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Oyeyemi OT, Ogundahunsi O, Schunk M, Fatem RG, Shollenberger LM. Neglected tropical disease (NTD) diagnostics: current development and operations to advance control. Pathog Glob Health 2024; 118:1-24. [PMID: 37872790 PMCID: PMC10769148 DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2023.2272095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) have become important public health threats that require multi-faceted control interventions. As late treatment and management of NTDs contribute significantly to the associated burdens, early diagnosis becomes an important component for surveillance and planning effective interventions. This review identifies common NTDs and highlights the progress in the development of diagnostics for these NTDs. Leveraging existing technologies to improve NTD diagnosis and improving current operational approaches for deployment of developed diagnostics are crucial to achieving the 2030 NTD elimination target. Point-of-care NTD (POC-NTD) diagnostic tools are recommended preferred diagnostic options in resource-constrained areas for mapping risk zones and monitoring treatment efficacy. However, few are currently available commercially. Technical training of remote health care workers on the use of POC-NTD diagnostics, and training of health workers on the psychosocial consequences of these diagnostics are critical in harnessing POC-NTD diagnostic potential. While the COVID-19 pandemic has challenged the possibility of achieving NTD elimination in 2030 due to the disruption of healthcare services and dwindling financial support for NTDs, the possible contribution of NTDs in exacerbating COVID-19 pandemic should motivate NTD health system strengthening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oyetunde T. Oyeyemi
- Department of Biosciences and Biotechnology, University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, Nigeria
- Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Virginia, USA
| | - Olumide Ogundahunsi
- The Central Office for Research and Development (CORD), University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, Nigeria
| | - Mirjam Schunk
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical Center of the University of Munich (LMU) institution, Munich, Germany
| | - Ramzy G. Fatem
- Schistosome Biological Supply Center, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
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Crego-Vicente B, Febrer-Sendra B, Nindia A, Pessela A, Aixut S, Martínez-Campreciós J, Mediavilla A, Silgado A, Sulleiro E, Treviño B, Molina I, Muro A, Salvador F, Fernández-Soto P. First field study using Strong-LAMP for diagnosis of strongyloidiasis in Cubal, Angola. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:393. [PMID: 37907997 PMCID: PMC10619288 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-06009-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Strongyloides stercoralis infection is a common neglected tropical disease distributed worldwide, mainly in tropical and subtropical climates. The impact of S. stercoralis infections on human health ranges from mild asymptomatic infections to chronic strongyloidiasis unnoticeable until the host is immunosuppressed. In severe strongyloidiasis, a syndrome of hyperinfection and larval dissemination to various organs can occur with high mortality rates. The diagnosis of strongyloidiasis is challenging because of the absence of a single standard reference test with high sensitivity and specificity, which also makes it difficult to estimate the accuracy of other diagnostic tests. This study aimed to evaluate, for the first time, the use of an easy-to-perform loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) colorimetric assay (named Strong-LAMP) for the molecular screening of strongyloidiasis in stool samples from patients in a low-resource endemic area in Cubal, Angola. To compare different LAMP application scenarios, the performance of the Strong-LAMP under field conditions in Angola was reassessed in a well-equipped reference laboratory in Spain and compared with a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) method. METHODS A total of 192 stool samples were collected from adult population in Cubal, Angola, and examined by parasitological methods (direct saline microscopy and Baermann's technique). DNA was extracted from each stool sample using a commercial kit and tested by the colorimetric Strong-LAMP assay for the detection of Strongyloides spp. under field conditions. Furthermore, all samples were shipped to a well-equipped laboratory in Spain, reanalysed by the same procedure and compared with a qPCR method. The overall results after testing were compared. RESULTS Strongyloides stercoralis larvae were identified by direct saline microscopy and Baermann in a total of 10/192 (5.2%) and 18/192 (9.4%) stool samples, respectively. Other helminth and protozoan species were also identified. The Strong-LAMP-positive results were visually detected in 69/192 (35.9%) stool samples. The comparison of Strong-LAMP results in field conditions and at a reference laboratory matched in a total of 146/192 (76.0%) samples. A total of 24/192 (12.5%) stool samples tested positive by qPCR. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study in which colorimetric Strong-LAMP has been clinically evaluated in a resource-poor strongyloidiasis endemic area. Strong-LAMP has been shown to be more effective in screening for strongyloidiasis than parasitological methods under field conditions and qPCR in the laboratory. Our Strong-LAMP has proven to be a field-friendly and highly accurate molecular test for the diagnosis of strongyloidiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Crego-Vicente
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Group (e-INTRO), Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca-Research Centre for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca (IBSAL-CIETUS), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Begoña Febrer-Sendra
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Group (e-INTRO), Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca-Research Centre for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca (IBSAL-CIETUS), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Joan Martínez-Campreciós
- Hospital Nossa Senhora da Paz, Cubal, Angola
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandro Mediavilla
- Microbiology Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Aroa Silgado
- Microbiology Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elena Sulleiro
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Microbiology Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Begoña Treviño
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- International Health Unit Vall d'Hebron-Drassanes, Infectious Diseases Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Israel Molina
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- International Health Unit Vall d'Hebron-Drassanes, Infectious Diseases Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antonio Muro
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Group (e-INTRO), Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca-Research Centre for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca (IBSAL-CIETUS), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Fernando Salvador
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
- International Health Unit Vall d'Hebron-Drassanes, Infectious Diseases Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Pedro Fernández-Soto
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Group (e-INTRO), Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca-Research Centre for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca (IBSAL-CIETUS), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.
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Sow D, Sylla K, Dieng NM, Senghor B, Gaye PM, Fall CB, Goumballa N, Diallo A, Ndiaye JLA, Parola P, Sokhna C, Doucouré S, Faye B. Molecular diagnosis of urogenital schistosomiasis in pre-school children, school-aged children and women of reproductive age at community level in central Senegal. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:43. [PMID: 36717835 PMCID: PMC9887789 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05671-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Urogenital schistosomiasis is a major public health concern in sub-Saharan Africa. In Senegal, the disease is endemic in all regions of the country. Recently, WHO strongly recommended including pre-school children and women of reproductive age during a mass drug administration campaign. It is important to describe the burden of the disease in these group at risk using innovative diagnostic tools. This study aimed to assess the use of real-time PCR in the detection of schistosomiasis cases at the community level in a seasonal transmission area. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was carried out in Niakhar located in the centre of Senegal. Pre-schoolchildren, school-aged children and female adolescents and adults were invited to participate in the study in April 2018. Urine samples were collected and examined using Hemastix reagent strips, filtration technique and real-time PCR. Schistosoma haematobium was detected, identified by targeting the Dra1 gene. The prevalence of urogenital schistosomiasis was determined for each group and the performance of the real-time PCR was compared with the conventional techniques. RESULTS A total of 428 participants were enrolled in this study including 87 (20.4%) pre-school children (1-5 years), 262 (61.3%) school-aged children between (5-14 years), 17 (3.9%) adolescents (15-17 years) and 62 (14.4%) female adults. The comparison of the diagnostic techniques has shown that the prevalence of urogenital schistosomiasis is higher using molecular technique (34.6%) compared to microscopy (20.3%). The percentage rate of haematuria using Hemastix was 23.1%. School-aged children between 5 and 14 years old were the most affected with 29.0% and 43.1% under microscopy and RT-PCR, respectively. In female participants, microscopic prevalence decreases with age, from 21.4% in school-aged children to 17.6% in adolescents and 9.7% in adults. There was good correlation between the number of eggs per 10 ml and the cycle threshold range. CONCLUSION These results show the importance of using molecular tools in the surveillance of schistosomiasis particularly in pre-school children and women of reproductive age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doudou Sow
- grid.442784.90000 0001 2295 6052Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, UFR Sciences de la Santé, Université Gaston Berger, Saint-Louis, Sénégal
| | - Khadime Sylla
- grid.8191.10000 0001 2186 9619Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, FMPO, Université Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Ndeye Marème Dieng
- grid.8191.10000 0001 2186 9619Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, FMPO, Université Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Bruno Senghor
- grid.418291.70000 0004 0456 337XUnité VITROME Dakar, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Papa Mouhamadou Gaye
- grid.418291.70000 0004 0456 337XUnité VITROME Dakar, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Cheikh B. Fall
- grid.8191.10000 0001 2186 9619Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, FMPO, Université Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Ndiaw Goumballa
- grid.418291.70000 0004 0456 337XUnité VITROME Dakar, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Aldiouma Diallo
- grid.418291.70000 0004 0456 337XUnité VITROME Dakar, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Jean Louis A. Ndiaye
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, UFR Sciences de la Santé, Université Iba Der Thiam, Thies, Sénégal
| | - Philippe Parola
- Unité VITROME, IHU Méditérannée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Cheikh Sokhna
- grid.418291.70000 0004 0456 337XUnité VITROME Dakar, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Souleymane Doucouré
- grid.418291.70000 0004 0456 337XUnité VITROME Dakar, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Babacar Faye
- grid.8191.10000 0001 2186 9619Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, FMPO, Université Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar, Sénégal
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Mannier C, Yoon JY. Progression of LAMP as a Result of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Is PCR Finally Rivaled? Biosensors (Basel) 2022; 12:bios12070492. [PMID: 35884295 PMCID: PMC9312731 DOI: 10.3390/bios12070492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Reflecting on the past three years and the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic, varying global tactics offer insights into the most effective public-health responses. In the US, specifically, rapid and widespread testing was quickly prioritized to lower restrictions sooner. Essentially, only two types of COVID-19 diagnostic tests were publicly employed during the peak pandemic: the rapid antigen test and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). However, neither test ideally suited the situation, as rapid antigen tests are far too inaccurate, and RT-PCR tests require skilled personnel and sophisticated equipment, leading to long wait times. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is another exceptionally accurate nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) that offers far quicker time to results. However, RT-LAMP COVID-19 tests have not been embraced as extensively as rapid antigen tests or RT-PCR. This review will investigate the performance of current RT-LAMP-based COVID-19 tests and summarize the reasons behind the hesitancy to embrace RT-LAMP instead of RT-PCR. We will also look at other LAMP platforms to explore possible improvements in the accuracy and portability of LAMP, which could be applied to COVID-19 diagnostics and future public-health outbreaks.
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Febrer-sendra B, Fernández-soto P, Crego-vicente B, Diego JG, Ta-tang T, Berzosa P, Nguema R, Ncogo P, Romay-barja M, Herrador Z, Benito A, Muro A. Colorimetric and Real-Time Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) for Detection of Loa loa DNA in Human Blood Samples. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:1079. [PMID: 35626235 PMCID: PMC9139441 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12051079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Loiasis, caused by the filarial nematode Loa loa, is endemic in Central and West Africa. Loa loa has been associated with severe adverse reactions in high Loa-infected individuals receiving ivermectin during mass drug administration programs for the control of onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis. Diagnosis of loiasis still depends on microscopy in blood samples, but this is not effective for large-scale surveys. New diagnostics methods for loiasis are urgently needed. Previously, we developed a colorimetric high-sensitive and species-specific LAMP for Loa loa DNA detection. Here, we evaluate it in a set of 100 field-collected clinical samples stored as dried blood spots. In addition, Loa loa-LAMP was also evaluated in real-time testing and compared with microscopy and a specific PCR/nested PCR. A simple saponin/Chelex-based method was used to extract DNA. Colorimetric and real-time LAMP assays detected more samples with microscopy-confirmed Loa loa and Loa loa/Mansonella perstans mixed infections than PCR/nested-PCR. Samples with the highest Loa loa microfilariae counts were amplified faster in real-time LAMP assays. Our Loa loa-LAMP could be a promising molecular tool for the easy, rapid and accurate screening of patients for loiasis in endemic areas with low-resource settings. The real-time testing (feasible in a handheld device) could be very useful to rule out high-microfilariae loads in infected patients.
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Bustinduy AL, Randriansolo B, Sturt AS, Kayuni SA, Leustcher PDC, Webster BL, Van Lieshout L, Stothard JR, Feldmeier H, Gyapong M. An update on female and male genital schistosomiasis and a call to integrate efforts to escalate diagnosis, treatment and awareness in endemic and non-endemic settings: The time is now. Adv Parasitol 2022; 115:1-44. [PMID: 35249661 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2021.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The last decades have brought important insight and updates in the diagnosis, management and immunopathology of female genital schistosomiasis (FGS) and male genital schistosomiasis (MGS). Despite sharing a common parasitic aetiological agent, FGS and MGS have typically been studied separately. Infection with Schistosoma haematobium manifests with gender-specific clinical manifestations and consequences of infection, albeit having a similar pathogenesis within the human genital tract. Schistosoma haematobium is a known urinary bladder carcinogen, but its potential causative role in other types of neoplasia, such as cervical cancer, is not fully understood. Furthermore, the impact of praziquantel treatment on clinical outcomes remains largely underexplored, as is the interplay of FGS/MGS with relevant reproductive tract infections such as HIV and Human Papillomavirus. In non-endemic settings, travel and immigrant health clinics need better guidance to correctly identify and treat FGS and MGS. Our review outlines the latest advances and remaining knowledge gaps in FGS and MGS research. We aim to pave a way forward to formulate more effective control measures and discuss elimination targets. With a growing community awareness in health practitioners, scientists and epidemiologists, alongside the sufferers from these diseases, we aspire to witness a new generation of young women and men free from the downstream disabling manifestations of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amaya L Bustinduy
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom.
| | | | - Amy S Sturt
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, United States
| | - Seke A Kayuni
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom; MASM Medi Clinics Limited, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Peter D C Leustcher
- Centre for Clinical Research, North Denmark Regional Hospital, Hjoerring, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | | | - Lisette Van Lieshout
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - J Russell Stothard
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Hermann Feldmeier
- Charité University Medicine Berlin, Institute of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Margaret Gyapong
- Institute of Health Research, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
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Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a common neglected tropical disease of impoverished people and livestock in many developing countries in tropical Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America. Substantial progress has been made in controlling schistosomiasis in some African countries, but the disease still prevails in most parts of sub-Saharan Africa with an estimated 800 million people at risk of infection. Current control strategies rely primarily on treatment with praziquantel, as no vaccine is available; however, treatment alone does not prevent reinfection. There has been emphasis on the use of integrated approaches in the control and elimination of the disease in recent years with the development of health infrastructure and health education. However, there is a need to evaluate the present status of African schistosomiasis, primarily caused by Schistosoma mansoni and S. haematobium, and the factors affecting the disease as the basis for developing more effective control and elimination strategies in the future. This review provides an historical perspective of schistosomiasis in Africa and discusses the current status of control efforts in those countries where the disease is endemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oyime Poise Aula
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane 4006, Australia;
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane 4006, Australia
| | - Donald P. McManus
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane 4006, Australia;
| | - Malcolm K. Jones
- School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Australia;
| | - Catherine A. Gordon
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane 4006, Australia;
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Frimpong M, Kyei-Tuffuor L, Fondjo LA, Ahor HS, Adjei-Kusi P, Maiga-Ascofare O, Phillips RO. Evaluation of a real-time recombinase polymerase amplification assay for rapid detection of Schistosoma haematobium infection in resource-limited setting. Acta Trop 2021; 216:105847. [PMID: 33497617 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.105847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Accurate diagnosis of urogenital schistosomiasis is vital for surveillance/control programs as well as achieving the WHO 2012-2020 road map for the total eradication of schistosomiasis. Recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) has emerged as a rapid and simple molecular tool adaptable for fewer resources with diagnostic accuracy similar to polymerase chain reaction (PCR). This rapid molecular assay employs the use of enzymes for the amplification of nucleic acid taget at a constant temperature. The aim of this study was to validate a real-time RPA assay targeting the Dra 1 repittitive sequence of Schistosoma (S.) haematobium and evaluate its use in urogenital schistosomiasis diagnosis. S. haematobium Dra 1 molecular DNA standard was applied to determine the assay's analytical sensitivity. DNA extracts of S. haematobium, other Schistosoma species, protozoa and bacteria species were used to determine the specificity of the RPA assay. Clinical performance of the assay was validated with a panel of 135 urine samples from volunteers of schistosomiasis endemic communities. The developed assay was evaluated with urine samples extracted by just boiling and with SpeedXtract® DNA extraction kit. A specific fragment of S. haematobium Dra 1 repetitive sequence was amplified within 15 minutes at a constant 42˚C using the developed S. haematobium RPA assay. The detection limit was 15 copies of Dra1 molecular DNA standard per reaction. There was no cross-reaction with other protozoan and bacterial species except Schistosoma species, S. mansoni and S. japonicum. Using 135 urine samples, Schistosoma RPA assay had a clinical sensitivity and specificity of 98.4% (95% CI, 91.6-100) and 100% (95% CI, 94.9-99) respectively when compared to S. haematobium Dra 1 qPCR assay. The diagnostic performance of S. haematobium real-time RPA assay was not affected by the use of crude DNA extracted samples. The S. haematobium RPA assay can serve as an alternative to PCR, especially in low resource settings.
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García-Bernalt Diego J, Fernández-Soto P, Muro A. LAMP in Neglected Tropical Diseases: A Focus on Parasites. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11030521. [PMID: 33804255 PMCID: PMC8000616 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11030521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
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.
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10
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García-Bernalt Diego J, Fernández-Soto P, Febrer-Sendra B, Crego-Vicente B, Muro A. Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification in Schistosomiasis. J Clin Med 2021; 10:511. [PMID: 33535489 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10030511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Human schistosomiasis is one of the most important parasitic diseases, causing around 250 million cases (mostly in Africa) and 280,000–500,000 deaths every year. Due to the limited resources and the far-removed nature of many endemic areas, the implementation of new, sensitive and specific diagnostic tools has had little success. This is particularly true for PCR-based molecular methods that require expensive equipment and trained personnel to be executed. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) along with other isothermal techniques appeared in the early 21st century as an alternative to those methods, overcoming some of the aforementioned limitations and achieving a more inexpensive diagnostic. However, to this date, neither LAMP nor any other isothermal technique have signified a meaningful change in the way schistosomiasis diagnosis is routinely performed. Here, we present the recent developments in LAMP-based schistosomiasis diagnosis. We expose the main advantages and disadvantages of LAMP technology over PCR and other classical diagnostic methods focusing in various research approaches on intermediate hosts, animal models and patients. We also examine its potential clinical application in post-therapy monitoring, as well as its usefulness as a point-of-care test.
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11
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Moehling TJ, Choi G, Dugan LC, Salit M, Meagher RJ. LAMP Diagnostics at the Point-of-Care: Emerging Trends and Perspectives for the Developer Community. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2021; 21:43-61. [PMID: 33474990 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2021.1873769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Over the past decade, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technology has played an important role in molecular diagnostics. Amongst numerous nucleic acid amplification assays, LAMP stands out in terms of sample-to-answer time, sensitivity, specificity, cost, robustness, and accessibility, making it ideal for field-deployable diagnostics in resource-limited regions.Areas covered: In this review, we outline the front-end LAMP design practices for point-of-care (POC) applications, including sample handling and various signal readout methodologies. Next, we explore existing LAMP technologies that have been validated with clinical samples in the field. We summarize recent work that utilizes reverse transcription (RT) LAMP to rapidly detect SARS-CoV-2 as an alternative to standard PCR protocols. Finally, we describe challenges in translating LAMP from the benchtop to the field and opportunities for future LAMP assay development and performance reporting.Expert opinion: Despite the popularity of LAMP in the academic research community and a recent surge in interest in LAMP due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are numerous areas for improvement in the fundamental understanding of LAMP, which are needed to elevate the field of LAMP assay development and characterization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor J Moehling
- Sandia National Laboratories, Biotechnology & Bioengineering Dept., Livermore, CA, USA
| | - Gihoon Choi
- Sandia National Laboratories, Biotechnology & Bioengineering Dept., Livermore, CA, USA
| | - Lawrence C Dugan
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Biosciences & Biotechnology Div., Livermore, CA, USA
| | - Marc Salit
- Joint Initiative for Metrology in Biology, SLAC National Accelerator Lab and Departments of Bioengineering and Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Robert J Meagher
- Sandia National Laboratories, Biotechnology & Bioengineering Dept., Livermore, CA, USA
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Avendaño C, Patarroyo MA. Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification as Point-of-Care Diagnosis for Neglected Parasitic Infections. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21217981. [PMID: 33126446 PMCID: PMC7662217 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21217981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has placed twenty diseases into a group known as neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), twelve of them being parasitic diseases: Chagas’ disease, cysticercosis/taeniasis, echinococcosis, food-borne trematodiasis, human African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness), leishmaniasis, lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis (river blindness), schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminthiasis (ascariasis, hookworm, trichuriasis), guinea-worm and scabies. Such diseases affect millions of people in developing countries where one of the main problems concerning the control of these diseases is diagnosis-based due to the most affected areas usually being far from laboratories having suitable infrastructure and/or being equipped with sophisticated equipment. Advances have been made during the last two decades regarding standardising and introducing techniques enabling diagnoses to be made in remote places, i.e., the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technique. This technique’s advantages include being able to perform it using simple equipment, diagnosis made directly in the field, low cost of each test and the technique’s high specificity. Using this technique could thus contribute toward neglected parasite infection (NPI) control and eradication programmes. This review describes the advances made to date regarding LAMP tests, as it has been found that even though several studies have been conducted concerning most NPI, information is scarce for others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catalina Avendaño
