American Trypanosomiasis (Chagas Disease)

• DOI: 10.1016/j.idc.2012.03.002
• Publication Date: 2012-05-24T19:17:23Z
• Authors: Anis Rassi; Anis Rassi; Joffre Marcondes ...
• Keywords: 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Nitroimidazoles; Trypanosoma cruzi; Chronic Disease; Humans; Chagas Disease; Nifurtimox; Trypanocidal Agents; 3. Good health

Chagas disease, also known as American trypanosomiasis, is a chronic infection caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, a protozoan parasite. It is transmitted to human beings mainly through the feces of infected triatomine bugs. The disease affects an estimated 8 to 10 million people in the Americas, putting them at risk of developing life-threatening cardiac and gastrointestinal complications. This article provides a brief update on the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment of Chagas disease.