Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Chagas disease?
Chagas disease is parasitic disease transmitted primarily by large, blood-sucking reduviid insects widely known as "the kissing bug." The disease is endemic in 21 countries in Latin America, where approximately 8 million people are infected. Without an adequate diagnosis and treatment, one in every four Chagas patients develops a fatal symptom of the disease, usually swelling of the heart muscle.
2. When was Chagas disease discovered?
Chagas disease and the complete life cycle and shape of the parasite were first described in 1909.
3. Where was Chagas disease discovered?
In Lassance, a small town in the country side of Minas Gerais state, Brazil.
4. Who discovered Chagas disease?
Chagas disease was discovered by Carlos Chagas, a Brazilian researcher working for the Instituto de Manguinhos (now know as the Oswaldo Cruz institute) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
5. What led Carlos Chagas to the discovery of Chagas disease?
In 1909 malaria was devastating the area north of Minas Gerais, Brazil, making the extension of the 'Central do Brasil' railway impossible. Carlos Chagas, then a young scientist, was sent to Lassance, to help in the fight against malaria. In doing so he observed the first human cases what would later be named "Chagas disease" after his discovery.
6. Why was the protozoan of the Chagas disease named Trypanosoma Cruzi?
The name Trypanosoma Cruzi is a tribute to Carlos Chagas' mentor, Dr. Oswaldo Cruz.
7. How old is the Chagas parasite?
Recent archaeological studies have found Chagas parasites Latin American humans from 9,000 years ago.
