With more than 6 million people infected with the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi and 75 million at risk, Chagas remains a largely neglected disease. Less than 1% of those affected have access to treatment. The main routes of transmission are vector-borne (through the bite of a triatomine insect known as the bedbug, vinchuca or other names in different endemic countries), followed by vertical transmission (from mother to child) and oral transmission (through ingestion of food or drink contaminated with the parasite). It can also occur through blood transfusions, organ donations or laboratory accidents.
Although endemic to Latin America, where the vector is found in rural areas, expansion, climatic and social changes and migration have made it a global public health concern. For this reason, we work in endemic areas with high incidence, such as Bolivia and Paraguay.
All of our research lines aim to strengthen comprehensive care and the capacity of health systems to respond to Chagas disease. They have a community-based approach and are linked to information, education and communication (IEC) activities. The main objectives are Improved knowledge of the pathophysiological mechanisms in the host-parasite interaction; More accessible diagnostics, such as the Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) method for the detection of Chagas' disease.
Strategic alliances
We work with a wide network of national and international allies and partners from the public, private and academic sectors, such as the University of Barcelona. In Bolivia, with Fundación SANIT; Fundación CEADES; Universidad Autónoma Gabriel René Moreno. In Paraguay, with Fundación CEDIC, Fundación CIRD and the Paraguayan Ministry of Health through the National Malaria Eradication Service (SENEPA). In Argentina, the Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET). In the United States, the University of Texas-El Paso (UTEP). In Spain, the Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina López-Neyra (IPBLN). Also the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) and the New Drug Development Initiative (DNDi); the Novartis Global Health Division and the PROBITAS Foundation.
We are aligned with the PAHO–WHO objectives for the elimination of this disease and are founding members of the Global Chagas Coalition and the Nhepacha Research Network. We are also part of the SEMTSI Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) group. In addition, we coordinate the Consolidated Research Group (GRC) "GREPIMER - Grup de Recerca en Patologia Importada i Malalties Emergents i Reemergents."
Translation and impact
Since 2002, all our research projects have aimed to strengthen comprehensive care and improve the capacity of health systems to address Chagas disease, both in endemic and non-endemic areas. Following a community-based approach, these projects are linked to information, education and communication (IEC) activities.
Our main objectives are to improve access to early diagnosis and treatment, identify and validate biomarkers of therapeutic efficacy, and prevent and manage chronic complications.
Through long-term collaboration frameworks with international organisations and partners in Latin America, including health authorities and professionals, our aim is to raise awareness of Chagas disease among public health bodies.
Translation activities were led by the Chagas Initiative until January 2026, when they were integrated into the Malaria and Neglected Parasitic Diseases programme, further strengthening ISGlobal's commitment to a comprehensive, results-oriented approach.
Team
Leadership
Our Team
CAYAC
Healthcare system strengthening for cardiovascular disease management (including Chagas) in the Gran Chaco region of Tarija, Bolivia
ChagasLAMP (GHIT G2020-2023)
Field validation of Trypanosoma cruzi-LAMP: a molecular point-of-care test for the control of congenital Chagas disease
Barcelona CaixaResearch Living Lab
TESEO
New chemotherapy regimens and biomarkers for Chagas Disease
GREPIMER
Grup de recerca en patología importada i malaties emergents i re-emergents
NHEPACHA
New Tools for the Diagnosis and Evaluation of Chagas Disease
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