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  1. Article ; Online: Editorial for the Special Issue

    Pamela C. Köster / David González-Barrio / David Carmena

    Pathogens, Vol 11, Iss 141, p

    Diagnosis, Epidemiology and Transmission Dynamics of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis

    2022  Volume 141

    Abstract: Cryptosporidium spp [.] ...

    Abstract Cryptosporidium spp [.]
    Keywords n/a ; Medicine ; R
    Language English
    Publishing date 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher MDPI AG
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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  2. Article ; Online: Prevalence and associated risk factors of intestinal parasites among schoolchildren in Ecuador, with emphasis on the molecular diversity of Giardia duodenalis, Blastocystis sp. and Enterocytozoon bieneusi.

    Estephany Tapia-Veloz / Mónica Gozalbo / Marisa Guillén / Alejandro Dashti / Begoña Bailo / Pamela C Köster / Mónica Santín / David Carmena / María Trelis

    PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, Vol 17, Iss 5, p e

    2023  Volume 0011339

    Abstract: Background Intestinal helminths, including Soil-Transmitted Helminth (STH), and Gastrointestinal Protist (GP) infections are major contributors to the global burden of disease, particularly in low-income countries such Ecuador. Their epidemiology in ... ...

    Abstract Background Intestinal helminths, including Soil-Transmitted Helminth (STH), and Gastrointestinal Protist (GP) infections are major contributors to the global burden of disease, particularly in low-income countries such Ecuador. Their epidemiology in these settings is largely unknown. Methodology This prospective cross-sectional study investigates the carriage of intestinal helminths, including STH, and GP in asymptomatic schoolchildren (3-11 years) in the Chimborazo and Guayas provinces, Ecuador. Single stool samples (n = 372) and epidemiological questionnaires on demographics and potential risk factors were collected from participating schoolchildren. Conventional microscopy examination was used as screening method, and molecular (PCR and Sanger sequencing) assays were used to further investigate the epidemiology of some GP. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the strength of the association of suspected risk factors with the presence of helminths and GP. Principal findings At least one intestinal parasite species was observed by microscopy in 63.2% (235/372) of the participating schoolchildren. Enterobius vermicularis (16.7%, 62/372; 95% CI: 13.0-20.9) and Blastocystis sp. (39.2%, 146/372; 95% CI: 34.2-44.2) were the most prevalent among helminths and GP, respectively. Assemblages A (50.0%), B (37.5%) and A+B (12.5%) were detected within Giardia duodenalis and ST3 (28.6%), ST1 and ST2 (26.2% each), and ST4 (14.3%) within Blastocystis sp. Three genotypes, two known (A: 66.7%; KB-1: 16.7%) and a novel (HhEcEb1, 16.7%) were identified within Enterocytozoon bieneusi. Municipality of origin, household overcrowding, and poor sanitation and personal hygiene habits were risk factors for childhood intestinal parasites colonization. Conclusions/significance Despite massive government drug administration programs, STH and GP infection remain a public health concern in paediatric populations living in poor-resource settings. Molecular analytical methods are required to better understand the ...
    Keywords Arctic medicine. Tropical medicine ; RC955-962 ; Public aspects of medicine ; RA1-1270
    Subject code 610
    Language English
    Publishing date 2023-05-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher Public Library of Science (PLoS)
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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  3. Article ; Online: Balantioides coli Fecal Excretion in Hunted Wild Cervids ( Cervus elaphus and Dama dama ) from Portugal

    João Mega / Sérgio Santos-Silva / Ana Loureiro / Josman D. Palmeira / Rita T. Torres / Antonio Rivero-Juarez / David Carmena / João Mesquita

    Pathogens, Vol 11, Iss 1242, p

    2022  Volume 1242

    Abstract: Balantioides coli is a zoonotic enteric protozoan parasite of public veterinary health relevance and a concern in animal production and food safety. While wild cervids are recognized reservoirs for several zoonotic pathogens, little is known about the ... ...

    Abstract Balantioides coli is a zoonotic enteric protozoan parasite of public veterinary health relevance and a concern in animal production and food safety. While wild cervids are recognized reservoirs for several zoonotic pathogens, little is known about the occurrence of B. coli in deer species, especially in Europe. To fill this gap, a total of 130 fecal samples from legally hunted red deer ( Cervus elaphus , n = 95) and fallow deer ( Dama dama , n = 35) were passively collected during two hunting seasons (October to February; 2018–2019 and 2019–2020) in Portugal. After assessment by PCR assay targeting the complete ITS1–5.8s-rRNA–ITS2 region and the 3’ end of the ssu -rRNA gene of the parasite, a prevalence of 4.2% (4/95, 95% CI: 0.2–8.3) in red deer and of 5.7% (2/35, 95% CI: 0.0–13.4) in fallow deer was found. Sequence and phylogenetic analyses allowed the identification of B. coli genetic variants A (in two red deer) and B (in two red deer and two fallow deer). This is the first molecular-based description of B. coli in European deer species, whose population have increased in density and geographical range in recent years. Continued monitoring of wild ungulates as potential vectors of parasitic infection diseases of zoonotic nature is crucial to safeguard public health and food safety.
    Keywords B. coli ; wildlife ; deer ; Portugal ; one health ; transmission ; Medicine ; R
    Language English
    Publishing date 2022-10-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher MDPI AG
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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  4. Article ; Online: Co-Infection with Cryptosporidium meleagridis and Enterocytozoon bieneusi in an HIV+ Colombian Patient

    Carolina Hernández-Castro / Larry L. Martínez-Rosado / Alejandro Dashti / Pamela C. Köster / Begoña Bailo / María C. Orozco / Mónica Santín / David González-Barrio / David Carmena

    Parasitologia, Vol 3, Iss 6, Pp 48-

    2023  Volume 52

    Abstract: A 44-year-old human immunodeficiency virus-infected (HIV+) female with severe immunodeficiency Category 3 (C3) diagnosed in 2010 was admitted to hospital with acute diarrhoea. She was non-adherent to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and had a previous ... ...

    Abstract A 44-year-old human immunodeficiency virus-infected (HIV+) female with severe immunodeficiency Category 3 (C3) diagnosed in 2010 was admitted to hospital with acute diarrhoea. She was non-adherent to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and had a previous suspicion of respiratory symptoms with a cough that had been persisting for 15 days. Clinical examination revealed severe immune deterioration (viral load: 109,655 copies/mL; CD4+ count: 14 cells/mm3), respiratory symptoms (negative sputum Gram stain and tuberculosis culture), and neurological deterioration (serological assays negative for Cryptococcus spp. and Toxoplasma gondii ). A coproculture was negative for Campylobacter spp., Salmonella spp., and Shigella spp. Ziehl–Neelsen staining of faecal smears revealed the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts. PCR testing and sequencing confirmed a concomitant infection with C. meleagridis and Enterocytozoon bieneusi . The patient was treated with metronidazole (500 mg every 8 h for 5 days) and nitazoxanide (500 mg every 12 h for 14 days). After requesting voluntary discharge and abandoning ART and parasiticidal treatments, she experienced a dramatic deterioration of her state of health and contact with her was lost. Our results have demonstrated that molecular-based testing improves the detection of opportunistic pathogens that are difficult to detect by routine microscopy, allows for transmission dynamics investigations, and assists in choosing the best chemotherapeutical option.
    Keywords AIDS ; diarrhoea ; enteric pathogens ; molecular diagnosis ; opportunistic infections ; Infectious and parasitic diseases ; RC109-216 ; Biology (General) ; QH301-705.5
    Subject code 616
    Language English
    Publishing date 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher MDPI AG
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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  5. Article ; Online: High Diversity of Giardia duodenalis Assemblages and Sub-Assemblages in Asymptomatic School Children in Ibadan, Nigeria

