Prevalence of syphilis, HIV and toxoplasmosis in prenatal screening in the population of the northern region of the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil / Prevalência de Sífilis, HIV e Toxoplasmose no pré-natal em uma população no Norte Fluminense

Introduction: There is a need for studies to know the real situation and outline measures to guarantee a reduction in the rates of pregnant women diagnosed with HIV, Syphilis and Toxoplasmosis. Objective: To determine the prevalence of Syphilis, HIV and toxoplasmosis in puerperal women assisted at the largest public maternity hospital in Campos dos Goytacazes in 2016. Methods: Cross-sectional study, using secondary data from the puerperal women assisted at the largest maternity hospital in the northern region of the State of Rio de Janeiro, in the year 2016. Results: There were 970 puerperal women, with a prevalence of HIV, Syphilis and Toxoplasmosis in pregnancy of 1.6, 2.7 and 2%, respectively. Most pregnant women were diagnosed at delivery due to low serological coverage during pregnancy. Conclusion: The high prevalence of Syphilis, HIV and Toxoplasmosis in pregnancy requires efficient prenatal care for its identification and approach.

Introdução: São necessários estudos para conhecer a real situação e delinear medidas que garantam a redução dos índices de gestantes com diagnóstico de vírus da imunodeficiência humana, sífilis e toxoplasmose. Objetivo: Determinar a prevalência de sífilis, vírus da imunodeficiência humana e toxoplasmose em puérperas atendidas na maior maternidade pública de Campos dos Goytacazes (RJ) no ano de 2016. Métodos: Estudo transversal, utilizando dados secundários das puérperas atendidas na maior maternidade do Norte Fluminense no ano de 2016. Resultados: Foram 970 puérperas, com prevalência de vírus da imunodeficiência humana, sífilis e toxoplasmose na gestação de 1,6, 2,7 e 2%, respectivamente. A maioria das gestantes foi diagnosticada no momento do parto em razão da baixa cobertura sorológica durante a gestação. Conclusão: A alta prevalência de sífilis, vírus da imunodeficiência humana e toxoplasmose na gravidez requer um pré-natal eficiente para sua identificação e abordagem.

Transmisión vertical de hepatitis B: importancia de incorporar el cribado en el control prenatal en Chile / Vertical transmission of hepatitis B: the importance of incorporating screening during pregnancy in Chile

Resumen La transmisión vertical de hepatitis B es responsable de 50% de las infecciones en el mundo e implica 90% de riesgo de evolucionar a hepatitis crónica y sus complicaciones. La inmunoprofilaxis postparto (inmunoglobulina más vacuna) es la medida de prevención más efectiva. Sin embargo, puede existir fracaso a pesar de dicha intervención, debido a factores como alta carga viral o la presencia de HBeAg en la madre, los que sólo pueden evitarse si se hace el diagnóstico y tratamiento durante la gestación. En Chile, en el año 2019 se incorporó la vacunación en los recién nacidos, pero no existe aún cribado durante el embarazo, a diferencia de los países desarrollados. En los últimos años se ha experimentado un aumento acelerado de inmigración proveniente principalmente de América latina y el Caribe, con prevalencias altas en algunos de ellos. Chile debiese avanzar prontamente hacia el cribado de hepatitis B en embarazo.

Abstract Half of cases of hepatitis B around the world are produced from vertical transmission; and 90% of them can evolve to chronic hepatitis and their long term complications. Postpartum immunoprophylaxis (immunoglobulin and vaccine) is the most effective preventive measure. However, despite this prophylaxis, vertical transmission is possible if the mother presents a high viral load or e-antigen. This risk can be reduced only if screening during pregnancy and treatment if needed, are incorporated. In 2019, vaccination for hepatitis B in newborn was incorporated in Chile, but not yet prenatal screening, unlike developed countries. Chile has experienced a growth in immigration from Latin America and Caribbean, some countries with high endemicity included. Prenatal screening in Chile should be promptly incorporated.

Prevención de la transmisión vertical de VIH en mujeres migrantes internacionales: escenario actual y desafíos / Prevention of vertical transmission of HIV in international migrant women: current scenario and challenges

La prevención de la transmisión vertical de VIH es un desafío para todos los países del mundo. Esto se ve complejizado por la construcción permanente de sociedades globales, con grado variable de población migrante internacional. Las políticas, programas y acciones sanitarias para la prevención de transmisión vertical de VIH en gestantes migrantes demandan una perspectiva intercultural, en donde se aborden todas las dimensiones sociales, culturales y de género asociadas a la infección. El entender la realidad local en cuanto a la prevención de transmisión vertical de VIH en población migrante internacional en Chile es esencial para llevar acciones concretas que favorezcan la prevención de transmisión madre-hijo de VIH. En este artículo se presentan algunos conceptos esenciales relacionados a esta temática. También se expone información internacional y nacional sobre riesgos de transmisión vertical de VIH en migrantes gestantes, la importancia del plan nacional de preven ción de transmisión vertical de VIH en nuestro país, y algunos esfuerzos que se están realizando para adaptar dicho plan a la realidad de diversidad social y cultural que migrantes gestantes presentan hoy en Chile, como un valioso insumo de salud pública con perspectiva intercultural.

Preventing vertical transmission of HIV is a challenge for all countries worldwide. The permanent construction of global societies with a variable degree of international migrant population has made it more complex. Health policies, programs, and actions for preventing vertical transmission of HIV in pregnant migrants demand an intercultural perspective, where social, cultural, and gender dimen sions associated with the infection are addressed. Understanding the local reality regarding the pre vention of vertical transmission in the international migrant population in Chile is essential to carry out concrete actions that favor the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. This article presents some essential concepts related to this topic. It also presents international and national in formation on risks of vertical transmission in pregnant migrants, the importance of the national plan for preventing vertical transmission of HIV in our country, and some ongoing efforts to adapt such plan to the reality of social and cultural diversity that pregnant migrants currently present in Chile, as a useful public health instrument with an intercultural perspective.

