Novel Diagnostics for Kaposi Sarcoma and Other Skin Diseases in Resource-Limited Settings

Dermatol Clin. 2021 Jan;39(1):83-90. doi: 10.1016/j.det.2020.08.008. Epub 2020 Oct 31.

Abstract

In resource-limited settings, point-of-care diagnostic devices have the potential to reduce diagnostic delays and improve epidemiologic surveillance of dermatologic conditions. We outline novel-point-of care diagnostics that have recently been developed for dermatologic conditions that primarily affect patients living in resource-limited settings, namely, Kaposi sarcoma, cutaneous leishmaniasis, leprosy, Buruli ulcer, yaws, onchocerciasis, and lymphatic filariasis. All of the technologies described in this article are prototypes, and some have undergone field testing. These devices still require validation in real-world settings and effective pricing to have a major impact on dermatologic care in resource-limited settings.

Keywords: Buruli ulcer; Cutaneous leishmaniasis; Delayed diagnosis; Dermatology; Dermatopathology; Kaposi sarcoma; Leprosy; Onchocerciasis; Point of care; Yaws.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Buruli Ulcer / diagnosis*
  • Elephantiasis, Filarial / diagnosis*
  • Equipment Design
  • Health Resources
  • Humans
  • Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous / diagnosis*
  • Leprosy / diagnosis*
  • Microbiological Techniques / instrumentation
  • Microbiological Techniques / methods
  • Microscopy, Confocal / instrumentation
  • Molecular Diagnostic Techniques / instrumentation
  • Molecular Diagnostic Techniques / methods
  • Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques
  • Onchocerciasis / diagnosis*
  • Point-of-Care Testing*
  • Sarcoma, Kaposi / diagnosis*
  • Yaws / diagnosis*

Supplementary concepts

  • LAMP assay