Application of a Genus-Specific LAMP Assay for Schistosome Species to Detect x Hybrids.

Schistosomiasis is a disease of great medical and veterinary importance in tropical and subtropical regions caused by different species of parasitic flatworms of the genus . The emergence of natural hybrids of schistosomes indicate the risk of possible infection to humans and their zoonotic potential, specifically for and . Hybrid schistosomes have the potential to replace existing species, generate new resistances, pathologies and extending host ranges. Hybrids may also confuse the serological, molecular and parasitological diagnosis. Currently, LAMP technology based on detection of nucleic acids is used for detection of many agents, including schistosomes. Here, we evaluate our previously developed species-specific LAMP assays for , , and also the genus-specific LAMP for the simultaneous detection of several species against both DNA from pure and, for the first time, x hybrids. Proper operation was evaluated with DNA from hybrid schistosomes and with human urine samples artificially contaminated with parasites' DNA. LAMP was performed with and without prior DNA extraction. The genus-specific LAMP properly amplified pure species and different hybrids with different sensitivity. The spp.-LAMP method is potentially adaptable for field diagnosis and disease surveillance in schistosomiasis endemic areas where human infections by schistosome hybrids are increasingly common.