ABSTRACT
Abstract INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection varies markedly among different populations, especially depending on factors related to socioeconomic development and eating habits. Cássia dos Coqueiros is a small city in Brazil with rural characteristics and increased risk factors traditionally associated with T. gondii infection. METHODS: We carried out a cross-sectional study involving 970 inhabitants aged 18 years or more, selected from patients of the local health unit and home visits in urban and rural areas. Each participant completed a survey with questions regarding demographic, socioeconomic, and risk factors for toxoplasmosis. Blood samples from participants were tested for presence of IgG and IgM antibodies against T. gondii using a chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay. RESULTS: The prevalence of IgG and IgM antibodies was 62.3% and 2.5%, respectively. Variables that proved to be independent predictors of infection were age, low levels of education, and previous diagnosis of toxoplasmosis. CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence of toxoplasmosis serological markers in this adult population highlights the need to promote preventive practices, especially those directed toward women of childbearing age, in this part of Brazil.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Adult , Toxoplasma/immunology , Immunoglobulin G/blood , Immunoglobulin M/blood , Antibodies, Protozoan/blood , Toxoplasmosis/epidemiology , Rural Population , Brazil/epidemiology , Seroepidemiologic Studies , Toxoplasmosis/diagnosis , Prevalence , Cross-Sectional Studies , Risk Factors , Luminescent Measurements , Middle AgedABSTRACT
Objetivos: Este estudo teve como um de seus objetivos avaliar a presença de enteroparasitos em crianças que frequentavam um Centro de Educação Municipal Infantil (CMEI) de Rondonópolis - MT. Métodos: Foram realizadas as coletas das amostras fecais no período de março a maio de 2016 e, posteriormente, analisadas pelo método de Hoffman, Pons e Janer (HPJ) no laboratório de Ciências Básicas da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Campus Universitário de Rondonópolis, finalizando com um questionário sócio demográfico de fatores de risco para a infecção. Resultados: Entre as 57 crianças pesquisadas, detectou-se positividade para enteroparasitoses em 10 (17,54%) delas, o parasita mais prevalente foi a Giardia lamblia (70%). Em relação ao sexo, a maior positividade das amostras se deu entre crianças do sexo masculino. Conclusão: Os achados dessa pesquisa demonstram que, embora o Ministério da Saúde venha aplicando medidas de controle dos enteroparasitos como o Programa Saúde na Escola, mais medidas deverão ser tomadas, principalmente pelos profissionais de saúde da Atenção Primária. Uma medida simples e eficaz é a educação em saúde executada de forma específica para a conscientização dessas crianças e de seus responsáveis sobre cuidados e higienização para uma melhor qualidade de vida. (AU)
Objectives: This study had as one of its objectives the evaluation of the presence of enteroparasites in children attending a Municipal Infant Education Center (CMEI) in Rondonópolis - MT. Methods: Feces samples were collected from March to May of 2016 and later analyzed by the method of Hoffman, Pons and Janer (HPJ) in the laboratory of Basic Sciences of the Federal University of Mato Grosso, Campus Universitário de Rondonópolis, ending with a Sociodemographic questionnaire and risk factors for infection. Results: Among the 57 children surveyed, 10 (17.54%) of them were positive for enteroparasitoses, the most prevalent parasite was Giardia lamblia (70%). In relation to sex, the greatest positivity occurred among male children. Conclusion: The findings of this research demonstrate that although the Ministry of Health has been implementing measures to control enteroparasites, such as the School Health Program. More actions should be taken, mainly by primary health care professionals. A simple and effective measure is health education to raise awareness of these children and their caregivers about care and hygiene for a better quality of life. (AU)
Subject(s)
Parasites , Child, Preschool , Child Rearing , Risk FactorsABSTRACT
Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Hepatitis B and C viral infections remain an important cause of global morbidity and mortality. Studies have been conducted in population groups of large cities, leaving gaps in the knowledge regarding the situation in small municipalities. We aimed to measure the prevalence of hepatitis B and C markers and presence of infection-associated factors. METHODS: All inhabitants of Cássia dos Coqueiros aged ≥18 years who agreed to participate in the research were included. We collected blood as well as information via a questionnaire between March 2011 and December 2013. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted. RESULTS: Among the 1,001 participants, 41 (4.1%) participants had a serological profile of hepatitis B viral exposure, and only one (0.1%) participant was considered a virus carrier. The frequency of isolated antibody to hepatitis B virus surface antigen (anti-HBs) markers was 17.8% for the overall population. In the multivariate analysis, hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection was associated with age, birth outside the State of São Paulo, history of hepatitis, ≥2 sexual partners in the last 6 months, and tattoos. Four (0.4%) participants had a serological profile of hepatitis C viral exposure. However, after confirmation using viral ribonucleic acid (RNA) evaluation, only one (0.1%) individual remained positive. CONCLUSIONS: The positivity rates for hepatitis B and C were low, despite greater sexual freedom and the recent emergence of illicit drugs, as observed by the health personnel working in Cássia dos Coqueiros.