Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Immunodeficiency Diseases

Immunodeficiency Diseases

Immunodeficiency disorders are conditions in which the immune system's ability to fight infectious disease and cancer is compromised or entirely absent. The immune system comprises a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body from potentially harmful invaders. When this system is deficient or not functioning properly, it leaves the body susceptible to infections, diseases, or other complications.
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency...

Pulmonary Tuberculosis I

Pulmonary Tuberculosis I

Tuberculosis, often called TB, is a contagious illness primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lung parenchyma but can also impact other body parts.
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are diseases transmitted primarily through unsafe sexual interactions. Bacteria, viruses, or parasites cause them and can result in severe health complications if untreated.ChlamydiaThe bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis is responsible for the disease Chlamydia, the most common STI in the United States. This peculiar pathogen requires human cells to reproduce, residing intracellularly. The initial infection often goes unnoticed because it typically does not...

Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection

Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection

The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...

Infection

Infection

When a pathogen enters the body and reproduces, it can cause an infection, damage body cells, and cause illness symptoms that eventually lead to disease. Therefore, its prevention requires breaking the chain of infection.
The chain begins with pathogens: bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions, or parasites such as protozoa helminths. These can be present on the skin as transient or resident flora, or they can be acquired from the environment. Identifying and treating the type of infection and...

Stages of Infection

Stages of Infection

Stages of infection describe what happens to a susceptible host once a pathogen invades the human body. The stages of infection are incubation, prodromal, illness, stage of decline, and convalescence. The incubation stage is the period from exposure to a pathogen until symptoms start. The infected person is unaware of impending illness as the pathogens grow and multiply within the body. The duration may vary depending on the type of infection. The incubation period of measles averages ten to...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Chagas cardiomyopathy.

Heart (British Cardiac Society)·2026

Same author

Effect of different management strategies on outcomes in subarachnoid neurocysticercosis: a descriptive, multicentre, retrospective cohort study in the USA.

EClinicalMedicine·2026

Same author

Genomic Characterization of a Locally Transmitted Leishmania mexicana Isolate from Texas.

The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene·2026

Same author

Improving Neurocysticercosis Diagnosis: Neurocysticercosis Diagnostic Practices at a Large Public Hospital System in Texas.

The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene·2026

Same author

Trypanosoma cruzi trans-sialidase antigens: immunodominance and diagnostic applications.

Trends in parasitology·2026

Same author

Adapting lessons from the Indian subcontinent to accelerate elimination of visceral leishmaniasis as a public health problem in East Africa.

PLoS neglected tropical diseases·2026

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 22, 2025

In Vitro Drug Screening Against All Life Cycle Stages of Trypanosoma cruzi Using Parasites Expressing β-galactosidase

In Vitro Drug Screening Against All Life Cycle Stages of Trypanosoma cruzi Using Parasites Expressing β-galactosidase

Published on: November 5, 2021

Chagas disease in the immunocompromised host.

Eva H Clark¹, Caryn Bern²

¹Departments of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, and Pediatrics, Division of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.

Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases

|July 4, 2024

Summary

Individuals with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for severe Chagas disease (Trypanosoma cruzi infection). Early screening and management are crucial for those with HIV or undergoing transplantation to prevent reactivation.

More Related Videos

Sexual Transmission of American Trypanosomes from Males and Females to Naive Mates

Sexual Transmission of American Trypanosomes from Males and Females to Naive Mates

Published on: January 27, 2019

Author Spotlight: Real-Time Monitoring of Parasite Burden and Host Response

Author Spotlight: Real-Time Monitoring of Parasite Burden and Host Response

Published on: May 31, 2024

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 22, 2025

In Vitro Drug Screening Against All Life Cycle Stages of Trypanosoma cruzi Using Parasites Expressing β-galactosidase

In Vitro Drug Screening Against All Life Cycle Stages of Trypanosoma cruzi Using Parasites Expressing β-galactosidase

Published on: November 5, 2021

Sexual Transmission of American Trypanosomes from Males and Females to Naive Mates

Sexual Transmission of American Trypanosomes from Males and Females to Naive Mates

Published on: January 27, 2019

Author Spotlight: Real-Time Monitoring of Parasite Burden and Host Response

Author Spotlight: Real-Time Monitoring of Parasite Burden and Host Response

Published on: May 31, 2024

Area of Science:

Infectious Diseases
Immunology
Parasitology

Background:

Immunocompromised individuals face increased risk of Trypanosoma cruzi reactivation.
Shifting populations and immunosuppressive therapies contribute to this growing concern.

Purpose of the Study:

To review recent advancements in understanding Trypanosoma cruzi infections in immunocompromised hosts.
To emphasize the importance of early identification and management strategies.

Main Methods:

Review of current literature on Chagas disease in immunocompromised populations.
Analysis of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for Trypanosoma cruzi reactivation.

Main Results:

Screening for Chagas disease is recommended for at-risk individuals, including those with HIV or on immunosuppressants.
Management involves antiretroviral therapy for HIV coinfection and preemptive antitrypanosomal treatment for reactivation.
Monitoring with T. cruzi qPCR and reducing immunosuppression are key strategies.

Conclusions:

Chronic Chagas disease poses a severe threat to immunocompromised individuals, especially those with advanced HIV or post-transplantation.
Proactive screening and management can mitigate risks associated with Trypanosoma cruzi reactivation.