Previous BCG vaccination is associated with less severe clinical progression of COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: BCG vaccination, originally used to prevent tuberculosis, is known to "train" the immune system to improve defence against viral respiratory infections. We investigated whether a previous BCG vaccination is associated with less severe clinical progression of COVID-19 METHODS: A case-control study comparing the proportion with a BCG vaccine scar (indicating previous vaccination) in cases and controls presenting with COVID-19 to health units in Brazil. Cases were subjects with severe COVID-19 (O2 saturation < 90%, severe respiratory effort, severe pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, sepsis, and septic shock). Controls had COVID-19 not meeting the definition of "severe" above. Unconditional regression was used to estimate vaccine protection against clinical progression to severe disease, with strict control for age, comorbidity, sex, educational level, race/colour, and municipality. Internal matching and conditional regression were used for sensitivity analysis. RESULTS: BCG was associated with high protection against COVID-19 clinical progression, over 87% (95% CI 74-93%) in subjects aged 60 or less and 35% (95% CI - 44-71%) in older subjects. CONCLUSIONS: This protection may be relevant for public health in settings where COVID-19 vaccine coverage is still low and may have implications for research to identify vaccine candidates for COVID-19 that are broadly protective against mortality from future variants. Further research into the immunomodulatory effects of BCG may inform COVID-19 therapeutic research.

Seroprevalence of Chikungunya virus and living conditions in Feira de Santana, Bahia-Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Chikungunya is an arbovirus, transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, which emerged in the Americas in 2013 and spread rapidly to almost every country on this continent. In Brazil, where the first cases were detected in 2014, it currently has reached all regions of this country and more than 900,000 cases were reported. The clinical spectrum of chikungunya ranges from an acute self-limiting form to disabling chronic forms. The purpose of this study was to estimate the seroprevalence of chikungunya infection in a large Brazilian city and investigate the association between viral circulation and living condition. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We conducted a population-based ecological study in selected Sentinel Areas (SA) through household interviews and a serologic survey in 2016/2017. The sample was of 1,981 individuals randomly selected. The CHIKV seroprevalence was 22.1% (17.1 IgG, 2.3 IgM, and 1.4 IgG and IgM) and varied between SA from 2.0% to 70.5%. The seroprevalence was significantly lower in SA with high living conditions compared to SA with low living condition. There was a positive association between CHIKV seroprevalence and population density (r = 0.2389; p = 0.02033). CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The seroprevalence in this city was 2.6 times lower than the 57% observed in a study conducted in the epicentre of the CHIKV epidemic of this same urban centre. So, the herd immunity in this general population, after four years of circulation of this agent is relatively low. It indicates that CHIKV transmission may persist in that city, either in endemic form or in the form of a new epidemic, because the vector infestation is persistent. Besides, the significantly lower seroprevalences in SA of higher Living Condition suggest that beyond the surveillance of the disease, vector control and specific actions of basic sanitation, the reduction of the incidence of this infection also depends on the improvement of the general living conditions of the population.

Cross-sectional study of the anthropometric characteristics of children with congenital Zika syndrome up to 12 months of life.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about physical development of children with Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS). This study aims to evaluate the anthropometric characteristics of children with CZS up to 12 months. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study developed with 46 children with CZS living in Bahia. We used the Public Health Events Register, Live Births Information System and Childcare Records of Primary Health Care Services. Descriptive analysis was performed by distributing absolute and relative frequencies and median and interquartile range. The Weight/Age (W/A), Length/Age (L/A), Weight/Length (W/L) and Head Circumference/Age (HC/A) indexes were calculated for each month and expressed in z-score values, and the results were evaluated individually and by group average. Values between ≥ - 2 and ≤ 2 standard deviations were used as reference. T-Student and Spearman's Correlation Tests were applied to verify the existence of any relationship between maternal and children's variables with the anthropometric indexes weight/age and height/age at birth and at 3, 6 and 12 months of age. RESULTS: The studied children had high proportions of low birth weight (23.9%), dysphagia (56.8%) and seizures (53.5%). The mean z-score for the HC/A index at birth was - 3.20 and remained below - 3 z-scores throughout the assessed period. The analysis of the indices equivalent to every single child's anthropometric measurement showed a deficit in 20.4% of the W/A, 39.1% of the L/A, 9.2% of the W/L and 85.7% of the HC/A measurements. Distribution of the mean values of these anthropometric indices revealed a risk of delayed stature growth (L/A < -1 z-score). There was a statistically significant association between L/A at 12 months and dysphagia (p = 0.0148) and a positive correlation between breastfeeding time and W/A. No statistically significant correlation was found between any other tested variables. CONCLUSIONS: We observed a deficit in the HC/A index, which is a common feature in CZS, but also a high proportion of W/A and L/A deficit. The average group z-score highlighted the risk of delay in stature growth for age, which calls attention to the need for health interventions, as this condition exposes them to a higher risk of morbidity and mortality.

The need for fast-track, high-quality and low-cost studies about the role of the BCG vaccine in the fight against COVID-19.

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination is routine and near-universal in many low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). It has been suggested that BCG can have a protective effect on COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. This commentary discusses the limitations of the evidence around BCG and COVID-19. We argue that higher-quality evidence is necessary to understand the protective effect of the BCG vaccine from existing, secondary data, while we await results from clinical trials currently conducted in different settings.

Congenital syphilis distribution in the State of Tocantins, Brazil, 2007-2015. / Distribuição da sífilis congênita no estado do Tocantins, 2007-2015.

OBJECTIVE: to describe the epidemiological profile of congenital syphilis (CS) in Tocantins, from 2007 to 2015. METHODS: this was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted with data from the Notifiable Health Conditions Information System (SINAN) and the Live Birth Information System (SINASC). RESULTS: 1,029 CS cases were reported; mean CS incidence was 4.6/1,000 Live Births (LB), increasing from 3.1/1,000 LB in 2007 to 9.8/1,000 LB in 2015 (increase of 216.1%); municipalities located in the central and northern regions of the state had the highest rates; the majority of mothers of newborn babies were 15-24 years old, had elementary school education, started prenatal care in the third trimester of pregnancy, and received inadequate prenatal care. CONCLUSION: high occurrence of congenital syphilis in Tocantins requires immediate intensification of CS surveillance and improved prenatal care quality, especially in municipalities with higher incidence.

Distribuição da sífilis congênita no estado do Tocantins, 2007-2015 / Distribución de la sífilis congénita en el estado de Tocantins, Brasil, 2007-2015 / Congenital syphilis distribution in the State of Tocantins, Brazil, 2007-2015

Objetivo: descrever o perfil epidemiológico da sífilis congênita no estado do Tocantins, Brasil, de 2007 a 2015. Métodos: estudo transversal descritivo, realizado com dados do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (Sinan) e do Sistema de Informações sobre Nascidos Vivos (Sinasc). Resultados: foram notificados 1.029 casos da doença; a incidência média foi de 4,6 casos por 1 mil nascidos vivos (NV), com aumento de 3,1/1 mil NV em 2007 para a 9,8/1 mil NV em 2015 (aumento de 216,1%); municípios localizados no centro e no norte do estado apresentaram maiores taxas; a maioria das mães dos recém-nascidos tinha 15-24 anos de idade, ensino fundamental, iniciou o pré-natal no 3º trimestre de gestação e recebeu assistência pré-natal inadequada. Conclusão: a elevada ocorrência da sífilis congênita no Tocantins demanda imediata intensificação da vigilância da doença e melhoria da qualidade do acompanhamento pré-natal, especialmente nos municípios com maior incidência.

Objetivo: describir el perfil epidemiológico de la sífilis congénita (SC) en Tocantins, de 2007 a 2015. Métodos: estudio transversal descriptivo, con datos del Sistema Nacional de Agravamientos de Información (Sinan) y del Sistema de Informaciones sobre Nacidos Vivos (Sinasc). Resultados: se notificaron 1.029 casos de SC; la incidencia promedio fue de 4,6/1000 nacidos vivos (NV), con aumento variando de 3,1/1000 NV en 2007 a 9,8/1000 NV en 2015 (aumento del 216,1%); los municipios ubicados en el centro y norte del estado presentaron mayores tasas; la mayoría de las madres tenía entre 15-24 años, enseñanza primaria, iniciaron el prenatal en el 3º trimestre de gestación y la asistencia prenatal recibida fue inadecuada. Conclusión: la situación epidemiológica de la sífilis congénita en Tocantins es muy preocupante y demanda la inmediata intensificación de esfuerzos, principalmente en lo que se refiere a mejorar la calidad del prenatal, especialmente en los municipios con mayor incidencia de la enfermedad.

Objective: to describe the epidemiological profile of congenital syphilis (CS) in Tocantins, from 2007 to 2015. Methods: this was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted with data from the Notifiable Health Conditions Information System (SINAN) and the Live Birth Information System (SINASC). Results: 1,029 CS cases were reported; mean CS incidence was 4.6/1,000 Live Births (LB), increasing from 3.1/1,000 LB in 2007 to 9.8/1,000 LB in 2015 (increase of 216.1%); municipalities located in the central and northern regions of the state had the highest rates; the majority of mothers of newborn babies were 15-24 years old, had elementary school education, started prenatal care in the third trimester of pregnancy, and received inadequate prenatal care. Conclusion: high occurrence of congenital syphilis in Tocantins requires immediate intensification of CS surveillance and improved prenatal care quality, especially in municipalities with higher incidence.

The achievements of the SUS in tackling the communicable diseases. / Conquistas do SUS no enfrentamento das doenças transmissíveis.

This article presents the development of the epidemiological situation of some of the major communicable diseases (CD) in Brazil, with emphasis on the interventions by the SUS and other social policies. The data and information were collected from Datasus, epidemiological newsletters from the Brazilian Ministry of Health, and scientific articles on the issue. The universalization, decentralization and expansion of the surveillance, control and prevention of CD has produced an impact on the morbidity and mortality of these diseases, mainly those which are vaccine-preventable. The emergence and re-emergence of three arboviruses, for which there are no effective control instruments, interrupted the downward trend in the morbidity profile of CD in Brazil. Other social and economic programs, which are geared to the needier sectors of the Brazilian population, have also contributed to the improvement of the analyzed health indicators. However, the universalization of access to healthcare services, as well as improvements in the scope of the surveillance of diseases and health risks, has played a key role in improving the health and quality of life of the population, as well as contributing to the process of the democratization of Brazil.

Apresenta-se a evolução da situação epidemiológica de algumas das principais Doenças transmissíveis (DT) no Brasil, assinalando as intervenções proporcionadas pelo SUS e outras políticas sociais. Dados e informações foram levantados do Datasus e Boletins epidemiológicos do Ministério da Saúde e de artigos científicos sobre o tema. A universalização, a descentralização e a ampliação das ações de vigilância, controle e prevenção de DT produziram impacto sobre a morbimortalidade dessas doenças, principalmente das imunopreveníveis. A emergência e reemergência de três arboviroses, para as quais não se dispõe de instrumentos de controle efetivos, interromperam a evolução decrescente no perfil de morbidade das DT no Brasil. Outros programas sociais e econômicos, voltados para a população brasileira mais carente, também contribuíram para a melhoria dos indicadores de saúde analisados. Contudo, a universalização do acesso aos serviços de atenção à saúde, ao lado do aperfeiçoamento do escopo de atuação da vigilância sobre doenças e riscos à saúde, vem desempenhando papel fundamental na melhoria das condições de saúde e qualidade de vida da população, bem como contribuindo para o processo de democratização do país.

