Tuberculosis patients face high treatment support costs in Colombia, 2021.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the baseline to measure one of the three indicators of the World Health Organization (WHO) End TB strategy (2015-2035), measure the costs incurred by patients affected by tuberculosis (TB) during a treatment episode and estimate the proportion of households facing catastrophic costs (CC) and associated risk factors, in Colombia, 2021. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A nationally representative cross-sectional survey was conducted among participants on TB treatment in Colombia, using telephone interviews due to the exceptional context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey collected household costs (direct [medical and non-medical out-of-pocket expenses] and indirect) over an episode of TB, loss of time, coping measures, self-reported income, and asset ownership. Total costs were expressed as a proportion of annual household income and analyzed for risk factors of CC (defined as costs above 20% annual household income). RESULTS: The proportion of TB-affected households incurring in costs above 20% annual household income (CC) was 51.7% (95%CI: 45.4-58.0) overall, 51.3% (95%CI: 44.9-57.7) among patients with drug-sensitive (DS) TB, and 65.0% (95%CI: 48.0-82.0) among drug-resistant (DR). The average patient cost of a TB case in Colombia was $1,218 (95%CI 1,106-1,330) including $860.9 (95%CI 776.1-945.7) for non-medical costs, $339 (95%CI 257-421) for the indirect costs, and $18.1 (95%CI 11.9-24.4) for the medical costs. The factors that influenced the probability of facing CC were income quintile, job loss, DR-TB patient, and TB type. CONCLUSION: Main cost drivers for CC were non-medical out-of-pocket expenses and income loss (indirect costs). Current social protection programs ought to be expanded to mitigate the proportion of TB-affected households facing CC in Colombia, especially those with lower income levels.

Gender differences in the surgical management of trachomatous trichiasis: an exploratory analysis of global trachoma survey data, 2015-2019.

BACKGROUND: Trachomatous trichiasis (TT) is a painful, potentially blinding eye condition that can be managed through epilation or surgery. Women are affected by TT approximately twice as often as men and are believed to face gendered barriers to receiving surgical care to prevent vision loss. METHODS: We used data from 817 cross-sectional surveys conducted during 2015-2019 in 20 African countries to estimate the prevalence difference (PD) between female and male eyes for four outcomes potentially indicating gender-related differences in TT management: (1) received surgery and developed postoperative TT (PTT), (2) never offered surgery, (3) offered surgery but declined it, and (4) offered epilation but never offered surgery. RESULTS: The prevalence was modestly elevated among female eyes compared with male eyes for having PTT (PD:1.8 [95% confidence limits (CL): 0.6, 3.0]) and having declined surgery for the eye (PD: 6.2 [95% CL: 1.8, 10.7]). The proportion offered epilation was similar by gender (PD:0.5 [95% CL: -0.4, 1.3]), while never having been offered surgery was somewhat more prevalent among male eyes (PD: -2.1 [95% CL: -3.5, -0.7]). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest potential gender differences in TT management. More research is needed to determine the causes and implications of the observed differences.

Adherence to guidelines on the use of amoxicillin for treatment of ambulatory pneumonia in children younger than 5 years, Colombia, 2017-2019.

Objectives: To determine the level of adherence to clinical guidelines in prescribing amoxicillin to children younger than 5 years with pneumonia in outpatient settings in Colombia from 2017 to 2019, and assess the factors associated with adherence. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of secondary data from the Colombian Integrated Social Protection Information System database. Adherence was defined as prescription of oral amoxicillin for bacterial and unspecified pneumonia and non-prescription for viral pneumonia. Variables examined included: age (< 1 year, 1-4 years) of child; sex; cause of pneumonia (bacterial, viral, unspecified); region (Andean, Amazonian, Pacific, Caribbean, Insular, Orinoquian); and payment mechanism (without prior authorization, capitation, direct payment, pay per case, pay for event). Results: Of 215 925 cases of community-acquired pneumonia reported during 2017-2019, 64.8% were from the Andean region, 73.9% were bacterial pneumonia and 1.8% were viral pneumonia. Adherence to guidelines was observed in 5.8% of cases: this was highest for children diagnosed with viral (86.0%) compared with bacterial (2.0%) pneumonia. For children diagnosed with bacterial pneumonia, 9.4% were prescribed any antibiotic. A greater proportion of children covered by capitated payments (22.3%) were given treatment consistent with the guidelines compared with payment for event (1.3%). Conclusion: In this first study from Colombia, adherence to guidelines for outpatient treatment of children with bacterial pneumonia was low and was better for viral pneumonia. Further qualitative studies are needed to explore the reasons for this lack of adherence and why bacterial pneumonia was the most commonly reported etiology.

Adherence to guidelines on the use of amoxicillin for treatment of ambulatory pneumonia in children younger than 5 years, Colombia, 2017–2019

[ABSTRACT]. Objectives. To determine the level of adherence to clinical guidelines in prescribing amoxicillin to children younger than 5 years with pneumonia in outpatient settings in Colombia from 2017 to 2019, and assess the factors associated with adherence Methods. This was a cross-sectional study of secondary data from the Colombian Integrated Social Protec- tion Information System database. Adherence was defined as prescription of oral amoxicillin for bacterial and unspecified pneumonia and non-prescription for viral pneumonia. Variables examined included: age (< 1 year, 1–4 years) of child; sex; cause of pneumonia (bacterial, viral, unspecified); region (Andean, Amazonian, Pacific, Caribbean, Insular, Orinoquian); and payment mechanism (without prior authorization, capitation, dir- ect payment, pay per case, pay for event). Results. Of 215 925 cases of community-acquired pneumonia reported during 2017–2019, 64.8% were from the Andean region, 73.9% were bacterial pneumonia and 1.8% were viral pneumonia. Adherence to guide- lines was observed in 5.8% of cases: this was highest for children diagnosed with viral (86.0%) compared with bacterial (2.0%) pneumonia. For children diagnosed with bacterial pneumonia, 9.4% were prescribed any antibiotic. A greater proportion of children covered by capitated payments (22.3%) were given treatment consistent with the guidelines compared with payment for event (1.3%). Conclusion. In this first study from Colombia, adherence to guidelines for outpatient treatment of children with bacterial pneumonia was low and was better for viral pneumonia. Further qualitative studies are needed to explore the reasons for this lack of adherence and why bacterial pneumonia was the most commonly reported etiology.

[RESUMEN]. Objetivos. Determinar el nivel de adherencia a las directrices clínicas al momento de prescribir amoxicilina a menores de 5 años con neumonía en entornos de atención ambulatoria en Colombia entre el 2017 y el 2019, así como evaluar los factores asociados con la adherencia. Métodos. Este fue un estudio transversal de datos secundarios de la base de datos del Sistema Integral de Información de la Protección Social de Colombia. La adherencia se definió como la prescripción de amox- icilina por vía oral para las neumonías bacterianas y no especificadas, y la ausencia de prescripción para las neumonías virales. Las variables examinadas incluyeron: edad (< 1 año, 1 a 4 años); sexo; causa de la neumonía (bacteriana, viral, no especificada); región (andina, amazónica, Pacífico, Caribe, insular, Orinoco); y mecanismo de pago (sin autorización previa, capitación, pago directo, pago por caso, pago por evento). Resultados. De 215 925 casos de neumonía adquirida en la comunidad notificados durante el período 2017- 2019, el 64,8% correspondieron a la región andina, el 73,9% a neumonía bacteriana y el 1,8% a neumonía viral. Se observó la adherencia a las directrices en el 5,8% de los casos: esta cifra fue más alta para la población infantil diagnosticada con neumonía viral (86,0%) que para la diagnosticada con neumonía bacte- riana (2,0%). En el caso de la población infantil diagnosticada con neumonía bacteriana, al 9,4% se le recetó algún antibiótico. La proporción de población infantil cubierta por pagos capitados (22,3%) que recibió un tratamiento en consonancia con las directrices fue mayor que la de la población cubierta por pagos por evento (1,3%). Conclusión. En este primer estudio de Colombia, la adherencia a las directrices sobre el tratamiento ambula- torio de la población infantil con neumonía bacteriana fue bajo, en tanto que resultó superior en el caso de la neumonía viral. Se necesitan más estudios cualitativos para indagar sobre los motivos de esta falta de adher- encia y las razones por las cuales la neumonía bacteriana fue la etiología notificada con mayor frecuencia.

[RESUMO]. Objetivos. Determinar o nível de adesão às diretrizes clínicas para prescrição de amoxicilina em regime ambulatorial para crianças menores de 5 anos com pneumonia na Colômbia, de 2017 a 2019, e avaliar os fatores associados à adesão. Métodos. Estudo transversal de dados secundários do banco de dados do Sistema Integrado de Informação sobre Proteção Social da Colômbia. Definiu-se adesão como prescrição de amoxicilina oral para pneumonia bacteriana e não especificada, e não prescrição para pneumonia viral. As variáveis examinadas incluíram: idade da criança (< 1 ano, 1–4 anos), sexo, etiologia da pneumonia (bacteriana, viral, não especificada), região (Andina, Amazônica, Pacífica, Caribenha, Insular, Orinoco) e mecanismo de pagamento (sem autor- ização prévia, capitação, pagamento direto, pay-per-case, pay-for-event). Resultados. Dos 215.925 casos de pneumonia adquirida na comunidade notificados nos anos 2017-2019, 64,8% ocorreram na região Andina, 73,9% foram pneumonia bacteriana e 1,8% foram pneumonia viral. A adesão às diretrizes foi observada em 5,8% dos casos. Foi maior para crianças com diagnóstico de pneu- monia viral (86,0%) em comparação com pneumonia bacteriana (2,0%). Para as crianças com diagnóstico de pneumonia bacteriana, 9,4% receberam algum antibiótico. Uma proporção maior de crianças cobertas por pagamentos capitados (22,3%) recebeu tratamento compatível com as diretrizes, contra apenas 1,3% no esquema de pay-for-event. Conclusão. Neste primeiro estudo da Colômbia, a adesão às diretrizes para tratamento ambulatorial de cri- anças com pneumonia bacteriana foi baixa, sendo melhor para pneumonia viral. Mais estudos qualitativos são necessários para explorar as razões dessa falta de adesão e por qual motivo a pneumonia bacteriana foi a etiologia mais comumente notificada.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Hygiene and the Prevention of Trachoma in the Indigenous Population of the Colombian Amazon Vaupés Department.

The Colombian program to end trachoma implements the component F of the SAFE strategy in the Vaupés department of the Amazon rainforest. Cultural, linguistic, and geographical barriers and the coexistence of an ancestral medical system demand the technical and sociocultural adaptation of this component. A cross-sectional survey combined with focus-group discussions to understand the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the indigenous population related to trachoma was conducted in 2015. Of the 357 heads of households that participated, 45.1% associated trachoma with a lack of hygiene, and 94.7% associated the concept of hygiene with taking one or more body baths per day, using commercial or handcrafted soap. In total, 93% reported cleaning their children's faces and eyes more often when they have conjunctivitis, but 66.1% also did this with clothes or towels in use, and 52.7% of people shared towels; in total, 32.8% indicated that they would use ancestral medicine to prevent and treat trachoma. The SAFE strategy in Vaupés requires an intercultural approach to facilitate stakeholder support and participation to promote general and facial hygiene, washing clothes with soap, and not sharing towels and clothes to dry and clean children's faces for effective and sustainable elimination of trachoma as a public health problem. This qualitative assessment facilitated an intercultural approach locally and in other Amazonian locations.

Adherence to guidelines on the use of amoxicillin for treatment of ambulatory pneumonia in children younger than 5 years, Colombia, 2017-2019 / Adherencia a las directrices sobre el uso de amoxicilina para el tratamiento ambulatorio de la neumonía en menores de 5 años, Colombia, 2017-2019 / Adesão às diretrizes sobre uso de amoxicilina para tratamento de pneumonia ambulatorial em crianças menores de 5 anos, Colômbia, 2017-2019

ABSTRACT Objectives. To determine the level of adherence to clinical guidelines in prescribing amoxicillin to children younger than 5 years with pneumonia in outpatient settings in Colombia from 2017 to 2019, and assess the factors associated with adherence Methods. This was a cross-sectional study of secondary data from the Colombian Integrated Social Protection Information System database. Adherence was defined as prescription of oral amoxicillin for bacterial and unspecified pneumonia and non-prescription for viral pneumonia. Variables examined included: age (< 1 year, 1-4 years) of child; sex; cause of pneumonia (bacterial, viral, unspecified); region (Andean, Amazonian, Pacific, Caribbean, Insular, Orinoquian); and payment mechanism (without prior authorization, capitation, direct payment, pay per case, pay for event). Results. Of 215 925 cases of community-acquired pneumonia reported during 2017-2019, 64.8% were from the Andean region, 73.9% were bacterial pneumonia and 1.8% were viral pneumonia. Adherence to guidelines was observed in 5.8% of cases: this was highest for children diagnosed with viral (86.0%) compared with bacterial (2.0%) pneumonia. For children diagnosed with bacterial pneumonia, 9.4% were prescribed any antibiotic. A greater proportion of children covered by capitated payments (22.3%) were given treatment consistent with the guidelines compared with payment for event (1.3%). Conclusion. In this first study from Colombia, adherence to guidelines for outpatient treatment of children with bacterial pneumonia was low and was better for viral pneumonia. Further qualitative studies are needed to explore the reasons for this lack of adherence and why bacterial pneumonia was the most commonly reported etiology.

RESUMEN Objetivos. Determinar el nivel de adherencia a las directrices clínicas al momento de prescribir amoxicilina a menores de 5 años con neumonía en entornos de atención ambulatoria en Colombia entre el 2017 y el 2019, así como evaluar los factores asociados con la adherencia. Métodos. Este fue un estudio transversal de datos secundarios de la base de datos del Sistema Integral de Información de la Protección Social de Colombia. La adherencia se definió como la prescripción de amoxicilina por vía oral para las neumonías bacterianas y no especificadas, y la ausencia de prescripción para las neumonías virales. Las variables examinadas incluyeron: edad (< 1 año, 1 a 4 años); sexo; causa de la neumonía (bacteriana, viral, no especificada); región (andina, amazónica, Pacífico, Caribe, insular, Orinoco); y mecanismo de pago (sin autorización previa, capitación, pago directo, pago por caso, pago por evento). Resultados. De 215 925 casos de neumonía adquirida en la comunidad notificados durante el período 2017-2019, el 64,8% correspondieron a la región andina, el 73,9% a neumonía bacteriana y el 1,8% a neumonía viral. Se observó la adherencia a las directrices en el 5,8% de los casos: esta cifra fue más alta para la población infantil diagnosticada con neumonía viral (86,0%) que para la diagnosticada con neumonía bacteriana (2,0%). En el caso de la población infantil diagnosticada con neumonía bacteriana, al 9,4% se le recetó algún antibiótico. La proporción de población infantil cubierta por pagos capitados (22,3%) que recibió un tratamiento en consonancia con las directrices fue mayor que la de la población cubierta por pagos por evento (1,3%). Conclusión. En este primer estudio de Colombia, la adherencia a las directrices sobre el tratamiento ambulatorio de la población infantil con neumonía bacteriana fue bajo, en tanto que resultó superior en el caso de la neumonía viral. Se necesitan más estudios cualitativos para indagar sobre los motivos de esta falta de adherencia y las razones por las cuales la neumonía bacteriana fue la etiología notificada con mayor frecuencia.

RESUMO Objetivos. Determinar o nível de adesão às diretrizes clínicas para prescrição de amoxicilina em regime ambulatorial para crianças menores de 5 anos com pneumonia na Colômbia, de 2017 a 2019, e avaliar os fatores associados à adesão. Métodos. Estudo transversal de dados secundários do banco de dados do Sistema Integrado de Informação sobre Proteção Social da Colômbia. Definiu-se adesão como prescrição de amoxicilina oral para pneumonia bacteriana e não especificada, e não prescrição para pneumonia viral. As variáveis examinadas incluíram: idade da criança (< 1 ano, 1-4 anos), sexo, etiologia da pneumonia (bacteriana, viral, não especificada), região (Andina, Amazônica, Pacífica, Caribenha, Insular, Orinoco) e mecanismo de pagamento (sem autorização prévia, capitação, pagamento direto, pay-per-case, pay-for-event). Resultados. Dos 215.925 casos de pneumonia adquirida na comunidade notificados nos anos 2017-2019, 64,8% ocorreram na região Andina, 73,9% foram pneumonia bacteriana e 1,8% foram pneumonia viral. A adesão às diretrizes foi observada em 5,8% dos casos. Foi maior para crianças com diagnóstico de pneumonia viral (86,0%) em comparação com pneumonia bacteriana (2,0%). Para as crianças com diagnóstico de pneumonia bacteriana, 9,4% receberam algum antibiótico. Uma proporção maior de crianças cobertas por pagamentos capitados (22,3%) recebeu tratamento compatível com as diretrizes, contra apenas 1,3% no esquema de pay-for-event. Conclusão. Neste primeiro estudo da Colômbia, a adesão às diretrizes para tratamento ambulatorial de crianças com pneumonia bacteriana foi baixa, sendo melhor para pneumonia viral. Mais estudos qualitativos são necessários para explorar as razões dessa falta de adesão e por qual motivo a pneumonia bacteriana foi a etiologia mais comumente notificada.

Caracterización de la tuberculosis multidrogorresistente y resistente a rifampicina en Colombia / Characterization of rifampin-resistant/multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in Colombia

RESUMEN Objetivo Caracterizar la población afectada por tuberculosis multidrogorresistente y resistente a rifampicina (TB-MDR/RR) en Colombia. Métodos Estudio transversal a partir de la información nominal de los pacientes con TB-MDR/RR tratados y reportados en Colombia desde 2009 hasta 2020, usando la totalidad de las fuentes de información oficiales. Se compararon, además, las tasas de TB-MDR/RR de diferentes grupos de riesgo con la de la población general y se evaluaron variables asociadas a la TB-MDR/RR extrapulmonar y a resistencias medicamentosas. Resultados La TB-MDR/RR ha aumentado progresivamente durante la última década y se ha concentrado en hombres (64% vs. 36%, p<0,001), edades medias (mediana: 39,5 años; RIC: 27) y zonas de mayor densidad poblacional (59% de los casos en Antioquia, Valle del Cauca y Santiago de Cali). Además, al compararlas con las poblaciones de referencia que aplicaran, se evidenciaron tasas 2, 10 y 200 veces mayores en población indígena (9,45/1 000 000 vs. 4,31/1 000 000; p=0,02), prisioneros (169/1 000 000 vs. 16,9/1 000 000; p<0,001) y habitantes de calle (21/100000 vs. 0,1/100 000; p<0,001), respectivamente. Conclusiones El aumento en los casos de TB-MDR/RR y sus grupos de riesgo deben tenerse en cuenta para la planeación de políticas, distribución de recursos y atención clínica.

ABSTRACT Objective To describe the population affected by rifampin-resistant/multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (RR/MDR-TB) in Colombia. Methods Cross-sectional study on all the patients treated for RR/MDR-TB in Colombia between 2009 and 2020, using all the official sources of information. In addition, a comparison was made between the rates of RR/MDR-TB in some higher-risk groups and average population. Finally, the variables associated to pulmonary versus extrapulmonary RR/MDR-TB and those associated to resistance to other drugs were evaluated. Results RR/MDR-TB cases have progressively increased during the last decade. These cases were concentrated in men (64% vs. 36%, p<0.001), middle aged adults (median: 39.5 years old; IQR: 27), and in geographic regions with higher population density (59% of cases in Antioquia, Valle del Cauca and Santiago de Cali). Also, the rate of RR/MDR-TB was 2, 10 and 200 times higher in indigenous (9.45/1 000 000 vs. 4.31/1 000 000; p=0.02), prisoners (169/1 000 000 vs. 16.9/1 000 000; p<0.001), and homeless population (21/100 000 vs. 0.1/100 000; p<0.001), respectively. Conclusions The increase in RR/MDR-TB cases and their concentration in higher-risk groups must be kept in mind to make better policies, a more efficient distribution of resources, and better patient care.

[National Network for Knowledge Management, Research, and Innovation in Tuberculosis in ColombiaRede Nacional de Gestão do Conhecimento, Pesquisa e Inovação em tuberculose na Colômbia]. / Red Nacional de Gestión de Conocimiento, Investigación e Innovación en Tuberculosis en Colombia.

