n. a genus of large bloodsucking bugs (see reduviid). P. megistus is important in transmitting *Chagas’ disease to humans in Brazil.
Chagas’ disease, or American trypanosomiasis, is a disease widespread in Central and South America, and caused by the Trypanosoma cruzi. The disease 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 e?ective drug treatment. (See also SLEEPING SICKNESS.)... chagas’ disease
Blood sucking hemipterans found in Latin America and which serve as vectors for Trypanosoma cruzi, the cause of Chagas’ Disease. These insects are also known as ‘cone nose bugs’, ‘assassin bugs’ or ‘triatomids’. They belong to the family Reduviidae and the genera Rhodnius and Triatoma, Panstrongylus amongst others.... reduviid bugs
n. any one of a group of winged insects (Reduviidae) whose mouthparts – adapted for piercing and sucking – take the form of a long proboscis that is tucked beneath the head when not in use. Some South American genera, notably Panstrongylus, Rhodnius, and Triatoma – the kissing bugs, are nocturnal bloodsucking insects that transmit the parasite causing *Chagas’ disease.... reduviid
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