[Schistosomiasis in areas of low endemicity: an overly neglected disease. The example of Schistosoma monsoni in BrazilEsquistossomose em áreas de baixa endemicidade, uma doença muito negligenciada. O exemplo de Schistosoma mansoni no Brasil]. / La schistosomose dans les zones de faible endémicité, une maladie trop négligée. Le cas de Schistosoma monsoni au Brésil.

Human schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by an infection with trematodes of the genus Schistosoma. The disease mainly affects impoverished populations. Around 800 million people are exposed to the infection, which is a public health problem in the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and South America. In Brazil, Schistosoma mansoni is the only species that causes schistosomiasis and the disease is widely distributed. Conventional diagnosis of the disease is carried out by detecting eggs using parasitological methods, such as the Kato-Katz test. Schistosomiasis has been reported in all regions of Brazil and is characterized as endemic in seven states in the Northeast Region and two states in the Southeast Region. In 2015, 78,7% of all cases reported in Brazil occurred in the Northeast Region. It is estimated that 1,5 million people is infected with this disease in Brazil and more than 25 millions live in areas with a high risk of transmission. Despite the reduction in mortality and morbidity, schistosomiasis was responsible for 8,756 deaths between 2000 and 2011 and 2,517 deaths between 2015 and 2019 in Brazil and it remains an important public health problem. In the state of Rio de Janeiro, some areas have low endemicity or isolated foci of Schistosoma mansoni and the majority of infected individuals have mild infections. The last survey of the disease in the state of Rio de Janeiro was carried out between 2010 and 2015 in students aged 7 to 17.Schistosomiasis was reported in 10 of the 21 municipalities studied. Of the 5,111 school children screened for S. mansoni infection, 46 (1,65%) were tested positive. Studies carried out in areas of low endemicity in Rio de Janeiro showed that among the 205 patients infected by S. mansoni in Sumidouro, around 84% were aged 14 or over and all, except one individual, had the intestinal form (91,2%) or hepato-intestinal (8,3%) of schistosomiasis. Another study carried out in Sumidouro showed that with tests based on patent Schistosoma egg infection determined by the Kato-Katz test, active infections were diagnosed in eight (8/108) individuals. The intensity of infection expressed by parasite loads ranged from 6 to 72 eggs per gram of feces/individual. The results showed DNA amplification in 32 of the 100 individuals tested by real-time PCR. All individuals with patent ovo infection showed positive DNA amplification. These studies showed that if we only analyzed school-age children using the Kato-Katz test, the majority of the infected population would never be diagnosed with S. mansoni infection. In situations of low endemicity, with low intensities of infection, with low severity in the population and in the most affected age groups, schistosomiasis requires a more sensitive diagnostic approach (e.g. screening by PCR rather than Kato test), otherwise many infected individuals will remain invisible to the healthcare system.

A esquistossomose humana é uma doença parasitária causada por uma infecçâo por vermes sanguíneos do gènero Schistosoma. A doença afeta principalmente populaçoes empobrecidas. Cerca de 800 milhoes de pessoas estâo expostas à infecçâo, sendo um problema de saúde pública nas regioes tropicais e subtropicais de África, Ásia, Caribe e América do Sul. No Brasil, o Schistosoma mansoni é a única espécie causadora da esquistossomose e a doença é amplamente distribuida. O diagnóstico convencional da doença é realizado pela detecçâo dos ovos através de métodos parasitológicos, como o teste de Kato-Katz. A esquistossomose foi notificada em todas as regioes do Brasil, e é caracterizada como endèmica em sete estados da Regiâo Nordeste e dois estados da Regiâo Sudeste. Em 2015, 78,7% de todos os casos notificados no Brasil ocorreram na Regiâo Nordeste. Estima-se que 1,5 milhâo de pessoas estejam infectadas com esta doença no Brasil e mais de 25 milhoes vivam em áreas com alto risco de transmissâo. Apesar da reduçâo da mortalidade e morbidade, a esquistossomose foi relatada em 8.756 mortes entre 2000 e 2011 e em 2.517 mortes entre 2015 e 2019 no Brasil e continua sendo um importante problema de saúde pública. No Estado do Rio de Janeiro, algumas áreas apresentam baixa endemicidade ou focos isolados de Schistosoma mansoni e a maioria dos individuos infectados apresenta infecçoes leves. O último levantamento da doença no Estado do Rio de Janeiro foi realizado entre 2010 e 2015 em estudantes de 7 a 17 anos. A esquistossomose foi relatada em 10 dos 21 municipios estudados. Das 5.111 crianças escolares triadas para infecçâo por S. mansoni, 46 (1,65%) testaram positivo. Estudos realizados em áreas de baixa endemicidade no Rio de Janeiro mostraram que dentre os 205 pacientes infectados por S. mansoni em Sumidouro, cerca de 84% tinham 14 anos ou mais e todos, exceto um individuo, tinham a forma intestinal (91,2%) ou hepato-intestinal (8,3%) da esquistossomose. Outro estudo realizado em Sumidouro, mostrou que testes baseados em infecçâo patente de ovo de Schistosoma determinada pelo teste de Kato-Katz, infecçoes ativas foram diagnosticadas em oito (8/108) individuos. A intensidade de infecçâo expressa pelas cargas parasitárias variou de 6 a 72 ovos por grama de fezes/individuo. Os resultados mostraram amplificaçâo do DNA em 32 dos 100 individuos testados por PCR em tempo real. Todos os indivíduos com infecçâo ovo-patente apresentaram amplificaçâo de DNA positiva. Tais estudos mostraram que se analisarmos apenas crianças em idade escolar pelo teste de Kato-Katz, a maioria da populaçâo infectada nunca seria diagnosticada com infecçâo pelo S. mansoni. Em situaçoes de baixa endemicidade, com baixas intensidades de infecçâo, com baixa gravidade na populaçâo e nas faixas etárias mais afetadas, a esquistossomose requer uma abordagem diagnóstica mais sensivel (por exemplo, triagem por PCR em vez do teste de Kato), caso contràrio, muitos individuos infectados permanecerâo invisiveis para o sistema de saúde.

