Chagas disease

Chagas disease is a disease of humans and other mammals caused by a protozoan parasite. The parasite is transmitted by an insect vector, specifically blood-sucking bugs in the family Reduviidae.

People with Chagas disease may exhibit only mild symptoms initially. However, over time, the disease can result in heart disease, liver problems and even death.

A photograph of the assassin bug Triatoma infestans which is the most important vector for Chagas disease.
Photograph by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, United States Federal Government.

Related terms

• Assassin bug
• Hemiptera
• Heteroptera
• Vector
• Zoonosis

Related pages on this web site

• Heteroptera

See other words beginning with C