Detection of Leishmania martiniquensis DNA in various clinical samples by quantitative PCR
- Author:
Jungudomjaroen, S.
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- From:Tropical Biomedicine
2015;32(4):736-744
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical parasitic disease affecting a large number of
countries in the world. Early diagnosis of Leishmania infections is essential for therapeutic
reasons, as it can decrease morbidity and mortality. L. siamensis and L. martiniquensis are
novel Leishmania species recently described in Thailand and Myanmar. The disease is usually
found in immunocompromised patients, especially those who have AIDS. Currently, the
diagnosis of Leishmania infection in Thailand relies on microscopy, microbial culture, and
polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In this study, we established a quantitative PCR (qPCR)
method for detection of L. martiniquensis DNA in various types of clinical specimens,
including whole blood, buffy coat, saliva, and urine of L. martiniquensis infected patients.
The results of the qPCR assay were positive in all saliva samples. The assay is therefore
effective to detect L. martiniquensis DNA even in noninvasive specimens, and it could be
used for the diagnosis, follow up, and survey of L. martiniquensis infections.
- Full text:P020160316495074412916.pdf
