Diagnostic and prognostic value of cell free circulating Schistosoma mansoni DNA: an experimental study

Searching for a more sensitive and accurate marker for schistosomiasis diagnosis and treatment follow up is a potential necessity. Hereby, we evaluated usefulness of circulating free DNA as a marker for schistosomiasis diagnosis, assessing drug efficacy and monitoring the control interventions impact using SYBR green real-time PCR. A batch of mice were infected by 90 ± 10 Schistosoma mansoni cercariae. Starting from the 2nd day post infection (p.i.), groups of 2 or 3 mice were sacrificed every 3 days until 30 days p.i. The remaining animals were treated by a single dose of 400 mg/kg mefloquine and sacrificed in group at 5, 10, 21 days post treatment (35, 40, 51 days p.i.). Using SYBR green real time qPCR, pooled sera DNA were extracted and amplified. The results showed that, circulating free S. mansoni DNA was detected from the 2nd day post infection (p.i.) onwards with gradual decrease in the cycle threshold value Ct which indicates the gradual elevation of the DNA level (Log quantity was 2.6-3.1 IU/ml), As the infection progressed, DNA quantity was increased(Log quantity was 6.29 IU/ml). Initial increase of circulating free DNA was observed 10 days post treatment (40 days p.i.) (Log quantity was 7.38 IU/ml). That was followed by a progressive decrease in DNA level by the end of 21st day, post treatment (51 p.i.) (Log quantity 4.35 IU/ml). In conclusion, circulating free S. mansoni DNA is a reliable marker in the diagnosis of schistosomiasis and for assessing drug efficacy and monitoring the impact of control interventions.