Identification and analytical validation of a species-specific molecular target for Taenia solium detection using...

Accurate discrimination of Taenia solium (T. solium) from other Taenia species remains a challenge in parasitological diagnosis, particularly when based solely on morphological examination of eggs or degraded material. Molecular approaches have improved species identification and differentiation, but robust and species-specific targets suitable for developing diagnostic assays remain limited.In this study, we aimed to identify and validate a species-specific molecular target to enable the discrimination between T. solium and other Taenia species. To this end, we performed comparative analysis of publicly available genomic sequences, revealing polymorphic sites unique to T. solium within a conserved locus; sequence alignments across Taenia species then guided primer design targeting this region. The resulting target was subsequently evaluated by quantitative PCR (qPCR) and showed consistent amplification across serial DNA dilutions, with detection down to approximately 10 pg of input DNA. No amplification was observed with genomic DNA from Taenia saginata or human samples, supporting the specificity of the selected target under the conditions tested.Together, these results identify a robust molecular target for the specific detection of T. solium, providing a useful foundation for the development of molecular diagnostic tools which may support improved detection strategies for this medically significant helminth.