Final answer:
American trypanosomiasis is referred to as Chagas disease, caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi and transmitted by kissing bugs.
Step-by-step explanation:
American trypanosomiasis is also referred to as Chagas disease. This disease is a zoonosis that falls under the category of neglected tropical diseases (NTD). It's caused by the flagellated protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi and transmitted to animals and humans primarily through the feces of triatomine bugs, commonly known as kissing bugs.
These bugs can bite humans on the face or around the eyes while they sleep, defecate near the bite, and the infected fecal matter can then enter the bloodstream if rubbed into the bite wound.
While the initial bite may not cause immediate symptoms, Chagas disease can eventually lead to serious health issues, including heart and digestive system damage, potentially resulting in malnutrition and heart failure.