Which organ does Chagas disease affect? ​​This is how it damages you.

Chagas disease, also known as American trypanosomiasis , is a parasitic disease endemic to Colombia, transmitted by the triatomine bug, also known as "vinchuca" or "pito." In this context, many wonder which organ is most affected when this infection occurs.

According to Mediline Plus, the disease, caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, primarily affects the heart. This is because the aforementioned parasite has a tropism (biological affinity) for cardiac muscle cells (myocytes). Damage occurs through several mechanisms:

- Direct infection of myocytes: the parasite invades and destroys the muscle cells of the heart.

- Dysregulated immune response: The host's immune system attacks both the parasite and the cardiac tissue, causing chronic myocarditis.

- Progressive fibrosis: functional tissue is replaced by collagen, which alters electrical conduction and myocardial contraction.

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This causes:

- Ventricular dilation- Ventricular arrhythmias- Congestive heart failure

- Risk of sudden death

What organs of the body does Chagas affect?

Two other organs that need to be treated are, first and foremost, the esophagus. However, the damage doesn't occur directly due to the destruction of the esophageal muscle, but rather through the effect of T. cruzi on Auerbach's myenteric plexus, part of the enteric nervous system.

Destruction of autonomic neurons: The parasite damages inhibitory neurons that control smooth muscle relaxation.

- Loss of peristaltic coordination: prevents the proper passage of food.

- Secondary achalasia and progressive dilation of the esophagus : what generates the "megaesophagus".

This explains symptoms such as dysphagia, regurgitation, retrosternal pain and weight loss.

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On the other hand, pertinent observations should be made regarding the colon. Similar to the esophagus, it is also affected by damage to the neurons of the enteric nervous system, especially in the sigmoid colon and rectum: - Destruction of inhibitory enteric neurons: causes loss of motility. - Progressive accumulation of feces: due to slow transit, leading to severe constipation. - Distension and elongation of the colon: known as megacolon.

In advanced cases there may be:

- Volvulus (twisting of the intestine) - Perforation - Intestinal blood flow compromise. These three organs should be monitored, especially in the chronic phase of the disease, which can develop even decades after the initial infection. Follow-up should include a cardiological evaluation (ECG, echocardiogram), swallowing studies, and intestinal transit studies, depending on the symptoms. (READ: A gardening expert reveals the secret ingredient to reviving plants)