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Rabies, a zoonotic viral disease, poses a significant threat due to its adaptability to diverse environments. Herbivore rabies, predominantly affecting cattle, horses, and goats in Brazil, remains a concern, results in substantial losses in the livestock industry, and poses risks to public health. Rabies virus transmission, primarily through hematophagous bats in Latin America, underscores the need for effective strategies, and vaccination plays a crucial role in controlling herbivorous rabies, with systematic vaccination beingly the primary method. Efforts to control rabies in herbivores include vaccination campaigns, public awareness programs, and the enhancement of surveillance systems. Despite these initiatives, rabies persists and imposes an economic burden and a significant health risk. Economic impacts include losses in the livestock industry, trade restrictions on livestock products, and financial burdens on governments and farmers owing to control measures. Despite the considerable costs of campaigns, surveillance, and control, investing in rabies vaccination and control not only safeguards livestock, but also preserves public health, reduces human cases, and strengthens the sustainability of the livestock industry. Mitigating the impact of herbivorous rabies in Brazil requires integrated approaches and continuous investments in vaccination, surveillance, and control measures to protect public health and ensure the sustainability of the livestock industry, thus contributing to food and economic security.

Abstract Objectives: to analyze the trend of morbidity and mortality indicators due to acute diarrheal diseases in children under five years old in Piauí. Methods: ecological study with data from the Information Technology Department at the Public Health System. The indicators of hospitalization rate and coefficient of mortality from the disease between 2000 and 2019 were calculated. A descriptive analysis of the indicators was carried out in the studied period and by the macro-regions in the State. For trend analysis, the simple linear regression model with log-transformation was used. Trends were classified as increasing, decreasing and stable, with a significance level of 5%. Results: the average on hospitalization rate was higher in the semi-arid macro-region (36.6/1000 children under five years old) and lower in Teresina (14.9/1000 children under five years old). The mean mortality coefficients were higher in the coastal macro-region (0.98/1000 live births) and lower in Teresina (0.47/1000 live births). The indicators showed a downward trend in all analyzed locations (p

Objetivo: Avaliar se a adesão aos pactos internacionais relativos aos direitos humanos das mulheres influenciou o estado de saúde delas, especialmente no que diz respeito ao assessoramento sobre o planejamento da família. Métodos: Estudo ecológico, analítico e quantitativo realizado no segundo semestre de 2019 a partir de oito indicadores da estratégia global para a saúde da mulher da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS), estimados entre 1993 a 2018. As mensurações envolveram 190 países que aderiram à Convenção sobre a Eliminação de Todas as Formas de Discriminação contra a Mulher (CEDAW) e 115 países que aderiram ao Protocolo Facultativo à Convenção sobre a Eliminação de Todas as Formas de Discriminação contra a Mulher (OP-CEDAW). Realizou-se análise descritiva da evolução dos indicadores da OMS e das adesões aos tratados nesse período. Posteriormente, organizaram-se os dados nas categorias de países conforme a renda (alta, média alta, média baixa e baixa) para fins de comparação. Calculou-se a significância estatística da diferença entre as médias dos indicadores de saúde das mulheres nos cinco anos antes do país ratificar o tratado, na data da ratificação e nos cinco anos seguintes. Resultados: O planejamento familiar foi estatisticamente significativo para ambos os pactos, CEDAW (p-valor=0,05) e OP-CEDAW (p-valor=0,007). A anemia em mulheres grávidas e a cobertura de cuidados pré-natais foram significativos em relação ao OP-CEDAW (p-valor=0,03 e 0,01, respectivamente). Conclusão: A maioria dos indicadores de saúde das mulheres analisados parece não ter sofrido a influência da adesão aos pactos, com exceção do planejamento familiar, o único indicador impactado positivamente pelos dois tratados.

Studies have shown that climate may affect the distribution of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and its incidence and fatality rates. Here, we applied an ensemble niche modeling approach to project the climatic suitability of COVID-19 cases in Brazil. We estimated the cumulative incidence, mortality rate, and fatality rate of COVID-19 between 2020 and 2021. Seven statistical algorithms (MAXENT, MARS, RF, FDA, CTA, GAM, and GLM) were selected to model the climate suitability for COVID-19 cases from diverse climate data, including temperature, precipitation, and humidity. The annual temperature range and precipitation seasonality showed a relatively high contribution to the models, partially explaining the distribution of COVID-19 cases in Brazil based on the climatic suitability of the territory. We observed a high probability of climatic suitability for high incidence in the North and South regions and a high probability of mortality and fatality rates in the Midwest and Southeast regions. Despite the social, viral, and human aspects regulating COVID-19 cases and death distribution, we suggest that climate may play an important role as a co-factor in the spread of cases. In Brazil, there are regions with a high probability that climatic suitability will contribute to the high incidence and fatality rates of COVID-19 in 2020 and 2021.

