Chaga's Disease

pp 413-422

Abstract

Background

To raise up further information about chagasic infection in endemic area, northwest of Cordoba (Argentina) and possible cardiac involvement.

Material and method

Nine hundred and eighty three individuals between 10 and 70 years old were selected at randon. Clinical antecedents of past infection, risk factors for arterial disease, heart rate, blood pressure and anthropometric measurements were recorded. A conventional 12-leads electrocardiographic was taken. Venous blood was draived for indirect haemoglutination, immunofluorescent test and qualitative detection of antibodies anti Trypanosoma cruzi by Elisa.

Conclusions

The results of infected individuals are similar to those described elsewhere, but in this study were older; it could be suggest low incidence of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in last decades. Concomitant ischemic cardiomyopathy must be considered in individuals seropositives. The urban population are in moderate risk of infection.