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THE USE OF RAPID DIAGNOSTIC TESTS FOR CHRONIC CHAGAS DISEASE: AN EXPERT MEETING REPORT
Author
Affilliation
Pan American Health Organization. Communicable Diseases Prevention, Control, and Elimination Department. Washington, DC, USA / Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre. Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
Oswaldo Cruz Foundation. Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
Pan American Health Organization. Communicable Diseases Prevention, Control, and Elimination Department. Washington, DC, USA.
Pan American Health Organization. Communicable Diseases Prevention, Control, and Elimination Department. Washington, DC, USA.
Oswaldo Cruz Foundation. Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases. Chagas Disease Clinical Research Laboratory. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil / Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. School of Medicine. Department of Internal Medicine. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
Oswaldo Cruz Foundation. Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
Pan American Health Organization. Communicable Diseases Prevention, Control, and Elimination Department. Washington, DC, USA.
Pan American Health Organization. Communicable Diseases Prevention, Control, and Elimination Department. Washington, DC, USA.
Oswaldo Cruz Foundation. Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases. Chagas Disease Clinical Research Laboratory. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil / Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. School of Medicine. Department of Internal Medicine. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
Abstract
Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, affects millions of people globally and is associated with significant underdiagnosis and undertreatment. Current diagnostic algorithms face challenges in remote regions. We aimed to review the potential of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for screening or diagnosing chronic Chagas disease in endemic areas. An expert panel representing scientific and academic institutions from the Americas convened with the aim of discussing the use of RDTs. The study employed the nominal group technique, gathering insights from diverse experts during a 3-day meeting. Panel discussions covered RDT application, research protocols, and regulatory mechanisms. The results indicate that RDTs play a crucial role in surveillance and screening, although limitations in sensitivity and specificity exist. The expert group recommends standardized protocols, emphasizes the importance of cost-effectiveness assessments, and highlights the need to consider geographic validation. Despite these challenges, RDTs present a promising avenue for improving Chagas disease diagnosis in resource-limited settings. Future research and a collaborative approach are deemed essential for effective implementation.
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