Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical (Mar 2021)

Seroprevalence and risk factors of Chagas disease in a rural population of the Quixeré municipality, Ceará, Brazil

  • Arduina Sofia Ortet de Barros Vasconcelos Fidalgo,
  • Alanna Carla da Costa,
  • Alberto Novaes Ramos Júnior,
  • Luzia Kalyne Almeida Moreira Leal,
  • Alice Maria Costa Martins,
  • José Damião da Silva Filho,
  • Anderson Fuentes Ferreira,
  • Francisca Mylena Melgaço Nunes,
  • Francisco Aucélio Alves Marinho Júnior,
  • Julieth Mesquita Lacerda,
  • Maria de Fátima Oliveira

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1590/0037-8682-0247-2020
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 54

Abstract

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Abstract INTRODUCTION: This study estimated the seroprevalence and risk factors of Chagas disease (CD) in a population of the Quixeré municipality, Ceará. METHODS: We conducted serological methods to detect the Trypanosoma cruzi infection. The other variables were evaluated by a standardized questionnaire. RESULTS: The estimated prevalence of CD was 3.7%. Male sex, age >40 years, being farmers, low education level, origin from rural areas, and being born in Quixeré were significantly associated with infection. CONCLUSION: CD persists in this rural population of Northeast Brazil. Poverty, low education, and limited information regarding CD are critical issues that need to be addressed.

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