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Umrao S, Zheng M, Jin X, Yao S, Wang X. Net-Shaped DNA Nanostructure-Based Lateral Flow Assays for Rapid and Sensitive SARS-CoV-2 Detection. Anal Chem 2024; 96:3291-3299. [PMID: 38306661 PMCID: PMC10922791 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c03698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Lateral flow assay (LFA)-based rapid antigen tests are experiencing extensive global uptake as an expeditious and highly effective modality for the screening of viral infections during the COVID-19 pandemic. While these devices have played a significant role in alleviating the burden on the public healthcare system, their specificity and sensitivity fall short compared with molecular tests. In this study, we endeavor to address both limitations through the utilization of DNA nanotechnology in LFA format, wherein we substitute the target-specific antibody with designer DNA nanostructure-based molecular probes for recognizing the SARS-CoV-2 virus via multivalent, pattern-matching interactions. We meticulously designed a Net-shaped DNA nanostructure and strategically arranged trimeric clusters of aptamers that specifically recognize the spike proteins of SARS-CoV-2. This approach has proven instrumental in bolstering virus-binding affinity on the LFAs. Our findings indicate high LFA sensitivity, enabling the detection of viral loads ranging from 103 to 108 viral copies/mL. This notable sensitivity is maintained across various SARS-CoV-2 viral strains, obviating the need for intricate sample preparation protocols. The significance of this heightened sensitivity lies in the crucial role played by the designer DNA nanostructure, which facilitates the detection of extremely low levels of viral loads. This not only enhances the overall reliability of self-testing but also reduces the likelihood of false-negative results, especially in cases of low viral load within patient samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saurabh Umrao
- Nick Holonyak Jr. Micro and Nanotechnology Laboratory (HMNTL), University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology (IGB), University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Mengxi Zheng
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology (IGB), University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Xiaohe Jin
- Atom Bioworks Inc., Cary, North Carolina 27513, United States
| | - Sherwood Yao
- Atom Bioworks Inc., Cary, North Carolina 27513, United States
| | - Xing Wang
- Nick Holonyak Jr. Micro and Nanotechnology Laboratory (HMNTL), University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology (IGB), University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
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2
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Aldoukhi AH, Bilalis P, Alhattab DM, Valle-Pérez AU, Susapto HH, Pérez-Pedroza R, Backhoff-García E, Alsawaf SM, Alshehri S, Boshah H, Alrashoudi AA, Aljabr WA, Alaamery M, Alrashed M, Hasanato RM, Farzan RA, Alsubki RA, Moretti M, Abedalthagafi MS, Hauser CAE. Fusing Peptide Epitopes for Advanced Multiplex Serological Testing for SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Detection. ACS BIO & MED CHEM AU 2024; 4:37-52. [PMID: 38404747 PMCID: PMC10885102 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomedchemau.3c00010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
The tragic COVID-19 pandemic, which has seen a total of 655 million cases worldwide and a death toll of over 6.6 million seems finally tailing off. Even so, new variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) continue to arise, the severity of which cannot be predicted in advance. This is concerning for the maintenance and stability of public health, since immune evasion and increased transmissibility may arise. Therefore, it is crucial to continue monitoring antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 in the general population. As a complement to polymerase chain reaction tests, multiplex immunoassays are elegant tools that use individual protein or peptide antigens simultaneously to provide a high level of sensitivity and specificity. To further improve these aspects of SARS-CoV-2 antibody detection, as well as accuracy, we have developed an advanced serological peptide-based multiplex assay using antigen-fused peptide epitopes derived from both the spike and the nucleocapsid proteins. The significance of the epitopes selected for antibody detection has been verified by in silico molecular docking simulations between the peptide epitopes and reported SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Peptides can be more easily and quickly modified and synthesized than full length proteins and can, therefore, be used in a more cost-effective manner. Three different fusion-epitope peptides (FEPs) were synthesized and tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A total of 145 blood serum samples were used, compromising 110 COVID-19 serum samples from COVID-19 patients and 35 negative control serum samples taken from COVID-19-free individuals before the outbreak. Interestingly, our data demonstrate that the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the results for the FEP antigens are higher than for single peptide epitopes or mixtures of single peptide epitopes. Our FEP concept can be applied to different multiplex immunoassays testing not only for SARS-CoV-2 but also for various other pathogens. A significantly improved peptide-based serological assay may support the development of commercial point-of-care tests, such as lateral-flow-assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali H. Aldoukhi
- Laboratory
for Nanomedicine, Division of Biological and Environmental Science
and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University
of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
- Computational
Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), King
Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-69900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Panayiotis Bilalis
- Laboratory
for Nanomedicine, Division of Biological and Environmental Science
and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University
of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
- Computational
Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), King
Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-69900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Dana M. Alhattab
- Laboratory
for Nanomedicine, Division of Biological and Environmental Science
and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University
of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
- Computational
Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), King
Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-69900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Alexander U. Valle-Pérez
- Laboratory
for Nanomedicine, Division of Biological and Environmental Science
and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University
of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
- Computational
Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), King
Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-69900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hepi H. Susapto
- Laboratory
for Nanomedicine, Division of Biological and Environmental Science
and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University
of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
- Computational
Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), King
Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-69900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rosario Pérez-Pedroza
- Laboratory
for Nanomedicine, Division of Biological and Environmental Science
and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University
of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
- Computational
Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), King
Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-69900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Emiliano Backhoff-García
- Laboratory
for Nanomedicine, Division of Biological and Environmental Science
and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University
of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sarah M. Alsawaf
- Laboratory
for Nanomedicine, Division of Biological and Environmental Science
and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University
of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
- Computational
Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), King
Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-69900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Salwa Alshehri
- Laboratory
for Nanomedicine, Division of Biological and Environmental Science
and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University
of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
- Computational
Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), King
Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-69900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hattan Boshah
- Laboratory
for Nanomedicine, Division of Biological and Environmental Science
and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University
of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
- Computational
Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), King
Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-69900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulelah A. Alrashoudi
- Laboratory
for Nanomedicine, Division of Biological and Environmental Science
and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University
of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
- Computational
Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), King
Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-69900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Waleed A. Aljabr
- Research
Centre, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh 12231, Saudi Arabia
| | - Manal Alaamery
- Developmental
Medicine Department, King Abdullah International Medical Research
Center, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard-Health
Affairs, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University
for Health Sciences, Riyadh 11426, Saudi Arabia
- KACST-BWH
Centre of Excellence for Biomedicine, Joint Centers of Excellence
Program, King Abdulaziz City for Science
and Technology (KACST), Riyadh 12371, Saudi Arabia
- Saudi
Human Genome Project (SHGP), Satellite Lab at King Abdulaziz Medical
City (KAMC), Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNG-HA), King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh 11426, Saudi Arabia
| | - May Alrashed
- Department
of Clinical Laboratory Science, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11433, Saudi Arabia
- Chair
of Medical and Molecular Genetics Research, King Saud University, Riyadh 11433, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rana M. Hasanato
- Department
of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, King
Saud University, Riyadh 11433, Saudi Arabia
| | - Raed A. Farzan
- Department
of Clinical Laboratory Science, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11433, Saudi Arabia
- Chair
of Medical and Molecular Genetics Research, King Saud University, Riyadh 11433, Saudi Arabia
| | - Roua A. Alsubki
- Department
of Clinical Laboratory Science, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11433, Saudi Arabia
- Chair
of Medical and Molecular Genetics Research, King Saud University, Riyadh 11433, Saudi Arabia
| | - Manola Moretti
- Laboratory
for Nanomedicine, Division of Biological and Environmental Science
and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University
of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
- Computational
Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), King
Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-69900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Malak S. Abedalthagafi
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory
School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30329, United States
| | - Charlotte A. E. Hauser
- Laboratory
for Nanomedicine, Division of Biological and Environmental Science
and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University
of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
- Computational
Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), King
Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-69900, Saudi Arabia
- Red Sea
Research Center, Division of Biological and Environmental
Science and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah
University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
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3
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Medina-Rivera M, Cárdenas WB, Erickson D, Mehta S. Gold Nanoshells-Based Lateral Flow Assay for the Detection of Chagas Disease at the Point-of-Care. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2022; 107:323-327. [PMID: 35895419 PMCID: PMC9393437 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.21-1119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease is a neglected parasitic infection and a major public health problem in the Americas. It remains underdiagnosed in the United States and internationally due to the lack of affordable testing and disparities in healthcare, particularly for those most at risk. We describe a proof-of-concept lateral flow immunoassay employing a recombinant Chagas multiantigen conjugated to gold nanoshells (AuNS) to detect circulating human anti-Chagas IgG antibodies. This is one of the first lateral flow immunoassays to capitalize on the larger surface area of AuNS compared with nanoparticles that can help amplify low-magnitude signals. Results were compared with 42 positive and negative Chagas serum samples, of which a subset of 27 samples was validated against an ELISA (Hemagen®). The sensitivity and specificity of our assay were 83% and 95%, respectively. These results suggest that an AuNS-based rapid testing for Chagas disease could facilitate in-field screening/diagnosis with a performance comparable to commercial methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melisa Medina-Rivera
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
- Institute for Nutritional Sciences, Global Health, and Technology (INSiGHT), Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | - Washington B. Cárdenas
- Laboratorio para Investigaciones Biomédicas, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, Guayaquil, Guayas, Ecuador
| | - David Erickson
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
- Institute for Nutritional Sciences, Global Health, and Technology (INSiGHT), Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
- Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | - Saurabh Mehta
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
- Institute for Nutritional Sciences, Global Health, and Technology (INSiGHT), Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
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Brattig NW, Cheke RA, Garms R. Onchocerciasis (river blindness) - more than a century of research and control. Acta Trop 2021; 218:105677. [PMID: 32857984 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
This review summarises more than a century of research on onchocerciasis, also known as river blindness, and its control. River blindness is an infection caused by the tissue filaria Onchocerca volvulus affecting the skin, subcutaneous tissue and eyes and leading to blindness in a minority of infected persons. The parasite is transmitted by its intermediate hosts Simulium spp. which breed in rivers. Featured are history and milestones in onchocerciasis research and control, state-of-the-art data on the parasite, its endobacteria Wolbachia, on the vectors, previous and current prevalence of the infection, its diagnostics, the interaction between the parasite and its host, immune responses and the pathology of onchocerciasis. Detailed information is documented on the time course of control programmes in the afflicted countries in Africa and the Americas, a long road from previous programmes to current successes in control of the transmission of this infectious disease. By development, adjustment and optimization of the control measures, transmission by the vector has been interrupted in foci of countries in the Americas, in Uganda, in Sudan and elsewhere, followed by onchocerciasis eliminations. The current state and future perspectives for control, elimination and eradication within the next 20-30 years are described and discussed. This review contributes to a deeper comprehension of this disease by a tissue-dwelling filaria and it will be helpful in efforts to control and eliminate other filarial infections.
