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Chagas disease = American trypanosomiasis

Chagas disease ( = American trypanosomiasis) is caused by infection with trypanosoma cruzi, which is carried by triatomine insects. It occurs predominantly in Latin America. 

Presentation: 
  • Acute disease 
    • Asymptomatic in 95% of cases
    • If symptomatic:
      • Fever 
      • muscle aches 
      • nausea/vomiting 
      • painless unilateral periorbital oedema (= Romana’s sign) 
      • hepatosplenomegaly
      • lymphadenopathy
  • Chronic disease 
    • Develops in 2/3rds of infected individuals 
    • Cardiac complications – 95% 
      • Cardiomyopathy 
      • Apical aneurysm 
    • Megaoesophagus/megacolon 

Diagnosis: 
  • Microscopy 
  • Haemoculture 
  • IgG immunological assays 

Treatment: Benznidazole or nifurtimox 


References:
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Secret collector of interesting anonymised ECGs. Fan of the Bath Photomarathon. Lover of cream teas. [Sarah Hudson] (Your Picture)