The cost of genetic diagnosis of suspected hereditary pediatric cataracts with whole-exome sequencing from a middle-income country perspective: a mixed costing analysis.

Up to 25% of pediatric cataract cases are inherited. There is sparse information in the literature regarding the cost of whole-exome sequencing (WES) for suspected hereditary pediatric cataracts. Molecular diagnosis of suspected hereditary pediatric cataracts is important for comprehensive genetic counseling. We performed a partial economic evaluation with a mixed costing analysis, using reimbursement data and microcosting approach with a bottom-up technique to estimate the cost of using WES for genetic diagnosis of suspected hereditary pediatric cataracts from the perspective of the Brazilian governmental health care system. One hundred and ten participants from twenty-nine families in Rio de Janeiro (RJ) were included. Costs of consumables, staff and equipment were calculated. Two scenarios were created: (1) The reference scenario included patients from RJ with suspected hereditary pediatric cataracts plus two family members. (2) The alternative scenario considered other genetic diseases, resulting in 5,280 exams per month. Sensitivity analysis was also performed. In the reference scenario, the total cost per exam was 700.09 United States dollars (USD), and in the alternative scenario, the total cost was 559.23 USD. The cost of WES alone was 527.85 USD in the reference scenario and 386.98 USD in the alternative scenario. Sensitivity analysis revealed that the largest costs were associated with consumables in both scenarios. Economic evaluations can help inform policy decisions, especially in middle-income countries such as Brazil.

Genotypic-Phenotypic Correlations of Hereditary Hyperferritinemia-Cataract Syndrome: Case Series of Three Brazilian Families.

Hereditary hyperferritinemia-cataract syndrome (HHCS) is a rare, frequently misdiagnosed, autosomal dominant disease caused by mutations in the FTL gene. It causes bilateral pediatric cataract and hyperferritinemia without iron overload. The objective of this case series, describing three Brazilian families, is to increase awareness of HHCS, as well as to discuss possible phenotypic interactions with concurrent mutations in HFE, the gene associated with autosomal recessive inheritance hereditary hemochromatosis. Whole-exome sequencing was performed in eight individuals with HHCS from three different families, as well as one unaffected member from each family for trio analysis-a total of eleven individuals. Ophthalmological and clinical genetic evaluations were conducted. The likely pathogenic variant c.-157G>A in FTL was found in all affected individuals. They presented slowly progressing bilateral cataract symptoms before the age of 14, with a phenotype of varied bilateral diffuse opacities. Hyperferritinemia was present in all affected members, varying from 971 ng/mL to 4899 ng/mL. There were two affected individuals with one concurrent pathogenic variant in HFE (c.187C>G, p.H63D), who were also the ones with the highest values of serum ferritin in our cohort. Few publications describe individuals with pathogenic mutations in both FTL and HFE genes, and further studies are needed to assess possible phenotypic interactions causing higher values of hyperferritinemia.

Time to Evaluate the Clinical Repercussions of Zika Virus Vertical Transmission? A Systematic Review.

Background: Vertical transmission of Zika Virus (ZIKV) can be associated with several clinical features in newborn infants. The goal of the present review was to analyze the current state of knowledge regarding clinical repercussions following perinatal exposure to ZIKV in children up to 3 years of age. Methods: A systematic review of published studies was carried out, without the restriction of language or date of publication, identified in the databases PubMed, Virtual Health Library (BVS), Scopus, and Web of Science and the catalog for CAPES theses and dissertations. According to the proposed flowchart, the bibliographic search resulted in 1,563 papers. Of these, according to the eligibility criteria, 70 were selected for systematic review; all were published between 2016 and 2021. Results: Regarding clinical findings, 19 papers evaluated clinical imaging alterations, 21 ophthalmic manifestations, and 39 evaluated the central nervous system; of these, 15 analyzed neuro-psychomotor development. The remainder evaluated audiological (n = 14), nutritional (n = 14), orthopedic (n = 7), cardiorespiratory (n = 5), genitourinary (n = 3) or endocrinological (n = 1) manifestations. Conclusion: It is critical for studies to continue monitoring children with antenatal ZIKV exposure as they grow, given the unknown long-term repercussions of ZIKV and the recognized postnatal complications of this infection during pregnancy. Broader descriptions of observed clinical findings are also important in order to characterize the entire spectrum of disease in children. Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO REGISTER: CRD42020205947.

Health service access for tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment among indigenous peoples in Rondônia state, Brazilian Amazon, 2009-2011: a cross-sectional study. / Acesso aos serviços de saúde para o diagnóstico e tratamento da tuberculose entre povos indígenas do estado de Rondônia, Amazônia Brasileira, entre 2009 e 2011: um estudo transversal.

OBJECTIVE: to investigate access to health services for tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis and treatment among indigenous peoples in Rondônia State, Brazil, 2009-2011. METHODS: we conducted a cross-sectional study with indigenous people attending Indigenous Health Care Units (Casai) between October 2009 and February 2011; geographical, economical and functional dimensions of access to TB services were evaluated through interviews and then described. RESULTS: 52 indigenous people with TB were interviewed; in the geographical dimension, lack of transportation, distance and lack of health professionals were the main obstacles; in the economic dimension, 15 indigenous people reported cost/expense as a barrier to access; in the functional dimension, 21 arrived at the Casai using their own means; 24 reported that the time between first symptoms and arriving at the Casai was > 30days; 25 reported that time between first consultation and starting treatment was >30 days; treatment was supervised in 22 cases. CONCLUSION: the difficulties found in accessing health services in the dimensions we analyzed can contribute to TB continuing to be transmitted in indigenous villages.

Performance of diagnostic tests for pulmonary tuberculosis in indigenous populations in Brazil: the contribution of Rapid Molecular Testing.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy of rapid molecular testing as a diagnostic tool and estimate the incidence of smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis among the indigenous population. METHODS: This is an epidemiological study based on secondary data. We calculated the incidence of smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis between January 1st, 2011 and December 31, 2016, and the performance of bacilloscopy and rapid molecular testing in diagnosing pulmonary tuberculosis compared to sputum culture (standard test). RESULTS: We included 4,048 cases of indigenous people with respiratory symptoms who provided sputum samples for analysis. Among them, 3.7%, 6.7%, and 3.7% had positive results for bacilloscopy, sputum culture, and rapid molecular testing, respectively. The mean incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis was 269.3/100 thousand inhabitants. Rapid molecular testing had 93.1% sensitivity and 98.2% specificity, compared to sputum culture. Bacilloscopy showed 55.1% sensitivity and 99.6% specificity. CONCLUSIONS: Rapid molecular testing can be useful in remote areas with limited resources and a high incidence of tuberculosis, such as indigenous villages in rural regions of Brazil. In addition, the main advantages of rapid molecular testing are its easy handling, fast results, and the possibility of detecting rifampicin resistance. Together, these attributes enable the early start of treatment, contributing to reduce the transmission in communities recognized as vulnerable to infection and disease.

Acesso aos serviços de saúde para o diagnóstico e tratamento da tuberculose entre povos indígenas do estado de Rondônia, Amazônia Brasileira, entre 2009 e 2011: um estudo transversal / Acceso a los servicios de salud para el diagnóstico y tratamiento de la tuberculosis entre pueblos indígenas del Estado de Rondônia, Amazonía Brasileña, entre 2009 y 2011: un estudio transversal / Health service access for tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment among indigenous peoples in Rondônia state, Brazilian Amazon, 2009-2011: a cross-sectional study

Objetivo: investigar o acesso aos serviços de saúde para diagnóstico e tratamento da tuberculose (TB) entre indígenas atendidos no estado de Rondônia, Brasil, 2009-2011. Métodos: estudo transversal, realizado nas Casas de Saúde Indígena (Casai), entre outubro/2009 e fevereiro/2011; investigou-se, mediante entrevistas, as dimensões geográfica, econômica e funcional do acesso aos serviços de TB, apresentadas descritivamente. Resultados: foram entrevistados 52 indígenas com TB; na dimensão geográfica, transporte, distância e ausência de profissionais foram as principais barreiras; na econômica, 15 indígenas relataram custos/despesas para receber atendimento; na funcional, 21 chegaram à Casai por conta própria; o tempo entre primeiros sintomas e chegada à Casai foi >30 dias em 24 relatos, e entre primeira consulta e início do tratamento, >30 dias em 25 relatos; houve tratamento supervisionado em 22 casos. Conclusão: as dificuldades observadas para acessar os serviços de saúde, nas dimensões analisadas, podem contribuir para a manutenção da transmissão da TB nas aldeias.

