A infecção persistente por HPV-16 está fortemente associada ao risco de desenvolvimento de neoplasias do colo do útero, vagina, vulva, pênis, canal anal e orofaringe. O estudo detalhado da variabilidade nucleotídica intra-típica de HPV-16 resultou em importantes achados no que concerne à filogenia e evolução viral, e à história natural das infecções. Variantes Asiático-Americanas (AA) e E-350G de HPV-16 foram associadas com maior risco de persistência da infecção viral e desenvolvimento de câncer de colo de útero quando comparadas à variante Européia protótipo (E-P ou E-350T), embora esta ainda apresente alto risco quando comparada aos outros tipos virais. Mais recentemente, diferenças funcionais entre as proteínas E6/E7 das distintas variantes moleculares de HPV- 16 estão sendo descritas, a fim de explicar as diferenças nas associações epidemiológicas observadas. Dados do nosso grupo apontaram para a transcrição aumentada do gene MEK2 especificamente em queratinócitos humanos primários (PHKs) transduzidos com E6/E7 da variante E-350G. Pelo exposto, objetivou-se: (1) Analisar os níveis de ativação de proteínas efetoras das vias de transdução de sinal mediadas por MAPK e PI3K/AKT em queratinócitos imortalizados por E6/E7 de três variantes moleculares de HPV-16 (AA, E-P, E-350G); (2) Analisar os efeitos das proteínas E6/E7 dessas variantes sob as vias de MAPK quanto à indução de fatores de transcrição; (3) Analisar o potencial transformante de PHKs imortalizados pelas diferentes variantes, e em cooperação com a proteína celular c-MYC; (4) Analisar o potencial de migração e invasão em PHKs imortalizados pelas diferentes variantes de HPV-16, e em cooperação com a proteína celular c-MYC. Neste estudo observou-se que a variante AA de HPV-16 induziu a maior ativação das vias de sinalização estudadas (MAPK, e PI3K/AKT). Ademais, PHKs imortalizados por esta variante apresentaram maior capacidade de migração, de invasão através de uma matriz de colágeno, além de maior potencial transformante. Adicionalmente, as células imortalizadas pela variante AA apresentaram maior expressão da proteína mesenquimal vimentina e diminuição dos níveis da proteína epitelial E-caderina, sugerindo ativação parcial de Transição Epitélio Mesênquima (EMT) nestes queratinócitos. Ademais, quando o oncogene c-MYC foi co-transduzido nas diferentes linhagens infectadas por E6/E7 de HPV-16, foi observado que em PHKs imortalizados pela variante AA também houve maior ativação da via de MAPK-ERK, maior migração, e um potencial transformante semelhante, em relação às células co-transduzidas pela variante E-350G e c-MYC. Em conjunto, estes dados sugerem que a variante AA de HPV-16 possui vantagem seletiva sob as outras variantes em promover transformação celular, migração e invasão, e isto poderia explicar, ao menos em parte, a maior prevalência desta variante no câncer cervical. Os resultados gerados neste estudo são de extrema relevância para avaliar o impacto da variabilidade intra-típica de HPV-16 sobre o potencial oncogênico observado em estudos epidemiológicos / Persistent infection with HPV-16 is strongly associated with risk of developing neoplasia in the uterine cervix, vagina, vulva, penis, anal canal and oropharynx. The detailed study of HPV-16 intra-typical nucleotide variability resulted in important findings regarding phylogeny and viral evolution, and the natural history of infections. Asian-American (AA) and E-350G variants of HPV-16 were associated with increased risk of persistent viral infection and development of cervical cancer compared to the European prototype (E-P or E-350T), although this variant still presents higher risk when compared to other viral types. More recently, functional differences between the E6/E7 proteins of distinct molecular variants of HPV-16 are being described, in order to explain the differences in the epidemiological associations observed. Data from our group pointed to increased transcription of the MEK2 gene specifically in primary human keratinocytes (PHKs) transducing E6/E7 of the E-350G variant. Consequently, the aims of this study were: 1) To examine the activation levels of effector proteins of the signal transduction pathways mediated by MAPK and PI3K/AKT in PHKs immortalized by E6/E7 of three different molecular variants of HPV-16 (AA, E-P, E-350G); (2) To analyze the effects of E6/E7 of different molecular variants of HPV-16 upon MAPK pathways concerning the induction of transcription factors; (3) To analyze the transforming potential of PHKs immortalized by different molecular variants of HPV-16, and in cooperation with the cellular protein c- MYC; (4) To analyze the potential of migration and invasion in PHKs immortalized by different molecular variants of HPV-16, and in cooperation with the cellular protein c- MYC. In this study we observed that the AA variant of HPV-16 induced higher activation of both signaling pathways studied (MAPK, and PI3K/AKT). Furthermore, this variant presented increased migration capacity, higher invasion through a collagen matrix, and greater transforming potential. Moreover, cells immortalized by the AA variant showed higher expression of the mesenchymal protein vimentin and a decrease of the epithelial protein E-cadherin, suggesting partial activation of Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition (EMT). In addition, when the c-MYC oncogene was co-transduced in the different cells lines infected with HPV-16 E6/E7, we observed that in PHKs immortalized by the AA variant there was also an enhanced activation of the MAPK-ERK pathway, a higher ability to migrate, and similar transformation potential in comparison with cells co-transduced with the E-350G variant and c-MYC. Taken together, this data suggest that the AA molecular variant of the HPV-16 has a selective advantage over the other variants to promote cell transformation, migration and invasion, and this could partly explain the higher prevalence of this variant in cervical cancer. The results generated in this study are very important to assess the impact of intra-typical variability of HPV-16 on the oncogenic potential observed in epidemiological studies

INTRODUÇÃO: O papilomavírus humano (HPV) encontra-se amplamente distribuído na população mundial. Apesar da grande maioria das infecções serem transientes, assintomáticas e passíveis de regressão espontânea, a infecção persistente por tipos de alto risco de HPV é necessária para o desenvolvimento de neoplasias intraepiteliais cervicais. Uma vez que apenas uma pequena parcela das infecções progride à lesões malignas após um longo período desde o diagnóstico inicial de lesões precursoras, tem-se iniciado a busca por fatores que possam influenciar na progressão ou na eliminação destas manifestações iniciais. A variabilidade genética viral tem sido apontada como um dos fatores que interagem neste processo. Embora virtualmente todos os tumores da cérvice uterina apresentem o DNA viral, neoplasias em outros sítios anatômicos têm sido apenas em parte correlacionadas com a presença viral, sendo o HPV proposto como um dos agentes causadores de tumores em sítios de cabeça e pecoço. MÉTODOS: Espécimens clínicos de tumores de cabeça e pescoço, fixados em formalina e contidos em parafina (FFPE), provenientes do Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo (n=79) e da Santa Casa de Misericórida de São Paulo (n=94), tiveram seu DNA extraído, seguido de diagnóstico e genotipagem de HPV pela metodologia de Inno-LiPA. Análises de linhagens moleculares foram realizadas nas amostras HPV-16 positivas. Análise imunohistoquímica de P16INK4a foi realizada em todas as amostras. RESULTADOS: A presença do DNA viral foi encontrada em 24,1% (19/79) dentre a série de tumores provenientes do ICESP, sendo a cavidade oral o sítio em que foi observada a maior proporção de DNA viral (27,1%), enquanto que 13,8% (13/94) dentre os espécimens provenientes da Santa Casa apresentaram-se positivos para HPV, sendo a cavidade oral o sítio em que foi observada a maior proporção do DNA viral (18,1%). O HPV-16 foi o tipo mais prevalente, detectado em 73,4% das amostras HPV positivas provenientes do ICESP e 61,5% das amostras provenientes da Santa Casa. Independente da Instituição, as amostras foram alocadas no clado das linhagens Asiático-Americana e Europeia em 50%, cada uma, entre os 18 tumores HPV-16 positivos em que as análises de linhagem foram possíveis. Não foi observada, nestas séries, correlação entre a superexpressão de P16INK4a e a presença do DNA viral. CONCLUSÃO: Nas amostras analisadas, o DNA de HPV foi detectado em 18,5% dos 173 espécimens. O HPV-16 foi o tipo mais prevalente. Isolados da linhagem Europeia e da linhagem Asiatico-Americano foram detectados em 50% dos casos, cada uma, dentre as amostras HPV-16 analisadas por este estudo / INTRODUCTION: Human papillomaviruses (HPV) are widely distributed worldwide. Although the majority of infections are usually transient, asymptomatic and frequently regress spontaneously, persistent infections by high-risk HPVs are necessary for the development of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Once only a small proportion of infections progress to malignant lesions after a long period of time since the initial diagnosis of precursor lesions, the search for factors that might influence the progression or clearence of these early manifestations are currently under way. Viral genetic variability has been proposed as one of the factors interacting in this process. Although virtually all cervix tumors present the viral DNA, neoplasias from other anatomical sites have been only in part correlated with viral presence, and HPV has been proposed as one causative agent in tumors from head and neck sites. METHODS: Clinical specimens of formalin-fixed paraffin embedded head and neck tumors, provided by the Cancer Institute of São Paulo (n=79) and also by the Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo (n=94), were submitted to DNA extraction and further HPV diagnostic and genotyping by the Inno-LiPA methodology. Molecular lineages analyses were performed in all HPV-16 positive samples. P16INK4a immunohistochemical analyses were conducted in all samples. RESULTS: HPV DNA was detected among 24.1% (19/79) of samples provided by ICESP, tumors from oral cavity presented the highest viral positivity (27.1%), whereas 13,8% (13/94) of the samples from Santa Casa presented HPV DNA, tumors from the oral cavity also presented the highest HPV positivity with 18.1% of viral DNA presence. HPV-16 was the most prevalent type detected in 73.4% and 61.5% of HPV positive ICESP and Santa Casa samples, respectively. Irrespective of the Institution, samples submitted to lineage analyzes were allocated in the Asiatic-American and European phylogenetic branches in 50%, each one, among the 18 tumors HPV-16 positive for which lineage analysis was possible. No correlation between P16INK4a overexpression and HPV DNA presence was observed. CONCLUSION: In this study, HPV DNA was detected in 18.5% among 173 head and neck tumor specimens. HPV-16 was the most prevalent type. The European and the Asiatic-American lineage were detected in 50% of the cases, each one, among the cases HPV-16 positive analyzed

O carcinoma epidermoide da região da cabeça e pescoço (CECP) é uma doença de alta prevalência, no Brasil e no mundo, e com grande impacto na qualidade de vida dos pacientes. Mais frequentemente, ocorre em pacientes ao redor da sexta década de vida, com longo histórico de tabagismo e etilismo. Nota-se, porém, um importante aumento na sua incidência em uma população mais jovem, em geral sem histórico de exposição duradoura aos fatores de risco clássicos, o que nos faz questionar se não se trata de uma doença de características distintas. Os objetivos deste estudo foram avaliar aspectos demográficos, clínicos e anatomopatológicos de pacientes com CECP em uma faixa etária inferior a 40 anos, comparando-os com pacientes de maior idade, especialmente em relação à sobrevida, exposição a fatores de risco, expressão de marcadores biológicos em amostras tumorais e não tumorais (margens livres de doença), bem como a presença do Papilomavirus Humano (HPV). Realizou-se estudo transversal de pacientes com carcinomas de cavidade oral (exceto lábio), orofaringe, laringe e hipofaringe, prospectivamente incluídos em um banco de tumores de CECP no período de 2002 a 2010 pelo grupo de pesquisa GENCAPO. Foram coletados dados demográficos, clínicos e patológicos para ambos os grupos de doentes, e realizou-se uma análise por pareamento em relação aos marcadores imunoistoquímicos p53, Ki-67, EGFR, VEGF e p16, em amostras tumorais e de mucosas normais. As análises de sobrevida global e livre de doença, bem como as comparações entre o tabagismo e o etilismo foram feitas com a população total da amostra. A incidência de tabagismo foi menor nos pacientes <40 anos (p=0,048), mas não a de etilismo (p=0,079), no entanto a carga tabágica foi menor entre os pacientes jovens (p<0,0001), bem como a carga etílica (p=0,012). As quantificações de imunoexpressão dos marcadores em amostras tumorais não foram diferentes entre os grupos para p53 (p=0,535), Ki-67 (p=0,669), EGFR (p=0,074), VEGF (p=0,423) e p16 (p=0,125). A análise de amostras não tumorais não mostrou diferença para os marcadores p53(p=0,570), EGFR (p=0,945) e VEGF (p=0,700). A expressão de Ki-67 foi menor em pacientes <40 anos (p=0,021). O HPV tipo 16 foi positivo em um caso de orofaringe em uma paciente (entre cinco) <40 anos, e em nenhum caso de cavidade oral e de laringe. O HPV tipo 18 foi negativo em todos os casos, de ambos os grupos. Na análise de sobrevida, foi observado que a sobrevida global de toda a coorte não mostrou diferença entre os grupos (p=0,754), mesmo se estratificarmos para cavidade oral (p=0,825), laringe (p=0,769) e orofaringe (p=0,891). A sobrevida livre de doença também não foi diferente entre os grupos (p=0,408), mesmo em se estratificando para cavidade oral (p=0,473), laringe (p=0,736) e orofaringe (p=0,510) em cinco anos. No entanto, a sobrevida livre de doença foi menor em pacientes <40 anos no primeiro ano (p=0,042). Na análise univariada, o estádio avançado e o etilismo foram associados a maior risco de morte para todos os sítios (p=0,010) e, na análise multivariada, além do estádio avançado (p=0,013), o etilismo foi fator de maior risco de morte para os casos de câncer de Laringe (p=0,024). Assim, concluímos que o CECP em pacientes com idade <40 anos não foi diferente, em relação às características anatomopatológicas testadas, e à imunomarcação para p53, Ki-67, EGFR, VEGF e p16 em relação aos CECPs em pacientes >=40 anos. O tabagismo e o etilismo foram menos intensos entre os pacientes <40 anos, e a positividade para o HPV foi muito baixa para todos os pacientes. A Sobrevida Global foi semelhante entre os grupos, embora o paciente <40 anos tenha apresentado maior índice de recidivas precoces / Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) is a major health problem, in Brazil and around the World, due to its prevalence and impact in the quality of life of these patients. It usually occurs in the 6th and 7th, with an intensive exposure to the tobacco and alcohol. However, an increasing number of patients under 40 years is being affected by these tumors, which raises the hypothesis of different features of the disease in younger patients. The objectives of this study were to test if demographic, clinical and pathological aspects of patients with HNSCC vary according to the age, by comparing them with older patients in terms of survival, alcohol and tobacco exposure, HPV positivity through polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and biomarkers in tumor and non-tumoral samples of the aerodigestive tract. We conducted a cross-sectional study of patients with oral cavity (lips excluded), oropharynx, hypopharynx and larynx prospectively included in a multi-institutional HNSCC tumor bank - GENCAPO, from February 2002 to March 2010.Demographic, clinical and pathological data were analyzed. Using matched-pair analysis, we compared young and older patients in relation to immunohistochemical stainig of p53, Ki-67, EGFR, VEGF and p16 biomarkers in tumor and non-tumoral samples. Survival analyses, as well as exposition to tobacco and alcohol use, were performed taking into account the entire cohort. The incidence of tobacco use was lower in the young group (p=0,048), but not for alcohol use (p=0,079), and young patients had a lower lifelong cumulative exposure to tobacco (p<0,0001) and to alcohol (p=0,012). We found no differences in the stainig of tumoral samples for p53 (p=0,535), Ki-67 (p=0,669), EGFR (p=0,074), VEGF (p=0,423) and p16 (p=0,125). The analysis of the non tumoral samples was not different for p53 (p=0,570), EGFR (p=0,945) and VEGF (p=0,700). Expression of Ki-67 was lower in the young group (p=0,021). Analysis of p16 in non tumoral sites was not performed. HPV type-16 was positive in one case (in five) of oropharynx tumor, and in none of the cases of oral cavity and larynx. HPV type-18 was negative in all cases. In the Survival Analysis, the global survival among groups was not different for the entire cohort (p=0,754), and considering the cases of oral cavity (p=0,825), larynx (p=0,769) and oropharynx (p=0,891). The Free-disease Interval in five years was also not different for the entire cohort (p=0,408), and in cases of oral cavity (p=0,473), larynx (p=0,736) and oropharynx (p=0,510). Nevertheless, the Free-disease survival in one year was lower in the young group (p=0,042, in the entire cohort. In the univariated analysis, the late clinical stage was associated a risk for death in all of the sites (p=0,010). In the multivariated analysis, the late clinical stage was associated to higher risk for death (p=0,013) and, in the cases of tumors of larynx, the alcohol consume was associated to a higher risk for death (p=0,024). We conclude that the HNSCC in patients younger than 40 years was not different, in terms of histopathological aspects, immunoexpression for p53, Ki-67, EGFR, VEGF and p16, when compared with older patients. The tobacco and alcohol use was not so important among young patients, and the positivity for HPV was extremely low in both groups. The Overall Survive was similar among groups, although younger patients had a higher rate of early recurrence

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer that women suffer from worldwide. Every year more than 270,000 women die from cervical cancer, and it is one of the top ten cancer that Taiwanese women suffer from. Differ from other kinds of cancer, cervical cancer can be effectively prevented by vaccination, since most cervical cancers are caused by HPV(Human Papillomavirus) infection. HPV infection is most common in people in their late teens and early 20s, and the HPV vaccine targets the HPV types that most commonly cause cervical cancer and can cause some other cancers. It also protects against the HPV types that cause most genital warts. The HPV vaccine is highly effective in preventing the targeted HPV types, as well as the most common health problems caused by them. Though HPV vaccination is included in the national immunization program in some countries, the vaccines are not provided to every female at no cost in Taiwan. While some cities and counties provides HPV vaccine for every female or a certain group of female gratuitously, female citizens of other cities and counties would have to pay approximately $300-360 USD for vaccination. This inconsistent policy among Taiwan has been questioned by local congressmen and citizens. To re-examine the HPV vaccine policy and implementation procedure among each local government in Taiwan, the Health Promotion Administration, Ministry of Health and Welfare (HPA) as well as ten local governments with different HPV vaccination policies were interviewed and evaluated. The research concludes that with no united HPV vaccination policy, the goals of the policy among the local governments is different, some even undefined, the implementation levels of each local government is uneven, and misleading communication between the central and the local governments exist. A united policy with specific goal, implementation guidelines, report system, two-way communication system should and would make the vaccination policy more ample, and equal.

