Bowman et al reported a number of risk factors associated with Trypanosoma cruzi infection in pediatric patients in Peru. These can help to identify patients who should be screened for the disease. The authors are from multiple universities in the United States and health care organizatons in Peru.
Patient selection: pediatric patient in Peru (in a region where T. cruzi can be spread)
Risk factors for pediatric infection with Trypanosoma cruzi:
(1) presence of dead triatomes OR triatome feces in the patient’s bedroom
(2) any animal (dog, cat, etc) sleeps in the patient’s bedroom
(3) any relative OR household member with Chagas disesae
where:
• The odds ratios were 44, 15 and 16 respectively.
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