Transplantation for chagas' disease: closing the knowledge gap

Purpose of the ReviewThis review examines the most recent literature on the epidemiology and treatment of Chagas Disease and the risk of Chagas Disease Reactivation and donor-derived disease in solid organ transplant recipients.Recent FindingsChagas disease is caused by infection with the parasite Trypansoma cruzi. In nonendemic countries the disease is seen primarily in immigrants from Mexico, Central America and South America where the disease is endemic. Benznidazole or nifurtimox can be used for treatment. Posaconazole and fosravuconazole did not provide any additional benefit compared to benznidazole alone or in combination. A phase 2 randomized controlled trial suggests that shorter or reduced dosed regimes of benznidazole could be used. Based on a large randomized controlled trial, benznidazole is unlikely to have a significant preventive effect for established Chagas cardiomyopathy. Transplantation has become the treatment of choice for individuals with refractory Chagas cardiomyopathy. Cohort studies show similar posttransplant outcomes for these patients compared to other indications. Transplant candidates and donors with chronic T. cruzi infection are at risk for Chagas disease reactivation and transmitting infection. Screening them via serology is the first line of prevention. Recipients with chronic infection and those receiving organs from infected donors should undergo sequential monitoring with polymerase chain reaction for early detection of reactivation and preemptive treatment with antitrypanosomal therapy.SummaryPatients with chronic T. cruzi infection can be safely transplanted and be noncardiac organ donors.