Environment, interactions between Trypanosoma cruzi and its host, and health

An epidemiological chain involving Trypanosoma cruzi is discussed at the environmental level, and in terms of fine molecular interactions in invertebrate and vertebrate hosts dwelling in different ecosystems. This protozoan has a complex, genetically controlled plasticity, which confers adaptation t...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Teixeira, Antonio R. L., Gomes, Clever, Lozzi, Silene P., Hecht, Mariana M., Rosa, Ana de Cássia, Monteiro, Pedro S., Bussacos, Ana Carolina, Nitz, Nadjar, McManus, Concepta
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2009
País:Brasil
Institución:Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ)
Repositorio:Cadernos de Saúde Pública
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:ojs.teste-cadernos.ensp.fiocruz.br:article/4078
Acceso en línea:https://cadernos.ensp.fiocruz.br/ojs/index.php/csp/article/view/4078
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Trypanosoma cruzi
Chagas Disease
Host-Parasite Interactions
Environment
Descripción
Sumario:An epidemiological chain involving Trypanosoma cruzi is discussed at the environmental level, and in terms of fine molecular interactions in invertebrate and vertebrate hosts dwelling in different ecosystems. This protozoan has a complex, genetically controlled plasticity, which confers adaptation to approximately 40 blood-sucking triatomine species and to over 1,000 mammalian species, fulfilling diverse metabolic requirements in its complex life-cycle. The Tr. cruzi infections are deeply embedded in countless ecotypes, where they are difficult to defeat using the control methods that are currently available. Many more field and laboratory studies are required to obtain data and information that may be used for the control and prevention of Tr. cruzi infections and their various disease manifestations. Emphasis should be placed on those sensitive interactions at cellular and environmental levels that could become selected targets for disease prevention. In the short term, new technologies for social mobilization should be used by people and organizations working for justice and equality through health information and promotion. A mass media directed program could deliver education, information and communication to protect the inhabitants at risk of contracting Tr. cruzi infections.