Infection with the protozoan parasite trypanosoma cruzi, a form of trypanosomiasis endemic in central and south america. it is named after the brazilian physician carlos chagas, who discovered the parasite. infection by the parasite (positive serologic result only) is distinguished from the clinical manifestations that develop years later, such as destruction of parasympathetic ganglia; chagas cardiomyopathy; and dysfunction of the esophagus or colon.

Chagas disease, also known as American trypanosomiasis, is a tropical parasitic disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi. It is spread mostly by insects in the subfamily Triatominae, known as "kissing bugs"...