Autochthonous Transmission ofTrypanosoma cruzi, Louisiana

Abstract

Autochthonous transmission of the Chagas disease parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi, was detected in a patient in rural New Orleans, Louisiana. The patient had positive test results from 2 serologic tests and hemoculture. Fifty-six percent of 18 Triatoma sanguisuga collected from the house of the patient were positive for T. cruzi by PCR.

The potential for emergence of Chagas disease in the United States

“…In the United States, triatomines have been found in proximity to humans, indicating an opportunity for the emergence of Chagas disease. There have only been six autochthonous (locally acquired) cases diagnosed in the United States since 1955 (Woody and Woody, 1955;Anonymous, 1956;Betz et al, 1984;Schiffler et al, 1984;Navin et al, 1985;Ochs et al, 1996;Herwaldt et al, 2000;Dorn et al, 2007). However, given the increase in the domestic presence of the vector in close proximity to humans, the possibility of future temperature increases, and changing habitation to areas within the vector's range, the potential exists for the disease to become established in the United States.…”

“…The triatomine's activity level is affected by temperature, and physicians are often the first to diagnose and respond to an emerging disease threat. Additionally, the literature indicates that cases beyond the six recorded so far are likely to have gone undiagnosed, indicating a need to evaluate physician awareness (Kirchhoff et al, 1987;Kirchhoff, 1993;Holbert et al, 1995;Leiby et al, 2000Leiby et al, , 2002Zayas et al, 2001;Kirchhoff et al, 2006;Dorn et al, 2007). Through the use of geographical information system (GIS) and survey analyses, this study examines the role that climate conditions (temperature) and disease awareness among physicians can play in the potential emergence of Chagas disease in the United States.…”

Molecular Typing ofTrypanosoma cruziIsolates, United States

“…Autochthonous human infections in the United States have been reported in 6 persons, with the most recent case reported from Louisiana (1). In addition, the parasite is euryxenous; it is able to infect a broad range of hosts, including domestic dogs, woodrats, raccoons, opossums, armadillos, and nonhuman primates.…”

A Paratransgenic Strategy for the Control of Chagas Disease

“…Although T. cruzi-infected vectors and animals are found in many parts of this country [12], there have only been 5 documented cases of autochthonous (indigenous) transmission in the US [13]. Surveys of Reduviid bugs in the American Southwest have shown high rates of T. cruzi infection in T. rubida (Figure 1(e)), T. protracta, T. sanguisuga (Figure 1(d)), and T. gerstaeckeri (Figure 1(b)) [12,[14][15][16]. Species-specific behavior of the north America triatomines may explain why more autochthonous transmission is not observed.…”