    Muyideen K. Tijani / Pamela C. Köster / Isabel Guadano-Procesi / Imo S. George / Elizabeth Abodunrin / Adedamola Adeola / Alejandro Dashti / Begoña Bailo / David González-Barrio / David Carmena

    Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease, Vol 8, Iss 152, p

    2023  Volume 152

    Abstract: Giardia duodenalis is a significant contributor to the burden of diarrheal disease in sub-Saharan Africa. This study assesses the occurrence and molecular diversity of G. duodenalis and other intestinal parasites in apparently healthy children ( n = 311) ...

    Abstract Giardia duodenalis is a significant contributor to the burden of diarrheal disease in sub-Saharan Africa. This study assesses the occurrence and molecular diversity of G. duodenalis and other intestinal parasites in apparently healthy children ( n = 311) in Ibadan, Nigeria. Microscopy was used as a screening method and PCR and Sanger sequencing as confirmatory and genotyping methods, respectively. Haplotype analyses were performed to examine associations between genetic variants and epidemiological variables. At microscopy examination, G. duodenalis was the most prevalent parasite found (29.3%, 91/311; 95% CI: 24.3–34.7), followed by Entamoeba spp. (18.7%, 58/311; 14.5–23.4), Ascaris lumbricoides (1.3%, 4/311; 0.4–3.3), and Taenia sp. (0.3%, 1/311; 0.01–1.8). qPCR confirmed the presence of G. duodenalis in 76.9% (70/91) of the microscopy-positive samples. Of them, 65.9% (60/91) were successfully genotyped. Assemblage B (68.3%, 41/60) was more prevalent than assemblage A (28.3%, 17/60). Mixed A + B infections were identified in two samples (3.3%, 2/60). These facts, together with the absence of animal-adapted assemblages, suggest that human transmission of giardiasis was primarily anthroponotic. Efforts to control G. duodenalis (and other fecal-orally transmitted pathogens) should focus on providing safe drinking water and improving sanitation and personal hygiene practices.
    Keywords intestinal parasites ; giardiasis ; transmission ; diarrhea ; epidemiology ; Africa ; Medicine ; R
    Language English
    Publishing date 2023-02-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher MDPI AG
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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  6. Article ; Online: Prevalence and public health relevance of enteric parasites in domestic dogs and cats in the region of Madrid (Spain) with an emphasis on Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium sp.

    Marta Mateo / Ana Montoya / Begoña Bailo / Pamela C. Köster / Alejandro Dashti / Carolina Hernández‐Castro / José M. Saugar / Pablo Matas / Lihua Xiao / David Carmena

    Veterinary Medicine and Science, Vol 9, Iss 6, Pp 2542-

    2023  Volume 2558

    Abstract: Abstract Background Pet dogs and cats exert an unquestionable beneficial effect in the well‐being of their owners, but can also act as a source of zoonotic infections if improperly cared. Objectives We investigated the occurrence, risk factors, genetic ... ...

