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Abstract. We have cloned from Schistosoma haematobium genome a repeated sequence, the DraI repeated sequence, which consists of tandemly arranged 121-bp-long units and which is highly abundant (ϳ 15% of the S. haematobium genome). By these features, the DraI repeat is similar to the Sm1-7 sequence of Schistosoma mansoni previously described by us. However, their nucleotide sequences are profoundly different. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers were designed on the basis of the DraI sequence information and were used in a PCR assay by which as little as 10 fg of schistosomal DNA as well as individual cercariae were detected. The DraI repeat cross-hybridized with DNA from Schistosoma bovis, Schistosoma magrebowiei, Schistosoma mattheei, Schistosoma curassoni, and Schistosoma intercalatum, but not with DNA from S. mansoni nor from Trichobilharzia ocellata and Echinostoma sp. A potential value of this PCR assay is suggested for monitoring free-living cercariae and infected snails only in bodies free of cross-hybridizing species.

We developed and evaluated real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays for detecting Wuchereria bancrofti DNA in human blood and in mosquitoes. An assay based on detection of the W. bancrofti "LDR" repeat DNA sequence was more sensitive than an assay for Wolbachia 16S rDNA. The LDR-based assay was sensitive for detecting microfilarial DNA on dried membrane filters or on filter paper. We also compared real-time PCR with conventional PCR (C-PCR) for detecting W. bancrofti DNA in mosquito samples collected in endemic areas in Egypt and Papua New Guinea. Although the two methods had comparable sensitivity for detecting filarial DNA in reference samples, real-time PCR was more sensitive than C-PCR in practice with field samples. Other advantages of real-time PCR include its high-throughput capacity and decreased risk of cross-contamination between test samples. We believe that real-time PCR has great potential as a tool for monitoring progress in large-scale filariasis elimination programs.

BackgroundBecause lymphatic filariasis (LF) elimination efforts are hampered by a dearth of economic information about the cost of mass drug administration (MDA) programs (using either albendazole with diethylcarbamazine [DEC] or albendazole with ivermectin), a multicenter study was undertaken to determine the costs of MDA programs to interrupt transmission of infection with LF. Such results are particularly important because LF programs have the necessary diagnostic and treatment tools to eliminate the disease as a public health problem globally, and already by 2006, the Global Programme to Eliminate LF had initiated treatment programs covering over 400 million of the 1.3 billion people at risk.Methodology/Principal FindingsTo obtain annual costs to carry out the MDA strategy, researchers from seven countries developed and followed a common cost analysis protocol designed to estimate 1) the total annual cost of the LF program, 2) the average cost per person treated, and 3) the relative contributions of the endemic countries and the external partners. Costs per person treated ranged from $0.06 to $2.23. Principal reasons for the variation were 1) the age (newness) of the MDA program, 2) the use of volunteers, and 3) the size of the population treated. Substantial contributions by governments were documented – generally 60%–90% of program operation costs, excluding costs of donated medications.Conclusions/SignificanceMDA for LF elimination is comparatively inexpensive in relation to most other public health programs. Governments and communities make the predominant financial contributions to actual MDA implementation, not counting the cost of the drugs themselves. The results highlight the impact of the use of volunteers on program costs and provide specific cost data for 7 different countries that can be used as a basis both for modifying current programs and for developing new ones.