| Literature DB >> 17119753 |
Abstract
Experimental evidence and field observations concerning the oral transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi to human beings and mammalian species are reviewed, confirming its unquestionable occurrence, mainly in the enzootic cycle of the parasite. Several types of foods and carriers of the flagellate have been involved in this transmission route, where the human cases are generally related to infected triatomines and/or natural reservoirs in the proximities of the event. The penetration points of the parasite (mouth, esophagus, stomach and intestinal mucosae) are reviewed, as well as the general anatomic and pathological processes, such as hemorrhagic phenomena, mesenteritis and interstitial hepatitis. In particular, different aspects of the biology and biochemistry of the parasite are analyzed, especially in terms of its epidemiology and the possibilities of the prevention of the oral transmission of Chagas' disease.Entities:
Mesh:
Year: 2006 PMID: 17119753 DOI: 10.1590/s0037-86822006000400010
Source DB: PubMed Journal: Rev Soc Bras Med Trop ISSN: 0037-8682 Impact factor: 1.581