Leprosy among schoolchildren in the Amazon region: A cross-sectional study of active search and possible source of infection by contact tracing.

BACKGROUND: The high rate of leprosy cases among children under 15 years of age in Brazil indicates ongoing transmission within the community. The identification of the new leprosy cases among contacts can help identify the source of infection and interrupt the transmission chain. This study aims to determine the detection rate of previously undiagnosed cases of leprosy among schoolchildren who are under 15 years of age living in Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil, and their possible source of infection by contact tracing. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: This was a school-based, cross-sectional study in which the identification of active leprosy cases was conducted in 277 out of 622 randomly selected public schools in Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil. Suspected cases of leprosy were referred to the Alfredo da Matta Foundation, a reference center for leprosy in Manaus. A total of 34,547 schoolchildren were examined, and 40 new leprosy cases were diagnosed. Among new cases, 57.5% were males, and 80.0% demonstrated paucibacillary leprosy. A total of 196 of 206 registered contacts were screened, and 52.5% of the newly diagnosed children's cases had at least one positive household contact. In these contacts, grandparents (52.4%) were the most common co-prevalent cases, while 14.3% were uncles, 9.5% were parents and 9.5% were granduncles. Seven contacts (5.0%), including four siblings of child patients were newly diagnosed. Our data indicate that the prevalence is 11.58 per 10,000, which is 17 times higher than the registered rate. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: This study suggests that the detection rate of leprosy among schoolchildren may have remained unchanged over the past thirty years. It also indicates that that active case finding is necessary for reaching the World Health Organization's goals of zero detection among children, especially in endemic areas where the prevalence of leprosy is obscure. Moreover, we assert that all children must have their household contacts examined in order to identify the possible source of infection and interrupt the disease's transmission. Novel strategies to reinforce contact tracing associated with large-scale strategies of chemo- and immune-prophylaxis should be expanded to prevent the perpetuation of the disease cycle.

Effectiveness of syndromic management for male patients with urethral discharge symptoms in Amazonas, Brazil

Abstract: Background: Urethral discharge syndrome (UDS) is characterized by the presence of purulent or mucopurulent urethral discharge.The main etiological agents of this syndrome are Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis. Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of the syndromic management to resolve symptoms in male urethral discharge syndrome cases in Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil. Methods: Retrospective cohort of male cases of urethral discharge syndrome observed at a clinic for sexually transmitted disease (STD) in 2013. Epidemiological and clinical data, as well as the results of urethral swabs, bacterioscopy, hybrid capture for C.trachomatis, wet-mount examination, and culture for N.gonorrhoeae, were obtained through medical chart reviews. Results: Of the 800 urethral discharge syndrome cases observed at the STD clinic, 785 (98.1%) presented only urethral discharge syndrome, 633 (79.1%) returned for follow-up, 579 (91.5%) were considered clinically cured on the first visit, 41(6.5 %) were considered cured on the second visit, and 13(2.0%) did not reach clinical cure after two appointments. Regarding the etiological diagnosis, 42.7% of the patients presented a microbiological diagnosis of N.gonorrhoeae, 39.3% of non-gonococcal and non-chlamydia urethritis, 10.7% of C.trachomatis and 7.3% of co-infection with chlamydia and gonococcus. The odds of being considered cured in the first visit were greater in those who were unmarried, with greater schooling, and with an etiological diagnosis of gonorrhea. The diagnosis of non-gonococcal urethritis reduced the chance of cure in the first visit. Study limitation: A study conducted at a single center of STD treatment. Conclusion: Syndromic management of male urethral discharge syndrome performed in accordance with the Brazilian Ministry of Health STD guidelines was effective in resolving symptoms in the studied population. More studies with microbiological outcomes are needed to ensure the maintenance of the syndromic management.

HIV and syphilis in the context of community vulnerability among indigenous people in the Brazilian Amazon.

