Testing for Chagas disease in an at-risk population

Chagas disease (CD), caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is endemic to parts of Mexico and Central/South America. Chagas heart disease develops in 20-30% of patients; manifestations include conduction abnormalities (e.g. right bundle branch block [RBBB]), ventricular tachycardia (VT), and progressive dilated cardiomyopathy1. The estimated prevalence of CD in the US exceeds 300,000 people2, and CD accounts for ∼19% of non-ischemic cardiomyopathy3, 7.5% of pacemakers4, and 5% of conduction abnormalities5 among Latin American immigrants in California.
Source: Journal of Cardiac Failure - Category: Cardiology Authors: Tags: Research Letter Source Type: research