Objectives
Chagas disease, a parasitic disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, is increasingly seen in non-endemic areas secondary to population movements. Vertical transmission of this parasite to a developing fetus occurs at a rate of 4.7% and can cause significant perinatal morbidity and mortality. Long-term maternal and child morbidity includes dilated cardiomyopathy and gastrointestinal disorders while mortality rates as high as 13% have been reported. We reviewed cord blood screening results for Chagas disease to assess patterns of infection in our patient population.
Methods
All cord blood donations to the Carolinas Cord Blood Bank between July 1, 2007 and December 31, 2014 were assessed. Donations to the Carolina Cord Blood Bank are collected from sites across the state of North Carolina as well as Boston, MA and Atlanta, GA. Samples were routinely screened for infectious agents, including T. cruzi, by serologic methods. If results were positive, then a confirmatory radioimmunoprecipitation assay (RIPA) was performed. Positive confirmatory testing triggered both maternal and neonatal referral for further evaluation and treatment.
Methods
All cord blood donations to the Carolinas Cord Blood Bank between July 1, 2007 and December 31, 2014 were assessed. Donations to the Carolina Cord Blood Bank are collected from sites across the state of North Carolina as well as Boston, MA and Atlanta, GA. Samples were routinely screened for infectious agents, including T. cruzi, by serologic methods. If results were positive, then a confirmatory radioimmunoprecipitation assay (RIPA) was performed. Positive confirmatory testing triggered both maternal and neonatal referral for further evaluation and treatment.
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