Although chronic hepatitis C has been effectively treated with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), the use of conventional therapy with peg-interferon (Peg-IFN) or (predominantly) ribavirin (RBV), remains widespread. R70Q/H and L/C91M amino acid substitutions in the hepatitis C virus (HCV) core protein may modulate responses to IFN and/or RBV, and are associated with cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), insulin resistance, and liver steatosis. We evaluated the R70Q/H and L/C91M substitutions, clinical and epidemiological profiles, and risk factors of Brazilian patients chronically infected with HCV subgenotypes 1a and 1b (HCV-GT1a and HCV-GT1b) unresponsive to IFN and/or RBV therapy. Sequencing and pyrosequencing analyses and sociodemographic and clinical predictive variables were used to assess the relationship between R70Q/H and L/C91M substitutions. Leukocyte counts, ALT levels, and ALT/AST ratios were significantly reduced in treated individuals, but more of these patients had advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis. L91M was more prevalent (19.7%), occurring only in HCV-GT1b, followed by R70Q/P (11.5%) and R70P (1.4%). R70Q/P exhibited higher mean AST, ALT, and GGT values, whereas L91M showed higher mean GGT values. Pyrosequencing of the L91M position revealed mutant subpopulations in 43.75% of samples.

The Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on a Communications Procedure (OPCP) make commitments and guarantees in relation to child health. The aim of the study is to verify the effects of these commitments on the causes of child death. To analyze these effects, we apply the one-way analysis of variance. For each group, we calculated the averages of child deaths in their respective countries for the years 2002, 2007, 2012, and 2017. The p-value resulting indicated whether there was a difference between the means of child deaths in those years that were compared. We also observed the time series for each cause of death over the years 2000 to 2017. The CRC has an expressive adhesion. OPCP has a smaller number of acceptors in all regions compared to CRC. The acceptance of OPCP did not significantly alter the results of the number of deaths in the accepting countries in any of the 13 causes of child death observed. In the non- accepting group, significant differences were found concerning five causes of child death: HIV/AIDS, diarrhoeal diseases, measles, meningitis/encephalitis, and acute lower respiratory infections (p-values 0.01, 0.01, 0.003, 0.002, and 0.003, respectively). Our results suggest that the group of countries that have accepted the OPCP are more committed to issues of child deaths causes studied. In all of them the annual death numbers were considerably lower in this group.

Transfusion transmissible infections (TTIs), caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV), human immunode-ficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and syphilis, have a high global impact, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. We evaluated the trend of these infections over time in blood donors in Angola. A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted among blood donors in Angola from 2005 to 2020. Additionally, frozen samples obtained from blood donors in 2007 were investigated to identify chronic HCV carriers and possible occult HBV infection (OBI). The overall prevalence of HBV, HCV, HIV, and syphilis was 8.5, 3, 2.1, and 4.4%, respectively, among 57,979 blood donors. HBV was predominant among male donors, while the remaining TTIs were predominant among women. Donors >50 years had a significantly high prevalence for all TTIs. Chronic HCV infection was ab-sent in 500 samples tested and OBI was present in 3%. Our results show the continued high prev-alence of TTIs among blood donors in Angola. Most infections showed a significantly low preva-lence in years with campaigns seeking voluntary blood donors, thus, reinforcing the importance of this type of donor to ensure safe blood. Africa, with a high prevalence of diverse pathogens, should consider cost-effective pathogen reduction technologies, once they are commercially accessible, to increase the availability of safe blood.

Objetivo. Apresentar e analisar as ações desenvolvidas para a implementação e desenvolvimento de Vigilância Epidemiológica de Fronteiras, nos Blocos Econômicos Multinacionais, particularmente na América do Sul e Brasil. Metodologia. Foi realizado um estudo de revisão narrativa incluindo artigos científicos, documentos técnicos, diretrizes, normas, manuais, pautas de reuniões ou qualquer outro documento que fosse relacionado ao desenvolvimento e implementação de ações e programas de Vigilância Epidemiológica em Fronteiras. O estudo foi baseado nos sites das instituições/organizações multinacionais e nas bases MedLine, PubMed, Scielo e Scopus. Resultados. Foram identificados a criação de órgãos e ações no intuito de implementar e desenvolver a vigilância epidemiológica de fronteiras para os seguintes blocos: União Europeia (Health Security Committee, European Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Sistema de alerta rápido e resposta, General Rapid Alert System e Rede de Monitoramento Ad Hoc); Tratado Norte-Americano de Livre Comércio (Border Infectious Disease Surveillance, “Projeto de Vigilância e Alerta Rápido de Doenças Infeciosas”) ; Mercado Comum do Sul ( Reunião de Ministros da Saúde do Mercosul, Subgrupo de Trabalho 11 Saúde e Subcomissão Controle Sanitário de Portos, Aeroportos, Terminais e Passos Fronteiriços Terrestres); e União de Nações Sul-Americanas. Conclusões. Os programas e politicas desenvolvidos até o momento refletem o reconhecimento da importância do assunto por parte dos Estados Membros da OMS. Uma maior integração, com troca de informações, incluindo fluxos, frameworks, planos de preparação e o fortalecimento de áreas estratégicas como de energia e transporte deve ser incentivada intra e inter blocos.

Abstract Background Melioidosis is a serious disease caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei which affects humans and animals. It results in a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, mainly in the respiratory tract, progressing to septic shock and death. Case presentation Herein, we present a series of seven patients (median age: 41 years) with confirmed melioidosis, treated at a public hospital in Piauí State, Brazil between 2019 and 2021. The most common clinical presentations were fever, cough, pneumonia, and abdominal pain. The mean duration of antibacterial therapy with 1 g of meropenem was 28.6 ± 1.1 days. Six patients recovered and one died. The mean hospitalization time was 51.0 ± 39.2 days. Conclusions Melioidosis is an emerging infectious disease in Brazil. Health professionals in endemic areas need to be aware of the clinical presentation and appropriate clinical management of the disease because early diagnosis and early initiation of antibiotic therapy can be life-saving.

Reproductive disorders in non-human primates can be caused by a range of factors, in particular by infectious diseases. The literature review presented here aimed to identify the principal pathogens that can cause reproductive disorders in nonhuman primates, in particular, in the experimental models used for biomedical research. Although it is still largely unclear to what extent the pathogens as Coxiella burnetii, Brucella spp., Toxoplasma gondii, and Mycoplasma spp. can cause similar reproductive disorders in nonhuman primates, as observed in the human population and other animal group, we concluded that it would be strongly recommended to test for infection by these infectious agents all captive nonhuman primates with a history of reproductive disorders.

This study investigated the prevalence and genetic diversity of gastroenteric viruses in mussels and oysters in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. One hundred and thirty-four marketed bivalve samples were obtained between January and December 2022. The viral analysis was performed according to ISO/TS 15216, and the screening revealed the detection of norovirus GII/GI (40.3%), sapovirus (SaV; 12.7%), human mastadenovirus (7.5%), and rotavirus A (RVA; 5.9%). In total, 44.8% (60) of shellfish samples tested positive for one or more viruses, 46.7% (28/60) of the positive samples tested positive for a single viral agent, 26.7% (16) tested positive for two viral agents, 8.3% (5) for three viral agents, and 13.3% (8) for four viral agents. Additionally, three mussel samples were contaminated with the five investigated viruses (5%, 3/60). Norovirus GII showed the highest mean viral load (3.4 × 105 GC/g), followed by SaV (1.4 × 104 GC/g), RVA (1.1 × 104 GC/g), human mastadenovirus (3.9 × 103 GC/g), and norovirus GI (6.7 × 102 GC/g). Molecular characterization revealed that the recovered norovirus strains belonged to genotypes GII.2, GII.6, GII.9, GII.17, and GII.27; SaV belonged to genotypes GI.1 and GIV.1; RVA to genotypes G6, G8, P[8]-III, and human mastadenovirus to types F40 and F41. The GII.27 norovirus characterized in this study is the only strain of this genotype reported in Brazil. This study highlights the dissemination and diversity of gastroenteric viruses present in commercialized bivalves in a touristic area, indicating the potential risk to human health and the contribution of bivalves in the propagation of emerging pathogens.

