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Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é identificar fatores associados ao conhecimento e utilização de estratégias de prevenção combinada do HIV entre mulheres trabalhadoras do sexo (MTS). Estudo epidemiológico transversal, utilizando o método Respondent Driven Sampling (RDS). Foram realizadas análises descritivas após ajustes requeridos pelo método RDS. Para investigar fatores associados ao conhecimento de PEP e PrEP e utilização do preservativo feminino foi usada a regressão de Poisson, utilizando como medida de associação o Odds Ratio. MTS sem vínculo com ONGs, que não receberam material informativo sobre prevenção e/ou participaram de palestras nos últimos seis meses e que não se identificam como MTS nos serviços de saúde têm menos conhecimento sobre PEP e PrEP e utilizam com menor frequência o preservativo feminino. De maneira geral, as MTS não têm conhecimento e acesso suficiente às tecnologias de prevenção combinada do HIV a ponto de usufruir de seus benefícios. Consideramos que a adoção de modelos diferenciados de cuidados voltados para MTS em parceria com ONGs pode ser uma estratégia efetiva para ampliação do conhecimento e utilização das tecnologias de prevenção do HIV no Brasil. Abstract This article aims to Identify factors associated with knowledge and use of combined HIV prevention strategies among female sex workers (FSW). Cross-sectional epidemiological study, using the Respondent Driven Sampling (RDS) method. Descriptive analyzes were performed after adjustments required by the RDS method. To investigate factors associated with knowledge of PEP and PrEP and use of the female condom, Poisson regression was applied, using odds ratio as an association measure. FSW not affiliated with NGOs, who did not receive informational material on prevention and / or participated in lectures in the last six months and who do not identify themselves as FSW in healthcare service facilities have less knowledge about PEP and PrEP and use the female condom less frequently. In general, FSW do not have sufficient knowledge and access to combined HIV prevention methods to take advantage of their benefits. We believe that the adoption of different models of care for FSW in partnership with NGOs can be an effective strategy for expanding knowledge and use of HIV prevention methods in Brazil.

Resumo É observada a queda nos percentuais de cobertura vacinal no Brasil, num cenário de crescimento progressivo da cobertura da Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS), locus onde grande parte das ações de vacinação ocorre. Investigou-se as diferenças nos perfis de acesso e qualidade da APS entre municípios que atingiram ou não as metas de cobertura vacinal para influenza em 2019. Neste estudo ecológico, comparou-se variáveis potencialmente preditoras do alcance da meta de cobertura vacinal para influenza, considerando as dimensões de acesso, qualidade e características do município. Para todos os grupos, o conjunto de municípios que atingiu a cobertura preconizada tinha maiores coberturas de APS e de Estratégia de Saúde da Família e maior número de Agentes Comunitários de Saúde por mil habitantes. Também realizavam mais busca ativa de crianças com calendário vacinal atrasado, registravam a vacinação em dia das gestantes, o horário de funcionamento da unidade atendia às expectativas do usuário, havia maior satisfação do usuário com o cuidado recebido e maior percentual da população com acesso à coleta de lixo. As variáveis podem servir de apoio para a tomada de decisão quanto à organização dos serviços de APS na busca de ampliar as coberturas vacinais para influenza. Abstract A drop in the percentages of vaccination coverage in Brazil has been detected in a scenario where there is progressive growth in the coverage of Primary Health Care (PHC), namely the location where most of the vaccination actions occur. This article investigated the differences in PHC access and quality profiles among municipalities that attained or failed to attain coverage targets for influenza in 2019, stratified by vaccination priority groups. In this ecological study, we compared predictors of reaching the goal of vaccination coverage for influenza, considering access, quality, and characteristics of the municipality. For all groups, the set of municipalities that reached the targets had greater PHC and Family Health Strategy coverage and a greater number of Community Health Agents per thousand inhabitants. They also carried out more active searches for children with delayed vaccination schedules, registered the vaccination of pregnant women on the same day, had unit opening hours that met user expectations, showed greater user satisfaction with the care received and had a higher percentage of the population with access to garbage collection. The variables may support decision-making about the organization of PHC services with the purpose of expanding vaccine coverage for influenza.

Inicialmente, gostaríamos de agradecer o espaço cedido pela Revista Clínica de Ortodontia Dental Press, na pessoa de seu Editor Chefe, Marcio Rodrigues de Almeida, para que pudéssemos apresentar a nossa avaliação crítica à metodologia empregada no artigo publicado no volume 18, número 6, da mencionada revista, intitulado “Efeitos inesperados dos contensores 3x3 modificados no desencadeamento da vestibularização e recessão gengival nos incisivos inferiores”, bem como às conclusões que foram relatadas nesse trabalho.

ObjectiveTo estimate the change in odds of covid-19 over time following primary series completion of the inactivated whole virus vaccine, CoronaVac (Sinovac Biotech) in São Paulo state, Brazil.DesignTest negative case-control study.SettingCommunity testing for covid-19 in São Paulo state, Brazil.ParticipantsAdults aged 18-120 years who were residents of São Paulo state, without a previous laboratory-confirmed covid-19 infection, who received only two doses of CoronaVac, and underwent reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing for SARS-CoV-2 from 17 January to 30 September 2021.Main outcome measuresRT-PCR-confirmed symptomatic covid-19 and associated hospital admissions and deaths. Cases were pair-matched to test-negative controls by age (in 5-year bands), municipality of residence, healthcare worker (HCW) status, and date of RT-PCR test (±3 days). Conditional logistic regression was adjusted for sex, number of covid-19-associated comorbidities, race, and previous acute respiratory infection.ResultsFrom 137,820 eligible individuals, 37,929 cases with symptomatic covid-19 and 25,756 test-negative controls with covid-19 symptoms were formed into 37,929 matched pairs. Adjusted odds ratios of symptomatic covid-19 increased with time since series completion, and this increase was greater in younger individuals, and among HCWs compared to non-HCWs. Adjusted odds ratios of covid-19 hospitalisation or death were significantly increased from 98 days since series completion, compared to individuals vaccinated 14-41 days previously: 1.40 (95% confidence interval 1.09 to 1.79) from 98-125 days, 1.55 (1.16 to 2.07) from 126-153 days, 1.56 (1.12 to 2.18) from 154-181 days, and 2.12 (1.39-3.22) from 182 days.ConclusionsIn the general population of São Paulo state, Brazil, an increase in odds of moderate and severe covid-19 outcomes was observed over time following primary series completion with CoronaVac.What is already known on this topic-The effectiveness of the inactivated whole virus vaccine, CoronaVac (Sinovac Biotech) against moderate and severe covid-19 has been demonstrated in clinical trials and observational studies.-Observational studies have suggested that effectiveness of other covid-19 vaccines appears to decrease over time, prompting many countries to deploy additional doses for individuals who have completed their primary series.-There is currently no evidence for change in the rate of breakthrough infection in individuals who have received a primary series of CoronaVac.What this study adds-In individuals receiving two doses of CoronaVac, the odds of symptomatic covid-19 increased over time since series completion.-Larger increases in covid-19 odds were observed in individuals aged 18-40, and in healthcare workers compared to non-healthcare workers.-Odds of covid-19 hospitalisation or death increased over time since series completion, but to a lesser extent.

Objective To estimate the effectiveness of the inactivated whole virus vaccine, CoronaVac (Sinovac Biotech), against symptomatic covid-19 in the elderly population of São Paulo state, Brazil during widespread circulation of the gamma variant. Design Test negative case-control study. Setting Community testing for covid-19 in São Paulo state, Brazil. Participants 43 774 adults aged ≥70 years who were residents of São Paulo state and underwent reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing for SARS-CoV-2 from 17 January to 29 April 2021. 26 433 cases with symptomatic covid-19 and 17 622 test negative controls with covid-19 symptoms were formed into 13 283 matched sets, one case with to up to five controls, according to age, sex, self-reported race, municipality of residence, previous covid-19 status, and date of RT-PCR test (±3 days). Intervention Vaccination with a two dose regimen of CoronaVac. Main outcome measures RT-PCR confirmed symptomatic covid-19 and associated hospital admissions and deaths. Results Adjusted vaccine effectiveness against symptomatic covid-19 was 24.7% (95% confidence interval 14.7% to 33.4%) at 0-13 days and 46.8% (38.7% to 53.8%) at ≥14 days after the second dose. Adjusted vaccine effectiveness against hospital admissions was 55.5% (46.5% to 62.9%) and against deaths was 61.2% (48.9% to 70.5%) at ≥14 days after the second dose. Vaccine effectiveness ≥14 days after the second dose was highest for the youngest age group (70-74 years)—59.0% (43.7% to 70.2%) against symptomatic disease, 77.6% (62.5% to 86.7%) against hospital admissions, and 83.9% (59.2% to 93.7%) against deaths—and declined with increasing age. Conclusions Vaccination with CoronaVac was associated with a reduction in symptomatic covid-19, hospital admissions, and deaths in adults aged ≥70 years in a setting with extensive transmission of the gamma variant. Vaccine protection was, however, low until completion of the two dose regimen, and vaccine effectiveness was observe to decline with increasing age among this elderly population.

BackgroundA two-dose regimen of ChAdOx1 coronavirus disease 19 (Covid-19) vaccine with an inter-dose interval of three months has been implemented in many countries with restricted vaccine supply. However, there is limited evidence for the effectiveness of ChAdOx1 by dose in elderly populations in countries with high prevalence of the Gamma variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2).MethodsWe conducted a test-negative case-control study to estimate the effectiveness of ChAdOx1 vaccine in adults aged 60 years or older during a Gamma-variant-associated epidemic in São Paulo state, Brazil, between 17 January and 2 July 2021. Cases and matched test-negative controls were individuals, identified from surveillance databases, who experienced an acute respiratory illness and underwent SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR testing. We used conditional logistic regression to estimate the effectiveness by dose against RT-PCR-confirmed Covid-19, Covid-19 hospitalization, and Covid-19-related death.Results61,164 individuals were selected into matched case-control pairs. Starting ≥28 days after the first dose, adjusted effectiveness of a single dose of ChAdOx1 was 33.4% (95% CI, 26.4 to 39.7) against Covid-19, 55.1% (95% CI, 46.6 to 62.2) against hospitalization, and 61.8% (95% CI, 48.9 to 71.4) against death. Starting ≥14 days after the second dose, the adjusted effectiveness of the two-dose schedule was 77.9% (95% CI, 69.2 to 84.2) against Covid-19, 87.6% (95% CI, 78.2 to 92.9) against hospitalization, and 93.6% (95% CI, 81.9 to 97.7) against death.ConclusionsCompletion of the ChAdOx1 vaccine schedule afforded significantly increased protection over a single dose against mild and severe Covid-19 outcomes in elderly individuals during widespread Gamma variant transmission.

São Paulo is a state in Brazil with one of the highest numbers of confirmed and severe cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), with an incidence of 294 hospitalizations per 100,000 inhabitants. We report the clinical characteristics and outcomes of 120,804 hospitalized patients with confirmed COVID-19 from February 26 to October 10, 2020, in São Paulo. Characteristics of patients who died and survived were compared using a survival analysis. The median age was 60 years (interquartile range [IQR], 47–72), 67,821 (56.1%) were men, and 61,659 (51.0%) were white. Most hospitalized patients (79,812; 66.1%) reported one or more comorbidities, 41,708 (34.5%) hospitalized patients were admitted to intensive care units, and 33,079 (27.4%) died. Men (hazard ratio [HR], 1.22; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.18–1.25), elderly individuals (HR, 3.85; 95% CI, 3.68–4.02), and patients with chronic cardiovascular disease including hypertension (HR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.02–1.08), chronic lung disease (HR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.31–1.45), diabetes mellitus (HR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.11–1.18), and chronic neurological disease (HR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.41–1.55) were at higher risk for death from COVID-19.

