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The rapidly increasing number of spatial studies and the complexity of schistosomiasis transmission dynamics in Brazil indicate that surveillance and control programmes can benefit from the spatial approach, not only in areas susceptible to the introduction and establishment of new transmission foci but also in areas experiencing declines in schistosomiasis transmission. Several additional areas amenable to, or requiring, spatial research are identified. This paper reviews spatial studies of schistosomiasis in Brazil with a focus on the application of spatial tools in epidemiological, disease ecological, control and several additional areas in schistosomiasis research.

OBJETIVO: analisar os fatores relacionados à não investigação dos óbitos fetal e infantil ocorridos no Vale do Jequitinhonha, Minas Gerais. MÉTODOS: trata-se de estudo ecológico que teve, como unidades de análise, todos os 33 municípios da Região Ampliada de Saúde Jequitinhonha, Minas Gerais. Nesses municípios foi aplicado um questionário a um membro do Comitê de Prevenção do Óbito Infantil e Fetal com questões sobre a composição dos comitês, mecanismos de investigação do óbito infantil, fatores dificultadores para a investigação dos óbitos e critérios de evitabilidade entre os anos 2007 e 2012. Foi feita análise descritiva com frequências simples, com o intuito de descrever o perfil dos municípios estudados. RESULTADOS: dos 598 óbitos infantis e 477 fetais registrados, apenas 22,2 e 18,4% foram investigados, respectivamente. Constatou-se a existência de problemas de infraestrutura, técnico-operacionais e políticos que interferiram na prática de investigação. CONCLUSÃO: a operacionalização da investigação do óbito infantil e fetal, apesar de exigido por lei, apresenta deficiências, o que acarreta elevado número de óbitos não investigados no período do estudo, o que poderá comprometer as ações para a redução da mortalidade infantil e fetal e a qualidade da assistência infantil.

Schistosomiasis prevalence and egg counts remained low one year after chemotherapy in most households in a hyperendemic rural area in northern Minas Gerais but several distinct spatial patterns could be observed in relation to IgE levels and to a lesser extent to exposure risk (TBM) and type of water supply. An inverse relationship between pre-treatment household prevalence and egg counts on the one hand and post-treatment IgE levels on the other were noted in two of the five communities. Low exposure risk was associated with the low pre-treatment infection rates in the central village but did not contribute to the decline of infection rates after chemotherapy in the study area, as indicated by the significant increase in water contact during the posttreatment period (p < 0.0001). Distance between households and the streams and socioeconomic factors were also unimportant in predicting the spatial distribution of infection. These results are consistent with the production and antiparasitic effect of high levels of IgE in Schistosoma mansoni infection.

Two hundred and twenty three subjects from a Schistosoma mansoni low morbidity endemic area and nine hospitalized hepatosplenic patients were submitted to stool test and clinical examination and abdomen ultrasound assessments. According to stool examination and ultrasound results, they were grouped as follows: G1 - 63 Schistosoma mansoni egg-negative individuals; G2 - 141 egg-positive patients and without evidence of periportal fibrosis; G3 - 19 egg-positive patients with periportal echogenicity (3-6mm); and G4 - 9 hepatosplenic patients with periportal echogenicity (> 6mm). Hepatomegaly detected by physical examination of the abdomen evaluated in the midclavicular line was verified in G1, G2 and G3, respectively, in 11.1, 12.1 and 26.3%. In G1, G2 and G3, periportal thickening occurred only in schistosomal patients (8.5%). Mild pathological alterations in patients that cannot yet be detected by clinical examination were detectable in the liver by ultrasound and can be due to fibrosis. The degree of mild periportal fibrosis was diminished in 57.9% of patients 12 months after treatment of schistosomiasis with oxamniquine. At ultrasonography, the mean liver left lobe measurement of G3 was larger than that of G1, and that of G4 larger than that of G1 and G2. The mean size of the spleen of G4 was significantly larger than that of the other three groups, and that of G3 larger than that of G1 and G2.

In this paper, the Disease Reference Group on Helminth Infections (DRG4), established in 2009 by the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR), with the mandate to review helminthiases research and identify research priorities and gaps, focuses on the environmental, social, behavioural, and political determinants of human helminth infections and outlines a research and development agenda for the socioeconomic and health systems research required for the development of sustainable control programmes. Using Stockols' social-ecological approach, we describe the role of various social (poverty, policy, stigma, culture, and migration) and environmental determinants (the home environment, water resources development, and climate change) in the perpetuation of helminthic diseases, as well as their impact as contextual factors on health promotion interventions through both the regular and community-based health systems. We examine these interactions in regard to community participation, intersectoral collaboration, gender, and possibilities for upscaling helminthic disease control and elimination programmes within the context of integrated and interdisciplinary approaches. The research agenda summarises major gaps that need to be addressed.

A disproportionate burden of helminthiases in human populations occurs in marginalised, low-income, and resource-constrained regions of the world, with over 1 billion people in developing areas of sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and the Americas infected with one or more helminth species. The morbidity caused by such infections imposes a substantial burden of disease, contributing to a vicious circle of infection, poverty, decreased productivity, and inadequate socioeconomic development. Furthermore, helminth infection accentuates the morbidity of malaria and HIV/AIDS, and impairs vaccine efficacy. Polyparasitism is the norm in these populations, and infections tend to be persistent. Hence, there is a great need to reduce morbidity caused by helminth infections. However, major deficiencies exist in diagnostics and interventions, including vector control, drugs, and vaccines. Overcoming these deficiencies is hampered by major gaps in knowledge of helminth biology and transmission dynamics, platforms from which to help develop such tools. The Disease Reference Group on Helminths Infections (DRG4), established in 2009 by the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR), was given the mandate to review helminthiases research and identify research priorities and gaps. In this review, we provide an overview of the forces driving the persistence of helminthiases as a public health problem despite the many control initiatives that have been put in place; identify the main obstacles that impede progress towards their control and elimination; and discuss recent advances, opportunities, and challenges for the understanding of the biology, epidemiology, and control of these infections. The helminth infections that will be discussed include: onchocerciasis, lymphatic filariasis, soil-transmitted helminthiases, schistosomiasis, food-borne trematodiases, and taeniasis/cysticercosis.

Human helminthiases are of considerable public health importance in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The acknowledgement of the disease burden due to helminth infections, the availability of donated or affordable drugs that are mostly safe and moderately efficacious, and the implementation of viable mass drug administration (MDA) interventions have prompted the establishment of various large-scale control and elimination programmes. These programmes have benefited from improved epidemiological mapping of the infections, better understanding of the scope and limitations of currently available diagnostics and of the relationship between infection and morbidity, feasibility of community-directed or school-based interventions, and advances in the design of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) protocols. Considerable success has been achieved in reducing morbidity or suppressing transmission in a number of settings, whilst challenges remain in many others. Some of the obstacles include the lack of diagnostic tools appropriate to the changing requirements of ongoing interventions and elimination settings; the reliance on a handful of drugs about which not enough is known regarding modes of action, modes of resistance, and optimal dosage singly or in combination; the difficulties in sustaining adequate coverage and compliance in prolonged and/or integrated programmes; an incomplete understanding of the social, behavioural, and environmental determinants of infection; and last, but not least, very little investment in research and development (R&D). The Disease Reference Group on Helminth Infections (DRG4), established in 2009 by the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR), was given the mandate to undertake a comprehensive review of recent advances in helminthiases research, identify research gaps, and rank priorities for an R&D agenda for the control and elimination of these infections. This review presents the processes undertaken to identify and rank ten top research priorities; discusses the implications of realising these priorities in terms of their potential for improving global health and achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs); outlines salient research funding needs; and introduces the series of reviews that follow in this PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases collection, "A Research Agenda for Helminth Diseases of Humans."

BACKGROUND: Schistosomiasis affects more than 200 million individuals worldwide, with a further 650 million living at risk of infection, constituting a severe health problem in developing countries. Even though an effective treatment exists, it does not prevent re-infection, and the development of an effective vaccine still remains the most desirable means of control for this disease. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Herein, we report the cloning and characterization of a S. mansoni Stomatin-like protein 2 (SmStoLP-2). In silico analysis predicts three putative sites for palmitoylation (Cys11, Cys61 and Cys330), which could contribute to protein membrane association; and a putative mitochondrial targeting sequence, similar to that described for human Stomatin-like protein 2 (HuSLP-2). The protein was detected by Western blot with comparable levels in all stages across the parasite life cycle. Fractionation by differential centrifugation of schistosome tegument suggested that SmStoLP-2 displays a dual targeting to the tegument membranes and mitochondria; additionally, immunolocalization experiments confirm its localization in the tegument of the adult worms and, more importantly, in 7-day-old schistosomula. Analysis of the antibody isotype profile to rSmStoLP-2 in the sera of patients living in endemic areas for schistosomiasis revealed that IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 and IgA antibodies were predominant in sera of individuals resistant to reinfection as compared to those susceptible. Next, immunization of mice with rSmStoLP-2 engendered a 30%-32% reduction in adult worm burden. Protective immunity in mice was associated with specific anti-rSmStoLP-2 IgG1 and IgG2a antibodies and elevated production of IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha, while no IL-4 production was detected, suggesting a Th1-predominant immune response. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Data presented here demonstrate that SmStoLP-2 is a novel tegument protein located in the host-parasite interface. It is recognized by different subclasses of antibodies in patients resistant and susceptible to reinfection and, based on the data from murine studies, shows protective potential against schistosomiasis. These results indicate that SmStoLP-2 could be useful in a combination vaccine.

A proteína C-reativa (PCR) é uma proteína de fase aguda que tem sido associada ao risco aumentado para doenças cardiovasculares. Diversos estudos têm demonstrado associação entre acúmulo de gordura corporal e níveis elevados de PCR. O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar a associação entre medidas de adiposidade, variáveis demográficas e bioquímicas com os níveis de PCR em uma população rural. A população foi constituída por indivíduos com idade maior ou igual a 18 anos de ambos os sexos e pelo menos dois anos de residência no local. Foram excluídos mulheres grávidas, indivíduos diabéticos e indivíduos com PCR acima de 10mg/l. A coleta de dados incluiu variáveis antropométricas, demográficas, de estilo de vida e bioquímicas. Os dados foram analisados por meio do STATA 9.0. Dos 536 participantes, 50,37% eram do sexo masculino, a idade variou entre 18 e 94 anos com média de 43,34 anos. A prevalência de sobrepeso e obesidade foi significativamente maior no sexo feminino. Na análise bivariada o IMC, circunferência da cintura, RCQ, idade, educação, pressão arterial sistólica e diastólica, colesterol total, LDL-c, HDL-c, triglicérides, insulinemia de jejum e HOMA-IR correlacionaram-se significativamente com o lnPCR. As variáveis que se mantiveram associadas com o lnPCR, após ajuste do modelo de regressão linear múltipla foram IMC, idade, sexo, insulinemia de jejum e HDL-c. A associação independente de tradicionais fatores de risco para as doenças cardiovasculares (idade, sexo, IMC, insulina de jejum e HDL-c) com a PCR evidencia uma estreita relação entre tecido adiposo, doenças cardiovasculares e inflamação.

RESUMO: Estudo observacional que analisa a qualidade das ações de diagnóstico, tratamento e controle da esquistossomose na Estratégia Saúde da Família (ESF) em área endêmica. Foram utilizados questionários estruturados em 97 profissionais de saúde da ESF e em secretários municipais de saúde de 25 municípios pertencentes à Gerência Regional de Saúde de Pedra Azul, Minas Gerais. Foram utilizados os Modelos de Variáveis Latentes para definir um escore a fim de avaliar a qualidade da proposta. Os resultados mostraram que 57,8% das equipes da ESF realizam suas ações de maneira insatisfatória ou crítica. Os profissionais não realizam ações efetivas para controle da infecção e 8,1% não utilizam o método diagnóstico preconizado pelo governo. As estratégias de vigilância e controle ainda são incipientes. Da mesma forma, os profissionais não receberam treinamento adequado para o desenvolvimento das ações de prevenção e controle da esquistossomose. Falta material educativo para o desempenho das atividades de educação em saúde, sendo que as equipes da ESF realizam atividades educativas nas escolas em 48% dos municípios. Menos da metade dos profissionais entrevistados conhecia o Programa de Controle da Esquistossomose (PCE). É necessário integrar as práticas do PCE à ESF, além de buscar um adequado suporte da gestão municipal por meio de pactuações e do controle social.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Metabolic syndrome (MS) is recognized worldwide as an important public health concern. However, little information is available for rural populations in Brazil. The aim was to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with MS in a rural village in Brazil in 2004. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional population-based study, in Virgem das Graças, a rural community in the Jequitinhonha Valley, State of Minas Gerais. METHODS: MS was the dependent variable, defined as any three of these risk factors: arterial hypertension, high glucose or triglyceride concentrations, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and abdominal obesity. MS prevalence, according to selected socioeconomic and demographic variables (age, skin color, marital status, schooling and smoking habits), was determined in 251 subjects aged 20-88 years. Multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: MS prevalence was 21.6% (7.7% for men and 33.6% for women); the age-adjusted prevalence was 19.0%. The highest prevalences were observed for women > 60 years of age (52.9%) and women with body mass index (BMI) > 25 kg/m² (64%). Age, sex and BMI were associated risk factors for MS, while skin color was only significantly associated with MS for women. The models were adjusted for age, smoking habits, marital status, skin color and schooling. CONCLUSIONS: BMI and age were independently associated factors for MS in this rural community. These findings provide important evidence on the prevalence of MS as a public health problem, particularly for women and overweight individuals.

RESUMO: Objetivos: Identificar a prevalência da doença renal crônica (DRC) autorreferida no Brasil e caracterizar os fatores associados a essa enfermidade. Métodos: Trata-se de um inquérito epidemiológico de base domiciliar, a Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde (PNS) realizada em 2013. O desfecho analisado foi a prevalência de DRC. Os grupos de variáveis explicativas foram: características sociodemográficas, estilos de vida, doenças crônicas autorreferidas, antropometria e avaliação de saúde. Foram estimadas as prevalências de DRC e os respectivos intervalos de confiança de 95% e foram realizados a análise univariada e o modelo de regressão logística múltipla, permanecendo as variáveis estatisticamente significativas (p < 0,05). Resultados: Observou-se que 1,42% (intervalo de confiança de 95% - IC95% 1,33 - 1,52) dos 60.202 entrevistados referiram ser portadores de DRC. O odds ratio (OR) aumentou com a idade, sendo 2,68 entre os idosos com 65 anos ou mais (IC95% 1,75 - 4,09). Apresentaram chance maior de DRC: possuir planos de saúde, com OR = 1,51 (IC95% 1,28 - 1,78), tabagismo, hipertensão, colesterol elevado e autoavaliação de saúde ruim, com OR = 1,75 (IC95% 1,45 - 2,12), OR = 1,20 (IC95% 1,02 - 1,42), OR = 1,83 (IC95% 1,56 - 2,15), OR = 4,70 (IC95% 3,75 - 5,88), respectivamente. Conclusões: A prevalência de DRC foi maior em idade mais avançada, baixa escolaridade, possuir plano de saúde, tabagismo, hipertensão, hipercolesterolemia e avaliação regular ou ruim do estado de saúde. O conhecimento da prevalência da DRC e dos fatores de risco e de proteção são essenciais para prevenção da doença e para subsidiar as políticas públicas de saúde.

ABSTRACT Objective: To study the epidemiological profile of Healthcare-associated Infections caused by Enterobacteria which carry the Klebsiella pneumoniae Carbapenemase gene (blaKPC) in the hospital environment. Method: A descriptive study was conducted in a private hospital in Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil, which included all patients with infections caused by Enterobacteriaceae which carry the Klebsiella pneumoniae Carbapenemase gene. The data were collected by the Automated System of Hospital Infection Control and analyzed by descriptive statistics by the Epi Info 7 program. Results: Eighty-two (82) patients participated in the study. Klebsiella pneumoniae was the most frequent species (68%) isolated in blood (30%), bronchoalveolar lavage (22%) and urine (18%), while catheter-associated bloodstream infection (30%) predominated regarding topography. A case fatality rate of 62% is highlighted in evaluating the outcome. Conclusion: The resistance genes spread rapidly, limiting the antimicrobial options for treating infectious diseases. The epidemiological profile of Healthcare-Associated Infections found in this study can be prevented by prevention and infection control programs.