Publications by authors named "Megmar Aparecida dos Santos Carneiro"

Article Synopsis
  • A study was conducted to determine the prevalence of HTLV-1 infection among transgender women (TGW) in Goiânia City, Brazil, revealing a knowledge gap in existing data on this demographic.
  • From a sample of 235 TGW, 1.3% tested positive for HTLV-1, with those positive reporting high-risk sexual behaviors and drug use.
  • The findings highlight the urgent need for health programs aimed at TGW to control HTLV-1 and other sexually transmitted infections due to their high-risk behaviors.
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This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the prevalence of human T-lymphotropic virus 1 and 2 (HTLV-1 and 2) infections among immigrants and refugees worldwide. PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Virtual Health Library (VHL) databases were searched for studies published from their inception to 6 January 2023. A meta-analysis using a generalized linear mixed model with a random effect was performed for HTLV-1 and HTLV-2.

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Article Synopsis
  • This study investigates the molecular characteristics of hepatitis B virus (HBV) among socially vulnerable immigrants in Brazil to assess the introduction of rare HBV strains.
  • Researchers tested serum samples from 102 immigrants with positive HBV serology, discovering various HBV subgenotypes, including the first report of subgenotype A5 in Brazil.
  • The findings highlight the need for improved prevention and control strategies by understanding the genetic diversity of HBV within immigrant communities, which could enhance public health initiatives for both immigrants and the broader population.
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This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and identify social factors and preventive strategies associated with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in socio and economically vulnerable people (recyclable waste pikers, immigrants/refugees, and homeless people) in Goiânia, Goiás State, Central-Western Brazil. A cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2020 to October 2020. COVID-19 positivity was defined as a positive total anti-SARS-COV-2 antibody test and/or RNA test for SARS-COV-2.

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Introduction: Illicit drug use is a significant public health problem. Studies have shown a high prevalence of cocaine and cannabis use in transgender women (TGW).

Objective: To describe the consumption patterns of cannabis and cocaine/crack use and variables associated with their use in TGW in Central Brazil.

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Article Synopsis
  • A study focused on alcohol consumption among transgender women in Goiás, Brazil, found that 85.7% had used alcohol in the past year, with 60.2% exhibiting risky drinking behaviors.
  • Factors contributing to risky alcohol use included engaging in sex while under the influence, cocaine/crack use, and having drug-using sexual partners.
  • The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to address substance use disorders within this population.
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Objective: To estimate the prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) in immigrants and refugees living in the metropolitan region of Goiânia, Goiás.

Method: This is a cross-sectional and analytical study. Data collection was carried out from July 2019 to January 2020 and 308 immigrants and refugees were included in the sample.

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Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a rodent-borne zoonotic disease that is endemic throughout the Americas. Agricultural activities increase exposure to wild rodents, especially for sugarcane cutters. We carried out a survey of the epidemiological aspects of HPS and investigated the prevalence of hantavirus infection in the sugarcane cutter population from different localities in the Brazilian Midwest region.

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A transversal study was conducted among 472 vulnerable individuals (recyclable waste pickers, immigrants and refugees, homeless individuals, as well as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transexual individuals) in Goiânia City, the capital of the State of Goiás, Brazil, to investigate the prevalence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection. A total of 459 (97.2%) serum samples were tested for anti-HEV IgG and IgM antibodies using fully automated chemiluminescence immunoassays (Liaison Murex Anti-HEV IgG and IgM assays, DiaSorin, Saluggia, Italy).

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Introduction: Migratory flows play a significant role in the spread of human T-lymphotropic virus 1/2 (HTLV-1/2). In the last decade, a substantial migration of individuals occurred from Haiti and Venezuela to Brazil. However, data on the prevalence of HTLV-1/2 infection among these international migrants in Brazil are scarce.

