Background: In June 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the global alert level for the A(H1N1)pdm09 influenza pandemic and at that time sustained transmission in Brazil was established. It was urgent to carry out studies that evaluated possible risk factors for death from Influenza A(H1N1) to improve case management strategies to reduce the lethality of the disease. This study aimed to identify risk factors for death from Influenza A(H1N1), including the effectiveness of the vaccine against influenza A(H1N1) concerning mortality. Methods: A case-control of incident cases of influenza A(H1N1) reported in the Epidemiological Information Systems of the states of São Paulo, Paraná, Pará, Amazonas, and Rio Grande do Sul was conducted. Results: 305 participants were included, 70 of them cases and 235 controls, distributed as follows: Amazonas – 9 cases/10 controls, Pará – 22 cases/77 controls, São Paulo – 19 cases/49 controls, Paraná – 10 cases/54 controls, Rio Grande do Sul – 10 cases/45 controls. These participants had a mean age of 30 years, with 33 years among cases and 25 years among controls. There was a predominance of females both among cases and controls. Biological (age), pre-existing diseases (congestive heart failure, respiratory disease, and diabetes mellitus), and care factors (ICU admission) associated with death from Influenza A(H1N1) were identified. Conclusion: The risk factors identified in this investigation allowed subsidizing the elaboration of clinical conducts, but also indicate important aspects for facing “new” influenza epidemics that are likely to occur in our country.

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To evaluate the accuracy of yellow fever (YF) suspected case definitions from the Brazilian Ministry of Health (BMH) and World Health Organization (WHO), as well as propose and evaluate new definitions of suspected cases, considering confirmed and discarded cases. METHODS The retrospective study was conducted at the Instituto de Infectologia Emílio Ribas (IIER), using the Epidemiologic Surveillance Form of YF cases. From the confirmed and discarded cases of YF, a logistic regression model was developed. The independent variables were used in a proposed definition of a suspected case of YF and its accuracy was evaluated. RESULTS In total, 113 YF suspect cases were reported, with 78 confirmed (69.0%). The definitions by BMH and WHO presented low sensitivity, 59% and 53.8%, and reduced accuracy, 53.1% and 47.8%, respectively. Predictive factors for YF were thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, and elevation of transaminases greater than twice normal. The definition including individual with acute onset of fever, followed by elevation of ALT or AST greater than twice the reference value AND leukopenia OR thrombocytopenia presented high sensitivity (88.3%), specificity (62.9%), and the best accuracy (80.4%), as proposed in the model. CONCLUSION The YF suspected case definitions of the BMH and the WHO have low sensitivity. The inclusion of nonspecific laboratory tests increases the accuracy of YF definition.

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To evaluate the accuracy of yellow fever (YF) suspected case definitions from the Brazilian Ministry of Health (BMH) and World Health Organization (WHO), as well as propose and evaluate new definitions of suspected cases, considering confirmed and discarded cases. METHODS The retrospective study was conducted at the Instituto de Infectologia Emílio Ribas (IIER), using the Epidemiologic Surveillance Form of YF cases. From the confirmed and discarded cases of YF, a logistic regression model was developed. The independent variables were used in a proposed definition of a suspected case of YF and its accuracy was evaluated. RESULTS In total, 113 YF suspect cases were reported, with 78 confirmed (69.0%). The definitions by BMH and WHO presented low sensitivity, 59% and 53.8%, and reduced accuracy, 53.1% and 47.8%, respectively. Predictive factors for YF were thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, and elevation of transaminases greater than twice normal. The definition including individual with acute onset of fever, followed by elevation of ALT or AST greater than twice the reference value AND leukopenia OR thrombocytopenia presented high sensitivity (88.3%), specificity (62.9%), and the best accuracy (80.4%), as proposed in the model. CONCLUSION The YF suspected case definitions of the BMH and the WHO have low sensitivity. The inclusion of nonspecific laboratory tests increases the accuracy of YF definition.

The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of Haemophilus influenzaetype b (Hib) nasopharyngeal (NP) colonisation among healthy children where Hib vaccination using a 3p+0 dosing schedule has been routinely administered for 10 years with sustained coverage (> 90%). NP swabs were collected from 2,558 children who had received the Hib vaccine, of whom 1,379 were 12-< 24 months (m) old and 1,179 were 48-< 60 m old. Hi strains were identified by molecular methods. Hi carriage prevalence was 45.1% (1,153/2,558) and the prevalence in the 12-< 24 m and 48-< 60 m age groups were 37.5% (517/1,379) and 53.9% (636/1,179), respectively. Hib was identified in 0.6% (16/2,558) of all children in the study, being 0.8% (11/1,379) and 0.4% (5/1,179) among the 12-< 24 m and 48-< 60 m age groups, respectively. The nonencapsulate Hi colonisation was 43% (n = 1,099) and was significantly more frequent at 48-< 60 m of age (51.6%, n = 608) compared with that at 12-< 24 m of age (35.6%, n = 491). The overall resistance rates to ampicillin and chloramphenicol were 16.5% and 3.7%, respectively; the co-resistance was detected in 2.6%. Our findings showed that the Hib carrier rate in healthy children under five years was very low after 10 years of the introduction of the Hib vaccine.

We propose a method to analyse the 2009 outbreak in the region of Botucatu in the state of São Paulo (SP), Brazil, when 28 yellow fever (YF) cases were confirmed, including 11 deaths. At the time of the outbreak, the Secretary of Health of the State of São Paulo vaccinated one million people, causing the death of five individuals, an unprecedented number of YF vaccine-induced fatalities. We apply a mathematical model described previously to optimise the proportion of people who should be vaccinated to minimise the total number of deaths. The model was used to calculate the optimum proportion that should be vaccinated in the remaining, vaccine-free regions of SP, considering the risk of vaccine-induced fatalities and the risk of YF outbreaks in these regions.

OBJETIVO Descrever a investigação do surto de febre amarela silvestre e as principais medidas de controle realizadas no estado de São Paulo. MÉTODOS Estudo descritivo do surto de febre amarela silvestre na região sudoeste do estado, entre fevereiro e abril de 2009. Foram avaliados casos suspeitos e confirmados em humanos e primatas não humanos. A investigação entomológica, em ambiente silvestre, envolveu captura em solo e copa de árvore para identificação das espécies e detecção de infecção natural. Foram realizadas ações de controle de Aedes aegypti em áreas urbanas. A vacinação foi direcionada para residentes dos municípios com confirmação de circulação viral e nos municípios contíguos, conforme recomendação nacional. RESULTADOS Foram confirmados 28 casos humanos (letalidade 39,3%) em áreas rurais de Sarutaiá, Piraju, Tejupá, Avaré e Buri. Foram notificadas 56 mortes de primatas não humanos, 91,4% do gênero Alouatta sp . A epizootia foi confirmada laboratorialmente em dois primatas não humanos, sendo um em Buri e outro em Itapetininga. Foram coletados 1.782 mosquitos, entre eles Haemagogus leucocelaenus , Hg. janthinomys/capricornii , Sabethes chloropterus , Sa. purpureus e Sa. undosus . O vírus da febre amarela foi isolado de um lote de Hg. leucocelaenus procedente de Buri. A vacinação foi realizada em 49 municípios, com 1.018.705 doses aplicadas e o registro de nove eventos adversos graves pós-vacinação. CONCLUSÕES Os casos humanos ocorreram entre fevereiro e abril de 2009 em áreas sem registro de circulação do vírus da febre amarela há mais de 60 anos. A região encontrava-se fora da área com recomendação de vacinação, com alto percentual da população suscetível. A adoção oportuna de medidas de controle permitiu a interrupção da transmissão humana em um mês, assim como a confirmação da circulação viral em humanos, primatas não humanos e mosquitos. Os isolamentos facilitaram a identificação das áreas de circulação viral, mas são importantes novos estudos para esclarecer a dinâmica de transmissão da doença.

