[Challenges and opportunities in the vertical transmission of Chagas disease].

Since the second half of the XX century, the measures implemented in endemic countries to control Chagas disease (CD) have succeeded in reducing its incidence. Nevertheless, there are still regions where vector-borne transmission endures (Bolivia, Paraguay, Mexico, etc.) and therefore new cases of infection occur in the younger population. The WHO estimates that there are about 10 million individuals with CD worldwide. Although there have been improvements in the diagnosis and management of these patients, pharmacological treatment continues to be suboptimal and is not free of toxicity. Furthermore, early diagnosis is difficult, which is in part due to the absence of standardised screening and management programmes even within each country. Due to the effects of campaigns to control the disease in endemic regions and the influence of migration patterns, vertical transmission now accounts for 22% of all new infections. It is estimated that more than 8000 children are born each year with infection by Trypanosoma cruzi, and