Influence of trem-1 gene polymorphisms on cytokine levels during malaria by Plasmodium vivax in a frontier area of the Brazilian Amazon.

BACKGROUND: The immunopathology during malaria depends on the level of inflammatory response generated. In this scenario, the TREM-1 has been associated with the severity of infectious diseases and could play an important role in the inflammatory course of malaria. We aimed to describe the allelic and genotypic frequency of four polymorphisms in the trem-1 gene in Plasmodium vivax-infected patients and to verify the association of these polymorphisms with clinical and immunological factors in a frontier area of the Brazilian Amazon. METHODS: We included 76 individuals infected with P. vivax and 144 healthy controls living in the municipality of Oiapoque, Amapá, Brazil. The levels of TNF-α, IL-10, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, and IFN-γ were measured by flow cytometry, while IL-6, sTREM-1, and antibodies against PvMSP-119 were evaluated by ELISA. The SNPs were genotyped by qPCR technique. Polymorphisms analysis, allelic and genotype, frequencies, and HWE calculation were determined by x2 test in R Software. The association between the parasitemia, gametocytes, antibodies, cytokines, and sTREM-1 with the genotypes of malaria and control groups was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test, these analyzes were conducted in SPSS Software, at 5% significance level. RESULTS: All SNPs were successfully genotyped. Allelic and genotypic distribution was in Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium. Furthermore, several associations were identified between malaria and control groups, with increased levels of IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, and IFN-γ in the infected individuals with rs6910730A, rs2234237T, rs2234246T, rs4711668C alleles compared to the homozygous wild-type and heterozygous genotypes of the controls (p-value < 0.05). No association was found for these SNPs and the levels of IL-2, and sTREM-1. CONCLUSIONS: The SNPs on the trem-1 gene are associated with the effector molecules of the innate immunity and may contribute to the identification and effective participation of trem-1 in the modulation of the immune response. This association may be essential for the establishment of immunization strategies against malaria.

Corrigendum to "Cross-sectional analysis of students and school workers reveals a high number of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections during school reopening in Brazilian cities" [Heliyon 8 (11) (November 2022) Article e11368].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e11368.].

Cross-sectional analysis of students and school workers reveals a high number of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections during school reopening in Brazilian cities.

Brazil experienced one of the most prolonged periods of school closures, and reopening could have exposed students to high rates of SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, the infection status of students and school workers at the time of the reopening of schools located in Brazilian cities is unknown. Here we evaluated viral carriage by RT-PCR and seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (IgM and IgG) by immunochromatography in 2259 individuals (1139 students and 1120 school workers) from 28 schools in 28 Brazilian cities. We collected the samples within 30 days after public schools reopened and before the start of vaccination campaigns. Most students (n = 421) and school workers (n = 446) had active (qRT-PCR + IgM- IgG- or qRT-PCR + IgM + IgG-/+) SARS-CoV-2 infection. Regression analysis indicated a strong association between the infection status of students and school workers. Furthermore, while 45% (n = 515) of the students and 37% (n = 415) of the school workers were neither antigen nor antibody positive in laboratory tests, 16% of the participants (169 students and 193 school workers) were oligosymptomatic, including those reinfected. These individuals presented mild symptoms such as headache, sore throat, and cough. Notably, most of the individuals were asymptomatic (83.9%). These results indicate that many SARS-CoV-2 infections in Brazilian cities during school reopening were asymptomatic. Thus, our study highlights the need to promote a coordinated public health effort to guarantee a safe educational environment while avoiding exacerbating pre-existent social inequalities in Brazil, reducing social, mental, and economic losses for students, school workers, and their families.

