Seroprevalence of dengue IgG and associated risk factors in symptomatic and asymptomatic adults in Posadas (Misiones, Argentina), 2017-2019.

BACKGROUND: Dengue represents a major public health problem in the Americas in general, and in Posadas (Misiones, Argentina) in particular. This study aimed to assess the seroprevalence of dengue virus infection, analyze associated factors, and determine the proportion of asymptomatic cases. METHODS: This prospective cross-sectional study took place from November 2017 to April 2019 in the High Complexity Laboratory of Misiones, at the School Hospital Dr. Ramón Madariaga in Posadas. A random sample of 301 adults (≥ 15 years) was selected from the electoral registry and stratified by geographical area of residence. Sociodemographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected by means of a survey and serology. Results were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: The median age of the sample was 33 years; 66% were women, and 46.5% had completed at least secondary school. Anti-dengue IgG antibodies were present in 40.2% of the sample (95% confidence interval [CI] 34.5-45.9%), including 90% of those who reported dengue and 20.5% who did not (odds ratio [OR] 33.25, 95% CI 15.46-71.51, p < 0.001). In the multivariable analysis, adjusted for age, group, gender, and vaccination against yellow fever, seropositivity was associated with having relatives with dengue (adjusted OR 3.96, 95% CI 2.18-7.23; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Seroprevalence for dengue in Posadas was higher than estimates based on the notification records, and there was a high proportion of asymptomatic cases. Educational level and having a family member who had suffered from dengue were associated with positive serology.

Risk areas for the occurrence of leprosy in border countries of South America - Brazil and Argentina.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to analyze the spatial association and relative risk (RR) of leprosy cases diagnosed in southern Brazil and in the Argentinean province of Misiones during 2010 to 2016. METHODS: This ecological-type epidemiological study analyzed data from the Health Ministries of both countries. The analysis included frequency measures, spatial autocorrelation, RR cluster analysis and map construction. RESULTS: A hyperendemic occurrence was identified in all study regions, in the state of Paraná 71.2% of the municipalities were hyperendemic and in Misiones, Argentina 41.2%. The GI* statistical analysis showed clusters of high incidence rates in the state of Paraná and low-risk clusters in much of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, both in Brazil. The analysis indicated an area with RR equal to 3.87 - (p < .0001) when considering the entire territory and an RR of 2.80 - (p < .0001) excluding the state of Paraná, with the number of departments of Misiones, Argentina included in the risk clusters increasing significantly. CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate a high probability of similar illness in adjacent areas, according to their relative position in space, as the occurrence of the disease is influenced by neighboring clusters.

Encuesta social y de seroprevalencia de sífilis y HIV en adolescentes escolarizados en áreas vulnerables del Departamento Capital, Misiones, Argentina / Social and seroprevalence survey of syphilis and HIV in schooled adolescents in vulnerable areas of the Capital Departament, Misiones, Argentina

Resumen Se realizó un estudio descriptivo observacional transversal en los municipios de Posadas y Garupá con el objetivo de describir la situación social, el conocimiento sobre infecciones de transmisión sexual (ITS) y la prevalencia de infección por Treponema pallidum y por el virus de inmunodeficiencia humana (HIV) en adolescentes escolarizados en área vulnerables del Departamento Capital de Misiones (Argentina). Se realizaron 1336 encuestas y 347 pruebas serológicas a adolescentes de 19 establecimientos de nivel primario y secundario, el 64% (857) fueron de Posadas y el 36% (479) de Garupá. La mediana de la edad fue de 13 años. Las respuestas afirmativas sobre la información suministrada en salud reproductiva fue en Posadas 73% y en Garupá 49%; el ámbito de información citado con mayor frecuencia fueron las escuelas (Posadas 92% y Garupá 76%). La mayoría respondió que en su grupo de amigos se ingerían bebidas con alcohol (Posadas 64% y Garupá 52%) y, con menor frecuencia, drogas (Posadas 21% y Garupá 17%). Las respuestas correctas sobre conocimientos de ITS fueron superiores al 82%. Más del 80% residían en casas de material con baño instalado y el 9% en condiciones de hacinamiento. No se identificaron adolescentes escolarizados con infección por HIV, pero sí un caso con infección por T. pallidum (prevalencia: 0,29%; intervalo de confianza del 95%: 0,05-1,62%). El estudio mostró muy baja prevalencia de infección por T. pallidum y nula para HIV en adolescentes escolarizados residentes en áreas socialmente vulnerables. La constitución familiar y la escolarización podrían constituir factores de protección para estas infecciones.

Abstract A cross-sectional observational descriptive study was carried out in the municipalities of Posadas and Garupá with the aim of describing the social situation, knowledge about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and the prevalence of Treponema pallidum and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in adolescents enrolled in vulnerable areas of the Capital Department of Misiones (Argentina). A total of 1,336 surveys and 347 serological tests were carried out on adolescents from 19 primary and secondary schools, 64% (857) were from Posadas and 36% (479) from Garupá. The median age was 13 years. The affirmative answers about the information provided in reproductive health were 73% in Posadas and 49%; in Garupá; the area of information most frequently cited was schools (Posadas 92% and Garupá 76%). Most responded that their group of friends drank alcoholic beverages (Posadas 64% and Garupá 52%) and, less frequently, drugs (Posadas 21% and Garupá 17%). The correct answers about knowledge of STIs were higher than 82%. More than 80% resided in brick houses with installed bathrooms and 9% in overcrowded conditions. School adolescents with HIV infection were not identified, but one case with T. pallidum infection was detected (prevalence: 0.29%; 95% confidence interval: 0.05-1.62%). The study showed a very low prevalence of T. pallidum infection and zero prevalence for HIV in school-going adolescents residing in socially vulnerable areas. Family constitution and schooling could be protective factors for these infections.

Resumo Foi realizado um estudo descritivo observacional transversal nos municípios de Posadas e Garupá com o objetivo de descrever a situação social, o conhecimento sobre infecções sexualmente transmissíveis (ISTs) e a prevalência da infecção pelo Treponema pallidum e pelo vírus da imunodeficiência humana (HIV) em adolescentes matriculados em áreas vulneráveis do Departamento Capital de Misiones (Argentina). Foram realizadas 1.336 inquéritos e 347 testes sorológicos em adolescentes de 19 escolas de ensino fundamental e médio, sendo 64% (857) de Posadas e 36% (479) de Garupá. A mediana de idade foi de 13 anos. As respostas afirmativas sobre as informações prestadas em saúde reprodutiva foram em Posadas 73% e em Garupá 49%; a área de informação mais citada foi as escolas (Posadas 92% e Garupá 76%). A maioria respondeu que seu grupo de amigos consumia bebidas alcoólicas (Posadas 64% e Garupá 52%) e, com menor frequência, drogas (Posadas 21% e Garupá 17%). As respostas corretas sobre o conhecimento de ISTs foram superiores a 82%. Mais de 80% residiam em casas materiais com banheiros instalados e 9% em condições de superlotação. Adolescentes escolares com infecção pelo HIV não foram identificados, mas foi identificado um caso com infecção por T. pallidum (prevalência: 0,29%; intervalo de confiança de 95%: 0,05-1,62%). O estudo mostrou prevalência muito baixa de infecção por T. pallidum e prevalência zero para HIV em adolescentes escolares residentes em áreas de vulnerabilidade social. A constituição familiar e a escolaridade podem ser fatores protetores para essas infecções.

A Novel Sampling Model to Study the Epidemiology of Canine Leishmaniasis in an Urban Environment.

