The World Health Organization (WHO) roadmap and recommendations for elimination of schistosomiasis were recently updated. With significant reductions in the prevalence and intensity of schistosomiasis infections worldwide, there is a need for more sensitive diagnostic methods. There are a few remaining transmission hotspots in Brazil, although low endemicity settings comprise most of the endemic localities. For the latter, serology may represent a tool for population screening which could help eliminate transmission of schistosomiasis. Here, we review serology tests currently available in Brazil from both public health and private laboratories: immunofluorescent antibody tests (IFATs) on adult worm sections and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) with soluble egg and adult worm antigens. Both in-house and commercially available tests have received less than adequate performance evaluations. Our review of immediate basic and operational research goals may help identify local adjustments that can be made to improve control interventions aimed at elimination of schistosomiasis as a public health problem. WHO (WHO updated worldwide methods localities latter Here laboratories IFATs (IFATs enzymelinked enzyme linked ELISAs (ELISAs antigens inhouse house evaluations problem

ABSTRACT Clinical similarities among viral diseases become even more relevant considering the current scenario, especially in Brazil, where there is a high incidence of these diseases and overlapping seasonality. We report the case of a patient with acute clinical manifestations composed of predominant respiratory symptoms and alveolar hemorrhage in which three etiologies (dengue, influenza and COVID-19) were investigated concomitantly. Only the diagnosis of dengue was confirmed. Then, the patient’s immunological profile in response to stimulation of mononuclear cells with dengue virus antigen was analyzed in an attempt to identify specific characteristics that could be associated with the clinical manifestation.

BACKGROUND The mechanism of resistance to SbIII in Leishmania is complex, multifactorial and involves not only biochemical mechanisms, but also other elements, such as the immune system of the host. OBJECTIVES In this study, putative changes in the immunological profile of human monocytes infected with wild-type (WT) and antimony (SbIII)-resistant Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis and Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum lines were evaluated. METHODS Susceptibility assays WT and SbIII-resistant L. braziliensis and L. infantum were performed using lines THP-1 human monocytic lineage. Phagocytic capacity, cytokine profile, intracellular nitric oxide (NO) production and surface carbohydrate residues profile were performed in peripheral blood monocytes by flow cytometry. FINDINGS The phagocytic capacity and intracellular NO production by classical (CD14++CD16-) and proinflammatory (CD14++CD16+) monocytes were higher in the presence of L. infantum lines compared to L. braziliensis lines. The results also highlight proinflammatory monocytes as the cellular subpopulation of major relevance in a phagocytosis event and NO expression. It is important to note that L. infantum induced a proinflammatory cytokine profile characterised by higher levels of TNF-α in culture supernatant than L. braziliensis. Conversely, both Leishmania lines induce high levels of IL-6 in culture supernatant. Analysis of the expression profile of surface carbohydrates showed that L. braziliensis presents 4.3-fold higher expression of galactose(β1,4)N-acetylglucosamine than L. infantum line. Interestingly, the expression level of α-N-acetylgalactosamine residues was 2-fold lower in the SbIII-resistant L. braziliensis line than its counterpart WT line, indicating differences in surface glycoconjugates between these lines. MAIN CONCLUSIONS Our results showed that L. braziliensis and L. infantum induce different innate immune responses and a highly inflammatory profile, which is characteristic of infection by L. infantum, the species associated with visceral disease.

BACKGROUND Oxidative stress is responsible for generating DNA lesions and the 8-oxoguanine (8-oxoG) is the most commonly lesion found in DNA damage. When this base is incorporated during DNA replication, it could generate double-strand DNA breaks and cellular death. MutT enzyme hydrolyzes the 8-oxoG from the nucleotide pool, preventing its incorporation during DNA replication. OBJECTIVES To investigate the importance of 8-oxoG in Leishmania infantum and L. braziliensis, in this study we analysed the impact of heterologous expression of Escherichia coli MutT (EcMutT) enzyme in drug-resistance phenotype and defense against oxidative stress. METHODS Comparative analysis of L. braziliensis and L. infantum H2O2 tolerance and cell cycle profile were performed. Lines of L. braziliensis and L. infantum expressing EcMutT were generated and evaluated using susceptibility tests to H2O2 and SbIII, cell cycle analysis, γH2A western blotting, and BrdU native detection assay. FINDINGS Comparative analysis of tolerance to oxidative stress generated by H2O2 showed that L. infantum is more tolerant to exogenous H2O2 than L. braziliensis. In addition, cell cycle analysis showed that L. infantum, after treatment with H2O2, remains in G1 phase, returning to its normal growth rate after 72 h. In contrast, after treatment with H2O2, L. braziliensis parasites continue to move to the next stages of the cell cycle. Expression of the E. coli MutT gene in L. braziliensis and L. infantum does not interfere in parasite growth or in susceptibility to SbIII. Interestingly, we observed that L. braziliensis EcMutT-expressing clones were more tolerant to H2O2 treatment, presented lower activation of γH2A, a biomarker of genotoxic stress, and lower replication stress than its parental non-transfected parasites. In contrast, the EcMutT is not involved in protection against oxidative stress generated by H2O2 in L. infantum. MAIN CONCLUSIONS Our results showed that 8-oxoG clearance in L. braziliensis is important to avoid misincorporation during DNA replication after oxidative stress generated by H2O2.

BACKGROUND Leprosy is an infectious-contagious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae that remain endemic in 105 countries. This neglected disease has a wide range of clinical and histopathological manifestations that are related to the host inflammatory and immune responses. More recently, the inflammasome has assumed a relevant role in the inflammatory response against microbiological agents. However, the involvement of inflammasome in leprosy remains poorly understood. OBJECTIVES The aim is to associate biomarkers of inflammasome with the different immunopathological forms of leprosy. METHODS We performed an observational, cross-sectional, and comparative study of the immunophenotypic expression of inflammasome-associated proteins in immunopathological forms of leprosy of 99 skin lesion samples by immunohistochemistry. The intensity and percentage of NLRP3, Caspase-1, Caspases-4/5, interleukin-1β and interleukin-18 immunoreactivities in the inflammatory infiltrate of skin biopsies were evaluated. FINDINGS Strong expression of NLRP3 and inflammatory Caspases-4/5 were observed in lepromatous leprosy (lepromatous pole). In addition, were observed low expression of caspase-1, interleukin-1β, and interleukin-18 in tuberculoid and lepromatous leprosy. The interpolar or borderline form showed immunophenotype predominantly similar to the lepromatous pole. MAIN CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate that the NLRP3 inflammasome is inactive in leprosy, suggesting immune evasion of M. leprae.

Abstract INTRODUCTION In Brazil, Biomphalaria glabrata, B. tenagophila, and B. straminea are intermediate hosts of Schistosoma mansoni, the etiological agent of schistosomiasis mansoni. Molluscicide use is recommended by the WHO for controlling the transmission of this parasite. Euphorbia milii latex has shown promising results as an alternative molluscicide. Thus, a natural molluscicide prototype kit based on freeze-dried E. milii latex was developed and evaluated against Biomphalaria spp. METHODS E. milii latex was collected, processed, and lyophilized. Two diluents were defined for freeze-dried latex rehydration, and a prototype kit, called MoluSchall, was produced. A stability test was conducted using prototype kits stored at different temperatures, and a toxicity assay was performed using Danio rerio. Additionally, MoluSchall was tested against B. glabrata under semi-natural conditions according to defined conditions in the laboratory. RESULTS MoluSchall was lethal to three Brazilian snail species while exhibiting low toxicity to D. rerio. Regardless of storage temperature, MoluSchall was stable for 24 months and was effective against B. glabrata under semi-natural conditions, with the same LD100 as observed under laboratory conditions. CONCLUSIONS MoluSchall is a natural, effective, and inexpensive molluscicide with lower environmental toxicity than existing molluscicides. Its production offers a possible alternative strategy for controlling S. mansoni transmission.

