Congenital transmision of trypanosoma cruzi402 none selected samples of cord sera were studied for Chagas disease by the indirect inmunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Positive results were obtained in 11 cases (2,7%). Demonstration of trypomastigotes in the peripheral blood was achieved (by microscopic examination and xenodiagnosis) in two of the eleven newboms submitted to examination.The results suggest that congenital transmission of T. cruzi may ocurre more often than generally accepted. If so, systematic screening for Chagas' disease in newborn infants will prove of great value in detecting suhclinical infections. As shown in this study, early diagnosis and treatment is of essential importance in these cases.

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