Patients with Chagas Disease: dental management: a narrative literature review

Abstract

Chagas disease is a systemic parasitic infection caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi), discovered in 1909 by the Brazilian physician and researcher, Carlos Chagas. The aim of this study is to discuss the clinical manifestations of Chagas disease and its important implications in Dentistry. This article is based on a narrative review of the literature, with a qualitative approach. The survey of articles was carried out in the PubMed, LILACS and SciELO databases, totaling 13 studies used to complement the research. Chagas disease is transmitted by contact with the feces of the vector insect, called "kissing bug" in Brazil. When the cell, which the protozoan invaded, ruptures, the new microorganisms look for new cells to inhabit, traveling through the blood and lymph, reaching the heart, digestive tract and nervous plexuses. By affecting the coronary tissue, the microorganisms settle in the cardiac cells, mainly in the phagosomes. In addition to affecting the cardiac system, Chagas disease can involve two more important systems of the human body: the stomatognathic and digestive systems. When caring for chagasic patients who have cardiac involvement, the dentist needs to carry out a very detailed anamnesis in order to learn more about their systemic condition, stress reduction protocols are essential considering that dental care induces a picture of anxiety in patients. Prior knowledge about Chagas disease is mandatory for the dentist, since the oral manifestations of the disease can directly impact the quality of life of these individuals.

Keywords: Chagas Disease, Dentists, Surgery Oral, Disease Management.