[Factors associated with inconsistent condom use among men who have sex with men in Brazil and their commercial sexual partners]. / Fatores associados ao uso inconsistente de preservativo com parceiros comerciais entre homens que fazem sexo com homens no Brasil.

We aimed to analyze the factors associated with inconsistent condom use among men who have sex with men (MSM) and their commercial sexual partners in Brazil. This is a cross-sectional study with adult MSM who were recruited via respondent-driven sampling (RDS) in 12 Brazilian capitals in 2016. MSM answered a sociobehavioral questionnaire which included questions on their sexual behavior. The inconsistent use of condoms with their clientele was measured via insertive and receptive anal sex in the six months prior to our research and in their last sexual intercourse. The association between independent variables and the inconsistent use of condoms was measured via a Poisson regression model with robust variance and estimation of adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR). Data from 461 MSM were analyzed. We found a 26% prevalence of inconsistent condom use with their clientele (95%CI: 19.0-34.3, n = 123). Belonging to the lowest economic classes (D/E), having medium or low knowledge about HIV, having practiced insertive and receptive anal sex, and having never tested for HIV throughout their lives were associated with inconsistent use of condoms with their clientele. The variables associated with inconsistent use indicated that commercial sex is practiced in a context of greater vulnerability to HIV infection, referring to the need for biomedical and behavioral interventions which focus on access to and use of prevention strategies together with public policies to reduce socioeconomic inequalities among MSM who practice commercial sexual.

O objetivo foi analisar os fatores associados ao uso inconsistente de preservativo com parceiros comerciais entre homens que fazem sexo com homens (HSH) no Brasil. Foi feito um estudo transversal, com HSH adultos, recrutados por meio da técnica respondent-driven sampling (RDS), em 12 capitais brasileiras, em 2016. Os HSH responderam a um questionário sociocomportamental, que incluía questões sobre o comportamento sexual. O uso inconsistente de preservativo com parceiros comerciais foi mensurado por meio das relações sexuais anais insertivas e receptivas, ocorridas nos últimos seis meses e na última relação sexual. A associação entre as variáveis independentes e o uso inconsistente de preservativo foi mensurada utilizando o modelo de regressão de Poisson com variância robusta, com estimação de razões de prevalência ajustadas (RPa). Foram analisados dados de 461 HSH. A prevalência de uso inconsistente de preservativo com parceiros comerciais foi de 26% (IC95%: 19,0-34,3, n = 123). Pertencer às classes econômicas mais baixas (D/E), ter médio ou baixo conhecimento sobre HIV, ter praticado sexo anal insertivo e receptivo e nunca ter realizado teste para HIV na vida são fatores que estiveram associados ao uso inconsistente de preservativo com parceiros comerciais. As variáveis associadas ao uso inconsistente indicaram que o sexo comercial está sendo praticado em um contexto de maior vulnerabilidade à infecção pelo HIV. Nesse sentido, são necessárias intervenções biomédicas e comportamentais, com foco no acesso e na utilização de estratégias de prevenção, aliadas a políticas públicas para a redução de desigualdades socioeconômicas entre HSH que praticam sexo comercial.

El objetivo fue analizar los factores asociados al uso inconsistente del preservativo con las parejas comerciales entre los hombres que tienen sexo con hombres (HSH) en Brasil. Estudio transversal, con HSH adultos, reclutados a través de la técnica respondent-driven sampling (RDS), en 12 capitales brasileñas, en 2016. Los HSH respondieron a un cuestionario sociocomportamental que incluía preguntas sobre el comportamiento sexual. El uso inconsistente del preservativo con parejas comerciales se midió por las relaciones anales insertivas y receptivas que se produjeron en los últimos seis meses y por la última relación sexual. La asociación entre las variables independientes y el uso inconsistente del preservativo se midió mediante el modelo de regresión de Poisson con varianza robusta, con estimación de las razones de prevalencia ajustadas (RPa). Se analizaron los datos de 461 HSH. La prevalencia del uso inconsistente del preservativo con las parejas comerciales fue del 26% (IC95%: 19,0-34,3, n = 123). Pertenecer a las clases económicas más bajas (D/E), tener un conocimiento medio o bajo sobre el VIH, haber practicado sexo anal tanto insertivo como receptivo y no haberse sometido nunca a la prueba del VIH en su vida se asociaron con el uso inconsistente del preservativo con las parejas comerciales. Las variables asociadas al uso inconsistente indicaron que el sexo comercial se está practicando en un contexto de mayor vulnerabilidad a la infección por el VIH, refiriendo la necesidad de intervenciones biomédicas y conductuales, con un enfoque en el acceso y uso de estrategias de prevención, junto con políticas públicas para reducir las desigualdades socioeconómicas entre los HSH que practican el sexo comercial.

Perception of discrimination due to sexual orientation and associated factors among men who have sex with men in 12 Brazilian cities.

