About Careers Internship MedBlog Contact us
Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Advertisement

Helmintex Improves WHO’s Detection of Intestinal Schistosome Infection

by Chrisy Ngilneii on February 24, 2018 at 5:24 PM
Helmintex Improves WHO’s Detection of Intestinal Schistosome Infection

The World Health Organization recommended Kato-Katz technique for detection of intestinal schistosome infections. However, recent research at the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil, finds that the test is not efficient on its own but could work better with another method.

Schistosomiasis, or infection with the flatworm Schistosoma mansoni, affects more than 240 million people worldwide. In some countries, including Brazil, control programs have led to a significant reduction in the prevalence and parasite burden of endemic populations. However, in this setting, it can be difficult to detect active infections since the Kato-Katz technique loses its sensitivity.

Advertisement


Stefan Geiger, of Brazil's Federal University of Minas Gerais, and colleagues examined 254 individuals in a moderate prevalence area of Northern Minas Gerais, Brazil, using four different approaches to test for intestinal schistosomiasis. The approaches were: the standard Kato-Katz technique, which analyzes slides from up to three fecal samples; a modified Helmintex method, which isolates eggs from 30 g. of feces using magnetic beads; a saline gradient, which cleans 500 mg of feces to detect eggs; and a rapid urine test (POC-CCA) which detects a secreted protein produced mainly by adult worms of S. mansoni.

When additional tests were used alongside the Kato-Katz method, the estimated prevalence of schistosomiasis in the population rose 2.3 times, from 20.4 percent to 45.9 percent. All methods lost their high sensitivity at low and very low-intensity infections. The sensitivity of the POC-CCA (64.9 percent) was similar to the sensitivity of analyzing six Kato-Katz slides from three fecal samples. The best sensitivity was obtained with the Helmintex method (84 percent).
Advertisement

"In its present form, Helmintex is not applicable for large-scale screening due to the required sample size and the time-consuming sieving and sedimentation processes, but might be an adequate reference standard or gold standard for the evaluation of newly developed, field-based diagnostic tests," the researchers say. "We believe that a combination of methods has to be implemented since the schistosomiasis control programs in different regions of the world are moving from morbidity control towards transmission control and elimination."

Source: Eurekalert
Font : A-A+

Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Latest Tropical Disease News

Global Spread of Mpox Virus Persists: Cases Reported in China and Thailand
The WHO has assessed the risk of monkeypox for the general population in countries not previously impacted by the current outbreak as low.
Understanding Nipah Virus: Droplet Transmission and Its Lethality at 40-70%
Nipah is a zoonotic virus, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. Fruit bats serve as the natural reservoirs for Nipah virus.
Tamil Nadu Reports Zero Nipah Virus Cases
Nipah Virus (NiV) or Hendra virus is a deadly virus that spreads via contact with the saliva, urine, or excreta of fruit bats or pigs.
Nipah Virus Outbreak: 2 Fatalities Trigger Emergency Response in Kozhikode
Nipah virus is mainly a zoonotic disease, transferring from animals to humans, and can also spread via contaminated food or contact with infected individuals.
Japanese Encephalitis: Emerging Concern for Assam
Japanese Encephalitis in Assam, causing over 15 deaths during the monsoon season, officials are on high alert.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
MediBotMediBot
Greetings! How can I assist you?MediBot
×

Helmintex Improves WHO’s Detection of Intestinal Schistosome Infection Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests