Immunological and Clinical Evaluation of Chagasic Patients Subjected to Chemotherapy during the Acute Phase of Trypanosoma cruzi Infection 14–30 Years Ago

We recently evaluated the in vitro proliferative response and interferon (IFN)-γ production of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from a group of 25 people who were treated for Chagas' disease during the acute phase of Trypanosoma cruzi infection and followed up for a period of 14–30 years. On the basis of the parasitological and serological tests, the individuals were classified as cured (C), dissociated, or not cured (NC). Members of group C (the group without cardiac alterations) presented significantly stronger proliferative response against the parasite antigens, with secretion of high levels of IFN-γ in comparison with the NC group, raising a question about the role of this cytokine in the curing of human T. cruzi infection. Severe cardiac alterations were observed only in 1 of 25 patients, which suggests that treatment benefited the patients.