Conhecimentos sobre a doença de Chagas entre escolares de dois municípios de Minas Gerais, Brasil / Knowledge about Chagas disease among schoolchildren from two municipalities of Minas Gerais, Brazil

Resumo Introdução: No Brasil, a vigilância entomológica da doença de Chagas (DCh) é respaldada na participação comunitária, que notifica a presença dos vetores nas habitações. Assim, a sustentabilidade desta medida de controle depende do conhecimento da população sobre os vetores. Objetivo: Avaliar o conhecimento de escolares sobre a doença de Chagas nos municípios mineiros de Itatiaiuçu (vigilância ativa) e Sabará (vigilância inativa). Método: Questionário semiestruturado foi aplicado para alunos matriculados no ensino médio em duas escolas de Sabará (rural e urbana) e uma em Itatiaiuçu (urbana). Resultados: Em geral, os alunos residentes em Sabará demonstraram conhecimento limitado acerca dos vetores, patógeno, transmissão e doença (sem diferenças relevantes quanto à localização entre área urbana e rural), quando comparados aos residentes em Itatiaiuçu, que apesar de ter uma vigilância mais atuante, também não apresentaram conhecimento totalmente satisfatório. Conclusões: Os resultados enfatizam a carência de informações sobre a DCh tanto em relação ao conhecimento acadêmico quanto às campanhas de educação firmadas pelo programa. Ações educativas para sensibilizar a comunidade e promover o conhecimento sobre esta doença mostram-se necessárias e fundamentais para a manutenção da vigilância ao longo do tempo e espaço.

Abstract Background: In Brazil, entomological surveillance of Chagas disease (ChD) is based on community participation, which notifies the presence of vectors inside their homes. Thus, the sustainability of this control measure depends on the knowledge of the population about the vectors. Objective: To evaluate the knowledge of schoolchildren about ChD in the municipalities of Itatiaiuçu (active surveillance) and Sabará (inactive surveillance). Method: A semi-structured questionnaire was given to students enrolled in two high schools in Sabará (rural and urban) and one in Itatiaiuçu (urban). Results: In general, students living in Sabará demonstrated only limited knowledge about vectors, pathogens, transmission, and disease (with no significant differences between the schools in urban and rural areas). Similarly, the schoolchildren in Itatiaiuçu, despite living in an area of active surveillance, also did not have a fully satisfactory knowledge of ChD. Conclusions: The results emphasize the lack of information about ChD, both in relation to academic knowledge and the education campaigns established by the program. Improvements in educational interventions to raise community awareness and promote knowledge about ChD are necessary and vital for maintaining vigilance against ChD over space and time.

Prognosis of chronic Chagas heart disease and other pending clinical challenges

In this chapter, the main prognostic markers of Chagas heart disease are addressed, with an emphasis on the most recent findings and questions, establishing the basis for a broad discussion of recommendations and new approaches to managing Chagas cardiopathy. The main biological and genetic markers and the contribution of the electrocardiogram, echocardiogram and cardiac magnetic resonance are presented. We also discuss the most recent therapeutic proposals for heart failure, thromboembolism and arrhythmias, as well as current experience in heart transplantation in patients suffering from severe Chagas cardiomyopathy. The clinical and epidemiological challenges introduced by acute Chagas disease due to oral contamination are discussed. In addition, we highlight the importance of ageing and comorbidities in influencing the outcome of chronic Chagas heart disease. Finally, we discuss the importance of public policies, the vital role of funding agencies, universities, the scientific community and health professionals, and the application of new technologies in finding solutions for better management of Chagas heart disease.

II Consenso Brasileiro em Doença de Chagas, 2015 / Brazilian Consensus on Chagas Disease, 2015

A doença de Chagas é uma condição crônica negligenciada com elevada carga de morbimortalidade e impacto dos pontos de vista psicológico, social e econômico. Representa um importante problema de saúde pública no Brasil, com diferentes cenários regionais. Este documento traduz a sistematização das evidências que compõe o Consenso Brasileiro de Doença de Chagas. O objetivo foi sistematizar estratégias de diagnóstico, tratamento, prevenção e controle da doença de Chagas no país, de modo a refletir as evidências científicas disponíveis. Sua construção fundamentou-se na articulação e contribuição estratégica de especialistas brasileiros com conhecimento, experiência e atualização sobre diferentes aspectos da doença. Representa o resultado da estreita colaboração entre a Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical e o Ministério da Saúde. Espera-se com este documento fortalecer o desenvolvimento de ações integradas para enfrentamento da doença no país com foco em epidemiologia, gestão, atenção integral (incluindo famílias e comunidades), comunicação, informação, educação e pesquisas.

Chagas disease is a neglected chronic condition that presents high morbidity and mortality burden, with considerable psychological, social, and economic impact. The disease represents a significant public health issue in Brazil, with different regional patterns. This document presents the evidence that resulted in the Brazilian Consensus on Chagas Disease. The objective was to review and standardize strategies for diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and control of Chagas disease in the country, based on the available scientific evidence. The consensus is based on collaboration and contribution of renowned Brazilian experts with vast knowledge and experience on various aspects of the disease. It is the result of close collaboration between the Brazilian Society of Tropical Medicine and the Ministry of Health. This document shall strengthen the development of integrated control measures against Chagas disease in the country, focusing on epidemiology, management, comprehensive care (including families and communities), communication, information, education, and research.

