1,4-Diamino-2-butanone, a putrescine analogue, promotes redox imbalance in Trypanosoma cruzi and mammalian cells

► 1,4-Diamino-2-butanone (DAB) is a large spectrum microbicide, including Trypanosoma cruzi. ► DAB-treated mammalian cells suffer redox imbalance via ROS and aldehyde products. ► T. cruzi trypomastigotes and amastigotes also suffer pro-oxidant effects of DAB. ► Morphological changes, thiol imbalance, and higher TcSOD activity are observed. ► Oxidative stress partakes in DAB toxicity to T. cruzi and mammalian host cells.