ABSTRACT Background: Human visceral leishmaniasis HVL is endemic to 75 countries. The state of Ceará, the Northeast region of Brazil, is of great sanitary importance for the transmission of HVL, and it stands out as an area of interest for epidemiological aspects and control strategies. This study aimed to characterize HVL in relation to epidemiological aspects, composite incidence, and mortality rates in the state of Ceará, Brazil, from 2007 to 2021. Methods: This ecological study used temporal and spatial cuts of HVL data from the notifiable diseases information system. Epidemiological indicators such as incidence, mortality, and composite indices of incidence and mortality were calculated according to the Ministry of Health standardization. Results: There were 6,775 confirmed cases, with high incidence coefficients in 2009 6.96 cases/100,000 inhabitants and 2011 9.83 cases/100,000 inhabitants, and the highest mortality rate in 2011 6.96 deaths/100,000 inhabitants. The composite index of incidence and mortality identified municipalities in the Northern, Northwestern, and Southern regions of Ceará as having the highest risk of HVL. Conclusions: HVL remained endemic throughout the study period, with epidemiological indicators and risk of transmission expressing high magnitude, mainly in the Northeast, Northwest, and South regions of Ceará.

ABSTRACT Human Visceral Leishmaniasis (HVL) presents a subacute clinical evolution with systemic involvement, which can result in high case fatality, especially among untreated individuals or those with low socioeconomic status. This study aimed to identify epidemiological and clinical factors associated with HVL case fatality in the Ceara State, from 2007 to 2018. This is an analytical cross-sectional study. The bivariate analysis was performed by Stata 15.1 using Pearson’s Chi-square or Fisher’s exact test; and Poisson regression for age-controlled multivariate analysis. From 2007 to 2018, there were 4,863 new confirmed cases and 343 deaths from HVL (case fatality rate=7.05%). The risk factors associated with case fatalities were: age group (RR=8.69; 95%CI:3.56-21.20); black population (RR=2.21; 95%CI:1.45-3.35); jaundice symptoms (RR=1.72; 95%CI:1.38-2.14); edema (RR=2.62; 95%CI:2.10-3.26) and hemorrhagic phenomena (RR=1.63; 95%CI:1.26-2.10); and no prescription drug intake (RR=4.03; 95%CI:2.98-5.46). Treatment with pentavalent antimonial was a protective factor (RR=0.35; 95%CI:0.27-0.45). The number of deaths increased among the elderly, illiterate, urban residents, and black skin color individuals. The drugs pentavalent antimonial and amphotericin B showed an association with death, but were not considered causal factors. Treatment failure led to a high risk of death. In multivariate analysis, the risk factors for fatal cases were age group, black skin, symptoms of jaundice, edema and hemorrhagic phenomena; and failure to take the prescription drugs. Treatment with pentavalent antimonial was shown to be a protective factor. Knowing the factors associated with the fatality of VL-HIV cases may help to improve public policies, in order to refine the epidemiological surveillance program and, consequently, prevent deaths related to the disease in Ceara.

Objective. To analyze the temporal trend and describe the spatial distribution of Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) in Fortaleza from 2007 to 2017. Methods. Ecological study using segmented temporal regression and spatial distribution. Results. Between 2007-2017, 1,660 new cases and 97 deaths were confirmed. The incidence was ascending (Annual Percent Change (APC)=8.7% – 95%CI -3.3;34.1), but descending mortality and lethality: APC=-25.9 (95%CI -48.5;-10.6) and APC=-33.0 (95%CI -53.7;-17.6), respectively. From 2010-2015 the incidence decreased (APC=-15.8 – 95%CI – -25.1;-4.0), but mortality (APC=18.7 – 95%CI 9.4;50.6) and lethality (APC=40.1 – 95%CI 22.5;72.0) had an upward trend. In 2015-2017, decreased incidence (APC=-24.6 – 95%CI -36.2;-10.3), and mortality (APC=-44.6 – 95%CI -58.8;-17,6) lethality remained stable (APC=-13.5 – 95%CI -38.7;3.8). High incidence neighborhoods were clustered in the western region, however, mortality and lethality did not present defined spatial patterns. Conclusion. VL is endemic in Fortaleza, although there has been a decline in the last three years studied.

Objetivo. Analisar a tendência temporal e descrever a distribuição espacial da leishmaniose visceral (LV) em Fortaleza, 2007-2017. Métodos. Estudo ecológico, mediante regressão temporal segmentada e mapeamento temático. Resultados. No período 2007-2017, foram confirmados 1.660 casos novos e 97 óbitos. No período 2007-2010, a incidência foi ascendente (variação percentual anual [Annual Percent Change], APC=8,7% – IC95% -3,3;34,1), enquanto a mortalidade (APC=-25,9 – IC95% -48,5;-10,6) e a letalidade (APC=-33,0 – IC95% -53,7;-17,6), descendentes. No período 2010-2015, a incidência reduziu-se (APC=-15,8 – IC95% -25,1;-4,0) mas a mortalidade (APC=18,7 – IC95% 9,4;50,6) e a letalidade (APC=40,1 – IC95% 22,5;72,0) apresentaram tendência de crescimento. Em 2015-2017, decresceram a incidência (APC=-24,6 – IC95% -36,2;-10,3), e a mortalidade (APC=-44,6 – IC95% -58,8;-17,6), a letalidade se manteve estável (APC=-13,5 – IC95% -38,7;3,8). Houve concentração de bairros com incidência elevada na região oeste da cidade; porém, a mortalidade e a letalidade não apresentaram padrões espaciais definidos. Conclusão. A LV é endêmica em Fortaleza, embora tenha havido declínio no último triênio estudado.

Resumo Objetivo: Analisar a tendência temporal e descrever a distribuição espacial da leishmaniose visceral (LV) em Fortaleza, 2007-2017. Métodos: Estudo ecológico, mediante regressão temporal segmentada e mapeamento temático. Resultados: No período 2007-2017, foram confirmados 1.660 casos novos e 97 óbitos. No período 2007-2010, a incidência foi ascendente (variação percentual anual [Annual Percent Change], APC=8,7% - IC95% -3,3;34,1), enquanto a mortalidade (APC=-25,9 - IC95% -48,5; -10,6) e a letalidade (APC=-33,0 - IC95% -53,7;-17,6), descendentes. No período 2010-2015, a incidência reduziu (APC=-15,8 - IC95% -25,1;-4,0), mas a mortalidade (APC=18,7 - IC95% 9,4;50,6) e a letalidade (APC=40,1 - IC95% 22,5;72,0) apresentaram tendência de crescimento. Em 2015-2017, decresceram a incidência (APC=-24,6 - IC95% -36,2;-10,3) e a mortalidade (APC= -44,6 - IC95% -58,8;-17,6); a letalidade se manteve estável (APC=-13,5 - IC95% -38,7;3,8). Houve concentração de bairros com incidência elevada na região oeste da cidade; porém, a mortalidade e a letalidade não apresentaram padrões espaciais definidos. Conclusão: A LV é endêmica em Fortaleza, embora tenha havido declínio no último triênio estudado.

Abstract Objective: To analyze the temporal trend and describe the spatial distribution of Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) in Fortaleza from 2007 to 2017. Methods: This was an ecological study using segmented temporal regression and thematic mapping. Results: Between 2007-2017, 1,660 new cases and 97 deaths were confirmed. The overall incidence rate showed a rising trend (Annual Percent Change - APC=8.7% - 95%CI -3.3;34.1), while the mortality rate (APC=-25.9 - 95%CI -48.5;-10.6) and lethality (APC=-33.0 - 95%CI -53.7;-17.6) showed a falling trend. From 2010-2015 the incidence rate fell (APC=-15.8 - 95%CI -25.1;-4.0), but mortality (APC=18.7 - 95%CI 9.4;50.6) and lethality (APC=40.1 - 95%CI 22.5;72.0) had an upward trend. In 2015-2017, incidence (APC=-24.6 - 95%CI -36.2;-10.3), and mortality (APC=-44.6 - 95%CI -58.8;-17,6) fell, while lethality remained stable (APC=-13.5 - 95%CI -38.7;3.8). High incidence neighborhoods were clustered in the western region of the city, however, mortality and lethality did not present defined spatial patterns. Conclusion: VL is endemic in Fortaleza, although there was a reduction in the last three years studied.

