Memorias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz
Analysis of the therapeutic gap for Trypanosoma cruzi infection in Colombia (2012 - 2022)
By Herazo R, Caicedo Díaz RA, Vera Soto MJ and 4 others.
Abstract
Background
In 2017, an estimated 1.2% of the population at risk for Chagas disease (CD) in Colombia was screened, and only 0.4% were treated. The recent implementation of CD-related Care roadmap has improved access to diagnosis and treatment. However, a therapeutic gap (TG) persists.
Objectives
In this work, we aim to analyse the TG for Trypanosoma cruzi/CD infection in Colombia over the last years.
Methods
This is a descriptive study estimating the TG for T. cruzi/CD infection between 2012 and 2022. TG is defined as the number of people with a confirmed infection who have the indication of treatment but do not receive it. Two scenarios were considered in the TG analysis: (A) antiparasitic treatment is indicated in 70% of people with confirmed infection; (B) antiparasitic treatment indication in 85%. Data sources were official National and Departmental databases.