Chagas disease is a type of infection caused by the bite of an infected insect called triatomine. This disease is also called kissing bug because the insect often bites the person on his face. In this, the person may have flu-like symptoms or may not see any symptoms at all. This disease can be fatal, but with timely treatment, the affected person recovers completely. Chagas disease can be passed from parents to children during pregnancy or delivery.
(All photos courtesy: freepik)What is Chagas disease?
Chagas disease is also called American trypanosomiasis, according to the Mayo Clinic (ref). It can infect anyone. If it is not treated at the right time, it can cause serious problems related to heart and digestive system. In the acute phase of this infection, the focus is on killing its parasites. If someone is infected with it for a long time then it is not possible to kill its parasite. The later stages of treatment focus on managing its signs and symptoms. Some steps can also be taken to prevent infection.
Symptoms of Chagas Disease
The symptoms of Chagas disease are divided into two stages: the first is acute, which lasts for a short time, and the second is moderate, which lasts for a long time. The symptoms of the acute phase are usually not very severe. Its symptoms include fever, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, low appetite etc. Symptoms of the middle stage include heart failure, blood clots, cardiac arrest, trouble swallowing and stomach problems.
How does Chagas disease occur?
These insects are mostly found in muddy areas, hence sleeping in such places should always be avoided. Use mosquito net whether at home or outside. Apart from this, also spray insecticide around the bed. Scratching or rubbing the bite site helps the parasite enter your body. Once they enter your body, they start spreading rapidly.
A person can also get infected by
- Consuming raw food contaminated with the feces of infected insects
- from an infected parent
- Blood transfusion or organ transplant from someone infected with the parasite
- Accidentally coming in contact with parasites while working in the lab
- spending time in forests where there are infected wild animals
Risk Factors Associated with Chagas Disease
- These factors increase the risk of developing Chagas disease
- living in muddy areas
- living in a house with triatomine bugs
- Blood transfusion or organ transplant from an infected person
Complications related to Chagas disease
If Chagas disease persists for a long time, it can cause serious heart and digestive problems.
Heart failure: Heart failure occurs when your heart becomes so weak and stiff that it cannot properly pump as much blood as the body needs.
Enlargement of the esophagus: This rare condition is caused by an abnormal dilation of the esophagus. Apart from difficulty in swallowing, the person also faces digestive problems.
Enlargement of colon: Megacolon occurs when the colon widens abnormally. This causes stomach pain, bloating and severe constipation.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It cannot in any way be a substitute for any medicine or treatment. Always consult your doctor for more information.
Time.news Interview: Exploring Chagas Disease with Dr. Elena Rodriguez, Infectious Disease Specialist
Editor: Welcome, Dr. Rodriguez. Thank you for joining us today to discuss an often-overlooked but crucial health issue — Chagas disease. To start us off, can you give our readers a brief overview of what Chagas disease is?
Dr. Rodriguez: Thank you for having me. Chagas disease, also known as American trypanosomiasis, is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, which is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected triatomine bugs, commonly known as kissing bugs. They got this nickname because they tend to bite people on the face while they sleep. The disease can lead to serious health complications if left untreated, affecting the heart and digestive systems.
Editor: That sounds alarming. What are the primary symptoms that someone infected with Chagas disease might experience?
Dr. Rodriguez: Chagas disease has two phases: acute and chronic. The acute phase, which can last for weeks, may show mild symptoms like fever, dizziness, and nausea. Many people may not even recognize these symptoms or think they have a mild flu. If left untreated, the disease can progress to the chronic stage, which may manifest years later as severe complications like heart failure, arrhythmias, and digestive problems such as difficulty swallowing or severe gastrointestinal issues.
Editor: It’s concerning that symptoms can be so subtle initially. How does someone become infected with Chagas disease, and are there specific risk factors?
Dr. Rodriguez: The primary risk factor for Chagas disease is exposure to the kissing bug, particularly in rural areas where these insects thrive in mud and thatched-roof houses. Sleeping in such environments without protection increases the risk. Additionally, the disease can be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth and through blood transfusions or organ transplants from infected donors, which is why awareness and screening are crucial.
Editor: You mentioned preventive measures. What steps can individuals take to protect themselves from contracting Chagas disease?
Dr. Rodriguez: Absolutely, prevention is key. People should avoid sleeping in areas where the insects are prevalent. Using mosquito nets, covering cracks in walls, and applying insecticides around sleeping areas can significantly reduce exposure. Additionally, public health education about avoiding scratching the bite site is important, as this can introduce the parasite into the bloodstream.
Editor: If someone suspects they might have Chagas disease, what should their next steps be?
Dr. Rodriguez: Anyone who suspects they might be infected should seek medical attention immediately. Diagnosis typically involves blood tests. Treatment is most effective when started in the acute phase, as it focuses on eliminating the parasites. For chronic cases, while you can’t kill the parasite, you can manage symptoms and complications with various therapies.
Editor: Before we wrap up, could you share any recent advancements in research or treatment regarding Chagas disease?
Dr. Rodriguez: Certainly! There’s ongoing research into more effective medications and treatment protocols, particularly for chronic Chagas. There’s also work being done to develop better screening methods to identify infected individuals, especially in blood donation contexts. Raising awareness about the disease is crucial, and we’re seeing more efforts in that direction, especially in endemic regions.
Editor: Thank you so much, Dr. Rodriguez. Your insights not only highlight the importance of awareness and prevention but also shed light on this serious health issue that deserves more attention.
Dr. Rodriguez: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss Chagas disease. It’s essential that we continue to educate ourselves and others about it, as prevention and early treatment can save lives.