Abstract

DIAS, João Carlos Pinto; AMATO NETO, Vicente  and  LUNA, Expedito José de Albuquerque. Alternative transmission mechanisms of Trypanosoma cruzi in Brazil and proposals for their prevention. Rev. Soc. Bras. Med. Trop. [online]. 2011, vol.44, n.3, pp. 375-379.  Epub May 27, 2011. ISSN 0037-8682.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0037-86822011005000032.

INTRODUCTION: Following advances in the control of vector and blood transfusion transmission of Chagas disease, alternative mechanisms of transmission have become more relevant. This article discusses the importance of each one of these alternative mechanisms and the measures to prevent them. METHODS: A review was conducted of the scientific literature concerning alternative transmission mechanisms of Trypanosoma cruzi occurring in Brazil and the measures to prevent them. PubMed and BVS databases were consulted. RESULTS: Twenty-five publications describing alternative mechanisms of transmission of Chagas disease were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Oral transmission, through ingestion of contaminated food items has been the most frequent mode of transmission in Brazil in recent years. Other alternative mechanisms of transmission occur less frequently. It is important to understand these occurrences, especially now that vector transmission of the parasite is under control. Preventive measures have been presented, according to each of the situations considered, in line with current knowledge.

Keywords : Chagas' disease; Trypanosoma cruzi transmission; Alternative mechanisms; Prevention.