Chagas definition, cause, symptoms and treatment.

What is the disease Chagas?

Trypanosoma cruzi infection is what causes Chagas disease, often known as American trypanosomiasis. Triatomine bugs are the main vectors for the parasite's transmission to people (commonly known as kissing bugs). Although the majority of those infected with the parasite do not exhibit any symptoms, 20–30% will experience severe consequences, making it a substantial public health risk.

Where can you find Chagas disease in the world?

T. cruzi infects approximately 8 to 10 million people worldwide, the majority of whom are not aware of their infection. Chagas disease is prevalent in Mexico, Central America, and South America. According to estimates, more than 300,000 people in the United States have T. cruzi infections, primarily as a result of immigration from nations where Chagas disease is common. Although the triatomine insect is found in the southern United States, it is believed that there is relatively little local transmission.

How does the Chagas illness spread?

The most typical route to contract Chagas disease is through a bite from a triatomine bug. The bug's faeces contain the parasite T. cruzi. When a bug faeces on the skin during or after a blood meal, the parasite can enter a person or animal through the bite wound. Additionally, the conjunctiva (eye) and other mucous membranes can be used as direct entry points for the parasite. People who reside in rural parts in endemic countries are most at risk for contracting triatomine bugs because they can live indoors in cracks and holes of substandard construction, such as mud walls and thatched roofs.

During pregnancy, mothers might also pass the chagas disease to their unborn children (congenital infection). According to estimates,

What symptoms and indicators are present in Chagas disease?

Acute and chronic phases of the Chagas disease exist. Most people either have no symptoms or only have a mild, non-specific febrile illness during the acute period. Other signs include eyelid edoema or bite wound swelling. Rarely, an infected person can quickly develop myocarditis (heart muscle inflammation), cardiac failure, or meningo-encephalitis during the acute phase (inflammation of the brain and its lining). After infection, the acute phase lasts for roughly two months.

The parasite primarily hides in the heart and gut muscles during the chronic period. Even while the majority of infected people never show any symptoms, 20 to 30 percent will experience more severe and perhaps fatal medical consequences during the chronic stage. Heart failure is one of these.

How is the Chagas condition identified?

Your healthcare professional will carry out the following tests to identify Chagas disease:

a thorough medical history that asks about potential exposures (e.g. residence in or travel to endemic countries, blood transfusions.).

a thorough medical evaluation.

Blood tests are used to check for antibodies or the parasite.

the electrocardiogram (ECG)

if necessary, an esophageal or colon barium study, as well as an echocardiography.

How can the Chagas illness be avoided?

There are presently no treatments or vaccinations for Chagas disease. Triatomine bugs frequently inhabit shoddy structures, such as those with thatched roofs and mud walls. In endemic nations, the disease's spread has been slowed by better living conditions and the use of indoor insecticides. Blood transfusions, organ transplants, and lowering mother-to-child transmission are the main areas of focus in the United States for the prevention of Chagas disease.

Am I susceptible to Chagas illness when travelling?

Travelers to endemic regions (Mexico, Central America, and South America) on a short-term basis pose extremely little risk of contracting Chagas disease. By using bed nets coated with insecticide and lodging in well-designed facilities, travellers can lower their chance of contracting an infection.