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Introdução/Objetivo: O uso racional dos antimicrobianos (ATM) está intrinsecamente ligado a eficiência terapêutica e minimização de riscos. O gerenciamento do tempo de terapia é uma ferramenta crucial na garantia da assertividade terapêutica promovendo ganhos em qualidade de vida e de recursos. O objetivo do estudo foi analisar o desfecho positivo ou negativo da intervenção farmacêutica (IF) de gestão de tempo em terapias antimicrobianas em um hospital privado de Fortaleza-CE durante o ano de 2022. Métodos: Estudo transversal descritivo realizado em um hospital privado de Fortaleza- CE com dados do Programa de Gestão de Uso de Antimicrobianos (PGUA) através de uma operadora de saúde no ano de 2022. O PGUA possuía meta de uso de ATM até 10 dias ou conforme sugestão do infectologista; o farmacêutico analisava a clínica do paciente e discutia finalizar o tratamento com o médico. Foram incluídas as terapias que, após intervenção, finalizaram dentro da meta; realizadas por pacientes adultos e prescritos em enfermaria. Excluiu-se aqueles com diagnóstico usual de terapia prolongada (Osteomielite; Endocardite etc.) e terapias com perda de acompanhamento. Nomeou-se os desfechos pós intervenção em: IF Positiva (Tratamentos finalizados e com manutenção de melhora clínica) e IF Negativa (ATM finalizados no dia do óbito ou que tiveram piora clínica recomeçando tratamento). Calculou-se a economia da intervenção através da subtração do custo do tratamento real com a hipótese da terapia realizada no tempo da meta (10 dias). Os dados foram retirados do sistema da operadora e tabulados em Software Excel 2016. O projeto teve aprovação pelo Comitê de Ética e Pesquisa (CAAE: 20508519.4.0000.5684). Resultados: 567 terapias foram incluídas, dos quais 74% tiveram IF Positivas. Dessas, 66% finalizaram e não recomeçaram tratamento por até 14 dias no mesmo sítio de infecção, concluindo que a intervenção não gerou resultados negativos, além disso 34% dos ATM finalizaram e possibilitaram a alta no mesmo dia. Das IF Negativas, 97% finalizaram ATM e recomeçaram esquema com menos de 14 dias, presumindo uma piora infecciosa impossibilitando a intervenção. Os ATM com IF Positivas resultaram uma economia de R$125.525,67, apenas com esses medicamentos. Conclusão: Foi possível avaliar as intervenções de gestão de tempo concluindo que a maioria trouxe resultados positivos e gerou economia conforme corrobora a literatura. Deve-se reforçar e ampliar a estratégia a todos os antimicrobianos.

Introduction: Visceral Leishmaniasis is the most severe form of disease caused by the Leishmania donovani complex, with significant morbidity and mortality in developing countries. Worse outcomes occur among HIV-positive individuals coinfected with Leishmania. It is unclear, however, if there are significant differences on presentation between Visceral Leishmaniasis patients with or without HIV coinfection. Methods: We reviewed medical records from adult patients with Visceral Leishmaniasis treated at a reference healthcare center in Fortaleza – Ceará, Brazil, from July 2010 to December 2013. Data from HIV-coinfected patients have been abstracted and compared to non-HIV controls diagnosed with Visceral Leishmaniasis in the same period. Results: Eighty one HIV-infected patients and 365 controls were enrolled. The diagnosis in HIV patients took significantly longer, with higher recurrence and death rates. Kala-azar's classical triad (fever, constitutional symptoms and splenomegaly) was less frequently observed in Visceral Leishmaniasis-HIV patients, as well as jaundice and edema, while diarrhea was more frequent. Laboratory features included lower levels of hemoglobin, lymphocyte counts and liver enzymes, as well as higher counts of blood platelets and eosinophils. HIV-infected patients were diagnosed mainly through amastigote detection on bone marrow aspirates and treated more often with amphotericin B formulations, whereas in controls, rK39 was the main diagnostic tool and pentavalent antimony was primarily used for treatment. Conclusions: Clinical and laboratory presentation of Visceral Leishmaniasis in HIV-coinfected patients may differ from classic kala-azar, and these differences may be, in part, responsible for the delay in diagnosing and treating leishmaniasis, which might lead to worse outcomes. Keywords: Leishmaniasis, HIV, Coinfection

Este estudo objetivou descrever e analisar as estratégias educativas, desenvolvidas com objetivo de promover saúde e prevenir doenças, utilizadas por um projeto de extensão universitária, comparando as diversas abordagens usadas com pré-escolares e escolares nos anos de 2011 a 2012. Trata-se de um estudo transversal e documental com abordagem qualitativa, realizado por meio da leitura minuciosa de 22 relatórios. Os dados foram organizados em categorias: temáticas abordadas, avaliação do conhecimento prévio, abordagem do tema, avaliação do conhecimento obtido e avaliação da estratégia frente ao comportamento das crianças. O desenvolvimento de estratégias educativas no âmbito da extensão universitária mostrou-se eficaz para a disseminação do conhecimento sobre temáticas do público infantil e como formador de uma consciência cidadã e humana.

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.

OBJETIVO: A identificação de fatores comportamentais e clínicos associados à tuberculose pulmonar pode melhorar a detecção e o tratamento dessa doença, consequentemente reduzindo sua duração e transmissão. Nosso objetivo foi identificar fatores sociodemográficos, clínicos e comportamentais associados à tuberculose pulmonar. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal realizado entre abril de 2008 e março de 2009 em três unidades de saúde na cidade de Fortaleza (CE). Foram selecionados 233 pacientes maiores de 14 anos que procuraram atendimento médico espontaneamente e que apresentavam tosse por > 2 semanas. Foram coletados dados sociodemográficos, clínicos e comportamentais. Foram realizadas baciloscopia direta para BAAR e cultura de micobactérias, bem como testes tuberculínicos e radiografias de tórax. Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos (com e sem tuberculose pulmonar). As variáveis categóricas foram comparadas com o teste do qui-quadrado, seguido de análise de regressão logística quando as variáveis foram consideradas significativas. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de tuberculose pulmonar foi 41,2%. As OR não ajustadas indicaram que as seguintes variáveis foram fatores de risco significativos para tuberculose pulmonar: febre (OR = 2,39; IC95%: 1,34-4,30), anorexia (OR = 3,69; IC95%: 2,03-6,75) e perda de peso (OR = 3,37; IC95%: 1,76-6,62). Na análise multivariada, apenas perda de peso (OR = 3,31; IC95%: 1,78-6,14) associou-se significativamente com tuberculose pulmonar. CONCLUSÕES: Em áreas com elevada prevalência de tuberculose, a perda de peso poderia ser utilizada como um indicador de tuberculose pulmonar em pacientes com tosse crônica por > 2 semanas.OBJECTIVE: The identification of behavioral and clinical factors that are associated with pulmonary tuberculosis might improve the detection and treatment of the disease, thereby reducing its duration and transmission. Our objective was to identify sociodemographic, clinical, and behavioral factors that are associated with the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted between April of 2008 and March of 2009 at three health care clinics in the city of Fortaleza, Brazil. We selected 233 patients older than 14 years of age who spontaneously sought medical attention and presented with cough for > 2 weeks. Sociodemographic, clinical, and behavioral data were collected. Sputum smear microscopy for AFB and mycobacterial culture were also carried out, as were tuberculin skin tests and chest X-rays. The patients were divided into two groups (with and without pulmonary tuberculosis). The categorical variables were compared by the chi-square test, followed by logistic regression analysis when the variables were considered significant. RESULTS: The prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis was 41.2%. The unadjusted OR showed that the following variables were statistically significant risk factors for pulmonary tuberculosis: fever (OR = 2.39; 95% CI, 1.34-4.30), anorexia (OR = 3.69; 95% CI, 2.03-6.75), and weight loss (OR = 3.37; 95% CI, 1.76-6.62). In the multivariate analysis, only weight loss (OR = 3.31; 95% CI, 1.78-6.14) was significantly associated with pulmonary tuberculosis. CONCLUSIONS: In areas with a high prevalence of tuberculosis, weight loss could be used as an indicator of pulmonary tuberculosis in patients with chronic cough for > 2 weeks.

(TB) and to assess the knowledge of health personnel on fundamental concepts about TB and control measures for pulmonary tuberculosis in a hospital environment. Methods: The study was conducted in a tertiary hospital in Fortaleza-CE and involved patients admitted with TB and health professionals responsible for assistance. A first phase was characterized by a retrospective study of medical records of patients admitted with suspected TB. In a second stage, a cross-sectional study with application of a structured questionnaire assessed the knowledge of health personnel on TB control measures in a hospital environment. Results: Sixty-seven patients admitted with suspected TB had their medical records assessed. Among the confirmed cases, the most frequent clinical form was pulmonary (81.3%). Out of 55 patients admitted with suspected pulmonary tuberculosis, only 29 (52.7%) were admitted in a respiratory isolation bed. Twenty-six patients with suspected pulmonary tuberculosis on admission stayed a total of 148 days out of a respiratory isolation bed (average 4.1 days / patient). The knowledge of 159 health professionals about TB was assessed. Regarding the transmission of TB, 107 (67.2%) were unaware of airborne transmission and 109 (68.5%) ignored the clinical forms that require respiratory isolation. Conclusions: Pulmonary tuberculosis is the most frequent clinical form among inpatients in a tertiary hospital in Fortaleza- CE. Considerable fraction of health personnel doesn’t know key concepts related to tuberculosis and essential for the proper and safe care.

