Trypanosoma cruzi infection status in birthing individuals in three endemic provinces of Argentina: a descriptive cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND

Chagas disease remains a public health challenge with underexplored prevalence and diagnosis in endemic areas. We assessed Trypanosoma cruzi infection screening among birthing individuals in three endemic provinces in northern Argentina.

METHODS

T. cruzi-seropositive birthing individuals with at least one positive or indeterminate test were enrolled during the postpartum period to confirm seropositivity by indirect hemagglutination (IHA) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISA) assays.

RESULTS

Among 40,035 deliveries, the T. cruzi infection rate was 1.9%. Confirmatory serology revealed 77.6% positivity, 9.3% negativity, and 13.0% discordance.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings highlight the need for confirmatory testing and improved diagnostic strategies in endemic regions.