Assessing the entomo-epidemiological situation of Chagas disease in rural communities in the state of Piauí, Brazilian semi-arid region

Abstract

Background In northeastern Brazil, the wild nature of Trypanosoma cruzi vectors has challenged control actions. This study aims to describe the entomological and epidemiological scenario of Chagas disease in rural communities in the state of Piauí. Methods A cross-sectional study (n=683 individuals/244 dwellings) was carried out to obtain serum samples, sociodemographic data and intra- and peridomestic triatomines. Results The overall seroprevalence rate was 8.1%, with no positive tests among subjects <30 y of age. Prevalence rates reached 34.3% and 39.1% among subjects 61–75 and >75 y of age, respectively; 1474 triatomines were collected, of which 90.3% were found in peridomiciliary structures and 9.7% inside houses; 87.2% were classified as Triatoma brasiliensis. T. cruzi infection rates in insects were 0.5% by light microscopy and 0.9% by culture in NNN/LIT medium. Five cultivated isolates were submitted to molecular genotyping, three of which were identified as T. cruzi I and two as T. cruzi II. Conclusions Although no vector transmission currently occurs, prevalence rates are high in adults and the elderly. This disease should be targeted by primary healthcare providers. Insect surveillance and control activities should not be discontinued in an environment favourable to the perpetuation of house colonization by triatomines.

“Chagas Express XXI”: A new ArtScience social technology for health and science education—A case study in Brazilian endemic areas of Chagas disease with an active search of chronic cases

“…The education/communication approach was shown to be a valuable tool for healthcare providers [ 48 ] but also among the people residing in an endemic area, which may be able to recognize the endemic vector [ 49 ]. In addition, the present approach was instrumental in promoting the community awareness and it is relevant among patients [ 50 ], presumably encouraging diagnosis and treatment.…”

Diretriz da SBC sobre Diagnóstico e Tratamento de Pacientes com Cardiomiopatia da Doença de Chagas – 2023

“…Essa região, assim como outras com características socioambientais semelhantes da região semiárida brasileira, continua sofrendo pela escassez de grupos de APS treinados para diagnosticar e tratar a população. 948 …”

“…That region, as well as others with socioenvironmental characteristics similar to those of the Brazilian semiarid region, continues to suffer with the scarcity of PHC groups trained to diagnose and treat the population. 948 …”

Temporal assessment of entomological surveillance of Trypanosoma cruzi vectors in an endemic area of northeastern Brazil

“…Entomological surveillance (ES) of T . cruzi vectors should be continuous where there is peri- and intradomestic invasion and colonization by triatomines [ 28 ]. These actions contribute to the control of vector transmission of T .…”

“…Entomological surveillance (ES) of T. cruzi vectors should be continuous where there is peri-and intradomestic invasion and colonization by triatomines [28]. These actions contribute to the control of vector transmission of T. cruzi through measures that involve educational programs for the human populations at risk, the capture of triatomines in HU and peridomestic ecotopes, and, principally, chemical control in areas infested by vectors infected by T. cruzi and their adjacent surroundings [1].…”