Use of insect repellent as personal protection among women of childbearing age in an arbovirus endemic area in Northeastern Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the factors associated with the individual use of insect repellent by women of childbearing age living in area endemic for arboviruses in Fortaleza, Brazil. METHODS: This is a cohort study carried out between 2018 and 2019 with women aged between 15 and 39 years in Fortaleza, state of Ceará, Brazil. A total of 1,173 women users of one of the four selected primary health care units participated in the study. The outcome was divided into: continued use, discontinued use, and nonuse of insect repellent. Crude and adjusted multinominal logistic regression analysis was carried out guided by a hierarchical model, with presentation of the respective odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). The independent variables include: socioeconomic and demographic data, environmental and sanitary characteristics, knowledge of the insect repellent, and behavioral and pregnancy-related aspects. RESULTS: Only 28% of the participants reported using insect repellent during the two waves of the cohort. Women with higher education (OR=2.55; 95%CI 1.44-4.51); who are employed (OR=1.51; 95%CI 1.12-2.03); who received guidance from healthcare professionals (OR=1.74; 95%CI 1.28-2.36) and the media (OR=1.43; 95%CI 1.01-2.02); who intensified precautions against mosquitoes during the epidemic (OR=3.64; 95%CI 2.29-5.78); and who were pregnant between 2016 and 2019 (OR=2.80; 95%CI 1.83-4.30) had increased odds for continued use of insect repellent. CONCLUSION: The use of insect repellent among women of childbearing age was associated with a higher level of education, employment, guidance on insect repellent provided by healthcare professionals and the media, behavioral changes to protect against mosquitoes during the Zika virus epidemic, and pregnancy when occurring as of the beginning of the epidemic period.

Maxillary Sinus Augmentation with Xenogenic Collagen-Retained Heterologous Cortico-Cancellous Bone: A 3-Year Follow-Up Randomized Controlled Trial.

Sinus augmentation procedures have become a valuable solution for patients with posterior maxillary edentulism. The objective of this study was to explore the efficacy and safety of porcine xenograft with collagen supplementation as a potential alternative to autologous bone grafts in lateral sinus augmentation over a three-year follow-up period. Twelve patients, each with bilateral posterior maxillary edentulism, were enrolled and randomly allocated to receive either a porcine xenograft or an autologous graft. Comprehensive assessments, including clinical and radiographic evaluations, were conducted at specific intervals, including implant stability, marginal bone loss, prosthetic and biological complications, and patient preferences. The results demonstrated no significant differences between the two graft materials in terms of implant survival, marginal bone loss, and patient preferences after three years of follow-up. Only one implant was affected by peri-implantitis, and prosthesis-related complications were present in one patient possibly due to bruxism. In conclusion, these findings suggest that a porcine xenograft with collagen supplementation may be a viable alternative to an autograft in lateral sinus augmentation procedures. The high implant survival rate, minimal complications, and patient satisfaction indicate the potential clinical relevance of this graft material and should be further investigated to confirm these promising results.

Maxilla Reconstruction with Xenograft Blocks to Allow Implant Rehabilitation: A Case Report.

Reducing patient morbidity is one of the challenging goals of proper surgical techniques. The rehabilitation success begins with a good surgical plan. Scientifically proven biomaterials are excellent options to overcome the lack of autologous bone for maxillary reconstructions. This case report presents a clinical case of maxillary reconstruction combining guided bone regeneration with xenograft blocks and maxillary sinus elevation. This technique achieved maxillary rehabilitation with a fixed implant-supported prosthesis of a challenging case. The clinical case has an 18-month follow-up with no major complications and excellent clinical and radiographic results.

A Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Implants Placed in Two Different Biomaterials Used for Maxillary Sinus Augmentation.

