HIV/Aids and COVID-19 in Brazil: in four decades, two antithetical approaches to face serious pandemics

In the space of four decades, Brazil has faced two serious pandemics: human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) and Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The country's response to HIV/AIDS was coordinated by several stakeholders and recognised the importance of scientific evidence in guiding decision-making, and a network offering monitoring and antiretroviral treatment was provided through coordinated efforts by the country's universal health system. Conversely, the lack of a centrally coordinated strategy and misalignment between government ministries regarding the COVID-19 pandemic response, together with the denial of scientific evidence, promotion of ineffective treatments and insufficient vaccination efforts, have all led to the uncontrolled spread of infection, the near-total collapse of the health system and excess deaths.

Clinical and laboratory findings of acute Zika virus infection in patients from Salvador during the first Brazilian epidemic

Abstract Several major epidemics of Zika fever, caused by the ZIKA virus (ZIKV), have emerged in Brazil since early 2015, eventually spreading to other countries on the South American continent. The present study describes the clinical manifestations and laboratory findings of patients with confirmed acute ZIKV infection during the first epidemic that occurred in Salvador, Brazil. All included patients were seen at the emergency room of a private tertiary hospital located in Salvador, Brazil from 2015 through 2017. Patients were considered eligible if signs of systemic viral febrile disease were present. All individuals were tested for ZIKV and Chikungunya infection using PCR, while rapid test was used to detect Dengue virus antibodies or, alternatively, the NS1 antigen. A diagnosis of acute ZIKV infection was confirmed in 78/434 (18%) individuals with systemic viral febrile illness. Positivity was mainly observed in blood, followed by saliva and urine. Coinfection with Chikungunya and/or Dengue virus was detected in 5% of the ZIKV-infected patients. The most frequent clinical findings were myalgia, arthralgia and low-grade fever. Laboratory analysis demonstrated normal levels of hematocrit, platelets and liver enzymes. In summary, in acute settings where molecular testing remains unavailable, clinicians face difficulties to confirm the diagnosis of ZIKV infection, as they rely only on clinical examinations and conventional laboratory tests.

Revisiting Keratoconjunctivitis sicca associated with Human T-Cell Lymphotropic Virus Type 1: prevalence, clinical aspects and proviral load

ABSTRACT Background: The prevalence of keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) associated with Human T-Cell Lymphotropic Virus Type 1 (HTLV-1) (HTLV-1/KCS) has been estimated at around 37%, but its clinical manifestations are poorly described. Purpose: To determine the prevalence and associated factors of HTLV-1/KCS in a large cohort of HTLV-1-infected individuals living in Salvador, Brazil. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between June 2004 and September 2017 at the Integrative and Multidisciplinary Center for HTLV in Salvador, Bahia-Brazil. Data from 758 HTLV-1-infected patients was collected. A complete ophthalmologic examination was performed in both eyes. Lacrimal function was evaluated by breakup time, Rose Bengal and Schirmer I Tests. KCS diagnosis was considered in the presence of at least two out of three positive tests. HTLV-1 proviral load Crude and Adjusted Prevalence Rates (PR) with 95% Confidence Intervals (95% CI) were estimated using multivariate Poisson Regression with robust error variance. Results: The overall prevalence of KCS was 31.7%, with higher rates observed in HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis patients (crude PR: 1.84; CI95%: 1.50-2.26) even after adjusting for age, sex, time of HTLV-1 diagnosis and schooling (adjusted PR: 1.63; CI95%: 1.31-2.02). Proviral load, low corrected visual acuity, burning and/or pain and itching were all significantly higher in patients with KCS. Conclusion: Burning and/or pain and itching and low corrected visual acuity were the most common alterations of HTLV-1/KCS. High Proviral load was found to be associated with the presence of KCS. It is strongly recommended that HTLV-1 patients undergo periodic ophthalmologic examination to promote the early diagnosis of KCS and prevent the consequences associated with dry eye disease.

Evaluation of the cervicovaginal environment in asymptomatic Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 infected women

ABSTRACT Introduction: Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is sexually transmitted and causes persistent infection. This virus induces activation of the immune system and production of inflammatory cytokines. This study aimed to assess the cytokine profile and cytopathological findings in the cervicovaginal fluid of asymptomatic HTLV-1-infected women. Methods: HTLV-1-infected and uninfected women were selected at the Centro de Atendimento ao Portador de HTLV in Salvador-Brazil. None of the included HTLV-1-infected women reported any HTLV-1-associated diseases. All volunteers underwent gynecological examination to collect cervicovaginal fluid. Cytokine quantification was performed using the Cytometric Bead Array (CBA) Human Th1/Th2/Th17 kit. Light microscopy was used to evaluate cervicovaginal cytopathology. In addition, proviral load in cervicovaginal fluid and peripheral blood was measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results: 112 women (63 HTLV-1-infected and 49 uninfected) were evaluated. No differences were found with respect to cytopathological cervicovaginal findings between the groups. IL-2, TNF, IL-4, IL-10, and IL-17 levels were significantly higher in cervicovaginal fluid of the HTLV-1-infected women than in uninfected women (p < 0.05). Conversely, IFN-γ was found to be lower in the HTLV-1-infected women (p < 0.001) compared to uninfected individuals. Cervicovaginal proviral load was detectable in 53% of the HTLV-1-infected women and was found to be consistently lower than the proviral load in peripheral blood. Conclusions: HTLV-1 infection induces immune activation in cervicovaginal environment, characterized by elevated concentrations of Th1, Th2, and IL17 in the cervicovaginal fluid.

