Diagnosis of Schistosoma mansoni infections: what are the choices in Brazilian low-endemic areas?

Diagnosis of Schistosoma mansoni infections: what are the choices in Brazilian low-endemic areas?
Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz. 2019 Mar 28;114:e180478
Authors: Silva-Moraes V, Shollenberger LM, Siqueira LMV, Castro-Borges W, Harn DA, Grenfell RFQE, Rabello ALT, Coelho PMZ
Abstract
The population of Brazil is currently characterised by many individuals harbouring low-intensity Schistosoma mansoni infections. The Kato-Katz technique is the diagnostic method recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) to assess these infections, but this method is not sensitive enough in the context of low egg excretion. In this regard, potential alternatives are being employed to overcome the limits of the Kato-Katz technique. In the present review, we evaluated the performance of parasitological and immunological approaches adopted in Brazilian areas. Currently, the diagnostic choices involve a combination of strategies, including the utilisation of antibody methods to screen individuals and then subsequent confirmation of positive cases by intensive parasitological investigations.
PMID: 30942278 [PubMed - in process]

Source: Memorias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz - March 27, 2019 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Silva-Moraes V, Shollenberger LM, Siqueira LMV, Castro-Borges W, Harn DA, Grenfell RFQE, Rabello ALT, Coelho PMZ Tags: Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz Source Type: research