CoROM cast. Wilderness, Austere, Remote and Resource-limited Medicine.

166-Chagas disease with Jason Jarvis

Oct 24, 2025

In this engaging discussion, Jason Jarvis, a former Special Forces medic and tropical medicine expert, dives deep into Chagas disease, emphasizing its alarming spread into the southern U.S. He explains the life cycle of the kissing bug and how it transmits the disease, highlighting the critical symptoms and diagnostic challenges. Jason stresses the importance of preventive measures for healthcare providers and discusses effective treatments, particularly the urgency of early intervention. This conversation offers vital insights for anyone involved in tropical medicine.

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INSIGHT

Transmission Depends On Bug Faeces

Trypanosoma cruzi is transmitted when infected kissing bug faeces enter the bite wound, not via the bite itself.
The vector prefers facial bites, explaining the "kissing bug" name and Romana's sign.

INSIGHT

Life Cycle Inside Human Host

Metacyclic trypomastigotes enter skin, transform into intracellular amastigotes, then reproduce and re-emerge as trypomastigotes in blood.
Blood trypomastigotes are visible on thin blood smear during the acute phase.

INSIGHT

Chronic Disease Is Often Sub‑Patent

After the immune response the parasite becomes sub-patent and hides as intracellular amastigotes for years.
Chronic infection causes progressive pathology that can take 5–40 years to manifest.

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This week, Aebhric talks with Jason Jarvis, a former Special Forces medic and current PhD candidate, and discusses Chagas disease, a tropical disease transmitted by the kissing bug. He explains the life cycle of the bug, the transmission of the disease, its clinical presentation, and the challenges in diagnosis and treatment. The conversation emphasises the importance of awareness and preventive measures, especially as Chagas disease is spreading to new regions, including parts of the United States. The discussion concludes with key take-home messages for healthcare providers and the need for ongoing education in tropical medicine.

Takeaways

Chagas disease is transmitted by the kissing bug, primarily in Central and South America.

The life cycle of the kissing bug involves several stages, including the transmission of the parasite through its faeces.

Clinical diagnosis is essential, especially in endemic areas where the disease is prevalent.

The acute phase of Chagas disease is easier to treat than the chronic phase, which can lead to severe complications.

Preventive measures include avoiding exposure to kissing bugs and ensuring blood products are screened for the disease.

Chagas disease can also be transmitted through blood transfusions and organ transplants.

Healthcare providers should be aware of the symptoms and risk factors associated with Chagas disease.

The disease is now spreading to parts of the continental US, raising public health concerns.

Ongoing education and awareness of tropical diseases are crucial for healthcare providers.

The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the global health implications of diseases like Chagas.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Chagas Disease and Its Relevance

02:36 Life Cycle of the Kissing Bug and Transmission of Chagas Disease

04:58 Understanding the Pathophysiology of Chagas Disease

07:31 Clinical Presentation and Diagnosis of Chagas Disease

10:18 Chronic Phase and Long-term Effects of Chagas Disease

12:41 Treatment Options and Challenges in Managing Chagas Disease

14:51 Preventive Measures and Risk Factors for Chagas Disease

17:39 Chagas Disease in the Context of Global Health

19:42 Take-Home Messages for Healthcare Providers

22:20 Future Considerations and Closing Thoughts