[Congenital trypanosomiasis and leishmaniasis].

Trypanosomas and leishmanias can cross the placenta. Trypanosoma cruzi (American trypanosomiasis or Chagas' disease) may infect the placenta, with or without fetal transmission (congenital trypanosomiasis). Congenital transmission of Chagas' disease is a real problem of public health. Risk of congenital infections is less important for African trypanosomiasis and leishmaniasis. However, physicians should always think of this diagnosis in individual cases, since these diseases may occur in any part of the world, including outside the endemic areas.