A highly sensitive modified nested PCR to enhance case detection in leishmaniasis

摘要

BackgroundHuman leishmaniasis is one of the major parasitic diseases with worldwide distribution. Sri Lanka is a recently established focus of leishmaniasis caused by a variant Leishmania donovani. Early case detection and management is a main approach identified for L. donovani control in the regional leishmaniasis elimination drive. Usefulness of light microscopy and in-vitro culture are limited in chronic, atypical or treated lesions though timely and accurate detection of all light microscopy/in-vitro culture negative cases of all forms of leishmaniasis is necessary for treatment. Timely treatment is important to minimize risk for death in visceral disease and undesired sequelae of long standing infection and illness on both patients and community. We described a 100% sensitive, Leishmania spp. specific modified version of a nested PCR (Mo-STNPCR) that also minimizes carry over and cross contaminations while facilitate investigation of light microscopy and in-vitro culture negative clinically suggestive cases of leishmaniasis.