The Importance of Screening for Chagas Disease Against the Backdrop of Changing Epidemiology in the USA

Abstract

Purpose of Review This review seeks to identify factors contributing to the changing epidemiology of Chagas disease in the United States of America (US). By showcasing screening programs for Chagas disease that currently exist in endemic and non-endemic settings, we make recommendations for expanding access to Chagas disease diagnosis and care in the US. Recent Findings Several factors including but not limited to increasing migration, climate change, rapid population growth, growing urbanization, changing transportation patterns, and rising poverty are thought to contribute to changes in the epidemiology of Chagas disease in the US. Outlined are some examples of successful screening programs for Chagas disease in other countries as well as in some areas of the US, notably those which focus on screening high-risk populations and are linked to affordable and effective treatment options. Summary Given concerns that Chagas disease prevalence and even risk of transmission may be increasing in the US, there is a need for improving detection and treatment of the disease. There are many successful screening programs in place that can be replicated and/or expanded upon in the US. Specifically, we propose integrating Chagas disease into relevant clinical guidelines, particularly in cardiology and obstetrics/gynecology, and using advocacy as a tool to raise awareness of Chagas disease.

Development of Novel Drugs for the Treatment of Chagas Disease

“…Chagas disease is massively under-diagnosed in non-endemic countries of North America and Europe [32]. This highlights this disease as an emergent worldwide public health problem, which is related to the high mobility of immigrant communities [22,33]. Spain is the European country that hosts the most significant number (2,090,695) of Latin American immigrants [34], and it is considered that between Chagas disease prevalence.…”

Alternative Approaches for the Treatment of Chagas Disease

“…The WHO claims that in the seven countries located in the southernmost region of the Americas, illness results in the loss of approximately 20 years of continuous workdays and $ 1 billion due to premature deaths and reduced productivity. Globally, the estimated annual impact of the disease includes 806,170 DALYs (disability‐adjusted life years) and medical costs of $ 627.46 million, with 10 % of this burden affecting countries where the disease is not endemic [13] . Chagas disease has emerged as a worldwide issue due to factors such as increased migration patterns and the presence of specific modes of transmission, enabling it to extend beyond its natural geographic range.…”

“…Globally, the estimated annual impact of the disease includes 806,170 DALYs (disability-adjusted life years) and medical costs of $ 627.46 million, with 10 % of this burden affecting countries where the disease is not endemic. [13] Chagas disease has emerged as a worldwide issue due to factors such as increased migration patterns and the presence of specific modes of transmission, enabling it to extend beyond its natural geographic range. Furthermore, changes in the typical patient profile have occurred due to comorbidities and the ageing process.…”

Synthesis and in vitro biological activity of chalcone derivatives as potential antiparasitic agents

“…Chagas disease (CD), also referred to as American Trypanosomiasis (AT), is a potentially fatal zoonotic disease resulting from infection with the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi). This illness is predominantly observed in Central and South America, and the southern regions of the United States [10,11]. It impacts around 6-8 million individuals globally, leading to roughly 50,000 fatalities annually.…”