Resumen Objetivo: Analizar la tendencia temporal y describir la distribución espacial de la leishmaniasis visceral (LV) en Fortaleza de 2007 a 2017. Métodos: Estudio ecológico utilizando regresión temporal segmentada y mapas temáticos. Resultados: Entre 2007-2017, se confirmaron 1,660 casos nuevos y 97 muertes. La incidencia fue ascendente (cambio porcentual anual [Annual Percent Change], APC=8,7% - IC95% -3,3;34,1), y mortalidad y letalidad descendentes: APC=-25,9 (IC95% -48,5;-10,6) y APC=-33,0 (IC95% -53,7;-17,6), respectivamente. Desde 2010-2015, la incidencia disminuyó (APC=-15,8 - IC95% -25,1;-4,0), pero la mortalidad (APC=18,7 - IC95% 9,4; 50,6) y la letalidad (APC=40,1 - IC95% 22,5; 72,0) tuvieron una tendencia al alza. En 2015-2017, disminuyeron incidencia (APC=-24,6 - IC95% -36,2;-10,3), y mortalidad (APC=-44,6 - IC95% -58,8;-17,6) la letalidad se mantuvo estable (APC=-13,5 - IC95% -38,7; 3,8). Los barrios con alta incidencia se agruparon en la región oeste de la ciudad, pero, la mortalidad y la letalidad no fueron definidos espacialmente. Conclusión: La LV es endémica en Fortaleza, aunque ha habido una disminución en el último trienio estudiado.

Resumo Objetivo: Analisar a tendência temporal e descrever a distribuição espacial da leishmaniose visceral (LV) em Fortaleza, 2007-2017. Métodos: Estudo ecológico, mediante regressão temporal segmentada e mapeamento temático. Resultados: No período 2007-2017, foram confirmados 1.660 casos novos e 97 óbitos. No período 2007-2010, a incidência foi ascendente (variação percentual anual [Annual Percent Change], APC=8,7% - IC95% -3,3;34,1), enquanto a mortalidade (APC=-25,9 - IC95% -48,5; -10,6) e a letalidade (APC=-33,0 - IC95% -53,7;-17,6), descendentes. No período 2010-2015, a incidência reduziu (APC=-15,8 - IC95% -25,1;-4,0), mas a mortalidade (APC=18,7 - IC95% 9,4;50,6) e a letalidade (APC=40,1 - IC95% 22,5;72,0) apresentaram tendência de crescimento. Em 2015-2017, decresceram a incidência (APC=-24,6 - IC95% -36,2;-10,3) e a mortalidade (APC= -44,6 - IC95% -58,8;-17,6); a letalidade se manteve estável (APC=-13,5 - IC95% -38,7;3,8). Houve concentração de bairros com incidência elevada na região oeste da cidade; porém, a mortalidade e a letalidade não apresentaram padrões espaciais definidos. Conclusão: A LV é endêmica em Fortaleza, embora tenha havido declínio no último triênio estudado.

Abstract Objective: To analyze the temporal trend and describe the spatial distribution of Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) in Fortaleza from 2007 to 2017. Methods: This was an ecological study using segmented temporal regression and thematic mapping. Results: Between 2007-2017, 1,660 new cases and 97 deaths were confirmed. The overall incidence rate showed a rising trend (Annual Percent Change - APC=8.7% - 95%CI -3.3;34.1), while the mortality rate (APC=-25.9 - 95%CI -48.5;-10.6) and lethality (APC=-33.0 - 95%CI -53.7;-17.6) showed a falling trend. From 2010-2015 the incidence rate fell (APC=-15.8 - 95%CI -25.1;-4.0), but mortality (APC=18.7 - 95%CI 9.4;50.6) and lethality (APC=40.1 - 95%CI 22.5;72.0) had an upward trend. In 2015-2017, incidence (APC=-24.6 - 95%CI -36.2;-10.3), and mortality (APC=-44.6 - 95%CI -58.8;-17,6) fell, while lethality remained stable (APC=-13.5 - 95%CI -38.7;3.8). High incidence neighborhoods were clustered in the western region of the city, however, mortality and lethality did not present defined spatial patterns. Conclusion: VL is endemic in Fortaleza, although there was a reduction in the last three years studied.

