Methods
A modified Delphi method was used to prepare an algorithm using the
iADVISE platform (Within3, OH, USA). Nine experts from Latin American
countries iteratively answered 24 online questions about diagnostic
methods and their application in specific cases for two weeks. The
questions were written by an external microbiologist and infectious
diseases specialist with high expertise in the area and reviewed by a
multidisciplinary panel. The experts also met to review the proposed
algorithm in two online meetings during this period.
The consensus level was determined for each of the 24 initial questions
using a simple yes/no count. For questions with a low level of agreement
(less than 7/9 matched responses), further discussion was necessary to
reach a consensus. Recommendations were only made if the consensus level
was above this threshold.