Publications by authors named "Sandra M Brunini"

Background: Healthcare systems are currently ill-equipped to diagnose arboviruses rapidly and efficiently or to differentiate between various viruses.

Methods: Utilizing molecular techniques, this study examined arbovirus infections in 459 patients from a public health unit in Goiânia-Goiás, Brazil, a region where arbovirus infection poses a significant public health challenge.

Results: Nearly 60% of the analyzed samples tested positive for at least one arbovirus, and over 10% of the patients were co-infected with more than one virus.

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Objective: To estimate the prevalence and factors associated with reproductive desire in a sample of women living with HIV/AIDS (WLHA) with serodiscordant partners.

Study Design: Between September 2015 and August 2016, a cross-sectional study was conducted among 110 WLHA from HIV/AIDS treatment services and non-governmental organizations. An interview was conducted using a structured questionnaire to collect sociodemographic data, reproductive desire, and potential predictor variables.

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Mayaro virus (MAYV) has historically been associated with sylvatic transmission; however, urban outbreaks have been reported in Brazil, including cases of co-detection with dengue virus (DENV). Therefore, we performed a molecular survey to investigate MAYV circulation and cocirculation with DENV within Goiania, a major city in Central-West Brazil. Among 375 subjects with arbovirus-like symptoms, 259 were positive for DENV and 26 for MAYV.

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Article Synopsis
  • The study focused on the prevalence and risk factors for syphilis among homeless men in Central Brazil, involving 481 participants from four therapeutic communities.
  • 10.2% of participants tested positive for syphilis exposure, while 5.4% had active syphilis, with key associated risk factors including low education, past genital ulcers, and a history of STIs.
  • The findings highlight the urgent need for targeted educational programs and improved access to testing and treatment for this vulnerable population.
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Homeless men present high vulnerability to HIV infection, mainly due to sexual risk behaviors and substance use. The objective was to estimate the prevalence of HIV infection, risk behaviors and substance use in homeless men. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 481 homeless men recruited in four therapeutic communities in the Goiás State, Central Brazil.

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Background: The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence and examine the factors associated with reproductive desire among women living with HIV/AIDS (WLWHA) in Central Brazil.

Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 274 WLWHA, aged 18 to 49 years, was conducted with the support of treatment services and non-governmental organizations that assist people living with HIV/AIDS. Data regarding sociodemographic characteristics, substance use, sexual behavior, and reproductive variables were collected through interviews.

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Background: Homeless men are highly vulnerable to acquisition of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) compared to the general population. In Brazil, a country of continental dimensions, the extent of HCV infection in this population remains unknown. The objective of this study is to investigate the epidemiological profile of exposure to HCV in homeless men in Central Brazil.

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Introduction: Little is known about the epidemiology of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in populations from inner cities, especially in Central Brazil. Thus the objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of HBV infection, and to analyze the factors associated with HBV infection, in a population of first-time blood donors in the southwestern region of Goiás, Central Brazil.

Methods: A total of 984 individuals were interviewed and gave blood samples to detect serological markers of HBV (HBsAg, anti-HBs, and anti-HBc) by enzyme linked immunosorbent assays.

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Objective: To evaluate the frequency of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) and associated risk factors based on self-reporting by long-haul truck drivers in Brazil.

Method: From October 2005-October 2006, 641 long-haul truck drivers that travel federal highway BR-153, traversing the country from south to north, were interviewed. A structured interview was used to collect sociodemographic data.

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