Two contiguous villages in Tracunhaém county (State of Pernambuco), endemic for schistosomiasis, were studied: Itapinassu (138 inhabitants) and São Joaquim (91 inhabitants). Agriculture predominates in the former region while ceramics is the main activity in the latter. Although no statistical difference was found regarding prevalence, severe infection (>400 epg) predominated in Itapinassu, probably related to the kind of occupation. No association was found between parasite burden and severity of disease, in spite of the high infection rates for Schistosoma mansoni in both communities (approx. 60%). Typical epidemiological features of schistosomiasis such as age-related prevalences and intensities of infection (high in children, low in adults) were also mutual characteristics. Nutritional status determined through anthropometric evaluation was carried out by measuring specific anthropometric indicators. A deficit of energy intake, as well as vitamin A and riboflavin deficiencies were detected. The prevalence of moderate or severe undernutrition in patients under 18 years old was 21.9% in Itapinassu and 24.1% in São Joaquim. In this group an association was found between prevalence of schistosomiasis and chronic undernutrition. Similarly, for patients over 18 year old the prevalence of undernutrition was higher than 20%. However, in this case no association between nutritional status and either prevalence of schistosomiasis or parasite burden could be detected. The two communities had not been treated for eight years.

Com base em dois projetos em funcionamento (Recife, no Estado de Pernambuco, e Vale do Piancó, na Paraíba) descreve-se o Sistema de Vigilância Alimentar e Nutricional do Brasil (SIVAN). Trata-se especificamente da organização institucional e operativa, coleta, processamento, análise e uso das informações obtidas pelo SIVAN. Os dois projetos implantados são experimentais, não podendo, portanto, serem tomados como modelo já definidos. Os resultados obtidos são ainda preliminares e, por esta razão, não estão incluídos no presente documento. A nível central, o Instituto Nacional de Alimentação e Nutrição (INAN) está reelaborando o projeto SIVAN sob novos conceitos, objetivos e diretrizes operacionais.

The present study descrives two projects of Food and Nutrition Surveillance System developed in the city of Recife (Pernambuco) and in the Vale do Piancó (Paraíba), Northeast Brazil. Especifically, present the institutional and operative organization, colletion of data, processing, analyse and the use given to the information produced by the system. These projects are still in experimental phase, therefore can not be talken as a definitive model The preliminary results do not allow in this moment a consistent analyse. The National Food and Nutrition Institut (INAN, Brazil) located at central level, is re-defining the System based upon new concepts and operational orientation.

Com base em dois projetos em funcionamento (Recife, no Estado de Pernambuco, e Vale do Piancó, na Paraíba) descreve-se o Sistema de Vigilância Alimentar e Nutricional do Brasil (SIVAN). Trata-se especificamente da organização institucional e operativa, coleta, processamento, análise e uso das informações obtidas pelo SIVAN. Os dois projetos implantados são experimentais, não podendo, portanto, serem tomados como modelo já definidos. Os resultados obtidos são ainda preliminares e, por esta razão, não estão incluídos no presente documento. A nível central, o Instituto Nacional de Alimentação e Nutrição (INAN) está reelaborando o projeto SIVAN sob novos conceitos, objetivos e diretrizes operacionais.

The present study descrives two projects of Food and Nutrition Surveillance System developed in the city of Recife (Pernambuco) and in the Vale do Piancó (Paraíba), Northeast Brazil. Especifically, present the institutional and operative organization, colletion of data, processing, analyse and the use given to the information produced by the system. These projects are still in experimental phase, therefore can not be talken as a definitive model The preliminary results do not allow in this moment a consistent analyse. The National Food and Nutrition Institut (INAN, Brazil) located at central level, is re-defining the System based upon new concepts and operational orientation.