Control measures for Chagas disease

Chagas disease, also known as American trypanosomiasis, is a potentially life-threatening illness caused by the protozoan parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi. The main mode of transmission of this disease in endemic areas is through an insect vector called triatomine bug. Triatomines become infected with T. cruzi by feeding blood of an infected person or animal. Chagas disease is considered the most important vector borne infection in Latin America. It is estimated that between 16 and 18 millions of persons are infected with T. cruzi, and at least 20,000 deaths each year.In this work we formulate a model for the transmission of this infection among humans, vectors and domestic mammals. Our main objective is to assess the effectiveness of Chagas disease control measures. For this, we do sensitivity analysis of the basic reproductive number R0R0 and the endemic proportions with respect to epidemiological and demographic parameters.

► We model Chagas disease transmission among humans, mammals and triatomines. ► Comparison of strategies for the control of Chagas disease. ► Reducing vector population is the best strategy. ► Zooprophylaxis is a poor control measure. ► Treating infectives works as a control only in the absence of transmitter animals.