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

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

[Association between schooling and mortality rate from dengue in Brazil]. / Associação entre escolaridade e taxa de mortalidade por dengue no Brasil.

Dengue may be associated with individual level variables, such as schooling, increasing the risk of illness. The objective of this study is to analyze the disparities in dengue mortality among the least and the most educated in Brazil, from 2010 to 2018. This is a retrospective ecological study of the differences in the mortality rate due to dengue between the less and the more educated people in Brazil, according to the mortality rates due to general dengue, by age, sex, and Federative Unit (UF). A bootstrap and multiple imputation procedure for the variable schooling was implemented to consider the multilevel structure of the data from each UF over the years. For each aggregate bank generated, a multilevel Poisson model was adjusted. The improvement in the education level of the Brazilian population did not reflect on the decrease in mortality from dengue. There was an increase in the mortality rate from dengue in Brazil and an increase in the difference in mortality rates between less and more educated. Regardless of the imputation process, the results showed higher mortality rates from dengue among the less educated. Low schooling affected younger people more pronouncedly.

A dengue pode estar associada a variáveis de nível individual, como escolaridade, aumentando o risco de adoecimento. O objetivo deste trabalho é analisar as disparidades da mortalidade por dengue entre os menos e mais escolarizados no Brasil entre os anos de 2010 e 2018. Este é um estudo do tipo ecológico retrospectivo das diferenças na taxa de mortalidade por dengue entre menos e mais escolarizados no Brasil, através das taxas de mortalidade por dengue geral, por idade, sexo e Unidade Federativa (UF). Um procedimento de bootstrap e imputação múltipla para a variável escolaridade foram implementados de modo a considerar a estrutura multinível em cada UF dos dados ao longo dos anos. Para cada banco agregado gerado, foi ajustado um modelo de Poisson multinível. A melhoria na escolaridade da população brasileira não refletiu na diminuição da mortalidade por dengue. Houve um aumento na taxa de mortalidade por dengue no Brasil e um crescimento da diferença de taxas de mortalidade entre menos e mais escolarizados. Independentemente do processo de imputação, os resultados mostraram maiores taxas de mortalidade por dengue entre os menos escolarizados. A baixa escolaridade afetou de forma mais pronunciada os mais jovens.

El dengue puede estar asociado a variables de nivel individual como la educación, aumentando el riesgo de enfermarse. El objetivo de este trabajo es analizar las disparidades de la mortalidad por dengue entre las personas con menor y mayor nivel educativo en Brasil entre los años 2010 y 2018. Estudio del tipo ecológico retrospectivo de las diferencias en la tasa de mortalidad por dengue entre las personas con menor y mayor nivel educativo en Brasil, a través de las tasas de mortalidad por dengue general, por edad, género y Unidad Federativa (UF). Se implementó un procedimiento de bootstrap y de imputación múltiple para la variable de educación para considerar la estructura multinivel en cada UF de los datos a lo largo de los años. Para cada banco agregado generado, se ajustó un modelo de Poisson multinivel. La mejora en la educación de la población brasileña no se reflejó en la disminución de la mortalidad por dengue. Hubo un aumento en la tasa de mortalidad por dengue en Brasil y un crecimiento de la diferencia en las tasas de mortalidad entre las personas con menor y mayor nivel educativo. Independientemente del proceso de imputación, los resultados mostraron mayores tasas de mortalidad por dengue entre los menos educados. El bajo nivel de educación afectó de forma más pronunciada a los más jóvenes.

Long-Acting Injectable Cabotegravir for HIV Preexposure Prophylaxis Among Sexual and Gender Minorities: Protocol for an Implementation Study.

BACKGROUND: Long-acting injectable cabotegravir (CAB-LA) for preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has proven efficacious in randomized controlled trials. Further research is critical to evaluate its effectiveness in real-world settings and identify effective implementation approaches, especially among young sexual and gender minorities (SGMs). OBJECTIVE: ImPrEP CAB Brasil is an implementation study aiming to generate critical evidence on the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of incorporating CAB-LA into the existing public health oral PrEP services in 6 Brazilian cities. It will also evaluate a mobile health (mHealth) education and decision support tool, digital injection appointment reminders, and the facilitators of and barriers to integrating CAB-LA into the existing services. METHODS: This type-2 hybrid implementation-effectiveness study includes formative work, qualitative assessments, and clinical steps 1 to 4. For formative work, we will use participatory design methods to develop an initial CAB-LA implementation package and process mapping at each site to facilitate optimal client flow. SGMs aged 18 to 30 years arriving at a study clinic interested in PrEP (naive) will be invited for step 1. Individuals who tested HIV negative will receive mHealth intervention and standard of care (SOC) counseling or SOC for PrEP choice (oral or CAB-LA). Participants interested in CAB-LA will be invited for step 2, and those with undetectable HIV viral load will receive same-day CAB-LA injection and will be randomized to receive digital appointment reminders or SOC. Clinical appointments and CAB-LA injection are scheduled after 1 month and every 2 months thereafter (25-month follow-up). Participants will be invited to a 1-year follow-up to step 3 if they decide to change to oral PrEP or discontinue CAB-LA and to step 4 if diagnosed with HIV during the study. Outcomes of interest include PrEP acceptability, choice, effectiveness, implementation, and feasibility. HIV incidence in the CAB-LA cohort (n=1200) will be compared with that in a similar oral PrEP cohort from the public health system. The effectiveness of the mHealth and digital interventions will be assessed using interrupted time series analysis and logistic mixed models, respectively. RESULTS: During the third and fourth quarters of 2022, we obtained regulatory approvals; programmed data entry and management systems; trained sites; and performed community consultancy and formative work. Study enrollment is programmed for the second quarter of 2023. CONCLUSIONS: ImPrEP CAB Brasil is the first study to evaluate CAB-LA PrEP implementation in Latin America, one of the regions where PrEP scale-up is most needed. This study will be fundamental to designing programmatic strategies for implementing and scaling up feasible, equitable, cost-effective, sustainable, and comprehensive alternatives for PrEP programs. It will also contribute to maximizing the impact of a public health approach to reducing HIV incidence among SGMs in Brazil and other countries in the Global South. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT05515770; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05515770. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/44961.

Associação entre escolaridade e taxa de mortalidade por dengue no Brasil / Association between schooling and mortality rate from dengue in Brazil / Asociación entre educación y tasa de mortalidad por dengue en Brasil

A dengue pode estar associada a variáveis de nível individual, como escolaridade, aumentando o risco de adoecimento. O objetivo deste trabalho é analisar as disparidades da mortalidade por dengue entre os menos e mais escolarizados no Brasil entre os anos de 2010 e 2018. Este é um estudo do tipo ecológico retrospectivo das diferenças na taxa de mortalidade por dengue entre menos e mais escolarizados no Brasil, através das taxas de mortalidade por dengue geral, por idade, sexo e Unidade Federativa (UF). Um procedimento de bootstrap e imputação múltipla para a variável escolaridade foram implementados de modo a considerar a estrutura multinível em cada UF dos dados ao longo dos anos. Para cada banco agregado gerado, foi ajustado um modelo de Poisson multinível. A melhoria na escolaridade da população brasileira não refletiu na diminuição da mortalidade por dengue. Houve um aumento na taxa de mortalidade por dengue no Brasil e um crescimento da diferença de taxas de mortalidade entre menos e mais escolarizados. Independentemente do processo de imputação, os resultados mostraram maiores taxas de mortalidade por dengue entre os menos escolarizados. A baixa escolaridade afetou de forma mais pronunciada os mais jovens.

Dengue may be associated with individual level variables, such as schooling, increasing the risk of illness. The objective of this study is to analyze the disparities in dengue mortality among the least and the most educated in Brazil, from 2010 to 2018. This is a retrospective ecological study of the differences in the mortality rate due to dengue between the less and the more educated people in Brazil, according to the mortality rates due to general dengue, by age, sex, and Federative Unit (UF). A bootstrap and multiple imputation procedure for the variable schooling was implemented to consider the multilevel structure of the data from each UF over the years. For each aggregate bank generated, a multilevel Poisson model was adjusted. The improvement in the education level of the Brazilian population did not reflect on the decrease in mortality from dengue. There was an increase in the mortality rate from dengue in Brazil and an increase in the difference in mortality rates between less and more educated. Regardless of the imputation process, the results showed higher mortality rates from dengue among the less educated. Low schooling affected younger people more pronouncedly.

El dengue puede estar asociado a variables de nivel individual como la educación, aumentando el riesgo de enfermarse. El objetivo de este trabajo es analizar las disparidades de la mortalidad por dengue entre las personas con menor y mayor nivel educativo en Brasil entre los años 2010 y 2018. Estudio del tipo ecológico retrospectivo de las diferencias en la tasa de mortalidad por dengue entre las personas con menor y mayor nivel educativo en Brasil, a través de las tasas de mortalidad por dengue general, por edad, género y Unidad Federativa (UF). Se implementó un procedimiento de bootstrap y de imputación múltiple para la variable de educación para considerar la estructura multinivel en cada UF de los datos a lo largo de los años. Para cada banco agregado generado, se ajustó un modelo de Poisson multinivel. La mejora en la educación de la población brasileña no se reflejó en la disminución de la mortalidad por dengue. Hubo un aumento en la tasa de mortalidad por dengue en Brasil y un crecimiento de la diferencia en las tasas de mortalidad entre las personas con menor y mayor nivel educativo. Independientemente del proceso de imputación, los resultados mostraron mayores tasas de mortalidad por dengue entre los menos educados. El bajo nivel de educación afectó de forma más pronunciada a los más jóvenes.

Interpersonal Violence and Passing: Results from a Brazilian Trans-specific Cross-sectional Study.

Trans women are specifically vulnerable to interpersonal violence. Being perceived as the gender that a transgender person identifies with, defined in some contexts as passing, may influence violence ratings. The EVAS (Violence and Health Self-Evaluation) study was a cross-sectional study that enrolled 121 trans women between 2019 and 2020 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, aiming to investigate the association between self-reported passing and different types of interpersonal violence. We enrolled 121 participants who had a median age of 36.3 (interquartile range [IQR] 13.7). Most of them were Black/mixed (78.5%) and had at least a high school education (63%). Most participants considered themselves as trans women (71.9%). Their median monthly income was $252.50 (IQR $302.50). Only 40 (33.1%) trans women had a main partner. Trans women with high passing had a higher prevalence of family violence and lower prevalence of observed police violence, violence in open and closed public spaces. Participants that reported a high passing had higher prevalence of family violence (p = .016); moreover, they reported observing less frequently police violence in the neighborhood they lived in for the last 12 months (p = .012) as well as having lower rates of suffering violence. Trans women who reported high passing had 81% (56%-92%) lower chance of suffering violence in open public places more than once, while prior racism experience had a positive association with violence in an open public place (aOR = 3.93, 95% CI [.48, 15.40]). Passing seems to protect from violence in public spaces, whilst it increases family violence. Data also suggest that observing police violence and violence in close public spaces. There is an urgent need to better understand the complex relationships around violence and foster its prevention.

Prevalence and factors associated with suicidal behavior among trans women in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Trans women face disproportionate burden of adverse health outcomes, including mental health issues. Very little is known about suicidal behavior among trans women in low- and middle-income settings, such as Brazil. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of lifetime suicidal behavior and to identify its associated factors among Brazilian trans women. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 345 trans women living in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. We examined the prevalence of suicidal behavior (ideation and suicide attempt) and its associated factors using stepwise backward Poisson regression analysis with robust variance. RESULTS: Suicidal ideation was present among 47.25% of participants, and the prevalence of lifetime suicide attempt was 27.25%. Trans women with prior physical violence perpetrated by a family member had significantly higher prevalence of suicidal ideation (adjusted prevalence ratios [aPR]1.37), whereas those who reported sex work had lower prevalence ratio of suicidal ideation (aPR 0.76). Suicide attempt was significantly associated with living alone (aPR 1.48), physical violence by a casual partner (aPR 1.92), and sexual violence by a family member (aPR 1.69). Depression was significantly associated with both outcomes (aPR 1.90 for suicidal ideation and aPR 2.21 for suicide attempt). CONCLUSION: Suicidal behavior prevalence rates among Brazilian trans women were alarming and directly linked to violence and poor mental health. Effective mental health and public health policies addressing violence against trans women are urgently needed to prevent suicidal behavior among this highly vulnerable population.

Relationship between Dietary Fatty Acid Intake with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Liver Fibrosis in People with HIV.

We aimed to evaluate the relationship between food intake of lipids with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and/or liver fibrosis in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). In this cross-sectional study, transient elastography was used to detect the presence of NAFLD and/or liver fibrosis. The dietary intake of fats and fatty acids (FA) were assessed by two 24 h dietary recalls (24-HDR) (n = 451). Multivariate logistic regression models were performed. Participants with higher intake of total fat were associated with higher odds for NAFLD compared to those with lower consumption [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.91 (95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.06-3.44)]. Furthermore, participants with intermediate intake of n6-PUFA (n6-poly-unsaturated FA) and lauric FA had lower odds for NAFLD, respectively aOR = 0.54 (95% CI 0.3-0.98) and aOR = 0.42 (95% CI 0.22-0.78). Additionally, a higher intake of myristoleic FA (fourth quartile) was a significant protective factor for NAFLD [aOR = 0.56 (95% CI 0.32-0.99)]. Participants with higher intake of lauric FA [0.38 (95% CI 0.18-0.80)], myristic FA [0.38 (0.17-0.89)], palmitoleic FA [0.40 (0.19-0.82)] and oleic FA [0.35 (0.16-0.79)] had positively less odds of having liver fibrosis. On the other hand, higher intake of n-6 PUFA was significantly associated with fibrosis [aOR = 2.45 (95% CI 1.12-5.32)]. Dietary assessment of total fat and FA should be incorporated into HIV care as a tool for preventing NAFLD and fibrosis in PLWHA.

Risk assessment for HIV infection in men who have sex with men and the contribution of sexual partner networks. / Avaliação de risco para infecção HIV em homens que fazem sexo com homens e a contribuição das redes de parceiros sexuais.

This study aimed to evaluate the risk of HIV infection in men who have sex with men (MSM) by developing an index that considers sex partner networks. The index variables were age, ethnicity/skin color, schooling, relationship type, condom use in receptive and insertive relationships, self-perception of the possibility of HIV infection, sexually transmitted infections, and rapid HIV testing results. We used data from a cross-sectional MSM egocentric network survey conducted in Rio de Janeiro between 2014 and 2015. The initial research volunteer is called ego, each partner is called alter, and each pair of people in a relationship is called the dyad. Multiple logistic regression was used to define the coefficients of the equations for the elaboration of the indices. The index ranged from 0 to 1; the closer to 1, the higher the risk of HIV infection. HIV prevalence was 13.9% among egos. The mean egos index with an HIV-reactive test was 57% higher than non-reactive, and the same profile was observed in the index values of dyads. The index allowed the incorporation of network data through the dyads and contributed to the identification of individuals with a higher likelihood of acquiring HIV.

O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar o risco de infecção por HIV em homens que fazem sexo com homens (HSH) a partir do desenvolvimento de um índice que considere as redes de parceiros sexuais. As variáveis do índice foram faixa etária, raça/cor, escolaridade, tipo de relacionamento, uso de preservativo em relações receptivas e insertivas, autopercepção da chance de se infectar pelo HIV, história de infecções sexualmente transmissíveis, além dos resultados dos testes rápidos para HIV. Foram utilizados dados de uma pesquisa de rede egocêntricas HSH, com desenho transversal, realizada no Rio de Janeiro entre 2014 e 2015. O voluntário inicial da pesquisa é denominado ego, cada parceiro é alter, e cada par de pessoas em um relacionamento é a díade. Utilizou-se regressão logística múltipla para definição dos coeficientes das equações para elaboração dos índices. O índice variou de 0 a 1, quanto mais próximo de 1, maior o risco de infecção por HIV. A prevalência de HIV dos egos foi de 13,9%. A média do índice dos egos com teste HIV reagente foi 57% maior do que aqueles não reagentes, o mesmo perfil foi observado nos valores dos índices das díades. O índice permitiu incorporar os dados das redes por meio das díades e contribuiu para a identificação de indivíduos com maior chance de aquisição do HIV.

[Excess deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic: underreporting and regional inequalities in Brazil]. / Excesso de mortes durante a pandemia de COVID-19: subnotificação e desigualdades regionais no Brasil.

Brazil is one of the most heavily impacted countries by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the real number of deaths from the disease makes the scenario even more challenging. This study aimed to estimate the excess deaths and their differences in adults 20 years and older in Manaus (Amazonas State), Fortaleza (Ceará State), Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo, according to place of death, demographic characteristics, and trajectory over time. The data were obtained from the Mortality Information System and the Central Information Office of the National Civil Registry. The estimates of expected deaths were obtained from quasi-Poisson generalized additive models, adjusting for overdispersion. From February 23 to June 13, 2020, 74,410 natural deaths were recorded in the four cities, with 46% excess deaths (95%CI: 44-47). The largest amount of excess deaths was in Manaus, with 112% (95%CI: 103-121), followed by Fortaleza with 72% (95%CI: 67-78), Rio de Janeiro with 42% (95%CI: 40-45), and São Paulo with 34% (95%CI: 32-36). Excess deaths were greater in males and non-significant in Epidemiologic Weeks (EW) 9-12, except in São Paulo, 10% (95%CI: 6-14). The peak in excess deaths generally occurred in EW 17-20. The number of excess deaths not explained directly by COVID-19 and deaths at home or on public byways is high, especially in Manaus. The high percentages of excess deaths, deaths not explained directly by COVID-19, and deaths outside the hospital suggest high underreporting of deaths from COVID-19 and reinforce the extensive spread of SARS-CoV-2, as well as the need for epidemiological surveillance services to review all causes of deaths associated with respiratory symptoms.

O Brasil é um dos países mais afetados pela pandemia de COVID-19 e o real número de mortes pela doença torna o cenário ainda mais desafiador. O objetivo deste estudo foi estimar o excesso de mortes e suas diferenças em adultos com 20 anos e mais em Manaus (Amazonas), Fortaleza (Ceará), Rio de Janeiro e São Paulo, de acordo com o local de ocorrência do óbito, características demográficas e trajetória ao longo do tempo. Os dados foram obtidos no Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade e na Central de Informações do Registro Civil Nacional. As estimativas de óbitos esperados foram obtidas por meio de modelos aditivos generalizados quasi-Poisson com ajuste de sobredispersão. Entre 23 de fevereiro e 13 de junho de 2020, foram registradas 74.410 mortes naturais nas quatro cidades, com excesso de mortes de 46% (IC95%: 44-47). O maior excesso de mortes ocorreu em Manaus, 112% (IC95%: 103-121), seguido por Fortaleza, 72% (IC95%: 67-78), Rio de Janeiro, 42% (IC95%: 40-45) e São Paulo, 34% (IC95%: 32-36). O excesso de mortes foi maior nos homens e não significativo nas Semanas Epidemiológicas (SE) 9-12, exceto em São Paulo, 10% (IC95%: 6-14). Em geral, o pico de mortes excedentes ocorreu nas SE 17-20. O excesso de mortes não explicado diretamente pela COVID-19 e de mortes em domicílios/via pública foi alto, especialmente em Manaus. A elevada porcentagem de mortes excedentes, de mortes não explicadas diretamente pela COVID-19 e de mortes fora do hospital sugerem alta subnotificação de mortes por COVID-19 e reforça a extensa dispersão do SARS-CoV-2, como também a necessidade da revisão de todas as causas de mortes associadas a sintomas respiratórios pelos serviços de vigilância epidemiológica.

Brasil es uno de los países más afectados por la pandemia de COVID-19 y el número real de muertes por la enfermedad lo convierte en un escenario todavía más desafiante. El objetivo de este estudio fue estimar el exceso de muertes y sus diferencias en adultos con 20 años y más en Manaus (Amazonas), Fortaleza (Ceará), Rio de Janeiro y São Paulo, de acuerdo con el lugar de ocurrencia del fallecimiento, características demográficas y trayectoria a lo largo del tiempo. Los datos se obtuvieron del Sistema de Información sobre Mortalidad y de la Central de Información del Registro Civil Nacional. Las estimaciones de óbitos esperados se obtuvieron mediante modelos aditivos generalizados quasi-Poisson con ajuste de sobredispersión. Entre el 23 de febrero y 13 de junio de 2020, se registraron 74.410 muertes naturales en las cuatro ciudades, con un exceso de muertes de un 46% (IC95%: 44-47). El mayor exceso de muertes se produjo en Manaus, 112% (IC95%: 103-121), seguido por Fortaleza, 72% (IC95%: 67-78), Río de Janeiro, 42% (IC95%: 40-45) y São Paulo, 34% (IC95%: 32-36). El exceso de muertes fue mayor en hombres y no significativo en las Semanas Epidemiológicas (SE) 9-12, excepto en São Paulo, 10% (IC95%: 6-14). En general, el pico de muertes excedentarias se produjo en las SE 17-20. El exceso de muertes no explicado directamente por la COVID-19 y de las muertes en domicilios/vía pública fue alto, especialmente en Manaus. El elevado porcentaje de muertes excedentarias, de muertes no explicadas directamente por la COVID-19, y de muertes fuera del hospital, sugieren una alta subnotificación de muertes por COVID-19 y refuerza la extensa dispersión del SARS-CoV-2, así como también la necesidad de una revisión de todas las causas de muertes asociadas a síntomas respiratorios, por parte de los servicios de vigilancia epidemiológica.

Excesso de mortes durante a pandemia de COVID-19: subnotificação e desigualdades regionais no Brasil / Excess deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic: underreporting and regional inequalities in Brazil / Exceso de muertes durante la pandemia de COVID-19: subnotificación y desigualdades regionales en Brasil

O Brasil é um dos países mais afetados pela pandemia de COVID-19 e o real número de mortes pela doença torna o cenário ainda mais desafiador. O objetivo deste estudo foi estimar o excesso de mortes e suas diferenças em adultos com 20 anos e mais em Manaus (Amazonas), Fortaleza (Ceará), Rio de Janeiro e São Paulo, de acordo com o local de ocorrência do óbito, características demográficas e trajetória ao longo do tempo. Os dados foram obtidos no Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade e na Central de Informações do Registro Civil Nacional. As estimativas de óbitos esperados foram obtidas por meio de modelos aditivos generalizados quasi-Poisson com ajuste de sobredispersão. Entre 23 de fevereiro e 13 de junho de 2020, foram registradas 74.410 mortes naturais nas quatro cidades, com excesso de mortes de 46% (IC95%: 44-47). O maior excesso de mortes ocorreu em Manaus, 112% (IC95%: 103-121), seguido por Fortaleza, 72% (IC95%: 67-78), Rio de Janeiro, 42% (IC95%: 40-45) e São Paulo, 34% (IC95%: 32-36). O excesso de mortes foi maior nos homens e não significativo nas Semanas Epidemiológicas (SE) 9-12, exceto em São Paulo, 10% (IC95%: 6-14). Em geral, o pico de mortes excedentes ocorreu nas SE 17-20. O excesso de mortes não explicado diretamente pela COVID-19 e de mortes em domicílios/via pública foi alto, especialmente em Manaus. A elevada porcentagem de mortes excedentes, de mortes não explicadas diretamente pela COVID-19 e de mortes fora do hospital sugerem alta subnotificação de mortes por COVID-19 e reforça a extensa dispersão do SARS-CoV-2, como também a necessidade da revisão de todas as causas de mortes associadas a sintomas respiratórios pelos serviços de vigilância epidemiológica.

Brazil is one of the most heavily impacted countries by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the real number of deaths from the disease makes the scenario even more challenging. This study aimed to estimate the excess deaths and their differences in adults 20 years and older in Manaus (Amazonas State), Fortaleza (Ceará State), Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo, according to place of death, demographic characteristics, and trajectory over time. The data were obtained from the Mortality Information System and the Central Information Office of the National Civil Registry. The estimates of expected deaths were obtained from quasi-Poisson generalized additive models, adjusting for overdispersion. From February 23 to June 13, 2020, 74,410 natural deaths were recorded in the four cities, with 46% excess deaths (95%CI: 44-47). The largest amount of excess deaths was in Manaus, with 112% (95%CI: 103-121), followed by Fortaleza with 72% (95%CI: 67-78), Rio de Janeiro with 42% (95%CI: 40-45), and São Paulo with 34% (95%CI: 32-36). Excess deaths were greater in males and non-significant in Epidemiologic Weeks (EW) 9-12, except in São Paulo, 10% (95%CI: 6-14). The peak in excess deaths generally occurred in EW 17-20. The number of excess deaths not explained directly by COVID-19 and deaths at home or on public byways is high, especially in Manaus. The high percentages of excess deaths, deaths not explained directly by COVID-19, and deaths outside the hospital suggest high underreporting of deaths from COVID-19 and reinforce the extensive spread of SARS-CoV-2, as well as the need for epidemiological surveillance services to review all causes of deaths associated with respiratory symptoms.

