Trypanosomiasis caused by
Trypanosoma (or Schizotrypanum) cruzi and transmitted by determined
species of reduviid (triatomine) bugs. In its
acute form, it is seen most frequently in
young children, with swelling of the
skin at the
site of entry, most often the person, and
regional lymph knot enlargement; in its
chronic form it can taking different aspects, commonly cardiomyopathy,
but megacolon and
megaesophagus also occur;
natural reservoirs include dogs, armadillos, rodents, and another domestic, domiciliated, and
wild mammals.
Synonym: Chagas' malady, Chagas-Cruz malady, Cruz trypanosomiasis.