Recent advancements in the diagnosis of parasitic diseases

Abstract

Parasitic infections present a significant health risk to the public, affecting millions of people, particularly in underdeveloped and developing countries. In developing countries, these infections are also responsible for causing significant economic challenges due to elevated healthcare expenditure. Accurate diagnosis and effective treatment methods are essentially required to combat this global issue. For decades, traditional diagnostic methods such as microscopy, serological testing, histopathology, and culturing have been used for the diagnosis of these parasitic infections. While these methods can be effective and helpful in many ways, they often consume a lot of time, require an elevated level of expertise, and have limited applications particularly in endemic regions having issues like poor infrastructure and limited access to healthcare facilities. This review aims to highlight the urgent need for a revolution to replace these conventional techniques with more affordable, quick, and field-adjustable tools such as rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) and molecular methods and provides a comprehensive picture of advanced diagnostic tools used in the identification of parasites. With the advancements in science and technology, molecular methods such as Polymerase chain reaction, Next generation sequencing, and isothermal loop-mediated amplification have remarkably enhanced the sensitivity and accuracy of parasite detection and identification. The range of these diagnostic methods has further extended by advanced serological methods, imaging techniques, and immunological methods. Moreover, the innovations in nanotechnology, CRISPR-Cas methods, and multi-omics techniques for identification of parasite DNA, antigens, metabolites, and host responses are invaluable for diagnostic accuracy, comprehensive understanding of parasite biology, and for the discovery of new therapeutic targets and diagnostic biomarkers. However, further research and developments are required for an effective and long-lasting impact of these advancements.