Biopharmaceutical Solutions

Background information

• What Is Chagas Disease?
  Chagas disease, also called American trypanosomiasis, is a parasitic disease that through chronic infection causes damage to the nervous system, digestive tract, and the heart. Humans contract the disease when the infected feces of the insect vector enter the body, typically by scratching the insect bite.
• Global Burden
  It is estimated that 8 million to 9 million people are currently infected, with 750,000 new cases and 14,000 deaths occurring each year. An additional 25 million people are at risk of infection.
• Geographic Distribution
  Chagas disease is prevalent in 18 countries within the Americas, ranging from Mexico to Argentina.
• Causative Agent/Transmission
  Chagas disease is caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. It is transmitted to humans through the feces of blood-sucking insects known as triatomine bugs (also called “assassin” or “kissing” bugs). Transmission may also occur congenitally or via breast milk or blood transfusion. In its human host, the parasites invade and replicate inside many cell types. Pet dogs are an alternate mammalian host, whose proximity to humans thwarts efforts to break the chain of transmission. Chagas disease is most prevalent in rural areas and is linked to substandard housing. Thatched roofs and mud walls are especially prone to infestation by the insect vector. T. cruzi is related to the trypanosomes that cause human African trypanosomiasis and leishmaniasis.

Presentation

Chagas disease can be classified as acute or chronic.

The acute phase of the disease begins several days after infection. Most acute infections are asymptomatic, but some produce fever and swelling of the lymph nodes, spleen, liver, and the site of infection. The hallmark of the acute phase of Chagas disease is the swelling of the eyelids or the side of the face near the bite wound (Romaña’s sign).

The chronic phase can last from months to decades and may also remain asymptomatic for long periods of time. Damage can eventually occur to the nervous system, the digestive system, and the heart.
Cardiomyopathy, or damage to the heart’s muscle structure, is the leading cause of death.

Trends

The number of deaths per year has decreased slightly in recent years.

The WHO launched an eradication campaign in 2007.

Downloads