Background Mass vaccination is being used in response to coronavirus disease (COVID-19) epidemics, including those driven by emerging variants of concern. We evaluated the effectiveness of the inactivated whole-virus vaccine, CoronaVac, against symptomatic COVID-19 in the elderly population of Sao Paulo State, Brazil during widespread circulation of the P.1 variant. Methods We conducted a test-negative, case-control study of adults ≥70 years of age from Sao Paulo State from January 17 to April 29, 2021, during which vaccination with a two-dose regimen of CoronaVac was implemented. We identified RT-PCR-confirmed COVID-19 cases as well as controls who had a symptomatic illness with a negative RT-PCR test from national surveillance and state vaccination databases. Controls were pair-matched to cases by age category, sex, self-report race, municipality, prior COVID-19 status, and date of RT-PCR testing. We estimated vaccine effectiveness, adjusted for age and comorbidities, using conditional logistic regression. Findings We selected 7,950 matched pairs with a mean age of 76 years from 26,433 COVID-19 cases and 17,622 test-negative controls. Adjusted vaccine effectiveness was 18.2% (95% CI, 0.0 to 33.2) and 41.6% (95% CI, 26.9 to 53.3) in the period 0-13 and ≥14 days, respectively, after the 2nd dose. Administration of a single vaccine dose was not associated with reduced odds of COVID-19. Vaccine effectiveness ≥14 days after the 2nd dose declined with increasing age and was 61.8% (95% CI 34.8 to 77.7), 48.9% (95% CI 23.3 to 66.0) and 28.0% (95% CI 0.6 to 47.9) among individuals 70-74, 75-79 and ≥80 years of age, respectively (pinteraction = 0.05). Interpretation CoronaVac was 42% effective in the real-world setting of extensive P.1 transmission, but significant protection was not observed until completion of the two-dose regimen and vaccine effectiveness declined with increasing age. These findings underscore the need to maintain non-pharmaceutical interventions when mass vaccination with CoronaVac is used as part of an epidemic response. Funding Pan American Health Organization. Research in context Evidence before this study We searched Pubmed for articles published from inception of the pandemic until May 10, 2021, with no language restrictions, using the search terms “vaccine”, “COVID-19”, “SARS-CoV-2”, “elderly”, “age”, “older”. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have yielded varying estimates (51-84%) for the effectiveness of the inactivated whole-virus vaccine, CoronaVac, against symptomatic COVID-19. Current evidence is lacking on whether CoronaVac or other COVID-19 vaccines are effective against disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern, P.1, or in a setting of extensive P.1 circulation. No studies have reported the real-world effectiveness of CoronaVac and other inactivated vaccines among elderly individuals, a population that was underrepresented in RCTs of these vaccines. Added value of this study In a population-based matched test-negative case-control study, we found that a two-dose regimen of CoronaVac had an effectiveness of 42% in preventing symptomatic COVID-19 among adults ≥70 years of age during an epidemic associated with widespread P.1 variant transmission. Significant protection was not observed until the period ≥14 days after administration of the second dose. We observed a significant decline in vaccine effectiveness with increasing age in the elderly population. Implications of all the available evidence In the setting of extensive P.1 transmission, the effectiveness of CoronaVac in adults ≥70 years of age was similar to that observed in RCTs conducted in younger populations prior to the emergence of P.1. These findings provide supportive evidence for the use of this vaccine in countries that are experiencing P.1-associated epidemics. However, significant protection was not detected until after administration of the second dose, indicating that vaccination in countries where CoronaVac supplies are constrained may need to prioritize completion of the two dose regimen among the highest risk populations. The delay in achieving vaccine-mediated protection also underscores the need to initiate and maintain non-pharmaceutical interventions when mass vaccination with CoronaVac is used in a response to an epidemic. National immunisation programs should optimise the vaccination of the very elderly (≥80 years), accounting for specific vaccines or vaccination schemes.

Background Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variant, Gamma, emerged in the city of Manaus in late 2020 during a large resurgence of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), and has spread throughout Brazil. The effectiveness of vaccines in settings with widespread Gamma variant transmission has not been reported. Methods We performed a matched test-negative case-control study to estimate the effectiveness of an inactivated vaccine, CoronaVac, in healthcare workers (HCWs) in Manaus, where the Gamma variant accounted for 86% of genotyped SARS-CoV-2 samples at the peak of its epidemic. We performed an early analysis of effectiveness following administration of at least one vaccine dose and an analysis of effectiveness of the two-dose schedule. The primary outcome was symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection. Findings For the early at-least-one-dose and two-dose analyses the study population was, respectively, 53,176 and 53,153 HCWs residing in Manaus and aged 18 years or older, with complete information on age, residence, and vaccination status. Among 53,153 HCWs eligible for the two-dose analysis, 47,170 (89%) received at least one dose of CoronaVac and 2,656 individuals (5%) underwent RT-PCR testing from 19 January, 2021 to 13 April, 2021. Of 3,195 RT-PCR tests, 885 (28%) were positive. 393 and 418 case-control pairs were selected for the early and two-dose analyses, respectively, matched on calendar time, age, and neighbourhood. Among those who had received both vaccine doses before the RT-PCR sample collection date, the average time from second dose to sample collection date was 14 days (IQR 7-24). In the early analysis, vaccination with at least one dose was associated with a 0.50-fold reduction (adjusted vaccine effectiveness (VE), 49.6%, 95% CI 11.3 to 71.4) in the odds of symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection during the period 14 days or more after receiving the first dose. However, we estimated low effectiveness (adjusted VE 36.8%, 95% CI -54.9 to 74.2) of the two-dose schedule against symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection during the period 14 days or more after receiving the second dose. A finding that vaccinated individuals were much more likely to be infected than unvaccinated individuals in the period 0-13 days after first dose (aOR 2.11, 95% CI 1.36-3.27) suggests that unmeasured confounding led to downward bias in the vaccine effectiveness estimate. Interpretation Evidence from this test-negative study of the effectiveness of CoronaVac was mixed, and likely affected by bias in this setting. Administration of at least one vaccine dose showed effectiveness against symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection in the setting of epidemic Gamma variant transmission. However, the low estimated effectiveness of the two-dose schedule underscores the need to maintain non-pharmaceutical interventions while vaccination campaigns with CoronaVac are being implemented. Funding Fundacao Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz); Municipal Health Secretary of Manaus; Fundacao de Vigilância em Saude do Amazonas

