Rapid Test and Chagas Disease: An Overview

Abstract

Chagas disease (CD) is an infectious illness with great socioeconomic impact. Historically, it has mainly affected the poor population in Latin America. However, globalization sets a new scenario, featuring an increasing CD incidence worldwide especially due to parasite transmission by infected blood in non-endemic countries. Noteworthily, CD is predominantly marked by a subclinical progression, so that for most cases, the correct diagnosis may take years, even decades, post infection. Public actions such as active search of infected people and donors screening are imperative for both identification of individual health assistance and disease control. Nonetheless, the main affected areas lack in laboratory infrastructure, resource and specialized personnel, making the use of conventional immunoassays unfeasible. Moreover, parasite genetic variability and cross-reaction with close-related infectious diseases imposes a stringent diagnosis algorithm. Thus, although rapid tests are a great option, its applicability is still restricted in the context of this disease. In this regard, this chapter will discuss the use of immunochromatographic-based assays for CD, their limitations and perspectives. The performance of commercially available kits in comparison to the conventional serologic tests will be also debated, covering their antigen selection, origin of population studied and type of samples.