University-Based Chagas Testing in Salta Province, Argentina

Launched by MUNDO SANO FOUNDATION · Jun 23, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This study in Argentina is looking at chronic Chagas disease (an infection caused by Trypanosoma cruzi) among adults at the National University of Salta. Researchers want to learn how common the infection is among university students and staff, how it varies by campus, and whether a quick, on-site rapid test can help people get diagnosed and connected to care. It is an observational study, not a drug trial, and will also assess how well university-based testing works in a non-clinical setting.

Eligible people are adults aged 18 and older who are part of the university community (students, teachers, and staff) and who have not previously been diagnosed with Trypanosoma cruzi infection. About 5,000 participants across nine campuses are expected to join on a voluntary basis. At campus screening events, a finger-prick rapid test will be used. If someone tests positive, they will be referred to the public health system for confirmatory testing and possible treatment (benznidazole or nifurtimox) with support from study staff. A small number of negative-test participants may have serum stored for later accuracy checks. The study will also collect information on demographics, residence, exposure history, and knowledge about Chagas disease, with follow-up by phone for those who test positive or enter care. Results will be shared in a de-identified way, and anonymized participant data may be shared with other researchers after the study ends.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion criteria:
• • Member of the university community (e.g., student, faculty, administrative staff, or other personnel).
• • Aged 18 years or older.
• • Of any sex or gender.
• • Able and willing to provide informed consent.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • - Prior confirmed diagnosis of Trypanosoma cruzi infection.