Chagas' Disease: Reservoir

The parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi, occurs in more than 100 species of mammal (opossums, guinea pigs, goats, dogs, cats, rats, mice, and so on). There are several known (and probably also some unknown) subtypes, each of which has its own distribution and probably also its own pathogenic features. In view of the extent of the animal reservoir, eradication of the parasite will not be possible. This does not mean that the disease and the transmission cannot themselves be controlled. At present the strains are divided into two groups. Trypanosoma cruzi I has an extensive sylvatic reservoir, of which opossums appear the most important. This group is not very common in the “Southern Cone” countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay), but it is virtually the only form which occurs north of the Amazon region. T. cruzi II seems to be chiefly associated with rodents and is common in the Southern Cone.

Category: Medicine Notes