How to implement a PEWS in a resource-limited setting: A quantitative analysis of the bedside-PEWS implementation in a hospital in northeast Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: Quantitative analysis of the implementation of the bedside paediatric early warning system (B-PEWS) in a resource-limited setting. The B-PEWS serves to pre-emptively identify hospitalised children who are at risk for cardiopulmonary arrest and subsequently to provide critical care in time. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review through the medical data records of patients after discharge from the paediatric ward of a philanthropic hospital in Brazil. Nurses' performance using the system was measured with various parameters. RESULTS: A total of 499 patients were included, and a total of 8024 scores were checked. During the 21-week research period, the implementation rate increased significantly from 66.5% (SD 26.0) in Period 1 to 93.1% (SD 16.6) in Period 2. The number of scores that resulted in a correct total score went from 7.5% in Period 1 to 32.2% in Period 2, p < 0.001. There was an improvement in the correct choice of age group between the two periods (from 32.2% to 53.4%). There was no difference in the mean admission time of patients in the two periods: in the first period 4.8 days (SD 2.9) and in the second period 4.8 days (SD 4.1). CONCLUSIONS: It is possible to implement a PEWS in resource-limited settings while achieving high implementation rates. However, this is a time- and energy-consuming process. Having an active and involved team that is responsible for implementation is key for a successful implementation. Factors that likely hindered implementation were a large change in workflow for the nursing staff, non-native speakers as main investigators.

Prolonged Fecal Shedding of SARS-CoV-2 in Pediatric Patients: A Quantitative Evidence Synthesis.

The aim of the study was to investigate differences in viral shedding in respiratory and fecal samples from children with novel coronavirus disease 19. We searched PubMed, SCOPUS, Embase, and Web of Science databases to identify pediatric studies comparing the pattern of fecal and respiratory shedding of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA. Summary estimates were calculated using random-effects models. Four studies reporting data from 36 children were included. A higher proportion of children had viral shedding in stools after 14 days of symptoms onset compared to respiratory samples (risk ratio = 3.2, 95% confidence interval 1.2-8.9, I2 = 51%). Viral RNA shedding was longer in fecal samples with a mean difference of approximately 9 days (mean difference = 8.6, 95% confidence interval 1.7-15.4, I2 = 77%) compared with respiratory samples. SARS-CoV-2 shedding seems to be present in feces for a longer time than in the respiratory tract of children. Although fecal SARS-CoV-2 presence in feces do not confirm its transmissibility, the high and fast spread of the novel coronavirus disease 19 worldwide indicate other transmission routes are also plausible.

Risk Factors for Physical Disability in Patients With Leprosy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

IMPORTANCE: The World Health Organization (WHO) 2016-2020 Global Leprosy Strategy aims to reinvigorate efforts to control leprosy and avert leprosy disability to less than 1 per million population. OBJECTIVE: To systematically identify clinical factors associated with physical disability in patients with leprosy. DATA SOURCE: Searches were conducted in Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases to identify studies published from January 23, 1988, to May 23, 2018, using the keywords leprosy and physical disability and related terms. STUDY SELECTION: Studies that evaluated patients using the WHO leprosy disability grading system and reported the number of patients with and without disability by clinical characteristics were included. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: The odds ratio (OR) was used as a measure of association between the clinical features and physical disability. Summary estimates were calculated using random-effects models. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The primary outcome was physical disability according to the WHO disability classification. The association between clinical features and physical disability was evaluated. RESULTS: The search identified 2447 reports. After screening titles and abstracts, 177 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility, and 32 studies were included in the systematic review; 24 of the 32 studies included sex information (39 571 patients), of whom 24 218 (61.2%) were male. Male patients with leprosy were more likely to have physical disability than female patients with leprosy (pooled OR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.43-1.93; I2, 81.3%; P < .001). Persons with multibacillary leprosy were 4-fold more likely to have physical disability than those with paucibacillary leprosy (pooled OR, 4.32; 95% CI, 3.37-5.53; I2, 88.9%, P < .001). Patients having leprosy reactions were more likely to have disability (pooled OR, 2.43; 95% CI, 1.35-4.36; I2, 92.1%; P < .001). Patients with lepromatous leprosy experienced 5- to 12-fold higher odds of disability. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: This systematic review and meta-analysis confirms the association between the presence of physical disabilities and male sex, multibacillary leprosy, leprosy reactions, and lepromatous presentation. These findings can guide the development of targeted interventions for early identification of individuals at greater risk of developing physical disabilities and education campaigns to promote early consultation to institute treatment for leprosy reactions and prevent physical disability.

