Detection and Genetic Characterization of Hepatitis B and D Viruses: A Multi-Site Cross-Sectional Study of People Who Use Illicit Drugs in the Amazon Region.

Hepatitis B (HBV) and delta (HDV) viruses are endemic in the Amazon region, but vaccine coverage against HBV is still limited. People who use illicit drugs (PWUDs) represent a high-risk group due to common risk behavior and socioeconomic factors that facilitate the acquisition and transmission of pathogens. The present study assessed the presence of HBV and HBV-HDV co-infection, identified viral sub-genotypes, and verified the occurrence of mutations in coding regions for HBsAg and part of the polymerase in HBV-infected PWUDs in municipalities of the Brazilian states of Amapá and Pará, in the Amazon region. In total, 1074 PWUDs provided blood samples and personal data in 30 municipalities of the Brazilian Amazon. HBV and HDV were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and polymerase chain reaction. Viral genotypes were identified by nucleotide sequencing followed by phylogenetic analysis, whereas viral mutations were analyzed by specialized software. High rates of serological (32.2%) and molecular (7.2%) markers for HBV were detected, including cases of occult HBV infection (2.5%). Sub-genotypes A1, A2, D4, and F2a were most frequently found. Escape mutations due to vaccine and antiviral resistance were identified. Among PWUDs with HBV DNA, serological (19.5%) and molecular (11.7%) HDV markers were detected, such as HDV genotypes 1 and 3. These are worrying findings, presenting clear implications for urgent prevention and treatment needs for the carriers of these viruses.

[Spatial analysis of neonatal mortality in the state of São Paulo, 2006-2010]. / Análise espacial da mortalidade neonatal no estado de São Paulo, 2006-2010.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify spatial patterns of distribution of overall, early, and late neonatal mortality rates in São Paulo state. METHODS: An ecological and exploratory study was carried in micro-regions of São Paulo sate. Mortality rates per 1,000 live births (LB) were calculated using data on overall, early, and late neonatal mortality in São Paulo between 2006 and 2010; these data were obtained from Information System and Information Technology Department of the Brazilian National Healthcare System (DATASUS). The global Moran's indices (I) were calculated for rates and thematic maps were built with these rates. Micro-regions with a high priority for intervention were identified by the box map. The software TerraView 4.2.1 was used for spatial analysis. RESULTS: The rates of early and late neonatal mortality were 6.2 per thousand LB and 2.5 per thousand LB, respectively. The global Moran's indexes (I) were I=0.13, I=0.15, and I=0.26 for overall, early, and late neonatal mortality rates, respectively; all global Moran's indices showed p-values <0.05. Thematic maps showed clusters of micro-regions with high rates located in the southwest and east of the state. CONCLUSION: The results presented in this study allow the implementation of policies by health managers, aiming to reduce neonatal mortality.

Spatial analysis of neonatal mortality in the state of São Paulo, 2006-2010 / Análise espacial da mortalidade neonatal no estado de São Paulo, 2006-2010

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify spatial patterns of distribution of overall, early, and late neonatal mortality rates in São Paulo state. METHODS: An ecological and exploratory study was carried in micro-regions of São Paulo sate. Mortality rates per 1,000 live births (LB) were calculated using data on overall, early, and late neonatal mortality in São Paulo between 2006 and 2010; these data were obtained from Information System and Information Technology Department of the Brazilian National Healthcare System (DATASUS). The global Moran's indices (I) were calculated for rates and thematic maps were built with these rates. Micro-regions with a high priority for intervention were identified by the box map. The software TerraView 4.2.1 was used for spatial analysis. RESULTS: The rates of early and late neonatal mortality were 6.2 per thousand LB and 2.5 per thousand LB, respectively. The global Moran's indexes (I) were I=0.13, I=0.15, and I=0.26 for overall, early, and late neonatal mortality rates, respectively; all global Moran's indices showed p-values <0.05. Thematic maps showed clusters of micro-regions with high rates located in the southwest and east of the state. CONCLUSION: The results presented in this study allow the implementation of policies by health managers, aiming to reduce neonatal mortality...

OBJETIVO: Identificar padrões espaciais da distribuição da mortalidade neonatal total, precoce e tardia no Estado de São Paulo. MÉTODOS: Estudo ecológico e exploratório realizado em microrregiões do estado de São Paulo. Foram obtidos do Departamento de Informações e Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde (Datasus) dados sobre mortalidade neonatal total, precoce e tardia no estado de São Paulo entre 2006 e 2010. Foram calculadas as taxas de mortalidade por 1000 nascidos vivos (NV). Calcularam-se os índices de Moran global dessas taxas e construídos mapas temáticos; foi construído o Box Map para identificar microrregiões com alta prioridade de intervenção. A análise espacial foi realizada utilizando o programa computacional TerraView 4.2.1. RESULTADOS: As taxas de mortalidade neonatal precoce e tardia, foram respectivamente de 6,2/1000 NV e 2,5/1000 NV. Os índices de Moran global (I) foram I=0,13, I=0,15 e I=0,26 para as taxas de mortalidade neonatal total, precoce e tardia, respectivamente, todos com p-valor <0,05. Houve aglomerados de microrregiões com altas taxas localizados no sudoeste e leste do estado. CONCLUSÃO: Com os resultados das análises obtidas neste estudo é possível aos gestores de saúde a implantação de políticas para redução da mortalidade neonatal...