American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease)

Infect Dis Clin North Am. 2012 Jun;26(2):275-91. doi: 10.1016/j.idc.2012.03.002.

Abstract

Chagas disease, also known as American trypanosomiasis, is a chronic infection caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, a protozoan parasite. It is transmitted to human beings mainly through the feces of infected triatomine bugs. The disease affects an estimated 8 to 10 million people in the Americas, putting them at risk of developing life-threatening cardiac and gastrointestinal complications. This article provides a brief update on the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment of Chagas disease.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Chagas Disease* / diagnosis
  • Chagas Disease* / prevention & control
  • Chagas Disease* / therapy
  • Chronic Disease
  • Humans
  • Nifurtimox / adverse effects
  • Nifurtimox / therapeutic use
  • Nitroimidazoles / adverse effects
  • Nitroimidazoles / therapeutic use
  • Trypanocidal Agents / adverse effects
  • Trypanocidal Agents / therapeutic use
  • Trypanosoma cruzi / pathogenicity

Substances

  • Nitroimidazoles
  • Trypanocidal Agents
  • Nifurtimox
  • benzonidazole