Integrative and Multidisciplinary Care for People Living With Human T-Cell Lymphotropic Virus in Bahia, Brazil: 20 Years of Experience.

Brazil is home to the highest absolute number of human T-cell lymphotropic virus type-1 (HTLV-1)-infected individuals worldwide; the city of Salvador, Bahia, has the highest prevalence of HTLV-1 infection in Brazil. Due to the complex nature of several diseases associated with this retrovirus, a multidisciplinary health care approach is necessary to care for people living with HTLV-1. The Bahia School of Medicine and Public Health's Integrative Multidisciplinary HTLV Center (CHTLV) has been providing support to people living with HTLV and their families since 2002, striving to ensure physical and mental well-being by addressing biopsychosocial aspects, providing clinical care and follow-up, including to pregnant/postpartum women, as well as comprehensive laboratory diagnostics, psychological therapy, and counseling to family members. To date, CHTLV has served a total of 2,169 HTLV-infected patients. The average patient age is 49.8 (SD 15.9) years, 70.3% are female, most are considered low-income and have low levels of education. The majority (98.9%) are HTLV-1 cases, and approximately 10% have been diagnosed with tropical spastic paraparesis/HTLV-1-associated myelopathy (TSP/HAM), while 2.2% have infective dermatitis and 1.1% have adult T-cell lymphoma. In all, 178 pregnant/postpartum women [mean age: 32.7 (±6.5) years] have received care at CHTLV. Regarding vertical transmission, 53% of breastfed infants screened for HTLV tested positive in their second year of life, nearly 18 times the rate found in non-breastfed infants. This article documents 20 years of experience in implementing an integrative and multidisciplinary care center for people living with HTLV in Bahia, Brazil. Still, significant challenges remain regarding infection control, and HTLV-infected individuals continue to struggle with the obtainment of equitable and efficient healthcare.

Efficacy of Brazilian green propolis (EPP-AF®) as an adjunct treatment for hospitalized COVID-19 patients: A randomized, controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) promotes challenging immune and inflammatory phenomena. Though various therapeutic possibilities have been tested against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the most adequate treatment has not yet been established. Propolis is a natural product with considerable evidence of immunoregulatory and anti-inflammatory activities, and experimental data point to potential against viral targets. We hypothesized that propolis can reduce the negative effects of COVID-19. METHODS: In a randomized, controlled, open-label, single-center trial, hospitalized adult COVID-19 patients were treated with a standardized green propolis extract (EPP-AF®ï¸) as an adjunct therapy. Patients were allocated to receive standard care plus an oral dose of 400 mg or 800 mg/day of green propolis for seven days, or standard care alone. Standard care included all necessary interventions, as determined by the attending physician. The primary end point was the time to clinical improvement, defined as the length of hospital stay or oxygen therapy dependency duration. Secondary outcomes included acute kidney injury and need for intensive care or vasoactive drugs. Patients were followed for 28 days after admission. RESULTS: We enrolled 124 patients; 40 were assigned to EPP-AF®ï¸ 400 mg/day, 42 to EPP-AF®ï¸ 800 mg/day, and 42 to the control group. The length of hospital stay post-intervention was shorter in both propolis groups than in the control group; lower dose, median 7 days versus 12 days (95% confidence interval [CI] -6.23 to -0.07; p = 0.049) and higher dose, median 6 days versus 12 days (95% CI -7.00 to -1.09; p = 0.009). Propolis did not significantly affect the need for oxygen supplementation. In the high dose propolis group, there was a lower rate of acute kidney injury than in the controls (4.8 vs 23.8%), (odds ratio [OR] 0.18; 95% CI 0.03-0.84; p = 0.048). No patient had propolis treatment discontinued due to adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Addition of propolis to the standard care procedures resulted in clinical benefits for the hospitalized COVID-19 patients, especially evidenced by a reduction in the length of hospital stay. Consequently, we conclude that propolis can reduce the impact of COVID-19.

Evaluation of the Inflammatory Cytokines and IL-10 Network in Individuals Co-infected With Human T-Cell Lymphotropic Virus and Hepatitis C Virus (HTLV/HCV).