The objective of this study was to compare marginal bone loss, surgical and clinical complications, and dental implant survival rate in bilateral maxillary sinus augmented by autologous or porcine xenograft. A randomized controlled clinical trial using split-mouth design enrolled 12 consent adult patients (59.7 ± 8.7 years), who received bilateral maxillary sinus floor augmentation for oral rehabilitation with implant-supported prosthesis. Each patient received both the autologous bone from the mandible (control) or porcine xenograft (test) during the random bilateral sinus lift surgery. A total of 39 dental implants were placed in the posterior maxilla of the 12 patients after 6 months, being rehabilitated after the respective osseointegration period. Both graft materials demonstrated a high implant survival rate at 12 months: 95% for the xenograft side, only 1 implant without osseointegration, and 100% for the autologous side. Radiographic bone loss was low and similar for both groups: control group with a mean of 0.063 ± 0.126, and test group with a mean of 0.092 ± 0.163. No major surgical-related complications have occurred. Only one patient had several prosthetic complications due to fractures of prosthetic components. The maxillary sinus augmentation procedure, both with autologous bone and porcine xenograft materials, is an excellent clinical option procedure for the prosthetic rehabilitation of atrophic maxillae, with low marginal bone loss after one year follow-up, few clinical complications, and a high implant survival rate.

Positivity of dengue, chikungunya, and Zika infections in women in Northeast Brazil post-Zika epidemic.

The state of Ceará, in the Northeast Region of Brazil, presents the simultaneous circulation of Zika (ZIKV), dengue (DENV) and chikungunya (CHIKV) viruses. In 2017 there were a high number of cases of these three arboviruses, especially CHIKV. Here, we detected the presence of arboviruses ZIKV, DENV and CHIKV and their coinfections in women in endemic regions of the city of Fortaleza, Ceará in a post-Zika epidemic year. Sociodemographic and environmental characteristics associated with arbovirus positivity were also analyzed. Women (n = 1289) between 15 and 39 years old were included. RT-qPCR was performed for virus detection and IgM antibody positivity was also analyzed. One hundred and six (8.3%) participants were positive for one or more arboviruses. Monoinfections (76; 5.9%) were distributed between 22 (1.7%) for ZIKV, 39 (3.1%) for DENV and 15 (1.2%) for CHIKV. Co-infections were detected in 30 (2.3%) of the positive participants and one case with triple infection was found. IgM positivity was found in 2.4% of ZIKV RT-qPCR, 9.6% of DENV and 16.3% of CHIKV. RT-qPCR positivity for arboviruses was associated with low socioeconomic class and presence of a water box sealing in the household. A higher positivity to the three viruses occurred in the month with the lowest wind velocity, which was also preceded by the highest peak of rain and humidity. We identified the simultaneous circulation and co-infection of ZIKV, DENV and CHIKV in Fortaleza in a post-Zika epidemic year. We also highlight the need for continuous epidemiological surveillance combined with molecular diagnostic tools.

Treatment of Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome With Ultrasound-Guided Bipolar Pulsed Radiofrequency of the Trochanteric Branches of the Femoral Nerve: A Case Series of Nine Patients.

