Quality, opportunity, and treatment of data of tuberculosis and human immunodeficiency virus co-infection / Calidad, oportunidad y manejo de los datos de coinfección tuberculosis y virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana / Qualidade, oportunidade e tratamento de dados de tuberculose e coinfecção com vírus da imunodeficiência humana

Background and Objectives: The identification, evaluation, and use of methodological resources for data quality analysis is important to support planning actions of public policies for the control of tuberculosis (TB) and the co-infection TB and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The objective was to analyze the quality and timeliness of notification of TB and TB-HIV co-infection cases from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN - Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação) in Espírito Santo State, from 2016 to 2018. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of the quality of SINAN data using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines to analyze the quality and timeliness of SINAN-TB notification, with emphasis on the description of TB-HIV co-infection in Espírito Santo State, from 2016 to 2018. It considered five methodological steps that included quality analysis, standardization of records, duplicity analysis, the completeness of data through linkage with the SINAN-HIV database and anonymization of data. It obtained ethical approval under the number 4022892 on 12/05/2020. Results: The study showed that 89% of mandatory variables and 91% of essential variables showed satisfactory completeness. In TB-HIV co-infection 73% of the variables were completed, but essential variables related to TB treatment follow-up showed unsatisfactory completeness. The timeliness of reporting was considered regular. Conclusion: Improvements in work processes and the development of a specific methodological process for data treatment are necessary to qualify the information available in SINAN-TB.(AU)

Justificativa e Objetivos: A identificação, avaliação e emprego de recursos metodológicos para análise da qualidade dos dados é importante para fundamentar ações de planejamento das políticas públicas no controle da tuberculose (TB) e da coinfecção TB e o vírus da imunodeficiência humana (HIV). O objetivo é analisar a qualidade e a oportunidade de notificação dos casos de TB e coinfecção TB-HIV do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN) no Espírito Santo, de 2016 a 2018. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal da qualidade dos dados do SINAN com uso do Guia do Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) de análise da qualidade e oportunidade de notificação do SINAN-TB, com ênfase na descrição da coinfecção TB-HIV no Espírito Santo, de 2016 a 2018. Considerou-se cinco etapas metodológicas que incluíram análise da qualidade, padronização dos registros, análise de duplicidade, a completitude dos dados por meio de linkage com o banco de dados do SINAN-HIV e anonimização dos dados. Obteve aprovação ética sob parecer de nº 4022892 em 12/05/2020. Resultados: O estudo mostrou que 89% das variáveis obrigatórias e 91% das variáveis essenciais apresentaram completitude satisfatória. Na coinfecção TB-HIV 73% das variáveis foram preenchidas, porém variáveis essenciais relacionadas ao acompanhamento do tratamento para TB apresentaram completitude insatisfatória. A oportunidade de notificação foi considerada regular. Conclusão: Melhorias nos processos de trabalho e elaboração de processo metodológico específico para o tratamento dos dados são necessárias para qualificar as informações disponíveis no SINAN-TB.(AU)

Justificación y Objetivos: La identificación, evaluación y utilización de recursos metodológicos de análisis de la calidad de los datos es importante para apoyar la planificación de políticas públicas de control de la tuberculosis (TB) y la coinfección con el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH). El objetivo es analizar la calidad y oportunidad de la notificación de casos de TB y coinfección TB-VIH del Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN), en el Estado del Espírito Santo, desde el año 2016 hasta 2018. Métodos: Este es un estudio transversal utilizando el análisis de la Guía de los Centros para el Control y Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC) de la calidad y oportunidad de la notificación en SINAN-TB, con énfasis en la descripción de la coinfección TB-VIH, en el Estado del Espírito Santo, desde el año 2016 hasta 2018. Fueran considerados cinco pasos metodológicos que incluyeron análisis de calidad, estandarización de registros, análisis de duplicidad, vinculación con la base de datos SINAN-VIH y anonimización de datos. Obtuvo aprobación ética bajo dictamen nº 4022892 el 12/05/2020. Resultados: El 89% de las variables obligatorias y el 91% de las variables esenciales se completaron satisfactoriamente. En la coinfección TB-VIH el 73% de las variables fueron completadas, mientras que las variables esenciales relacionadas con el acompañamiento del tratamiento para la TB presentaron una completitud insatisfactoria. La oportunidad de notificación fue considerada regular. Conclusión: Las mejoras en los procesos de trabajo y la elaboración de un proceso metodológico específico para el tratamiento de los datos son necesarias para cualificar la información disponible en el SINAN-TB.(AU)

Previous BCG vaccination is associated with less severe clinical progression of COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: BCG vaccination, originally used to prevent tuberculosis, is known to "train" the immune system to improve defence against viral respiratory infections. We investigated whether a previous BCG vaccination is associated with less severe clinical progression of COVID-19 METHODS: A case-control study comparing the proportion with a BCG vaccine scar (indicating previous vaccination) in cases and controls presenting with COVID-19 to health units in Brazil. Cases were subjects with severe COVID-19 (O2 saturation < 90%, severe respiratory effort, severe pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, sepsis, and septic shock). Controls had COVID-19 not meeting the definition of "severe" above. Unconditional regression was used to estimate vaccine protection against clinical progression to severe disease, with strict control for age, comorbidity, sex, educational level, race/colour, and municipality. Internal matching and conditional regression were used for sensitivity analysis. RESULTS: BCG was associated with high protection against COVID-19 clinical progression, over 87% (95% CI 74-93%) in subjects aged 60 or less and 35% (95% CI - 44-71%) in older subjects. CONCLUSIONS: This protection may be relevant for public health in settings where COVID-19 vaccine coverage is still low and may have implications for research to identify vaccine candidates for COVID-19 that are broadly protective against mortality from future variants. Further research into the immunomodulatory effects of BCG may inform COVID-19 therapeutic research.

Novas ferramentas para o diagnóstico de infecção latente por Mycobacterium tuberculosis / New tools for the diagnostics of latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection

Esta tese objetivou identificar estratégias de triagem para infecção latente por Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) ­ ILTB em profissionais de saúde que viabilizem o uso mais eficiente dos recursos disponíveis. No Brasil, recomenda-se que os profissionais de saúde, um dos grupos de risco para a ILTB, realizem triagem periódica para detecção da infecção e aqueles que apresentarem conversão aos testes de diagnóstico, indica-se o tratamento preventivo da tuberculose (TB) ­ TPT uma vez que pessoas com conversão recente apresentam elevada chance de progressão para a doença. Desenvolvemos, no primeiro artigo, um modelo preditivo para identificar profissionais de saúde com maior probabilidade de resultado negativo para dois testes de diagnóstico da ILTB a partir de uma análise secundária de dados publicados anteriormente de 708 profissionais de saúde da atenção primária, de cinco capitais brasileiras, submetidos à prova tuberculínica (PT) e ao Quantiferon®-TB Gold in-tube (QFT-IT®). Construímos um modelo preditivo utilizando árvore de classificação e regressão (CART, classification and regression tree). A avaliação do desempenho foi realizada por meio da análise receiver operating characteristics (ROC) e area under the curve (AUC). Utilizou-se o mesmo banco de dados para validação cruzada do modelo. Entre os 708 profissionais de saúde, 247 (34,9%) apresentaram resultado negativo para os testes. A CART identificou que os médicos e agentes comunitários de saúde apresentaram chances duas vezes maior de testes negativos (probabilidade = 0,60) do que os enfermeiros e técnicos/auxiliares de enfermagem (probabilidade = 0,28) naqueles com menos de 5,5 anos de atuação na atenção primária. Na validação cruzada, a acurácia do modelo preditivo foi de 68% [intervalo de confiança de 95% (IC95%) 65 ­ 71) ], AUC de 62% (IC95% 58 ­ 66), especificidade de 78% (IC95% 74 ­ 81) e sensibilidade de 44% (IC95% 38 ­ 50). Apesar do baixo poder preditivo do modelo, a CART permitiu identificar subgrupos com maior probabilidade de terem ambos os testes negativos. No segundo artigo, analisou-se a razão de custo-efetividade de dois testes de sensibilidade cutânea baseados em antígenos específicos do Mtb -Diaskintest® e C-TST® - e a do QFT-Plus® para o diagnóstico da ILTB comparadas com a estratégia diagnóstica atual (PT) entre profissionais de saúde. Desenvolveu-se um modelo analítico de decisão, representado por coorte hipotética de 100.000 profissionais de saúde, de ambos os sexos, com resultado negativo para a PT no ano anterior, horizonte temporal de cinco anos, na perspectiva do Sistema Único de Saúde. Avaliaram-se três regimes de tratamento para a ILTB: três meses de doses semanais de rifapentina (900 mg) e isoniazida (900 mg) (3HP), seis e nove meses de doses diárias de isoniazida (300 mg) (6H e 9H, respectivamente). Aplicou-se taxa de desconto de 5% na efetividade, medida em casos de TB ativa evitados, e nos custos das estratégias de triagem e de tratamento avaliados, estimados em dólares americanos (US$) com taxa média anual de 2021 de acordo com o Banco Central (US$ 1 = 5,39 reais). Foram realizadas análises de sensibilidade determinística univariada e probabilística. Os testes Diaskintest®, C-TST® e QFT-Plus® apresentam maior especificidade (0,98, 0,98 e 0,97, respectivamente). Os custos com QFT-Plus® foram maiores devido aos equipamentos, mão de obra e ao custo do kit. O Diaskintest® foi o teste mais econômico (US$ 7.042, US$ 5.781 e US$ 18.892 por caso de TB ativa evitado para os regimes de tratamento com 3HP, 6H e 9H, respectivamente), inclusive nas análises de sensibilidade. No cenário nacional, o Diaskintest® foi o teste de melhor custo-efetividade para avaliação anual dos profissionais de saúde.

This thesis aimed to identify screening strategies for tuberculosis infection (TBI) in healthcare workers (HCW) that enable the most efficient use of available resources. Investigation of TBI in HCWs is recommended in Brazil as part of the worker's pre-employment and periodic (annual) health visits. HCWs with a first tuberculin skin test (TST) induration < 10 mm are invited to repeat the test in one to three weeks to assess the booster effect (induration size increment of 10 mm). Those with a persistent TST < 10 mm will undergo a one-step TST every 12 months. TPT is recommended when conversion (10 mm increment over latest induration size) occurs. We developed, in the first manuscript, a predictive model to identify HCWs best targeted for TBI screening. We carried out a secondary analysis of previously published results of 708 HCWs working in primary care services in five Brazilian State capitals who underwent two TBI tests: tuberculin skin test and Quantiferon®-TB Gold in-tube. We used a classification and regression tree (CART) model to predict HCWs with negative results for both tests. The performance of the model was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve and the area under the curve (AUC), cross-validated using the same dataset. Among the 708 HCWs, 247 (34.9%) had negative results for both tests. CART allowed us to identify that physicians or a community health agents were twice more likely to be uninfected (probability = 0.60) than registered or aid nurse (probability = 0.28) when working less than 5.5 years in the primary care setting. In cross validation, the predictive accuracy was 68% [95% confidence interval (95%CI): 65 ­ 71], AUC was 62% (95%CI 58 ­ 66), specificity was 78% (95%CI 74 ­ 81), and sensitivity was 44% (95%CI 38 ­ 50). Despite the low predictive power of this model, CART allowed to identify subgroups with higher probability of having both tests negative. In the second manuscript, we analyzed the cost-effectiveness of two TB antigen-based skin tests (TBST) using the recombinant ESAT-6 and CFP-10 immunogens (Diaskintest® and C-TST®) and of QFT-Plus® for TBI diagnosis compared with the current standard of care, TST, among HCWs in Brazil. A state-transition Markov model was created, simulating a cohort of 100,000 HCWs (five annual cycles) for TBI treatment scenarios with 3 months of weekly doses of rifapentine (900 mg) and isoniazid (900 mg) (3HP). We adopted the Brazilian public health system perspective. Effects [tuberculosis disease (TBD) averted) and costs for screening and treating TBI were discounted at 5%. Incremental cost-effectiveness per TBD averted was calculated. Hypothetical cohort of 100,000 HCWs of both sexes with a negative result of TST in the previous year. Diaskintest®, C-TST® and QFT-Plus® tests have higher specificity (0.98, 0.98 and 0.97, respectively). Costs with QFT-Plus® were higher due to equipment, human labor and cost of the kit by test. Diaskintest® was the most cost-effective test (US$ 7,042, US$ 5,781, and US$18,892 per case of TBD averted for the 3HP, 6H, and 9H treatment regimens, respectively), including sensitivity analyses. In the Brazilian scenario, Diaskintest® is the most cost-effective test for sequential testing of HCWs.

