Abstract Introduction: Reinke’s Edema (RE) is a laryngeal lesion related to excessive tobacco smoking, voice overuse, and laryngopharyngeal reflux. Although the risk of malignancy has been considered low in literature, RE is classified among precancerous lesions. Objectives: We investigated DNA Copy Number Alterations (CNAs) in specimens of RE and its potential association with malignant progression. Methods: We used array-based comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH, Agilent 4 × 180 K platform) to study eight RE cases. All patients were heavy tobacco users for at least 30 years, and none of them progressed to cancer in the follow-up (>8 years). Two RE presented mild dysplasia, one moderate dysplasia, and no histological alterations were found in the remaining five cases. CNAs were compared with the Database of Genomic Variants (DGV) and genes mapped on altered regions had their functions annotated. Results: Six of eight patients showed different rare copy number alterations on chromosomes 2q37.3, 4q13.1, 4q13.3, 7q11.22, 10p14, and 13q34. A gain of the whole chromosome 8 were detected in one case. Of interest, four of eight RE cases showed copy number imbalances involving genes previously described in several tumor types (RASA3, COL6A3, LINC00707, LINP1, SMR3A, and SMR3B). Conclusion: The genomic imbalances herein found in RE have the potential to contribute to the phenotype but with limited or no risk of cancer. A long-term follow-up in a large series of patients could clarify the mechanisms involved in the malignant progression of RE. Level of evidence: 4.

Abstract Introduction Laryngeal leukoplakia corresponds to a white lesion in the mucosa developed by the deposit of keratin in the epithelium, potentiated by chronic smoking. It is considered a preneoplastic lesion. Surgery is the most adopted treatment; however, non-surgical treatment is advocated by some authors. Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of vitamin A in the management of vocal fold leukoplakia. Methods Patients with videolaryngoscopy diagnosis of vocal fold leukoplakia were selected. The endoscopic images were photographed and with the aid of the ImageJ software (National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA), the proportion of the size of the leukoplakia was calculated. Eligible patients were prescribed 50,000U of vitamin A, twice daily for 2 months, at which point videolaryngostroboscopy was repeated for comparative analysis between pre and posttreatment. The efficacy of the treatment was classified as: outcome I – complete improvement of the lesion, outcome II – partial improvement, and outcome III – no difference or increased lesion size. Results Fifteen patients (eight women, seven men) were included, six of whom had bilateral lesions. Smoking was reported in 86.8% of patients. Complete improvement of the lesion was found in 7 cases (33.4%, outcome I), partial improvement in 6 (28.6%, outcome II), and worsening of the injury in 8 (38.1%, outcome III). Of the latter, 6 underwent microsurgery; histopathology indicated absence of dysplasia in 3, and mild dysplasia in 3. Conclusions In this study, the treatment with vitamin A at a dose of 100,000 IU daily for 2 months was effective in reducing the laryngeal leukoplakia size in 62% of cases.

Abstract Introduction Dysphonia and lower pitch after surgery of Reinke edema are common. They are caused especially due to chronic smoking but, probably, other factors should be associated. Objectives To evaluate the results of laryngeal microsurgery in patients with Reinke edema, following a standardized postoperative guidance protocol in our service. Methods Retrospective study. Thirty patients (3 males; 27 females) were included, 70% between 41 and 60 years old. The parameters analyzed in the pre- and postoperative (between 4 and 6 months) of patients undergoing laryngeal microsurgery for Reinke edema were: smoking, vocal symptoms, videolaryngostroboscopy, voice therapy, perceptual and acoustic vocal evaluation, histopathological report. Results Smoking was reported by 100% of the patients and maintained in the postoperative period by 80%. Complete improvement of symptoms in the postoperative period was reported by 43% of them, partial improvement by 40%, and maintenance by 17%. There was low adherence to voice therapy in the pre- and postsurgery. Postoperative videolaryngoscopy indicated congestion (19), atrophy and bowed vocal fold (1), subepithelial edema (2), and normal findings (8). The histological findings were subepithelial edema, enlargement of vessels, inflammation, epithelial hyperplasia, and thickening of the basement membrane. The perceptual and acoustic vocal analyzes indicated improvement of the analyzed parameters. Conclusions The maintenance of some vocal symptoms and laryngeal alterations in videolaryngoscopy after microsurgery of Reinke edema is frequent, even in patients who follow the recommendations of vocal rest and control of gastroesophageal reflux. Vocal symptoms are attributed to changes in the laryngeal mucosa caused by chronic smoking, aggravated by the maintenance of addiction in the postoperative period.

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

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

ABSTRACT Homeless people are at high risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and syphilis. We investigated the epidemiology of HIV-1 infection and syphilis among homeless individuals in a large city in Central-Western Brazil. In this cross-sectional study, we interviewed and tested 355 individuals from September 2014 to August 2015. Rapid test samples positive for syphilis were retested using the Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) test. Blood samples from HIV-infected participants were collected for POL sequencing using HIV-1 RNA extracted from plasma, reverse transcription, and nested polymerase chain reaction. Anti-HIV-1-positive samples were subtyped by sequencing the nucleotides of HIV-1 protease and part of the HIV-1 reverse transcriptase genes. Transmitted and acquired drug resistance mutations and susceptibility to antiretroviral drugs were also analyzed. Anti-HIV was positive in 14 patients (3.9%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.3–6.4). HIV-1 RNA was detected in 8 of the 14 samples. Two of the eight (25%) isolates showed HIV-1 drug resistance mutations. Furthermore, 78 (22%; 95% CI: 17.9–26.5) and 29 (8.2%; 95% CI: 5.6–11.4) homeless individuals tested positive for syphilis using the rapid test and VDRL test, respectively. Two individuals were anti-HIV-1 and VDRL test positive. Daily alcohol use (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 3.2, 95% CI: 1.0–10.4), sex with people living with HIV (PLWH) infection (AOR: 6.8, 95% CI: 1.9–25.0), and sex with people of the same sex (AOR: 5.4, 95% CI: 1.7–17.5) were predictors of HIV infection. Age ≤35 years (AOR: 3.8, 95% CI: 1.4–10.8), previous syphilis testing (AOR: 3.5, 95% CI: 1.4–8.4), history of genital lesions (AOR: 4.9, 95% CI: 1.3–19.1), and crack use in the last six months (AOR: 3.1, 95% CI: 1.3–7.6) were predictors of syphilis. Our findings highlight the importance of STI prevention and control strategies among the homeless.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar os achados audiológicos de recém-nascidos expostos à sífilis materna, tratada adequadamente na gestação. Métodos Estudo de coorte única não concorrente, realizado em um hospital público. Fizeram parte da amostra recém-nascidos filhos de mães que apresentaram sorologia positiva para sífilis e que realizaram o tratamento adequado durante a gestação, compondo o grupo estudo, e recém-nascidos sem indicadores de risco para deficiência auditiva, grupo comparação. Resultados Participaram do estudo 90 recém-nascidos, sendo 41 do grupo estudo e 49 do grupo comparação. No exame de emissões otoacústicas por estímulo transiente, todos apresentaram presença de resposta bilateralmente e, na comparação das amplitudes de respostas nas bandas de frequências de 3,0 kHz, 3,5 kHz e 4,0 kHz observou-se menor amplitude de resposta no grupo exposto, com diferença estatisticamente significativa para a frequência de 4 kHz à direita. Na análise das respostas do exame de potencial evocado auditivo de tronco encefálico, não se observou assimetria de resposta entre as orelhas que sugerisse alteração retrococlear e nem diferenças nos valores das latências absolutas ou intervalos interpicos, entre os grupos. Conclusão As respostas eletroacústicas foram discretamente inferiores nos recém-nascidos exposto à sífilis materna, enquanto que as respostas eletrofisiológicas foram semelhantes às encontradas na população de baixo risco para deficiência auditiva.

ABSTRACT Purpose To evaluate the audiological findings of newborns exposed to maternal syphilis, properly treated during pregnancy. Methods This was a single, non-concurrent cohort study conducted in a public hospital. The sample included newborns whose mothers had positive syphilis serology and who underwent adequate treatment during pregnancy, composing the study group, and newborns without risk indicators for hearing loss, as a comparison group. Results Ninety newborns participated in the study, 41 were the study group and 49 were the comparison group. In the transient evoked otoacoustic emissions test, all newborns showed a bilateral response, and when comparing the amplitudes of responses in the 3.0 kHz, 3.5 kHz and 4.0 kHz frequency bands, a smaller amplitude of response in the studied group with a statistically significant difference for the frequency of 4 kHz on the right was observed. An analysis of the response of the brainstem auditory evoked potential test showed no asymmetry of response between the ears that suggest a retrocochlear alteration, nor difference in the values of absolute latencies or interpeak intervals between groups. Conclusion The electroacoustic responses were slightly lower in newborns exposed to maternal syphilis, whereas their electrophysiological responses were similar to those found in the population at low risk for hearing loss.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: A papilomatose recorrente da laringe, causada pelo vírus do papiloma humano, tem um impacto econômico significativo em todo o mundo e não existem dados epidemiológicos dessa doença no Brasil. OBJETIVO: O objetivo do estudo foi estimar a incidência e prevalência de papilomatose laríngea em alguns centros de otorrinolaringologia do estado de São Paulo (Brasil). MÉTODOS: Um questionário contendo dados sobre o número de casos novos e de retornos diagnosticados com papilomatose laríngea foi enviado aos serviços de otorrinolaringologia (n-35) do estado de São Paulo (Brasil). RESULTADOS: Vinte centros de otorrinolaringologia responderam ao questionário e, destes, os cinco maiores centros regionais de saúde foram selecionados da seguinte forma: Campinas (42 cidades - 4.536.657 habitantes), São José do Rio Preto (102 cidades - 1.602.845 habitantes), Ribeirão Preto (26 cidades - 1.483.715 habitantes), Bauru (68 cidades - 1.770.427 habitantes) e Sorocaba (47 cidades - 2.478.208 habitantes). A incidência e prevalência de cada centro de saúde regional foram, respectivamente: Campinas (5,51; 7,27), Sorocaba (2,02; 6,86), São José do Rio Preto (1,87; 7,49), Ribeirão Preto (11,46; 22,92), Bauru (3,95; 7,91). CONCLUSÃO: A incidência e prevalência da papilomatose laríngea dos cinco mais importantes centros regionais de saúde do interior do estado de São Paulo (Brasil) variaram entre 1,87 e 11,46 e 6,86 e 22,92, por 1.000.000 de habitantes, respectivamente, para uma população total de 11.871.852 habitantes.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND: Recurrent laryngeal papillomatosis, caused by the Human Papilloma Virus, has a significant economic impact worldwide and there are no epidemiological data of this disease in Brasil. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to estimate the incidence and prevalence of laryngeal papillomatosis of some otorhinolaryngology centers in São Paulo State (Brasil). METHODS: A questionnaire containing data on the number of new and follow-up cases diagnosed with laryngeal papillomatosis was sent to the Otorhinolaryngology services (n=35) of São Paulo State (Brasil). RESULTS: A total of 20 otorhinolaryngology centers answered the questionnaire. Of these, the five largest regional health centers were selected as follows: Campinas (42 cities – 4,536,657 inhabitants), Sao Jose do Rio Preto (102 cities – 1,602,845 inhabitants), Ribeirão Preto (26 cities – 1,483,715 inhabitants), Bauru (68 cities – 1,770,427 inhabitants), and Sorocaba (47 cities – 2,478,208 inhabitants). The incidence and prevalence of each regional health centers were, respectively: Campinas (5.51;7.27), Sorocaba (2.02;6.86), São José do Rio Preto (1.87;7.49), Ribeirão Preto (11.46;22.92), and Bauru (3.95;7.91). CONCLUSION: The incidence and prevalence of the laryngeal papillomatosis of the five largest regional health centers of the interior of São Paulo State (Brasil) varied between 1.87 to 11.46 and 6.86 to 22.92 per 1,000,000 inhabitants, respectively for a total population of 11,871,852 inhabitants.

Abstract Introduction Mitomycin C is a natural antibiotic that has been used to inhibit the proliferation of fibroblasts in scar tissue. Objective To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of topical Mitomycin C as an adjuvant in the endoscopic treatment of laryngotracheal stenoses. Data synthesis A systematic review of experimental or observational studies that have evaluated the treatment of laryngotracheal stenoses with the use of topical Mitomycin C was performed. Databases researched: LILACS, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane and Web of Science. Outcomes: resolution (symptom-free time ≥ one year), number of procedures required, and complications resulting from the procedure. A total of 15 studies (involving 387 patients) were selected. Mitomycin C was administered to every patient in 11 studies, and in 4 other studies, the patients were separated into 2 groups, 1 receiving mitomycin C, and the other not. The resolution of the stenosis evaluated in 12 studies in which the patients received mitomycin C was of 69% (95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 61-76%; I2 = 17.3%). A total of 52% of the patients (95%CI: 39-64%, 11 studies; I2 = 64.7%) were submitted to a single endoscopic procedure, and 48% (95%CI: 36-61%, 11 studies; I2 = 64.7%) were submitted to more than 1 procedure. Complications (mediastinal and subcutaneous emphysema, dysphonia, laceration or vocal fold paralysis and acute light obstruction) were reported in 9% of the patients (95%CI: 3-18%, 9 studies; I2 = 79.8%). Conclusions The evidence suggests that mitomycin C is an effective and safe option in the endoscopic treatment of laryngotracheal stenosis.

Abstract Introduction Laryngeal granulomas are benign, recurrent lesions of many causes (reflux, voice abuse, intubation, and idiopathic), which renders its treatment difficult. Objective To describe our experience in the treatment of laryngeal granulomas. Methods From 16 medical records of the patients with laryngeal granulomas seen between 2010 and 2017 in a university hospital, the following data were analyzed: age, gender, vocal and gastroesophageal symptoms, vocal overuse, intubation, treatments, videolaryngoscopy before and after the treatment. Results Gender: female, 10; male, 6. Age: between 20 and 60 years old (11%). Etiology of the granulomas: intubation (9), reflux (4), idiopathic (3). The initial treatments adopted in all cases were: inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate 100 μg 12/12 hours (1month), proton pump inhibitor, omeprazole 40 mg/day (2months), and dietary and voice education. After this period, 10 patients (7 postintubation, 3 idiopathic) were submitted to surgery, since no improvements in the symptoms or in the lesions were seen. Of these, two recurred, requiring a second surgery, one of which recurred six times and received botulinum toxin A. Only one patient with granulomas due to laryngopharyngeal reflux presented no improvement in the symptoms nor in the lesion after the pharmacological treatment and had been submitted to microsurgery. All of the other patients with reflux granulomas were successfully treated with the drug treatment, and the longest treatment time for complete remission of the symptoms and of the lesions was 9 months. Conclusions In laryngeal granulomas caused by reflux, treatment with inhaled steroids and proton pump inhibitors proved to be effective, although prolonged. In postintubation and idiopathic granulomas, surgery was the best treatment.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Carriers of oncohematological diseases are at high risk for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Objective and method: To investigate the epidemiology of HBV infection in Goiânia, Central Brazil, 322 individuals with oncohematological diseases (leukemias, Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma) were interviewed and blood samples were collected for the detection of serological markers of HBV-DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Medical records of participants were also reviewed. Results: Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (n = 99) and chronic myeloid leukemia (n = 108) were the most frequent oncohematological diseases. The overall prevalence of HBV was 13.97% (45/322). Of the total participants, 8.69% (28/322) presented isolated positivity for anti-HBs, suggesting low vaccine coverage. HBV-DNA was detected in 25% (1/4) of HBsAg positive samples and in 25% (3/12) of anti-HBc isolated, suggesting HBV occult infection. All samples were identified as subgenotype A1. Entries in patient records and the findings of this investigation suggest anti-HBc seroconversion during oncologic treatment. Age 50 years or over and use of a central catheter during therapy were associated with HBV exposure. Conclusion: The low frequency of hepatitis B immunized individuals, detection of HBV DNA in HBsAg negative samples, and the suggestion of HBV exposure during treatment evidenced the potential for health-related viral dissemination in people with oncohematological diseases in our region, reinforcing the importance of serological monitoring, vaccination against hepatitis B, and adoption of strict infection control measures in these individuals.

Abstract To assess the prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Central Brazil, a cross-sectional study was conducted in the City of Goiânia, Central Brazil, using Respondent-Driven Sampling (RDS). All serum samples were tested for anti-HCV and also for alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Anti-HCV positive samples and/or those with elevated ALT were tested for HCV RNA and genotyped. Of the 522 participants, four were found to be anti-HCV positive, and one was also HCV RNA positive (active HCV infection). Elevated ALT was found in 14 individuals. Of these, one showed evidence of acute HCV infection (HCV RNA positive and anti-HCV negative). Therefore, five MSM were positive for either anti-HCV and/or HCV RNA, giving a crude overall HCV prevalence of 1.0%; 1.3% (95% CI: 0.3-5.5) after being weighted by RDSAT. All five individuals reported high-risk sexual behaviors, including two who showed evidence of active HCV infection (genotype 1, subtypes 1a and 1b). Although the study population reported high-risk sexual practices, HCV infection was not more frequent in MSM than in the general Brazilian population.

Resumo Introdução: A disfonia é um sintoma comum após a tireoidectomia. Objetivo: Analisar os sintomas vocais, auditivo-perceptivos e acústica vocal, videolaringoscopia, procedimento cirúrgico e achados histopatológicos em pacientes submetidos à tireoidectomia. Método: Estudo prospectivo. Pacientes submetidos à tireoidectomia foram avaliados da seguinte forma: anamnese, laringoscopia e avaliações vocais acústicas. Momentos: pré-operatório, 1ª avaliação pós (15 dias), 2ª avaliação pós (1 mês), 3ª avaliação pós (3 meses) e 4ª avaliação pós-operatória (6 meses). Resultados: Dos 151 pacientes, 130 eram mulheres e 21, homens. Tipos de cirurgia: lobectomia + istmectomia n = 40, tireoidectomia total n = 88, tireoidectomia + dissecção de linfonodo n = 23. Sintomas vocais foram relatados por 42 pacientes na 1ª avaliação pós-operatória (27,8%), reduzidos para 7,2% após 6 meses. Na análise acústica, f0 e APQ estavam diminuídos nas mulheres. As videolaringoscopias mostraram que 144 pacientes (95,3%) tiveram exames normais no momento pré-operatório. Paralisia das cordas vocais foi diagnosticada em 34 pacientes na 1ª avaliação pós-operatória, 32 do nervo laríngeo recorrente (lobectomia + istmectomia - n = 6; tireoidectomia total - n = 17; tireoidectomia total + dissecção de linfonodos - n = 9) e 2 do nervo laríngeo superior (lobectomia + istmectomia - n = 1; tireoidectomia total + dissecção de linfonodos - n = 1). Após 6 meses, 10 pacientes persistiram com paralisia do nervo laríngeo recorrente (6,6%). Histopatologia e correlação com paralisia das cordas vocais: bócio coloide nodular (n = 76; paralisia n = 13), tireoidite (n = 8; paralisia n = 0) e carcinoma (n = 67; paralisia n = 21). Conclusão: Os sintomas vocais, relatados por 27,8% dos pacientes na 1ª avaliação pós-operatória, diminuíram para 7% em 6 meses. Na análise acústica, f0 e APQ diminuíram. A paralisia transitória de cordas vocais secundária à lesão do nervo laríngeo recorrente e nervo laríngeo superior ocorreu, respectivamente, em 21% e 1,3% dos pacientes, reduziu-se para 6,6% e 0% após 6 meses.

Abstract Introduction: Dysphonia is a common symptom after thyroidectomy. Objective: To analyze the vocal symptoms, auditory-perceptual and acoustic vocal, videolaryngoscopy, the surgical procedures and histopathological findings in patients undergoing thyroidectomy. Methods: Prospective study. Patients submitted to thyroidectomy were evaluated as follows: anamnesis, laryngoscopy, and acoustic vocal assessments. Moments: pre-operative, 1st post (15 days), 2nd post (1 month), 3rd post (3 months), and 4th post (6 months). Results: Among the 151 patients (130 women; 21 men). Type of surgery: lobectomy + isthmectomy n = 40, total thyroidectomy n = 88, thyroidectomy + lymph node dissection n = 23. Vocal symptoms were reported by 42 patients in the 1st post (27.8%) decreasing to 7.2% after 6 months. In the acoustic analysis, f0 and APQ were decreased in women. Videolaryngoscopies showed that 144 patients (95.3%) had normal exams in the preoperative moment. Vocal fold palsies were diagnosed in 34 paralyzes at the 1st post, 32 recurrent laryngeal nerve (lobectomy + isthmectomy n = 6; total thyroidectomy n = 17; thyroidectomy + lymph node dissection n = 9) and 2 superior laryngeal nerve (lobectomy + isthmectomy n = 1; Total thyroidectomy + lymph node dissection n = 1). After 6 months, 10 patients persisted with paralysis of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (6.6%). Histopathology and correlation with vocal fold palsy: colloid nodular goiter (n = 76; palsy n = 13), thyroiditis (n = 8; palsy n = 0), and carcinoma (n = 67; palsy n = 21). Conclusion: Vocal symptoms, reported by 27.8% of the patients on the 1st post decreased to 7% in 6 months. In the acoustic analysis, f0 and APQ were decreased. Transient paralysis of the vocal folds secondary to recurrent and superior laryngeal nerve injury occurred in, respectively, 21% and 1.3% of the patients, decreasing to 6.6% and 0% after 6 months.

Anthropogenic environmental changes arising from settlement and agriculture include deforestation and replacement of natural vegetation by crops providing opportunities for pathogen spillover from animals to humans. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of rodent-borne virus infections in seven rural settlements from Midwestern Brazil. Of the 466 individuals tested 12 (2.57%) were reactive for orthohantavirus and 3 (0.64%) for mammarenavirus. These rural settlers lived under unfavorable infrastructure, socioeconomic disadvantages, and unsanitary conditions, representing a risk for rodent-borne infections. Development of public policies towards the improvement of health, sanitation and awareness of rodent-borne diseases in improvised camps and settlements is imperative, in order to reduce morbidity and mortality caused by these diseases.