Brasil es uno de los países más afectados por la pandemia de COVID-19 y el número real de muertes por la enfermedad lo convierte en un escenario todavía más desafiante. El objetivo de este estudio fue estimar el exceso de muertes y sus diferencias en adultos con 20 años y más en Manaus (Amazonas), Fortaleza (Ceará), Rio de Janeiro y São Paulo, de acuerdo con el lugar de ocurrencia del fallecimiento, características demográficas y trayectoria a lo largo del tiempo. Los datos se obtuvieron del Sistema de Información sobre Mortalidad y de la Central de Información del Registro Civil Nacional. Las estimaciones de óbitos esperados se obtuvieron mediante modelos aditivos generalizados quasi-Poisson con ajuste de sobredispersión. Entre el 23 de febrero y 13 de junio de 2020, se registraron 74.410 muertes naturales en las cuatro ciudades, con un exceso de muertes de un 46% (IC95%: 44-47). El mayor exceso de muertes se produjo en Manaus, 112% (IC95%: 103-121), seguido por Fortaleza, 72% (IC95%: 67-78), Río de Janeiro, 42% (IC95%: 40-45) y São Paulo, 34% (IC95%: 32-36). El exceso de muertes fue mayor en hombres y no significativo en las Semanas Epidemiológicas (SE) 9-12, excepto en São Paulo, 10% (IC95%: 6-14). En general, el pico de muertes excedentarias se produjo en las SE 17-20. El exceso de muertes no explicado directamente por la COVID-19 y de las muertes en domicilios/vía pública fue alto, especialmente en Manaus. El elevado porcentaje de muertes excedentarias, de muertes no explicadas directamente por la COVID-19, y de muertes fuera del hospital, sugieren una alta subnotificación de muertes por COVID-19 y refuerza la extensa dispersión del SARS-CoV-2, así como también la necesidad de una revisión de todas las causas de muertes asociadas a síntomas respiratorios, por parte de los servicios de vigilancia epidemiológica.

Prevalence of induced abortion and associated factors in a cohort of women living with HIV/AIDS, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 1996-2016. / Prevalência e fatores associados ao aborto induzido no ingresso em uma coorte de mulheres vivendo com HIV/aids, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, 1996-2016.

The aim of this study was to verify the prevalence of induced abortion and associated factors at the time of inclusion in a cohort of women living with HIV/AIDS in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 1996 to 2016. Eligibility criteria for inclusion in the cohort were female sex at birth, age 18 years and older, and confirmed HIV infection. At the baseline visit, data on sexual, reproductive, and behavioral aspects and HIV infection were obtained through a face-to-face interview with the attending physician. Lifetime prevalence of induced abortion was calculated, and factors associated with induced abortion were verified by multiple logistic regression for all the women and for those with previous pregnancy. In the entire cohort of women, 30.4% reported a history of induced abortion, compared to 33.5% in women with previous pregnancy. Frequency of reported induced abortion showed a significant reduction during the period (41.7% in 1996-2000 versus 22.5% in 2011-2016, p < 0.001). Factors associated with induced abortion, both for the entire cohort and for the women with previous pregnancy, were age, schooling, ≥ 5 lifetime sexual partners, teenage pregnancy, lifetime use of any illicit drug, and inclusion in the cohort after the year 2005. Changes in the socioeconomic, sexual, reproductive, and HIV infection profile are possible explanations for the reduction in abortions during the period. Studies that use direct methods to measure abortion should be conducted in other populations to confirm the downward trend in induced abortion and its determinants in Brazil.

O objetivo deste estudo é verificar a prevalência e os fatores associados ao aborto induzido no ingresso em uma coorte de mulheres vivendo com HIV/aids, no Município do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, no período 1996-2016. O critério de elegibilidade para o ingresso na coorte era ser do sexo feminino ao nascimento, ter mais de 18 anos de idade e ter infecção comprovada pelo HIV. Na visita inicial, dados sobre aspectos sexuais, reprodutivos, comportamentais e da infecção pelo HIV foram obtidos durante entrevista face a face com o médico assistente. Foi calculada a prevalência de aborto induzido na vida e verificados os fatores associados ao aborto induzido por meio de regressão logística múltipla, para o total de mulheres e entre aquelas com gestação prévia. Do total de mulheres, 30,4% referiram algum aborto induzido na vida, sendo este valor de 33,5% em mulheres com gestação prévia. A frequência de aborto induzido relatado apresentou queda significativa no período analisado (41,7% de 1996-2000 vs. 22,5% de 2011-2016, p < 0,001). Os fatores associados ao aborto induzido, tanto para o total de mulheres quanto para aquelas com gestação prévia, foram o aumento da idade, escolaridade mais elevada, número de parceiros sexuais na vida ≥ 5, gestação na adolescência, uso de qualquer droga ilícita na vida e período de ingresso na coorte após 2005. Mudanças no perfil socioeconômico, sexual, reprodutivo e da infecção pelo HIV são explicações possíveis para a redução da prática do aborto no período. Estudos que utilizem métodos de aferição direta do aborto devem ser conduzidos em outras populações, para confirmar a tendência de queda do aborto induzido no país e seus determinantes.

El objetivo de este estudio es verificar la prevalencia y los factores asociados al aborto inducido en el ingreso en una cohorte de mujeres, que viven con VIH/sida, en el municipio de Rio de Janeiro, durante el período 1996-2016. El criterio de elegibilidad para el ingreso en la cohorte era ser del sexo femenino al nacer, tener más de 18 años de edad y sufrir una infección comprobada por VIH. En la visita inicial, datos sobre aspectos sexuales, reproductivos, comportamentales y de infección por el VIH se obtuvieron durante la entrevista cara a cara con el médico asistente. Se calculó la prevalencia del aborto inducido en la vida y se verificaron los factores asociados al aborto inducido mediante regresión logística múltiple, para el total de mujeres y entre aquellas con gestación previa. Del total de mujeres, un 30,4% refería algún aborto inducido en la vida, siendo ese valor de un 33,5% en mujeres con gestación previa. La frecuencia de aborto inducido relatado presentó una caída significativa durante el período analizado (un 41,7% en el período 1996-2000 vs. 22,5% en el período 2011-2016, p < 0,001). Los factores asociados al aborto inducido, tanto para el total de mujeres, como para aquellas con gestación previa, fueron el aumento de la edad de la mujer, escolaridad más elevada, número de parejas sexuales en la vida ≥ 5, gestación en la adolescencia, consumo de cualquier droga ilícita en la vida y período de ingreso en la cohorte tras 2005. Cambios en el perfil socioeconómico, sexual, reproductivo y de infección por VIH son explicaciones posibles para la reducción de la realización de abortos durante el período. Se deben llevar a cabo estudios que utilicen métodos de medición directa del aborto en otras poblaciones para confirmar la tendencia de caída del aborto inducido en el país y sus determinantes.

Prevalência e fatores associados ao aborto induzido no ingresso em uma coorte de mulheres vivendo com HIV/aids, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, 1996-2016 / Prevalencia y factores asociados al aborto inducido en el ingreso en una cohorte de mujeres que viven con VIH/SIDA, Río de Janeiro, Brasil, 1996-2016 / Prevalence of induced abortion and associated factors in a cohort of women living with HIV/AIDS, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 1996-2016

O objetivo deste estudo é verificar a prevalência e os fatores associados ao aborto induzido no ingresso em uma coorte de mulheres vivendo com HIV/aids, no Município do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, no período 1996-2016. O critério de elegibilidade para o ingresso na coorte era ser do sexo feminino ao nascimento, ter mais de 18 anos de idade e ter infecção comprovada pelo HIV. Na visita inicial, dados sobre aspectos sexuais, reprodutivos, comportamentais e da infecção pelo HIV foram obtidos durante entrevista face a face com o médico assistente. Foi calculada a prevalência de aborto induzido na vida e verificados os fatores associados ao aborto induzido por meio de regressão logística múltipla, para o total de mulheres e entre aquelas com gestação prévia. Do total de mulheres, 30,4% referiram algum aborto induzido na vida, sendo este valor de 33,5% em mulheres com gestação prévia. A frequência de aborto induzido relatado apresentou queda significativa no período analisado (41,7% de 1996-2000 vs. 22,5% de 2011-2016, p < 0,001). Os fatores associados ao aborto induzido, tanto para o total de mulheres quanto para aquelas com gestação prévia, foram o aumento da idade, escolaridade mais elevada, número de parceiros sexuais na vida ≥ 5, gestação na adolescência, uso de qualquer droga ilícita na vida e período de ingresso na coorte após 2005. Mudanças no perfil socioeconômico, sexual, reprodutivo e da infecção pelo HIV são explicações possíveis para a redução da prática do aborto no período. Estudos que utilizem métodos de aferição direta do aborto devem ser conduzidos em outras populações, para confirmar a tendência de queda do aborto induzido no país e seus determinantes.

El objetivo de este estudio es verificar la prevalencia y los factores asociados al aborto inducido en el ingreso en una cohorte de mujeres, que viven con VIH/sida, en el municipio de Rio de Janeiro, durante el período 1996-2016. El criterio de elegibilidad para el ingreso en la cohorte era ser del sexo femenino al nacer, tener más de 18 años de edad y sufrir una infección comprobada por VIH. En la visita inicial, datos sobre aspectos sexuales, reproductivos, comportamentales y de infección por el VIH se obtuvieron durante la entrevista cara a cara con el médico asistente. Se calculó la prevalencia del aborto inducido en la vida y se verificaron los factores asociados al aborto inducido mediante regresión logística múltiple, para el total de mujeres y entre aquellas con gestación previa. Del total de mujeres, un 30,4% refería algún aborto inducido en la vida, siendo ese valor de un 33,5% en mujeres con gestación previa. La frecuencia de aborto inducido relatado presentó una caída significativa durante el período analizado (un 41,7% en el período 1996-2000 vs. 22,5% en el período 2011-2016, p < 0,001). Los factores asociados al aborto inducido, tanto para el total de mujeres, como para aquellas con gestación previa, fueron el aumento de la edad de la mujer, escolaridad más elevada, número de parejas sexuales en la vida ≥ 5, gestación en la adolescencia, consumo de cualquier droga ilícita en la vida y período de ingreso en la cohorte tras 2005. Cambios en el perfil socioeconómico, sexual, reproductivo y de infección por VIH son explicaciones posibles para la reducción de la realización de abortos durante el período. Se deben llevar a cabo estudios que utilicen métodos de medición directa del aborto en otras poblaciones para confirmar la tendencia de caída del aborto inducido en el país y sus determinantes.

The aim of this study was to verify the prevalence of induced abortion and associated factors at the time of inclusion in a cohort of women living with HIV/AIDS in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 1996 to 2016. Eligibility criteria for inclusion in the cohort were female sex at birth, age 18 years and older, and confirmed HIV infection. At the baseline visit, data on sexual, reproductive, and behavioral aspects and HIV infection were obtained through a face-to-face interview with the attending physician. Lifetime prevalence of induced abortion was calculated, and factors associated with induced abortion were verified by multiple logistic regression for all the women and for those with previous pregnancy. In the entire cohort of women, 30.4% reported a history of induced abortion, compared to 33.5% in women with previous pregnancy. Frequency of reported induced abortion showed a significant reduction during the period (41.7% in 1996-2000 versus 22.5% in 2011-2016, p < 0.001). Factors associated with induced abortion, both for the entire cohort and for the women with previous pregnancy, were age, schooling, ≥ 5 lifetime sexual partners, teenage pregnancy, lifetime use of any illicit drug, and inclusion in the cohort after the year 2005. Changes in the socioeconomic, sexual, reproductive, and HIV infection profile are possible explanations for the reduction in abortions during the period. Studies that use direct methods to measure abortion should be conducted in other populations to confirm the downward trend in induced abortion and its determinants in Brazil.

Awareness of Prevention Strategies and Willingness to Use Preexposure Prophylaxis in Brazilian Men Who Have Sex With Men Using Apps for Sexual Encounters: Online Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Geosocial networking (GSN) smartphone apps are becoming the main venue for sexual encounters among Brazilian men who have sex with men (MSM). To address the increased HIV incidence in this population, preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) was recently implemented in the Brazilian public health system in the context of combined HIV prevention. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe the characteristics of MSM using GSN apps for sexual encounters, their awareness of prevention strategies, and willingness to use PrEP. METHODS: This study was an online cross-sectional study conducted in 10 Brazilian state capitals from July 1 to July 31, 2016. The questionnaire was programmed on SurveyGizmo and advertised in two GSN apps used by MSM to find sexual partners (Hornet and Grindr). Inclusion criteria were >18 years of age, cisgender men, with an HIV-negative status. Eligible individuals answered questions on: demographics; behavior; and knowledge, preferences, and willingness to use PrEP, nonoccupational postexposure prophylaxis (nPEP), HIV self-testing (HIVST), and condoms. Logistic regression modeling was performed to assess the factors associated with daily oral PrEP willingness. RESULTS: During the study period, 8885 individuals provided consent and started the questionnaire. Of these, 23.05% (2048/8885) were ineligible, 6837 (6837/8885, 76.94%) initiated, and 5065 (5065/8885, 57.00%) completed the entire questionnaire and were included in the present analysis. Median age was 30 years (interquartile range: 25-36), most self-declared as MSM (4991/5065, 98.54%), white (3194/5065, 63.06%), middle income (2148/5065, 42.41%), and had 12 or more years of schooling (3106/5062, 61.36%). The majority of MSM (3363/5064, 66.41%) scored >10 points (high risk) on The HIV Incidence Risk for MSM Scale, but only 21.39% (1083/5064) had a low perceived likelihood of getting HIV in the next year. Daily use of apps for sex was reported by 35.58% (1798/5054). Most MSM (4327/5065, 85.43%) reported testing for HIV at least once in their lifetime and 9.16% (464/5065) used nPEP in the previous year. PrEP, nPEP, and HIVST awareness was reported by 57.89% (2932/5065), 57.39% (2907/5065), and 26.57% (1346/5065) of participants, respectively. Half of all respondents (2653/5065, 52.38%) were willing to use daily oral PrEP, and this finding was associated with higher numbers of male sexual partners (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.26, 95% CI 1.09-1.47), condomless receptive anal intercourse (AOR 1.27, 95% CI 1.12-1.44), sex with HIV-positive partner versus no HIV-positive partner (one HIV-positive partner: AOR 1.36, 95% CI 1.11-1.67), daily use of apps for sexual encounters (AOR 1.48, 95% CI 1.17-1.87), high and unknown perceived likelihood of getting HIV in the next year (AOR 1.72, 95% CI 1.47-2.02 and AOR 1.39, 95% CI 1.13-1.70), sexually transmitted infection diagnosis (AOR 1.25, 95% CI 1.03-1.51), stimulant use (AOR 1.24, 95% CI 1.07-1.43), PrEP awareness (AOR 1.48, 95% CI 1.30-1.70), and unwillingness to use condoms (AOR 1.16, 95% CI 1.00-1.33). CONCLUSIONS: Our results evidenced high-risk scores in the studied population, suggesting the importance of PrEP use. Those individuals presenting risky sexual behaviors were more willing to use PrEP. Nonetheless, only 58% (2932/5065) of individuals had heard about this prevention strategy. Efforts to increase awareness of new prevention strategies are needed, and mobile health tools are a promising strategy to reach MSM.

