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Freitas VLTD, Novaes CTG, Sartori AMC, Carvalho NB, Silva SCVD, Nakanishi ÉS, Salvador F, Castro CND, Bezerra RC, Westphalen EVN, Oliveira CMRD, Busser FD, Ho YL, Buccheri R, Bonilla C, Shikanai-Yasuda MA. Quantitative PCR as a marker for preemptive therapy and its role in therapeutic control in Trypanosoma cruzi/HIV coinfection. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0011961. [PMID: 38408095 PMCID: PMC10896531 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trypanosoma cruzi and HIV coinfection can evolve with depression of cellular immunity and increased parasitemia. We applied quantitative PCR (qPCR) as a marker for preemptive antiparasitic treatment to avoid fatal Chagas disease reactivation and analyzed the outcome of treated cases. METHODOLOGY This mixed cross-sectional and longitudinal study included 171 Chagas disease patients, 60 coinfected with HIV. Of these 60 patients, ten showed Chagas disease reactivation, confirmed by parasites identified in the blood, cerebrospinal fluid, or tissues, 12 exhibited high parasitemia without reactivation, and 38 had low parasitemia and no reactivation. RESULTS We showed, for the first time, the success of the timely introduction of benznidazole in the non-reactivated group with high levels of parasitemia detected by qPCR and the absence of parasites in reactivated cases with at least 58 days of benznidazole. All HIV+ patients with or without reactivation had a 4.0-5.1 higher chance of having parasitemia than HIV seronegative cases. A positive correlation was found between parasites and viral loads. Remarkably, treated T. cruzi/HIV-coinfected patients had 77.3% conversion from positive to negative parasitemia compared to 19.1% of untreated patients. Additionally, untreated patients showed ~13.6 times higher Odds Ratio of having positive parasitemia in the follow-up period compared with treated patients. Treated and untreated patients showed no differences regarding the evolution of Chagas disease. The main factors associated with all-cause mortality were higher parasitemia, lower CD4 counts/μL, higher viral load, and absence of antiretroviral therapy. CONCLUSION We recommend qPCR prospective monitoring of T. cruzi parasitemia in HIV+ coinfected patients and point out the value of pre-emptive therapy for those with high parasitemia. In parallel, early antiretroviral therapy introduction is advisable, aiming at viral load control, immune response restoration, and increasing survival. We also suggest an early antiparasitic treatment for all coinfected patients, followed by effectiveness analysis alongside antiretroviral therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Lúcia Teixeira de Freitas
- Departamento de Molestias Infecciosas e Parasitarias, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratorio de Investigacao Medica em Imunologia (LIM 48), Hospital das Clinicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Christina Terra Gallafrio Novaes
- Divisao de Molestias Infecciosas e Parasitarias, Hospital das Clinicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana Marli Christovam Sartori
- Divisao de Molestias Infecciosas e Parasitarias, Hospital das Clinicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Noemia Barbosa Carvalho
- Divisao de Molestias Infecciosas e Parasitarias, Hospital das Clinicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sheila Cristina Vicente da Silva
- Departamento de Molestias Infecciosas e Parasitarias, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratorio de Investigacao Medica em Imunologia (LIM 48), Hospital das Clinicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Érika Shimoda Nakanishi
- Laboratorio de Investigacao Medica em Imunologia (LIM 48), Hospital das Clinicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernando Salvador
- International Health Unit Vall d'Hebron-Drassanes, Infectious Diseases Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cleudson Nery de Castro
- Centre for Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | - Rita Cristina Bezerra
- Laboratorio de Investigacao Medica em Parasitologia (LIM 46), Hospital das Clinicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Caroline Medeji Ramos de Oliveira
- Departamento de Molestias Infecciosas e Parasitarias, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratorio de Investigacao Medica em Imunologia (LIM 48), Hospital das Clinicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Felipe Delatorre Busser
- Departamento de Molestias Infecciosas e Parasitarias, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratorio de Investigacao Medica em Imunologia (LIM 48), Hospital das Clinicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Yeh-Li Ho
- Divisao de Molestias Infecciosas e Parasitarias, Hospital das Clinicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Renata Buccheri
- Instituto de Infectologia Emilio Ribas, São Paulo, Brasil
- Vitalant Research Institute, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Carolina Bonilla
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Aparecida Shikanai-Yasuda
- Departamento de Molestias Infecciosas e Parasitarias, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratorio de Investigacao Medica em Imunologia (LIM 48), Hospital das Clinicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Gomes DC, Medeiros TS, Alves Pereira EL, da Silva JFO, de Freitas Oliveira JW, Fernandes-Pedrosa MDF, de Sousa da Silva M, da Silva-Júnior AA. From Benznidazole to New Drugs: Nanotechnology Contribution in Chagas Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13778. [PMID: 37762080 PMCID: PMC10530915 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease is a neglected tropical disease caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. Benznidazole and nifurtimox are the two approved drugs for their treatment, but both drugs present side effects and efficacy problems, especially in the chronic phase of this disease. Therefore, new molecules have been tested with promising results aiming for strategic targeting action against T. cruzi. Several studies involve in vitro screening, but a considerable number of in vivo studies describe drug bioavailability increment, drug stability, toxicity assessment, and mainly the efficacy of new drugs and formulations. In this context, new drug delivery systems, such as nanotechnology systems, have been developed for these purposes. Some nanocarriers are able to interact with the immune system of the vertebrate host, modulating the immune response to the elimination of pathogenic microorganisms. In this overview of nanotechnology-based delivery strategies for established and new antichagasic agents, different strategies, and limitations of a wide class of nanocarriers are explored, as new perspectives in the treatment and monitoring of Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Cavalcante Gomes
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte-UFRN, Natal 59012-570, Brazil; (D.C.G.); (T.S.M.); (E.L.A.P.); (J.F.O.d.S.); (M.d.F.F.-P.)
| | - Thayse Silva Medeiros
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte-UFRN, Natal 59012-570, Brazil; (D.C.G.); (T.S.M.); (E.L.A.P.); (J.F.O.d.S.); (M.d.F.F.-P.)
| | - Eron Lincoln Alves Pereira
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte-UFRN, Natal 59012-570, Brazil; (D.C.G.); (T.S.M.); (E.L.A.P.); (J.F.O.d.S.); (M.d.F.F.-P.)
| | - João Felipe Oliveira da Silva
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte-UFRN, Natal 59012-570, Brazil; (D.C.G.); (T.S.M.); (E.L.A.P.); (J.F.O.d.S.); (M.d.F.F.-P.)
| | - Johny W. de Freitas Oliveira
- Immunoparasitology Laboratory, Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Centre of Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte-UFRN, Natal 59012-570, Brazil; (J.W.d.F.O.); (M.d.S.d.S.)
| | - Matheus de Freitas Fernandes-Pedrosa
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte-UFRN, Natal 59012-570, Brazil; (D.C.G.); (T.S.M.); (E.L.A.P.); (J.F.O.d.S.); (M.d.F.F.-P.)
| | - Marcelo de Sousa da Silva
- Immunoparasitology Laboratory, Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Centre of Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte-UFRN, Natal 59012-570, Brazil; (J.W.d.F.O.); (M.d.S.d.S.)
| | - Arnóbio Antônio da Silva-Júnior
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte-UFRN, Natal 59012-570, Brazil; (D.C.G.); (T.S.M.); (E.L.A.P.); (J.F.O.d.S.); (M.d.F.F.-P.)
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Mendes FDSNS, Perez-Molina JA, Angheben A, Meymandi SK, Sosa-Estani S, Molina I. Critical analysis of Chagas disease treatment in different countries. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2022; 117:e210034. [PMID: 35830002 PMCID: PMC9273179 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760210034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
As a result of globalization and constant migratory flows, Chagas disease is now present in almost all continents. The management and treatment of the disease is often influenced by the economic and social context of the societies that host patients. In this manuscript, we aim to provide a comparative review of approaches to patients with Chagas disease in the Americas and Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jose Antonio Perez-Molina
- Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Infectious Diseases Department, National Referral Unit for Tropical Diseases, Madrid, Spain
| | - Andrea Angheben
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital Department of Infectious - Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, Negrar di Valpolicella, Verona, Italy
| | - Sheba K Meymandi
- University of California, Center of Excellence for Chagas Disease at Olive View, Los Angeles, CA, US
| | - Sergio Sosa-Estani
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.,National Scientific and Technical Research Council, Epidemiology and Public Health Research Center, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Israel Molina
- Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Department of Infectious Diseases, Programa de Salut Internacional de l'Institut Català de la Salut, Barcelona, Spain.,Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto René Rachou, Laboratório de Triatomíneos e Epidemiologia da Doença de Chagas, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
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Pathogen diversity, immunity, and the fate of infections: lessons learned from Trypanosoma cruzi human–host interactions. THE LANCET MICROBE 2022; 3:e711-e722. [DOI: 10.1016/s2666-5247(21)00265-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
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Abstract
Myositis is inflammation especially of the voluntary muscles, characterized by localized or diffuse pain, tenderness on movement or palpation, swelling, and/or weakness. The two main categories of myositis include non-infectious and infectious. Infective myositis may be due to a wide variety of pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. A brief account of the various pathogens causing infective myositis is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayathri Narayanappa
- Department of NeuropathologyNational Institute of Mental Health and NeurosciencesBangaloreIndia
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Gontijo MKCL, de Arruda HMBDS, Noronha EF, de Toledo MI. Characterization of adverse reactions to benznidazole in patients with Chagas disease in the Federal District, Brazil. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2020; 53:e20190150. [PMID: 31994658 PMCID: PMC7083386 DOI: 10.1590/0037-8682-0150-2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Benznidazole is used for treating Chagas disease (CD). This cross-sectional study aimed to characterize the adverse drug reactions (ADRs) of benznidazole at a public hospital in Brazil's Federal District. METHODS Medical records were analyzed and ADRs were categorized by type, intensity, seriousness, and causality. RESULTS Of the 62 patients who started benznidazole treatment for CD, 41 (66%) presented with 105 ADRs; 23 (37%) discontinued the treatment. Most reactions were classified as probable (81%), severe (63%), serious (67%), and dose-dependent (56%). CONCLUSIONS The high incidence of ADRs because of treatment withdrawal revealed the need for safer alternatives for CD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hilda Maria Benevides da Silva de Arruda
- Hospital Universitário de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brasil
- Universidade de Brasília, Faculdade de Medicina, Programa
Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Brasília, DF, Brasil
| | - Elza Ferreira Noronha
- Hospital Universitário de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brasil
- Universidade de Brasília, Faculdade de Medicina, Programa
Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Brasília, DF, Brasil
| | - Maria Inês de Toledo
- Universidade de Brasília, Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Brasília,
DF, Brasil
- Universidade de Brasília, Faculdade de Medicina, Programa
Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Brasília, DF, Brasil
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Sulleiro E, Muñoz-Calderon AQ, Schijman AG. Role of nucleic acid amplification assays in monitoring treatment response in chagas disease: Usefulness in clinical trials. Acta Trop 2019; 199:105120. [PMID: 31376368 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.105120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Revised: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Chagas disease has become a global health problem due to migration of infected people out of Latin America to non-endemic countries. For more than 40 years, only the nitroimidazole compounds Benznidazole and Nifurtimox, have been used for specific treatment of Trypanosoma cruzi infection with disappointing results, specially due to the long duration of treatment and adverse events in the chronic phase. In the last years, ergosterol inhibitors have been also proposed for specific treatment. Different randomized clinical trials were performed for evaluating their treatment efficacy and safety. One of the greatest concerns in clinical trials is to provide an early surrogate biomarker of response to trypanocidal chemotherapy. Serological response is slow and the classical parasitological tests have poor sensitivity and are time-consuming. Nowadays, PCR is the most helpful tool for assessing treatment response in a short period of time. Different protocols of PCR have been developed, being quantitative real time PCR based on amplification of repetitive satellite or minicircle DNA sequences plus an internal amplification standard, the mostly employed strategies in clinical trials. Standardized protocols and the use of an external quality assessment ensure adequate technical procedures and reliable data. Clinical trials have shown a significant reduction in parasite loads, reaching undetectable DNA levels in bloodstream after specific treatment, however events of treatment failure have also been reported. Treatment failure could be due to inadequate penetrance of the drugs into the affected tissues, to the presence of primary or secondary drug resistance of the infecting strains as well as to the existence of dormant parasite variants reluctant to drug action. The early diagnosis of drug resistance would improve clinical management of Chagas disease patients, allowing dictating alternative therapies with a combination of existing drugs or new anti-T. cruzi agents. The aim of this review was to describe the usefulness of detecting T.cruzi DNA by means of real time PCR assays, as surrogate biomarker in clinical trials for evaluating new drugs for CD or new regimens of available drugs and the possibility to detect treatment failure.
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Vermelho AB, Rodrigues GC, Supuran CT. Why hasn't there been more progress in new Chagas disease drug discovery? Expert Opin Drug Discov 2019; 15:145-158. [PMID: 31670987 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2020.1681394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Chagas disease (CD) is a neglected disease caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. In terms of novel drug discovery, there has been no progress since the 1960s with the same two drugs, benznidazole and nifurtimox, still in use. The complex life cycle, genetic diversity of T. cruzi strains, different sensitivities to the available drugs, as well as little interest from pharmaceutical companies and inadequate methodologies for translating in vitro and in vivo findings to the discovery of new drugs have all contributed to the lack of progress.Areas covered: In this perspective, the authors give discussion to the relevant points connected to the lack of developments in CD drug discovery and provide their expert perspectives.Expert opinion: There are few drugs currently in the preclinical pipeline for the treatment of CD. Only three classes of compounds have been shown to achieve high cure rates in mouse models of infection: nitroimidazoles (fexinidazole), oxaborole DNDi-6148 and proteasome inhibitors (GNF6702). New biomarkers for Chagas' disease are urgently needed for the diagnosis and detection of cure/treatment efficacy. Efforts from academia and pharmaceutical companies are in progress and more intense interaction to accelerate the process of new drugs development is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alane Beatriz Vermelho
- BIOINOVAR - Biotechnology Laboratories: Biocatalysis, Bioproducts and Bioenergy, Institute of Microbiology Paulo de Góes,Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Giseli Capaci Rodrigues
- Postgraduate Program in Teaching of Sciences, University of Grande Rio, Duque de Caxias, Brazil
| | - Claudiu T Supuran
- Department of NEUROFARBA, Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Section, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino (Firenze), Italy
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Soverow J, Hernandez S, Sanchez D, Forsyth C, Flores CA, Viana G, Meymandi S. Progression of Baseline Electrocardiogram Abnormalities in Chagas Patients Undergoing Antitrypanosomal Treatment. Open Forum Infect Dis 2019; 6:ofz012. [PMID: 30793005 PMCID: PMC6377566 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofz012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The objective of the study was to better understand the impact of antitrypanosomal treatment on the evolution of Chagas-related, prognostically important electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities. Methods Initial and posttreatment ECGs were obtained in a prospective cohort of Chagas patients treated with nifurtimox or benznidazole and compared to an untreated cohort. Electrocardiogram disease progression was compared in those with and without baseline abnormalities pre- and posttherapy. Results Fifty-nine patients were recruited in the treatment arm and followed for an average of 3.9 years. There were no differences between ECG groups with regards to follow-up, age, baseline ejection fraction, or therapy. In the treated cohort, 0 of 30 patients with normal ECGs developed an abnormal ECG compared with 7 of 29 patients with baseline ECG abnormalities who developed new ECG abnormalities (P = .005). In an untreated cohort of 30 patients, 3 of 7 with normal ECGs developed an abnormality compared with 14 of 23 patients with baseline abnormalities (P = .67). Untreated patients had a higher likelihood of developing new EKG abnormalities (56.7% vs 11.9%, P < .001) despite shorter follow-up, and in a multivariate analysis adjusting for baseline EKG status across both treated and untreated cohorts, treated patients were still less likely to have progression of their EKG disease (odds ratio = 0.13, P < .001). The corrected QT (QTc) interval was not significantly affected by either study medication (415 vs 421 ms, initial vs posttreatment QTc; P = .06). Conclusions Over an average follow-up of 3.9 years, treated patients with normal baseline ECGs did not have significant changes during a course of treatment; however, those with baseline abnormal ECGs had significant progression of their conduction system disease despite treatment, and those without treatment also experienced a progression of ECG disease. These preliminary results suggest that Chagas patients with normal ejection fraction and normal ECG may benefit the most from antitrypanosomal treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Soverow
- Center of Excellence for Chagas Disease at Olive View-UCLA Medical Center, Sylmar, California
| | - Salvador Hernandez
- Center of Excellence for Chagas Disease at Olive View-UCLA Medical Center, Sylmar, California
| | - Daniel Sanchez
- Center of Excellence for Chagas Disease at Olive View-UCLA Medical Center, Sylmar, California
| | - Colin Forsyth
- Center of Excellence for Chagas Disease at Olive View-UCLA Medical Center, Sylmar, California
| | - Carmen A Flores
- Center of Excellence for Chagas Disease at Olive View-UCLA Medical Center, Sylmar, California
| | - Gracia Viana
- Center of Excellence for Chagas Disease at Olive View-UCLA Medical Center, Sylmar, California
| | - Sheba Meymandi
- Center of Excellence for Chagas Disease at Olive View-UCLA Medical Center, Sylmar, California
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Müller Kratz J, Garcia Bournissen F, Forsyth CJ, Sosa-Estani S. Clinical and pharmacological profile of benznidazole for treatment of Chagas disease. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2018; 11:943-957. [DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2018.1509704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jadel Müller Kratz
- Chagas Clinical Program, Drugs for Neglected Disease initiative (DNDi), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Facundo Garcia Bournissen
- Parasitology and Chagas Service, Buenos Aires Children Hospital Ricardo Gutiérrez, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Colin J. Forsyth
- Chagas Clinical Program, Drugs for Neglected Disease initiative (DNDi), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sergio Sosa-Estani
- Chagas Clinical Program, Drugs for Neglected Disease initiative (DNDi), Geneva, Switzerland
- Epidemiology and Public Health Research Center, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Albareda MC, Natale MA, De Rissio AM, Fernandez M, Serjan A, Alvarez MG, Cooley G, Shen H, Viotti R, Bua J, Castro Eiro MD, Nuñez M, Fichera LE, Lococo B, Scollo K, Tarleton RL, Laucella SA. Distinct Treatment Outcomes of Antiparasitic Therapy in Trypanosoma cruzi-Infected Children Is Associated With Early Changes in Cytokines, Chemokines, and T-Cell Phenotypes. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1958. [PMID: 30271399 PMCID: PMC6146084 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: In contrast to adults, Trypanosoma cruzi-infected children have more broadly functional Trypanosoma cruzi-specific T cells, and the total T-cell compartment exhibits fewer signs of immune exhaustion. However, not much is known about the link between immunocompetence and the treatment efficacy for human Chagas disease. Methods: Using cytokine enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot (ELISPOT) polychromatic flow cytometry, cytometric bead assay, multiplex serological assays and quantitative PCR, we evaluated T. cruzi-specific T-cell and antibody immune responses, T-cell phenotypes and parasitemia in children in the early chronic phase of Chagas disease undergoing anti-Trypanosoma cruzi treatment. Results: Treatment with benznidazole or nifurtimox induced a decline in T. cruzi-specific IFN-γ- and IL-2-producing cells and proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. T-cell responses became detectable after therapy in children bearing T-cell responses under background levels prior to treatment. The total frequencies of effector, activated and antigen-experienced T cells also decreased following anti-T. cruzi therapy, along with an increase in T cells expressing the receptor of the homeostatic cytokine IL-7. Posttreatment changes in several of these markers distinguished children with a declining serologic response suggestive of successful treatment from those with sustained serological responses in a 5-year follow-up study. A multivariate analysis demonstrated that lower frequency of CD4+CD45RA−CCR7−CD62L− T cells prior to drug therapy was an independent indicator of successful treatment. Conclusions: These findings further validate the usefulness of alternative metrics to monitor treatment outcomes. Distinct qualitative and quantitative characteristics of T cells prior to drug therapy may be linked to treatment efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- María C Albareda
- Instituto Nacional de Parasitología Dr. M. Fatala Chaben, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María A Natale
- Instituto Nacional de Parasitología Dr. M. Fatala Chaben, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ana M De Rissio
- Instituto Nacional de Parasitología Dr. M. Fatala Chaben, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marisa Fernandez
- Instituto Nacional de Parasitología Dr. M. Fatala Chaben, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - María G Alvarez
- Hospital Interzonal General de Agudos Eva Perón, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gretchen Cooley
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Huifeng Shen
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Rodolfo Viotti
- Hospital Interzonal General de Agudos Eva Perón, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jacqueline Bua
- Instituto Nacional de Parasitología Dr. M. Fatala Chaben, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Melisa D Castro Eiro
- Instituto Nacional de Parasitología Dr. M. Fatala Chaben, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Myriam Nuñez
- Department of Mathematical Physics, Facultad Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Laura E Fichera
- Instituto Nacional de Parasitología Dr. M. Fatala Chaben, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Bruno Lococo
- Hospital Interzonal General de Agudos Eva Perón, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Karenina Scollo
- Instituto Nacional de Parasitología Dr. M. Fatala Chaben, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Rick L Tarleton
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Susana A Laucella
- Instituto Nacional de Parasitología Dr. M. Fatala Chaben, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Hospital Interzonal General de Agudos Eva Perón, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Moure Z, Sulleiro E, Iniesta L, Guillen C, Molina I, Alcover MM, Riera C, Pumarola T, Fisa R. The challenge of discordant serology in Chagas disease: The role of two confirmatory techniques in inconclusive cases. Acta Trop 2018; 185:144-148. [PMID: 29775566 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2018.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2018] [Revised: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 05/13/2018] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Serodiscordance in Chagas disease (CD) remains a challenge since individuals with inconclusive results are clinically complicated to manage. This work, conducted outside the endemic area, aims to compare two different confirmatory techniques for the diagnosis of CD in individuals without a definitive diagnosis, to analyze the performance of the screening techniques in this group of patients, and to describe the serological follow-up of these subjects over time. Sera from 48 individuals with repeatedly discordant results by one recombinant enzyme immunoassay (r-ELISA) and one native ELISA (n-ELISA), were included in the study. Confirmatory procedures were performed through TESA-blot, using trypomastigote antigens of Trypanosoma cruzi, and in-house WB (IH-WB) using a lysate from T. cruzi epimastigotes. Of the 48 sera, TESA-blot confirmed 22 (45.8%) cases and IH-WB 17 (35.4%). Both techniques showed a substantial agreement (k = 0.604). Confirmation defined as the positivity of one of the ELISA and at least one of the confirmatory tests was reached in 24/48 (50%) cases. We found a great dispersion of r-ELISA index values, especially among individuals with confirmatory negative results, ranging from 0.03-6.2. Additionally, n-ELISA yielded a better performance than r-ELISA in this cohort of patients, showing a significantly greater agreement with the confirmatory methods. Our results indicate that either confirmatory test could be an efficient tool to solve inconclusive cases regardless of which form of the parasite's life cycle they use. Also, most individuals remain with discordant serology throughout the short-term follow-up period time of study. Finally, we consider that it is necessary to establish a reference test feasible and commercialized in all areas to solve the problem of inconclusive results.
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González-Alcaide G, Salinas A, Ramos JM. Scientometrics analysis of research activity and collaboration patterns in Chagas cardiomyopathy. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006602. [PMID: 29912873 PMCID: PMC6023249 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2018] [Revised: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chagas cardiomyopathy is a serious and common complication of Chagas disease. Methods Through bibliometric and Social Network Analysis, we examined patterns of research on Chagas cardiomyopathy, identifying the main countries, authors, research clusters, and topics addressed; and measuring the contribution of different countries. Results We found 1932 documents on Chagas cardiomyopathy in the MEDLINE database. The most common document type was ‘journal article’, accounting for 79.6% of the total (n = 1538), followed by ‘review’ (n = 217, 11.2%). The number of published records increased from 156 in 1980–1984 to 311 in 2010–2014. Only 2.5% were clinical trials. Brazil and the USA dominated the research, participating in 53.1% and 25.7%, respectively, of the documents. Other Latin American countries where Chagas is endemic contributed less, with Bolivia, where Chagas disease is most prevalent, producing only 1.8% of the papers. We observed a high rate of domestic collaboration (83.1% of the documents published in 2010–2016) and a lower but significant rate of international collaboration (32.5% in the same time period). Although clinical research dominated overall, the USA, Mexico and several countries in Europe produced a considerable body of basic research on animal models. We identified four main research clusters, focused on heart failure and dysfunction (physical symptoms, imaging techniques, treatment), and on myocarditis and parasitemia in animal models. Conclusions Research on Chagas cardiomyopathy increased over the study period. There were more clinical than basic studies, though very few of the documents were clinical trials. Brazil and the USA are currently leading the research on this subject, while some highly endemic countries, such as Bolivia, have contributed very little. Different approaches could help to redress this imbalance: encouraging researchers to conduct more clinical trials, launching international collaborations to help endemic countries contribute more, and strengthening links between basic and clinical research. Scientific production on Chagas cardiomyopathy has grown considerably since the turn of the 21st century, probably reflecting the increased incidence of Chagas disease in non-endemic areas like the USA and Europe. Brazil and the USA dominate the research, but we found a very small proportion of clinical trials on Chagas cardiomyopathy and a low scientific production in several endemic countries with a high prevalence of the disease such as Colombia, Chile, Mexico and Bolivia. We observed a polarity between endemic and non-endemic countries where clinical research and basic research predominate, respectively. Different approaches could help to redress the observed imbalance of research on Chagas cardiomyopathy: encouraging researchers to conduct more clinical trials, launching international collaborations to help endemic countries contribute more, and strengthening links between basic and clinical research. It is crucial to foster translational research in order to link basic knowledge on the physiology of the disease with clinical applications in diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregorio González-Alcaide
- Department of History of Science and Documentation, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- * E-mail:
| | | | - José M. Ramos
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Miguel Hernández University of Elche, Alicante, Spain
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital General Universitario de Alicante, Alicante, Spain
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Trypanosoma cruzi: death phenotypes induced by ortho-naphthoquinone substrates of the aldo-keto reductase (TcAKR). Role of this enzyme in the mechanism of action of β-lapachone. Parasitology 2018; 145:1251-1259. [DOI: 10.1017/s0031182018000045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
AbstractSeveral ortho-naphthoquinones (o-NQs) have trypanocidal activity against Trypanosoma cruzi, the aetiological agent of Chagas disease. Previously, we demonstrated that the aldo-keto reductase from this parasite (TcAKR) reduces o-NQs, such as β-lapachone (β-Lap) and 9,10-phenanthrenequinone (9,10-PQ), with concomitant reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Recent characterization of TcAKR activity and expression in two T. cruzi strains, CL Brener and Nicaragua, showed that TcAKR expression is 2.2-fold higher in CL Brener than in Nicaragua. Here, we studied the trypanocidal effect and induction of several death phenotypes by β-Lap and 9,10-PQ in epimastigotes of these two strains. The CL Brener strain was more resistant to both o-NQs than Nicaragua, indicating that greater TcAKR activity is unlikely to be a major influence on o-NQ toxicity. Evaluation of changes in ROS production, mitochondrial membrane potential, phosphatidylserine exposure and monodansylcadaverine labelling evidenced that β-Lap and 9,10-PQ induce different death phenotypes depending on the combination of drug and T. cruzi strain analysed. To study whether TcAKR participates in o-NQ activation in intact parasites, β-Lap and 9,10-PQ trypanocidal effect was next evaluated in TcAKR-overexpressing parasites. Only β-Lap was more effective and induced greater ROS production in TcAKR-overexpressing epimastigotes than in controls, suggesting that TcAKR may participate in β-Lap activation.
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15
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A Community-Based Screening Program for Chagas Disease in the USA. Trends Parasitol 2017; 33:828-831. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2017.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2017] [Accepted: 07/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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16
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Pinheiro E, Brum-Soares L, Reis R, Cubides JC. Chagas disease: review of needs, neglect, and obstacles to treatment access in Latin America. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2017; 50:296-300. [DOI: 10.1590/0037-8682-0433-2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2016] [Accepted: 05/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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17
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Enhancement of dissolution rate through eutectic mixture and solid solution of posaconazole and benznidazole. Int J Pharm 2017; 525:32-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2017.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Revised: 04/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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18
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Seiringer P, Pritsch M, Flores-Chavez M, Marchisio E, Helfrich K, Mengele C, Hohnerlein S, Bretzel G, Löscher T, Hoelscher M, Berens-Riha N. Comparison of four PCR methods for efficient detection of Trypanosoma cruzi in routine diagnostics. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2017; 88:225-232. [PMID: 28456430 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2017.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Revised: 03/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Due to increased migration, Chagas disease has become an international health problem. Reliable diagnosis of chronically infected people is crucial for prevention of non-vectorial transmission as well as treatment. This study compared four distinct PCR methods for detection of Trypanosoma cruzi DNA for the use in well-equipped routine diagnostic laboratories. DNA was extracted of T. cruzi-positive and negative patients' blood samples and cultured T. cruzi, T. rangeli as well as Leishmania spp. One conventional and two real-time PCR methods targeting a repetitive Sat-DNA sequence as well as one conventional PCR method targeting the variable region of the kDNA minicircle were compared for sensitivity, intra- and interassay precision, limit of detection, specificity and cross-reactivity. Considering the performance, costs and ease of use, an algorithm for PCR-diagnosis of patients with a positive serology for T. cruzi antibodies was developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Seiringer
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical Center of the University of Munich (LMU), Leopoldstr. 5, 80802 Munich, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Munich, Munich, Germany.
| | - Michael Pritsch
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical Center of the University of Munich (LMU), Leopoldstr. 5, 80802 Munich, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Munich, Munich, Germany.
| | - María Flores-Chavez
- Servicio de Parasitología, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ctra. Majadahonda-Pozuelo km 2, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Edoardo Marchisio
- Dia.Pro Diagnostic BioProbes srl, Via Giosuè n°27, 20099 Sesto San Giovanni, Milan, Italy.
| | - Kerstin Helfrich
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical Center of the University of Munich (LMU), Leopoldstr. 5, 80802 Munich, Germany.
| | - Carolin Mengele
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical Center of the University of Munich (LMU), Leopoldstr. 5, 80802 Munich, Germany.
| | - Stefan Hohnerlein
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical Center of the University of Munich (LMU), Leopoldstr. 5, 80802 Munich, Germany.
| | - Gisela Bretzel
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical Center of the University of Munich (LMU), Leopoldstr. 5, 80802 Munich, Germany.
| | - Thomas Löscher
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical Center of the University of Munich (LMU), Leopoldstr. 5, 80802 Munich, Germany.
| | - Michael Hoelscher
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical Center of the University of Munich (LMU), Leopoldstr. 5, 80802 Munich, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Munich, Munich, Germany.
| | - Nicole Berens-Riha
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical Center of the University of Munich (LMU), Leopoldstr. 5, 80802 Munich, Germany.
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Lee BY, Mueller LE, Tilchin CG. A systems approach to vaccine decision making. Vaccine 2016; 35 Suppl 1:A36-A42. [PMID: 28017430 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2016.11.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2016] [Revised: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 11/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Vaccines reside in a complex multiscale system that includes biological, clinical, behavioral, social, operational, environmental, and economical relationships. Not accounting for these systems when making decisions about vaccines can result in changes that have little effect rather than solutions, lead to unsustainable solutions, miss indirect (e.g., secondary, tertiary, and beyond) effects, cause unintended consequences, and lead to wasted time, effort, and resources. Mathematical and computational modeling can help better understand and address complex systems by representing all or most of the components, relationships, and processes. Such models can serve as "virtual laboratories" to examine how a system operates and test the effects of different changes within the system. Here are ten lessons learned from using computational models to bring more of a systems approach to vaccine decision making: (i) traditional single measure approaches may overlook opportunities; (ii) there is complex interplay among many vaccine, population, and disease characteristics; (iii) accounting for perspective can identify synergies; (iv) the distribution system should not be overlooked; (v) target population choice can have secondary and tertiary effects; (vi) potentially overlooked characteristics can be important; (vii) characteristics of one vaccine can affect other vaccines; (viii) the broader impact of vaccines is complex; (ix) vaccine administration extends beyond the provider level; and (x) the value of vaccines is dynamic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce Y Lee
- Public Health Computational and Operations Research (PHICOR), Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States.
| | - Leslie E Mueller
- Public Health Computational and Operations Research (PHICOR), Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Carla G Tilchin
- Public Health Computational and Operations Research (PHICOR), Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
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20
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Bazán PC, Lo Presti MS, Strauss M, Báez AL, Miler N, Paglini PA, Rivarola HW. Quantitative PCR and unconventional serological methods to evaluate clomipramine treatment effectiveness in experimental Trypanosoma cruzi infection. Exp Mol Pathol 2016; 101:274-280. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2016.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2016] [Revised: 09/21/2016] [Accepted: 09/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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21
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Niborski LL, Grippo V, Lafón SO, Levitus G, García-Bournissen F, Ramirez JC, Burgos JM, Bisio M, Juiz NA, Ayala V, Coppede M, Herrera V, López C, Contreras A, Gómez KA, Elean JC, Mujica HD, Schijman AG, Levin MJ, Longhi SA. Serological based monitoring of a cohort of patients with chronic Chagas disease treated with benznidazole in a highly endemic area of northern Argentina. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2016; 111:365-71. [PMID: 27223650 PMCID: PMC4909034 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760160006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2016] [Accepted: 04/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate well-documented diagnostic antigens, named B13, 1F8 and JL7 recombinant proteins, as potential markers of seroconversion in treated chagasic patients. Prospective study, involving 203 patients treated with benznidazole, was conducted from endemic areas of northern Argentina. Follow-up was possible in 107 out of them and blood samples were taken for serology and PCR assays before and 2, 3, 6, 12, 24 and 36 months after treatment initiation. Reactivity against Trypanosoma cruzi lysate and recombinant antigens was measured by ELISA. The rate of decrease of antibody titers showed nonlinear kinetics with an abrupt drop within the first three months after initiation of treatment for all studied antigens, followed by a plateau displaying a low decay until the end of follow-up. At this point, anti-B13, anti-1F8 and anti-JL7 titers were relatively close to the cut-off line, while anti-T. cruzi antibodies still remained positive. At baseline, 60.8% (45/74) of analysed patients tested positive for parasite DNA by PCR and during the follow-up period in 34 out of 45 positive samples (75.5%) could not be detected T. cruzi DNA. Our results suggest that these antigens might be useful as early markers for monitoring antiparasitic treatment in chronic Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leticia L Niborski
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología
Molecular, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas, Buenos Aires,
Argentina
| | - Vanina Grippo
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología
Molecular, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas, Buenos Aires,
Argentina
| | - Sonia O Lafón
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología
Molecular, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas, Buenos Aires,
Argentina
| | - Gabriela Levitus
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología
Molecular, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas, Buenos Aires,
Argentina
| | | | - Juan C Ramirez
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología
Molecular, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas, Buenos Aires,
Argentina
| | - Juan M Burgos
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología
Molecular, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas, Buenos Aires,
Argentina
| | - Margarita Bisio
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología
Molecular, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas, Buenos Aires,
Argentina
| | - Natalia A Juiz
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología
Molecular, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas, Buenos Aires,
Argentina
| | - Vilma Ayala
- Centro Asistencial Cáritas Diocesana, Añatuya, Santiago del Estero,
Argentina
| | - María Coppede
- Centro Asistencial Cáritas Diocesana, Añatuya, Santiago del Estero,
Argentina
| | - Verónica Herrera
- Centro Asistencial Cáritas Diocesana, Añatuya, Santiago del Estero,
Argentina
| | - Crescencia López
- Centro Asistencial Cáritas Diocesana, Añatuya, Santiago del Estero,
Argentina
| | - Ana Contreras
- Centro Asistencial Cáritas Diocesana, Añatuya, Santiago del Estero,
Argentina
| | - Karina A Gómez
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología
Molecular, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas, Buenos Aires,
Argentina
| | - Juan C Elean
- Centro Asistencial Cáritas Diocesana, Añatuya, Santiago del Estero,
Argentina
| | - Hugo D Mujica
- Centro Asistencial Cáritas Diocesana, Añatuya, Santiago del Estero,
Argentina
- Hospital Zonal Añatuya, Santiago del Estero, Argentina
| | - Alejandro G Schijman
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología
Molecular, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas, Buenos Aires,
Argentina
| | - Mariano J Levin
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología
Molecular, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas, Buenos Aires,
Argentina
| | - Silvia A Longhi
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología
Molecular, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas, Buenos Aires,
Argentina
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Colantonio LD, Prado N, Segura EL, Sosa-Estani S. Electrocardiographic Abnormalities and Treatment with Benznidazole among Children with Chronic Infection by Trypanosoma cruzi: A Retrospective Cohort Study. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016; 10:e0004651. [PMID: 27158908 PMCID: PMC4861278 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2015] [Accepted: 03/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chronic infection by Trypanosoma cruzi could cause heart conduction disturbances. We sought to analyze electrocardiographic abnormalities among children with chronic T. cruzi infection with and without trypanocidal treatment with benznidazole. Methodology/Principal Findings We studied 111 children 6–16 years of age with asymptomatic chronic T. cruzi infection who were recruited in 1991–1992 in Salta, Argentina. Most children were randomly assigned to benznidazole 5 mg/Kg/day (n = 47) or matching placebo (n = 48) for 60 days. Remaining children (n = 16) received treatment with benznidazole 5 mg/Kg/day open-label. Electrocardiograms were obtained at baseline and in 1995–1996, 1998, 2000 and 2005, and were analyzed using the Buenos Aires method. Among the 94 children with an electrocardiogram at baseline, 8 (8.5%) had electrocardiographic abnormalities, including 4 (4.7%) children with right bundle branch block. Proportion of abnormal electrocardiograms in the full population (n = 111) remained constant over time (media follow-up 8.6 years). Multivariable adjusted prevalence ratios (95% confidence interval [95%CI]) for electrocardiographic abnormalities in 1995–1996, 1998, 2000 and 2005 comparing children treated with benznidazole versus those not treated were 2.76 (0.66, 11.60), 2.33 (0.44, 12.31), 3.06 (0.48, 19.56), and 1.94 (0.33, 11.25), respectively. Among the 86 children with a normal electrocardiogram at baseline, 16 (18.6%) developed electrocardiographic abnormalities during follow-up. The multivariable adjusted hazard ratio for incident electrocardiographic abnormalities comparing children treated with benznidazole versus those not treated was 0.68 (95%CI: 0.25, 1.88). Conclusions/Significance Electrocardiographic abnormalities are frequent among children with chronic T. cruzi infection. Treatment with benznidazole for 60 days may not be associated with less electrocardiographic abnormalities. There are few data available on the natural history of electrocardiographic abnormalities among children with chronic Trypanosoma cruzi infection. Also, few studies analyzed the effect of benznidazole to prevent electrocardiographic abnormalities in this population. In the current study, electrocardiographic abnormalities were frequent among children with chronic T. cruzi infection. Results from the current study also suggest that treatment with benznidazole may not be associated with less electrocardiographic abnormalities. The current study highlights the need of further research to prevent cardiovascular manifestations associated with chronic T. cruzi infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisandro D. Colantonio
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Nilda Prado
- National Institute of Parasitology “Dr. Mario Fatala Chaben”-CONICET-ANLIS, Ministry of Health, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Elsa L. Segura
- National Institute of Parasitology “Dr. Mario Fatala Chaben”-CONICET-ANLIS, Ministry of Health, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sergio Sosa-Estani
- National Institute of Parasitology “Dr. Mario Fatala Chaben”-CONICET-ANLIS, Ministry of Health, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- * E-mail:
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Alvarez MG, Bertocchi GL, Cooley G, Albareda MC, Viotti R, Perez-Mazliah DE, Lococo B, Castro Eiro M, Laucella SA, Tarleton RL. Treatment Success in Trypanosoma cruzi Infection Is Predicted by Early Changes in Serially Monitored Parasite-Specific T and B Cell Responses. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016; 10:e0004657. [PMID: 27128444 PMCID: PMC4851297 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2015] [Accepted: 03/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chagas disease is the highest impact parasitic disease in Latin America. We have proposed that changes in Trypanosoma cruzi-specific immune responses might serve as surrogate indicators of treatment success. Herein, we addressed in a long-term follow-up study whether cure achieved after treatment can be predicted by changes in non-conventional indexes of anti-parasite serological and T cell activities. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS T. cruzi-specific T cell responses, as measured by interferon-γ ELISPOT and T. cruzi-specific antibodies assessed by ELISA, hemagglutination and immunofluorescence tests as well as by a multiplex assay incorporating 14 recombinant T. cruzi proteins were measured in 33 patients at 48-150 months post-benznidazole treatment. Cure - as assessed by conventional serological tests - was associated with an early decline in T. cruzi-specific IFN-γ-producing T cells and in antibody titers measured by the multiplex serological assay. Changes in the functional status and potential of T. cruzi-specific T cells, indicative of reduced antigen stimulation, provided further evidence of parasitological cure following benznidazole treatment. Patients showing a significant reduction in T. cruzi-specific antibodies had higher pre-therapy levels of T. cruzi-specific IFN-γ- producing T cells compared to those with unaltered humoral responses post-treatment. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Monitoring of appropriate immunological responses can provide earlier and robust measures of treatment success in T. cruzi infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- María G. Alvarez
- Hospital Interzonal General de Agudos Eva Perón, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Gretchen Cooley
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - María C. Albareda
- Instituto Nacional de Parasitología Dr. Mario Fatala Chaben, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Rodolfo Viotti
- Hospital Interzonal General de Agudos Eva Perón, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Bruno Lococo
- Hospital Interzonal General de Agudos Eva Perón, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Melisa Castro Eiro
- Instituto Nacional de Parasitología Dr. Mario Fatala Chaben, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Susana A. Laucella
- Hospital Interzonal General de Agudos Eva Perón, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto Nacional de Parasitología Dr. Mario Fatala Chaben, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Rick L. Tarleton
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Putative Role of the Aldo-Keto Reductase from Trypanosoma cruzi in Benznidazole Metabolism. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2016; 60:2664-70. [PMID: 26856844 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02185-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2015] [Accepted: 02/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Benznidazole (Bz), the drug used for treatment of Chagas' disease (caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi), is activated by a parasitic NADH-dependent type I nitroreductase (NTR I). However, several studies have shown that other enzymes are involved. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the aldo-keto reductase from T. cruzi (TcAKR), a NADPH-dependent oxido-reductase previously described by our group, uses Bz as the substrate. We demonstrated that both recombinant and native TcAKR enzymes reduce Bz by using NADPH, but not NADH, as a cofactor. TcAKR-overexpressing epimastigotes showed higher NADPH-dependent Bz reductase activity and a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) value for Bz 1.8-fold higher than that of the controls, suggesting that TcAKR is involved in Bz detoxification instead of activation. To understand the role of TcAKR in Bz metabolism, we studied TcAKR expression and NADPH/NADH-dependent Bz reductase activities in two T. cruzi strains with differential susceptibility to Bz: CL Brener and Nicaragua. Taking into account the results obtained with TcAKR-overexpressing epimastigotes, we expected the more resistant strain, Nicaragua, to have higher TcAKR levels than CL Brener. However, the results were the opposite. CL Brener showed 2-fold higher TcAKR expression and 5.7-fold higher NADPH-Bz reduction than the Nicaragua strain. In addition, NADH-dependent Bz reductase activity, characteristic of NTR I, was also higher in CL Brener than in Nicaragua. We conclude that although TcAKR uses Bz as the substrate, TcAKR activity is not a determinant of Bz resistance in wild-type strains and may be overcome by other enzymes involved in Bz activation, such as NADPH- and NADH-dependent reductases.
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Abstract
Calculating epidemiological measures of infection by Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease, is complex, because it involves several species, different stages of infection in humans and multiple transmission routes. Using the next-generation matrix method, we analysed a model which considers the three stages of human infection, triatomines and dogs (the main domestic reservoirs of T. cruzi when triatomines are present) and the main transmission routes. We derived R 0 and type-reproduction numbers T. We deduced formulas for the number of new infections generated through each transmission route by each infected individual. We applied our findings in Argentine Gran Chaco. The expressions achieved allowed quantifying the high infectivity of dogs and emphasizing the epidemiological importance of the long and asymptomatic chronic indeterminate stage in humans in the spread of the infection. According to the model, it is expected that one infected human infects 21 triatomines, that 100 infected triatomines are necessary to infect one human and 34 to infect a dog, and that each dog infects on average one triatomine per day. Our results may allow quantifying the effect of control measures on infected humans, triatomines and dogs (or other highly infected vertebrate) or on a specific route of transmission, in other scenarios.
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New Scheme of Intermittent Benznidazole Administration in Patients Chronically Infected with Trypanosoma cruzi: a Pilot Short-Term Follow-Up Study with Adult Patients. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2015; 60:833-7. [PMID: 26596935 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00745-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2015] [Accepted: 11/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a clinical need to test new schemes of benznidazole administration that are expected to be at least as effective as the current therapeutic scheme but safer. This study assessed a new scheme of benznidazole administration in chronic Chagas disease patients. A pilot study with intermittent doses of benznidazole at 5 mg/kg/day in two daily doses every 5 days for a total of 60 days was designed. The main criterion of response was the comparison of quantitative PCR (qPCR) findings prior to and 1 week after the end of treatment. The safety profile was assessed by the rate of suspensions and severity of adverse effects. Twenty patients were analyzed for safety, while qPCR was tested for 17 of them. The average age was 43 ± 7.9 years; 55% were female. Sixty-five percent of treated subjects showed detectable qPCR results prior to treatment of 1.45 (0.63 to 2.81) and 2.1 (1.18 to 2.78) parasitic equivalents per milliliter of blood (par.eq/ml) for kinetoplastic DNA (kDNA) qPCR and nuclear repetitive sequence satellite DNA (SatDNA) qPCR, respectively. One patient showed detectable PCR at the end of treatment (1/17), corresponding to 6% treatment failure, compared with 11/17 (65%) patients pretreatment (P = 0.01). Adverse effects were present in 10/20 (50%) patients, but in only one case was treatment suspended. Eight patients showed mild adverse effects, whereas moderate reactions with increased liver enzymes were observed in two patients. The main accomplishment of this pilot study is the promising low rate of treatment suspension. Intermittent administration of benznidazole emerges a new potential therapeutic scheme, the efficacy of which should be confirmed by long-term assessment posttreatment.
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Sguassero Y, Cuesta CB, Roberts KN, Hicks E, Comandé D, Ciapponi A, Sosa-Estani S. Course of Chronic Trypanosoma cruzi Infection after Treatment Based on Parasitological and Serological Tests: A Systematic Review of Follow-Up Studies. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0139363. [PMID: 26436678 PMCID: PMC4593559 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0139363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2015] [Accepted: 09/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chagas disease is caused by the flagellate protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi). It is endemic in Latin American countries outside the Caribbean. The current criterion for cure in the chronic phase of the disease is the negativization of at least two serological tests such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), indirect immunofluorescence assay (IIF) and indirect hemagglutination assay (IHA). The serological evolution of treated subjects with chronic T. cruzi infection is variable. Treatment failure is indicated by a positive parasitological and/or molecular test (persistence of parasitemia). Objectives To summarize the pattern of response to treatment of parasitological, molecular and serological tests performed during the follow-up of subjects with chronic T. cruzi infection. Methods Electronic searches in relevant databases and screening of citations of potentially eligible articles were accomplished. Organizations focusing on neglected infectious diseases were asked for help in identifying relevant studies. Included studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-RCTs, and cohort studies involving adults and children with chronic infection who received trypanocidal treatment (benznidazole or nifurtimox) and were followed over time. The assessment of risk of bias was performed separately for each study design. The Cochrane Collaboration’s tool and the guidelines developed by Hayden et al. were used. Two reviewers extracted all data independently. A third review author was consulted in case of discordant opinion. Additional analyses were defined in ad-hoc basis. Scatter plots for percentage of positive parasitological and molecular tests and for negative serological tests were developed by using the lowess curve technique. Heterogeneity was measured by I2. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO, an international prospective register of systematic review protocols (Registration Number CRD42012002162). Results Out of 2,136 citations screened, 54 studies (six RCTs and 48 cohort studies) were included. The smoothed curves for positive xenodiagnosis and positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were characterized by a sharp decrease at twelve month posttreatment. Afterwards, they reached 10–20% and 40% for xenodiagnosis and PCR, respectively. The smoothed curves for negative conventional serological tests increased up to 10% after 48 months of treatment. In the long-term, the rate of negativization was between 20% and 45%. The main sources of bias identified across cohort studies were the lack of control for confounding and attrition bias. In general, RCTs were judged as low risk of bias in all domains. The level of heterogeneity across included studies was moderate to high. Additional analysis were incomplete because of the limited availability of data. In this regard, the country of origin of study participants might affect the results of parasitological and molecular tests, while the level of risk of bias might affect serological outcomes. Subgroup analysis suggested that seronegativization occurs earlier in children compared to adults. Conclusions We acknowledge that there is a dynamic pattern of response based on parasitological, molecular and serological tests in subjects chronically infected with T. cruzi after treatment. Our findings suggest a trypanocidal effect in the long-term follow-up. Further research is needed to explore potential sources of heterogeneity and to conduct reliable subgroup analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanina Sguassero
- Centro Rosarino de Estudios Perinatales (CREP), Cochrane Centre CREP, Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
- Instituto Nacional de Parasitología (INP), “Dr Mario Fatala Chaben”, Administración Nacional de Laboratorios e Institutos de Salud (ANLIS) Malbrán, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Cristina B. Cuesta
- Facultad de Ciencias Económicas y Estadística, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Karen N. Roberts
- Facultad de Ciencias Económicas y Estadística, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Elizabeth Hicks
- Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Daniel Comandé
- Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria (IECS), Cochrane Centre IECS, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Agustín Ciapponi
- Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria (IECS), Cochrane Centre IECS, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sergio Sosa-Estani
- Instituto Nacional de Parasitología (INP), “Dr Mario Fatala Chaben”, Administración Nacional de Laboratorios e Institutos de Salud (ANLIS) Malbrán, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- * E-mail:
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Padró JM, Pellegrino Vidal RB, Echevarria RN, Califano AN, Reta MR. Development of an ionic-liquid-based dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction method for the determination of antichagasic drugs in human breast milk: Optimization by central composite design. J Sep Sci 2015; 38:1591-600. [DOI: 10.1002/jssc.201401367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2014] [Revised: 01/27/2015] [Accepted: 02/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Juan M. Padró
- Laboratorio de Investigación y Desarrollo en Métodos Analíticos (LIDMA); Facultad de Ciencias Exactas; Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP); La Plata Bs. As. Argentina
| | - Rocío B. Pellegrino Vidal
- Laboratorio de Investigación y Desarrollo en Métodos Analíticos (LIDMA); Facultad de Ciencias Exactas; Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP); La Plata Bs. As. Argentina
| | - Romina N. Echevarria
- Laboratorio de Investigación y Desarrollo en Métodos Analíticos (LIDMA); Facultad de Ciencias Exactas; Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP); La Plata Bs. As. Argentina
| | - Alicia N. Califano
- Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Criotecnología de Alimentos (CIDCA); CONICET; Facultad de Ciencias Exactas; Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP); La Plata Bs. As. Argentina
| | - Mario R. Reta
- Laboratorio de Investigación y Desarrollo en Métodos Analíticos (LIDMA); Facultad de Ciencias Exactas; Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP); La Plata Bs. As. Argentina
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Sosa-Estani S, Segura EL. Integrated control of Chagas disease for its elimination as public health problem--a review. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2015; 110:289-98. [PMID: 25993503 PMCID: PMC4489466 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760140408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2014] [Accepted: 04/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease or American trypanosomiasis is, together with geohelminths, the neglected disease that causes more loss of years of healthy life due to disability in Latin America. Chagas disease, as determined by the factors and determinants, shows that different contexts require different actions, preventing new cases or reducing the burden of disease. Control strategies must combine two general courses of action including prevention of transmission to prevent the occurrence of new cases (these measures are cost effective), as well as opportune diagnosis and treatment of infected individuals in order to prevent the clinical evolution of the disease and to allow them to recuperate their health. All actions should be implemented as fully as possible and with an integrated way, to maximise the impact. Chagas disease cannot be eradicated due because of the demonstrated existence of infected wild triatomines in permanent contact with domestic cycles and it contributes to the occurrence of at least few new cases. However, it is possible to interrupt the transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi in a large territory and to eliminate Chagas disease as a public health problem with a dramatic reduction of burden of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Sosa-Estani
- Instituto Nacional de Parasitología Dr Mario Fatala Chaben, Ministerio
de Salud de la Nación, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas de Argentina,
Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Elsa Leonor Segura
- Instituto Nacional de Parasitología Dr Mario Fatala Chaben, Ministerio
de Salud de la Nación, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas de Argentina,
Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Zingales B, Araujo RGA, Moreno M, Franco J, Aguiar PHN, Nunes SL, Silva MN, Ienne S, Machado CR, Brandão A. A novel ABCG-like transporter of Trypanosoma cruzi is involved in natural resistance to benznidazole. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2015; 110:433-44. [PMID: 25946152 PMCID: PMC4489481 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760140407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2014] [Accepted: 03/05/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Benznidazole (BZ) is one of the two drugs used for Chagas disease treatment. Nevertheless therapeutic failures of BZ have been reported, which were mostly attributed to variable drug susceptibility among Trypanosoma cruzi strains. ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters are involved in a variety of translocation processes and some members have been implicated in drug resistance. Here we report the characterisation of the first T. cruzi ABCG transporter gene, named TcABCG1, which is over-expressed in parasite strains naturally resistant to BZ. Comparison of TcABCG1 gene sequence of two TcI BZ-resistant strains with CL Brener BZ-susceptible strain showed several single nucleotide polymorphisms, which determined 11 amino acid changes. CL Brener transfected with TcI transporter genes showed 40-47% increased resistance to BZ, whereas no statistical significant increment in drug resistance was observed when CL Brener was transfected with the homologous gene. Only in the parasites transfected with TcI genes there was 2-2.6-fold increased abundance of TcABCG1 transporter protein. The analysis in wild type strains also suggests that the level of TcABCG1 transporter is related to BZ natural resistance. The characteristics of untranslated regions of TcABCG1 genes of BZ-susceptible and resistant strains were investigated by computational tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Zingales
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | | | - Margoth Moreno
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Jaques Franco
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Pedro Henrique Nascimento Aguiar
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
| | - Solange Lessa Nunes
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Marcelo Nunes Silva
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Susan Ienne
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Carlos Renato Machado
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
| | - Adeilton Brandão
- Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Pesquisas Médicas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
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Brunoro GVF, Caminha MA, Ferreira ATDS, Leprevost FDV, Carvalho PC, Perales J, Valente RH, Menna-Barreto RFS. Reevaluating the Trypanosoma cruzi proteomic map: The shotgun description of bloodstream trypomastigotes. J Proteomics 2015; 115:58-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2014.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2014] [Revised: 12/04/2014] [Accepted: 12/11/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Trypanocide treatment of women infected with Trypanosoma cruzi and its effect on preventing congenital Chagas. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2014; 8:e3312. [PMID: 25411847 PMCID: PMC4239005 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2014] [Accepted: 10/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
With the control of the vectorial and transfusional routes of infection with Trypanosoma cruzi, congenital transmission has become an important source of new cases. This study evaluated the efficacy of trypanocidal therapy to prevent congenital Chagas disease and compared the clinical and serological evolution between treated and untreated infected mothers. We conducted a multicenter, observational study on a cohort of mothers infected with T. cruzi, with and without trypanocidal treatment before pregnancy. Their children were studied to detect congenital infection. Among 354 "chronically infected mother-biological child" pairs, 132 were treated women and 222 were untreated women. Among the children born to untreated women, we detected 34 infected with T. cruzi (15.3%), whose only antecedent was maternal infection. Among the 132 children of previously treated women, no infection with T. cruzi was found (0.0%) (p<0.05). Among 117 mothers with clinical and serological follow up, 71 had been treated and 46 were untreated. The women were grouped into three groups. Group A: 25 treated before 15 years of age; Group B: 46 treated at 15 or more years of age; Group C: untreated, average age of 29.2 ± 6.2 years at study entry. Follow-up for Groups A, B and C was 16.3 ± 5.8, 17.5 ± 9.2 and 18.6 ± 8.6 years respectively. Negative seroconversion: Group A, 64.0% (16/25); Group B, 32.6% (15/46); Group C, no seronegativity was observed. Clinical electrocardiographic alterations compatible with chagasic cardiomyopathy: Group A 0.0% (0/25); B 2.2% (1/46) and C 15.2% (7/46). The trypanocidal treatment of women with chronic Chagas infection was effective in preventing the congenital transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi to their children; it had also a protective effect on the women's clinical evolution and deparasitation could be demonstrated in many treated women after over 10 years of follow up.
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In Vivo Antiprotozoal Activity of the Chloroform Extract from Carica papaya Seeds against Amastigote Stage of Trypanosoma cruzi during Indeterminate and Chronic Phase of Infection. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2014; 2014:458263. [PMID: 25276216 PMCID: PMC4172937 DOI: 10.1155/2014/458263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2014] [Accepted: 07/27/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
In order to evaluate the antiprotozoal activity of the chloroform extract of Carica papaya seeds during the subacute and chronic phase of infection of Trypanosoma cruzi, doses of 50 and 75 mg/kg were evaluated during the subacute phase, including a mixture of their main components (oleic, palmitic, and stearic acids). Subsequently, doses of 50 and 75 mg/kg in mice during the chronic phase of infection (100 dpi) were also evaluated. It was found that chloroform extract was able to reduce the amastigote nests numbers during the subacute phase in 55.5 and 69.7% (P > 0.05) as well as in 56.45% in animals treated with the mixture of fatty acids. Moreover, the experimental groups treated with 50 and 75 mg/kg during the chronic phase of the infection showed a significant reduction of 46.8 and 53.13% respectively (P < 0.05). It is recommended to carry out more studies to determine if higher doses of chloroformic extract or its administration in combination with other antichagasic drugs allows a better response over the intracellular stage of T. cruzi in infected animal models and determine if the chloroform extract of C. papaya could be considered as an alternative for treatment during the indeterminate and chronic phase of the infection.
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Zingales B, Miles MA, Moraes CB, Luquetti A, Guhl F, Schijman AG, Ribeiro I. Drug discovery for Chagas disease should consider Trypanosoma cruzi strain diversity. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2014; 109:828-33. [PMID: 25317712 PMCID: PMC4238778 DOI: 10.1590/0074-0276140156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2014] [Accepted: 06/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
This opinion piece presents an approach to standardisation of an important aspect of Chagas disease drug discovery and development: selecting Trypanosoma cruzi strains for in vitro screening. We discuss the rationale for strain selection representing T. cruzi diversity and provide recommendations on the preferred parasite stage for drug discovery, T. cruzi discrete typing units to include in the panel of strains and the number of strains/clones for primary screens and lead compounds. We also consider experimental approaches for in vitro drug assays. The Figure illustrates the current Chagas disease drug-discovery and development landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Zingales
- Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP,
Brasil
| | - Michael A Miles
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene
and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Carolina B Moraes
- Laboratório Nacional de Biociências, Centro Nacional de Pesquisa em
Energias e Matérias, Campinas, SP, Brasil
| | - Alejandro Luquetti
- Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO,
Brasil
| | - Felipe Guhl
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Tropical,
Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá,
Colombia
| | - Alejandro G Schijman
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología
Molecular-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires,
Argentina
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Menna-Barreto RFS, Perales J. The expected outcome of the Trypanosoma cruzi proteomic map: a review of its potential biological applications for drug target discovery. Subcell Biochem 2014; 74:305-322. [PMID: 24264251 DOI: 10.1007/978-94-007-7305-9_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Chagas disease is a neglected tropical illness endemic to Latin America, and its treatment remains unsatisfactory. This disease is caused by the hemoflagellate protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, which has a complex life cycle involving three evolutive forms in both vertebrate and invertebrate hosts. Targeting metabolic pathways in the parasite for rational drug design represents a promising research field. This research area requires high performance techniques and proteomics become a powerful tool in this context. Here, we review advances in the construction of proteomic maps of the different forms of T. cruzi, emphasizing their biological applications towards the identification of alternative candidates for drug intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubem F S Menna-Barreto
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21040-360, Brazil
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Albareda MC, De Rissio AM, Tomas G, Serjan A, Alvarez MG, Viotti R, Fichera LE, Esteva MI, Potente D, Armenti A, Tarleton RL, Laucella SA. Polyfunctional T cell responses in children in early stages of chronic Trypanosoma cruzi infection contrast with monofunctional responses of long-term infected adults. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2013; 7:e2575. [PMID: 24349591 PMCID: PMC3861186 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2013] [Accepted: 10/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adults with chronic Trypanosoma cruzi exhibit a poorly functional T cell compartment, characterized by monofunctional (IFN-γ-only secreting) parasite-specific T cells and increased levels of terminally differentiated T cells. It is possible that persistent infection and/or sustained exposure to parasites antigens may lead to a progressive loss of function of the immune T cells. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS To test this hypothesis, the quality and magnitude of T. cruzi-specific T cell responses were evaluated in T. cruzi-infected children and compared with long-term T. cruzi-infected adults with no evidence of heart failure. The phenotype of CD4(+) T cells was also assessed in T. cruzi-infected children and uninfected controls. Simultaneous secretion of IFN-γ and IL-2 measured by ELISPOT assays in response to T. cruzi antigens was prevalent among T. cruzi-infected children. Flow cytometric analysis of co-expression profiles of CD4(+) T cells with the ability to produce IFN-γ, TNF-α, or to express the co-stimulatory molecule CD154 in response to T. cruzi showed polyfunctional T cell responses in most T. cruzi-infected children. Monofunctional T cell responses and an absence of CD4(+)TNF-α(+)-secreting T cells were observed in T. cruzi-infected adults. A relatively high degree of activation and differentiation of CD4(+) T cells was evident in T. cruzi-infected children. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Our observations are compatible with our initial hypothesis that persistent T. cruzi infection promotes eventual exhaustion of immune system, which might contribute to disease progression in long-term infected subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- María C. Albareda
- Instituto Nacional de Parasitología Dr. M. Fatala Chaben, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Hospital Interzonal General de Agudos Eva Perón, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ana M. De Rissio
- Instituto Nacional de Parasitología Dr. M. Fatala Chaben, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gonzalo Tomas
- Instituto Nacional de Parasitología Dr. M. Fatala Chaben, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - María G. Alvarez
- Hospital Interzonal General de Agudos Eva Perón, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Rodolfo Viotti
- Hospital Interzonal General de Agudos Eva Perón, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Laura E. Fichera
- Instituto Nacional de Parasitología Dr. M. Fatala Chaben, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mónica I. Esteva
- Instituto Nacional de Parasitología Dr. M. Fatala Chaben, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Daniel Potente
