The validity of serologic tests for Trypanosoma cruzi and the effectiveness of transfusional screening strategies in a hyperendemic region.

Background: This study aims at obtaining unbiased estimates of the sensitivity and specificity of existing screening tests for Trypanosoma cruzi and at simulating the effectiveness of alternative screening strategies at different prevalence rates.

Study Design And Methods: A systematic random sample of 400 was taken from 1200 banked serum samples of donors screened between August 1998 and January 1999 in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. Samples were tested with indirect hemagglutination test (IHA), indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA), and four enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs).

Incidence of surgical-site infections and the validity of the National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance System risk index in a general surgical ward in Santa Cruz, Bolivia.

Objectives: To estimate the frequency of and risk factors for surgical-site infections (SSIs) in Bolivia, and to study the performance of the National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance (NNIS) System risk index in a developing country.

Design: A prospective study with patient follow-up until the 30th postoperative day.

Setting: A general surgical ward of a public hospital in Santa Cruz, Bolivia.