Survey of phlebotomine sand fly fauna in a public Zoo in Brazil: Species diversity, seasonality, and host variety.

Leishmaniasis is a dynamic disease in which transmission conditions change due to environmental and human behavioral factors. Epidemiological analyses have shown modifications in the spread profile and growing urbanization of the disease, justifying the expansion of endemic areas and increasing number of cases in dogs and humans. In the city of Belo Horizonte, located in the southeastern state of Minas Gerais (Brazil), visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is endemic, with a typical urban transmission pattern, but with different regional prevalence. This study was conducted at the Zoo of the Foundation of Municipal Parks and Zoobotany of Belo Horizonte (FPMZB-BH), located in the Pampulha region, which is among the areas most severely affected by VL. This study aimed to determine the taxonomic diversity of native phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae), identify climatic variables that potentially affect the phenology of these insects, and determine the blood meal sources for female phlebotomine sand flies. To achieve this, 10 mammal enclosures in the zoo were selected using the presence of possible leishmaniasis reservoirs as a selection criterion, and sampled using light traps between August 2019 and August 2021. A total of 6034 phlebotomine sand flies were collected, indicating nine species, with Lutzomyia longipalpis being the very abundant species (65.35% of the total). Of the 108 engorged phlebotomine collected females, seven samples (6.5%) were positive for blood meals from humans, marsupials, canids, and birds. Relative humidity and rainfall increased the phenology of phlebotomine sand flies, with population increases in the hottest and wettest months. The data obtained will provide guidelines for competent health agencies to implement vector control measures to reduce the risk of leishmaniasis transmission in the FPMZB-BH.

Changes in access to water and incidence of waterborne diseases after the Vale dam collapse in Brumadinho (MG), Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To describe, within the Human Rights to Water and Sanitation (HRWS) framework, the access to water supply services and the incidence of waterborne diseases in the communities affected by the dam disaster in Brumadinho (MG), Brazil. METHODS: A quantitative and qualitative methodology was used, having as variables information on access to water supply services and waterborne diseases. The primary data were extracted from the "Brumadinho Health Project", using a sample stratum with 981 people interviewed, totaling 92.5% of the eligible population in the affected communities of Córrego do Feijão and Parque da Cachoeira. The secondary data from Brumadinho was extracted from the project "Sanitation conditions and the River Basin of the B1 River Basin of Mineradora Vale between 2017 and 2020", available in public databases between 2017 and 2020, and qualitative data was collected in 2022 through individual interviews with health professional also live in the communities. RESULTS: With regard to access to water supply services, the results of this combined data analysis indicate that the HRWS is being neglected, especially with regard to availability, accessibility, acceptability and quality of water. The study also shows a significant increase in the incidence of waterborne diseases in the region after the disaster. CONCLUSION: It is necessary to use the HRWS as the basis to the implementation of public policies aiming to reduce vulnerability in access to water supply services.

Changes in access to water and incidence of waterborne diseases after the Vale dam collapse in Brumadinho (MG), Brazil / Alterações no acesso à água e na incidência de doenças de veiculação hídrica após o rompimento da barragem da Vale em Brumadinho (MG)