Long-term follow-up of a patient since the acute phase of Chagas disease (South American trypanosomiasis): further treatment and cure of the infection

ABSTRACTA woman had been followed since 1957 for acute phase Chagas disease. Parasitological and serological tests were positive, and treatment included benznidazole in 1974. Following treatment, parasitological test results were negative and conventional serology remained positive until 1994, with subsequent discordant results (1995-1997). The results became consistently negative since 1999. She had an indeterminate chronic form until 1974. Only two minor and transitory nonspecific alterations on electrocardiogram were noted, with the last nine records normal until June 2014. This case confirms the possibility of curing chronic disease and suggests the benefit of specific treatments for preventing long-term morbidity.

Evolution of Chagas disease screening programs and control programs: historical perspective.

Chagas disease remains an important health problem in Latin America, affecting approximately 8 million to 10 million individuals. This disease originated from an ancient enzootic cycle, and human infection has been detected in 4,000- to 9,000-year-old mummies and has expanded with European colonization, reaching its peak prevalence in the 20th century. Discovered in 1909, the disease remained obscure and uncontrolled until the 1950s, when the generalization of serology, the characterization of chronic cardiomyopathy, and effective insecticides began. By the 1960s, national control programs were launched and incidence began to decrease as a result. During this time, scientific improvements became increasingly available to address disease management. Presently, challenges in managing Chagas disease include maintaining sustainable epidemiological surveillance, the spread of the disease to nonendemic countries, the apparent spread of oral transmission, and new symptoms and manifestations. This review discusses the possibilities and challenges in facing Chagas disease in the coming decades.

Predictive factrrs for the progression of chronc chagas cardiomyopathy in patiients without left ventricular dysfunction / Preditores da evolução da cardiopatia chagásica crônica em pacientes sem disfunção ventricular esquerda

The identification of predictors for the progression of chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy (CCC) is essential to ensure adequate patient management. This study looked into a non-concurrent cohort of 165 CCC patients between 1985 and 2010 for independent predictors for CCC progression. The outcomes were worsening of the CCC scores and the onset of left ventricular dysfunction assessed by means of echo-Doppler cardiography. Patients were analyzed for social, demographic, epidemiologic, clinical and workup-related variables. A descriptive analysis was conducted, followed by survival curves based on univariate (Kaplan-Meier and Cox’s univariate model) and multivariate (Cox regression model) analysis. Patients were followed from two to 20 years (mean: 8.2). Their mean age was 44.8 years (20-77). Comparing both iterations of the study, in the second there was a statistically significant increase in the PR interval and in the QRS duration, despite a reduction in heart rates (Wilcoxon < 0.01). The predictors for CCC progression in the final regression model were male gender (HR = 2.81), Holter monitoring showing pauses equal to or greater than two seconds (HR = 3.02) increased cardiothoracic ratio (HR = 7.87) and time of use of digitalis (HR = 1.41). Patients with multiple predictive factors require stricter follow-up and treatment.

A identificação de preditores da progressão da cardiopatia chagásica crônica (CCC) é essencial ao manejo adequado do paciente. Estudo coorte não concorrente de 165 pacientes portadores de CCC entre 1985-2010 quanto a preditores independentes da evolução da CCC. Os desfechos foram piora da classificação da CCC e surgimento de disfunção ventricular esquerda ao ecoDopplercardiograma. Variáveis sócio-demográficas, epidemiológicas, clínicas e propedêuticas foram estudadas e realizadas análise descritiva, análise de sobrevida com análise univariada (Kaplan-Meier e modelo univariado de Cox) e multivariada (modelo de regressão de Cox). O seguimento foi de dois a 20 anos, com média de 8,2 anos. A média de idade dos pacientes foi de 44,8 anos (20- 77 anos). Comparando ambos os tempos do estudo, no tempo 2 houve significância estatística do aumento do intervalo PR e da duração do QRS, além da redução da frequência cardíaca (Wilcoxon < 0,01). Os preditores da evolução da CCC no modelo final de regressão foram sexo masculino (HR = 2,81), pausas iguais ou maiores que dois segundos ao Holter (HR = 3,02), aumento do índice cardiotorácico (HR = 7,87) e tempo de uso de digital (HR = 1,41), destacando-se necessidade de seguimento e tratamento mais rigoroso para os chagásicos que cumulam estes fatores.

