Avaliação soroepidemiológica da Doença de Chagas no município de Santo André-PB

Abstract

Chagas disease (CD) is an infectious disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi parasite and is a serious public health problem. It is a neglected disease may be asymptomatic or have cardiac and / or digestive complications. Therefore this study aims to carry out a seroepidemiological assessment of Chagas disease in the city of Santo André-PB. The research involved the participation of 248 volunteers, including 86 are from urban areas and 154 from rural areas. Initially, there were educational lectures theme in question. After this step, gathered up the blood of the participants. Later became the indirect hemagglutination and ELISA tests. Of the 249 participants, eight (3.2%) tested positive for both techniques applied. Regarding the knowledge about the disease, respondents know the insect vector and know that this is capable of transmitting T. cruzi, but are not aware how to prevent it. Regarding housing, 95.6% of respondents live in brick houses. However, identification of HIV- positive patients is of fundamental importance that there be no spread of Chagas disease vector paths. Lectures and educational campaigns are still needed to keep the population informed on the subject, allowing permanent control of such parasites.