Chagas disease: Current perspectives on a forgotten disease

Abstract

Chagas disease is a parasitic zoonosis caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, a protozoan whose transmission to humans is primarily vector-borne. It is estimated that 6–8 million people worldwide are infected and that 65–100 million people are at risk of becoming infected. Its clinical spectrum is very broad. During the acute phase, non-specific manifestations develop that may go unnoticed. During the chronic phase, specific manifestations develop that are diagnosed late and increase the morbidity and mortality of those suffering from it. The drugs available to treat it are partially effective, and the efforts made to develop a vaccine remain insufficient. This article reviews the most significant aspects of Chagas disease, from the discovery of the disease to the development of a vaccine, to help train general practitioners and specialists to provide timely care to those suffering from the disease.