Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Chagas disease primary prevention
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Methods of primary prevention of Chagas disease include use of insecticides to control the vector, use of new construction compounds in building walls and roofs, and organ/blood testing prior to donation.
Primary Prevention
Primary Prevention
- There is currently no vaccine for Chagas disease. Although a vaccine was developed in the 1970s, using cellular and subcellular fractions of the parasite, development was not feasible and the vaccine was subsequently discontinued.
- The following methods are effective in the primary prevention of Chagas disease.
Insecticides
- Sprays and paints that contain insecticides (synthetic pyrethroids)
Donor Testing
- In countries where Chagas disease is endemic, testing of blood donors and organ donors is mandatory.
References
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]