Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é analisar a magnitude e o perfil das demandas judiciais por bens e serviços de saúde pública, verificando também a presença de demandas judiciais para doenças tropicais negligenciadas (DTNs) no Estado do Piauí entre 2000-2020. Estudo transversal descritivo a partir de bases de dados do Tribunal de Justiça do Piauí acerca de processos judiciais demandando bens e serviços de saúde à administração pública direta. Foram identificados inicialmente um total de 6.658 processos judiciais. Após análise de elegibilidade, 1.384 processos (20,8%) foram analisados, verificando-se aumento da demanda a partir de 2017. Ressalta-se as características: origem na capital Teresina (614; 44,4%), 40 a 59 anos de idade (372; 26,9%), sexo feminino (761; 55,0%), agricultores (123; 8,9%), assistência jurídica pública (1.063; 76,8%), julgados procedentes (594; 42,9%). Cinco (5; 0,4%) demandas judiciais para DTNs, uma leishmaniose visceral solicitando transporte, procedente; quatro para hanseníase (dois medicamentos, um concedido, outro extinto sem resolução do mérito, uma consulta e um exame, ambos concedidos). A judicialização do direito à saúde é expressiva e crescente no estado do Piauí. A baixa demanda relacionada a DTNs pode traduzir limitação de acesso não apenas à saúde, mas ao Poder Judiciário.

Abstract This article aims to analyse the magnitude and profile of legal demands for public health goods and services, also verifying the presence of legal demands for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in the State of Piauí between 2000-2020. Cross-sectional descriptive study based on the databases of the Court of Justice of Piauí on lawsuits demanding from the Direct Public Administration, goods and health services. A total of 6,658 lawsuits were initially identified. After eligibility analysis, 1,384 cases (20.8%) were analysed, with an increase in demand from 2017. We highlight the characteristics: origin in the capital Teresina (614; 44.4%), 40 to 59 years of age (372; 26.9%), female (761; 55.0%), farmers (123; 8.9%), public legal assistance (1,063; 76.8%), upheld (594; 42.9%). Five (5; 0.4%) lawsuits for NTDs, one visceral leishmaniasis requesting transportation, with granting, four for leprosy (two medicines, one granted, other extinguished without resolution of the merit, one consultation and one exam granted). The judicialization of the right to health is expressive and growing in the State of Piauí. The low demand related to NTDs may translate into limited access not only to health care, but also to the judiciary.

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é analisar a magnitude e o perfil das demandas judiciais por bens e serviços de saúde pública, verificando também a presença de demandas judiciais para doenças tropicais negligenciadas (DTNs) no Estado do Piauí entre 2000-2020. Estudo transversal descritivo a partir de bases de dados do Tribunal de Justiça do Piauí acerca de processos judiciais demandando bens e serviços de saúde à administração pública direta. Foram identificados inicialmente um total de 6.658 processos judiciais. Após análise de elegibilidade, 1.384 processos (20,8%) foram analisados, verificando-se aumento da demanda a partir de 2017. Ressalta-se as características: origem na capital Teresina (614; 44,4%), 40 a 59 anos de idade (372; 26,9%), sexo feminino (761; 55,0%), agricultores (123; 8,9%), assistência jurídica pública (1.063; 76,8%), julgados procedentes (594; 42,9%). Cinco (5; 0,4%) demandas judiciais para DTNs, uma leishmaniose visceral solicitando transporte, procedente; quatro para hanseníase (dois medicamentos, um concedido, outro extinto sem resolução do mérito, uma consulta e um exame, ambos concedidos). A judicialização do direito à saúde é expressiva e crescente no estado do Piauí. A baixa demanda relacionada a DTNs pode traduzir limitação de acesso não apenas à saúde, mas ao Poder Judiciário.

Abstract This article aims to analyse the magnitude and profile of legal demands for public health goods and services, also verifying the presence of legal demands for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in the State of Piauí between 2000-2020. Cross-sectional descriptive study based on the databases of the Court of Justice of Piauí on lawsuits demanding from the Direct Public Administration, goods and health services. A total of 6,658 lawsuits were initially identified. After eligibility analysis, 1,384 cases (20.8%) were analysed, with an increase in demand from 2017. We highlight the characteristics: origin in the capital Teresina (614; 44.4%), 40 to 59 years of age (372; 26.9%), female (761; 55.0%), farmers (123; 8.9%), public legal assistance (1,063; 76.8%), upheld (594; 42.9%). Five (5; 0.4%) lawsuits for NTDs, one visceral leishmaniasis requesting transportation, with granting, four for leprosy (two medicines, one granted, other extinguished without resolution of the merit, one consultation and one exam granted). The judicialization of the right to health is expressive and growing in the State of Piauí. The low demand related to NTDs may translate into limited access not only to health care, but also to the judiciary.

ABSTRACT The objective of this manuscript is to provide selective examples of the work of the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Parasite Epidemiology and Control which contribute to the WHO goal of eliminating neglected tropical diseases by 2030. This PAHO/WHO CC specifically aligns its activities with the Sustainable Development Goals and with the goals outlined in the WHO Road Map for Neglected Tropical Diseases 2021-2030. Its role is to contribute to advancing global action on NTDs, primarily through policy development and knowledge translation. Three important projects have recently been completed: 1. Finalizing the Monitoring and Evaluation Framework for the NTD Road Map (published May 2021; this PAHO/WHO CC was a member of the working group); 2. Developing new guidelines for the preventive chemotherapy of Taenia solium taeniasis (published September 2021; this PAHO/WHO CC was co-Chair; and 3. Formulating a policy brief on deworming for adolescent girls and women of reproductive age (published January 2022; this PAHO/WHO CC is co-lead). These projects are the result of the integration of expertise and experience from multiple partners, including from PAHO and WHO (where both organizations provided key leadership), this PAHO/WHO CC, government ministries, civil society organizations and universities, among others. In conclusion, this PAHO/WHO CC contributes timely guidance to country-led evidence-informed public health policy, to cost-effective program implementation and to the identification of priority research topics – all focused, ultimately, on eliminating NTD-attributable morbidity by 2030.

RESUMEN El objetivo de este artículo es proporcionar ejemplos seleccionados de la labor del centro colaborador de investigación y capacitación en epidemiología y control de parásitos de la Organización Panamericana de la Salud/Organización Mundial de la Salud (OPS/OMS), que contribuye al objetivo de la OMS de eliminar las enfermedades tropicales desatendidas para el 2030. Este centro colaborador de la OPS/OMS alinea sus actividades específicamente con los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible y con los objetivos descritos en la Hoja de ruta sobre enfermedades tropicales desatendidas 2021-2030 de la OMS. Su función es contribuir al avance de las medidas mundiales sobre las enfermedades tropicales desatendidas, principalmente mediante la elaboración de políticas y la traducción de conocimiento. Recientemente se han completado tres proyectos importantes: 1) finalización del marco de seguimiento y evaluación de la Hoja de ruta sobre enfermedades tropicales desatendidas (publicado en mayo del 2021; este centro colaborador de la OPS/OMS formó parte del grupo de trabajo); 2) elaboración de nuevas directrices para la quimioterapia preventiva de la teniasis por Taenia solium (publicado en septiembre del 2021; este centro colaborador fue copresidente); y 3) formulación de un informe de políticas sobre la desparasitación de las adolescentes y las mujeres en edad reproductiva (publicado en enero del 2022; este centro colaborador fue coautor). Estos proyectos son el resultado de la integración del conocimiento y la experiencia de múltiples asociados, como la OPS y la OMS (ambas organizaciones ofrecieron un liderazgo clave), este centro colaborador de la OPS/OMS, así como varios ministerios gubernamentales, organizaciones de la sociedad civil y universidades, entre otros. En conclusión, este centro colaborador de la OPS/OMS ofrece orientaciones oportunas para las políticas de salud pública basadas en la evidencia lideradas por los países, la ejecución de programas costo-efectivos y la determinación de los temas de investigación prioritarios, todo ello destinado, en última instancia, a eliminar la morbilidad atribuible a las enfermedades tropicales desatendidas para el 2030.

RESUMO O objetivo deste manuscrito é fornecer exemplos seletivos do trabalho do Centro Colaborador de Pesquisa e Treinamento em Epidemiologia e Controle de Parasitos da Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde/Organização Mundial da Saúde (OPAS/OMS) que contribuem para a meta da OMS de eliminar até 2030 as doenças tropicais negligenciadas. Este CC da OPAS/OMS alinha especificamente suas atividades com os Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável e com as metas delineadas no Roteiro da OMS para Doenças Tropicais Negligenciadas 2021-2030. Seu papel é contribuir para o avanço da ação global contra doenças tropicais negligenciadas, principalmente por meio do desenvolvimento de políticas e da tradução de conhecimentos. Três importantes projetos foram concluídos recentemente: 1. Finalização da Estrutura de Monitoramento e Avaliação do Roteiro para as DTN (publicada em maio de 2021 – este CC da OPAS/OMS foi membro do grupo de trabalho); 2. Desenvolvimento de novas diretrizes para a quimioprofilaxia da teníase por Taenia solium (publicado em setembro de 2021 – este CC da OPAS/OMS foi copresidente); e 3. Formulação de orientação para políticas de desparasitação para adolescentes e mulheres em idade reprodutiva (publicado em janeiro de 2022 – este CC da OPAS/OMS foi cogestor). Esses projetos são o resultado da integração de conhecimentos e experiência de múltiplos parceiros, incluindo a OPAS e a OMS (onde ambas as organizações forneceram liderança essencial), este CC da OPAS/OMS, ministérios governamentais, organizações da sociedade civil e universidades, entre outros. Em suma, este CC da OPAS/OMS contribui com orientações oportunas para uma política de saúde pública liderada pelos países e informada com base em evidências, para a implementação de programas com boa relação custo-benefício e para a identificação de tópicos prioritários de pesquisa – todos focados, em última análise, na eliminação da morbidade atribuível às DTN até 2030.

ABSTRACT Objective. Systematize the experience and identify challenges and lessons learned in the implementation of an initiative for integrated serosurveillance of communicable diseases using a multiplex bead assay in countries of the Americas. Methods. Documents produced in the initiative were compiled and reviewed. These included concept notes, internal working papers, regional meetings reports, and survey protocols from the three participating countries (Mexico, Paraguay, and Brazil) and two additional countries (Guyana and Guatemala) where serology for several communicable diseases was included in neglected tropical diseases surveys. Information was extracted and summarized to describe the experience and the most relevant challenges and lessons learned. Results. Implementing integrated serosurveys requires interprogrammatic and interdisciplinary work teams for the design of survey protocols to respond to key programmatic questions aligned to the needs of the countries. Valid laboratory results are critical and rely on the standardized installment and roll-out of laboratory techniques. Field teams require adequate training and supervision to properly implement survey procedures. The analysis and interpretation of serosurveys results should be antigen-specific, contextualizing the responses for each disease, and triangulated with programmatic and epidemiological data for making decisions tailored to specific population socioeconomic and ecologic contexts. Conclusions. Integrated serosurveillance as a complementary tool for functional epidemiological surveillance systems is feasible to use and key components should be considered: political engagement, technical engagement, and integrated planning. Aspects such as designing the protocol, selecting target populations and diseases, laboratory capacities, anticipating the capacities to analyze and interpret complex data, and how to use it are key.

RESUMO Objetivo. Sistematizar a experiência e identificar desafios e lições aprendidas na implementação de uma iniciativa de vigilância sorológica integrada de doenças transmissíveis, usando ensaio de micro-esferas multiplex em países das Américas. Métodos. Os documentos produzidos na iniciativa foram compilados e examinados, e incluíram notas conceituais, documentos internos de trabalho, relatórios de reuniões regionais e protocolos de pesquisa dos três países participantes (México, Paraguai e Brasil) e de dois países adicionais (Guiana e Guatemala), onde a vigilância sorológica de várias doenças transmissíveis foi incluída em pesquisas sobre doenças tropicais negligenciadas. As informações foram extraídas e resumidas para descrever a experiência e os desafios e as lições aprendidas mais relevantes. Resultados. A implementação de inquéritos sorológicos integrados requer equipes de trabalho interprogramáticas e interdisciplinares para o delineamento de protocolos que respondam a questões programáticas chave, alinhadas com as necessidades dos países. Resultados laboratoriais válidos são essenciais, e dependem da instalação e implantação padronizadas de técnicas laboratoriais. As equipes de campo precisam de treinamento e supervisão apropriados para implementar adequadamente os procedimentos de pesquisa. A análise e a interpretação dos resultados dos inquéritos sorológicos devem ser antígeno-específicas, contextualizando as respostas para cada doença, e trianguladas com dados programáticos e epidemiológicos para a tomada de decisões adaptadas aos contextos socioeconômicos e ecológicos específicos de cada população. Conclusões. A vigilância sorológica integrada como ferramenta complementar para sistemas de vigilância epidemiológica funcionais é viável. Os componentes-chave a seguir devem ser considerados: engajamento político, engajamento técnico e planejamento integrado. Aspectos como o delineamento do protocolo, a seleção de populações-alvo e doenças-alvo, a capacidade laboratorial, a previsão das capacidades para análise e interpretação de dados complexos e como usá-los são fundamentais.

Resumen Objetivo. Sistematizar la experiencia y determinar los desafíos y las enseñanzas obtenidas durante la aplicación de una iniciativa de serovigilancia integrada de enfermedades transmisibles mediante un ensayo de perlas múltiples en países de la Región de las Américas. Métodos. Se recopilaron y revisaron los documentos generados en el marco de la iniciativa. Estos incluían notas conceptuales, documentos de trabajo internos, informes de reuniones regionales y protocolos de encuesta de los tres países participantes (Brasil, México y Paraguay) y otros dos países (Guatemala y Guyana) donde en las encuestas sobre enfermedades tropicales desatendidas también se incluía la serología para varias enfermedades transmisibles. Se recabó y resumió la información para describir tanto la experiencia como los desafíos y las enseñanzas de mayor relevancia. Resultados. La realización de encuestas serológicas integradas requiere equipos de trabajo interprogramáticos e interdisciplinarios para la elaboración de protocolos de encuesta que permitan responder a cuestiones programáticas fundamentales y ajustadas a las necesidades de los países. Es imprescindible contar con resultados de laboratorio válidos, para lo que es preciso que sus técnicas e instalaciones estén estandarizadas. Para que los equipos de campo puedan ejecutar correctamente los procedimientos de la encuesta, deben contar con una formación y supervisión adecuadas. El análisis y la interpretación de los resultados de las encuestas serológicas deben ser específicos para cada antígeno, situar las respuestas en el contexto de cada enfermedad y triangularse con los datos programáticos y epidemiológicos para tomar decisiones adaptadas a los contextos socioeconómicos y ecológicos específicos de la población. Conclusiones. Es uso de la vigilancia serológica integrada como una herramienta complementaria en los sistemas funcionales de vigilancia epidemiológica es algo posible; para esto deben tenerse en cuenta ciertos elementos fundamentales: el compromiso político, el compromiso técnico y la planificación integrada. A tal efecto, son fundamentales ciertos elementos como el diseño del protocolo, la selección de los grupos poblacionales y las enfermedades objetivo, la capacidad de los laboratorios, y la previsión de las capacidades de análisis e interpretación de datos complejos y la forma de utilizarlos.

RESUMO Objetivo. Descrever os resultados de uma campanha nacional voltada ao controle integrado de doenças tropicais negligenciadas no Brasil considerando os documentos oficiais da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) que tratam da integração de estratégias para a prevenção, o controle e a eliminação ou erradicação de doenças tropicais negligenciadas. Métodos. Realizou-se uma revisão documental que incluiu documentos oficiais da OMS publicados entre 2007 e 2020 e resultados de campanhas extraídos do relatório técnico oficial produzido pelo Ministério da Saúde do Brasil. Resultados. O controle integrado de doenças tropicais negligenciadas foi gradualmente incorporado à documentação da OMS ao longo do tempo. A quimioterapia preventiva por meio da administração em massa de medicamentos, a intensificação da gestão de casos e o manejo integrado de vetores foram amplamente recomendados como estratégias para o controle integrado. A campanha brasileira foi realizada em quatro iterações entre 2013 e 2017. O público-alvo foram crianças de 5 a 14 anos matriculadas em escolas públicas municipais de todo o país. Em resumo, foi detectado um total de 1 074 e 73 522 novos casos de hanseníase e tracoma, respectivamente. Foram administradas cerca de 18 milhões de doses de quimioterapia preventiva para helmintíase transmitida pelo solo. Mais de 700 casos de esquistossomose foram diagnosticados e tratados. Conclusões. As estratégias integradas implementadas no Brasil ao longo da campanha geraram resultados alinhados com as recomendações da OMS para o controle de doenças tropicais negligenciadas, especialmente aquelas relativas à administração em massa de medicamentos, à detecção ativa de casos e à intensificação da gestão de casos. Portanto, a continuidade da campanha com ferramentas de avaliação adequadas deve ser incentivada como uma política de saúde pública constante na agenda do governo brasileiro.

RESUMEN Objetivo. Describir los resultados de una campaña nacional dirigida al control integrado de las enfermedades tropicales desatendidas en Brasil, a la luz de la documentación oficial de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) relacionada con la integración de estrategias para la prevención, el control y la eliminación o erradicación de las enfermedades tropicales desatendidas. Métodos. Revisión documental que comprendió documentos oficiales de la OMS publicados entre el 2007 y el 2020, así como los resultados de las campañas, extraídos del informe técnico oficial elaborado por el Ministerio de Salud de Brasil. Resultados. Con el tiempo, la OMS ha ido incorporando gradualmente en sus documentos el concepto de control integrado de las enfermedades tropicales desatendidas. Tanto los tratamientos quimioprofilácticos mediante la administración masiva de medicamentos como la intensificación del tratamiento de los casos y el control integrado de vectores han sido recomendados ampliamente como estrategias para el control integrado. En Brasil, la campaña se llevó a cabo en cuatro ediciones, realizadas entre el 2013 y el 2017. Las actividades estuvieron dirigidas a la población escolar de entre 5 y 14 años de las escuelas públicas municipales de todo el país. En resumen, se detectaron 1 074 y 73 522 casos nuevos de lepra y tracoma, respectivamente; se administraron casi 18 millones de dosis de tratamiento quimioprofiláctico contra las geohelmintiasis; y se diagnosticaron y trataron más de 700 casos de esquistosomiasis. Conclusiones. Las estrategias integradas aplicadas en Brasil en el transcurso de la campaña permitieron obtener resultados acordes con las recomendaciones de la OMS para el control de las enfermedades tropicales desatendidas, especialmente en lo relativo a la administración masiva de medicamentos, la búsqueda activa de casos y la intensificación de su tratamiento. Por lo tanto, es necesario fomentar la continuidad de la campaña con herramientas de evaluación adecuadas, como una política constante en materia de salud pública dentro de la agenda del Gobierno de Brasil.

ABSTRACT Objective. To describe the results of a national campaign aimed at the integrated control of neglected tropical diseases in Brazil in light of the World Health Organization (WHO) official documentation related to the integration of strategies for the prevention, control, and elimination or eradication of neglected tropical diseases. Methods. A document review that included official WHO documents published between 2007 and 2020 and campaign results extracted from the official technical report produced by the Brazilian Ministry of Health. Results. The integrated control of neglected tropical diseases was gradually incorporated in the WHO documentation over time. Preventive chemotherapy through mass drug administration, intensified case management, and integrated vector management were extensively recommended as strategies for integrated control. The Brazilian campaign was carried out in four iterations between 2013 and 2017. Children aged 5 to 14 years enrolled in municipal public schools nationwide were targeted. In summary, a total of 1 074 and 73 522 new cases of leprosy and trachoma, respectively, were detected. Nearly 18 million doses of preventive chemotherapy for soil-transmitted helminthiasis were administered. More than 700 cases of schistosomiasis were diagnosed and treated. Conclusions. The integrated strategies implemented in Brazil throughout the campaign generated results aligned with the WHO recommendations for the control of neglected tropical diseases, especially those regarding mass drug administration, active case detection, and intensified case management. Therefore, the continuity of the campaign with adequate evaluation tools must be encouraged as a constant public health policy in the Brazilian government agenda.

RESUMEN Objetivo. Analizar la distribución espacial y temporal de la mortalidad por enfermedades tropicales desatendidas en Brasil en el período 2000-2019 y los factores asociados a ella. Método. Estudio ecológico centrado en el análisis de las muertes por enfermedades tropicales desatendidas registradas en el Sistema de Información sobre Mortalidad. Para el análisis temporal se utilizó el método de regresión de puntos de inflexión (joinpoint). La dependencia espacial se analizó mediante los índices de Moran global y local y Gi* de Getis-Ord. Se utilizaron cuatro modelos de regresión espacial y no espacial para detectar los factores relacionados con la mortalidad. Resultados. La tasa media de mortalidad por enfermedades tropicales desatendidas en Brasil fue de 3,32 muertes por 100 000 habitantes en el periodo del estudio, y la tasa más alta observada (8,68 muertes por 100 000 habitantes) fue la del Centro Oeste. Las causas de muerte más prevalentes fueron la enfermedad de Chagas (n = 94.781; 74,9%) y la esquistosomiasis (n = 10.271; 8,1%). Se registró una disminución de 1,24% (IC del 95% = -1,6; -0,9; p < 0,001) anual de la mortalidad por enfermedades tropicales desatendidas en el país. Se observó un patrón de distribución espacial alto/alto, con puntos calientes en municipios de los estados de Bahía, Goiás, Minas Gerais, Piauí y Tocantins. Los indicadores “población en hogares con densidad > 2 habitantes por dormitorio” (β = -0,07; P = 0,00) e “índice de desarrollo humano municipal” (β = -3,36; P = 0,08) mostraron una asociación negativa con el resultado, mientras que el indicador “índice de vulnerabilidad social” (β = 2,74; P = 0,05) arrojó una asociación positiva. Conclusiones. Cuanto menor es el grado de desarrollo humano y mayor la vulnerabilidad social, mayor es la mortalidad por enfermedades tropicales desatendidas, lo que debe orientar las medidas correspondientes de prevención y control.

ABSTRACT Objective. To analyze the spatial-temporal distribution and factors associated with mortality from neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in Brazil from 2000 to 2019. Method. We performed an ecological study to analyze NTD-related deaths recorded in the Ministry of Health Mortality Information System (SIM). For the temporal analysis, the joinpoint method was used. Spatial dependence was analyzed using global Moran and local Getis-Ord Gi* indices. Four non-spatial and spatial regression models were used to identify factors associated with mortality. Results. The mean mortality rate from NTDs in Brazil during the study period was 3.32 deaths per 100 000 inhabitants, with the highest rate (8.68 deaths per 100 000 inhabitants) recorded in the Midwest. The most prevalent causes of death were Chagas disease (n = 94 781; 74.9%) and schistosomiasis (n = 10 271; 8.1%). There was a 1.24% reduction (95%CI = -1.6; -0.9; P < 0.001) in NTD-related mortality in Brazil per year. A high/high spatial distribution pattern and hotspots were observed in municipalities in the states of Goiás, Minas Gerais, Bahia, Tocantins, and Piauí. The indicators “population in households with density > 2 people per bedroom” (β = -0.07; P = 0.00) and “municipal human development index” (β = -3.36; P = 0.08) were negatively associated with the outcome, while the “index of social vulnerability” (β = 2.74; P = 0.05) was positively associated with the outcome. Conclusion. Lower human development and higher social vulnerability are associated with higher mortality from NTDs, which should guide NTD prevention and control efforts.

RESUMO Objetivo. Analisar a distribuição espaço-temporal e os fatores associados à mortalidade por doenças tropicais negligenciadas (DTNs) no Brasil de 2000 a 2019. MÉtodo. Estudo ecológico que analisou os óbitos por DTNs registrados no Sistema de Informação sobre Mortalidade (SIM). Para a análise temporal, utilizou-se o método joinpoint. A dependência espacial foi analisada pelos índices de Moran global e local e Getis-Ord Gi*. Quatro modelos de regressão não espacial e espacial foram usados para identificar fatores associados ao óbito. Resultados. A taxa média de mortalidade por DTNs no Brasil foi de 3,32 óbitos/100 000 habitantes no período considerado, com a maior taxa (8,68 óbitos/100 000 habitantes) observada no Centro-Oeste. As causas mais prevalentes de morte foram doença de Chagas (n = 94 781; 74,9%) e esquistossomose (n = 10 271; 8,1%). Houve redução de 1,24% (IC95% = -1,6; - 0,9; P < 0,001) ao ano da mortalidade por DTNs no Brasil. Observou-se padrão alto/alto de distribuição espacial e hotspots em municípios dos estados de Goiás, Minas Gerais, Bahia, Tocantins e Piauí. Os indicadores “população em domicílios com densidade > 2 habitantes por dormitório” (β = -0,07; P = 0,00) e “índice de desenvolvimento humano municipal” (β = -3,36; P = 0,08) associaram-se negativamente ao desfecho, enquanto o indicador “índice de vulnerabilidade social” (β = 2,74; P = 0,05) associou-se positivamente ao desfecho. Conclusão. Quanto menor o desenvolvimento humano e maior a vulnerabilidade social, maior é a mortalidade por DTNs, o que deve direcionar as ações de prevenção e controle das DTNs.

ABSTRACT Background: To analyze the temporal evolution of research on Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) published by the Journal of the Brazilian Society of Tropical Medicine (JBSTM). Methods: We performed an analysis of the scientific production in JBSTM on NTDs using an advanced search, which included authors’ descriptors, title, and abstract, and by combining specific terms for each NTDs from 1991 to 2021. Data related to authors, countries of origin, institutions, and descriptors, were evaluated and analyzed over time. Bibliographic networks were constructed using VOSviewer 1.6.16. Results: The JBSTM published 4,268 scientific papers during this period. Of these 1,849 (43.3%) were related to NTDs. The number of publications on NTDs increased by approximately 2.4-fold, from 352 (total 724) during 1991-2000 to 841 (total 2,128) during 2011-2021, despite the proportional reduction (48.6% versus 39.5%). The most common singular NTDs subject of publications included Chagas disease (31.4%; 581/1,849), leishmaniasis (25.5%, 411/1,849), dengue (9.4%, 174/1,849), schistosomiasis (9.0%; 166/1,849), and leprosy (6.5%, 120/1,849), with authorship mostly from Brazil’s South and Southeast regions. Conclusions: Despite the proportional reduction in publications, JBSTM remains an important vehicle for disseminating research on NTDs during this period. There is a need to strengthen the research and subsequent publications on specific NTDs. Institutions working and publishing on NTDs in the country were concentrated in the South and Southeast regions, requiring additional investments in institutions in other regions of the country.

ABSTRACT Background: This cross-sectional study compared the general impact of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) and patient satisfaction with treatment and health services as perceived by those undergoing different therapeutic regimens in an endemic region in South-Eastern Brazil. We also investigated the factors associated with both outcomes (general impact and satisfaction). Methods: We included 84 patients with CL treated between 2018 and 2019 with intravenous meglumine antimoniate, liposomal amphotericin B, or intralesional meglumine antimoniate therapy. Data were collected through interviews that assessed sociodemographic characteristics, comorbidity status, access and use of health services for CL diagnosis and treatment, and the items of the Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Impact Questionnaire (CLIQ). The CLIQ is a psychometric questionnaire previously validated to assess the general impact of CL on patient satisfaction with treatment and health services. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the factors associated with high CL impact and low patient satisfaction. Results: The general impact of CL and patient satisfaction with treatment and health services were not significantly associated with the therapeutic regimen. High CL impact was associated with low family income (odds ratio [OR]:3.3; 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.0-10.3), occurrence of complications/adverse effects during treatment (OR:7.7; 95%CI:2.4-25.6), and additional costs during diagnosis and/or treatment (OR:12.1; 95% CI:2.8-52.4). Low satisfaction was associated with high disease impact (OR: 9.5; 95% CI:2.7-33.9), occurrence of complications/adverse effects (OR:4.2; 95% CI:1.3-13.0), and high family income (OR:7.1; 95%CI:1.7-28.2). Conclusions: Our data support public health policies aimed at reducing the impact of CL and its treatment as well as the use of therapy with fewer adverse effects.

Abstract Neglected tropical diseases are a diverse group of communicable pathologies that mainly prevail in tropical and subtropical regions. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate the biological potential of eight 4-(4-chlorophenyl)thiazole compounds. Tests were carried out in silico to evaluate the pharmacokinetic properties, the antioxidant, cytotoxic activities in animal cells and antiparasitic activities were evaluated against the different forms of Leishmania amazonensis and Trypanosoma cruzi in vitro. The in silico study showed that the evaluated compounds showed good oral availability. In a preliminary in vitro study, the compounds showed moderate to low antioxidant activity. Cytotoxicity assays show that the compounds showed moderate to low toxicity. In relation to leishmanicidal activity, the compounds presented IC50 values that ranged from 19.86 to 200 µM for the promastigote form, while for the amastigote forms, IC50 ranged from 101 to more than 200 µM. The compounds showed better results against the forms of T. cruzi with IC50 ranging from 1.67 to 100 µM for the trypomastigote form and 1.96 to values greater than 200 µM for the amastigote form. This study showed that thiazole compounds can be used as future antiparasitic agents.

ABSTRACT Chagas disease (CD) is a neglected disease caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. It has high morbidity and mortality rates and mainly affects socially vulnerable populations. This is a cross-sectional study, with retrospective and prospective data collection. Using questionnaires applied to environmental surveillance coordinators, we characterized the status of CD surveillance activities in municipalities endemic for the disease in Northern Minas Gerais State (MG) and Jequitinhonha Valley (Vale do Jequitinhonha). Moreover, we spatialized the vulnerability index for chronic CD in the study area. The population consisted of 22 environmental surveillance coordinators, active in 2020, from Northern MG and Jequitinhonha Valley, 21 municipalities included in the SaMi-Trop research project, and Montes Claros municipality. After applying the questionnaires to the coordinators, a descriptive analysis of the variables was performed. To characterize the active municipalities, the explanatory variables collected in the questionnaire were compared with the dichotomous variable. Bivariate descriptive analysis was performed. Finally, geoprocessing techniques were used to spatialize the data and prepare maps. Regarding the team of endemic combat agents (ECA), 90.9% reported the lack of a specific team for CD vector control actions. Of the 22 municipalities participating in this study, nine were active (41.1%). Only 25% (n=2) of active municipalities (9% of the municipalities studied) met the target of visiting 50% of households per year. Finally, 81.1% of the coordinators stated that in their municipality, they developed actions linked to primary health care (PHC). The implementation of CD surveillance activities weakened in the endemic region. Few municipalities have a surveillance team, with low regularity of active surveillance and noncompliance with the program’s goal. The results suggest insufficient recording of activities in the information system, considering that there are municipalities that report performing the activities, but no production record was observed in the system.

