Title: [Prevalence of infection by Leishmania chagasi using ELISA (rK39 and CRUDE) and the Montenegro skin test in an endemic leishmaniasis area of Maranhao, Brazil]

POPLINE Document Number: 315155

Author(s):

Nascimento MD
Souza EC
da Silva LM
Leal PD
Cantanhede KD

Source citation:

Cadernos de Saude Publica, 2005 Nov-Dec;21(6):1801-1807.

Abstract:

A prospective study was undertaken in 1,520 children less than 15 years of age in São José de Ribamar, Maranhão, Brazil, from June 1994 to January 1995, to evaluate the prevalence and characteristics (socioeconomic, environmental, and behavioral) associated with infection by Leishmania chagasi. Montenegro skin test (MST) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISArK39 and CRUDE) test were used to detect infection. The statistical analysis used the 2 test with Yates correction and a p value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Prevalence of infection was 61.7% as measured by MST, 19.4% according to ELISA (rK39), and 19.7% by ELISA (CRUDE). Association was detected between leishmaniasis in the family, water supply, application of insecticide, and infection by L. chagasi using MST. No association with infection by L. chagasi was detected using ELISA rK39 or CRUDE. More effective control measures are needed to reduce prevalence and to detect asymptomatic cases in this high percentage of infected children. (author's)

Keywords:

Brazil
Research Report
Prospective Studies
Children
Family and Household
Leishmaniasis
Prevalence
Laboratory Examinations and Diagnoses
Water Supply
Prevention and Control
Signs and Symptoms
Pesticides
South America, Eastern
South America
Latin America
Americas
Developing Countries
Studies
Research Methodology
Youth
Age Factors
Population Characteristics
Demographic Factors
Population
Sociocultural Factors
Parasitic Diseases
Diseases
Measurement
Examinations and Diagnoses
Medical Procedures
Medicine
Health Services
Delivery of Health Care
Health
Natural Resources
Environment
Ingredients and Chemicals