02304nas a2200481   4500000000100000008004100001260001600042653003200058653002000090653002200110100002300132700001400155700001400169700002300183700002000206700001400226700001400240700001400254700001200268700001700280700001200297700001300309700001300322700001300335700001600348700001400364700001300378700001500391700001200406700001400418700001400432700001600446700001300462700001300475700001300488700001500501245010000516856007500616300000800691490000700699520110200706022001401808       2024                            d  bElsevier BV10aneglected tropical diseases10aChagas' disease10aTrypanosoma cruzi1 aAgudelo Higuita NI1 aBeatty NL1 aForsyth C1 aHenao-Martínez AF1 aManne-Goehler J1 aBourque D1 aBowman NM1 aCarrion M1 aCoyle C1 aDauphinais M1 aDeToy K1 aGilman R1 aHamer DH1 aHerick J1 aHernandez S1 aHerrera C1 aMarcus R1 aMeymandi S1 aNolan M1 aReifler K1 aShowler A1 aGranados PS1 aTakyar A1 aTalaat K1 aWaters S1 aWheelock A00aChagas disease in the United States: a call for increased investment and collaborative research  uhttps://www.thelancet.com/action/showPdf?pii=S2667-193X%2824%2900095-4  a1-50 v343 a<p><strong>Summary: </strong>Chagas disease, caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, is a highly overlooked parasitic infection within the United States. It affects an estimated 300,000 individuals, often remaining asymptomatic for years before triggering severe complications such as cardiomyopathy in 30-40% of cases. While many contract the disease in Latin America, its transmission by local vectors in the southern U.S. presents a significant challenge. Unfortunately, limited access to diagnosis and treatment persists, alongside unresolved gaps in healthcare systems and disease pathogenesis. In this viewpoint, we discuss the need for focused research and public health initiatives, with U.S. research institutions playing a crucial role in developing new treatments and identifying biomarkers. Furthermore, investigating the genetic variations of T. cruzi between North and South America is vital for improving diagnostic and treatment strategies. Urgent action is required to implement national and local programs, bolstering healthcare responses and advancing research efforts.</p>
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