Comparison of methodologies for detecting Trypanosoma cruzi parasites by microscopic observation of microhematocrit capillary tubes

Abstract INTRODUCTION: The microscopic examination of microhematocrit tubes (mHCT) has been proposed as the gold standard for acute and congenital Chagas disease diagnosis. We compared different mHCT methodologies detecting T. cruzi parasites in the blood. METHODS: The rotating method, water mount,...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Published in:Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical
Main Authors: Marina Vera-Ku, Guillermo Meza-González, Yves Carlier, Carine Truyens, Rubí Gamboa-León
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical (SBMT)
Subjects:
Microhematocrit test
Trypanosoma cruzi
Capillary tube test
T. cruzi diagnostic methods
Arctic medicine. Tropical medicine
RC955-962
Arctic
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1590/0037-8682-0505-2018
https://doaj.org/article/5f3b474190ab4200b0a484edec3d8663
Description
Summary:Abstract INTRODUCTION: The microscopic examination of microhematocrit tubes (mHCT) has been proposed as the gold standard for acute and congenital Chagas disease diagnosis. We compared different mHCT methodologies detecting T. cruzi parasites in the blood. METHODS: The rotating method, water mount, and immersion oil methods were compared for their suitability, sensitivity, and specificity. RESULTS: The rotating method was easier, faster, and more sensitive than the others with 100% specificity. CONCLUSIONS: The rotating method is feasible for laboratory technicians with standard training in microscopic techniques and is recommended for the diagnosis of acute Chagas disease in primary health care facilities.

Similar Items