No abstract

No abstract

Chagas disease is a neglected chronic condition that presents high morbidity and mortality burden, with considerable psychological, social, and economic impact. The disease represents a significant public health issue in Brazil, with different regional patterns. This document presents the evidence that resulted in the Brazilian Consensus on Chagas Disease. The objective was to review and standardize strategies for diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and control of Chagas disease in the country, based on the available scientific evidence. The consensus is based on collaboration and contribution of renowned Brazilian experts with vast knowledge and experience on various aspects of the disease. It is the result of close collaboration between the Brazilian Society of Tropical Medicine and the Ministry of Health. This document shall strengthen the development of integrated control measures against Chagas disease in the country, focusing on epidemiology, management, comprehensive care (including families and communities), communication, information, education, and research.

No abstract

The clinical characteristics of acute and chronic Chagas' disease in central Brazil are described (29 acute cases and 111 chronic cases). The geographical distribution of Trypanosoma cruzi zymodemes in this region was mapped. Zymodeme (Z) 1 was identified in 12 acute cases, Z2 in 13 and repeated xenodiagnosis gave the same zymodeme identification. The clinical pictures of the Z1 and Z2 acute phases were similar. Resistance to benznidazole treatment occurred after either Z1 or Z2 acute infections. Only 14 positive xenodiagnosis were obtained from the 111 chronic phase patients examined. For 12 of these 14 patients the zymodeme was identified. All 12 carried Z2, 10 of whom had mega involvement. There were several possible explanations for the failure to detect T. cruzi Z1 in chronic Chagas' disease with mega syndromes: suggestions were made for follow-up investigations.