- Hospital Interzonal General de Agudos Eva Perón, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alejandro Armenti
- Hospital Interzonal General de Agudos Eva Perón, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Rick L. Tarleton
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Susana A. Laucella
- Instituto Nacional de Parasitología Dr. M. Fatala Chaben, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Hospital Interzonal General de Agudos Eva Perón, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Viotti R, Alarcón de Noya B, Araujo-Jorge T, Grijalva MJ, Guhl F, López MC, Ramsey JM, Ribeiro I, Schijman AG, Sosa-Estani S, Torrico F, Gascon J. Towards a paradigm shift in the treatment of chronic Chagas disease. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2013; 58:635-9. [PMID: 24247135 PMCID: PMC3910900 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01662-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Treatment for Chagas disease with currently available medications is recommended universally only for acute cases (all ages) and for children up to 14 years old. The World Health Organization, however, also recommends specific antiparasite treatment for all chronic-phase Trypanosoma cruzi-infected individuals, even though in current medical practice this remains controversial, and most physicians only prescribe palliative treatment for adult Chagas patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. The present opinion, prepared by members of the NHEPACHA network (Nuevas Herramientas para el Diagnóstico y la Evaluación del Paciente con Enfermedad de Chagas/New Tools for the Diagnosis and Evaluation of Chagas Disease Patients), reviews the paradigm shift based on clinical and immunological evidence and argues in favor of antiparasitic treatment for all chronic patients. We review the tools needed to monitor therapeutic efficacy and the potential criteria for evaluation of treatment efficacy beyond parasitological cure. Etiological treatment should now be mandatory for all adult chronic Chagas disease patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. Viotti
- Hospital Interzonal General de Agudos (HIGA) Eva Perón, Sección Chagas, Servicio de Cardiología, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - B. Alarcón de Noya
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Universidad Central de Venezuela (IMT-UCV), Caracas, Venezuela
| | - T. Araujo-Jorge
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz—Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ-IOC), Programa Integrado de Doença de Chagas, Laboratório de Inovações em Terapias, Ensino e Bioprodutos, Río de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - M. J. Grijalva
- Centro de Investigación de Enfermedades Infecciosas de la Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador (CIEI-PUCE), Quito, Ecuador, and Tropical Disease Institute, Ohio University (TDI-OU), Athens, Ohio, USA
| | - F. Guhl
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Tropical, Universidad de los Andes (UA-CIMPAT), Bogotá, Colombia
| | - M. C. López
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina Lopez-Neyra-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IPBLN-CSIC), Granada, Spain
| | - J. M. Ramsey
- Centro Regional de Investigación en Salud Pública, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública (CRISP-INSP), Tapachula, Chiapas, Mexico
| | - I. Ribeiro
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - A. G. Schijman
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular (INGEBI), CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - S. Sosa-Estani
- Instituto Nacional de Parasitología Dr. Mario Fatala Chaben (INP)-ANLIS Dr. Carlos G. Malbran, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - F. Torrico
- Universidad Mayor de San Simón (UMSS), Cochabamba, Bolivia
| | - J. Gascon
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular (INGEBI), CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Barriers to treatment access for Chagas disease in Mexico. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2013; 7:e2488. [PMID: 24147169 PMCID: PMC3798390 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2013] [Accepted: 09/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background According to World Health Organization (WHO) prevalence estimates, 1.1 million people in Mexico are infected with Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiologic agent of Chagas disease (CD). However, limited information is available about access to antitrypanosomal treatment. This study assesses the extent of access in Mexico, analyzes the barriers to access, and suggests strategies to overcome them. Methods and Findings Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 18 key informants and policymakers at the national level in Mexico. Data on CD cases, relevant policy documents and interview data were analyzed using the Flagship Framework for Pharmaceutical Policy Reform policy interventions: regulation, financing, payment, organization, and persuasion. Data showed that 3,013 cases were registered nationally from 2007–2011, representing 0.41% of total expected cases based on Mexico's national prevalence estimate. In four of five years, new registered cases were below national targets by 11–36%. Of 1,329 cases registered nationally in 2010–2011, 834 received treatment, 120 were pending treatment as of January 2012, and the treatment status of 375 was unknown. The analysis revealed that the national program mainly coordinated donation of nifurtimox and that important obstacles to access include the exclusion of antitrypanosomal medicines from the national formulary (regulation), historical exclusion of CD from the social insurance package (organization), absence of national clinical guidelines (organization), and limited provider awareness (persuasion). Conclusions Efforts to treat CD in Mexico indicate an increased commitment to addressing this disease. Access to treatment could be advanced by improving the importation process for antitrypanosomal medicines and adding them to the national formulary, increasing education for healthcare providers, and strengthening clinical guidelines. These recommendations have important implications for other countries in the region with similar problems in access to treatment for CD. Chagas disease is a vector-borne disease caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. The disease is most frequently transmitted by triatomine insects but can also be passed through blood donation or from mother to child at birth. Experts estimate that 8 million people are infected with Chagas disease globally and that 1.1 million of these infections are found in Mexico. Most public health programs for Chagas disease focus on preventing new infections through vector control and screening the blood supply. However, in recent years there has been a greater focus on treating the disease with one of two available medications, benznidazole or nifurtimox. This study explores access to these two drugs in Mexico. The study shows that less than 0.5% of those who are infected with the disease received treatment in Mexico in years. The study also identified important factors that limit access in Mexico, including the exclusion of both drugs from the national health insurance program and problems importing these medications. Finally, the paper suggests ways that these problems can be overcome in Mexico, while providing helpful insight for other countries that struggle with similar problems in treating this disease.
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Rumi MM, Pérez Brandán C, Gil J, D’Amato AA, Ragone P, Lauthier J, Tomasini N, Cimino R, Orellana V, Lacunza C, Nasser J, Basombrío M, Diosque P. Benznidazole treatment in chronic children infected with Trypanosoma cruzi: serological and molecular follow-up of patients and identification of Discrete Typing Units. Acta Trop 2013; 128:130-6. [PMID: 23880286 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2013.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2012] [Revised: 07/04/2013] [Accepted: 07/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
A total of 221 children from two rural settlements in Northeast Argentina were examined for T. cruzi infection. Blood samples were taken for serology tests and PCR assays. In addition, T. cruzi Discrete Typing Units (DTUs) were determined by hybridization with specific DNA probes of the minicircle hypervariable regions (mHVR). Serological results indicated that 26% (57/215) were reactive against T. cruzi antigens. PCR analyses were performed on seropositive samples showing presence of parasite DNA in 31 out of 53 samples (58.5%). All seropositive children underwent specific chemotherapy with Benznidazole (5mg/kg/day) for a period of two months and were monitored two and five years after treatment. Overall the treatment was well tolerated and low side effects were observed. Serological conversion was observed at two years post -treatment in one child form Pampa Ávila and at five years in two children from Tres Estacas. However, at the end of the follow-up period, T. cruzi DNA could not be detected by PCR in samples from treated children, except in two cases. In addition, the results of hybridizations with specific DNA probes showed that DTU TcV was detected in 68% (21/31), TcVI in 7% (2/31) and TcV/VI in 3% (1/31) of the samples. Altogether, results of the follow-up of treated children showed a low rate of seroconversion; however trend toward seroconversion was evident at five years post-treatment. On the other hand, detection of T. cruzi DNA by PCR significantly decreased after Benznidazole treatment. The existence of data regarding serological and molecular follow-ups from controlled studies in the Chaco Region will be important for future treatment efforts against T. cruzi infection in this region. The results obtained in the present study represent a contribution in this regard.
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Use of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay that utilizes the Tc13Tul antigen of Trypanosoma cruzi to monitor patients after treatment with benznidazole. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2013; 76:197-205. [DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2013.02.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2012] [Revised: 01/19/2013] [Accepted: 02/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Ramos JM, Torrús D, Amador C, Jover F, Pérez-Chacón F, Ponce Y, Arjona FJ, Caro E, Martínez-Peinado C, Gallegos I, Cuadrado JM, Tello A, Gutiérrez F. Multicenter epidemiological and clinical study on imported Chagas diseases in Alicante, Spain. Pathog Glob Health 2013. [PMID: 23182138 DOI: 10.1179/2047773212y.0000000039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, there has been an increase in the number of patients with Chagas disease outside of areas that are generally considered endemic. The aim of this investigation is to describe the clinical profile of a series of patients with Chagas disease in Alicante, Spain, which is a province located on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. This study was performed at four general hospitals in Alicante between January 2002 and May 2011. A total of 128 patients from seven countries were diagnosed with Trypanosoma cruzi. The main country of origin of these patients was Bolivia (n5101; 78.9%), and the median of age of these patients was 35 years (range: 0–72 years). Four (3.3%) patients were children under 14 years of age, and 81 (63.3%) were female. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to analyze 106 patients, 66.0% of whom demonstrated positive PCR results. Visceral involvement was diagnosed in 26.8%: 24.1% demonstrated cardiac involvement, 0.9% demonstrated gastrointestinal involvement, 0.9% demonstrated cardiac and gastrointestinal involvement, and 0.9% demonstrated involvement of the central nervous system. Syncope was found to be associated with cardiomyopathy (28.0% versus 5.2%) (odds ratio: 6.5; 95% confidence interval: 1.5–27.1). Seventy-six patients received treatment with benznidazole, of whom 57 (75.0%) completed the treatment course without significant adverse events and 17.1% discontinued benznidazole due to adverse events. In total, 50% of patients experienced documented adverse reactions. Among patients with positive PCR results before treatment, all demonstrated negative PCR results following treatment. In conclusion, majority of our patients were female Bolivians immigrants, one of four of our patients demonstrated cardiac involvement, and treatment tolerance was poor. It is important to improve the clinical and epidemiological knowledge of Chagas disease in nonendemic with additional multicenter studies in order to determine the magnitude of this problem and provide improved public health and health resource planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- José M Ramos
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital General Universitario de Alicante, C/Pintor Baeza 10, Alicante, Spain.
