Acute chagas disease: new global challenges for an old neglected disease

PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2014 Jul 31;8(7):e3010. doi: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003010. eCollection 2014.

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Chagas Disease / epidemiology*
  • Chagas Disease / immunology
  • Chagas Disease / pathology*
  • Global Health
  • Humans
  • Neglected Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Neglected Diseases / immunology
  • Neglected Diseases / pathology*
  • Recurrence
  • Topography, Medical
  • Trypanosoma cruzi / immunology
  • Trypanosoma cruzi / isolation & purification*

Grants and funding

Authors would like to acknowledge CNPq, INCT, CAPES and FAPEMIG for continuing support of their work. WOD and KJG are CNPq fellows. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.