Evaluation of the polymerase chain reaction in the diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis due to Leishmania major: a comparison with direct microscopy of smears and sections from lesions

TY - JOUR

T1 - Evaluation of the polymerase chain reaction in the diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis due to Leishmania major: a comparison with direct microscopy of smears and sections from lesions

AU - Andresen, K

AU - Gaafar, A

AU - El-Hassan, A M

AU - Ismail, A

AU - Dafalla, M

AU - Theander, T G

AU - Kharazmi, A

N1 - Keywords: Animals; Blotting, Southern; Humans; Leishmania major; Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Sensitivity and Specificity; Skin

PY - 1996

Y1 - 1996

N2 - We have compared the sensitivity of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) as a diagnostic tool against conventional microscopical diagnostic techniques in patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis from the Sudan. Twenty-eight patients were diagnosed according to clinical criteria followed by microscopical examination of histological sections and slit or impression smears. The PCR had a sensitivity of 86% when used alone, and 93% when combined with Southern blotting. In contrast, microscopy of histological sections had a sensitivity of 76% and slit and impression smears of only 55% and 48%, respectively. The PCR should be considered as a valuable and sensitive diagnostic tool in the diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis; it has the added advantage of identification of the species of Leishmania causing the lesion.

AB - We have compared the sensitivity of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) as a diagnostic tool against conventional microscopical diagnostic techniques in patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis from the Sudan. Twenty-eight patients were diagnosed according to clinical criteria followed by microscopical examination of histological sections and slit or impression smears. The PCR had a sensitivity of 86% when used alone, and 93% when combined with Southern blotting. In contrast, microscopy of histological sections had a sensitivity of 76% and slit and impression smears of only 55% and 48%, respectively. The PCR should be considered as a valuable and sensitive diagnostic tool in the diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis; it has the added advantage of identification of the species of Leishmania causing the lesion.

M3 - Journal article

C2 - 8761571

SN - 0035-9203

VL - 90

SP - 133

EP - 135

JO - Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

JF - Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

IS - 2

ER -