Evolution of Chagas infection in an endemic area
Mendivil, G.T.; de Storni, P.D.; Yanovsky, J.F.; Bustamante, A.; Bakos, E.
Medicina 39(2): 239-243
1979
ISSN/ISBN: 0025-7680 PMID: 116108 Document Number: 146668
Serological examinations were made on 4892 sera collected in 1971 from persons aged 20 years from different parts of Chaco Province, Argentina, and on 6588 similar sera collected in 1976 from persons aged 18 years. These sera were tested by direct agglutination of epimastigotes (with or without previous treatment of the sera with 2-mercaptoethanol), and by indirect agglutination, in both cases titres of 1:64 being considered positive. They were also tested by indirect immunofluorescence at a dilution of 1:40. In both groups of sera the percentage of positive results was 37%, showing no change during the 5 years. 2 of the 24 districts of Chago showed 60% infection, 8 districts more than 50%, and the other 14 districts more than 30%. The infection rates diminished from west to east and from rural to urban areas. Apparently there was a tendency during the 5 years for the infection to move towards the urban areas.