BACKGROUND: Contextual factors shape the risk of acquiring human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and syphilis. We estimated the prevalence of both infections among indigenous people in nine indigenous health districts of the Brazilian Amazon and examined the context of community vulnerability to acquiring these infections. METHODS: We trained 509 health care workers to screen sexually active populations in the community for syphilis and HIV using rapid testing (RT). We then assessed the prevalence of HIV and syphilis using RT. A multivariable analysis was used to identify factors associated with syphilis infection (sociodemographic, condom use, intrusion, population mobility, and violence). RESULTS: Of the 45,967 indigenous people tested, the mean age was 22.5 years (standard deviation: 9.2), and 56.5% were female. Overall, for HIV, the prevalence was 0.13% (57/43,221), and for syphilis, the prevalence was 1.82% (745/40,934). The prevalence in men, women, and pregnant women for HIV was 0.16%, 0.11%, and 0.07%, respectively, and for syphilis, it was 2.23%, 1.51%, and 1.52%, respectively. The district Vale do Javari had the highest prevalence of both infections (HIV: 3.38%, syphilis: 1.39%). This district also had the highest population mobility and intrusion and the lowest availability of prenatal services. Syphilis infection was independently associated with age (odds ratio [OR] 1.04, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03-1.05), male sex (OR 1.32, 95% CI: 1.14-1.52), and mobility (moderate: OR: 7.46, 95% CI: 2.69-20.67; high: OR 7.09, 95% CI: 3.79-13.26). CONCLUSIONS: The large-scale integration of RT in remote areas increased case detection among pregnant women, especially for syphilis, in districts with higher vulnerability. Mobility is an important risk factor, especially in districts with higher vulnerability. Contextually appropriate approaches that address this factor could contribute to the long-term success of HIV and syphilis control programs.

Effectiveness of syndromic management for male patients with urethral discharge symptoms in Amazonas, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Urethral discharge syndrome (UDS) is characterized by the presence of purulent or mucopurulent urethral discharge.The main etiological agents of this syndrome are Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of the syndromic management to resolve symptoms in male urethral discharge syndrome cases in Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil. METHODS: Retrospective cohort of male cases of urethral discharge syndrome observed at a clinic for sexually transmitted disease (STD) in 2013. Epidemiological and clinical data, as well as the results of urethral swabs, bacterioscopy, hybrid capture for C.trachomatis, wet-mount examination, and culture for N.gonorrhoeae, were obtained through medical chart reviews. RESULTS: Of the 800 urethral discharge syndrome cases observed at the STD clinic, 785 (98.1%) presented only urethral discharge syndrome, 633 (79.1%) returned for follow-up, 579 (91.5%) were considered clinically cured on the first visit, 41(6.5 %) were considered cured on the second visit, and 13(2.0%) did not reach clinical cure after two appointments. Regarding the etiological diagnosis, 42.7% of the patients presented a microbiological diagnosis of N.gonorrhoeae, 39.3% of non-gonococcal and non-chlamydia urethritis, 10.7% of C.trachomatis and 7.3% of co-infection with chlamydia and gonococcus. The odds of being considered cured in the first visit were greater in those who were unmarried, with greater schooling, and with an etiological diagnosis of gonorrhea. The diagnosis of non-gonococcal urethritis reduced the chance of cure in the first visit. STUDY LIMITATION: A study conducted at a single center of STD treatment. CONCLUSION: Syndromic management of male urethral discharge syndrome performed in accordance with the Brazilian Ministry of Health STD guidelines was effective in resolving symptoms in the studied population. More studies with microbiological outcomes are needed to ensure the maintenance of the syndromic management.

Home-based counseling and testing for HIV and syphilis - an evaluation of acceptability and quality control, in remote Amazonas State, Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: Home-based, voluntary counselling and testing (HBCT) can help scale up early diagnosis. We aimed to evaluate the acceptance of HBCT for HIV and syphilis, estimate the prevalence among home-tested individuals and assess the performance of point-of-care testing by health staff using dried tube specimens (DTS) in a remote municipality of the Amazon region. METHODS: Community health teams conducted door-to-door outreach in the urban area of São Gabriel da Cachoeira, Amazonas. HBCT for HIV and syphilis was offered to all residents aged ≥15 years. To provide an external quality assurance (EQA) of the healthcare workers' (HCW') ability to perform testing, DTS panels of reference samples were reconstituted and tested by the workers. RESULTS: HBCT was offered to 1752 individuals and accepted by 1501 (85.6%). Those tested had a median age 32.0 years, 64.4% were women and 85.1% were indigenous; none were previously tested using a rapid test. The prevalence of HIV was 0.37% in men and 0.0% in women; the prevalence of syphilis was 1.12% in men and 2.69% in women. Eleven HCW tested 44 DTS samples for HIV and 44 for syphilis. EQA testing revealed that workers interpreted 55.8% and 90.7% of HIV and syphilis reference samples correctly. CONCLUSIONS: HBCT was acceptable and successful in reaching untested individuals. However, there were concerns with the quality of test performance, highlighting the need for continual evaluation and retraining of community HCW. As Brazil scales up HIV and syphilis testing, our findings highlight how HBCT can maximise coverage in similar remote areas and improve knowledge about prevalence of these infections.

External quality assurance with dried tube specimens (DTS) for point-of-care syphilis and HIV tests: experience in an indigenous populations screening programme in the Brazilian Amazon.

OBJECTIVES: The availability of point-of-care (POC) tests for infectious diseases has revolutionised the provision of healthcare for remote rural populations without access to laboratories. However, quality assurance for POC tests has been largely overlooked. We have evaluated the use and stability of dry tube specimens (DTS) for External Quality Assurance (EQA) for HIV and syphilis screening in remote indigenous populations in the Amazon region of Brazil. METHODS: All healthcare workers (HCWs) participating in the community-screening were trained. We used HIV and syphilis DTS panels developed by the reference laboratory, containing samples with negative and positive results at different antibody concentrations, for both infections. DTS panels were distributed to HCWs in the communities for reconstitution and testing using POC HIV and syphilis tests. The results of testing were sent to the reference laboratory for marking and remedial action taken where necessary. RESULTS: In total 268 HCWs tested 1607 samples for syphilis and 1608 samples for HIV. Results from HCWs showed a concordance rate of 90% for syphilis and 93% for HIV (κ coefficients of 0.74 and 0.78, respectively) with reference laboratories. Most false negatives were in samples of very low antibody concentration. DTS syphilis specimens produced the expected results after storage at 2-8°C or at 18-24°C for up to 3 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that POC tests for syphilis and HIV give valid results in environments where traditional tests do not work, but errors in the interpretation of POC test results were identified by the EQA programme using DTS. EQA using DTS can help to improve the quality of screening programmes using POC tests in remote regions.

Etiology of genital ulcer disease in a sexually transmitted infection reference center in Manaus, Brazilian Amazon.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the etiology and factors associated with genital ulcer disease (GUD) among patients presenting to a sexually transmitted infections clinic in Manaus, Brazil; and to compare a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (M-PCR) assay for the diagnosis of GUD with standard methods. METHODS: Ulcer swabs were collected and used for Tzanck test and processed in an M-PCR to detect herpes simplex virus (HSV-1/2), Treponema pallidum (T. pallidum), and Haemophilus ducreyi (H. ducreyi). Sera were tested for HIV and syphilis antibodies. Multivariable analysis was used to measure the association between clinical aspects and GUD. M-PCR results were compared with syphilis serology and Tzanck tests. RESULTS: Overall, 434 GUD samples were evaluated, 84.8% from men. DNA from HSV-2 was detected in 55.3% of GUD samples, T. pallidum in 8.3%, HSV-1 in 3.2%, and 32.5% of GUD specimens were negative for the DNA of all three pathogens. No cases of H. ducreyi were identified. HIV serology among GUD patients was 3.2%. Treponemal antibodies and Tzanck test positivity for genital herpes was detected in 25 (5.8%) and in 125 (30.3%) of GUD patients, respectively. In multivariable analysis genital herpes etiology by M-PCR was associated with the vesicular, multiple and recurrent lesions whereas T. pallidum with non-vesicular, non-recurrent lesions. Compared to M-PCR, syphilis serology was 27.8% sensitive and 96.2% specific whereas Tzanck test was 43.8% sensitive and 88.9% specific. CONCLUSIONS: The predominance of genital herpes etiology suggests a revision of existing national syndromic treatment guidelines in Brazil to include antiherpetic treatment for all GUD patients. The use of M-PCR can significantly improve the diagnosis of GUD and provide a greater sensitivity than standard diagnostics.

Endoscopic findings and associated risk factors in primary health care settings in Havana, Cuba.

INTRODUCTION Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, traditionally performed in Cuba in specialized hospitals, was decentralized to the primary health care level in 2004 to make it more patient-accessible. OBJECTIVES Describe frequency and distribution of the principal symptomatic diseases of the upper gastrointestinal tract and their relation to the main risk factors associated with each in a sample of urban adults who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in primary care facilities in Havana in selected months of 2007. METHODS A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted, including 3556 patients seen in the primary health care network of Havana from May through November 2007. The endoscopies were performed at the 22 polyclinics (community health centers) providing this service. Diagnostic quality and accuracy were assessed by experienced gastroenterologists using a validated tool. Patients responded to a questionnaire with clinical, epidemiologic, and sociodemographic variables. Univariate and multivariate analyses (unconditional logistical regression) were used to identify associated risk factors. The significance level was set at p < 0.05 (or confidence interval excluding 1.0). RESULTS The diagnoses were: gastritis (91.6%), duodenitis (57.8%), hiatal hernia (46.5%), esophagitis (25.2%), duodenal ulcer (15.8%), gastric ulcer (6.2%) and malignant-appearing lesions (0.4%). Overall prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection was 58.4%. The main risk factors for duodenal ulcer were H. pylori infection (OR 2.70, CI 2.17-3.36) and smoking (OR 2.08, CI 1.68-2.58); and for gastric ulcer, H. pylori (OR 1.58, CI 1.17-2.15) and age ≥60 years (OR 1.78, CI 1.28-2.47). H. pylori infection was the main risk factor for gastritis (OR 2.29, CI 1.79-2.95) and duodenitis (OR 1.58, CI 1.38-1.82); and age ≥40 years for hiatal hernia (OR 1.57, CI 1.33-1.84). External evaluation was "very good" or "good" for 99.3% of endoscopic procedures and 97.9% of reports issued. CONCLUSIONS Gastrointestinal endoscopy performed in primary care yielded high quality results and important information about prevalence of the most common diseases of the upper GI tract and associated risk factors. This study provides a reference for new research and can inform objective recommendations for community-based interventions to prevent and control these diseases. The existence of a network of universally accessible diagnostic endoscopy services at the primary care level, will contribute to conducting further research. KEYWORDS Endoscopy, gastrointestinal diseases, upper GI tract, prevalence, risk factors, primary care, Cuba.

HIV and sexually transmitted infections at the borderlands: situational analysis of sexual health in the Brazilian Amazon.

OBJECTIVES: The borderlands are considered areas of increased vulnerability to HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STI). The study aimed to determine the STI/HIV prevalence and risk factors in the triple-border area of the Brazilian Amazon. METHODS: A situational analysis of sexual health was conducted in three cities of the Alto Solimões region. This multicomponent research approach included key informant interviews, participant observations and mapping of places where people meet sexual partners. Volunteers recruited from the 'hot spots' in each city were invited for interview and STI/HIV testing. RESULTS: Over 6 months, 598 participants were recruited, 285 men of median age 28 years (IQR, 23-37) and 313 women of median age 29 years (IQR, 24-37). Overall, 49.3% reported a casual partner during the past 3 months, but only 38.5% reported consistent condom use. The respective prevalences in men and women were Neisseria gonorrhoeae (1.1% and 0.3%), Chlamydia trachomatis (1.4% and 4.8%), high-risk human papillomavirus (14.4% and 24.0%), active syphilis (3.2% and 2.6%), herpes simplex virus type-2 (51.1% and 72.1%), hepatitis B virus (by hepatitis B virus surface antigen) (7.5% and 4.6%), hepatitis C virus (0.7% and 0.7%) and HIV (1.4% and 0.0%). Risk factors for viral STIs included female sex and age. CONCLUSIONS: While the main conditions that contribute to the spread of HIV are in place in the triple-border area, the prevalence of bacterial STIs and HIV are still relatively low, providing a window of opportunity for interventions.

