Abstract Background Head lice, or head pediculosis, is a parasitosis considered a serious public health problem that affects mainly resource-limited countries. Objective To describe epidemiological aspects of the pediculosis capitis in Minas Gerais, in Brazil. Method This systematic review was conducted through the standards established by the Preferred Reporting Items in Systematic Reviews and Metanalyses (PRISMA). PubMed, LILACS, and SciELO databases, as well as the gray literature, were searched. Results Nine of 1,167 studies were included, published between 1988 and 2019. These studies reported a total prevalence of parasitosis that ranged from 1.4% to 57.4%. The prevalence of head lice ranged from 0.0% to 66.7% for males and 2.3% to 57.4% for females, thus being higher in black-skinned people (1.4% to 40.3%). Regarding age, the highest prevalence was 10-12 years old (45.3%). As for the characteristics of the hair, there was a greater infestation in people with long (16.0% to 79.5%), wavy (0.0% to 44.7%), dark (0.0% to 36.6%), with low capillary density (35.4%), and thick hair (39.2%). Conclusion Head pediculosis affects both sexes, different ages, and races, representing an important health problem in Minas Gerais, not only due to the presence of ectoparasite but also to the secondary complications that can be generated from this parasitism.

Resumo Introdução A pediculose de cabeça é uma parasitose considerada um sério problema de saúde pública, afetando principalmente países com recursos limitados. Objetivo Descrever os aspectos epidemiológicos da pediculose de cabeça em Minas Gerais, Brasil. Método Revisão sistemática conduzida por meio dos padrões estabelecidos pelo Preferred Reporting Items in Systematic Reviews and Metanalyses (PRISMA). Foram pesquisadas as bases de dados PubMed, LILACS e SciELO, bem como a literatura cinza. Resultados Nove de 1.167 estudos foram incluídos, publicados entre 1988 e 2019. Relatou-se uma prevalência total da parasitose que variou de 1,4% a 57,4%. Ela variou de 0,0% a 66,7% para homens e 2,3% a 57,4% para mulheres, sendo maior em pessoas de cor negra (1,4% a 40,3%). Em relação à idade, a maior prevalência foi de 10 a 12 anos (45,3%). Quanto às características dos cabelos, houve maior infestação em pessoas com cabelos longos (16,0% a 79,5%), ondulados (0,0% a 44,7%), escuros (0,0% a 36,6%), com baixa densidade capilar (35,4%) e fios grossos (39,2%). Conclusão A pediculose atinge ambos os sexos, diferentes idades e raças, representando um importante problema de saúde em Minas Gerais, não só pela presença do ectoparasita, mas também pelas complicações secundárias que podem ser geradas desse parasitismo.

ABSTRACT Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) has shown endemic pattern and epidemic episodes in urban and rural areas, however, there are still gaps in knowledge with regards to disease transmission. This study aimed to analyze the spatiotemporal dispersion of VL cases in the municipality of Araçuaí, Minas Gerais. A study of confirmed VL cases was conducted considering the endemic and epidemic periods between 2012 and 2017. The incidence rate was calculated, and for spatial analysis, the kernel map, directional distribution ellipse, and space-time scanning techniques were used. The correlations between VL cases and exposure variables (precipitation, humidity, and temperature) were calculated. The mean incidence of VL in the endemic period was 18.5 (95% confidence interval (CI) 5.9-32.5) and 44.4 in the epidemic period (95%CI, 12.0-28.6) by 100,000 inhabitants. The relative risk for the epidemic period was 2.4 (95% CI 1.4-4.1) when compared to the endemic period. A higher incidence of the disease was observed in rural areas of the municipality. Kernel mapping analysis revealed hotspots in the urban area of the municipality. The directional distribution ellipse encompasses the urban perimeter and part of the rural area of the municipality, expanding eastward during the epidemic period. Spatial analysis revealed a high-risk cluster for VL in rural areas. A positive correlation was observed between VL cases and temperature during the endemic period. Spatial analysis allowed us to outline the epidemiological scenario of human VL cases. These findings may be useful in case surveillance and in the work of health professionals and managers in Brazil.

