Abstract
Chagas disease (CD) is currently considered a neglected disease; hence, identifying the factors associated with its high prevalence is essential. This study aimed to identify the seroprevalence of and the possible factors associated with CD in inhabitants of the City of Limoeiro do Norte, Northeastern Brazil. Between April and November 2013, blood collection was conducted and a semi-structured questionnaire was administered. Blood samples that showed positive or possible serology for anti-Trypanosoma cruzi antibodies based on indirect immunofluorescence, hemagglutination indirect, and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were analyzed. Associations between CD positivity and the study variables were analyzed using prevalence ratios (PR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). A total of 812 individuals were analyzed, of which T. cruzi seropositivity was determined in 4.2% (34 individuals). Sociodemographic variables showing a significant association with T. cruzi positivity included age >50 years (PR = 27.6; 95% CI = 6.66-114.4), elementary level education (PR = 5.15; 95% CI = 1.83-14.47), and retirement (PR = 7.25; 95% CI = 3.72-14.14). Positivity for T. cruzi was 6.17 times higher in those who had a history of living in rammed earth houses compared with those who did not (95% CI = 2.19-17.37). There was no evidence of vertical transmission in the individuals studied. Among the individuals infected with T. cruzi, the majority reported having a comorbidity (p < 0.01). This study demonstrated the seroprevalence of CD and identified factors associated with a high prevalence of CD.
Highlights
Chagas disease (CD) is currently considered a neglected disease; identifying the factors associated with its high prevalence is essential
This study aimed to identify the seroprevalence of and the possible factors associated with CD in inhabitants of the City of Limoeiro do Norte, northeastern Brazil
Sociodemographic variables showing a significant association with T. cruzi positivity included age >50 years (PR = 27.6; 95% confidence intervals (CI) = 6.66-114.4), elementary level education (PR = 5.15; 95% CI = 1.83-14.47), and retirement (PR = 7.25; 95% CI = 3.72-14.14)
Summary
Chagas disease (CD) remains an important health problem in Latin America and is recognized by the World Health Organization as one of the 13 neglected tropical diseases[1]. Since the time of identification of these early cases until the official institution of the Campaign for Chagas Disease Control (CCDCh) in 1975, several studies were performed and suggested the requirement for the initially affected cities to implement regular control activities[13]. A serological study conducted in 1967 in the State of Ceará showed a prevalence of CD infection of 14.8%13. With a reduction in the prevalence of cases, the natural infection of triatomine, and the gradual decrease in the actions of the Control Program, the City of Limoeiro do Norte showed the highest rate of infection of captured triatomines (5%) among the cities served by the Control Program of Chagas Disease of the Regional Laboratory of Endemics of Limoeiro do Norte, Ceará from 2009-201118. This study aimed to identify the seroprevalence of CD and the factors associated with CD prevalence in the City of Limoeiro do Norte, Northeastern Brazil
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
