Changas Disease

• Caused by a protozoa Trypanosoma cruzi
• About 16 – 19 M people are infected; 50, 000 die each year (CDC/DPD, 2004).
• Mostly in Latin American countries. In 1990’s WHO ranked it as the most serious parasitic disease in Latin America.
• Trypanosoma cruzi, the protozoan parasite, enters the body through broken skin; Spread by reduvid bugs (kissing bug).
• Transmitted vertically from mother during pregnancy or at birth (CDC, 2004).
• Receipt of an infected blood transfusion or organ transplant (CDC, 2004).
• Contact with eyes, mouth, or open cuts after contact with insect feces; Eating uncooked food, contaminated with insect feces.