Modern Strategies for Cestode Infections: A Review of Immunological and Molecular Advances in Diagnosis and Management
Ishrat Vasi Shaikh *
Department of Zoology, Abeda Inamdar Senior College, Azam Campus, Camp, Pune – 411001, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Recent advancements have significantly transformed the research on cestodes, particularly in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of infections in humans and animals. The present review attracts attention to the recent advances in cestode research related to important areas. Highly precise immunological testing tools for detecting various cestode infections encompass methods such as the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and its variants, which are crucial for identifying species of Taenia and Echinococcus. Similarly, improved serological methods help better detection of antigens and antibodies that are crucial for monitoring infection status. Molecular diagnostic tools that show high precision, lead to rapid detection of cestodes. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and its variants, including real-time PCR (RT-PCR), reverse line blotting (RLB), and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), are commonly employed methods for the identification and differentiation of helminth DNA. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) is also being employed for fast detection of cestodes recently. Alongside traditional drugs, nanotechnology is developing as a novel field enhancing therapeutic delivery and effectiveness against hydatid cysts. Research is now being conducted to produce novel vaccinations utilizing recombinant antigens. The concerted research effort towards managing cestode parasites is a key to a comprehensive approach globally. Recent developments in diagnostic procedures for cestode infections have significantly improved detection, accuracy, and efficiency beyond conventional time-consuming methods. These advances utilize immunological, molecular, and other cutting-edge tools. This review highlights recent breakthroughs in immunological, molecular, and technological approaches to the diagnosis, treatment, and management of cestode infections. Key findings include improved diagnostic accuracy through ELISA, PCR, and MALDI-TOF MS, along with advances in nanotechnology and vaccine development. Future challenges involve translating these tools into cost-effective, field-applicable solutions and addressing drug resistance to support global control efforts.
Keywords: Cestodes, infections, diagnosis, immunological methods, molecular techniques