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Publication Date

2022-05-09

First Advisor

Steven A. Williams

Document Type

Honors Project

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

Biochemistry

Keywords

Molecular diagnostics, Schistosomiasis, Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), Real-time PCR, Parasite detection

Abstract

Schistosomiasis is a debilitating Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) estimated to infect more than 230 million people worldwide. The main causative agents of this disease are S.japonicum, S.mansoni, and S.haematobium. The main treatment for Schistosomiasis includes periodic mass drug administration of praziquantel, the only anti-parasitic currently used for schistosomiasis elimination. Accurate diagnosis of the parasites in endemic areas is imperative for the appropriate administration of praziquantel treatment. Typically, diagnosis of Schistosomiasis has occurred via Kato-Katz, a coprological staining technique that has been shown to radically underestimate infection. Thus, the development of sensitive and specific diagnostic assays comprises a crucial step in the long journey to achieving disease elimination. Concerted efforts have been made by the Williams Lab to develop efficient, specific, and highly sensitive real-time PCR assays for the detection of S.japonicum, S.mansoni, and S.haematobium. These assays target high copy, non-coding repeats identified by bioinformatic analysis of next-generation sequencing data for each parasite. Here we report the progress as well as challenges associated with the development of several highly promising Schistosoma species diagnostic assays designed in the Williams Lab.

Rights

©2022 Sara Halili. Access limited to the Smith College community and other researchers while on campus. Smith College community members also may access from off-campus using a Smith College log-in. Other off-campus researchers may request a copy through Interlibrary Loan for personal use.

Language

English

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