RESUMO
The diagnosis of tegumentary leishmaniasis (TL) is hampered by variable sensitivity and/or specificity of the tests. Serological assays are suitable to diagnose visceral leishmaniasis (VL); however, they present low performance for the detection of TL cases. Additionally, blood collection to obtain patient serum represents a challenge, as it is an invasive and uncomfortable procedure, requiring laboratorial infrastructure and trained professionals. In this context, the present study proposed to evaluate patient urine to detect TL, given that this analyte has proven to be effective in ELISA experiments for the detection of VL cases. For this, a Leishmania protein called LiHyV, two specific B-cell epitopes derived from protein amino acid sequence, and a Leishmania antigenic extract (SLA) were used as antigens. A total of 215 paired urine and serum samples were evaluated, and results showed that, when serum was employed as an analyte, rLiHyV, Peptide1, Peptide2, and SLA presented a sensitivity of 85 %, 29 %, 58 %, and 31 %, respectively, and a specificity of 97.5 %, 98 %, 100 %, and 97.5 %, respectively, in the diagnosis of TL. When urine was used, rLiHyV, Peptide1, Peptide2, and SLA presented a sensitivity of 95 %, 74 %, 67 %, and 52 %, respectively, and a specificity of 100 %, 99 %, 98 %, and 86 %, respectively. In conclusion, preliminary data suggest that urine could be considered as an alternative biological sample for the detection of TL cases.
Assuntos
Anticorpos Antiprotozoários , Antígenos de Protozoários , Ensaio de Imunoadsorção Enzimática , Leishmania , Leishmaniose Cutânea , Proteínas de Protozoários , Proteínas Recombinantes , Sensibilidade e Especificidade , Humanos , Ensaio de Imunoadsorção Enzimática/métodos , Leishmaniose Cutânea/diagnóstico , Leishmaniose Cutânea/urina , Proteínas de Protozoários/urina , Proteínas de Protozoários/imunologia , Antígenos de Protozoários/urina , Antígenos de Protozoários/imunologia , Leishmania/imunologia , Proteínas Recombinantes/imunologia , Proteínas Recombinantes/urina , Adulto , Feminino , Anticorpos Antiprotozoários/sangue , Anticorpos Antiprotozoários/urina , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Adulto Jovem , Adolescente , Idoso , Urina/química , Urina/parasitologia , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Epitopos de Linfócito B/imunologiaRESUMO
Our study conducts a comprehensive analysis of the Covid-19 pandemic in Brazil, spanning five waves over three years. We employed a novel Susceptible-Infected-Recovered-Dead-Susceptible (SIRDS) model with a fuzzy transition between epidemic periods to estimate time-varying parameters and evaluate case underreporting. The initial basic reproduction number (R0) is identified at 2.44 (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 2.42-2.46), decreasing to 1.00 (95% CI: 0.99-1.01) during the first wave. The model estimates an underreporting factor of 12.9 (95% CI: 12.5-13.2) more infections than officially reported by Brazilian health authorities, with an increasing factor of 5.8 (95% CI: 5.2-6.4), 12.9 (95% CI: 12.5-13.3), and 16.8 (95% CI: 15.8-17.5) in 2020, 2021, and 2022 respectively. Additionally, the Infection Fatality Rate (IFR) is initially 0.88% (95% CI: 0.81%-0.94%) during the initial phase but consistently reduces across subsequent outbreaks, reaching its lowest value of 0.018% (95% CI: 0.011-0.033) in the last outbreak. Regarding the immunity period, the observed uncertainty and low sensitivity indicate that inferring this parameter is particularly challenging. Brazil successfully reduced R0 during the first wave, coinciding with decreased human mobility. Ineffective public health measures during the second wave resulted in the highest mortality rates within the studied period. We attribute lower mortality rates in 2022 to increased vaccination coverage and the lower lethality of the Omicron variant. We demonstrate the model generalization by its application to other countries. Comparative analyses with serological research further validate the accuracy of the model. In forecasting analysis, our model provides reasonable outbreak predictions. In conclusion, our study provides a nuanced understanding of the Covid-19 pandemic in Brazil, employing a novel epidemiological model. The findings contribute to the broader discourse on pandemic dynamics, underreporting, and the effectiveness of health interventions.
Assuntos
COVID-19 , SARS-CoV-2 , COVID-19/epidemiologia , COVID-19/mortalidade , Humanos , Brasil/epidemiologia , SARS-CoV-2/isolamento & purificação , Pandemias , Lógica Fuzzy , Número Básico de Reprodução , Modelos Teóricos , Modelos EpidemiológicosRESUMO
The HIV epidemic has a disproportionate impact on adolescent and young men who have sex with men (AMSM) and transgender women and travestis (ATGW), with an increased HIV prevalence over the last 10 years. Violence affects the lives of these populations, undermining their ability to self-care and making them more vulnerable to HIV infection. In this study, we aimed to examine the association between different types of victimization by violence and discrimination and sexual health practices of these adolescent populations in steady and casual relationships. We conducted a cross-sectional study using baseline data from the cohort of PrEP1519 project. We used the mean score of sexual health practices as our outcome and the cumulative score of discrimination (within family, community, education, religious, online and public spaces) and violence (physical, sexual and intimate partner) as our exposure variable. We performed linear regression analyses to estimate the association between exposure and outcome. We found that 90% of AMSM and 95% of ATGW experienced at least one form of violence in the three months prior to this study and about 45% of ATGW suffered sexual violence during the same period. Experiencing discrimination within healthcare settings (from facilities or providers) was negatively associated with sexual health practices. Discrimination and violence negatively affect sexual health practices. HIV prevention and care of AMSM and ATGW people should involve listening to their experiences and addressing discrimination and violence in this population.
Assuntos
Infecções por HIV , Violência por Parceiro Íntimo , Saúde Sexual , Minorias Sexuais e de Gênero , Pessoas Transgênero , Masculino , Humanos , Feminino , Adolescente , Homossexualidade Masculina , Infecções por HIV/epidemiologia , Cidades , Estudos Transversais , Brasil/epidemiologia , ViolênciaRESUMO
PURPOSE: To explore legal and ethical challenges related to adolescents' participation in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) research that may affect their best interests. METHODS: We analyzed the ethical principles and legal aspects of the participation of 15-17-year-old men who have sex with men and transgender women in the pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) 1519 study, a PrEP demonstration cohort study in three Brazilian cities. The analyses of ethics review committees' (ERCs) evaluations and court decisions followed ethical and human rights principles. An HIV vulnerability score was created, and descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression were performed using data from 347 participants. RESULTS: The ERCs evaluated the benefits and risks of research participation, all finding that the benefits outweighed the risks. ERCs deferred responsibility for decisions about waiving parental consent to the judiciary. State courts reached different decisions about waiving parental consent, reflecting variation in recognition of adolescents' evolving capacities and the adolescent as a subject of sexual rights and the primary agent capable of deciding on their health and best interests. The most vulnerable adolescent participants were found in sites where the blanket waiver was in place. DISCUSSION: Judicializing the ethical review process is detrimental to fulfilling the ethical principle of justice and vulnerable adolescents' access to health research. ERCs must be sufficiently independent and autonomous and have the capacity to respect, protect, and help fulfill the rights of participants while ensuring the generation of adequate evidence to inform public health practice.
Assuntos
Fármacos Anti-HIV , Infecções por HIV , Profilaxia Pré-Exposição , Minorias Sexuais e de Gênero , Pessoas Transgênero , Masculino , Humanos , Adolescente , Feminino , Infecções por HIV/prevenção & controle , Infecções por HIV/tratamento farmacológico , Brasil , Homossexualidade Masculina , Estudos de Coortes , HIV , Fármacos Anti-HIV/uso terapêuticoRESUMO
PURPOSE: To evaluate the adherence, safety, and feasibility of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in real-world settings among adolescent men who have sex with men (AMSM) and transgender women (ATGW). METHODS: PrEP1519 is a single-arm, multicentric demonstration cohort study of daily oral PrEP among AMSM and ATGW aged 15 to 19 years in Brazil. Study visits occurred at baseline, weeks 4, 12, and then quarterly until 96 weeks. Descriptive statistics and a mixed logistic model for longitudinal data evaluated the factors associated with high adherence. RESULTS: One thousand sixteen AMSM and ATGW accessed the PrEP1519 clinics. Of those, 998 (98.2%) underwent clinical triage. Forty one were diagnosed with human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV) at baseline (4.0%) and 79 (7.9%) were not eligible for PrEP. Of the 878, 795 (90.5%) enrolled in PrEP, 82 (10.3%) were lost to follow-up, and 713 were included. There was no significant decrease in creatinine clearance; only two participants had grade-III aspartate aminotransferase elevation. Incident HIV infection occurred in eight participants (incidence rate [IR] = 1.64 per 100 person-years [PY]): two in 15-17 years (IR = 2.24 per 100 PY) and six in 18-20 years (IR = 1.51 per 100 PY). PrEP adherence was higher among those with more years of schooling, those reporting no difficulties in PrEP use due to side effects, and who had low HIV risk perception in the past three months. DISCUSSION: PrEP for AMSM and ATGW was safe and feasible in real-world settings. However, a higher IR among young adolescents and a higher adherence among less vulnerable people indicate the need for greater care, considering the specificities of this age group.
Assuntos
Fármacos Anti-HIV , Infecções por HIV , Profilaxia Pré-Exposição , Minorias Sexuais e de Gênero , Pessoas Transgênero , Masculino , Humanos , Adolescente , Feminino , Infecções por HIV/prevenção & controle , Infecções por HIV/tratamento farmacológico , Homossexualidade Masculina , Fármacos Anti-HIV/uso terapêutico , Estudos de Coortes , HIV , Brasil , Estudos de ViabilidadeRESUMO
This study proposes a strategy for large-scale testing among a large number of people for the early diagnosis of COVID-19 to elucidate the epidemiological situation. Pool testing involves the analysis of pooled samples. This study aimed to discuss a reverse transcription technique followed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction using pool testing to detect SARS-CoV-2 in nasopharyngeal swab samples. The study proposes an innovative diagnostic strategy that contributes to resource optimization, cost reduction, and improved agility of feedback from results. Pool testing is simultaneously performed on multiple samples to efficiently and cost-effectively detect COVID-19. Pool testing can optimize resource utilization and expand diagnostic access, and is a viable alternative for developing countries with limited access to testing. To optimize resources, the pool size was determined by estimating COVID-19 prevalence in the study population.
Assuntos
COVID-19 , Humanos , COVID-19/diagnóstico , SARS-CoV-2/genética , Teste para COVID-19 , Técnicas de Laboratório Clínico/métodos , Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase em Tempo Real/métodos , Sensibilidade e EspecificidadeRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To compare viral suppression in treatment-naïve adults starting antiretroviral therapy with dolutegravir (50mg)- and efavirenz (600mg)-based regimens. METHODS: We analyzed secondary data from Brazilian health information systems of people living with human immunodeficiency virus who started antiretroviral therapy between 2015 and 2017 in Minas Gerais, Brazil. The outcome was viral suppression, defined as the achievement of the first viral load <50 copies/mL within 12 months after initiating antiretroviral therapy. This outcome was also compared with viral load <1,000 copies/mL and analyzed in two scenarios: intention-to-treat versus per-protocol. Time to viral suppression and adjusted odds ratio accompanied by 95% confidence intervals were estimated. RESULTS: Of the 2,599 participants enrolled, 77.5% were men, and the median age was 34 years. In the intention-to-treat analysis, viral suppression was 58.1% for efavirenz and 76.7% for dolutegravir. People living with HIV on dolutegravir-based regimen were more likely to achieve viral suppression (aOR: 2.44; 95%CI: 2.01-2.95) and had a shorter median time to viral suppression (p<0.0001). Antiretroviral therapy initiation within <120 days, baseline CD4âºT-cells ≥200 cells/mm3, and viral load <100,000 copies/mL had higher odds of viral suppression. According to the per-protocol analysis, viral suppression ≥90% was observed by considering viral load <1,000 copies/mL. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated that viral suppression improved after introducing dolutegravir, although the proportion of patients with viral load <50 copies/mL was lower than expected. Improved access to routine viral load examinations and continuous surveillance of the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy should be considered.
Assuntos
Fármacos Anti-HIV , Infecções por HIV , Adulto , Masculino , Humanos , Feminino , HIV , Benzoxazinas/uso terapêutico , Infecções por HIV/tratamento farmacológico , Fármacos Anti-HIV/uso terapêutico , Carga ViralRESUMO
Tendentious projections about COVID-19 in Brazil provided an appealing excuse for individuals and decision-makers to justify poor choices during a critical phase of the pandemic. The erroneous results likely contributed to premature resumption of in-person school classes and easing of restrictions on social contact, favoring the resurgence of COVID-19. In Manaus, the largest city in the Amazon region, the COVID-19 pandemic did not end in 2020 of its own accord, but rather rebounded in a disastrous second wave of the disease.
RESUMO
Based on the incorporation of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) as an HIV prevention strategy and considering the need to comprehend the use of medication among young people, this article analyzes narratives of gay men and transgender women from Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, participating in the PrEP1519 study. This is a qualitative research, based on the interpretative anthropology, developed by 10 in-depth interviews with PrEP users followed-up for at least three months between October and November 2019. The results showed that the drug was seen as the main motivation for participating in the study and as a strategy combined with the use of condoms, whether as additional prevention, or assuming the leading role. The medication revealed signs built by the gender performances and their relation to other medications, especially the experience of trans girls in hormonal therapy. Regarding the socialization of the use of PrEP, the narratives showed that there was no secret between the couples, which did not meant that stigmas on the association with HIV did not exist, mainly in the virtual context. In the family environment, they reported questions about the preventive function of the medication and the voluntary nature of the participation in the study. The youth's narratives revealed plural meanings of the medication and its social use, composing both the boys' and girls' performances. The signs attributed to the medication indicated that in addition to maintenance of health, the medication improves life and sexual freedom.
Assuntos
Fármacos Anti-HIV , Infecções por HIV , Profilaxia Pré-Exposição , Minorias Sexuais e de Gênero , Pessoas Transgênero , Masculino , Humanos , Adolescente , Feminino , Homossexualidade Masculina , Infecções por HIV/prevenção & controle , Infecções por HIV/tratamento farmacológico , Fármacos Anti-HIV/uso terapêutico , Profilaxia Pré-Exposição/métodos , BrasilRESUMO
Syphilis has reemerged as a serious public health problem in Brazil and worldwide, disproportionately affecting men who have sex with men (MSM) and travestis and transgender women (TrTGW). Studies on sexually transmitted infections (STI) in adolescents from these key populations are relatively scarce. This is a Brazilian multi-center, cross study with prevalence analysis, using as baseline the PrEP1519 cohort of sexually active MSM and TrTGW adolescents, recruited from April 2019 to December 2020. Analyses were made using the dimensions of vulnerability to STI/HIV and logistic regression models were conducted to estimate the odds ratios of the association between the predictor variables and positive treponemal test for syphilis at the moment of entry in the study. In total, 677 participants were analyzed; participants' median age was 18.9 years (IQR: 18.1-19.5); 70.5% (477) self-declared as black; 70.5% (474), as homosexuals/gays; and 48 (7.1%), as trans women or travestis. The baseline prevalence of syphilis was 21.3%. In the final logistic regression model, higher chance of syphilis was associated with: self-reported episode of STI in the last 12 months (OR = 5.92; 95%CI: 3.74-9.37), sex worker (OR = 3.39; 95%CI: 1.32-8.78), and < 11 years of schooling (OR = 1.76; 95%CI: 1.13-2.74). The prevalence of syphilis among MSM/TrTGW adolescents aged from 15 to 19 years was alarming, much higher than the described for the general population within this age range and associated with vulnerability factors. This reinforces the urgent need to strengthen public health programs to debate about race, gender, sexuality, and prevention.