Soroepidemiologia da infecção por Toxoplasma gondii e Leptospira spp. em humanos no Arquipélago de Fernando de Noronha, Pernambuco, Brasil

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) and Leptospira spp. in humans and identify risk factors associated with T. gondii infection in the Fernando de Noronha archipelago, Pernambuco, Brazil. For detection of anti-Toxoplasma gondii and anti-Leptospira antibodies, indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and Microscopic agglutination test (MAT), were used respectively. The risk factors were identified through the application of an epidemiological questionnaire and variables were analyzed by univariate analysis and logistic regression. The seroprevalence of immunoglobulin G anti-T. gondii antibodies was 50.4%. Factors associated with infection: consumption of well water or rainwater (odds ratio [OR]: 2.43, p=0.020) and consumption of game meat (OR: 1.80, p=0.026). The prevalence of anti-Leptospira antibodies was 1.17% (4/341), and the serovars identified were: Icterohaemorrhagiae, Javanica, Mini and Louisiana. This is the first study that addresses these infections in humans in the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago. The results of this study indicate the urgent need for intervention by local, health authorities with integrated and strategic measures in the prevention and control of these diseases. In addition, it is important aware the residents of the Island of Fernando de Noronha about of the transmission routes of Toxoplasma gondii and Leptospira spp.