Association between histamine-2 receptor antagonists and adverse outcomes in neonates: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The use of histamine-2 receptor antagonists (H2RA) in neonates is still debated because of possible risk of infection, necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and increased mortality. AIM: To review whether the use of H2RA in neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care units (NICU) is associated with infection, NEC or mortality. MATERIALS AND METHOD: We performed a systematic search in PubMed, Web of Science and SCOPUS databases using the terms "histamine-2 receptor antagonists", "infection", "necrotizing enterocolitis", "mortality", "neonates" and related terms to identify studies published up to April 30, 2017. We included studies conducted in hospitalized neonates and exposed to H2RA. The primary outcomes were infection, NEC and mortality. We included reports of infections with clinical signs and positive culture, and NEC according to Bell stages (stage ≥II) based on standardised clinical and radiologic criteria. Among 1,144 studies identified, 10 fulfilled the selection criteria. Information extracted included study design, sample size and number of participants, along with the outcomes of interest. We conducted a meta-analysis of adjusted data and pooled estimates of infection, NEC and mortality are reported as odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). RESULTS: Ten studies were analysed. There were substantial associations between H2RA and infection (pooled OR: 2.09; 95%CI: 1.35-3.24; P = 0.001) and NEC (pooled OR: 2.81, 95%CI: 1.19-6.64; P = 0.02) but not with the mortality risk (pooled OR: 1.76; 95%CI: 0.50-6.16; P: 0.38). CONCLUSION: Current evidence suggests that H2RA is associated with an increased risk of infection and NEC, but not with mortality in neonates admitted to NICU. The use of H2RA in neonates must be stringently considered when necessary.

Accuracy of serum IgE concentrations and papule diameter in the diagnosis of cow's milk allergy / Acurácia de concentrações de IgE séricas e de diâmetros de pápulas no diagnóstico de alergia ao leite de vaca

Abstract Objective To compare serum concentrations of specific IgE and mean papule diameters induced in the immediate skin reactivity test with cow's milk and its fractions with results of the oral challenge test, and to establish cutoff points capable of predicting clinical reactivity to cow's milk in patients treated at a referral service. Methods One hundred and twenty-two children (median of 17 months) with a history of immediate reactions to cow's milk and presence of specific IgE for cow's milk and/or its fractions (positive skin and/or IgE serum tests) were submitted to open oral challenge test with cow's milk. Results The oral challenge test was positive in 59.8% of the children, 49% of whom were males. Serum levels of specific IgE, as well as mean cow's milk papule diameters, were significantly higher in allergic patients (medians: 3.39 kUA/L vs. 1.16 kUA/L, 2.5 mm vs. 0 mm). The optimal cutoff points (Youden's index) of serum IgE specific for cow's milk and its fractions capable of predicting cow's milk reactivity (positive oral challenge test) were: 5.17 kUA/L for cow's milk, 0.95 kUA/L for α-lactalbumin, 0.82 kUA/L for β-lactoglobulin, and 0.72 kUA/L for casein, whereas for papule diameters the cutoff points were 3.5 mm for cow's milk and 6.5 mm, 9.0 mm, and 3.0 mm for the α-lactalbumin, β-lactoglobulin, and casein fractions, respectively. Conclusions The cutoff points capable of predicting clinical reactivity to cow's milk were: 5.17 kUA/L for serum-specific IgE and 3.5 mm for papule diameter measurement, values considered discriminatory for the diagnosis of cow's milk allergy.

