ABSTRACT Background: Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) is spreading worldwide, but little is known about the epidemiology of this pathogen in Brazil. Objective: To evaluate clinical and microbiological features of children with S. aureus infections admitted to a university hospital. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study evaluating the potential risk factors for CA-MRSA, and a retrospective cohort evaluating in-hospital clinical outcomes. To include patients with both community and hospital-associated infections, we screened the results of the microbiological laboratory tests from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2016. According to the phenotype, we classified the isolates in Methicillin-Susceptible S. aureus (MSSA), Hospital-Associated Methicillin-Resistant S. aureus (HA-MRSA), and CA-MRSA. Clinical data were collected from the patients’ medical records. Results: We identified 279 cases of S. aureus infections (MSSA = 163, CA-MRSA = 69, HA-MRSA = 41). Overall, the incidence density of CA-MRSA and MSSA infections increased while the HA-MRSA incidence density decreased over the study period. CA-MRSA infected patients were more likely to present with skin and soft tissue infections (OR: 2.83, 95%CI: 1.54–5.33, p < 0.001) and osteomyelitis (OR: 4.76; 95%CI: 1.16–22.71, p = 0.014) when compared to MSSA and HA-MRSA infections. Unadjusted case fatality rates were similar between MSSA-infected patients (3.14%, 5/159) and CA-MRSA infected patients (3.80%, 3/79, p = 0.792), while HA-MRSA infected patients were more likely to die in the hospital (12.20%, 5/41, p = 0.013). Conclusions: CA-MRSA is an emergent pediatric pathogen in Brazil. Our results highlight the relevance of choosing an appropriate initial antimicrobial drug for treating children with severe S. aureus infections.

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Emergent and re-emergent waterborne protozoans have become a worldwide public health problem, especially among vulnerable groups. METHODS: This cross-sectional study evaluated 17 HIV-infected children and their families. RESULTS: A high (76.5%) percentage of parasite-infected children was observed, even among children with CD4+ T-cell counts of >200 cells/mm3. Giardia spp., Cryptosporidium spp. and Cyclospora spp. were observed in 41.2% of these children Low income, poor hygiene practices, and co-infection in domestic, peridomestic and scholastic environments were significant sources of these intestinal infections. CONCLUSIONS: Early diagnosis, timely treatment, and socio-educational interventions may improve the health conditions of this vulnerable population.

INTRODUÇÃO: Crianças e adolescentes infectadas pelo HIV e tratadas com terapia antirretroviral de alta potência (TAAP), que inclui inibidor de protease (IP) podem apresentar significante melhora clínica no estado nutricional e na qualidade de vida. O objetivo é relatar as alterações nutricionais e metabólicas em pacientes pediátricos expostos a TAAP e controles saudáveis durante 1 ano. MÉTODOS: O perfil clínico, antropométrico e lipídico, bem como dados da ingestão alimentar foram coletados prospectivamente durante aproximadamente 12 meses. RESULTADOS: Cinquenta e um indivíduos foram estudados. Dezesseis eram saudáveis. Após 12 meses de acompanhamento, indivíduos HIV-positivo permaneceram abaixo dos parâmetros do grupo controle saudável. Nenhuma mudança foi observada em relação à ingestão alimentar. Níveis séricos de triglicerídeos foram maiores em pacientes usando inibidor de protease no começo do estudo [IP grupo: 114 (43 - 336), e 136 (63 - 271) versus grupo controle: 54.5 (20 - 162); p = 0.003], porém após doze meses de acompanhamento, apenas o grupo que recebeu inibidor de protease por não mais do que dois meses apresentou maiores valores [140 (73 - 273) versus 67.5 (33 - 117); p = 0.004]. HDL-colesterol foi menor nos indivíduos HIV-positivos [grupo HIV-positivo: 36 (27 - 58) e 36 (23 - 43); controle 49.5 (34 - 69); p=0.004]. CONCLUSÕES: Crianças e adolescentes infectadas pelo HIV e tratadas com terapia antirretroviral de alta potência tiveram seus parâmetros nutricionais comprometidos quando comparados com o pareado grupo controle. Indivíduos usando inibidor de protease apresentaram piores níveis séricos de triglicerídeos quando comparados com os saudáveis.

INTRODUCTION: HIV-infected children and adolescents treated with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) regimens that include a protease inhibitor (PI) can show significant improvements in clinical outcomes, nutritional status and quality of life. The study aimed to report nutritional and metabolic alterations for pediatric patients continuously exposed to HAART and for healthy controls for up to 1 year. METHODS: Clinical, anthropometric, lipid profile and food intake data were collected prospectively over approximately 12-months for each patient. RESULTS: Fifty-one individuals were studied, of these, 16 were healthy. After 12 months follow-up, HIV-positive individuals remained below the healthy control group parameters. No change was observed concerning food intake. Triglyceride serum levels were higher in patients using protease inhibitor at the onset of the study [PI groups: 114 (43 - 336), and 136 (63 - 271) versus control group: 54.5 (20 - 162); p = 0.003], but after twelve months follow-up, only the group using protease inhibitor for up to two months presented higher values [140 (73 - 273) versus 67.5 (33 - 117); p = 0.004]. HDL-cholesterol was lower in HIV-positive individuals [HIV-positive groups: 36 (27 - 58) and 36 (23 - 43); control 49.5 (34 - 69); p = 0.004]. CONCLUSIONS: HIV-infected children and adolescents treated with highly active antiretroviral therapy showed compromised nutritional parameters compared to a paired healthy control group. Individuals using protease inhibitor presented worse triglyceride serum levels compared to their healthy counterparts.

OBJETIVO: O estudo pretende caracterizar a percepção, os conhecimentos sobre promoção e sobre os cuidados com a saúde bucal de cuidadores de crianças com HIV+/AIDS. MÉTODOS: Um questionário foi aplicado aos cuidadores de crianças HIV+/AIDS, abordando a qualidade de vida, a classificação socioeconômica (CCEB) e temas sobre a saúde bucal, através de um conjunto de perguntas fechadas, envolvendo percepção, cuidados e promoção da saúde bucal. A consistência interna foi avaliada através dos domínios do WHOQoL-bref dos componentes do CCEB e dos temas de saúde bucal; uma análise de agrupamento foi realizada com os escores dos domínios do WHOQoL-bref. RESULTADOS: A estatística de alfa-Crombach quantificou a consistência interna: 0,9101, 0,8027 e 0,6355, respectivamente, para os domínios do WHOQoL, para as questões do CCEB e para os temas de saúde bucal. A análise de agrupamento gerou dois grupos de informantes. Houve relações entre os níveis de qualidade de vida, os estratos do CCEB e as respostas observadas nos temas sobre a saúde bucal; foram relatadas dificuldades de acesso à atenção odontológica. CONCLUSÕES: A metodologia e os instrumentos utilizados mostraram consistência e coerência com o referencial teórico, contribuindo para o desenvolvimento da assistência à saúde de crianças HIV+.

OBJECTIVE: This study examines perceptions, and knowledge of how to promote oral healthcare among people caring for children with HIV/AIDS. METHODS: A questionnaire was completed by people caring for children with HIV/AIDS, encompassing the quality of life (WHOQoL-bref); the socioeconomic stratification (BECC); and aspects related to oral health through the perception, care and promotion of oral health. Internal consistency was evaluated for the WHOQoL-bref domains, for the BECC questions and for the oral health questions. Cluster analysis was performed by WHOQoL-bref domain scores. RESULTS: The alpha-Crombach statistics showed that the internal consistency quality progressed: 0.9101, 0.8027, and 0.6355, respectively, for WHOQoL-bref domains, for the ECC questions, and for the oral health questions. The cluster analysis generated two homogenous groups. There were descriptive relations between the quality of life scores and the BECC strata and the answers given for the oral health related themes; difficulties were reported in accessing dental care. CONCLUSIONS: The methodology and tools deployed by this survey showed consistency and coherence to the theoretical framework, contributing to the development of better healthcare for HIV+ children.

OBJETIVO: O estudo pretende caracterizar a percepção, os conhecimentos sobre promoção e sobre os cuidados com a saúde bucal de cuidadores de crianças com HIV+/AIDS. MÉTODOS: Um questionário foi aplicado aos cuidadores de crianças HIV+/AIDS, abordando a qualidade de vida, a classificação socioeconômica (CCEB) e temas sobre a saúde bucal, através de um conjunto de perguntas fechadas, envolvendo percepção, cuidados e promoção da saúde bucal. A consistência interna foi avaliada através dos domínios do WHOQoL-bref dos componentes do CCEB e dos temas de saúde bucal; uma análise de agrupamento foi realizada com os escores dos domínios do WHOQoL-bref. RESULTADOS: A estatística de alfa-Crombach quantificou a consistência interna: 0,9101, 0,8027 e 0,6355, respectivamente, para os domínios do WHOQoL, para as questões do CCEB e para os temas de saúde bucal. A análise de agrupamento gerou dois grupos de informantes. Houve relações entre os níveis de qualidade de vida, os estratos do CCEB e as respostas observadas nos temas sobre a saúde bucal; foram relatadas dificuldades de acesso à atenção odontológica. CONCLUSÕES: A metodologia e os instrumentos utilizados mostraram consistência e coerência com o referencial teórico, contribuindo para o desenvolvimento da assistência à saúde de crianças HIV+.

OBJECTIVE: This study examines perceptions, and knowledge of how to promote oral healthcare among people caring for children with HIV/AIDS. METHODS: A questionnaire was completed by people caring for children with HIV/AIDS, encompassing the quality of life (WHOQoL-bref); the socioeconomic stratification (BECC); and aspects related to oral health through the perception, care and promotion of oral health. Internal consistency was evaluated for the WHOQoL-bref domains, for the BECC questions and for the oral health questions. Cluster analysis was performed by WHOQoL-bref domain scores. RESULTS: The alpha-Crombach statistics showed that the internal consistency quality progressed: 0.9101, 0.8027, and 0.6355, respectively, for WHOQoL-bref domains, for the ECC questions, and for the oral health questions. The cluster analysis generated two homogenous groups. There were descriptive relations between the quality of life scores and the BECC strata and the answers given for the oral health related themes; difficulties were reported in accessing dental care. CONCLUSIONS: The methodology and tools deployed by this survey showed consistency and coherence to the theoretical framework, contributing to the development of better healthcare for HIV+ children.

Infecção disseminada por Cryptococcus neoformans foi observada em um recém-nascido que apresentava febre e sintomas respiratórios desde o 52º dia de vida. A mãe tinha infecção pelo vírus da imunodeficiência humana e apresentou infecção pulmonar e meningite criptocócica. Este é um caso raro de uma infecção criptocócica com provável transmissão materno-fetal.

Disseminated infection with Cryptococcus neoformans was observed in a newborn infant who presented fever and respiratory symptoms since the 52nd day of life. The mother was infected by human immunodeficiency virus and presented pulmonary and meningeal cryptococcal infection. This is a rare case of cryptococcal infection with probable maternal-fetal transmission.