Epidemic Survey Research Articles

Epidemic survey of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever infections in the Iraqi population during 2022

The primary cause of the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a virus spread by ticks. The rate of frequency of case mortality is 10–40%, which is spurred on by the CCHF virus, which also produces severe viral hemorrhagic fever outbreaks. The current study can be viewed as an epidemiological survey of CCHF infections in Iraq, with the goal of better understanding block virus transmission and preventing the risk of contracting the disease. Approximately 1370 blood samples from suspect patients were taken and separated; then, the serum was processed to remove viral RNA and tested for CCHF infection using specialized kits. Results revealed 382 (27.9%) positive cases, including 76 (19.9%) positive patients with dying compared to 306 (80.1%) who experienced cures. Findings showed a significant incidence of more than 50% of the positive cases having contact with animals and raw meat, 33% slaughtering, and 36% tick bites. Furthermore, 125 (32.7%) homemakers and 64 (16.8%) butchers had the most significant infection percentage. With 42.4% of all infections, Thiqar province had the most infected patients, followed by Misan with 9.7%, then Wasit and Babil. With 27.2% of all infections, May had the most CCHF-positive infections, followed by June and July. In conclusion, in response to the initial wave counterattack in southern Iraq, public health interventions on the veterinarian side should be implemented; these should eliminate, or at least decrease, the impact of a second wave. Illegal trading practices must be controlled if zoonotic diseases like CCHF are to stop spreading. Keywords: CCHF, Iraqi provinces, RT-PCR, tick bites, zoonotic disease.

Effect of dietary patterns on dental caries among 12–15 years-old adolescents: a cross-sectional survey

BackgroundSeveral factors can influence the risk of dental caries, among which dietary factors have a significance impact on the occurrence of dental caries. The limitation of current studies is that they only focus on the influence of individual foods on the risk of dental caries. This study use cluster analysis to examine the relationship between dietary patterns and dental caries experience among adolescents aged 12–15.MethodsBased on data from the first oral epidemic survey in Shanxi Province, a cross-sectional study was conducted among 11,351 adolescents aged 12–15 in Shanxi Province through oral examination and questionnaires. The questionnaire included the intake frequency of seven types of food. Descriptive statistics, cluster analysis, and multinomial logistic regression were used to analyze the association between dietary patterns and dental caries experience.ResultsThe prevalence rate of caries was 44.57% and the mean DMFT score was 0.98 ± 1.49 in adolescents aged 12–15 in Shanxi Province. The caries rate was higher in females than males (X2 = 103.59, P < 0.001). Adolescents who grow up in one-child families have a lower caries risk than those who grow up in families with more than one child (OR:0.91; 95%CI:0.84–0.97). The dietary patterns of adolescents aged 12–15 can be divided into eight types, among which refreshments-rich diet (OR:1.47; 95%CI,1.22–1.77) can increase the risk of caries, while the coarse-grains-rich dietery pattern (OR:0.90; 95%CI, 0.79–0.97) has a lower caries risk.ConclusionsSocial determinants of health such as sex, family size and dietary patterns influence the risk of dental caries. Certain dietary patterns could increase or decrease the risk of caries. The government, school canteens and news media should take dietary pattern factors seriously.

Long-term exposure to ambient PM2.5 and its constituents is associated with MAFLD

Existing evidence suggests that long-term exposure to ambient fine particulate pollution (PM2.5) may increase metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) risk. However, there is still limited evidence on the association of PM2.5 constituents with MAFLD. Therefore, this study explores the associations between the five main chemical constituents of PM2.5 and MAFLD to provide more explicit information on the liver exposome. A total of 76,727 participants derived from the China Multi-Ethnic Cohort, a large-scale epidemic survey in southwest China, were included in this study. Multiple linear regression models were used to estimate the pollutant-specific association with MAFLD. Weighted quantile sum regression was used to evaluate the joint effect of the pollutant-mixture on MAFLD and identify which constituents contribute most to it. Three-year exposure to PM2.5 constituents was associated with a higher MAFLD risk and more severe liver fibrosis. Odds ratios for MAFLD were 1.480, 1.426, 1.294, 1.561, 1.618, and 1.368 per standard deviation increase in PM2.5, black carbon, organic matter, ammonium, sulfate, and nitrate, respectively. Joint exposure to the five major chemical constituents was also positively associated with MAFLD (odds ratio 1.490, 95% CI 1.360-1.632). Nitrate contributed most to the joint effect of the pollutant-mixture. Further stratified analyses indicate that males, current smokers, and individuals with a high-fat diet might be more susceptible to ambient PM2.5 exposure than others. Long-term exposure to PM2.5 and its five major chemical constituents may increase the risk of MAFLD. Nitrate might contribute most to MAFLD, which may provide new clues for liver health. Males, current smokers, and participants with high-fat diets were more susceptible to these associations. This large-scale epidemiologic study explored the associations between constituents of fine particulate pollution (PM2.5) and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), and further revealed which constituents play a more important role in increasing the risk of MAFLD. In contrast to previous studies that examined the effects of PM2.5 as a whole substance, this study carefully explored the health effects of the individual constituents of PM2.5. These findings could (1) help researchers to identify the specific particles responsible for hepatotoxicity, and (2) indicate possible directions for policymakers to efficiently control ambient air pollution, such as targeting the sources of nitrate pollution.

A latent space model and Hotelling's T2 control chart to monitor the networks of Covid-19 symptoms

In the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, potential patients that suffer from different symptoms can be diagnosed with COVID-19. At the early stages of the pandemic, patients were mainly diagnosed with fever and respiratory symptoms. Recently, patients with new symptoms, such as gastrointestinal or loss of senses, are also diagnosed with COVID-19. Monitoring these symptoms can help the healthcare system to be aware of new symptoms that can be related to the COVID-19 coronavirus. This article focuses on monitoring the behavior of COVID-19 symptoms over time. In this regard, a Latent space model (LSM) and a Generalized linear model (GLM) are introduced to model the networks of symptoms. We apply Hotelling's T2 control chart to the estimated parameters of the LSM and GLM, to identify significant changes and detect anomalies in the networks. The performance of the proposed methods is evaluated using simulation and calculating average run length (ARL). Then, dynamic networks are generated from a COVID-19 epidemic survey dataset.

Prevalence of HIV-1 infection among foreign applicant to residency in Shanghai, China, 2005-2016

ABSTRACT Shanghai is one of the largest cities in China and has the highest proportion of inbound travelers in the world. The HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection status of this population can reflect the global HIV epidemic trend to a certain extent. Therefore, we conducted a retrospective epidemic survey to clarify the prevalence and characteristics of HIV-1 infection among inbound travelers applying for Shanghai residency. The retrospective cohort analysis included a total of 50,830 inbound tourists/travelers who applied for Shanghai residency from 2005 to 2016. HIV-1 infection rates were determined based on HIV-1 antibody testing. Among all the recruited inbound travelers, 245 were HIV-1 positive, with an infection rate of 0.48%. The detection rate of HIV in males was significantly higher than in females (χ2 = 62.584, P < 0.0001). Those aged 18–30 years, 31–40 years, and >40 years accounted for 34.3%, 39.6%, and 26.1% of the infected population, respectively. Although the annual detection rates were different, the trend analysis results showed no increase in HIV-1 prevalence rates among the sampling years (Cochran-Armitage Z = 2.543, P = 0.111). Proportions of individuals infected through homosexual transmission increased over the study period (Cochran-Armitage Z = 5.41, P < 0.001), while the proportion infected through heterosexual declined over time (Cochran-Armitage Z = 3.38, P = 0.001). The rate and characteristics of HIV-1 infection among foreign applicants for residency in Shanghai were identified in the study. The results provide the necessary epidemiological data for monitoring the HIV-1 epidemic among international entry travelers and contribute to establishing relevant policies and regulations for HIV control and prevention.

Are Unequal Policies in Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Uptake Needed to Improve Equality? An Examination Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Los Angeles County.

Racial and ethnic minority men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS in Los Angeles County (LAC), an important epicenter in the battle to end HIV. We examine tradeoffs between effectiveness and equality of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) allocation strategies among different racial and ethnic groups of MSM in LAC and provide a framework for quantitatively evaluating disparities in HIV outcomes. To do this, we developed a microsimulation model of HIV among MSM in LAC using county epidemic surveillance and survey data to capture demographic trends and subgroup-specific partnership patterns, disease progression, patterns of PrEP use, and patterns for viral suppression. We limit analysis to MSM, who bear most of the burden of HIV/AIDS in LAC. We simulated interventions where 3000, 6000, or 9000 PrEP prescriptions are provided annually in addition to current levels, following different allocation scenarios to each racial/ethnic group (Black, Hispanic, or White). We estimated cumulative infections averted and measures of equality, after 15 years (2021-2035), relative to base case (no intervention). By comparing allocation strategies on the health equality impact plane, we find that, of the policies evaluated, targeting PrEP preferentially to Black individuals would result in the largest reductions in incidence and disparities across the equality measures we considered. This result was consistent over a range of PrEP coverage levels, demonstrating that there are "win-win" PrEP allocation strategies that do not require a tradeoff between equality and efficiency.

The Relationship Between Meaning in Life and Health Behaviors in Adults Aged 55 Years and Over During the COVID-19 Pandemic: the Mediating Role of Risk Perception and the Moderating Role of Powerful Others Health Locus of Control.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has impacted many people's meaning in life and health behaviors. This study aimed to verify the relationship among meaning in life (MIL), epidemic risk perception, health locus of control (HLC), and preventive health behaviors among older adults after the COVID-19 outbreak was declared a pandemic. In this longitudinal study, 164 participants aged 55years and above completed the following measures at time 1 (February 19, 2021) and one month later at time 2 (March 19, 2021): Meaning in Life in the Epidemic Questionnaire, Epidemic Risk Perception Questionnaire, Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale, and Health Behaviors Before and After the Epidemic Survey. Hayes' SPSS Process Macro was used to analyze the mediating effect of epidemic risk perception (model 4) and the moderating role of powerful others HLC in the mediation model (model 14). The results showed that after controlling for gender, age, education level, and health behaviors at the baseline, risk perception had a significant mediating effect on the relationship between MIL and preventive health behaviors (β = .02, SE = .01, 95% CI [.00, .04]). In addition, powerful others HLC had a moderating effect on the second half of the mediating effect (β = .02, p = .02, 95% CI [.00, .03]). Specifically, compared to the older adults with low powerful others HLC, the risk perception of older adults with high powerful others HLC increased preventive health behaviors. Practitioners should adequately cultivate older adults' risk awareness and reinforce the importance of advice from doctors and professionals, thereby effectively enhancing the preventive health behaviors of older adults in China during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The effect of aviation responses to the control of imported COVID-19 cases

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has a lasting and unprecedented negative impact on the global aviation industry. While countries such as China have successfully curbed the domestic outbreak of the virus with various restrictive and preventive measures, the challenge of avoiding imported cases remains. More importantly, it is still unclear to what extent these implemented aviation emergency responses have effectively mitigated the transmission risk of the virus. This paper provides an empirical assessment of aviation responses to the control of imported COVID-19 cases, with a focus on the following three strategies: the “circuit breaker” policy, the “negative Nucleic Acid testing (NAT)”, and the “double negative tests” requirement. Non-recursive structural equation models (SEM) with latent variables were applied to detailed international flight data and individual epidemic survey data of Guangzhou, China, between May 1 and November 30, 2020. The results show that the “double negative tests” measure has a positive effect on eliminating the number of SARS-CoV-2 carriers, while the effects of single “circuit breaker” and its co-intervention with “negative NAT” are conterproductive. This study provides important implications to civil aviation agencies in regard to medium and long-term risk control of imported cases. Specifically, although the circuit breaker mechanism was designed to target on the risk control of imported COVID-19 cases, it may be more effective to carefully maintain a timely and reliable pre-boarding screening and testing to curb the number of imported cases.

Study on Countermeasures of improving public health emergency management system in Liaoning Province Based on epidemic control survey data

In the current round of prevention and control of cowid-19, Liaoning Province closely combines the current new situation, new changes and new characteristics, improves the normal prevention and control mechanism of timely discovery, rapid disposal, precise control and effective disposal, ensures that the management measures are effective and the work is in place, so as to create a healthy environment, maintain social stability and protect people's health. However, at the same time, through the statistics of the proportion of technical personnel and management personnel, the proportion of professional personnel, the number of disease control personnel per 10000 people and other data, we found that there are obvious shortcomings in the public health emergency management system of our province. Therefore, we should seize the opportunity, sum up the experience, draw lessons, pay close attention to the shortcomings, plug the loopholes, develop the advantages and avoid the disadvantages, and comprehensively improve the ability to deal with major public health emergencies.

Epidemic situation of malaria in Yunnan Province from 2014 to 2019

To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of malaria and implementation of the "1-3-7" approach in malaria elimination in Yunnan Province, so as to provide the data support for the development of post-elimination surveillance interventions. All data pertaining to malaria cases in Yunnan Province from 2014 to 2019 were captured from the Notifiable Disease Reporting System of Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and the changes in the epidemic situation of malaria were analyzed during the 5-year period. In addition, the core indexes regarding the "1-3-7" approach in malaria elimination of Yunnan Province from 2014 to 2019 were retrieved from the Malaria Control System in the Parasitic Disease Information Reporting System, and all changes in the indexes were descriptively analyzed. During the period from 2014 to 2019, a total of 2 283 malaria cases were reported in Yunnan Province, including 1 927 cases with vivax malaria, 326 cases with plasmodium malaria, 29 cases with other species of malaria, and one case with unidentified species. There were 64 local cases, 2 219 overseas imported cases. Among the 2 283 malaria cases, the male/female ratio was 4.58∶1, and 80.25% of the cases were aged from 15 to 50 years. Farmer (70.00%) was the predominant occupation, and 76.70% (1 751/2 283) of the cases were identified in 25 border counties (districts). Malaria cases were reported in each month during the 5-year period, and the number of malaria cases increased from April, peaked on May to July, and started to decline on August. From 2014 to 2019, the reporting rate of malaria cases within 24 hours upon diagnosis was 100%, and the detection of malaria cases was 99.69% (2 276/ 2 283) in the laboratory, with a 99.65% (2 275/2 283) rate of definite diagnosis. In addition, the percentage of individual epidemiological investigations within 3 days was 100.00% (2 283/2 283), and the number of epidemic foci survey and treatment within 7 days was 576 during the 3-year period from 2017 to 2019. The goal of malaria elimination was achieved in Yunnan Province on June, 2020. Malaria has been eliminated in Yunnan Province, and management of overseas imported malaria is the primary challenge to consolidate the malaria elimination achievements in the future. However, the approach in malaria elimination remains to be maintained, and the role of the Yunnan Provincial Malaria Diagnostic Reference Laboratory requires to be strengthened.

