Chagas disease is classified as a neglected disease and has a high prevalence in the Northern region of Brazil, with outbreaks primarily associated with oral transmission. Nevertheless, triatomines, the vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi, play a significant role in this transmission cycle. This study aimed to describe the occurrence of vectors in the municipality of Belém, based on previous reports from the local population. A retrospective descriptive study with a crosssectional component was conducted from 2010 to August 2023, focusing on the occurrence of T. cruzi vectors causing Chagas disease in urban and peri-urban areas of Belém. Data were obtained from the Municipal and State Health Departments of Pará. The information was organized in Microsoft Excel spreadsheets, and spatial distribution maps were created using the open-source software QGIS®. During the study period, the following triatomine species were recorded: Rhodnius pictipes, R. robustus, Triatoma rubrofasciata, Panstrongylus geniculatus, and P. lignarius, totaling 145 specimens collected. The majority (71%) of the specimens belonged to T. rubrofasciata, predominantly collected indoors, with a higher incidence in January. In 2023, a T. rubrofasciata specimen was found in a residence in the Jurunas neighborhood, parasitized by T. conorhini. Of the total specimens collected, 11% tested positive for flagellates resembling T. cruzi. Between 2010 and 2022, 376 cases of acute Chagas disease were reported, with the highest incidence in the neighborhoods of Benguí, Jurunas, Marco, and Icoaraci. KEY WORDS: Triatomines; entomological surveillance; vector control; Amazon.
COVID-19 pandemic exposed challenges for health authorities, especially among vulnerable groups such as inmates. This study evaluated the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA and anti- SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgM in inmates of semi-open penal institutions in the Central-West region of Brazil, as well as viral RNA in wastewater from these institutions. A cross-sectional study was conducted in male and female semi-open penal institutions in Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, between September 2022 and February 2023. The presence of anti- SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgM antibodies in plasma by rapid test, and virus RNA by RT–qPCR analysis of nasal and wastewater samples were investigated. Of the 225 inmates of the male penal unit, 12.4% (28) tested positive RT–qPCR test and/or reactive IgG and IgM. Of these, 57.1% were employed, and 81.2% engaged in activities outside the prison unit (p=0.002). The prevalence was 2.8 times higher among inmates who worked outside the penal institution. Among the 20 wastewater samples collected, 10% tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA. Of the 14 inmates of the female penal unit, 21.4% (3) tested reactive IgG and IgM; all reported working, 66.6% (2) worked outside the penal unit; both used individual transportation. The wastewater sample was negative for SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA. We detected SARS-CoV-2 RNA and anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies within penal institutions. Our findings may contribute to strengthening preventive medicine and controlling new outbreaks, using wastewater analysis as a relevant tool. KEY WORDS: COVID-19 pandemic; inmate; wastewater-based epidemiological monitoring.
This study aimed to analyze the occurrence of Schistosoma mansoni in the State of Alagoas, Brazil, over space and time from 2012 to 2021. An ecological, quantitative, and spatiotemporal study was conducted using secondary data from the Schistosomiasis Control and Surveillance System (SISPCE/DATASUS). Data were aggregated by health regions (HR) and municipalities. During the study period, 1,466,100 examinations were performed, and 73,325 cases of schistosomiasis were diagnosed. Spatial analysis showed that 20 municipalities had moderate positivity rates (5.1 – 15.0%), and one municipality had a high positivity rate above 15.1%. Global Moran’s Index indicated significant positive spatial autocorrelation (I= 0.52308; p= 0.001). The Local Moran’s Index identified 16 municipalities with a high-high pattern, distributed across the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 6th HR. The space-time scan analysis revealed two significant risk clusters. The primary cluster comprised 50 municipalities, predominantly located in the 3rd, 4th, and 6th HR, showing a relative risk (RR) of 11.06 (p< 0.001). The proportion of infections classified as severe was below 1%. These findings highlight the persistence of high-risk areas for schistosomiasis in Alagoas, concentrated in specific health regions, and are aligned with WHO goals to eliminate schistosomiasis as a public health problem. KEY WORDS: Epidemiology; neglected diseases; public health; Schistosoma mansoni.
We identified the species of land snails found in products exported from other countries, which could represent a danger to crops, animals, and the general population of our country and the Central American region. Specimens were collected at four points at each site, in the dry season (January to March 2008) and in the rainy season (April to December 2008 and 2009), twice a week each month. Diversity indices were used to determine species richness in the Caribbean (Province of Colón) and Pacific (Province of Panama) cargo ports. In total, 2,481 individuals of terrestrial mollusks were found, confirming the presence of Allopeas gracile (Hutton, 1834) in 10 cargo areas with n= 1,566 (63.1%), most of them at Tocumen International Airport in the Pacific, Panama City, and with more activity in the rainy season. Praticolella mexicana was also reported for the first time in our country and is a terrestrial inhabitant of environments, frequently associated with open areas or important shrublands, for its role as an agricultural pest and as a potential vector of parasitic nematodes (such as Angiostrongylus) that affect humans and animals. In addition, more land snails were detected and collected in the loading areas of the ports in the rainy season. In the biodiversity indices, it was observed that there was no predominance of one species over the others. After this, it was concluded that the presence of these snails in our ports represents a critical challenge to bio-sanitary security in the region because it threatens food and agricultural security by producing economic losses and vulnerability of crops. The species found are invasive species, vectors of diseases that affect public health. It is necessary to have a lot of vigilance, which impacts the port biosecurity of the countries of the Central American region. KEY WORDS: Biosecurity; invasive species; Gastropoda; Public Health.
Snakebites represent a major public health problem, especially in tropical countries such as Brazil. This study analyzed the epidemiology of snakebites in the geographical microregion of Catalão, Goiás, from 2017 to 2023. This is a descriptive, quantitative, and retrospective analysis based on data collection from the Ministry of Health's Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN). A total of 273 cases of snakebites were reported, 62.27% of which were bothropic. There was a greater incidence of males (81.32%) and those aged between 40 and 59 years (39.93%). It is noteworthy that 75% of the accidents were non-occupational. Approximately half of the cases were classified as mild (50.43%). The anatomical region of the foot and leg was the most affected. Most victims received medical care within 3 hours (89.07%), underwent serum therapy (89.22%) and were cured. The municipality of Três Ranchos had the highest incidence of cases (513.52/100.000 inhabitants), while Catalão had the highest annual average (17.4) and the highest percentage of occurrence (35.8%). The epidemiological study of snakebite accidents contributes to understanding the impact of this disease on the population and provides data for the development of health surveillance, awareness and prevention measures in the region.
Triatoma sordida is the most abundant triatomine species in the State of São Paulo, with wide distribution and recurrent control activities. This study aimed to analyze the susceptibility of insects to the insecticide used for control. Dilutions of deltamethrin were prepared and applied to the backs of biologically synchronized first-instar nymphs derived from 100 populations (240 insects × population) from 40 municipalities. The control group received only pure acetone. Mortality was assessed after 72 hours. The susceptibility profile observed for these populations yielded RR50 values ranging from 0.74 to 3.50. The mortality rate in response to the diagnostic dose ranged from 93.3 to 100%. The populations demonstrated susceptibility to deltamethrin, confirming the effectiveness of the insecticide for vector control activities. Continuous monitoring is recommended to promptly identify possible changes in susceptibility that may compromise control actions. KEY WORDS: Triatomines; vectorial control; bioassays; Chagas disease.
Schistosomiasis is one of the 20 neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) recognized by the World Health Organization and remains a major public health problem in many developing countries. Natural molluscicides derived from medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) offer a promising and eco-friendly alternative. Sahara, with its vast botanical diversity and rich traditional knowledge, represents a valuable reservoir for the identification of new bioactive natural products for schistosomiasis control. The essential oil derived from the Saharan medicinal plant Cotula cinerea (Asteraceae), growing in Tindouf (Algeria), was analyzed for its chemical composition using gas chromatography/ mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and evaluated for its molluscicidal properties. Thirty-six compounds, representing 93.4% of the essential oil, revealed that the major constituents were trans-Thujone (34.8%), Camphor (11.9%), Santolinatriene (10.2%), 1,8-Cineol (7.4%), and Cis-Verbenyl acetate (6.4%). The essential oil is characterized by the presence of high content of oxygenated monoterpenes. The molluscicidal activity tested against adult Lymnaea stagnalis snails using WHO-recommended bioassay protocols showed that the essential oil of C. cinerea exhibited significant molluscicidal effects with the 24-h LC50 of 95.8 μg/mL and achieving 90% mortality at 114.2 μg/mL within 24 hours and 90% mortality at 87.3 μg/mL within 48 hours. The results support the potential use of essential oils from the Saharan medicinal plant as natural alternatives to synthetic molluscicides that cause serious environmental hazards. KEY WORDS: Natural products; Lymnaea stagnalis; Oxygenated monoterpenes; Schistosomiasis; Algerian Sahara.
Iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) is a global health concern that may be related to Helicobacter pylori infection. Precise molecular identification of H. pylori and its virulence factors is essential for understanding the pathogenic mechanisms fundamental to IDA. The current study aims to correlate molecular detection of H. pylori and its virulence factor genes and hematological parameters in patients with IDA compared to non-diseased controls. This study included 120 participants (80 patients with IDA and 40 healthy controls). Gastric biopsies were obtained from patients admitted to Al-Nasiriyah Teaching Hospital, Thi-Qar, Iraq. DNA was extracted for polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based detection of the H. pylori-16S rRNA and virulence factor genes (cagA and babA2). Hematological parameters, such as hemoglobin, serum ferritin, and iron levels, were measured from blood samples. The infection with H. pylori was detected in 62.5% of IDA patients, compared with 25% in controls. The cagA gene was detected in 76% of H. pylori-positive IDA patients versus 40% in positive controls. The babA2 gene was detected in 68% of H. pylori-positive IDA patients compared with 30% in positive controls. Patients with both virulence factors showed significantly lower hemoglobin and ferritin levels. This study concluded that there is a significant association between H. pylori infection and IDA, highlighting that virulent strains carrying cagA and babA2 may contribute to iron deficiency. KEY WORDS: Gastritis; iron absorption impairment; Gram-negative; virulence factors.
Arboviruses are considered a burden for public health systems around the world. Brazil, a country that is hyperendemic for arboviruses, the state of Minas Gerais has recorded the second highest number of probable dengue cases in 2024. To systematically review the literature on natural arboviruses infection in both immatures and adults of the Aedes genus in Minas Gerais, Southeast Region of Brazil. This systematic review adhered to the established standards of the Preferred Reporting Items in Systematic Reviews and Metanalyses (PRISMA). The studies were searched in the BVS, SciELO, and PubMed databases. Nine of 524 studies were included and published between 1993 and 2024. Both immatures and adults of Aedes aegypti accounted for the largest number of specimens captured (49.7%). The positivity rate of Ae. aegypti infected by DENV ranged from 0.18% to 32.1% and 5.5% to 16.9% for larvae and adults, respectively. Adult specimens of Ae. aegypti also tested positive for CHIKV. Some specimens of Ae. albopictus, Ae. scapularis, Ae. argyrothorax and Ae. serratus tested positive for YFV. Among the specimens of Aedes collected in the state of Minas Gerais, Ae. aegypti presented the highest percentage of natural arbovirus infection. The majority of specimens analyzed were naturally infected with DENV. KEYWORDS: Dengue virus; Chikungunya virus; Zika virus; Yellow fever.
This reports a case of a 68-year-old woman with a history of snake bite from Porthidium ophryomegas (commonly known as Tamagás Negro), treated with polyvalent snake antivenom. The patient presents to the internal medicine service eight days after the snake bite, with generalized urticaria and palpable non-thrombocytopenic purpura. Based on her clinical history, she was diagnosed with serum sickness secondary to the snake antivenom, a potential complication of its administration. Serum sickness is caused by a type III hypersensitivity reaction, characterized by urticaria, fever, malaise, polyarthralgia, or polyarthritis, and less frequently, purpura secondary to allergic cutaneous vasculitis. There is no consensus regarding the diagnosis, which is clinical, based on medical history and suggestive symptomatology. This case was treated with corticosteroids, antihistamines, and topical antipruritic agents, resulting in the resolution of signs and symptoms without further complications. Although purpura is an uncommon manifestation of serum sickness, its occurrence following antivenom administration for snakebite should prompt consideration of this diagnosis. KEY WORDS: Purpura; antivenom serum; snake bite; hypersensitivity; vasculitis.
