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Case Report: Molecular Detection and Characterization of Trypanosoma cruzi in Ocular Tissue from Donors with Chagas
Gianfranco Alí Santoro1, Marta I Starcenbaum Bouchez2, Elisabeth Cittadino2
1Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas, Universidad Nacional de San Martín (IIBIO-UNSAM), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Abstract:
Corneal transplantation is the most frequent transplant worldwide. Tissue characteristics allow storage and transport, even between continents, increasing its accessibility around the world. Donor infection with Trypanosoma cruzi is not defined as a corneal discarding factor, although the transplant is not recommended preventively, as in any infectious diseases. Herein, by means of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) strategies, we analyzed parasite presence in ocular tissue from 10 deceased donors with Chagas diseases. Among them, positive findings were obtained in corneas, scleras, and eye muscle samples of three, two, and one donor, respectively. Moreover, among the six T. cruzi defined populations, TcV and TcVI parasites were found in some samples based on group-specific amplification strategies. Our findings point out the actual possibility of T. cruzi transmission due to corneal transplantation and makes donor's serological status knowledge mandatory regardless of graft provenance. Failing that, we suggest a posttransplant follow-up of recipients from seropositive donors.
Insights
Corneal transplants can transmit Chagas disease (Trypanosoma cruzi). Researchers found parasite DNA in donor eye tissues, highlighting the need for donor screening and recipient monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Transplantation Immunology
Background:
- Corneal transplantation is a common procedure globally.
- Donor eye tissue can be stored and transported long distances.
- Trypanosoma cruzi infection is not a standard reason to discard donor corneas.
Observation:
- This study investigated the presence of Trypanosoma cruzi in ocular tissues from deceased donors with Chagas disease.
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect parasite DNA.
- Ocular tissues analyzed included corneas, scleras, and eye muscles from 10 donors.
Findings:
- Trypanosoma cruzi DNA was detected in the corneal, scleral, and eye muscle tissues of three, two, and one donor, respectively.
- Specific parasite populations, TcV and TcVI, were identified in some samples.
- These findings indicate a potential risk of Chagas disease transmission via corneal transplantation.
Implications:
- Mandatory serological screening of corneal donors for Trypanosoma cruzi is crucial, irrespective of the graft's origin.
- Post-transplant monitoring of recipients receiving grafts from seropositive donors is recommended.
- This research underscores the importance of infectious disease screening in organ and tissue transplantation to ensure recipient safety.