ABSTRACT A prospective cohort study with rigorous searching for schistosomiasis cases was conducted among residents of Pedra Preta, Montes Claros, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, seven years after an intervention. Kato-Katz (KK), Saline Gradient, Miracidia Hatch and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) were used as the diagnostic methods in 2008. In the period of 2013-2016, 175 patients remaining in the area were examined using the diagnostic methods Kato-Katz (24 slides, 1 g of feces) and Saline Gradient (2 procedures, 1 g of feces). Sixty-eight out of the 69 infected and treated individuals in 2008 tested negative. The percentage of new cases was 2.29% (4/175), and the 4 infected individuals presented low parasitic load [1, 6, 7 and 19 eggs per gram (EPG)]. All the participants answered epidemiological questionnaires on risky behavior. All residences had pit latrines and domiciliary water supply. The primary transmission focus (lake) was dry for several months. Malacological surveys showed a few non-infected specimens of Biomphalaria glabrata . A clear dominance of Biomphalaria straminea was observed. It can be inferred that a significant decrease in the disease transmission occurred after a single action through an intense search for infected and treated cases under the ecoepidemiological conditions of this area.

BACKGROUND Studies aimed at validating canine visceral leishmaniasis diagnostic tests present heterogeneous results regarding test accuracy, partly due to divergences in reference standards used and different infection evolution periods in animals. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of the rapid test-dual path platform (TR-DPP) (Biomanguinhos®), EIE-Leishmaniose-Visceral-Canina-Biomanguinhos (EIE-LVC) (Biomanguinhos®), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) rK39 (in-house), and the direct agglutination test (DAT-Canis) against a reference standard comprising parasitological and molecular techniques. METHODS A phase II/III validation study was carried out in sample sera from 123 predominantly asymptomatic dogs living in an area endemic for visceral leishmaniasis. FINDINGS Sixty-nine (56.1%) animals were considered infected according to the reference standard. For each test, the sensitivity and specificity, respectively, were as follows: TR-DPP, 21.74% [confidence interval (CI)95% 13.64% to 32.82%] and 92.59% (CI95% 82.45% to 97.08%); EIE-LVC, 11.59% (CI95% 5.9% to 21.25%) and 90.74% (CI95% 80.09% to 95.98%); ELISA rK39, 37.68% (CI95% 27.18% to 49.48%) and 83.33% (CI95% 71.26% to 90.98%); and DAT-Canis, 18.84% (CI95% 11.35% to 29.61%) and 96.30% (CI95% 87.46% to 98.98%). CONCLUSION We concluded that improving the sensitivity of serum testing for diagnosing asymptomatic dogs must constitute a priority in the process of developing new diagnostic tests to be used in the visceral leishmaniasis control program in Brazil.

BACKGROUND Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) is an infectious disease that is a significant cause of death among infants aged under 1 year and the elderly in Brazil. Serodiagnosis is a mainstay of VL elimination programs; however, it has significant limitations due to low accuracy. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate three recombinant Leishmania infantum proteins (rFc, rC9, and rA2) selected from previous proteomics and genomics analyses to develop enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunochromatographic tests (ICT) for the serodiagnosis of human VL (HVL) and canine VL (CVL). METHODS A total of 186 human (70 L. infantum-infected symptomatic, 20 other disease-infected, and 96 healthy) and 185 canine (82 L. infantum-infected symptomatic, 27 L. infantum-infected asymptomatic, and 76 healthy) sera samples were used for antibody detection. FINDINGS Of the three proteins, rA2 (91.5% sensitivity and 87% specificity) and rC9 (95.7% sensitivity and 87.5% specificity) displayed the best performance in ELISA-HVL and ELISA-CVL, respectively. ICT-rA2 also displayed the best performance for HVL diagnosis (92.3% sensitivity and 88.0% specificity) and had high concordance with immunofluorescence antibody tests (IFAT), ELISA-rK39, IT-LEISH®, and ELISAEXT. ICT-rFc, ICT-rC9, and ICT-rA2 had sensitivities of 88.6%, 86.5%, and 87.0%, respectively, with specificity values of 84.0%, 92.0%, and 100%, respectively for CVL diagnosis. MAIN CONCLUSIONS The three antigens selected by us are promising candidates for VL diagnosis regardless of the test format, although the antigen combinations and test parameters may warrant further optimisation.

ABSTRACT Background: Hypertension is considered a public health problem due to its high prevalence and control difficulties. Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of hypertension and evaluate the main characteristics associated with failure to control blood pressure comparing rural with the urban population. Materials and methods: An epidemiological study of 1528 adult residents of the city of Sacramento/Minas Gerais/Brazil. Were collected during home visits, socioeconomic and behavioral variables, the following characteristics of drug treatment, difficulties in using the health and achievement of blood pressure measurement services. To analyze the association between the dependent variable (not blood pressure control) and other variables we used the chi-square test of Pearson and the Odds Ratio. The level of significance was set at α = 0.05, Results: 153 subjects residing in rural areas and 1375 in urban area were interviewed. The prevalence of hypertension in the city was 38.6% and 38.6% in urban areas and 38.5 % in rural areas. Among hypertensive patients (n = 590), 91.5% were aware of this condition; 90.6% were under treatment, and 52.6 % had controlled blood pressure. The variables that were associated with the non-control BP were: alcohol consumption (p = 0.001), difficulty in following the prescriptions (p = 0.000), failure to attend medical appointments (p = 0.005). Conclusions: Hypertension proved to be highly prevalent and important public health as well in a small city from the countryside.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Estimar la prevalencia, el conocimiento y el tratamiento de la hipertensión arterial sistémica, comparando las características asociadas con ningún control de la presión arterial entre la población urbana y rural de una pequeña ciudad del interior de Minas Gerais. Material y método: Estudio epidemiológico con 1.528 habitantes de la ciudad de Sacramento / Brasil. Se recogieron variables socioeconómicas y de comportamiento, dificultades para usar los servicios de salud y si hubo control de la presión arterial. Para analizar la asociación entre la variable dependiente (Ningún control de la presión arterial) y las demás variables se utilizó la prueba Chi cuadrado de Pearson y se calculó el cociente de probabilidades. El nivel de significación se fijó en α = 0,05 Resultados: Se entrevistó a 153 habitantes de la zona rural y a 1.375 de la zona urbana. La prevalencia de hipertensión fue de 38,6%: 38,6% en la zona urbana y 38,5% en la rural. Entre los pacientes hipertensos (n = 590), el 91,5% era consciente de su estado; un 90,6% estaba en tratamiento y un 52,6% había controlado la presión arterial. El consumo de bebidas alcohólicas (p = 0,001), la dificultad para seguir con los medicamentos recetados (p = 0,000), el faltar a las citas médicas de rutina (p = 0,005) están asociados con ningún control de la presión arterial. Conclusiones: La hipertensión arterial ha demostrado ser de alta prevalencia y un problema de salud pública grave también para una pequeña ciudad del interior del país.

RESUMO Objetivo: estimar a prevalência, conhecimento e tratamento da hipertensão arterial sistêmica, comparando as características associadas ao não controle da pressão arterial entre população hipertensa urbana e rural de um município de pequeno porte do interior de Minas Gerais. Material e métodos: estudo epidemiológico com 1.528 residentes do município de Sacramento-MG, Brasil. Foram coletadas variáveis socioeconômicas e comportamentais, dificuldades de utilização dos serviços de saúde e realização da medida da pressão arterial. Para analisar a associação entre a variável dependente (não controle da pressão arterial) e demais variáveis, utilizou-se o teste qui-quadrado de Pearson e calculou-se a Odds Ratio. O nível de significância adotado foi de α = 0.05. Resultados: foram entrevistados 153 sujeitos residentes da área rural e 1.375 da área urbana. A prevalência da hipertensão foi de 38,6%, sendo 38,6% na área urbana e 38,5% na área rural. Entre os hipertensos (n=590), 91,5% sabiam dessa condição; 90,6% estavam em tratamento e 52,6% apresentaram a pressão arterial controlada. Tinham associação com o não controle da pressão arterial: consumo de bebida alcoólica (p=0,001), dificuldade de seguir a prescrição medicamentosa (p=0,000), não comparecimento às consultas médicas de rotina (p=0,005). Conclusões: a hipertensão arterial revelou-se de alta prevalência e importante problema de saúde pública também em um município de pequeno porte do interior do país.

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Schistosomiasis, caused by Schistosoma mansoni, is a public health concern in Brazil. However, the most popular diagnostic method, the Kato-Katz technique, exhibits low sensitivity in low-endemicity areas. We aimed to compare the performance of an immunological assay, the point-of-care circulating cathodic antigen (POC-CCA®) test, with that of two parasitological techniques in a low-endemicity population. METHODS: Our study included 141 individuals living in Estreito de Miralta, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Fecal samples were obtained from all participants and analyzed for schistosomiasis using two parasitological techniques: the Kato-Katz technique and the saline gradient technique. Additionally, POC-CCA® strips were utilized for testing urine samples. The results obtained by the different techniques were compared. RESULTS: Analysis of two or 24 slides using the Kato-Katz technique resulted in a positivity rate of 10.6% (15/141) or 19.1% (27/141), respectively. The saline gradient technique yielded a positivity rate of 17.0% (24/141). The prevalence according to both parasitological techniques was 24.1% (34/141). The POC-CCA® test yielded a positivity rate of 22.7% (32/141); however, the positivity rate was merely 2.1% if trace results were considered negative. The agreements observed between POC-CCA® and the parasitological techniques were good (Kappa indexes > 0.64). The POC-CCA® test was more sensitive than the two-slide Kato-Katz technique (p < 0.05) in detecting cases of S. mansoni infection when trace results were considered positive. CONCLUSIONS: These findings reinforce the importance of using multiple diagnostic techniques in low-endemicity areas for effective control of disease.

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Acceptance of the IT LEISH(r) and direct agglutination test- made in the Laboratório de Pesquisas Clínicas (DAT-LPC) by healthcare professionals and patients suspected of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in Ribeirão das Neves was evaluated. METHODS: Ninety-two patients and 47 professionals completed three questionnaires. RESULTS: Eighty-eight (96%) patients considered fingertip blood collection a positive test feature, and 86% (37) and 91% of professionals considered the IT LEISH(r) easy to perform and interpret, respectively. All professionals classified the DAT-LPC as simple and easy. CONCLUSIONS: Patients and healthcare professionals in Ribeirão das Neves demonstrated a high degree of acceptance of the IT LEISH(r) and DAT-LPC.

Resumo Este trabalho relata o processo e os custos da implantação de dois testes para descentralizar o diagnóstico da leishmaniose visceral (LV) em um município endêmico no Brasil: um teste rápido (IT LEISH) e um teste de aglutinação direta (DAT-LPC). A implantação iniciou com o treinamento dos profissionais de saúde do município na realização dos testes diagnósticos. Os itens incluídos nas estimativas de custo das capacitações foram a remuneração proporcional de todos os profissionais envolvidos e os custos diretos dos testes usados. O estudo foi conduzido entre novembro de 2011 e novembro de 2013. Durante esse período, 17 capacitações foram realizadas e 175 profissionais treinados. O custo relacionado a cada profissional de saúde capacitado na realização do IT LEISH foi de US$ 7,13 e na realização do DAT-LPC, de US$ 9,93. O custo direto do IT LEISH e do DAT-LPC foi estimado em US$ 6,62 e US$ 5,44, respectivamente. Esta primeira avaliação da implantação desses dois testes aponta para a viabilidade da descentralização de ambos os métodos, que aumentam o acesso ao diagnóstico da LV no Brasil.

