Field Evaluation of a PCR Test for Schistosoma japonicum Egg Detection in Low-Prevalence Regions of China |
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| Authors: | Mai S. Fung Ning Xiao Shuo Wang Elizabeth J. Carlton |
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| Affiliation: | Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, California; Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Sichuan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Ministry of Health; WHO Collaborating Center for Malaria, Schistosomiasis and Filariasis, Shanghai, China |
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| Abstract: | Sensitive Schistosoma japonicum detection methods are needed to progress from schistosomiasis control to elimination. The sensitivity of the Kato-Katz thick smear and miracidium hatching tests decrease with infection intensity and serological tests cannot always identify current infections. We evaluated a fecal polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay to detect S. japonicum infection in 106 humans and 8 bovines in China. PCR was highly sensitive, detecting S. japonicum DNA at 0.5 eggs/g of stool. Comparing PCR examination of a single stool sample to the miracidium hatching test using three consecutive stool samples, more humans were hatching test positive (20%) than PCR positive (15%). However, two individuals were PCR positive in a village where no infections were detected by coprological methods. The sensitivity of PCR makes it a promising tool for schistosomiasis diagnostics and screening, although egg shedding variability and stool sample size present challenges for any detection method in low-transmission areas. |
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