by Alonso-Padilla J, Cortés-Serra N, Pinazo MJ, Bottazzi ME, Abril M, Barreira F, Sosa-Estani S, Hotez PJ, Gascón J. Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy 2019, 17(3): 145-157. doi: 10.1080/14787210.2019.1577731
Summary: Despite the availability of Chagas disease treatments benznidazole and nifurtimox, multiple factors impede their effective usage, including gaps in awareness and access, drug supply and distribution, toxicity, and inconsistent drug efficacy against the symptomatic chronic stage. The authors review new approaches and technologies to enhance access to diagnosis and treatment. They also provide an updated picture of recently published and ongoing anti-T. cruzi clinical trials. There is also a major need to continue awareness and advocacy efforts by patient associations, local and national governments, and international agencies. Overall, health systems strengthening is essential to ensure vector control commitments, as well as patient access to diagnosis and treatment.
