Clinical Presentation of Chagas disease:
The initial acute phase of the Chagas infections lasts for about two months and is associated with mild and unspecific symptoms. Symptomatic patients develop swelling or skin lesions on one eye accompanied by headache, fever, palpable lymph node, swelling, breathing difficulty, as well as chest or body pain. During the chronic phase that can occur decades later, the infection can prolong and result in cardiac and gastrointestinal complications. Ultimately, the parasite will cause a destruction of the nervous system and heart muscle leading to cardiac arrhythmias, progressive heart failure and sudden death. Chagas disease can be diagnosed through microscopic examination of the parasite in a blood smear.
Ongoing Research on Chagas Disease:
Researchers are focusing on several areas to better understand, treat, and prevent the disease.
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Vaccine Development: One of the primary research goals is to develop an effective vaccine against Trypanosoma cruzi. Current studies are exploring various vaccine candidates to stimulate the immune system and prevent initial infection, as well as vaccines that could halt the progression of chronic Chagas disease.
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Drug Development: Although Benznidazole and Nifurtimox are the primary drugs used to treat acute Chagas infections, they are less effective during the chronic phase and often cause side effects. Research is underway to discover new antiparasitic compounds that are more effective in the chronic phase of the disease and have fewer side effects.
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Cardiac and Gastrointestinal Complications: Since chronic Chagas disease often results in cardiac arrhythmias and heart failure, research is focusing on understanding the mechanisms by which Trypanosoma cruzi causes damage to the heart muscle and gastrointestinal tract. This research is critical for developing treatments that can reduce organ damage and improve long-term outcomes for patients.
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Biomarkers for Early Detection: Early diagnosis of Chagas disease, especially in the chronic phase, is crucial for preventing severe complications. Scientists are working to identify biomarkers in blood and tissue samples that can signal early infection or predict the progression of the disease.
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Immune Response and Inflammation: Research is being conducted to understand how the immune system responds to Trypanosoma cruzi infection and how chronic inflammation contributes to tissue damage, particularly in the heart. This area of research could lead to immunomodulatory therapies that minimize the harmful effects of chronic infection.
An Insight to Chagas Disease Biospecimens We Offer:
Researchers across the globe can procure clinical biospecimens through our convenient online marketplace within minutes. Subjected to stringent quality control and IRB protocols, our tropical research samples are high-quality human biomaterials obtained from consented donors.
To boost Chagas disease research globally, Central BioHub offers serum and plasma samples collected from patients diagnosed with American trypanosomiasis or Chagas infection. The Chagas biospecimens include blood samples that are tested for Trypanosoma cruzi antibodies such as Chagas IgG and IgM for disease confirmation. Adhering to the safety guidelines of CDC and WHO, the samples are stored at <-18 degree Celsius. Also, we provide clinical information, including patient medical histories and patient demographics like age, sex, ethnicity, BMI, for better sample identification. Our global biospecimen supply chain guarantees that human samples are delivered safely, securely, and swiftly to facilities around the world. We always appreciate hearing from you. Please contact us if you have any questions concerning the current availability of Chagas disease samples.
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