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Chagas Disease Definition
Common names:
  • American Trypanosomiasis
  • Chagas Disease
  • Trypanosomiasis
A person with Chagas disease has an infection caused by the parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi. The parasite causes inflammation and damage to the intestines and heart. Images

Trypanosoma is spread to humans by an insect bite. Images

Infection is rare in the US, but more common in South America. Chagas disease is a leading cause of congestive heart failure in Latin America. Images

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Last Updated: Dec 26, 2008  References
Authors: Stephen J. Schueler, MD; John H. Beckett, MD; D. Scott Gettings, MD
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