ABSTRACT Dengue is a global and growing health threat, especially in Southeast Asia, West Pacific and South America. Infection by the dengue virus (DENV) results in dengue fever, which can evolve to severe forms. Cytokines, especially interferons, are involved in the immunopathogenesis of dengue fever, and so may influence the disease outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between severe forms of dengue and two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the interferon-gamma gene (IFNG): A256G (rs2069716) and A325G (rs2069727). We included 274 patients infected with DENV serotype 3: 119 cases of dengue without warning signs (DWoWS), and 155 with warning signs (DWWS) or severe dengue (SD). DNA was extracted, and genotyped with Illumina Genotyping Kit or real time PCR (TaqMan probes). We estimated the adjusted Odds Ratios (OR) by multivariate logistic regression models. When comparing with the ancestral AA/AA diplotype (A256G/A325G), we found a protective association of the AA/AG against DWWS/SD among patients with secondary dengue (OR 0.51; 95% IC 0.24-1.10, p = 0.085), adjusting for age and sex. The variant genotype at locus A325G of the IFNG, in combination with the ancestral genotype at locus A256G, can protect against severe clinical forms of secondary dengue in Brazilian DENV3-infected patients.

Abstract Background Acute myocardial infarction is a major cause of mortality worldwide, and atherosclerotic plaque formation is the main pathophysiological mechanism, which results in chronic inflammation that induces erythrocyte maturation and may cause an increase in the red cell distribution width (RDW) index. Objective Evaluate the role of the anisocytosis index in patients with acute myocardial infarction in both types of infarctions as a predictor of severity. Methods Patients were included in the study according to the inclusion/exclusion criteria, following the hospital routine based on their clinical and laboratory history. Statistical analyzes were performed according to each variable. All conclusions were drawn considering the significance level of 5%. Results During the follow-up period, in the 349 patients analyzed, the mortality rate was associated with the variables RDW (CV) and RDW (SD), in those patients who died, an increase was noted, as demonstrated in the multivariate model, for the effects of an acute ST elevation myocardial infarction and the RDW, adjusted for confounding factors (p-value = 0.03 and 0.04). In contrast, the total number of erythrocytes (p-value = 0.00) and hemoglobin (p-value = 0.03) showed a decrease during severe patients’ hospitalization. Conclusion The anisocytosis index was a predictive factor of mortality and can be used as an indicator of worse prognosis in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

Resumo Fundamento O infarto agudo do miocárdio é uma das principais causas de mortalidade em todo o mundo e a formação de placa aterosclerótica é o principal mecanismo fisiopatológico, que resulta em inflamação crônica e induz a maturação eritrocitária, podendo causar aumento no índice de amplitude de distribuição dos glóbulos vermelhos (RDW). Objetivo Avaliar o papel do índice de anisocitose em pacientes com infarto agudo do miocárdio em ambos os tipos de infarto como preditor de gravidade. Métodos Os pacientes foram incluídos no estudo de acordo com os critérios de inclusão e exclusão, seguindo a rotina hospitalar baseada na história clínica e laboratorial. As análises estatísticas foram realizadas de acordo com cada variável. Chegou-se a todas as conclusões considerando o nível de significância de 5%. Resultados Durante o período de acompanhamento, nos 349 pacientes analisados, a taxa de mortalidade esteve associada às variáveis RDW (CV) e RDW (SD). Nos pacientes que foram a óbito, notou-se aumento, conforme demonstrado no modelo multivariado, nos efeitos de um infarto agudo do miocárdio com supradesnivelamento do segmento ST e RDW, ajustado para fatores de confusão (valor-p = 0,03 e 0,04). Em contrapartida, o número total de eritrócitos (valor-p = 0,00) e hemoglobina (valor-p = 0,03) apresentou diminuição durante a internação de pacientes graves. Conclusão O índice de anisocitose foi fator preditivo de mortalidade e pode ser utilizado como indicador de pior prognóstico em pacientes com infarto agudo do miocárdio.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to analyze the association between orthostatic changes in blood pressure and mortality in elderly cardiopath patients. METHODS: A cohort of 455 elderly cardiopath patients, monitored at a referral outpatient cardiology clinic in Pernambuco, Brazil, from October 2015 to July 2018. The exposure groups were formed according to their orthostatic changes in blood pressure following the requirements of the Brazilian Guidelines for Hypertension. RESULTS: Orthostatic hypotension was present in 46 patients (10.1%), 91 had orthostatic hypertension (20%), and 318 had no orthostatic alterations (69.9%). There were 52 deaths during follow-up. The results demonstrated that there was no statistically significant association between orthostatic hypotension and overall mortality (HR 1.30; 95%CI 0.53–3.14; p=0.567) nor between orthostatic hypertension and overall mortality (HR 0.95; 95%CI 0.65–1.39; p=0.34). Survival in relation to the exposure groups presented no statistically significant difference (p=0.504). CONCLUSION: There was a low frequency of orthostatic hypotension and a mild high frequency of orthostatic hypertension when compared with previous studies, and no association was observed with overall mortality or with the survival time of elderly patients with heart disease.

Resumo Introdução A tuberculose drogarresistente (TBDR) é um dos grandes desafios para a saúde pública. Objetivo Este estudo analisou a tendência temporal da TBDR e a razão da proporção dos tipos de resistência no estado de Pernambuco, no período de 2002 a 2014. Método Trata-se de um estudo observacional do tipo tendência temporal de série histórica utilizando dados do Sistema de Informação de Tratamentos Especiais da Tuberculose e análise pelo modelo autorregressivo de médias móveis de ordem 2. Resultados Foram notificados 298 novos casos de TBDR, com incidência variando entre 0,06 e 0,71/100 mil habitantes. Pelo menos 1 caso foi notificado em 40 dos 185 municípios do estado. A tendência temporal da TBDR e da proporção entre os tipos de resistência não apresentou comportamento linear. Nos últimos cinco anos, houve uma tendência ascendente, concentrando 71,1% dos casos da série histórica. Em 2014, foi observado um crescimento expressivo tanto da TBDR primária como da secundária, quando comparado ao ano de 2002. Conclusão Apesar da baixa incidência e de a tendência da TBDR não ter comportamento linear, o aumento de casos nos últimos anos da série histórica pode ser considerado um sinal de alerta para os programas de controle da doença em Pernambuco.

Abstract Background Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis (DRTB) is one of the most relevant challenge to public health. Objective This study analyzed the temporal trend of the DRTB and resistance types in the state of Pernambuco, from 2002 to 2014. Method This was an observational study of the temporal trend type of a historical series using data from the Special Treatment Information System of Tuberculosis (SITE-TB) and also analysis by the autoregressive moving average models of order 2. Results A total of 298 new DRTB cases were reported, ranging from 0.06 to 0.71 per 100,000 inhabitants. At least one case was reported in 40 of the 185 municipalities in the state. The temporal trend of DRTB and the proportion between resistance types did not present a linear behavior. In the last 5 years, there has been an upward trend, concentrating 71.1% of the historical series. In 2014, there was an expressive growth of both primary and secondary DRTB, when compared to the year 2002. Conclusion Despite the low incidence and tendency of DRTB not to be linear, the increase in cases in the last years of the historical series can be considered as a warning sign for the disease control programs of Pernambuco.

Abstract Background Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of death in women and the accuracy of currently available risk scores is questionable. Objective To reclassify the risk estimated by the Framingham Risk Score (FRS) in asymptomatic middle-aged women by incorporating family history, exercise testing variables, and subclinical atherosclerosis markers. Methods This cross-sectional study included 509 women (age range, 46-65 years) without cardiovascular symptoms. Those at low or intermediate risk by the FRS were reclassified to a higher level considering premature family history of acute myocardial infarction and/or sudden death; four variables from exercise testing; and two variables related to subclinical atherosclerosis markers. The homogeneity of these variables according to the FRS was verified by Pearson chi-square test (p<0.05). Results According to the FRS, 80.2%, 6.2%, and 13.6% of the women were classified as low (<5%), intermediate (5-10%), and high (>10%) risks, respectively. The intermediate-risk stratum showed the highest increase (from 6.2% to 33.3%) with addition of family history; followed by addition of chronotropic index <80% (to 24.2%); functional capacity <85% (22.2%), coronary calcium score >0 (20.6%); decreased one-minute heart rate recovery ≤12 bpm (15.2%); carotid intima-media thickness >1 mm and/or carotid plaque (13.8%) and ST-segment depression (9.0%). The high-risk stratum increased to 14.4% with the addition of reduced heart rate recovery and to 17.1% with the coronary calcium score. Conclusion Incorporation of premature family history of cardiovascular events, exercise testing abnormal parameters, and subclinical atherosclerosis markers into the FRS led to risk reclassification in 3.0-29.7% of asymptomatic middle-aged women, mainly by an increase from low to intermediate risk.

ABSTRACT To estimate the prevalence of cases of trachoma in the population at social risk aged 1-9 years in Pernambuco State and its mesoregions. This was a cross-sectional study in which secondary data from the National Household Survey on Trachoma (2014-2015) were analyzed. The study covered 96 census tracts distributed across the mesoregions of Pernambuco State (Metropolitan Region of Recife, Zona da Mata, Agreste, Sertao do Sao Francisco and Sertao Pernambucano). The study included all homes with children aged 1-9 years, and all of them were examined for trachoma, using the WHO criteria. Among the total of 7,423 children aged 1-9 years who participated in this survey, 446 presented with active trachoma. Thus, the prevalence of trachoma in Pernambuco State, in children between 1-9 years old was 6.65%, and it was higher among children aged 5-9 years (7.12%) and among girls (7.23%). This result was seen in the majority of the mesoregions studied, except in the Zona da Mata and Sertao do Sao Francisco, where there were higher prevalences in the age group of 1-4 years (5.55%) and among boys (5.90%). A tendency towards a higher prevalence between 1 and 6 years of age was observed. The follicular trachoma continues to be an important public health problem in Pernambuco State. It particularly affects poor people, including those living in urban areas of the State.

ABSTRACT Hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection has been considered one of the leading causes of acute hepatitis. The aim of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of HAV among children and adolescents in a population-based study in the capitals of the States of the North, Southeast and South of Brazil and identify predictive factors for the infection. A multi-stage sampling was used to select subjects aged between 5-9 and 10-19 years. Individual and household levels aside from the level of variables in the areas were collected. The outcome was the total IgG antibodies to HAV levels detected using a commercial Enzyme Immuno Assay (EIA). The associations between HAV and the independent variables were assessed using the odds ratio. A multilevel analysis was performed by GLLAMM using the Stata software. The prevalence of HAV infection in the 5-9 and 10-19 age groups was 28.7% and 67.5%, respectively for the North, 20.6% and 37.7%, for the Southeast and 18.9% and 34.5% for the South Region. The prevalence of HAV increased according to age in all sites. Variables related to education at the individual level (North and South), family and area level (South and Southeast) and family income level (Southeast and South) were independently associated with HAV infection. This emphasizes the need for individualized strategies to prevent the infection.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Dengue is an arbovirus that has caused serious problem in Brazil, putting the public health system under severe stress. Understanding its incidence and spatial distribution is essential for disease control and prevention. OBJECTIVE: To perform an analysis on dengue incidence and spatial distribution in a medium-sized, cool-climate and high-altitude city. DESIGN AND SETTING: Ecological study carried out in a public institution in the city of Garanhuns, Pernambuco, Brazil. METHODS: Secondary data provided by specific agencies in each area were used for spatial analysis and elaboration of kernel maps, incidence calculations, correlations and percentages of dengue occurrence. The Geocentric Reference System for the Americas (Sistema de Referência Geocêntrico para as Américas, SIRGAS), 2000, was the software of choice. RESULTS: The incidence rates were calculated per 100,000 inhabitants. Between 2010 and 2019, there were 6,504 cases and the incidence was 474.92. From 2010 to 2014, the incidence was 161.46 for a total of 1,069 cases. The highest incidence occurred in the period from 2015 to 2019: out of a total of 5,435 cases, the incidence was 748.65, representing an increase of 485.97%. Population density and the interaction between two climatic factors, i.e. atypical temperature above 31 °C and relative humidity above 31.4%, contributed to the peak incidence of dengue, although these variables were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The dengue incidence levels and spatial distribution reflected virus and vector adjustment to the local climate. However, there was no correlation between climatic factors and occurrences of dengue in this city.

Abstract Background: The presence of nucleated red blood cells (NRBCs) and increases in mean platelet volume (MPV) and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in peripheral circulation are associated with poorer prognosis in patients with acute coronary disease. Objective: We developed a scoring system for in-hospital surveillance of all-cause mortality using hematological laboratory parameters in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Methods: Patients admitted for AMI were recruited in this prospective study. Exclusion criteria were age younger than 18 years, glucocorticoid therapy, cancer or hematological diseases and readmissions. NRBCs, MPV and NLR were measured during hospitalization. The scoring system was developed in three steps: first, the magnitude of the association of clinical and laboratory parameters with in-hospital mortality was measured by odds ratio (OR), second, a multivariate logistic regression model was conducted with all variables significantly (p < 0.05) associated with the outcome, and third, a β-coefficient was estimated by multivariate logistic regression with hematological parameters with a p < 0.05. Results: A total of 466 patients (mean age were 64.2 ± 12.8 years, 61.6% male) were included in this study. A hematological scoring system ranging from 0 to 49, where higher values were associated with higher risk of in-hospital death. The best performance was registered for a cut-off value of 26 with sensitivity of 89.1% and specificity of 67.2%, positive predictive value of 26.8% (95% CI: 0.204 - 0.332) and negative predictive value of 97.9% (95% CI: 0.962 - 0.996). The area under the curve for the scoring system was 0.868 (95% CI: 0.818 - 0.918). Conclusions: Here we propose a hematological scoring system for surveillance tool during hospitalization of patients with acute myocardial infarction. Based on total blood count parameters, the instrument can evaluate inflammation and hypoxemia due to in-hospital complications and, consequently, predict in-hospital mortality.

ABSTRACT Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has modified the outcome of patients with HIV infection, providing virological control and reducing mortality. However, there are several reasons as to why patients may discontinue their antiretroviral therapy, with adverse events being one of the main reasons reported in the literature. This is a case-control nested in a cohort of people living with HIV/AIDS, conducted to identify the incidence of ART modification due to adverse events and the associated factors, in two referral services in Recife, Brazil, between 2011 and 2014. Of the modifications occurred in the first year of ART, 25.7% were driven by adverse events. The median time elapsed between initiating ART and the first modification due to adverse events was 70.5 days (95% CI: 26-161 days). The main adverse events were dermatological, neuropsychiatric and gastrointestinal. Dermatological events were the earliest to appear after initiating ART. Efavirenz was the most prescribed and most modified drug during the study period. The group of participants who used zidovudine, lamivudine, and efavirenz had a 2-fold greater chance (adjusted OR: 2.16 95% CI: 1.28-3.65) of switching ART due to adverse events when compared to the group that used tenofovir with lamivudine and efavirenz.

ABSTRACT The Northeast of Brazil has experienced a triple epidemic, with the simultaneous circulation of dengue virus (DENV), chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and Zika virus (ZIKV), which may have contributed to the observed increase across this region of atypical forms of disease and deaths. In view of this fact, non-congenital neurological disorders related to arboviruses were compared with other etiologies, mortality and survival rates of patients admitted to referral neurology hospitals in Pernambuco State, Northeast Brazil, from 2015 to 2018. Blood and cerebrospinal fluid samples were collected and tested using molecular and serological assays. The arbovirus-exposed groups were compared with respect to epidemiological, clinical and neurologic characteristics by using the Pearson’s chi-square test. For the survival analysis, the Kaplan-Meier and Hazard Ratio (HR) tests were used, with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Encephalitis and encephalomyelitis were more frequent in arboviruses, while myelitis predominated in the neurological disorders of other etiologies. Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) was similarly distributed amongst the groups. Exposure to one of the arboviruses caused a six-fold increase in the risk of death (HR: 6.37; CI: 2.91 - 13.9). Amongst the arbovirus-exposed groups, infection (DENV/CHIKV) increased nine times the risk of death (HR: 9.07; CI: 3.67 - 22.4). The survival curve indicates that have been exposed to some arbovirus decreased the likelihood of survival compared to those with other etiologies (Log-Rank: p<0.001). Within this scenario, neurologic manifestations of DENV, CHIKV and ZIKV have the potential to increase mortality and decrease survival, and concomitant infection (DENV/CHIKV) is an aggravating factor in reducing the likelihood of survival when compared to monoinfections.

Resumo: A pandemia de COVID-19 iniciou sua linha do tempo em 31 de dezembro de 2019 na China e o SARS-CoV-2 identificado como agente etiológico. O objetivo deste manuscrito é descrever a dinâmica espacial e temporal da epidemia de COVID-19 nos primeiros cem dias, no Estado de Pernambuco, Brasil. Apresentamos a evolução de casos e óbitos segundo semana epidemiológica. Realizamos a análise da série do acumulado diário de casos da COVID-19 confirmados, com projeções para os 15 dias subsequentes, utilizando o aplicativo JoinPoint. Esse programa possibilita identificar pontos de inflexão testando sua significância estatística. Analisamos também a tendência de interiorização da COVID-19 no estado, considerando a distribuição percentual de casos ocorridos no Recife, municípios da Região Metropolitana de Recife e do interior, por conjuntos de três semanas, com construção de mapas temáticos. Os 100 dias da epidemia de COVID-19 resultaram em 52.213 casos e 4.235 óbitos entre 12 de março, correspondendo se 11, até 20 de junho de 2020 (semana epidemiológica 25). O pico da curva epidêmica ocorreu na semana epidemiológica 21 (23 de maio), seguido por desaceleração do número de casos. Detectou-se, inicialmente, a periferização dos casos na capital e região metropolitana, seguida por rápida disseminação para o interior do estado. Houve redução das taxas de crescimento médio diário a partir de abril, mas com patamar de mais de 6.000 casos semanais de COVID-19, em média. Ao final do período, a série de casos do estado indica persistência da circulação e transmissão comunitária do SARS-CoV-2. Finalmente, questiona-se parafraseando Garcia Marques em Cem Anos de Solidão, se estaríamos diante de “uma estiagem ou prenúncio de recrudescimento”.

Abstract: The timeline of the COVID-19 pandemic began on December 31, 2019, in China, with SARS-CoV-2 identified as the etiological agent. This article aims to describe the COVID-19 epidemic’s spatial and temporal dynamics in the first hundred days in the State of Pernambuco, Brazil. We present the evolution in cases and deaths according to epidemiological weeks. We analyzed the series of accumulated daily confirmed COVID-19 cases, with projections for the subsequent 15 days, using the JoinPoint app. This software allows identifying turning points, testing their statistical significance. We also analyze the trend in the spread of COVID-19 to the interior of the state, considering the percent distribution of cases in the state capital, Recife, municipalities in Greater Metropolitan Recife, and the state’s interior, by sets of three weeks, constructing thematic maps. The first hundred days of the COVID-19 epidemic resulted in 52,213 cases and 4,235 deaths from March 12, or epidemiological week 11, until June 20, 2020 (epidemiological week 25). The peak in the epidemic curve occurred in epidemiological week 21 (May 23), followed by deceleration in the number of cases. We initially detected the spread of cases from the city center to the periphery of the state capital and Metropolitan Area, followed by rapid spread to the state’s interior. There was a decrease in the mean daily growth starting in April, but with an average threshold of more than 6,000 weekly cases of COVID-19. At the end of the period, the state’s case series indicates the persistence of SARS-CoV-2 circulation and community transmission. Finally, paraphrasing Gabriel Garcia Marques in One Hundred Years of Solitude, we ask whether we are facing “a pause in the storm or a sign of redoubled rain”.

Resumen: La pandemia de COVID-19 inicia su línea del tiempo el 31 de dicembre de 2019 en China y el SARS-CoV-2 identificado como agente etiológico. El objetivo de este trabajo original es describir la dinámica espacial y temporal de la epidemia de COVID-19 en los primeros cien días de epidemia, en el estado de Pernambuco, Brasil. Presentamos la evolución de casos y óbitos según las semanas epidemiológicas. Realizamos el análisis de la serie del acumulado diario de casos de COVID-19 confirmados, con proyecciones para los 15 días subsiguientes, utilizándose la aplicación JoinPoint. Este programa posibilita identificar puntos de inflexión, probando su significancia estadística. Analizamos también la tendencia de interiorización de la COVID-19 en el estado, considerándose la distribución porcentual de casos ocurridos en Recife, municipios de la Región Metropolitana de Recife y del interior, por conjuntos de tres semanas, con unas construcciones de mapas temáticos. Los cien días de la epidemia de COVID-19 resultaron en 52.213 casos y 4.235 óbitos entre el 12 de marzo, correspondiendo a la semana epidemiológica 11, hasta el 20 de juno de 2020 (semana epidemiológica 25). El pico de la curva epidémica ocurrió en la semana epidemiológica 21 (23 de mayo), seguido de una desaceleración en el número de casos. Se detectó, inicialmente, la periferización de los casos en la capital y región metropolitana, seguido por la rápida diseminación hacia el interior del estado. Hubo una reducción de las tasas de crecimiento medio diario a partir de abril, pero con un nivel de más de 6.000 casos semanales de COVID-19 de media. Al final del período la serie de casos del estado indica la persistencia de la circulación y transmisión comunitaria del SARS-CoV-2. Finalmente, se cuestiona, parafraseando a García Márquez en Cien Años de Soledad, si estamos ante “un periodo de remisión o la antesala de un recrudecimiento”.

Resumo: A pandemia de COVID-19 iniciou sua linha do tempo em 31 de dezembro de 2019 na China e o SARS-CoV-2 identificado como agente etiológico. O objetivo deste manuscrito é descrever a dinâmica espacial e temporal da epidemia de COVID-19 nos primeiros cem dias, no Estado de Pernambuco, Brasil. Apresentamos a evolução de casos e óbitos segundo semana epidemiológica. Realizamos a análise da série do acumulado diário de casos da COVID-19 confirmados, com projeções para os 15 dias subsequentes, utilizando o aplicativo JoinPoint. Esse programa possibilita identificar pontos de inflexão testando sua significância estatística. Analisamos também a tendência de interiorização da COVID-19 no estado, considerando a distribuição percentual de casos ocorridos no Recife, municípios da Região Metropolitana de Recife e do interior, por conjuntos de três semanas, com construção de mapas temáticos. Os 100 dias da epidemia de COVID-19 resultaram em 52.213 casos e 4.235 óbitos entre 12 de março, correspondendo se 11, até 20 de junho de 2020 (semana epidemiológica 25). O pico da curva epidêmica ocorreu na semana epidemiológica 21 (23 de maio), seguido por desaceleração do número de casos. Detectou-se, inicialmente, a periferização dos casos na capital e região metropolitana, seguida por rápida disseminação para o interior do estado. Houve redução das taxas de crescimento médio diário a partir de abril, mas com patamar de mais de 6.000 casos semanais de COVID-19, em média. Ao final do período, a série de casos do estado indica persistência da circulação e transmissão comunitária do SARS-CoV-2. Finalmente, questiona-se parafraseando Garcia Marques em Cem Anos de Solidão, se estaríamos diante de “uma estiagem ou prenúncio de recrudescimento”.

Abstract: The timeline of the COVID-19 pandemic began on December 31, 2019, in China, with SARS-CoV-2 identified as the etiological agent. This article aims to describe the COVID-19 epidemic’s spatial and temporal dynamics in the first hundred days in the State of Pernambuco, Brazil. We present the evolution in cases and deaths according to epidemiological weeks. We analyzed the series of accumulated daily confirmed COVID-19 cases, with projections for the subsequent 15 days, using the JoinPoint app. This software allows identifying turning points, testing their statistical significance. We also analyze the trend in the spread of COVID-19 to the interior of the state, considering the percent distribution of cases in the state capital, Recife, municipalities in Greater Metropolitan Recife, and the state’s interior, by sets of three weeks, constructing thematic maps. The first hundred days of the COVID-19 epidemic resulted in 52,213 cases and 4,235 deaths from March 12, or epidemiological week 11, until June 20, 2020 (epidemiological week 25). The peak in the epidemic curve occurred in epidemiological week 21 (May 23), followed by deceleration in the number of cases. We initially detected the spread of cases from the city center to the periphery of the state capital and Metropolitan Area, followed by rapid spread to the state’s interior. There was a decrease in the mean daily growth starting in April, but with an average threshold of more than 6,000 weekly cases of COVID-19. At the end of the period, the state’s case series indicates the persistence of SARS-CoV-2 circulation and community transmission. Finally, paraphrasing Gabriel Garcia Marques in One Hundred Years of Solitude, we ask whether we are facing “a pause in the storm or a sign of redoubled rain”.

Resumen: La pandemia de COVID-19 inicia su línea del tiempo el 31 de dicembre de 2019 en China y el SARS-CoV-2 identificado como agente etiológico. El objetivo de este trabajo original es describir la dinámica espacial y temporal de la epidemia de COVID-19 en los primeros cien días de epidemia, en el estado de Pernambuco, Brasil. Presentamos la evolución de casos y óbitos según las semanas epidemiológicas. Realizamos el análisis de la serie del acumulado diario de casos de COVID-19 confirmados, con proyecciones para los 15 días subsiguientes, utilizándose la aplicación JoinPoint. Este programa posibilita identificar puntos de inflexión, probando su significancia estadística. Analizamos también la tendencia de interiorización de la COVID-19 en el estado, considerándose la distribución porcentual de casos ocurridos en Recife, municipios de la Región Metropolitana de Recife y del interior, por conjuntos de tres semanas, con unas construcciones de mapas temáticos. Los cien días de la epidemia de COVID-19 resultaron en 52.213 casos y 4.235 óbitos entre el 12 de marzo, correspondiendo a la semana epidemiológica 11, hasta el 20 de juno de 2020 (semana epidemiológica 25). El pico de la curva epidémica ocurrió en la semana epidemiológica 21 (23 de mayo), seguido de una desaceleración en el número de casos. Se detectó, inicialmente, la periferización de los casos en la capital y región metropolitana, seguido por la rápida diseminación hacia el interior del estado. Hubo una reducción de las tasas de crecimiento medio diario a partir de abril, pero con un nivel de más de 6.000 casos semanales de COVID-19 de media. Al final del período la serie de casos del estado indica la persistencia de la circulación y transmisión comunitaria del SARS-CoV-2. Finalmente, se cuestiona, parafraseando a García Márquez en Cien Años de Soledad, si estamos ante “un periodo de remisión o la antesala de un recrudecimiento”.

