Accuracy, acceptability and feasibility of photography for use in trachoma surveys: a mixed methods study in Tanzania.

BACKGROUND: Photography could be used to train individuals to diagnose trachomatous inflammation-follicular (TF) as trachoma prevalence decreases and to ensure accurate field TF grading in trachoma prevalence surveys. We compared photograph and field TF grading and determined the acceptability and feasibility of eyelid photography to community members and trachoma survey trainers. METHODS: A total of 100 children ages 1-9 y were examined for TF in two Maasai villages in Tanzania. Two images of the right everted superior tarsal conjunctiva of each child were taken with a smartphone and a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera. Two graders independently graded all photos. Focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with community members and Tropical Data trainers. RESULTS: Of 391 photos, one-fifth were discarded as ungradable. Compared with field grading, photo grading consistently underdiagnosed TF. Compared with field grading, DSLR photo grading resulted in a higher prevalence and sensitivity than smartphone photo grading. FGDs indicated that communities and trainers found photography acceptable and preferred smartphones to DSLR in terms of practicalities, but image quality was of paramount importance for trainers. CONCLUSIONS: Photography is acceptable and feasible, but further work is needed to ensure high-quality images that enable accurate and consistent grading before being routinely implemented in trachoma surveys.

Prevalence of and factors associated with childhood anaemia in remote villages of the Peruvian Amazon: a cross-sectional study and geospatial analysis.

BACKGROUND: Anaemia is a public health problem in Peru. In the Loreto region of the Amazon, ≥50% of children may be anaemic, although insufficient information exists for rural villages. METHODS: To generate more data about childhood anaemia in the Peruvian Amazon, haemoglobin was measured as part of a trachoma survey in 21 randomly selected villages. All children 1-9 y of age from 30 randomly selected households per village were recruited. Anaemia was classified according to the World Health Organization guidelines and a socio-economic status (SES) index was created for each household using principal component analysis. Spatial autocorrelation was determined using Moran's I and Ripley's K function. RESULTS: Of 678 children with complete haemoglobin data, 25.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 21.2 to 30.1) had mild-or-worse anaemia and 22.1% (95% CI 15.6 to 30.3) had moderate-or-worse anaemia. Mild-or-worse anaemia was more common among children whose primary source of drinking water was surface water (prevalence ratio [PR] 1.26 [95% CI 1.14 to 1.40], p<0.001) and who were in the lowest SES tercile (PR 1.16 [95% CI 1.02 to 1.32], p=0.021). Moderate-or-worse anaemia was more common among boys (PR 1.32 [95% CI 1.09 to 1.60], p=0.005). No evidence of geospatial clustering was found. CONCLUSIONS: Remote villages of the Amazon would benefit from interventions for childhood anaemia and the poorest households would have the most to gain. Integrating anaemia screening into neglected tropical diseases surveys is an opportunity to use public health resources more efficiently.

Lessons learned from the implementation of integrated serosurveillance of communicable diseases in the Americas.

Objective: Systematize the experience and identify challenges and lessons learned in the implementation of an initiative for integrated serosurveillance of communicable diseases using a multiplex bead assay in countries of the Americas. Methods: Documents produced in the initiative were compiled and reviewed. These included concept notes, internal working papers, regional meetings reports, and survey protocols from the three participating countries (Mexico, Paraguay, and Brazil) and two additional countries (Guyana and Guatemala) where serology for several communicable diseases was included in neglected tropical diseases surveys. Information was extracted and summarized to describe the experience and the most relevant challenges and lessons learned. Results: Implementing integrated serosurveys requires interprogrammatic and interdisciplinary work teams for the design of survey protocols to respond to key programmatic questions aligned to the needs of the countries. Valid laboratory results are critical and rely on the standardized installment and roll-out of laboratory techniques. Field teams require adequate training and supervision to properly implement survey procedures. The analysis and interpretation of serosurveys results should be antigen-specific, contextualizing the responses for each disease, and triangulated with programmatic and epidemiological data for making decisions tailored to specific population socioeconomic and ecologic contexts. Conclusions: Integrated serosurveillance as a complementary tool for functional epidemiological surveillance systems is feasible to use and key components should be considered: political engagement, technical engagement, and integrated planning. Aspects such as designing the protocol, selecting target populations and diseases, laboratory capacities, anticipating the capacities to analyze and interpret complex data, and how to use it are key.

Lessons learned from the implementation of integrated serosurveillance of communicable diseases in the Americas

[ABSTRACT]. Objective. Systematize the experience and identify challenges and lessons learned in the implementation of an initiative for integrated serosurveillance of communicable diseases using a multiplex bead assay in coun- tries of the Americas. Methods. Documents produced in the initiative were compiled and reviewed. These included concept notes, internal working papers, regional meetings reports, and survey protocols from the three participating countries (Mexico, Paraguay, and Brazil) and two additional countries (Guyana and Guatemala) where serology for sev- eral communicable diseases was included in neglected tropical diseases surveys. Information was extracted and summarized to describe the experience and the most relevant challenges and lessons learned. Results. Implementing integrated serosurveys requires interprogrammatic and interdisciplinary work teams for the design of survey protocols to respond to key programmatic questions aligned to the needs of the countries. Valid laboratory results are critical and rely on the standardized installment and roll-out of laboratory tech- niques. Field teams require adequate training and supervision to properly implement survey procedures. The analysis and interpretation of serosurveys results should be antigen-specific, contextualizing the responses for each disease, and triangulated with programmatic and epidemiological data for making decisions tailored to specific population socioeconomic and ecologic contexts. Conclusions. Integrated serosurveillance as a complementary tool for functional epidemiological surveil- lance systems is feasible to use and key components should be considered: political engagement, technical engagement, and integrated planning. Aspects such as designing the protocol, selecting target populations and diseases, laboratory capacities, anticipating the capacities to analyze and interpret complex data, and how to use it are key.

[RESUMEN]. Objetivo. Sistematizar la experiencia y determinar los desafíos y las enseñanzas obtenidas durante la apli- cación de una iniciativa de serovigilancia integrada de enfermedades transmisibles mediante un ensayo de perlas múltiples en países de la Región de las Américas. Métodos. Se recopilaron y revisaron los documentos generados en el marco de la iniciativa. Estos incluían notas conceptuales, documentos de trabajo internos, informes de reuniones regionales y protocolos de encuesta de los tres países participantes (Brasil, México y Paraguay) y otros dos países (Guatemala y Guyana) donde en las encuestas sobre enfermedades tropicales desatendidas también se incluía la serología para varias enfermedades transmisibles. Se recabó y resumió la información para describir tanto la experiencia como los desafíos y las enseñanzas de mayor relevancia. Resultados. La realización de encuestas serológicas integradas requiere equipos de trabajo interprogramáti- cos e interdisciplinarios para la elaboración de protocolos de encuesta que permitan responder a cuestiones programáticas fundamentales y ajustadas a las necesidades de los países. Es imprescindible contar con resultados de laboratorio válidos, para lo que es preciso que sus técnicas e instalaciones estén estandariza- das. Para que los equipos de campo puedan ejecutar correctamente los procedimientos de la encuesta, deben contar con una formación y supervisión adecuadas. El análisis y la interpretación de los resultados de las encuestas serológicas deben ser específicos para cada antígeno, situar las respuestas en el contexto de cada enfermedad y triangularse con los datos programáticos y epidemiológicos para tomar decisiones adaptadas a los contextos socioeconómicos y ecológicos específicos de la población. Conclusiones. Es uso de la vigilancia serológica integrada como una herramienta complementaria en los sistemas funcionales de vigilancia epidemiológica es algo posible; para esto deben tenerse en cuenta ciertos elementos fundamentales: el compromiso político, el compromiso técnico y la planificación integrada. A tal efecto, son fundamentales ciertos elementos como el diseño del protocolo, la selección de los grupos pobla- cionales y las enfermedades objetivo, la capacidad de los laboratorios, y la previsión de las capacidades de análisis e interpretación de datos complejos y la forma de utilizarlos.

[RESUMO]. Objetivo. Sistematizar a experiência e identificar desafios e lições aprendidas na implementação de uma iniciativa de vigilância sorológica integrada de doenças transmissíveis, usando ensaio de micro-esferas multiplex em países das Américas. Métodos. Os documentos produzidos na iniciativa foram compilados e examinados, e incluíram notas con- ceituais, documentos internos de trabalho, relatórios de reuniões regionais e protocolos de pesquisa dos três países participantes (México, Paraguai e Brasil) e de dois países adicionais (Guiana e Guatemala), onde a vigilância sorológica de várias doenças transmissíveis foi incluída em pesquisas sobre doenças tropicais negligenciadas. As informações foram extraídas e resumidas para descrever a experiência e os desafios e as lições aprendidas mais relevantes. Resultados. A implementação de inquéritos sorológicos integrados requer equipes de trabalho interpro- gramáticas e interdisciplinares para o delineamento de protocolos que respondam a questões programáticas chave, alinhadas com as necessidades dos países. Resultados laboratoriais válidos são essenciais, e depen- dem da instalação e implantação padronizadas de técnicas laboratoriais. As equipes de campo precisam de treinamento e supervisão apropriados para implementar adequadamente os procedimentos de pesquisa. A análise e a interpretação dos resultados dos inquéritos sorológicos devem ser antígeno-específicas, con- textualizando as respostas para cada doença, e trianguladas com dados programáticos e epidemiológicos para a tomada de decisões adaptadas aos contextos socioeconômicos e ecológicos específicos de cada população. Conclusões. A vigilância sorológica integrada como ferramenta complementar para sistemas de vigilância epidemiológica funcionais é viável. Os componentes-chave a seguir devem ser considerados: engajamento político, engajamento técnico e planejamento integrado. Aspectos como o delineamento do protocolo, a seleção de populações-alvo e doenças-alvo, a capacidade laboratorial, a previsão das capacidades para análise e interpretação de dados complexos e como usá-los são fundamentais.

Association of vision impairment and blindness with socioeconomic status in adults 50 years and older from Alto Amazonas, Peru.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and visual impairment (VI) or blindness in the rural Peruvian Amazon, hypothesizing that higher SES would have a protective effect on the odds of VI or blindness. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study of 16 rural communities in the Peruvian Amazon, consenting adults aged ≥ 50 years were recruited from ~30 randomly selected households per village. Each household was administered a questionnaire and had a SES score constructed using principal components analysis. Blindness and VI were determined using a ministry of health 3-meter visual acuity card. RESULTS: Overall, 207 adults aged ≥ 50 were eligible; 146 (70.5%) completed visual acuity screening and answered the questionnaire. Of those 146 participants who completed presenting visual acuity screening, 57 (39.0%, 95% CI 30.2-47.1) were classified as visually impaired and 6 (4.1%, 95% CI 0.9-7.3) as blind. Belonging to the highest SES tercile had a protective effect on VI or blindness (OR 0.29, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.91, p = 0.034), with a linear trend across decreasing levels of SES (p = 0.019). This observed effect remained significant regardless of how SES groups were assigned. CONCLUSION: Belonging to a higher SES group resulted in a lower odds of VI or blindness compared to those in the lowest SES group. The observation of a dose response provides confidence in the observed association, but causality remains unclear. Blindness prevention programs could maximize impact by designing activities that specifically target people with lower SES.

Population Prevalence of Trachoma in Nine Rural Non-Indigenous Evaluation Units of Brazil.

PURPOSE: To assess the contemporary prevalence of trachoma in Brazil's non-indigenous population, surveys of those thought to be at greatest risk of disease were conducted. METHODS: Rural census tracts of non-indigenous population from nine mesoregions were selected to compose the survey evaluation units (EUs) by considering previously endemic municipalities at greatest risk of trachoma. In each of the nine EUs, we conducted a population-based prevalence survey. Every resident of selected households aged ≥1 year was examined for trachomatous inflammation - follicular (TF) and trachomatous trichiasis (TT). Additionally, data were collected on household-level access to water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH) and education. RESULTS: A total of 27,962 individuals were examined across nine EUs. The age-adjusted TF prevalence in 1-9-year-olds was <5% in each EU. The age- and gender-adjusted prevalence of TT unknown to the health system in ≥15-year-olds was <0.2% in eight EUs; in one EU, it was 0.22%. The median number of households surveyed per EU with access to an improved drinking water source within a 30-minute roundtrip of the house was 66%. School attendance was >99% of surveyed children. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of TF was well below the target for elimination as a public health problem in all EUs. Because EUs surveyed were selected to represent the highest-risk non-indigenous areas of the country, TF prevalence is unlikely to be ≥5% in non-indigenous populations elsewhere. In one EU, the prevalence of TT was above the target threshold for elimination. Further investigation and possibly improvement in TT surgical provision are required in that EU.

