Seroprevalence and risk factors of Chagas disease in a rural population of the Quixeré municipality, Ceará, Brazil.

INTRODUCTION This study estimated the seroprevalence and risk factors of Chagas disease (CD) in a population of the Quixere municipality, Ceara. METHODS We conducted serological methods to detect the Trypanosoma cruzi infection. The other variables were evaluated by a standardized questionnaire. RESULTS The estimated prevalence of CD was 3.7%. Male sex, age >40 years, being farmers, low education level, origin from rural areas, and being born in Quixere were significantly associated with infection. CONCLUSION CD persists in this rural population of Northeast Brazil. Poverty, low education, and limited information regarding CD are critical issues that need to be addressed.