Foi estudado o perfil nosológico da população ribeirinha do Baixo Rio Machado em Rondônia, área de Amazônia Ocidental no Brasil. Neste estudo, escolhemos abordar o perfil das seguintes doenças: malária, hepatite viral B e C, parasitose intestinal e papilomavírus humano. Estas doenças foram priorizadas devido à importância clínica e epidemiológica e também escassez de estudos referentes nas populações ribeirinhas amazônicas. Para isto, foi realizado um estudo descritivo no Baixo Rio Machado que se localiza a 250 km de Porto Velho (capital do Estado de Rondônia) pela margem direita do Rio Madeira, que é um afluente volumoso do Rio Amazonas, no Brasil. Nesta área, vivem aproximadamente 806 pessoas distribuídas em 55 comunidades ribeirinhas isoladas. Em Rondônia, encontramos locais, como o Rio Machado, que abrigam a presença de portadores assintomáticos do Plasmodium, fato que pode contribuir para a persistência desta doença na região. Para caracterizar o perfil da malária ribeirinha, focalizando aspectos da infecção assintomática e sintomática, foram realizados hemoscopia e Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase (PCR) com amplificação do DNA ribossomal do parasita para Plasmodium vivax e Plasmodium falciparum para o diagnóstico da malária. Foi considerado como assintomático o paciente com hemoscopia positiva ou PCR positivo que permaneceu sem sintomas durante pelo menos 60 dias. Foi realizado acompanhamento longitudinal de 70 dias após o primeiro corte transversal (nC1=585 pessoas) para observação dos pacientes assintomáticos diagnosticados por hemoscopia, onde 25 pacientes (4,25%) permaneceram assintomáticos durante todo esse seguimento. Após, foi realizado mais dois cortes transversais a cada 6 meses (nC2=583 pessoas, nC3=607 pessoas), com tratamento dos indivíduos assintomáticos diagnosticados por PCR no corte transversal anterior ou hemoscopia atual e também dos casos sintomáticos. Foi estudado, na população que permaneceu na área durante toda a pesquisa (n=379), o perfil e o impacto do tratamento da infecção assintomática. Houve diminuição da infecção por P. falciparum de seis vezes e aumento da prevalência de malária por P. vivax de aproximadamente três vezes. O diagnóstico por PCR foi de 2-5 vezes mais eficiente do que por hemoscopia e a prevalência de infecção assintomática foi de 16 a 22% nos cortes transversais. Assim, foi observada a importância do tratamento dos indivíduos assintomáticos para o controle da malária no local, sendo que o incremento de malária por Plasmodium vivax deve ter ocorrido devido a recaídas da doença. Com o estudo entomológico da área, foi verificado que o vetor Anopheles possui atividade hematofágica moderada e principalmente em região peridomiciliar, sendo o A. darlingi a principal espécie da região. Existem poucos dados sobre a prevalência de hepatites na população ribeirinha de Rondônia, o que dificulta a vigilância epidemiológica nestas regiões amazônicas. Foi realizado um estudo de prevalência de hepatite B e C na área, com 123 pacientes pertencentes a 5 comunidades ribeirinhas, incluindo todas as pessoas que estavam presentes na área no momento do corte transversal, de todas as faixas etárias. Foi realizada sorologia para os marcadores de hepatite B: HbsAg, Anti-Hbc (total) e Anti-Hbs e sorologia para hepatite C com o marcador anti-HCV. Foram encontrados 12 (14,7%) pacientes com hepatite B aguda, 29 (38,7%) pacientes apresentaram imunidade vacinal para hepatite B e 7 (9,3%) pacientes apresentaram hepatite C, sendo que um (1,3%) paciente tinha co-infecção para hepatite B e C. Notou-se que esta população ribeirinha está exposta às hepatites virais, sendo necessário intensificar a vigilância epidemiológica na área, assim como a cobertura vacinal e também fornecer cuidados preventivos, curativos e paliativos em relação a estas doenças. A infecção pelo papilomavírus humano (HPV) é altamente prevalente, sendo detectada em aproximadamente 10% a 20% da população sexualmente ativa entre 15 e 49 anos de idade. A introdução de testes mais acurados para a detecção do DNA do HPV em investigações epidemiológicas confirmou a importância do HPV, principalmente dos tipos de alto risco, como o principal fator de risco para o desenvolvimento de neoplasia intra-epitelial cervical e câncer do colo uterino. Não foram encontrados estudos sobre a existência do HPV em populações ribeirinhas amazônicas na literatura médica. Foi realizado, então, um estudo transversal para levantar a prevalência de HPV nesta população, com 84 participantes em idade sexualmente ativa presentes na área. Após coleta de consentimento informado e questionário clínico-epidemiológico, foi realizado exame para isolar o HPV. A tipagem do HPV foi realizada com amplificação dos DNAs por PCR empregando iniciadores genéricos seguida de hibridização em pontos, capaz de identificar mais de 40 tipos diferentes de HPVs. Foram encontradas 18 pacientes contaminadas pelo HPV, perfazendo 21,4% da amostra. Os tipos de HPV encontrados foram: 53, 58, 31, 56, 16, 83, 55, 66, 45, 51, 40, 42, 6, 68. Os tipos de HPV mais freqüentes foram 51 (23%), 58 (19%), 53 (7,7%), 83 (7,7%), sendo HPV 16 encontrado em 3,8% das pacientes HPV positivas e a prevalência do HPV de alto risco oncogênco foi de 13,1%. Desta forma, foi encontrado alta prevalência de HPV na população ribeirinha amazônica estudada, evidenciando a necessidade de vigilância epidemiológica para câncer de colo uterino na região. Por fim, foi estabelecido a prevalência de parasitoses intestinais na população, abordando a correlação das enteroparasitoses com malária assintomática e anemia, realizando um inquérito coproparasitológico na área incluindo pacientes de todas as faixas etárias, que estivessem dispostos a participar do estudo. A análise das amostras foi realizada pelo método da Sedimentação Espontânea (método de Lutz ou Hoffmann, Pons & Janer). Entre os 268 exames de fezes realizados, a prevalência de parasitose intestinal encontrada na região em estudo foi de 86,6%. Entre os helmintos, Ascaris lumbricoides (47%), Ancilostomideos (37,3%), Trichuris trichiura (3,4%), Capillaria hepatica (2,3%), foram os parasitas mais encontrados. Entre os protozoários foram encontrados: Entamoeba coli (21,4%), Entamoeba histolytica (12%), Giardia intestinalis (15,4%), Endolimax nana (10,1%) e Iodamoeba butschlii (7,5%). A alta prevalência de parasitose intestinal encontrada na pesquisa foi concordante com outros dados desenvolvidos na Região