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
Platinum Member
Automated Coagulation Analyzer
Hemolumi H6
Immunofluorescence Analyzer
IFA System
Gold Member
Nucleic Acid Extractor System
NEOS-96 XT
Latest Microbiology News
- Rapid Host-Response Test Aims to Predict Corticosteroid Benefit in Sepsis
- Oral and Lung Microbiome Changes Linked to Severe Long Covid Symptoms
- Study Finds Distinct Malaria Parasites Linked to Sickle Cell Trait Protection
- Rapid Urine Test Aids Diagnosis of Invasive Aspergillosis
- Nanodroplet CRISPR Technology Supports Rapid, Multiplexed Mycobacterial Identification
- Genomic Workflow Identifies Fungal Pathogens Before Blood Cultures Turn Positive
- FDA-Cleared Multiplex PCR Test Detects 13 Respiratory Pathogens in a Single Sample
- One-Hour Molecular Panel Expands Bloodstream Infection Testing for Gram-Negative Pathogens
- FDA Clears Rapid Phenotypic Antimicrobial Susceptibility System for Positive Blood Cultures
- New Urine Test Expands Mycotoxin Analysis to 31 Markers for Broader Exposure Assessment
- Collaboration Targets Blood-Based Ebola Detection Outside Central Laboratories
- Study Finds Frequent Overlap in Antibodies to Lyme and Other Tick-Borne Pathogens
- Early-Life Gut Microbiome Changes May Help Assess Type 1 Diabetes Risk
- FDA Breakthrough-Designated Urine Panel Aims to Shorten Pathogen and Susceptibility Testing
- Expanded Newborn Screening Program Increases Detection of Congenital Cytomegalovirus
- Genetic Studies Uncover Mechanisms Driving Drug Resistance in Superbugs
Channels
Clinical Chemistry
view channel
Multimodal Clinical Data Models Predict Cachexia Risk Across Cancers
Cancer cachexia is a severe wasting syndrome that affects roughly half of patients with cancer and cannot be reversed simply by increasing food intake. It can reduce treatment tolerance, impair quality... Read more
Study Evaluates Alzheimer’s Blood Biomarker Across Racial and Ethnic Groups
Alzheimer’s disease trials increasingly depend on identifying cognitively unimpaired people who already have elevated brain amyloid. Blood biomarkers may help reduce reliance on positron emission tomography... Read more
Molecular Diagnostics
view channel
RNA-Based Test Predicts Immunotherapy Response in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) represents the largest U.S. patient population eligible for immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. Treatment selection often relies on PD-L1 expression, but a single protein... Read more
Modeling Study Shows Blood-Based CRC Screening Could Prevent More Deaths Than Stool Tests
Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening depends on patient participation and completion of follow-up colonoscopy after an abnormal noninvasive result. Access barriers can make both steps difficult, particularly... Read more
Hematology
view channel
New Myelofibrosis Guidelines Recommend Expanded Genetic Testing at Diagnosis
Myelofibrosis is a rare, life-threatening blood cancer affecting up to six per 100,000 people. The disease causes scarring in the bone marrow, limiting the production of healthy blood cells and potentially... Read more
Handheld Point-of-Care Test Aims to Enable Rapid Coagulation Assessment in Trauma
Severe blood loss and inadequate tissue oxygenation are leading causes of preventable death after traumatic injury. Blood products are essential in trauma care, but cold-chain storage, short shelf life,... Read more
Immunology
view channel
Immune Profiling Identifies Early Maternal Autoantibodies Linked to Preterm Birth Risk
A typical pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks, but labor begins prematurely in roughly one in 10 pregnancies. Preterm birth is the leading cause of newborn death worldwide, yet its underlying causes and which... Read more
Longitudinal Blood Testing Reveals Changes in Allergen Sensitization During Childhood
Food allergy is a major childhood health concern, and distinguishing persistent risk from transient sensitization can guide clinical decisions. Specific IgE antibodies may be detectable even when a child... Read more
Pathology
view channel
Molecular Testing Refines Barrett’s Esophagus Progression Risk Beyond Biopsy Findings
Barrett’s esophagus is a precancerous condition associated with increased risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma. Routine endoscopic biopsy findings guide surveillance and therapy, but histopathology may not... Read more
Updated Digital Pathology Platform Expands AI Integration for Cancer Diagnosis
Digital pathology is reshaping how laboratories manage case review, image analysis, and collaboration. As diagnostic workflows become more complex, pathology teams need platforms that can support digital... Read more
Technology
view channel
Laser-Based Swab Analysis Shows Promise for Detecting Disease-Linked Odor Patterns
Disease-related changes in volatile organic compounds can alter body odor, producing measurable patterns in exhaled breath and bodily fluids. Current analytical methods can be complex, time-consuming,... Read more
Laser-Enhanced Assay Boosts Sensitivity for Colorectal Cancer Biomarker Detection
Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Early detection remains critical, but cancer biomarkers can produce only faint... Read more
Industry
view channel
Global TB Summit Connects Diagnostic Testing With Prevention and Clinical Care
Tuberculosis remains a major global infectious disease challenge despite declining deaths. In 2024, an estimated 10.7 million people worldwide developed the disease and nearly 1.2 million died from it.... Read more
