Soil surveillance for monitoring soil-transmitted helminths: Method development and field testing in three countries.

ABSTRACT:

Background

One-fifth of the global population is infected with soil-transmitted helminths (STH). Mass drug administration (MDA) with deworming medication is widely implemented to control morbidity associated with STH infections. However, surveillance of human infection prevalence by collecting individual stool samples is time-consuming, costly, often stigmatized, and logistically challenging. Current methods of STH detection are poorly sensitive, particularly in low-intensity and low-prevalence populations.

Methodology/principal findings

We aimed to develop a sensitive and specific molecular method for detecting STH DNA in large volumes of soil (20 g) by conducting laboratory and proof of concept studies across field sites in Kenya, Benin, and India. We collected human stool

SUBMITTER: Manuel M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11469484 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature