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Abstract Background Human rabies outbreak transmitted by bats continues to be a relevant public health problem not only in the Amazon region. The disease has affected one of the areas with the greatest poverty in southeastern Brazil, a region inhabited by the Maxakali indigenous people. Case presentation We describe four cases of rabies among indigenous children that occurred in the indigenous village of Pradinho, municipality of Bertópolis, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Cases were notified between April and May 2022, all of whom died on average eight days after the first symptoms. All cases were observed in rural residents under 12 years of age. The probable form of exposure was through bat bites. The predominant symptoms were prostration, fever, dyspnea, sialorrhea, tachycardia, and altered level of consciousness. Half of the cases underwent late and/or incomplete post-exposure rabies prophylaxis, however, the other half underwent pre-exposure rabies prophylaxis, with only one case completing the scheme and another undergoing the adapted Milwaukee Protocol (Recife Protocol). All cases ended in death. Conclusions This was the first rabies outbreak among indigenous people in Brazil. Among the manifested clinical forms in the series, there was a disease atypical presentation in at least one case. We suggest active surveillance and an intercultural educational campaign to prevent new cases. Graphical abstract

Data on the temporal and spatial evolution of SARS-CoV-2 and local control measures and their effects on morbidity and mortality patterns in rural Brazil are scarce. We analyzed the data from case notification systems, epidemiological investigation reports, and municipal decrees in Itapajé, a small municipality in Ceará State in northeast Brazil. For spatial and spatio-temporal analyses, cases and deaths were mapped. There were a total of 3020 cases of COVID-19, recorded between April 2020 and December 2021; 135 (4.5%) died. The cumulative incidence and mortality rates were 5650.3 cases and 252.6 deaths per 100,000 people, respectively. The index case of SARS-CoV-2 in Itapajé was diagnosed in March 2020. The first peak of cases and deaths occurred in May 2020. The second wave peaked in May 2021, with the highest number of deaths in March 2021. According to the spatial analysis, the highest density of cases and deaths occurred in the central urban areas. In these areas, there were also the clusters of highest risk according to the spatio-temporal analyses. The municipal government issued 69 decrees on restriction measures, surveillance, and the maintenance of social isolation as a response to the pandemic. The spread of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Itapajé mirrored the dynamics in large metropolitan regions, going from central neighborhoods of low socio-economic status to the wealthier peripheries.

ABSTRACT Background: Systematic data on the occurrence of tungiasis are scarce. Methods: We analyzed data on tungiasis in humans and animals from all municipalities of Ceará State, Northeast Brazil, using a rapid assessment questionnaire. Results: Among the 184 municipalities, 181 (98.3%) reported tungiasis in the past (before 2021) or currently, 120 (65.2%) reported current occurrence, 155 (84.2%) reported severe cases in the past or currently, 47 (25.5 %) reported severe cases currently, and 132 (71.7%) reported tungiasis in animals. Conclusions: Tungiasis is a significant public health concern in Ceará. A One Health approach is required to reduce the disease burden in humans and animals.

ABSTRACT Background: Human visceral leishmaniasis HVL is endemic to 75 countries. The state of Ceará, the Northeast region of Brazil, is of great sanitary importance for the transmission of HVL, and it stands out as an area of interest for epidemiological aspects and control strategies. This study aimed to characterize HVL in relation to epidemiological aspects, composite incidence, and mortality rates in the state of Ceará, Brazil, from 2007 to 2021. Methods: This ecological study used temporal and spatial cuts of HVL data from the notifiable diseases information system. Epidemiological indicators such as incidence, mortality, and composite indices of incidence and mortality were calculated according to the Ministry of Health standardization. Results: There were 6,775 confirmed cases, with high incidence coefficients in 2009 6.96 cases/100,000 inhabitants and 2011 9.83 cases/100,000 inhabitants, and the highest mortality rate in 2011 6.96 deaths/100,000 inhabitants. The composite index of incidence and mortality identified municipalities in the Northern, Northwestern, and Southern regions of Ceará as having the highest risk of HVL. Conclusions: HVL remained endemic throughout the study period, with epidemiological indicators and risk of transmission expressing high magnitude, mainly in the Northeast, Northwest, and South regions of Ceará.

ABSTRACT Background: The school community was heavily impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, especially with the long time of school closures. This study aimed to analyze the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and possible factors associated with seropositivity for COVID-19 in teachers and other school staff, and to estimate the fraction of asymptomatic individuals by sex and age group. Methods: We conducted a serological survey of SARS-CoV-2 infections. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in Fortaleza, Brazil. Teachers and other staff members from pre-schools to universities of higher education to were investigated. Results: A total of 1,901 professionals participated in the study, of which 1,021 were staff and 880 were teachers. The seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 was 8.0% (152/1901). In the seropositive group, 48.3% were asymptomatic. There was a predominance of women (68.4%); and, 47.1% of the participants were between 31 and 45 years old. There was an increase in prevalence with increasing age. An inverse relationship was found for education level: more professionals with less education tested positive for COVID-19. The presence of an infected person living in the same household was significantly associated with positive results for COVID-19 among the professionals. Conclusions: This is the first study to report the seroprevalence of IgG against SARS-CoV-2 in Brazilian educational staff after the first wave of the disease. In this study, the seroprevalence was much lower than that in the general population. During school reopening, a small fraction of school workers showed serologically detectable signs of SARS-CoV-2 exposure.

