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The chronic gastrointestinal manifestations of Chagas disease

Nilce Mitiko Matsuda1, Steven M Miller, Paulo R Barbosa Evora

  • 1Departamento de Anatomia e Cirurgia, Universidade de São Paulo - Ribeirão Preto/SP, Brazil. nmmatsuda@uol.com.br

Clinics (Sao Paulo, Brazil)
|December 29, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, primarily impacts the nervous, digestive, and cardiac systems. This review details chronic gastrointestinal issues stemming from T. cruzi

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Gastroenterology
  • Parasitology

Background:

  • Chagas disease is an infectious illness caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi.
  • It predominantly affects the nervous, digestive, and cardiac systems.
  • Chronic gastrointestinal manifestations are a significant concern in Chagas disease patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and synthesize existing literature on the chronic gastrointestinal manifestations of Chagas disease.
  • To elucidate the primary causes and affected anatomical sites of gastrointestinal involvement.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature review of studies concerning Chagas disease and its gastrointestinal effects.
  • Analysis of anatomical locations and pathological mechanisms involved in chronic gastrointestinal symptoms.

Main Results:

  • Chronic gastrointestinal issues in Chagas disease are primarily due to enteric nervous system damage from T. cruzi.
  • Commonly affected sites include the salivary glands, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, gallbladder, and biliary tree.
  • Associations with Helicobacter pylori, interstitial cells of Cajal, and gastrointestinal cancer incidence have been noted.

Conclusions:

  • Trypanosoma cruzi infection leads to significant chronic gastrointestinal manifestations via enteric nervous system impairment.
  • Understanding these manifestations is crucial for managing Chagas disease patients.
  • Further research into associated factors like H. pylori and cancer risk is warranted.

Keywords:
Chagas disease, Trypanosoma cruziEnteric nervous systemGastrointestinal tractMotility disorders

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