Toxoplasmosis outbreak in São Paulo, Brazil: Epidemiology and visual outcome.

PURPOSE: To describe a 2019 acute toxoplasmosis outbreak in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, and to evaluate the laboratory serological profile for toxoplasmosis for three consecutive years. The ophthalmological manifestations of the patients involved in the outbreak were also studied. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study of a toxoplasmosis outbreak in São Paulo, Brazil, between February and May 2019. Epidemiological data were described, as were the observed ocular manifestations. As part of this study the number of patients with positive IgM toxoplasmosis serology was obtained from a large laboratory network (DASA) for three consecutive years, including the year of the outbreak (2018, 2019, 2020). RESULTS: Eighty-three individuals were identified in the outbreak and two clusters were studied. The clinical picture of at least 77% of the patients, the epidemiological analysis, and the short incubation period (5-8 days) suggested contamination by oocysts. Serological laboratory data analysis revealed an increase of positive toxoplasmosis IgM in 2019 of 73% compared to the previous year. Ophthalmological examination revealed that at least 4.8% of the patients developed toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis, none of whom had been treated during the acute systemic disease. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate vegetable contamination as the possible source of this outbreak, a high prevalence of toxoplasmosis in São Paulo during the outbreak period, and a drop in the number of tests during the COVID-19 pandemic. Retinochoroiditis was observed in at least 4.8% of the cases. We confirm the need to implement effective means for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of the disease. This may involve raising awareness among the population of the importance of vegetable hygiene, and improved quality control of food and water.

Toxoplasmosis outbreak in São Paulo, Brazil: Epidemiology and visual outcome

ABSTRACT Purpose: To describe a 2019 acute toxoplasmosis outbreak in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, and to evaluate the laboratory serological profile for toxoplasmosis for three consecutive years. The ophthalmological manifestations of the patients involved in the outbreak were also studied. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study of a toxoplasmosis outbreak in São Paulo, Brazil, between February and May 2019. Epidemiological data were described, as were the observed ocular manifestations. As part of this study the number of patients with positive IgM toxoplasmosis serology was obtained from a large laboratory network (DASA) for three consecutive years, including the year of the outbreak (2018, 2019, 2020). Results: Eighty-three individuals were identified in the outbreak and two clusters were studied. The clinical picture of at least 77% of the patients, the epidemiological analysis, and the short incubation period (5-8 days) suggested contamination by oocysts. Serological laboratory data analysis revealed an increase of positive toxoplasmosis IgM in 2019 of 73% compared to the previous year. Ophthalmological examination revealed that at least 4.8% of the patients developed toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis, none of whom had been treated during the acute systemic disease. Conclusion: Our findings indicate vegetable contamination as the possible source of this outbreak, a high prevalence of toxoplasmosis in São Paulo during the outbreak period, and a drop in the number of tests during the COVID-19 pandemic. Retinochoroiditis was observed in at least 4.8% of the cases. We confirm the need to implement effective means for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of the disease. This may involve raising awareness among the population of the importance of vegetable hygiene, and improved quality control of food and water.

Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in schoolchildren in the city of São Paulo, 2020.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in schoolchildren aged 4 to 14 years living in the city of São Paulo, according to clinical, demographic, epidemiological, and social variables, during the school closure period as a measure against covid-19 spread. METHODS: A serological survey was made in September 2020 with a random sample stratified by school system (municipal public, state public and private) type. A venous blood sample was collected using the Wondfo SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Test (lateral flow method) for detection of total SARS-CoV-2 virus antibodies. Semi-structured questionnaires were applied to collect clinical, demographic, social, and epidemiological data. RESULTS: Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in schoolchildren was of 16.6% (95%CI 15.4-17.8). The study found higher seroprevalence in the municipal (18.5%; 95%CI 16.6-20.6) and state (16.2%; 95%CI 14.4-18.2) public school systems compared to the private school system (11.7; 95%CI 10.0-13.7), among black and brown students (18.4%; 95%CI 16.8-20.2) and in the most vulnerable social stratum (18.5 %;95%CI 16.9-20.2). Lower seroprevalence was identified in schoolchildren who reported following the recommended protective measures against covid-19. CONCLUSION: Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies is found mainly in the most socially vulnerable schoolchildren. This study can contribute to support public policies that reinforce the importance of suspending face-to-face classes and developing strategies aimed at protective measures and monitoring of the serological status of those who have not yet been included in the vaccination schedule.

Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in schoolchildren in the city of São Paulo, 2020 / Soroprevalência de anticorpos do vírus SARS-CoV-2 em escolares no município de São Paulo, 2020

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To estimate seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in schoolchildren aged 4 to 14 years living in the city of São Paulo, according to clinical, demographic, epidemiological, and social variables, during the school closure period as a measure against covid-19 spread. METHODS A serological survey was made in September 2020 with a random sample stratified by school system (municipal public, state public and private) type. A venous blood sample was collected using the Wondfo SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Test (lateral flow method) for detection of total SARS-CoV-2 virus antibodies. Semi-structured questionnaires were applied to collect clinical, demographic, social, and epidemiological data. RESULTS Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in schoolchildren was of 16.6% (95%CI 15.4-17.8). The study found higher seroprevalence in the municipal (18.5%; 95%CI 16.6-20.6) and state (16.2%; 95%CI 14.4-18.2) public school systems compared to the private school system (11.7; 95%CI 10.0-13.7), among black and brown students (18.4%; 95%CI 16.8-20.2) and in the most vulnerable social stratum (18.5 %;95%CI 16.9-20.2). Lower seroprevalence was identified in schoolchildren who reported following the recommended protective measures against covid-19. CONCLUSION Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies is found mainly in the most socially vulnerable schoolchildren. This study can contribute to support public policies that reinforce the importance of suspending face-to-face classes and developing strategies aimed at protective measures and monitoring of the serological status of those who have not yet been included in the vaccination schedule.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Estimar a soroprevalência de anticorpos do vírus SARS-CoV-2 em escolares de quatro a 14 anos de idade residentes no município de São Paulo, segundo variáveis clínicas, demográficas, epidemiológicas e sociais, durante o período de fechamento das escolas como medida de controle da covid-19. MÉTODOS Realizou-se um inquérito sorológico em setembro de 2020 com amostra aleatória estratificada por tipo de rede de ensino (pública municipal, pública estadual e privada). Foi coletada amostra de sangue venoso utilizando-se o teste de imunoensaio de fluxo lateral da fabricante Wondfo para detecção de anticorpos totais contra o vírus SARS-CoV-2. Aplicaram-se questionários semiestruturados para o levantamento de dados clínicos, demográficos, sociais e epidemiológicos. RESULTADOS A soroprevalência de anticorpos do vírus SARS-CoV-2 em escolares foi de 16,6% (IC95% 15,4-17,8). O estudo encontrou soroprevalências mais elevadas na rede pública municipal (18,5%; IC95% 16,6-20,6) e estadual (16,2%; IC95% 14,4-18,2) em relação à rede privada (11,7; IC95% 10,0-13,7) e entre escolares da raça/cor preta e parda (18,4%; IC95% 16,8-20,2) e no estrato social mais vulnerável (18,5%; IC95% 16,9-20,2). A pesquisa identificou menores soroprevalências nos escolares que relataram seguir as medidas recomendadas de proteção contra a covid-19. CONCLUSÃO A soroprevalência de anticorpos contra o vírus SARS-CoV-2 atinge principalmente os escolares socialmente mais vulneráveis. Este estudo pode contribuir para embasar políticas públicas que reforcem a importância da suspensão das aulas presenciais e da necessidade de estratégias de medidas de proteção e acompanhamento do status sorológico daqueles que ainda não foram contemplados no calendário vacinal.

Prevalence evolution of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the city of São Paulo, 2020-2021.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the evolution of the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 virus infection among residents aged 18 years or over in the municipality of São Paulo. METHODS: This is a population-based household survey conducted every 15 days, between June and September 2020, and January and February 2021. In total, the study comprised 11 phases. The presence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 was identified in venous blood using a lateral flow test, Wondfo Biotech. In the last phase, the researchers combined it with an immunoenzymatic test, Euroimmun. The participants also answered a semi-structured questionnaire on sociodemographic and economic factors, and on social distancing measures. Prevalence estimates and the 95% confidence interval were estimated according to regions, Human Development Index, sex, age group, ethnicity, education, income, and variables associated with risk or prevention of infection. To compare the frequencies among the categories of each variable, the chi-square test with Rao-Scott correction was used, considering a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: In total, 23,397 individuals were interviewed and had their samples collected. The estimated prevalence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 ranged from 9.7% (95%CI: 7.9-11.8%) to 25.0% (95%CI: 21.7-28.7). The prevalence of individuals with antibodies against the virus was higher among black and brown people, people with lower schooling and income, and among residents of regions with lower Human Development Index. The lowest prevalences were associated with recommended measures of disease protection. The proportion of asymptomatic infection was 45.1%. CONCLUSION: The estimated prevalence of the infection was lower than the cumulative incidence variation, except for the last phase of the study. The differences in prevalence estimates observed among subpopulations showed social inequality as a risk of infection. The lower prevalence observed among those who could follow prevention measures reinforce the need to maintain social distancing measures as a way to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Prevalence evolution of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the city of São Paulo, 2020-2021

