Use of the PCR in a Combined Methodological Approach for the Study of Human Fascioliasis in an Endemic Area

CARNEVALE, S.; MALANDRINI, J.B; PANTANO, M.L.; SAWICKI, M.; KAMENETZKY, L.; SORIA, C. C; VELASQUEZ, J. N.

ACTA PARASITOLOGICA

VERSITA

Lugar: Varsovia; Año: 2020

1230-2821

AbstractPurpose Fascioliasis is a worldwide distributed trematodiasis considered a neglected disease. Diagnosis in humans hasbeen traditionally based on parasitological and immunological techniques. Recently we reported the use of the PCR in stoolsamples for the individual diagnosis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate human fascioliasis by a combination ofdiagnostic methods in an area where the disease is highly endemic in animals.Methods We studied all the inhabitants (N = 240) of Tatón village, Argentina, by Fasciola hepatica rproCL1-ELISA. Amongthem, we continued the study with 13 cases that had at least two positive serological tests, who performed a questionnaire,physical examination, abdominal ultrasonography, and collection of blood and faeces. Blood/serum samples were used forFh rproCL1-ELISA and liver function tests. Faeces were used for parasitological analysis and PCR of a repetitive fragmentof Fasciola sp.Results Among the 13 patients, 9 presented symptoms of biliary colic. All patients repeated positive serology. F. hepaticaeggs were not detected. PCR was positive in 11 cases.Conclusion This is the first report employing an approach based on the combination of methods for the evaluation of humanfascioliasis in an endemic area, which includes molecular tools with a high value in detecting low infections.