Chagas Disease, Essay Example

Chagas disease is an infectious, inflammatory ailment that is caused by a parasite found in the triatomine bug’s feces. This disease is not commonly known because it has been primarily found in Mexico, Central America, and South America. This is the primary home for the triatomine bug. However, there have been some cased that have been reported in the southern part of the United States. It is important to know the facts about this disease in order to know the cause, how people get it, and the potential dangers and cures. Considering Chagas is a rare disease, knowing the facts will help in recognizing the signs early on.

Chagas disease is called trypanosomiasis in America. This disease can infect any age but is most commonly found in children. Without proper medical treatment, this disease can lead to serious digestive and heart problems. Ideally, treatment of Chagas would be focused on killing the parasite. Any other treatment would be based on the symptoms that have surfaced. The big concern with this disease is that the symptoms do not typically surface until it has reached the chronic stage.

It could take weeks maybe months of being symptom-free during the acute phase of Chagas disease. If symptoms or signs occur at this stage they are mild. The symptoms could be swelling at the infection site, body aches, rash, fever, and fatigue. Other potential signs are enlargement of the liver or spleen, headaches, loss of appetite, swollen glands, nausea, and diarrhea or vomiting. The symptoms and signs during this stage typically go away so it is not always seen as a big concern. In the event that some of the persistent signs do not go away on their own, if they are left untreated the infection will persist and potentially lead to a chronic phase.

The chronic phase of this disease is when it can be potentially the most dangerous. This disease is not like all the others, signs and symptoms by not even occur till 10 to 20 years after the initial infection. They may never have any of the symptoms. In severe cases there are specific symptoms and signs that may surface. The more severe are irregular heartbeat and inflamed enlarged heart (cardiomyopathy). Also there is a potential for congestive heart failure, and sudden cardiac arrest. Symptoms have surface where the individual experiences difficulty swallowing due to enlarged esophagus. They also have an enlarged colon which causes abdominal pain or constipation.

If you have symptoms and signs of the condition it is necessary to see a doctor if you travel to or live in areas that may be at a higher risk of Chagas disease. These indicators include fever, fatigue, swelling at the infection site, body aches, nausea, and rash. It is definitely a disease that can do some damage and be life threatening in the event that it is left untreated. That is why involving a doctor in the event of potential exposure is necessary.

The Trypanosoma cruzi parasite is what causes Chagas disease. The triatomine bug transmitted to humans from a bite. The blood of animals that are already infected with the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite can infect the transmitting bug. The adobe, mud, or thatch, or huts in Mexico, South America, and Central America typically hide the Triatomine bugs. Theses bugs sleep during the day by hiding in the walls or roof crevices, and feed on humans at night while they sleep.

Triatomine Bug (Moorhouse)

The Trypanosoma cruzi parasite is left on the skin when the infected bug bites that person. The parasite will find a way to get into the body. They will travel through the mouth, eyes, cuts or scratches, and even the bug bite wound. When the bite site is rubbed or scratched it aids the parasite in entering the body. The parasite will spread and multiply once in the body. There are other ways for the parasite to infect the body. Eating uncooked food that has feces from the Trypanosoma cruzi -infected bugs is another common way to be exposed to this disease. Children who are born to a women who is infected with Trypanosoma cruzi and using infected blood for a transfusion is another way this disease is spread. Along the same lines is having an organ transplant that has been infected with the parasite as well. Accidental exposure to the parasite can also infect an individual, this can happen in a laboratory while working, and being exposed to wild animals which are infected. These animals can include a infected pet, a raccoon or even a opossum.

(Moorhouse)

Knowing about the disease and causes is important, but it is also important to understand the potential factors that can increase an individual from getting the Chagas disease. These factors are living in impoverished rural areas of Central America, South America and Mexico, living in a residence that contains triatomine bugs, and receiving a blood transfusion or organ transplant from a person who carries the infection.

It is not a normal occurrence for individuals who travel to the at-risk areas of Mexico, South America, and Central America to contract the Chagas disease. However, if an individual is infected it can progress to a chronic phase that can include digestive complication and serious heart issues. The most common chronic phases are heart failure, enlargement of the esophagus, and enlargement of the colon. Heart failure is when it becomes so stiff or weak that it cans no longer pumping blood to satisfy the body’s needs. The enlargement of the esophagus is not common but is caused from the widening of the esophagus which causes difficulties with digestion and even swallowing. Lastly, enlargement of the colon which is when the colon is abnormally dilated which causes the abdominal pain, sever constipation, and distension.

References:

Moorhouse, Anna. “The Fight for Recognition: Chagas’ Disease Meets Controversy”. Journal of Young Investigators, 2005.