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Article Synopsis
  • Transgender women in Brazil have a high prevalence of HPV, with positivity rates of 77.2% in anal samples, 33.5% in genital samples, and 10.9% in oral samples.
  • The study sampled TGW from Goiânia City and used self-collected samples analyzed for HPV DNA to identify specific genotypes.
  • HPV-52 was the most common genotype found in anal (66.6%) and genital (40.0%) sites, while HPV-62 and HPV-66 were most prevalent in oral samples, highlighting the need for further studies and health interventions.
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Article Synopsis
  • Universal immunization has reduced hepatitis B cases, but older adults, especially those over 50, still have a risk for infection, prompting a study in central Brazil to explore the virus’s epidemiology in this age group and assess vaccine effectiveness.* -
  • The study involved a clinical trial comparing two vaccine regimens: a higher dose regimen (40 μg) and a standard dose regimen (20 μg), both administered in three doses over six months to individuals lacking vaccination documentation.* -
  • Results showed a 16.6% exposure rate to HBV, with the higher dose regimen producing significantly better protective titers and higher levels of immune response, suggesting the need for reinforced vaccination for older adults.*
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Brazilian prison complexes are characterized by overcrowded cells and precarious conditions, leading to chronically low vacancy. Brazilian studies involving overt and occult infection (OBI) in this population are still scarce despite the vulnerability of people deprived of liberty to hepatitis B. Therefore, this study estimated the prevalence of HBV infection (overall and OBI) in individuals deprived of liberty in prisons in Central-Western Brazil.

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The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has changed the course of human history and killed millions of people worldwide. Its long-term consequences remain uncertain. This study aimed to describe the short- and long-term symptoms of COVID-19 among individuals in Goiás, central Brazil, who experienced acute mild or non-symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection during the first wave of the pandemic.

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Reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) is a rapid method that can replace RT-qPCR. A simple molecular assay for SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection in gold-standard diagnosis through swabs and alternative specimens such as saliva could be helpful in promoting genomic surveillance. A multicenter study was conducted to evaluate the RT-LAMP assay method as an alternative for the molecular detection of SARS-CoV-2 lineages in swab and saliva samples.

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Transgender women (TGW) have limited access to affordable viral hepatitis testing, hepatitis B vaccination, and treatment. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of viral hepatitis A, B, and C, as well as to compare the adherence and immunogenicity of two hepatitis B vaccine schedules among TGW in Central Brazil. A total of 440 TGW were interviewed and tested for hepatitis A, B, and C serological markers from 2017 to 2018.

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Eliminating hepatitis B and C in immigrant and refugee populations is a significant challenge worldwide. Given the lack of information in Brazil, this study aimed to estimate the prevalence of infections caused by hepatitis B and C viruses and factors associated with hepatitis B in immigrants and refugees residing in central Brazil. An observational, cross-sectional, and analytical study was conducted from July 2019 to January 2020 with 365 immigrants and refugees.

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Objective: To estimate the prevalence of hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis E virus (HEV) among immigrants and refugees in Goiás, Central Brazil.

Methods: Overall, 355 individuals were interviewed, and blood samples were tested for anti-HAV and anti-HEV IgG. Anti-HEV-positive samples were similarly tested for HEV RNA.

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Transgender women (TW) are a key population in the dynamics of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) dissemination, although little is known about their perceptions of HIV risk. In this embedded, nested, mixed-methods study, we assessed factors associated with condomless sexual intercourse among TW and explored their risk perceptions and vulnerabilities regarding HIV exposure. The first phase involved a cross-sectional study, followed by qualitative interviews.

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Objective: To compare social characteristics, risk behaviors, and sexually transmitted infections among travestis and transsexual women.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried out in three cities in Goiás, Central Brazil. Trans women were interviewed on sociodemographic characteristics, discrimination, prejudice, sexual behavior, illicit drugs, and previous testing for HIV and syphilis between April 2018 and August 2019.

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Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a multifactorial disease commonly diagnosed worldwide, with high mortality rates. Several studies demonstrate important associations between differential expression of micro-RNAs (miRs) and the prognosis of CRC. The present study aimed to identify differentially expressed tissue miRs associated with prognostic factors in CRC patients, through a systematic review of the Literature.

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This study describes human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) prevalence, associated factors, viral genetic diversity, transmitted drug resistance (TDR), and acquired drug resistance mutations (DRM) among a population of 522 men who have sex with men (MSM) recruited by the respondent-driven sampling (RDS) method, in Goiânia city, the capital of the State of Goiás, Central-Western Brazil. All serum samples were tested using a four-generation enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and reactive samples were confirmed by immunoblotting. Plasma RNA or proviral DNA was extracted, and partial () gene including the protease/reverse transcriptase (PR/RT) region was amplified and sequenced.

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Homeless people are at high risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and syphilis. We investigated the epidemiology of HIV-1 infection and syphilis among homeless individuals in a large city in Central-Western Brazil. In this cross-sectional study, we interviewed and tested 355 individuals from September 2014 to August 2015.

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