CRUZ TRYPANOSOMIASIS Meaning and
Definition
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Cruz trypanosomiasis, also known as Chagas disease, is a tropical parasitic infection caused by the Trypanosoma cruzi protozoan. It is primarily found in Central and South America, where it is considered a major public health concern. The disease is transmitted to humans through contact with the feces of infected triatomine bugs, also known as "kissing bugs," which are commonly found in poor housing conditions.
The initial acute phase of Cruz trypanosomiasis is often mild or asymptomatic and can involve fever, fatigue, body aches, and swollen lymph nodes. However, if left untreated, the infection can progress to the chronic phase which may result in serious complications such as cardiac and digestive system damage. The chronic phase can manifest several years or even decades after the initial infection and may lead to life-threatening conditions including heart failure and megacolon.
Diagnosis of Cruz trypanosomiasis typically involves laboratory testing, such as blood smears, serological assays, or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests to detect the presence of the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite. Treatment mainly focuses on eliminating the parasite from the body and managing the associated symptoms. Antiparasitic medications, such as benznidazole or nifurtimox, are commonly prescribed for infected individuals, especially during the early stages of the disease.
Prevention and control measures are crucial in combating Cruz trypanosomiasis, including improving housing conditions to minimize contact with triatomine bugs, using insecticide-treated bed nets, spraying insecticides in dwellings, and implementing blood donation screening protocols to prevent transmission through blood transfusions.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for CRUZ TRYPANOSOMIASIS
- xruz trypanosomiasis
- vruz trypanosomiasis
- fruz trypanosomiasis
- druz trypanosomiasis
- ceuz trypanosomiasis
- cduz trypanosomiasis
- cfuz trypanosomiasis
- ctuz trypanosomiasis
- c5uz trypanosomiasis
- c4uz trypanosomiasis
- cryz trypanosomiasis
- crhz trypanosomiasis
- crjz trypanosomiasis
- criz trypanosomiasis
- cr8z trypanosomiasis
- cr7z trypanosomiasis
- crux trypanosomiasis
- crus trypanosomiasis
- crua trypanosomiasis
- cruz rrypanosomiasis
Etymology of CRUZ TRYPANOSOMIASIS
The word "Cruz trypanosomiasis" is a combination of two components: "Cruz" and "trypanosomiasis".
"Cruz" refers to the Brazilian physician, Carlos Chagas, who first described the disease in 1909. Chagas is renowned for his significant contributions to the study of tropical medicine, and his findings regarding the transmission and clinical manifestations of this particular disease.
"Trypanosomiasis" is derived from the Greek words "trypano" (meaning "borer" or "piercer") and "soma" (meaning "body"). Trypanosomiasis is a term used to describe a group of infectious diseases caused by parasitic protozoans of the Trypanosoma genus. These parasites are known for their ability to invade and inhabit the bloodstream and tissues, causing various forms of illness.
