Final answer:
Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, is transmitted by kissing bugs and can have varying symptoms depending on the stage of infection.
Step-by-step explanation:
Chagas disease, also known as American trypanosomiasis, is caused by the flagellated protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. The disease is primarily transmitted by triatomine bugs, commonly known as 'kissing bugs.' These bugs bite humans, depositing their infected feces on the bite wound, leading to infection.
The basic symptoms of Chagas disease can vary depending on the stage of the infection. In the acute phase, symptoms may include fever, headache, rash, vomiting, and diarrhea. In the chronic phase, the infection can affect the heart and digestive system, leading to malnutrition, heart failure, and abnormal heart rhythms.