Carriage rate and effects of vaccination after outbreaks of serogroup C meningococcal disease, Brazil, 2010.

During 2010, outbreaks of serogroup C meningococcal (MenC) disease occurred in 2 oil refineries in São Paulo State, Brazil, leading to mass vaccination of employees at 1 refinery with a meningococcal polysaccharide A/C vaccine. A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the prevalence of meningococci carriage among workers at both refineries and to investigate the effect of vaccination on and the risk factors for pharyngeal carriage of meningococci. Among the vaccinated and nonvaccinated workers, rates of overall meningococci carriage (21.4% and 21.6%, respectively) and of MenC carriage (6.3% and 4.9%, respectively) were similar. However, a MenC strain belonging to the sequence type103 complex predominated and was responsible for the increased incidence of meningococcal disease in Brazil. A low education level was associated with higher risk of meningococci carriage. Polysaccharide vaccination did not affect carriage or interrupt transmission of the epidemic strain. These findings will help inform future vaccination strategies.

SARS-CoV-2 reinfection: report of two cases in Southeast Brazil.

From February 26, 2020 to March 11, 2021, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic resulted in 11,439,558 cases and 277,102 deaths in Brazil. Among them, 2,195,130 cases and 63,965 deaths occurred in Sao Paulo State, Southeast Brazil. The recent emergence and rise of new variants of SARS-CoV-2 is of concern because of their higher transmissibility and possible association with more severe disease. Cases of SARS-CoV-2 reinfections have been described since December 2020 in Brazil. This report describes two cases of COVID-19 reinfection, that occurred five and six months after the first infection, during the second wave of the pandemic in Sao Paulo State. Both patients presented mild symptoms in the two COVID-19 episodes and different lineages of SARS-CoV-2 were identified: B.1.1.33 and B.1.1.28 lineages in case 1 and B1.1.128 and P. 2 lineages in case 2.

COVID-19 in the state of São Paulo: the evolution of a pandemic. / COVID-19 no estado de São Paulo: a evolução de uma pandemia.

OBJECTIVES: To retrospectively describe severe cases of hospitalized patients and deaths related to the COVID-19 epidemic in the state of São Paulo, starting from the date of the first record, with symptoms onset on 02/10/2020 up to 05/20/2021. METHODS: This is a descriptive study carried out using the Influenza Epidemiological Surveillance System (Sistema de Vigilância Epidemiológica da Gripe - SIVEP-Gripe) database. The rates of incidence, mortality, and accumulated incidence in the period were calculated, stratified by age group and Regional Health Department (RHD). In addition, severe cases were geocoded to analyze their spread across the state; and the Effective R, which determines the spread potential of a virus within a population, was calculated. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in severe cases and deaths recorded in the period of one year, with incidence and mortality rates being heterogeneous within the state. The most critical periods regarding the incidence of severe cases occurred between May and July 2020 and between March and April 2021. The RHD in São José do Rio Preto, Expanded São Paulo, and Araçatuba concentrated the highest incidence and mortality rates. Severe cases and deaths were more frequent in men and in the population over 60 years, while the main risk conditions related to deaths were heart disease (59%) and diabetes (42,8%). CONCLUSIONS: These results not only provide a detailed profile for more efficient control action plan, but will also allow the historical understanding of the COVID-19 evolution within the state of São Paulo.

