Multiplexed High-Throughput Detection of Schistosomiasis Biomarkers Using Enhanced Nanoscale Enzymatic Metallization

Schistosomiasis is a disease caused by a helminth parasite that causes a large disease burden in endemic areas. Tests that can differentiate current infection from formerly infected and noninfected individuals in an accurate, yet simple and inexpensive manner remain a critical need for schistosomiasis control programs. Here, we present two distinct multiplexed high-throughput platforms utilizing enzymatic nanoscopic silver metallization for inexpensive optical or electronic dry readouts. The optical detection platform generates a readout simply by capturing an image with a cellphone, while the electrical detection platform uses gold nanoparticles to enhance enzymatic silver metallization, enabling a simple impedance-based electronic readout. Both platforms were optimized and compared. We determined that the optical readout could better differentiate the three distinct patient groups by infection status. A multiplexed readout version of the optical platform was then developed to measure levels of two antibody subclasses against seven distinct schistosome antigens, successfully demonstrating clear differentiation of the infection status. Overall, an inexpensive, multiplexed, and high-throughput detection method for schistosomiasis biomarkers was developed.