The term kissing bug is a colloquial term that refers to a variety of species of insects in the Triatominae family (triatomines) that commonly seek out uncovered host mucosal surfaces and thus will frequently bite the face. The kissing bug is of significance because it can transmit the parasitic organism Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi), the causative agent of Chagas disease. While symptoms of Chagas disease were described as early as the 19th century, it was not until 1909 when Carlos Chagas formally described a case in his publication, thus imprinting his namesake on the disease.
It is now recognized that Chagas disease can be difficult to diagnose and chronic in nature, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. Furthermore, with recent globalization and concern for habitat proliferation of the causative vector, there is an increased need for awareness of this disease.
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