OBJECTIVE To describe the investigation of a sylvatic yellow fever outbreak in the state of Sao Paulo and the main control measures undertaken. METHODS This is a descriptive study of a sylvatic yellow fever outbreak in the Southwestern region of the state from February to April 2009. Suspected and confirmed cases in humans and in non-human primates were evaluated. Entomological investigation in sylvatic environment involved capture at ground level and in the tree canopy to identify species and detect natural infections. Control measures were performed in urban areas to control Aedes aegypti . Vaccination was directed at residents living in areas with confirmed viral circulation and also at nearby cities according to national recommendation. RESULTS Twenty-eight human cases were confirmed (39.3% case fatality rate) in rural areas of Sarutaiá, Piraju, Tejupá, Avaré and Buri. The deaths of 56 non-human primates were also reported, 91.4% were Allouatta sp. Epizootics was confirmed in two non-human primates in the cities of Itapetininga and Buri. A total of 1,782 mosquitoes were collected, including Haemagogus leucocelaenus , Hg. janthinomys/capricornii , and Sabethes chloropterus, Sa. purpureus and Sa. undosus . Yellow fever virus was isolated from a group of Hg. Leucocelaenus from Buri. Vaccination was carried out in 49 cities, with a total of 1,018,705 doses. Nine serious post-vaccination adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS The cases occurred between February and April 2009 in areas with no recorded yellow fever virus circulation in over 60 years. The outbreak region occurred outside the original recommended vaccination area with a high percentage of susceptible population. The fast adoption of control measures interrupted the human transmission within a month and the confirmation of viral circulation in humans, monkeys and mosquitoes. The results allowed the identification of new areas of viral circulation but further studies are required to clarify the dynamics of the spread of this disease.

OBJETIVO Describir la investigación de brote de fiebre amarilla silvestre y las principales medidas de control realizadas en el estado de Sao Paulo. MÉTODOS Estudio descriptivo del brote de fiebre amarilla silvestre en la región suroeste del Estado, entre febrero y abril de 2009. Se evaluaron casos sospechosos y confirmados en humanos y primates no humanos. La investigación entomológica, en ambiente silvestre, involucró capturo en suelo y copa de árboles para identificación de las especies y detección de infección natural. Se realizaron acciones de control de Aedes aegypti en áreas urbanas. La vacunación fue direccionada a residentes de los municipios con confirmación de circulación viral y en los municipios contiguos, siguiendo recomendación nacional. RESULTADOS Se confirmaron 28 casos en humanos (letalidad 39,3%) en áreas rurales de Sarutaiá, Pirajú, Tejupá, Avaré y Buri. Se notificaron 56 muertes de primates no humanos, 91,4% del género Allouatta sp. La epizootia fue confirmada laboratorialmente en dos primates no humanos siendo uno de Buri y el otro de Itapetininga. Se colectaron 1.782 mosquitos, entre ellos Haemagogus leucocelaenus, Hg. janthinomys/capricornii, y Sabethes chloropterus, Sa. purpureus y Sa. undosus. El virus de la fiebre amarilla fue aislado de un lote de Hg. leucocelaenus procedente de Buri. La vacunación fue realizada en 49 municipios, con 1.018.705 dosis aplicadas y el registro de nueve eventos adversos graves post-vacunación. CONCLUSIONES Los casos humanos ocurrieron entre febrero a abril de 2009 en áreas sin registro de circulación del virus de la fiebre amarilla por más de 60 años. La región se encontraba fuera del área de recomendación de vacunación, con alto porcentaje de población susceptible. La adopción oportuna de medidas de control permitió la interrupción de la transmisión humana en un mes, así como, la confirmación de la circulación viral en humanos, primates no humanos y mosquitos. Los aislamientos facilitaron la identificación de las áreas de circulación viral, pero nuevos estudios son importantes con el objeto de aclarar la dinámica de transmisión de la enfermedad.

OBJETIVO Descrever a investigação do surto de febre amarela silvestre e as principais medidas de controle realizadas no estado de São Paulo. MÉTODOS Estudo descritivo do surto de febre amarela silvestre na região sudoeste do estado, entre fevereiro e abril de 2009. Foram avaliados casos suspeitos e confirmados em humanos e primatas não humanos. A investigação entomológica, em ambiente silvestre, envolveu captura em solo e copa de árvore para identificação das espécies e detecção de infecção natural. Foram realizadas ações de controle de Aedes aegypti em áreas urbanas. A vacinação foi direcionada para residentes dos municípios com confirmação de circulação viral e nos municípios contíguos, conforme recomendação nacional. RESULTADOS Foram confirmados 28 casos humanos (letalidade 39,3%) em áreas rurais de Sarutaiá, Piraju, Tejupá, Avaré e Buri. Foram notificadas 56 mortes de primatas não humanos, 91,4% do gênero Alouatta sp . A epizootia foi confirmada laboratorialmente em dois primatas não humanos, sendo um em Buri e outro em Itapetininga. Foram coletados 1.782 mosquitos, entre eles Haemagogus leucocelaenus , Hg. janthinomys/capricornii , Sabethes chloropterus , Sa. purpureus e Sa. undosus . O vírus da febre amarela foi isolado de um lote de Hg. leucocelaenus procedente de Buri. A vacinação foi realizada em 49 municípios, com 1.018.705 doses aplicadas e o registro de nove eventos adversos graves pós-vacinação. CONCLUSÕES Os casos humanos ocorreram entre fevereiro e abril de 2009 em áreas sem registro de circulação do vírus da febre amarela há mais de 60 anos. A região encontrava-se fora da área com recomendação de vacinação, com alto percentual da população suscetível. A adoção oportuna de medidas de controle permitiu a interrupção da transmissão humana em um mês, assim como a confirmação da circulação viral em humanos, primatas não humanos e mosquitos. Os isolamentos facilitaram a identificação das áreas de circulação viral, mas são importantes novos estudos para esclarecer a dinâmica de transmissão da doença.

