The Molecular Biology of Chagas Disease Laboratory, led by Dr. Alejandro Schijman, has recently published a study in Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology that provides new evidence on the mechanisms underlying congenital transmission of Chagas disease.
This condition, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, affects millions of people worldwide and its vertical transmission during pregnancy represents a growing challenge even in non-endemic regions.
The study focuses on the analysis of the placental transcriptome, aiming to understand how the placenta acts as a barrier or as a route of transmission—for the parasite.
The findings contribute to identifying molecular processes and host responses associated with infection, opening new perspectives for the development of diagnostic and prevention strategies for mother-to-child transmission. Understanding these mechanisms is key to advancing disease control and improving maternal and child health.