American trypanosomiasis and Chagas disease: Sexual transmission.

• Trypanosoma cruzi infection can be transmitted sexually from males and females to naïve mates. • T. cruzi parasites were detected in semen ejaculates from individuals with Chagas disease by nucleic acid techniques. • Semen aliquots from humans with Chagas disease instilled into the vagina of naïve female mice resulted in T. cruzi infections. • Breeding T. cruzi -infected male and female mice vertically transmitted the infection to progeny mice. To contribute to the discussion on the research findings indicating the sexual transmission of American trypanosomiasis and Chagas disease in humans. A review of the literature was performed to investigate the routes of transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi parasites and to evaluate the distribution of Chagas disease, which is now found across five continents. The epidemiological profile of American trypanosomiasis, which is still considered a neglected disease of the poor people of Latin America, has changed over time. A family-based study demonstrated that the blood protozoan T. cruzi can be transmitted sexually from infected males and females to naïve mates. Evidence that Chagas disease can be transmitted sexually, coupled with the migration of individuals with Chagas disease to previously non-endemic countries and increased travel to endemic countries, has implications for public health. Improved screening of blood supplies and prenatal care are required to prevent congenital spread. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]