Background: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is one of the most important parasitic diseases in the world. The domestic dog is the main reservoir of zoonotic VL and a high prevalence of canine leishmaniasis (CanL) is associated with transmission of infection to humans. Here we describe the methodology used to obtain a rapid and representative sample of domestic dogs in the city of Posadas, Misiones, and compare the prevalence of Leishmania infection with a sample of shelter dogs. Methodology: We used the city land registry to make a random selection of homes and systematically recruited 349 domestic dogs from the selected properties. We also included all dogs from the main canine shelter within the city. Dogs were examined by two experienced veterinarians who recorded the presence of clinical signs common in CanL using a standardized protocol. We extracted a blood sample from each dog and performed four different serological tests to reveal the presence of anti-Leishmania antibodies. Results: After clinical examination, 145 domestic dogs (41.5%) and 63 (90%) shelter dogs had clinical signs compatible with CanL (p < 0.001). The seroprevalence among domestic dogs was 20.1% (95% CI 16.1-24.6) which was significantly lower than among the abandoned dogs (38.6%, 95% CI 27.7-50.6, p < 0.001). The spatial distribution of infected dogs was fairly homogenous throughout the city. Among domestic dogs, we observed a positive association between where the dog slept and presence of anti-Leishmania antibodies (p = 0.034). Of the seropositive domestic dogs 38 (54.4%) were asymptomatic. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate how seroprevalence results can be highly influenced by sampling methodology. We demonstrate how the land registry can be used to estimate the prevalence of CanL in representative sample of domestic dogs in an urban setting, allowing decision makers to deepen their understanding the epidemiology of CanL in a timely and efficient manner for the development of plans to address both human and canine disease.

Coping with COVID-19 in an international border region: health and economy.

OBJECTIVE: to analyze how the social isolation measures and closed borders affected the health and economy in an international border region. METHOD: descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in the western region of Paraná, Brazil, using an electronic form created using Google® forms. A sample of 2,510 people was addressed. Descriptive analysis and the Chi-square test were performed, with a level of significance established at 5%. This public opinion survey, addressing unidentified participants, is in accordance with Resolutions 466/2012 and 510/2016. RESULTS: the participants were 41.5 years old on average, most were women and worked in the education sector; 41.9% reported that the closing of borders/commercial businesses negatively influenced income; 17.7% reported the possibility of losing their jobs; 89.0% consider that a larger number of people would be sick if the borders/commercial had not been closed; 63.7% believe the health services are not prepared to deal with the pandemic; 74.9% realize that the Brazilian Unified Health System may not have sufficient service capacity; 63.4% reported anxiety; and 75.6% of commercial workers will experience changes in their income level. CONCLUSION: the closing of international borders and commercial businesses was related to a perception of physical and mental changes, job loss, and decreased income.

Coping with COVID-19 in an international border region: health and economy / Enfrentamento da COVID-19 em região de fronteira internacional: saúde e economia / Enfrentamiento de la COVID-19 en una región fronteriza internacional: salud y economía

Objective: to analyze how the social isolation measures and closed borders affected the health and economy in an international border region. Method: descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in the western region of Paraná, Brazil, using an electronic form created using Google® forms. A sample of 2,510 people was addressed. Descriptive analysis and the Chi-square test were performed, with a level of significance established at 5%. This public opinion survey, addressing unidentified participants, is in accordance with Resolutions 466/2012 and 510/2016. Results: the participants were 41.5 years old on average, most were women and worked in the education sector; 41.9% reported that the closing of borders/commercial businesses negatively influenced income; 17.7% reported the possibility of losing their jobs; 89.0% consider that a larger number of people would be sick if the borders/commercial had not been closed; 63.7% believe the health services are not prepared to deal with the pandemic; 74.9% realize that the Brazilian Unified Health System may not have sufficient service capacity; 63.4% reported anxiety; and 75.6% of commercial workers will experience changes in their income level. Conclusion: the closing of international borders and commercial businesses was related to a perception of physical and mental changes, job loss, and decreased income.

Objetivo: analisar como o isolamento social e o fechamento das fronteiras repercutem na saúde e na economia em região de fronteira internacional. Método: estudo descritivo-transversal realizado no Oeste do Paraná, Brasil, por meio do questionário eletrônico Formulários Google®. Foi estudada uma amostra de 2.510 pessoas. Utilizou-se a análise estatística descritiva e o teste qui-quadrado, com nível de significância de 5%. Pesquisa de opinião pública, com participantes não identificados, que atende às Resoluções 466/2012 e 510/2016. Resultados: a média de idade foi de 41,5 anos, a maioria é do sexo feminino e composta por trabalhadores do setor de educação; 41,9% indicam que o fechamento das fronteiras/comércio influenciou negativamente a renda e, para 17,7%, existe a possibilidade de desemprego. Para 89,0%, o número de pessoas adoecidas seria maior caso as fronteiras/comércio não tivessem sido fechadas; 63,7% indicam que os serviços de saúde não estão preparados para enfrentar a pandemia; 74,9% percebem que o Sistema Único de Saúde pode não ter capacidade de atendimento; 63,4% sinalizam ansiedade e 75,6% dos trabalhadores do comércio terão alterações na renda. Conclusão: o fechamento das fronteiras internacionais e do comércio relacionou-se à percepção de alterações físicas e mentais, perda de emprego e de renda.

Objetivo: analizar cómo el aislamiento social y el cierre de las fronteras afectan la salud y la economía en una región fronteriza internacional. Método: estudio descriptivo transversal desarrollado en el occidente de Paraná, Brasil, utilizando el cuestionario electrónico Formularios Google®. Se estudió una muestra de 2.510 personas. Se utilizó análisis estadístico descriptivo, prueba de chi-cuadrado con nivel de significancia del 5%. Encuesta de opinión pública, con participantes no identificados, que cumple con las Resoluciones 466/2012 y 510/2016. Resultados: el promedio de edad fue de 41,5 años, mayoritariamente mujeres y trabajadores del sector educativo; el 41,9% indicó que el cierre de las fronteras/comercio afectó negativamente los ingresos y que, para el 17,7%, existe la posibilidad de desempleo. Para 89,0%, el número de personas enfermas habría sido mayor si las fronteras/comercio no se hubieran cerrado; 63,7% indica que los servicios de salud no están preparados para enfrentar la pandemia; 74,9% percibe que el Sistema Único de Salud puede no ser capaz de brindar atención; 63,4% informó ansiedad; y 75,6% de los trabajadores del comercio tendrán cambios en los ingresos. Conclusión: el cierre de las fronteras internacionales y el comercio se relacionó con la percepción de cambios físicos y mentales, pérdida de empleo e ingresos.

Autochthonous Outbreak of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis due to Leishmania infantum in Corrientes Province, Argentina.

Endemic cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in northern Argentina has traditionally been caused by Leishmania braziliensis. This study aims to describe an outbreak of Leishmania infantum-caused human CL in the Department Capital of Corrientes Province, Argentina. We retrospectively analyzed the reported cases of CL in this area from May 2015 to December 2016. Eighty cases of CL were clinically and analytically diagnosed, and there was one case of visceral leishmaniasis in a boy who also had CL. Patients' median age was 33.6 years (range 1-89 years), and 18.5% were younger than 15 years; the male:female ratio was 3.5:1. Cases lived mostly in the municipality of Corrientes (72.8%), whereas 27.2% resided in Riachuelo. Although 67.9% had a single lesion, 32.1% had several. Molecular analyses showed that L. infantum was the causative species in all cases. Our results show that for the first time, there was an outbreak of CL by L. infantum in an urban area of Argentina.

Hanseníase em países fronteiriços na américa do sul: um estudo ecológico / Lepra en los territories fronterizos de sudamérica: estudio ecológico / Leprosy in border countries in south america: an ecological study

RESUMO Objetivo: caracterizar o perfil clínico epidemiológico e a distribuição espacial da incidência da hanseníase em territórios fronteiriços da América do Sul. Método: trata-se de um estudo ecológico. O estudo compreendeu a Província de Misiones na Argentina e a Região Sul do Brasil. A população foi composta por 10.319 casos novos de hanseníase, diagnosticados entre 2010 e 2016. Resultados: o estado do Paraná foi o mais endêmico, representando 70,2% (n=7,247) dos casos. Houve predomínio da classificação operacional multibacilar (79,8%, n=8.233) e Grau 0 de incapacidade física (50,6%, n=5.223). Em Misiones 18,9% utilizaram esquema de tratamento substitutivo. No período, notou-se uma situação hiperendêmica em 780 (65,5%) dos municípios/ departamentos estudados. Conclusão: o estudo mostrou que as regiões estudadas apresentam alta endemicidade, transmissão ativa e diagnóstico tardio da hanseníase. Essas tendências entrelaçadas à força de morbidade e de transmissão recente e persistente da doença, ampliam a relevância da hanseníase como problema de saúde pública na região.