Conquistas do SUS no enfrentamento das doenças transmissíveis / The achievements of the SUS in tackling the communicable diseases

Resumo Apresenta-se a evolução da situação epidemiológica de algumas das principais Doenças transmissíveis (DT) no Brasil, assinalando as intervenções proporcionadas pelo SUS e outras políticas sociais. Dados e informações foram levantados do Datasus e Boletins epidemiológicos do Ministério da Saúde e de artigos científicos sobre o tema. A universalização, a descentralização e a ampliação das ações de vigilância, controle e prevenção de DT produziram impacto sobre a morbimortalidade dessas doenças, principalmente das imunopreveníveis. A emergência e reemergência de três arboviroses, para as quais não se dispõe de instrumentos de controle efetivos, interromperam a evolução decrescente no perfil de morbidade das DT no Brasil. Outros programas sociais e econômicos, voltados para a população brasileira mais carente, também contribuíram para a melhoria dos indicadores de saúde analisados. Contudo, a universalização do acesso aos serviços de atenção à saúde, ao lado do aperfeiçoamento do escopo de atuação da vigilância sobre doenças e riscos à saúde, vem desempenhando papel fundamental na melhoria das condições de saúde e qualidade de vida da população, bem como contribuindo para o processo de democratização do país.

Abstract This article presents the development of the epidemiological situation of some of the major communicable diseases (CD) in Brazil, with emphasis on the interventions by the SUS and other social policies. The data and information were collected from Datasus, epidemiological newsletters from the Brazilian Ministry of Health, and scientific articles on the issue. The universalization, decentralization and expansion of the surveillance, control and prevention of CD has produced an impact on the morbidity and mortality of these diseases, mainly those which are vaccine-preventable. The emergence and re-emergence of three arboviruses, for which there are no effective control instruments, interrupted the downward trend in the morbidity profile of CD in Brazil. Other social and economic programs, which are geared to the needier sectors of the Brazilian population, have also contributed to the improvement of the analyzed health indicators. However, the universalization of access to healthcare services, as well as improvements in the scope of the surveillance of diseases and health risks, has played a key role in improving the health and quality of life of the population, as well as contributing to the process of the democratization of Brazil.

Tendência da mortalidade neonatal na cidade de Salvador (Bahia-Brasil), 1996-2012 / Neonatal mortality trends in the city of Salvador (Bahia-Brazil), 1996-2012

Analisar a tendência da mortalidade neonatal, principais causas e potenciais fatores de risco, em Salvador-Bahia, 1996-2012.Métodos:estudo de série temporal tendo como fontes de dados os Sistemas de Informação sobre Mortalidade e sobre Nascidos Vivos/NV e Cadastro Nacional de Estabelecimentos de Saúde. Parâmetros da tendência temporal do coeficiente de mortalidade neonatal/CMN e da proporção de NV segundo características maternas, do recém-nascido e de atenção à saúde foram obtidos mediante Regressão Linear Simples. Coeficiente de Correlação de Spearman avaliou relação entre estas variáveis.Resultados:observou-se declínio de 21,2 por cento no CMN, principalmente devido ao componente precoce (β= - 0,730; p=0,006; R2= 0,423). Acompanhou esta tendência, a proporção de NV de mães adolescentes e sem instrução. A proporção de NV de mães com idade > 35 anos, nascimentos prematuros e de partos cesáreos exibiram crescimento. Predominaram mortes neonatais por Infecções específicas do período perinatal (13,2 por cento), Hipóxia intrauterina/Asfixia ao nascer (8,4 por cento) e Transtornos relacionados à prematuridade/baixo peso ao nascer (15,9 por cento), estas últimas com tendência de crescimento (β= 1,319; p=0,006; R2= 0,428).Conclusões:a mortalidade neonatal e potenciais fatores de risco estão decrescendo em Salvador. Iniciativas voltadas para melhoria da atenção ao recém-nascido e das condições de vida da população podem estar contribuindo para esta tendência...

