Gasser, R.B., Cantacessi, C., and Loukas, A. (2008) DNA technological progress toward advanced diagnostic tools to support human hookworm control. Biotechnology Advances, 26 (1). pp. 35-45.

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Abstract

Blood-feeding hookworms are parasitic nematodes of major human health importance. Currently, it is estimated that 740 million people are infected worldwide, and more than 80 million of them are severely affected clinically by hookworm disease. In spite of the health problems caused and the advances toward the development of vaccines against some hookworms, limited attention has been paid to the need for improved, practical methods of diagnosis. Accurate diagnosis and genetic characterization of hookworms is central to their effective control. While traditional diagnostic methods have considerable limitations, there has been some progress toward the development of molecular-diagnostic tools. The present article provides a brief background on hookworm disease of humans, reviews the main methods that have been used for diagnosis and describes progress in establishing polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based methods for the specific diagnosis of hookworm infection and the genetic characterisation of the causative agents. This progress provides a foundation for the rapid development of practical, highly sensitive and specific diagnostic and analytical tools to be used in improved hookworm prevention and control programmes.

Item ID:	42109
Item Type:	Article (Research - C1)
ISSN:	1873-1899
Keywords:	human hookworm; Strongylida; specific diagnosis of infection; genetic variation; polymerase chain reaction (PCR); mutation scanning
Funders:	Australian Research Council (ARC), National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC)
Date Deposited:	14 Dec 2015 01:02
FoR Codes:	11 MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES > 1108 Medical Microbiology > 110803 Medical Parasitology @ 70% 11 MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES > 1103 Clinical Sciences > 110302 Clinical Chemistry (diagnostics) @ 30%
SEO Codes:	92 HEALTH > 9202 Health and Support Services > 920203 Diagnostic Methods @ 40% 92 HEALTH > 9204 Public Health (excl. Specific Population Health) > 920499 Public Health (excl. Specific Population Health) not elsewhere classified @ 60%
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