Background: Despite advances in diagnosis and treatment, the incidence and mortality of infective endocarditis (IE) have increased in recent decades. Studies on the risk factors for mortality in endocarditis in Latin America are scarce. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 240 patients diagnosed with IE according to the modified Duke criteria who were admitted to two university hospitals in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from January 2009 to June 2021. Poisson regression analysis was performed for trend tests. The multivariate Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) of predictors of in-hospital mortality. Findings: The median age was 55 years (IQR: 39–66 years), 57% were male, and 41% had a Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) score > 3. Healthcare-associated infective endocarditis (54%), left-sided native valve IE (77.5%), and staphylococcal IE (26%) predominated. Overall, in-hospital mortality was 45.8%, and mortality was significantly higher in the following patients: aged ≥ 60 years (53%), CCI score ≥ 3 (60%), healthcare-associated infective endocarditis (HAIE) (53%), left-sided IE (51%), and enterococcal IE (67%). Poisson regression analysis showed no trend in in-hospital mortality per year. The adjusted multivariate model determined that age ≥ 60 years was an independent risk factor for in-hospital mortality (HR = 1.9; 95% CI 1.2–3.1; p = 0.008). Interpretation: In this 12-year retrospective cohort, there was no evidence of an improvement in survival in patients with IE. Since older age is a risk factor for mortality, consensus is needed for the management of IE in this group of patients.

RESUMO O uso de agrotóxicos na agricultura brasileira é um problema de saúde pública, dadas as contaminações no ambiente, em alimentos e as intoxicações resultantes do uso dessas substâncias. O objetivo deste artigo é investigar a distribuição espacial das áreas plantadas de lavouras e as taxas de mortalidade de alguns tipos de câncer: mama, colo do útero e próstata. Escolheram-se quatro estados brasileiros que possuem grande produção de commodities agrícolas a serem estudadas. Trata-se de um estudo ecológico de análise espacial conduzido com dados e informações do Sistema de Informação sobre Mortalidade (SIM) do Ministério da Saúde, por meio do qual elaboraram-se taxas de mortalidade para os referidos tipos de câncer, cujos óbitos tenham ocorrido entre 1996 e 2016. Há indícios de que existe correspondência entre as áreas de maior estimativa de uso de agrotóxicos Disruptores Endócrinos e o aumento das taxas de mortalidade pelos diferentes tipos de câncer.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on the global economy and public health. Its etiologic agent, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is highly transmissible, pathogenic and has a rapid global spread. Currently, the increase in the number of new confirmed cases has been slowed down due to the increase of vaccination in some regions of the world. Still, the rise of new variants has influenced the detection of additional waves of rising cases that some countries have experienced. Since the virus replication cycle is composed of many distinct stages, some viral proteins related to them, as the main-protease (Mpro) and RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), constitute individual potential antiviral targets. In this study, we challenged the mentioned enzymes against compounds pre-approved by health regulatory agencies in a virtual screening and later in Molecular Mechanics/Poisson–Bolzmann Surface Area (MM/PBSA) analysis. Our results showed that, among the identified potential drugs with anti-SARS-CoV-2 properties, Hypericin, an important component of the Hypericum perforatum that presents antiviral and antitumoral properties, binds with high affinity to viral Mpro and RdRp. Furthermore, we evaluated the activity of Hypericin anti-SARS-CoV-2 replication in an in vitro model of Vero-E6 infected cells. Therefore, we show that Hypericin inhibited viral replication in a dose dependent manner. Moreover, the cytotoxicity of the compound, in cultured cells, was evaluated, but no significant activity was found. Thus, the results observed in this study indicate that Hypericin is an excellent candidate for repurposing for the treatment of COVID-19, with possible inhibition of two important phases of virus maturation.

Understanding the distribution of dogs in the environment is relevant for establishing human and animal health actions. In the present study, we analyzed the influence of community feeders and commercial food outlets on the spatial distribution of free-roaming dogs in an urban area of a municipality in Southeast Brazil. The dogs were identified via photographic capture and recapture performed over five sampling efforts. The spatial densities of dogs were determined using the Kernel method. Spatial correlations between the distribution of free-roaming dogs and the locations of community feeders and commercial food outlets were analyzed using the K function. During the study, 1207 captures/recaptures were performed encompassing 554 dogs, the majority (62.6%) of which were males. Agglomerations of male and female dogs were observed in the areas where food was present. Positive spatial autocorrelations were detected between the distribution of dogs and food sources. The median distances between dogs and community feeders or commercial food outlets were 1.2 and 1.4 km, respectively, and the difference between these two was statistically significant. The presence of community feeders and food outlets demonstrates the influence of human activity, on the spatial distribution of free-roaming dogs. These results will be useful for developing strategies aimed at the improvement of animal welfare and the prevention of zoonoses.

Abstract Background Over the last 30 years, extensive dengue epidemics have occurred in Brazil, characterized by emergences and re-emergences of different serotypes, a change in the epidemiological profile and an increase in the number of severe and fatal cases. Here, we present a review on the dengue fatal cases that occurred in Brazil in 30 years (1986–2015). Methods We performed an ecological study by using secondary data on dengue fatal cases obtained in the National System of Reported Diseases (Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação -SINAN) and in the Mortality Information System (SIM), both maintained by the Brazilian Ministry of Health. Cases were analyzed by region, demographic variables, clinical classification and complications based on the data available. Results In 30 years (1986–2015), the Southeast region reported 43% (n = 2225) of all dengue deaths in the country. The Midwest region was responsible for 18% of the fatal cases. After 2000, deaths occurred in almost all states, with the exception of Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul, South region. From 2006 to 2010, the number of deaths increased, with higher rates of mortality, especially in Goiás and Mato Grosso. From 2011 to 2015, Goiás became the state with the highest mortality rate in the country, and Rio Grande do Sul reported its first dengue deaths. In 30 years, a total of 2682 dengue deaths occurred in males and 2455 in females, and an equal distribution between the sexes was observed. From 1986 to 2006, dengue deaths occurred predominantly in individuals over 15 years old, but this scenario changed in 2007–2008. After 2009, fatal cases on individuals above 15 years old became more frequent, with peaks in the years of 2010, 2013 and 2015. Conclusions The Brazil is experiencing a hyperendemic scenario, which has resulted in the co-circulation of the four DENV serotypes and with the increasing occurrence of severe and fatal cases. The disease surveillance and studies characterizing what has been reported overtime, are still important tools to better understand the factors involved in the disease outcome.

Infections with arboviruses are reported worldwide. Saint Louis encephalitis (SLEV) and West Nile viruses (WNV) are closely related flaviviruses affecting humans and animals. SLEV has been sporadically detected in humans, and corresponding antibodies have been frequently detected in horses throughout Brazil. WNV was first reported in western Brazil over a decade ago, has been associated with neurological disorders in humans and equines and its prevalence is increasing nationwide. Herein, we investigated by molecular and serological methods the presence or evidence of SLEV and WNV in equines from Rio de Janeiro. A total of 435 serum samples were collected from healthy horses and tested for specific neutralizing antibodies by plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT90). Additionally, serum and central nervous system samples from 72 horses, including horses with neurological disorders resulting in a fatal outcome or horses which had contact with them, were tested by real-time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) for both viruses. Adopting the criterion of four-fold antibody titer difference, 89 (20.4%) horses presented neutralizing antibodies for SLEV and five (1.1%) for WNV. No evidence of SLEV and WNV infection was detected by RT-qPCR and, thus, such infection could not be confirmed in the additional samples. Our findings indicate that horses from Rio de Janeiro were exposed to both SLEV and WNV, contributing to the current knowledge on the distribution of these viruses flaviviruses in Brazil.

To assess the efficacy of washing cloth masks, we simulated SARS-CoV-2 contamination in tricoline fabric and tested decontaminants to reduce viral particles. Viral suspensions using two variants (B.1.1.28 and P.1) were inoculated in these fabrics, and the inactivation kinetics were evaluated after washing with various household disinfection products (Soap powder, Lysoform®, Hypochlorite sodium and 70% Alcohol), rinse numbers, and exposure times. Afterward, the fabrics were washed in sterile water, and viral RNA was extracted and amplified using RT-qPCR. Finally, viral replication in cell cultures was examined. Our findings show that all biocidal treatments successfully disinfected the tissue tested. Some products showed less reduction in viral loads, such as soap powder (1.60 × 104, 1.04 × 103), soap powder and Lysoform® (1.60 × 104, 1.04 × 103), and alcohol 70% (1.02 × 103, 5.91 × 101), respectively. However, when sodium hypochlorite was used, this reduction was significantly increased (viral inactivation in 100% of the washes). After the first wash, the reduction in the number of viral particles was greater for the P.1 variant than for the B.1.1.28 variant (W = 51,759, p < 0.05). In conclusion, the role of sodium hypochlorite in cloth mask disinfection may also have implications for future health emergencies as well as recommendation by WHO.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: The Amazon tropical rainforest has the most dense and diverse ecosystem worldwide. A few studies have addressed rodent-borne diseases as potential hazards to humans in this region. METHODS: A retrospective survey was conducted using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detecting mammarenavirus and orthohantavirus antibodies in 206 samples collected from rural settlers of the Brazilian Western Amazonian region. RESULTS: Six (2.91%) individuals in the age group of 16 to 36 years were found to possess antibodies against mammarenavirus. CONCLUSION: Evidence of previous exposure to mammarenavirus in the rural population points to its silent circulation in this region.

