Chagas Disease

Abstract

Chagas disease, which is caused by infection with the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is a leading neglected tropical disease in the United States. An estimated 240 000 to 350 000 persons in the United States are infected, primarily immigrants from Mexico, Central America, and South America, where the disease is endemic. The parasite is transmitted by the triatomine bug but can also be passed through blood transfusion, via organ transplant, or congenitally. Approximately 30% of infected persons later develop cardiac and/or gastrointestinal complications. Health care providers should consider screening at-risk patients with serologic testing. Early diagnosis and treatment with benznidazole or nifurtimox can help prevent complications.

Figure 1.. Triatoma sanguisuga.

Courtesy of James Gathany and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Figure 2.. Image of a traveler returning from an endemic country with the Romaña sign, a manifestation of acute Chagas disease.

Used with permission of the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. From Carter YL, Juliano JJ, Montgomery SP, et al. Acute Chagas disease in a returning traveler. Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2012;87:1038–40. Permission conveyed through Copyright Clearance Center, Inc.