Resumo Esse artigo analisa o conhecimento, atitudes e práticas sobre tuberculose de agentes comunitários de saúde (ACS) no Recife, município com altas taxas de incidência e de abandono do tratamento no Brasil. O estudo transversal foi conduzido em uma amostra representativa dos ACS utilizando questionário padronizado. Descreveram-se as frequências das variáveis referentes ao conhecimento, atitudes e práticas e analisou-se a associação do conhecimento satisfatório e práticas adequadas com características dos ACS. Dos 401 ACS elegíveis, 385 (96,0%) foram entrevistados. A maioria era composta por mulheres (87,5%), com idade ≥ 40 anos (66,0%) e desempenhando a função há mais de nove anos (74,5%). Um percentual de 61,7% tinha conhecimento satisfatório e esse conhecimento (75,8%) esteve associado às práticas adequadas (p = 0,008). Quanto às atitudes, 97,1% dos ACS acreditavam estar sob risco de contrair tuberculose e 53,2% atribuíram o risco à função. Parcela significativa dos ACS apresentou conhecimento satisfatório sobre tuberculose e esse conhecimento esteve associado às práticas adequadas. Esse resultado sugere a necessidade de investimentos em ações de capacitação que podem contribuir para a melhoria dos indicadores de tuberculose no município.

Abstract This article analyses the knowledge, attitudes and practices of community health agents (CHAs) regarding tuberculosis in Recife, a municipality with a high incidence of tuberculosis and high treatment dropout rates in Brazil. The cross-sectional study was conducted with a representative sample of CHAs and a standardized questionnaire. The frequencies of the variables related to knowledge, attitudes and practices were described, and the association between satisfactory knowledge and appropriate practices of CHAs was analysed. Of the 401 eligible CHAs, 385 (96.0%) were interviewed. The majority were women (87.5%) aged ≥ 40 years (66.0%) and had been on the job for more than nine years (74.5%). A large percentage (61.7%) had satisfactory knowledge about tuberculosis, and this knowledge (75.8%) was associated with appropriate practices (p = 0.008). Regarding attitudes, 97.1% of CHAs were believed to be at risk of contracting tuberculosis, and 53.2% attributed this risk to their job. The results suggest the need for investment in training actions that may help improve tuberculosis indicators in the municipality.

Resumo Esse artigo analisa o conhecimento, atitudes e práticas sobre tuberculose de agentes comunitários de saúde (ACS) no Recife, município com altas taxas de incidência e de abandono do tratamento no Brasil. O estudo transversal foi conduzido em uma amostra representativa dos ACS utilizando questionário padronizado. Descreveram-se as frequências das variáveis referentes ao conhecimento, atitudes e práticas e analisou-se a associação do conhecimento satisfatório e práticas adequadas com características dos ACS. Dos 401 ACS elegíveis, 385 (96,0%) foram entrevistados. A maioria era composta por mulheres (87,5%), com idade ≥ 40 anos (66,0%) e desempenhando a função há mais de nove anos (74,5%). Um percentual de 61,7% tinha conhecimento satisfatório e esse conhecimento (75,8%) esteve associado às práticas adequadas (p = 0,008). Quanto às atitudes, 97,1% dos ACS acreditavam estar sob risco de contrair tuberculose e 53,2% atribuíram o risco à função. Parcela significativa dos ACS apresentou conhecimento satisfatório sobre tuberculose e esse conhecimento esteve associado às práticas adequadas. Esse resultado sugere a necessidade de investimentos em ações de capacitação que podem contribuir para a melhoria dos indicadores de tuberculose no município.

Abstract This article analyses the knowledge, attitudes and practices of community health agents (CHAs) regarding tuberculosis in Recife, a municipality with a high incidence of tuberculosis and high treatment dropout rates in Brazil. The cross-sectional study was conducted with a representative sample of CHAs and a standardized questionnaire. The frequencies of the variables related to knowledge, attitudes and practices were described, and the association between satisfactory knowledge and appropriate practices of CHAs was analysed. Of the 401 eligible CHAs, 385 (96.0%) were interviewed. The majority were women (87.5%) aged ≥ 40 years (66.0%) and had been on the job for more than nine years (74.5%). A large percentage (61.7%) had satisfactory knowledge about tuberculosis, and this knowledge (75.8%) was associated with appropriate practices (p = 0.008). Regarding attitudes, 97.1% of CHAs were believed to be at risk of contracting tuberculosis, and 53.2% attributed this risk to their job. The results suggest the need for investment in training actions that may help improve tuberculosis indicators in the municipality.