Epidemiological and clinical study of cases of endemic pemphigus foliaceus and pemphigus vulgaris in a reference center in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil

Abstract Background: Pemphigus constitutes a group of autoimmune bullous diseases. A reduction in the incidence of endemic pemphigus foliaceus and an increase in pemphigus vulgaris has been described, but there are no studies in Minas Gerais that address the subject. Objective: To describe the epidemiological and clinical profile of patients with pemphigus treated at the Dermatology Service of a public University Hospital in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Methods: An observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study was carried out of cases of endemic pemphigus foliaceus and pemphigus vulgaris, for a period of six months. A questionnaire was filled out with epidemiological and clinical data on the disease. Results: A total of 122 patients were included in the study, 64 with endemic pemphigus foliaceus and 58 with pemphigus vulgaris. When comparing patients with endemic pemphigus foliaceus and those with pemphigus vulgaris, a statistical difference was observed between the median age of initial disease manifestation (p = 0.001), patient occupation (p = 0.010), area of residence (p = 0.000), forests (p = 0.000) and rivers/streams close to the dwelling (p = 0.001) and the number of systemic medications required to control the disease (p = 0.002). When comparing patients with endemic pemphigus foliaceus to those evaluated in a study carried out at the same service in 2008, there was a statistical difference in the area of residence (p = 0.030). Study limitations: The assessed population comes from a tertiary care service that is not a reference for the entire state. Conclusions: Patients with endemic pemphigus foliaceus and pemphigus vulgaris maintain statistically significant differences regarding their main variables in the literature, such as age and area of residence. Historically, there has been a reduction in cases of endemic pemphigus foliaceus and an increase in cases of pemphigus vulgaris in this population.

Comportamiento de enfermedades vectoriales en una población manabita, Ecuador / Behavior of vector diseases in a Manabí population, Ecuador

Objetivo: Analizar el comportamiento de enfermedades vectoriales en una población manabita. Materiales y métodos: Se desarrolló bajo un tipo de investigación descriptiva de corte transversal y enfoque cuantitativo, con la utilización de un cuestionario como instrumento de recolección de datos. La muestra fueron 200 adultos del barrio San José de la parroquia Tarqui ­ Manta, de la provincia de Manabí ­ Ecuador. Resultados y conclusión: A través de esta investigación se pudo determinar que, de las 200 personas encuestadas, el 24% ha presentado alguna enfermedad vectorial, prevaleciendo el dengue con un 66.66%. Del 26% de familiares y conocidos de los encuestados que ha padecido enfermedades vectoriales, el 77.35% fue dengue. Generalmente, se presentan con síntomas que duran entre 1 a 3 días y sin mayores secuelas. La mayoría cuenta con servicios sanitarios óptimos y el 100% coincide que existen aguas estancadas en espacios públicos. Descriptores: Monitoreo epidemiológico; brotes de enfermedades; enfermedades endémicas. (Fuente: DeCS).

Objective: To analyze the behavior of vectorial diseases in a Manabi population. Materials and methods: It was developed under a type of descriptive cross-sectional research and quantitative approach with the use of a questionnaire as a data collection instrument. The sample consisted of 200 adults from the San José neighborhood of the Tarqui - Manta parish in the province of Manabí - Ecuador. Results and conclusion: Through this investigation it was possible to determine that of the 200 people surveyed, 24% have presented some vector disease, with dengue prevailing with 66.66%. Of the 26% of relatives and acquaintances of the respondents who have suffered vector-borne diseases, 77.35% were dengue. They usually present with symptoms that last between 1 to 3 days and without major sequelae. Most have optimal sanitary services and 100% agree that there is stagnant water in public spaces.

Current main problems and countermeasures for prevention and control of endemic diseases in China / 中华地方病学杂志

Over the past decade, remarkable progress has been made in prevention and control of endemic diseases in China through implementation of the 12th and the 13th Five-Year National Plans for Prevention and Control of Endemic Diseases and the Three-Year Action Plan for Special Prevention and Control of Endemic Diseases. Based on the latest monitoring data of endemic diseases and the evaluation results of the control and elimination of endemic diseases of the 13th Five-Year Plan, this paper analyzed current main problems in prevention and control of endemic diseases in China, focusing on implementation of prevention and control measures for iodine deficiency disorders, endemic fluorosis, and endemic arsenicosis, as well as the treatment and management of patients. Accordingly, corresponding countermeasures and suggestions are put forward from three aspects, including prevention and control mechanism, implementation of prevention and control measures, and scientific research, so as to provide scientific basis for the country and various regions to consolidate the achievements of prevention and control of endemic diseases and accurately implement the prevention and control measures of endemic diseases.

Achievements, main experiences, challenges and suggestions on control of endemic diseases in China in the last decade / 中华地方病学杂志

Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the CPC Central Committee and the State Council have paid great attention to the prevention and control of endemic diseases. Through the implementation of the prevention and control measures of endemic diseases, especially the implementation of the "Six Major Actions" to tackle key problems in "three years' project", all kinds of diseases have met the relevant requirements. The prevention and control of endemic diseases in China has achieved remarkable results and made historic achievements. However, risk challenges remain. At present, there are still some problems in the management and treatment of patients with iodine deficiency disorders, water-borne iodine excess goiter, drinking water-borne endemic fluorosis and drinking tea-borne endemic fluorosis in China, which need to be solved by strengthening the prevention and control efforts.

Achievement during the 13th Five-Year Plan and analysis of the 14th Five-Year Plan on prevention and control of endemic diseases in China / 中华地方病学杂志

During the 13th Five-Year Plan period, remarkable progress has been made in prevention and control of endemic diseases in China through implementation of the national plan for prevention and control of endemic diseases and the special three-year action plan for prevention and control of endemic diseases. This paper reviewed the achievements made in prevention and control of endemic diseases in China during the 13th Five-Year Plan period, discussed the current problems we are facing on prevention and control of endemic diseases. The key tasks of prevention and control of endemic diseases during the 14th Five-Year Plan period are indicated in order to carry out scientific and accurate prevention and control of endemic diseases.

Effect of health education project of a three-year special action for prevention and control of drinking water-borne endemic fluorosis in Shandong Province / 中华地方病学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the effect of health education of a three-year special action for prevention and control of drinking water-borne endemic fluorosis (referred to as drinking water-borne fluorosis) in Shandong Province, and to provide basis for formulating health education measures in the next step.Methods:Nineteen of the disease affected counties (cities and districts) were selected as project counties (cities and districts) in key areas for prevention and control of drinking water-borne fluorosis in Shandong Province in 2018, and 50 disease affected counties (cities and districts) were selected in 2019, and the project counties (cities and districts) were expanded to all of the 105 disease affected counties (cities and districts) in Shandong Province in 2020. Three disease affected townships (towns) were selected in each county (city and district), and health education activities on drinking water-borne fluorosis were carried out in Grade 4 to Grade 6 of the central primary schools and the three villages under its jurisdiction. Students and housewives were selected to conduct questionnaire surveys on prevention and control knowledge of drinking water-borne fluorosis before and after health education. The incidence of dental fluorosis among children aged 8 - 12 years was investigated annually in 6 villages (with children aged 8 - 12 years > 50) , where health education activity was implemented and the incidence of dental fluorosis among children was > 30%, water fluoride content was > 1.5 mg/L and water improvement time was < 5 years.Results:After health education, the awareness rates of drinking water-borne fluorosis in fifth grade pupils [92.46% (4 571/4 944) vs 65.80% (3 334/5 067) in 2018; 94.84% (12 897/13 599) vs 73.55% (9 993/13 587) in 2019; 95.59% (30 407/ 31 809) vs 77.52% (24 463/31 557) in 2020] and housewives [94.12% (2 400/2 550) vs 76.04% (1 939/2 550) in 2018; 94.99% (6 412/6 750) vs 72.00% (4 860/6 750) in 2019; 95.53% (16 183/16 941) vs 78.43% (12 971/16 539) in 2020] were significantly improved (χ 2 = 1 070.47, 2 315.27, 4 456.40, 328.25, 1 294.80, 2 174.63, P < 0.05). After health education in 2020, there were significant differences in the correct answer rates of epidemic causes, hazards and preventive measures of drinking water-borne fluorosis in the questionnaire of fifth grade pupils and housewives (χ 2 = 390.78, 164.94, P < 0.05). The awareness rates of drinking water-borne fluorosis in fifth grade pupils and housewives in the eastern region (Qingdao City, Yantai City and Weifang City) were significantly higher than those in the western region (Dezhou City, Liaocheng City and Heze City) before health education (χ 2 = 547.43, 210.12, P < 0.05), and after health education, the awareness rates increased to more than 90%. The detection rate of dental fluorosis in children decreased year by year (χ 2trend = 27.95, P < 0.05). Conclusions:Through implementation of a three-year special action for prevention and control of drinking water-borne fluorosis in Shandong Province, the awareness rate of fluorosis among target populations has been significantly improved. However, it is still necessary for government departments to further increase investment in health education and carry out health education activities in a deep-going way.

Achievement in prevention and control of endemic diseases in China in the past 10 years (2012-2021), challenges in the future and countermeasures / 中华地方病学杂志

In the past 10 years, remarkable progress has been made in prevention and control of endemic diseases in China through implementation of the National Plan for Prevention and Control of Endemic Diseases during the "12th Five Year Plan" and the "13th Five Year Plan" and the Three-year Action Plan for Tackling Key Problems in Prevention and Control of Endemic Diseases. Based on analysis of the monitoring data of endemic diseases in China for 10 consecutive years, this paper summarized the progress made in prevention and control of endemic diseases in China, discussed the main problems faced at present, and put forward key tasks of prevention and control of the diseases in the future.

Review of the "13th Five-Year Plan" and prospect of the "14th Five-Year Plan" of endemic diseases standards in China / 中华地方病学杂志

The standardization of endemic diseases in China has made steady progress during the "13th Five-Year Plan" period. This article mainly summarized the current endemic diseases standard system, analyzed the major problems existed in the current endemic diseases standard, and introduced the key tasks of the "14th Five-Year Plan" of the endemic diseases standard in China. During the "14th Five-Year Plan" period, the work of endemic diseases standardization will be carried out in a targeted manner in accordance with the requirements of the "Planning of Health Standardization during the ′14th Five-Year Plan′ Period" of the National Health Commission, to establish an endemic diseases standard system suitable for China's economic and social development, to help eradicate poverty and consolidate and implement the rural revitalization strategy, promote the full realization of the goal of eliminating endemic diseases in the "Healthy China Action (2019-2030)".

Comportamiento epidemiológico de la lepra en varios países de América Latina, 2011-2020 / Epidemiological behavior of leprosy in several Latin American countries, 2011-2020 / Comportamento epidemiológico da hanseníase em vários países da América Latina, 2011-2020

RESUMEN Objetivo. Describir el comportamiento epidemiológico de la lepra en varios países latinoamericanos durante 2011-2020, tomando como base los indicadores de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS). Método. Estudio transversal, descriptivo y cuantitativo con datos oficiales sobre incidencia y prevalencia en la población en general, niños, forma clínica y casos de discapacidad de grado 2 registrados por la OMS entre 2011 y 2020. Se seleccionaron los ocho países latinoamericanos con más casos y se realizaron análisis de estadística descriptiva simple y comparativa entre las variables. Resultados. Entre 2011-2020 se reportaron 301 312 casos de lepra en los países seleccionados: Argentina, Brasil, Colombia, Cuba, México, Paraguay, República Dominicana y Venezuela. Brasil fue el único con una prevalencia mayor a 1 por 10 000 habitantes y representó 93,77% de casos. En Brasil y República Dominicana se observó un aumento de la prevalencia durante 2011-2019, mientras que en los demás países esta tendió a disminuir. La enfermedad fue más frecuente en hombres, y los casos multibacilares superaron significativamente a los paucibacilares. En Brasil se encontraron las mayores incidencias de casos de lepra infantil y discapacidad de grado 2 durante el período evaluado. Conclusión. A pesar de que en América Latina la lepra solo es considerada un problema de salud pública en Brasil, la mayoría de los países de la región continúa reportando casos cada año, lo que revela una falta de atención médica adecuada. El estudio confirmó la importancia de la vigilancia activa, el diagnóstico temprano y la planificación de acciones contra la enfermedad en todos los países evaluados, con el propósito de disminuir o detener su transmisión.

ABSTRACT Objective. To describe the epidemiological behavior of leprosy in several Latin American countries during 2011-2020, based on World Health Organization (WHO) indicators. Methods. Cross-sectional, descriptive and quantitative study with official data on incidence and prevalence in the general population, children, clinical form and cases with grade 2 disability from WHO records between 2011 and 2020. The eight countries in Latin America that reported most cases were selected and analyses were carried out using simple descriptive and comparative statistics between different variables. Results. During the study period, 301 312 cases of leprosy were reported in the selected countries: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Paraguay, and Venezuela. Brazil is the only country in the region with a prevalence greater than 1 per 10 000, representing 93.77% of all cases. Brazil and the Dominican Republic showed an increase in prevalence during 2011-2019, while in other countries the trend was decreasing. The disease is more frequent in men, and multibacillary cases significantly exceed paucibacillary ones. Brazil showed the highest incidences of cases of childhood leprosy and grade 2 disability during the evaluated period. Conclusion. In Latin America, leprosy is only considered a public health problem in Brazil; however, most countries in the region continue to report cases annually, revealing a lack of adequate medical care. This study confirmed the importance of active surveillance, early diagnosis and planning of actions against the disease in all the countries evaluated with the aim of reducing its transmission.

RESUMO Objetivo. Descrever o comportamento epidemiológico da hanseníase em vários países de América Latina durante 2011-2020, tomando como base os indicadores da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS). Método. Estudo transversal, descritivo e quantitativo com dados oficiais de incidência e prevalência na população geral, em crianças, forma clínica e casos com incapacidade de grau 2 nos registros da OMS entre 2011 e 2020. Se selecionaram os oito países da América Latina que relataram a maioria dos casos e as análises foram avaliadas por meio de estatísticas descritivas e comparativas simples entre as variáveis. Resultados. No período, foram notificados 301 312 casos de hanseníase nos países selecionados: Argentina, Brasil, Colômbia, Cuba, México, Paraguai, República Dominicana e Venezuela. O Brasil é o único país da região com prevalência maior que 1 por 10 000 habitantes, representando 93,77% do total de casos. O Brasil e a República Dominicana mostraram um aumento na variação da prevalência durante 2011-2019, enquanto nos demais a tendência foi decrescente. A doença é mais frequente em homens e os casos multibacilares superam significativamente os paucibacilares. O Brasil apresentou as maiores incidências de hanseníase infantil e incapacidade de grau 2 durante o período avaliado. Conclusão. Na América Latina, a hanseníase só é considerada um problema de saúde pública no Brasil; no entanto, a maioria dos países da região continua notificando casos anualmente, revelando falta de assistência médica adequada. O presente estudo confirmou a importância da vigilância ativa, do diagnóstico precoce e do planejamento de ações contra a doença em todos os países avaliados, com o objetivo de reduzir e interromper a sua transmissão.

Spatial and spatiotemporal patterns of human visceral leishmaniasis in an endemic southeastern area in countryside Brazil

ABSTRACT Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) has shown endemic pattern and epidemic episodes in urban and rural areas, however, there are still gaps in knowledge with regards to disease transmission. This study aimed to analyze the spatiotemporal dispersion of VL cases in the municipality of Araçuaí, Minas Gerais. A study of confirmed VL cases was conducted considering the endemic and epidemic periods between 2012 and 2017. The incidence rate was calculated, and for spatial analysis, the kernel map, directional distribution ellipse, and space-time scanning techniques were used. The correlations between VL cases and exposure variables (precipitation, humidity, and temperature) were calculated. The mean incidence of VL in the endemic period was 18.5 (95% confidence interval (CI) 5.9-32.5) and 44.4 in the epidemic period (95%CI, 12.0-28.6) by 100,000 inhabitants. The relative risk for the epidemic period was 2.4 (95% CI 1.4-4.1) when compared to the endemic period. A higher incidence of the disease was observed in rural areas of the municipality. Kernel mapping analysis revealed hotspots in the urban area of the municipality. The directional distribution ellipse encompasses the urban perimeter and part of the rural area of the municipality, expanding eastward during the epidemic period. Spatial analysis revealed a high-risk cluster for VL in rural areas. A positive correlation was observed between VL cases and temperature during the endemic period. Spatial analysis allowed us to outline the epidemiological scenario of human VL cases. These findings may be useful in case surveillance and in the work of health professionals and managers in Brazil.

Calidad del Sistema de Gestión de los Servicios de Salud en la red asistencial amazónica Tarapoto / Quality of the Health Services Management System in the Tarapoto Amazonian healthcare network

La atención de salud de óptima calidad es fundamental para atender los requerimientos sanitarios de zonas vulnerables, incluyendo la prevención y el control de las enfermedades desatendidas, tropicales y transmitidas por vectores, presentes en las regiones amazónicas como la provincia San Martín y su principal centro poblacional, Tarapoto. La investigación se realizó en un diseño no experimental, con enfoque cuantitativo, de tipo descriptivo y corte transversal, entre mayo de 2019 y enero de 2020. El universo que se estableció para dicha investigación fue el sector de asegurados de la red Asistencial de Tarapoto EsSalud, que en el año 2019 estaba conformado por 118.672 personas. Se consideró una población de 1.722 pacientes del Hospital II Tarapoto, adscrito a la red Asistencial EsSalud, cuya atención se relacionó con eventos de vigilancia epidemiológica, según los reportes de la Oficina de Inteligencia Sanitaria de esta entidad de ese mismo año. El análisis del instrumento aplicado a los 318 voluntarios dentro de este grupo, permitió establecer la percepción de la calidad del servicio de la red. Tomando en cuenta las 5 dimensiones de la calidad en la atención a los pacientes, se evidenciaron fallas en la capacidad de respuesta (50,8%) y fiabilidad (57,3%) de la red asistencial Tarapoto. La empatía obtuvo una puntuación equivalente al 65,1%, cercano a los 67,6% de la dimensión seguridad. Los elementos tangibles fueron los mejor calificados por los usuarios, con una proporción de 68,1%(AU)

Optimal quality health care is essential to meet the health requirements of vulnerable areas, including the prevention and control of neglected, tropical and vector-borne diseases present in Amazonian regions such as San Martín province and its main population center, Tarapoto. The research was carried out in a non-experimental design, with a quantitative, descriptive and cross-sectional approach, between May 2019 and January 2020. The universe that was established for said research was the insured sector of the Tarapoto EsSalud Healthcare network, which in 2019 was made up of 118,672 people. A population of 1,722 patients from Hospital II Tarapoto, assigned to the EsSalud Assistance network, was considered, whose care was related to epidemiological surveillance events, according to reports from the Health Intelligence Office of this entity that same year. The analysis of the instrument applied to the 318 volunteers within this group, allowed to establish the perception of the quality of the network service. Taking into account the 5 dimensions of quality in patient care, failures in response capacity (50.8%) and reliability (57.3%) of the Tarapoto healthcare network were evidenced. Empathy obtained a score equivalent to 65.1%, close to 67.6% for the security dimension. Tangible items were the best rated by users, with a proportion of 68.1%(AU)

Rhinosporidiosis of the lacrimal sac masquerading as chronic dacryocystitis: a rare presentation

Rhinosporidiosis is a chronic infection of the mucous membrane caused by the Rhinosporiduim seeberi, which infects through transepithelial penetration. Although described worldwide, this entity is mostly found in the western hemisphere, afflicting young people, predominantly males, associated in many cases with recreational or professional contact with bath in ponds, rivers, or stagnant waters. The clinical features are varied depending on the affected membrane, in some cases mimicking other diseases postponing the correct diagnosis. Although nasal obstruction and epistaxis are the common clinical presentations in sinonasal rhinosporidiosis, patients with epiphora without a nasal mass often challenge the diagnosis. In the present case, we have documented a case of isolated lacrimal sac rhinosporidiosis masquerading as chronic dacryocystitis, which was successfully managed by endoscopic excision, accompanied by a literature review.

Progress in the treatment of adult Kashin-Beck disease / 中华地方病学杂志

Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) is a kind of endemic osteoarthropathy which etiology and pathological mechanism are not completely clear, and its disability rate is very high. The differences in the patients' conditions and severity of KBD lead to different treatment methods. The common treatment methods include non drug treatment, drug treatment and surgical treatment, and their essence is to reduce the clinical symptoms of patients and improve the quality of life. In order to provide scientific guidance for clinical diagnosis and treatment, this paper reviews the literature and systematically analyzes the treatment of KBD.

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance in the Assessment of Chagas Disease and its Complications

Abstract The well-known occurrence of Chagas disease in endemic areas has become a worldwide problem, and cardiac magnetic resonance allows the early detection of cardiac involvement and complications of this disease. Cardiac magnetic resonance is a useful tool in all phases of Chagas disease, and new promising techniques using T1 mapping and extracellular volume measurements are able to detect cardiac involvement even earlier than conventional techniques.

Tendência temporal da hanseníase em uma região de saúde do Ceará, 2001 a 2015 / Temporal trend in leprosy in a health region of Ceará, 2001 to 2015

RESUMO: Objetivo: Descrever a tendência temporal da hanseníase e seus indicadores epidemiológicos em uma região de saúde do estado do Ceará, no período de 2001 a 2015. Métodos: Estudo ecológico de base temporal, realizado a partir de dados obtidos pelo Sistema Nacional de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN), referentes aos casos novos de hanseníase registrados durante o período de 2001 a 2015. Os dados foram analisados a partir do modelo de regressão por pontos de inflexão (Joinpoint). Resultados: Dos 1.151 casos notificados no período, verificou-se redução do coeficiente de detecção geral e em menores de 15 anos. Em relação à proporção de casos com grau 2 de incapacidade física, identi-ficou-se uma tendência de aumento significativo (APC = 9,04; IC95% 1,0­17,8), assim como nos casos multibacilares (APC = 2,89; IC95% 0,3-5,5). Conclusão: Concluiu-se que há aumento no número de casos multibacilares e com grau 2 de incapacidade física, tornando-se necessário o fortalecimento das medidas de vigilância e controle da doença na região. (AU)

ABSTRACT: Objective: Describing the temporal trend of leprosy and its epidemiological indicators in a health region in the state of Ceará, from 2001 to 2015. Methods: Ecological study based on the indicators monitored using the Information System of Notifiable Diseases . Data were analyzed using the inflection point regression model (Joinpoint). Results: Of the 1,151 cases reported in the period, there was a reduction in the general detection coefficient and children under 15 years old. For proportions of cases with grade 2 physical disability, a significant increase (APC = 9.04; 95% CI 1.0­17.8) was observed, as well as in multibacillary cases (APC = 2.89; 95% CI 0.3-5.5). Conclusion: There is an increase in the number of multibacillary cases and with grade 2 of physical disability, making it neces-sary to strengthen the measures of surveillance and disease control in the region. (AU)

Epidemiological trends of leprosy in Goiás, Brasil / Tendências epidemiológicas da hanseníase em Goiás, Brazil

Abstract Brazil is the second nation in absolute number of new cases of leprosy in the world. The country presents many regions highly endemic to the disease, as is the case of the Goiás. The present study aims to analyze the temporal trends of leprosy indicators in Goiás between 2006 and 2015. This study showed a significant trend of decline for the coefficient of detection. Although the central-western region of the state presented the highest absolute number of cases, the Northeast of the state presents the worst epidemiological situation, with an increase in the number of cases of patients with physical disabilities and those under 14 years of age. The data also showed that there is an increase in the cases of patients with physical deformities in almost all macroregions of the state, indicative of late diagnosis. It is very important that there is a more effective and continuous training of the health professionals of the non-centralized units, for a real control of leprosy as a public health problem in the state. In addition, special attention should be given to the poorer regions of the state, which have shown a tendency to increase the diagnosis of patients younger than 14 years and with physical disabilities caused by leprosy.

Resumo O Brasil é a segunda nação em número absoluto de novos casos de hanseníase no mundo. O país apresenta muitas regiões altamente endêmicas para a doença, como é caso do estado de Goiás. O presente estudo tem como objetivo analisar as tendências temporais dos indicadores de hanseníase em Goiás, entre 2006 e 2015. Este estudo demonstrou uma tendência significativa de declínio para o coeficiente de detecção. Embora a macrorregião do Centro-Oeste do estado tenha apresentado a maior ocorrência absoluta de casos, o Nordeste do estado apresenta a pior situação epidemiológica, com aumento no número de casos de pacientes com incapacidades físicas e menores de 14 anos. Os dados mostraram, ainda, que há um aumento nos casos de pacientes com deformidades físicas em quase todas as macrorregiões do estado, indicativo de diagnóstico tardio. É muito importante que haja uma formação mais efetiva e contínua dos profissionais de saúde das unidades não centralizadas, para um controle real da hanseníase como problema de saúde pública no estado. Além disso, uma atenção especial deve ser dada às regiões mais pobres do estado, que apresentaram uma tendência de aumento no diagnóstico de pacientes menores de 14 anos e com incapacidades físicas causadas pela hanseníase.

O Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo: marcas de sua criação, 1940-1959 / The Institute for Tropical Medicine of São Paulo: characteristics of its creation, 1940-1959 / El Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo: marcas de su creación, 1940-1959

Este artigo foi escrito a partir de um trabalho de perscrutação a jornais, relatórios e textos memorialísticos e objetiva oferecer um contributo historiográfico sobre a criação do Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo, sancionada em janeiro de 1959 após uma movimentação institucional liderada pelo professor Carlos da Silva Lacaz, seu primeiro diretor. Procura-se destacar aqui dois importantes eixos que contribuíram para a decisão em prover a capital paulista de um Instituto de Medicina Tropical: em primeiro lugar, a internacionalização da Medicina Tropical brasileira, nomeadamente sua relação com tropicalistas portugueses, consubstanciada com a ida de brasileiros - em especial, paulistas - aos institutos de Medicina Tropical na Europa e, em segundo lugar, a presença de endemias rurais no estado de São Paulo (Brasil), que começavam a tornar-se visíveis na capital em decorrência dos movimentos migratórios em direção à cidade.(AU)

This article was based on an examination of newspapers, reports, and memorial texts. It aims at offering a historiographical contribution about the creation of the Institute for Tropical Medicine (IMT, Instituto de Medicina Tropical), approved in January 1959 after an institutional movement led by Prof. Carlos da Silva Lacaz, who was also its first director. The objective is to highlight important factors that contributed to the decision of creating an institute of Tropical Medicine in the Brazilian city of São Paulo, capital of the state of São Paulo. The first of them was to internationalize the Brazilian Tropical Medicine, namely its relationship with Portuguese tropicalists that was consubstantiated with the migration of Brazilians, particularly from the city of São Paulo, to European institutes of Tropical Medicine. The presence of rural endemic diseases in the state, which were becoming increasingly visible in the capital due to migratory movements to the big city, also contributed to its creation.(AU)

Este artículo se escribió a partir de un trabajo de búsqueda en periódicos, informes y textos memorialísticos y tiene el objetivo de ofrecer una contribución historiográfica sobre la creación del Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo, sancionada en enero de 1959 después de un movimiento institucional liderado por el profesor Carlos da Silva Lacaz, su primer director. Se busca destacar aquí dos ejes importantes que contribuyeron para la decisión de proporcionar a la capital del Estado de São Paulo un instituto de Medicina Tropical: en primer lugar, la internacionalización de la Medicina Tropical brasileña, principalmente su relación con tropicalistas portugueses, consubstanciada con la ida de brasileños, en especial del estado de São Paulo, a los institutos de medicina tropical en Europa y, en segundo lugar, la presencia de endemias rurales en el Estado de São Paulo (Brasil) que comenzaban a ser visibles en la capital debido a los movimientos migratorios hacia la ciudad.(AU)

Trabalho e saúde: a perspectiva dos agentes de combate a endemias do município de Belo Horizonte, MG / Work and health: the perspective of the endemic diseases control agents of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Resumo Introdução: a incidência de zoonoses é alta no Brasil. O agente de combate a endemias (ACE) é um dos principais atores no enfrentamento destas doenças. Objetivo: Identificar e compreender a percepção do ACE sobre o seu trabalho, com enfoque na relação entre trabalho e saúde. Métodos: estudo transversal, qualitativo, sob o aporte teórico das clínicas do trabalho. Utilizou-se pesquisa bibliográfica e documental, grupo focal e análise de conteúdo. O trabalho foi realizado em Belo Horizonte (MG), no período de março de 2016 a abril de 2017. Resultados: o serviço de zoonoses é percebido pelos profissionais como não integrado à área da saúde, e essa seria uma das causas da precariedade das condições de trabalho, do sentimento de invisibilidade e da marginalização simbólica e concreta vivenciada. Os trabalhadores reconhecem os riscos à saúde a que estão expostos, com destaque para a violência, falta de equipamentos de segurança adequados e riscos psicossociais. Conclusão: a pesquisa revela a invisibilidade e o sofrimento vivenciado pelos ACE e a necessidade de mudanças na organização do trabalho visando à proteção da saúde desses trabalhadores.

Abstract Introduction: there is a high incidence of zoonoses in Brazil. Endemic diseases control agents (ECA) are one of the main actors in the fight against these diseases. Objective: to identify and understand the ECA's perception of their work, focusing on work-health relations. Methods: qualitative cross-sectional study based on the Clinic of Activity theory. We used bibliographical and documentary research as well as focal groups and content analysis. This study was conducted in Belo Horizonte (Minas Gerais) from March 2016 to April 2017. Results: ECA do not perceive the activities of zoonoses' control as integrated with the health service, and consider this as one of the causes of the precariousness in their work conditions, of their feeling of being invisible, and of the symbolic and concrete marginalization they experience. The workers recognize the health hazards they are exposed to, especially regarding violence, lack of suitable protection equipment and psychosocial risks. Conclusion: ECA experienced suffering and invisibility. Changes in work organization are required to protect workers' health.