Classification and regression trees for predicting the risk of a negative test result for tuberculosis infection in Brazilian healthcare workers: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: Healthcare workers (HCWs) have a high risk of acquiring tuberculosis infection (TBI). However, annual testing is resource-consuming. We aimed to develop a predictive model to identify HCWs best targeted for TBI screening. METHODOLOGY: We conducted a secondary analysis of previously published results of 708 HCWs working in primary care services in five Brazilian State capitals who underwent two TBI tests: tuberculin skin test and Quantiferon®-TB Gold in-tube. We used a classification and regression tree (CART) model to predict HCWs with negative results for both tests. The performance of the model was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve and the area under the curve (AUC), cross-validated using the same dataset. RESULTS: Among the 708 HCWs, 247 (34.9%) had negative results for both tests. CART identified that physician or a community health agent were twice more likely to be uninfected (probability = 0.60) than registered or aid nurse (probability = 0.28) when working less than 5.5 years in the primary care setting. In cross validation, the predictive accuracy was 68% [95% confidence interval (95%CI): 65 - 71], AUC was 62% (95%CI 58 - 66), specificity was 78% (95%CI 74 - 81), and sensitivity was 44% (95%CI 38 - 50). CONCLUSION: Despite the low predictive power of this model, CART allowed to identify subgroups with higher probability of having both tests negative. The inclusion of new information related to TBI risk may contribute to the construction of a model with greater predictive power using the same CART technique.

Proteção dos trabalhadores da Atenção Primária à Saúde: análise dos planos de contingência das capitais brasileiras em tempos de pandemia / Primary Health Care workers' protection: analysis of contingency plans adopted in Brazilian state capitals in pandemic times

Resumo Objetivo: analisar como a proteção da saúde dos trabalhadores da Atenção Básica à Saúde (ABS) é abordada nos planos de contingência das capitais brasileiras e do Distrito Federal (DF) para o enfrentamento da pandemia de COVID-19. Métodos: estudo descritivo, de base documental, com caráter analítico-reflexivo, que tomou como objeto de análise as publicações oficiais das secretarias municipais de saúde das capitais brasileiras e do DF produzidas para o enfrentamento da pandemia. A coleta de dados ocorreu entre junho e julho de 2020. Os dados foram categorizados segundo medidas administrativas, ambientais e individuais de controle. Resultados: todas as capitais apresentaram plano de contingência, exceto São Luís, no Maranhão, região Nordeste do país. A descrição das medidas de proteção respiratória ou individual estava presente em todos os planos de contingência avaliados, diferentemente do observado para as medidas administrativas e ambientais. Conclusão: os planos de contingência apresentam limitações na prevenção e proteção da saúde dos profissionais que atuam na ABS. A heterogeneidade de ações revela a complexidade do processo de enfrentamento da pandemia no Brasil diante de desigualdades regionais e fragilidades na gestão do sistema de saúde.

Abstract Objective: to analyze how COVID-19 contingency plans adopted in Brazilian state capitals and in the Federal District approach the health protection of Primary Health Care (PHC) workers. Methods: this is a descriptive, documentary-based study, with an analytical-reflective character, conducted with data collected between June and July 2020 from official publications issued by the Municipal Health Departments of the Brazilian state capitals, and by the federal government, aiming at coping with the pandemic. We categorized data according to administrative, environmental, and individual control measures. Result: all capitals presented contingency plans, except for São Luís, located in Maranhão State, Northeast region of the country. All evaluated contingency plans described respiratory or individual protection measures, unlike that observed for environmental and administrative control measures. Conclusion: the contingency plans to cope with COVID-19 are limited concerning the PHC workers' health prevention and protection. The actions heterogeneity reveals the complexity of the process of coping with the pandemic in Brazil, especially in face of the regional inequalities and weaknesses in the healthcare management.

