Association Between Gut Microbiota and Delirium in Acutely Ill Older Adults.

Our aim was to investigate the association between gut microbiota and delirium occurrence in acutely ill older adults. We included 133 participants 65+ years consecutively admitted to the emergency department of a tertiary university hospital, between September 2019 and March 2020. We excluded candidates with ≥24-hour antibiotic utilization on admission, recent prebiotic or probiotic utilization, artificial nutrition, acute gastrointestinal disorders, severe traumatic brain injury, recent hospitalization, institutionalization, expected discharge ≤48 hours, or admission for end-of-life care. A trained research team followed a standardized interview protocol to collect sociodemographic, clinical, and laboratory data on admission and throughout the hospital stay. Our exposure measures were gut microbiota alpha and beta diversities, taxa relative abundance, and core microbiome. Our primary outcome was delirium, assessed twice daily using the Confusion Assessment Method. Delirium was detected in 38 participants (29%). We analyzed 257 swab samples. After adjusting for potential confounders, we observed that a greater alpha diversity (higher abundance and richness of microorganisms) was associated with a lower risk of delirium, as measured by the Shannon (odds ratio [OR] = 0.77; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.60-0.99; p = .042) and Pielou indexes (OR = 0.69; 95% CI = 0.51-0.87; p = .005). Bacterial taxa associated with pro-inflammatory pathways (Enterobacteriaceae) and modulation of relevant neurotransmitters (Serratia: dopamine; Bacteroides, Parabacteroides: GABA) were more common in participants with delirium. Gut microbiota diversity and composition were significantly different in acutely ill hospitalized older adults who experienced delirium. Our work is an original proof-of-concept investigation that lays a foundation for future biomarker studies and potential therapeutic targets for delirium prevention and treatment.

Factors associated with incomplete vaccination and negative antibody test results for measles, mumps, and hepatitis A among children followed in the MINA-BRAZIL cohort.

Vaccination coverage has been dropping in Brazil and other countries. In addition, immune responses after vaccination may not be homogeneous, varying according to sociodemographic and clinical factors. Understanding the determinants of incomplete vaccination and negative antibody test results may contribute to the development of strategies to improve vaccination effectiveness. In this study, we aimed to investigate the frequency of vaccine adherence, factors associated with incomplete vaccination for measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) and hepatitis A, and factors associated with the seronegative test results for measles, mumps and hepatitis A at 2 years of age. This was a population-based cohort that addressed health conditions and mother/infant nutrition in Cruzeiro do Sul city, Brazil. Vaccination data were obtained from official certificates of immunization. The children underwent blood collection at the two-year-old follow-up visit; the samples were analyzed using commercially available kits to measure seropositivity for measles, mumps, and hepatitis A. We used modified Poisson regression models adjusted for covariates to identify factors associated with incomplete vaccination and negative serology after vaccination. Out of the 825 children included in the study, adherence to the vaccine was 90.6% for MMR, 76.7% for the MMRV (MMR + varicella), and 74.9% for the hepatitis A vaccine. For MMR, after the adjustment for covariates, factors associated with incomplete vaccination included: white-skinned mother; paid maternity leave; raising more than one child; lower number of antenatal consultations; and attending childcare. For hepatitis A, the factors included: white-skinned mother and not having a cohabiting partner. The factors with statistically significant association with a negative antibody test result included: receiving Bolsa Familia allowance for measles and mumps; incomplete vaccination for measles; and vitamin A deficiency for mumps. Strategies to improve the efficiency of vaccine programs are urgently needed. These include improvements in communication about vaccine safety and efficacy, and amplification of access to primary care facilities, prioritizing children exposed to the sociodemographic factors identified in this study. Additionally, sociodemographic factors and vitamin A deficiency may impact the immune responses to vaccines, leading to an increased risk of potentially severe and preventable diseases.

Lumbar puncture for neurosyphilis investigation in asymptomatic patients with HIV-syphilis coinfection: a cross-sectional study among infectious disease specialists

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Syphilis is a major public health issue worldwide. In people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV), there are higher incidences of both syphilis and neurosyphilis. The criteria for referring PLHIV with syphilis for lumbar puncture is controversial, and the diagnosis of neurosyphilis is challenging. OBJECTIVE: To describe the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of infectious disease specialists and residents in the context of care for asymptomatic HIV-syphilis coinfection using close-ended questions and case vignettes. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study conducted in three public health institutions in São Paulo (SP), Brazil. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we invited infectious disease specialists and residents at three academic healthcare institutions to answer a self-completion questionnaire available online or in paper form. RESULTS: Of 98 participants, only 23.5% provided answers that were in line with the current Brazilian recommendation. Most participants believed that the criteria for lumbar puncture should be extended for people living with HIV with low CD4+ cell counts (52.0%); in addition, participants also believed that late latent syphilis (29.6%) and Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) titers ≥ 1:32 (22.4%) should be conditions for lumbar puncture in PLHIV with no neurologic symptoms. CONCLUSION: This study highlights heterogeneities in the clinical management of HIV-syphilis coinfection. Most infectious disease specialists still consider syphilis stage, VDRL titers and CD4+ cell counts as important parameters when deciding which patients need lumbar puncture for investigating neurosyphilis.

Lumbar puncture for neurosyphilis investigation in asymptomatic patients with HIV-syphilis coinfection: a cross-sectional study among infectious disease specialists.

BACKGROUND: Syphilis is a major public health issue worldwide. In people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV), there are higher incidences of both syphilis and neurosyphilis. The criteria for referring PLHIV with syphilis for lumbar puncture is controversial, and the diagnosis of neurosyphilis is challenging. OBJECTIVE: To describe the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of infectious disease specialists and residents in the context of care for asymptomatic HIV-syphilis coinfection using close-ended questions and case vignettes. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study conducted in three public health institutions in São Paulo (SP), Brazil. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we invited infectious disease specialists and residents at three academic healthcare institutions to answer a self-completion questionnaire available online or in paper form. RESULTS: Of 98 participants, only 23.5% provided answers that were in line with the current Brazilian recommendation. Most participants believed that the criteria for lumbar puncture should be extended for people living with HIV with low CD4+ cell counts (52.0%); in addition, participants also believed that late latent syphilis (29.6%) and Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) titers ≥ 1:32 (22.4%) should be conditions for lumbar puncture in PLHIV with no neurologic symptoms. CONCLUSION: This study highlights heterogeneities in the clinical management of HIV-syphilis coinfection. Most infectious disease specialists still consider syphilis stage, VDRL titers and CD4+ cell counts as important parameters when deciding which patients need lumbar puncture for investigating neurosyphilis.

Factors associated with incomplete vaccination and negative antibody test results for measles, mumps, and hepatitis A among children followed in the MINA-BRAZIL cohort

ABSTRACT Vaccination coverage has been dropping in Brazil and other countries. In addition, immune responses after vaccination may not be homogeneous, varying according to sociodemographic and clinical factors. Understanding the determinants of incomplete vaccination and negative antibody test results may contribute to the development of strategies to improve vaccination effectiveness. In this study, we aimed to investigate the frequency of vaccine adherence, factors associated with incomplete vaccination for measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) and hepatitis A, and factors associated with the seronegative test results for measles, mumps and hepatitis A at 2 years of age. This was a population-based cohort that addressed health conditions and mother/infant nutrition in Cruzeiro do Sul city, Brazil. Vaccination data were obtained from official certificates of immunization. The children underwent blood collection at the two-year-old follow-up visit; the samples were analyzed using commercially available kits to measure seropositivity for measles, mumps, and hepatitis A. We used modified Poisson regression models adjusted for covariates to identify factors associated with incomplete vaccination and negative serology after vaccination. Out of the 825 children included in the study, adherence to the vaccine was 90.6% for MMR, 76.7% for the MMRV (MMR + varicella), and 74.9% for the hepatitis A vaccine. For MMR, after the adjustment for covariates, factors associated with incomplete vaccination included: white-skinned mother; paid maternity leave; raising more than one child; lower number of antenatal consultations; and attending childcare. For hepatitis A, the factors included: white-skinned mother and not having a cohabiting partner. The factors with statistically significant association with a negative antibody test result included: receiving Bolsa Familia allowance for measles and mumps; incomplete vaccination for measles; and vitamin A deficiency for mumps. Strategies to improve the efficiency of vaccine programs are urgently needed. These include improvements in communication about vaccine safety and efficacy, and amplification of access to primary care facilities, prioritizing children exposed to the sociodemographic factors identified in this study. Additionally, sociodemographic factors and vitamin A deficiency may impact the immune responses to vaccines, leading to an increased risk of potentially severe and preventable diseases.

