Chagas' Disease

Introduction. 

Chagas' Disease is caused by the flagellated protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. It is transmitted by reduviid bugs (kissing bugs) (vectors) from animal reservoirs (zoonosis). Unlike T. brucei, these trypanosomes have an amastigote phase that replicates inside host cells (intracellular). Key symptom is enlargement of internal organs.

Summary

• Cause: Trypanosoma cruzi
• Microscopy: Flagellated protozoa; intracellular amastigote
• Transmission: Kissing bugs
• Life cycle
• Symptoms: reddening around bite; facial rash; fever, malaise, myalgia, fatigue
• Complications: chronic infection enlarging heart, liver, spleen, colon; brain granulomas
• Pathogenesis: Intracellular replication of amastigotes destroys tissues, nerve cells
• Treatment: nifurtimox (limited effectiveness)