[Seroprevalence of Chagas disease and associated risk factors in a population of Morroa, Sucre].
BACKGROUND
Chagas disease is a major public health problem in Latin America. In Colombia, a large area has the ecoepidemiological conditions which favor the active transmition of this infection.


OBJECTIVE
This study was undertaken in a population from the municipality of Morroa, Sucre Province, to evaluate risk factors and to determine the seroprevalence to Chagas disease.


METHODS
A questionnaire was given to a sample population of 122 people classed as rural (n=76) or urban area (n=46). A serological screening was undertaken by Elisa test, with confirmation of seropositives with IHA (Chagatest) and parasitological confirmation by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).


RESULTS
Four people were positive by Elisa test (3.3%); however, they were negative by IHA and PCR. One of the four positives by Elisa was positive by indirect immuno flourescence (IFAT) as well. The sample showed a low presence of seropositives against Trypanosoma cruzi. However, the presence of parasite could not be confirmed by the PCR test. The main risk factors were houses thatched with palm roofs, clay floors, wood walls, and presence of domestic animal reservoirs.


CONCLUSIONS
The study population presented risk factors for the establishment of active transmission. The presence of triatomines must be verified in this area and establishment of control measures are necessary for preventiving the resurgence of the Chagas disease in Morroa.
D000818:Animals; D014355:Chagas Disease / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology; D003105:Colombia / Q000453:epidemiology; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D006798:Housing; D006801:Humans; D044382:Population Groups; D012307:Risk Factors; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014349:Trypanosoma cruzi / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000472:pathogenicity
Seroprevalencia de la enfermedad de Chagas y factores de riesgo asociados en una población de Morroa, Sucre.