Congenital Chagas disease: progress toward implementation of pregnancy-based screening. Issue 5 (October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Edwards, Morven S.; Montgomery, Susan P.
• Is Part Of: Current opinion in infectious diseases. Volume 34:Issue 5(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-10
• Subjects: congenital Chagas disease -- pregnancy-based screening -- Trypanosoma cruzi infection; Communicable diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable Diseases -- Periodicals; Review Literature -- Periodicals; 616.905
• DOI: 10.1097/QCO.0000000000000769
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0951-7375

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose of review: Lack of recognition of congenital Chagas disease in infants of mothers from endemic regions who are living in countries nonendemic for Trypanosoma cruzi infection suggests a high rate of underdiagnosis. Pregnancy is the optimal access point for identifying Chagas disease in at-risk mothers and their infants. In this review, we update progress toward implementation of pregnancy-based screening for congenital Chagas disease in nonendemic settings. Recent findings: International organizations have updated recommendations for diagnosis, treatment and prevention of congenital Chagas disease. Reports of successful implementation of pregnancy-based screening at some centers provide a model for optimizing diagnosis of congenital Chagas disease. Screening family members of index patients may identify additional T. cruzi -infected persons. Promising tests to augment current diagnostic modalities for maternal and congenital Chagas disease are in development. Universal or risk-based screening would be cost-effective. More healthcare providers are now aware that treatment of congenital Chagas disease is curative and are promoting efforts to make pregnancy-based screening for congenital Chagas disease a standard of care. Summary: Ongoing efforts to implement routine pregnancy-based screening for congenital Chagas disease in nonendemic regions will mutually benefit infants, their mothers and family members and can prevent potentially fatal Chagas cardiomyopathy.