Issue: Chagas disease is a deadly heart disease that is caused by infection with the protozoan parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi, which is transmitted by triatomine ‘kissing bug’ insect vectors. With estimates of 6-7 million people infected, Chagas disease is a recognized human health threat where it is endemic in Central and South America, and parts of Mexico.
Chagas disease is also an emerging public health concern for humans in the southern United States, where kissing bugs and the Chagas parasite have long occurred. Wild and domestic mammals are also at risk for infection, including dogs, which may become infected upon ingestion of kissing bugs. Unfortunately, few tools exist to help control these kissing bug insect vectors and prevent this devastating disease in humans or animals.
The disease persists as a vector-borne disease of humans and animals, which continue to emerge with increasing morbidity and mortality.
Objectives: Dr. Sarah Hamer is the project’s principal investigator, whose prior work in Chagas documented nationwide exposure in government working dogs, including dogs in northern states and nonendemic areas where triatome insects are not found, likely reflecting exposure of these dogs while training in the southern US.
Ashley Saunders, DVM, DACVIM, Professor of Cardiology, also in the TAMU College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, will guide the cardiac clinical assessments for the project and oversee biomarker analysis.
Rick Tarleton, PhD, Regents Professor at the University of Georgia, rounds out the team with his expertise in Chagas immunology, diagnostics and assessment of treatment outcomes.
Value Proposition: The multi-stage, multi-institution study will provide a better understanding of the U.S. geographic areas in which canines are becoming exposed and quantify the prevalence of exposure. The study will also develop a risk profile for DHS working canines and evaluate potential prophylactic, preventive and curative treatments.
Research Team: Heather Manley Lillibridge, PhD (CBTS), Sarah Hamer, MS, PhD, DVM, DACVPM (TAMU CVM), Ashley Saunders, DVM, DACVIM (TAMU CVM), Rick Tarleton, PhD (UGA)
Duration: September 2024-September 2026
Read more about this research in this article on AgriLife Today.