Trypanosoma cruzi (PCR)

EDTA Blood, 1ml

Trypanosoma cruzi is a species of parasitic eucaryotic unicellular organism which is endemic in south american countries. The parasite generally circulates between blood-sucking predatory bugs of the subfamily Triatominae, also knwon as "kissing bugs", and a variety of mammal species including domestic animals.

One to two weeks after the bite of the triatomine bugs and associated transmission of the protozoan, the early stage of disease develops, which is ypically asymptomatic or only with mild symptoms and may include fever, swollen lymph nodes, headaches, or general malaise. Sometimes, people develop a swollen nodule at the site of infection, indicating the insect bite and the possibility of parasitic transmission.

After four to eight weeks, untreated individuals enter the chronic phase of disease, which in most cases does not result in further symptoms. Up to 45% of people with chronic infections develop heart disease 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% people with chronic infection, and up to 10% may experience nerve damage.