ObjectiveTo estimate the change in odds of covid-19 over time following primary series completion of the inactivated whole virus vaccine CoronaVac (Sinovac Biotech) in São Paulo State, Brazil.DesignTest negative case-control study.SettingCommunity testing for covid-19 in São Paulo State, Brazil.ParticipantsAdults aged ≥18 years who were residents of São Paulo state, had received two doses of CoronaVac, did not have a laboratory confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection before vaccination, and underwent reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing for SARS-CoV-2 from 17 January to 14 December 2021. Cases were matched to test negative controls by age (in 5 year bands), municipality of residence, healthcare worker status, and epidemiological week of RT-PCR test.Main outcome measuresRT-PCR confirmed symptomatic covid-19 and associated hospital admissions and deaths. Conditional logistic regression was adjusted for sex, number of covid-19 associated comorbidities, race, and previous acute respiratory illness.ResultsFrom 202 741 eligible people, 52 170 cases with symptomatic covid-19 and 69 115 test negative controls with covid-19 symptoms were formed into 43 257 matched sets. Adjusted odds ratios of symptomatic covid-19 increased with time since completion of the vaccination series. The increase in odds was greater in younger people and among healthcare workers, although sensitivity analyses suggested that this was in part due to bias. In addition, the adjusted odds ratios of covid-19 related hospital admission or death significantly increased with time compared with the odds 14-41 days after series completion: from 1.25 (95% confidence interval 1.04 to 1.51) at 70-97 days up to 1.94 (1.41 to 2.67) from 182 days onwards.ConclusionsSignificant increases in the risk of moderate and severe covid-19 outcomes occurred three months after primary vaccination with CoronaVac among people aged 65 and older. These findings provide supportive evidence for the implementation of vaccine boosters in these populations who received this inactivated vaccine. Studies of waning should include analyses designed to uncover common biases.

BackgroundSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variant, Gamma, emerged in the city of Manaus in late 2020 during a large resurgence of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), and has spread throughout Brazil. The effectiveness of vaccines in settings with widespread Gamma variant transmission has not been reported.MethodsWe performed a matched test-negative case-control study to estimate the effectiveness of an inactivated vaccine, CoronaVac, in healthcare workers (HCWs) in Manaus, where the Gamma variant accounted for 86% of genotyped SARS-CoV-2 samples at the peak of its epidemic. We performed an early analysis of effectiveness following administration of at least one vaccine dose and an analysis of effectiveness of the two-dose schedule. The primary outcome was symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection.FindingsFor the early at-least-one-dose and two-dose analyses the study population was, respectively, 53,176 and 53,153 HCWs residing in Manaus and aged 18 years or older, with complete information on age, residence, and vaccination status. Among 53,153 HCWs eligible for the two-dose analysis, 47,170 (89%) received at least one dose of CoronaVac and 2,656 individuals (5%) underwent RT-PCR testing from 19 January, 2021 to 13 April, 2021. Of 3,195 RT-PCR tests, 885 (28%) were positive. 393 and 418 case- control pairs were selected for the early and two-dose analyses, respectively, matched on calendar time, age, and neighbourhood. Among those who had received both vaccine doses before the RT-PCR sample collection date, the average time from second dose to sample collection date was 14 days (IQR 7-24). In the early analysis, vaccination with at least one dose was associated with a 0.50-fold reduction (adjusted vaccine effectiveness (VE), 49.6%, 95% CI 11.3 to 71.4) in the odds of symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection during the period 14 days or more after receiving the first dose. However, we estimated low effectiveness (adjusted VE 36.8%, 95% CI -54.9 to 74.2) of the two-dose schedule against symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection during the period 14 days or more after receiving the second dose. A finding that vaccinated individuals were much more likely to be infected than unvaccinated individuals in the period 0-13 days after first dose (aOR 2.11, 95% CI 1.36-3.27) suggests that unmeasured confounding led to downward bias in the vaccine effectiveness estimate.InterpretationEvidence from this test-negative study of the effectiveness of CoronaVac was mixed, and likely affected by bias in this setting. Administration of at least one vaccine dose showed effectiveness against symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection in the setting of epidemic Gamma variant transmission. However, the low estimated effectiveness of the two-dose schedule underscores the need to maintain non-pharmaceutical interventions while vaccination campaigns with CoronaVac are being implemented.FundingFundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz); Municipal Health Secretary of ManausResearch in ContextEvidence before this studyWe searched PubMed for articles published from inception of the pandemic until April 3, 2021, with no language restrictions, using the search terms “P.1” AND “vaccine” AND “SARS-CoV-2”. Additionally, we searched for “CoronaVac” AND “SARS-CoV-2”. Early studies have found plasma from convalescent COVID-19 patients and sera from vaccinated individuals have reduced neutralisation of the SARS-CoV-2 variant, Gamma or P.1, compared with strains isolated earlier in the pandemic. Pfizer BNT162b2 mRNA, Oxford-AstraZeneca ChAdOx1, and CoronaVac are the only vaccines for which such data has been published to date.No studies reported effectiveness of any vaccine on reducing the risk of infection or disease among individuals exposed to P.1 or in settings of high P.1 transmission.Added value of this studyThis study finds that vaccination with CoronaVac was 49.4% (95% CI 13.2 to 71.9) effective at preventing COVID-19 in a setting with likely high prevalence of the Gamma Variant of Concern. However, an analysis of effectiveness by dose was underpowered and failed to find significant effectiveness of the two-dose schedule of CoronaVac (estimated VE 37.1%, 95% CI -53.3 to 74.2).Implications of all the available evidenceThese findings are suggestive for the effectiveness of CoronaVac in healthcare workers in the setting of widespread P.1 transmission but must be strengthened by observational studies in other settings and populations. Based on this evidence, there is a need to implement sustained non-pharmaceutical interventions even as vaccination campaigns continue.

A drop in the percentages of vaccination coverage in Brazil has been detected in a scenario where there is progressive growth in the coverage of Primary Health Care (PHC), namely the location where most of the vaccination actions occur. This article investigated the differences in PHC access and quality profiles among municipalities that attained or failed to attain coverage targets for influenza in 2019, stratified by vaccination priority groups. In this ecological study, we compared predictors of reaching the goal of vaccination coverage for influenza, considering access, quality, and characteristics of the municipality. For all groups, the set of municipalities that reached the targets had greater PHC and Family Health Strategy coverage and a greater number of Community Health Agents per thousand inhabitants. They also carried out more active searches for children with delayed vaccination schedules, registered the vaccination of pregnant women on the same day, had unit opening hours that met user expectations, showed greater user satisfaction with the care received and had a higher percentage of the population with access to garbage collection. The variables may support decision-making about the organization of PHC services with the purpose of expanding vaccine coverage for influenza.É observada a queda nos percentuais de cobertura vacinal no Brasil, num cenário de crescimento progressivo da cobertura da Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS), locus onde grande parte das ações de vacinação ocorre. Investigou-se as diferenças nos perfis de acesso e qualidade da APS entre municípios que atingiram ou não as metas de cobertura vacinal para influenza em 2019. Neste estudo ecológico, comparou-se variáveis potencialmente preditoras do alcance da meta de cobertura vacinal para influenza, considerando as dimensões de acesso, qualidade e características do município. Para todos os grupos, o conjunto de municípios que atingiu a cobertura preconizada tinha maiores coberturas de APS e de Estratégia de Saúde da Família e maior número de Agentes Comunitários de Saúde por mil habitantes. Também realizavam mais busca ativa de crianças com calendário vacinal atrasado, registravam a vacinação em dia das gestantes, o horário de funcionamento da unidade atendia às expectativas do usuário, havia maior satisfação do usuário com o cuidado recebido e maior percentual da população com acesso à coleta de lixo. As variáveis podem servir de apoio para a tomada de decisão quanto à organização dos serviços de APS na busca de ampliar as coberturas vacinais para influenza.

INTRODUCTION: The coronavirus disease (COVD-19) outbreak has overburdened the surveillance of severe acute respiratory infections (SARIs), including the laboratory network. This study was aimed at correcting the absence of laboratory results of reported SARI deaths. METHODS: The imputation method was applied for SARI deaths without laboratory information using clinico-epidemiological characteristics. RESULTS: Of 84,449 SARI deaths, 51% were confirmed with COVID-19 while 3% with other viral respiratory diseases. After the imputation method, 95% of deaths were reclassified as COVID-19 while 5% as other viral respiratory diseases. CONCLUSIONS: The imputation method was a useful and robust solution (sensitivity and positive predictive value of 98%) for missing values through clinical & epidemiological characteristics.

The first case of COVID-19 was detected in Brazil on 25 February 2020. We report and contextualize epidemiological, demographic and clinical findings for COVID-19 cases during the first 3 months of the epidemic. By 31 May 2020, 514,200 COVID-19 cases, including 29,314 deaths, had been reported in 75.3% (4,196 of 5,570) of municipalities across all five administrative regions of Brazil. The R0 value for Brazil was estimated at 3.1 (95% Bayesian credible interval = 2.4–5.5), with a higher median but overlapping credible intervals compared with some other seriously affected countries. A positive association between higher per-capita income and COVID-19 diagnosis was identified. Furthermore, the severe acute respiratory infection cases with unknown aetiology were associated with lower per-capita income. Co-circulation of six respiratory viruses was detected but at very low levels. These findings provide a comprehensive description of the ongoing COVID-19 epidemic in Brazil and may help to guide subsequent measures to control virus transmission.

BACKGROUND: In the absence of vaccines and effective pharmacological interventions to reduce with the COVID-19 transmission, social distancing measures have been implemented to mitigate the impact on healthcare systems and secure time to prepare the public health response. METHODS: We assessed the relationship between mobility data collected by mobile phone and time-dependent reproduction number R(t) using severe acute respiratory illness cases reported by 102 Brazilian cities with COVID-19 confirmed cases until April 15, grouped by demographic density (low, intermediate and high). FINDINGS: The mean social distancing index from February 1 to April 15 was 43.6% (27.2% to 63.7%), and no significant difference observed comparing the groups of demographic density (p-value = 0.809). The social distancing index measure obtained from mobility data was able to predict future values of R(t) in all groups of demographic density. Furthermore, using SARI cases, cross-correlation analyses showed that isolation was highly correlated with R(t) (ccf

BackgroundCOVID-19 diagnosis is a critical problem, mainly due to the lack or delay in the test results. We aimed to obtain a model to predict SARS-CoV-2 infection in suspected patients reported to the Brazilian surveillance system.MethodsWe analyzed suspected patients reported to the National Surveillance System that corresponded to the following case definition: patients with respiratory symptoms and fever, who traveled to regions with local or community transmission or who had close contact with a suspected or confirmed case. Based on variables routinely collected, we obtained a multiple model using logistic regression. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and accuracy indicators were used for validation.ResultsWe described 1468 COVID-19 cases (confirmed by RT-PCR) and 4271 patients with other illnesses. With a data subset, including 80% of patients from Sao Paulo (SP) and Rio Janeiro (RJ), we obtained a function which reached an AUC of 95.54% (95% CI: 94.41% - 96.67%) for the diagnosis of COVID-19 and accuracy of 90.1% (sensitivity 87.62% and specificity 92.02%). In a validation dataset including the other 20% of patients from SP and RJ, this model exhibited an AUC of 95.01% (92.51% – 97.5%) and accuracy of 89.47% (sensitivity 87.32% and specificity 91.36%).ConclusionWe obtained a model suitable for the clinical diagnosis of COVID-19 based on routinely collected surveillance data. Applications of this tool include early identification for specific treatment and isolation, rational use of laboratory tests, and input for modeling epidemiological trends.

This article aims to Identify factors associated with knowledge and use of combined HIV prevention strategies among female sex workers (FSW). Cross-sectional epidemiological study, using the Respondent Driven Sampling (RDS) method. Descriptive analyzes were performed after adjustments required by the RDS method. To investigate factors associated with knowledge of PEP and PrEP and use of the female condom, Poisson regression was applied, using odds ratio as an association measure. FSW not affiliated with NGOs, who did not receive informational material on prevention and / or participated in lectures in the last six months and who do not identify themselves as FSW in healthcare service facilities have less knowledge about PEP and PrEP and use the female condom less frequently. In general, FSW do not have sufficient knowledge and access to combined HIV prevention methods to take advantage of their benefits. We believe that the adoption of different models of care for FSW in partnership with NGOs can be an effective strategy for expanding knowledge and use of HIV prevention methods in Brazil.O objetivo deste artigo é identificar fatores associados ao conhecimento e utilização de estratégias de prevenção combinada do HIV entre mulheres trabalhadoras do sexo (MTS). Estudo epidemiológico transversal, utilizando o método Respondent Driven Sampling (RDS). Foram realizadas análises descritivas após ajustes requeridos pelo método RDS. Para investigar fatores associados ao conhecimento de PEP e PrEP e utilização do preservativo feminino foi usada a regressão de Poisson, utilizando como medida de associação o Odds Ratio. MTS sem vínculo com ONGs, que não receberam material informativo sobre prevenção e/ou participaram de palestras nos últimos seis meses e que não se identificam como MTS nos serviços de saúde têm menos conhecimento sobre PEP e PrEP e utilizam com menor frequência o preservativo feminino. De maneira geral, as MTS não têm conhecimento e acesso suficiente às tecnologias de prevenção combinada do HIV a ponto de usufruir de seus benefícios. Consideramos que a adoção de modelos diferenciados de cuidados voltados para MTS em parceria com ONGs pode ser uma estratégia efetiva para ampliação do conhecimento e utilização das tecnologias de prevenção do HIV no Brasil.

Resumo: O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a cobertura e a confiabilidade do encerramento dos casos de tuberculose drogarresistente (TB DR), do Sistema de Informação de Tratamentos Especiais de Tuberculose (SITE-TB), que ocorreram no Brasil no período de 2013 a 2016, a partir de relacionamentos probabilísticos com o Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN), Gerenciador de Ambiente Laboratorial (GAL) e Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade (SIM). Os casos de TB DR com início de tratamento entre 2013 e 2016 no Brasil constituíram a população do estudo. O relacionamento com o SINAN avaliou a cobertura e estimou a subnotificação dos casos de TB DR. Aplicou-se o método de captura-recaptura, com uso do estimador de Chapman. O relacionamento com o GAL identificou casos diagnosticados pelo laboratório que não estavam notificados no SITE-TB. O relacionamento com o SIM avaliou a confiabilidade do encerramento óbito no SITE-TB, utilizando o coeficiente kappa. Estimou-se uma população de 2.945 (IC95%: 2.365-3.602) casos novos de TB DR com o estimador de Chapman. No GAL, foram encontrados 1.626 indivíduos não notificados no SITE-TB, mesmo com exame laboratorial confirmatório de resistência aos medicamentos antiTB. Classificou-se como excelente, PABAK (prevalance and bias adjusted kappa) de 0,86 (IC95%: 0,85-0,87), a concordância entre o desfecho óbito do SITE-TB e o SIM. Os resultados mostraram que ainda temos lacunas relacionadas ao diagnóstico e ao tratamento da TB DR no Brasil. A subnotificação no SITE-TB de casos de TB DR representa um desafio para o controle da doença. A localização desses indivíduos e o início precoce do tratamento devem constituir uma ação priorizada nos serviços de saúde. Abstract: The study aimed to assess the coverage and reliability of drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) case closure in the Information System on Special Treatments for Tuberculosis (SITE-TB in Portuguese) in Brazil from 2013 to 2016, based on probabilistic linkage with the Information System on Diseases of Notification (SINAN), Laboratory Environment Manager (GAL), and Mortality Information System (SIM). The study population consisted of DR-TB cases that initiated treatment from 2013 to 2016 in Brazil. Linkage with SINAN assessed the coverage and estimated underreporting of DR-TB cases. The capture-recapture method was applied, using the Chapman estimator. Linkage with GAL identified cases diagnosed by the laboratory that had not been reported to SITE-TB. Linkage with SIM assessed the reliability of case closure by death in SITE-TB, using the kappa coefficient. We estimated a population of 2,945 (95%CI: 2,365-3,602) new cases of DR-TB with the Chapman estimator. We located 1,626 individuals in the GAL database that had not been reported to SITE-TB, even with laboratory confirmation of drug resistance. PABAK (prevalance and bias adjusted kappa) of 0.86 (95%CI: 0.85-0.87) was classified as excellent for the agreement in death as the outcome between the SITE-TB and SIM databases. The results pointed to persistent gaps related to diagnosis and treatment of DR-TB in Brazil. Underreporting of DR-TB cases in the SITE-TB database poses a challenge for TB control. Identification of these individuals and early start of treatment should be prioritized in health services. Resumen: El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la cobertura y fiabilidad del cierre de casos de tuberculosis resistente a multiple medicamentos (TB DR; por sus siglas en portugués) en el Sistema de Información de Tratamientos Especiales de Tuberculosis (SITE-TB), que se produjeron en Brasil durante el período de 2013 a 2016, a partir de relaciones probabilísticas con el Sistema de Información de Enfermedades de Notificación (SINAN por sus siglas en portugués), Gestor de Ambiente de Laboratorio (GAL) y Sistema de Información sobre Mortalidad (SIM). La población del estudio fueron los casos de TB DR con inicio de tratamiento entre 2013 y 2016 en Brasil. La relación con el SINAN evaluó la cobertura y estimó la subnotificación de los casos de TB DR. Se aplicó el método de captura-recaptura, utilizando el estimador de Chapman. La relación con el GAL identificó casos diagnosticados por el laboratorio que no estaban notificados en el SITE-TB. La relación con el SIM evaluó la fiabilidad del cierre óbito en el SITE-TB, utilizando el coeficiente kappa. Se estimó que para una población de 2.945 (IC95%: 2.365-3.602) casos nuevos de TB DR con el estimador de Chapman. Se encontraron en el GAL a 1.626 individuos no notificados en el SITE-TB, incluso con examen de laboratorio confirmatorio de resistencia a los medicamentos antiTB. Se clasificó como excelente, PABAK (prevalance and bias adjusted kappa) de 0,86 (IC95%: 0,85-0,87), la concordancia entre el resultado óbito del SITE-TB y el SIM. Los resultados mostraron que todavía existen lagunas relacionadas con el diagnóstico y el tratamiento de la TB DR en Brasil. La subnotificación en el SITE-TB de casos de TB DR representa un desafío para el control de la enfermedad. La localización de esos individuos y el inicio precoz del tratamiento debe ser una acción priorizada en los servicios de salud.

