Application of cell-free schistosome DNA to a diagnostic for active schistosomiases

2014 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 24590510
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Parasitology (including Sanitary zoology)
• Research Institution: Dokkyo Medical University
• Principal Investigator: KATO-HAYASHI Naoko 獨協医科大学, 医学部, 助教 (50382974)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): CHIGUSA Yuichi 獨協医科大学, 医学部, 教授 (20171936)
• Project Period (FY): 2012-04-01 – 2015-03-31
• Keywords: 住血吸虫症 / 活動性感染 / 検査・診断 / 遊離型DNA

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Cell-free schistosome DNA is fragments of parasite-derived DNA exists in the host’s bodily fluids (blood, urine, and saliva). We evaluated the usefulness of cell-free schistosome DNA as a diagnostic marker for active schistosomiases. In schiatoomiasis-endemic areas in the Philippines, where the annual mass deworming program has been implemented, the active schistosomiasis detected by cell-free schistosome DNA was 3.5 to 10 times higher than that by stool examination (gold standard). In the case of refractory imported schistosomiasis haematobia, parasite egg rapidly disappeared after anthelmintic administration, whereas, cell-free schistosome DNA remained persistent. This was consistent with the presence of morphologically intact ova in bladder biopsy samples and with the corresponding symptoms. These results suggest that cell-free schistosome DNA, independent for parasite egg, is a promising diagnostic marker for active schistosomiases.

Free Research Field

医歯薬学