- Dorsal view of Triatoma infestans, a vector for American trypanosomiasis - Reprinted with permission from Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization
Chagas disease, or American trypanosomiasis, is a curable parasitic infection. However, there has been considerable progress over the decades to prevent its transmission to humans. The triatomine bugs which spread this condition tend to occupy mud, straw, adobe, and palm thatch houses. Eleven species of this insect vector are present in the United States, and the disease transmits in impoverished communities there and in Latin America (Centers for Disease Control, 2010).
These insects also reside beneath porches, between rocky structures, under cement in rock, wood, brush piles, or beneath bark. Rodent nests, animal burrows, outdoor dog houses or kennels, and chicken coops or houses are also likely places where the bugs may settle. Some homes will harbor the triatomine bug under or near mattresses or night stands in bedrooms.
The insect feeds at night on the blood of birds, reptiles, and mammals.
Insecticides and Insect Repellents
The prevention of this disease, therefore, will entail the use of insecticides, through professional pest control, in houses and areas that surround the residence. Home improvement measures will lessen the spread of the infestation. Humans should utilize insecticide treated bednets to prevent transmission of the parasite to them at night. Protective clothing and insect repellents are beneficial as well.
People who travel to areas where the disease is endemic should sleep indoors where screens or air-conditioning is available.
Since American trypanosomiasis can transmit via the consumption of food which contains the feces of triatomine bugs, one must always cook food thoroughly. Similarly, the transport and storage of food are important as hygienic measures will lessen the possibility of disease transmission.
Chagas disease can transmit through blood transfusions, and all donors must undergo screening. If the tests are positive for this medical condition, the blood bank will have to discard the blood or blood products, and the individual should never donate blood again. The screening of blood will protect blood transfusion recipients from acquisition of the infection.
Organ donation is another reason to screen for Chagas disease, and the organ tissue must undergo tests before the transplant takes place.
Mother-to-child Transmission
Newborns must have screening whenever their mothers have American trypanosomiasis. Moreover, if a child in the household has this parasitic infection, the siblings require tests as well in order to make the diagnosis as early as possible. Mothers who have Chagas disease can breastfeed the baby as long as their nipples do not have cracks or bloody discharge.
If cracks or bloody discharge from the mother’s breasts are present, she should pump the breast milk and discard it until the breasts have completely healed.
Finally, it is possible to acquire this disease through accidental laboratory exposure. Hence, laboratory workers must be careful to avoid contact and acquisition of the parasite.
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control. (2010). Parasites—American trypanosomiasis (also known as Chagas disease). Retrieved January 27, 2012.
- World Health Organization. (2010). Chagas disease (American trypanosomiasis). Retrieved January 27, 2012.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact their physician for advice.
Michael Koger - Dr. Koger obtained his medical education at Meharry Medical College and specialized in Internal Medicine.