In 2018, the Colombian Ministry of Health and Social Protection, in collaboration with the National Health Institute and the Pan American Health Organization, convened all actors associated with the National Tuberculosis Prevention and Control Program (PNPCT) and the National Science, Technology, and Innovation System to form a national network to coordinate operations research on tuberculosis (TB) in the country. Seven workshops were held and a consensus was reached to establish the National Network for Knowledge Management, Research, and Innovation in Tuberculosis in Colombia (TB Colombia Network). With more than 180 participants, a central node, and five regional nodes that bring together the country's 37 territorial entities, the TB Colombia Network conducted four days of training in operations research in 2019, defining 65 priority research topics aligned with the strategic lines in the PNPCT: prevention and comprehensive care, with a focus on people affected by TB (41 topics in three modules); and political commitment, social protection, and support systems (24 topics in four modules). The peer comparison method was used for prioritization. The TB Colombia Network remains active and contributes to knowledge management aimed at eliminating TB in Colombia. It has helped make progress in building plans and implementing local operations research projects that generate scientifically validated results to strengthen the PNPCT and improve the care of TB patients.

O Ministério da Saúde e Previdência Social da Colômbia, em cooperação com o Instituto Nacional de Saúde e a Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde (OPAS), convocou em 2018 todas as partes interessadas vinculadas ao Programa Nacional de Prevenção e Controle da Tuberculose (PNPCT) e ao Sistema Nacional de Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação para formar uma rede nacional com o objetivo de coordenar a pesquisa operacional em tuberculose no país. Foram promovidos sete seminários e, deste processo, se chegou a um consenso para criar a Rede Nacional de Gestão do Conhecimento, Pesquisa e Inovação em Tuberculose na Colômbia (Rede TB Colômbia). A rede conta com mais de 180 participantes, organizados em um núcleo central e cinco núcleos regionais que congregam 37 entidades territoriais. Em 2019, a Rede TB Colômbia realizou quatro jornadas de capacitação em pesquisa operacional e definiu 65 áreas temáticas prioritárias de pesquisa harmonizadas com as linhas estratégicas estabelecidas pelo PNPCT: prevenção e atenção integral com enfoque nas pessoas com TB (41 áreas temáticas divididas em três módulos) e compromisso político, proteção social e sistemas de apoio (24 áreas temáticas divididas em quatro módulos). A priorização foi definida pelo método de comparação pareada. A Rede TB Colômbia continua ativa contribuindo para a gestão do conhecimento voltado à eliminação da tuberculose no país e possibilitando avançar na formulação de planos e execução de projetos locais de pesquisa operacional com a produção de resultados científicos validados para fortalecer o PNPCT e melhorar a atenção das pessoas com TB.

Red Nacional de Gestión de Conocimiento, Investigación e Innovación en Tuberculosis en Colombia

[RESUMEN]. El Ministerio de Salud y Protección Social de Colombia, en colaboración con el Instituto Nacional de Salud y la Organización Panamericana de la Salud, convocaron en 2018 a todos los actores asociados al Programa Nacional de Prevención y Control de la Tuberculosis (PNPCT) y el Sistema Nacional de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación a la conformación de una red nacional que coordinara la investigación operativa (IO) relacionada con la tuberculosis (TB) en el país. Se realizaron siete talleres en los que se llegó al consenso de establecer la Red Nacional de Gestión de Conocimiento, Investigación e Innovación en Tuberculosis en Colombia (Red TB Colombia). Con más de 180 participantes, organizados en un nodo central y cinco nodos regionales que agrupan a las 37 entidades territoriales, en 2019 la Red TB Colombia realizó cuatro jornadas de capacitación en IO y definió 65 temas priorizados de investigación, ajustados a las líneas estratégicas establecidas por el PNPCT: prevención y atención integral, con foco en los afectados por la TB (41 temas en tres módulos) y compromiso político, protección social y sistemas de apoyo (24 temas en cuatro módulos). La priorización se realizó por el método de comparación por pares. La Red TB Colombia sigue activa y contribuye a la gestión del conocimiento dirigido a eliminar la TB en el país y ha permitido avanzar en la construcción de planes y la ejecución de proyectos locales de IO que generan resultados científicamente validados para fortalecer el PNPCT y mejorar la atención de los pacientes con TB.

[ABSTRACT]. In 2018, the Colombian Ministry of Health and Social Protection, in collaboration with the National Health Institute and the Pan American Health Organization, convened all actors associated with the National Tuberculosis Prevention and Control Program (PNPCT) and the National Science, Technology, and Innovation System to form a national network to coordinate operations research on tuberculosis (TB) in the country. Seven workshops were held and a consensus was reached to establish the National Network for Knowledge Management, Research, and Innovation in Tuberculosis in Colombia (TB Colombia Network). With more than 180 participants, a central node, and five regional nodes that bring together the country's 37 territorial entities, the TB Colombia Network conducted four days of training in operations research in 2019, defining 65 priority research topics aligned with the strategic lines in the PNPCT: prevention and comprehensive care, with a focus on people affected by TB (41 topics in three modules); and political commitment, social protection, and support systems (24 topics in four modules). The peer comparison method was used for prioritization. The TB Colombia Network remains active and contributes to knowledge management aimed at eliminating TB in Colombia. It has helped make progress in building plans and implementing local operations research projects that generate scientifically validated results to strengthen the PNPCT and improve the care of TB patients.

[RESUMO]. O Ministério da Saúde e Previdência Social da Colômbia, em cooperação com o Instituto Nacional de Saúde e a Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde (OPAS), convocou em 2018 todas as partes interessadas vinculadas ao Programa Nacional de Prevenção e Controle da Tuberculose (PNPCT) e ao Sistema Nacional de Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação para formar uma rede nacional com o objetivo de coordenar a pesquisa operacional em tuberculose no país. Foram promovidos sete seminários e, deste processo, se chegou a um consenso para criar a Rede Nacional de Gestão do Conhecimento, Pesquisa e Inovação em Tuberculose na Colômbia (Rede TB Colômbia). A rede conta com mais de 180 participantes, organizados em um núcleo central e cinco núcleos regionais que congregam 37 entidades territoriais. Em 2019, a Rede TB Colômbia realizou quatro jornadas de capacitação em pesquisa operacional e definiu 65 áreas temáticas prioritárias de pesquisa harmonizadas com as linhas estratégicas estabelecidas pelo PNPCT: prevenção e atenção integral com enfoque nas pessoas com TB (41 áreas temáticas divididas em três módulos) e compromisso político, proteção social e sistemas de apoio (24 áreas temáticas divididas em quatro módulos). A priorização foi definida pelo método de comparação pareada. A Rede TB Colômbia continua ativa contribuindo para a gestão do conhecimento voltado à eliminação da tuberculose no país e possibilitando avançar na formulação de planos e execução de projetos locais de pesquisa operacional com a produção de resultados científicos validados para fortalecer o PNPCT e melhorar a atenção das pessoas com TB.

Red Nacional de Gestión de Conocimiento, Investigación e Innovación en Tuberculosis en Colombia / National Network for Knowledge Management, Research, and Innovation in Tuberculosis in Colombia / Rede Nacional de Gestão do Conhecimento, Pesquisa e Inovação em tuberculose na Colômbia

RESUMEN El Ministerio de Salud y Protección Social de Colombia, en colaboración con el Instituto Nacional de Salud y la Organización Panamericana de la Salud, convocaron en 2018 a todos los actores asociados al Programa Nacional de Prevención y Control de la Tuberculosis (PNPCT) y el Sistema Nacional de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación a la conformación de una red nacional que coordinara la investigación operativa (IO) relacionada con la tuberculosis (TB) en el país. Se realizaron siete talleres en los que se llegó al consenso de establecer la Red Nacional de Gestión de Conocimiento, Investigación e Innovación en Tuberculosis en Colombia (Red TB Colombia). Con más de 180 participantes, organizados en un nodo central y cinco nodos regionales que agrupan a las 37 entidades territoriales, en 2019 la Red TB Colombia realizó cuatro jornadas de capacitación en IO y definió 65 temas priorizados de investigación, ajustados a las líneas estratégicas establecidas por el PNPCT: prevención y atención integral, con foco en los afectados por la TB (41 temas en tres módulos) y compromiso político, protección social y sistemas de apoyo (24 temas en cuatro módulos). La priorización se realizó por el método de comparación por pares. La Red TB Colombia sigue activa y contribuye a la gestión del conocimiento dirigido a eliminar la TB en el país y ha permitido avanzar en la construcción de planes y la ejecución de proyectos locales de IO que generan resultados científicamente validados para fortalecer el PNPCT y mejorar la atención de los pacientes con TB.

ABSTRACT In 2018, the Colombian Ministry of Health and Social Protection, in collaboration with the National Health Institute and the Pan American Health Organization, convened all actors associated with the National Tuberculosis Prevention and Control Program (PNPCT) and the National Science, Technology, and Innovation System to form a national network to coordinate operations research on tuberculosis (TB) in the country. Seven workshops were held and a consensus was reached to establish the National Network for Knowledge Management, Research, and Innovation in Tuberculosis in Colombia (TB Colombia Network). With more than 180 participants, a central node, and five regional nodes that bring together the country's 37 territorial entities, the TB Colombia Network conducted four days of training in operations research in 2019, defining 65 priority research topics aligned with the strategic lines in the PNPCT: prevention and comprehensive care, with a focus on people affected by TB (41 topics in three modules); and political commitment, social protection, and support systems (24 topics in four modules). The peer comparison method was used for prioritization. The TB Colombia Network remains active and contributes to knowledge management aimed at eliminating TB in Colombia. It has helped make progress in building plans and implementing local operations research projects that generate scientifically validated results to strengthen the PNPCT and improve the care of TB patients.

RESUMO O Ministério da Saúde e Previdência Social da Colômbia, em cooperação com o Instituto Nacional de Saúde e a Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde (OPAS), convocou em 2018 todas as partes interessadas vinculadas ao Programa Nacional de Prevenção e Controle da Tuberculose (PNPCT) e ao Sistema Nacional de Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação para formar uma rede nacional com o objetivo de coordenar a pesquisa operacional em tuberculose no país. Foram promovidos sete seminários e, deste processo, se chegou a um consenso para criar a Rede Nacional de Gestão do Conhecimento, Pesquisa e Inovação em Tuberculose na Colômbia (Rede TB Colômbia). A rede conta com mais de 180 participantes, organizados em um núcleo central e cinco núcleos regionais que congregam 37 entidades territoriais. Em 2019, a Rede TB Colômbia realizou quatro jornadas de capacitação em pesquisa operacional e definiu 65 áreas temáticas prioritárias de pesquisa harmonizadas com as linhas estratégicas estabelecidas pelo PNPCT: prevenção e atenção integral com enfoque nas pessoas com TB (41 áreas temáticas divididas em três módulos) e compromisso político, proteção social e sistemas de apoio (24 áreas temáticas divididas em quatro módulos). A priorização foi definida pelo método de comparação pareada. A Rede TB Colômbia continua ativa contribuindo para a gestão do conhecimento voltado à eliminação da tuberculose no país e possibilitando avançar na formulação de planos e execução de projetos locais de pesquisa operacional com a produção de resultados científicos validados para fortalecer o PNPCT e melhorar a atenção das pessoas com TB.