Information concerning the factors affecting the circulation and distribution of free-roaming dogs is crucial in developing control actions and limiting the spread of zoonoses. The present study analyzes the influence of gender, sterilization, and environment on the spatial distribution of free-roaming dogs in urban settings. Animals were captured/recaptured in seven consecutive morning sampling efforts conducted at 2-monthly intervals in control and intervention areas in a medium-size town in southeastern Brazil. Capture locations were georeferenced and captured animals were microchipped before being released at their original capture sites. Dogs captured in the intervention area were subjected additionally to surgical sterilization prior to release. Home range (HR) areas were calculated by applying the minimum convex polygon method to dogs that had been captured at least three times. Land coverage zones were determined from satellite images and overlaid on maps of the study areas along with the locations of 22 commercial food outlets. HR areas showed a global mean of 448 m2 and a median of 28 m2, values that were smaller than those reported previously for dogs in rural regions. The median HR of females (64.m2) was higher than that of males (15 m2), while median HRs of animals in the control and intervention areas were similar (27 and 28.5 m2, respectively). Variability of HR was high, although animals with small HRs predominated. Free-roaming dogs grouped primarily in urbanized and transitional regions, and their spatial distribution was positively correlated with locations of commercial food outlets. While sterilization did not influence HR size, the search for food was a key factor in determining mobility and spatial aggregation of free-roaming dogs. Our findings are pertinent in understanding the ecology of free-roaming dogs in urban environments and will be applicable to strategies aimed at promoting animal welfare and preventing the dissemination of zoonoses.

Sub-Saharan Africa has one of the highest rates of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection globally, with an incidence of 1.5 million and 0.8 million yearly deaths, which drives synergistic efforts towards its elimination. To assess the risk of mother-to-child transmission of HBV infection, a cross-sectional study was conducted on 1012 pregnant women in Angola to investigate HBV serological and molecular profiles. The prevalence of HBV was 8.7% (n = 88), with hepatitis B core IgM antibody (anti-HBc IgM) positivity identified in 12.8%, hepatitis B “e” antigen (HBeAg) positivity in 30%, and HBV DNA ≥ 200,000 IU/mL in 28.2%. Family tracking studied 44 children, of which 11 (25%) received at least two doses of the hepatitis B vaccine. HBV was detected in 10/44 (22.7%) children, with vaccination reported in one infected child. Further testing identified anti-HBc IgM positivity in 3/10 (30%), HBeAg positivity in 55%, and both seromarkers in 20%. The results revealed the importance of antenatal HBV screening, antiviral prophylaxis for mothers with high viral loads or HBeAg positivity, and timely first-dose hepatitis B vaccines in newborns. Anti-HBc IgM positivity among pregnant women and children highlights prophylactic measures worth considering, including antenatal hepatitis B vaccination and catch-up vaccination to young children.

Anthropogenic environmental changes arising from settlement and agriculture include deforestation and replacement of natural vegetation by crops providing opportunities for pathogen spillover from animals to humans. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of rodent-borne virus infections in seven rural settlements from Midwestern Brazil. Of the 466 individuals tested 12 (2.57%) were reactive for orthohantavirus and 3 (0.64%) for mammarenavirus. These rural settlers lived under unfavorable infrastructure, socioeconomic disadvantages, and unsanitary conditions, representing a risk for rodent-borne infections. Development of public policies towards the improvement of health, sanitation and awareness of rodent-borne diseases in improvised camps and settlements is imperative, in order to reduce morbidity and mortality caused by these diseases.

ABSTRACT This study aims to analyze the different binational/multinational activities, programs, and structures taking place on the borders of Brazil and the U.S. between 2013 and 2015. A descriptive exploratory study of two border epidemiological surveillance (BES) systems has been performed. Two approaches were used to collect data: i) technical visits to the facilities involved with border surveillance and application of a questionnaire survey; ii) application of an online questionnaire survey. It was identified that, for both surveillance systems, more than 55% of the technicians had realized that the BES and its activities have high priority. Eighty percent of North American and 71% of Brazilian border jurisdictions reported an exchange of information between countries. Less than half of the jurisdictions reported that the necessary tools to carry out information exchange were available. Operational attributes of completeness, feedback, reciprocity, and quality of information were identified as weak or of low quality in both systems. Statements, guidelines, and protocols to develop surveillance activities are available at the U.S.-Mexico border area. The continuous systematic development of surveillance systems at these borders will create more effective actions and responses.

