Modelling Initial Spread Of American Trypanosomiasis

What is it about?

Based on official data and field, laboratory and clinical information, we built a mathematical model that provides better understanding of the dynamics of Trypanosoma cruzi infection, coupling the interactions among humans, triatomines and dogs.• The model was applied in a rural household of the endemic zone of Argentine Chaco to study the initial spread of infection. • The introduction of an infected dog (as the only source of infection) determined fast dissemination of the infection in the triatomine population, whereas the initial number of infected humans had no significant impact on the expected times of appearance of the first infected triatomine or dog.

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Why is it important?

This mathematical deterministic model was formulated considering: (i) the three clinical forms in humans: acute, chronic indeterminate and chronic with determinate pathology, (ii) the three main modes of transmission in the human population:vector-borne, congenital and transfusional, (iii) populations of triatomines and dogs as the main domestic reservoirs of T. cruzi and (iv) open populations.

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