To investigate neonatal mortality trends, principal causes and potential risk factors, in Salvador-Bahia, 1996-2012.Methods:a time series study was carried out using data from the Mortality and Live Births/LB Information Systems and the National Register of Health Establishments. Parameters for the trend over time of the neonatal mortality coefficient /NMC and the proportions of LBs in terms of characteristics of the mother, the newborn and health care were obtained using simple linear regression. Spearman’s correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the relation between these variables.Results:a decline of 21.2 percent in NMC was observed, mainly owing to premature births (β= - 0.730; p=0.006; R2= 0.423). This tendency was followed by the proportion of LBs among adolescent mothers and mothers with no schooling. The proportion of LBs among mothers aged > 35 years, premature births and Caesarean births was found to be higher. The predominant cause of neonatal death was specific infection during perinatal period (13.2 percent). Intra-uterine hypoxia/asphyxia during birth (8.4 percent) and disorders relating to premature birth/low birth weight (15.9 percent), were also found to be on the rise (β= 1.319; p=0.006; R2= 0.428).Conclusions:neonatal mortality and the prevalence of potential risk factors are on the decline in Salvador. Initiatives aiming to improve neonatal care and the living conditions of the population may be contributing to this trend...

Evaluation of preventative and control measures for congenital syphilis in State of Mato Grosso.

INTRODUCTION: Congenital syphilis is an important health problem in Brazil. This study assessed measures aimed at the prevention and control of syphilis in the State of Mato Grosso and its capital, Cuiabá. METHODS: A descriptive study cross-sectional and of time trends assessing the congenital syphilis was performed in Cuiabá and Mato Grosso between 2001 and 2011. We compared maternal sociodemographic characteristics and health care utilization related to cases of congenital syphilis during the periods from 2001 to 2006 and from 2007 to 2011. We assessed the temporal trends in this disease's incidence using a simple linear regression. RESULTS: Between 2001 and 2006 in Mato Grosso, 86.8% of the mothers who had live births with congenital syphilis received prenatal care, 90.6% presented with a nontreponemal test reagent at delivery, 96.2% had no information regarding a treponemal confirmatory test at delivery, and 77.6% received inadequate treatment for syphilis; additionally, 75.8% of their partners were not treated. There was a statistically significant reduction in prenatal visits (p = 0.004) and an increase in the proportion of mothers reactive to nontreponemal tests at delivery (p = 0.031) between the two periods. No other variables were found to differ significantly between the periods. In Cuiabá, we observed a similar distribution of variables. In the state and in the capital, the increasing trend of congenital syphilis was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: The high incidence of congenital syphilis in Mato Grosso and the low levels of health care indicators for pregnant women with syphilis suggest the need to improve the coverage and quality of prenatal care.

Evaluation of preventative and control measures for congenital syphilis in State of Mato Grosso

Introduction Congenital syphilis is an important health problem in Brazil. This study assessed measures aimed at the prevention and control of syphilis in the State of Mato Grosso and its capital, Cuiabá. Methods A descriptive study cross-sectional and of time trends assessing the congenital syphilis was performed in Cuiabá and Mato Grosso between 2001 and 2011. We compared maternal sociodemographic characteristics and health care utilization related to cases of congenital syphilis during the periods from 2001 to 2006 and from 2007 to 2011. We assessed the temporal trends in this disease's incidence using a simple linear regression. Results Between 2001 and 2006 in Mato Grosso, 86.8% of the mothers who had live births with congenital syphilis received prenatal care, 90.6% presented with a nontreponemal test reagent at delivery, 96.2% had no information regarding a treponemal confirmatory test at delivery, and 77.6% received inadequate treatment for syphilis; additionally, 75.8% of their partners were not treated. There was a statistically significant reduction in prenatal visits (p = 0.004) and an increase in the proportion of mothers reactive to nontreponemal tests at delivery (p = 0.031) between the two periods. No other variables were found to differ significantly between the periods. In Cuiabá, we observed a similar distribution of variables. In the state and in the capital, the increasing trend of congenital syphilis was not statistically significant. Conclusions The high incidence of congenital syphilis in Mato Grosso and the low levels of health care indicators for pregnant women with syphilis suggest the need to improve the coverage and quality of prenatal care. .

Prevalence of nutritional deficiency in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of nutritional deficiency among patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study using data obtained from the Brazilian Case Registry Database and from the medical records of patients diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis (15-59 years of age) residing in one of the municipalities that make up the 16th Regional Health District of the state of Bahia. We calculated the incidence, lethality, and mortality rates, as well as the prevalence of nutritional deficiency, as evaluated by body mass index. Demographic, social, clinical, and epidemiological data were collected. RESULTS: Of the 72 confirmed cases of tuberculosis, 59 (81.9%) were in males, and 21 (29.2%) of the patients were in the 40-49 year age bracket. The majority (85.3%) described themselves as Mulatto or Black; 55.2% reported using alcohol; and approximately 90% were treated as outpatients. In the district and age bracket studied, the incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis was 30.6/100,000 population. Among the 72 patients, data regarding nutritional status was available for 34. Of those, 50% and 25%, respectively, presented nutritional deficiency at the beginning and at the end of treatment. No statistically significant differences were found between normal-weight and malnourished patients regarding the characteristics studied. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of nutritional deficiency was high among our sample of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. This underscores the importance of nutritional follow-up for the assessment of tuberculosis treatment in the decision-making process regarding therapeutic interventions.

Prevalence of nutritional deficiency in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis / Prevalencia de deficiencia nutricional em pacientes com tuberculose pulmonar

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of nutritional deficiency among patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study using data obtained from the Brazilian Case Registry Database and from the medical records of patients diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis (15-59 years of age) residing in one of the municipalities that make up the 16th Regional Health District of the state of Bahia. We calculated the incidence, lethality, and mortality rates, as well as the prevalence of nutritional deficiency, as evaluated by body mass index. Demographic, social, clinical, and epidemiological data were collected. RESULTS: Of the 72 confirmed cases of tuberculosis, 59 (81.9%) were in males, and 21 (29.2%) of the patients were in the 40-49 year age bracket. The majority (85.3%) described themselves as Mulatto or Black; 55.2% reported using alcohol; and approximately 90% were treated as outpatients. In the district and age bracket studied, the incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis was 30.6/100,000 population. Among the 72 patients, data regarding nutritional status was available for 34. Of those, 50% and 25%, respectively, presented nutritional deficiency at the beginning and at the end of treatment. No statistically significant differences were found between normal-weight and malnourished patients regarding the characteristics studied. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of nutritional deficiency was high among our sample of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. This underscores the importance of nutritional follow-up for the assessment of tuberculosis treatment in the decision-making process regarding therapeutic interventions. .

OBJETIVO: Determinar a prevalência de deficiência nutricional entre pacientes com tuberculose pulmonar. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal tendo como fontes de dados o Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação e prontuários médicos de pacientes diagnosticados com tuberculose pulmonar (15-59 anos de idade) residentes nos municípios da 16a Regional de Saúde do estado da Bahia. Foram calculados os coeficientes de incidência, letalidade e mortalidade por tuberculose e a prevalência de deficiência nutricional, avaliada pelo índice de massa corpórea. Informações sobre características demográficas, sociais e clínico-epidemiológicas foram coletadas. RESULTADOS: Dos 72 casos confirmados de tuberculose, 59 (81,9%) eram do sexo masculino, e 21 (29,2%) tinham 40-49 anos de idade. A maioria declarou-se como pardo ou preto (85,3%). O tratamento foi ambulatorial em aproximadamente 90% dos casos, e 55,2% referiram uso de álcool. A incidência de tuberculose pulmonar foi de 30,6/100.000 habitantes no distrito e faixa etária estudados. Dos 72 pacientes, 34 apresentavam dados relativos ao estado nutricional. Desses, 50% e 25%, respectivamente, apresentavam deficiência nutricional ao início e ao final do tratamento. Não houve diferenças estatisticamente significantes entre pacientes eutróficos e desnutridos quanto às características estudadas. CONCLUSÕES: A prevalência de deficiência nutricional foi elevada em nossa amostra de pacientes com tuberculose pulmonar. Isso reforça a importância do acompanhamento nutricional para a avaliação do tratamento da tuberculose ...

[Progression of dengue virus circulation in the State of Bahia, Brazil, 1994-2000]. / Progressão da circulação do vírus do dengue no Estado da Bahia, 1994-2000.

