Respiratory infection in indigenous population of the Amazon region, Brazil

Infecção respiratória na população indígena da região Amazônica, Brasil

ABSTRACT

Respiratory infections are considered the leading cause of mortality among communicable diseases in indigenous populations, becoming a public health issue. This case study was conducted in Amaturá municipality (Amazonas, Brazil) indigenous communities. On total 2.728 medical records for respiratory infections from the Alto Rio Solimões Special Indigenous Health District (DSEI) were analized. Of these, 52.7% were females, and 76.6% were under 18 years old. Acute nasopharyngitis was the most frequent diagnosis (91.5% of cases). The age group 1 to 4 years showed a higher frequency of some conditions. Females showed a significant likelihood ratio (LR) with unspecified acute tonsillitis, and males with acute laryngopharyngitis. The specific analysis of the village revealed LR for acute bronchitis caused by rhinovirus in Bom Pastor, and acute bronchitis caused by respiratory syncytial virus and Streptococcus in Nova Itália. This study highlights the high frequency of upper respiratory infections in the largest indigenous district of the Brazilian Amazon, especially affecting children aged 1 to 4 years. Though often self-limiting, these infections can lead to more severe lower respiratory issues. The findings stress the need for effective preventive measures, better healthcare access, and environmental policies to reduce the health impacts of pollution. The study also calls for more research with better representation of indigenous diversity and emphasizes the importance of strengthening health surveillance systems and social participation in healthcare planning.

Keywords:
Respiratory Tract Infections; Health of Ethnic Minorities; Health of Indigenous Peoples; Public Health