Resumo

SANDOVAL, I; ANEZ, N; VILLEGAS, E  e  SCORZA, JV. Persistent transmission of Chagas disease in controlled venezuelan localities in absence of known domestic vectors. Rev. Soc. Ven. Microbiol. [online]. 2003, vol.23, n.2, pp.166-168. ISSN 1315-2556.

The seroprevalence against Trypanosoma cruzi was studied in 8 rural communities located in an endemic area for Chagas disease of the Trujillo state, Venezuela. Out of 647 evaluated individuals, 124 (19.2%) reacted positive by at least two of the three different serological techniques used. Seropositivity in children less than 10 years of age was 2.9% (7/244). The presence of antibodies against T. cruzi in children living in houses not colonized by Rhodnius prolixus suggests persistent transmission of Chagas disease in the absence of known domestic vectors and the need to reevaluate the epidemiological situation in the Trujillo State.

Palavras-chave : Enfermedad de Chagas; transmisión; estado Trujillo; Venezuela.