MIMM 413 Lecture : jan 16 2012- Dr. matlashewski.docx
15 May 2012
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Document Summary
Disease that is largely eliminated but is still a problem in many countries (india, nepal, etc). Caused by a bacteria in the mycobacteria family. Named after carlos chagas who discovered the disease in 1909. It is only present in south america (so it is very specific to the new world). It is transmitted by the beetle, and it generally bites during the night, feeding on blood. It most commonly bites in the region of the eye, causing swelling. Trypanosomiasis causes headaches, fever, etc (acute phase), and then the disease gets into the chronic phase which can last for 20-30 years. Only 10-20% of those infected when young get chronic phase (large intestine, liver, heart problems). At this point, the only cure is a heart transplant. It is hard to find a cure for a disease that last 20-30 years until you get symptoms, therefore the best way to manage the disease is to spray to get rid of the beetles.
