%0 Journal Article
%T Nutritional Status Driving Infection by Trypanosoma cruzi: Lessons from Experimental Animals
%A Guilherme Malafaia
%A Andr¨¦ Talvani
%J Journal of Tropical Medicine
%D 2011
%I Hindawi Publishing Corporation
%R 10.1155/2011/981879
%X This paper reviews the scientific knowledge about protein-energy and micronutrient malnutrition in the context of Chagas disease, especially in experimental models. The search of articles was conducted using the electronic databases of SciELO (Scientific Electronic Library Online), PubMed and MEDLINE published between 1960 and March 2010. It was possible to verify that nutritional deficiencies (protein-energy malnutrition and micronutrient malnutrition) exert a direct effect on the infection by T. cruzi. However, little is known about the immunological mechanisms involved in the relationship ¡°nutritional deficiencies and infection by T. cruzi¡±. A hundred years after the discovery of Chagas disease many aspects of this illness still require clarification, including the effects of nutritional deficiencies on immune and pathological mechanisms of T. cruzi infection. 1. Introduction The protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) and micronutrient malnutrition (MNM) are common problems worldwide and occur in both developing and developed nations. In the developing world, it is a reflection of socioeconomic, political, or environmental factors, and, in developing countries, PEM usually occurs in the context of chronic diseases [1]. Chagas disease is a chronic parasite illness caused by the hemoflagellate protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, affecting millions of people in developing nations in the South and Central Americas. It is estimated that 15-16 million people are infected with T. cruzi in Latin America and 75¨C90 million are at risk of infection [2]. Due the prevalence of Chagas disease and PEM-MNM together, they are, directly or indirectly, responsible for millions of deaths worldwide [3, 4]. PEM is a major public health problem in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world and often arises during protein and/or energy deficit due to nutritional inadequacy, infections, and poor socioeconomic and environmental conditions [3]. It is the most common nutritional disorder affecting children in developing countries and the third most common clinical disorder of childhood in such countries. PEM has a lasting effect on immune functions, growth and development of children, learning ability, social adjustment, work efficiency, and productivity of labor. It seems that many deaths from PEM occur as a result of outdated clinical practices, and an improving of these practices appears to be essential to reduce this rate of morbidity and mortality [5]. PEM is responsible, directly or indirectly, for 54% of the 10.8 million deaths per year in children under 5 and contributes to
%U http://www.hindawi.com/journals/jtm/2011/981879/