Fig. 1. : polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect Trypanosoma cruzi DNA in the maternal index case was performed on the peripheral blood (1), placenta (2-5), fetal liver (6), fetal spleen (7), fetal kidneys (8), and the amniotic fluid (9). Samples were positive for a 188-bp amplicon corresponding to the nuclear DNA sequence of T. cruzi. DNA amplification of the parasite in fetal kidneys and placenta exhibited greater band intensity when compared to other organs in which T. cruzi DNA was also detected. Positive (10) and negative controls are also shown (11). These assays demonstrate the presence of parasites in the tissue and circulation of the index patient and the fetus.