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Immunohistochemistry and polymerase chain reaction on paraffin‐embedded material improve the diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the Amazon region
Author(s) -
Amato Valdir Sabbaga,
Tuon Felipe Francisco,
De Andrade, Jr Heitor Franco,
Bacha Helio,
Pagliari Carla,
Fernandes Elaine Raniero,
Duarte Maria Irma Seixas,
Neto Vicente Amato,
Zampieri Ricardo Andrade,
FloeterWinter Lucile Maria,
Celeste Beatriz J.,
Oliveira Juliane,
Quiroga Mariana Martinez,
Mascheretti Melissa,
Boulos Marcos
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
international journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.677
H-Index - 93
eISSN - 1365-4632
pISSN - 0011-9059
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-4632.2009.04099.x
Subject(s) - polymerase chain reaction , cutaneous leishmaniasis , immunohistochemistry , medicine , leishmaniasis , leishmania , antibody , pathology , immunology , biology , parasite hosting , biochemistry , gene , world wide web , computer science
Abstract Background Recently, there has been an increase in the incidence of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), which represents an important health problem. This increase may be related to the epidemiologic expansion of the infective agent and the increase in tourism in tropical areas. The difficulty in clinical diagnosis, mainly in areas in which CL is not the first consideration of local physicians, has intensified efforts to describe diagnostic tests, which should be specific, sensitive, and practical. Amongst the new tests described are those including nucleic acid amplification (polymerase chain reaction, PCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Methods In this study, we evaluated the sensitivity of a PCR based on small subunit (SSU) ribosomal DNA, in comparison with IHC using Leishmania spp. antibodies, in biopsies embedded in paraffin. Result The results indicated a total sensitivity of 96% (90.9% with PCR and 68.8% with IHC), showing the possibility of using paraffin‐embedded biopsies to diagnose CL. Conclusion We propose the use of the two tests together as a routine protocol for diagnosis. This would require the provision of local medical services to perform molecular biology techniques and adequate Leishmania antibodies.