The main objective of our project is the development of a fast, inexpensive, and easy-to-operate diagnostics tool for on-site early detection of Echinococcosis, Leishmaniasis and Dengue, based on the analysis of exhaled breath composition by means of an electronic olfaction system.
Echinococcosis, Leishmaniasis and Dengue are included in the list of 17 neglected tropical diseases elaborated by the World Health Organization (WHO), which are a group of tropical infections that are prevalent in the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia and the Americas, affecting especially the low-income populations in the developing areas. Echinococcosis is a parasitic disease that occurs in two main forms in humans: cystic echinococcosis (also known as hydatidosis) and alveolar echinococcosis, caused by the tapeworms Echinococcus granulosus and E. multilocularis, respectively.
Leishmaniases are diseases caused by protozoan parasites from more than 20 Leishmania species that are transmitted to humans by the bites of infected female phlebotomine sandflies.
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection causing a severe flu-like illness and, sometimes, it causes a potentially lethal complication called severe (haemorrhagic) dengue.
All these neglected tropical diseases generally cause unspecific symptoms, and they cannot be easily identified when a patient arrives at the hospital. The failure of an early diagnosis and prescription of an adequate treatment can be extremely negative and even fatal for the patient.