Chagas disease
(Redirected from Chagas)
Background
- Also known as American Trypanosomiasis
- Endemic in rural parts of Cental and South America
- Rare cases found in Southern United States
- Caused by the parasite trypanosoma cruzi
- Vector: Reduviid (kissing bug)
- The parasite is transmitted in the feces of the host vector
- When the vector bites, it also defecates and the parasites enter the blood stream through the bite wound
Transmission
- Disease of poverty
- Spread by the Triatominae bug (also known as the kissing bug)
- The Triatomina bug thrives in housing that is old, has thatched roofs and dwellings where the roof does not abut the wall.
- Spread by the Triatominae bug (also known as the kissing bug)
- Other methods of transmission
- Vertical (mother to child)
- Transfusion/organ donation
Clinical Features
Acute phase
- Romañas sign
- swelling of the eye thought to be secondary to rubbing the feces into the eye
- Chagoma
- Localized swelling at the area of parasite entry
- Non-specific signs and symptoms
- Serious complications
Chronic phase
- Between 20-40% of patients will develop chronic complications
- Cardiac complications
- GI complications
- Megaesophagus
- Megacolon
- Achalasia
- Volvulus
- Hepatosplenomegaly (secondary to HF)
- Neuro symptoms
- Neuritis
Differential Diagnosis
Evaluation
Management
- Benznidazole or Nifurtimox
- Symptomatic treatment