Objetivo: investigar el acceso a los servicios de salud para diagnóstico y tratamiento de la tuberculosis (TB) entre indígenas en el estado de Rondônia, Brasil, entre 2009 y 2011. Métodos: estudio transversal con indígenas atendidos en las Casas de Salud Indígenas (Casai) entre octubre/2009-febrero/2011; se evaluaron las dimensiones geográficas, económicas y funcionales que fueron presentadas descriptivamente. Resultados: fueron entrevistados 52 indígenas con TB; en la dimensión geográfica, el transporte, el dinero, y la ausencia de profesionales fueran las principales barreras; en la dimensión económica, 15 relataron gastos para recibir atención; en la dimensión funcional, 21 llegaron por su cuenta; el tiempo desde los primeros síntomas y la llegada a Casai fue >30 días en 24 personas; se reportó tratamiento supervisado en 22 casos; para 25, el tiempo entre la primera consulta hasta el comienzo del tratamiento fue >30 días. Conclusión: las dificultades enfrentadas para obtener acceso a los servicios de salud en todas las dimensiones pueden contribuir con la continuidad de transmisión en las aldeas.

Objective: to investigate access to health services for tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis and treatment among indigenous peoples in Rondônia State, Brazil, 2009-2011. Methods: we conducted a cross-sectional study with indigenous people attending Indigenous Health Care Units (Casai) between October 2009 and February 2011; geographical, economical and functional dimensions of access to TB services were evaluated through interviews and then described. Results: 52 indigenous people with TB were interviewed; in the geographical dimension, lack of transportation, distance and lack of health professionals were the main obstacles; in the economic dimension, 15 indigenous people reported cost/expense as a barrier to access; in the functional dimension, 21 arrived at the Casai using their own means; 24 reported that the time between first symptoms and arriving at the Casai was > 30days; 25 reported that time between first consultation and starting treatment was >30 days; treatment was supervised in 22 cases. Conclusion: the difficulties found in accessing health services in the dimensions we analyzed can contribute to TB continuing to be transmitted in indigenous villages.

Performance of diagnostic tests for pulmonary tuberculosis in indigenous populations in Brazil: the contribution of Rapid Molecular Testing / Desempenho de testes para o diagnóstico de tuberculose pulmonar em populações indígenas no Brasil: a contribuição do Teste Rápido Molecular

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the accuracy of rapid molecular testing as a diagnostic tool and estimate the incidence of smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis among the indigenous population. Methods: This is an epidemiological study based on secondary data. We calculated the incidence of smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis between January 1st, 2011 and December 31, 2016, and the performance of bacilloscopy and rapid molecular testing in diagnosing pulmonary tuberculosis compared to sputum culture (standard test). Results: We included 4,048 cases of indigenous people with respiratory symptoms who provided sputum samples for analysis. Among them, 3.7%, 6.7%, and 3.7% had positive results for bacilloscopy, sputum culture, and rapid molecular testing, respectively. The mean incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis was 269.3/100 thousand inhabitants. Rapid molecular testing had 93.1% sensitivity and 98.2% specificity, compared to sputum culture. Bacilloscopy showed 55.1% sensitivity and 99.6% specificity. Conclusions: Rapid molecular testing can be useful in remote areas with limited resources and a high incidence of tuberculosis, such as indigenous villages in rural regions of Brazil. In addition, the main advantages of rapid molecular testing are its easy handling, fast results, and the possibility of detecting rifampicin resistance. Together, these attributes enable the early start of treatment, contributing to reduce the transmission in communities recognized as vulnerable to infection and disease.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a acurácia do teste rápido molecular como ferramenta diagnóstica e estimar a incidência de casos pulmonares positivos entre a população indígena. Métodos: Estudo epidemiológico baseado em dados secundários. Foi calculada a incidência de casos de tuberculose pulmonar positiva entre 1° de janeiro de 2011 e 31 de dezembro de 2016, e o desempenho da baciloscopia e do teste rápido molecular no diagnóstico de tuberculose pulmonar, em comparação à cultura de escarro (teste padrão). Resultados: Foram incluídos 4.048 casos de indígenas considerados sintomáticos respiratórios, que forneceram amostras de escarro para análise. Destes, 3,7%, 6,7% e 3,7% apresentaram resultados positivos para baciloscopia, cultura e teste rápido molecular, respectivamente. A incidência média de tuberculose pulmonar foi de 269,3/100 mil habitantes. A sensibilidade do teste rápido molecular, em relação à cultura, foi 93,1% e a especificidade foi 98,2%. A baciloscopia apresentou sensibilidade 55,1% e especificidade 99,6%. Conclusões: O teste rápido molecular pode ser útil em áreas remotas, com recursos limitados e incidência de tuberculose elevada, como as aldeias indígenas nas áreas rurais do país. Ademais, o teste rápido molecular apresenta como principais vantagens o fácil manuseio, os resultados rápidos e a possibilidade de identificar a resistência à rifampicina. Em conjunto, esses atributos facilitam o início do tratamento precoce, contribuindo para reduzir a transmissão em comunidades reconhecidamente vulneráveis à infecção e à doença.

Factors associated with TB in an indigenous population in Brazil: the effect of a cash transfer program.

The Mato Grosso do Sul State (MS) has the second-largest indigenous population and the highest incidence rates of TB among indigenous people in Brazil. However, little is known about the risk factors associated with active TB in indigenous people in the region, especially regarding socioeconomic factors. The aim of this study is to assess the effect of the Family Allowance Program (BFP) and of other predictors of active TB in a high-risk indigenous population in Brazil. We conducted a case-control study with incident TB cases matched by age and by village of residence (1:2 proportion) between March 2011 and December 2012. We used a conditional logistic regression for data analysis. A total of 153 cases and 306 controls were enrolled. The final model included the following risk factors: alcohol consumption (low-risk use OR=2.2; 95% CI 1.1-4.3; risky use OR=2.4; 95% CI 1.0-6.0; dependent/ damaging use OR=9.1; 95% CI 2.9-29.1); recent contact with a TB patient (OR=2.0; 95% CI 1.2-3.5); and male sex (OR=1.9; 95% CI 1.1-3.2). BFP participation (OR=0.5; 95% CI 0.3-0.6) and BCG vaccination (OR=0.5; 95% CI 0.3-0.9) were found to be protective factors against TB. Although the BFP was not designed to target TB-affected households specifically, our findings reveal the importance of the BFP in preventing one of the most important infectious diseases among adults in indigenous villages in Brazil. This result is in line with the End-TB strategy, which identifies social protection, poverty alleviation and targeting other determinants of TB as key actions.

Prevalence and factors associated with latent tuberculosis infection in an indigenous population in the Brazilian Amazon.

INTRODUCTION: Recent studies have shown a high incidence and prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in indigenous populations around the World. We aimed to estimate the prevalence and annual risk of infection (ARI) as well as to identify factors associated with LTBI in an indigenous population from the Brazilian Amazon. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study in 2011. We performed tuberculin skin tests (TSTs), smears and cultures of sputum samples, and chest radiographs for individuals who reported cough for two or more weeks. Associations between LTBI (TST ≥5mm) and socio-demographic, clinical, and epidemiological characteristics were investigated using Poisson regression with robust variance. Prevalence ratio (PR) was used as the measure of association. RESULTS: We examined 263 individuals. The prevalence of LTBI was 40.3%, and the ARI was 2.4%. Age ≥15 years [PR=5.5; 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.5-8.6], contact with tuberculosis (TB) patients (PR=3.8; 95% CI: 1.2-11.9), previous TB history (PR=1.4; 95% CI: 1.2-1.7), and presence of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) scar (PR=1.9, 95% CI: 1.2-2.9) were associated with LTBI. CONCLUSIONS: Although some adults may have been infected years prior, the high prevalence of infection and its strong association with age ≥15 years, history of TB, and recent contact with TB patients suggest that the TB transmission risk is high in the study area.

Prevalence and factors associated with latent tuberculosis infection in an indigenous population in the Brazilian Amazon

Abstract: INTRODUCTION Recent studies have shown a high incidence and prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in indigenous populations around the World. We aimed to estimate the prevalence and annual risk of infection (ARI) as well as to identify factors associated with LTBI in an indigenous population from the Brazilian Amazon. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study in 2011. We performed tuberculin skin tests (TSTs), smears and cultures of sputum samples, and chest radiographs for individuals who reported cough for two or more weeks. Associations between LTBI (TST ≥5mm) and socio-demographic, clinical, and epidemiological characteristics were investigated using Poisson regression with robust variance. Prevalence ratio (PR) was used as the measure of association. RESULTS We examined 263 individuals. The prevalence of LTBI was 40.3%, and the ARI was 2.4%. Age ≥15 years [PR=5.5; 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.5-8.6], contact with tuberculosis (TB) patients (PR=3.8; 95% CI: 1.2-11.9), previous TB history (PR=1.4; 95% CI: 1.2-1.7), and presence of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) scar (PR=1.9, 95% CI: 1.2-2.9) were associated with LTBI. CONCLUSIONS Although some adults may have been infected years prior, the high prevalence of infection and its strong association with age ≥15 years, history of TB, and recent contact with TB patients suggest that the TB transmission risk is high in the study area.

Tuberculosis in indigenous children in the Brazilian Amazon.

OBJECTIVE: Assess the epidemiological aspects of tuberculosis in Brazilian indigenous children and actions to control it. METHODS: An epidemiological study was performed with 356 children from 0 to 14 years of age in Rondônia State, Amazon, Brazil, during the period 1997-2006. Cases of TB reported to the Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System were divided into indigenous and non-indigenous categories and analyzed according to sex, age group, place of residence, clinical form, diagnostic tests and treatment outcome. A descriptive analysis of cases and hypothesis test (χ²) was carried out to verify if there were differences in the proportions of illness between the groups investigated. RESULTS: A total of 356 TB cases were identified (125 indigenous, 231 non-indigenous) of which 51.4% of the cases were in males. In the indigenous group, 60.8% of the cases presented in children aged 0-4 years old. The incidence mean was much higher among indigenous; in 2001, 1,047.9 cases/100,000 inhabitants were reported in children aged < 5 years. Pulmonary TB was reported in more than 80% of the cases, and in both groups over 70% of the cases were cured. Cultures and histopathological exams were performed on only 10% of the patients. There were 3 cases of TB/HIV co-infection in the non-indigenous group and none in the indigenous group. The case detection rate was classified as insufficient or fair in more than 80% of the indigenous population notifications, revealing that most of the diagnoses were performed based on chest x-ray. CONCLUSIONS: The approach used in this study proved useful in demonstrating inequalities in health between indigenous and non-indigenous populations and was superior to the conventional analyses performed by the surveillance services, drawing attention to the need to improve childhood TB diagnosis among the indigenous population.

[Tuberculosis in indigenous peoples in the Brazilian Amazon: an epidemiological study in the Upper Rio Negro region]. / Tuberculose em indígenas da Amazônia brasileira: estudo epidemiológico na região do Alto Rio Negro.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the sociodemographic, clinical, and epidemiological characteristics of reported tuberculosis cases among indigenous individuals of São Gabriel de Cachoeira, State of Amazonas, Brazil, and to identify the factors associated with mortality during treatment; and to estimate the prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) and associated factors and obtain information on the therapeutic course and the individual perceptions regarding acquistion of tuberculosis in the district of Iauaretê. METHODS: Firstly, a retrospective epidemiological study (1997 to 2007) was conducted using data from the Brazilian Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (SINAN). Next, a cross-sectional study (2010) was conducted with respiratory symptomatic subjects and contacts of Iauaretê. RESULTS: Seven hundred and twenty-three new cases were reported, with incidence of 273.4/100 000 and mortality of 13.2/100 000. There was a predominance of males (57%), aged > 45 years (37.6%), people with no schooling (42.7%), and cases from rural areas (76.9%). Patients aged 0 to 20 years were at lower risk of death when compared to those aged > 45 years (OR = 0.3; IC95%: 0.1 a 0.9). In Iauaretê, with 15.3% of the reported cases, 184 people were interviewed. A prevalence of LTB of 76.1% was reported. Tuberculin skin test > 5 mm was associated with the > 15-year old age group, history of active tuberculosis, and radiological alterations. A previous history of tuberculosis was cited by 54 people (29.3%). The main explanation for the disease was "puffing/poisoning" (24.1%). The therapeutic course included industrialized drugs (42.6%), medicinal plants/roots, shamanism, and prayer (42.7%). CONCLUSIONS: The risk of tuberculosis infection and disease in this population was high. Despite the reduced incidence resulting from recent efforts, tuberculosis control requires closer surveillance of contacts and improvement in communication strategies between health teams and indigenous populations.

Tuberculosis in indigenous children in the Brazilian Amazon / Tuberculose em crianças indígenas da Amazônia brasileira / Tuberculosis en niños indígenas en el Amazonas Brasileño

OBJECTIVE: Assess the epidemiological aspects of tuberculosis in Brazilian indigenous children and actions to control it. METHODS: An epidemiological study was performed with 356 children from 0 to 14 years of age in Rondônia State, Amazon, Brazil, during the period 1997-2006. Cases of TB reported to the Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System were divided into indigenous and non-indigenous categories and analyzed according to sex, age group, place of residence, clinical form, diagnostic tests and treatment outcome. A descriptive analysis of cases and hypothesis test (χ²) was carried out to verify if there were differences in the proportions of illness between the groups investigated. RESULTS: A total of 356 TB cases were identified (125 indigenous, 231 non-indigenous) of which 51.4% of the cases were in males. In the indigenous group, 60.8% of the cases presented in children aged 0-4 years old. The incidence mean was much higher among indigenous; in 2001, 1,047.9 cases/100,000 inhabitants were reported in children aged < 5 years. Pulmonary TB was reported in more than 80% of the cases, and in both groups over 70% of the cases were cured. Cultures and histopathological exams were performed on only 10% of the patients. There were 3 cases of TB/HIV co-infection in the non-indigenous group and none in the indigenous group. The case detection rate was classified as insufficient or fair in more than 80% of the indigenous population notifications, revealing that most of the diagnoses were performed based on chest x-ray. CONCLUSIONS: The approach used in this study proved useful in demonstrating inequalities in health between indigenous and non-indigenous populations and was superior to the conventional analyses performed by the surveillance services, drawing attention to the need to improve childhood TB diagnosis among the indigenous population.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os aspectos epidemiológicos da tuberculose em crianças indígenas brasileiras e as ações para seu controle. MÉTODOS: Estudo epidemiológico com 356 crianças de 0 a 14 anos de idade, em Rondônia, Amazônia, Brasil, de 1997 a 2006. Os casos, registrados no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação, foram classificados em indígenas e não indígenas, e analisados segundo sexo, faixa etária, local de residência, forma clínica, exames diagnósticos e resultado do tratamento. Foi realizada análise descritiva dos casos e teste de hipótese (χ²) para verificar se houve diferenças nas proporções de adoecimento entre os grupos investigados. RESULTADOS: Foram identificados 356 casos de tuberculose (125 indígenas e 231 não indígenas), dos quais 51,4% em meninos. Nos indígenas, 60,8% dos casos foram notificados em < 5 anos. A incidência média foi maior entre os indígenas: 1.047,9 casos/100.000 habitantes < 5 anos, no ano de 2001. A forma pulmonar foi registrada em mais de 80,0% dos casos e a cura ultrapassou 70,0% em ambos os grupos. Cultura e exame histopatológico foram utilizados em apenas 10,0% dos pacientes. Houve três casos de coinfecção com HIV em não indígenas e nenhum em indígenas. A detecção dos casos foi classificada como insuficiente e/ou regular em mais de 80,0% das notificações em indígenas, mostrando que a maioria dos diagnósticos foi baseada na radiografia de tórax. CONCLUSÕES: A abordagem empregada mostrou-se útil para ilustrar desigualdades em saúde entre indígenas e não indígenas, demonstrando-se superior às análises convencionais realizadas nos serviços de vigilância. Fica evidente a necessidade de um aprimoramento da investigação diagnóstica entre as crianças indígenas.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar los aspectos epidemiológicos de la tuberculosis en niños indígenas brasileños y las acciones para su control. MÉTODOS: Estudio epidemiológico con [356] niños de 0 a 14 años de edad, en Rondonia, Amazonas, Brasil, de 1997 a 2006. Los casos registrados en el Sistema de Información de Agravios de Notificación, se clasificaron en indígenas y no indígenas, y se analizaron según sexo, grupo etario, lugar de residencia, forma clínica, exámenes diagnósticos y resultado del tratamiento. Se realizó análisis descriptivo de los casos y prueba de hipótesis (χ²) para verificar si hubo diferencias en las proporciones de la enfermedad entre los grupos investigados. RESULTADOS: Se identificaron 356 casos de tuberculosis (125 indígenas y 231 no indígenas), de los cuales, 51,4% en niños varones. En los indígenas, 60,8% de los casos fueron notificados en < 5 años. La incidencia promedio fue mayor entre los indígenas: 1.047,9 casos/100.000 habitantes < 5 años, en el año de 2001. La forma pulmonar fue registrada en más de 80,0% de los casos y la cura ultrapasó 70,0% en ambos grupos. Cultivo y examen histopatológico fueron utilizados en sólo 10,0% de los pacientes. Hubo tres casos de coinfección con VIH en no indígenas e ninguno en indígenas. La detección de los casos fue clasificada como insuficiente y/o regular en más de 80,0% de las notificaciones en indígenas, mostrando que la mayoría de los diagnósticos estuvo basada en la radiografía de tórax. CONCLUSIONES: El abordaje empleado se evidenció útil para ilustrar desigualdades en salud entre indígenas y no indígenas, demostrándose superior a los análisis convencionales realizados en los servicios de vigilancia. Se hace incuestionable la necesidad de perfeccionar la investigación diagnóstica entre los niños indígenas.

Tuberculose em indígenas da Amazônia brasileira: estudo epidemiológico na região do Alto Rio Negro / Tuberculosis in indigenous peoples in the Brazilian Amazon: an epidemiological study in the Upper Rio Negro region

OBJETIVO: Descrever as características sociodemográficas e clínico-epidemiológicas dos casos de tuberculose notificados na população indígena do Município de São Gabriel de Cachoeira, Estado do Amazonas, Brasil, e identificar fatores associados ao óbito durante o tratamento; e estimar a prevalência de infecção latente por tuberculose (ILTB) e fatores associados e obter informações sobre o itinerário terapêutico e a percepção acerca do adoecimento dos indígenas do Distrito de Iauaretê. MÉTODOS: Primeiramente, realizou-se um estudo epidemiológico retrospectivo (1997 a 2007) com base nos dados do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação. Posteriormente, realizou-se um estudo transversal (2010) em sintomáticos respiratórios e contatos no Distrito Indígena de Iauaretê. RESULTADOS: Registraram-se 723 casos novos, com incidência de 273,4/100 000 e mortalidade de 13,2/100 000. Houve predomínio em homens (57%), idade > 45 anos (37,6%), pessoas sem escolaridade (42,7%) e na área rural (76,9%). Doentes de 0 a 20 anos apresentaram menor chance de óbito quando comparados à idade > 45 anos (OR = 0,3; IC95%: 0,1 a 0,9). Em Iauaretê, que concentrou 15,3% das notificações, foram entrevistados 184 indígenas. Revelou-se prevalência de ILTB de 76,1%. Prova tuberculínica > 5 mm associou-se com idade > 15 anos, história de tuberculose ativa e alterações radiológicas. Tuberculose anterior foi citada por 54 indígenas (29,3%). A principal explicação para o adoecimento foi sopro/envenenamento (24,1%). O itinerário terapêutico incluiu medicamentos industrializados (42,6%), plantas medicinais/raízes, pajelança/xamanismo e reza (42,7%). CONCLUSÕES: A prevalência de infecção tuberculosa e doença ativa nessa população foi elevada. As estratégias de controle tiveram resultados positivos, com redução na incidência em tempos recentes. Entretanto, para controlar a tuberculose é necessário intensificar a vigilância dos contatos e aperfeiçoar as estratégias de comunicação das equipes com a população indígena.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the sociodemographic, clinical, and epidemiological characteristics of reported tuberculosis cases among indigenous individuals of São Gabriel de Cachoeira, State of Amazonas, Brazil, and to identify the factors associated with mortality during treatment; and to estimate the prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) and associated factors and obtain information on the therapeutic course and the individual perceptions regarding acquistion of tuberculosis in the district of Iauaretê. METHODS: Firstly, a retrospective epidemiological study (1997 to 2007) was conducted using data from the Brazilian Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (SINAN). Next, a cross-sectional study (2010) was conducted with respiratory symptomatic subjects and contacts of Iauaretê. RESULTS: Seven hundred and twenty-three new cases were reported, with incidence of 273.4/100 000 and mortality of 13.2/100 000. There was a predominance of males (57%), aged > 45 years (37.6%), people with no schooling (42.7%), and cases from rural areas (76.9%). Patients aged 0 to 20 years were at lower risk of death when compared to those aged > 45 years (OR = 0.3; IC95%: 0.1 a 0.9). In Iauaretê, with 15.3% of the reported cases, 184 people were interviewed. A prevalence of LTB of 76.1% was reported. Tuberculin skin test > 5 mm was associated with the > 15-year old age group, history of active tuberculosis, and radiological alterations. A previous history of tuberculosis was cited by 54 people (29.3%). The main explanation for the disease was "puffing/poisoning" (24.1%). The therapeutic course included industrialized drugs (42.6%), medicinal plants/roots, shamanism, and prayer (42.7%). CONCLUSIONS: The risk of tuberculosis infection and disease in this population was high. Despite the reduced incidence resulting from recent efforts, tuberculosis control requires closer surveillance of contacts and improvement in communication strategies between health teams and indigenous populations.

Tuberculose na população indígena de Rondônia: caracterização do acesso aos serviços de saúde e diagnóstico situacional entre os Wari da aldeia Igarapé Ribeirão / Tuberculosis in the indigenous population of Rondônia: characterization of access to health services and situational diagnosis between Wari village stream Ribeirão

Introdução: Apesar da tuberculose (TB) se manter como um dos mais importantes problemas de saúde pública no Brasil, sobretudo entre os povos indígenas, pouco se sabe a respeito das dificuldades enfrentadas pelos doentes indígenas para acessar os serviços de saúde e obter o tratamento adequado, conforme preconizado pelas diretrizes nacionais. Objetivos: Este estudo tem como objetivo investigar o acesso de indígenas suspeitos e portadores de TB aos serviços de saúde no Estado de Rondônia (RO) e realizar diagnóstico situacional da TB entre os Wari´ da aldeia Igarapé Ribeirão. Métodos: Realizou-se um estudo que ocorreu no período entre 2009-2011, onde foram entrevistados indígenas com sintomas respiratórios (SR) e em tratamento para TB em quatro Casas de Saúde do Índio (CASAI) de Rondônia. Além disso, realizou-se um estudo transversal na aldeia Igarapé Ribeirão em fevereiro de 2011, onde utilizou-se a PT em todos os indígenas, além de baciloscopia e cultura de escarro e RX nos sintomáticos respiratórios e indígenas com história de tratamento para TB. (...) Discussão: Nossos achados revelaram as principais dificuldades enfrentadas pelos indígenas para obter acesso aos serviços de saúde, receber um diagnóstico correto e iniciar o tratamento oportuno para TB. Ademais, foi possível dimensionar a situação epidemiológica da TB entre os indígenas da aldeia Igarapé Ribeirão, e revelar que a transmissão se mantém em altos patamares, pois a prevalência de ITBL foi elevada, fazendo com que a população esteja submetida a um permanente risco de infecção e adoecimento.

Conclusão: O desempenho dos serviços de saúde em RO, em relação às ações de detecção, diagnóstico, tratamento e acompanhamento dos casos de TB entre os indígenas estão em desacordo com as normas preconizadas pelas Diretrizes Brasileiras para o Controle da Tuberculose. Parte desse problema se manifesta por meio dos elevados indicadores de transmissão revelados em nosso estudo. Dessa forma, sugerimos que as autoridades em saúde revejam as estratégias atualmente empregadas para o controle do agravo entre essas populações e busquem priorizar a detecção e o tratamento precoce dos casos nas aldeias, assim como investir no diagnóstico e tratamento da infecção latente. Acreditamos que somente dessa forma, vislumbrar-se-á um cenário mais favorável, em médio/longo prazo.