Chagas Disease across Contexts: Scientific Knowledge in a Globalized World

Area of Science:

• * Public Health
• * Infectious Diseases
• * Scientific Research Analysis

Background:

• * Chagas disease is a significant endemic health concern in Latin America.
• * Its perception has evolved from a medical issue to encompass social determinants like poverty and housing.
• * Recent research has increasingly focused on the parasite's biological aspects.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To analyze the global scientific output on Chagas disease.
• * To identify the key factors influencing national research strategies for Chagas disease.
• * To provide a comprehensive understanding of Chagas disease as a multifaceted social and scientific problem.

Main Methods:

• * Bibliometric analysis of worldwide scientific production on Chagas disease.
• * Correlation analysis of research output with factors of endemicity and research traditions.
• * Comparative study of global research trends and strategies.

Main Results:

• * Scientific production on Chagas disease has expanded globally.
• * National research strategies are significantly influenced by the prevalence of the disease (endemicity) and established scientific research fields within a country.
• * A divergence in research focus is observed, with some nations prioritizing biological characterization while others address broader public health aspects.

Conclusions:

• * Global Chagas disease research is not uniform; it is shaped by national contexts.
• * Endemicity and research traditions are critical determinants of a country's approach to Chagas disease research.
• * This study offers a novel perspective on the social and scientific construction of Chagas disease, complementing existing literature.