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe, within the Human Rights to Water and Sanitation (HRWS) framework, the access to water supply services and the incidence of waterborne diseases in the communities affected by the dam disaster in Brumadinho (MG), Brazil. Methods: A quantitative and qualitative methodology was used, having as variables information on access to water supply services and waterborne diseases. The primary data were extracted from the "Brumadinho Health Project", using a sample stratum with 981 people interviewed, totaling 92.5% of the eligible population in the affected communities of Córrego do Feijão and Parque da Cachoeira. The secondary data from Brumadinho was extracted from the project "Sanitation conditions and the River Basin of the B1 River Basin of Mineradora Vale between 2017 and 2020", available in public databases between 2017 and 2020, and qualitative data was collected in 2022 through individual interviews with health professional also live in the communities. Results: With regard to access to water supply services, the results of this combined data analysis indicate that the HRWS is being neglected, especially with regard to availability, accessibility, acceptability and quality of water. The study also shows a significant increase in the incidence of waterborne diseases in the region after the disaster. Conclusion: It is necessary to use the HRWS as the basis to the implementation of public policies aiming to reduce vulnerability in access to water supply services.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever, na ótica dos direitos humanos à água e ao esgotamento sanitário (DHAES), o acesso à água e a incidência de doenças de veiculação hídrica na região atingida pelo rompimento da barragem da Mina B1 em Brumadinho (MG). Métodos: Utilizou-se a metodologia quantitativa e qualitativa, tendo como variáveis, em ambos os métodos, informações sobre o acesso à água e as doenças de veiculação hídrica. Os dados primários foram extraídos do Projeto de Saúde Brumadinho, sendo aqui utilizado um estrato amostral com 981 pessoas entrevistadas, totalizando 92,5% da população elegível das comunidades atingidas de Córrego do Feijão e Parque da Cachoeira. Os dados secundários de Brumadinho foram coletados pelo Projeto Condições de Saneamento e Saúde da População da Bacia do Rio Paraopeba, a Jusante da Barragem B1 da Mineradora Vale, entre 2017 e 2020, em banco de dados públicos entre 2017 e 2020, e os dados qualitativos foram coletados em 2022 por meio de entrevistas individuais com profissionais de saúde residentes nas comunidades atingidas. Resultados: No tocante ao acesso à água, a análise combinada dos dados apontou que os DHAES estão sendo negligenciados na região, de maneira especial no que se refere à disponibilidade, acessibilidade física, aceitabilidade e qualidade da água. Observou-se também que houve aumento significativo na incidência das doenças de veiculação hídrica na região após o desastre. Conclusão: É necessária utilização dos DHAES como marco referencial na implementação de políticas públicas voltadas para reduzir as situações de vulnerabilidade relacionadas ao acesso à água.

Internações por condições sensíveis à atenção primária entre idosos residentes em Minas Gerais, Brasil, 2010-2015 / Hospitalizations for ambulatory care sensitive conditions among older adults residents in Minas Gerais, Brazil, 2010-2015

Resumo Introdução As internações por condições sensíveis à atenção primária (ICSAP) têm sido utilizadas como um indicador do acesso à atenção primária e de monitoramento do seu desempenho. Objetivo Analisar a tendência de comportamento das ICSAP entre idosos de Minas Gerais, Brasil, de 2010 a 2015. Método Estudo ecológico utilizando dados do Sistema de Informações Hospitalares (SIH-SUS), referentes a hospitalizações de idosos entre 60 e 79 anos. Foram calculadas as taxas de ICSAP global por causa e regiões administrativas de saúde. Resultados Foram analisadas 126.757 ICSAP ocorridas no período (8,8% do total de internações pelo SUS). A taxa global diminuiu de 10,4 para 9,4 (por 1.000). Entre as causas de internação analisadas, foi observada redução nas taxas de internação por hipertensão, deficiências nutricionais e gastroenterites infecciosas, mas foi constatado aumento da taxa de internação por infecção do rim e trato urinário. As taxas variaram ainda em função das regiões de saúde, sendo que regiões com baixa densidade populacional, PIB per capita mais baixo e pior infraestrutura sanitária apresentaram taxas mais elevadas. Conclusão A variação do indicador entre as regionais de saúde pode refletir disparidades socioeconômicas, de organização e oferta de serviços de saúde. A elevação das taxas de internação por algumas condições sensíveis à atenção primária pode indicar a necessidade de os serviços de Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS) aumentarem os esforços para o cuidado da pessoa idosa que sofre a comorbidade com mais frequência.

Abstract Background Hospitalizations due to Ambulatory Care Sensitive Conditions (ACSC) have been used as an indicator of access to primary care and monitoring of its performance. Objective To analyze the behavioral trend of ACSC among elderly in Minas Gerais, Brazil, from 2010 to 2015. Method Ecological study based on data from the Hospital Information System (SIH) of the Unified Health System (SUS), concerning the hospitalization of the elderly aged 60-79 years. ACSC rates were calculated, global, specific by ACSC and by health administrative region. Results A total of 126,757 ACSC occurred in the period (8.8% of all hospitalizations by SUS). The overall rate decreased from 10.4 to 9.4 (p /1,000). The causes of hospitalization showed a reduction in the risk of hospitalization for hypertension, nutritional deficiencies, and infectious gastroenteritis, but increased the risk of hospitalization for kidney and urinary tract infection. The ACSC rates also varied according to the health regions: regions with low population density, lower per capita GDP and worse health infrastructure showed higher rates. Conclusion The variation of the indicator among health regions may reflect socioeconomic disparities and the organization and supply of health services. Raising inpatient rates for some of the ACSC may indicate the need for PHC services to increase efforts to care for the elderly who suffer from comorbidity more often.

Impact of vector control actions in the abundance of Lutzomyia longipalpis in Montes Claros, Brazil.

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is endemic to many states in Brazil. To prevent further expansion of the disease, the Brazilian Ministry of Health adopted integrated measures through the Program of Surveillance and Control of Visceral Leishmaniasis (PSCVL), whose actions include the diagnosis and euthanasia of seropositive dogs (the main domestic reservoirs), the use of residual insecticides, environmental management (EM) to control vector population (mainly Lutzomyia longipalpis phlebotomine), rigorous epidemiological surveillance, and health education. The present study was conducted in areas with recent moderate VL transmission to evaluate the efficacy of vector control activities. The systematic capture of phlebotomine was performed for three consecutive days per month, from August 2015 to July 2017. The number of specimens captured was taken as a representative of the monthly insect population. A total of 38,055 phlebotomine specimens were captured and identified at the species level. Lu. longipalpis was consistently found to be the predominant species (97.7%) each month. In the first year of the study, no intervention was performed. In the second year, two cycles of chemical spraying, EM, or a combination of both were performed before and after the rainy season. All interventions, either individually or in combination, reduced the abundance of Lu. longipalpis in the study area.

Spatial Analysis of Factors Associated with Hospitalizations for Ambulatory Care Sensitive Conditions among Old Adults in Minas Gerais State. / Análise espacial dos fatores associados às internações por condições sensíveis à atenção primária entre idosos de Minas Gerais.

AIM: To investigate the geographical variability and factors associated with hospitalizations for ambulatory care sensitive conditions (ACSC) among older adults living in the state of Minas Gerais. METHODOLOGY: This is an ecological study, based on data from the National Hospital Information System (SIH-SUS). Municipal rates of hospitalization for ACSC were compared to the state's average rate, and analysis of associated factors included sociodemographic characteristics, supply of health services and primary health care (PHC) activities. Data analysis was based on Bayesian spatial modeling. RESULTS: Most municipalities in Minas Gerais (479 or 56.2%) had a rate of hospitalization for ACSC below the state average. After multivariate analysis, income (ß = -0,0008; 95%CI: -0.0014 - -0,0002) and the Family Health Strategy coverage (ß = -0.4269; 95%CI: -0.7988 - -0.1116) were negatively associated with the risk of hospitalization for ACSC, while the availability of hospital beds (ß = 0.0271; 95%CI 0.0211 - 0.0331) was positively associated. The characteristics of PHC did not show any association with the rate of hospitalization for ACSC. CONCLUSION: the rates of hospitalization for ACSC in the elderly population were influenced by the PHC coverage, but also by external factors such as income and structure and provision of health services, indicating that the meeting of population health demands passes through actions that go beyond the health sector, including investment in the reduction of poverty and inequality and expansion of access to PHC.

