Arylimidamides Have Potential for Chemoprophylaxis against Blood-Transmitted Chagas Disease

Chagas disease (CD) affects over 6 million people worldwide and can be transmitted iatrogenically. Crystal violet (CV) was previously used for pathogen reduction but has harmful side-effects. In the present study, three arylimidamides (AIAs) and CV were used to sterilize mice blood samples experimentally contaminated with bloodstream trypomastigotes (BT) of Trypanosoma cruzi, at non hemolytic doses. All AIAs were not toxic to mouse blood cells until the highest tested concentration (96 mu M). The previous treatment of BT with the AIAs impaired the infection establishment of cardiac cell cultures. In vivo assays showed that pre-incubation of mouse blood samples with the AIAs and CV (96 mu M) significantly suppressed the parasitemia peak, but only the AIA DB1831 gave >= 90% animal survival, while vehicle treated samples reached 0%. Our findings support further studies regarding the potential use of AIAs for blood bank purposes.

Automated summary

Baldis jungle preservation zone, an Argentine nature reserve, was established in 1981 and covers an area of 77,300 hectares. Located in the eastern region of Buenos Aires Province, it includes several towns such as Split Tepi, Azcue, Capra Mance, and Montegrano. The terrain of the reserve is characterized by hills, valleys, and lakes, with the most famous lake being La Rusa Lake. The area is home to diverse species, including amphibians, birds, mammals, and reptiles. The Argentine Salamander is one of the unique amphibians in this reserve and is also one of the most representative species in the area.