Title of article
Seropositivity to Cysticercosis in School-Age Children Living in a Low-Income Municipality in the Midwest Region of Brazil
Author/Authors
Moraes ، Dayane Parasitology Laboratory, Health Sciences Academic Unit - Federal University of Jataí , Alves dos Santos ، Émelin Parasitology Laboratory, Health Sciences Academic Unit - Federal University of Jataí , Mendes ، José Antônio Alves Parasitology Laboratory, Health Sciences Academic Unit - Federal University of Jataí , Barcelos ، Ivanildes Solange Da Costa Immunology Laboratory, Health Sciences Academic Unit - Federal University of Jataí , Alves de Souza ، João Batista Parasitology Laboratory, Health Sciences Academic Unit - Federal University of Jataí , De Fátima ، Maria Do Rosário Parasitic Diagnosis Laboratory - Institute of Biomedical Sciences - Federal University of Uberlândia , Costa-Cruz ، Julia Maria Parasitic Diagnosis Laboratory - Institute of Biomedical Sciences - Federal University of Uberlândia , Rodrigues ، Rosângela Maria Parasitology Laboratory, Health Sciences Academic Unit - Federal University of Jataí
From page
211
To page
216
Abstract
Background: Human cysticercosis (CC) is a global public health problem, especially in Latin America, including Brazil. We aimed to analyze the seroprevalence of CC among school-age children and adolescents. Methods: We analyzed the presence of specific IgG antibodies against Taenia solium metacestodes in 500 serum samples from elementary school children and adolescents in Jataí City, state of Goiás, Brazil. IgG antibodies against the antigenic extract of the parasite were detected and analyzed by ELISA, and specific peptides were identified by confirmatory Western Blotting test. Results: Of the 500 study participants, 205 (41%) were male, and 295 (59%) were female. Participants aged between 4 and 18 years (mean age 8.4 years). The percentage of serum samples reactive by ELISA was 37.2%. These samples were analyzed by Western Blotting, which confirmed that the seropositivity rate was 6.2% (95% CI 2.4–14.7) in 31 samples reactive for CC-specific bands, determined in serum samples from 18 male (5–11 years old) and 13 female (4–12 years old) students. Conclusion: The CC seroprevalence demonstrated in schoolchildren suggests that this parasitosis is endemic in the study area. Further investigations are necessary to clarify the local epidemiology of this parasitosis.
Keywords
Cysticercosis , Child health , Students , Seroprevalence , Brazil
Journal title
Iranian Journal of Parasitology (IJP)
Journal title
Iranian Journal of Parasitology (IJP)
Record number
2773161
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