BACKGROUND: Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) is a prevalent cause of lateral hip pain that often leads to significant functional limitations. Conservative treatment options include physical therapy, pharmacological treatment, and more invasive techniques such as corticosteroid injections. However, despite the high success rates reported with corticosteroid injections, a significant number of patients have their symptoms persist or recur. OBJECTIVES: In this case series, we present the outcomes of nine patients with GTPS who underwent ultrasound-guided bipolar pulsed radiofrequency targeting the trochanteric branches of the femoral nerve. We aim to discuss the effectiveness and safety of this approach. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eligible patients referred to our centre underwent ultrasound-guided bipolar pulsed radiofrequency aimed at the trochanteric branches of the femoral nerve. The procedure consisted of one cycle at 42°C for six minutes, followed by the injection of ropivacaine (0.2%, 3 mL) and dexamethasone (12 mg). The Brief Pain Inventory - Short Form (BPI-sf) and Lequesne Algofunctional Index (LAI) were used before the procedure and at the third and sixth months post-procedure. We monitored immediate and late complications, as well as adverse effects. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Our results indicate a favourable outcome for most patients, with an average pain reduction of 76.51% according to their report of the BPI-sf. Additionally, eight out of nine patients experienced at least 50% relief. These findings align with a previous case series, which reported a similar average pain reduction. Before the procedure, most patients were classified as "extremely severe" in the LAI, with an average score of 18.17. Although there was only a slight reduction of 16.84% at the six-month follow-up, this suggests a potential improvement in their functional status. We did not observe any immediate complications or adverse effects after the procedure, nor were any reported at the subsequent follow-ups, which is consistent with existing literature. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that ultrasound-guided bipolar pulsed radiofrequency treatment is a promising minimally invasive technique for GPTS, especially for patients who do not respond to conservative treatments. Although our case series provides some evidence of effectiveness and safety, further controlled studies on a larger scale are necessary, particularly to compare this intervention with the use of corticosteroid injections alone.

Long-Term Follow-up of an Esthetically Demanding Case Using Slow Orthodontic Extrusion: A Case Report.

An internal root resorption lesion in the maxillary right central incisor was treated with orthodontic extrusion to improve the surrounding soft and hard tissue. Simultaneously with extraction, socket preservation was performed. After 4 months of healing, guided bone regeneration was performed and an implant was placed. At the second surgical phase, a flap was coronally advanced, and a connective tissue graft was placed. The emergence profile was modeled with a provisional crown before the final crown. The result was successful and well maintained over the 10-year follow-up period. The hard and soft tissue levels were stable, and no signs of inflammation were observed.

Epidemiological and clinical factors associated with lethality from Human Visceral Leishmaniasis in Northeastern Brazil, 2007 to 2018.

Human Visceral Leishmaniasis (HVL) presents a subacute clinical evolution with systemic involvement, which can result in high case fatality, especially among untreated individuals or those with low socioeconomic status. This study aimed to identify epidemiological and clinical factors associated with HVL case fatality in the Ceara State, from 2007 to 2018. This is an analytical cross-sectional study. The bivariate analysis was performed by Stata 15.1 using Pearson's Chi-square or Fisher's exact test; and Poisson regression for age-controlled multivariate analysis. From 2007 to 2018, there were 4,863 new confirmed cases and 343 deaths from HVL (case fatality rate=7.05%). The risk factors associated with case fatalities were: age group (RR=8.69; 95%CI:3.56-21.20); black population (RR=2.21; 95%CI:1.45-3.35); jaundice symptoms (RR=1.72; 95%CI:1.38-2.14); edema (RR=2.62; 95%CI:2.10-3.26) and hemorrhagic phenomena (RR=1.63; 95%CI:1.26-2.10); and no prescription drug intake (RR=4.03; 95%CI:2.98-5.46). Treatment with pentavalent antimonial was a protective factor (RR=0.35; 95%CI:0.27-0.45). The number of deaths increased among the elderly, illiterate, urban residents, and black skin color individuals. The drugs pentavalent antimonial and amphotericin B showed an association with death, but were not considered causal factors. Treatment failure led to a high risk of death. In multivariate analysis, the risk factors for fatal cases were age group, black skin, symptoms of jaundice, edema and hemorrhagic phenomena; and failure to take the prescription drugs. Treatment with pentavalent antimonial was shown to be a protective factor. Knowing the factors associated with the fatality of VL-HIV cases may help to improve public policies, in order to refine the epidemiological surveillance program and, consequently, prevent deaths related to the disease in Ceara.

Epidemiological Aspects and High Magnitude of Human Visceral Leishmaniasis in Ceará, Northeast of Brazil, 2007-2021.

BACKGROUND: Human visceral leishmaniasis HVL is endemic to 75 countries. The state of Ceará, the Northeast region of Brazil, is of great sanitary importance for the transmission of HVL, and it stands out as an area of interest for epidemiological aspects and control strategies. This study aimed to characterize HVL in relation to epidemiological aspects, composite incidence, and mortality rates in the state of Ceará, Brazil, from 2007 to 2021. METHODS: This ecological study used temporal and spatial cuts of HVL data from the notifiable diseases information system. Epidemiological indicators such as incidence, mortality, and composite indices of incidence and mortality were calculated according to the Ministry of Health standardization. RESULTS: There were 6,775 confirmed cases, with high incidence coefficients in 2009 6.96 cases/100,000 inhabitants and 2011 9.83 cases/100,000 inhabitants, and the highest mortality rate in 2011 6.96 deaths/100,000 inhabitants. The composite index of incidence and mortality identified municipalities in the Northern, Northwestern, and Southern regions of Ceará as having the highest risk of HVL. CONCLUSIONS: HVL remained endemic throughout the study period, with epidemiological indicators and risk of transmission expressing high magnitude, mainly in the Northeast, Northwest, and South regions of Ceará.

Epidemiological and clinical factors associated with lethality from Human Visceral Leishmaniasis in Northeastern Brazil, 2007 to 2018

ABSTRACT Human Visceral Leishmaniasis (HVL) presents a subacute clinical evolution with systemic involvement, which can result in high case fatality, especially among untreated individuals or those with low socioeconomic status. This study aimed to identify epidemiological and clinical factors associated with HVL case fatality in the Ceara State, from 2007 to 2018. This is an analytical cross-sectional study. The bivariate analysis was performed by Stata 15.1 using Pearson's Chi-square or Fisher's exact test; and Poisson regression for age-controlled multivariate analysis. From 2007 to 2018, there were 4,863 new confirmed cases and 343 deaths from HVL (case fatality rate=7.05%). The risk factors associated with case fatalities were: age group (RR=8.69; 95%CI:3.56-21.20); black population (RR=2.21; 95%CI:1.45-3.35); jaundice symptoms (RR=1.72; 95%CI:1.38-2.14); edema (RR=2.62; 95%CI:2.10-3.26) and hemorrhagic phenomena (RR=1.63; 95%CI:1.26-2.10); and no prescription drug intake (RR=4.03; 95%CI:2.98-5.46). Treatment with pentavalent antimonial was a protective factor (RR=0.35; 95%CI:0.27-0.45). The number of deaths increased among the elderly, illiterate, urban residents, and black skin color individuals. The drugs pentavalent antimonial and amphotericin B showed an association with death, but were not considered causal factors. Treatment failure led to a high risk of death. In multivariate analysis, the risk factors for fatal cases were age group, black skin, symptoms of jaundice, edema and hemorrhagic phenomena; and failure to take the prescription drugs. Treatment with pentavalent antimonial was shown to be a protective factor. Knowing the factors associated with the fatality of VL-HIV cases may help to improve public policies, in order to refine the epidemiological surveillance program and, consequently, prevent deaths related to the disease in Ceara.

Epidemiological Aspects and High Magnitude of Human Visceral Leishmaniasis in Ceará, Northeast of Brazil, 2007-2021

ABSTRACT Background: Human visceral leishmaniasis HVL is endemic to 75 countries. The state of Ceará, the Northeast region of Brazil, is of great sanitary importance for the transmission of HVL, and it stands out as an area of interest for epidemiological aspects and control strategies. This study aimed to characterize HVL in relation to epidemiological aspects, composite incidence, and mortality rates in the state of Ceará, Brazil, from 2007 to 2021. Methods: This ecological study used temporal and spatial cuts of HVL data from the notifiable diseases information system. Epidemiological indicators such as incidence, mortality, and composite indices of incidence and mortality were calculated according to the Ministry of Health standardization. Results: There were 6,775 confirmed cases, with high incidence coefficients in 2009 6.96 cases/100,000 inhabitants and 2011 9.83 cases/100,000 inhabitants, and the highest mortality rate in 2011 6.96 deaths/100,000 inhabitants. The composite index of incidence and mortality identified municipalities in the Northern, Northwestern, and Southern regions of Ceará as having the highest risk of HVL. Conclusions: HVL remained endemic throughout the study period, with epidemiological indicators and risk of transmission expressing high magnitude, mainly in the Northeast, Northwest, and South regions of Ceará.

Advantages of Porcine Xenograft over Autograft in Sinus Lift: A Randomised Clinical Trial.

This study aimed to compare the performance of intra-oral autologous bone grafts versus porcine xenografts in a two-step lateral window sinus lift. This split-mouth randomised controlled trial sequentially enrolled 12 patients with a 6-month follow-up. For each patient, a simultaneous randomised bilateral maxillary sinus lift was performed and filled with autologous bone from the mandible (control) or a porcine xenograft (test). A bone biopsy sample was collected during the implant placement for histological and histomorphometric analysis. CT scans were performed at the beginning and at the end of the trial to assess radiological evolution. A comparison of initial and six-month CT scans indicated statistically significant increases in bone level for both materials (7.8 ± 2.4 mm for autologous and 8.7 ± 2.2 mm for xenograft, p < 0.05), and there were no significant differences between the performance of the two materials over time (p = 0.26). The histological analysis showed various stages of the remodelling process and no cells or other signs of inflammation or infection were visible in both groups. The porcine xenografts presented similar results for the studied variables when compared to autologous bone, being a reasonable alternative for a sinus lift.

Impact of sterile leukocyturia on outcome of critically ill patients with severe acute kidney injury.

INTRODUCTION: The role of immunological mechanisms on renal regeneration and functional recovery after an episode of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is still understudied. We aim to evaluate the impact of sterile leukocyturia on outcomes of critically-ill AKI patients. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of critically-ill patients with stage ≥2 AKI by KDIGO was performed. Patients with urinary tract infection, previous renal replacement therapy, chronic kidney disease stage >3 and kidney, urinary tract or prostatic cancer were excluded. Sterile leukocyturia was defined as a positive leukocyte esterase value. RESULTS: 108 patients with stage ≥2 AKI were included, 39.8% of which had sterile leukocyturia. AKI patients with sterile leukocyturia were older, had more cardiovascular disease and a lower baseline renal function (p < 0.05). They had a higher serum creatinine and leukocytosis at admission, were more frequently septic (p < 0.05) and had more persistent AKI by both KDIGO criteria at multivariable analysis (OR 6.130, 95% CI 2.007-18.747). CONCLUSION: Sterile leukocyturia was associated with different patient baseline and AKI characteristics and more persistent AKI by both KDIGO criteria. Sterile leukocyturia may represent a surrogate marker of renal inflammation during AKI.

Factors associated with Chikungunya infection in a cohort of women aged 15-39 y in Fortaleza, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Outbreaks of Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) occurred in Brazil during 2015-2017. Fortaleza was the city that reported the most cases. METHODS: The first round of a cohort study was conducted among women aged 15-39 y in Fortaleza, Brazil, in 2018 (Zika in Fortaleza). We collected sera to detect CHIKV IgG and IgM antibodies. Factors for CHIKV infection were identified using a Poisson regression model. RESULTS: We evaluated 1466 serum samples and 13.8% and 37.2% of women were found positive for CHIKV IgM and IgG antibodies, respectively. Living with more than four others in the same house and having an abandoned house nearby were associated with CHIKV infection. Being currently pregnant was associated with a decreased probability of CHIKV infection, which was also associated with pregnant women reporting using more repellent, both inside and outside the house, than non-pregnant women. CONCLUSIONS: Crowding in households and abandoned houses nearby can increase potential transmission. Policies providing better living conditions and regulation of abandoned sites and buildings are necessary to control the mosquito population. Programmes providing repellant at low or no cost to pregnant women should be implemented in the neighbourhoods where arbovirus infections are endemic.

