Chagas disease is an illness caused by infection with the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, most often transmitted through the bite of triatomine bugs that carry the parasite in their feces. An initial acute phase, often with mild or no symptoms, is followed in many people by a lifelong chronic infection that can, decades later, cause serious heart or digestive disease. It is found predominantly in the Americas, particularly in parts of Latin America.
Facts
Classification
Body SystemLymphatic or Immune System 1 ICD-10 ChapterI: Certain Infectious and Parasitic Diseases 2 Communicable or Non-communicable Transmission Route Causative Agent First Described Causative Agent
Causative Agent (category) Connections
Associated With
Parasitic disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi; infectious disease specialty.
In the Other Atlases
Sources
1. Chagas disease - Wikipedia
Lead paragraph 1
caused by Trypanosoma cruzi
Lead paragraph 5
The disease was first described in 1909 by Brazilian physician Carlos Chagas
Infobox, frequency
6.5 million (2019)
Article text
Chagas disease, also known as American trypanosomiasis, is a tropical parasitic disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi.
Lead section, body-system statement
In the early stage, symptoms are typically either not present or mild and may include fever, swollen lymph nodes, headaches, or swelling at the site of the bite.
Lead section, body-system statement (cardiovascular)
Up to 45% of people with chronic infections develop heart disease 10-30 years after the initial illness, which can lead to heart failure.
View the Source2. Wikipedia: ICD-10
WikipediaList of chapters, Chapter IQuote, List of chapters, Chapter I
Certain infectious and parasitic diseases
3. Wikidata: Chagas Disease
WikidataWikidata P1060 (transmission-route: vector-borne)Quote, Wikidata P1060 (transmission-route: vector-borne)
Disease transmission process: insect borne transmission
Frequently Asked Questions
Who first described Chagas disease and how many people are affected today?
First described in 1909 by Carlos Chagas; about 6.5 million cases in 2019.
The disease was first described in 1909 by the Brazilian physician Carlos Chagas, after whom it is named. A 2019 estimate put the number of people living with it at about 6.5 million. This entry records what the sources report and is not medical advice.
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