Chagas Disease: Diagnosis and Treatment

Chagas disease is a tropical disease which is caused by a parasite known as Trypanosoma cruzi. The symptoms do not manifest themselves in the early stages of the disease. Severe cases of this disease can result in heart diseases and digestive complications. Infection can be caused by a kissing bug's bite. It can spread from one person to another through organ transplantation, blood transfusion, vertical transmission and consumption of contaminated food. The diagnosis of Chagas disease is conducted by examining fresh anticoagulated blood under a microscope. The parasites can also be viewed directly by staining thin and thick blood smears with Giemsa. The treatment of this disease involves antiparasitic drugs and symptomatic treatment. This book is a compilation of chapters that discuss the most vital concepts and emerging trends related to the diagnosis and treatment of Chagas disease. It aims to shed light on some of the unexplored aspects of this disease and the recent researches in this field. This book will serve as a reference to a broad spectrum of readers.