American trypanosomiasis

Abstract

Endemic throughout Latin America American trypanosomiasis, or Chagas' disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, represents a great burden for many countries with considerable economic impact in terms of disability-adjusted years of life lost. Although implementation of vector control programmes has proved to be successful in reducing Vectorial transmission, several important questions remain unresolved, There is no chemotherapy available for the millions that are chronically infected, and blood transfusion still poses a risk of transmission, in this study we discuss recent findings that may open new possibilities for a better understanding of the mechanisms of Chagas' disease pathogenesis, for improving diagnostic tests and developing more effective and less toxic drugs for the treatment of T. cruzi infection.