A multidisciplinary team from UNR is carrying out a research project that addresses Chagas as a complex and multidimensional phenomenon.

“It doesn't explode like bombs or sound like gunshots. Like hunger, it kills silently (…) Its victims have no rights, nor money to buy the rights they don't have. They don't even have the right to know what they're dying of,” wrote Eduardo Galeano to describe Chagas, a disease that is still present, although it often remains invisible. Far from the headlines and the public agenda, it affects millions of people in Latin America and poses challenges that go beyond health: it is also a social, cultural, and political problem.

The last Friday of August marks the National Day for an Argentina without Chagas disease, a date intended to raise awareness about this disease and promote prevention and control actions. Within this framework, a multidisciplinary team from the UNR is conducting a research project that addresses Chagas disease as a complex and multidimensional phenomenon, where political, economic, biomedical, epidemiological, environmental, psychological, and sociocultural factors converge.

“It is a parasitic disease that is endemic, caused by a parasite called trypanosoma cruzi, which is present throughout Latin America and also affects states in the southern United States. Due to population migration, a few years ago it began to become a very significant health problem in other countries where cases were not common,” explained researcher Julia Cricco.

Why is it considered endemic? The parasite and the insect vector that transmits it, commonly known as the vinchuca, are present in the region, and transmission to people and animals is possible within that area. “The form of transmission most people are familiar with is through the vinchuca, an insect that feeds on blood. When it defecates, and in the feces it leaves near the wound, the parasite enters the body and the infection begins. This has an initial cycle, the acute phase, which can often involve mild symptoms or symptoms like a severe flu that lasts between four and eight weeks. If it's diagnosed at that time, there's effective treatment,” Cricco explained, adding: “Then, in most cases, it enters a latent phase, meaning there are no symptoms for many years, but the parasite remains in the body and causes some problems that can manifest 20 or 30 years later. For example, heart problems, which are the most common in Argentina, neurological and digestive problems, cardiomyopathies, megacolon, megaesophagus, or problems in the neurological system.”

When talking about Chagas, other forms of transmission are rarely mentioned. One of the most relevant in Rosario and the region is vertical transmission, which occurs during pregnancy or childbirth, from the pregnant person to the baby. This aspect is especially important because, although the Pan American Health Organization has certified the interruption of vector-borne transmission in Santa Fe and other provinces, vertical transmission remains a risk. Therefore, it is key to diagnose those who lived in endemic areas or may have been exposed to the virus. trypanosoma cruzi, to ensure timely monitoring and treatment during pregnancy and in the first days of the newborn, when the disease is curable.

In addition, other forms of infection are beginning to gain importance, such as oral transmission, which occurs through the consumption of food or beverages contaminated with the parasite due to improper handling or processing, for example, products that have not been properly treated or pasteurized. These lesser-known routes reinforce the importance of maintaining control and prevention measures to reduce the impact of Chagas disease on the population.

Chagas disease also affects domestic and wild animals, reinforcing the need to address it from a comprehensive perspective. “In recent years, the 'One Health' concept, promoted by the WHO, has gained traction, proposing a joint analysis of human, animal, and environmental health,” explained researcher Pamela Cribb. However, the disease remains invisible because it is part of the group of neglected diseases associated with poverty, which primarily affect vulnerable populations. “Although there are many research teams, the investment is not comparable to other problems like COVID-19, which received vaccines in record time,” she added.

The disease progresses slowly, mostly asymptomatic, and there are two drugs that are effective for treating it: Benznidazole and Nifurtimox. "They are effective if administered in the acute phase, that is, at the beginning of the disease. These treatments are long and have many side effects, so many people stop treatment before completing it," Cribb explained. 

According to the World Health Organization, only 10% of people infected with Chagas disease are diagnosed, and barely 2% receive adequate treatment. "This shows that we are not addressing the problem adequately. It's not just a health issue: it's also a social, political, cultural, and communication issue," explained Cricco, who emphasized that even changing the term "Chagas disease" seeks to eliminate stigma. Cricco emphasized that ignorance contributes to neglect of the disease, which is considered distant, when in reality Rosario, despite not being an endemic area, for years concentrated the highest absolute number of cases in the province, due to its population and migration from regions with vinchucas.

“Research is being conducted on new diagnostic techniques, vaccines, and the parasite that causes the disease. The knowledge we generate in the country can be the basis for future treatments that provide concrete solutions for Chagas disease. Our work seeks to deeply understand the parasite that causes the disease, identify its weaknesses, and, based on this, design strategies to slow its spread and improve the quality of life of those affected,” explained Julia Cricco. 

A comprehensive project

The research seeks to address Chagas disease in a comprehensive, collaborative, and multidisciplinary manner, articulating its different dimensions. At the end of 2024, the project was presented in the second edition of the "University and Sustainable Development" Call for Applied Research Projects, co-financed by the UNR's Area of ​​Science, Technology, and Innovation for Development and the Ministry of Productive Development of Santa Fe, through the Santa Fe Agency for Science, Technology, and Innovation. "We brought together researchers who were already working on the topic and added communication specialists to strengthen scientific outreach, an aspect we have learned to value especially since the pandemic. We are very happy that our proposal has been selected for funding," said Julia Cricco.

In this context, science communication plays a key role in raising awareness about the Chagas disease problem, training professionals, and raising awareness among the general population, especially in the current context where misinformation and pseudoscience proliferate in digital media. "The limited presence of Chagas disease on the public agenda and in the media contributes to its continued neglect, both in terms of health policies and research funding," Cribb emphasized.

That's why the research has a dual focus. On the one hand, it seeks to consolidate lines of research in the biomedical field through collaboration with specialists in biological sciences and medicinal chemistry. In this way, it is hoped to deepen knowledge of the trypanosoma cruzi in regard to the identification for drug development for 

control the parasitic infection. At the same time, we aim to contribute to the fight against Chagas disease through scientific communication, strengthening the capacities of the University's professors and researchers working on this topic. 

The team includes members from multiple academic units. Julia Cricco, Pamela Cribb, Evelyn Tevere, María Gabriela Mediavilla, Marcelo Merli, Azul de Hernández (who also work at the Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology in Rosario), Guillermo Labadie, and Pamela Forastieri are representing the Faculty of Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Stefanía Sahakián, Muriel Sanchez, and Josefina Cricco are representing the Faculty of Political Science and International Relations. Amilcar Bassi is representing the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, and Héctor Acosta is also representing the IBR. 

The team will be conducting an activity to raise awareness about Chagas disease as part of the UNR Careers Expo, which will take place from September 17 to 19 near the Galpón de Juventudes (Youth Warehouse). "We want it to be more than just informative, but also include activities for all ages," said Julia Cricco. There will be interactive games designed by doctoral and postdoctoral students, and spaces that will allow students to learn about the parasite, its insect vectors, and the consequences of the disease. In addition, magnifying glasses and microscopes will be used to observe things not visible to the naked eye. "The idea is to take the laboratory to the streets and spark curiosity, bringing science closer to children, young people, and adults," concluded Cricco.

Journalist: Gonzalo J. García