The Direct Boil-LAMP method: a simple and rapid diagnostic method for cutaneous leishmaniasis

Parasitol Int. 2014 Dec;63(6):785-9. doi: 10.1016/j.parint.2014.07.007. Epub 2014 Jul 30.

Abstract

Needle biopsy is widely used for the diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) to obtain specimens for histology and culture. However, the use of such invasive procedures causes discomfort, requires technical expertise, and carries risks of bleeding and iatrogenic infection. Therefore, developing substitutive non-invasive diagnostic tools for CL will help reduce the risk of secondary infection and the exposure of both infected individuals and medical professionals. Here we employed loop-mediated isothermal amplification and boiled swab samples (Direct Boil-LAMP method) from CL model mice to develop a simple and rapid diagnostic method for CL. The detection limit of this procedure was 1.0×10(3)parasites/mL. Accordingly, this substitutive diagnostic method should prove useful for mass screening. In addition, we discuss the potential advantages of using it, particularly in endemic regions where medical resources are limited.

Keywords: Cutaneous leishmaniasis; Diagnosis; Direct Boil-LAMP; LAMP; Leishmania major; Swab.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Humans
  • Leishmania major / genetics
  • Leishmania major / isolation & purification*
  • Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous / diagnosis*
  • Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous / parasitology
  • Male
  • Mass Screening
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques / methods*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Specific Pathogen-Free Organisms
  • Specimen Handling
  • Time Factors