Evaluation of a rapid test for serological diagnosis of Chagas disease, in Mendoza, Argentina

Abstract

Chagas disease, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, poses a public health problem in our country.1 Lack of appropriate diagnostic methods makes it a medical challenge. In this way, the serological diagnosis, according to current regulations in Argentina,2 must be performed by at least two tests based on different antigens in different formats, simultaneously, on the same serum sample. The most commonly used combination is Indirect HaemagglutinationEnzyme Immunoassay (HAI-EIA). If the result of these initial tests are conflicting (one test positive and the other negative), indirect immunofluorescence test (IIF) can be used.6 These tests are extensively used in the Laboratorio de Referencia de Enfermedades Transmisibles (LRET) (Reference Laboratory of Transmissible Diseases) Centro Coni, located in Mendoza, Argentina) since it is the provincial reference laboratory on diagnosis of this infection. The mentioned methods require specialized equipment, not always available in small laboratories or when conducting studies in field condition. The lateral flow immunochromatographic (IC) technique, used in the rapid diagnostics test design for various infectious diseases, could provide a practical and simple solution to these diagnostic needs, and has been recommended by Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), as a single test, for field surveys. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of a rapid diagnostic test for infection by Trypanosoma cruzi, in pre-characterized samples.