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CRISPR-assisted test for Schistosoma haematobium
Dounia Cherkaoui1,2, Silvia G Mesquita3,4,5, Da Huang6
1London Centre for Nanotechnology, University College London, London, WC1H 0AH, UK. dounia.cherkaoui.17@ucl.ac.uk.
Scientific Reports
|March 27, 2023
Summary
A new CRISPR-assisted diagnostic test, CATSH, offers sensitive and specific detection of Schistosoma haematobium eggs in urine within two hours. This innovation aids in the global effort to eliminate schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease, especially in resource-limited settings.
Area of Science:
- Molecular biology
- Infectious diseases
- Diagnostics
Background:
- Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease targeted for elimination by 2030.
- Current diagnostic methods lack sensitivity and specificity for resource-limited settings.
- There is an urgent need for improved diagnostic tools for schistosomiasis control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a sensitive and specific diagnostic test for Schistosoma haematobium.
- To create a rapid, portable diagnostic suitable for resource-limited settings.
- To leverage CRISPR technology for neglected tropical disease diagnostics.
Main Methods:
- CRISPR-assisted diagnostic test (CATSH) utilizing recombinase polymerase amplification and Cas12a cleavage.
- Portable real-time fluorescence detection.
- Novel CRISPR-compatible sample preparation using simulated urine.
Main Results:
- CATSH demonstrated high analytical sensitivity, detecting a single parasitic egg.
- The test showed specificity for urogenital Schistosoma species.
- Sample-to-result time was under 2 hours with lyophilised components for reduced cold chain dependence.
Conclusions:
- CATSH is a novel CRISPR-based diagnostic for highly sensitive and specific detection of parasitic pathogens.
- The test is suitable for remote areas and resource-limited settings.
- This technology can significantly impact the elimination of neglected tropical diseases like schistosomiasis.