Discrimination due to sexual orientation (DDSO) has an important association with health outcomes among men who have sex with men (MSM). This study aimed to analyze factors associated with DDSO among MSM in 12 Brazilian cities. This is a cross-sectional study with 4,176 MSM participants recruited in 2016 which used a respondent-driven sampling method in 12 Brazilian cities. DDSO levels were previously identified by a latent class analysis based on 13 variables from the discrimination section. An ordinal logistic regression was used to assess associations with these DDSO levels, and weighted ordinal odds ratios (OR) and their respective 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were estimated using Gile's estimator. Most participants were young (< 25 years old) black or of mixed-race (pardo), single individuals who had a religious affiliation, primary or incomplete secondary education, and a high and average socioeconomic status. More than half (65%) reported DDSO in the 12 months prior to this study. We observed an independent association among the four latent DDSO classes and the following variables: age < 25 years old (OR = 1.66; 95%CI: 1.21-2.27), white skin color (OR = 1.43; 95%CI: 1.02-2.01), history of sexual (OR = 2.33; 95%CI: 1.58-3.43) and physical violence (OR = 3.08; 95%CI: 2.11-4.49), disclosure of their sexual orientation as MSM to their fathers (OR = 2.00; 95%CI: 1.47-2.72), experienced suicidal ideation in the two weeks prior to this study (OR = 2.09; 95%CI: 1.46-2.98), and use of any illicit drugs in the last six months (OR = 1.61; 95%CI: 1.19-2.18). Our results indicate that contextual factors may contribute to high DDSO levels among MSM in Brazil. Public health policies toward human rights surveillance and protection among MSM must be urgently addressed.

Fatores associados ao uso inconsistente de preservativo com parceiros comerciais entre homens que fazem sexo com homens no Brasil / Factors associated with inconsistent condom use among men who have sex with men in Brazil and their commercial sexual partners / Factores asociados al uso inconsistente del preservativo con las parejas comerciales entre los hombres que tienen sexo con hombres en Brasil

O objetivo foi analisar os fatores associados ao uso inconsistente de preservativo com parceiros comerciais entre homens que fazem sexo com homens (HSH) no Brasil. Foi feito um estudo transversal, com HSH adultos, recrutados por meio da técnica respondent-driven sampling (RDS), em 12 capitais brasileiras, em 2016. Os HSH responderam a um questionário sociocomportamental, que incluía questões sobre o comportamento sexual. O uso inconsistente de preservativo com parceiros comerciais foi mensurado por meio das relações sexuais anais insertivas e receptivas, ocorridas nos últimos seis meses e na última relação sexual. A associação entre as variáveis independentes e o uso inconsistente de preservativo foi mensurada utilizando o modelo de regressão de Poisson com variância robusta, com estimação de razões de prevalência ajustadas (RPa). Foram analisados dados de 461 HSH. A prevalência de uso inconsistente de preservativo com parceiros comerciais foi de 26% (IC95%: 19,0-34,3, n = 123). Pertencer às classes econômicas mais baixas (D/E), ter médio ou baixo conhecimento sobre HIV, ter praticado sexo anal insertivo e receptivo e nunca ter realizado teste para HIV na vida são fatores que estiveram associados ao uso inconsistente de preservativo com parceiros comerciais. As variáveis associadas ao uso inconsistente indicaram que o sexo comercial está sendo praticado em um contexto de maior vulnerabilidade à infecção pelo HIV. Nesse sentido, são necessárias intervenções biomédicas e comportamentais, com foco no acesso e na utilização de estratégias de prevenção, aliadas a políticas públicas para a redução de desigualdades socioeconômicas entre HSH que praticam sexo comercial.

We aimed to analyze the factors associated with inconsistent condom use among men who have sex with men (MSM) and their commercial sexual partners in Brazil. This is a cross-sectional study with adult MSM who were recruited via respondent-driven sampling (RDS) in 12 Brazilian capitals in 2016. MSM answered a sociobehavioral questionnaire which included questions on their sexual behavior. The inconsistent use of condoms with their clientele was measured via insertive and receptive anal sex in the six months prior to our research and in their last sexual intercourse. The association between independent variables and the inconsistent use of condoms was measured via a Poisson regression model with robust variance and estimation of adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR). Data from 461 MSM were analyzed. We found a 26% prevalence of inconsistent condom use with their clientele (95%CI: 19.0-34.3, n = 123). Belonging to the lowest economic classes (D/E), having medium or low knowledge about HIV, having practiced insertive and receptive anal sex, and having never tested for HIV throughout their lives were associated with inconsistent use of condoms with their clientele. The variables associated with inconsistent use indicated that commercial sex is practiced in a context of greater vulnerability to HIV infection, referring to the need for biomedical and behavioral interventions which focus on access to and use of prevention strategies together with public policies to reduce socioeconomic inequalities among MSM who practice commercial sexual.