ABSTRACT Background: Syphilis is a chronic infectious disease that has created challenging situations for humanity for centuries. Transmission can occur sexually or vertically, with great repercussions on populations, particularly among women and children. The present study presents information on the main burden imposed by syphilis generated by the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2019 for Brazil and its 27 federated units. Methods: We described the metrics of incidence, deaths, years of life lost (YLLs), years lived with disability (YLDs), and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), standardized by age and per 100,000 inhabitants, from 1990 to 2019, and we compared the disease burden between the years 1990 and 2019. Results: In Brazil, the disease burden increased between 2005 and 2019 for all metrics. Although a higher incidence of syphilis was found among women in 2019, DALYs [YLLs (males: 15.9%; females: 21.8%), YLDs (males: 25.0%; females: 50.0%), and DALYs (males: 16.2%; females: 22.4%)] were higher among men. In 2019, the highest DALY rate per 100,000 inhabitants was observed in individuals aged above 50 years. The State of Maranhão presented the highest values of DALYs {1990: 165.2 [95% uncertainty interval (UI) 96.2-264.4]; 2005: 43.8 [95% UI 30.3-62.4]; 2019: 29.1 [95% UI 19.8-41.1]} per 100,000 inhabitants in the three years analyzed. Conclusions: The burden of syphilis has increased in recent years. Men presented higher DALYs, although the incidence of the disease was higher in women. Syphilis affects a large number of people across all age groups, causing different degrees of disability and premature death (DALYs).

ABSTRACT Background: Dengue is a public health problem in Brazil. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze factors associated with deaths from dengue in residents of the municipality of Contagem, Metropolitan Region of Belo Horizonte, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, during the 2016 epidemic. Methods: To determine the factors associated with deaths due to dengue, we used a logistic regression model (univariate and multivariable) in which the response variable (outcome) was death due to dengue. Independent variables analyzed included demographic variables and those related to symptoms, treatment, hospitalization, testing, comorbidities, and case history. Results: The factors associated with dengue deaths in the final multivariable model [p < 0.05; 95% confidence interval (CI)] were age (OR = 1.07; 95%CI 1.03-1.11) and presence of bleeding (OR = 8.55; 95%CI 1.21-59.92). Conclusions: The results showed that age and the presence of bleeding factors increased the risk of dengue death. These findings indicate that warning signs of dengue should be routinely monitored, and patients should be instructed to seek medical attention when they occur. It is also emphasized that the parameters and epidemiological conditions of dengue patients need to be continuously investigated to avoid a fatal outcome.

RESUMO: Objetivo: Descreveu-se a entrada de sorotipos do vírus da Dengue (DENV) no Brasil e em suas unidades federativas. Métodos: Realizou-se uma revisão sistemática de estudos publicados entre 1980 e 2018 em bancos de dados e na literatura cinzenta, utilizando-se descritores relacionados aos anos de entrada dos sorotipos do DENV. Além disso, consultou-se especialistas e fontes oficiais de informação (Ministério da Saúde do Brasil). Resultados: Das 100 publicações selecionadas para a revisão sistemática, 26 abordaram a entrada de sorotipos de DENV na região Norte do país, 33 no Nordeste, 24 no Sudeste, 14 no Centro-Oeste e cinco no Sul. O DENV-1 e o DENV-4 foram introduzidos na região Norte em 1981. O DENV-2 foi introduzido no Sudeste em 1990. O DENV-3 foi introduzido no Norte em 1999. Conclusão: A rápida expansão da dengue por todo o território brasileiro foi verificada a partir da segunda metade dos anos de 1980, com a entrada gradativa dos quatro sorotipos, o que resultou no surgimento de epidemias da arbovirose, que são atualmente verificadas no país. Considerando a epidemiologia da doença, mais informações devem ser divulgadas e publicadas na literatura científica de amplo alcance, para melhor entendimento da propagação e circulação dos sorotipos de DENV.

Objective: To describe the entry of Dengue virus (DENV) serotypes in Brazil and its federative units. Methods: A systematic review of studies published between 1980 and 2018 in databases and in the gray literature was performed using descriptors related to the years of entry of the DENV serotypes. Additionally, experts and official sources of information (Brazilian Ministry of Health) were consulted. Results: From 100 publications selected for the systematic review, 26 addressed the entry of DENV serotypes in the North region of the country, 33 in the Northeast, 24 in the Southeast, 14 in the Central-West, and five in the South. DENV-1 and DENV-4 were introduced in the North region in 1981. DENV-2 was introduced in the Southeast in 1990. DENV-3 was introduced in the North in 1999. Conclusion: The rapid expansion of dengue throughout the Brazilian territory was verified from the second half of the 1980s, with the gradual entry of the four serotypes, which resulted in the emergence of epidemics of arbovirus, which are currently verified in the country. Considering the epidemiology of the disease, more information should be disseminated and published in the wide-ranging scientific literature for a better understanding of the spread and circulation of DENV serotypes.

RESUMO: Objetivo: Descreveu-se a entrada de sorotipos do vírus da Dengue (DENV) no Brasil e em suas unidades federativas. Métodos: Realizou-se uma revisão sistemática de estudos publicados entre 1980 e 2018 em bancos de dados e na literatura cinzenta, utilizando-se descritores relacionados aos anos de entrada dos sorotipos do DENV. Além disso, consultou-se especialistas e fontes oficiais de informação (Ministério da Saúde do Brasil). Resultados: Das 100 publicações selecionadas para a revisão sistemática, 26 abordaram a entrada de sorotipos de DENV na região Norte do país, 33 no Nordeste, 24 no Sudeste, 14 no Centro-Oeste e cinco no Sul. O DENV-1 e o DENV-4 foram introduzidos na região Norte em 1981. O DENV-2 foi introduzido no Sudeste em 1990. O DENV-3 foi introduzido no Norte em 1999. Conclusão: A rápida expansão da dengue por todo o território brasileiro foi verificada a partir da segunda metade dos anos de 1980, com a entrada gradativa dos quatro sorotipos, o que resultou no surgimento de epidemias da arbovirose, que são atualmente verificadas no país. Considerando a epidemiologia da doença, mais informações devem ser divulgadas e publicadas na literatura científica de amplo alcance, para melhor entendimento da propagação e circulação dos sorotipos de DENV.

Objective: To describe the entry of Dengue virus (DENV) serotypes in Brazil and its federative units. Methods: A systematic review of studies published between 1980 and 2018 in databases and in the gray literature was performed using descriptors related to the years of entry of the DENV serotypes. Additionally, experts and official sources of information (Brazilian Ministry of Health) were consulted. Results: From 100 publications selected for the systematic review, 26 addressed the entry of DENV serotypes in the North region of the country, 33 in the Northeast, 24 in the Southeast, 14 in the Central-West, and five in the South. DENV-1 and DENV-4 were introduced in the North region in 1981. DENV-2 was introduced in the Southeast in 1990. DENV-3 was introduced in the North in 1999. Conclusion: The rapid expansion of dengue throughout the Brazilian territory was verified from the second half of the 1980s, with the gradual entry of the four serotypes, which resulted in the emergence of epidemics of arbovirus, which are currently verified in the country. Considering the epidemiology of the disease, more information should be disseminated and published in the wide-ranging scientific literature for a better understanding of the spread and circulation of DENV serotypes.