OBJETIVO: Investigar a variabilidade geográfica e os fatores associados à ocorrência de internações por condições sensíveis à atenção primária (ICSAP) entre idosos residentes no estado de Minas Gerais. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo ecológico baseado nos dados do Sistema de Informações Hospitalares do Sistema Único de Saúde (SIH-SUS). As taxas municipais de ICSAP foram comparadas à taxa média do estado, e a análise dos fatores associados incluiu características sociodemográficas, de oferta de serviços de saúde e atividades próprias da atenção primária à saúde (APS). A análise dos dados baseou-se na modelagem espacial bayesiana. RESULTADOS: A maioria dos municípios mineiros (479 ou 56,2%) apresentou uma taxa de ICSAP abaixo da taxa média estadual. Após a análise multivariada, a renda (ß = -0,0008; IC95% -0,0014 - -0,0002) e a cobertura de Estratégia Saúde da Família (ß = -0,4269; IC95% -0,7988 - -0,1116) associaram-se negativamente ao risco de ICSAP, enquanto a disponibilidade de leitos (ß = 0,0271; IC95% 0,0211 - 0,0331) se associou positivamente. As características próprias da APS não apresentaram associação com a taxa de ICSAP. CONCLUSÃO: As taxas de ICSAP na população idosa foram influenciadas pela cobertura da APS e também por características externas a ela, como renda e oferta de serviços de saúde, indicando que o equacionamento das demandas de saúde populacionais passa por ações externas ao setor da saúde, como investimentos na redução da pobreza e da desigualdade, além da ampliação do acesso à APS.

Canine visceral leishmaniasis in area with recent Leishmania transmission: prevalence, diagnosis, and molecular identification of the infecting species.

INTRODUCTION: Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) is an endemic disease in Brazil, and integrated control actions have been adopted by the Brazilian Ministry of Health to control its spread. However, the transmission profile is unknown in areas with recent CVL cases, including Itaúna, located in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais, where the present study was carried out. METHODS: A total of 2,302 dogs from 12 neighborhoods were serologically tested for canine VL using the current diagnostic protocol adopted by the Brazilian Ministry of Health. Test positivity rate (TPR) and CVL prevalence were determined for each neighborhood. The presence of Leishmania was assessed in 60 seropositive dogs which had been recommended for euthanasia. Twenty-two of them (37%) were asymptomatic, and 38 (63%) were symptomatic for CVL. Parasitological (myeloculture and smear/imprint) and molecular (PCR) methods were employed for Leishmania detection in bone marrow, spleen, mesenteric lymph nodes, and ear skin. The infecting Leishmania species was identified by DNA sequencing. RESULTS: CVL prevalence (per 1,000 dogs) varied from 0.0-166.67, depending on the neighborhood, with a mean of 68.96 (SD 51.38). Leishmania DNA was detected in at least one tissue from all seropositive dogs, with comparable TPR among tissues. Leishmania parasites were identified in most (54/60) seropositive dogs, and the infecting parasite was identified as Leishmania infantum in all of these. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of CVL is a contributor to the spread of visceral leishmaniasis in Itaúna.

Dogs with divergent serology for visceral leishmaniasis as sources of Leishmania infection for Lutzomyia longipalpis phlebotomine sand flies - an observational study in an endemic area in Brazil.

