Assessment of the capacity of Whatman filter papers as support to store stools for the molecular diagnostic testing of soil-transmitted helminthiasis

• Published in: Journal of microbiological methods 2023-10, Vol.213, p.106824-106824, Article 106824
• Main Authors: Nguemnang Kamdem, Cyrille, Soubgwi Fogue, Pythagore, Zebaze Tiofack, Auvaker Arnol, Mezajou Mewamba, Estelle, Tekeu Mengoue, Loic Edmond, Womeni, Macaire Hilaire, Simo, Gustave
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: CTAB-based method; Filter paper; Molecular detection; Soil-transmitted helminthiasis; Storage of feces
• ISSN: 0167-7012; 1872-8359
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2023.106824

Storage of stools for the detection of soil-transmitted helminths (STH) remains challenging for the molecular diagnostic testing of STH infections. This study aimed to overcome this challenge by assessing the capacity of Whatman filter papers to store stools for the molecular detection of STHs. Stool samples were collected from school-aged children of soil-transmitted helminthiasis endemic areas of Cameroon and then, analysed using Kato Katz technique. For this study, 128 and 40 stool samples respectively with and without STH eggs were analysed. From each sample, 10, 20, 40 and 80 mg of stool were weighted and spread on 6 grades of Whatman filter papers that were stored at room temperature from one to ten weeks. DNA was extracted from spread stool using CTAB based-method. The amount of stool to spread on filter papers and the grade of filter paper offering good storage were determined by amplifying specific DNA fragments of Ascaris lumbricoides. The capacity of filter papers to store stool samples for several weeks before the molecular detection of STH species was assessed by amplifying specific DNA fragments of different STHs. The amplification rates of A. lumbricoides were significantly higher (P