Facilitator Questions

The human immune system is theoretically designed to clear any possible pathogen that we come in contact with, but we know that sometimes this does not happen. Is it because the hosts’ immune system in not functioning properly? Is it because the pathogen has developed a mechanism for evading the host immune system? Or is it both of these reasons or something else? Think of this in context of T. cruzi infection, especially the different forms that chronically infected people can have.

Since Chagas’ disease is really a disease of poverty, would eliminating poverty eliminate the disease? What else might need to be considered when trying to eliminate the spread of T. cruzi? How would you accomplish the elimination of Chagas’ disease?

Vaccination has proven effective as a means of disease prevention. Do you think a vaccine could be developed for T. cruzi? What are some barriers to the development of a vaccine?

Why do you think the eye a common portal of entry for T. cruzi? What makes the environment in the eye beneficial for survival of the parasite?

Why are their so few drugs available to treat Chagas’ disease? Why is it hard to find and develop a drug for treatment?

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