Host-parasite dynamics in Chagas disease from systemic to hyper-local scales

Trypanosoma cruziis a remarkably versatile parasite. It can parasitize almost any nucleated cell type and naturally infects hundreds of mammal species across much of the Americas. In humans, it is the cause of Chagas disease, a set of mainly chronic conditions predominantly affecting the heart and gastrointestinal tract, which can progress to become life threatening. Yet around two thirds of infected people are long-term asymptomatic carriers. Clinical outcomes depend on many factors, but the central determinant is the nature of the host-parasite interactions that play out over the years of chronic infection in diverse tissue environments. In this review, we aim to integrate recent developments in the understanding of the spatial and temporal dynamics ofT. cruziinfections with established and emerging concepts in host immune responses in the corresponding phases and tissues.

Automated summary

Trypanosoma cruzi is a versatile parasite that can parasitize almost any nucleated cell type and naturally infects a variety of mammal species, causing Chagas disease. While a large number of people are infected, around two thirds of them remain long-term asymptomatic carriers. Clinical outcomes of chronic infections depend on the interactions between host and parasite.