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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffChagas (SHA-gus) disease is an inflammatory, infectious condition caused by a parasite found in the feces of the reduviid bug. Also called American trypanosomiasis, Chagas disease can infect anyone, but is diagnosed most often in children.
Chagas disease is common in South America, Central America and Mexico, the primary home of the reduviid bug. In recent years, rare cases of Chagas disease have been found in the southern United States, as well.
Left untreated, Chagas disease can cause serious heart and digestive problems. Treatment of Chagas disease focuses on killing the parasite and managing signs and symptoms. You can take steps to prevent the infection.
- Chagas: Detailed fact sheet. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/chagas/factsheets/detailed.html. Accessed April 27, 2009.
- Leder K, et al. Epidemiology and control of Chagas' disease. http://www.uptodate.com/online/content/topic.do?topicKey=parasite/18. Accessed April 27, 2009.
- Bern C, et al. Evaluation and treatment of Chagas diseases in the United States: A systematic review. Journal of the American Medical Association. 2007;298:2171.
- Yacoub S, et al. Neglected tropical cardiomyopathies: I. Chagas disease. Heart. 2008;94:244.
- Milei J, et al. Prognostic impact of Chagas disease in the United States. American Heart Journal. 2009;157:22.
- Chagas disease. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. www.medhelp.org/NIHlib/GF-510.html. Accessed April 27, 2009.
