title: Cell-Free DNA as a Diagnostic Tool for Human Parasitic Infections.
abstract: Parasites often cause devastating diseases and represent a significant public health and economic burden. More accurate and convenient diagnostic tools are needed in support of parasite control programmes in endemic regions, and for rapid point-of-care diagnosis in nonendemic areas. The detection of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is a relatively new concept that is being applied in the current armamentarium of diagnostics. Here, we review the application of cfDNA detection with nucleic acid amplification tests for the diagnosis and evaluation of different human parasitic infections and highlight the significant benefits of the approach using non-invasive clinical samples.
authors: Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; School of Public Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Saliyapura, Sri Lanka. Electronic address: Kosala.Weerakoon@qimrberghofer.edu.au.
authors: Kosala G
authors: KG
authors: Weerakoon
authors: Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia. Electronic address: Don.McManus@qimrberghofer.edu.au.
authors: Donald P
authors: DP
authors: McManus
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis* / Q000097:blood / Q000652:urine; D004247:DNA / Q000032:analysis* / Q000097:blood / Q000652:urine; D006801:Humans; D021141:Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques; D010271:Parasites / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification; D010272:Parasitic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011634:Public Health / Q000639:trends*; D012463:Saliva / Q000737:chemistry / Q000469:parasitology
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D004247:DNA
keywords: biomarkers; cell free DNA; diagnosis; nucleic acid amplification tests; parasitic infections