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Gonzalez-Sanz M, Crespillo-Andújar C, Chamorro-Tojeiro S, Monge-Maillo B, Perez-Molina JA, Norman FF. Chagas Disease in Europe. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:513. [PMID: 38133445 PMCID: PMC10747626 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8120513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease is currently present in many non-endemic countries and remains a neglected tropical disease globally. A review of the literature identified significant gaps and scarcity of updated information from European countries, with most studies reporting data from Spain and Italy. The index of underdiagnosis may be as high as 70%, affecting mainly females of child-bearing age. Standardized screening of fertile, non-pregnant, women from endemic countries and subsequent treatment is considered an essential strategy to control transmission and prevent new cases, yet no uniform legislation for screening risk groups exists. There is heterogeneity in Europe in terms of preventive strategies to avoid transfusion-related transmission of Chagas disease, not necessarily in line with the European directives, with some countries conducting systematic screening for T. cruzi infection in blood donors, whilst others rely on pre-transfusion questionnaires. The growing burden of the infection in resource-rich areas may provide an opportunity for progress in certain aspects of control and prevention. Options for improving screening strategies, management and linkage to care are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Gonzalez-Sanz
- National Referral Unit for Tropical Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, IRYCIS, 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Clara Crespillo-Andújar
- National Referral Unit for Tropical Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, IRYCIS, 28034 Madrid, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sandra Chamorro-Tojeiro
- National Referral Unit for Tropical Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, IRYCIS, 28034 Madrid, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Universidad de Alcalá, 28801 Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Begoña Monge-Maillo
- National Referral Unit for Tropical Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, IRYCIS, 28034 Madrid, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Universidad de Alcalá, 28801 Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Jose A. Perez-Molina
- National Referral Unit for Tropical Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, IRYCIS, 28034 Madrid, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Francesca F. Norman
- National Referral Unit for Tropical Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, IRYCIS, 28034 Madrid, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Universidad de Alcalá, 28801 Alcalá de Henares, Spain
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Herrero-Martínez JM, Trigo E, Navarro M, García-Alcázar D, Carrillo I, Fernández-López T, Calderón-Moreno M, Millán-Pérez R, Cuadros J, Velasco M, García-Bujalance S, Lizasoain M, Martín-Rabadán P, Pérez-Ayala A, Flores-Chávez M. Prevalence of Chagas disease in Latin American pregnant women in Madrid, Spain: A multicentre cross-sectional study from 2011 to 2016. Trop Med Int Health 2023; 28:912-922. [PMID: 37905331 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to assess Trypanosoma cruzi infection prevalence among pregnant migrants living in Madrid according to the country of origin and to assess screening coverage in this at-risk population. METHODS Retrospective multicentre cross-sectional study conducted from January 2011 to December 2016 in eight Madrid hospitals. Each hospital reviewed their microbiology data records to assess the screening coverage and serological diagnosis in all pregnant women coming from endemic areas. RESULTS From 2011 to 2016, 149,470 deliveries were attended at the eight hospitals, and 11,048 pregnant women were screened for Chagas disease. Most cases (93.5%) were in women from Bolivia, who also showed the highest prevalence (12.4%, 95% confidence interval: 9.9-15.0). Pooled prevalence amongst the screened women was 2.9% (95% CI: 1.8-4.1). Chagas disease screening coverage varied greatly between centres, with a pooled mean coverage of 47% (95% CI: 37%-57%; 73% [95% CI: 63%-82%] for those centres with universal screening vs. 10% [95% CI: 6%-15%] for those with a selective screening approach; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Our study provides useful data for policy makers and epidemiologists in a non-endemic area without congenital Chagas screening programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elena Trigo
- Travel and Tropical Medicine Referral Unit. La Paz-Carlos III University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miriam Navarro
- Epidemiology Unit, Public Health Centre of Elche-FISABIO, Alicante, Spain
- Department of Public Health, Science History and Gynaecology, University Miguel Hernández de Elche, Alicante, Spain
| | - Diana García-Alcázar
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, University Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Irene Carrillo
- Infectious Diseases Division, Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - María Calderón-Moreno
- Internal Medicine Department, General University Hospital Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosario Millán-Pérez
- Microbiology Department, University Hospital Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Cuadros
- Microbiology Department, Hospital Príncipe de Asturias, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Velasco
- Internal Medicine Department, University Hospital Fundación de Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Manuel Lizasoain
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Internal Medicine Department, University Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pablo Martín-Rabadán
- Microbiology Department, General University Hospital Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Pérez-Ayala
- Microbiology Department, University Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Flores-Chávez
- Reference and Research Laboratory in Parasitology, National Centre of Microbiology, Madrid, Spain
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Andrade MV, Noronha KVMDS, de Souza A, Motta-Santos AS, Braga PEF, Bracarense H, de Miranda MCC, Nascimento BR, Molina I, Martins-Melo FR, Perel P, Geissbühler Y, Quijano M, Machado IE, Ribeiro ALP. The economic burden of Chagas disease: A systematic review. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011757. [PMID: 37992061 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chagas disease (CD) is a neglected disease affecting millions worldwide, yet little is known about its economic burden. This systematic review is part of RAISE project, a broader study that aims to estimate the global prevalence, mortality, and health and economic burden attributable to chronic CD and Chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy. The objective of this study was to assess the main costs associated with the treatment of CD in both endemic and non-endemic countries. METHODS An electronic search of the Medline, Lilacs, and Embase databases was conducted until 31st, 2022, to identify and select economic studies that evaluated treatment costs of CD. No restrictions on place or language were made. Complete or partial economic analyses were included. RESULTS Fifteen studies were included, with two-thirds referring to endemic countries. The most commonly investigated cost components were inpatient care, exams, surgeries, consultation, drugs, and pacemakers. However, significant heterogeneity in the estimation methods and presentation of data was observed, highlighting the absence of standardization in the measurement methods and cost components. The most common component analyzed using the same metric was hospitalization. The mean annual hospital cost per patient ranges from $25.47 purchasing power parity US dollars (PPP-USD) to $18,823.74 PPP-USD, and the median value was $324.44 PPP-USD. The lifetime hospital cost per patient varies from $209,44 PPP-USD for general care to $14,351.68 PPP-USD for patients with heart failure. DISCUSSION Despite the limitations of the included studies, this study is the first systematic review of the costs of CD treatment. The findings underscore the importance of standardizing the measurement methods and cost components for estimating the economic burden of CD and improving the comparability of cost components magnitude and cost composition analysis. Finally, assessing the economic burden is essential for public policies designed to eliminate CD, given the continued neglect of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mônica Viegas Andrade
- Department of Economics, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | - Aline de Souza
- Faculty of Economic Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - André Soares Motta-Santos
- Center for Health Technology Assessment, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Center for Development and Regional Planning, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | - Henrique Bracarense
- Faculty of Economic Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | - Bruno Ramos Nascimento
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Telehealth Center and Cardiology Service, Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Israel Molina
- International Health Unit Vall d'Hebron-Drassanes, Infectious Diseases Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | - Isis Eloah Machado
- Department of Family Medicine, Mental and Collective Health, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Brazil
| | - Antônio Luiz Pinho Ribeiro
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Telehealth Center and Cardiology Service, Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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Diagnostic pathways of Chagas disease in Spain: a qualitative study. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:332. [PMID: 36788512 PMCID: PMC9930317 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14938-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Due to the mobility of the population in recent years and the spread of Chagas disease (CD) to non-endemic regions, early diagnosis and treatment of CD has become increasingly relevant in non-endemic countries. In order for screening to be effective, health system accessibility must be taken into consideration. This study uses Tanahashi's Health Service Coverage model to gain a deeper understanding of the main diagnostic pathways for Chagas disease in a non-endemic country and the barriers and bottlenecks present in each pathway. METHODS This study used a qualitative design with a phenomenological approach. Twenty-one interviews, two focus group sessions, and two triangular group sessions were conducted between 2015 and 2018 with 37 Bolivian men and women diagnosed with CD in Madrid, Spain. A topic guide was designed to ensure that the interviewers obtained the data concerning knowledge of CD (transmission, symptoms, and treatment), attitudes towards CD, and health behaviour (practices in relation to CD). All interviews, focus groups and triangular groups were recorded and transcribed. A thematic, inductive analysis based on Grounded Theory was performed by two researchers. RESULTS Three main pathways to CD diagnosis were identified: 1) pregnancy or blood/organ donation, with no bottlenecks in effective coverage; 2) an individual actively seeking CD testing, with bottlenecks relating to administrative, physical, and time-related accessibility, and effectiveness based on the healthcare professional's knowledge of CD; 3) an individual not actively seeking CD testing, who expresses psychological discomfort or embarrassment about visiting a physician, with a low perception of risk, afraid of stigma, and testing positive, and with little confidence in physicians' knowledge of CD. CONCLUSIONS Existing bottlenecks in the three main diagnostic pathways for CD are less prevalent during pregnancy and blood donation, but are more prevalent in individuals who do not voluntarily seek serological testing for CD. Future screening protocols will need to take these bottlenecks into consideration to achieve effective coverage.