El objetivo fue analizar los factores asociados al uso inconsistente del preservativo con las parejas comerciales entre los hombres que tienen sexo con hombres (HSH) en Brasil. Estudio transversal, con HSH adultos, reclutados a través de la técnica respondent-driven sampling (RDS), en 12 capitales brasileñas, en 2016. Los HSH respondieron a un cuestionario sociocomportamental que incluía preguntas sobre el comportamiento sexual. El uso inconsistente del preservativo con parejas comerciales se midió por las relaciones anales insertivas y receptivas que se produjeron en los últimos seis meses y por la última relación sexual. La asociación entre las variables independientes y el uso inconsistente del preservativo se midió mediante el modelo de regresión de Poisson con varianza robusta, con estimación de las razones de prevalencia ajustadas (RPa). Se analizaron los datos de 461 HSH. La prevalencia del uso inconsistente del preservativo con las parejas comerciales fue del 26% (IC95%: 19,0-34,3, n = 123). Pertenecer a las clases económicas más bajas (D/E), tener un conocimiento medio o bajo sobre el VIH, haber practicado sexo anal tanto insertivo como receptivo y no haberse sometido nunca a la prueba del VIH en su vida se asociaron con el uso inconsistente del preservativo con las parejas comerciales. Las variables asociadas al uso inconsistente indicaron que el sexo comercial se está practicando en un contexto de mayor vulnerabilidad a la infección por el VIH, refiriendo la necesidad de intervenciones biomédicas y conductuales, con un enfoque en el acceso y uso de estrategias de prevención, junto con políticas públicas para reducir las desigualdades socioeconómicas entre los HSH que practican el sexo comercial.

Perception of discrimination due to sexual orientation and associated factors among men who have sex with men in 12 Brazilian cities / Percepção de discriminação com base na orientação sexual e fatores associados entre homens que fazem sexo com homens em 12 cidades brasileiras / Percepción de discriminación debido a la orientación sexual y factores asociados entre hombres que tienen sexo con hombres en 12 ciudades brasileñas

Discrimination due to sexual orientation (DDSO) has an important association with health outcomes among men who have sex with men (MSM). This study aimed to analyze factors associated with DDSO among MSM in 12 Brazilian cities. This is a cross-sectional study with 4,176 MSM participants recruited in 2016 which used a respondent-driven sampling method in 12 Brazilian cities. DDSO levels were previously identified by a latent class analysis based on 13 variables from the discrimination section. An ordinal logistic regression was used to assess associations with these DDSO levels, and weighted ordinal odds ratios (OR) and their respective 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were estimated using Gile's estimator. Most participants were young (< 25 years old) black or of mixed-race (pardo), single individuals who had a religious affiliation, primary or incomplete secondary education, and a high and average socioeconomic status. More than half (65%) reported DDSO in the 12 months prior to this study. We observed an independent association among the four latent DDSO classes and the following variables: age < 25 years old (OR = 1.66; 95%CI: 1.21-2.27), white skin color (OR = 1.43; 95%CI: 1.02-2.01), history of sexual (OR = 2.33; 95%CI: 1.58-3.43) and physical violence (OR = 3.08; 95%CI: 2.11-4.49), disclosure of their sexual orientation as MSM to their fathers (OR = 2.00; 95%CI: 1.47-2.72), experienced suicidal ideation in the two weeks prior to this study (OR = 2.09; 95%CI: 1.46-2.98), and use of any illicit drugs in the last six months (OR = 1.61; 95%CI: 1.19-2.18). Our results indicate that contextual factors may contribute to high DDSO levels among MSM in Brazil. Public health policies toward human rights surveillance and protection among MSM must be urgently addressed.

A discriminação com base na orientação sexual mostra uma associação forte com desfechos de saúde entre homens que fazem sexo com homens (HSH). O estudo buscou analisar fatores associados com a discriminação por orientação sexual entre HSH em 12 cidades brasileiras. Um estudo transversal recrutou 4.176 HSH em 2016, usando o método respondent-driven sampling em 12 cidades brasileiras. Os níveis de discriminação por orientação sexual foram identificados previamente por análise de classes latentes, com base em 13 variáveis do capítulo sobre discriminação. Foi usada regressão logística ordinal para avaliar as associações com esses níveis de discriminação por orientação sexual, e o estimador de Gile foi utilizado para estimar as razões de chances ordinais ponderadas (OR) e os respectivos intervalos de 95% de confiança (IC95%). Os participantes eram majoritariamente jovens (< 25 anos), solteiros, com filiação religiosa, com escolaridade primária ou Ensino Médio incompleto, pretos ou pardos e com nível socioeconômico alto ou médio. Mais da metade relatava discriminação por orientação sexual nos últimos 12 meses (65%). Observamos uma associação independente entre as quatro classes latentes de discriminação por orientação sexual e as seguintes variáveis: idade < 25 anos (OR = 1,66; IC95%: 1,21-2,27), cor branca (OR = 1,43; IC95%: 1,02-2,01), história de violência sexual (OR = 2,33; IC95%: 1,58-3,43) e física (OR = 3,08; IC95%: 2,11-4,49), ter divulgado ao pai a orientação sexual enquanto HSH (OR = 2,00; IC95%: 1,47-2,72), relato de ideação suicida nas últimas duas semanas (OR = 2,09; IC95%: 1,46-2,98) e uso de qualquer droga ilícita nos últimos seis meses (OR = 1,61; IC95%: 1,19-2,18). Nossos resultados indicam que fatores contextuais podem contribuir para os altos níveis de discriminação contra HSH no Brasil. São urgentes políticas de saúde pública voltadas para a vigilância e proteção dos direitos humanos dos HSH.

