Seroprevalence and risk factors of Chagas disease in a rural population of the Quixere municipality, Ceara, 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.