Which disease is marked by a parasitic infection that can lead to cardiac complications?

Chagas' disease is caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, primarily transmitted by the bite of infected triatomine bugs. This disease is notable for its potential to cause significant cardiac complications late in the course of infection. After an initial acute phase, which may be asymptomatic or exhibit mild symptoms, many individuals go on to develop chronic Chagas' disease. This chronic phase can lead to serious cardiac manifestations such as cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias, and even heart failure. The damage to the heart results from direct invasion of the cardiac tissues by the parasite as well as immune-mediated damage.

In contrast, while filariasis involves various parasitic infections that can lead to lymphatic complications, it does not primarily entail cardiac issues. Leishmaniasis is associated with skin lesions and visceral disease but does not have a significant cardiac component. Malaria, caused by Plasmodium species, primarily affects the blood and can lead to severe anemia and multi-organ dysfunction; however, it does not specifically lead to direct cardiac complications like those seen in Chagas' disease. Therefore, Chagas' disease stands out due to its specific association with cardiac complications attributed to Trypanosoma cruzi infection.