Hookworm Antigen Detection via ASP5 Antibody Immunoassay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for diagnosing hookworm infections in animals are time-consuming, require specialized equipment, and are prone to misdiagnosis, especially since hookworm ova are not detectable in feces until 17 days after infection, missing the opportunity for early detection and treatment.
Innovation Solution
A device and method using polyclonal antibodies specific to hookworm Ancylostoma caninum-secreted protein-5 (ASP5) for detecting hookworm coproantigens in fecal samples, allowing for early detection as early as 9-13 days post-infection, and distinguishing between hookworm and other nematode infections like roundworm, whipworm, and heartworm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fecal flotation method with microscopic inspection is used, then diagnosis can be performed, but it is time-consuming and requires specialized equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical microscopic inspection system with an immunoassay-based detection system. The device uses antibody-antigen binding reactions to detect hookworm antigens, eliminating the need for microscopes and specialized equipment while reducing diagnosis time from hours to minutes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces antibodies as intermediary molecules that specifically bind to hookworm antigens. These antibodies act as mediators between the sample and the detection system, enabling specific and rapid detection without requiring direct microscopic observation of ova.
2Reliability
If microscopic inspection for hookworm ova is performed, then diagnosis can be made, but accuracy is highly dependent on clinician skill and expertise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the skill-dependent human visual inspection system with an automated immunoassay detection system. The objective biochemical reactions and signal generation eliminate variability introduced by different levels of clinician expertise, providing consistent and reliable results regardless of operator skill.
3Reliability
If diagnosis waits for hookworm ova appearance in feces, then standard protocol is followed, but early detection is missed as ova appear only 17 days after infection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary detection of hookworm antigens before ova appear in the feces. By detecting antigens released by developing larvae in the intestinal wall (9-13 days post-infection), the system enables early diagnosis and treatment before the animal develops severe symptoms and before ova become detectable by traditional methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the ova-detection approach with an antigen-detection approach using immunoassays. This allows detection of the infection process at an earlier stage when antigens are present but ova have not yet been produced or passed in feces.
4Loss of time
If polyclonal antibodies against ASP5 are used, then early detection is achieved, but specificity must be maintained in presence of other nematode infections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs polyclonal antibodies that recognize multiple epitopes of the ASP5 protein, creating a detection system with enhanced specificity. By targeting a hookworm-specific antigen (ASP5) that is not present in other nematodes, the system achieves both early detection and accurate differentiation from roundworm, whipworm, and heartworm infections.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate and early detection of hookworm infections in animals, regardless of the presence of ova, using a lateral flow immunoassay or ELISA device, with specificity to hookworm antigens, facilitating timely treatment and reducing misdiagnosis.
Implementation Method 1
a polyclonal antibody specific for the hookworm protein ASP5... capable of capturing and detecting the presence of hookworm coproantigens in a canine animal
Implementation Method 2
specifically detect the presence or absence of hookworm in an animal whether or not hookworm ova are present... specifically detect hookworm in a fecal sample that may also include one or more of roundworm, whipworm, tapeworm and heartworm
Data Source
AI summary
A device, kit and method for detecting the presence or absence of hookworm antigens. The device, kit and method of the present invention may be used to confirm the presence or absence of hookworm in a fecal sample that may be infected with one or more of roundworm, whipworm, tapeworm and heartworm, and whether or not hookworm ova are present in the sample. Further, the device, kit and method of the present invention may be used to confirm the presence or absence of hookworm in a fecal sample excreted by a canine animal as early as nine days after the animal first becomes infected with hookworm.