Noninvasive molecular diagnosis of human visceral leishmaniasis

J Clin Microbiol. 2011 May;49(5):2003-5. doi: 10.1128/JCM.00130-11. Epub 2011 Mar 9.

Abstract

Previously developed methods for noninvasive PCR diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) have significant limitations. Diagnosis of VL using PCR and buccal swabs was evaluated in 307 subjects, including 148 patients confirmed to have VL. This method is simple and well tolerated and has good potential for development, showing 83% sensitivity with 90.56% specificity in control groups.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Leishmania donovani / isolation & purification*
  • Leishmaniasis, Visceral / diagnosis*
  • Mouth Mucosa / parasitology*
  • Parasitology / methods*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Specimen Handling / methods*