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

Background:   Chagas disease remains a public health problem in Guatemala, with ongoing transmission, both regionally and globally. Diagnosis is complex and often inaccessible. This study evaluated the performance of rapid diagnostic tests for Trypanosoma cruzi infection in Jutiapa.

Methods:   Three rapid tests were performed, and the results were compared with those of a diagnostic algorithm for chronic infection.

Results:   Although all tests had high specificity, their sensitivities were suboptimal. The combined use of RDTs (Rapid Diagnostic Tests) slightly improved the sensitivity, but it remained below the ideal thresholds.

Conclusions:   Further evaluation of RDTs is necessary to enhance access and simplify diagnostic algorithms.

Keywords:
Chagas Disease; Rapid diagnostic tests; Equity in access to health services.