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Emerging acute Chagas Disease in Amazonian Brazil: case reports with serious cardiac involvement

Year: 2004

Type: article

Abstract: Four cases of serious cardiac attacks by autochthonous Trypanosoma cruzi infection from the Brazilian Amazon are reported; three of them occurred in micro-epidemic episodes. The manifestations included sudden fever, myalgia, dyspnea and signs of heart failure. Diagnosis was confirmed by specific exams, especially QBC (Quantitative Buffy Coat) and natural xenodiagnosis. Despite treatment with benznidazol, three patients died with serious myocarditis, renal failure and cardiac tamponade. The authors call attention to the emergence of this disease and reveal a previously unknown pathogenicity of T. cruzi strains in this area, added to a non-usual transmission form.

Source: The Brazilian Journal of Infectious Diseases

DOI: 10.1590/s1413-86702004000600010

Authors: Ana Yecê das Neves Pinto, Sebastião Aldo da Silva Valente, Vera da Costa Valente

Institutions: Universidade do Estado do Pará, Instituto Evandro Chagas

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: $1,600