ABSTRACT COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the recently discovered coronavirus SARS-Cov-2. The disease became pandemic affecting many countries globally, including Brazil. Considering the expansion process and particularities during the initial stages of the epidemic, we aimed to analyze the spatial and spatiotemporal patterns of COVID-19 occurrence and to identify priority risk areas in Minas Gerais State, Southeast Brazil. An ecological study was performed considering all data from human cases of COVID-19 confirmed from the epidemiological week (EW) 11 (March 08, 2020) to EW 26 (June 27, 2020). Crude and smoothed incidence rates were used to analyze the distribution of disease patterns based on global and local indicators of spatial association and space-time risk assessment. Positive spatial autocorrelation and spatial dependence were found. Our results suggest that the metropolitan region of the State capital Belo Horizonte (MRBH) and Vale do Rio Doce mesoregions, as major epidemic foci in the beginning of the expansion process, have had important influence on the dispersion of SARS-CoV-2 in Minas Gerais State. Triangulo Mineiro/Alto Paranaiba region presented the highest risk of infection. In addition, six statistically significant spatiotemporal clusters were identified in the State, three at high risk and three at low risk. Our findings contribute to a greater understanding of the space-time disease dynamic and discuss strategies for identification of priority areas for COVID-19 surveillance and control.

RESUMO Objetivo. Identificar e descrever, de forma geral, os fatores relacionados à ocorrência de epidemias de dengue no Brasil. Métodos. Revisão sistemática de estudos publicados entre 2008 e 2018 nas bases de dados MEDLINE, LILACS, PubMed, Cochrane, BVS, Web of Science e Scopus e em bancos de teses e dissertações, com o uso de descritores de dengue e de fatores associados à ocorrência de epidemias catalogados no portal DeCS/MeSH. Resultados. Trinta e cinco estudos realizados no Brasil foram selecionados. As epidemias registradas no país foram associadas e/ou correlacionadas a vários fatores como meio ambiente, condições socioeconômicas e climáticas, e aspectos relacionados ao vetor, entre outros. Conclusões. As epidemias de dengue são complexas e multifatoriais. Observou-se que ações contínuas de controle vetorial são essenciais para a redução da população de Aedes aegypti e o controle da doença. Para conter a propagação da dengue são necessárias medidas multissetoriais eficazes, abrangendo saúde, educação, economia, população, negócios e governo. As ações visando à detecção precoce de casos da doença contribuem para prevenir novos surtos epidêmicos.

ABSTRACT Objective. To identify and describe broadly the factors related to the occurrence of dengue epidemics in Brazil. Methods. Systematic review of studies published in Medline, Lilacs, PubMed, Cochrane, BVS, Web of Science, Scopus, and thesis and dissertations databases using descriptors cataloged in DeCs and MeSH on dengue and factors associated with the occurrence of epidemics, published from 2008 to 2018. Results. Thirty-five studies carried out in the country were selected. The epidemics recorded in Brazil were associated and/or correlated with multiple factors such as environment, socioeconomic conditions, climate, and aspects related to the vector, among others. Conclusions. Dengue epidemics are complex and multifactorial. The continuity of the vector control actions was found to be relevant to the reduction of Aedes aegypti and for disease control. To contain the spread of the disease, effective measures are needed in all sectors, including health, education, economy, population, business, and government. Actions for the early detection of cases of the disease can prevent new outbreaks of epidemics.

RESUMEN Objetivo. Determinar y describir de manera amplia los factores relacionados con la aparición de epidemias de dengue en Brasil. Métodos. Se llevó a cabo una revisión sistemática de los estudios publicados en MEDLINE, LILACS, PubMed, Cochrane, BVS, Web of Science, Scopus y en bases de datos de tesis y trabajos de final de grado con los descriptores catalogados en DeCS y MeSH sobre dengue y factores asociados con la aparición de epidemias publicados entre 2008 y 2018. Resultados. Se seleccionaron 35 estudios llevados a cabo en Brasil. Las epidemias registradas en el país se asociaron o se relacionaron con diversos factores, como el medioambiente, las condiciones socioeconómicas, el clima y aspectos relacionados con el vector, entre otros. Conclusiones. Las epidemias de dengue son complejas y multifactoriales. Se constató que la continuidad de las medidas de control de vectores es pertinente para la reducción de Aedes aegypti, así como para el control de la enfermedad. Para contener la propagación de la enfermedad son necesarias medidas eficaces en todos los sectores, como la salud, la educación, la economía, la población, las empresas y el gobierno. Las medidas de detección temprana de casos de la enfermedad pueden prevenir nuevos brotes de epidemias.