Resumen Objetivo: Analizar la tendencia temporal y describir la distribución espacial de la leishmaniasis visceral (LV) en Fortaleza de 2007 a 2017. Métodos: Estudio ecológico utilizando regresión temporal segmentada y mapas temáticos. Resultados: Entre 2007-2017, se confirmaron 1,660 casos nuevos y 97 muertes. La incidencia fue ascendente (cambio porcentual anual [Annual Percent Change], APC=8,7% - IC95% -3,3;34,1), y mortalidad y letalidad descendentes: APC=-25,9 (IC95% -48,5;-10,6) y APC=-33,0 (IC95% -53,7;-17,6), respectivamente. Desde 2010-2015, la incidencia disminuyó (APC=-15,8 - IC95% -25,1;-4,0), pero la mortalidad (APC=18,7 - IC95% 9,4; 50,6) y la letalidad (APC=40,1 - IC95% 22,5; 72,0) tuvieron una tendencia al alza. En 2015-2017, disminuyeron incidencia (APC=-24,6 - IC95% -36,2;-10,3), y mortalidad (APC=-44,6 - IC95% -58,8;-17,6) la letalidad se mantuvo estable (APC=-13,5 - IC95% -38,7; 3,8). Los barrios con alta incidencia se agruparon en la región oeste de la ciudad, pero, la mortalidad y la letalidad no fueron definidos espacialmente. Conclusión: La LV es endémica en Fortaleza, aunque ha habido una disminución en el último trienio estudiado.

ABSTRACT Visceral leishmaniasis is a highly lethal zoonosis transmitted by a sandfly. It is caused by a Leishmania protozoan parasite and dogs are the main reservoir. Ceara State is endemic to visceral leishmaniasis and it is considered a high risk transmission area. Temporal and spatial epidemiological studies have been used as tools to analyze the distribution and frequency of human visceral leishmaniasis (HVL). This study aimed to characterize HVL in its epidemiological andtemporal aspects in Ceara State, from 2003 to 2017, as this is a neglected disease and a public health problem. This is an ecological study carried out with HVL confirmed cases in Ceara, using three blocks of years (2003 to 2007, 2008 to 2012 and 2013 to 2017). The disease presented an endemic behavior, affecting mainly male residents in the urban area, especially children under five and young adults between 30 and 49 years old. HVL is recorded in all the municipalities, for more than 10 years, with a growing trend and territorial expansion to the Central and Eastern regions of the State. The results of this study indicated the increase in the incidence and lethality, as well as the expansion of leishmaniasis in Ceara State.

As iniciativas nacionais que se propõem contribuir para a reorientação da formação e do modelo de atenção nos levaram a descrever a experiência de implantação do Programa de Educação para o Trabalho (PET)-Saúde/Vigilância em Saúde (VS) em Sobral, Ceará. Trata-se de estudo descritivo, do tipo relato de experiência, vivenciado por estudantes dos cursos de enfermagem da Universidade Estadual Vale do Acaraú (UVA) e medicina e odontologia da Universidade Federal do Ceará (UFC), tutores e preceptores do PET-Saúde/VS. As informações foram registradas pelos tutores e preceptores durante as atividades desenvolvidas desde a implantação do programa (julho de 2010). O processo de trabalho desempenhado no PET-Saúde/VS compreende três eixos estruturantes que se intercomunicam, constando vivências teórico-conceituais, vivências no serviço e vivências de pesquisa. Para garantir a interface ensino-serviço e a integração entre as ações de vigilância em saúde e atenção básica, construímos uma 'tecnologia' pedagógica que chamamos de tecnologia de educação permanente na vigilância em saúde. A experiência permitiu aos estudantes uma visão mais ampla, acerca das condições de saúde da população, da importância do conhecimento sobre problemas locais para o trabalho da vigilância em saúde, a fim de prestar assistência qualificada e voltada para a realidade de cada território.

