Additional file 1: Table S1. of Serological tests for gambiense human African trypanosomiasis detect antibodies in cattle

Results of ITS1-PCR on the 76 PCR and parasitology positive samples from the second set of sera. (DOCX 15 kb

Reduction of Computation Cost in libSVM Using String Kernel Functions

The goal of this thesis was to implement four string functions into the library libSVM . Then apply series of tests with variable parameters values affecting the individual string functions using the library and string functions. Using the results of experiments the speed and success of clasification of my implementation of string functions in library libSVM was compared with the implementation of string functions in program kernels . In this thesis there are also described procedures of all tests along with measured data and their graphical representation

Feeding indices illustrate selection or avoidance of host species by Glossina swynnertoni and G. pallidipes.

<p>Feeding indices by species and study site on a log scale. Graded colours show the feeding index at each of 6 study sites. Values above 1 indicate a host is selected, values below 1 indicate a host is avoided, by (a) <i>G</i>. <i>swynnertoni</i> and (b) <i>G</i>. <i>pallidipes</i>. Stars indicate significance at p<0.05.</p

Host species composition at different study sites.

<p>Host species composition at different study sites.</p

Wildlife hosts identified in bloodmeal samples.

<p>The graphs show the percentage of bloodmeals identified per species, out of the total identified samples for (a) <i>Glossina swynnertoni</i> and (b) <i>G</i>. <i>pallidipes</i>. The number of samples identified as each species is shown (n), out of a total of 220 and 46 samples identified for <i>G</i>. <i>swynnertoni</i> and <i>G</i>. <i>pallidipes</i>, respectively. Error bars show 95% binomial confidence intervals.</p

Sensitive and less invasive confirmatory diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis in Sudan using loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP)

<div><p>Background</p><p>Confirmatory diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis (VL), as well as diagnosis of relapses and test of cure, usually requires examination by microscopy of samples collected by invasive means, such as splenic, bone marrow or lymph node aspirates. This causes discomfort to patients, with risks of bleeding and iatrogenic infections, and requires technical expertise. Molecular tests have great potential for diagnosis of VL using peripheral blood, but require well-equipped facilities and trained personnel. More user-friendly, and field-amenable options are therefore needed. One method that could meet these requirements is loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) using the Loopamp <i>Leishmania</i> Detection Kit, which comes as dried down reagents that can be stored at room temperature, and allows simple visualization of results.</p><p>Methodology/Principal findings</p><p>The Loopamp <i>Leishmania</i> Detection Kit (Eiken Chemical Co., Japan), was evaluated in the diagnosis of VL in Sudan. A total of 198 VL suspects were tested by microscopy of lymph node aspirates (the reference test), direct agglutination test-DAT (in house production) and rK28 antigen-based rapid diagnostic test (OnSite <i>Leishmania</i> rK39-Plus, CTK Biotech, USA). LAMP was performed on peripheral blood (whole blood and buffy coat) previously processed by: i) a direct boil and spin method, and ii) the QIAamp DNA Mini Kit (QIAgen). Ninety seven of the VL suspects were confirmed as cases by microscopy of lymph node aspirates. The sensitivity and specificity for each of the tests were: rK28 RDT 98.81% and 100%; DAT 88.10% and 78.22%; LAMP-boil and spin 97.65% and 99.01%; LAMP-QIAgen 100% and 99.01%.</p><p>Conclusions/Significance</p><p>Due to its simplicity and high sensitivity, rK28 RDT can be used first in the diagnostic algorithm for primary VL diagnosis, the excellent performance of LAMP using peripheral blood indicates that it can be also included in the algorithm for diagnosis of VL as a simple test when parasitological confirmatory diagnosis is required in settings that are lower than the reference laboratory, avoiding the need for invasive lymph node aspiration.</p></div

Density of wildlife host species in six study sites.

<p>Density of wildlife host species in six study sites.</p

Map of study sites in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania.

<p>The map shows an outline of the protected area boundaries of Serengeti National Park (SNP), Grumeti, Ikorongo and Maswa Game Reserves (GR) and Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA), within Northern Tanzania.</p

Identification of positive and negative LAMP results using blue LED light illumination with a visualization unit that is integral to the Loopamp LF-160 incubator.

<p>Identification of positive and negative LAMP results using blue LED light illumination with a visualization unit that is integral to the Loopamp LF-160 incubator.</p

Details and summary of the diagnostic performance of different studies using LAMP for VL diagnosis compared to our study.

<p>Details and summary of the diagnostic performance of different studies using LAMP for VL diagnosis compared to our study.</p