Identification of a Hyperendemic Area for Trypanosoma cruzi Infection in Central Veracruz, Mexico

The state of Veracruz, Mexico, is a well-recognized endemic region for Chagas disease, but the geographic distribution of the disease and its magnitude are still poorly documented. We evaluated the seroprevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in the sanitary jurisdictions of Cordoba and Cosamaloapan in central Veracruz. A total of 654 serum samples from 19 rural localities were tested by using four tests: two enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, an indirect immunofluorescent, and Western blotting. Overall, 110 (16.8%) of 654 samples were positive for T. cruzi by >= 2 tests (95% confidence interval = 14.2-19.9%). The municipality of Tezonapa in the jurisdiction of Cordoba was identified as a potential hyperendemic region with seroprevalence rates <= 45% in young children. No cases were detected in the jurisdiction of Cosamaloapan. Further studies should help clarify T cruzi transmission dynamics in Tezonapa. The magnitude of T cruzi infection rate in this region calls for the urgent implementation of extensive epidemiologic surveillance and control programs.