Experimental studies of Chagas disease in animal models

Abstract This chapter presents in chronological order the principal data obtained in experimental infections with Trypanosoma cruzi in different animal species used in the study of the natural history of Chagas disease. Presented are the results obtained in mice, rats, dogs, rabbits, guinea, pigs, hamsters, and monkeys (autochthonous and nonautochthonous from American Continent) regarding the reproducibility of the acute and chronic phases of the infection and clinical manifestations of each phase and clinical form of the disease when successfully developed. Parasitological, serological, immunological, histopathological and clinical features are described. The principal advantages and disadvantages of each model are mentioned.