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Updated: Apr 28, 2026
Detection of Trypanosoma brucei Variant Surface Glycoprotein Switching by Magnetic Activated Cell Sorting and Flow Cytometry
Published on: October 19, 2016
A Platform for the Detection of Trypanosomes via Selective Small Molecule Recognition
Ellen D Beaulieu1, Lori L Olson1, Mary J Tanga1
1Center for Infectious Disease and Biodefense, SRI International , 333 Ravenswood Avenue, Menlo Park, California 94025, United States.
Abstract:
Trypanothione (TSH2), a metabolite unique to trypanosomal parasites, was evaluated as a potential biomarker for trypanosomal infection using fluorescence as the means of detection. Fluoroescein arsenical helix binder (FLASH) was prepared and used to detect TSH2. Since it has low background fluorescence and forms a highly emissive complex with TSH2, it can be used to detect low micromolar concentrations of TSH2 in serum. The large dynamic range of FLASH and its selectivity for detection of the dithiol metabolite indicate that arsenical probes may offer a promising new platform for the diagnosis of trypanosomal infection.
