Rare Neurology News
Disease Profile
Chagas disease
Prevalence estimates on Rare Medical Network websites are calculated based on data available from numerous sources, including US and European government statistics, the NIH, Orphanet, and published epidemiologic studies. Rare disease population data is recognized to be highly variable, and based on a wide variety of source data and methodologies, so the prevalence data on this site should be assumed to be estimated and cannot be considered to be absolutely correct.
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Age of onset
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ICD-10
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Inheritance
Autosomal dominant A pathogenic variant in only one gene copy in each cell is sufficient to cause an autosomal dominant disease.
Autosomal recessive Pathogenic variants in both copies of each gene of the chromosome are needed to cause an autosomal recessive disease and observe the mutant phenotype.
X-linked
dominant X-linked dominant inheritance, sometimes referred to as X-linked dominance, is a mode of genetic inheritance by which a dominant gene is carried on the X chromosome.
dominant X-linked dominant inheritance, sometimes referred to as X-linked dominance, is a mode of genetic inheritance by which a dominant gene is carried on the X chromosome.
X-linked
recessive Pathogenic variants in both copies of a gene on the X chromosome cause an X-linked recessive disorder.
recessive Pathogenic variants in both copies of a gene on the X chromosome cause an X-linked recessive disorder.
Mitochondrial or multigenic Mitochondrial genetic disorders can be caused by changes (mutations) in either the mitochondrial DNA or nuclear DNA that lead to dysfunction of the mitochondria and inadequate production of energy.
Multigenic or multifactor Inheritance involving many factors, of which at least one is genetic but none is of overwhelming importance, as in the causation of a disease by multiple genetic and environmental factors.
Not applicable
Other names (AKA)
American trypanosomiasis; South American trypanosomiasis; New world trypanosomiasis
Categories
Parasitic diseases
Summary
Chagas disease is caused by the parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi. The triatomine bug, which can carry the parasite, most often bites a person's face and therefore is more commonly known as the "kissing bug". When a triatomine bug infected with Trypanosoma cruzi bites, it can leave behind infected waste which can be spread into the person's eyes, nose, or a wound. Chagas disease can also spread through contaminated food, a
The two drugs used to treat Chagas disease are nifurtimox and benznidazole. On August 30, 2017, the FDA approved benznidazole to treat Chagas disease in children between the ages of 2 to 12 years old. Nifurtimox may also used to treat Chagas disease. Although not FDA approved, nifurtimox can be obtained for the treatment of Chagas disease in the United States through special CDC studies. Similarly, benznidazole is also available through special CDC studies for those with Chagas disease whose treatment is deemed necessary by their doctor but whose age falls outside FDA approval.[2]
Symptoms
This table lists symptoms that people with this disease may have. For most diseases, symptoms will vary from person to person. People with the same disease may not have all the symptoms listed. This information comes from a database called the Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO) . The HPO collects information on symptoms that have been described in medical resources. The HPO is updated regularly. Use the HPO ID to access more in-depth information about a symptom.
| Medical Terms | Other Names |
Learn More:
HPO ID
|
|---|---|---|
| 30%-79% of people have these symptoms | ||
| Abdominal pain |
Pain in stomach
Stomach pain
[ more ] |
0002027 |
| Arrhythmia |
Abnormal heart rate
Heart rhythm disorders
Irregular heart beat
Irregular heartbeat
[ more ] |
0011675 |
| Autoimmune |
0030057 | |
|
Disease of the heart muscle
|
0001638 | |
| Cough |
Coughing
|
0012735 |
| Diarrhea |
Watery stool
|
0002014 |
| Dyspnea |
Trouble breathing
|
0002094 |
| Fever | 0001945 | |
| Headache |
Headaches
|
0002315 |
| Hepatomegaly |
Enlarged liver
|
0002240 |
| Localized skin lesion | 0011355 | |
| Lymphadenopathy |
Swollen lymph nodes
|
0002716 |
| Myalgia |
Muscle ache
Muscle pain
[ more ] |
0003326 |
| Myocarditis |
Inflammation of heart muscle
|
0012819 |
| Pallor | 0000980 | |
| Periorbital edema | 0100539 | |
| Skin rash | 0000988 | |
| Splenomegaly |
Increased spleen size
|
0001744 |
| Thromboembolism | 0001907 | |
| 5%-29% of people have these symptoms | ||
| Abnormal large intestine physiology | 0012700 | |
| Achalasia | 0002571 | |
| Aganglionic megacolon |
Enlarged colon lacking nerve cells
|
0002251 |
| Congestive heart failure |
Cardiac failure
Cardiac failures
Heart failure
[ more ] |
0001635 |
| 1%-4% of people have these symptoms | ||
| Encephalitis |
Brain inflammation
|
0002383 |
| 0009830 | ||
Treatment
FDA-Approved Treatments
The medication(s) listed below have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as orphan products for treatment of this condition. Learn more orphan products.
- Benznidazole(Brand name: Benznidazole) Manufactured by Chemo Research, S.L.
FDA-approved indication: For use in children ages 2 to 12 years old with Chagas disease - Nifurtimox(Brand name: LAMPIT) Manufactured by Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals
FDA-approved indication: Lampit® (nifurtimox) is an antiprotozoal medication indicated for use in pediatric patients (from birth to less than 18 years of age and weighing at least 2.5 kg) for the treatment of Chagas disease (American Trypanosomiasis) caused by Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi).
National Library of Medicine Drug Information Portal
Organizations
Support and advocacy groups can help you connect with other patients and families, and they can provide valuable services. Many develop patient-centered information and are the driving force behind research for better treatments and possible cures. They can direct you to research, resources, and services. Many organizations also have experts who serve as medical advisors or provide lists of doctors/clinics. Visit the group’s website or contact them to learn about the services they offer. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement by GARD.
Learn more
These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.
Where to Start
- You can obtain information on this topic from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC is recognized as the lead federal agency for developing and applying disease prevention and control, environmental health, and health promotion and education activities designed to improve the health of the people of the United States.
- MedlinePlus was designed by the National Library of Medicine to help you research your health questions, and it provides more information about this topic.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) produces guidelines and standards, helps countries to address public health issues, and supports and promotes health research. The WHO has developed a fact sheet on this condition.
In-Depth Information
- Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
- Orphanet is a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Access to this database is free of charge.
- PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Chagas disease. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.
References
- Parasites American Trypanosomiasis (also known as Chagas Disease). Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). May 24, 2016; https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/chagas/.
- Antiparasitic Treatment. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). August 31, 2017; https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/chagas/health_professionals/tx.html.