The incidence of paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) varies in Latin America, and it is influenced by environmental factors. This study evaluated the distribution of PCM acute/subacute form (AF) cases and their correlation with geoclimatic factors in the Mato Grosso do Sul (MS) state. The study included 81 patients diagnosed with the PCM/AF at the University Hospital of the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul between January 1980 and February 2022. Geographic coordinates, health microregion of patient’s residence, compensated average temperature, relative air humidity (RH), El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), and average global temperature were analyzed. The highest incidence was observed in the Aquidauana (7/100,000 inhabitants), while Campo Grande, the state’s capital, had the highest number (n = 34; 42.4%) and density (4.4 cases/km²) of cases. The number of cases increased during extended periods of the El Niño phenomenon. A positive correlation was found between higher RH and PCM/AF cases. Most PCM/AF cases were found in areas with loamy soils and RH ranging from 60.8 to 73.6%. In MS, the health microregions of PCM/AF patients are characterized by deforestation for agricultural and pasture use, coupled with loamy soils and specific climatic phenomena leading to higher soil humidity.

Brazil has the second largest number of leprosy cases worldwide, and the state of São Paulo has been considered non-endemic since 2006. We analyzed 16 variable number tandem repeats loci and three single nucleotide polymorphisms loci of Mycobacterium leprae (M. leprae) in 125 clinical isolates from patients in different municipalities in the state. The clustering pattern of M. leprae indicated that the transmission of leprosy persisted in the state and included scenarios of intra-extra-familial transmission in areas with low endemicity. A significantly active circulation of M. leprae was observed. Therefore, surveillance and control measures must be implemented.

Various techniques have been used for the molecular identification of Mycobacterium leprae (M. leprae). The aim of this review was to identify the relationship between the molecular presence of M. leprae and the process of infection and/or illness of contact of leprosy cases. A systematic review was carried out by searching the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), Cochrane Library, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science and the Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS) databases in January 2024. The studies were selected by two pairs of reviewers. Observational cross-sectional, case–control and cohort studies were included. A descriptive synthesis of the results by category was carried out. A total of 443 studies were identified, and 36 were included in the review. Twelve molecular targets were tested to identify the presence of the bacillus. A relationship was established between the identification of M. leprae DNA and factors related to the index case, housing characteristics, living conditions, epidemiology and anti-PGL-1 serology. None of the studies identified evaluated the molecular viability of M. leprae among contacts. The detection of M. leprae DNA alone does not necessarily predict the development of infection or clinical illness among contacts.

Dermatophytes are keratinophilic fungi that cause fungal infections in humans. This study aimed to characterize dermatophyte species' epidemiology and geospatial distribution and their relation with climatic, geoenvironmental and social aspects in municipalities monitored by the Epidemiological Surveillance Group XV (GVE XV) of São Paulo State from January 2016 to December 2020. Six species of dermatophytes were identified, namely Trichophyton rubrum (69.2%), Trichophyton mentagrophytes (17.9%), Trichophyton tonsurans (3.6%), Microsporum canis (5.4%), Microsporum gypseum (0.9%) and Epidermophyton floccosum (0.9%). The occurrence of these species was predominant in the Cerrado phytogeographic domain (60.7%), in soils with a temperature >18°C (97.3%), clayey soils (92.4%), and in humid climates. A particularized analysis in the municipality of extended occurrence of dermatophytes demonstrated the predominance of M. canis and M. tonsurans in areas of higher social vulnerability. The occurrence of dermatophytes in different contexts provided information about these fungi's epidemiology and dissemination patterns. However, more extensive studies may contribute to a better understanding of the factors that influence the movement of dermatophyte hosts and species over time, which is fundamental for developing more effective prevention and control approaches.

Tuberculosis (TB) is still a serious global public health problem, affecting mostly vulnerable populations such as the population deprived of liberty (PDL). Brazil has the third-largest prison population in the world, and the state of São Paulo has the largest PDL in the country. This study investigated the molecular epidemiology of TB in individuals from the general population (GP) and the PDL belonging to two Epidemiological Surveillance Groups in the state of São Paulo. A total of 522 Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates were analyzed using MIRU-VNTR genotyping (15 and 24-loci) and multiplex PCR for detection of RD^Rio/RD174 deletions. Clustering rates were 14.7% for 15-loci and 12.8% for 24-loci. The RD^Rio sublineage was identified in 26.8% of isolates, showing an association with alcohol use disorder (OR = 1.84; 95% CI 1.17-2.88) and illiteracy (OR = 3.40; 95% CI 1.09-10.58). Clusters with 100% similarity between GP and PDL isolates were observed, indicating intra- and extramural transmission within prison units. These findings highlight the importance of integrated surveillance and control strategies, with strengthened active case finding in both populations, in order to interrupt transmission chains and reduce the TB burden. In addition, further high-resolution genomic studies involving the PDL are recommended, focusing on complete genome sequencing integrated with epidemiological, spatial, and socio-environmental data, which will contribute to the improvement of TB surveillance and control strategies in highly vulnerable contexts.