RESUMEN Objetivo: caracterizar el perfil clínico epidemiológico y la distribución espacial de la incidencia de la lepra en los territorios fronterizos de Sudamérica. Metodología: se trata de un estudio ecológico. El estudio incluyó la Provincia de Misiones en Argentina y la Región Sur de Brasil. La población estaba compuesta por 10.319 nuevos casos de lepra diagnosticados entre 2010 y 2016. Resultados: el estado de Paraná fue el más endémico, representando el 70,2% (n=7.247) de los casos. Predominaron la clasificación operacional multibacilar (79,8%, n=8.233) y el Grado 0 de discapacidad física (50,6%, n=5.223). En Misiones, el 18,9% utilizó un régimen de tratamiento de sustitución. En el periodo se observó una situación hiperendémica en 780 (65,5%) de las ciudades/departamentos estudiados. Conclusión: El estudio mostró que las regiones estudiadas tienen alta endemicidad, transmisión activa y diagnóstico tardío de la lepra. Estas tendencias entrelazadas en cuanto a la fuerza de la morbilidad y la transmisión reciente y persistente de la enfermedad aumentan la importancia de la lepra como un problema de salud pública en la región.

ABSTRACT Objective: to characterize the epidemiological clinical profile and spatial distribution of the incidence of leprosy in border territories of South America. Method: this is an ecological study. The study included the Province of Misiones in Argentina and the Southern Region of Brazil. The population consisted of 10,319 new leprosy cases diagnosed between 2010 and 2016. Results: the state of Paraná was the most endemic, representing 70.2% (n=7.247) of the cases. There was a predominance of multibacillary operational classification (79.8%, n=8,233) and Grade 0 of physical disability (50.6%, n=5,223). In Misiones, 18.9% used a substitution treatment regimen. In the period, a hyperendemic situation was observed in 780 (65.5%) of the studied cities/departments. Conclusion: the study revealed that the regions studied have high endemicity, active transmission and late diagnosis of leprosy. These intertwined trends in the strength of morbidity and recent and persistent transmission of the disease increase the relevance of leprosy as a public health problem in the region.

Clinical and socioeconomic determinants of congenital syphilis in Posadas, Argentina.

OBJECTIVES: To explore clinical and socioeconomic factors related to congenital syphilis in Posadas, Argentina. METHODS: Data were collected from 102 mothers who had given birth to an infant with congenital syphilis at Dr. Ramón Madariaga Central Hospital (2005-2007) and 306 control mothers. Clinical and demographic information were collected from clinical records, and socioeconomic details were obtained by interview. Multivariable logistic regression was used to explore the relationships between congenital syphilis and clinical and socioeconomic factors. RESULTS: Receiving the recommended number of prenatal health checks had a clear protective effect on congenital syphilis in the univariate analysis (odds ratio (OR) 0.52, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.31-0.86), as did being in a stable relationship (OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.14-0.38). Furthermore, women with secondary education or above were over four-times less likely to have a child with congenital syphilis compared to women who had not completed primary school education, even after controlling for the number of prenatal health checks and other factors (adjusted OR 0.24, 95% CI 0.08-0.72). In addition, women with previous stillborn births were over three-times more likely to have a baby with congenital syphilis after controlling for education and prenatal care (adjusted OR 3.37, 95% CI 1.24-9.16). CONCLUSIONS: There is a clear opportunity for reducing the burden of congenital syphilis by promoting syphilis screening and treatment in women with previous stillborn births. In addition, the potential impact of more general policies addressing social determinants of health, such as those improving education, must not be overlooked.