Cognitive impairment increases in older people living with HIV: a systematic review of cohort studies / Aumento do comprometimento cognitivo em idosos que vive m com HIV: revisão sistemática de estudos de corte

The progressive increase in HIV infection among older adults requires constant research and monitoring, given that geriatric syndromes associated with HIV comorbidities have become an important public health problem. We reported this systematic review according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), and it has a central question: Is the incidence of cognitive impairment higher in older patients living with HIV than in their seronegative peers? The following databases were searched for this review: MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, LILACS, Web of Science, and Scopus. The inclusion criteria were studies whose samples were ≥ 50% patients aged ≥ 50 years, with and without HIV, and a main outcome related to the incidence of cognitive impairment. Only cohort studies with follow-up lasting ≥ 24 months were considered. Three reviewers independently screened the documents for eligibility criteria, extracted the data, assessed the risk of bias (Newcastle-Ottawa Scale), and evaluated the quality of evidence. A narrative synthesis was prepared. In total, 10 798 trials were screened, 8884 were excluded, 14 were analyzed, and 5 were included in this review. Only 1 applied cognitive assessment tests; the rest used secondary data from the medical records. Most found that the incidence of cognitive disorders was higher among older people living with HIV, which highlights the need for public policies aimed at primary and secondary prevention strategies. Further research from other countries is still required. PROSPERO register (CRD42022321914). (AU)

Oral and oropharyngeal mucosal lesions: clinical-epidemiological study of patients attended at a reference center for infectious diseases.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence, epidemiological profile, and clinical characteristics of Oral or Oropharyngeal Mucosal Lesions (OOPML) in patients attended at the Otorhinolaryngology Service of the Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases (INI-FIOCRUZ) from 2005 to 2017. METHODS: Statistical analysis of descriptive data from medical records (gender, age, education level, skin color, origin, smoking, alcoholism, HIV co-infection, time of disease evolution, first symptom, and OOPML location) was performed. RESULTS: Of 7551 patients attended at the service, 620 (8.2%) were included in the study. OOPML were classified into developmental anomalies (n = 3), infectious diseases (non-granulomatous n = 220; granulomatous n = 155), autoimmune diseases (n = 24), neoplasms (benign n = 13; malignant, n = 103), and unclassified epithelial/soft tissue diseases (n = 102). OOPML of infectious diseases (60.5%) and neoplasms (18.7%) were the most frequent. The predominant demographics of patients with OOPML were: males (63.5%), white (53.5%), and those in the fifth to sixth decades of life (43.3%). Local pain (18.1%) and odynophagia (15%) were the most reported first symptoms, and the most frequent OOPML sites were the palatine tonsil (28.5%), hard palate (22.7%), and tongue (20.3%). The median evolution time was three months. CONCLUSIONS: Infectious OOPML were the most frequent, as expected in a reference center for infectious diseases, and thus, they are likely to be less frequent in general care and/or dental services. Underreporting of OOPML is possible, as oral/oropharyngeal examination is often not included in the routine medical examination. Oral cavity/oropharynx examination should be performed by specialists, such as dentists and otorhinolaryngologists, who have the expertise in identifying OOPML, even in incipient/asymptomatic cases. Given the numerous diseases in which OOPML can present, diagnosis could be facilitated by multidisciplinary teams, potentially enabling the early treatment of diseases, and thus, reduce morbidity and improve prognosis. The use of standardized medical records for oral/oropharyngeal systematic examination could provide relevant tools for differential diagnoses and information for new clinical-epidemiological studies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3.

Infecções urinárias e processo do cuidado: perfil etiológico e de sensibilidade no setor de clínica médica de um hospital público da Paraíba / Urinary infections and care process: etiological profile and sensitivity in the medical clinic sector of a public hospital in Paraiba / Infecciones urinarias y proceso asistencial: perfil etiológico y de sensibilidad en el sector clínico de un hospital público de Paraíba

Introdução: Há alguns fatores preditores para ocorrência de Infecção de Trato Urinário (ITU) no processo do cuidado na Clínica Médica (CM) de um Hospital Universitário (HU) como idade e tempo de internamento sendo o controle um desafio para a saúde pública. Objetivo: Descrever os principais agentes microbiológicos de ITU hospitalar na CM nos anos de 2015-16 e avaliar a suscetibilidade aos antimicrobianos. Metodologia: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo seccional e de busca na base de dados da CCIH do HU. Resultados: Em 2015 obteve se uma prevalência de 6,5% de ITU hospitalar, o agente biológico mais comum foi Klebsiella pneumoniae. Já em 2016, a prevalência foi de 5,3%; os agentes microbiológicos foram Candida spp. e Escherichia coli. Conclusão: A ITU hospitalar demonstra ser uma condição ainda bastante prevalente no HU, tendo como principal agente em 2015 a Klebsiella pneumoniae e em 2016 a Escherichia coli, ambos com uma maior susceptibilidade aos carbapenêmicos.

Introduction: There are some predictive factors for the occurrence of Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) in the care process at the Medical Clinic (CM) of a University Hospital (HU) such as age and length of stay, being control a challenge for public health. Objective: To describe the main microbiological agents of hospital UTI in CM in the years 2015-16 and to assess susceptibility to antimicrobials. Methodology: It is a descriptive and sectional study with research through the database of hospital infection control committee (HICC). Results: In 2015, there was a 6.5% prevalence of hospital UTI, the most common biological agent was Klebsiella pneumoniae. In 2016, the prevalence was 5.3%; the microbiological agents were Candida spp. and Escherichia coli. Conclusion: Hospital UTI proves to be still a very prevalent condition in HU, having Klebsiella pneumoniae as its main agent in 2015 and Escherichia coli in 2016, both with greater susceptibility to carbapenems.

Introducción: Existen algunos factores predictores de aparición de Infección del Tracto Urinario (ITU) en el proceso asistencial en la Clínica Médica (CM) de un Hospital Universitario (HU), como la edad y el tiempo de estancia, y su control es un reto para la salud pública. Objetivo: Describir los principales agentes microbiológicos de ITU de adquisición hospitalaria en la CM en 2015-16 y evaluar la susceptibilidad antimicrobiana. Metodología: Se trata de un estudio descriptivo, transversal, basado en una búsqueda en la base de datos CCIH del HU. Resultados: En 2015, la prevalencia de ITU adquirida en el hospital fue del 6,5%, y el agente biológico más frecuente fue Klebsiella pneumoniae. En 2016, la prevalencia fue del 5,3%; los agentes microbiológicos fueron Candida spp. y Escherichia coli. Conclusión: La ITU hospitalaria sigue siendo una patología muy prevalente en la UH, siendo Klebsiella pneumoniae el principal agente en 2015 y Escherichia coli en 2016, ambos con mayor susceptibilidad a carbapenems.

Oral and oropharyngeal mucosal lesions: clinical-epidemiological study of patients attended at a reference center for infectious diseases

Abstract Objective To determine the prevalence, epidemiological profile, and clinical characteristics of Oral or Oropharyngeal Mucosal Lesions (OOPML) in patients attended at the Otorhinolaryngology Service of the Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases (INI-FIOCRUZ) from 2005 to 2017. Methods Statistical analysis of descriptive data from medical records (gender, age, education level, skin color, origin, smoking, alcoholism, HIV co-infection, time of disease evolution, first symptom, and OOPML location) was performed. Results Of 7551 patients attended at the service, 620 (8.2%) were included in the study. OOPML were classified into developmental anomalies (n = 3), infectious diseases (non-granulomatous n = 220; granulomatous n = 155), autoimmune diseases (n = 24), neoplasms (benign n = 13; malignant, n = 103), and unclassified epithelial/soft tissue diseases (n = 102). OOPML of infectious diseases (60.5%) and neoplasms (18.7%) were the most frequent. The predominant demographics of patients with OOPML were: males (63.5%), white (53.5%), and those in the fifth to sixth decades of life (43.3%). Local pain (18.1%) and odynophagia (15%) were the most reported first symptoms, and the most frequent OOPML sites were the palatine tonsil (28.5%), hard palate (22.7%), and tongue (20.3%). The median evolution time was three months. Conclusions Infectious OOPML were the most frequent, as expected in a reference center for infectious diseases, and thus, they are likely to be less frequent in general care and/or dental services. Underreporting of OOPML is possible, as oral/oropharyngeal examination is often not included in the routine medical examination. Oral cavity/oropharynx examination should be performed by specialists, such as dentists and otorhinolaryngologists, who have the expertise in identifying OOPML, even in incipient/asymptomatic cases. Given the numerous diseases in which OOPML can present, diagnosis could be facilitated by multidisciplinary teams, potentially enabling the early treatment of diseases, and thus, reduce morbidity and improve prognosis. The use of standardized medical records for oral/oropharyngeal systematic examination could provide relevant tools for differential diagnoses and information for new clinical-epidemiological studies. Level of evidence: Level 3.

Infectious disease evaluations in a psychiatric unit, an observational study / Visitas infectológicas a una unidad psiquiátrica, un estudio observacional

Patients in adult psychiatric wards present infectious complications or pathologies that mimic an infectious condition, and there is little information on this subject. OBJECTIVES: To know the frequency and infectious and non-infectious complications treated by infectious disease specialists in a psychiatric intensive-care hospitalization unit for adults and their outcomes. METHODS: Observational study between 2016 and 2021. RESULTS: 37 patients with 41 events were evaluated. Almost half of the visits to these events originated from an antimicrobial stewardship program (46.3%). In 68.3% of the events, complementary studies were requested; in 14.6%, referral to other specialties; in 26.8%, an antimicrobial treatment was started; and in 75%, modifications were made to previous schemes. An infectious cause was identified in 30 of 41 events (73.2%) that included the following conditions: respiratory (31.7%), skin (9.8%), urinary (7.3%), gynecological (2.4%), one case of bacteremia with unknown source (2.4%), sequential infections (4.9%) and HIV therapy dropouts (7.3%). In the 11 remaining events, non-infectious causes were identified (26.8%): pulmonary thromboembolism, drug hepatotoxicity, false positive VDRL and HIV tests, steroid-induced psychosis in an HIV patient with thrombocytopenia, fever without etiology, residual positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test, low O2 pulse oximetry due to oversedation and neuroleptic malignant syndrome. There was no mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Patients in psychiatric hospitalization wards suffer from a great diversity of infectious problems during their stay with conditions that simulate infections. An antibiotic surveillance system can detect half of these conditions. The infectious diseases visits allow for advising or reorienting of the study and modifying the antibiotic treatment.

