South American trypanosomiasis

trypanosomiasis /try·pano·so·mi·a·sis/ (tri-pan″o-so-mi´ah-sis) infection with trypanosomes.

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African trypanosomiasis  human trypanosomiasis endemic in areas of tropical Africa, due to infection with Trypanosoma gambiense (Gambian t.) or T. rhodesiense (Rhodesian t.); it is transmitted by the bite of species of Glossina (tsetse flies) and in advanced stage attacks the central nervous system, resulting in meningoencephalitis that leads to lethargy, tremors, convulsions, and eventually coma and death.

South American trypanosomiasis  Chagas' disease.

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South American trypanosomiasis

n.

A form of trypanosomiasis caused by Trypanosoma cruzi and transmitted by certain species of assassin bugs. In its acute form it causes swelling of the skin at the site of entry, with regional lymph node enlargement; in its chronic form it causes various conditions, commonly cardiomyopathy. Also called Chagas disease, Cruz trypanosomiasis.

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South American trypanosomiasis.

See Chagas' disease.