Immunohistochemical techniques are fundamental to confirm the parasite's identity. Arrhythmias and heart failure may occur due to myocardial involvement. Endocavitary biopsy, when available, may confirm the diagnosis. Direct detection of the parasite in the blood, pericardial fluid blood cultures and biopsies of infected tissues are the main ways to confirm diagnosis. Benznidazol and nifurtimox are both effective in the treatment of disease reactivation in the immunosuppressed.
Side effects are common, especially dermatitis, agranulocytosis and peripheral neuropathy.
Prognosis is not good and the majority die between 10 to 20 days after the initial diagnosis. In the last two decades, numerous protozoa have been identified as the cause of intestinal infection in immunosuppressed patients, particularly in those who have Aids. All are acquired orally through contaminated food and water. In Aids patients, these protozoa produce chronic diarrhea leading to malabsorption, weight loss, and dehydration. Biliary tract infections caused by these pathogens have been reported in the literature, such as acute cholecystitis and sclerosing cholangitis, have already been observed predominately in the course of Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora and microsporidia infections.