Echocardiographic Documentation of Dilated Cardiomyopathy Development in Dogs Naturally Infected with .

We aimed to characterize the echocardiographic alterations in dogs from an endemic region that were naturally infected with . Dogs (n = 130) seropositive for antibodies against and/or with acute parasitemia were enrolled in the study. Indicators of changes in the structure and systolic and diastolic functions of the left ventricle (LV) and blood flow patterns were evaluated by echocardiography.

Congenital Transmission of in Naturally Infected Dogs.

Congenital transmission (CT) of in dogs has not been clearly demonstrated, even though dogs are important reservoirs of this agent. Seventeen late pregnant dogs seropositive for were selected, and a total of 84 fetuses were obtained. Blood and heart tissues from the fetuses and dams, and placental tissue from dam were collected.

Animal Models of Congenital Transmission.

Chagas disease, initiated by the etiological agent , is an endemic infection in the American continent. Although vectorial transmission of is recognized as the main mode of infection, other routes such as congenital and blood transfusion are also documented as important methods of transmission. maternal-fetal transmission has been recorded in humans and examined by some investigators in naturally and experimentally infected mammals.