A novel antibody surrogate biomarker to monitor parasite persistence in Trypanosoma cruzi-infected patients.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Trypanosoma cruzi parasite, the causative agent of Chagas disease, infects about six million individuals in more than 20 countries. Monitoring parasite persistence in infected individuals is of utmost importance to develop and evaluate treatments to control the disease. Routine screening for infected human individuals is achieved by serological assays; PCR testing to monitor spontaneous or therapy-induced parasitological cure has limitations due to the low and fluctuating parasitic load in circulating blood. The aim of the present study is to evaluate a newly developed antibody profiling assay as an indirect method to assess parasite persistence based on waning of antibodies following spontaneous or therapy-induced clearance of the infection.

Methodology/principal fin

SUBMITTER: Zrein M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5823467 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature