The Study of Parasitosis, Biochemical Parameters, and Hematological Parameters Associated with Aging

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Enteric parasites and toxoplasmosis with age

To evaluate the prevalence of enteric parasite infections and their consequences for the health of the elderly of Porto Alegre and other regions of Rio Grande do Sul, Professor Geraldo Attilio De Carli coordinates a project that began in 2009 by the Study Group on Parasitosis and Biochemical and Hematological Parameters Associated with Aging. The research is being developed with people at least 60 years old, residing in Porto Alegre (the capital of Rio Grande do Sul state) and in municipalities of the Metropolitan Region, who have the assistance of the Family Health Strategy. The elderly are interviewed by Community Health Workers about their conditions and life habits, and they provide samples for laboratory tests. To prevent parasitic infections – the main study objective – it is necessary to identify the source and the mode of infection, which may differ according to the geographic area and the seasonal periods. The investigations will continue and will include German and Italian descendants in RS to identify particular situations.

Another research project underway is titled Serological Diagnostics and Toxoplasmosis in the Elderly Cared for by the Family Health Strategy of the Municipality of Porto Alegre. The lack of scientific studies related to infections caused by Toxoplasma gondii among the elderly of RS has piqued the interest of researchers with regard to the instructions given to this population concerning the risks of the disease. If the elderly do not belong to geriatric monitoring programs, they are unaware of the natural infection mechanisms, including dirty hands due to contact with cats or their feces, among other forms.

Within the Institute of Geriatrics and Gerontology of PUCRS, professors, doctoral candidates Paula Engroff and Luísa Scheer Ely, and undergraduate students participate in the studies.