Chagas Disease

“Chagas Disease is caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. Originally it was traditionally considered to be endemic in Central and South America but more recently has seen increased incidence in North America [1]. Current estimates suggest that more 7 million are infected with the disease worldwide (primarily in Latin America), with an additional 100 million people considered to be at risk [2]. T. cruzi is primarily spread by kissing bugs (or triatomines). Infection occurs via exposure to faeces/urine containing parasites which can be introduced via bite wounds, exposure to mucous membranes, or through ingestion of contaminated food or drink [2]. Chagas disease can also be transmitted through contaminated blood transfusions and organ transplantations, congenital and postnatal infections, and laboratory accidents [2].

Chagas Disease has two phases: acute and chronic. The acute phase typically presents with little to no symptoms but if left untreated can progress into the chronic phase that can present as cardiac and/or gastrointestinal disease [3]. Without early effective treatment, the infection may persist for a lifetime, potentially resulting in cardiac, neural and digestive disorders that lead, in some cases, to sudden death [2,3]. In the acute phase, the disease is typically managed using the drugs benznidazole and nifurtimox, developed by Bayer and Roche, respectively, over 40 years ago [4]. However, both of these drugs are known to produce side effects which cause one in five patients to abandon/discontinue treatment [5]. New treatment strategies and vaccines are still under development but there is currently no effective treatment to eliminate the disease in the chronic stage [4,6,7]. Early diagnosis and treatment during the asymptomatic period are essential for effective cure and can also potentially prevent congenital transmission as well as progression to the chronic phase [2].

Our work aims to address the need for increased awareness of Chagas disease. Our current research is focused on the curation of datasets and creation of habitat suitability maps to assist public health organizations and healthcare providers in identifying the disease and aid in the development of new strategies for screening in areas of the world where the disease is emerging.

1. Forsyth, C, et al. Climate change and Trypanosoma cruzi transmission in North and central America. Lancet Microbe. 2024 Oct;5(10):100946
2. WHO Chagas disease (American trypanosomiasis): https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/chagas-disease-(american-trypanosomiasis) (accessed March 12, 2026)
3. Zingales, B, et al. The revised Trypanosoma cruzi subspecific nomenclature: rationale, epidemiological relevance and research applications. Infect Genet Evol. 2012 Mar;12(2):240-53.
4. Infection, Genetics and Evolution 12.2 (2012): 240-253.
5. Lascano, F, et al., Review of pharmacological options for the treatment of Chagas disease Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2022 Feb;88(2):383-402.
6. Higuita, NIA., et al. Chagas disease in the United States: a call for increased investment and collaborative research. The Lancet Regional Health–Americas. 2024;34.
7. Dumonteil, E, et al. Safety and preservation of cardiac function following therapeutic vaccination against Trypanosoma cruzi in rhesus macaques. Journal of Microbiology, Immunology and Infection. 2023;56(2):400–407.
8. Jones KM, et al. Preclinical advances and the immunophysiology of a new therapeutic Chagas disease vaccine. Expert Review of Vaccines. 2022;21(9):1185–1203. “