Abstract
Schistosomes are long-lived parasites, hence schistosomiasis is a chronic disease with severe long-term implications. However, definitive diagnosis of active infection has been difficult because demonstration of infection has depended on detecting parasite eggs in urine and/or stool. In the case of Schistosoma haematobium which parasitizes the urinogenital system, this method has low sensitivity in adults. Detection of parasite-specific DNA in urine has been demonstrated and this has similar specificity but improved sensitivity. The implications of this new procedure and the impact on diagnosis are discussed.
Original language | English (US) |
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Article number | 761269 |
Journal | Journal of Parasitology Research |
Volume | 2012 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2012 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Parasitology
- Infectious Diseases