Risk factors associated with severe COVID-19 outcomes in Jamaica: a cross-sectional study of national surveillance data / Factores de riesgo asociados a la COVID-19 grave en Jamaica: estudio transversal de datos nacionales de vigilancia / Fatores de risco associados a desfechos graves da COVID-19 na Jamaica: estudo transversal de dados de vigilância nacional

[ABSTRACT]. Objectives. To describe the characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 cases in Jamaica and to explore the risk factors associated with severe COVID-19 from 9 March to 31 December 2020. Methods. A cross-sectional analysis of national surveillance data was conducted using confirmed COVID-19 cases in Jamaica. Definitions of a confirmed case, disease severity, and death were based on World Health Organization guidelines. Chi-square and Fisher exact tests were used to determine association with outcomes. Logistic regression models were used to determine predictors of severe COVID-19. Results. This analysis included 12 169 cases of COVID-19 (median age, 36 years; 6 744 females [ 55.4%]) of which 512 cases (4.2%) presented with severe disease, and of those, 318 patients (62.1%) died (median age at death, 71.5 years). Severe disease was associated with being male (OR 1.4; 95% CI, 1.2-1.7) and 40 years or older (OR, 6.5; 95% CI, 5.1-8.2). COVID-19 death was also associated with being male (OR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.1-1.7), age 40 years or older (OR, 17.9; 95% CI, 11.6-27.7), and in the Western versus South East Health Region (OR 1.7; 95% CI, 1.2-2.3). Conclusions. The findings of this cross-sectional analysis indicate that confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Jamaica were more likely to be female and younger individuals, whereas COVID-19 deaths occurred more frequently in males and older individuals. There is increased risk of poor COVID-19 outcomes beginning at age 40, with males disproportionately affected. COVID-19 death also varied by geographic region. This evidence could be useful to other countries with similar settings and to policymakers charged with managing outbreaks and health.

[RESUMEN]. Objetivos. Describir las características y los resultados de los casos de COVID-19 en Jamaica y explorar los factores de riesgo asociados a la COVID-19 grave desde el 9 de marzo hasta el 31 de diciembre del 2020. Métodos. Se realizó un análisis transversal de datos nacionales de vigilancia a partir de los casos confirma- dos de COVID-19 en Jamaica. Las definiciones de caso confirmado, gravedad de la enfermedad y muerte se basaron en las directrices de la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Para determinar la asociación con los criterios de valoración se utilizó la prueba de χ2 y la prueba exacta de Fisher. Se usaron modelos de regresión logística para determinar los factores predictivos de la COVID-19 grave. Resultados. Se incluyeron en el análisis 12 169 casos de COVID-19 (mediana de edad, 36 años; 6 744 mujeres [55,4%]), de los que 512 (4,2%) fueron de enfermedad grave. De estos pacientes, 318 (62,1%) fall- ecieron (mediana de edad al morir, 71,5 años). Se observó una asociación de la enfermedad grave con el sexo masculino (OR de 1,4; IC del 95 %, 1,2-1,7) y con la edad igual o superior a 40 años (OR de 6,5; IC del 95 %, 5,1-8,2). La muerte por COVID-19 también mostró una asociación con el sexo masculino (OR de 1,4; IC del 95%, 1,1-1,7), con la edad igual o superior a 40 años (OR de 17,9; IC del 95%, 11,6-27,7) y con la Región de Atención de Salud Occidental en comparación con la Sudoriental (OR de 1,7; IC del 95%, 1,2-2,3). Conclusiones. Los resultados de este análisis transversal indican que los casos confirmados de COVID-19 en Jamaica correspondieron una mayor probabilidad a mujeres y personas más jóvenes, mientras que las muertes por COVID-19 fueron más frecuentes en varones y personas de mayor edad. Hay un mayor riesgo de evolución desfavorable de la COVID-19 a partir de los 40 años, que afecta de manera desproporcionada a los varones. Las muertes por COVID-19 también variaron según la región geográfica. Esta evidencia podría ser de utilidad para otros países con entornos similares y para los responsables de la formulación de políticas en materia de gestión de brotes y salud.

[RESUMO]. Objetivos. Descrever as características e os desfechos dos casos de COVID-19 na Jamaica e explorar os fatores de risco associados à COVID-19 grave de 9 de março a 31 de dezembro de 2020. Métodos. Análise transversal de dados de vigilância nacional usando casos confirmados de COVID-19 na Jamaica. As definições de caso confirmado, gravidade da doença e morte foram baseadas nas recomendações da Organização Mundial da Saúde. Foram usados testes de qui-quadrado e exato de Fisher para determinar a associação com os desfechos. Modelos de regressão logística foram usados para deter- minar os preditores de COVID-19 grave. Resultados. Esta análise incluiu 12.169 casos de COVID-19 (idade mediana: 36 anos; 6 744 do sexo feminino [55,4%]), dos quais 512 casos (4,2%) apresentaram doença grave; desses, 318 pacientes (62,1%) morreram (idade mediana ao morrer: 71,5 anos). A doença grave estava associada a ser do sexo masculino (razão de chances [RC]: 1,4; intervalo de confiança de 95% [IC 95%]: 1,2–1,7) e ter 40 anos ou mais de idade (RC: 6,5; IC 95%: 5,1–8,2). A morte por COVID-19 também estava associada a ser sexo masculino (RC: 1,4; IC 95%: 1,1–1,7), ter 40 anos ou mais (RC: 17,9; IC 95%: 11,6–27,7) e estar na Região Sanitária Oeste em comparação com a Região Sanitária Sudeste (RC: 1,7; IC 95%: 1,2–2,3). Conclusões. Os achados desta análise transversal indicam que a probabilidade de casos confirmados de COVID-19 na Jamaica era maior em indivíduos do sexo feminino e mais jovens, ao passo que as mortes por COVID-19 ocorreram com mais frequência em indivíduos do sexo masculino e mais velhos. Há um risco maior de resultados desfavoráveis em relação à COVID-19 a partir dos 40 anos, e indivíduos do sexo masculino são desproporcionalmente mais afetados. A morte por COVID-19 também variou de acordo com a região geográ- fica. Essas evidências podem ser úteis para outros países com cenários semelhantes e para os formuladores de políticas encarregados de manejar surtos e gerenciar a saúde.

Vigilancia epidemiológica en los últimos 4 años del Registro Español de Investigación en Dermatitis de Contacto y Alergia Cutánea: situación actual y tendencias / Four-year Epidemiological Surveillance of the Spanish Registry of Research in Contact Dermatitis and Cutaneous Allergy: Current Situation and Trends

Antecedentes: El Registro Español de Investigación en Dermatitis de Contacto y Alergia Cutánea tiene entre sus objetivos la vigilancia epidemiológica de la dermatitis de contacto. Para ello es importante conocer si se producen alteraciones en el tiempo de las prevalencias de las positividades a los distintos alérgenos. Objetivos: Describir las variaciones en las tendencias temporales en positividades a alérgenos en la serie estándar del GEIDAC en el periodo comprendido entre 2018 y el 31 de diciembre de 2022. Métodos: Estudio observacional multicéntrico de pacientes estudiados consecutivamente mediante pruebas epicutáneas dentro del estudio de un posible eczema alérgico de contacto recogidos de forma prospectiva en el seno del Registro Español de Investigación en Dermatitis de Contacto y Alergia Cutánea. Se analizaron los datos mediante 2 pruebas estadísticas: una de homogeneidad (para ver si hay cambios en los diferentes años) y otra de tendencia (para ver si los cambios siguen una tendencia lineal). Resultados: Se incluyeron un total de 11.327 pacientes en el periodo de estudio. Los alérgenos en los que de forma global se detectó una sensibilización mayor fueron sulfato de níquel, metilisotiazolinona, cloruro de cobalto, metilcloroisotiazolinona/metilisotiazolinona y mezcla de fragancias i. Se detectó una disminución estadísticamente significativa en el porcentaje de positividades de metilisotiazolinona a lo largo de años de estudio con una tendencia ordenada. Conclusiones: Si bien se pueden apreciar diferentes cambios en las tendencias a sensibilizaciones a varios de los alérgenos de la batería estándar, se observa que persiste una alta sensibilización al níquel, a la metilcloroisotiazolinona/metilisotiazolinona y a la mezcla de fragancias i. Solo se aprecia una tendencia a disminuir de forma significativa en el caso de la metilisotiazolinona.(AU)

Background: The epidemiological surveillance of contact dermatitis is one of the objectives of the Spanish Registry of Research in Contact Dermatitis and Cutaneous Allergy. Knowing whether the prevalence of positive tests to the different allergens changes over time is important for this monitoring process. Objectives: To describe the various temporary trends in allergen positivity in the GEIDAC standard series from 2018 through December 31, 2022. Methods: This was a multicenter, observational trial of consecutive patients analyzed via patch tests as part of the study of possible allergic contact dermatitises collected prospectively within the Spanish Registry of Research in Contact Dermatitis and Cutaneous Allergy. The data was analyzed using 2 statistical tests: one homogeneity test (to describe the changes seen over time) and one trend test (to see whether the changes described followed a linear trend). Results: A total of 11327 patients were included in the study. Overall, the allergens associated with a highest sensitization were nickel sulfate, methylisothiazolinone, cobalt chloride, methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone, and fragrance mix i. A statistically significant decrease was found in the percentage of methylisothiazolinone positive tests across the study years with an orderly trend. Conclusions: Although various changes were seen in the sensitizations trends to several allergens of the standard testing, it became obvious that a high sensitization to nickel, methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone and fragrances mix i remained. Only a significant downward trend was seen for methylisothiazolinone.(AU)

[Translated article] Four-year Epidemiological Surveillance of the Spanish Registry of Research in Contact Dermatitis and Cutaneous Allergy: Current Situation and Trends / Vigilancia epidemiológica en los últimos 4 años del Registro Español de Investigación en Dermatitis de Contacto y Alergia Cutánea: situación actual y tendencias

Antecedentes: El Registro Español de Investigación en Dermatitis de Contacto y Alergia Cutánea tiene entre sus objetivos la vigilancia epidemiológica de la dermatitis de contacto. Para ello es importante conocer si se producen alteraciones en el tiempo de las prevalencias de las positividades a los distintos alérgenos. Objetivos: Describir las variaciones en las tendencias temporales en positividades a alérgenos en la serie estándar del GEIDAC en el periodo comprendido entre 2018 y el 31 de diciembre de 2022. Métodos: Estudio observacional multicéntrico de pacientes estudiados consecutivamente mediante pruebas epicutáneas dentro del estudio de un posible eczema alérgico de contacto recogidos de forma prospectiva en el seno del Registro Español de Investigación en Dermatitis de Contacto y Alergia Cutánea. Se analizaron los datos mediante 2 pruebas estadísticas: una de homogeneidad (para ver si hay cambios en los diferentes años) y otra de tendencia (para ver si los cambios siguen una tendencia lineal). Resultados: Se incluyeron un total de 11.327 pacientes en el periodo de estudio. Los alérgenos en los que de forma global se detectó una sensibilización mayor fueron sulfato de níquel, metilisotiazolinona, cloruro de cobalto, metilcloroisotiazolinona/metilisotiazolinona y mezcla de fragancias i. Se detectó una disminución estadísticamente significativa en el porcentaje de positividades de metilisotiazolinona a lo largo de años de estudio con una tendencia ordenada. Conclusiones: Si bien se pueden apreciar diferentes cambios en las tendencias a sensibilizaciones a varios de los alérgenos de la batería estándar, se observa que persiste una alta sensibilización al níquel, a la metilcloroisotiazolinona/metilisotiazolinona y a la mezcla de fragancias i. Solo se aprecia una tendencia a disminuir de forma significativa en el caso de la metilisotiazolinona.(AU)

Background: The epidemiological surveillance of contact dermatitis is one of the objectives of the Spanish Registry of Research in Contact Dermatitis and Cutaneous Allergy. Knowing whether the prevalence of positive tests to the different allergens changes over time is important for this monitoring process. Objectives: To describe the various temporary trends in allergen positivity in the GEIDAC standard series from 2018 through December 31, 2022. Methods: This was a multicenter, observational trial of consecutive patients analyzed via patch tests as part of the study of possible allergic contact dermatitises collected prospectively within the Spanish Registry of Research in Contact Dermatitis and Cutaneous Allergy. The data was analyzed using 2 statistical tests: one homogeneity test (to describe the changes seen over time) and one trend test (to see whether the changes described followed a linear trend). Results: A total of 11327 patients were included in the study. Overall, the allergens associated with a highest sensitization were nickel sulfate, methylisothiazolinone, cobalt chloride, methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone, and fragrance mix i. A statistically significant decrease was found in the percentage of methylisothiazolinone positive tests across the study years with an orderly trend. Conclusions: Although various changes were seen in the sensitizations trends to several allergens of the standard testing, it became obvious that a high sensitization to nickel, methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone and fragrances mix i remained. Only a significant downward trend was seen for methylisothiazolinone.(AU)

Entomological assessment in 'hotspots' of four lymphatic filariasis endemic districts, Central Nepal during post-MDA surveillance.