The study aimed to assess the coverage and reliability of drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) case closure in the Information System on Special Treatments for Tuberculosis (SITE-TB in Portuguese) in Brazil from 2013 to 2016, based on probabilistic linkage with the Information System on Diseases of Notification (SINAN), Laboratory Environment Manager (GAL), and Mortality Information System (SIM). The study population consisted of DR-TB cases that initiated treatment from 2013 to 2016 in Brazil. Linkage with SINAN assessed the coverage and estimated underreporting of DR-TB cases. The capture-recapture method was applied, using the Chapman estimator. Linkage with GAL identified cases diagnosed by the laboratory that had not been reported to SITE-TB. Linkage with SIM assessed the reliability of case closure by death in SITE-TB, using the kappa coefficient. We estimated a population of 2,945 (95%CI: 2,365-3,602) new cases of DR-TB with the Chapman estimator. We located 1,626 individuals in the GAL database that had not been reported to SITE-TB, even with laboratory confirmation of drug resistance. PABAK (prevalance and bias adjusted kappa) of 0.86 (95%CI: 0.85-0.87) was classified as excellent for the agreement in death as the outcome between the SITE-TB and SIM databases. The results pointed to persistent gaps related to diagnosis and treatment of DR-TB in Brazil. Underreporting of DR-TB cases in the SITE-TB database poses a challenge for TB control. Identification of these individuals and early start of treatment should be prioritized in health services.

Background This study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of HIV among pregnant women in Brazil and to describe HIV testing coverage and the uptake of antenatal care (ANC). Methods Between October 2010 and January 2012, a probability sample survey of parturient women aged 15-49 years who visited public hospital delivery services in Brazil was conducted. Data were collected from prenatal reports and hospital records. Dried blood spot (DNS) samples were collected and tested for HIV.We describe the agespecific prevalence of HIV infection and ANC uptake with respect to sociodemographic factors. Results Of the 36,713 included women, 35,444 (96.6%) were tested for HIV during delivery admission. The overall HIV prevalence was of 0.38% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.31-0.48), and it was highest in: the 30 to 39 year-old age group (0.60% [0.40- 0.88]), in the Southern region of Brazil (0.79% [0.59-1.04]), among women who had not completed primary (0.63% [0.30-1.31]) or secondary (0.67% [0.49-0.97]) school education, and among women who self-reported as Asian (0.94% [0.28-3.10]). The HIV testing coverage during prenatal care was of 86.6% for one test and of 38.2% for two tests. Overall, 98.5% of women attended at least 1 ANC visit, 90.4% attended at least 4 visits, 71% attended at least 6 visits, and 51.7% received ANC during the 1st trimester. HIV testing coverage and ANC uptake indicators increased with increasing age and education level of education, and were highest in the Southern region. Conclusions Brazil presents an HIV prevalence of less than 1% and almost universal coverage of ANC. However, gaps in HIV testing and ANC during the first trimester challenge the prevention of the vertical transmission of HIV. More efforts are needed to address regional and social disparities. Introdução Este estudo foi realizado com o objetivo de determinar a soroprevalência do HIV entre as mulheres grávidas no Brasil e descrever a cobertura de exames de HIV e a integração dos cuidados pré-natais (CPN). Métodos Entre outubro de 2010 e janeiro de 2012, foi realizada uma pesquisa de probabilidade por amostragem direcionada a mulheres grávidas com idade entre 15 e 49 anos, que utilizaram serviços de parto em hospitais públicos do Brasil. Os dados foram coletados a partir de relatórios pré-natais e registros hospitalares. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas e submetidas a exames de HIV. Descrevemos a prevalência da infecção pelo HIV específica de acordo com a idade e a absorção dos CPN em relação a fatores demográficos. Resultados Das 36.713 mulheres incluídas, 35.444 (96,6%) foram submetidas a exames de HIV durante a admissão para o trabalho de parto. A prevalência global de HIV foi de 0,38% (intervalo de confiança [IC] de 95%: 0,31-0,48), e foi maior no grupo com a faixa etária entre 30 e 39 anos de idade (0,60% [0,40-0,88]), da região Sul (0,79% [0,59-1,04]), entre as mulheres com o ensino fundamental incompleto (0,63% [0,30-1,31]) ou ensino médio incompleto (0,67% [0,49-0,97]), e entre as mulheres que se identificam como asiáticas (0,94% [0,28-3,10]). A cobertura do exame de HIV durante os CPN foi de 86,6% para um exame e de 38,2% para dois exames. No geral, 98,5% das mulheres foram atendidas em pelo menos 1 consulta de CPN, 90,4% compareceram a pelo menos 4 consultas, 71% compareceram a pelo menos 6 visitas, e 51,7% receberam CPN durante o 1o trimestre. A cobertura de exames de HIV e os indicadores de captação de CPN aumentaram de forma proporcional ao aumento da idade e do nível de educação, e foram maiores na região Sudeste. Conclusões O Brasil apresenta uma prevalência de menos de 1% e cobertura praticamente universal de CPN. No entanto, as lacunas nos exames de HIV e CPN durante o primeiro trimestre representam um desafio à prevenção contra a transmissão vertical do HIV. São necessários mais esforços a fim de reduzir as disparidades regionais e sociais.