Dengue in northeastern Brazil: a spatial and temporal perspective.

INTRODUCTION: The state of Ceará (Brazilian Northeast) has a high incidence of dengue. Therefore, we aimed to characterize the temporal patterns and spatial distribution of dengue cases in Ceará during 2001-2019. METHODS: A spatiotemporal ecological study was performed with secondary data. Time-trend analysis was performed using a segmented log-linear regression model to estimate the average annual percentage change (AAPC) and the annual percentage change (APC) in incidence of dengue. We also performed spatiotemporal analysis to identify the place, time, and relative risk (RR) of dengue clusters. RESULTS: There were 539,653 dengue cases. The AAPC reduced over time (-9.5%; 95% confidance interval [CI]: -18.3; -0.3). Three trends were identified-2001-2004: APC=-20.9% (95% CI: -65.1 to 44.8), 2005-2015: APC=7.9% (95% CI: -6.0 to 98.9), and 2016-2019: APC=-48.8% (95% CI: -83.0 to -6.1). During 2001-2007, 10 significant clusters were identified (RR=3.57-14.38: n=4 and RR=0.05-0.39: n=6). During 2008-2013, there was 1 cluster in the western region (RR= 3.40) and four other clusters (RR=0.02-0.15). The last period presented 5 high-RR clusters (RR=2.95-9.24). The low-RR clusters were located in the central-north, central-south, south, and northwest regions. However, the central-west region remained a high-RR cluster region throughout the study period. CONCLUSIONS: Dengue showed a decreasing incidence. During the epidemic years, the southern, eastern, and western regions presented high-risk clusters. Introduction of a new dengue serotype in a low-RR area can cause explosive outbreaks due to population susceptibility.

Human visceral leishmaniasis: epidemiological, temporal and spacial aspects in Northeast Brazil, 2003-2017.

Visceral leishmaniasis is a highly lethal zoonosis transmitted by a sandfly. It is caused by a Leishmania protozoan parasite and dogs are the main reservoir. Ceara State is endemic to visceral leishmaniasis and it is considered a high risk transmission area. Temporal and spatial epidemiological studies have been used as tools to analyze the distribution and frequency of human visceral leishmaniasis (HVL). This study aimed to characterize HVL in its epidemiological andtemporal aspects in Ceara State, from 2003 to 2017, as this is a neglected disease and a public health problem. This is an ecological study carried out with HVL confirmed cases in Ceara, using three blocks of years (2003 to 2007, 2008 to 2012 and 2013 to 2017). The disease presented an endemic behavior, affecting mainly male residents in the urban area, especially children under five and young adults between 30 and 49 years old. HVL is recorded in all the municipalities, for more than 10 years, with a growing trend and territorial expansion to the Central and Eastern regions of the State. The results of this study indicated the increase in the incidence and lethality, as well as the expansion of leishmaniasis in Ceara State.

Night work is related to higher global and central adiposity in Brazil: National Health Survey, 2013.

BACKGROUND: Night work can disturb the natural circadian rhythm, leading to disruptions in metabolic rate and subsequent overall gain weight or even more harmful abdominal adiposity. Our aims were to investigate the associations between night work frequency and markers of overall and central obesity. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of data from the Brazilian National Health Survey on over 35 500 current workers. Exposure to current night work was composed of three categories: daytime work (reference category), less than one night per week, and more than two nights per week. The body mass index and waist circumference were used as adiposity markers. Logistic and multinomial regression models were used, with adjustment for demographic characteristics, work conditions, self-related health, and health-related behaviors. RESULTS: After complete adjustment, individuals who worked two or more nights a week had higher odds of overweight (odds ratio [OR]: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.04-1.38), obesity (OR: 1.38, 95% CI: 1.17-1.64) and increased waist circumference (OR: 1.27, 95% CI: 1.10-1.46) than daytime workers. CONCLUSIONS: Night work was significantly associated with measures of adiposity. Changes in working conditions, such as controlling the numbers of nights worked per week or promoting workplaces with healthy meals and the opportunity to perform physical exercise at work, could be suggested.

