# External Quality Assessment as a strategy for Chagas disease surveillance: a study in four municipalities of Pernambuco

## TL;DR

This study used an external quality assessment to evaluate how well health labs in Pernambuco identify insects that spread Chagas disease.

## Contribution

The study demonstrates the effectiveness of EQA in improving taxonomic identification for Chagas disease surveillance.

## Key findings

- EQA revealed 68% accuracy in species identification by health laboratories.
- Labs had difficulty distinguishing morphologically similar species like those in the genus Rhodnius.
- The study highlights the need for ongoing training to improve identification accuracy.

## Abstract

Triatomines are hematophagous insects that act as vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease. External Quality Assessment (EQA) is a tool used for monitoring and improving taxonomic identification activities performed by the health laboratories in Brazil.

EQA were conducted in four municipalities in the state of Pernambuco. Boxes containing a panel of 12 adult Hemiptera specimens (male and female) were sent for species identification.

The results revealed 68% accuracy, with difficulty for morphologically similar species, such as those of the genus Rhodnius.

EQA is essential for monitoring laboratory performance, highlighting the need for ongoing training.