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

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.

Keywords:
Chagas Disease; Trypanosoma cruzi; Seroepidemiologic studies; Epidemiology

The northeastern region of Brazil is considered the second most affected area by a wide geographical distribution of triatomines11. Santana VL, Souza AP, Lima DASD, Araújo AL, Justiniano SV, Dantas RP, et al. Caracterização clínica e laboratorial de cães naturalmente infectados com Trypanosoma cruzi no semiárido. Pesq Vet Bras. 2012;32(6):536-41.,22. Ribeiro AR, Mendonça VJ, Alves RT, Martinez I, Araújo RF de, Mello F, et al. Trypanosoma cruzi strains from triatomine collected in Bahia and Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Rev Saude Publica. 2014;48(2):295-302.. The state of Ceará has extensive rural areas of the Caatinga ecosystem with critical social conditions related to poverty. In these areas, precarious houses shelter various species of triatomine transmitters of Trypanosoma cruzi such as Triatoma brasiliensis, T. pseudomaculata, Panstrongylus megistus, P. lutzi, and Rhodnius nasutus33. Sarquis O, Carvalho-Costa FA, Toma HK, Georg I, Burgoa MR, Lima MM. Ecoepidemiology of Chagas disease in northeastern Brazil: Triatoma brasiliensis, T. pseudomaculata and Rhodnius nasutus in the sylvatic, peridomestic and domestic environments. Parasitol Res. 2012;110(4):1481-5.,44. Silva MBA, Farias MCG de, Souza Filho IB de, Jurberg J. Vigilância entomológica dos vetores da Chagas disease no agreste pernambucano. Rev Saúde e Desenvolv. 2017;11(7):229-44..

A high prevalence of Chagas disease (CD) has been observed in the state of Ceará (14.8%) since the first studies performed by Alencar, particularly in the municipality of Limoeiro do Norte55. Alencar JE. História natural da Chagas disease no Estado do Ceará. Universidade Federal do Ceará. Imprensa Universitária; 1987. 341 p.. In this municipality, estimated seroprevalence rates of 2.6% (4/154) and 4.2% (34/812) were observed in 2011 and 2013, respectively66. Freitas EC, Oliveira M de F, Andrade MC, Vasconcelos ASODB, Silva Filho JD, Candido DS, et al. Prevalence of Chagas disease in a Rural area in the State of Ceara, Brazil. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo. 2015;57(5):431-3.,77. Freitas EC, Oliveira M de F, Vasconcelos ASO de B, Silva Filho JD da, Viana CEM, Gomes KCMS, et al. Analysis of the seroprevalence of and factors associated with Chagas disease in an endemic area in Northeastern Brazil. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop. 2017;50(1):44-51.. This region presents a high risk of vectorial transmission due to the high rate of natural infection by T. cruzi (estimated in 7.9%) in triatomines88. Fidalgo ASOBV, Costa AC, Silva-Filho JD, Cândido DS, Freitas EC, Pereira LS, et al. Insect vectors of Chagas disease (Trypanosoma cruzi) in Northeastern Brazil. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop . 2018;51(2):174-82..

A study carried out in the same municipality of the present study from 2009 to 2015 accounted for a high number of captured insects and triatomine infection rates with the predominance of the T. brasiliensis, the most important vector in the transmission of CD in Ceará88. Fidalgo ASOBV, Costa AC, Silva-Filho JD, Cândido DS, Freitas EC, Pereira LS, et al. Insect vectors of Chagas disease (Trypanosoma cruzi) in Northeastern Brazil. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop . 2018;51(2):174-82..

Seroepidemiological studies in endemic areas are relevant strategies to obtain updated information to support surveillance, control, and prevention measures. The aim of this study was to estimate the seroprevalence of CD among the rural inhabitants of the municipality of Quixeré, state of Ceará, Northeast Brazil.

We conducted a cross-sectional study from January to April 2015 to estimate the seroprevalence of the T. cruzi infection in subjects aged >2 years living in the municipality of Quixeré, state of Ceara. With a total area of 613.578 km² and a population of approximately 22,008 inhabitants in 2018, it is located in the microregion of Baixo Jaguaribe, surrounded by the municipalities of Jaguaruana, Limoeiro do Norte, and Russas (Figure 1).

FIGURE 1:
Map of Brazil, indicating the state of Ceará and the municipality of Quixeré.

A total of 4.5 mL of blood was collected from each participant. Anti-T. cruzi antibodies were evaluated using three conventional and standardized methods-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, indirect immunofluorescence, and indirect hemagglutination. Serological results were considered positive for the T. cruzi infection whenever at least two tests with different principles (one with high specificity and another with high sensitivity) were reactive. The risk factors were evaluated by a semi-structured questionnaire containing questions related to sociodemographic characteristics and individual risks.

The prevalence estimates and the respective 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated. A descriptive analysis of the profile of the target population was conducted using the program Biostat 5.0. Fisher’s exact test was used considering a significance level of 0.05 and a 95% CI to determine the potential associations between positive results for CD and independent variables.

All the diagnosed CD cases were referred to Walter Cantídio University Hospital (Federal University of Ceara) for medical assistance. Further, cases with indications for antiparasitic treatment were referenced to the Pharmaceutical Assistance Service. This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Federal University of Ceara (n. 094708/2014), following the criteria of bioethics specified in Resolution 466/2012 of the National Health Council.

The characteristics of the included subjects (n=348) were as follows: females (234, 67.2%), age 21-40 years (126, 36.2%), family income of 1-2 minimum wages (193, 55.4%), low level of education (244, 70.1%), farming as occupation (164, 47.1%), and Quixeré as the place of birth (204, 58.6%).

A total of 242 (69.5%) subjects had a basic knowledge about triatomines. However, 206 (85,1%) participants had no knowledge about the eating habits of triatomines. Less than half (173, 49.7%) of the population were unaware of the seasons in which triatomines are more frequently identified in family homes or peridomiciliary areas. A total of 258 (74.1%) subjects knew that triatomines transmit diseases and 226 (64.9%) subjects knew that the insect transmits CD.

Most of the subjects (225, 64.6%) reported the presence of the vector inside family homes, but only 40 (11.5%) subjects had ever captured the insect and taken it to the municipal health surveillance services. The presence of domestic animals in residences or surrounding areas was reported by 295 (84.7%) subjects; dogs were the most common domestic animals (207, 59.5%).

On the basis of the serological analysis conducted in the municipality of Quixeré, the estimated prevalence of CD was 3.7% (13/348; 95% CI: 2.2%-6.3%). The rural locality of Boqueirão had the highest prevalence (5, 9.1%). The sociodemographic factors statistically associated with positive serology for CD were male sex, age >40 years, being farmers, low education level (incomplete basic education), family income of <2 minimum wages, and being born in rural areas of the municipality of Quixeré (Table 1).

TABLE 1:
Statistical analysis of the main sociodemographic characteristics of the individuals with reactive serology for Chagas disease in Quixeré, Ceará, in 2015.

The statistical analysis of the biological risk factors of the individuals with positive serology for CD in Quixeré showed that most subjects knew that triatomine density is high in the rain season, making it the highest risk period for the transmission of CD.

Eleven (85%) of the 13 seropositive individuals reported having already lived in clay houses (Table 2), and four declared having donated blood sometime in their lives. There was no significant statistical difference between individuals with or without CD and the existence of comorbidities or private health plans. Comorbidities were reported by five individuals with positive serology for CD, two of whom had systemic high blood pressure.

The present study confirms the existence of an endemic area for CD in the municipality of Quixeré, Ceará. This fact is known from the time the first studies were performed by Alencar in 1963, showing an estimated seroprevalence of 22.5%99. Alencar JE, Almeida YM, Freitas LM, Santos AR. Estudo sobre a epidemiologia da doença de Chagas no Ceara - Brasil. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop . 1976;10(6):311-21.. We showed that the seroprevalence rate of CD in Quixeré was 3.7% higher than that reported in other studies performed in the state of Ceará (3.1%1010. Pereira JB, Sarquis O, Zauza PL, Britto C, Lima MM. Epidemiologia da Chagas disease em quatro localidades rurais de Jaguaruana, Estado do Ceará. Soroprevalence da infecção, parasitemia e aspectos clínicos. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop . 2008;41(4):345-51., 1.2%1111. Lima AFR, Jeraldo VLS, Silveira MS, Madi RR, Santana TBK, Melo CM. Triatomines in dwellings and outbuildings in an endemic area of Chagas disease in northeastern Brazil. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop . 2012;45(6):701-6., and 1.2%1212. Coutinho CFS, Souza-Santos R, Teixeira NFD, Georg I, Gomes TF, Boia MN. Investigação entoepidemiológica da Chagas disease no Estado do Ceará, Nordeste do Brasil. Cad Saude Publica. 2014;30(4):785-93.) and lower than that reported in a study performed by Freitas et al. (2017) in the municipality of Limoeiro do Norte (4.2%, 34/812)1111. Lima AFR, Jeraldo VLS, Silveira MS, Madi RR, Santana TBK, Melo CM. Triatomines in dwellings and outbuildings in an endemic area of Chagas disease in northeastern Brazil. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop . 2012;45(6):701-6.. Limoeiro do Norte is historically known as an endemic area for CD due to the high prevalence of CD over many decades.

TABLE 2:
Statistical analysis of the biological risk conditions of the individuals with reactive serology for Chagas disease in Quixeré, Ceará, in 2015.

Critical conditions of social vulnerability in rural areas in the northeastern region of Brazil reinforce the need to strengthen actions for disease surveillance and control and to integrate human and social development actions. We emphasize the relevant need to promote health education actions for the population of Quixeré, including general aspects of CD and the ecological characteristics of the triatomines. The search for greater community engagement through more active action in surveillance activities is crucial1313. Dias JCP, Ramos Jr. AN, Gontijo ED, Luquetti A, Shikanai-Yasuda MA, Coura JR, et al. 2nd Brazilian Consensus on Chagas Disease, 2015. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop . 2016;49(Suppl 1):3-60..

The northeastern Brazilian region has the highest endemic factors for CD and has become the dispersion epicenter of two native species of triatomines which are highly difficult to control11. Santana VL, Souza AP, Lima DASD, Araújo AL, Justiniano SV, Dantas RP, et al. Caracterização clínica e laboratorial de cães naturalmente infectados com Trypanosoma cruzi no semiárido. Pesq Vet Bras. 2012;32(6):536-41.,22. Ribeiro AR, Mendonça VJ, Alves RT, Martinez I, Araújo RF de, Mello F, et al. Trypanosoma cruzi strains from triatomine collected in Bahia and Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Rev Saude Publica. 2014;48(2):295-302.-T. brasiliensis and T. pseudomaculata. The decline of CD transmission by the vector insect in Ceará is attributed mainly to the efficiency of vector control actions. The results of this study suggest that the municipality of Quixeré does not present an active vectorial transmission, mainly due to the absence of acute infection in individuals under 40 years of age. Thus, the findings of this study indicate that the infection was probably acquired in the past and was, therefore, in the chronic phase. A study performed in Quixeré by our research group estimated an infection rate of triatomines by T. cruzi of 2.6% in 2,123 specimens analyzed from 2009 to 2015. These results show that the endemic region is at risk of vectorial transmission. Therefore, the Chagas Disease Control Program must be intensified to guarantee the sustainability of the surveillance and control actions88. Fidalgo ASOBV, Costa AC, Silva-Filho JD, Cândido DS, Freitas EC, Pereira LS, et al. Insect vectors of Chagas disease (Trypanosoma cruzi) in Northeastern Brazil. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop . 2018;51(2):174-82.,1313. Dias JCP, Ramos Jr. AN, Gontijo ED, Luquetti A, Shikanai-Yasuda MA, Coura JR, et al. 2nd Brazilian Consensus on Chagas Disease, 2015. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop . 2016;49(Suppl 1):3-60..

In addition to actions aimed at controlling the vector and potential risk of reservoirs (such as dogs), it is important to expand accessibility to the diagnosis and treatment (parasitological and clinical complications) of CD1313. Dias JCP, Ramos Jr. AN, Gontijo ED, Luquetti A, Shikanai-Yasuda MA, Coura JR, et al. 2nd Brazilian Consensus on Chagas Disease, 2015. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop . 2016;49(Suppl 1):3-60.,1414. Ramos Jr AN, Sousa AS. The continuous challenge of Chagas disease treatment: bridging evidence-based guidelines, access to healthcare, and human rights. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop . 2017;50(6):745-7.. To achieve this relevant goal, it is strategic to strengthen the epidemiological surveillance of chronic cases1313. Dias JCP, Ramos Jr. AN, Gontijo ED, Luquetti A, Shikanai-Yasuda MA, Coura JR, et al. 2nd Brazilian Consensus on Chagas Disease, 2015. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop . 2016;49(Suppl 1):3-60.,1414. Ramos Jr AN, Sousa AS. The continuous challenge of Chagas disease treatment: bridging evidence-based guidelines, access to healthcare, and human rights. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop . 2017;50(6):745-7.. The cases diagnosed in this study that received parasitological treatment with benznidazole were referred for clinical follow-up at the CD reference center in the state of Ceará. Considering that benznidazol is a potentially toxic medicine, the main task is to follow up the diagnosed cases to allow for a more efficient and secure therapy1414. Ramos Jr AN, Sousa AS. The continuous challenge of Chagas disease treatment: bridging evidence-based guidelines, access to healthcare, and human rights. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop . 2017;50(6):745-7.,1515. Costa AC, Cândido DS, Vasconcelos ASOBF, Silva Filho JD, Viana CEM, Lima MA, et al. Satisfação dos pacientes com doença de Chagas atendidos por um serviço de atenção farmacêutica no estado do Ceará. Ciênc Saúde Coletiva. 2018;23(5):1483-94..

In conclusion, we demonstrate that CD persists as a public health problem in this rural population in Northeast Brazil. Poverty, low education level, and limited information regarding CD are critical issues that need to be addressed.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The principal author received a doctoral scholarship from the Ceará State Foundation to Support Scientific and Technological Development (FUNCAP-CE).

REFERENCES

  • 1
    Santana VL, Souza AP, Lima DASD, Araújo AL, Justiniano SV, Dantas RP, et al. Caracterização clínica e laboratorial de cães naturalmente infectados com Trypanosoma cruzi no semiárido. Pesq Vet Bras. 2012;32(6):536-41.
  • 2
    Ribeiro AR, Mendonça VJ, Alves RT, Martinez I, Araújo RF de, Mello F, et al. Trypanosoma cruzi strains from triatomine collected in Bahia and Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Rev Saude Publica. 2014;48(2):295-302.
  • 3
    Sarquis O, Carvalho-Costa FA, Toma HK, Georg I, Burgoa MR, Lima MM. Ecoepidemiology of Chagas disease in northeastern Brazil: Triatoma brasiliensis, T. pseudomaculata and Rhodnius nasutus in the sylvatic, peridomestic and domestic environments. Parasitol Res. 2012;110(4):1481-5.
  • 4
    Silva MBA, Farias MCG de, Souza Filho IB de, Jurberg J. Vigilância entomológica dos vetores da Chagas disease no agreste pernambucano. Rev Saúde e Desenvolv. 2017;11(7):229-44.
  • 5
    Alencar JE. História natural da Chagas disease no Estado do Ceará. Universidade Federal do Ceará. Imprensa Universitária; 1987. 341 p.
  • 6
    Freitas EC, Oliveira M de F, Andrade MC, Vasconcelos ASODB, Silva Filho JD, Candido DS, et al. Prevalence of Chagas disease in a Rural area in the State of Ceara, Brazil. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo. 2015;57(5):431-3.
  • 7
    Freitas EC, Oliveira M de F, Vasconcelos ASO de B, Silva Filho JD da, Viana CEM, Gomes KCMS, et al. Analysis of the seroprevalence of and factors associated with Chagas disease in an endemic area in Northeastern Brazil. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop. 2017;50(1):44-51.
  • 8
    Fidalgo ASOBV, Costa AC, Silva-Filho JD, Cândido DS, Freitas EC, Pereira LS, et al. Insect vectors of Chagas disease (Trypanosoma cruzi) in Northeastern Brazil. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop . 2018;51(2):174-82.
  • 9
    Alencar JE, Almeida YM, Freitas LM, Santos AR. Estudo sobre a epidemiologia da doença de Chagas no Ceara - Brasil. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop . 1976;10(6):311-21.
  • 10
    Pereira JB, Sarquis O, Zauza PL, Britto C, Lima MM. Epidemiologia da Chagas disease em quatro localidades rurais de Jaguaruana, Estado do Ceará. Soroprevalence da infecção, parasitemia e aspectos clínicos. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop . 2008;41(4):345-51.
  • 11
    Lima AFR, Jeraldo VLS, Silveira MS, Madi RR, Santana TBK, Melo CM. Triatomines in dwellings and outbuildings in an endemic area of Chagas disease in northeastern Brazil. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop . 2012;45(6):701-6.
  • 12
    Coutinho CFS, Souza-Santos R, Teixeira NFD, Georg I, Gomes TF, Boia MN. Investigação entoepidemiológica da Chagas disease no Estado do Ceará, Nordeste do Brasil. Cad Saude Publica. 2014;30(4):785-93.
  • 13
    Dias JCP, Ramos Jr. AN, Gontijo ED, Luquetti A, Shikanai-Yasuda MA, Coura JR, et al. 2nd Brazilian Consensus on Chagas Disease, 2015. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop . 2016;49(Suppl 1):3-60.
  • 14
    Ramos Jr AN, Sousa AS. The continuous challenge of Chagas disease treatment: bridging evidence-based guidelines, access to healthcare, and human rights. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop . 2017;50(6):745-7.
  • 15
    Costa AC, Cândido DS, Vasconcelos ASOBF, Silva Filho JD, Viana CEM, Lima MA, et al. Satisfação dos pacientes com doença de Chagas atendidos por um serviço de atenção farmacêutica no estado do Ceará. Ciênc Saúde Coletiva. 2018;23(5):1483-94.
  • Financial Support: The project was financed by FUNCAP (program 03/2012).

Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    08 Mar 2021
  • Date of issue
    2021

History

  • Received
    01 May 2020
  • Accepted
    15 Oct 2020
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