Evidence of congenital transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi in a vector-free area of Bolivia.
A seroprevalence survey of Trypanosoma cruzi was carried out in two areas of South Bolivia. Triatoma infestans, the main vector of Tryp. cruzi, was abundant in the first area, but absent in the second one. Titration of Tryp. cruzi antibodies was carried out in children aged 6-24 months and their mothers. The seroprevalence of Chagas' disease was significantly higher in the area with the vector, but also high in the second area. Chagas' infection in children under 2 years old could be linked to congenital transmission of parasites during pregnancy and/or delivery, despite active vector control in both areas.
Brutus
L
L
Mother and Child Health in the Tropics Research Unit, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, CP 9214, La Paz, Bolivia.
Schneider
D
D
Postigo
J
J
Delgado
W
W
Mollinedo
S
S
Chippaux
J-P
JP
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D001838:Bolivia / Q000453:epidemiology; D014355:Chagas Disease / Q000151:congenital* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000635:transmission; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D018445:Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D014224:Triatoma