Researchers have discovered a better way of detecting parasites in our blood. Using a newly developed smartphone microscope device, they can now detect and calculate infection caused by parasites in human blood.

To conduct a test, they only need a blood sample and take a video of it. The team wanted to create a better process in fighting neglected tropical disease. It means a faster way of identifying the existence of these parasitic worms in each affected individual.

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A test result published in Science Translational Medicine suggests that the video produce by this device could help health workers to make an important decision making in term of giving the right medication and treatment to their patients. This is also helpful in remote areas where they have no access on laboratory facilities.

According to Danie Fletcher, associate professor of bioengineering at the University of California, Berkeley that smartphone microscope uses the power of imaging technology with manipulation of hardware and software mechanization. This completely works as the fastest way of diagnostic solution.

This smartphone can utilize the movement in blood and immediately show the result that is accurate and similar to the laboratory screening methods that uses molecular markers r fluorescent stain.

The main goal of this research is to aid the growing cases of parasitic worm disease namely lymphatic filariasis caused by blackflies and mosquito bites and river blindness (onchcerciasis), according to NDTV Gadgets. Cameroon health officials have been experiencing difficulty in treating these two.

A drug called invermectin (IVM) can treat these two parasitic conditions but once taken by a person with Loa Loa, complication may arise that leads to brain damage and neurological damage. That is why it's important to check other parasitic worms existing in the patient blood before recommending any drug.  

CellScope Loa is the name of the smartphone device with a 3-D printed plastic serves as the holder of blood sample. They use an application to control this device to avoid any human error. Higher level algorithm can detect all movement in the blood samples and automatically analyzes the "wriggling" motion from the worms.It only takes 2 minutes to finish the computation. Health workers can now perform proper action in recommending medicine to their patients using this new technology.

Tagsparasite, parasites, micrscope, blood parasites