunidad indígena Maxakali, Minas Gerais, Brasil, 2009

A prevalence survey using the TF-Test technique to identify intestinal parasites was conducted in the Maxakali indigenous villages in Minas Gerais State, Brazil. Stool samples were collected on three alternating days, in separate tubes, containing 10% formalin, and unified in a laboratory by double filtering centrifugation. Samples of sediment aliquot were prepared in triplicate and examined by microscope (10x and 40x) for eggs, cysts, and larvae. Prevalence of parasites (89.5%) and polyparasitism (46%) were similar by sex and age, but varied by village. Prevalent species were: Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar (48.9%), Giardia duodenalis (32%), Entamoeba coli (40.8%), Endolimax nana (10.3%), hookworms (37.9%), Schistosoma mansoni (23.7%), Hymenolepis nana (18.6%), Strongyloides stercoralis (5.4%), Ascaris lumbricoides (4.9%), and Trichuris trichiura (0.5%). The Maxakali population lives in socially vulnerable conditions, and government agencies need to introduce measures to improve sanitation infrastructure and health education.

O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a prevalência de parasitos intestinais na etnia Maxakali em Minas Gerais, Brasil. Os exames parasitológico das fezes foram realizados através da técnica TF-Test, sendo as amostras fecais coletadas em três dias alternados, em tubos independentes, contendo formol a 10%, unificados para dupla filtragem por centrifugação. Triplicatas de uma alíquota do sedimento foram examinadas em microscópio (10x e 40x) para identificação de ovos, cistos e larvas. A prevalência de parasitos (89,5%) e do poliparasitismo (46%) foi semelhante quanto ao sexo e idade, e variou entre as aldeias. As espécies prevalentes foram: Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar (48,9%), Giardia duodenalis (32%), Entamoeba coli (40,8%), Endolimax nana (10,3%), ancilostomídeos (37,9%), Schistosoma mansoni (23,7%), Hymenolepis nana (18,6%), Strongyloides stercoralis (5,4%), Ascaris lumbricoides (4,9%) e Trichuris trichiura (0,5%). Os Maxakali vivem em condições de vulnerabilidade social, e medidas de infraestrutura e de educação em saúde necessitam ser implementadas pelas instituições governamentais.

El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la prevalencia de parásitos intestinales en la etnia Maxakali. Los exámenes parasitológicos de las heces se realizaron a través de la técnica TF-Test, las muestras fecales se recogieron en tres días alternados, en tubos independientes, conteniendo formol a un 10%, unificados para un doble filtrado por centrifugación. Triplicados de una alícuota del sedimento se examinaron en microscopio (10x y 40x) para la identificación de huevos, quistes y larvas. La prevalencia de parásitos (89,5%) y del poliparasitismo (46%) fue semejante en cuanto al sexo y edad, y varió entre las aldeas. Las especies prevalentes fueron: Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar (48,9%), Giardia duodenalis (32%), Entamoeba coli (40,8%), Endolimax nana (10,3%), ancilostomídeos (37,9%), Schistosoma mansoni (23,7%), Hymenolepis nana (18,6%), Strongyloides stercoralis (5,4%), Ascaris lumbricoides (4,9%) y Trichuris trichiura (0,5%). Los Maxakali viven en condiciones de vulnerabilidad social, y medidas de infraestructura y de educación en salud necesitan ser implementadas por instituciones gubernamentales.

Perfil nutricional dos indígenas Xukuru-Kariri, Minas Gerais, de acordo com diferentes indicadores antropométricos e de composição corporal / Nutritional profile of the Xukuru-Kariri indigenous people in the state of Minas Gerais in accordance with different anthropometric and body composition indicators

O objetivo deste artigo foi avaliar o perfil nutricional dos indígenas Xukuru-Kariri entre 7 anos e 78 anos aldeados em Minas Gerais de acordo com os diferentes indicadores antropométricos e de composição corporal . As medidas aferidas foram: peso, estatura, circunferência da cintura (CC) e percentual de gordura corporal (%GC). Foram calculadas a sensibilidade e a especificidade para os índices antropométricos com intervalo de confiança de 95% e o valor preditivo positivo (VPP) e negativo (VPN). A população foi constituída por 58 indivíduos, sendo 56,9% (n = 33) do sexo masculino e 43,1% (n = 25) do sexo feminino. A especificidade foi superior à sensibilidade em relação a todos os índices. Observou-se que 29% dos indivíduos foram classificados com excesso de adiposidade corporal quando avaliados pelo IMC e pela bioimpedância mão a mão e 50% dos indivíduos apresentaram alta adiposidade corporal em relação ao IMC e a CC. É necessário que sejam realizados estudos com diferentes etnias a fim de se construir indicadores nutricionais específicos para orientação de serviços de saúde indígenas.

The scope of this study was to evaluate the nutritional profile of indigenous Xukuru-Kariri villagers in the state of Minas Gerais between seven and seventy-eight years of age in accordance with the different anthropometric and body composition indicator. The measurements were: weight, height, waist circumference (WC) and body fat percentage (BF%). The sensitivity and specificity of anthropometric indices were calculated with a confidence interval of 95% and positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV). A total of 58 individuals was evaluated, of which 56.9% (n =33) were male and 43.1% (n =25) were female. Specificity was greater than sensitivity in all indices. It was seen that 29% of individuals were classified as having excess body fat as assessed by BMI and hand-to-hand bioimpedance and 50% of subjects had high body fat in relation to BMI and WC. Studies need to be conducted with different ethnic groups in order to construct indicators for specific nutritional guidance of indigenous health services.

A comparative study of the TF-Test®, Kato-Katz, Hoffman-Pons-Janer, Willis and Baermann-Moraes coprologic methods for the detection of human parasitosis

This study compares the diagnostic accuracy of the TF-Test® (TFT) for human parasitosis with results obtained using the traditional Kato-Katz (KK), Hoffman-Pons-Janer (HPJ), Willis and Baermann-Moraes (BM) techniques. Overall, four stool samples were taken from each individual; three alternate-day TFT stool samples and another sample that was collected in a universal container. Stool samples were taken from 331 inhabitants of the community of Quilombola Santa Cruz. The gold standard (GS) for protozoa detection was defined as the combined results for TFT, HPJ and Willis coproscopic techniques; for helminth detection, GS was defined as the combined results for all five coproscopic techniques (TFT, KK, HPJ, Willis and BM). The positivity rate of each method was compared using the McNemar test. While the TFT exhibited similar positivity rates to the GS for Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (82.4 percent) and Giardia duodenalis (90 percent), HPJ and Willis techniques exhibited significantly lower positivity rates for these protozoa. All tests exhibited significantly lower positivity rates compared with GS for the diagnosis of helminths. The KK technique had the highest positivity rate for diagnosing Schistosoma mansoni (74.6 percent), while the TFT had the highest positivity rates for Ascaris lumbricoides (58.1 percent) and hookworm (75 percent); HPJ technique had the highest positivity rate for Strongyloides stercoralis (50 percent). Although a combination of tests is the most accurate method for the diagnosis of enteral parasites, the TFT reliably estimates the prevalence of protozoa and selected helminths, such as A. lumbricoides and hookworm. Further studies are needed to evaluate the detection accuracy of the TFT in samples with varying numbers of parasites.

Canine visceral leishmaniasis in the Krenak indigenous community, Resplendor, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, 2007 / Leishmaniose visceral canina na Terra Indígena Krenak, Resplendor, Minas Gerais, Brasil, 2007

The authors conducted a cross-sectional study of the local canine population in the Krenak indigenous community to detect parasites of the genus Leishmania and identify the circulating species and the proportion of asymptomatic dogs, while investigating associations between canine infection and the dogs' sex, age, and hair length. A seroepidemiological survey was performed, including 63 dogs. All the animals underwent clinical examination to verify the presence of characteristic signs, and serum samples were taken for serological tests (ELISA, IIF). Infected dogs culled by the health service were necropsied and the material was analyzed using molecular diagnostic techniques. The cross-sectional study detected a 46 percent prevalence rate, and the circulating species was Leishmania (L.) chagasi. The statistical analysis showed no association between infection and the independent variables. The study generated data on the epidemiological situation with canine infection in the area, which was previously unknown.

Foi realizado um estudo seccional para detectar, na população canina, a presença de parasitos do gênero Leishmania e a espécie circulante, a proporção de cães assintomáticos, investigando concomitantemente a existência de associações entre a infecção canina e as variáveis: sexo, idade e tipo de pelo dos cães. Para o estudo seccional, foi realizado um inquérito censitário, que avaliou 63 cães. Todos passaram por uma avaliação clínica para verificar a presença de sintomas característicos da infecção; amostras de soro foram coletadas para os testes sorológicos (ELISA, RIFI). Os cães positivos retirados pelo serviço de saúde foram necropsiados, e o material, analisado pelas técnicas de diagnóstico molecular. O estudo seccional realizado detectou uma prevalência de 46 por cento, sendo a espécie circulante a Leishmania (L.) chagasi. A análise estatística não detectou nenhuma associação entre infecção e as variáveis investigadas. Este estudo possibilitou a geração de dados sobre a situação epidemiológica da infecção canina na área, o que antes era desconhecido.