Abstract This work reports the process and costs of comprehensively implementing two tests to decentralize the diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in an endemic city in Brazil: a rapid test (IT LEISH) and a direct agglutination test (DAT-LPC). The implementation began by training health professionals to perform the tests. Estimation of the training costs considered the proportional remuneration of all professionals involved and the direct costs of the tests used for training. The study was conducted between November 2011 and November 2013. During that time, 17 training sessions were held, and 175 professionals were trained. The training cost for each professional was US$ 7.13 for the IT LEISH and US$ 9.93 for the DAT-LPC. The direct costs of the IT LEISH and DAT-LPC were estimated to be US$ 6.62 and US$ 5.44, respectively. This first evaluation of the implementation of these diagnostic tests indicates the feasibility of decentralizing both methods to extend access to VL diagnosis in Brazil.

Resumen Este trabajo relata la puesta en funcionamiento y los costos de pruebas de diagnóstico de VL en un municipio endémico en Brasil: el test rápido (IT LEISH) y la prueba de aglutinación directa (DAT-LPC). Esta puesta en marcha comenzó por capacitar al personal sanitario del municipio para la realización de las pruebas. Para estimar los costos de la capacitación, se consideró la remuneración proporcional de todo el personal involucrado y los costos directos derivados de la aplicación de las pruebas. El estudio fue realizado entre noviembre de 2011 y noviembre de 2013. En ese periodo se realizaron 17 capacitaciones y se formaron 175 profesionales. Se calcula que el costo derivado de capacitar cada profesional para realizar el IT LEISH fue de 7.13 US$ y 9.93 US$ para el DAT-LPC. Los costos directos del IT LEISH y del DAT-LPC se estimaron en 6,62 US$ y 5,44 US$ respectivamente. La primera evaluación de la puesta en funcionamiento de las dos pruebas en este municipio señala que es viable descentralizar su realización, lo que amplía el acceso al diagnóstico de la VL en Brasil.

Resumo Este trabalho relata o processo e os custos da implantação de dois testes para descentralizar o diagnóstico da leishmaniose visceral (LV) em um município endêmico no Brasil: um teste rápido (IT LEISH) e um teste de aglutinação direta (DAT-LPC). A implantação iniciou com o treinamento dos profissionais de saúde do município na realização dos testes diagnósticos. Os itens incluídos nas estimativas de custo das capacitações foram a remuneração proporcional de todos os profissionais envolvidos e os custos diretos dos testes usados. O estudo foi conduzido entre novembro de 2011 e novembro de 2013. Durante esse período, 17 capacitações foram realizadas e 175 profissionais treinados. O custo relacionado a cada profissional de saúde capacitado na realização do IT LEISH foi de US$ 7,13 e na realização do DAT-LPC, de US$ 9,93. O custo direto do IT LEISH e do DAT-LPC foi estimado em US$ 6,62 e US$ 5,44, respectivamente. Esta primeira avaliação da implantação desses dois testes aponta para a viabilidade da descentralização de ambos os métodos, que aumentam o acesso ao diagnóstico da LV no Brasil.

Abstract This work reports the process and costs of comprehensively implementing two tests to decentralize the diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in an endemic city in Brazil: a rapid test (IT LEISH) and a direct agglutination test (DAT-LPC). The implementation began by training health professionals to perform the tests. Estimation of the training costs considered the proportional remuneration of all professionals involved and the direct costs of the tests used for training. The study was conducted between November 2011 and November 2013. During that time, 17 training sessions were held, and 175 professionals were trained. The training cost for each professional was US$ 7.13 for the IT LEISH and US$ 9.93 for the DAT-LPC. The direct costs of the IT LEISH and DAT-LPC were estimated to be US$ 6.62 and US$ 5.44, respectively. This first evaluation of the implementation of these diagnostic tests indicates the feasibility of decentralizing both methods to extend access to VL diagnosis in Brazil.

