Performance evaluation of rapid diagnostic tests for Chagas disease in Jutiapa, Guatemala

by Lange K, Marchiol A, Herazo R, Menes M, Monroy C, Rodas A, Alcántara B, Carrillo K, Pinazo MJ. Journal of the Brazilian Society of Tropical Medicine 2025, 58:e00652025. doi: 10.1590/0037-8682-0065-2025 

Summary: Chagas disease remains a public health problem in Guatemala, with ongoing transmission, both regionally and globally. Diagnosis is complex and often inaccessible. The authors of this study evaluated the performance of rapid diagnostic tests for infection with Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease, in Jutiapa. Three rapid tests were performed, and the results were compared with those of a diagnostic algorithm for chronic infection. Although all tests had high specificity, their sensitivities were suboptimal. The combined use of rapid diagnostic tests slightly improved the sensitivity, but it remained below the ideal thresholds. Further evaluation of rapid diagnostic tests is necessary to enhance access and simplify diagnostic algorithms.

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