BACKGROUND OBJECTIVES: Annual mass drug administration (MDA) is the main strategy to interrupt the transmission of lymphatic filariasis (LF) in the community. The main aim of monitoring the MDA program, for its effectiveness and interruption of LF is the post-MDA surveillance using antigen survey in children born after MDA. The latest technique of new research suggests that xenomonitoring is an effective tool for monitoring LF intervention. The objective of this study was to assess the W. bancrofti infection/or infectivity in vector mosquitoes by xenomonitoring during post-MDA surveillance. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the hotspots of selected four districts of Central Nepal. A gravid trap technique was used for sampling mosquitoes. Infection/or infectivity was determined via the dissection of vector mosquitoes. Anopheles, Aedes, Armigerus and Culex species were collected from hotspots of four endemic districts, two from the hilly region (Lalitpur and Dhading) and two from Terai region (Bara and Mahottari) of Central Nepal. RESULTS: A total of 4450 mosquitoes belonging to four genera, Anopheles, Culex, Armigeres, and Aedes were collected from four hotspots. The distribution of Culex quinquefasciatus was found to be the highest, 88.9% (n=3955/4450) followed by Cx. vishnui (4.5%), Armigeres sp (5.8%), An. culicifascies (0.2%), Aedes spp (0.8%). The proportion of female mosquitoes trapped is significantly higher. A total of 3344 parous Cx. quinquefasciatus mosquitoes were dissected for any larval stage of W. bancrofti. We could not find any filarial infection in dissected mosquito samples. INTERPRETATION CONCLUSION: We conclude that the gravid trap is an efficient tool for the collection of gravid Cx. quinquefasciatus mosquitoes for xenomonitoring studies of filariasis endemic regions. Vector composition indicated a maximum number of vector mosquitoes of lymphatic filariasis were trapped compared with the other three species. Distribution and density of Cx. quinquefasciatus was found highest in four hotspots of endemic districts. None of the Cx. quinquefasciatus dissected were found to be infected by larval forms of filaria. Since the low levels of infection persistence in the human population in these hot spots, vector infection and infectivity can't be ignored. Microscopic xenomonitoring at a low level of infection persistent is less likely to be efficient so molecular xenomonitoring along with a large sample should be required in each of the hot spots of the districts. Additionally, area is receptive so further vector control intervention should be required to reduce the risk of resurgence of infection.

The elimination of human African trypanosomiasis: Monitoring progress towards the 2021-2030 WHO road map targets.

BACKGROUND: Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) is a neglected tropical disease that usually occurs in rural areas in sub-Saharan Africa. It caused devastating epidemics during the 20th century. Sustained, coordinated efforts by different stakeholders working with national sleeping sickness control programmes (NSSCPs) succeeded in controlling the disease and reducing the number of cases to historically low levels. In 2012, WHO targeted the elimination of the disease as a public health problem by 2020. This goal has been reached and a new ambitious target was stated in the WHO road map for NTDs 2021-2030 and endorsed by the 73rd World Health Assembly: the elimination of gambiense HAT transmission (i.e. reducing the number of reported cases to zero). The interruption of transmission was not considered as an achievable goal for rhodesiense HAT, as it would require vast veterinary interventions rather than actions at the public health level. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Data reported to WHO by NSSCPs were harmonized, verified, georeferenced and included in the atlas of HAT. A total of 802 cases were reported in 2021 and 837 in 2022. This is below the target for elimination as a public health problem at the global level (< 2000 HAT cases/year); 94% of the cases were caused by infection with T. b. gambiense. The areas reporting ≥ 1 HAT case/10 000 inhabitants/year in 2018-2022 cover a surface of 73 134 km2, with only 3013 km2 at very high or high risk. This represents a reduction of 90% from the baseline figure for 2000-2004, the target set for the elimination of HAT as a public health problem. For the surveillance of the disease, 4.5 million people were screened for gambiense HAT with serological tests in 2021-2022, 3.6 million through active screening and 0.9 million by passive screening. In 2021 and 2022 the elimination of HAT as a public health problem was validated in Benin, Uganda, Equatorial Guinea and Ghana for gambiense HAT and in Rwanda for rhodesiense HAT. To reach the next goal of elimination of transmission of gambiense HAT, countries have to report zero cases of human infection with T. b. gambiense for a period of at least 5 consecutive years. The criteria and procedures to verify elimination of transmission have been recently published by WHO. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: HAT elimination as a public health problem has been reached at global level, with seven countries already validated as having reached this goal. This achievement was made possible by the work of NSSCPs, supported by different public and private partners, and coordinated by WHO. The new challenging goal now is to reach zero cases by 2030. To reach this goal is crucial to maintain the engagement and support of donors and stakeholders and to keep the involvement and coordination of all partners. Along with the focus on elimination of transmission of gambiense HAT, it is important not to neglect rhodesiense HAT, which is targeted for elimination as a public health problem in the WHO road map for NTDs 2021-2030.

