Chagas disease is also called trypanosomiasis, which is an infection caused by the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite, belonging to the trypanosomes. Chagas disease occurs mainly in South American countries. According to the World He alth Organization (WHO), over 6 million people worldwide are infected with the parasite transmitted by the so-called kissing bugs. What are the symptoms of Chagas disease? What is the treatment? Is there a vaccine for this disease?
Chagas disease , American trypanosomiasis, is an acute infectious disease caused by the flagellate Trypanosoma cruzi. Most often, it is not life-threatening - with the exception of newborns and infants, which may experience brain swelling and death. This parasite has the ability to "lurk" inside the body and stay dormant for up to several dozen years. After about 10-20 years, more than 35 percent of those infected develop another phase of Chagas disease, which is chronic. The disease is most common in the countries of Central and South America and in the 25 US states.
According to the World He alth Organization (WHO), there are over 6 million people around the world infected with the parasite transmitted by the so-called kissing worms, and 30 percent of them suffer from serious cardiac diseases. In contrast, 10% of people develop symptoms of diseases of the digestive and neurological systems.
Causes of Chagas' disease
The cause of the disease is a bug bite, mainly from the genus Rhodnius. They usually bite around the mouth, hence the other name of the disease - the disease transmitted by "kissing worms".
Bedbugs bite people most often while sleeping. They then contaminate the wound with feces in which they carry the Trypanasoma cruzi parasite. This one enters the bloodstream, causing Chagas disease.
Symptoms of Chagas disease
Characteristic of the initial acute form of Chagas Disease, which lasts 4-6 weeks, isslight swelling and rednessat the site of the bug bite.
When the bite site is close to the eye, unilateral orbital swelling and conjunctivitis (called Romaña's symptom) may appear, as well as enlargement of the pre-ear lymph nodes.
They can also tease an infected person:
- vomiting,
- diarrhea,
- loss of appetite,
- sinus tachycardia.
The chronic form develops in 10-30% infected - attacks internal organs and, if left untreated, can lead to death.
The symptoms of Chagas disease include:
- neurological symptoms, that is:
- damage to the central nervous system
- dementia
- heart muscle disease, which manifests itself as:
- palpitations
- dizzy
- MAS associated with arrhythmias
- atypical retrosternal pain not related to ischemic heart disease
- heart failure-related dyspnea
- widening of the lumen of the intestine (especially the large one) and esophagus, manifested by:
- hiccup
- pouring food
- chest pain
- regurgitation of stomach contents, especially during sleep, leading to aspiration pneumonia
- difficult and painful swallowing
- weight loss
- wasting the body
Diagnosis of Chagas disease
The diagnosis of Chagas' disease is not easy, especially if the parasite has been dormant and it is difficult to associate the first symptoms of the disease with a foreign trip from several years ago.
In this situation, a blood smear test and a muscle or lymph node biopsy may be helpful.
Sometimes "he althy" bugs are used for testing. Uninfected insects are given a small amount of blood taken from the sick and monitored for the appearance of mature forms of the parasite after some time.
Chagas disease can be quite mild and asymptomatic over the years.
Chagas disease treatment
Unfortunately, there are no measures to prevent the development of the disease. There is also no vaccine or drug to protect against infection in dangerous areas of the world.
The very treatment of the disease is effective mainly in its first phase, which can often be overlooked and treated as a common viral disease.
There are two specificities in treatment:
- nifurtimoks
- and benzonidazole.
Both drugs are not registered in Poland.
People who are infected increase the risk of dying by two to three times. Among the infected, the risk of cardiovascular disease increases seventeen times.
Chagas disease - can it be avoided?
To avoid contamination, avoid overnight stays in Central and South American countries such asArgentina, Belize, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay and Venezuela.
Always remember about mosquito nets and insecticides, as well as basic hygiene and frequent hand washing.
About the author
Monika Majewska A journalist specializing in he alth issues, especially in the areas of medicine, he alth protection and he althy eating. Author of news, guides, interviews with experts and reports. Participant of the largest Polish National Medical Conference "Polish woman in Europe", organized by the "Journalists for He alth" Association, as well as specialist workshops and seminars for journalists organized by the Association.