Chagas disease (CD) is a neglected tropical disease that affects thousands of people every year. The aim of this study was to implement educational interventions on CD in schools of the municipality of Zé Doca, Maranhão, and to analyze the knowledge of the students after the educational intervention. It is a descriptive, exploratory, cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach. The participants were students regularly enrolled at the Instituto Estadual de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Maranhão (IEMA) and the Centro de Ensino Professor Francisco de Assis Amorim. Educational activities were carried out, followed by the application of a semi-structured questionnaire to assess the students’ knowledge of the basic aspects of CD. A total of 114 students participated, with an average age of 16.2 years; 63.1% were female, 64.9% self-identified as mixed race, and 36.8% reported a family income below the minimum wage. In terms of housing conditions, 94.7% reported living in brick houses with plastered walls, and 64.9% reported consuming filtered water. In addition, 64.9% reported being unaware of CD; 78.0% of participants identified the parasite; 85.8% recognized the main modes of transmission routes of CD; 86.8% identified prevention methods; and 91.2% had never participated in CD awareness campaigns. Students highlighted as positive aspects the ease of understanding (44.7%), learning new information (34.2%), and the importance of the topic (21.0%). The findings suggest that students absorbed the information provided during the educational activities. Therefore, social media, combined with face-to-face health education initiatives, are essential strategies for disseminating information and contributing to the prevention of CD. KEY WORDS: Chagas disease; health education; neglected tropical diseases.
This paper addresses the main aspects of the occurrence of dirofilariasis in animals and humans, especially in cases of infections by Dirofilaria immitis and D. repens. It highlights the importance of recognizing this parasitosis as an emerging zoonosis in the Americas, with a focus on Brazil, while providing global comparisons. The biological and environmental factors that influence its maintenance in natural conditions are also discussed. KEY WORDS: Dirofilaria; Dirofilaria immitis; Dirofilaria repens; zoonosis; dirofilariasis; Americas; Brazil.
Aedes aegypti has been the primary vector of dengue transmission since the 17th century. This study aimed to analyze the infestation index of Ae. aegypti in the municipality of Itaquiraí, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, using ovitrap-based monitoring. Weekly ovitrap collections were conducted in five urban neighborhoods from March 2015 to December 2018. Two key entomological indicators were analyzed: the Egg Density Index (EDI) and the Ovitrap Positivity Index (OPI). A total of 62,198 Ae. aegypti eggs were collected, with 29.7% of traps testing positive. The overall EDI was 35.2%, peaking in April (48.8%). The highest annual EDI was recorded in 2015 (55.3%). Annual OPI values were 75.9% in 2015, 24.4% in 2016, 15.4% in 2017, and 16.2% in 2018. Monthly OPI peaks occurred in April (2015), February (2016), and January (2017 and 2018). The Poisson distribution (λ = 4.50) suggested a mean of 4.5 eggs per trap per sampling period. The Negative Binomial distribution (r = 0.36, p = 0.07) indicated an aggregated dispersion pattern. The Log-Normal distribution parameters (shape = 1.32, location = 18.00, scale = 0.00) revealed that a small proportion of traps accounted for high egg densities. The study concludes that oviposition varied substantially across the monitoring period and was spatially clustered. The period of highest transmission risk occurred from January to April. Environmental and climatic factors, alongside consistent control and monitoring actions, are critical for reducing vector populations. Entomological surveillance using ovitraps, combined with community awareness campaigns, constitutes an essential strategy for guiding preventive and vector control measures. KEY WORDS: Surveillance; insect traps; mosquitoes; arboviruses, dengue.
Diphyllobothriosis is a zoonotic disease caused by consuming raw or undercooked fish contaminated with fish tapeworms, and it is emerging as a global public health issue. Although cases have been reported in several Brazilian states, this study describes the first non-autochthonous human case of diphyllobothriosis in Paraná, Brazil, specifically in Curitiba. The following case is presented: a 31-year-old woman developed symptoms after eating raw fish during a trip to Pucón, Chile. Molecular analysis of the expelled proglottids confirmed the presence of Diphyllobothrium species, with epidemiological evidence supporting the identification of Diphyllobothrium latum. This study is the first to report a non-autochthonous human case of diphyllobothriosis in Paraná, Brazil. This case highlights the importance of considering parasitic infections in the differential diagnosis of patients with gastrointestinal symptoms and a history of international travel, especially to regions where the disease is endemic. KEY WORDS: Diphyllobothriosis; state of Paraná; Brazil; zoonosis.
