I am a veterinary physician with a Master’s degree in Animal Science and a Ph.D. in Tropical Medicine, and I conduct research in the areas of zoonoses, public health, and One Health, with emphasis on the human–animal–environment interface. My training and experience include epidemiological surveillance, laboratory diagnostics, and serological surveys — with a special focus on zoonoses and emerging/re-emerging diseases. I actively participated in studies on SARS-CoV-2, contributing to the validation of diagnostic tests and the implementation of serological surveys in vulnerable populations. In addition, I am currently involved in a multi-institutional project evaluating the burden of arboviral diseases in the context of climate change. My scientific approach integrates descriptive epidemiology, surveillance studies, public health, and veterinary medicine, combining a technical-scientific and clinical-veterinary perspective. I am also dedicated to training future professionals and developing teaching materials in immunology and veterinary epidemiology. Committed to public health and interdisciplinarity, I strive to contribute to the understanding and control of zoonotic and environmentally driven diseases, strengthening prevention and intervention strategies within the Global Health and One Health frameworks.
Zoonotic diseases and veterinary public health One Health approaches integrating human animal and environmental health Epidemiological surveillance and outbreak investigation Emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases Serological surveys and diagnostic test evaluation Arboviruses and climate–health interactions Infectious disease epidemiology (descriptive and analytical) Laboratory diagnostics and molecular/serological methods Global Health and health systems Veterinary epidemiology and preventive medicine Teaching and development of educational materials in epidemiology and immunology
We concluded that improving the sensitivity of serum testing for diagnosing asymptomatic dogs must constitute a priority in the process of developing new diagnostic tests to be used in the visceral leishmaniasis control program in Brazil.
This is the first study that relates higher socioeconomic status of dog owners as an independent factor associated with higher prevalence of VL infection, along with other strongly associated factors related to receptive environment for phlebotomines. Our findings strengthen the need for exploration of the biological and behavioural bases linking dog owner characteristics to the risk of canine infection in prospective cohort studies.
The characteristics of the origin of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has puzzled researchers, especially in regards to its zoonotic potential. This paucity of informati...
ABSTRACT. Current control measures of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL), a chronic and fatal zoonosis with potential transmission to humans, are not efficient enough to reduce its spread. The search for improved control measures should include studies of risk factors for infection and illness. This study aimed to identify the risk factors for CVL in an endemic locality of the Federal District, Brazil, from June 2016 to December 2018. Biologic samples and data on dog characteristics, owner household characteristics, and dog care were collected. A combination of serological and molecular tests was used to identify infected animals. The 248 dogs screened for inclusion were predominantly asymptomatic/oligosymptomatic. The baseline prevalence of infection was 27.5%. One hundred six of 162 susceptible dogs were monitored for an average period of 10.7 months. The estimated CVL incidence was 1.91 cases/100 dog-months. The multivariate analysis using a proportional Cox model included the potential risk factors, with P ≤ 0.25 in the univariate analyses. Greater purchasing power (hazard ratio [HR], 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01–1.06; P = 0.03) and paved yard (HR, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.13–1.01; P = 0.05) remained in the final model as risk and protection factors, respectively. The use of repellent collars in dogs was associated moderately ( P = 0.08) with protection against CVL. Our findings reflect the challenge of identifying strong interventions for reducing CVL incidence. Increased owner wealth had a counterintuitive effect on CVL, making the intervention scenario more complex for a zoonosis traditionally associated with poverty.
Background Domestic dogs are primary reservoir hosts of Leishmania infantum , the agent of visceral leishmaniasis. Detecting dog infections is central to epidemiological inference, disease prevention, and veterinary practice. Error-free diagnostic procedures, however, are lacking, and the performance of those available is difficult to measure in the absence of fail-safe “reference standards”. Here, we illustrate how a hierarchical-modeling approach can be used to formally account for false-negative and false-positive results when investigating the process of Leishmania detection in dogs. Methods/Findings We studied 294 field-sampled dogs of unknown infection status from a Leishmania -endemic region. We ran 350 parasitological tests (bone-marrow microscopy and culture) and 1,016 qPCR assays (blood, bone-marrow, and eye-swab samples with amplifiable DNA). Using replicate test results and site-occupancy models, we estimated (a) clinical sensitivity for each diagnostic procedure and (b) clinical specificity for qPCRs; parasitological tests were assumed 100% specific. Initial modeling revealed qPCR specificity < 94%; we tracked the source of this unexpected result to some qPCR plates having subtle signs of possible contamination. Using multi-model inference, we formally accounted for suspected plate contamination and estimated qPCR sensitivity at 49–53% across sample types and dog clinical conditions; qPCR specificity was high (95–96%), but fell to 81–82% for assays run in plates with suspected contamination. The sensitivity of parasitological procedures was low (~12–13%), but increased to ~33% (with substantial uncertainty) for bone-marrow culture in seriously-diseased dogs. Leishmania -infection frequency estimates (~49–50% across clinical conditions) were lower than observed (~60%). Conclusions We provide statistical estimates of key performance parameters for five diagnostic procedures used to detect Leishmania in dogs. Low clinical sensitivies likely reflect the absence of Leishmania parasites/DNA in perhaps ~50–70% of samples drawn from infected dogs. Although qPCR performance was similar across sample types, non-invasive eye-swabs were overall less likely to contain amplifiable DNA. Finally, modeling was instrumental to discovering (and formally accounting for) possible qPCR-plate contamination; even with stringent negative/blank-control scoring, ~4–5% of positive qPCRs were most likely false-positives. This work shows, in sum, how hierarchical site-occupancy models can sharpen our understanding of the problem of diagnosing host infections with hard-to-detect pathogens including Leishmania .
Estimating seroprevalence and vaccination coverage against COVID-19 is crucial to the development of well-targeted public health policies at the local level. Here, we estimated seroprevalence and vaccination coverage in a lower-middle-class population in Brazil. We conducted an observational, cross-sectional, population-based survey from 24 September to 19 December 2021. CMIA tests were used to detect anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG against the N-protein. The overall seroprevalence was 24.15% (177/733), and vaccination coverage was 91.40% (670/733); 72.09% (483/670) were fully vaccinated. Among vaccinated participants, seroprevalence was 24.77% (95% CI 21.50–28.04; 166/670), with a prevalence ratio (PR) of 1.03 (95% CI 0.98–1.08; p-value 0.131). Among participants who received an mRNA vaccine with S-based epitope (485), seroprevalence was 16.29% (95% CI 13.04–19.85; 79/485). Among unvaccinated participants, seroprevalence was 17.46% (95% CI 10.04–28.62; 11/63). Finally, in spite of the political climate and other possible causes for vaccine hesitancy, the positive Brazilian culture towards vaccination might have curbed hesitancy.
The epidemiological role of cats in the coronavirus disease pandemic remains unclear despite of several studies that have been conducted to understand it, in other words it is not yet known whether the cat would be able to transmit severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) to humans. Taking that into account, the objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review to identify what is known and not known on this topic. Our results revealed that cats can be infected through an airborne (perhaps oral, too) route and that the clinical development of the infection in cats is parallel to that in humans. The majority of infected cats remained asymptomatic, and more severe clinical cases described occurred only in animals with comorbidities. In addition to infection, cats achieved seroconversion with detectable titers. However, the epidemiological role of cats in relation to transmission routes of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) remains unclear and needs to be studied further. We emphasize that, regardless of the conclusion regarding the epidemiological role of cats, this reinforces the concepts of ONE HEALTH to be incorporated into the studies and practices of epidemiological surveillance of infectious diseases, with multidisciplinary teams, to achieve an understanding of the transmission of diseases with zoonotic potential.
Doença periodontal é uma inflamação resultante do acúmulo de placa bacteriana no periodonto acometendo estruturas de suporte dentário. É uma enfermidade mais frequente da cavidade oral de animais de companhia, cerca de 95% dos cães e 50% dos gatos com mais de 12 meses de idade apresentam algum grau de doença periodontal. O sinal clínico mais frequente é a halitose, mas dependendo do grau da doença pode-se observar também sialorreia, disfagia, sangramento oral, mobilidade dentária, hiperplasia ou retração gengival, destruição óssea e perda de dentes. O diagnóstico é realizado com base na classificação da AVDC (American Veterinary Dental College) juntamente com exames radiográficos intra-orais. O tratamento consiste na limpeza dos dentes, remoção dos cálculos dentários e extração de dentes acometidos, com antibioticoterapia, uso de antissépticos e higiene bucal pós-cirúrgica. Práticas preventivas são essenciais para o controle da doença periodontal e manutenção da saúde oral, sendo exemplos: escovação com cremes dentais veterinários, utilização de petiscos e brinquedos que estimulem o ato de roer e a avaliação odontológica.
Purpose This study aims to estimate the overall SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and evaluate the accuracy of an antibody rapid test compared to a reference serological assay during a COVID-19 outbreak in a prison complex housing over 13,000 prisoners in Brasília. Design/methodology/approach The authors obtained a randomized, stratified representative sample of each prison unit and conducted a repeated serosurvey among prisoners between June and July 2020, using a lateral-flow immunochromatographic assay (LFIA). Samples were also retested using a chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassay (CLIA) to compare SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and 21-days incidence, as well as to estimate the overall infection fatality rate (IFR) and determine the diagnostic accuracy of the LFIA test. Findings This study identified 485 eligible individuals and enrolled 460 participants. Baseline and 21-days follow-up seroprevalence were estimated at 52.0% (95% CI 44.9–59.0) and 56.7% (95% CI 48.2–65.3) with LFIA; and 80.7% (95% CI 74.1–87.3) and 81.1% (95% CI 74.4–87.8) with CLIA, with an overall IFR of 0.02%. There were 78.2% (95% CI 66.7–89.7) symptomatic individuals among the positive cases. Sensitivity and specificity of LFIA were estimated at 43.4% and 83.3% for IgM; 46.5% and 91.5% for IgG; and 59.1% and 77.3% for combined tests. Originality/value The authors found high seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies within the prison complex. The occurrence of asymptomatic infection highlights the importance of periodic mass testing in addition to case-finding of symptomatic individuals; however, the field performance of LFIA tests should be validated. This study recommends that vaccination strategies consider the inclusion of prisoners and prison staff in priority groups.
Abstract Purpose There is evidence that humans can transmit SARS-CoV-2 to cats and dogs. However, there is no evidence that they can transmit it back to humans or play any role in SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Here, we present an exploratory analysis on that matter. Methods We conducted a case control study with participants with flu-like symptoms seeking care at a primary healthcare unit to be tested for COVID-19. They were asked if they owned pet cats and/or dogs in their residences, and this variable was evaluated as exposure. Results The odds ratio of “having dogs and/or cats in the residence” was 1.29 (95%CI 1.08–1.54) of “having only dogs and no cats” was 1.26 (1.05–1.52), and “no dogs and only cats” was 1.29 (0.95–1.75). Conclusion Having a cat/dog in the house can affect the risk of infection by SARS-CoV-2.
A água é essencial para a sobrevivência e manutenção de todos os organismos vivos. Sua importância vai além da atuação como solvente universal e da representação prática da Saúde Única, possuindo impacto direto e indireto na saúde humana, animal e ambiental. O presente trabalho trata-se de uma revisão bibliográfica narrativa que aborda a água como recurso finito e escasso; os valores socioeconômicos atribuídos à água; a água na saúde humana e animal; e a relação água e meio ambiente. A água de consumo é de apenas 2,5% do total, sendo apenas 8% destinada para abastecimento urbano, enquanto que 23% é consumido, de diversas maneiras, apenas pela indústria. Sem contar que é uma commodity passiva de cobrança, deixando em segundo plano o consumo da população e priorizando a monetização. Contudo, a Organização Mundial da Saúde procurou estabelecer diretrizes que visam a padronização da qualidade de água distribuída e o Brasil buscou estabelecer parâmetros para avaliação da qualidade da água. Ademais, a relação homem-ambiente está em constante interação, impossível fazer sua desassociação. Logo, a fome, sede e falta de higiene são fatores que afetam a saúde, seja animal ou humana, e são consequência da mínima infraestrutura hídrica, sendo o investimento em saneamento básico, na educação e em políticas públicas de gestão o caminho para reverter essa realidade.
This Mini-review addresses the significant health implications of foodborne RNA viruses, such as norovirus and hepatitis A, which are major contributors to global foodborne illnesses. These viruses are typically transmitted via the oral-fecal route and can contaminate food during production, processing, and handling. Characterized by their robust, non-enveloped structure and high genetic variability, they present unique challenges in control and prevention. This paper summarizes their prevalence, transmission, and risk factors, emphasizing the importance of stringent hygiene and food safety measures. It also discusses the necessity for comprehensive preventive strategies throughout the food supply chain and the critical role of surveillance and monitoring systems. The following Mini-review aims to enhance understanding and guide the development of effective interventions for mitigating the risk of foodborne RNA virus outbreaks.
This Mini-review addresses the significant health implications of foodborne RNA viruses, such as norovirus and hepatitis A, which are major contributors to global foodborne illnesses. These viruses are typically transmitted via the oral-fecal route and can contaminate food during production, processing, and handling. Characterized by their robust, non-enveloped structure and high genetic variability, they present unique challenges in control and prevention. This paper summarizes their prevalence, transmission, and risk factors, emphasizing the importance of stringent hygiene and food safety measures. It also discusses the necessity for comprehensive preventive strategies throughout the food supply chain and the critical role of surveillance and monitoring systems. The following Mini-review aims to enhance understanding and guide the development of effective interventions for mitigating the risk of foodborne RNA virus outbreaks.
Introduction: Healthcare workers (HCW) are at higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Viral surveillance for early detection of COVID-19 is a critical strategy to understand the infection dynamics in this population and to prevent transmission. The study examines SARS-CoV-2 infection and reinfection among HCW vaccinated against COVID-19 who are employed at a primary health care unit serving a disenfranchised community of Brazil. Methods: The study was conducted in Cidade Estrutural, Federal District of Brazil, between February and October 2021. Participants were interviewed and provided samples. A prospective open cohort study was used to analyze the frequency of SARS-CoV-2 infection and reinfection. Nasopharyngeal and peripheral blood samples were collected from workers presenting with flu-like symptoms and subjected to RT-qPCR and serological testing (IgM and IgG chemiluminescence). The frequencies of infection and reinfection (RT-qPCR positive results 90 days after the infection) were calculated along with their respective confidence intervals (95%CI). Results: Of the 128 workers, 61 (47.65%; CI: 39.19-56.25) reported probable SARS-CoV-2 infection before vaccination. Of these, 50 (39.06%; CI: 31.04-47.71) had SARS-CoV-2 infection after vaccination, confirmed by molecular tests. Reinfection was identified in seven workers (14.00%; CI: 6.95-26.18), based on the 90-day interval between results. The serological data from the 128 workers during the cohort indicated that 68 had IgG antibodies (53.12%; CI: 44.5-61.5) and 46 had IgM antibodies (35.93%; CI: 28.14-44.54) against SARS-CoV-2. SARS-CoV-2 infection was common in community health workers (CHW, 56%), registered nurses (50%), and licensed practice nurses (33%). Following the COVID-19 vaccination, the percentage of infections among CHW decreased from 47.83% to 4.35%. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that (i) approximately 40% of the workers were infected with SARS-CoV-2 in 2021 and (ii) reinfections confirmed by RT-qPCR occurred in 14% of the HCW after vaccination. The results provide valuable insights into the circulation of SARS-CoV-2 among HCW in a primary care unit serving a minoritized community.
A reacao em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) tem se destacado nos ultimos anos como uma importante tecnica para identificacao de microrganismos por ser extremamente sensivel e versatil. Porem, ate entao nao existia uma PCR Multiplex que fosse capas de identificar os cinco agentes etiologicos causadores de mionecroses clostridiais: Clostridium septicum, C. chauvoei, C. novyi tipo A, C. perfringens tipo A e C. sordellii. Portanto, nesse trabalho foi desenvolvida uma PCR Multiplexpara a deteccao e discriminacao dos clostridios histotoxicos. A sensibilidade analitica obtida foi de aproximadamente 0,15 ng para C.chauvoei e 0,015 ng para outros agentes. Nao aconteceram amplificacoes no teste de especificidade com as especies Clostridium tetani(ATCC 9441), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 27707), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 25319), Escherichia coli (ATCC 21986), Clostridium difficile (ATCC 9689), Proteus mirabillis (ATCC 12453) e Salmonella typhi (ATCC 9992V) , confirmando-a. Este trabalho apresenta uma PCR Multiplex eficientee especifica para deteccao e identificacao de clostridios histotoxicos.
Background Development and validation of point-of-care (POC) diagnostic tests with high accuracy is critical for underrepresented populations, allowing for wider access to diagnosis. Here, we evaluate the performance of the Panbio™ antigen-rapid test device (Ag-RTD) for SARS-CoV-2, our index test, having RT-qPCR as the reference standard. Methods This phase III validation study was conducted concomitantly with a primary health care center routine tending to a low-income Brazilian population. Eligibility criteria were residing at Cidade Estrutural and presenting flu-like/respiratory symptoms for 3-10 days. Results Among the 505 participants, 45.15% (228/505) tested positive for RT-qPCR and 54.85% (277/505) for the Ag-RTD. Overall sensitivity was 76.32% (CI95% 70.39-81.37) and specificity was 98.92% (96.02-99.82). Conclusions Our results show that the Panbio™ Ag-RTD does not meet the minimum performance requirements established by the World Health Organization (≥ 80% sensitivity and ≥ 97% specificity compared to a reference test in suspected COVID-19 cases). Thus, we do not recommend the implementation of Panbio™Ag-RTD as a single diagnostic tool in underrepresented and disadvantaged populations. Finally, we discuss a possible setting for the use of Panbio™Ag-RTD under combined sensitivity.
Potential competing interests: No potential competing
A intersecção entre saúde animal, comércio e sociedade é carregada de considerações éticas e requer uma exploração cuidadosa. A saúde dos animais não é importante apenas para o seu próprio bem-estar, mas também para a saúde geral da nossa sociedade. Como tal, é crucial garantir que os animais sejam tratados de forma ética e com compaixão, reconhecendo ao mesmo tempo as implicações econômicas da sua saúde. Equilibrar estes vários fatores requer uma abordagem ponderada e holística que tenha em conta as perspectivas de todas as partes interessadas envolvidas. Ao examinar as intersecções entre saúde animal, comércio e sociedade, podemos trabalhar no sentido de criar uma relação mais sustentável e harmoniosa entre humanos e animais. Garantir a saúde e o bem-estar dos animais através de cuidados médicos adequados, medidas preventivas e práticas produtivas responsáveis pode ajudar a mitigar o risco de doenças zoonóticas e proteger a saúde humana. Como tal, a saúde dos animais tem um impacto direto no comércio, e garantir o seu bem-estar não é apenas uma responsabilidade ética, mas também uma decisão econômica sólida. Para explorar essas inter-relações, apresentamos aqui uma revisão narrativa abordando as relações entre a saúde animal e a saúde humana, como isso afeta a sociedade e os sistemas produtivos, bem como as questões éticas envolvidas.
Potential competing interests: No potential competing interests to declare.Congratulations! Nice work!I have some questions about the sampling process.It was not clear to me.Was it like a lottery?As there were clusters in the sample,
Potential competing interests: No potential competing interests to
BACKGROUND Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is relevant for human and animal public health. Several factors have been associated with the risk of Leishmania infantum infection in dogs. However, dog owner characteristics have been rarely explored. OBJECTIVES To estimate the prevalence and to identify the associated factors for VL infection including dog owners characteristics. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted including dogs from an endemic canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) region in the Federal District, Brazil. The infection was detected using parasitological, serological, and molecular methods. The associated factors were identified through Poisson regression modelling. FINDINGS The prevalence of infection was 26.25% [95% confidence interval (CI): 20.05 to 33.57]. The associated factors were: short coat prevalence ratio (PR) = 2.33 (95% CI: 1.02 to 5.22); presence of backyard with predominance of soil and/or vegetation PR = 4.15 (95% CI: 1.35 to 12.77); and highest gross family income score PR = 2.03 (95% CI: 1.16 to 3.54). MAIN CONCLUSION This is the first study that relates higher socioeconomic status of dog owners as an independent factor associated with higher prevalence of VL infection, along with other strongly associated factors related to receptive environment for phlebotomines. Our findings strengthen the need for exploration of the biological and behavioural bases linking dog owner characteristics to the risk of canine infection in prospective cohort studies.
BACKGROUND Studies aimed at validating canine visceral leishmaniasis diagnostic tests present heterogeneous results regarding test accuracy, partly due to divergences in reference standards used and different infection evolution periods in animals. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of the rapid test-dual path platform (TR-DPP) (Biomanguinhos®), EIE-Leishmaniose-Visceral-Canina-Biomanguinhos (EIE-LVC) (Biomanguinhos®), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) rK39 (in-house), and the direct agglutination test (DAT-Canis) against a reference standard comprising parasitological and molecular techniques. METHODS A phase II/III validation study was carried out in sample sera from 123 predominantly asymptomatic dogs living in an area endemic for visceral leishmaniasis. FINDINGS Sixty-nine (56.1%) animals were considered infected according to the reference standard. For each test, the sensitivity and specificity, respectively, were as follows: TR-DPP, 21.74% [confidence interval (CI)95% 13.64% to 32.82%] and 92.59% (CI95% 82.45% to 97.08%); EIE-LVC, 11.59% (CI95% 5.9% to 21.25%) and 90.74% (CI95% 80.09% to 95.98%); ELISA rK39, 37.68% (CI95% 27.18% to 49.48%) and 83.33% (CI95% 71.26% to 90.98%); and DAT-Canis, 18.84% (CI95% 11.35% to 29.61%) and 96.30% (CI95% 87.46% to 98.98%). CONCLUSION We concluded that improving the sensitivity of serum testing for diagnosing asymptomatic dogs must constitute a priority in the process of developing new diagnostic tests to be used in the visceral leishmaniasis control program in Brazil.
RESUMO Objetivo Analisar a cobertura vacinal completa em nascidos vivos em 2017 e 2018, nas capitais da região Centro-Oeste do Brasil, segundo estratos sociais. Métodos Inquérito domiciliar de base populacional com amostragem por conglomerados. Analisou-se a cobertura vacinal completa em crianças aos 12 e 24 meses de idade e os fatores sociodemográficos. Resultados Foram analisadas 5.715 crianças. A cobertura completa aos 12 meses de idade foi 67,9% (IC95% 65,4;70,4) e aos 24 meses de idade foi 48,2% (IC95% 45,3;51,1). A maior cobertura foi da vacina pneumococo (91,3%) e a pior da segunda dose da vacina rotavírus (74,2%). Em Campo Grande, nenhuma vacina alcançou cobertura acima de 90%, destacando-se as vacinas BCG (82,9%) e hepatite B (82,1%). Campo Grande e Brasília tiveram piores coberturas vacinais no estrato social alto (24 meses de idade). Conclusão A cobertura vacinal na região Centro-Oeste foi inferior a 80%, abaixo da meta preconizada e associada com fatores socioeconômicos.
ABSTRACT Objective To analyze full vaccination coverage in live births in 2017 and 2018 in the capitals of the Midwest region of Brazil, according to social strata. Methods Population-based household survey with cluster sampling. Full coverage in children at 12 and 24 months of age and sociodemographic factors were analyzed. Results 5,715 children were analyzed. Full coverage at 12 months of age was 67.9% (95%CI 65.4;70.4), while at 24 months it was 48.2% (95%CI 45.3;51.1). Pneumococcal vaccine had the highest vaccination coverage (91.3%), while the second dose of rotavirus vaccine had the lowest (74.2%). In Campo Grande, no vaccine reached coverage above 90%, with BCG (82.9%) and hepatitis B (82.1%) standing out. Campo Grande and Brasília had the worst vaccination coverage in the high social stratum (24 months of age). Conclusion Vaccination coverage in the Midwest was below 80%, falling short of the recommended target and associated with socioeconomic factors.
Introduction: Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Viral surveillance for early detection of COVID-19 is a critical strategy to understand this population’s infection dynamics and prevent transmission. The study examines SARS-CoV-2 infection and reinfection among HCWs vaccinated against COVID-19 working at a primary healthcare unit serving a disenfranchised community in Brazil. Methods: The study was conducted in Cidade Estrutural, Federal District, Brazil, between February and October 2021. Participants were interviewed and provided samples. A prospective open cohort study was used to analyze the frequency of SARS-CoV-2 infection and reinfection, and the vaccine-induced seroconversion. Nasopharyngeal swab specimen was collected from workers presenting with flu-like symptoms and subjected to RT-qPCR. Peripheral blood samples were also collected every 30 ± 2 days for eight months, starting from the day participants received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, and submitted to serological testing (IgM and IgG chemiluminescence). The frequencies of infection and reinfection (RT-qPCR positive results 90 days after the infection) were calculated along with their respective confidence intervals (95% CI). Results: Of the 128 workers, 61 (47.65%; CI: 39.19–56.25) reported probable SARS-CoV-2 infection before vaccination and 50 (39.06%; CI: 31.04–47.71) had SARS-CoV-2 infection after vaccination, confirmed by molecular test. Reinfection was identified in seven workers (7/50, 14%; CI: 6.95–26.18) based on the 90-day interval between results. The serological data from the 128 workers during the cohort indicated that 68 (53.12%; CI: 44.5–61.5) had IgG antibodies and 46 had IgM antibodies (35.93%; CI: 28.14–44.54) against SARS-CoV-2. SARS-CoV-2 infection was common in 56% of the community health workers (CHWs), 50% of registered nurses, and licensed vocational nurses (33%). Following the COVID-19 vaccination, the percentage of infections among HCWs decreased from 47.83% to 4.35%. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that (i) approximately 40% of the workers were infected with SARS-CoV-2 in 2021 and (ii) reinfections confirmed by RT-qPCR occurred in 14% of the HCWs after vaccination. The results provide valuable insights into the circulation of SARS-CoV-2 among HCWs in a primary care unit serving a minoritized community.
It is a "Letter to Editor", does not have an abstract
This study aimed to evaluate cortisol secretion and biochemical and hematological parameters in police patrol horses in order to evaluate how patrolling stress could alter these parameters. The sample consisted of ten healthy male adult horses. Blood collection occurred before and after patrols, as well as 24 and 31 hours after the first patrol. The analyses included cortisol levels and secretion, lactate, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine and kinase rates, as well as red and white blood cell counts. Results showed no significant changes in cortisol concentrations but indicated a reduced circadian rhythm. Biochemical variables such as lactate, lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase were within reference values. Hematological parameters showed an altered neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio during the entire sampling period, with values below the ideal reference. In conclusion, urban patrolling did not cause temporary changes in the evaluated parameters, suggesting that the animals are adapted to this activity and that rest time is adequate. However, alterations in cortisol circadian rhythm rate and neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio indicate potential chronic wear on the well-being of these animals.
A segurança dos alimentos e a segurança alimentar são conceitos interligados que dependem das práticas de produção de alimentos. A segurança dos alimentos se refere à ausência de contaminantes, garantindo que sejam seguros para o consumo, enquanto a segurança alimentar engloba quatro dimensões: disponibilidade, acesso, utilização e estabilidade de alimentos seguros e nutritivos. A maneira como os alimentos são produzidos tem impacto significante em ambas as áreas. Práticas agrícolas sustentáveis que priorizam a segurança e a eficiência são essenciais para aumentar a disponibilidade de alimentos seguros e reduzir o desperdício. A segurança dos alimentos, por sua vez, influencia a saúde e o bem-estar da população, especialmente em relação à nutrição e à prevenção de doenças. A integração de medidas de segurança alimentar e dos alimentos nas práticas de produção é crucial para garantir um sistema alimentar mais justo e sustentável.
A leishmaniose visceral é uma zoonose parasitária crônica causada pelo gênero Leishmania, podendo causar óbito em até 95% dos casos não tratados. A enzootia de leishmaniose visceral canina (LVC) pode preceder a ocorrência de casos humanos da doença. Portanto, objetivou-se estimar a soroprevalência de LVC em cães domiciliados de Paranaíba, Mato Grosso do Sul (MS). Realizou-se estudo transversal, que teve como população os tutores de cães e seus respectivos animais. A amostragem foi aleatória sistemática, realizada de 26 a 28 de maio de 2023. Considerou-se caso de LVC as amostras positivas no teste de triagem e confirmadas pelo teste sorológico ELISA. Realizou-se as análises descritiva e univariada, cálculo de qui-quadrado e Odds Ratio, classificando como fator de risco as variáveis que apresentaram p<0,05, com respectivos valores de Odds Ratio e intervalo de confiança de 95%. Coletou-se 249 amostras sorológicas caninas, resultando numa soroprevalência de LVC de 16,47% (IC95% 12,24-21,46). Não foi observada predisposição sexual para a doença (OR 1,52; IC95% 0,78-2,99). A presença de sinais clínicos aumentou a chance do animal ser soropositivo para a LVC (OR 3,52; IC95% 1,74-7,10). A onicogrifose apresentou OR significativa de 5,57 (IC95% 2,10-14,76), assim como a presença de dermatopatias (OR 3,03; IC95% 1,30-7,09), alterações oftálmicas e hiperqueratose de trufas e coxins (OR 17,66; IC95% 3,43-91,01). Os resultados indicaram elevada soroprevalência de LVC e que a doença está distribuída em toda cidade de Paranaíba-MS. Medidas de prevenção e controle devem contemplar o cão, visto que essa zoonose está presente nos caninos da área urbana.
