Seroprevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi infection among school-age children in the endemic area of Guatemala.
Am J Trop Med Hyg
; 68(6): 678-82, 2003 Jun.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-12887026
ABSTRACT
In support of the National Program for Chagas Disease Control, we conducted a cross-sectional study to estimate the seroprevalence rate of Trypanosoma cruzi infection across the five Departments (Chiquimula, Jalapa, Zacapa, Jutiapa, and Santa Rosa) that are believed to comprise the entire principal endemic area in Guatemala. Also, so that the results could be used to identify areas of active transmission, we conducted the survey in school-aged children. We used an experimental enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with blood samples obtained by finger prick to estimate the seroprevalence of T. cruzi. This assay has been previously tested and showed good sensitivity and specificity. Overall, the seropositivity rate for T. cruzi infection was 5.28% (235 of 4,450). Of 173 communities evaluated, 35 (20.23%) had a seropositive rate ranging from 10% to 45%. A number of parameters, including but not limited to living conditions, were examined for possible association with seropositivity. While there are several associations, the strongest association with seropositivity is living in a house with a thatch roof. The survey results will permit the Ministry of Health to stratify T. cruzi-endemic communities, enabling local health authorities to efficiently focus on vector control operations.
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Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Trypanosoma cruzi
/
Anticuerpos Antiprotozoarios
/
Enfermedad de Chagas
/
Enfermedades Endémicas
Tipo de estudio:
Observational_studies
/
Risk_factors_studies
Límite:
Adolescent
/
Animals
/
Child
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
País/Región como asunto:
America central
/
Guatemala
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Am J Trop Med Hyg
Año:
2003
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Guatemala