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 INTRODUCTION: Helicobacter pylori, a water contaminant, is the primary pathogenic agent associated with gastric diseases in humans. Exposure to H. pylori is more likely higher in developing countries. This study aimed to evaluate the risk factors associated with H. pylori infection in patients undergoing endoscopy to validate the cause of dyspeptic symptoms in an urban population in northeast Brazil and to compare the urease test and polymerase chain reaction assay results with the histopathological findings. METHODS: We evaluated 200 of 759 individuals with dyspeptic complaints from Campina Grande, State of Paraiba, northeast Brazil. Patients underwent endoscopy, followed by gastric biopsies. Logistic regression analysis was performed to adjust for confounders and to determine significant risk factors of dyspeptic disorders. RESULTS: Women accounted for 72.5% (145/200) of the participants. Approximately 59.8% (120/200) of the samples tested positive for H. pylori based on histological examinations. The specificity of polymerase chain reaction assay was higher than that of the urease test (77% vs. 64%, p=0.034). City drinking water [odds ratio (OR): 2.6; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.3-5.21; p=0.004] and smoking (OR: 4.0; 95% CI: 1.13-14.5; p=0.031) were the risk factors of H. pylori infection. Belching was the most common symptom associated with H. pylori infection (p=0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The increased risk of H. pylori infection associated with non-treated water consumption indicates the need for improvements in public water treatment and better sanitary conditions because these can be a source of not only H. pylori infections but also other water-borne pathogen infections.

OBJETIVOS: identificar mulheres com risco cardiovascular, cinco anos após a pré-eclâmpsia, e averiguar o seguimento dessas mulheres no Sistema Único de Saúde, em Natal, Rio Grande do Norte. MÉTODOS: estudo exploratório, quantitativo, realizado na Maternidade Escola Januário Cicco, em Natal. A amostra foi de 130 mulheres, 65 com pré-eclâmpsia e 65 normotensas. RESULTADOS: constatou-se diferença estatística significativa no que se refere ao índice de massa corpórea, peso, histórico familiar de doenças cardiovasculares e complicação cardiovascular entre as mulheres com pré-eclâmpsia prévia e as normotensas. Os grupos desconheciam os fatores de risco cardiovasculares e, além disso, referiam dificuldades de acesso aos serviços de atenção primária. CONCLUSÕES: as mulheres com histórico de pré-eclâmpsia possuíam risco aumentado de desenvolver doenças cardiovasculares, desconheciam as complicações tardias dessa doença e não recebiam seguimento ambulatorial diferenciado em relação às normotensas.

OBJECTIVES: to identify women with cardiovascular risk, five years after a preeclampsic episode (PE), and identify the follow-up of these women within the Unified Health System (Sistema Único de Saúde - SUS), in the city of Natal/RN. METHODS: a quantitative and exploratory study conducted at the Januário Cicco University Maternity Ward/RN. The sample consisted of 130 women, 65 with a PE episode and 65 who were normotensive. RESULTS: we found statistical significance with regard to body mass index, weight, family history of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cardiovascular complications when comparing women with previous PE to normotensive women. The groups were unaware of their cardiovascular risk factors and, in addition, they reported difficulties in accessing primary health care (PHC) services. CONCLUSIONS: women with a PE history are at increased risk of developing CVD, unaware of late PE complications, and lacked customized care when compared to normotensive patients.

OBJETIVOS: identificar mujeres con riesgo cardiovascular, cinco años después de la pre-eclampsia (PE), y averiguar el seguimiento de esas mujeres en el Sistema Único de Salud en Natal/RN. MÉTODOS: estudio exploratorio, cuantitativo, realizado en la Maternidad Escuela Januario Cicco - RN. La muestra fue compuesta de 130 mujeres, 65 con PE y 65 normotensas. RESULTADOS: se constató diferencia estadística significativa en lo que se refiere al índice de masa corpórea, peso, histórico familiar de enfermedades cardiovasculares (ECV) y complicación cardiovascular entre las mujeres con PE previa y las normotensas. Los grupos desconocen los factores de riesgos cardiovasculares y, además de eso, refieren dificultades de acceso en los servicios de atención primaria. CONCLUSIONES: las mujeres con histórico de PE poseen riesgo aumentado de desarrollar ECV, desconocen las complicaciones tardías de esa enfermedad y en relación a las normotensas no reciben seguimiento en ambulatorio especializado.

