RESUMEN
A random survey of 1% of the total population of La Guadeloupe, French West Indies, for toxoplasmosis was carried out. Blood specimens from 3,238 individuals were collected on filter paper strips and tested for Toxoplasma antibodies by the fluorescent antibody technique. Sixty percent were positive. A gradual increase in positivity with increasing age, and high prevalence in children (50% in the 6- to 10-year age group) were observed. No differences were found among the different ethnic groups, nor among persons in different occupations. Economic status showed a highly negative correlation with antibody prevalence rates. The infection rate was not higher in individuals who consumed raw or undercooked meat, and no differences in antibody prevalence related to the sources of meat were observed. The seropositivity rates varied over a wide range (40-76%) according to the locality; higher Toxoplasma antibody rates were found in areas with higher rainfall, and toxoplasmosis prevalence rates correlated positively with mean annual rainfall but not with altitude or with rural or urban residence. A significant difference was observed between seropositivity rates when people living in houses with or without cats were compared. A higher prevalence of hookworm and Strongyloides infections--considered as evidence of closer contact with moist soil--were found in children with Toxoplasma antibodies than in age-adjusted control children without such antibodies. These results provide evidence that meat plays a negligible role in the transmission of Toxoplasma to man, and support the hypothesis that oocysts shed in cat feces are the almost exclusive mode of human infection in Guadeloupe.
Asunto(s)
Anticuerpos/análisis , Toxoplasma/inmunología , Toxoplasmosis/epidemiología , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Animales , Gatos , Niño , Preescolar , Dieta , Economía , Etnicidad , Femenino , Humanos , Lactante , Masculino , Carne , Persona de Mediana Edad , Ocupaciones , Enfermedades Parasitarias/epidemiología , Lluvia , Toxoplasmosis/transmisión , Indias OccidentalesRESUMEN
A survey of intestinal parasitosis was conducted in Martinique by INSERM in 1978. The survey used a stratified sample of 823 households from the general population. The most prevalent parasitosis are: schistosomiasis 19%; ancylostomiasis 18%; trichuriasis 37%; ascaridiasis 7%; strongiloidiasis 3%. 70% of the 5 to 15 age group carries at least 1 parasite. The prevalence of trichuriasis, ascaridiasis and giardiasis is greatest in the 5 to 15 age group, Ancylostomiasis concerns mostly the 15 to 30 age group. Schistosomiasis, was most prevalent in adults over 30 years of age. Prevalence of parasitosis in rural regions is double that of urbanised regions. Schistosomiasis mostly occurs in the north. Ascaridiasis in the north-east. Rainfall and housing status, each influence on the rates of infestation.