Resumo Introdução A principal recomendação para o controle da raiva em humanos é a vacinação profilática. Objetivo Considerando-se a endemicidade da raiva no Brasil e o direcionamento das ações de controle, buscou-se caracterizar a tendência temporal dos atendimentos antirrábicos humanos pós-exposição no Ceará, de 2007 a 2015. Método O estudo é ecológico de tendência temporal e analítico. Os dados das fichas de atendimento antirrábico foram organizados em planilhas e calculados os coeficientes anuais de prevalência. Resultados Houve 231.694 atendimentos antirrábicos, com coeficientes de prevalência crescentes de 2007 a 2011 (35,09 por 10.000 habitantes; APC=13,5; p

Resumo Objetivo Descrever os casos de raiva humana no estado do Ceará, Brasil, no período 1970-2019. Métodos Estudo descritivo, sobre dados secundários da Secretaria da Saúde e do hospital de referência do Ceará. Resultados Dos 171 casos, 75,7% ocorreram em homens, 60,0% nas idades até 19 anos e 56,0% em áreas urbanas. O cão foi agente transmissor em 74,0% dos casos; sagui em, 16,7%; e morcego, em 7,3%. Entre 1970 e 1978, houve crescimento do número de casos (pelo Joinpoint Regression Program, percentual da mudança anual [APC] = 13,7 - IC95% 4,6;41,5); e entre 1978 e 2019, redução (APC = -6,7 - IC95% -8,8;-5,9). Houve redução da transmissão por cães (71 casos; último caso em 2010) e aumento relativo por mamíferos silvestres (5 casos a partir de 2005). Conclusão O estudo evidencia mudança na dinâmica da transmissão da raiva no período observado, com redução da transmissão por cão e incremento de casos por animais silvestres.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: This study analyzed the magnitude and temporal trends of leprosy relapse in Ceará in 2001-2018. METHODS: Descriptive cross-sectional and ecological-time trend studies were performed. RESULTS: We diagnosed 1,777 leprosy relapse cases. Higher prevalence of relapse was observed in men, illiterates, mixed race, multibacillary leprosy, lepromatous leprosy, and persons with visible disabilities. The proportion of relapse increased throughout the study period. CONCLUSIONS: Leprosy relapse is prevalent in certain groups.

Resumo Objetivo: Analisar a tendência temporal e descrever a distribuição espacial da leishmaniose visceral (LV) em Fortaleza, 2007-2017. Métodos: Estudo ecológico, mediante regressão temporal segmentada e mapeamento temático. Resultados: No período 2007-2017, foram confirmados 1.660 casos novos e 97 óbitos. No período 2007-2010, a incidência foi ascendente (variação percentual anual [Annual Percent Change], APC=8,7% - IC95% -3,3;34,1), enquanto a mortalidade (APC=-25,9 - IC95% -48,5; -10,6) e a letalidade (APC=-33,0 - IC95% -53,7;-17,6), descendentes. No período 2010-2015, a incidência reduziu (APC=-15,8 - IC95% -25,1;-4,0), mas a mortalidade (APC=18,7 - IC95% 9,4;50,6) e a letalidade (APC=40,1 - IC95% 22,5;72,0) apresentaram tendência de crescimento. Em 2015-2017, decresceram a incidência (APC=-24,6 - IC95% -36,2;-10,3) e a mortalidade (APC= -44,6 - IC95% -58,8;-17,6); a letalidade se manteve estável (APC=-13,5 - IC95% -38,7;3,8). Houve concentração de bairros com incidência elevada na região oeste da cidade; porém, a mortalidade e a letalidade não apresentaram padrões espaciais definidos. Conclusão: A LV é endêmica em Fortaleza, embora tenha havido declínio no último triênio estudado.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: The state of Ceará (Brazilian Northeast) has a high incidence of dengue. Therefore, we aimed to characterize the temporal patterns and spatial distribution of dengue cases in Ceará during 2001-2019. METHODS: A spatiotemporal ecological study was performed with secondary data. Time-trend analysis was performed using a segmented log-linear regression model to estimate the average annual percentage change (AAPC) and the annual percentage change (APC) in incidence of dengue. We also performed spatiotemporal analysis to identify the place, time, and relative risk (RR) of dengue clusters. RESULTS: There were 539,653 dengue cases. The AAPC reduced over time (-9.5%; 95% confidance interval [CI]: -18.3; -0.3). Three trends were identified-2001-2004: APC=-20.9% (95% CI: -65.1 to 44.8), 2005-2015: APC=7.9% (95% CI: -6.0 to 98.9), and 2016-2019: APC=-48.8% (95% CI: -83.0 to -6.1). During 2001-2007, 10 significant clusters were identified (RR=3.57-14.38: n=4 and RR=0.05-0.39: n=6). During 2008-2013, there was 1 cluster in the western region (RR= 3.40) and four other clusters (RR=0.02-0.15). The last period presented 5 high-RR clusters (RR=2.95-9.24). The low-RR clusters were located in the central-north, central-south, south, and northwest regions. However, the central-west region remained a high-RR cluster region throughout the study period. CONCLUSIONS: Dengue showed a decreasing incidence. During the epidemic years, the southern, eastern, and western regions presented high-risk clusters. Introduction of a new dengue serotype in a low-RR area can cause explosive outbreaks due to population susceptibility.

ABSTRACT Visceral leishmaniasis is a highly lethal zoonosis transmitted by a sandfly. It is caused by a Leishmania protozoan parasite and dogs are the main reservoir. Ceara State is endemic to visceral leishmaniasis and it is considered a high risk transmission area. Temporal and spatial epidemiological studies have been used as tools to analyze the distribution and frequency of human visceral leishmaniasis (HVL). This study aimed to characterize HVL in its epidemiological andtemporal aspects in Ceara State, from 2003 to 2017, as this is a neglected disease and a public health problem. This is an ecological study carried out with HVL confirmed cases in Ceara, using three blocks of years (2003 to 2007, 2008 to 2012 and 2013 to 2017). The disease presented an endemic behavior, affecting mainly male residents in the urban area, especially children under five and young adults between 30 and 49 years old. HVL is recorded in all the municipalities, for more than 10 years, with a growing trend and territorial expansion to the Central and Eastern regions of the State. The results of this study indicated the increase in the incidence and lethality, as well as the expansion of leishmaniasis in Ceara State.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: This study investigated the spatial distribution of inappropriate post-exposure human rabies procedures in Ceará, Brazil, between 2007 and 2015. METHODS: The ecological study population was based on the records of post-exposure human rabies procedures from the Notification Disease Information System. We analyzed the data using the Moran Index (I) and the Moran Local Index. RESULTS: There were 222,036 (95.8%) records with inappropriate post-exposure human rabies procedures. There was heterogeneity in their spatial distribution, with two significant clusters in the northeast and northwest regions. CONCLUSIONS: These findings help elaborate differentiated strategies to reduce unnecessary post-exposure human rabies procedures.

Resumo Introdução A hanseníase é uma condição negligenciada, com alta carga de morbimortalidade, especialmente em áreas mais desfavoráveis. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar as tendências e os padrões espaço-temporais da mortalidade relacionada à hanseníase no estado da Bahia, 1999-2014. Objetivo Analisar tendências e padrões espaço-temporais da mortalidade relacionada à hanseníase no Estado da Bahia de 1999 a 2014. Método Estudo de base populacional com dados secundários de mortalidade. Incluíram-se todos os óbitos em que a hanseníase foi mencionada como causa de morte. Resultados Foram registrados 1.152.262 óbitos, dos quais a hanseníase foi identificada em 481 (0,04%) casos, resultando em coeficiente bruto médio anual de mortalidade de 0,21 óbito/100 mil habitantes (intervalo de confiança [IC] de 95%: 0,13-0,29). Hanseníase não especificada (87,73%, ou 422/481) e complicações da hanseníase (6,44%, ou 31/481) foram as formas clínicas mais comumente mencionadas. O risco de óbito relacionado à hanseníase foi maior entre os homens (risco relativo [RR]: 2,38; IC 95%: 0,19-0,46), em idosos (RR: 74,79; IC 95%: 9,57-582,20) e na região oeste do Estado (RR: 4,08; IC 95%: 2,33-7,15). A mortalidade apresentou tendência temporal de aumento significativo no período ( Average Annual Percentual Change [AAPC] 7,3; IC 95%: 4,5 a 10,3), assim como a mortalidade proporcional (AAPC 5,3; IC 95%: 2,2 a 8,3). Conclusões A hanseníase representa uma causa negligenciada de óbito no Estado da Bahia. Apresenta tendências espaço-temporais desiguais nas regiões de saúde, com riscos associados, principalmente, à população masculina e idosa.

Rabies transmitted by sylvatic populations has become an increasing concern in Brazil. A total of 113 participants with a history of contact with sylvatic populations were interviewed in 27 municipalities of Ceará State in northeast Brazil. Questionnaires included questions on knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) regarding sylvatic rabies. Most of the respondents (92%) knew about rabies and confirmed at least one species that transmitted the disease (79.6%). Of these respondents, 69% mentioned monkeys, and 67.2% mentioned dogs. However, 16% of the respondents listed an incorrect species. In general, knowledge on the symptoms and signs and on prevention measures was weak. The majority raised pets (93.8%), most commonly dogs and cats, and, of all the pets, 85.7% were claimed to be vaccinated against rabies. A total of 67.3% reported the appearance of free-living wild animals around their houses, mostly marmosets and wild canids; 18.3% reported that sylvatic populations had attacked animals or humans. Seventy-three percent had raised or still were raising wild animals as pets, mostly capuchin monkeys (79.5%) and marmosets (24.1%). This is the first KAP study on sylvatic rabies in Brazil. The data indicate important knowledge gaps and risk behavior within a high-risk population. There is a need for strengthening and improving sylvatic rabies surveillance and control, combined with the intensification of education and information campaigns.

In Brazil, the SARS-CoV-2 vaccination program has so far prioritized people over 75 years of age. By the end of March 2021, in Ceará State, a total of 313,328 elderly people had received at least one dose of vaccine (45% Oxford-AstraZeneca/Fiocruz and 55% CoronaVac-Sinovac/Butantan), and 159,970 had received two doses (83% CoronaVac-Sinovac/Butantan and 17% Oxford-AstraZeneca/Fiocruz). After a single dose, there was already a significant reduction in COVID 19-related deaths (protection ratio: 19.31 (95% CI: 18.20–20.48), attributable protection ratio: 94.8%); higher protection ratios were observed after the application of two doses of the vaccine (132.67; 95% CI: 109.88–160.18), with an attributable protection ratio of 99.2%. SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are highly effective in reducing the number of COVID-19-related deaths in over 75-year-olds in Brazil, one of the hardest hit countries by the current pandemic.

In late 2015, the Brazilian Ministry of Health officially announced the association between microcephaly in infants and Zika virus infection of the mother during pregnancy. We describe preliminary findings of this outbreak in Ceará, Northeast Brazil and it’s clinical characteristics in each medical speciality. We report epidemiological findings of 317 cases of microcephaly outbreak potentially associated with ZIKV infection in Ceara, State, Brazil. From mid-2015 to the end of June of 2016, a total of 417 cases of microcephaly were suspected, with 317 confirmed. Among those reported cases, 83.2% (347/417) were detected in the postpartum. Rash during pregnancy was reported by (29.6%) of pregnant women, most commonly in the 1st trimester (18.4%). The proportion of microcephaly cases increased from less than 1% to 25.8% of the registered cases of genetic abnormalities. The prevalence increased from 0.06/1000 live births in 2010 to 0.56 in 2015 and to 3.22 in January and February of 2016. In addition to microcephaly other associated malformations were detected, such as arthrogryposis, hyperexcitability, irritability with strong and frequent crying. The microcephaly phenotype caused by the zika virus is different from other congenital conditions. The infection in the prenatal period is a new teratogen reported. There is a predominance of neurological impairment, in which neuroimaging plays a crucial role in confirming the clinical suspicion of Congenital Zika Syndrome.

We analysed nationwide trends and spatial distribution of NTD-related mortality in Brazil. We included all death certificates in Brazil from 2000 to 2011, in which NTDs were recorded as any causes of death. A total of 100,814/12,491,280 (0.81%) death certificates were identified, which mentioned at least one NTD. Age-adjusted NTD-related mortality rates showed a significant decrease over time (annual percent change [APC]: −2.1%; 95% CI: −2.8 to −1.3), with decreasing mortality rates in the Southeast, South, and Central-West regions, stability in the Northeast region, and increase in the North region. We identified spatial and spatiotemporal high-risk clusters for NTD-related mortality in all regions, with a major cluster covering a wide geographic range in central Brazil. Despite nationwide decrease of NTD-related mortality in the observation period, regional differences remain, with increasing mortality trends especially in the socioeconomically disadvantaged regions of the country. The existence of clearly defined high-risk areas for NTD-related deaths reinforces the need for integrated prevention and control measures in areas with highest disease burden.

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: The spatial distribution of disseminated histoplasmosis (DH) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) co-infection in adult residents of Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil was evaluated. METHODS: Socio-demographic data for the DH/AIDS cases were obtained from a reference hospital, and socio-environmental indicators were obtained from an official Brazilian institute. Kernel analysis and local indicators of spatial autocorrelation (LISA) cluster maps were used to estimate the case density within the city. RESULTS: DH/AIDS cases were concentrated in the Northwestern and Southwestern peripheral areas of the city, related with low human development indices, but different from AIDS cases distribution. CONCLUSION: Risk factors other than AIDS infection must affect histoplasmosis development in this area.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar aspectos epidemiológicos e tendência temporal da hanseníase, no município de Fortaleza, Ceará, de 2001 a 2012. Foram registrados 9.658 casos novos cuja tendência foi analisada pelo modelo de regressão do joinpoint . O coeficiente de detecção geral apresentou tendência decrescente, com annual percent change (APC) de -4,0 e intervalo de confiança de 95% (IC95%) -5,6 - -2,3. O coeficiente de detecção em menores de 15 anos de idade (APC = -1,4; IC95% -5,4 - 2,8) e o coeficiente de detecção de grau 2 de incapacidade (APC = -0,8; IC95% -4,5 - 3,1) foram estáveis. A proporção do sexo feminino foi decrescente (APC = -1,5; IC95% -2,3 - -0,8). As proporções de casos multibacilares a partir de 2005 até 2012 (APC = 1,4; IC95% 0,6 - 2,3) e, dentre eles, de casos virchowianos a partir de 2004 até 2012 (APC = 6,0; IC95% 3,4 - 8,6) foram crescentes. Houve estabilidade na proporção de casos com grau 1 (APC = 1,4; IC95% -0,9 - 3,7) e grau 2 de incapacidade (APC = 3,7; IC95% -0,1 - 7,8). Apesar da tendência à redução na detecção geral, mantém-se a dinâmica de transmissão no município, além de sinalizar para diagnóstico tardio.

Resumo Objetivo: analisar a prevalência da profilaxia antirrábica humana pós-exposição inadequada em pacientes vítimas de agressão por animal no Ceará, Brasil, 2007 a 2015. Métodos: estudo de prevalência de condutas profiláticas inadequadas, com dados das notificações dos acidentes por animais potencialmente transmissores da raiva registrados no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (Sinan), de janeiro de 2007 a dezembro de 2015. Resultados: de 231.694 notificações, 95,8% apresentaram inadequações, principalmente em menores de 19 anos (37,6%), sem diferença entre os sexos (p=0,04); maiores prevalências de condutas inadequadas aconteceram na exposição por mordedura (RP=1,03 - IC95% 1,02;1,03), nos ferimentos múltiplos (RP=1,07 - IC95% 1,06;1,07), nos acidentes com animais mortos/desaparecidos (RP=1,05 - IC95% 1,05;1,06) e nos tratamentos com vacinas (RP=1,03 - IC95% 1,02;1,03). Conclusão: a alta prevalência de condutas inadequadas aponta a necessidade de melhor avaliação epidemiológica dos casos e o atendimento às Normas Técnicas de Profilaxia da Raiva Humana, para a condução adequada da profilaxia antirrábica.

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar indicadores operacionais de controle da hanseníase e sua tendência temporal, na perspectiva de gênero, no Estado da Bahia, Brasil, de 2001 a 2014. Trata-se de estudo de série temporal baseado em dados epidemiológicos da hanseníase no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação, com análise de regressão de Poisson por joinpoints e de regressão polinomial. Dos 40.054 casos novos de hanseníase analisados, 47,1% dos contatos registrados não foram examinados, mas com tendência significativa de aumento, de forma mais acentuada entre as mulheres (variação percentual anual média - AAPC = 5,6; IC95%: 3,5; 7,7) em comparação aos homens (AAPC = 3,0; IC95%: 0,5; 5,6). A proporção de cura na coorte 2003-2014 foi de 85%, com tendência de redução mais acentuada nos homens (AAPC = -0,5; IC95%: -0,9; 0,0), comparados às mulheres (AAPC = -0,4; IC95% -0,7; -0,1). A proporção de casos em abandono de tratamento no período foi de 5,5%, com tendência de redução mais significativa entre mulheres (AAPC = -4,9; IC95%: -8,7; -1,1) do que em homens (AAPC = -2,7; IC95%: -4,4; -1,0). Recidiva foi verificada em 3,8% de todas as entradas do período; as mulheres apresentaram tendência de redução significativa (AAPC = -2,2; IC95%: -3,3; -1,0) e os homens, de crescimento significativo (AAPC = 4,9; IC95%: 2,9; 6,8). A análise por regressão polinomial foi consistente com a análise de joinpoints. A hanseníase no Estado da Bahia apresenta indicadores operacionais com magnitude e tendência temporal significativas, em especial entre a população masculina. O desempenho insuficiente dos serviços de saúde em realizar a vigilância de contatos e a longitudinalidade do cuidado revelam diferentes dimensões de vulnerabilidade.

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To analyze, stratifield by gender, trends of the new case leprosy detection rates in the general population and in children; of grade 2 disability, and of proportion of multibacillary cases, in the state of Bahia, Brazil from 2001 to 2014. METHODS A time series study based on leprosy data from the National Information System for Notifiable Diseases. The time trend analysis included Poisson regression models by infection points (Joinpoint) stratified by gender. RESULTS There was a total of 40,054 new leprosy cases with a downward trend of the overall detection rate (Average Annual Percent Change [AAPC = -0.4, 95%CI -2.8–1.9] and a non-significant increase in children under 15 years (AAPC = 0.2, 95%CI -3.9–4.5). The proportion of grade 2 disability among new cases increased significantly (AAPC = 4.0, 95%CI 1.3–6.8), as well as the proportion of multibacillary cases (AAPC = 2.2, 95%CI 0.1–4.3). Stratification by gender showed a downward trend of detection rates in females and no significant change in males; in females, there was a more pronounced upward trend of the proportion of multibacillary and grade 2 disability cases. CONCLUSIONS Leprosy is still highly endemic in the state of Bahia, with active transmission, late diagnosis, and a probable hidden endemic. There are different gender patterns, indicating the importance of early diagnosis and prompt treatment, specifically in males without neglecting the situation among females.

We analyzed spatiotemporal patterns of 8,756 schistosomiasis-related deaths in Brazil during 2000–2011 and identified high-risk clusters of deaths, mainly in highly schistosomiasis-endemic areas along the coast of Brazil’s Northeast Region. Schistosomiasis remains a neglected public health problem with a high number of deaths in disease-endemic and emerging focal areas.

A hanseníase é hiperendêmica no Estado do Tocantins, Brasil. O objetivo do estudo foi analisar as tendências dos indicadores da hanseníase no Tocantins em 2001-2012. Análise de dados advindos do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN). Incluíram-se casos novos de residentes no Tocantins. Calcularam-se os indicadores da hanseníase e analisaram-se as tendências temporais por meio de regressão polinomial. Houve tendência significativa e decrescente para a detecção geral (R2 = 0,40; p < 0,05) e proporção de casos paucibacilares (R2 = 0,81). Foi estável a detecção em < 15 anos (R2 = 0,48; p > 0,05), detecção de casos com grau 2 de incapacidade física (R2 = 0,37; p > 0,05) e proporção de casos com grau 2 (R2 = 0,49; p > 0,05). Houve aumento significativo para a proporção de casos com grau 1 de incapacidade (R2 = 0,82; p < 0,05) e proporção de casos multibacilares (R2 = 0,81; p < 0,05). O Tocantins apresenta regiões com alta transmissão e diagnóstico tardio da hanseníase, apontando a expansão da doença de forma heterogênea na análise temporal.

OBJECTIVE To analyze temporal trends and distribution patterns of unsafe abortion in Brazil. METHODS Ecological study based on records of hospital admissions of women due to abortion in Brazil between 1996 and 2012, obtained from the Hospital Information System of the Ministry of Health. We estimated the number of unsafe abortions stratified by place of residence, using indirect estimate techniques. The following indicators were calculated: ratio of unsafe abortions/100 live births and rate of unsafe abortion/1,000 women of childbearing age. We analyzed temporal trends through polynomial regression and spatial distribution using municipalities as the unit of analysis. RESULTS In the study period, a total of 4,007,327 hospital admissions due to abortions were recorded in Brazil. We estimated a total of 16,905,911 unsafe abortions in the country, with an annual mean of 994,465 abortions (mean unsafe abortion rate: 17.0 abortions/1,000 women of childbearing age; ratio of unsafe abortions: 33.2/100 live births). Unsafe abortion presented a declining trend at national level (R2: 94.0%, p < 0.001), with unequal patterns between regions. There was a significant reduction of unsafe abortion in the Northeast (R2: 93.0%, p < 0.001), Southeast (R2: 92.0%, p < 0.001) and Central-West regions (R2: 64.0%, p < 0.001), whereas the North (R2: 39.0%, p = 0.030) presented an increase, and the South (R2: 22.0%, p = 0.340) remained stable. Spatial analysis identified the presence of clusters of municipalities with high values for unsafe abortion, located mainly in states of the North, Northeast and Southeast Regions. CONCLUSIONS Unsafe abortion remains a public health problem in Brazil, with marked regional differences, mainly concentrated in the socioeconomically disadvantaged regions of the country. Qualification of attention to women’s health, especially to reproductive aspects and attention to pre- and post-abortion processes, are necessary and urgent strategies to be implemented in the country.

This study investigates social and clinical factors associated with migration among individuals affected by leprosy. A cross-sectional study was conducted among those newly diagnosed with leprosy (2006-2008), in 79 endemic municipalities in the state of Tocantins, Brazil (N = 1,074). In total, 76.2% were born in a municipality different from their current residence. In the five years before diagnosis 16.7% migrated, and 3.6% migrated after leprosy diagnosis. Findings reflect aspects associated with historical rural-urban population movement in Brazil. Indicators of poverty were prominent among before-diagnosis migrants but not after-diagnosis migrants. Migration after diagnosis was associated with prior migration. The association of multibacillary leprosy with migration indicates healthcare access may be an obstacle to early diagnosis among before-diagnosis migrants, which may also be related to the high mobility of this group.

INTRODUCTION: Neural damages are among the main factors that contribute to physical disability in leprosy. Systematic monitoring using a broad physical, psychological and social approach is necessary. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to characterize the limitation of activity and social participation and its correlation with disabilities and/or impairment in individuals after being discharged from a multidrug leprosy therapy. METHOD: A cross-sectional study conducted in Araguaína, state of Tocantins, which is a leprosy hyperendemic municipality. We included cases of patients who were discharged from treatment considered as cured from January 2004 to December 2009. We performed dermatological examination and applied the Screening Activity Limitation and Safety Awareness (SALSA) and social participation scales. RESULTS: We included 282 individuals (mean age: 45.8 years old). The paucibacillary operational classification was more common (170; 60.3%). The eye-hand-foot score ranged from 0 to 12 (mean: 0.7). A total of 84 (29.8%) individuals presented limited activity. A slight restriction in social participation occurred in 18 (6.3%) cases. There was a statistically significant correlation between activity limitation, age (r = 0.40; p < 0.0001) and degree of functional limitation (r = 0.54; p < 0.0001), as well as of restricted social participation, activity limitation (r = 0.56, p < 0.0001) and functional limitations (r = 0.54, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Functional limitation due to leprosy had an impact on the conduct of activities and social participation after the discharge from a leprosy treatment. The association between Screening of Activity Limitation and Safety Awareness and participation scales will assist in designing evidence-based assistance measures.

This study analyzed data from two consecutive retrospective cohort samples (1983 to 1998 and 1999 to 2002) of Brazilian children with AIDS (N = 1,758) through mother-to-child-transmission. Late-stage diagnosis (CDC category C) was investigated in relation to the following variables: year of birth, year of HIV diagnosis, and time periods related to changes in government treatment guidelines. Late-stage diagnosis occurred in 731 (41.6%) of cases and was more prevalent in infants under 12 months of age. The rate of late-stage diagnosis decreased from 48% to 36% between the two periods studied. We also observed a reduction in the proportion of late-stage diagnoses and the time lapse between HIV diagnosis and ART initiation. A significant association was found between timely diagnosis and having been born in recent years (OR = 0.62; p = 0.009) and year of HIV diagnosis (OR = 0.72; p = 0.002/OR = 0.62; p < 0.001). Infants under the age of 12 months were more likely to be diagnosed at a late stage than older children (OR = 1.70; p = 0.004). Despite advances, there is a need to improve the effectiveness of policies and programs focused on improving early diagnosis and management of HIV/AIDS.

