New PCR Variants Evaluated for Global Diagnostics of Leishmaniasis
|
By LabMedica International staff writers Posted on 04 Nov 2014 |
|
![Image: Leishmania detection sensitivity – Percentage of positivity in the different hsp70-PCRs (G, F, N, C), evaluated in the total of 98 clinical pre-confirmed cutaneous or visceral leishmaniasis case samples (All) and in different subsets (Bone marrow, Blood/BC[buffy coat], Lymph node, Skin biopsy) (Phot courtesy of Montalvo et al., September 2014, and the journal Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease).](https://globetechcdn.com/mobile_labmedica/images/stories/articles/article_images/2014-11-04/MMS-122.jpg "Image: Leishmania detection sensitivity – Percentage of positivity in the different hsp70-PCRs (G, F, N, C), evaluated in the total of 98 clinical pre-confirmed cutaneous or visceral leishmaniasis case samples (All) and in different subsets (Bone marrow, Blood/BC[buffy coat], Lymph node, Skin biopsy) (Phot courtesy of Montalvo et al., September 2014, and the journal Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease).")
Image: Leishmania detection sensitivity – Percentage of positivity in the different hsp70-PCRs (G, F, N, C), evaluated in the total of 98 clinical pre-confirmed cutaneous or visceral leishmaniasis case samples (All) and in different subsets (Bone marrow, Blood/BC[buffy coat], Lymph node, Skin biopsy) (Phot courtesy of Montalvo et al., September 2014, and the journal Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease).
A study of three new PCR variants based on the leishmanial hsp70 gene, evaluated directly on clinical samples, has demonstrated the new tools to be globally applicable for Leishmania species-level typing in various geographical, clinical, and sampling contexts.
In the diagnosis of leishmaniasis, identification of the causative Leishmania species is also important for treatment and prognosis, as well as for epidemiology (including documentation of sympatric and imported species), identification of new non-human reservoir hosts, and for establishing the link in cases of treatment failure. Three new PCR variants based on the hsp70 (heat-shock protein 70) gene had recently been developed and validated directly (without the need for culturing) on New World clinical samples from Peru.
Now, an international team, led by Prof. Gert Van der Auwera of the Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM) at Antwerp (Belgium), has evaluated the performance of these PCRs on a set of 133 pre-confirmed positive or negative clinical samples (42 cutaneous and 56 visceral leishmaniasis patients, and 35 negative cases) – all from Old World countries: Italy, Sudan, Israel, and Tunisia. Samples were retrospective (had been previously collected) and included bone marrow, blood, buffy coat, lymph node aspirates, and lesion biopsies.
Results showed that the three new PCRs were more sensitive than those previously described for hsp70, and their respective restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analyses were more efficient for species identification. Also, in 79% of the confirmed positive samples, the species could be identified directly from original sample DNA.
The study described by Montalvo AM et al. in the September 2014, issue of the journal Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease suggests that these PCRs have potential for becoming a global reference method for identification of Leishmania species in clinical specimens.
Related Links:
Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM) at Antwerp
In the diagnosis of leishmaniasis, identification of the causative Leishmania species is also important for treatment and prognosis, as well as for epidemiology (including documentation of sympatric and imported species), identification of new non-human reservoir hosts, and for establishing the link in cases of treatment failure. Three new PCR variants based on the hsp70 (heat-shock protein 70) gene had recently been developed and validated directly (without the need for culturing) on New World clinical samples from Peru.
Now, an international team, led by Prof. Gert Van der Auwera of the Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM) at Antwerp (Belgium), has evaluated the performance of these PCRs on a set of 133 pre-confirmed positive or negative clinical samples (42 cutaneous and 56 visceral leishmaniasis patients, and 35 negative cases) – all from Old World countries: Italy, Sudan, Israel, and Tunisia. Samples were retrospective (had been previously collected) and included bone marrow, blood, buffy coat, lymph node aspirates, and lesion biopsies.
Results showed that the three new PCRs were more sensitive than those previously described for hsp70, and their respective restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analyses were more efficient for species identification. Also, in 79% of the confirmed positive samples, the species could be identified directly from original sample DNA.
The study described by Montalvo AM et al. in the September 2014, issue of the journal Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease suggests that these PCRs have potential for becoming a global reference method for identification of Leishmania species in clinical specimens.
Related Links:
Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM) at Antwerp
New
Platinum Member
Flu SARS-CoV-2 Combo Test
OSOM® Flu SARS-CoV-2 Combo Test
POCT Fluorescent Immunoassay Analyzer
FIA Go
New
Gold Member
Hemoglobin Testing System
VARIANTnbs
Latest Microbiology News
- POC STI Test Shortens Time from ED Arrival to Test Results
- Integrated Solution Ushers New Era of Automated Tuberculosis Testing
- Automated Sepsis Test System Enables Rapid Diagnosis for Patients with Severe Bloodstream Infections
- Enhanced Rapid Syndromic Molecular Diagnostic Solution Detects Broad Range of Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Decision Support Software a Game-Changer in Antimicrobial Resistance Battle
- New CE-Marked Hepatitis Assays to Help Diagnose Infections Earlier
- 1 Hour, Direct-From-Blood Multiplex PCR Test Identifies 95% of Sepsis-Causing Pathogens
- Mouth Bacteria Test Could Predict Colon Cancer Progression
- Unique Metabolic Signature Could Enable Sepsis Diagnosis within One Hour of Blood Collection
- Groundbreaking Diagnostic Platform Provides AST Results With Unprecedented Speed
- Simple Blood Test Combined With Personalized Risk Model Improves Sepsis Diagnosis
- Blood Analysis Predicts Sepsis and Organ Failure in Children
- TB Blood Test Could Detect Millions of Silent Spreaders
- New Blood Test Cuts Diagnosis Time for Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Infections from Months to Hours
- New Tuberculosis Test to Expand Testing Access in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
- Rapid Test Diagnoses Tropical Disease within Hours for Faster Antibiotics Treatment
Channels
Clinical Chemistry
view channel
New ADLM Guidance Provides Expert Recommendations on Clinical Testing For Respiratory Viral Infections
Respiratory tract infections, predominantly caused by viral pathogens, are a common reason for healthcare visits. Accurate and swift diagnosis of these infections is essential for optimal patient management.... Read more
3D Printed Point-Of-Care Mass Spectrometer Outperforms State-Of-The-Art Models
Mass spectrometry is a precise technique for identifying the chemical components of a sample and has significant potential for monitoring chronic illness health states, such as measuring hormone levels... Read more.jpg "Image: Reaching speeds up to 6,000 RPM, this centrifuge forms the basis for a new type of inexpensive, POC biomedical test (Photo courtesy of Duke University)")
POC Biomedical Test Spins Water Droplet Using Sound Waves for Cancer Detection
Exosomes, tiny cellular bioparticles carrying a specific set of proteins, lipids, and genetic materials, play a crucial role in cell communication and hold promise for non-invasive diagnostics.... Read more
Highly Reliable Cell-Based Assay Enables Accurate Diagnosis of Endocrine Diseases
The conventional methods for measuring free cortisol, the body's stress hormone, from blood or saliva are quite demanding and require sample processing. The most common method, therefore, involves collecting... Read moreMolecular Diagnostics
view channel
Blood-Based Test Outperforms Ultrasound in Early Liver Cancer Detection
Patients with liver cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis B are at a higher risk for developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most prevalent type of liver cancer. The American Association for the Study... Read more
Four-In-One Molecular Test Detects and Differentiates Among Most Prevalent Respiratory Viruses in 20 Minutes
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that respiratory diseases in the United States reached high levels during the recent autumn and winter seasons, with SARS-CoV-2 leading... Read more.jpeg "Image: Screening for prostate cancer with first-line MRI is less cost-effective than first-line PSA testing (Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock)")
First-Line PSA Testing More Cost-Effective Than First-Line MRI for Prostate Cancer Screening
Current prostate cancer (PCa) screening protocols typically begin with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing, which, if elevated, may lead to further assessment using multiparametric magnetic resonance... Read more
Proteomics Platform Identifies Proteins in Blood to Give Cancer Warning 7 Years before Diagnosis
To improve cancer survival rates, it's crucial to understand the disease during its initial stages. Research involving data from thousands of cancer patients has uncovered exciting findings about how blood... Read moreHematology
view channel
Next Generation Instrument Screens for Hemoglobin Disorders in Newborns
Hemoglobinopathies, the most widespread inherited conditions globally, affect about 7% of the population as carriers, with 2.7% of newborns being born with these conditions. The spectrum of clinical manifestations... Read more
First 4-in-1 Nucleic Acid Test for Arbovirus Screening to Reduce Risk of Transfusion-Transmitted Infections
Arboviruses represent an emerging global health threat, exacerbated by climate change and increased international travel that is facilitating their spread across new regions. Chikungunya, dengue, West... Read more
POC Finger-Prick Blood Test Determines Risk of Neutropenic Sepsis in Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy
Neutropenia, a decrease in neutrophils (a type of white blood cell crucial for fighting infections), is a frequent side effect of certain cancer treatments. This condition elevates the risk of infections,... Read more
First Affordable and Rapid Test for Beta Thalassemia Demonstrates 99% Diagnostic Accuracy
Hemoglobin disorders rank as some of the most prevalent monogenic diseases globally. Among various hemoglobin disorders, beta thalassemia, a hereditary blood disorder, affects about 1.5% of the world's... Read moreImmunology
view channel.jpg "Image: The AI tool predicts whether someone’s cancer will respond to immune checkpoint inhibitors (Photo courtesy of National Cancer Institute)")
AI Tool Predicts Cancer Patients’ Response to Immunotherapy
Immune checkpoint inhibitors are a form of immunotherapy drug that enables immune cells to target and destroy cancer cells. At present, the Food and Drug Administration has approved two predictive biomarkers... Read more
Molecular Profiling Improves Diagnosis for Children with High Risk Cancers
Cancer remains the leading cause of disease-related death among children in most developed nations, and approximately one-fourth of these patients are diagnosed with aggressive, high-risk, or relapsed... Read more
.jpg "Image: The AI predictive model identifies the most potent cancer killing immune cells for use in immunotherapies (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)")
Pathology
view channel
New Technique Reveals Earliest Signs of Genetic Mutations
Mutations are alterations in the molecular "letters" that constitute the DNA code, which serves as the blueprint for all living cells. While some of these changes may be inconsequential, others can lead... Read more
New WHO Reporting System for Lung Cytopathology to Enhance Diagnostic Accuracy
Lung cancer continues to be the most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide and ranks as the second most frequently diagnosed cancer in both men and women. The role of lung cytopathology, which... Read more
Self-Taught AI Tool Diagnoses and Predicts Severity of Common Lung Cancer
A computer program powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and trained on nearly half a million tissue images can effectively diagnose cases of adenocarcinoma, the most prevalent type of lung cancer.... Read more
Novel AI-Powered Method for Tissue Analysis Improves Understanding of Disease Pathology
Scientists at Brown University (Providence, RI, USA) and the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI, USA) have created a groundbreaking computational technique to examine complex tissue data, potentially... Read moreTechnology
view channel
Microneedle Patch Detects Skin Cancer Early
Wearable bioelectronics has emerged as a significant innovation in healthcare, especially in the field of biosensing, providing a new method to monitor individual health for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.... Read more
New Diagnostic System Achieves PCR Testing Accuracy
While PCR tests are the gold standard of accuracy for virology testing, they come with limitations such as complexity, the need for skilled lab operators, and longer result times. They also require complex... Read more
Industry
view channel
Roche and Hitachi High-Tech Extend 46-Year Partnership for Breakthroughs in Diagnostic Testing
Roche (Basel, Switzerland) and Hitachi High-Tech (Tokyo, Japan) have renewed their collaboration agreement, committing to a further 10 years of partnership. This extension brings together their long-standing... Read more
Danaher and Johns Hopkins University Collaborate to Improve Neurological Diagnosis
Unlike severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), mild TBI often does not show clear correlations with abnormalities detected through head computed tomography (CT) scans. Consequently, there is a pressing need... Read more
Beckman Coulter and MeMed Expand Host Immune Response Diagnostics Partnership
Beckman Coulter Diagnostics (Brea, CA, USA) and MeMed BV (Haifa, Israel) have expanded their host immune response diagnostics partnership. Beckman Coulter is now an authorized distributor of the MeMed... Read more_1.jpg "Image: Thermo Fisher will distribute Bio-Techne products across Europe (Photo courtesy of 123RF)")