Resumo Objetivo Comparar concentrações séricas de IgE específica e diâmetros médios das pápulas induzidas no teste cutâneo de leitura imediata com leite de vaca e suas frações com resultados do teste de provocação oral e estabelecer pontos de corte, capazes de predizer reatividade clínica ao leite de vaca em pacientes atendidos em um serviço de referência. Métodos Cento e vinte e duas crianças (mediana 17 meses), com história de reações imediatas ao leite de vaca e presença de IgE específicas para leite de vaca e/ou frações (testes cutâneos e/ou IgE sérica positivos) foram submetidas ao teste de provocação oral aberto com leite de vaca. Resultados O teste de provocação oral foi positivo em 59,8% das crianças, 49% eram do sexo masculino. Os níveis séricos de IgE específica, assim como os diâmetros médios das pápulas para leite de vaca, foram significantemente maiores nos alérgicos (medianas: 3,39kUA/L vs. 1,16 kUA/L; 2,5 mm vs. 0 mm). Os "pontos de corte ótimos" (Índice de Youden) das IgE séricas específicas para o leite de vaca e suas frações capazes de predizer a reatividade ao leite de vaca (teste de provocação oral positivo) foram: 5,17kUA/L para o leite de vaca, 0,95 kUA/L para α-lactoalbumina, 0,82kUA/L para β-lactoglobulina e 0,72kUA/L para caseína e para os diâmetros de pápulas foram 3,5 mm para leite de vaca e 6,5 mm, 9,0 mm e 3,0 mm para as frações α-lactoalbumina, β-lactoglobulina e caseína, respectivamente. Conclusões Os níveis de corte capazes de predizer reatividade clínica ao leite de vaca foram: 5,17kUA/L para IgE sérica específica e 3,5 mm para a medida do diâmetro da pápula, valores considerados discriminatórios para o diagnóstico da alergia ao leite de vaca.

Accuracy of serum IgE concentrations and papule diameter in the diagnosis of cow's milk allergy.

OBJECTIVE: To compare serum concentrations of specific IgE and mean papule diameters induced in the immediate skin reactivity test with cow's milk and its fractions with results of the oral challenge test, and to establish cutoff points capable of predicting clinical reactivity to cow's milk in patients treated at a referral service. METHODS: One hundred and twenty-two children (median of 17 months) with a history of immediate reactions to cow's milk and presence of specific IgE for cow's milk and/or its fractions (positive skin and/or IgE serum tests) were submitted to open oral challenge test with cow's milk. RESULTS: The oral challenge test was positive in 59.8% of the children, 49% of whom were males. Serum levels of specific IgE, as well as mean cow's milk papule diameters, were significantly higher in allergic patients (medians: 3.39kUA/L vs. 1.16kUA/L, 2.5mm vs. 0mm). The optimal cutoff points (Youden's index) of serum IgE specific for cow's milk and its fractions capable of predicting cow's milk reactivity (positive oral challenge test) were: 5.17kUA/L for cow's milk, 0.95kUA/L for α-lactalbumin, 0.82kUA/L for ß-lactoglobulin, and 0.72kUA/L for casein, whereas for papule diameters the cutoff points were 3.5mm for cow's milk and 6.5mm, 9.0mm, and 3.0mm for the α-lactalbumin, ß-lactoglobulin, and casein fractions, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The cutoff points capable of predicting clinical reactivity to cow's milk were: 5.17kUA/L for serum-specific IgE and 3.5mm for papule diameter measurement, values considered discriminatory for the diagnosis of cow's milk allergy.

Rotavirus Genotypes Circulating in Brazil Before and After the National Rotavirus Vaccine Program: A Review.

BACKGROUND: Rotavirus vaccines created the opportunity to control diarrhea in children. We describe the rotavirus genotypes before and after the rotavirus vaccine introduction in Brazil. METHODS: We reviewed the distribution of rotavirus genotypes in Brazil before and after vaccine introduction by searching publication. RESULTS: Eighty-six studies reported 6884 (15.2%) rotavirus episodes among 45,305 children. Rotavirus caused 22.4% and 11.6% of cases before and after vaccine introduction. G1P[8], G9P[8] and G2P[4] heterotypic strains were most common before and after vaccine introduction. CONCLUSIONS: The vaccines may have selected heterotypic strains in this highly vaccinated population.

