Abstract |
Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) or sleeping sickness is a neglected disease that affects poor rural populations across sub-Saharan Africa. Confirmation of diagnosis is based on detection of parasites in either blood or lymph by microscopy. Here we present the development and the first-phase evaluation of a simple and rapid test (HAT-PCR-OC [human African trypanosomiasis-PCR-oligochromatography]) for detection of amplified Trypanosoma brucei DNA. PCR products are visualized on a dipstick through hybridization with a gold-conjugated probe (oligochromatography). Visualization is straightforward and takes only 5 min. Controls both for the PCR and for DNA migration are incorporated into the assay. The lower detection limit of the test is 5 fg of pure T. brucei DNA. One parasite in 180 microl of blood is still detectable. Sensitivity and specificity for T. brucei were calculated at 100% when tested on blood samples from 26 confirmed sleeping sickness patients, 18 negative controls (nonendemic region), and 50 negative control blood samples from an endemic region. HAT-PCR-OC is a promising new tool for diagnosis of sleeping sickness in laboratory settings, and the diagnostic format described here may have wider application for other infectious diseases.
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Authors | S Deborggraeve, F Claes, T Laurent, P Mertens, T Leclipteux, J C Dujardin, P Herdewijn, P Büscher |
Journal | Journal of clinical microbiology
(J Clin Microbiol)
Vol. 44
Issue 8
Pg. 2884-9
(Aug 2006)
ISSN: 0095-1137 [Print] United States |
PMID | 16891507
(Publication Type: Evaluation Study, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Animals
- Base Sequence
- Blood
(parasitology)
- DNA, Protozoan
(analysis, genetics, isolation & purification)
- Humans
- Molecular Diagnostic Techniques
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Nucleic Acid Hybridization
(methods)
- Polymerase Chain Reaction
(methods)
- Reference Standards
- Sensitivity and Specificity
- Trypanosoma brucei brucei
(genetics, isolation & purification)
- Trypanosomiasis, African
(diagnosis)
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