Serological and epidemiological survey of Chagas disease in kidney patients undergoing hemodialysis Inquérito soroepidemiológico sobre a doença de Chagas em doentes renais submetidos à hemodiálise
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17058/reci.v16i.20711Keywords:
Epidemiological Surveys, Trypanosoma cruzi, Chagas DiseaseAbstract
Background and Objectives: Chagas disease (CD) remains a neglected tropical disease that is endemic in Latin America. Its significance is heightened in populations at high cardiovascular risk, such as patients with chronic kidney disease, who incur significant costs to the healthcare system. The objective of this study was to investigate the seroprevalence of CD in individuals undergoing hemodialysis in the Cariri region of Ceará. Methods: A seroepidemiological survey was conducted at a hemodialysis referral center in southern Ceara, with 231 patients evaluated using the indirect immunofluorescence assay. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee (opinion no. 7,547,446). Results: One reactive case was identified, corresponding to a prevalence of 0.43%. The profile of the study population revealed social vulnerability, low educational attainment, multiple comorbidities, and limited knowledge about the disease. Conclusion: Thus, it is concluded that, despite the low prevalence found, Chagas disease remains a relevant issue for surveillance, especially among patients with chronic kidney disease. Health education strategies, periodic screening, and monitoring should be strengthened to ensure greater safety, early diagnosis, and better care for this population.
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