[Epidemiology of Chagas disease in the state of Veracruz].
OBJECTIVE
To assess the seroprevalence, household risk factors, and entomological indicators, in order to frame control measures in 11 Sanitary Jurisdictions of the state.


METHODS
This study included 281 towns, 2 526 households, and 9782 individuals. Data were collected using a questionnaire. Blood was obtained in filter paper and a search for triatomines was conducted inside of and around dwellings. Prevalence rates were used to quantify exposure to risk factors and seropositivity. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals and Mantel-Haenszel chi-squared tests were obtained. Multivariate analysis was performed with unconditional logistic regression,variables included in the model were those that had a p-value up to 0.20 in the bivariate analysis. The etiologic fraction in the exposed was also obtained.


RESULTS
The prevalence of Chagas disease was between 0 and 2.8%. Jurisdictions at a higher risk wereTuxpan, Panuco and Cordoba; Orizaba showed no risk. The main household risk factors were palma/zacate (palm-tree, grass leaves) roof and walls, dirt floor, the presence of the vector, and ventilation.


CONCLUSIONS
Epidemiological surveillance should emphasize health education, housing improvement, and use of insecticides.
Segura
Elsa L
EL
Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México, DF, México.
Escobar-Mesa
Alejandro
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000818:Animals; D000829:Animals, Domestic; D000913:Antibodies, Protozoan / Q000097:blood; D014355:Chagas Disease / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006798:Housing; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007303:Insect Vectors / Q000469:parasitology; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening; D008800:Mexico / Q000453:epidemiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D012424:Rural Population; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014225:Triatominae / Q000469:parasitology; D014349:Trypanosoma cruzi / Q000276:immunology
D000913:Antibodies, Protozoan