Development of point-of-care immunodiagnostic test for Taenia solium cysticercosis in pigs.

Abstract

Cysticercosis, caused by the larval stage of Taenia solium, is a major zoonotic parasitic disease with a global impact, heightened by immigration and transboundary activities. Recognizing its importance, the World Health Organization has prioritized eliminating taeniasis/cysticercosis by 2030, designating it as a priority neglected tropical disease (NTD). Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective disease control, yet traditional methods often fall short due to low sensitivity of the test and the need for specialized laboratory setups. This study focuses on developing a recombinant Ag2 (rAg2)-based dot blot assay to detect T. solium cysticercosis in pigs. The rAg2 antigen was successfully expressed and purified, with immunoreactivity confirmed against sera from naturally infected pigs. The dot blot test evaluated against serological gold-standard enzyme-linked immunotransfer blot (EITB) assay, demonstrated preliminary laboratory sensitivity (89 %, 95 % CI: 68.6-97.1) and specificity (100 %, 95 % CI: 97.6 - 100), highlighting its potential as a reliable alternative diagnostic method. Cost-effectiveness and minimal laboratory requirements make it particularly suited for field use in resource-limited settings.