Clinical and laboratory features that discriminate dengue from other febrile illnesses: a diagnostic accuracy study in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Background: Dengue is an acute febrile illness caused by an arbovirus that is endemic in more than 100 countries. Early diagnosis and adequate management are critical to reduce mortality. This study aims to identify clinical and hematological features that could be useful to discriminate dengue from other febrile illnesses (OFI) up to the third day of disease.

Evaluation of polymerase chain reaction in the routine diagnosis for tegumentary leishmaniasis in a referral centre.

The present study investigated the diagnostic value of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) performed in parallel to conventional methods at an American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL) referral centre for diagnosis. Accuracy parameters for PCR were calculated using 130 patients with confirmed ATL (ATL group), 15 patients established with other diseases and 23 patients with a lesion suggestive of ATL, but without parasitological confirmation (NDEF group). PCR showed 92.

Visceral leishmaniasis in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: eco-epidemiological aspects and control.

From 1977 (index case) to 2006, 87 cases of visceral leishmaniasis were confirmed in the municipality of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in periurban areas on the continental and coastal slopes of the Pedra Branca massif and the continental slopes of the Gericinó massif. The majority (65.5%) of the patients were more than five years old, predominantly males (61.

First encounter of subclinical human Leishmania (Viannia) infection in State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the specificity of the Montenegro skin test (MST) in an area in Brazil, state of Grande do Sul State (RS), which was considered to be non-endemic for leishmaniasis. Sixty subjects presented a positive MST and were reevaluated by clinical examination, serology and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of peripheral blood for the detection of subclinical Leishmania infection. None of the subjects presented clinical signs or symptoms of current leishmaniasis or a history of the disease.

[Meningococcal disease: comparison between clinical forms].

In order to asses the clinical forms of meningococcal disease, we reviewed 201 cases diagnosed as meningococcal disease in the University Hospital of the Fluminense Federal University in Rio de Janeiro, 185 of which met the inclusion criteria. Clinical and laboratorial characterization allowed for grouping of the cases as follows: meningococcal meningitis, 18%; meningitis with septicemia, 62%; and septicemia, 20%. Available epidemiological data did not differentiate clinical forms.

Skin reactivity to thimerosal and phenol-preserved Montenegro antigen in Brazil.

A randomized double-blind trial was performed to determine the frequency of positive reactions to the Montenegro antigen (leishmanin) preserved in thimerosal (Merthiolate) 1:10,000 or phenol 0.4%. The respective products were tested separately in 400 young healthy individuals from a non-endemic area for Leishmaniases.

Antimicrobial susceptibility of Haemophilus influenzae isolates collected from 4 centers in Brazil (1990-2003).

Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined for 174 Haemophilus influenzae strains collected from patients with infection before and after vaccination against Hib (1990-1999 and 2000-2003, respectively) from 4 public health -laboratories in 3 Brazilian states. All strains were characterized for serotype and beta-lactamase production and in vitro activity of the following antimicrobial agents: -ampicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanate, ceftriaxone, rifampin, chloramphenicol, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX). Minimum inhibitory concentrations were determined according to the guidelines of the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards.

Retrospective study of 151 patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis treated with meglumine antimoniate.

We retrospectively analyzed a series of 151 cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis treated between 1967 and 1982. One-hundred-and-thirty-nine (92%) patients presented with active lesions and were treated with daily doses of meglumine antimoniate: 81 adults received a 5-ml vial IM and 58 children received 1 to 5 ml. Forty-five (32.

Primary conjunctival sporotrichosis: two cases from a zoonotic epidemic in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Purpose: To describe Sporothrix schenckii conjunctivitis in 2 owners of cats with sporotrichosis.

Methods: Small case series and literature review.

Results: Two women had been caring for their pet cats with sporotrichosis for 2 months but did not recall any traumatic injury such as scratches or bites.

[Endemic dengue: surveillance strategy challenges].

Interaction between clinical infection, vector, and population serotype immunity defines dengue epidemic risk. An endemic-sporadic epidemiological situation is an acceptable control target in metropolitan regions deficient in urban upgrading, sanitation, and health agents' access to residences, besides low residual power of biological insecticides and social mobilization problems. Surveillance requires continued action by government and society (particularly when incidence decreases) and adequate proposals.

[On the origin and spread of cutaneous and mucosal leishmaniasis, based on pre- and post- colombian historical source].

Drawing from four sixteenth-century sources, the article reports some apparent incidents of American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis within the territory of the Andes. Reinterpretation of these sources affords a look at the longstanding issue of the origin of espundia,or mucosal Leishmaniasis (ML). The study reinforces the hypothesis that ML originated in the western Amazon region, from there climbing into the high forests and later into hot inter-Andean lands via Bolivia's and Peru's borders with Brazil, above al through human migration.

Cat-transmitted sporotrichosis epidemic in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: description of a series of cases.

Sporotrichosis is the most common subcutaneous mycosis in South America. Classic infection is associated with traumatic inoculation of soil, vegetables, and organic matter contaminated with Sporothrix schenckii. Zoonotic transmission has been described in isolated cases or in small outbreaks.

[Immediate and generalized reaction to Montenegro skin test].

The authors describe for the first time a case of immediate and generalized reaction to Montenegro skin test with merthiolated antigen. This reaction consisted of generalized cutaneous rash with pruritus, and was treated with oral bromethazine. The pruritus disappeared an hour after medication and the rash 12 hours later.