Development of a PCR Diagnostic Test Using Biological Samples from Patients Aged 6 and Older With Suspected Echinococcosis

What this Trial Is About

Echinococcosis is a parasitic disease caused by Echinococcus species, affecting humans through zoonotic transmission. Diagnosis currently relies on imaging, serology, and microscopy, but microscopy is slow, less sensitive, and cannot reliably identify different Echinococcus species. This research aims to improve the molecular diagnosis and understanding of pulmonary echinococcosis by developing new diagnostic methods. The study involves collecting biological samples from patients suspected of having echinococcosis, especially those requiring surgery to remove cysts. Researchers will develop and optimize a homemade PCR protocol to detect parasitic genetic material and differentiate among four Echinococcus species. The molecular results will be compared with traditional serology and microscopy, and whole-genome sequencing will be used to characterize species. Participants will provide biological samples which, alongside clinical and microbiological data, will be analyzed to enhance diagnostic accuracy. The study will monitor outcomes such as the development of the PCR protocol and hospitalization costs over an expected 20-year period. This observational study includes patients aged 6 years and older and involves informed consent and follow-up assessments related to diagnostic advancements.

Collection of Biological Samples From Patients With Echinococcosis and Implementation of a Home-made PCR Method