Abstract

CARMO, Ediclei Lima do et al. Outbreak of human toxoplasmosis in the District of Monte Dourado, Municipality of Almeirim, Pará State, Brazil. Rev Pan-Amaz Saude [online]. 2010, vol.1, n.1, pp.61-66. ISSN 2176-6215.  http://dx.doi.org/10.5123/S2176-62232010000100009.

OBJECTIVE: To report an outbreak of human toxoplasmosis that occurred in the District of Monte Dourado, Municipality of Almeirim, Pará State, Brazil. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After the positive diagnosis of five patients with symptoms suggestive of toxoplasmosis, clinical research and epidemiology were executed in the locality. A total of 186 individuals were evaluated, including symptomatic patients, their relatives and/or close contacts. All subjects underwent epidemiological inquiry, clinical assessment and serology by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for detection of anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM. RESULTS: A total of 40 individuals presented a serological profile of acute toxoplasmosis. Epidemiological analysis indicated that the cases could be related to infection with oocysts eliminated by cats, whose population density was very high in the surveyed locality. The most likely hypothesis of transmission would be through direct contact with oocysts of the parasite, either by the ingestion of contaminated food or by the inhalation of these forms in the soil. The possibility of water transmission through the local supply system was discarded because the system is inaccessible to cats. Infected individuals were treated at the local health care units. Moreover, local health authorities were instructed to implement measures to control stray cats in order to prevent new cases or outbreaks. CONCLUSION: The outbreak that occurred between February and March 2004 in Monte Dourado was caused by T. gondii. The hypothesis of contamination via oocysts of the parasite is supported by several factors, such as a high population density of cats in the surveyed District, frequent gardening habits and a lack of reports of ingestion of raw or undercooked meat.

Keywords : Toxoplasmosis; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Health Surveillance.

        · abstract in Portuguese | Spanish     · text in English | Portuguese | Spanish     · English ( pdf ) | Spanish ( pdf ) | Portuguese ( pdf )