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Iglesias Rodríguez IM, Miura S, Maeda T, Imai K, Smith C, Vasquez Velasquez C, Honda S, Hirayama K. Analysis of the Chagas disease situation in Japan: a cross sectional study and cost-effectiveness analysis of a Chagas disease screening program. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. WESTERN PACIFIC 2023; 31:100574. [PMID: 36879788 PMCID: PMC9985010 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2022.100574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Japan is estimated to host 3000 cases of Chagas disease (CD). However, there are no epidemiological data and policies for prevention and care. We aimed to analyze the current situation of CD in Japan and identify possible barriers to seeking care. METHODS This cross-sectional study included Latin American (LA) migrants living in Japan from March 2019 to October 2020. We obtained blood samples to identify participants infected with Trypanosoma cruzi, and data about sociodemographic information, CD risk factors, and barriers to access to the Japanese national health care system (JNHS). We used the observed prevalence to calculate the cost-effectiveness analysis of the screening of CD in the JNHS. FINDINGS The study included 428 participants, most of them were from Brazil, Bolivia and Peru. The observed prevalence was 1.6% (expected prevalence= 0.75%) and 5.3% among Bolivians. Factors associated with seropositivity were being born in Bolivia, having previously taken a CD test, witnessing the triatome bug at home, and having a relative with CD. The screening model was more cost-effective than the non-screening model from a health care perspective (ICER=200,320 JPY). Factors associated with access to JNHS were being female, length of stay in Japan, Japanese communication skills, source of information, and satisfaction about the JNHS. INTERPRETATION Screening of asymptomatic adults at risk of CD may be a cost-effective strategy in Japan. However, its implementation should consider the barriers that affect LA migrants in access to the JNHS. FUNDING Nagasaki University and Infectious Diseases Japanese Association.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sachio Miura
- NPO organization, MAIKEN, Motohachioji, Hachioji, Tokyo 193-0826, Japan
| | - Takuya Maeda
- Department of Microbiology, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Kazuo Imai
- Department of Infectious Disease and Infection Control, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Chris Smith
- School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom
| | - Clara Vasquez Velasquez
- Department of Immunogenetics, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
- Department of Parasitology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University, 1-4-3 Asahi-machi, Abeno-ku, Osaka 545-8585, Japan
| | - Sumihisa Honda
- Department of Nursing Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Science, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Kenji Hirayama
- School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan
- Department of Immunogenetics, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
- Department of Nursing Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Science, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
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Bocchi EA. Chagas' disease: the hidden enemy around the world. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. WESTERN PACIFIC 2023; 31:100605. [PMID: 36879783 PMCID: PMC9985008 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2022.100605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Edimar Alcides Bocchi
- Correspondence to. Rua Dr Melo Aves, no 690, apto 41, Cerqueira Cesar, São Paulo, Brasil.
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Delgado RI, De la Rosa M, Picado MA, Ayoub-Rodriguez L, Gonzalez CE, Gemoets L. Cost of care for asylum seekers and refugees entering the United States: The case of volunteer medical providers in El Paso, Texas. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0278386. [PMID: 36454915 PMCID: PMC9714800 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Between October 2018, and February 2020, the United States saw an unprecedented increase in the number of asylum seekers and refugees arriving unexpectedly at international crossings along the US-Mexico Border. Many of these migrants needed proper medical attention, and consequently created significant pressure on local health systems. In El Paso, Texas, volunteer clinicians, collaborating closely with religious organizations and non-governmental organizations, provided outpatient medical care for the new arrivals; the county hospital provided in-patient care at local tax payers' expense. The objective of this study was to estimate costs of healthcare services offered by these volunteers in order to formulate sustainable and appropriate healthcare policies to address the needs of refugees and asylum seekers in the United States. METHODS A mixed methods approach was used including personal interviews with stakeholders, and follow up surveys with volunteer clinicians. The cost analysis was done from the payer perspective using Medicaid reimbursement rates. RESULTS Total costs of care provided to asylum seekers and refugees varied between $1.9MM to $4.4MM during the study period. The number of patient visits was estimated at 15,736 to 19,236, and cost per patient ranged between $99 and $281. Most common conditions treated by volunteer providers were abdominal pain, dermatological conditions, headaches, dehydration and hypertension. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study looking at the cost of healthcare for refugees and asylum seekers provided by volunteer clinicians, in a binational context. The resources invested by volunteer providers were significant, and essential to meet medical needs of migrant populations. Without appropriate financial support, a strategy relying on volunteer and local community resources will prove unsustainable in the long term. Findings from this study will help formulate federal and local policies to support local health systems along the US-Mexico Border in providing care to future migrations into the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rigoberto I. Delgado
- School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Manuel De la Rosa
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, Texas, United States of America
| | - Marlon A. Picado
- Department of Accounting and Information Systems, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas, United States of America
| | - Lisa Ayoub-Rodriguez
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, Texas, United States of America
| | - Celia E. Gonzalez
- Department of Accounting and Information Systems, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas, United States of America
| | - Leopold Gemoets
- Department of Accounting and Information Systems, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas, United States of America
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Worldwide Control and Management of Chagas Disease in a New Era of Globalization: a Close Look at Congenital Trypanosoma cruzi Infection. Clin Microbiol Rev 2022; 35:e0015221. [PMID: 35239422 PMCID: PMC9020358 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00152-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Population movements have turned Chagas disease (CD) into a global public health problem. Despite the successful implementation of subregional initiatives to control vectorial and transfusional Trypanosoma cruzi transmission in Latin American settings where the disease is endemic, congenital CD (cCD) remains a significant challenge. In countries where the disease is not endemic, vertical transmission plays a key role in CD expansion and is the main focus of its control. Although several health organizations provide general protocols for cCD control, its management in each geopolitical region depends on local authorities, which has resulted in a multitude of approaches. The aims of this review are to (i) describe the current global situation in CD management, with emphasis on congenital infection, and (ii) summarize the spectrum of available strategies, both official and unofficial, for cCD prevention and control in countries of endemicity and nonendemicity. From an economic point of view, the early detection and treatment of cCD are cost-effective. However, in countries where the disease is not endemic, national health policies for cCD control are nonexistent, and official regional protocols are scarce and restricted to Europe. Countries of endemicity have more protocols in place, but the implementation of diagnostic methods is hampered by economic constraints. Moreover, most protocols in both countries where the disease is endemic and those where it is not endemic have yet to incorporate recently developed technologies. The wide methodological diversity in cCD diagnostic algorithms reflects the lack of a consensus. This review may represent a first step toward the development of a common strategy, which will require the collaboration of health organizations, governments, and experts in the field.