OBJECTIVES: to identify women with cardiovascular risk, five years after a preeclampsic episode (PE), and identify the follow-up of these women within the Unified Health System (Sistema Único de Saúde - SUS), in the city of Natal/RN. METHODS: a quantitative and exploratory study conducted at the Januário Cicco University Maternity Ward/RN. The sample consisted of 130 women, 65 with a PE episode and 65 who were normotensive. RESULTS: we found statistical significance with regard to body mass index, weight, family history of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cardiovascular complications when comparing women with previous PE to normotensive women. The groups were unaware of their cardiovascular risk factors and, in addition, they reported difficulties in accessing primary health care (PHC) services. CONCLUSIONS: women with a PE history are at increased risk of developing CVD, unaware of late PE complications, and lacked customized care when compared to normotensive patients.

OBJETIVOS: identificar mujeres con riesgo cardiovascular, cinco años después de la pre-eclampsia (PE), y averiguar el seguimiento de esas mujeres en el Sistema Único de Salud en Natal/RN. MÉTODOS: estudio exploratorio, cuantitativo, realizado en la Maternidad Escuela Januario Cicco - RN. La muestra fue compuesta de 130 mujeres, 65 con PE y 65 normotensas. RESULTADOS: se constató diferencia estadística significativa en lo que se refiere al índice de masa corpórea, peso, histórico familiar de enfermedades cardiovasculares (ECV) y complicación cardiovascular entre las mujeres con PE previa y las normotensas. Los grupos desconocen los factores de riesgos cardiovasculares y, además de eso, refieren dificultades de acceso en los servicios de atención primaria. CONCLUSIONES: las mujeres con histórico de PE poseen riesgo aumentado de desarrollar ECV, desconocen las complicaciones tardías de esa enfermedad y en relación a las normotensas no reciben seguimiento en ambulatorio especializado.

OBJETIVOS: identificar mulheres com risco cardiovascular, cinco anos após a pré-eclâmpsia, e averiguar o seguimento dessas mulheres no Sistema Único de Saúde, em Natal, Rio Grande do Norte. MÉTODOS: estudo exploratório, quantitativo, realizado na Maternidade Escola Januário Cicco, em Natal. A amostra foi de 130 mulheres, 65 com pré-eclâmpsia e 65 normotensas. RESULTADOS: constatou-se diferença estatística significativa no que se refere ao índice de massa corpórea, peso, histórico familiar de doenças cardiovasculares e complicação cardiovascular entre as mulheres com pré-eclâmpsia prévia e as normotensas. Os grupos desconheciam os fatores de risco cardiovasculares e, além disso, referiam dificuldades de acesso aos serviços de atenção primária. CONCLUSÕES: as mulheres com histórico de pré-eclâmpsia possuíam risco aumentado de desenvolver doenças cardiovasculares, desconheciam as complicações tardias dessa doença e não recebiam seguimento ambulatorial diferenciado em relação às normotensas.

OBJETIVO: Analisar a vivência materna diante de gravidez com pré-eclampsia e com recém-nascido prematuro hospitalizado em unidade de terapia intensiva neonatal. MÉTODOS: Estudo qualitativo com a utilização da técnica do grupo focal, realizado com 28 mulheres em maternidade referência para gestações de risco no Rio Grande do Norte, em 2004. As mães incluídas tiveram gravidez com pré-eclampsia e parto pré-termo e conseqüente internação do recém-nascido em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Neonatal. Os dados foram analisados por meio da técnica análise de conteúdo temática categorial, abordando três núcleos temáticos: informações sobre a pré-eclampsia no pré-natal; vivências com o recém-nascido pré-termo; e a percepção das usuárias sobre o atendimento dos profissionais. RESULTADOS: Os relatos maternos evidenciaram o desconhecimento das participantes sobre a pré-eclampsia e sua associação com a prematuridade. Foram detectadas dificuldades inerentes à definição do papel materno nos cuidados com o filho, acentuadas pelas falhas na relação entre os profissionais de saúde e os usuários. CONCLUSÕES: Parte das dificuldades vividas pelas mães no contexto da pré-eclampsia e da prematuridade foram agravadas pela ausência de informação ou inadequação para o entendimento das usuárias. Os resultados mostram que dificuldades vividas por mães no contexto da pré-eclampsia e da prematuridade são agravadas pela ausência de informação ou inadequação para o seu entendimento.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze maternal experiences of preeclampsia pregnancy with premature birth at a neonatal intensive care unit. METHODS: A qualitative study using the focus group technique was conducted with 28 women in a facility specialized in high-risk pregnancies in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Northeastern Brazil, in 2004. Mothers included had had preeclampsia during pregnancy and a preterm delivery with consequent hospitalization of their baby at a neonatal intensive care unit. The data were analyzed using thematic content analysis of three thematic nuclei subjects: information about preeclampsia during prenatal care; experiences with the preterm newborn, and their perception of neonatal intensive care unit professionals' attitudes. RESULTS: Maternal reports showed subjects' lack of knowledge with regard to preeclampsia and its association with prematurity. Difficulties inherent to the maternal role of caring for the child in the neonatal intensive care unit were identified, accentuated by communication flaws between health professionals and users. CONCLUSIONS: Some difficulties experienced by the mothers, in the context of preeclampsia and prematurity, were aggravated by lack or inadequacy of information provided to the users.

