Exploring Trypanosoma cruzi transmission dynamics in an acute Chagas disease outbreak using next-generation sequencing.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Chagas disease (CD), caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, poses a major global public health challenge. Although vector-borne transmission is the primary mode of infection, oral transmission is increasingly concerning.

Methods

This study utilized long-amplicon-based sequencing (long-ABS), focusing on the 18S rRNA gene, to explore T. cruzi's genetic diversity and transmission dynamics during an acute CD outbreak in Colombia, an area without domestic infestation.

Results

Analyzing samples from five patients and five T. cruzi-positive marsupial samples, we identified coinfections between T. cruzi and Trypanosoma rangeli, mixed T. cruzi DTUs, suggesting possible links between human and marsupial T. cruzi infections. Coexistence of TcI, TcIV and T. rangeli suggests mars

SUBMITTER: Cruz-Saavedra L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11409604 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature