Diagnosis

Trypansoma cruzi parasite in a thin blood smear. Credit: DPDx

During the acute phase of infection, parasites may be seen circulating in the blood. The diagnosis of Chagas disease can be made by observation of the parasite in a blood smear by microscopic examination. A thick and thin blood smear are made and stained for visualization of parasites.

Diagnosis of chronic Chagas disease is made after consideration of the patient’s clinical findings, as well as by the likelihood of being infected, such as having lived in a country where Chagas disease is common. Diagnosis is generally made by testing for parasite specific antibodies.