Current recommendations for american trypanosomiasis or Chagas disease

American trypanosomiasis or Chagas disease is caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. Especially if undetected and untreated, it can lead to serious organ damage and even death. Currently an estimate of 6-7 million people are infected all over the world. Initially confined to rural areas in Latin America, the infection spread to large cities and non-endemic regions worldwide through population movements and non-vectorial transmission routes. The WHO counts Chagas disease to the so-called neglected tropical diseases and only a small fraction of those affected receive adequate care. In autumn 2022, recommendations for Germany were published for the first time. They are intended to address the neglect, prevent non-vectorial transmission pathways, and through adequate management reduce the associated socio-economic burden, morbidity, and mortality.

Automated summary

Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, can lead to serious organ damage and death if left untreated. Currently, an estimated 6-7 million people worldwide are infected. The infection, initially found in rural areas of Latin America, has spread to urban areas and non-endemic regions through population movements and non-vectorial transmission. The World Health Organization categorizes Chagas disease as one of the neglected tropical diseases, and only a small fraction of those affected receive adequate care. In autumn 2022, Germany published recommendations for addressing the neglect and reducing the socioeconomic burden, morbidity, and mortality associated with the disease.