Detection of Leishmania siamensis DNA in saliva by polymerase chain reaction

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2013 Nov;89(5):899-905. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.12-0612. Epub 2013 Sep 23.

Abstract

Polymerase chain reaction was used to detect Leishmania siamensis DNA from clinical samples collected from six leishmaniasis patients during 2011-2012. The samples used in this study came from bone marrow, blood, buffy coat, saliva, urine, and tissue biopsy specimens. Saliva was a good source for L. siamensis DNA by polymerase chain reaction. L. siamensis DNA was also found in saliva of an asymptomatic case-patient. Levels of L. siamensis DNA in saliva decreased until being undetectable after treatment. These levels could be used as a marker to evaluate efficacy of the treatment. A larger study is needed to evaluate this method as a screening and survey tool to study the silent background of Leishmania infection among the at-risk population.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Antiprotozoal Agents / therapeutic use
  • Biomarkers / metabolism
  • DNA, Protozoan / genetics*
  • DNA, Protozoan / isolation & purification
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Leishmania / genetics*
  • Leishmania / isolation & purification
  • Leishmaniasis, Visceral / diagnosis*
  • Leishmaniasis, Visceral / drug therapy
  • Leishmaniasis, Visceral / parasitology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Saliva / parasitology*

Substances

  • Antiprotozoal Agents
  • Biomarkers
  • DNA, Protozoan