Expert Recommendations from the AEDV on Legal Aspects Surrounding the Management of Sexually Transmitted Diseases. / Recomendaciones de expertos de la AEDV sobre los aspectos legales en el manejo de las infecciones de transmisión sexual.

The incidence of sexually transmitted diseases has been on the rise in our setting for decades. These infections represent not only an individual problem, but also a problem of public health. Therefore, the management of STDs involves reducing community incidence, which means that common issues in the clinical practice such as failure to attend may become a more complex problem, which adds to the difficult and delicate task of locating sexual contacts that would benefit from screening and the appropriate treatment. On the other hand, STDs have direct legal implications in cases of underage patients, or suspected sexual assault. Therefore, the correct handling of these scenarios requires knowledge of the legal framework that regulates them. Dermatologists are clinically trained and prepared to deal with these conditions. Nonetheless, the legal issues involved are often difficult to solve. This document stands as a simple reference guide to help solve the main legal issues we may encounter in a consultation when dealing with STDs.

¡Ey parce! Estoy buscando camello: Cómo las redes de los contactos sociales definen la situación laboral de jóvenes en sectores populares y marginados de Cali

La búsqueda de empleo usando los contactos sociales a pesar de ser una práctica común, en ocasiones no genera los resultados esperados. Con el objetivo de comprobar lo anterior; en este documento se configuran las redes de contactos sociales de un grupo de jóvenes que viven en contextos de marginalidad y violencia de las comunas 1, 14, 16, 18 y 20 de Cali que participaron en el programa denominado Tratamiento Integral a Pandillas - Jóvenes Sin Fronteras (TIP-JSF), un proceso de intervención psicosocial desde una perspectiva integral que promovía la inclusión social. Las redes de contactos sociales halladas a través de una encuesta se caracterizan por ser pequeñas y cerradas, aumentando la probabilidad de que quienes las conforman, presenten el mismo estado laboral: desempleo o informalidad laboral. Es clave, entonces, que las/os jóvenes amplíen sus contactos para que los vinculen con otros que les puedan brindar información de mejores vacantes laborales.

The search for employment using social contacts, despite being a common practice, sometimes does not generate the expected results. In order to verify the above, this paper describes the social contact networks of a group of young people living in contexts of marginality and violence in Cali's communes 1, 14, 16, 18 and 20 who participated in the program called Integral Treatment for Gangs - Youth Without Borders (TIP-JSF), a process of psychosocial intervention from an integral perspective that promoted social inclusion. The social networks found through a survey are characterized by being small and closed, increasing the likelihood that those who make up these networks have the same employment status: unemployment or informal employment. It is essential for young people to expand their contacts and link them with other contacts that can provide them with information on better job vacancies.

A busca de emprego usando contatos sociais, apesar de ser uma prática comum, às vezes não gera os resultados esperados. Para verificar isso, este artigo descreve as redes de contatos sociais de um grupo de jovens que vivem em contextos de marginalidade e violência nas comunas 1, 14, 16, 18 e 20 de Cali e que participaram do programa chamado Tratamento Integral para Gangues - Jovens Sem Fronteiras (TIP-JSF), um processo de intervenção psicossocial de uma perspectiva holística que promoveu a inclusão social. As redes sociais encontradas por meio de uma pesquisa são caracterizadas por serem pequenas e fechadas, aumentando a probabilidade de que aqueles que as formam tenham a mesma situação de emprego: desemprego ou emprego informal. É fundamental, portanto, que os jovens ampliem seus contatos para conectá-los a outras pessoas que possam lhes fornecer informações sobre melhores vagas de emprego.

Vitamin D and cathelicidin levels and susceptibility to Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection acquisition in household contacts / Niveles de vitamina D y catelicidina y susceptibilidad a la infección por Mycobacterium tuberculosis en contactos intradomiciliarios

Introduction Vitamin D deficiency has been proposed to confer susceptibility to acquiring tuberculosis infection by impairing the innate immune response. Methods In an exploratory study, we examined whether the levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) in serum, and cathelicidin – an antimicrobial peptide-induced under calcitriol – in the nasal fluid, would associate with the risk of acquiring tuberculosis infection. Results Within a prospective cohort of 231 tuberculosis household contacts tested with repeated interferon-gamma release assays, we serially analyzed all the uninfected contacts acquiring tuberculosis infection at follow-up (“converters”, n=18), and an age and sex-matched control group of contacts not acquiring tuberculosis infection (“non-converters”, n=36). The median levels of serum 25(OH)D3 did not differ between convertors and non-converters at baseline (14.9 vs. 13.2 ng/ml, p=0.41), nor at follow-up (19.0 vs 18.6ng/ml, p=0.83). Similarly, cathelicidin levels did not differ between both groups. Conclusion These data argue against a major role for hypovitaminosis D in tuberculosis infection susceptibility (AU)

Introducción Se ha propuesto que la deficiencia de vitamina D, al afectar la respuesta inmunitaria innata, aumentaría la susceptibilidad de adquirir una infección por Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Métodos En un estudio exploratorio, examinamos si los niveles de 25-hidroxivitamina D3 (25(OH)D3) y de catelicidina (péptido antimicrobiano inducido bajo calcitriol) en suero y fluido nasal, respectivamente, se asocian con el riesgo de contraer una infección tuberculosa. Resultados En una cohorte prospectiva de 231 contactos intradomiciliarios de tuberculosis en los que se realizaron ensayos de liberación de interferón-gamma en forma seriada, estudiamos a todos los contactos no infectados que adquirieron la infección al seguimiento («conversores», n=18), y a un grupo control pareado por edad y sexo que no adquirió la infección tuberculosa («no conversores», n=36). La mediana de los niveles séricos de 25(OH)D3 no difirió entre convestores y no conversores al inicio del estudio (14,9 vs. 13,2 ng/ml, p=0,41), ni al seguimiento (19,0 vs. 18,6 ng/ml, p=0,83). Igualmente, los niveles de catelicidina nasal no difirieron entre ambos grupos. Conclusión Estos resultados no apoyan la existencia de un papel significativo de la hipovitaminosis D en la susceptibilidad a la infección por tuberculosis (AU)

Prevalencia de infección tuberculosa latente e incidencia de viraje tuberculínico en contactos escolares mayores de 5 años en la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires / Prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection and incidence of tuberculin conversion among school contacts older than 5 years in the City of Buenos Aires