Association between lifestyle and thyroid dysfunction: a cross-sectional epidemiologic study in the She ethnic minority group of Fujian Province in China

BackgroundThyroid dysfunction is one of the prevalent endocrine disorders. The relationship between lifestyle factors and thyroid dysfunction was not clear and some of the factors seemed paradoxical.MethodsWe conducted this population-based study using data from 5154 She ethnic minority people who had entered into the epidemic survey of diabetes between July 2007 to September 2009. Life style information was collected using a standard questionnaire. Body mass index (BMI), Blood pressure and serum TSH, TPOAb, triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC) and high–density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) were collected.ResultsThe study showed that people who drank, had higher education or suffered from insomnia have lower incidence of hyperthyroidism. On the other hand, smoking, alcohol consumption, exercise, undergoing weight watch and chronic headache were associated with decreased incidence of hypothyroidism. Using multivariable logistic regression analysis, we found that alcohol consumption was associated with decreased probability of hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, as well as positive TPOAb. The amounts of cigarettes smoked daily displayed a positive correlation with hyperthyroidism among smokers. Accordingly, smoking seemed to be associated with decreased risk for hypothyroidism and positive TPOAb. Exercise and maintaining a healthy weight might have a beneficial effect on thyroid health. Interestingly, daily staple amount showed an inverse correlation with incidence of positive TPOAb.ConclusionsWithin the Chinese She ethnic minority, we found associations between different lifestyle factors and the incidence of different thyroid diseases. Understanding the nature of these associations requires further investigations.

Schistosomiasis must be eradicated: a review of fighting schitosomiasis in Qingpu, Shanghai

Qingpu, in western suburban of Shanghai, was one of serious schistosomiasis endemic counties in China. In 1958, in response to Chairman Mao' s call " Schistosomiasis must be eradicated", Shanghai First Medical College organized a research group to carry out schitosomiasis control in Qingpu. The prevalence of schistosomiasis was about 39% in 390 000 people and 8.4% in cattle. Oncomelania was distributed in an area of 70 million meter(2). The fighting project could be divided into two steps, the first one was from 1958 to 1974, during this period, the epidemic survey and patient treatment were conducted, and oncomelania control was carried out by using different kind of molluscides. In 1975, up to 92% of patients were cured, and 98% of oncomelania were killed. The second step was from 1975 to 1985, the main tasks were the consolidation of control achievement and surveillance. During this period oral medicines were used instead of venous injections. After the improvement of oncomelania detection method, the oncomelania clustering were found under rock duck and brick shore. In 1985, it was confirmed that schistosomiasis had been eradicated in Qingpu and other suburb areas of Shanghai.

"The Duty to Prevent" during an epidemic situation like 2015 Korean MERS outbreak.

Epidemiology, a core discipline in public health, identifies factors related to disease prevention and health promotion and applies these findings to local communities [1]. In particular, in cases of pandemic outbreak in local communities, epidemiology plays a central role in managing infected individuals and preventing disease propagation [2]. On May 20, 2015, after the confirmatory diagnosis of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) [3], preventive medicine residents convened for an epidemic survey in early June 2015 to respond to worries about the risk of in-hospital infections spreading to local communities. On June 26, an anonymous interview with a preventive medicine resident was published in the media [4]. The media article was published in the same setting as the issue of ethical responsibility imposed on the medical corps as the “duty to care” in the 2003 Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak case [5]. In this context, there is a need for preventive medicine specialists, including epidemiologists, to clarify ethical concepts at the level of “duty to prevent” during pandemics. The obligations of epidemiologists in local communities include communication with local residents, explanation of outcomes, and performing appropriate disease prevention measures by disseminating results of epidemic surveys of pandemic-related measures to the local community wherever applicable [2]. This is similar to the duty of a clinician to treat infected individuals. Regarding the imposition of the “duty to treat” during a pandemic, Malm et al. [6] presented five underlying ethical principles: consent, implied consent, special training, reciprocity, and oaths and codes. This duty can be interpreted as the responsibility of preventive medicine specialists, as doctors accredited by the country, to play the professional role expected of them by local communities in critical situations [2]. And epidemic surveillance is the first task of preventive medicine specialists in their role of disease management [7]. Ethical obligations based on ethical principles should be differentiated from ethical virtues [2,8]. While obligations specify roles and responsibilities, virtues are the character traits underlying personal attitude and behavior in fulfilling a just cause [2, 8]. The major character traits required of epidemiologists are benevolence, honesty, prudence, excellence, and integrity [2]. Especially, solidarity and loyalty are additional character traits that are utmost important, as they ensure the trust of the local community [8]. However, these character traits cannot be acquired by education, and should be cultivated by individuals [9]. In this regard, specialist training programs should be help residents more efficiently carry out their “duty to prevent”. Additionally, the proper methods for wearing and removing protective coveralls should be taught without fail during training so that specialists can protect themselves from infection. Along with these efforts, the most desirable attitude for bridging the ethical gap during a pandemic is the voluntary participation of the specialists [10].

Preparation of vesicular stomatitis virus pseudotype with Chikungunya virus envelope protein.

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is amosquito-transmitted alphavirus that causes Chikungunya fever (CHIKF) in millions of people mainly in developing countries. CHIKF is characterized by high fever, fatigue, headache, nausea, vomiting, rash, myalgia and severe arthralgia. To date, there is no specific treatment and no licensed vaccine against CHIKV infection. In this study, we developed asafe, efficient and easy neutralization assay of CHIKV based on vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) pseudotype with CHIKV envelope protein and the green fluorescent protein (GFP) or luciferase as reporter gene, which could be used under areduced safety level. The VSV pseudotype can be applied to the epidemic survey by measuring the expression of GFP or luciferase activity in infected cells. This system can also be used to study the mechanisms of virus entry.

Quantitative assessment of DNA damage directly in age-related cataract patients

Background Age-related cataract is one of the common causes of blindness.Although the pathophysiology of age-related cataract is far from clearly understood,it is well accepted that DNA damage plays an important role in the disease pathogenesis.Objective The purpose of this study was to quantitatively evaluate the DNA damage in peripheral lymphocytes of age-related cataract.Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out.This study complied Declaration of Helsinki and approved by Ethic Committee of Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University.Written informed consent was obtained from each subject.Two hundred and eleven patients with agerelated cataract and 147 normal subjects were enrolled from a “ Jiangsu Eye Study:Funing 2011 Eye Disease Epidemic Survey”.All the subjects aged from 50 through 80 years with matched age and gender between the two groups.The percentage of tail DNA and Olive tail moment (OTM) were detected by comet assay to assess the extent of DNA damage in peripheral lymphocytes.Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS 17.0 software,and the differences of the percentage of tail DNA and OTM were compared between the age-related cataract group and normal control group by independent sample t test as well as among the 50-59 years group,60-69 years group and ≥70 years group by one-way analysis of variance.Results Comet assay showed a round lymph cell with the clear border in the normal group;while in the age-related cataract group,the cell was bigger with a comet-like tail.The percentage of tail DNA and OTM in peripheral lymphocytes were (21.75 ± 3.51) ％ and 6.54 ± 1.65 in the age-related cataract group,and those in the normal control group were (9.31 ±3.60)％ and 2.18 ± 1.10,respectively,with significant differences between them (t =32.67,P =0.00 ; t =28.02,P =O.00).In the 50-59 years subgroup of the age-related cataract group,the percentage of tail DNA and OTM in peripheral lymphocytes were (20.04±2.86) ％ and 5.92± 1.14,and in the 60-69 years subgroup of the age-related cataract group,the percentage of tail DNA and OTM in peripheral lymphocytes were (20.77 ±2.93) ％ and 6.13 ± 1.14,which were significantly reduced in comparison with (22.79 ± 3.67)％ and 6.95±1.91 of the ≥70years subgroup(TailDNA％:q=2.75,P=0.00; q=2.02,P=0.00;OTM:q=1.03,P =0.02 ; q =0.82,P =0.00).Conclusions The pathogenesis and development of age-related cataract probably is associated with DNA damage. Key words: Cataract/age-related; DNA damage; Comet assay

Epidemic survey for infection by both types of intestinal Parasites in Baghdad AL- Karama hospital patients.

objective The of this study includes surveying for two types of intestinal parasite that causes humans disease (Entamoebahistolytica and Giardia lamblia)which spread among Baghdad governorate people from AL-Karama hospital patients during the period from January 2002 till December 2005 using the method of direct test to 6239) stool sample. The average of the infection registered for both parasites is 14.71% and, most of them wasEntamoebahistolytica 12.71%. while Giardia lamblia was 2.55% and approximate the percentage of the male and female infection 14.84% and 14.57% respectively and higher percentage of infection was registered at 2003 24.35% and less percentage at 2004 70.77%.

Análise da atenção à saúde bucal na Estratégia de Saúde da Família do Distrito Sanitário VI, Recife (PE)

The aim of this study was to analyze the work process developed by the oral health teams of the VI Sanitary District of Recife, Pernambuco State, in 2006. It is a descriptive study of qualitative approach in that secondary data were obtained of a previous research accomplished in Recife, where the Sanitary District VI is located. Four semi-structured interviews were accomplished with the oral health coordinator, two surgeon-dentists and a nurse that acted in the Family Health Strategy. The results showed that some practices accomplished by the teams are still incipient such as the epidemic survey, patient reference and counter reference, and the control and evaluation of the actions. However, the progress in the preventive vision and in education practice in the professional health became evidenced through the interviews. In conclusion, in spite of the difficulties for the execution of the practices established by the National Policies of Oral Health, it is noticed a change in the attention model in oral health, being necessary some adjustments and corrections in the activity of the teams, besides a larger participation of other administration levels for the full exercise of oral health in the Family Health Strategy.

Epidemic survey of familial clustering risk factors for hepatitis B in Shanghai area

Objective:To investigate the familial clustering risk factors for hepatitis B in Shanghai area.Methods:A standard,two-page questionnaire was designed to investigate the risk factors for HBV infection in the family members of index cases.The risk factors were analyzed between families with HBV clustering and families without HBV clustering (controls).Results:A total of 870 family members from 298 families were investigated.Multivariable analysis showed that family members with liver cirrhosis (P=0.004,OR=2.548,95%CI 1.352-4.800) and sharing of towels (P=0.016,OR=1.864,95%CI 1.125-3.089) were the independent factors for familial clustering of hepatitis B.Conclusion:Family members with liver cirrhosis and sharing of towels are the major risk factors for intrafamilial transmission of HBV in Shanghai.

Optimization of Epidemic Survey and Epizootics Prognostication in Kyzylkum Autonomous Plague Focus in Modern Conditions within Uzbekistan

Kyzylkum autonomous plague focus, the large part of which is situated on the territory of the Republic of Uzbekistan, has always been distinguished as regards periodic development of acute extended epizootics and occurrence of epidemic complications. Epidemic survey includes the wide reconnaissance with visual evaluation of epizootiological factors and material collection out of fresh pellets for serological analysis. In case of discovery of carriers carcasses, suspected as plague infected, the collection of samples into spiritus in view of their further PCR analysis is carried out.

Levantamento epidemiológico de malária na cidade de Manaus em 2005

Durante os meses de outubro e novembro de 2006, foi realizado um levantamento epidemiológico da ocorrência de malária em três regiões de Manaus e com registro na Fundação de Medicina Tropical do Amazonas durante o ano de 2005. Nesse local, foram coletadas, entre outras, as seguintes informações: número de casos de malária por mês, registro de malária conforme a espécie de Plasmodium e a zona onde o paciente reside. Através de estatística descritiva, foi possível verificar que a malária apresenta flutuação sazonal em todas as zonas estudadas, bem como que as maiores taxas percentuais ocorrem nos seus setores rurais. Entretanto, com a realização do teste t, foi possível verificar que não há correlação estatística entre as zonas conforme a presença ou não das espécies de P. falciparum e P. vivax. Assim, sugere-se que estudos sobre a ocorrência de doenças tropicais, como a malária, devem merecer destaque nas decisões governamentais sobre saúde pública na Amazônia.