Presentation
At present, T. cruzi is partitioned into seven discrete typing units (DTUs), TcI-TcVI and Tcbat. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Entire Body System
- Pseudotumor
[…] of Trypanosoma cruzi is also described but appears to be less frequent in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and transplant recipients, associated with necrotizing myocarditis and neurological symptoms related to the occurrence of necrotizing pseudotumoral [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Cardiovascular
- Hypertension
The echocardiogram, which was normal preoperatively, showed dilated cardiac chambers, depressed left ventricular systolic function (ejection fraction = 35%) and moderate pulmonary hypertension. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Workup
Opportunities exist to decrease heterogeneity of clinical workup and improve evaluation of persons who screen positive. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Serum
- CD4+ T Cells Decreased
CD4+ T cells decreased with time in two patients and the lymphocyte proliferative response to T. cruzi was very low in all patients. These data suggest that T. cruzi infection may have a long silent course in immunosuppressed HIV patients. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Microbiology
- Blood Culture Positive
There were no significant differences in blood culture positivity among patients with cardiac and indeterminate forms. Additionally, patient age and clinical forms did not influence blood culture results. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Treatment
Benznidazole treatment reduced the frequency of CD4+CD8+ T cells and decreased the ratio of CD4+CD8low/CD4+CD8high subpopulations. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Prognosis
Early diagnosis of the clinical reactivation of Chagas' disease in human immunodeficiency virus- and Trypanosoma cruzi-coinfected persons is fundamental for a good prognosis. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
The prognosis depends upon the degree of heart variance. A variety of diagnostic methods have been used, but detection of antibodies to T. cruzi antigens remains the strongest method to diagnose infection. [ibl-international.com]
However, systematic studies are necessary to document acceptable RDT sensitivity and to ensure that long-term prognosis for infants treated at 1 year equals that for infants treated earlier in life. [cid.oxfordjournals.org]
Etiology
The definitive confirmation of T. cruzi as the etiological agent was achieved by PCR suggesting that the NME by T. cruzi was due to a reactivation of Chagas' disease. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Trypanosoma cruzi is a pathogenic protozoan of the Trypanosomatidade Family, which is the etiological agent of Chagas’ disease. Chagas’ disease stands out for being endemic among countries in Latin America, affecting about 15 million people. [frontiersin.org]
Epidemiology
This represents the first report of TcBat infection in humans; the epidemiological consequences of this finding are discussed herein. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Pathophysiology
Clinical Information Discusses physiology, pathophysiology, and general clinical aspects, as they relate to a laboratory test Chagas disease (American trypanosomiasis) is an acute and chronic infection caused by the protozoan hemoflagellate. [mayomedicallaboratories.com]
Thus, new investigations are needed to explore which T. cruzi evasion molecules could be potential immunotherapeutic targets that could contribute to change the pathophysiological progression of this neglected disease. [frontiersin.org]
An extensive number of publications about this disease suggest significant phenotypic variation and different behavior both in vitro and in vivo in terms of pathophysiology, virulence, tropism and immunological responses, which strongly difficult the [nature.com]
Prevention
We have previously proposed that local placental factors, such as the epithelial turnover of the trophoblast and the innate immune response initiated by Toll-like receptors (TLRs), might prevent parasite infection and congenital transmission. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
No vaccine or preventative medication currently exists. However, suggested preventative measures include the usage of bed netting and insecticides5. Another preventative measure is the screening of blood products for T. cruzi serology. [web.uconn.edu]