Schistosomes: Laboratory Diagnosis

• What is the primary method for identifying schistosome species?

  Spine location and egg size
• Which schistosome species are diagnosed through stool examination or rectal biopsy?

  1. S. mansoni & S. japonicum
• How is S. haematobium primarily diagnosed?

  Concentrated urine specimen
• What are the diagnostic methods for schistosomes?

  • Kato-Katz stool analysis
  • Serological Tests:
  • Circumoval Precipitin Test (COPT)
  • ELISA (various antigens)
  • Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT)
  • Ultrasonography
  • Molecular Methods (PCR, LAMP)
• What does the Circumoval Precipitin Test (COPT) identify?

  Lyophilized or purified live eggs
• What is a limitation of the Circumoval Precipitin Test (COPT)?

  Low specificity with cross-reactions
• What types of antigens are used in ELISA for schistosomiasis diagnosis?

  Crude, soluble egg, soluble worm, recombinant
• Which antigen type in ELISA is recommended for high sensitivity and specificity?

  Recombinant Antigen
• What does the Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) detect?

  Antibody/antigen detection
• What is the purpose of ultrasonography in schistosomiasis diagnosis?

  Rapid, non-invasive detection
• What molecular methods are used for schistosomiasis diagnosis?

  PCR and Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification LAMP
• What are the steps in the development of serological tests for schistosomiasis?

  1. Antigen Screening
  2. Antigen Production
  3. Antigen Testing
  4. Serological Test Formats (RA-ELISA, Lateral Flow, POCT)
  5. Field Evaluation