Objectives: To describe clinical and epidemiological characteristics of inpatients with tuberculosis (TB) and to assess the knowledge of health personnel on fundamental concepts about TB and control measures for pulmonary tuberculosis in a hospital environment. Methods: The study was conducted in a tertiary hospital in Fortaleza-CE and involved patients admitted with TB and health professionals responsible for assistance. A first phase was characterized by a retrospective study of medical records of patients admitted with suspected TB. In a second stage, a cross-sectional study with application of a structured questionnaire assessed the knowledge of health personnel on TB control measures in a hospital environment. Results: Sixty-seven patients admitted with suspected TB had their medical records assessed. Among the confirmed cases, the most frequent clinical form was pulmonary (81.3%). Out of 55 patients admitted with suspected pulmonary tuberculosis, only 29 (52.7%) were admitted in a respiratory isolation bed. Twenty-six patients with suspected pulmonary tuberculosis on admission stayed a total of 148 days out of a respiratory isolation bed (average 4.1 days / patient). The knowledge of 159 health professionals about TB was assessed. Regarding the transmission of TB, 107 (67.2%) were unaware of airborne transmission and 109 (68.5%) ignored the clinical forms that require respiratory isolation. Conclusions: Pulmonary tuberculosis is the most frequent clinical form among inpatients in a tertiary hospital in Fortaleza-CE. Considerable fraction of health personnel doesn’t know key concepts related to tuberculosis and essential for the proper and safe care. Descriptors: Tuberculosis; Infectious Disease Transmission; Exposure to Biological Agents; Health personnel.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o impacto do treinamento da equipe do Programa Saúde da Família (PSF) e da busca ativa domiciliar na detecção de casos de TB em uma comunidade de baixa renda de Fortaleza. MÉTODOS: Intervenção realizada na área de abrangência de um centro de saúde de Fortaleza, Ceará, com cinco equipes do PSF, responsáveis por cerca de 25.000 pessoas. Treinaram-se todas as equipes de saúde do centro de saúde e implantou-se a busca ativa domiciliar apenas na área de abrangência da Equipe 5. Comparou-se o número de casos detectados em cada uma das cinco áreas antes e depois da intervenção, bem como os casos na área 5 com os das outras áreas e com os casos notificados no município de Fortaleza durante o mesmo período. RESULTADOS: Observou-se um aumento no número de casos de TB detectados na área do estudo: de 1 caso em 2002 para 22 em 2004 (p < 0,005), sem diferença entre a área em que foi feita a busca domiciliar e as outras quatro (p > 0,05). Houve um aumento significativo no número de casos detectados na área do estudo em comparação com aquele no município como um todo (p < 0,05). CONCLUSÕES: O treinamento e a sensibilização da equipe de saúde da família foram capazes de promover um aumento na detecção de casos de TB em uma comunidade de baixa renda.OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the impact that Family Health Program (FHP) team training and active surveillance have on the detection of TB cases in a low-income community in the city of Fortaleza, Brazil. METHODS: The study was performed in an area with approximately 25,000 inhabitants, served by a health care center with five FHP teams, in the city of Fortaleza, Brazil. Although all of the teams were trained, active surveillance was carried out only in one of the areas (area 5). We compared the number of TB cases detected in each of the five areas prior to and after the intervention. We also compared the number of TB cases detected in area 5 to the number of those detected in the other areas, as well as to the citywide number of reported TB cases in Fortaleza, within the same period. RESULTS: The number of TB cases detected in the area studied increased from 1 in 2002 to 22 in 2004 (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the number of TB cases in area 5 and that observed for each of the other four areas (p > 0.05). There was a significant increase in the number of TB cases detected in the area studied when compared to the city as a whole (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Training and sensitization of FHP professionals were effective in promoting an increase in the number of TB cases detected in a low-income community.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a evolução da mortalidade específica por tuberculose, e sua tendência em relação ao sexo e à faixa etária em Fortaleza (CE). MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo de dados secundários, em que se incluíram todos os óbitos por tuberculose de residentes em Fortaleza, computados entre 1980 e 2001 e informados ao Ministério da Saúde através do Sistema de Informação em Mortalidade. O comportamento da mortalidade por tuberculose foi comparado com o da mortalidade geral e por doenças infecciosas. As tendências dos coeficientes de mortalidade geral e por tuberculose padronizados e não padronizados segundo idade e sexo foram calculadas para o período. RESULTADOS: As tendências dos coeficientes de mortalidade geral e por tuberculose foram decrescentes. O coeficiente de mortalidade teve tendência decrescente em crianças e adolescentes de zero a 19 anos (y = -0,0906x + 2,5133), em adultos de 20 a 59 anos (y = -0,414x + 12,29) e nos indivíduos com 60 anos e mais (y = -1,2494x + 40,289), bem como nos sexos masculino ((y = -0,3175x + 10,971) e feminino (y = -0,1933x + 6,8051). CONCLUSÃO: O coeficiente de mortalidade por tuberculose ainda se encontra elevado embora com tendência decrescente.OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the evolution of tuberculosis-related mortality, as well as gender-related and age-related tendencies, in the city of Fortaleza, Brazil. METHODS: A descriptive study, based on secondary data, was conducted. All deaths from tuberculosis occurring among residents of Fortaleza in the 1980-2001 period and reported to the Ministry of Health via the Mortality Database were included. The evolution of tuberculosis-related mortality was compared with that of overall mortality and with that of mortality from all infectious diseases. The tendencies of the coefficients of overall mortality and of tuberculosis-related mortality, adjusted and unadjusted for age and gender, were calculated for the study period. RESULTS: The coefficients of overall mortality and of tuberculosis-related mortality presented decreasing tendencies. The coefficient of tuberculosis-related mortality presented a decreasing tendency in individuals = 19 years of age (y = -0.0906x + 2.5133), from 20 to 59 years of age (y = -0.414x + 12.29) and 60 years of age (y = -1.2494x + 40.289), as well as in males (y = -0.3175x + 10.971) and females (y = -0.1933x + 6.8051). CONCLUSION: Despite displaying a decreasing tendency, the coefficient of tuberculosis-related mortality remains high.

Estudou-se a distribuição geográfica da cisticercose, sua relação com rebanho suíno e disponibilidade de tomografia computadorizada no município de residência de pacientes registrados no Sistema de Informação Hospitalar do Ceará (1996-2004). Internaram-se 424 pacientes com cisticercose (neurocisticercose 98,3%) procedentes de 75 municípios. Inexistiu relação entre a distibuição geográfica dos casos e a existência de tomografia computadorizada ou rebanhos suínos.The geographic distribution distribution of case registered in the System of Hospital Information of Ceará (1996-2004) and its relation with flock swine and availability of computerized tomography scan in patients' residence city, from those were studied. 424 Patients were admitted with cysticercosis (neurocysticercosis 98.3%) originating from 75 cities. No relation existed between computerized tomography in city of residence or swine flocks and cysticercosis prevelance.

FUNDAMENTO: Visando à eliminação da hanseníase como problema de saúde pública no Brasil, o Ministério da Saúde tem como meta alcançar taxa de prevalência de menos de 1 caso/10.000 habitantes, estimulando o diagnóstico e tratamento dos casos e reduzindo a disseminação da doença. O Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN) foi designado para acompanhar o cumprimento dessa meta. OBJETIVO: Verificar a proporção dos casos de hanseníase diagnosticados nas unidades de saúde do município de Fortaleza que foi notificada ao SINAN. MÉTODOS: Foi feita a identificação dos casos diagnosticados e registrados nas unidades de saúde e notificados à Secretaria Municipal de Saúde de Fortaleza (SMSF) entre 2002 e 2004 por meio da comparação nominal entre os registros locais e os registros do SINAN. RESULTADOS: Foram identificados e resgatados para o SINAN 411 casos que haviam sido diagnosticados e não notificados (17,5% do total informado) de 15 (64%) das unidades que informaram pelo menos um caso no período. Cerca 342 casos constavam nos livros e estavam notificados no banco de dados do SINAN das unidades de atendimento, mas não compunham o banco de dados do SINAN da SMSF. CONCLUSÕES: Constatou-se subnotificação de 14,9% dos casos detectados, fato que precisa ser prevenido para que os indicadores reflitam a real freqüência dos casos no município.BACKGROUND: To eliminate leprosy as a public health problem in Brazil, the Ministry of Health aims to achieve a prevalence rate of less than 1.0 case/10,000 inhabitants, encouraging diagnosis and treatment of patients and reducing dissemination of the disease. The National Disease Notification System (SINAN) is in charge of verify the elimination plan results. OBJECTIVE: To verify the proportion of leprosy cases diagnosed and reported to SINAN by health centers of the city of Fortaleza, in Ceará, Northeastern region of Brazil. METHODS: Comparison between cases registered in health centers and those reported to the Municipal Secretariat of Health of Fortaleza (HDF) from 2002 to 2004. Cases registered in health care centers but not in SINAN were considered underreported and retrieved. RESULTS: Fifteen (64%) health care centers informed at least one case in the period. From them 411 cases were retrieved (17.5% of total informed). About 342 retrieved cases were reported to the SINAN data base in the health center, but not to the database at the Municipal Health Secretariat. CONCLUSIONS: The surveillance system needs to be improved to prevent lack of information and to show the true frequency of diagnosed cases.

