scholarly journals Increased vulnerability to SARS-CoV-2 infection among indigenous people living in the urban area of Manaus

Author(s):  
Gemilson Soares Pontes ◽  
Jean de Melo Silva ◽  
Renato Pinheiro-Silva ◽  
Anderson Nogueira Barbosa ◽  
Luciano Cardenes Santos ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: The COVID-19 pandemic threatens indigenous peoples living in suburban areas of large Brazilian cities and has thus far intensified their pre-existing socio-economic inequalities. This study evaluated the epidemiological situation of SARS-CoV-2 infection among residents of the biggest urban multiethnic indigenous community of the Amazonas state, Brazil. Methods: Blood samples of 280 indigenous people who live in the urban community known as Parque das Tribos, which is located in the surrounding area of Manaus, were tested for the presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgA or IgG antibodies using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. An epidemiological standardized interviewer-administered questionnaire was applied to assess the risk factors and sociodemographic information of the study population. Results: We found a total positivity rate of 64.64% (95% CI 59.01-70.28) for SARS-CoV-2 infection. IgA and IgG were detected in 55.71% (95% CI 49.89-61.54) and 60.71% (95% CI 54.98-66.45) of the individuals tested, respectively. From the total number (n=280), 80.11% of positive individuals (95%; CI 74.24-85.98) were positive for both IgA and IgG Abs. All individuals with COVID-19-related symptoms on the day of blood collection (n=11) were positive for IgG, while IgA was detected in 84.61% (n=55) of individuals who had presented symptoms several weeks before the blood collection. Individuals aged 30-39 were more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection (prevalence ratio [PR] 0.77; 95% CI 0.58-1.03; p=0.033). People whose main source of information on COVID-19 was religious leaders or friends showed higher susceptibility to infection (PR 1.22; 95% CI 1.00-1.49; p=0.040). In addition, individuals who left home more frequently were at higher risk of infection (PR 1.22; 95% CI 1.00-1.49; p=0.048). Five or more individuals per household increased almost 5-fold the risk of virus transmission (Odds ratio [OR] 2.56; 95% CI; 1.09-6.01; p=0.019). Over 95% of the study population had no access to clean water and/or sanitation. Conclusions: The disproportionate dissemination of SARS-CoV-2 infection observed in the Parque das Tribos urban indigenous community might be driven by typical cultural behavior and socioeconomic inequalities. Despite the pandemic threat, this population is not being targeted by public policies and appears to be chronically invisible to the Brazilian authorities.

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gemilson Soares Pontes ◽  
Jean de Melo Silva ◽  
Renato Pinheiro-Silva ◽  
Anderson Nogueira Barbosa ◽  
Luciano Cardenes Santos ◽  
...  

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic threatens indigenous peoples living in suburban areas of large Brazilian cities and has thus far intensified their pre-existing socio-economic inequalities. We evaluated the epidemiological situation of SARS-CoV-2 infection among residents of the biggest urban multiethnic indigenous community of the Amazonas state, Brazil. Blood samples of 280 indigenous people living in the surrounding area of Manaus were tested for the presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgA or IgG antibodies. The risk factors and sociodemographic information were assessed through an epidemiological questionnaire. We found a total positivity rate of 64.64% (95% CI 59.01–70.28) for SARS-CoV-2 infection. IgA and IgG were detected in 55.71% (95% CI 49.89–61.54) and 60.71% (95% CI 54.98–66.45) of the individuals, respectively. Over 80% of positive individuals were positive for both IgA and IgG.No significant difference in positivity rates between genders or age groups was observed. Moreover, the age group ≥ 60 years old showed the highest antibody ratios (IgA mean ratio = 3.080 ± 1.623; IgG mean ratio = 4.221 ± 1.832), while the age groups 13–19 and 20–29 showed the lowest IgA (mean ratio = 2.268 ± 0.919) and IgG ratios (mean ratio = 2.207 ± 1.246), respectively. Individuals leaving the home more frequently were at higher risk of infection (Odds ratio (OD) 2.61; 95% CI 1.00–1.49; p = 0.048). Five or more individuals per household increased fivefold the risk of virus transmission (OR 2.56; 95% CI 1.09–6.01; p = 0.019). The disproportionate dissemination of SARS-CoV-2 infection observed among the study population might be driven by typical cultural behavior and socioeconomic inequalities. Despite the pandemic threat, this population is not being targeted by public policies and appears to be chronically invisible to the Brazilian authorities.


Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 656
Author(s):  
Konstantin Tanida ◽  
Andreas Hahn ◽  
Kirsten Alexandra Eberhardt ◽  
Egbert Tannich ◽  
Olfert Landt ◽  
...  

Microsporidiosis is an infection predominantly occurring in immunosuppressed patients and infrequently also in travelers. This study was performed to comparatively evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of real-time PCR assays targeting microsporidia with etiological relevance in the stool of human patients in a latent class analysis-based test comparison without a reference standard with perfect accuracy. Thereby, two one-tube real-time PCR assays and two two-tube real-time PCR assays targeting Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalocytozoon spp. were included in the assessment with reference stool material (20), stool samples from Ghanaian HIV-positive patients (903), and from travelers, migrants and Colombian indigenous people (416). Sensitivity of the assays ranged from 60.4% to 97.4% and specificity from 99.1% to 100% with substantial agreement according to Cohen’s kappa of 79.6%. Microsporidia DNA was detected in the reference material and the stool of the HIV patients but not in the stool of the travelers, migrants, and the Colombian indigenous people. Accuracy-adjusted prevalence was 5.8% (n = 78) for the study population as a whole. In conclusion, reliable detection of enteric disease-associated microsporidia in stool samples by real-time PCR could be demonstrated, but sensitivity between the compared microsporidia-specific real-time PCR assays varied.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lize Hermans ◽  
Stephan Van den Broucke ◽  
Lydia Gisle ◽  
Stefaan Demarest ◽  
Rana Charafeddine

Abstract Background The importance of health literacy in dealing with the COVID-19 epidemic has been emphasized but scarcely addressed empirically. In this study, the association of health literacy with mental health, compliance with COVID-19 preventive measures and health prospects was assessed in a Belgian context. Methods Data were extracted from the third of a series of cross-sectional online COVID-related surveys (n = 32,794). Data collection took place for 1 week starting the 28th of May 2020. People residing in Belgium and aged 18 years or older could participate. Data were collected on sociodemographic background, health literacy, multimorbidity, mental health (depression, anxiety, sleeping disorder, vitality), knowledge about COVID-19, compliance with COVID-19 measures (hygiene, physical distance, covering mouth and nose on public transport and in places where physical distance cannot be respected), and health prospects (risk for health when returning to normal life and possibility of infection). Prevalence Ratio (PR) of poor mental health, non-compliance with the measures and health prospects in relation to health literacy were calculated using Poisson regressions. Results People showing sufficient health literacy were less likely to suffer from anxiety disorders (PR = 0.47, 95% CI = [0.42–0.53]), depression (PR = 0.46, 95% CI = [0.40–0.52]) and sleeping disorders (PR = 0.85, 95% CI = [0.82–0.87]), and more likely to have optimal vitality (PR = 2.41, 95% CI = [2.05–2.84]) than people with low health literacy. They were less at risk of not complying with the COVID-19 measures (PR between 0.60 and 0.83) except one (covering mouth and nose in places where physical distance cannot be respected). Finally, they were less likely to perceive returning to normal life as threatening (PR = 0.70, 95% CI = [0.65–0.77]) and to consider themselves at risk of an infection with COVID-19 (PR = 0.75, 95% CI = [0.67–0.84]). The associations remained significant after controlling for COVID-19 knowledge and multimorbidity. Conclusions These results suggest that health literacy is a crucial factor in managing the COVID-19 epidemic and offer a perspective for future studies that target health literacy in the context of virus outbreaks.


2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 119-125
Author(s):  
E.V. Mikhailova ◽  
◽  
T.K. Chudakova ◽  
D.Yu. Levin ◽  
A.V. Romanovskaya ◽  
...  

Parvovirus (PV) is a widespread infection, despite the fact that this pathogen was discovered only recently. The therapeutic effect of PV, in particular its oncolytic activity, is being actively studied now. Notably, PVs causing infections in animals, such as rat PV H-1, caninae PV, and rodent protoparvovirus (minute virus of mice) suppress oncogenesis in these animals. There is an ex vivo evidence of rat glioblastoma and gliosarcoma sensitivity to PV. The affinity of PV B19 to P-antigen located primarily on the membranes of erythroid cells is crucial for the disease pathogenesis. The teratogenic effect of PV B19 is associated with its ability to infect placental cells (P-antigen is present on the cells of chorionic villi and surface of the trophoblast). PV infection can be acquired or congenital, typical or atypical. The outcome of intrauterine infection with PV B19 largely depends on the gestation age when the infection occurred. Women infected during the second trimester are at higher risk of vertical transmission and severe intrauterine pathology with a poor outcome than those infected during the third trimester. Constant contact with young children significantly increases the risk of PV B19 infection among pregnant women with no immunity to this virus. Serum is the most convenient biomaterial for detecting both PV DNA and virus-specific antibodies. One test for anti-PV IgG using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay is sufficient to determine the immune status of a patient. Polymerase chain reaction with amniotic fluid is used to diagnose intrauterine infection with PV B19. Blood components and products should be checked for PV B19. High frequency of PV B19 detection in the blood of donors necessitates the development of special measures aimed at prevention of virus transmission. Key words: pregnant women, children, parvovirus B19, parvovirus infection


2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 101-120
Author(s):  
MOHD FAHMI BIN ISMAIL ◽  
MOHD FIRDAUS BIN CHE YAACOB

Masyarakat Orang Asli Temiar merupakan komuniti orang yang telah lama wujud di negara kita.Kepelbagaian nilai budaya kehidupan masyarakat menjadi lambang jati diri dan kebanggaan masyarakatini. Oleh sebab itu, masyarakat Orang Asli Temiar ini sememangnya kaya dengan warisan ceritarakyat yang menjadi kebanggaan kepada masyarakat tersebut. Namun demikian, arus kepesatan,pembangunan dan kemajuan kemodenan menyebabkan khazanah cerita rakyat ini semakin dipinggirkanoleh masyarakat ini. Selain itu, mereka beranggapan bahawa medium lisan sebagai cerita mitos yangbercorak dongeng dan sekadar untuk berhibur semata-mata. Menerusi kajian ini, akan membincangkansatu objektif utama iaitu menganalisis nilai budaya dalam cerita rakyat masyarakat Orang Asli Temiar GuaMusang, Kelantan. Hal ini, dengan sendiri mewujudkan ruang ilmiah yang menuntut kepada pengkajianilmiah yang khusus. Sehubungan itu, pengkaji akan menggunakan kaedah kepustakaan dan kaedahkajian lapangan bagi memastikan kelancaran dalam menjalankan kajian tersebut. Selanjutnya, kajian iniakan menerapkan Teori Sastera Warisan yang dikemukakan oleh (A. Wahab Ali, 2005) sebagai gagasanuntuk memperkukuhkan dapatan kajian ini. Hasil dapatan kajian ini berhasil menemukan antara nilaibudaya yang selama ini menjadi landasan kepada ketamadunan masyarakat Orang Asli Temiar GuaMusang, Kelantan. Sementara itu, kemantapan elemen nilai budaya yang dihasilkan ini, dan diamalkandalam kehidupan seharian masyrakat ini, secara tidak lansung akan melahirkan kesan-kesan tersurat dantersirat kepada diri masyarakat komuniti ini. Kesimpulannya, cerita rakyat masyarakat Orang Asli Temiaradalah manifestasi kehidupan, adat kepercayaan dan lambang jati diri masyarakat ini.   Temiar indigenous people are a community are comunity of people living in the jugngle, marginalized andlangging in term of modernity country. There it can not be denied that this society is actually rich in diversecultures, fokstales and very high philosophy of thought. However, rapid development and modernity hasled to an increase in marginalized folklore Therefore open an empty space in scientifi c research whichrequired a specifi c research. This study aims to fi ll the empty space by examine the folktales of TemiarIndigenous community in Gua Musang, Kelantan. This study focused on three main objectives. First wasto show eff ect the folktales of Temiar Indigenous community in Gua Musang, Kelantan. Concomitantly, thisstudy used literature research and fi eld research. Furthermore, this study will apply the Sastera Warisantheory by Theory of Conceptual Keyword introduced by Mohamad Mokhtar Hassan in 2005 as the notionto strengthen this study. The realibility of cultural values hold by the Temiar Indigenous community and thepracticing of it in daily life infl uencing the Temiar Indigenous individually and collectively as community. Asconclusion, the folktales of Temiar Indigenous community can be said as manifestation of life, customsand beliefs, and sign of their identity.


2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (11) ◽  
pp. 1207-1212 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luiza Naujorks Reis ◽  
Cézane Priscila Reuter ◽  
Jane Dagmar Pollo Renner ◽  
Leandro Tibiriçá Burgos ◽  
Silvia Isabel Rech Franke ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Studies in adults have shown a relationship between high blood pressure and hyperuricemia, but few studies have investigated this association in children and adolescents. The aim of the present study was to associate urate concentration with systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in schoolchildren. Methods This cross-sectional study used a sample of 2335 schoolchildren in basic education between 7 and 17 years old. Blood pressure was classified by percentile according to Brazilian parameters for sex and age, reclassified into two categories: normal and borderline/hypertension. Blood collection to obtain serum for urate concentration analysis was performed after a 12-h fast. Values above 5.5 mg/dL were considered hyperuricemia. Descriptive data were presented in frequency and percentage. Linear regression and Poisson regression (prevalence ratio [PR]) was used to test the association between urate concentration and blood pressure. Results Urate concentration was weakly associated with SBP (β: 0.05; 95% CI: 0.02–0.08) and DBP (β: 0.03; 95% CI: 0.01–0.05) z-scores. Schoolchildren with hyperuricemia had a higher prevalence of high SBP (PR: 1.12; p<0.001) and DBP (PR: 1.08; p<0.001). Conclusions Elevated urate concentration is associated with altered blood pressure in schoolchildren.


2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-36
Author(s):  
Farhan Helmi Siregar

Peace talks between the Goverment of Republic of Colombia with Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia—Ejército del Pueblo (FARC-EP) started from 2011 to 2016, and followed by disarmament and transition phase until 2017. The talks and process have resulted peace agreement between the conflicting sides in 2016, FARC-EP disarmament process, and transitioning the rebels into civilians’ life. Considered as a success by some observers, the peace process is not yet solving the problem about indigenous people affected by an half-century conflict between the goverment and FARC-EP. This paper will examine discourses from perspective of community security which is originated from the concept of human security that involves violent action, and other threats towards indigenous people in Colombia, the Awa, and Wounaan People between 2011 to 2017. The goal of discursive practices on violent action towards indigenous ''people during the peace process in Colombia is to explain the threat to community security in Colombia due to the problem occured in indigenous community


2012 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 173-177 ◽  
Author(s):  
Farideh Bahrani ◽  
Parnian Ghadiri ◽  
Mahroo Vojdani

ABSTRACT Aim The aim of this study was to define the prevalence and severity of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) among Iranian dental and nondental students who attended Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Materials and methods The samples consisted of 200 subjects, 100 dental and 100 nondental students (equal distribution between males and females). Subjects ages ranged from 18 to 30 years (24.07 ± 2.93). A functional evaluation was performed using the Helkimo dysfunction index (Di). Data were evaluated by the Chi-square test. Results Among the total study population, 71% showed some degree of dysfunction. Prevalence ratio in dental students was 80%, while in nondental students was 62% (p < 0.05, odds ratio = 0.679). With respect to gender, women (80%) were more affected than men (62%). A significant relationship was found between gender and the occurrence of TMD (p < 0.05). Conclusion A high prevalence of signs of TMD in Iranian university students was seen which was greater in dental students and women. Clinical significance The results of this study showed that the prevalence of TMD among dental students and women was significantly higher than nondental students and men. These findings might be due to poor postural style or emotional stress during dental practice. How to cite this article Bahrani F, Ghadiri P, Vojdani M. Comparison of Temporomandibular Disorders in Iranian Dental and Nondental Students. J Contemp Dent Pract 2012;13(2): 173-177.


2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 95 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosetta Lillian Smith ◽  
Sue Devine ◽  
Robyn Preston

When addressing disparities in health status of Indigenous Australians, it is necessary to consult with Indigenous people to explore their health needs. The process of improving health outcomes is complex; it requires acknowledgement of underlying cultural and social determinants of health and active engagement of Indigenous people to define the issues and identify solutions. The aim of this study is to explore the most appropriate research methodologies to determine Australian Indigenous community members’ perceptions of their health needs. A scoping review was conducted in BioMed Central, CINAHL, Informit Health, MEDLINE Ovid, ProQuest and Scopus databases and Google Scholar for all relevant literature published between 2009 and 2018. Extensive manual searches of reference lists were also undertaken. The limited number of articles relating to needs assessment with Indigenous community members prescribed broadening the scope of the review to include articles that describe methodologies to enhance Indigenous people’s engagement in the research process. Twelve papers met the inclusion criteria. Three major themes emerged: (1) the imperative to develop and implement Indigenist research methodologies; (2) participatory action research (PAR) and community-based participatory research (CBPR) as appropriate methodologies to conduct research with Indigenous community members; and (3) yarning or storytelling as a culturally appropriate Indigenous method of data collection.


2020 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Abdullah A Mahrazi ◽  
Mohammad A Khibrani ◽  
Khatib S Ismail ◽  
Emad Abada ◽  
◽  
...  

Helicobacter pylori has been associated with peptic ulcer and gastric carcinoma. This study aimed to find the seroprevalence of H. pylori infection in some male students of Jazan University, Saudi Arabia. Twenty students were enrolled in the study (n = 20). Informed consent was obtained from the students. About 2 ml blood was collected intravenously in Improvacuter® evacuated blood collection tubes. The blood was allowed to clot at room temperature. The serum was collected and stored at –20°C for further use. The separated serum was used to detect IgG and IgM antibodies by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) against H. pylori for the in vitro diagnosis. A total of 11 (55.00%) students tested positive for IgG antibodies against H. pylori indicating previous infection. All the samples tested negative for IgM antibodies against H. pylori indicating no active infection. The seroprevalance of IgG antibodies against H. pylori was found to be very high in some male university students and is a cause of concern regarding their health. Obesity (p < 0.05; Value statistically significant), stress and bad eating habits, eating out, drinking carbonated beverages, and eating spicy food were some of the factors found to be associated with IgG seropositive students. The students were counseled and were instructed to undergo a confirmatory test and get medical intervention. Further large-scale studies need to be performed to plan action against this disease causing organism and to improve the health of students.


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