Most people who become infected with T. cruzi do not experience symptoms during the initial acute phase of infection. For those who do show symptoms in the acute phase, treatment options include medications such as benznidazole or nifurtimox. These treatments can clear the parasite and cure the infection if given early enough. During the acute phase, which lasts up to 90 days after infection, benznidazole or nifurtimox have success rates of over 80% for curing the infection. Regular monitoring of treatment response through tests such as Giemsa-stained thick blood smears is important. Achieving cure depends on early diagnosis and initiation of treatment.

For most people, Chagas Disease Treatment progresses to the chronic phase after the initial acute symptoms subside. By this stage, symptoms can remain absent for decades despite the continued presence of T. cruzi parasites in the body. In the chronic phase, available treatments become much less effective at clearing the parasite. Benznidazole and nifurtimox may cure the infection in only 30-60% of chronic Chagas disease cases when given correctly. Due to the reduced efficacy, treatment decisions in chronic Chagas disease require careful consideration of risks and benefits on a case-by-case basis.

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