A serological, parasitological and clinical evaluation of untreated Chagas disease patients and those treated with benznidazole before and thirteen years after intervention

The etiological treatment of Chagas disease is recommended for all patients with acute or recent chronic infection, but controversies remain regarding the benefit of chemotherapy and interpretations of the parasitological cure after etiological treatment. This study compares the laboratory and clinical evaluations of Chagas disease patients who were diagnosed 13 years earlier. Fifty-eight Chagas disease patients (29 treated with benznidazole and 29 untreated) were matched at the time of treatment based on several variables. Conventional serology revealed the absence of seroconversion in all patients. However, lower serological titres were verified in the treated group, primarily among patients who had the indeterminate form of the disease. Haemoculture performed 13 years after the intervention was positive for 6.9% and 27.6% of the treated and untreated patients, respectively. Polymerase chain reaction tests were positive for 44.8% and 13.8% of the treated and untreated patients, respectively. Patients who presented with the indeterminate form of the disease at the beginning of the study exhibited less clinical progression (17.4%) compared with the untreated group (56.5%). Therefore, this global analysis revealed that etiological treatment with benznidazole may benefit patients with respect to the clinical progression of Chagas disease and the prognosis, particularly when administered to patients with the indeterminate form of the disease.

First report of Panstrongylus megistus sylvatic focus in municipality of Bambuí, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil

In 1943, the Center for the Study and Prophylaxis of Chagas Disease, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, state of Minas Gerais (MG), was created in the municipality of Bambuí to carry out studies related to Chagas disease in the mid-western region of MG. Since that time, several investigations have been conducted to determine the natural habitat of triatomines, but Panstrongylus megistus colonies have never been found in this region. This paper records the first finding of a P. megistus sylvatic colony in 69 years of research. The characteristics of this ecotope and its implications for the epidemiology of Chagas disease are discussed.

Mecanismos alternativos de transmissão do Trypanosoma cruzi no Brasil e sugestões para sua prevenção / Alternative transmission mechanisms of Trypanosoma cruzi in Brazil and proposals for their prevention

INTRODUÇÃO: Com o avanço no controle da transmissão vetorial e por transfusão sanguínea da doença de Chagas, as formas alternativas de transmissão ganharam relevância. Este artigo de opinião discute a importância de cada uma dessas modalidades e as medidas para sua prevenção. MÉTODOS: Foi realizada uma revisão bibliográfica sobre os mecanismos de transmissão do Trypanosoma cruzi através de modalidades alternativas, vigentes no Brasil, e as possibilidades de sua prevenção. Foram consultadas as bases de dados PubMed e BVS. RESULTADOS: Foram identificadas 25 publicações que discutiam as modalidades alternativas de transmissão da doença de Chagas. CONCLUSÕES: A transmissão oral, pela ingestão de alimentos contaminados, tem sido o modo de transmissão predominante no Brasil nos últimos anos. Os demais modos alternativos de transmissão são de ocorrência menos frequente. É importante conhecer essas ocorrências, sobretudo agora que a veiculação vetorial do parasita está controlada. Conforme os conhecimentos atuais foram apresentadas medidas preventivas, de acordo com cada uma das situações consideradas.

INTRODUCTION: Following advances in the control of vector and blood transfusion transmission of Chagas disease, alternative mechanisms of transmission have become more relevant. This article discusses the importance of each one of these alternative mechanisms and the measures to prevent them. METHODS: A review was conducted of the scientific literature concerning alternative transmission mechanisms of Trypanosoma cruzi occurring in Brazil and the measures to prevent them. PubMed and BVS databases were consulted. RESULTS: Twenty-five publications describing alternative mechanisms of transmission of Chagas disease were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Oral transmission, through ingestion of contaminated food items has been the most frequent mode of transmission in Brazil in recent years. Other alternative mechanisms of transmission occur less frequently. It is important to understand these occurrences, especially now that vector transmission of the parasite is under control. Preventive measures have been presented, according to each of the situations considered, in line with current knowledge.

[Prevention concerning the different alternative routes for transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi in Brazil]. / Prevenção referente às modalidades alternativas de transmissão do trypanosoma cruzi no Brasil.

Vectorial, transfusion and congenital are considered the main transmission mechanisms in human Chagas disease. Alternative mechanisms are accidental, oral and by organ transplantation. Other hypothetic mechanisms could be by other vectors, sexual, criminal and by means of marsupial anal secretions. The present accorded strategies for prevention are: CONGENITAL: early case detection and immediate treatment. If possible, start during the pre natal period, throughout mothers serology, performing parasitological tests in the new born from positive women. For positive cases, immediate treatment; for those negative babies, conventional serology at the 8th month, treating specifically those with positive results. ACCIDENTAL TRANSMISSION: Rigorous training and utilization of protection equipments. IF accident occurs, immediate disinfection, conventional serology and beginning of specific treatment by ten days. Revision of the serology after 30 days: if positive, extend the treatment until the total dose (60 days or more). ORGAN TRANSPLANTATION: previous serology for donor and receptor. When the former is infected and the last negative, cancel the surgery or install the specific treatment by ten days before the surgery for the donor, followed by the receptor during ten days after the transplantation. ORAL TRANSMISSION: Specific measures are not available, food hygiene is recommended, including the cooking of meats delivered from possible reservoirs. Nowadays, the detection and immediate treatment of the case is recommended, followed by active research of new cases around the detected one.