Detecção da infecção por Schistosoma mansoni em um bairro da cidade de Maceió, Alagoas: estudos preliminares

Abstract

Schistosomiasis mansoni is a tropical disease that in Brazil is distributed mainly in the northeast and southeast regions of the country. It is caused by the Schistosoma mansoni trematode, commonly detected by coproparasitological methodologies, such as the Kato Katz technique. However, it is known that this technique has flaws in the diagnosis of the disease due to the low parasite load of populations in an endemic area. In order to reduce this limitation and better detect the infection, the use of Kato Katz was used in conjunction with the spontaneous sedimentation technique (HPJ), in 51 fecal samples, and the reagent strip test for the detection of circulating cathodic antigen ( POC-CCA), in 52 urine samples from individuals from the Vergel do Lago neighborhood located in Maceió/AL. Coproscopy found 9.80% (5/51) of individuals positive for Schistosoma mansoni. While the antigen search established 19.23% (10/52) of positives. The parasite loads determined by Kato Katz were 100% (5/5) light. Through the rapid test POC-CCA and the HPJ it was possible to detect 5.77% (3/52) of Schistosoma mansoni co-infections with other parasites. The female sex was mostly affected as well as the adult and elderly age group. In the POC-CCA, twice as many samples were reactive compared to positive in the other tests, however, it is not clear whether these samples actually present the infection. In addition, the rapid test established some false negative results regarding coproscopy. Therefore, the combined application of techniques is recommended for a better diagnosis of Schistosomiasis. Since the POC-CCA can be used as an effective screening tool to increase the screening of positive cases, coproparasitological techniques are specific for the detection of the parasite. The search for positive cases allowed us to present a new local epidemiological panorama for Schistosoma mansoni infection in the Vergel do Lago neighborhood - Maceió/AL, which had not been updated for a long time. While analyzing possible autochthonous transmission and alerting the epidemiological surveillance of the municipality. Based on these data, the bodies responsible for controlling the disease in the state can act and explore other locations, possibly also infected, to implement preventive measures.