INTRODUCTION: The strength of the re-emergence of dengue virus and the severity of these infections put this disease in the priority agenda of the institutions responsible for protecting the health of populations. Important for understanding the epidemiology of dengue nowadays refers to the knowledge of the patterns of spatial-temporal diffusion, though there is few research addressing this issue. This study describes the process of dissemination of dengue in the state of Bahia, from 1994 to 2000. METHODS: This ecological study space-time, with the units of analysis, county, epidemiological week, month, trimester and year. There has been construction of the trend line and has been mapping the sequential occurrence of dengue in the municipality for the period. RESULTS: There were 164,050 reported cases of dengue and the introduction of this virus in Bahia, unlike other states, occurred on a small city, though there is intermittency in spatial and temporal records of cases at the beginning of this epidemic. The virus circulated in all climatic zones fact what highlight its high transmission power. The highest intensity of detection of cases and territorial expansion was in the littoral (zone humid and half-humid) ideal area for the survive of the vector. CONCLUSIONS: Hypothetically, the intermittent space-time pattern initially observed, could have allowed the control of the progression of the epidemic, if structured action to vectorial combat was carried out.

Progressão da circulação do vírus do dengue no Estado da Bahia, 1994-2000 / Progression of dengue virus circulation in the State of Bahia, Brazil, 1994-2000

INTRODUÇÃO: A força da reemergência do vírus do dengue e a gravidade destas infecções colocaram esta doença na agenda de prioridades das instituições responsáveis pela proteção à saúde das populações. Aspecto importante para a compreensão da epidemiologia do dengue nos dias atuais refere-se ao conhecimento dos padrões da difusão espaço-temporal, entretanto são escassas as investigações que abordam esta questão. Este estudo descreve o processo de difusão do dengue no estado da Bahia, de 1994 a 2000. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de estudo ecológico espaço-temporal, tendo como unidades de análise município, semana epidemiológica, mês, trimestre e ano. Procedeu-se construção da curva de tendência e realizou-se mapeamento seqüencial da ocorrência de dengue por município para o período. RESULTADOS: Foram notificados 164.050 casos de dengue e a introdução desse vírus na Bahia, diferentemente de outros estados, se deu por um município de pequeno porte, constatando-se intermitência temporal e espacial nos registros de casos no início desta epidemia. Contudo, a partir de 1995 o processo de difusão da doença se deu de forma rápida e intensa. O vírus circulou em todas as zonas climáticas do estado o que revela o seu elevado poder de transmissão. A maior intensidade de detecção de casos e expansão territorial foi nas regiões úmidas e semi-úmidas do litoral, ideais para a sobrevivência e proliferação do vetor, e também, por serem mais densamente povoadas. CONCLUSÕES: Hipoteticamente, o padrão espaço-temporal intermitente de detecção de casos observado inicialmente, poderia permitir o controle da progressão da epidemia, caso houvesse ações de combate vetorial estruturadas.

INTRODUCTION: The strength of the re-emergence of dengue virus and the severity of these infections put this disease in the priority agenda of the institutions responsible for protecting the health of populations. Important for understanding the epidemiology of dengue nowadays refers to the knowledge of the patterns of spatial-temporal diffusion, though there is few research addressing this issue. This study describes the process of dissemination of dengue in the state of Bahia, from 1994 to 2000. METHODS: This ecological study space-time, with the units of analysis, county, epidemiological week, month, trimester and year. There has been construction of the trend line and has been mapping the sequential occurrence of dengue in the municipality for the period. RESULTS: There were 164,050 reported cases of dengue and the introduction of this virus in Bahia, unlike other states, occurred on a small city, though there is intermittency in spatial and temporal records of cases at the beginning of this epidemic. The virus circulated in all climatic zones fact what highlight its high transmission power. The highest intensity of detection of cases and territorial expansion was in the littoral (zone humid and half-humid) ideal area for the survive of the vector. CONCLUSIONS: Hypothetically, the intermittent space-time pattern initially observed, could have allowed the control of the progression of the epidemic, if structured action to vectorial combat was carried out.