Prevention and Control of Chagas Disease – An Overview
A. R. L. Teixeira *
Chagas Disease Multidisciplinary Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasília, Brazil
C. Gomes
Center for Research and Prevention of Neglected Diseases, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Goiás, Brazil
A. C. Rosa
Chagas Disease Multidisciplinary Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasília, Brazil
P. F. Araujo
Chagas Disease Multidisciplinary Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasília, Brazil
C. E. Anunciação
Center for Research and Prevention of Neglected Diseases, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Goiás, Brazil
E. Silveira-Lacerda
Center for Research and Prevention of Neglected Diseases, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Goiás, Brazil
A. B. Almeida
Chagas Disease Multidisciplinary Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasília, Brazil
S. Petrofeza
Center for Research and Prevention of Neglected Diseases, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Goiás, Brazil
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Chagas disease is the main cause of heart failure and sudden death in the Western Hemisphere. The literature of the last decades reported on the changing epidemiological profiles of Chagas disease, which now threats the human population in the cities. The exodus of the Latin America people to the Northern Hemisphere explains the growing concern in countries where the transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi was accidental or transferred from a mother to her offspring. Herein, we present the evidence of the possible acquisition of the T. cruzi infection by sex. The staggering demonstration of the transmission of the T. cruzi infections from males and females to naïve mates by intercourse introduces substantial changes in the surveillance of the Chagas disease. Notably, the sexual transmission of the T. cruzi introduces changes in the concepts of medical care, prevention and control; specifically, the risk for the vertical transfer of the parasite-induced kDNA mutations, underpinning the genetically driven autoimmunity, inheritance, and pathogenesis associated with multifaceted clinical manifestations of Chagas disease with high ratios of morbidity and mortality. In this regard, the endemics require much paradigm research with new approaches and innovation technologies, aiming at its control. For example, the recent knowledge anticipates useful measures for preventing the potential forthcoming pandemic Chagas parasites. A long-lasting multicenter research program is needed for creative, drug discovery for curtailment of Chagas disease. Meanwhile, the prevention shall rely on the education, information, and communication program for health.
Keywords: Trypanosoma cruzi, sexual transmission, pathogenesis, drug development, prevention, education