Short report: benznidazole efficacy among Trypanosoma cruzi-infected adolescents after a six-year follow-up

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2004 Nov;71(5):594-7.

Abstract

Data from a six-year follow-up of Trypanosoma cruzi-infected adolescents enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, clinical trial of benznidazole showed successful chemotherapy in 64.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 50.2-78.7) and 84.7% (95% CI = 66.8-92.9), respectively, by intention-to treat and by per protocol analysis measured by seronegativity in a chemiluminescent enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with a purified trypomastigote mucin antigen. No incident case of cardiomyopathy was detected by electrocardiogram assessment in this cohort of adolescents who had been infected in childhood. The persistent and consistently long-term negative serologic reactions suggest the absence of the parasite in the treated patients and reinforces the recommendation of early benznidazole chemotherapy for T. cruzi-infected infants as a public health policy in endemic areas.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Health Services
  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Antigens, Protozoan / analysis
  • Chagas Disease / blood
  • Chagas Disease / drug therapy*
  • Chagas Disease / immunology*
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Nitroimidazoles / administration & dosage*
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Trypanocidal Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Trypanosoma cruzi / immunology*

Substances

  • Antigens, Protozoan
  • Nitroimidazoles
  • Trypanocidal Agents
  • benzonidazole