TcTASV Antigens of Trypanosoma cruzi: Utility for Diagnosis and High Accuracy as Biomarkers of Treatment Efficacy in Pediatric Patients

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2019 Nov;101(5):1135-1138. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.18-0936.

Abstract

The discovery and characterization of novel parasite antigens to improve the diagnosis of Trypanosoma cruzi by serological methods and for accurate and rapid follow-up of treatment efficiency are still needed. TcTASV is a T. cruzi-specific multigene family, whose products are expressed on the parasite stages present in the vertebrate host. In a previous work, a mix of antigens from subfamilies TcTASV-A and TcTASV-C (Mix A + C) was sensitive and specific to identify dogs with active infection of high epidemiological relevance. Here, TcTASV-A and TcTASV-C were assayed separately as well as together (Mix A + C) in an ELISA format on human samples. The Mix A + C presented moderate sensitivity (78%) but high diagnostic accuracy with a 100% of specificity, evaluated on healthy, leishmaniasic, and Strongyloides stercoralis infected patients. Moreover, antibody levels of pediatric patients showed-2 years posttreatment-diminished reactivity against the Mix A + C (P < 0.0001), pointing TcTASV antigens as promising tools for treatment follow-up.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Protozoan / immunology
  • Antigens, Protozoan / blood*
  • Antiprotozoal Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Chagas Disease / blood*
  • Chagas Disease / drug therapy*
  • Child
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay / methods
  • Humans
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Trypanosoma cruzi / immunology*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Protozoan
  • Antigens, Protozoan
  • Antiprotozoal Agents
  • Biomarkers