Filipino researchers have introduced rapid test kits designed to detect leptospirosis and schistosomiasis in floodwaters, offering a practical solution to combat waterborne diseases. The kits, a result of collaboration between the Central Luzon State University and the Department of Science and Technology’s Philippine Council for Health Research and Development, can identify the bacteria Leptospira, which causes leptospirosis, and the Schistosoma parasite responsible for schistosomiasis.
Leptospirosis, often spread through the urine of infected animals like rats, can contaminate floodwaters, putting people at risk while wading through floods. Symptoms include fever, nausea, muscle pain, and headaches. Schistosomiasis, caused by parasitic worms, presents symptoms such as itchy skin, fever, and blood in urine.
In a GMA News Online report, Aldrin Corpuz, one of the researchers, emphasized the practicality of the new test, explaining that unlike traditional methods, which are labor-intensive, their molecular-based diagnostic tool delivers precise, DNA-based results. “The process takes just 45 minutes, and it’s field-friendly, meaning no need for lab testing,” he added. This technology provides on-site detection, crucial for assessing flood-related risks.
Corpuz noted the importance of this technology in ensuring that communities affected by floods can safely go about their daily activities. He stressed that by detecting the presence of these diseases, people can decide whether to enter floodwaters or avoid them for safety.
The research team plans to distribute the kits to local government units, priced at P4,000 each, after obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals from the Food and Drug Administration.
