Chagas disease, also called American trypanosomiasis, is a serious illness that causes long-term damage to organs in the body. If it isn’t treated, it can be deadly.
The disease is caused by a parasite called Trypanosoma cruzi. This parasite is spread by blood-sucking insects called triatomine bugs. These bugs are mainly found in Latin America.
Causes
Chagas disease mainly transmits over contact with the feces or urine of an infected bug. These bugs are known to defecate or urinate near the areas where they feed on blood. If a person touches the bite area, they might accidentally rub the parasite-containing feces or urine into the wound, causing infection. Additionally, consuming food contaminated with triatomine bug feces can also result in Chagas disease.
Triatomine Bugs
Also known as kissing bugs are large insects that consume humans and other mammal’s blood. When a triatomine bug bites a person or animal infected with Trypanosoma cruzi also known as T. cruzi, it picks up the parasite. The infected bug can then transmit the parasite to other people through its bites. The parasite is typically found in the urine or feces of these bugs. When they defecate or urinate near their feeding sites, it heightens the risk of transmission if the individual comes into contact with these waste products.
Other Types of Transmission
Apart from triatomine bugs, there are other ways Chagas disease can spread. According to the World Health Organization, the T. cruzi parasite may also be transmitted through blood transfusions from infected donors, organ transplants from infected individuals, or exposure in a lab setting. Additionally, a pregnant female with Chagas disease can pass the parasite to her baby during pregnancy or baby birth.
Symptoms
This disease progresses through two distinct phases, each characterized by various symptoms.
Acute Phase
The acute phase of Chagas disease lasts about two months and is marked by a large number of parasites moving in the blood. Some individuals may not show any symptoms during this stage. If signs do appear, they generally emerge about a week after being bitten by a triatomine bug. These symptoms are usually light and nonspecific, including inflammation around the bite area, swollen eyelids and lymph nodes, fever, headache, and muscle aches.
Chronic Phase
In this phase of disease can develop 10 to 30 years post initial infection. In this stage, the parasite affects the intestinal or heart muscles, leading to more severe and potentially fatal symptoms. Individuals in the chronic phase may experience trouble eating, trouble passing stool, digestive issues, unusual heart rhythms, heart failure, or stroke.
Treatment
If you have Chagas disease, your healthcare provider will likely recommend medications: nifurtimox or benznidazole. Both of these drugs are very effective at curing Chagas disease, with nearly 100% success rates. However, their effectiveness depends on when you start taking them.
For the best results, it’s important to begin treatment as soon as possible after getting infected with the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite. The longer you wait to start treatment, the less effective these drugs become. This is because the parasite causes more damage over time, making it harder to completely rule out it from your body.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
If you have traveled to an area where Chagas disease is common and are experiencing any concerning signs, it is important to see a healthcare provider. This is especially crucial if you have been bitten by a triatomine bug or any other insect whose bite you cannot identify. Additionally, if you have symptoms associated with Chagas disease, such as inflammation around the bite area, fever, or muscle aches, you should seek medical attention promptly. Early diagnosis and intervention can make a significant difference in managing the disease effectively.
Diagnosis
To determine Chagas disease, a healthcare provider will start by discussing your medical history and symptoms. They will also inquire about your recent travel history to gather important information. This includes asking where you traveled, what activities you engaged in during your trip and the kind of accommodation where you stayed.
If Chagas disease is suspected, the healthcare provider may carry out blood tests to confirm the diagnosis. These tests look for certain antibodies in your blood that indicate your immune system has responded to a Trypanosoma cruzi infection. Detecting these antibodies helps the healthcare provider determine whether you have Chagas disease and guides appropriate treatment.
Risk Factors
Chagas disease is often associated with living conditions where triatomine bugs can easily hide. These bugs thrive in forested areas and in homes with numerous crevices and cracks. Consequently, Chagas disease is most prevalent in less developed countries where substandard housing is common.
CDC states that triatomine bugs can also be found in various other locations, including under porches, beneath cement surfaces, and in the middle of rocky structures. They may hide in brush and wood piles, beneath bark, or in outdoor dog kennels and houses. Additionally, these bugs can reside in chicken coops, animal burrows, or rodent nests, further increasing the risk of Chagas disease in areas where these conditions are present.
Prevention
To prevent the spread of Trypanosoma cruzi, the World Health Organization recommends several measures:
- Insecticide Use: Regularly spray insecticides in the home internally and in nearby areas to kill triatomine bugs and decrease their numbers.
- Home Improvements: Make structural improvements to your house to eliminate hiding places for triatomine bugs. This includes sealing crevices and cracks where bugs might nest.
- Cleaning: Keep your home clean to prevent triatomine bugs. Regular cleaning helps eliminate potential breeding sites and decreases the risk of contact with these pests.
- Bed Nets: Utilize bed nets to protect yourself while sleeping, as triatomine bugs are most active at night and often feed during this time.
- Food Hygiene: Practice good hygiene when storing, preparing, and consuming food to avoid contamination with triatomine bug feces.
- Blood and Organ Screening: Screen blood donors to confirm they are not infected with T. cruzi, and test donor tissues or organs to prevent transmission through medical procedures.
Summary
Chagas disease is a severe illness caused by the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite, transmitted mainly through bites from triatomine bugs. The disease progresses through an acute phase with light symptoms and a chronic phase that can cause severe complications, including digestive and heart issues. Treatment involves the use of nifurtimox or benznidazole, which are most effective when started early. Risk factors include living in poor housing conditions where triatomine bugs can thrive. Prevention measures include using insecticides, improving home conditions, and practicing good hygiene. Early diagnosis and intervention, particularly for children and blood donors, are important for controlling the spread of Chagas disease.
