Chagas Disease Ashleigh Dixon

History Discovered 1909 by Carlos Chagas Caused by a protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi Also called American Trypanosomiasis Trypanosoma cruzi is the most important vector-based disease in Latin America.

Widely Distributed throughout Latin America 16 to 18 million people infected

50,000 people die per year

Transmitted by Blood Sucking Insects Feces deposits on skin Triatomine bug -> Humans contract Chagas Disease from triatomine bugs.transmission persists in many areas, particulary in the gran chaco region of Argentina where Triatoma infestans. Instect carrying parasite deposits feces on the persons skin.When the person rubs their eyes, mouth or the bite wound, the feces containing parasite enters the bloodstream. Through blood transfusions, from mother to child during pregnancy, through organ transplants or contaminated food.

Other forms of Transmission Blood Transfusions Organ transplants Contaminated food Congenital

Stages of Transmission

Risk Factors Poor housing Poverty Blood transfusions

Acute Phase Symptoms Swelling of the eyelids -> Fever Body aches Headache Rash Vomiting Progresses in stages, acute stage occurs directly after infection. Children may show signs of fever swollen lymph glands, enlarged liver or spleen, or inflamed bite wound. Intermediate stage begins between 8 and 10 weeks after initial infection and may last many years, people infected can carry the parasite for years without knowing it.20-30% of those infected develpoe the cronic form of the disease up to 10 or 20 years after contracting, will have developed legions causing irreversable damage to the heart esophagus and colon heart failure is common cause of death among young adults.

Chronic Phase Symptoms Cardiac complications Intestinal complications

Diagnosing Chagas Disease Physical examination Peripheral blood smear Blood culture

Treating Chagas Disease Two drugs Benznidazole Nifurtimox 30 to 60 days MSF has been working with patients suffering from Chagas since 1999. MSF is urging the production and availibility of nifurtimox and benznidazol, the two existing drugs, be secured. Pediatric versions of the existing drug be developed diagnostic tests for all stages of the

Ongoing eradication campaign Insect control Screening from donors to blood banks WHO, MSF

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