Seroprevalence of Chagas Disease among People of Latin American Descent Living in Suffolk County, Long Island, New York

Abstract

ABSTRACT. This cross-sectional study estimated a one-time point seroprevalence rate of Chagas disease among people of Latin American descent in Suffolk County, Long Island, New York. Subjects who met the inclusion criteria were screened using the Chagas Detect Plus Rapid Test (InBios, Seattle, WA) with confirmation via Trypanosoma cruzi enzyme immunoassay and T. cruzi immunoblot assay. Administration of a questionnaire regarding demographics and risk factors followed. A seroprevalence rate of 10.74% was found. Identified risk factors included prior residence in a palm leaf house (odds ratio [OR], 10.42; P = 0.003; 95% CI, 2.18–49.76), residence in a house with triatomines (OR, 9.03; P = 0.006; 95% CI, 1.90–42.88), and history of triatomine bite (OR, 9.52; P = 0.009; 95% CI, 1.75–51.77). Our findings emphasize the importance of this frequently underdiagnosed disease and help highlight the importance of early screening among high-risk populations.