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Your search keyword '"Gerhaldine H. Morazan"' showing total 2 results
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2 results on '"Gerhaldine H. Morazan"'

1. Novel species of Triatoma (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) identified in a case of vectorial transmission of Chagas disease in northern Belize

Author

Sarah M. Gunter, Alisa Nelson, Alexander R. Kneubehl, Silvia A. Justi, Russell Manzanero, Emily Zielinski-Gutierrez, Claudia Herrera, Julie Thompson, Rajendra Mandage, Hans Desale, Adrianna Maliga, Kim Bautista, Shannon E. Ronca, Francis Morey, Rafael Chacon Fuentes, Beatriz Lopez, Eric Dumonteil, Gerhaldine H. Morazan, and Kristy O. Murray

Subjects
Medicine, Science
Abstract

Abstract Chagas disease is a leading cause of non-ischemic cardiomyopathy in endemic regions of Central and South America. In Belize, Triatoma dimidiata sensu lato has been identified as the predominate taxon but vectorial transmission of Chagas disease is considered to be rare in the country. We recently identified an acute case of vector-borne Chagas disease in the northern region of Belize. Here we present a subsequent investigation of triatomines collected around the case-patient’s home. We identified yet undescribed species, closely related to Triatoma huehuetenanguensis vector by molecular systematics methods occurring in the peridomestic environment. The identification of a T. cruzi-positive, novel species of Triatoma in Belize indicates an increased risk of transmission to humans in the region and warrants expanded surveillance and further investigation.

Published
2024
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2. Diagnosis of Acute Chagas Disease in a Belizean Child with Evidence of a Multiclonal Trypanosoma cruzi Infection

Author

Kristy O. Murray, Miguel A. Saldaña, Sarah M. Gunter, Russell Manzanero, Emily Zielinski-Gutierrez, Claudia Herrera, Julie M. Thompson, Adrianna Maliga, Kim Bautista, Allison Lino, Ella Hawes, Shannon E. Ronca, Francis Morey, Rafael Chacon Fuentes, Beatriz Lopez, Eric Dumonteil, and Gerhaldine H. Morazan

Subjects
Infectious Diseases, Virology, Parasitology
Abstract

In January 2020, we instituted acute febrile illness surveillance in 11 hospitals and clinics across Belize. Within 3 months, we diagnosed an acute case of Chagas disease by polymerase chain reaction in a 7-year-old child in the northern part of the country. Phylogenetic analyses of the parasite from the acute blood specimen revealed a multiclonal Trypanosoma cruzi infection, including parasites from the TcII (25.0% of haplotypes), TcIV (2.5% of haplotypes), and TcV (72.5% of haplotypes) discrete typing units. The family reported no history of travel, and three Triatoma species vectors were found within the home. The child’s mother was seronegative for antibodies to T. cruzi, ruling out congenital transmission. Convalescent blood samples documented seroconversion and confirmed acute infection. The child was successfully treated with nifurtimox. This is the first known diagnosed case of acute Chagas infection in Belize, highlighting the need for further investigation and public health prevention measures.

Published
2022
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