American Trypanosomiasis (Chagas Disease)

Infect Dis Clin North Am. 2019 Mar;33(1):119-134. doi: 10.1016/j.idc.2018.10.015.

Abstract

American trypanosomiasis is caused by a parasite endemic of the Americas. Current migration has globalized Chagas disease. Acute infection usually resolves spontaneously. Nonetheless, 20% to 40% develop cardiomyopathy 20 to 30 years later. Progression to cardiomyopathy is devastatingly rapid, manifesting with heart failure and sudden death. Etiologic treatment is highly effective and recommended in those with acute infections, congenital infections, and parasite reactivation, and women of childbearing age, but in asymptomatic Trypanosoma cruzi carriers and patients with early cardiomyopathy remains controversial and under investigation. Progression of heart failure is rapid and accounts for most of the morbidity and related mortality.

Keywords: Cardiomyopathy; Chagas disease; Heart failure; Parasitology; Trypanosomiasis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Chagas Cardiomyopathy / drug therapy*
  • Chagas Cardiomyopathy / mortality*
  • Chagas Disease / complications*
  • Chagas Disease / drug therapy*
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Disease Progression
  • Disease Vectors
  • Humans
  • Nitroimidazoles / therapeutic use
  • Triatominae / parasitology
  • Trypanocidal Agents / therapeutic use
  • Trypanosoma cruzi / isolation & purification

Substances

  • Nitroimidazoles
  • Trypanocidal Agents
  • benzonidazole

Grants and funding