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Bertocchi GL, Vigliano CA, Lococo BG, Petti MA, Viotti RJ. Clinical characteristics and outcome of 107 adult patients with chronic Chagas disease and parasitological cure criteria. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2013; 107:372-6. [PMID: 23612468 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trt029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The cure in adult patients with chronic Chagas disease and the relationship between parasitological and clinical evolution is still under debate. The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical, epidemiological and progression features of the disease in a patient population who became serologically negative either spontaneously or post-etiological treatment. METHODS We included 107 patients over 20 years old with three different confirmed reactive anti-Trypanosoma cruzi serologic tests on admission, and a minimum of two years of follow-up. Patients were assigned to clinical groups according to Kuschnir. Change of clinical group was considered a heart disease progression criterion, and seronegative conversion of two or three as parasitological cure criterion. RESULTS From 107 patients with parasitological cure, 82 had received treatment (77%) and 25 became spontaneously seronegative (23%). Forty-six (43%) and 61 (57%) patients had two and three negative serological tests, respectively. No differences in clinical groups, ECG, echocardiogram and heart disease progression were found in patients who became negative spontaneously or post-treatment. The clinical progression and ECG changes were observed in 5/107 (5%) and 11/107 (10%) respectively, in a mean of 10 years follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Adults with chronic Chagas disease can cure, mostly post-etiological treatment, but also spontaneously, showing a favourable clinical outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graciela L Bertocchi
- Departamento de Cardiología, Hospital Eva Perón, San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Abstract
Chagas infection is a major endemic disease affecting Latin American countries. The persistence of Trypanosoma cruzi generates a chronic inflammatory reactivity that induces an immune response directed to the host's tissues. The effectiveness of the treatment in the chronic phase is still unsatisfactory due, amongst other reasons, to the collateral effects of the drugs used. We investigated the effect of clomipramine, a tricyclic antidepressant that, when used as a treatment of T. cruzi-chronically infected mice, inhibits trypanothione reductase, an exclusive and vital enzyme of T. cruzi. Clomipramine improved survival (P<0.05) by diminishing the parasite intensity as demonstrated by PCR studies in the heart and skeletal muscle, and significantly prevented the evolution to fibrosis of the inflammatory infiltrates. Clomipramine could be a good candidate for the treatment of chronic Chagas disease.
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Combined treatment with benznidazole and allopurinol in mice infected with a virulentTrypanosoma cruziisolate from Nicaragua. Parasitology 2013; 140:1225-33. [DOI: 10.1017/s0031182013000176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
SUMMARYWe evaluated the effect of chemotherapy with a sequential combined treatment of a low dose of benznidazole and allopurinol, in different schedules of administration, in experimental models of acute and chronicTrypanosoma cruziinfection. Mice were infected with NicaraguaT. cruziisolate, a virulent parasite from an endemic area of Nicaragua, genotyped asTcI (Grossoet al. 2010). We assessed survival rate, IgG levels, histopathological studies and quantified parasitaemia. A 15% survival rate was recorded in untreated mice during the acute phase ofT. cruziinfection. Allopurinol administered immediately after benznidazole treatment was able to reduce parasitaemia and attenuate tissue damage by reducing inflammation.Trypanosoma cruzi-specific antibodies also decreased in 40–50% of the treated mice. The addition of allopurinol during the chronic phase showed the highest beneficial effect, not only by reducing parasitaemia but also by lowering the degree of inflammation and fibrosis.
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Zulantay I, Apt W, Ramos D, Godoy L, Valencia C, Molina M, Sepúlveda E, Thieme P, Martínez G, Corral G. The epidemiological relevance of family study in Chagas disease. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2013; 7:e1959. [PMID: 23457649 PMCID: PMC3573070 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0001959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Inés Zulantay
- Laboratory of Basic Clinical Parasitology, Program of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile.
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Caldas IS, da Matta Guedes PM, dos Santos FM, de Figueiredo Diniz L, Martins TAF, da Silva do Nascimento AF, Azevedo MA, de Lima WG, Neto RMN, Torres RM, Talvani A, Bahia MT. Myocardial scars correlate with eletrocardiographic changes in chronic Trypanosoma cruzi infection for dogs treated with Benznidazole. Trop Med Int Health 2012; 18:75-84. [PMID: 23107306 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.12002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The cardiac form of Chagas disease is evidenced by a progressive cardiac inflammation that leads to myocarditis, fibrosis and electrocardiographic (ECG) conduction abnormalities. Considering these characteristics, the aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate the early ECG changes in dogs that were experimentally inoculated with Benznidazole (Bz)-susceptibly (Berenice-78) and Bz-resistant (VL-10, and AAS) Trypanosoma cruzi strains and, later, evaluate the efficacy of Bz treatment for preventing these ECG alterations. METHODS Electrocardiographic changes of treated and untreated animals were prospectively evaluated for up to 270 days after infection, at which point collagen (right atrium) quantification was performed. RESULTS All infected dogs had a high intensity of heart fibrosis (4616.00 ± 1715.82 collagen/74931 μm(2) in dogs infected with Berenice-78 strain, 5839.2 ± 1423.49 collagen/74931 μm(2) in infected by AAS and 6294.40 ± 896.04 collagen/74931 μm(2) in animals infected with VL-10 strain), while 78.57% of all infected dogs showed ECG alterations. Bz Therapy reduced or prevented fibrosis in Bz-susceptible Berenice-78 (2813.00 ± 607.13 collagen/74931 μm(2) ) and Bz-resistant AAS strains (4024 ± 1272.44 collagen/74931 μm(2) ), coincident with only 10% de ECG alterations at 270 days. However, in those animals infected with a Bz-resistant VL-10 strain, specific treatment did not alter collagen deposition (6749.5 ± 1596.35 collagen/74931 μm(2) ) and there was first atrioventricular block and chamber overload at 120 and 270 days after infection, with 75% abnormal ECG exams. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that an effective antiparasitic treatment in the early stage of Chagas disease can lead to a significant reduction in the frequency and severity of the parasite-induced cardiac disease, even if parasites are not completely eliminated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivo Santana Caldas
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Perez-Mazliah DE, Alvarez MG, Cooley G, Lococo BE, Bertocchi G, Petti M, Albareda MC, Armenti AH, Tarleton RL, Laucella SA, Viotti R. Sequential combined treatment with allopurinol and benznidazole in the chronic phase of Trypanosoma cruzi infection: a pilot study. J Antimicrob Chemother 2012; 68:424-37. [PMID: 23104493 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dks390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Even though the use of combined drugs has been proved to be effective in other chronic infections, assessment of combined treatment of antiparasitic drugs in human Chagas' disease has not been performed. Herein, a pilot study was conducted to evaluate the tolerance and side effects of a sequential combined treatment of two antiparasitic drugs, allopurinol and benznidazole, in the chronic phase of Trypanosoma cruzi infection. PATIENTS AND METHODS Changes in total and T. cruzi-specific T and B cells were monitored during a median follow-up of 36 months. Allopurinol was administered for 3 months (600 mg/day) followed by 30 days of benznidazole (5 mg/kg/day) in 11 T. cruzi-infected subjects. RESULTS The combined sequential treatment of allopurinol and benznidazole was well tolerated. The levels of T. cruzi-specific antibodies significantly decreased after sequential combined treatment, as determined by conventional serology and by a multiplex assay using recombinant proteins. The frequency of T. cruzi-specific interferon-γ-producing T cells significantly increased after allopurinol treatment and decreased to background levels following benznidazole administration in a substantial proportion of subjects evaluated. The levels of total naive (CD45RA + CCR7 + CD62L+) CD4 + and CD8 + T cells were restored after allopurinol administration and maintained after completion of the combined drug protocol, along with a decrease in T cell activation in total peripheral CD4 + and CD8 + T cells. CONCLUSIONS This pilot study shows that the combination of allopurinol and benznidazole induces significant modifications in T and B cell responses indicative of a reduction in parasite burden, and sustains the feasibility of administration of two antiparasitic drugs in the chronic phase of Chagas' disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- D E Perez-Mazliah
- Instituto Nacional de Parasitología Dr. Mario Fatala Chaben, Av. Paseo Colón 568, Buenos Aires (1063), Argentina
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Alvarez MG, Vigliano C, Lococo B, Petti M, Bertocchi G, Viotti R. Seronegative conversion after incomplete benznidazole treatment in chronic Chagas disease. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2012; 106:636-8. [PMID: 22898619 DOI: 10.1016/j.trstmh.2012.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2011] [Revised: 07/18/2012] [Accepted: 07/18/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
In 12-18% of adult patients, treatment with benznidazole for chronic Chagas disease has to be discontinued because of side-effects. We identified and analysed a cohort of 81 adult patients with three positive tests for Trypanosoma cruzi infection and serological monitoring following incomplete treatment with benznidazole for a median of 10 days. Twenty percent of these patients (16/81) met the criteria of cure, showing that the optimal schedule of benznidazole administration remains to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- M G Alvarez
- Sección Chagas, Servicio de Cardiología, Hospital Eva Perón, San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Therapy of chagas disease: implications for levels of prevention. J Trop Med 2012; 2012:292138. [PMID: 22523499 PMCID: PMC3317183 DOI: 10.1155/2012/292138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2011] [Revised: 11/26/2011] [Accepted: 11/26/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper reviews the evidence supporting the use of etiological treatment for Chagas disease that has changed the standard of care for patients with Trypanosoma cruzi infection in the last decades. Implications of this evidence on different levels of prevention as well as gaps in current knowledge are also discussed. In this regard, etiological treatment has shown to be beneficial as an intervention for secondary prevention to successfully cure the infection or to delay, reduce, or prevent the progression to disease, and as primary disease prevention by breaking the chain of transmission. Timely diagnosis during initial stages would allow for the prescription of appropriate therapies mainly in the primary health care system thus improving chances for a better quality of life. Based on current evidence, etiological treatment has to be considered as an essential public health strategy useful to reduce disease burden and to eliminate Chagas disease altogether.
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Norman FF, Pérez-Ayala A, Pérez-Molina JA, Flores-Chavez M, Cañavate C, López-Vélez R. Lack of association between blood-based detection of Trypanosoma cruzi DNA and cardiac involvement in a non-endemic area. ANNALS OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND PARASITOLOGY 2012; 105:425-30. [PMID: 22117851 DOI: 10.1179/1364859411y.0000000033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Cases of chronic Chagas disease have been increasing in non-endemic areas due to the growth in immigration. This study examined the association between positive Trypanosoma cruzi-DNA detection in blood by PCR and presence of chagasic cardiac involvement in a cohort of immigrants in a European city. No association was found in this study between the positive T. cruzi blood PCR and cardiac involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- F F Norman
- Tropical Medicine and Clinical Parasitology, Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Ramón y Cajal, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain.
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