Los pacientes en salas de hospitalización psiquiátricas de adultos presentan complicaciones infecciosas o patologías que simulan un cuadro infeccioso y existe escasa información sobre este tema. OBJETIVOS: Conocer la frecuencia y tipo de complicaciones infecciosas y no infecciosas atendidas por especialistas de infectología en un Servicio de hospitalización psiquiátrica de cuidados intensivos de adultos y sus desenlaces. MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional entre el 2016 y 2021. RESULTADOS: Se visitaron 37 paciente con 41 eventos. Casi la mitad de las visitas en estos eventos se originó por seguimiento de antimicrobianos (46,3%). En el 68,3% de los eventos se solicitaron estudios complementarios, en 14,6% la opinión de otras especialidades, en 26,8% se inició un tratamiento antimicrobiano y en 75% se hicieron modificaciones a esquemas previos. En 30 de 41 eventos se identificó una causa infecciosa (73,2%) que incluyeron las siguientes condiciones: respiratorias (31,7%), cutáneas (9,8%), urinarias (7,3%), ginecológicas (2,4%), bacteremia sin foco (2,4%), infecciones secuenciales (4,9%) y abandonos de terapia en pacientes VIH (7,3%). En los 11 eventos restantes se identificaron causas no infecciosas (26,8%): tromboembolismo pulmonar, hepatotoxicidad por drogas, test VDRL y VIH falsos positivos, psicosis por esteroides en un paciente VIH con trombocitopenia, fiebre sin etiología, PCR SARS-CoV-2 positiva residual, desaturación de O2 por sedación y síndrome neuroléptico maligno. No hubo mortalidad en esta serie. CONCLUSIONES: Los pacientes en salas de hospitalización psiquiátrica sufren de una gran diversidad de problemas infecciosos durante su estadía junto a cuadros que simulan infecciones. Un sistema de vigilancia antibiótica permite detectar la mitad de estas condiciones. Las visitas infectológicas permiten asesorar o reorientar el estudio y modificar el tratamiento antibiótico.

Lumbar puncture for neurosyphilis investigation in asymptomatic patients with HIV-syphilis coinfection: a cross-sectional study among infectious disease specialists

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Syphilis is a major public health issue worldwide. In people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV), there are higher incidences of both syphilis and neurosyphilis. The criteria for referring PLHIV with syphilis for lumbar puncture is controversial, and the diagnosis of neurosyphilis is challenging. OBJECTIVE: To describe the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of infectious disease specialists and residents in the context of care for asymptomatic HIV-syphilis coinfection using close-ended questions and case vignettes. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study conducted in three public health institutions in São Paulo (SP), Brazil. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we invited infectious disease specialists and residents at three academic healthcare institutions to answer a self-completion questionnaire available online or in paper form. RESULTS: Of 98 participants, only 23.5% provided answers that were in line with the current Brazilian recommendation. Most participants believed that the criteria for lumbar puncture should be extended for people living with HIV with low CD4+ cell counts (52.0%); in addition, participants also believed that late latent syphilis (29.6%) and Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) titers ≥ 1:32 (22.4%) should be conditions for lumbar puncture in PLHIV with no neurologic symptoms. CONCLUSION: This study highlights heterogeneities in the clinical management of HIV-syphilis coinfection. Most infectious disease specialists still consider syphilis stage, VDRL titers and CD4+ cell counts as important parameters when deciding which patients need lumbar puncture for investigating neurosyphilis.

Caracterización microbiológica y fenotipificación de la resistencia bacteriana en las infecciones intraabdominales en el Instituto Autónomo Hospital Universitario de los Andes, 2014-2017 / Microbiological characterization and phenotyping of bacterial resistance in intra-abdominal infections at the Instituto Autonomo Hospital Universitario de los Andes, 2014-2017

Objetivo: caracterizar los microorganismos involucrados en las infecciones intraabdominales, y fenotipificar sus perfiles de resistencia al uso de los antibióticos en el Servicio de Cirugía General del Instituto Autónomo Hospital Universitario de Los Andes, entre los años 2014 al 2017. Metodología: enfoque cuantitativo; tipo descriptivo, diseño no experimental de estudio de casos y transversal, a través de toma de muestras de secreciones abdominales en quirófano a las cuales se les realizó cultivo en medios de agar sangre y McConkey, tinción Gram, contaje de leucocitos, y prueba Kirby-Bauer de sensibilidad antimicrobiana. Muestra de 211 pacientes mayores de 16 años que acudieron a la institución con el diagnóstico de abdomen agudo quirúrgico infeccioso. Resultados: el abdomen agudo quirúrgico infeccioso por apendicitis aguda fue la infección intraabdominal más común, grupo etario que acudió con más frecuencia: <26 años. Agentes etiológicos más frecuentemente aislados: bacilos Gram negativos, especies más frecuentes: E. col i (57,3%), K. pneumon iae (10,9%) y P. a e rug i nosa (6,16%). De todos los microorganismos aislados 57,6% expresaron al menos un fenotipo de resistencia. Fenotipo más común: betalactamasa de espectro extendido y bomba de eflujo de quinolonas (18,8%). Microorganismos con mayores porcentajes de resistencia: Staphylococcus sp. y Enterococcus sp (~100%). Los mejores porcentajes de sensibilidad de la E. col i , K . p neumon ia e y P . a e rug i nosa fueron hacia al colistin, carbapenémicos y amikacina (100%). Conclusión: Los carbapenémicos y los aminoglucósidos seguirán siendo los fármacos de elección en las infecciones intraabdominales del Instituto Autónomo Hospital Universitario de Los Andes(AU)

Objective: to characterize the microorganisms involved in intraabdominal infections, and to phenotype their resistance profiles to the use of antibiotics in the General Surgery Service of the Instituto Autónomo Hospital Universitario de Los Andes, from 2014 to 2017. Methodology: quantitative approach; descriptive type, nonexperimental design of case study and transversal, through sampling of abdominal secretions in the operating room which were cultured in blood agar and McConkey media, Gram stain, leukocyte count, and Kirby-Bauer test for antimicrobial sensitivity. Sample of 211 patients older than 16 years who attended the institution with the diagnosis of acute surgical infectious abdomen. Results: acute surgical infectious abdomen due to acute appendicitis was the most common intra-abdominal infection, most frequent age group: <26 years. Most frequently isolated etiologic agents: Gram-negative bacilli, most frequent species: E. co l i (57.3%), K. p neumon ia e (10.9%) and P . a e rug i nosa (6.16%). Of all the isolated microorganisms, 57.6% expressed at least one resistance phenotype. Most common phenotype: extended-spectrum beta-lactamase and quinolone efflux pump (18.8%). Microorganisms with the highest percentages of resistance: Staphylococcus sp. and Enterococcus sp (~100%). The best percentages of sensitivity of E. col i , K . pneumoniae and P . a e rug i nosa were to colistin, carbapenemics and amikacin (100%). Conclusion: Carbapenemics and aminoglycosides will remain the drugs of choice in intra-abdominal infections at Instituto Autónomo Hospital Universitario de Los Andes(AU)

The Most Influential Papers in Infectious Meningitis Research: A Bibliometric Study.

BACKGROUND: Bibliometric analyses allow detecting citation trends within a field, including assessments of the most cited journals, countries, institutions, topics, types of study, and authors. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to perform a bibliometric analysis of the 100 most cited papers within infectious meningitis research. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The 100 most cited publications and their data were retrieved from Scopus and Web of Science during 2019. RESULTS: The New England Journal of Medicine had the greatest number of articles (27) and citations (12,266) in the top 100. Articles were mainly published after the late 1980s. Bacteria were the most discussed agents (72 articles and 26,362 citations), but Cryptococcus sp represented the most-discussed single agent (16 articles and 6,617 citations). Primary research represented 70 articles and 25,754 citations. Among them, the most discussed topic was Clinical Features and Diagnosis/Outcomes (22 articles and 8,325 citations). Among the 27 secondary research articles, the most common type of study was Narrative Review (18 articles and 5,685 citations). The United States was the country with the greatest number of articles (56) and citations (21,388). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Yale University had the greatest number of articles (six each), being CDC the most cited (3,559). CONCLUSIONS: The most cited articles within meningitis research are primary research studies, more frequently published in high IF journals and by North American institutions. Bacterial meningitis comprises the majority of publications. The articles were mainly published after the AIDS pandemic and after the implementation of the main vaccines for meningitis.

Overview of drug induced liver injury in Brazil: What is the role of public health policy on the evidence?

BACKGROUND: Adverse drug reactions are responsible for increased costs and morbidity in the health system. Hepatotoxicity can be induced both by non-prescription drugs and by those used for chronic diseases. It is the main cause of safety-related drug marketing withdrawals and could be responsible for irreversible and fatal injuries. AIM: To identify and to summarize Brazilian studies reporting the drug-induced liver injury. METHODS: A systematic review of Brazilian studies was carried out until June 2020. It was found 32 studies, being 10 retrospective cohorts, 12 prospective cohorts, 5 cross-sectional, 3 case-control, one case series and one randomized clinical trial. In most studies were investigated tuberculosis patients followed by other infectious conditions like human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus. The hepatotoxicity ranged from one to 57%, led by isoniazid, rifampicin, and pyrazinamide. Few studies reported algorithm to assess causality. In most studies, there were moderate outcomes and it was necessary drug interruption. However, few severe outcomes, such as chronic liver damage and liver transplantation were reported. RESULTS: Twenty-two different criteria for hepatotoxicity were found. The great heterogeneity did not allow a meta-analysis. Standardization of parameter of drug-induced liver injury and greater effort in pharmacovigilance could contribute to learn more about drug-induced liver injury (DILI)'s epidemiology in Brazil. CONCLUSION: The development of strategic public health policies seems to have an influence on the DILI scientific evidence in Brazil due to main studies are in HIV and tuberculosis line care, two strategic health policies in Brazil.

O desafio do HIV em idosos: uma análise qualitativa da atuação de médicos da atenção primária à saúde em Porto Alegre/RS / The challenge of HIV among the elderly population: a qualitative analysis of the performance of primary care physicians in Porto Alegre city, Brazil / El desafio del HIV en ancianos: una analisis qualitativa de la atuación de los medicos de la atención primária de la salud en Porto Alegre/RS

Introdução: A transição demográfica que ocorre no território brasileiro traz para discussão o processo de transição epidemiológica que vivemos, onde as doenças infectas parasitárias somam-se às doenças crônicas não transmissíveis. Objetivo: Descrever a atuação dos médicos da Atenção Básica na prevenção primária e secundária em relação à infecção pelo HIV na população idosa atendida pela Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS) do município de Porto Alegre/RS. Metodologia: Estudo transversal, misto, realizado com médicos que atuam na APS em Porto Alegre/RS. Resultados: Evidenciou-se que a temática da sexualidade, infecções sexualmente transmissíveis, situações e grupos de risco e tratamento para o HIV são temas de menos conhecimento. Conclusões: Os médicos da rede básica de saúde não realizam prevenção primária e secundária para a infecção pelo HIV em idosos de forma rotineira

Introduction: The demographic transition that takes place in the Brazilian territory brings to the discussion the process of epidemiological transition that we live in, where infectious diseases add to non-communicable chronic diseases. Objective: To compare the performance of the doctors regarding primary and secondary prevention for HIV infection in the elderly population in Primary Care in the city of Porto Alegre/RS. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional, mixed study, applied to physicians working at Primary Care in Porto Alegre/RS. Results: It was evident that the theme of sexuality, sexually transmitted infections, situations and groups at risk and treatment for HIV are less well-known topics. Conclusions: Primary care physicians do not perform primary and secondary prevention for HIV infection in the elderly on a routine basis

Introducción: La transición demográfica que ocurre en el territorio brasileño trae para discusión el proceso de transición epidemiológica que vivimos, donde las enfermedades infectoparasitarias se suman a las enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles. Objetivo: Describir la actuación de los médicos en la prevención primaria y secundaria en relación a la infección por el VIH en la población anciana atendida por la Atención Primaria a la Salud (APS) del municipio de Porto Alegre/ RS. Metodología: Es un estudio transversal, mixto, relaizado con los médicos de la APS en Porto Alegre / RS. Resultados: Se envidenció que la tematica de la sexualidad, infecciones sexualmente trasmisibles, situaciones y grupos de riesgo y tratamiento para el VIH son temas de menos conocimiento. Conclusiones: Los médicos de la red basica de salud no pratican la prevención primária y secundária para la infección por el VIH en ancianos de manera rutinera

Inactivated trivalent influenza vaccination is associated with lower mortality among patients with COVID-19 in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate associations between trivalent influenza vaccination and COVID-19 mortality as well as severe clinical outcomes among hospitalised patients. DESIGN: Retrospective observational study. SETTING: This study was conducted among hospitalised patients with COVID-19 in Brazil. PARTICIPANTS: We analysed all hospitalised patients with COVID-19 with available vaccination information captured in Brazil's national electronic respiratory infection data system between 1 January 2020 and 23 June 2020. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcomes were age-specific mortality rates of hospitalised patients with COVID-19 with and without recent inactivated trivalent influenza vaccination. RESULTS: A total of 53 752 clinically confirmed COVID-19 cases were analysed. Controlling for health facility of treatment, comorbidities as well as an extensive range of sociodemographic factors, patients who received a recent influenza vaccine experienced on average 7% lower odds of needing intensive care treatment (95% CI 0.87 to 0.98), 17% lower odds of requiring invasive respiratory support (95% CI 0.77 to 0.88) and 16% lower odds of death (95% CI 0.78 to 0.90). Protective effects were larger when the vaccine was administered after onset of symptoms as well as among younger patients. CONCLUSION: Patients with COVID-19 with recent inactivated influenza vaccination experience significantly better health outcomes than non-vaccinated patients in Brazil. Beneficial off-target effects of influenza vaccination through trained innate immune responses seem plausible and need to be further explored. Large-scale promotion of influenza vaccines seems advisable, especially in populations at high risk for severe COVID-19 disease progression.

Reflexões humanísticas em serviço de atendimento especializado em HIV / Humanistic reflections on specialized HIV care service / Reflexiones humanísticas en un servicio de atención especializado en VIH

Resumo A postura do médico em relação a diagnóstico e esclarecimentos ao paciente infectado pelo vírus da imunodeficiência humana baseia-se principalmente na percepção pessoal e experiência humanística. O objetivo deste estudo foi relatar a experiência de estudantes de medicina do sexto período do Centro Universitário Metropolitano da Amazônia, em Belém/PA, durante as aulas do módulo de Habilidades Clínicas (Eixo Infectologia) no Centro de Atenção à Saúde em Doenças Infecciosas Adquiridas. Depois de prestarem atendimentos ambulatoriais e discutirem casos clínicos por cinco meses, os estudantes se deram conta da necessidade de humanização nessa área, considerando questões biopsicossociais. De modo geral, a experiência ampliou os conhecimentos adquiridos nas aulas e permitiu aplicar o cuidado integral ao paciente, além de estimular formação mais humanística e crítica desses profissionais de saúde.

Abstract The physicians's attitude towards diagnosis and clarifications to the patient infected by the human immunodeficiency virus is based mainly on personal perception and humanistic experience. The objective of this study was to report the experience of medical students from the sixth period of the Centro Universitário Metropolitano da Amazônia, in Belém, Pará, Brazil, during classes of the Clinical Skills module (Infectious Axis) at the Center for Attention on Acquired Infectious Diseases. After providing outpatient care and discussing clinical cases for five months and considering biopsychosocial issues, the students realized a need for humanization in this area. The experience expanded the knowledge acquired in class and allowed the delivery of comprehensive care to the patient, in addition to encouraging more humanistic and critical training of these health professionals.

Resumen La actitud del médico respecto al diagnóstico y la aclaración de la condición del paciente infectado por el VIH está relacionada con la percepción personal y la experiencia humanística. El presente estudio tuvo el objetivo de presentar la experiencia de estudiantes de medicina del sexto período del Centro Universitário Metropolitano da Amazônia, en Belém, Pará, Brasil, durante las clases del módulo Habilidades Clínicas (Eje Infectología) en el Centro de Atención de Enfermedades Infecciosas Adquiridas. Los estudiantes ofrecieron atención ambulatoria y tuvieron discusión de casos durante cinco meses y pudieron advertir la necesidad de humanización en esta área debido a problemas biopsicosociales. La experiencia brindó la oportunidad de ampliar los conocimientos adquiridos durante las clases y aplicar una atención integral al paciente, y estimular la capacitación de profesionales de la salud con un perfil humanístico y crítico.

Leishmaniose visceral humana: um retrato da situação de casos em idosos e longevos / Human visceral leishmaniosis: a closure of the situation of cases in elderly and longlived people

Objetivo: analisar a atual situação epidemiológica brasileira e gaúcha da leishmaniose visceral (LVH), em idosos e verificar o coeficiente de letalidade. Métodos: trata-se um estudo transversal realizado com fonte de dados secundária, em consulta à base de dados do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN), de janeiro de 2013 a dezembro de 2017, de casos confirmados de leishmaniose visceral no Brasil e no Rio Grande do Sul, que foram tabulados em Excel e analisados com Epiinfo 7.0. Resultados: casos de LVH em idosos têm aumentado nos últimos 5 anos, dentro do cenário brasileiro e gaúcho. Embora pouco divulgado, é frequente o comprometimento e o aumento da proporção de idosos que vão a óbito pelo LHV, que foi de 20,3% dos casos no período de 2013 a 2017, demonstrando a gravidade da infecção nesse público. Em nosso estudo também encontramos forte relação da idade com o aumento do coeficiente de letalidade, chegando a 46,87% em 2016. Discussão: uma das estratégias recentes no combate à LVH é o abate de cães que contêm o parasita responsável pela transmissão da doença, porém esse método de controle não tem sido muito efetivo. Com isso, constata-se que a medida imunoprofilática, através da vacina Leish-Tec®, tem um efeito favorável no combate à doença somente em animais que não estão em áreas de alta transmissão.

Aims: to analyze the current Brazilian and of the state of Rio Grande do Sul epidemiological situation of visceral leishmaniasis (LVH) in the elderly and verify the mortality coefficient. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with a secondary data source, taken from SINAN data from January 2013 to December 2017, with confirmed visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil and Rio Grande do Sul, which are tabulated in Excel and analyzed with Epiinfo 7. Results: cases of LVH in the elderly have increased in the last 5 years, within the Brazilian and the state of Rio Grande do Sul settings. Although not widely reported, it is frequent to compromise and increase the proportion of elderly people who die from LVH, which was 20,3% of the cases in the period from 2013 to 2017, demonstrating the seriousness of the infection in this public. In our study we also found a strong relation between age and the increase in the lethality coefficient, reaching 46.87% in 2016. Discussion: One of the recent strategies in the fight against HVL is the slaughter of dogs that contains the parasite responsible for the transmission of the disease, but this method of control has not been very effective. Thus, the immunoprophylactic measurement by Leish-Tec® vaccine has a favorable effect in the fight against the disease only in animals that are not in high transmission areas.

Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis in a cocaine user: diagnostic and therapeutic knowledge

Abstract Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (MCL) is a chronic infection that can affect the skin and mucous membranes. We report a case of oral, nasopharyngeal, and penile lesions in a 35-year-old cocaine user. The patient presented with ulcerated lesions in 2014. Histopathologic analysis revealed amastigotes, and serological test results were positive for leishmaniasis. Systemic therapy with meglumine antimoniate was administered; however, the patient failed to present for follow-up. In 2018, he returned with nasal collapse, and another histopathologic test confirmed MCL. This case illustrates the importance of careful differential diagnosis of skin and mucous ulcers to identify the particular pathology.