Lessons learned from the implementation of integrated serosurveillance of communicable diseases in the Americas / Enseñanzas obtenidas en la aplicación de la serovigilancia integrada de las enfermedades transmisibles en la Región de las Américas / Lições aprendidas com a implementação da vigilância sorológica integrada de doenças transmissíveis nas Américas

ABSTRACT Objective. Systematize the experience and identify challenges and lessons learned in the implementation of an initiative for integrated serosurveillance of communicable diseases using a multiplex bead assay in countries of the Americas. Methods. Documents produced in the initiative were compiled and reviewed. These included concept notes, internal working papers, regional meetings reports, and survey protocols from the three participating countries (Mexico, Paraguay, and Brazil) and two additional countries (Guyana and Guatemala) where serology for several communicable diseases was included in neglected tropical diseases surveys. Information was extracted and summarized to describe the experience and the most relevant challenges and lessons learned. Results. Implementing integrated serosurveys requires interprogrammatic and interdisciplinary work teams for the design of survey protocols to respond to key programmatic questions aligned to the needs of the countries. Valid laboratory results are critical and rely on the standardized installment and roll-out of laboratory techniques. Field teams require adequate training and supervision to properly implement survey procedures. The analysis and interpretation of serosurveys results should be antigen-specific, contextualizing the responses for each disease, and triangulated with programmatic and epidemiological data for making decisions tailored to specific population socioeconomic and ecologic contexts. Conclusions. Integrated serosurveillance as a complementary tool for functional epidemiological surveillance systems is feasible to use and key components should be considered: political engagement, technical engagement, and integrated planning. Aspects such as designing the protocol, selecting target populations and diseases, laboratory capacities, anticipating the capacities to analyze and interpret complex data, and how to use it are key.

Resumen Objetivo. Sistematizar la experiencia y determinar los desafíos y las enseñanzas obtenidas durante la aplicación de una iniciativa de serovigilancia integrada de enfermedades transmisibles mediante un ensayo de perlas múltiples en países de la Región de las Américas. Métodos. Se recopilaron y revisaron los documentos generados en el marco de la iniciativa. Estos incluían notas conceptuales, documentos de trabajo internos, informes de reuniones regionales y protocolos de encuesta de los tres países participantes (Brasil, México y Paraguay) y otros dos países (Guatemala y Guyana) donde en las encuestas sobre enfermedades tropicales desatendidas también se incluía la serología para varias enfermedades transmisibles. Se recabó y resumió la información para describir tanto la experiencia como los desafíos y las enseñanzas de mayor relevancia. Resultados. La realización de encuestas serológicas integradas requiere equipos de trabajo interprogramáticos e interdisciplinarios para la elaboración de protocolos de encuesta que permitan responder a cuestiones programáticas fundamentales y ajustadas a las necesidades de los países. Es imprescindible contar con resultados de laboratorio válidos, para lo que es preciso que sus técnicas e instalaciones estén estandarizadas. Para que los equipos de campo puedan ejecutar correctamente los procedimientos de la encuesta, deben contar con una formación y supervisión adecuadas. El análisis y la interpretación de los resultados de las encuestas serológicas deben ser específicos para cada antígeno, situar las respuestas en el contexto de cada enfermedad y triangularse con los datos programáticos y epidemiológicos para tomar decisiones adaptadas a los contextos socioeconómicos y ecológicos específicos de la población. Conclusiones. Es uso de la vigilancia serológica integrada como una herramienta complementaria en los sistemas funcionales de vigilancia epidemiológica es algo posible; para esto deben tenerse en cuenta ciertos elementos fundamentales: el compromiso político, el compromiso técnico y la planificación integrada. A tal efecto, son fundamentales ciertos elementos como el diseño del protocolo, la selección de los grupos poblacionales y las enfermedades objetivo, la capacidad de los laboratorios, y la previsión de las capacidades de análisis e interpretación de datos complejos y la forma de utilizarlos.

RESUMO Objetivo. Sistematizar a experiência e identificar desafios e lições aprendidas na implementação de uma iniciativa de vigilância sorológica integrada de doenças transmissíveis, usando ensaio de micro-esferas multiplex em países das Américas. Métodos. Os documentos produzidos na iniciativa foram compilados e examinados, e incluíram notas conceituais, documentos internos de trabalho, relatórios de reuniões regionais e protocolos de pesquisa dos três países participantes (México, Paraguai e Brasil) e de dois países adicionais (Guiana e Guatemala), onde a vigilância sorológica de várias doenças transmissíveis foi incluída em pesquisas sobre doenças tropicais negligenciadas. As informações foram extraídas e resumidas para descrever a experiência e os desafios e as lições aprendidas mais relevantes. Resultados. A implementação de inquéritos sorológicos integrados requer equipes de trabalho interprogramáticas e interdisciplinares para o delineamento de protocolos que respondam a questões programáticas chave, alinhadas com as necessidades dos países. Resultados laboratoriais válidos são essenciais, e dependem da instalação e implantação padronizadas de técnicas laboratoriais. As equipes de campo precisam de treinamento e supervisão apropriados para implementar adequadamente os procedimentos de pesquisa. A análise e a interpretação dos resultados dos inquéritos sorológicos devem ser antígeno-específicas, contextualizando as respostas para cada doença, e trianguladas com dados programáticos e epidemiológicos para a tomada de decisões adaptadas aos contextos socioeconômicos e ecológicos específicos de cada população. Conclusões. A vigilância sorológica integrada como ferramenta complementar para sistemas de vigilância epidemiológica funcionais é viável. Os componentes-chave a seguir devem ser considerados: engajamento político, engajamento técnico e planejamento integrado. Aspectos como o delineamento do protocolo, a seleção de populações-alvo e doenças-alvo, a capacidade laboratorial, a previsão das capacidades para análise e interpretação de dados complexos e como usá-los são fundamentais.

Current status of the knowledge on the epidemiology of tungiasis in the Americas.

Objectives: To present the state-of-the-knowledge on the epidemiology of tungiasis in the Region of the Americas. Methods: A search of publications on the epidemiology of tungiasis in the Americas was performed in PubMed and LILACS databases from January 2007 to June 2021. In addition, a manual literature search on articles on the epidemiology of tungiasis was performed. Results: A total of 83 articles were analyzed which contained relevant information on tungiasis cases and their geographical distribution, prevalence and risk factors, life cycle, sites where transmission takes place, and zoonotic aspects. The on-host and off-host life cycles have been researched in detail. In certain contexts, the whole life cycle is completed indoors enabling transmission around the whole year. Cases were reported from 10 countries; 71% of them were from Brazil. In the general population, the prevalence varied between 1.0% and 82.6% according to the settings. Age-specific prevalence indicated that children and the elderly bear the highest disease burden. Risk factor studies indicate that tungiasis is associated with severe poverty. Conclusions: In the Americas, there are important gaps in information and knowledge of tungiasis. Understanding the burden, epidemiology, distribution, magnitude, related risk factors, and reservoirs, among others, is needed to develop and implement integrated control measures tailored to the context and patterns of transmission in the affected communities.

