Licensing Opportunity: Diagnostic Tools for Detecting Loa loa

 Licensing Opportunity:

Diagnostic Tools for Detecting Loa loa

Adult Loa loa parasite. Loa loa is the filarial nematode (roundworm) species that causes Loa loa filariasis. It is commonly known as the "eye worm." Its geographic distribution includes Africa and India. Credit: NIAID

Loa loa is a filarial nematode estimated to infect 3 to 13 million people in central and western Africa. Some individuals infected with Loa loa microfilariae in high densities are known to experience severe adverse events, such as encephalopathy, coma, or even death. Diagnostic tools are needed that can accurately identify and differentiate Loa loa microfilariae from other filarial infections. NIAID scientists have analyzed samples from Loa loa-infected patients and uninfected controls and have identified Loa loa microfilaria-specific antigens that can be used in the development of a diagnostic tool.

Read more about this exciting licensing opportunity: https://www.ott.nih.gov/technology/e-140-2015. 

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