Buruli ulcer, tuberculosis and leprosy: Exploring the One Health dimensions of three most prevalent mycobacterial diseases: A narrative review.

ΟBJECTIVES: Although Buruli ulcer, tuberculosis, and leprosy are the three most common mycobacterial diseases, One Health dimensions of these infections remain poorly understood. This narrative review aims at exploring the scientific literature with respect to the presence of animal reservoir(s) and other environmental sources for the pathogens of these infections, their role in transmission to humans and the research on/practical implementation of One Health relevant control efforts. METHODS: The literature review was conducted using the online databases PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest and Google Scholar, reviewing articles that were written in English in the last 15 years. Grey literature, published by intergovernmental agencies, was also reviewed. RESULTS: For the pathogen of Buruli ulcer, evidence suggests possums as a possible animal reservoir and thus having an active role in disease transmission to humans. Cattle and some wildlife species are deemed as established animal reservoirs for tuberculosis pathogens, with a non-negligible proportion of infections in humans being of zoonotic origin. Armadillos constitute an established animal reservoir for leprosy pathogens with the transmission of the disease from armadillos to humans being deemed possible. Lentic environments, soil and other aquatic sources may represent further abiotic reservoirs for viable Buruli ulcer and leprosy pathogens infecting humans. Ongoing investigation and implementation of public health measures, targeting (sapro)zoonotic transmission can be found in all three diseases. CONCLUSION: Buruli ulcer, tuberculosis and leprosy exhibit important yet still poorly understood One Health aspects. Despite the microbiological affinity of the respective causative mycobacteria, considerable differences in their animal reservoirs, potential environmental sources and modes of zoonotic transmission are being observed. Whether these differences reflect actual variations between these diseases or rather knowledge gaps remains unclear. For improved disease control, further investigation of zoonotic aspects of all three diseases and formulation of One Health relevant interventions is urgently needed.

Perfil de conhecimento sobre hanseníase entre pacientes de um hospital universitário: um estudo transversal / Profile of Leprosy knowledge among patients at a university hospital: a cross-sectional study / Perfil de conocimientos sobre la lepra entre los pacientes de un hospital universitario: estudio transversal

Introdução: a hanseníase é uma doença causada pelo bacilo Mycobacterium leprae, que afeta a pele e o sistema nervoso periférico, apresentando alta endemicidade no Brasil. As representações sociais negativas sobre ela resultam da construção histórica baseada em crenças e medos. Uma das estratégias preconizadas pelo Ministério da Saúde para reduzir a carga de hanseníase é a educação em saúde, já que um dos obstáculos para a diminuição da incidência da doença é a falta de informação. Objetivo: este estudo tem como objetivo identificar o conhecimento dos pacientes de um ambulatório de dermatologia acerca da hanseníase. Metodologia: trata-se de um estudo observacional e transversal, que se desenvolveu por meio de um questionário com nove questões sobre hanseníase, elaborado pelos autores e aplicados em pacientes do ambulatório de dermatologia de um hospital público em Pernambuco. Resultados: quinhentas pessoas responderam ao questionário, sendo a maioria mulheres e pessoas com mais de 60 anos. Cerca de 92% já haviam ouvido falar sobre lepra/hanseníase, mas menos da metade sabia que se tratava da mesma doença. Além disso, apenas 50,4% tinham alguma informação sobre a doença, sendo a identificação da lesão cutânea a mais conhecida, enquanto a transmissão e o tratamento eram menos conhecidos. Conclusão: percebe-se, portanto, que medidas de educação em saúde visando melhorar o conhecimento acerca da transmissão e do tratamento são de grande importância, principalmente por parte de profissionais de saúde, educação e mídia. Além disso, mais estudos que evidenciem o conhecimento da população sobre a doença precisam ser realizados para que a falta de informação possa ser suprida pelos profissionais e, assim, o combate à hanseníase e ao preconceito associado a ela seja realizado de modo mais efetivo. (AU)

Introduction: Hansen's disease is caused by the bacillus Mycobacterium leprae, which affects the skin and peripheral nervous system. It is highly endemic in Brazil. Negative social representations about leprosy are the result of historical beliefs and fears. Health education is a recommended strategy by Brazil's Ministry of Health to reduce the burden of leprosy. Lack of health information is one of the obstacles to reducing the incidence of the disease. Objective: this study aims to identify the level of knowledge that the patients at a dermatology outpatient clinic have about leprosy. Methods: this is a cross-sectional observational study, that utilized a nine-question leprosy questionnaire and was administered to patients at a public hospital dermatology outpatient clinic in Pernambuco. Results: five hundred people answered the questionnaire. The majority of respondents were women over the age of 60. Approximately 92% of respondents were aware of leprosy/Hansen's disease, but less than half correctly identified it as the same disease. Furthermore, only 50.4% of respondents had any knowledge about the disease. The identification of skin lesions was the most well-known symptom, while transmission and treatment were less familiar. Conclusion: therefore, it is evident that health education measures aimed at improving knowledge about the transmission and treatment of leprosy are crucial, particularly among health, educators, and media professionals. Additionally, conducting more studies to assess the population's knowledge of the disease is necessary to address the lack of information and enable professionals to combat leprosy and prejudices more effectively. (AU)

Boletim Epidemiológico: análise descritiva da taxa de prevalência da hanseníase em dois cenários territoriais no Estado de Goiás / Epidemiological Bulletin: descriptive analysis of the prevalence rate of leprosy in two territorial scenarios in the State of Goiás

A hanseníase é uma doença infecto contagiosa causada pelo Mycobacterium leprae (bacilo de Hansen), manifestada por lesões na pele e comprometimento dos nervos periféricos, tendo as vias aéreas superiores como a principal via de eliminação do bacilo e a mais provável porta de entrada

Leprosy is a contagious infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae (Hansen's bacillus), manifested by skin lesions and impairment of peripheral nerves, with the upper airways as the main route of elimination of the bacillus and the most likely gateway

Hanseníase em gêmeos de 3 anos em Mato Grosso, Brasil: a importância da baciloscopia no diagnóstico / Leprosy in 3-year-old twin children in Mato Grosso, Brazil: the importance of bacilloscopy in the diagnosis

Introdução: o diagnóstico clínico da hanseníase em crianças é particularmente difícil. Relato de Caso: crianças gêmeas bivitelinas, com três anos de idade, eram contactantes de pai com hanseníase Virchowiana. Os dois pacientes têm lesões cutâneas bem definidas e irregulares, anteriormente tratadas como micoses e uma cicatriz de BCG. Foram confirmados positivos para Mycobacterium por análise histopatológica da pele. Discussão: especialmente, com menos de cinco anos, os diagnósticos de hanseníase são raros e difíceis porque simulam outras doenças. Esses diagnósticos são alarmes epidemiológicos para áreas endêmicas e mostram a importância dos sintomas em crianças e o rastreamento nos contactantes dos pacientes.

Introduction: the clinical diagnosis of leprosy in children is particularly difficult. Case Report: fraternal twins, three years old, were in contact with a father with Virchowian leprosy. Both patients have well-defined and irregular skin lesions previously treated as mycoses and a BCG scar. They were confirmed positive for Mycobacterium by histopathological analysis of the skin. Discussion:especially, with less than five years, leprosy diagnoses are rare and difficult because they simulate other diseases. These diagnoses are epidemiological alarms for endemic areas and show the importance of symptoms in children and tracking of patients' contacts.

Afectación familiar de la enfermedad de Hansen en Costa Rica / Impact of Hansen's disease on relatives of patients in Costa Rica

Resumen Objetivo: El contagio familiar de la enfermedad de Hansen es un hecho bien establecido; aunque la transmisibilidad es baja, los contactos intradomiciliarios de personas enfermas sin tratamiento son un grupo con alto riesgo. El objetivo del estudio fue identificar las características sociodemográficas, culturales y clínicas comunes en grupos familiares, con antecedente de enfermedad de Hansen, como insumo para mejorar el tratamiento de la lepra. Metodología: Se realizó un estudio cualitativo, empleando la técnica de entrevista en profundidad semiestructurada, basándose en una guía de entrevista elaborada, y tomando como referencia factores sociodemográficos, sociales y culturales relacionados con el diagnóstico y tratamiento. Se seleccionaron 25 personas adultas entre 23 y 88 años de edad, de ambos sexos atendidos por el sistema de salud público costarricense. Se utilizaron genogramas para identificar miembros de la familia con antecedentes de la enfermedad. Resultados: El estudio mostró que 12 participantes provenían de 3 grupos familiares; dos grupos con tres generaciones afectadas. Los participantes fueron diagnosticados en edades económicamente activas de vida. Además, realizan ocupaciones manuales, con niveles educativos bajos y de religión cristiana. Al momento de la entrevista conocían el antecedente familiar. La forma de presentación clínica en los tres grupos familiares fue Lepra lepromatosa. Se identificó un caso de lepra conyugal y una participante de 15 años de edad al diagnóstico. Conclusiones: El estudio identificó características sociodemográficas, culturales y clínicas comunes de grupos familiares, que evidenciaron la necesidad de fortalecer la vigilancia de contactos en familias con nuevos casos.

Abstract Aim: Leprosy transmission within family groups is a well-established fact. Although transmissibility is low, household contacts are high-risk population. The aim of the study was to identify common sociodemographic, cultural and clinical characteristics in family groups with history of Hansen's disease as an input to improve treatment. Methodology: A qualitative study was carried out, using in-depth semi-structured interview technique based on leprosy diagnosis and treatment in sociodemographic, social and cultural context. A total of 25 adults between 23 and 88 years of age included both sexes attended by Costa Rican public health care system were selected. Genograms were used to identify family history of disease. Results: The study shows that 12 participants came from 3 family groups; two of them with third affected generation. The participants were diagnosed in economically active periods of life, work in manual occupations, with low level of education and Christians. At the time of the interview, participants knew the family history. The clinical presentation form was lepromatouse leprosy. A conjugal leprosy and a 15-year-old participant at diagnosis were identified. Conclusions: The study identified common sociodemographic, cultural and clinical characteristics of family groups that demonstrate the need to strengthen contact surveillance efforts in families with new cases.

Association of MICA and HLA­B alleles with leprosy in two endemic populations in Brazil

Leprosy is a prevalent disease in Brazil, which ranks as the country with the second highest number of cases in the world. The disease manifests in a spectrum of forms, and genetic differences in the host can help to elucidate the immunopathogenesis. For a better understanding of MICA association with leprosy, we performed a case­control and a family­based study in two endemic populations in Brazil. MICA and HLA­B alleles were evaluated in 409 leprosy patients and in 419 healthy contacts by PCR­SSOP­Luminex­based technology. In the familial study, analysis of 46 families was completed by direct sequencing of all exons and 3'/5'untranslated regions, using the Ilumina MiSeq platform. All data were collected between 2006 and 2009. Statistical analysis was performed using the Chi­square or Fisher's exact test together with a multivariate analysis. Family­based association was assessed by transmission disequilibrium test (TDT) software FBAT 2.0.4. We found associations between the haplotype MICA*002­HLA­B*35 with leprosy in both the per se and the multibacillary (MB) forms when compared to healthy contacts. The MICA allele *008 was associated with the clinical forms of paucibacillary (PB). Additionally, MICA*029 was associated with the clinical forms of MB. The association of MICA*029 allele (MICA­A4 variant) with the susceptibility to the MB form suggests this variant for the transmembrane domain of the MICA molecule may be a risk factor for leprosy. Two MICA and nine HLA­B variants were found associated with leprosy per se in the Colônia do Prata population. Linkage disequilibrium analysis revealed perfect linkage disequilibrium (LD) between HLA­B markers rs2596498 and rs2507992, and high LD (R2 = .92) between these and the marker rs2442718. This familial study demonstrates that MICA association signals are not independent from those observed for HLA­B. Our findings contribute the knowledge pool of the immunogenetics of Hansen's disease and reveals a new association of the MICA*029 allele(AU).

Estratégia estadual para enfrentamento da hanseníase: Goiás 2019 a 2023 / State Strategy to Combat Leprosy Goiás 2019 to 2023

A hanseníase é uma doença infecciosa, crônica, transmissível, de notificação compulsória e investigação obrigatória em todo o território nacional. Possui como agente etiológico o Mycobacterium leprae, uma bactéria que atinge principalmente a pele e os nervos periféricos, com capacidade de infectar grande número de indivíduos (alta infectividade), embora poucos adoeçam ­ baixa patogenicidade (BRASIL, 2019a, p. 9)

Leprosy is an infectious, chronic, communicable disease, of compulsory notification and mandatory investigation throughout the national territory. It has like etiological agent Mycobacterium leprae, a bacterium that mainly affects the skin and peripheral nerves, with the ability to infect a large number of individuals (high infectivity), although few get sick ­ low pathogenicity (BRASIL, 2019a, p. 9)

Predição do risco de adoecimento por hanseníase em contatos de casos da doença de uma região endêmica brasileira / Risk prediction of illness due to leprosy in contacts of cases in an endemic Brazilian region

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar os determinantes da infecção pelo Mycobacterium leprae e do adoecimento por hanseníase em contatos de casos da doença, residentes na Microrregião de Almenara, Minas Gerais, Brasil, a fim de compor um modelo de predição da hanseníase em contatos inseridos em regiões endêmicas. Trata-se de uma coorte retrospectiva de contatos domiciliares de casos de hanseníasecom período de acompanhamento de 1999 a 2018. Foi realizada coleta de dados com entrevista, aplicação de questionário semiestruturado, contendo informações sociodemográficas e de saúde, coleta de amostras biológicas e exame dermatoneurológico. As amostras biológicas subsidiaram a avaliação de polimorfismos genéticos e reatividade aos testes sorológicos. A escolha das variáveis explicativas incluídas nas análises se fundamentou no modelo teórico dos determinantes da hanseníase em contatos, elaborado a partir da realização de revisão sistemática. A análise de associação utilizou modelo de regressão logística por meio do método de estimação Generalized Estimating Equations. A construção do modelo de predição envolveu análise exploratória dos dados e aplicação de algoritmos de aprendizagem de máquina. Os determinantes da infecção pelo M. leprae foram: a cor de pele negra e parda, a presença de genótipos contendo o polimorfismo rs8057341 no gene NOD2 (Nucleotide-binding Oligomerization Domain Containing 2) e o convívio com caso apresentando incapacidades físicas no diagnóstico. Os determinantes do adoecimento por hanseníase foram: consanguinidade com o caso índice e a continuidade do convívio em intradomicílio ou peridomicílio após o diagnóstico do caso. A idade, o contato domiciliar e peridomiciliar, o convívio com mais de um caso e a presença de incapacidades físicas no diagnóstico foram determinantes para o risco à infecção e ao adoecimento em contatos. O genótipo heterozigoto contendo o polimorfismo rs2430561 no gene IFNG (Interferon-gama) foi fator protetor para a infecção e adoecimento em contatos. Os algoritmos de aprendizagem supervisionada Naive Bayes com discretização das variáveis numéricas, J48 e Random Forest tiveram os melhores desempenhos nos conjuntos de dados avaliados. Os determinantes do processo de infecção e adoecimento por hanseníase foram capazes de compor modelos de predição com a acurácia e sensibilidade superiores a 90% e indicam que a vigilância de contatos pode ser aprimorada pela utilização destas tecnologias nos serviços de Atenção Primária à Saúde, principalmente, em áreas de alta endemicidade.

This study aimed to investigate the determinants of Mycobacterium leprae infection and illness due to leprosy in contacts of cases of the disease in the Microregion of Almenara, Minas Gerais, Brazil, to support the construction of a leprosy prediction model in contacts of patients from endemic regions. We conducted a retrospective cohort of household contacts of leprosy patients with a follow-up period from 1999 to 2018. The researchers performed interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire containing sociodemographic and health questions, biological samples collection, and dermatological examination. Biological samples supported the evaluation of genetic polymorphisms and reactivity to serological tests. The choice of the explanatory variables included in the analysis was based on the theoretical model of the determinants of leprosy in contacts, developed from a systematic review. The association analysis used a logistic regression model using the Generalized Estimating Equations estimation method. The construction of the prediction model involved exploratory data analysis and applied machine learning algorithms. The determinants of M. leprae infection were: black and mixed skin color, homozygous and heterozygous genotypes containing the rs8057341 polymorphism in the NOD2 gene (Nucleotide-binding Oligomerization Domain Containing 2), and living with a leprosy patient with disabilities at diagnosis. The determinants of illness due to leprosy in contacts were: consanguinity with the index case and living in the same household or yard after the diagnosis of the leprosy patient. Age, living in the same household or lot, with more than one leprosy patient that presented disabilities at the diagnosis were determinants for the risk of infection and illness in contacts. The heterozygous genotype that carried the rs2430561 polymorphism in the IFNG gene (Interferon-gamma) was a protective factor for M. leprae infection and leprosy in contacts of patients. The supervised learning algorithms Naive Bayes with the discretization of numerical variables, J48 and Random Forest had the best performances in the evaluated datasets. The determinants of the process of infection and illness due to leprosy were able to compose prediction models with accuracy and sensitivity higher than 90%. These results indicate that using these technologies in Primary Health Care services can improve contact surveillance, especially in highly endemic areas.

Lepra en la isla colombiana de Providencia / Leprosy in the Colombian island of Providencia

San Andrés y Providencia son islas colombianas en el mar de las Antillas. San Andrés tiene 68.283 habitantes y allí se han registrado casos de lepra en inmigrantes provenientes del interior colombiano. Providencia tiene 5.037 habitantes e, históricamente, los programas de salud no tenían registros de la enfermedad; no obstante, en el 2009 se confirmaron dos casos de lepra multibacilar histioide y, posteriormente, otros dos, lo cual representa una prevalencia de 8 casos por 10.000 habitantes y la convierte en un sitio hiperendémico para lepra. Inicialmente, se diagnosticó lepra histioide en una niña de 14 años y, durante su estudio, se encontró la misma forma clínica de la enfermedad en su padre. Recientemente, se detectó lepra multibacilar en otro miembro de la misma familia y, lepra indeterminada, en una niña de otro núcleo familiar. El objetivo de este trabajo fue presentar estos casos clínicos ante la comunidad científica y los entes de salud pública, y llamar la atención de las autoridades de salud sobre la necesidad de establecer programas de vigilancia epidemiológica continua en la isla, incorporando las nuevas herramientas disponibles en el Programa de Control de la Lepra.

San Andrés and Providencia are Colombian islands in the Caribbean Sea. San Andrés has 68,283 inhabitants and has registered cases of leprosy in immigrants from continental Colombia. Providencia has 5,037 inhabitants and historically health programs did not have records of the disease, but in 2009 two cases of multibacillary histoid leprosy were confirmed and, subsequently, another two, which represents a prevalence of 8 cases per 10,000 inhabitants and places the island as a hyperendemic site for leprosy. Initially, a 14-year-old girl with histoid leprosy was diagnosed and, exploring this case, her father was diagnosed with the same clinical form of leprosy. Recently, a new intrafamilial patient with multibacillary leprosy and an extrafamilial case of a girl with undetermined leprosy were detected. The objective of this study was to present to the scientific community and the public health officers these clinical cases and to draw the attention of the sanitary authorities on the necessity of establishing continuous programs of leprosy epidemiological surveillance on the island using the new tools available in the Programa de Control de la Lepra (Leprosy Control Program).

Emergence and transmission of drug-/multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium leprae in a former leprosy colony in the Brazilian Amazon

BACKGROUND: Leprosy has been treated with multidrug therapy (MDT) distributed for free across the globe and regarded as highly efficient. However, the impossibility to grow M. leprae in axenic media has historically impaired assessment of M. leprae resistance, a parameter only recently detectable through molecular methods. METHODS: A systematic, population-based search for M. leprae resistance in suspected leprosy relapse cases and contacts was performed in Prata Village, an isolated, hyper-endemic former leprosy colony located in the Brazilian Amazon. Results led to an extended active search involving the entire Prata population. Confirmed leprosy cases were investigated for bacterial resistance using a combination of in vivo testing and direct sequencing of resistance genes folP1, rpoB and gyrA. Molecular epidemiology analysis was performed using data from 17 variable number tandem repeats (VNTR). RESULTS: M. leprae was obtained from biopsies of 37 leprosy cases (18 relapses and 19 new); 16 (43.24%) displayed drug-resistance variants. Multi-drug resistance to rifampicin and dapsone was observed in 8 relapses and 4 new cases. Single resistance to rifampicin was detected in one new case. Resistance to dapsone was present in two relapses and one new case. Combined molecular resistance and VNTR data revealed evidence of intra-familial primary transmission of resistant M. leprae. CONCLUSIONS: A comprehensive, population-based systematic approach to investigate M. leprae resistance in a unique population revealed an alarming scenario of emergence and transmission of resistant strains. These findings may be used for the development of new strategies for surveillance of drug resistance in other populations.

Fatores associados à hanseníase em crianças contatos de adultos notificados em uma região endêmica do Centro-Oeste do Brasil / Factors associated with leprosy in children contacts of notified adults in an endemic region of Midwest Brazil

Objetivos: Analisar os fatores associados à hanseníase em crianças contatos intradomiciliares de adultos notificados com a doença em município endêmico, Mato Grosso, Brasil. Método: Estudo caso-controle com 204 menores de 15 anos residentes em um município endêmico. Consideraram-se casos (n = 40) crianças registradas com hanseníase no Sistema Nacional de Agravos de Notificação em 2014 e 2015 e que eram contatos intradomiciliares de pelo menos um adulto diagnosticado com a doença na família e como grupo controle (n = 164) crianças residentes a um raio de 100 metros dos casos notificados. Os dados foram obtidos por meio de análise de prontuários, entrevistas e coleta de amostras de sangue para investigação sorológica do anti-PGL-I pelo método Elisa. Usou-se a técnica de regressão logística binária e p ≤ 0,05. Resultados: Mostraram-se associados à hanseníase após ajustes: idade (IC 95%: 1,24-9,39; p = 0,018), zona de residência (IC 95%: 1,11-6,09; p = 0,027), destino de lixo (IC 95%: 1,91-27,98; p = 0,004), história da doença na família (IC 95%: 3,41-22,50; p = 0,000) e tempo de moradia (IC 95%: 1,45-7,78; p = 0,005). Conclusão: Os fatores associados à doença indicam maior vulnerabilidade em menores de 8 a 14 anos, ligadas as condições e ao tempo de moradia, bem como a história da doença na família(AU).

