We have continued our efforts to increase access to Chagas disease diagnosis and treatment, particularly in endemic areas.
Research
As part of the NHEPACHA Network – a group of Chagas disease experts from the Americas and Europe – we played a leading role in two key studies published in 2024. The first provides a guide to establish biological samples repositories (1) and the second presents a clinical database to enhance Chagas disease research (2).
Diagnosis
Our proof-of-concept study using the innovative PrintrLab-based LAMP assay supports its potential for the timely detection of infected neonates in maternities of the highly endemic Chaco region. These findings lay the groundwork for its evaluation in other regions in Latin America (3).
Treatment
Findings from the FEXI12 study – a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, phase 2 trial performed in Spain under our coordination – indicate that further research is needed to develop alternative drug options (4).
Capacity strengthening
In collaboration with cardiology colleagues at Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Fundación SANIT and Novartis Global Health, we reinforced cardiovascular care at Hospital Fray Quebracho in Yacuiba, the main city of Bolivia’s Gran Chaco province. This included the delivery of an echocardiograph and laboratory equipment.
Outreach
An exhibition showcasing our work to strengthen the health system’s capacity to manage Chagas disease in the Paraguayan Chaco was displayed in Asunción. It is now hosted at the Madrid headquarters of the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) which, along with the Probitas Foundation, funded the activities.
References
- Martínez-Peinado N et al. PLoS Negl Trop Dis.
- González Martínez A et al. PLoS Negl Trop Dis.
- Rojas Paozo L et al. Lancet Microbe.
- Pinazo MJ et al. Lancet Infect Dis.