Comparison of inflammatory markers between brucella and non-brucella epididymo-orchitis

ABSTRACT Objectives: Brucellosis is a multi-system infectious disease that is associated with inflammation, which causes an increase in acute phase reactants. Hematological inflammatory markers of brucellosis include mean platelet volume (MPV), red cell distribution width (RDW), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR). In this study, we aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of hematological inflammatory markers in Brucella epididymo-orchitis (BEO), and to investigate the utility of these markers for differential diagnosis from non-Brucella epididymo-orchitis (non-BEO). Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 22 BEO and 50 non-BEO patients. Hematological parameters were recorded and compared between the two groups. The main diagnostic criteria for BEO were positive clinical findings (i.e., testicular pain, tenderness and scrotal swelling), a positive Rose Bengal test result, standard tube agglutination (STA) titer ≥ 1/160, and/or a positive blood culture. Results: The most decisive factors in discriminating between BEO and non-BEO were NLR, RDW, and MPV, in decreasing order of their strength. Regardless of other factors, NLR values < 2.3 significantly increased the odds of BEO (OR=8.080, 95% CI: 1.929-33.843, p=0.004). After adjusting for other factors, RDW values >14.45% significantly increased the odds of BEO (OR=7.020, 95% CI: 1.749-28.176, p=0.006). Independent of the other factors, patients with MPV < 7.65 fL had a 6.336 times higher risk for BEO (95% CI: 1.393 - 28.822, p=0.017). Conclusion: Hematological inflammatory markers such as NLR, RDW, and MPV can aid in the differential diagnosis of BEO and non-BEO.

Fatores que influenciam o sucesso na prova de obtenção de título de especialista em infectologia: estudo retrospectivo - 2011 a 2017 / Factors associated with the approval in the Infectious Diseases specialist test: a retrospective study - 2011 to 2017

Introdução: a especialização é fase importante da formação médica. O médico pode obter o título de especialista por meio de Residência Médica ou de prova de título realizada pela sociedade de especialidade, que tem autonomia para realização da prova dentro de parâmetros previamente estabelecidos pela Associação Médica Brasileira. Além da Residência Médica, muitas sociedades permitem que egressos de cursos de especialização lato sensu reconhecidos por ela ou médicos que comprovem tempo mínimo de exercício da especialidade, realizem a prova. Poucos estudos avaliaram os fatores associados à aprovação na prova de título no Brasil, justificando, assim, esse estudo. Objetivo: identificar fatores associados à aprovação na prova de título de especialista em Infectologia. Materiais e métodos: estudo retrospectivo que incluiu médicos que realizaram a prova de obtenção de título de especialista em infectologia entre 2011 e 2017. Os dados sociodemográficos e relacionados à formação profissional foram coletados por meio de questionário on-line. As informações sobre aprovação foram retiradas do banco de dados da Sociedade Brasileira de Infectologia. O desfecho foi a aprovação na prova de título de especialista, sendo a variável principal possuir Residência Médica em Infectologia. Avaliou-se, também, a percepção do candidato em relação à prova. O projeto foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética e Pesquisa da instituição. Resultados: dos 185 médicos que realizaram prova de título entre 2011 e 2017, 62 concordaram em participar do estudo. Devido à baixa representatividade dos voluntários de 2011 a 2016, optou-se por considerar, dos fatores associados, a aprovação apenas dos 35 candidatos que realizaram a prova em 2017. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre a aprovação na prova de título e nenhuma das variáveis analisadas, inclusive Residência Médica em Infectologia. Destaca-se que quase 50% dos candidatos com Residência foram reprovados. Conclusão: nenhum dos fatores analisados associou-se à aprovação na prova para obtenção da prova de Título de Especialista em Infectologia. A taxa de reprovação entre candidatos com Residência Médica foi maior que a esperada

Background: Specialization is an important stage in medical training. In Brazil, a physician could obtain the specialist title by Medical Residency or specialist title test (STT) carried out by the specialty society. The specialty societies have autonomy to carry out the STT according to Brazilian Medical Association parameters. In addition to the Medical Residency, many societies allow graduates students from lato sensu courses recognized by them or physicians who prove a minimum time of specialty practice to take the test. Few studies have evaluated the factors associated with the approval on specialization tests in Brazil, thus justifying this study. Objective: To identify factors associated with the approval on Infectious diseases STT. Materials and methods: this was a retrospective study that included physicians who took the STT on infectious disease from 2011 to 2017. The sociodemographic and professional training data were collected through online questionnaire. Information on STT approval was taken directly from the Brazilian Society of Infectious Diseases database. The outcome was the STT approval and the main variable was participating on Infectious diseases Medical Residency program. The candidate's perception of the test was also evaluated. The institutional Ethics and Research Committee approved this project. Results: 185 physicians who had taken a STT between 2011 and 2017 and 62 agreed to participate. Due to the low representativeness of the volunteers from 2011 to 2016, only the 35 candidates who took the test in 2017 were considered for the analysis of factors associated with the STT approval. There was no statistically significant difference between STT approval and any analyzed variables, including Infectious Diseases Medical Residency. About 50% of candidates with Residence were not approved. Conclusion: none of the factors analyzed was associated with the STT approval. The failure index among candidates who had participated on the Infectious Diseases Residency program was higher than expected.

Comparison of inflammatory markers between brucella and non-brucella epididymo-orchitis.

OBJECTIVES: Brucellosis is a multi-system infectious disease that is associated with inflammation, which causes an increase in acute phase reactants. Hematological inflammatory markers of brucellosis include mean platelet volume (MPV), red cell distribution width (RDW), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR). In this study, we aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of hematological inflammatory markers in Brucella epididymo-orchitis (BEO), and to investigate the utility of these markers for differential diagnosis from non-Brucella epididymo-orchitis (non-BEO). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 22 BEO and 50 non-BEO patients. Hematological parameters were recorded and compared between the two groups. The main diagnostic criteria for BEO were positive clinical findings (i.e., testicular pain, tenderness and scrotal swelling), a positive Rose Bengal test result, standard tube agglutination (STA) titer ≥ 1/160, and/or a positive blood culture. RESULTS: The most decisive factors in discriminating between BEO and non-BEO were NLR, RDW, and MPV, in decreasing order of their strength. Regardless of other factors, NLR values < 2.3 significantly increased the odds of BEO (OR=8.080, 95% CI: 1.929- 33.843, p=0.004). After adjusting for other factors, RDW values >14.45% significantly increased the odds of BEO (OR=7.020, 95% CI: 1.749-28.176, p=0.006). Independent of the other factors, patients with MPV < 7.65 fL had a 6.336 times higher risk for BEO (95% CI: 1.393 - 28.822, p=0.017). CONCLUSION: Hematological inflammatory markers such as NLR, RDW, and MPV can aid in the differential diagnosis of BEO and non-BEO.

Brazilian infectious diseases specialists: who and where are they?

Abstract Background The infectious diseases specialist is a medical doctor dedicated to the management of infectious diseases in their individual and collective dimensions. Objectives The aim of this paper was to evaluate the current profile and distribution of infectious diseases specialists in Brazil. Methods This is a cross-sectional study using secondary data obtained from institutions that register medical specialists in Brazil. Variables of interest included gender, age, type of medical school (public or private) the specialist graduated from, time since finishing residency training in infectious diseases, and the interval between M.D. graduation and residency completion. Maps are used to study the geographical distribution of infectious diseases specialists. Results A total of 3229 infectious diseases specialist registries were counted, with 94.3% (3045) of individual counts (heads) represented by primary registries. The mean age was 43.3 years (SD 10.5), and a higher proportion of females was observed (57%; 95% CI 55.3–58.8). Most Brazilian infectious diseases specialists (58.5%) practice in the Southeastern region. However, when distribution rates were calculated, several states exhibited high concentration of infectious diseases specialists, when compared to the national rate (16.06). Interestingly, among specialists working in the Northeastern region, those trained locally had completed their residency programs more recently (8.7 yrs; 95% CI 7.9–9.5) than physicians trained elsewhere in the country (13.6 yrs: 95% CI 11.8–15.5). Conclusion Our study shows that Brazilian infectious diseases specialists are predominantly young and female doctors. Most have concluded a medical residency training program. The absolute majority practice in the Southeastern region. However, some states from the Northern, Northeastern and Southeastern regions exhibit specialist rates above the national average. In these areas, nonetheless, there is a strong concentration of infectious diseases specialists in state capitals and in metropolitan areas.

Brazilian infectious diseases specialists: who and where are they?

BACKGROUND: The infectious diseases specialist is a medical doctor dedicated to the management of infectious diseases in their individual and collective dimensions. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this paper was to evaluate the current profile and distribution of infectious diseases specialists in Brazil. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study using secondary data obtained from institutions that register medical specialists in Brazil. Variables of interest included gender, age, type of medical school (public or private) the specialist graduated from, time since finishing residency training in infectious diseases, and the interval between M.D. graduation and residency completion. Maps are used to study the geographical distribution of infectious diseases specialists. RESULTS: A total of 3229 infectious diseases specialist registries were counted, with 94.3% (3045) of individual counts (heads) represented by primary registries. The mean age was 43.3 years (SD 10.5), and a higher proportion of females was observed (57%; 95% CI 55.3-58.8). Most Brazilian infectious diseases specialists (58.5%) practice in the Southeastern region. However, when distribution rates were calculated, several states exhibited high concentration of infectious diseases specialists, when compared to the national rate (16.06). Interestingly, among specialists working in the Northeastern region, those trained locally had completed their residency programs more recently (8.7yrs; 95% CI 7.9-9.5) than physicians trained elsewhere in the country (13.6yrs: 95% CI 11.8-15.5). CONCLUSION: Our study shows that Brazilian infectious diseases specialists are predominantly young and female doctors. Most have concluded a medical residency training program. The absolute majority practice in the Southeastern region. However, some states from the Northern, Northeastern and Southeastern regions exhibit specialist rates above the national average. In these areas, nonetheless, there is a strong concentration of infectious diseases specialists in state capitals and in metropolitan areas.