Caracterización de los pacientes con tuberculosis ingresados en Hospital Regional de Malabo / Characterization of the patients with tuberculosis admitted in the Regional Hospital of Malabo

RESUMEN Introducción: hace más de un siglo, Robert Koch identificó el microorganismo que causa la tuberculosis en el hombre, el Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Sin embargo, aún constituye un grave problema epidemiológico a nivel mundial. Se presentó un estudio realizado en los pacientes ingresados en el Servicio de Infeccioso del Hospital Regional de Malabo. Objetivo: caracterizar los pacientes con tuberculosis ingresados en la primera fase de tratamiento antituberculoso. Materiales y métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo de los pacientes ingresados en el Servicio de Tratamiento de Infecciosos del Hospital Regional de Malabo. Periodo correspondiente a los meses de enero a julio del 2016. El universo fue 172 pacientes con diagnóstico de tuberculosis en todas sus formas clínicas. Los datos se obtuvieron en las historias clínicas. Resultados: predominó el sexo masculino en el 57,5 % de los pacientes y el grupo etáreo de 25 a 34 años con el 33,7 %. La baciloscopia negativa representó el 67,9 % de los casos y el estado nutricional más frecuente fue el bajo peso con 50,09 %. La tuberculosis en su forma pulmonar predominó en el 95,9 % de los pacientes. El 65,6 % de los pacientes fueron VIH negativos. La mejoría clínico radiológica al terminar el tratamiento fue de un 87,7 %. Conclusiones: el 57,5 % de los pacientes fueron masculinos entre 25 y 34 años de edad. Predominó la Baciloscopia negativa y la tuberculosis en su forma pulmonar. La mejoría clínica radiológica fue superior al terminar el tratamiento (AU).

ABSTRACT Introduction: More than a century ago, Robert Koch identified the microorganism causing tuberculosis in people: Mycobacterium tuberculosis. But it is still a serious epidemiologic problem around the world. The authors presented a study carried out in patients admitted in the Infectious Service of the Regional Hospital of Malabo. Objective: to characterize the patients with tuberculosis admitted in the first stage of the anti-tuberculosis treatment. Materials and methods: a descriptive, retrospective study was carried out on the patients who were admitted in the Infectious Service of the Regional Hospital of Malabo in the period from January to July 2016. The universe were 172 patients with diagnosis of tuberculosis in all its clinical forms. Data were gathered from the clinical records. Results: male sex predominated in 57.5 % of the patients as it also did the 25-34 years-old age group with 33.7 %. Negative sputum smear represented 67.9 % of the cases and the most frequent nutritional status was the low weight with 50.9 %. Tuberculosis in its pulmonary form predominated in 95.9 % of the patients. 65.6 % of the patients were HIV negative. The clinical radiological improvement at the end of the treatment was 87.7 %. Conclusions: 57.5 % of the patients were male aged 25-34 years old. Negative sputum smear and the pulmonary form of tuberculosis predominated. The clinical radiological improvement was higher at the end of the treatment (AU).

Vulnerabilidade a formas graves de COVID-19: uma análise intramunicipal na cidade do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil / Vulnerabilidad socioespacial y formas graves de COVID-19: un análisis intramunicipal en la ciudad de Río de Janeiro, Brasil / Vulnerability to severe forms of COVID-19: an intra-municipal analysis in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Diante da pandemia de COVID-19 e da escassez de ferramentas para orientar as ações de vigilância, controle e assistência de pessoas infectadas, o presente artigo tem por objetivo evidenciar áreas de maior vulnerabilidade aos casos graves da doença na cidade do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, caracterizada por grande heterogeneidade socioespacial. Para o estabelecimento dessas áreas foi elaborado um índice de vulnerabilidade aos casos graves de COVID-19 com base na construção, ponderação e integração de três planos de informação: a densidade intradomiciliar média, a densidade de pessoas com 60 anos ou mais (ambas por setor censitário) e a incidência de tuberculose por bairros no ano de 2018. Os dados referentes à densidade intradomiciliar e de pessoas com 60 anos ou mais provêm do Censo Demográfico de 2010 e os de incidência de tuberculose do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN). A ponderação dos indicadores que compuseram o índice foi realizada por meio da Análise Hierárquica de Processos (AHP), e os planos de informação foram integrados pela Combinação Linear Ponderada por álgebra de mapas. A espacialização do índice de vulnerabilidade aos casos graves na cidade do Rio de Janeiro evidencia a existência de áreas mais vulneráveis em diferentes porções do território, refletindo a sua complexidade urbana. Contudo, é possível observar que as áreas de maior vulnerabilidade estão nas regiões Norte e Oeste da cidade e em comunidades carentes encrustadas nas áreas nobres como as zonas Sul e Oeste. A compreensão dessas condições de vulnerabilidade pode auxiliar no desenvolvimento de estratégias de monitoramento da evolução da doença, bem como para o direcionamento das ações de prevenção e promoção da saúde.

Ante la pandemia de COVID-19, y la escasez de instrumentos para orientar las acciones de vigilancia, control y asistencia a las personas infectadas, el objetivo de este artículo persigue resaltar las áreas de mayor vulnerabilidad, donde se producen los casos graves de la enfermedad en la ciudad de Río de Janeiro, Brasil, caracterizada por una gran heterogeneidad socioespacial. Para el establecimiento de esas áreas se elaboró un índice de vulnerabilidad con los casos graves de COVID-19, a partir de la creación, ponderación e integración de tres planos de información: el de densidad intradomiciliaria media, el de densidad de personas con 60 años o más (ambas por sector de censo), y la incidencia de tuberculosis por barrios en el año 2018. Los datos referentes a la densidad intradomiciliaria y de personas con 60 años o más proceden del Censo Demográfico de 2010 y los de incidencia de tuberculosis del Sistema de Información para Enfermedades de Notificación (SINAN). La ponderación de los indicadores que formaron parte del índice se realizó mediante el Proceso Analítico Jerárquico (AHP por sus siglas en inglés) y los planos de información se integraron a través de la Combinación Lineal Ponderada por álgebra de mapas. La espacialización del índice de vulnerabilidad en lo que se refiere a los casos graves, en la ciudad de Río de Janeiro, pone en evidencia la existencia de áreas más vulnerables en diferentes áreas del territorio, reflejando su complejidad urbana. Por ello, es posible observar que las áreas de mayor vulnerabilidad se encuentran en las Regiones Norte y Oeste de la ciudad, así como en comunidades sin recursos insertadas en áreas pudientes como las Zonas Sur y Oeste. La comprensión de estas condiciones de vulnerabilidad puede apoyar el desarrollo de estrategias de supervisión de la evolución de la enfermedad, así como la dirección de acciones de prevención y promoción de la salud.

Given the characteristics of the COVID-19 pandemic and the limited tools for orienting interventions in surveillance, control, and clinical care, the current article aims to identify areas with greater vulnerability to severe cases of the disease in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, a city characterized by huge social and spatial heterogeneity. In order to identify these areas, the authors prepared an index of vulnerability to severe cases of COVID-19 based on the construction, weighting, and integration of three levels of information: mean number of residents per household and density of persons 60 years or older (both per census tract) and neighborhood tuberculosis incidence rate in the year 2018. The data on residents per household and density of persons 60 years or older were obtained from the 2010 Population Census, and data on tuberculosis incidence were taken from the Brazilian Information System for Notificable Diseases (SINAN). Weighting of the indicators comprising the index used analytic hierarchy process (AHP), and the levels of information were integrated via weighted linear combination with map algebra. Spatialization of the index of vulnerability to severe COVID-19 in the city of Rio de Janeiro reveals the existence of more vulnerable areas in different parts of the city's territory, reflecting its urban complexity. The areas with greatest vulnerability are located in the North and West Zones of the city and in poor neighborhoods nested within upper-income parts of the South and West Zones. Understanding these conditions of vulnerability can facilitate the development of strategies to monitor the evolution of COVID-19 and orient measures for prevention and health promotion.

How can new technologies help reduce absenteeism in pediatric consultation? / Como as novas tecnologias podem auxiliar na redução do absenteísmo em consulta pediátrica?

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify the most effective form of contact, as a possible intervention to reduce absenteeism in consultations of children with suspected or confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis. Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted with prospective data collection, between March 2017 and February 2018. Patients were randomized into three groups to be reminded about the appointment: telephone contact, SMS or WhatsApp, or no intervention. A convenience sample was obtained, with a significance level of 5%. Results: 78 children were included, with a median age of four years old (zero to 14); 59.0% of them were in treatment for a latent infection and 6.4% had active tuberculosis. Among the 78 children, 74.4% lived in Curitiba (Sourhern Brazil); 62.8% lived with both parents; 38.5% of the parents had formal employment and 47.4% of the mothers were housewives; 50.8% of the fathers and 55.7% of the mothers had more than nine years of schooling. In 78.2% of the families, per capita income was up to 0.5 minimum wages; 27.3% were enrolled in social programs; 28.2% lived in homes provided by the government. There was a total of 238 interventions made: 85 (35.7%) by telephone contact, 78 (32.8%) by text message (WhatsApp was 97.2% of these) and 75 (31.5%) had no further contact. There was no statistical difference among the sociodemographic and cultural characteristics studied. The absenteeism rate was 24.0% and the abandonment rate was 16.7%. Giving a reminder to the patient's guardian prior to the consultation, regardless of the intervention (p=0.021) and specifically by WhatsApp message (p=0.032) was associated with no absenteeism, though it was not associated with abandonment of the treatment. Conclusions: Using new tools, such as WhatsApp, to remind guardians of appointments reduces absenteeism. Consequently, it may lead to a reduction in abandoning treatment and it may improvetreatment outcome of children with a tuberculosis infection or disease.

RESUMO Objetivo: Identificar a forma mais efetiva de contato, como possibilidade de intervenção, para diminuir o absenteísmo em consultas de crianças com suspeita ou com tuberculose pulmonar. Métodos: Ensaio clínico randomizado com coleta de dados prospectiva, entre março de 2017 e fevereiro de 2018. Os pacientes foram aleatorizados em três grupos para relembrar a consulta: contato telefônico; mensagens curtas (SMS) ou WhatsApp; e nenhuma intervenção. Amostra de conveniência, com nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: Incluídas 78 crianças, mediana de idade quatro anos (zero a 14); 59,0% em tratamento para infecção latente e 6,4% com tuberculose ativa; 74,4% moravam em Curitiba, Paraná; 62,8% residiam com ambos os pais; 38,5% dos pais possuíam emprego formal e 47,4% das mães eram do lar; 50,8% dos pais e 55,7% das mães possuíam mais de nove anos de estudo; em 78,2% das famílias a renda per capita foi de até 0,5 salário mínimo; 27,3% estavam inscritas em programas sociais; e 28,2% residiam em casa cedida. Foram 238 intervenções: 85 (35,7%) por contato telefônico, 78 (32,8%) por mensagem de texto (WhatsApp 97,2%) e 75 (31,5%) sem nenhum contato adicional. Nas características sociodemográficas e culturais estudadas não houve diferença estatística. O absenteísmo foi de 24,0% e o abandono, de 16,7%. Lembrar o responsável previamente à consulta, independente da intervenção (p=0,021) e especificamente por mensagem por WhatsApp (p=0,032) foi associado ao não absenteísmo, porém não associado ao abandono. Conclusões: O uso de novas ferramentas, como o aplicativo WhatsApp, pode reduzir o absenteísmo, diminuir a possibilidade de abandono no seguimento e melhorar o desfecho do tratamento de crianças com tuberculose, seja a infecção ou a doença.

Prevalence of depression among patients with presumptive pulmonary tuberculosis in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of major depressive episode (MDE) in patients with presumptive pulmonary tuberculosis (pre-PTB, defined by cough lasting ≥ 3 weeks) and compare it between patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and without PTB. Methods: Patients with pre-PTB (n=260) were screened for depression using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Those individuals with scores ≥ 10 were subsequently assessed with the depression module of the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI-Plus) to confirm diagnosis. Associations of categorical variables with PTB and MDE were calculated using the chi-square test and OR. Results: PTB was confirmed in 98 patients (37.7%). A high proportion of both groups (active PTB and no PTB) screened positive for depression (60.2 vs. 62.1%, respectively). Among 159 patients who screened positive for depression, a subset of 97 (61.0%) were further evaluated with the MINI-Plus; current MDE was confirmed in 54.6% (53/97). On univariate and multivariate analysis, female sex was the only factor associated with the diagnosis of current MDE (p = 0.04). Conclusion: The prevalence of MDE was high among individuals with prolonged respiratory symptoms, independent of PTB diagnosis. This is consistent with other studies of depression in primary care in Brazil.

Genotipificación de aislamientos del complejo Mycobacterium tuberculosis mediante MIRU-VNTR, Cali, Colombia, 2013-2015 / MIRU-VNTR genotyping of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in a population of patients in Cali, Colombia, 2013-2015

Resumen Introducción. La tuberculosis continúa siendo uno de los problemas de salud más importantes a nivel mundial y, con la infección por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (HIV), constituye la principal causa de muerte por infecciones. En el 2016, se notificaron 6,3 millones de casos nuevos de la enfermedad. Objetivo. Describir los patrones genéticos determinados mediante la genotipificación del número variable de repeticiones en tándem de unidades repetitivas interespaciadas de micobacterias (Mycobacterial Interspersed Repetitive Units - Variable Number of Tandem Repeats, MIRU-VNTR) en la población de estudio y compararlos con los hallados en otros estudios locales e internacionales. Materiales y métodos. Mediante MIRU-VNTR, entre el 2013 y el 2015 se hizo la genotipificación de 105 muestras de ADN extraídas del esputo o de aislamientos en cultivo de M. tuberculosis provenientes de pacientes residentes en Cali con diagnóstico de tuberculosis pulmonar. La amplificación de 24 loci MIRU-VNTR se hizo por medio de la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR). Los amplicones resultantes se visualizaron por electroforesis en geles de agarosa (2 %) teñidos con SYBR Safe™. La asignación de los alelos se hizo con un análisis gráfico con el programa GelAnalyzer 2010. Los resultados obtenidos se analizaron con el algoritmo UPGMA y se compararon con las bases de datos internacionales MIRU-VNTRplus y SITVITWEB. Resultados. Se genotipificaron por completo 62 de las muestras y se obtuvieron 58 perfiles diferentes de MIRU-VNTR. Al comparar con las bases de datos internacionales, su distribución por linajes fue la siguiente: 54,8 % para el LAM, 25,8 % para el Haarlem, 14,5 % para el S, 3,2 % para el Beijing y 1,6 % para el Cameroon. Los patrones MIRU-VNTR correspondieron a 20 tipos internacionales de MIRU (MIRU International Types, MIT) diferentes, y los más frecuentes fueron el MIT 190 y el MIT 110, con 22,6 y 6,5 %, respectivamente. Conclusión. Estos resultados confirmaron hallazgos previos sobre el predominio de los linajes LAM y Haarlem en la ciudad y la presencia de los MIT encontrados en otra ciudad de Colombia.

Abstract Introduction: Tuberculosis continues to be one of the main public health problems in the world. Together with the HIV infection, it is one of the main causes of death due to infections worldwide. In 2016, 6.3 million new cases of the disease were reported. Objective: To describe the genetic patterns determined by genotyping using variable-number tandem repeats of mycobacterial interspersed repetitive units (MIRU-VNTR) in the study population and compare them with other studies carried out in Cali, Colombia, and the world. Materials and methods: We genotyped a total of 105 DNA samples extracted from sputum or culture isolates of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, which were obtained from pulmonary tuberculosis diagnosed patients over the period 2013-2015, in Cali. We performed PCR amplification of 24 loci by MIRU-VNTR on the DNA extracted from the samples. The amplicons were visualized in agarose gel electrophoresis (2%) with SYBR Safe™ staining. Then, the alleles were designated by graphical analysis using the GelAnalyzer 2010 software. These results were analyzed using the UPGMA logarithm and compared with the registers from the MIRU-VNTR plus and SITVITWEB databases. Results: We genotyped 62 of the samples completely and we obtained 58 different MIRU-VNTR profiles. By comparing with the international databases, we determined the following distributions per lineage: LAM, 54.8%; Haarlem,25.8%; S, 14.5%; Beijing, 3.2%, and Cameroon, 1.6%. The MIRU-VNTR patterns corresponded to 17 different MITs; the most frequent were MIT 190 and MIT 110, with 22.6% and 6.5%, respectively. Conclusions: These results demonstrated previous observations about the predominance of the LAM and Haarlem lineages in the city, and the presence of the MITs found in another city of Colombia.

Social determinants of pulmonary tuberculosis in Argentina / Determinantes sociais da tuberculose pulmonar na Argentina

ABSTRACT: Background: In Argentina, approximately 9,000 new cases of tuberculosis (TB) are recorded every year, representing an incidence rate of 22 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. There are no reported studies in Argentina examining the factors that influence the unequal distribution of the disease. The aim of the study was to identify the relationship between the distribution of social and economic factors and TB in Argentina between 2008 and 2012. Method: An ecologic study involving 525 departmental jurisdictions was conducted. Simple linear regression analysis was performed, followed by multiple linear regression for each group of determinants. A final model of determinants of TB's incidence was constructed from a model of multiple linear regression. Results: The following determinants explain 43% of the variability of TB's incidence rate among different jurisdictions: overcrowding, proportion of households with a sewage network, proportion of examined patients with respiratory symptoms and proportion of patients who discontinued treatment. Discussion: This study makes an important contribution to a better understanding of the factors influencing the TB occurrence in Argentina, which is the result of a multidimensional and complex process. Thesefactors make part of this disease's social determination. Conclusion: TB incidence is associated with different determinants, from multiple levels. Inequalities in its distribution in Argentina are driven by the unequal distribution of key social determinants.

RESUMO: Introdução: Aproximadamente 9 mil novos casos de tuberculose (TB) por ano são registrados na Argentina, representando uma taxa de incidência de 22 casos por 100 mil habitantes. Não há estudos publicados que avaliaram os fatores que influenciam a distribuição desigual da doença na Argentina. O objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar a relação entre a distribuição dos fatores sociais e econômicos e da tuberculose na Argentina entre 2008 e 2012. Método: Foi realizado um estudo ecológico envolvendo 525 departamentos. Na análise procedeu-se uma regressão linear simples, seguida de regressão linear múltipla para cada grupo de determinantes. Um modelo final com os determinantes da incidência de TB foi construído por meio de regressão linear múltipla. Resultados: Os seguintes determinantes explicam 43% da variabilidade da taxa de incidência de TB entre diferentes jurisdições: aglomeração intradomiciliar, proporção de domicílios com rede de esgoto, proporção de pacientes examinados com sintomas respiratórios e proporção de pacientes com tratamento descontinuado. Discussão: Este estudo contribui de maneira importante para uma melhor compreensão dos fatores que influenciam a ocorrência da TB na Argentina, resultado de um processo multidimensional e complexo. Esses fatores fazem parte da determinação social dessa doença. Conclusão: A incidência de TB está associada a diferentes determinantes, de múltiplos níveis. A heterogeneidade na distribuição da tuberculose na Argentina deve-se, entre outros fatores, pela distribuição desigual de determinantes sociais e de acesso às ações de saúde.

Coinfecção tuberculose/HIV/aids em Porto Alegre, RS - invisibilidade e silenciamento dos grupos mais afetados / Coinfección tuberculosis/VIH/SIDA en Porto Alegre, RS/Brasil - invisibilidad y silenciamiento de los grupos más afectados / Tuberculosis/HIV/AIDS coinfection in Porto Alegre, RS/Brazil - invisibility and silencing of the most affected groups

Resumo OBJETIVO Analisar como o pertencimento a certos grupos sociais contribui para a constituição das vulnerabilidades associadas ao adoecimento pela coinfecção tuberculose/HIV/aids. METODOLOGIA Pesquisa qualitativa realizada em Porto Alegre-RS, em regiões de alta vulnerabilidade social. Foram entrevistadas 20 pessoas coinfectadas em serviços especializados de saúde, entre agosto e dezembro de 2016. A análise teve como aporte os referenciais The Sound of Silence e Vulnerabilidade e Direitos Humanos. RESULTADOS Condições socioeconômicas foram decisivas para constituição das condições de vulnerabilidade. Processos de invisibilização das pessoas e silenciamento de suas vozes, em um cenário marcado por desigualdades econômicas, raciais e de gênero contribuíam para que suas necessidades de saúde não fossem compreendidas e efetivamente levadas em consideração nas ações dos serviços. CONSIDERAÇÕES FINAIS Quanto mais efetivas forem as estratégias para legitimar as vozes e compreender as necessidades das pessoas afetadas pela coinfecção, maiores serão as chances de que as respostas programáticas para o problema sejam exitosas.

Resumen OBJETIVO Analizar cómo la pertenencia a ciertos grupos sociales contribuye a la constitución de las vulnerabilidades asociadas al padecimiento de coinfección tuberculosis/VIH/SIDA. METODOLOGÍA Investigación cualitativa realizada en Porto Alegre-RS/Brasil, en zonas de alta vulnerabilidad social. Fueron entrevistadas 20 personas coinfectadas en servicios especializados de salud, entre agosto y diciembre de 2016. Análisis con aporte de referenciales The Sound of Silence y Vulnerabilidad y Derechos Humanos. RESULTADOS Las condiciones socioeconómicas resultaron decisivas para constituir las condiciones de vulnerabilidad. Los procesos de invisibilización de las personas y el silenciamiento de sus voces contribuían a que sus necesidades de salud no fuesen comprendidas y efectivamente consideradas en las acciones de los servicios. CONSIDERACIONES FINALES Cuanto más efectivas sean las estrategias para legitimar las voces y comprender las necesidades de los afectados por la coinfección, mayores serán las posibilidades para que las respuestas programáticas al problema resulten exitosas.

Abstract OBJECTIVE To analyze how belonging to certain social groups contributes to constituting the vulnerabilities associated with illnesses due to tuberculosis/HIV/AIDS coinfection. METHODOLOGYThis is a qualitative study carried out in the city of Porto Alegre, state of Rio Grande do Sul, in regions of high social vulnerability. Twenty coinfected people were interviewed in specialized health services between August and December 2016. The analysis was based on the frameworks The Sound of Silence and Vulnerability and Human Rights. RESULTS Socioeconomic conditions were decisive for the constitution of the vulnerability conditions. Processes of people invisibilization, and the silencing of their voices, in a scenario marked by economic, racial and gender inequalities, contributed for their health needs not to be understood and effectively taken into account in the services actions. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS The more effective strategies are to legitimize voices and to understand the needs of those affected by coinfection, the greater the chances that programmatic responses to the problem will be successful.

Tuberculose entre crianças e adolescentes indígenas no Brasil: fatores associados ao óbito e ao abandono do tratamento / Tuberculosis in indigenous children and adolescents in Brazil: factors associated with death and treatment dropout / Tuberculosis entre niños y adolescentes indígenas en Brasil: factores asociados al óbito y al abandono del tratamiento

Resumo: O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever características clínicas e sociodemográficas, estimar a incidência da tuberculose (TB), além de analisar fatores associados ao abandono e ao óbito na vigência do tratamento dos casos de TB notificados entre crianças e adolescentes indígenas, no Brasil, entre 2006-2016. Realizou-se análise da série histórica de incidência, segundo faixa etária e macrorregião e utilizou-se regressão logística multinomial para elucidar fatores associados ao abandono e ao óbito. Do total de 2.096 casos notificados, 88,2% tiveram cura, 7,2% abandonaram o tratamento e 4,6% evoluíram para óbito. Houve predomínio de casos em meninos de 15-19 anos e maior proporção de óbitos (55,7%) em < 4 anos. Considerando o conjunto de crianças e adolescentes indígenas com TB no Brasil, a incidência média foi 49,1/100 mil, variando de 21,5/100 mil a 97,6/100 mil nas regiões Nordeste e Centro-oeste, respectivamente. Os casos com acompanhamento insuficiente e regular tiveram maiores chances de abandono (OR = 11,1; IC95%: 5,2-24,8/OR = 4,4; IC95%: 1,9-10,3) e óbito (OR = 20,3; IC95%: 4,9-84,9/OR = 5,1; IC95%: 1,2-22,7). Os casos em retratamento (OR = 2,4; IC95%: 2,08-8,55) e com anti-HIV positivo (OR = 8,2; IC95%: 2,2-30,9) também mostraram-se associados ao abandono. As formas clínicas extrapulmonar (OR = 1,8; IC95%: 1,1-3,3) e mista (OR = 5,6; IC95%: 2,8-11,4), os casos em < 4 anos (OR = 3,1; IC95%: 1,5-6,4) e os casos provenientes das regiões Norte (OR = 2,8; IC95%: 1,1-7,1) e Centro-oeste (OR = 2,8; IC95%: 1,1-7,0) mostraram-se associados ao óbito. Acreditamos que o controle da TB em crianças e adolescentes indígenas não poderá ser alcançado sem investimentos em pesquisa e desenvolvimento e sem a redução das desigualdades sociais.

Abstract: The study aimed to describe clinical and sociodemographic characteristics, estimate incidence, and analyze factors associated with dropout and death during treatment of TB cases reported in indigenous children and adolescents in Brazil from 2006 to 2016. A historical case series was performed on incidence according to age bracket and major geographic region, and multinomial logistic regression was used to explain factors associated with treatment dropout and death. Of the 2,096 reported cases, 88.2% evolved to cure, 7.2% dropped out of treatment, and 4.6% evolved to death. There was a predominance of cases in boys 15-19 years of age and a higher proportion of deaths (55.7%) in children < 4 years. Considering indigenous children and adolescents with TB in Brazil as a whole, mean incidence was 49.1/100,000, ranging from 21.5/100,000 to 97.6/100,000 in the Northeast and Central, respectively. Cases with insufficient and irregular follow-up showed higher odds of dropout (OR = 11.1; 95%CI: 5.2-24.8/OR = 4.4; 95%CI: 1.9-10.3) and death (OR = 20.3; 95%CI: 4.9-84.9/OR = 5.1; 95%CI: 1.2-22.7). Cases in retreatment (OR = 2.4; 95%CI: 2.08-8.55) and with HIV coinfection (OR = 8.2; 95%CI: 2.2-30.9) were also associated with dropout. Extrapulmonary (OR = 1.8; 95%CI: 1.1-3.3) and mixed clinical forms (OR = 5.6; 95%CI: 2.8-11.4), age < 4 years (OR = 3.1; 95%CI: 1.5-6.4), and cases from the North (OR = 2.8; 95%CI: 1.1-7.1) and Central (OR = 2.8; 95%CI: 1.1-7.0) were associated with death. TB control in indigenous children and adolescents cannot be achieved without investments in research and development and without reducing social inequalities.

Resumen: El objetivo de este estudio fue describir características clínicas y sociodemográficas, estimar la incidencia de la tuberculosis (TB), además de analizar factores asociados al abandono y al óbito en la vigencia del tratamiento de los casos de TB, notificados entre niños y adolescentes indígenas, en Brasil entre 2006-2016. Se realizó un análisis de la serie histórica de incidencia, según la franja de edad y macrorregión y se utilizó la regresión logística multinomial para elucidar factores asociados al abandono y al óbito. Del total de 2.096 casos notificados, un 88,2% tuvieron cura, un 7,2% abandonaron el tratamiento y un 4,6% evolucionaron hacia óbito. Hubo un predominio de casos en chicos de 15-19 años y mayor proporción de óbitos (55,7%) en < 4 años. Considerando el conjunto de niños y adolescentes indígenas con TB en Brasil, la incidencia media fue 49,1/100.000, variando de 21,5/100.000 a 97,6/100.000 en las regiones Nordeste y Centro-oeste, respectivamente. Los casos con un seguimiento insuficiente y regular tuvieron mayores oportunidades de abandono (OR = 11,1; IC95%: 5,2-24,8/OR = 4,4; IC95%: 1,9-10,3) y óbito (OR = 20,3; IC95%: 4,9-84,9/OR = 5,1; IC95%: 1,2-22,7). Los casos de retorno al tratamiento (OR = 2,4; IC95%: 2,08-8,55) y con anti-VIH positivo (OR = 8,2; IC95%: 2,2-30,9) también se mostraron asociados al abandono. Las formas clínicas extrapulmonares (OR = 1,8; IC95%: 1,1-3,3) y mixta (OR = 5,6; IC95%: 2,8-11,4), los casos en < 4 años (OR = 3,1; IC95%: 1,5-6,4) y los casos procedentes de las regiones Norte (OR = 2,8; IC95%: 1,1-7,1) y Centro-oeste (OR = 2,8; IC95%: 1,1-7,0) se mostraron asociados al óbito. Creemos que el control de la TB en niños y adolescentes indígenas no se podrá alcanzar sin inversiones en investigación y desarrollo y sin la reducción de las desigualdades sociales.

Social determinants of tuberculosis via a zero-inflated model in small areas of a city in Southeastern Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to analyze social factors involved in the spatial distribution and under-reporting of tuberculosis (TB) in the city of Vitória, Espírito Santo State, Brazil. METHODS: This was an ecological study of the reported cases of TB between 2009 and 2011, according to census tracts. The outcome was TB incidence for the study period and the variables of exposure were proportions of literacy, inhabitants with an income of up to half the minimum monthly wage (MMW), and inhabitants associated with sewer mains or with access to safe drinking water. We used a zero-inflated process, zero-inflated negative binomial regression (ZINB), and selected an explanatory model based on the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC). RESULTS: A total of 588 cases of tuberculosis were reported in Vitória during the study period, distributed among 223 census tracts (38.6%), with 354 (61.4%) tracts presenting zero cases. In the ZINB model, the mean value of p i was 0.93, indicating that there is a 93% chance that an observed false zero could be due to sub-notification. CONCLUSIONS: It is important to prioritize areas exhibiting determinants that influence the occurrence of TB in the municipality of Vitória. The zero-inflated model can be useful to the public health sector since it identifies the percentage of false zeros, generating an estimate of the real epidemiological condition of TB in Vitória.

Comportamiento epidemiológico de la tuberculosis / Epidemiological behavior of tuberculosis

Introducción: la tuberculosis es la más antigua de las pandemias y causa alrededor de 1,7 millones de muertes y 9 millones de casos nuevos cada año. Objetivo: determinar el comportamiento epidemiológico de la tuberculosis en el municipio Matanzas. Materiales y métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo retrospectivo en el período comprendido entre enero 2010 a diciembre del 2014. Se tomó como universo el total de 42 pacientes con diagnóstico de tuberculosis en todas sus formas. Se trabajó con el total del universo. Resultados: en cuanto a incidencia existió una tendencia a su disminución en el municipio de Matanzas, siendo el área de salud más afectada el área de Contreras con 11 casos para un 53,8 %. El mayor número de sintomáticos respiratorios de más de 14 días se encontró en el año 2011 con 2739 pacientes, el mayor número de ellos del área de salud de Policlínico Docente "José Jacinto Milanés" con 814. Conclusiones: predominó del número de casos de tuberculosis con baciloscopía positiva con un 61 %, de ellos más de la mitad fue diagnosticado en la atención secundaria, traduciendo una falla del programa. El 89,8 % de los pacientes presentó localización pulmonar con amplio predominio de la misma (AU).

Introduction: tuberculosis is the eldest of the pandemic diseases and causes almost 1.7 million deaths and nine millions of new cases every year. Objective: to determine the epidemiologic behavior of tuberculosis in the municipality of Matanzas. Materials and methods: a retrospective, descriptive, observational study was carried out in the period from January 2010 to December 2014. The universe were the total of 42 patients with diagnosis of tuberculosis in all its forms. All of them were included in the study. Results: It was found a tendency to a decrease of tuberculosis in the municipality of Matanzas, being the most affected health area the Contreras one, with 11 cases, for 52.8 %. The highest number of symptomatic patients of more than 14 days was found in 2011, with 2 739, most of them from the health area of the Teaching Policlinic "José Jacinto Milanés", with 814 patients. Conclusions: the number of tuberculosis cases with positive sputum smears predominated for 61 %. More than half of them were diagnosed in the secondary health care, showing a program failure. 89.8 % of the patients had pulmonary location with a wide predominance of it (AU).

Tuberculosis and latent infection in employees of different prison unit types / Tuberculose e infecção latente em funcionários de diferentes tipos de unidades prisionais

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE Estimate the prevalence of active tuberculosis and latent tuberculosis infection among the staff that is in contact and the staff that is not in contact with prisoners, and investigate factors associated with latent tuberculosis infection in this population. METHODS Observational cross-sectional study, conducted from 2012 to 2015, in employees of different prison units in the municipality of Franco da Rocha, SP. It consisted of the application of a questionnaire, application and reading of the tuberculin test, sputum smear microscopy, sputum culture, and radiological examination. The association between the qualitative variables was calculated by the Pearson's chi-squared test. The sociodemographic and clinical-epidemiological factors related to the latent tuberculosis infection were evaluated by the logistic regression with the odds ratios (OR) calculation and their respective intervals with 95% of confidence (95%CI). RESULTS A total of 1,059 employees were examined, 657 (62.0%) of prisons, 249 (23.5%) of CASA Foundation units and 153 (14.5%) of custodial and psychiatric treatment hospitals. The tuberculin test was applied and read for 945 (89.2%) professionals. Of these, 797 (84.3%) were contacts of detainees and 148 (15.7%) were not. Among prison staff, the factors associated with latent tuberculosis infection were: contact with detainee (OR = 2.12, 95%CI 1.21-3.71); male gender (OR = 1.97, 95%CI 1.19-3.27); between 30 and 39 years old (OR = 2.98, 95%CI 1.34-6.63), 40 to 49 years old (OR = 4.32, 95%CI 1.94-9.60), and 50 to 59 years old (OR = 3.98, 95%CI 1.68-9.43); nonwhite color or race (OR = 1.89, 95%CI 1.29-2.78); and smoker (OR = 1.64, 95%CI 1.05-2.55). There were no positive test on sputum smear microscopy and culture. Of the 241 (22.8%) professionals who underwent radiological examination, 48 (19.9%) presented alterations of which 11 were suspected of tuberculosis. CONCLUSIONS Prison employees who have direct contact with detainees are 2.12 times more likely to become infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the work environment and consequently to become ill with tuberculosis and should be targeted for disease prevention and control.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Estimar a prevalência de tuberculose ativa e de infecção latente da tuberculose entre funcionários contatos e não contatos de detentos, e investigar fatores associados à infecção latente da tuberculose nesta população. MÉTODOS Estudo observacional do tipo transversal, realizado no período de 2012 a 2015, em funcionários de diferentes unidades prisionais do município de Franco da Rocha, SP. Consistiu na aplicação de um questionário, aplicação e leitura da prova tuberculínica, baciloscopia e cultura dos escarros e exame radiológico. A associação entre as variáveis qualitativas foi calculada pelo teste qui-quadrado de Pearson e os fatores sociodemográficos e clínico-epidemiológicos relacionados à infecção latente da tuberculose foram avaliados pela regressão logística com o cálculo das odds ratios (OR) e seus respectivos intervalos com 95% de confiança (IC95%). RESULTADOS Foram examinados 1.059 funcionários, sendo 657 (62,0%) de penitenciárias, 249 (23,5%) de unidades da Fundação CASA e 153 (14,5%) de hospitais de custódia e tratamento psiquiátrico. Foi aplicada e lida a prova tuberculínica em 945 (89,2%) profissionais. Desses, 797 (84,3%) eram contatos de detentos e 148 (15,7%) não eram. Entre funcionários das penitenciárias, os fatores associados com a infecção latente da tuberculose foram os seguintes: ter contato com detento (OR = 2,12; IC95% 1,21-3,71); ser do sexo masculino (OR = 1,97; IC95% 1,19-3,27); estar na faixa etária entre 30 e 39 anos (OR = 2,98; IC95% 1,34-6,63), 40 a 49 anos (OR = 4,32; IC95% 1,94-9,60) e 50 a 59 anos (OR = 3,98; IC95% 1,68-9,43); ser da cor ou raça não branca (OR = 1,89; IC95% 1,29-2,78); e ser fumante (OR = 1,64; IC95% 1,05-2,55). Não houve exame positivo na baciloscopia e na cultura. Dos 241 (22,8%) profissionais que realizaram o exame radiológico, 48 (19,9%) apresentaram alterações, dos quais 11 eram suspeitos de tuberculose. CONCLUSÕES Os funcionários das penitenciárias que têm contato direto com os detentos têm 2,12 vezes mais chance de se infectar pelo Mycobacterium tuberculosis no âmbito de trabalho e, consequentemente, de adoecer por tuberculose, devendo ser alvos de ações de prevenção e controle da doença.

Distribution of pulmonary tuberculosis in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil): a spatial analysis / Distribuição da tuberculose pulmonar no Rio de Janeiro (Brasil): uma análise espacial

Abstract The aim of this study was to analyze the spatial distribution of the tuberculosis endemic in Rio de Janeiro State from 2002 to 2011. A retrospective study was conducted in the state of Rio de Janeiro from 2002 to 2011. Spatial analysis techniques were used to describe the distribution of tuberculosis incidence in the state. Multilevel Poisson regression model was used to access the relationship of tuberculosis and the following factors: "sex", "age-group" and "diagnostic year" (individual-level factors). Demographic density and municipality were also included in the model as contextual-level factors. A reduction in endemic tuberculosis was observed over the years. The highest incidence rates were concentrated on the south coast of the state, covering Rio de Janeiro City (capital) and neighboring cities. We detected a significant clustering of high TB incidence rates on the south coast of the state and a cluster of low incidence in the northeastern region of state. The risk of tuberculosis was higher in early 2000s, in males and in 40-59 age group. Metropolitan regions are important risk areas for the spread of tuberculosis. These findings could be used to plan control measures according to the characteristics of each region.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a distribuição espacial da tuberculose (TB) endêmica no Rio de Janeiro 2002-2011. Estudo retrospectivo realizado no Estado do Rio de Janeiro, 2002-2011. Técnicas de análise espacial foram utilizadas para descrever a distribuição de incidência de tuberculose no estado. Modelo de regressão multinível de Poisson foi utilizado para acessar a relação de tuberculose e os fatores: "sexo", "faixa etária" e "ano de diagnóstico" (fatores de nível individual). A "Densidade demográfica" e o "município de residência" também foram incluídos no modelo como fatores de nível contextual. Houve redução da tuberculose endêmica ao longo dos anos. As maiores taxas de incidência se concentraram no litoral sul do estado, abrangendo capital e cidades vizinhas. Observamos a formação de cluster significativo com altas taxas de incidência de TB no litoral sul do estado e cluster de baixa incidência na região nordeste do estado. O risco de tuberculose foi maior no início de 2000, no sexo masculino e na faixa etária 40-59. As megacidades são áreas de risco importantes para a disseminação da tuberculose. Estes achados poderiam ser usados para planejar medidas de controle de acordo com as características de cada região.

Clinical and epidemiological profile of tuberculosis in an urban area with high human development index in southeastern Brazil. Time series study

ABSTRACT CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: In the twenty-first century, tuberculosis remains a serious public health problem in Brazil. The aim here was to characterize tuberculosis in a municipality with a high human development index (HDI), based on clinical and epidemiological variables. DESIGN AND SETTING: Epidemiological study with analysis of incidence that included 533 new cases of tuberculosis in the municipality of Araraquara, São Paulo, reported to the Brazilian Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN) between 2002 and 2011. METHODS: To identify trends, this period was divided into two five-year periods (2002-2006 and 2007-2011). The incidence rates were compared using ratios and confidence intervals. RESULTS: The incidence of tuberculosis was 26.82 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, and decreased by 22% between the two periods, which was statistically significant. Cases were more prevalent among men (72.61%) and among adults between 30 and 59 years of age with non-specialized professions and low education levels. There was a statistically significant reduction in cases among individuals over 50. The age group with highest incidence was 50-59 years in the first period and 30-39 years in the second. Total recovery occurred in more than 70%. There was a reduction in the number of diagnoses made within primary care and an increase within public hospital care between the two periods. The most common coinfections were AIDS and hepatitis C. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of tuberculosis in this municipality was lower than the national incidence, with a declining trend and a high cure rate, and the main coinfections were AIDS and hepatitis C.

Prevalence of tuberculosis respiratory symptoms and associated factors in the indigenous populations of Paraguay (2012)

BACKGROUND The prevalence of respiratory symptoms and confirmed tuberculosis (TB) among indigenous groups in Paraguay is unknown. METHODS This study assessed the prevalence of respiratory symptoms, confirmed pulmonary TB, and associated socio-economic factors among indigenous Paraguayan populations. Indigenous persons residing in selected communities were included in the study. A total of 24,352 participants were interviewed at home between October and December 2012. Respiratory symptomatic individuals were defined as those with respiratory symptoms of TB. A hierarchical Poisson regression analysis was performed with four levels: individual characteristics, living conditions and environmental characteristics, source of food, and type of nutrition. FINDINGS In this study, 1,383 participants had respiratory symptoms (5.7%), but only 10 had culture-confirmed TB (41/100,000 inhabitants). The small number of cases did not allow evaluation of the risk factors for TB. Age older than 37 years was associated with a two-fold increased risk of symptoms. Female sex; family history of TB; type of housing; home heating; a lack of hunting, fishing, or purchasing food; and a lack of vegetable consumption were also associated with the presence of symptoms. A lack of cereal consumption had a protective effect. Members of the Ayoreo or Manjui ethnic groups had a three-fold increased risk of symptoms. MAIN CONCLUSION Individual characteristics, dietary habits, and belonging to specific ethnic groups were associated with respiratory symptoms.

Clinical and epidemiological aspects of cases of tuberculosis associated with diabetes in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: This study compares the clinical and epidemiological features of patients with TB, with and without DM. METHODS New cases of active pulmonary TB that occurred in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil between 2008 and 2010 were included. DM was diagnosed by based on diagnostic criteria established by the American Diabetes Association. RESULT S: Of the 323 cases of TB, 44 (13.6%) were diabetic . Patients with TB and DM were older (44.7%), with a high level of education (34.%); had slow wound healing (23.4%) and fatigue (61.7%). CONCLUSIONS Clinical symptoms differed between patients with TB, with and without DM.

Prevalencia de sintomáticos respiratorios en población peruana de 15 a más años: análisis secundario de la Encuesta Demográfica y de Salud Familiar, 2013 - 2015 / Prevalence of symptomatic respiratory cases in the peruvian population aged 15 years and above: secondary analysis of the demographic and family health survey, 2013-2015

El objetivo del estudio fue estimar la prevalencia de sintomáticos respiratorios (SR) en población peruana de 15 a más años entre el 2013 y 2015. Se realizó un análisis secundario de la Encuesta Demográfica y de Salud Familiar (ENDES). Los sujetos de estudio fueron los entrevistados de 15 años a más que completaron las preguntas: ¿actualmente tiene usted tos con flema? y ¿hace cuánto tiempo tiene usted tos con flema?. Se definió como SR a la persona con tos y flema de 15 o más días de duración. La prevalencia de SR el año 2013 fue 3,3% (intervalo de confianza al 95% [IC 95%]: 2,8% a 3,9%), 3,8% el 2014 (IC95%: 3,5% a 4,1%) y 3,3% el 2015 (IC95% de 3,0 a 3,6%). La prevalencia de SR fue mayor al 5% en personas de 60 a más años, en población de los quintiles más pobres y en residentes de zonas rurales. Concluimos que entre tres a cuatro de cada cien peruanos de 15 a más años se reporta tos con flema de ≥15 días. La proporción de SR varía según región del país. Se recomienda evaluar y ajustar la meta de sintomáticos respiratorios esperados para los establecimientos de salud del Perú.

The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of symptomatic respiratory (SR) cases in the Peruvian population aged 15 years and over between 2013 and 2015. A secondary analysis of the Demographic and Family Health Survey (ENDES) was carried out. The subjects of the study were people aged 15 years and over who answered these interview questions: Do you currently have a cough with phlegm? How long have you had a cough with phlegm? People who had had a cough and phlegm for 15 days or more were defined as having SR. The prevalence of SR was 3.3% in 2013 (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 2.8-3.9%), 3.8% in 2014 (95% CI: 3.5-4.1%), and 3.3% in 2015 (95% CI: 3.0-3.6%). The prevalence of SR was greater than 5% in people aged 60 years and over, in people in the poorest quintile, and in residents of rural areas. We conclude that 3-4% of Peruvian people aged 15 years and over report cough with phlegm for ≥15 days. The proportion with SR varies according to the region of the country. It is recommended that the expected number of symptomatic SR cases be assessed and that Peruvian healthcare be adjusted as necessary.

Tuberculosis en trabajadores de salud en el Perú, 2013-2015 / Tuberculosis in health workers in Peru, 2013-2015

RESUMEN Objetivos. Describir las características epidemiológicas de la tuberculosis en trabajadores de salud del Perú. Materiales y métodos . Se realizó un estudio descriptivo que incluyó a todos los trabajadores de salud con tuberculosis notificados al sistema nacional de vigilancia epidemiológica del Ministerio de Salud (MINSA) del Perú, durante los años 2013, 2014 y 2015. Resultados . Se notificaron 755 casos de tuberculosis en trabajadores de salud, el 60% laboraban en hospitales, 28% en establecimientos del primer nivel de atención y 12% en establecimientos privados. 57% de los casos laboraban en establecimientos de salud de Lima Metropolitana y el Callao. La edad promedio de los trabajadores fue de 38 años (rango 19 a 89 años) y 63,6% fueron mujeres; 6,1% de los casos fueron resistentes, principalmente tuberculosis multidrogorresistente; 67% de los casos fueron tuberculosis pulmonar con confirmación bacteriológica. Profesionales y técnicos de la salud representaron el 82,5% de los casos, consultorios, hospitalización y emergencia, fueron las áreas donde laboraban el 55,2% de los casos. Conclusiones . La tuberculosis constituye un riesgo laboral importante para los trabajadores de salud de los establecimientos de salud públicos y privados, afecta principalmente al grupo de profesionales y técnicos de la salud que realizan labores en áreas de cuidado y atención directa con pacientes en grandes hospitales de Perú.

ABSTRACT Objectives. To describe the characteristics of tuberculosis epidemiology in Peruvian health workers. Materials and methods. A descriptive study was performed. It included all health workers with tuberculosis listed in the national epidemiological surveillance system of the Peruvian Ministry of Health, during 2013, 2014, and 2015. Results. A total of 755 cases of tuberculosis in health workers were reported: 60% worked in hospitals, 28% worked in primary-care facilities, and 12% worked in private facilities. In 57% of the cases, they worked in health facilities in Lima Metropolitan area and Callao. The average age of workers was 38 years (ranging from 19 to 89 years), and 63.6% were women. Of the cases, 6.1% were resistant, mainly multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, 67% of the cases had bacteriological confirmation of pulmonary tuberculosis. Health professionals and technicians represented 82.5% of the cases, and 55.2% corresponded to doctor’s offices, hospital admissions, and emergency rooms, the areas where they worked. Conclusions. Tuberculosis poses a significant work risk for health workers of both public and private facilities. It mainly affects health professionals and technicians providing direct care and assistance to patients in large Peruvian hospitals.

Two decades of tuberculosis in a city in Northeastern Brazil: advances and challenges in time and space

Abstract: INTRODUCTION This study presents two decades of epidemiological data on tuberculosis (TB), in order to understanding the disease profile and its spatiotemporal dynamics. METHODS This descriptive study was performed in the City of Olinda/Pernambuco, Brazil, from 1991-2010, and it analyzed new patients with TB living in the city. We used the χ²-test with a p-value <0.05 to identify differences in trends. Incidence and cluster distribution were identified using spatial scan statistics. RESULTS In total, 6202 new cases were recorded during the two decades. The highest incidence occurred in 1995 (110 cases/100,000 inhabitants), and the lowest occurred in 2009 (65 cases/100,000 inhabitants) (β=-1.44; R²=0.43; p=0.0018). The highest mortality occurred in 1998 (16 deaths/100,000 inhabitants), and the lowest occurred in 2008 (5 deaths/100,000 inhabitants) (β=-0.19; R²=0.17; p=0.07). There was a male predominance (65%), and ages ranged from 20-49 years (65%). There was a substantial increase in the number of patients that were cured after treatment (60% to 67%; p<0.001) as well as those tested for HIV (1.9% to 58.5%; p<0.001). During the first decade, clusters with p-values <0.05 included 29% of the total notified cases, and in the second decade, that percentage was 12%. CONCLUSIONS We observed a decreasing trend in incidence, which was significant, and mortality rates, which was not significant. The increased number of laboratory tests performed reflects advances in surveillance, and a reduction in the proportion of cases in primary clusters suggests, among other things, that the disease is spreading across the region.

Conformance contrast testing between rates of pulmonary tuberculosis in Ecuadorian border areas / Pruebas de contraste de conformidad en tasas de tuberculosis pulmonar en zonas fronterizas de Ecuador

Objective. To estimate rates of cases of respiratory symptomatic subjects and the incidence rate of pulmonary tuberculosis in two border areas of Ecuador, and contrast them with official figures. Materials and methods. Cross-sectional survey in the southeastern (SEBA), and the Andean southern Ecuadorian border areas (ASBA), which were conducted, respectively, in 1 598 and 2 419 persons aged over 15 years recruited over periods of three weeks. In identified respiratory symptomatic cases, a sputum sample was taken for smear testing. The results (odds ratios and their respective 95% confidence intervals), were compared with local and national official figures using maximum likelihood contrasts. Results. The rates of respiratory symptomatic subjects (7.7% and 5.9% in the SEBA, and ASBA, respectively) and of pulmonary tuberculosis (cumulative incidence rates of 125 and 140 per 100 000 inhabitants, in the same order) were significantly greater than the official figures (of 0.98 and 0.99% for respiratory symptomatic subjects in the SEBA and ASBA, respectively; and of 38.23 per 100 000 inhabitants for pulmonary tuberculosis in Ecuador as a whole) (p<0.001). Conclusion. It is necessary to reinforce both active case finding for respiratory symptomatic subject cases, and epidemiological surveillance of pulmonary tuberculosis in Ecuadorian border regions.

Objetivo. Determinar las tasas de sintomáticos respiratorios y de incidencia de tuberculosis pulmonar en dos zonas fronterizas de Ecuador, y contrastarlas con cifras oficiales. Material y métodos. Encuesta transversal aplicada en comunidades fronterizas Sur Oriental (FSO) y Sur Andina (FSA) a 1 598 y 2 419 mayores de 15 años, respectivamente. A los sintomáticos respiratorios se les realizó una baciloscopía en esputo. Las tasas y razón de momios se compararon frente a cifras oficiales mediante contraste de verosimilitudes. Resultados. Las tasas de sintomáticos respiratorios (7.7 y 5.9% en FSO y FSA, respectivamente) y de tuberculosis pulmonar (incidencia acumulada 125 y 140 por 100 000 habitantes, respectivamente) discrepan de las cifras oficiales (0.98 y 0.99% de sintomáticos respiratorios, respectivamente; y, 38.23 por 10(5) habitantes para tuberculosis pulmonar en Ecuador) (p<0.001). Conclusión. Fortalecer la búsqueda de sintomáticos respiratorios y la vigilancia epidemiológica de la tuberculosis pulmonar en áreas fronterizas.