High-throughput multiplex quantitative polymerase chain reaction method for Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium
Noora Nurminen1, Rosa Juuti1, Sami Oikarinen1
1Department of Virology, School of Medicine, University of Tampere, Finland; Department for International Health, School of Medicine, University of Tampere, Finland; School of Public Health and Family Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi; Department of Pediatrics, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland; Fimlab Laboratories, Pirkanmaa Hospital District, Tampere, Finland.
Abstract:
Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium species belong to a complex group of pathogens that cause diseases hampering development and socioeconomic improvements in the developing countries. Both pathogens are recognized as significant causes of diarrhea and nutritional disorders. However, further studies are needed to clarify the role of parasitic infections, especially asymptomatic infections in malnutrition and stunting. We developed a high-throughput multiplex quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) method for G. lamblia and Cryptosporidium spp. detection in stool samples. The sensitivity and specificity of the method were ensured by analyzing confirmed positive samples acquired from diagnostics laboratories and participating in an external quality control round. Its capability to detect asymptomatic G. lamblia and Cryptosporidium spp. infections was confirmed by analyzing stool samples collected from 44 asymptomatic 6-month-old infants living in an endemic region in Malawi. Of these, five samples were found to be positive for G. lamblia and two for Cryptosporidium spp. In conclusion, the developed method is suitable for large-scale studies evaluating the occurrence of G. lamblia and Cryptosporidium spp. in endemic regions and for clinical diagnostics of these infections.