Travel surveillance uncovers dengue virus dynamics and introductions in the Caribbean.

Dengue is the most prevalent mosquito-borne viral disease in humans, and cases are continuing to rise globally. In particular, islands in the Caribbean have experienced more frequent outbreaks, and all four dengue virus (DENV) serotypes have been reported in the region, leading to hyperendemicity and increased rates of severe disease. However, there is significant variability regarding virus surveillance and reporting between islands, making it difficult to obtain an accurate understanding of the epidemiological patterns in the Caribbean. To investigate this, we used travel surveillance and genomic epidemiology to reconstruct outbreak dynamics, DENV serotype turnover, and patterns of spread within the region from 2009-2022. We uncovered two recent DENV-3 introductions from Asia, one of which resulted in a large outbreak in Cuba, which was previously under-reported. We also show that while outbreaks can be synchronized between islands, they are often caused by different serotypes. Our study highlights the importance of surveillance of infected travelers to provide a snapshot of local introductions and transmission in areas with limited local surveillance and suggests that the recent DENV-3 introductions may pose a major public health threat in the region.

Performance of amplicon and capture based next-generation sequencing approaches for the epidemiological surveillance of Omicron SARS-CoV-2 and other variants of concern.

To control the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, healthcare systems have focused on ramping up their capacity for epidemiological surveillance through viral whole genome sequencing. In this paper, we tested the performance of two protocols of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid enrichment, an amplicon enrichment using different versions of the ARTIC primer panel and a hybrid-capture method using KAPA RNA Hypercap. We focused on the challenge of the Omicron variant sequencing, the advantages of automated library preparation and the influence of the bioinformatic analysis in the final consensus sequence. All 94 samples were sequenced using Illumina iSeq 100 and analysed with two bioinformatic pipelines: a custom-made pipeline and an Illumina-owned pipeline. We were unsuccessful in sequencing six samples using the capture enrichment due to low reads. On the other hand, amplicon dropout and mispriming caused the loss of mutation G21987A and the erroneous addition of mutation T15521A respectively using amplicon enrichment. Overall, we found high sequence agreement regardless of method of enrichment, bioinformatic pipeline or the use of automation for library preparation in eight different SARS-CoV-2 variants. Automation and the use of a simple app for bioinformatic analysis can simplify the genotyping process, making it available for more diagnostic facilities and increasing global vigilance.

Reemergencia de la encefalitis equina del oeste (WEEV) en la Argentina: una revisión de aspectos epidemiológicos, virológicos y clínicos de relevancia / Reemergence of western equine encephalitis in Argentina

La encefalitis equina del oeste (WEEV, por su sigla en inglés, Western Equine Encephalitis) es una enfermedad reemergente en Argentina a partir del año 2023. La co-municación inicial fue en 1933, las últimas epizootias ocurrieron en 1983 y el último caso humano se registró en 1996. Se revisan las características del agente causal, la ecología con especial referencia a los vectores iden-tificados en el país, su competencia en la transmisión y el ciclo así como los factores de riesgo para adquirir la enfermedad. La situación epidemiológica en equinos y humanos desde noviembre 2023 hasta marzo 2024 es analizada. Se describen las formas clínicas de presen-tación de la enfermedad humana, las posibilidades evo-lutivas, los datos disponibles en los casos confirmados y el tratamiento. La metodología y algoritmo empleados para el diagnóstico etiológico en el Centro Nacional de Referencia son detallados. Las estrategias para la pre-vención y el control se basan en la vacunación de los equinos, el saneamiento ambiental y el control del foco ante la presentación de la enfermedad animal (vigilancia epidemiológica activa)

