Hpv infection and cervical neoplasia: associated risk factors

CNPQ – CONSELHO NACIONAL DE DESENVOLVIMENTO CIENTÍFICO E TECNOLÓGICOBehavioral risks such as age at first sexual intercourse, number of sexual partners and partner's sexual behavior are associated with an increased risk of HPV infection, persistence of the infection and the development of neoplastic precursor lesions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the risk factors associated with HPV positivity and with a diagnosis of cervical neoplasia in women referred with an abnormal cervical smear. This study evaluated a series of 198 women referred with an abnormal cervical smear. Risk factors for HPV infection were investigated using a questionnaire. All cervical specimens were tested for 27 HPV genotypes using the Roche polymerase chain reaction reverse line blot assay. The overall prevalence of HPV was 87 %. First sexual intercourse before 16 years of age was significantly associated with a positive HPV test (OR 4.41; 95 %CI: 1.20 - 19.33; p = 0.01). A significant association was also found between this risk factor and CIN 1 lesions or worse (OR 2.2; 95 %CI 0.94 - 5.08; p = 0.03). The age at which a woman begins to be sexually active is associated with HPV infection and with a diagnosis of cervical neoplasia.Behavioral risks such as age at first sexual intercourse, number of sexual partners and partner's sexual behavior are associated with an increased risk of HPV infection, persistence of the infection and the development of neoplastic precursor lesions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the risk factors associated with HPV positivity and with a diagnosis of cervical neoplasia in women referred with an abnormal cervical smear. This study evaluated a series of 198 women referred with an abnormal cervical smear. Risk factors for HPV infection were investigated using a questionnaire. All cervical specimens were tested for 27 HPV genotypes using the Roche polymerase chain reaction reverse line blot assay. The overall prevalence of HPV was 87 %. First sexual intercourse before 16 years of age was significantly associated with a positive HPV test (OR 4.41; 95 %CI: 1.20 - 19.33; p = 0.01). A significant association was also found between this risk factor and CIN 1 lesions or worse (OR 2.2; 95 %CI 0.94 - 5.08; p = 0.03). The age at which a woman begins to be sexually active is associated with HPV infection and with a diagnosis of cervical neoplasia1016CNPQ – CONSELHO NACIONAL DE DESENVOLVIMENTO CIENTÍFICO E TECNOLÓGICOCNPQ – CONSELHO NACIONAL DE DESENVOLVIMENTO CIENTÍFICO E TECNOLÓGICOsem informaçã

Decline in hepatitis B and C prevalence among hemodialysis patients in Tocantins, Northern Brazil

Infection control measures have been responsible for a decline in the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections in hemodialysis patients. In Brazil, these measures have been in place since 1996. The aim of this study was to evaluate the current HBV and HCV epidemiology among hemodialysis patients in the State of Tocantins comparing them with those found 14 years ago. There was a significant decline in hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HCV prevalence from 4% and 13% in 2001 to 0.8% and 2.8% in 2014-2015, respectively (p < 0.05). Variables related to hemodialysis environment such as working shift and length of time on hemodialysis treatment were no longer associated to HCV and HBV exposure in 2014-2015. A high prevalence of self-reported hepatitis B vaccination was observed in both periods, but only 30% of the individuals showed serological profile of effective previous immunization, suggesting a low compliance with surveillance of hepatitis B immunization in hemodialysis centers. The significant decline in viral hepatitis B and C prevalence in hemodialysis patients in Tocantins underscores the importance of infection control measures, but the low frequency of protective serological profile after immunization against hepatitis B points to the need for greater vigilance of the patients’ vaccination

Comportamentos de risco para doenças sexualmente transmissíveis em usuários de crack

Objectives: to investigate the prevalence and risk behaviors by means of reporting of sexually transmitted diseases among crack users.Method: cross-sectional study carried out with 588 crack users in a referral care unit for the treatment of chemical dependency. Data were collected by means of face-to-face interview and analyzed using Stata statistical software, version 8.0.Results: of the total participants, 154 (26.2%; 95% CI: 22.8-29.9) reported antecedents of sexually transmitted diseases. Ages between 25 and 30 years (RP: 2.1; 95% CI: 1.0-4.0) and over 30 years (RP: 3.8; 95% CI: 2.1-6.8), alcohol consumption (RP: 1.9; 95% CI: 1.1-3.3), antecedents of prostitution (RP: 1.9; 95% CI: 1.3-2.9) and sexual intercourse with person living with human immunodeficiency virus/AIDS (RP: 2.7; 95% CI: 1.8-4.2) were independently associated with reporting of sexually transmitted diseases.Conclusion: the results of this study suggest high risk and vulnerability of crack users for sexually transmitted diseases.Objetivos:investigar a prevalência e comportamentos de risco através do relato de doenças sexualmente transmissíveis em usuários de crack.Método:estudo transversal, realizado com 588 usuários de crack, de uma unidade de referência para tratamento de dependência química. Os dados foram obtidos por meio de entrevista face a face e analisados em programa estatístico Stata, versão 8.0.Resultados:do total de participantes, 154 (26,2%; IC 95%: 22,8-29,9) referiram antecedentes de doenças sexualmente transmissíveis. Idade entre 25 e 30 anos (RP: 2,1; IC 95%: 1,0-4,0) e superior a 30 anos (RP: 3,8; IC 95%: 2,1-6,8), consumo de álcool (RP: 1,9; IC 95%: 1,1-3,3), antecedentes de prostituição (RP: 1,9; IC 95%: 1,3-2,9) e relação sexual com pessoa vivendo com o vírus da imunodeficiência humana/aids (RP: 2,7; IC 95%: 1,84,2) foram independentemente associados ao relato de doenças sexualmente transmissíveis.Conclusão:os resultados deste estudo sugerem elevado risco e vulnerabilidade dos usuários de crackpara as doenças sexualmente transmissíveis.Objetivos:investigar la prevalencia y las conductas de riesgo a través del informe de las enfermedades de transmisión sexual entre los usuarios de crack.Método:estudio transversal con 588 usuarios de crack, de una unidad de referencia para el tratamiento de la dependencia química. Los datos fueron obtenidos a través de entrevista cara a cara y se analizaron utilizando el programa estadístico Stata, versión 8.0.Resultados:del total de participantes, 154 (26,2%; IC 95%: 22,8-29,9) informaron antecedentes de enfermedades de transmisión sexual. Edad entre 25 y 30 años (RP: 2,1; IC9 5%: 1,0-4,0) y superior a 30 años (RP: 3,8; IC 95%: 2,1-6,8), consumo de alcohol (OR: 1,9; IC 95%: 1,1-3,3), antecedentes de prostitución (RP: 1,9; IC 95%: 1,3-2,9) y relaciones sexuales con persona viviendo con el virus de inmunodeficiencia humana/ SIDA (RP: 2,7; IC 95%: 1,8-4,2) se asociaron de forma independiente con la notificación de las enfermedades de transmisión sexual.Conclusión:los resultados de este estudio sugieren alto riesgo y la vulnerabilidad de los usuarios de crackpara las enfermedades de transmisión sexual

Alarming patterns of moderate and high-risk alcohol use among transgender women in Goiás, Central Brazil

