Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical最新文献

Background: Leprosy is endemic to Brazil. The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may have affected diagnosis and treatment.

Methods: Study in Mossoró-RN (2018-2023) analyzing epidemiological data, treatment abandonment, and COVID-19 co-infection.

Results: The average weekly number of cases declined during the post-pandemic period. The dropout rate was higher during the acute phase. Male sex was associated with dropout (odds ratio [OR], 6.32; p = 0.013). Of the 57 patients tested for COVID-19, 21 tested positive, with no clinical aggravation.

Conclusions: The pandemic has affected leprosy control. Local strategies helped reduce the impact, and co-infection did not worsen the disease.

The Mycobacterium abscessus complex (MABC) includes non-tuberculous mycobacteria that are widely distributed and clinically significant. Similar to tuberculosis, MABC can lead to skin and soft tissue infections and pulmonary diseases. These infections frequently occur in outbreaks, particularly among immunocompromised patients or those with preexisting pulmonary conditions. This review examines the recent progress in essential areas that define these infections as a significant challenge in medical practice, specifically the diagnostic modalities, antibiotic treatment options, and resistance of MABC to antibiotics and biocides.

Background: Understanding SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence among vulnerable populations is crucial, especially in countries with universal but resource-constrained healthcare systems, such as Brazil.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional, population-based household survey within the AVISA study, which aimed to assess seroprevalence among households enrolled in the Family Health Program (ESF). Two serological assays (rapid test and ECLIA) were used to detect anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Descriptive statistics were calculated and survey-adjusted Poisson regression models with robust variance were estimated, yielding prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results: The overall weighted seroprevalence was 35.66% (95% CI: 30.55-40.77) in 2,986 participants. Compared with individuals in the Southeast region, participants in the Northeast and North regions had a 1.48- and 1.38-times higher prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 testing positivity, respectively. Relative to individuals who self-identified as having Black or Brown skin color using IBGE-defined categories, White had a 22% lower prevalence of seropositivity (PR = 0.78, 95% CI 0.63-0.97). Compared to those living in households with four to five family members, individuals living in households with six or more family members had a higher prevalence of seropositivity (PR = 1.34, 95% CI 1.05-1.71). Individuals in the lowest per capita household income quintile were more likely to have SARS-CoV-2 infection (PR = 1.89, 95% CI 1.21-2.95) than those in the highest.

Conclusion: This study is the first to assess SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence among ESF participants, a socioeconomically vulnerable population, served by the primary care public health system. Lower socioeconomic status was associated with higher seroprevalence.

Background: Co-circulation of Plasmodium vivax and arboviruses is a significant but underexplored public health concern in tropical regions.

Methods: We analyzed 300 serum samples collected between 2014 and 2015 from the Brazil-French Guiana border, including 102 malaria cases and 198 controls, using rapid tests for Immunoglobulin M (IgM), Immunoglobulin G (IgG), and Non-Structural Protein 1 (NS1).

Results: High IgG reactivity for dengue and chikungunya viruses was observed. Co-reactivity was frequent. Zika virus detection was minimal.

Conclusions: The overlapping transmission of P. vivax and arboviruses highlights the need for integrated surveillance strategies to better address co-circulation/co-infection risks.

Actinomycosis is a chronic, suppurative infection caused by Actinomyces israelii, an anaerobic bacterium that is part of the normal oral flora. A 47-year-old woman presented to the clinic with dyspnea and sore throat. Computed tomography(CT) revealed thickening of the proximal tracheal lumen and airway narrowing. Pathological examination of biopsy specimens obtained by rigid bronchoscopy revealed periodic acid-Schiff (PAS)(+) bacterial colonization with filamentous bacilli, consistent with Actinomyces. This report describes an uncommon presentation of tracheal actinomycosis in which tracheal dilatation was performed for both diagnostic sampling and therapeutic management of tracheal stenosis.

Background: Mosquitoes of the genus Sabethes are widespread in South and Central America, and some species are associated with yellow fever transmission. We aimed to investigate Sabethes fauna in bamboo internodes in remnants of the Atlantic Forest.

Methods: Artificial holes were made in bamboo plants and monitored for the presence of immature mosquitoes for 12 months.

Results: Ten species of the genus Sabethes were identified, including Sa. aurescens, Sa. identicus, Sa. conditus, Sa. shannoni, Sa. albiprivus, Sa. purpureus, Sa. undosus, Sa.ignotus, Sa.soperi, and Sa. whitmani.

Conclusion: Artificial hole placement can increase the number of Sabethes species found in faunal investigations.

Background: Sporotrichosis is a neglected tropical disease caused by several species of Sporothrix, of which S. brasiliensis is the most virulent. Transmission primarily occurs through scratches, bites, or direct contact with exudates from infected cats and potentially through fomites.

Methods: We evaluated the efficacy of different disinfectant solutions in eliminating S. brasiliensis from contaminated surfaces, including medium-density fiberboard (MDF), tiles, stainless steel, and polyester fabric, by simulating both domestic and clinical environments. Sterile 9-cm² sections were uniformly inoculated with a standardized yeast-phase suspension. After drying, the surfaces were treated with 70% ethanol, sodium hypochlorite, quaternary ammonium compounds, or laundry soap (fabric only). Samples were collected at 0-30 min and cultured in triplicate on Mycosel medium at 30°C. Fungal viability was determined microscopically to assess the disinfection efficacy.

Results: Based on our results, 70% ethanol and bleach were the most effective disinfectants and recommended for use in both household and clinical settings. Bleaching displayed the highest efficacy, whereas 70% ethanol performed well. Other disinfectants demonstrated variable effectiveness depending on the exposure time and surface type.

Conclusion: This study highlights the critical role of disinfection in mitigating the environmental transmission of sporotrichosis, thereby safeguarding both human and animal health.