Epidemiological profile of Chagas Disease in the state of Amazonas

Abstract

Chagas disease, or trypanosomiasis, is classified by the World Health Organization as a neglected tropical disease and remains a significant public health problem. It is estimated that approximately seven million people are potentially infected, primarily in Latin America, affecting particularly vulnerable populations and associated with socio-environmental factors such as environmental degradation, migration, housing conditions, sanitation, education, and income. The objective is to identify the epidemiological challenges and monitor cases of Chagas disease in the Amazon. This is an integrative literature review, conducted by collecting complete scientific articles, in Portuguese, and freely accessible. Studies that addressed prevalence, geographic distribution, control strategies, and challenges in preventing and treating the disease were included. Articles from other regions or those not relevant to the topic were excluded. The final sample consisted of 16 studies. As a result, the data indicated a higher frequency of cardiac alterations in isolated cases. Most cases occurred in mixed-race men aged 20 to 39 living in rural areas, suggesting an association with occupational factors and reduced access to health services. In 98% of cases, diagnosis was made using the direct parasitological method. The population's knowledge of the disease was correlated with education level, with men demonstrating greater understanding of the vector. Chagas disease in Amazonas remains a public health challenge, requiring prevention strategies, early diagnosis, and health education targeted at the most vulnerable populations.