Amazônica. Com este estudo, a região da Amazônia Ocidental insere-se no cenário geográfico mundial de distribuição da Capillaria hepatica, particularmente, a região do Baixo Rio Machado. / Was studied the nosological profile of the riverside population of the Baixo Rio Machado in Rondônia, Western Amazon area of Brazil. In this study, was chosed the profile of following diseases: malaria, hepatitis B and C, intestinal parasite and human papillomavirus. These diseases have been prioritized due to clinical and epidemiological importance and scarcity of studies in the riverside Amazon population. For this, was conducted a descriptive study in the Baixo Rio Machado which is located 250 km from Porto Velho (capital of Rondônia State) in the right bank of the Rio Madeira which is a large tributary of the Amazon River in Brazil. In this area, live about 806 people distributed in 55 riversides communities isolated. In Rondônia, we find places such as the Rio Machado, which shelter to the presence of asymptomatic carriers of Plasmodium, which may contribute to the persistence of this disease in the region. To characterize the profile of malaria riverside, focusing on aspects of symptomatic and asymptomatic infections, were performed haemoscopia and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) with amplification of ribosomal DNA for the parasite Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum to the diagnosis of malaria. Was considered as asymptomatic patient with positive haemoscopia or positive or PCR that remained without symptoms for at least 60 days. Longitudinal follow-up was conducted for 70 days after the first cross section (nC1 = 585 people) for observation of asymptomatic patients diagnosed by haemoscopia where 25 patients (4.25%) remained asymptomatic throughout the follow-up. After was performed two cross cuts every 6 months (nC2 = 583 people, nC3 = 607 people), with treatment of asymptomatic individuals diagnosed by PCR in previous transverse cross-sections or haemoscopia a current and also symptomatic cases. We studied in the population that remained in the area throughout the study (no= 379), the profile and impact of treatment of asymptomatic infection. There was a decrease in infection by P. falciparum of six times and increased prevalence of malaria by P. vivax approximately three times. The diagnosis by PCR was 2-5 times more efficient than haemoscopia and the prevalence of asymptomatic infection was 16 to 22% in transverse cross-sections. Thus, was saw the importance of treatment of asymptomatic individuals for the control of malaria in the place, and the increase in malaria by Plasmodium vivax should have occurred due to relapse of the disease. With entomological study of the area, was saw that the vector Anopheles has moderate blood activity and especially in peridomiciliary region and the A. darlingi the main species in the region. There are few data on the prevalence of hepatitis in riverside population of Rondônia, which makes surveillance in Amazonian regions. Was conducted a study of prevalence of hepatitis B and C in the area, with 123 patients belonging to 5 communities, including all the people who were present in the area at the cross section of all ages. Serology was performed for markers of hepatitis B: HBsAg, anti-HBc (total) and anti-HBs and serology for hepatitis C with anti-HCV marker. Was found 12 (14.7%) patients with acute hepatitis B, 29(38.7%) patients demonstrated immunity to hepatitis B vaccine and 7(9.3%) patients had hepatitis C, with one (1.3%) patient had co-infection for hepatitis B and C. Realize that this riverside population is exposed to viral hepatitis, being necessary to intensify epidemiological surveillance in the area, as well as immunization coverage and provide preventive care, curative and palliative for these diseases. The infection by human papillomavirus (HPV) is highly prevalent, being detected in approximately 10% to 20% of the sexually active population between 15 and 49 years of age. The introduction of more accurate tests for the detection of HPV DNA in epidemiological investigations confirmed the importance of HPV, particularly types of high risk, as the main risk factor for the development of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and cervical cancer. Was found no studies on the existence of HPV in riverside Amazonian populations in the medical literature. The transversal cross-section study was take up to raise the prevalence of HPV in this population, with 84 participants in sexually active age in the area. After collection of informed consent and clinical-epidemiological questionnaire, was conducted to isolate the HPV test. The typing of HPV was taking with the DNAs for PCR using generic primers followed by hybridization in points, able to identify over 40 different types of HPV. Was found 18 patients infected by HPV, comprising 21.4% of the sample. The HPV types found were: 53, 58, 31, 56, 16, 83, 55, 66, 45, 51, 40, 42, 6, 68. The most common HPV types were 51 (23%), 58 (19%), 53 (7.7%), 83 (7.7%) with HPV 16 found in 3.8% of HPV positive patients and prevalence the high risk HPV oncogenic was 13.1%. Thus, was find high prevalence of HPV in riverside Amazonian population studied, highlighting the need for surveillance for cancer of the cervix in the region. Finally, was established the prevalence of intestinal parasites in the population, deal the correlation of intestinal with asymptomatic malaria and anemia, taking the fecal examination conducting in the area including patients of all ages, who were willing to participate in the study. The analysis of samples was performed by the spontaneous sedimentation method (method of Lutz or Hoffmann, Pons & Janer). Among the 268 fecal examinations, the prevalence of intestinal parasite found in the region under study was 86.6%. Among helminths, Ascaris lumbricoides (47%), Ancilostomideos (37.3%), Trichuris trichiura (3.4%), Capillaria hepatica (2.3%) were found more parasites. Among the protozoa were: Entamoeba coli (21.4%), Entamoeba histolytica (12%), Giardia intestinalis (15.4%), Endolimax nana (10.1%) and Iodamoeba butschlii (7.5%).The high prevalence of intestinal parasite found in the survey was consistent with other data developed in the Amazon region. In this study, the region of the Western Amazon is part of the scenario of global geographic distribution of Capillaria hepatica, particularly the region of the Baixo Rio Machado.

Infecção persistente por tipos oncogênicos de papilomavírus humano (HPV) é considerada como o principal fator de risco para desenvolvimento de carcinoma invasivo do colo uterino (CCU) e de lesões intraepiteliais cervicais (SIL). Fatores genéticos do hospedeiro, como o polimorfismos de genes HLA (human leukocyte antigen), também têm sido implicados na suscetibilidade a estas patologias e à infecção por (HPV), como observado em diversos estudos caso-controle. Neste estudo investigou-se em uma coorte de mulheres (Ludwig-McGill cohort) se a variabilidade dos genes HLA-DRB1 e -DQB1 influenciam na história natural das infecções por HPV e no risco de SIL. A tipificação de DRB1 e DQB1 foi realizada em 620 amostras provenientes de um estudo epidemiológico prospectivo. A positividade para HPV foi testada em amostras da mesma paciente coletadas a cada 4 meses, obtidos durante o primeiro ano de seguimento, enquanto os resultados de citologia perfazem os 2 primeiros anos de seguimento. Infecções persistentes de curta ou longa duração foram definidas como 2 e 3 resultados consecutivos positivos para o mesmo tipo de HPV, respectivamente. As associações foram estimadas através de razões de chance e intervalos de confiança de 95%, ajustadas para potenciais fatores de confusão. Os resultados obtidos indicam que a prevalência da infecção por HPV e o risco de persistência variam dependendo do haplótipo HLA. O haplótipo DRB1*0301-DQB1*0201 mostrou-se protetor contra a infecção por HPV, e DRB1*1102-DQB1 *0301 contra infecções persistentes. Já os haplótipos DRB1*1601-DQB1*0502 e DRB1 *0807-DQB1*0402 foram fatores de risco para infecções persistentes por HPV. Não foi observada uma forte concordância entre risco de infecção por HPV e risco de SIL associados a determinado HLA, em parte porque o número de pacientes com SIL foi um fator limitante neste estudo. Um risco aumentado de SIL, independente da infecção por HPV, foi associado com DRB1*0301 e DR12. Portadoras de DR4 e DQB1*0601 tiveram uma maior probabilidade de desenvolver SIL e HSIL, respectivamente. Uma associação negativa entre o alelo DQB1*0301 e HSIL foi verificada. Análise do dimorfismo na posição 86 da cadeia &#946; de HLA-DR mostrou que valina nesta posição tem um efeito protetor para prevalência e persistência de infecção por HPV, e maior risco de SIL no grupo com infecções transitórias por HPV. Em outra análise, investigamos a distribuição de grupos alélicos de DRB1 em uma série independente de amostras provenientes de pacientes com CCU. Observamos um risco diminuído de desenvolvimento de CCU associado a DR3. Por outro lado, DR4 e DR8/12 mostraram-se fatores de risco para o CCU nesta população. Estes resultados sugerem que o polimorfismo de HLA desempenha um papel na história natural das infecções por HPV, SIL e CCU. Também analisamos respostas linfoproliferativas em pacientes com CCU, contra peptídeos derivados de E6 e E7 de HPV16. As respostas positivas foram mais freqüentes contra peptídeos de E6 do que E7. Não observamos resposta contra um peptídeo ou região em particular. Parte desta diversidade nas respostas linfoproliferativas pode ser relacionada com o polimorfismo de genes HLA e seu papel na seleção de epítopos. / Persistent infection with oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) is the major risk factor for the development of malignant lesions in the uterine cervix. Host factors have also been implicated in the pathogenesis of these diseases. Associations between human leukocyte antigen (HLA) polymorphisms and cervical cancer, precursor lesions or HPV infections have been reported by case-control studies in several populations. This study investigated through cohort analysis if human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DRB1 and DQB1 variability is related to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL) prevalence and persistence. HLA-DRB1 and DQB1 genes were typed in 620 samples from the Ludwig-McGill cohort. HPV positivity was tested in specimens collected every 4 months during the first year of follow-up. Persistent and long-term infections were defined as at least 2 or 3 consecutive positive results for the same HPV type, respectively. Analysis of SIL included data obtained during the two first years of follow-up. The magnitudes of associations were estimated by unconditional logistic regression analysis adjusted for potential confounders. Certain HLA alleles and haplotypes were associated with HPV either HPV prevalence or persistence. The DRB1*0301-DQB1*0201 haplotype was associated with a lower risk for HPV infection and DRB1*1102-DQB1*0301 for HPV persistence. DRB1*1601-DQB1*0502 and DRB1*0807-DQB1*0402 were associated with a increased risk for persistent HPV infection. It was not observed a strong concordance between the associations verified for HPV prevalence/persistence and SIL, possibly due to the limited number of SIL specimens. A higher risk for SIL, independent of HPV infection, was observed for DRB1*0301 and DR12. DR4 and DQB1*0601 carriers showed a higher frequency of SIL and HSIL, respectively. A negative association between DQB1*0301 and HSIL was verified. Valine at position 86 of the DR&#946; chain was associated with reduced risks of HPV positivity and persistence, as compared to glycine carriers. However, valine carriers had a higher risk of SIL if transiently infected by HPV. We also analyzed an independent sample of patients with invasive cervical, and a protective effect was observed for DR3. On the other hand, DR4 and DR8/12 were associated with a higher risk for cervical cancer in this population. Our results suggest that HLA class II polymorphisms and pocket 1 profile are involved in clearance and maintenance of HPV infection and the risk of SIL and CCU, consistent with the hypothesis that genetic background is important in the natural history of HPV infections and associated lesions. We also analyzed lymphoproliferative responses against HPV16 E6 and E7 peptides, in patients with invasive cervical cancer. Lymphoproliferative responses were more frequent for E6 peptides than for E7 peptides. The responses were not restricted to a particular peptide, which is expected based on HLA variability observed among patients.

The purpose of this study was to describe the factors that determine the utilisation of VIA, and to investigate the socio-economic status of women who undergone VIA. A retrospective document analysis of 323 clinical records was conducted at a specific rural hospital in Zimbabwe. A retrospective, cross-sectional, non-experimental, descriptive, analysis of clinical records was conducted using a checklist to extract data from the records of women who have undergone VIA for cervical screening at the specific rural hospital. The results revealed that 70% (N=225) were from outside the catchment area, 73% (N=234) were poor, 54% (N=173) were of high parity, 85% (N=275) were ill with conditions that included lower back and abdominal pains, excessive vaginal discharge and vaginal bleeding after intercourse. The study further revealed that 72% (N=226) had no prior cervical cancer screening and 87% (N=277) were screened by chance. The conclusion drawn was that socio-economic and logistical constraints hinder cervical cancer screening among rural women. It is recommended that VIA screening and health education on cervical cancer be offered to all women visiting healthcare facilities. Furthermore, the government should consider funding in order to prioritise women’s health issues. / Health Studies / M.A. (Nursing Science)

L’infection génitale par le Virus du Papillome Humain (VPH) est l’infection transmissible sexuellement la plus fréquente. Sa prévalence la plus élevée est retrouvée chez les femmes en âge de procréer. Bien que la littérature expérimentale s’accorde sur la plausibilité biologique de l’effet du VPH sur les issues négatives de grossesse, les résultats des études observationnelles sont équivoques. Parmi ces issues négatives figure l’accouchement prématuré qui reste une cause majeure de mortalité périnatale et de morbidité à vie dans le monde. La présente thèse avait alors pour but de faire la lumière sur la qualité de la littérature actuelle sur les issues négatives de grossesse en lien avec le VPH en général et d’approfondir l’association entre le VPH et l’accouchement prématuré en particulier. À cette fin, trois objectifs de recherche étaient visés, à savoir: 1) évaluer systématiquement l’ampleur de l’association entre l’infection VPH et les issues négatives de grossesse dans la littérature et la qualité des évidences sur ces relations, 2) estimer l’association entre l’infection VPH pendant la grossesse et l’accouchement prématuré et 3) identifier les déterminants de la transmission du VPH dans le placenta chez les femmes infectées par le VPH au niveau vaginal. Trois analyses ont été menées pour répondre à chacun des objectifs. D’abord, nous avons effectué une revue systématique et des méta-analyses pour chacune des issues négatives de grossesse suivantes: avortement spontané, rupture prématurée et/ou préterme et des membranes, accouchement prématuré, faible poids de naissance, retard de croissance intra-utérine, troubles hypertensifs gestationnels et mortinaissance. Ensuite, en utilisant les données des femmes éligibles de la cohorte prospective HERITAGE (n=899), nous avons estimé l’association entre l’infection VPH (pendant la grossesse et dans le placenta) et l’accouchement prématuré. Dans un modèle de régression logistique, un ajustement pour la confusion a été assuré par pondération par l’inverse de probabilité de l’infection VPH au premier trimestre en fonction des caractéristiques maternelles. Enfin, l’analyse des déterminants du VPH dans le placenta a été réalisée sur l’échantillon de la cohorte de femmes positives au VPH au premier trimestre de grossesse (n=354) en utilisant un modèle d’équations d’estimation généralisée. La revue systématique et les méta-analyses ont montré que l’infection VPH est associée à plusieurs issues négatives de grossesse dont l’accouchement prématuré. Cependant, ces résultats doivent être interprétés avec prudence, compte tenu des limites dans certaines études en raison d’erreur de mesure de l’exposition au VPH, d’une détection du VPH en dehors de la période de grossesse, et d’un contrôle insuffisant pour la confusion. Les résultats de notre étude de cohorte prospective ont montré que la persistance des VPH16/18 pendant la grossesse et la présence du VPH dans le placenta sont associées à l’accouchement prématuré avec un odds ratio ajusté (aOR) de 3,72 (IC 95% 1,47-9,39) et 2,53 (IC 95% 1,06- 6,03) respectivement. Cet effet est indépendant des antécédents de traitement de dysplasies cervicales. Par ailleurs, la présence du VPH dans le placenta est associée à l’origine ethnique autre que blanc (aOR 1,78; IC 95% 1,08-2,96), aux anomalies cervicales (aOR 1,92; IC 95% 1,14-3,24), à l’infection génitale ou urinaire (aOR 2,32; IC 95% 1,15-4,68), à la coinfection VPH au 1er trimestre (aOR 2,56; IC 95% 1,72-3,83), à la persistance d’un VPH à haut risque autre que les génotypes 16/18 (2,31; IC 95% 1,20-4,45) et à la persistance des VPH-16/18 pendant la grossesse (aOR 4,55; IC 95% 2,40-8,66). Dans l’ensemble, les résultats de cette thèse apportent de nouvelles connaissances sur l’infection VPH vaginale pendant la grossesse et dans le placenta. L’association entre l’accouchement prématuré et la persistance du VPH-16/18 en cours de grossesse ou l’infection VPH dans le placenta indique qu’un certain nombre d’accouchements prématurés, jusque-là inexpliqués, pourraient être en lien avec le VPH. Cet effet direct de l’infection VPH sur l’accouchement prématuré vient s’ajouter à celui, déjà montré, du traitement cervical des lésions dysplasiques. Le VPH placentaire est associé aux marqueurs d’une réponse immunitaire inadéquate contre le VPH vaginal. Nos résultats plaident en faveur de la couverture vaccinale optimale contre le VPH dans le but d’alléger le fardeau des naissances prématurées. / Human Papillomavirus (HPV) genital infection is the most common sexually transmitted infection. Its highest prevalence is found in women of childbearing age. Although experimental studies agree on the biological plausibility of detrimental effect of HPV on pregnancy outcomes, observational studies yielded contradictory findings. Among these negative outcomes there is preterm delivery, which remains a major cause of perinatal mortality and lifelong morbidity worldwide. Therefore, this thesis aimed to shed light on the quality of the current literature on negative outcomes related to HPV in general and specifically to further investigate the association between HPV and preterm birth. We targeted three research objectives: 1) systematic assessment of the association between HPV infection and negative pregnancy outcomes in the literature and the quality of the evidence on these relationships, 2) estimate the association between HPV infection during pregnancy and preterm delivery; and 3) to identify the determinants of HPV transmission in the placenta in women infected with in the first trimester. Three analyzes were carried out to meet each of the objectives. We performed a systematic review and meta-analyzes for each of the following negative pregnancy outcomes: spontaneous abortion, premature and / or preterm rupture and membranes, preterm birth, low birth weight, intra-uterine growth retardation, pregnancy induced hypertensive disorders and stillbirth. Using data from eligible women in the HERITAGE prospective cohort (n = 899), we assessed the association between HPV infection (during pregnancy and in the placenta) and preterm birth. In a logistic regression model, we adjusted for confounding by inverse propensity treatment weighting of HPV infection in the first trimester based on maternal characteristics. Finally, the analysis of the determinants of HPV in the placenta was performed on the sample of the cohort of HPV positive women in the first trimester of pregnancy (n = 354) using a generalized estimation equations model. The systematic review and meta-analyzes showed that HPV infection is associated with several negative pregnancy outcomes including preterm birth. However, these results should be interpreted with caution, given the limitations in some studies regarding misclassification of HPV exposure, inappropriate HPV time-point detection, and insufficient control for confusion. Our prospective cohort study showed that the persistence of HPV16/18 during pregnancy and the presence of any HPV in the placenta are associated with preterm birth with an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 3.72 (CI 95 % 1.47-9.39) and 2.53 (95% CI 1.06-6.03) respectively. These findings are independent of the history of cervical dysplasia treatment. In addition, the presence of any HPV in the placenta is associated with ethnic origin other than white (aOR 1.78; 95% CI 1.08-2.96), cervical abnormalities (aOR 1.92; 95% CI 1.14-3.24), genital or urinary infection (aOR 2.32; 95% CI 1.15-4.68), HPV coinfection in the 1st trimester (aOR 2.56; 95% CI 1.72-3.83), persistence of high-risk HPV other than genotypes 16/18 (2.31; 95% CI 1.20-4.45) and persistence of HPV-16/18 during pregnancy (aOR 4.55; 95% CI 2.40-8.66). Overall, our findings provide new evidence on vaginal HPV infection during pregnancy and in the placenta. The association between preterm birth and persistence of HPV-16/18 during pregnancy or any HPV infection in the placenta indicates that a number of unexplained preterm deliveries may be related to HPV. This direct effect of HPV infection on preterm birth is in addition to that already shown of cervical treatment of dysplastic lesions. Placental HPV is associated with markers of an inadequate immune response against vaginal HPV. Our results argue in favor of an increase in vaccine coverage against HPV in order to reduce the burden of preterm births.