Performance of commercially available serological screening Tests for human T-Cell lymphotropic virus infection in Brazil

ABSTRACT Serological screening for human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is usually performed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), particle agglutination, or chemiluminescence assay kits. Due to an antigen matrix improvement entailing the use of new HTLV antigens and changes in the format of HTLV screening tests, as well as newly introduced chemiluminescence assays (CLIAs), a systematic evaluation of the accuracy of currently available commercial tests is warranted. We aimed to assess the performance of commercially available screening tests for HTLV infection diagnosis. A diagnostic accuracy study was conducted on a panel of 397 plasma samples: 200 HTLV-negative plasma samples, 170 HTLV-positive plasma samples, and 27 plasma samples indeterminate by Western blotting (WB). WB-indeterminate samples (i.e., those yielding no specific bands for HTLV-1 and/or HTLV-2) were assessed by PCR, and the results were used to compare agreement among the commercially available ELISA screening tests. For performance analysis, WB-indeterminate samples were excluded, resulting in a final study panel of 370 samples. Three ELISA kits (Murex HTLV-1/2 [Murex], anti-HTLV-1/2 SYM Solution [SYM Solution], and Gold ELISA HTLV-1/2 [Gold ELISA]) and one CLIA kit (Architect rHTLV- 1/2) were evaluated. All screening tests demonstrated 100% sensitivity. Concerning the HTLV-negative samples, the SYM Solution and Gold ELISA kits had specificity values of 99.5%, while the Architect rHTLV-1/2 test presented 98.1% specificity, followed by Murex, which had a specificity of 92.0%. Regarding the 27 samples with WB-indeterminate results, after PCR confirmation, all ELISA kits showed 100% sensitivity but low specificity. Accuracy findings were corroborated by the use of Cohen's kappa value, which evidenced slight and fair agreement between PCR analysis and ELISAs for HTLV infection diagnosis. Based on the data, we believe that all evaluated tests can be safely used for HTLV infection screening.

Algorithm for dry eye disease diagnosis in individuals infected with human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 / Algoritmo para o diagnóstico da doença do olho seco em indivíduos infectados com vírus linfotrópico de células-T humanas tipo 1

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the accuracy of lacrimal film tests and propose an algorithm for the diagnosis of dry eye disease in individuals infected with human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1. Methods: Ninety-six patients infected with human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 were enrolled in the study. To assess clinical complaints, patients completed the Ocular Surface Disease Index questionnaire. To evaluate lacrimal film quality, patients underwent the tear breakup time test, Schirmer I test, and Rose Bengal staining. Dry eye disease was diagnosed when at least two of the three test results were abnormal. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and overall accuracy of the questionnaire as well as of each test alone and combined in parallel and in series were determined. Results: The most sensitive test was the tear breakup time test (98%), whereas the most specific was the Schirmer I test (100%). Rose Bengal staining had the highest overall accuracy (88.64%), whereas the Ocular Surface Disease Index had the lowest overall accuracy (62.65%). The tear breakup time test, Schirmer I test, and Ocular Surface Disease Index combined in parallel showed increased sensitivity and decreased specificity for all tests. In contrast, when combined in series, these tests demonstrated increased specificity and decreased sensitivity. Conclusion: This study shows the need to use multiple tests to evaluate tear film quality and include a symptom questionnaire as part of the diagnostic algorithm for dry eye disease.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a precisão da propedêutica do filme lacrimal e propor um algoritmo para o diagnóstico da doença do olho seco em indivíduos infectados com Vírus linfotrópico de células-T humanas tipo 1. Métodos: Noventa e seis pacientes infectados com o vírus linfotrópico de células T humana tipo 1 foram incluídos no estudo. Para avaliar sintomatologia, os pacientes responderam o questionário Índice para Doenças da Superfície Ocular. A fim de avaliar a qualidade do filme lacrimal, os pacientes foram submetidos ao teste de ruptura do filme lacrimal, teste de Schirmer I e coloração com Rosa Bengala. A doença do olho seco foi diagnosticada quando, pelo menos, dois dos testes ruptura do filme lacrimal, teste de Schirmer I e coloração com Rosa Bengala) eram anormais. Foram determinados sensibilidade, especificidade, valor preditivo positivo e negativo e acurácia do questionário e de cada teste sozinho e combinados em paralelo e em série. Resultados: O teste de ruptura do filme lacrimal foi o mais sensível (98%) e o teste de Schirmer I foi o mais específico (100%). A maior acurácia foi encontrada no teste de coloração com Rosa Bengala (88,64%), enquanto sintomas avaliados usando o questionário Índice para Doenças da Superfície Ocular teve a menor acurácia geral (62,65%). O teste de ruptura do filme lacrimal, teste de Schirmer I e Questionário de Doença da Superfície Ocular quando combinados em paralelo mostraram um aumento da sensibilidade e uma diminuição na especificidade de todos os testes. Por outro lado, combinados em série, teste de ruptura do filme lacrimal, Schirmer I e questionário Índice para Doenças da Superfície Ocular tiveram um aumento na especificidade e sensibilidade diminuída. Conclusão: Este estudo apontou a necessidade de utilizar mais do que um teste para avaliar a qualidade do filme lacrimal, bem como utilizar um questionário de sintomas como parte do algoritmo de diagnóstico para doença do olho seco.

Completeness of tuberculosis reporting forms for disease control in individuals with HIV/AIDS in priority cities of Bahia state / Completude das fichas de notificação de Tuberculose nos municípios prioritários da Bahia para controle da doença em indivíduos com HIV/AIDS

The control of HIV / Tuberculosis (TB) co -infection remains a challenge for public health. Notification is mandatory for both diseases and the National Case Registry Database (Sinan) is responsible for the collection and processing of individual forms of reporting and monitoring. The adequate fulfillment of these fields chips (completeness) is essential to follow the dynamics of the disease and set priorities for intervention. The aim of this study was to evaluate the completeness of the notification forms of tuberculosis in the priority municipalities of Bahia (Camaçari , Feira de Santana , Ilhéus , Itabuna, Jequié, Lauro de Freitas , Porto Seguro , Teixeira de Freitas , Paulo Afonso, Barreiras and Salvador) to control the disease in individuals with HIV/AIDS using tabulations obtained from the Sinan in the period from 2001 to 2010. The results showed that despite the completeness of the field HIV be above 50 %, more than half the cases were met as "undone" or "being processed" in all municipalities assessed in the period. The low completeness of reporting forms may compromise the quality of surveillance of TB cases. The results suggest the need for greater availability of HIV testing in these individuals.

O controle da coinfecção HIV/Tuberculose (TB) ainda representa um desafio para a saúde pública. Ambas as doenças são de notificação obrigatória e o Sistema Nacional de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN) é o órgão responsável pela coleta e processamento das fichas individuais de notificação e acompanhamento. O preenchimento adequado dos campos destas fichas (completude) é essencial para acompanhar a dinâmica da doença e definir prioridades de intervenção. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a completude das fichas de notificações de tuberculose nos municípios prioritários da Bahia (Camaçari, Feira de Santana, Ilhéus, Itabuna, Jequié, Lauro de Freitas, Porto Seguro, Teixeira de Freitas, Paulo Afonso, Barreiras e Salvador), para controle da doença em indivíduos com HIV/AIDS, através dos relatórios de tabulação do Sinan, no período de 2001 a 2010. Os resultados demonstraram que, apesar da completude do campo HIV estar acima de 50%, mais da metade das fichas estavam preenchidas como "não realizado" ou "em andamento", em todos os municípios avaliados no período. A baixa completude das fichas de notificação pode comprometer a qualidade de vigilância dos casos de TB. Os resultados sugerem a necessidade de maior disponibilidade de teste para HIV nesses indivíduos.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis epitope-specific interferon-g production in healthy Brazilians reactive and non-reactive to tuberculin skin test

The interferon (IFN)-γ response to peptides can be a useful diagnostic marker of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) latent infection. We identified promiscuous and potentially protective CD4+ T-cell epitopes from the most conserved regions of MTB antigenic proteins by scanning the MTB antigenic proteins GroEL2, phosphate-binding protein 1 precursor and 19 kDa antigen with the TEPITOPE algorithm. Seven peptide sequences predicted to bind to multiple human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR molecules were synthesised and tested with IFN-γ enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assays using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 16 Mantoux tuberculin skin test (TST)-positive and 16 TST-negative healthy donors. Eighty-eight percent of TST-positive donors responded to at least one of the peptides, compared to 25% of TST-negative donors. Each individual peptide induced IFN-γ production by PBMCs from at least 31% of the TST-positive donors. The magnitude of the response against all peptides was 182 ± 230 x 106 IFN-γ spot forming cells (SFC) among TST-positive donors and 36 ± 62 x 106 SFC among TST-negative donors (p = 0.007). The response to GroEL2 (463-477) was only observed in the TST-positive group. This combination of novel MTB CD4 T-cell epitopes should be tested in a larger cohort of individuals with latent tuberculosis (TB) to evaluate its potential to diagnose latent TB and it may be included in ELISPOT-based IFN-γ assays to identify individuals with this condition.

Decreased memory T-cell response and function in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients with tegumentary leishmaniasis

The effects of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) on the immune response in patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis have not yet been fully delineated. This study quantified and evaluated the function of memory T-cell subsets in response to soluble Leishmania antigens (SLA) from patients coinfected with HIV and Leishmania with tegumentary leishmaniasis (TL). Eight TL/HIV coinfected subjects and 10 HIV seronegative subjects with TL were evaluated. The proliferative response of CD4+and CD8+T-cells and naïve, central memory (CM) and effector memory (EM) CD4+T-cells in response to SLA were quantified using flow cytometry. The median cell division indices for CD4+and CD8+T-cells of coinfected patients in response to SLA were significantly lower than those in patients with Leishmania monoinfection (p < 0.05). The proportions of CM and EM CD4+T-cells in response to SLA were similar between the coinfected patients and patients with Leishmania monoinfection. However, the median CM and EM CD4+T-cell counts from coinfected patients were significantly lower (p < 0.05). The reduction in the lymphoproliferative response to Leishmania antigens coincides with the decrease in the absolute numbers of both EM and CM CD4+T-cells in response to Leishmania antigens in patients coinfected with HIV/Leishmania.

Avaliação clínica na atenção primária e infectologia dos pacientes com doença de chagas na forma crônica / Clinical assessment in primary and infectious disease care in patients with cardiac form of chagas diseases / Evaluación clínica en primaria y infecciosas de pacientes com enfermedad de las heridas crónicas en forma

A doença de chagas é a terceira doença parasitária mais prevalente no mundo e ocorre, muitas vezes, em indivíduos mais jovens, implicando em incapacidade, aposentadoria precoce e morte. O objetivo deste artigo é descrever alterações clínicas, laboratoriais, eletrocardiográficas e de bioimagem de pacientes com doença de Chagas na forma crônica cardíaca na atenção primária e infectologia. A metodologia adotada é o corte transversal, com análise retrospectiva de prontuários dos pacientes atendidos em ambulatórios de Clínica Médica e Infectologia de janeiro a dezembro de 2008. Os resultados apontam que os dados demográficosdos 21 pacientes foram: 57,1 por cento do sexo feminino; 42,9 por cento do sexo masculino; idade média de 58,5 anos; comorbidades 57,1 por cento. A maior parte apresentava a forma crônica cardíaca recente e leve (B1) baseada no Consenso Brasileiro de Doença de Chagas da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical. As alterações mais frequentes no Eletrocardiograma foram: bloqueio do ramo direito, alteração de repolarização ventricular, bloqueio divisional anterossuperior esquerdo e bradicardia sinusal. Na radiografia de tórax, 35,3 por cento apresentaram aumento do índice cardiotorácico. Ao Ecocardiograma bidimensional com doppler foi observada uma fração de ejeção média de 66,7 por cento; 64,7 por cento deles apresentaram as seguintes alterações: disfunção diastólica de ventrículo esquerdo e insuficiência de válvula mitral. Ao comparar os pacientes com e sem comorbidades, foi observado que os achados dos exames complementares não apresentaram diferenças significativas entre os grupos. Concluiu-se que os pacientes com Doença de Chagas na forma crônica cardíaca leve apresentam idade mais avançada. Houve uma elevada porcentagem de comorbidades, podendo-se inferir que as alterações eletrocardiográficas, ecocardiográficas e radiográficas podem não sofrer influência das comorbidades.

Chagas disease is the third most prevalent parasitic disease in the world and it often occurs in younger individuals, resulting in disability, early retirement, and death. The aim of this study was to describe clinical, laboratory, electrocardiographic and bioimage changes in patients with Chronic Chagas heart disease. The methodology adopted is a cross-sectional study with retrospective analysis of records of patients from the infectious disease and parasitological hospitals centers, between January and December of 2008. The results indicate that the demographic data of 21 patients were: female (57.1 percent), male (42.9 percent), the average agewas 58.5 years, and 57.1 percent with co-morbidities. Most of the population studied had recent and/or mild chronic cardiac (B1) manifestations based on the Brazilian Consensus on Chagas disease from the Brazilian Society of Tropical Medicine. The most frequent changes in the electrocardiogram (ECG) were: Right bundle branch block (RBBB), ST-T changes, Left BundleBranch Block and Sinus Bradycardia. The most frequent change in chest radiography was the enlargementf cardiothoracic index (35.3 percent). Through the bidimensional echocardiography we observed an ejection fraction with 66.7 percent average and 64.7 percent of the patients presented the following changes: Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction and Mitral Valve Insufficiency. When comparing the patients with and without co-morbidities, the findings of the electrocardiogram, echocardiogram and chest radiography, did not provide significant difference between thegroups. It can be concluded that the patients with heart Chagas disease patients presented a higher age. There was a high percentage of co- morbidities in the studied population and it can be inferred that the electrocardiographic, echocardiographic and radiographic changesmay not be impacted by the co-morbidities.

La enfermedad de Chagas es la tercera enfermedad parasitaria más frecuente en el mundo y, con frecuencia, afecyta a individuos más jóvenes, resultando en incapacidad, jubilación anticipada y la muerte. El objetivo de este artículo es describir alteraciones clínicas, de laboratorio, electrocardiográficas y de bioimagen de pacientes con enfermedad deChagas en su forma crónica cardiaca en la atención primaria e infectología. La metodología adoptada es de enfoque transversal con análisis retrospectiva de los históricos clínicos de los pacientes atendidos, de enero a diciembre de 2008, en una Clínica Médica ambulatorial y Enfermedades Infecciosas. Con relación a datos demográficos, los resultados muestran que de los 21 pacientes: 57,1 por ciento eran del sexo femenino, el 42,9 por ciento del sexo masculino con edad media de 58,5 años, y el 57,1 por ciento, co-mórbidos. Co base en el Consenso brasileñobasado en Enfermedad de Chagas de la Sociedad Brasileña de Medicina Tropical, la mayor parte presentaba la forma crónica cardiaca, reciente y leve (B1). Las alteraciones más frecuentes en el electrocardiograma fueron: bloqueo de la rama derecha, alteraciones de la repolarización ventricular, bloqueo divisional anterosuperior izquierdo y bradicardiasinusal.