Case Report: Microcephaly in Twins due to the Zika Virus.

Recent studies have demonstrated an association between congenital Zika virus (ZIKV) infection and microcephaly; however, to date, there have been no reports on the consequences of ZIKV infection on fetuses in twin pregnancies. Herein, we reported on the first case of a monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twin pregnancy having ZIKV-related microcephaly. Our findings suggested that, in an MCDA twin pregnancy, the ZIKV may cause infection in both fetuses, resulting in severe abnormalities in the central nervous system due to neural cell destruction and the disruption of the normal development processes of the brain. This case report and other similar twin cases may help to understand the pathogenesis and to confirm the etiology of ZIKV as a teratogenic microorganism.

Use of ranitidine is associated with infections in newborns hospitalized in a neonatal intensive care unit: a cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The inhibition of gastric acid secretion with ranitidine is frequently prescribed off-label to newborns admitted to neonatal intensive care units (NICU). Some studies show that the use of inhibitors of gastric acid secretion (IGAS) may predispose to infections and necrotising enterocolitis (NEC), but there are few data to confirm this association. This study aimed to compare the rates of neonatal infections and NEC among preterm infants (<37 weeks gestation) hospitalised in a NICU exposed or not to treatment with ranitidine. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted with all consecutive preterm newborns admitted to a NICU between August-2014 and October-2015. The rates of infection, NEC, and death of newborns exposed or not to ranitidine were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 300 newborns were enrolled, of which 115 had received ranitidine and 185 had not. The two groups were similar with regard to the main demographic and clinical characteristics. Forty-eight (41.7%) of the 115 infants exposed to ranitidine and 49 (26.5%) of the 185 infants not exposed were infected (RR = 1.6, 95%CI 1.1-2.2, p = 0.006). The late onset (>48 h) blood culture positive infection rate was higher in the group exposed to ranitidine than in the untreated group (13.0% vs. 3.8%, p = 0.001). There was no significant association between the use of ranitidine and NEC (Bell stage >II) (p = 0.36). The mortality rate risk was 4-fold higher in infants receiving ranitidine (16.5% vs. 8.6%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Ranitidine use in neonates was associated with an increased risk of infections and mortality, but not with NEC.

Acute norovirus gastroenteritis in children in a highly rotavirus-vaccinated population in Northeast Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Gastroenteritis is one of the most important causes of morbidity and mortality in children and an important etiological agent is norovirus. OBJECTIVE: We describe the occurrence and characteristics of norovirus diarrhoea in children from Sergipe, Northeast-Brazil, over two consecutive periods of three years following rotavirus vaccine introduction. STUDY DESIGN: A cross sectional hospital-based survey conducted from October-2006 to September-2009 and from July-2011 to January-2013. Acute diarrhoea cases had a stool sample collected and tested for norovirus by RT-PCR and positive samples were sequenced. RESULTS: In total 280 (19.6%) of 1432 samples were norovirus positive, including 204 (18.3%) of 1113 samples collected during the first period and 76 (23.9%) of 318 collected during the second period. The proportion of children with norovirus infection increased significantly through the second study period (χ2 for trend=6.7; p=0.009), was more frequent in rotavirus vaccinated and in younger children (p<0.001). Of 280 norovirus-positive specimens, 188 (67.1%) were sequenced. Of these, 12 were genogroup I and 176 genogroup II. The main genotype was GII.4 (149/188, 79.3%), followed by GII.2 (6, 3.2%) and GII.6 (5, 2.6%). CONCLUSION: Norovirus annual detection rates increased over the study period. The detection of norovirus was higher among young children.

