Are maternal re‐infections with <i>Trypanosoma cruzi</i> associated with higher morbidity and mortality of congenital Chagas disease?

Abstract

Frequent bites of blood sucking Reduvidae during pregnancy do not induce maternal anaemia, but, likely through multiple maternal re-infections with T. cruzi, increase maternal parasitemia and worsen congenital Chagas disease. Maternal dwelling in areas of high VD is associated with a serious increased risk of severe and mortal congenital Chagas disease.