Prevalence of trachoma in the non-indigenous Baixo Jaguaribe micro-region, Ceará State, Northeast Brazil.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the current study was to estimate the population prevalence of trachoma in non-indigenous populations in the Baixo Jaguaribe micro-region, in the state of Ceará, northeast region of Brazil, 2021-2022. METHODS: A population-based prevalence survey focusing on detecting cases of trachomatous inflammation-follicular (TF) in children aged 1-9 y and trachomatous trichiasis (TT) 'unknown to the health system' in people aged ≥15 y, was conducted in rural areas of the Baixo Jaguaribe micro-region in the state of Ceará. Indigenous populations will be further researched. RESULTS: There was no detection of cases of TF and TT. In 900 households, 2234 people were examined. In the Baixo Jaguaribe micro-region, females (54.6%; 1219/2234) and the mixed/Pardo-Brazilian ethnicity (68.1%; 1521/2234) predominated. The most commonly reported educational level was elementary and middle school (41.8%; 702/1679). In 56.2% (506/900) of households, there was a source of water within the household. The monthly income range of 50%-100% of the minimum wage predominated in the families of the Baixo Jaguaribe micro-region (43.1%; 388/900). CONCLUSIONS: Although no cases of TF and TT were detected in the Baixo Jaguaribe micro-region in the state of Ceará during the study period, considering the historical endemicity, we emphasise the need for monitoring and sustainability of surveillance actions in areas at risk for trachoma, common contexts for neglected populations.

Genome sequencing of dengue virus serotype 4 in a bat brain sample (Platyrrhinus helleri) from the Brazilian Amazon.

The existence of sylvatic transmission of dengue virus in communities of neotropical bats remains uncertain. In this work we present a near-complete genome of dengue virus serotype 4 obtained from the brain sample of a bat from Platyrrhinus helleri specie collected in the Brazilian Amazon region. The presence of the virus in the brain sample may indicate a possible tropism for the central nervous system in bats, which may justify negative results in previous studies that focused on analysis of other tissues, such as liver and spleen. Besides the duration of dengue virus circulation in the Americas (circa 40 years) may be too short for an implementation of a sylvatic dengue virus cycle. Our findings suggest that continued monitoring is needed to confirm with the neotropical bats could potentially act as a natural reservoir of dengue in the region.

Epidemiology and control of trachoma in the state of Ceará, Northeast Brazil, 2007-2021.

BACKGROUND: To analyze the epidemiology, surveillance, and control strategies for trachoma in the state of Ceará, northeast Brazil, from 2007 to 2021. METHODS: This ecological study was based on secondary data from the Information System on Notifiable Diseases of the Secretary of Health of the state of Ceará. Data from school and home surveys for trachoma detection obtained during the study period were analyzed, the percentage of positivity was estimated, and sociodemographic and clinico-epidemiological factors were investigated. RESULTS: The coverage of trachoma surveillance and control actions in Ceará municipalities increased from 12.5% in 2007 to 55.9% in 2019, but with an average restriction of 8.0% during the COVID-19 pandemic. The estimated trachoma positivity (mean overall positivity) was less than 5.0% (2.76%, 95% CI 1.2-5.2), with a higher proportion of cases in the 5-9-year age group (45.0%, 95% CI 44.6-45.4), in females (53.2%, 95% CI 52.8-53.6), and rural areas (52.6%, 95% CI 52.2-53.0). Positivity above 10.0% was observed in the Litoral Leste/Jaguaribe and Sertão Central regions, with a higher occurrence of the follicular inflammatory clinical form (98.1%, 95% CI 98.0-98.2). CONCLUSIONS: Trachoma remains in the state of Ceará and is likely underreported. Despite recent advances, the fragility of health surveillance activities compromises the recognition of the actual magnitude and distribution of trachoma in the state. Accurate information is fundamental for planning, monitoring, and evaluating surveillance and disease control.

Epidemiology and control of trachoma in the state of Ceará, Northeast Brazil, 2007-2021

ABSTRACT Background: To analyze the epidemiology, surveillance, and control strategies for trachoma in the state of Ceará, northeast Brazil, from 2007 to 2021. Methods: This ecological study was based on secondary data from the Information System on Notifiable Diseases of the Secretary of Health of the state of Ceará. Data from school and home surveys for trachoma detection obtained during the study period were analyzed, the percentage of positivity was estimated, and sociodemographic and clinico-epidemiological factors were investigated. Results: The coverage of trachoma surveillance and control actions in Ceará municipalities increased from 12.5% in 2007 to 55.9% in 2019, but with an average restriction of 8.0% during the COVID-19 pandemic. The estimated trachoma positivity (mean overall positivity) was less than 5.0% (2.76%, 95% CI 1.2-5.2), with a higher proportion of cases in the 5-9-year age group (45.0%, 95% CI 44.6-45.4), in females (53.2%, 95% CI 52.8-53.6), and rural areas (52.6%, 95% CI 52.2-53.0). Positivity above 10.0% was observed in the Litoral Leste/Jaguaribe and Sertão Central regions, with a higher occurrence of the follicular inflammatory clinical form (98.1%, 95% CI 98.0-98.2). Conclusions: Trachoma remains in the state of Ceará and is likely underreported. Despite recent advances, the fragility of health surveillance activities compromises the recognition of the actual magnitude and distribution of trachoma in the state. Accurate information is fundamental for planning, monitoring, and evaluating surveillance and disease control.