The elimination of trachoma as a public health problem in Mexico: From national health priority to national success story.

INTRODUCTION: Mexico was the first country in the Americas and the third in the world to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem, as validated by the WHO in 2017. OBJECTIVE: To describe the critical elements that favored the elimination of trachoma as a public health problem in Mexico and the public health impact of this success. METHODOLOGY: A revision and compilation of data and information contained in the dossier presented by the country to PAHO/WHO to obtain the validation of trachoma elimination as a public health problem was conducted by a group of delegates from the national and local trachoma prevention and control program. Data from the national and local surveillance systems and reports of actions conducted after achieving the elimination goal were also included. Critical elements that favored the achievement of the elimination goal from 1896 to 2019 were extracted. RESULTS: Mexico reached the elimination of trachoma in 2016 obtaining the validation in 2017. 264 communities were no longer endemic and 151,744 people were no longer at risk of visual impairment or possible blindness due to trachoma. The key to the success of this elimination process was primarily the local leadership of health authorities with sustained funding for brigades, increased access to potable water and sanitation, and key alliances with indigenous authorities, health authorities, and government institutions that contributed to the achievement of the goal. The SAFE strategy started implementation in Mexico in 2004 as a comprehensive package of interventions. SAFE stands for surgery, antibiotics, facial cleanliness, and improvement of the environmental conditions. These actions impacted drastically on the number of new cases trachmatous trichiasis (TT) and trachomatous inflammation-follicular (TF), which decreased from 1,794 in 2004 to zero in 2016. CONCLUSIONS: The elimination of trachoma as a public health problem in Mexico is a true success story that may serve as a model example for the elimination of other neglected infectious diseases in the Americas.

Current status of the knowledge on the epidemiology of tungiasis in the Americas

[ABSTRACT]. Objectives. To present the state-of-the-knowledge on the epidemiology of tungiasis in the Region of the Americas. Methods. A search of publications on the epidemiology of tungiasis in the Americas was performed in PubMed and LILACS databases from January 2007 to June 2021. In addition, a manual literature search on articles on the epidemiology of tungiasis was performed. Results. A total of 83 articles were analyzed which contained relevant information on tungiasis cases and their geographical distribution, prevalence and risk factors, life cycle, sites where transmission takes place, and zoonotic aspects. The on-host and off-host life cycles have been researched in detail. In certain contexts, the whole life cycle is completed indoors enabling transmission around the whole year. Cases were reported from 10 countries; 71% of them were from Brazil. In the general population, the prevalence varied between 1.0% and 82.6% according to the settings. Age-specific prevalence indicated that children and the elderly bear the highest disease burden. Risk factor studies indicate that tungiasis is associated with severe poverty. Conclusions. In the Americas, there are important gaps in information and knowledge of tungiasis. Understanding the burden, epidemiology, distribution, magnitude, related risk factors, and reservoirs, among others, is needed to develop and implement integrated control measures tailored to the context and patterns of transmission in the affected communities.

[RESUMEN]. Objetivos. Presentar el estado del conocimiento sobre las características epidemiológicas de la tungiasis en la Región de las Américas. Métodos. Se hizo una búsqueda de publicaciones sobre las características epidemiológicas de la tungiasis en la Región en las bases de datos PubMed y LILACS en el período comprendido entre enero del 2007 y junio del 2021. Además, se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica manual de artículos sobre las características epidemiológicas de la tungiasis. Resultados. Se analizaron en total 83 artículos que contenían información pertinente sobre casos de tungiasis y su distribución geográfica, prevalencia y factores de riesgo, ciclo de vida, lugares donde se produce la transmisión y aspectos zoonóticos. Se investigaron en detalle los ciclos de vida dentro y fuera del huésped. En ciertos contextos, la totalidad del ciclo de vida se completa en espacios cerrados, lo que permite la transmisión durante todo el año. Se notificaron casos en 10 países, con 71% de los casos notificados en Brasil. En la población general, la prevalencia varió entre 1,0% y 82,6% según el entorno. La prevalencia específica por edad indica que la población infantil y las personas mayores tienen la mayor carga de morbilidad. Los estudios relativos a los factores de riesgo indican que la tungiasis está relacionada con la pobreza extrema. Conclusiones. En la Región, hay lagunas importantes en la información y el conocimiento sobre la tungiasis. Es necesario comprender la carga, las características epidemiológicas, la distribución, la magnitud, los factores de riesgo relacionados y los reservorios, entre otros factores, para elaborar y aplicar medidas de control integradas adaptadas al contexto y los patrones de transmisión en las comunidades afectadas.

[RESUMO]. Objetivos. Apresentar o estado do conhecimento sobre a epidemiologia da tungíase na Região das Américas. Métodos. Realizou-se uma pesquisa de estudos publicados de janeiro de 2007 a junho de 2021 sobre a epidemiologia da tungíase nas Américas nas bases de dados PubMed e LILACS, bem como uma pesquisa bibliográfica manual de artigos sobre a epidemiologia da tungíase. Resultados. Analisou-se um total de 83 artigos com informações de interesse sobre casos de tungíase e sua distribuição geográfica, prevalência e fatores de risco, ciclo vital, locais de transmissão e aspectos zoonóticos. Os ciclos vitais dentro e fora do hospedeiro foram pesquisados em detalhes. Em determinados contextos, todo o ciclo vital ocorre em ambientes fechados, o que possibilita a transmissão durante todo o ano. Relataram-se casos de 10 países; 71% deles no Brasil. Na população em geral, a prevalência variou de 1,0% a 82,6%, de acordo com o local. A prevalência específica por idade mostrou que a maior carga de doença ocorre em crianças e pessoas idosas. Estudos dos fatores de risco indicam que a tungíase está associada à extrema pobreza. Conclusões. Nas Américas, existem importantes lacunas de informação e conhecimento sobre a tungíase. É necessário compreender fatores como carga, epidemiologia, distribuição, magnitude, fatores de risco relacionados e reservatórios, entre outros, para desenvolver e implementar medidas integradas de controle adequadas ao contexto e aos padrões de transmissão nas comunidades afetadas.

Associated factors of the co-occurrence of trachoma and soil-transmitted helminthiases in children 1 to 9 years old in rural communities of the Amazon basin in Loreto Department, Peru: Results from a population-based survey.

BACKGROUND: There is evidence of the occurrence of trachoma in Peru, and studies have shown that soil-transmitted helminthiases (STH) are affecting rural communities in the Amazon basin in Loreto Department. This study was done to estimate trachoma prevalence, STH prevalence, and the associated factors for both diseases in children aged 1-9 years in rural communities of Peru. METHODOLOGY: A population-based cross-sectional survey was carried out in rural communities of Loreto. A standardized survey questionnaire with individual and household risk factors related to both diseases was used. Ocular examination was done for all participants aged one year and above, and eye swab samples were collected from children with follicular trachoma (TF). Anthropometric measurements, stool samples for STH, and blood samples for hemoglobin measurement were taken from children. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: TF prevalence was 7.74% (95% CI 5.08-11.63%), STH prevalence was 49.49% (95% CI 25.00-52.43%), and prevalence of co-occurrence of both diseases was 5.06% (95% CI 2.80-8.98%) in children aged 1-9 years. Being at age 3-8 years old (AOR = 6.76; 95% CI 1.346-33.947), have an unclean face (AOR = 24.64; 95% CI 6.787-89.444), and having been dewormed in the last six months (AOR = 2.47; 95% CI 1.106-5.514), were risk factors of TF. Being a female (AOR = 0.22; 95% CI 0.103-0.457) was associated with decreased odds of TF. Having been dewormed in the last six months (AOR = 0.30; 95% CI 0.139-0.628) was a preventative factor for STH. Risk factors for children with both diseases mirrored the findings for risk factors for individual diseases. CONCLUSIONS: Neglected tropical diseases and associated risk factors overlap in communities living in vulnerable conditions in the Amazon basin of Peru. These findings support the need to implement integrated interventions, including mass drug administration, water, sanitation, and hygiene for both diseases in the study area.

Trachoma Rapid Assessments in Venezuela, an Example of the Integration of Data Gathering with Service Delivery in Hard-to-reach Populations.

A) PURPOSE: The objective of the study was to assess the presence of trachoma in high priority districts in the Amazon state of Venezuela (the Bolivarian Republic of), and use trachoma data gathering platform to offer integrated primary health care services to underserved hard-to-reach populations living in the border with Colombia. B) METHODS: Trachoma Rapid Assessments (TRA) were conducted in indigenous communities of three municipalities of the Amazonas State of Venezuela from June 2018 to April 2019 using the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Integrated health services were delivered based on the identified needs of the population of the assessed communities. C) RESULTS: 1,185 children aged 1-9 years were examined for trachoma in the three municipalities, of which 6.92% had active trachoma; 994 people 15 years and above were examined for trachomatous trichiasis (TT) finding two cases (0.2%). 1,635 people were examined for other health-related problems and the most common diagnoses were intestinal parasites (54.74%), eye diseases (16.81%), cavities (7.34%), scabies (5.56%), headache (4.40%), and malaria (2.81%); additionally, 2,233 vaccine doses were provided to children and adults to complete vaccination series. D) CONCLUSION: The results of the TRA in the Amazon state of Venezuela suggest that trachoma could be a public health problem and standardized population-based surveys to establish the prevalence and determine the interventions to implement are needed.

Current status of the knowledge on the epidemiology of tungiasis in the Americas / Estado actual del conocimiento sobre las características epidemiológicas de la tungiasis en la Región de las Américas / Situação atual do conhecimento sobre a epidemiologia da tungíase nas Américas

ABSTRACT Objectives. To present the state-of-the-knowledge on the epidemiology of tungiasis in the Region of the Americas. Methods. A search of publications on the epidemiology of tungiasis in the Americas was performed in PubMed and LILACS databases from January 2007 to June 2021. In addition, a manual literature search on articles on the epidemiology of tungiasis was performed. Results. A total of 83 articles were analyzed which contained relevant information on tungiasis cases and their geographical distribution, prevalence and risk factors, life cycle, sites where transmission takes place, and zoonotic aspects. The on-host and off-host life cycles have been researched in detail. In certain contexts, the whole life cycle is completed indoors enabling transmission around the whole year. Cases were reported from 10 countries; 71% of them were from Brazil. In the general population, the prevalence varied between 1.0% and 82.6% according to the settings. Age-specific prevalence indicated that children and the elderly bear the highest disease burden. Risk factor studies indicate that tungiasis is associated with severe poverty. Conclusions. In the Americas, there are important gaps in information and knowledge of tungiasis. Understanding the burden, epidemiology, distribution, magnitude, related risk factors, and reservoirs, among others, is needed to develop and implement integrated control measures tailored to the context and patterns of transmission in the affected communities.

RESUMEN Objetivos. Presentar el estado del conocimiento sobre las características epidemiológicas de la tungiasis en la Región de las Américas. Métodos. Se hizo una búsqueda de publicaciones sobre las características epidemiológicas de la tungiasis en la Región en las bases de datos PubMed y LILACS en el período comprendido entre enero del 2007 y junio del 2021. Además, se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica manual de artículos sobre las características epidemiológicas de la tungiasis. Resultados. Se analizaron en total 83 artículos que contenían información pertinente sobre casos de tungiasis y su distribución geográfica, prevalencia y factores de riesgo, ciclo de vida, lugares donde se produce la transmisión y aspectos zoonóticos. Se investigaron en detalle los ciclos de vida dentro y fuera del huésped. En ciertos contextos, la totalidad del ciclo de vida se completa en espacios cerrados, lo que permite la transmisión durante todo el año. Se notificaron casos en 10 países, con 71% de los casos notificados en Brasil. En la población general, la prevalencia varió entre 1,0% y 82,6% según el entorno. La prevalencia específica por edad indica que la población infantil y las personas mayores tienen la mayor carga de morbilidad. Los estudios relativos a los factores de riesgo indican que la tungiasis está relacionada con la pobreza extrema. Conclusiones. En la Región, hay lagunas importantes en la información y el conocimiento sobre la tungiasis. Es necesario comprender la carga, las características epidemiológicas, la distribución, la magnitud, los factores de riesgo relacionados y los reservorios, entre otros factores, para elaborar y aplicar medidas de control integradas adaptadas al contexto y los patrones de transmisión en las comunidades afectadas.

RESUMO Objetivos. Apresentar o estado do conhecimento sobre a epidemiologia da tungíase na Região das Américas. Métodos. Realizou-se uma pesquisa de estudos publicados de janeiro de 2007 a junho de 2021 sobre a epidemiologia da tungíase nas Américas nas bases de dados PubMed e LILACS, bem como uma pesquisa bibliográfica manual de artigos sobre a epidemiologia da tungíase. Resultados. Analisou-se um total de 83 artigos com informações de interesse sobre casos de tungíase e sua distribuição geográfica, prevalência e fatores de risco, ciclo vital, locais de transmissão e aspectos zoonóticos. Os ciclos vitais dentro e fora do hospedeiro foram pesquisados em detalhes. Em determinados contextos, todo o ciclo vital ocorre em ambientes fechados, o que possibilita a transmissão durante todo o ano. Relataram-se casos de 10 países; 71% deles no Brasil. Na população em geral, a prevalência variou de 1,0% a 82,6%, de acordo com o local. A prevalência específica por idade mostrou que a maior carga de doença ocorre em crianças e pessoas idosas. Estudos dos fatores de risco indicam que a tungíase está associada à extrema pobreza. Conclusões. Nas Américas, existem importantes lacunas de informação e conhecimento sobre a tungíase. É necessário compreender fatores como carga, epidemiologia, distribuição, magnitude, fatores de risco relacionados e reservatórios, entre outros, para desenvolver e implementar medidas integradas de controle adequadas ao contexto e aos padrões de transmissão nas comunidades afetadas.