OBJETIVO: Este estudo tem por objetivo avaliar o impacto da vacina da influenza sobre internações e óbitos por doenças respiratórias e circulatórias em Fortaleza - CE. MÉTODOS: Analisaram-se os dados do Ministério da Saúde sobre óbitos (período 1995 a 2001) e internações por doenças respiratórias e circulatórias (1995 a 2003) em residentes de Fortaleza maiores de 60 anos. RESULTADOS: Ocorreram 29.867 internações por doença do aparelho respiratório. Entre 1995 e 1998, a média anual foi de 3.067,3 (desvio-padrão de 365,8) e entre 1999 e 2003 a média foi de 3.519 (desvio padrão de 195,6), sem redução significativa quando corrigida pela população. Em relação a 1998, as internações não diminuíram em 1999 (p > 0,641), em 2002 (p > 0,5), nem em 2003 (p > 0,72); reduziram em 2000 (p < 0,002) e 2001 (p < 0,0014). Reduziram-se significativamente (p < 0,05) o número de óbitos e a taxa de mortalidade geral nos anos 1999, 2000 e 2001 em relação a 1998, sem diferença entre 2000 e 2001. A distribuição mensal das internações não foi modificada pela vacinação. CONCLUSÃO: Não foram demonstrados os resultados desejados com a vacinação de idosos. Sugerem-se estudos de sazonalidade do vírus para melhor definição da época ideal para vacinação.OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of influenza vaccination on hospital admissions and deaths from respiratory and circulatory diseases in the city of Fortaleza, located in the state of Ceará, Brazil. METHODS: Brazilian Health Ministry data regarding deaths from respiratory and circulatory diseases occurring between 1995 and 2001, as well as hospital admissions related to such diseases between 1995 among 2003, in both cases limited to residents of Fortaleza above the age of 60 years, were analyzed. RESULTS: There were 29,867 admissions for respiratory disease. Between 1995 and 1998, the mean number of annual admissions was 3067.3 (standard deviation, 365.8). Between 1999 and 2003, the average was 3519 (standard deviation, 195.6). When adjusted for the increase in population, the difference between the two periods was less than significant. From 1998 to 1999, there was no significant reduction in the number of admissions from circulatory disease (p > 0.641). Nor was there a significant reduction from 1998 to 2000 (p < 0.5) or from 1998 to 2003 (p > 0.72), although there were significant reductions in 2000 (p < 0.002) and 2001 (p < 0.0014). There was a significant reduction in the number of deaths and in overall mortality rates during 1999, 2000 and 2001 in relation to 1998 (p < 0.05), with no difference between 2000 and 2001. The monthly distribution of admissions was not altered as a result of the vaccinations. CONCLUSION: Our data show that vaccination of the elderly did not achieve the desired results. This suggests that seasonality studies are needed in order to identify the ideal time of year for such vaccinations.

O Plano Nacional de Controle da Tuberculose tem como meta diagnosticar pelo menos 92% dos casos esperados, e tratar com sucesso no mínimo 85% deles. O acompanhamento dessas metas depende da informação dos casos diagnosticados e de sua evolução. O objetivo deste estudo é verificar se existe subnotificação de casos de tuberculose que evoluíram para o óbito. Este é um estudo descritivo de dados secundários em que foi feita busca no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (Sinan) dos óbitos ocorridos entre 1999 e 2003, que tiveram tuberculose como uma das causas múltiplas e estavam registrados no Sistema de Informação em Mortalidade (SIM), tendo como variáveis de referência o nome, data do nascimento e nome da mãe. Dos óbitos registrados, 610 tiveram tuberculose como uma das causas associadas, 204 (33,4%) deles notificados no Sinan. Em 438 (71,8%), a tuberculose foi causa básica. A média de notificações entre 1999 e 2002 foi de 37%, reduzindo-se para 19,3% em 2003 (p=0,03). Em cinco hospitais ocorreram 324 (53,1%) dos óbitos e tiveram origem 114 (55,9%) notificações. O Sinan registrou 153 evoluções para o óbito. O acréscimo da notificação dos 406 casos de tuberculose que evoluíram para o óbito acarretará incremento de 5,9% no total de casos notificados no período e de 265,4% nas evoluções para o óbito. Os casos graves de tuberculose encontram-se subnotificados, sendo o SIM uma importante fonte de resgate desses casos, que pode ser utilizada de forma rotineira e preferencialmente informatizada.The National Tuberculosis Control Plan aims to diagnosis at least 92% of expected cases and the successful treatment of 85% of cases of tuberculosis. Information on diagnosed cases and outcome is essential to know if the Plan has been followed. This study aims to verify if patients that died of tuberculosis were underreported. This is a descriptive study that searched the National Surveillance Diseases System - Sinan for secondary data on tuberculosis cases that led to death between 1999 and 2003 and that were registered in the Mortality Information System - SIM of Fortaleza (Northeastern Brazilian city). Variables for comparison were names, dates of birth and mothers' names. Of all registered deaths, 610 had tuberculosis as one of the causes and 204 (33.4%) were found in Sinan. Rescuing these 406 cases result in a 5.9% increase in total tuberculosis cases reported in Sinan. Sinan registered 153 tuberculosis cases that resulted in death, and an additional reporting of 406 cases increases cases that resulted in death by 265.4%. Tuberculosis was the basic cause in 438 (71.8%). Reported cases varied from 39% in 2001 to 19% in 2003 (p=0.03). Three hundred and twenty-four (53.1%) deaths occurred in five hospitals that led to 114 (55.9%) cases reported. Tuberculosis cases that resulted in death were underreported and SIM was an important source of rescuing severe cases and should be used more frequently.

