Chagas' Disease

American trypanosomiasis

This disease is caused by the parasite Trypanosma cruzi, commonly found in South America. It is transmitted by bites from the reduviid bug, which bites an infected human or animal, then bites a non-infected individual, passing the parasites from the its feces into the wound, causing Chagas' disease. Chagas' disease has two phases: an acute phase that causes an immediate infection, and a late phase that occurs 10 to 30 years later, often resulting in severe heart damage, damage to the esophagus, or damage to the colon.

Initial (acute) phase -- lasts 2-4 months Often no symptoms at all Boil lesion in skin Eye swelling if bug bite to eye Fever Swollen lymph glands Headache Fatigue Shortness of breath Confusion Coma Chronic (late) phase -- occurs 10 to 30 years later Palpitations Shortness of breath Leg swelling (edema) Difficulty swallowing Food regurgitation Severe Constipation

Examination -- initial phase: Romana's sign (swollen, Red Eye) Chagoma (boil at site of bite) Enlarged lymph glands Enlarged liver Enlarged spleen Shortness of breath Leg swelling (edema) Stiff/rigid neck Laboratory findings -- initial phase: Blood examined under microscope with special techniques Serologic IgM and IgG blood tests Examination -- chronic (late) phase Lung crackles Leg swelling Irregular heart beat Distended abdomen Laboratory findings -- chronic phase Culture Xenodiagnosis (special technique) Serologic IgG blood tests

Often does not work. Medications that may be tried: Nifurtimox or Benznidazole Diuretics, if heart failure occurs, and Amiodarone for heart arrhythmias

The initial (acute) disease is usually seen in children and causes death in 10% of the reported cases. In severe forms, the acute disease can cause Meningitis or heart failure. The late (chronic) form causes heart arrhythmias, heart failure, and enlarged esophagus and colon. It is a very severe disease. Heart arrhythmias can cause sudden death.

Toxoplasmosis

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