Tickbite-associated chronic pruritic lesions in an Afro-descendant population in the Cauca Department, Colombia. I. Clinical features and impact on health.

BACKGROUND: During a health survey in a remote area in southwest Colombia, it became apparent that a high percentage of the population suffered from chronic pruritus in association with high numbers of ticks and tickbites. OBJECTIVE: To determine the clinical features and severity of tickbite-associated pruritus. METHOD: At twotime points - 8 weeks apart to account for seasonal effects - a cross-sectional study was conducted encompassing physical examination of the population, histological analysis of skin biopsies, and determining serum for antibodies against spotted fever (SFG) rickettsiae and typhus group (TG) rickettsiae. Ticks were identified using morphological criteria, and infection by rickettsiae was determined by PCR. RESULTS: About 94.5% of the population (95% CI 92-97%) showed clinical signs of a pruritic arthropod reaction and of chronic pruritus with lichenoid papules and hyper- and hypopigmented nodules on otherwise noninflamed skin. Pruritus markedly impaired the quality of life in terms of sleeping disturbances. No signs for other diseases were observed. Chronic pruritus appeared to be because of repeated tickbites and scratching, but not because of other dermatological or medical conditions. Antibodies against SFG and TG-rickettsiae were detected at 79.0% (95% CI 73-86) and 3.6% (95% CI 0.7-6), respectively. Ticks were identified as Amblyomma cajennense. CONCLUSION: Remarkably high exposure to tick bites caused an unusually high rate of acute and chronic pruritus and markedly impaired quality of life of the investigated rural community. This underlines the necessity of public health measures and surveillance of rickettsial disease.

Prevalence of soil transmitted helminths in school-aged children, Colombia, 2012-2013.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to establish the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) intestinal infections, nutritional status, and anemia in school children aged 7 to 10 years old in the biogeographic provinces of Colombia in 2012-2013. STH prevalence in the country has not been described within the last 30 years and it is needed in order to establish policies its control in the country. METHODOLOGY: National Survey of STH in school-aged children with a multistage stratified probability sampling was conducted. The overall prevalence and intensity of STH infection, as well as for each parasite, (A. lumbricoides, T. trichiura and hookworms) were calculated for the country and for each of the nine biogeographic provinces. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Stool samples were collected from 6045 children in eight out of nine biogeographic provinces. The combined prevalence of STH in the country was 29.6%. T. trichiura was the most prevalent helminth (18.4%), followed by A. lumbricoides (11.3%), and hookworms (6.4%). For A. lumbricoides and hookworms, the highest prevalence values were found in the Amazonía province (58.0% and 35.7%, respectively). Regarding STH intensity, most cases showed moderate intensity (41.3%) for A. lumbricoides, and light intensity, for T. trichiura and hookworms. The national prevalence of anemia in school-aged children was 14.2%, lowest in the Nor-Andina province (3.5%), and highest in the Territorios Insulares oceánicos del Caribe province (45.1%). SIGNIFICANCE: Colombia has a moderate risk of STH infection in school-aged populations, with considerable variation in the prevalence values among the biogeographic provinces. Like any public health issue, this problem should be handled with a comprehensive approach that involves deworming programs and strategies for STH control according to the specific epidemiological and socioeconomic conditions and sanitation service coverage in each biogeographic province. The program should be further supported by intersectoral action to improve living conditions, particularly the excreta disposal, promoted at municipality levels.

Prevalence of trachoma and associated factors in the rural area of the department of Vaupés, Colombia.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the study were to estimate the prevalence of different clinical signs of trachoma and identify possible factors associated with TF. METHODOLOGY: Following the approval of the study protocol by the ethics committee, a cross-sectional study was conducted in Vaupés, a department of the Colombian Amazon, between the years 2012 and 2013 in two districts. Based on the records obtained from a standardized format for the clinical evaluation of the participants and the factors associated with follicular trachoma, an excel database was built and debugged, which was analyzed using IBM SPSS, Statistics Version 23 and Stata STATA (Version 14, 2015, StataCorp LLC, Texas, USA). RESULTS: The records of 13,091 individuals was collected from 216 rural indigenous communities, of which 12,080 were examined (92.3%); 7,274 in the Western and 4,806 in the Eastern districts. A prevalence of trachomatous inflammation-follicular (TF) of 21.7% (n = 599; 95% CI 20.2-23.3) in the Western and 24.9% (n = 483; 95% CI 23.1-26.9) in the Eastern district was found in children aged 1 to 9 years. Regarding trachomatous trichiasis (TT), 77 cases were found, of which 14 belonged to the Western district (prevalence 0.3%, CI 95% 0.2-0.5) and 63 to the Eastern district (1.8%, CI 95% 1.4-2.4). Children aged between 1 to 9 years were significantly more likely to have TF when there was the presence of secretions on the face (OR: 3.2; 95% CI: 2.6-3.9). CONCLUSIONS: Trachoma is a public health problem in Vaupés that requires the implementation of the SAFE strategy (S = Surgery, A = Antibiotics, F = Face Washing, E = Environment) in the Eastern and Western districts, for at least 3 consecutive years, in accordance with WHO recommendations.