Western equine encephalitis (WEE) is a re-emerging dis-ease in Argentina starting in 2023. Since the initial notifi-cation in 1933, the last epizootics occurred in 1983, and the last human case was recorded in 1996.The charac-teristics of the causative agent, the ecology with special reference to vectors identified in the country, their compe-tence in transmission, and the cycle as well as the risks factors for acquiring the disease, are reviewed.The epidemiological situation in horses and humans from November 2023 to March 2024 is analyzed. The clinical presentation of the human disease, its evolutionary po-tential, available data in confirmed cases, and the treat-ment are described.The methodology and algorithm used for the etiological diagnosis at the National Reference Center are detailed. Strategies for prevention and control are based on vaccination of horses, environmental sani-tation and outbreak control in the presence of the animal disease (active epidemiological surveillance)

Instituto Nacional de Higiene Rafael Rangel

Ente descentralizado con autonomía y patrimonio propio adscrito al Ministerio del Poder Popular para la Salud (MPPS), que comparte funciones de regulación sanitaria para la prevención, vigilancia y control de la salud de los venezolanos, al realizar el diagnóstico en el campo de enfermedades transmisibles, asegurar y controlar la calidad de productos de consumo humano, a través de un proceso estricto de registro y vigilancia de los mismos además se encarga de capacitar al recurso humano necesario para la prestación de servicios en las áreas de su competencia.

Assisting the infection preventionist: Use of artificial intelligence for health care-associated infection surveillance.

BACKGROUND: Health care-associated infection (HAI) surveillance is vital for safety in health care settings. It helps identify infection risk factors, enhancing patient safety and quality improvement. However, HAI surveillance is complex, demanding specialized knowledge and resources. This study investigates the use of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly generative large language models, to improve HAI surveillance. METHODS: We assessed 2 AI agents, OpenAI's chatGPT plus (GPT-4) and a Mixtral 8×7b-based local model, for their ability to identify Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection (CLABSI) and Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection (CAUTI) from 6 National Health Care Safety Network training scenarios. The complexity of these scenarios was analyzed, and responses were matched against expert opinions. RESULTS: Both AI models accurately identified CLABSI and CAUTI in all scenarios when given clear prompts. Challenges appeared with ambiguous prompts including Arabic numeral dates, abbreviations, and special characters, causing occasional inaccuracies in repeated tests. DISCUSSION: The study demonstrates AI's potential in accurately identifying HAIs like CLABSI and CAUTI. Clear, specific prompts are crucial for reliable AI responses, highlighting the need for human oversight in AI-assisted HAI surveillance. CONCLUSIONS: AI shows promise in enhancing HAI surveillance, potentially streamlining tasks, and freeing health care staff for patient-focused activities. Effective AI use requires user education and ongoing AI model refinement.

Avaliação da Cooperação Técnica desenvolvida entre o Ministério da Saúde e a Organização Pan-Americana de Saúde/Organização Mundial da Saúde (OPAS/OMS) 75º Termo de Cooperação Técnica Projeto “Fortalecimento da Gestão do Sistema Nacional de Vigilância em Saúde”

A Vigilância em Saúde desempenha papel estratégico já que pressupõe o acompanhamento e análise permanentes da situação de saúde da população visando, direcionar ações para controlar determinantes, riscos e danos à saúde da população, garantindo-se a integralidade da atenção individual e coletiva dos problemas de saúde. Abrange a Vigilância Epidemiológica das doenças transmissíveis e não transmissíveis, a Vigilância em Saúde Ambiental em Saúde e a Vigilância em Saúde do Trabalhador. A Política Nacional de Vigilância em Saúde (PNVS), instituída em 2018 por meio da Resolução CNS nº 588, norteia o planejamento das ações de vigilância em saúde nas três esferas de gestão do SUS, caracterizado pela definição das responsabilidades, princípios, diretrizes e estratégias dessa vigilância. A importância desse tema tornou o processo de gestão em Vigilância em Saúde ainda mais aprimorado e eficiente, com o alcance dos objetivos e uso racional de recursos, aprimorando a relação custo-efetividade das ações, programas e políticas. A finalidade e objetivos do TC 75 foram alinhados ao plano estratégico de cooperação técnica da OPAS/OMS e com os Objetivos de Desenvolvimento do Milênio (ODM).