Classification and regression trees for predicting the risk of a negative test result for tuberculosis infection in Brazilian healthcare workers: a cross-sectional study / Árvore de regressão e classificação na predição do risco de resultados negativos para infecção por tuberculose em profissionais de saúde no Brasil: um estudo transversal

ABSTRACT: Objectives: Healthcare workers (HCWs) have a high risk of acquiring tuberculosis infection (TBI). However, annual testing is resource-consuming. We aimed to develop a predictive model to identify HCWs best targeted for TBI screening. Methodology: We conducted a secondary analysis of previously published results of 708 HCWs working in primary care services in five Brazilian State capitals who underwent two TBI tests: tuberculin skin test and Quantiferon®-TB Gold in-tube. We used a classification and regression tree (CART) model to predict HCWs with negative results for both tests. The performance of the model was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve and the area under the curve (AUC), cross-validated using the same dataset. Results: Among the 708 HCWs, 247 (34.9%) had negative results for both tests. CART identified that physician or a community health agent were twice more likely to be uninfected (probability = 0.60) than registered or aid nurse (probability = 0.28) when working less than 5.5 years in the primary care setting. In cross validation, the predictive accuracy was 68% [95% confidence interval (95%CI): 65 - 71], AUC was 62% (95%CI 58 - 66), specificity was 78% (95%CI 74 - 81), and sensitivity was 44% (95%CI 38 - 50). Conclusion: Despite the low predictive power of this model, CART allowed to identify subgroups with higher probability of having both tests negative. The inclusion of new information related to TBI risk may contribute to the construction of a model with greater predictive power using the same CART technique.

RESUMO: Objetivos: Desenvolver um modelo preditivo para identificar profissionais de saúde com maior probabilidade de resultado negativo para dois testes de diagnóstico da infecção latente por Mycobacterium tuberculosis (ILTB). Métodos: Foi realizada uma análise secundária dos resultados publicados anteriormente de 708 profissionais de saúde da atenção primária, de cinco capitais brasileiras, submetidos à prova tuberculínica e ao Quantiferon®-TB Gold in-tube. Um modelo preditivo com árvore de classificação e regressão (CART, Classification and regression tree) foi construído. A avaliação do desempenho foi realizada por meio da análise receiver operating characteristics (ROC) e area under the curve (AUC). Utilizamos o mesmo banco de dados para validação cruzada do modelo. Resultados: Entre os 708 profissionais de saúde, 247 (34,9%) apresentaram resultado negativo para os testes. A CART identificou que os médicos e agentes comunitários de saúde apresentaram duas vezes mais chances de não estarem infectados (probabilidade = 0,60) que os enfermeiros e técnicos/auxiliares de enfermagem (probabilidade = 0,28) nos casos com menos de 5,5 anos de atuação na atenção primária. Na validação cruzada, a acurácia do modelo preditivo foi de 68% [intervalo de confiança de 95% (IC95%) 65 - 71)], AUC de 62% (IC95% 58 - 66), especificidade de 78% (IC95% 74 - 81) e sensibilidade de 44% (IC95% 38 - 50). Conclusão: Apesar do baixo poder preditivo do modelo, a CART permitiu identificar subgrupos com maior probabilidade de terem ambos os testes negativos. A inclusão de novas informações relacionadas ao risco de ILTB pode contribuir para a construção de um modelo com maior poder preditivo utilizando a mesma técnica.

Prevalence of sexual violence among refugees: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To synthesize data about the prevalence of sexual violence (SV) among refugees around the world. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted from the search in seven bibliographic databases. Studies on the prevalence of SV among refugees and asylum seekers of any country, sex or age, whether in English, French, Spanish and Portuguese, were eligible. RESULTS: Of the 2,906 titles found, 60 articles were selected. The reported prevalence of SV was largely variable (0% to 99.8%). Reports of SV were collected in all continents, with 42% of the articles mentioning it in refugees from Africa (prevalence from 1.3% to 100%). The rape was the most reported SV in 65% of the studies (prevalence from 0% to 90.9%). The main victims were women in 89% of the studies, all the way, especially when still in the countries of origin. The SV was perpetrated particularly by intimate partners, but also by agents of supposed protection. Few studies have reported SV in men and children; the prevalence reached up to 39.3% and 90.9%, respectively. Approximately one-third of the studies (32%) were carried out in refugee camps and more than half (52%) in health services using mental health assessment tools. No study has addressed the most recent migratory crisis. Meta-analysis was not performed due to the methodological heterogeneity of the studies. CONCLUSIONS: SV is a prevalent problem affecting refugees of both sexes, of all ages, throughout the migratory journey, particularly those from Africa. Protection measures are urgently needed, and further studies, with more appropriate tools, may better measure the current magnitude of the problem.

Prevalence of sexual violence among refugees: a systematic review / Prevalência de violência sexual em refugiados: uma revisão sistemática

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To synthesize data about the prevalence of sexual violence (SV) among refugees around the world. METHODS A systematic review was conducted from the search in seven bibliographic databases. Studies on the prevalence of SV among refugees and asylum seekers of any country, sex or age, whether in English, French, Spanish and Portuguese, were eligible. RESULTS Of the 2,906 titles found, 60 articles were selected. The reported prevalence of SV was largely variable (0% to 99.8%). Reports of SV were collected in all continents, with 42% of the articles mentioning it in refugees from Africa (prevalence from 1.3% to 100%). The rape was the most reported SV in 65% of the studies (prevalence from 0% to 90.9%). The main victims were women in 89% of the studies, all the way, especially when still in the countries of origin. The SV was perpetrated particularly by intimate partners, but also by agents of supposed protection. Few studies have reported SV in men and children; the prevalence reached up to 39.3% and 90.9%, respectively. Approximately one-third of the studies (32%) were carried out in refugee camps and more than half (52%) in health services using mental health assessment tools. No study has addressed the most recent migratory crisis. Meta-analysis was not performed due to the methodological heterogeneity of the studies. CONCLUSIONS SV is a prevalent problem affecting refugees of both sexes, of all ages, throughout the migratory journey, particularly those from Africa. Protection measures are urgently needed, and further studies, with more appropriate tools, may better measure the current magnitude of the problem.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Sintetizar dados da literatura sobre a prevalência de violência sexual em refugiados. MÉTODOS Conduzimos uma revisão sistemática a partir da busca em sete bases bibliográficas. Foram elegíveis estudos em inglês, francês, espanhol e português com dados sobre a prevalência de violência sexual em refugiados e requerentes de asilo, de qualquer país, sexo ou idade. RESULTADOS Dos 2.906 títulos encontrados, 60 artigos foram incluídos. A prevalência foi amplamente variável (0% a 99,8%). Houve relatos de violência sexual em todos os continentes, com 42% dos artigos mencionando-a em refugiados provenientes da África (prevalências de 1,3% a 100%). O estupro foi a ocorrência mais relatada em 65% dos estudos (prevalências de 0% a 90,9%). As principais vítimas foram mulheres em 89% dos estudos, em todo o trajeto, principalmente nos países de origem. A violência foi perpetrada particularmente por parceiros íntimos, mas também por agentes de suposta proteção. Poucos estudos relataram-na em homens e crianças, com prevalências atingindo até 39,3% e 90,9%, respectivamente. Cerca de 1/3 dos estudos (32%) foram realizados em campos de refugiados ou locais de acolhimento, e mais da metade (52%) em serviços de saúde, utilizando instrumentos de avaliação de saúde mental. Nenhum estudo abordou a crise migratória mais recente. Não foi realizada meta-análise devido à heterogeneidade metodológica dos estudos. CONCLUSÕES A violência sexual é um problema prevalente que atinge refugiados de ambos os sexos, de todas as idades, em particular aqueles provenientes da África, durante todo o percurso migratório. Medidas de proteção são urgentemente necessárias, e novos estudos, com instrumentos mais apropriados, poderão mensurar melhor a magnitude atual do problema.