O presente estudo tem como objetivo estimar a prevalência de coinfecção HIV/HBV e HIV/HCV entre os casos de AIDS notificados no Brasil e descrever o perfil epidemiológico dos casos coinfectados. A coinfecção foi identificada pelo relacionamento probabilístico entre todos os pacientes com HIV notificados como casos de AIDS, e os casos de hepatites virais B e C em diferentes bases de dados do Ministério da Saúde, no período de 1999 a 2010. Nesse período, 370.672 casos de AIDS foram notificados, sendo 3.724 coinfectados com HBV e 5.932 com HCV. As mulheres têm menos chance de coinfecção que os homens. A chance de coinfecção aumenta com a idade, sendo três vezes maior entre os coinfectados com HBV com 45 anos ou mais. Este estudo permitiu uma importante avaliação dos perfis de coinfecção por HBV/HIV e HCV/HIV no Brasil pela utilização de dados secundários do Ministério da Saúde. Os achados deste estudo podem ser úteis para planejar ações de vigilância epidemiológica no Brasil. The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of HIV/HBV and HIV/HCV coinfections among AIDS cases reported in Brazil, and to describe the epidemiological profile of these cases. Coinfection was identified through probabilistic record linkage of the data of all patients carrying the HIV virus recorded as AIDS patients and of those patients reported as carriers of hepatitis B or C virus in various databases from the Brazilian Ministry of Health from 1999 to 2010. In this period 370,672 AIDS cases were reported, of which 3,724 were HIV/HBV coinfections. Women are less likely to become coinfected than men and the chance of coinfection increases with age. This study allowed an important evaluation of HBV/HIV and HCV/HIV coinfections in Brazil using information obtained via merging secondary databases from the Ministry of Health, without conducting seroprevalence research. The findings of this study might be important for planning activities of the Brazilian epidemiologic surveillance agencies. Estimar la prevalencia de las coinfecciones VIH/VHB y VIH/VHC entre los casos de SIDA notificados en Brasil y describir el perfil epidemiológico de las coinfecciones. Los casos de coinfección se identificaron por el método de conexión probabilística entre los pacientes con VIH notificados como SIDA y los casos de hepatitis B y C en los diversos sistemas de información del Ministerio de la Salud entre 1999 y 2010. Entre 1999 y 2010, 370.672 casos de SIDA fueron notificados, estos 3724 coinfectados con VHB y 5932 con VHC. Las mujeres son menos propensas a ser co-infectadas que los hombres. La oportunidad de coinfección aumenta con la edad. Este estudio proporciona una evaluación importante de los perfiles de la coinfección por VIH/VHB y VHC/VIH en Brasil, a través de la utilización de datos secundarios del Ministerio de Salud. Este estudio sirve para orientar las acciones de vigilancia epidemiológica en Brasil, así como guiar estudios de prevalencia e incidencia que fomenten una mejor comprensión de la coinfección VIH/VHB y VIH/VHC.

Objective To describe the antiretroviral therapy status of people living with HIV (PLHIV) who died of AIDS-related causes between 2009 and 2013. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional population-based study. Data were obtained by linking the mortality information system and the national ART dispensing database. Trends were modelled using linear regression analysis. Results A total of 61 425 AIDS-related deaths were registered in Brazil between 2009 and 2013. Median age at death was 41 years (IQR: 33-49) and 65.7% (40 337) of deaths were among men; 47.2% (29 004) of PLHIV who died during the study period had never started treatment 7.0% (4274) had discontinued it 15.9% (9775) were on ART for 6 months or less and 29.9% (18 372) were on ART for more than 6 months. Only 1.3% of PLHIV were on third-line ARV regimens when they died. Conclusions AIDS-related mortality remains a challenge even in a context of sustained universal access to antiretroviral treatment due to failure of service provision not to therapy failure. Robust health policies closing gaps in the HIV continuum of care are crucial to further reduce mortality.

Background Data were obtained from the third National Survey of Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of HIV and other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) (PCAP-2013) and used to describe the current state of viral hepatitis (VH) knowledge and screening as well as the prevalence of viral hepatitis B (HBV) vaccination in Brazil and to assess the factors associated with testing uptake. Methods A probability sample survey of 12,000 individuals (50 % men) aged between 15 and 64 years was conducted between October and December of 2013. The participants completed the survey in their own homes through computer-assisted face-to-face interviews and self-interviews. We analysed data related to self-reported knowledge of VH routes and screening uptake after weighting the variables to account for unequal selection probabilities and correct for differences in sex, age and region according to 2010 census figures. Results The levels of correct knowledge regarding HBV and HCV transmission through unprotected sex were 33.1 and 34.3 %, respectively. The levels of correct knowledge regarding HBV and HCV transmission through tattooing/piercing were 26.4 and 24.5 %, respectively. Overall, 29 % of the respondents reported having underwent VH screening and 73.9 % reported prior HBV vaccination. VH screening was associated with the following factors: age between 25 and 49 years (adjusted male odds ratio (OR): 2.29, [95 % confidence interval (CI): 1.83–2.87]; female OR: 1.36, [95 % CI: 1.10-1.67]); age between 50 and 64 years (male OR: 1.52, [CI: 1.13–2.03]; female OR: 1.29, [CI: 1.02–1.63]); initial sexual intercourse before the age of 15 years in men (OR: 1.32, [CI: 1.10–1.57]); higher socioeconomic statuses of group A (male OR: 2.38, [CI: 1.81–3.13]; female OR: 2.10, [CI: 1.66–2.68]) and B (female OR: 1.56, [CI: 1.27–1.93]); and having ever been tested for HIV (male OR: 7.50, [CI: 5.82–8.53]; female OR: 7.13, [CI: 5.97–8.54]). Conclusions This study revealed low levels of knowledge regarding VH transmission and screening practices in the general Brazilian population, especially among younger individuals and those with lower socioeconomic status. Efforts to enhance awareness campaigns and expand testing sites are needed to remove barriers to testing.