Screening strategies for Chagas Disease: evaluation of a field diagnostic algorithm in Santiago del Estero

Introduction: Chagas disease is one of the main endemic diseases in Latin America, affecting between 6 and 7 million people and causing approximately 12,000 deaths annually. Although antiparasitic treatment is effective in acute and chronic stages, only 10% of patients are diagnosed and only 1% receive timely treatment. In Argentina, an estimated 1.5 million people are affected by the infection, and progress has been made in reducing cases thanks to different public health interventions. Methods: In Robles, Santiago del Estero, a diagnostic algorithm was implemented using rapid tests (RT) in the field, venous extraction of positive samples and approximately 10% of negative samples, and processing using conventional serology (CS) to improve access to diagnosis in at-risk populations. Results: This algorithm enabled serological diagnosis of CD for 1,380 people between November 2021 and June 2022 in the department of Robles, confirming 48 infected individuals through SC, with an estimated loss of 4 or 5 seropositive individuals. Conclusions: The strategy proved effective, with a low patient loss rate and improved access to diagnosis, especially for women of childbearing age. Implementing PR can facilitate diagnosis in resource-limited and difficult-to-reach areas, contributing to the control of this endemic disease.