Burden of Chagas Disease in the Americas

Dear Colleagues,

Chagas disease is a neglected tropical disease cause by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. This kinetoplastid parasite has a complex life cycle involving susceptible hosts and the triatomine insect vector, as well as certain mammals (e.g., opossum). Infection is found throughout the Americas and occurs via several routes of exposure, including the vector-borne, congenital, and even oral consumption of contaminated food and drink products. Despite progress in recent years, some areas of Mexico, Central and South America have persistent vector transmission, while congenital transmission remains an important route in both endemic and non-endemic countries. In North America, very little is known concerning the burden of disease from autochthonous transmission or among people from endemic regions of Latin America. However, Chagas disease is a leading cause of heart disease in the Americas. Improving our understanding of the incidence, prevalence, and risk factors for Chagas disease is key to informing public health programs addressing this highly neglected disease.

The scope of this Special Issue shall encompass the following:

• New research focused on the epidemiology of Chagas disease in endemic and non-endemic regions of the Americas;
• Triatomine biology and distribution in the Americas;
• Trypanosoma cruzi infection among susceptible sylvatic, peridomestic, and domestic animal hosts;
• Programs to improve awareness and access to care among those at risk for Chagas disease in the Americas.

Dr. Norman L. Beatty
Dr. Colin J. Forsyth
Dr. Omar Cantillo-Barraza
Guest Editors

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