Abstract INTRODUCTION: We evaluated IL-10, IL-2 and regulatory T cells (Treg), in response to ovalbumin (OA), in offspring from schistosomotic mouse mothers. METHODS: We used animals born (BIM) or suckled (SIM) from infected mothers; and mice born/suckled from infected (BSIM) or non-infected mothers (CONTROL). After OA+adjuvant immunization, spleen cells were cultured, with or without OA, and doubly marked for cytometry. RESULTS: BIM showed fewer CD4+/IL-2+ and more B220+/IL-10+ cells, whereas the SIM group showed increased Treg frequency. BSIM had fewer B220+/IL-10+ and Treg cells. CONCLUSIONS: Separately, gestation or nursing induced immunosuppressive cells in infected mothers, but improved anti-OA immunity when combined.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Elucidating the molecules involved in the inflammatory process of chronic Chagas disease may allow identification of treatment targets. METHODS: The ex vivo phenotypic expression of chemokine receptors CCR1, CCR3, CCR4, CCR5, CXCR2, CXCR3, CXCR4, and CXCR5 on the CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells of patients with chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy of varying severity was evaluated using flow cytometry. RESULTS: Differential expression of CD4+CCR3+ and CD8+CCR4+ T-cells was observed in patients with mild cardiac involvement compared, respectively, with patients with severe cardiac and asymptomatic forms of Chagas disease. CONCLUSIONS: These receptors are possibly involved in the pathogenesis of chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy.

Abstract INTRODUCTION The relationships between monocytes and lymphocytes through MHC class II molecules and costimulatory, are of utmost importance for the production of an efficient immune response. In this work, we assessed the expression of surface molecules CD80 and CD86 on CD14+HLA-DR+ monocytes from patients with Chagas disease. METHODS: The study population consisted of 31 patients with chronic clinical forms of Chagas disease. Patient blood samples were cultured in the presence of recombinant cytoplasmic repetitive antigen (CRA) and flagellar repetitive antigen (FRA). RESULTS: We found considerable differences in the expression profile of surface molecules involved in antigen presentation. CONCLUSIONS: CRA and FRA may contribute to host immune response evasion by Trypanozoma cruzi.

Schistosoma mansoni antigens in the early life alter homologous and heterologous immunity during postnatal infections. We evaluate the immunity to parasite antigens and ovalbumin (OA) in adult mice born/suckled by schistosomotic mothers. Newborns were divided into: born (BIM), suckled (SIM) or born/suckled (BSIM) in schistosomotic mothers, and animals from noninfected mothers (control). When adults, the mice were infected and compared the hepatic granuloma size and cellularity. Some animals were OA + adjuvant immunised. We evaluated hypersensitivity reactions (HR), antibodies levels (IgG1/IgG2a) anti-soluble egg antigen and anti-soluble worm antigen preparation, and anti-OA, cytokine production, and CD4+FoxP3+T-cells by splenocytes. Compared to control group, BIM mice showed a greater quantity of granulomas and collagen deposition, whereas SIM and BSIM presented smaller granulomas. BSIM group exhibited the lowest levels of anti-parasite antibodies. For anti-OA immunity, immediate HR was suppressed in all groups, with greater intensity in SIM mice accompanied of the remarkable level of basal CD4+FoxP3+T-cells. BIM and SIM groups produced less interleukin (IL)-4 and interferon (IFN)-g. In BSIM, there was higher production of IL-10 and IFN-g, but lower levels of IL-4 and CD4+FoxP3+T-cells. Thus, pregnancy in schistosomotic mothers intensified hepatic fibrosis, whereas breastfeeding diminished granulomas in descendants. Separately, pregnancy and breastfeeding could suppress heterologous immunity; however, when combined, the responses could be partially restored in infected descendants.

INTRODUCTION: Control strategies to eliminate the transmission of Chagas disease by insect vectors have significantly decreased the number of reported acute cases in Brazil. However, data regarding the incidence and distribution of acute Chagas disease cases in the State of Pernambuco are unavailable in the literature. METHODS: A geographical information system was used to delineate the spatiotemporal distribution profile of the cases from 2002 to 2013 in 185 municipalities of Pernambuco based on the municipality where notification occurred. The results were presented in digital maps generated by the TerraView software (INPE). RESULTS: A total of 302 cases of acute disease were recorded in 37.8% of the municipalities, for a total of 0.13 cases per 1,000,000 inhabitants per year. Out of the 302 cases, 99.3% were reported between 2002 and 2006. The most affected municipalities were Carnaubeira da Penha, Mirandiba and Terra Nova. The risk maps showed a significant decrease in the number of notifications and a concentration of cases in the Midwest region. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights a significant decrease in new cases of acute Chagas disease in Pernambuco starting in 2006 when Brazil received an international certification for the interruption of vectorial transmission by Triatoma infestans. However, control strategies should still be encouraged because other triatomine species can also transmit the parasite; moreover, other transmission modes must not be neglected.

Introduction CD4+CD25+ T lymphocytes have been implicated in the regulation of host inflammatory response against Trypanosoma cruzi, and may be involved in the clinical course of the disease. Methods Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with chronic Chagas disease were cultured in the presence of T. cruzi recombinant antigens and assayed for lymphocytes at distinct time points. Results It was possible to differentiate clinical forms of chronic Chagas disease at days 3 and 5 according to presence of CD4+CD25+ T cells in cell cultures. Conclusions Longer periods of cell culture proved to be potentially valuable for prospective evaluations of CD4+CD25+ T lymphocytes in patients with chronic Chagas disease.

INTRODUÇÃO: Foi realizado estudo de séries históricas de internações, óbitos e casos agudos por doenças de Chagas objetivando avaliar o contexto desta enfermidade em Pernambuco. MÉTODOS: Foram coletados dados notificados de 1980 a 2008 ao Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde (DATASUS/MS) para regiões e unidades federativas do Brasil, microrregiões e municípios pernambucanos. As taxas (por 100.000 habitantes) de internações, mortalidade e casos agudos foram obtidas por consulta ao Sistema de Informações Hospitalares (SIH), Sistema de Informação sobre Mortalidade (SIM) e Sistema de Informações de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN), respectivamente. RESULTADOS: A média de internações nacional por doença de Chagas ficou em 0,99 no período de 1995 a 2008. Pernambuco, neste intervalo, apresentou média de 0,39, com as maiores taxas concentradas no interior do estado. Este estado obteve média de óbitos 1,56 entre 1980 e 2007, valor inferior a brasileira (3,66). O país demonstrou declínio de óbitos na análise de tendência, com Pernambuco encontrando-se em estado estacionário para esta taxa. Interpolando os dados referentes a internações e óbitos, evidenciou-se mortalidade em valores superiores as taxas de internações nacionais, entre 1995 e 2007. O mesmo fato ocorreu em Pernambuco, exceto em 2003. Entre 2001 e 2006, a taxa de casos agudos foi de 0,56 e 0,21 respectivamente para Brasil e para Pernambuco. CONCLUSÕES: Mesmo o Brasil demonstrando redução na mortalidade, a doença permanece como grave problema de saúde pública, principalmente no nordeste. Desta forma, é fundamental a manutenção e melhoria das ações de atenção médica, controle e prevenção já existentes.

INTRODUCTION: A time series study of admissions, deaths and acute cases was conducted in order to evaluate the context of Chagas disease in Pernambuco. METHODS: Data reported to the Information Technology Department of the Brazilian National Health Service between 1980 and 2008 was collected for regions and Federal Units of Brazil; and microregions and municipalities of Pernambuco. Rates (per 100,000 inhabitants) of hospitalization, mortality and acute cases were calculated using a national hospital database (SIH), a national mortality database (SIM) and the national Information System for Notifiable Diseases (SINAN), respectively. RESULTS: The national average for Chagas disease admissions was 0.99 from 1995 to 2008. Pernambuco obtained a mean of 0.39 in the same period, with the highest rates being concentrated in the interior of the state. The state obtained a mean mortality rate of 1.56 between 1980 and 2007, which was lower than the national average (3.66). The mortality rate has tended to decline nationally, while it has remained relatively unchanged in Pernambuco. Interpolating national rates of admissions and deaths, mortality rates were higher than hospitalization rates between 1995 and 2007. The same occurred in Pernambuco, except for 2003. Between 2001 and 2006, rates for acute cases were 0.56 and 0.21 for Brazil and Pernambuco, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Although a decrease in Chagas mortality has occurred in Brazil, the disease remains a serious public health problem, especially in the Northeast region. It is thus essential that medical care, prevention and control regarding Chagas disease be maintained and improved.