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To estimate the evolution of the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 virus infection among residents aged 18 years or over in the municipality of São Paulo. METHODS This is a population-based household survey conducted every 15 days, between June and September 2020, and January and February 2021. In total, the study comprised 11 phases. The presence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 was identified in venous blood using a lateral flow test, Wondfo Biotech. In the last phase, the researchers combined it with an immunoenzymatic test, Euroimmun. The participants also answered a semi-structured questionnaire on sociodemographic and economic factors, and on social distancing measures. Prevalence estimates and the 95% confidence interval were estimated according to regions, Human Development Index, sex, age group, ethnicity, education, income, and variables associated with risk or prevention of infection. To compare the frequencies among the categories of each variable, the chi-square test with Rao-Scott correction was used, considering a significance level of 5%. RESULTS In total, 23,397 individuals were interviewed and had their samples collected. The estimated prevalence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 ranged from 9.7% (95%CI: 7.9-11.8%) to 25.0% (95%CI: 21.7-28.7). The prevalence of individuals with antibodies against the virus was higher among black and brown people, people with lower schooling and income, and among residents of regions with lower Human Development Index. The lowest prevalences were associated with recommended measures of disease protection. The proportion of asymptomatic infection was 45.1%. CONCLUSION The estimated prevalence of the infection was lower than the cumulative incidence variation, except for the last phase of the study. The differences in prevalence estimates observed among subpopulations showed social inequality as a risk of infection. The lower prevalence observed among those who could follow prevention measures reinforce the need to maintain social distancing measures as a way to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Norovirus in São Paulo city, Brazil, 2010-2016: a cross-sectional study of the leading cause of gastroenteritis in children. / Norovírus no município de São Paulo, 2010-2016: estudo transversal sobre a principal causa de gastroenterite infantil.

OBJECTIVE: to describe cases of acute diarrheal disease caused by norovirus in children under 5 years old in São Paulo city, Brazil. METHODS: this was a cross-sectional study using data from Epidemiological Surveillance of Gastroenteritis due to Rotavirus; cases were defined as patients hospitalized in a sentinel unit because of acute diarrheal disease and laboratory identification of norovirus as the etiological agent between 2010 and 2016. RESULTS: during the study period, the proportion of norovirus cases in children under 5 years old exceeded the proportion of Rotavirus, an agent considered predominant in childhood; norovirus was associated with 28.4% of total reported cases, occurring all year round, especially in warmer months. CONCLUSION: norovirus was the leading etiological agent identified in children under 5 years old with acute diarrheal disease in São Paulo city.

Norovírus no município de São Paulo, 2010-2016: estudo transversal sobre a principal causa de gastroenterite infantil / Norovirus en el Municipio de São Paulo, Brasil, 2010-2016: estudio transversal sobre la principal causa de gastroenteritis infantil / Norovirus in São Paulo city, Brazil, 2010-2016: a cross-sectional study of the leading cause of gastroenteritis in children

Objetivo: descrever casos de doença diarreica aguda por norovírus em crianças menores de 5 anos do município de São Paulo, Brasil. Métodos: estudo transversal com dados provenientes da Vigilância Epidemiológica das Gastroenterites Causadas por Rotavírus; foi definido como caso o paciente internado em unidade sentinela por doença diarreica aguda e identificação laboratorial do norovírus como agente etiológico, entre os anos de 2010 e 2016. Resultados: durante o período estudado, a proporção de casos de norovírus em menores de 5 anos de idade ultrapassou a proporção de casos de rotavírus, agente considerado predominante na infância; o norovírus foi associado a 28,4% do total de casos notificados, ocorrendo o ano todo, principalmente nos meses mais quentes. Conclusão: norovírus foi o principal agente etiológico identificado em crianças menores de 5 anos com doença diarreica aguda no município de São Paulo.

Objetivo: describir casos de enfermedad diarreica aguda por Norovirus en niños menores de 5 años provenientes del Municipio de São Paulo, Brasil. Métodos: Estudio transversal con datos de la Vigilancia Epidemiológica de las Gastroenteritis causadas por Rotavirus. Se definió como caso el paciente internado en unidad centinela por enfermedad diarreica aguda e identificación de laboratorio del Norovirus como agente etiológico entre los años de 2010 y 2016. Resultados: Durante el período estudiado, la proporción de casos de Norovirus en menores de 5 años superó la proporción de casos de Rotavirus, agente considerado predominante en la infancia. El Norovirus fue asociado al 28,4% del total de los casos notificados, ocurriendo todo el año, principalmente en los meses más cálidos. Conclusión: el Norovirus fue el principal agente etiológico identificado en niños menores de 5 años con enfermedad diarreica aguda en el Municipio de São Paulo.

Objective: to describe cases of acute diarrheal disease caused by norovirus in children under 5 years old in São Paulo city, Brazil. Methods: this was a cross-sectional study using data from Epidemiological Surveillance of Gastroenteritis due to Rotavirus; cases were defined as patients hospitalized in a sentinel unit because of acute diarrheal disease and laboratory identification of norovirus as the etiological agent between 2010 and 2016. Results: during the study period, the proportion of norovirus cases in children under 5 years old exceeded the proportion of Rotavirus, an agent considered predominant in childhood; norovirus was associated with 28.4% of total reported cases, occurring all year round, especially in warmer months. Conclusion: norovirus was the leading etiological agent identified in children under 5 years old with acute diarrheal disease in São Paulo city.

Norovírus: principal causa de gastroenterite epidêmica no município de São Paulo / Norovirus leading cause of epidemic gastroenteritis in São Paulo city

Introdução: Norovírus é o principal agente viral de infecções gastrointestinais no mundo e sua alta infectividade gera aumento importante da demanda e dos custos para a saúde pública. Surtos ocorrem em ambientes fechados ou com aglomeração de pessoas. No município de São Paulo, o Norovírus tem se destacado como principal agente etiológico das gastroenterites. Objetivo: Descrever as noroviroses como causa de gastroenterite epidêmica no Município de São Paulo no período de 2010 a 2016. Métodos: Estudo transversal descritivo com dados dos sistemas de Vigilância Epidemiológica de surtos de gastroenterite e da Vigilância Sentinela Laboratorial do Rotavírus do Município de São Paulo entre os anos de 2010 a 2016. A definição de caso foi a identificação laboratorial do Norovírus como agente etiológico de surto de doença diarreica em todas as faixas etárias ou de casos esporádicos em menores de cinco anos internados em unidades sentinelas da Vigilância do Rotavírus. Os dados foram descritos segundo tempo, lugar e pessoa, por meio do Epi InfoTM versão 3.5.4 e ArcGIS versão 10.1. Resultados: O Norovírus foi associado a 20,4 por cento (68/334) dos surtos com pesquisa de agente realizada. Ocorrendo com maior frequência na região Norte, seguida das regiões Sul e Sudeste do Município de SP; principalmente em creches, domicílios e hospitais. Houve um predomínio de casos em crianças menores de 5 anos (47,2 por cento do sexo masculino; 28,6 por cento do sexo feminino) e em mulheres entre 20 a 49 anos (38,9 por cento). Na Vigilância Sentinela Laboratorial do Rotavírus do município de São Paulo, o Norovírus foi associado a 28,4 por cento (444/1565) dos casos menores de 5 anos. Os casos foram provenientes principalmente das regiões Norte e Sul, onde estão localizadas as duas unidades sentinelas. Verificou-se pico de ocorrência do Norovírus nos meses mais quentes. Destaca-se que o perfil das gastroenterites descrito foi fortemente influenciado pelas características da Vigilância Epidemiológica das Doenças de Transmissão Alimentar do Município de São Paulo. Conclusão: O Norovírus foi o principal agente etiológico de surtos de gastroenterite e de casos menores de 5 anos internados por diarreia aguda no Município de São Paulo. A vigilância das gastroenterites por Norovírus é importante para o estabelecimento de uma rede integrada entre diferentes estados e países que possibilitem o conhecimento da doença, planejamento de medidas de prevenção e controle e comunicação da informação

Introduction: Norovirus is the major viral agent of gastroenteritis in the world and its high infectivity causes an important increase in demand and costs for public health. Outbreaks occur in closed environments or crowded settings. In the city of São Paulo, Norovirus has been highlighted as the main etiological agent of gastroenteritis. Objective: To describe the noroviruses as the cause of epidemic gastroenteritis in the city of São Paulo from 2010 to 2016. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study with data from the Epidemiological Surveillance systems of gastroenteritis outbreaks and Laboratory Sentinel Surveillance of Rotavirus of the city of São Paulo from 2010 and 2016. The case definition was the laboratory identification of Norovirus as the etiological agent of diarrheal disease outbreak in all age groups or sporadic cases in children under five years of age hospitalized in sentinel units of Rotavirus Surveillance. The data were described by time, place and person, using Epi InfoTM version 3.5.4 and ArcGIS version 10.1. Results: Norovirus was associated to 20.4 per cent (68/334) of outbreaks with agent identification performed. Occurred more frequently in the North region, followed by the South and Southeast regions of the city of São Paulo, especially in nurseries, residences and hospitals. A predominance of cases in children aged

