Chagas disease: recombinant Trypanosoma cruzi antigens for serological diagnosis

Trends Parasitol. 2001 Jun;17(6):286-91. doi: 10.1016/s1471-4922(01)01897-9.

Abstract

Diagnosis of individuals infected by Trypanosoma cruzi is performed mainly by serological tests using crude antigens, which might crossreact with other infections. In the past ten years, many recombinant T. cruzi proteins and synthetic peptides have been described, and some are already on the market. Managers of laboratories and blood banks need to make decisions on a cost-benefit basis whether to include these new-generation tests. Here, we indicate antigens that are likely to prove most useful.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigens, Protozoan / immunology*
  • Blood Banks
  • Chagas Disease / diagnosis*
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Humans
  • Multicenter Studies as Topic
  • Reagent Kits, Diagnostic / economics
  • Recombinant Proteins / immunology
  • Serologic Tests / methods
  • Trypanosoma cruzi / immunology*
  • World Health Organization

Substances

  • Antigens, Protozoan
  • Reagent Kits, Diagnostic
  • Recombinant Proteins