Effectiveness of rotavirus vaccines against rotavirus infection and hospitalization in Latin America: systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Rotavirus was the leading cause of childhood diarrhoea-related hospitalisations and death before the introduction of rotavirus vaccines. METHODS: We describe the effectiveness of rotavirus vaccines to prevent rotavirus infections and hospitalizations and the main rotavirus strains circulating before and after vaccine introduction through a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies published between 1990 and 2014. 203 studies were included to estimate the proportion of infections due to rotavirus and 10 to assess the impact of the vaccines. 41 of 46 studies in the post-vaccination period were used for meta-analysis of genotypes, 20 to calculate VE against infection, eight for VE against hospitalisation and seven for VE against severe rotavirus-diarrhoea. RESULTS: 24.3 % (95 % CI 22.1-26.5) and 16.1 % (95 % CI 13.2-19.3) of cases of diarrhoea were due to rotavirus before and after vaccine introduction, respectively. The most prevalent G types after vaccine introduction were G2 (51.6 %, 95 % CI 38-65), G9 (14.5 %, 95 % CI 7-23) and G1 (14.2 %, 95 % CI 7-23); while the most prevalent P types were P[4] (54.1 %, 95 % CI 41-67) and P[8] (33 %, 95 % CI 22-46). G2P[4] was the most frequent genotype combination after vaccine introduction. Effectiveness was 53 % (95 % CI 46-60) against infection, 73 % (95 % CI, 66-78) against hospitalisation and 74 % (95 % CI, 68.0-78.0) against severe diarrhoea. Reductions in hospitalisations and mortality due to diarrhoea were observed in countries that adopted universal rotavirus vaccination. CONCLUSIONS: Rotavirus vaccines are effective in preventing rotavirus-diarrhoea in children in Latin America. The vaccines were associated with changes in genotype distribution.

Agreement Between the Douleur Neuropathique in 4 Questions and Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs Questionnaires to Classify Neuropathic Pain Among Patients with Leprosy.

Neuropathic pain (NP) often occurs during the course of leprosy, and screening tools to differentiate NP from non-NP are often used. However, their performance varies in different settings. The most frequently used scales are the Douleur Neuropathique in 4 questions (DN4) and the Leeds assessment of neuropathic symptoms and signs (LANSS) questionnaires. Thus, we conducted a study to evaluate the agreement between DN4 and LANSS questionnaires to classify NP in 195 leprosy patients attending two reference centers in Sergipe, Brazil. The DN4 and LANSS classified 166 and 110 patients, respectively, as having NP. One hundred and seven (54.8%) were classified as NP by both questionnaires; 59 (30.2%) solely by the DN4 questionnaire and three (1.5%) solely by the LANSS. The agreement of the questionnaires was 66.2% (weak agreement, Kappa = 0.30). Although both questionnaires identified a high proportion of NP, the development of more robust instruments is necessary to ensure the accuracy of diagnosis of leprosy patients classified as having NP.

Pain and quality of life in leprosy patients in an endemic area of Northeast Brazil: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Pain emerges as a challenge in the treatment of leprosy patients. In this study, we describe the prevalence and type of pain in patients with leprosy, and its effect on patients' quality of life in an endemic area of Northeast Brazil. FINDINGS: A cross-sectional survey of 260 patients attending leprosy reference centres in Sergipe, Northeast Brazil was conducted. Individuals were assessed for the presence and type of pain, skin sensory loss, peripheral nerve enlargement, touch and pinprick sensations, mechanical allodynia and nerve palpation. Participants completed the Douleur Neuropathique 4 questionnaire, and we also used the Brief Pain Inventory scale and the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF instrument to arrive at our results. One hundred and ninety-five (75 %) patients reported pain, mostly of the neuropathic type. Pain was moderate in 84 (43.1 %) and severe in 94 (48.2 %) participants. The presence of pain was associated with disability (p = 0.001), leprosy reactions (p = 0.004) and lower quality of life. Most patients with neuropathic pain were treated with steroids, despite their low efficacy for this type of pain. CONCLUSION: Pain is highly prevalent among leprosy patients and is associated with low quality of life. Leprosy management should include a systematic assessment of the type of pain a patient experiences in order to provide adequate treatment.

