Abstract
Chagas disease has rightfully earned the designation as “the most neglected of the neglected diseases” [1]. Most of the 10–20 million people already infected with Trypanosoma cruzi, the protozoal agent of Chagas disease, are untreated, despite the existence of effective therapies. Diagnostics are largely archaic (xenodiagnosis—using the blood-feeding insect vectors to detect infection—is still in use), vaccines are non-existent, and prevention is predominantly based upon periodic, expensive, and laborious insecticidal spraying of houses to deter infestation by the insect vectors.
Highlights
Like other neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), Chagas disease is primarily a disease of poverty, disproportionately affecting the rural poor and immigrant populations predominantly in developing countries
We are appreciative of the attempts of Hotez et al to bring attention to Chagas disease in their May 2012 editorial in PLOS NTDs [3]
The lay press has flamed this fire with more sensationalized stories with headlines such as ‘‘America hit by new ‘aids’ called Chagas’’ (Weekly Blitz), ‘‘Increased Incidence of Chagas Diseases Alarms US Health Officials’’ (Press TV), ‘‘Chagas Disease, an Incurable Infection, Called the ‘New AIDS of the Americas’’’ (Canada Free Press), ‘‘Chagas Disease: A New Global Pandemic?’’ (Fox News), and ‘‘New ‘AIDS’ Chagas Discovered, Ravages Americas N Over 8 million Infected’’ (Nigerian Tribune)
Summary
Like other neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), Chagas disease is primarily a disease of poverty, disproportionately affecting the rural poor and immigrant populations predominantly in developing countries. The rather modest impact of Chagas disease in developed countries, where HIV and tuberculosis continue to pose considerable threats, is a factor. We are appreciative of the attempts of Hotez et al to bring attention to Chagas disease in their May 2012 editorial in PLOS NTDs [3].
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