A lateral flow strip in combination with microfluidic device and polymerase chain amplification for rapid and visual detection of lymphatic filarial infection

Abstract

Background: Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a neglected tropical disease caused by the filarial nematode parasites which is transmitted by the bites of infective mosquitoes. The diagnosis of LF traditionally relies on the detection of circulating microfilariae (mf) using Giemsa-stained thick blood smears which has several limitations. Materials and methods: In the present study, we developed a lateral flow (LF) strip to be used in combination with a novel microfluidic device and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for a rapid and visual detection of lymphatic filariae, Brugia malayi/ Wuchereria bancrofti infection in human blood samples. Results: The assay targets B. malayi HhaI gene and W. bancrofti Ssp gene. Prior to perform the assay, no DNA product clean up step required, thus, it can shorten time and reduce cost. The LF strip can detect as low as 10 pg of DNA product and no cross-reactivity with DNA of other parasites such as Gnathostoma spinigerum, cysticercisis soliumnor with DNA of other filariae i.e. Brugia pahangi, Dirofilaria immitis andD. repens. Conclusions: The developed LF strip shows high sensitivity and specificity, in combination with a novel microfluidic device and PCR, can be used as an alternative tool for the diagnosis of lymphatic filariasis.