Prevalence of Chagas Disease in the Latin American-born Population of Los Angeles.

ABSTRACT:

Background

According to an estimate from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Chagas disease (CD) may affect 1.31% of Latin American immigrants in the United States, with >300 000 cases. However, there is a lack of real-world data to support this estimate. Little is known about the actual prevalence of this neglected tropical disease in the United States, and the bulk of those infected are undiagnosed.

Methods

From April 2008 to May 2014, we screened 4,755 Latin American-born residents of Los Angeles County. Blood samples were tested for serologic evidence of CD. We collected demographic data and assessed the impact of established risk factors on CD diagnosis, including sex, country of origin, housing materials, family history of CD, and awareness of CD.

SUBMITTER: Meymandi SK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5399937 | biostudies-literature | 2017 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature