Abstract
.Recent biosurveillance findings at Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA), a large military installation located in south-central Texas, indicate the potential for vector-borne human Chagas disease. A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence and seroprevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in highest risk subpopulations on the installation, including students and instructors who work and sleep in triatomine-endemic field settings. Real-time polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and indirect immunofluorescent antibody assay were performed on enrolled subjects (N = 1,033), none of whom tested positive for T. cruzi or anti-T. cruzi antibodies. Current countermeasures used during field training on JBSA appear to be sufficient for preventing autochthonous human Chagas disease.
Highlights
Chagas disease, or American trypanosomiasis, is caused by infection with Trypanosoma cruzi
The protozoan parasite is transmitted to humans most commonly through the infected excreta of hematophagous triatomine insects of the family Reduviidae, entering the bloodstream through a wound or mucous membrane.[1]
Known colloquially as “kissing bugs,” triatomines are found throughout the western hemisphere
Summary
American trypanosomiasis, is caused by infection with Trypanosoma cruzi. The protozoan parasite is transmitted to humans most commonly through the infected excreta of hematophagous triatomine insects of the family Reduviidae, entering the bloodstream through a wound or mucous membrane.[1] Known colloquially as “kissing bugs,” triatomines are found throughout the western hemisphere. The majority of human cases are subclinical in both the acute and chronic stages, resulting in lifelong, undiagnosed infection. Gastrointestinal disease, or both develop in approximately one-third of cases, typically manifesting years or decades after initial infection.[4] Chagas disease mortality is usually attributed to heart failure or ventricular arrhythmia,[5] but even asymptomatic infection with T. cruzi may increase all-cause mortality risk.[6]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
