Implementación de la Técnica de PCR Múltiple en Tiempo Real para la detección de Angiostrongylus en nódulos del manto de Caracoles Africanos

This chapter focuses on the detection of Angiostrongylus spp., zoonotic parasitic nematodes, using the Multiplex Real-Time PCR (qPCR) technique. These parasites, which infect the central nervous system, lungs, and intestines, have a complex life cycle involving mammals as definitive hosts and mollus...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Varela Miranda, Ruben Eduardo, Aranaga Arias, Carlos Andrés, Correa Bermúdez, Adriana, Zambrano, Diana Carolina
Format: Online
Language:Spanish
Published: Universidad Santiago de Cali 2025
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Online Access:https://directory.doabooks.org/handle/20.500.12854/161734
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Summary:This chapter focuses on the detection of Angiostrongylus spp., zoonotic parasitic nematodes, using the Multiplex Real-Time PCR (qPCR) technique. These parasites, which infect the central nervous system, lungs, and intestines, have a complex life cycle involving mammals as definitive hosts and mollusks as intermediate hosts. The Giant African Snail (Lissachatina fulica), widely distributed in Colombia, is an important reservoir for species such as A. cantonensis, A. costaricensis, and A. vasorum, which affect human and animal health.In this study, snails were collected from three communes in Cali, Colombia, and their mantle membranes were analyzed for nodules indicative of infection. Positive samples were subjected to multiplex qPCR, allowing for the specific detection of DNA from the three Angiostrongylus species. The results revealed the presence of A. vasorum in a small number of snails, while no A. cantonensis or A. costaricensis were found.The use of multiplex qPCR proved to be a sensitive and specific tool for environmental epidemiology studies, capable of identifying infections at larval stages in snails. This contributes to monitoring zoonotic diseases and supports the development of control and prevention strategies. This approach could be replicated in other regions to enhance the surveillance of Angiostrongylus and mitigate risks associated with the Giant African Snail.Conclusion: The implementation of multiplex qPCR provides an effective method for detecting Angiostrongylus sp. in natural environments, facilitating the prevention of zoonotic diseases and supporting control campaigns for the invasive snail.