Specific DNA probes for the identification of the Taenia solium and Taenia saginata species

摘要

The invention features compositions and methods for the detection of and differentiation between Taenia solium and/or Taenia saginata. Specifically, the invention features nucleic acid probes comprising specific repetitive sequences of T. solium and T. saginata. These sequences make it possible to distinguish, with a high level of sensitivity and specificity, the eggs of these species of Taenia, thus enabling the diagnosis of taeniasis and the identification of carriers of Taenia solium. The invention is of great importance in controlling spread of T. solium due to ingestion of infected pork and/or exposure to human carriers of T. solium, thus facilitating the eradication of human and swine cysticercosis. The invention is thus of great importance in supporting eradication of human and swine cysticercosis.