New focus of active transmission of Chagas disease in indigenous populations in the Peruvian Amazon basin

Abstract

Introduction: Several cases of acute Chagas disease (ACD) have been reported in the Peruvian Amazon basin. Methods: The objective was to describe and investigate 6 ACD cases in children from indigenous Amazon communities in the province of Datem del Marañón in Loreto department (2006-2010). Results: The mean age was 3.6 years. All patients had fever, 4/6 hepatomegaly, 2/6 splenomegaly, and 5/6 had trypomastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi on thick smears. The fatality rate was 33.3%. Rhodnius pictipes and Rhodnius robustus adults were found inside the homes and in the peri-domiciles. Conclusions: All cases reported were isolated cases. We report a new focus of ACD in indigenous populations.