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Trypanosoma cruzi-associated cerebrovascular disease: a case-control study in Eastern Colombia

Fidias E Leon-Sarmiento1, Eder Mendoza, Martin Torres-Hillera

  • 1UIS-Santander University School of Medicine, Bucaramanga, Colombia. leonf@ninds.nih.gov

Journal of the Neurological Sciences
|December 17, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Trypanosoma cruzi infection significantly increases stroke risk. Screening for this parasite is recommended for stroke patients in endemic areas, even without heart issues.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neurology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Trypanosoma cruzi infection is a known cause of heart disease in South America.
  • The link between T. cruzi infection and cerebrovascular disease remains unclear.
  • Chagas disease, caused by T. cruzi, affects millions in Latin America.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between Trypanosoma cruzi infection and cerebrovascular disease.
  • To determine if T. cruzi infection is an independent risk factor for stroke.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study was conducted in Eastern Colombia.
  • Stroke patients and healthy controls were tested for T. cruzi infection.
  • Statistical analyses, including multivariate analysis, were performed.

Main Results:

  • T. cruzi infection was significantly more prevalent in stroke cases (24.4%) than controls (1.9%).
  • The association remained significant after excluding patients with cardiological abnormalities.
  • An odds ratio of 16.13 indicated a strong link between T. cruzi infection and stroke.

Conclusions:

  • This study provides the first case-control evidence linking T. cruzi infection to symptomatic cerebrovascular disease, primarily ischemic stroke.
  • The association is independent of cardiac abnormalities.
  • Screening for T. cruzi infection is recommended for stroke patients residing in or having lived in endemic regions.

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