Chagas disease is caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. The vectorial route remains the primary mode of transmission of this disease, with triatomine insects serving as the primary vectors. These insects are frequently reported in urban and periurban areas, particularly in the Amazon region. Therefore, this study aimed to identify triatomine species and their positivity for trypanosomatids in urban and periurban areas of the Brazilian Legal Amazon. This systematic review was conducted in five stages: hypothesis formulation, literature search, findings selection, data collection, and results synthesis. Genera Rhodnius and Panstrongylus were the most abundant, with R. montenegrensis, R. pictipes, R. robustus, and P. geniculatus being the most frequently reported species. T. cruzi infection rate varied within the following ranges: R. robustus (8% to 75%), R. montenegrensis (15% to 72%), and R. pictipes (5% to 68%). These three species were also reported to be infected by T. rangeli. T. cruzi infection rate in P. geniculatus ranged from 10.8% to 71.4%. Additionally, Eratyrus mucronatus was frequently reported intruding into households, mainly in peridomestic areas, with records of T. cruzi infection in this environment. One of the factors related to the occurrence of triatomines in urban areas was environmental degradation and the consequent scarcity of fauna, which drives these insects to artificial environments. Thus, the compilation of these data reinforces the importance of continuous monitoring of triatomines in urban and periurban areas, aiming for more effective control of both Chagas disease and its vectors. KEY WORDS: Vectors; triatominae; Trypanosoma cruzi; vector-borne transmission; epidemiology
Syphilis is a systemic disease caused by Treponema pallidum and may be diagnosed using treponemal and non-treponemal tests. In order to verify the concordance of the rapid test for syphilis in pregnant women and newborns, when compared to the venereal disease research laboratory test (VDRL) and the need for confirmatory tests, a study was carried out in a public hospital in the north of Espírito Santo. To analyze the pregnant women, rapid tests and the VDRL test were applied. If one or both tests were positive, the confirmatory T. pallidum hemagglutination test (TPHA) was applied. The results indicated that 146 (52.9%) out of the 276 samples tested positive for both methods (VDRL and rapid test). In total (276), 91 (33.0%) samples were positive for the rapid test, and 55 (19.9%) samples were positive for VDRL. Out of the 91 reactive samples for the rapid test, 53 (58.2%) were positive for both tests, and 38 (41.7%) were positive only for the rapid test. Of the 55 VDRL positive samples, 53 (96.4%) were positive for both tests, and only two samples (3.6%) were positive solely for VDRL. Additionally, three rapid test samples were classified as inconclusive by the testing team, with one (1.1%) of them being positive in the VDRL examination. On the other hand, 89 samples (32.2%) remained positive when the confirmatory test was carried out, and 35 (39.3%) of the pregnant women whose syphilis diagnosis was confirmed by the TPHA were positive only for the rapid test. The VDRL and TPHA tests were applied to newborns, and 61.0% and 97.6% (25 and 40 individuals, respectively) were positive. The results indicate that there is a need to adjust the diagnostic procedure for newborns and that the implementation of the rapid test in prenatal care can provide early access to the diagnosis and treatment of syphilis in pregnant women and their sexual partners. KEY WORDS: Congenital syphilis; comparison test; prenatal; rapid test; VDRL; indirect hemagglutination-T. pallidum hemagglutination test
Schistosomiasis mansoni is an anthropozoonosis caused by the flatworm Schistosoma mansoni and represents a significant public health issue in Brazil, primarily affecting economically disadvantaged populations. This study aimed to develop educational activities on schistosomiasis and subsequently assess the level of knowledge among Basic Education students in the municipality of Zé Doca, Maranhão, regarding the disease. This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study with an exploratory nature and a quantitative approach. The study included students who were regularly enrolled at Professor Francisco de Assis Amorim Educational Center and voluntarily agreed to participate in the proposed activities. Initially, health education activities on schistosomiasis were conducted, followed by the administration of a questionnaire to evaluate students’ knowledge of fundamental aspects of the disease. A total of 96 students were interviewed, with an average age of 16.5 years, of whom 62.5% were female. Among the participants, 73.9% reported consuming filtered water, 77.0% stated that there were no snails near their residences, and 63.4% were previously unaware of schistosomiasis before participating in educational activities. Additionally, 70.8% correctly identified the diagnostic method, 56.2% recognized the causative agent, 69.7% acknowledged the primary mode of transmission, 83.3% indicated avoiding contact with contaminated water as an effective preventive measure, and 76.0% had never participated in an educational campaign on the topic. The findings suggest that most participants comprehended the information provided during the educational activities, reinforcing the effectiveness of these initiatives as promising tools for enhancing students’ knowledge about the disease. KEY WORDS: Health education; public health education; school-based health promotion; tropical diseases.
