B50-B64: Protozoal diseases

B57: Chagas disease

Chagas disease, also known as American trypanosomiasis, is a tropical infection caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. This disease primarily spreads through the bite of the blood-sucking triatomine bugs, often referred to as "kissing bugs". It can also spread through contaminated food, from mother to child during pregnancy, or via organ transplantation and blood transfusions. In its early stage, Chagas disease may present mild symptoms like fever, fatigue, body aches, rash, and a characteristic swelling around the eye, or even no symptoms at all. If left untreated, the infection progresses to the chronic phase, which can last for decades or even a lifetime. This can result in serious heart and digestive system complications. Thus, the disease affects both the cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems.