Tendências e distribuição espacial da hepatite D no Norte do Brasil, 2009-2018: um estudo ecológico / Tendencias y distribución espacial de Hepatitis D en el Norte de Brasil, 2009-2018: un estudio ecológico / Trends and spatial distribution of Hepatitis D in the North of Brazil, 2009-2018: an ecological study

Objetivo: Analisar a incidência anual de hepatite D no Brasil e na região Norte, no período 2009-2018. Métodos: Estudo ecológico de casos de hepatite D notificados no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (Sinan), analisados por sexo, idade e estados do Norte. Realizou-se análise de tendência temporal pelo método de Prais-Winsten, para estimar a variação percentual anual (VPA) das taxas de incidência. Resultados: No período, foram reportados 2.710 casos no Brasil, 74,5% na região Norte e 71,5% somente no Amazonas, Acre e Rondônia. Houve tendência de queda da VPA no país (-21,6% - IC95% -3,8;-36,2%), região Norte (-28,5% - IC95% -5,2;-46,1%,), Amazonas (-34,1% - IC95% -0,8;-56,2%) e Acre (-37,6% - IC95% -18,0;-52,6%). Verificou-se diminuição de casos nos estratos etários abaixo de 40 anos. Conclusão: Houve tendência de queda da incidência de hepatite D na Amazônia Ocidental, que impactou na incidência no país. Essa redução foi puxada pelos mais jovens, provavelmente resultado da vacinação para hepatite B.

Objetivo: Evaluar la incidencia anual de casos de hepatitis D en Brasil y en la Región Norte, entre 2009-2018. Métodos: En este estudio ecológico, se utilizaron casos notificados al Sistema Nacional de Agravamiento de de Enfermedades (Sinan), analizados por sexo, edad y estados del Norte. Se utilizó la regresión de Prais-Winsten para análisis de la tendencia temporal y el cálculo de la variación porcentual anual (VPA) de tasas de incidencia. Resultados: En el periodo, se notificaron 2.710 casos, siendo 74,5% en el Norte e 71,5% en Amazonas, Acre y Rondônia. Hubo tendencia a disminución de la VPA en Brasil (-21,6% - IC95% -3,8;-36,2%), región Norte (-28,5% - IC95% -5,2;-46,1%,), Amazonas (-34,1% - IC95% -0,8;-56,2%) y Acre (-37,6% - IC95% -18,0;-52,6%). Hubo disminución de casos entre los menores de 40 años. Conclusión: Hubo tendencia a la disminución de la incidencia en la Amazonía Occidental, impactando en la incidencia en Brasil. Esta baja está relacionada con los más jóvenes, probablemente debido a la vacunación contra la hepatitis B.

Objective: To analyze the annual incidence of hepatitis D cases in both Brazil and the Brazilian Northern region between 2009 and 2018. Methods: This was an ecological study of hepatitis cases notified on the Notifiable Health Conditions Information System (SINAN), analyzed by sex, age groups, and Northern region states. Temporal trend analysis was performed using the Prais-Winsten method to estimate incident rate annual percent change (APC). Results: In the period studied, 2,710 cases were reported in Brazil, 74.5% of them in the Northern region and 71.5% in Amazonas, Acre and Rondonia alone. APC showed a downward trend in Brazil as a whole (-21.6% - 95%CI -3.8;-36.2%), in the Northern region (-28.5% - 95%CI -5.2;-46.1%,), in Amazonas (-34.1% - 95%CI -0.8;-56.2%) and in Acre (-37.6% - 95%CI -18.0;-52.6%). Cases decreased in age groups below 40 years old. Conclusion: There was a downward trend in incidence in the Western Amazon, impacting incidence in Brazil as a whole. This fall was led by younger people, probably due to hepatitis B vaccination.

Is the aging of acute hepatitis B occurring in Brazil? / Está ocorrendo envelhecimento da hepatite B aguda no Brasil?

Introduction: The prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has been declining nationwide throughout Brazil since the introduction of universal child vaccination. The vaccine is currently available for all ages. However, most of the adult population has not been vaccinated and may still be susceptible to it. Most of the cases reported to the Brazilian Notifiable Diseases Information System (Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação - SINAN) are chronic, a consequence of early exposure in life. However, acute cases are the result of current transmission and may reveal the current dynamics of HBV circulation. Objective: To evaluate whether there is a change in the age distribution of acute hepatitis B in Brazil. Methods: To analyze the historical series of reported cases and incidence rates of acute hepatitis B by age group between 2007 and 2018, based on data reported to SINAN. Temporal trend was tested with non-parametric Cusick test. Results: The incidence rate fell from 1.02 (/ 100,000 inhabitants) in 2007 to 0.67 in 2018 (p=0.01). The drop was significant at all ages, except under 15 and over 60. The highest incidences (@1.0 / 100,000 inhab.) occurred between 20 and 59 years old. Conclusion: There is a progressive "aging" of acute hepatitis B cases in the country, probably due to the vaccine protection of younger people. A considerable portion of the older population is susceptible to HBV and may be exposed, especially by sexual route. Control measures such as vaccination and guidance for safe sex are needed.

Introdução: A prevalência da infecção pelo vírus da hepatite B (HBV) vem diminuindo em todo o Brasil desde a introdução da vacinação universal de crianças. Atualmente a vacina está disponível para todas as idades, porém a maior parte da população brasileira não foi vacinada e pode ainda ser suscetível. A maioria dos casos notificados ao Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN) é crônica, consequência de contágio antigo. Contudo os casos agudos são fruto de transmissão atual e podem revelar-nos a dinâmica atual da circulação do HBV. Objetivo: Avaliar se há mudança na distribuição etária da incidência da hepatite B aguda no Brasil. Métodos: Analisar a série histórica de casos notificados e as taxas de incidência de hepatite B aguda por faixa etária entre 2007 e 2018, tendo como base os dados notificados ao SINAN. Testar tendência temporal pelo teste não paramétrico de Cusick. Resultados: Houve queda da taxa de incidência de 1,02 (/100.000 hab.), em 2007, para 0,67, em 2018 (p=0,01). A queda foi significativa em todas as idades, exceto abaixo dos 15 e acima dos 60 anos. As maiores incidências (@1,0/100.000 hab.) ocorreram entre 20 e 59 anos. Conclusão: Há progressivo "envelhecimento" dos casos agudos de hepatite B no país, provavelmente pela proteção dos mais jovens por vacina. Parcela considerável da população mais idosa é suscetível ao HBV e continua exposta, principalmente por via sexual. São necessárias medidas de controle, como vacinação e orientação para prática de sexo seguro.

Incidence of acute hepatitis C in Brazil: temporal trend of cases notified between 2007 and 2018 / Incidência de hepatite C aguda no Brasil: tendência temporal dos casos notificados entre 2007­2018

Introduction: With the improvement of biosafety and quality of blood products, hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission decreased in Brazil. Analyzing temporal trends in the incidence of acute cases may indicate how current HCV circulation is. Objective: To analyze the temporal trend of acute hepatitis C cases from 2007 to 2018. Methods: Analysis of reported cases of acute hepatitis C, using data from the National System of Notifiable Diseases (Sistema Nacional de Agravos de Notificação ­ SINAN) and the Health Surveillance Department, Ministry of Health. The non-parametric Cusick test was applied to analyze temporal trend. Results: 6,199 cases of acute HCV were reported between 2007 and 2018. The annual incidence rate ranged from 0.17 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in 2007 at 0.28 (2018) (p=0.005). Regarding the age group, the trend of increased notifications was significant in individuals <5 years (p=0.025) and >40 years (p=0.008) of age. Conclusion: Despite the few acute cases reported annually, there has been an increase in recent years, especially in age extremes. Cases in >40 years may mean that some of them are not new, but chronic infections, or because of the growing importance of sexual transmission as a consequence of relaxation in safe sex. Despite possible inconsistencies and weaknesses in the notification systems, these numbers are of concern, justifying efforts to review cases for better classification and clarification of contagion routes

Introdução: Com a melhoria da biossegurança e qualidade dos hemoderivados, houve queda da transmissão do vírus da hepatite C (HCV) no Brasil. Analisar tendência temporal da incidência de casos agudos pode indicar como está a circulação do HCV atualmente. Objetivo: Analisar a tendência temporal dos casos de hepatite C aguda entre 2007 e 2018 no país. Métodos: Análise de casos notificados de hepatite C aguda, utilizando dados do Sistema Nacional de Agravos de Notificação e da Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde, do Ministério da Saúde. Teste não paramétrico de Cusick foi aplicado para analisar tendência temporal. Resultados: Foram notificados 6.199 casos de hepatice C aguda entre 2007 e 2018. A taxa de incidência anual variou de 0,17 casos por 100 mil habitantes em 2007 a 0,28 (2018) (p=0,005). Quanto à faixa etária, tendência de aumento de notificações mostrou-se significativa em indivíduos <5 anos (p=0,025) e >40 anos (p=0,008). Conclusão: Apesar dos poucos casos agudos notificados anualmente, houve aumento em anos recentes, especialmente nos extremos etários. Os casos em >40 anos podem significar que alguns deles não sejam infecções novas, mas crônicas ou por crescente importância da transmissão sexual, como consequência de relaxamento quanto à prática de sexo seguro. Em que se pesem as possíveis inconsistências e fragilidades nos sistemas de notificação, esses números trazem preocupação, justificando esforços para revisão dos casos para melhor classificação e esclarecimentos das rotas de contágio.

Syphilis in pregnant women and congenital syphilis: spatial pattern and relationship with social determinants of health in Mato Grosso

Abstract INTRODUCTION: The increasing incidence of syphilis among pregnant women (PS) and congenital syphilis (CS) has negatively affected maternal-child health in Brazil. The spatial approach to diseases with social indicators improves knowledge of health situations. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the spatiotemporal distribution of incidences, identify the priority areas for infection control actions, and analyze the relationship of PS and CS clusters with social determinants of health in Mato Grosso. METHODS: This is an ecological study with data from different health information systems. After data procedure linkage, we analyzed the Bayesian incidences of triennial infections during specific periods. We performed SATSCAN screenings to identify spatiotemporal clusters. Further, we verified the differences between the clusters and indicators using Pearson's chi-square test. RESULTS: The variations in PS incidence were 0.9-20.5/1,000 live births (LB), 0.6-46.3/1,000 LB, and 2.1-23.2/1,000 LB in the first, second, and last triennium, respectively; for CS, the variations were 0-7.1/1,000 LB, 0-7.5/1,000 LB, and 0.3-10.8/1,000 LB in the first, second, and last triennium, respectively. Three clusters each were identified for PS (RR=2.02; RR=0.30; RR=21.45, p<0.0001) and CS (RR=3.55; RR=0.10; RR=0.26, p<0.0001). The high-risk clusters overlapped in time-space; CS incidence was associated with municipalities with a higher proportion of LB mothers of race/non-white color and with poor sanitary conditions, lower proportion of pregnant teenagers, and under 8 years of schooling. CONCLUSIONS: The increase in the spatiotemporal evolution of PS and CS incidences and the extension of areas with persistent infections indicate the need for monitoring, especially of priority areas in the state.

Prevalence of hepatitis B and D virus infection in a district of Mato Grosso, bordering Amazonas and Rondônia states

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Brazil's western Amazon basin has the highest prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in the country. Coinfection with hepatitis D virus (HDV) is also endemic. To estimate the prevalence of HBV and HDV markers in a population inhabiting the northwest portion of Mato Grosso state in the western Amazon. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study of the seroprevalence of antibodies against HBV core antigen (anti-HBc) in the Três Fronteiras District northwest of Mato Grosso. Anti-HBc-positive subjects were tested for HBV surface antigen (HBsAg). Those positive for this marker were tested for HDV antibodies. Anti-HBc-negative participants were tested for anti-HBsAg. All tests were performed by EIA. RESULTS: A total of 623 individuals in the community were assessed; the majority (67.6%) were male, with a mean age of 30.8 ± 15.4 years. Two hundred and fourteen individuals (34.3%) were anti-HBc-positive, and 47 (7.5%) were HBsAg carriers. Only one individual was anti-HDV-positive. Among the 409 individuals without HBV infection, 18.3% were anti-HBsAg-positive. There was no association between HBV infection and known risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: The study area had intermediate-to-high endemicity for HBV infection, but a low prevalence of HDV. Our serological results suggesting low vaccination-induced protection indicate a need for reinforced immunization programs in the populations of northwest Mato Grosso.

Expression of annexin-A1 in blood and tissue leukocytes of leprosy patients

Abstract INTRODUCTION In leprosy, immune system mediators that regulate the infectious process act in a complex manner and can lead to several clinical outcomes. To understand the behavior of these mediators we quantified the expression of annexin-A1 (ANXA1) in the peripheral blood and plasma as well as tissue leukocytes in all clinical forms of leprosy and compared with healthy controls. METHODS Seventy healthy controls and 70 patients with leprosy, tuberculoid (TT) (n = 13), borderline tuberculoid (BT) (n = 15), borderline borderline (BB) (n = 13), borderline lepromatous (BL) (n = 15), and lepromatous leprosy (LL) (n = 14), were selected. Phenotyping of the lymphocyte cells and the intracellular expression of ANXA1 in leukocytes was performed by immunofluorescence. Plasma protein levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS Histiocytes and CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in the skin of BL and LL patients had higher ANXA1 expression. ANXA1 expression was also high in circulating polymorphonuclear, monocytes, and CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in the blood of LL patients compared to those of TT, BT, BB, and BL patients, and these levels were similar to those in healthy controls. Plasma ANXA1 levels indicate an increase in paracrine release in patients with LL. CONCLUSIONS The data indicate that ANXA1 expression is enhanced in the leukocytes and plasma of patients with LL, and may contribute to the inhibition of leukocyte action, leading to inadequate functioning of the immune system and thus contributing to the spread of M. leprae infection.

Vacinação universal contra hepatite A no Brasil: análise da cobertura vacinal e da incidência cinco anos após a implantação do programa / Universal hepatitis A vaccination in Brazil: analysis of vaccination coverage and incidence five years after program implementation

RESUMO: Introdução: Em 2014, o Brasil introduziu programa de imunização universal contra o vírus da hepatite A (HAV) para crianças no segundo ano de vida, por meio de dose única da vacina de vírus inativado. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a cobertura vacinal (CV) contra o HAV no Brasil, diante da incidência de casos notificados cinco anos após a implantação do programa. Metodologia: Dados secundários foram obtidos pesquisando-se sítios eletrônicos de acesso livre do Ministério da Saúde, Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde (DATASUS), para análise de incidência e CV. Resultados: A CV variou entre 60,13 e 97,07%. A homogeneidade da CV contra hepatite A nos estados ficou aquém da meta estabelecida. Após 2015, houve queda da CV em todas as regiões do país. Apesar da cobertura insuficiente, houve redução concomitante da incidência da hepatite A em todo o Brasil. A taxa de incidência caiu de 3,29 para 0,80/100 mil entre 2014 e 2018. No entanto, ocorreu diminuição da velocidade de queda da incidência entre 2017 e 2018, o que pode ser consequência dos percentuais insuficientes de CV. Esse fenômeno parece acompanhar tendência geral de enfraquecimento do esforço vacinal no país, verificado também para outras vacinas, como poliomielite e tríplice viral. Conclusão: Esses números sugerem a necessidade de esforços para melhorar as taxas de CV da hepatite A no país.

ABSTRACT: Introduction: In 2014, Brazil introduced a universal immunization program against the hepatitis A virus (HAV) for children in the second year of life, using a single dose of inactivated virus vaccine. The objective of this study was to evaluate the vaccination coverage (VC) against HAV in Brazil, against the incidence of cases reported five years after the implementation of the program. Methodology: Secondary data were obtained by searching free access electronic sites of the Ministry of Health, Department of Informatics of the Unified Health System (Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde - DATASUS), for incidence analysis and VC from 2014 to 2018. Results: VC ranged from 60.13 to 97.07%. The homogeneity of VC against hepatitis A did not reach the established goal throughout all states but for a few exceptions. After 2015, CV decreased in all regions of the country. Despite insufficient coverage, a concomitant reduction in the incidence of Hepatitis A took place throughout the country. The incidence rate fell from 3.29 to 0.80/100,000 between 2014 and 2018. However, there was an interruption in the pace of incidence fall between 2017 and 2018, which may be a consequence of insufficient VC. This phenomenon seems to be part of a widespread downward trend in vaccination effort across the country, also verified for other vaccines, such as poliomyelitis and measles, mumps and rubella vaccine. Conclusion: These figures suggest the need for implementing efforts to improve hepatitis A VC rates in the country.

Hepatitis C disease burden and strategies for elimination by 2030 in Brazil. A mathematical modeling approach

ABSTRACT Introduction and aim: Hepatitis C is a key challenge to public health in Brazil. The objective of this paper was to describe the Brazilian strategy for hepatitis C to meet the 2030 elimination goal proposed by World Health Organization (WHO). Methods: A mathematical modeling approach was used to estimate the current HCV-infected Brazilian population, and to evaluate the relative costs of two different scenarios to address HCV disease burden in Brazil: (1) if no further changes are made to the HCV treatment program in Brazil; (2) where the WHO targets for 2030 elimination are met through diagnosis and treatment efforts peaking before 2024. Results: An anti-HCV prevalence of 0.53% was calculated for the total population. It was estimated that the number of HCV-RNA+ individuals in Brazil in 2017 was 632,000 (0.31% of the population). Scale-up of treatment and diagnosis over time will be necessary in order to achieve WHO targets beginning in 2018. Direct costs (diagnostic, treatment and healthcare costs) are projected to increase significantly during the scale-up of treatment and diagnosis in the initial years of the intervention scenario, but then fall below the base case on an annual basis by 2025-2036, once HCV is eliminated, due to health sectors savings from the prevention of HCV liver-related morbidity and mortality. Conclusion: Achieving the WHO targets is technically feasible in Brazil with a scale-up of treatment and diagnosis over time, beginning in 2018. However, elimination of hepatitis C requires policy changes to substantially scale-up prevention, screening and treatment of HCV, together with public health advocacy to raise awareness among affected populations and healthcare providers.

Initial evaluation of universal immunization with a single dose against hepatitis A virus in Central Brazil

ABSTRACT Vaccination against the hepatitis A virus (HAV) administered in two doses has been used effectively in universal child immunization programs in several countries. A single-dose vaccination was adopted in some low-income countries in an attempt to reduce costs without losing effectiveness. In 2014, single-dose universal vaccination was introduced in Brazil for children aged two years. Since such strategy is still not universally accepted, its efficacy should be compared to the two-dose strategy. To assess the humoral response after the single-dose HAV vaccination schedule, a cross-sectional study was conducted in Primavera do Leste, in Mato Grosso state, Central Brazil, including 265 children vaccinated through the National Immunization Program. Blood was collected by using a digital puncture and further applied to filter paper cards. Anti-HAV was detected in 218 out of 265 dried blood spots (DBS). Blood venous samples were collected from 34 out of 47 children who were not anti-HAV positive in DBS samples. Eighteen of them tested positive for anti-HAV, giving a final score of 93.6% (236/252) of seropositivity. In conclusion, this study demonstrated a high rate of anti-HAV positivity in the short term after single-dose hepatitis A vaccination in the population investigated. Moreover, the DBS was shown to be a reliable tool for detecting anti-HAV antibodies.

Effectiveness of first-wave protease inhibitors in hepatitis C virus genotype 1 infection: a multicenter study in Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: In 2013, combination therapy using peginterferon, ribavirin, and boceprevir or telaprevir was introduced to treat hepatitis C virus genotype 1 infection in Brazil. The effectiveness of this therapy in four Brazilian regions was evaluated. METHODS: Clinical and virological data were obtained from patients of public health institutions in five cities, including sustained virological response (SVR) and side effects. Patients with advanced fibrosis (F3/4), moderate fibrosis (F2) for > 3 years, or extra-hepatic manifestations were treated according to Ministry of Health protocol. Treatment effectiveness was verified by using bivariate and multivariate analysis; p-values of < 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: Of 275 patients (64.7% men; average age, 57 years old), most (61.8%) were treatment-experienced; 53.9% had subgenotype 1a infection, 85.1% had advanced fibrosis, and 85.5% were treated with telaprevir. SVR was observed in 54.2%. Rapid virological response (RVR) was observed in 54.6% of patients (data available for 251 patients). Overall, 87.5% reported side effects and 42.5% did not complete treatment. Skin rash, severe infection, and death occurred in 17.8%, 2.5%, and death in 1.4% of cases, respectively. SVR was associated with treatment completion, RVR, and anemia. CONCLUSIONS: The effectiveness of hepatitis C virus triple therapy was lower than that reported in phase III clinical trials, possibly owing to the prioritized treatment of patients with advanced liver fibrosis. The high frequency of side effects and treatment interruptions observed supported the decision of the Brazilian authorities to suspend its use when safer and more effective drugs became available in 2015.

Distribution of hepatitis B infection in Brazil: the epidemiological situation at the beginning of the 21 st century

Abstract Brazil was formerly considered a country with intermediate hepatitis B endemicity, with large heterogeneity between Brazilian regions and areas of high prevalence, especially in the Amazon basin. Systematic vaccination of children was initiated in 1998. Between 2004 and 2009, a large population-based study reported decreased prevalence in all regions of Brazil. This review analyzed the current hepatitis B epidemiological situation in Brazil through a systematic search of the scientific literature in MEDLINE, LILACS, and CAPES thesis database, as well as disease notifications to the Information System for Notifiable Diseases. The search strategy identified 87 articles and 13 theses, resulting in 100 total publications. The most recent results indicate reduced hepatitis B prevalence nationwide, classifying Brazil as having low endemicity. Most studies showed HBV carrier prevalence less than 1%. However, there are still isolated regions with increased prevalence, particularly the Amazon, as well as specific groups, such as homeless people in large cities and isolated Afro-descendant communities in the center of the country. This review alsao detected successful vaccination coverage reported in a few studies around the country. The prevalence of anti-HBs alone ranged from 50% to 90%. However, isolated and distant localities still have low coverage rates. This review reinforces the downward trend of hepatitis B prevalence in Brazil and the need to intensify vaccination strategies for young people and adults in specific regions with persisting higher HBV infection prevalence.

Observational descriptive study of cutaneous manifestations in patients from Mato Grosso with viral chronic hepatitis

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Extrahepatic manifestations are seen in association with chronic infection by hepatitis B or C virus including cutaneous disorders. The frequency of these findings seems to vary among different places and reports. There is a lack of information about this issue in Brazil. OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence of cutaneous findings affecting HBV or HCV carriers from a reference outpatient unit in Mato Grosso. METHODS: A cross-sectional observational study. RESULTS: 108 patients were studied. 88.9% presented some cutaneous findings but must of them were nonrelated to chronic viral infection. Four patients had cutaneous or autoimmune syndromes that may be HBV or HCV related. CONCLUSION: In our study we found no statistical association between viral hepatitis and skin diseases.

Saint louis encpphalitis virus in mato grosso, central-western Brazil / Vírus da encefalite de Saint Louis em Mato Grosso, Centro-Oeste, Brasil

The dengue virus (DENV), which is frequently involved in large epidemics, and the yellow fever virus (YFV), which is responsible for sporadic sylvatic outbreaks, are considered the most important flaviviruses circulating in Brazil. Because of that, laboratorial diagnosis of acute undifferentiated febrile illness during epidemic periods is frequently directed towards these viruses, which may eventually hinder the detection of other circulating flaviviruses, including the Saint Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV), which is widely dispersed across the Americas. The aim of this study was to conduct a molecular investigation of 11 flaviviruses using 604 serum samples obtained from patients during a large dengue fever outbreak in the state of Mato Grosso (MT) between 2011 and 2012. Simultaneously, 3,433 female Culex spp. collected with Nasci aspirators in the city of Cuiabá, MT, in 2013, and allocated to 409 pools containing 1-10 mosquitoes, were also tested by multiplex semi-nested reverse transcription PCR for the same flaviviruses. SLEV was detected in three patients co-infected with DENV-4 from the cities of Cuiabá and Várzea Grande. One of them was a triple co-infection with DENV-1. None of them mentioned recent travel or access to sylvatic/rural regions, indicating that transmission might have occurred within the metropolitan area. Regarding mosquito samples, one pool containing one Culex quinquefasciatus female was positive for SLEV, with a minimum infection rate (MIR) of 0.29 per 1000 specimens of this species. Phylogenetic analysis indicates both human and mosquito SLEV cluster, with isolates from genotype V-A obtained from animals in the Amazon region, in the state of Pará. This is the first report of SLEV molecular identification in MT.

O vírus da dengue (DENV), frequentemente envolvido em epidemias de grande proporção, e o vírus da febre amarela (YFV), responsável por surtos silvestres esporádicos, são considerados os flavivírus circulantes mais importantes no Brasil. Por este motivo, o diagnóstico laboratorial de doença febril aguda indiferenciada durante períodos epidêmicos é frequentemente direcionado para dengue e febre amarela no país, dificultando a detecção de outros arbovírus possivelmente circulantes, incluindo o vírus da encefalite de Saint Louis (SLEV), que é amplamente disperso nas Américas. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar molecularmente a presença de 11 flavivírus no soro de 604 pacientes durante grande epidemia de dengue no estado de Mato Grosso (MT), Centro-Oeste do Brasil, entre 2011- 2012. Concomitantemente, 3.433 fêmeas de Culex spp. capturadas com aspirador de Nasci na cidade de Cuiabá, MT e alocadas em 409 pools com 1-10 mosquitos em 2013 foram testadas por multiplex seminested RT-PCR para os mesmos flavivírus. O SLEV foi detectado em três pacientes co-infectados com o DENV-4 das cidades de Cuiabá e Várzea Grande, MT. Um dos pacientes apresentava tripla co-infecção com DENV-1. Nenhum paciente referiu histórico recente de viagem ou acesso a áreas rurais/silvestres. Um pool contendo uma fêmea de Culex quinquefasciatus foi positivo para o SLEV, apresentando taxa de infecção mínima (MIR) de 0,29 por 1000 espécimes desta espécie. A análise filogenética indica que ambas as amostras formam um cluster com isolados do genótipo V-A do SLEV obtidos de animais na região amazônica do estado do Pará. Este é o primeiro relato de identificação molecular do SLEV no MT.

Serological mareers of viral, syphilitic and tooplasmic infection in children and teenagers with nephrotic syndrome: case series from mato grosso state, Brazil / Marcadores sorológicos de infecções virais, sífilis e toxoplasmose em crianças e adolescentes com síndrome nefrótica: série de casos de Mato Grosso, Brasil

Some infections can be the cause of secondary nephrotic syndrome. The aim of this study was to describe the experience of a Renal Disease Reference Clinic from Central Brazil, in which serological markers of some infectious agents are systematically screened in children with nephrotic syndrome. Data were obtained from the assessment of medical files of all children under fifteen years of age, who matched nephrotic syndrome criteria. Subjects were tested for IgG and IgM antibodies against T. gondii and cytomegalovirus; antibodies against Herpes simplex, hepatitis C virus and HIV; and surface antigen (HBsAg) of hepatitis B virus. The VDRL test was also performed. 169 cases were studied. The median age on the first visit was 44 months and 103 (60.9%) patients were male. Anti-CMV IgG and IgM were found in 70.4% and 4.1%, respectively. IgG and IgM against Toxoplasma gondii were present in 32.5% and 5.3%, respectively. Two patients were positive for HBsAg, but none showed markers for HIV, hepatitis C, or Treponema pallidum. IgG and IgM against herpes simplex virus were performed on 54 patients, of which 48.1% and 22.2% were positive. IgM antibodies in some children with clinical signs of recent infection suggest that these diseases may play a role in the genesis of nephrotic syndrome.

Algumas infecções podem ser causa de síndrome nefrótica. O objetivo desse estudo foi descrever a experiência de clínica pediátrica de doenças renais do Brasil Central, onde marcadores sorológicos de algumas doenças infecciosas são sistematicamente avaliados em crianças com síndrome nefrótica. Dados foram obtidos de registros médicos de todas as crianças com menos de 15 anos que preenchiam critérios de síndrome nefrótica. Os participantes foram testados para presença de IgG e IgM contra Toxoplasma gondii e citomegalovirus; anticorpos contra herpes simples, vírus da hepatite C e HIV, além do antígeno de superfície da hepatite B (HBsAg). VDRL também foi testado. 169 casos foram estudados. A idade média na primeira visita foi 44 meses e 103 eram do sexo masculino (60.9%). Anti-CMV IgG e IgM foram identificados em 70,4% e 4,1%, respectivamente. IgG e IgM contra T. gondii eram positivos em 32,5% e 5,3%. Dois pacientes eram HBsAg positivos, mas nenhum mostrou positividade para HIV, hepatite C ou sífilis. IgG e IgM contra herpes simples foram realizados em 54 pacientes, dos quais 48,1% e 22,2% eram positivos. Anticorpos IgM positivos em algumas crianças com sinais clínicos de infecção recente sugerem que essas doenças podem exercer um papel na gênese da síndrome nefrótica.

Increased frequency of micronuclei in the lymphocytes of patients chronically infected with hepatitis B or hepatitis C virus

In this study, we analysed the frequency of micronuclei (MN), nucleoplasmic bridges (NPBs) and nuclear buds (NBUDs) and evaluated mutagen-induced sensitivity in the lymphocytes of patients chronically infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV). In total, 49 patients with chronic viral hepatitis (28 HBV-infected and 21 HCV-infected patients) and 33 healthy, non-infected blood donor controls were investigated. The frequencies (‰) of MN, NPBs and NBUDs in the controls were 4.41 ± 2.15, 1.15 ± 0.97 and 2.98 ± 1.31, respectively. The frequencies of MN and NPBs were significantly increased (p < 0.0001) in the patient group (7.01 ± 3.23 and 2.76 ± 2.08, respectively) compared with the control group. When considered separately, the HBV-infected patients (7.18 ± 3.57) and HCV-infected patients (3.27 ± 2.40) each had greater numbers of MN than did the controls (p < 0.0001). The HCV-infected patients displayed high numbers of NPBs (2.09 ± 1.33) and NBUDs (4.38 ± 3.28), but only the HBV-infected patients exhibited a significant difference (NPBs = 3.27 ± 2.40, p < 0.0001 and NBUDs = 4.71 ± 2.79, p = 0.03) in comparison with the controls. Similar results were obtained for males, but not for females, when all patients or the HBV-infected group was compared with the controls. The lymphocytes of the infected patients did not exhibit sensitivity to mutagen in comparison with the lymphocytes of the controls (p = 0.06). These results showed that the lymphocytes of patients who were chronically infected with HBV or HCV presented greater chromosomal instability.

Occult hepatitis B virus infection among injecting drug users in the Central-West Region of Brazil

The prevalence of occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection was investigated in 149 hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) negative injecting drug users (IDUs) in the Central-West Region of Brazil. Of these individuals, 19 were positive for HBV DNA, resulting in an occult HBV infection prevalence of 12.7% (19/149); six of these 19 individuals had anti-HBV core and/or anti-HBV surface antibodies and 13 were negative for HBV markers. All IDUs with occult hepatitis B reported sexual and/or parenteral risk behaviours. All HBV DNA-positive samples were successfully genotyped. Genotype D was the most common (17/19), followed by genotype A (2/19). These findings reveal a high prevalence of occult HBV infection and the predominance of genotype D among IDUs in Brazil's Central-West Region.

Declining prevalence of hepatitis A virus antibodies among children from low socioeconomic groups reinforces the need for the implementation of hepatitis A vaccination in Brazil

Age-related seroprevalence studies that have been conducted in Brazil have indicated a transition from a high to a medium endemicity of hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection in the population. However, most of these studies have focused on urban populations that experience lower incidence rates of HAV infection. In the current study, the prevalence of anti-HAV antibodies was investigated in children with a low socioeconomic status (SES) that live on the periphery of three capital cities in Brazil. A total of 1,162 dried blood spot samples were collected from individuals whose ages ranged from one-18 years and tested for anti-HAV antibodies. A large number of children under five years old (74.1-90%) were identified to be susceptible to HAV infection. The anti-HAV antibody prevalence reached ≥ 50% among those that were 10-14 years of age or older. The anti-HAV prevalence rates observed were characteristics of regions with intermediate level of hepatitis A endemicity. These data indicated that a large proportion of children with a low SES that live at the periphery of urban cities might be at risk of contracting an HAV infection. The hepatitis A vaccine that is currently offered in Brazil is only available for high-risk groups or at private clinics and is unaffordable for individuals with a lower SES. The results from this study suggest that the hepatitis A vaccine should be included in the Brazilian National Program for Immunisation.

Prevalence of hepatitis E virus antibodies in individuals exposed to swine in Mato Grosso, Brazil

This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of hepatitis E antibodies (anti-HEV) among individuals exposed to swine in the rural areas of the state of Mato Grosso (MT) in Brazil. The study included 310 participants who had an average age of 39 years. Fifty-one per cent of the participants were female and 26 (8.4%) were anti-HEV-positive. Concomitantly, we studied 101 blood donors from the urban area of the state capital who had never lived in a rural area or handled swine. Four per cent (4%) of these individuals were anti-HEV-positive (p = 0.206). When we compared the anti-HEV-positive participants who had been exposed to swine with the anti-HEV-negative participants, we noticed associations between the presence of anti-HEV and increased age, a history of blood transfusions and contact with other farm animals. However, after a multivariate analysis was performed, this association was not confirmed. Finally, the ratio of anti-HEV-positive individuals who had been exposed to swine in rural MT was similar to that found in previous studies in Brazil. This prevalence did not characterise this type of exposure as a risk factor for HEV infection in this region.

Assessment of the treatment of chronic hepatitis C in the state of Mato Grosso, central Brazil

In Brazil, the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is funded by the national public health system (SUS). To evaluate treatment results in the state of Mato Grosso, central Brazil, we have consulted the files of the office of the State Department of Health responsible for supplying such medications. We obtained information on 232 treatments of 201 patients who underwent treatment in or prior to 2008. The study was conducted by reviewing medical records, making telephone calls and interviewing the assistant physicians. Thirty-nine patients (19.4 percent) had cirrhosis and HCV genotype 1 predominated (64.3 percent). Excluding patients with comorbidities or treatment without ribavirin we analysed 175 treatments (sustained virologic response occurred in 32.6 percent of cases). Twenty-six of these 175 were retreatments and the sustained virological response (SVR) rate among them was 30.8 percent; the SVR rate was 32.9 percent among those receiving treatment for the first time. The SVR rate of genotype 1 patients was 27.8 percent, whereas it was 37.5 percent in non-1 genotype patients. The adjusted multivariate analysis showed association of SVR with the absence of cirrhosis [odds ratio (OR): 7.7; confidence interval (CI) 95 percent: 2.5, 33.3], the use of pegylated interferon (OR: 5.8; CI 95 percent: 1.5, 21.4), non-1 genotype (OR: 5.3; CI 95 percent: 1.7, 16.7) and uninterrupted treatment (OR: 9.0; CI 95 percent: 3.3, 45.4). The SVR rates were similar to those found in other Brazilian studies about HCV, but lower than those found in national and international clinical trials. These data suggest that the treatments of chronic hepatitis C that are made available by SUS does not, under normal conditions, work as well as the original controlled studies indicated.