Chagas disease is caused by which organism?

Study for the Introduction to Parasitology Test. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each question offers hints and explanations. Prepare for your exam thoroughly!

Multiple Choice

Chagas disease is caused by which organism?

Explanation:
Chagas disease is caused by a flagellated protozoan transmitted to humans mainly through the bite of blood-sucking triatomine insects found in the Americas. The parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi, passes between vectors and vertebrate hosts and can cause an acute illness with fever and eye swelling, while chronic infection may damage the heart and digestive tract. This organism is distinct from the others listed: Plasmodium falciparum causes malaria; Leishmania donovani causes visceral leishmaniasis; Giardia lamblia causes giardiasis. The geographic distribution and the vector mode of transmission are important clues that point to Trypanosoma cruzi as the cause of Chagas disease.

Chagas disease is caused by a flagellated protozoan transmitted to humans mainly through the bite of blood-sucking triatomine insects found in the Americas. The parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi, passes between vectors and vertebrate hosts and can cause an acute illness with fever and eye swelling, while chronic infection may damage the heart and digestive tract. This organism is distinct from the others listed: Plasmodium falciparum causes malaria; Leishmania donovani causes visceral leishmaniasis; Giardia lamblia causes giardiasis. The geographic distribution and the vector mode of transmission are important clues that point to Trypanosoma cruzi as the cause of Chagas disease.

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