Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of Chagas disease in an endemic area of Sergipe State, Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: We evaluated clinical and epidemiological characteristics of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in Sergipe. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we collected serum samples to identify serological markers of Chagas disease. A questionnaire was used, and electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, chest radiography, and contrast radiography of esophagus and colon were performed. Results: T. cruzi infection seroprevalence was 12.1%, mean age of subjects was 55 years, 90% had an elementary school education, 78.6% were agriculture workers, and 60.5% had electrocardiographic abnormalities. Conclusions: A high prevalence of T. cruzi infection was observed in mostly elderly individuals.