The significance of autoimmunity in the pathogenesis of chagas heart disease
Key result
Autoimmunity is induced during Trypanosoma cruzi infection and may contribute to Chagas heart disease pathogenesis, alongside immunity to persistent parasite antigens.
Population
Individuals infected with the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi developing Chagas heart disease
Design
Review
Authors
Discussion
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Implication
Autoimmunity should not yet guide therapy in Chagas heart disease; leaves open its pathogenic contribution for prospective validation.
Structured PICO
P
Population
Individuals infected with the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi developing Chagas heart disease
This review highlights the potential role of autoimmunity in the pathogenesis of Chagas heart disease and emphasizes the need for further exploration alongside public health interventions.
Limitations
- Rigorous testing of the autoimmune hypothesis has been difficult because other mechanisms, particularly immunity to persistent parasite antigens, are likely to play a role during active infection.
Cite This Study
David M. Engman (2003) conducted a review in Chagas heart disease. Autoimmunity was evaluated. Autoimmunity is induced during Trypanosoma cruzi infection and may contribute to Chagas heart disease pathogenesis, alongside immunity to persistent parasite antigens.