Resumo Fundamento A Doença de Chagas (DC) representa um grave problema de saúde pública na América Latina. O Benznidazol (BNZ) é utilizado para o tratamento DC e, apesar do seu amplo uso, poucas informações estão disponíveis sobre sua toxicidade e mecanismos das Reações Adversas ao Medicamento (RAM). Objetivos Identificar e classificar as reações adversas clínicas e laboratoriais ocasionadas pelo uso do BNZ quanto à sua causalidade e gravidade. Métodos Estudo de coorte prospectivo realizado no período de janeiro de 2018 a dezembro de 2021. O acompanhamento do tratamento incluiu consultas e análises laboratoriais antes, 30 e 60 dias após o início do tratamento. As RAM foram classificadas quanto à causalidade e gravidade. Na análise estatística o nível de significância adotado foi p<0,05. Resultados Participaram do estudo 40 pacientes com DC crônica, observou-se alta prevalência de RAM com um total de 161 em 30 (90%) pacientes. Destas, 104 (64,6%) foram classificadas como possíveis e 57 (35,4%) como prováveis. As reações foram classificadas em moderadas e leves. Dos 40 pacientes, nove (22,5%) suspenderam o tratamento. As RAM associadas à interrupção e intervenções foram as que afetaram o sistema dermatológico, sistema nervoso central e periférico ou que culminaram em ageusia. Após 30 dias de tratamento, alterações hematológicas e bioquímicas leves foram observadas como linfopenia. Conclusão Apesar do elevado percentual de RAM, muitos pacientes foram capazes de completar o tratamento, o que se atribui ao êxito da estratégia de acompanhamento com intervenções de tratamento sintomático juntamente ao aconselhamento, levando à compreensão da sintomatologia e manutenção do tratamento. (DC Latina (BNZ RAM. . (RAM) gravidade 201 2021 antes 3 6 p005 p 0 05 p<0,05 4 crônica observouse observou 16 90% 90 (90% Destas 10 64,6% 646 64 (64,6% 5 35,4% 354 35 (35,4% prováveis 22,5% 225 22 (22,5% dermatológico ageusia linfopenia aconselhamento (RAM 20 202 p00 p<0,0 1 9 (90 64,6 (64,6 35,4 (35,4 22,5 2 (22,5 p0 p<0, (9 64, (64, 35, (35, 22, (22, p<0 ( (64 (35 (22 p< (6 (3 (2

Abstract Background Chagas disease (CD) is a serious public health problem in Latin America. Benznidazole (BNZ) is used for the treatment of CD and, despite its wide use, little information is available about its toxicity and mechanisms of adverse drug reactions (ADR). Objectives To identify and classify clinical and laboratory adverse reactions caused by BNZ in terms of causality and severity. Methods Prospective cohort study from January 2018 to December 2021. Treatment follow-up included visits and biochemical tests (complete blood count, liver and kidney function tests) before, during and after treatment. ADR were classified according to causality and severity. In the statistical analysis, the significance level was set at p<0.05. Results Forty patients with chronic CD were included. A high prevalence of ADR was observed 161 ADR in 30 patients [90%]; of these, 104 (64.6%) were classified as possible and 57 (35.4%) as probable. The ADR were classified as moderate and mild. Of the 40 patients, nine (22.5%) discontinued treatment. ADR associated with treatment discontinuation and interventions were those that affected the dermatological system, central and peripheral nervous system and sense organs such as ageusia. Mild hematological and biochemical changes such as lymphopenia were observed after 30 days of treatment. Conclusion Many patients were able to complete the treatment even with ADR, which can be attributed to the successful follow-up strategy with symptomatic treatment and counseling, leading to patient’s awareness of symptoms and treatment adherence. (CD America (BNZ use ADR. . (ADR) severity 201 2021 followup follow up count before analysis p005 p 0 05 p<0.05 16 3 90% 90 [90%] these 10 64.6% 646 64 6 (64.6% 5 35.4% 354 35 4 (35.4% probable mild 22.5% 225 22 (22.5% ageusia counseling patient s adherence (ADR 20 202 p00 p<0.0 1 9 [90% 64.6 (64.6 35.4 (35.4 22.5 2 (22.5 p0 p<0. [90 64. (64. 35. (35. 22. (22. p<0 [9 (64 (35 (22 p< [ (6 (3 (2 (

RESUMO O ensino da saúde coletiva no Brasil contribui para o desenvolvimento técnico-científico do campo, transcendendo a mera abordagem de programas de saúde de forma fragmentada. Assim, objetivou-se neste estudo compreender a operacionalização do ensino em saúde coletiva, na graduação e pós-graduação stricto sensu, no Brasil. Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa de literatura a partir da busca nas bases de dados PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, Literatura Latino-americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (Lilacs), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) e Centro Latino-Americano e do Caribe de Informação em Ciências da Saúde (Bireme). Foram analisados 21 artigos por título, autor, ano, caracterização e/ou objetivo, metodologia e principais resultados. Conclui-se que a institucionalização de cursos de pós-graduação no campo da saúde coletiva seguiu o movimento educacional da universidade e a Reforma Sanitária Brasileira, ao passo que cursos de graduação só ocorreram na última década. O marco constitucional de 1988 define o ordenamento de recursos humanos para a formação profissional no e para o sistema de saúde no País. técnicocientífico técnico científico fragmentada Assim objetivouse objetivou se pósgraduação pós sensu Tratase Trata PubMed Scopus PsycINFO Latinoamericana Latino americana Lilacs, Lilacs , (Lilacs) SciELO (SciELO LatinoAmericano Americano Bireme. Bireme . (Bireme) 2 título autor ano eou ou objetivo resultados Concluise Conclui Brasileira década 198 País (Lilacs (Bireme 19 1

ABSTRACT The teaching of public health in Brazil contributes to the technical-scientific development of the field, transcending the mere approach of health programs in a fragmented way. Thus, the objective of this study was to understand the operationalization of teaching in public health, in the stricto sensu undergraduate and graduate programs, in Brazil. This is an integrative literature review based on a search in PubMed, SCOPUS, PsycINFO, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences (LILACS), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) databases, and the Latin American and Caribbean Center on Health Sciences Information (BIREME). Twenty-one articles were analyzed by title, author, year, characterization and/or objective, methodology, and main results. It is concluded that the institutionalization of graduate courses in the field of public health followed the educational movement of the university and the Brazilian Health Reform, while undergraduate courses only took place in the last decade. The 1988 constitutional framework defines the ordering of human resources for professional training in and for the country’s health system. technicalscientific technical scientific way Thus PubMed SCOPUS PsycINFO LILACS, LILACS , (LILACS) SciELO (SciELO databases BIREME. BIREME . (BIREME) Twentyone Twenty one title author year andor or methodology results Reform decade 198 countrys country s system (LILACS (BIREME 19 1

RESUMO O ensino da saúde coletiva no Brasil contribui para o desenvolvimento técnico-científico do campo, transcendendo a mera abordagem de programas de saúde de forma fragmentada. Assim, objetivou-se neste estudo compreender a operacionalização do ensino em saúde coletiva, na graduação e pós-graduação stricto sensu, no Brasil. Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa de literatura a partir da busca nas bases de dados PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, Literatura Latino-americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (Lilacs), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) e Centro Latino-Americano e do Caribe de Informação em Ciências da Saúde (Bireme). Foram analisados 21 artigos por título, autor, ano, caracterização e/ou objetivo, metodologia e principais resultados. Conclui-se que a institucionalização de cursos de pós-graduação no campo da saúde coletiva seguiu o movimento educacional da universidade e a Reforma Sanitária Brasileira, ao passo que cursos de graduação só ocorreram na última década. O marco constitucional de 1988 define o ordenamento de recursos humanos para a formação profissional no e para o sistema de saúde no País.

ABSTRACT The teaching of public health in Brazil contributes to the technical-scientific development of the field, transcending the mere approach of health programs in a fragmented way. Thus, the objective of this study was to understand the operationalization of teaching in public health, in the stricto sensu undergraduate and graduate programs, in Brazil. This is an integrative literature review based on a search in PubMed, SCOPUS, PsycINFO, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences (LILACS), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) databases, and the Latin American and Caribbean Center on Health Sciences Information (BIREME). Twenty-one articles were analyzed by title, author, year, characterization and/or objective, methodology, and main results. It is concluded that the institutionalization of graduate courses in the field of public health followed the educational movement of the university and the Brazilian Health Reform, while undergraduate courses only took place in the last decade. The 1988 constitutional framework defines the ordering of human resources for professional training in and for the country’s health system.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: This study estimated the seroprevalence and risk factors of Chagas disease (CD) in a population of the Quixeré municipality, Ceará. METHODS: We conducted serological methods to detect the Trypanosoma cruzi infection. The other variables were evaluated by a standardized questionnaire. RESULTS: The estimated prevalence of CD was 3.7%. Male sex, age >40 years, being farmers, low education level, origin from rural areas, and being born in Quixeré were significantly associated with infection. CONCLUSION: CD persists in this rural population of Northeast Brazil. Poverty, low education, and limited information regarding CD are critical issues that need to be addressed.

Resumo Fundamento A doença de Chagas (DC) é considerada um problema de saúde pública na América Latina. A região nordeste, principalmente o estado do Ceará, ainda representa grande preocupação em termos de risco de transmissão da doença. Objetivo Estimar a prevalência de T. cruzi em doadores de sangue do estado do Ceará. Métodos Trata-se um de estudo retrospectivo descritivo realizado no período de 2010 a 2015, a partir de dados registrados no sistema informatizado do Centro de Hematologia e Hemoterapia do Ceará (HEMOCE). Resultados Dos 763.731 potenciais doadores de sangue, 14.159 foram considerados impedidos de fazer a doação devido à sorologia, sendo que 1.982 (0,33%) o foram devido à positividade/inconclusão para doença de Chagas. Compareceram à Hemorrede para a repetição 425 indivíduos, sendo confirmados 28,2% (120/425) como impedidos de doar devido a DC. Conclusão Não houve redução significativa das sorologias positivas/inconclusivas no período entre 2010-2015, porém foi observada redução em relação a 1996/1997 no estado. A determinação da prevalência da doença de Chagas em bancos de sangue pode ser relevante como indicador do risco de transmissão transfusional em determinada região. Novos testes sorológicos para triagem com melhor acurácia são necessários, reduzindo o descarte desnecessário de bolsas de sangue, os custos para o Sistema Único de Saúde e a insegurança para os pacientes e familiares. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 115(6):1082-1091)

Abstract Background Chagas disease (CD) is considered a public health problem in Latin America. The northeastern region, especially the state of Ceará, still represents a major concern in terms of the risk of transmission of CD. Objective To estimate the prevalence of T. cruzi in blood donors from the state of Ceará. Methods This is a retrospective descriptive study that was performed in the period from 2010 to 2015 from data recorded in the computerized system of the Hematology and Hemotherapy Center of Ceará (HEMOCE in Portuguese). Results Of the 763,731 potential blood donors, 14,159 were serologically ineligible; 1,982 (0.33%) were serologically ineligible due to positive / inconclusive diagnosis for CD. A total of 425 individuals came to the HEMOCE to repeat the test, with 28.2% (120/425) declared ineligible for donations due to CD. Conclusion No significant reduction of positive / inconclusive serology was observed in the period between 2010 and 2015, but a reduction was observed when compared to 1996/1997 in the state. The determination of the prevalence of CD in blood banks may be relevant as an indicator of the risk of CD transmission through blood transfusions in a given region. New serological tests for triage with better accuracy in screening are needed, in an attempt to reduce the unnecessary disposal of blood bags, reduce costs for the Brazilian Unified Health System, and diminish insecurity for the patient and family members. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 115(6):1082-1091)

Resumo: O artigo analisou a prática do leilão como proposta de mercado eficiente para a feira de gado de Alagoas. O objetivo foi verificar os impactos econômicos decorrente da adoção da prática do leilão, uma vez que o modus operandi atual sofre interposições oriundas do desequilíbrio do poder de barganha e da assimetria informacional, não permitindo uma alocação eficiente. A pesquisa foi realizada nas duas maiores feiras do estado, que ocorrem no município de Dois Riachos e no povoado de Canafístula de Frei Damião, no município de Palmeira dos Índios. Após aplicação de questionário e visitas in loco, foi possível diagnosticar que o mercado de barganha presente na feira é ineficiente, existindo assimetria informacional nas relações entre comprador e vendedor, o que resulta numa divisão desigual do conjunto em conflito, com 47% para o vendedor e 53% para o comprador, evidenciando menos poder de barganha para o vendedor. A prática do leilão muda o jogo para não cooperativo, eliminando os problemas preexistentes e fazendo com que as médias dos preços dos animais vendidos sejam maiores. Sendo assim, a prática do leilão é uma alternativa viável para o aumento da eficiência da feira de gado de Alagoas.

Abstract: This article analyzed the practice of the auction as an efficient market proposal for the Livestock Fair of Alagoas. The aim of this work is to verify the economic impacts resulting from the adoption of the auction practice, since the current modus operandi is subject to interpositions arising from the imbalance of bargaining power and informational asymmetry, not allowing an efficient allocation. The research was carried out in the two largest fairs of the State, occurring in the municipality of Dois Riachos and in the village of Canafístula de Frei Damião in the municipality of Palmeira dos Índios. After the questionnaire application and in loco visits, it was possible to diagnose that the bargain market present at the fair is inefficient, existing informational asymmetry in buyer and seller relations, resulting in an unequal division of the conflict set, with 47% for the seller and 53% for the buyer. Therefore, this fact evidenced the lower bargaining power for the seller. The practice of auction changes the game to non-cooperative, eliminating the pre-existing problems and making the average prices of the animals sold are higher. Thus, the practice of the auction is a viable alternative to increase the efficiency of the Livestock Fair of Alagoas.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: The transmission of Chagas disease (CD) through blood transfusion, organ transplantation, and oral transmission has gained greater visibility as a result of intensified vector control activities in endemic regions and to control CD in non-endemic regions. In Brazil, Ceará is one of the states that perform the most organ transplants. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in organ donor candidates. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on data from potential organ donors at the Center of Transplantation of the State of Ceará from 2010 - 2015. RESULTS: Data from a total of 2,822 potential donors were obtained, of which 1,038 were effective donors and 1,784 were excluded, likely due to lack of family authorization or medical contraindication. The prevalence of T. cruzi infection among these potential donors was 1.3% (n = 29). The majority of infected donors were males aged 41 - 60 years, residing in the interior of the state. Interestingly, 72.4% (n = 21) had positive or inconclusive serology for additional infections, such as cytomegalovirus, hepatitis B and C, and toxoplasmosis. Probability analysis revealed that stroke was the most common cause of death among potential donors with CD. CONCLUSIONS: There was a high prevalence of CD and other coinfections among potential solid organ donors in Ceará, and statistical tests have shown that these individuals are at increased risk of stroke when compared to potential non-reactive donors. This work highlights the importance of screening DC infection in potential donors.

Resumo O Serviço de Atenção Farmacêutica ao paciente com doença de Chagas do estado do Ceará foi criando em 2005, com a finalidade de proporcionar seguimento farmacoterapêutico àqueles com esta morbidade. Decorridos 10 anos de atuação, objetivou-se avaliar a satisfação dos pacientes atendidos no serviço. Tratou-se de um estudo prospectivo, empregando um questionário subdividido nas seções: dados socioeconômicos; infraestrutura, localização e funcionamento; cuidado farmacêutico e importância do serviço. Foram entrevistados 70 pacientes de ambos os sexos e acima de 18 anos, entre agosto de 2014 e maio de 2015. Quanto à infraestrutura, localização e funcionamento, as notas obtidas mostraram que os pacientes estão satisfeitos com os parâmetros analisados. Com relação ao cuidado farmacêutico, a maioria dos pacientes mostrou-se satisfeita, tendo o “ser bem atendido” como aspecto mais importante durante o atendimento. Em relação à importância do serviço, 100% o considerou muito importante e o indicaria para outras pessoas. De modo geral, o estudo demonstrou um alto nível de satisfação com o serviço. Há muito a ser trabalhado neste serviço, como promover maior acesso e qualificação do atendimento, contribuindo para a concretização de um modelo humanizado, centrado nas necessidades do paciente.

Abstract In 2005, a pharmaceutical care service was created in the State of Ceará to provide pharmacotherapeutic follow-up for individuals infected with Trypanosoma cruzi (Chagas Disease). After 10 years of operation, an evaluation was conducted to assess the degree of satisfaction of patients treated under the service. This prospective study used a questionnaire comprising the following sections: socioeconomic data; infrastructure, facilities and operations; pharmaceutical care; and importance of the service. Seventy patients of both sexes and over 18 years of age were interviewed between August 2014 and May 2015. As for infrastructure, location and operation, the average grades show a high level of patient satisfaction. Regarding pharmaceutical care, most patients reported being satisfied and considered “being well treated” to be the most important aspect during treatment. In addition, all patients (100%) rated the service as very important and would recommend it to other individuals. Overall, the study showed a high level of patient satisfaction with the service. There is, however, still much to work to be done on this service in order to promote greater access and qualified care to fully achieve a humanized model focused on patient needs.

Resumo O Serviço de Atenção Farmacêutica ao paciente com doença de Chagas do estado do Ceará foi criando em 2005, com a finalidade de proporcionar seguimento farmacoterapêutico àqueles com esta morbidade. Decorridos 10 anos de atuação, objetivou-se avaliar a satisfação dos pacientes atendidos no serviço. Tratou-se de um estudo prospectivo, empregando um questionário subdividido nas seções: dados socioeconômicos; infraestrutura, localização e funcionamento; cuidado farmacêutico e importância do serviço. Foram entrevistados 70 pacientes de ambos os sexos e acima de 18 anos, entre agosto de 2014 e maio de 2015. Quanto à infraestrutura, localização e funcionamento, as notas obtidas mostraram que os pacientes estão satisfeitos com os parâmetros analisados. Com relação ao cuidado farmacêutico, a maioria dos pacientes mostrou-se satisfeita, tendo o “ser bem atendido” como aspecto mais importante durante o atendimento. Em relação à importância do serviço, 100% o considerou muito importante e o indicaria para outras pessoas. De modo geral, o estudo demonstrou um alto nível de satisfação com o serviço. Há muito a ser trabalhado neste serviço, como promover maior acesso e qualificação do atendimento, contribuindo para a concretização de um modelo humanizado, centrado nas necessidades do paciente.

Abstract In 2005, a pharmaceutical care service was created in the State of Ceará to provide pharmacotherapeutic follow-up for individuals infected with Trypanosoma cruzi (Chagas Disease). After 10 years of operation, an evaluation was conducted to assess the degree of satisfaction of patients treated under the service. This prospective study used a questionnaire comprising the following sections: socioeconomic data; infrastructure, facilities and operations; pharmaceutical care; and importance of the service. Seventy patients of both sexes and over 18 years of age were interviewed between August 2014 and May 2015. As for infrastructure, location and operation, the average grades show a high level of patient satisfaction. Regarding pharmaceutical care, most patients reported being satisfied and considered “being well treated” to be the most important aspect during treatment. In addition, all patients (100%) rated the service as very important and would recommend it to other individuals. Overall, the study showed a high level of patient satisfaction with the service. There is, however, still much to work to be done on this service in order to promote greater access and qualified care to fully achieve a humanized model focused on patient needs.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Chagas disease remains a public health problem in the rural and urban areas of 19 countries in the Americas. METHODS: The aim of the present study was to investigate the Trypanosoma cruzi infection rate of triatomines collected from both intra- and peridomiciliary areas in eleven municipalities of Southeastern Ceará, Brazil, from 2009 to 2015. RESULTS: A total of 32,364 triatomine specimens, including nymphs and adults, were collected, and 31,736 (98.06%) of these were examined. More nymphs were collected than adults, and the greatest number of triatomines (n = 8,548) was collected in 2010, for which the infection rate was 1.3%, with the highest rate of infections observed for specimens from Quixere. The species collected during the study were identified as Triatoma pseudomaculata, Triatoma brasiliensis, Panstrongylus megistus, Panstrongylus lutzi, and Rhodnius nasutus, with T. pseudomaculata being the most abundant (n = 19,962). CONCLUSIONS: These results verify the presence of triatomines in both intra- and peridomiciliary areas, thereby ensuring persistence of the pathogen and consequently, the disease, as the presence of infected vectors in households is an important risk factor. According to these findings, the Chagas Disease Control Program should intensify its efforts in order to prevent the spread of the disease.

ABSTRACT The wide eco-bio-social intervention generated by the SaoFrancisco River Integration Project (PISF) may contribute to the dispersion or introduction of schistosomiasis intermediate hosts in areas without prior recording. The objective was to characterize the limnic malacofauna and its distribution along watersheds involved in the PISF. A cross-sectional study based on the collection of mollusks from 33 water bodies, from Aurora, Brejo Santo, Jaguaretama, Jaguaribara, Jati e Mauriti municipalities in the Ceara (CE) State was developed. The conchological characteristics were used to identify snails at the genus level. The snails of the genus Biomphalaria were analyzed for the presence of Schistosoma mansoni cercariae and the molecular identification (only mollusks from Brejo Santo-CE) for differentiation between species. The following species were found: Biomphalaria sp.; Drepanotrema sp.; Melanoides sp.; Physa sp.; and Pomacea sp. Pomacea sp. (75.8%) and Biomphalaria sp. (72.7%) were the most prevalent species. All municipalities showed Biomphalaria sp. Biomphalaria straminea (Porcos Stream) and Biomphalaria kuhniana was identified in the Boi 1 and Cipo reservoirs (Brejo Santo). The evaluated municipalities under the influence of the PISF present areas with potential for schistosomiasis transmission. It is necessary to intensify control actions and health surveillance in these areas.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: The development of the São Francisco River Integration Project [Projeto de Integração do Rio São Francisco (PISF)] in the State of Ceará, Brazil, has resulted in environmental and socioeconomic changes with potential risks to public health. We aimed to determine the presence of Schistosoma mansoni infections in schoolchildren (aged 7-14 years) and workers from the construction site in an area under the direct influence of the PISF in the municipality of Brejo Santo-CE, to aid in the prevention and control of schistosomiasis. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study using two S. mansoni-detection methods: detection of S. mansoni eggs by the Kato-Katz parasitological method in stool samples (assessed in triplicate for each sample) and S. mansoni circulating cathodic antigen by the point-of-care immunochromatographic rapid test (POC-CCA) in urine. RESULTS In general, the positivity rates for S. mansoni detection were 1.9% (2/106) among schoolchildren and 2.9% (4/138) among workers. No child had evidence of S. mansoni eggs in their stools; 1.9% tested positive by the POC-CCA method. Among workers, two (1.4%) tested positive by the Kato-Katz test and three (2.2%) by the POC-CCA test. If the POC-CCA test results that were scored as traces were considered negative, then the positivity rates dropped to 0.9% and 0.7% for schoolchildren and workers, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The active transmission of schistosomiasis in a region covered by the PISF was recognized, reinforcing the necessity to consolidate surveillance and control actions, as well as structural sanitation measures to reverse the social determinants of the disease.

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Chagas disease (CD) is currently considered a neglected disease; hence, identifying the factors associated with its high prevalence is essential. This study aimed to identify the seroprevalence of and the possible factors associated with CD in inhabitants of the City of Limoeiro do Norte, Northeastern Brazil. METHODS: Between April and November 2013, blood collection was conducted and a semi-structured questionnaire was administered. Blood samples that showed positive or possible serology for anti-Trypanosoma cruzi antibodies based on indirect immunofluorescence, hemagglutination indirect, and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were analyzed. Associations between CD positivity and the study variables were analyzed using prevalence ratios (PR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: A total of 812 individuals were analyzed, of which T. cruzi seropositivity was determined in 4.2% (34 individuals). Sociodemographic variables showing a significant association with T. cruzi positivity included age >50 years (PR = 27.6; 95% CI = 6.66-114.4), elementary level education (PR = 5.15; 95% CI = 1.83-14.47), and retirement (PR = 7.25; 95% CI = 3.72-14.14). Positivity for T. cruzi was 6.17 times higher in those who had a history of living in rammed earth houses compared with those who did not (95% CI = 2.19-17.37). There was no evidence of vertical transmission in the individuals studied. Among the individuals infected with T. cruzi, the majority reported having a comorbidity (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the seroprevalence of CD and identified factors associated with a high prevalence of CD.

RESUMO A doença de Chagas é causada pelo Trypanosoma cruzi e atinge cerca de dois a três milhões de pessoas no Brasil, permanecendo como importante problema de saúde pública. Foi realizado um estudo em área rural do município de Limoeiro do Norte - CE, nordeste do Brasil, com o objetivo de conhecer a prevalência da infecção chagásica. Foram examinados 52% dos habitantes, dentre os quais 2,6% (4/154) apresentaram sorologia reagente em pelo menos dois testes sorológicos. Todos os positivos tinham idade superior a 50 anos, eram agricultores, com baixa escolaridade e renda familiar inferior a três salários mínimos. A busca ativa pode ser uma alternativa para o diagnóstico precoce dessa doença.

SUMMARY Chagas disease is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi and affects about two to three million people in Brazil, still figuring as an important public health problem. A study was conducted in a rural area of the municipality of Limoeiro do Norte - CE, northeastern Brazil, aiming to determine the prevalence of T. cruzi infection. Of the inhabitants, 52% were examined, among whom 2.6% (4/154) were seropositive in at least two serological tests. All seropositive individuals were older than 50 years, farmers, with a low education and a family income of less than three minimum wages. Active surveillance may be an alternative for early detection of this disease.

Controlando-se a transmissão da doença de Chagas, surge o desafio de prestar assistência a milhões de pacientes infectados que chegam à velhice. Neste estudo, foram avaliados os registros socioeconômicos, demográficos e de comorbidades de todos os pacientes chagásicos idosos acompanhados no Serviço de Atenção Farmacêutica do Laboratório de Pesquisa em Doença de Chagas. As informações relacionadas à forma clínica da doença foram obtidas a partir de registros médicos disponibilizados pelo Hospital Universitário Walter Cantídio. O perfil da população estudada foi de: mulheres (50,5%); idade média de 67 anos; aposentados (54,6%); casados (51,6%); alta taxa de analfabetismo (40,2%); e renda familiar de um salário mínimo (51,5%). As formas clínicas predominantes da doença de Chagas foram a cardíaca (65,3%) e a indeterminada (14,7%). As principais alterações eletrocardiográficas foram o bloqueio de ramo direito (41,0%), associado ou não ao bloqueio ântero superior esquerdo (27,4%). O número médio de comorbidades por paciente foi de 2,23 ± 1,54, sendo a hipertensão arterial sistêmica a principal encontrada (67,0%). Verificou-se que os idosos constituem grupo vulnerável de pacientes que associam o envelhecimento com as alterações cardíacas e/ou digestivas resultantes da evolução da doença de Chagas e outras comorbidades, o que exige atenção especial dos serviços de saúde para um atendimento médico e social mais adequado.

By controlling the transmission of Chagas disease, the challenge of providing assistance to millions of infected patients that reach old age arises. In this study, the socioeconomic, demographic and comorbidity records of all elderly chagasic patients followed at the Pharmaceutical Care Service of the Chagas Disease Research Laboratory were assessed. The information related to the clinical form of the disease was obtained from medical records provided by the Walter Cantídio University Hospital. The profile of the studied population was: women (50.5%); mean age of 67 years; retired (54.6%); married (51.6 %); high illiteracy rate (40.2%); and family income equal to the minimum wage (51.5%). The predominant clinical forms of Chagas disease were cardiac (65.3%) and indeterminate (14.7%). The main electrocardiographic changes were the right bundle branch block (41.0%), associated or not with the anterosuperior left bundle branch block (27.4%). The average number of comorbidities per patient was 2.23 ± 1.54, with systemic arterial hypertension being the main one found (67.0%). It was found that the elderly comprise a vulnerable group of patients that associate aging with cardiac and/or digestive disorders resulting from the evolution of Chagas disease and other comorbidities, which requires special attention from health services to ensure more appropriate medical and social care.