Chagas disease 101

[Chagas disease].

Chagas disease (human American trypanosomiasis) is a zoonose caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. Vectors are Triatoma spp. insects. T. cruzi can also be transmitted by blood transfusion, organ transplantation, and transplacentally. Infection is generally acquired during infancy. The acute infection is rarely symptomatic and is followed by a chronic phase. Chronic infected people are asym...

Chagas' disease.

Chagas' disease is one of the most important public health problems in South America and Mexico. Migrations from rural areas into urban zones have contributed to the spread of the disease. The main targets of the disease within the body are the heart, the alimentary tract, and the nervous system. In the acute phase of the disease, the parasite responsible for the disease can be identified in th...

Chagas' disease.

Chagas' disease.

Chagas' disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, is an important cause of morbidity in many countries in Latin America. The important modes of transmission are by the bite of the reduviid bug and blood transfusion. The organism exists in three morphological forms: trypomastigotes, amastigotes, and epimastigotes. The mechanism of transformation and differentiation is currently being explored, and s...

Chagas Disease

Approximately 8 million people worldwide are infected by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease. After a latent period that can last years or decades, 10% to 30% of infected people develop serious complications, such as cardiomyopathy or gastrointestinal dysfunction. Contrary to popular belief, Chagas disease is not solely a vector-borne infection of Lat...