Abstract

NAVARRETE-ESPINOSA, Joel et al. Prevalence of dengue and leptospira antibodies in the state of Veracruz, Mexico. Salud pública Méx [online]. 2006, vol.48, n.3, pp. 220-228. ISSN 0036-3634.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0036-36342006000300006.

OBJECTIVE: To discover the prevalence of antibodies against denguevirus and leptospira. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out in 500 inhabitants of Veracruz, Mexico through household sampling, administration of a questionnaire and collection of blood samples. The presence of IgG antibodies was determined and factors associated with seroprevalence were evaluated using a logistic regression model. RESULTS: Total denguevirus seroprevalence was 79.6% (IC95% 76-81). The main factors associated with infection were age and residence in neighborhoods with higher vectorial indices (RMP=2.94, IC95% 1.46-6.1). Overall seroprevalence against leptospira was 4% (IC95% 2-6). Prevalence was higher in the 25 to 44 years age group (35%, IC95% 15-59). Seroprevalence in individuals who referred to living with dogs, pigs, cows and rats was 25% (IC95% 0.63-80). Eighty-five percent of individuals who were leptospira positive were also dengue positive. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of denguevirus antibodies suggests the risk of serious dengue hemorrhagic outbreaks. Although leptospirosis prevalence was low, the coexistence of both agents was confirmed.

Keywords : dengue; leptospira; antibodies; prevalence; Mexico.