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Title
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Molecular dipstick test for diagnosis of sleeping sickness
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Author
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Abstract
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| Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) or sleeping sickness is a neglected disease that affects poor rural populations across sub-Saharan Africa. Confirmation of diagnosis is based on detection of parasites in either blood or lymph by microscopy. Here we present the development and the first-phase evaluation of a simple and rapid test (HAT-PCR-OC [human African trypanosomiasis-PCR-oligochromatography]) for detection of amplified Trypanosoma brucei DNA. PCR products are visualized on a dipstick through hybridization with a gold-conjugated probe (oligochromatography). Visualization is straightforward and takes only 5 min. Controls both for the PCR and for DNA migration are incorporated into the assay. The lower detection limit of the test is 5 fg of pure T. brucei DNA. One parasite in 180 µl of blood is still detectable. Sensitivity and specificity for T. brucei were calculated at 100% when tested on blood samples from 26 confirmed sleeping sickness patients, 18 negative controls (nonendemic region), and 50 negative control blood samples from an endemic region. HAT-PCR-OC is a promising new tool for diagnosis of sleeping sickness in laboratory settings, and the diagnostic format described here may have wider application for other infectious diseases. |
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Language
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English
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Source (journal)
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Journal of clinical microbiology. - Washington, D.C.
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Publication
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Washington, D.C.
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2006
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ISSN
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0095-1137
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DOI
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10.1128/JCM.02594-05
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Volume/pages
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44
:8
(2006)
, p. 2884-2889
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ISI
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000239982800031
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Full text (Publisher's DOI)
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