Youtor
Ep26 Chronic Chagas in Vilcabamba
>> YOUR LINK HERE: ___ http://youtube.com/watch?v=HLYEnGX37HA
Episode 26 Summary: • In this episode, Mario Grijalva takes us to Vilcabamba, the Valley of Longevity, where many residents live well into their 90s and beyond. Dr. Grijalva recalls childhood visits, meeting vibrant centenarians, and explores how this unique town contrasts sharply with the hidden threat of chronic Chagas disease. • Hiking up Mandango Mountain, we get a glimpse of Vilcabamba's stunning landscape. Mario explains how the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite causes chronic Chagas disease, which can remain unnoticed for years, silently damaging the heart, digestive system, and nervous system. About one-third of those infected develop serious complications, leading to disability and even premature death. • Chronic Chagas disease often goes undetected, especially in resource-poor areas, contributing to its invisibility. This lack of awareness means many cases are not reported, making it harder to fight. • Interestingly, Vilcabamba has no kissing bugs, which may contribute to the residents' longevity. The town has also seen changes with an influx of expatriates and new health and wellness centers. • Mario highlights the challenges of addressing chronic Chagas due to its slow progression and limited resources. • Riding Against Chagas: Ecuador's Hidden Battle • This series showcases a motorcycle journey through Ecuador, blending adventure with ecological and cultural exploration. Each episode features a unique route, traversing diverse landscapes like the Andes, Pacific coast, cloud forests and the Southern Loja province. The riders face challenges like mechanical issues and navigation, while also engaging with local communities and critical topics, such as Chagas disease. The series captures the thrill of motorcycle adventuring, the beauty of Ecuador's varied geography, and highlights important health and ecological issues, offering a mix of excitement, natural wonder, and meaningful insights. • About the host • Dr. Mario J. Grijalva is a renowned academic at Ohio University, where he leads the Infectious and Tropical Disease Institute and teaches Microbiology. His primary research focus is on Chagas disease, a significant health issue in the Americas, especially in South and Central America. His work involves studying the pathology of Trypanosoma cruzi infection, understanding Chagas disease's biology and epidemiology, and enhancing blood supply safety in developing countries. Dr. Grijalva also actively engages in educational initiatives, including student-led field studies in Ecuador, and has established significant partnerships and research facilities focusing on tropical diseases, particularly Chagas disease. His contributions to infectious disease research and education have had a global impact. https://www.ohio.edu/medicine/staff/g... • About Chagas • Chagas disease is a neglected tropical disease caused by the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite, affecting about 6 to 7 million people globally. Predominantly seen in Latin America, it poses a risk to an estimated 70 million people. Transmitted mainly by triatomine bugs, it can also spread through contaminated food, mother-to-child, blood transfusions, and organ transplants. Initial symptoms are often mild, but untreated, it can lead to serious heart and digestive problems. As a neglected disease, it receives limited attention for research, treatment, and prevention, impacting mostly poor and rural populations. • https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/chagas/... • https://www.paho.org/en/topics/chagas... • https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sh...) • • Collaborating institutions. • Ohio University https://www.ohio.edu/medicine/itdi • Pontifical Catholic U. of Ecuador https://cisealpuce.edu.ec/en/ • Chagas Coalition https://www.coalicionchagas.org/en/ • Attributions for music, pictures, etc. • Music source: Motion Array • Edition: M. Grijalva, Felipe Varela • Graphics: Biorender.com
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