Romana's Sign and the Chagoma in Chagas Disease

 

When the reduviid bug feeds on a host it passes feces filled with parasites. If the victim rubs the site then the parasites are forced into the bite wound or a mucosal surface like the conjunctiva.

 

The chagoma is formed at the site where trypanosomes invade the host. It shows:

(1) inflammation with edema

(2) proliferating leishmanial forms of Trypanosoma cruzi

 

The most common site of inoculation is around the eye. Romana's sign consists of:

(1) edema of the eyelid, which may extend into surrounding tissues

(2) unilateral conjunctivitis of the corresponding eye

(3) dacrocystitis (inflammation of the lacrimal gland)

(4) fever

(5) regional lymphadenitis.