Introduction The year 2009 marked the beginning of a pandemic caused by a new variant of influenza A (H1N1). After spreading through North America, the pandemic influenza virus (H1N1) 2009 spread rapidly throughout the world. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of cases of pandemic influenza in a tropical/semi-arid region of Brazil. Methods A retrospective study analyzed all suspected cases of pandemic influenza (H1N1) 2009 reported in the Ceará State through the National Information System for Notifiable Diseases during the pandemic period between 28 April, 2009 and November 25, 2010. Results A total of 616 suspected cases were notified, 58 (9.4%) in the containment phase and 558 (90.6%) in the mitigation phase. Most cases were of affected young people resident in the City of Fortaleza, the largest urban center in the State of Ceará. The most frequent symptoms presented by the cases with confirmed infection were fever, cough, myalgia, arthralgia, and nasal congestion. Mortality rate was 0.0009/1,000 inhabitants and lethality was 5.6%. Deaths were observed only in the mitigation phase. Mortality rates were similar for both sexes but were higher in the age group under 5 years. Conclusions The study suggests that the influenza A (H1N1) pandemic in this tropical/semi-arid region had a lower magnitude when compared to states in the Southern and Southeastern regions of Brazil.

This study evaluated the prevalence and severity of dental fluorosis and compared the reports from adolescents aged 12 to 18 years with those of their parents regarding the perceptions and concerns arising from this disease. The study was conducted in the cities of Viçosa and Sobral and the District of Rafael Arruda (Sobral), Ceará. A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2010 to March 2011, with 891 students examined and 780 parents or guardians interviewed. Dental fluorosis was measured using the Dean's Index, and the Child's and Parent's Questionnaire about Teeth Appearance was used to assess the reports from parents and adolescents. A chi-squared test for trends was used to compare the opinions of parents and adolescents about fluorosis, and the agreement was measured using the weighted kappa. For the dichotomous variables, we used the unweighted kappa coefficient. The prevalence of fluorosis was 29.7%, but in the District of Rafael Arruda, evidence of very mild and mild fluorosis was found in 32.5% of the subjects, and moderate and severe fluorosis was found in 28.7%. There was poor agreement between the data reported by the adolescents and their parents or guardians regarding areas of concern and their perceived satisfaction with the appearance and color of their teeth. The prevalence of dental fluorosis was high in one of the communities studied, but the clinical diagnosis of this condition should not necessarily equate with concern and dissatisfaction with aesthetic appearances among teenagers and their parents.

INTRODUCTION: Chagas' disease is a major public health problem in Brazil and needs extensive and reliable information to support consistent prevention and control actions. This study describes the most common causes of death associated with deaths related to Chagas' disease (underlying or associated cause of death). METHODS: Mortality data were obtained from the Mortality Information System of the Ministry of Health (approximately 9 million deaths). We analyzed all deaths that occurred in Brazil between 1999 and 2007, where Chagas' disease was mentioned on the death certificate as underlying or associated cause (multiple causes of death). RESULTS: There was a total of 53,930 deaths related to Chagas' disease, 44,543 (82.6%) as underlying cause and 9,387 (17.4%) as associated cause. The main diseases and conditions associated with death by Chagas' disease as underlying cause included direct complications of cardiac involvement, such as conduction disorders/arrhythmias (41.4%) and heart failure (37.7%). Cerebrovascular disease (13.2%), ischemic heart disease (13.2%) and hypertensive diseases (9.3%) were the main underlying causes of deaths in which Chagas' disease was identified as an associated cause. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiovascular diseases were often associated with deaths related to Chagas' disease. Information from multiple causes of death recorded on death certificates allows reconstruction of the natural history of Chagas' disease and suggests preventive and therapeutic potential measures more adequate and specifics.

The detection of leprosy cases is distributed unequally in Brazil, with high-risk clusters mainly in the North and Northeast regions. Knowledge on epidemiology and spatiotemporal patterns of leprosy occurrence and late diagnosis in these areas is critical to improve control measures. We performed a study including all leprosy cases notified in the 417 municipalities of Bahia state, from 2001 to 2014. New case detection (overall and pediatric

BACKGROUND: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a significant public health problem in Brazil and several regions of the world. This study investigated the magnitude, temporal trends and spatial distribution of mortality related to VL in Brazil. METHODS: We performed a study based on secondary data obtained from the Brazilian Mortality Information System. We included all deaths in Brazil from 2000 to 2011, in which VL was recorded as cause of death. We present epidemiological characteristics, trend analysis of mortality and case fatality rates by joinpoint regression models, and spatial analysis using municipalities as geographical units of analysis. RESULTS: In the study period, 12,491,280 deaths were recorded in Brazil. VL was mentioned in 3,322 (0.03%) deaths. Average annual age-adjusted mortality rate was 0.15 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants and case fatality rate 8.1%. Highest mortality rates were observed in males (0.19 deaths/100,000 inhabitants),

BackgroundChagas' disease is an important neglected public health problem in many Latin American countries, but population-based epidemiological data are scarce. Here we present a nationwide analysis on Chagas-associated mortality, and risk factors for death from this disease.Methodology/principal findingsWe analyzed all death certificates of individuals who died between 1999 and 2007 in Brazil, based on the nationwide Mortality Information System (a total of 243 data sets with about 9 million entries). Chagas' disease was mentioned in 53,930 (0.6%) of death certificates, with 44,537 (82.6%) as an underlying cause and 9,387 (17.4%) as an associated cause of death. Acute Chagas' disease was responsible for 2.8% of deaths. The mean standardized mortality rate was 3.36/100.000 inhabitants/year. Nationwide standardized mortality rates reduced gradually, from 3.78 (1999) to 2.78 (2007) deaths/year per 100,000 inhabitants (-26.4%). Standardized mortality rates were highest in the Central-West region, ranging from 15.23 in 1999 to 9.46 in 2007 (-37.9%), with a significant negative linear trend (p = 0.001; R(2) = 82%). Proportional mortality considering multiple causes of death was 0.60%. The Central-West showed highest proportional mortality among regions (2.17%), with a significant linear negative trend, from 2.28% to 1.90% (-19.5%; p = 0.001; R(2) = 84%). There was a significant increase in the Northeast of 38.5% (p = 0.006; R(2) = 82%). Bivariable analysis on risk factors for death from Chagas' disease showed highest relative risks (RR) in older age groups (RR: 10.03; 95% CI: 9.40-10.70; pConclusions/significanceThis is the first nationwide population-based study on Chagas mortality in Brazil, considering multiple causes of death. Despite the decline of mortality associated with Chagas' disease in Brazil, the disease remains a serious public health problem with marked regional differences.

BackgroundAedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus perform an important role in the transmission of the dengue virus to human populations, particularly in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Despite a lack of understanding in relation to the maintenance of the dengue virus in nature during interepidemic periods, the vertical transmission of the dengue virus in populations of A. aegypti and A. albopictus appears to be of significance in relation to the urban scenario of Fortaleza.MethodsFrom March 2007 to July 2009 collections of larvae and pupae of Aedes spp were carried out in 40 neighborhoods of Fortaleza. The collections yielded 3,417 (91%) A. aegypti mosquitoes and 336 (9%) A. albopictus mosquitoes. Only pools containing females, randomly chosen, were submitted to the following tests indirect immunofluorescence (virus isolation), RT-PCR/nested-PCR and nucleotide sequencing at the C-prM junction of the dengue virus genome.ResultsThe tests on pool 34 (35 A. albopictus mosquitoes) revealed with presence of DENV-3, pool 35 (50 A. aegypti mosquitoes) was found to be infected with DENV-2, while pool 49 (41 A. albopictus mosquitoes) revealed the simultaneous presence of DENV-2 and DENV-3. Based on the results obtained, there was a minimum infection rate of 0.5 for A. aegypti and 9.4 for A. albopictus. The fragments of 192 bp and 152 bp related to DENV-3, obtained from pools 34 and 49, was registered in GenBank with the access codes HM130699 and JF261696, respectively.ConclusionsThis study recorded the first natural evidence of the vertical transmission of the dengue virus in populations of A. aegypti and A. albopictus collected in Fortaleza, Ceará State, Brazil, opening a discuss on the epidemiological significance of this mechanism of viral transmission in the local scenario, particularly with respect to the maintenance of these viruses in nature during interepidemic periods.

Chagas disease in patients with HIV infection represents a potentially serious event with high case fatality rates. This study describes epidemiological and clinical aspects of deaths related to Chagas disease and HIV/AIDS coinfection in Brazil, 1999–2007. We performed a descriptive study based on mortality data from the nationwide Mortality Information System. Of a total of about 9 million deaths, Chagas disease and HIV/AIDS were mentioned in the same death certificate in 74 cases. AIDS was an underlying cause in 77.0% (57) and Chagas disease in 17.6% (13). Males (51.4%), white skin color (50%), age group 40–49 years (29.7%), and residents in the Southeast region (75.7%) were most common. Mean age at death was significantly lower in the coinfected (47.1 years [SD ± 14.6]), as compared to Chagas disease deaths (64.1 years [SD ± 14.7], P

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To describe the spatial patterns of leprosy in the Brazilian state of Tocantins. METHODS This study was based on morbidity data obtained from the Sistema de Informações de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN – Brazilian Notifiable Diseases Information System), of the Ministry of Health. All new leprosy cases in individuals residing in the state of Tocantins, between 2001 and 2012, were included. In addition to the description of general disease indicators, a descriptive spatial analysis, empirical Bayesian analysis and spatial dependence analysis were performed by means of global and local Moran’s indexes. RESULTS A total of 14,542 new cases were recorded during the period under study. Based on the annual case detection rate, 77.0% of the municipalities were classified as hyperendemic (> 40 cases/100,000 inhabitants). Regarding the annual case detection rate in < 15 years-olds, 65.4% of the municipalities were hyperendemic (10.0 to 19.9 cases/100,000 inhabitants); 26.6% had a detection rate of grade 2 disability cases between 5.0 and 9.9 cases/100,000 inhabitants. There was a geographical overlap of clusters of municipalities with high detection rates in hyperendemic areas. Clusters with high disease risk (global Moran’s index: 0.51; p < 0.001), ongoing transmission (0.47; p < 0.001) and late diagnosis (0.44; p < 0.001) were identified mainly in the central-north and southwestern regions of Tocantins. CONCLUSIONS We identified high-risk clusters for transmission and late diagnosis of leprosy in the Brazilian state of Tocantins. Surveillance and control measures should be prioritized in these high-risk municipalities.

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: We report the behavioral changes in use of oviposition sites in Aedes aegypti in Fortaleza, Brazil. METHODS: We evaluated the relationship between different types of breeding sites and changes in use from 2001 to 2012. RESULTS: More than 40% of the infested breeding sites were used to store water. We observed a three-fold reduction in the infestation of water tanks (p = 0.038) and more than nine-fold in tires (p = 0.035). The proportion of infested plant pots increased six-fold (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Infested breeding sites changed over time from domestic water tanks to small-volume breeding sites.

RESUMO Introdução Há um aumento no consumo de drogas entre os jovens no Brasil. Esse consumo se destaca entre os estudantes universitários, acarretando uma preocupação adicional quando associado aos estudantes da área da saúde. Objetivo Identificar os fatores associados à manutenção do vício de fumar e do consumo de álcool entre acadêmicos de Medicina. Métodos Trata-se de um estudo analítico, de prevalência, envolvendo estudantes de Medicina das quatro escolas médicas da cidade de Fortaleza, Nordeste do Brasil. Foi aplicado um questionário semiestruturado, contendo 46 perguntas objetivas, aos estudantes que cursavam o primeiro ano (S1/S2) durante o ano de 2012 e novamente em 2016, quando esses mesmos estudantes se encontravam no internato (I3/I4). A amostra foi calculada considerando como população do estudo o número máximo de alunos nos dois períodos avaliados.O projeto foi aprovado pelo CEP, por meio do Parecer nº020/2012. Resultados Foram entrevistados 360 estudantes no primeiro momento da pesquisa e 354 estudantes no segundo momento. O consumo de tabaco passou de 17,4% durante o primeiro ano do curso para 28,2% durante o internato (p

RESUMO Introdução O consumo de derivados de tabaco e álcool é apontado como importante causa de doenças e agravos no mundo. No Brasil, há um aumento no consumo dessas drogas entre os jovens, principalmente estudantes universitários. Objetivo Conhecer a prevalência e os fatores associados ao tabagismo e consumo de bebidas alcoólicas entre estudantes de Medicina, além do nível de conhecimento acerca das técnicas de cessação do hábito tabagista em diferentes momentos da vida acadêmica. Métodos Estudo analítico, de prevalência, envolvendo estudantes de Medicina de Fortaleza, Ceará, Brasil. Foram selecionadas todas as escolas médicas e os estudantes do primeiro ano (S1/S2), quarto ano (S7/S8) e aqueles do último ano do internato (I3/I4). A amostra foi calculada considerando uma frequência esperada de 10% de pessoas fumantes, com um erro de 3%, estimando 726 estudantes das quatro instituições. Foi aplicado um questionário estruturado, com 46 perguntas. Os dados foram analisados pelo software Stata 11.2. Resultados Foram entrevistados 1.035 estudantes, distribuídos proporcionalmente nos três períodos, 392 (37,9%) do primeiro ano (S1-S2), 319 (30,8%) do quarto ano (S7-S8) e 324 (31,3%) do internato (I3-I4). Quinhentos e cinquenta e três (53,4%) eram do sexo feminino, a maioria era solteira (993; 96,3%), nascidos em Fortaleza (748; 72,4%), residiam com os pais (896; 86,8%) e com renda familiar acima de dez salários mínimos (652; 61,8%). Ao todo, 533 (51,5%) eram alunos de instituições particulares. Do total, 254 (24,6%) já haviam fumado. Esse consumo foi significativamente maior entre o sexo masculino (p = 0,025), sem diferença em relação ao estado civil (p = 0,247) ou renda familiar (p = 0,191). Todos os acadêmicos que experimentaram alguma substância derivada do tabaco já haviam ingerido bebida alcoólica alguma vez na vida (p < 0,000). O consumo de álcool foi referido por mais de 80% dos estudantes, sendo maior entre aqueles cuja família apresentou renda superior a nove salários mínimos (p = 0,001). Houve relato de embriaguez em mais de 70% dos estudantes, tendo esse fato ocorrido antes dos 18 anos. Cerveja e vodca são as bebidas mais consumidas. Apenas 39,5% afirmaram estar aptos a aconselhar um paciente a não ingerir bebidas alcoólicas e apenas 28,4% receberam algum treinamento sobre o assunto em sua universidade. Conclusão A prevalência do consumo de álcool é muito elevada entre os estudantes de Medicina, principalmente entre aqueles que relataram fumar. Esses temas são abordados de forma incipiente em sua formação. É preciso reforçar esses aspectos na formação desses futuros profissionais de saúde.

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the spatial pattern of AIDS mortality and social factors associated with its occurrence. Methods: An ecological study that considered 955 AIDS deaths of residents in Piauí, reported in the Mortality Information System (MIS) from 2007 to 2015. Non-spatial and spatial regression models were used to identify social determinants of AIDS mortality, with a significance of 5%. Results: The predictors of AIDS mortality were illiteracy rate in males (p = 0.020), proportion of households with water supply (p = 0.015), percentage of people in households with inadequate walls (p = 0.022), percentage of people in households vulnerable to poverty and in whom no one has completed primary education (p = 0.000) and percentage of people in households vulnerable to poverty and dependent on the elderly (p = 0.009). Conclusion: Social indicators related to education, job and income generation and housing were associated with AIDS mortality.

Abstract INTRODUCTION Chikungunya causes fever and severe and persistent joint pain. METHODS We reported a chikungunya outbreak that occurred in Ceará State, Brazil between 2016 and 2017 with emphasis on epidemiological characterization of cases, high number of deaths, mortality-associated factors, and spatial and temporal spread of the epidemic among municipalities. RESULTS: In November 2015, the first autochthonous cases of chikungunya were confirmed in Ceará, Brazil. In 2016-2017, 195,993 cases were reported, with an incidence of 2,186.5/100,000 inhabitants and 244 confirmed deaths. CONCLUSIONS: Rapid transmission and high mortality rate are serious problems, especially in regions with co-circulating arboviruses.

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To identify the socioeconomic, demographic, operational, and health service-related factors associated with the occurrence of leprosy in a hyperendemic State in North Brazil. METHODS This is an ecological study based on secondary data from the Sistema de Informações de Agravos de Notificação in municipalities of the State of Tocantins from 2001 to 2012. Units of analysis were the 139 municipalities of the State. Negative binomial log linear regression models were used to estimate incidence rate ratios. RESULTS In bivariate analysis, the incidence rate ratios were significantly higher for municipalities with higher income ratio of the poorest 20.0% (1.47; 95%CI 1.19–1.81) and better Municipal Human Development Index (1.53; 95%CI 1.14–2.06). In multivariate analysis, the incidence rate ratios were significantly higher in municipalities with higher proportion of immigrants (1.31; 95%CI 1.11–1.55) and higher proportion of households with waste collection (1.37; 95%CI 1.11–1.69). There was a significant reduction in the incidence rate ratio with increased coverage of the Bolsa Família Program (0.98; 95%CI 0.96–0.99). CONCLUSIONS Control programs need to focus on activities in municipalities of greater social vulnerability with intersectoral investment for the improvement of the living conditions of the population.

Abstract: Co-infection of tuberculosis (TB)-HIV/AIDS is a persistent public health problem in Brazil. This study describes epidemiological patterns and time trends of mortality related to TB-HIV/AIDS co-infection. Based on mortality data from 2000-2011 (almost 12.5 million deaths), 19,815 deaths related to co-infection were analyzed. The average age-adjusted mortality rate was 0.97 deaths/100,000 inhabitants. The highest mortality rates were found among males, those in economically productive age groups, black race/color and residents of the South region. There was a significant reduction in the mortality coefficient at the national level (annual average percent change: -1.7%; 95%CI: -2.4; -1.0), with different patterns among regions: increases in the North, Northeast and Central regions, a reduction in the Southeast and a stabilization in the South. The strategic integration of TB-HIV/AIDS control programmes is fundamental to reduce the burden of mortality related to co-infection in Brazil.