FIND is supporting 3 retrospective, diagnostic evaluation studies of commercially available T. cruzi Lateral Flow Assays (LFAs) (aka rapid diagnostic tests – RDT), using serum samples collected in each of the 3 countries (Bolivia, Colombia and Argentina).
At least 17 LFA for T. cruzi infection are registered in endemic countries, including Bolivia, Colombia and Argentina, but there is a lack of independent performance data on these tests. The use of LFAs could improve the management of Chagas disease (CD) in endemic regions.
These 3 studies are designed to independently evaluate immunoassay tests for T. cruzi infection to generate unbiased performance data to help inform test intended use, utility, and public health decisions for CD. Index tests are commercially available lateral flow assays (LFAs) (aka rapid diagnostic tests – RDT), and the reference method is the current CD diagnostic algorithm in each country (laboratory-based tests). The data obtained independently on the performance of these LFAs will allow to inform the Public Health Authorities about the use of these tests in different epidemiological and clinical settings, and the possible use of LFAs in the detection of CD cases in regions with limited resources and point of care (POC) settings.
Partner institutions:
- Instituto Nacional de Salud (INS), Colombia - Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi), Geneva, Switzerland - FIND, Geneva, Switzerland.
- Instituto Nacional de Laboratorios de Salud (INLASA), Bolivia - FIND, Geneva, Switzerland.
- Instituto Nacional De Parasitología "Dr. Mario Fatala Chabén” (ANLIS), Argentina - FIND, Geneva, Switzerland.
