Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG antibodies in an asymptomatic population in Sergipe, Brazil

Objective.

To estimate the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in an asymptomatic population in the state of Sergipe, Brazil.

Methods.

This cross-sectional study with stratified sampling (sex and age) included serological immunofluorescent
tests for IgM and IgG on samples from 3 046 asymptomatic individuals. Sample collection was performed in wet-markets of the 10 most populous cities of Sergipe, Brazil. Exclusion criteria included symptomatic individuals and health workers. The presence of comorbidities was registered.

Adequate, reliable and timely information in times of the COVID-19 pandemic

In times of the COVID-19 pandemic, adequate, reliable and timely information becomes even more relevant. The Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization office in Brazil and key partners have developed initiatives to improve access, sharing and dissemination of the information and knowledge produced, translated and systematized about COVID-19 as a technical contribution to the fight against the pandemic. This article presents some of these resources.

Health working conditions and environment: conceptual model for remote and rural areas

This report proposes a conceptual model on workplace environment and working conditions that integrates the available evidence to facilitate the design and evaluation of interventions aimed at improving the attraction, recruitment and retention of health personnel at the first level of care in rural and remote areas. Theoretical, empirical and testimonial evidence was consulted to support the model, and 15 frameworks disseminated in the last 20 years were synthesized.

Epidemiological profile of extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis in Peru, 2013-2015

Objective.

Describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics and resistance profile of cases of extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) diagnosed in Peru from 2013 to 2015.

Methods.

This descriptive study included patients who met the definition of XDR-TB and were reported to the national epidemiological surveillance system of Peru’s Ministry of Health. It used a descriptive analysis and, to identify spatial distribution, a heat map based on kernel density estimation.

National surveillance of clinical isolates of Enterococcus faecalis resistant to linezolid carrying the optrA gene in Colombia, 2014-2019

Objective.

To describe the epidemiological, phenotypical and genetic characteristics of clinical isolates carrying the optrA gene identified in antimicrobial resistance surveillance by the laboratory of the National Institute of Health of Colombia.

Antimicrobial stewardship in hospitals in Latin America and the Caribbean: a scoping review

Objectives.

To examine published antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) initiatives in hospitals in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) in order to characterize AMS terminology usage, geotemporality, and elements of structure (human resources), process (interventions), and outcomes, and to set priority areas for improving AMS reporting.

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