Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 1, 2026
13:55
Sexual Transmission of American Trypanosomes from Males and Females to Naive Mates
Published on: January 27, 2019
15.6K
Community-based serological screening for Chagas disease in London: a cross-sectional, observational pilot study
Natalie Elkheir1,2,3, Liliana Sanchez Zelaya3, Laura Valderrama Penagos3
1Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
BMJ Public Health
|November 3, 2025
Summary
Community screening effectively identified Chagas disease (CD) in London
Area of Science:
- Tropical Medicine
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Chagas disease (CD) is a growing public health concern in non-endemic regions.
- The UK has a significant Latin American population but lacks formal CD screening.
- This study addresses the need for accessible CD detection in migrant communities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To co-design and evaluate a community-based Chagas disease screening initiative.
- To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of point-of-care tests (POCTs) for CD screening.
- To improve linkage to care for individuals diagnosed with Chagas disease.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional, observational pilot study was conducted.
- Screening utilized questionnaires and finger-prick lateral flow assays (POCTs) for IgG to *Trypanosoma cruzi*.
- Testing occurred at nine community events in London, targeting Latin American migrants.
Main Results:
- 24% of 334 participants screened positive; 21% were confirmed CD cases.
- The POCT demonstrated a 91% positive predictive value (PPV).
- 90% of confirmed cases remained engaged in specialist care, with 5.3 individuals needing screening to link one case to care.
Conclusions:
- Community-based screening using POCTs is effective for active Chagas disease case finding.
- High yield and minimal loss to follow-up were observed in this initiative.
- Targeted screening events can successfully identify and engage individuals with CD in non-endemic settings.