La discriminación debida a la orientación sexual (DDSO, por sus siglas en inglés) tiene una asociación importante con los resultados de salud entre los hombres que tienen sexo con hombres (HSH). El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar factores asociados con DDSO entre HSH en 12 ciudades brasileñas. Un estudio trasversal con 4.176 participantes HSH reclutados en 2016, usando un método de muestreo basado en los encuestados de 12 ciudades brasileñas. Los niveles de DDSO se identificaron previamente mediante un análisis de clase latente, basado en 13 variables desde la sección de discriminación. Se utilizó una regresión logística ordinal para evaluar las asociaciones con estos niveles de DDSO y se estimaron las razones de posibilidades ponderadas ordinales (OR) y su respectivo intervalo de 95% de confianza (IC95%) usando el estimador de Gile. La mayoría de los participantes eran jóvenes (< 25 años de edad), solteros, tenían filiación religiosa, una escolaridad primaria o secundaria incompleta, eran negros o mestizos (pardos) y tenían un elevado promedio socioeconómico. Más de la mitad informaron DDSO en los 12 meses previos (65%). Observamos una asociación independiente entre las cuatro clases latentes de DDSO y las siguientes variables: edad < 25 años (OR = 1,66; IC95%: 1,21-2,27), color de piel blanca (OR = 1,43; IC95%: 1,02-2,01), historia de violencia sexual (OR = 2,33; IC95%: 1,58-3,43) y violencia física (OR = 3,08; IC95%: 2,11-4,49), revelaron al padre su orientación sexual como HSH (OR = 2,00; IC95%: 1,47-2,72), tuvieron ideas suicidas durante las dos semanas previas (OR = 2,09; IC95%: 1,46-2,98) y consumieron alguna droga ilícita en los últimos seis meses (OR = 1,61; IC95%: 1,19-2,18). Nuestros resultados indican que los factores contextuales podrían haber contribuido a los altos niveles de DDSO entre HSH en Brasil. Se deben dirigir urgentemente políticas públicas de salud orientadas a la vigilancia y protección de los derechos humanos entre HSH.

Envolvimento em organizações não governamentais e a participação em ações de prevenção ao HIV/aids por homens que fazem sexo com homens no Brasil / Involvement in nongovernmental organizations and participation in HIV/AIDS prevention by men who have sex with men in Brazil / Implicación en organizaciones no gubernamenntales y participación en acciones de prevención contra el VIH/sida de hombres que practican sexo con hombres en Brasil

A epidemia do HIV no Brasil é concentrada em populações-chave. Organizações não governamentais (ONGs) que atuam em defesa dos direitos da população LGBT e de pessoas vivendo com HIV/aids podem contribuir para o desenvolvimento de políticas de prevenção. O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar o envolvimento em ONGs e analisar sua associação com a participação individual em ações de educação em saúde, testagem e prevenção às infecções sexualmente transmissíveis (IST) e ao HIV, como parte de um estudo nacional de vigilância biológica e comportamental entre homens que fazem sexo com homens (HSH). Trata-se de estudo transversal utilizando respondent driven sampling (RDS) em 12 cidades brasileiras. A magnitude da associação do envolvimento em ONGs com cada ação foi avaliada pela estimativa de odds ratio por meio de regressão logística por amostragem complexa, considerando cada cidade como um estrato e ponderando pelo estimador de Gile. Foi estimada a proporção relativa atribuída ao envolvimento em ONGs para cada evento avaliado. Dentre 4.176 participantes, a maioria tinha menos de 25 anos (56,5%) e baixo nível econômico (56,7%). Um quarto dos HSH referiu se envolver em ONGs, que foi significativamente associado com as ações avaliadas: receber preservativo e gel lubrificante, participar de palestra, receber material educativo e aconselhamento em IST, conhecimento de profilaxia pós-exposição (PEP) e profilaxia pré-exposição (PrEP), testagem para sífilis e HIV, ter aceitação do autoteste e saber onde realizar teste para HIV. ONGs têm um papel histórico na resposta à epidemia de HIV no Brasil e, apesar de terem sofrido significativa redução de recursos nos últimos anos, mantêm relevante atuação nas ações de saúde pública.

The HIV epidemic in Brazil is concentrated in key populations. Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) working in defense of LGBT rights and the rights of persons living with HIV/AIDS can contribute to the development of prevention policies. The current study's objectives are to assess involvement in NGOs and analyze the association with individual participation in health education, testing, and STI and HIV prevention activities as part of a national study on biological and behavioral surveillance in men who have sex with men (MSM). This is a cross-sectional study using respondent-driven sampling in 12 Brazilian cities. The magnitude of the association between involvement in NGOs and each activity was assessed with estimation of odds ratios via logistic regression with complex sampling, considering each city as a stratum and weighting by the Gile estimator. The relative proportion attributed to involvement in NGOs was estimated for each event. Among 4,176 participants, the majority were under 25 years of age (56.5%) and with low socioeconomic status (56.7%). One-fourth of MSM reported being involved in NGOs, which was associated significantly with the target activities: receiving free condoms and lubricant gel, participating in talks on STIs, receiving educational materials and counseling on STIs, prior knowledge of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), testing for syphilis and HIV, acceptance of HIV self-testing, and knowing where to get an HIV test. NGOs play a historical role in the response to the HIV epidemic in Brazil, and despite a significant cutback in resources in recent years, they have maintained relevant work in public health activities.