Interaction between environmental and socioeconomic determinants for cutaneous leishmaniasis risk in Latin America.

OBJECTIVE: Determine and characterize potential risk areas for the occurrence of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Latin America (LA). METHOD: Ecological observational study with observation units defined by municipalities with CL transmission between 2014-2018. Environmental and socioeconomic variables available for at least 85% of the municipalities were used, combined in a single database, utilizing the R software. The principal component analysis methodology was combined with a hierarchical cluster analysis to group clusters of municipalities based on their similarity. The V-test was estimated to define the positive or negative association of the variables with the clusters and separation by natural breaks was used to determine which ones contributed the most to each cluster. Information on cases was also incorporated in the analyses to attribute CL risk for each cluster. RESULTS: This study included 4,951 municipalities with CL transmission (36.5% of the total in LA) and seven clusters were defined by their association with 18 environmental and socioeconomic variables. The historical risk of CL is positively associated with the Amazonian, Andean and Savannah clusters in a decreasingly manner; and negatively associated with the Forest evergreen, Forest/crop and Forest/populated clusters. The Agricultural cluster did not reveal any association with the CL cases. CONCLUSIONS: The study made it possible to identify and characterize the CL risk by clusters of municipalities and to recognize the epidemiological distribution pattern of transmission, which provides managers with better information for intersectoral interventions to control CL.

Interaction between environmental and socioeconomic determinants for cutaneous leishmaniasis risk in Latin America

[ABSTRACT]. Objective. Determine and characterize potential risk areas for the occurrence of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Latin America (LA).Method. Ecological observational study with observation units defined by municipalities with CL transmission between 2014-2018. Environmental and socioeconomic variables available for at least 85% of the municipal-ities were used, combined in a single database, utilizing the R software. The principal component analysis methodology was combined with a hierarchical cluster analysis to group clusters of municipalities based on their similarity. The V-test was estimated to define the positive or negative association of the variables with the clusters and separation by natural breaks was used to determine which ones contributed the most to each cluster. Information on cases was also incorporated in the analyses to attribute CL risk for each cluster.Results. This study included 4,951 municipalities with CL transmission (36.5% of the total in LA) and seven clusters were defined by their association with 18 environmental and socioeconomic variables. The histori-cal risk of CL is positively associated with the Amazonian, Andean and Savannah clusters in a decreasingly manner; and negatively associated with the Forest evergreen, Forest/crop and Forest/populated clusters. The Agricultural cluster did not reveal any association with the CL cases.Conclusions. The study made it possible to identify and characterize the CL risk by clusters of municipalities and to recognize the epidemiological distribution pattern of transmission, which provides managers with better information for intersectoral interventions to control CL.

[RESUMEN]. Objetivo. Determinar y caracterizar áreas de riesgo potencial de la ocurrencia de leishmaniasis cutánea (LC) en América Latina (AL).Método. Estudio observacional ecológico con unidades de observación definidas por municipios con transmisión de LC entre 2014-2018. Se utilizaron variables medioambientales y socioeconómicas disponibles para al menos 85% de los municipios, combinados en una sola base de datos, a través del software R. Se combinó la metodología de análisis de componentes principales con un análisis de conglomerados jerárquicos para la formación de conglomerados de municipios en función de su similitud. Se estimó el V-test para definir la asociación positiva o negativa de las variables con los conglomerados y separación por divisiones naturales para determinar cuáles contribuyeron más a cada conglomerado. Se incorporaron los casos para atribuir el riesgo de LC para cada conglomerado.Resultados. Se incluyeron en el estudio 4 951 municipios con transmisión de LC (36,5% del total en AL) y se definieron siete conglomerados por su asociación con 18 variables medioambientales y socioeconómicas. El riesgo histórico de LC se asocia de manera positiva y en forma decreciente con los conglomerados Amazónico, Andino y Sabana; y de manera negativa con los conglomerados Boscoso/perenne, Boscoso/cultivo y Boscoso/poblado. El conglomerado Agrícola no reveló ninguna asociación con los casos de LC.Conclusiones. El estudio permitió identificar y caracterizar el riesgo de LC por conglomerados de municipios y conocer el patrón propio epidemiológico de distribución de la transmisión, lo que proporciona a los gestores una mejor información para las intervenciones intersectoriales para el control de la LC.

[RESUMO]. Objetivo. Determinar e caracterizar as áreas de risco de ocorrência de leishmaniose cutânea na América Latina.Método. Estudo observacional ecológico com unidades de observação definidas por municípios com transmissão de leishmaniose cutânea entre 2014 e 2018. Foram usadas as variáveis ambientais e socioeconômicas disponíveis em 85% ou mais dos municípios, reunidas em uma única base de dados com o uso do software R. A metodologia de análise de componentes principais foi combinada a uma análise de conglomerados com agrupamento hierárquico para formar conglomerados de municípios por semelhança. O teste V foi usado para estabelecer a associação (positiva ou negativa) das variáveis com os conglomerados e uma separação por divisões naturais foi usada para determinar as variáveis que mais contribuíram em cada conglomerado. Os casos foram incluídos para avaliar o risco de leishmaniose cutânea em cada conglomerado.Resultados. A amostra do estudo compreendeu 4.951 municípios com transmissão de leishmaniose cutânea (36,5% do total na América Latina). Foram definidos sete conglomerados por apresentarem associação com 18 variáveis ambientais e socioeconômicas. Foi observada associação positiva e decrescente do risco histórico de leishmaniose cutânea com os conglomerados Amazônico, Andino e Savana e negativa com os conglomerados Mata/perene, Mata/cultivo e Mata/povoado. O conglomerado Agrícola não demonstrou asso-ciação com casos de leishmaniose cutânea.Conclusões. Este estudo permitiu identificar e caracterizar o risco de leishmaniose cutânea por conglomerados de municípios e conhecer o padrão epidemiológico de distribuição da transmissão da doença, oferecendo às autoridades dados melhores para subsidiar as intervenções intersetoriais para o controle da leishmaniose cutânea.