- Animal Science Faculty, Universidad de Ciencias Aplicadas y Ambientales (U.D.C.A.), Bogotá 111166, Colombia;
| | - Manuel Alfonso Patarroyo
- Molecular Biology and Immunology Department, Fundación Instituto de Inmunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Bogotá 111321, Colombia
- Basic Sciences Department, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 112111, Colombia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +57-1-3244672
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Keller D, Rothen J, Dangy JP, Saner C, Daubenberger C, Allan F, Ame SM, Ali SM, Kabole F, Hattendorf J, Rollinson D, Seyfarth R, Knopp S. Performance of a real-time PCR approach for diagnosing Schistosoma haematobium infections of different intensity in urine samples from Zanzibar. Infect Dis Poverty 2020; 9:128. [PMID: 32887642 PMCID: PMC7487541 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-020-00726-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Efforts to control and eliminate schistosomiasis have accelerated over the past decade. As parasite burden, associated morbidity and egg excretion decrease, diagnosis with standard parasitological methods becomes harder. We assessed the robustness and performance of a real-time PCR (qPCR) approach in comparison with urine filtration microscopy and reagent strip testing for the diagnosis of Schistosoma haematobium infections of different intensities. Methods The robustness of DNA isolation and qPCR was validated in eight laboratories from Europe and Africa. Subsequently, 792 urine samples collected during cross-sectional surveys of the Zanzibar Elimination of Schistosomiasis Transmission (ZEST) project in 2012–2017 were examined with qPCR in 2018. Diagnostic sensitivity of the qPCR was calculated at different infection intensity categories, using urine filtration microscopy as reference test. Spearman’s rank correlation between Ct-values and S. haematobium egg counts was assessed and Ct-value percentiles for infection intensity categories determined. Results S. haematobium Dra1 DNA-positive samples were identified correctly in all eight laboratories. Examination of urine samples from Zanzibar revealed Dra1 DNA in 26.8% (212/792) by qPCR, S. haematobium eggs in 13.3% (105/792) by urine filtration, and microhaematuria in 13.8% (109/792) by reagent strips. Sensitivity of the qPCR increased with augmenting egg counts: 80.6% (29/36) for counts between 1 and 4 eggs, 83.3% (15/18) for counts between 5 and 9 eggs, 100% (23/23) for counts between 10 and 49 eggs, and 96.4% (27/28) for counts of 50+ eggs. There was a significant negative correlation between Ct-values and egg counts (Spearman’s rho = − 0.49, P < 0.001). Seventy-five percent of the Ct-values were ≥ 33 in the egg-negative category, < 31 in the light intensity category, and < 24 in the heavy intensity category. Conclusions While the sensitivity of the qPCR was ~ 80% for very light intensity infections (egg counts < 10), in general, the Dra1 based qPCR assay detected twice as many S. haematobium infections compared with classical parasitological tests. The qPCR is hence a sensitive, urine-based approach for S. haematobium diagnosis that can be used for impact assessment of schistosomiasis elimination programmes, individual diagnosis, and in improved format also for verification and certification of elimination. Trial registration ISRCTN, ISRCTN48837681. Registered 05 September 2012 - Retrospectively registered.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julian Rothen
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4002, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, 4001, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Pierre Dangy
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4002, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, 4001, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Corina Saner
- Biolytix AG, Benkenstrasse 254, 4108, Witterswil, Switzerland
| | - Claudia Daubenberger
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4002, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, 4001, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Fiona Allan
- Wolfson Wellcome Biomedical Laboratories, Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD, UK
| | - Shaali M Ame
- Public Health Laboratory Ivo de Carneri, P.O. Box 122, Chake-Chake, Pemba, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Said M Ali
- Public Health Laboratory Ivo de Carneri, P.O. Box 122, Chake-Chake, Pemba, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Fatma Kabole
- Neglected Diseases Programme, Ministry of Health, P.O. Box 236, Zanzibar Town, Unguja, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Jan Hattendorf
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4002, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, 4001, Basel, Switzerland
| | - David Rollinson
- Wolfson Wellcome Biomedical Laboratories, Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD, UK
| | - Ralf Seyfarth
- Biolytix AG, Benkenstrasse 254, 4108, Witterswil, Switzerland
| | - Stefanie Knopp
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4002, Basel, Switzerland. .,University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, 4001, Basel, Switzerland.
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