Autochthonous Chagas' disease in Santa Catarina State, Brazil: report of the first case of digestive tract involvement

Rev Soc Bras Med Trop. 2003 Sep-Oct;36(5):609-12. doi: 10.1590/s0037-86822003000500011. Epub 2003 Oct 21.

Abstract

We report the first case of digestive tract pathology (megaesophagus) determined by Trypanosoma cruzi infection in Santa Catarina State, southern Brazil. A 63-year-old female had presumptive clinical diagnosis of Chagas' disease, which was confirmed by imaging (endoscopy and esophagogram) and immunological methods. Further molecular diagnosis was carried out with esophagus and blood samples collected during corrective surgery. Polymerase chain reaction tested positive for Trypanosoma cruzi in both esophagus and buffy coat samples.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Chagas Disease / diagnosis*
  • DNA, Protozoan / analysis
  • Esophageal Achalasia / diagnosis
  • Esophageal Achalasia / parasitology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Trypanosoma cruzi*

Substances

  • DNA, Protozoan