Humoral Immune Response against P2β from Trypanosoma cruzi in Persons with Chronic Chagas Disease: Its Relationship with Treatment Against Parasites and Myocardial Damage

We investigated the relationship between potentially pathogenic antibodies against a Trypanosoma cruzi ribosomal protein (P2β) and the evolution of Chagas disease and the effect of trypanocidal treatment on these variables. Seventy-eight patients with chronic Chagas disease who were followed-up for more than 20 years were divided into three groups: 30 asymptomatic persons undergoing specific treatment (group A), 37 asymptomatic persons not undergoing specific treatment (group B), and 11 patients with chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy (CCC) who were not treated. Five patients in group B showed evolution to myocardial abnormalities. Among persons with CCC, six showed no changes; the remaining persons showed progression of cardiac involvement. Levels of antibodies to P2β in persons in group A decreased from their initial values. This finding was not observed in persons in groups B and C. Comparisons at the end of the follow-up showed lower amounts of antibodies to P2β in groups A and C. These findings support the benefits of specific treatment during chronic infection

Method for detection of <i>T. cruzi</i> infection in 144 mothers.

<p>Method for detection of <i>T. cruzi</i> infection in 144 mothers.</p

Kaplan-Meier curve showing serological reactivity rate during follow-up among 117 treated and untreated women.

<p>Kaplan-Meier curve showing serological reactivity rate during follow-up among 117 treated and untreated women.</p

Kaplan-Meier curve showing serological reactivity rate by age during follow-up in 71 treated women.

<p>Kaplan-Meier curve showing serological reactivity rate by age during follow-up in 71 treated women.</p

Flowchart of the study.

<p>Flowchart of the study.</p

Distribution of 117 women with chronic infection of <i>T. cruzi,</i> treated and untreated with nifurtimox or benznidazole, by age group and time of follow-up equal to or greater than 8 years, Argentina.

<p>Distribution of 117 women with chronic infection of <i>T. cruzi,</i> treated and untreated with nifurtimox or benznidazole, by age group and time of follow-up equal to or greater than 8 years, Argentina.</p

Sociodemographic description and exposure of 144 women treated and untreated with trypanocidal drug.

a)<p>Comparison of frequencies by Chi² test or Fisher test. Comparison of means by Student's T test or Bonferroni test.</p>b)<p>Only for Argentinian provinces, according to the denomination used by the Programa Nacional de Chagas (last viewed 29/10/13).</p><p>*Variable with N lower than total population.</p><p>Sociodemographic description and exposure of 144 women treated and untreated with trypanocidal drug.</p