Neurology · 1990 · 71 citations · 0 references
Veterinary MedicineInfectious DiseasesNeurologyHost-pathogen InteractionsImmunology Of Infectious DiseasesNeuroinfectious DiseasesChagas DiseaseImmunocompromised Host InfectionsNeurological Parasitic DiseasesParasitic Disease PathogenesisParasitic InfectionsParasitic ZoonosesAcute Chagas DiseaseBlood Transfusion TherapyBlood Transfusion TransmissionChagas Disease ScreeningCongenital TransmissionImmunosuppressed Patient ManagementTrypanosoma Cruzi InfectionTrypanosome Infections
Acute CNS involvement by Trypanosoma cruzi is uncommon. We report 2 immunosuppressed patients, 1 adult who developed an acute meningoencephalitis, and 1 child who presented with the tumor-like form of the disease. Both patients acquired the disease through blood transfusion. Blood donors migrating from endemic areas can transmit the disease in nonendemic countries if they are not routinely screened for antibodies to T cruzi.