Quantitative and histological assessment of maternal-fetal transmission of < i > Trypanosoma cruzi < /i > in guinea pigs: An experimental model of congenital Chagas disease

ConclusionsT.cruzi TcI has a high capacity of congenital transmission even when it was inoculated at a very low dose before or during gestation. Tissue lesions, parasite load, and fetal under development provide evidence for high virulence of the parasite during pregnancy. Despite finding of high parasite burden by qPCR, placentas were protected from cellular damage. Our studies offer an experimental model to study the efficacy of vaccines and drugs against congenital transmission ofT.cruzi. These results also call forT.cruzi screening in pregnant women and adequate follow up of the newborns in endemic areas.
Source: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases - Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Source Type: research