Trypanosomiasis
American Trypanosomiasis (CHAGAS DISEASE)American Trypanosomiasis or Chagas Disease is caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi (T.cruzi). The disease can be life-threatening if left undetected. The first acute phase of infection may present mild symptoms such as headache, fever and other non-specific pain and aches. The chronic phase can present symptoms such as digestive disorders or life-threatening cardiac disorders that can lead to death due to the destruction of heart muscle and nervous system (WHO). |
Triatomine bug |
Diagnosis
The detection of the T. cruzi parasite can be achieved using examination of fresh blood or staining techniques. However, microscopically the parasite can be easily confused with the non-pathogenic Trypanosoma rangeli. The new version of Cellabs T. cruzi IgG CELISA II is based on a recombinant antigen for the detection of antibody produced during Trypanosoma cruzi infection, which appear soon after infection and rise to high levels. The presence of antibody is usually regarded as the best practical indicator of infection, current or past.
T. cruzi IgG CELISA II (Recombinant Antigen)
The new Cellabs T. cruzi IgG CELISA II kit is based on a recombinant antigen (rAg), replacing the previous version of the kit that uses native T.cruzi somatic antigen. The use of recombinant antigen improves specificity as it eliminates non-specific reactivity inherent with using crude antigen. The kit can be easily automated for screening and suitable for large scale testing, with results in under three hours. Contact us for more information.