[New process for screening of drugs in experimental infection with Trypanosoma cruzi]. / Novo processo para triagem de medicamentos na infecção experimental pelo Trypanosoma cruzi.

ABSTRACT

We propose a screening process for detection of therapeutic activity of drugs against experimental infection with Trypanosoma cruzi. It is based on the use of infected triatominae that are fed on mice which have received the study drug. Blood meals are made at different time schedule in order to adapt with serum drug levels. The digestive tube of the hemiptera will, thus, work as a suitable structure for examination. In a initial observation, benzonidazole was used, and was shown to be only partially active at least in the conditions of this new procedure.