Hybrid capture as a tool for cervical lesions screening in HIV-infected women: insights from a Brazilian cohort

ABSTRACT Introduction: Cervical cancer remains an important burden for HIV-infected women in the era of combination antiretroviral therapy. Recommendations for cervical screening in these women diverge and may include high-risk HPV (HRHPV) testing. We aimed to evaluate the clinical usefulness of a single HRHPV testing for cervical screening of HIV-infected women. Methods: 723 HIV-infected women from a Brazilian prospective cohort were included between 1996 and 2012. Inclusion criteria were: normal cervical cytology at baseline and having a HRHPV-test at baseline. We calculated incidence rates of any squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL) and high grade SIL+ (HSIL+) and negative predictive values (NPV) within 12 and 36 months. Hazard Ratios were obtained using Cox proportional hazards regression models. Results: Incidence rate for both outcomes was low (9.9 cases per 100 PY [95% CI 8.8-11.0] for any SIL and 1.3 cases per 100 PY [95% IC 0.9-1.8] for HSIL+). Women with a HRHPV positive status at baseline had 1.7-fold (95% CI 1.3-2.2) and 3.2-fold (95% CI 1.5-7.1) increased risk of presenting any SIL and HSIL+, respectively, during follow-up. Negative-HRHPV test presented high NPV for both periods and outcomes (any SIL: 92.4% [95% CI 89.7-94.6] for 12 months and 80.9% [95% CI 77.2-84.3] for 36 months; and HSIL+: 99.8% [95% CI 98.9-100.0] for 12 months and 99.0 [95% CI 97.6-99.7] for 36 months). Conclusions: Incidence of any and high grade cytological abnormality was significantly higher among HIV-infected women with positive-HRHPV test. A single negative-HRHPV test helped reassure follow-up free of cytological abnormalities through three years of follow-up in HIV-infected women with negative cytology.

Hybrid capture as a tool for cervical lesions screening in HIV-infected women: insights from a Brazilian cohort.

INTRODUCTION: Cervical cancer remains an important burden for HIV-infected women in the era of combination antiretroviral therapy. Recommendations for cervical screening in these women diverge and may include high-risk HPV (HRHPV) testing. We aimed to evaluate the clinical usefulness of a single HRHPV testing for cervical screening of HIV-infected women. METHODS: 723 HIV-infected women from a Brazilian prospective cohort were included between 1996 and 2012. Inclusion criteria were: normal cervical cytology at baseline and having a HRHPV-test at baseline. We calculated incidence rates of any squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL) and high grade SIL+ (HSIL+) and negative predictive values (NPV) within 12 and 36 months. Hazard Ratios were obtained using Cox proportional hazards regression models. RESULTS: Incidence rate for both outcomes was low (9.9 cases per 100 PY [95% CI 8.8-11.0] for any SIL and 1.3 cases per 100 PY [95% IC 0.9-1.8] for HSIL+). Women with a HRHPV positive status at baseline had 1.7-fold (95% CI 1.3-2.2) and 3.2-fold (95% CI 1.5-7.1) increased risk of presenting any SIL and HSIL+, respectively, during follow-up. Negative-HRHPV test presented high NPV for both periods and outcomes (any SIL: 92.4% [95% CI 89.7-94.6] for 12 months and 80.9% [95% CI 77.2-84.3] for 36 months; and HSIL+: 99.8% [95% CI 98.9-100.0] for 12 months and 99.0 [95% CI 97.6-99.7] for 36 months). CONCLUSIONS: Incidence of any and high grade cytological abnormality was significantly higher among HIV-infected women with positive-HRHPV test. A single negative-HRHPV test helped reassure follow-up free of cytological abnormalities through three years of follow-up in HIV-infected women with negative cytology.

The Fraction of Cancer Attributable to Ways of Life, Infections, Occupation, and Environmental Agents in Brazil in 2020.

Many human cancers develop as a result of exposure to risk factors related to the environment and ways of life. The aim of this study was to estimate attributable fractions of 25 types of cancers resulting from exposure to modifiable risk factors in Brazil. The prevalence of exposure to selected risk factors among adults was obtained from population-based surveys conducted from 2000 to 2008. Risk estimates were based on data drawn from meta-analyses or large, high quality studies. Population-attributable fractions (PAF) for a combination of risk factors, as well as the number of preventable deaths and cancer cases, were calculated for 2020. The known preventable risk factors studied will account for 34% of cancer cases among men and 35% among women in 2020, and for 46% and 39% deaths, respectively. The highest attributable fractions were estimated for tobacco smoking, infections, low consumption of fruits and vegetables, excess weight, reproductive factors, and physical inactivity. This is the first study to systematically estimate the fraction of cancer attributable to potentially modifiable risk factors in Brazil. Strategies for primary prevention of tobacco smoking and control of infection and the promotion of a healthy diet and physical activity should be the main priorities in policies for cancer prevention in the country.

Clinical outcomes of first-line antiretroviral therapy in Latin America: analysis from the LATINA retrospective cohort study.

Nearly 2 million people are infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Latin America. However, information regarding population-scale outcomes from a regional perspective is scarce. We aimed to describe the baseline characteristics and therapeutic outcomes of newly-treated individuals with HIV infection in Latin America. A Retrospective cohort study was undertaken. The primary explanatory variable was combination antiretroviral therapy based on either a protease inhibitor (PI) or a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI). The main outcome was defined as the composite of all-cause mortality and the occurrence of an AIDS-defining clinical event or a serious non-AIDS-defining event during the first year of therapy. The secondary outcomes included the time to a change in treatment strategy. All analyses were performed according to the intention to treat principle. A total of 937 treatment-naive patients from four participating countries were included (228 patients with PI therapy and 709 with NNRTI-based treatment). At the time of treatment initiation, the patients had a mean age of 37 (SD: 10) years and a median CD4 + T-cell count of 133 cells/mm(3) (interquartile range: 47.5-216.0). Patients receiving PI-based regimens had a significantly lower CD4 + count, a higher AIDS prevalence at baseline and a shorter time from HIV diagnosis until the initiation of treatment. There was no difference in the hazard ratio for the primary outcome between groups. The only covariates associated with the latter were CD4 + cell count at baseline, study site and age. The estimated hazard ratio for the time to a change in treatment (NNRTI vs PI) was 0.61 (95% CI 0.47-0.80, p < 0.01). This study concluded that patients living with HIV in Latin America present with similar clinical outcomes regardless of the choice of initial therapy. Patients treated with PIs are more likely to require a treatment change during the first year of follow up.

AIDS and non-AIDS severe morbidity associated with hospitalizations among HIV-infected patients in two regions with universal access to care and antiretroviral therapy, France and Brazil, 2000-2008: hospital-based cohort studies.

BACKGROUND: In high-income settings, the spectrum of morbidity and mortality experienced by Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-infected individuals receiving combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) has switched from predominantly AIDS-related to non-AIDS-related conditions. In the context of universal access to care, we evaluated whether that shift would apply in Brazil, a middle-income country with universal access to treatment, as compared to France. METHODS: Two hospital-based cohorts of HIV-infected individuals were used for this analysis: the ANRS CO3 Aquitaine Cohort in South Western France and the Evandro Chagas Research Institute (IPEC) Cohort of the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Severe morbid events (AIDS- and non-AIDS-related) were defined as all clinical diagnoses associated with a hospitalization of ≥48 hours. Trends in the incidence rate of events and their determinants were estimated while adjusting for within-subject correlation using generalized estimating equations models with an auto-regressive correlation structure and robust standard errors. RESULT: Between January 2000 and December 2008, 7812 adult patients were followed for a total of 41,668 person-years (PY) of follow-up. Throughout the study period, 90% of the patients were treated with cART. The annual incidence rate of AIDS and non-AIDS events, and of deaths significantly decreased over the years, from 6.2, 21.1, and 1.9 AIDS, non-AIDS events, and deaths per 100 PY in 2000 to 4.3, 14.9, and 1.5/100 PY in 2008. The annual incidence rates of non-AIDS events surpassed that of AIDS-events during the entire study period. High CD4 cell counts were associated with a lower incidence rate of AIDS and non-AIDS events as well as with lower rates of specific non-AIDS events, such as bacterial, hepatic, viral, neurological, and cardiovascular conditions. Adjusted analysis showed that severe morbidity was associated with lower CD4 counts and higher plasma HIV RNAs but not with setting (IPEC versus Aquitaine). CONCLUSIONS: As information on severe morbidities for HIV-infected patients remain scarce, data on hospitalizations are valuable to identify priorities for case management and to improve the quality of life of patients with a chronic disease requiring life-long treatment. Immune restoration is highly effective in reducing AIDS and non-AIDS severe morbid events irrespective of the setting.

Trends in AIDS-defining opportunistic illnesses incidence over 25 years in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the temporal trends in incidence of AIDS-defining opportunistic illnesses in an urban cohort of a middle-income country. METHODS: HIV infected patients aged ≥ 18 years at cohort entry were included in this analysis. We calculated incidence rates per 1000 persons-years of observation for the first opportunistic illness presented after cohort enrollment, from 1987 to 2012. Trends for overall and specific opportunistic illnesses were tested and incidence rate ratios for the most recent calendar period were calculated as the ratio between the incidence rate observed in the most recent period of the study (2009-2012) and the incidence rate observed in first period of the study (1987-1990). RESULTS: Overall, 3378 patients were included in this analysis; of which 1119 (33%) patients presented an opportunistic illness during follow up. Incidence rates of all opportunistic illnesses decreased over time, and the overall opportunistic illness incidence rates fell from 295.4/1000 persons-years in 1987-1990 to 34.6/1000 persons-years in 2009-2012. Tuberculosis, esophageal candidiasis, cerebral toxoplasmosis and Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia were the most incident opportunistic illnesses in the cohort. Tuberculosis had the highest incidence rate in the study period. The peak in tuberculosis incidence occurred in 1991-1993 (80.8/1000 persons-years). Cerebral toxoplasmosis was the third most incident opportunistic illness in the study, with a peak of incidence of 43.6/1000 persons-year in 1987-1990. CONCLUSIONS: All opportunistic illnesses incidence rates decreased over the years but they still occur in an unacceptable frequency. Tuberculosis co-infection among HIV-infected persists as an important challenge for health care professionals and policy makers in our setting. Impressively high rates of cerebral toxoplasmosis were found suggesting that its incidence among HIV-infected is linked to the high prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in the general population.

Cascade of access to interventions to prevent HIV mother to child transmission in the metropolitan area of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

OBJECTIVES: To describe the access to the interventions for the prevention of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) mother to child transmission and mother to child transmission rates in the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro, from 1999 to 2009. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study. Prevention of HIV mother to child transmission interventions were accessed and mother to child transmission rates were calculated. RESULTS: The study population is young (median: 26 years; interquartile range: 22.0-31.0), with low monthly family income (40.4% up to one Brazilian minimum wage) and schooling (62.1% less than 8 years). Only 47.1% (n = 469) knew the HIV status of their partner; of these women, 39.9% had an HIV-seronegative partner. Among the 1259 newborns evaluated, access to the antenatal, intrapartum and postpartum prevention of HIV mother to child transmission components occurred in 59.2%, 74.2%, and 97.5% respectively; 91.0% of the newborns were not breastfed. Overall 52.7% of the newborns have benefited from all the recommended interventions. In subsequent pregnancies (n = 289), 67.8% of the newborns received the full package of interventions. The overall rate of HIV vertical transmission was 4.7% and the highest annual rate occurred in 2005 (7.4%), with no definite trend in the period. CONCLUSIONS: Access to the full package of interventions for the prevention of HIV vertical transmission was low, with no significant trend of improvement over the years. The vertical transmission rates observed were higher than those found in reference services in the municipality of Rio de Janeiro and in the richest regions of the country. .