Seroprevalence of infection with Toxoplasma gondii in indigenous Brazilian populations

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2005 Jan;72(1):37-41.

Abstract

The prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in indigenous Brazilian tribes with different degrees of acculturation was studied in the Enawenê-Nawê, an isolated tribe, in the state of Mato Grosso, the Waiãpi, with intermittent non-Indian contacts, in the state of Amapa, and the Tiriyó, with constant non-Indian contacts, in the state of Para. An IgG-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (IgG-ELISA) or an IgG/IgM-indirect immunofluorescence antibody (IFA) assay were performed for the detection of antibodies to T. gondii in 2000-2001. Both assays showed that the Tiriyó had the lowest crude seroprevalence (55.6%), the Enawené-Nawé the highest crude seroprevalence (80.4%), and the Waiãpi an intermediate crude seroprevalence (59.6%). The age-adjusted prevalence (95% confidence intervals) values for the Tiriyó, Enawenê-Nawê, and Waiãpi were 57.3% (53.4, 61.1%), 78.8% (72.2, 85.7%), and 57.7% (52.5, 62.9%), respectively. Contact with non-Indians probably did not influence the prevalence of the infection. However, differential contact with soil-harboring oocysts from wild felines may be responsible for the various seroprevalences in the different tribes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Protozoan / blood*
  • Brazil / epidemiology
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin M / blood
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies
  • Sex Distribution
  • Toxoplasma / immunology*
  • Toxoplasmosis / diagnosis
  • Toxoplasmosis / epidemiology*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Protozoan
  • Immunoglobulin M