Trypanosoma cruzi

Author:Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer

All authors of this article

Last updated on: 29.10.2020

Dieser Artikel auf Deutsch

Requires free registration (medical professionals only)

Please login to access all articles, images, and functions.

Our content is available exclusively to medical professionals. If you have already registered, please login. If you haven't, you can register for free (medical professionals only).


Requires free registration (medical professionals only)

Please complete your registration to access all articles and images.

To gain access, you must complete your registration. You either haven't confirmed your e-mail address or we still need proof that you are a member of the medical profession.

Finish your registration now

HistoryThis section has been translated automatically.

Chagas, 1909

DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.

Parasitic protozoon, causative agent of Chagas disease. Forms occurring in humans:
  • Trypomastigote: Non-divisible free blood form with typical C- or S-shaped shape, 17-20 μm long, 2 μm wide flagellate with undulating membrane and flagella.
  • Amastigote: Divisible, intracellular, 5-15 μm large oval shape without flagellum.

General definitionThis section has been translated automatically.

Absorption of the parasites from the faeces of bloodsucking predatory bugs via wounds caused by the bite of the bugs or by scratching.

Occurrence/EpidemiologyThis section has been translated automatically.

Endemic in South America. 16-18 million infected; third largest tropical health problem worldwide.

Clinical pictureThis section has been translated automatically.

Chagas disease

DiagnosisThis section has been translated automatically.

  • Laboratory diagnosis: During the acute phase, direct pathogen detection in the blood is possible for 1-2 weeks.
  • Serological detection: Specific detection of antibodies against T. cruzi: Immunofluorescence test, CFT and ELISA. For most antigens there are cross reactions against Leishmania donovani.

ProphylaxisThis section has been translated automatically.

So far neither prophylaxis nor vaccination is possible. Reduction of vectors; improvement of housing and living conditions.

Note(s)This section has been translated automatically.

Web addresses: Robert Koch Instiut (http://www.rki.de).

LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.

  1. Chagas C (1909) On a new human trypanosomiasis. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 3: 1-218
  2. Chagas C (1909) On a new human trypanosomiasis. Archive for Marine and Tropical Hygiene 13: 351-353

Authors

Last updated on: 29.10.2020

Author: Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer