Evolution of Chagas’ disease in Brazil. Epidemiological perspective and challenges for the future: a critical review

Bello-Corassa, Rafael, Aceijas, Carmen ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3652-6536, Brito Alves, Paula Aryane and Garelick, Hemda ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4568-2300 (2017) Evolution of Chagas’ disease in Brazil. Epidemiological perspective and challenges for the future: a critical review. Perspectives in Public Health, 137 (5) . pp. 289-295. ISSN 1757-9139 [Article] (doi:10.1177/1757913916671160)

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Abstract

Aims: This paper aimed to provide a critical review of the evolution of Chagas’ disease in Brazil, its magnitude, historical development and management, and challenges for the future.

Methods: A literature search was performed using PubMed, SciELO and Google Scholar and throughout collected articles’ references. Narrative analysis was structured around five main themes identified: vector transmission, control program, and transfusion, oral and congenital transmission.

Results: In Brazil, the Chagas’ disease Control Program was fully implemented in the 1980s, when it reached practically all the endemic areas, and in 1991, the Southern Cone Initiative was created, aiming to eliminate the disease transmission through eliminating the Triatoma infestans and controlling blood banks. As a result, the prevalence of chagasic donors in blood banks reduced from 4.4% in the 80s to 0.2% in 2005. In 2006, PAHO certified the interruption of transmission of Chagas’ disease through this vector in Brazil. However, there are still challenges, such as the domiciliation of new vector species, the need for medical care of the infected individuals, the prevention of alternative mechanisms of transmission, the loss of political concern regarding the disease and, the weakening of the control program.

Conclusion: Despite the progress towards control, there are still many challenges ahead to maintain and expand such control and minimise the risk of re-emergence.

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