The Brazilian initiatives that propose to contribute to redirecting training and the care model led us to describe the experience of deploying of the Education for Work Program (PET) - Health/Health Surveillance (HS) in Sobral, northeastern Brazil. This is a descriptive, experience-reporting study, experienced by nursing students at the Vale do Acaraú State University (UVA) and medicine and dentistry students at the Federal University of Ceará (UFC), tutors, and PET-Health/HS preceptors. The information was recorded by the tutors and preceptors during the activities undertaken ever since the program was deployed (July 2010). The work process performed under PET-Health/HS comprises three intercommunicating structural axes, consisting of theoretical and conceptual experiences, experiences in service, and research experiences. To ensure the interface between teaching and service and integration between health surveillance and primary care, we built an educational 'technology' we call a permanent education in health surveillance technology. The experience afforded the students a broader view about the population's health conditions and on the importance of understanding local issues for health surveillance in order to provide qualified care targeted at the reality at each territory.

A Artrite Encefalite Caprina (CAE) é uma enfermidade infectocontagiosa causada por um vírus pertencente ao gênero lentivírus, denominado de vírus da Artrite Encefalite Caprina (CAEV). O CAEV é encontrado em vários tecidos, como o nervoso, o pulmonar, o da glândula mamária e do trato genital masculino e feminino. Desta forma, objetivou-se com este trabalho identificar a presença do CAEV, pelas técnicas de diagnóstico moleculares, em ovócitos e fluido uterino, visando avaliar a possibilidade de transmissão do CAEV pela reprodução. Foram selecionadas 13 cabras comprovadamente infectadas, as quais foram submetidas à eutanásia para coleta do aparelho reprodutor, aspiração do fluido uterino e dissecção dos ovários para coleta de ovócitos. Para identificação do CAEV nas amostras coletadas, na forma de provírus e na forma livre, foram realizadas as técnicas de PCRn e RT-PCRn, respectivamente. Observaram-se que 53,8% dos ovócitos foram positivos à técnica de RT-PCRn, enquanto apenas 9,1% foram positivos à PCRn. A técnica de RT-PCRn também identificou o vírus no fluido uterino de 46,1% das fêmeas testadas. Embora as 13 cabras em experimento fossem portadoras do CAEV, 30,8% apresentaram resultados negativos na PCRn e RT-PCRn em todas as amostras analisadas (ovócito e fluido uterino). Conclui-se que a PCRn e a RT-PCRn podem ser utilizadas no diagnóstico da CAE tendo os ovócitos e o fluido uterino como materiais de análise, e que a presença do CAEV nestes materiais aponta para o risco da transmissão do CAEV através das tecnologias reprodutivas aplicadas às fêmeas.

Caprine arthritis-encephalitis (CAE) is an infectious disease caused by the caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus (CAEV), belonging to the lentivirus genus. The presence of the virus has been observed in the nervous system, respiratory tract and mammary gland, and also in the male and female genital tract. The objective of this study is to identify the virus in oocyte and uterine fluid of infected goats by molecular diagnostic techniques, in order to assess the possibility of CAEV transmission with reproduction. Thirteen infected goats were selected and submitted to euthanasia for the collection of the reproductive system, aspiration of the uterine fluid and dissection of ovaries for oocyte collection. In order to identify the CAEV in the collected material, in the protovirus and free forms, it was submitted to the nRT-PCR and nPCR techniques, respectively. As a result, it was observed that 53.8% of oocytes were positive to nRT-PCR, while only 9.1% were positive to nPCR. The nRT-PCR also identified the virus in the uterine fluid of 46.1% of the tested females. Even though the 13 goats had CAEV, 30.8% presented negative results in nPCR and nRT-PCR in all of the analyzed samples (oocyte and uterine fluid). This work concludes that nRT-PCR and nPCR can be used in the diagnosis of CAE for the analysis with oocytes and uterine fluid, and that the presence of CAEV in these materials points out to the risk of CAEV transmission through reproductive technologies used in females.