Increased detection of rabies virus in bats in Ceará State (Northeast Brazil) after implementation of a passive surveillance programme.

The intensification of dog, cat and livestock vaccination campaigns significantly reduced rabies cases in humans and domestic animals in Ceará State, Brazil. However, sylvatic animals-bats (order Chiroptera), wild canids, raccoons and non-human primates- remain as reservoirs for the virus. Our hypothesis is that surveillance and monitoring of rabies virus in bats, especially passive surveillance, is of fundamental importance, besides the implementation of health education and strengthening of surveillance actions in humans exposed to aggressions. Thus, we assessed the occurrence of rabies virus in animals focusing on bats, before and after launching of the Sylvatic Rabies Surveillance Program in 2010. Surveillance data from the 184 municipalities of Ceará State were analysed, collected during the periods 2003-2010 (active surveillance) and 2011-2016 (passive surveillance), respectively. A total of 13,543 mammalian samples were received for rabies diagnosis from 2003 to 2016. Of these, 10,960 were from dogs or cats (80.9%), 1,180 from bats (8.7%), 806 from other sylvatic animals (foxes, marmosets, raccoons; 6.0%) and 597 from herbivores (cattle, goats, sheep, equines, pigs; 4.4%). A total of 588 (4.3%) samples were positive for rabies. About 8.4% (99/1,180) of the bat samples were infected with rabies virus, 92 (92.9%) of these were from non-haematophagous bat species and 7 (7.1%) from haematophagous species. The number of bat samples received and infection rates increased considerably, after a shift from active surveillance (9/355 [2.5%] samples positive), to passive surveillance (90/825 [10.9%] samples positive). Surveillance of rabies virus in bats is fundamental for human and domestic animal health in Ceará State. Bats have to be considered as targets in surveillance and control programmes. Virus lineages should be characterized to increase knowledge on transmission dynamics of sylvatic rabies virus to domestic animals and the human population, and to provide additional evidence for planning and implementation of improved control measures.

Dengue in northeastern Brazil: a spatial and temporal perspective

Abstract INTRODUCTION: The state of Ceará (Brazilian Northeast) has a high incidence of dengue. Therefore, we aimed to characterize the temporal patterns and spatial distribution of dengue cases in Ceará during 2001-2019. METHODS: A spatiotemporal ecological study was performed with secondary data. Time-trend analysis was performed using a segmented log-linear regression model to estimate the average annual percentage change (AAPC) and the annual percentage change (APC) in incidence of dengue. We also performed spatiotemporal analysis to identify the place, time, and relative risk (RR) of dengue clusters. RESULTS: There were 539,653 dengue cases. The AAPC reduced over time (-9.5%; 95% confidance interval [CI]: -18.3; -0.3). Three trends were identified-2001-2004: APC=-20.9% (95% CI: -65.1 to 44.8), 2005-2015: APC=7.9% (95% CI: -6.0 to 98.9), and 2016-2019: APC=-48.8% (95% CI: -83.0 to -6.1). During 2001-2007, 10 significant clusters were identified (RR=3.57-14.38: n=4 and RR=0.05-0.39: n=6). During 2008-2013, there was 1 cluster in the western region (RR= 3.40) and four other clusters (RR=0.02-0.15). The last period presented 5 high-RR clusters (RR=2.95-9.24). The low-RR clusters were located in the central-north, central-south, south, and northwest regions. However, the central-west region remained a high-RR cluster region throughout the study period. CONCLUSIONS: Dengue showed a decreasing incidence. During the epidemic years, the southern, eastern, and western regions presented high-risk clusters. Introduction of a new dengue serotype in a low-RR area can cause explosive outbreaks due to population susceptibility.