Quantum dot nanobead-based fluorescent immunochromatography test strips for rapid visual detection of echinococcosis

Abstract Hydatid disease, a neglected zoonotic infection caused by Echinococcus granulosus , remains hyperendemic in pastoral regions with limited resources underresourced veterinary surveillance systems. Consequently, deploying point-of-care diagnostic tools for the field surveillance of E. granulosus infection is critical for interrupting transmission chains and curbing echinococcosis dissemination. Here, we developed a rapid fluorescent immunochromatographic test strip using quantum dot (QD) nanobeads as signal reporters and antigen B as the capture probe. Compared with conventional techniques, this novel assay detects E. granulosus antibodies within 15 min, significantly reducing the time needed. Furthermore, it exhibits a sensitivity at least an order of magnitude greater than that of conventional colloidal gold-based lateral flow strips. More importantly, the results of our fluorescent immunochromatography test strips were strongly consistent with those of commercial ELISA kits. Owing to its rapid, sensitive, and user-friendly format, this test strip provides a practical point-of-care tool for field-based hydatid disease surveillance and control.