Exploring the Resurgence of a Neglected Disease: Lessons From the 2023-2024 Mpox Outbreak in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Following the 2022 global mpox outbreak, diagnoses decreased worldwide, even in settings with limited vaccine access. In 2023-2024, a new outbreak emerged in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, highlighting the importance of continuous surveillance, preventive measures such as vaccination in vulnerable populations, and treatment options, emphasizing equitable global health technology distribution.

Detection of Anti-Strongyloides Antibodies in the Serum of Liver Transplant Recipients: Need of Screening for This Neglected Helminthiasis.

Immunosuppressed patients, particularly transplant recipients, can develop severe strongyloidiasis. This study aimed to detect anti-Strongyloides IgG antibodies in a panel of sera from liver transplant patients. Two techniques were used: ELISA as the initial screening test and Western blotting as a confirmatory test. ELISA reactivity of 10.9% (32/294) was observed. The 40-30 kDa fraction was recognised in 93.7% (30/32) of the patients, resulting in a positivity rate of 10.2%. These data highlight the importance of serological screening for Strongyloides stercoralis infection in liver transplant recipients.

Rocky Mountain spotted fever is a neglected tropical disease in Latin America.

Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), a severe and extraordinarily lethal infectious disease, has emerged as a widespread public health crisis among predominantly vulnerable populations in several countries of Latin America, particularly evident in northern Mexico. Historically, RMSF has gained less attention than many other tropical infectious diseases, resulting in insufficient allocations of resources and development of capabilities for its prevention and control in endemic regions. We argue that RMSF fulfills accepted criteria for a neglected tropical disease (NTD). The relative neglect of RMSF in most Latin American countries contributes to disparities in morbidity and mortality witnessed in this region. By recognizing RMSF as an NTD, an increased public policy interest, equitable and more appropriate allocation of resources, scientific interest, and social participation can ameliorate the impact of this potentially treatable disease, particularly in vulnerable populations.

Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Chagas a Neglected Tropical Disease in Rural Communities of the Colombian Caribbean, CHAGCOV Study.

PURPOSE: Chagas disease (CD) a Neglected Tropical Diseases is an important public health issue in countries where is still endemic, included in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Traditionally restricted to rural areas with diverse routes of transmissions from vectorial to oral with acute manifestations but being more common diagnosed in chronic stages. The aim of this investigation was to characterize the Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) related to Chagas disease (CD) in two rural settlements of the Colombian Caribbean with previous records of the disease and/or the parasite. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study was made in two rural settlements in Colombia and surveillance instrument was developed to measure Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) related to Chagas disease (CD). RESULTS: In a population with > 60% women and access to social security around 66.5%; 81,6% were homeowners with access to water and electricity > 90% but only 9% of sewerage. The level of knowledge about CD was around 62% but lack of specificity about comprehension of transmission routes (74,6%), and symptoms (85,3%) were found; concluding that 86% of the surveyed sample had very poor level of knowledge about the disease despite preventive campaigns carried out in the two communities studied. CONCLUSIONS: Despite of a low frequency of CD in this Caribbean areas, the presence of vector, risk factors plus poor level of knowledge about the disease justify that public health intervention strategies should be implemented and monitored over time to maintain uninterrupted surveillance of Chagas Disease.

Comportamiento epidemiológico de la enfermedad de Hansen en Costa Rica, periodo 2018 a 2022 / Epidemiological Behavior of Hansen's Disease in Costa Rica, 2018-2022

Resumen Objetivos: Describir el comportamiento epidemiológico de la enfermedad de Hansen en Costa Rica durante el periodo 2018-2022 para la identificación y análisis de las tendencias de la patología con miras al desarrollo de estrategias más efectivas para su erradicación. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo observacional retrospectivo de casos con enfermedad de Hansen entre 2018 y 2022, realizado mediante el registro de la boleta de notificación individual y clasificados según la Clasificación Internacional de Enfermedades 10ma Revisión. Para determinar el número de casos nuevos del periodo de estudio, se solicitó la información anonimizada a la Unidad de Epidemiología de la Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social y a la Unidad de Epidemiología de la Dirección de Vigilancia de la Salud del Ministerio de Salud. Resultados: En Costa Rica, entre 2018-2022, se registraron 50 casos de enfermedad de Hansen (promedio anual de 10). El promedio de edad al momento del diagnóstico fue de 48,46 ± 17,88 años para el grupo en general, con un rango de edad de 15-78 años. La razón por sexos (hombre/ mujer) fue 2,33 (15/35). La provincia de Puntarenas registró 26 casos (52%). El cantón de Garabito se observó una tasa de prevalencia a nivel subnacional superior a 1 por cada 10000 habitantes. No se reportaron casos en menores de 15 años. La tasa media global de detección de enfermedad de Hansen durante el período de estudio fue de 0,2 (50/ 25 549 059) por 100000 habitantes. La tasa de detección de lepra disminuyó de 0,26 (13/ 5 003 402) a 0,249 (8 / 5213374) por 100000 habitantes entre 2018 y 2022. La proporción de casos clasificados como lepra multibacilar aumentó a 100% a partir del año 2019. La proporción de casos de lepra en mujeres disminuyó de 38,46 a 12,5%. Conclusión: A nivel nacional, la prevalencia de la enfermedad mantuvo los niveles de eliminación. No obstante, a nivel sub- nacional aún persisten cantones con niveles superiores a 1 por 10000 habitantes.

Abstract Objective: To describe the epidemiological characteristics of leprosy in Costa Rica from 2018-2022. Methods: Retrospective observational descriptive study from 2018 to 2022 of Hansen's Disease cases using individual notification records under the International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision. To determine the number of new cases, anonymized information was requested from the Epidemiology Unit of the Costa Rican Social Security Fund and the Epidemiology Unit of the Health Surveillance Directorate of the Ministry of Health. Results: In Costa Rica, between 2018-2022, 50 cases of Hansen's disease were registered (annual average of 10). The mean age at diagnosis was 48.46 ± 17.88 years for the group in general, with an age range between 15 -78 years. The sex ratio (male/ female) was 2.33 (15/35). The province of Puntarenas recorded 26 cases (52%). The canton of Garabito registered a prevalence rate at the subnational level of more than 1 per ten thousand inhabitants. No cases in children under 15 years of age were reported. The overall mean leprosy detection rate during the study period was 0.2 (50/25 549 059) per 100000 population. The leprosy detection rate decreased from 0.26 (13/5,003,402) to 0.249 (8/5213374) per 100000 population between 2018 and 2022. The proportion of cases classified as multibacillary leprosy increased by 100% in 2019. The proportion of leprosy in women decreased from 38.46% to 12.5%. Conclusion: Nationwide, the disease prevalence is maintained at elimination levels. However, at the subnational level, districts with rates higher than 1 per 10000 inhabitants still exist.

Snakebites in Northeastern Brazil: accessing clinical-epidemiological profile as a strategy to deal with Neglected Tropical Diseases.

BACKGROUND: Brazil ranks first in the number of snakebites in South America. A detailed analysis of these cases is required to improve the public health planning. In this study, we retrospectively examined the clinical and epidemiological profiles of snakebites in Maranhão between January 2009 and December 2019. METHODS: Data were obtained from the compulsory notification forms provided by the Health Department of Maranhão. RESULTS: A total of 17,658 cases were recorded during the study period. Most of the bites were from snakes belonging to the genus Bothrops. Medical care was mostly within three hours after the bite. Most cases were classified as mild and most victims recovered; however, 139 deaths were recorded. Most bites occurred among people aged 20-39 years, mainly among rural workers. The most frequent local clinical manifestations were pain, edema, and ecchymosis. The most common systemic clinical manifestations include neuroparalysis, vagal syndrome, and myolysis. Most snakebites occurred between January and March. The municipalities with the highest number of notifications were Buriticupu (936 cases), Arame (705 cases), and Grajaú (627 cases). CONCLUSIONS: The clinical profile of snakebites in Maranhão is similar to that observed in other states of Northeast Brazil. However, we found that some systemic manifestations are not compatible with the etiology of snakebites, which leads us to believe that the problem could be the lack of knowledge of the health professionals at the site of envenomation, who may not be ready for attendance, and an important lack of health centers with snake antivenom to treat snakebites.

From serological surveys to disease burden: a modelling pipeline for Chagas disease.

In 2012, the World Health Organization (WHO) set the elimination of Chagas disease intradomiciliary vectorial transmission as a goal by 2020. After a decade, some progress has been made, but the new 2021-2030 WHO roadmap has set even more ambitious targets. Innovative and robust modelling methods are required to monitor progress towards these goals. We present a modelling pipeline using local seroprevalence data to obtain national disease burden estimates by disease stage. Firstly, local seroprevalence information is used to estimate spatio-temporal trends in the Force-of-Infection (FoI). FoI estimates are then used to predict such trends across larger and fine-scale geographical areas. Finally, predicted FoI values are used to estimate disease burden based on a disease progression model. Using Colombia as a case study, we estimated that the number of infected people would reach 506 000 (95% credible interval (CrI) = 395 000-648 000) in 2020 with a 1.0% (95%CrI = 0.8-1.3%) prevalence in the general population and 2400 (95%CrI = 1900-3400) deaths (approx. 0.5% of those infected). The interplay between a decrease in infection exposure (FoI and relative proportion of acute cases) was overcompensated by a large increase in population size and gradual population ageing, leading to an increase in the absolute number of Chagas disease cases over time. This article is part of the theme issue 'Challenges and opportunities in the fight against neglected tropical diseases: a decade from the London Declaration on NTDs'.

Spatial and temporal dynamics of neglected tropical diseases in the Marajó Archipelago, Amazon-PA / Dinâmica espacial e temporal das doenças tropicais negligenciadas no Arquipélago do Marajó, Amazônia-PA / Dinámica espacial y temporal de enfermedades tropicales desatenidas en el Archipiélago de Marajó, Amazonia-PA

Background and objective: the self-styled population of Marajoara is vulnerable due to the neglect of basic services governed by the constitution, such as basic sanitation, health and education. Therefore, the search and mapping of epidemiological data are necessary in order to have a real dimension of how certain diseases behave in the region. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the space-time distribution of neglected tropical diseases and their relationship with socio-environmental indicators in the Marajó Archipelago, Pará, Amazon. Methods: this is a descriptive and ecological study, with a time series, with a quantitative approach, which assessed the incidence rate of neglected tropical diseases in the 16 municipalities that make up Marajó from 2007 to 2016. Analyzes of socioeconomic and population data were carried out, extracted from the Federation of the Industries of the State of Rio de Janeiro (FIRJAN System) and the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics. Results: according to the survey, American cutaneous leishmaniasis, dengue and tuberculosis were the most reported diseases in total. All municipalities had at least one disease in the period. The spatial distribution of the numbers of cases of tropical diseases in all the municipalities that make up the Archipelago between 2007 and 2016 was carried out. Conclusion: the anthropization of the environment has favored the proliferation of vector agents and, consequently, the incidence of diseases related to inadequate basic sanitation, whose configuration is the result of a disorganized urbanization process and historically exclusive development, with a lack of investment, making this damage even more dramatic for the population.(AU)

Justificativa e objetivo: a população autodenominada de marajoara encontra-se em vulnerabilidade devido às negligências de serviços básicos regidos na constituição, como saneamento básico, saúde e educação. Logo, a busca e o mapeamento de dados epidemiológicos são necessários para que se tenha uma dimensão real de como se comportam determinados agravos na região. Diante disso, o estudo objetivou analisar a distribuição espaço-temporal das doenças tropicais negligenciadas e sua relação com indicadores socioambientais no Arquipélago do Marajó, Pará, Amazônia. Métodos: este estudo é do tipo descritivo e ecológico, de série temporal, com abordagem quantitativa, que avaliou a taxa de incidência das doenças tropicais negligenciadas nos 16 municípios que compõem o Marajó no período de 2007 a 2016. Foram realizadas análises de dados socioeconômicos e populacionais extraídos da Federação das Indústrias do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (Sistema FIRJAN) e do Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística. Resultados: de acordo com o levantamento, a leishmaniose tegumentar americana, a dengue e a tuberculose foram os agravos de maior notificação no total. Todos os municípios apresentaram, ao menos, uma doença no período. Realizou-se a distribuição espacial dos números de casos de doenças tropicais em todos os municípios que compõem o Arquipélago entre 2007 e 2016. Conclusão: a antropização do ambiente vem favorecendo a proliferação de agentes vetoriais e, consequentemente, a incidência de doenças relacionadas ao saneamento básico inadequado, cuja configuração é fruto de um processo de urbanização desordenado e desenvolvimento historicamente excludente, com ausência de investimentos, tornando esse prejuízo ainda mais dramático para a população.(AU)

Justificación y objetivo: la población autodenominada marajoara es vulnerable debido a la desatención de los servicios básicos regulados en la constitución, como saneamiento básico, salud y educación. Por lo tanto, la búsqueda y el mapeo de datos epidemiológicos son necesarios para tener una dimensión real de cómo se comportan ciertas enfermedades en la región. Por lo tanto, el estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar la distribución espacio-temporal de las enfermedades tropicales desatendidas y su relación con los indicadores socioambientales en el Archipiélago de Marajó, en el estado de Pará, Amazonas. Métodos: se trata de un estudio descriptivo y ecológico, con serie temporal, con enfoque cuantitativo, que evaluó la tasa de incidencia de las enfermedades tropicales desatendidas en los 16 municipios que componen el Marajó de 2007 a 2016. Se realizaron análisis de datos socioeconómicos y poblacionales extraídos de la Federación de Industrias del Estado de Rio de Janeiro (Sistema FIRJAN) y del Instituto Brasileño de Geografía y Estadística. Resultados: según la encuesta, la leishmaniasis cutánea americana, el dengue y la tuberculosis fueron las enfermedades más notificadas en total. Todos los municipios presentaron al menos una enfermedad en el período. La distribución espacial de las cifras de casos de enfermedades tropicales en todos los municipios que conforman el Archipiélago se realizó entre 2007 y 2016. Conclusión: la antropización del medio ambiente viene favoreciendo la proliferación de agentes vectores y, consecuentemente, la incidencia de enfermedades relacionadas con saneamiento básico inadecuado, cuya configuración es fruto de un proceso de urbanización desordenado y desarrollo históricamente excluyente, con ausencia de inversiones, lo que hace aún más dramática esta pérdida para la población.(AU)

Neglected tropical diseases risk correlates with poverty and early ecosystem destruction.

BACKGROUND: Neglected tropical diseases affect the most vulnerable populations and cause chronic and debilitating disorders. Socioeconomic vulnerability is a well-known and important determinant of neglected tropical diseases. For example, poverty and sanitation could influence parasite transmission. Nevertheless, the quantitative impact of socioeconomic conditions on disease transmission risk remains poorly explored. METHODS: This study investigated the role of socioeconomic variables in the predictive capacity of risk models of neglected tropical zoonoses using a decade of epidemiological data (2007-2018) from Brazil. Vector-borne diseases investigated in this study included dengue, malaria, Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, and Brazilian spotted fever, while directly-transmitted zoonotic diseases included schistosomiasis, leptospirosis, and hantaviruses. Environmental and socioeconomic predictors were combined with infectious disease data to build environmental and socioenvironmental sets of ecological niche models and their performances were compared. RESULTS: Socioeconomic variables were found to be as important as environmental variables in influencing the estimated likelihood of disease transmission across large spatial scales. The combination of socioeconomic and environmental variables improved overall model accuracy (or predictive power) by 10% on average (P < 0.01), reaching a maximum of 18% in the case of dengue fever. Gross domestic product was the most important socioeconomic variable (37% relative variable importance, all individual models exhibited P < 0.00), showing a decreasing relationship with disease indicating poverty as a major factor for disease transmission. Loss of natural vegetation cover between 2008 and 2018 was the most important environmental variable (42% relative variable importance, P < 0.05) among environmental models, exhibiting a decreasing relationship with disease probability, showing that these diseases are especially prevalent in areas where natural ecosystem destruction is on its initial stages and lower when ecosystem destruction is on more advanced stages. CONCLUSIONS: Destruction of natural ecosystems coupled with low income explain macro-scale neglected tropical and zoonotic disease probability in Brazil. Addition of socioeconomic variables improves transmission risk forecasts on tandem with environmental variables. Our results highlight that to efficiently address neglected tropical diseases, public health strategies must target both reduction of poverty and cessation of destruction of natural forests and savannas.

Evolution of research funding for neglected tropical diseases in Brazil, 2004-2020.

Neglected tropical diseases are a global public health problem. Although Brazil is largely responsible for their occurrence in Latin America, research funding on the subject does not meet the population's health needs. The present study analyzed the evolution of research funding for neglected tropical diseases by the Ministry of Health and its partners in Brazil, from 2004 to 2020. This is a retrospective study of data from investigations registered on Health Research (Pesquisa Saúde in Portuguese), a public repository for research funded by the Ministry of Health's Department of Science and Technology. The temporal trend of funding and the influence of federal government changes on funding were analyzed using Prais-Winster generalized linear regression. From 2004 to 2020, 1,158 studies were financed (purchasing power parity (PPP$) 230.9 million), with most funding aimed at biomedical research (81.6%) and topics involving dengue, leishmaniasis and tuberculosis (60.2%). Funding was stationary (annual percent change of -5.7%; 95%CI -54.0 to 45.0) and influenced by changes to the federal government. Research funding was lacking for chikungunya, Chagas disease, schistosomiasis, malaria and taeniasis/cysticercosis, diseases with a high prevalence, burden or mortality rates in Brazil. Although the Ministry of Health had several budgetary partners, it was the main funder, with 69.8% of investments. The study revealed that research funding for neglected tropical diseases has stagnated over the years and that diseases with a high prevalence, burden and mortality rate receive little funding. These findings demonstrate the need to strengthen the health research system by providing sustainable funding for research on neglected tropical diseases that is consistent with the population's health needs.

Epidemiology of clinical complications of accidents caused by venomous animals in Brazil / Epidemiologia das complicações clínicas de acidentes provocados por animais peçonhentos no Brasil / Epidemiología de las complicaciones clínicas de accidentes causados por animales venenosos en Brasil

Background and objectives: Accidents caused by venomous animals, included in the set of Neglected Tropical Diseases, often evolve to local and systemic clinical complications related to increased morbidity and mortality and saturation of health care resources. This study aimed to analyze the epidemiological profile, spatial distribution and temporal trend of clinical complications caused by accidents with venomous animals in Brazil. Methods: This is a quantitative, cross-sectional, observational, epidemiological study of the clinical complications of accidents caused by venomous animals reported to the Notifiable Diseases Information System from 2007 to 2019. Results: Of the 2,164,645 evaluated notifications, 38,934 cases (1.8%) showed complications. We observed a higher proportion of clinical complications (per 1,000 total cases) among men, Indigenous individuals, illiterates, and victims who received care 24 hours after their accidents, and snakebites. We also found a higher proportion of clinical complications among severe cases (198.8), cases treated with serum therapy (45.7), and those that resulted in death (41.8). The annual incidence of complicated cases increased, especially in the Brazilian Southeast region (+67.2%). The proportion of clinical complications is more worrying in the states of Amazonas, Rondônia, Amapá, and Pará. Conclusion: This study found a higher proportion of clinical complications among men, Indigenous people, illiterates, residents of rural areas, victims of snake bites, those who received late medical and hospital care, those who needed serum therapy, and individuals who had death as their outcome. We found a more severe spatial distribution of the annual incidence of complicated cases in the states of Amazonas, Rondônia, Amapá, and Pará, and that the tendency of the annual incidence of clinical complications increased more sharply in the Brazilian Southeast region.(AU)

Justificativa e objetivos: Os acidentes causados por animais peçonhentos, incluídos no conjunto de Doenças Tropicais Negligenciadas, predispõem a evolução de complicações clínicas locais e sistêmicas, relacionadas ao aumento da morbimortalidade e a saturação dos recursos assistenciais em saúde. Têm-se como objetivo analisar o perfil epidemiológico, a distribuição espacial e a tendência temporal das complicações clínicas causadas dos acidentes por animais peçonhentos no Brasil. Métodos: Estudo epidemiológico observacional transversal quantitativo das complicações clínicas dos acidentes causados por animais peçonhentos notificadas ao Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação entre 2007-2019. Resultados: De 2.164.645 notificações, 38.934 casos (1,8%) apresentaram complicações. Observou-se maior proporção de complicações clínica (por 1.000 casos totais) em indivíduos do sexo masculino, indígenas, analfabetos, atendimentos realizados após 24h e vítimas de ofidismo. Ainda, a proporção de complicações clínicas foi maior entre os casos graves (198,8), os receptores de soroterapia (45,7) e os óbitos (41,8). A incidência anual de casos complicados ascende principalmente na Região Sudeste (+67,2%). A proporção de complicação clínica é mais preocupante nos estados do Amazonas, Rondônia, Amapá e Pará. Conclusão: O presente estudo identificou maior proporção de complicações clínicas entre pessoas do sexo masculino, indígenas, analfabetos e moradores de zona rural, cujo acidente ocorreu por picada de serpentes, que tiveram atendimento médico-hospitalar retardado, que necessitaram de soroterapia e que tiveram o óbito como desfecho. A distribuição espacial da incidência anual de casos complicados assevera-se nos estados do Amazonas, Rondônia, Amapá e Pará e a tendência da incidência anual de complicações clínicas ascende mais na Região Sudeste.(AU)

Justificación y objetivos: Los accidentes causados por animales venenosos, incluidos en el conjunto de Enfermedades Tropicales Desatendidas, predisponen a la evolución de complicaciones clínicas locales y sistémicas, relacionadas con el aumento de la morbimortalidad y la saturación de los recursos asistenciales. El objetivo es analizar el perfil epidemiológico, la distribución espacial y la tendencia temporal de las complicaciones clínicas causadas por accidentes con animales venenosos en Brasil. Métodos: Estudio epidemiológico, observacional, transversal y cuantitativo de las complicaciones clínicas de los accidentes por animales venenosos notificados al Sistema de Información de Enfermedades de Declaración Obligatoria entre 2007-2019. Resultados: De 2.164.645 notificaciones, 38.934 casos (1,8%) presentaron complicaciones. Se observó una mayor proporción de complicaciones clínicas (por 1.000 casos totales) en varones, indígenas, analfabetos, cuidados posteriores a las 24 horas y en víctimas de mordeduras de serpientes. Además, la proporción de complicaciones clínicas fue mayor entre los casos graves (198,8), los receptores de sueroterapia (45,7) y las muertes (41,8). La incidencia anual de casos complicados aumentó principalmente en la región Sudeste (+67,2%). La proporción de complicaciones clínicas es más preocupante en los estados de Amazonas, Rondônia, Amapá y Pará. Conclusión: Este estudio identificó una mayor proporción de complicaciones clínicas entre varones, indígenas, analfabetos y residentes de zonas rurales, que tuvieron el accidente a causa de mordeduras de serpientes, que tuvieron retrasada la atención médica y hospitalaria, que necesitaban sueroterapia y que tenían la muerte como resultado. La distribución espacial de la incidencia anual de casos complicados se afirma en los estados de Amazonas, Rondônia, Amapá y Pará, y la tendencia de la incidencia anual de complicaciones clínicas se eleva más en la región Sudeste.(AU)

Distribuição espacial e tendência da prevalência da hanseníase em uma regional de saúde do Nordeste brasileiro, 2008-2017: um estudo ecológico / Leprosy prevalence spatial distribution and trend in a health region in Northeast Brazil, 2008-2017: an ecological study / Distribución espacial y tendencia en la prevalencia de la lepra en una región sanitaria del Nordeste de Brasil, 2008-2017: un estudio ecológico

Objetivo: analisar a distribuição espacial e a tendência da hanseníase em municípios de uma regional de saúde de um estado no Nordeste brasileiro. Métodos: estudo ecológico e de séries temporais, sobre a notificação compulsória dos municípios integrantes da Unidade Gestora Regional de Saúde de Imperatriz, Maranhão, Brasil, entre 2008 e 2017; foram determinadas as prevalências e a média para o período; realizou-se a análise espacial de área e os mapas foram gerados pelo aplicativo ArcGis 10.5; na análise de tendência, utilizou-se a regressão de Prais-Winsten. Resultado: foram identificados 4.029 casos da doença e as médias de prevalência variaram de 2,0 a 11,5 casos/10 mil habitantes/ano, com tendência descendente; Governador Edson Lobão apresentou a maior prevalência, 11,5 casos/10 mil hab., e Lajeado Novo a menor, 2,0 casos/10 mil hab. Conclusão: a distribuição espacial dos casos de hanseníase foi heterogênea nos municípios estudados e a tendência da prevalência, decrescente.

Objective: to analyse the spatial distribution and trend of leprosy in municipalities of a health region in a Northeast Brazilian state. Methods: this was an ecological time-series study based on compulsory notification of leprosy cases by the municipalities covered by the Imperatriz-MA Regional Health Management Unit, between 2008 and 2017; prevalence and mean prevalence for the period were calculated; spatial analysis of the area was carried out and maps were generated using ArcGis 10.5. Prais-Winsten regression was used for trend analysis. Result: 4,029 cases of the disease were identified, and average prevalence ranged from 2.0 to 11.5 cases/10,000 inhabitants-year. The overall trend was downward. Governador Edson Lobão had the highest prevalence, 11.5 cases/10,000 inhabitants, and Lajeado Novo had the lowest prevalence, 2.0 cases/10,000 inhabitants. Conclusion: spatial distribution of leprosy cases was heterogeneous in the municipalities studied and prevalence had a falling trend.

Objetivo: analisar la distribución espacial y la tendencia de la lepra en una región sanitaria de un estado del Nordeste brasileño. Métodos: estudio ecológico y de serie temporal, con notificación obligatoria de los municipios de la Unidad de Gestión Regional de Salud de Imperatriz-MA, entre 2008-2017. Se determinaron la prevalencia y la media del período y se realizó un análisis del espacio de área, los mapas se generaron en ArcGis 10.5. Para el análisis de tendencia se utilizaron regresiones de Prais-Winsten. Resultado: se identificaron 4.029 casos y las prevalencias promedio oscilaron entre 2,0 y 11,5 casos/10.000 habitantes-año, con tendencia al descenso. Governador Edson Lobão presentó la mayor prevalencia 11,5 casos/10.000 habitantes y Lajeado Novo la menor prevalencia 2,0 casos/10.000 habitantes. Conclusión: la distribución espacial de los casos de lepra fue heterogénea en los municipios y la tendencia de prevalencia decreciente.

Características clínico-epidemiológicas e tendência temporal de casos novos de hanseníase com grau 2 de incapacidade física, no estado do Maranhão, 2011-2020 / Clinical-epidemiological characteristics and temporal trend of new cases of grade 2 disability leprosy in the state of Maranhão, Brazil, 2011- 2020 / Características clínico-epidemiológicas y tendencia temporal de los nuevos casos de lepra grado 2 de discapacidad en el estado de Maranhão, Brasil, 2011-2020

Objetivo: descrever as características clínico-epidemiológicas dos casos novos de hanseníase com grau 2 de incapacidade física e analisar sua tendência no estado do Maranhão, Brasil, 2011-2020. Métodos: estudo transversal descritivo e ecológico de série temporal, com dados do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação; realizou-se análise descritiva do evento segundo características sociodemográficas e clínico-laboratoriais dos casos; a tendência temporal da incidência do evento foi analisada pela regressão de Prais-Winsten. Resultados: dos 2.147 casos notificados, 71,5% foram do sexo masculino, 48,9% possuíam até 8 anos de estudo, 66,5% eram de raça/cor da pele parda, 95,5% da forma multibacilar, 58,8% da forma dimorfa e 32,3% com baciloscopia negativa no diagnóstico; observou-se estacionaridade na tendência no estado, e tendência decrescente na regional de saúde de São Luís (variação anual = -64,4%; intervalo de confiança de 95% -73,7;-51,9). Conclusão: a tendência da incidência foi estável no estado do Maranhão e decrescente em São Luís.

Objective: to describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of new cases of grade 2 disability leprosy and to analyze its trend in the state of Maranhão, from 2011 to 2020. Methods: this was a descriptive cross-sectional and ecological time-series study, using data from the Notifiable Health Conditions Information System. A descriptive analysis of the event was carried out according to the sociodemographic and clinical-laboratory characteristics of the cases. The temporal trend of event incidence was analyzed using Prais-Winsten regression. Results: of the 2,147 cases, 71.5% were male, 48.9% had up to 8 years of schooling, 66.5% were of mixed race/color, 95.5% had the multibacillary form, 58.8% were borderline, 32.3% had negative bacilloscopy at diagnosis. There was a stationary trend in the state and a falling trend in the São Luís Health Region (annual percentage change = -64.4%; 95% confidence interval: -73.7;-51.9). Conclusion: incidence trend was stable in the state of Maranhão and falling in São Luís.

Objetivo: describir las características clínicas y epidemiológicas de los nuevos casos de lepra con discapacidad física grado 2 y analizar su tendencia en el estado de Maranhão, de 2011 a 2020. Métodos: estudio transversal descriptivo y ecológico de serie temporal con datos del Sistema de Información de Agravamiento de Notificaciones. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo de características sociodemográficas y clínico-laboratoriales. La tendencia temporal de la incidencia de eventos se analizó mediante la regresión de Prais-Winsten. Resultados: de los 2.147 casos, 71,5% era masculino, 48,9% tenía hasta 8 años de escolaridad, 66,5% era de raza/piel parda, 95,5% de forma multibacilar, 58,8% dimorfa, 32,3% con baciloscopia negativa al diagnóstico. Hubo tendencia estacionaria en el estado y tendencia decreciente en la Región de Salud São Luís (variación anual = -64,4%; intervalo de confianza 95%: -73,7;-51,9). Conclusión: la tendencia de la incidencia se mantuvo estable en el estado de Maranhão y decreciente en São Luís.

Scientometric analysis of research on trachoma in Brazil, 2000-2020.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the scientometric profile of research on trachoma in Brazil. METHODS: Bibliographic research of publications on trachoma in Brazil indexed by the Scopus database from 2000 to 2020, based on specific criteria. Data on authorship, country of origin, institutions, and keywords were collected and analyzed with analysis of time trends. Bibliographic networks were constructed via a scientometric visualization software-VOSviewer® 1.6.16. RESULTS: We analyzed 42 publications on trachoma in Brazil. The annual average was two articles, with an increase of about 50% during the period. The average number of authors was three per document and school surveys were the most common subject category. Most published articles came from Brazilian institutions (95.2%), mainly those based in Southeast and North Brazil. Of the most productive authors, 10 were mentioned as first author in 26.2% of publications (11/42) and the predominant institutions are based in the state of São Paulo. The term "trachoma" (n = 18) was the most recurrent keyword. CONCLUSION: This first scientometric analysis of research on trachoma in Brazil showed a limited number of studies on this disease. The scientific production slightly increased, although the origin of many studies is geographical areas with lower endemicity of this disease. Greater investments are needed for a better understanding and control of this neglected tropical disease. The analysis of bibliographic production on this topic is important to strengthen the development of research and strategic planning of programs for the control of trachoma and neglected tropical diseases in general.

Parasitosis intestinales y medidas antropométricas en preescolares del cantón de Portoviejo, Ecuador / Intestinal parasites and anthropometric measurements in preschoolers from the canton of Portoviejo, Ecuador

Las enteroparasitosis son un problema de salud pública a nivel global con mayor impacto en los países subdesarrollados asociadas a condiciones de vida inadecuadas. La población infantil es más suceptible para desarrollar sintomatología provocando cuadros disentéricos, vomitos, síndrome de mal absorción, lo que influye en deficiencia de nutrientes y vitaminas, como consecuencia retraso en el crecimiento, malnutrición, trastornos del desarrollo físico y cognitivo. Se realizó una investigación epidemiológica, de corte transversal para estimar la prevalencia de parásitos instestinales y las diferencias en relación a las medidas antropométricas, en 283 escolares de la Capital de la provincia de Manabí. Las variables peso, talla parada, circunferencia de brazo izquierdo, pliegues de tríceps y subescapular, índice de masa corporal, área magra y área grasa fueron seleccionadas para establecer la relación. El coproparasitológico se realizó con el método directo (solución salina 0,9% y Lugol) y Kato Katz. Los resultados mostraron 62,54% de prevalencia, sin distingo de sexo, ni edad. Blastocytis spp., la especie más frecuente, confirmándose el comportamiento epidemiológico a nivel mundial a expensa de los protozoarios, con presencia de especies comensales (E. nana) relacionada con el fecalismo. A pesar de la alta prevalencia, no se observó diferencia significativa entre variables antropométricas analizadas en los escolares parasitados y no parasitados. Se infiere que es debido al tipo de especies y la intensidad de la infestación. Se recomienda realizar campañas de educación sanitaria y promover hábitos de higiene, así como dirigir investigaciones para determinar el papel epidemiológico del agua de consumo y las enteroparasitosis(AU)

Enteroparasitosis is a global public health problem with the greatest impact in underdeveloped countries associated with inadequate living conditions. The child population is more susceptible to developing symptoms causing dysentery, vomiting, malabsorption syndrome, which influences nutrient and vitamin deficiency, resulting in growth retardation, malnutrition, physical and cognitive development disorders. A cross-sectional epidemiological investigation was carried out to estimate the prevalence of intestinal parasites and the differences in relation to anthropometric measurements, in 283 schoolchildren from the capital of the province of Manabí. The variables weight, standing height, left arm circumference, triceps and subscapular folds, body mass index, lean area, and fat area were selected to establish the relationship. Coproparasitology was performed with the direct method (saline solution 0.9% and Lugol) and Kato Katz. The results showed 62.54% prevalence, regardless of sex or age. Blastocytis spp., the most frequent species, confirming the epidemiological behavior worldwide at the expense of protozoa, with the presence of commensal species (E. nana) related to fecalism. Despite the high prevalence, no significant difference was observed between the anthropometric variables analyzed in parasitized and non-parasitized schoolchildren. It is inferred that it is due to the type of species and the intensity of the infestation. It is recommended to carry out health education campaigns and promote hygiene habits, as well as to conduct research to determine the epidemiological role of drinking water and enteroparasitosis(AU)

Spatial distribution of the positivity of Schistosomiasis mansoni in Maranhao State, Northeastern Brazil, from 2007 to 2016.

Schistosomiasis is considered one of the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), which affects around 240 million people worldwide. In Brazil, Schistosomiasis mansoni has been registered in 19 states, predominantly in rural areas. This study aimed to analyze the spatial distribution of Schistosomiasis mansoni cases in the Maranhao State from 2007 to 2016, as well as the temporal trend over this period. The data were obtained from secondary sources: Schistosomiasis Control Program of Maranhao (PCE-MA) and Information System for Notifiable Diseases (SINAN). The State Health Regions (HRs) were considered analysis units. Maranhao had a positivity rate of 3.8 for the period. The Regions that presented the highest percentages of positivity in the state were Pinheiro (7.92), Ze Doca (3.30), and Viana (3.10). Municipalities such as Bacuri, Serrano do Maranhao, and Bequimao, located in the Pinheiro HR, showed positivity rates of 16.56, 13.31, and 11.01 respectively. The spatial analysis of schistosomiasis cases showed that Maranhao has two main centers for the spread of the disease, both located in the northern portion of the state, namely the Baixada Maranhense and the east coast. This study concluded that the positivity of Schistosomiasis mansoni in Maranhao was stable over the analyzed period. The state still maintains the Baixada Maranhense micro-region as an important area for the spread of the disease reaching socially vulnerable population groups.

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

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

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

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

Neglected tropical diseases and systemic racism especially in Brazil: from socio-economic aspects to the development of new drugs.

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are highly prevalent communicable diseases in tropical and subtropical countries, generally not economically attractive for drug development and related to poverty. In Brazil, more specifically, socioeconomic inequalities and health indicators are strongly influenced by skin color, race, and ethnicity, due to the historical process of slavery. In this context, it is important to understand the concept of systemic racism: a form of indirect racial discrimination present in many institutions, which determines the process of illness and death of the black population, the ethnic group most affected by these diseases. The main objective of this paper was to carry out a literature review on the socioeconomic aspects of these diseases, relating them to institutional racism, and to encourage reflection on the influence of this type of racism in the NTDs context. Therefore, we present a paper that brings a evident correlation between racism versus neglected populations, which are affected by equally neglected diseases. A more humane and comprehensive view is needed to realize that these illnesses affect neglected and vulnerable populations, who require decent living conditions, health, and social justice. We hope to provide, with this paper, enough, but not exhaust, knowledge to initiate the discussion about neglected diseases, their socioeconomic aspects and institutional racism.