Project Lead(s): Eric Agola
Issue
Both schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiases (STH) are major global health problems that frequently co-occur in endemic areas, and can be diagnosed simultaneously in fecal samples by microscopy-based methods.
However, microscopy-based methods are limited by low sensitivity, are tedious to perform in field settings and require expertise to perform, among other problems.
Solution
The project team sought to develop a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) test for simultaneous diagnosis of Schistosoma mansoni, Trichuris trichiura, Ascaris lumbricoides and hookworm infections in fecal samples.
If validated, use of a LAMP test in disease control programs would ensure that cases are detected rapidly and more accurately, that the efficacy of chemotherapy is evaluated efficiently and more precisely, and that epidemiological surveillance of S. mansoni and the most common STH infections is done more reliably in endemic areas.
Outcome
The team failed to develop the prototype device but a number of significant achievements resulted from the project:
1. DNA targets were identified in S. mansoni, A. lumbricoides and hookworm that provide diagnostic markers for the target parasite species.
2. LAMP specific (Loop) or Stem primers were designed with the help of appropriate computer software that successfully amplified DNA markers in the three target helminth species.
3. A LAMP assay was developed that successfully detects parasite ova DNA of the three target helminth species in fecal samples.
4. Optimization of the primers for the three helminth species was achieved
5. The sensitivity and specificity of the diagnostic test was successfully carried out
The project intends to develop the diagnostic test into a prototype kit that will be able to simultaneously diagnose the four parasite ova in fecal samples.