scholarly journals Focusing nucleic acid-based molecular diagnostics and xenomonitoring approaches for human helminthiases amenable to preventive chemotherapy

2016 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
CORRADO MINETTI ◽  
E. JAMES LACOURSE ◽  
LISA REIMER ◽  
J. RUSSELL STOTHARD
Keyword(s):  
Nucleic Acid ◽  
Molecular Diagnostics ◽  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
Monitoring And Evaluation ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
Future Application ◽  
Molecular Diagnostic ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Preventive Chemotherapy

SUMMARY The current mainstay for control of the four major helminth diseases in humans (lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, soil-transmitted helminthiases and schistosomiasis) is with preventive chemotherapy by mass administration of key anthelminthics. Following the London Declaration on Neglected Tropical Diseases in 2012, a roadmap for the elimination and control of these helminthiases by 2020 has been devised. With expected declines in prevalence and intensity of these infections, there is urgent need for implementing more sensitive, high-throughput and cost-effective diagnostic tools. Currently available diagnostic approaches for surveying, monitoring and evaluating helminth control programmes are based on microscopical observation of eggs/larvae, and/or detection of antibodies or parasite antigens in stool, urine or blood; all relatively low-throughput and of limited sensitivity and specificity. Newly proposed approaches for helminthiases diagnosis include the nucleic acid-based methods of (multiplex) real-time polymerase chain reaction assays, loop-mediated isothermal amplification and recombinase polymerase amplification. However, as well as sensitivity/specificity evaluation, their comparison to current ‘gold standard’ diagnostics and future application in individual-/community-based diagnosis, or in xenomonitoring requires consideration of relative costs, agreement of standard methods and strategic interpretation of resulting data before control/elimination programmes might best utilize molecular diagnostics to inform decision making. We review current nucleic-acid-based molecular diagnostic methods and highlight the needs and future research required to refine these tools for monitoring and evaluation of control and elimination programmes for four major human helminthiases.

scholarly journals Strongyloidiasis: the most neglected tropical disease in Ethiopia

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abebaw Tiruneh ◽  
Endalew Zemene ◽  
Zeleke Mekonnen
Keyword(s):  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
Intervention Programs ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Main Body ◽  
Preventive Chemotherapy ◽  
Drug Of Choice ◽  
Strategic Plans ◽  
Low Sensitivity ◽  
Soil Transmitted Helminthiasis

Abstract Background Strongyloidiasis is the most neglected of the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). The aim of this commentary is to describe the possible reasons why strongyloidiasis is so overlooked in Ethiopia, and shed light on better ways of control and elimination of the disease. Main body This commentary highlights three points why strongyloidiasis is the most neglected of the NTDs in Ethiopia. Firstly, lack of clear category within the NTDs resulted in omission of the disease from reports, intervention programs, and preventive chemotherapy guidelines. Secondly, magnitude of the disease is underestimated due to paucity of studies and low sensitivity of diagnostic methods coupled with asymptomatic nature of most of the infections. Finally, ivermectin (the drug of choice for treatment of strongyloidiasis) is not in use for control of the other soil-transmitted helminthiasis, nor is there ivermectin mass drug administration for control of strongyloidiasis. This might have created gap in control and elimination of the disease in Ethiopia and possibly elsewhere. Conclusion Strongyloidiasis appears to be the most neglected of the NTDs mainly due to nature of the infection, low sensitivity of the routine diagnostic tools and it’s exclusion from strategic plans and intervention programs. Moreover, studies on strongyloidiasis should use sensitive diagnostic tools. Strongyloidiasis control and elimination programs should be based on reliable evidence of epidemiology of the disease in Ethiopia. Graphic Abstract

scholarly journals LAMP in Neglected Tropical Diseases: A Focus on Parasites

Diagnostics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 521
Author(s):  
Juan García-Bernalt Diego ◽  
Pedro Fernández-Soto ◽  
Antonio Muro
Keyword(s):  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
Treatment Success ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Nucleic Acid Amplification ◽  
Molecular Diagnostic ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
World Population ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Tropical Diseases ◽  
Early 21St Century

Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), particularly those caused by parasites, remain a major Public Health problem in tropical and subtropical regions, with 10% of the world population being infected. Their management and control have been traditionally hampered, among other factors, by the difficulty to deploy rapid, specific, and affordable diagnostic tools in low resource settings. This is especially true for complex PCR-based methods. Isothermal nucleic acid amplification techniques, particularly loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), appeared in the early 21st century as an alternative to PCR, allowing for a much more affordable molecular diagnostic. Here, we present the status of LAMP assays development in parasite-caused NTDs. We address the progress made in different research applications of the technique: xenomonitoring, epidemiological studies, work in animal models and clinical application both for diagnosis and evaluation of treatment success. Finally, we try to shed a light on the improvements needed to achieve a true point-of-care test and the future perspectives in this field.

scholarly journals The burden of congenital Chagas disease and implementation of molecular diagnostic tools in Latin America

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (5) ◽  
pp. e001069 ◽  
Author(s):  
Albert Picado ◽  
Israel Cruz ◽  
Maël Redard-Jacot ◽  
Alejandro G Schijman ◽  
Faustino Torrico ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Latin America ◽  
Chagas Disease ◽  
Diagnostic Algorithm ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
Diagnosis And Treatment ◽  
Molecular Diagnostic ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Molecular Tests ◽  
Epidemiological Impact ◽  
And Performance

It is estimated that between 8000 and 15 000 Trypanosoma cruzi infected babies are born every year to infected mothers in Chagas disease endemic countries. Currently, poor access to and performance of the current diagnostic algorithm, based on microscopy at birth and serology at 8–12 months after delivery, is one of the barriers to congenital Chagas disease (CCD) control. Detection of parasite DNA using molecular diagnostic tools could be an alternative or complement to current diagnostic methods, but its implementation in endemic regions remains limited. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of CCD cases would have a positive clinical and epidemiological impact. In this paper, we analysed the burden of CCD in Latin America, and the potential use of molecular tests to improve access to early diagnosis and treatment of T. cruzi infected newborns.

scholarly journals Are Staphylococcus intermedius Infections in Humans Cases of Mistaken Identity? A Case Series and Literature Review

2015 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Roberto Viau ◽  
Andrea M. Hujer ◽  
Kristine M. Hujer ◽  
Robert A. Bonomo ◽  
Robin L.P. Jump
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Molecular Diagnostics ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Molecular Diagnostic ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Human Pathogen ◽  
Detailed Review ◽  
Mistaken Identity ◽  
Staphylococcus Intermedius ◽  
Microbiological Methods

Abstract Staphylococcus intermedius and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius are difficult to distinguish using conventional microbiological methods. Molecular diagnostic tools change our understanding of the epidemiology of these 2 organisms. In this study, we present (1) a detailed review of the current literature on molecular diagnostics and (2) a case series in which misidentification was proven in 1 case. We conclude that S pseudintermedius is a more common human pathogen than previously recognized.

scholarly journals A Lab-on-a-Chip Device Integrated DNA Extraction and Solid Phase PCR Array for the Genotyping of High-Risk HPV in Clinical Samples

Micromachines ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 537 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cancan Zhu ◽  
Anzhong Hu ◽  
Junsheng Cui ◽  
Ke Yang ◽  
Xinchao Zhu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Dna Extraction ◽  
Molecular Diagnostics ◽  
Solid Phase ◽  
Lab On A Chip ◽  
Clinical Diagnostics ◽  
Oligonucleotide Array ◽  
Molecular Diagnostic ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Multiplex Amplification

Point-of-care (POC) molecular diagnostics play a crucial role in the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases. It is necessary to develop portable, easy-to-use, inexpensive and rapid molecular diagnostic tools. In this study, we proposed a lab-on-a-chip device that integrated DNA extraction, solid-phase PCR and genotyping detection. The ingenious design of the pneumatic microvalves enabled the fluid mixing and reagent storage to be organically combined, significantly reducing the size of the chip. The solid oligonucleotide array incorporated into the chip allowed the spatial separation of the primers and minimized undesirable interactions in multiplex amplification. As a proof-of-concept for POC molecular diagnostics on the device, five genotypes of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) (HPV16/HPV18/HPV31/HPV33/HPV58) were examined. Positive quality control samples and HPV patient cervical swab specimens were analyzed on the integrated microdevice. The platform was capable of detection approximately 50 copies of HPV virus per reaction during a single step, including DNA extraction, solid-phase PCR and genotype detection, in 1 h from samples being added to the chip. This simple and inexpensive microdevice provided great utility for the screening and monitoring of HPV genotypes. The sample-to-result platform will pave the way for wider application of POC molecular testing in the fields of clinical diagnostics, food safety, and environmental monitoring.

scholarly journals Clinical Significance of Molecular Diagnostic Tools for Bacterial Bloodstream Infections: A Systematic Review

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean Pierre Rutanga ◽  
Therese Nyirahabimana
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Antibiotic Therapy ◽  
Clinical Significance ◽  
Molecular Diagnosis ◽  
Accurate Diagnosis ◽  
Molecular Techniques ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
Diagnosis And Treatment ◽  
Molecular Diagnostic ◽  
Diagnostic Tools

Bacterial bloodstream infection (bBSI) represents any form of invasiveness of the blood circulatory system caused by bacteria and can lead to death among critically ill patients. Thus, there is a need for rapid and accurate diagnosis and treatment of patients with septicemia. So far, different molecular diagnostic tools have been developed. The majority of these tools focus on amplification based techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) which allows the detection of nucleic acids (both DNA and small RNAs) that are specific to bacterial species and sequencing or nucleic acid hybridization that allows the detection of bacteria in order to reduce delay of appropriate antibiotic therapy. However, there is still a need to improve sensitivity of most molecular techniques to enhance their accuracy and allow exact and on time antibiotic therapy treatment. In this regard, we conducted a systematic review of the existing studies conducted in molecular diagnosis of bBSIs, with the main aim of reporting on clinical significance and benefits of molecular diagnosis to patients. We searched both Google Scholar and PubMed. In total, eighteen reviewed papers indicate that shift from conventional diagnostic methods to molecular tools is needed and would lead to accurate diagnosis and treatment of bBSI.

scholarly journals The contribution of mass drug administration to global health: past, present and future

2014 ◽  
Vol 369 (1645) ◽  
pp. 20130434 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanne P. Webster ◽  
David H. Molyneux ◽  
Peter J. Hotez ◽  
Alan Fenwick
Keyword(s):  
Global Health ◽  
Drug Administration ◽  
Mass Drug Administration ◽  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
World Health Organisation ◽  
Essential Medicines ◽  
World Health ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Preventive Chemotherapy ◽  
High Coverage

Mass drug administration (MDA) is a means of delivering safe and inexpensive essential medicines based on the principles of preventive chemotherapy, where populations or sub-populations are offered treatment without individual diagnosis. High-coverage MDA in endemic areas aims to prevent and alleviate symptoms and morbidity on the one hand and can reduce transmission on the other, together improving global health. MDA is the recommended strategy of the World Health Organisation to control or eliminate several neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). More than 700 million people now receive these essential NTD medicines annually. The combined cost of integrated NTD MDA has been calculated to be in the order of $0.50 per person per year. Activities have recently been expanded due, in part, to the proposed attempt to eliminate certain NTDs in the coming two decades. More than 1.9 billion people need to receive MDA annually across several years if these targets are to be met. Such extensive coverage will require additional avenues of financial support, expanded monitoring and evaluation focusing on impact and drug efficacy, as well as new diagnostic tools and social science strategies to encourage adherence. MDA is a means to help reduce the burden of disease, and hence poverty, among the poorest sector of populations. It has already made significant improvements to global health and productivity and has the potential for further successes, particularly where incorporated into sanitation and education programmes. However logistical, financial and biological challenges remain.

scholarly journals Biobanking for cancer research: Preservation of tissue integrity – Some technical considerations

2012 ◽  
Vol 01 (02) ◽  
pp. 130-138 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anita Mahadevan ◽  
S.K. Shankar
Keyword(s):  
Biomarker Discovery ◽  
Molecular Diagnostic ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Pathology Laboratory ◽  
Tissue Integrity ◽  
Oncology Research ◽  
Genomic Studies ◽  
And Storage

Abstract Biobanking and biomarker discovery have become an integral part of neuro-oncology research. Towards achieving this end, the essential requirement is optimizing methods of tissue preservation of human tissues removed at surgery for diagnostic purposes and banking them for subserving future research. Owing to recent advances in molecular diagnostic tools, this clinical material has become a precious source for proteomic and genomic studies. The advent of biotechnological tools such as microarray, proteomics, and genomics has made it essential to preserve not just morphology but also the quality of nucleic acids and proteins, changing the traditional workflow of a pathology laboratory. It is therefore essential to develop simple technologies for tissue fixation and storage ensure that receptor and molecular integrity is reasonably maintained. Knowledge of the basic chemistry of tissue fixatives, the biochemical changes that take place in biological material by utilizing different techniques of fixation is essential while undertaking molecular, genomic, and proteomic studies on fresh and archival tissues.

scholarly journals CRISPR-Cas Systems for Diagnosing Infectious Diseases

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anastasiya Kostyusheva ◽  
Sergey Brezgin ◽  
Yurii Babin ◽  
Irina Vasil'eva ◽  
Dmitry Kostyushev ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Molecular Diagnostics ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Disease Spread ◽  
Detection Methods ◽  
Epidemiological Surveillance ◽  
Molecular Diagnostic ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Wide Range

Infectious diseases are a global health problem affecting billions of people. Developing rapid and sensitive diagnostic tools is key for successful patient management and curbing disease spread. Currently available diagnostics are very specific and sensitive but time-consuming and require expensive laboratory settings and well-trained personnel; thus, they are not available in resource-limited areas, for the purposes of large-scale screenings and in case of outbreaks and epidemics. Developing new, rapid, and affordable point-of-care diagnostic assays is urgently needed. This review focuses on CRISPR-based technologies and their perspectives to become platforms for point-of-care nucleic acid detection methods and as deployable diagnostic platforms that could help to identify and curb outbreaks and emerging epidemics. We describe the mechanisms and function of different classes and types of CRISPR-Cas systems, including pros and cons for developing molecular diagnostic tests and applications of each type to detect a wide range of infectious agents. Many Cas proteins (Cas9, Cas12, Cas13, Cas14) have been leveraged to create highly accurate and sensitive diagnostic tools combined with technologies of signal amplification and fluorescent, potentiometric, colorimetric, or lateral flow assay detection. In particular, the most advanced platforms -- SHERLOCK/v2, DETECTR, or CRISPR-Chip -- enable detection of attomolar amounts of pathogenic nucleic acids with specificity comparable to that of PCR but with minimal technical settings. Further developing CRISPR-based diagnostic tools promises to dramatically transform molecular diagnostics, making them easily affordable and accessible virtually anywhere in the world. The burden of socially significant diseases, frequent outbreaks, recent epidemics (MERS, SARS and the ongoing coronoviral nCov-2019 infection) urgently need the developing of express-diagnostic tools. Recently devised CRISPR-technologies represent the unprecedented opportunity to reshape epidemiological surveillance and molecular diagnostics.

scholarly journals Nucleic Acid Testing of SARS-CoV-2

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (11) ◽  
pp. 6150
Author(s):  
Hee-Min Yoo ◽  
Il-Hwan Kim ◽  
Seil Kim
Keyword(s):  
Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Nucleic Acid ◽  
Reverse Transcription ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
Detection Methods ◽  
Molecular Diagnostic ◽  
Nucleic Acid Testing ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Polymerase Chain

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused a large global outbreak. It is accordingly important to develop accurate and rapid diagnostic methods. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based method including reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is the most widely used assay for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Along with the RT-PCR method, digital PCR has emerged as a powerful tool to quantify nucleic acid of the virus with high accuracy and sensitivity. Non-PCR based techniques such as reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) and reverse transcription recombinase polymerase amplification (RT-RPA) are considered to be rapid and simple nucleic acid detection methods and were reviewed in this paper. Non-conventional molecular diagnostic methods including next-generation sequencing (NGS), CRISPR-based assays and nanotechnology are improving the accuracy and sensitivity of COVID-19 diagnosis. In this review, we also focus on standardization of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid testing and the activity of the National Metrology Institutes (NMIs) and highlight resources such as reference materials (RM) that provide the values of specified properties. Finally, we summarize the useful resources for convenient COVID-19 molecular diagnostics.

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