OBJETIVO: Descrever, de forma retrospectiva, os casos graves de pacientes hospitalizados e os óbitos relacionados à epidemia de COVID-19 no estado de São Paulo, desde a data do primeiro registro, com início de sintomas em 10 de fevereiro de 2020 até registros disponíveis em 20 de maio de 2021. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo realizado por meio da base de dados do Sistema de Vigilância Epidemiológica da Gripe. Foram calculadas as taxas de incidência, mortalidade e incidência acumulada no período, estratificadas por faixa etária e agrupadas de acordo com cada Departamento Regional de Saúde. Os casos graves foram geocodificados para a análise de seu espalhamento pelo estado e foi calculado o R efetivo, que estima o potencial de propagação de um vírus em uma população. RESULTADOS: Houve aumento significativo dos casos graves e óbitos registrados no período de um ano, e as taxas de incidência e mortalidade foram heterogêneas no estado. Os períodos mais críticos em relação à incidência de casos graves ocorreram entre maio e julho de 2020 e entre março e abril de 2021. Os Departamentos Regionais de Saúde de São José do Rio Preto, Grande São Paulo e Araçatuba concentraram as maiores taxas de incidência e mortalidade. Os casos graves e óbitos foram mais frequentes nos homens e na população acima de 60 anos, e as principais condições de risco relacionadas aos óbitos foram cardiopatia (59%) e diabetes (42,8%). CONCLUSÕES: Espera-se que esses resultados ofereçam embasamento e possam contribuir para uma ação de controle mais eficiente da COVID-19, além de permitir o entendimento histórico de sua evolução no estado.

SARS-CoV-2 reinfection in a healthcare professional in inner Sao Paulo during the first wave of COVID-19 in Brazil.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic remains a threat to public health. We report 2 cases of Coronavirus Disease 2019 infection in the same healthcare professional in Brazil. Genomic analysis identified that primoinfection was caused by the endemic lineage B.1.1.33 while reinfection by the lineage B.1.1.44, a lineage with an additional V1176F mutation in S protein.

Severe influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 in pregnant women and neonatal outcomes, State of Sao Paulo, Brazil, 2009.

To investigate the factors associated with death and describe the gestational outcomes in pregnant women with influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, we conducted a case-control study (deaths and recovered) in hospitalized pregnant women with laboratory-confirmed influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 with severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) in the state of São Paulo from June 9 to December 1, 2009. All cases were evaluated, and four controls that were matched by the epidemiological week of hospitalization of the case were randomly selected for each case. Cases and controls were selected from the National Disease Notification System-SINAN Influenza-web. The hospital records from 126 hospitals were evaluated, and home interviews were conducted using standardized forms. A total of 48 cases and 185 controls were investigated. Having had a previous health visit to a healthcare provider for an influenza episode before hospital admission was a risk factor for death (adjusted OR (ORadj) of 7.93, 95% CI 2.19-28.69). Although not significant in the multiple analysis (ORadj of 2.13, 95% CI 0.91-5.00), the 3rd trimester deserves attention, with an OR = 2.22, 95% CI 1.13-4.37 in the univariate analysis. Antiviral treatment was a protective factor when administered within 48 hours of symptom onset (ORadj = 0.16, 95% CI 0.05-0.50) and from 48 to 72 hours (ORadj = 0.09, 95% CI 0.01-0.87). There was a higher proportion of fetal deaths and preterm births among cases (p = 0.001) and live births with low weight (p = 0.019), compared to control subjects who gave birth during hospitalization. After discharge, control subjects had a favorable neonatal outcome. Early antiviral treatment during the presence of a flu-like illness is an important factor in reducing mortality from influenza in pregnant women and unfavorable neonatal outcomes. It is important to monitor pregnant women, particularly in the 3rd trimester of gestation, with influenza illness for diagnosis and early treatment.

SARS-CoV-2 reinfection: report of two cases in Southeast Brazil

From February 26, 2020 to March 11, 2021, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic resulted in 11,439,558 cases and 277,102 deaths in Brazil. Among them, 2,195,130 cases and 63,965 deaths occurred in Sao Paulo State, Southeast Brazil. The recent emergence and rise of new variants of SARS-CoV-2 is of concern because of their higher transmissibility and possible association with more severe disease. Cases of SARS-CoV-2 reinfections have been described since December 2020 in Brazil. This report describes two cases of COVID-19 reinfection, that occurred five and six months after the first infection, during the second wave of the pandemic in Sao Paulo State. Both patients presented mild symptoms in the two COVID-19 episodes and different lineages of SARS-CoV-2 were identified: B.1.1.33 and B.1.1.28 lineages in case 1 and B1.1.128 and P. 2 lineages in case 2.

COVID-19 no estado de São Paulo: a evolução de uma pandemia / COVID-19 in the state of São Paulo: the evolution of a pandemic

RESUMO: Objetivo: Descrever, de forma retrospectiva, os casos graves de pacientes hospitalizados e os óbitos relacionados à epidemia de COVID-19 no estado de São Paulo, desde a data do primeiro registro, com início de sintomas em 10 de fevereiro de 2020 até registros disponíveis em 20 de maio de 2021. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo realizado por meio da base de dados do Sistema de Vigilância Epidemiológica da Gripe. Foram calculadas as taxas de incidência, mortalidade e incidência acumulada no período, estratificadas por faixa etária e agrupadas de acordo com cada Departamento Regional de Saúde. Os casos graves foram geocodificados para a análise de seu espalhamento pelo estado e foi calculado o R efetivo, que estima o potencial de propagação de um vírus em uma população. Resultados: Houve aumento significativo dos casos graves e óbitos registrados no período de um ano, e as taxas de incidência e mortalidade foram heterogêneas no estado. Os períodos mais críticos em relação à incidência de casos graves ocorreram entre maio e julho de 2020 e entre março e abril de 2021. Os Departamentos Regionais de Saúde de São José do Rio Preto, Grande São Paulo e Araçatuba concentraram as maiores taxas de incidência e mortalidade. Os casos graves e óbitos foram mais frequentes nos homens e na população acima de 60 anos, e as principais condições de risco relacionadas aos óbitos foram cardiopatia (59%) e diabetes (42,8%). Conclusões: Espera-se que esses resultados ofereçam embasamento e possam contribuir para uma ação de controle mais eficiente da COVID-19, além de permitir o entendimento histórico de sua evolução no estado.

ABSTRACT: Objectives: To retrospectively describe severe cases of hospitalized patients and deaths related to the COVID-19 epidemic in the state of São Paulo, starting from the date of the first record, with symptoms onset on 02/10/2020 up to 05/20/2021. Methods: This is a descriptive study carried out using the Influenza Epidemiological Surveillance System (Sistema de Vigilância Epidemiológica da Gripe - SIVEP-Gripe) database. The rates of incidence, mortality, and accumulated incidence in the period were calculated, stratified by age group and Regional Health Department (RHD). In addition, severe cases were geocoded to analyze their spread across the state; and the Effective R, which determines the spread potential of a virus within a population, was calculated. Results: There was a significant increase in severe cases and deaths recorded in the period of one year, with incidence and mortality rates being heterogeneous within the state. The most critical periods regarding the incidence of severe cases occurred between May and July 2020 and between March and April 2021. The RHD in São José do Rio Preto, Expanded São Paulo, and Araçatuba concentrated the highest incidence and mortality rates. Severe cases and deaths were more frequent in men and in the population over 60 years, while the main risk conditions related to deaths were heart disease (59%) and diabetes (42,8%). Conclusions: These results not only provide a detailed profile for more efficient control action plan, but will also allow the historical understanding of the COVID-19 evolution within the state of São Paulo.

Epidemiological characteristics of influenza-like illness outbreaks in long-term care facilities of the state of São Paulo, Brazil / Características epidemiológicas dos surtos de síndrome gripal em instituições de longa permanência para idosos no estado de São Paulo, Brasil

Long-term care facilities for older adults present a high risk of outbreaks since they concentrate often more frail and vulnerable individuals. OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiological characteristics of influenza-like illness outbreaks and cases among older people in long-term care facilities in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. METODS: The analysis was performed through an exploratory and descriptive approach, with records from the outbreak module of the National System of Notifiable Diseases between January 2020 and June 2021. RESULTS: Outbreaks of influenza-like illness in this department represented 24.93% of all notifications. The highest concentration was seen in the state capital and metropolitan area. A total of 1 018 confirmed outbreaks were observed, involving 6 110 cases and 1 240 deaths among older people. Of these cases, 71.67% were confirmed for coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19), 12.77% for the influenza virus, and 15.56% for other respiratory viruses. The percentages regarding death outcomes were similar, with a 20.29% lethality of influenza-like illness. Within the studied group, the older adults were the most affected. A statistical difference was observed between cases and deaths. CONCLUSIONS: Owing to the current scenario and the known vulnerabilities of these facilities, there is an urgent need for joint and articulated action by various administrative levels in order to minimize the devastating effects of influenza-like illness outbreaks (especially of COVID19) in older adults at long-term care homes. The strengthening of information systems and their interoperability are considered of utmost importance in order to improve the quality of information on outbreaks, which is essential during a pandemic.

Instituições de longa permanência para idosos são locais que apresentam um alto risco de surtos epidêmicos, visto que concentram indivíduos, frequentemente mais frágeis e vulneráveis. OBJETIVO: Descrever as características epidemiológicas de surtos de síndrome gripal entre idosos em instituições de longa permanência no estado de São Paulo. MÉTODOS: A análise foi realizada através de uma abordagem exploratória e descritiva, utilizando-se de registros do Sistema de Informações de Agravos de Notificação, módulo surto, entre janeiro de 2020 e junho de 2021. RESULTADOS: Surtos de síndrome gripal neste departamento representaram 24,93% do total de notificações. A maior concentração de surtos ocorreu na capital e região metropolitana. Foram observados 1018 surtos confirmados, envolvendo 6110 casos e 1240 óbitos em idosos. Entre estes casos, 71,67% foram confirmados para COVID-19, 12,77% para o vírus Influenza e 15,56%, para outros vírus respiratórios. Óbitos apresentaram porcentagens semelhantes, com a letalidade de síndrome gripal sendo de 20,29%. No grupo estudado, idosos mais longevos foram os mais acometidos. Houve diferença estatística entre casos e óbitos. CONCLUSÕES: Devido ao cenário atual e às conhecidas vulnerabilidades destas instituições, há a necessidade urgente de uma ação conjunta e articulada por parte de diversas esferas administrativas para minimizar os efeitos devastadores de surtos de síndrome gripal, especialmente os de COVID-19, em instituições de longa permanência. O fortalecimento de sistemas de informação e sua interoperabilidade são considerados de vital importância para melhorar a qualidade da informação sobre surtos institucionais, a qual é essencial durante uma pandemia.

SARS-CoV-2 reinfection in a healthcare professional in inner Sao Paulo during the first wave of COVID-19 in Brazil

Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic remains a threat to public health. We report 2 cases of Coronavirus Disease 2019 infection in the same healthcare professional in Brazil. Genomic analysis identified that primoinfection was caused by the endemic lineage B.1.1.33 while reinfection by the lineage B.1.1.44, a lineage with an additional V1176F mutation in S protein.

[Mortality from meningococcal disease in the city of São Paulo, Brazil: characteristics and predictors]. / Mortalidade por doença meningocócica no Município de São Paulo, Brasil: características e preditores.

This study aimed to describe the magnitude, mortality, and case-fatality rate from meningococcal disease and to investigate predictors of death from this cause in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, from 1986 to 2004, using unconditional multiple logistic regression. We analyzed 10,087 cases of meningococcal disease in the city. Mean annual mortality was 1.0/100,000 inhabitants, ranging from 0.2 to 1.8. Case-fatality was 20.5%, with major differences according to age, serogroup, and type of hospital. Predictors of death from meningococcal disease were age, especially the age brackets from one to two years and 40 years and older, and serogroup W. The results can contribute to the elaboration of public policies with a focus on the organization of hospital care and protocols to promote greater treatment effectiveness and application of vaccination strategies that decrease the incidence in groups at greatest risk of death from meningococcal disease.

Risk factors for death from Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, State of São Paulo, Brazil, 2009.

This case-control study aimed to assess the risk factors for death from influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 in patients with laboratory confirmation, who had severe acute respiratory illness-SARI and were hospitalized between June 28th and August 29th 2009, in the metropolitan regions of São Paulo and Campinas, Brazil. Medical charts of all the 193 patients who died (cases) and the 386 randomly selected patients who recovered (controls) were investigated in 177 hospitals. Household interviews were conducted with those who had survived and the closest relative of those who had died. 73.6% of cases and 38.1% of controls were at risk of developing influenza-related complications. The 18-to-59-year age group (OR = 2.31, 95%CI: 1.31-4.10 (reference up to 18 years of age)), presence of risk conditions for severity of influenza (OR = 1.99, 95%CI: 1.11-3.57, if one or OR = 6.05, 95%CI: 2.76-13.28, if more than one), obesity (OR = 2.73, 95%CI: 1.28-5.83), immunosuppression (OR = 3.43, 95%CI: 1.28-9.19), and search for previous care associated with the hospitalization (OR = 3.35, 95%CI: 1.75-6.40) were risk factors for death. Antiviral treatment performed within 72 hours of the onset of symptoms (OR = 0.17, 95%CI: 0.08-0.37, if within 48hours, and OR = 0.30, 95%CI: 0.11-0.81, if between 48 and 72 hours) was protective against death. The identification of high-risk patients and early treatment are important factors for reducing morbi-mortality from influenza.

Prevalence, Risk Factors and Molecular Characteristics of Meningococcal Carriage Among Brazilian Adolescents.

BACKGROUND: In 2010, introduction of the meningococcal C conjugate vaccine in Brazil for children <2 years provided an immediate reduction in the incidence rates of disease among the age groups targeted for the vaccine, but no early impact was observed in unvaccinated age groups. Knowledge about meningococcal carriage is crucial for improving our understanding of the disease epidemiology and for designing effective vaccination programs. Taking in account the very limited published data currently available describing meningococcal carriage in Brazil, we performed a study to evaluate the prevalence of Neisseria meningitidis carriage among adolescent students. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2012 to assess the prevalence of meningococcal carriage among a representative sample of 1208 students 11-19 years of age in Campinas, Brazil. Genotypic and phenotypic characterization of isolated carriage strains and the effect of potential risk factors for carriage were also analyzed. RESULTS: The overall carriage prevalence was 9.9% (95% confidence interval, 8.3-11.8%), with dominance of serogroup C (1.32%), followed by serogroups B (0.99%), E (0.74%), Y (0.49%) and W (0.25%). A lower level of education of the parents was independently associated with a higher risk of carriage. A high diversity of genotypes was found among carriage strains. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence gathered during this study provides estimates of carriage prevalence in Brazilian adolescents, showing an unusually high dominance of serogroup C. These results have important implications in future strategies to optimize the impact of the current meningococcal C vaccination program in Brazil.

Severe influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 in pregnant women and neonatal outcomes, State of São Paulo, Brazil, 2009

To investigate the factors associated with death and describe the gestational outcomes in pregnant women with influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, we conducted a case-control study (deaths and recovered) in hospitalized pregnant women with laboratory-confirmed influenza A (H1N1)pdm09 with severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) in the state of São Paulo from June 9 to December 1, 2009. All cases were evaluated, and four controls that were matched by the epidemiological week of hospitalization of the case were randomly selected for each case. Cases and controls were selected from the National Disease Notification System- SINAN Influenza-web. The hospital records from 126 hospitals were evaluated, and home interviews were conducted using standardized forms. A total of 48 cases and 185 controls were investigated. Having had a previous health visit to a healthcare provider for an influenza episode before hospital admission was a risk factor for death (adjusted OR (ORadj) of 7.93, 95% CI 2.19±28.69). Although not significant in the multiple analysis (ORadj of 2.13, 95% CI 0.91±5.00), the 3rd trimester deserves attention, with an OR = 2.22, 95% CI 1.13± 4.37 in the univariate analysis. Antiviral treatment was a protective factor when administered within 48 hours of symptom onset (ORadj = 0.16, 95% CI 0.05±0.50) and from 48 to 72 hours (ORadj = 0.09, 95% CI 0.01±0.87). There was a higher proportion of fetal deaths and preterm births among cases (p = 0.001) and live births with low weight (p = 0.019), compared to control subjects who gave birth during hospitalization. After discharge, control subjects had a favorable neonatal outcome. Early antiviral treatment during the presence of a flu-like illness is an important factor in reducing mortality from influenza in pregnant women and unfavorable neonatal outcomes. It is important to monitor pregnant women, particularly in the 3rd trimester of gestation, with influenza illness for diagnosis and early treatment

Investigation of measles IgM-seropositive cases of febrile rash illnesses in the absence of documented measles virus transmission, State of São Paulo, Brazil, 2000-2004.

INTRODUCTION: To review measles IgM-positive cases of febrile rash illnesses in the State of São Paulo, Brazil, over the five-year period following interruption of measles virus transmission. METHODS: We reviewed 463 measles IgM-positive cases of febrile rash illness in the State of São Paulo, from 2000 to 2004. Individuals vaccinated against measles < or = 56 days prior to specimen collection were considered to be exposed to the vaccine. Serum from the acute and convalescent phases was tested for evidence of measles, rubella, parvovirus B19 and human herpes virus-6 infection. In the absence of seroconversion to measles immunoglobulin-G, measles IgM-positive cases were considered false positives in individuals with evidence of other viral infections. RESULTS: Among the 463 individuals with febrile rash illness who tested positive for measles IgM antibodies during the period, 297 (64%) were classified as exposed to the vaccine. Among the 166 cases that were not exposed to the vaccine, 109 (66%) were considered false positives based on the absence of seroconversion, among which 21 (13%) had evidence of rubella virus infection, 49 (30%) parvovirus B19 and 28 (17%) human herpes virus-6 infection. CONCLUSIONS: Following the interruption of measles virus transmission, thorough investigation of measles IgM-positive cases is required, especially among cases not exposed to the vaccine. Laboratory testing for etiologies of febrile rash illness aids interpretation of these cases.

Mortalidade por doença meningocócica no Município de São Paulo, Brasil: características e preditores / Mortality from meningococcal disease in the city of São Paulo, Brazil: characteristics and predictors / Mortalidad por enfermedad meningocócica en el municipio de São Paulo, Brasil: características y predictores

O estudo objetiva descrever a magnitude, as características da mortalidade e da letalidade por doença meningocócica e investigar preditores de óbito por essa causa, no Município de São Paulo, Brasil, de 1986 a 2004. Utilizou-se a regressão logística múltipla não condicional para a investigação dos preditores de óbitos. Foram estudados 10.087 casos de doença meningocócica no município. A taxa anual média de mortalidade foi de 1,0/100 mil habitantes/ano, variando de 0,2 a 1,8; a letalidade foi de 20,5% com grandes diferenças segundo idade, sorogrupo e tipo de hospital. Os preditores de óbito por doença meningocócica foram idade, especialmente as faixas etárias de um a dois anos e de 40 anos ou mais e o sorogrupo W. Os resultados obtidos podem contribuir para a elaboração de políticas públicas com foco na organização da assistência hospitalar e elaboração de protocolos que promovam a maior efetividade do tratamento e a aplicação de estratégias de vacinação que diminuam a incidência nos grupos de maior risco para óbito por doença meningocócica.

This study aimed to describe the magnitude, mortality, and case-fatality rate from meningococcal disease and to investigate predictors of death from this cause in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, from 1986 to 2004, using unconditional multiple logistic regression. We analyzed 10,087 cases of meningococcal disease in the city. Mean annual mortality was 1.0/100,000 inhabitants, ranging from 0.2 to 1.8. Case-fatality was 20.5%, with major differences according to age, serogroup, and type of hospital. Predictors of death from meningococcal disease were age, especially the age brackets from one to two years and 40 years and older, and serogroup W. The results can contribute to the elaboration of public policies with a focus on the organization of hospital care and protocols to promote greater treatment effectiveness and application of vaccination strategies that decrease the incidence in groups at greatest risk of death from meningococcal disease.

Los objetivos fueron describir la magnitud y las características de la morbilidad y mortalidad por enfermedad meningocócica e investigar los predictores de muerte. Fueron estudiados 10.087 casos de enfermedad meningocócica ocurridos en São Paulo, entre 1986 y 2004. Los predictores de muerte por enfermedad meningocócica se investigaron por regresión logística no condicional. La tasa anual media de mortalidad por enfermedad meningocócica en el periodo del estudio fue de 1,0/100 mil habitantes/año, variando de 0,2 a 1,8, con distribución desigual, afectando fuertemente a los distritos más pobres. La letalidad fue de 20,5% con grandes diferencias según edad, serogrupo y tipo de hospital. Los principales predictores de muerte fueron la edad, especialmente, menores de dos años, y serogrupo W. Los resultados pueden contribuir a la elaboración de las políticas públicas con un enfoque en la organización de la atención hospitalaria y elaboración de protocolos que promuevan una mayor eficacia del tratamiento y la aplicación de las estrategias de vacunación para reducir la incidencia de los grupos con mayor riesgo de muerte por enfermedad meningocócica.

Prevalence, risk factors and molecular characteristics of meningococcal carriage among brazilian adolescents

BACKGROUND: In 2010, introduction of the meningococcal C conjugate vaccine in Brazil for children <2 years provided an immediate reduction in the incidence rates of disease among the age groups targeted for the vaccine, but no early impact was observed in unvaccinated age groups. Knowledge about meningococcal carriage is crucial for improving our understanding of the disease epidemiology and for designing effective vaccination programs. Taking in account the very limited published data currently available describing meningococcal carriage in Brazil, we performed a study to evaluate the prevalence of Neisseria meningitidis carriage among adolescent students. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2012 to assess the prevalence of meningococcal carriage among a representative sample of 1208 students 11­19 years of age in Campinas, Brazil. Genotypic and phenotypic characterization of isolated carriage strains and the effect of potential risk factors for carriage were also analyzed. Results: The overall carriage prevalence was 9.9% (95% confidence interval, 8.3­11.8%), with dominance of serogroup C (1.32%), followed by serogroups B (0.99%), E (0.74%), Y (0.49%) and W (0.25%). A lower level of education of the parents was independently associated with a higher risk of carriage. A high diversity of genotypes was found among carriage strains. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence gathered during this study provides estimates of carriage prevalence in Brazilian adolescents, showing an unusually high dominance of serogroup C. These results have important implications in future strategies to optimize the impact of the current meningococcal C vaccination program in Brazil

Investigation of measles IgM-seropositive cases of febrile rash illnesses in the absence of documented measles virus transmission, State of São Paulo, Brazil, 2000-2004 / Investigação dos casos de doenças febris exantemáticas com IgM reagente contra o sarampo na ausência de transmissão documentada do vírus do sarampo, Estado de São Paulo, 2000-2004

INTRODUCTION: To review measles IgM-positive cases of febrile rash illnesses in the State of São Paulo, Brazil, over the five-year period following interruption of measles virus transmission. METHODS: We reviewed 463 measles IgM-positive cases of febrile rash illness in the State of São Paulo, from 2000 to 2004. Individuals vaccinated against measles < 56 days prior to specimen collection were considered to be exposed to the vaccine. Serum from the acute and convalescent phases was tested for evidence of measles, rubella, parvovirus B19 and human herpes virus-6 infection. In the absence of seroconversion to measles immunoglobulin-G, measles IgM-positive cases were considered false positives in individuals with evidence of other viral infections. RESULTS: Among the 463 individuals with febrile rash illness who tested positive for measles IgM antibodies during the period, 297 (64 percent) were classified as exposed to the vaccine. Among the 166 cases that were not exposed to the vaccine, 109 (66 percent) were considered false positives based on the absence of seroconversion, among which 21 (13 percent) had evidence of rubella virus infection, 49 (30 percent) parvovirus B19 and 28 (17 percent) human herpes virus-6 infection. CONCLUSIONS: Following the interruption of measles virus transmission, thorough investigation of measles IgM-positive cases is required, especially among cases not exposed to the vaccine. Laboratory testing for etiologies of febrile rash illness aids interpretation of these cases.

INTRODUÇÃO: Revisar os casos de doenças febris exantemáticas com IgM reagente contra o sarampo, no Estado de São Paulo, Brasil, durante os cinco anos seguidos a interrupção da transmissão do vírus do sarampo. MÉTODOS: Nós revisamos 463 casos de doenças febris exantemáticas com IgM reagente contra o sarampo, no Estado de São Paulo, Brasil, de 2000 a 2004. Indivíduos vacinados contra o sarampo 56 dias antes da coleta de amostra foram considerados expostos à vacina. Soros da fase aguda e de convalescença foram testados para a evidência de infecção de sarampo, rubéola, parvovírus B19 e herpes vírus 6. Na ausência de soroconversão para imunoglobulina G contra o sarampo, casos com IgM reagente contra o sarampo foram considerados falsos positivos em pessoas com evidência de outras infecções virais. RESULTADOS: Entre as 463 pessoas com doenças febris exantemáticas que testaram positivo para anticorpos IgM contra o sarampo durante o período, 297 (64 por cento) pessoas foram classificadas como expostas à vacina. Entre os 166 casos não expostos à vacina, 109 (66 por cento) foram considerados falsos positivos baseado na ausência de soroconversão, dos quais 21 (13 por cento) tiveram evidência de infecção por vírus da rubéola, 49 (30 por cento) parvovírus B19 e 28 (17 por cento) infecção por herpes vírus humano 6. CONCLUSÕES: Após a interrupção da transmissão do vírus do sarampo é necessária exaustiva investigação dos casos com IgM reagente contra o sarampo, especialmente dos casos não expostos à vacina. Testes laboratoriais para etiologias das doenças febris exantemáticas ajudam na interpretação destes casos.

Avaliação do impacto do programa de vacinação contra o Haemophilus influenzae tipo b (Hib) no Estado de São Paulo e município de São Paulo, após dez anos de introdução da vacina / Evaluation of the impact of the anti Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine program in the state of São Paulo and the city of São Paulo, ten years after vaccine introduction

Objetivos: Avaliar o impacto global, direto, indireto e a tendência da duração de proteção da vacinação contra o Haemophilus influenzae tipo b (Hib), no estado de São Paulo (ESP) e no município de São Paulo (MSP), na população de 0 - 59 meses, comparando os períodos pré-vacinal (1996 - 1998) e pós-vacinal (2001 - 2009). Métodos: estudo com componente descritivo e de cunho analítico, retrospectivo. A população de estudo incluiu os menores de cinco anos residentes no ESP e no MSP. Adotou-se como definição de caso confirmado o menor de cinco anos identificado como positivo para o Hib em cultura e/ou contraimunoeletroforese e/ou látex e/ou RT-PCR, em amostra de LCR e sangue, e/ou vínculo epidemiológico. Os dados foram obtidos a partir do SINAN, SIGH-Web Instituto Adolfo Lutz e Fundação IBGE. As variáveis de estudo incluíram as demográficas, clínicas e relativas ao agente, apresentadas em séries temporais e períodos estabelecidos para parametrização e comparabilidade. O parâmetro das avaliações de impacto foi a magnitude da variação da incidência de meningite causada pelo Hib. Para cada estimativa de impacto construiu-se um Intervalo de Confiança (IC) de 95 por cento a partir do cálculo de Risco Relativo (RR). As estimativas do risco relativo (RR) e os respectivos intervalos de 95 por cento de confiança foram analisados utilizando-se o software R. Resultados: nos períodos considerados, foram descritos 1.561 casos confirmados de meningites por Hib no ESP, sendo 27,16 por cento (424/1.561) no MSP, e 80,78 por cento (1.261/1.561) dos casos foram registrados em menores de cinco anos. A maioria dos casos foi confirmada por cultura, com percentual médio de 65 por cento no ESP e 66 por cento no MSP. As taxas médias de incidência de meningites por Hib mais significativas no período pré-vacinal verificaram-se nos menores de um ano (30,56/105- ESP; 32,06/105 - MSP), considerada a faixa etária de maior risco de adoecimento. Após a introdução da vacina contra o Hib em 1999 (menores de dois anos), as taxas de incidência de meningites por Hib declinaram de forma sustentável nos períodos subsequentes analisados. A incidência de meningite por Hib durante o período pós-vacinal variou de 4,02/105- 1,68/105 nos menores de um ano, no ESP e MSP respectivamente e, de forma similar, de 1,43/105 1,01/105 nos menores de cinco anos. Nos menores de 7 - 23 meses (impacto direto), o percentual de redução foi de 95,11 por cento [66,43 - 99,29] no ESP e 95,91 por cento [70,63 - 99,43] no MSP