Chagas' disease in Buenos Aires Province, Argentina
Carcavallo, R.U.; Plencovich, A.R.
Boletin de la Oficina Sanitaria Panamericana. Pan American Sanitary Bureau 74(4): 281-289
1973
ISSN/ISBN: 0030-0632 PMID: 4266500 Document Number: 63790
The results are given of an epidemiological study of Chagas' disease (caused by Trypanosoma cruzi) in the Province of Buenos Aires, in which more than one-third of Argentina's population lives. The literature and unpublished data on the subject are reviewed. Triatomines were found to occur in practically all districts of the Province. Triatoma and Panstrongylus are represented. The only species of great epidemiological importance is T. infestans (Klug). Some cases of human infection occurred outside regions infested with Triatomines, from which it is concluded that they were transmitted by other means, such as blood transfusion or mother-to-infant transfer. Infection with Trypanosoma cruzi occurs almost throughout the Province. Rates of infection in Triatomines studied in 1965-70 ranged from 7.7 to 19.9% and in man studied in 1968-71 from 3.4 to 10.2%, according to district. In examination of 160 mammals of various families in 1965-70, two opossums (Didelphis), two dogs and one armadillo were found to be infected with Trypanosoma cruzi, and infection has also been seen in a cat. Acute human cases with clinical manifestations occurred sporadically but frequently, and chronic cases with cardiac, neurological and digestive symptoms justified the view that control of Chagas' disease should be a matter of priority. It is suggested that activity should be concentrated on focal treatment of the vectors, together with the prevention of transmission by blood transfusion and strict monitoring of pregnant women affected by the disease and of new-born infants.