Current knowledge regarding Trypanosoma cruzi and Chagas disease in Mexico: a systematic review

Objective. Systematize, evaluate and synthesize specific research for Mexico on the zoonosis caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, its vectors (Triatominae: Hemiptera: Reduviidae), and Chagas disease (CD). Materials and methods. Using PRISMA, original research was identified through four search engines, selected using inclusion criteria, assigned to 14 topic areas, and evaluated using technical criteria. Results. 1 410 records were identified and 659 (46.7%) were chosen for technical evaluation, of which 221 (15.7%) were rated as the highest quality. PubMed contributed 95% of the publications, while BibTri, Lilacs and Scielo contributed the remaining 5%. Publication rate was constant between 1950 and 1990, although there was an exponential increase from 1995 to 2020. Publication quality increased from 5.3% of registries in 1990 to 49.8% in 2020. Systemic, economic, anthropological and social aspects of CD in Mexico were the topics least published (8%). Conclusions. Despite the remarkable increase in knowledge generated in the last two decades in Mexico, this systematic review highlights evidence gaps fundamental for public healthcare policy to attend, prevent, and control CD in the country.

Automated summary

This study aims to systematize, evaluate, and synthesize specific research on the zoonosis caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, its vectors, and Chagas disease (CD) in Mexico. A total of 1,410 original research articles were identified, and 659 were selected for technical evaluation, with 221 rated as the highest quality. Despite the significant increase in knowledge generated in the last two decades in Mexico, evidence gaps remain for public healthcare policy to effectively address, prevent, and control CD in the country.