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How qPCR complements the WHO roadmap (2021-2030) for soil-transmitted helminths
Marina Papaiakovou1, D Timothy J Littlewood2, Robin B Gasser3
1Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, St Mary's Campus, Imperial College London, London, UK; London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research (LCNTDR), Imperial College London, London, UK.
Abstract:
Complementing the launch of the World Health Organization (WHO) roadmap (2021-2030) we explore key elements needing attention before recruitment of qPCR as the main diagnostics tool to confirm reduction or elimination of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) transmission in both control and elimination programmes. Given the performance limitations of conventional methods, a proposed harmonised qPCR will provide a diagnostic tool, with the sensitivity and specificity required to monitor low-intensity infections, following mass drug administration (MDA). Technical and logistical challenges associated with introducing qPCR as a stand-alone tool are highlighted, and a decision-making scheme on how qPCR can support surveillance, resistance detection, and elimination is presented. An accurate point-of-care (POC) diagnostic test needs to be developed to support STH control in the field, and STH biorepositories need to be established and maintained to ensure that reference materials are available for research and validation.