<unk> , also known as American trypanosomiasis, is a tropical parasitic<unk>  caused by Trypanosoma cruzi. It is spread mostly by insects in the subfamily Triatominae, known as "kissing bugs". The symptoms change over the course of the infection. In the early stage, symptoms are typically either not present or mild, and may include fever, swollen lymph nodes, headaches, or swelling at the site of the bite. After four to eight weeks, untreated individuals enter the chronic phase of<unk> , which in most cases does not result in further symptoms. Up to 45% of people with chronic infections develop heart<unk>  10–30 years after the initial illness, which can lead to heart failure. Digestive complications, including an enlarged esophagus or an enlarged colon, may also occur in up to 21% of people, and up to 10% of people may experience nerve damage. is commonly spread to humans and other mammals by the bite of a kissing bug. The<unk>  may also be spread through blood transfusion, organ transplantation, consuming food or drink contaminated with the parasites, and vertical transmission (from a mother to her baby). Diagnosis of early<unk>  is by finding the parasite in the blood using a microscope or detecting its DNA by polymerase chain reaction. Chronic<unk>  is diagnosed by finding antibodies for in the blood. Prevention focuses on eliminating kissing bugs and avoiding their bites. This may involve the use of insecticides or bed-nets. Other preventive efforts include screening blood used for transfusions. , a vaccine has not been developed. Early infections are treatable with the medications benznidazole or nifurtimox, which usually cure the<unk>  if given shortly after the person is infected, but become less effective the longer a person has had<unk> . When used in chronic<unk> , medication may delay or prevent the development of end-stage symptoms. Benznidazole and nifurtimox often cause side effects, including skin disorders, digestive system irritation, and neurological symptoms, which can result in treatment being discontinued. , new drugs for<unk>  are under development, and experimental vaccines have been studied in animal models. It is estimated that 6.5 million people, mostly in Mexico, Central America and South America, have<unk>  as of 2019, resulting in approximately 9,490 annual deaths. Most people with the<unk>  are poor, and most do not realize they are infected. Large-scale population migrations have carried<unk>  to new regions, which include the United States and many European countries. The<unk>  affects more than 150 types of animals. The<unk>  was first described in 1909 by Brazilian physician Carlos<unk> , after whom it is named.<unk>  is classified as a neglected tropical<unk> .
Chagas disease
Loa loa filariasis
Cyclosporiasis
Tylosis
Isosporiasis
Cryptosporidiosis
Paragonimiasis
Strongyloidiasis