Images Analysis Method for the Detection of Chagas Parasite in Blood Image

Abstract

Chagas disease is caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi) and represents a major public health problem in Latin America. The most widely used technique for determining the development stage of Chagas disease is visual microscopical evaluation of stained blood smears. However, this is a tedious and time-consuming task that requires a trained operator. In this work, a system for the automatic parasite detection in stained blood smears images is proposed. The system includes a microscope with a specific automated positioning stage, for holding and moving slides under the microscope; a computer for controlling the stage position; and a digital camera to acquire images through the microscope. Such an image was analyzed in order to detect the parasite by means of image processing techniques. Experimental results show that it is feasible to have an automated system for the detection of the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite.