Persistence and underreporting of schistosomiasis mansoni in a municipality in Minas Gerais' Zona da Mata / Persistência e subnotificação da esquistossomose mansônica em município da Zona da Mata de Minas Gerais / Persistencia y subregistro de esquistosomiasis mansoni en un municipio de la Zona da Mata de Minas Gerais

Background and Objectives: Schistosomiasis mansoni is a neglected chronic disease caused by Schistosoma mansoni, which is endemic in Brazil. It presents systemic involvement and its clinical manifestations range from dermatitis to severe clinical syndromes, including neurological and/or hepatic manifestations, such as liver cirrhosis. Although the incidence has decreased in the last decade, it is estimated that underreporting occurs. This study aimed to verify the existence of underreporting and the persistence of the endemic character of schistosomiasis in a municipality in rural Minas Gerais (MG) in 2016. Method: This is a descriptive and cross-sectional study based on secondary data related to positive results of parasitological and serological tests for schistosomiasis in residents of the municipality from seven of its eight clinical analysis laboratories. Results: In total, 29,266 tests were evaluated by all techniques, of which 80 were positive and 50 confirmed, corresponding to an estimated 0.17% prevalence (95%CI0.13-0.23%). In 2016, 31 cases of schistosomiasis were also reported in SINAN-MG. Conclusion: Schistosomiasis in Ponte Nova, MG, persists as epidemiological pattern of endemicity and underreported surveillance operational situation. We highlight the importance of strengthening monitoring and control actions for the disease, including of endemic areas for the vector and early treatment of patients with positive PSE.(AU)

Justificativa e Objetivos: A esquistossomose mansônica é uma doença crônica negligenciada cuja causa é o Schistosoma mansoni, sendo endêmica no Brasil. Apresenta acometimento sistêmico e tem como manifestações clínicas desde dermatites até síndromes clínicas graves com manifestações neurológicas e/ou hepáticas, como cirrose hepática. Apesar de a incidência haver diminuído na última década, estima-se que haja subnotificação no país. Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo verificar a existência de subnotificação e a persistência do caráter endêmico da esquistossomose em um município no interior estado de Minas Gerais (MG) em 2016. Métodos: Trata-se de estudo transversal descritivo com base em dados secundários relativos a resultados positivos de exames parasitológicos e sorológicos para esquistossomose em residentes do município em sete dos oito laboratórios de análises clínicas existentes. Resultados: Dos 29.266 exames avaliados por todas as técnicas, 80 foram positivos, dos quais 50 casos foram confirmados, com prevalência estimada em 0,17% (IC95% 0,13-0,23%). Nesse ano, foram notificados também 31 casos de esquistossomose no SINAN-MG. Conclusão: A esquistossomose em Ponte Nova, MG, persiste com padrão epidemiológico de endemicidade e situação operacional de vigilância de subnotificação. Ressalta-se a importância de fortalecer ações de vigilância e de controle para a doença, incluindo a monitorização das áreas endêmicas para o vetor e o tratamento precoce dos pacientes com PSE positivo.(AU)

Antecedentes y objetivos: La esquistosomiasis mansoni es una enfermedad crónica desatendida causada por Schistosoma mansoni y endémica en Brasil. Tiene afectación sistémica y tiene manifestaciones clínicas que van desde dermatitis hasta síndromes clínicos graves con manifestaciones neurológicas y / o hepáticas, como la cirrosis hepática. Aunque la incidencia ha disminuido en la última década, se estima que hay subregistro en el país. Esta investigación tuvo como objetivo verificar la existencia de subregistro y la persistencia del carácter endémico de la esquistosomiasis en un municipio del interior de Minas Gerais (MG) en 2016. Métodos: Se trata de un estudio descriptivo transversal a partir de datos secundarios de residentes del municipio sobre resultados. positivo en las pruebas parasitológicas y serológicas para la esquistosomiasis en siete de los ocho laboratorios de análisis clínicos existentes. Resultados: De las 29.266 pruebas evaluadas por todas las técnicas, 80 fueron positivas, de las cuales se confirmaron 50 casos, con una prevalencia estimada de 0,17% (IC 95% 0,13-0,23%). En el mismo año se notificaron 31 casos de esquistosomiasis en SINANMG. Conclusión: La esquistosomiasis en Ponte Nova, (MG) persiste con un patrón epidemiológico de endemicidad y una situación operativa de vigilancia subregistrada. Se enfatiza la importancia de fortalecer las acciones de vigilancia de la enfermedad, así como las acciones de control, incluyendo el monitoreo de áreas endémicas para el vector y el tratamiento temprano de pacientes con EPF positiva.(AU)

Geographic Information System-based association between the sewage network, geographical location of intermediate hosts, and autochthonous cases for the estimation of risk areas of schistosomiasis infection in Ourinhos, São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Ourinhos is a municipality located between the Pardo and Paranapanema rivers, and it has been characterized by the endemic transmission of schistosomiasis since 1952. We used geospatial analysis to identify areas prone to human schistosomiasis infections in Ourinhos. We studied the association between the sewage network, co-occurrence of Biomphalaria snails (identified as intermediate hosts [IHs] of Schistosoma mansoni), and autochthonous cases. METHODS: Gi spatial statistics, Ripley's K12-function, and kernel density estimation were used to evaluate the association between schistosomiasis data reported during 2007-2016 and the occurrence of IHs during 2015-2017. These data were superimposed on the municipality sewage network data. RESULTS: We used 20 points with reported IH; they were colonized predominantly by Biomphalaria glabrata, followed by B. tenagophila and B. straminea. Based on Gi statistics, a significant cluster of autochthonous cases was superimposed on the Christoni and Água da Veada water bodies, with distances of approximately 300 m and 2200 m from the points where B. glabrata and B. straminea were present, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The residence geographical location of autochthonous cases allied with the spatial analysis of IHs and the coverage of the sewage network provide important information for the detection of human-infection areas. Our results demonstrated that the tools used for direct surveillance, control, and elimination of schistosomiasis are appropriate.

Aspectos relacionados com a positividade para a esquistossomose: estudo transversal em área de baixa prevalência em Alagoas, 2020 / Aspectos relacionados con la positividad para la esquistosomiasis: un estudio transversal en un área de baja prevalencia en Alagoas, Brasil, 2020 / Aspects related to positivity for schistosomiasis: a cross-sectional study in a low prevalence area in Alagoas, Brazil, 2020

Objetivo: Analisar aspectos relacionados com a positividade para esquistossomose em área de baixa prevalência, no Brasil. Métodos: Estudo transversal, realizado no primeiro semestre de 2020, quando foram analisadas a proporção de positividade, em função do número de lâminas de Kato-Katz, o desempenho diagnóstico do teste e a estimação da positividade a partir dos dados do Sistema de Informação do Programa de Vigilância e Controle da Esquistossomose (SISPCE). Resultados: Foram analisadas 2.088 lâminas de 348 indivíduos, sendo a proporção de positividade de 11,8%, 26,7% e 31,0% para 1, 4 e 6 lâminas analisadas, respectivamente. Houve concordância excelente (índice Kappa = 0,91) na comparação entre as leituras de 4 e 6 lâminas. Foi estimada subnotificação de 2,1 vezes nos dados do SISPCE. Conclusão: Ampliar o número de lâminas aumentou a positividade do Kato-Katz, o que pode contribuir para maximizar o controle da doença enquanto problema de Saúde Pública.

Objetivo: Analizar aspectos relacionados con la positividad para esquistosomiasis en área de baja prevalencia en Brasil. Métodos: Estudio transversal, realizado en el primer semestre de 2020, donde se analizó la proporción de positividad según el número de portaobjetos de Kato-Katz, el rendimiento diagnóstico de la prueba y la creación de un factor de estimación de positividad a partir de los datos del Sistema de Información del Programa de Vigilancia y Control de la Esquistosomiasis (SISPCE). Resultados: Se analizaron 2.088 láminas de 348 individuos, con proporción de positividad del 11,8%, 26,7% y 31,0% para 1, 4 y 6 láminas analizadas, respectivamente. Hubo una excelente concordancia (Kappa = 0,91) en la comparación entre la lectura de 4 y 6 láminas. Se estimó un subregistro de 2,1 veces en los datos del SISPCE. Conclusión: Aumentar el número de muestras aumentó la positividad de Kato-Katz, lo que puede contribuir a maximizar el control de la enfermedad como problema de Salud Pública.

Objective: To analyze aspects related to schistosomiasis positivity in an area of low prevalence in Brazil. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study, carried out in the first half of 2020, where we analyzed the proportion of positivity, according to the number of Kato-Katz slides, the diagnostic performance of the test and positivity estimates based on data from the Schistosomiasis Surveillance and Control Program Information System (SISPCE). Results: 2,088 slides from 348 individuals were analyzed, with proportion of positivity of 11.8%, 26.7% and 31.0% for 1, 4 and 6 slides analyzed, respectively. There was excellent agreement (Kappa = 0.91) between the readings of 4 and 6 slides. The SISPCE data was estimated to be underreported by up to 2.1 times. Conclusion: Increasing the number of slides increased Kato-Katz positivity, which can contribute to maximizing the control of the disease as a Public Health problem.

New epidemiological profile of schistosomiasis from an area of low prevalence in Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Schistosomiasis, caused by infection from Schistosoma mansoni, is a disease that represents an important public health problem for Brazil, especially for states in the Northeast region. Thus, the aim of this study is to present a new epidemiological profile for the disease in a municipality with low prevalence in the state of Alagoas, Brazil. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted through a coproparasitological and malacological survey. A structured questionnaire was applied to the study participants to survey possible risk factors and a spatial analysis (kernel density) was used to measure the risk of infection. RESULTS: Of the 347 participants, 106 (30.5%) were infected by Schistosoma mansoni, most of them from the urban area of the municipality (68.9%; 73/106). A 3-fold risk of infection was found for individuals living in the urban area and a risk of 2.15 times for self-declared farmers. Biomphalaria glabrata and B. straminea were the species found in the municipality, but no animals were diagnosed as infected by the parasite. Spatial analysis showed a random distribution of vectors and human cases of the disease, and the formation of two clusters of human cases in the urban area was seen. CONCLUSIONS: A new epidemiological profile for schistosomiasis from S. mansoni infection was presented in a municipality of low endemicity: a high proportion of positive individuals in the urban area; presence of snails without positive diagnosis for S. mansoni infection; random distribution of vectors and human cases; and absence of association between classical risk factors and human infection.

Evaluation of 6-Gingerol and its modified analogues as therapeutic candidates against Schistosoma mansoni phosphofructokinase

The African most prevalent tropical disease after malaria is schistosomiasis and this disease in the developing countries is a massive socio-economic and public health burden. The disease also caused over 200,000 deaths. The development and design of new and novel antischistosomal drugs is now very important, as there are no vaccines currently and there is only one drug at the moment for the treatment of schistosomiasis. In this article, 6-gingerol was docked against the Schistosoma mansoni phosphofructokinase and the docking result was compared to those obtained from the docking of its modified analogues against the same enzyme. The chemical structure of 6-gingerol was obtained from the PubChem database while the modified analogues were designed using the ChemAxon software. The molecular docking procedure was carried out with the aid of the AutoDock Vina software while polar interactions which were eventually used in predicting the amino acid residues at the Schistosoma mansoni phosphofructokinase active site were visualized using the Pymol software. The Schistosoma mansoni phosphofructokinase 3D crystallized structure was modeled using the Swiss Model server. The molecular docking result showed that the modifications made on 6-gingerol had a positive effect on the binding energy of the compound to the enzyme active site as an appreciable increase was observed. 6-Gingerol and its modified analogues also violated none of the Lipinski's rule with suggests that the experimental compounds are drug-like. The C2H5 analogue of 6 gingerol was selected as the ideal therapeutic agent based on the pharmacokinetics study and the exhibited binding energy(AU)

La enfermedad tropical con más prevalencia en África después de la malaria es la esquistosomiasis; en los países en vías de desarrollo constituye una carga socio-económica y de salud pública enorme. La enfermedad ha ocasionado más de 200.000 muertes anuales. El desarrollo y diseño de nuevas y novedosas drogas antiesquistosomales es muy importante, ya que actualmente no existe vacuna disponible y solo hay una sola droga licenciada para su tratamiento. En esta investigación, el compuesto 6-gingerol se acopló a la enzima fosfofructoquinasa de Schistosoma mansoni y se comparó con los resultados obtenidos a partir de las interacciones de sus análogos modificados a la misma enzima. La estructura química del 6-gingerol se obtuvo de la base de datos PubChem, mientras que los análogos modificados se diseñaron utilizando el software ChemAxon. El procedimiento de acoplamiento molecular se llevó a cabo con la ayuda del software AutoDockVina, mientras las interacciones polares eventualmente utilizadas para predecir los residuos de aminoácidos en el sitio activo de la enzima fosfofructoquinasa de Schistosoma mansoni se visualizaron empleando el software Pymol. La estructura cristalizada tridimensional de la enzima fosfofructoquinasa de Schistosoma mansoni se modeló utilizando el programa Swiss Model. Se demostró que las modificaciones realizadas en el 6-gingerol tuvieron un efecto positivo en la energía de unión del compuesto al sitio activo de la enzima, tras observarse un aumento apreciable de dicha energía. El compuesto 6-Gingerol y sus análogos modificados tampoco violaron ninguna de las reglas de Lipinski, lo que sugiere que estos compuestos experimentales tienen propiedades similares a los medicamentos. El análogo C2H5 de 6-gingerol se seleccionó como el agente terapéutico ideal, basados en el estudio de farmacocinética y la energía de enlace demostrada(AU)

Schistosomiasis in the middle paranapanema river region, state of São Paulo, Brazil: does it matter today for public health?

Abstract INTRODUCTION: The Middle Paranapanema watershed is known for the transmission of schistosomiasis, and there have been autochthonous cases since 1952. This study aimed to describe this disease in space and time and evaluate its current importance as a public health problem. METHODS: Thematic maps showing the risk areas for transmission of schistosomiasis, using scan statistics, and flow maps were created in the period 1978-2016. Incidence was calculated, and the existence of spatial dependence between autochthonous and imported cases was evaluated using Ripley's K12-function. Species of snails were identified in high-risk clusters. RESULTS: A total of 1,511 autochthonous cases were reported in eight of the 25 municipalities in the study area, of which 92.8% occurred in Ourinhos. A total of 2,189 imported cases were reported (27% in Ourinhos and 20% in Assis), mainly originating in the states of Paraná and Minas Gerais. Clusters of autochthonous and imported cases with higher risk were identified in Ourinhos, Assis and Ipaussu. However, over the years, the cases began to occur in low density in Ourinhos and no longer in other municipalities in the region. The cluster detected in the period 2007-2016 in Ourinhos still has risk for the transmission of schistosomiasis. K12-function analysis indicated positive spatial dependence between autochthonous and imported cases. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed that, currently, schistosomiasis as a public health problem in Middle Paranapanema is restricted to Ourinhos. This fact may be related to the presence of Biomphalaria glabrata at a specific point and low coverage of basic sanitation.

Avaliação do Programa de Enfrentamento às Doenças Negligenciadas para o controle da esquistossomose mansônica em três municípios hiperendêmicos, Pernambuco, Brasil, 2014 / Evaluación del Programa de Afrontamiento de Enfermedades Desatendidas para el control de la esquistosomiasis mansoni en tres municipios hiperendémicos, Pernambuco, Brasil, 2014 / Evaluation of the Program to Combat Neglected Diseases in controlling schistosomiasis mansoni in three hyperendemic municipalities, Pernambuco, Brazil, 2014

Objetivo: avaliar a implantação das ações de controle da esquistossomose mansônica do Programa de Enfrentamento às Doenças Negligenciadas em três municípios de Pernambuco, Brasil. Métodos: análise de implantação, realizada em 2014, considerando-se os componentes de gestão, vigilância epidemiológica, assistência ao paciente e apoio laboratorial, e educação em saúde; utilizaram-se observação direta e entrevistas com gestores e técnicos dos níveis estadual, regional e municipal. Resultados: verificou-se implantação parcial nos municípios A e B 69,7%; 62,2%, enquanto o município C classificou-se como implantado 79,5%; houve fragilidades de contexto relativas à comunicação entre instâncias gestoras, insuficiente autonomia técnico-gerencial dos níveis descentralizados e instabilidade profissional; como potencialidades, identificaram-se educação permanente, articulação política, conhecimento sobre o programa e avaliação de desempenho. Conclusão: categorias contextuais relacionadas com o desenvolvimento e implantação destacaram-se pela influência positiva no nível de implantação dos três municípios; recomenda-se intervir nas fragilidades observadas, para garantia da sustentabilidade e institucionalização do programa.

Objetivo: evaluar la implantación de las acciones de control de la esquistosomiasis mansoni del Programa de Afrontamiento de Enfermedades Desatendidas en tres municipios de Pernambuco, Brasil. Métodos: análisis de implantación, realizado en 2014, considerando los componentes gestión, vigilancia epidemiológica, asistencia al paciente y apoyo de laboratorio, y educación en salud; se utilizó la observación directa y entrevistas con gestores/técnicos de niveles estadual, regional y municipal. Resultados: implantación parcial en los municipios A y B 69,7%; 62,2%, mientras que el C se clasificó como implantado 79,5%; el contexto demostró fragilidades de comunicación entre instancias gestoras, insuficiente autonomía técnico-gerencial de los niveles descentralizados e inestabilidad profesional; como potencialidades, se identificaron educación permanente, articulación política, conocimiento del programa y evaluación de desempeño. Conclusión: las categorías contextuales relacionadas al desarrollo e implantación se destacaron por la influencia positiva a nivel de implantación de los tres municipios; se recomienda intervenir sobre las fragilidades observadas, para garantizar la sostenibilidad e institucionalización del programa.

Objective: to evaluate the implementation of schistosomiasis mansoni control actions under the Program to Combat Neglected Diseases in three municipalities in Pernambuco state, Brazil. Methods: implementation analysis was done in 2014, considering the following components - management, epidemiological surveillance, patient care, laboratorial support and health education -; direct observation and interviews were carried out with managers and technical personnel at the state, regional, and municipal levels. Results: partial implementation was found in municipalities A and B 69.7%; 62.2%, while there was full implementation in municipality C 79.5%; contextual weaknesses were found in communication between management levels, insufficient technical-management autonomy of decentralized levels, and professional staff job instability; potentialities identified were - continuing education, political articulation, knowledge about the program, and performance evaluation. Conclusion: contextual categories related to development and implementation stood out for their positive influence on the degree of implementation in the municipalities; we recommend intervention in the weaknesses found, in order to ensure program sustainability and institutionalization.

Schistosomiasis mansoni in families of fishing workers of endemic area of Alagoas / Esquistosomiasis mansónica en familias de trabajadores de la pesca de área endémica de Alagoas / Esquistossomose mansônica em famílias de trabalhadores da pesca de área endêmica de Alagoas

Abstract Objective: To analyze the epidemiological and clinical aspects involved in the transmission and manifestation of schistosomiasis in a community of fishermen from the endemic area of Alagoas. Methods: Epidemiological, transversal, prospective, descriptive, quantitative study. The coproparasitological survey included 275 family units of fish workers and the epidemiological and clinical ones, those with a positive diagnosis for S. mansoni. Results: The prevalence of schistosomiasis was 13.9% (fishermen), 2.1% (shellfish) and 2.1% (family members). The occurrence of the infection varied according to gender, age, ethnicity and socioeconomic status. Exposure occurred near the home. Autochthonous and predominant low parasite burden, intestinal clinical presentation, abdominal pain and diarrhea were observed. There were no nutritional and pressure changes associated with parasitosis. Adherence to drug therapy and use of the schistosomicidal drug was feared. Conclusion: Fish workers are at high risk for contracting the disease with clinical hepatointestinal manifestation, which requires more intense health actions.

Resumen Objetivo: Analizar los aspectos epidemiológicos y clínicos involucrados en la transmisión y manifestación de la esquistosomiasis en una comunidad de pescadores de área endémica de Alagoas. Métodos: Estudio epidemiológico, transversal, prospectivo, descriptivo, cuantitativo. La encuesta coproparasitológica contempló 275 unidades familiares de los trabajadores de la pesca y el epidemiológico y clínico, aquellos con diagnóstico positivo para S. mansoni. Resultados: La prevalencia de la esquistosomiasis fue 13,9% (pescadores), 2,1% (marisqueras) y 2,1% (familiares). La ocurrencia de la infección varió según el género, edad, etnia y condición socioeconómica. La exposición ocurrió cerca del domicilio. Se observó autoctonía y predominio de carga parasitaria baja, presentación clínica intestinal, dolor abdominal y diarrea. No hubo alteraciones nutricionales y presión arterial asociadas a la parasitosis. Existia el temor de la adhesión a la terapia medicamentosa y al uso de la droga esquistomicida. Conclusión: Los trabajadores de la pesca presentan alto riesgo para contraer la enfermedad con manifestación clínica hepatointestinal, lo que requiere acciones de salud más intensas.

Resumo Objetivo: Analisar os aspectos epidemiológicos e clínicos envolvidos na transmissão e manifestação da esquistossomose em uma comunidade de pescadores de área endêmica de Alagoas. Métodos: Estudo epidemiológico, transversal, prospectivo, descritivo, quantitativo. O inquérito coproparasitólogico contemplou 275 unidades familiares de trabalhadores da pesca e o epidemiológico e clínico, àqueles com diagnóstico positivo para S. mansoni. Resultados: A prevalência da esquistossomose foi 13,9% (pescadores), 2,1% (marisqueiras) e 2,1% (familiares). A ocorrência da infecção variou conforme gênero, idade, etnia e condição socioeconômica. A exposição ocorreu próxima ao domicílio. Observou-se autoctonia e predominância de carga parasitária baixa, apresentação clínica intestinal, dor abdominal e diarreia. Não ocorreram alterações nutricionais e pressóricas associadas à parasitose. Houve receio na adesão à terapêutica medicamentosa e ao uso do fármaco esquistossomicida. Conclusão: Os trabalhadores da pesca apresentam alto risco para contrair a doença com manifestação clínica hepatointestinal, o que requer ações de saúde mais fortalecidas.

Schistosomal liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma - case series of patients submitted to liver transplantation

ABSTRACT Schistosomiasis affects approximately 207 million people in 76 countries. The association between hepatocellular carcinoma and Schistosoma mansoni infection has been investigated. Studies using animal models suggest that the parasite may accelerate the oncogenic process when combined with other factors, such as hepatitis C virus infection or exposure to a carcinogen. Herein, we report a case series of six hepatocellular carcinoma patients from Northeast Brazil, with negative serology for both hepatitis B and C virus, submitted to liver transplantation, whose explant showed evidence of schistosomal liver fibrosis. Since all patients enrolled in this study were submitted to liver transplantation, we were able to access the whole explanted liver and perform histopathological analysis, which is often not possible in other situations. Although 50% of them showed signs of liver failure, no cirrhosis or any liver disease other than schistosomal fibrosis had been detected. These uncommon findings suggest that Schistosoma mansoni infection might predispose to hepatocellular carcinoma development, regardless of the absence of other risk factors.

Clinical-epidemiological and laboratory profiles of severe Schistosomiasis mansoni infections at a university hospital

OBJECTIVE: Schistosomiasis remains a public health problem. This was a descriptive and retrospective study of 42 patients with a severe form of schistosomiasis who were admitted to the outpatient clinic of the Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, in São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: A data collection questionnaire was designed from the patient charts, and the following variables were evaluated: age, sex, place of birth, occupation, signs and symptoms of schistosomiasis, data from laboratory and imaging examinations, data regarding treatment outcomes, and the existence of comorbidities. Statistical analysis was carried out using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 15.0 and Microsoft Excel 2003 software. The significance levels of the tests were fixed, accepting 5% type 1 error (α=0.05). Since this was a retrospective observational study, not all data were available for analysis. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 48.24 years; 57.1% were male. Statistically significant associations were observed between splenomegaly and thrombocytopenia (p=0.004) and between splenomegaly and leukopenia (p=0.046); however, only 4.5% of the patients had esophageal hemorrhage. Some patients received a specific treatment; of those, 42% took praziquantel, and 35.4% took oxamniquine. Nonspecific drug therapy was given as follows: 65% received propranolol, 90% omeprazole, and 43.6% aluminum hydroxide. The other treatments were as follows: 92.9% of patients underwent endoscopic treatment, 85% received sclerotherapy, and 62.5% used elastic bandages. CONCLUSION: This preliminary study presents a multidisciplinary outpatient follow-up associated with endoscopic and drug treatments that may be effective at preventing bleeding.

Investigação sobre os casos e óbitos por esquistossomose na cidade do Recife, Pernambuco, Brasil, 2005-2013 / Investigación sobre los casos y los óbitos por esquistosomiasis en la ciudad de Recife, Pernambuco, Brasil, 2005-2013 / Investigation of schistosomiasis cases and deaths in the city of Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil, 2005-2013

Objetivo: descrever os casos e óbitos por esquistossomose em residentes na cidade de Recife, Pernambuco, Brasil, no período 2005-2013. Métodos: estudo epidemiológico descritivo com dados do Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade (SIM) (2005-2013) e do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (Sinan) (2007-2013); realizou-se a busca ativa dos familiares dos óbitos e o relacionamento probabilístico das bases de dados (2007-2013) pelo aplicativo Reclink. Resultados: no SIM, registraram-se 297 óbitos por esquistossomose no período estudado; pela busca ativa, 130 familiares foram contatados, identificando-se 20,8% de autoctonia; no Sinan, 388 casos foram registrados para residentes no Recife; pelo relacionamento probabilístico, identificaram-se 23 registros pareados entre SIM e Sinan. Conclusão: a investigação dos óbitos demonstrou que alguns indivíduos nunca viajaram para fora do Recife e evoluíram para a fase crônica da doença; 23,8% dos casos notificados no Sinan tiveram como município de infecção o Recife.

Objetivo: describir casos y óbitos por esquistosomiasis en residentes de la ciudad de Recife, Pernambuco, Brasil, en el período de 2005 a 2013. Métodos: estudio epidemiológico descriptivo con datos del Sistema Información sobre Mortalidad (SIM) (2005-2013) y del Sistema de Información de Agravamientos de Notificación (Sinan) (2007-2013); se realizó la búsqueda activa de los familiares de los fallecidos y la relación probabilística de los datos (2007-2013) en el aplicativo Reclink. Resultados: en el SIM, hubo 297 óbitos por esquistosomiasis; en la búsqueda activa, se identificaron 130 familiares y un 20,8% de autoctonía; en Sinan, 388 casos fueron registrados para residentes en Recife; en la relación probabilística, 23 registros pareados fueron identificados en el SIM y el Sinan. Conclusión: la investigación de los óbitos mostró que algunas personas nunca viajaron fuera de Recife y evolucionaron a la fase crónica de la enfermedad; 23,8% de los casos registrados en el Sinan tuvieron a Recife como municipio de la infección.

Objective: to describe schistosomiasis cases and deaths among residents of the city of Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil, from 2005 to 2013. Methods: this was a descriptive epidemiological study using data from the Mortality Information System (SIM) (2005-2013) and the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN) (2007-2013); active tracing of the relatives of the dead was undertaken and probabilistic linkage of the databases (2007-2013) was performed using the Reclink program. Results: 297 schistosomiasis deaths were recorded on the SIM system; through active tracing, 130 relatives were contacted and 20.8% autochthony was identified; 388 cases resident in Recife were registered on the SINAN system; through probabilistic linkage, 23 matching records were identified on SIM and SINAN. Conclusion: investigation of deaths showed that some individuals had never traveled outside Recife and progressed to the chronic stage of the disease; 23.8% of the cases registered on SINAN had Recife as the municipality in which infection occurred.

Schistosomiasis in the Amazon region: is the current diagnostic strategy still appropriate?

Abstract INTRODUCTION: This study analyzed the performance of the Kato Katz technique in detecting intestinal schistosomiasis in the State of Pará. METHODS: Of three stool samples provided by each of 380 participants, a total of 16 Kato Katz slides were examined to define the reference value (RV) of positives for comparisons. RESULTS: The RV revealed 37 (9.7%) infected participants in contrast to 10 (2.6%) according to a single slide. CONCLUSIONS: This significant underestimation of the infection rate gives reason to discuss if the current classification of prevalence levels reflects the real situation, principally in low transmission areas, like the Amazon region.

Morbidity of schistosomiasis mansoni in a low endemic setting in Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Despite the advances of disease control programs, severe forms of schistosomiasis are prevalent. The prevalence of the disease in areas frequented by tourists urges for permanent prevention and control. The aim of this study was to describe the morbidity of schistosomiasis in the district of Antônio Pereira, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil. METHODS: The proportion of positives was defined by Kato-Katz coproscopy and urinary POC-CCA rapid test. Hepatosplenic form was diagnosed using abdominal ultrasound. RESULTS: Out of 180 participants,97 were examined by Kato-Katz, with 4 (4.1%) being positive. Thirty-four (22.1%) out of 154 were positive by POC-CCA. Five (2.8%) of 177 examined by ultrasound had hepatosplenic form. One of them had undergone splenectomy. One (0.6%)participant had myeloradiculopathy. CONCLUSIONS: Severe forms of schistosomiasis are still prevalent in low endemic areas and should be thoroughly investigated.

Ectopic forms of schistosomiasis mansoni in the second macroregion of Alagoas: case series report and review of the literature

Abstract INTRODUCTION Ectopic forms of schistosomiasis are those in which the parasitic element is localized outside the portal system, the natural habitat of the helminth. Although the prevalence rates of schistosomiasis are high in Brazil, clinical and epidemiological data on ectopic forms of the disease are still scarce. METHODS Cross-sectional, retrospective and descriptive epidemiological study in which cases with a confirmed histopathological diagnosis of an ectopic form of schistosomiasis were analyzed. The cases were selected from a database of the anatomic pathology files of a referral center. RESULTS Of the 21 cases identified, seven affected the female genital tract and five the male genital tract; four cases were identified in the peritoneum; two cases involved lymph nodes and two involved adipose tissue; and renal involvement was detected in one case. CONCLUSIONS The lack of knowledge of the clinical presentation of ectopic forms of schistosomiasis makes the early identification and treatment of this form difficult, with direct implications in the reduction of morbidity and mortality in endemic areas.

Detection of schistosomiasis in an area directly affected by the São Francisco River large-scale water transposition project in the Northeast of Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: The development of the São Francisco River Integration Project [Projeto de Integração do Rio São Francisco (PISF)] in the State of Ceará, Brazil, has resulted in environmental and socioeconomic changes with potential risks to public health. We aimed to determine the presence of Schistosoma mansoni infections in schoolchildren (aged 7-14 years) and workers from the construction site in an area under the direct influence of the PISF in the municipality of Brejo Santo-CE, to aid in the prevention and control of schistosomiasis. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study using two S. mansoni-detection methods: detection of S. mansoni eggs by the Kato-Katz parasitological method in stool samples (assessed in triplicate for each sample) and S. mansoni circulating cathodic antigen by the point-of-care immunochromatographic rapid test (POC-CCA) in urine. RESULTS In general, the positivity rates for S. mansoni detection were 1.9% (2/106) among schoolchildren and 2.9% (4/138) among workers. No child had evidence of S. mansoni eggs in their stools; 1.9% tested positive by the POC-CCA method. Among workers, two (1.4%) tested positive by the Kato-Katz test and three (2.2%) by the POC-CCA test. If the POC-CCA test results that were scored as traces were considered negative, then the positivity rates dropped to 0.9% and 0.7% for schoolchildren and workers, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The active transmission of schistosomiasis in a region covered by the PISF was recognized, reinforcing the necessity to consolidate surveillance and control actions, as well as structural sanitation measures to reverse the social determinants of the disease.

Thrombocytopenia as a marker of liver steatosis in a low-endemic area for schistosomiasis mansoni / Trombocitopenia como marcador de esteatose hepática em áreas de baixa endemicidade de esquistossomose mansoni

Summary Introduction: Thrombocytopenia is commonly found in patients living in highly endemic areas for Schistosoma mansoni. Recently, different degrees of liver steatosis have also been associated with low platelet counts worldwide. We investigated the association of platelet counts with hepatosplenic schistosomiasis and with liver steatosis in an area of low prevalence of schistosomiasis in Brazil. Method: Pains, a city in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, had a population of 8,307 inhabitants and a schistosomiasis prevalence of 8%. Four micro-areas comprising 1,045 inhabitants were selected for this study. Blood sample was collected and a complete blood count (CBC) was performed. Eighty-seven (87) patients had low platelet counts (group 1 - 8.3%) and 94 volunteers presenting normal CBC were randomized (group 2 - 8.9%). They underwent clinical and ultrasound examinations. Liver steatosis was determined as either present or absent using abdominal ultrasound. A spleen > 12 cm in length, measured by ultrasound (US), was considered to be increased. Data collected were analyzed using SPSS software version 19.0. Results: Twenty-two patients (22/25.3%) in group 1 had liver steatosis compared with 11 volunteers (11.7%) in group 2 (p=0.02). Hepatosplenic schistosomiasis was diagnosed in two patients (p>0.05). Conclusion: Thrombocytopenia was not a good marker of hepatosplenic schistosomiasis mansoni in a low prevalence area in Brazil. Liver steatosis was associated with thrombocytopenia in our study.

Resumo Introdução: Trombocitopenia é um achado comum em pacientes que residem em áreas com alta endemicidade de esquistossomose mansônica. Recentemente, diferentes graus de esteatose hepática também têm sido associados a níveis baixos de plaquetas em todo o mundo. Investigamos a associação de níveis séricos de plaquetas com a forma grave da esquistossomose e com esteatose hepática em área de baixa prevalência de esquistossomose no Brasil. Método: Pains, cidade localizada no estado de Minas Gerais/Brasil, tem população de 8.307 habitantes e prevalência de esquistossomose de 8%. Em quatro microáreas dessa região, 1.045 habitantes foram avaliados para o estudo. Amostra de sangue foi coletada para realização do hemograma. Oitenta e sete (87) pessoas com níveis baixos de plaquetas formaram o grupo 1 (8,3%), e 94 voluntários com hemograma normal foram randomizados para compor o grupo 2 (8,9%). Todos os participantes dos grupos 1 e 2 foram submetidos a exame clínico e ultrassonografia (US) abdominal. Esteatose hepática foi caracterizada como presente ou ausente pela ultrassonografia (US) abdominal. Baços com mais de 12 cm de comprimento à US foram considerados aumentados. Os dados coletados foram analisados pelo programa de estatística SPSS 19.0. Resultados: Vinte e dois (22) indivíduos do grupo 1 (25,3%) e 11 do grupo 2 apresentaram esteatose hepática (11,7%) (p=0,02). Esquistossomose hepatoesplênica foi diagnosticada em dois pacientes (p>0,05). Conclusão: Trombocitopenia não foi um bom marcador de esquistossomose mansônica hepatoesplênica em área de baixa prevalência da esquistossomose no Brasil. Esteatose hepática foi associada com trombocitopenia no presente estudo.

Spatial analysis of viral hepatitis and schistosomiasis coinfection in an endemic area in Northeastern Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: This cross-sectional study analyzed the spatial distribution of hepatitis B or C virus (HBV/HBC) and schistosomiasis coinfection. METHODS: Serum samples were collected from patients with Schistosoma mansoni infection. These were tested for serological markers of HBV/HCV infection. The spatial distribution of coinfection was analyzed using intensity kernel estimation. RESULTS: Overall, 9.4% of individuals had contact with HBV and 1.7% of samples tested positive for anti-HCV antibodies. We identified clusters of risk located in the central region. CONCLUSIONS: Spatial analysis allowed visualization of high-risk areas, leading to a definition of priority areas to be targeted for intensification of control interventions.

Ovarian Manson's Schistosomiasis: Rare Diagnosis or Underestimated Prevalence? / Esquistossomose mansônica no ovário: diagnóstico raro ou prevalência subestimada?

Abstract The occurrence of Manson's schistosomiasis in organs of the female reproductive tract is an uncommon event, given that the etiological agent for this disease is a blood parasite that inhabits the mesenteric veins. In this case report, a 45-year-old female patient reported that her first symptoms had been strong pain in the left iliac region around two years earlier. An endovaginal pelvic ultrasonography showed that the left ovary was enlarged, and the report suggested that this finding might be correlated with clinical data and tumor markers. After being examined at several healthcare services, the patient was referred to an oncology service due to suspected neoplasia, where she underwent a left ovariectomy. The result from the histopathological examination showed the presence of granulomatous inflammatory processes surrounding both viable and calcified eggs of Schistosoma mansoni. There was no evidence of any neoplastic tissue. The patient was medicated and followed-up as an outpatient.

Resumo A ocorrência da esquistossomose mansônica em órgãos do aparelho reprodutor feminino é um evento pouco comum, tendo em vista que o agente etiológico desta doença é um parasito sanguíneo que habita as veias mesentéricas. Neste relato decaso, uma paciente de 45 anos referiu como primeira sintomatologia fortes dores na região ilíaca esquerda há cerca de 2 anos. Uma ultrassonografia pélvica endovaginal identificou aumento do ovário esquerdo, e o laudo sugeriu correlacionar tal achado com dados clínicos e marcadores tumorais. Após passar por vários serviços de saúde, a paciente foi encaminhada para um serviço de oncologia por suspeita de neoplasia, sendo submetida a uma ovariectomia à esquerda. O resultado do exame histopatológico evidenciou a presença de processos inflamatórios granulomatosos em torno de ovos viáveis e calcificados de Schistosoma mansoni. Não houve qualquer evidência de tecido neoplásico. A paciente foi medicada, e seguiu em acompanhamento ambulatorial.

A tale of two neglected tropical infections: using GIS to assess the spatial and temporal overlap of schistosomiasis and leprosy in a region of Minas Gerais, Brazil

BACKGROUND Despite public health efforts to reduce the global burden of leprosy, gaps remain in the knowledge surrounding transmission of infection. Helminth co-infections have been associated with a shift towards the lepromatous end of the disease spectrum, potentially increasing transmission in co-endemic areas. OBJECTIVES Using this biologically plausible association, we conducted a geographic information systems (GIS) study to investigate the spatial associations of schistosomiasis and leprosy in an endemic area of Minas Gerais (MG), Brazil. METHODS Data on new cases of Mycobacterium leprae and Schistosoma mansoni infections from 2007-2014 were retrieved from the Brazilian national notifiable diseases information system for seven municipalities in and surrounding Vespasiano, MG. A total of 139 cases of leprosy and 200 cases of schistosomiasis were mapped to a municipality level. For one municipality, cases were mapped to a neighborhood level and a stratified analysis was conducted to identify spatial associations. FINDINGS A relative risk of 6.80 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.46 - 31.64] of leprosy was found in neighborhoods with schistosomiasis. Incidence rates of leprosy increased with corresponding incidence rates of schistosomiasis, and the temporal trends of both infections were similar. CONCLUSIONS The associations found in this project support the hypothesis that helminth infections may influence the transmission of leprosy in co-endemic areas.

The Geographic Information System applied to study schistosomiasis in Pernambuco / Os Sistemas de Informação Geográfica em estudo sobre a esquistossomose em Pernambuco

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE Diagnose risk environments for schistosomiasis in coastal localities of Pernambuco using geoprocessing techniques. METHODS A coproscopic and malacological survey were carried out in the Forte Orange and Serrambi areas. Environmental variables (temperature, salinity, pH, total dissolved solids and water fecal coliform dosage) were collected from Biomphalaria breeding sites or foci. The spatial analysis was performed using ArcGis 10.1 software, applying the kernel estimator, elevation map, and distance map. RESULTS In Forte Orange, 4.3% of the population had S. mansoni and were found two B. glabrata and 26 B. straminea breeding sites. The breeding sites had temperatures of 25ºC to 41ºC, pH of 6.9 to 11.1, total dissolved solids between 148 and 661, and salinity of 1,000 d. In Serrambi, 4.4% of the population had S. mansoni and were found seven B. straminea and seven B. glabrata breeding sites. Breeding sites had temperatures of 24ºC to 36ºC, pH of 7.1 to 9.8, total dissolved solids between 116 and 855, and salinity of 1,000 d. The kernel estimator shows the clusters of positive patients and foci of Biomphalaria, and the digital elevation map indicates areas of rainwater concentration. The distance map shows the proximity of the snail foci with schools and health facilities. CONCLUSIONS Geoprocessing techniques prove to be a competent tool for locating and scaling the risk areas for schistosomiasis, and can subsidize the health services control actions.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Diagnosticar ambientes de risco para esquistossomose em localidades litorâneas de Pernambuco utilizando técnicas de geoprocessamento. MÉTODOS Foi realizado inquérito coproscópico e malacológico nas localidades Forte Orange e Serrambi. Foram coletadas variáveis ambientais (temperatura, salinidade, pH, sólidos totais dissolvidos e dosagem de coliformes fecais da água) relacionadas aos criadouros ou focos de Biomphalaria. A análise espacial foi realizada no software ArcGis 10.1, aplicando-se o estimador kernel, mapa de elevação e mapa de distância. RESULTADOS No Forte Orange, 4,3% da população estava com S. mansoni e existem dois criadouros de B. glabrata e 26 de B. straminea. Os criadouros apresentaram temperaturas de 25ºC a 41ºC, pH de 6,9 a 11,1, sólidos totais dissolvidos de 148 a 661 e salinidade de 1.000 d. Em Serrambi, 4,4% da população estava com S. mansoni e há sete criadouros de B. straminea e sete de B. glabrata. Os criadouros apresentaram temperaturas de 24ºC a 36ºC, pH de 7,1 a 9,8, sólidos totais dissolvidos de 116 a 855 e salinidade de 1.000 d. O estimador de kernel mostra os aglomerados de pacientes positivos e de focos de Biomphalaria, e o mapa de elevação digital indica áreas de concentração de águas pluviais. O mapa de distância mostra a proximidade dos focos dos caramujos em relação às escolas e unidades de saúde. CONCLUSÕES As técnicas de geoprocessamento se mostraram como importantes ferramentas para a localização e dimensionamento das áreas de risco para esquistossomose, podendo subsidiar as ações de controle por parte dos serviços de saúde.