OBJECTIVE To describe the investigation of a sylvatic yellow fever outbreak in the state of Sao Paulo and the main control measures undertaken. METHODS This is a descriptive study of a sylvatic yellow fever outbreak in the Southwestern region of the state from February to April 2009. Suspected and confirmed cases in humans and in non-human primates were evaluated. Entomological investigation in sylvatic environment involved capture at ground level and in the tree canopy to identify species and detect natural infections. Control measures were performed in urban areas to control Aedes aegypti . Vaccination was directed at residents living in areas with confirmed viral circulation and also at nearby cities according to national recommendation. RESULTS Twenty-eight human cases were confirmed (39.3% case fatality rate) in rural areas of Sarutaiá, Piraju, Tejupá, Avaré and Buri. The deaths of 56 non-human primates were also reported, 91.4% were Allouatta sp. Epizootics was confirmed in two non-human primates in the cities of Itapetininga and Buri. A total of 1,782 mosquitoes were collected, including Haemagogus leucocelaenus , Hg. janthinomys/capricornii , and Sabethes chloropterus, Sa. purpureus and Sa. undosus . Yellow fever virus was isolated from a group of Hg. Leucocelaenus from Buri. Vaccination was carried out in 49 cities, with a total of 1,018,705 doses. Nine serious post-vaccination adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS The cases occurred between February and April 2009 in areas with no recorded yellow fever virus circulation in over 60 years. The outbreak region occurred outside the original recommended vaccination area with a high percentage of susceptible population. The fast adoption of control measures interrupted the human transmission within a month and the confirmation of viral circulation in humans, monkeys and mosquitoes. The results allowed the identification of new areas of viral circulation but further studies are required to clarify the dynamics of the spread of this disease.

OBJETIVO Describir la investigación de brote de fiebre amarilla silvestre y las principales medidas de control realizadas en el estado de Sao Paulo. MÉTODOS Estudio descriptivo del brote de fiebre amarilla silvestre en la región suroeste del Estado, entre febrero y abril de 2009. Se evaluaron casos sospechosos y confirmados en humanos y primates no humanos. La investigación entomológica, en ambiente silvestre, involucró capturo en suelo y copa de árboles para identificación de las especies y detección de infección natural. Se realizaron acciones de control de Aedes aegypti en áreas urbanas. La vacunación fue direccionada a residentes de los municipios con confirmación de circulación viral y en los municipios contiguos, siguiendo recomendación nacional. RESULTADOS Se confirmaron 28 casos en humanos (letalidad 39,3%) en áreas rurales de Sarutaiá, Pirajú, Tejupá, Avaré y Buri. Se notificaron 56 muertes de primates no humanos, 91,4% del género Allouatta sp. La epizootia fue confirmada laboratorialmente en dos primates no humanos siendo uno de Buri y el otro de Itapetininga. Se colectaron 1.782 mosquitos, entre ellos Haemagogus leucocelaenus, Hg. janthinomys/capricornii, y Sabethes chloropterus, Sa. purpureus y Sa. undosus. El virus de la fiebre amarilla fue aislado de un lote de Hg. leucocelaenus procedente de Buri. La vacunación fue realizada en 49 municipios, con 1.018.705 dosis aplicadas y el registro de nueve eventos adversos graves post-vacunación. CONCLUSIONES Los casos humanos ocurrieron entre febrero a abril de 2009 en áreas sin registro de circulación del virus de la fiebre amarilla por más de 60 años. La región se encontraba fuera del área de recomendación de vacunación, con alto porcentaje de población susceptible. La adopción oportuna de medidas de control permitió la interrupción de la transmisión humana en un mes, así como, la confirmación de la circulación viral en humanos, primates no humanos y mosquitos. Los aislamientos facilitaron la identificación de las áreas de circulación viral, pero nuevos estudios son importantes con el objeto de aclarar la dinámica de transmisión de la enfermedad.

O objetivo deste artigo é descrever as internações por varíola no Instituto de Infectologia Emílio Ribas, no período de 1898 a 1970, evidenciando-se a origem da residência dos pacientes da região metropolitana de São Paulo. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo retrospectivo, mediante coleta de dados secundários nos livros de registro de internação do IIER no período de 1898 a 1970. As internações foram analisadas segundo variáveis de tempo, lugar e pessoa e agrupadas em períodos de dez anos. Foram registradas 11.393 internações, com 533 óbitos, sendo 251 de pacientes do sexo feminino, 280 do masculino e dois óbitos com sexo ignorado. Esses pacientes residiam em 139 localidades diferentes. O município de São Paulo contribuiu com 7.915 69,5% do total, seguido de Santo André, Mogi das Cruzes, Guarulhos, São Caetano do Sul, Osasco e Suzano. Foram atendidos em trânsito 237 pacientes. Para 994 internações ignora-se o município, apesar de indicações nos prontuários.

The objective of this article is to describe the admissions for smallpox at the Institute of Infectious Diseases Emilio Ribas, during the period from 1898 to 1970, showing the origin of the patients' residence in the metropolitan region of São Paulo. It is a descriptive study which used secondary data collected from the record books for admissions at the Institute during the period of 1898 to 1970. The hospital records were counted and grouped into periods of 10 years. The total amount of admissions were 11,393. From the total of 533 deaths, 251 of the patients were female, 280 male and two unknown. These patients resided in 139 different locations. The city of São Paulo contributed with 7915 or 69.5% of the total, followed by Santo André, Mogi das Cruzes, Guarulhos, São Caetano do Sul, Osasco and Suzano. It was seen 237 patients in transit. For 994 admissions the municipality of origin was ignored, despite indications in the records.

O objetivo deste artigo é descrever as internações por varíola no Instituto de Infectologia Emílio Ribas, no período de 1898 a 1970, evidenciando-se a origem da residência dos pacientes da região metropolitana de São Paulo. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo retrospectivo, mediante coleta de dados secundários nos livros de registro de internação do IIER no período de 1898 a 1970. As internações foram analisadas segundo variáveis de tempo, lugar e pessoa e agrupadas em períodos de dez anos. Foram registradas 11.393 internações, com 533 óbitos, sendo 251 de pacientes do sexo feminino, 280 do masculino e dois óbitos com sexo ignorado. Esses pacientes residiam em 139 localidades diferentes. O município de São Paulo contribuiu com 7.915 69,5% do total, seguido de Santo André, Mogi das Cruzes, Guarulhos, São Caetano do Sul, Osasco e Suzano. Foram atendidos em trânsito 237 pacientes. Para 994 internações ignora-se o município, apesar de indicações nos prontuários.

The objective of this article is to describe the admissions for smallpox at the Institute of Infectious Diseases Emilio Ribas, during the period from 1898 to 1970, showing the origin of the patients' residence in the metropolitan region of São Paulo. It is a descriptive study which used secondary data collected from the record books for admissions at the Institute during the period of 1898 to 1970. The hospital records were counted and grouped into periods of 10 years. The total amount of admissions were 11,393. From the total of 533 deaths, 251 of the patients were female, 280 male and two unknown. These patients resided in 139 different locations. The city of São Paulo contributed with 7915 or 69.5% of the total, followed by Santo André, Mogi das Cruzes, Guarulhos, São Caetano do Sul, Osasco and Suzano. It was seen 237 patients in transit. For 994 admissions the municipality of origin was ignored, despite indications in the records.

