MLPA highlighted as potential tool for identifying endemic infections

Scientists have used an analytical chemistry approach to determine the viability of Multiplex Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA).

In the study published by Parasites and Vectors journal, the team evaluated whether MLPA could be used as a tool for identifying single nucleotide acid differences between Clonorchis sinensis, Opisthorchis viverrini and O. felineus.

Infections with the opisthorchid liver flukes Clonorchis sinensis, Opisthorchis viverrini, and O. felineus have been noted to cause very severe health problems around the world but particularly in South-East Asia.

Using analytical chemistry, the team derived three probe pairs from the Internally Transcribed Spacer 1 (ITS1) of three opisthorchid liver flukes.

The team detected specific loci in all three species and yielded three amplicons with 198, 172 and 152 bp, respectively, although no cross reactions were observed.

They found that amplification products can be detected by electrophoresis on agarose gel or in a capillary sequencer and concluded that the flexibility and specificity of MLPA make it an ideal tool for specific identification of infections by opisthorchid liver flukes in endemic areas.