4.2 Editorial Material

Chagas Disease Control-Many Approaches to Prospect

Related references

Note: Only part of the references are listed.
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Summary: There are currently 158 valid species of triatomines that can potentially transmit Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease. Accurate taxonomic identification of triatomines is crucial as each species has different epidemiological implications. This study compared the terminal abdominal segments of females from five South American Triatoma species using scanning electron microscopy. The results revealed diagnostic characteristics for each species, with the dorsal view providing more valuable information. Similarities were observed among certain species, supporting previous research. Female genital characteristics were found to be reliable and useful for diagnosing the studied Triatoma species. Additional studies incorporating behavioral, morphological, and molecular data further supported the findings.

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Microencapsulation of a Native Strain of the Entomopathogenic Fungus Beauveria bassiana and Bioinsecticide Activity against Pyrethroid-Resistant Triatoma infestans to Vector Control of Chagas Disease in the Argentine Gran Chaco Region

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Summary: In this study, the bioinsecticidal activity and residual effect of a microencapsulation formulation of an entomopathogenic fungus (B. bassiana) were tested against pyrethroid-resistant Triatoma infestans nymphs. The microencapsulated fungus showed higher nymph mortality compared to the non-microencapsulated fungus and maintained conidial viability throughout the evaluation period. Alginate microencapsulation could serve as a cost-effective method for developing a bioinsecticide to reduce Chagas disease transmission.

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Summary: This study aimed to determine the concentrations of acute phase proteins in dogs naturally infected with Trypanosoma cruzi and with or without seroreactivity to other vector-borne diseases. The results showed a reduction in the levels of paraoxonase-1 in Trypanosoma cruzi-seroreactive dogs, regardless of seroreactivity to other vector-borne diseases. Additionally, an increase in serum ferritin was observed in Trypanosoma cruzi-seroreactive dogs with seroreactivity to other vector-borne diseases. These findings suggest the presence of an oxidative stress response in Trypanosoma cruzi-seroreactive dogs without evident inflammation.

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Summary: Chagas disease is a complex and important tropical infection that primarily affects impoverished populations. The disease is caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, which is transmitted between insect vectors and mammals across the Americas. Despite significant advancements in understanding Chagas disease, there are still gaps in knowledge, making it crucial to continue conducting basic and applied research for more effective control strategies. This review aims to provide up-to-date information and highlight current research trends, serving as a starting point for beginners and facilitating further exploration.

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Trypanosoma cruzi Parasite Burdens of Several Triatomine Species in Colombia

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Summary: A study in Colombia evaluated the parasite loads of 10 species of triatomines. The results showed that 82% of the triatomines were infected with Trypanosoma cruzi, with loads ranging from hundreds to millions of equivalent parasites per milliliter. Additionally, species whose role as vectors is still unknown were found with high loads of parasites.

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Chagas Disease: Chronic Chagas Cardiomyopathy

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Summary: Chagas disease is a tropical vector-borne infection caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, endemic in South and Central America but increasingly becoming a burden in the United States and Europe due to human migration. Most patients are asymptomatic during the acute phase, with around 30% progressing to detectable organ damage mainly affecting the cardiovascular and digestive systems in the chronic symptomatic phase, which can lead to Chagas cardiomyopathy, a leading cause of nonischemic cardiomyopathy in Latin America. Treatment during the parasitic infection is possible, but efficacy during the advanced chronic symptomatic phase remains uncertain. Further studies are needed to improve clinical outcomes and refine treatment recommendations.

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