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Iglesias-Rus L, Romay-Barja M, Boquete T, Benito A, Jordan B, Blasco-Hernández T. Mapping health behaviour related to Chagas diagnosis in a non-endemic country: Application of Andersen’s Behavioural Model. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0262772. [PMID: 35051245 PMCID: PMC8775331 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0262772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chagas disease has become a challenge for non-endemic countries since population mobility has increased in recent years and it has spread to these regions. In order to prevent vertical transmission and improve the prognosis of the disease, it is important to make an early diagnosis. And to develop strategies that improve access to diagnosis, it is important to know the factors that most influence the decision of the population to know their serological status. For this reason, this study uses Andersen’s Behavioural Model and its proposed strategies to explore the health behaviours of Bolivian population. Methods Twenty-three interviews, two focus groups, and two triangular groups were performed with Bolivian men and women, involving a total of 39 participants. In addition, four interviews were conducted with key informants in contact with Bolivian population to delve into possible strategies to improve the Chagas diagnosis. Results The most relevant facts for the decision to being diagnosed pointed out by participants were having relatives who were sick or deceased from Chagas disease or, for men, having their pregnant wife with a positive result. After living in Spain more than ten years, population at risk no longer feels identified with their former rural origin and the vector. Moreover, their knowledge and awareness about diagnosis and treatment still remains low, especially in younger people. Limitations on access to healthcare professionals and services were also mentioned, and proposed strategies focused on eliminating these barriers and educating the population in preventive behaviours. Conclusions Based on Andersen’s Behavioural Model, the results obtained regarding the factors that most influence the decision to carry out Chagas diagnosis provide information that could help to develop strategies to improve access to health services and modify health behaviours related to Chagas screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Iglesias-Rus
- Centro Nacional de Medicina Tropical, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Romay-Barja
- Centro Nacional de Medicina Tropical, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Red de Investigación Colaborativa en Enfermedades Tropicales, RICET, Madrid, Spain
| | - Teresa Boquete
- Centro Nacional de Medicina Tropical, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Red de Investigación Colaborativa en Enfermedades Tropicales, RICET, Madrid, Spain
| | - Agustín Benito
- Centro Nacional de Medicina Tropical, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Red de Investigación Colaborativa en Enfermedades Tropicales, RICET, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Teresa Blasco-Hernández
- Centro Nacional de Medicina Tropical, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Red de Investigación Colaborativa en Enfermedades Tropicales, RICET, Madrid, Spain
- * E-mail:
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Sanmartino M, Forsyth CJ, Avaria A, Velarde-Rodriguez M, Gómez i Prat J, Albajar-Viñas P. The multidimensional comprehension of Chagas disease. Contributions, approaches, challenges and opportunities from and beyond the Information, Education and Communication field. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2022; 117:e200460. [DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760200460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Mar Velarde-Rodriguez
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Switzerland; University of Basel, Switzerland
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11
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Ramos-Sesma V, Navarro M, Llenas-García J, Gil-Anguita C, Torrus-Tendero D, Wikman-Jorgensen P, García-López M, Amador-Prous C, Ventero-Martín MP, Guevara-Hernández P, Garijo-Saiz A, Sanchez-Sanchez A, Bernal-Alcaraz C, Pujades-Tarraga AI, Muñoz-Perez R, Flores-Chávez M, Ramos-Rincón JM. Community-based screening of Chagas disease among Latin American migrants in a non-endemic country: an observational study. Infect Dis Poverty 2021; 10:117. [PMID: 34526137 PMCID: PMC8441044 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-021-00897-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chagas disease is a parasitic disease endemic to Latin America, but it has become a disease of global concern due to migration flows. Asymptomatic carriers may host the parasite for years, without knowing they are infected. The aim of this study is to assess prevalence of Chagas disease and evaluate the participants' level of knowledge between Latin American migrants attending a community-based screening campaign. METHODS Three community-based campaigns were performed in Alicante (Spain) in 2016, 2017 and 2018, including educational chats and blood tests for Trypanosoma cruzi serology. Participants completed a questionnaire assessing knowledge about the mechanisms of transmission, disease presentation, diagnosis, and treatment. People seropositive for T. cruzi underwent diagnostic confirmation by two different tests. Results were analyzed by multivariable logistic regression and expressed as adjusted odds ratios (aORs), adjusting for age, sex, and time in Spain. RESULTS A total of 596 participants were included in the study; 17% were aged under 18 years. Prevalence in adults was 11% [54/496; 95% confidence interval (CI): 8.3-14.5%] versus 0% among children. All but one case were in Bolivians. Diagnosis was independently associated with having been born in Bolivia (aOR: 102, 95% CI: 13-781) and a primary school-level education (aOR: 2.40, 95% CI: 1.14-5.06). Of 54 people diagnosed with Chagas disease (most of whom were asymptomatic), 42 (77.7%) returned to the clinic at least once, and 24 (44.4%) received treatment. Multivariable analysis showed that coming from Argentina (aOR: 13, 95% CI: 1.61-1188) or Bolivia (aOR: 1.90, 95% CI: 1.19-3.39) and having received information about Chagas disease in Spain (aOR: 4.63, 95% CI: 2.54-8.97) were associated with a good level of knowledge on the disease. Having primary level studies (aOR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.34-0.98) and coming from Ecuador (aOR: 4.63, 95% CI: 2.52-847) were independently associated with a lower level of knowledge. CONCLUSIONS Community-based interventions are a good strategy for diagnosing neglected diseases such as Chagas disease in non-endemic countries and for identifying and treating infected, asymptomatic individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Miriam Navarro
- Public Health, Science History and Gynecology Department, Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche, Alicante, Spain
- Epidemiology Unit Public Health Center of Elche, Alicante, Spain
| | - Jara Llenas-García
- Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Vega Baja de Orihuela (Alicante, Spain)-Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research of the Valencia Region (FISABIO), Alicante, Spain
- Clinical Medicine Department, University Miguel Hernández of Elche, Sant Joan d'Alacant, Spain
| | - Concepción Gil-Anguita
- Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Marina BaixaLa Vila Joiosa (Alicante, Spain)-FISABIO, Alicante, Spain
| | - Diego Torrus-Tendero
- Internal Medicine Department, General University Hospital of Alicante-Biomedical and Health Research Institute of Alicante (ISABIAL), Alicante, Spain
- Parasitology Area, University Miguel Hernández of Elche, Sant Joan d'Alacant, Spain
| | - Philip Wikman-Jorgensen
- Internal Medicine Department, University Hospital of Sant Joan, (Sant Joan d'Alacant, Spain)- FISABIO, Alicante, Spain
| | - María García-López
- Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Vega Baja de Orihuela (Alicante, Spain)-Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research of the Valencia Region (FISABIO), Alicante, Spain
| | - Concepción Amador-Prous
- Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Marina BaixaLa Vila Joiosa (Alicante, Spain)-FISABIO, Alicante, Spain
| | | | - Pedro Guevara-Hernández
- Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Vega Baja de Orihuela (Alicante, Spain)-Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research of the Valencia Region (FISABIO), Alicante, Spain
| | - Ana Garijo-Saiz
- Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Marina BaixaLa Vila Joiosa (Alicante, Spain)-FISABIO, Alicante, Spain
| | - Ares Sanchez-Sanchez
- Pediatric Department, General University Hospital of Alicante-ISABIAL, Alicante, Spain
| | - Cristina Bernal-Alcaraz
- Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Vega Baja de Orihuela (Alicante, Spain)-Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research of the Valencia Region (FISABIO), Alicante, Spain
| | - Ana-Isabel Pujades-Tarraga
- Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Marina BaixaLa Vila Joiosa (Alicante, Spain)-FISABIO, Alicante, Spain
| | - Roser Muñoz-Perez
- Digestive Service, General University Hospital of Alicante-ISABIAL, Alicante, Spain
| | - María Flores-Chávez
- Reference and Research Laboratory in Parasitology, National Center of Microbiology/Mundo Sano Foundation, Madrid, Spain
| | - José-Manuel Ramos-Rincón
- Clinical Medicine Department, University Miguel Hernández of Elche, Sant Joan d'Alacant, Spain.
- Internal Medicine Department, General University Hospital of Alicante-Biomedical and Health Research Institute of Alicante (ISABIAL), Alicante, Spain.
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Hyson P, Barahona LV, Pedraza-Arévalo LC, Schultz J, Mestroni L, da Consolação Moreira M, Taylor M, Franco-Paredes C, Benamu E, Ramanan P, Rassi A, Hawkins K, Henao-Martínez AF. Experiences with Diagnosis and Treatment of Chagas Disease at a United States Teaching Hospital-Clinical Features of Patients with Positive Screening Serologic Testing. Trop Med Infect Dis 2021; 6:tropicalmed6020093. [PMID: 34072787 PMCID: PMC8261631 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed6020093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease (CD) is the third most common parasitic infection globally and can cause cardiac and gastrointestinal complications. Around 300,000 carriers of CD live in the U.S., with about 3000 of those in Colorado. We described our experience in diagnosing CD at a Colorado teaching hospital to revise screening eligibility criteria. From 2006 to 2020, we reviewed Trypanosoma cruzi (TC) IgG serology results for 1156 patients in our institution. We identified 23 patients (1.99%) who had a positive test. A total of 14/23 (60%) of positive serologies never had confirmatory testing, and 7 of them were lost to follow up. Confirmatory testing, performed in 9 patients, resulted in being positive in 3. One additional case of CD was identified by positive tissue pathology. All four confirmed cases were among patients born in Latin America. While most of the testing for CD at our institution is part of the pretransplant screening, no confirmed cases of CD derived from this strategy. Exposure risk in this population is not always documented, and initial positive results from screening are not always confirmed. The lack of standardized screening protocols for CD in our institution contributes to underdiagnosis locally and in health systems nationwide. Given a large number of individuals in the U.S. with chronic CD, improved screening is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Hyson
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA;
| | - Lilian Vargas Barahona
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (L.V.B.); (J.S.); (C.F.-P.); (E.B.); (P.R.); (K.H.)
| | | | - Jonathan Schultz
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (L.V.B.); (J.S.); (C.F.-P.); (E.B.); (P.R.); (K.H.)
| | - Luisa Mestroni
- Adult Medical Genetics Program, Cardiovascular Institute, Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (L.M.); (M.T.)
| | - Maria da Consolação Moreira
- Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte-Minas Gerais 31270-901, Brazil;
| | - Matthew Taylor
- Adult Medical Genetics Program, Cardiovascular Institute, Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (L.M.); (M.T.)
| | - Carlos Franco-Paredes
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (L.V.B.); (J.S.); (C.F.-P.); (E.B.); (P.R.); (K.H.)
- Hospital Infantil de Mexico, Federico Gomez, Mexico City 06720, Mexico
| | - Esther Benamu
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (L.V.B.); (J.S.); (C.F.-P.); (E.B.); (P.R.); (K.H.)
| | - Poornima Ramanan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (L.V.B.); (J.S.); (C.F.-P.); (E.B.); (P.R.); (K.H.)
| | - Anis Rassi
- Division of Cardiology, Anis Rassi Hospital, Goiânia 74110-020, Brazil;
| | - Kellie Hawkins
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (L.V.B.); (J.S.); (C.F.-P.); (E.B.); (P.R.); (K.H.)
- Denver Health Medical Center, Denver, CO 80204, USA
| | - Andrés F. Henao-Martínez
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (L.V.B.); (J.S.); (C.F.-P.); (E.B.); (P.R.); (K.H.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-720-848-0191
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Assis TMD, Rabello A, Cota G. Economic evaluations addressing diagnosis and treatment strategies for neglected tropical diseases: an overview. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2021; 63:e41. [PMID: 34037157 PMCID: PMC8149103 DOI: 10.1590/s1678-9946202163041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are those affecting vulnerable people and
causing additional social and economic burden. The aim of this study was to
carry out a general overview of the health economic assessments involving the
diagnosis and treatment of six NTDs: cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), Chagas
disease, cysticercosis, filariasis, schistosomiasis and visceral leishmaniasis
(VL). The literature search was based on two of the main medical literature
databases (Medline and SciELO) and identified 46 studies. Twenty-six studies
(57%) addressed therapeutic strategies, while other 20 (43%) assessed diagnostic
or both diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. The studies were published
between 1994 and 2021, and 57% of them (26/46) were carried out in four
countries. Cost-effectiveness analyses were conducted in 59% (27/46) of the
studies. Economic studies of NTDs have timidly increased in recent years.
Despite the improvement of analytical methods, completeness and accuracy of
information, there are few new technologies applied to NTDs and public health
systems. In addition, economic studies for NTDs are concentrated in a few
countries. Thus, this review points out the need for investment in research,
development and training of human resources dedicated to the economic analysis
in health, especially on NTDs, as a strategy to reduce inequalities by
optimizing the use of health resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tália Machado de Assis
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto René Rachou, Pesquisa Clínica e Políticas Públicas em Doenças Infecciosas e Parasitárias, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.,Centro Federal de Educação Tecnológica de Minas Gerais, Contagem, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ana Rabello
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto René Rachou, Pesquisa Clínica e Políticas Públicas em Doenças Infecciosas e Parasitárias, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Gláucia Cota
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto René Rachou, Pesquisa Clínica e Políticas Públicas em Doenças Infecciosas e Parasitárias, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Llenas-García J, Wikman-Jorgensen P, Gil-Anguita C, Ramos- Sesma V, Torrús-Tendero D, Martínez-Goñi R, Romero-Nieto M, García-Abellán J, Esteban-Giner MJ, Antelo K, Navarro-Cots M, Buñuel F, Amador C, García-García J, Gascón I, Telenti G, Fuentes-Campos E, Torres I, Gimeno-Gascón A, Ruíz-García MM, Navarro M, Ramos-Rincón JM. Chagas disease screening in pregnant Latin American women: Adherence to a systematic screening protocol in a non-endemic country. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009281. [PMID: 33760816 PMCID: PMC8021187 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chagas disease (CD) is a chronic parasitic disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi and is endemic to continental Latin America. In Spain, the main transmission route is congenital. We aimed to assess adherence to regional recommendations of universal screening for CD during pregnancy in Latin American women in the province of Alicante from 2014 to 2018. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Retrospective quality study using two data sources: 1) delivery records of Latin American women that gave birth in the 10 public hospitals of Alicante between January 2014 and December 2018; and 2) records of Chagas serologies carried out in those centers between May 2013 and December 2018. There were 3026 deliveries in Latin American women during the study period; 1178 (38.9%) underwent CD serology. Screening adherence ranged from 17.2% to 59.3% in the different health departments and was higher in Bolivian women (48.3%). Twenty-six deliveries (2.2%) had a positive screening; CD was confirmed in 23 (2%) deliveries of 21 women. Bolivians had the highest seroprevalence (21/112; 18.7%), followed by Colombians (1/333; 0.3%) and Ecuadorians (1/348; 0.3%). Of 21 CD-positive women (19 Bolivians, 1 Colombian, 1 Ecuadorian), infection was already known in 12 (57.1%), and 9 (42.9%) had already been treated. Only 1 of the 12 untreated women (8.3%) was treated postpartum. Follow-up started in 20 of the 23 (87.0%) neonates but was completed only in 11 (47.8%); no cases of congenital transmission were detected. Among the 1848 unscreened deliveries, we estimate 43 undiagnosed cases of CD and 1 to 2 undetected cases of congenital transmission. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Adherence to recommendations of systematic screening for CD in Latin American pregnant women in Alicante can be improved. Strategies to strengthen treatment of postpartum women and monitoring of exposed newborns are needed. Currently, there may be undetected cases of congenital transmission in our province.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jara Llenas-García
- Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Vega Baja, Orihuela, Spain
- Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research of the Valencia Region (FISABIO), Valencia, Spain
- Clinical Medicine Department, University Miguel Hernández, Elche, Spain
- * E-mail:
| | - Philip Wikman-Jorgensen
- Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research of the Valencia Region (FISABIO), Valencia, Spain
- Internal Medicine Department, University Hospital San Juan de Alicante, San Juan de Alicante, Spain
| | | | | | - Diego Torrús-Tendero
- Reference Unit of Imported Diseases and International Health, Alicante General University Hospital, Alicante, Spain
- Biomedical and Health Research Institute of Alicante (ISABIAL), Alicante, Spain
- Parasitology Area, University Miguel Hernández, Elche, Spain
| | | | - Mónica Romero-Nieto
- Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research of the Valencia Region (FISABIO), Valencia, Spain
- Clinical Medicine Department, University Miguel Hernández, Elche, Spain
- Internal Medicine Department, Elda General University Hospital, Elda, Spain
| | - Javier García-Abellán
- Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research of the Valencia Region (FISABIO), Valencia, Spain
- Infectious Diseases Unit. Elche General University Hospital, Elche, Spain
| | | | | | - María Navarro-Cots
- Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research of the Valencia Region (FISABIO), Valencia, Spain
- Microbiology Department, Hospital Vega Baja, Orihuela, Spain
| | - Fernando Buñuel
- Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research of the Valencia Region (FISABIO), Valencia, Spain
- Microbiology Department, University Hospital San Juan de Alicante, San Juan de Alicante, Spain
| | - Concepción Amador
- Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Marina Baixa, Villajoyosa, Spain
| | | | - Isabel Gascón
- Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research of the Valencia Region (FISABIO), Valencia, Spain
- Microbiology Department, Elda General University Hospital, Elda, Spain
| | - Guillermo Telenti
- Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research of the Valencia Region (FISABIO), Valencia, Spain
- Infectious Diseases Unit. Elche General University Hospital, Elche, Spain
| | | | | | - Adelina Gimeno-Gascón
- Biomedical and Health Research Institute of Alicante (ISABIAL), Alicante, Spain
- Microbiology Department, Alicante General University Hospital, Alicante, Spain
| | - María Montserrat Ruíz-García
- Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research of the Valencia Region (FISABIO), Valencia, Spain
- Microbiology Department, Elche General University Hospital, Elche, Spain
| | - Miriam Navarro
- Department of Public Health, Science History and Gynaecology, University Miguel Hernández, Elche, Spain
| | - José-Manuel Ramos-Rincón
- Clinical Medicine Department, University Miguel Hernández, Elche, Spain
- Reference Unit of Imported Diseases and International Health, Alicante General University Hospital, Alicante, Spain
- Biomedical and Health Research Institute of Alicante (ISABIAL), Alicante, Spain
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Schultz J, Hyson P, Chastain DB, Gharamti AA, Franco-Paredes C, Henao-Martínez AF. COVID-19 epidemic in the US-A gateway to screen for tuberculosis, HIV, viral hepatitides, Chagas disease, and other neglected tropical diseases among Hispanics. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008953. [PMID: 33338043 PMCID: PMC7748128 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Schultz
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Colorado Denver, School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Peter Hyson
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Colorado Denver, School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Daniel B. Chastain
- Department of Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy, University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, Albany, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Amal A. Gharamti
- Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Carlos Franco-Paredes
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Colorado Denver, School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
- Hospital Infantil de México, Federico Gómez, México City, México
| | - Andrés F. Henao-Martínez
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Colorado Denver, School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Romay-Barja M, Boquete T, Martinez O, Benito A, Blasco-Hernández T. Factors associated with Chagas screening among immigrants from an endemic country in Madrid, Spain. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0230120. [PMID: 32168359 PMCID: PMC7069611 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0230120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Approximately 120,000 people live with Chagas disease in Europe, 43% of whom are living in Spain. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to improve outcomes for those living with Chagas, and also for the prevention of ongoing transmission. The decision to be tested for Chagas is affected by a range of factors. Studies have highlighted the need to consider the wider social determinants of healthcare seeking behaviour related to Chagas. In Madrid, 44% of Bolivians undergo Chagas screening, which is a higher rate than other European regions, but studies concerning the factors which determine testing have not been performed. This study aimed to assess, for a first time, the factors associated with screening for Chagas among Bolivians living in Madrid trying to help in developing strategies and health recommendations. METHODS This was a cross-sectional survey about knowledge of Chagas and practices of Bolivians living in Madrid, Spain. A structured questionnaire was administered to 376 participants regarding Chagas health-seeking behaviour. Determinants were assessed by multiple logistic regressions adjusted by sex. RESULTS After adjusting for others variables and sex, the factors shown to be associated with Chagas screening were to have between 35 and 54 years of age; coming from a department with high prevalence of Chagas (OR 2.17 95% CI 0.99-4.76); received information about Chagas in Spain (OR 2.44 95% CI 1.32-4.51); and received any advice to do the test, especially if the advice came from a professional. CONCLUSIONS Health authorities should coordinate and promote strategies addressed to diagnose and treat Chagas taking into account all factors associated with screening. Our study suggests that professional advice appears to be the cornerstone to encourage Bolivians to undergo Chagas screening in Madrid. It is time to change the burden of the decision of being screened from the patient to the doctor. Being diagnosed for Chagas needs to become an institutional strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Romay-Barja
- Centro Nacional de Medicina Tropical, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Red de Investigación Colaborativa en Enfermedades Tropicales, RICET, Madrid, Spain
| | - Teresa Boquete
- Centro Nacional de Medicina Tropical, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Red de Investigación Colaborativa en Enfermedades Tropicales, RICET, Madrid, Spain
| | - Obdulia Martinez
- Centro Nacional de Medicina Tropical, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Agustin Benito
- Centro Nacional de Medicina Tropical, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Red de Investigación Colaborativa en Enfermedades Tropicales, RICET, Madrid, Spain
| | - Teresa Blasco-Hernández
- Centro Nacional de Medicina Tropical, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Red de Investigación Colaborativa en Enfermedades Tropicales, RICET, Madrid, Spain
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Velasco M, Gimeno-Feliú LA, Molina I, Salas-Coronas J, Solà I, Monge-Maillo B, Torrús-Tendero D, Caylà J, de Guzmán EN, Arellano JLP, Pérez-Molina JA. Screening for Trypanosoma cruzi infection in immigrants and refugees: Systematic review and recommendations from the Spanish Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology. Euro Surveill 2020; 25:1900393. [PMID: 32127121 PMCID: PMC7055039 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2020.25.8.1900393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundChagas disease has spread beyond its original borders on the American continent with migration. It can be transmitted from mother to child, through organ transplantation and transfusion of blood and blood products. It is necessary to determine when to screen for this infection.AimOur objective was to evaluate the appropriateness of screening for Trypanosoma cruzi infection in Latin American migrants and their descendants.MethodsWe reviewed the literature using rigorous criteria. The quality of evidence was ranked according to the GRADE classification. An evidence to decision framework was adopted to provide information on the most relevant aspects necessary to formulate recommendations.ResultsThe 33 studies evaluated revealed a prevalence of T. cruzi infection among Latin American migrants in Europe of 6.08% (95% confidence interval (CI): 3.24-9.69; 28 studies). Vertical transmission occurred in three of 100 live births (95% CI: 1-6; 13 studies). The prevalence of cardiovascular disease was 19% (95% CI: 13-27; nine studies), including only 1% severe cardiac events (95% CI: 0-2; 11 studies). The overall quality of evidence was low because of risk of bias in the studies and considerable heterogeneity of the evaluated populations. The recommendations took into account economic studies on the value of screening strategies and studies on acceptability of screening and knowledge of the disease in the affected population.ConclusionsWe identified five situations in which screening for T. cruzi infection is indicated. We recommend screening persons from endemic areas and children of mothers from these areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Velasco
- Infectious and Tropical Medicine Section, Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Andrés Gimeno-Feliú
- San Pablo Health Centre, Zaragoza, Spain,Department of Medicine, Psychiatry and Dermatology, University of Zaragoza. EpiChron Research Group on Chronic Diseases, Aragón Health Sciences Institute (IACS), IIS Aragón, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, Spain,Health Services Research on Chronic Patients Network (REDISSEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Israel Molina
- Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Universitario Vall d'Hebron, PROSICS Barcelona, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Ivan Solà
- Iberoamerican Cochrane Centre, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain,CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Begoña Monge-Maillo
- National Referral Centre for Tropical Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, IRYCIS, Madrid, Spain
| | - Diego Torrús-Tendero
- Referral Unit for Imported Infections and International Health. Infectious Diseases Unit, Hospital General Universitario de Alicante. Parasitology Area, Miguel Hernández University, Alicante, Spain
| | - Joan Caylà
- Fundació de la Unitat d'Investigació en Tuberculosis (FuiTB), TB Research Unit, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ena Niño de Guzmán
- Iberoamerican Cochrane Centre, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain
| | - JL Pérez Arellano
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Unit, Hospital Insular de Las Palmas. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain,Medical and Surgical Sciences Department. Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Jose A Pérez-Molina
- National Referral Centre for Tropical Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, IRYCIS, Madrid, Spain
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Iglesias-Rus L, Romay-Barja M, Boquete T, Benito A, Blasco-Hernández T. The role of the first level of health care in the approach to Chagas disease in a non-endemic country. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007937. [PMID: 31841503 PMCID: PMC6913928 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chagas disease has crossed South America's borders and in recent years has spread to regions that were not previously affected. Early diagnosis and treatment of Chagas disease improves the clinical prognosis and prevents vertical transmission. Taking into account the lack of evidence of how primary care services manage Chagas disease in a non-endemic country, this study assessed Chagas disease knowledge, attitudes and practices among primary health care professionals. METHODS AND PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Between 2017 and 2019, eight focus groups were formed with 41 family physicians and 40 nurses from healthcare centers in Madrid, Spain, and 70 field notes were collected during non-participant observation. The family physicians and nurses showed a lack of general knowledge about Chagas disease, and they did not identify the country of origin to request the blood test. The family physicians and nurses thought that the population did not talk broadly about Chagas disease because of the stigma or shame. The role of nurses was more focused on vaccination status and chronic disease follow-up, and family physicians assumed a facilitating role to send patients to different hospital facilities. Communication between primary care professionals and the hospital is a barrier frequently experienced by family physicians. CONCLUSIONS The diagnosis of CD in non-endemic countries continues being an important challenge for health systems. The results obtained with the study of the knowledge, attitudes and practices at primary care through a qualitative approach allows to obtain evidence that could help to develop strategies for the screening of CD in a protocolized way in order to avoid that the diagnosis depends exclusively on the request of the patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Iglesias-Rus