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a neglected tropical disease, caused by Leishmania (Kinetoplastida, Trypanosomatidae) species. In Brazil, the transmission of this parasite essentially occurs through the bite of Lutzomyia longipalpis (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae) previously infected with Leishmania infantum. Aiming at preventing VL expansion over the country, integrated control actions have been implemented through a Visceral Leishmaniasis Surveillance and Control Program (VLSCP). Among the actions currently adopted by the program, the screening-culling of seropositive dogs for canine VL (CVL) is particularly polemic. Dogs with negative or divergent serology for CVL remain in their owner's domicile and are monitored by public health agents. In the present study, we determined the prevalence of CVL and analyzed the implementation of the VLSCP screening-culling action, in an area in Brazil where there has been a recent expansion of VL. Canine census surveys were conducted semiannually for two years (Aug/2015 to Feb/2017). Serological diagnosis of CVL was performed in accordance with current VLSCP protocol: immunochromatography (TR-DPP) followed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA EIE). 6,667 dogs were serologically screened for CVL, of which 567 (8.5%) were positive in both tests and 641 (9.6%) had divergent results. A variable percentage (6.3% to 65.4%) of the dogs in the latter group became positive within nine months from the first result. Xenodiagnosis was conducted in canine samples belonging to any of the three possible serological statuses for CVL-positive, divergent or negative. Leishmania spp. DNA was detected in Lu. longipalpis that fed on 50.0% (5/10) of dogs with positive serology and on 29.4% (5/17) of dogs with divergent serological status for CVL. Therefore, dogs with divergent serology for CVL may be as Leishmania-infective to Lu. longipalpis as seropositive ones. Even with the adoption of euthanasia for seropositive dogs, part of the canine population will continue to serve as a source of Leishmania infection for phlebotomine sand flies.

Canine visceral leishmaniasis in area with recent Leishmania transmission: prevalence, diagnosis, and molecular identification of the infecting species

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) is an endemic disease in Brazil, and integrated control actions have been adopted by the Brazilian Ministry of Health to control its spread. However, the transmission profile is unknown in areas with recent CVL cases, including Itaúna, located in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais, where the present study was carried out. METHODS: A total of 2,302 dogs from 12 neighborhoods were serologically tested for canine VL using the current diagnostic protocol adopted by the Brazilian Ministry of Health. Test positivity rate (TPR) and CVL prevalence were determined for each neighborhood. The presence of Leishmania was assessed in 60 seropositive dogs which had been recommended for euthanasia. Twenty-two of them (37%) were asymptomatic, and 38 (63%) were symptomatic for CVL. Parasitological (myeloculture and smear/imprint) and molecular (PCR) methods were employed for Leishmania detection in bone marrow, spleen, mesenteric lymph nodes, and ear skin. The infecting Leishmania species was identified by DNA sequencing. RESULTS: CVL prevalence (per 1,000 dogs) varied from 0.0-166.67, depending on the neighborhood, with a mean of 68.96 (SD 51.38). Leishmania DNA was detected in at least one tissue from all seropositive dogs, with comparable TPR among tissues. Leishmania parasites were identified in most (54/60) seropositive dogs, and the infecting parasite was identified as Leishmania infantum in all of these. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of CVL is a contributor to the spread of visceral leishmaniasis in Itaúna.

Oral Cancer: Socio-Spatial Analysis of a Brazilian Sample / Câncer Bucal: Análise Socioespacial de uma Amostra Brasileira / Cáncer Oral: Análisis Socioespacial de una Muestra Brasileña

Introduction:Socio-spatial measures are largely used in health research, but it is still unusual in oral cancer investigation. Objective: This study aims to describe the sociodemographic and clinical features of oral cancer and analyze the spatial distribution of the disease in relation to the neighborhood socioeconomic status including availability of health care centers.Method: Sociodemographic, clinical and histopathologic data were collected from patients treated from 2005 to 2015. Descriptive data analyses of all variables were performed. The spatial analysis was carried out through the program R. Geographic distribution of patients' home addresses was analyzed using Ripley's K function and Kernel maps. The socio-spatial vulnerability was defined by household income and home adequacy. Results: Of the 127 patients included, the majority were males (76.4%), Caucasian or Brown (82.7%), married (35.4%), with low educational level (71.6%) and mean age of 59.5 years. Cases were distributed in clusters characterized by lower median income and inadequate sanitary conditions. Primary health care centers were homogeneously distributed throughout the city. Conclusion: These oral cancer cases are concentrated in regions under relatively low socioeconomic conditions, and despite the homogeneous distribution of primary health care centers, it is not enough to promote access for patients and oral cancer remains being diagnosed late

Introdução: Medidas socioespaciais são amplamente utilizadas na pesquisa em saúde, mas ainda pouco exploradas em relação ao câncer de boca.Objetivo: Descrever as características sociodemográficas e clínicas do câncer de boca e analisar a distribuição espacial da doença em relação ao status socioeconômico do bairro, incluindo a disponibilidade de centros de saúde. Método: Foram coletados dados sociodemográficos, clínicos e histopatológicos dos pacientes atendidos no período de 2005 a 2015. Foram realizadas análises descritivas dos dados de todas as variáveis. A análise espacial foi realizada por meio do programa R. A distribuição geográfica dos endereços residenciais dos pacientes foi analisada usando a função K de Ripley e mapas de Kernel. A vulnerabilidade socioespacial foi definida pela renda familiar e adequação do domicílio. Resultados: Dos 127 pacientes incluídos, a maioria era do sexo masculino (76,4%), branca ou parda (82,7%), casada (35,4%), com baixa escolaridade (71,6%) e idade média de 59,5 anos. Os casos foram distribuídos em grupos caracterizados por menor renda mediana e condições sanitárias inadequadas. Conclusão: Os casos de câncer oral estão concentrados em regiões de baixa condição econômica. Embora os centros de atenção primária à saúde tenham sido homogeneamente distribuídos por toda a cidade, isso não é suficiente para promover o acesso dos pacientes e o câncer de boca continua sendo diagnosticado tardiamente.

Introducción: Las medidas socioespaciales son ampliamente utilizadas en las investigaciones relacionadas con la salud, sin embargo, existen pocos estudios en relación con el cáncer oral. Objetivo: Describir las características sociodemográficas y clínicas del cáncer oral y analizar la distribución espacial de la enfermedad en relación con el estado socioeconómico del vecindario, la disponibilidad de centros de salud. Método: Se recogieron datos sociodemográficos, clínicos e histopatológicos de pacientes tratados entre 2005 y 2015. Se realizaron análisis descriptivos de los datos para todas las variables. El análisis espacial se realizó utilizando el programa R. La distribución geográfica de las direcciones de los hogares de los pacientes se analizó utilizando la función K de Ripley y los mapas de Kernel. La vulnerabilidad socioespacial se definió por el ingreso familiar y la adecuación del hogar. Resultados: De los 127 pacientes incluidos, la mayoría eran hombres (76.4%), blancos o morenos (82.7%), casados (35.4%), con baja educación (71.6%) y edad promedio 59,5 años. Los casos se distribuyeron en grupos caracterizados por ingresos medios más bajos y condiciones sanitarias inadecuadas. Los centros de atención primaria de salud se distribuyeron de manera homogénea en toda la ciudad. Conclusión: Estos casos de cáncer están concentrados en regiones con condiciones socioeconómicas relativamente mas bajas. A pesar de la distribución de la atención primaria, esta no suficiente para promover el acceso de los pacientes a ella y su diagnóstico continúa siendo tardío.

Quando e onde se acidentam e morrem os motociclistas em Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil / When and where motorcyclists have accidents and die in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais State, Brazil / Cuándo y dónde se accidentan y mueren los motociclistas en Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil

Resumo O objetivo foi analisar a tendência dos acidentes de transporte terrestre com motociclistas em Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil, de 2007 a 2011, e identificar aglomerados e interseções das vias públicas de maior risco. Foram utilizadas as bases de dados da Polícia Militar e do Serviço de Atendimento Móvel de Urgência (SAMU). Para identificar as interseções críticas foram calculadas as taxas de severidade dos acidentes. Utilizou-se duas técnicas de estatística espacial para analisar os aglomerados de acidentes: análise de kernel e estatística Scan (modelo de Poisson contínuo). Os aglomerados de risco de acidentes foram detectados na Região Central e nos corredores de tráfego. O risco de acidentes, inclusive fatais, foi maior em segmentos que nas interseções. As interseções críticas são rotas de acesso para as regiões da Grande Belo Horizonte. As taxas de mortalidade e de acidentes apresentaram duas tendências distintas. Além disso, a maioria dos óbitos ocorreu à noite. Justifica-se a importância da melhoria das rotas para os motociclistas e do transporte público.

