The IECS is conducting a research project together with the Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine on preconception treatment with Benznidazole in women of reproductive age infected with trypanosoma cruzi, parasite that causes Chagas disease.
Also participating in this project are the Institute for Research in Genetic Engineering and Molecular Biology (INGEBI) and the National Institute of Parasitology “Dr. Mario Fatala Chaben” (INP).
Why is this research important?
Treatment with Benznidazole is recommended in women of reproductive age infected with T. cruzi to reduce congenital Chagas. One of the two current treatments recommended for Chagas Disease is Benznidazole 300 mg daily for 60 days. Due to the side effects of the drug, this regimen is difficult for patients to comply with.
The project aims to test whether a shorter treatment scheme, 30 days and with half the dose, 150 mg, manages to eliminate or reduce the number of parasites in the blood as does the usual treatment, but with fewer undesirable effects. .
Women infected with HIV will participate in this project. T. cruzi enrolled during the postpartum in four health institutions in Chaco, Santiago del Estero and Tucumán.
During the week of May 27 to 30, the study coordination meeting was held at the IECS, in which researchers from the Institutions involved and those responsible for the Provincial Chagas Programs participated.