Signs of Chagas disease (Trypanosomiasis)

Chagas Disease (Trypanosomiasis)

Description

An infectious condition caused by a parasite (Trypanosoma cruzi) which is transmitted to humans through the bite of the infected reduvid bug. It is commonly found in Central and South America and Mexico and is more prevalent among the poor. The acute condition has only minor symptoms. The chronic phase can result in heart failure and death.

Symptoms

When a patient is first infected (acute phase) they can experience: swollen red lesion, swollen eye, enlarged lymph nodes, fever, vomiting, headache and rash. The chronic phase can appear 10 years or more after the initial infection and can result in heart racing, shortness of breath, fainting, abdominal pain, and death secondary to an abnormal heart beat or heart failure.

Tests

A history and physical exam will be performed. Identification of the parasite will be done by a culture or by identifying antibodies against the parasite.

Standard Workup

CBC
X-Ray
EKG

Treatment

Therapy depends on whether the patient is in the acute or chronic phase and waht symptoms and the extent of the disease. Treatment includes: medications to kill the parasite (benznidazole and nifurtimox), treatment of heart failure and/or abnormal beating of the heart.