Resumo Objetivo descrever a circulação viral de dengue em Belo Horizonte, Brasil, de 2009 a 2014. Métodos trata-se de estudo de série de casos de dengue infectados por diferentes sorotipos do vírus, identificados por isolamento viral ou RT-PCR; foi realizado linkage das bases de dados do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (Sinan), do Sistema de Informações Hospitalares do Sistema Único de Saúde (SIH/SUS) e do Gerenciador de Ambiente Laboratorial (GAL). Resultados foram relacionados 91,1% dos registros (n=775); entre os casos (n=851), 60,4% (n=514) foram confirmados como DENV-1, 22,1% (n=188) como DENV-4, 9,8% (n=83) como DENV-2 e 7,7% (n=66) como DENV-3; DENV-2 apresentou maior percentual de casos graves (4,5%). Conclusão DENV-1 prevaleceu e circulou em todos os anos avaliados.

Abstract Objective to describe dengue virus circulation in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, from 2009 to 2014. Methods this is a series study of cases of dengue infected by different virus serotypes, identified by virus isolation or RT-PCR; database linkage was performed between the Notifiable Health Conditions Information System (SINAN), the Brazilian National Health System Hospital Information System (SIH/SUS) and the Laboratory Environment Manager (GAL). Results 91.1% of the records were linked (n=775); among the cases (n=851), 60.4% (n=514) were confirmed as DENV-1, 22.1% (n=188) DENV-4, 9.8% (n=83) as DENV-2, and 7.7% (n=66) as DENV-3; DENV-2 accounted for a higher percentage of severe cases (4.5%). Conclusion DENV-1 prevailed and circulated in all evaluated years.

Resumen Objetivo describir la circulación viral del dengue en Belo Horizonte, Brasil, de 2009 a 2014. Métodos se trata de estudio de una serie de casos de dengue infectados por diferentes serotipos del virus, identificados por aislamiento viral o RT-PCR; se realizó una conexión con las bases de datos del Sistema de Información para Enfermedades de Notificación (Sinan), el Sistema del Información Hospitalaria del Sistema Único de Salud (SIH/SUS) y el Gestor de Ambiente de Laboratorio (GAL). Resultados fueron relacionados 91,1% de los registros (n=775); entre los casos (n=851), el 60,4% (n=514) fue confirmado como DENV-1, 22,1% (n=188) como DENV-4, 9,8% (n=83) como DENV-2 y 7,7% (n=66) como DENV-3; DENV-2 tuvo un mayor porcentaje de casos graves (4,5%). Conclusión DENV-1 prevaleció y circuló en todos los años evaluados.

Resumo Objetivo descrever a circulação viral de dengue em Belo Horizonte, Brasil, de 2009 a 2014. Métodos trata-se de estudo de série de casos de dengue infectados por diferentes sorotipos do vírus, identificados por isolamento viral ou RT-PCR; foi realizado linkage das bases de dados do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (Sinan), do Sistema de Informações Hospitalares do Sistema Único de Saúde (SIH/SUS) e do Gerenciador de Ambiente Laboratorial (GAL). Resultados foram relacionados 91,1% dos registros (n=775); entre os casos (n=851), 60,4% (n=514) foram confirmados como DENV-1, 22,1% (n=188) como DENV-4, 9,8% (n=83) como DENV-2 e 7,7% (n=66) como DENV-3; DENV-2 apresentou maior percentual de casos graves (4,5%). Conclusão DENV-1 prevaleceu e circulou em todos os anos avaliados.

