Publications by authors named "Flavia Lessa"
Article Synopsis
- The study aimed to assess the occurrence and features of concurrent bacterial sexually transmitted infections (bSTIs) in individuals diagnosed with mpox in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
- Out of 634 participants, 538 were tested for STIs; the overall rate of bSTIs was found to be 37.3%, primarily affecting cisgender men aged 30-39, with many also living with HIV.
- The findings highlight the significant coexistence of bSTIs in mpox patients, suggesting a need for better sexual health strategies that include mpox in diagnoses and preventive measures.
Following the 2022 global mpox outbreak, diagnoses decreased worldwide, even in settings with limited vaccine access. In 2023-2024, a new outbreak emerged in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, highlighting the importance of continuous surveillance, preventive measures such as vaccination in vulnerable populations, and treatment options, emphasizing equitable global health technology distribution.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIntroduction: Antiretroviral therapy increased the survival and life expectancy of People living With HIV (PWH). Frailty-related syndromes among older PWH (aged 50+ years) may affect their Health-related Quality of Life (HQoL). Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted health-related outcomes.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjectives: This study aimed to analyze characteristics of mpox hospitalization in a Brazilian cohort, further exploring the impact of HIV on mpox-related outcomes and hospitalization.
Design: We conducted a descriptive analysis, comparing characteristics of individuals diagnosed with mpox according to hospitalization and HIV status, and described the mpox cases among those living with HIV.
Methods: This was a single-center, prospective cohort study conducted at a major infectious diseases referral center in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, that enrolled participants older than 18 years of age diagnosed with mpox.
Article Synopsis
- By October 2022, there were over 76,000 reported mpox cases globally, with a significant number occurring in Latin America, specifically Rio de Janeiro, where a study analyzed suspected and confirmed cases in a local infectious diseases center.
- The study involved 342 patients, finding that 60.8% were confirmed cases, predominantly affecting cisgender men aged 30-39, many of whom reported recent sexual activity and had higher rates of HIV and other STIs compared to non-confirmed cases.
- The research revealed that confirmed cases had more severe symptoms, including genital and anal lesions, and highlighted the importance of sexual contact in the spread of mpox, alongside concerns about co-infections with STIs.
Background: Approximately 30% of people living with HIV worldwide are estimated to be unaware of their infection. HIV self-testing (HIVST) is a strategy recommended by the World Health Organization to increase access to and uptake of testing among key populations who are at high risk for HIV infection.
Objective: This study aimed to describe the development and feasibility of a free, anonymous, internet-based HIVST strategy designed for men who have sex with men in Curitiba, Brazil (electronic testing [e-testing]).