SEROEPIDEMIOLOGY OF AMEBIASIS IN MEXICO

The presence of serum antibodies to Entamoeba histolytica was detected by indirect hemagglutination in a representative sample of the 32 fed eral entities of the Mexican Republic. This study was designed to incl ude biologic, geographic, social, economic, and educational variables. The total percentage of positive sera was 8.41%. Seroprevalence varie d with geographic zones, with the South Central, South Pacific, and Yu catan Peninsula areas showing the highest values (greater than or equa l to 9%), and the North, Northeast, and Gulf of Mexico areas showing t he lowest values (less than or equal to 8.0%). Seroprevalence of anti- E. histolytica antibodies seemed to increase from the northern regions to the southern areas of Mexico. These results indicated that amebias is is endemic in the Mexican Republic, with areas of high seroprevalen ce not related to climatic conditions. Exposure to infectious contact with E. histolytica occurred at all ages, with a higher frequency at s chool age.