This 2nd Edition, provides a comprehensive overview of Chagas disease and discusses the latest discoveries concerning the three elements that compose the transmission chain of the disease, the host, the insect vectors, and the causative parasite. In addition, new insights on the molecular biology and diagnostics of Chagas diseases, the persistence of infections in the host, and the interaction of the parasite and host metabolism are now included in this new and updated edition.

Key Features

• Provides a thoroughly revised, updated, and streamlined new edition with contributions from leading authorities and industry experts
• Informs and updates on all the latest developments of Chagas disease, covering biology, clinical aspects, and human sciences
• Includes a summarizing chapter that provides key insights of practical significance for prevention efforts

Readership

Researchers in parasitology, tropical medicine and public health

Table of Contents

 1. History of the discovery of the American Trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease)

2. Chagas disease in pre-Colombian civilizations

3. Social and medical aspects on Chagas disease management and control

4. Current epidemiological trends of Chagas disease in Latin America and future challenges: epidemiology, surveillance, and health policies

5. Geographical distribution of Chagas disease

6. Classification and systematics of the Triatominae

7. Biology of Triatominae

8. Population genetics of Triatominae

9. Geographic distribution of Triatominae vectors in America

10. Control strategies against Triatominae

11. Ecological aspects of Trypanosoma cruzi: Wild hosts and reservoirs 

12. Trypanosoma cruzi enzootic cycle: General aspects, domestic and synanthropic hosts and reservoirs 

13. Veterinary aspects

14. Experimental studies of Chagas disease in animal models

15. Classification and phylogeny of Trypanosoma cruzi

16. Biology of Trypanosoma cruzi and biological diversity 

17. Biochemistry of Trypanosoma cruzi

18. Ultrastructure of Trypanosoma cruzi and its interaction with host cells 

19. Genetics of Trypanosoma cruzi

20. Experimental and natural recombination in Trypanosoma cruzi

21. Trypanosoma cruzi and the model of predominant clonal evolution 

22. Vector transmission: How it works, what transmits, where it occurs

23. Maternal–fetal transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi

24. Other forms of transmission: Blood transfusion, organ transplantation, laboratory accidents, oral and sexual transmission

25. Protective host response to Trypanosoma cruzi and its limitations 

26. Cell invasion by Trypanosoma cruzi and the type I interferon response 

27. Human genetic susceptibility to Chagas disease

28. Clinical phases and forms of Chagas disease

29. Diagnosis of Trypanosoma cruzi infection 

30. AIDS and Chagas’ disease

31. Treatment of Chagas disease

32. Vaccine development for Chagas disease