Trypanosoma cruzi

History
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Chagas, 1909

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.

Dermatology

Benign, congenital or acquired, melanocyte-derived, brown to brown-black, less commonly reddish or skin-col...

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

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

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.

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

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

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