The challenges of Chagas Disease-- grim outlook or glimmer of hope

Rick L Tarleton, Richard Reithinger, Julio A Urbina, Uriel Kitron, Ricardo E Gürtler, Rick L Tarleton, Richard Reithinger, Julio A Urbina, Uriel Kitron, Ricardo E Gürtler

Abstract

The authors discuss the key challenges that undermine the control of Chagas disease and that must be urgently addressed to ensure long-term, sustainable control.

Conflict of interest statement

Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Figure 1. Chagas Disease Is Closely Linked…
Figure 1. Chagas Disease Is Closely Linked to Poverty and Socioeconomic Development, and Poor Housing In Particular
Example of a typical household environment in Chagas disease–endemic areas: mud-and-thatch house with a front veranda (in the background) and storage area (in the front), located in the dry Chaco forest around Amamá village, northern Argentina.
Figure 2. Interior of House Showing the…
Figure 2. Interior of House Showing the Type of Wall Construction Often Found in Households in Many Endemic Areas
Cracks in walls are commonly found, inhabited by insects, as evidenced by the insect feces on wall and wall hangings.
Figure 3. Cineventriculogram of a 49-Year-Old Male…
Figure 3. Cineventriculogram of a 49-Year-Old Male with Chagas Heart Disease
The picture shows the apical aneurysm (sacular) with normal coronary arteries.
Figure 4. Chest X-Ray of 4 Different…
Figure 4. Chest X-Ray of 4 Different Patients with Chagas Heart Disease
A: normal; B: mild cardiomegaly; C: moderate cardiomegaly; D: severe cardiomegaly with pulmonary congestion.

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