The eponym for American trypanosomiasis, a disease widespread in Central and South America, and caused by the Trypanosoma cruzi. It is transmitted by the biting bugs, Panstrongylus megistus and Triatoma infestans. It occurs in an acute and a chronic form. The former, which is most common in children, practically always affects the heart, and the prognosis is poor. The chronic form is commonest in adolescents and young adults and the outcome depends upon the extent to which the heart is involved. There is no effective drug treatment. (See also SLEEPING SICKNESS.)