Jasmine Coppens, Jean-Marc Schwob, Karin Van Looveren, Jolien Baeyens, Marjan Van Esbroeck
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Introduction: Molecular diagnostics have improved infectious disease detection, yet their role in parasitology remains nuanced.
Methods: We compared the performance of the AMPLIQUICK®Fecal Parasitology assay with the conventional methods encompassing microscopy, antigen testing and in-house PCR testing, in a reference laboratory for parasitology in a travel clinic. The detection of protozoa, helminths, and microsporidia was evaluated on 107 stool samples from 99 patients with suspected gastrointestinal parasitic infections, of which 40 specimens were tested retrospectively and 67 were collected prospectively.
Results: AMPLIQUICK® demonstrated high accuracy for protozoa and microsporidia (94.6%, 35/37) detecting all Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba dispar, most Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp., and all Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon spp. The assay detected more Dientamoeba fragilis (24 vs. 12) and Blastocystis sp. (61 vs. 44) than the conventional method but the correctness of these results could not be established. AMPLIQUICK® reliably detected most clinically relevant helminths, including Ascaris lumbricoides, Strongyloides spp., Hymenolepis nana, Taenia spp., and Enterobius vermicularis. Hookworms, Trichuris trichiura, Schistosoma mansoni, Heterophyidae/Opisthorchidae and Trichostrongylus spp. were occasionally missed.
Discussion: AMPLIQUICK® demonstrated good performance compared to the conventional methods and has the potential to improve parasitology diagnostics, particularly in laboratories with limited expertise. Clinicians should interpret findings in the patient's clinical context.
期刊介绍：
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology is a leading specialty journal, publishing rigorously peer-reviewed research across all pathogenic microorganisms and their interaction with their hosts. Chief Editor Yousef Abu Kwaik, University of Louisville is supported by an outstanding Editorial Board of international experts. This multidisciplinary open-access journal is at the forefront of disseminating and communicating scientific knowledge and impactful discoveries to researchers, academics, clinicians and the public worldwide.
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology includes research on bacteria, fungi, parasites, viruses, endosymbionts, prions and all microbial pathogens as well as the microbiota and its effect on health and disease in various hosts. The research approaches include molecular microbiology, cellular microbiology, gene regulation, proteomics, signal transduction, pathogenic evolution, genomics, structural biology, and virulence factors as well as model hosts. Areas of research to counteract infectious agents by the host include the host innate and adaptive immune responses as well as metabolic restrictions to various pathogenic microorganisms, vaccine design and development against various pathogenic microorganisms, and the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance and its countermeasures.
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