Trypanosoma - screening - whole blood Refered Test

Eurofins Biomnis code

TRYPR

Synonyms

• Screening for Trypanosoma

Clinic significance

T. cruzi A flagellated protozoan with a tropism for the blood and tissues which is transmitted by reduviid bugs. Causes American trypanosomiasis or Chagas' disease which is characterized by an erythematous nodule at the site of inoculation followed by undulating fever, myocarditis and multiple lymphadenopathy. The infection can become chronic causing cardiac manifestations, neurological problems and megaesophagus and megacolon. In the acute phase, trypanosomes can be directly detected by microscopic examination of blood (a smear or ideally a thick drop). In pauciparasitic and chronic forms of the disease, serological analysis can be useful but results must be interpreted with caution because cross-reactions are common. T. gambiense A flagellated protozoan with a tropism for the lymphatic system which is transmitted by the tsetse fly (Glossina). Causes fever, erythematous papules, lymphadenopathy and neurological disturbances (headaches, abnormal sensitivity and disturbed sleep patterns). The main complications involve the cardiovascular and endocrine systems. Definitive diagnosis depends on the detection of parasites in the blood or lymph during the acute phase of the disease. Antibodies appear in the serum early in infection and somewhat later in the CSF but there is extensive cross-reactivity with T. cruzi, Leishmania, Plasmodium and various bacteria.

Prenalytics

• 5 mL
• EDTA whole blood
• Refrigerated

Further information

• The use of the S14UK transport bag is Mandatory.
• Enclose the specific request form B18 : Bacteriology-Parasitology-Mycology

Specific equipment available

S14: Special mycobacteria transport bags are to be used

Documents to download

• Specific request form (B18-INTGB)
• information note (N23-INTGB)

Methodology

Microscopy

Turnaround time

5 days

Caption