Dientamoebiasis

Dientamoebiasis, caused by the protozoan parasite Dientamoeba fragilis, is a prevalent intestinal infection with a broad spectrum of manifestations. Our company is at the forefront of developing innovative solutions to combat dientamoebiasis. Our services encompass a comprehensive range of preclinical research and development activities aimed at creating effective vaccines and therapeutics.

Overview of Dientamoebiasis

Dientamoebiasis is an intestinal infection caused by the protozoan parasite Dientamoeba fragilis, which inhabits the human gastrointestinal tract. This flagellated anaerobic organism has been recognized for over a century, yet its pathogenicity remains a subject of debate among researchers. D. fragilis is particularly prevalent in children and can present a spectrum of clinical manifestations ranging from asymptomatic carriage to gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and altered bowel movements. The epidemiological prevalence of D. fragilis varies widely, with studies reporting infection rates from 0.3% to as high as 52%, depending on the population and diagnostic methods used.

Fig.1 Pleomorphic trophozoites of D. fragilis. (Stark D., et al., 2016)

Diagnostics Development for Dientamoebiasis

Accurate laboratory diagnostics are crucial for the effective management of Dientamoebiasis. Historically, light microscopy was the primary diagnostic method, but its sensitivity is limited. Advances in molecular techniques have revolutionized the detection of D. fragilis, with Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) emerging as a superior diagnostic tool. RT-PCR offers increased sensitivity and specificity, allowing for the accurate identification of D. fragilis even in low-parasitic loads.

For instance, studies have demonstrated that RT-PCR can achieve a sensitivity of up to 100%, significantly enhancing detection rates compared to traditional microscopy methods. This improvement is vital for differentiating between symptomatic and asymptomatic carriers, ultimately guiding treatment decisions. Moreover, the use of multiplex PCR assays can facilitate the simultaneous detection of multiple gastrointestinal pathogens, further streamlining the diagnostic process.

Therapeutics Development for Dientamoebiasis

Our Services

Our primary focus in vaccine development revolves around comprehending the immunogenicity of Dientamoeba fragilis and pinpointing potential antigens capable of triggering a protective immune response. To achieve this, we leverage state-of-the-art technologies like reverse vaccinology to craft vaccines that specifically target the parasite's distinctive proteins.

In addition, our dedication extends to the exploration and advancement of innovative therapeutics for dientamoebiasis. Our strategy encompasses the assessment of existing drugs for repurposing purposes, alongside the creation and synthesis of new compounds harboring promising anti-parasitic properties.

Our preclinical research services begin with in vitro studies to assess the efficacy of potential vaccines and therapeutics against D. fragilis. We employ cell culture systems and molecular assays to evaluate the parasite's response to various interventions. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us.

All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.