Prevalence of Trypanosoma Cruzi antibodies in blood donors from the Sao Paulo State, Brazil, between 2012 and 2014

Abstract

Introduction: American tripanosomiasis (Chagas disease), the second most neglected disease in the world, is caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. Though natural transmission by insect vectors has been controlled, there is significant risk of T. cruzi transmission by blood transfusion in non-endemic regions, generally due to immigration processes from endemic areas. Methodology: The objective of this study was to evaluate anti-T. cruzi seroprevalence in blood donors from the western part of São Paulo State, Brazil, by serologic and immunofluorescence confirmation tests for the period between 2012 and 2014. Currently, this region is regarded as a non-endemic area for Chagas disease. Results: The confirmed overall T. cruzi seroprevalence among blood donors was 0.10%, which can be considered low compared to other Brazilian regions. Nevertheless, the distribution of the anti-T. cruzi antibodies within the examined region was uneven, and some areas of significantly higher prevalence were observed. Conclusions: We could consider two tendencies in the prevalence of T. cruzi: (i) residual older undiagnosed cases from São Paulo State, and (ii) immigration from endemic Brazilian or South American regions. The discordance obtained for T. cruzi prevalence by serologic and immunofluorescence methods demonstrates that more specific routine diagnosis is needed to diminish the cost of the assays and the loss of blood supply once all seropositive blood bags are immediately discarded.

Seroprevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi infection among blood donors in the state of Bahia, Brazil

“…The seroprevalence of T. cruzi infection was higher in individuals aged 30 years or older and individuals with 12 years or less of education in the first and second screening, and seroprevalence was significantly higher in men in the first screening. These results agree with previous studies [21][22][23][24][25] . Data on seroprevalence rates according to marital status and racial group are summarized in Table 1.…”

“…Previous studies with blood donors reported that the percentage of non-negative results was higher among married individuals, people in stable relationships 7 , and subjects with lower education levels 21 . The percentage of infection was higher in men [22][23][24][25] , although one study found that the rate was higher in women 21 . The number of cases was higher in older age groups, especially in individuals older than 30 years 7,22,23,25,26 .…”

“…The percentage of infection was higher in men [22][23][24][25] , although one study found that the rate was higher in women 21 . The number of cases was higher in older age groups, especially in individuals older than 30 years 7,22,23,25,26 . Moreover, the percentage of infection between men and women differed according to age group 22 .…”

Introductory Chapter: Chagas Disease and Its Global Impacts

“…In this modern time, diaspora has been an effective vehicle in spreading this infection to different parts of the world. While other modes of infections have also been identified from ingesting contaminated food or drinks with the feces of the kissing bug [5] to blood transfusions [6], and organ transplantation [7,8] as being incidental causes of parasite transmission.…”

Evaluation of the effectiveness of preoperative outpatient pulmonary preparation in patients undergoing esophageal surgery

“…The etiological agent of Chagas disease, Trypanosoma cruzi, destroys the nerve plexuses of the esophageal wall, which results in reduced peristalsis and a hypertonic lower esophageal sphincter, causing achalasia (absence of peristaltic movements in the esophagus and narrowing of the cardia) and megaesophagus (dilatation of the esophagus) [3]. The main symptoms of megaesophagus are dysphagia, bronchoaspiration of regurgitated food, weight loss, vomiting, excessive salivation, retrosternal pain, and heartburn.…”