Browsing by Autor "Beth Jessy Condori"

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32. Risk Factors for Vertical Transmission of t. Cruzi infection in an Endemic Setting
(Oxford University Press, 2020) Melissa D. Klein; Freddy Tinajeros; Edith Málaga; Manuela Verástegui; Beth Jessy Condori; Federico Urquizu; Robert H. Gilman; Natalie M. Bowman
Abstract Members of the Chagas Disease Working Group in Peru and Bolivia include Edith Hinojosa, Clariza Chavez, Jean Karla Velarde, Carla Chavarria, Victoria Serrudo, Roberto Araya, Alcides Buitron, Rita Mendieta, Holger Mayta, Maritza Calderon, Holger Mayta and Yagahira Castro. Background Vertical transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi infection accounts for a growing proportion of new cases of Chagas disease. Congenital infection is curable if treated promptly, but the majority of infected infants do not receive timely diagnosis or treatment. Better risk stratification is needed to predict which women are more likely to transmit the infection. Methods This study enrolled women who presented for delivery and their infants at the Percy Boland Women’s Hospital in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. Pregnant women were screened for Chagas disease by rapid test. The infants of seropositive mothers underwent diagnostic testing with microscopy (“micromethod”) and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) as newborns and at one- and nine-month follow-up. Mothers completed surveys about demographics and medical history. Results Among 5,828 enrolled women, 1,271 (21.8%) screened positive for Chagas disease. Of the 1,325 infants of seropositive mothers, 113 (8.5%) were diagnosed with congenital Chagas disease by microscopy or qPCR. Cesarean delivery was significantly associated with lower odds of vertical transmission (adjusted OR: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.41–0.98, p=0.040). Congenital infection was more common in twins (adjusted OR: 3.30, 95% CI: 1.97–5.54, p&lt; 0.001) and male infants (adjusted OR: 1.50, 95% CI: 1.01–1.22, p=0.045). Conclusion Our findings suggest that Cesarean delivery may be protective against vertical transmission of T. cruzi, while twins and male infants may have an increased risk. A better understanding of risk stratification for congenital Chagas disease may help improve regional initiatives to reduce disease burden. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures
A specific, stable, and accessible LAMP assay targeting the HSP70 gene of Trypanosoma cruzi
(2025) Sneider Alexander Gutierrez Guarnizo; Luciana Basma; Shirley Equilia; Beth Jessy Condori; Edith Málaga; Siena Defazio; Eugenio Arteaga; Jean Karla Velarde; Mateo Obregón; Anshule Takyar
Diagnostic delays prevent most Chagas disease patients from receiving timely therapy during the acute phase when treatment is effective. qPCR-based diagnostic methods provide high sensitivity during this phase but require specialized equipment and complex protocols. More simple and cost-effective tools are urgently needed to optimize early Chagas disease diagnosis in low-income endemic regions. Here, we present a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) that targets a highly conserved region in the HSP70 gene of Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease. This assay demonstrates species-specific amplification across multiple parasite genetic lineages while maintaining stability after 2 hours of incubation and at least 8 months of storage at -20°C. Moreover, the assay is at least 12 times less expensive than the TaqMan qPCR that is currently routinely used for acute Chagas diagnostics. Population-based validation in 100 infants born to Chagas-positive mothers in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, yielded a specificity of 100% and sensitivity exceeding 77% when compared to a TaqMan qPCR that targets satellite DNA. This cost-effective assay holds promise for large-scale diagnosis of Chagas disease in endemic regions with limited resources.
A specific, stable, and accessible LAMP assay targeting the HSP70 gene of Trypanosoma cruzi
(American Society for Microbiology, 2025) Sneider Alexander Gutierrez Guarnizo; Beth Jessy Condori; Luciana Basma; Shirley Equilia; Edith Málaga; Siena Defazio; Eugenio Arteaga; Jean Karla Velarde; Mateo Obregón; Anshule Takyar
Chagas disease, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is a life-threatening illness that disproportionately affects resource-limited communities. Congenital Chagas disease, if diagnosed early, presents a unique opportunity for intervention, as treatment in newborns is highly effective with minimal side effects. However, early diagnosis is hindered by the high cost and limited availability of current molecular diagnostic methods in endemic regions. Our study introduces a simple, low-cost, and highly specific LAMP assay targeting the HSP70 gene of T. cruzi. This assay is user-friendly, stable under varying storage and incubation conditions, and designed for accessibility in underserved areas. By providing a detailed, open-access protocol and primers, we aim to facilitate the widespread adoption of this diagnostic assay, enabling earlier detection and treatment. This assay lays the groundwork for a new approach to Chagas disease management, potentially reducing the spread of Chagas disease and improving public health outcomes in vulnerable populations globally.
Congenital transmission of Chagas disease by vector circulation zone in Bolivia
(Public Library of Science, 2025) Beatriz Amparo Rodríguez Olguín; Freddy Tinajeros; Beth Jessy Condori; Melissa K. Cutshaw
Congenital transmission of Chagas disease remains common through multiple regions of Bolivia, regardless of local vector circulation control, and is associated with markedly higher rates of infant hospitalization after birth.
Risk Factors for Maternal Chagas Disease and Vertical Transmission in a Bolivian Hospital
(Oxford University Press, 2020) Melissa D. Klein; Freddy Tinajeros; María del Carmen Menduiña; Edith Málaga; Beth Jessy Condori; Manuela Verástegui; Federico Urquizu; Robert H. Gilman; Natalie M. Bowman
Although improved access to screening and qPCR increased the number of infants diagnosed with congenital Chagas disease, many infants remain undiagnosed. A better understanding of risk factors and improved access to highly sensitive and specific diagnostic techniques for congenital Chagas disease may help improve regional initiatives to reduce disease burden.