by Agudelo Higuita NI, Beatty NL, Forsyth C, Henao-Martínez AF, Manne-Goehlerg J, on behalf of the US Chagas Research Consortium. The Lancet Regional Health – Americas 2024, 34:100768. doi: 10.1016/j.lana.2024.100768
Summary: Chagas disease, caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, affects an estimated 300,000 individuals in the United States. While many contract the disease in Latin America, it is also transmitted by local vectors in the southern U.S. There is limited access to diagnosis and treatment, alongside unresolved gaps in healthcare systems. In this viewpoint, the authors discuss the need for focused research and public health initiatives, with U.S. research institutions playing a crucial role in developing new treatments and identifying biomarkers. Furthermore, genetic variations between T. cruzi in North and South America need to be investigated to improve diagnostic and treatment strategies. Urgent action is required to implement national and local programs, bolstering healthcare responses and advancing research efforts.
