Banca de QUALIFICAÇÃO: FRANCISCO SORMANNI FARIAS DE LUCENA

Uma banca de QUALIFICAÇÃO de MESTRADO foi cadastrada pelo programa.
STUDENT : FRANCISCO SORMANNI FARIAS DE LUCENA
DATE: 18/09/2025
TIME: 16:00
LOCAL: Sala de Videoconferência da Faculdade de Medicina - FAMED/UFCA
TITLE:

Seroprevalence survey of Chagas Disease in a population of renal patients
undergoing hemodialysis

KEY WORDS:

Epidemiological investigations; Triatoma infestans; Trypanosoma
cruzi.

PAGES: 51
BIG AREA: Ciências da Saúde
AREA: Medicina
SUMMARY:

Chagas Disease is a chronic illness caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi,
still endemic in the American continent, especially in Latin American countries. Traditionally associated
with rural areas and low-income populations, its epidemiology has changed due to factors such as urbanization and population migration. In Brazil, continuous vector control measures have significantly

reduced transmission. Despite these control actions, the disease remains an important cause of morbidity
and mortality, with a marked impact on the cardiovascular and gastrointestinais systems. Among patients
with chronic kidney disease, its relevance is even greater, as this population is at high cardiovascular risk
and imposes substantial costs on the healthcare system.In this context, the present study aimed to
investigate the seroprevalence of Chagas Disease in individuals undergoing hemodialysis
treatment in the cariri region of Ceará. This was a seroepidemiological survey conducted in a
reference hemodialysis center in southern Ceará, in which 231 patients were evaluated using the
indirect immunofluorescence test. The research was approved by the Research Ethics Committee
(approval no. 7.547.446). Among participants, only one positive case was identified (0.43%).
Despite the low prevalence found, the data revealed a population profile characterized by social
vulnerability, low educational level, multiple comorbidities, and limited understanding of the
disease. These findings reinforce the need for regular serological screening, accessible health
education strategies, and active epidemiological surveillance, especially in immunosuppressed
populations, in which even a single case may have relevant clinical repercussions.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
Externa à Instituição - CÍNTIA DE LIMA GARCIA - URCA
Presidente - FRANCISCO ROBERTO DE AZEVEDO
Interna - MARIA ELIZABETH PEREIRA NOBRE