Further evaluation of an updated PCR assay for the detection of Schistosoma mansoni DNA in human stool samples

摘要

A previously reported sensitive PCR assay for the detection of Schistosoma mansoni DNA was updated andevaluated. Changes in the DNA extraction method, including the use of a worldwide available commercial kit andthe inclusion of additional quality control measures, increased the robustness of the test, as confirmed by the analysisof 67 faecal samples from an endemic area in Brazil. The PCR assay is at hand as a proven, reliable diagnostictest for the control of schistosomiasis in specific settings.