Objective: To analyze the spatial and temporal dynamics of dengue in Coronel Fabriciano, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, and to associate cases to the growth of urban areas and loss of natural areas in recent years. Methods: This is a descriptive, exploratory study, with a quantitative approach. Dengue cases of 2009 were obtained from the Health Municipal Secretariat, including the suspected and confirmed cases. Shape files were obtained, containing information about the municipal boundary, boundary of the urban area, census tracts, areas with buildings and natural areas. Based on the distribution of dengue cases, the Kernel estimator was used to measure data dispersion. Results: Dengue cases reported were georeferenced in GIS (Geographic Information System) environment. The landscape showed changes in the units of urban area and pasture, as an urban growth over the pasture matrix. No changes were observed in the areas of remaining forest and eucalyptus. There are cases spatially spread with a tendency to form clusters. Conclusion: Cases of dengue were observed spatially clustered in the northern region of the city, where new neighborhoods have emerged in recent years, following the population growth without proper structure of urbanization and urban planning. In addition, urban growth have reduced the margin of watercourses providing a bare soil, suitable for accumulation of trash and formation of breeding sites for mosquitoes. Efficient public policies and appropriate urban planning might reduce the impact of dengue in endemic regions. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.5020/18061230.2013.p539

Objetivo: Conhecer as práticas de vigilância do Rotavírus, identificando os pontos positivos e as dificuldades encontradas através do modelo de avaliação da Vigilância Epidemiológica Ampliada das Doenças Diarreicas por Rotavírus (VER). Métodos: Tratou-se de uma pesquisa avaliativa realizada em dois diferentes estados brasileiros, entre março a novembro de 2010. Participaram da avaliação 14 atores no total (do nível central, estadual e municipal), sendo submetidos a entrevistas gravadas utilizando questionários semiestruturados, além da realização de análise documental e observação direta da rotina do serviço dentro das respectivas unidades. Essas informações permitiram alimentar uma matriz de julgamento e evidenciar os variados aspectos componentes da operacionalização do sistema. Resultados: Foram observados pontos positivos (a sensibilidade de captação de casos, a aceitabilidade do sistema por parte dos técnicos envolvidos, a estrutura física adequada e a capacitação e atualização dos técnicos) e dificuldades operacionais (a escassez de recursos humanos e financeiros, e a baixa oportunidade do sistema de informação) na condução das atividades da vigilância. Conclusão: Os resultados encontrados sugerem a baixa efetividade do sistema de vigilância adotado, indicando que a vigilância do tipo sentinela pode não ser a mais adequada para o sistema de saúde desses estados estudados.

Objective: To assess the practices of Rotavirus surveillance, identifying the positive aspects and the difficulties found through the evaluation model from the Enhanced Surveillance of Rotavirus Diarrheal Diseases. Method: This is an evaluative and qualitative research performed in two different Brazilian states between March and November 2010. Participated in the evaluation 14 subjects in total (from central, state and municipal level), which were submitted to tape-recorded interviews using semi-structured questionnaires, along with conduction of document analysis and direct observation of routine service within their respective units. This information allowed to feed a judgment matrix, thus highlighting the various aspects comprising the system operation. Results: Positive aspects were observed (the sensitivity to capture cases, the system acceptability by the technicians involved, the proper physical structure and the training and updating of technicians), and operational difficulties when conducting surveillance activities (the shortage of human and financial resources and the low opportunity of the information system). Conclusion: The results suggest the low effectiveness of the monitoring system adopted, indicating that the sentinel type of surveillance may not be the most appropriate for the health system in the studied states. doi:10.5020/18061230.2014.p140

Objetivo: Analisar a dinâmica espacial e temporal da dengue em Coronel Fabriciano, Minas Gerais, Brasil, e associar os casos ao crescimento das áreas urbanas e à perda de áreas naturais nos últimos anos. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, exploratório, de abordagem quantitativa. Os casos de dengue relativos a 2009 foram obtidos na Secretaria Municipal, incluindo-se os suspeitos e os confirmados. Obtiveram-se shape files contendo informações sobre o limite municipal, limite da área urbana, setores censitários, áreas com construções e áreas naturais. Com base na distribuição dos casos, o estimador de Kernel foi utilizado para medir sua dispersão. Resultados: Casos de dengue notificados foram georreferenciados em ambiente SIG (Sistema de Informações Geográficas). A paisagem mostrou mudanças nas unidades de zona urbana e pastagem, assim como crescimento urbano sobre a matriz de pastagem. Não foram observadas alterações nas áreas de floresta remanescente e eucalipto. Há casos distribuídos espacialmente com uma tendência a formar aglomerados. Conclusão:Observaram-se casos de dengue espacialmente agrupados na região norte da cidade, onde novos bairros surgiram nos últimos anos, acompanhando o crescimento populacional sem estrutura adequada de urbanização e planejamento. Além disso, o crescimento urbano reduziu a margem de cursos d’água e forneceu um solo nu, adequado para o acúmulo de lixo e a formação de criadouros de mosquitos. Fica mais uma vez constatado que políticas públicas eficientes e planejamento urbano adequado podem reduzir o impacto da dengue em regiões endêmicas.

Objective: To estimate the risk of cadmium (Cd) contamination through the ingestion of fish by a population of fish consumers in Sepetiba Bay-SE, Brazil. Methods: We estimated the risk of cadmium intake for fish consumers in the study area. For control purposes we based it on fish consumption by the population, making it possible to estimate the probability and risk due to cadmium intake by means of the assessment of hazard quotient (HQ). Results: The risk for cadmium intake was 110 times greater than that found in control population. The HQ was 0.11, and compared with control population, which is located around the area of study, the risk ratio was 0.001. The increased risk may be reflected in renal disease, although these have not been shown to be associated with exposure to Cd. Conclusion: The fishermen who work in Sepetiba Bay have a risk about 110 times greater for cadmium contamination than the population that consumes fish for 48 days per year (average).

Objetivo: Estimar o risco de contaminação por cádmio (Cd) através da ingestão de peixe em população consumidora de pescado, na Baía de Sepetiba-SE, Brasil. Métodos: Estimouse o risco de ingestão de cádmio para os consumidores de peixe da área de estudo. Para o controle, baseou-se no consumo de peixe pela população brasileira, tornando possível estimar a probabilidade e risco devido à ingestão de cádmio por avaliação do quociente de perigo (HQ). Resultados: O risco para a ingestão de cádmio foi 110 vezes maior do que o encontrado no controle populacional. O HQ foi de 0,11; e quando comparado com o controle da população, que está localizado ao redor da área de estudo, o risco obtido foi de 0,001. O risco aumentado pode ser refletido nas doenças renais, embora estas não tenham se mostradoassociadas à exposição ao Cd. Conclusão: Os pescadores que trabalham na Baía de Sepetiba têm um risco cerca de 110 vezes maior de contaminação por cádmio do que a população que consome peixe por 48 dias por ano (média).

BackgroundIn the current context of high fatality rates associated with American visceral leishmaniasis (VL), the appropriate use of prognostic factors to identify patients at higher risk of unfavorable outcomes represents a potential tool for clinical practice. This systematic review brings together information reported in studies conducted in Latin America, on the potential predictors of adverse prognosis (continued evolution of the initial clinical conditions of the patient despite the implementation of treatment, independent of the occurrence of death) and death from VL. The limitations of the existing knowledge, the advances achieved and the approaches to be used in future research are presented.Methods/principal findingsThe full texts of 14 studies conforming to the inclusion criteria were analyzed and their methodological quality examined by means of a tool developed in the light of current research tools. Information regarding prognostic variables was synthesized using meta-analysis. Variables were grouped according to the strength of evidence considering summary measures, patterns and heterogeneity of effect-sizes, and the results of multivariate analyses. The strongest predictors identified in this review were jaundice, thrombocytopenia, hemorrhage, HIV coinfection, diarrhea, age 40-50 years, severe neutropenia, dyspnoea and bacterial infections. Edema and low hemoglobin concentration were also associated with unfavorable outcomes. The main limitation identified was the absence of validation procedures for the few prognostic models developed so far.Conclusions/significanceIntegration of the results from different investigations conducted over the last 10 years enabled the identification of consistent prognostic variables that could be useful in recognizing and handling VL patients at higher risk of unfavorable outcomes. The development of externally validated prognostic models must be prioritized in future investigations.