BACKGROUND: Co-infection between the human T-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV) and the hepatitis C virus (HCV) can modify the natural history of HCV infection. The aim of this study was to describe the inflammatory cytokines and IL-10 network in patients co-infected with HTLV and HCV viruses in Bahia, Brazil. METHODS: Samples from 31 HTLV/HCV co-infected individuals and 27 HCV monoinfected individuals were evaluated. IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-10, IL-8, and IL-1 cytokines were quantified by ELISA. Clinical, laboratory data were obtained from patient records. Serum levels of the cytokines were log10-transformed and data mining was performed using Z-score statistics and correlation analysis. RESULTS: Co-infected individuals presented a tendency toward higher production of INF-γ compared to the HCV monoinfected group. Regarding cytokine pairs, there was a positive correlation (P-value < 0.05) between IL-1 and IL-8 in the HTLV/HCV co-infected group and uninfected controls, and two correlations in the HCV mono-infected group IL-8 - IL10 and IL- INF-γ - IL-10 pairs. There was no significant difference between the groups for the other parameters analyzed. CONCLUSION: The results presented herein indicated that HTLV/HCV co-infection was associated with a trend in IFN-γ production while HCV-infected individuals presented a positive correlation with both inflammatory cytokines (IL-8 and IFN-γ) and the regulatory cytokine IL-10.

Avaliação da colonização por bactérias multirresistentes em pacientes admitidos via central de regulação do estado em um hospital filantrópico em Salvador, Bahia / Evaluation of colonization by multiresistant bacteria in patients admitted via central regulation of the state in a philanthropic hospital in Salvador, Bahia / Evaluación de la colonización por bacterias multirresistentes en pacientes admitidos vía central de regulación del estado en un hospital filantrópico en Salvador, Bahia

Justificativa e Objetivos: Infecções Relacionadas à Assistência à Saúde (IRAS) são consideradas um problema de saúde pública cujo controle pode minimizar a morbimortalidade dos pacientes. A instituição precoce de isolamento de contato para pacientes possivelmente colonizados por microrganismos multirresistentes (MR), pode reduzir sua disseminação os casos de IRAS e custos hospitalares. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a frequência e impacto de culturas de vigilância positivas com microrganismos multirresistentes (MR) após um surto de Enterococcus spp. resistentes à vancomicina (VRE). Métodos: Foram implementadas rotinas de coleta de culturas de vigilância a partir de abril de 2014 para pacientes procedentes de outras unidades de saúde via Central de Regulação do Estado e Município em um hospital filantrópico em Salvador­BA. Resultados: Foram avaliados 663 pacientes no período de dezembro de 2014 a dezembro de 2015, sendo que 42 destes apresentaram cultura de vigilância positiva para microrganismos gram positivos e negativos MR. Após a implementação da rotina de realização de culturas de vigilância, não foram mais detectados surtos na nossa unidade. Conclusão: A rotina de culturas de vigilância pode funcionar como um importante instrumento na prevenção da disseminação de MR.(AU)

Background and Objectives: Health Care Related Infections (IRAS) are considered a public health problem whose control can minimize patients' morbidity and mortality. The early institution of contact isolation for patients possibly colonized by multiresistant (MR) microorganisms can reduce their spread in cases of IRAS and hospital costs. This study aimed to evaluate the frequency and impact of positive surveillance cultures with multiresistant (MR) microorganisms following an outbreak of vancomycin resistant Enterococcus spp. (VRE). Methods: Surveillance cultures collection routines were implemented since April / 14 for patients referred from other health to a philanthropic hospital in Salvador ­ Bahia via state and municipal referral center. Results: A total of 663 patients were evaluated in the period from December / 14 to December / 15, and 42 of them had a positive surveillance culture for gram positive and negative MR microorganisms. After the routine implementation of surveillance cultures, no outbreaks were detected in our unit. Conclusion: Despite the high cost, the study showed that routine surveillance cultures are an important tool in preventing MR dissemination.(AU)

Justificación y objetivos: Infecciones Relacionadas a la Asistencia sanitaria (IRAS) se consideran un problema de salud pública cuyo control puede minimizar la morbimortalidad de los pacientes. La institución precoz de aislamiento de contacto para pacientes posiblemente colonizados por microrganismos multirresistentes (MR), puede reducir su diseminación de los casos de IRAS y costos hospitalarios. El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar la frecuencia e impacto de cultivos de vigilancia positivos con microrganismos multirresistentes (MR) después de un brote de Enterococcus spp. resistentes a la vancomicina (VRE). Métodos: Se implementaron rutinas de recolección de cultivos de vigilancia a partir de abril / 14 para pacientes procedentes de otras unidades de salud vía Central de Regulación del Estado y Municipio en un hospital filantrópico en Salvador - BA. Resultados: Se evaluaron 663 pacientes en el período de diciembre / 14 a diciembre / 15, siendo que 42 de ellos presentaron un cultivo de vigilancia positiva para microrganismos gram positivos y negativos MR. Después de la implementación de la rutina de realización de cultivos de vigilancia, ya no se detectaron brotes en nuestra unidad. Conclusión: La rutina de cultivos de vigilancia puede ser un importante instrumento en la prevención de la diseminación de MR.(AU)

Colistin induced neurotoxity: a case report and review of literature / Neurotoxicidade induzida pela colistina: relato de caso e revisão de literatura

OBJECTIVE: To describe a case of neurotoxity associated to Colistin. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 29-year-old black male under treatment for urinary tract infection with identification of Klebsiella pneumoniae in urine culture resistant to all carbapenem antibiotics, presented visual turbidity, paresthesia on the face and upper left limb, slowed and discordant speech in the fourth day of Colistin use. Symptoms improved after reduction of the dose of colistin with adjustment for renal function, with complete reversion after discontinuation of the drug. CONCLUSIONS: Colistin-mediated neurotoxicity must be suspected in patients with altered mental status of unknown etiology and therapy promptly interrupted.

OBJETIVO: Descrever um caso de neurotoxidade associada à Colistina. DESCRIÇÃO DO CASO (desnecessário repetição): Um homem negro de 29 anos sob tratamento para infecção do trato urinário com identificação de Klebsiella pneumoniae (escrever corretamente) em cultura de urina resistente a carbapenêmicos, apresentou turvação visual, parestesia em face e membro superior esquerdo, discurso lento e discordante na quarto dia de uso da Colistina. Os sintomas melhoraram após a redução da dose de colistina com ajuste para a função renal, com reversão completa após a descontinuação do fármaco. CONCLUSÕES: A neurotoxicidade mediada por colistina deve ser suspeitada em pacientes com estado mental alterado de etiologia desconhecida e a terapia prontamente interrompida.

Tuberculosis incidence in a cohort of individuals infected with human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) in Salvador, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Few reports have investigated the association between human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) and tuberculosis (TB) in countries where both infections are endemic. This study estimates the incidence of TB in a cohort infected with HTLV-1, compared with non-infected individuals, over a ten-year period. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study involving the cross-matching of records of individuals for whom a HTLV serology was performed at a referral center for HTLV (CHTLV) with a database of TB cases from Sinan-the Information System on Diseases of Compulsory Declaration between 2002 and 2012. RESULTS: From a cohort of 6,495 individuals, 1,711 were infected with HTLV-1. A total of 73 TB cases occurred during the study period: 33 HTLV-1-infected patients and 40 uninfected individuals. The incidence density for TB in the HTLV-1 infected group was 3.3 person-years per 1,000 individuals and 1.1 person-years per 1,000 individuals in the group HTLV-1 uninfected group. The relative risk of developing TB in the group of patients infected with HTLV-1 was 2.6 (CI 95 % 1.6-4.2) in comparison with HTLV-1 uninfected group. Compared to individuals with isolated TB, those in the HTLV-1 infected group who had TB were older (p = 0.005) and had lower education levels (p = 0.02). No differences were observed with respect to the clinical/radiological presentation, nor in the outcome of TB and prevalence of HIV infection, when comparing among the HTLV-1-infected and uninfected groups. CONCLUSIONS: Patients infected with HTLV-1 are more susceptible to TB. The epidemiological characteristics of HTLV-1/TB subjects and those infected with TB overlap.

Completeness of tuberculosis reporting forms for disease control in individuals with HIV/AIDS in priority cities of Bahia state.

The control of HIV / Tuberculosis (TB) co -infection remains a challenge for public health. Notification is mandatory for both diseases and the National Case Registry Database (Sinan) is responsible for the collection and processing of individual forms of reporting and monitoring. The adequate fulfillment of these fields chips (completeness) is essential to follow the dynamics of the disease and set priorities for intervention. The aim of this study was to evaluate the completeness of the notification forms of tuberculosis in the priority municipalities of Bahia (Camaçari , Feira de Santana , Ilhéus , Itabuna, Jequié, Lauro de Freitas , Porto Seguro , Teixeira de Freitas , Paulo Afonso, Barreiras and Salvador) to control the disease in individuals with HIV/AIDS using tabulations obtained from the Sinan in the period from 2001 to 2010. The results showed that despite the completeness of the field HIV be above 50 %, more than half the cases were met as "undone" or "being processed" in all municipalities assessed in the period. The low completeness of reporting forms may compromise the quality of surveillance of TB cases. The results suggest the need for greater availability of HIV testing in these individuals.

Completeness of tuberculosis reporting forms for disease control in individuals with HIV/AIDS in priority cities of Bahia state / Completude das fichas de notificação de Tuberculose nos municípios prioritários da Bahia para controle da doença em indivíduos com HIV/AIDS

The control of HIV / Tuberculosis (TB) co -infection remains a challenge for public health. Notification is mandatory for both diseases and the National Case Registry Database (Sinan) is responsible for the collection and processing of individual forms of reporting and monitoring. The adequate fulfillment of these fields chips (completeness) is essential to follow the dynamics of the disease and set priorities for intervention. The aim of this study was to evaluate the completeness of the notification forms of tuberculosis in the priority municipalities of Bahia (Camaçari , Feira de Santana , Ilhéus , Itabuna, Jequié, Lauro de Freitas , Porto Seguro , Teixeira de Freitas , Paulo Afonso, Barreiras and Salvador) to control the disease in individuals with HIV/AIDS using tabulations obtained from the Sinan in the period from 2001 to 2010. The results showed that despite the completeness of the field HIV be above 50 %, more than half the cases were met as "undone" or "being processed" in all municipalities assessed in the period. The low completeness of reporting forms may compromise the quality of surveillance of TB cases. The results suggest the need for greater availability of HIV testing in these individuals.

O controle da coinfecção HIV/Tuberculose (TB) ainda representa um desafio para a saúde pública. Ambas as doenças são de notificação obrigatória e o Sistema Nacional de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN) é o órgão responsável pela coleta e processamento das fichas individuais de notificação e acompanhamento. O preenchimento adequado dos campos destas fichas (completude) é essencial para acompanhar a dinâmica da doença e definir prioridades de intervenção. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a completude das fichas de notificações de tuberculose nos municípios prioritários da Bahia (Camaçari, Feira de Santana, Ilhéus, Itabuna, Jequié, Lauro de Freitas, Porto Seguro, Teixeira de Freitas, Paulo Afonso, Barreiras e Salvador), para controle da doença em indivíduos com HIV/AIDS, através dos relatórios de tabulação do Sinan, no período de 2001 a 2010. Os resultados demonstraram que, apesar da completude do campo HIV estar acima de 50%, mais da metade das fichas estavam preenchidas como "não realizado" ou "em andamento", em todos os municípios avaliados no período. A baixa completude das fichas de notificação pode comprometer a qualidade de vigilância dos casos de TB. Os resultados sugerem a necessidade de maior disponibilidade de teste para HIV nesses indivíduos.

Completeness of tuberculosis reporting forms in five Brazilian capitals with a high incidence of the disease.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the completeness of tuberculosis reporting forms in the greater metropolitan areas of five Brazilian capitals where the incidence of tuberculosis was high in 2010 - Salvador, Rio de Janeiro, Cuiabá, Porto Alegre, and Belém - using tabulations obtained from the Sistema Nacional de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (National Case Registry Database). The degree of completeness was highest in Porto Alegre and Cuiabá, whereas it was lowest in Rio de Janeiro, where there are more reported cases of tuberculosis than in any other Brazilian capital. A low degree of completeness of these forms can affect the quality of the Brazilian National Tuberculosis Control Program, which will have negative consequences for health care and decision-making processes.

Perfil socioeconômico e clínico dos pacientes internados com hiv/aids em hospital de Salvador, Bahia / Socioeconomic profile and clinical reports of patients with hiv/aids in Salvador, Bahia hospital / Perfil socioeconómico y clínico de pacientes ingresados con vih/sida em hospital de Salvador, Bahia

A epidemia da infecção pelo Vírus da Imunodeficiência Humana (HIV) e daSíndrome da Imunodeficiência Adquirida (AIDS) é um fenômeno global, dinâmico e instável cuja forma de ocorrência depende do comportamento humano individual e coletivo. Foram objetivos deste estudo descrever o perfil socioeconômico e cultural dos pacientes internados com HIV/AIDS no Hospital Couto Maia e conhecer o motivo da internação. A metodologiaadotada foi o estudo transversal, observacional. O instrumento de coleta de dados utilizado foi o questionário padronizado, aplicado aos pacientes internados. Os resultados apontaram que a maioria era do sexo masculino, jovem, solteira, baixa escolaridade, baixa renda familiare adquiriu por transmissão heterossexual. Concluiu-se que é necessário maior disseminação das informações de prevenção, diagnóstico mais precoce e reforço na adesão à terapia antirretroviral (TARV), para evitar as internações que ocorrem por infecções oportunistas.

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) epidemic and AcquiredImmunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a global phenomenon whose dynamic and unstable form of occurrence depends on the individual and collective human behavior. The objective of this study was to describe the socio-economic, cultural and clinical development of hospitalized patients with HIV/AIDS, thus be acquainted with the reasons for their admissionto the Hospital Couto Maia. This is an observational Cross-sectional study, conducted through a standardized questionnaire answered by the hospitalized patients. The results showed that most of the patients were young male, unmarried, with low education, low family income andwhose virus was acquired by heterosexual transmission. It can be concluded from this study that it is necessary a greater dissemination of information on prevention, early diagnosis and an enhanced adherence program to HAART to prevent hospitalizations due to opportunisticinfections.

La epidemia de la infección por el Virus de la Inmunodeficiencia Humana (VIH) y del Síndrome de la Inmunodeficiencia Adquirida (SIDA) es un fenómeno global, dinámico e inestable, cuya forma de ocurrencia depende del comportamiento humano individual y colectivo. El objetivo fue describir el perfil socioeconómico y cultural de los pacientes ingresados con VIH/SIDA, en el Hospital Couto Maia, además de conocer el motivo de suinternamiento. Estudio de enfoque transversal, observacional. Para la recolecta de datos se utilizó un cuestionario estandarizado aplicado a los pacientes ingresados. Los resultados indican que la mayoría era hombre, joven, soltero, baja escolaridad, renta familiar baja y adquirió la infección a través de transmisión heterosexual. Se concluye que es necesariodifundir de forma más amplia las informaciones sobre prevención, un diagnóstico precoz y mejorar la adhesión a la terapia antirretroviral (TARV) para prevenir hospitalizaciones que se producen por infecciones oportunistas.

Comparative study of rK39 Leishmania antigen for serodiagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis: systematic review with meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The rK39 recombinant protein is derived from a specific antigen produced by the Leishmania donovani complex, and has been used in the last two decades for the serodiagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis. We present here a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies evaluating serologic assays to diagnose visceral leishmaniasis to determine the accuracy of rK39 antigen in comparison to the use of other antigen preparations. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: A systematic review with meta-analysis of the literature was performed to compare the rK39 strip-test and ELISA formats against serological tests using promastigote antigens derived from whole or soluble parasites for Direct Aglutination Test (DAT), Indirect Immunofluorescence test (IFAT) and ELISA with a promastigote antigen preparation (p-ELISA). Gold standard diagnosis was defined by the demonstration of amastigotes on hematological specimens. A database search was performed on Medline, Lilacs, Scopus, Isi Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. Quality of data was assessed using the QUADAS questionnaire. A search of the electronic databases found 352 papers of which only 14 fulfilled the selection criteria. Three evaluated the rK39 ELISA, while 13 evaluated the rK39 immunochromatographic strip test. The summarized sensitivity for the rK39-ELISA was 92% followed by IFAT 88% and p-ELISA 87%. The summarized specificity for the three diagnostic tests was 81%, 90%, and 77%. Studies comparing the rK39 strip test with DAT found a similar sensitivity of 94%, although the DAT had a slightly higher specificity. The rK39 strip test was more sensitive and specific than the IFAT and p-ELISA. We did not detect any difference in the sensitivity and specificity between strips produced by different manufacturers. CONCLUSIONS: The rK39 protein used either in a strip test or in an ELISA, and the DAT are the best choices for implementation of rapid, easy and efficient test for serodiagnosis of VL.