A punção venosa representa um dos procedimentos clínicos mais simples na obtenção de amostras de sangue periférico e avaliação da expressão gênica através da análise do RNA mensageiro. Contudo, a utilização desta amostra, sem um tratamento prévio, em ensaios de Transcrição Reversa (RT-PCR) é controverso. Desta forma, propomos comparar a adequação de diferentes amostras de sangue periférico (sangue total sem tratamento, sangue total após hemólise, células mononucleares do sangue periférico e sangue total congelado) em ensaios de Transcrição Reversa Os resultados mostraram que independente da amostra de sangue periférico é possível extrair RNA em quantidade adequada e realizar a amplificação do gene alvo. Desta forma, o sangue periférico sem tratamento prévio pode ser utilizado em abordagens que envolvam a avaliação da expressão gênica por reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) em tempo real.

Venipuncture is one of the easiest clinical procedures to obtain viable blood samples to evaluate gene expression using mRNA analysis. However, the use of this sample type in reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction tests (RT-PCR) without prior treatment is controversial. We therefore propose to compare the suitability of different peripheral blood samples (whole blood without treatment, whole blood with hemolysis, peripheral blood mononuclear cells and frozen whole blood) for RT-PCR analysis. The results showed that, despite the blood sample being peripheral, it is possible to extract a fair amount of RNA and perform target gene amplification. Thus, peripheral blood without prior treatment could be used to investigate the gene expression using Real Time PCR.

INTRODUÇÃO: A utilização dos anti-TNF's na prática reumatológica tornou obrigatória a identificação de casos de infecção tuberculosa latente (ITBL) antes do início do tratamento, utilizando o PPD, RX de tórax e história de contato com tuberculose. Os pacientes com artrite reumatoide (AR) apresentam uma anormalidade da função celular imune, caracterizada por diminuição da responsividade de células mononucleares periféricas (linfócitos T Reg), o que acarreta prejuízo para a hipersensibilidade cutânea tardia, o que é fundamental para o reconhecimento de antígenos, como é o caso do PPD. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a resposta ao PPD em pacientes com AR, comparado com pessoas saudáveis em uma área endêmica de tuberculose, como é o estado de Pernambuco. METODOLOGIA: Foram estudados 96 pacientes, 48 com AR e 48 indivíduos saudáveis, sendo a maioria do sexo feminino; foi realizada a inoculação de 0,1 mL do PPD RT-23, por via intradérmica e leitura da induração 72 horas após. RESULTADOS: No grupo AR o tempo médio de diagnóstico foi de 10,2 anos, a dose média de metotrexate foi de 15,5 mg/semana, dose média de prednisona foi de 12,7 mg/dia e a atividade média da doença medida pelo CDAI foi 30,4. Houve maior positividade do PPD no grupo de comparação (33,3%) quando comparado com o grupo AR (14,6%), com diferença estatisticamente significante (p = 0,034). CONCLUSÕES: Os autores alertam para o fraco desempenho do PPD para diagnóstico de ITBL em pacientes com AR e da necessidade de se fazer uma triagem ainda mais cuidadosa antes do início do tratamento com anti-TNF.

INTRODUCTION: With the introduction of Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors (anti-TNFs) into rheumatological practice, it has become obligatory to identify cases of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) prior to the start of treatment, using PPD, chest radiography and clinical history of tuberculosis contact. Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) have an abnormality of the cellular immune function, characterized by decreasing responsiveness of peripheral mononuclear cells (T Reg lymphocytes), leading to a loss in delayed hypersensitivity, which is fundamental for the recognition of antigens, such as PPD. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of our study was to evaluate the response to PPD in patients with RA, compared with healthy people, in an area where tuberculosis is endemic, as is the state of Pernambuco. METHODOLOGY: We studied 96 patients, 48 with RA and 48 healthy subjects, most of them females. All patients were given an interdermic injection of 0.1 mL PPD RT-23. The reading of the PPD result was carried out 72 hours after application, by way of palpation of maximum transverse diameter of induration, and the result was expressed in millimeters. RESULTS:In the RA group, the average time of diagnosis was 10.2 years, the average dosage of methotrexate was 15.5 mg / week, the average dosage of prednisone 12.7 mg / day and the average activity of the disease, measured using CDAI, was 30.4. In the healthy subjects group there was a greater number of positive PPD results (33.3%) when compared with the results for the RA group (14.6%), with a statistically significant difference (p = 0.034). CONCLUSION:The performance of PPB in LTBI diagnosis is poor in patients with RA. These results suggest that more careful screening needs to be undertaken before treatment with an anti-TNF drug.

OBJETIVO: Estimar o incremento no número adicional de afetados com base na prevalência de síndromes falciformes em familiares de casos-índice. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal em familiares de amostra aleatória dos casos-índice identificados por programa de triagem neonatal em Pernambuco, no período de 2001 a 2005. O modelo de triagem familiar ampliado incluiu 463 membros familiares de 21 casos-índice. Os familiares foram categorizados como: núcleo reduzido (NR -pai, mãe e irmãos); de primeiro grau (N1 - avós, tios e primos de primeiro grau); de segundo grau (N2 - filhos dos primos de primeiro grau); ampliado (NA - NR+N1+N2) e ampliado de primeiro grau (NA1 -NR+N1). A confirmação da presença de HBB*S e detecção de hemoglobinas anormais foram realizadas por meio da High Performance Liquid Chromathgraphy. A associação entre a presença de HBB*S e variáveis foi testada pelo cálculo da razão de prevalência e respectivos IC 95% e a diferença entre médias verificadas pelo teste t de Student, ao nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: A anemia falciforme era desconhecida por 81% dos familiares; o gene HBB*S esteve presente em 114 familiares. Observou-se que 53,3% da população estudada estava na faixa considerada reprodutiva e 80% das pessoas portadoras do gene HBB*S já tinham gerado filhos. A freqüência foi maior no núcleo NR (69%), mas também elevada no N1 (22,8%). O NA1 resultou na detecção de 69 portadores adicionais (aumento de 172%). CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados indicam que a triagem familiar para identificação de portadores de síndrome falciforme deve ser estendida para os familiares até o primeiro grau.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the additional number of affected individuals based on the prevalence of sickle-cell syndromes among relatives of index cases. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of relatives of a random sample of index cases identified through a neonatal screening program in Northeastern Brazil, between 2001 and 2005. The extended family trial model included 463 relatives of 21 index cases. Relatives were classified as nuclear family (NF: father, mother, and siblings); first degree extended family (N1: grandparents, uncles and aunts, and first cousins); second degree extended family (N2: children of first cousins); extended family (NA: NF+N1+N2); and extended nuclear family (NA1: NF+N1). The presence of HBB*S and other abnormal hemoglobins was confirmed by high-performance liquid chromatography. The association between the presence of HBB*S and other variables was calculated using prevalence ratios and their respective 95% confidence intervals, and differences between means were calculated using Student's t test with a 5% significance level. RESULTS: Of relatives, 81% had no knowledge of sickle-cell anemia and HBB*S was present in 114 family members. A total of 53.3% of the studied population was considered as of reproductive age, and 80% of HBB*S carriers had already had children. Frequency was higher among NF (69%), but was also high in N1 (22.8%). NA1 screening resulted in the detection of 69 carriers additional (a 172% increase). CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that family screening for the identification of sickle-cell carriers should be extended to first degree relatives.

OBJETIVO: Estimar o incremento no número adicional de afetados com base na prevalência de síndromes falciformes em familiares de casos-índice. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal em familiares de amostra aleatória dos casos-índice identificados por programa de triagem neonatal em Pernambuco, no período de 2001 a 2005. O modelo de triagem familiar ampliado incluiu 463 membros familiares de 21 casos-índice. Os familiares foram categorizados como: núcleo reduzido (NR -pai, mãe e irmãos); de primeiro grau (N1 - avós, tios e primos de primeiro grau); de segundo grau (N2 - filhos dos primos de primeiro grau); ampliado (NA - NR+N1+N2) e ampliado de primeiro grau (NA1 -NR+N1). A confirmação da presença de HBB*S e detecção de hemoglobinas anormais foram realizadas por meio da High Performance Liquid Chromathgraphy. A associação entre a presença de HBB*S e variáveis foi testada pelo cálculo da razão de prevalência e respectivos IC 95% e a diferença entre médias verificadas pelo teste t de Student, ao nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: A anemia falciforme era desconhecida por 81% dos familiares; o gene HBB*S esteve presente em 114 familiares. Observou-se que 53,3% da população estudada estava na faixa considerada reprodutiva e 80% das pessoas portadoras do gene HBB*S já tinham gerado filhos. A freqüência foi maior no núcleo NR (69%), mas também elevada no N1 (22,8%). O NA1 resultou na detecção de 69 portadores adicionais (aumento de 172%). CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados indicam que a triagem familiar para identificação de portadores de síndrome falciforme deve ser estendida para os familiares até o primeiro grau.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the additional number of affected individuals based on the prevalence of sickle-cell syndromes among relatives of index cases. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of relatives of a random sample of index cases identified through a neonatal screening program in Northeastern Brazil, between 2001 and 2005. The extended family trial model included 463 relatives of 21 index cases. Relatives were classified as nuclear family (NF: father, mother, and siblings); first degree extended family (N1: grandparents, uncles and aunts, and first cousins); second degree extended family (N2: children of first cousins); extended family (NA: NF+N1+N2); and extended nuclear family (NA1: NF+N1). The presence of HBB*S and other abnormal hemoglobins was confirmed by high-performance liquid chromatography. The association between the presence of HBB*S and other variables was calculated using prevalence ratios and their respective 95% confidence intervals, and differences between means were calculated using Student's t test with a 5% significance level. RESULTS: Of relatives, 81% had no knowledge of sickle-cell anemia and HBB*S was present in 114 family members. A total of 53.3% of the studied population was considered as of reproductive age, and 80% of HBB*S carriers had already had children. Frequency was higher among NF (69%), but was also high in N1 (22.8%). NA1 screening resulted in the detection of 69 carriers additional (a 172% increase). CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that family screening for the identification of sickle-cell carriers should be extended to first degree relatives.

Apesar de terem revolucionado a prática reumatológica, o uso dos inibidores do fator de necrose tumoral (anti-TNFs) no tratamento da artrite reumatóide (AR) fez surgir um problema considerado solucionado em muitos países desenvolvidos: o risco elevado de reativação de infecção tuberculosa latente (ITBL). Desse modo, a identificação de casos de ITBL passou a ser obrigatória antes do início da terapêutica com anti-TNF. O teste cutâneo da tuberculina (PPD) não é um teste de screening ideal nesse grupo de pacientes em virtude de sua baixa especificidade, sua reação cruzada com antígenos vacinais e de outras micobactérias ambien-tais e, principalmente, por conta da incapacidade de o paciente com AR produzir uma resposta adequada ocasionada por uma anormalidade na responsividade das células T, característica da doença. Ensaios com base na detecção da produção de IFNgama in vitro por células mononucleares periféricas estimuladas por antígenos específicos (ESAT-6 e CFP-10), que não são encontrados na vacina BCG nem em outras micobactérias ambientais, parecem ser mais acurados que o PPD na detecção de ITBL em virtude de maior especificidade, melhor correlação com medidas indiretas de exposição ao Mycobacterium tuberculosis e menor reação cruzada com a vacinação por BCG e infecções por outras micobactérias.

Despite representing a major advance in rheumatology practice, the use of tumor necrosis factor blockade (anti-TNFs) in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has given rise to a problem that was considered solved in many developed countries, i.e. the heightened risk of reactivation of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). The identification of cases of LTBI has thus been made obligatory prior to starting any anti-TNF treatment. The cutaneous tuberculin test (PPD) is not the ideal screening test for this group of patients. Low specificity, cross-reactivity with vaccine antigens and other exogenous microorganisms coupled to a defect in the cell-mediated component of the immunological response account for the inadequacy of PPD as a screening tool in this subset of patients. Assays using the detection of in vitro IFNgamma production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells stimulated by specific antigens (ESAT-6 and CFP-10), which are found neither in the BCG vaccine nor in other micro-organisms in the environment should perform better than the PPD, owing to a presumed higher specificity as well as to correlation with indirect measures of exposure to Mycobacterium tuberculosis besides decreased cross-reactivity determined by prior BCG vaccination and/or other infections.