Inquérito domiciliar de prevalência de tracoma em crianças do Distrito Federal, Brasil, julho/2010 / Survey of prevalence trachoma of children in Distrito Federal, Brazil, july/2010

Realizamos um estudo de corte transversal na Vila Estrutural (DF), utilizando amostragem por conglomerados. Os objetivos do estudo foram estimar a prevalência de tracoma em crianças de um a nove anos, descrever o perfil sociodemográfico dos casos e identificar possíveis fatores de risco associados à doença. A medida de associação foi razão de prevalência estimada pela odds ratio e o intervalo de confiança 95% (IC95%). Foram amostradas 766 crianças de 1 a 9 anos e encontrada prevalência de tracoma ativo de 12,5%. A alta prevalência observada reforça que a doença permanece como um problema de saúde pública, sendo necessária a adoção de medidas de controle, com vistas à eliminação da doença, enquanto causa de cegueira. Recomendamos capacitar profissionais da área para detecção e monitoramento de situação epidemiológica e adotar atividades de educação em saúde com enfoque em medidas de controle e prevenção.

We conducted a cross-sectional study in Vila Estrutural (DF) using cluster sampling. This study aimed to estimate prevalence of trachoma in children aged one to nine years, to describe the socio-demographic profile of cases, and to identify possible risk factors associated with the disease. The association measure was prevalence ratio estimated by odds ratio and 95% confidence interval (CI95%). We sampled 766 children aged 1 to 9 years and found a prevalence of active trachoma of 12.5%. The high prevalence reinforces that the disease remains a public health problem, being necessary to adopt control measures, in order to eliminate the disease as a cause of blindness. We recommend enabling professionals to detect and to monitor the epidemiological situation and adopt health education activities focusing on prevention and control measures.

[Prevalence of respiratory symptoms in areas of the Federal District, Brazil]. / Prevalência de sintomáticos respiratórios em regiões do Distrito Federal, Brasil.

The identification of individuals with respiratory symptoms (RS) is important for the early detection of tuberculosis. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of RS in three administrative regions of the Federal District, Brazil. For this, we used the 30 by 7 cluster sampling technique proposed by the World Health Organization. Individuals with RS were defined as those aged 15 years or older living in the administrative regions of Estrutural, Itapoã, or Varjão and reporting a cough lasting at least 3 weeks at the date of the interview. The prevalence of RS was 5.7% in Estrutural and Varjão (95% CI: 2.4-9.0) and 4.8% in Itapoã (95%CI: 1.6-7.9), with a design effect close to 1.0. In Estrutural and Itapoã, fewer years of schooling, and in Itapoã and Varjão, lower income, were associated with RS. Cigarette smoking was associated with the presence of RS in all regions. The prevalence of RS in the three administrative regions investigated is consistent with that of other areas with a similar socioeconomic profile.

Prevalência de sintomáticos respiratórios em regiões do Distrito Federal, Brasil / Prevalence of respiratory symptoms in areas of the Federal District, Brazil

A captação de sintomáticos respiratórios (SR) é importante para a detecção precoce de tuberculose. O objetivo deste estudo foi estimar a prevalência de SR em três regiões administrativas (RA) do Distrito Federal, Brasil. Para tanto, foi utilizada a técnica de amostragem por conglomerados (30 por 7) proposta pela Organização Mundial da Saúde. Foram definidos como SR os indivíduos com 15 anos ou mais residentes nas RAs Estrutural, Itapoã ou Varjão e que apresentassem tosse há pelo menos 3 semanas na data da entrevista. A prevalência de SR em Estrutural e Varjão foi de 5,7 por cento (IC95 por cento: 2,4 a 9,0), e em Itapoã, de 4,8 por cento (IC95 por cento: 1,6 a 7,9), com efeito de desenho próximo de 1,0. Em Estrutural e Itapoã, menos anos de estudo, e em Itapoã e Varjão, menor renda, estiveram associados com ser SR. O tabagismo esteve associado com a presença de sintomas respiratórios em todas as RAs. A prevalência de SR está de acordo com aquela encontrada em outras áreas com perfil socioeconômico semelhante ao das áreas estudadas.

The identification of individuals with respiratory symptoms (RS) is important for the early detection of tuberculosis. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of RS in three administrative regions of the Federal District, Brazil. For this, we used the 30 by 7 cluster sampling technique proposed by the World Health Organization. Individuals with RS were defined as those aged 15 years or older living in the administrative regions of Estrutural, Itapoã, or Varjão and reporting a cough lasting at least 3 weeks at the date of the interview. The prevalence of RS was 5.7 percent in Estrutural and Varjão (95 percent CI: 2.4-9.0) and 4.8 percent in Itapoã (95 percentCI: 1.6-7.9), with a design effect close to 1.0. In Estrutural and Itapoã, fewer years of schooling, and in Itapoã and Varjão, lower income, were associated with RS. Cigarette smoking was associated with the presence of RS in all regions. The prevalence of RS in the three administrative regions investigated is consistent with that of other areas with a similar socioeconomic profile.