A patient who presents at the hospital office with symptoms of Chagas disease, i.e., an irregular heartbeat, inflamed/enlarged heart (cardiomyopathy), and congestive heart failure, could be infected with which of the following parasites?

Question

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Chagas disease is caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, which is transmitted by blood-sucking triatomine bugs (also known as kissing bugs) found mainly in Latin America. The symptoms of Chagas disease can affect the heart, digestive system, and nervous system. Irregular heartbeat, cardiomyopathy, and congestive heart failure are all common cardiac symptoms of Chagas disease. The other choices (A, B, D, and E) are associated with different parasitic infections that do not typically cause Chagas disease symptoms.

A Patient Who Presents at the Hospital Office with Symptoms