ABSTRACT Syphilis is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. The diagnosis is based on clinical data and serological analysis; however, the sensitivity and specificity of such tests may vary depending on the type of test and stage of the infection. In order to overcome this premise, this study utilized the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the detection of T. pallidum DNA in whole blood samples of patients with syphilis. The blood samples from patients with or without symptoms of syphilis, but with positive results in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), were included in this study. A venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL) test was performed for all collected sera samples. For PCR, the T. pallidum DNA was extracted from the collected blood samples and a specific primer set was designed to amplify 131 nucleotides of polA (Tp0105). The specificity of the primers was evaluated with the DNA of 17 different pathogens. From a total of 314 blood samples reactive in ELISA, 58.2% (183/314) of the samples were reactive in the VDRL test. In the PCR, 54% (168/314) of the ELISA-reactive samples were positive. In both tests (VDRL and PCR) 104 samples were positive. Of 104 positive samples for both tests, 71 were at the latent stage. Based on these results, it can be concluded that PCR with the designed set of primers can be utilized as a diagnostic method for T. pallidum detection in blood samples of patients with syphilis, especially those with latent infection. In addition, it can be utilized as a supplement for serological methods to improve the diagnosis of syphilis.

In this study, we describe the fate of fatty acids that are incorporated from the lumen by the posterior midgut epithelium of Rhodnius prolixus and the biosynthesis of lipids. We also demonstrate that neutral lipids (NL) are transferred to the haemolymphatic lipophorin (Lp) and that phospholipids remain in the tissue in which they are organised into perimicrovillar membranes (PMMs). 3H-palmitic acid added at the luminal side of isolated midguts of R. prolixus females was readily absorbed and was used to synthesise phospholipids (80%) and NL (20%). The highest incorporation of 3H-palmitic acid was on the first day after a blood meal. The amounts of diacylglycerol (DG) and triacylglycerol synthesised by the tissue decreased in the presence of Lp in the incubation medium. The metabolic fates of 3H-lipids synthesised by the posterior midgut were followed and it was observed that DG was the major lipid released to Lp particles. However, the majority of phospholipids were not transferred to Lp, but remained in the tissue. The phospholipids that were synthesised and accumulated in the posterior midgut were found to be associated with Rhodnius luminal contents as structural components of PMMs.

O câncer de colo do útero é o segundo mais comum em mulheres no Brasil e no mundo e pode ser evitado através da detecção precoce de lesões precursoras. O exame citopatológico de colo uterino ainda é o mais efetivo e eficiente para realizar este rastreamento. O objetivo do estudo foi investigar a cobertura e a adequação do exame citopatológico e fatores associados. Foi realizado um estudo transversal com 3.939 mulheres que tiveram filho nos últimos dois anos anteriores à pesquisa, distribuídas em 41 municípios brasileiros. A cobertura do exame na vida foi de 75,3% (IC95%: 74,0-76,7) e a adequação foi de 70,7% (IC95%: 69,3-72,1). A adequação associou-se positivamente com idade maior de 25 anos, maior escolaridade, fazer pré-natal na última gestação e consultar para exame ginecológico no último ano. Foi menos frequente entre mulheres do estrato socioeconômico mais baixo e primíparas. Portanto, faz-se necessário fortalecer as ações preventivas para os subgrupos de mulheres mais vulneráveis, assim como potencializar as situações de utilização dos serviços de saúde.

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women both in Brazil and elsewhere in the world and can be averted through early detection of precursor lesions. Pap smear is still the most effective and efficient screening test. This study focused on the coverage and adequacy of Pap test and associated factors. The authors adopted a cross-sectional design with a sample of 3,939 women who had given birth in the two previous years in 41 municipalities (counties) of Brazil. Lifetime Pap test coverage was 75.3% (95%CI: 74.0-76.7), and prevalence of adequacy was 70.7% (95%CI: 69.3-72.1). Adequacy was positively associated with age over 25 years, schooling, prenatal care in the last pregnancy, and gynecological visit in the previous year, and was less frequent among primiparous women and those with lower socioeconomic status. It is thus necessary to strengthen preventive measures in vulnerable subgroups and maximize situations for use of health services.

O câncer de colo do útero é o segundo mais comum em mulheres no Brasil e no mundo e pode ser evitado através da detecção precoce de lesões precursoras. O exame citopatológico de colo uterino ainda é o mais efetivo e eficiente para realizar este rastreamento. O objetivo do estudo foi investigar a cobertura e a adequação do exame citopatológico e fatores associados. Foi realizado um estudo transversal com 3.939 mulheres que tiveram filho nos últimos dois anos anteriores à pesquisa, distribuídas em 41 municípios brasileiros. A cobertura do exame na vida foi de 75,3% (IC95%: 74,0-76,7) e a adequação foi de 70,7% (IC95%: 69,3-72,1). A adequação associou-se positivamente com idade maior de 25 anos, maior escolaridade, fazer pré-natal na última gestação e consultar para exame ginecológico no último ano. Foi menos frequente entre mulheres do estrato socioeconômico mais baixo e primíparas. Portanto, faz-se necessário fortalecer as ações preventivas para os subgrupos de mulheres mais vulneráveis, assim como potencializar as situações de utilização dos serviços de saúde.

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women both in Brazil and elsewhere in the world and can be averted through early detection of precursor lesions. Pap smear is still the most effective and efficient screening test. This study focused on the coverage and adequacy of Pap test and associated factors. The authors adopted a cross-sectional design with a sample of 3,939 women who had given birth in the two previous years in 41 municipalities (counties) of Brazil. Lifetime Pap test coverage was 75.3% (95%CI: 74.0-76.7), and prevalence of adequacy was 70.7% (95%CI: 69.3-72.1). Adequacy was positively associated with age over 25 years, schooling, prenatal care in the last pregnancy, and gynecological visit in the previous year, and was less frequent among primiparous women and those with lower socioeconomic status. It is thus necessary to strengthen preventive measures in vulnerable subgroups and maximize situations for use of health services.