Predictors of knowledge of and access to biomedical prevention among MSM and transgender men in Latin America: Results from the Latin American internet survey.

INTRODUCTION: HIV is still a central public health issue in Latin America, disproportionally affecting key populations. Knowledge and access to biomedical prevention strategies, including treatment as prevention (TASP) or undetectable = untransmissible (U=U), pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), are the first steps to increasing uptake. We used data from the Latin American MSM Internet Survey (LAMIS) to describe knowledge and access to biomedical HIV prevention strategies among gay, bisexual, transgender and other men who have sex with men (MSM) living in 18 Latin American countries. METHODS: We compared LAMIS data across countries and according to age categories using frequencies and percentages. We also used multivariable models to explore whether age, gender identity, sexual identity, steady partnership, HIV status and education were independently associated with outcomes. RESULTS: In all, 55 924 participants were included. Most were cisgender (99%) and identified as gay/homosexual (77%) or bisexual (17%). Schooling levels were very high, with 89% reporting highest attained education as tertiary level, university or post-graduation. In total, 16% had been previously diagnosed with HIV; of those, rates of undetectable viral load varied from 60% in Venezuela to 83% in Brazil. Overall, 54%, 54% and 52% of participants already knew about PEP, PrEP and U=U, respectively. Participants from Brazil and those aged between 26 and 55 years, living with diagnosed HIV and having a gay/homosexual identity had greater levels of awareness about biomedical prevention strategies. CONCLUSIONS: Our study highlights gaps in HIV prevention campaigns directed to MSM in Latin America resulting in low uptake of biomedical prevention methods.

Real-life occurrence of bacterial sexually transmitted infections among PrEP users: improving the diagnosis of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae with multisite screening.

PrEP users are under high risk for bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STI), including those caused by Treponema pallidum (Tp), Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Ng). Ct and Ng screening at multiple anatomic sites may improve the diagnostic sensitivity among high-risk populations. We analyzed the prevalence and incidence of Ct, Ng, and Tp and investigated predictors of bacterial STI occurrence between January 2018 and November 2019 in a retrospective cohort of PrEP users in Sao Paulo, Brazil. We describe the frequency and percentage of Ct/Ng per anatomical site and calculate the percentage of missed diagnosis if molecular testing were applied only in symptomatic patients, or only in urine samples. Patients underwent syphilis testing every 3-4 months and Ct/Ng testing every 6 months. We included 413 PrEP users with a median age of 31 years. At baseline, 25% had a positive treponemal test and 7% had active syphilis; Ct and Ng were more frequently detected in the oropharynx and anus (6.4-6.9%) than in urine samples (0.7-2.6%). Twelve months after the onset of PrEP, the incidence of Tp, Ct and Ng was, respectively, 13.4%, 11.4% and 8.9%. During follow-up, 23 out of 33 Ct/Ng cases (69%, 95% CI 51-84) would have been missed if oropharynx and anus samples had not been tested. In addition, if only symptomatic cases had been tested, 30 out of 33 Ct/Ng cases (90%, 95% CI 75-98) would have been missed. Participants with incident STI had a higher baseline number of sexual partners and a longer follow-up. Our study reinforces that active and frequent screening for STI is a powerful strategy to improve the diagnostic sensitivity.

Demographics and serological profile of blood donors who opt for the confidential unit exclusion in a blood bank in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Blood transfusion is still an irreplaceable therapeutic modality, widely applied to medical care. Clinical interviews and laboratory testing for transfusion-transmitted infections (TTI) are routinely performed to prevent TTI among the recipients. However, there is still a residual risk of TTI, and some blood banks have adopted the confidential unit exclusion (CUE) as an additional safety strategy. In this study, we investigated the demographic characteristics and laboratory results of the screening of TTI among blood donors who opted for the CUE, compared to blood donors who did not opt for the CUE. In this study, we included 32,261 blood donations collected in a single blood bank in Sao Paulo, Brazil. A very small proportion of donors (0.25%) opted for the CUE. They were mainly single males and were more likely to have HBV, syphilis, and other positive results in the combined screening for TTI, in comparison with those who did not opt for the CUE. This difference was statistically significant in both the univariable and the multivariable analysis adjusted for age, gender , marital status and years of schooling. Our findings highlight that CUE may be a useful tool to improve the safety for blood recipients, but its efficiency is context-dependent.

Factors associated with attitudes towards HIV cure research among transgender women and travestis: a cross-sectional survey in São Paulo, Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: Characterising the perceptions of groups most affected by HIV is fundamental in establishing guidelines for biomedical advancement. Although Brazil has successfully fought HIV/AIDS through several measures, transgender women still have a likelihood of HIV infection 55 times higher than the general population. This study aimed to better understand the perception and awareness of HIV cure research among the trans-identifying population in São Paulo, Brazil, and to determine factors that motivate or discourage participation in HIV cure studies. SETTING: This cross-sectional study analysed data collected from a questionnaire administered to 118 transgender women and travestis at 5 sites within the city of São Paulo. It uses quantitative methodology to describe the perspectives of transgender and travesti people in relation to HIV cure research and the context in which such perspectives are produced. RESULTS: Of 118 participants, most participants (73%) had some knowledge of HIV cure research and were most willing to participate in online surveys (52%), interviews (52%), focus groups (52%) and studies involving blood draws (57%). Those with a higher education or employment status were more likely to agree that someone had been cured of HIV, people living with HIV are discriminated against, and more information about HIV cure research is needed before the community embraces it. Only 55% of participants completely trusted their physician. The biggest motivational factors included gaining additional knowledge about HIV infection (77%) and the potential for a longer, healthier life for all (73%). CONCLUSIONS: As a primary analysis of HIV cure attitudes among the transgender and travesti population as well as the social context in which they are formed, this study identifies opportunities to strengthen the dialogue and develop more educational collaborations between scientific investigators, community educators and the trans-identifying population to ensure that HIV cure research is inclusive of diverse perspectives.

Impact of health interventions on epidemiological and operational leprosy indicators in a hyperendemic municipality of Brazil.

The study aimed to analyze the impact of health interventions carried out in the city of Palmas, Brazil, on the epidemiological and operational indicators of leprosy between 2007 and 2017. The intervention consisted of training healthcare personnel on the diagnosis and follow-up of patients and organizing the referral of patients to health units. Estimates of the impact were calculated by taking the differences between indicators reported in two equal periods of 1.5 years pre- and post-intervention, with a transition period of six months. During the study period, the database contained 1,875 notifications, with 66% of cases diagnosed in the post-intervention period. There was a predominance of males (52%); aged 50 years or more (34.9%); with mixed ethnicity (63.5%). The low level of education was noticeable, with more than half of the cases (51.7%) reporting illiteracy or ≤ 7 years of education. The intervention resulted in an increase in both, epidemiological and operational indicators, suggesting a positive impact of the intervention on leprosy detection and treatment. Our results also emphasize the need for further studies addressing the impact of pragmatic health interventions aiming at controlling and eliminating the disease.

Access and adherence to isoniazid preventive therapy and occurrence of active TB in a cohort of people living with HIV: a retrospective cohort study in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Tuberculosis (TB) is still a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among people living with HIV (PLHIV). The diagnosis of latent TB is required for the implementation of prophylactic therapy with isoniazid (PTI). However, low access to diagnosis of latent TB and non-adherence to PTI may hinder potential benefits of this essential intervention. In this study, we addressed the access and adherence to PTI in a cohort of PLHIV with positive tuberculin skin test (TST) in a reference HIV clinic in Sao Paulo, Brazil. We have also analyzed the occurrence of active TB over a median of 131 months after a positive TST among study participants. Our findings revealed that 88.3% of the 238 TST-positive patients had access to PTI, and 196 (93.3%) of those with access adhered to PTI. Active tuberculosis was diagnosed in three of the 196 TST-positive patients who adhered to PTI (1.5%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.3-4.4%), whereas seven cases were detected among 42 patients without access or who did not adhere to PTI (16.6%; 95% CI 7.0-31.3%). The apparent beneficial effect of PTI in our cohort is consistent with previous studies including PLHIV, and highlights the importance of reliably delivering each of the steps between screening for latent TB and provision of PTI.

