[Chagas' disease seroprevalence among school-age children in Espírito Santo State, Brazil, 1999-2000]

Cad Saude Publica. 2002 Nov-Dec;18(6):1765-9. doi: 10.1590/s0102-311x2002000600031.
[Article in Portuguese]

Abstract

Although the Brazilian State of Espírito Santo is not considered endemic for Chagas' disease, the sylvatic triatomines occurring there frequently invade houses, increasing the chances of Trypanosoma cruzi transmission to man. The epidemiological pattern of the disease in Espírito Santo was evaluated by a serological survey of 5,243 schoolchildren ages 7 to 14 years, residents of 17 municipalities. Indirect immunofluorescence, indirect hemagglutination, and immunoenzymatic (ELISA) tests were positive in only one person, representing only 0.019% of the total. This result was similar to those found by other authors in previous studies. Based on the results of serological tests it is concluded that the epidemiological pattern of Chagas' disease in Espírito Santo remains stable, despite the intensive destruction of the Atlantic Forest that has occurred in recent decades.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Brazil / epidemiology
  • Chagas Disease / blood
  • Chagas Disease / epidemiology*
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Prevalence
  • Rural Population
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies