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

• Main Authors: Marina Vera-Ku, Guillermo Meza-González, Yves Carlier, Carine Truyens, Rubí Gamboa-León
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical (SBMT)
• Series: Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical
• Subjects: Microhematocrit test; Trypanosoma cruzi; Capillary tube test; T. cruzi diagnostic methods
• Online Access: http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0037-86822019000100671&lng=en&tlng=en
• ISSN: 1678-9849

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.