Evolution of HTLV-1 proviral load in patients from Salvador, Brazil

INTRODUCTION: Variations in human T cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) proviral load (PVL) in infected individuals over time are not well understood. Objective: To evaluate the evolution of proviral load in asymptomatic individuals and HAM/TSP patients in order to help determine periodicity for measuring proviral load. METHODS: A group of 104 HTLV-1 infected patients, followed at the HTLV reference center in Salvador, Brazil, were included in the study (70 asymptomatic and 34 HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) patients). HTLV-1 PVL was measured using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) at baseline and again at another point, either < 12 months, between 12-24 months, or > 24 months. RESULTS: HAM/TSP patients had higher PVL (ranging from 11,041 to 317,009 copies/10(6) PBMC) when compared to asymptomatic individuals (ranging from 0 to 68,228 copies/10(6) PBMC). No statistically significant differences were observed in the medians of PVL in HAM/TSP patients or asymptomatic individuals over time. However, in asymptomatic individuals with a PVL below 50,000 copies/10(6) PBMC, a statistically significant two-fold increase was observed over time. CONCLUSION: HTLV-1-PVL remained stable in both asymptomatic individuals and HAM/TSP patients over time. Frequent monitoring of asymptomatic individuals with low PVLs is recommended and further studies should be conducted to assess the course of PVL in these patients over extended periods of time.

Evidence of a higher prevalence of HPV infection in HTLV-1-infected women: a cross-sectional study / Evidência de maior prevalência de infecção pelo HPV em mulheres infectadas pelo HTLV-1: um estudo de corte transversal

INTRODUCTION:HTLV-1 infection increases susceptibility to other infections. Few studies have addressed the co-infection between HPV and HTLV-1 and the immune response involved in this interaction. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of cervical HPV infection in HTLV-1-infected women and to establish the risk factors involved in this co-infection. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out in Salvador, Brazil, between September 2005 and December 2008, involving 50 HTLV-1-infected women from the HTLV Reference Center and 40 uninfected patients from gynecological clinic, both at the Bahiana School of Medicine. HPV infection was assessed using hybrid capture. HTLV-1 proviral load was quantified using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS: The mean age of HTLV-1-infected women (38 ± 10 years) was similar to that of the control group (36 ± 13 years). The prevalence of HPV infection was 44% in the HTLV-1-infected group and 22.5% in uninfected women (p = 0.03). HTLV-1-infected women had lower mean age at onset of sexual life (17 ± 3 years versus 19 ± 3 years; p = 0.03) and greater number of lifetime partners compared with the control group (4 ± 3 versus 2 ± 1; p < 0.01). In the group of HTLV-1-infected patients, there was neither difference in HTLV-1 proviral load between HPV-infected women and the uninfected. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of HPV infection was higher in HTLV-1-infected women. Further studies should be performed to evaluate the progression of this co-infection.

INTRODUÇÃO:A infecção pelo HTLV-1 aumenta a susceptibilidade para outras infecções. Poucos estudos avaliaram a co-infecção entre HPV/HTLV-1 e a resposta imune envolvida nesta interação. O objetivo deste trabalho é determinar a prevalência de infecção cervical pelo HPV em mulheres infectadas pelo HTLV-1 e estabelecer os fatores de risco envolvidos nesta co-infecção. MÉTODOS: Um estudo de corte transversal foi conduzido em Salvador, Brasil, entre setembro de 2005 e dezembro de 2008, envolvendo 50 mulheres infectadas pelo HTLV-1, acompanhadas no Centro de Referência de HTLV e 40 mulheres não infectadas, acompanhadas no Serviço de Ginecologia, ambos na Escola Bahiana de Medicina. A infecção pelo HPV foi confirmada pela Captura Híbrida. A carga proviral do HTLV-1 foi quantificada pelo PCR em tempo real. RESULTADOS: A média de idade das mulheres infectadas pelo HTLV-1 (38±10 anos) foi semelhante ao do grupo controle (36±13 anos). A prevalência de infecção pelo HPV foi 44% nas mulheres infectadas pelo HTLV-1 e de 22,5% no grupo controle (p=0,03). Mulheres infectadas pelo HTLV-1 informaram menor idade de início de vida sexual (17±3 anos versus 19±3 anos; p=0,03) e maior número de parceiros sexuais, em relação ao grupo controle (4±3 versus 2±1; p<0,01). No grupo de mulheres infectadas pelo HTLV-1, não se observou diferença entre a carga proviral do HTLV-1 entre as mulheres infectadas pelo HPV e as não infectadas. CONCLUSÕES: A prevalência de infecção pelo HPV foi maior em mulheres infectadas pelo HTLV-1. Novos estudos devem ser realizados para avaliar a progressão desta co-infecção.

