Abstract

DEVERA, Rodolfo et al. Seroprevalence of toxoplasma gondii in an indigenous community of, Cedeño municipality, Bolívar State, Venezuela. Saber [online]. 2013, vol.25, n.1, pp.83-89. ISSN 1315-0162.

Since the epidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii infection in indigenous populations in eastern Venezuela is not known, a study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii in the indigenous community “Las Bateas” (Piaroa ethnicity), Cedeño Municipality, Bolívar State. A total of 151 serums were analyzed from individuals of both sexes and aged between 0 and 70 years old. The toxoplasmic antibodies were determined by the indirect hemaglutination and ELISA techniques. The sample included the 64.25% of the total population (n = 151/235), finding a seroprevalence of 68.87% (104/151). Of the seropositive individuals, 54 were female (51.92%) and 50 male (48.08%). The greatest number of positive cases occurred among people over 15 years old. There was no statistically significant difference with respect to sex. In conclusion, our results showed a high seroprevalence of T. gondii in the indigenous community of Las Bateas, being higher among adults but without difference in relation to gender.

Keywords : Toxoplasmosis; epidemiology; Piaroa ethnicity.

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