Molecular detection and identification of Trichobilharzia: development of a LAMP, qPCR, and multiplex PCR toolkit.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Cercarial dermatitis (CD), or swimmer's itch, is a water-borne allergic skin reaction caused by the penetration of the larval stages of bird schistosomes (cercariae) into the skin. Members of the genus Trichobilharzia are the primary causative agents of CD worldwide. Due to the increasing number of cases, CD is regarded as a (re)emerging disease. Outbreaks in recreational waters can significantly impact public health and local economies. Environmental monitoring of Trichobilharzia is crucial for outbreak prediction and public health management. However, conventional methods, such as cercarial shedding and snail dissections, are labour-intensive and lack sensitivity. To overcome these limitations, we present a molecular toolkit that combines loop-mediated isothermal ampli

SUBMITTER: Prochazka J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12124058 | biostudies-literature | 2025 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature