Prevalence and Factors Associated with Olfactory Dysfunction in Individuals with COVID-19 in Brazil: A Study of 20,669 Cases from 2020 to 2021.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to determine the prevalence and factors associated with olfactory dysfunction in individuals with COVID-19 in the first 2 years of the pandemic in Brazil. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a prevalent study involving the confirmed cases of COVID-19 recorded in the municipality between the years 2020 and 2021. Individuals symptomatic for COVID-19, with a positive laboratory result and aged 12 or older were included in this study. Measures of central tendency and dispersion were used in the description of continuous variables and frequency was used for categorical variables. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to evaluate data distribution. RESULTS: Data from 20,669 individuals were analyzed. The prevalence of olfactory disorders was 17.9% and increased from 11.5% to 21.9% between 2020 and 2021. A female gender predominance was observed among individuals who reported anosmia, with 61.1% (n = 564) in 2020 and 61.7% (n = 1,713) in 2021. On the other hand, the median age of individuals with olfactory disorders was lower than that of the group without disorders (35 [IQR 27-46] vs. 39 [IQR 29-50]; p < 0.001). Smell disturbances were present in 18.2% (n = 3,634) of patients who recovered and in 7.1% (n = 38) of those who died. Furthermore, in 2021, a prevalence rate of 30.6% for olfactory disorders was linked to obesity as a comorbidity. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of olfactory disorders was lower compared to other studies, with cough and fever being negatively related to olfactory dysfunction and headache, coryza, and taste disorders being positively related. Obesity was the only associated comorbidity.

Mpox in Northeast Brazil: Spatiotemporal analysis and predictors associated with confirmed diagnosis.

The mpox outbreaks reported in several countries from May 2022 have shown an epidemiological profile different from that observed in previous years, raising a global public health alert. This issue is particularly important for Brazil, the second country with the highest number of mpox cases. Herein, we performed a retrospective cross-sectional study on mpox cases notified in Pernambuco state, northeastern Brazil, between July 2022 and March 2023. Confirmed mpox cases were analyzed in a space-time series and their social and clinical characteristics were compared with those of suspect-negative cases, including a multivariate logistic regression to identify predictors associated with a positive diagnosis. A total of 1493 suspected mpox cases were reported, of which 362 cases (24.2%) were confirmed and distributed in 33 municipalities. Most mpox cases occurred between epidemiological weeks (EW) 33 and 39 of 2022, with the highest moving average in EW 34 and 35 (36 and 31.5, respectively). The most frequent clinical signs and symptoms were rash (87.3%), fever (60.2%), headache (45.3%), and genital/perianal lesions (40.3%). In the multivariate analysis, three variables showed considerable performance in predicting a positive mpox diagnosis (area under the ROC curve = 0.87; 95% CI: 0.84-0.90): sexual orientation (nonheterosexual; OR: 23.08; 95% CI: 13.97-38.15), male sex (OR: 2.05; 95% CI: 1.10-3.85), and multiple partnerships (OR: 1.95; 95% CI: 1.15-3.32). Overall, in addition to the detailed spatiotemporal description of mpox cases, which may contribute to appropriate public health measures, our study brings insights into mpox epidemiology by describing predictors associated with a positive diagnosis.

Temporal trend, high-risk spatial and spatiotemporal clustering of leprosy indicators in Brazil: A 20-year ecological and population-based study.

OBJECTIVES: Leprosy still represents a public health concern in Brazil. The country is the only one in America not to reach the global goal of leprosy disease control. Hence, this study aimed to assess the temporal, spatial and space-time patterns of leprosy cases in Brazil of the 20-year time series 2001-2020. METHODS: An ecological and population-based analysis was carried out, applying temporal and spatial techniques, and using the detection coefficient of sociodemographic and clinical-epidemiological variables of leprosy new cases in the 5570 municipalities of Brazil. Temporal trends were assessed using a segmented linear regression model. For spatial analysis, global and local Moran indexes were applied, and space-time scan statistics was used to identify risk clusters. RESULTS: The mean detection coefficient was 19.36/100,000 inhabitants, with a higher occurrence among men (21.29/100,000 inhabitants) and in the 60-69 age group (36.31/100,000). A decreasing temporal trend was observed in the country (annual percentage change: -5.20% per year). The North and Midwest regions were the most affected, exhibiting municipalities with a high/high standard, and with the highest annual percentage increase of multibacillary (MB) cases. Leprosy has a heterogeneous distribution throughout Brazil, but with high-risk spatiotemporal clusters, mainly located in the North and Midwest regions. CONCLUSION: Although Brazil has shown a decreasing temporal trend during the past 20 years, the country is still classified as highly endemic for leprosy, showing an increase in the proportion of new MB cases over the years.

Association of PTX3 gene polymorphisms and PTX3 plasma levels with leprosy susceptibility.

BACKGROUND: Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) is a soluble pattern recognition receptor that plays a crucial role in modulating the inflammatory response and activating the complement system. Additionally, plasma PTX3 has emerged as a potential biomarker for various infectious diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of PTX3 gene polymorphisms and PTX3 plasma levels with susceptibility to leprosy and clinical characteristics. METHODS: Patients with leprosy from a hyperendemic area in the Northeast Region of Brazil were included. Healthy household contacts and healthy blood donors from the same geographical area were recruited as a control group. The rs1840680 and rs2305619 polymorphisms of PTX3 were determined by real-time PCR. Plasma levels of PTX3 were determined by ELISA. RESULTS: A total of 512 individuals were included. Of these, 273 were patients diagnosed with leprosy; 53 were household contacts, and 186 were healthy blood donors. No association was observed between PTX3 polymorphisms and susceptibility to leprosy or development of leprosy reaction or physical disability. On the other hand, plasma levels of PTX3 were significantly higher in patients with leprosy when compared to household contacts (p = 0.003) or blood donors (p = 0.04). It was also observed that PTX3 levels drop significantly after multidrug therapy (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that PTX3 may play an important role in the pathogenesis of leprosy and point to the potential use of this molecule as an infection marker.

Epidemiology of chronic kidney disease in older indigenous peoples of Brazil: findings from a cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a prevalent disease worldwide, with increasing incidence particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Indigenous communities have poorer CKD outcomes due to limited access to healthcare. They are also experiencing a shift toward a sedentary lifestyle and urbanization-related dietary changes, increasing the risk of CKD-related risk factors. AIM: To determine the prevalence of CKD in older Brazilian indigenous and identify the main associated risk factors. METHODS: This cross-sectional study analyzed demographic and clinical data of 229 older indigenous individuals aged 60 years and above in 2022-2023. CKD was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 or a urinary albumin-creatinine ratio > 30 mg/g. Data were presented categorically and analyzed using the Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: The prevalence of CKD in the population was 26.6%, with higher prevalence in women and increasing with age. The prevalence of hypertension and diabetes was 67.7% and 24.0%, respectively, and these comorbidities were associated with CKD: hypertension (OR = 5.12; 95% CI 2.2-11.9) and diabetes (OR = 5.5; 95% CI 3.7-8.2). No association was found between the prevalence of CKD and obesity, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease, or smoking. DISCUSSION: The study found a higher prevalence of CKD among older indigenous populations in Brazil compared to non-indigenous populations, which is exacerbated by risk factors, such as aging, hypertension, diabetes, and lifestyle changes, emphasizing the importance of early detection and intervention in these communities. CONCLUSION: Older persons' indigenous individuals have a high prevalence of CKD, which is correlated with factors, such as sex, age, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension.

A time series analysis of detection and mortality of hepatitis C in Brazil, 2008-2018.

BACKGROUND: The 69th World Health Assembly approved the Global Health Sector Strategy to eliminate hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection by 2030. In Brazil, efforts have been undertaken to achieve this goal; there are, however, great challenges. It is important to understand the disease profile in different regions of the country in order to design strategies to fight the disease nationwide. The objective of this study was to analyse the time trend of the incidence and mortality of hepatitis C in Brazil during the period from 2008 to 2018 according to sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. METHODS: All newly diagnosed cases of hepatitis C reported between 2008 and 2018, in all regions of Brazil, were included. The indicators were obtained from the databases of the Brazilian Ministry of Health. For the time series analysis, a joinpoint regression model was used. RESULTS: Between 2008 and 2018, 136,759 newly diagnosed cases of hepatitis C were reported considering anti-HCV and HCV RNA positivity, and 271,624 newly diagnosed cases were reported considering one or another positive test. The majority of the records were concentrated in the Southeast (61%) and South (26.2%) Regions. The joinpoint regression model indicated an increasing trend in the detection rate of hepatitis C in Brazil, but there was a decreasing trend in the mortality rate during the period analysed. CONCLUSIONS: Differences were observed in the time trend of hepatitis C and in the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics in different regions of Brazil. These data can provide support to design strategies for the elimination of hepatitis C in Brazil, according to regional particularities.

High-risk transmission clusters of leprosy in an endemic area in the Northeastern Brazil: A retrospective spatiotemporal modelling (2001-2019).

OBJECTIVES: To analyse and map the leprosy risk areas in the state of Alagoas, an endemic region in the Northeastern Brazil, between 2001 and 2019. METHODS: Ecological and time series study, using spatial analysis techniques. First, we analyse the epidemiological aspects of leprosy cases, using the data available in the Notifiable Diseases Information System; then, we used the segmented log-linear regression model to assess time trends. Spatial distribution was analysed by the Local Empirical Bayesian Estimator and by calculating the Global and Local Moran Index. Finally, spatiotemporal clusters were identified through scanning statistics, using the Kulldorf method of retrospective analysis. RESULTS: We observed that Alagoas showed an average new case detection rate of 14.43/100,000 inhabitants between 2001 and 2019, being classified as highly endemic. The area of highest risk was the 9th health region (state hinterland), with increasing time trend (Annual Percentage Change/APC = 7.2; p-value < 0.05). Several clusters of high risk of leprosy transmission were verified in Alagoas, including the state capital and hinterland municipalities. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that active M. leprae transmission persists in Alagoas; that diagnosis is delayed and that there are high-risk areas, especially in inland municipalities.

COVID-19 in Brazil: spatial risk, social vulnerability, human development, clinical manifestations and predictors of mortality - a retrospective study with data from 59 695 individuals.

Brazil ranks second in the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 worldwide. In spite of this, coping measures differ throughout the national territory, as does the disease's impact on the population. This cross-sectional observational study, with 59 695 cases of COVID-19 registered in the state of Alagoas between March and August 2020, analysed clinical-epidemiological variables, incidence rate, mortality rate, case fatality rate (CFR) and the social indicators municipal human development index (MHDI) and social vulnerability index (SVI). Moran statistics and regression models were applied. Logistic regression analysis was applied to determine the predictors of death. The incidence rate was 1788.7/100 000 inhabitants; mortality rate was 48.0/100 000 and CFR was 2.7%. The highest incidence rates were observed in municipalities with better human development (overall MHDI (I = 0.1668; p = 0.002), education MHDI (I = 0.1649; p = 0.002) and income MHDI (I = 0.1880; p = 0.005)) and higher social vulnerability (overall SVI (I = 0.0599; p = 0.033)). CFR was associated with higher social vulnerability (SVI human capital (I = 0.0858; p = 0.004) and SVI urban infrastructure (I = 0.0985; p = 0.040)). Of the analysed cases, 55.4% were female; 2/3 were Black or Brown and the median age was 41 years. Among deaths, most were male (919; 57.4%) and elderly (1171; 73.1%). The predictors of death were male sex, advanced age and the presence of comorbidities. In Alagoas, Brazil, the disease has undergone a process of interiorisation and caused more deaths in poorer municipalities. The presence of comorbidities and advanced age were predictors of death.

High production MBL2 polymorphisms protect against COVID-19 complications in critically ill patients: A retrospective cohort study.

Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) binds to SARS-CoV-2, inhibits infection of susceptible cells, and activates the complement system via the lectin pathway. In this study, we investigated the association of MBL2 polymorphisms with the risk of hospitalization and clinical worsening in patients with COVID-19. A total of 550 patients with COVID-19 were included (94 non-hospitalized and 456 hospitalized). Polymorphisms in MBL2 exon 1 (codons 52, 54 and 57) and promoter region (-550, -221, and +4) were determined by real-time PCR. MBL and complement proteins were measured by Luminex. A higher frequency of the H/H genotype and the HYPA haplotype was observed in non-hospitalized patients when compared to hospitalized. In addition, critically ill patients carrying haplotypes associated with high MBL levels (HYPA/HYPA + HYPA/LYPA + HYPA/LYQA + LYPA/LYQA + LYPA/LYPA + LYQA/LYQA + LXPA/HYPA + LXPA/LYQA + LXPA/LYPA) were protected against lower oxygen saturation levels (P = 0.02), use of invasive ventilation use (P = 0.02, OR 0.38), and shock (P = 0.01, OR 0.40), independent of other potential confounders adjusted by multivariate analysis. Our results suggest that variants in MBL2 associated with high MBL levels may play a protective role in the clinical course of COVID-19.

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the activities of the Schistosomiasis Control Program in Brazil: is the goal of controlling the disease by 2030 at risk?

BACKGROUND: Schistosomiasis continues to represent a serious public health problem in Brazil. With the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, several control strategies were suspended, probably compromising the goals of eradicating the disease in the country. We aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Schistosomiasis Control Program (PCE) actions in all endemic states of Brazil. METHODS: We performed an ecological study using spatial analysis techniques. The PCE variables assessed were the population surveyed, the number of Kato-Katz tests, positive cases of schistosomiasis and the percentage of cases treated between 2015 and 2021. The percent change was calculated to verify if there was an increase or decrease in 2020 and 2021, along with time trend analyses provided by the Joinpoint model. Spatial distribution maps were elaborated considering the percent change. RESULTS: The surveyed population decreased in 2020 (-65.38%) and 2021 (-37.94%) across Brazil. There was a proportional reduction in the number of Kato-Katz tests (2020, -67.48%; 2021, -40.52%), a decrease in the percentage of positive cases (2020, -71.16%; 2021, -40.5%) and a reduction in the percentage of treated cases (2020, -72.09%; 2021, -41.67%). Time trend analyses showed a decreasing trend in most PCE variables. CONCLUSIONS: The PCE activities were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil and PCE strategies must be urgently reviewed, focusing on investments in all endemic areas.

Change in Rotavirus Vaccine Coverage in Brazil from before (2015-2019) through the COVID-19 Pandemic Period (2020-2021).

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a reduction in vaccination coverage of children and adolescents was observed in several countries. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the pandemic, in the first two years, on human rotavirus vaccine (HRV) coverage in Brazil compared with previous years. The number of doses of HRV administered in the period from January 2015 to December 2021 and its annual vaccination coverage were analyzed. The vaccination coverage decreased to 77.3% in 2020 and to 70.4% in 2021, substantially lower than the minimum that would be expected (89.2%); the decline was more pronounced in the second year of the pandemic despite the fact that in this period, the circulation restrictions were already less tight. Of the five Brazilian macro-regions, the northeast had the largest decline, and the south had the smallest impact on coverage. At the municipal level, less than half of the Brazilian municipalities managed to achieve vaccination coverage above 90% in either pandemic year. Although there was already a downward trend in coverage in the pre-pandemic years, the present study shows that the values recorded in 2020 and 2021 were significantly lower. Monitoring of vaccination coverage in the coming years should be carried out continuously in order to avoid a possible resurgence of rotavirus-induced diarrhea.

Urbanization and kidney dysfunction in Brazilian indigenous people: a burden for the youth.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate whether the degree of urbanization influences the prevalence of chronic kidney disease in Brazilian indigenous people. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study conducted between 2016 and 2017 in northeastern Brazil and includes individuals aged between 30 and 70 years from two specific indigenous groups who volunteered to participate in the study: the Fulni-ô people (lowest degree of urbanization) and the Truká group (greater degree of urbanization). Cultural and geographical parameters were used to characterize and measure the magnitude of urbanization. We excluded individuals with known cardiovascular disease or renal failure who required hemodialysis. Chronic kidney disease was defined as a single measurement of an estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration creatinine equation. RESULTS: A total of 184 indigenous people from the Fulni-ô group and 96 from the Truká group with a median age of 46 years (interquartile range: 15.2) were included. We found a chronic kidney disease rate of 4.3% in the total indigenous population, generally affecting an older population: 41.7% over 60 years old (p<0.001). The Truká people had a chronic kidney disease prevalence of 6.2%, with no differences in kidney dysfunction across age groups. The Fulni-ô participants had a chronic kidney disease prevalence of 3.3%, with a higher proportion of kidney dysfunction in older participants (of the six Fulni-ô indigenous people with chronic kidney disease, five were older). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that a higher degree of urbanization seems to negatively influence the prevalence of chronic kidney disease in Brazilian indigenous people.

Oral health of an indigenous population in northeastern Brazil: a cross-sectional Study of the Fulni-ô ethnic group.

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of studies evaluating the oral health of traditional indigenous communities in Brazil. OBJECTIVES: Thus, the objective of this study was to describe the oral health characteristics of the indigenous Fulni-ô ethnic group in Northeast Brazil. DESIGN AND SETTING: A cross-sectional observational investigation was conducted within the Project on Atherosclerosis among Indigenous Populations. METHODS: This study included participants of both sexes from the Fulni-ô ethnic group. The participants included in this investigation underwent a comprehensive oral health evaluation by a registered and experienced dentist to assess oral health and identify potentially malignant oral lesions. Participants with suspicious lesions were referred for biopsy. Shapiro-Wilk, Mann-Whitney, and Student's t-tests were used, and measures of central tendency and dispersion were described. Statistical significance was 5%. RESULTS: A total of 104 individuals were included in this study. The prevalence of the use of tobacco derivatives was 94.0%, with similarities between sexes. The prevalence of oral changes in this study population was 84.4%. Fifty-one individuals who underwent oral reassessment were referred for oral lesion biopsy. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated a high prevalence of oral alterations in the Fulni-ô population. Histopathological analyses indicated the presence of mild oral epithelial dysplasia in five cases.

Bridging the Gaps: Investigating the Complex Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Tuberculosis Records in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to analyze the temporal evolution, spatial distribution, and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on tuberculosis records in a northeastern state of Brazil. METHODS: This is an ecological study involving all diagnoses of Tuberculosis (TB) in residents of the state of Pernambuco/Brazil. Data were extracted from the National System of Notifiable Diseases. A pre-pandemic COVID-19 temporal analysis (2001-2019), a spatial analysis before (2015-2019) and during the first two pandemic years (2020-2021), and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cases of TB diagnoses in Pernambuco in the years 2020 and 2021 were performed. Inflection point regression models, Global and Local Moran's statistics, and spatial scan statistics were used. RESULTS: In the period from 2001 to 2019, 91,225 cases of TB were registered in Pernambuco (48.40/100,000 inhabitants), with a tendency of growth starting in 2007 (0.7% per year; p = 0.005). In the pre-pandemic period (2015-2019), 10.8% (n = 20) of Pernambuco municipalities had TB incidence rates below 10/100,000. In 2020, this percentage reached 27.0% (n = 50) and in 2021 it was 17.8% (n = 33). Risk clusters were identified in the eastern region of the state, with five clusters in the pre-pandemic period and in 2021 and six in 2020. In the first year of the pandemic, an 8.5% reduction in the number of new TB cases was observed. In 2021, the state showed a slight increase (1.1%) in the number of new TB cases. CONCLUSIONS: The data indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic may have caused a reduction in the number of new TB case reports in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil.

Urbanization and cardiovascular health among Indigenous groups in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: We described the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in groups of Brazilian Indigenous people at different degrees of urbanization. METHODS: The Project of Atherosclerosis among Indigenous populations (Projeto de Aterosclerose em Indígenas; PAI) is a cross-sectional study conducted in Northeast Brazil between August 2016-June 2017. It included three populations: Fulni-ô Indigenous people (lowest degree of urbanization), Truká Indigenous people (greater urbanization), and a highly urbanized non-Indigenous local cohort (control group). Participants were assessed to register sociodemographic, anthropometric, as well as clinical and laboratory-derived cardiovascular (CV) risk parameters. Age-adjusted prevalence of hypertension was also computed. Nonparametric tests were used for group comparisons. RESULTS: Here we included 999 participants, with a predominance of females in all three groups (68.3% Control group, 65.0% Fulni-ô indigenous group, and 60.1% Truká indigenous group). Obesity was present in 45.6% of the urban non-Indigenous population, 37.7% Truká and in 27.6% Fulni-ô participants. The prevalence of hypertension was 29.1% (n = 297) with lower prevalence in the less urbanized Fulni-ô people (Fulni-ô - 18.2%; Truká - 33.9%; and Control - 33.8%; p < 0.001). In the elderly male population, the prevalence of hypertension was 18.7% in the Fulni-ô, 45.8% in the Truká, and 54.5% in the control group. Of the 342 participants that self-reported hypertension, 37.5% (n = 68) showed uncontrolled blood pressure (BP). Uncontrolled BP was more prevalent among Truká people when compared to Fulni-ô people and non-Indigenous participants (45.4%, 22.9%, and 40.7%, respectively; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: We found a higher cardiovascular risk in communities with a higher degree of urbanization, suggesting that living in towns and cities may have a negative impact on these aspects of cardiovascular health.

The lifestyles and environments of traditional indigenous and city-living communities differ. We compared rates of obesity and hypertension in members of two under-studied Indigenous groups in Northeast Brazil and a nearby urbanized group. We found higher rates of obesity and hypertension amongst members of the more urbanized community, suggesting that living in towns and cities may have a negative impact on these aspects of cardiovascular health. These results suggest those living in the city should modify their lifestyle and monitor their cardiovascular health more carefully if possible.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the actions of the Schistosomiasis Control Program in an endemic area in Northeastern Brazil.

Schistosomiasis remains a serious public health concern in Brazil and the Schistosomiasis Control Program (PCE) was elaborated to assist in the control of the disease. Nevertheless, the irruption of the COVID-19 pandemic may have impacted the program. Herein, we assessed the impact of the pandemic on PCE actions in an endemic area in the region with the highest positivity rate for schistosomiasis in Brazil. We conducted an ecological, population-based study using data from the PCE of the state of Alagoas, between 2015 and 2021, to calculate the percentage of change. The temporal trend analysis was performed using the segmented log-linear regression model. To evaluate the spatial distribution of the data, choropleth maps were made showing the values of the% of change. Moran maps was elaborated to indicate the critical areas. Our analysis showed a decrease in the population surveyed in 2020 (-41.00%) and 2021 (-18.42%). Likewise, there was a reduction in the number of Kato-Katz tests performed (2020 = -43.45%; and in 2021 = -19.63%) and, consequently, a drop in the rate of positive tests (-37.98% in 2020 and -26.14% in 2021). Importantly, treatment of positive cases was lower than 80% (77.44% in 2020 and 77.38% in 2021). Additionally, spatial clusters with negative percentage values of up to -100% of the PCE indicators were identified mostly in the municipalities of the coastal areas that are historically most affected by schistosomiasis. Taken together, our analyzes corroborate that PCE actions in endemic municipalities of Alagoas were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Assessment of clinical characteristics and viral load in individuals infected by Delta and Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2.

In late 2021, a new variant of SARS-CoV-2 called Omicron emerged, replacing Delta worldwide. Although it has been associated with a lower risk of hospitalization and severe forms of COVID-19, there is little evidence of its relationship with specific symptoms and viral load. The aim of this study was to verify the relationship between Delta and Omicron variants of concern, viral load, and the occurrence of symptoms in individuals with COVID-19. Nasopharyngeal swab samples were collected and sequenced from patients with COVID-19 from the Northeast Region of Brazil between August 2021 and March 2022. The results showed a gradual replacement of the Delta variant by the Omicron variant during the study period. A total of 316 samples (157 Delta and 159 Omicron) were included. There was a higher prevalence of symptoms in Delta-infected individuals, such as coryza, olfactory and taste disturbances, headache, and myalgia. There was no association between viral load and the variants analyzed. The results reported here contribute to the understanding of the symptoms associated with the Delta and Omicron variants in individuals affected by COVID-19.

Impact Of The COVID-19 Pandemic on Hospital Admissions and In-Hospital Lethality From Cardiovascular Diseases in Brazil: An Ecological and Time Series Study.

Since the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Brazil, several government policies have been taken. Herein, we aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on hospital admissions and in-hospital lethality for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in Brazil in 2020. An ecological and time-series study on hospitalizations and deaths from CVD in Brazil was conducted from January 2018 to December 2020.The hospital admission rate for CVD reduced by 17.1%, with a significant decreasing trend between January and May 2020 (Annual Percent Change: -8,7%; P-value < 0.001). The in-hospital lethality rate increased from 8.2% in 2018 to 9.3% in 2020. During this period, Brazil totaled 21.8 million days of hospital stay. Indicators of hospital admissions and lethality from CVD in Brazil were impacted by the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic in different ways in the regions and depending on the nature of the indicator.

Epidemiological profile and temporal trend of exogenous intoxications in children and adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiological profile and to analyze the trend in the incidence rate of exogenous poisoning concerning children and adolescents (0-19 years old) in the city of Arapiraca, Alagoas, Brazil, in the period from 2007 to 2015. METHODS: Observational study with data extracted from the Notifiable Diseases Information System. The variables sex, age group, toxic agent, and circumstance were analyzed using descriptive statistics. For temporal analysis, cut-off rates of incidence/10,000 inhabitants were calculated and the inflection point regression model was used for analysis. RESULTS: There were 5,539 cases of exogenous intoxication in individuals aged 0-19 years in the city, of which 53.1% (n=2,944) occurred in girls and 61.5% (n=3,405) in children aged 0-9 years. Medicines consisted in the main agent responsible for intoxications (28.5%; n=1,580), mainly by accidental use (18.2%; n=1,010). There was a significant increase in the events during the study period (Average Annual Percent Change: 12.7; 95%CI 1.1-25.6; p<0.001), with rates increasing from 56.52/10,000 inhabitants in 2007 to 56.64/10,000 inhabitants in 2015. The incidence of cases in girls increased from 57.34/10,000 inhabitants in 2007 to 62.27/10,000 inhabitants in 2015. In boys, the incidence of cases was stationary: 55.69/10,000 inhabitants to 50.9 /10,000 inhabitants in the same period. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed a higher frequency of cases in girls aged 0 to 4 years and an increasing trend in the incidence rate during the study period. Implementation of actions and strategies, with emphasis on health education, is needed in order to prevent cases of exogenous intoxication.