[Interaction among environmental and socioeconomic determinants of risk for cutaneous leishmaniasis in Latin AmericaInteração entre os determinantes ambientais e socioeconômicos para o risco de leishmaniose cutânea na América Latina]. / Interacción entre los determinantes medioambientales y socioeconómicos para el riesgo para leishmaniasis cutánea en América Latina.

OBJECTIVE: Determine and characterize areas at potential risk for the occurrence of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Latin America. METHOD: Ecological observational study with observation units defined by municipalities with CL transmission during 2014-2018. Environmental and socioeconomic variables available for at least 85% of municipalities were combined in a single database, using R software. Principal component analysis was combined with hierarchical cluster analysis for the formation of clusters of municipalities according to their similarity. The V-test was used to define positive or negative association of variables with clusters and separation by natural divisions to determine which contributed more to each cluster. Cases were included to attribute CL risk for each cluster. RESULTS: The study included 4 951 municipalities with CL transmission (36.5% of municipalities in Latin America); seven clusters were defined by their association with 18 environmental and socioeconomic variables. Historical risk of CL is associated positively and in descending order with the Amazonian, Andean, and Savanna clusters; and negatively with the Forest/perennial, Forest/cultivated, and Forest/populated clusters. The Agricultural cluster showed no association with CL cases. CONCLUSIONS: The study made it possible to identify and characterize CL risk by clusters of municipalities and to understand the characteristic epidemiological distribution patterns of transmission, providing program managers with better information for intersectoral interventions to control CL.

OBJETIVO: Determinar e caracterizar as áreas de risco de ocorrência de leishmaniose cutânea na América Latina. MÉTODO: Estudo observacional ecológico com unidades de observação definidas por municípios com transmissão de leishmaniose cutânea entre 2014 e 2018. Foram usadas as variáveis ambientais e socioeconômicas disponíveis em 85% ou mais dos municípios, reunidas em uma única base de dados com o uso do software R. A metodologia de análise de componentes principais foi combinada a uma análise de conglomerados com agrupamento hierárquico para formar conglomerados de municípios por semelhança. O teste V foi usado para estabelecer a associação (positiva ou negativa) das variáveis com os conglomerados e uma separação por divisões naturais foi usada para determinar as variáveis que mais contribuíram em cada conglomerado. Os casos foram incluídos para avaliar o risco de leishmaniose cutânea em cada conglomerado. RESULTADOS: A amostra do estudo compreendeu 4.951 municípios com transmissão de leishmaniose cutânea (36,5% do total na América Latina). Foram definidos sete conglomerados por apresentarem associação com 18 variáveis ambientais e socioeconômicas. Foi observada associação positiva e decrescente do risco histórico de leishmaniose cutânea com os conglomerados Amazônico, Andino e Savana e negativa com os conglomerados Mata/perene, Mata/cultivo e Mata/povoado. O conglomerado Agrícola não demonstrou associação com casos de leishmaniose cutânea. CONCLUSÕES: Este estudo permitiu identificar e caracterizar o risco de leishmaniose cutânea por conglomerados de municípios e conhecer o padrão epidemiológico de distribuição da transmissão da doença, oferecendo às autoridades dados melhores para subsidiar as intervenções intersetoriais para o controle da leishmaniose cutânea.

Interacción entre los determinantes medioambientales y socioeconómicos para el riesgo de leishmaniasis cutánea en América Latina

[RESUMEN]. Objetivo. Determinar y caracterizar áreas de riesgo potencial de la ocurrencia de leishmaniasis cutánea (LC) en América Latina (AL). Método. Estudio observacional ecológico con unidades de observación definidas por municipios con transmisión de LC entre 2014-2018. Se utilizaron variables medioambientales y socioeconómicas disponibles para al menos 85% de los municipios, combinados en una sola base de datos, a través del software R. Se combinó la metodología de análisis de componentes principales con un análisis de conglomerados jerárquicos para la formación de conglomerados de municipios en función de su similitud. Se estimó el V-test para definir la asociación positiva o negativa de las variables con los conglomerados y separación por divisiones naturales para determinar cuáles contribuyeron más a cada conglomerado. Se incorporaron los casos para atribuir el riesgo de LC para cada conglomerado. Resultados. Se incluyeron en el estudio 4 951 municipios con transmisión de LC (36,5% del total en AL) y se definieron siete conglomerados por su asociación con 18 variables medioambientales y socioeconómicas. El riesgo histórico de LC se asocia de manera positiva y en forma decreciente con los conglomerados Amazónico, Andino y Sabana; y de manera negativa con los conglomerados Boscoso/perenne, Boscoso/cultivo y Boscoso/poblado. El conglomerado Agrícola no reveló ninguna asociación con los casos de LC. Conclusiones. El estudio permitió identificar y caracterizar el riesgo de LC por conglomerados de municipios y conocer el patrón propio epidemiológico de distribución de la transmisión, lo que proporciona a los gestores una mejor información para las intervenciones intersectoriales para el control de la LC.

[ABSTRACT]. Objective. Determine and characterize areas at potential risk for the occurrence of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Latin America. Method. Ecological observational study with observation units defined by municipalities with CL transmission during 2014-2018. Environmental and socioeconomic variables available for at least 85% of municipalities were combined in a single database, using R software. Principal component analysis was combined with hierarchical cluster analysis for the formation of clusters of municipalities according to their similarity. The V-test was used to define positive or negative association of variables with clusters and separation by natural divisions to determine which contributed more to each cluster. Cases were included to attribute CL risk for each cluster. Results. The study included 4 951 municipalities with CL transmission (36.5% of municipalities in Latin America); seven clusters were defined by their association with 18 environmental and socioeconomic variables. Historical risk of CL is associated positively and in descending order with the Amazonian, Andean, and Savanna clusters; and negatively with the Forest/perennial, Forest/cultivated, and Forest/populated clusters. The Agricultural cluster showed no association with CL cases. Conclusions. The study made it possible to identify and characterize CL risk by clusters of municipalities and to understand the characteristic epidemiological distribution patterns of transmission, providing program managers with better information for intersectoral interventions to control CL.

