Proporción de serologías de Trypanosoma cruzi en embarazadas de zona endémica antes y después de la implantación del cribado automático en el Hospital Infanta Sofía (Madrid, España) entre 2016-2020: e202609051

Sabina Bona Gazol; Eduardo Malmierca Corral

doi:10.67113/resp.v100i1.1403

Authors

Sabina Bona Gazol Servicio de Pediatría. Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet. Zaragoza. España.
Eduardo Malmierca Corral Servicio de Medicina Interna. Hospital Universitario Infanta Sofía. Madrid. España.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.67113/resp.v100i1.1403

Keywords:

Chagas disease, Trypanosoma cruzi, Prenatal diagnosis, Vertical transmission, Pregnancy, Congenital Chagas disease

Abstract

BACKGROUND // Chagas disease, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is endemic in many Latin American countries but has become a global health concern due to increasing migration. Vertical transmission, particularly in non-endemic regions, underscores the importance of proper screening in pregnant women to enable early treatment of infected newborns and prevent long-term complications. This study aimed to compare the prevalence of Chagas serological screening in pregnant women before and after the implementation of an automated screening system at Hospital Universitario Infanta Sofía in Madrid (Spain), and to assess its impact on detection rates.

METHODS // We conducted an observational, descriptive-analytical, retrospective, cross-sectional study through the analysis and comparison of two defined time periods: before and after automation. Serological testing for T. cruzi was performed using a chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software version 28.0.1.1, with a significance level of p<0.05.

RESULTS // A total of 736 women from World Health Organization-defined Chagas-endemic regions gave birth at the hospital during the study periods. Of these, 283 (38,2%) underwent screening. A statistically significant increase in screening was observed after the implementation of automation (from 0.5% in the first period to 76.4% in the second; p<0.001). Two positive cases of Chagas disease were detected, both during the second period, with no evidence of congenital transmission.

CONCLUSIONS // The growing number of women of reproductive age migrating from endemic areas highlights the need for national policies ensuring universal Chagas screening during pregnancy, including at delivery, to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment of congenital cases.

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