Chagas disease, also known as American trypanosomiasis, is a tropical parasitic disease caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. It is primarily transmitted to humans through a bite that is contaminated with the feces of infected triatomine insects, also known as "kissing bugs." The disease can manifest in two phases: an acute phase with mild or no symptoms, and a chronic phase that can lead to severe complications, including heart and digestive system disorders.