Vertical Transmission of Trypanosoma Cruzi in a Non-Endemic Country: Histology of the Infected Placenta

Abstract

Chagas disease, once confined to rural Latin America is an increasing public health concern in non-endemic countries due to population movements. Here we present an unexpected finding of a placenta infected with T. cruzi from a Brazilian woman residing in Ireland. Histology of the placenta showed a lymphocytic chorioamnionitis with multinucleated giant cells (MNGCs) as well as cord vasculitis and funisitis. Amastigotes of trypanosomiasis were found in both cord and membranes. The placenta parenchyma, however, had no villitis or amastigotes and maturation was appropriate for gestation. To date, there have been few reported cases of vertical transmission in non-endemic countries. We discuss the histological findings and review the literature on potential modes of transmission from mother to fetus.

The transcriptome landscape of 3D-cultured placental trophoblasts reveals activation of TLR2 and TLR3/7 in response to low Trypanosoma cruzi parasite exposure

“…Previous studies, based on histological analysis of infected human placentas and placental explants, indicate that T. cruzi induces destruction and detachment of SYNs ( Duaso et al, 2010 ; Keogh et al, 2021 ; Mezzano et al, 2022 ). Other investigators have found parasitic lesions in placental tissues at the marginal zone ( Fernandez-Aguilar et al, 2005 ).…”