BMJ  2003;326 (28 June), doi:10.1136/bmj.326.7404.0-d

Genetic epidemiology can help control Chagas' disease in Latin America

Chagas' disease (also known as American trypanosomiasis) is the most costly parasitic infection in Latin America. In a clinical review, Miles and colleagues (p 1444) discuss the public health and economic implications of Trypanosoma cruzi, a complex zoonosis transmitted primarily by triatomine bugs which infest poor quality housing. The parasite multiples inside cells, particularly those of the heart and smooth muscle, and can cause severe abnormalities and cardiomyopathy in up to 30% of infected people. The authors say that molecular epidemiology can be used to guide disease control strategies by distinguishing the genetic diversity of T cruzi and clarifying transmission cycles of different species.

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American trypanosomiasis (Chagas' disease) and the role of molecular epidemiology in guiding control strategies

Michael A Miles, M Dora Feliciangeli, and Antonieta Rojas de Arias
BMJ 2003 326: 1444-1448. [Extract] [Full Text] [PDF]