TY - JOUR
KW - neglected tropical diseases
KW - Chagas' disease
KW - Trypanosoma cruzi
AU - Agudelo Higuita NI
AU - Beatty NL
AU - Forsyth C
AU - Henao-Martínez AF
AU - Manne-Goehler J
AU - Bourque D
AU - Bowman NM
AU - Carrion M
AU - Coyle C
AU - Dauphinais M
AU - DeToy K
AU - Gilman R
AU - Hamer DH
AU - Herick J
AU - Hernandez S
AU - Herrera C
AU - Marcus R
AU - Meymandi S
AU - Nolan M
AU - Reifler K
AU - Showler A
AU - Granados PS
AU - Takyar A
AU - Talaat K
AU - Waters S
AU - Wheelock A
AB - <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>

BT - The Lancet Regional Health - Americas
DO - 10.1016/j.lana.2024.100768
LA - ENG
M3 - Viewpoint 
N2 - <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>

PB - Elsevier BV
PY - 2024
SP - 1
EP - 5
T2 - The Lancet Regional Health - Americas
TI - Chagas disease in the United States: a call for increased investment and collaborative research
UR - https://www.thelancet.com/action/showPdf?pii=S2667-193X%2824%2900095-4
VL - 34
SN - 2667-193X
ER -