Benznidazole treatment of chagasic encephalitis in pregnant woman with AIDS

Abstract

We report a case of chagasic meningoencephalitis reactivation in a pregnant woman co-infected with Trypanosoma cruzi and HIV that was successfully managed with benznidazole and highly active antiretroviral therapy. Early diagnosis enabled rapid specific treatment that improved the health of the patient and her baby.

Keywords: AIDS; Chagas disease reactivation; HIV; Trypanosoma cruzi; benznidazole; parasites; pregnancy; protozoa.

Figure

Diagnosis, treatment, and prophylaxis monitoring of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in a pregnant woman and her daughter. The mother, who had chagasic encephalitis and AIDS, was treated with benznidazole (Bz). Results of ELISA were considered positive when R was >1.2); results of IHA were considered positive when titers were >16. Po, positive; Ng, negative; Nd, not determined; IHA, indirect hemagglutination assay; kDNA-PCR, kinetoplast DNA-PCR; qPCR, quantitative PCR (dynamic range of detection: 1–105 parasite equivalents/mL, amplification efficiency 0.95, R2 = 0.996); par/mL, parasite equivalents/mL of blood; NQ, positive but not quantifiable; MRI, magnetic resonance imaging; gwk, gestational week; pd, postdelivery; tmt, Bz treatment (5 mg/kg/d); HAART, highly active antiretroviral therapy; ppx, Bz prophylaxis (5 mg/kg/3× per week).