Objective: To determine the value of indirect immunofluorescence (IFI) in the diagnosis of leishmaniasis and Chagas disease. Material and method: Indirect immunofluorescence (IFI) was employed for diagnosing leishmaniasis and Chagas disease using Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigota as substrate antigens. A nuclear fluorescence pattern was found in sera from patients with leishmaniasis, and a peripheral pattern was found in those with Chagas disease. Afterwards, we estimated the diagnostic value of IFI for both diseases in a blinded fashion. Results: For diagnosing leishmaniasis, IFI sensitivity was 84.2%, specificity, 100%, positive predictive value, 100%, negative predictive value 82.9%, and accuracy was 91.0%. Conclusions: The immunofluorescence technique using Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigota, considering the proposed color patterns, is useful for diagnosing cutaneous lei...

Objective: To determine the value of indirect immunofluorescence (IFI) in the diagnosis of leishmaniasis and Chagas disease. Material and method: Indirect immunofluorescence (IFI) was employed for diagnosing leishmaniasis and Chagas disease using Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigota as substrate antigens. A nuclear fluorescence pattern was found in sera from patients with leishmaniasis, and a peripheral pattern was found in those with Chagas disease. Afterwards, we estimated the diagnostic value of IFI for both diseases in a blinded fashion. Results: For diagnosing leishmaniasis, IFI sensitivity was 84.2%, specificity, 100%, positive predictive value, 100%, negative predictive value 82.9%, and accuracy was 91.0%. Conclusions: The immunofluorescence technique using Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigota, considering the proposed color patterns, is useful for diagnosing cutaneous lei...

Objective: determine the seroprevalence of infection by T. cruzi in the population above age 15 in the valley of Vítor, describing general characteristics and the presence of associated factors. Materials and Methods: 499 people above age 15 were randomly selected; epidemiological information was obtained through a survey. The diagnosis of the disease was made by ELISA and IIF. Results: the seroprevalence for Chagas reactivity was 10,2%, 10,35% in women and 10,0% in men. The median of age of the “typical” Chagas disease patient was 42±17,9, his/her time of residence in Vítor was 34±15,9 years; 51,0% had been born in the valley of Vítor. Agricultural workers made up 41,2%, of the general population, and 51,0% have a high school education. Rustic housing materials were associated with the infection. Conclusions: the valley of Vítor is an endemic area for Chagas disease. T...

Objective: determine the seroprevalence of infection by T. cruzi in the population above age 15 in the valley of Vítor, describing general characteristics and the presence of associated factors. Materials and Methods: 499 people above age 15 were randomly selected; epidemiological information was obtained through a survey. The diagnosis of the disease was made by ELISA and IIF. Results: the seroprevalence for Chagas reactivity was 10,2%, 10,35% in women and 10,0% in men. The median of age of the “typical” Chagas disease patient was 42±17,9, his/her time of residence in Vítor was 34±15,9 years; 51,0% had been born in the valley of Vítor. Agricultural workers made up 41,2%, of the general population, and 51,0% have a high school education. Rustic housing materials were associated with the infection. Conclusions: the valley of Vítor is an endemic area for Chagas disease. T...