* Benznidazole is FDA-approved for the treatment of Chagas disease (American trypanosomiasis) caused by Trypanosoma cruzi in pediatric patients 2–12 years of age.
To kill the parasite, Chagas disease can be treated with benznidazole or nifurtimox. Both medicines are fully effective in curing the disease if given soon after infection at the onset of the acute phase, including the cases of congenital transmission.
Treatment for Chagas disease focuses on killing the parasite and managing signs and symptoms. During the acute phase of Chagas disease, the prescription medications benznidazole and nifurtimox (Lampit) may be of benefit. Both drugs are available in the regions most affected by Chagas disease.
The only drugs with proven efficacy against Chagas disease in human trials are benznidazole and nifurtimox [2-4]. In general, benznidazole is better tolerated and so is favored by most experts as the first-line treatment for Chagas disease [5].
Researchers have identified a new compound that is 100% effective in treating mice and non-human primates infected with Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite that causes Chagas disease. The compound, known as AN15368, appears to be safe, elicits no significant side effects, and is more effective than existing drugs.
Treatment for Chagas disease is recommended for people diagnosed early in the course of infection (acute phase), babies with congenital infection, and for those with suppressed immune systems. Many patients with chronic infection may also benefit from treatment.
There is no vaccine for Chagas currently available. Medications can be effective if administered quickly, but the treatments have limited efficacy as the disease progresses.
Home treatment can help stop the itching from kissing bug bites and prevent an infection. You can: Wash the bites with soap to lower the chance of infection. Use calamine lotion or an anti-itch cream to stop the itching.
In areas of Mexico, Central America, and South America, where the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite is present in triatomine bugs, improved housing and spraying insecticide inside housing to eliminate the bugs has significantly decreased the spread of Chagas disease.
The diagnosis of Chagas disease can be made by observation of the parasite in a blood smear by microscopic examination. A thick and thin blood smear are made and stained for visualization of parasites.
Chagas disease causes approximately 10,000 deaths per year globally. Up to 30% of infected people develop symptoms. Chagas disease can cause: Stroke.
Chagas disease has an acute and a chronic phase. If untreated, infection is lifelong. Acute Chagas disease occurs immediately after infection, and can last up to a few weeks or months.
Also called American trypanosomiasis, Chagas disease can infect anyone. Left untreated, Chagas disease later can cause serious heart and digestive problems. During the acute phase of infection, treatment of Chagas disease focuses on killing the parasite.
During the day, the bugs hide in crevices in the walls and roofs. During the night, when the inhabitants are sleeping, the bugs emerge. Because they tend to bite people's faces, triatomine bugs are also known as “kissing bugs”.
Chagas disease (T. cruzi infection) is also referred to as American trypanosomiasis.
Ivermectin and Chagas disease
To our knowledge, a connection between ivermectin and T. cruzi has never been described in the literature (in neither animal reservoirs nor humans). 1 17 To the best of our knowledge, there is currently no evidence that would justify CD treatment with ivermectin.
Chagas disease is an infectious disease caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. The disease mainly affects the nervous system, digestive system and heart.
Chagas disease is endemic in 21 countries in the Americas, and affects approximately 6 million people. In the Americas, Chagas disease show an annual incidence of 30,000 new cases average, 12,000 deaths per year, and approximately 9,000 newborns become infected during gestation.
The heart is the most commonly affected organ in persons with chronic Chagas disease.
Chagas disease is an emerging disease in Australia. GPs are best placed to offer opportunistic Chagas disease screening to those at risk from endemic regions as they are likely to be the first point of contact.
Some people are allergic to kissing bug saliva. The skin near the bite might become red, swollen, and itchy. The most serious risk is anaphylactic shock. That's when your blood pressure drops and you have trouble breathing.
One popular, natural way to get rid of kissing bugs is to use a few drops of essential oils, such as citronella, which is a promising repellent according to one study. Mix with water into a spray bottle, and spray it liberally in areas where they congregate.
Anyone who suspects that they may have Chagas disease should ask their doctor to order this test. Patients who test positive for the infection should have a cardiac check-up. This is done using radiography, an electrocardiogram and occasionally an echocardiogram.
Chagas disease is not directly transmissible from person-to- person, with the exception of congenital transmission, or through casual contact with infected animals.
The triatomine bug thrives in poor housing conditions (for example, mud walls, thatched roofs), and where the bug is present, people living in rural areas are at greatest risk for getting infected.