Researchers at Helix Biogen institute have successfully created a diagnostic kit peptide for the early detection of loiasis. The disease which is caused by Loa loa filaria affects over 10 million people across Africa and is mainly diagnosed using serological testing which is not standardised. This method takes time and results in hindrances to adequate treatment of the disease. The extensive use of filaricidal medications in Onchocerca volvulus and Wuchereria bancrofti eradication programs led to the discovery that concurrent L loa infection increased the risk of serious, perhaps fatal treatment-related consequences. Therefore there is a need for the development of a rapid diagnostic test kit for quick detection of the infection.

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The researchers did this by using antigenic genes of the filaria, thereby ensuring optimal antibody prediction. Bioinformative results of the physicochemical properties of the candidates are promising with The protein’s theoretical PI, aliphatic index, and GRAVY values being 8.14, 62.88, and -0.176, respectively. Further results can be seen in the publication.

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This peptide provides a good template for constructing a rapid diagnostic test kit for loiasis infection and with the right investment can help in combating this tropical disease. It should be noted that the institute had earlier worked on a multi-epitope SARS-CoV 2 vaccine candidate which was indexed by WHO.

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