OBJETIVO: Analisar a vivência materna diante de gravidez com pré-eclampsia e com recém-nascido prematuro hospitalizado em unidade de terapia intensiva neonatal. MÉTODOS: Estudo qualitativo com a utilização da técnica do grupo focal, realizado com 28 mulheres em maternidade referência para gestações de risco no Rio Grande do Norte, em 2004. As mães incluídas tiveram gravidez com pré-eclampsia e parto pré-termo e conseqüente internação do recém-nascido em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Neonatal. Os dados foram analisados por meio da técnica análise de conteúdo temática categorial, abordando três núcleos temáticos: informações sobre a pré-eclampsia no pré-natal; vivências com o recém-nascido pré-termo; e a percepção das usuárias sobre o atendimento dos profissionais. RESULTADOS: Os relatos maternos evidenciaram o desconhecimento das participantes sobre a pré-eclampsia e sua associação com a prematuridade. Foram detectadas dificuldades inerentes à definição do papel materno nos cuidados com o filho, acentuadas pelas falhas na relação entre os profissionais de saúde e os usuários. CONCLUSÕES: Parte das dificuldades vividas pelas mães no contexto da pré-eclampsia e da prematuridade foram agravadas pela ausência de informação ou inadequação para o entendimento das usuárias. Os resultados mostram que dificuldades vividas por mães no contexto da pré-eclampsia e da prematuridade são agravadas pela ausência de informação ou inadequação para o seu entendimento.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze maternal experiences of preeclampsia pregnancy with premature birth at a neonatal intensive care unit. METHODS: A qualitative study using the focus group technique was conducted with 28 women in a facility specialized in high-risk pregnancies in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Northeastern Brazil, in 2004. Mothers included had had preeclampsia during pregnancy and a preterm delivery with consequent hospitalization of their baby at a neonatal intensive care unit. The data were analyzed using thematic content analysis of three thematic nuclei subjects: information about preeclampsia during prenatal care; experiences with the preterm newborn, and their perception of neonatal intensive care unit professionals' attitudes. RESULTS: Maternal reports showed subjects' lack of knowledge with regard to preeclampsia and its association with prematurity. Difficulties inherent to the maternal role of caring for the child in the neonatal intensive care unit were identified, accentuated by communication flaws between health professionals and users. CONCLUSIONS: Some difficulties experienced by the mothers, in the context of preeclampsia and prematurity, were aggravated by lack or inadequacy of information provided to the users.

Lutzomyia evandroi Costa Lima and Antunes, 1936 is found in Rio Grande do Norte, northeastern Brazil, in areas of visceral and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis and follows the same geographic distribution of L. longipalpis. The biological cycle, oviposition, morphological and behavioral characteristics of the species were studied under experimental conditions. The average number of eggs per wild caught female varied from 21 to 50 eggs along the year, with a peak occurring between January and March and another in August, with oviposition lasting for 4 to 12 days. The mean larval phase was 24 days. Ovipositing rates were influenced by rainfall and temperature indexes, with an increase of eggs per oviposition at the beginning and at the end of the rainy season, and a decrease at the peak of the rainy season.