1
|
Llovera A, Abras A, Fernández-Arévalo A, Ballart C, Heras S, Muñoz C, Gállego M. Genetic Diversity of Trypanosoma cruzi in the United States of America: The Least Endemic Country for Chagas Disease. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:901. [PMID: 39063654 PMCID: PMC11278504 DOI: 10.3390/life14070901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease (CD), caused by Trypanosoma cruzi and endemic in Latin America, has become an emergent health problem in non-endemic countries due to human migration. The United States (US) is the non-Latin American country with the highest CD burden and cannot be considered as non-endemic, since triatomine vectors and reservoir animals have been found. Populations of T. cruzi are divided into genetic subdivisions, which are known as discrete typing units (DTUs): TcI to TcVI and TcBat. Autochthonous human T. cruzi infection in the US is sporadic, but it may change due to environmental factors affecting the geographic distribution of triatomines. We aimed to perform a literature review of the genetic diversity of T. cruzi in triatomine vectors and mammalian hosts, including human cases, in the US. The 34 analyzed studies revealed the presence of T. cruzi in 18 states, which was mainly concentrated in Texas, Louisiana and New Mexico. TcI and TcIV were the principal DTUs identified, being TcI the most genotyped (42.4%; 917/2164). This study represents a first attempt to compile the molecular epidemiology of T. cruzi in the US, which is fundamental for predicting the progression of the infection in the country and could be of great help in its future management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Alba Abras
- Laboratori d’Ictiologia Genètica, Departament de Biologia, Universitat de Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain;
| | - Anna Fernández-Arévalo
- Secció de Parasitologia, Departament de Biologia, Sanitat i Medi Ambient, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l’Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (A.F.-A.); (C.B.); (M.G.)
| | - Cristina Ballart
- Secció de Parasitologia, Departament de Biologia, Sanitat i Medi Ambient, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l’Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (A.F.-A.); (C.B.); (M.G.)
- Institut de Salut Global de Barcelona (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sandra Heras
- Laboratori d’Ictiologia Genètica, Departament de Biologia, Universitat de Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain;
| | - Carmen Muñoz
- Servei de Microbiologia, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, 08025 Barcelona, Spain;
- Institut de Recerca Biomèdica Sant Pau, 08041 Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Genètica i Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Montserrat Gállego
- Secció de Parasitologia, Departament de Biologia, Sanitat i Medi Ambient, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l’Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (A.F.-A.); (C.B.); (M.G.)
- Institut de Salut Global de Barcelona (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- CIBERINFEC (Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sereno D, Oury B, Grijalva MJ. Chagas Disease across the Ages: A Historical View and Commentary on Navigating Future Challenges. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1153. [PMID: 38930535 PMCID: PMC11205636 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12061153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease, discovered over a century ago, continues to pose a global health challenge, affecting millions mainly in Latin America. This historical review with commentary outlines the disease's discovery, its evolution into a global concern due to migration, and highlights significant advances in diagnostics and treatment strategies. Despite these advancements, the paper discusses ongoing challenges in eradication, including vector control, congenital transmission, the disease's asymptomatic nature, and socioeconomic barriers to effective management. It calls for a multidisciplinary approach, enhanced diagnostics, improved treatment accessibility, and sustained vector control efforts. The review emphasizes the importance of global collaboration and increased funding to reduce Chagas disease's impact.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Denis Sereno
- INTERTRYP, University Montpellier, Centre International de Recherche en Agronomie (CIRAD), Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), GloInsect: Global Infectiology and Entomology Research Group, 34032 Montpellier, France;
| | - Bruno Oury
- INTERTRYP, University Montpellier, Centre International de Recherche en Agronomie (CIRAD), Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), GloInsect: Global Infectiology and Entomology Research Group, 34032 Montpellier, France;
| | - Mario J. Grijalva
- Infectious and Tropical Disease Institute, Biomedical Sciences Department, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Athens, OH 45701, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Martins GL, Ferreira DS, Carneiro CM, Nogueira-Paiva NC, Bianchi AGC. Trajectory-driven computational analysis for element characterization in Trypanosoma cruzi video microscopy. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0304716. [PMID: 38829872 PMCID: PMC11146708 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Optical microscopy videos enable experts to analyze the motion of several biological elements. Particularly in blood samples infected with Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi), microscopy videos reveal a dynamic scenario where the parasites' motions are conspicuous. While parasites have self-motion, cells are inert and may assume some displacement under dynamic events, such as fluids and microscope focus adjustments. This paper analyzes the trajectory of T. cruzi and blood cells to discriminate between these elements by identifying the following motion patterns: collateral, fluctuating, and pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ). We consider two approaches: i) classification experiments for discrimination between parasites and cells; and ii) clustering experiments to identify the cell motion. We propose the trajectory step dispersion (TSD) descriptor based on standard deviation to characterize these elements, outperforming state-of-the-art descriptors. Our results confirm motion is valuable in discriminating T. cruzi of the cells. Since the parasites perform the collateral motion, their trajectory steps tend to randomness. The cells may assume fluctuating motion following a homogeneous and directional path or PTZ motion with trajectory steps in a restricted area. Thus, our findings may contribute to developing new computational tools focused on trajectory analysis, which can advance the study and medical diagnosis of Chagas disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Geovani L. Martins
- Postgraduate Program in Computer Science, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, MG, Brazil
- Department of Computing, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, MG, Brazil
| | - Daniel S. Ferreira
- Department of Computing, Federal Institute of Education, Science, and Technology of Ceará, Maracanaú, CE, Brazil
| | - Claudia M. Carneiro
- Nucleus of Biological Sciences Research, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, MG, Brazil
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, MG, Brazil
| | - Nivia C. Nogueira-Paiva
- Nucleus of Biological Sciences Research, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, MG, Brazil
| | - Andrea G. C. Bianchi
- Postgraduate Program in Computer Science, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, MG, Brazil
- Department of Computing, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, MG, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Oberlin AM, Wylie BJ. Vector-borne disease, climate change and perinatal health. Semin Perinatol 2023; 47:151841. [PMID: 37852894 DOI: 10.1016/j.semperi.2023.151841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) are caused by infectious pathogens that spread from an infected human or animal reservoir to an uninfected human via a vector (mosquito, tick, rodent, others) and remain an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Pregnant individuals and their fetuses are especially at risk, as certain pathogens, such as Zika virus, have specific implications in pregnancy and for neonatal health. Global climate change is affecting the incidence and geographic spread of many VBDs. Thus, it is important for clinicians in the fields of obstetrics/gynecology and newborn medicine, regardless of geographic location, to familiarize themselves with a basic understanding of these conditions and how climate change is altering their distributions. In this chapter, we review the incidence, clinical presentation, implications during pregnancy and intersection with climate change for four of the most important VBDs in pregnancy: malaria, Zika, dengue and Chagas disease. Although not exhaustive of all VBDs, a more extensive table is included for reference, and our discussion provides a helpful framework for understanding other vector-borne pathogens and perinatal health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Austin M Oberlin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Blair J Wylie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States; Founding Director, The Collaborative for Women's Environmental Health at Columbia University, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Silberstein E, Chung CC, Debrabant A. The transcriptome landscape of 3D-cultured placental trophoblasts reveals activation of TLR2 and TLR3/7 in response to low Trypanosoma cruzi parasite exposure. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1256385. [PMID: 37799608 PMCID: PMC10548471 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1256385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Vertical transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi) become a globalized health problem accounting for 22% of new cases of Chagas disease (CD). Congenital infection is now considered the main route of CD spread in non-endemic countries where no routine disease testing of pregnant women is implemented. The main mechanisms that lead to fetal infection by T. cruzi remain poorly understood. Mother-to-child transmission may occur when bloodstream trypomastigotes interact with the syncytiotrophoblasts (SYNs) that cover the placenta chorionic villi. These highly specialized cells function as a physical barrier and modulate immune responses against pathogen infections. To model the human placenta environment, we have previously used a three-dimensional (3D) cell culture system of SYNs that exhibits differentiation characteristics comparable to placental trophoblasts. Further, we have shown that 3D-grown SYNs are highly resistant to T. cruzi infection. In this work, we used RNA sequencing and whole transcriptome analysis to explore the immunological signatures that drive SYNs' infection control. We found that the largest category of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) are associated with inflammation and innate immunity functions. Quantitative RT-PCR evaluation of selected DEGs, together with detection of cytokines and chemokines in SYNs culture supernatants, confirmed the transcriptome data. Several genes implicated in the Toll-like receptors signaling pathways were upregulated in 3D-grown SYNs. In fact, TLR2 blockade and TLR3/7 knockdown stimulated T. cruzi growth, suggesting that these molecules play a significant role in the host cell response to infection. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis of DEGs predicted the activation of canonical pathways such as S100 protein family, pathogen induced cytokine storm, wound healing, HIF1α signaling and phagosome formation after T. cruzi exposure. Our findings indicate that SYNs resist infection by eliciting a constitutive pro-inflammatory response and modulating multiple defense mechanisms that interfere with the parasite's intracellular life cycle, contributing to parasite killing and infection control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erica Silberstein
- Laboratory of Emerging Pathogens, Office of Blood Research and Review, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Charles C. Chung
- High-performance Integrated Virtual Environment Team, Office of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Alain Debrabant
- Laboratory of Emerging Pathogens, Office of Blood Research and Review, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Kiehl WM, Hodo CL, Hamer GL, Hamer SA, Wilkerson GK. Exclusion of Horizontal and Vertical Transmission as Major Sources of Trypanosoma Cruzi Infections in a Breeding Colony of Rhesus Macaques ( Macaca Mulatta). Comp Med 2023; 73:229-241. [PMID: 37268411 PMCID: PMC10290485 DOI: 10.30802/aalas-cm-23-000005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The vector-borne protozoal parasite Trypanosoma cruzi causes Chagas disease in humans and animals. This parasite is endemic to the southern United States where outdoor-housed NHP at biomedical facilities are at risk of infection. In addi- tion to the direct morbidity caused by T. cruzi, infected animals are of limited biomedical research use because infections can produce confounding pathophysiologic changes even in animals with no clinical disease. In part due to concerns for direct T. cruzi transmission between animals, infected NHP at some institutions have been culled, removed, or otherwise isolated from uninfected animal populations. However, data that document horizontal or vertical transmission in captive NHP in the United States are not available. To evaluate the potential for inter-animal transmission and to identify environmental factors that affect the distribution of new infections in NHPs, we conducted a retrospective epidemiologic study of a rhesus macaque ( Macaca mulatta ) breeding colony in south Texas. We used archived biologic samples and husbandry records to identify the time and location of macaque seroconversion. These data were used to perform a spatial analysis of how geographic location and animal associations affected the spread of disease and to infer the importance of horizontal or vertical routes of transmission. The majority of T. cruzi infections were spatially clustered, suggesting that environmental factors promoted vector exposure in various areas of the facility. Although we cannot not rule out horizontal transmission, our data suggest that horizontal transmission was not a critical route for spread for the disease. Vertical transmission was not a contributing factor in this colony. In conclusion, our findings suggest that local triatome vectors were the major source of T. cruzi infections in captive macaques in our colony. Therefore, limiting contact with vectors, rather than segregation of infected macaques, is a key strategy for disease prevention at institutions that house macaques outdoors in the southern United States.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Whitney M Kiehl
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Carolyn L Hodo
- MD Anderson Cancer Center, Michale E Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, Bastrop, Texas; Departments of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences
| | | | | | - Gregory K Wilkerson
- MD Anderson Cancer Center, Michale E Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, Bastrop, Texas; Department of Clinal Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina;,
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Chancey RJ, Edwards MS, Montgomery SP. Congenital Chagas Disease. Pediatr Rev 2023; 44:213-221. [PMID: 37002357 PMCID: PMC10313159 DOI: 10.1542/pir.2022-005857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca J Chancey
- Parasitic Diseases Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | | | - Susan P Montgomery
- Parasitic Diseases Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Abstract
Chagas disease, which is caused by infection with the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is a leading neglected tropical disease in the United States. An estimated 240 000 to 350 000 persons in the United States are infected, primarily immigrants from Mexico, Central America, and South America, where the disease is endemic. The parasite is transmitted by the triatomine bug but can also be passed through blood transfusion, via organ transplant, or congenitally. Approximately 30% of infected persons later develop cardiac and/or gastrointestinal complications. Health care providers should consider screening at-risk patients with serologic testing. Early diagnosis and treatment with benznidazole or nifurtimox can help prevent complications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natasha S Hochberg
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston University School of Public Health, and Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts (N.S.H.)
| | - Susan P Montgomery
- Parasitic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia (S.P.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Wirth M, Gálvez RI, Jochum J, Strauss R, Kristensen K, Stich A, Stegemann M, Stahl P, Puchner KP, Strasen J, Parisi S, Braasch T, Bender M, Hörning A, Hanke M, Störk S, Jacobs T, Pritsch M, Zoller T. Knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, and serological status related to Chagas disease among Latin American migrants in Germany: A cross-sectional study in six German cities. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 12:1047281. [PMID: 36760233 PMCID: PMC9905718 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.1047281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Little is known about knowledge, attitudes and behaviors concerning Chagas disease (CD) among Latin American migrants in Germany to inform public health decision making. Methods A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted between March 2014 and October 2019 among Latin American migrants in six cities in Germany to obtain information on migration history, socioeconomic and insurance status, knowledge about CD, potential risk factors for Trypanosoma cruzi infection, and willingness to donate blood or organs. Results 168 participants completed the questionnaire. The four countries with the highest proportion of participants contributing to the study population were Colombia, Mexico, Peru and Ecuador. Before migrating to Europe, the majority of the study population resided in an urban setting in houses made of stone or concrete, had higher academic education and was integrated into the German healthcare and healthcare insurance system. The majority of all study participants were also willing to donate blood and organs and a quarter of them had donated blood previously. However, many participants lacked basic knowledge about symptoms and modes of transmission of Chagas disease. One out of 56 serologic tests (1.8%) performed was positive. The seropositive female participant born in Argentina had a negative PCR test and no signs of cardiac or other organ involvement. Conclusions The study population does not reflect the population structure at risk for T. cruzi infection in endemic countries. Most participants had a low risk profile for infection with T. cruzi. Although the sample size was small and sampling was not representative of all persons at risk in Germany, the seroprevalence found was similar to studies previously conducted in Europe. As no systematic screening for T. cruzi in Latin American blood and organ donors as well as in women of child-bearing age of Latin American origin is implemented in Germany, a risk of occasional transmission of T. cruzi remains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Margit Wirth
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Missioklinik, Klinikum Würzburg Mitte, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Rosa Isela Gálvez
- Protozoa Immunology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Johannes Jochum
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany,I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ricardo Strauss
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Department, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kaja Kristensen
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Department, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany,Faculty of Life Sciences, Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, Hamburg, Germany
| | - August Stich
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Missioklinik, Klinikum Würzburg Mitte, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Miriam Stegemann
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany,Department of Infectious Diseases and Respiratory Medicine, Charité – Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Philipp Stahl
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Gießen and Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Karl Philipp Puchner
- Laboratory of Primary Health Care, General Medicine and Health Services Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Jörn Strasen
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Missioklinik, Klinikum Würzburg Mitte, Würzburg, Germany,Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sandra Parisi
- Department of General Practice, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Trixi Braasch
- Department of Internal Medicine, Bundeswehr Hospital Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marion Bender
- Medical Department of the worldwide air ambulance Unicair GmbH, Idstein, Germany,Department of Occupational Medicine, B.A.D, Health Center, Koblenz, Germany
| | - Anna Hörning
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Monika Hanke
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany,Department of Clinical Research & Epidemiology, Comprehensive Heart Failure Center, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Störk
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany,Department of Clinical Research & Epidemiology, Comprehensive Heart Failure Center, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Jacobs
- Protozoa Immunology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Michael Pritsch
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Zoller
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany,Department of Infectious Diseases and Respiratory Medicine, Charité – Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany,*Correspondence: Thomas Zoller,
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Irish A, Whitman JD, Clark EH, Marcus R, Bern C. Updated Estimates and Mapping for Prevalence of Chagas Disease among Adults, United States. Emerg Infect Dis 2022; 28:1313-1320. [PMID: 35731040 PMCID: PMC9239882 DOI: 10.3201/eid2807.212221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Geographic scale estimates of disease in older Latin America–born US residents may be useful for prevention and early recognition of chronic sequelae. We combined American Community Survey data with age-specific Trypanosoma cruzi prevalence derived from US surveys and World Health Organization reports to yield estimates of Chagas disease in the United States, which we mapped at the local level. In addition, we used blood donor data to estimate the relative prevalence of autochthonous T. cruzi infection. Our estimates indicate that 288,000 infected persons, including 57,000 Chagas cardiomyopathy patients and 43,000 infected reproductive-age women, currently live in the United States; 22–108 congenital infections occur annually. We estimated ≈10,000 prevalent cases of locally acquired T. cruzi infection. Mapping shows marked geographic heterogeneity of T. cruzi prevalence and illness. Reliable demographic and geographic data are key to guiding prevention and management of Chagas disease. Population-based surveys in high prevalence areas could improve the evidence base for future estimates. Knowledge of the demographics and geographic distribution of affected persons may aid practitioners in recognizing Chagas disease.
Collapse
|
11
|
Family cluster of Chagas disease among Bolivian immigrants in Italy: High rate of materno-fetal transmission. Travel Med Infect Dis 2022; 49:102370. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2022.102370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
12
|
Forsyth CJ, Manne-Goehler J, Bern C, Whitman J, Hochberg NS, Edwards M, Marcus R, Beatty NL, Castro-Sesquen YE, Coyle C, Stigler Granados P, Hamer D, Maguire JH, Gilman RH, Meymandi S. Recommendations for Screening and Diagnosis of Chagas Disease in the United States. J Infect Dis 2022; 225:1601-1610. [PMID: 34623435 PMCID: PMC9071346 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiab513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chagas disease affects an estimated 326 000-347 000 people in the United States and is severely underdiagnosed. Lack of awareness and clarity regarding screening and diagnosis is a key barrier. This article provides straightforward recommendations, with the goal of simplifying identification and testing of people at risk for US healthcare providers. METHODS A multidisciplinary working group of clinicians and researchers with expertise in Chagas disease agreed on 6 main questions, and developed recommendations based on the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology, after reviewing the relevant literature on Chagas disease in the United States. RESULTS Individuals who were born or resided for prolonged time periods in endemic countries of Mexico and Central and South America should be tested for Trypanosoma cruzi infection, and family members of people who test positive should be screened. Women of childbearing age with risk factors and infants born to seropositive mothers deserve special consideration due to the risk of vertical transmission. Diagnostic testing for chronic T. cruzi infection should be conducted using 2 distinct assays. CONCLUSIONS Increasing provider-directed screening for T. cruzi infection is key to addressing this neglected public health challenge in the United States.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Colin J Forsyth
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jennifer Manne-Goehler
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Caryn Bern
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jeffrey Whitman
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Natasha S Hochberg
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachussetts, USA
| | - Morven Edwards
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Rachel Marcus
- Medstar Union Memorial Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
- Latin American Society of Chagas, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Norman L Beatty
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Yagahira E Castro-Sesquen
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Christina Coyle
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Jacobi Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
| | | | - Davidson Hamer
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - James H Maguire
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Robert H Gilman
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Sheba Meymandi
- Center of Excellence for Chagas Disease, Olive View-University of California, Los Angeles Medical Center, Sylmar, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Worldwide Control and Management of Chagas Disease in a New Era of Globalization: a Close Look at Congenital Trypanosoma cruzi Infection. Clin Microbiol Rev 2022; 35:e0015221. [PMID: 35239422 PMCID: PMC9020358 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00152-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Population movements have turned Chagas disease (CD) into a global public health problem. Despite the successful implementation of subregional initiatives to control vectorial and transfusional Trypanosoma cruzi transmission in Latin American settings where the disease is endemic, congenital CD (cCD) remains a significant challenge. In countries where the disease is not endemic, vertical transmission plays a key role in CD expansion and is the main focus of its control. Although several health organizations provide general protocols for cCD control, its management in each geopolitical region depends on local authorities, which has resulted in a multitude of approaches. The aims of this review are to (i) describe the current global situation in CD management, with emphasis on congenital infection, and (ii) summarize the spectrum of available strategies, both official and unofficial, for cCD prevention and control in countries of endemicity and nonendemicity. From an economic point of view, the early detection and treatment of cCD are cost-effective. However, in countries where the disease is not endemic, national health policies for cCD control are nonexistent, and official regional protocols are scarce and restricted to Europe. Countries of endemicity have more protocols in place, but the implementation of diagnostic methods is hampered by economic constraints. Moreover, most protocols in both countries where the disease is endemic and those where it is not endemic have yet to incorporate recently developed technologies. The wide methodological diversity in cCD diagnostic algorithms reflects the lack of a consensus. This review may represent a first step toward the development of a common strategy, which will require the collaboration of health organizations, governments, and experts in the field.
Collapse
|
14
|
Handel AS, Hellman H, Flores E, Beneri C. Seroprevalence of Chagas Disease Among Latin American Children Living in New York. Glob Pediatr Health 2022; 9:2333794X211070433. [PMID: 35024384 PMCID: PMC8744154 DOI: 10.1177/2333794x211070433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Edgar Flores
- Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Hartford, CT, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Echeverría LE, Gómez-Ochoa SA, Rojas LZ, García-Rueda KA, López-Aldana P, Muka T, Morillo CA. Cardiovascular Biomarkers and Diastolic Dysfunction in Patients With Chronic Chagas Cardiomyopathy. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:751415. [PMID: 34912860 PMCID: PMC8666535 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.751415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Chronic Chagas Cardiomyopathy is a unique form of cardiomyopathy, with a significantly higher mortality risk than other heart failure etiologies. Diastolic dysfunction (DD) plays an important role in the prognosis of CCM; however, the value of serum biomarkers in identifying and stratifying DD has been poorly studied in this context. We aimed to analyze the correlation of six biochemical markers with diastolic function echocardiographic markers and DD diagnosis in patients with CCM. Methods: Cross-sectional study of 100 adults with different stages of CCM. Serum concentrations of amino-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), galectin-3 (Gal-3), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), high-sensitivity troponin T (hs-cTnT), soluble (sST2), and cystatin-C (Cys-c) were measured. Tissue Doppler imaging was used to measure echocardiographic parameters indicating DD. Multivariate logistic regression models adjusted by age, sex, BMI, and NYHA classification were used to evaluate the association between the biomarkers and DD. Results: From the total patients included (55% male with a median age of 62 years), 38% had a preserved LVEF, but only 14% had a normal global longitudinal strain. Moreover, 64% had a diagnosis of diastolic dysfunction, with most of the patients showing a restrictive pattern (n = 28). The median levels of all biomarkers (except for sST2) were significantly higher in the group of patients with DD. Higher levels of natural log-transformed NTproBNP (per 1-unit increase, OR = 3.41, p < 0.001), Hs-cTnT (per 1-unit increase, OR = 3.24, p = 0.001), NGAL (per 1-unit increase, OR = 5.24, p =0.003), and Cys-C (per 1-unit increase, OR = 22.26, p = 0.008) were associated with increased odds of having diastolic dysfunction in the multivariate analyses. Finally, NT-proBNP had the highest AUC value (88.54) for discriminating DD presence. Conclusion: Cardiovascular biomarkers represent valuable tools for diastolic dysfunction assessment in the context of CCM. Additional studies focusing mainly on patients with HFpEF are required to validate the performance of these cardiovascular biomarkers in CCM, allowing for an optimal assessment of this unique population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luis E Echeverría
- Heart Failure and Heart Transplant Clinic, Fundación Cardiovascular de Colombia, Floridablanca, Colombia
| | | | - Lyda Z Rojas
- Research Group and Development of Nursing Knowledge (GIDCEN-FCV), Research Center, Cardiovascular Foundation of Colombia, Floridablanca, Colombia
| | | | - Pedro López-Aldana
- Heart Failure and Heart Transplant Clinic, Fundación Cardiovascular de Colombia, Floridablanca, Colombia
| | - Taulant Muka
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Carlos A Morillo
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Livingston EG, Duggal R, Dotters-Katz S. Screening for Chagas Disease during Pregnancy in the United States-A Literature Review. Trop Med Infect Dis 2021; 6:tropicalmed6040202. [PMID: 34941658 PMCID: PMC8704518 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed6040202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Obstetrician-gynecologists in the United States have little clinical experience with the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of Chagas disease. The number of US parturients born in Central and South America has continued to increase over the last 20 years, making US obstetricians more and more likely to care for Chagas-infected mothers who may never be identified until dealing with long-term consequences of the disease. A literature search demonstrates that few US obstetric care providers recognize the risk of vertical transmission for the neonate and the missed opportunity of infant treatment to decrease disease prevalence. Most women will be asymptomatic during pregnancy, as will their neonates, making routine laboratory screening a necessity for the identification of at-risk neonates. While the benefits of treating asymptomatic women identified in pregnancy are not as clear as the benefits for the infants, future health screenings for evidence of the progression of Chagas disease may be beneficial to these families. The literature suggests that screening for Chagas in pregnancy in the US can be done in a cost-effective way. When viewed through an equity lens, this condition disproportionately affects families of lower socioeconomic means. Improved education of healthcare providers and appropriate resources for diagnosis and treatment can improve this disparity in health outcomes.
Collapse
|
17
|
Berto CG, Coyle CM, Friedman L, Walker PF. Where was my patient born? The Intersection of tropical medicine and migrant health. Curr Opin Infect Dis 2021; 34:447-454. [PMID: 34267044 DOI: 10.1097/qco.0000000000000773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW There is unprecedented movement of people across international borders and parasitic infections, previously restricted to endemic regions, are now encountered in nonendemic areas of the world. RECENT FINDINGS Migrants may import parasitic infections acquired in their countries of origin. Increasingly, clinicians in nonendemic regions are faced with patients with neglected diseases such as Chagas disease, malaria and strongyloidiasis. There are gaps in knowledge among physicians in nonendemic regions, which lead to missed opportunities for preventive strategies and early treatment. Both primary care and infectious disease physicians should have a broad knowledge of common parasitic infections to improve health outcomes and decrease healthcare disparities through early identification and treatment of disease encountered in migrants. SUMMARY Migrant health is still a young field in medicine; clinicians should be aware of diseases seen in migrants, and access both educational and clinical resources, including experts in tropical medicine, in order to reduce health disparities among migrants. Collaboration between primary care and infectious disease/tropical medicine experts should be strengthened.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cesar G Berto
- Department of Medicine, NYC Health and Hospitals/Jacobi, Albert Einstein College of Medicine
| | - Christina M Coyle
- Department of Medicine, NYC Health and Hospitals/Jacobi, Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Division of Infectious Disease, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | | | - Patricia F Walker
- Department of Medicine, Global Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
- Health Partners Institute, Bloomington
- HealthPartners Travel and Tropical Medicine Center, St Paul, Minnesota, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Edwards MS, Montgomery SP. Congenital Chagas disease: progress toward implementation of pregnancy-based screening. Curr Opin Infect Dis 2021; 34:538-545. [PMID: 34292173 PMCID: PMC10203783 DOI: 10.1097/qco.0000000000000769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Lack of recognition of congenital Chagas disease in infants of mothers from endemic regions who are living in countries nonendemic for Trypanosoma cruzi infection suggests a high rate of underdiagnosis. Pregnancy is the optimal access point for identifying Chagas disease in at-risk mothers and their infants. In this review, we update progress toward implementation of pregnancy-based screening for congenital Chagas disease in nonendemic settings. RECENT FINDINGS International organizations have updated recommendations for diagnosis, treatment and prevention of congenital Chagas disease. Reports of successful implementation of pregnancy-based screening at some centers provide a model for optimizing diagnosis of congenital Chagas disease. Screening family members of index patients may identify additional T. cruzi-infected persons. Promising tests to augment current diagnostic modalities for maternal and congenital Chagas disease are in development. Universal or risk-based screening would be cost-effective. More healthcare providers are now aware that treatment of congenital Chagas disease is curative and are promoting efforts to make pregnancy-based screening for congenital Chagas disease a standard of care. SUMMARY Ongoing efforts to implement routine pregnancy-based screening for congenital Chagas disease in nonendemic regions will mutually benefit infants, their mothers and family members and can prevent potentially fatal Chagas cardiomyopathy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Morven S. Edwards
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas and
| | - Susan P. Montgomery
- Parasitic Diseases Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Marcus R, Henao-Martínez AF, Nolan M, Livingston E, Klotz SA, Gilman RH, Miranda-Schaeubinger M, Meymandi S. Recognition and screening for Chagas disease in the USA. Ther Adv Infect Dis 2021; 8:20499361211046086. [PMID: 34589212 PMCID: PMC8474340 DOI: 10.1177/20499361211046086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease (CD), caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi,
is a public health concern, mainly among countries in South and Central America.