DST e suas determinantes: quatro anos de vigilância em um centro sentinela no estado do Amazonas - Brasil / Sexually transmitted diseases and its determinants: four years of sentinel surveillance in a medical center in the state of Amazonas - Brazil

Introdução: apesar da enorme magnitude e transcendência, a informação disponível sobre as DST diferentes do HIV/aids é muito limitada na maior parte dos países, por isso há necessidade de buscar informações em centros sentinelas de vigilância ou obtê-las mediante inquéritos de prevalência. Apresenta--se a experiência de 4 anos de um centro sentinela de vigilância epidemiológica. Objetivo: descrever o perfil epidemiológico das principais doenças sexualmente transmissíveis em um serviço especializado. Métodos: estudo de corte transversal com componente analítico utilizando dados secundários da base SIVADST. O estudo incluiu 14.338 pessoas que foram atendidas na Fundação Alfredo da Matta entre 2005-2008, e avaliadas utilizando-se a abordagem sindrômica e etiológica para nove das DST mais frequentes. Os diagnósticos de condiloma acuminado e herpes genital foram realizados mediante exame clínico. Todos realizaram teste de VDRL e foi oferecido o teste para HIV. Resultados: receberam diagnóstico de pelo menos uma DST, 9.346 indivíduos.Os homens predominaram (58,5%). O condiloma foi a DST mais frequente (41,2%) e as virais representaram 73%. As tendências foram descendentes paragonorreia, cancro mole e tricomoníase; estável para sífilis, condiloma e herpes e incrementou-se para HIV. Os preditores principais foram: adolescência,ser homem, pele parda e não residir em Manaus. Conclusão: destaca-se a importância de investir nestas atividades, para se dispor de informação confiável sobre a situação das DST, da carga que elas representam para os serviços de saúde e necessidades de resposta para sua prevenção e controle.

Introduction: although they achieve enormous magnitude and transcendence, the information about STD other than HIV/aids available is very limited in most countries, so, one needs to seek information in sentinel surveillance centers or get them through prevalence surveys. Presents the experience of 4 years of a sentinel surveillance center. Objective: the aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological profile of the main sexually transmitted diseases in a sentinel surveillance center. Methods: cross-sectional study using a secondary analytical component of the database SIVADST. The study included 14,338 people who were seen at Fundação Alfredo da Matta between 2005-2008, and evaluated using the syndromic approach to etiology and to the nine most common STD. The diagnosis of genital warts and genital herpes were performed by clinical examination. All patients underwent testing VDRL and HIVtesting was offered. Results: 9,346 individuals were diagnosed with at least one STD. Men predominated (58.5%). Genital warts were the most commonSTD (41.2%) and viral infections accounted for 73%. The trend was downward for gonorrhea, chancroid and trichomoniasis; stable for syphilis, herpes andwarts and increased to HIV. The main predictors were: adolescence, being male, brown skin and not residing in Manaus. Conclusion: the study highlights the importance of investing these activities, to have reliable information about STD, the load they present to health services and needs in response to its prevention and control.

Prevalência da infecção por Chlamydia Trachomatis e fatores associados em diferentes populações de ambos os sexos na cidade de Manaus / Prevalence of Chlamydia Trachomatis infections and associated risk factors in different populations of both gender in Manaus city

Introdução: a infecção por Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) é uma DST de alta prevalência no mundo e quando não diagnosticada pode, principalmente nas mulheres, progredir com seqüelas graves. No Brasil não se conhece com precisão o padrão de comportamento epidemiológico da infecção por CT. Objetivo: estimar prevalência e fatores associados à infecção por Chlamydia trachomatis em segmentos de população sexualmente ativa da cidade de Manaus. Métodos: durante 2004 e 2005 foi realizado estudo de corte seccional com 1732 pessoas (1007 mulheres e 755 homens) divididos em grupos de baixo risco ( 598 gestantes e 600 homens trabalhadores de indústrias) e de maior vulnerabilidade (409 mulheres e 155 homens em clínica de DST). Para o diagnóstico, empregou-se captura híbrida/DIGENE nas mulheres e PCR "Cobas Amplicor CT/NG/Roche" nos homens. Resultados: a prevalência global foi de 7,5%, em mulheres de 11,1% e nos homens de 2,8% (p = 0,000000). As taxas para gestantes e mulheres com DST foram de 11,9% e 10,0% (p = 0,36) e 3,0% e 1,9% para trabalhadores de indústrias e homens com DST (p = 0,65). Prevalências elevadas foram observadas nos adolescentes e nas gestantes (14,8%). Mulheres apresentaram risco de infecção quatro vezes maior do que os homens [ORprev. = 4,38 (IC 95% 2,66 - 7,26); p = 0,000000], a razão de prevalência (RP) foi 4 e a prevalência atribuível para mulheres foi de 8,3. Prevalência em mulheres com mais de um parceiro foi de 16,6% (42/253), superior àquelas que só tiveram um parceiro 9,3% (70/753 p = 0,001). O risco de infectar-se foi o dobro nas com mais de um parceiro [ORPrev.= 1,74 (OR 95% 1,26-2,99); p = 0,002]. Mulheres com parceiro portador de corrimento uretral representaram agravo [OR = 4,4 (IC 95% 2,15-9,21); p = 0,0000104]. A co-infecção com Neisseria gonorrhoeae ocorreu em 17,3%. Conclusão: a prevalência nas mulheres é intermediária (aproximadamente 10%) quando comparada com as taxas publicadas na literatura internacional.

Situación de la sífilis en 20 países de Latinoamérica y el Caribe: año 2006 / Syphilis situation in 20 Latin American and Caribbean countries: year 2006

Introducción: Las infecciones de transmisión sexual, en especial a sífilis, se encuentran entre las principales causas de enfermedad en el mundo y en la mayoría de los países de la América Latina. Objetivo: realizar una exploración de la situación de la sífilis y la sífilis congénita en los países de laregión y disponer de una aproximación a la situación epidemiológica actual y sus tendencias. Métodos: se realizó un estudio de corte transversal y para la obtención de los datos se diseño una encuesta que fue validada en el mes de diciembre del 2007 y enviada posteriormente a los coordinadores de programas nacionales de 20 países de la región. El periodo de ejecución y llenado de la información transcurrió entre enero y febrero del 2008 y se solicitó información de los últimos cuatro años (periodo 2003 - 2007). Resultados: todos los países poseen servicios de Vigilancia Epidemiológica y en la mayoría de ellos la sífilis total y congénita son enfermedades de notificación obligatoria. Existen, al menos, 10 países cuyas tasas de incidencia de sífilis congénita están por encima de 0,5 X 1.000 Nacidos vivos a pesar de que la subnotificación de casos en la región es grande. Latinoamérica y Caribe notifican en el 2006 un pequeño porcentaje del total de los casos de sífilis y sífilis congénita que la OMS/OPS estima ocurren en el área y según la opinión de los jefes de programas y expertos nacionales la tendencia de estas infecciones en la mitad de los países de la región es al aumento o desconocida. Conclusión: La sífilis congénita continúa siendo un serio problema de salud en la región. La información disponible sobre sífilis en términos de incidencia, prevalencia, tendencias, prioridades de intervención, coberturas de atención a grupos vulnerables, disponibilidad de recursos humanos y materiales es insuficiente en muchos países. Se observa en la región la existencia de oportunidades para el desarrollo de trabajo colaborativo conjunto entre los países miembros.

Introduction: Sexually transmitted infections, especially syphilis, are found among the main causes for illnesses in the world and in the majority of Latin American countries. Objective: investigate the situation of syphilis and congenital syphilis in countries of the region and obtain an approximationof the current epidemiological situation and its tendencies. Methods: a study of transversal cut was performed and to obtain data a questionnaire was validated in the month of december of 2007 and later sent to the national program coordinators of 20 countries in the region. The implementation and information gathering period took place between January and February of 2008 and data regarding the last 4 years of the programs (from 2003 to 2007) was requested. Results: all countries have Epidemiological Surveillance services and, for the most part, total and congenital syphilis are illnesses of mandatory notification. There are at least 10 countries where congenital syphilis incidence rates are above 0,5 X 1.000 newborns, even when a high number of cases are not notified in the region. Latin America and the Caribbean notified in 2006 a percentage of total syphilis and congenital syphilis cases that is smaller than that estimated by the WHO/PAHO for the region. According to national experts and directors of national programs, the tendency of these infections in half of the countries of the region are either rising or is unknown. Conclusion: congenital syphilis continuesto be a serious health problem in the region. The available information about syphilis regarding its incidence, prevalence, tendencies, interventionpriorities, assistance to vulnerable groups, and availability of human and material resources is insufficient in many countries. There is opportunityto develop a collaborative work between member nations.

La esperanza de vida en Cuba en el período 1990-1995

La esperanza de vida al nacer (EVN) es un indicador resumén del nivel de mortalidad, y resulta muy útil para el diagnóstico y pronóstico de las realidades socioeconómicas y sanitarias de un país. Tras exponer los niveles de (EVN) alcanzados por Cuba para los distintos sexos durante el período de crisis en los años 90, el autor analiza el descenso discreto de ese indicador y su posterior recuperación

Primer informe sobre el aislamiento de Helicobacter pylori / asociado a enfermedades digestivas en Ciudad de La / Habana / First report on the isolation of Helicobacter pylori associated to digestive diseases in the of Havana

La infección por Helicobacter pylori desempeña un papel fundamental en el desarrollo de diversas enfermedades digestivas. Actualmente se acepta que este microorganismo está relacionado con la gastritis crónica activa, la úlcera péptica (tanto gástrica como duodenal), el adenocarcinoma gástrico y el linfoma gástrico de células B del tejido linfoide asociado a mucosa (Linfoma MALT). Se estudiaron 121 pacientes, 53 con diagnóstico endoscópico de gastritis, 21 con úlcera péptica, 20 úlceras duodenales, 3 adenocarcinomas del antro gástrico, 5 neoplasias de esófago y 19 panendoscopias normales (dispépticos). A todos los pacientes se les practicó una gastroscopia y se tomaron cuatro fragmentos de biopsias distribuidas entre las regiones de antro y cuerpo gástrico. Para el diagnóstico y aislamiento de H. pylori se empleó la prueba de la ureasa rápida, la tinción degram, y el cultivo en agar cerebro corazón con suero de caballo 10(por ciento), extracto de levadura 0,25(por ciento) más suplemento Dent (OXOID SR 147) durante 7 días a 37 ºC en jarra en atmósfera de microaerofilia. También se evaluó la presencia de catalasa y oxidasa. Se observó una prevalencia de la infección del 79,2(por ciento) en la gastritis crónica, un 100(por ciento) en los pacientes con úlcera duodenal y un 90,4(por ciento) en relación con la úlcera gástrica, lo que coincide con lo reportado por otros autores. En el 100(por ciento) de los casos de adenocarcinoma gástrico y en el 60(por ciento) de los casos de neoplasias de esófago se aisló el microorganismo. El aislamiento de H. pylori en el 78,9(por ciento) de endoscopias realizadas e informadas como normales es una alerta de la prevalencia en pacientes dispépticos(AU)

La infección nosocomial por el VIH: riesgos y prevención / Nosocoial infection by HIV: risks and prevention

Se realiza una revisión actualizada de los estudios publicados que estiman el verdadero riesgo de transmisión hospitalaria del virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) y se orienta la conducta a seguir en caso de exposición accidental de un trabajador de la salud. Se analiza el polémico tema de las medidas de prevención nosocomial para esta virus y se presentan las principales ventajas y desventajas de las tendencias actuales en boga. Se hace énfasis en el diseño individual de las políticas de prevención según el tipo de institución de que se trate