Dissertation
Synthesis and application of glycans unique to S. Mansoni
Schistosomiasis is an acute and chronic disease caused by blood dwelling parasitic trematodes of the genus Schistosoma, and it is classified as the second most socioeconomically devastating parasitic disease, second only to malaria.
- Author
- Harvey, M.R.
- Date
- 01 December 2020
- Links
- Thesis in Leiden Repository
Schistosomiasis is an acute and chronic disease caused by blood dwelling parasitic trematodes of the genus Schistosoma, and it is classified as the second most socioeconomically devastating parasitic disease, second only to malaria. Currently the wormload is determined by the Kato-Katz method, which is not always reliable. In order to prepare diagnostic tools able to capture specific anti-carbohydrate antibodies or develop conjugate vaccines targeting these carbohydrate structures, sufficient amounts of well-defined fragments are needed. This thesis describes the synthesis of several glycans of these glycans present on the S. mansoni parasite, focusing mainly on the Circulating Anodic Antigen (CAA) and glycans bearing the unique α-(1-2)-L-Fucose-α-(1-2)-L-Fucose motifs. These glycans have been attached to gold nanoparticles and these particles were screened against several monoclonal antibodies and sera of individuals suffering from schistosomiasis.