Congenital transmission of Chagas disease: The role of newborn therapy on the disease's dynamics

Chagas disease, also known as American trypanosomiasis, is caused by a protozoan blood-borne pathogen called Trypanosoma cruzi. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified Chagas as one of 21 neglected tropical diseases present in the world and estimates that 6-7 million people are currently infected with Chagas. Congenital transmission of Chagas disease contributes to a significant amount of new infections, especially in endemic areas where 22.5% of new infections are due to congenital transmission. In this paper, we investigate the impact of congenital transmission on the dynamics of Chagas disease through a mathematical model. Specifically, we examine how treatment and the efficacy of the therapy for newborns impact the progression and spread of Chagas disease. The influence of newborn therapy on the dynamics of the model is thoroughly investigated, both theoretically and numerically. The results illustrate the importance of an effective treatment for newborns in reducing infected cases of the Chagas. We observed that if vector transmission can be controlled, then at least 41% of the newborns need to be treated to curb the disease, and varying the newborn treatment rate and its efficacy significantly shapes the diseases spread. The finding further shows that the therapy given to newborns is not sufficient but necessary to curb the transmission of Chagas disease, and a comprehensive approach that includes vector and vertical transmission control strategy is essential for eradicating Chagas disease.