Search

Chagas disease, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is a neglected tropical disease that is prevalent in Latin America and is a leading cause of heart disease in the region. However, the disease is also present in North America, with Mexico and the United States having a significant number of cases. Poverty and lack of access to healthcare contribute to the transmission of the disease. There is a lack of awareness and surveillance of Chagas disease in North America, and efforts are needed to improve diagnosis, treatment, and research for the disease. [Extracted from the article]

Objectives Mothers with Chagas’ disease can transmit Trypanosoma cruzi to their fetuses, who often become carriers of the infection and are then at risk of developing severe cardiac disease later in the course of their lives. If identified early enough after birth, the infected newborns can be treated and cured. Our objective was to review the data available in Canada, Mexico, and the United States and to discuss the need for prevention programs. Methods We reviewed the literature and estimated the number of seropositive mothers and newborns infected by T. cruzi. Results We estimate that about 40,000 pregnant women and 2,000 newborns are likely to be infected by T. cruzi in North America. We have not identified any ongoing prevention programs. Conclusions Mother-to-child transmission of T. cruzi has all the characteristics required to be a public health priority, as it is relatively frequent, severe, identifiable, and treatable. In reality, it is a neglected disease and a missed opportunity. It is urgent to better understand the epidemiology of mother-to-child transmission of T. cruzi in North America and to develop effective prevention programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]