However, despite the large number of immigrants from endemic countries living in
the USA, awareness of CD is poor in the medical community, and therefore it is
significantly underdiagnosed. To avoid the catastrophic cardiac complications of
CD and to prevent maternal–fetal transmission, widespread educational programs
highlighting the need for diagnosis are urgently needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Marcus
- LASOCHA, MedStar Union Memorial Hospital, Baltimore, MD 21218-2829, USA
| | - Andrés F Henao-Martínez
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Melissa Nolan
- Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Elizabeth Livingston
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Stephen A Klotz
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Robert H Gilman
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Sheba Meymandi
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Abstract
Maternal pathogens can be transmitted to the fetus resulting in congenital infection with sequelae ranging from asymptomatic infection to severe debilitating disease and still birth. The TORCH pneumonic (toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex virus) is used widely, but it provides a limited description of the expanding list of pathogens associated with congenital infection. This article focuses on the evaluation and management of infants with common congenital infections such as cytomegalovirus, and infections that warrant early diagnosis and treatment to prevent serious complications, such as toxoplasmosis, human immunodeficiency virus, and syphilis. Zika virus and Chagas disease remain uncommon.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amaran Moodley
- Department of Pediatrics, Rady Childrens Hospital & University of California San Diego, 3020 Children's Way, MC 5041, San Diego, CA 92123, USA
| | - Kurlen S E Payton
- David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Division of Neonatology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Boulevard, NT Suite 4221, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Edwards MS, Montgomery SP. Chagas Disease: Implementation of Screening to Benefit Mother and Infant. Clin Perinatol 2021; 48:331-342. [PMID: 34030817 PMCID: PMC10186386 DOI: 10.1016/j.clp.2021.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Pregnancy-based screening would identify women with Chagas disease, allowing for treatment of Trypanosoma cruzi-infected women and infants to prevent potentially fatal Chagas cardiomyopathy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Morven S Edwards
- Texas Children's Hospital, Feigin Center, 1102 Bates Avenue, Suite 1120, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Susan P Montgomery
- Parasitic Diseases Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Silberstein E, Kim KS, Acosta D, Debrabant A. Human Placental Trophoblasts Are Resistant to Trypanosoma cruzi Infection in a 3D-Culture Model of the Maternal-Fetal Interface. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:626370. [PMID: 33746919 PMCID: PMC7969514 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.626370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi), the etiological agent of Chagas Disease (CD), is transmitted to humans by infected kissing bugs, blood transfusion, organ transplantation, and from mother-to-child. Congenital transmission is now considered an important route of CD spread in non-endemic countries where no routine testing of pregnant women for the disease is implemented. The main cellular mechanisms that lead to fetal infection by T. cruzi, despite the presence of a placental barrier, remain unclear. Mother-to-child transmission most likely occurs when bloodstream trypomastigotes reach the placental intervillous space and interact with the large cellular surface provided by the syncytioptrophoblasts. These highly specialized cells not only function as a physical obstacle between mother and fetus, but also modulate immune responses against pathogen infections. To overcome the limitations associated with the use of human fetal tissues, we employed a three-dimensional (3D) cell culture model to recreate the human placenta environment. In this system, the trophoblast-derived JEG-3 cell line is co-cultured with human brain microvascular endothelial cells attached to microcarrier beads in a rotating bioreactor. Here, we report that 3D culture of JEG-3/HBMEC spheroids promote JEG-3 cells differentiation revealed by the formation of syncytia and production of β human chorionic gonadotropin and human placental lactogen (hPL). Under these growth conditions, we demonstrate that 3D-grown JEG-3 cells have reduced susceptibility to T. cruzi infection compared to JEG-3 cells grown in conventional tissue culture flasks. We also show that 3D-cultured JEG-3 cells release paracrine factors in the supernatant that prevent T. cruzi infection of non-trophoblastic cell lines. Our in vitro model of T. cruzi vertical transmission may help better understand the molecular processes by which parasites bypass the human placental barrier and could be exploited to evaluate therapeutics to reduce congenital CD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erica Silberstein
- Laboratory of Emerging Pathogens, Office of Blood Research and Review, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Kwang Sik Kim
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - David Acosta
- Laboratory of Emerging Pathogens, Office of Blood Research and Review, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Alain Debrabant
- Laboratory of Emerging Pathogens, Office of Blood Research and Review, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Malhotra S, Masood I, Giglio N, Pruetz JD, Pannaraj PS. Current knowledge of Chagas-related heart disease among pediatric cardiologists in the United States. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2021; 21:116. [PMID: 33653275 PMCID: PMC7921824 DOI: 10.1186/s12872-021-01924-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chagas disease is a pathogenic parasitic infection with approximately 8 million cases worldwide and greater than 300,000 cases in the United States (U.S.). Chagas disease can lead to chronic cardiomyopathy and cardiac complications, with variable cardiac presentations in pediatrics making it difficult to recognize. The purpose of our study is to better understand current knowledge and experience with Chagas related heart disease among pediatric cardiologists in the U.S. Methods We prospectively disseminated a 19-question survey to pediatric cardiologists via 3 pediatric cardiology listservs. The survey included questions about demographics, Chagas disease presentation and experience. Results Of 139 responses, 119 cardiologists treat pediatric patients in the U.S. and were included. Most providers (87%) had not seen a case of Chagas disease in their practice; however, 72% also had never tested for it. The majority of knowledge-based questions about Chagas disease cardiac presentations were answered incorrectly, and 85% of providers expressed discomfort with recognizing cardiac presentations in children. Most respondents selected that they would not include Chagas disease on their differential diagnosis for presentations such as conduction anomalies, myocarditis and/or apical aneurysms, but would be more likely to include it if found in a Latin American immigrant. Of respondents, 87% agreed that they would be likely to attend a Chagas disease-related lecture. Conclusions Pediatric cardiologists in the U.S. have seen very few cases of Chagas disease, albeit most have not sent testing or included it in their differential diagnosis. Most individuals agreed that education on Chagas disease would be worth-while.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sanchi Malhotra
- Division of Infectious Diseases at Children's Hospital Los Angeles, 4650 Sunset Blvd MS #51, Los Angeles, CA, 90027, USA.
