Tapeworm Coproantigen Immunoassay for Early Fecal Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for diagnosing parasitic worm infections, particularly tapeworms, in animals are time-consuming, require specialized equipment, and are highly dependent on operator skill, often leading to missed diagnoses due to intermittent egg excretion and low numbers, and lack a simple, effective immunoassay method for fecal samples.
Innovation Solution
Development of isolated antibodies that specifically bind to tapeworm coproantigens, such as Taenia and Dipylidium, and devices that utilize these antibodies to detect and distinguish between different tapeworm species in fecal samples, allowing for early detection and treatment before visible ova appear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If microscopic examination of fecal samples is used to detect tapeworm, then diagnosis can be performed with basic equipment, but the method is time-consuming and requires specialized operator skill
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical microscopic examination system with an immunoassay system that uses antibodies to detect tapeworm coproantigens. This substitution eliminates the need for specialized microscopic equipment and operator skill while providing faster, more reliable results.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces antibodies as intermediary molecules that specifically bind to tapeworm coproantigens in fecal samples. This intermediary approach enables detection without direct microscopic observation, simplifying the diagnostic process and reducing dependence on operator expertise.
2Ease of manufacture
If microscopic examination is used to detect tapeworm eggs, then equipment requirements are minimal, but accuracy is highly dependent on operator skill and expertise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces operator-dependent microscopic examination with an antibody-based immunoassay system. This substitution transfers the detection function from human operator skill to standardized biological reagents, eliminating variability in diagnostic accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from visual identification of eggs under microscope to immunological detection of coproantigens. This parameter change enables more consistent and accurate detection that is not dependent on operator skill level.
3Productivity
If routine fecal examination is performed, then basic diagnostic procedures are followed, but tapeworm infection is often not diagnosed due to intermittent egg excretion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses antibodies as intermediaries to detect coproantigens that are continuously present in fecal samples, rather than relying on intermittent egg excretion. This approach provides more reliable detection because coproantigens are shed continuously by the tapeworm.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection target from intermittent eggs to continuous coproantigens. This parameter change improves diagnostic reliability by detecting a substance that is consistently present in infected animals regardless of egg excretion patterns.
4Productivity
If stool samples are processed using standard procedures, then comprehensive analysis is possible, but the procedures are complex and require clinical laboratory equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical processing procedures (weighing, centrifuging, storing) with a simplified immunoassay protocol. The antibody-based detection can be performed directly on fecal samples or simple extracts, eliminating the need for specialized laboratory equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential detection function from the complex processing workflow. By focusing solely on detecting coproantigens using antibodies, the method eliminates unnecessary processing steps while maintaining diagnostic capability.
5Productivity
If fecal samples are handled using standard procedures, then complete processing is achieved, but operator contact with hazardous material increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detection function from the complete processing workflow, requiring minimal sample preparation. This reduction in processing steps decreases operator exposure to hazardous fecal material while maintaining diagnostic effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses antibodies as intermediaries that can detect coproantigens in minimally processed samples. This approach allows diagnostic testing with reduced handling of hazardous material compared to traditional microscopic examination requiring extensive sample processing.
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
Provides a simple, reliable method for detecting tapeworm infections with high specificity, enabling early intervention and reducing the risk of spreading infestations, while distinguishing between multiple tapeworm species and other parasites.
Implementation Method 1
an isolated antibody that can specifically bind to a tapeworm coproantigen
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods, devices, kits and compositions for detecting the presence or absence of one or more tapeworm coproantigens in a sample are disclosed herein. The methods, devices, kits and compositions of the present invention may be used to confirm the presence or absence of tapeworm in a fecal sample from a mammal and may also be able to distinguish between different tapeworm species and in tire presence of one or more infections with helminths (such as roundworm, hookworm, whipworm and heartworm), Giardia and parvovirus. Confirmation of the presence or absence of tapeworm in the mammal may be made, for example, for the purpose of selecting an optimal course of treating the mammal and/or for the purpose of determining whether the mammal has been rid of the infection after treatment has been initiated.