Introducción. La tuberculosis continúa siendo un problema frecuente en contextos de vulnerabilidad socioeconómica. El objetivo principal fue establecer la prevalencia de infección latente y viraje tuberculínico en contactos escolares de casos de tuberculosis. Población y métodos. En un área programática del sur de la ciudad, se evaluó la prevalencia de infección y viraje tuberculínico de 691 niñas, niños y adolescentes utilizando la prueba cutánea de tuberculina. Se investigó la asociación entre pérdida de seguimiento por parte del equipo de salud y características demográficas, escolares y asistencia inicial, y se describió el grado de adherencia cuando la quimioprofilaxis con isoniacida fue indicada. Resultados. Según las definiciones consideradas, la prevalencia de infección latente fue entre el 3,4 % (IC95 %: 2,3-5,2) y el 11,6 % (IC95 %: 9,3-14,4) de los 610 contactos con al menos una prueba cutánea aplicada. La incidencia de viraje tuberculínico se encontró entre el 0,3 % y el 6,8 % de los 294 evaluados. La edad mayor de 18 años, la mayor prevalencia de necesidades básicas insatisfechas en la comuna escolar, la pertenencia al turno escolar vespertino, la negatividad en la baciloscopia del caso índice y la ausencia de aplicación de la prueba cutánea inicial se asociaron con pérdida de seguimiento del contacto. Conclusiones. La incidencia de viraje tuberculínico en contactos escolares fue baja. La adherencia a isoniacida continúa siendo limitada. Se identificaron factores asociados con la pérdida de seguimiento de contactos que podrían orientar estrategias necesarias para mejorar este proceso.

Introduction. Tuberculosis continues to be a common problem in settings of socioeconomic vulnerability. Our primary objective was to establish the prevalence of latent infection and tuberculin conversion among school contacts of tuberculosis cases. Population and methods. In a programmatic area in the south of the City of Buenos Aires, the prevalence of latent infection and tuberculin conversion was assessed in 691 children and adolescents using the tuberculin skin test. The association between loss to follow-up by the health care team and the demographic, school, and baseline care characteristics was studied, and the level of adherence when isoniazid chemoprophylaxis was indicated was described. Results. According to established definitions, the prevalence of latent infection was between 3.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.3­5.2) and 11.6% (95% CI: 9.3­14.4) in the 610 contacts with at least one skin test. The incidence of tuberculin conversion was between 0.3% and 6.8% in the 294 assessed participants. Age older than 18 years, a higher prevalence of unmet basic needs in the school district, attending the afternoon school shift, negative sputum smear results in the index case, and absence of baseline skin test were associated with contact lost to follow-up. Conclusions. The incidence of tuberculin conversion among school contacts was low. Adherence to isoniazid treatment remains limited. Factors associated with loss of contact tracing were identified, which may guide strategies necessary to improve this process.

Estudio descriptivo del brote de viruela del simio en las Islas Canarias, mayo a octubre de 2022 / Outbreak of monkeypox in the Canary Islands from may 15 to june 6, 2022

Fundamentos: Desde mayo de 2022, países no endémicos notificaron la aparición de casos no importados de viruela del simio(Mpox), siendo España uno de los más afectados. El objetivo del estudio fue describir las características clínico-epidemiológicas delos casos confirmados de Mpox en las Islas Canarias y las principales dificultades en el rastreo de contactos.Métodos: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo observacional descriptivo con casos confirmados de Mpox y sus contactos estrechos en la Comunidad Autónoma de Canarias. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo, indicando frecuencias y porcentajes para variablescualitativas y mediana (rango intercuartílico) para cuantitativas.Resultados: Se notificaron ciento setenta y siete casos de Mpox en las Islas Canarias, con una mediana de edad de 39 años(32,8-48,3), un 46,6% de seropositivos por VIH, y un 6,8% de extranjeros. La manifestación clínica más frecuente fue exantemaanogenital (68,8 %), y en estadio de pústulas (61,4%). Ciento tres declararon conductas sexuales de riesgo. Solo cincuenta y tres(30%) colaboraron en la identificación de contactos estrechos. Se produjeron dificultades al establecer comunicación con los casos,al comunicar las medidas de aislamiento, en la solicitud de pruebas y, finalmente, debido al procesamiento de muestras con retraso.Conclusiones: La manifestación clínica más frecuente al diagnóstico es el exantema anogenital en estadio de pústulas. Lamayoría de los casos reportan relaciones sexuales de riesgo. Las principales barreras en el rastreo de contactos resultan la dificultadpara contactar con los casos, la falta de datos de identificación y la inexperiencia de los profesionales sanitarios en relación con Mpox.(AU)

Background: Since May 2022, non-endemic countries reported the appearance of non-imported cases of monkeypox (Mpox).Spain was one of the most affected countries. The objective of the study was to describe the clinical-epidemiological characteristicsof the first confirmed cases of Mpox in the Canary Islands and the main difficulties in contact tracing.Methods: Retrospective observational descriptive study with confirmed cases of Mpox and their close contacts in the AutonomousCommunity of the Canary Islands. We conducted a descriptive analysis, using frequencies and percentages for qualitative variables, andmedian (interquartile range) for quantitative variables.Results: One hundred and seventy-seven cases of Mpox were reported in the Canary Islands, with a median age of 39 years(32.8-48.3); 46.6% were HIV seropositive, and 6.8% were foreign. The most frequent clinical symptom was anogenital rash (68.8%),and at pustules stage (61.4%). One hundred and three declared risky sexual behaviors. Only fifty-three (30%) collaborated in theidentification of close contacts. There were difficulties in: establishing communication with the cases, communicating the isolationmeasures, requesting tests, and due to delayed sample processing.Conclusions: Most common clinical symptom at diagnosis is anogenital rash in pustule stage. Most of the cases report riskysexual relations. The main barriers in contact tracing are the difficulty in contacting cases, the lack of identification data and the lackof experience of health professionals regarding Mpox.(AU)

Vitamin D and cathelicidin levels and susceptibility to Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection acquisition in household contacts.

INTRODUCTION: Vitamin D deficiency has been proposed to confer susceptibility to acquiring tuberculosis infection by impairing the innate immune response. METHODS: In an exploratory study, we examined whether the levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) in serum, and cathelicidin - an antimicrobial peptide-induced under calcitriol - in the nasal fluid, would associate with the risk of acquiring tuberculosis infection. RESULTS: Within a prospective cohort of 231 tuberculosis household contacts tested with repeated interferon-gamma release assays, we serially analyzed all the uninfected contacts acquiring tuberculosis infection at follow-up ("converters", n=18), and an age and sex-matched control group of contacts not acquiring tuberculosis infection ("non-converters", n=36). The median levels of serum 25(OH)D3 did not differ between convertors and non-converters at baseline (14.9 vs. 13.2 ng/ml, p=0.41), nor at follow-up (19.0 vs 18.6ng/ml, p=0.83). Similarly, cathelicidin levels did not differ between both groups. CONCLUSION: These data argue against a major role for hypovitaminosis D in tuberculosis infection susceptibility.

Propuesta de modalidad de catastro de infección tuberculosa en contactos escolares de colegios secundarios / Modality proposal of tuberculosis infection screening in high school contacts

Resumen El catastro sistemático de contactos con el objetivo de identificar y tratar a aquellos con infección tuberculosa es uno de los pilares establecidos por la OMS en su Estrategia de Fin a la Tuberculosis. El riesgo de infección tuberculosa en contactos escolares, aunque menor que en los domiciliarios, es significativo. Sin embargo, es bajo el cumplimiento del tratamiento preventivo y varios puntos se prestan a discusión, como ser el corte de la prueba tuberculínica a utilizar, el beneficio de iniciar un tratamiento quimioprofiláctico en ausencia de infección demostrada o de realizar estudios en contactos de casos índice no bacilíferos. Este escrito aborda dichos temas y propone, con evidencia actualizada, una modalidad de estudio para contactos en instituciones de enseñanza secundaria. Dicho catastro propone identificar a los infectados utilizando el punto de corte de 5 mm en la prueba de tuberculina, ofreciendo tratamiento preventivo y seguimiento activo solamente a aquellos con una prueba positiva.

Abstract The systematic registry of contacts with the objective of identifying and treating those with tuberculosis infection is one of the pillars established by the WHO in the end Tuberculosis Strategy. The risk of tuberculosis infection in school contacts, although lower than in households, is significant. However, compliance with preventive treatment is low and several points are open to discussion, such as the cutoff of the tuberculin test to be used, the usefulness of starting a chemoprophylactic treatment in the absence of confirmed infection or carrying out studies in contacts of non-bacilliferous index cases. This paper ad dresses these issues and proposes, with updated evidence, a screening modality for contacts in higher education institutions. This screening proposes to identify those infected using the cut-off point of 5 mm in the tuberculin test, offering preventive treatment and active follow-up only to those with a positive test.

[Field epidemiology in times of COVID-19: challenges for public health services. SESPAS Report 2022]. / Epidemiología de campo en tiempos de COVID-19: retos para los servicios de salud pública. Informe SESPAS 2022.

During the COVID-19 crisis, local epidemiology units have been forced to manage an increasing number of cases, contacts and outbreaks for which they were not previously prepared or staffed. Under normal circumstances, the efficient study and control of outbreaks and public health alerts requires human and material resources, situation analysis to identify possible causes and present recommendations, coordination with other health system structures, as well as the providing a written report including control and prevention measures implemented and their results or other recommendations. The field study of outbreaks has been systematized in a way that has made it possible to implement quick and effective measures, for the interruption of transmission chains and management of risk situations. To achieve this, a rapid and extraordinary exercise of digital integration, staff mobilization and creation of ad hoc structures needed to be carried out. Solidarity and cooperation between professionals from different administrations has been the pillar that has sustained the surveillance systems. Despite this, obstacles have been found as a result of the lack of coordination, social inequalities, and later, pandemic fatigue, which have reduced adherence and effectiveness of the implemented measures. It has also come to light the need to properly staff these units with trained professionals, and match working conditions and salaries with other health services.

Riesgo de contagio por COVID-19 en función del tipo de contacto y de la renta familiar / Risk of contagion by COVID-19 depending on the type of contact and family income

Introducción: tras una segunda oleada de la pandemia COVID-19 en Zaragoza, se estudian los contactos estrechos con pacientes con COVID-19, con la finalidad de valorar el riesgo de infección tras exposición en función del paciente índice, adulto o niño, y la renta familiar. Material y métodos: se realiza un estudio descriptivo de todos los pacientes pediátricos que han tenido contacto con pacientes con COVID-19 en el centro de salud de Delicias Sur de Zaragoza entre los meses de julio y agosto de 2020 y se valora la aparición de síntomas, consultas en servicio de urgencias, realización de pruebas complementarias, contacto estrecho con adulto o con niño y la renta familiar. Resultados: un total de 292 pacientes fueron contacto estrecho con pacientes con COVID-19, de los cuales 128 fueron positivos para la PCR de SARS-CoV-2. Al analizar el tipo de contacto, se encontró que un 10,94% había mantenido contacto estrecho con un niño y un 89,06% con un adulto. El riesgo de contagio tras sufrir contacto con un niño positivo fue del 34,15%, mientras que, tras contacto con un adulto positivo, el riesgo fue del 45,78%. Asimismo, el riesgo de contagio entre las rentas inferiores a 18 000 € fue de 47,9 frente al 27,6% de aquellos pacientes con rentas superiores a 18 000 €. Conclusiones: el riesgo de contagio de COVID-19 es mayor cuando el contacto estrecho es con un adulto y cuando el nivel de renta familiar es inferior (AU)

Purpose: during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Zaragoza, we studied the paediatric contacts of COVID-19-positive patients to estimate the risk of infection after exposure to a positive child or adult and the risk of infection based on household income.Methods: we conducted a descriptive study of all paediatric patients that were close contacts of individuals with COVID-19 in the Delicias Sur Primary Care Centre (Zaragoza, Spain) between July and August 2020. We also analysed the most frequent symptoms, visits to the emergency department, diagnostic tests, contact with a child versus an adult with COVID-19 and household income.Results: a total of 292 patients had had close contact with individuals with COVID-19; 218 of them had positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test results. When we analysed the close contacts, we found that 10.94% of patients that tested positive had been in close contact with a child with COVID-19 and 89.06% with an adult with COVID-19. The estimated risk of infection after exposure was 29.8% in the case of close contact with a child with COVID-19 compared to 46.53% when it came to close contact with an adult case. The risk of infection was higher in patients with an annual household income of less than €18000 (47.9%) compared to patients with a higher annual household income (27.6%).Conclusion: the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection was higher in patients that had close contact with adult cases and with lower household incomes. (AU)

Tuberculosis infantil en Chile: ¿de dónde provienen los casos? / Childhood tuberculosis in Chile: where do the cases come from?

La tuberculosis es la principal causa de muerte por un agente infeccioso a nivel mundial y se estima que un 6% de los casos nuevos corresponde a tuberculosis infantil. La presencia de tuberculosis en niños es una señal de la existencia de transmisión del agente en la comunidad. Esta investigación busca describir las características epidemiológicas de la tuberculosis infantil en Chile entre 2011 y 2020. METODOLOGÍA: estudio descriptivo de los casos de tuberculosis infantil registrados en Chile entre los años 2011 y 2020. RESULTADOS: se registraron 544 casos de tuberculosis en menores de 15 años en el período analizado, con una tasa de incidencia anual entre 1,1 y 2,2 casos por 100.000. Se observa un importante aumento de casos en los últimos tres años, especialmente en el grupo de menores de 5 años. 63,2% corresponden a tuberculosis pulmonar, y de ellos 62,3% fueron confirmados por bacteriología. La mayoría de los casos no presenta comorbilidades que impliquen inmunosupresión y la incidencia de meningitis tuberculosa en menores de 5 años es baja. La proporción de contactos es de 29% y la de extranjeros de 17%, ambas variables en aumento en los últimos años. CONCLUSIÓN: La tuberculosis en niños sigue siendo un problema de salud poco frecuente en Chile. Sin embargo, su aumento en los últimos años debe alertar sobre un incremento de la transmisión comunitaria de la enfermedad, por lo que se debe reforzar la detección oportuna de casos contagiantes, la investigación de contactos y el tratamiento preventivo.

Tuberculosis is the leading cause of death from a single infectious agent worldwide and it is estimated that 6% of new cases are children. Childhood tuberculosis reflects ongoing transmission within communities. This study aims to describe the epidemiological characteristics of childhood tuberculosis in Chile between 2011 and 2020. METHODOLOGY: descriptive study of the cases of tuberculosis under 15 years-old registered in Chile from 2011 to 2020. RESULTS: 544 cases were registered in the period analyzed, with an annual incidence rate between 1.1 and 2.2 cases per 100,000. A significant increase in cases is observed in the last three years, especially in the group under 5 years-old. 63.2% correspond to pulmonary tuberculosis, and among them 62.3% are confirmed by bacteriology. Most of the cases do not have comorbidities and the incidence of tuberculous meningitis in children under 5 years is low. Contacts are 29% of the cases and foreigners are 17%, both percentages are increasing in the last years. CONCLUSION: Childhood tuberculosis remains a low frequency health problem in Chile. However, its increase in recent years implies an increase in the community transmission. Active case finding, contact tracing and preventive treatment should be reinforced.

Detección de SARS-CoV-2 en contactos estrechos asintomáticos de casos confirmados por diagnóstico molecular, provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina / Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in asymptomatic close contacts of cases confirmed by molecular diagnosis, Buenos Aires province, Argentina

Resumen La detección de SARS-CoV-2 y su implicancia en el diagnóstico de COVID-19 han sido muy debatidas en la pandemia. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el costo/beneficio de la detección de SARS-CoV-2 en contactos estrechos asintomáticos (CE) mediante el uso de distintas pruebas de diagnóstico molecular. Se estudiaron 51 CE de personas con diagnóstico de SARS-CoV-2 confirmado por RTqPCR, clasificadas por el umbral de ciclos (Ct) (<20, entre 20 y 30 y >30) en hospitales públicos de la provincia de Buenos Aires. Del total de contactos estudiados el 15,7% resultó confirmado para SARS-CoV-2; no hubo contactos positivos de casos con Ct>30. La cantidad de contactos positivos de casos con Ct<20 fue significativamente mayor que la de casos con Ct>20. Las muestras con Ct<20 se asociaron a una carga viral estimada de entre uno a cuatro órdenes de magnitud de diferencia con los rangos de Ct>20. Un 13,7% de contactos positivos fueron casos con Ct<20. De las muestras positivas confirmadas por PCR, correspondientes a la semana epidemiológica 1 de 2021 (SE1), sólo un 19,35% correspondían a muestras con Ct<20 y un 50,7% con Ct entre 20 y 30. Estos datos muestran un incremento de sólo un 3,7% de casos detectados. El esfuerzo por parte del sistema de salud pública para esta estrategia, con bajo poder predictivo, puede tener un efecto negativo para el cumplimiento del aislamiento de los contactos y podría generar una demora en los resultados de los casos sospechosos, sin aportar significativamente en el control de la pandemia.

Abstract The detection of SARS-CoV-2 and its implication in the diagnosis of COVID-19 have been highly debated in the pandemic. The objective of this study was to evaluate the cost/benefit of detecting SARS-CoV-2 in asymptomatic close contacts (CC) using different molecular diagnostic tests. A total of 51 CC of people with a diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 confirmed by RTqPCR, classified by the cycle threshold (Ct) (<20, between 20 and 30 and >30), were studied in public hospitals in the Province of Buenos Aires. Of the total contacts studied, 15.7% were confirmed for SARS-CoV-2; there were no positive contacts of cases with Ct>30 positive. The number of positive contacts of cases with Ct<20 was significantly higher than that of cases with Ct>20. Samples with Ct<20 were associated with an estimated viral load of one to four orders of magnitude difference with Ct ranges >20. A total of 13.7% of positive close contacts were from cases with Ct<20. When studying positive samples with confirmed diagnosis by PCR, corresponding to 1 epidemiological week of 2021 (EW1), only 19.35% corresponded to samples with Ct<20 and 50.7% with Ct between 20 and 30. From these data it is shown that with the CC test only 3.7% of the cases were detected. The effort by the public health system for this strategy, with low predictive power, may have a negative effect on the fulfillment of the isolation of contacts and could generate a delay in the results of suspected cases, without contributing significantly to controlling the pandemic.

Resumo A detecção do SARS-CoV-2 e seu envolvimento no diagnóstico da COVID-19 têm sido muito discutidos durante a pandemia. O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar a relação custo/benefício na detecção de SARSCoV- 2 em casos de contatos próximos assintomático (CP), por meio do uso de diferentes testes de diagnóstico molecular. Foram estudados 51 casos de CP de pessoas com diagnóstico de SARS-CoV-2 confirmado pelo RTqPCR, sendo classificados pelo limiar de ciclos (Ct) (<20, entre 20 e 30 e >30), em hospitais públicos da província de Buenos Aires. Do total de contatos estudados, 15,7% foram confirmados para SARS-CoV-2, não houve contatos positivos de casos com Ct>30. O número de contatos positivos de casos com Ct<20, foi significativamente maior que os casos com Ct>20. As amostras com Ct<20 foram associadas a uma carga viral estimada de uma a quatro ordens de magnitude de diferença com os intervalos de Ct>20. Dos casos positivos, 13,7% foram com Ct<20. Das amostras positivas confirmadas por PCR, correspondentes à semana epidemiológica 1 de 2021 (SE1), apenas 19,35% correspondiam a amostras com Ct>20 e 50,7% com Ct entre 20 e 30. Esses dados mostram incremento de apenas 3,7% de casos detectados. O esforço por parte do sistema de saúde pública para essa estratégia, com baixo poder preditivo, pode ter um efeito negativo no cumprimento do isolamento dos contatos e poderia gerar uma demora nos resultados dos casos suspeitos, sem contribuir significativamente para o controle da pandemia.

Incidencia de infección por SARS-CoV-2 en contactos estrechos. Seguimiento telefónico en Atención Primaria / Incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in close contacs. Telephone follow-up in Primary Care

Objetivo: Estudiar mediante un protocolo de seguimiento telefónico la incidencia de infección en los contactos estrechos de pacientes con infección por SARS-CoV-2 tras la recomendación de aislamiento y cuarentena en el domicilio.Pacientes y métodosEstudio de cohortes, con 124 pacientes mayores de 15 años, incluidos consecutivamente, asintomáticos en el momento de la visita, con contacto estrecho (<2 metros) con casos confirmados o posibles de infección por SARS-CoV-2. La intervención consistió en aislamiento y cuarentena en domicilio durante 2 semanas, contactando telefónicamente los días 2, 4, 7 y 14 tras el contacto. El evento de interés fue la aparición de clínica compatible con infección por SARS-CoV-2.ResultadosLa edad media fue de 45,1 años (55,6% mujeres). Se realizaron 328 llamadas telefónicas (media de 2,6 llamadas por paciente). Tras 2 semanas de seguimiento desarrollaron síntomas 6 pacientes, confirmados serológicamente o por PCR en 3 de ellos (2,4%; IC 95%: 0,8-6,9).ConclusionesLa incidencia de infección por SARS-CoV-2 en los contactos estrechos es baja a las 2 semanas tras el aislamiento y cuarentena domiciliarios. (AU)

Objective: To study the incidence of infection in close contacts with patiens with SARS-CoV-2 infection using a telephone monitoring protocol after the recommendation of isolation and quarantine at home.Patients and methodsCohort study, with 124 patients older than 15 years, included consecutively, asymptomatic at the time of the consultation, who had had close contact (<2 meters) with confirmed or possible cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The intervention consisted of 2 weeks of home isolation and quarantine, contacting by phone on days, 2, 4, 7 and 14 after the contact. The event of interest was the appereance of symptoms compatible with SARS-CoV-2 infection.ResultsThe average age was 45.1 years (55.6% women); 328 phone calls were made (average 2.6 calls for patient). After 2 weeks of follow-up, 6 patients developed symptoms, confirming serologically or by PCR in 3 of them (2.4%, CI 95%: 0.8-6.9).ConclusionsThe incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in close contacts is low 2 weeks after home isolation and quarantine at home. (AU)

Seguimiento de los contactos de casos de tuberculosis / Follow-up of Contacts of Tuberculosis Cases

Introducción: La tuberculosis constituye la principal causa de muerte en el mundo por enfermedad infecciosa. Objetivo: Verificar el cumplimiento de las acciones de control de foco de los contactos de casos de tuberculosis. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo, transversal. Universo constituido por los 338 contactos identificados de 10 casos de tuberculosis. Los datos procedieron de encuestas epidemiológicas, base de datos de morbilidad y tarjetas de notificación de la unidad municipal de higiene y epidemiologia del municipio Boyeros. Se utilizaron las variables: edad, sexo, nivel educacional y ocupación. Se identificaron los factores de vulnerabilidad en los contactos y se verificó cumplimiento del examen médico, los complementarios, realización y resultado de prueba de tuberculina, quimioprofilaxis y seguimiento. Resultados: Prevaleció el sexo masculino (64,2 por ciento) y los mayores de 65 años (46,7 por ciento). Los grupos vulnerables más frecuentes fueron los contactos en unidades de salud con internamiento prolongado y más de 60 años (87,2 por ciento y 62,1 por ciento, respectivamente). No se detectó el número real de contactos y convivientes ni fue investigado el 100 por ciento. Las pruebas de tuberculina realizadas arrojaron el mayor porciento de no reactores, el 90 por ciento de los contactos recibieron quimiprofilaxis y su seguimiento fue deficiente. Conclusiones: La no detección oportuna de los contactos y convivientes de casos de tuberculosis y los incumplimientos de su estudio constituyeron las principales deficiencias de los controles de foco realizados. El seguimiento de los contactos fue inadecuado, lo que pudiera propiciar la aparición de nuevos casos de tuberculosis en el municipio(AU)

Introduction: Tuberculosis is worldwide the main cause of death due to infectious disease. Objective: To verify compliance with outbreak control actions associated with contacts of tuberculosis cases. Methods: Descriptive and cross-sectional study. The universe was made up of the 338 contacts identified from ten cases of tuberculosis. The data came from epidemiological surveys, morbidity database and notification cards of the municipal hygiene and epidemiology unit of Boyeros Municipality. The following variables were used: age, sex, educational level and occupation. The vulnerability factors in the contacts were identified, as well as compliance with medical examination, complementary tests, performance and result of tuberculin test, chemoprophylaxis and follow-up. Results: The male sex (64.2 percent) and people over 65 years of age (46.7 percent) prevailed. The most frequent vulnerable groups were contacts in health units with prolonged hospitalization and aged over 60 years (87.2 percent and 62.1 percent, respectively). The actual number of contacts and partners was not detected, nor 100 percent of them were investigated. The tuberculin tests carried out showed the highest percentage of non-reactors. 90 percent of the contacts received chemoprophylaxis and their follow-up was poor. Conclusions: There was no timely detection of the contacts and cohabitants of tuberculosis cases and no compliance with their study, which constituted the main deficiencies of the outbreak controls carried out. The follow-up of the contacts was inadequate, which could lead to the appearance of new cases of tuberculosis in the municipality(AU)

DETECTION OF SARS-CoV-2 IN ASYMPTOMATIC CLOSE CONTACTS OF CASES CONFIRMED BY MOLECULAR DIAGNOSIS, BUENOS AIRES PROVINCE, ARGENTINA / DETECCIÓN DE SARS-CoV-2 EN CONTACTOS ESTRECHOS ASINTOMÁTICOS DE CASOS CONFIRMADOS POR DIAGNÓSTICO MOLECULAR, PROVINCIA DE BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA / DETECÇÃO DE SARS-CoV-2 EM CONTATOS ESTREITOS ASSIMTOMÁTICOS DE CASOS CONFIRMADOS POR DIAGNÓSTICO MOLECULAR, PROVÍNCIA DE BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA

The detection of SARS-CoV-2 and its implication in the diagnosis of COVID-19 have been highly debated in the pandemic. Access to molecular diagnosis and its target population was essential in the public policy. The objective of this study was to evaluate the cost / benefit of detecting SARS-CoV-2 in asymptomatic close contacts using different molecular diagnostic tests. 51 close contacts of people with a diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 confirmed by RTqPCR, classified by Ct (<20, between 20 and 30 and> 30), were studied in public hospitals in Province of Buenos Aires. Of all contacts studied, 15.7% were confirmed for SARS-CoV-2, there were no contacts of cases with Ct> 30 positive. The number of positive contacts of cases with Ct <20 was significantly higher than that of cases with Cts> 20. Samples with Cts <20 were associated with an estimated viral load of 1 to 4 orders of magnitude difference with Ct ranges> 20. 13.7% of positive close contacts were from cases with Ct <20. When studying positive samples with confirmed diagnosis by PCR, corresponding to EW1 of 2021, only 19.35% corresponded to samples with Cts <20 and 50.7% with Cts between 20 and 30. From these data it is shown that with the close contact test we could detect only 3.7% of cases. The effort by the public health system for this strategy, with low predictive power, may have a negative effect on the fulfillment of the isolation of contacts and could generate a delay in the results of suspected cases, without contributing significantly to controlling the pandemic.

La detección de SARS-CoV-2 y su implicancia en el diagnóstico de COVID-19 han sido muy debatidos en la pandemia. El acceso al diagnóstico molecular y su población destinataria fue parte esencial de las políticas públicas. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el costo/beneficio de la detección de SARS-CoV-2 en contactos estrechos asintomáticos mediante el uso de distintas pruebas de diagnóstico molecular. Se estudiaron 51 contactos estrechos de personas con diagnóstico de SARS-CoV-2 confirmado por RTqPCR, clasificadas por Ct (<20, entre 20 y 30 y >30) en hospitales públicos de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Del total de contactos estudiados el 15,7% resultó confirmado para SARS-CoV-2, no hubo contactos de casos con Ct>30 positivos. La cantidad de contactos positivos de casos con Ct<20 fue significativamente mayor que la de casos con Cts>20. Las muestras con Cts<20 se asociaron a una carga viral estimada de entre 1 a 4 órdenes de magnitud de diferencia con los rangos de Ct >20. Un 13,7% de contactos estrechos positivos fueron de casos con Ct<20. Al estudiar muestras positivas con diagnóstico confirmado por PCR, correspondientes a la SE1 del 2021, sólo un 19,35% correspondían a muestras con Cts<20 y un 50,7% con Cts entre 20 y 30. A partir de estos datos se muestra que con el testeo de contactos estrechos podríamos detectar sólo un 3,7% de casos. El esfuerzo por parte del sistema de salud pública para esta estrategia, con bajo poder predictivo, puede tener un efecto negativo para el cumplimiento del aislamiento de los contactos y podría generar una demora en los resultados de los casos sospechosos, sin aportar significativamente a controlar la pandemia.

A detecção de SARS-CoV-2 e sua implicação no diagnóstico de COVID-19 têm sido altamente debatidos na pandemia. O acesso ao diagnóstico molecular e à sua população-alvo era parte essencial das políticas públicas. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o custo / benefício da detecção da SARS-CoV-2 em contatos próximos assintomáticos usando diferentes testes de diagnóstico molecular. 51 contatos próximos de pessoas com diagnóstico de SARS-CoV-2 confirmado pelo RTqPCR, classificados pelo Ct (<20, entre 20 e 30 e> 30), foram estudados em hospitais públicos da Província de Buenos Aires. Do total de contatos estudados, 15,7% foram confirmados para SARS-CoV-2, não houve contato de casos com Ct> 30 positivo. O número de contatos positivos de casos com Ct <20 foi significativamente maior que o de casos com Ct> 20. As amostras com Cts <20 foram associadas a uma carga viral estimada de 1 a 4 ordens de diferença de magnitude com intervalos de Ct> 20. 13,7% dos contatos próximos positivos eram de casos com Ct <20. Ao estudar amostras positivas com diagnóstico confirmado por PCR, correspondentes a EW1 de 2021, apenas 19,35% corresponderam a amostras com Cts <20 e 50,7% com Cts entre 20 e 30. A partir desses dados, mostra-se que com o teste de contato próximo poderíamos detectar apenas 3,7% dos casos. O esforço do sistema público de saúde por essa estratégia, com baixo poder preditivo, pode repercutir negativamente no cumprimento do isolamento dos contatos e pode gerar atraso nos resultados dos casos suspeitos, sem contribuir significativamente para o controle da pandemia.

[Incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in close contacs. Telephone follow-up in Primary Care]. / Incidencia de infección por SARS-CoV-2 en contactos estrechos. Seguimiento telefónico en Atención Primaria.

OBJECTIVE: To study the incidence of infection in close contacts with patiens with SARS-CoV-2 infection using a telephone monitoring protocol after the recommendation of isolation and quarantine at home. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Cohort study, with 124 patients older than 15 years, included consecutively, asymptomatic at the time of the consultation, who had had close contact (<2 meters) with confirmed or possible cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The intervention consisted of 2 weeks of home isolation and quarantine, contacting by phone on days, 2, 4, 7 and 14 after the contact. The event of interest was the appereance of symptoms compatible with SARS-CoV-2 infection. RESULTS: The average age was 45.1 years (55.6% women); 328 phone calls were made (average 2.6 calls for patient). After 2 weeks of follow-up, 6 patients developed symptoms, confirming serologically or by PCR in 3 of them (2.4%, CI 95%: 0.8-6.9). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in close contacts is low 2 weeks after home isolation and quarantine at home.

Incidencia de infección tuberculosa latente en un estudio de contactos escolares comparando dos puntos de corte de la prueba de tuberculina / Incidence of Latent Tuberculosis Infection in a Study of School Contacts Comparing Two Cut-off Points of the Tuberculin Test

Introducción: El riesgo de infección tuberculosa se asocia a contacto estrecho y prolongado. En las escuelas el contacto diario, aulas con poca ventilación o retraso diagnóstico del caso índice, podrían contribuir al contagio. Objetivo: Conocer la incidencia de infección tuberculosa latente (ITBL) en contactos escolares comparando dos puntos de corte en la prueba de tuberculina (PPD): ≥ 10 mm y ≥ 5 mm. Determinar el grado de cumplimiento en la realización de estudios de catastro y de quimioprofilaxis (QP). Materiales y métodos: Se realizó el análisis retrospectivo de contactos escolares de TB bacilífera, en adolescentes de 12 a 19 años, correspondientes al área programática del Hospital Parmenio Piñero entre febrero 2016 a diciembre 2017. La evaluación incluyó radiografía de tórax (RxT), laboratorio y PPD. Se analizaron 2 puntos de corte de PPD: ≥ 10mm y ≥ 5mm, repitiéndose a los 3 meses en aquellos con resultado negativo. Se indicó QP primaria con isoniazida a todos los contactos, y secundaria en aquellos con PPD+ basal o conversores al tercer mes. Se estimó cumplimiento de QP si tomaban > 80% de la pauta indicada. Resultados: de 373 estudiantes a evaluar, 331 (89%) realizaron los estudios, se diagnosticó TB en 4 (1.2%) a partir de RxT y fueron excluidos. En los 327 restantes, edad promedio 15 ± 1,6 años, hubo 132 (40%) hombres. La PPD basal fue ≥ 10 mm en 20 (6.1%) casos, siendo más frecuente en el grupo de 16-19 años vs 12-15 años: 10.7% vs 3.1%; p = 0,004. No hubo diferencia significativa al considerar el sexo. Realizaron 135 (45%) la segunda PPD encontrándose 3 conversiones (2.2%). Se indicó QP primaria a todos y secundaria a 23, el cumplimiento fue 57% y 26% respectivamente, sin asociación significativa con edad o sexo. Se reportaron 4 eventos adversos (1.2%): polineuritis (n = 2), alergia cutánea e intolerancia digestiva. Con PPD ≥ 5mm dieron positivo 63 (19.3%), siendo más frecuente en varones: 26.5% vs 14.4%, p = 0.006; y en 16-19 vs 12-15 años: 28.2% vs 13.2%; p < 0.001. Con la segunda PPD se observaron 3 conversiones (2,2%). Conclusión: Encontramos un 6,1% de ITBL considerando PPD+ ≥ 10 mm y 19,3% con PPD ≥ 5 mm. El cumplimiento en la realización de la segunda PPD fue bajo, como también en completar el esquema de QP secundaria.

[Contact tracing in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. The fundamental role of Primary Health Care and Public Health]. / Estudio de contactos en infectados por SARS-CoV-2. El papel fundamental de la Atención Primaria y de la Salud Pública.

The aim of this study was to promote the rapid identification of the contacts of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 and therefore the control of the pandemic. Different methodologies and recommendations on contact tracing for Primary Health Care (PHC) and Public Health Services (PHS), like articles in Pubmed about COVID-19 and contact tracing, official contact definitions, the classic contact tracing model in tuberculosis (TB), information about apps for contact tracing and the role of the diagnostic tests, were reviewed. To establish efficient prevention and control measures, it is always necessary to implement contact tracing based on clinical suspicion, early diagnosis and isolation of cases and contacts and their follow-up. The classic contact tracing model in TB can be applied to this new infection, but accelerating the process given its acute nature and its potential severity. Good coordination between PHC and PHS and having sufficient resources is essential.

Organization of Tuberculosis Control in Spain: Evaluation of a Strategy Aimed at Promoting the Accreditation of Tuberculosis Units. / Organización del control de la tuberculosis en España: evaluación de una estrategia dirigida a fomentar la acreditación de unidades de tuberculosis.

INTRODUCTION: Well-coordinated multidisciplinary teams are essential for better tuberculosis (TB) control. Our objective was to evaluate the impact of Spanish Society of Pneumology (SEPAR) accreditation of TB Units (TBU) and to determine differences between the accredited and non-accredited centers. DESIGN: Observational descriptive study based on a self-administered survey from October 2014 to February 2018 completed by 139 heads of respiratory medicine departments collected by SEPAR, before and after TBU accreditation. VARIABLES: demographic, epidemiological and contact tracing (CT) variables, among others. ANALYSIS: basic descriptive analysis, and calculation of medians for continuous variables and proportions for categorical variables. The variables were compared using the Chi-squared test and logistic regression. RESULTS: The response rate was 54.7% and 43.2% in the pre- and post-TBU accreditation period, respectively. No differences were observed in the care and coordination variables between the pre- and post-accreditation survey, nor in the organization when only accredited centers were analyzed. When we compared the accredited and non-accredited centers, significant differences were detected in the collection of the final conclusion, management of resistance, coordination with other departments, contact tracing, and directly observed treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The approach of different professionals with regard to TB has been addressed. Positive aspects and areas for improvement have been detected, and better results were observed in the accredited versus non-accredited centers. A closer supervision of TBUs is necessary to improve their effectiveness.

Situación epidemiológica de la tuberculosis en Maldonado-Uruguay, período 2012-2016 / Epidemiological situation of tuberculosis in Maldonado-Uruguay, period 2012-2016 / Situação epidemiológica da tuberculose em Maldonado-Uruguai, período 2012-2016

La tuberculosis continúa siendo uno de los problemas de salud pública más importantes a nivel mundial. La estrategia "Fin a la Tuberculosis" desarrollada por la Organización Mundial de la Salud busca acabar con la epidemia mundial para el año 2035, para lo cual los países deben fortalecer sus programas nacionales. Uruguay en 2016 presentó una incidencia de tuberculosis pulmonar de 22 por 100 mil habitantes, con una tendencia de la velocidad en ascenso desde 2005. Objetivos: Describir la situación epidemiológica de la tuberculosis en el departamento de Maldonado-Uruguay, tomando como fuente primaria, la base de datos del Registro Nacional de Tuberculosis, brindada por la Comisión Honoraria de Lucha Antituberculosa y Enfermedades Prevalentes de Uruguay, en el período comprendido entre el 2012 al 2016. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio descriptivo a partir de la revisión de datos proporcionados por el Registro Nacional de Tuberculosis, sobre notificaciones de casos pulmonares y extrapulmonares confirmados y no confirmados, brindado por la Comisión Honoraria de Lucha Antituberculosa y Enfermedades Prevalentes del Ministerio de Salud Pública de Uruguay. Resultados: En el año 2016 la tasa de casos confirmados en el departamento de Maldonado fue de 34 por 100 mil habitantes, siendo el departamento de Uruguay que presentó en ese año la mayor tasa por 100 mil habitantes de casos confirmados pulmonares bacilíferos. Se evidencia una baja cobertura de quimioprofilaxis a contactos declarados. Conclusiones: La tasa de casos por departamento fue mayor que la cifra para el total país, siendo esa diferencia de tasas estadísticamente significativa. La tuberculosis evidencia un problema de salud pública esencial, la vulnerabilidad social y la baja cobertura de quimioprofilaxis de los contactos son dos dimensiones importantes en el abordaje de este problema. Es necesario implementar una propuesta de descentralización supervisada del diagnóstico, tratamiento y profilaxis en Maldonado-Uruguay.

Tuberculosis continues to be one of the most important public health problems worldwide. The "End of Tuberculosis" strategy developed by the World Health Organization seeks to end the global epidemic by 2035, for which countries must strengthen their national programs. Uruguay in 2016 presented an incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis of 22 per 100 thousand inhabitants, with a tendency of the speed in ascent since 2005. Objectives: To describe the epidemiological situation of tuberculosis in the department of Maldonado-Uruguay, using as a primary source, the database of the National Registry of Tuberculosis, provided by the Honorary Commission of Antituberculosis and Prevalent Diseases of Uruguay, in the period included between 2012 to 2016. Materials and Methods: Descriptive study based on the review of data provided by the National Registry of Tuberculosis, on notifications of confirmed and unconfirmed pulmonary and extrapulmonary cases, provided by the Honorary Commission for Antituberculosis and Prevalent Diseases of the Ministry of Public Health of Uruguay. Results: In 2016 the rate of confirmed cases in the department of Maldonado was 34 per 100 thousand inhabitants, being the department of Uruguay that presented in that year the highest rate per 100 thousand inhabitants of confirmed pulmonary smear-positive cases. Tere is evidence of low coverage of chemoprophylaxis at declared contacts. Conclusions: The case rate per department was greater than the figure for the total country, this difference being statistically signifi cant. Tuberculosis evidences an essential public health problem, social vulnerability and low coverage of chemoprophylaxis of contacts are two important dimensions in the approach to this problem. It is necessary to implement a proposal of supervised decentralization of diagnosis, treatment and prophylaxis in Maldonado-Uruguay.

TB continua a ser um dos problemas mais importantes de saúde pública global. A estratégia "Stop Tuberculose", desenvolvido pela Organização Mundial da Saúde busca acabar com a epidemia global até o ano de 2035, para os quais os países devem fortalecer seus programas nacionais. Uruguai em 2016 mostrou uma incidência de tuberculose pulmonar de 22 por 100 mil habitantes, com uma tendência de velocidade subindo desde 2005. Objetivos: descrever a situação epidemiológica da tuberculose no departamento de Maldonado--Uruguay, tomando-se como um banco de dados fonte primária do Registro Nacional de Tuberculose, fornecidos pelo Comitê Honorário de Luta contra a Tuberculose e Doenças Prevalentes do Uruguai, no período 2012-2016. Materiais e Métodos: Estudo descritivo com base na revisão dos dados fornecidos pelo Instituto Nacional de Tuberculose Register, as notificações de casos pulmonar e extrapulmonar confirmados e não confirmados de que o Comitê Honorário de Luta contra a Tuberculose e Doenças Prevalentes, Ministério da Saúde Pública Uruguai. Resultados: Em 2016 a taxa de casos confirmados no departamento de Maldonado foi de 34 por 100 mil habitantes, departamento Uruguai nesse ano apresentou a maior taxa por 100 mil habitantes de casos pulmonares com baciloscopia positiva confirmados. baixa cobertura da quimioprofilaxia para os contatos declarou evidências. Conclusões: A taxa por departamento foi maior do que a figura para todo o país, com a diferença de taxas estatisticamente significativas. Tuberculose evidenciar um problema de saúde pública essencial, vulnerabilidade social e baixa cobertura da quimioprofilaxia dos contatos são duas dimensões importantes na resolução deste problema. Você precisa implementar uma proposta de descentralização supervisionada de diagnóstico, tratamento e profilaxia em Maldonado-Uruguay.

Diagnostic delay as main contributing factor to a large outbreak of tuberculosis in a university. / Demora diagnóstica como principal factor contribuyente a un importante brote de tuberculosis en una universidad.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiological characteristics of a large tuberculosis outbreak in the university environment and the main risk factors associated with it. METHOD: A descriptive analysis of the data collected from sick individuals and their contacts was made. For the contact tracing, the guidelines established in the Tuberculosis Programme of the Autonomous Community of the Basque Country were followed. Six of the outbreak strains were sent to the National Centre of Microbiology for molecular typing. RESULTS: The total number of cases of the outbreak was 11. The rate of tuberculosis infection in the classroom of the index case, including the sick individuals, was 88.1% (59 infected and only 8 uninfected). The diagnostic delay of the index case was 260 days, and in the other 8 symptomatic cases it ranged between 10 and 70 days. The pattern obtained by the 2genotyping techniques was identical in the 6 strains studied. CONCLUSIONS: The long diagnostic delay of the authentic index case, which was diagnosed in the contact tracing, and the poor ventilation conditions of the classroom, determined the high number of secondary cases associated with this outbreak.