Seis anos após o início da vigilância epidemiológica para doença de Chagas em Berilo e José Gonçalves de Minas, Vale do Jequitinhonha, MG, Brasil, foi realizado um inquérito sorológico para verificar se a transmissão desta endemia estava ocorrendo naquela área. Uma amostra aleatória de 1.412 crianças, de 7 a 14 anos, foi avaliada. Foram encontradas seis crianças positivas assintomáticas, totalizando uma prevalência de 0,4%. Hemocultura confirmou a infecção em cinco dos seis casos positivos. Uma investigação epidemiológica adicional, revelou importantes antecedentes, tais como: casos da doença em parentes e condições de moradia e ecológicas predisponentes. Nossos resultados demonstram uma soroprevalência similar (0,4%) em escolares de 7 a 14 anos àquela observada há seis anos (0,2%) em crianças de 0-9 anos. Dessa forma, considerando a presença constante de Panstrogylus megistus estes achados reforçam a necessidade de uma vigilância epidemiológica contínua e aperfeiçoada para Doença de Chagas naquela região.

Six years after the beginning of the epidemiological surveillance of Chagas disease in Berilo and José Gonçalves de Minas, Jequitinhonha Valley, MG, Brazil, a serological inquiry was performed to observe whether the transmission of this endemy was occurring in this area. A randomized sample of 1,412 children seven to 14 years old, was screened. Six asymptomatic children were found to be positive, leading to 0.4% of prevalence. Hemoculture confirmed infection in five out of the six positive cases. Additional epidemiological investigation revealed important antecedents, such as disease reports in relatives and predisposing ecological and housing conditions. Our results demonstrated similar seroprevalence (0.4%) in schoolchildren, ranging from seven to 14 years old, and that were observed six years ago (0.2%) for children 0-9 year-old. Thus, considering the constant presence of Panstrogylus megistus in the peridomicile these findings emphasize the need of continuous improved epidemiological surveillance of Chagas disease in this region.

Transmission of disease between wildlife, domestic animals, and humans is of great concern to conservation issues and public health. Here we report on the prevalence of anti-Leishmania sp. antibodies in 21 wild canids (7 Chrysocyon brachyurus, 12 Cerdocyon thous, and 2 Lycalopex vetulus) and 74 free domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) sampled around the Serra do Cipó National Park. In dogs, the apparent prevalence was 8.1% and in wild canids it was 19% (2 crab-eating foxes, C. thous, and 2 maned wolves, C. brachyurus). Management of the domestic dog population with evaluation of incidence changes in humans and wildlife, and enlightenment on the role of wild reservoirs are essential issues for future action and research.