“Kissing Bugs and Chagas Disease: Learn About Symptoms, Transmission, and Prevention”

2023-05-15 20:06:46

American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease) is caused by the Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi), a protozoan-like parasite. This is transmitted mainly by a blood-sucking insect vector of the genus Triatoma (bug). The most common species is the Triatoma infestansbut several species of Triatoma can be infected with T. cruzi Les Triatominae are nicknamed “kissing bugs” given their predilection for biting in the face, particularly around the eyes and mouth. thatched roofs are particularly at risk Several non-human mammals such as monkeys, armadillos, dogs, raccoons and rodents are recognized as reservoirs of the Trypanosoma cruzi.

Transmission to humans occurs when the infested bed bug deposits excrement on the skin containing infesting forms of the parasite which enter the body through wounds in the skin or mucous membranes.

Chagas disease can also be transmitted by blood or blood transfusions (20% of cases), by vertical transmission from mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth (1% of cases), by transplant of organ, during laboratory accidents and occasionally by the consumption of food contaminated by bedbug droppings.

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Alexandra Hartman Editor-in-Chief

Editor-in-Chief Prize-winning journalist with over 20 years of international news experience. Alexandra leads the editorial team, ensuring every story meets the highest standards of accuracy and journalistic integrity.

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