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Trypanosoma cruzi screening in Texas blood donors, 2008-2012
M N Garcia1, L Woc-Colburn1, S N Rossmann2
1Section of Pediatric Tropical Medicine,Department of Pediatrics,National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital,Houston,TX,USA.
Insights
Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, is an emerging threat in Texas, particularly affecting older and Hispanic populations. Blood donor screening reveals a significant prevalence linked to poverty, highlighting the disease
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Chagas disease, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is an emerging public health concern in Texas.
- It can lead to serious cardiac complications, specifically cardiomyopathy, in approximately 30% of infected individuals.
- The disease poses a significant burden and economic impact within the state.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and risk factors associated with Trypanosoma cruzi infection among blood donors in Texas.
- To identify demographic and geographic patterns of Chagas disease transmission in the region.
- To understand the socioeconomic determinants linked to T. cruzi infection.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of blood donor screening data from 2008-2012 for Trypanosoma cruzi antibodies.
- Demographic analysis to identify high-risk populations.
- Geospatial analysis using zip code data to correlate infection rates with socioeconomic factors.
Main Results:
- Approximately 1 in 6500 blood donors tested positive for T. cruzi antibodies.
- Older individuals and minority populations, especially Hispanic individuals, were found at higher risk.
- Zip code analysis indicated a strong association between T. cruzi infection and areas of poverty.
Conclusions:
- Chagas disease is a significant emerging infectious disease in Texas with identifiable at-risk populations.
- Socioeconomic factors, particularly poverty, are linked to the prevalence of T. cruzi.
- Targeted public health interventions and screening strategies are crucial for managing Chagas disease in Texas.
Abstract:
Chagas disease is an important emerging disease in Texas that results in cardiomyopathy in about 30% of those infected with the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. Between the years 2008 and 2012, about 1/6500 blood donors were T. cruzi antibody-confirmed positive. We found older persons and minority populations, particularly Hispanic, at highest risk for screening positive for T. cruzi antibodies during routine blood donation. Zip code analysis determined that T. cruzi is associated with poverty. Chagas disease has a significant disease burden and is a cause of substantial economic losses in Texas.