OBJETIVO: Estudar o número, a setorização e a terminação das veias soleares. MÉTODOS: Em 100 pernas de 50 cadáveres, excluídos aqueles com alterações congênitas ou adquiridas dos membros inferiores, foram realizadas, a fresco, na região crural posterior, dissecções anatômicas minuciosas, estratigráficas. Após o rebatimento da pele, foram realizadas a individualização das veias superficiais e perfurantes, rebatimento da tela subcutânea e da fáscia, individualização e rebatimento dos músculos gastrocnêmio e plantar, desinserção tibial do músculo sóleo, individualização das veias soleares e o estudo morfométrico. A região foi dividida em seis setores: súpero-medial, súpero-lateral, médio-medial, médio-lateral, ínfero-medial e ínfero-lateral. No estudo estatístico utilizaram-se os testes não-paramétricos Wilcoxon e Friedman. RESULTADOS: Foram encontradas 4.679 veias soleares. O setor com maior número de veias soleares foi o súpero-lateral com 1.529 veias (32,7%), seguido do médio-medial com 1.256 veias (26,8%) e do médio-lateral com 975 veias (20,8%). As terminações ocorreram em veias comunicantes (1.207 veias - 25,8%), veias tibiais posteriores (964 veias - 20,6%), veias fibulares (709 veias - 15,2%) e em mais 32 tipos (1799 veias - 38,4%). CONCLUSÃO: A drenagem venosa do músculo sóleo é realizada por um grande número de veias soleares, freqüentemente localizadas nos setores súpero-lateral, médio-medial e médio-lateral, terminando comumente em veias tibiais posteriores e fibulares e, em veias comunicantes.

OBJECTIVE: Study of the number, sectorization and termination of the soleus veins. METHODS: Meticulous, stratigraphical, anatomical dissections were carried out in the posterior crural region of 100 legs of 50 fresh cadavers. Those belonging to subjects with congenital or acquired pathologies in the lower limbs were disregarded. After the skin was reflected on both sides, dissection of superficial and perforating veins, was performed. Then reflection of the subcutaneous tissue and fascia, detachment and reflection of the gastrocnemius and plantaris muscles, detachment of the tibial origin of the soleus muscle, differentiation of the soleus veins and study of morphometric parameters were carried out. The region was divided into six sectors: superior-medial, superior-lateral, medio-medial, medio-lateral, inferior-medial and inferior-lateral. Data obtained from Wilcoxon and Friedman nonparametric tests were utilized for statistical analysis. RESULTS: In the dissected legs 4679 soleus veins were found. The sector with the greatest number of soleus veins was the superior-lateral (1529 veins - 32.7%), followed by the mediomedial (1.256 veins - 26.8%) and the mediolateral sectors (975 veins - 20.8%). The extremities drained into communicant veins (1.207 veins - 25.8%), posterior tibial veins (964 veins - 20.6%), peroneal veins (709 veins - 15.2%) and into 32 other types (1.799 veins 38.4%). CONCLUSION: The venous drainage of the soleus muscle is carried out by a great number of soleus veins which are frequently located in the superior-lateral, mediomedial and mediolateral sectors, more often going into the posterior tibial, peroneal and communicant veins.

O presente artigo tem como objetivo contextualizar o campo da saúde pública diante dos grandes avanços da biotecnologia e genética aplicada, destacando elementos para a problematização do tema tais como benefícios e questões éticas relacionados aos rastreamentos genéticos. O Projeto Genoma Humano gerou várias expectativas, dentre elas, a possibilidade de rastrear genes associados a doenças e comportamentos, e mais ainda, de intervir geneticamente no ser humano, levantando preocupações relativas ao renascimento da eugenia, ao aconselhamento genético, e ao uso da informação genética como critério de acesso aos planos de saúde e postos de trabalho. Uma discussão de todos esses tópicos é essencial para que a saúde pública seja beneficiada com as informações obtidas através da análise genômica das populações.

This article has the objective to bring the field of public health into context in the face of the great advances of biotechnology and applied genetics, focusing on issues related to the theme such as benefits and ethics concerning genetic screening. The Human Genome Project has generated many expectations among which the possibility of screening genes associated to diseases and behaviors, moreover, the possibility of genetic interventions on humans, creating concerns related to the resurgence of Eugenia, of genetic counseling and the use of genetic information as a standard for access to healthcare clinics and jobs. The discussion of all these issues is essential to benefit public health with information obtained through population genomic analysis.