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History of the discovery of the American Trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease)

Abstract:

American Trypanosomiasis was named Chagas disease in honor of its discoverer, Carlos Chagas (1878-1934). In 1909 he produced a unique and exceptional work in the history of medicine. He discovered a new species of flagellated protozoa (1) in the intestines of hematophageous insects, (2) in the blood of various domestic animals, and (3) in the blood of a little girl. This new species was called ". Trypanosoma cruzi" in honor of Professor Oswaldo Cruz. His discovery gradually spread among different Latin America countries. Salvador Mazza (Argentina) profoundly marked this history. Cecilio Romanha discovered the early pathognomonic sign of Chagas disease (the Romanha sign) and Rafael Torrico is considered to be the father of Chagas disease in Bolivia. Chagas disease, 100 years later, is still the most neglected of kinetoplastid diseases, but affected people actively argue for their rights for diagnosis and treatment through new associations in many countries.