SBIR-STTR Award

As the major cause of acquired epilepsy in developing countries Neurocysticercosis NCC is the infection of the human nervous system by the larvae of the pork tapeworm Taenia solium. Reportable cases are seen in non endemic countries because of increasing travel and immigration. Many infected persons are unaware of their infection or the potential risks of transmission to others. It is important to control and eliminate Tsolium to reduce the healthcare burden. For the elimination program to be implemented in endemic regions around the world low cost and sensitive detection tools are essential for identification and monitor the infections. Stool antigen coproantigen CoAg detection by immunoassays has been demonstrated to be effective. However currently there are no reliable source of renewable antibodies specific for Tsolium CoAg. As a result there are no commercially available CoAg immunoassays for TsoiumIn phase I of this study monoclonal antibodies specific to Tsolium CoAg will be generated. In Phase II of this study ELISA and rapid tests kits will be developed. The CoAg immunoassays will greatly facilitate the global effort of control and elimination of Tsolium infection in human