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

## TL;DR

This study examines the prevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi infection among birthing individuals in three endemic provinces of Argentina.

## Contribution

The study provides new data on T. cruzi infection rates and the importance of confirmatory testing in pregnant individuals in endemic regions.

## Key findings

- The T. cruzi infection rate among birthing individuals was 1.9%.
- Confirmatory serology showed 77.6% positivity, 9.3% negativity, and 13.0% discordance.
- The findings emphasize the need for improved diagnostic strategies in endemic regions.

## Abstract

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.

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.

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.

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