Chagas disease: clinical, epidemiological and pathophysiological aspects

Abstract

Objective: To perform a bibliographic review on the main epidemiological, clinical and pathophysiological characteristics of Chagas disease. Bibliographic review: A bibliographic analysis was carried out on the databases linked to the Virtual Health Library, Pubmed and Collection +. Chagas disease is caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi and is considered a public and social health problem, as it is characterized as part of the identity of poverty and mistreatment of health conditions, affecting vulnerable populations, especially those with low visibility and little political voice, triggering processes of stigma and discrimination. Furthermore, it is a condition that has an important impact on morbidity and mortality and is relatively neglected by researchers. it occurs preferentially in men and in rural areas in the age group between 19 and 59 years of age. Final considerations: We emphasize the importance of health education to inform the population about the transmission of the disease and care related to prevention. Still, it is necessary that further studies are carried out, especially in elderly patients over 60 years of age, in view of the greater importance of infection in this age group associated with comorbidities.