This project will develop immunoassays for the diagnosis of neurocysticercosis, an infection caused by the larvae of Taenia solium. Both a definitive test for the detection of antigens in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients suspected to have the infection and screening tests for the detection of antibodies in serum will be developed. The diagnostic tests will utilize enzyme immunoassays on the EZ-Screen Quik Cards of Environmental Diagnostics, Inc. The EZ-Screen Quik Card represents patented or patent-pending technology allowing rapid, simple, and inexpensive means for performing diagnostic assays.
Anticipated Results:Neurocysticercosis represents a serious neurological health problem worldwide. Successful drug treatment depends on accurate and accessible diagnosis. Current diagnosis by CAT scans is expensive, of limited availability, and limited accuracy. The development of this rapid, inexpensive test would provide definitive diagnosis based on detection of T.solium antigens directly in cerebrospinal fluid.National Institute of Allergy And Infectious Diseases
