The first register of C.CH. was described in 1911 when T.C. was founded in autopsias of 2 newborns (NB) and more than 40 years later for DAO (Venezuela) described the parasite in peripheral blood in one 2 days old infant. The first cases in Argentina were reported by Jorge and Romaña (1953). Bs.As. and central and southern areas of Córdoba and Santa Fe are considered to be low endemia (LE) areas. The rate of detection, however, has increased in the last few years and now is 20/100.000 inhabitants. Serologic prevalence (+) in pregnant women varies between 14 and 52% according to the studied area and the transmission rate to children from serological positive mothers varies between 0,4 to 10,4, depending on the studied area. This study was designed to establish in our population the number of cases of C.CH., so that we can improve our criteria to search for this condition and therefore achieve earlier diagnosis and treatment.

We studied 103 mothers and their newborns. Serological diagnosis was made in allcases by HAI-CH, IFI-CH, and MH (MICROHEMATOCRIT). Most frequents symptoms found were: preterm delivery (PT), low birth weight (LW), ictericia anemia (H) and alterations of the nervous systems (NS). All cases were early forms. Serologic prevalence (+) in pregnant woman was 6,7% (n:7) and transmission rate to children from serologically (+) mothers was of 4,2%. 90% of N.B. were treated with NIFURTOMIX. Mortality was of 18%.

Conclusions: C.CH. is a frequent disease in the area studied but its diagnosis is often missed. - Early diagnosis allows to provide adequate specific treatment which results in a high success rate. Perinatal control and screening for C.Ch is needed to improve rates of detection.