[RESUMO]. Objetivo. Determinar e caracterizar as áreas de risco de ocorrência de leishmaniose cutânea na América Latina. Método. Estudo observacional ecológico com unidades de observação definidas por municípios com transmissão de leishmaniose cutânea entre 2014 e 2018. Foram usadas as variáveis ambientais e socioeconômicas disponíveis em 85% ou mais dos municípios, reunidas em uma única base de dados com o uso do software R. A metodologia de análise de componentes principais foi combinada a uma análise de conglomerados com agrupamento hierárquico para formar conglomerados de municípios por semelhança. O teste V foi usado para estabelecer a associação (positiva ou negativa) das variáveis com os conglomerados e uma separação por divisões naturais foi usada para determinar as variáveis que mais contribuíram em cada conglomerado. Os casos foram incluídos para avaliar o risco de leishmaniose cutânea em cada conglomerado. Resultados. A amostra do estudo compreendeu 4.951 municípios com transmissão de leishmaniose cutânea (36,5% do total na América Latina). Foram definidos sete conglomerados por apresentarem associação com 18 variáveis ambientais e socioeconômicas. Foi observada associação positiva e decrescente do risco histórico de leishmaniose cutânea com os conglomerados Amazônico, Andino e Savana e negativa com os conglomerados Mata/perene, Mata/cultivo e Mata/povoado. O conglomerado Agrícola não demonstrou associação com casos de leishmaniose cutânea. Conclusões. Este estudo permitiu identificar e caracterizar o risco de leishmaniose cutânea por conglomerados de municípios e conhecer o padrão epidemiológico de distribuição da transmissão da doença, oferecendo às autoridades dados melhores para subsidiar as intervenções intersetoriais para o controle da leishmaniose cutânea.

Lessons from the Field: Integrated survey methodologies for neglected tropical diseases.

The 2021-2030 Neglected Tropical Diseases road map calls for intensified cross-cutting approaches. By moving away from vertical programming, the integration of platforms and intervention delivery aims to improve efficiency, cost-effectiveness and programme coverage. Drawing on the direct experiences of the authors, this article outlines key elements for successful integrated surveys, the challenges encountered, as well as future opportunities and threats to such surveys. There are multiple advantages. Careful planning should ensure that integration does not result in a process that is less efficient, more expensive or that generates data driving less reliable decisions than conducting multiple disease-specific surveys.

Interacción entre los determinantes medioambientales y socioeconómicos para el riesgo para leishmaniasis cutánea en América Latina / Interaction among environmental and socioeconomic determinants of risk for cutaneous leishmaniasis in Latin America / Interação entre os determinantes ambientais e socioeconômicos para o risco de leishmaniose cutânea na América Latina

RESUMEN Objetivo. Determinar y caracterizar áreas de riesgo potencial de la ocurrencia de leishmaniasis cutánea (LC) en América Latina (AL). Método. Estudio observacional ecológico con unidades de observación definidas por municipios con transmisión de LC entre 2014-2018. Se utilizaron variables medioambientales y socioeconómicas disponibles para al menos 85% de los municipios, combinados en una sola base de datos, a través del software R. Se combinó la metodología de análisis de componentes principales con un análisis de conglomerados jerárquicos para la formación de conglomerados de municipios en función de su similitud. Se estimó el V-test para definir la asociación positiva o negativa de las variables con los conglomerados y separación por divisiones naturales para determinar cuáles contribuyeron más a cada conglomerado. Se incorporaron los casos para atribuir el riesgo de LC para cada conglomerado. Resultados. Se incluyeron en el estudio 4 951 municipios con transmisión de LC (36,5% del total en AL) y se definieron siete conglomerados por su asociación con 18 variables medioambientales y socioeconómicas. El riesgo histórico de LC se asocia de manera positiva y en forma decreciente con los conglomerados Amazónico, Andino y Sabana; y de manera negativa con los conglomerados Boscoso/perenne, Boscoso/cultivo y Boscoso/poblado. El conglomerado Agrícola no reveló ninguna asociación con los casos de LC. Conclusiones. El estudio permitió identificar y caracterizar el riesgo de LC por conglomerados de municipios y conocer el patrón propio epidemiológico de distribución de la transmisión, lo que proporciona a los gestores una mejor información para las intervenciones intersectoriales para el control de la LC.

ABSTRACT Objective. Determine and characterize areas at potential risk for the occurrence of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Latin America. Method. Ecological observational study with observation units defined by municipalities with CL transmission during 2014-2018. Environmental and socioeconomic variables available for at least 85% of municipalities were combined in a single database, using R software. Principal component analysis was combined with hierarchical cluster analysis for the formation of clusters of municipalities according to their similarity. The V-test was used to define positive or negative association of variables with clusters and separation by natural divisions to determine which contributed more to each cluster. Cases were included to attribute CL risk for each cluster. Results. The study included 4 951 municipalities with CL transmission (36.5% of municipalities in Latin America); seven clusters were defined by their association with 18 environmental and socioeconomic variables. Historical risk of CL is associated positively and in descending order with the Amazonian, Andean, and Savanna clusters; and negatively with the Forest/perennial, Forest/cultivated, and Forest/populated clusters. The Agricultural cluster showed no association with CL cases. Conclusions. The study made it possible to identify and characterize CL risk by clusters of municipalities and to understand the characteristic epidemiological distribution patterns of transmission, providing program managers with better information for intersectoral interventions to control CL.

RESUMO Objetivo. Determinar e caracterizar as áreas de risco de ocorrência de leishmaniose cutânea na América Latina. Método. Estudo observacional ecológico com unidades de observação definidas por municípios com transmissão de leishmaniose cutânea entre 2014 e 2018. Foram usadas as variáveis ambientais e socioeconômicas disponíveis em 85% ou mais dos municípios, reunidas em uma única base de dados com o uso do software R. A metodologia de análise de componentes principais foi combinada a uma análise de conglomerados com agrupamento hierárquico para formar conglomerados de municípios por semelhança. O teste V foi usado para estabelecer a associação (positiva ou negativa) das variáveis com os conglomerados e uma separação por divisões naturais foi usada para determinar as variáveis que mais contribuíram em cada conglomerado. Os casos foram incluídos para avaliar o risco de leishmaniose cutânea em cada conglomerado. Resultados. A amostra do estudo compreendeu 4.951 municípios com transmissão de leishmaniose cutânea (36,5% do total na América Latina). Foram definidos sete conglomerados por apresentarem associação com 18 variáveis ambientais e socioeconômicas. Foi observada associação positiva e decrescente do risco histórico de leishmaniose cutânea com os conglomerados Amazônico, Andino e Savana e negativa com os conglomerados Mata/perene, Mata/cultivo e Mata/povoado. O conglomerado Agrícola não demonstrou associação com casos de leishmaniose cutânea. Conclusões. Este estudo permitiu identificar e caracterizar o risco de leishmaniose cutânea por conglomerados de municípios e conhecer o padrão epidemiológico de distribuição da transmissão da doença, oferecendo às autoridades dados melhores para subsidiar as intervenções intersetoriais para o controle da leishmaniose cutânea.