Efficacy and safety of dimeticones in the treatment of epidermal parasitic skin diseases with special emphasis on tungiasis: an evidence-based critical review

ABSTRACT Epidermal parasitic skin diseases encompass scabies, pediculosis, cutaneous larva migrans, myiasis, and tungiasis. Tungiasis is probably the most neglected of all Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD). It occurs in South America, the Caribbean and Sub-Saharan Africa and affects marginalized populations where people live in extreme poverty. In endemic communities the prevalence can be up to 30% in general population and 85% in children. Over time, chronic pathology develops characterized by hyperkeratosis, edema around the nail rim, fissures, ulcers, deformation and loss of nails. This leads to a pattern of disabilities, eventually resulting in impairment of mobility.Dimeticones are a family of silicon oils with a potential to kill parasites located on top or inside the epidermis by a physical mode of action. They are considered the treatment of choice for pediculosis capitis and pediculosis pubis. With regard to tungiasis, the so called rear abdominal cone of the parasites has been identified as a target for treatment with dimeticones. NYDA®, a mixture of two dimeticones with different viscosity, is the only dimeticone product for which data on the mode of action, efficacy and safety with regard to tungiasis exists. The product has been shown highly effective against embedded sand fleas, even in very intense infection with more than 500 parasites situated on top of each other. A randomized controlled trial showed that seven days after a targeted application of NYDA® 97% (95% CI 94-99%) of the embedded sand fleas had lost all signs of viability.Comprehensive toxicological investigations on the dimeticones contained in NYDA® showed that there is practically no risk of embryotoxicity, fetotoxicity, teratogenicity, and other toxicity. The safety of dimeticones was also demonstrated in clinical trials with a total of 106 participants with tungiasis, in which not a single adverse event was observed.

Efficacy and safety of dimeticones in the treatment of epidermal parasitic skin diseases with special emphasis on tungiasis: an evidence-based critical review.

Epidermal parasitic skin diseases encompass scabies, pediculosis, cutaneous larva migrans, myiasis, and tungiasis. Tungiasis is probably the most neglected of all Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD). It occurs in South America, the Caribbean and Sub-Saharan Africa and affects marginalized populations where people live in extreme poverty. In endemic communities the prevalence can be up to 30% in general population and 85% in children. Over time, chronic pathology develops characterized by hyperkeratosis, edema around the nail rim, fissures, ulcers, deformation and loss of nails. This leads to a pattern of disabilities, eventually resulting in impairment of mobility. Dimeticones are a family of silicon oils with a potential to kill parasites located on top or inside the epidermis by a physical mode of action. They are considered the treatment of choice for pediculosis capitis and pediculosis pubis. With regard to tungiasis, the so called rear abdominal cone of the parasites has been identified as a target for treatment with dimeticones. NYDA®, a mixture of two dimeticones with different viscosity, is the only dimeticone product for which data on the mode of action, efficacy and safety with regard to tungiasis exists. The product has been shown highly effective against embedded sand fleas, even in very intense infection with more than 500 parasites situated on top of each other. A randomized controlled trial showed that seven days after a targeted application of NYDA® 97% (95% CI 94-99%) of the embedded sand fleas had lost all signs of viability. Comprehensive toxicological investigations on the dimeticones contained in NYDA® showed that there is practically no risk of embryotoxicity, fetotoxicity, teratogenicity, and other toxicity. The safety of dimeticones was also demonstrated in clinical trials with a total of 106 participants with tungiasis, in which not a single adverse event was observed.

In Situ Diagnosis of Scabies Using a Handheld Digital Microscope in Resource-Poor Settings-A Proof-of-Principle Study in the Amazon Lowland of Colombia.

Scabies is a neglected tropical disease associated with important morbidity. The disease occurs worldwide and is particularly common in resource-poor communities in the Global South. A validated technique for the diagnosis of scabies in resource-poor settings does not exist. The objective of the study was to determine the practicability and accuracy of handheld digital microscopy in three indigenous communities in the Amazon lowland of Colombia, where scabies is the most common parasitic skin disease. One-hundred-and-eleven children and adults from three indigenous communities with a presumptive diagnosis of scabies were examined clinically by using a handheld digital microscope placed directly on the skin. The microscopical identification of a mite was verified by an "experienced mother", a woman who had acquired the skills to diagnose scabies as part of traditional Amerindian medicine. The "experienced mother" removed the parasite with a fine needle and placed it on a flat surface in order to enable its direct examination with the digital microscope. Using digital microscopy, scabies was diagnosed in 24 out of 111 participants and confirmed by the extraction of a Sarcoptes mites from the acarine eminence. A characteristic tunnel (burrow) with or without mite could be clearly identified irrespective of the degree of pigmentation of the skin. Besides, digital microscopy revealed pathological characteristics of scabies hitherto unknown and impossible to be seen in dermoscopy, such as partially or totally obliterated tunnels, tunnels with multiple entry or exit points, circumscribed hyperpigmentation around obliterated tunnels and mites secluded in a nodule. This proof-of-principle study demonstrated the accurate diagnosis of scabies by handheld digital microscopy in patients with pigmented skin and the feasibility of this technique in resource-poor settings.