Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of Chagas disease in an endemic area of Sergipe State, Brazil

Rev Soc Bras Med Trop. 2018 Sep-Oct;51(5):660-664. doi: 10.1590/0037-8682-0067-2018.

Abstract

Introduction: We evaluated clinical and epidemiological characteristics of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in Sergipe.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we collected serum samples to identify serological markers of Chagas disease. A questionnaire was used, and electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, chest radiography, and contrast radiography of esophagus and colon were performed.

Results: T. cruzi infection seroprevalence was 12.1%, mean age of subjects was 55 years, 90% had an elementary school education, 78.6% were agriculture workers, and 60.5% had electrocardiographic abnormalities.

Conclusions: A high prevalence of T. cruzi infection was observed in mostly elderly individuals.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Protozoan / blood*
  • Brazil / epidemiology
  • Chagas Disease / diagnosis
  • Chagas Disease / epidemiology*
  • Chagas Disease / immunology
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Endemic Diseases*
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Female
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prevalence
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Trypanosoma cruzi / immunology*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Protozoan