| | - Imran Masood
- Division of Cardiology at Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Noberto Giglio
- Epidemiología Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutierrez, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jay D Pruetz
- Division of Cardiology at Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Pia S Pannaraj
- Division of Infectious Diseases at Children's Hospital Los Angeles, 4650 Sunset Blvd MS #51, Los Angeles, CA, 90027, USA.,Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Mahoney West H, Milliren CE, Vragovic O, Köhler JR, Yarrington C. Perceived barriers to Chagas disease screening among a diverse group of prenatal care providers. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0246783. [PMID: 33635887 PMCID: PMC7909700 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0246783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chagas disease is a vector borne infection of poverty endemic to Latin America which affects an estimated 40,000 women of child-bearing age in the United States (US). In the US Chagas disease is concentrated among individuals who have lived in endemic areas. Prenatal diagnosis and treatment are needed to prevent congenital transmission. The objective of this study was to assess perceived barriers to Chagas disease screening among prenatal care providers in Obstetrics/Gynecology and Family Medicine Departments of a tertiary care safety-net hospital caring for a significant at-risk population. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS An anonymous survey was distributed to 178 Obstetrics/Gynecology and Family Medicine practitioners. Of the 66 respondents, 39% thought Chagas screening was very important, and 48% somewhat important as a public health initiative. One third judged screening patients during clinic visits as very important. Most respondents (64%) reported being familiar with Chagas disease. However, only 32% knew how to order a test and only 22% reported knowing what to do if a test was positive. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE These findings will be incorporated into measures to facilitate full implementation of Chagas screening, and can inform initiatives at other centers who wish to address this deeply neglected infection among their patient families. Greater integration of information on Chagas disease screening and treatment in medical and nursing education curricula can contribute to addressing this disease with the focus that its potentially fatal sequelae merit.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helen Mahoney West
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Simmons University School of Nursing, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Carly E. Milliren
- Institutional Centers for Clinical and Translational Research, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Olivera Vragovic
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Julia R. Köhler
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Christina Yarrington
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Zamora LE, Palacio F, Kozlowski DS, Doraivelu K, Dude CM, Jamieson DJ, Haddad LB. Chagas Disease Screening Using Point-of-Care Testing in an At-Risk Obstetric Population. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 104:959-963. [PMID: 33350375 PMCID: PMC7941822 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.20-0517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Congenital transmission is the most important mode of transmission of Chagas disease (CD) in non-endemic countries. Identifying CD in reproductive-aged women is essential to reduce the risk of transmitting the disease to their children and offer treatment to women and their children, which could cure the disease. We evaluated the use of point-of-care (POC) testing for CD in postpartum patients. In our patient population, 16.7% (23/138) tested positive by POC testing, but confirmatory testing was negative for all patients. Among those considered high risk, 30% declined participation. Our results suggest limited utility of the point-of-care test used in our study and identify an opportunity for improvement to broaden diagnostic testing options. Our study also highlights the need to develop strategies to increase subject participation in future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey E Zamora
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Federico Palacio
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Debra S Kozlowski
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Kamini Doraivelu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Carolynn M Dude
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Denise J Jamieson
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Lisa B Haddad
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Affiliation(s)
- Palak Patel
- Palak Patel is an infection preventionist at University of California San Diego Health in San Diego, Calif
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Perez-Zetune V, Bialek SR, Montgomery SP, Stillwaggon E. Congenital Chagas Disease in the United States: The Effect of Commercially Priced Benznidazole on Costs and Benefits of Maternal Screening. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 102:1086-1089. [PMID: 32100696 PMCID: PMC7204569 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.20-0005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, is transmitted by insect vectors, and through transfusions, transplants, insect feces in food, and mother to child during gestation. An estimated 30% of infected persons will develop lifelong, potentially fatal cardiac or digestive complications. Treatment of infants with benznidazole is highly efficacious in eliminating infection. This work evaluates the costs of maternal screening and infant testing and treatment for Chagas disease in the United States, including the cost of commercially available benznidazole. We compare costs of testing and treatment for mothers and infants with the lifetime societal costs without testing and consequent morbidity and mortality due to lack of treatment or late treatment. We constructed a decision-analytic model, using one tree that shows the combined costs for every possible mother–child pairing. Savings per birth in a targeted screening program are $1,314, and with universal screening, $105 per birth. At current screening costs, universal screening results in $420 million in lifetime savings per birth-year cohort. We found that a congenital Chagas screening program in the United States is cost saving for all rates of congenital transmission greater than 0.001% and all levels of maternal prevalence greater than 0.06% compared with no screening program.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephanie R Bialek
- Parasitic Diseases Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Susan P Montgomery
- Parasitic Diseases Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Branco Santos JC, de Melo JA, Maheshwari S, de Medeiros WMTQ, de Freitas Oliveira JW, Moreno CJ, Mario Amzel L, Gabelli SB, Sousa Silva M. Bisphosphonate-Based Molecules as Potential New Antiparasitic Drugs. Molecules 2020; 25:E2602. [PMID: 32503272 PMCID: PMC7321420 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25112602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Neglected tropical diseases such as Chagas disease and leishmaniasis affect millions of people around the world. Both diseases affect various parts of the globe and drugs traditionally used in therapy against these diseases have limitations, especially with regard to low efficacy and high toxicity. In this context, the class of bisphosphonate-based compounds has made significant advances regarding the chemical synthesis process as well as the pharmacological properties attributed to these compounds. Among this spectrum of pharmacological activity, bisphosphonate compounds with antiparasitic activity stand out, especially in the treatment of Chagas disease and leishmaniasis caused by Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania spp., respectively. Some bisphosphonate compounds can inhibit the mevalonate pathway, an essential metabolic pathway, by interfering with the synthesis of ergosterol, a sterol responsible for the growth and viability of these parasites. Therefore, this review aims to present the information about the importance of these compounds as antiparasitic agents and as potential new drugs to treat Chagas disease and leishmaniasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joice Castelo Branco Santos
- Immunoparasitology Laboratory, Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, 59012-570 Natal, Brazil; (J.C.B.S.); (J.A.d.M.); (W.M.T.Q.d.M.); (J.W.d.F.O.); (C.J.M.)
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, 59012-570 Natal, Brazil
| | - Jonathas Alves de Melo
- Immunoparasitology Laboratory, Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, 59012-570 Natal, Brazil; (J.C.B.S.); (J.A.d.M.); (W.M.T.Q.d.M.); (J.W.d.F.O.); (C.J.M.)
- Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry, Biosciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, 59012-570 Natal, Brazil
| | - Sweta Maheshwari
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (S.M.); (L.M.A.)
| | - Wendy Marina Toscano Queiroz de Medeiros
- Immunoparasitology Laboratory, Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, 59012-570 Natal, Brazil; (J.C.B.S.); (J.A.d.M.); (W.M.T.Q.d.M.); (J.W.d.F.O.); (C.J.M.)
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, 59012-570 Natal, Brazil
| | - Johny Wysllas de Freitas Oliveira
- Immunoparasitology Laboratory, Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, 59012-570 Natal, Brazil; (J.C.B.S.); (J.A.d.M.); (W.M.T.Q.d.M.); (J.W.d.F.O.); (C.J.M.)
- Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry, Biosciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, 59012-570 Natal, Brazil
| | - Cláudia Jassica Moreno
- Immunoparasitology Laboratory, Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, 59012-570 Natal, Brazil; (J.C.B.S.); (J.A.d.M.); (W.M.T.Q.d.M.); (J.W.d.F.O.); (C.J.M.)
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, 59012-570 Natal, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry, Biosciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, 59012-570 Natal, Brazil
| | - L. Mario Amzel
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (S.M.); (L.M.A.)
| | - Sandra B. Gabelli
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (S.M.); (L.M.A.)
- Department of Medicine and Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Marcelo Sousa Silva
- Immunoparasitology Laboratory, Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, 59012-570 Natal, Brazil; (J.C.B.S.); (J.A.d.M.); (W.M.T.Q.d.M.); (J.W.d.F.O.); (C.J.M.)
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, 59012-570 Natal, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry, Biosciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, 59012-570 Natal, Brazil
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, New University of Lisbon, 1800-166 Lisbon, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Echeverría LE, Marcus R, Novick G, Sosa-Estani S, Ralston K, Zaidel EJ, Forsyth C, RIbeiro ALP, Mendoza I, Falconi ML, Mitelman J, Morillo CA, Pereiro AC, Pinazo MJ, Salvatella R, Martinez F, Perel P, Liprandi ÁS, Piñeiro DJ, Molina GR. WHF IASC Roadmap on Chagas Disease. Glob Heart 2020; 15:26. [PMID: 32489799 PMCID: PMC7218776 DOI: 10.5334/gh.484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Chagas Disease is a neglected tropical disease caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, with some of the most serious manifestations affecting the cardiovascular system. It is a chronic, stigmatizing condition, closely associated with poverty and affecting close to 6 million people globally. Although historically the disease was limited to endemic areas of Latin America recent years have seen an increasing global spread. In addition to the morbidity and mortality associated with the disease, the social and economic burdens on individuals and society are substantial. Often called the 'silent killer', Chagas disease is characterized by a long, asymptomatic phase in affected individuals. Approximately 30% then go on develop chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy and other serious cardiac complications such as stroke, rhythm disturbances and severe heart failure. Methods In a collaboration of the World Hearth Federation (WHF) and the Inter-American Society of Cardiology (IASC) a writing group consisting of 20 diverse experts on Chagas disease (CD) was convened. The group provided up to date expert knowledge based on their area of expertise. An extensive review of the literature describing obstacles to diagnosis and treatment of CD along with proposed solutions was conducted. A survey was sent to all WHF Members and, using snowball sampling to widen the consultation, to a variety of health care professionals working in the CD global health community. The results were analyzed, open comments were reviewed and consolidated, and the findings were incorporated into this document, thus ensuring a consensus representation. Results The WHF IASC Roadmap on Chagas Disease offers a comprehensive summary of current knowledge on prevention, diagnosis and management of the disease. In providing an analysis of 'roadblocks' in access to comprehensive care for Chagas disease patients, the document serves as a framework from which strategies for implementation such as national plans can be formulated. Several dimensions are considered in the analysis: healthcare system capabilities, governance, financing, community awareness and advocacy. Conclusion The WHF IASC Roadmap proposes strategies and evidence-based solutions for healthcare professionals, health authorities and governments to help overcome the barriers to comprehensive care for Chagas disease patients. This roadmap describes an ideal patient care pathway, and explores the roadblocks along the way, offering potential solutions based on available research and examples in practice. It represents a call to action to decision-makers and health care professionals to step up efforts to eradicate Chagas disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Rachel Marcus
- LASOCHA, Washington DC, US
- Medstar Union Memorial Hospital, Baltimore, MD, US
| | - Gabriel Novick
- Swiss Medical Group, Buenos Aires, AR
- Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA, US
| | - Sergio Sosa-Estani
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative-Latin America, Rio de Janeiro, BR
| | | | - Ezequiel Jose Zaidel
- Sanatorio Güemes, Buenos Aires, AR
- Pharmacology Department, School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, AR
| | - Colin Forsyth
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative-Latin America, Rio de Janeiro, BR
| | - Antonio Luiz P. RIbeiro
- Internal Medicine Department, School of Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, BR
- Hospital das Clínicas, UFMG, Belo Horizonte, BR
| | | | - Mariano Luis Falconi
- Cardiology Division, Italian Hospital of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, AR
- University Institute of the Italian Hospital of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, AR
| | - Jorge Mitelman
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, AR
- School of Medicine, Barcélo University, Buenos Aires, AR
| | - Carlos A. Morillo
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine Division of Cardiology, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, CA
- Southeastern Alberta Region, Alberta Health Services, Foothills Medical Centre, CA
| | | | | | | | - Felipe Martinez
- National University of Cordoba, Cordoba, AR
- DAMIC Institute/Rusculleda Foundation, Cordoba, AR
| | - Pablo Perel
- World Heart Federation, Geneva, CH
- Centre for Global Chronic Conditions, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, GB
| | - Álvaro Sosa Liprandi
- Sanatorio Güemes, Buenos Aires, AR
- Medical School of Cardiology, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, AR
| | | | | |
Collapse
|