Methods, Devices, Kits and Compositions for Detecting Tapeworm

A method for diagnosis and treatment of a tapeworm infection in a canine or a feline subject suspected of being infected with tapeworms, the method comprising:

• detecting for the presence or absence of at least two tapeworm coproantigens in a fecal sample from the subject, the tapeworm coproantigens selected from the group consisting of Taenia pisiformis coproantigen, Taenia taeniaeformis coproantigen, and Dipylidium caninum coproantigen;
• diagnosing the subject with Taenia pisiformis infection if the presence of Taenia pisiformis coproantigen is detected, with Taenia taeniaeformis infection if the presence of Taenia taeniaeformis coproantigen is detected, and with Dipylidium caninum infection if the presence of Dipylidium caninum coproantigen is detected;
• and
• treating the subject for Taenia pisiformis infection, Taenia taeniaeformis infection, and/or Taenia taeniaeformis, wherein the treating comprises administering one or more therapeutic agents.

A method for diagnosis and treatment of a tapeworm infection in a canine or a feline subject suspected of being infected with tapeworms, the method comprising:

• detecting for the presence or absence of at least two tapeworm coproantigens in a fecal sample from the subject, the detecting using a device comprising a solid support having immobilized thereon binding reagents for detecting two or more tapeworm coproantigens selected from the group consisting of Taenia pisiformis coproantigen, Taenia taeniaeformis coproantigen, and Dipylidium caninum coproantigen;
• diagnosing the subject with Taenia pisiformis infection if the presence of Taenia pisiformis coproantigen is detected, with Taenia taeniaeformis infection if the presence of Taenia taeniaeformis coproantigen is detected, and with Dipylidium caninum infection if the presence of Dipylidium caninum coproantigen is detected;
• and
• treating the subject for Taenia pisiformis infection, Taenia taeniaeformis infection, and/or Taenia taeniaeformis, wherein the treating comprises administering one or more therapeutic agents.