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Updated: May 7, 2026
08:48
In Vitro Drug Screening Against All Life Cycle Stages of Trypanosoma cruzi Using Parasites Expressing β-galactosidase
Published on: November 5, 2021
Chagas disease and breast-feeding
Emerging Infectious Diseases
|September 21, 2013
Summary
Chagas disease transmission via breastfeeding is not well-established. Mothers with Chagas disease can continue breastfeeding, except during acute infection, immunosuppression, or with bleeding nipples.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
- Public Health
Background:
- Chagas disease, caused by *Trypanosoma cruzi*, is a significant neglected tropical disease in the Americas.
- While transmission routes are known, the risk of *T. cruzi* transmission through breastfeeding remains unclear.
- Existing data on mother-to-child transmission via lactation is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing literature on *Trypanosoma cruzi* transmission through breastfeeding.
- To provide evidence-based medical guidance for breastfeeding mothers diagnosed with Chagas disease.
- To inform clinical practice regarding lactation in the context of Chagas disease.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of studies investigating *T. cruzi* transmission via breastfeeding.
- Analysis of available data from both animal models and human case studies.
- Synthesis of findings to establish recommendations for clinical management.
Main Results:
- Evidence for *T. cruzi* transmission through breastfeeding in humans is scarce.
- Animal studies provide some insights but are not fully conclusive for human risk assessment.
- Specific conditions, including acute infection, immunosuppression-related reactivation, and bleeding nipples, pose higher risks.
Conclusions:
- Breastfeeding is generally considered safe for mothers with Chagas disease.
- Discontinuation of breastfeeding is not routinely recommended.
- Exceptions include acute Chagas disease, immunosuppression, or bleeding nipples, where thermal milk treatment may be advised.
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