Work

Parasitic diseases in heart transplantation: challenges of Toxoplasmosis and Chagas Disease

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Parasitic diseases have always caused a significant burden in endemic countries. However, due to globalization and immigration, more cases are emerging in non-endemic regions, leading to a growing incidence in solid organ transplantation. These immunocompromised patients, such diseases, have the potential to reactivate and cause severe disease and graft damage, often leading to death. Two specific parasites play a special role in the heart transplant scenario: Trypanosoma cruzi , responsible for Chagas disease, and T oxoplasma gondii , for Toxoplasmosis. In endemic countries, Chagas disease is not only one of the main indications for a heart transplant, but also responsible for several episodes of reactivation after transplantation, requiring careful surveillance for preemptive treatment. T. gondii has the potential to reactivate in immunocompromised hosts, leading to myocarditis and/or disseminated disease, often fatal. Prophylaxis is safe and effective to prevent reactivation. This review aims to summarize the most important aspects of Chagas disease and Toxoplasmosis in the heart transplant setting, with emphasis on pre-transplant screening, prophylaxis, and monitoring.

Source: JHLT Open

DOI: 10.1016/j.jhlto.2025.100450

Authors: Alexandre Mestre Tejo, Silvia Vidal Campos

Institutions: Universidade de São Paulo, Instituto do Coração - HCFMUSP

Language: English

Topic: Trypanosoma species research and implications

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,500