Immunomodulation and Antioxidant Activities as Possible Trypanocidal and Cardioprotective Mechanisms of Major Terpenes from Essential Oils in an Experimental Model of Chronic Chagas Disease.

In the late phase of infection, parasite persistence and an exaggerated immune response accompanied by oxidative stress play a crucial role in the genesis of Chronic Chagasic Cardiomyopathy (CCC). Current treatments (Benznidazole (BNZ) and Nifurtimox) can effect only the elimination of the parasite, but are ineffective for late stage treatment and for preventing heart damage and disease progression. In vivo trypanocidal and cardioprotective activity has been reported for essential oils (EOs), ascribed to their two major terpenes, limonene and caryophyllene oxide.

Disagreement between PCR and serological diagnosis of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in blood donors from a Colombian endemic region.

Introduction: Chagas' disease is the leading cause of infectious myocarditis worldwide. This infection caused by Trypanosoma cruzi is usually life-long and asymptomatic; however, the third part of infected people can develop severe or even fatal cardiomyopathy. As the parasitemia in the chronic phase is both low-grade and intermittent, T.