Human Trypanosoma cruzi infection and seropositivity in dogs, Mexico

Emerg Infect Dis. 2006 Apr;12(4):624-30. doi: 10.3201/eid1204.050450.

Abstract

We used 5 diagnostic tests in a cross-sectional investigation of the prevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi in Tejupilco municipality, State of Mexico, Mexico. Our findings showed a substantial prevalence of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM antibodies to T. cruzi in human (n = 293, IgG 2.05%, IgM 5.5%, both 7.1%) and dog (n = 114, IgG 15.8%, IgM 11.4%, both 21%) populations. We also found antibodies to T. cruzi (n = 80, IgG 10%, IgM 15%, both 17.5%) in dogs from Toluca, an area previously considered free of T. cruzi. Our data demonstrate the need for active epidemiologic surveillance programs in these regions. A direct correlation (r2 = 0.955) of seropositivity between humans and dogs suggests that seroanalysis in dogs may help identify the human prevalence of T. cruzi infection in these areas.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Protozoan / blood
  • Chagas Disease / epidemiology*
  • Chagas Disease / immunology
  • Chagas Disease / parasitology
  • Chagas Disease / veterinary*
  • Dog Diseases / blood
  • Dog Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Dog Diseases / immunology
  • Dog Diseases / parasitology*
  • Dogs
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / blood
  • Immunoglobulin M / blood
  • Mexico / epidemiology
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies
  • Trypanosoma cruzi / immunology
  • Trypanosoma cruzi / isolation & purification*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Protozoan
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Immunoglobulin M