Chagas disease: Immunology of the disease at a glance

Abstract

Chagas disease is an important neglected disease that affects 6-7 million people worldwide. The disease has two phases: acute and chronic, in which there are different clinical symptoms. Controlling the infection depends on innate and acquired immune responses, which are activated during the initial infection and are critical for host survival. Furthermore, the immune system plays an important role in the therapeutic success. Here we summarize the importance of the immune system cytokines in the pathology outcome, as well as in the treatment.

Keywords: Benzonidazole; Cytokines; Immune system; Neglected disease; Treatment; Trypanosoma cruzi.