    Abstract Abstract Background Pet dogs and cats exert an unquestionable beneficial effect in the well‐being of their owners, but can also act as a source of zoonotic infections if improperly cared. Objectives We investigated the occurrence, risk factors, genetic variability and zoonotic potential of intestinal parasites in dogs and cats attended in a clinical veterinary setting in Spain. Methods Canine (n = 252) and feline (n = 35) faecal samples were collected during 2017–2019 and analysed by coproparasitological methods. A rapid lateral immunochromatographic test (ICT) was used for detecting Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium sp. Samples positive at microscopy examination and/or ICT were reassessed by molecular methods. Results Overall, 48.8% (123/252) of dogs and 48.6% (17/35) of cats were infected by enteric parasites. In dogs, G. duodenalis was the most prevalent species (40.9%), followed by Cystoisospora sp. (7.1%), and Toxocara canis (5.2%). In cats, Joyeuxiella sp. and Toxocara cati were the dominant species (20.0% each), followed by G. duodenalis (14.3%), D. caninum (5.7%) and Cystoisospora felis and Toxascaris leonina (2.9% each). Pups and kittens were more likely to harbour intestinal parasites and develop clinical signs. Sequence analyses of dog isolates revealed the presence of assemblages A (n = 1), C (n = 4), D (n = 4) and C+D (n = 1) within G. duodenalis; C. parvum (n = 1) and C. canis (n = 4) within Cryptosporidium and PtEb IX (n = 1) in Enterocytozoon bieneusi. A novel C. canis subtype family, named XXi, is reported. Conclusions Our results highlight that (i) well‐cared dogs carry zoonotic enteric protozoan parasites of public health relevance, (ii) proper hygiene practices and routine veterinary treatment are essential to prevent zoonotic infections, (iii) vulnerable populations should avoid contact with pups/kittens with diarrhoea and (iv) infected dogs might be major contributors to the environmental contamination with soil‐transmitted helminths (STHs) eggs.
    Keywords genotyping ; helminths ; prevention ; protists ; small animal clinic ; transmission ; Veterinary medicine ; SF600-1100
    Subject code 630
    Language English
    Publishing date 2023-11-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher Wiley
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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  7. Article: Molecular genotyping of Giardia duodenalis in children from Behbahan, southwestern Iran

    Kasaei, Raziyeh / David Carmena / Ali Jelowdar / Molouk Beiromvand

    Parasitology research. 2018 May, v. 117, no. 5

    2018  

    Abstract: Giardia duodenalis is an intestinal flagellated protozoan that infects humans and several animal species. Giardiasis causing more than 200 million symptomatic infections globally is one of the most common causes of diarrhea in developing countries. Based ...

    Abstract Giardia duodenalis is an intestinal flagellated protozoan that infects humans and several animal species. Giardiasis causing more than 200 million symptomatic infections globally is one of the most common causes of diarrhea in developing countries. Based on molecular studies mainly targeting the small-subunit (SSU) rRNA gene locus of the parasite, eight assemblages (A to H) have been identified in humans and other animal species. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the frequency and molecular diversity of G. duodenalis in children from rural and urban day care centers from Behbahan, southwestern Iran. This cross-sectional study was based on a concentration method for the microscopic detection of G. duodenalis in stool samples of 450 children, aged 1–7 years, in Behbahan, southwestern Iran. The survey was conducted from December 2015 to May 2016. PCR methods targeting the SSU rRNA and triose phosphate isomerase (TPI) genes of G. duodenalis were used for the identification and genotyping of the parasite isolates. Based on sucrose flotation and microscopy techniques, 2.7% (12/450) of children were infected with G. duodenalis, of which six (50.0%) were males and the other six (50.0%) were females. Overall, 91.7% (11/12) of the infections were detected in children from rural areas. The SSU rRNA and TPI genes were amplified successfully in nine and eight, respectively, of the Giardia-positive samples at microscopy. Among the eight TPI sequences, assemblage A, sub-assemblage AII, was identified in five of the isolates. The sequences of the three remaining samples were untypable. Although no significantly statistical difference between genotype and clinical symptoms was found, five out of the eight isolates identified as assemblage A were obtained in asymptomatic children. Giardia duodenalis infections were more prevalent in children from rural day care schools, and the predominant assemblage was A, sub-assemblage AII. The higher prevalence of giardiasis in rural areas might be related to differences in personal hygiene habits, parents’ education level, source of drinking water, and inadequate hygienic toilet facilities in rural areas.
    Keywords Giardia lamblia ; children ; cross-sectional studies ; day care centers ; developing countries ; diarrhea ; drinking water ; educational status ; feces ; females ; genes ; genotype ; genotyping ; giardiasis ; hygiene ; loci ; males ; microscopy ; parasites ; parents ; polymerase chain reaction ; ribosomal RNA ; rural areas ; schools ; sucrose ; surveys ; triose-phosphate isomerase ; Iran
    Language English
    Dates of publication 2018-05
    Size p. 1425-1431.
    Publishing place Springer Berlin Heidelberg
    Document type Article
    ZDB-ID 284966-5
    ISSN 1432-1955 ; 0932-0113 ; 0044-3255
    ISSN (online) 1432-1955
    ISSN 0932-0113 ; 0044-3255
    DOI 10.1007/s00436-018-5826-6
    Database NAL-Catalogue (AGRICOLA)

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  8. Article ; Online: Progress in the pharmacological treatment of human cystic and alveolar echinococcosis

    Mar Siles-Lucas / Adriano Casulli / Roberto Cirilli / David Carmena

    PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, Vol 12, Iss 4, p e

    Compounds and therapeutic targets.

    2018  Volume 0006422

    Abstract: Human cystic and alveolar echinococcosis are helmintic zoonotic diseases caused by infections with the larval stages of the cestode parasites Echinococcus granulosus and E. multilocularis, respectively. Both diseases are progressive and chronic, and ... ...

    Abstract Human cystic and alveolar echinococcosis are helmintic zoonotic diseases caused by infections with the larval stages of the cestode parasites Echinococcus granulosus and E. multilocularis, respectively. Both diseases are progressive and chronic, and often fatal if left unattended for E. multilocularis. As a treatment approach, chemotherapy against these orphan and neglected diseases has been available for more than 40 years. However, drug options were limited to the benzimidazoles albendazole and mebendazole, the only chemical compounds currently licensed for treatment in humans. To compensate this therapeutic shortfall, new treatment alternatives are urgently needed, including the identification, development, and assessment of novel compound classes and drug targets. Here is presented a thorough overview of the range of compounds that have been tested against E. granulosus and E. multilocularis in recent years, including in vitro and in vivo data on their mode of action, dosage, administration regimen, therapeutic outcomes, and associated clinical symptoms. Drugs covered included albendazole, mebendazole, and other members of the benzimidazole family and their derivatives, including improved formulations and combined therapies with other biocidal agents. Chemically synthetized molecules previously known to be effective against other infectious and non-infectious conditions such as anti-virals, antibiotics, anti-parasites, anti-mycotics, and anti-neoplastics are addressed. In view of their increasing relevance, natural occurring compounds derived from plant and fungal extracts are also discussed. Special attention has been paid to the recent application of genomic science on drug discovery and clinical medicine, particularly through the identification of small inhibitor molecules tackling key metabolic enzymes or signalling pathways.
    Keywords Arctic medicine. Tropical medicine ; RC955-962 ; Public aspects of medicine ; RA1-1270
    Subject code 572
    Language English
    Publishing date 2018-04-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher Public Library of Science (PLoS)
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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  9. Article ; Online: Molecular Diversity of Giardia duodenalis , Cryptosporidium spp., and Blastocystis sp. in Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Schoolchildren in Zambézia Province (Mozambique)

    Aly S. Muadica / Pamela C. Köster / Alejandro Dashti / Begoña Bailo / Marta Hernández-de-Mingo / Sooria Balasegaram / David Carmena

    Pathogens, Vol 10, Iss 3, p

    2021  Volume 255

    Abstract: Infections by the protist enteroparasites Giardia duodenalis , Cryptosporidium spp., and, to a much lesser extent, Blastocystis sp. are common causes of childhood diarrhoea in low-income countries. This molecular epidemiological study assesses the ... ...

    Abstract Infections by the protist enteroparasites Giardia duodenalis , Cryptosporidium spp., and, to a much lesser extent, Blastocystis sp. are common causes of childhood diarrhoea in low-income countries. This molecular epidemiological study assesses the frequency and molecular diversity of these pathogens in faecal samples from asymptomatic schoolchildren ( n = 807) and symptomatic children seeking medical attention ( n = 286) in Zambézia province, Mozambique. Detection and molecular characterisation of pathogens was conducted by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based methods coupled with Sanger sequencing. Giardia duodenalis was the most prevalent enteric parasite found [41.7%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 38.8–44.7%], followed by Blastocystis sp. (14.1%, 95% CI: 12.1–16.3%), and Cryptosporidium spp. (1.6%, 95% CI: 0.9–2.5%). Sequence analyses revealed the presence of assemblages A (7.0%, 3/43) and B (88.4%, 38/43) within G. duodenalis -positive children. Four Cryptosporidium species were detected, including C. hominis (30.8%; 4/13), C. parvum (30.8%, 4/13), C. felis (30.8%, 4/13), and C. viatorum (7.6%, 1/13). Four Blastocystis subtypes were also identified including ST1 (22.7%; 35/154), ST2 (22.7%; 35/154), ST3 (45.5%; 70/154), and ST4 (9.1%; 14/154). Most of the genotyped samples were from asymptomatic children. This is the first report of C. viatorum and Blastocystis ST4 in Mozambique. Molecular data indicate that anthropic and zoonotic transmission (the latter at an unknown rate) are important spread pathways of diarrhoea-causing pathogens in Mozambique.
    Keywords Giardia ; Cryptosporidium ; Blastocystis ; enteric parasites ; children ; diarrhoea ; Medicine ; R
    Subject code 572
    Language English
    Publishing date 2021-02-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher MDPI AG
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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  10. Article ; Online: Comparative performance evaluation of four commercial multiplex real-time PCR assays for the detection of the diarrhoea-causing protozoa Cryptosporidium hominis/parvum, Giardia duodenalis and Entamoeba histolytica.

    Silvia Paulos / José María Saugar / Aida de Lucio / Isabel Fuentes / María Mateo / David Carmena

    PLoS ONE, Vol 14, Iss 4, p e

    2019  Volume 0215068

    Abstract: Background Multiplex molecular panels are relentlessly replacing conventional methods for the detection of enteric pathogens from stool samples in clinical and research laboratories. Here we evaluated four commercial multiplex real-time PCR assays for ... ...

    Abstract Background Multiplex molecular panels are relentlessly replacing conventional methods for the detection of enteric pathogens from stool samples in clinical and research laboratories. Here we evaluated four commercial multiplex real-time PCR assays for the detection of Cryptosporidium hominis/parvum, Giardia duodenalis and Entamoeba histolytica. Methods The diagnostic performance of the Gastroenteritis/Parasite Panel I (Diagenode), the RIDAGENE Parasitic Stool Panel (R-Biopharm), the Allplex Gastrointestinal Parasite Panel 4 (Seegene) and the FTD Stool Parasites (Fast Track) real-time PCR methods was assessed against a reference panel of 126 well-characterized DNA samples including Cryptosporidium hominis (n = 29), Cryptosporidium parvum (n = 3), Giardia duodenalis (n = 47), Entamoeba histolytica (n = 3), other parasite species (n = 20), and apparently healthy subjects (n = 24). Principal findings Obtained diagnostic sensitivities ranged from 53-88% for Cryptosporidium hominis/parvum, and from 68-100% for G. duodenalis. The R-Biopharm method achieved the best performance for the detection of Cryptosporidium hominis/parvum both in terms of diagnostic sensitivity (87.5%) and detection limit (a 100-fold increase compared to other tests). The Fast Track method was particularly suited for the detection of G. duodenalis, achieving a 100% sensitivity and a detection limit at least 10-fold superior. Detection of E. histolytica was similarly achieved by all compared methods except Diagenode. Conclusions Diagnostic performance varied largely depending on the method used and the targeted pathogen species. Factors including test sensitivity/specificity, cost, patient population surveyed, laboratory workflow, and diagnostic algorithm should be carefully considered when choosing the most appropriate multiplex PCR platform.
    Keywords Medicine ; R ; Science ; Q
    Subject code 630
    Language English
    Publishing date 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher Public Library of Science (PLoS)
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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