BackgroundScant studies have examined alcohol consumption among transgender women in Latin America. This cross-sectional study estimated the prevalence and associated factors of risky alcohol use among transgender women in Goiás, a state located in the center of Brazil.MethodsParticipants were 440 transgender women (median age = 35 years, interquartile range = 9) recruited through respondent-driven sampling. All participants were interviewed about sociodemographic characteristics, violence, and risk behavior. Alcohol use was assessed using the alcohol use disorders identification test (AUDIT). An AUDIT score greater than or equal to eight was considered as risky alcohol consumption. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine predictors of risky alcohol use, and p-values <0.05 were considered significant.ResultsThe majority were young, single, sex workers. Most transgender women had used alcohol in the previous year (85.7%), and more than half (56.6%) reported binge drinking and risky alcohol consumption (60.2%). There was a high overlap between sexual behavior, drugs, and alcohol use. Using alcohol during sex (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.9; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.7–4.8), cocaine/crack use (aOR: 2.3; 95% CI: 1.5–3.7) and having a drug user as a sexual partner (aOR: 2.9; 95% CI: 1.5–5.9) were independently associated with risky alcohol consumption.ConclusionAlcohol consumption was highly prevalent, and drugs seem to play an important role in risky alcohol consumption among transgender women Goiás. These findings support stakeholders to promote intervention strategies to reduce this pattern of alcohol consumption and reduce the burden of substance use disorders among transgender women

Human T-lymphotropic virus 1/2 infection among immigrants and refugees in Central Brazil, an emerging vulnerable population

IntroductionMigratory flows play a significant role in the spread of human T-lymphotropic virus 1/2 (HTLV-1/2). In the last decade, a substantial migration of individuals occurred from Haiti and Venezuela to Brazil. However, data on the prevalence of HTLV-1/2 infection among these international migrants in Brazil are scarce. This study describes the prevalence of this infection among immigrants and refugees in Central Brazil.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted with 537 international migrants in the State of Goiás, Central Brazil. Participants were interviewed, and blood samples were collected. Serological screening for anti-HTLV-1/2 was performed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA; Murex HTLV-I + II, DiaSorin, Dartford, UK), and seropositive samples were submitted for confirmation by a line immunoassay (INNO-LIA HTLV I/II, Fujirebio, Europe N.V., Belgium).ResultsThe majority of participants were males (54.4%), between 18 and 50 years old (78%; mean age: 29.1 years), self-declared black (55.1%), reported 1 to 12 years of formal education (70.9%), and were either Venezuelans (47.9%) or Haitians (39.7%). Additionally, 50.1% were immigrants, 49% were refugees, and five were Brazilian children (0.9%) born to Haitian immigrant parents. The overall prevalence of anti-HTLV-1/2 was 0.95% (95% CI: 0.31–2.28), with HTLV-1 at 0.19% and HTLV-2 at 0.76%. All seropositive individuals (n = 5) were refugees from Venezuela, resulting in a rate of 2.26% for anti-HTLV-1/2, HTLV-1 (0.45%) and HTLV-2 (1.81%) among Venezuelan refugees. Of the demographic and behavioral characteristics evaluated, unprotected sexual intercourse and having more than one sexual partner (≥2) in the previous 12 months were associated with HTLV-1/2 seropositivity among Venezuelans.ConclusionThis study revealed, despite the low seroprevalence of HTLV-1/2 among international migrants in Central Brazil, evidence of HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 infections in Venezuelan refugees. In addition, their characteristics highlight that specific social and health programs should be implemented for these emergent and socially vulnerable migrant groups

Hepatitis A and E among immigrants and refugees in Central Brazil

OBJECTIVE To estimate the prevalence of hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis E virus (HEV) among immigrants and refugees in Goiás, Central Brazil. METHODS Overall, 355 individuals were interviewed, and blood samples were tested for anti-HAV and anti-HEV IgG. Anti-HEV-positive samples were similarly tested for HEV RNA. RESULTS All participants were from Latin American countries, most of whom, young adult males. The overall anti-HAV IgG prevalence was 87.4% (95%CI: 83.5–90.4), of whom 94.9%, 75.6%, and 60% were from Haiti, Venezuela, and other Latin American countries, respectively (p < 0.001). Age above 19 years and more than 36 months residing in Brazil were associated with a higher prevalence of previous HAV and HEV infection, respectively. Of the children eligible for HAV vaccination according to the National Immunization Program, only eight (44%) had been vaccinated. The overall anti-HEV IgG prevalence was 6.5% (95%CI: 4.4–9.5). All anti-HEV IgG-positive individuals were Haitians, including a child born in Brazil. HEV RNA was detected in two of the anti-HEV IgG-positive samples. CONCLUSION The survey detected a high prevalence of anti-HAV and anti-HEV IgG among immigrants and refugees, and active HEV infection among some Haitian participants. Prevention measures are urgently required to interrupt enteric virus transmission in this emergent and vulnerable population

Viral hepatitis in female sex workers using the Respondent-Driven Sampling

OBJECTIVE To estimate the prevalence of hepatitis B virus and C virus infections and their genotypes and analyze the risk factors for the markers of exposure to hepatitis B virus in female sex workers in a region of intense sex trade. METHODS This is a cross-sectional study performed with four hundred and two female sex workers in Goiânia, Brazil. Data have been collected using the Respondent-Driven Sampling. The women have been interviewed and tested for markers of hepatitis B and C viruses. Positive samples have been genotyped. The data have been analyzed using the Respondent-Driven Sampling Analysis Tool, version 5.3, and Stata 11.0. RESULTS The adjusted prevalence for hepatitis B virus and C virus were 17.1% (95%CI 11.6–23.4) and 0.7% (95%CI 0.1–1.5), respectively. Only 28% (95%CI 21.1–36.4) of the participants had serological evidence of vaccination against hepatitis B virus. Being older (>; 40 years), being single, having a history of blood transfusion and use of cocaine, and ignoring the symptoms of sexually transmitted infections were associated with positivity for hepatitis B virus (p < 0.05). We have detected the subgenotype A1 of hepatitis B virus (n = 3) and the subtypes of hepatitis C virus 1a (n = 3) and 1b (n = 1). CONCLUSIONS We can observe a low prevalence of infection of hepatitis B and C viruses in the studied population. However, the findings of the analysis of the risk factors show the need for more investment in prevention programs for sexual and drug-related behavior, as well as more efforts to vaccinate this population against hepatitis B. The genotypes of the hepatitis B virus and C virus identified are consistent with those circulating in Brazil

Doenças extra gástricas associadas à infecção por Helicobacter pylori: uma revisão integrativa / Extra gastric diseases associated with Helicobacter pylori infection: an integrative review

Helicobacter pylori é uma bactéria Gram negativa, microaerófila, móvel, não esporulada capaz de colonizar a mucosa gástrica de humanos. A infecção por esse microrganismo  provoca alterações gástricas e extra gástricas devido ao processo inflamatório crônico que pode promover um efeito sistêmico e provocar rompimento da homeostase de diversos órgãos e tecidos, desencadeando diversas patologias. O objetivo desse trabalho foi realizar o levantamento bibliográfico de patologias não gástricas que são desencadeadas pela infecção crônica por H. pylori, considerando a fisiopatologia e os efeitos sistêmicos no hospedeiro. Para isso foi realizada uma revisão da literatura integrativa, de característica qualitativa, nas bases de dados Scientific Eletronic Library Online (SCIELO), Google Acadêmico, LilACS e NCBI PubMed. Foram incluídos artigos publicados em português, espanhol e inglês, no período de 2010 a 2020 que abordavam a temática e os critérios de exclusão foram teses, monografias e dissertações, e artigos que não abordavam o tema. Foram identificados alguns grupos de doenças não gástricas associadas à infecção por H. pylori, incluindo doenças hematológicas, neurológicas, hepatobiliares, respiratórias, vasculares, alérgicas, neoplásicas, metabólicas, oculares, bucais e autoimunes. O efeito sistêmico à infecção por H. pylori, onde são liberadas diversas citocinas e mediares químicos, provoca alterações e desequilíbrios homeostático em diferentes tecidos e órgãos extra gástricos do organismo, e muitas vezes ocorre uma resposta imunológica exacerbada. Apesar de não ser um consenso entre os trabalhos pesquisados, verificou-se que a infecção por H. pylori pode estar associada ao surgimento e progressão dessas diferentes patologias