Abstract |
A series of 18 patients with chronic Chagas' disease and human immunodeficiency virus infection were followed up for 2 to 66 months (median, 15.5 months). Artificial xenodiagnosis was positive for 81.3% and natural xenodiagnosis was positive for 81.8% of patients for whom they were performed; 81.8% of 11 patients had medium- or high-level parasitemia. Reactivation of Chagas' disease--direct microscopic examination of blood revealing parasites and, clinically, patients presenting with cardiac disease--occurred in three patients (16.7%). Specific antitrypanosomal treatment with benznidazole was effective in reducing the level of parasitemia and improving the clinical condition in three of the four patients treated.
|
Authors | A M Sartori, M A Shikanai-Yasuda, V Amato Neto, M H Lopes |
Journal | Clinical infectious diseases : an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America
(Clin Infect Dis)
Vol. 26
Issue 1
Pg. 177-9
(Jan 1998)
ISSN: 1058-4838 [Print] United States |
PMID | 9455528
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
|
Topics |
- Adult
- Chagas Cardiomyopathy
(etiology)
- Chagas Disease
(complications, diagnosis)
- Female
- Follow-Up Studies
- HIV Infections
(complications)
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Parasitemia
(diagnosis)
|