Candida species isolated from the vaginal mucosa of HIV-infected women in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil

BACKGROUND: Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is the second most common vaginal infection. HIV-infection is a risk factor for this infection. OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of VVC and to describe the main Candida species isolated and their susceptibility to antifungal drugs in HIV-infected patients, compared to HIV-uninfected women in Salvador, Brazil. METHODS: Cross-sectional study including a group of 64 HIV-infected women and 76 uninfected women, followed up at the AIDS reference center and at the Gynecological Clinic of Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública (Salvador, Bahia, Brazil). RESULTS: Frequency of Candida spp. was higher in HIV-infected women (29.7 percent) than in HIV-uninfected controls (14.5 percent) (p = 0.02). The odds ratio value for vulvovaginal candidiasis in HIV-infected patients was 2.6 (95 percent CI: 1.07 - 6.32 p = 0.03). Candida albicans was the most commonly isolated species in both HIV-infected (52.3 percent) and uninfected women (85.7 percent), followed by C. parapsolis in 17.6 percent and 14.3 percent, respectively. In HIV-infected women, C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis, and a coinfection of C. albicans and C. glabrata were also identified. There was no significant difference between Candida species isolated from the vaginal mucosa of women with VVC and colonization of the vaginal mucosa of HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected women. One C. glabrata isolate from an HIV-infected patient was resistant to fluconazole and other two isolates exhibited a dose-dependent susceptibility. CONCLUSION: Our results confirm a higher frequency of Candida spp. isolated from the vaginal mucosa of HIV-infected women and a broader spectrum of species involved. Only Candida glabrata isolates showed decreased susceptibility to fluconazole.

Impacto da mielopatia associada ao HTLV/paraparesia espástica tropical (TSP/HAM) nas atividades de vida diária (AVD) em pacientes infectados pelo HTLV-1 / Impact of HTLV-associated myelopathy/T tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) on activities of daily living (ADL) in HTLV-1 infected patients

Objetivo: Descrever o desempenho nas atividades de vida diária (AVD) em pacientes infectados pelo HTLV-1 com TSP/HAM e medir o impacto da doença sobre a qualidade de vida dos pacientes. Método: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, de corte transversal. Um total de setenta e três pacientes com TSP/HAM acompanhados no Centro de HTLV da Escola Baiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública, Salvador, Bahia, Brasil foram selecionados. O índice de independência funcional foi calculada usando o Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ). A qualidade de vida foi avaliada incluindo a capacidade funcional, dor e aspecto físico, utilizando do Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). Resultados: Um total de setenta e três pacientes com TSP/HAM foram avaliados: a idade média foi de 48,9 ± 11,4 anos, e 57 (78,1%) eram mulheres. A duração da doença TSP/HAM foi de 10 a 37 anos em50,7% dos pacientes. Trinta e seis pacientes (49,3%) necessitavam de ajuda de suportes para andar. As pontuações mais baixas no desempenho das AVD foram observadas entre as mulheres e se referiam à locomoção e à mobilidade / (98,2%), ao vestuário (73,7%) e ao auto cuidado (57,9%). O escore de qualidade de vida para o aspecto físico foi 24,2 e o da capacidade funcional foi 27,1. A média de dor foi 41,7. Conclusão: A TSP/HAM afeta negativamente a qualidade de vida e o desempenho nas AVD dos pacientes. Dispositivos de tecnologia assistiva devem ser usados para melhorar a capacidade funcional e a qualidade de vida desses pacientes.

Aim: To describe the performance of activities of daily living (ADL) ofHTLV-1 infected patients with HAM/TSP and to measure the impact of the disease on the patients’ quality of life. Methods: This study is a descriptive,cross-sectional study. A total of seventy-three HAM/TSP patients were enrolled at the HTLV Center of the Bahia School of Medicine and Public Health, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. The index of functional independence was calculated using the Health Assessment Questionnaire HAQ. The quality of life, including functional capacity, pain, and physical appearance was assessed using the Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). Results: A total of seventy-three HAM/TSP patients were enrolled with a mean age of 48.9 ± 11.4 years, 57 of whom were (78.1%) women. The duration of HAM/TSP disease was 10 to 37 years (in 50.7% of the patients). Thirty-six patients (49.3%) had a need for walking supports. The lowest ADL performance scores were observed among women and referred to mobility/locomotion (98.2%), dressing (73.7%), and self-care (57.9%) aspects. The quality of life score for the physical aspect was 24.2, and the functional capacity was 27.1. The average for pain was 41.7. Conclusion: HAM/TSP has a negative impact the on the ADL performance of the patients and their quality of life. Assistive technology devices should be used to improve functional capacity and quality of life for these patients.

Fatores etiopatogênicos associados à osteopenia e ou osteoporose em pacientes portadores do retrovírus HTLV 1 / Etiopathogenic factors associated to osteopenia and/or osteoporosis in patients with HTLV 1 / Factores etiopatogénicos asociados a la osteopenia yo osteoporosis en pacientes portadores del retrovírus HTLV1

Introdução A osteoporose e ou osteopenia em indivíduos infectados pelo HIV e pelo HTLV é uma complicação muito frequente. Esta alteração pode decorrer do efeito direto do retrovírus na unidade metabólica óssea, via sistema OPG RANK RANKL, por interferência com osteoblastos e ou osteoclastos ou por estímulo de produção de citocinas proinflamatórias que estimulariam reabsorção osteoclástica. Objetivo Avaliar possíveis fatores etiopatogênicos associados à osteopenia e/ou osteoporose em pacientes portadores do retrovírus HTLV1. Método: O estudo caso controle foi realizado com 49 indivíduos em cada grupo. O grupo caso compôs se de indivíduos assintomáticos infectados pelo HTLV 1 com baixa densidade mineral óssea e o grupo ?controle? foi constituído por indivíduos infectados pelo HTLV 1 que apresentavam densidade óssea normal. Os fatores preditores analisados incluíram: variáveis clínicas e sociodemográficas; exames laboratoriais de rotina e níveis séricos de marcadores do metabolismo ósseo cálcio, fósfoso, fosfatase alcalina óssea, osteocalcina, PTH, RANKL e OPG, e densitometria óssea pro DEXA da coluna lombar. Resultados Para avaliação dos prováveis fatores associados à osteopenia/osteoporose, os parâmetros analisados nos dois grupos foram testados estatisticamente, utilizando-se os testes t ou chi quadrado, conforme o caso. Os parâmetros que demonstraram significância estatística ou tendência para significância entraram em um modelo de análise multivariável para verificação de covariáveis de confundimento. Conclusão Acredita se que a identificação de fatores etiopatogênicos associados a HTLV e osteopenia osteoporose possa contribuir para políticas públicas que visem prevenção e intervenção precoce, ocasionando menores custos ao sistema de saúde pública e melhor qualidade vida e saúde ao portadores do HTLV.

Introdução A osteoporose e ou osteopenia em indivíduos infectados pelo HIV e pelo HTLV é uma complicação muito frequente. Esta alteração pode decorrer do efeito direto do retrovírus na unidade metabólica óssea, via sistema OPG RANK RANKL, por interferência com osteoblastos e ou osteoclastos ou por estímulo de produção de citocinas proinflamatórias que estimulariam reabsorção osteoclástica. Objetivo Avaliar possíveis fatores etiopatogênicos associados à osteopenia e/ou osteoporose em pacientes portadores do retrovírus HTLV1. Método: O estudo caso controle foi realizado com 49 indivíduos em cada grupo. O grupo caso compôs se de indivíduos assintomáticos infectados pelo HTLV 1 com baixa densidade mineral óssea e o grupo ?controle? foi constituído por indivíduos infectados pelo HTLV 1 que apresentavam densidade óssea normal. Os fatores preditores analisados incluíram: variáveis clínicas e sociodemográficas; exames laboratoriais de rotina e níveis séricos de marcadores do metabolismo ósseo cálcio, fósfoso, fosfatase alcalina óssea, osteocalcina, PTH, RANKL e OPG, e densitometria óssea pro DEXA da coluna lombar. Resultados Para avaliação dos prováveis fatores associados à osteopenia/osteoporose, os parâmetros analisados nos dois grupos foram testados estatisticamente, utilizando-se os testes t ou chi quadrado, conforme o caso. Os parâmetros que demonstraram significância estatística ou tendência para significância entraram em um modelo de análise multivariável para verificação de covariáveis de confundimento. Conclusão Acredita se que a identificação de fatores etiopatogênicos associados a HTLV e osteopenia osteoporose possa contribuir para políticas públicas que visem prevenção e intervenção precoce, ocasionando menores custos ao sistema de saúde pública e melhor qualidade vida e saúde ao portadores do HTLV.

Introducción La osteoporosis y o osteopenia en individuos infectados por el VIH y por el HTLV es una complicación muy frecuente. Esta alteración puede provenir del efecto directo del retrovírus en la unidad metabólica ósea, via sistema OPG RANK RANKL, por interferencia con osteoblastos y o osteoclastos o por estímulo de producción de citocinas proinflamatórias que estimularían la reabsorción osteoclástica. Objetivo Evaluar posibles factores etiopatogénicos asociados a la osteopenia y/o osteoporosis en pacientes portadores del retrovírus HTLV 1. Método El estudio caso-control fue realizado con 49 individuos en cada grupo. El grupo ?caso? se compuso de individuos asintomáticos infectados por el HTLV-1 con baja densidad mineral ósea y el grupo ?control? fue constituido por individuos infectados por el HTLV-1 que presentaban densidad ósea normal. Los factores predichos analisados incluyeron: variables clínicas y sociodemográficas; exámenes laboratoriales de rutina y niveles séricos de marcadores del metabolismo óseo cálcio, fósfoso, fosfatasis alcalina ósea, osteocalcina, PTH, RANKL y OPG, y densitometri ósea pro DEXA de la columna lumbar.Resultados Para evaluación de los provables factores asociados a la osteopenia/osteoporosis, los parámetros analizados en los dos grupos fueron testados estadísticamente, utilizándose tests t o chi-cuadrado, conforme el caso. Los parámetros que demostraron significancia estadística o tendencia para significancia entraron en un modelo de análisis multivariable para verificación de covariables de confundimiento.Conclusión Se piensa que la identificación de factores etiopatogénicos asociados a HTLV y osteopenia/osteoporosis pueda contribuir para políticas públicas que visen la prevención e intervención precoz, ocasionando menores costes al sistema de salud pública y mejor calidad de vida y salud a los portadores del HTLV.