Functional Activity Limitation and Quality of Life of Leprosy Cases in an Endemic Area in Northeastern Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have evaluated the association between quality of life (QoL) and functional activity limitations (FAL) of leprosy patients as determined by the Screening of Activity Limitation and Safety Awareness scale (SALSA). AIM: To identify the association between FALs and the QoL of patients during and post leprosy treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional survey of 104 patients with leprosy followed in specialist reference centres in Sergipe, Brazil, between June and October 2014. QoL was evaluated using the World Health Organization-QoL-BREF (WHOQoL-BREF) questionnaire. The SALSA scale was used to measure FALs. RESULTS: Low SALSA scores were present in 76% of patients. QoL scores were lower for the physical and environmental domains, with median (interquartile range (IQR)) scores of 53.6 (32.1-67.9) and 53.1 (46.9-64.8), respectively. There was a statistical association between increasing SALSA scores and lower QoL as measured by the WHOQoL-BREF. CONCLUSION: Functional limitations are associated with lower QoL in leprosy patients, especially in the physical and environmental WHOQoL-BREF domains.

Leprosy and disability in children younger than 15 years in an endemic area of northeast Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Leprosy in children is still a frequent but sometimes unrecognized public health problem and an important cause of disability. Establishing the risk factors that lead to the development of disability is important for the development of suitable prevention programs. We describe the incidence of leprosy and the prevalence and degree of associated disabilities in children<15 years of age at the time of first presentation to the health services in Aracaju, Sergipe, Northeast Brazil. METHODS: A retrospective case series of 266 cases of leprosy in children under 15 years old of Aracaju from 2001 to 2012. Logistic regressions were performed to identify factors for disability. RESULTS: The average detection rate was 16.5/100,000 children under 15 years old per year over the study period. Physical disability was associated with the presence of affected nerves and multibacillary leprosy. CONCLUSIONS: The detection rate of leprosy in children is still high in Aracaju, Northeast Brazil. Having affected nerves and multibacillary leprosy are associated with the development of disability in children.

Incidence of rotavirus and circulating genotypes in Northeast Brazil during 7 years of national rotavirus vaccination.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Rotavirus causes severe diarrhoea and Brazil introduced the Rotarix G1P[8] vaccine in 2006. We aimed to describe changes in rotavirus incidence and diarrhoea epidemiology before and after vaccine introduction. DESIGN: (i) hospital-based survey of children with diarrhoea (2006-2012); (ii) diarrhea-mortality and hospitalization surveillance (1999-2012). SETTING: (i) Aracaju and (ii) state and national level. RESULTS: 1841 children were enrolled and 231 (12.5%) had rotavirus. Rotavirus was less frequent from January-June than from July-December (9.4% versus 20.9%, p<0.01), but the seasonal variation was less defined after 2009. Very few rotavirus cases (8-3.9%) were detected in 2011, with an increase in 2012 (13-18.5%). In 2006, unvaccinated children were more likely to have rotavirus, but thereafter unvaccinated and vaccinated children had equally low incidence. Older children and those with rotavirus were more likely to have severe diarrhea episodes. The most frequent genotype from 2006 to 2010 was G2P[4]; except in 2009, when most cases were G1P[8]. Very few G2P[4] were detected from 2011 and 50% cases in 2012 were G8P[4]. Diarrhoea-hospitalizations decreased nationally from 89,934 (2003) to 53,705 (2012; 40.3% reduction) and in the state from 1729 to 748 (56.7% reduction). Diarrhoea-deaths decreased nationally from 4368 in 1999 to 697 in 2012 (84% reduction, p<0.001) and in the state from 132 to 18 (86% reduction). These changes were much larger after vaccine introduction. CONCLUSIONS: The vaccine was associated with substantial reductions in rotavirus incidence and diarrhoea-hospitalizations and deaths. The G2P[4] genotype predominance disappeared over time and may be replaced by other heterotypic genotypes.