Description:
putting international travelers at risk for infections with these organisms. In a 10-year period from 1997 to 2008, over 400 cases of schistosomiasis were reported in travelers to the international travelers’ health surveillance network (GeoSentinel). In addition, the United States resettles 50,000-80,000 refugees annually from around the world. It is estimated that the prevalence rates of parasites, such as Strongyloides and Schistosoma in many U.S.-bound refugee groups are between 20 and 40%. Diagnosis of these infections in returning travelers and refugees in the United States is difficult because patients often present initially with a constellation of vague symptoms and thus, diagnoses of strongyloidiasis and schistosomiasis typically rely on confirmatory laboratory testing. The availability of parasitic serology testing in the United States is limited to six commercial laboratories and the CDC reference laboratory. Most commercial laboratories use reagents prepared by one or two manufacturers. To further complicate diagnosis, the reliability of these reagents and tests are variable and typically not FDA-cleared. To improve laboratory diagnosis of parasitic diseases, reliable serological tests are needed, especially for schistosomiasis and strongyloidiasis.
Project Goal: CDC is particularly interested in the development, validation, and FDA clearance of serological tests for diagnosis of strongyloidiasis and schistosomiasis. Use of recombinant protein targets instead of native parasite materials for detection of parasite specific antibodies will reduce variability and availability and should be considered. All submissions must include validation and FDA clearance as deliverables.
Impact: Availability of reliable commercial tests for strongyloidiasis and schistosomiasis will improve clinical management of these diseases.
