Abstract

KROPF, Simone Petraglia  and  SA, Magali Romero. The discovery of Trypanosoma cruzi and Chagas disease (1908-1909): tropical medicine in Brazil. Hist. cienc. saude-Manguinhos [online]. 2009, vol.16, suppl.1, pp.13-34. ISSN 0104-5970.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0104-59702009000500002.

This article analyzes the discovery of Chagas disease and the parasite that causes it (Trypanosoma cruzi) by Carlos Chagas in 1908/1909, with a special focus on the scientific and social context in which this occurred. Its inclusion in the international debate on European tropical medicine - especially with researchers from the German school of protozoology - and its connection with discussions on the modernization of the recently established Brazilian Republic are also examined. The discovery of Chagas disease became a decisive aspect in the scientific project that Oswaldo Cruz sought to establish at the institute that bears his name. It was extolled as a symbol of Brazil's scientific ability to produce knowledge in line with the international scientific agenda, while simultaneously being attuned to the specific problems of the country.

Keywords : Chagas disease; Trypanosoma cruzi; tropical medicine; Brazil; Germany.

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