Acute Chagas Disease: New Global Challenges for an Old Neglected Disease

Abstract

Chagas disease is caused by infection with the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, and although over 100 years have passed since the discovery of Chagas disease, it still presents an increasing problem for global public health. A plethora of information concerning the chronic phase of human Chagas disease, particularly the severe cardiac form, is available in the literature. However, information concerning events during the acute phase of the disease is scarce. In this review, we will discuss (1) the current status of acute Chagas disease cases globally, (2) the immunological findings related to the acute phase and their possible influence in disease outcome, and (3) reactivation of Chagas disease in immunocompromised individuals, a key point for transplantation and HIV infection management.

Community-Based Entomological Surveillance Reveals Urban Foci of Chagas Disease Vectors in Sobral, State of Ceará, Northeastern Brazil

“…in the Amazon), where some juices have been contaminated with sylvatic triatomine feces containing T . cruzi [5,6,7]. In addition to acute infections, 1.9 to 4.6 million people are estimated to be chronically infected, approximately 1.0 to 2.4% of the Brazilian population, resulting in about 6,000 deaths annually [8].…”

Targeting Monoclonal Antibodies to the Tumor Microenvironment for Cancer Therapy/Immunotherapy

“…The intracellular protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi causes Chagas's disease in humans [1] . About 5 million to 8 million people are infected by T. cruzi around the world [2] .…”

“…The systemic and tissue-localized immune responses induced during the acute infection are not sufficient to eradicate the pathogen, resulting in chronic infection [6] . Approximately 30 to 40% of the infected patients may develop megacolon, heart failure and cardiomegaly during the chronic phase of the disease, even many years after the acute infection [1] . Yet, the majority (about 60 to 70%) of the patients that progresses to the chronic phase of the infection remains clinically healthy [7] .…”

Benznidazole Extended-Release Tablets for Improved Treatment of Chagas Disease: Preclinical Pharmacokinetic Study

“…The acute phase lasts for 2 months with a high parasitemia and may be oligosymptomatic or asymptomatic (9). In the chronic phase, the parasites are hidden in target tissues, especially cardiac tissue and muscles of the digestive system (10).…”

“…In the chronic phase, the parasites are hidden in target tissues, especially cardiac tissue and muscles of the digestive system (10). Chagas disease may be more severe in children Ͻ5 years of age, immunosuppressed patients (mainly with HIV/AIDS), the elderly, and individuals infected with a large number of parasites (9,11).…”