Newsletter purpose: To stimulate thought and self-help research.
Chagas Disease is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi.
Vector: Hematophagous assassin bugs of the subfamily Triatominae, also known as "Kissing Bugs."
The insect bites, usually at night, and deposits feces near the bite.
The parasite is in the feces and is rubbed into the bite by the victim.
Prevalence:
Most prevalent in Central and South America.
Becoming more common in North America.
Migration from rural to urban areas has increased cases in cities like São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Buenos Aires (estimated 300,000, 200,000, and unknown number of infected individuals respectively).
An estimated 100,000 infected individuals living in the USA, mostly from Mexico and Central America.
Information Resources:
www.thirdworldtraveler.com/Disease/Chagas.html
google.com (search "chagas disease")
Effects:
In adults, acute infection of the heart, damaging the heart muscle.
Symptoms may subside within 4-8 weeks, but the disease progresses undiagnosed for 10-20 years.
Chronic heart disease develops as heart muscle is replaced by scar tissue, thinning the walls and affecting heart function, ultimately resulting in death.
The nervous system may also be affected, causing convulsions, paralysis, and brain damage.
Clinical Features:
Example: 42-year-old man from rural Brazil with palpitations.
Electrocardiogram showing right bundle-branch block, left anterior hemiblock, anterior Q waves, and frequent premature ventricular contractions.
Two-dimensional echocardiogram shows an apical left ventricular aneurysm.