Adequacy of prenatal care, diagnosis and treatment of syphilis in pregnancy: a study with open data from Brazilian state capitals / Adequação de atendimento pré-natal, diagnóstico e tratamento da sífilis gestacional: um estudo com dados abertos de capitais brasileiras / Adecuación de la atención prenatal, diagnóstico y tratamiento de la sífilis en el embarazo: un estudio con datos abiertos en siete capitales brasileñas

Abstract: To assess the adequacy of prenatal care offered in the Brazilian capital cities and the diagnosis of gestational syphilis through public data from health information systems. The modified Kotelchuck index for adequacy of prenatal care was built using Brazilian Information System on Live Births (SINASC) data. Data on gestational syphilis, congenital syphilis, estimated population coverage by the Family Health Strategy (FHS), the Municipal Human Development Index (MHDI) and data from National Program for Access and Quality Improvement in Primary Care (PMAQ-AB) were accessed in public sites. The profile of pregnant women associated with inadequate care was assessed by logistic regression. In total, 685,286 births were analyzed. Only 2.3% of women did not attend prenatal appointments. The mean adequacy was 79.7%. No correlation was found between adequacy of prenatal care and FHS coverage (p = 0.172), but a positive correlation was found with the MHDI (p < 0.001). Inadequacy of prenatal care was associated with age below 20 years old, schooling less than 4 years, non-white skin color and not having a partner. Among the congenital syphilis cases, 17.2% of mothers did not attend prenatal care. Gestational syphilis more often affected vulnerable women, including a higher proportion of adolescents, women with low schooling, and women of non-white color. The PMAQ-AB showed a median availability of 27.3% for syphilis rapid tests, 67.7% for benzathine penicillin, and 86.7% for benzathine penicillin administration by health teams. The use of public data showed a low adequacy of prenatal care in Brazilian capitals, denoting insufficient quality for the diagnosis and treatment of gestational syphilis, despite the availability of supplies. Continuous monitoring can be carried out using public data, indicating to local strategies to eliminate congenital syphilis.

Resumo: O estudo buscou avaliar a adequação do atendimento pré-natal oferecido nas capitais brasileiras e o diagnóstico da sífilis gestacional através de dados públicos dos sistemas de informação de saúde. Foi construído o indicador de Kotelchuck modificado para adequação do atendimento pré-natal, usando dados do Sistema de Informações sobre Nascidos Vivos (SINASC). Foram acessados em sites públicos os dados sobre sífilis gestacional, sífilis congênita, estimativa da cobertura populacional pela Estratégia Saúde da Família (ESF), Índice de Desenvolvimento Humano (IDH) municipal e dados do Programa Nacional de Melhoria do Acesso e da Qualidade da Atenção Básica (PMAQ-AB). O perfil das gestantes associado ao atendimento inadequado foi avaliado com base na regressão logística. Foram analisados um total de 685.286 nascimentos. Apenas 2,3% das mulheres não receberam atendimento pré-natal. A taxa média de adequação foi de 79,7%. Não foi encontrada correlação entre a adequação do pré-natal e a cobertura pela ESF (p = 0,172), mas houve correlação com o IDH municipal (p < 0,001). A inadequação da assistência pré-natal mostrou associação com a idade < 20 anos, escolaridade < 4 anos, raça/cor não-branca e situação conjugal sem companheiro. Entre os casos de sífilis congênita, 17,2% das mães não haviam recebido atendimento pré-natal, e a sífilis gestacional afetava mais as gestantes vulneráveis, incluindo uma proporção maior de adolescentes, mulheres com baixa escolaridade e mulheres não brancas. O PMAQ-AB mostrou uma disponibilidade mediana de 27,3% de testes rápidos para sífilis, 67,7% para penicilina benzatina e 86,7% para administração de penicilina benzatina pela equipe de saúde. O uso de dados públicos revelou baixa adequação do atendimento pré-natal nas capitais brasileiras, denotando qualidade insuficiente para o diagnóstico e tratamento da sífilis gestacional, apesar da disponibilidade de insumos. O monitoramento contínuo pode ser realizado com o uso de dados públicos, indicando estratégias locais para eliminar a sífilis congênita.

Resumen: El objetivo de este trabajo ha sido evaluar la adecuación de la atención prenatal que se ofreció en capitales brasileñas, y el diagnóstico de sífilis gestacional, mediante datos públicos de los sistemas de información de salud. El indicador modificado de Kotelchuck para la adecuación de la atención prenatal se construyó usando datos del Sistema de Información sobre Nacidos Vivos (SINASC). La información sobre sífilis gestacional, sífilis congénita, así como la cobertura de población estimada por la Estrategia Salud de Familia (ESF), Índice de Desarrollo Humano (IDH) municipal y datos del Programa Nacional para el Acceso Mejorado y Calidad de la Atención Básica (PMAQ-AB) se recabaron de sitios web públicos. El perfil de las mujeres embarazadas asociado con el cuidado inadecuado fue evaluado mediante regresión logística. En total, se analizaron 685.286 nacimientos. Solamente un 2,3% de las mujeres no atendieron a citas prenatales. La adecuación media fue de un 79,7%. No se encontró correlación entre la adecuación del cuidado prenatal y la cobertura de la ESF (p = 0,172), pero se encontró una correlación positiva con el MHDI (p < 0,001). La inadecuación del cuidado prenatal estuvo asociada con una edad < 20 años, escolaridad < 4 años, raza no blanca y no tener pareja. Entre los casos de sífilis congénita, un 17,2% de las madres no asistieron a la atención prenatal. La sífilis gestacional afectó más a menudo a las mujeres vulnerables, incluyendo una más alta proporción de adolescentes, mujeres con baja escolaridad, y mujeres de color no blanco. La PMAQ-AB mostró un promedio de disponibilidad de un 27,3%, en el caso de test rápidos de sífilis, un 67,7% para la penicilina benzatínica, y un 86,7% para la administración penicilina benzatínica por equipos de salud. El uso de los datos públicos mostró una baja adecuación del cuidado prenatal en capitales brasileñas, denotando una insuficiente calidad para el diagnóstico y tratamiento de la sífilis gestacional, a pesar de la disponibilidad de suministros. La supervisión continua se puede llevar a cabo usando datos públicos, apuntando a estrategias locales para eliminar la sífilis congénita.

Prevalence of rectovaginal colonization by group B Streptococcus in pregnant women seen at prenatal care program of a health organization / Prevalência de colonização retovaginal por estreptococo do grupo B em gestantes de programa de atendimento pré-natal de instituição de saúde

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the prevalence of group B Streptococci in pregnant women of a corporate health program, as well as the epidemiological correlations. Methods This retrospective study used medical records of patients who participated of the prenatal care program at a private hospital in the city of São Paulo (SP), Brazil, from 2015 to 2016. Those who abandoned the program or had incomplete data in their medical records were excluded. Quantitative variables were described by means, standard deviations, median, minimal and maximal values. Parity and socioeconomic status were described by absolute frequency and percentages. We used logistic regression models in the software (SPSS) to analyze correlations of variables according to vaginal-rectal culture, considering a 95%CI and p-values. Variables were age, number of pregnancies, weight gain in pregnancy and gestational age at delivery. Results A total of 347 medical records were included, and after applying the exclusion criteria, 287 medical records composed the final sample. Patients' age ranged between 17 and 44 years. Mean age was 30.6 years, 67 patients had positive result for group B Streptococcus (prevalence of 23.3%; 95%CI: 18.7-28.5). Conclusion Considering the high prevalence of group B Streptococcus in our service, the antibiotic prophylaxis strategy based on rectovaginal culture screening approach seems to be cost-effective.

RESUMO Objetivo Identificar a prevalência de estreptococo do grupo B entre gestantes que frequentaram um programa de saúde corporativa, bem como as correlações com a colonização positiva. Métodos Estudo retrospectivo dos prontuários do pré-natal de um hospital privado em São Paulo, no período de 2015 a 2016. Foram excluídas as mulheres que abandonaram o programa ou apresentavam dados incompletos nos prontuários. As variáveis quantitativas foram descritas por média, desvios padrão, mediana, valores mínimos e máximos. A paridade e a condição socioeconômica foram descritos por frequência absoluta e percentagens. Utilizamos modelos de regressão logística no programa (SPSS) para analisar as correlações de variáveis de acordo com a cultura retovaginal, considerando IC95% e valores de p. As variáveis foram idade, número de gestações, peso ganho na gestação e idade gestacional no parto. Resultados Foram incluídos 347 prontuários e, após a aplicação dos critérios de exclusão, 287 prontuários compuseram a amostra final. A idade dos pacientes variou entre 17 e 44 anos. A média de idade foi de 30,6 anos, e 67 pacientes tiveram resultado positivo para o estreptococo do grupo B (prevalência de 23,3%; IC95%: 18,7-28,5). Conclusão Considerando a alta prevalência de estreptococos do grupo B em nosso serviço, existem evidências de que a estratégia de antibiótico profilaxia baseada na cultura retovaginal é custo-efetiva.

Cribado de infecciones cervicales de transmisión sexual en mujeres embarazadas y su relación con la microbiota vaginal / Screening of cervical sexually transmitted infections in pregnant women and the relation with the vaginal microbiota

Resumen Introducción: La mujer embarazada está expuesta anumerosas infecciones de transmisión sexual (ITS), las que pueden producir aborto, enfermedad en el feto y/o en el recién nacido, además de alteraciones en el curso normal del embarazo. Objetivo: Realizar tamizaje de infección cervical asintomática en mujeres embarazadas y su relación con la microbiota. Pacientes y Métodos: Se enrolaron 85 mujeres embarazadas sin cervicitis clínica que consultaron en control de rutina de embarazo (47 pacientes) o que fueron derivadas a una unidad de ITS (38 pacientes). Se tomaron muestras de fondo de saco vaginal, que fueron analizadas por técnicas clásicas de microscopía y cultivo corriente y reacción de polimerasa en cadena para Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis y Chlamydia trachomatis. Resultados: Se encontró 12,9% de infección por C. trachomatis, 2,4% de T. vaginalis. En este estudio no se encontró N. gonorrhoeae. El 23,3% de pacientes con microbiota alterada (vaginosis bacteriana y microbiota intermedia) fue positiva para C. trachomatis. Conclusión: En este trabajo, encontramos una alta frecuencia de infección por C. trachomatis, que se relaciona en forma significativa con la presencia de microbiota alterada. Esta alta frecuencia debería promover estrategias preventivas en los controles de salud de la mujer embarazada.

Background: Pregnant woman is exposed to many sexual transmitted infections (STI). Many of these infections may produce diseases in the fetus and newborn, and also alteration in the normal course of the pregnancy. Aim: Screening of asymptomatic cervical infection in pregnant woman and its relationship with the vaginal microbiota. Patients and Methods: 85 pregnant women without clinical cervicitis who consult in the routine pregnant control (47 patients) and women derived from STI service (38 patients). The samples were obtained from the vaginal fund sac and were analyzed with optic microscopy, cultures and PCR of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis and Chlamydia trachomatis. Results: 12,9% of the enrolled women were positive for C. trachomatis, 2,4% for T. vaginalis. In this study, we did not found N. gonorrhoeae. We observed 23,3% of patients with altered microbiota (bacterial vaginosis and intermediate microbiota) was positive for C. trachomatis. Conclusions: In this study, we found a high frequency of C. trachomatis infection, that correlates with the presence of altered microbiota. This high frequency would promote preventive strategies in the pregnant women routine controls.

Factors associated with prenatal care and HIV and syphilis testing during pregnancy in primary health care

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To evaluate the factors associated with HIV and syphilis testing during pregnancy in Brazil. METHODS This was an ecological study covering all Brazilian municipalities evaluated by the second cycle of the National Program for Access and Quality Improvement in Primary Care, 2013-2014. The dependent variables were based on prenatal care access: prenatal care appointments, and HIV and syphilis tests during prenatal care. The independent variables were compared with demographic and social characteristics. Bivariate analysis was performed assessing the three outcomes with the independent variables. Variables with significant associations in this bivariate analysis were fit in a Poisson multiple regression analysis with robust variance to obtain adjusted estimates. RESULT Poisson regression analysis showed a statistically significant association with the variables "less than eight years of study" [prevalence ratio (PR) = 1.31; 95%CI 1.19-1.45; p < 0.001] and "participants of the cash transfer program" (PR = 0.80; 95%CI 0.72-0.88; p < 0.001) for the outcome of "having less than six prenatal care appointments" and individual variables. A statistically significant association was found for "participants of the cash transfer program" (PR = 1.43; 95%CI 1.19-1.72; p < 0.001) regarding the outcome from the comparison between HIV testing absence during prenatal care and demographic and social characteristics. The absence of syphilis testing during prenatal care, and demographic and social characteristics presented a statistically significant association for the education level variable "less than eight years of study" (PR =1.75; 95%CI 1.56-1.96; p < 0.001) and "participants of the cash transfer program" (PR = 1.21, 95%CI 1.07-1.36; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The individual factors were associated with prenatal care appointments and HIV and syphilis tests in Brazilian pregnant women. They show missed opportunities for diagnosing HIV and syphilis infection during prenatal care and indicate weaknesses in the quality of maternal health care services to eliminate mother-to-child transmission.

Descriptive study of suspected congenital Zika syndrome cases during the 2015-2016 epidemic in Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Clinical and epidemiological data on suspected congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) cases from southern Mato Grosso (MT) in Brazil during the Zika virus (ZIKV) outbreak in 2015-2016 were evaluated. METHODS: This is a descriptive case series study of newborns whose mothers were suspected cases of ZIKV infections during their pregnancies. The medical records of all the suspected CZS cases (mothers and newborns) treated by the specialized ambulatory service from June 2015 to August 2016 were analyzed. RESULTS: Twenty suspected CZS cases were included in these analyses. They were categorized into four groups based on the clinical and laboratory findings: confirmed cases (n=1), highly probable cases (n=13), moderately probable cases (n=5), and somewhat probable cases (n=1). The mothers tested negative for STORCH (syphilis, toxoplasmosis, other infections, rubella, cytomegalovirus infection, and herpes simplex) and other important congenital infections; however, specific ZIKV tests were not performed during the study period. Microcephaly was observed in the majority of these newborns, and all the patients showed altered cranial computed tomography image findings. Extracranial abnormalities such as arthrogryposis, and otological and ophthalmological manifestations were also observed. CONCLUSIONS: Although ZIKV was not confirmed to cause the congenital malformations, this study demonstrated that the clinical and epidemiological findings associated with a STORCH exclusion strengthened the CZS diagnosis. The suspected cases in MT occurred simultaneously with the first CZS cases reported in Brazil, suggesting ZIKV circulation in the study region during the same period.

Teste de HIV solicitado e espontâneo: um estudo de base populacional com mulheres de uma cidade do Sul do Brasil / Voluntary versus health professional-initiated HIV testing: a population-based study in women in a city in Southern Brazil / Test de VIH solicitado y espontáneo: un estudio de base poblacional con mujeres de una ciudad del Sur de Brasil

Estudo transversal de base populacional foi realizado com o objetivo de descrever a prevalência, motivos e fatores associados para realização de teste para HIV entre mulheres de Pelotas, Sul do Brasil. Foram entrevistadas 1.222 mulheres. Foram estimados prevalência de teste (sim/não), teste solicitado e teste voluntário. A prevalência de teste foi de 66,1% (IC95%: 63,4-68,8), teste solicitado 52,4% (IC95%: 49,6-55,2) e teste espontâneo 13,6% (IC95%: 11,6-15,5). O principal motivo para realização de teste foi rastreamento pré-natal (52%). Idade, idade da primeira relação e possuir filhos se mostraram associadas à realização de teste espontâneo e solicitado. Escores de comportamentos sexuais de risco, situação conjugal e uso de preservativo se mostraram associados apenas a teste solicitado e prática de sexo anal apenas a teste espontâneo. Os resultados indicam que testagem para HIV parece estar fortemente relacionada com a assistência pré-natal e que a percepção de risco por parte dos profissionais de saúde parece ser mais adequada do que a percepção da própria mulher.

This was a cross-sectional population-based study that aimed to describe the prevalence of HIV testing and associated factors in women in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. A total of 1,222 women were interviewed. We estimated the overall testing prevalence (yes/no) and prevalence disaggregated by testing ordered by a health professional versus voluntary testing. Test prevalence was 66.1% (95%CI: 63.4-68.8): 52.4% for testing ordered by a health professional (95%CI: 49.6-55.2) and 13.6% for spontaneous testing (95%CI: 11.6-15.5). The principal reason for testing was prenatal screening (52%). Age, age at sexual initiation, and having children were associated statistically with both voluntary and health professional-initiated testing. Sexual risk score, conjugal status, and condom use were only associated statistically with testing ordered by a health professional, while history of anal sex was only associated with spontaneous testing. The results indicate that HIV testing is closely related to prenatal care and that risk perception by the attending health professional appears to be more accurate than the patient's own perception.

Se realizó un estudio transversal de base poblacional, con el objetivo de describir la prevalencia, motivos y factores asociados para la realización del test para VIH entre mujeres de Pelotas, Sur de Brasil. Se entrevistaron a 1.222 mujeres. Se estimó la prevalencia de test (sí/no), test solicitado y test voluntario. La prevalencia de test fue de un 66,1% (IC95%: 63,4-68,8), test solicitado un 52,4% (IC95%: 49,6-55,2) y test espontáneo 13,6% (IC95%: 11,6-15,5). El principal motivo para la realización del test fue el rastreo pre-natal (52%). Edad, edad de la primera relación y tener hijos se mostraron asociados a la realización de test espontáneo y solicitado. El marcador de comportamientos sexuales de riesgo, situación conyugal y uso de preservativo se mostraron asociados solamente al test solicitado y práctica de sexo anal solamente a test espontáneo. Los resultados indican que el test para VIH parece estar fuertemente relacionado con la asistencia pre-natal y que la percepción de riesgo por parte de los profesionales de salud parece ser más adecuada que la percepción de la propia mujer.

Group B Streptococcus detection in pregnant women via culture and PCR methods

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Group B Streptococcus (GBS), a source of neonatal infection, colonizes the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts of pregnant women. Routine screening for maternal GBS in late pregnancy and consequent intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis have reduced the incidence of early-onset GBS neonatal infection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of PCR, compared to culture (gold standard), in GBS colonization screening of pregnant women, and to establish the prevalence of GBS colonization among this population. METHODS: Vaginal introitus and perianal samples were collected from 204 pregnant women, between the 35th and 37th weeks of pregnancy, at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit of the University of Caxias do Sul General Hospital between June 2008 and September 2009. All samples were cultured after enrichment in a selective medium and then assayed by culture and PCR methods. RESULTS: The culture and PCR methods yielded detection rates of vaginal/perianal GBS colonization of 22.5% and 26%, respectively (sensitivity 100%; specificity 95.6%; positive and negative predictive values 86.8% and 100%, respectively). A higher prevalence of GBS colonization was detected in the combined vaginal and perianal samples by both culture and PCR assay analyses. CONCLUSIONS: PCR is a faster and more efficient method for GBS screening, allowing for optimal identification of women who should receive intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent newborn infection.

Chlamydia trachomatis infection in young pregnant women in Southern Brazil: a cross-sectional study / Infecção por Chlamydia trachomatis em gestantes jovens no Sul do Brasil: um estudo transversal / Infección por Chlamydia trachomatis en gestantes jóvenes en el sur de Brasil: un estudio transversal

Abstract: This study estimated the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection during pregnancy in a sample of women up to 29 years of age in the city of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, and investigated socio-demographic risk factors such as maternal age, marital status, maternal schooling, and family income. C. trachomatis infection was diagnosed with PCR using BD ProbeTecTM CT/GC Amplified DNA Assay. Socio-demographic, behavioral, and reproductive data were collected using structured questionnaires. All collections were performed by previously trained medical students. The study included a stratified probabilistic sample from four maternity hospitals in the city. The sample included 562 pregnant women, and prevalence of C. trachomatis infection was 12.3% (95%CI: 9.6-15.0). No significant association was identified between C. trachomatis infection and any of the target variables, including obstetric outcomes such as history of preterm delivery. Our findings in terms of low treatment adherence, only 43% of the women and 9.7% of partners, associated with high C. trachomatis prevalence, reinforce the need to implement routine screening for C. trachomatis during prenatal care. The attempt to diagnose and treat this infection after delivery, as in this study, limits the possibility of success.

Resumo: Este estudo estimou a prevalência de Chlamydia trachomatis durante a gestação entre mulheres de até 29 anos e investigou fatores de risco sociodemográficos, como idade materna, estado civil, escolaridade materna e renda familiar, para a infecção na cidade de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Infecção por C. trachomatis foi diagnosticada por PCR utilizando BD ProbeTecTM CT/GC Amplified DNA Assay system. Dados sociodemográficos, comportamentais e reprodutivos foram coletados através de questionários estruturados. Todas as coletas foram realizadas por estudantes de medicina treinados. Amostra probabilística estratificada de quatro maternidades da cidade foi estudada. A amostra constou de 562 gestantes e a prevalência de infecção por C. trachomatis foi de 12,3% (IC95%: 9,6-15,0). Não foi identificada associação significativa entre infecção por C. trachomatis e as variáveis investigadas, incluindo desfechos obstétricos como parto pretermo. Nossos achados de baixa adesão ao tratamento, de apenas 43% entre as mulheres e de 9,7% entre os parceiros, associados a alta prevalência, reforçam a necessidade de implementar rastreamento de rotina para C. trachomatis durante a assistência pré-natal. A tentativa de diagnosticar e tratar esta infecção depois do parto, como feito neste estudo, limita a possibilidade de sucesso.

Resumen: Este estudio estimó la prevalencia de Chlamydia trachomatis durante la gestación, entre mujeres de hasta 29 años, e investigó factores de riesgo sociodemográficos como: edad materna, estado civil, escolaridad materna y renta familiar, para esta infección en la ciudad de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. La infección por C. trachomatis fue diagnosticada mediante PCR, utilizando BD ProbeTecTM CT/GC Amplified DNA Assay system. Los datos sociodemográficos, comportamentales y reproductivos se recogieron a través de cuestionarios estructurados. Todas las recogidas de datos se realizaron por parte de estudiantes de medicina entrenados. Se estudió la muestra probabilística estratificada de cuatro maternidades de la ciudad. La muestra constó de 562 gestantes y la prevalencia de infección por C. trachomatis fue de un 12,3% (IC95%: 9,6-15,0). No se identificó una asociación significativa entre infección por C. trachomatis y las variables investigadas, incluyendo desenlaces obstétricos como el parto pretérmino. Nuestros hallazgos de baja adhesión al tratamiento, solamente un 43% entre las mujeres y un 9,7% entre los compañeros, asociados a la alta prevalencia, refuerzan la necesidad de implementar una exploración de rutina para C. trachomatis durante la asistencia prenatal. La tentativa de diagnosticar y tratar esta infección después del parto, como se realizó en este estudio, limita la posibilidad de éxito.

Recommendations of the Brazilian Society of Rheumatology for diagnosis and treatment of Chikungunya fever. Part 1 - Diagnosis and special situations / Recomendações da Sociedade Brasileira de Reumatologia para diagnóstico e tratamento da febre chikungunya. Parte 1 - Diagnóstico e situações especiais

Abstract Chikungunya fever has become a relevant public health problem in countries where epidemics occur. Until 2013, only imported cases occurred in the Americas, but in October of that year, the first cases were reported in Saint Marin island in the Caribbean. The first autochthonous cases were confirmed in Brazil in September 2014; until epidemiological week 37 of 2016, 236,287 probable cases of infection with Chikungunya virus had been registered, 116,523 of which had serological confirmation. Environmental changes caused by humans, disorderly urban growth and an ever-increasing number of international travelers were described as the factors responsible for the emergence of large-scale epidemics. Clinically characterized by fever and joint pain in the acute stage, approximately half of patients progress to the chronic stage (beyond 3 months), which is accompanied by persistent and disabling pain. The aim of the present study was to formulate recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of Chikungunya fever in Brazil. A literature review was performed in the MEDLINE, SciELO and PubMed databases to ground the decisions for recommendations. The degree of concordance among experts was established through the Delphi method, involving 2 in-person meetings and several online voting rounds. In total, 25 recommendations were formulated and divided into 3 thematic groups: (1) clinical, laboratory and imaging diagnosis; (2) special situations; and (3) treatment. The first 2 themes are presented in part 1, and treatment is presented in part 2.

Resumo A febre chikungunya tem se tornado um importante problema de saúde pública nos países onde ocorrem as epidemias. Até 2013, as Américas haviam registrado apenas casos importados quando, em outubro desse mesmo ano, foram notificados os primeiros casos na Ilha de Saint Martin, no Caribe. No Brasil, os primeiros relatos autóctones foram confirmados em setembro de 2014 e até a semana epidemiológica 37 de 2016 já haviam sido registrados 236.287 casos prováveis de infecção pelo chikungunya vírus (CHIKV), 116.523 confirmados sorologicamente. As mudanças ambientais causadas pelo homem, o crescimento urbano desordenado e o número cada vez maior de viagens internacionais têm sido apontados como os fatores responsáveis pela reemergência de epidemias em grande escala. Caracterizada clinicamente por febre e dor articular na fase aguda, em cerca de metade dos casos existe evolução para a fase crônica (além de três meses), com dor persistente e incapacitante. O objetivo deste trabalho foi elaborar recomendações para diagnóstico e tratamento da febre chikungunya no Brasil. Para isso, foi feita revisão da literatura nas bases de dados Medline, SciELO e PubMed, para dar apoio às decisões tomadas para definir as recomendações. Para a definição do grau de concordância foi feita uma metodologia Delphi, em duas reuniões presenciais e várias rodadas de votação on line. Foram geradas 25 recomendações, divididas em três grupos temáticos: (1) diagnóstico clínico, laboratorial e por imagem; (2) situações especiais e (3) tratamento. Na primeira parte estão os dois primeiros temas e o tratamento na segunda.

Public health services and their relationship with rapid HIV test utilization and access for key populations in Morelos, Mexico / La organización de los servicios de salud y su relación con la utilización y acceso a las pruebas rápidas para la detección del VIH en las poblaciones clave en Morelos, México

Objective. In 2009, 4 749 rapid HIV tests were run in Morelos, Mexico, despite lacking evidence on their results. This article seeks to analyze how public health organization relates to utility of rapid HIV test among healthcare users. Materials and methods. Joint study: comparison of differences in applied test and positive results for each group with the Bonferroni statistical tool, observational study in 34 health subsystems, and 11 interviews with public healthcare users. Results. Each subsystem processes influenced the use and usefulness of screening; for instance, primary care centers test only pregnant women and exclude men who have sex with men (MSM). That group shows significant differences (p<0.007) in the HIV-positive test with respect to other groups. Conclusions. Despite the availability of rapid detection tests and epidemiological evidence, the way public health services are organized impedes an efficient diagnosis in the group with higher risk, namely MSM. The distribution of rapid HIV tests was guided by stigmatization.

Objetivo. En 2009, 4 749 pruebas rápidas de detección de VIH fueron aplicadas en Morelos, México, sin evidencias de resultados. Se hace necesario analizar la distribución de estas pruebas y las consecuencias que la organización de los servicios de salud tuvo para el diagnóstico del VIH en las poblaciones clave. Material y métodos. Estudio mixto: comparación de diferencias en pruebas aplicadas y casos diagnosticados en grupos mediante la técnica de Bonferroni, observaciones en 34 subsistemas de salud y 11 entrevistas a usuarios. Resultados. Los procesos de cada subsistema incidieron en la utilización y utilidad del tamizaje: se focalizó en mujeres embarazadas y se excluyó a grupos en mayor riesgo (p<0.007) en hombres que tienen sexo con otros hombres (HSH). Conclusiones. A pesar de la disponibilidad de las pruebas y de información epidemiológica, la organización de los servicios impidió una mayor captación de HSH. La estigmatización influyó en las formas de distribuirlas.

Reproducibilidad de pruebas serológicas para el diagnóstico de infección por Trypanosoma cruzi en mujeres embarazadas de una zona endémica de Santander, Colombia / Reproducibility of serological tests for the diagnosis of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in pregnant women in an endemic area of Santander, Colombia

Introducción. El diagnóstico de infección por Trypanosoma cruzi en fase crónica se hace por medio de pruebas serológicas cuya reproducibilidad no está muy documentada. Objetivo. Evaluar la reproducibilidad de las pruebas serológicas ELISA, IFI y HAI para el diagnóstico de infección por T. cruzi en mujeres embarazadas de una zona endémica de Santander. Materiales y métodos. Mediante la evaluación de la tecnología diagnóstica se determinó la reproducibilidad de las pruebas serológicas ELISA, IFI y HAI en muestras de suero y elución sanguínea, seleccionadas mediante muestreo de corte transversal y pertenecientes a mujeres embarazadas de una zona endémica para enfermedad de Chagas en Santander. Se usó el software Stata, versión 10.0, para los análisis estadísticos. La prueba con la mejor reproducibilidad se determinó por medio de la comparación de los índices kappa más altos de cada técnica. Resultados. Se evaluaron 777 sueros y elución sanguíneas. En suero, la prueba ELISA (punto de corte=0,3), la IFI (punto de corte=1/32) y la HAI (punto de corte=1/16) presentaron índices kappa mayores de 0,8 (0,98, IC 95% : 0,93-1,00; 0,98, IC 95% : 0,92-1,00 y 0,88, IC 95% : 0,74-0,97, respectivamente); no se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre las tres pruebas evaluadas (p>0,05). Para la elución sanguínea, el índice kappa estuvo por debajo de 0,8 (valor kappa más alto: 0,55, IC 95% : 0,41-0,68). Conclusiones. Las tres pruebas serológicas presentaron reproducibilidad perfecta en suero, determinada mediante el índice kappa, por lo que cualquiera de ellas sería útil para establecer el diagnóstico de infección por T. cruzi . Por su simplicidad y su costo, la prueba ELISA se recomienda como prueba de elección para los programas de tamización de esta infección.

Introduction: The diagnosis of chronic Trypanosoma cruzi infection is supported by serological tests whose reproducibility has not been well documented. Objective: To evaluate the reproducibility of the serological tests ELISA, IFAT and IHAT for the diagnosis of T. cruzi infection in pregnant women in an endemic zone in Santander. Materials and methods: Through an evaluation study of diagnostic technologies, the reproducibility of the serological tests ELISA, IFAT and IHAT was determined in serum and eluted blood from pregnant women living in an endemic area for Chagas´ disease in Santander. The samples were selected by cross sectional sampling. The software Stata ™ version 10.0 was used for statistical analysis. By means of the comparison of the highest kappa coefficient of each technique, the test with the best reproducibility was determined. Results: A total of 777 samples were tested. In serum, ELISA (cutoff point: 0.3), IFAT (cutoff point: 1/32) and IHAT (cutoff point: 1/16) had kappa coefficients greater than 0.8 (0.98, 95% CI: 0.93-1.00; 0.98, 95% CI: 0.92-1.00 and 0.88, 95% CI: 0.74-0.97, respectively); no statistically significant differences among the three tests were found (p> 0.05). For the blood eluates, kappa coefficients were below 0.8 (highest kappa: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.41-0.68). Conclusions: For the three serological tests using serum, the reproducibility determined by the kappa coefficient was perfect. Selecting any of them is useful for the diagnosis of T. cruzi infection. Given its simplicity and cost, the ELISA test is recommended for screening for this infection.

Analysis of the detection coefficient for the association between leprosy and pregnancy in the integration region of Carajas, State of Para, Brazil

Introduction The association between leprosy and pregnancy is currently poorly understood and has been linked to serious clinical consequences. Methods A retrospective study between 2007 and 2009 was performed in the integration region of Carajás, Brazil on a population of pregnant lepers, with non-lepers of ages 12-49 years serving as the reference population. Results Twenty-nine pregnant lepers were studied during the study period. The detection rates (DRs) for the studied association were 4.7 in 2007, 9.4 in 2008, and 4.3 in 2009. Conclusions The Carajás region presented a medium pattern of endemicity during most of the study period, with a high DR found in 2008. .

Syphilis and HIV-1 among parturient women in Salvador, Brazil: low prevalence of syphilis and high rate of loss to follow-up in HIV-infected women

BACKGROUND: The occurrence of syphilis and HIV-1 infections during pregnancy are major risks to the fetus due to mother-to-child transmission (MTCT). OBJECTIVES: To determine peripartum seroprevalence and risk factors of syphilis and HIV-1 infection among pregnant women in Salvador, Brazil, and the rate of HIV-1 MTCT. METHODS:Cross-sectional study of pregnant women who were admitted for delivery in a reference maternity hospital between May 2008 and March 2009 was conducted. Women were screened for HIV-1 infection and syphilis, and interviewed regarding demographic, behavioral and obstetric data. Newborns to HIV-infected mothers were tested by b-DNA and DNA-PCR to detect HIV-1. RESULTS: A total 3300/8516 women were evaluated. Mean age was 25.8 ± 7.3 years. HIV-1 and syphilis seroprevalence rates were 0.84% (28/3300) and 0.51% (17/3300), respectively. HIV-1 infection was associated with: low education (p = 0.04), having a partner with known HIV infection (p < 0.0001) or with previous sexually transmitted infection (p < 0.0001), blood transfusion (p = 0.003), or accidental exposure to blood (p = 0.003). Syphilis was associated with being Caucasian (p = 0.02), having no steady partner (p = 0.02), being a housewife (p = 0.01), having an intravenous drug user (IVDU) sexual partner (p = 0.04) or a sexual partner with previous STI (p < 0.001). Higher education (p = 0.04) was protective against HIV-infection. Attending a prenatal care program was protective against syphilis (p = 0.008) and HIV-1 (p = 0.02). No case of HIV-1 MTCT was detected, but 25% of children born to HIV-infected mothers were lost to follow up. CONCLUSIONS: In Salvador, peripartum prevalence of syphilis and HIV-1 infection among pregnant women were low, and associated with classic risk factors for both infections. The great proportion of very late diagnosis of HIV infection, and the high rate of loss of follow-up among positive mothers and their infants are of high concern.

Prevalence of hepatitis B among pregnant women assisted at the public maternity hospitals of São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil

INTRODUCTION: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is an important worldwide public health problem. In Brazil, the Ministry of Health estimates that 15% of the population has had contact with HBV, and that the mean rate of chronic carriers in Northeastern Brazil is around 0.5%. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of HBV markers in pregnant women receiving prenatal care at the public maternity hospitals of São Luís. Methods: Demographical and epidemiological data were collected from 541 pregnant women according to the research protocol. Blood samples were collected, and the anti-HBc test was performed first. If positive, the sample was subsequently tested for HBsAg and anti-HBs. All HBsAg and/or anti-HBc positive samples were additionally tested for HBV-DNA. RESULTS: 40 (7.4%) pregnant women turned out positive for anti-HBc. Of those, five (0.9%) were HBsAg positive, four (0.7%) were anti-HBc positive with negative HBsAg and anti-HBs, and 31 (5.7%) were positive for anti-HBc and anti-HBs. Anti-HBc positivity was associated with family history of hepatitis and education level below 11 years of schooling. HBV-DNA was positive in only one HBsAg-positive sample. There was no HBV-DNA positivity among HBsAg negative samples. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of HBsAg in pregnant women in this study confirmed that São Luís is a low endemicity area. Occult hepatitis B was not detected in these samples.

Sífilis em parturientes: aspectos relacionados ao parceiro sexual / Syphilis in parturients: aspects related to the sex partner

OBJETIVOS: Analisar o perfil sociodemográfico e comportamental dos parceiros sexuais, a proporção daqueles inadequadamente tratados e os motivos da não realização do tratamento. MÉTODOS: Estudo quantitativo cuja coleta de dados ocorreu de maio a outubro de 2008, em cinco maternidades públicas de Fortaleza, Ceará. Foram aplicados questionários às parturientes internadas com sífilis que informaram ter parceiro sexual fixo. Foram analisadas as variáveis sociodemográficas e as relacionadas à comunicação, diagnóstico e tratamento dos parceiros sexuais. Os dados foram digitados no programa Statistical Package for the Social Sciences e foram analisados por meio de distribuições de frequências, de medidas de tendência central e de dispersão. RESULTADOS: Participaram do estudo 56 parturientes. Os parceiros sexuais tinham média de idade de 29 anos, menos de 7 anos de estudo (50%), atividade laboral (82,1%), renda familiar inferior a 1 salário-mínimo (6,4%). Eram o pai da criança 92,9 e 69,6% moravam com a parturiente. Faziam uso de álcool e drogas 50 e 12%, respectivamente. Foram comunicados do diagnóstico 75,0% parceiros, a comunicação foi feita pela própria mulher em 78,6% casos e ficaram sabendo do resultado do exame de VDRL antes ou durante o pré-natal, 59,5%. Não revelaram o diagnóstico 25,0% mulheres e os motivos alegados foram: desconhecer a importância do tratamento do parceiro (50,0%), não ter estado com este parceiro após o diagnóstico (42,9%) e estar brigada (7,1%). Dos que souberam do diagnóstico antes ou durante o pré-natal, 56,0% foram tratados e 6 (42,8%) foram considerados adequadamente tratados. Dentre os que não receberam tratamento, 63,6% se recusaram por não se sentir doentes, não acreditar no tratamento e medo de injeção. CONCLUSÕES: Os parceiros são comunicados do diagnóstico de sífilis da gestante; entretanto, poucos são adequadamente tratados.

PURPOSES: To analyze the sociodemographic and behavioral profile of sex partners, the proportion of those inadequately treated as well as to verify how many of them were inadequately treated and why some were not treated. METHODS: Quantitative study with data collected from May to October, 2008 at five public maternities in Fortaleza, Ceará. A survey was carried out with parturients who were hospitalized with syphilis and had a stable sex partner. We analyzed sociodemographic variables and those related to communication, diagnosis and treatment of sex partners. The data were entered into the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences and were analyzed using frequency distributions, measures of central tendency and dispersion. RESULTS: The study included 56 pregnant women. Most sexual partners were young adults aged on average 29 years, 50% of them had studied for less than seven years, 82.1 worked and 46.4% had a family income of less than a minimum wage. Of all the partners, 92.9% were the child's father and 69.6% lived with the women. Fifty percent and 12% were alcohol and drug users, respectively. Most partners (75.0%) were told about the diagnosis by the women, and in 78.6% of cases they were aware of the VDRL result before or during the prenatal period. However, 25.0% of the women did not communicate the result to their partners for the following reasons: not knowing the importance of the partner's treatment (50.0%), not being together after the diagnosis (42.9%) and having a quarrel (7.1%). Of the partners who were informed about the result before or during the prenatal period, 56.0% were treated and six (42.8%) were considered to have been properly treated. Among the ones who did not receive treatment, 63.6% refused it because they did not feel sick, because they did not believe in the treatment and because they were afraid of injections. CONCLUSIONS: Partners are told about the syphilis diagnosis of the pregnant women; however, only a few are properly treated.

High prevalence of HTLV-1 and 2 viruses in pregnant women in São Luis, state of Maranhão, Brazil / Alta prevalência dos vírus HTLV-1 e 2 em gestantes de São Luis, estado do Maranhão, Brasil

INTRODUCTION: Human T cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is endemic in the Caribbean, Japan, South America and regions of Africa. HTLV-2 is present in Native American populations and associated with IV drug use in Europe and North America. In Brazil, it is estimated that 1.5 million people are infected with HTLV-1/2. The study objective was to determine HTLV-1/2 prevalence in pregnant women in the prenatal care from three public services in São Luis, State of Maranhão, Brazil, and to counsel seropositive women to reduce viral transmission. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to December 2008; women with age of 18 to 45 years, with low risk for sexually transmitted disease (STD) were invited to participate. Blood samples were collected in filter paper, and HTLV-1/2 immunoenzymatic test (ELISA) was performed as a screening test. Women with reactive results were submitted to peripheral venous blood collection for ELISA repetition, followed by Western blot (WB) and real-time PCR to confirm and discriminate the infection between virus types 1 and 2. RESULTS: Of the 2,044 women tested, seven (0.3%) were ELISA reactive and confirmed positive (four were HTLV-1, and three were HTLV-2). All positive women were oriented not to breastfeed their newborns. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that the virus is present in high prevalence in that population. Further studies covering other segments of the population are necessary to better characterize the presence of HTLV-1/2 in Maranhão and to elicit measures to prevent its spread.

INTRODUÇÃO: O vírus linfotrópico de células T humanas tipo 1 (HTLV-1) é endêmico no Caribe, Japão, América do sul e regiões da África. O HTLV-2 está presente em populações indígenas das Américas e usuários de drogas injetáveis na Europa e América do Norte. No Brasil, estimase que 1,5 milhões de pessoas estejam infectadas pelo HTLV-1/2. O objetivo deste estudo foi de determinar a prevalência do HTLV-1/2 em gestantes atendidas no pré-natal de três serviços públicos em São Luis, Maranhão, e orientar as mulheres soropositivas para reduzir a transmissão viral. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um estudo transversal, de fevereiro a dezembro de 2008, com gestantes de 18 a 45 anos, com baixo risco de doença sexualmente transmissível (DST). Amostras de sangue foram coletadas em papel filtro e submetidas à técnica de ensaio imunoenzimático (ELISA) como teste de triagem para HTLV-1/2. As gestantes com resultado ELISA reativo foram submetidas à coleta de sangue venoso periférico para repetição do ELISA, seguido por WB e PCR em tempo real para confirmar e discriminar a infecção pelos tipos virais. RESULTADOS: Das 2.044 mulheres examinadas, sete (0.3%)tiveram resultados reativos e foram confirmadas soropositivas (quatro para HTLV-1 e três para HTLV-2). Todas as sete gestantes foram orientadas a não dar leite materno aos filhos. CONCLUSÕES: Este estudo mostrou que o HTLV-1/2 está presente em alta prevalência na população das mulheres grávidas estudadas. São necessários outros estudos contemplando diferentes segmentos populacionais para caracterizar a presença do HTLV-1/2 no Maranhão, e permitirmedidas preventivas contra a disseminação viral.