Cardiac morbidity due to Chagas' disease in a rural community in Bolivia.

The prevalence of cardiac morbidity due to Chagas' disease was assessed in a rural community in Central Bolivia. Sixty-nine of 104 persons (66%) were seropositive to Trypanosoma cruzi by two serological methods. Two of 35 (6%) seronegative individuals presented with modest ECG alterations (left anterior hemiblock), but 21 of 69 (30%) seropositives showed modest and severe abnormalities (6 complete right bundle branch block, 2 polyfocal or frequent extrasystoles, 9 ischaemic ST alterations). A high percentage (56%) of domiciliary Triatoma infestans was infected with T. cruzi. There was a significant association between seropositivity and substandard housing. Priority preventive measures should thus include house improvement (to reduce bug infestation) and health education.