Chagas disease in immunocompromised patients

Clin Microbiol Rev. 2024 Mar 28:e0009923. doi: 10.1128/cmr.00099-23. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

SUMMARYAs Chagas disease remains prevalent in the Americas, it is important that healthcare professionals and researchers are aware of the screening, diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment recommendations for the populations of patients they care for and study. Management of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in immunocompromised hosts is challenging, particularly because, regardless of antitrypanosomal treatment status, immunocompromised patients with Chagas disease are at risk for T. cruzi reactivation, which can be lethal. Evidence-based practices to prevent and manage T. cruzi reactivation vary depending on the type of immunocompromise. Here, we review available data describing Chagas disease epidemiology, testing, and management practices for various populations of immunocompromised individuals, including people with HIV and patients undergoing solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Keywords: Chagas disease; Trypanosoma cruzi; bone marrow transplantation; human immunodeficiency virus; immunocompromised hosts; organ transplantation.

Publication types

  • Review