Immune effects of Lactobacillus casei Shirota in treated HIV-infected patients with poor CD4+ T-cell recovery.

BACKGROUND: HIV infection leads to depletion of intestinal CD4+ T cells, mucosal barrier dysfunction, increased gut permeability and microbial translocation even among patients on suppressive ART. Previous studies suggest probiotics may help restore intestinal function. METHODS: In this double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study, we enrolled HIV-infected patients on suppressive ART with poor CD4+ recovery to address the effect of daily oral use of Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS) on CD4+ T-cell count and CD4+/CD8+ ratio at 6 and 12 weeks after treatment initiation; immune activation and intestinal microbiome composition were addressed as secondary outcomes. RESULTS: From January 2015 to July 2016, 48 patients were randomized (1 : 1) to active intervention or placebo. Groups had comparable demographic and clinical characteristics; only CD4+ T-cell nadir was statistically different between groups. All participants were virologically suppressed under ART. At week 6, the increment in CD4+ T-cell count was 17 cells/µl [interquartile range (IQR) -33 to 74] in the active intervention arm and 4 cells/µl (IQR -43 to 51) in the placebo arm (P = 0.291); at week 12, the change in CD4+ T-cell count was 8 cells//µl (IQR -30 to 70) in the active arm and 10 cells//µl (IQR -50 to 33) among participants allocated to placebo (P = 0.495). Median change in CD4+/CD8+ ratio at week 6 compared with baseline was 0 (IQR -0.04 to 0.05) in the active intervention arm and -0.01 in the placebo arm (IQR -0.06 to 0.03; P = 0.671). At week 12, the change in CD4+/CD8+ ratio was higher in the active product group compared with placebo (respectively 0.07 and 0.01), but this difference failed to reach statistical significance (P = 0.171). We found no significant effects of LcS on immune activation markers, CD4+ and CD8+ subpopulations, sCD14 levels or NK cells at week 12. Finally, we found no statistically significant differences between groups in the change of enteric microbiome at week 12. CONCLUSION: In this pilot study, we found no statistically significant effect of LcS probiotic on CD4+ T-cell counts, CD4+/CD8+ ratio, immune activation or intestinal microbiome among HIV-infected patients on suppressive ART with poor CD4+ recovery.

Impact of health interventions on epidemiological and operational leprosy indicators in a hyperendemic municipality of Brazil

O estudo teve como objetivo analisar o impacto das intervenções de saúde realizadas na cidade de Palmas, Brasil, sobre os indicadores epidemiológicos e operacionais da hanseníase entre 2007 e 2017. A intervenção consistiu na capacitação de profissionais de saúde no diagnóstico e acompanhamento de pacientes e organizar o encaminhamento dos pacientes às unidades de saúde. As estimativas do impacto foram calculadas tomando as diferenças entre os indicadores reportados em dois períodos iguais de 1,5 anos pré e pós-intervenção, com um período de transição de seis meses. No período do estudo, o banco de dados continha 1.875 notificações, com 66% dos casos diagnosticados no período pós-intervenção. Houve predomínio do sexo masculino (52%); com 50 anos ou mais (34,9%); com etnia mista (63,5%). A baixa escolaridade foi perceptível, com mais da metade dos casos (51. 7%) relatando analfabetismo ou ≤ 7 anos de estudo. A intervenção resultou em um aumento nos indicadores epidemiológicos e operacionais, sugerindo um impacto positivo da intervenção na detecção e tratamento da hanseníase. Nossos resultados também enfatizam a necessidade de mais estudos que abordem o impacto de intervenções pragmáticas em saúde com o objetivo de controlar e eliminar a doença(AU).

The study aimed to analyze the impact of health interventions carried out in the city of Palmas, Brazil, on the epidemiological and operational indicators of leprosy between 2007 and 2017. The intervention consisted of training healthcare personnel on the diagnosis and follow-up of patients and organizing the referral of patients to health units. Estimates of the impact were calculated by taking the differences between indicators reported in two equal periods of 1.5 years pre- and post-intervention, with a transition period of six months. During the study period, the database contained 1,875 notifications, with 66% of cases diagnosed in the post-intervention period. There was a predominance of males (52%); aged 50 years or more (34.9%); with mixed ethnicity (63.5%). The low level of education was noticeable, with more than half of the cases (51.7%) reporting illiteracy or ≤ 7 years of education. The intervention resulted in an increase in both, epidemiological and operational indicators, suggesting a positive impact of the intervention on leprosy detection and treatment. Our results also emphasize the need for further studies addressing the impact of pragmatic health interventions aiming at controlling and eliminating the disease(AU).

Efficacy of sofosbuvir as treatment for yellow fever: protocol for a randomised controlled trial in Brazil (SOFFA study).

INTRODUCTION: An ongoing outbreak of yellow fever (YF) has been reported in Brazil with 1261 confirmed cases and 409 deaths since July 2017. To date, there is no specific treatment available for YF. Recently published papers describing in vitro and animal models suggest a potential effect of antiviral drugs (approved for the treatment of hepatitis virus) against flaviviruses, including YF. The primary aim of this study is to analyse the effect of sofosbuvir on viral kinetics and clinical outcomes among patients presenting with YF. This is a multicentre open-label randomised controlled trial with 1:1 individual allocation, stratified by severity and by recruiting centre. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Adults with suspected or confirmed YF infection and symptoms lasting up to 15 days are screened. Eligible and consenting patients are randomised to receive oral sofosbuvir 400 mg daily for 10 days or to receive standard clinical care. Viral kinetics are measured daily and the reduction in YF plasma viral load from the sample at inclusion to 72 hours after randomisation will be compared between active and control groups. Clinical outcomes include severity meeting criteria for intensive care support, liver transplantation, in-hospital mortality and mortality within 60 days. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethics approval was obtained at the participating sites and at the national research ethics committee (CAAE 82673018.6.1001.0068). The trial has been submitted for ethical approval at additional potential recruiting centres. Results of the study will be published in journals and presented at scientific meetings. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (RBR-93dp9n).

HIV-infected youths transitioning from pediatric to adult outpatient care in a teaching tertiary care hospital in São Paulo city, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: HIV-infected children surviving until adulthood have been transitioning to adult outpatient health care service in Brazil since the late 2000's. Deterioration of clinical condition is expected during this period, as reported among youths with non-communicable chronic diseases. Despite their young age, they are long-term hosts of the virus, have prolonged exposure to antiretroviral therapy and have suffered from the social determinants and stigma of HIV infection since early childhood. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to 1) describe demographic and clinical characteristics at the first appointment at adult care service following pediatric care of a cohort of Brazilian youths living with HIV since childhood; and 2) retrospectively address adherence and clinical variables in the last two years of pediatric follow-up. METHODS: Descriptive study. RESULTS: 41 consecutive patients referred to adult outpatient care from a pediatric HIV unit were enrolled, median age 19 years, and median lifetime CD4+nadir 117 cell/mm3; 89% reported previous AIDS-defining conditions. At first laboratory assessment in adult care, only 46% had undetectable (<400 copies/ml) HIV viral load and the median CD4+count was 250 cell/mm3. CONCLUSION: Youths living with HIV at the transition from pediatric to adult care had poor treatment adherence, low lifetime CD4+cell nadir, low CD4 cell count and detectable HIV viral load. Health care providers should closely monitor these adolescents in a youth friendly environment, prepared for open communication about all aspects of their health.

Predictors of Adherence to HIV Post-Exposure Prophylaxis and Retention in Care After an Episode of Sexual Violence in Brazil.

Adherence to nonoccupational post-exposure prophylaxis (nPEP) among sexual violence (SV) victims and their retention in care after SV represent significant challenges. This study aimed at identifying predictors of adherence to nPEP and retention in clinical-laboratory follow-up among SV victims in São Paulo, Brazil. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of SV victims admitted to care and follow-up at the SV unit of the main reference hospital in São Paulo within 72 h following the SV episode. Eligible patients were submitted to a standardized protocol that included nPEP, screening, and management for other sexually transmitted infection as well as emergency contraception. Predictors of adherence to nPEP for 28 days and retention in care until discharge at 180 days after admission were analyzed. A total of 199 SV episodes in 197 victims were recorded from January 2001 to December 2013 (156 months). Of those episodes, 167 were eligible to receive nPEP and 160 (96%) actually received a prescription. Overall 104/160 [65%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 57-72] SV victims, who received nPEP, were fully adherent to nPEP up to 28 days, whereas 89/199 (45%, 95% CI 38-52) were retained in care for 180 days following admission. In multi-variate analysis, patients undergoing at least one psychological consultation (n = 126) were more likely to adhere to nPEP [adjusted odds ratio (adjOR) 8.32; 95% CI 3.0-23.3] and be retained in care for 6 months (adjOR 40.33; 95% CI 8.33-195.30) compared to patients not receiving psychological support. In contrast, study outcomes were not associated with victims' age and sex and with type of perpetrator. In our cohort, provision of psychological care was shown to be associated with enhanced adherence to nPEP and retention in care.

Zika virus infection among symptomatic patients from two healthcare centers in Sao Paulo State, Brazil: prevalence, clinical characteristics, viral detection in body fluids and serodynamics.

Zika virus (ZIKV) clinical presentation and frequency/duration of shedding need further clarification. Symptomatic ZIKV-infected individuals identified in two hospitals in Sao Paulo State, Brazil, were investigated regarding clinical characteristics, shedding in body fluids, and serodynamics. Ninety-four of 235 symptomatic patients (Site A: 58%; Site B: 16%) had Real-Time PCR-confirmed ZIKV infection; fever, headache and gastrointestinal symptoms were less frequent, and rash was more frequent compared to ZIKV-negative patients. Real-Time PCR in serum had worse performance compared to plasma, while urine had the highest sensitivity. Shedding in genital fluids and saliva was rare. IgM positivity was the highest <14 days after the symptoms onset (86%), decreasing >28 days (24%); IgG positivity increased >14 days (96%) remaining positive in 94% of patients >28 days. ZIKV prevalence varied importantly in two neighboring cities during the same transmission season. Urine Real-Time PCR can improve diagnostic sensitivity; serum testing is less useful. Accurate serological tests are needed to improve diagnosis and surveillance.

Natural experiment of syphilis treatment with doxycycline or benzathine penicillin in HIV-infected patients.

BACKGROUND: Although doxycycline is widely used as an alternative to benzathine penicillin for the treatment of early and late latent syphilis, data on serological response following treatment with doxycycline among HIV-infected patients are limited. METHODS: In this study, we analysed serological response to syphilis treatment with doxycycline among HIV-infected patients treated during a benzathine penicillin shortage period and compared with treatment response among patients treated with benzathine penicillin. Cases with neurosyphilis and those treated with suboptimal doses or with concurrent medications in association with benzathine penicillin or doxycycline were excluded. RESULTS: Fifty patients treated with doxycycline from September 2014 to December 2016 were compared with 115 patients treated with benzathine penicillin for early, late latent or latent syphilis of unknown duration. Patients treated with doxycycline were slightly older [(median 49 years old, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 43-56] than those in the penicillin group (median 44 years old, 95% CI 37-50; P = 0.007). Groups had no statistically significant differences regarding sex, HIV suppression under treatment and syphilis stages. Serological response to treatment, defined as a nonreagent Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) or at least a four-fold reduction in VDRL titres measured 6-12 months after treatment, was seen in 72% (95% CI 58-84) of patients treated with doxycycline and 70% (95% CI 60-78) of patients treated with penicillin (P = 0.753). CONCLUSION: We found no statistically significant differences in serological response to treatment with doxycycline or benzathine penicillin among HIV-infected patients with early, late latent or latent syphilis of unknown duration. Our findings suggest that doxycycline is an acceptable treatment to HIV-infected patients with nontertiary stages of syphilis.