Chagas Disease

                                                             


CHAGAS DISEASE

It is a parasite induced infection caused by bugs and spreading to humans.

Chagas disease is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, which is transmitted to animals and people by insect vectors and is found only in the America, so therefore also called American trypanosomiasis.

It is usually seen in swamp areas and rural areas of Latin America.

It is estimated that as many as 8 million people in Mexico, Central America, and South America have Chagas disease, most of whom do not know they are infected. If untreated, infection is lifelong and can be life threatening.




Transmission:-

It is spread via bugs which pass on the vector in the healthy humans after biting them.

Parasite- Trypanosoma cruzi (found in feces)

Insect vector- Triatomine bugs also called kissing bugs

These blood-sucking bugs get infected with T. cruzi by biting an infected animal or person. Once infected, the bugs pass the parasites in their feces. The bugs are found in houses made from materials such as mud, adobe, straw, and palm thatch. During the day, the bugs hide in crevices in the walls and roofs. During the night, when the inhabitants are sleeping, the bugs emerge. they usually poop(defecate) on the sleeping individual and during sleep the person may scratch leading to its entry in blood, skin, eye, or mouth.



People also can become infected through

  • Congenital transmission (from a pregnant woman to her baby);
  • Blood transfusions;
  • Organ transplantation;
  • Consumption of uncooked food that is contaminated with feces (poop) from infected triatomine bugs; and
  • Accidental laboratory exposure.
usually breastfeeding from infected mother to the infant is considered safe.

Symptoms:-
It occurs in 2 phases:
Acute and Chronic phase
Acute Phase:- General symptoms appear

  • Fever
  • Malaise
  • Loss of appetite
  • Back pain
  • Muscle aches
  • Metallic taste
  • Swelling of eyelid, near the wound
  • Headache
  • Rashes
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting

Chronic Phase:- If left untreated or misdiagnosed it can involve vital organs
Cardiac complications: Enlarged heart, missing rhythm, heart failure or sudden cardiac arrest
Gastrointestinal Complications: Megaesophagus, Megacolon (Enlarged).

The distinguishing symptoms which appear in this case is swelling of the area near wound, so the examination should be done properly, especially the inflamed site.

Diagnosis:-



  • Peripheral Blood Smear examination
  • Specific parasite antibody testing
Treatment:-
There are 2 drugs are majorly covered in the treatment of this condition in its acute phase
  • Benznidazole
  • Nifurtimox
If the person has reached the chronic phase, then the specialist for that particular condition should be consulted i.e. either cardiologist or Gastroenterologist.

# This condition has not been seen in India till date.







Disclaimer:- This is just for informational purposes as there are no cases found in India

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