Resumen Este trabajo relata la puesta en funcionamiento y los costos de pruebas de diagnóstico de VL en un municipio endémico en Brasil: el test rápido (IT LEISH) y la prueba de aglutinación directa (DAT-LPC). Esta puesta en marcha comenzó por capacitar al personal sanitario del municipio para la realización de las pruebas. Para estimar los costos de la capacitación, se consideró la remuneración proporcional de todo el personal involucrado y los costos directos derivados de la aplicación de las pruebas. El estudio fue realizado entre noviembre de 2011 y noviembre de 2013. En ese periodo se realizaron 17 capacitaciones y se formaron 175 profesionales. Se calcula que el costo derivado de capacitar cada profesional para realizar el IT LEISH fue de 7.13 US$ y 9.93 US$ para el DAT-LPC. Los costos directos del IT LEISH y del DAT-LPC se estimaron en 6,62 US$ y 5,44 US$ respectivamente. La primera evaluación de la puesta en funcionamiento de las dos pruebas en este municipio señala que es viable descentralizar su realización, lo que amplía el acceso al diagnóstico de la VL en Brasil.

O presente estudo teve por objetivo identificar os determinantes sócio-históricos atribuídos pelos usuários às vivências de cuidado na Estratégia Saúde da Família (ESF) na área rural do município de Sacramento/MG. Trata-se de um estudo exploratório com abordagem qualitativa, utilizando para a coleta de dados a técnica de grupos focais e para a interpretação dos resultados, a análise de conteúdo. Foram constituídos três grupos com representantes das famílias de três, dentre seis, povoados rurais, totalizando 36 sujeitos, doze em cada grupo, residentes na área rural e usuários da ESF há pelo menos dois anos, escolhidos com base em fichas de cadastro das famílias na ESF estudada. Sob a perspectiva do materialismo histórico, a análise de conteúdo dos grupos foi concentrada em quatro categorias: disponibilidade; acesso a recursos; movimento socialecondições materiais. Os resultados demonstraram satisfação dos usuários em relação à disponibilidade da equipe para a atenção, e o tato nas relações; engajamento na manutenção das condições de saúde e atuação na dimensão sócio-histórica do processo saúde/doença com objetivo de melhorar as condições de vida e trabalho. Houve insatisfação em relação ao aspecto organizacional, remetendo a tudo que ainda está insuficiente, precário ou inexistente nas comunidades. Observou-se na ação da equipe o desenvolvimento de capacidades junto à comunidade que garantiam seus direitos sociais e sua politização. Conclui-se que o enfrentamento do processo saúde/doença pela comunidade e equipe da ESF envolve outros elementos, além do conhecimento técnico-científico, que determinam a simetria do vínculo profissional/usuário viabilizando a produção conjunta de saúde na comunidade.

This study aimed to identify socio-historical determinants assigned by users to their experience of care in the Family Health Strategy (FHS) in the rural area of the municipality of Sacramento (Southeastern Brazil). This exploratory study with a qualitative approach used the focus group technique to collect data and content analysis to interpret the results. Three groups were formed with representatives from three out of six rural areas, totaling 36 subjects, twelve in each group. They lived in the rural area, had been FHS users for at least two years, and were chosen based on enrollment records of families in the FHS under study. From the perspective of historical materialism, the content analysis of the groups concentrated on four categories: availability, access to resources, social movement and material conditions. The results showed user satisfaction regarding the team's availability to provide care and tact in relationships, engagement in maintaining the health conditions, and action in the socio-historical dimension of the health/disease process in order to improve life and work conditions. There was dissatisfaction with the organizational aspect, referring to everything that is still insufficient, poor or non-existent in communities. We observed, in the team's actions, the development of capacities in the community that ensured their social rights and politicization. We conclude that the confrontation of the health/disease process by the community and by the FHS team involves other elements, in addition to technical and scientific knowledge, which determine the symmetry of the professional/user bond, enabling joint production of health in the community.