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The future of Chagas disease control
Chris J Schofield1, Jean Jannin, Roberto Salvatella
1London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK. cj.schofield@lshtm.ac.uk
Trends in Parasitology
|October 20, 2006
Summary
Chagas disease control has advanced, but ongoing surveillance is crucial. Future strategies should integrate primary healthcare and university teams for sustainable case detection and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Tropical Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Chagas disease control has seen significant progress over the last 15 years in endemic regions.
- Epidemiological significance is declining in areas with successful control interventions.
- Risk of re-infestation and new infections persists due to adventitious vectors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review multinational Chagas disease control initiatives.
- To propose sustainable future surveillance and intervention strategies.
- To discuss financing and reporting links between research and health authorities.
Main Methods:
- Review of multinational control initiatives.
- Analysis of current surveillance and intervention successes.
- Proposal for integrated healthcare and research approaches.
Main Results:
- Major advances in Chagas disease control have been achieved.
- Epidemiological significance is decreasing in many endemic areas.
- Ongoing surveillance and selective interventions are necessary.
Conclusions:
- Sustainable Chagas disease surveillance requires integrating primary healthcare and university teams.
- Increased focus on case detection and treatment is recommended.
- Clearer reporting links between research and national health authorities are needed for effective long-term control.
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