Doença Celíaca no município de São Paulo: a disponibilidade de um mercado específico / Celiac Disease in São Paulo: the availability of a specific market

Celiac Disease is a genetic enteropathy characterized by permanent intolerance to gluten. Specific and restrictive, gluten-free diet may present a growing demand for products such as breads, pasta, sausages and beverages with special formulations. Whereas no similar studies were found in the literature, the aims of this investigation were to identify the repertoire of gluten-free products available in the market of São Paulo and to estimate the cost difference between a diet consisting of conven¬tional products and other with gluten-free products. Characterized as an exploratory qualitative and quantitative study, it was based on market research. Visits were made to specialty stores in areas of higher population density and/or that concentrate the largest number of establishments in São Paulo. Interviews were carried out with members of associations, universities, hospitals or research and treatment centers of celiac disease. The interview was semi-structured with open questions approaching aspects of the market of gluten-free products and celiac disease. Data analysis was obtained by calculating the percentage difference between the products found and formulated diets. The gluten-free diet represents a significant impact on the cost of food, especially when it contains products such as pasta and flour. In São Paulo, a diet with gluten-free products can be approximately 44% more expensive than a diet with conventional products.

La enfermedad celíaca es una enteropatía de origen genético caracterizada por la intolerancia permanente al gluten. Específica y restrictiva, la dieta del enfermo celíaco puede presentar una demanda creciente de productos tales como panes, pastas, embutidos y bebidas alcohólicas con formulaciones especiales. Considerando que no se encontraron estudios similares en la literatura, los objetivos de esta investigación fueron: identificar el repertorio de productos sin gluten disponibles en el mercado paulistano y estimar la diferencia de coste entre una dieta constituida de productos convencionales y otra sin gluten. Caracterizándose como un estudio exploratorio de tipo cualitativo y cuantitativo, se fundamentó en un estudio de mercado. Se realizaron visitas a las tiendas especializadas en las regiones de mayor densidad poblacional y/o que concentran el mayor número de establecimientos en el municipio de São Paulo, y se entrevistó a los responsables de asociaciones, Universidades, Hospitales o Centros de investigación y tratamiento de enfermos Celíacos. Al responsable se le realizó una entrevista semi-estructurada con preguntas abiertas, donde se abordaban aspectos del mercado de productos sin gluten y de la enfermedad celíaca. El análisis de los datos se obtuvo mediante el cálculo de la diferencia porcentual entre los productos encontrados y las dietas preparadas. La dieta sin gluten representa un impacto significativo en el coste alimenticio, especialmente cuando contiene productos como pasta y harina. En la ciudad de São Paulo, una dieta con productos sin gluten puede ser aproximadamente 44% más cara que una dieta con productos convencionales.

Doença Celíaca é uma enteropatia de origem genética, caracterizada pela intolerância permanente ao glúten. Específica e restritiva, a dieta do Celíaco pode apresentar uma demanda crescente de produtos, como pães, massas, embutidos e bebidas alcoólicas com formulações especiais. Considerando-se que não foram encontrados estudos semelhantes na literatura, os objetivos desta investigação foram identificar o repertório de produtos livres de glúten disponíveis no mercado paulistano e estimar a diferença de custo entre uma dieta constituída de produtos convencionais e outra isenta de glúten. Caracterizando-se como um estudo qualitativo e quantitativo exploratório, fundamentou-se em uma pesquisa de mercado. Foram realizadas visitas a lojas especializadas nas regiões de maior densidade demográfica e/ou que concentram maior número de estabelecimentos no município de São Paulo, e entrevistas com os responsáveis por associações, Universidades, Hospitais ou Centros de Investigação e Tratamento de Celíacos. Com o responsável, foi realizada uma entrevista semiestruturada com perguntas abertas, abordando aspectos sobre o mercado de produtos sem glúten e a Doença Celíaca. A análise dos dados foi obtida a partir do cálculo da diferença percentual entre os produtos encontrados e as dietas elaboradas. A dieta isenta de glúten representa um impacto significativo no custo com alimentação, especial¬mente quando contém produtos como macarrão e farinhas. Na cidade de São Paulo, uma dieta com produtos livres de glúten pode ser aproximadamente 44% mais cara do que uma dieta com produtos convencionais.