diagnosis
Last reviewed 02/2022
Acute illness is diagnosed by detection of the parasites. The active circulating forms of T.cruzi can often be seen on microscopical examination of anticoagulated blood or buffy coat, or stained smears. In immunosuppressed patients parasites may be found in bone marrow, cerebrospinal fluid, pericardial fluid.
Chronic illness is detected by specific antibodies to parasite antigens. At the time of writing, only one test for antibodies has been accepted by the Food and Drug administration (Chaga's IgG ELISA, Gull Laboratories, Salt Lake City). There is also serologic testing by complement fixation and indirect immunofluorescence available from the Centers for Disease Control.