ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Syphilis is associated with social and behavioral factors. METHODS: This cross-sectional study determined the prevalence of syphilis and its associated risk factors among recyclable waste collectors in Central Brazil. RESULTS: A lifetime syphilis prevalence rate of 7.91% (95% confidence interval: 5.25-11.75) was found among 278 participants. Low educational level, history of sexually transmitted infection, and age ≥ 36 years were associated with a high prevalence of lifetime syphilis. CONCLUSIONS: These findings emphasize the need for syphilis prevention, screening, and treatment among recyclable waste collectors, highlighting the potential for the spread of infection in vulnerable populations.
Subject(s)
HIV Infections , Syphilis , Humans , Adult , Syphilis/epidemiology , Brazil/epidemiology , Prevalence , Cross-Sectional Studies , Risk Factors , HIV Infections/epidemiologyABSTRACT
ABSTRACT Background: Syphilis is associated with social and behavioral factors. Methods: This cross-sectional study determined the prevalence of syphilis and its associated risk factors among recyclable waste collectors in Central Brazil. Results: A lifetime syphilis prevalence rate of 7.91% (95% confidence interval: 5.25-11.75) was found among 278 participants. Low educational level, history of sexually transmitted infection, and age ≥ 36 years were associated with a high prevalence of lifetime syphilis. Conclusions: These findings emphasize the need for syphilis prevention, screening, and treatment among recyclable waste collectors, highlighting the potential for the spread of infection in vulnerable populations.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the epidemiological and molecular features of HBV infection among recyclable waste collectors. METHODS: The participants were recruited from the dumping ground and recycling cooperatives in Campo Grande, Brazil, and were screened for hepatitis B and C, and HIV serological markers by ELISA, confirmed by PCR. RESULTS: Among 278 participants, 63.7% (95% CI: 58.0-69.3) were considered susceptible to HBV infection. The prevalence rate of HBV exposure was 10.1% (95% CI: 6.5-13.6) and 0.4% (95% CI: 0.1-0.6) were chronic carriers. Age ≥45 years (AOR=7.15), history of homosexual contact (AOR=5.29), tattoo (AOR=4.92) and history of surgery (AOR=2.89) were factors associated with ever infection. Age 18-25 years (AOR=4.63), educational level ≥9 years (AOR=1.98) and knowledge about HBV transmission (AOR=3.08) were associated with serological HBV vaccination like profile (26.2%; 95% CI: 21.1-31.4). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the availability and efficacy of HBV vaccine, this study found high HBV exposure and proportion of susceptible adults in a low endemic area. Vaccination and screening campaigns using accessible language to the economically disadvantaged populations can reduce the number of people susceptible to HBV infection.
Subject(s)
Hepatitis B Surface Antigens/administration & dosage , Hepatitis B Vaccines/administration & dosage , Hepatitis B virus/immunology , Hepatitis B/prevention & control , Adolescent , Adult , Brazil/epidemiology , Cross-Sectional Studies , Endemic Diseases/prevention & control , Endemic Diseases/statistics & numerical data , Female , Hepatitis B/epidemiology , Hepatitis B/virology , Hepatitis B Antibodies/immunology , Hepatitis B Surface Antigens/immunology , Hepatitis B Vaccines/immunology , Hepatitis B virus/genetics , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Prevalence , Vaccination/statistics & numerical data , Vaccination Coverage/statistics & numerical data , Vulnerable Populations/statistics & numerical data , Young AdultABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of intestinal parasites in both cooperative-affiliated and independent waste pickers operating at the municipal sanitary landfill in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, and associate these findings with hemoglobin, eosinophils, vitamin A and C levels and interleukin 5 and 10 (IL-5 and IL-10) production. Biological samples were collected, in addition to clinical, epidemiological, and sociodemographic data. Stool analyzes were based on sedimentation by centrifugation and on spontaneous sedimentation. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to determine vitamin A and C levels. ELISA was employed to quantify interleukins. Intestinal parasites were found in 29 of the 66 subjects assessed (43.9%). Endolimax nana (22.7%), Entamoeba coli (21.1%), Giardia lamblia (6.1%), Entamoeba histolytica/E. dispar (4.5%), and Ascaris lumbricoides (4.5%) were the most prevalent species. Pathogenic parasites were detected in 11 individuals (16.7%). Hypovitaminoses A and C were detected in 19.6% (13/66) and 98.4% (65/66) of subjects, respectively. IL-5 and IL-10 production was observed in 21 (31.8%) and 32 (48.4%) subjects, respectively. Infection with pathogenic intestinal parasites was not a cause of vitamin A and C deficiency or IL-5 and IL-10 production among these workers.