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Latrofa MS, Palmisano G, Annoscia G, Pierri CL, Chandrashekar R, Otranto D. Major antigen and paramyosin proteins as candidate biomarkers for serodiagnosis of canine infection by zoonotic Onchocerca lupi. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009027. [PMID: 33566799 PMCID: PMC7875354 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Onchocerca lupi (Spirurida: Onchocercidae) is a filarial worm parasitizing domestic carnivores and humans. Adult nematodes usually localize beneath in the sclera or in the ocular retrobulbar of infected animals, whilst microfilariae are found in the skin. Therefore, diagnosis of O. lupi is achieved by microscopic and/or molecular detection of microfilariae from skin biopsy and/or surgical removal of adults from ocular tissues of infected hosts. An urgent non-invasive diagnostic tool for the diagnosis of O. lupi in dog is mandatory. In this study, an immunoproteomic analyses was performed using a combination of immunoblotting and mass spectrometry techniques. Onchocerca lupi major antigen (Ol-MJA) and paramyosin (Ol-PARA) proteins were identified as potential biomarkers for serodiagnosis. Linear epitopes were herein scanned for both proteins using high-density peptide microarray. Sera collected from dog infected with O. lupi and healthy animal controls led to the identification of 11 immunodominant antigenic peptides (n = 7 for Ol-MJA; n = 4 for Ol-PARA). These peptides were validated using sera of dogs uniquely infected with the most important filarioids infesting dogs either zoonotic (Dirofilaria repens, Dirofilaria immitis) or not (Acanthocheilonema reconditum and Cercopithifilaria bainae). Overall, six antigenic peptides, three for Ol-MJA and for Ol-PARA, respectively, were selected as potential antigens for the serological detection of canine O. lupi infection. The molecular and proteomic dataset herein reported should provide a useful resource for studies on O. lupi toward supporting the development of new interventions (drugs, vaccines and diagnostics) against canine onchocercosis. The diagnosis of Onchocerca lupi (Spirurida: Onchocercidae), a zoonotic nematode of domestic animals, is currently based on microscopic examination of skin snip sediments and on the identification of adults embedded in ocular nodules or by molecular assays. An urgent non-invasive diagnostic tool for the diagnosis of O. lupi in dogs is mandatory. In this context, combined immunoblotting and mass spectrometry-based analyses have been performed to identify two proteins, major antigen and paramyosin, of O. lupi. Peptides herein identified represent suitable candidate biomarker for the development of a specific diagnostic test for canine onchocercosis. An accurate, minimally invasive diagnostic method could prove useful for the control of the canine diseases, for establishing large sero-surveys, for mapping the distribution of the infection in endemic areas as well as in areas where information on the disease is not available and for the reduction of risks for human infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Giuseppe Palmisano
- Department of Parasitology, ICB, Glycoproteomics Laboratory, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Giada Annoscia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Ciro Leonardo Pierri
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Felestin Sq., Hamedan, Iran
- * E-mail:
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Lakwo T, Oguttu D, Ukety T, Post R, Bakajika D. Onchocerciasis Elimination: Progress and Challenges. Res Rep Trop Med 2020; 11:81-95. [PMID: 33117052 PMCID: PMC7548320 DOI: 10.2147/rrtm.s224364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Onchocerciasis is a parasitic infection caused by the filarial nematode Onchocerca volvulus and transmitted through the bites of black flies of the genus Similium that breed in rivers and streams. The impact of mass treatment with ivermectin and supplemented by vector control in some countries has changed the global scene of onchocerciasis. There has been reported progress made in elimination of onchocerciasis in central and southern American countries and in some localities in Africa. The target for elimination in the Americas has been set at 2022 while for 12 countries in Africa this is expected in 2030. This review was conducted to examine the current status of onchocerciasis elimination at the global level and report on progress made. Literature searches were made through PubMed, articles in English or English abstracts, reports and any other relevant articles related to the subject. The global burden of onchocerciasis is progressively reducing and is no longer a public health problem in some regions. However, programs are challenged with a range of issues: cross-border transmission, diagnostic tools, Loa loa co-endemicity, limited workforce in entomology and maintaining enthusiasm among community drug distributors. More concerted effort using appropriate tools is required to overcome the challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomson Lakwo
- Neglected Tropical Disease Control Program, Vector Control Division, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - David Oguttu
- Neglected Tropical Disease Control Program, Vector Control Division, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Tony Ukety
- Centre de Recherche pour les Maladies Tropicales, Rethy, Ituri Province, The Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Rory Post
- Disease Control Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.,School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Didier Bakajika
- Expanded Special Project for Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases, WHO Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Congo
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Lagatie O, Verheyen A, Van Hoof K, Lauwers D, Odiere MR, Vlaminck J, Levecke B, Stuyver LJ. Detection of Ascaris lumbricoides infection by ABA-1 coproantigen ELISA. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008807. [PMID: 33057357 PMCID: PMC7591086 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Intestinal worms, or soil-transmitted helminths (STHs), affect hundreds of millions of people in all tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The most prevalent STH is Ascaris lumbricoides. Through large-scale deworming programs, World Health Organization aims to reduce morbidity, caused by moderate-to-heavy intensity infections, below 2%. In order to monitor these control programs, stool samples are examined microscopically for the presence of worm eggs. This procedure requires well-trained personnel and is known to show variability between different operators interpreting the slides. We have investigated whether ABA-1, one of the excretory-secretory products of A. lumbricoides can be used as a coproantigen marker for infection with this parasite. Polyclonal antibodies were generated and a coproantigen ELISA was developed. Using this ELISA, it was found that ABA-1 in stool detected Ascaris infection with a sensitivity of 91.5% and a specificity of 95.3%. Our results also demonstrate that there is a correlation between ABA-1 levels in stool and A. lumbricoides DNA detected in stool. Using a threshold of 18.2 ng/g stool the ABA-1 ELISA correctly assigned 68.4% of infected individuals to the moderate-to-heavy intensity infection group, with a specificity of 97.1%. Furthermore, the levels of ABA-1 in stool were shown to rapidly and strongly decrease upon administration of a standard anthelminthic treatment (single oral dose of 400 mg albendazole). In an Ascaris suum infection model in pigs, it was found that ABA-1 remained undetectable until day 28 and was detected at day 42 or 56, concurrent with the appearance of worm eggs in the stool. This report demonstrates that ABA-1 can be considered an Ascaris -specific coproantigen marker that can be used to monitor infection intensity. It also opens the path for development of point-of-care immunoassay-based tests to determine A. lumbricoides infection in stool at the sample collection site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ole Lagatie
- Janssen Global Public Health, Janssen R&D, Beerse, Belgium
| | | | | | - Dax Lauwers
- Janssen Global Public Health, Janssen R&D, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Maurice R. Odiere
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Johnny Vlaminck
- Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, University of Ghent, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Bruno Levecke
- Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, University of Ghent, Merelbeke, Belgium
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8
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Shirey RJ, Globisch D, Eubanks LM, Hixon MS, Janda KD. Noninvasive Urine Biomarker Lateral Flow Immunoassay for Monitoring Active Onchocerciasis. ACS Infect Dis 2018; 4:1423-1431. [PMID: 30141624 PMCID: PMC6189908 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.8b00163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The parasitic disease onchocerciasis is the second leading cause of preventable blindness, afflicting more than 18 million people worldwide. Despite an available treatment, ivermectin, and control efforts by the World Health Organization, onchocerciasis remains a burden in many regions. With an estimated 120 million people living in areas at risk of infection, efforts are now shifting from prevention to surveillance and elimination. The lack of a robust, point-of-care diagnostic for an active Onchocerca infection has been a limiting factor in these efforts. Previously, we reported the discovery of the biomarker N-acetyl-tyramine- O-glucuronide (NATOG) in human urine samples and its ability to track treatment progression between medicated patients relative to placebo; we also established its capability to monitor disease burden in a jird model. NATOG is a human-produced metabolite of tyramine, which itself is produced as a nematode neurotransmitter. The ability of NATOG to distinguish between active and past infection overcomes the limitations of antibody biomarkers and PCR methodologies. Lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) diagnostics offer the versatility and simplicity to be employed in the field and are inexpensive enough to be utilized in large-scale screening efforts. Herein, we report the development and assessment of a NATOG-based urine LFIA for onchocerciasis, which accurately identified 85% of analyzed patient samples ( N = 27).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan J. Shirey
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
- Department of Immunology, The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Worm Institute of Research and Medicine (WIRM), The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Daniel Globisch
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
- Department of Immunology, The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Worm Institute of Research and Medicine (WIRM), The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Lisa M. Eubanks
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
- Department of Immunology, The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Worm Institute of Research and Medicine (WIRM), The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Mark S. Hixon
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
- Department of Immunology, The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Worm Institute of Research and Medicine (WIRM), The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Kim D. Janda
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
- Department of Immunology, The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Worm Institute of Research and Medicine (WIRM), The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
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