Genomic surveillance: a potential shortcut for effective Chagas disease management

Abstract

Chagas disease is an enduring public health issue in many Latin American countries, receiving insufficient investment in research and development. Strategies for disease control and management currently lack efficient pharmaceuticals, commercial diagnostic kits with improved sensitivity, and vaccines. Genetic heterogeneity of Trypanosoma cruzi is a key aspect for novel drug design since pharmacological technologies rely on the degree of conservation of parasite target proteins. Therefore, there is a need to expand the knowledge regarding parasite genetics which, if fulfilled, could leverage Chagas disease research and development, and improve disease control strategies. The growing capacity of whole-genome sequencing technology and its adoption as disease surveillance routine may be key for solving this long-lasting problem.