Title: Electrocardiographic abnormalities are associated with seropositive Trypanosoma cruzi infection status using a simplified cardiac diagnostic evaluation in dogs

Authors: Kendra A. Zelachowski, Stephanie Collins, Marty Henderson, Lisa D. Auckland, Sukjung Lim, Nicholas D. Jeffery, Sarah A. Hamer, and Ashley B. Saunders

Journal/Date of Publication: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 2024

DOI: 10.2460/javma.24.05.0328

Objective: To describe associations between cardiac abnormalities and Trypanosoma cruzi serostatus by use of a simplified diagnostic evaluation in dogs at risk for T. cruzi infection.

Type of Study: Prospective, cross-sectional study

Conclusions:

1. Seropositive dogs were more likely to show electrocardiographic conduction system abnormalities (examples: prolonged intervals, AV block, ventricular arrhythmias) than seronegative or discordant dogs.
2. Echocardiographic findings did not clearly distinguish T. cruzi infection status in this group of dogs. Many dogs had age related myxomatous mitral valve disease.
3. ECG abnormalities (examples: splintered QRS complexes, prolonged PR intervals) were key indicators of potential T. cruzi infection.
4. Elevated cardiac troponin I was observed in some infected dogs, indicating myocardial damage.

Clinical Application:

1. Electrocardiography can be used to screen for early signs of T. cruzi-related cardiac disease in high-risk dogs.
2. Monitoring for conduction system abnormalities (prolonged intervals, AV blocks, splintered QRS complexes) can aid in identifying infected dogs.
3. Cardiac troponin I concentrations may serve as a useful marker for myocardial damage, especially in acute or active infections.
4. Echocardiography is useful but may not always distinguish T. cruzi-related abnormalities, especially when myxomatous mitral valve disease is present.
5. Regular monitoring of seropositive or discordant dogs with ECG and cardiac assessments is recommended to detect and manage progression of Chagas disease.

Title: Trypanosoma cruzi infection diagnosed in dogs in nonendemic areas and results from a survey suggest a need for increased Chagas disease awareness in North America

Authors: Emily A. Gavic, Sarah E. Achen, Phillip R. Fox, Eduardo J. Benjamin, Jonathan Goodwin, Tamilselvam Gunasekaran, Karsten E. Schober, Sonja S. Tjostheim, John Vickers, Jessica L. Ward, Duncan S. Russell, Mark Rishniw, Sarah A. Hamer, and Ashley B. Saunders

Journal/Date of Publication: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 2023

DOI: 10.2460/javma.22.10.0445

Objective: To describe the clinical presentation and outcome in dogs diagnosed with Trypanosoma cruzi infection in non-endemic areas and to survey veterinary cardiologists in North America for Chagas disease awareness.

Type of Study: Retrospective, multicenter study

Conclusions:

1. Dogs can be diagnosed with Chagas disease in non-endemic areas, often linked to travel or relocation from endemic regions.
2. The study found low awareness and knowledge of Chagas disease among veterinary cardiologists in nonendemic areas, underscoring the need for enhanced education and resources.

Clinical Application:

1. Importance of considering Chagas disease in differential diagnoses for dogs with travel history and cardiac symptoms.
2. Increased need for diagnostic resources and knowledge sharing among veterinarians in non-endemic regions.
3. Encouragement for thorough travel history assessments to identify potential risks of vector-borne diseases.