Paracoccidioidomycosis is endemic in most countries of Latin America. Brazil has the greatest number of cases, with no autochthonous case registered in the state of Ceará. The cases of two patients that had never gone outside the State of Ceará and lived at least some years in the municipality of Palmácia. Keywords: Paracoccidioidomycosis, Ceará, systemic mycosis

We examined varicella transmission in a hospital specialized in cancer treatment. A cases series study was made of a case of intra-hospital transmission of varicella, based on a revision of the records of patients who had been admitted during the time the index case was in the same service. Records of interviews of employees were also reviewed. During the period that the index case was in the intensive care unit, 34 patients were admitted and 35 employees worked there. Two employees and a patient developed the illness, due to transmission directly or indirectly from the index case. Although this is a service in which most of the patients are adults who have cancer, attention needs to be directed towards diagnosis and to procedures to reduce the transmission of this illness, both to healthcare professionals, and to other patients. A standard schedule for varicella prevention already exists; however, this case reinforces the need for specific vaccination of at-risk professionals.

Paracoccidioidomycosis is endemic in most countries of Latin America. Brazil has the greatest number of cases, with no autochthonous case registered in the state of Ceará. The cases of two patients that had never gone outside the State of Ceará and lived at least some years in the municipality of Palmácia.

Resumo Introdução O estudo mensurou o incremento de casos de tuberculose e a melhoria das informações sobre o registro da infecção por HIV e encerramento no SINAN TB, após seu relacionamento com o SIM e SINAN Aids. Métodos Estudo seccional baseado no relacionamento de casos diagnosticados de tuberculose e óbitos tendo tuberculose como causa básica ou associada em maiores de 15 anos, entre 2005-2014, residentes no Ceará. Resultados Houve acréscimo de 2.325 (6%) casos após relacionamento entre SINAN TB, óbitos por tuberculose (causa básica ou associada) do SIM e casos de coinfecção TB/HIV no SINAN Aids, como também melhoria das informações quanto aos critérios de encerramento e registro da infecção por HIV. O incremento foi maior em municípios de pequeno porte. Conclusão Destacam-se a importância da investigação de óbito por tuberculose, expansão de núcleos de vigilância epidemiológica nos hospitais e postos de saúde, uso de relacionamento de dados pela coordenação municipal para avaliar a subnotificação e captação oportuna dos casos pelas unidades de saúde.

SUMMARY Background. Disseminated histoplasmosis is common in AIDS patients with advanced immunosuppression in Ceará, Northeastern Brazil. The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of Histoplasma infection in patients with HIV/AIDS living in Fortaleza, the capital of Ceará. Methods. Intradermal tests with histoplasmin (mycelial phase) were performed in 161 HIV patients with CD4 ≥ 350 cells/mm 3 . Evidence of recent illness was evaluated with immunodiffusion (ID) tests in 76 of these individuals. Results. A total of 11.8% of patients reacted to histoplasmin and 2.63% had ID test positive to Histoplasma. The presence of mango trees (Mangifera indica) in the patient neighborhood (OR = 2.870; 95% CI = 1.081-7.617; p = 0.040) and past activity involving soil (OR = 2.834; 95% CI = 1.045-7.687; p = 0.045) or visits to a farm (OR = 3.869; 95% CI = 1.189-12.591; p = 0.033) were significantly associated with Histoplasma infection. Conclusions. Patients with HIV living in Fortaleza have an expressive prevalence of infection with Histoplasma.