CD is primarily transmitted through vectors, specifically triatomines or kissing bugs. However, infected blood transfusions or organ donations, contamination of food and drink as well as vertical transmission can persist. Infection is characterized by three phases:

• incubation period lasting between 15-40 days
• acute phase of disease
• indeterminate phase of disease characterized by no observable symptoms
• chronic phase of disease characterized by extensive organ damage to the cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems. Chronic CD may lead to sudden death caused by stroke, brady-or-tachy arrhythmias and congestive heart failure.