Circulating cell-free DNA in patients with alveolar echinococcosis

This study sought to investigate the presence of ccfDNA in patients with AE, and its potential usefulness for the evaluation of treatment efficiency. To achieve these aims, a quantitative PCR and a droplet digital PCR were developed to detect E. multilocularis ccfDNA. An AE animal model identified, for the first time, the presence of large quantities of ccfDNA. Samples from patients with AE (n = 31) were then analyzed twice, at diagnosis, and after three months of chemotherapy: about 25% were positive, almost always with very low concentrations of ccfDNA. These results confirmed that E. multilocularis produces ccfDNA, as solid tumors do, but detection may not yet be sufficient for AE diagnosis nor for the evaluation of treatment efficiency, due to the low levels of ccfDNA detected in patient serum.Graphical abstract
Source: Molecular and Biochemical Parasitology - Category: Parasitology Source Type: research