- Centro Nacional de Medicina Tropical, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Romay-Barja
- Centro Nacional de Medicina Tropical, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Red de Investigación Colaborativa en Enfermedades Tropicales, RICET, Madrid, Spain
| | - Teresa Boquete
- Centro Nacional de Medicina Tropical, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Red de Investigación Colaborativa en Enfermedades Tropicales, RICET, Madrid, Spain
| | - Agustín Benito
- Centro Nacional de Medicina Tropical, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Red de Investigación Colaborativa en Enfermedades Tropicales, RICET, Madrid, Spain
| | - Teresa Blasco-Hernández
- Centro Nacional de Medicina Tropical, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Red de Investigación Colaborativa en Enfermedades Tropicales, RICET, Madrid, Spain
- * E-mail:
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Carlier Y, Altcheh J, Angheben A, Freilij H, Luquetti AO, Schijman AG, Segovia M, Wagner N, Albajar Vinas P. Congenital Chagas disease: Updated recommendations for prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of newborns and siblings, girls, women of childbearing age, and pregnant women. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007694. [PMID: 31647811 PMCID: PMC6812740 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yves Carlier
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Jaime Altcheh
- Servicio de Parasitología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez (Centro colaborador en Chagas pediátrico OPS/OMS), Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigación en Patologías Pediátricas (IMIPP), CONICET-GCBA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Andrea Angheben
- Centro per le Malattie Tropicali, IRCCS Ospedale “Sacro Cuore—Don Calabria,” Negrar (Verona), Italy
| | - Hector Freilij
- Servicio de Parasitología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez (Centro colaborador en Chagas pediátrico OPS/OMS), Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigación en Patologías Pediátricas (IMIPP), CONICET-GCBA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alejandro O. Luquetti
- Laboratório de Chagas, Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Alejandro G. Schijman
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular de la Enfermedad de Chagas, INGEBI-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Manuel Segovia
- Unidad Regional de Medicina Tropical, Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, El Palmar (Murcia), Spain
| | - Noemie Wagner
- Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Pedro Albajar Vinas
- Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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Chagas screening and treatment among Bolivians living in Madrid, Spain: The need for an official protocol. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0213577. [PMID: 30849113 PMCID: PMC6407767 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0213577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background It is estimated that around 52,000 people live with Chagas in Spain, but only 10% have been diagnosed. Migrants from Bolivia bear the burden of Chagas infection in Spain. However, little is known about their current management of Chagas diagnosis and treatment patterns. This study aimed to assess the Chagas related disease perception and health behaviour of Bolivians living in Madrid. Methods and principal findings For a first time, a cross-sectional survey about Chagas’ knowledges and practices was carried out in Madrid, Spain. A total of 376 Bolivians were interviewed about their Chagas health-seeking behaviour. Differences between men and women were assessed Most of Bolivians living in Madrid have access to the public health services. 44% of Bolivians included in the survey had a Chagas screening test done. However, while women did their test for Chagas mostly at hospital (59.2%), men also used the community campaigns (17.5%) and blood banks (14.3%). The prevalence reported among Bolivians tested was 27.7%. Unfortunately, more than half of those reporting a positive test for Chagas did not begin or completed treatment. Only 45.7% of positives reported having had their children tested for Chagas. Conclusions Despite the increase in the number of Chagas diagnoses done in Madrid, the number of Bolivians who tested positive and then started or completed treatment remains very low. The fact that most Bolivians’ access to the health system is through the primary healthcare services should be considered for improving management of cases and follow-up of treatment adherence. Local and national protocol establishing guidelines for the screening and treatment of Chagas disease would help improving case detection and management at all levels of the healthcare system.
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21
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Olivera MJ, Fory JA, Porras JF, Buitrago G. Prevalence of Chagas disease in Colombia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0210156. [PMID: 30615644 PMCID: PMC6322748 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0210156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite the adoption of campaigns to interrupt the main vector and to detect Trypanosoma cruzi in blood banks, millions of people are still chronically infected; however, the prevalence data are limited, and the epidemiology of Chagas disease has not been systematically evaluated. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of Chagas disease in Colombia. Methods A systematic literature review and meta-analysis was conducted to select all observational studies reporting the prevalence of Chagas disease in Colombia, based on serological diagnosis in participants of any age and published between January 2007 and November 2017. Pooled estimates and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated using random-effects models. In addition, the I2 statistic was calculated. Results The literature search yielded a total of 1,510 studies; sixteen articles with relevant prevalence data were included in the systematic review. Of these, only 12 articles were included for entry in the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of Chagas disease across studies was 2.0% (95% CI: 1.0–4.0). A high degree of heterogeneity was found among studies (I2 > 75%; p < 0.001). The publication bias was not statistically significant (Egger’s test, p = 0.078). The highest pooled prevalences were found in the adult population (3.0%, 95% CI: 1.0–4.0), pregnant women (3.0%, 95% CI: 3.0–4.0) and the Orinoco region (7.0%, 95% CI: 2.2–12.6). Conclusions The results indicate that the T. cruzi-infected population is aging, the adult population, pregnant women and that the Orinoco region (department of Casanare) have the highest prevalences. These results highlight the need to maintain screening and surveillance programs to identify people with chronic T. cruzi infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario J Olivera
- Grupo de Parasitología, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá, D.C., Colombia.,Programme in Health Economics, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, D.C., Colombia
| | - Johana A Fory
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Militar Nueva Granada, Bogotá, D.C., Colombia
| | - Julián F Porras
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, D.C., Colombia
| | - Giancarlo Buitrago
- Departamento de Epidemiología y Bioestadística, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, D.C., Colombia
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22
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Abras A, Ballart C, Llovet T, Roig C, Gutiérrez C, Tebar S, Berenguer P, Pinazo MJ, Posada E, Gascón J, Schijman AG, Gállego M, Muñoz C. Introducing automation to the molecular diagnosis of Trypanosoma cruzi infection: A comparative study of sample treatments, DNA extraction methods and real-time PCR assays. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0195738. [PMID: 29664973 PMCID: PMC5903661 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0195738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has become a useful tool for the diagnosis of Trypanosoma cruzi infection. The development of automated DNA extraction methodologies and PCR systems is an important step toward the standardization of protocols in routine diagnosis. To date, there are only two commercially available Real-Time PCR assays for the routine laboratory detection of T. cruzi DNA in clinical samples: TCRUZIDNA.CE (Diagnostic Bioprobes Srl) and RealCycler CHAG (Progenie Molecular). Our aim was to evaluate the RealCycler CHAG assay taking into account the whole process. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We assessed the usefulness of an automated DNA extraction system based on magnetic particles (EZ1 Virus Mini Kit v2.0, Qiagen) combined with a commercially available Real-Time PCR assay targeting satellite DNA (SatDNA) of T. cruzi (RealCycler CHAG), a methodology used for routine diagnosis in our hospital. It was compared with a well-known strategy combining a commercial DNA isolation kit based on silica columns (High Pure PCR Template Preparation Kit, Roche Diagnostics) with an in-house Real-Time PCR targeting SatDNA. The results of the two methodologies were in almost perfect agreement, indicating they can be used interchangeably. However, when variations in protocol factors were applied (sample treatment, extraction method and Real-Time PCR), the results were less convincing. A comprehensive fine-tuning of the whole procedure is the key to successful results. Guanidine EDTA-blood (GEB) samples are not suitable for DNA extraction based on magnetic particles due to inhibition, at least when samples are not processed immediately. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE This is the first study to evaluate the RealCycler CHAG assay taking into account the overall process, including three variables (sample treatment, extraction method and Real-Time PCR). Our findings may contribute to the harmonization of protocols between laboratories and to a wider application of Real-Time PCR in molecular diagnostic laboratories associated with health centers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Abras
- Secció de Parasitologia, Departament de Biologia, Sanitat i Medi Ambient, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l’Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Centre for International Health Research (CRESIB), Hospital Clínic–Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Laboratori d’Ictiologia Genètica, Departament de Biologia, Universitat de Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Cristina Ballart
- Secció de Parasitologia, Departament de Biologia, Sanitat i Medi Ambient, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l’Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Centre for International Health Research (CRESIB), Hospital Clínic–Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Teresa Llovet
- Servei de Microbiologia, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Genètica i Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Carme Roig
- Servei de Microbiologia, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Gutiérrez
- Servei de Microbiologia, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Silvia Tebar
- Secció de Parasitologia, Departament de Biologia, Sanitat i Medi Ambient, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l’Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Centre for International Health Research (CRESIB), Hospital Clínic–Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pere Berenguer
- Servei de Microbiologia, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - María-Jesús Pinazo
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Centre for International Health Research (CRESIB), Hospital Clínic–Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elizabeth Posada
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Centre for International Health Research (CRESIB), Hospital Clínic–Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joaquim Gascón
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Centre for International Health Research (CRESIB), Hospital Clínic–Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alejandro G. Schijman
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular de la Enfermedad de Chagas (LaBMECh), Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular “Dr. Héctor N. Torres” (INGEBI-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Montserrat Gállego
- Secció de Parasitologia, Departament de Biologia, Sanitat i Medi Ambient, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l’Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Centre for International Health Research (CRESIB), Hospital Clínic–Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carmen Muñoz
- Servei de Microbiologia, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Genètica i Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
- Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
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Ingber A, Garcia MN, Leon J, Murray KO. Chagas Disease Knowledge and Risk Behaviors of the Homeless Population in Houston, TX. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2018; 5:229-234. [PMID: 28567616 PMCID: PMC6239415 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-017-0362-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2017] [Revised: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/15/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Chagas disease is a parasitic infection, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, endemic in Latin America. Sylvatic T. cruzi-infected triatomine vectors are present in rural and urban areas in the southern USA and may transmit T. cruzi infection to at-risk populations, such as homeless individuals. Our study aimed to evaluate Chagas disease knowledge and behaviors potentially associated with transmission risk of Chagas disease among Houston, Texas' homeless population by performing interviews with 212 homeless individuals. The majority of the 212 surveyed homeless individuals were male (79%), African-American (43%), American-born individuals (96%). About 30% of the individuals reported having seen triatomines in Houston, and 25% had evidence of blood-borne transmission risk (IV drug use and/or unregulated tattoos). The median total time homeless was significantly associated with recognition of the triatomine vector. Our survey responses indicate that the homeless populations may exhibit potential risks for Chagas disease, due to increased vector exposure, and participation in blood-borne pathogen risk behaviors. Our findings warrant additional research to quantify the prevalence of Chagas disease among homeless populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Ingber
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Melissa N Garcia
- National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Juan Leon
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Kristy O Murray
- National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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da Silva Lara L, Andrade-Lima L, Magalhães Calvet C, Borsoi J, Lopes Alberto Duque T, Henriques-Pons A, Souza Pereira MC, Veiga Pereira L. Trypanosoma cruzi infection of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes: an in vitro model for drug screening for Chagas disease. Microbes Infect 2018; 20:312-316. [PMID: 29577969 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2018.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Revised: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, is an important global public health problem which, despite partial efficacy of benznidazole (Bz) in acute phase, urgently needs an effective treatment. Cardiotoxicity is a major safety concern for conduction of more accurate preclinical drug screening platforms. Human induced pluripotent stem cells derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CM) are a reliable model to study genetic and infectious cardiac alterations and may improve drug development. Herein, we introduce hiPSC-CM as a suitable model to study T. cruzi heart infection and to predict the safety and efficacy of anti-T. cruzi drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo da Silva Lara
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Av. Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, RJ, 21045-900, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Andrade-Lima
- National Laboratory for Embryonic Stem Cells (LaNCE), Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, SP, 05508-090, Brazil
| | - Claudia Magalhães Calvet
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Av. Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, RJ, 21045-900, Brazil
| | - Juliana Borsoi
- National Laboratory for Embryonic Stem Cells (LaNCE), Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, SP, 05508-090, Brazil
| | | | - Andrea Henriques-Pons
- Laboratório de Inovações em Terapias, Ensino e Bioprodutos, Instituto Oswaldo cruz, Fiocruz - Av. Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, RJ, 21045-900, Brazil
| | - Mirian Claudia Souza Pereira
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Av. Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, RJ, 21045-900, Brazil.
| | - Lygia Veiga Pereira
- National Laboratory for Embryonic Stem Cells (LaNCE), Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, SP, 05508-090, Brazil.
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25
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Abstract
Chagas disease is an anthropozoonosis from the American continent that has spread from its original boundaries through migration. It is caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, which was identified in the first decade of the 20th century. Once acute infection resolves, patients can develop chronic disease, which in up to 30-40% of cases is characterised by cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias, megaviscera, and, more rarely, polyneuropathy and stroke. Even after more than a century, many challenges remain unresolved, since epidemiological control and diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic methods must be improved. In particular, the efficacy and tolerability profile of therapeutic agents is far from ideal. Furthermore, the population affected is older and more complex (eg, immunosuppressed patients and patients with cancer). Nevertheless, in recent years, our knowledge of Chagas disease has expanded, and the international networking needed to change the course of this deadly disease during the 21st century has begun.
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Affiliation(s)
- José A Pérez-Molina
- National Referral Centre for Tropical Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Insituto Ramón y Cajal de Investgación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Israel Molina
- Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Universitario Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain; International Health Program of the Catalan Institute of Health, Barcelona, Spain
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26
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Conners EE, Ordoñez TL, Cordon-Rosales C, Casanueva CF, Miranda SM, Brouwer KC. Chagas Disease Infection among Migrants at the Mexico/Guatemala Border. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2017; 97:1134-1140. [PMID: 29016286 PMCID: PMC5637586 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.16-0777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2016] [Accepted: 06/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease results in the largest burden, in terms of disability-adjusted-life-years, of any parasitic disease in the Americas. Monitoring Chagas disease among migrants is critical to controlling its spread and to serving the needs of the migrant community. Therefore, we determined the prevalence and correlates of Chagas disease in regional and international migrant populations at the Mexico/Guatemala border. Data were collected as part of a larger study of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and migration. Participants were a sample of recent regional and international migrants who used an illicit substance or had recent problem drinking. Trypanosoma cruzi infection was classified as testing positive on two different enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Interviewer-administered surveys captured sociodemographics, migration history, Chagas disease knowledge, and access to care. We enrolled 389 recent migrants, and the prevalence of Chagas disease was 3.1%. Only 19% of the participants reported having ever heard of the disease and less than 1% had been previously tested. Trypanosoma cruzi-positive participants were more likely to have been born in a rural area or town than a city (92% yes versus 59% no, P = 0.02) and have recently lived in a house with a makeshift roof (33% yes versus 8% no, P < 0.01), walls (42% yes versus 13% no, P < 0.01), or floor (50% yes versus 21% no, P < 0.02), or cinderblock walls (92% yes versus 63% no, P = 0.04). With migration rapidly changing the distribution of Chagas disease, more work needs to be done to create targeted surveillance programs and provide access to affordable treatment among Latin American migrants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin E. Conners
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
- Graduate School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, California
| | | | | | | | | | - Kimberly C. Brouwer
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
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27
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Navarro M, Monge-Maíllo B, Flores-Chavez MD, López-Vélez R. Hunting hidden parasites: Trypanosoma cruzi. Lancet 2017; 390:724-726. [PMID: 28831983 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(17)31536-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2017] [Revised: 04/19/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Navarro
- Spanish Society of Tropical Medicine and International Health, Madrid 28010 Spain.
| | - Begoña Monge-Maíllo
- National Referral Unit for Tropical Diseases, Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, Madrid, Spain; Salud Entre Culturas, Madrid, Spain
| | - María D Flores-Chavez
- Unidad de Leishmaniasis y Enfermedad de Chagas, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rogelio López-Vélez
- National Referral Unit for Tropical Diseases, Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, Madrid, Spain; Salud Entre Culturas, Madrid, Spain
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28
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Chagas Disease in the Mediterranean Area. CURRENT TROPICAL MEDICINE REPORTS 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s40475-017-0123-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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29
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Requena-Méndez A, Bussion S, Aldasoro E, Jackson Y, Angheben A, Moore D, Pinazo MJ, Gascón J, Muñoz J, Sicuri E. Cost-effectiveness of Chagas disease screening in Latin American migrants at primary health-care centres in Europe: a Markov model analysis. LANCET GLOBAL HEALTH 2017; 5:e439-e447. [PMID: 28256340 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(17)30073-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2016] [Revised: 01/17/2017] [Accepted: 01/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chagas disease is currently prevalent in European countries hosting large communities from Latin America. Whether asymptomatic individuals at risk of Chagas disease living in Europe should be screened and treated accordingly is unclear. We performed an economic evaluation of systematic Chagas disease screening of the Latin American population attending primary care centres in Europe. METHODS We constructed a decision tree model that compared the test option (screening of asymptomatic individuals, treatment, and follow-up of positive cases) with the no-test option (screening, treating, and follow-up of symptomatic individuals). The decision tree included a Markov model with five states, related to the chronic stage of the disease: indeterminate, cardiomyopathy, gastrointestinal, response to treatment, and death. The model started with a target population of 100 000 individuals, of which 4·2% (95% CI 2·2-6·8) were estimated to be infected by Trypanosoma cruzi. The primary outcome was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) between test and no-test options. Deterministic and probabilistic analyses (Monte Carlo simulations) were performed. FINDINGS In the deterministic analysis, total costs referred to 100 000 individuals in the test and no-test option were €30 903 406 and €6 597 403 respectively, with a difference of €24 306 003. The respective number of quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) gained in the test and no-test option were 61 820·82 and 57 354·42. The ICER was €5442. In the probabilistic analysis, total costs for the test and no-test option were €32 163 649 (95% CI 31 263 705-33 063 593) and €6 904 764 (6 703 258-7 106 270), respectively. The respective number of QALYs gained was 64 634·35 (95% CI 62 809·6-66 459·1) and 59 875·73 (58 191·18-61 560·28). The difference in QALYs gained between the test and no test options was 4758·62 (95% CI 4618·42-4898·82). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was €6840·75 (95% CI 2545-2759) per QALY gained for a treatment efficacy of 20% and €4243 per QALY gained for treatment efficacy of 50%. Even with a reduction in Chagas disease prevalence to 0·05% and with large variations in all the parameters, the test option would still be more cost-effective than the no-test option (less than €30000 per QALY). INTERPRETATION Screening for Chagas disease in asymptomatic Latin American adults living in Europe is a cost-effective strategy. Findings of our model provide an important element to support the implementation of T cruzi screening programmes at primary health centres in European countries hosting Latin American migrants. FUNDING European Commission 7th Framework Program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Requena-Méndez
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Ctr. Int. Health Res. (CRESIB), Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Sheila Bussion
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Ctr. Int. Health Res. (CRESIB), Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Edelweiss Aldasoro
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Ctr. Int. Health Res. (CRESIB), Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Yves Jackson
- Department of Community Medicine, Primary Care and Emergency Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Angheben
- Centre for Tropical Diseases, Sacro-Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar, Italy
| | - David Moore
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Maria-Jesús Pinazo
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Ctr. Int. Health Res. (CRESIB), Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joaquim Gascón
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Ctr. Int. Health Res. (CRESIB), Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jose Muñoz
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Ctr. Int. Health Res. (CRESIB), Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elisa Sicuri
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Ctr. Int. Health Res. (CRESIB), Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Spain; Health Economics Group, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
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30
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Abras A, Gállego M, Llovet T, Tebar S, Herrero M, Berenguer P, Ballart C, Martí C, Muñoz C. Serological Diagnosis of Chronic Chagas Disease: Is It Time for a Change? J Clin Microbiol 2016; 54:1566-1572. [PMID: 27053668 PMCID: PMC4879299 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00142-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2016] [Accepted: 03/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease has spread to areas that are nonendemic for the disease with human migration. Since no single reference standard test is available, serological diagnosis of chronic Chagas disease requires at least two tests. New-generation techniques have significantly improved the accuracy of Chagas disease diagnosis by the use of a large mixture of recombinant antigens with different detection systems, such as chemiluminescence. The aim of the present study was to assess the overall accuracy of a new-generation kit, the Architect Chagas (cutoff, ≥1 sample relative light units/cutoff value [S/CO]), as a single technique for the diagnosis of chronic Chagas disease. The Architect Chagas showed a sensitivity of 100% (95% confidence interval [CI], 99.5 to 100%) and a specificity of 97.6% (95% CI, 95.2 to 99.9%). Five out of six false-positive serum samples were a consequence of cross-reactivity with Leishmania spp., and all of them achieved results of <5 S/CO. We propose the Architect Chagas as a single technique for screening in blood banks and for routine diagnosis in clinical laboratories. Only gray-zone and positive sera with a result of ≤6 S/CO would need to be confirmed by a second serological assay, thus avoiding false-positive sera and the problem of cross-reactivity with Leishmania species. The application of this proposal would result in important savings in the cost of Chagas disease diagnosis and therefore in the management and control of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Abras
- Laboratori de Parasitologia, Departament de Microbiologia i Parasitologia Sanitàries, Facultat de Farmàcia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Centre for International Health Research (CRESIB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Montserrat Gállego
- Laboratori de Parasitologia, Departament de Microbiologia i Parasitologia Sanitàries, Facultat de Farmàcia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Centre for International Health Research (CRESIB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Teresa Llovet
- Servei de Microbiologia, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Silvia Tebar
- Laboratori de Parasitologia, Departament de Microbiologia i Parasitologia Sanitàries, Facultat de Farmàcia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Centre for International Health Research (CRESIB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mercedes Herrero
- Servei de Microbiologia, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pere Berenguer
- Servei de Microbiologia, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Ballart
- Laboratori de Parasitologia, Departament de Microbiologia i Parasitologia Sanitàries, Facultat de Farmàcia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Centre for International Health Research (CRESIB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carmen Martí
- Unitat de Microbiologia, Hospital General de Granollers, Granollers, Spain
| | - Carmen Muñoz
- Servei de Microbiologia, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Genètica i Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
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Conners EE, Vinetz JM, Weeks JR, Brouwer KC. A global systematic review of Chagas disease prevalence among migrants. Acta Trop 2016; 156:68-78. [PMID: 26777312 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2016.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2015] [Revised: 12/31/2015] [Accepted: 01/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Human migration has been identified as a potential factor for increased Chagas disease risk and has transformed the disease from a Latin American problem to a global one. We conducted a systematic review of the scientific literature between 2004-2014 in order to: summarize recent seroprevalence estimates of Chagas disease among Latin American migrants, in both endemic and non-endemic settings; compare seroprevalence estimates in migrants to countrywide prevalence estimates; and identify risk factors for Chagas disease among migrants. A total of 320 studies were screened and 23 studies were included. We found evidence that the prevalence of Chagas disease is higher than expected in some migrant groups and that reliance on blood donor screening prevalence estimates underestimates the burden of disease. Overall there is a dearth of high quality epidemiologic studies on the prevalence of Chagas disease in migrants, especially among intra-regional migrants within Latin America. Given that this zoonotic disease cannot likely be eradicated, improved surveillance and reporting is vital to continuing control efforts. More accurate health surveillance of both Latin American migrants and the Chagas disease burden will help countries appropriately scale up their response to this chronic disease. Overall, improved estimates of Chagas disease among migrants would likely serve to highlight the real need for better screening, diagnostics, and treatment of individuals living with the disease.
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