American trypanosomiasis

American trypanosomiasis, commonly known as Chagas disease, is an infectious disease caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. It is primarily transmitted to humans through the feces of infected triatomine bugs (also called 'kissing bugs'), but can also be transmitted through blood transfusion, organ transplantation, congenital transmission from mother to child, and ingestion of contaminated food or drink. The disease is endemic in Latin America but has become a global health concern due to migration patterns. Chagas disease progresses through two phases. The acute phase occurs shortly after infection and may be asymptomatic or present with mild symptoms including fever, fatigue, body aches, swelling at the bite site (chagoma), unilateral eyelid swelling (Romaña sign), and lymphadenopathy. The chronic phase develops over years to decades and affects approximately 30-40% of infected individuals. The most serious manifestations involve the cardiovascular system, including dilated cardiomyopathy, heart failure, arrhythmias, thromboembolism, and sudden cardiac death. The gastrointestinal system can also be affected, leading to megaesophagus (causing difficulty swallowing) and megacolon (causing severe constipation). Treatment includes the antiparasitic medications benznidazole and nifurtimox, which are most effective during the acute phase and in young patients. In the chronic phase, antiparasitic treatment efficacy is less certain, and management focuses on treating cardiac and gastrointestinal complications. Cardiac complications may require pacemakers, antiarrhythmic drugs, or heart transplantation. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent progression to the chronic symptomatic form of the disease.

Data sourced from FDA regulatory filings and ClinicalTrials.gov. Updated periodically.

Common questions about American trypanosomiasis