Yellow Fever Outbreak in Brazil: A crucial time for epidemiologic surveillance / Brote de fiebre amarilla en Brasil: un momento crucial para la vigilancia epidemiológica / Surto de Febre Amarela no Brasil: um momento crucial para a vigilância epidemiológica

Brazil lived a crucial time for public health and epidemiologic surveillance on the fight against yellow fever (YF) during 2016/2017, mainly in southeastern states where the greatest population concentration occurs, the most economically developed region of the country. In this letter, we show some epidemiologic data from that outbreak and we discussion that crucial time for epidemiologic surveillance.(AU)

Prevalence and risk factors for latent tuberculosis infection among primary health care workers in Brazil.

Health care workers (HCW) are at increased risk of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) from occupational exposure to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The objective was to determine the prevalence of and risk factors for LTBI among primary HCW in five Brazilian cities. We conducted a cross-sectional study, from 2011 to 2013, among primary HCW, using a structured questionnaire and an evaluated for LTBI using the Quantiferon-TB Gold in-tube test. The magnitude of the associations was assessed using hierarchical logistic regression models. Among 708 HCW, the LTBI prevalence was 27% (n = 196; 95%CI: 24%-31%). We found that the following factors were positively associated with LTBI in primary HCW: age > 50 years (OR = 2.94; 95%CI: 1.44-5.99), absence of a BCG scar (OR = 2.10; 95%CI: 1.28-3.43), self-reported ex-smoker status (OR = 1.80; 95%CI: 1.04-3.11), being a nurse (OR = 2.97; 95%CI: 1.13-7.83), being a nurse technician (OR = 3.10; 95%CI: 1.26-7.60), being a community health agent (OR = 2.60; 95%CI: 1.06-6.40), and irregular use of N95 masks (OR = 2.51; 95%CI: 1.11-5.98). In contrast, HCWs who do not work in health care facilities with a TB control program were less likely to have LTBI (OR = 0.66; 95%CI: 0.45-0.97). This study demonstrated a substantial occupational risk of LTBI among primary HCW in Brazil. The Brazilian TB control program, as well as local programs, need to target these high-risk HCW with education, as well as with better personal protective equipment to prevent acquisition of new TB infection.

Tuberculosis infection among primary health care workers / Infecção por tuberculose entre profissionais de saúde da atenção básica

ABSTRACT Objective: To estimate the prevalence of and determine the risk factors associated with latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection (LTBI) among primary health care workers in the city of Vitória, Brazil. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with data collected through a survey regarding socio-demographic, occupational, clinical, and exposure characteristics, as well as knowledge about tuberculosis, conducted between 2011 and 2012. All participants underwent a tuberculin skin test (TST), and TSTs were read at 72 h by a trained professional. Results: A total of 218 primary health care workers participated in the study. The prevalence of TST positivity at the ≥ 10-mm and ≥ 5-mm cut-off points was, respectively, 39.4% (95% CI: 32.9-45.9) and 54.1% (95% CI: 47.4-60.7). Regarding occupational categories, community health agents had the highest proportion of TST positivity, regardless of the cut-off point (≥ 10 mm: 47.5%; and ≥ 5 mm: 60.5%). Regarding factors associated with TST results, "having had a previous TST" showed a statistically significant association with TST positivity at the ≥ 10-mm and ≥ 5-mm cut-off points (OR = 2.5 [95% CI: 1.17-5.30] and OR = 2.18 [95% CI: 1.23-3.87], respectively). Conclusions: The prevalence of LTBI was found to be high among the primary health care workers in this sample. Therefore, we recommend the establishment of a periodic screening program for LTBI and implementation of effective biosafety policies for the prevention of this infection among primary health care workers.

RESUMO Objetivo: Estimar a prevalência de infecção latente pelo Mycobacterium tuberculosis (ILTB) e identificar os fatores de risco associados a essa infecção entre profissionais de saúde da atenção básica no município de Vitória (ES). Métodos: Estudo transversal cujas informações foram obtidas por meio de inquérito sobre dados sociodemográficos, ocupacionais, clínicos, de exposição e de conhecimento sobre tuberculose, realizado entre 2011 e 2012. Todos os participantes foram submetidos ao teste tuberculínico (TT), e a leitura do resultado foi realizada após 72 h por um profissional capacitado. Resultados: Participaram do estudo 218 profissionais de saúde. A prevalência de positividade ao TT foi de 39,4% (IC95%: 32,9-45,9) e de 54,1% (IC95%: 47,4-60,7), respectivamente, para os pontos de corte do TT ≥ 10 mm e ≥ 5 mm. Em relação às categorias profissionais, os agentes comunitários de saúde apresentaram a maior proporção de positividade ao teste, independentemente do ponto de corte considerado (≥ 10 mm: 47,5%; e ≥ 5 mm: 60,5%). Em relação aos fatores associados ao resultado do teste, "ter feito TT anteriormente" apresentou associações estatisticamente significativas com o resultado positivo ao TT para os pontos de corte ≥ 10 mm e ≥ 5 mm [OR = 2,5 (IC95%: 1,17-5,30) e OR = 2,18 (IC95%: 1,23-3,87), respectivamente]. Conclusões: Os profissionais de saúde da atenção básica dessa amostra apresentaram uma alta prevalência de ILTB. Logo, recomendam-se a instituição de um programa de triagem periódica para ILTB e a implantação de políticas efetivas de biossegurança para a prevenção dessa infecção nos profissionais de saúde na atenção básica.

Tuberculosis infection among primary health care workers.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of and determine the risk factors associated with latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection (LTBI) among primary health care workers in the city of Vitória, Brazil. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study with data collected through a survey regarding socio-demographic, occupational, clinical, and exposure characteristics, as well as knowledge about tuberculosis, conducted between 2011 and 2012. All participants underwent a tuberculin skin test (TST), and TSTs were read at 72 h by a trained professional. RESULTS: A total of 218 primary health care workers participated in the study. The prevalence of TST positivity at the ≥ 10-mm and ≥ 5-mm cut-off points was, respectively, 39.4% (95% CI: 32.9-45.9) and 54.1% (95% CI: 47.4-60.7). Regarding occupational categories, community health agents had the highest proportion of TST positivity, regardless of the cut-off point (≥ 10 mm: 47.5%; and ≥ 5 mm: 60.5%). Regarding factors associated with TST results, "having had a previous TST" showed a statistically significant association with TST positivity at the ≥ 10-mm and ≥ 5-mm cut-off points (OR = 2.5 [95% CI: 1.17-5.30] and OR = 2.18 [95% CI: 1.23-3.87], respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of LTBI was found to be high among the primary health care workers in this sample. Therefore, we recommend the establishment of a periodic screening program for LTBI and implementation of effective biosafety policies for the prevention of this infection among primary health care workers.

Prevalence and risk factors for latent tuberculosis infection among primary health care workers in Brazil / Prevalência de infecção latente da tuberculose e fatores de risco entre profissionais de saúde na atenção primária no Brasil / Prevalencia de infección latente de la tuberculosis y factores de riesgo entre profesionales de salud en la atención primaria en Brasil

Health care workers (HCW) are at increased risk of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) from occupational exposure to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The objective was to determine the prevalence of and risk factors for LTBI among primary HCW in five Brazilian cities. We conducted a cross-sectional study, from 2011 to 2013, among primary HCW, using a structured questionnaire and an evaluated for LTBI using the Quantiferon-TB Gold in-tube test. The magnitude of the associations was assessed using hierarchical logistic regression models. Among 708 HCW, the LTBI prevalence was 27% (n = 196; 95%CI: 24%-31%). We found that the following factors were positively associated with LTBI in primary HCW: age > 50 years (OR = 2.94; 95%CI: 1.44-5.99), absence of a BCG scar (OR = 2.10; 95%CI: 1.28-3.43), self-reported ex-smoker status (OR = 1.80; 95%CI: 1.04-3.11), being a nurse (OR = 2.97; 95%CI: 1.13-7.83), being a nurse technician (OR = 3.10; 95%CI: 1.26-7.60), being a community health agent (OR = 2.60; 95%CI: 1.06-6.40), and irregular use of N95 masks (OR = 2.51; 95%CI: 1.11-5.98). In contrast, HCWs who do not work in health care facilities with a TB control program were less likely to have LTBI (OR = 0.66; 95%CI: 0.45-0.97). This study demonstrated a substantial occupational risk of LTBI among primary HCW in Brazil. The Brazilian TB control program, as well as local programs, need to target these high-risk HCW with education, as well as with better personal protective equipment to prevent acquisition of new TB infection.

Os profissionais de saúde apresentam risco aumentado de infecção latente da tuberculose (ILTB) em função da exposição ocupacional ao Mycobacterium tuberculosis. O estudo teve como objetivo estimar a prevalência da ILTB e fatores de risco entre profissionais de saúde na atenção primária em cinco cidades brasileiras. Realizamos um estudo transversal entre 2011 e 2013 entre profissionais de saúde na atenção primária, usando um questionário estruturado, e avaliamos a ILTB com o teste Quantiferon-TB Gold In-Tube. A magnitude das associações foi avaliada com o uso de modelos de regressão logística hierárquica. Entre 708 profissionais de saúde, a prevalência de ILTB era 27% (n = 196; IC95%: 24%-31%). Os seguintes fatores mostraram associação positiva com ILTB entre profissionais de saúde na atenção primária: idade > 50 anos (OR = 2,94; IC95%: 1,44-5,99), ausência de cicatriz de BCG (OR = 2,10; IC95%: 1,28-3,43), ex-tabagista (OR = 1,80; IC95%: 1,04-3,11), profissão enfermeiro (OR = 2,97; IC95%: 1,13-7,83), profissão técnico de enfermagem (OR = 3,10; IC95%: 1,26-7,60), profissão agente comunitário de saúde (OR = 2,60; IC95%: 1,06-6,40) e uso irregular de máscaras N95 (OR = 2,51; IC95%: 1,11-5,98). Enquanto isso, os profissionais de saúde que não trabalham em serviços de saúde que dispõem de programa de controle da TB tem menor probabilidade de apresentar ILTB (OR = 0,66; IC95%: 0,45-0,97). O estudo demonstrou risco ocupacional substancial de ILTB entre profissionais de saúde na atenção primária no Brasil. O programa brasileiro de controle da tuberculose, assim como os programas locais, devem focar esses profissionais de saúde, de risco elevado, através de atividades educativas, assim como, equipamento de proteção individual melhor para prevenir a aquisição de novos casos de infecção pela tuberculose.

Los profesionales de salud presentan un riesgo aumentado de infección latente de la tuberculosis (ILTB), en función de la exposición ocupacional al Mycobacterium tuberculosis. El objetivo del estudio fue estimar la prevalencia de la ILTB y sus factores de riesgo entre profesionales de salud en la atención primaria en cinco ciudades brasileñas. Realizamos un estudio transversal entre 2011 y 2013 entre profesionales de salud en la atención primaria, usando un cuestionario estructurado, y evaluamos la ILTB con el test Quantiferon-TB Gold In-Tube. La magnitud de las asociaciones fue evaluada con el uso de modelos de regresión logística jerárquica. Entre 708 profesionales de salud, la prevalencia de ILTB era 27% (n = 196; IC95%: 24%-31%). Los siguientes factores mostraron una asociación positiva con ILTB entre profesionales de salud en la atención primaria: edad > 50 años (OR = 2,94; IC95%: 1,44-5,99), ausencia de cicatriz de BCG (OR = 2,10; IC95%: 1,28-3,43), ex-fumador (OR = 1,80; IC95%: 1,04-3,11), profesión enfermero (OR = 2,97; IC95%: 1,13-7,83), profesión técnico de enfermería (OR = 3,10; IC95%: 1,26-7,60), profesión agente comunitario de salud (OR = 2,60; IC95%: 1,06-6,40) y uso irregular de máscaras N95 (OR = 2,51; IC95%: 1,11-5,98). Por otra parte, los profesionales de salud que no trabajan en servicios de salud que disponen de programa de control de la TB tienen una menor probabilidad de presentar ILTB (OR = 0,66; IC95%: 0,45-0,97). El estudio demostró riesgo ocupacional substancial de ILTB entre profesionales de salud en la atención primaria en Brasil. El programa brasileño de control de la tuberculosis, así como los programas locales, deben centrarse en esos profesionales de salud, de riesgo elevado, a través de actividades educativas, así como un mejor equipamiento de protección individual para prevenir el surgimiento de nuevos casos de infección por tuberculosis.

Prevalência e fatores associados à infecção pelo Mycobacterium tuberculosis entre agentes comunitários de saúde no Brasil, usando-se a prova tuberculínica / Prevalence of infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis and associated factors in community health workers in Brazil based on the tuberculin skin test / Prevalencia y factores asociados a la infección porMycobacterium tuberculosis, usando la prueba tuberculina entre los agentes comunitarios de salud en Brasil

Resumo Este artigo tem por objetivo determinar a prevalência e os fatores associados à infecção latente pelo Mycobacterium tuberculosis entre agentes comunitários de saúde (ACS), usando dois pontos de corte da prova tuberculínica 5mm e 10mm. Trata-se de estudo transversal, com dados coletados sobre sexo, idade, cicatriz de BCG, prova tuberculínica (PT) anterior, tempo que trabalha na profissão de ACS, atuar em unidade básica de saúde (UBS), ter tido contato intradomiciliar com tuberculose (TB), usar álcool, ser fumante e apresentar comorbidades. Para controle de variáveis de confusão e estimativa da medida de efeito (OR), foi empregada a regressão logística. Aplicou-se PT, com leitura após 48-72 horas. As prevalências foram de 57,88% e 37,3%, respectivamente, para 5mm e 10mm. Manteve-se associada à positividade para o ponto de corte de 10mm a condição de trabalhar em UBS com Programa de Controle de Tuberculose (PCT) implementado e já ter tido contato intradomiciliar com TB. Já para o ponto de corte de 5mm, trabalhar em UBS com PCT e implementado. São necessárias ações de conscientização nos municípios e fortalecimento das ações de educação permanente sobre a temática.

Abstract This article aimed to determine the prevalence of latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection and associated factors in community health workers (CHW) in Brazil, using two cutoff points for the tuberculin skin test (5mm and 10mm). This was a cross-sectional study with data on gender, age, BCG scar, working in a primary care unit (PCU), having a household contact with tuberculosis (TB), alcohol consumption, previous tuberculin skin test (TST), smoking, time on the job as CHW, and comorbidities. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and to control for confounding. TST was applied and read after 48-72 hours. Prevalence rates were 57.88% and 37.3%, respectively, for the 5mm and 10mm TST cutoffs. Variables that remained associated with positive TST using the 10mm cutoff were working in a primary care unit that had implemented a Tuberculosis Control Program (TCP) and history of household contact with TB. Variables associated with the 5mm cutoff were working in a primary care unit with a TCP. Necessary actions at the local level include awareness-raising and strengthening of continuing education.

Resumen Este artículo tiene como objetivo determinar la prevalencia y los factores asociados con la infección por Mycobacterium tuberculosis latente entre los agentes comunitarios de salud (ACS), utilizando dos puntos de corte de la tuberculina: prueba de 5mm y 10mm. Un estudio transversal con los datos recogidos sobre: género, edad, cicatriz de BCG (marca de la vacuna), trabajar en una unidade básica de salud (UBS), vivir en un hogar con tuberculosis, el consumo de alcohol, prueba de la tuberculina (PT) anterior, tabaquismo, antigüedad en la profesión como agente comunitario de salud y comorbilidades. Para controlar las variables de confusión y estimar medidas de efecto (OR) se utilizó la regresión logística. Se aplicó el PT, con una lectura después de 48-72 horas. Las tasas de prevalencia fueron un 57,88% y 37,3%, respectivamente, para 5 y 10mm. Se mantuvo asociado con positividad en el trabajo de corte de 10mm en UBS, implementado por el Programa de Control de Tuberculosis (PCT), y que tuvo contacto con la tuberculosis en el hogar. En cuanto al trabajo de 5 mm de corte en la atención primaria se implementó con el PCT. Se necesitan acciones de sensibilización en los municipios.

[Prevalence of infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis and associated factors in community health workers in Brazil based on the tuberculin skin test]. / Prevalência e fatores associados à infecção pelo Mycobacterium tuberculosis entre agentes comunitários de saúde no Brasil, usando-se a prova tuberculínica.

This article aimed to determine the prevalence of latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection and associated factors in community health workers (CHW) in Brazil, using two cutoff points for the tuberculin skin test (5mm and 10mm). This was a cross-sectional study with data on gender, age, BCG scar, working in a primary care unit (PCU), having a household contact with tuberculosis (TB), alcohol consumption, previous tuberculin skin test (TST), smoking, time on the job as CHW, and comorbidities. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and to control for confounding. TST was applied and read after 48-72 hours. Prevalence rates were 57.88% and 37.3%, respectively, for the 5mm and 10mm TST cutoffs. Variables that remained associated with positive TST using the 10mm cutoff were working in a primary care unit that had implemented a Tuberculosis Control Program (TCP) and history of household contact with TB. Variables associated with the 5mm cutoff were working in a primary care unit with a TCP. Necessary actions at the local level include awareness-raising and strengthening of continuing education.

Comparison of interferon-γ release assay to two cut-off points of tuberculin skin test to detect latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in primary health care workers.

BACKGROUND: An interferon-γ release assay, QuantiFERON-TB (QFT) test, has been introduced an alternative test for the diagnosis of latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection (LTBI). Here, we compared the performance of QFT with tuberculin skin test (TST) measured at two different cut-off points among primary health care work (HCW) in Brazil. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out among HCWs in four Brazilian cities with a known history of high incidence of TB. Results of the QFT were compared to TST results based on both ≥5 mm and ≥10 mm as cut-off points. RESULTS: We enrolled 632 HCWs. When the cut-off value of ≥10 mm was used, agreement between QFT and TST was 69% (k = 0.31), and when the cut-off of ≥5 mm was chosen, the agreement was 57% (k = 0.22). We investigated possible factors of discordance of TST vs QFT. Compared to the TST-/QFT- group, risk factors for discordance in the TST+/QFT- group with TST cut-off of ≥5 mm included age between 41-45 years [OR = 2.70; CI 95%: 1.32-5.51] and 46-64 years [OR = 2.04; CI 95%: 1.05-3.93], BCG scar [OR = 2.72; CI 95%: 1.40-5.25], and having worked only in primary health care [OR = 2.30; CI 95%: 1.09-4.86]. On the other hand, for the cut-off of ≥10 mm, BCG scar [OR = 2.26; CI 95%: 1.03-4.91], being a household contact of a TB patient [OR = 1.72; CI 95%: 1.01-2.92] and having had a previous TST [OR = 1.66; CI 95%: 1.05-2.62], were significantly associated with the TST+/QFT- group. No statistically significant associations were found among the TST-/QFT+ discordant group with either TST cut-off value. CONCLUSIONS: Although we identified BCG vaccination to contribute to the discordance at both TST cut-off measures, the current Brazilian recommendation for the initiation of LTBI treatment, based on information gathered from medical history, TST, chest radiograph and physical examination, should not be changed.

Factors associated with tuberculosis by HIV status in the Brazilian national surveillance system: a cross sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Over the last decade tuberculosis (TB) incidence and mortality in Brazil have been steadily declining. However, this downward trend has not been observed among HIV-infected patients. We describe the epidemiological and clinical profile of TB patients by HIV status using the Brazilian National Surveillance System. METHODS: All TB diagnoses with HIV status information between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2011 were categorized as either HIV or non-HIV at time of TB diagnosis. Co-infected patients (TB-HIV) were compared to TB patients with no HIV-infection using a hierarchical logistic regression model using Stata 13.0. RESULTS: The prevalence of TB-HIV co-infection was 19% among adults ≥ 15 years of age. We analyzed data from 243,676 individuals, of whom 46,466 were TB-HIV and 197,210 were only TB cases. The following factors increased risk of co-infection: male sex (OR: 1.06, 95% CI 1.03-1.10), 20 to 39 years of age (OR = 4.82, 95% CI 4.34-5.36), black (OR = 1.08, 95% CI 1.04-1.13), 4-7 years of education (OR = 1.13, 95% CI 1.19-1.28), diagnosed following default (OR = 2.65, 95% CI 1.13-6.25), presenting with pulmonary and extra-pulmonary forms of TB simultaneously (OR = 2.80, 95% CI 1.56-5.02), presenting with histopathologic examination suggestive of TB (OR = 2.15, 95% CI 1.13-4.07). Co-infected patients were less likely to live in rural areas (OR = 0.45, 95% CI 0.42-0.48), have diabetes (OR = 0.45, 95% CI 0.40-0.50) and be smear positive (OR = 0.55, 95% CI 0.32-0.95), and co-infected patients had higher risk of default (OR = 2.96, 95% CI 2.36-3.71) and death from TB (OR = 5.16, 95% CI 43.04-5.77). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of co-infection with HIV among TB patients is 19% in Brazil. By identifying predictors of co-infection targeted interventions can be developed to prevent both TB and HIV, and to diagnose each disease earlier and ultimately decrease poor treatment outcomes and death.