Recentemente, a reagudização da doença de Chagas (meningoencefalite e/ou miocardite) foi incluída na lista de doenças indicativas de aids no Brasil. Os autores relatam o caso de um paciente de 52 anos de idade, natural de área rural da Bahia e procedente de uma área urbana de São Paulo, sem história de doenças prévias e que apresentou meningoencefalite aguda. As sorologias e pesquisas parasitológicas diretas no sangue e no liquido cefalorraquideano (LCR) demonstraram presença de Trypanosoma cruzi, confirmando-se o diagnóstico mediante cultura do LCR. O teste rápido assim como os ELISA e Western Blot diagnosticaram infecção pelo vírus da imunodeficiência humana (HIV). Apesar do tratamento com benzonidazole e as medidas de suporte, o paciente faleceu 24 horas depois da admissão hospitalar. Em áreas endêmicas, a reagudização da doença de Chagas deve ser sempre considerada no diagnóstico diferencial das meningoencefalites e sua presença em pacientes com infecção pelo HIV é indicativa de aids.

Recently, reactivation of Chagas disease (meningoencephalitis and/or myocarditis) was included in the list of AIDS-defining illnesses in Brazil. We report a case of a 52-year-old patient with no history of previous disease who presented acute meningoencephalitis. Direct examination of blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) showed Trypanosoma cruzi. CSF culture confirmed the diagnosis. Serological assays for T. cruzi and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) were positive. Despite treatment with benznidazol and supportive measures, the patient died 24 hours after hospital admission. In endemic areas, reactivation of Chagas disease should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of meningoencephalitis among HIV-infected patients, and its presence is indicative of AIDS.

A Classificação Internacional de Doenças (CID) provê códigos para todas as doenças e permite que se façam comparações internacionais da morbidade e da mortalidade. Por ser ampla e de uso em locais com características bastante diversas, nem sempre é adequada. Existem revisões periódicas da CID para que esta seja atualizada e as novas doenças descritas sejam incluídas. Foi o que aconteceu com a AIDS, incorporada no capítulo de doenças infecciosas e parasitárias da décima revisão da CID. Por esse motivo, foi avaliado o uso dos códigos da CID-10 na codificação da AIDS. Foram utilizadas as fichas de vigilância epidemiológica de todos os casos diagnosticados em um hospital especializado em doenças infecciosas, em 1994. Verificou-se que nem sempre era possível codificar as fichas apenas com a utilização de um único código, proposto pela CID-10, para a AIDS e suas manifestações e complicações.

The International Classification of Diseases (ICD) provides codes for all conditions and permits international comparisons of morbidity and mortality. Because it has to be used all over the world its codes are not always perfectly appropriate. There are revisions from time to time to bring up-to-date the classification. This has happened with AIDS, included in the chapter of infectious diseases in the last revision, ICD-10. The use of ICD-10 AIDS codes is here appraised. All surveillance report forms of one specialized hospital in infectious diseases, notified in 1994, have been codified, but it was found that many diagnoses could not be codified in accordance with a single ICD-10 AIDS code.

A Classificação Internacional de Doenças (CID) provê códigos para todas as doenças e permite que se façam comparações internacionais da morbidade e da mortalidade. Por ser ampla e de uso em locais com características bastante diversas, nem sempre é adequada. Existem revisões periódicas da CID para que esta seja atualizada e as novas doenças descritas sejam incluídas. Foi o que aconteceu com a AIDS, incorporada no capítulo de doenças infecciosas e parasitárias da décima revisão da CID. Por esse motivo, foi avaliado o uso dos códigos da CID-10 na codificação da AIDS. Foram utilizadas as fichas de vigilância epidemiológica de todos os casos diagnosticados em um hospital especializado em doenças infecciosas, em 1994. Verificou-se que nem sempre era possível codificar as fichas apenas com a utilização de um único código, proposto pela CID-10, para a AIDS e suas manifestações e complicações.

The International Classification of Diseases (ICD) provides codes for all conditions and permits international comparisons of morbidity and mortality. Because it has to be used all over the world its codes are not always perfectly appropriate. There are revisions from time to time to bring up-to-date the classification. This has happened with AIDS, included in the chapter of infectious diseases in the last revision, ICD-10. The use of ICD-10 AIDS codes is here appraised. All surveillance report forms of one specialized hospital in infectious diseases, notified in 1994, have been codified, but it was found that many diagnoses could not be codified in accordance with a single ICD-10 AIDS code.