Chagas Disease (American Trypanosomiasis)

Description: Chagas disease (American Trypanosomiasis) is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, not to be confused with African Sleeping Sickness which is caused by Trypanosoma brucei. It is largely spread by an insect vector, the Kissing Bug (subfamiily Triatominae). It may also be spread through blood transfusion and ingestion of contaminated food. Chagas disease occurs in Latin America and parts of Mexico. The acute form of the disease may be asymptomatic, or display the following symptoms: fever, body aches, rash, diarrhea, vomiting, and fatigue. For the majority of cases, the disease won't advance into a symptomatic stage. The remaining portion will eventually develop cardiac and digestive damage, along with, in some cases, neural affects such as dementia, motor deficits, and sensitivity. Chagas disease, if left untreated, can be fatal.


Related BMRB Molecules

For complete information about pathway, see KEGG [map05142]