Chagas disease as example of a reemerging parasite

Abstract

Trypanosoma cruzi, the protozoan that causes Chagas disease, is primarily transmitted by three main Triatomine vectors in endemic areas. However, the infection has become a potential emerging disease because the vector is found in non-endemic areas, there is migration of infected asymptomatic people that can infect the vector, become blood donors, or pass the disease vertically (congenital infections). Lastly, the disease can be acquired through contaminated food (oral transmission). This review will present the different transmission pathways, clinical manifestations, diagnostic modalities and treatment considerations of Chagas disease.

Keywords: Chagas disease; Trypanosoma cruzi.