A simple model for the interaction between T. cruzi and its antibodies during Chagas infection.

The evolution of the acute phase of the Chagas infection is analysed from the viewpoint of the dynamic competition between parasite and antibody populations. A simple model for the growth and annihilation of these populations is shown to provide a suitable description of the experimental data. We also find that it is possible to classify antibody response to Trypanosoma cruzi, into three main cases, defined by antibody efficiency, initial number and creation rate. The model clearly indicates the most relevant parameters determining the evolution of the Chagas infection, yielding a simple asymptotic criterion for the host survival. Copyright 2001 Academic Press.