Lesões oculares relacionadas com infecções sexualmente transmissíveis e toxoplasmose em migrantes da construção civil no município de Ribas do Rio Pardo, Mato Grosso do Sul

Abstract

The dynamics of human mobility and its impacts on the individual and collective health-disease process are long-standing and complex phenomena that continue to pose significant public health challenges. These impacts on human health include a range of adverse outcomes, particularly the occurrence of infectious diseases. Over the past two decades, the state of Mato Grosso do Sul has undergone rapid industrialization, driven by the establishment of large-scale enterprises, which has led to intense migratory flows of construction and agricultural workers. In 2021, the municipality of Ribas do Rio Pardo experienced a significant increase in its transient population, highlighting the need for health assessments among migrants. Considering that these workers are mostly transient, originating from various regions of Brazil and often exposed to precarious housing, sanitation, and limited access to health information, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of ocular lesions related to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and toxoplasmosis among a floating population of construction workers in Ribas do Rio Pardo, MS. This is a descriptive cross-sectional study based on primary data obtained through ophthalmologic assessment via retinography, as well as diagnostic tests for toxoplasmosis, syphilis, cytomegalovirus, HIV, and hepatitis B and C. The study population comprised 271 workers. Of these, 4 (2.2%) presented with ocular lesions, all suggestive of toxoplasmosis. The participants were predominantly male (97%), single (49.1%) or separated (6.6%), with a mean age of 36 years, high school education (46.9%), and self-identified as non-white (74.2%). Most were originally from the states of Bahia (26.2%), Maranhão (14.8%), and Minas Gerais (16.6%). Heterosexual orientation was most prevalent (98%). Factors possibly associated with ocular lesions included the use of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) (p = 0.001), history of blood transfusion (p =0.050), and contact with cats (p=0.053). Analysis of STI risk behaviors indicated that younger individuals were more likely to use condoms. Based on screening and diagnostic tests for the infections studied, 3 individuals (1.1%) tested positive for HIV, confirmed by Western blot; 12 (4.43%) tested positive for syphilis; and 1 (0.37%) tested positive for hepatitis B. Participants with ocular lesions suggestive of toxoplasmosis showed reactive anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG and non-reactive IgM, indicating past infection without recent activity. All had serology compatible with previous cytomegalovirus infection. No participants tested positive for hepatitis C, and 50% had reactive anti-HBs, suggesting prior immunization or exposure to hepatitis B virus. The findings are expected to inform public health policies focused on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of infectious diseases among migrant populations, thereby contributing to health promotion in contexts of rapid industrialization and labor migration.

Keywords: Toxoplasma gondii, sexually transmitted infections, ocular lesions, migrant population.