Abdominal angiostrongyliasis (AA) is endemic in Southern Brazil. Few cases have been reported in other countries in South America. The eosinophilic ileocolitis typical of AA has also been detected in southeastern Brazil, including one patient from the State of Espirito Santo (ES). We aimed to investigate a possible northern limit for the occurrence of AA in Brazil and raise awareness and improve the diagnosis of this zoonotic infection. A retrospective survey was conducted using the database from the pathology service of a University Hospital in ES. A prospective study was also conducted to identify blood eosinophilia, a marker for AA, in samples analyzed in clinical laboratories in Santa Maria de Jetibá (SMJ) and Ibatiba (IBA), between October 2021 and June 2022. Cases with eosinophilic lesions in the gastrointestinal tract and/ or liver were identified. Of 12,284 reports, 53 cases with moderate to severe eosinophilia were submitted to detailed microscopic evaluation. No case of suspected or confirmed AA was detected. In total, 684/17,228 (3.97%) and 1,025/17,832 (5.75%) cases in IBA and SMJ, respectively, had eosinophil counts > 7%. Serological (Dot-ELISA) results were positive for 2/10 index and 7/14 secondary cases. Possibly active Angiostrongylus costaricensis transmission occurs in ES, at the northern limit of the most important endemic area in Brazil and South America. Increased awareness among health personnel and systematic prospective surveillance are needed for the optimized diagnosis and management of AA cases in southeastern Brazil and other less known transmission areas in South America. KEY WORDS: Abdominal angiostrongyliasis; eosinophilic gastroenteritis; eosinophilic ileocolitis; eosinophilic hepatitis; eosinophilia.
Dengue is one of the most important arboviral diseases worldwide and is considered a reemerging infectious condition, posing a significant public health challenge, particularly among the pediatric population. The most effective diagnostic method during the acute phase of the illness (0–5 days), when viremia levels are high, is Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). However, some molecular techniques may detect viral RNA for up to seven days, depending on the viral load. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of RT-PCR in detecting viral RNA after the fifth day of illness in pediatric patients at Hospital Escuela, Honduras. A total of 101 paired serum samples were analyzed, with positive results within the first five days, and a second sample from the same pediatric patients was obtained on day six or later. Among the referred patients, 76.2% (n=77) were clinically classified as having dengue with warning signs; the predominant serotype was DENV-3 in 90.0% (n=91). The mean Ct (cycle threshold) in samples collected within the first 0–5 days was 29.5, with 43.5% (n=44) showing Ct values between 25.1 and 32.0. Of the samples obtained on the 6th and 7th days, 82.2% (n=81) tested negative for viral RNA regardless of initial viremia; only 18.8% (19/101) tested positive, with a mean Ct of 34.2. These findings indicate that RTPCR had reduced efficacy in detecting dengue virus beyond the fifth day of illness. RT-PCR should be used preferably during the first five days of the disease, highlighting the need to integrate it with serology in later stages. KEY WORDS: Viral load; dengue fever; pediatrics; molecular virus detection; late-stage; diagnosis.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) affects the skin and mucous membranes, resulting in a globally transmitted sexually transmitted infection. Human Papillomavirus vaccination stands out as the most effective and cost-effective strategy, with robust evidence of declines in infection rates and virus-related cancers. In addition, consistent condom use is recommended as a protective barrier measure. Screening programs, through cytopathological examinations and HPV detection tests, enable early diagnosis. Health education plays a key role in promoting scientific literacy among the population, enabling safe sexual practices. Therefore, the present study aimed to propose an educational campaign on HPV infection prevention in the municipality of Lago da Pedra, state of Maranhão. The study was conducted in October 2023 in three public schools, totaling 168 participants. Regarding the HPV causative agent, prior to the campaign, 64 students (38%) answered correctly. After the educational lecture, the number of correct responses increased to 121 (81.2%) (χ² = 58.6; p < 0.0000001). The statement that HPV can lead to cancer was considered valid by 66% (n = 111) of the students before the campaign and by 98.6% (n = 147) after the campaign (χ² = 53.2; p < 0.0000001). The results demonstrated that health education is one of the most crucial measures in public health, playing a vital role in promoting scientific literacy among the population and facilitating an understanding of all aspects of the disease. KEY WORDS: Health education; public health; HPV infection; sexually transmitted infections.
