Update of the state of knowledge on diagnostic techniques of Leishmaniasis and Chagas disease

Leishmaniasis and Chagas disease are caused by protozoa that share common phylogenetic and eco -epidemiological characteristics, which makes them difficult to identify and diagnose. This work aimed to analyze the information available on identification techniques for T. cruzi, Leishmania spp., and coinfection with both parasites, as well as its impact on obtaining eco -epidemiological data. A systematic search for identification techniques for T. cruzi, Leishmania spp., or both was conducted. The studies were classified by etiological agent, type of publication, technique used, and host. A chi-square test was performed to assess the relationship between the parasite and the technique used. The relationship between the papers published per year, the diagnostic technique, and the parasite was also analyzed. Of 138 analyzed works, it will be prolonged that there is no "gold standard" for the diagnosis of these parasitic diseases and coinfection. Therefore, the standardization of protocols that increase the sensitivity and specificity is required, as well as the use of at least 2 techniques in identification. It is essential to study the prevalence and incidence of these parasites in wildlife and the human population in the context of climate change.