Tuberculosis surveillance and monitoring in Europe 2024 – 2022 data

This report provides an overview of the latest tuberculosis (TB) epidemiological situation and is published jointly by the WHO Regional Office for Europe and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. In 2022, a little over 170 000 incident TB cases were notified in countries of the WHO European Region, a slight increase from 2021. The increase in 2022 is likely due to a good recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic in access to and provision of TB services in many countries and the introduction of active TB case-finding activities. Despite the notable progress achieved in the fight against TB, countries still face various challenges in reaching the goal of ending the TB epidemic in the WHO European Region. Monitoring progress towards the targets of the new Tuberculosis action plan for the WHO European Region 2023–2030 is difficult due to limited or no reporting on some indicators. Further improvement of data completeness and representativeness should be the focus for all countries.

How much should we sequence? An analysis of the Swiss SARS-CoV-2 surveillance effort.

During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, many countries directed substantial resources toward genomic surveillance to detect and track viral variants. There is a debate over how much sequencing effort is necessary in national surveillance programs for SARS-CoV-2 and future pandemic threats. We aimed to investigate the effect of reduced sequencing on surveillance outcomes in a large genomic data set from Switzerland, comprising more than 143k sequences. We employed a uniform downsampling strategy using 100 iterations each to investigate the effects of fewer available sequences on the surveillance outcomes: (i) first detection of variants of concern (VOCs), (ii) speed of introduction of VOCs, (iii) diversity of lineages, (iv) first cluster detection of VOCs, (v) density of active clusters, and (vi) geographic spread of clusters. The impact of downsampling on VOC detection is disparate for the three VOC lineages, but many outcomes including introduction and cluster detection could be recapitulated even with only 35% of the original sequencing effort. The effect on the observed speed of introduction and first detection of clusters was more sensitive to reduced sequencing effort for some VOCs, in particular Omicron and Delta, respectively. A genomic surveillance program needs a balance between societal benefits and costs. While the overall national dynamics of the pandemic could be recapitulated by a reduced sequencing effort, the effect is strongly lineage-dependent-something that is unknown at the time of sequencing-and comes at the cost of accuracy, in particular for tracking the emergence of potential VOCs.IMPORTANCESwitzerland had one of the most comprehensive genomic surveillance systems during the COVID-19 pandemic. Such programs need to strike a balance between societal benefits and program costs. Our study aims to answer the question: How would surveillance outcomes have changed had we sequenced less? We find that some outcomes but also certain viral lineages are more affected than others by sequencing less. However, sequencing to around a third of the original effort still captured many important outcomes for the variants of concern such as their first detection but affected more strongly other measures like the detection of first transmission clusters for some lineages. Our work highlights the importance of setting predefined targets for a national genomic surveillance program based on which sequencing effort should be determined. Additionally, the use of a centralized surveillance platform facilitates aggregating data on a national level for rapid public health responses as well as post-analyses.

Vigilância sorológica integrada de doenças transmissíveis mediante ensaio multiplex com microesferas na Região das Américas: Relatório da quarta reunião regional

Este documento apresenta um resumo das questões discutidas na Quarta Reunião Regional sobre Vigilância Sorológica Integrada de Doenças Transmissíveis Mediante Ensaio Multiplex na Região das Américas. Essa iniciativa, iniciada em 2016, é uma parceria entre os países da Região, o Centro de Controle e Prevenção de Doenças (CDC) dos Estados Unidos e a Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde que visa utilizar a vigilância sorológica integrada como ferramenta complementar aos sistemas de vigilância epidemiológica. A vigilância sorológica complementa a vigilância epidemiológica convencional ao fornecer informações sobre a exposição a patógenos que não são identificados por meio de vigilância sistemática e que possam estar circulando ou ressurgindo nas populações. Sua implementação nos países da Região das Américas permitiu caracterizar os perfis de imunidade a doenças transmissíveis para as quais não se dispunha de informações de referência (ou cujas informações disponíveis não estavam atualizadas); é o caso de doenças como estrongiloidíase, teníase/cisticercose, bouba e tracoma, entre outras. No ensaio multiplex, é possível detectar até 50, 100 ou 500 antígenos simultaneamente, dependendo do instrumento utilizado, a partir de um volume de amostra muito pequeno (<1 µl). Esse sistema permite a criação de ensaios ajustados às necessidades de saúde pública de cada programa, com um custo incremental muito baixo para a inclusão de antígenos adicionais. Na quarta reunião, realizada em março de 2023, buscou-se analisar os avanços e as lições aprendidas com o uso da vigilância sorológica integrada de doenças transmissíveis usando a plataforma de ensaio multiplex na Região das Américas, bem como analisar e pactuar as ações necessárias para usar essa tecnologia a fim de melhorar as decisões programáticas de saúde pública.

Integrated Serological Surveillance of Communicable Diseases using the Multiplex Bead Assay in the Region of the Americas: Report of the Fourth Regional Meeting

This document presents a summary of the topics discussed at the Fourth Regional Meeting on Integrated Serological Surveillance of Communicable Diseases using the Multiple Bead Assay (MBA) in the Region of the Americas. This initiative, which began in 2016, is a partnership between countries in the Region, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Pan American Health Organization for the use of integrated serosurveillance as a tool to complement epidemiological surveillance systems. Serovigilance complements conventional epidemiological surveillance by providing information on exposure to pathogens that are not identified through routine surveillance and that may be circulating or re-emerging in populations. Its implementation in the countries of the Region of the Americas has made it possible to characterize the immunity profiles of communicable diseases for which no reference information was available or where the available information was not updated (e.g., for diseases such as strongyloidiasis, taeniasis and cysticercosis, and yaws). MBA allows up to 50, 100 or 500 antigens to be detected simultaneously, depending on the instrument used, with a very small sample volume (<1 µL). This system allows the creation of assays tailored to the public health needs of each program, with a very low incremental cost for adding antigens. The fourth meeting, held in March 2023, discussed progress and lessons learned in the use of integrated serosurveillance of communicable diseases using the multiple bead assay platform in the Region of the Americas. The meeting also reviewed and agreed on actions to employ MBA to improve programmatic public health decisions.

Approach towards surveillance-based diagnosis of acute respiratory illness in India: Expert recommendations.

BACKGROUND: Emerging infectious diseases, often zoonotic, demand a collaborative "One-Health" surveillance approach due to human activities. The need for standardized diagnostic and surveillance algorithms is emphasized to address the difficulty in clinical differentiation and curb antimicrobial resistance. OBJECTIVE: The present recommendations are comprehensive diagnostic and surveillance algorithm for ARIs, developed by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), which aims to enhance early detection and treatment with improved surveillance. This algorithm shall be serving as a blueprint for respiratory infections landscape in the country and early detection of surge of respiratory infections in the country. CONTENT: The ICMR has risen up to the threat of emerging and re-emerging infections. Here, we seek to recommend a structured approach for diagnosing respiratory illnesses. The recommendations emphasize the significance of prioritizing respiratory pathogens based on factors such as the frequency of occurrence (seasonal or geographical), disease severity, ease of diagnosis and public health importance. The proposed surveillance-based diagnostic algorithm for ARI relies on a combination of gold-standard conventional methods, innovative serological and molecular techniques, as well as radiological approaches, which collectively contribute to the detection of various causative agents. The diagnostic part of the integrated algorithm can be dealt at the local microbiology laboratory of the healthcare facility with the few positive and negative specimens shipped to linked viral disease research laboratories (VRDLs) and other ICMR designated laboratories for genome characterisation, cluster identification and identification of novel agents.

Boletín Epidemiológico Nacional N°692 SE 7 / National Epidemiological Bulletin N°692 E 7

Generado por el Ministerio de Salud de la Nación Dirección Nacional de Epidemiología este boletín contiene información de actualización de encefalitis equina, dengue y arbovirus, enfermedades respiratorias agudas. Informe especial de síndrome urémico hemolítico. Alerta epidemiológicas internaciones y destacados de boletines jurisdiccionales.

Boletín Epidemiológico Nacional N°691 SE 6 / National Epidemiological Bulletin N°691 E 6

Generado por el Ministerio de Salud de la Nación Dirección Nacional de Epidemiología este boletín contiene información de actualización de encefalitis equina, dengue y arbovirus, enfermedades respiratorias agudas. Alerta epidemiológicas internaciones y destacados de boletines jurisdiccionales.