Abstract Objective to describe dengue virus circulation in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, from 2009 to 2014. Methods this is a series study of cases of dengue infected by different virus serotypes, identified by virus isolation or RT-PCR; database linkage was performed between the Notifiable Health Conditions Information System (SINAN), the Brazilian National Health System Hospital Information System (SIH/SUS) and the Laboratory Environment Manager (GAL). Results 91.1% of the records were linked (n=775); among the cases (n=851), 60.4% (n=514) were confirmed as DENV-1, 22.1% (n=188) DENV-4, 9.8% (n=83) as DENV-2, and 7.7% (n=66) as DENV-3; DENV-2 accounted for a higher percentage of severe cases (4.5%). Conclusion DENV-1 prevailed and circulated in all evaluated years.

Resumen Objetivo describir la circulación viral del dengue en Belo Horizonte, Brasil, de 2009 a 2014. Métodos se trata de estudio de una serie de casos de dengue infectados por diferentes serotipos del virus, identificados por aislamiento viral o RT-PCR; se realizó una conexión con las bases de datos del Sistema de Información para Enfermedades de Notificación (Sinan), el Sistema del Información Hospitalaria del Sistema Único de Salud (SIH/SUS) y el Gestor de Ambiente de Laboratorio (GAL). Resultados fueron relacionados 91,1% de los registros (n=775); entre los casos (n=851), el 60,4% (n=514) fue confirmado como DENV-1, 22,1% (n=188) como DENV-4, 9,8% (n=83) como DENV-2 y 7,7% (n=66) como DENV-3; DENV-2 tuvo un mayor porcentaje de casos graves (4,5%). Conclusión DENV-1 prevaleció y circuló en todos los años evaluados.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar as propriedades psicométricas do questionário WHOQOL-HIV Bref em pessoas com HIV/AIDS. Método: O instrumento foi aplicado a 226 pessoas com HIV/AIDS do Norte de Minas Gerais. As propriedades psicométricas foram avaliadas pela validade de construto, análise da confiabilidade e validade de critério. Resultados: O modelo com seis domínios apresentou ajustamento aceitável (χ2/gl= 1,77, p <0,001, GFI = 0,85, CFI= 0,89, RMSEA = 0,058 ). O WHOQOL-HIV Bref apresentou correlações estatisticamente significativas entre os seis domínios, consistência interna e reprodutibilidade satisfatórias. Os escores dos domínios demonstraram correlação significativa com o escore da qualidade de vida geral e dos itens que avaliam a autopercepção da qualidade de vida e da saúde, correlação significativa com o resultado global da depressão e diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre subgrupos de pacientes segundo variáveis socioeconômicas e clínicas. Conclusões: O WHOQOL-HIV Bref apresentou-se válido, confiável para medir a qualidade de vida de pessoas com HIV/AIDS.

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the psychometric properties of the WHOQOL-HIV Bref questionnaire in people with HIV / AIDS. Method: The questionnaire was applied to 226 people living with HIV/AIDS in the Northern part of the state of Minas Gerais. The psychometric properties were evaluated by construct validity, reliability analysis, and criteria validity. Results: The model with six domains had an acceptable adjustment (χ2 / gl = 1.77, p <0.001, GFI = 0.85, CFI = 0.89, RMSEA = 0.058). The WHOQOL-HIV Bref showed statistically significant correlations among the six domains, satisfactory internal consistency and reproducibility. The instrument scores showed a significant correlation with the general quality of life score and the items that assess the self-perception of quality of life and health, a significant correlation with the overall result of depression, and statistically significant differences between subgroups of patients. Conclusions: The WHOQOL-HIV Bref was valid, reliable to measure the quality of life of people with HIV/AIDS.

Resumen Objetivo: Evaluar las propiedades psicométricas del cuestionario WHOQOL- HIV Bref en personas con HIV/SIDA. Método: El instrumento fue aplicado a 226 personas con HIV/SIDA del Norte de Minas Gerais. Las propiedades psicométricas fueron evaluadas por validez de constructo, análisis de confiabilidad, y validez de criterio. Resultados: El modelo con seis dominios presentó un ajuste aceptable (χ2 / gl = 1,77, p <0,001, GFI = 0,85, CFI = 0,89, RMSEA = 0,058). El WHOQOL-HIV Bref presentó correlaciones estadísticamente significativas entre los seis dominios, consistencia interna, y reproductibilidad satisfactorias. Los resultados de los dominios demostraron correlación significativa con el resultado de calidad de vida general y de los ítems que evalúan la autopercepción de calidad de vida y de la salud, correlación significativa con el resultado global de depresión y diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre subgrupos de pacientes según variables socioeconómicas y clínicas. Conclusiones: El WHOQOL- HIV Bref se presentó como válido y confiable para medir la calidad de vida de personas con HIV/SIDA.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: The recent circulation of arboviruses transmitted by vectors, such as dengue, chikungunya, and Zika, is concerning due to the high morbidity rates, clinical complications, and increased demand on health services. The objective of this study was to analyze the clinical and epidemiological aspects of an epidemic caused by arboviruses in the municipality of Santa Luzia, Minas Gerais, Brazil. METHODS: Longitudinal study of patients with acute febrile disease and suspected arbovirus infection reported to Brazilian Notifiable Disease Information System (Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação) from the epidemiological week 44 of 2015 to epidemiological week 52 of 2016. Patients with confirmed chikungunya were followed-up for 18 months and those with Zika for 15 months. Additionally, we analyzed and described the temporal distribution of confirmed cases of these arboviruses in this municipality. RESULTS: Overall 3,531 arboviruses cases, including 3,481 (98.7%) cases of dengue, 38 (1.0%) cases of chikungunya, and 12 (0.3%) cases of Zika were confirmed. The highest incidence of arbovirus infection occurred in the first quarter of 2016 (epidemiological week 7 to 14). The most frequent symptoms were for dengue, which included fever, headache, retro-orbital pain, and exanthema. Chikungunya infection was associated with fever, myalgia, arthralgia, and rash while Zika infection with pruritus and rash. CONCLUSIONS: Given the similarities in the initial clinical profiles of these arboviruses, it is important to perform a detailed clinical analysis, laboratory diagnosis, and patient follow-up.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Quality of life (QoL) is important for people living with HIV/AIDS, particularly as the disease progresses. This study evaluated the QoL of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), as well as its predictors, in one of the most impoverished regions of Brazil. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted with patients older than 18 years with HIV/AIDS from two specialized HIV/AIDS care centers in the city of Montes Claros between 2013 and 2014. Sample size was calculated considering the estimates of mean scores for various dimensions of the European Portuguese version of the World Health’s Organization Quality of Life Instrument in HIV Infection (WHOQOL-HIV Bref). The following parameters were adopted: CI of 95%, estimated mean scores for QoL equal to 15, estimated variance for QoL scores equal to 16, and 5% relative margin of error. An increase of 20% was established to compensate for possible non-responses or losses, and correcting any design effect, adopting a deff equal to 2.0. Calculations revealed the need to interview at least 221 patients. Therefore, 226 patients living with HIV/AIDS were randomly selected. RESULTS: A total of 226 patients with mean age 43.7 years were evaluated: 51.8% men, 51.8% unemployed, 51.8% with low schooling level, 89.8% used antiretrovirals, and 43.3% experienced depression. Despite this, data indicated that 65% self-assessed their QoL as good and very good. Low QoL was associated with sociodemographic variables and some clinical variables. CONCLUSIONS: Depression was the main predictor of low QoL in all domains evaluated.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Hypoalbuminemia may predict progression of disease and mortality in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). This study was conducted to investigate the risk factors associated with hypoalbuminemia in outpatients with HIV/AIDS. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed in 196 outpatients with HIV/AIDS. RESULTS: The prevalence of hypoalbuminemia was 11.7%. The only risk factor associated with hypoalbuminemia was current antiretroviral therapy (no exposure: odds ratio=3.46, 95% confidence interval=1.20-10.02). CONCLUSIONS: The monitoring of plasma albumin is key to determine when antiretroviral therapy should be initiated in individuals not exposed to antiretroviral medicines.