High seroconversion rates in Trypanosoma cruzi chronic infection treated with benznidazole in people under 16 years in Guatemala
Abstract INTRODUCTION: Geographical, epidemiological, and environmental differences associated with therapeutic response to Chagas etiological treatment have been previously discussed. This study describes high seroconversion rates 72 months after benznidazole treatment in patients under 16 years from a project implemented by Doctors without Borders in Guatemala. METHODS: An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect Trypanosoma cruzi IgG antibodies in capillary blood samples from patients 72 months after treatment. Fisher's exact test was used to establish association between characteristics, such as sex, age, and origin of patients, and final seroconversion. Kappa index determined concordance between laboratory tests. The level of significance was set to 5%. RESULTS: Ninety-eight patients, aged 6 months to 16 years, were available for follow-up. Sex and origin were not associated with seroconversion. Individuals older than 13 were more prone to maintain a positive result 72 months after treatment, although results were not highly significant. Laboratory tests presented elevated Kappa concordance (95% CI) = 0.8290 (0.4955-1), as well as high (97%) seroconversion rates. CONCLUSIONS: The high seroconversion rate found in this study emphasizes the importance of access to diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of individuals affected by Chagas disease. Moreover, it contradicts the idea that it is not possible to achieve a cure with the currently available drugs. This study strongly supports expanding programs for patients infected with T. cruzi in endemic and non-endemic countries.
Main Authors: | Brum-Soares,Lucia, Cubides,Juan-Carlos, Burgos,Iris, Monroy,Carlota, Castillo,Leticia, González,Selene, Viñas,Pedro Albajar, Urrutia,Pedro Pablo Palma |
---|---|
Format: | Digital revista |
Language: | English |
Published: |
Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical - SBMT
2016
|
Online Access: | http://old.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0037-86822016000600721 |
Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
Similar Items
-
Treatment with benznidazole in association with immunosuppressive drugs in mice chronically infected with Trypanosoma cruzi: investigation into the possible development of neoplasias
by: Andrade,Sonia G., et al.
Published: (2003) -
Tolerance and Adherence of Patients with Chronic Chagas Disease Treated with Benznidazole
by: Vázquez,Cristina, et al.
Published: (2023) -
Trypanosoma cruzi: parasite antigens sequestered in heart interstitial dendritic cells are related to persisting myocarditis in benznidazole-treated mice
by: Portella,Renata Siqueira, et al.
Published: (2009) -
Treatment and seroconversion in a cohort of children suffering from recent chronic Chagas infection in Yoro, Honduras
by: Escribà,Josep M, et al.
Published: (2009) -
Variation in susceptibility to benznidazole in isolates derived from Trypanosoma cruzi parental strains
by: Veloso,VM, et al.
Published: (2001)