Pathogenesis of Chronic Chagas Disease: Macrophages, Mitochondria, and Oxidative Stress.

Trypanosoma cruzi is the causative agent of Chagas disease. Decades after initial infection, ~ 30% of individuals can develop chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy. There are several proposed mechanisms for pathogenesis of Chagas disease, including parasite persistence, immune responses against parasite or self that continue in the heart, vascular compromise, and involvement of autonomic and central nervous system. Herein, we will focus on the...