Seroepidemiology of Chagas Disease Among Brazilian Indigenous Populations: Insights and Implications.

BACKGROUND

Indigenous populations in Brazil are highly susceptible to neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) due to socio-economic and environmental factors. Chagas disease (CD), caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, is a significant NTD with severe health implications. This study aimed to evaluate the seroprevalence of CD among Indigenous communities living in regions with the largest Indigenous populations in Brazil and to analyze their sociodemographic characteristics, housing conditions, comorbidities, and knowledge about CD and its vector.

METHODS

Data were collected using structured questionnaires via the REDCap system and analyzed descriptively and univariately. Laboratory diagnosis employed two methodologies: LCA with chimeric T. cruzi recombinant antigens and Gold ELISA Chagas test, with Biolisa Chagas Recombinante used for discordant results.

RESULTS

Among 2,897 individuals, the seroprevalence of CD was 0.07%, with only two positive cases confirmed. The study highlighted low educational attainment, poor housing conditions, and high prevalence of comorbidities such as hypertension and diabetes. A significant knowledge gap about CD and its vector was identified, with 99.5% of participants never having been tested for CD.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings underscore the urgent need for tailored public health interventions, enhanced health education, and improved diagnostic strategies to address CD in these vulnerable communities. Further research is needed to explore CD epidemiology and develop effective prevention and control measures for Indigenous populations.