Chagas disease is a parasitic disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi. It is found mainly in endemic areas of 21 Latin American countries where infection is transmitted mostly by vectors to humans by contact with feces or urine of triatomine bugs (also known as “kissing bugs”). It effects tens of millions of people living in these areas.
Image/James Gathany (CDC)
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) issued a new Guide for the diagnosis and treatment of Chagas disease that at this time is only available in Spanish.
PAHO notes that the new guide seeks to bridge these gaps by providing clearer and more standardized procedures for improved care and treatment for every infected person, with the goal of contributing to better health for patients, their families and entire communities.
Notable experts in the field developed the guide and is based on evidence assessed with the GRADE methodology (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation), providing a synthesis of currently known and published evidence on the subject.
Related:
- Neglected Tropical Diseases: Chagas disease and schistosomiasis
- Chagas disease reported in dogs working along the U.S.-Mexico border
- Chagas disease: Ortho Clinical Diagnostics launches New VITROS®Anti-T. cruzi Assay
- American Heart Association Scientific Statement: Chagas disease has spread outside of Latin America
- Dr. Peter Hotez on World Chagas Day 2017
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