Prevalence and risk factors for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia in HIV-infected women in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil / Prevalência e fatores de risco para neoplasia intraepitelial cervical em mulheres infectadas pelo HIV em Salvador, Bahia, Brasil

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is frequently associated with high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia. Immunosuppression and high HIV viral load are the main risk factors for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of CIN in HIV-infected women in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, and to describe the risk factors in comparison with non-infected women. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study at the AIDS Reference Center of Bahia and the Gynecological Outpatient Clinic of Fundação Bahiana para o Desenvolvimento da Ciência, in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. METHODS: Sixty-four HIV-infected women and 76 uninfected women from Salvador were enrolled between May 2006 and May 2007. Associations between CIN and presence of HIV infection, HIV viral load, proportion of T CD4+ lymphocytes and risk factors were evaluated. The independence of the risk factors was investigated using logistic regression. RESULTS: CIN was more prevalent among HIV-infected women than in the control group (26.6 percent versus 6.6 percent; P = 0.01). The odds ratio for CIN among HIV-infected women was 3.7 (95 percent confidence interval, CI: 1.23-11; P = 0.01), after adjusting for the following variables: age at first sexual intercourse, number of partners, number of deliveries and previous history of sexually transmitted disease. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of CIN among HIV-infected women was significantly higher than among women without HIV infection. HIV infection was the most important risk factor associated with the development of cervical lesions.

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: O vírus da imunodeficiência humana (HIV) está frequentemente associado à neoplasia intraepitelial de alto grau. Imunossupressão e carga viral do HIV elevada são os principais fatores de risco para neoplasia intra-epitelial cervical (NIC). O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a prevalência de NIC em mulheres infectadas pelo HIV, em Salvador, Bahia, Brasil e descrever os fatores de risco, comparando-as com mulheres não infectadas. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo transversal no Centro de Referência de Aids da Bahia e Ambulatório de Ginecologia da Fundação Bahiana para o Desenvolvimento da Ciência, em Salvador, Bahia, Brasil. MÉTODOS: Foram incluídas no estudo 64 mulheres infectadas pelo HIV e 76 não infectadas provenientes de Salvador, no período de maio de 2006 a maio de 2007. Foi avaliada a associação entre NIC e presença da infecção pelo HIV, carga viral do HIV, proporção de linfócitos T CD4+ e fatores de risco. A independência dos fatores de risco foi verificada pela regressão logística. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de NIC foi maior nas mulheres infectadas pelo HIV que no grupo controle (26,6 por cento versus 6,6 por cento; P = 0,01). A razão de chances para NIC em mulheres infectadas pelo HIV foi 3,7 (95 por cento intervalo de confiança, IC: 1,23-11; P = 0,01) após ajuste das variáveis: idade da primeira relação sexual, número de parceiros, número de partos e história prévia de doença sexualmente transmissível. CONCLUSÃO: A prevalência de NIC foi significativamente maior em mulheres infectadas pelo HIV que naquelas não infectadas. A infecção pelo HIV foi o fator de risco mais importante associado com o desenvolvimento de lesões cervicais.

Vulvovaginites em mulheres infectadas pelo vírus da imunodeficiência humana / Vaginal infections in human immunodeficiency virus-infected women

OBJETIVO: comparar a freqüência de vulvovaginites em mulheres infectadas pelo vírus da imunodeficiência humana (HIV) com mulheres não infectadas. MÉTODOS: estudo de corte transversal com 64 mulheres infectadas pelo HIV e 76 não infectadas. Foram calculadas as freqüências de vaginose bacteriana, candidíase e tricomoníase, que foram diagnosticadas por critérios de Amsel, cultura e exame a fresco, respectivamente. Para análise dos dados, utilizaram-se o teste do c2, teste exato de Fisher e regressão múltipla para verificar a independência das associações. RESULTADOS: a infecção vaginal foi mais prevalente em pacientes infectadas pelo HIV quando comparadas ao Grupo Controle (59,4 versus 28,9 por cento, p<0,001; Odds Ratio=2,7, IC95 por cento=1,33-5,83, p=0,007). Vaginose bacteriana ocorreu em 26,6 por cento das mulheres HIV positivas; candidíase vaginal, em 29,7 por cento e tricomoníase, em 12,5 por cento. Todas foram significativamente mais freqüentes no grupo de mulheres infectadas pelo HIV (p=0,04, 0,02 e 0,04, respectivamente). CONCLUSÕES: vulvovaginites são mais freqüentes em mulheres infectadas pelo HIV.

PURPOSE: to compare the frequency of vulvovaginitis in women infected with human imunnodeficiency virus (HIV) with the frequency in non-infected women. METHODS: a transversal study including 64 HIV infected women and 76 non-infected ones. The frequencies of bacterial vaginosis, candidiasis and trichomoniasis, diagnosed by Amsel's criteria, culture and fresh exam, respectively, were calculated. Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test and multiple regressions to verify the independence of associations were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: the vaginal infection was more prevalent in HIV infected patients, as compared to the control group (59.4 versus 28.9 percent, p<0,001; Odds Ratio=2.7, IC95 percent=1.33-5.83, p=0.007). Bacterial vaginosis occurred in 26.6 percent of the positive-HIV women; vaginal candidiasis, in 29.7 percent and trichomoniasis, in 12.5 percent of them. All the infections were significantly more frequent in the group of HIV infected women (p=0.04, 0.02 e 0.04, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: vulvovaginitis is more frequent in HIV infected women.