ParaDev currently develops a new, rapid test kit to diagnose Schistosomiasis in endemic areas. In these areas where people are continuously exposed to the parasite. Because mass chemotherapy is the main strategy to fight against schistosomiasis, the identification of immunological traces of schistosome infection (i.e. specific antibodies directed against the parasite) cannot evidence active infection. Therefore, the serological methods of diagnosis (Western Blot, Elisa or HAI) seems inadequate for either monitoring and evaluation of control program or determining the interruption of transmission. Methods identifying active infections that aim at detecting either the DNA or the proteins of the pathogen are preferable to be developed.
Based on either urine or blood sampling ParaDev develops a versatile DNA detecting method diagnosing either S. mansoni or S. haematobium active infections.
