In Spain, Chagas disease, a rare disease from Latin America, affecting between 50000-70000 people. However, progress in the search for new methods of diagnosis and treatment are scarce. To sensitize the population and support the early detection of this disease, the Center for International Health Research (CRESIB) organized the Seventh Workshop on Chagas.
“They have completed one hundred years since the discovery of Chagas disease and advances in the search for new diagnostic methods and treatment are scarce. The allocation of resources is insufficient to reverse this situation, “said John J. Santos, coordinator of the Fundación Mundo Sano Spain (FMSE), which participates in the VII Workshop on Chagas CRESIB.
Chagas disease is a tropical disease caused by the bite of an insect, that transmits a parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi. Although in Spain there is the vector, blood transfusions and organ transplants are the main modes of transmission of this disease.
Since 2005, and to control the risk of transmission in Spain are screening tests in blood banks and have established protocols in transplants.
The next step is to control the spread of disease via maternal-fetal. John J. Santos, coordinator of FMSE, recommended “screening tests to pregnant women who come from endemic areas, should be positive, making the diagnosis to all their children.” According to the foundation, in Spain there are many women of childbearing age at risk of generating cases of congenital Chagas disease.