Objectives:To analyze the factors associated with leprosy in children who were intradomiciliary contacts of notified adults with the disease in an endemic municipality in Mato Grosso, Brazil. Method: Case-control study with 204 children under 15 years of age, living in an endemic municipality. Cases (n = 40) were considered as the children with leprosy registered at the National Information System of Notifiable Diseases in 2014 and 2015, who were intradomiciliary contacts of at least one adult diagnosed with the disease in the family, and as a control group (n = 164) of children living within a radius of up to 100 m of the notified cases. Data were obtained through medical file analysis, interviews, and blood samples for anti-PGL-I serological test by the ELISA method. The binary logistic regression technique was used, with p ≤ 0.05. Results: After adjustments, the following were associated with leprosy: age (95% CI: 1.24-9.39, p = 0.018), area of residence (95% CI: 1.11-6.09, p = 0.027), waste disposal (95% CI: 1.91-27.98, p = 0.004), family history of the disease (95% CI: 3.41-22.50, p = 0.000), and time of residence (95% CI: 1.45-7.78, p = 0.005). Conclusion: Factors associated with the disease indicate greater vulnerability of children aged 8-14 years, associated with living conditions and time of residence, as well as the family history of the disease(AU).

Hansenologia basica

Apresenta os principais aspectos da hanseníase, incluindo noções de história, epidemiologia, classificação, imunologia, diagnóstico, tratamento, transmissão e programas de controle da doença.

Eficacia de la rifampicina como proláctico en contactos de primer orden de lepra. Municipio Camagüey, Cuba / No disponible

Se realizó una investigación observacional descriptiva prospectiva con el objetivo de determinar la eficacia del uso de la rifampicina como tratamiento profiláctico en los contactos de primer orden de los casos de lepra en el municipio Camagüey, durante los años 2000 al 2010. Predomino el grupo de 40 a 49 años, sin diferencias significativas en cuanto al sexo. En más de la mitad de los contactos el per cápita familiar fue malo y tenían hacinamiento. La madre resultó ser la fuente de infección más probable, con más de 10 años de convivencia con los contactos en la mayoría de los casos. Un mínimo por ciento de los contactos desarrolló lepra, con serología UMELISA HANSEN reactiva y examen dermato-neurológico con lesiones sugestivas de la enfermedad y uno solo con baciloscopia positiva. Los enfermos presentaron lepra paucibacilar, dentro de esta, la indeterminada. Se concluyó que la quimioprofilaxis con rifampicina en dosis única no fue totalmente efectiva

A prospective, descriptive, observational investigation was carried out with the aim of determining the effectiveness of the use of the rifampicin as a preventive treatment in household contacts of leprosy in Camagüey city, from 2000 to 2010. The majority of the contacts were in the age group from 40 to 49 years, without significant gender differences. In more than half of the contacts, the family income rate was poor and they lived in harsh conditions. In the majority of cases, the mother turned out to be the source of infection. A very small percent of the contacts developed leprosy, with positive ELISA serology and dermal - neurological examination with suggestive lesions of the illness and only one case with positive skin smear. The affected individuals presented indeterminate leprosy a form of paucibacillary leprosy. The study concluded that Chemoprophylaxis with only one dose of rifampicin was not totally effective

Perfil epidemiológico dos contatos intradomiciliares de casos de hanseníase em capital hiperendêmica no Brasil / Epidemiological profile of in-house contacts of leprosy cases in a brazilian hypertendemic capital / Perfil pidemiológico de los contactos em casa de casos de leprosa em uma capital hipertendémica brasileña

Objetivo: Avaliar a situação dos contatos intradomiciliares dos casos de hanseníase notificados no ano de 2012 em São Luís/Maranhão. Métodos: Estudo quantitativo-descritivo-transversal, com coleta de dados utilizando-se instrumento estruturado. Resultados: A maioria dos contatos intradomiciliares eram mulheres (51,87%), idade entre 0 e 20 anos (40,29%), parentesco consanguíneo de 1º grau (54,92%), forma dimorfa (59,78%) e multibacilares (75,53%). Do total, 1880 (67,96%) não realizaram o exame dermatoneurológico. Entre os examinados, houve maior frequência no distrito Bequimão (28,48%), no qual 59,82% eram mulheres, idade entre 0 a 20 anos (44,77%). Ao exame, 91,27% apresentou-se normal. Dentre os suspeitos, 36,73% tinham hanseníase, 58,21% possuíam cicatriz da 1ª dose da BCG e 59,98% foram encaminhados a vacinação. A prevalência da doença entre os contatos foi de 1,62%. As ações da vigilância de contatos classificaram-se como precárias em São Luís. Conclusão: A maioria dos contatos registrados não foi examinada, evidenciando necessidade de fortificação das ações da vigilância no município

Objective: To evaluate the situation of in-house contacts of the cases of leprosy reported in 2012 in São Luis, Maranhão. Methods: Quantitative cross-sectional descriptive study, with data collection using a structured instrument. Results: The majority of in-house contacts were women (51.87%), from 0 to 20 years of age (40.29%), first-degree kinship (54.92%), dimorphic shape (59.78) and multibacillary (75.53%). In total, 1880 (67.96%) did not take the dermato-neurological exam. Among those tested, there was a greater frequency in the Bequimão district (2.48%), 59.82% were women, from 0 to 20 years of age (44.77%). On the exam, 91.27% were normal. Among those suspected of carrying the disease, 36.73% had leprosy, 58.21% had scars from the first dose of BCG and 59.98% were sent to receive vaccination. The prevalence of the disease among the contacts was 1.62%. The actions of contact monitoring were classified as precarious in São Luis. Conclusion: The majority of registered contacts were not examined, highlighting the need for strengthening of monitoring efforts in the city

Objetivo: Evaluar la situación de los contactos intradomiciliares de los casos de hanseniasis notificados en el año 2012 en São Luis - MA. Métodos: Estudio cuantitativo-descriptivo-transversal, con recolección de datos utilizando instrumento estructurado. Resultados: La mayoría de los contactos intradomiciliares eran mujeres (51,87%), edad entre 0 y 20 años (40,29%), parentesco consanguíneo de primer grado (54,92%), forma dimorfa (59,78%), multibacilares (75,53%). Del total, 1880 (67,96%) no realizaron el examen dermatoneurológico. Entre los examinados, hubo mayor frecuencia en el distrito de Bequimão (28,48%), el 59,82% eran mujeres, entre 0 a 20 años (44,77%). En el examen, el 91,27% se presentó normal. Entre los sospechosos, el 36,73% tenían hanseniasis, el 58,21% tenía cicatriz de la 1ª dosis de BCG y el 59,98% fueron encaminados a la vacunación. La prevalencia de la enfermedad entre los contactos fue del 1,62%. Las acciones de la vigilancia de contactos se clasificaron como precarias en San Luis. Conclusión: La mayoría de los contactos registrados no fueron examinados, evidenciando necesidad de fortificación de las acciones de la vigilancia en el municipio

Diagnóstico de lepra en niños mediante seguimiento serológico de anticuerpos contra el glicolípido fenólico I / Leprosy diagnosis in children by antibodies serologic follow up against the phenolic glycolipid I

Introducción: Los niños contactos de pacientes con lepra se consideran las personas con mayores posibilidades de desarrollar la enfermedad. Objetivo: Valorar la utilidad del seguimiento serológico de anticuerpos contra el glicolípido fenólico I para el diagnóstico de lepra en niños. Métodos: Investigación prospectiva. Se incluyeron todos los niños contactos de pacientes diagnosticados con lepra en las provincias de La Habana, Santiago de Cuba y Guantánamo entre enero 2013-junio 2015. Los menores se evaluaron clínicamente mediante examen dermatoneurológico y se determinó la presencia de anticuerpos contra el glicolípido fenólico I de Mycobacterium leprae para el estudio serológico. Los niños con serología positiva se siguieron, con estos dos métodos, cada seis meses durante dos años. La confirmación de un caso nuevo de lepra se realizó mediante baciloscopía y biología molecular. Resultados: Se estudiaron 151 niños, de ellos 44 (29,13 por ciento) resultaron positivos al glicolípido fenólico I. Se diagnosticaron durante el período 12 casos, de los cuales 11 tuvieron serología positiva. Presentaron sospecha clínica 10 niños de los estudiados, solo se confirmó un caso nuevo, el cual tuvo serología negativa. En ocho de los niños diagnosticados se detectó presencia de bacilos ácido alcohol resistente en la lámina de baciloscopía. En los restantes cuatro niños el diagnóstico se confirmó por la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa. Conclusiones: Los resultados de esta investigación denotan la utilidad del seguimiento serológico de anticuerpos contra el glicolípido fenólico I en el diagnóstico de lepra en niños, en apoyo a la vigilancia clínica(AU)

Introduction: Children having contact with leprosy patients are considered the contacts with greater possibilities of developing the disease. Objective: To assess the usefulness of antibodies´ serologic follow up against the phenolic glycolipid I (PGL-1) for the diagnosis of leprosy in children. Methods: Prospective study in which were included all children contacts of patients diagnosed with leprosy in Havana, Santiago de Cuba and Guantanamo provinces between January 2013 and June 2015. They were evaluated clinically by the dermato-neurological examination and the presence of antibodies against the PGL-1 of M. leprae was determined. Children with positive serology were followed up using these same two methods every six months for two years. The confirmation of a new case of leprosy was made by smear microscopy and molecular biology / PCR-Rlep. Results: A total of 151 children were studied. Of these, 44 children (29.13 percent) were positive for phenolic glycolipid I. A total of 12 children were diagnosed during this period, of which 11 had positive serology. Only 10 children of the studied ones presented clinical suspicion and of these only one new case was confirmed, which had negative serology. In eight of the diagnosed children, the presence of acid-fast bacilli was detected in the smear microscopy. In the remaining four children, the diagnosis was confirmed by the PCR result. Conclusion: The results of this investigation show the usefulness of the antibodies´ serologic follow up against the phenolic glycolipid I in the diagnosis of leprosy in children as a support to clinical surveillance(AU)

Diagnóstico de lepra en niños mediante seguimiento serológico de anticuerpos contra el glicolípido fenólico I / Leprosy diagnosis in children by antibodies serologic follow up against the phenolic glycolipid I

Introducción: Los niños contactos de pacientes con lepra se consideran las personas con mayores posibilidades de desarrollar la enfermedad. Objetivo: Valorar la utilidad del seguimiento serológico de anticuerpos contra el glicolípido fenólico I para el diagnóstico de lepra en niños. Métodos: Investigación prospectiva. Se incluyeron todos los niños contactos de pacientes diagnosticados con lepra en las provincias de La Habana, Santiago de Cuba y Guantánamo entre enero 2013-junio 2015. Los menores se evaluaron clínicamente mediante examen dermatoneurológico y se determinó la presencia de anticuerpos contra el glicolípido fenólico I de Mycobacterium leprae para el estudio serológico. Los niños con serología positiva se siguieron, con estos dos métodos, cada seis meses durante dos años. La confirmación de un caso nuevo de lepra se realizó mediante baciloscopía y biología molecular. Resultados: Se estudiaron 151 niños, de ellos 44 (29,13 por ciento) resultaron positivos al glicolípido fenólico I. Se diagnosticaron durante el período 12 casos, de los cuales 11 tuvieron serología positiva. Presentaron sospecha clínica 10 niños de los estudiados, solo se confirmó un caso nuevo, el cual tuvo serología negativa. En ocho de los niños diagnosticados se detectó presencia de bacilos ácido alcohol resistente en la lámina de baciloscopía. En los restantes cuatro niños el diagnóstico se confirmó por la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa. Conclusiones: Los resultados de esta investigación denotan la utilidad del seguimiento serológico de anticuerpos contra el glicolípido fenólico I en el diagnóstico de lepra en niños, en apoyo a la vigilancia clínica(AU)

Introduction: Children having contact with leprosy patients are considered the contacts with greater possibilities of developing the disease. Objective: To assess the usefulness of antibodies´ serologic follow up against the phenolic glycolipid I (PGL-1) for the diagnosis of leprosy in children. Methods: Prospective study in which were included all children contacts of patients diagnosed with leprosy in Havana, Santiago de Cuba and Guantanamo provinces between January 2013 and June 2015. They were evaluated clinically by the dermato-neurological examination and the presence of antibodies against the PGL-1 of M. leprae was determined. Children with positive serology were followed up using these same two methods every six months for two years. The confirmation of a new case of leprosy was made by smear microscopy and molecular biology / PCR-Rlep. Results: A total of 151 children were studied. Of these, 44 children (29.13 percent) were positive for phenolic glycolipid I. A total of 12 children were diagnosed during this period, of which 11 had positive serology. Only 10 children of the studied ones presented clinical suspicion and of these only one new case was confirmed, which had negative serology. In eight of the diagnosed children, the presence of acid-fast bacilli was detected in the smear microscopy. In the remaining four children, the diagnosis was confirmed by the PCR result. Conclusion: The results of this investigation show the usefulness of the antibodies´ serologic follow up against the phenolic glycolipid I in the diagnosis of leprosy in children as a support to clinical surveillance(AU)

Trend analysis of leprosy indicators in a hyperendemic Brazilian state, 2001-2015 / Análise da tendência dos indicadores da hanseníase em estado brasileiro hiperendêmico, 2001-2015

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To analyze the temporal trend of leprosy indicators in a hyperendemic state of Brazil, from 2001-2015. METHODS This is a time-series study of leprosy indicators in the state of Maranhão, Northeastern region of Brazil. The study used data from the Brazilian National System of Reportable Diseases, for the period between 2001 and 2015. The following indicators were evaluated: (i) detection coefficient in the general population; (ii) detection coefficient in people under 15 years old; (iii) rate of cases with grade 2 physical disability in the diagnosis; (iv) rate of examined contacts, and (v) proportion of healing . The Prais-Winsten regression model was used for trend analysis. Analyses were performed for the state and by each health region. RESULTS 77,697 leprosy cases were analyzed in the general population and 7,599 in individuals under 15 years old. The detection coefficient in the general population ranged from 80.7/100 thousand inhabitants in 2001 to 51.2/100 thousand inhabitants in 2015. The coefficient in the general population presented a downward trend (annual percentage variation [APV] = -2.98; 95%CI -4.15- -1.79). For the population under 15 years old, the rate was 24.9/100 thousand inhabitants in 2001, and 19.9/100 thousand inhabitants in 2015, with downward trend (APV = -3.07; 95%CI -4.95- -1.15). It was observed upward trend in rate of contacts examined (APV = 2.35; 95%CI 0.58-4.15) and rate of cases with grade 2 disability (APV = 2.19; 95%CI 0.23-4.19). Stationary trend was observed in the proportion of healing (APV = -0.10; 95%CI -0.50-0.30). Regional differences were found in the performance of the indicators. CONCLUSIONS A downward trend for the detection coefficients in the general population and in individuals under 15 years old was found in Maranhão. Despite this result, the rates are still very high, demanding efforts from all spheres of public administration and health professionals to reduce the burden of the disease in the state.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Analisar a tendência temporal dos indicadores da hanseníase em estado brasileiro hiperendêmico, no período de 2011 a 2015. MÉTODOS Trata-se de um estudo de série temporal dos indicadores de hanseníase no estado do Maranhão, região Nordeste, que utilizou dados do Sistema Nacional de Agravos de Notificação, no período de 2001 a 2015. Foram avaliados os seguintes indicadores: (i) coeficiente de detecção na população em geral; (ii) coeficiente de detecção em menores de 15 anos; (iii) proporção de casos com grau 2 de incapacidade física no diagnóstico; (iv) proporção de contatos examinados e (v) proporção de cura. Para análise da tendência foi utilizado o modelo de regressão de Prais Winsten . As análises foram realizadas para o Estado e por região de saúde. RESULTADOS Foram analisados 77.697 casos de hanseníase na população geral e 7.599 em menores de 15 anos. O coeficiente de detecção na população geral variou de 80,7/100 mil habitantes em 2001 para 51,2/100 mil habitantes em 2015. Verificou-se tendência decrescente do coeficiente na população geral (variação percentual anual [VPA] = -2,98; IC95% -4,15- -1,79). Na população menor de 15 anos, o coeficiente foi de 24,9/100 mil habitantes em 2001 para 19,9/100 mil habitantes em 2015, com tendência decrescente (VPA = -3,07; IC95% -4,95- -1,15). Observou-se tendência crescente na proporção de contatos examinados (VPA = 2,35; IC95%: 0,58-4,15) e na proporção de casos com grau 2 de incapacidade (VPA = 2,19; IC95% 0,23-4,19). Verificou-se tendência estacionária na proporção de cura de hanseníase (VPA = -0,10; IC95% -0,50-0,30). Observaram-se diferenças regionais no desempenho dos indicadores. CONCLUSÕES A tendência dos coeficientes de detecção na população geral e em menores de 15 anos mostrou-se decrescente no Maranhão. Apesar disso, as taxas ainda são muito elevadas, o que exige esforços de todas as esferas de gestão e profissionais da saúde para redução da carga da doença no estado.

Factors associated with leprosy in children contacts of notified adults in an endemic region of Midwest Brazil

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the factors associated with leprosy in children who were intradomiciliary contacts of notified adults with the disease in an endemic municipality in Mato Grosso, Brazil. METHOD: Case-control study with 204 children under 15 years of age, living in an endemic municipality. Cases (n=40) were considered as the children with leprosy registered at the National Information System of Notifiable Diseases in 2014 and 2015, who were intradomiciliary contacts of at least one adult diagnosed with the disease in the family, and as a control group (n=164) of children living within a radius of up to 100m of the notified cases. Data were obtained through medical file analysis, interviews, and blood samples for anti-PGL-I serological test by the ELISA method. The binary logistic regression technique was used, with p≤0.05. RESULTS: After adjustments, the following were associated with leprosy age (95% CI 1.24-9.39, p=0.018), area of residence (95% CI 1.11-6.09, p=0.027), waste disposal (95% CI 1.91-27.98, p=0.004), family history of the disease (95% CI 3.41-22.50, p=0.000), and time of residence (95% CI 1.45-7.78, p=0.005). CONCLUSION: Factors associated with the disease indicate greater vulnerability of children aged 8-14 years, associated with living conditions and time of residence, as well as the family history of the disease.

Persistência da hanseníase em redes de convívio domiciliar: sobreposição de casos e vulnerabilidade em regiões endêmicas no Brasil / Persistence of leprosy in household social networks: overlapping cases and vulnerability in endemic regions in Brazil / Persistencia de la hanseniasis en redes de convivencia domiciliaria: sobreposición de casos y vulnerabilidad en regiones endémicas en Brasil

O estudo tem como objetivo analisar a magnitude da ocorrência e os perfis sociodemográfico, econômico e clínico de casos de hanseníase vinculados à redes de convívio domiciliar (RCD) com sobreposição da doença em municípios dos estados da Bahia, do Piauí e de Rondônia, Brasil, no período de 2001 a 2014. Trata-se de estudo transversal, com dados primários e secundários de casos novos de hanseníase, notificados no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN) e residentes nos municípios. Foram realizadas a aplicação de instrumento padronizado aos casos novos e a revisão de dados em prontuários e na base do SINAN. De um total de 1.032 (29,6%) casos de hanseníase abordados, 538 (52,1%) tinham mais de um caso em sua RCD. Maior frequência de pessoas do sexo feminino (292; 54,3%), com idade entre 41 a 60 anos (240; 44,6%), ensino fundamental (272; 50,6%), renda menor que um salário mínimo (265; 49,3%) e residindo com cinco pessoas ou mais (265; 49,3%). A ocorrência de sobreposição de casos na RCD foi associada, na análise multivariada, a residir em municípios do Estado de Rondônia (RP = 1,23; IC95%: 1,07-1,43; p = 0,003), assim como morar com três a quatro pessoas no mesmo domicílio (RP = 1,66; IC95%: 1,11-2,49; p = 0,014) e ter reação hansênica (RP = 1,31; IC95%: 0,99-1,70; p = 0,050). A repetição de casos de hanseníase em uma mesma RCD representa um evento frequente nos cenários abordados. Sua ocorrência deve ser considerada como indicador sentinela de maior gravidade epidemiológica para a vigilância na rede de atenção básica à saúde. Ressalta-se o caráter de vulnerabilidade das famílias acometidas.

The study sought to analyze the magnitude of occurrence and the sociodemographic, economic and clinical profiles of leprosy associated with household social networks (HSN), with disease overlap in cities from the states of Bahia, Piauí and Rondônia, Brazil, from 2001 to 2014. This is a cross-sectional study using primary and secondary data regarding new cases of leprosy notified to the Brazilian Information System for Notifiable Diseases (SINAN, in Portuguese) residing in the cities. We applied a standardized instrument to the new cases and reviewed data from charts and from SINAN. Of a total of 1,032 (29.6%) assessed cases, 538 (52.1%) had more than one case in their HSN. There were larger frequencies of female sex (292; 54.3%), age between 41 and 60 years (240; 44.6%), primary education (272; 50.6%), income lower than the minimum wage (265; 49.3%) and living with 5 or more people (265; 49.3%). The overlap of cases in the HSN was associated in the multivariate analysis with residing in cities in the state of Rondônia (PR = 1.23; 95%CI: 1.07-1.43; p = 0.003), as well as living with 3 to 4 people in the same household (PR = 1.66; 95%CI: 1.11-2.49; p = 0.014) and having leprosy reaction (PR = 1.31; 95%CI: 0.99-1.70; p = 0.050). Case repetition within the same HSN is a frequent event in the situations we studied. Its occurrence must be considered as a sentinel indicator of greater epidemiological severity in primary health care surveillance. We highlight the vulnerability of affected families.

El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la magnitud de la ocurrencia y los perfiles sociodemográficos, económicos y clínicos de casos de lepra, vinculados a las redes de convivencia domiciliaria (RCD), con sobreposición de la enfermedad, en municipios de los estados de Bahía, Piauí y Rondônia, Brasil, durante el período de 2001 a 2014. Se trata de un estudio transversal, con datos primarios y secundarios de casos nuevos de lepra, notificados en el Sistema de Información de Enfermedades de Obligada Notificación (SINAN, por su sigla en portugués) y residentes en los municipios. Se procedió a la aplicación de un instrumento estandarizado a los casos nuevos y a la revisión de datos en prontuarios y base de datos del SINAN. De un total de 1.032 (29,6%) casos de lepra abordados, 538 (52,1%) tenían más de un caso en su RCD. Existía una mayor frecuencia de personas del sexo femenino (292; 54,3%), con edades comprendidas entre 41 y 60 años (240; 44,6%), enseñanza fundamental (272; 50,6%), renta menor a un salario mínimo (265; 49,3%) y residiendo con 5 personas o más (265; 49,3%). La ocurrencia de sobreposición de casos en la RCD se asoció en el análisis multivariado a residir en municipios del estado de Rondônia (RP = 1,23; IC95%: 1,07-1,43; p = 0,003), así como vivir con de 3 a 4 personas en el mismo domicilio (RP = 1,66; IC95%: 1,11-2,49; p = 0,014) y sufrir reacción leprótica (RP = 1,31; IC95%: 0,99-1,70; p = 0,050). La repetición de casos de lepra en una misma RCD representa un evento frecuente en los escenarios abordados. Su ocurrencia debe ser considerada como un indicador centinela de mayor gravedad epidemiológica para la vigilancia en la red de atención básica en la salud. Se resalta el carácter de vulnerabilidad de las familias participantes.