Abstract Identifying risk areas for envenomation by animals is relevant for public health, such as strategic distribution of antivenoms. Coral snakes are highly diverse in the Amazon, inhabit natural and human-modified environments, and the outcome of the cases tends to be serious and potentially lethal due to their neurotoxic venom. By integrating species’ geographical records and environmental variables, we used species distribution modeling to predict the distribution of coral snake species in the Brazilian Amazonia. We analyzed the relationship between the predicted distribution of coral snake species, along with envenomation data in the region, to propose actions to reduce the number of cases and to provide tools for a better policy of public health. We conclude that the entire Amazon shows high environmental suitability for coral snakes, and such suitability explains little about the incidence of cases. This is probably due to the low human density in the Amazon and to coral snake traits such as secretive habits and non-agressive behavior. Differently from other venomous snakes, the scenario regarding coral snakebites precludes the detection of prominent geographical areas of concern and demands a broad and equitable availability of health centers throughout Amazonia and along other areas of occurrence of the genus Micrurus. antivenoms humanmodified modified environments venom variables region nonagressive non agressive behavior Micrurus

ABSTRACT Chikungunya fever (CHIK) is a neglected tropical disease associated with chronic arthritis. CHIK is usually a self-limiting condition; however, extra-articular manifestations present as atypical illness in a minority of patients. These atypical features may mimic other conditions and potentially distract physicians from the true diagnosis. This review analyzes the evidence of many unusual extra-articular manifestations reported in cases of CHIK. Depending on the affected system, these unusual manifestations include encephalitis, myocarditis, acute interstitial nephritis, cutaneous manifestations, acute anterior uveitis, abdominal pain, and depression. In addition, coinfections and comorbidities may cause atypical illness and obscure the diagnosis. Further studies are required to clarify the pathophysiology and natural history of CHIK, as it remains a burdening condition. Exploring its atypical symptoms may be the missing scientific piece of this puzzle. (CHIK arthritis selflimiting self limiting condition however extraarticular extra articular patients diagnosis system encephalitis myocarditis nephritis uveitis pain depression addition puzzle

Abstract Bartonella are rodent-borne bacteria that cause varied human etiologies. Studies on synanthropic rodents are rare, causing gaps in epidemiological knowledge. We tested bloodclot samples from 79 rats from an urban slum in Salvador, Brazil through PCR targeting gltA gene. Nine samples (11.4%) were positive: six had 100% identity with Bartonella sp. isolate JF429580 and 99.5% with B. queenslandensis strain AUST/NH8; three were 100% identical to isolate JF429532 and 99.7% to B. tribocorum. This is the second report on urban rat Bartonella indicating bacterial circulation at detectable rates. Its presence in rats from vulnerable human settlements demands public health attention.

ABSTRACT Background: Chagas disease (ChD) is a neglected tropical disease that is caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi and can negatively impact quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to assess and compare QoL between individuals with and without ChD. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed within a concurrent cohort study (REDS). The participants were derived from two blood donation centers: São Paulo capital and Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Participants with ChD were identified in blood donations by serological diagnosis between 2008 and 2010, and those without ChD were donors with negative serology identified during the same period. QoL was assessed using the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF questionnaire. Logistic regression was used to compare sociodemographic and clinical characteristics between the groups, and mean, standard deviation, and beta regression were used to compare QoL. Results: In total, 611 individuals participated in the study (328 with ChD and 283 without ChD). Participants with ChD had lower QoL in the physical (p=0.02) and psychological (p<0.01) domains than did individuals without CD. Conclusions: Individuals with ChD had worse QoL perceptions. These results provide a comprehensive understanding of the impact of ChD on individuals' QoL, while also highlighting potential opportunities for improving the care and treatment of those affected.