Bakgrund: Livmoderhalscancer är en av de vanligaste cancerrelaterade dödsorsakerna i utvecklingsländer. Humant papillomvirus (HPV) är ett sexuellt överförbart virus som kan, vid bestående infektioner, orsaka livmoderhalscancer. I Sveriges infördes år 2010 ett vaccin till flickor som skydd mot de typer av HPV som orsakar livmoderhalscancer med 70%. I Sverige erbjuds kvinnor mellan 23 till 50 år cellprov vart tredje år, vilket minskar risken att utveckla livmoderhalscancer med 90 %. Majoriteten av kvinnorna deltar dock inte i de erbjudna cellprovskontrollerna. Eftersom HPV är ett sexuellt överförbart virus kan det hos vissa vara stigmatiserat och leda till en känsla av skam. Människans syn på den sexuella hälsan och kroppen präglas av människans kulturella bakgrund och erfarenheter vilket påverkar människans värderingar och val. Syfte: Syftet var att belysa kvinnors erfarenheter av HPV-förebyggande åtgärder. Metod: Denna studie baserades på en litteraturöversikt av elva vetenskapliga artiklar som samlades in via noggrann analys och som ligger till grund för resultatet. Dessa artiklar bestod av vetenskapliga originalartiklar som samlades in från tre olika databaser. Analysen redovisades med två huvudteman och ett undertema. Resultat: Resultat framkom i två teman; Cellprov och HPV-vaccin. Under Cellprov tillfogades ett undertema; Självtest. Resultatet visade att kvinnors erfarenheter influerades av deras kulturella bakgrund och det i sig påverkade deras attityder mot preventiva åtgärder. Det visade sig även att den kulturella bakgrunden och mödrars erfarenhet av livmoderhalscancer påverkade mödrars attityd gentemot vaccin för sina döttrar. Deltagandet av cellprovstagning påverkades av kvinnors tidigare erfarenheter och skam/skuldkänslor gällande cellprov. Kvinnors erfarenhet av självtest var positivt då det ökade integriteten och därmed minskade känslan av skam. Diskussion: Kvinnors attityd till cellprov och HPV-vaccin präglades av kunskapsbrist och kulturell påverkan. Kvinnors önskan av en mer individanpassad information både språkligt och skriftligt ansågs som ett positivt och välbehövt inslag i vården. Mer vikt bör läggas på att öka deltagandet och kunskapen hos kvinnor genom att anpassa informationen som ges ut till individen. Madeleine Leiningers teori om transkulturell omvårdnad är ett hjälpfullt stöd för sjuksköterskor att anpassa vården utifrån individens kulturella bakgrund. Det gäller både den information som lämnas och omvårdnaden av patienter. / Background: Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancer-related causes of death in developing countries. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted virus that, in case of permanent infections, causes cervical cancer. In Sweden, a vaccine for girls was introduced in 2010 to protect against the types of HPV causing 70% of cervical cancer. In Sweden, women between 23 and 50 years of age are offered cell samples every three years, which reduces the risk of developing cervical cancer by 90%. However, the majority of women do not participate in the offered cell sample checks. Because HPV is a sexually transmitted virus, it may in some cases be stigmatized and lead to a sense of shame. Human views of sexual health and the body is characterized by human cultural background and experiences, which affects human values and choices. Aim: The purpose was to highlight women's experiences of HPV prevention. Method: This study was based on a literature review of eleven scientific articles collected through careful analysis and is the basis for the outcome. These articles consisted of scientific original articles as they were collected from three different databases. The analysis was presented with two main themes and one sub theme. Results: Results emerged in two themes; Cell sample and HPV vaccine. Self-test was added as a subtheme under Cell sample. The results showed that women's experiences were influenced by their cultural background and in turn influenced their attitudes toward preventive measures. It also turned out that the cultural background and mothers' experience of cervical cancer affected mothers' attitude towards vaccines for their daughters. The participation of cell sampling was influenced by the women's previous experiences and shame/guilty feelings regarding cell samples. Women's self-test experience was positive as it increased integrity and thus reduced the sense of shame. Discussion: Women’s attitude towards Cell sample and HPV vaccine were characterized by lack of knowledge and cultural impact. Women's desire for more personalized information was considered a positive and well-needed feature in health care. More emphasis should be placed on increasing the participation and knowledge of women by adapting the information given to the individual. Madeleine Leininger's theory of transcultural care can help nurses to adapt their care based on the individual's cultural background. This applies to both the information provided and the care of patients.

MSc (Microbiology) / Department of Microbiology