A Study of a Geographical Cluster of Huntington's Disease in a Brazilian Town of Zona da Mata, Minas Gerais State

Background/Aims: Our aim was to investigate a geographical cluster of Huntington's disease (HD) in Ervalia, a Brazilian town of Minas Gerais state (MG). Therefore, we calculated the minimum prevalence of HD in Ervalia, known to have many HD affected families. We also determined the genetic profile of the polymorphic CAG region of the HTT gene in 32 subjects of these affected families. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed, starting in January 2011 until June 2013. Individuals who participated in the survey were all from Ervalia town, MG. Results: The minimum prevalence rate found was 7.2/10,000 people, higher than the worldwide prevalence. Conclusion: The minimum prevalence of HD in Ervalia was at least 10.3- to 14.4-fold greater than that of the world population, although it does not represent the overall prevalence of the disease in Brazil. Certainly an expanded survey in the country will lead to a lower prevalence estimate than Ervalia's.