Chagas disease is an infection caused by a parasite that is transmitted by insect bites. After years it can affect the heart. Promising new research should lead to more specific treatments.
Disease: Chagas Disease
Last update: June 2006
Intro
FAQ: What does the future hold?
New anti-parasitic medicines are being investigated. These inhibit enzymes and other substances that are necessary for the parasite to survive. An exciting strand of research is the development of vaccines. One of these targets is the whip-like tail of the parasite which allows it to travel in the body. Other vaccine targets include proteins which are abundant on the surface of the parasite and appear to have important enzymatic roles.
In 2005, scientists sequenced the genome of the Chagas disease parasite. It is hoped that this will lead to the development of other medicines and vaccines to treat or prevent this dangerous infection.
In 2005, scientists sequenced the genome of the Chagas disease parasite. It is hoped that this will lead to the development of other medicines and vaccines to treat or prevent this dangerous infection.