We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
PURITAN MEDICAL

Download Mobile App




Undiagnosed Chagas Disease Emerging as Public Health Threat

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 24 Nov 2014
Chagas disease or American trypanosomiasis is typically spread to people through the feces of blood-sucking triatomine bugs sometimes called kissing bugs because they feed on people's faces during the night.

The disease is often considered a problem only in Mexico, Central America, and South America, but Chagas disease is being seen in Texas in the USA and recognized at higher levels than previously believed and among those infected are a high percentage believed to have contracted the disease within the USA border. More...


Scientists at Baylor College of Medicine (Houston, TX, USA) conducted an analysis of routine testing of Texas blood donors for Chagas disease between 2008 and 2012. The also conducted separate pilot studies, which followed 17 Houston-area residents who were infected. They found that 41% of them had signs of heart disease caused by the infection, including swollen, weakened heart muscle and irregular heart rhythms caused by the parasite burrowing into heart tissue. Most of these individuals lived in rural areas or spent a significant amount of time outside. One of the individuals was an avid hunter and outdoorsman. At least six of them had insignificant travel outside the USA and they did not have mothers from foreign countries, indicating they had likely become infected locally in Texas.

The team found that one in every 6,500 blood donors tested positive for exposure to the parasite that causes Chagas disease. That figure is 50 times higher than the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC; Atlanta, GA, USA) estimated infection rate of 1 in 300,000 nationally. Since 2007, all potential blood donors within the USA are screened for exposure to the Chagas disease parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi.

Melissa Nolan Garcia, MPH, an epidemiologist and a coauthor of the studies, said, “We were astonished to not only find such a high rate of individuals testing positive for Chagas in their blood, but also high rates of heart disease that appear to be Chagas-related. We think of Chagas disease as a silent killer. People don't normally feel sick, so they don't seek medical care, but it ultimately ends up causing heart disease in about 30% of those who are infected.” The study was presented at American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH) Annual Meeting held November 2–6, 2014, in New Orleans (LA, USA).

Related Links:

Baylor College of Medicine 
United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 



Gold Member
Flocked Fiber Swabs
Puritan® Patented HydraFlock®
Serological Pipet Controller
PIPETBOY GENIUS
New
Pan-Cancer Panel
TruSight Oncology 500
New
Drug Test Kit
DrugCheck 3000
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








DIASOURCE (A Biovendor Company)

Channels

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: The new RABTA sets a high standard in laboratory diagnostics (Photo courtesy of Randox)

Pioneering Analyzer with Advanced Biochip Technology Sets New Standard in Lab Diagnostics

A state-of-the-art analyzer combines advanced technology with exceptional efficiency to meet the demanding needs of modern laboratories. Randox Toxicology (Antrim, Ireland) has launched its pioneering... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: CitoCBC is the world first cartridge-based CBC to be granted CLIA Waived status by FDA (Photo courtesy of CytoChip)

Disposable Cartridge-Based Test Delivers Rapid and Accurate CBC Results

Complete Blood Count (CBC) is one of the most commonly ordered lab tests, crucial for diagnosing diseases, monitoring therapies, and conducting routine health screenings. However, more than 90% of physician... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: How the predictive test works (Photo courtesy of QMUL)

World’s First Clinical Test Predicts Best Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic condition affecting 1 in 100 people in the UK today, causing the immune system to attack its joints. Unlike osteoarthritis, which is caused by wear and tear, RA can... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.