Abstract

BERRIZBEITIA, Mariolga et al. Seroprevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in the rural population of Miraflores, Monagas State, Venezuela: Stability and reactivity differences of fixed epimastigotes. Rev. Soc. Ven. Microbiol. [online]. 2010, vol.30, n.1, pp.55-60. ISSN 1315-2556.

The seroprevalence of anti-Trypanosoma cruzi IgG was evaluated in the rural population of Miraflores, Monagas State. The study included 106 individuals (ages: 4 to 79 years) of any sex. The serologic diagnosis was done through the ELISA test using as antigen fixed T. cruzi epimastigote forms. The stability of the antigen used was evaluated, as well as the differences in reactivity of the two different T. cruzi strains used (the Tulahuen-Brasil complex, and the RG1 strains). Seropositivity of anti-T. cruzi IgG type antibodies with the RG1 strains and the mixture of Tulahuen-Brasil strains was 2.8%. There was a positive relationship between the age of patients and the optical density of the anti-T. cruzi IgG type antibody determination shown by the ELISA test for both strains. The Tulahuen-Brasil strains showed greater reactivity than the one seen with the RG1 strain. Fixed antigens (mixture of Tulahuen-Brasil strains) maintained their stability and reactivity during a five-year period, which means that this antigen is an excellent candidate for diagnostic tests. The epidemiological risk variables for the reactivation of this infection were present in this region of Venezuela.

Keywords : seroprevalence.