Abstract The objective of this study was to analyze traffic accidents involving motorcycles in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, from 2007 to 2011 and to identify clusters of high-risk and hazardous intersections in and around the city. Data were provided by the Military Police Brigade and the Emergency Medical Service (SAMU). Accident severity rates were used to identify critical intersections. Two techniques were used: kernel analysis and scan statistics (continuous Poisson model). High-risk clusters were located in the downtown area and on major thoroughfares. Surprisingly, the highest risk of accidents and death occurred not at intersections, but between them. Hazardous intersections are part of routes used to access regions around Greater Metropolitan Belo Horizonte. Two distinct trends in mortality rates and accidents were identified. Most motorcycle deaths occurred after 7:00 PM. The study concludes that there is an urgent need to improve motorcycle and public transportation routes.

Resumen El objetivo fue analizar la tendencia de los accidentes de transporte terrestre con motociclistas en Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil, desde 2007 a 2011, e identificar aglomeraciones e intersecciones de las vías públicas de gran riesgo. Fueron utilizadas las bases de datos de la Policía Militar y del Servicio de Emergencia (SAMU). Para identificar las intersecciones críticas, fueron calculados los índices de severidad de los accidentes. Fueron utilizadas dos técnicas de estadística espacial, con el fin analizar los segmentos de accidentes: el análisis de kernel y la estadística Scan (Poisson continuo). Las aglomeraciones con riesgo de accidentes fueron detectadas en la región central y en las zonas con más afluencia de tráfico. El riesgo de accidentes, incluidos los mortales, fue más grande en las aglomeraciones que en las intersecciones. Las intersecciones críticas son rutas de acceso hacia las regiones del denominado Gran Belo Horizonte. Los índices de mortalidad y de accidentes presentaron dos tendencias distintas. La gran mayoría de los óbitos ocurrieron por la noche. Se justifica la importancia de la mejoría de las rutas y del transporte público.

Standardization of laboratory bioassays for the study of Triatoma sordida susceptibility to pyrethroid insecticides.

BACKGROUND: Increasing reports of high-resistant Triatominae populations concerns scientists and sanitarians as little is known about the factors behind the occurrence of such phenotype and its real impact on vector control strategies. Moreover, the utilization of a large variety of methodologies hinder the comparison of the reported studies. METHODS: This work aims to review laboratory bioassays, redefining the assessed biological features (age, generation and insecticide application area) and technical procedures (mortality recording time and the ideal diagnostic dose). RESULTS: Results were not influenced by the insecticide application area in nymphs or by their generation. Three days-old specimen's revealed lower susceptibility to the tested insecticide. We determined that it is more appropriate to record mortality 72 h after treatment with insecticide, as well as using a diagnostic dose of 1xDL99. CONCLUSION: This work suggests more adequate methodological parameters for assessing insecticide resistance in triatomines, which also allows the comparison of results obtained by different research groups. For laboratory bioassays, we recommend: 1) the use of first instar nymphs from first or second generation; 2) 3 day-old specimens; 2) application of insecticide in the dorsal or ventral abdomen area; 3) mortality recording 72 h after treatment with pyrethroids and 4) a diagnostic dose of 1x LD99.

[When and where motorcyclists have accidents and die in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais State, Brazil]. / Quando e onde se acidentam e morrem os motociclistas em Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil.

The objective of this study was to analyze traffic accidents involving motorcycles in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, from 2007 to 2011 and to identify clusters of high-risk and hazardous intersections in and around the city. Data were provided by the Military Police Brigade and the Emergency Medical Service (SAMU). Accident severity rates were used to identify critical intersections. Two techniques were used: kernel analysis and scan statistics (continuous Poisson model). High-risk clusters were located in the downtown area and on major thoroughfares. Surprisingly, the highest risk of accidents and death occurred not at intersections, but between them. Hazardous intersections are part of routes used to access regions around Greater Metropolitan Belo Horizonte. Two distinct trends in mortality rates and accidents were identified. Most motorcycle deaths occurred after 7:00 PM. The study concludes that there is an urgent need to improve motorcycle and public transportation routes.

Canine visceral leishmaniasis in an urban setting of Southeastern Brazil: an ecological study involving spatial analysis.

BACKGROUND: The physical characteristics of the environment influence the composition, distribution and behavior of the vectors and mammalian hosts involved in the transmission of visceral leishmaniasis (VL), thereby affecting the epidemiology of the disease. In Brazil, urbanization of human VL is a recent phenomenon and represents an issue of particular concern to local health authorities. The present study aimed to establish the degree of spatial dependency between canine and human VL in the municipality of Divinópolis, Minas Gerais, Brazil, and to identify priority risk areas in which stricter control measures should be implemented. METHODS: The selected canine population comprised 3,652 dogs distributed within 11 strata and 1,247 urban blocks. Serum samples were collected between March 2013 and February 2014. Serodiagnosis of dogs was performed using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and the indirect fluorescent-antibody test. The blocks sampled for canine VL and the addresses of the 16 confirmed cases of human VL notified in Divinópolis during the period 2007-2013 were georeferenced. Spatial analysis of the data was performed using Kernel density estimation, Ripley's bivariate K-function and directional distribution methods. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of seropositive animals was 4.63% (range 3.95-5.31) (n =169) and varied in different strata between 0.9 (range 0.0-1.91) and 8.73% (range 5.65-11.81). A positive spatial dependency was detected between human and canine VL in which the occurrence of human cases of the disease tended to concentrate in locations that were close to areas with a higher incidence of canine VL. The priority risk area could be clearly distinguished from Kernel density estimation and standard deviational ellipse plots in which the human VL ellipse was totally enclosed within the canine VL ellipse. CONCLUSIONS: The results presented herein will enable the Municipal Health Office of Divinópolis to devise a more effective management plan for human VL in which specific strategies would be applied to areas presenting different levels of risk. This spatial evaluation of leishmaniasis model could be applied in other urban areas of Brazil.

Relative risk of visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil: a spatial analysis in urban area.

BACKGROUND: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a vector-borne disease whose factors involved in transmission are poorly understood, especially in more urban and densely populated counties. In Brazil, the VL urbanization is a challenge for the control program. The goals were to identify the greater risk areas for human VL and the risk factors involved in transmission. METHODOLOGY: This is an ecological study on the relative risk of human VL. Spatial units of analysis were the coverage areas of the Basic Health Units (146 small-areas) of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. Human VL cases, from 2007 to 2009 (n = 412), were obtained in the Brazilian Reportable Disease Information System. Bayesian approach was used to model the relative risk of VL including potential risk factors involved in transmission (canine infection, socioeconomic and environmental features) and to identify the small-areas of greater risk to human VL. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: The relative risk of VL was shown to be correlated with income, education, and the number of infected dogs per inhabitants. The estimates of relative risk of VL were higher than 1.0 in 54% of the areas (79/146). The spatial modeling highlighted 14 areas with the highest relative risk of VL and 12 of them are concentrated in the northern region of the city. CONCLUSIONS: The spatial analysis used in this study is useful for the identification of small-areas according to risk of human VL and presents operational applicability in control and surveillance program in an urban environment with an unequal spatial distribution of the disease. Thus the frequent monitoring of relative risk of human VL in small-areas is important to direct and prioritize the actions of the control program in urban environment, especially in big cities.