Congenital transmission in a murine model with a Mexican <i>Trypanosoma cruzi</i> strain

Background: Chagas disease, parasitosis, caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, currently affects 7 million people worldwide.Although is primarly transmitted by vectors, it could also be adquired through blood transfusions, organ transplants, orally or congenitally.Objective: To conduct more research of global relevance that addresses congenital transmission, which has recently become more important due to population movements.Method: A T. cruzi Mexican parasite strain (NINOA, that belongs to DTU 1) was inoculated in female mice, infection was monitored parasitological, and serological though pregnancy and, afterbirth in the mother and in the pup until they reach adulthood; a histopathological analysis was performed. Results: Pregnancy was difficult to get, parasitemia lowed during pregnancy. Newborn mice not present parasitemia or histopathological changes but they had T. cruzi-antibodies. Conclusion:This study gives evidence that congenital transmission could happened in females with low parasitemia, and interestingly, this infection could be a factor to considerate in females that have complications to get pregnant.On the other hand, we provide data that support that congenital transmission implies mother-to-child antibody exchange even without patent parasitemia.Thus, we suggest that screening for T. cruzi infection should be mandatory in pregnant women, but it could also be important to perform it in women who have difficulties becoming pregnant.