La epidemia de VIH en Brasil se concentra en poblaciones clave. Organizaciones no gubernamentales (ONGs) que actúan en defensa de los derechos de la población LGBT, y de personas viviendo con VIH/sida, pueden contribuir al desarrollo de políticas de prevención. El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar la implicación en ONGs y analizar su asociación con la participación individual en acciones de educación en salud, pruebas y prevención frente a las IST y al VIH, como parte de un estudio nacional de vigilancia biológica y comportamental entre hombres que practican sexo con hombres (HSH). Se trata de un estudio transversal, utilizando respondent driven sampling en 12 ciudades brasileñas. Se evaluó la magnitud de la asociación de la implicación en ONGs con cada acción mediante la estimación de odds ratio, a través de una regresión logística por muestra compleja, considerando cada ciudad como un estrato, y ponderando por el estimador de Gile. Se estimó la proporción relativa atribuida a la implicación en ONGs para cada evento evaluado. De entre los 4176 participantes, la mayoría tenía menos de 25 años (56,5%) y bajo nivel económico (56,7%). Un cuarto de los HSH mencionó estar implicado en ONGs, lo que estuvo significativamente asociado con las acciones evaluadas: recibir preservativo y gel lubrificante, participar en ponencias, recibir material educativo y consejo en IST, conocimiento de profilaxia pos-exposición (PEP) y profilaxia pre-exposición (PrEP), pruebas de sífilis y VIH, haber aceptado el autotest y saber donde realizar el test para el VIH. Las ONGs tienen un papel histórico en la respuesta a la epidemia de VIH en Brasil y, a pesar de haber sufrido una significativa reducción de recursos en los últimos años, mantienen una relevante actuación en las acciones de salud pública.

Genotyping comparison of Mycobacterium leprae isolates by VNTR analysis from nasal samples in a Brazilian endemic region.

This study analyzed the genetic diversity by MIRU-VNTR of Mycobacterium leprae isolates from nasal cavities and related to epidemiological and clinical data. The sample consisted of 48 newly diagnosed leprosy cases that tested positive for M. leprae PCR in nasal secretion (NS) attending to the National Reference Center of Dermatology Dona Libania (CDERM), Fortaleza, Brazil. Total DNA was extracted from NS of each patient and used for amplification of four M. leprae VNTR loci. Four clusters of M. leprae isolates were formed with identical genotypes. In the spatial analysis, 12 leprosy cases presented similar genotypes organized into 4 clusters. The most common genotypes in the current study was AC8b: 8, AC9: 7, AC8a: 8, GTA9: 10, which may represent a genotype of circulating strains most often in Ceará. A minimum set of four MIRU-VNTR loci was demonstrated to study the genetic diversity of M. leprae isolates from NS.

Natural environmental water sources in endemic regions of northeastern Brazil are potential reservoirs of viable Mycobacterium leprae.

BACKGROUND: The detection of live Mycobacterium leprae in soil and animals other than humans suggests that the environment plays a role in the transmission of leprosy. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the presence of viable M. leprae in natural water sources used by the local population in five municipalities in the state of Ceará, northeastern Brazil. METHODS: Samples were collected from 30 different sources. Viable bacilli were identified by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of the M. leprae gyrA gene and sequencing of the PCR products. Physicochemical properties of each water source were also assessed. FINDINGS: M. leprae gyrA mRNA was found in 23 (76.7%) of the water sources. No association was found between depth of the water and sample positivity, nor was there any association between the type of water used by the population and sample positivity. An association between viable M. leprae and temperature and pH was found. Georeferencing showed a relation between the residences of leprosy cases and water source containing the bacterium. MAIN CONCLUSIONS: The finding of viable M. leprae in natural water sources associated with human contact suggests that the environment plays an important role in maintaining endemic leprosy in the study region.

Natural environmental water sources in endemic regions of northeastern Brazil are potential reservoirs of viable Mycobacterium leprae

BACKGROUND The detection of live Mycobacterium leprae in soil and animals other than humans suggests that the environment plays a role in the transmission of leprosy. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to investigate the presence of viable M. leprae in natural water sources used by the local population in five municipalities in the state of Ceará, northeastern Brazil. METHODS Samples were collected from 30 different sources. Viable bacilli were identified by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of the M. leprae gyrA gene and sequencing of the PCR products. Physicochemical properties of each water source were also assessed. FINDINGS M. leprae gyrA mRNA was found in 23 (76.7%) of the water sources. No association was found between depth of the water and sample positivity, nor was there any association between the type of water used by the population and sample positivity. An association between viable M. leprae and temperature and pH was found. Georeferencing showed a relation between the residences of leprosy cases and water source containing the bacterium. MAIN CONCLUSIONS The finding of viable M. leprae in natural water sources associated with human contact suggests that the environment plays an important role in maintaining endemic leprosy in the study region.

Uniform multidrug therapy for leprosy patients in Brazil (U-MDT/CT-BR): Results of an open label, randomized and controlled clinical trial, among multibacillary patients.

BACKGROUND: Leprosy control is based on early diagnosis and multidrug therapy. For treatment purposes, leprosy patients can be classified as paucibacillary (PB) or multibacillary (MB), according to the number of skin lesions. Studies regarding a uniform treatment regimen (U-MDT) for all leprosy patients have been encouraged by the WHO, rendering disease classification unnecessary. METHODOLOGY AND FINDINGS: An independent, randomized, controlled clinical trial conducted from 2007 to 2015 in Brazil, compared main outcomes (frequency of reactions, bacilloscopic index trend, disability progression and relapse rates) among MB patients treated with a uniform regimen/U-MDT (dapsone+rifampicin+clofazimine for six months) versus WHO regular-MDT/R-MDT (dapsone+rifampicin+clofazimine for 12 months). A total of 613 newly diagnosed, untreated MB patients with high bacterial load were included. There was no statistically significant difference in Kaplan-Meyer survival function regarding reaction or disability progression among patients in the U-MDT and R-MDT groups, with more than 25% disability progression in both groups. The full mixed effects model adjusted for the bacilloscopic index average trend in time showed no statistically significant difference for the regression coefficient in both groups and for interaction variables that included treatment group. During active follow up, four patients in U-MDT group relapsed representing a relapse rate of 2.6 per 1000 patients per year of active follow up (95% CI [0·81, 6·2] per 1000). During passive follow up three patients relapsed in U-MDT and one in R-MTD. As this period corresponds to passive follow up, sensitivity analysis estimated the relapse rate for the entire follow up period between 2·9- and 4·5 per 1000 people per year. CONCLUSION: Our results on the first randomized and controlled study on U-MDT together with the results from three previous studies performed in China, India and Bangladesh, support the hypothesis that UMDT is an acceptable option to be adopted in endemic countries to treat leprosy patients in the field worldwide. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00669643.

Uniform multidrug therapy for leprosy patients in Brazil (U-MDT/CT-BR): results of an open label, randomized and controlled clinical trial, among multibacillary patients

BACKGROUND: Leprosy control is based on early diagnosis and multidrug therapy. For treatment purposes, leprosy patients can be classified as paucibacillary (PB) or multibacillary (MB), according to the number of skin lesions. Studies regarding a uniform treatment regimen (U-MDT) for all leprosy patients have been encouraged by the WHO, rendering disease classification unnecessary. METHODOLOGY AND FINDINGS: An independent, randomized, controlled clinical trial conducted from 2007 to 2015 in Brazil, compared main outcomes (frequency of reactions, bacilloscopic index trend, disability progression and relapse rates) among MB patients treated with a uniform regimen/U-MDT (dapsone+rifampicin+clofazimine for six months) versus WHO regular-MDT/R-MDT (dapsone+rifampicin+clofazimine for 12 months). A total of 613 newly diagnosed, untreated MB patients with high bacterial load were included. There was no statistically significant difference in Kaplan-Meyer survival function regarding reaction or disability progression among patients in the U-MDT and R-MDT groups, with more than 25% disability progression in both groups. The full mixed effects model adjusted for the bacilloscopic index average trend in time showed no statistically significant difference for the regression coefficient in both groups and for interaction variables that included treatment group. During active follow up, four patients in U-MDT group relapsed representing a relapse rate of 2.6 per 1000 patients per year of active follow up (95% CI [0·81, 6·2] per 1000). During passive follow up three patients relapsed in U-MDT and one in R-MTD. As this period corresponds to passive follow up, sensitivity analysis estimated the relapse rate for the entire follow up period between 2·9- and 4·5 per 1000 people per year. CONCLUSION: Our results on the first randomized and controlled study on U-MDT together with the results from three previous studies performed in China, India and Bangladesh, support the hypothesis that UMDT is an acceptable option to be adopted in endemic countries to treat leprosy patients in the field worldwide.

Cytokine polymorphisms and susceptibility to leprosy / Polimorfismos de citocinas e susceptibilidade à hanseníase

Cytokines play a key role in the regulation of the immune response against infectious diseases. In leprosy, the polymorphisms of pro-inflammatory cytokine genes may contribute to host susceptibility to Mycobacterium leprae. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between cytokine gene polymorphisms and BCG protection against leprosy in Brazilian leprosy cases and controls. DNA samples were obtained from 46 patients with leprosy and 83 healthy controls (not leprosy contacts). All genotyping (TNF alpha, IFN gamma, IL-6, IL-10 and TGF beta) measurements were taken using sequence-specific primers (SSP) - PCR. When compared to the healthy controls, no significant associations were observed between the cytokine gene polymorphisms studied and their susceptibility to leprosy. The most frequent genotypes in this population were TNF alpha ?G? allele and G/G genotype at position -308, ?A? allele of IFN gamma at position +874, G allele in the IL-6 at position -174, G allele (codon 25) and T/C-G/G genotype in TGF beta, and ?A? allele in IL-10 at position -1082. For those individuals that had a BCG scar, the TGF beta and IFN gamma genotype polymorphisms did not show difference among leprosy patients compared to healthy controls. Polymorphisms of the cytokine genes studied were not associated with an increased occurrence of leprosy.

Mycobacterium leprae in six-banded (Euphractus sexcinctus) and nine-banded armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus) in Northeast Brazil

Human beings are the main reservoir of the causative agent of leprosy, Mycobacterium leprae. In the Americas, nine-banded armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus) also act as a reservoir for the bacillus. In the state of Ceará (CE), which is located in Northeast Brazil and is an endemic area of leprosy, there are several species of armadillos, including D. novemcinctus and Euphractus sexcinctus (six-banded armadillo). Contact between humans and armadillos occur mainly through hunting, cleaning, preparing, cooking and eating. This study identified M. leprae DNA in the two main species of armadillos found in Northeast Brazil. A total of 29 wild armadillos (27 D. novemcinctus and 2 E. sexcinctus) were captured in different environments of CE countryside. Samples from the ear, nose, liver and spleen from each of these animals were tested by a nested M. leprae-specific repetitive element polymerase chain reaction assay. The samples that tested positive were confirmed by DNA sequencing. M. leprae was detected in 21% (6/29) of the animals, including five D. novemcinctus and one E. sexcinctus. This is the first Brazilian study to identify the presence of a biomarker of M. leprae in wild armadillos (D. novemcinctus and E. sexcinctus) in a leprosy hyperendemic area where there is continuous contact between humans and armadillos.

Mycobacterium leprae in six-banded (Euphractus sexcinctus) and nine-banded armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus) in Northeast Brazil.

Human beings are the main reservoir of the causative agent of leprosy, Mycobacterium leprae. In the Americas, nine-banded armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus) also act as a reservoir for the bacillus. In the state of Ceará (CE), which is located in Northeast Brazil and is an endemic area of leprosy, there are several species of armadillos, including D. novemcinctus and Euphractus sexcinctus (six-banded armadillo). Contact between humans and armadillos occur mainly through hunting, cleaning, preparing, cooking and eating. This study identified M. leprae DNA in the two main species of armadillos found in Northeast Brazil. A total of 29 wild armadillos (27 D. novemcinctus and 2 E. sexcinctus) were captured in different environments of CE countryside. Samples from the ear, nose, liver and spleen from each of these animals were tested by a nested M. leprae-specific repetitive element polymerase chain reaction assay. The samples that tested positive were confirmed by DNA sequencing. M. leprae was detected in 21% (6/29) of the animals, including five D. novemcinctus and one E. sexcinctus. This is the first Brazilian study to identify the presence of a biomarker of M. leprae in wild armadillos (D. novemcinctus and E. sexcinctus) in a leprosy hyperendemic area where there is continuous contact between humans and armadillos.

Comportamentos de risco para transtornos do comportamento alimentar entre adolescentes do sexo feminino de diferentes estratos sociais do Nordeste do Brasil / Risk behaviors for eating disorders among female adolescents from different social strata in the Brazilian Northeastern

Este estudo procurou estimar a prevalência de transtornos do comportamento alimentar (TCA) e identificar fatores de risco entre adolescentes do sexo feminino em Fortaleza (Ceará, Brasil). Realizou-se um estudo seccional com 652 estudantes secundaristas (14-20 anos) usando-se o Teste de Investigação Bulímica de Edimburgo (BITE). Aplicou-se um modelo de regressão logística. Cerca de um quarto das participantes apresentou padrão alimentar de risco e práticas de controle de peso; em 1,2 por cento encontraram-se indícios de TCA instalado. Medo de engordar foi relatado por 62 por cento, independentemente de estudarem em colégios públicos ou particulares (p>0,05), mas uso de práticas de risco foi superior naquelas procedentes de escolas particulares (p<0,05). Não ter religião (OR: 2.2; 95 por centoCI: 1.1-4.2) e estudar em colégio particular (OR: 1.7; 95 por centoCI: 1.2-2.5) associaram-se com maior risco de apresentar TCA. Os TCA emergem como problema de Saúde Coletiva mesmo em áreas pobres do Brasil, e o desejo pelo corpo magro não se diferenciou entre os diferentes estratos sociais, embora as práticas de risco sejam mais usadas entre as informantes de colégios particulares. Aspectos culturais e subjetivos se apresentam não apenas como fatores de risco, mas também como protetores.

This study sought to estimate the prevalence of eating disorders (ED) and identify risk factors among female adolescents in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil. It was conducted a sectional study with 652 high school students (14-20 years) using the Bulimic Investigatory Test of Edinburgh (BITE). A logistic regression model was applied. Approximately one quarter of participants showed risk eating pattern and control weight practices, among 1.2 percent signs of an installed ED were found. Fear of weight gain was reported by 62 percent of adolescents, independently if studying at public or private schools (p>0.05), but the use of risk practices was higher among private schools students (p<0.05). Not having a religion (OR: 2.2, 95 percentCI: 1.1-4.2) and studying in private school (OR: 1.7, 95 percentCI: 1.2-2.5) were associated with an increased risk of ED. The ED emerge as a public health problem even in the poor areas of Brazil and the desire for a thin body was not differentiated between different social strata, although the risk practices are significantly higher among respondents from private schools. Subjective and cultural aspects are presented not only as risk factors, but also as protectors.

[Risk behaviors for eating disorders among female adolescents from different social strata in the Brazilian Northeastern]. / Comportamentos de risco para transtornos do comportamento alimentar entre adolescentes do sexo feminino de diferentes estratos sociais do Nordeste do Brasil.

This study sought to estimate the prevalence of eating disorders (ED) and identify risk factors among female adolescents in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil. It was conducted a sectional study with 652 high school students (14-20 years) using the Bulimic Investigatory Test of Edinburgh (BITE). A logistic regression model was applied. Approximately one quarter of participants showed risk eating pattern and control weight practices, among 1.2% signs of an installed ED were found. Fear of weight gain was reported by 62% of adolescents, independently if studying at public or private schools (p>0.05), but the use of risk practices was higher among private schools students (p<0.05). Not having a religion (OR: 2.2, 95%CI: 1.1-4.2) and studying in private school (OR: 1.7, 95%CI: 1.2-2.5) were associated with an increased risk of ED. The ED emerge as a public health problem even in the poor areas of Brazil and the desire for a thin body was not differentiated between different social strata, although the risk practices are significantly higher among respondents from private schools. Subjective and cultural aspects are presented not only as risk factors, but also as protectors.

A demanda de um centro de referência nacional para hanseníase no nordeste brasileiro: por que o excesso de pacientes? / The need for a national reference center in Brazil's northeastern region: why the excess of patients?

Até 2000, o controle da hanseníase no Brasil foi verticalizado. Depois desta data, o processo de descentralização desta doença deu início a ações que priorizaram o nível primário de atenção à saúde. Entretanto, a assistência ainda permane centralizada em algumas unidades, como o Centro Nacional de Referência em Dermatologia Sanitária D. Libânia (CDERM), em Fortaleza, Ceará. Este centro responde por 84 por cento da detecção do município. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar os fatores associados à demanda excessiva de casos em nível secundário de atenção representado por este centro de referência. Um estudo transversal foi realizado com 600 usuários selecionados aleatoriamente nos ambulatórios do CDERM. Foram coletados dados: sócio econômico e demográficos, sobre conhecimento da doença e percepção dos serviços. Oitenta e dois por cento dos participantes tinham baixa situação sócio econômica, 90 por cento vieram encaminhados por outras unidades de saúde e 87 por cento tinham a forma multibacilar. Sessenta e nove por cento receberam atendimento prévio em outras Unidades de Saúde, 49 por cento jamais ouviram falar de hanseníase, 24 por cento referiram sentir medo da doença ou terem sofrido discriminação, 39 por cento dos usuários referiram que o atendimento ininterrupto no horário do almoço favorece a permanência no CDERM, 57 por cento e 27 por cento, respectivamente, referiram que a medicação complementar nunca faltou no CDERM e nas Unidades Básicas de Saúde (UBS). Sessenta e um por cento considerou que o compromisso dos profissionais no CDERM foi ótimo contra 14 por cento nas UBS. Os fatores relatados pelos usuários, especialmente logísticos e de qualidade de atendimento e dos profissionais, poderiam explicar a concentração de usuários neste centro de referência.

A demenda de um Centro de Referência Nacional para Hanseníase no Nordeste Brasileiro: por que o excesso de pacientes? / The need for a national reference center in Brazil's northeastern region: why the excess of patients?

Até 2000, o controle de hanseníase no Brasil foi verticalizado. Depois desta data, o processo de descentralização desta doença deu ínicio a ações que priorizaram o nível primário de atenção à saúde. Entretanto, a assistência ainda permanece centralizada em algumas unidades, como o Centro Nacional de Referência em Dermatologia Sanitária D. Libânia (CDERM), em Fortaleza, Ceará. Este centro responde por 84% da detecção do município. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar os fatores associados à demanda excessiva de casos em nível secundário de atenção representado por este centro de referência. Um estudo transversal foi realizado com 600 usuários selecionados aleatoriamente nos ambulatórios do CDERM. Foram coletados dados: sócio-econômico e demográficos, sobre conhecimento da doença e percepção dos serviços. Oitenta e dois por cento dos participantes tinham baixa situação socio-econômica, 90% vieram encaminhados por outras unidades de saúde e 87% tinham a forma multibacilar. Sessenta e nove por cento receberam atendimento prévio em outras Unidades de Saúde, 49% jamais ouviram falar de hanseníase, 24% referiram sentir medo da doença ou terem sofrido discriminação, 39% dos usuários referiram que o atendimento ininterrupto no horário do almoço favorece a permanência no CDERM, 57% e 27%, respectivamente, referiram que a medicação complementar nunca faltou no CDERM e nas Unidades Básicas de Saúde (UBS). Sessenta e um por cento considerou que o compromisso dos profissionais no CDERM foi ótimo contra 14% nas UBS. Os fatores relatados pelos usuários, especialmente logísticos e de qualidade de atendimento e dos profissionais, poderiam explicar a concentração de usuários neste centro de referência.